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Oxford Key Mysteries #3
Arson at the Ashmolean
When the smoke clears, a man lies dead and a young woman looks to blame.
The fire in the Ashmolean’s archives reveals itself to be a cover-up for the real crime: dozens of valuables are missing from the shelves. Unfortunately, security guard Andrei Radu dies from smoke inhalation, elevating the crime to a homicide.
DI Robinson, Oxford’s leading detective, is determined to see the guilty prosecuted. A witness puts Kate’s young assistant Francie at the scene. She claims to be innocent but DI Robinson isn’t convinced.
Nat and her friends know the likely perpetrator is the person behind the problems with the magic. Can they save Francie from going down for a crime she didn’t commit?
The fire in the Ashmolean’s archives reveals itself to be a cover-up for the real crime: dozens of valuables are missing from the shelves. Unfortunately, security guard Andrei Radu dies from smoke inhalation, elevating the crime to a homicide.
DI Robinson, Oxford’s leading detective, is determined to see the guilty prosecuted. A witness puts Kate’s young assistant Francie at the scene. She claims to be innocent but DI Robinson isn’t convinced.
Nat and her friends know the likely perpetrator is the person behind the problems with the magic. Can they save Francie from going down for a crime she didn’t commit?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2020
176 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Morrison
77 books232 followersLynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England along with her husband, two daughters and two cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.
You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.
You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 24, 2020
Perhaps 3.5 stars. While I really do enjoy this series, it unfortunately also includes two of my pet peeves: it is written in the present tense; and even worse the author frequently used "and I" when it should be "and me" — which pulls me out of an otherwise interesting story. Again the murder takes a back seat to the problems with the Oxford magic; and at the same time Nat can't help wondering where her relationship with Edward is going. Despite the flaws, this is an imaginative series, and I am waiting for the next installment.
December 3, 2020
Books in the Oxford Key Mystery series by Lynn Morrison should come with a warning label !! There should be a warning that you will not expect the books to end with such a dramatic cliff hanger !! I thought after reading Burglary at Barnard with the way Morrison left the readers with such a big open ending, I would have been prepared when I started reading Arson at the Ashmolean.....but that wasn't the case at all !!
When readers got to the end of reading Burglary at Barnard they learn that the Ashmolean museum is on fire.... but first I must back track.....
In the Oxford Key Mystery series readers are hanging out with Natalie, Kate, Mathilde, Harry, Edward, H the wyvern, Bartie and Nat's grandfather. Natalie, Kate and Mathilde are prefects and they work at the colleges inside Oxford and oversee the magic within. Harry is the assistant to the Principal at St. Margaret College and she became close to Nat when Nat started as Head of Ceremonies for Oxford and Edward is Natalie's boyfriend and they are both able to see and experience the magic with Nat's help. Bartie and Nat's grandfather are Externals and they are among a large group that oversee and protect the magic. However we know from the first two books in this series that someone is messing with the magic and shifting the boundaries of the force field.
Okay that provides you with an insight into this series ...... now Arson at the Ashmolean, the third book in this series, we pick up right where Morrison left off in the second book with the group learning about the fire at the museum. Luckily the fire is contained and nothing valuable is lost however Andrei, the security guard, is found dead in the storage area where the fire originated.
Nat and her group are still trying to figure out what is wrong with the magical boundaries and who is too blame for this but when Kate's assistant is arrested for the fire and murder of Andrei, they decide to investigate this knowing that she is innocent.
Nat always seems to have a lot on her plate and in this book, that is still the case. Not only is she working on her next ceremonial event, the magical problems, now the fire and murder but she has to leave the flat she has been living in since arriving at her new job. She was provided the flat for 6 months and that timeframe is coming to an end. Readers will enjoy the flat hunting she and Mathilde go on and the result of her living problem.
I have said it before and I will say it again..... If you are a Harry Potter fan, the Oxford Key Mystery series is a must for you to read !! You will thoroughly LOVE the people, magic and the setting !! There are times that you will crack up laughing while you read about Nat and the trouble H gets her in and you will curse yourself at turning the pages so slowly and wish you had a spell of magic that could turn them for you.
I highly recommend reading this series and will take this time to warn readers...... especially with Arson at the Ashmolean.....the ending will shock you .... because it will leave you turning the page to read more and there will not be another page or chapter....just the description for the next book in the series. If that isn't a sure way to make you look forward to the next book, I don't know what else an author can do. You will have to get the next book to answer the opened questions you will have..... BRILLIANT !!!
When readers got to the end of reading Burglary at Barnard they learn that the Ashmolean museum is on fire.... but first I must back track.....
In the Oxford Key Mystery series readers are hanging out with Natalie, Kate, Mathilde, Harry, Edward, H the wyvern, Bartie and Nat's grandfather. Natalie, Kate and Mathilde are prefects and they work at the colleges inside Oxford and oversee the magic within. Harry is the assistant to the Principal at St. Margaret College and she became close to Nat when Nat started as Head of Ceremonies for Oxford and Edward is Natalie's boyfriend and they are both able to see and experience the magic with Nat's help. Bartie and Nat's grandfather are Externals and they are among a large group that oversee and protect the magic. However we know from the first two books in this series that someone is messing with the magic and shifting the boundaries of the force field.
Okay that provides you with an insight into this series ...... now Arson at the Ashmolean, the third book in this series, we pick up right where Morrison left off in the second book with the group learning about the fire at the museum. Luckily the fire is contained and nothing valuable is lost however Andrei, the security guard, is found dead in the storage area where the fire originated.
Nat and her group are still trying to figure out what is wrong with the magical boundaries and who is too blame for this but when Kate's assistant is arrested for the fire and murder of Andrei, they decide to investigate this knowing that she is innocent.
Nat always seems to have a lot on her plate and in this book, that is still the case. Not only is she working on her next ceremonial event, the magical problems, now the fire and murder but she has to leave the flat she has been living in since arriving at her new job. She was provided the flat for 6 months and that timeframe is coming to an end. Readers will enjoy the flat hunting she and Mathilde go on and the result of her living problem.
I have said it before and I will say it again..... If you are a Harry Potter fan, the Oxford Key Mystery series is a must for you to read !! You will thoroughly LOVE the people, magic and the setting !! There are times that you will crack up laughing while you read about Nat and the trouble H gets her in and you will curse yourself at turning the pages so slowly and wish you had a spell of magic that could turn them for you.
I highly recommend reading this series and will take this time to warn readers...... especially with Arson at the Ashmolean.....the ending will shock you .... because it will leave you turning the page to read more and there will not be another page or chapter....just the description for the next book in the series. If that isn't a sure way to make you look forward to the next book, I don't know what else an author can do. You will have to get the next book to answer the opened questions you will have..... BRILLIANT !!!
August 11, 2022
I'm really enjoying this series set in Oxford, cozy mystery meets supernatural. Beneath the University staff exterior theres an Eternal world where people who have given their lives to the University get to come back as Eternals or ghosts. To see them you have to be one of a select few who have a link. Nat, Kate and Mathilde are 3 such people, along with a couple of others who have been especially chosen, seeing as the magic is somehow leaking from Oxford, when the magic goes, so do the Eternals!
In this book there's a fire at the Ashmolean Museum and Kate's right hand woman is arrested for it, but she can't have done it, however how to prove it to the Police.
Nat and Edward are still finding a way round their living situation, could it be Nat's Grandfather, an Eternal himself, has a solution?
H is, well he's just H, a cat who is really a 400 year old Wyvern who spent the first 300 years of his life as a gargoyle. He's sad as he loves Nat but thinks her will lose her when she moves. His humour makes the book, and keeps me coming back for more.
Each book is a standalone mystery but the backstory builds a whole picture and the thread which links them all is the magic leaking. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and.
This is a really good series and one which I highly recommend, a bit of escapism, which can't be bad in this day and age!
In this book there's a fire at the Ashmolean Museum and Kate's right hand woman is arrested for it, but she can't have done it, however how to prove it to the Police.
Nat and Edward are still finding a way round their living situation, could it be Nat's Grandfather, an Eternal himself, has a solution?
H is, well he's just H, a cat who is really a 400 year old Wyvern who spent the first 300 years of his life as a gargoyle. He's sad as he loves Nat but thinks her will lose her when she moves. His humour makes the book, and keeps me coming back for more.
Each book is a standalone mystery but the backstory builds a whole picture and the thread which links them all is the magic leaking. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and.
This is a really good series and one which I highly recommend, a bit of escapism, which can't be bad in this day and age!
October 21, 2020
Such a wonderful series and this book definitely doesn’t disappoint. Natalie and her friends are again involved in “magic, murder and mysteries” and there are so many suspects for an arson, a murder, and various thefts. And it all could to be linked to the ongoing mystery who is stealing the magic? At the same time, Natalie is looking for a new place to live so we tour the area with her as she see some really interesting places to live. This series definitely keeps me hooked and I love the new character additions plus finding out more about the past. Lots of suspects, lots of twists, and lots of unexpected surprises. Am really looking forward to the next story and I can’t wait The Eternal Investigator to come out so we can learn more about Bertie.
April 7, 2024
If your interest in cozy mysteries isn't too demanding, this might do the trick. It's set in modern-day Oxford, and the protagonist Nat and her friends are good company. There's also a magical subtext that I couldn't quite figure out (perhaps I should have read the two books that precede this one). They involve spiritual beings called Eternals, one of which is Nat's pet cat, whom to everyone else looks like a cat but is really H, a wyvern who was once a gargoyle on an Oxford building. Oh, there's also a mysterious death, which doesn't even get solved (you'll need to read the next book). I don't think I'll be doing that.
October 24, 2020
Another entertaining read!
I never order books about ghosts, paranormal or gushy romance novels. The first book in this series caught my attention when I read the brief outline and also found out it takes place in Oxford. I have read the entire series and they are great! Full of mystery, humor, and a very sweet love interest. I can't wait for the next in the series which will be out in just 3 months. If a book doesn't grab my attention in the first chapter I loose interest. These books grab me from the start!
I never order books about ghosts, paranormal or gushy romance novels. The first book in this series caught my attention when I read the brief outline and also found out it takes place in Oxford. I have read the entire series and they are great! Full of mystery, humor, and a very sweet love interest. I can't wait for the next in the series which will be out in just 3 months. If a book doesn't grab my attention in the first chapter I loose interest. These books grab me from the start!
November 9, 2020
Thank you, Morrison!!
It never fails - everytime I pick up an Oxford key mystery story, I am set right there. I feel the setting, I get into the story- I love it all. I long to be back in cozy England with a cuppa and a biscuit. Lynn takes me there. She is a phenomenal writer, her story telling only getting stronger through each book.
Another perfect cozy myster. Morrison really delivers. I can't wait for the 4th in this series! January seems too far away now!
It never fails - everytime I pick up an Oxford key mystery story, I am set right there. I feel the setting, I get into the story- I love it all. I long to be back in cozy England with a cuppa and a biscuit. Lynn takes me there. She is a phenomenal writer, her story telling only getting stronger through each book.
Another perfect cozy myster. Morrison really delivers. I can't wait for the 4th in this series! January seems too far away now!
November 17, 2020
Natalie is Head of Ceremonies, a position that entails more than appears on the surface. When the Ashmolean is set on fire and a guard killed, another mystery is uncovered. Worse yet, suspicion falls on someone she knows. I liked the well developed characters, and especially the way Nat has grown into her role at Oxford.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2020
Another fun read
Lynn Morrison does a wonderful job of placing her readers in the heart of Oxford, among a fascinating group of well developed characters. Her plot is cleverly complex, and she makes the paranormal seem totally normal. I highly recommend this series and am anxiously looking forward to #4.
Lynn Morrison does a wonderful job of placing her readers in the heart of Oxford, among a fascinating group of well developed characters. Her plot is cleverly complex, and she makes the paranormal seem totally normal. I highly recommend this series and am anxiously looking forward to #4.
January 13, 2021
Arson, Artifacts, and Murder
The plot thickens as Natalie Payne, Ceremonies Prefect at Oxford, continues her quest to stop the magic from leaking out of Oxford while dealing with arson and murder. This is an enthralling series and a wonderful tour of Oxford. Impatiently awaiting the next book.
The plot thickens as Natalie Payne, Ceremonies Prefect at Oxford, continues her quest to stop the magic from leaking out of Oxford while dealing with arson and murder. This is an enthralling series and a wonderful tour of Oxford. Impatiently awaiting the next book.
February 3, 2021
A fire in the archives, a dead security guard, and Kate's assistant arrested. The gang knows she doesn't do it, and they work together with the Eternals to find the real culprit. Nat is going to have to find a new place to live, since she can't convince herself to move in with Edward. Still enjoying this series very much!
November 4, 2020
This series gets better and better
Nat and her friends continue to closely collaborate while trying to uncover the culprit responsible for not only arson but theft of objects as well as magic itself.
Nat and her friends continue to closely collaborate while trying to uncover the culprit responsible for not only arson but theft of objects as well as magic itself.
February 5, 2021
Another Great Read
This book continues the story of Nat and H and the other characters from the first two books. I had as much fun reading this one as I did the others. I am planning to dive into book 4 this weekend. Well done
This book continues the story of Nat and H and the other characters from the first two books. I had as much fun reading this one as I did the others. I am planning to dive into book 4 this weekend. Well done
March 29, 2021
Fascinating Oxford mystery
Nat, Kate and Matilda continue to hunt for the person responsible for the disarray of Oxford magic. The mystery is full of Oxford University lore interwoven the story.
Nat, Kate and Matilda continue to hunt for the person responsible for the disarray of Oxford magic. The mystery is full of Oxford University lore interwoven the story.
May 29, 2021
Third book in the series. I really enjoyed the magic of Oxford and the family connections ;) it it relatable in a lot of ways. I only wish my Grandad could come back as an eternal. Thanks for a fun story Lynn... did you purposefully make her the same age as me too ;)
June 17, 2021
Great Series
The over arching storyline is really coming together now. Each book has a mystery that is resolved, but there is a plotline that takes place over the 4 book series. I am really looking forward to book 4, which I will start right now.
The over arching storyline is really coming together now. Each book has a mystery that is resolved, but there is a plotline that takes place over the 4 book series. I am really looking forward to book 4, which I will start right now.
November 8, 2021
Great read if you like mystery and magic.
This is a great series of very entertaining mystery books. Mixing contemporary and historical settings with a sprinkle of humour, they draw you in, making you want to keep reading.
This is a great series of very entertaining mystery books. Mixing contemporary and historical settings with a sprinkle of humour, they draw you in, making you want to keep reading.
January 14, 2022
What adventures these prefects have as they try to unravel the things that are happening around them. I really like the fact that each of the prefects has their own strengths that make a difference to being able to accomplish what is needed.
February 2, 2022
Love all these characters! Especially H. He’s so cool! The fights he and Edward get into are so funny. I don’t know how Nat has put up with the two of them. I can’t wait to see how things go in the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2022
A great road-trip accompaniment. Am enjoying this take on magic and its connections to history, art, science, and more. Plus, who wouldn’t enjoy a story with a wyvern like H? Excited to see what happens next.
October 19, 2020
Creative series
This is a beautifully written series with unique and eclectic characters. This book was especially creative with lots of unexpected twist.
This is a beautifully written series with unique and eclectic characters. This book was especially creative with lots of unexpected twist.
April 5, 2021
Bit of a cop out at the end - it ended really suddenly and is to be continued in the next book. I am enjoying the series but prefer it when each book is complete in itself.
May 29, 2021
Escapism at it's best
Love Lynn's books they are quirky and funny a great read with inventive plot twists and humour. I look forward to more
Love Lynn's books they are quirky and funny a great read with inventive plot twists and humour. I look forward to more
February 22, 2022
Oooh, the third of the series had some twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Things are getting a little darker in Oxford — and I like it!
December 18, 2024
I regret I couldn't finish this book which had intrusive American usage like fire truck in an Oxford setting and the first person narrative didn't feel right.
October 20, 2020
In the third installment of the Oxford Key Mystery series, the stakes are raised - not only does Nat have an event to plan but she is also looking for an apartment. Oh, and there has been an arson at England's oldest museum. And she still doesn't know who is responsible for the disappearance of magic from Oxford. And she needs to find out, soon.
This part is a joy to read, as always. It's the perfect read for the pandemic and cold autumn and winter nights and will give you a nice warm fuzzy feeling like nothing else can. My favorite parts are the ones that explain how the magic of Oxford works and any scenes featuring H, the cat-who-is-not-a-cat.
This part is a joy to read, as always. It's the perfect read for the pandemic and cold autumn and winter nights and will give you a nice warm fuzzy feeling like nothing else can. My favorite parts are the ones that explain how the magic of Oxford works and any scenes featuring H, the cat-who-is-not-a-cat.
January 12, 2021
Another very fun story in the Oxford Keys series, which I enjoyed very much. The author brought together so many pieces in this book that I can't wait to read the next one. The central characters got expanded stories, new characters were introduced (Xavvie and H together are a riot), and everything is moving towards a great climax. The author manages to bring Oxford to life for me in every book, as well as making the magic seem perfectly real. Definitely a five star book for me.
December 30, 2023
A long awaited book 3! I have enjoyed this series so much so far and now cannot wait for book 4!! Morrison's writing takes you right into the heart of Oxford and suddenly you are part of the team, meeting up with the prefects and the Eternals, attending the High Table dinners and walking along with H down the cobbled streets of Oxford. How can I dispute the magic of Oxford? That itself has become a truth to me within the pages of this book. And someone is set to steal it and draw it away. If you think that by closing the cover of Book 3, I have walked away, think again - I am waiting for the next one and will be diving back in straight away!
February 1, 2021
Creative
Lynn Morrison has done it again. Natalie and her group have investigated a mystery at Oxford involving magical beings. My favorite is the wyvern. This time, the culprits were identified but not arrested. So I now am going to read the next in the series, with great anticipation.
Lynn Morrison has done it again. Natalie and her group have investigated a mystery at Oxford involving magical beings. My favorite is the wyvern. This time, the culprits were identified but not arrested. So I now am going to read the next in the series, with great anticipation.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews