The Christmas Tree Murders

by Katie Lumsden

THE DELICIOUSLY DARK VICTORIAN MURDER MYSTERY PERFECT FOR GIFTING THIS CHRISTMAS

'Clever, intriguing and beautifully atmospheric...an immaculate slice of festive fiction. The characters are vivid and electric, the plot unfolds like a perfect Victorian puzzle-box and the writing is just sumptuous' ALEX HAY

'Superb...a rich puzzle imbued with all the splendour of the Victorian Gothic’ TOM MEAD

'Delightfully festive and irresistibly addictive. An essential addition to your Christmas list' JESSICA BULL

It is December 1884, and we have a murder to solve.

Come, my friend – follow me, for we have much to see this festive season.

First, a a brand-new country estate, with all the latest technological innovations – electric light-bulbs, running water, dumb-waiters, hydraulic lifts.

Second, a celebrated inventor Sir Russell Morgan, his grown-up children, his elegant new wife.

Next, their the great and the good (well, the rich), dressed in all their finery, eager to celebrate Christmas at Clifftop House.

And a body – for what festive mystery would be complete without one? Here lies one of the servants, laid out beneath the Christmas-tree, his hands covered in burns.

The police dismiss his death as an accident, but our heroine, Millie – kitchenmaid and keen reader of sensation novels – is not so sure.

Christmas Day is fast approaching. Can we solve the mystery of Clifftop House before another guest meets an untimely end?

‘Full of atmosphere and fantastic characters... A proper Victorian murder mystery that kept me turning the pages. A perfect Christmas read’ LOUISE HARE

‘This immersive Victorian treat of a book is packed with fascinating characters and clues. It's an absolute delight’ JOSIE LLOYD

Early readers are loving THE CHRISTMAS TREE MURDERS, too...

'An irresistible combination of Victorian Gothic Country House mystery' *****
'Very gripping full of suspense, atmospheric, compelling' *****

Perfect for fans
- Female sleuths
- The Victorian period
- Upstairs/downstairs dynamics
- Witty narrators
- Cosy crime

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

496 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2026

About the author

Katie Lumsden read Jane Eyre at the age of thirteen and never looked back. She spent her teenage years devouring nineteenth century literature, reading every Dickens, Brontë, Gaskell, Austen and Hardy novel she could find. She has a degree in English literature and history from the University of Durham and an MA in creative writing from Bath Spa University. Her short stories have been shortlisted for the London Short Story Prize and the Bridport Prize, and have been published in various literary magazines.

Katie's Youtube channel, Books and Things, has more than 29,000 subscribers. She lives in London and works as an editor.

Her debut novel, The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, was shortlisted for the HWA Debut Crown Award.

Reviews

[Kristen Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly immersive in its detail, and delightfully packed with festive twists and turns. This book was a treat from start to finish, I loved sinking into it and feeling transported to a snowy snapshot of the Victorian era. Lumsden writes characters with real feeling and depth, and the sprawling house with all its electrical eccentricities was a setting to *literally* die for. If you want to be swept away to another time and place with a proper helping of festive flair, this book will absolutely deliver.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Nothing quite sparks the imagination like a mystery at Christmas.

I loved the narrative of this and the way the author lead us through the murder like the ghosts of Christmas past. We’re introduced to our cast of characters like silent watchers and it was a novel way to follow the story as the narrator pulls us out of scenes and into areas of interest. The time period this is set in too adds to its charms and atmosphere, which at Christmas time, also adds a feeling of suspense. I love books like these.

It really was a book that was easy to get into and the plot itself was compelling and addictive. The story moved along effortlessly and I was always intrigued where it was going to take us next.

Set in a grand Manor House with servants and esteemed guests, when a body is found and police start to investigate, maybe there will be deeper discoveries to be made? And with the superficial cheer and delight of Christmas, murder would not be suspected surely?

It was an enjoyable read and even though I’m reading this currently in summer, it brought all the vibes of Christmas which I so enjoy! A great book for the festive (& likewise summer) period for a good old fashioned whodunnit mystery.

Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I was wary of this because it was much longer than I prefer a book to be, but it was a Christmas thriller which are two of my favourite things. And the idea of a murder at Christmas and in a big manor house with the upstairs/downstairs vibe, just promised me so much.

One issue for me is that, at least in the beginning, there's a lot of in-depth detail and description of each character. Now, I don't mind character descriptions because I like to know who I'm imagining, but because there were so many characters, these descriptions went on for several pages and I found that there was just too much information and I'm not sure it was all needed. Perhaps some of it could have been worked throughout the book, instead of all at the start.

It's a long book, I won't lie about that, and there were some times where it was a bit too slow, but I think overall it's a good mix of slower and quicker its. It did take a while to get through, because the way it's written and with al the detail, it was a lot to remember and memory is not my strong point. But it was equally addictive and I couldn't wait to find out who did it, but I would have liked it to have been a little easier to get through.

When I read books like this, I can't help but compare them to Agatha Christie and I know that's a high bar to reach. And whilst this doesn't necessarily reach those heights, it does give me all that Christie does and it feels very nostalgic to that golden age mystery novel.

It's bizarre because it's written as if the narrator is talking directly to the reader, with things like, "Let me take you into this room" kind of thing. I don't think I'd like that but it was an impressive way of drawing the reader into the story. It almost felt like they were the Ghost of Christmas Past, which as a A Christmas Carol fan and collector, I was very pleased with.

There are lots of footnotes and whilst they are fun to read and add a little something extra to the story, they're not essential so don't feel as if you have to read them if footnotes aren't your kind of thing.

It has really long chapters and for me, I would have preferred shorter more snappy chapters, as I think they work best in a whodunnit.

I am notoriously terrible at working out whodunnits so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I didn't work this one out. It was hidden in a very clever way and so the big reveal was worth it.

I read this at the tail end of summer and whilst it was enjoyable then, I can imagine it'll be even better when read in the dark of a December evening.

There's an awful lot to like about this, but for me, they get tempered down by the page length and the intense descriptions. I think if it had been a bit shorter, a bit....um...I still wanted description because I think it's necessary to set scenes and characters, but a little less, or used a bit more sparingly, and this really could have been tip top thanks to the positive aspects.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a regular viewer of Katie Lumsden's YouTube channel, Books and Things, and when I watched her announcement video for this book, it immediately went onto my 'want to read' list. There's always a danger when I am eagerly anticipating a book that I'll allow my expectations to get too high and I'll end up disappointed. That was definitely not the case here! I was hooked on this book from the first page, when I was greeted by the spirit that was to be my tour guide of sorts, through Clifftop House and the events that unfolded there during the last week and a half of 1884. Clifftop House is the home of an obsessive scientist, Sir Russell Morgan. He has all kinds of gadgets scattered throughout the house and grounds--dishwashing machine, electric lights, indoor plumbing, and more. Sharing his home are his second wife, Lady Morgan, his adult children from his first marriage, and various servants and other household help. Guests arrive for the lavish Christmas gathering he has planned, some old friends and some newer acquaintances. There are secrets everywhere. People are being manipulated. Millie, our heroine, is a kitchen maid and she is good friends with a couple of the male servants in the home. She's a bit shocked at some of the things she witnesses, and she is the victim of bullying on the part of some of the other servants, but she's happy overall and she enjoys her friendships with Fred and Ayansh. Then things turn deadly and someone doesn't make it to Christmas Day. Millie decides to do a bit of investigating.

I loved this book from two different, but intertwining directions. First of all, it was simply a good story. I was into it from the start and kept reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen. I was immersed in the setting and invested in the characters. The solution to the mystery was clever and not one I saw coming. The second reason I loved this book relates to the first reason and that is the quality of the craft here. The structure of the book is not what I would typically expect of a historical Christmas mystery. It was so well done, though, and enhanced my reading experience. From watching her videos, I know that this author has a passion for the Victorian era and has done massive amounts of research over the years. Thus, she has a good grasp of many aspects of life during that time. She has apparently done even more research specific to this book and it shows--not in a heavy-handed way, but rather it's woven into the story in ways that give a deeper understanding of what life would have been like at that time. For instance, interspersed throughout the text are things like journal entries, letters that people have saved, menus, and the like. These provide some of the backstory without long descriptions of what happened and they allow the reader to gradually see how some pieces of the puzzle come together. I particularly loved the menus, which gave a glimpse into what a Christmas table would have been like. The author's note at the end provided some insight into the inspiration for the book and some of the sources Lumsden relied on in her research. I found that quite interesting as well.

I could go on and on here, but I'll just say that I loved this book. It's so well crafted and was a joy to read. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy of this excellent book.

[Fran2255 · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I’ve been on an Agatha Christie kick this year and The Christmas Tree Murders by Katie Lumsden really scratched the same itch, delivering a fun and satisfying murder mystery plot with excellent characters and a unique narrative voice.

The omniscient narrator speaks directly to the reader, giving the book a playful tone which I really enjoyed. The book is set in the Victorian period, and the narrator speaking to the reader allowed for some fun comments on Victorian Christmas traditions. I also loved the structure and format of the book as it used a mix of narrated chapters and epistolary documents to present various clues and aspects of the plot.

Regarding the mystery plot, I thought it was done excellently as there was enough clues and red herrings slowly drip fed throughout to keep me guessing, and there was a large cast of interesting characters, all with their own stories and secrets to make them plausible suspects. I also found myself really caring about the heroine Millie, especially her relationships with other characters and her detective curiosity which drove her determination to solve the mystery. I also liked that Millie provided a focus on a servant’s perspective which allowed for an interesting exploration of Victorian class dynamics and prejudices.

Overall this was a really enjoyable mystery novel, and I would really recommend it to fans of the genre.

Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for providing me with an eARC of this book!

[Teri-K]

Can't wait for this book! Preorder it from Blackwells in the UK and get free shipping to the US, too. :)

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Tree Murders is an utterly charming festive mystery with a delicious Victorian flourish — the kind of story that invites you to step through the doors of a grand country estate, take in the glow of electric lightbulbs (still a novelty in 1884), and settle in for a Christmas celebration that promises elegance, invention… and murder.

Clifftop House is a delightfully vivid setting: brand‑new, brimming with technological marvels, and filled with guests dressed in their finest. Sir Russell Morgan, his grown children, and his beautiful new wife preside over the festivities, but it’s Millie — a kitchenmaid with a sharp mind and a love of sensation novels — who steals the show. When a servant is found dead beneath the Christmas tree, his hands covered in burns, the police dismiss it as an accident. Millie, however, is not convinced.

The author captures the era with warmth and wit, weaving in the excitement of modern innovations alongside the rigid social structures of the household. Millie’s perspective is refreshing: observant, clever, and quietly bold, she sees what others overlook, and her determination to uncover the truth gives the story its heart. The narrative’s playful, almost conspiratorial tone — inviting the reader to “follow me, for we have much to see” — adds a lovely sense of theatre, as though we’re being guided through the mystery by a knowing storyteller.

As Christmas Day approaches, the tension builds beautifully. The clues are sparse, the atmosphere thick with suspicion, and the possibility of another murder hangs over the festivities like a shadow. The blend of cosy holiday charm and creeping danger is pitch‑perfect, making this a wonderfully engaging seasonal read.

Warm, witty, and delightfully twisty, The Christmas Tree Murders is a festive Victorian mystery that balances charm with intrigue — and proves that even the most glittering Christmas celebration can hide something dark beneath its branches.

With thanks to Katie Lumsden, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Mona Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of *The Christmas Tree Murders* before publication. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I really enjoyed *The Christmas Tree Murders*. The combination of a Victorian country house, Christmas celebrations and murder immediately appealed to me, but I especially liked the way the story uses the technological changes of the period as part of the mystery.

Sir Russell Morgan has invited friends, family and investors to spend Christmas at his newly built Clifftop House, which is filled with modern inventions including electric lighting, lifts and dumb waiters. But on the very first night, a footman named Fred is found dead after apparently being electrocuted.

The authorities are happy to accept the death as an accident, but Fred’s friend Millie, a kitchenmaid at the house, is convinced that something is wrong. I really liked having the investigation driven by someone from below stairs rather than one of the wealthy guests. Millie notices things that others overlook, and her personal connection to Fred gives her a believable reason to keep asking questions.

The setting was probably my favourite part. Clifftop House feels glamorous and impressive on the surface, but there is something slightly unsettling about all its new technology, hidden mechanisms and different levels of servants and guests. The festive atmosphere makes the darker elements stand out even more, particularly when another death occurs on Christmas Day.

I also liked the class dynamics and the sense that almost everyone in the house may be hiding something. There are family secrets, wealthy guests with their own interests and plenty of reasons why Fred might have discovered something he was never supposed to know.

The pace is more measured than a modern thriller, but that suited the historical setting. This feels much more like a traditional Victorian whodunnit with Gothic elements, where the atmosphere, characters and gradual accumulation of clues matter as much as the final reveal.

Overall, *The Christmas Tree Murders* was atmospheric, clever and very entertaining. I loved the Victorian Christmas setting, Millie as an unlikely investigator and the contrast between technological progress and an old-fashioned country-house murder mystery. A wonderfully festive historical mystery and one I can easily imagine rereading around Christmas.

[Daisy Ela · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a wealthy inventor invites family, friends, and business associates to spend Christmas at his technologically advanced home, scandals are likely to emerge. A footman is soon discovered dead beside a Christmas tree, with electrical burns leading to a ruling of accidental death.

A young kitchen maid and a staff member raise doubts about the result. However, it is not until a second death is revealed that further questions emerge. The kitchen maid and staff member must identify the true suspect before they face arrest themselves. A story that maintains a sense of uncertainty as new details surface.

This is a fast-paced murder mystery where the central issue concerns people’s whereabouts during the two deaths. The story is delivered by a witty narrator who speaks directly to the reader, guiding you through the house like a ghost observing the gathering. Alongside the guests’ own journals, letters, and interview manuscripts, the reader can piece the timeline together.

This is a well-written, historically framed murder mystery which combines relationships, scandals and business controversies. This is an excellent read that sustains suspense and questions while carrying out logical deductions. Overall, I would highly recommend this festive themed murder mystery.

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting is Clifftop House, just before Christmas 1884, the house is ready to greet the guests of Sir Russell Morgan, his wife and his two grownup children by his first wife. The house is testament to Sir Russell’s place as foremost inventor and engineer, it runs on electricity with lights in every room and outside too. In the kitchen there is a machine for washing the dishes and an electric spit to roast meat, every convince is within the house. So the guests have no need for their own servants.
The guests arrive and all is well until Fred the footman is discovered by his friend Millie in the study, he is dead from electric shock. The police deem it an accident but Millie and Alan’s are not so sure.
A well told tale with a few twists and red herrings, my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a couple of chapters for me to begin to enjoy the book , but after this the story ticked all the boxes for the perfect Christmas mystery .
The setting is Clifftop House the residence of Sir Russell Morgan a much celebrated inventor .
The house has electric light bulbs and many other technological innovations for the period ,the year being 1884.
It’s Christmas time and Sir Russell and his wife have guests to stay for the festive season .
One of them is a murderer .
This book is excellently written it reminded me of a Christmas Carol due to the narrator of the story .
Full of twists and cleverly written a perfect winter read .
Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph , Penguin Random House.

[Chrissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Tree Murders is an irresistible combination of Victorian Gothic Country House mystery .Set In December 1883/1884 it centres on Clifftop House the extravagant new home of inventor and millionaire Sir Russell Morgan. His Christmas Gathering takes a sinister turn when Fred a Footman is found dead beneath the Christmas Tree apparently electrocuted. The Police call it an accident but Millie a Kitchen maid and friend of Fred isn't convinced .I liked the way there was a "ghost" narrator guiding us through the story. Very gripping full of suspense ,atmospheric, compelling and altogether a lovely Christmas Story .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

[Val Millard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sir Russell Morgan built Clifftop House as a modern house to show off his new inventions. It’s 1884 and he’s invited several guests to stay for the Christmas period and he intends to make it a special occasion and astound them all with his technology.
Unfortunately there is a death before too long and no one is allowed to leave until it’s been decided whether it’s an accident or murder.
It’s an unusual book with a narrator and lots of twists and turns before the final denouement at the end of the book.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a Christmas thriller and this one didn’t disappoint.

Firstly the narrative itself is something that really took me by surprise when I first started reading and I loved it, it was a lot of fun to follow the book through the narrator. Also the setting and the time period of the book makes the atmosphere so much better and just added that extra enjoyment for me. It definitely felt similar to a Christmas carol.

Overall, really enjoyed this book and it is perfect for the Christmas season.

[Jenny Cooke (Bookish Shenanigans) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I'd worked out the culprit and then was entirely wrong - so clever and fun. I loved the way it plays with the form of the novel with diary entries, letters and transcripts. Just a joy to read from start to finish!