The Afternoon Tea Murders

The Secret Detective Agency #4

by Helena Dixon

Tea and cake on the terrace, views of the Devon hills… and a dead body in the local village? This is one for Jane Treen…!

London, 1942. Miss Jane Treen is at her desk in Whitehall sipping a strong coffee when she receives an urgent message about her colleague, codebreaker Arthur Cilento. He’s in danger in Devon, and Jane needs to get there sharpish. But before her bags are properly unpacked, the local teashop owner in Arthur’s village is found lying amidst the scones and teacakes… and she’s dead.

When Jane arrives, it quickly becomes clear that the murder is a half-baked attempt to curdle Arthur’s current codebreaking mission – but how? There seem to be suspects at every turn. Is Arthur’s boss going to extremes to cover up his incompetence? Can the teashop customers be trusted? And what about the secretary, who seems to have secret links to the village teashop…

Spurred on by scones and clotted cream, Jane and Arthur start to whip up a theory as to who the killer could be. But just as they begin to make progress, someone else is murdered – and it looks like Arthur could be next. It’s clear they need to solve this case quickly, before teatime is over and Arthur meets a sticky end…

If you love twisty crime novels, top-secret intrigue and the very best of Golden Age mysteries, then you will adore Helena Dixon’s utterly gripping cozy novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Verity Bright!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Historical, Historical Fiction, Espionage, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2026

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
For other authors of this name, see also:

see: Helena Dixon - Erotica



This author also writes as:

Nell Dixon - Contemporary Womens Fiction




Nell is an multi-award winning author who splits her time between Devon and the Black Country. She lives with her husband, daughters, a tank of tropical fish, and a crazy Cockerpoo called Teddy. She writes contemporary romance as Nell Dixon and historical cozy crime set in 1930's Dartmouth as Helena Dixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.

Reviews

[emma ꪆৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC

“The Afternoon Tea Murders" was such a cozy read, the general atmosphere was undoubtedly the best part of the story, it reminded me a lot of Agatha Christie and her English countryside setting and her 1940s ambiance. This makes for a great read for classic mystery fans. The plot itself was well developed, and the fast-paced sequence of the events brought to a satisfying ending, although i couldn’t understand some of it. that’s my fault, mea culpa, since i didn’t read the previous books in the series. so as to not make the same mistake I did, I highly recommend reading the series in order as a whole rather than just reading it as a standalone. Also, given the fact that Jane herself makes for a very good reason to read more of the stories. She is fierce and clever and already such an interesting protagonist, but i would have loved to see little more depth to her character other than her pursuit of succeeding in her mission. Same goes for the other characters, which were well depicted in relation to their purpose in the story, but i felt like it was maybe missing just a little something more. i absolutely adored Arthur and the ICONIC Benson, and i very much look forward to reading more of their adventures together.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Afternoon Tea Murders by Helena Dixon features a terrific character named Jane Treen, who actually works for the intelligence community during World War II. This is the fourth in the series entitled the Secret Detective Agency. Somehow she always get involved with murders and is able to solve them. Working with her his her friend, and a codebreaker who has almost deadly asthma, Arthur Cilento, and his valet/man-of-all things, Benson. They are on an assignment at a small station on the North Devon coast where, in the middle of winter, it is freezing. Not good for Arthur’s condition. Benson arrives at her office in Whitehall one day to report several “accidents,” one of which was sabotaging Arthur’s breathing machine. Jane took this information to her supervisor where he disclosed that the station was performing below expectations and sent her to look into it. What she found, almost immediately, was that the domestic staff was robbing them blind and leaving them with terrible food and almost no warmth. She took care of that. But, the rest was more difficult.

Jane is a 40s/50s woman. It is jarring to see her reach regularly for her cigarettes. That is so out of my realm of life. She is, however clever and caring. She sees beyond the surface of things and trusts when it is called for, which she is good at discerning. That the place was mismanaged was apparent, but there was more. Then, there was a murder in the village. Very odd. She was alerted right away that this was part of a bigger problem. She was not a code breaker. Arthur was, so that part of the investigation fell to him, where he worked many hours every day doing his job and investigating. Both are excellent characters. Reading this book takes one right back to the time period in a way many books do not. It is an excellent read.

I was invited to read The Afternoon Tea Murders by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #HelenaDixon #TheAfternoonTeaMurders

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Treen receives a message from Arthur Cilento's second-hand-man Benson that he may be in danger. While in the midst of a code-breaking mission in Devon, Arthur and others on the mission have run into many obstacles and dangerous situations that are more than just coincidences.

Shortly after her arrival, under the guise of reviewing the operation, the local tea shop owner is found dead by Jane and Arthur. When circumstances around her death are deemed odd, the investigation counts in to lead back to the code-breaking operation and a potential spy among their ranks. Can Jane and Arthur find the spy before others or the mission at large is compromised?

This book was another nice, cozy mystery read in The Secret Detective Agency series. The partnership between Benson, Jane, and Arthur was a fun one to revisit again in this book. Also, the more I read in this series, the more I enjoy Benson and his involvement with the main characters beyond just a supporting role. And the historical/war based backdrop continues to be a nice added element behind the murders.

Grab your tea, and hope it is not poisoned, and snuggle in for this read!

Thank you Bookouture, NetGalley, and Helena Dixon for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth outing for Jane and Arthur didn’t disappoint. This time Arthur is code breaking when Jane is alerted to his potential danger. Another well written cosy mystery in the series, though this time with less collaboration between the main pair this time. But it was engaging and the characters remain endearing. Some hints of a bigger plot at play in the future, I can’t wait to see what they get up to next.

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series. I am really warming upto Jane's character and since she and Arthur had less time to spend together, she actually shone.

I am looking forward to the next book when they both work together as a unit again.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Helena Dixon for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Afternoon Tea Murders coming out April 29, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read several books by this author. I really love historical cozy mysteries. I’m so excited that she started a new series. The time period is really interesting. I love stories about WWII. Jane Treen is a strong character. This has been a fun series. Excited to read more!

[Joanne Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "The Afternoon Tea Murders", the fourth book in Helena Dixon's wonderfully entertaining and mysterious The Secret Detective Agency series of cozy mysteries.

The unflappable, inimitable Miss Jane Treen is back in action! London, 1942 and Jane Treen is warned that her friend and cohort in the SDA may be in danger. So, she's off to the wilds of Devon to fend off a possible catastrophe. And possibly ferret out spies.

Arthur Cilento and his faithful companion Benson are sequestered in a home in Devon with a number of other codebreakers, working hard for the war effort - but someone or someones are also working hard it seems to sabotage the efforts. Oh, it's only little things up to now: an accident with a bicycle, a car not working properly, and part of Arthur's medical supplies (if you have read the other books, you will understand; if not, read the other books) have been damaged. Luckily, the every prepared Benson had replacements.

So Jane is sent undercover as an external auditor. And no sooner does she get her bearings - and begin to uncover shenanigans - then there is a death. Is it related? That's just one of the things that Miss Treen will have to figure out as she works to not only protect her friend, but also get to the bottom of what is happening.

Excellent addition to the series. Cannot wait for the next one. Highly recommended. If you like cozy mysteries, cozy mysteries set in WWII England, and cozy mysteries featuring a Miss Jane Marple sort of heroine, this series is for you.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Treen was one of those characters that wasn't easy to like when I first stumbled into this series. Rather standoffish and prickly, she came across as somewhat self centered and standoffish. I'm happy to say that I've gotten to know her better over this series and quite like her now. She's a woman living not only in a man's world, ie a Whitehall office full of, well, full of themselves men, but a wartime world where women were already secondary characters who weren't expected to have an opinion, much less a supposedly man's job. Her initial focus on ignoring those about her who'd belittle or ignore her made her a tough know and it's been delightful to see how she's evolved into, well, if not necessarily easily likable into a more thoughtful, well rounded person. True, she still brings along her cat despite knowing that poor Arthur, with his asthma will be negatively impacted, but she's making a genuine effort to keep them apart whenever possible and has even taken to not smoking around him. Even more telling, she has taken to worrying about his well being instead of finding him a nuisance for slowing her down, so to speak. She's even learned to slow her walking pace when with Arthur given his breathing issues.

As for the mystery, it's a good one. Author Helena Dixon does and excellent job of setting the scene. You will sense the feelings of isolation and the underlying sense of wariness and tension in the old manor house where a team of intelligence experts is being housed. Their job is to intercept and decode enemy messages. something is askew, however. What if one of the code breakers is the enemy? How else can you explain the sudden, unexpected shifts of code? Then while visiting the village, Jane and Arthur stumble across a murder scene. Are they connected to the underlying issues of the team? Why is one of the team members showing increasing signs of being suspicious and, yikes, surely it isn't a mere coincidence he winds up dead, at a dance no less? And....oh, that's just the beginning. Spies, servants not doing their jobs, a claustrophobic sense of unease, and a sense of not knowing who to trust. And, oh, yeah, a snow storm.

Nope, not sharing any more. You'll just have to read the book. As a history buff, I definitely enjoyed this behind the scenes look at the multitude of people involved in the shadows of the war effort where the danger of German spies was always on their minds, and how vital the behind the scenes agents were. I'm bad a decoding anything that isn't pretty cut and dry, so can only imagine the tedium of going through message after message after message looking for patterns and more importantly, being able to see any diversion from them. Watching Jane and Arthur work together with the very able assist from jack-of-all-trades (and jobs) Benson, was impressive. Thanks #Bookouture for introducing me to this fascinating cast and allowing me an early peek back at their time and service. If I've learned nothing else from this series, it is that I'd have made a rotten spy. Grin.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 Stars

One Liner: This was good

January 1942

Jane Treen is at her desk in the Whitehall office when she receives a message that her colleague, codebreaker Arthur Cilento, could be in danger. He has joined a project in Devon, and some strange events indicate that something is not right. Jane is sent to find out what it is and do what needs to be done.

Jane quickly realizes she was right to go down to Devon when she finds suspicious activity in the house. Soon, she and Arthur stumble upon a dead body, clearly murdered. Now, they have to find out what’s happening and who is behind it all.

The story comes in Jane and Arthur’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts

The fourth book in the series can work as a standalone, as it sticks to the mystery.

The book starts a few months or weeks after the previous one ends. It is still winter and brutally cold with snow, so the setting has a good role to play in the plot. Given the MMC’s health condition (he has asthma), this is used effectively.

The FMC is getting better with each book (yay!). She didn’t annoy me even once in this one (despite all that smoking). She is still a bit abrupt, but it works well in this case. She and the MMC have a slightly better relationship, and she is more considerate about his asthma and allergies. (also, methinks people back then smoked a bit too much (was it for stress or fashion or both) that I worry for their lungs knowing most of them are not even alive now.)

The MMC, sadly, doesn’t have much to do on-page, though his presence is the key to the story. I missed his analytical brain a little. The manservant is, of course, in his best form and has a substantial role.

The mystery, like the previous ones, is based on the then-ongoing WWII. Who is the spy? Who is sabotaging the project? Who is the killer? Are they the same person, or different people? It’s well done, and the reveal aligns with the details. I guessed to an extent, but not the reason.

As usual, Marmaduke, the one-eyed cat, walks around, sleeps, and hisses. I keep wishing he would do something more, but it hasn’t happened yet.

To summarize, The Afternoon Tea Murders is an engaging and steady-paced mystery that uses the setting and time very well.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #TheAfternoonTeaMurders

[Shreyanshi Khare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Jane and a small group working on a secret wartime project at Downland House, where coded messages are being analysed in complete isolation. At first, everything seems routine, but there’s an underlying tension that slowly begins to grow. When a murder occurs, the atmosphere shifts completely — suspicion creeps in, trust starts to break, and it becomes clear that someone within their circle may not be who they seem. What follows is a layered mystery where secrets, hidden identities, and dangerous motives gradually come to light.

I really enjoyed the way this book built its atmosphere. The isolated setting combined with the snowy, almost claustrophobic environment added so much to the tension. It constantly felt like something was slightly off, even in quieter moments, and I loved how that unease carried throughout the story. The mystery itself unfolds slowly, giving you time to think, question, and try to connect the clues alongside Jane, which made the reading experience much more immersive.

Jane as a character was another highlight for me. She’s observant, calm, and quietly intelligent, and I appreciated how she approached situations logically rather than dramatically. It made her feel very real and grounded, especially in such high-stakes circumstances. I also liked how the dynamics between the characters were written — there’s a subtle sense that everyone is hiding something, which keeps you constantly guessing.

The final part of the book was definitely the most gripping. The tension builds up really well, and once things start happening, it’s hard to put the book down. I was fully invested in seeing how everything would come together. That being said, I did feel that the resolution wrapped up a little quickly compared to the buildup. I would have loved just a bit more depth or time spent on the aftermath, especially considering how intense the events were.

Overall, this was a very engaging and cleverly constructed mystery with a strong sense of atmosphere and a steady, satisfying buildup. It’s the kind of book where you’re constantly thinking while reading, trying to piece everything together, which I really enjoy.

Thankyou to Helena Dixon, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with the advanced copy of the book!! 💌

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

London, 1942. Miss Jane Treen is at her desk in Whitehall sipping a strong coffee when she receives an urgent message about her colleague, codebreaker Arthur Cilento. He’s in danger in Devon, and Jane needs to get there sharpish. But before her bags are properly unpacked, the local teashop owner in Arthur’s village is found lying amidst the scones and teacakes… and she’s dead.

The entire mission seems to have been stymied time and time again. Is it just incompetence on the part of leadership or something more clandestine?

This book is a great edition to a series that is always interesting and unique. It reveals aspects of work done during WWII by often brilliant but otherwise ordinary people, including Jane and Arthur. Jane has a keen mind, highly organized and observant, a real problem solver, who spends most of her days in a cramped office at Whitehall and her nights avoiding Nazi bombs. Rather than being the strong handsome war hero type or even a member of law enforcement, Arthur is an asthmatic and extremely talented codebreaker. He and Jane have worked well together through several adventures and developed a level of respect for each other. Perhaps there is the possibility of a romance, but to say it is even hinted at in these first four books would be an overstatement. The focus is on the dangers of the war and the people and work it takes to prevail.

I would be remiss not to mention Benson, Arthur's devoted manservant, who makes his own contributions to these adventures.

The character development is slow paced but definitely there. The plot and storylines are well done, and I never seem to identify the culprit with any certainty before the big reveal. If you are looking for an interesting story that will keep you guessing and characters that are genuine, I highly recommend this book and the preceding books in the series.

Kristin Atherton does an excellent job voicing these characters with their numerous British and foreign accents.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Afternoon Tea Murders is an absolute treat of a cosy mystery—steeped in wartime intrigue, sprinkled with humour, and served with just enough danger to keep the pages turning. From the moment Miss Jane Treen receives that urgent message in Whitehall, the story whisks you straight into 1942 with all its tension, charm, and clipped‑along energy.

Jane is a delight to follow: sharp, capable, and wonderfully unflappable, even when she’s barely unpacked her suitcase before stumbling into a murder scene among the scones and teacakes of a Devon teashop. The setting is irresistible—village gossip, coded secrets, and a teashop at the heart of it all—and the book balances its cosy comforts with the darker undercurrent of wartime secrecy.

The mystery itself is twisty in all the right ways. Every character seems to be hiding something, from Arthur’s evasive boss to the teashop regulars who know far more than they let on. Even the secretary with her suspiciously convenient ties to the village adds to that delicious sense of “everyone is a suspect.” As Jane and Arthur piece things together—fuelled by clotted cream and a growing sense of urgency—the danger sharpens beautifully. When a second murder strikes, the stakes rise, and it becomes clear that Arthur’s codebreaking mission isn’t the only thing at risk.

What makes the novel shine is its blend of Golden Age charm and wartime atmosphere. It’s cosy without being saccharine, clever without being convoluted, and full of that warm, slightly mischievous tone that makes mysteries like this so comforting to sink into.

The Afternoon Tea Murders is a delightful, twist‑filled escape—perfect for readers who love their crime fiction served with intrigue, wit, and a shiver of something lurking just beyond the village green.

With thanks to Helena Dixon, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was London, 1942, when Benson, her colleague Arthur Cilento's man, arrived at Whitehall to see Jane Treen. Benson and Arthur were working for the government, cracking codes, working on the various puzzles of the war, in an isolated place in Devon. Benson was sure there was something strange going on, and requested Jane come, under the guise of auditing, to uncover what was happening. A few of the inhabitants of the home were unhappy to see Jane there, but she kept to her story, almost immediately uncovering problems in the kitchen, before anything else.

When Arthur and Jane ventured to the nearby village, seeking morning tea at the tea shop, they were shocked to discover the owner dead in her kitchen. The Inspector became involved, though low on support staff, and eventually listened to Jane's theories. After a second person was murdered, it was obvious that danger was closing in for the codebreakers. Could they find the killer before anyone else died?

The Afternoon Tea Murders is the 4th in The Secret Detective Agency series by Helena Dixon and was another excellent historical cosy mystery. I love catching up with Jane, Arthur & Benson, also Marmaduke, Jane's one eyed cat, and am looking forward to #5. Helena Dixon has become a favourite author after reading her Miss Underhay series as well. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

[nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Oh my this was an incredible read. I read it on the train and finished it seveal hours later, it is a quick read that is easy to fall into and sucks you in DEEP in all the best ways possible. I hadn't read the prior books but picked this one up as it sounded like my cup of tea (pun intended) and it so was.

Jane Treen with her cat Maramduke is such an easy character to root for and the mystery in this sleepy little village is easy to imagine and deeply enticing. I loved that Jane never ran head first at danger stupidly like you so often seen in murder mystery who-dun-its, she is logical and intelligent, level headed and compassionate, she is such a likeable main character and a credit to the author.

This also had the perfect tension build and pacing for the page count, nothing felt rushed and information revealed itself in ways that were appropriate and engaging - when we reach the climax you have all the information you need. Naturally I got the murderer wrong - but then again I never get it right. I loved the way it was highlighted that the murderer was linked to someone from one of the earlier books, a really clever tie in that will have me going back to read those books too.

It's such a cosy murder that is so hard to put down (I managed about 2hrs of book put down time and I was asleep for most of that) it's just so well written and really deserves all the credit its' getting. I love how the book keeps you guessing until the last second and not in a 'oh no who could it be' but genuienly who the heck is it, type of way. It makes for great reading.

All around loved this book and can't wait to see what else the author comes up with!

[Sara Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

** “There are many more of us, ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The right things.” **

Helena Dixon continues her fun series about a secret World War II detective agency working for the government in “The Afternoon Tea Murders.”

When secret detective agency partners Arthur Cilento and his manservant Benson are called in to a clandestine codebreaking mission, Benson quickly begins to think there’s danger afoot after some troubling circumstances. He calls in their third partner Jane Treen from Whitehall to act as if she’s conducting an audit of the mission so that she might determine what’s truly happening.

But when Arthur and Jane discover a murder in the village, they know something devious is going on. Can they get to the bottom of it and determine if there is a traitor within the mission?

What follows is a mysterious plot filled with twists and turns, as well as some quirky characters, like the asthmatic Arthur, chain-smoking Jane, a die-hard manservant, a one-eyed ginger cat, and several new quirky characters, including some loathsome housekeepers. As always, the author leaves the reader guessing until the very end. And she reminds us of some strong themes, like we all can do the right thing, no matter how “ordinary” we are; and we can all work toward bringing back normalcy, even when our worlds are turned upside down.

Fans of books like T.A. Willberg’s “Marion Lane” series and Julie Kelly’s “Evelyne Redfern” series, as well as authors like Rachel McMillan, Kate Quinn and J’nell Ciesielski will love “The Afternoon Tea Murders,” which is due out April 29.

Five stars out of five.

Bookouture provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wartime cozy historical fiction mystery.

In 1942, Whitehall agent Jane Treen is pulled away from her desk by an urgent warning: her colleague, codebreaker Arthur Cilento, is in danger at a remote assignment at Downland House in Devon. Jane travels there under the guise of conducting a routine audit. As she starts to go through household accounts and assess the mission’s objectives, Jane finds that there are some disturbing irregularities and not much progress has been made. She and Arthur take a day to travel into the local village only to find the local tea shop owner dead on the floor. Jane must figure out if the threat is coming from inside the house.

Well-paced whodunit that captures the quiet tension of the English Home Front and their efforts on breaking coded messages during the war. The story showcases the practical intelligence of Jane Treen and the analytical skills of Arthur Cilento. It feels authentic and uses wartime constraints like rationing and blackouts. This will definitely be appreciated by readers who appreciate historical accuracy and a strong professional partnership versus a trope romance. Even if a bit predictable, after all there aren’t that many possible suspects, it was a fun and fast read.

This is the 4th installment in a series that should be read from the beginning in order to understand and appreciate the relationship between Jane and Arthur. He continues to be sickly and his manservant, Benson, is always reliable to step in when it counts.

I received an ARC from Bookouture for a Blog Tour date on May 1, 2026 and can definitely recommend this cozy mystery.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane, Arthur and Benson reunite to solve another murder. I have been hooked on their adventures since since book one
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. My review is voluntary.
The Afternoon Tea Murders is the thrilling fourth instalment in a murder mystery series set against the backdrop of World War Two. Starring the wonderful and complicated Jane Treen: a chain smoking coffee addicted spymaster who owns a one eyed ginger cat. Jane is sent to Devon where her colleague Arthur is working on a top secret mission. However, it would seem someone is trying to sabotage the project and lives are at risk
This is the third book in this series. The mystery is self contained so the book can be read as a standalone. The progression of the delightful characters throughout the series is both engaging and enjoyable, so reading the first three instalments is highly recommended.
The characters are a joy and by book four the reader will likely be quite fond of them. The investigation moves at a pace until it reaches a satisfactory conclusion. The Afternoon Tea Murders evokes this exciting period in history that was nonetheless, in some ways, simpler.
I listened to the audio book for number one in the series and the narrator was an added bonus .So if this format becomes available I recommend it.
I didn’t want to put this book down, but I also didn’t want it to end. I can not wait four the next instalment.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This instalment feels bright, warm, and wonderfully easy to read. Having followed the series from the start, I loved seeing how smoothly the characters continue to grow. Jane Treen has gained a lovely confidence, and Arthur Cilento feels more rounded, their partnership now marked by quiet trust and a gentle humour that makes their scenes together a pleasure.
The mystery iis light and engaging. A teashop death, a village full of secrets, and a threat that circles closer to Arthur create a cosy tension without ever weighing the story down. The clues are clear, the pacing is steady, and the whole investigation has a pleasant clarity that makes you want to keep turning the pages.
What stood out most is how the writing keeps improving. The tone has a soft sparkle, with touches of wit that reminded me of Wodehouse, whom I recently reread. There is a playful charm in the dialogue and a gentle teasing of manners that fits the wartime setting beautifully. Even when danger rises, the story keeps its lightness, its warmth, and its sense of fun.
This book shows a series growing in confidence. The characters feel richer, the atmosphere more vivid, and the balance between humour and mystery more refined with each novel. A delightful, comforting read that left me smiling and already looking forward to the next chapter in Jane and Arthur’s adventures.
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

January 1942 - Downland House, in the small Devon village of the same name, is the latest location for Jane Treen and her Secret Detective Agency as they investigate anything deemed an immediate danger to national security. Jane has been contacted by fellow member Benson who is concerned about the safety of their third member, and his employer, codebreaker Arthur Cilento. When a popular villager is found dead, and is discovered to have a confusing history, the three of them know they have a difficult case to deal with. Arthur and his colleagues are trying to decipher intercepted codes from the enemy but when a second person is murdered it becomes clear the killer is far closer and more desperate than they could have imagined.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was such a great read. The era, the country house, and rural village life were all brilliantly done and the investigation was engaging from the start. I love reading about Jane, Arthur, and Benson, they work so well together, and Marmaduke had a great time being notoriously grumpy as usual. This was 5 stars, at least, all the way, and there were even hints about their next adventure in the final chapter which has absolutely whetted my appetite.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This is a fun WWII series with a vintage feel, featuring Miss Jane Treen, a British Whitehall operative and her sometimes co-worker Arthur, a code specialist. They are very different in personalities, both smart but with opposite styles. Jane is strong, brusque and a bit pushy. Arthur is quiet, asthmatic, and cerebral. But the two of them work well together, with the assistance of Arthur's manservant Benson.

This time out Arthur is on loan to a special codebreaking operation at a requisitioned country house with several others. Strange things begin to happen: someone messes with Arthur's medical supplies, one of the agents is sideswiped on his bicycle by a car, and the lead man's car is messed with. Jane is sent to just see what is happening there and if someone is trying to sabotage their work.

It isn't long before things escalate: Jane and Arthur discovered the body of the local tea shop owner. Jane competently nudges her way into the investigation and she and Arthur try to figure out if someone they are working with is involved.

Readable, nicely paced and well-plotted. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth in a series of fab historical murder mysteries
Packed with great characters and secret histories.
With intelligence agents working secretly together
The Secret Detective Agency will always put forward their best endeavour!

When Jane gets a message that her friend is in danger
She's quickly dispatched to look for anything stranger.
A secret hub for codebreakers is where she goes
Looking for anything suspicious or what anyone knows.

The first visit to the village for afternoon tea
Brings about a revelation Jane would rather not see.
The teashop is closed, its owner lies poisoned and dead
Who was the perpetrator? Was it something she said?

Downland House is hosting the codebreakers now
But who is thwarting their endeavours somehow?
Jane and Arthur, with Benson, too
Work together to uncover every clue.

So many suspects - and surprise discoveries, too,
Can the team discover what the perpetrator plans to do?
A story filled with twists galore
That keeps you turning pages to discover more!

For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
London, 1942. Miss Jane Treen is at her desk in Whitehall sipping a strong coffee when she receives a visit from Benson, Arthur Cilento’s servant. Arthur’s working in Devon & in danger. Jane is sent seemingly audit the household. Shortly after her arrival she & Arthur find village tea shop owner lying amidst the scones and teacakes… and she’s dead.
The fourth outing for Jane, Arthur & Benson & this time is revolves around Downland House which is being used as part of the war effort as a hub for messages which the codebreakers are trying to decipher. I really like Jane & Arthur & the dynamics of their relationship, both are highly intelligent & work well together. There are plenty of twists & turns as well as surprises. There are only a hand full of suspects but even so I was left guessing until the exciting conclusion. A well written engrossing cosy mystery which I devoured in two sittings
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane, Arthur and Benson are back and have stepped into another war torn England mystery!

Espionage, murder, mystery and a good dollop of a very British sense of humour whisks you back to World War II England. Jane is so unflappable, stiff upper lippy that you'd think she's be hard to like but not so. She's a product of her time but so very modern all at the same time (She's forever fending off her slimy co-worker and doing the job of 10 men!)

Everyone, and I do mean everyone, is hiding an ulterior motive just about - even the good guys! Arthur’s codebreaking is once again tying everything together and who knew rural Devon could be so cut-throat! I love Arthur he's such a gentle soul, feeling guilt because he can't do his bit on the front line. Benson once again strikes the balance between valet/nurse and bodyguard!

Cosy mystery with that hint of nostalgia but without being twee or "ra-ra England". I worry about Jane and Co all whilst knowing they have to come out of it safely. Twisty plots, red herrings and a sense of satisfaction when the baddie gets their comeuppance.

[Moriah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher; all opinions are my own. The Afternoon Tea Murders finds Jane visited by Benson who is afraid for Arthur's safety after someone sabotaged the equipment used to help treat his asthma in addition to several other suspicious incidents at Downland House where Arthur has been working on code breaking since the end of the prior book. Jane gets the go-ahead to go undercover to Downland as an auditor checking into the overall program to identify efficiencies. Quickly convinced that something is going on, Jane is surprised when her and Arthur discover the owner of the town's teashop dead in her establishment. When it becomes clear that this was no natural death, the importance of figuring out just what is going on at Downland House and who is responsible becomes even more important. When another death happens unexpectedly, the pair race against the clock to find the killer before they can strike again.

The mystery like the prior ones in this series was well crafted and by now, Jane, Arthur, Benson, and Marmaduke feel like old friends who I love to visit. I'm definitely curious to see where the author goes with the chemistry between Jane and Arthur despite how different the two of them are from each other. Looking forward to the next book.

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in this series takes us away from London to a house in Devon where secret work is going on to enable the British to access German communications. Arthur is part of the team and Benson suspects there is a Nazi sympathiser in the mix. Based on his feelings Jane is sent down in the guise of an inspector to help expose the suspected traitor.

This series is really developing well and the characters are great fun to spend time with. Jane is always cool, calm and collected and in charge of any situation. Benson is the best kind of butler who always knows what people need before they themselves know. Arthur is the quiet member of the team but also smart and very discerning. And Marmaduke is just the best.

An intriguing mystery, nice historic setting, excellently written. My favorite kind of cosy. Five stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Shree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story telling! I enjoyed it more than I expected to. The plot is clever, the writing style simple, the narration is engaging, and the pacing is perfect for a historical cozy mystery. The historic setting added to the charm and I loved the way the author built the suspense and atmosphere in this novel. Jane is a terrific lead and the mystery surrounding each of the other characters made the plot even more intriguing. Another thing I loved about this book is the way the mystery unraveled—it wasn't dramatic or unrealistic with clues jumping into the detective's lap at every turn. The investigation and the challenges were extremely realistic and this relatability factor made the reading experience even more immersive.
On the whole, entertaining and well written—loved it.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sharing an arc of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE AFTERNOON TEA MURDERS is the fourth book in the Secret Detective Agency series by HELENA .DIXON, but it can easily stand alone. It is a murder murder mystery that takes place in 1942 in a small English village near the Devon coast, where a group of codebreakers, including Jane Treen’s friend and colleague, Arthur Cilento, are on a top secret mission. When Arthur’s trusty manservant Benson makes a secret trip to Jane’s office in Whitehall to tell her that Arthur may be in danger, she is sent to Downland House to investigate……..
There is much intrigue and there are murders, all of which seem to be affecting the war work…….
I found it hard to put down this exciting read which I recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

[Kate Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Afternoon Tea Murders is a thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery, set in 1942.

Full of intrigue, wit and charm, and with excellent characters - Jane Treen, the chain-smoking spymistress with her ginger cat, slightly crusty Arthur Cilento, and his inscrutable manservant Benson all make a great team.

When Jane gets an urgent message that something isn't quite right in the Devon house where Arthur is working on deciphering codes, she visits in the guise of an auditor. There's gossip in the village, a teashop that might not be all it seems, and more than one mystery in the house itself. Everyone's hiding a secret. Arthur is definitely in danger - and so is Jane...

Entertaining, cracking pace, and very likeable characters. Thoroughly recommended.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the next book in The Secret Detective Agency series, THE AFTERNOON TEA MURDERS by Helena Dixon, Miss Jane Treen is the protagonist. Arthur Cilento, Jane’s colleague and a member of The Detective Agency (a code breaker) has asthma. His asthma equipment is sabotaged. Arthur is in some kind of trouble. Can Jane and her fellow detectives help him?

I am a little confused at the beginning, but things settle down. While this book can be read as a standalone, it might be good to read the previous books in the series first. There seem to be a lot of characters. This book is good, but I prefer the Miss Underhay Mysteries. Thank you, Bookouture and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE AFTERNOON TEA.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane must travel to Devon to make sure her friend Arthur is okay. Arthur and a group of others are attempting to break secret codes from Nazi's by listening in on transmissions while staying in a house together, but strange accidents keep occurring. Benson is concerned for Arthur and is able to get away to alert Jane. Jane's arrival to watch over Arthur also leads to other discoveries, such as a scheme to sell military goods, fraud, and then murder. She must try to figure out how all these pieces tie together before someone else is hurt. With a house full of potential murderers, Jane must work with the local police, who aren't sure if Jane is helping or a suspect.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.