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Below Stairs Mystery #7.75
A Moveable Feast: A Below Stairs Mystery Novella
Spring 1884Kat Holloway's employer abruptly decides the family will spend Easter dinner at a friend's house in Portman Square, where Kat will substitute for that home's cook, who has fallen ill. Kat strongly objects but has no choice but to obey.
Intrigue and sudden death in that household, however, catches Kat off-guard and plunges her, Daniel, and their friends into yet another dangerous mystery.
Intrigue and sudden death in that household, however, catches Kat off-guard and plunges her, Daniel, and their friends into yet another dangerous mystery.
Audible Audio
Published September 2, 2026
About the author
Jennifer Ashley
210 books7,417 followersNY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 1, 2025
Kat Holloway is the cook in a Mayfair home and has established herself as a bit of an amateur sleuth, working together with her beau Daniel and group of friends and allies. The series has a slow-burning romance, friendships, and each book contains a mystery as it continues an overall arc. I recommend reading them in the order of their release. The novellas can be read in order with series or binged.
Ashley delivered a fast-paced, well execute mystery highlighting Kat at her best. She pulls together a meal, investigates and keeps me hooked. I devoured this one in one sitting and was left wholly rewarded. Daniel steps in to help, which allows us to enjoy page time with our couple together as they share dreams of their future. I love the romance, friendships and Kat herself. She is quite clever and her dishes make my mouth water, especially the desserts.
Whether you’ve read the series, I recommend reading A Moveable Feast set over the Easter holiday. Ashley has the novellas available in two boxed sets now as well. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Ashley delivered a fast-paced, well execute mystery highlighting Kat at her best. She pulls together a meal, investigates and keeps me hooked. I devoured this one in one sitting and was left wholly rewarded. Daniel steps in to help, which allows us to enjoy page time with our couple together as they share dreams of their future. I love the romance, friendships and Kat herself. She is quite clever and her dishes make my mouth water, especially the desserts.
Whether you’ve read the series, I recommend reading A Moveable Feast set over the Easter holiday. Ashley has the novellas available in two boxed sets now as well. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 28, 2025
Below Stairs novella. Kat is sent to a neighbor's house to cook Easter dinner and finds a household in disarray. The cook is ill and has likely been poisoned. When the son of the house dies as dinner is being served, Kat has a mystery to solve.
November 21, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. I was nicely satisfied with this Mystery novella involving Mayfair cook Kat Holloway & the dastardly deeds inside a peer’s home.
1=DNF/What was that?; 2=Not for me; 3=Ok; 3.5=I enjoyed this; 4=I REALLY ENJOYED THIS; 5=I really loved this! (5 is rare for me).
London, Easter, 1884 ~
Mayfair cook Kat Holloway is elbows deep preparing the family’s Easter meal for the morrow when Mrs Bywater, the mistress of the house (not the owner), informs Mrs Holloway that she will be packing up her foodstuffs and finishing the family’s Easter meal in the kitchen of her (supposed) Lady friend, Lady Babcock. Apparently Lady Babcock’s cook has recently taken ill so Mrs Bywater offered Kat as the cook for their upcoming Easter meal. And oh, by the way. Lady Babcock’s guest list is 20 odd people.
Kat is furious with Mrs Bywater’s impetuous, thoughtless change of plans for the Easter meal. At this late date, everything prepared must be packed up or left behind, additional perishables must immediately be purchased and prepared in an unfamiliar kitchen with most likely an uncooperative staff. If that isn’t difficult enough, of course, murder comes a calling.
Comments ~
I have read each of Ashley’s Below Stairs/Kat Holloway Mysteries and have enjoyed them all (with the exception of The Lemon Pudding novella). A MOVEABLE FEAST novella is bk 8.5 in the Kat Holloway Below Stairs Historical British Mystery series and it reads quickly. I prefer reading the books in order as the characters and their connections continue to develop from book to book. Each title contains its own conflict and resolution, however, and could be read (although not ideally) out of order.
(With the exception of the Lemon Pudding novella, reviewed separately), I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy:
> Character-driven novels/series.
> Mysteries resonating somewhere between Gritty mysteries and Cozy.
> British Mysteries.
> Historical Mysteries.
> Seasoned (mature) main characters, refined through circumstances, resilient, determined and honorable.
> Fiction with a touch of humor & warmth, leaving the reader with a sense of hope for our world.
> ‘Escape’ fiction set in a different time and place.
> Excellently performed audiobooks, in Mysteries.
READER CAUTIONS ~ Suitable for most readers.
PROFANITY - Strong language is used minimally (if at all).
VIOLENCE - PG-13. Death occurs but is not described in a dark or graphic manner.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Kisses.
1=DNF/What was that?; 2=Not for me; 3=Ok; 3.5=I enjoyed this; 4=I REALLY ENJOYED THIS; 5=I really loved this! (5 is rare for me).
London, Easter, 1884 ~
Mayfair cook Kat Holloway is elbows deep preparing the family’s Easter meal for the morrow when Mrs Bywater, the mistress of the house (not the owner), informs Mrs Holloway that she will be packing up her foodstuffs and finishing the family’s Easter meal in the kitchen of her (supposed) Lady friend, Lady Babcock. Apparently Lady Babcock’s cook has recently taken ill so Mrs Bywater offered Kat as the cook for their upcoming Easter meal. And oh, by the way. Lady Babcock’s guest list is 20 odd people.
Kat is furious with Mrs Bywater’s impetuous, thoughtless change of plans for the Easter meal. At this late date, everything prepared must be packed up or left behind, additional perishables must immediately be purchased and prepared in an unfamiliar kitchen with most likely an uncooperative staff. If that isn’t difficult enough, of course, murder comes a calling.
Comments ~
I have read each of Ashley’s Below Stairs/Kat Holloway Mysteries and have enjoyed them all (with the exception of The Lemon Pudding novella). A MOVEABLE FEAST novella is bk 8.5 in the Kat Holloway Below Stairs Historical British Mystery series and it reads quickly. I prefer reading the books in order as the characters and their connections continue to develop from book to book. Each title contains its own conflict and resolution, however, and could be read (although not ideally) out of order.
(With the exception of the Lemon Pudding novella, reviewed separately), I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy:
> Character-driven novels/series.
> Mysteries resonating somewhere between Gritty mysteries and Cozy.
> British Mysteries.
> Historical Mysteries.
> Seasoned (mature) main characters, refined through circumstances, resilient, determined and honorable.
> Fiction with a touch of humor & warmth, leaving the reader with a sense of hope for our world.
> ‘Escape’ fiction set in a different time and place.
> Excellently performed audiobooks, in Mysteries.
READER CAUTIONS ~ Suitable for most readers.
PROFANITY - Strong language is used minimally (if at all).
VIOLENCE - PG-13. Death occurs but is not described in a dark or graphic manner.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Kisses.
August 2, 2025
It’s Easter and Mrs. Holloway is preparing a grand feast… in someone else’s kitchen. Ordered to fill in for Mrs. Bywater’s friend’s ill cook, Kat remains an excellent cook while in a difficult situation. And when the heir to the household is murdered during the Easter meal, Kat does her best to protect the young staff.
A Moveable Feast is another delightful mystery set in the Kat Holloway world. The novella has a quick pace, but it’s not lacking on story. The entire mystery is well thought out and interesting. We see Kat at her best, creating amazing meals and solving crimes. We also witness her kind heart and sharp mind. Her beau, Daniel, makes an appearance and provides support. I adore this couple and their shared dream of having their own happy home someday.
A Moveable Feast is a standalone mystery that may be enjoyed by cozy readers unfamiliar with the series; however, fans of the series, who are familiar with the characters, will get the most out of the novella.
My Rating: A-
A Moveable Feast is another delightful mystery set in the Kat Holloway world. The novella has a quick pace, but it’s not lacking on story. The entire mystery is well thought out and interesting. We see Kat at her best, creating amazing meals and solving crimes. We also witness her kind heart and sharp mind. Her beau, Daniel, makes an appearance and provides support. I adore this couple and their shared dream of having their own happy home someday.
A Moveable Feast is a standalone mystery that may be enjoyed by cozy readers unfamiliar with the series; however, fans of the series, who are familiar with the characters, will get the most out of the novella.
My Rating: A-
August 16, 2025
Can't wait for the next book. Been with these characters so long, coming back to them feels like a warm hug.
November 18, 2025
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This novella is part of the Below Stairs series. I like this series and recommend it. It can be read as a standalone but is better as part of the series.
The novella takes place in 1884 London around Easter. At the last minute, the lady of the house, Mrs Bywater, directs Kat to move the meal she is preparing to another household. Kat is upset by the last minute change of plans as she is afraid the food will be ruined. But, while she is there, the son of the lord who owns the house is killed and Kat puts on her detective hat.
There was a diverse cast of characters each with different possible motives. Kat learns that someone was trying to drug the cook. In addition, the son who was killed also said that he had an upset stomach before he died, though he was also stabbed and the door to the house left open.
Kat asks for the help of the group of people who have helped her in past books: Daniel, Mr Thanos, Cynthia, etc. They work together to figure out the case.
There were a couple of sweet moments between Daniel and Kat.
I liked the historical aspect of the book and the author has clearly done a lot of research into a variety of topics from the time. The look into the justice system showed that there were differences in how people of different class levels were treated (still true today). The class distinctions were depressingly clear in working relationships as well.
The book was told from Kat’s first person point of view.
I plan to continue to read this series.
This novella is part of the Below Stairs series. I like this series and recommend it. It can be read as a standalone but is better as part of the series.
The novella takes place in 1884 London around Easter. At the last minute, the lady of the house, Mrs Bywater, directs Kat to move the meal she is preparing to another household. Kat is upset by the last minute change of plans as she is afraid the food will be ruined. But, while she is there, the son of the lord who owns the house is killed and Kat puts on her detective hat.
There was a diverse cast of characters each with different possible motives. Kat learns that someone was trying to drug the cook. In addition, the son who was killed also said that he had an upset stomach before he died, though he was also stabbed and the door to the house left open.
Kat asks for the help of the group of people who have helped her in past books: Daniel, Mr Thanos, Cynthia, etc. They work together to figure out the case.
There were a couple of sweet moments between Daniel and Kat.
I liked the historical aspect of the book and the author has clearly done a lot of research into a variety of topics from the time. The look into the justice system showed that there were differences in how people of different class levels were treated (still true today). The class distinctions were depressingly clear in working relationships as well.
The book was told from Kat’s first person point of view.
I plan to continue to read this series.
July 9, 2025
A very short book, but all the Kat Holloway characters are in it and they all help solve a murder.
Even in preparing an Easter meal for another household, Mrs H conjures up murder and mayhem.
A household where no one likes anyone else and some are even frightened to be there, Mrs H fixes a dinner that no one eats and solves the murder of the Lord of the house's son.
All the favorite characters of the book series are here - even though the book is very short. Daniel is there for support. James is there to be the boy all the girls love. Tess is there to help Mrs H and Mr Davis is there to make sure his wine is not disturbed. And in the end Grace is there for Kat to love.
The same dream from the last books is here - the dream that Kat, Daniel, Grace and James can live together forever.
BEST USE OF: morphine, jasmine, fighting relatives, a dream
ALPHA MALE: 10
SPUNKY HEROINE: 10
CUTE CHILDREN: all 10's - though they are teens and pre-teens
SEX: 1 kisses and longing looks
HEA: only for Kat and Daniel
PROLOGUE/EPILOGUE: neither - but next book will continue the story
Rating:
10 - a keeper and a fortune will continue to be spent on future books
Heat:
1 - enough kisses and longing and dreams to keep me going
COVER COVERS IT: Just food - Meh!!
HOLLYWOOD CALLING: I have said many times in reviews of other books in the series that this series should be made into a TV series. I think that it would be very popular.
Even in preparing an Easter meal for another household, Mrs H conjures up murder and mayhem.
A household where no one likes anyone else and some are even frightened to be there, Mrs H fixes a dinner that no one eats and solves the murder of the Lord of the house's son.
All the favorite characters of the book series are here - even though the book is very short. Daniel is there for support. James is there to be the boy all the girls love. Tess is there to help Mrs H and Mr Davis is there to make sure his wine is not disturbed. And in the end Grace is there for Kat to love.
The same dream from the last books is here - the dream that Kat, Daniel, Grace and James can live together forever.
BEST USE OF: morphine, jasmine, fighting relatives, a dream
ALPHA MALE: 10
SPUNKY HEROINE: 10
CUTE CHILDREN: all 10's - though they are teens and pre-teens
SEX: 1 kisses and longing looks
HEA: only for Kat and Daniel
PROLOGUE/EPILOGUE: neither - but next book will continue the story
Rating:
10 - a keeper and a fortune will continue to be spent on future books
Heat:
1 - enough kisses and longing and dreams to keep me going
COVER COVERS IT: Just food - Meh!!
HOLLYWOOD CALLING: I have said many times in reviews of other books in the series that this series should be made into a TV series. I think that it would be very popular.
July 15, 2025
In the middle of Kat’s preparations for Easter dinner, Mrs. Bywater demands that Kat pack up all the food and wine and move it all to Lord and Lady Babcock’s house in Portman Square. Their cook (Mrs. Morgan) is ill and so Mrs. Bywater has volunteered Kat to serve dinner to all of their guests (and she invited herself, her husband and Lady Cynthia). Kat has not choice but to obey even though it is a huge inconvenience. She insists that Tess accompany her. She finds two inexperienced maids to help in the kitchen and a house where no one seems happy. Lord Babcock’s children, Lord Alfred and Lady Margaret are in attendance as well as others. And then disaster strikes before anyone can eat the Easter feast. Kat and Daniel strive together to solve the mystery.
It is a short book and yet includes all the people who help Kat - Daniel and James McAdams, Tess, Lady Cynthia, Mr. Davis and Grace.
It is a short book and yet includes all the people who help Kat - Daniel and James McAdams, Tess, Lady Cynthia, Mr. Davis and Grace.
August 1, 2025
Once again Kat finds herself more or less in the middle of it when a murder happens. She's been seconded to a home in Portman Square -- at short notice -- to prepare their Easter dinner. She's not best pleased at the sudden change of plans but, short of quitting, there's not much she can do. The resident cook has reportedly been taken ill but the rest of the staff aren't too keen on her coming in and taking over. On her guard, she nevertheless does her usual superb job, only to be told, before even sending up the main course, that the dinner is off as the heir of the house is dead.
Fortunately, the Bywaters were at the dinner, including Lady Cynthia and Mr Thanos so Kat is able to get some inside information which puts the cook's illness in a new light as well. Putting everything she's seen, heard, and smelled together leads her to the likely culprit and clears the way for her usual Monday afternoon with her daughter.
Fortunately, the Bywaters were at the dinner, including Lady Cynthia and Mr Thanos so Kat is able to get some inside information which puts the cook's illness in a new light as well. Putting everything she's seen, heard, and smelled together leads her to the likely culprit and clears the way for her usual Monday afternoon with her daughter.
September 11, 2025
As always with Kat Holloway books it's a twisty mystery. Being a novella it is quick for her to figure out. Lent out to do Easter at another home our favorite cook is shuttled off when another's cook become sick to make the dinner for the house and all their guests. Kat insists on taking Tess to help her, and thankfully she did as what was at the house weren't interested in helping too much. There are several mysteries to uncover first and then a murder, and all Kat wants to do is get back to her own kitchen.
August 27, 2026
A great short story between the main ones in the series. It covers one short weekend where Kit is sent to cook Easter meal at another home Mrs. Bywater wants to impress. It's a huge undertaking at the last minute to cook a holiday meal at the last moment even if she takes her preparations from her own kitchen.
There's development of the people in the new home, including the ailing cook. Right after the fish course, the young master is found dead. Of course, Kit ponders the people, their motives and the possibilities to solve the case.
There's development of the people in the new home, including the ailing cook. Right after the fish course, the young master is found dead. Of course, Kit ponders the people, their motives and the possibilities to solve the case.
August 24, 2025
The author has managed (again) to pack in a delightful novella a convincing mystery, mouthwatering descriptions of cooking, a great historical feeling (with surprising insights into the inner workings of great houses, the "downstairs") and a touch of tenderness and understated romance with compelling characters. A great short read.
May 21, 2026
-4 stars. this one annoyed me a bit, Kat being forced to stop preparations for the big easter feast midway, and move everything that was moveable to someone else's house where the cook was sick and nothing was prepared or even purchased. that's seriously cruel. and then of course somebody dies in this other house.
and as always, i prefer the full length novels to novellas.
and as always, i prefer the full length novels to novellas.
July 12, 2025
another triumph
A moveable feast is a fast moving mystery with well drawn characters and an interesting plot. Jennifer Ashley has created another novella that has a imaginable setting and a believable plot line. A good read.
A moveable feast is a fast moving mystery with well drawn characters and an interesting plot. Jennifer Ashley has created another novella that has a imaginable setting and a believable plot line. A good read.
December 7, 2025
Leave it to Mrs. Holloway to up & move Easter dinner down the road, protest the innocent while solving a murder, and every morsel was delicious! Loved this in between story with Mrs. H, Tessa, Daniel, James, Lady Cynthia & Mr. Thanos.
October 19, 2026
Feast on this.
Yes, short and satisfying. Kat is asked by her mistress to provide a feast for another family. And at the last minute because the cook was very ill. There is a murder lots of suspects and a very logical ending.
Yes, short and satisfying. Kat is asked by her mistress to provide a feast for another family. And at the last minute because the cook was very ill. There is a murder lots of suspects and a very logical ending.
July 11, 2025
Easter dinner on thd move
5 stars
Good story. Kat is lent out to do a special dinner but finds problems with the original cook and then there's a murder.
Ingenious solution
5 stars
Good story. Kat is lent out to do a special dinner but finds problems with the original cook and then there's a murder.
Ingenious solution
July 12, 2025
Great fast paced mystery with a wonderful cast of characters! Love me some Kat Holloway!
July 15, 2025
Always good. I love the Below Stairs Mysteries.
July 19, 2025
I just love the Kat Holloway stories!
August 1, 2025
Love this series and these shorts we get in between novels. So much fun!
September 8, 2025
Interesting interlude of a mystery. Well-done and detailed for a novella. Love this series.
November 12, 2025
Of course I’m more interested in the cute moments between Kat, Daniel, James, and Grace than in the mystery, but the mystery was solid!
November 23, 2025
good as usual but I'm looking forward to a longer Below Stairs mystery than this novella.
March 5, 2026
fun and cute.
March 13, 2026
Kat, the cook, done it again and solved the mystery and a murder. A great cozy novella.
April 17, 2026
I love this quaint series. I can smell her cooking and I would love to eat some of it!! haha
I enjoy this series very much and I would recommend it for a cozy read.
I enjoy this series very much and I would recommend it for a cozy read.
September 14, 2026
An easy fun read.
October 20, 2026
Good short story.
August 16, 2025
In A Moveable Feast, Kat is called upon to provide assistance as a cook to a household where her employers are enjoying Easter dinner. The house becomes the site of a sudden death. Several suspects will be investigated and secrets will be exposed. Leave it to Kat and her friends to make sure the innocent do not get blamed.
The ever-evolving story of Kat Holloway, Daniel McAdam and all their friends is creative, interesting, and always entertaining.
The ever-evolving story of Kat Holloway, Daniel McAdam and all their friends is creative, interesting, and always entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews