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Honeychurch Hall Mystery #6
Fêtes fatales au manoir
Mistletoe and murder at Honeychurch Hall...
It's ten days before Christmas at Honeychurch Hall and Kat Stanford has persuaded the Earl of Grenville to open the Museum Room to the villagers in an effort to raise money for rooftop repairs. For the price of a ticket visitors will be able to view an unusual display of antiques - including the legendary Bleeding Hawk of Honeychurch Hall.
When an obnoxious young couple drive 200 miles from London to view the treasures it's not just Kate who is suspicious of their intentions; Mr Chips, the estate's feisty Jack Russell makes his feelings plain by taking a bite out of the man's trousers.
But then a suit of armour inexplicably falls on the ancient butler, killing him, and when a second body is found near a quarry nearby Kat becomes entangled in a world of feuds and jealousies, finally encountering a cold-blooded killer who will stop at nothing to keep the past at bay.
It's ten days before Christmas at Honeychurch Hall and Kat Stanford has persuaded the Earl of Grenville to open the Museum Room to the villagers in an effort to raise money for rooftop repairs. For the price of a ticket visitors will be able to view an unusual display of antiques - including the legendary Bleeding Hawk of Honeychurch Hall.
When an obnoxious young couple drive 200 miles from London to view the treasures it's not just Kate who is suspicious of their intentions; Mr Chips, the estate's feisty Jack Russell makes his feelings plain by taking a bite out of the man's trousers.
But then a suit of armour inexplicably falls on the ancient butler, killing him, and when a second body is found near a quarry nearby Kat becomes entangled in a world of feuds and jealousies, finally encountering a cold-blooded killer who will stop at nothing to keep the past at bay.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2019
24 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Dennison
43 books508 followersBritish born, Hannah originally moved to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting. She has been an obituary reporter, antique dealer, private jet flight attendant and Hollywood story analyst. After twenty-five years living on the West Coast, Hannah returned to the UK where she shares her life with two high-spirited Hungarian Vizslas. She enjoys all country pursuits, movies, and theatre, reading and seriously good chocolate.
Hannah writes the Honeychurch Hall Mysteries (Constable) the Island Sisters Mysteries (Minotaur) and the Vicky Hill Mysteries (Constable)
Fun Fact: Hannah is part of the BookTalk author group on social media with pals Kate Carlisle, Jenn McKinlay and Paige Shelton.
Hannah writes the Honeychurch Hall Mysteries (Constable) the Island Sisters Mysteries (Minotaur) and the Vicky Hill Mysteries (Constable)
Fun Fact: Hannah is part of the BookTalk author group on social media with pals Kate Carlisle, Jenn McKinlay and Paige Shelton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 19, 2021
A fun holiday Mystery, Tidings of Death at Honeychurch hall brings together a fun but over the top plot for a Christmas themed murder mystery, which is an entertaining and easy read
Falling into the 6th part of a series always has the downside of not fully knowing all the characters even though I should have. This left me someone confused at time, but overall didn't hinder the story all that much as most of the characters are introduced and explained as are their backstories.
The book's story feels like a thirteen in a dozen mystery; fun bot nothing truly unique or original. It's a whimsical story where a age old superstition of a cursed object, multiple deaths and seemingly missing artifacts come together in a "whodunit" which has a bit too much going on at times and the final solution is a bit meh.
Overall I think what held this story back a bit for me is that most of the characters range from annoying to unlikable, even our main love interest for Kat for most of the story falling into that category. Although they weren't on a level making me want to put down the book, but they definitely didn't intrigue me enough to keep going in this series either.
So although entertaining, the Honeychurch hall series doesn't seem to be original enough in its story telling or appealing enough in its characters and will remain a one off story for me.
Falling into the 6th part of a series always has the downside of not fully knowing all the characters even though I should have. This left me someone confused at time, but overall didn't hinder the story all that much as most of the characters are introduced and explained as are their backstories.
The book's story feels like a thirteen in a dozen mystery; fun bot nothing truly unique or original. It's a whimsical story where a age old superstition of a cursed object, multiple deaths and seemingly missing artifacts come together in a "whodunit" which has a bit too much going on at times and the final solution is a bit meh.
Overall I think what held this story back a bit for me is that most of the characters range from annoying to unlikable, even our main love interest for Kat for most of the story falling into that category. Although they weren't on a level making me want to put down the book, but they definitely didn't intrigue me enough to keep going in this series either.
So although entertaining, the Honeychurch hall series doesn't seem to be original enough in its story telling or appealing enough in its characters and will remain a one off story for me.
November 16, 2020
Hannah Dennison's light touch keeps her Honeychurch Hall series fresh and entertaining. In Tidings of Death at Honeychurch Hall, the pace is almost frenetic as the cast of characters find themselves in the last ten days before Christmas.
One of the things I have always enjoyed about this series is that Dennison shows readers how tough it can be for land rich, cash poor nobility in England to keep their stately homes and estates afloat. (A case in point is Highclere Castle which featured in Downton Abbey. It was in a sad state until the television series became a hit and tourists flooded in. Only then were the owners able to finance badly needed repairs on the house.) In Dennison's series, however, the noble Grenvilles are quite the eccentric bunch. The imperious dowager countess who strikes fear in the hearts of everyone. The rather scatty countess who's easily led astray. The earl who isn't above a shady deal or two to try to accumulate some badly needed cash. The eight-year-old heir, Harry, is probably my favorite, although he does have a rather tough time of it in this book with the young guest Fleur constantly trying to lead him astray.
The stately home setting is merely the icing on the cake; it's the cast of characters who keep me coming back. It's a wide-ranging cast, too, because there's one or two that I'd like to pretend were never there, one or two who always make me laugh, and those that I truly care about-- like main character Kat Stanford. I certainly wouldn't mind checking out the antiques she sells, and I completely agree with how she handles being the center of attention of three men in this book.
The plot is a humdinger in Tidings of Death at Honeychurch Hall. The second London couple Angus and Lala show up in the museum room, readers will know they're up to no good... but just what kind of no good is much more difficult to deduce. Then there's the cutthroat business of which employee gets to live in the best cottage on the estate and the young reporter who is recording too many private conversations for comfort. And why does Lenny never seem to be where he's supposed to be? All those goings-on, that cast of characters, and the humor make this book-- and the entire series-- a winner for lovers of cozy mysteries.
If you haven't read a Honeychurch Hall mystery, you could read this sixth book and not feel lost, but why miss out on all the fun? Start with the very first one, Murder at Honeychurch Hall, and enjoy them all.
One of the things I have always enjoyed about this series is that Dennison shows readers how tough it can be for land rich, cash poor nobility in England to keep their stately homes and estates afloat. (A case in point is Highclere Castle which featured in Downton Abbey. It was in a sad state until the television series became a hit and tourists flooded in. Only then were the owners able to finance badly needed repairs on the house.) In Dennison's series, however, the noble Grenvilles are quite the eccentric bunch. The imperious dowager countess who strikes fear in the hearts of everyone. The rather scatty countess who's easily led astray. The earl who isn't above a shady deal or two to try to accumulate some badly needed cash. The eight-year-old heir, Harry, is probably my favorite, although he does have a rather tough time of it in this book with the young guest Fleur constantly trying to lead him astray.
The stately home setting is merely the icing on the cake; it's the cast of characters who keep me coming back. It's a wide-ranging cast, too, because there's one or two that I'd like to pretend were never there, one or two who always make me laugh, and those that I truly care about-- like main character Kat Stanford. I certainly wouldn't mind checking out the antiques she sells, and I completely agree with how she handles being the center of attention of three men in this book.
The plot is a humdinger in Tidings of Death at Honeychurch Hall. The second London couple Angus and Lala show up in the museum room, readers will know they're up to no good... but just what kind of no good is much more difficult to deduce. Then there's the cutthroat business of which employee gets to live in the best cottage on the estate and the young reporter who is recording too many private conversations for comfort. And why does Lenny never seem to be where he's supposed to be? All those goings-on, that cast of characters, and the humor make this book-- and the entire series-- a winner for lovers of cozy mysteries.
If you haven't read a Honeychurch Hall mystery, you could read this sixth book and not feel lost, but why miss out on all the fun? Start with the very first one, Murder at Honeychurch Hall, and enjoy them all.
September 27, 2022
When Honeychurch Hall is opened for one day tours to raise money, everything seems to be going well for the tour planner and antiques dealer Kat Stanford . . . until a suit of armor accidently falls on the butler and kills him. Kat is soon mixed up in murder and intrigue as she also tries to find out what a mysterious couple is up to in the village. It's a fun series to read and this book doesn't disappoint!
June 3, 2022
Toujours aussi sympa.
Jamais déçu.
Jamais déçu.
December 2, 2019
I love the “Honeychurch Hall” series by Hannah Dennison. I think this was one of the best in the series. Many twists and turns all the way through to the very end. A must read for cozy mystery fans.
January 12, 2023
I usually like the mysteries because they have some substance in them, but this one felt more like a filler. I love Kat but I do wish Dennison would have her settle with one guy - any guy - and get on with figuring murders out. She does that and the antiquing very well, and this time around both of them took a back seat and the book suffered for it.
December 19, 2023
When Honeychurch Hall is opened up to the public for a day of artifact viewing, all heck breaks loose. Unleashing a series of mysterious deaths, Kat feels obliged to investigate. All while having three men pursuing her.
February 8, 2020
I've enjoyed these cozies, but the plots are becoming a bit redundant.
December 19, 2021
Why I quit: I could not get interested in these characters. They aren’t fleshed out believable people
February 4, 2023
If you love Downton Abbey-esque estates, ancient curses, homemade gin made by anonymous mystery writers, and cozy small-town mysteries with twists and turns, this one is for you!
I went into this one having a really good feeling I was going to love it and I ended up having so much fun. The characters themselves were a hoot and I found myself genuinely curious about what was happening in each of their lives...but boy was there a lot of them! I think if I start the series from the beginning instead of picking it up in the middle, I would have a better grasp of who was who, because I found myself so confused about who belonged to who and where I'd see them last. This got better by about 3/4 in when the mystery started coming together and the dots started to connect, but there are definitely a lot of characters to keep up with. The short chapters made it almost impossible to put it down because each one left off on a cliffhanger; so much so that I ended up reading this in three sittings (if I had more time it would have been one, haha).
I'll definitely be continuing on with this series and recommend it to anyone who loves a good cozy! 4.5ish stars ⭐️
I went into this one having a really good feeling I was going to love it and I ended up having so much fun. The characters themselves were a hoot and I found myself genuinely curious about what was happening in each of their lives...but boy was there a lot of them! I think if I start the series from the beginning instead of picking it up in the middle, I would have a better grasp of who was who, because I found myself so confused about who belonged to who and where I'd see them last. This got better by about 3/4 in when the mystery started coming together and the dots started to connect, but there are definitely a lot of characters to keep up with. The short chapters made it almost impossible to put it down because each one left off on a cliffhanger; so much so that I ended up reading this in three sittings (if I had more time it would have been one, haha).
I'll definitely be continuing on with this series and recommend it to anyone who loves a good cozy! 4.5ish stars ⭐️
February 13, 2020
Kat Stanford has persuaded Rupert, the Earl of Grenville to open the Museum Room at Honeychurch Hall in order to raise funds for repairs to the estate. Visitors will be able to see displays of antiques and taxidermied animals, including a hawk that reportedly curses those who touch it.
At the end of the evening chaos ensues when Mr. Chips, the family dog, attacks one of the guests. In the midst of the mayhem, a suit of armor falls on the butler, killing him. Kat soon finds herself caught up in the hunt for a killer.
This is the 6th book in the Honeychurch Hall mystery series. Like each of the previous books I recommend it. I love the setting. The story takes place in the village of Little Dipperton. Little Dipperton is filled with interesting and well-written characters. The regulars are always entertaining and the new characters round out the plot well. The story is engaging and keeps me wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book.
At the end of the evening chaos ensues when Mr. Chips, the family dog, attacks one of the guests. In the midst of the mayhem, a suit of armor falls on the butler, killing him. Kat soon finds herself caught up in the hunt for a killer.
This is the 6th book in the Honeychurch Hall mystery series. Like each of the previous books I recommend it. I love the setting. The story takes place in the village of Little Dipperton. Little Dipperton is filled with interesting and well-written characters. The regulars are always entertaining and the new characters round out the plot well. The story is engaging and keeps me wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book.
January 5, 2020
Another fantastic book in the Honeychurch series! This one finds Kat in a new relationship with Guy, the son of her mother’s friend Delia. Delia’s husband, who all thought was dead, returns from what turns out was military service and is retiring. This in turns causes problems for Delia who is used to living on her own in a tidy cottage.
There is an open house at Honeychurch Hall to raise much needed funds for repairs but during the open house not only is there s robbery but the suit of family armor is knocked over killing butler Seth Cropper, grandfather of policeman Shawn Cropper.
More deaths follow. Are they related to the unsealing of the Egyptian hawk said to have a curse on any who touch it?
I can’t wait for the next installment from Hannah Dennison to find out what else Kat and her friends get up to in Little Dipperton UK.
There is an open house at Honeychurch Hall to raise much needed funds for repairs but during the open house not only is there s robbery but the suit of family armor is knocked over killing butler Seth Cropper, grandfather of policeman Shawn Cropper.
More deaths follow. Are they related to the unsealing of the Egyptian hawk said to have a curse on any who touch it?
I can’t wait for the next installment from Hannah Dennison to find out what else Kat and her friends get up to in Little Dipperton UK.
January 7, 2020
Another great read from a great series
I love this series, and I really love how the main characters have continued to develop through each book. This can be read as a stand alone, but you are missing out on terrific reads if you don’t check them all out!
The cast of characters is what keeps me coming back, but the mysteries are always interesting and keep me guessing. One of the advantages of having her characters living in this remote section of southern England is, much like much of Vermont in the US, there is spotty cell service, so communications often are more akin to the pre-technology connected era we live in.
Kat is a great heroine - smart and caring, and realistic in how she deals with her rather complex love life. And I love her relationship with her mother (who is truly a one of a kind).
Highly recommended.
I love this series, and I really love how the main characters have continued to develop through each book. This can be read as a stand alone, but you are missing out on terrific reads if you don’t check them all out!
The cast of characters is what keeps me coming back, but the mysteries are always interesting and keep me guessing. One of the advantages of having her characters living in this remote section of southern England is, much like much of Vermont in the US, there is spotty cell service, so communications often are more akin to the pre-technology connected era we live in.
Kat is a great heroine - smart and caring, and realistic in how she deals with her rather complex love life. And I love her relationship with her mother (who is truly a one of a kind).
Highly recommended.
March 7, 2023
This book is very like the Agatha Raisin series by MC Beaton so if you like them you will probably like these too!
It is what I would class as a bit mumsy, a bit folksy, and a bit slow to start - although you do have to get your head round lots of very similar character and their names in a very short period of time. I was not even sure for quite some time if it was Kat or her mother were the lynch pin of the plot …..
Lots happens over a very short period of time, and admittedly the pace does quicken and you do get drawn in, although the overall tale is quite far fetched!
Would I read another by the same author? - Debatable! - Would I have recommended it to my late mother? - Probably. Given the Honeychurch Estate or Agatha Raisin which would I go for? - Agatha as it has more rounded, fully formed characters!
PS: Christmas is a red herring and has nothing to do with the book 🎄
It is what I would class as a bit mumsy, a bit folksy, and a bit slow to start - although you do have to get your head round lots of very similar character and their names in a very short period of time. I was not even sure for quite some time if it was Kat or her mother were the lynch pin of the plot …..
Lots happens over a very short period of time, and admittedly the pace does quicken and you do get drawn in, although the overall tale is quite far fetched!
Would I read another by the same author? - Debatable! - Would I have recommended it to my late mother? - Probably. Given the Honeychurch Estate or Agatha Raisin which would I go for? - Agatha as it has more rounded, fully formed characters!
PS: Christmas is a red herring and has nothing to do with the book 🎄
September 28, 2023
Too few commas and "whom" but otherwise very good proofreading.
Problem with word "burnt", which I thought was only the participle, not the past tense. But Google shows me a dictionary entry for it that lists only "burnt" but gives "burned" as the only examples:
Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn more
burn1
/bəːn/
verb
past tense: burnt; past participle: burnt
1.
(of a fire) produce flames and heat while consuming a material such as coal or wood.
"a fire burned and crackled cheerfully in the grate"
.....
2.
destroy, damage, or injure by heat or fire.
"he burned all the letters"
I tried to contact Oxford Languages but its form refused to recognise my (required) phone number so I gave up.
Other similar lookups have also given examples that are not using the defined word.
Problem with word "burnt", which I thought was only the participle, not the past tense. But Google shows me a dictionary entry for it that lists only "burnt" but gives "burned" as the only examples:
Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn more
burn1
/bəːn/
verb
past tense: burnt; past participle: burnt
1.
(of a fire) produce flames and heat while consuming a material such as coal or wood.
"a fire burned and crackled cheerfully in the grate"
.....
2.
destroy, damage, or injure by heat or fire.
"he burned all the letters"
I tried to contact Oxford Languages but its form refused to recognise my (required) phone number so I gave up.
Other similar lookups have also given examples that are not using the defined word.
February 20, 2020
I was totally delighted to find a new book in this series and had a grand time reading it. It is always a delight to return to the denizens of Honeychurch Hall and follow along with all their shenanigans.
The author did tie up a couple of things at the end, including ending the romantic triangle. I do hope that does not indicate an end to this hilarious and well-written series.
"There is more subterfuge and conflict going on at Honeychurch Hall than in a war zone." Please let it continue for our reading enjoyment!
Just a note: This could be read by itself, but I would recommend you read this series in sequence so as to better understand some of the personal dynamics being played out in the plot. Trust me, you'll enjoy them all!
The author did tie up a couple of things at the end, including ending the romantic triangle. I do hope that does not indicate an end to this hilarious and well-written series.
"There is more subterfuge and conflict going on at Honeychurch Hall than in a war zone." Please let it continue for our reading enjoyment!
Just a note: This could be read by itself, but I would recommend you read this series in sequence so as to better understand some of the personal dynamics being played out in the plot. Trust me, you'll enjoy them all!
February 1, 2020
The Earl of Grenville has opened up his home to paying guests, but only to see the museum room, with the famous antiques, including the legendary bleeding hawk. The locals all believe that if you touch the hawk, you will die. And if the hawk bleeds, someone will die. So when, at the end of the day, a suit of armor falls, killing the butler, everyone in the village is convinced the legend is true. But Kat thinks a more earthly reason is behind that death and the other bizarre goings on. Add to that her unexpected upturn in her love life and you have a story worth reading.
March 1, 2020
A quick read with lots of quirky characters one might find in a Midsomer Murder episode, set in a small English village. Includes a large manor house with extensive grounds, characters of various ages, including a couple of mischievous children. The main character has several fellas vying for her attentions, with an equally mischievous mother to manage. Was an enjoyable read for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
January 2, 2023
Ah Honeychurch ! Mon péché mignon !
Toujours aussi contente de retrouver cet univers et ces personnages, avec leurs personnalités un brin farfelue !
Cette fois-ci il est question d’une malédiction liée à un faucon empaillé, qui sèmera la zizanie lors de journée porte ouverte organisée au manoir.
J’ai beaucoup aimé suivre Kat dans cette nouvelle enquête, mais aussi dans sa vie amoureuse 😏, et ça bouge de ce côté-là !
Toujours aussi contente de retrouver cet univers et ces personnages, avec leurs personnalités un brin farfelue !
Cette fois-ci il est question d’une malédiction liée à un faucon empaillé, qui sèmera la zizanie lors de journée porte ouverte organisée au manoir.
J’ai beaucoup aimé suivre Kat dans cette nouvelle enquête, mais aussi dans sa vie amoureuse 😏, et ça bouge de ce côté-là !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
Cute cozy story taking place just before Christmas. A man dies in a freak accident involving a suit of armor, a mummified bird bleeds, antique watches disappear and that's just to mention a few of the wacky things that happen in this book! On the other side, there are two murders and an attempted murder to keep things interesting. Kat, the protagonist is wooed by three suiters. Kat must work with the police to find the killer before she is the next murder victim.
November 21, 2025
Learn something new about English Culture Everytime
This book was a little too intense, but that didn't stop me from reading. Got the Royal Navy in there this time and some British cartoon pirate captain with his Master Mate. I have a US Navy friend who was kind of an unofficial Master Mate on a ship. I was a Machinist's Mate. Master Mate is obsolete and no one calls anyone Mate anymore. At least no cowboys yet, but there are horses.
This book was a little too intense, but that didn't stop me from reading. Got the Royal Navy in there this time and some British cartoon pirate captain with his Master Mate. I have a US Navy friend who was kind of an unofficial Master Mate on a ship. I was a Machinist's Mate. Master Mate is obsolete and no one calls anyone Mate anymore. At least no cowboys yet, but there are horses.
December 27, 2021
"Tidings of Death at Honeychurch Hall" is a step up from the normal Christmas cozy mystery. It's a bit more twisty and a tiny bit more dark. Dennison writes well and and managed the impossible, to make me go back to liking the character of Sean again. This plot tied up everything very nicely at the end and the overall book is quite satisfying. I look forward to reading m0re in the series.
June 22, 2024
The Museum room at the hall has been opened to the public for day to show off the pieces and the Hawk that if you touch it, you will die. While looking into the butler’s death, Kat is also being chased by three suitors. And why is the strange couple near the action ? Love this series and the quirky characters.
March 10, 2024
Un événement au manoir, un mort, un vol ...plus tard, une personne agressée dans le cimetière...des questions, des suspicion...Kat sort avec Guy....mais Shawn n'est pas loin....et David qui revient temporairement.
April 11, 2020
Enjoyable
Interesting characters and surprising twists to story. Honeychurch Hall the village are fascinating places for the story's location. Christmas time also adds to the story.
Interesting characters and surprising twists to story. Honeychurch Hall the village are fascinating places for the story's location. Christmas time also adds to the story.
June 9, 2020
I love these quirky characters. So fun.
August 11, 2020
I love the Honeychurch Hall series!
August 23, 2020
Very good hard to put down
November 12, 2020
This series gets better with every book! Great characters and a fun mystery!
December 26, 2020
Good series. Nice setting and characters. Some problems such as relationships, carry over, but the mystery is always solved. Waiting for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews