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Oxford Key Mysteries #2
Burglary at Barnard
A dead body buried under a pile of ageing manuscripts. A secret chamber filled with a treasure-trove of books and paintings.
Nat returns to Oxford in January, this time based out of the historic halls of Barnard College. When she agrees to meet Mathilde in the college archives after hours, they hope to find information on the magic. They don’t expect to find a hidden chamber or stumble across another dead body.
Nat is scrambling to figure out if this is a crime of passion, a case of wrong place and wrong time, or whether something larger is a foot. Meanwhile, Mathilde and Kate are searching the hidden chamber for information on the magic’s origin. The last thing they need is Edward snooping around, wondering how the prefects are connected.
Can Nat satisfy Edward’s curiosity without revealing the existence of Oxford’s magic?
Can the prefects figure out how to restore Oxford’s magical border before someone else dies?
Nat returns to Oxford in January, this time based out of the historic halls of Barnard College. When she agrees to meet Mathilde in the college archives after hours, they hope to find information on the magic. They don’t expect to find a hidden chamber or stumble across another dead body.
Nat is scrambling to figure out if this is a crime of passion, a case of wrong place and wrong time, or whether something larger is a foot. Meanwhile, Mathilde and Kate are searching the hidden chamber for information on the magic’s origin. The last thing they need is Edward snooping around, wondering how the prefects are connected.
Can Nat satisfy Edward’s curiosity without revealing the existence of Oxford’s magic?
Can the prefects figure out how to restore Oxford’s magical border before someone else dies?
Audible Audio
First published July 11, 2020
About the author
Lynn Morrison
72 books289 followersLynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England and Venice, Italy with her husband, two daughters and three 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 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 4, 2021
very interesting - Ms Morrison is keeping the series going without a letup in her creativity, well thought out plots and characterization. I believe that I am going to move her up to my must buy category
December 9, 2021
Nat and her merry band of Eternals are back and, this time, Nat and Mathilde have found a body in the library at Barnard College. The unlucky victim is Master Finch-Byron’s assistant and, as it soon becomes obvious, there probably are a plethora of people who could be the murderer because Ms. Evans was not a pleasant or well-liked person. Also, as the title suggests, some thievery has occurred and that might very well be connected to the killing.
Once again, the little wyvern known as H who frequently turns into a cat so regular non-magical people won’t notice the curmudgeonly former gargoyle, is front and center and I thoroughly enjoyed his scenes. Even more fun is the appearance of a particular ghost important to Nat who helps her understand more about this wondrous magical world she has found herself in and he has some knowledge to share regarding the leaking magic affecting the university. While Nat, Mathilde and Kate keep searching for answers to this problem and to the killing, with the assistance of some of the college’s other ghosts, Edward redeems himself a bit in Nat’s eyes, being very slightly less suspicious of the three prefects as he carries out his detective duties.
Oxford is the perfect setting for this series and, having visited years ago, I can readily believe that magic exists there. After all, it’s just about as Hogwarts-ish as you can imagine and, well, I want my own wyvern, thank you very much. Ms. Morrison continues to be enormously imaginative and creative and Pearl Hewitt is fast becoming one of my favorite narrators thanks to her numerous voices and near-perfect pacing.
Once again, the little wyvern known as H who frequently turns into a cat so regular non-magical people won’t notice the curmudgeonly former gargoyle, is front and center and I thoroughly enjoyed his scenes. Even more fun is the appearance of a particular ghost important to Nat who helps her understand more about this wondrous magical world she has found herself in and he has some knowledge to share regarding the leaking magic affecting the university. While Nat, Mathilde and Kate keep searching for answers to this problem and to the killing, with the assistance of some of the college’s other ghosts, Edward redeems himself a bit in Nat’s eyes, being very slightly less suspicious of the three prefects as he carries out his detective duties.
Oxford is the perfect setting for this series and, having visited years ago, I can readily believe that magic exists there. After all, it’s just about as Hogwarts-ish as you can imagine and, well, I want my own wyvern, thank you very much. Ms. Morrison continues to be enormously imaginative and creative and Pearl Hewitt is fast becoming one of my favorite narrators thanks to her numerous voices and near-perfect pacing.
March 28, 2026
Her second term at Oxford sees Natalie stumbling on another dead body, this time at Barnard College. When the Master of the college arrives, he stumbles upon a secret room - already open - suggesting a burglary is linked with the death.
With a return of Harry, H, Kate, Mathilde and the Eternals, this is another interesting mystery.
Okay, I've given this four stars, but - and a huge BUT - I won't read any more of these tales. Lynn Morrison is not English, or even British, and her work is suffused with her misunderstandings about life here, and it grates. What made this novel worse than the previous one, is her appalling take on mediaeval speech. "Thou needn't shout," is one such example; the contraction is at odds with the formality. Every speech by this character jars. Further misunderstanding regarding titles, British employment laws, and when cricket is played (amongst others) only added to my irritation.
Which is a shame, because, as I said, the story is interesting.
With a return of Harry, H, Kate, Mathilde and the Eternals, this is another interesting mystery.
Okay, I've given this four stars, but - and a huge BUT - I won't read any more of these tales. Lynn Morrison is not English, or even British, and her work is suffused with her misunderstandings about life here, and it grates. What made this novel worse than the previous one, is her appalling take on mediaeval speech. "Thou needn't shout," is one such example; the contraction is at odds with the formality. Every speech by this character jars. Further misunderstanding regarding titles, British employment laws, and when cricket is played (amongst others) only added to my irritation.
Which is a shame, because, as I said, the story is interesting.
June 30, 2020
Just as I thought that the Oxford Key Mysteries can't get any better, Lynn Morrison went ahead and outdid herself.
Just like in the first part, "Murder at St Margaret," "Burglary at Barnard" has it all: a crime to be solved, magic, a dragon (he's actually a wyvern but he's so adorable I'll take him), a wonderful team of female characters headed by the smart and non-nonsense Natalie Payne.
Burglary at Barnard offers more insights into how magic works at Oxford and sheds some light on who can access it. But I'll stop here so that you can read it all on your own.
It's a wonderfully warm and relaxing book that will put a smile on your face. It will stay there for a looong time. I'm really looking forward to the third part.
Just like in the first part, "Murder at St Margaret," "Burglary at Barnard" has it all: a crime to be solved, magic, a dragon (he's actually a wyvern but he's so adorable I'll take him), a wonderful team of female characters headed by the smart and non-nonsense Natalie Payne.
Burglary at Barnard offers more insights into how magic works at Oxford and sheds some light on who can access it. But I'll stop here so that you can read it all on your own.
It's a wonderfully warm and relaxing book that will put a smile on your face. It will stay there for a looong time. I'm really looking forward to the third part.
December 31, 2021
Note: While this is book 2 in the series, it works pretty well as a standalone.
The cozy murder mystery with a dash of magic feel continues with Burglary at Barnard. Nat is still a charming character and I’m still completely enchanted with H, the wyvern (or cat when in disguise). He’s a little stubborn, a little naughty, and often the source of a much-needed chuckle. In this tale, we have another dead body and a mysterious theft from a previously hidden room of Oxford treasures.
It’s really the atmosphere that keeps me engrossed in the story. The setting is practically a character in and of itself. I’ve never been to Oxford but the story does such a great job of explaining the pertinent parts that I can clearly picture it in my head. Couple this with the magic system and we have a solid background to turn these characters loose in. In book 1, Edward was nearly a minor character. He’s truculent and also the main romantic interest. Here in book 2, he gets to be a sidekick and I’m happy to report that much of his truculent nature is pushed aside by Nat’s charms.
The plot itself starts off pretty intriguing but quickly becomes very simple. There’s really only one suspect so it’s just figuring out why and how. The why comes out pretty quickly but it takes more work to get the how sorted out. Nat has made more friends in the paranormal community at Oxford and these ghosts provide much-needed info. Even though there turned out not to be a complex mystery, I still enjoyed watching these characters pull all the pieces together.
After all is sorted out, there is a rather lengthy wrap up. It’s a little slow but it involves Edward. Some of this was interesting and bodes well for the next book in the series, but some of it was rather slow with first date jitters and too cute romantic gestures. All told, I did enjoy the story. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Pearl Hewitt has done another good job with this story. I especially liked her angry, older male voice (she makes him sound like the guilty jerk he is). Hewitt has a variety of voices and her male voices are believable. I also liked how she captured the emotions of the tender moments, like Nat with her ghosty grandpa. The pacing was good and there were no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lynn Morrison. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
The cozy murder mystery with a dash of magic feel continues with Burglary at Barnard. Nat is still a charming character and I’m still completely enchanted with H, the wyvern (or cat when in disguise). He’s a little stubborn, a little naughty, and often the source of a much-needed chuckle. In this tale, we have another dead body and a mysterious theft from a previously hidden room of Oxford treasures.
It’s really the atmosphere that keeps me engrossed in the story. The setting is practically a character in and of itself. I’ve never been to Oxford but the story does such a great job of explaining the pertinent parts that I can clearly picture it in my head. Couple this with the magic system and we have a solid background to turn these characters loose in. In book 1, Edward was nearly a minor character. He’s truculent and also the main romantic interest. Here in book 2, he gets to be a sidekick and I’m happy to report that much of his truculent nature is pushed aside by Nat’s charms.
The plot itself starts off pretty intriguing but quickly becomes very simple. There’s really only one suspect so it’s just figuring out why and how. The why comes out pretty quickly but it takes more work to get the how sorted out. Nat has made more friends in the paranormal community at Oxford and these ghosts provide much-needed info. Even though there turned out not to be a complex mystery, I still enjoyed watching these characters pull all the pieces together.
After all is sorted out, there is a rather lengthy wrap up. It’s a little slow but it involves Edward. Some of this was interesting and bodes well for the next book in the series, but some of it was rather slow with first date jitters and too cute romantic gestures. All told, I did enjoy the story. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Pearl Hewitt has done another good job with this story. I especially liked her angry, older male voice (she makes him sound like the guilty jerk he is). Hewitt has a variety of voices and her male voices are believable. I also liked how she captured the emotions of the tender moments, like Nat with her ghosty grandpa. The pacing was good and there were no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lynn Morrison. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
August 3, 2020
Burglary at Barnard is the second book in the Oxford Key Mystery series by Lynn Morrison and I really, really, really want to spill the beans and tell you about a HUGE part of the story but if I do that , it will totally ruin reading the book and I am not like that. But believe me when I say that I am biting my tongue as I type up my thoughts.
In Burglary at Barnard main character Natalie Payne doesn't even unpack her suitcase after returning from the holidays before meeting up with friend Mathilde where they stumble across a dead body. They had planned to meet up in the archives in the library to start looking into why they are having trouble with the magic that is within Oxford. Nat, Mathilde and Kate work at the college and all have important "jobs" as prefects who can see all the magic within the walls and grounds of Oxford. In the first book in this series, Murder at St. Margaret, they learn that there is a problem with the magic and they need to find out why that is. That is why Nat and Mathilde are meeting at the library at night before the colleges re-open for the new semester. Unfortunately finding the body of Barnard's Master's assistant and a secret chamber changes all their plans.
Luckily they are able to get assigned to catalog the contents in the hidden chamber which allows them to also look into the problem with the magic. Unfortunately, Master Finch-Byron takes control over the murder investigation and assigns it to Edward Thomas who happens to be Nat's upstairs neighbor who she has a crush on and who she worked with on the previous case however him looking into the murder could cause complications for the women.
I am a huge fan of this series and if you are a Harry Potter fan, this is a must read for you, I know I said it when I reviewed the first book but it bears saying again. Harry Potter fans and any fans of magical books will love this series. And each book draws the reader further into the story and the magic and with the explosive events that I really, really, really want to tell you about but can't you won't want the story to end. I am already looking forward to the next book, Arson at the Ashmolean....especially with the last line in Burglary at Barnard.
In Burglary at Barnard main character Natalie Payne doesn't even unpack her suitcase after returning from the holidays before meeting up with friend Mathilde where they stumble across a dead body. They had planned to meet up in the archives in the library to start looking into why they are having trouble with the magic that is within Oxford. Nat, Mathilde and Kate work at the college and all have important "jobs" as prefects who can see all the magic within the walls and grounds of Oxford. In the first book in this series, Murder at St. Margaret, they learn that there is a problem with the magic and they need to find out why that is. That is why Nat and Mathilde are meeting at the library at night before the colleges re-open for the new semester. Unfortunately finding the body of Barnard's Master's assistant and a secret chamber changes all their plans.
Luckily they are able to get assigned to catalog the contents in the hidden chamber which allows them to also look into the problem with the magic. Unfortunately, Master Finch-Byron takes control over the murder investigation and assigns it to Edward Thomas who happens to be Nat's upstairs neighbor who she has a crush on and who she worked with on the previous case however him looking into the murder could cause complications for the women.
I am a huge fan of this series and if you are a Harry Potter fan, this is a must read for you, I know I said it when I reviewed the first book but it bears saying again. Harry Potter fans and any fans of magical books will love this series. And each book draws the reader further into the story and the magic and with the explosive events that I really, really, really want to tell you about but can't you won't want the story to end. I am already looking forward to the next book, Arson at the Ashmolean....especially with the last line in Burglary at Barnard.
December 5, 2021
I loved this book. I think this book is even better than the first book and that is saying something. I love the characters, especially the playful Wyver, that sneezes fire when he is nervous. With this being book two we get to catch up the interesting cast of characters and at the same time introduced to some new ones, that I hope stick around.The story is set in Oxford and with the old town history of the place it proves plenty of ghosts to help with the mystery. I don't know if they or the colleges are real but they are so magical and colourfully described that I like to think so. The mystery was interesting and does get solved but the story is left not on a cliff hanger as such but definitely set up to make you want to get the next book. Also there is a long running mystery of how the magic was unleashed and who is after it, so it is probably a good idea to start with book one. I can't wait for book three to see what's happened.
With all the students still on there Christmas break Nat and her fellow prefects take the opportunity to visit the library in order to research anything they can find about the magic in Oxford. Instead they find a dead body and toppled over bookcases, uncovering a secret room full of manuscripts, paintings and art. They believe the room has something to do with the magic they were investigating and get themselves assigned to cataloguing the contents. It also gives them a chance to keep an eye on Edward, who has been asked to investigate the murder and make sure he is still kept in the dark about the magic. When it seems he is more interested in investigating them, Nat uses her position with the ghost community to find the clues she needs to unmask a killer. Can she plan another splendid event to show off the collection, learn more about the magic leakage and catch a killer?
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job of providing each character there own voice and she didn't have an annoying English accent which some narrator's insist on giving there characters.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
With all the students still on there Christmas break Nat and her fellow prefects take the opportunity to visit the library in order to research anything they can find about the magic in Oxford. Instead they find a dead body and toppled over bookcases, uncovering a secret room full of manuscripts, paintings and art. They believe the room has something to do with the magic they were investigating and get themselves assigned to cataloguing the contents. It also gives them a chance to keep an eye on Edward, who has been asked to investigate the murder and make sure he is still kept in the dark about the magic. When it seems he is more interested in investigating them, Nat uses her position with the ghost community to find the clues she needs to unmask a killer. Can she plan another splendid event to show off the collection, learn more about the magic leakage and catch a killer?
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job of providing each character there own voice and she didn't have an annoying English accent which some narrator's insist on giving there characters.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 6, 2023
Beyond annoying when such a smart and capable woman who solves all kinds of issues and problems in many areas of her life can't get beyond her feelings enough to see the world clearly. I get that the author needed some conflict in the romantic subplot but the whole misunderstanding thing about Edward not standing up for Nat made me lose all respect for her almost entirely. The way she treated him and the way he forgave her made me lose all respect for Edward too. Her explanation was plausible and we watched her descend into madness and as readers, we understand why she went there but the fact that she went there at all is a ginormous red flag. Her wild and uncontrolled emotions and neuroticism throughout their time together should've been telling Edward that Nat has more red flags than a communist parade but somehow - miraculously for the sake of the plot/plan for the series - he somehow overlooks everything and proceeds.
Harry had the good sense to know she was doing wrong when she first came to Nat with the information she overheard but shame on her for the pile-on in the library about it later. All the goodwill she had built up so far utterly evaporated the moment she turned on her "friend" Edward. The other two prefects are trash too for the way they hyped Nat up into an emotional frenzy of circular logic. In that scene, they proved to be more frenemies than allies.
Maybe it's coz I'm also a man that I understood why Edward kept mum but I'm also a cozy mystery reader so I came up with several additional reasons why his silence meant anything other than agreement with the accusation that Nat was the killer. I honestly can't understand why these four women did Edward dirty like that. It's really tarnished my view of them.
Harry had the good sense to know she was doing wrong when she first came to Nat with the information she overheard but shame on her for the pile-on in the library about it later. All the goodwill she had built up so far utterly evaporated the moment she turned on her "friend" Edward. The other two prefects are trash too for the way they hyped Nat up into an emotional frenzy of circular logic. In that scene, they proved to be more frenemies than allies.
Maybe it's coz I'm also a man that I understood why Edward kept mum but I'm also a cozy mystery reader so I came up with several additional reasons why his silence meant anything other than agreement with the accusation that Nat was the killer. I honestly can't understand why these four women did Edward dirty like that. It's really tarnished my view of them.
January 4, 2022
On the one hand, this instalment of the Oxford Key Mysteries had all the things I liked about the first book - including strong female friendships, magic in academia and a mystery to solve, and added the bonus that Edward was no longer annoying for the sake of being annoying (seriously - I still don't feel like there was any reason for the initial conflict between him and Nat other than 'to give their relationship somewhere to develop from').
On the other though, Ms Morrison took the thing that annoyed me most about Book 1 - the laid-on-thick-with-a-trowel, mixed-region brogue that H always speaks in - and doubled down on it with a couple of characters who speak in a atrociously ungrammatical attempt at 'Ye Olde Englishhe' that crosses the line from annoying into actively painful.
If that had been toned down because 'the magic was translating their words' (or if Ms Morrison or her editor had actually got someone who knew when to use thee, when to use thou and how to conjugate verbs with either pronoun to beta the story), this probably would have been a solid four-star read for me. As it was though, I was almost physically twitching every time Lady Petronilla or her maid had a line of dialogue, and it interfered with my enjoyment enough to dock it a star.
I'm going to go on to read Book 3 because I really do enjoy hanging out with Nat, Harry, Kate, Mathilde and Edward. But I suspect that if the brogue/accent thing doesn't get sorted in the next instalment, that'll be the last one for me.
On the other though, Ms Morrison took the thing that annoyed me most about Book 1 - the laid-on-thick-with-a-trowel, mixed-region brogue that H always speaks in - and doubled down on it with a couple of characters who speak in a atrociously ungrammatical attempt at 'Ye Olde Englishhe' that crosses the line from annoying into actively painful.
If that had been toned down because 'the magic was translating their words' (or if Ms Morrison or her editor had actually got someone who knew when to use thee, when to use thou and how to conjugate verbs with either pronoun to beta the story), this probably would have been a solid four-star read for me. As it was though, I was almost physically twitching every time Lady Petronilla or her maid had a line of dialogue, and it interfered with my enjoyment enough to dock it a star.
I'm going to go on to read Book 3 because I really do enjoy hanging out with Nat, Harry, Kate, Mathilde and Edward. But I suspect that if the brogue/accent thing doesn't get sorted in the next instalment, that'll be the last one for me.
July 28, 2022
I love this series, this is the 2nd book in a cozy paranormal mystery series, set in Oxford based around the different colleges.
This book is based at Barnard College, and Nat has just returned from her Christmas holiday, to be met in the library at Barnard by her friend and Library Prefect, Mathilde. Unfortunately, they stumble on a body, the body of the Master's Assistant.
As well as being the Ceremony Prefect or Head of Ceremonies for the University, Nat also has to find out why the magic is leaving Oxford. If doesn't, what will happen to the Eternals?
The book is hard to put down, especially when H, Nat's Cat, or Wyvern as she sees him as he's an Eternal, is around, his humour and antics lift the book. There are some characters from the first book - Harry, the Masters Assistant from St Margaret's and Nat's friend; Kate, the Head of the Ashmolean and Objects Prefect; Edward, Nat's neighbour and Criminology Professor; Alfie, her Grandfather and previous Library Prefect who is an Eternal and Bartie, Head of the Eternals, in this book.
The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next...
This book is based at Barnard College, and Nat has just returned from her Christmas holiday, to be met in the library at Barnard by her friend and Library Prefect, Mathilde. Unfortunately, they stumble on a body, the body of the Master's Assistant.
As well as being the Ceremony Prefect or Head of Ceremonies for the University, Nat also has to find out why the magic is leaving Oxford. If doesn't, what will happen to the Eternals?
The book is hard to put down, especially when H, Nat's Cat, or Wyvern as she sees him as he's an Eternal, is around, his humour and antics lift the book. There are some characters from the first book - Harry, the Masters Assistant from St Margaret's and Nat's friend; Kate, the Head of the Ashmolean and Objects Prefect; Edward, Nat's neighbour and Criminology Professor; Alfie, her Grandfather and previous Library Prefect who is an Eternal and Bartie, Head of the Eternals, in this book.
The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next...
February 2, 2021
Nat's new job is at Barnard College, organizing a ceremony celebrating the first women to go to Barnard. She and another prefect meet in the library at night, and find the body of the college Master's assistant. When the Master (who lives in the same building) shows up, he also points out an open door to a secret room which has apparently been burglarized. It contains many ancient books, paintings, and other valuables, but is a mess. The Master gives them two weeks to sort through everything and find out what is missing; he wants to have a grand "reveal" of the discovery, hoping to get donations. As Nat and her friends work on sorting and setting up both the reveal and the Women of Barnard celebration, they begin to suspect the Master. He, in turn, is trying to derail the investigation and threatens them with the loss of their jobs, if not their lives! The magic of Oxford is still out of alignment, and the prefects hope to learn something helpful from the books and papers that have been hidden away for so long. Again the ghosts of Oxford help out.
December 6, 2021
Burglary at Barnard is the second book in the Oxford Key series. This one takes place a couple of months after the first book. This time around, Nat is at Barnard College to set up an event. While Nat and the other prefects are investigating the theft of a candlestick, they find a secret chamber in the archives along with another dead body.
I enjoyed this installment. The murder mystery was fun to solve. We get to learn a little bit more about the magic at Oxford. I wish it was a lot more, but I suspect this will be drawn out over the subsequent books in the series. The characters from the first book are back in this one as well as a new and surprising addition. I love Nat's group of friends. There is also a nice revelation about one of the characters...I won't tell who. I also love the romance that is blossoming between Nat and Edward. It's seriously really sweet. I definitely recommend this one.
I enjoyed this installment. The murder mystery was fun to solve. We get to learn a little bit more about the magic at Oxford. I wish it was a lot more, but I suspect this will be drawn out over the subsequent books in the series. The characters from the first book are back in this one as well as a new and surprising addition. I love Nat's group of friends. There is also a nice revelation about one of the characters...I won't tell who. I also love the romance that is blossoming between Nat and Edward. It's seriously really sweet. I definitely recommend this one.
December 22, 2021
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lynn Morrison. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
This is the second book in the Oxford Key Mysteries, and I liked it even better than the first book, Murder at St. Margaret. It’s full of magic and is a fun read. There’s a lot going on and it not only kept my interest, but it was difficult to stop listening at times.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters more. Nat gets to meet some interesting ghosts as well (I don’t want to spoil it). I still really like “H” who is with Nat all the time.
Pearl Hewitt does a great job with narration. Her pace and timing are good, and she’s able to make each character sound distinct.
I look forward to listening to more of the Oxford Key Mysteries. They’re so much fun to listen to!
This is the second book in the Oxford Key Mysteries, and I liked it even better than the first book, Murder at St. Margaret. It’s full of magic and is a fun read. There’s a lot going on and it not only kept my interest, but it was difficult to stop listening at times.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters more. Nat gets to meet some interesting ghosts as well (I don’t want to spoil it). I still really like “H” who is with Nat all the time.
Pearl Hewitt does a great job with narration. Her pace and timing are good, and she’s able to make each character sound distinct.
I look forward to listening to more of the Oxford Key Mysteries. They’re so much fun to listen to!
December 11, 2021
This is the second book in the Oxford Key Mysteries series. This is an excellent paranormal cozy mystery. In this installment, we follow Natalie and her friends Mathilde and Kate in another entertaining adventure. The world building is intriguing and captivating, filled with magic, unpredictable twists and turns, and a little romance. The supporting characters are great. I like Edward. Pearl Hewitt did a fantastic job with the narration. I am looking forward to listening to more books in the series. I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lynn Morrison. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
July 10, 2026
I'm enjoying my re-read of this series. It's been a while and I honestly can't remember whodunnit, so in some ways, it's like reading the first time.
We've moved onto a new college and a new event for Nat to plan and of course, we have another body. The magic is still on the fritz, and with two events to plan and a murder to solve as well as a treasure trove of artefacts to catalogue, there's not much time to investigate that, but things are moving along, albeit slowly. Edward has finally removed the stick from up his a*se and his and Nat's relationship is progressing, with perhaps a little hiccup.
These stories are zero angst, cozy magical mysteries with a hint of romance and I love them. 4*
We've moved onto a new college and a new event for Nat to plan and of course, we have another body. The magic is still on the fritz, and with two events to plan and a murder to solve as well as a treasure trove of artefacts to catalogue, there's not much time to investigate that, but things are moving along, albeit slowly. Edward has finally removed the stick from up his a*se and his and Nat's relationship is progressing, with perhaps a little hiccup.
These stories are zero angst, cozy magical mysteries with a hint of romance and I love them. 4*
July 21, 2020
I read the first book and the Christmas short and loved both but book 2 is even better than the rest. Lynn Morrison sure knows how to surprise readers and the magic keeps getter better and better. Nat and friends must find a killer while still trying to figure out who, or what, is stealing the magic, the ongoing mystery. Using Oxford’s various colleges as the backdrop is a great way to change location while still using our favorite amazing characters and also introducing some new favorites, and a few not so favorites. I couldn’t put this book down until I was done and I can’t wait for the next installment to come out. Definitely one of my very favorite series.
December 18, 2021
A cozy mystery audio book
Loved book 1 and this one is fantastic also . The author Lynn wrote a very detailed story , great word building with Strong characters. Loved how some of the scenes are so funny that they will have you laughing so hard . You will be glued till the end . The story has everything you would want in a story , Murder , mystery, suspense and magic all happening at a famous college.
The performance of Pearl Hewitt is good, very clear, and strong. Her tone for all the characters are great
Loved book 1 and this one is fantastic also . The author Lynn wrote a very detailed story , great word building with Strong characters. Loved how some of the scenes are so funny that they will have you laughing so hard . You will be glued till the end . The story has everything you would want in a story , Murder , mystery, suspense and magic all happening at a famous college.
The performance of Pearl Hewitt is good, very clear, and strong. Her tone for all the characters are great
August 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this second of the Oxford series. Without giving away too much of the plot, what I liked about this one is an important person reappearing in Nat’s life. Great imagery.
Also could I please get my own wyvern...thank you.
I like the progression of Nat’s character, but also her circle of folks who support her. More cohesive and mature.
Book three is previewed at the end of two, it will be a barn burner.
Also could I please get my own wyvern...thank you.
I like the progression of Nat’s character, but also her circle of folks who support her. More cohesive and mature.
Book three is previewed at the end of two, it will be a barn burner.
July 28, 2020
Another outstanding read.
After finishing the first book in this series I devoured this second book. As with the first there are laugh out loud moments, which I need right now. I highly recommend this series for anyone who just needs a break! Suspend reality and just enjoy the mystery and the fun.
After finishing the first book in this series I devoured this second book. As with the first there are laugh out loud moments, which I need right now. I highly recommend this series for anyone who just needs a break! Suspend reality and just enjoy the mystery and the fun.
October 29, 2020
This book is even better than the last one, and it was great! I adore these characters and we get to meet more as the story progresses. The mysteries are amazing! There are like three storylines going on and it’s fantastic!
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.
March 22, 2021
Just as I wanted a dodo for a pet on reading the Thursday Next books, I would quite to have a wyvern that masquerades as a cat! The characters of Nat, Kate and Mathilde get better. Edward Thomas is developing and the relationship with the grandfather is lovely.
I just wish the odd Americanisms like walking 2 blocks didn't creep in!
I just wish the odd Americanisms like walking 2 blocks didn't creep in!
July 25, 2021
Engaging & enjoyable
This series continues to engage, I even caught myself putting it down for a few minutes hoping to make it last!
Characters who you truly want to succeed in their endeavors all while surrounded by a backdrop of history inside & out of the walls of Oxford. With a modern twist they encounter themes that plague us now and hundreds of years ago. Most enjoyable!
This series continues to engage, I even caught myself putting it down for a few minutes hoping to make it last!
Characters who you truly want to succeed in their endeavors all while surrounded by a backdrop of history inside & out of the walls of Oxford. With a modern twist they encounter themes that plague us now and hundreds of years ago. Most enjoyable!
July 20, 2020
Delightful
Robbery, murder, and magic, oh, my. This second in the series continues the story of the "eternals" at Oxford. The setting is perfect for Ms. Morrison's vivid imagination. I highly recommend the series.
Robbery, murder, and magic, oh, my. This second in the series continues the story of the "eternals" at Oxford. The setting is perfect for Ms. Morrison's vivid imagination. I highly recommend the series.
August 14, 2020
A cracking good read
I really enjoyed this book the characters are really well written, you want to read on to find out more about the characters,they are so believable, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
I really enjoyed this book the characters are really well written, you want to read on to find out more about the characters,they are so believable, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
November 10, 2020
Such a fun series. This one felt more relaxed as we had a foundation set and it can ease the pace while still revealing new elements of magic but leaving other parts of the story to grow in the next book. It felt satisfying rather than an obvious ploy just to get you to keep reading.
November 13, 2020
This is a fun series, more about the problem Oxford is having with its magic field, than about the murders that Nat and her colleagues stumble upon, but together with Nat's magical cat-cum-wyvern, they solve the murder, and are hopefully moving closer to solving their other issues. Enjoyable.
February 3, 2021
Great Read
Second in a series and has me wanting to continue with book 3. I loved the mystery and the antics of the characters. H makes me want to have pet Wyvern. Well written and enjoyable.
Second in a series and has me wanting to continue with book 3. I loved the mystery and the antics of the characters. H makes me want to have pet Wyvern. Well written and enjoyable.
February 4, 2021
Another fantastic book in the Natalie Payne adventures! I really enjoyed the pace and the humour of this one. I loved the introduction of her grandfather to the team and the building romance. Very excited to read the next one! Thanks for stealing my name Lynn, thoroughly enjoying the series!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2021
Oxford’s magical world
Cozy mystery centered around the Oxford University campus, and it’s historical figures, architecture, books and antiquities. Natalie, Matilda and Karen attempt to discover who is disrupting the magic that is Oxford University and stealing artifacts.
Cozy mystery centered around the Oxford University campus, and it’s historical figures, architecture, books and antiquities. Natalie, Matilda and Karen attempt to discover who is disrupting the magic that is Oxford University and stealing artifacts.
June 16, 2021
Enjoying This Series
I love the characters, human and otherworldly. And I love H, the wyvern who appears to be a cat to humans. The mystery is interesting, but not complex. But other problems to solve along with the mystery kept the book fun and fast paced.
I love the characters, human and otherworldly. And I love H, the wyvern who appears to be a cat to humans. The mystery is interesting, but not complex. But other problems to solve along with the mystery kept the book fun and fast paced.
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