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Delitto al mercatino di Natale
A York le luci scintillano e al mercatino si respira aria di festa. Tutto perfetto, finché durante la rappresentazione di Canto di Natale Leonard Bell crolla a terra. Morto stecchito. E non per colpa del pranzo è stato avvelenato. Quando c'è un mistero nell'aria, Kitt Hartley, bibliotecaria e lettrice instancabile di gialli con una certa inclinazione a ficcare il naso dove non dovrebbe, non può certo restare con le mani in mano. Con l'appoggio degli amici di sempre - l'inseparabile Evie, il detective Halloran, Ruby, la "medium" di quartiere - Kitt si mette sulle tracce dell'assassino. Il Natale di York si tinge di nero, e smascherare il colpevole prima che colpisca ancora diventa l'unico regalo che Kitt può fare ai suoi concittadini. Un mistero natalizio brillante, ironico e intriso di humour, da gustare sotto l'albero con una coperta calda, una tazza di tè fumante e magari un occhio sospettoso alle finestre del vicino!
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
40 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Helen Cox
54 books135 followersHelen Cox is a Yorkshire-born novelist and poet. After completing her MA in creative writing at the University of York St. John Helen wrote for a range of publications, edited her own independent film magazine for five years and penned three non-fiction books. Her first two novels were published by HarperCollins in 2016. She currently lives by the sea in Sunderland where she writes poetry, romance novellas, craft non-fiction and The Kitt Hartley series alongside hosting The Poetrygram podcast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 30, 2025
A cozy murder mystery which was a sweet read and very entertaining. A new author for me which I will keep an eye open for more. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 12, 2025
3.5 rounded up
November 8, 2025
What a lot of hocum. I was looking forward to a christmassy book set in York, but had to give up half way through. Sorry, too far-fetched and really not my thing.
October 22, 2025
As a librarian, the lure of a librarian turned private detective book was high! I hadn't realised this was one of a series of novels, however, and perhaps I would have benefitted from already knowing all the different characters. You can just start reading this one and launch right in - I followed along without too much difficulty. But it meant she's already well into investigations, and there wasn't very much librarian-ing in the story! Still, there are cosy Christmas vibes, and dream visits from famous authors who, a la Christmas Carol, try to give Kitt pointers in her sleuthing. I guessed who had done it fairly early on, but that didn't really matter. I did find myself frustrated with how easily the police handed over investigating to Kitt and her friends, and surely Kitt and the inspector being in a relationship is some sort of conflict of interests issue...but never mind, cosy crime often requires a suspension of disbelief! This was an easy bedtime read, and I quite fancy going back to see how Kitt started out, if only in the hope that there's a bit more librarian joy to be had!
With thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for my copy.
With thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for my copy.
December 7, 2025
Ho un problema con questo genere di libri: il più delle volte non mi piacciono. Li trovo spesso banali nella forma e nel contenuto. E su di me fanno poca presa.
Nonostante queste premesse, di tanto in tanto, casco tra le loro pagine con tutte le scarpe. Perché sento il bisogno di una lettura leggera e coccolosa. Come accade a Natale. E così eccomi qui con “Delitto al mercatino di Natale”. Un cozy crime che promette di risolvere un omicidio nel mentre l’aria profuma di cannella, vin brûlé e tea speziati.
Ecco, promuovo solo l’aria natalizia che si respira tra le pagine a cui darei 3 ⭐️.
Il giallo, invece, troppo troppo troppo scontato. I colpevoli gridano: “eccoci!!!” sin da subito. E i dialoghi tra gli investigatori sono ripetitivi, pagina dopo pagina. Alla parte crime assegno 1 ⭐️.
Facendo una media, 2 ⭐️. E anche questo cozy crime lo archivio come caruccio da leggere a dicembre ma niente di speciale. Meglio tornare da Louise Penny..
Nonostante queste premesse, di tanto in tanto, casco tra le loro pagine con tutte le scarpe. Perché sento il bisogno di una lettura leggera e coccolosa. Come accade a Natale. E così eccomi qui con “Delitto al mercatino di Natale”. Un cozy crime che promette di risolvere un omicidio nel mentre l’aria profuma di cannella, vin brûlé e tea speziati.
Ecco, promuovo solo l’aria natalizia che si respira tra le pagine a cui darei 3 ⭐️.
Il giallo, invece, troppo troppo troppo scontato. I colpevoli gridano: “eccoci!!!” sin da subito. E i dialoghi tra gli investigatori sono ripetitivi, pagina dopo pagina. Alla parte crime assegno 1 ⭐️.
Facendo una media, 2 ⭐️. E anche questo cozy crime lo archivio come caruccio da leggere a dicembre ma niente di speciale. Meglio tornare da Louise Penny..
November 20, 2025
This book passed the time. The plot was mildly interesting, the characters were 'colourful', if rather obviously so and there were flashes of humour throughout the book which did make me smile.
Unfortunately that is about the best I can say. My enjoyment was probably hindered by the fact that I realised right from the very start who had committed the titular murder, how and why . The author kept reminding the reader how terribly urgent solving the case was at every opportunity but that did not translate into action within the story, which moved along at what seemed to me a very leisurely pace. There was quite a reasonable explanation as to why a private investigator would be allowed to get involved with what would be a high profile case, namely that there only appeared to be 3 police officers available to cover the whole of York. None of the characters at any time spoke like actual normal people and much as I love 'A Christmas Carol', I really don't think it had any place in this book.
There is nothing actually wrong with this book if you just let it carry you along; possibly I might have got more from it if I had read the other eight books in the series and had been more familiar with the cast of characters.
Unfortunately that is about the best I can say. My enjoyment was probably hindered by the fact that I realised right from the very start who had committed the titular murder, how and why . The author kept reminding the reader how terribly urgent solving the case was at every opportunity but that did not translate into action within the story, which moved along at what seemed to me a very leisurely pace. There was quite a reasonable explanation as to why a private investigator would be allowed to get involved with what would be a high profile case, namely that there only appeared to be 3 police officers available to cover the whole of York. None of the characters at any time spoke like actual normal people and much as I love 'A Christmas Carol', I really don't think it had any place in this book.
There is nothing actually wrong with this book if you just let it carry you along; possibly I might have got more from it if I had read the other eight books in the series and had been more familiar with the cast of characters.
November 19, 2025
I loved the start of this book, straight into the murder but then I feel was a bit drawn out. Lots of dialogue between characters.
I did enjoy the story over all and cosy slightly Christmas read.
Thanks NetGalley for arc copy
I did enjoy the story over all and cosy slightly Christmas read.
Thanks NetGalley for arc copy
November 20, 2025
A librarian who double-jobs as a PI is attending a Christmas fair with her friends. They unfortunately, witness a performer collapse and despite the best efforts of the first aiders, he dies quickly. Some strange post-mortem effects begin to appear and the police arrive and decide to insist on hazmat suits. So far, so interesting.
The author then descends to completely unbelievable situations - and I'm not referring to the Dickens-style dreams. The police officer and medical examiner meet their respective romantic partners at the scene described, and stand around with them discussing the tragic and peculiar case in full public view and earshot. This is disrespectful to say the least, and must be against policy if an unlawful death is suspected.
A colleague of the dead man, who says they both worked for a hush-hush government installation that specialises in chemicals, walks in to the police station. The same four people are in the public office. He says he doesn't have time to go to a secure room and spends a long half hour talking over his career path, his colleague's career, what they were making, for whom, and how it was tested and samples gone missing, in full public view and earshot in the public office. Despite that he must have signed the OSA. The police would have insisted he come into the station proper where he could not be overheard by excitable members of the public who popped in to report a bike theft. They would have asked for evidence of his ID and picked up the phone to his supervisor. The author should have found another way for her librarian to get the information or provided the point of view of a detective.
A guard on duty at the hush-hush installation accepts biscuits, hot chocolate and marshmallows from two women he had never met who claim to be tourists, munches everything, which could have contained poison or sleeping drugs, and chats about his job. All of this is surely a firing offence. He will have received training and signed the OSA.
A woman who has been struck on the head in the dark lane, comes around and tells a lady she must have slipped on the ice, then later tells her female friend, "Well, I've just sort of been attacked." If there is a man going around attacking women, you tell every woman in sight and the police.
I could not read any more at this point. I might try another book by this author which did not involve agencies she doesn't understand.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
The author then descends to completely unbelievable situations - and I'm not referring to the Dickens-style dreams. The police officer and medical examiner meet their respective romantic partners at the scene described, and stand around with them discussing the tragic and peculiar case in full public view and earshot. This is disrespectful to say the least, and must be against policy if an unlawful death is suspected.
A colleague of the dead man, who says they both worked for a hush-hush government installation that specialises in chemicals, walks in to the police station. The same four people are in the public office. He says he doesn't have time to go to a secure room and spends a long half hour talking over his career path, his colleague's career, what they were making, for whom, and how it was tested and samples gone missing, in full public view and earshot in the public office. Despite that he must have signed the OSA. The police would have insisted he come into the station proper where he could not be overheard by excitable members of the public who popped in to report a bike theft. They would have asked for evidence of his ID and picked up the phone to his supervisor. The author should have found another way for her librarian to get the information or provided the point of view of a detective.
A guard on duty at the hush-hush installation accepts biscuits, hot chocolate and marshmallows from two women he had never met who claim to be tourists, munches everything, which could have contained poison or sleeping drugs, and chats about his job. All of this is surely a firing offence. He will have received training and signed the OSA.
A woman who has been struck on the head in the dark lane, comes around and tells a lady she must have slipped on the ice, then later tells her female friend, "Well, I've just sort of been attacked." If there is a man going around attacking women, you tell every woman in sight and the police.
I could not read any more at this point. I might try another book by this author which did not involve agencies she doesn't understand.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
December 11, 2025
Voto complessivo: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trama: 👍👍.5
Personaggi: 👦👦.5
Page turner: 📖📖.5
Suspense: 😱
Plot twist: 💡
Cominciamo subito con una nota polemica: Delitto al mercatino di Natale è il nono romanzo della serie di Kitt Hartley; peccato che in Italia sia stato pubblicato solo il primo, La bibliotecaria che inciampò in un omicidio (e forse trovò l'amore), cosicché il lettore italiano si trova di fronte a un buco di ben dieci anni. Non è il tipo di serie in cui ci sia chissà che sviluppo della trama orizzontale, ma lo trovo comunque poco rispettoso. Capisco il voler sfruttare il periodo natalizio con un giallo ambientato poco prima di Natale, ma quando è troppo è troppo.
Venendo al romanzo in sé, fortunatamente i miei timori dopo la lettura del primo volume sono stati dissipati: Kitt e Halloran sono una coppia solida da 10 anni, e nulla sembra minacciare il loro rapporto. Era stato il romance a tenere in piedi La bibliotecaria che inciampò in un omicidio (e forse trovò l'amore), e qui, purtroppo, praticamente non ce n’è, dato che ormai abbiamo a che fare con una coppia di fatto che non ha nulla di nuovo da raccontarci, e l’autrice fa fare al buon Mal giusto qualche comparsata.
Il caso su cui i nostri si trovano a indagare è noioso, e la soluzione più che prevedibile.
L’unica buona idea del romanzo è una sorta di rivisitazione de Il Canto di Natale in cui non sono i Fantasmi dei Natali a comparire nei sogni di Kitt, bensì celebri scrittori (non vi rivelo chi per non guastare la sorpresa), ed è il solo motivo per cui ho arrotondato a 3 stelle.
Tutto il resto è da buttare, e Kitt rimane petulante, anche se in maniera diversa: non so quante volte ci viene ripetuto che quanto visto in 10 anni da investigatrice privata l’ha indurita e le ho tolto vivacità. Perché mai leggere un giallo se il detective si piange addosso perché ha scelto di dedicarsi all’investigazione? Insomma, con Kitt e compagnia mi fermo qui. Ci sono sicuramente serie molto più interessanti
Cominciamo subito con una nota polemica: Delitto al mercatino di Natale è il nono romanzo della serie di Kitt Hartley; peccato che in Italia sia stato pubblicato solo il primo, La bibliotecaria che inciampò in un omicidio (e forse trovò l'amore), cosicché il lettore italiano si trova di fronte a un buco di ben dieci anni. Non è il tipo di serie in cui ci sia chissà che sviluppo della trama orizzontale, ma lo trovo comunque poco rispettoso. Capisco il voler sfruttare il periodo natalizio con un giallo ambientato poco prima di Natale, ma quando è troppo è troppo.
Venendo al romanzo in sé, fortunatamente i miei timori dopo la lettura del primo volume sono stati dissipati: Kitt e Halloran sono una coppia solida da 10 anni, e nulla sembra minacciare il loro rapporto. Era stato il romance a tenere in piedi La bibliotecaria che inciampò in un omicidio (e forse trovò l'amore), e qui, purtroppo, praticamente non ce n’è, dato che ormai abbiamo a che fare con una coppia di fatto che non ha nulla di nuovo da raccontarci, e l’autrice fa fare al buon Mal giusto qualche comparsata.
Il caso su cui i nostri si trovano a indagare è noioso, e la soluzione più che prevedibile.
L’unica buona idea del romanzo è una sorta di rivisitazione de Il Canto di Natale in cui non sono i Fantasmi dei Natali a comparire nei sogni di Kitt, bensì celebri scrittori (non vi rivelo chi per non guastare la sorpresa), ed è il solo motivo per cui ho arrotondato a 3 stelle.
Tutto il resto è da buttare, e Kitt rimane petulante, anche se in maniera diversa: non so quante volte ci viene ripetuto che quanto visto in 10 anni da investigatrice privata l’ha indurita e le ho tolto vivacità. Perché mai leggere un giallo se il detective si piange addosso perché ha scelto di dedicarsi all’investigazione? Insomma, con Kitt e compagnia mi fermo qui. Ci sono sicuramente serie molto più interessanti
December 23, 2025
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Il Natale sta per arrivare e a York è tutto pronto con i tradizionali mercatino e persino una rappresentazione di “Canto di Natale” di Dickens. Kitt Hertley, che ha ormai fondato la sua agenzia di investigazioni, si ritrova, suo malgrado, a essere testimone di una strana morte: Leonard Bell, durante la lettura, muore in circostanze misteriose e il suo cadavere mostra sin da subito i segni tipici del post mortem. Aiutata da Holland, poliziotto nonché suo compagno, Kitt dovrà fare luce sull’accaduto e svelare un intrivato mistero.
“Tra questa sera e la vigilia di Natale, tre spiriti verranno a farti visita. Ognuno ti darà una dritta importante sulla fine di quel povero uomo. Queste dritte ti guideranno alla verità.”
Quella che doveva essere una tranquilla serata di svago tra amiche si trasforma ben presto in un evento scioccante. Potremmo usare questa premessa per parlare di questo romanzo, la cui trama si fonda su esperimenti di ricerca con tanto di molecole letali e relativi antidoti.
Kitt e Holland si rivelano due investigatori d’eccellenza, sempre pronti a confrontarsi e a supportarsi a vicenda così da rendere le rispettive indagini complementari. (A questo proposito preciso che facciamo la loro conoscenza nel romanzo La bibliotecaria che inciampò in un omicidio (e forse trovò l’amore) che purtroppo non ho ancora letto ma sicuramente recupererò.)
Ho molto apprezzato l’arguzia di Kitt, il suo spirito di iniziativa, il suo essere pronta anche a correre dei rischi pur di assicurare il colpevole alla giustizia.
Lo stile della prosa è curato e scorrevole. La trama procede con un andamento lineare con un’indagine davvero interessante e ben approfondita.
Il lettore segue gli sviluppi con interesse e curiosità di scoprire chi abbia potuto compiere un crimine tanto efferato.
Un romanzo ben scritto e accattivante. Una lettura dove nulla è come sembra ed è importante diffidare di chiunque.
Il Natale sta per arrivare e a York è tutto pronto con i tradizionali mercatino e persino una rappresentazione di “Canto di Natale” di Dickens. Kitt Hertley, che ha ormai fondato la sua agenzia di investigazioni, si ritrova, suo malgrado, a essere testimone di una strana morte: Leonard Bell, durante la lettura, muore in circostanze misteriose e il suo cadavere mostra sin da subito i segni tipici del post mortem. Aiutata da Holland, poliziotto nonché suo compagno, Kitt dovrà fare luce sull’accaduto e svelare un intrivato mistero.
“Tra questa sera e la vigilia di Natale, tre spiriti verranno a farti visita. Ognuno ti darà una dritta importante sulla fine di quel povero uomo. Queste dritte ti guideranno alla verità.”
Quella che doveva essere una tranquilla serata di svago tra amiche si trasforma ben presto in un evento scioccante. Potremmo usare questa premessa per parlare di questo romanzo, la cui trama si fonda su esperimenti di ricerca con tanto di molecole letali e relativi antidoti.
Kitt e Holland si rivelano due investigatori d’eccellenza, sempre pronti a confrontarsi e a supportarsi a vicenda così da rendere le rispettive indagini complementari. (A questo proposito preciso che facciamo la loro conoscenza nel romanzo La bibliotecaria che inciampò in un omicidio (e forse trovò l’amore) che purtroppo non ho ancora letto ma sicuramente recupererò.)
Ho molto apprezzato l’arguzia di Kitt, il suo spirito di iniziativa, il suo essere pronta anche a correre dei rischi pur di assicurare il colpevole alla giustizia.
Lo stile della prosa è curato e scorrevole. La trama procede con un andamento lineare con un’indagine davvero interessante e ben approfondita.
Il lettore segue gli sviluppi con interesse e curiosità di scoprire chi abbia potuto compiere un crimine tanto efferato.
Un romanzo ben scritto e accattivante. Una lettura dove nulla è come sembra ed è importante diffidare di chiunque.
October 25, 2025
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC! This book is absolute perfection for anyone who loves cosy mysteries and crime fiction. Helen Cox weaves the yuletide atmosphere into a clever mystery featuring Kitt, a librarian and amateur sleuth. Then there’s Kevin, Bell’s lab partner, who fears he may be the next target. They meet but not in a romantic way, which I personally liked for a mystery novel. Given the stressful circumstances surrounding the victim’s poisoning, their interactions remain purely professional and focused on solving the case.
The setting was a perfect Christmas Book Fair! It’s filled with literary references and “bookish guests” which I know will delight fellow readers. I thought the timing of the murder, occurring during a Dickens reading, added a perfectly macabre festive twist.
One thing I personally felt could have been improved was a little more focus on Kitt’s character outside of the immediate case. It’s not a major issue, just something I would have liked to see, as the charming setting and fun side characters occasionally overshadowed the development of Kitt’s personal life.
It’s definitely the perfect Christmas read, with a wonderfully festive setting and an incredibly detailed, clever writing style that weaves literary references throughout the plot. This book is the epitome of a British cosy, ideal for curling up with a mug of tea while the wind howls outside.
The setting was a perfect Christmas Book Fair! It’s filled with literary references and “bookish guests” which I know will delight fellow readers. I thought the timing of the murder, occurring during a Dickens reading, added a perfectly macabre festive twist.
One thing I personally felt could have been improved was a little more focus on Kitt’s character outside of the immediate case. It’s not a major issue, just something I would have liked to see, as the charming setting and fun side characters occasionally overshadowed the development of Kitt’s personal life.
It’s definitely the perfect Christmas read, with a wonderfully festive setting and an incredibly detailed, clever writing style that weaves literary references throughout the plot. This book is the epitome of a British cosy, ideal for curling up with a mug of tea while the wind howls outside.
November 16, 2025
"A Body at the Christmas Book Fair" is book #9 in the "Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mysteries" series by Helen Cox.
Kitt Hartley is drawn into a Dickens of a murder mystery when a deadly toxin kills a man reading "A Christmas Carol" and another man claims to have also been injected with the toxin which has been stolen from a secure lab where they both worked. With only a few days before Christmas, she and the team are going to need a Christmas miracle to solve this one - or at least a bit of help from a few literary spirits who visit Kitt in her dreams...
An interesting twist on a holiday mystery. Kitt and her team as well as Halloran and Banks are trying to get to the bottom of the theft and prevent another murder. The visiting spirits in Kitt's dreams were a bit out there but in some ways they did assist her to look in more directions for the truth.
The plotline and misdirection was well done. Drama and urgency were clear. Even if you haven't read some of the literary texts that were referenced, the dialogue gave enough detail to provide the basic messages. There were several suspects but I picked up a couple of clues that lead me to who was behind the plot well before Kitt and all put the final pieces together.
I do enjoy the core characters of this series. Grace can be a bit trying at times but when push comes to shove she does get down to business. Of course Ruby had to play even a small part in this one!
All in all, an entertaining holiday mystery read!
Kitt Hartley is drawn into a Dickens of a murder mystery when a deadly toxin kills a man reading "A Christmas Carol" and another man claims to have also been injected with the toxin which has been stolen from a secure lab where they both worked. With only a few days before Christmas, she and the team are going to need a Christmas miracle to solve this one - or at least a bit of help from a few literary spirits who visit Kitt in her dreams...
An interesting twist on a holiday mystery. Kitt and her team as well as Halloran and Banks are trying to get to the bottom of the theft and prevent another murder. The visiting spirits in Kitt's dreams were a bit out there but in some ways they did assist her to look in more directions for the truth.
The plotline and misdirection was well done. Drama and urgency were clear. Even if you haven't read some of the literary texts that were referenced, the dialogue gave enough detail to provide the basic messages. There were several suspects but I picked up a couple of clues that lead me to who was behind the plot well before Kitt and all put the final pieces together.
I do enjoy the core characters of this series. Grace can be a bit trying at times but when push comes to shove she does get down to business. Of course Ruby had to play even a small part in this one!
All in all, an entertaining holiday mystery read!
November 30, 2025
The author was selling herself short when she said their was a Line of Duty style conspiracy. Jed could never write something as brilliant as this.
A first chapter based around Ruby's madness is truly the best way to begin. If there is ever another book in this series I need it to be from Halloran's perspective. He has been my favourite the whole way through this series and will probably always be in my top fictional detectives. Halloran and Iago's hate/hate relationship is one of my favourite parts of this series.
The last 150 pages had my heart pounding. I was so excited to find out who did it and the reveal was jaw dropping. I was sort of suspecting those two but I was definitely suspecting I was going to be wrong so actually being right for once was really nice. I was only right because that's absolutely who I would've written did it.
I loved the nods to A Christmas Carol and the name drop of my favourite adaptation: A Muppets Christmas Carol, and we love Tatiana the Tyrannical Archangel. The queen needs her own book lol.
I love the blue of the naked hardback. its such a pretty, wintery colour. Because of this book, I want to go to a Christmas book fair now (though preferably one without a gruesome murder).
Is this the most coherent review I've ever written? No. Is that because I stayed up till 4am finishing this book? No comment.
A first chapter based around Ruby's madness is truly the best way to begin. If there is ever another book in this series I need it to be from Halloran's perspective. He has been my favourite the whole way through this series and will probably always be in my top fictional detectives. Halloran and Iago's hate/hate relationship is one of my favourite parts of this series.
The last 150 pages had my heart pounding. I was so excited to find out who did it and the reveal was jaw dropping. I was sort of suspecting those two but I was definitely suspecting I was going to be wrong so actually being right for once was really nice. I was only right because that's absolutely who I would've written did it.
I loved the nods to A Christmas Carol and the name drop of my favourite adaptation: A Muppets Christmas Carol, and we love Tatiana the Tyrannical Archangel. The queen needs her own book lol.
I love the blue of the naked hardback. its such a pretty, wintery colour. Because of this book, I want to go to a Christmas book fair now (though preferably one without a gruesome murder).
Is this the most coherent review I've ever written? No. Is that because I stayed up till 4am finishing this book? No comment.
September 24, 2025
A Body at the Christmas Book Fair is a festive treat for fans of cozy crime with a literary twist. Set amid the twinkling lights and bookish bustle of York’s Christmas Book Fair, the story opens with a dramatic death during a performance of A Christmas Carol—and from there, the mystery unfolds like a well-wrapped present with a sinister surprise inside.
Kitt Hartley, our ever-resourceful librarian-sleuth, is back with her signature blend of wit, warmth, and tenacity. When a volunteer drops dead and the cause is revealed to be a mysterious toxin, Kitt is drawn into a web of grudges, stolen antidotes, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. With help from old friends and her loyal team, she must untangle the clues before the killer strikes again.
Cox’s writing sparkles with charm, and the festive setting adds a delightful contrast to the dark undercurrents of the plot. It’s a perfect read for curling up with a blanket, a cup of something warm, and the thrill of a good whodunnit.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the Kitt Hartley series or new to her sleuthing adventures, this installment delivers all the cozy suspense and clever twists you could wish for—plus a dash of holiday magic.
with thanks to Helen Cox, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Kitt Hartley, our ever-resourceful librarian-sleuth, is back with her signature blend of wit, warmth, and tenacity. When a volunteer drops dead and the cause is revealed to be a mysterious toxin, Kitt is drawn into a web of grudges, stolen antidotes, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. With help from old friends and her loyal team, she must untangle the clues before the killer strikes again.
Cox’s writing sparkles with charm, and the festive setting adds a delightful contrast to the dark undercurrents of the plot. It’s a perfect read for curling up with a blanket, a cup of something warm, and the thrill of a good whodunnit.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the Kitt Hartley series or new to her sleuthing adventures, this installment delivers all the cozy suspense and clever twists you could wish for—plus a dash of holiday magic.
with thanks to Helen Cox, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
November 11, 2025
The York Christmas Book Fair becomes the unlikely backdrop for a chilling murder. The victim, Leonard Bell, meets a grisly end after being poisoned. Bell, who worked at a government laboratory, leaves behind a terrified lab partner, Kevin Ripley, who fears he’s also been poisoned. As Kitt and her team dig into the case, they race against time to catch the killer and find the antidote that could save Ripley’s life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC. My review is voluntary.
Kitt is helped by several crime writers who she meets while under the influence of mulled wine. Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Dorothy L Sayers and Edgar Allen Poe all make an appearance and help Kitt solve the mystery with reference to their own books. This was an original and delightful element of the book.
Christmas only makes a brief appearance, which is a shame. You really have to suspend disbelief to accept that the police would let private investigators get involved in this case . The story feels quite padded, which slows down the pace.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC. My review is voluntary.
Kitt is helped by several crime writers who she meets while under the influence of mulled wine. Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Dorothy L Sayers and Edgar Allen Poe all make an appearance and help Kitt solve the mystery with reference to their own books. This was an original and delightful element of the book.
Christmas only makes a brief appearance, which is a shame. You really have to suspend disbelief to accept that the police would let private investigators get involved in this case . The story feels quite padded, which slows down the pace.
November 15, 2025
York during the festive season? Yes please and thank you, Helen Cox!
The latest instalment of the Kitt Hartley series is, as its title suggests, set in the run up to Christmas. When a government research scientist dies before Kitt’s eyes in the middle of his rendition of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Kitt, Halloran, Evie, Banks and Grace are drawn into a race against time to save his research partner.
We see them tearing across a snowy York trying to unravel a case tied up in red tape and in the face of stonewalling to preserve official secrets.
Fortunately, like Dickens’ protagonist, Kitt is helped by seeing some Christmas spirits, in the form of famous detective novelists. Leave it to the spirit of Dorothy L. Sayers to provide the clue that changes Kitt’s mindset and makes her see the true motives and work out whodunnit.
And, just like that, my Christmas reading is underway in earnest. How about you? Too early or just in time? I’d certainly suggest adding A Body at the Christmas Book Fair to your festive TBR.
The latest instalment of the Kitt Hartley series is, as its title suggests, set in the run up to Christmas. When a government research scientist dies before Kitt’s eyes in the middle of his rendition of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Kitt, Halloran, Evie, Banks and Grace are drawn into a race against time to save his research partner.
We see them tearing across a snowy York trying to unravel a case tied up in red tape and in the face of stonewalling to preserve official secrets.
Fortunately, like Dickens’ protagonist, Kitt is helped by seeing some Christmas spirits, in the form of famous detective novelists. Leave it to the spirit of Dorothy L. Sayers to provide the clue that changes Kitt’s mindset and makes her see the true motives and work out whodunnit.
And, just like that, my Christmas reading is underway in earnest. How about you? Too early or just in time? I’d certainly suggest adding A Body at the Christmas Book Fair to your festive TBR.
December 10, 2025
Eh niente, l'ho finito in tempi record!
Questo già significa che mi ha presa, soprattutto per la sua trama molto originale...forse troppo? Ma purtroppo ho trovato anche un po' di pecche.
Molti capitoli sono troppo prolissi di dialoghi in mezzo a situazioni in cui si dovrebbe andare dritti al punto (in quasi tutti gli interrogatori si parla anche di argomenti superflui) e certe scene le ho trovate abbastanza tirate...come "l'estorsione" di informazioni alla guardia di sicurezza che si è lasciata abbindolare da due sconosciute raccontando cose che nemmeno gli erano state chieste 😂
Ho fatto anche un po' fatica a entrare in sintonia con i personaggi, perché si vede che sono "vissuti" e infatti ho poi purtroppo scoperto che questo libro fa parte di una saga...ma in italiano hanno solo tradotto il primo e questo che penso sia uno degli ultimi....tutti i casi in mezzo sono inediti in Italia 😅
Però, per quanto non sia un thriller con i fiocchi o troppo ben costruito, mi ha abbastanza soddisfatta.
Questo già significa che mi ha presa, soprattutto per la sua trama molto originale...forse troppo? Ma purtroppo ho trovato anche un po' di pecche.
Molti capitoli sono troppo prolissi di dialoghi in mezzo a situazioni in cui si dovrebbe andare dritti al punto (in quasi tutti gli interrogatori si parla anche di argomenti superflui) e certe scene le ho trovate abbastanza tirate...come "l'estorsione" di informazioni alla guardia di sicurezza che si è lasciata abbindolare da due sconosciute raccontando cose che nemmeno gli erano state chieste 😂
Ho fatto anche un po' fatica a entrare in sintonia con i personaggi, perché si vede che sono "vissuti" e infatti ho poi purtroppo scoperto che questo libro fa parte di una saga...ma in italiano hanno solo tradotto il primo e questo che penso sia uno degli ultimi....tutti i casi in mezzo sono inediti in Italia 😅
Però, per quanto non sia un thriller con i fiocchi o troppo ben costruito, mi ha abbastanza soddisfatta.
December 12, 2025
This book treats you like you have dementia and as someone with memory issues, it was annoying as fuck, especially as info that doesn't matter. I'm not going to read your book set in the Scottish Borders. You introducing a character twice from that book and talking about it constantly when it barely relevant. Bring it up when it's relevant.
The main character comes across as patronising. "As you know I'm a dumb bitch" sort of vibe. The main character is unlikable as especially her traits are being innocent little flower who doesn't like rock music. Get earplugs like a normal person. What do you mean you, as someone who reads a lot didn't know the dark side of humanity, especially when referencing an author whose favourite thing was to write about the dark side of humanity.
The Christmas carol stuff is nothing. It's not important. It's just a way to trick you into reading this book. It's very obvious the solution and silly at the same time.
I didn't care about any of the characters and therefore this book had no stakes. Not a single one.
The main character comes across as patronising. "As you know I'm a dumb bitch" sort of vibe. The main character is unlikable as especially her traits are being innocent little flower who doesn't like rock music. Get earplugs like a normal person. What do you mean you, as someone who reads a lot didn't know the dark side of humanity, especially when referencing an author whose favourite thing was to write about the dark side of humanity.
The Christmas carol stuff is nothing. It's not important. It's just a way to trick you into reading this book. It's very obvious the solution and silly at the same time.
I didn't care about any of the characters and therefore this book had no stakes. Not a single one.
September 26, 2025
Private investigator and part-time librarian Kitt Hartley is really looking forward to meeting her best friend, Evie, at the Christmas book fair. There are all the books of course, but they also have tickets to see the dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol, which is a highlight of the book fair. However, just as Marley's ghost is saying, "My time is nearly gone..." the actor's time is up. It's not a pretty sight and why is cinnamon such a factor in the whole mystery?
I'm a big fan of cozy Christmas mysteries and I found this to be an enjoyable book. It was pretty clear to me early on whodunnit, so it was more an "Am I right?" experience. Nonetheless, I happily read on. I enjoyed the Christmas/winter setting. I especially liked the appearances of the spirits of a few classic mystery authors. The characters were appropriately quirky and sometimes made me laugh. All in all, a fun read. I thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a DRC
I'm a big fan of cozy Christmas mysteries and I found this to be an enjoyable book. It was pretty clear to me early on whodunnit, so it was more an "Am I right?" experience. Nonetheless, I happily read on. I enjoyed the Christmas/winter setting. I especially liked the appearances of the spirits of a few classic mystery authors. The characters were appropriately quirky and sometimes made me laugh. All in all, a fun read. I thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a DRC
October 28, 2025
"A Body at the Christmas Book Fair" delivers a brilliantly original cozy mystery that begins with a shockingly macabre scene: a victim dying on stage during a reading of "A Christmas Carol," followed by the body's terrifyingly rapid decomposition in full view of the audience. This unforgettable opening instantly hooks you into a clever investigation led by the tenacious and warm-hearted librarian sleuth, Kitt Hartley. As the investigation is time relevant, being stonewalled by a government facility, this adds to the tension.
The story's true festive charm lies in its delightful twist on Dickens' classic. Kitt is visited by four "literary spirits" who guide her toward solving the case, a concept that is both fabulous and darkly humorous. With the support of her inspector boyfriend and friends, Kitt navigates this wonderfully crafted puzzle. This book is a perfect, festive feast for mystery lovers, in equal parts chilling, charming, and utterly captivating.
The story's true festive charm lies in its delightful twist on Dickens' classic. Kitt is visited by four "literary spirits" who guide her toward solving the case, a concept that is both fabulous and darkly humorous. With the support of her inspector boyfriend and friends, Kitt navigates this wonderfully crafted puzzle. This book is a perfect, festive feast for mystery lovers, in equal parts chilling, charming, and utterly captivating.
November 11, 2025
Many thanks to Netgalley and Quercus books for the opportunity to read this.
A man dies during a festive reading of A christmas Carol. Kitt finds herself once more involved in a crime. She meets with the work partner only to find he may be in danger too. Can she and her team solve the case before its too late.
Wow what a festive murder mystery this was. It was really good. Its a cosy mystery but with some really dramatic moments. I really enjoyed the book references and of course some famous authors popping up. The plot was clever and had me hooked. I did figure out the killer just before they did but I liked seeing how it all came together. The characters are fun and I love Kitt. Plus her relationship with Halloran was cute and good to see them work together. The ending was dramatic and then heart warming. A perfect finish.
A man dies during a festive reading of A christmas Carol. Kitt finds herself once more involved in a crime. She meets with the work partner only to find he may be in danger too. Can she and her team solve the case before its too late.
Wow what a festive murder mystery this was. It was really good. Its a cosy mystery but with some really dramatic moments. I really enjoyed the book references and of course some famous authors popping up. The plot was clever and had me hooked. I did figure out the killer just before they did but I liked seeing how it all came together. The characters are fun and I love Kitt. Plus her relationship with Halloran was cute and good to see them work together. The ending was dramatic and then heart warming. A perfect finish.
October 19, 2025
Although this is not the first in the series featuring Kitt the librarian turned Private Eye with a police detective boyfriend, so presumably quite well liked, I found it difficult to accept the concept of the police working so closely with a P.I. when every other book I have read has the P.I. as the bane of their life. I suppose in such a Christmassy themed cosy crime thriller one has to suspend reality but I always felt it was all a bit silly. The poisoning plot was reasonable although not too difficult to work out in keeping with the light nature of the book. Even so I thought it was excessively cheesy often , especially at the end. However I liked the dreamt literary Greats giving Kitt advice.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC
November 5, 2025
While making merry at the York Christmas Book Fair, Kitt Hartley finds herself drawn into a murder mystery with a festive twist. The victim is Leonard Bell, a festival volunteer who suddenly drops dead during his performance of A Christmas Carol. The next day, police identify the cause of death as an unknown toxin. Fearing for his own life, Bell's lab partner Kevin Ripley enlists Kitt's help to track down the killer - before it's too late.
It’s been a while since the last Kitt book & I’m glad she’s back. Another very well written cosy mystery the bonus for me is that the books are set in Yorkshire, my home county. I really like Kitt & have enjoyed getting to know her throughout the series. There are the expected twists, turns & red herrings & I was kept guessing. I look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
It’s been a while since the last Kitt book & I’m glad she’s back. Another very well written cosy mystery the bonus for me is that the books are set in Yorkshire, my home county. I really like Kitt & have enjoyed getting to know her throughout the series. There are the expected twists, turns & red herrings & I was kept guessing. I look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
November 5, 2025
The book centres around a Christmas book fair in York. Kitt, a private detective/librarian has arranged to meet her friend Evie at a performance of A Christmas Carol. Leonard Bell a festival volunteer drops dead in front of them, just before he dies he keeps saying cinnamon. A trainee paramedic tries to save him bit it’s too late and the body is almost decomposing rapidly in front of them. Leonard was working on a mysterious toxin at a local secret government lab. His lab partner, Kevin asks Kit if she will help investigate the murder as he fears he will be next.
Along the way Kitt is visited by characters from a Christmas Carol to help with pointers on the murder. An unusual style of Christmas book and set in the lovely city of York but I am not really a fan, sorry.
Along the way Kitt is visited by characters from a Christmas Carol to help with pointers on the murder. An unusual style of Christmas book and set in the lovely city of York but I am not really a fan, sorry.
December 22, 2025
Sono arrivata fino al capitolo 8, ma credo che abbandonerò la lettura.
Lo stile è eccessivamente logorroico: per esprimere un singolo concetto vengono usate troppe parole e le stesse idee vengono ripetute più volte, rendendo la narrazione lenta e, alla lunga, noiosa.
Il risultato è una storia che fatica a coinvolgere e a progredire davvero. Inoltre, l’inserimento di temi molto diversi tra loro – accenni a questioni governative e riferimenti a spiriti – crea un insieme confuso, più simile a un minestrone che a una trama coerente.
Peccato, perché l’ambientazione natalizia aveva del potenziale, ma la dispersione stilistica e tematica ne compromette l’efficacia.
Lo stile è eccessivamente logorroico: per esprimere un singolo concetto vengono usate troppe parole e le stesse idee vengono ripetute più volte, rendendo la narrazione lenta e, alla lunga, noiosa.
Il risultato è una storia che fatica a coinvolgere e a progredire davvero. Inoltre, l’inserimento di temi molto diversi tra loro – accenni a questioni governative e riferimenti a spiriti – crea un insieme confuso, più simile a un minestrone che a una trama coerente.
Peccato, perché l’ambientazione natalizia aveva del potenziale, ma la dispersione stilistica e tematica ne compromette l’efficacia.
November 13, 2025
I love a good cosy murder mystery. I loved the idea of this book and the storyline. The setting in York and leading up to Christmas was great. It definitely made me feel more Christmassy and excited for the Christmas season and maybe a Christmas book fair 😂
For be personally the pacing was a bit to slow and getting to the plot seemed a far reach at times. I do love the characters, they were very likeable and had a potential to be so much more. But overall it was cute cosy and makes you feel ready for Christmas to arrive.
For be personally the pacing was a bit to slow and getting to the plot seemed a far reach at times. I do love the characters, they were very likeable and had a potential to be so much more. But overall it was cute cosy and makes you feel ready for Christmas to arrive.
December 20, 2025
Questo libro è esattamente quello che mi aspettavo. Un giallo leggero di quelli che vanno bene per questi periodi pieni di impegni.
pochi personaggi ed un'indagine da portare a termine.
uno di quei libri che (come mi ha detto qualcuno) è perfetto da leggere sul divano davanti ad un caminetto con una fetta di pandoro in mano!
dal titolo mi sarei aspettata giusto un po' di Natale in più ma comunque sono molto soddisfatta della lettura.
La cosa che mi è piaciuta di più sono stati i dialoghi: molto realistici, i personaggi si prendono in giro tra di loro e mi hanno fatta spesso sorridere.
pochi personaggi ed un'indagine da portare a termine.
uno di quei libri che (come mi ha detto qualcuno) è perfetto da leggere sul divano davanti ad un caminetto con una fetta di pandoro in mano!
dal titolo mi sarei aspettata giusto un po' di Natale in più ma comunque sono molto soddisfatta della lettura.
La cosa che mi è piaciuta di più sono stati i dialoghi: molto realistici, i personaggi si prendono in giro tra di loro e mi hanno fatta spesso sorridere.
November 3, 2025
I have not read any other books in this series, but it reads as a standalone. Kate is at York Christmas book fair and finds herself in the front row for a reading from A Christmas Carol, when the reader suddenly goes pale and then collapses. Although a first aider arrives quickly it is obvious he is dead, but it’s almost like his body is frozen.
Kate is asked to investigate. Good cosy mystery and my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Kate is asked to investigate. Good cosy mystery and my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
November 4, 2025
3.5 stars. Private investigator Kitt Hartley finds herself drawn into a murder mystery when she attends the Christmas book fair in York and the speaker dies whilst performing a Christmas Carol. It transpires that he has ingested a toxin from the research facility where he works. Who wanted to kill him and why? I did get confused with lots of info about the toxin, its properties and affects but overall an enjoyable story.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read to this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read to this book.
December 9, 2025
A cosy crime novel for Christmas.
Based around a poisoning at a Christmas book fair. Christmas Carol style visitations by famous authors. A little suspension of belief was required at times, but a very readable in the run up to Christmas.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the copy to review.
Based around a poisoning at a Christmas book fair. Christmas Carol style visitations by famous authors. A little suspension of belief was required at times, but a very readable in the run up to Christmas.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the copy to review.
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