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Charlotte Dean #1
Deadly Start
Starting over has never been more dangerous...
Charlotte loves her new job at Rosie's bookshop in the small town of Kingfisher Falls. One day she will buy the store, but for now she's content to learn the ropes and forget her troubled past. Even the snobby book club ladies can't dampen her spirits.
But when a strange series of crimes casts suspicion on all the wrong people - including Charlotte - she can't stand back and watch. Charlotte begins her own investigation, and Rosie is more than happy to help. With the community divided and criminals on the loose, the annual Christmas Eve street party is about to change lives forever, and Charlotte is the only one who can prevent a disaster.
So much for keeping her head down.
Charlotte loves her new job at Rosie's bookshop in the small town of Kingfisher Falls. One day she will buy the store, but for now she's content to learn the ropes and forget her troubled past. Even the snobby book club ladies can't dampen her spirits.
But when a strange series of crimes casts suspicion on all the wrong people - including Charlotte - she can't stand back and watch. Charlotte begins her own investigation, and Rosie is more than happy to help. With the community divided and criminals on the loose, the annual Christmas Eve street party is about to change lives forever, and Charlotte is the only one who can prevent a disaster.
So much for keeping her head down.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2019
1323 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Nefri Clark
88 books353 followersPhillipa lives just outside a beautiful town in country Victoria, Australia. She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles stories beside her laptop.
She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.
She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
December 1, 2023
Deadly Start (Charlotte Dean Mysteries, #1) by Phillipa Nefri Clark
Synopsis /
Starting over has never been more dangerous...
Charlotte loves her new job at Rosie's bookshop in the small town of Kingfisher Falls. One day she will buy the store, but for now she's content to learn the ropes and forget her troubled past. Even the snobby book club ladies can't dampen her spirits.
But when a strange series of crimes casts suspicion on all the wrong people - including Charlotte - she can't stand back and watch. Charlotte begins her own investigation, and Rosie is more than happy to help. With the community divided and criminals on the loose, the annual Christmas Eve street party is about to change lives forever, and Charlotte is the only one who can prevent a disaster.
So much for keeping her head down.
My Thoughts /
What can I say about Deadly Start - book 1 in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries series written by Phillipa Nefri Clark?
Oh, plenty. Buckle up because this is not going to end well.
Let's start with the title, Deadly Start. It's not hard to extrapolate an inference from the word 'deadly' that (a) someone might die; (b) someone might have a 'near death' experience; (c) a fatal or violent event occurs. The only thing that comes anywhere near 'close' to dead, or deadly, (in my kindle copy) is the half-alive Christmas tree Charlotte rescues from certain death when she visits the Christmas Tree Plantation.
Next, let's turn ourselves to the cover. Dark, with black clouds covering the sky - ominous, menacing, foreboding. The only thing menacing about this story was my blood pressure every time I came across another glaring editing inaccuracy.
So let's get on to that right now [just let me take a blood pressure pill first].
❌- Charlotte work up a little after seven the next morning.
❌ - Please stay were you are though.
❌ - Where you at the lookout?
❌ - A few doors along was a lovely little liquor store and to Charlotte’s relief, the assistance knew exactly what Esther and Doug liked to drink.
and my personal fav
❌ - Between here and Veronica was a row of skip bins, large receptables for recycling and some for garbage.
I could keep going but I'm already at my blood pressure pill limit.
This book has an average rating of 4.20. Surprisingly not one review mentions editing or spelling errors, so I'm wondering whether grammatical and editing inadequacies aren't a big issue for others, or whether I just received a dud.
Interestingly, the author posted a comment on August 5, 2023: I'm so happy to bring you the relaunched book one in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries! Re-released at the end of July 2023, it has had a light rewrite and fresh edit, new cover and new title. Having the rights back allows me to refresh this series and over the next few months, all five books will be re-released. And I am planning to write a brand new story in the series early next year. Thanks to everyone who has read this book under its previous titles (Deadly Start and before that, The Christmas Tree Thief).
I went back into my kindle and checked the acquired date, and to be fair, I purchased my copy prior to the author's 'refresh'. Let's hope whoever has edited the refreshed version did a better job.
If you have managed to read this far into my review, I congratulate you for sticking it out! To the story. Our main protagonist Charlotte Deane has recently moved to Kingfisher Falls from her hometown in Queensland for a new start. Little is revealed to the reader about Charlotte, but in a small reveal we learn that 'Dr' Charlotte Deane worked as a psychiatrist before her move to Kingfisher Falls. Charlotte's new job, working in the local bookstore is ideal - it's a great place for her to meet new people and keep busy - and the fact that she lives in the apartment over the bookstore makes it even better.
One evening, while out on her balcony, Charlotte witnesses someone breaking into one of the shops on the street - smashing the window and stealing a Christmas tree. When more Christmas trees are stolen, including the town council's Christmas tree located on the main street, Charlotte takes it upon herself to investigate. Yes, like you, I too have MANY questions. Not the least is WHY. I mean, Christmas trees, really?? But this review is already way too long to tackle any more questions on this point. So to continue.
There are plenty of endearing secondary characters in this story. The bookstore owner - Rosie, the other long term small business owners in the town, and a young boy called Lachie, who will just melt your heart. And the resident 'unlikeables': the Christmas tree thieves, the snobbish and pretentious book club ladies, and Sid Browne - the town's local policeman. For someone who has a 'serving the public' profession, Sid is described as lazy, insolent, arrogant, rude, and overweight (can't see his feet for his stomach) - you'll come to love to hate Sid.
I'm not going to say that this was an enjoyable read, because it wasn't, and although the mystery was somewhat intriguing, and I did enjoy the descriptions of the landscape and Kingfisher Falls small town vibe and its townsfolk - it wasn't enough to tip the scales over the editing issues for me.
In closing, a final comment to my GR friend, Lit with Leigh. Leigh, I thought this was going to be the perfect opportunity to use 'WASTEMAN' in a review (insert Sid here). But alas, my blood pressure just can't take any more!
Synopsis /
Starting over has never been more dangerous...
Charlotte loves her new job at Rosie's bookshop in the small town of Kingfisher Falls. One day she will buy the store, but for now she's content to learn the ropes and forget her troubled past. Even the snobby book club ladies can't dampen her spirits.
But when a strange series of crimes casts suspicion on all the wrong people - including Charlotte - she can't stand back and watch. Charlotte begins her own investigation, and Rosie is more than happy to help. With the community divided and criminals on the loose, the annual Christmas Eve street party is about to change lives forever, and Charlotte is the only one who can prevent a disaster.
So much for keeping her head down.
My Thoughts /
What can I say about Deadly Start - book 1 in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries series written by Phillipa Nefri Clark?
Oh, plenty. Buckle up because this is not going to end well.
Let's start with the title, Deadly Start. It's not hard to extrapolate an inference from the word 'deadly' that (a) someone might die; (b) someone might have a 'near death' experience; (c) a fatal or violent event occurs. The only thing that comes anywhere near 'close' to dead, or deadly, (in my kindle copy) is the half-alive Christmas tree Charlotte rescues from certain death when she visits the Christmas Tree Plantation.
Next, let's turn ourselves to the cover. Dark, with black clouds covering the sky - ominous, menacing, foreboding. The only thing menacing about this story was my blood pressure every time I came across another glaring editing inaccuracy.
So let's get on to that right now [just let me take a blood pressure pill first].
❌- Charlotte work up a little after seven the next morning.
❌ - Please stay were you are though.
❌ - Where you at the lookout?
❌ - A few doors along was a lovely little liquor store and to Charlotte’s relief, the assistance knew exactly what Esther and Doug liked to drink.
and my personal fav
❌ - Between here and Veronica was a row of skip bins, large receptables for recycling and some for garbage.
I could keep going but I'm already at my blood pressure pill limit.
This book has an average rating of 4.20. Surprisingly not one review mentions editing or spelling errors, so I'm wondering whether grammatical and editing inadequacies aren't a big issue for others, or whether I just received a dud.
Interestingly, the author posted a comment on August 5, 2023: I'm so happy to bring you the relaunched book one in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries! Re-released at the end of July 2023, it has had a light rewrite and fresh edit, new cover and new title. Having the rights back allows me to refresh this series and over the next few months, all five books will be re-released. And I am planning to write a brand new story in the series early next year. Thanks to everyone who has read this book under its previous titles (Deadly Start and before that, The Christmas Tree Thief).
I went back into my kindle and checked the acquired date, and to be fair, I purchased my copy prior to the author's 'refresh'. Let's hope whoever has edited the refreshed version did a better job.
If you have managed to read this far into my review, I congratulate you for sticking it out! To the story. Our main protagonist Charlotte Deane has recently moved to Kingfisher Falls from her hometown in Queensland for a new start. Little is revealed to the reader about Charlotte, but in a small reveal we learn that 'Dr' Charlotte Deane worked as a psychiatrist before her move to Kingfisher Falls. Charlotte's new job, working in the local bookstore is ideal - it's a great place for her to meet new people and keep busy - and the fact that she lives in the apartment over the bookstore makes it even better.
One evening, while out on her balcony, Charlotte witnesses someone breaking into one of the shops on the street - smashing the window and stealing a Christmas tree. When more Christmas trees are stolen, including the town council's Christmas tree located on the main street, Charlotte takes it upon herself to investigate. Yes, like you, I too have MANY questions. Not the least is WHY. I mean, Christmas trees, really?? But this review is already way too long to tackle any more questions on this point. So to continue.
There are plenty of endearing secondary characters in this story. The bookstore owner - Rosie, the other long term small business owners in the town, and a young boy called Lachie, who will just melt your heart. And the resident 'unlikeables': the Christmas tree thieves, the snobbish and pretentious book club ladies, and Sid Browne - the town's local policeman. For someone who has a 'serving the public' profession, Sid is described as lazy, insolent, arrogant, rude, and overweight (can't see his feet for his stomach) - you'll come to love to hate Sid.
I'm not going to say that this was an enjoyable read, because it wasn't, and although the mystery was somewhat intriguing, and I did enjoy the descriptions of the landscape and Kingfisher Falls small town vibe and its townsfolk - it wasn't enough to tip the scales over the editing issues for me.
In closing, a final comment to my GR friend, Lit with Leigh. Leigh, I thought this was going to be the perfect opportunity to use 'WASTEMAN' in a review (insert Sid here). But alas, my blood pressure just can't take any more!
December 19, 2021
This turned out to be an excellent book to read in December as it is set in the lead up to Christmas. There is a thief about who is stealing Christmas trees - from shop windows, from houses and amazingly the big tree from the town centre.
Charlotte Dean, newly arrived in town and helping to manage the local bookshop, is intrigued and starts investigating this and other strange incidents which are taking place. I like Charlotte. She is sensible and intelligent and makes logical decisions. I also enjoyed the way she stood up to the local bully who is also, unfortunately, the local policeman.
A fun read and a good start to a new series. I am looking forward to finding out how Charlotte continues to progress in her new life in Kingfisher Falls.
Charlotte Dean, newly arrived in town and helping to manage the local bookshop, is intrigued and starts investigating this and other strange incidents which are taking place. I like Charlotte. She is sensible and intelligent and makes logical decisions. I also enjoyed the way she stood up to the local bully who is also, unfortunately, the local policeman.
A fun read and a good start to a new series. I am looking forward to finding out how Charlotte continues to progress in her new life in Kingfisher Falls.
November 29, 2020
Moving from River’s End to the beautiful town of Kingfisher Falls at the foot of the Macedon Ranges in Victoria, was a no-brainer for Charlotte Dean and working with Rosie in her bookshop meant she could start over. Charlotte lived in the delightful little apartment over the bookshop and knew she would soon make it her own. Christmas was fast approaching, and the bookshop was busy, but when the three book club ladies entered, Charlotte wasn’t quite sure what she’d struck. Keeping a smile on her face in front of their rudeness had Rosie expressing her admiration of Charlotte – what on earth was the problem with these women?
But when someone began stealing Christmas trees – first from the store not far from the bookshop, then from people’s homes, and finally the huge town tree in the middle of the roundabout – she couldn’t believe her eyes or ears. When the lazy, insolent, only local cop in town decided Charlotte was trouble, doing nothing about the real crime but hassling her, she’d had enough. Something was going badly wrong in Kingfisher Falls and Charlotte would find out what it was, danger or not!
The Christmas Tree Thief is the first in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I first met Charlotte in the River’s End Mystery series and now having her own series in the sweet little town is perfect. Rosie is a wonderful character and the family from the Christmas Tree farm are exceptional, especially seven-year-old Lachie. An excellent read which I highly recommend and I'm looking forward to #2.
But when someone began stealing Christmas trees – first from the store not far from the bookshop, then from people’s homes, and finally the huge town tree in the middle of the roundabout – she couldn’t believe her eyes or ears. When the lazy, insolent, only local cop in town decided Charlotte was trouble, doing nothing about the real crime but hassling her, she’d had enough. Something was going badly wrong in Kingfisher Falls and Charlotte would find out what it was, danger or not!
The Christmas Tree Thief is the first in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I first met Charlotte in the River’s End Mystery series and now having her own series in the sweet little town is perfect. Rosie is a wonderful character and the family from the Christmas Tree farm are exceptional, especially seven-year-old Lachie. An excellent read which I highly recommend and I'm looking forward to #2.
December 26, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘Something was very wrong in Kingfisher Falls. Charlotte didn’t know what was going on, but there was more to this break in than a simple desire to take a Christmas Tree.’
The Christmas Tree Thief is the opening book in Phillipa Nefri Clark’s new Charlotte Dean series. Set against a stunning small town stage, featuring a cast of eclectic and memorable characters, The Christmas Tree Thief will wrap you up in plenty of festive themed mystery.
When The Christmas Tree Thief opens, Kingfisher Falls, based in the Macedon Ranges, has welcomed a new community member into its small fold. Charlotte Dean arrives and takes up a position at the local bookshop. Little is revealled about Charlotte in the beginning of this tale, we know she is a former psychiatrist, escaping her past. Soon after her arrival, Charlotte inadvertently becomes embroiled in a local mystery. From the balcony window of the bookshop, Charlotte spies a figure stealing Christmas trees from shop windows. She is shocked and immediately feels compelled to get to the bottom of this strange mystery. With the local police displaying very little interest, Charlotte takes it upon herself to crack this baffling case. Initially, Charlotte’s suspicions fall on the local Christmas tree farm, but there is no hard evidence to link this business to the crime. As Charlotte digs deeper, the bookshop becomes the latest victim of the cunning thief. Danger lurks around the corner for the newest resident of Kingfisher Falls, in this perplexing Christmas based mystery.
Christmas Eve proved to be the perfect time to read The Christmas Tree Thief, written by Australian author Phillipa Nefri Clark. This new novel from Phillipa Nefri Clark marks the first book in an introductory series featuring Charlotte Dean. The Christmas Tree Thief is a book filled with festivity, mystery, intrigue, suspicion and small town community politics. It was an intriguing read, that definitely kept me occupied over the Christmas holiday break.
Charlotte Dean is the lead of this new tale from Phillipa Nefri Clark. Charlotte has appeared briefly in previous books by Phillipa Nefri Clark, but this is her first outing as a full scale lead protagonist. There are also some gentle references to characters from other books by this author, but the action is based around Charlotte this time around. Charlotte is an appealing lead, but she is shrouded in a mask of mystery pertaining to her past. Charlotte did seem to keep us in the dark a fair bit, especially about her mysterious background. I do feel there is plenty of room for growth around this character and an opportunity to expose the reader to her interesting past. I thought it was brave of Charlotte to take on The Christmas Tree Thief crime almost single handedly, without the assistance of the local law enforcement! She certainly puts herself on the firing line and sacrifices her safety for the good of the new community in which she has settled!
Kingfisher Falls was a truly delightful and evocative Australian setting. I am not familiar with the Macedon Ranges region in which Kingfisher Falls, the prime locale of this book is set. The Christmas Tree Thief immersed me in this picturesque part of Australia, I would love to take a visit to this area one day in the future, minus the crime element though! Phillips Nefri Clark evokes the natural beauty of this part of our country and it provides a fabulous festive backdrop for this book.
The mindset and actions of a small town plays a significant part in The Christmas Tree Thief. We bear witness to the small town mentality, gossip and community banding evident in Kingfisher Falls. Many members of the local community that pop up during the course of this novel provide plenty of interest and intrigue in the unfolding story. Phillipa Nefri Clark has definitely plucked out a wide ranging collection of characters to fill the pages of The Christmas Tree Thief, making this novel an engaging read from start to finish.
In terms of the mystery side of things, The Christmas Tree Thief embodies the classic cosy mystery genre, with a distinct Australian flavour. The case presented in this book was puzzling, providing the reader with plenty of entertainment value. When I reached the conclusion, I wasn’t too surprised by the turn of events that led to the unmasking of the identity and the intent of the ‘Christmas Tree Thief’.
Phillipa Nefri Clark has left it wide open for further exploration of the character of Charlotte Dean to continue on for more mystery and mayhem in Kingsfisher Falls. I look forward to another issue in this series!
*With thanks to the author, Phillipa Nefri Clark, for providing me with a copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.
The Christmas Tree Thief is book #155 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘Something was very wrong in Kingfisher Falls. Charlotte didn’t know what was going on, but there was more to this break in than a simple desire to take a Christmas Tree.’
The Christmas Tree Thief is the opening book in Phillipa Nefri Clark’s new Charlotte Dean series. Set against a stunning small town stage, featuring a cast of eclectic and memorable characters, The Christmas Tree Thief will wrap you up in plenty of festive themed mystery.
When The Christmas Tree Thief opens, Kingfisher Falls, based in the Macedon Ranges, has welcomed a new community member into its small fold. Charlotte Dean arrives and takes up a position at the local bookshop. Little is revealled about Charlotte in the beginning of this tale, we know she is a former psychiatrist, escaping her past. Soon after her arrival, Charlotte inadvertently becomes embroiled in a local mystery. From the balcony window of the bookshop, Charlotte spies a figure stealing Christmas trees from shop windows. She is shocked and immediately feels compelled to get to the bottom of this strange mystery. With the local police displaying very little interest, Charlotte takes it upon herself to crack this baffling case. Initially, Charlotte’s suspicions fall on the local Christmas tree farm, but there is no hard evidence to link this business to the crime. As Charlotte digs deeper, the bookshop becomes the latest victim of the cunning thief. Danger lurks around the corner for the newest resident of Kingfisher Falls, in this perplexing Christmas based mystery.
Christmas Eve proved to be the perfect time to read The Christmas Tree Thief, written by Australian author Phillipa Nefri Clark. This new novel from Phillipa Nefri Clark marks the first book in an introductory series featuring Charlotte Dean. The Christmas Tree Thief is a book filled with festivity, mystery, intrigue, suspicion and small town community politics. It was an intriguing read, that definitely kept me occupied over the Christmas holiday break.
Charlotte Dean is the lead of this new tale from Phillipa Nefri Clark. Charlotte has appeared briefly in previous books by Phillipa Nefri Clark, but this is her first outing as a full scale lead protagonist. There are also some gentle references to characters from other books by this author, but the action is based around Charlotte this time around. Charlotte is an appealing lead, but she is shrouded in a mask of mystery pertaining to her past. Charlotte did seem to keep us in the dark a fair bit, especially about her mysterious background. I do feel there is plenty of room for growth around this character and an opportunity to expose the reader to her interesting past. I thought it was brave of Charlotte to take on The Christmas Tree Thief crime almost single handedly, without the assistance of the local law enforcement! She certainly puts herself on the firing line and sacrifices her safety for the good of the new community in which she has settled!
Kingfisher Falls was a truly delightful and evocative Australian setting. I am not familiar with the Macedon Ranges region in which Kingfisher Falls, the prime locale of this book is set. The Christmas Tree Thief immersed me in this picturesque part of Australia, I would love to take a visit to this area one day in the future, minus the crime element though! Phillips Nefri Clark evokes the natural beauty of this part of our country and it provides a fabulous festive backdrop for this book.
The mindset and actions of a small town plays a significant part in The Christmas Tree Thief. We bear witness to the small town mentality, gossip and community banding evident in Kingfisher Falls. Many members of the local community that pop up during the course of this novel provide plenty of interest and intrigue in the unfolding story. Phillipa Nefri Clark has definitely plucked out a wide ranging collection of characters to fill the pages of The Christmas Tree Thief, making this novel an engaging read from start to finish.
In terms of the mystery side of things, The Christmas Tree Thief embodies the classic cosy mystery genre, with a distinct Australian flavour. The case presented in this book was puzzling, providing the reader with plenty of entertainment value. When I reached the conclusion, I wasn’t too surprised by the turn of events that led to the unmasking of the identity and the intent of the ‘Christmas Tree Thief’.
Phillipa Nefri Clark has left it wide open for further exploration of the character of Charlotte Dean to continue on for more mystery and mayhem in Kingsfisher Falls. I look forward to another issue in this series!
*With thanks to the author, Phillipa Nefri Clark, for providing me with a copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.
The Christmas Tree Thief is book #155 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
January 5, 2022
What a fabulous start to a new series with lots of mystery this book will have readers guessing right to the end. This is the very first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be my last. I enjoyed how she grabs the readers attention straight away, which has you turning the pages wanting to know more. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2024
4 ⭐️s
Christmas shenanigans in Kingfisher Falls
Charlotte Dean is Back, and with her very own series! She was featured in River’s End, a series I adored and the Christmas Tree Thief is the first in the Charlotte Dean Mystery series and is off to a good start. Love Charlotte, she’s a fantastic character and so well written, and all the happenings kept me entertained. A great, even paced cosy mystery. I’m almost ready to start the next one. I’m looking forward to seeing what the townsfolk of Kingfisher Falls is up to next and how Charlie is settling in.
Christmas shenanigans in Kingfisher Falls
Charlotte Dean is Back, and with her very own series! She was featured in River’s End, a series I adored and the Christmas Tree Thief is the first in the Charlotte Dean Mystery series and is off to a good start. Love Charlotte, she’s a fantastic character and so well written, and all the happenings kept me entertained. A great, even paced cosy mystery. I’m almost ready to start the next one. I’m looking forward to seeing what the townsfolk of Kingfisher Falls is up to next and how Charlie is settling in.
November 23, 2019
Woohoo what a start to a new series from MS Nefri Clark, beautifully written I loved spending time with Charlotte again and this time she is in a new town Kingfisher Falls and is leaving her past behind for a new beginning. Charlotte is living above the bookshop she is now working in, it is a couple of weeks before Christmas the shop is busy and Charlotte is meeting a lot of new people, when there is some thefts of Christmas trees and Charlotte cannot not help getting involved.
Some members of the close small community are blaming a local family who are struggling with their Christmas tree farm for the thefts but Charlotte is sure it is not the lovely family and puts herself in some sticky spots trying to get answers, the local police officer Sid Browne takes a dislike to her and seems to target the shop and her, thus making her feel he is not trustworthy. Charlotte being herself is determined to ensure that the truth will be found and the culprits bought to justice.
This is a nail biting page turner, a fabulous mystery that will keep you guessing, I loved it from the start MS Clark knows how to tell a good tale, a story that pulls a reader in, her characters are real and come to life on the pages they are easy to make friends with, you get a feel for the town, the setting is beautiful. I do love a Christmas story and this one is going to one of my favourites, I never miss one of MS Nefri Clark’s stories they are a must read, engaging and wonderful I was cheering Charlotte on.
There are going to be a few more mysteries for Charlotte to unravel in Kingfisher Falls and I am really looking forward to them and finding out more about Charlotte’s past and seeing her leave that behind, this is one I highly recommend.
Some members of the close small community are blaming a local family who are struggling with their Christmas tree farm for the thefts but Charlotte is sure it is not the lovely family and puts herself in some sticky spots trying to get answers, the local police officer Sid Browne takes a dislike to her and seems to target the shop and her, thus making her feel he is not trustworthy. Charlotte being herself is determined to ensure that the truth will be found and the culprits bought to justice.
This is a nail biting page turner, a fabulous mystery that will keep you guessing, I loved it from the start MS Clark knows how to tell a good tale, a story that pulls a reader in, her characters are real and come to life on the pages they are easy to make friends with, you get a feel for the town, the setting is beautiful. I do love a Christmas story and this one is going to one of my favourites, I never miss one of MS Nefri Clark’s stories they are a must read, engaging and wonderful I was cheering Charlotte on.
There are going to be a few more mysteries for Charlotte to unravel in Kingfisher Falls and I am really looking forward to them and finding out more about Charlotte’s past and seeing her leave that behind, this is one I highly recommend.
Read
August 4, 2023I'm so happy to bring you the relaunched book one in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries! Re-released at the end of July 2023, it has had a light rewrite and fresh edit, new cover and new title. Having the rights back allows me to refresh this series and over the next few months, all five books will be re-released. And I am planning to write a brand new story in the series early next year. Thanks to everyone who has read this book under its previous titles (Deadly Start and before that, The Christmas Tree Thief).
October 6, 2022
I picked this as it was the first in a series however I felt that I was missing a lot having not read the River's End books.
August 23, 2020
Oh, so very good!
I was first introduced to Charlotte Dean in the Rivers End series, so was thrilled to see that she has a series of her own.
Shortly after arriving in the small Victorian town of Kingfisher Falls to work in the local bookshop , there is a spate of Christmas tree thefts, and Charlotte is determined to reveal the culprits.
The story-line is excellent, with some wonderful characters, and some not so nice. The setting is the beautiful Macedon Ranges of Victoria in Australia.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Well written and entertaining from beginning to end; highly recommended.
I was first introduced to Charlotte Dean in the Rivers End series, so was thrilled to see that she has a series of her own.
Shortly after arriving in the small Victorian town of Kingfisher Falls to work in the local bookshop , there is a spate of Christmas tree thefts, and Charlotte is determined to reveal the culprits.
The story-line is excellent, with some wonderful characters, and some not so nice. The setting is the beautiful Macedon Ranges of Victoria in Australia.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Well written and entertaining from beginning to end; highly recommended.
December 30, 2019
What a jolly good book!
The thing I love about being part of a reading group is the opportunity to read stories I may not normally pick up and be introduced to Authors I may not read. I have read Phillipa's stories before but this one I have to say is my favourite.
True to the synopsis what I want to say I enjoyed about it is that it was a really good story, had me from the beginning. It was a brilliantly themed Christmas story and I loved the mystery. Charlotte is an awesome character and I loved the bits and pieces happening within the town.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a really good book!
The thing I love about being part of a reading group is the opportunity to read stories I may not normally pick up and be introduced to Authors I may not read. I have read Phillipa's stories before but this one I have to say is my favourite.
True to the synopsis what I want to say I enjoyed about it is that it was a really good story, had me from the beginning. It was a brilliantly themed Christmas story and I loved the mystery. Charlotte is an awesome character and I loved the bits and pieces happening within the town.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a really good book!
November 26, 2019
Another wonderful mystery from Ms. Clark and this one takes place during the Christmas season which also puts you in the mood. Charlotte is in Kingfisher Falls hoping to have a new beginning and leave all the unwanted things behind. Working in a book store is an ideal place for her to meet new people and keep herself busy. Suddenly she finds herself involved in the community as someone is stealing Christmas trees. Wanting to help find who is doing it puts her in the radar of the police officer Sid Browne who for some reason takes and instant dislike to her. You will get wrapped into this story from the first page and will truly love it.
October 21, 2021
A Feel Good Read
Charlotte moved to Kingfisher Falls to work in Rosie's book shop. Here , she got involved in a strange situation, with unknown characters. Great characters. I felt involved with the community and it's people, especially in the season of good will.
Charlotte moved to Kingfisher Falls to work in Rosie's book shop. Here , she got involved in a strange situation, with unknown characters. Great characters. I felt involved with the community and it's people, especially in the season of good will.
November 25, 2025
What I would call a 'nice' book. Pleasant characters (mainly) and easy to read. Many more in the series.
February 28, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It was light and fun to read, especially with the main character working in a bookshop. Dream job. The mystery was also enjoyable. Will be reading more in this series!
September 5, 2020
I only read this book because it said characters from the Riverview mysteries would be in this series. They weren’t until the last page. I didn’t like the protagonist previously and this book didn’t help. Boring, boring, boring.
May 1, 2025
Charlotte Dean è una donna del mistero. Si è appena trasferita a Kingfisher Falls da Brisbane per lavorare nella libreria della cittadina, di proprietà di Rosie, un'anziana donna invalida, madre di Trevor, con cui Charlotte ha un rapporto non meglio specificato (in città tutti credono che lui sia il suo fidanzato e Charlotte sembra essere innamorata di lui, ma non è chiaro quale sia la realtà). Charlotte è una psichiatra, ma sembra essere stata allontanata dalla pratica della professione per qualche motivo sconosciuto - che immagino scopriremo nel corso della serie se non addirittura alla fine. La madre soffre di Alzheimer precoce, a quanto pare, tanto che Charlotte non sa nulla della sua famiglia e del suo passato. Non sa neanche nulla del padre, che è andato via quando lei aveva solo due anni.
A ogni modo, Charlotte a Kingfisher Falls incontra una grande ostilità da parte di alcune signore del club del libro e dell'Agente Capo Sid Browne, che sembra averla presa di mira e non la prende sul serio quando lei dichiara effrazioni a cui ha assistito. In particolare, a Kingfisher Falls ci sono dei furti di alberi di Natale artificiali e tutti sembrano puntare il dito verso Darcy Woodland e la sua famiglia, che ha da poco rilevato la Woodland Christmas Tree Farm, un'azienda che appartiene da sempre alla sua famiglia. Ma Charlotte e Rosie sanno che i sospetti su Darcy sono immotivati, perché il giovane e tutta la sua famiglia sono persone oneste, anche se sono sull'orlo della bancarotta.
La curiosità di Charlotte la spinge a indagare sui furti, sia perché Sid non sembra voler fare nulla (che sia invischiato anche lui nei furti? Corrotto è corrotto), sia perché lei stessa ha subito delle ripercussioni, avendo assistito ad alcuni dei furti (anche se i ladri erano incappucciati e Sid, anziché rincorrere i delinquenti, ha pensato a interrogare Charlotte, sospettando che fosse ubriaca). Inoltre, Charlotte ci tiene a scagionare i Woodland.
Il tutto sotto la calda aria natalizia australiana - sebbene a volte abbia avuto dei dubbi che la storia si svolgesse in Australia, ma poi mi sono resa conto che l'autrice inserisce dei riferimenti al Natale boreale di proposito, con grande ironia, come ad esempio il nastro da regalo con i fiocchi di neve.
A ogni modo, Charlotte a Kingfisher Falls incontra una grande ostilità da parte di alcune signore del club del libro e dell'Agente Capo Sid Browne, che sembra averla presa di mira e non la prende sul serio quando lei dichiara effrazioni a cui ha assistito. In particolare, a Kingfisher Falls ci sono dei furti di alberi di Natale artificiali e tutti sembrano puntare il dito verso Darcy Woodland e la sua famiglia, che ha da poco rilevato la Woodland Christmas Tree Farm, un'azienda che appartiene da sempre alla sua famiglia. Ma Charlotte e Rosie sanno che i sospetti su Darcy sono immotivati, perché il giovane e tutta la sua famiglia sono persone oneste, anche se sono sull'orlo della bancarotta.
La curiosità di Charlotte la spinge a indagare sui furti, sia perché Sid non sembra voler fare nulla (che sia invischiato anche lui nei furti? Corrotto è corrotto), sia perché lei stessa ha subito delle ripercussioni, avendo assistito ad alcuni dei furti (anche se i ladri erano incappucciati e Sid, anziché rincorrere i delinquenti, ha pensato a interrogare Charlotte, sospettando che fosse ubriaca). Inoltre, Charlotte ci tiene a scagionare i Woodland.
Il tutto sotto la calda aria natalizia australiana - sebbene a volte abbia avuto dei dubbi che la storia si svolgesse in Australia, ma poi mi sono resa conto che l'autrice inserisce dei riferimenti al Natale boreale di proposito, con grande ironia, come ad esempio il nastro da regalo con i fiocchi di neve.
April 3, 2022
Charlotte's new home of Kingfisher Falls is being plagued by a series of unusual thefts. What's more, the crimes are splitting the once strong community apart. Can Charlie and her bookstore owning boss, Rosie, uncover the criminals' identities before the wrong person is accused?
I adore the way Phillipa Nefri Clark tells a story! Her descriptions cover just about everything, putting you in the scene as though you are actually there. Charlie has such depth to her and it will be fun seeing her secrets emerge as the series progresses. In addition, the mystery seemed to be a true-to-life event that could happen in any town and the raw emotions felt authentic. My only bugbear was the police officer whose motivations were unclear. I do look forward to more in this series where he will, hopefully, get his comeuppance.
I adore the way Phillipa Nefri Clark tells a story! Her descriptions cover just about everything, putting you in the scene as though you are actually there. Charlie has such depth to her and it will be fun seeing her secrets emerge as the series progresses. In addition, the mystery seemed to be a true-to-life event that could happen in any town and the raw emotions felt authentic. My only bugbear was the police officer whose motivations were unclear. I do look forward to more in this series where he will, hopefully, get his comeuppance.
December 5, 2019
The Christmas Tree Thief by Phillip Nefri Clara is the first in the Charlotte Dean series. We briefly meet Charlotte in a previous series. She as a past she is escaping from. Charlotte moves to Kingfisher Falls to have a new start and help Rosie with her bookshop. Soon after she arrives the Christmas Trees in the town start to go missing. It appears that the local police don’t really care and are not doing much about it. Charlotte starts her own investigation. A great mystery read, full of small community happenings. Love the stories from Ms Clark and look forward to the next one.
December 24, 2024
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
I thoroughly enjoyed the first Charlotte Dean mystery and have already started on book 2. I kept telling myself one more chapter, but kept myself up late 2 nights in a row because I just had to know what was going to happen next. I'm looking forward to following these characters and finding out what the useless and dodgy copper's really up to.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first Charlotte Dean mystery and have already started on book 2. I kept telling myself one more chapter, but kept myself up late 2 nights in a row because I just had to know what was going to happen next. I'm looking forward to following these characters and finding out what the useless and dodgy copper's really up to.
January 24, 2020
The Christmas Tree Thief by Phillipa Nefri Clark has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
A lovely Christmas story well written and enjoyable and I was left wanting to know what happened next.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
A lovely Christmas story well written and enjoyable and I was left wanting to know what happened next.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Awards
December 13, 2020
This book felt like it was more interested in focussing on the retail of the book shop than anything else so it ended up being just okay to me.
November 26, 2019
"The Christmas Tree Thief (Charlotte Dean Mysteries Book 1)" by Phillipa Nefri Clark is the 1st book in this new series and I love it. Charlotte Dean has moved to Kingfisher Falls to start a new life. She doesn't expect to be caught up in seeing someone steal Christmas trees and having that turn her world upside down. Really great story.
April 1, 2021
Charlotte was first introduced in the River's End series. She has now moved to Kingfisher Falls to work in a book store. The setting is Australia. There is mystery and the hint of romance along with some shady characters, including the book club ladies and the local cop. This is the first book in Charlotte's series and I've already grabbed the 2nd one.
August 23, 2021
Set in a small town in Australia, this is an enjoyable cozy mystery.
Charlie is starting over. It’s obvious that she has a past she’s running from, but all is not revealed. We slowly get to know about Charlie, as she is caught up in some mysteries in her new town of Kingfisher Falls.
Phillipa Nefri Clark captured my interest with this first book in the series. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in Kingfisher Falls.
Carla Kissane did a lovely job with the narration. She really brought out the characters personalities in her performance.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Charlie is starting over. It’s obvious that she has a past she’s running from, but all is not revealed. We slowly get to know about Charlie, as she is caught up in some mysteries in her new town of Kingfisher Falls.
Phillipa Nefri Clark captured my interest with this first book in the series. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in Kingfisher Falls.
Carla Kissane did a lovely job with the narration. She really brought out the characters personalities in her performance.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
June 4, 2022
First off, lucky Charlotte, who has a job at a book store. Sadly, more than meets the eye is going on with a series of crimes. No one seems to be exactly on the up and up in the small town. Many people who are innocent are getting the blame. Love the Christmastime setting in this cozy mystery.
October 19, 2020
Why would someone want so many trees?
Making the holidays sad and mysterious for all the people of the town. Can the problem be solved and ill feelings resolved?
Making the holidays sad and mysterious for all the people of the town. Can the problem be solved and ill feelings resolved?
December 20, 2024
This is the first book in the series. The main character is Charlotte. Charlotte comes to Kingfisher Falls to work with Rosie in her book store. Shortly after getting there there are a rash of Christmas tree thefts. At the same the the sorry excuse of a town cop starts to stalk her. Charlotte is trying to figure out who is behind all of this and why seem to target her.
August 13, 2021
Charlie has just moved to Kingfisher Falls and is enjoying the change from her ‘prior life’. When she witnesses a robbery and has a run-in with the local constable, Charlie’s suspicions are raised. There are the ‘mean girls/women’ who are trying to bully a young family, Christmas tree thefts, and intimidation. Can Charlie get to the bottom of it all before someone gets hurt? Cute cozy mystery that leaves you wanting to know what’s next for Charlie.
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