The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair: A BRAND NEW gripping detection club mystery full of twists and lies for 2026

The Detection Club #4

by Kelly Oliver, Penelope Rawlins (Reader)

The BRAND NEW installment in the brilliantly gripping historical cozy mystery series from BESTSELLER Kelly Oliver.

Scotland, 1930: Agatha Christie is getting married. She invites fellow members of the Detection Club to the windswept Isle of Skye for a quiet break while the banns are read. But tranquility proves elusive when the formidable Lord Blackwood, leader of a hunting party sharing their lodge, vanishes from the moors.

Sharp-eyed assistant to the Detection Club secretary, Eliza Baker, suspects foul play as the strange occurrences pile a mysterious grave in the churchyard, a missing rifle, and late-night excursions across the rugged island. There may be no body—yet—but someone at Dunmara Lodge is hiding a deadly secret.

As a storm cuts them off from the mainland, Eliza and her friend Theo must navigate lies, half-truths, and a treacherous landscape... but can they uncover the killer in the stalking grounds… or will the moors keep their secrets forever?

Head to the remote Isle of Skye in this delightful and gripping golden-age mystery series, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright and T. E. Kinsey.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Historical Mystery, Scotland

Audio CD

Published June 24, 2026

About the author

Kelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of four mysteries series:
Jessica James Mysteries (contemporary suspense), Pet Detective Mysteries (middle grade), Fiona Figg Mysteries (historical cozies), and The Detection Club Mysteries (traditional).

When she’s not writing mysteries, Kelly is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.

Kelly lives in Nashville with three very demanding felines.

To learn more about Kelly and her books, please visit her website at www.kellyoliverbooks.com.

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adored the setting and the mystery, while predictable, was still enjoyable at times, but Theo and his constant thoughts about Eliza and her beauty and how clever and special she is dragged the story too much..

Agatha is set to marry Max, but first the banns need to be read and to avoid publicity she decides to have them read at the Isle of Skye. Eliza and Theo join her, Dorothy and Agatha's daughte there, but a hunting party lead by Lord Blackwood is about to complicate everything.. After Lord Blackwood goes missing, Eliza is determined to find the answers and Theo is always following behind.. Some secrets are more disturbing than they could have imagined and time is ticking..

This is only my second encounter with Eliza and Theo, even do this the fourth book, and I'm glad they finally made some progress in their relationship, but I still don't like how much time is bring given to Theo's thoughts about Eliza and his father and how she and his current life are nothing like his father wanted. It goes on and on. I really think he needs to give it a rest. I couldn't fully immerse myself in the mystery because it kept being interrupted by him. I love how independent and brave Eliza is, but Theo feels more like her lapdog than a partner and I don't like that. She's in charge and I love that for her, but I would rather see them truly working together. He brings nothing to the table in these circumstances, just stalls the story and annoys me. I did enjoy the scene at the end, I hope it truly makes a difference in the next installments. 

The mystery was very predictable, I gathered most of what happened right at the beginning, it wasn't really hard. There was one thing I didn't expect, like at all, and I give credit were credit is due. It's why I'm increasing my rating a little bit.

The setting was moody and it suited the story beautifully. The author knows how to set the atmosphere and does so perfectly. It was my favourite part, I just wish the plot flowed better. 

*Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC.*

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Great atmosphere, but repetitive

1930, Scotland

Agatha Christie is getting married on the Isle of Skye, and the members of the Detection Club are invited. Eliza Baker, assistant to the club’s secretary, also gets an invitation. Everyone is enjoying their time on the island when the formidable Lord Blackwood, the owner of their lodging, vanishes on the moors. Eliza suspects foul play as more mysterious events occur.

When a storm cuts them off from the mainland, Eliza and Theo try to solve the case and find out who is guilty. What secrets are they keeping and why?

The story is told from Eliza and Theo’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts

Now, the series is getting better in some ways, but it is also not in other ways. The book should work as a standalone.

The atmosphere is terrific. A remote Scottish island, a storm, rain, fog, moors, raging sea, secrets, old buildings, a despicable peer, a frustrated hunting party, and threats are all great ingredients for a mystery. These aspects are handled very well.

The story is also darker because of its themes. However, it doesn’t dig into the details and provides only as much as is required to reveal the information so that we can remain in the cozy mystery genre.

The characters are interesting, too, each with strong motives to want that fellow dead. Agatha and Dorothy are recurring characters, as expected (it is Agatha’s wedding after all), and we also meet a young Rosalind (the daughter) this time.

You can guess the unsaid and be a part of the mystery, but there are enough twists to keep you hooked. I also like how it ends. Rather satisfying.

My biggest issue is with Theo’s chapters. I understand he has a lot of daddy issues with that earl harping on and on about what he wants from his son. But most of Theo’s chapters are about his father and the FMC—how he is different from what his father wants and how much he loves Eliza for being brave, smart, talented, blah, blah… Buddy, I already know all this from previous books. And new readers would have understood after the first few mentions. You can’t give him a POV only to turn him into a record playing the same song on loop. I started skimming his chapters because they were boring me to death.

At least, there’s some progress in the personal love track, a small relief for readers who had to deal with Theo’s never-ending musings. Small mercies!

To summarize, The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair has a good plot and great atmosphere, but the repetitiveness of one character’s POV affects the book.

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

#NetGalley #TheCaseOfTheChristieWeddingAffair

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair is different from the other books in the series in that it more dark and somewhat creepy. Eliza, Theo, and Dorothy have joined Agatha on the Isle of Skye to announce the bans of her wedding to Max. They are staying in a lodge two days from the closest village and arrived on the isle via a ferry. The idea was to avoid publicity. There was a hunting party at the lodge along with the Christie party and all were acting strange, especially when the leader of the group, Lord Blackwood, disappeared. This is a twisty story with many suspicious people who seem to know more than they are saying. Eliza is determined to find the arrogant man is the disagreeable conditions on the moor as are the other people. This story is more philosophical as while the story alternates between Eliza and Theo's viewpoints, it is told more from Theo's and quite wordy with his thoughts. With all this said, this is a great addition to the series.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
2 likes

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair is different from the other books in the series in that it more dark and somewhat creepy. Eliza, Theo, and Dorothy have joined Agatha on the Isle of Skye to announce the bans of her wedding to Max. They are staying in a lodge two days from the closest village and arrived on the isle via a ferry. The idea was to avoid publicity. There was a hunting party at the lodge along with the Christie party and all were acting strange, especially when the leader of the group, Lord Blackwood, disappeared. This is a twisty story with many suspicious people who seem to know more than they are saying. Eliza is determined to find the arrogant man is the disagreeable conditions on the moor as are the other people. This story is more philosophical as while the story alternates between Eliza and Theo's viewpoints, it is told more from Theo's and quite wordy with his thoughts. With all this said, this is a great addition to the series.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

[marita lazarus · Rating 3 out of 5]

not may favorite in the series. Good story, just not cohesive enough for me....

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous Detection Club Mystery from Kelly Oliver. Eliza and Theo are involved in the mystery from the very beginning as they try to work out what’s happened to Lord Blackmore.
Secrets and lies fill the pages as more is uncovered by our two intrepid detectives.
Tense and mysterious, this is a fast-paced thrilling read, with the storm and the desolate landscape providing the perfect setting for a wonderfully atmospheric story.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie, of the Detection Club, are on the Isle of Skye for the banns to be read for Agatha's upcoming wedding. They are in the isolated community, along with Eliza, Dorothy's secretary, Theo, and Rosalind, Agatha's daughter, for privacy. But at the other guests at the inn, Lord Blackwood and his hunting party, interupt the peaceful interlude they expected. Things turn grim during a nasty storm when they are isolated and Blackwood goes missing on the moors. There may be no body but there are plenty of questionable goings-ons: mysterious trips across the rugged landscape in the middle of the night, a new dug grave in the cemetery, people telling lies, and then the children disappear. Will Eliza and Theo figure out what is going on before a body is found?

Overall, a solid but somewhat predictable mystery. I enjoy the people of the Detection Club, particularly Agatha and Dorothy who are the main representatives of the group in these books. It is interesting to get a glimpse into their personalities and lives, where of course there is artistic license and speculation but some aspects are based on real facts.

Eliza, the Detection Club assistant to the secretary, Dorothy, is one of two povs in the story. She is clever, relies on facts and science, and is very reluctant to let another person into her heart after losing so many. She is the one who really solves the mysteries.

Theo, a writer, friend and love interest of Eliza, is the other pov in the story. He is likeable but holds back the story because most of the time he is like an infatuated teenage boy who you can almost see the hearts in his eyes from his thoughts. He is always thinking Eliza is so smart, so special, so terrific, etc. It is too much from an adult. It is also boring because it is so repetitive. If he isn't thinking about how wonderful Eliza is, he dwells on what his father expects of him and how he is't that. I get intrusive thoughts, and it isn't as often as his thoughts about Eliza, but it is too much. He hardly has any time to think about the mystery. While Eliza is also in love with Theo and thinks about him at inopportune times she is clear headed enough to solve the mystery. I just don't think of them as an equal couple. He is too much the love-sick puppy.

But, overall, I diid enjoy the book. Oliver creates a great atmosphere and you really get the feeling of the isolated island and the rugged landscape.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm usually drawn to this series for the history mixed with the story but this time the focus seemed to be, while drawn from a real event, more of an ominous good story than history. Don't get me wrong. I fell into the ooze of the story immediately and I use the word "ooze" deliberately. While we don't get much history here, we do get a grand overview of the moody isle of Sky. That's where Agatha Christie married her archeologist beau Max Mallowen in reality. The tone is essentially set from the first page when Christie associate Eliza Baker's beagle Queenie is being tossed about on on the decks of the ferry taking Eliza and her associate and potential romantic partner Theo to the ceremony to meet up with others. The party had expected to be the only ones at the lodge but discover they're sharing the premises with a hunting party put together by a rather haughty Lord Blackwood. His wife is with him but, well, rather obviously not happy to be there. You'll find out why as you read. Let's just cut to the chase and say the hunting party of four goes hunting and only three of them return. They all had good reasons to be glad he didn't.

The author does an excellent job describing the wild, seemingly largely uninhabited area with its many potential dangers. And, what's that talk from lodge hostess, young Maisie, about ghosts? Why is she so nervous? The hunting party just laughs off Lord Blackwood's failure to return, saying it's not out of the usual for him. His wife adds that he has done this before, simply going off to the local village for awhile. Eliza isn't so sure but, well, her Scotland Yard training has her "something isn't right" nerves on edge. As for Theo, he has her back but is more of a dreamy poet type, one fonder of fiction as opposed to Eliza's "just the facts" sensibilities. Hard to believe they've danced around a relationship so far but it's obvious Theo is thoroughly smitten while, shh, as reluctant as her heart is to admit it, Eliza has grown fonder and fonder of him. You'll get the background for her reticence when it comes to being involved as the story goes along. Theo, who is the son of an Earl, came from a much more privileged background than Eliza but has been a disappointment to his father the Earl. Agatha Christie is focused on her upcoming marriage, of course, but one has to believe that both she and friend Dorothy Sayers are taking notes for future books. We meet the groom to be late in the book but also Agatha's daughter, While I probably did know about her, I had long forgotten, so that was a bit of new info to me.

In any case, lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing as you try to nail whodunit before Eliza and Theo. There are some rather spooky scenes. I mean, how does a dead body get out of its grave? Who kidnaps both Agatha's daughter and young Callum, part of the lodge managers' family? For whom or what does the bell toll? (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Would you go merrily traipsing off onto the moors alone with a murderer about? Yep, you guessed it. Eliza does. She also is rather rash in her questioning, in my mind making herself a target. You'll also get to know both Eliza and Theo better as you're given insight into their mind set on their budding romance. And....oh, plenty more, including climbing towering bell towers, wandering through a graveyard, and daring to follow a potential killer into dangerous, seemingly uncharted caves. And, oh, yes, the missing children.

But, enough teasers. While I was disappointed not to get my usual history lesson this go-round, the odd mix of budding romance and the ominous, spooky mood, and, shiver, some of the events definitely kept me reading. I actually figured out a plot twist fairly early on, yea, me, but still didn't manage to put it all together until the rather unexpected big reveal. I definitely liked seeing Queenie being a real part of the plot rather than just an accessory, too. Virtual treats for Queenie. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to this intriguing set of characters and letting me time travel back (September 1930) for an early peek at how life is treating the curious and oh, so, determined Eliza and her back-up and wannabe more than friends friend Theo. That ending definitely has me ready for the next book!

[Ariana Ochoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair takes us to the Isle of Skye in Edinburgh where Agatha Christie is to wed her love, Max Mallowan, in a intimate ceremony with her closest friends (away from the media). Theo and Eliza arrive on a broody, stormy day and find themselves amongst mixed company at a lodge alongside Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie. Their fellow lodgers happen to be apart of a hunting party led by Lord Blackwood. As Agatha prepares for the exchanging of the banns at St. Cuthbert's church, disaster strikes the hunting party and someone goes missing. Theo and Eliza partner together to solve the case in this atmospheric, historical mystery.

The fanatical Christie and Golden Age mystery lover in me instantly gushed over the mention of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. Although Agatha's wedding had me initially absorbed into this story, the actual plot was centered around Theo and Eliza's budding romance, the mystery that ensued with the hunting party, and a kidnapping. There were many twists and turns. This story was more eerie than the others and lacked the historical element that I loved from the previous books. I also found that Theo overanalyzing his feelings for Eliza was insufferable at times (or maybe I feel like Eliza is too good for Theo and can do better) Not enough credit is given to Queenie, the true genius of the bunch, and somehow the case is solved, and I am left waiting impatiently for the next installment.

This book was an entertaining read! If you like cozy mysteries, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, or the Detection Club, you'll love this book.

Many thanks to the Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-crafted mystery that unfolded at its own pace

Having enjoyed the previous books in this series, I was delighted to return to Kelly Oliver's world of literary sleuthing, where real life crime writers mingle with fictional mysteries. Once again, familiar faces including Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers make appearances, adding an extra layer of charm for anyone who enjoys the Golden Age of detective fiction.

This instalment shifts much of the focus towards Eliza and Theo, allowing their story to take centre stage while a wedding becomes the backdrop for another cleverly constructed mystery. There are plenty of suspects, several twists to unravel, and enough secrets to keep the investigation moving. As always, I appreciated how historical fact is woven together with fiction, creating an entertaining "what if?" world that never takes itself too seriously.

While I enjoyed the mystery itself and admired the amount of research that clearly went into the story, this one didn't quite capture my attention in the same way as the earlier books. I found myself reading it in smaller chunks over a longer period because I never quite reached that irresistible "just one more chapter" feeling. The pieces all came together well in the end, but the journey there felt a little slower for me.

Even so, I'm very glad I read it and I'll happily continue with the series. Kelly Oliver has created an original blend of historical fiction and classic detective storytelling that will especially appeal to readers who enjoy seeing famous literary figures reimagined as characters within a mystery.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agatha Christie is set to marry a much younger archeologist named Max. She wants the wedding to be kept a secret, so she invites the Detection Club to Isle of Skye, Scotland. They are to be hosted at Dunmara Lodge where Maisie and her dad will take care of the group while they wait for Agatha's banns yo be read three weeks before the wedding. The club runs into a group of men who are there to hunt. Lord Hector Blackwood is joined by his wife Lady Celia, Sir Lionel, Major Fincher and Colonel Hume. Eliza Baker overhears a conversation where Lord Hector is planning to kidnap someone. And when he goes missing during the hunt, Eliza knows that foul play is at hand. As the group continues to look for Blackwood, Masie's little brother Callum goes missing. While putting the pieces of the puzzle together, Eliza and Theo believe that both cases may be connected. It is up to them and Queenie, Eliza's pet, to help find the boy before it's too late.

I loved how Queenie was the main detective in this installment. Eliza and Theo really shined and their love for each other was stronger and more evident this time around. I enjoy Theo's character and how he always stands up for the group, specially the women and more importantly for Eliza. Lord Blackwood was such an awful man and I was glad how things turned out for him. Lady Celia seemed like she was too weak to ever go against her husband, but she came through in the end. Overall another great read from this amazing author!

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Acantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another entertaining Detection Club mystery.

This time we are on the Isle of Skye for the reading of the banns for Agatha Christie. (announcing her wedding.)

Theo's chapters were, alas, the weak spot of this book. Not only were they incredibly repetitive - every chapter was him thinking about how his parents didn't approve/understand him. And thinking about how much he loved Eliza. They were incredibly flowery chapters, I can't say I noticed them being that overly descriptive in previous books but maybe they were. They rarely added anything to the book and I found myself fighting the urge to roll my eyes when he had the exact same thought for the hundredth time.

Luckily, the Eliza chapters were much better. She's a great main character, and Queenie, her dog was just adorable.

The setting was a complete 180 from the previous book, instead of the desert we have a foggy island filled with rain and mystery. It was highly atmospheric and gloomy. The wind rattling around the isolated house, the creepy church with its abandoned bell tower, the endless windswept moors... the location was an utter delight and perfectly set the scene for a macabre tale.

The identity of the 'boy' and what had happened there was maybe not a great surprise but the mystery of Blackwood's disappearance is delightful. It is full of twists and turns, secrets and lies. You won't see it all coming and it ties in perfectly with the gothic vibes of the location. A delightfully dark cosy.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Keighley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so pleased to receive an email offering me an ARC of this book from @boldwoodbooks. Having previously read and reviewed one of the author’s earlier works, I loved the settings and characters in this series, so I just had to say yes!

Returning to the world of Agatha Christie, we join her and several members of the Detection Club as they settle on the Isle of Skye in preparation for Christie’s wedding.

However, they soon discover they are not the only guests at their accommodation. A hunting party is also staying there, and before long a tangled web of lies, deceit, kidnapping, and murder begins to unravel before their eyes.

We also catch up with Eliza and Theo as they continue to battle their feelings for one another while attempting to solve a murder. With the police unable to reach the island for several days, they are desperate to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

This was a truly gripping read and so well written. The author cleverly misdirects the reader several times - which is exactly what you want from this type of mystery - and maintains just the right level of suspense throughout.

I don’t think you necessarily need to read the previous books in the series, as this could work as a standalone novel. However, reading them would certainly help you understand some of the characters and their relationships more fully.

I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

[Moriah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher - all opinions are my own. I did find it took me a little while to get into it, but once I did, I enjoyed it. Agatha Christie is on the Isle of Skye in Scotland to have the banns read for her upcoming marriage to Max with as little fan fare as possible. While the bans are being read, Agatha, Eliza, Dorothy Sayers, Theo, and Queenie are staying at Dunmara Lodge. Unfortunately, it turns out they aren't the only people there when a hunt party hosted by Lord Blackwood shows . Lord Blackwood is a thoroughly unpleasant man who is unliked by even his wife and friends. When Blackwood goes missing while out hunting, Eliza has to determine if he just wondered off or something more sinister happened to him. And if it was murder, who did it? Was it his wife who clearly hated him, one of the members of the hunting party who he seemed to be holding something over, or the caretaker of Dunmara Lodge? Add to the potential murder a possible kidnapping, and Eliza has more than she can handle. I enjoyed the mystery even if some parts of it were pretty easy to figure out - there is a really interesting twist I didn't see coming. I will say that I felt like this title was a little darker than previous ones in both this series and the Fianna Figg series. I definitely will be reading the next book in the series.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the reader might think this mystery would be all about the titular wedding, the connection comes from the attempt to avoid publicity about her upcoming nuptials, Agatha and her friends have escaped to Skye to read the banns. The quiet sojourn that had been planned is ruined by a noisy, testosterone laden hunting party lead by a particularly obnoxious bully. When he disappears on the first day, no one seems overly concerned. Some members of the household and party seem positively chuffed.

But Eliza and Theo are determined to find the lost Lord and unravel the secrets and mysteries that pervade. As she finds bits and pieces, the clues start to mount and the unthinkable becomes reality. Two children disappear as well and even when the first returns, there are worries that nefarious deeds may be behind the kidnapping. As it turns out, nefarious deeds are behind it, but not necessarily in the way Eliza and Theo first thought. As a reader, I sussed out the biggest baddest secrets right from the get-go but it was fun watching Eliza and Theo follow the clues. What was even more.fun was the two of them discovering, or at least admitting to clues of a more personal nature. I might add FINALLY as the two have been at cross purposes for a long time.

Lots of Highland atmosphere adds to an enjoyable read. Four purrs and two paws up.

[Caitlin Gonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all of the novels in this series, and this felt off for some reason. There were moments that Eliza and Theo appeared to be “together”, and then there were moments of Theo still pining for Eliza. It was a tad bit confusing. There was also the missing history that the author usually writes in. Oh, Agatha Christie and Max did go to Skye, but the reading of the banns felt like an extra action. “Oh, this is why they are here, and now we move on” kind of deal. Plus, there is Agatha’s daughter Rosalind as a new addition, but again they felt like filler pieces and not active participants like in previous novels.

During the mystery, the descriptions were on point. I felt the cold, rain, and wind. But I also felt the fear. The setting and writing made the reader feel as if they were in more of a horror novel than a mystery novel. “It was a dark and stormy night” or day or week should have been how this novel started. It felt like the author was aiming for the stereotypical dark mansion, dark night, and secrets galore. I found myself actually becoming angry with both Eliza and Theo because there were so many OBVIOUS clues, and yet no action was taken, no thoughts connecting dots. Which is not typical for Eliza.

Overall, I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book four in a historical cozy mystery series involving Agatha Christie and her sleuthing friends. This is the second book I read in this series. I thought I had read more, but I guess I only read one. I enjoy this series, I like the little look into Agatha’s life and the mysteries are fun to solve along.
In this book Agatha is getting married in Scotland and invites her fellow members of the Detective Club to join her. Everything is going smoothly as she anticipates her wedding when the formidable Lord Blackwood, leader of a hunting party sharing their lodge, vanishes from the moors. There is something dark and sinister afoot and Agatha’s trusty friend Eliza jumps in to solve the case.
If you are a historical mystery fan I think you will like this series. I enjoyed the mystery and there were different layers to the story. The only part of the story I didn’t love was the love story between Eliza and Theo. Their relationship is a bit confusing and all Theo does is pine over Eliza, which got a bit annoying to read. Other than that I really like this series and will continue reading it.
This comes out on June 24, 2026
Thank you Boldwood Books for an advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several other novels by Kelly Oliver - in both her "Fiona Figg" and "Eliza Baker" series, and enjoyed them.

This book is the next in her "Eliza Baker" series.

We are reunited with several characters from earlier novels - including Eliza, Theo, and fictionalised versions of Dorothy L Sayers and Agatha Christie.

This time, Agatha and her companions travel to a remote village on the Isle of Sky, in order to have the banns for her forthcoming wedding read - avoiding publicity. Well that was the idea... A hunting party is staying at the same lodge, including Lord Blackwood and his wife. There are also some rather odd characters... I won't divulge any more of the plot, other than to say that Eliza's faithful pooch (Queenie) comes into her own in this novel.

I enjoyed this novel. The premise was interesting, and I liked the way that real-life characters appear throughout the story - a feature of other novels by Kelly Oliver.

Recommended for fans of "cosy mystery" novels.

This would be an ideal novel to take on a journey or on holiday. I'm looking forward to reading about further adventures of Eliza and Theo.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

[April Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Detective Club (Eliza, Theo, Dorothy and of course Queenie) finds themselves on the Isle of Skye waiting for the Banns to be read for Agatha Christie's marriage to her archaeologist beau, Max. Agatha is there with her daughter. They are staying in a lodge along with a hunting party headed up by Lord Blackwood who brings along his wife Celia and his friends. Lord Blackwood is not a likeable man and doesn't seem to be liked by his friends or his wife. The weather has turned bad and Lord Blackwood has not come back from the hunt. Is Lord Blackwood missing or has something more nefarious happened to him. If that wasn't bad enough Agatha's daughter and the son of the lodge owner are missing from the beach. As the search goes, old secrets come to light.

This was an engrossing story that will keep you wondering. I liked how they wove Agatha Chrisite facts into it. It was a little darker and more gothic in feel than previous installments of this series. I liked hearing Theo's point of view. I do wish that relationship would move a little faster. I wasn't sure how i felt about Lord Blackwood's wife, Celia, but she came through in the end.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the chance to read this story and give my opinion.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting: 1930, Isle of Skye, Scotland, where Agatha Christie has gone to have the bans read prior to her wedding to Max Mallowan. Accompanying her are fellow mystery writer and Detection Club member, Dorothy Sayers, as well as the club's secretary, Eliza Baker, and Eliza's poet friend and love interest, Theo Sharp. The lodge they are staying at is also housing a hunting party, led by the obnoxious Lord Blackwood, who is joined by his wife and three friends. As a major storm rolls in, Blackwood doesn't return from the hunt with everyone else and Eliza starts to suspect foul play, despite his wife and friends saying this isn't completely out of character for him. The storm and remote setting provide a moody, somewhat gothic backdrop for the mystery, and there is a lot going on in the story but it moves relatively slowly until closer to the end, when all the various plot lines come together with some surprising twists. Some of the story focuses on Eliza and Theo's developing relationship, but with maybe a bit too much time spent inside Theo's head. I like Eliza, a smart and capable investigator, and I like that she has a good match in Theo since he accepts and defers to her abilities but also brings his own strengths and experience to the investigation.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1930 on the Island of Skye, the setting was bleak for a joyous event. In secret to avoid the Press and because the Church of Scotland was kinder to divorcees, Agatha Christie was getting the banns for her wedding announced in Skye. With her are her friends from the Detection Club.

The quietness of the occasion is shattered by the disappearance of Lord Blackwood who is part of a hunting party, sharing the lodge. His disappearance is strange because it is apparent that both the vicar and ghillie in charge are hiding grave secrets. When it is apparent that the Lady Blackwood and the general factotum of the lodge are also acting weirdly, Eliza and Theo start their own detection till a constable gets there. What is unearthed is a tale of brutality, cheating and sexual coercion going back decades which multiplies the suspects. Lord Blackwood was not a likeable character.

Very engaging with the romance of Eliza and Theo also very much on the scene, the story is very descriptive of the Island of Skye which adds to the starkness of the background. A cozy with a touch of historical fiction as well.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We left Eliza Baker and Theodore Sharpe planning to attend Agatha Christie’s Wedding to Max Mallowan, something they, along with Dorothy L Sawyer were looking forward to as it was a carefully kept secret, but an exciting one.
The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair sees Eliza and Theo arriving on the Isle of Skye in the worst possible weather to discover they are not the only ones, other than Agatha and Dorothy, residing at Dunmara Lodge: there is a hunting party led by Lord Hector Blackwood, a loud, overbearing man, his wife and friends.
The four friends, of which they now are, having shared a number of life-threatening adventures, are somewhat puzzled by this and as the storm continues to rage about the Lodge, they are all wondering what the real intent is behind Lord Blackwoods last minute visit to the Lodge.
They are there to hear the Bans read for Agatha before journeying on to Edinburgh for the wedding; the hunting party seem to be there for many, many other reasons and it is not long before one of these reasons become apparent, or does it?
The Minister is behaving in a very odd manner, stumbling terribly over the reading of the Bans, Maisie, the young woman looking after the Lodge is on edge and Iain, Maisie’s father is trying somewhat desperately to make everything appear as normal. It is very apparent they know Lord Blackwell and do not appear to like him.
After the first hunt Lord Blackwood appears to have either disappeared deliberately or been murdered; if so why and who did it are of a concern in this closed knit little community of Dunmara Lodge as it is possible one of them has committed a murder.
As time moves onward matters come to a head when Maisie’s son and Agatha’s daughter also disappear from an outing to the beach. Answers to questions are few and far between, and it is clear that time is of the essence as the weather is once again fast becoming a storm.
Told through the eyes of Theo who is terribly in love with Eliza, The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair looks at love in its many guises, to create an absolutely engrossing fourth book in the ‘A Detection Club’ series from Kelly Oliver.
Cozy Murder fans will love this one set on the stormy Isle of Skye against a wild and windswept backdrop.
Footnote: The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair is based on the life of Agatha Christie who did indeed marry Archologist Max Mallowan in Edinburgh on 1 September 1930. They remained married until her death in 1976.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth in the Detective Club novels, featuring Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers.

Having read the previous three books, I was really looking forward to the latest instalment. This time round sees Agatha, Dorothy, Eliza and Theo heading off the the Isle of Skye to have Agatha's marriage banns read out, to try and throw journalists off their trail. Here they find themselves caught up in a mystery involving a hunting party who are staying at the same lodge.

This definitely felt very different to the earlier books. The descriptions and setting were a lot darker, it felt more like a gothic or horror novel than the cosy mysteries the previous books have been. It was a lot more wordy, and there were a number of clues that Eliza didn't pick up on, that I couldn't understand- the characters just felt a bit different in this book. That said, I did love Dorothy sarcasm as usual, but felt the book needed more of both her and Agatha.

[Roz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the series and a great continuation of a now well established cozy crime. Set in the era of the great detectives and their creators featuring more than one, most notably Agatha Christie, this book starts with announcement of a secret wedding for the aforementioned author.

Set in the wilds of Scotland in the estate of a man who lords it over his family, friends and staff a hunt begins and at the end someone does not return.

The story is a good pace and features some likeable characters who readers that are not new to the series will recognise. The undercurrent of the romance between the main young protagonists provides a good balance to the mystery.

I would definitely recommend this book which can be read a standalone or for more understanding of the characters and their relationships then reading the entire series would be beneficial.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soon after the Detection Club arrives in 1930 Scotland for Agatha Christie's wedding, fellow lodger Lord Blackwood vanishes. Amid strange occurrences like a missing rifle and a hidden grave, assistant Eliza suspects foul play. Isolated by a storm, she and love interest Theo must unravel secrets and lies before the moors claim another victim.

This book has a more Gothic feel than the previous installments in the series. I enjoyed the mystery, but the pace was a bit plodding. Eliza has developed more confidence over the course of the series, to the point where she now seems a bit intractable. Meanwhile, Theo seems content to passively follow where she leads. The writing style is a bit more literary than the previous books, with greater emphasis on character development.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are taken to the mysterious Isle of Skye in this adventure. There is plenty of unplanned excitement but Eliza and Theo are on the case. Agatha and Dorothy are firmly in the back seat in this one. The plot is layered as secrets from the past come to light. Thank goodness for Queenie, Eliza's beagle who can follow clues others miss.

I like how Oliver describes the characters and their action. Of Eliza, for example, “She was all forward motion, all sharpened edges, and restless mind.” That certainly indicates a woman on a mission. The landscape is treacherous and the weather frightful in this latest mystery from Oliver.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

[ReccosbyRucha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair is a delightful mystery that blends classic detective vibes with a fresh twist.
I especially loved how Agatha Christie is woven into the story. It adds a unique charm for mystery fans.
The cast of characters is engaging, with Eliza’s Scotland Yard background bringing that authentic, old-school investigative feel.
The mystery unfolds gradually, building suspense step by step and keeping you hooked.
The reveal feels well-earned and the climax is both surprising and satisfying.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read - I will definitely be checking out more from Kelly Oliver.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza, Theo, Dorothy and Agatha are heading to the Isle of Skye in order for the banns for Agatha's upcoming wedding to Max to be read in relative anonymity. They end up sharing the remote lodge with a hunting party lead by the entitled Lord Blackwood.
When the hunters leave for the hunt the next day there are four of them, but only three return and a hunt is launched down the missing Lord Blackwood. During this time the small brother of Maisie, who helps run the lodge with her father, disappears.
Eliza, Theo and Queenie the dog find out some secrets long hidden and the damage someone's sense of entitlement can do to a family.
Another interesting read from this author.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book less enjoyable than the others in the series, the story is much darker, but also it seemed to drag in places with too much emphasis on descriptive rather than action. The characters of Agatha and Dorothy are too much in the background for my liking and Theo seems to be reduced in this too.
I thought the setting on the island was good, but the isolation was overplayed a bit.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc. 3.5⭐️

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kelly Oliver for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair coming out June 24, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this author’s writing! I love cozy mysteries. I love Christie adaptations! The setting was really fun. I love wedding stories. I really enjoyed the characters. I would definitely keep reading books from this series.