The Killing of a Chestnut Tree

Havelock Harper Mysteries #1

by Oliver K. Langmead

Be gay, solve crimes! The Killing of a Chestnut Tree introduces Havelock Harper, an all-new queer gentleman detective in the tradition of Sherlock Holmes, with a cozy, fantastical mystery.

"I loved this book! Havelock and Sebastian are such great company, brilliant, approachable, fascinating, their relationship is real and touching and relatable. And the mystery is riveting." —#1 New York Times bestselling author LOUISE PENNY

Everyone in England knows Havelock Harper, the celebrated consulting detective, from the cases published in the papers. If any of them read his secret files, they would discover a very different man. His most fantastical cases must never reach the public eye, and nor must the love he shares with his stalwart companion, the formidable Major Sebastian Wright.

The Duke of Farleigh has been killed, and Havelock Harper summoned to the secluded Farleigh Forest to solve his murder. When he and Sebastian arrive, they discover a greater mystery. The trees of Farleigh have begun to speak, writing words into their leaves and bark. The victim is one of those an ancient chestnut, cruelly chopped down.

Why has the forest begun to speak? Why would anyone cut down the Duke? And how can Farleigh’s gentle, quiet paradise survive this crime?

Genres: Mystery, Queer, Adult, Fiction, LGBT, Historical Fiction, Mystery Thriller

176 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 27, 2026

Reviews

[Katherine Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the Advanced Reader Copy 💖

I didn’t know anything else about this book other than the tagline “be gay, solve crimes” but that was enough to have me requesting it through NetGalley.

This speculative novel is wonderful and meditative and soft. I loved walking along the Farleigh Forest, the respect given to all living things throughout, the tenderness, care and consideration.

I would read 1828282 more Havelock tales

Overall lovely and enchanting prose but here are two standouts:

"You and I are not as unusual
as you might imagine."
"Nonsense," I told him. "We
are extraordinary."

[He] tells me that love reveals love—that seeing it in others helps you recognise it in yourself—and I have rarely known him to be mistaken about anything.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming and peaceful, The Killing of a Chestnut Tree is a short but leisurely-paced mystery reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes. A renowned detective and his loyal companion set off on a journey to discover who felled an ancient and beloved tree. A secondary story about two workers trying to figure out where how mysterious flowers are appearing in their warehouse is intercut between the chapters of the main story. The book is structured to feel like a serialized story. The tone is serene, highlighting the beauty of nature and of queer love.

Suggested for readers who enjoyed A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers.

Thanks to Macmillan and Edelweiss for providing me with an eARC.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short novel has elements of both fantasy and mystery and is the first in a new series (Havelock Harper Mysteries). The sweet story, set in an isolated village with very special trees, reminded me of the books by TJ Klune. It takes place in an unspecified time but one where being gay would not be accepted and the Sherlock like detective and his Watson like companion must hide their affection for each other and dream of a world that is different. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital advance reading copy. It is a lovely, thought-provoking story! 4/5 stars

[Jennybeast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect this book, but I loved being submerged in the story. I fantasize often about what would happen if we could ever truly communicate with trees. This is not that story, precisely, but it lets me dream on an intense and beautiful level. The relationships at the heart of the story are sweet and comforting. While I wasn’t convinced about the framing story, it won me over at the end. Gorgeous. I hope there are more Havelock stories to come.

Advanced Readers Copy provided by edelweiss.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute novella. Decently paced and intriguing. I did not particularly care for the second person framing in the novella, and I do enjoy second person usually. It felt a bit off for me personally. It is a good read for people looking for something light hearted and cozy. It feels like a good rainy day read.

[Nona the First · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a sweet cozy story of love and murder.
I’ve never read anything by this author so the writing took me by surprise. Very quotable and soft writing, and it fit the story and narration beautifully. I’m excited to continue in this series of acceptance and love, oh and more murder!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and sweet read - I think this would have made an even crisper short story or a better novel if fleshed out further. I enjoyed it but don't think it was particularly special or groundbreaking.

[Fernanda (ivyfer_isreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The killing of a chestnut tree is a short novel that is both cozy fantasy and a mystery. It's very reminiscent of TJ Klune in style, which I love.
The mystery was intriguing, the writing not overly modern as it's a historical fiction and the romance is barely there but I liked what I saw.
I highly recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley and Tordotcom for the ARC!