Murder at the Charity Ball

Miss Underhay #11

by Helena Dixon

Kitty Underhay is dancing… with death.

Winter 1934. Kitty Underhay is enjoying a night off from wedding planning as she attends a charity ball at the home of Lady Eliza Foxley. She’s excited to see her father, roguish Edgar Underhay, who is also a guest in the house. But the evening of cocktails and waltzing turns into a dance macabre when Edgar finds their lively, fun-loving hostess dead, strangled by her own silk stocking.

Who has made this uncharitable donation to the evening’s entertainments? When suspicion falls on Edgar and he is arrested for murder, Kitty has to act fast if she doesn’t want her father walking her down the aisle in shackles. Together with her fiancé Matthew, they vow to clear Edgar’s name and discover who used hosiery to commit homicide.

Lady Eliza’s widowed sister is the main beneficiary of her will, but before Kitty and Matt can question her, she is struck down by a severe case of poisoning. Time is running out for Kitty to solve this case and make it to the church on time. But with a devious killer on the loose, will she end up leaving as a newlywed, or newly dead…?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical Mystery

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2023

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
For other authors of this name, see also:

see: Helena Dixon - Erotica



This author also writes as:

Nell Dixon - Contemporary Womens Fiction




Nell is an multi-award winning author who splits her time between Devon and the Black Country. She lives with her husband, daughters, a tank of tropical fish, and a crazy Cockerpoo called Teddy. She writes contemporary romance as Nell Dixon and historical cozy crime set in 1930's Dartmouth as Helena Dixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

At last Kitty makes it to her own wedding, but before that she attends a Ball where a murder takes place, and Kitty's father, Edgar, is a suspect. When he is arrested shortly before he is supposed to be walking Kitty down the aisle, everyone leaps into action to clear him of suspicion. Kitty herself is too busy with wedding plans and relatives arriving, but Matthew and the Inspector work hard to solve the case.

Another enjoyable story in this delightful series. And another gorgeous cover. Hopefully we can now look forward to many more cases with Kitty and Matthew working together professionally as a team.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The winter chill struck Kitty Underhay as she and her grandmother, plus fiancé Captain Matthew Bryant arrived at the luxurious home of Lady Eliza Foxley. The charity ball was well underway, with alcohol flowing and entertainment in the form of music and dancing was evident all around them. As the evening wore on, Kitty spent some time with her father, Edgar Underhay, who'd arrived from New York for Kitty and Matt's wedding. There was a sudden commotion when Matt was asked to accompany one of the staff upstairs to Lady Foxley's bedroom. What followed saw the arrival of Inspector Greville and an investigation only a week out from the Christmas Eve wedding...

When Edgar was arrested for the murder, Kitty and Matthew worked tirelessly to clear his name. But could they do it when they were in the midst of wedding preparations, especially Kitty. The upcoming arrival of Matthew's family, Kitty's cousin Lucy and her husband and parents, and more guests caused concern. But Kitty needed Edgar free as he was walking her down the aisle...

Murder at the Charity Ball is the 11th in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon, and once again I loved it. Fast paced, light and entertaining, with great characters. Especially Bertie! He's always into mischief! Such an enjoyable series which I hope continues for a long time to come. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Kari Kirfman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kitty Underhay is excited to go to a ball and see her father, who has returned for her wedding. When the hostess is murdered, Kitty’s father discovers the body and is the top suspect. Kitty is certain he didn’t do it, but with her wedding in a week, can she prove his innocence in time for him to walk her down the aisle?

This book didn’t live up to the other Kitty Underhay books in my opinion, but it did seem to lay the groundwork for other books. I encourage you to start at the beginning rather than mid-series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. #netgalley

[marita lazarus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 11..... I can't believe I've read 11 books of this charming cozy.

Each book seems to get better.

In Book 11 we see our heroine, Kitty planning her wedding and finally making it to the church to marry Matt. We have a nice mystery and we see Inspector Grenville and Matt take on a more active role in investigating as Kitty is tied up with wedding plans. In the end, Kitty is instrumental in tying all the clues together.

What I love about this series.... it always ends well. Mysteries are fun Characters are engaging and are relatable. Even Mrs. C was charming in this book. lol.

I will refrain from talking about the plot of the book, the publisher does a better job than I could. If you love cozies, smart women and interesting story lines, please give this series a try.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitty Underhay is happily engaged to Matt, and soon the pair will be married. However, there is a charity ball that they attend, and they are not the only ones who will be there. In fact, Kitty’s father Edgar will be there. And the previous books in the series, kitty had been searching for her father for quite some time, and now that they are able to spend time together, he will, indeed be giving her away at her wedding. However, at this charity ball, something tragic happens. The hostess, Lady Eliza Foxley, has been murdered. It does not take the police very long to have a very viable suspect, and that is Edgar, and he is immediately arrested for Lady Foxley’s murder

As Kitty has many times before, she is determined to get to the bottom of things, and her personal stake and this is more than clear. Kitty begins to look at some things about Lady Eliza’s life and her relationship with her teen daughter, as well as her sister. Considering that the police have determined that someone poisoned lady Eliza, and Kitty takes a close look at what was going on in her life as to any evidence that she might discover that will find her murderer.

I love this multi-layered story by Helena Dixon. Understanding the characters and their motivations, as well as the reasoning behind the poisoning, all while factoring in Edgar being charged with Lady Eliza’s murder, make this book a very intriguing read. This series has been enjoyable with each and every book, and with the wedding right on the horizon, this was indeed one of my favorites.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/OF2JVtJlsfw

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was a little slow in pace and it took me longer than usual to read the book. That being said I thought everything tied up nicely at the end with a few unexpected developments along the way.
I like historical cozy mysteries and in that regard this one did not disappoint. I also enjoyed the setting.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas is just around the corner and Kitty Underhay is especially looking forward to the 24th December, her wedding day! With fiance, Captain Matt Bryant, and her beloved Grams helping out the extensive plans have gradually taken shape and, with the Dolphin Hotel closed to all but wedding attendees, everyone can finally relax and attend the annual charity event held locally by Lady Eliza Foxley.

When a body is found Kitty is dismayed to discover her father, recently arrived from New York, is one of the main suspects. Excluded from Inspector Grenville's investigation but anxious to be involved Kitty along with her maid, Alice, are soon finding things out for themselves. The killer is ruthless however, and determined to remain one step ahead but, with the added jeopardy of a possibly even more dangerous foe reported to be nearby, will Kitty's first journey up the aisle also be her last?

After ten wonderful books the eleventh is both an ending and beginning. With her marriage to Matt just days away this had more than just the expected murder investigation and although some of it was more formulaic than usual the wedding preparations made up for some of that.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed the transitional aspects of this story the most and the suggestions of changes afoot for all the familiar and much loved main protagonists means I am looking forward to finding out what happens next very much.

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this moment for what feels like so long! Kitty and Matt are about to get married, but of course it wouldn't be a Kitty Underhay mystery if they didn't get themselves wrapped up in a case before the nuptials. This time they end up investigating the death of Lady Foxley at her annual charity ball, and Kitty's father Edgar ends up being the prime suspect.

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of this series and I'm glad to say that Murder at the Charity Ball was just as good as the other books before it.

As usual, I was kept guessing as to who the murderer could be. I suspected almost everyone at one point. It wasn't until almost the end that I figured it out.

There was a bit of finality to this story, with the secondary storyline that's been weaved through the previous books being concluded. I hope there's going to be more books in the future and I look forward to seeing what will happen now Kitty and Matt are married.

If you're looking for a cozy mystery with great historical details, lovable sleuths and a puzzling mystery in each novel, I highly recommend this series to you.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitty Underhay, her fiancé Captain Matthew Bryant and her grandmother are attending a charity ball at the home of Lady Eliza Foxley. Kitty's father, Edgar, has come home to attend Kitty's wedding and after meeting Lady Eliza in the US and spending time with her on the ship over, he has been invited to stay with her instead of a local hotel. During the ball, Eliza disappears and Edgar finds her dead in her bedroom. There are several people staying at the house including Eliza's widowed sister, her niece and Tiny, the woman who was Eliza's governess/nanny and now helped with her niece. Of course with Edgar's history, he is one of the suspects in Eliza's murder. Matt has been asked by the police to help in the investigation, so of course, Kitty is going to help. There are more accidents and another death before they finally get to the bottom of it.

Murder at the Charity Ball is another great addition to the Miss Underhay series. Kitty has been busy with her wedding plans, so she was looking forward to taking a break and enjoying herself. Having her father home is stressful as he and her grandmother don't get along. When the murder occurs, the motive will help the police determine who the culprit is. There weren't a lot of clues, so it was important to see who would benefit from Eliza's death. With the wedding approaching, Matt's family arrived while the investigation was going on and it was interesting to see them all together. I will say, I did figure out who and why Eliza was killed about 2/3 of the way in, but kept reading to find out if I was right. This is a fast paced, light hearted mystery set in a fun period of time. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to seeing what is next for Kitty and Matt in their married life.

[Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 11th installment in the Kitty Underhay series felt both as an ending and a new beginning, as we finally got a resolution in some plots that have been running in the background from the first book. It was so nice to finally see Kitty walking down the aisle, and I’m so excited for the new chapter that lies ahead of her.

It’s Christmas time. Kitty and Matt are tying the knot on Christmas Eve, but one week before the wedding, while attending a charity ball, their hostess is murdered and Kitty’s father is arrested as the main suspect. With the wedding so close, will they be able to catch the killer before they say “I do”?

This was such an enjoyable read! Kitty, Matt and the rest of the cast already feel like family after accompanying them in so many adventures, so it was inevitable to share the joy and excitement about their upcoming nuptials, and feel for them when those were endangered.

It was so nice to see back Kitty’s father and all her family together. Ms Dixon really made me feel part of that family reunion. I love how supporting characters as Alice or Mrs Craven have grown so much throughout the series, becoming all of them essential pieces in a really well oiled machine.

I loved how the mystery almost had a locked room vibe, with a pretty small pool of suspects to choose from. The story had some good twists and turns that kept me on my toes.

As I said at the beginning, “Murder at the charity ball” will give long time fans of the series much needed closure. At the same time, it opens a new chapter that I’m sure it’s gonna be as delightful as the one that just ended. Their marriage and their new living and business situation might change some of the dynamics we’ve grown used to, but the new ones promise lots of good moments ahead. I, for once, am really looking forward to them.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helena Dixon's Murder at the Charity Ball is book eleven in her Miss Underhay Mystery series, but my fifth as I jumped into it at book five. Cozy mysteries are a definite favourite of mine and the 1930s setting adds to its allure. It's December 1934 and there's a Charity Ball on the cards and Edgar, Kitty's dad will be there...

Kitty and her fiancé, Captain Matthew Bryant are great people and have a lovely relationship. They are soon to be married - on Christmas Eve. In fact, all of the energetic and dynamic characters of this charming series make it a fitting choice. I was kept guessing as to who the murderer could be. The novel sparkles with wit and I am thrilled that I have the first four books in the series to catch up on. I'm also happily anticipating book #13.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

December 1934 & with only just over a week to go until her wedding Kitty Underhay is enjoying a night off from wedding planning as she attends a charity ball at the home of Lady Eliza Foxley. She’s excited to see her father, roguish Edgar Underhay, who is also a guest in the house. But the evening of cocktails and waltzing turns into a dance macabre when Edgar finds their lively, fun-loving hostess dead, strangled by her own silk stocking, suspicion falls on Edgar and he is arrested for murder, Kitty has to act fast if she doesn’t want her father walking her down the aisle in shackles. Together with her fiancé Matthew, they vow to clear Edgar’s name and discover who used hosiery to commit homicide. Lady Eliza’s widowed sister is the main beneficiary of her will, but before Kitty and Matt can question her, she is struck down by a severe case of poisoning.
The eleventh book in the series & another well written engrossing cosy mystery, it can easily be read on its own but throughout the series relationships have developed & some characters have become favourites. I love both Kitty & Matt & now their wedding day is approaching but there's a murder to solve. There are a limit number of suspects & as the pair dig each seems to have a motive. There's also the threat of Esther Hammett. There are twists & turns as well as red herrings before the murderer is revealed. I loved Matt’s wedding present, which was perfect for Kitty. A thoroughly enjoyable read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Beachcomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable new addition to the series, sees Kitty and Matt try to solve the murder of a woman at a charity ball, where suspicion lands on Kitty’s father who is visiting Devon for her upcoming wedding. After 10 books, we also finally see Kitty walk down the aisle to marry Matt, which is lovely to see - and exciting to wait for the next chapter of their life together.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this in return for an unbiased review.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read in the cozy mystery series of Miss Underhay books.

Set in the run up to Christmas, this was a good, light read for this time of year. The story had all of the usual characters, plot twists, co-incidences etc. that you expect in this type of book.

It wasn't serious but an enjoyable read.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

December 1934. With their wedding day approaching Kitty and Matthew decide to attend a charity ball held at Lady Eliza Foxley's home of Villa Lemora. Near the close of the evening Kitty's father discovers a body and becomes the prime suspect in the murder. Can their investigation find the true murderer.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy murder mystery with its cast of varied and likable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Nanette Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Brit Cozies, but all have the same problem to me--a good murder mystery has to have a LOT of character/suspects! Sometimes I have to take notes to keep them straight!

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful entry in the series. While I guessed the villain fairly quickly I still loved the mystery. And kitty and Matt get married with Alice saving the day!!!!

[Namrata Ganti · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars
I have previously read a few of the books in the series and have quite enjoyed them. I love the setting of the book and Kitty Underhay is an inspired character. I am grateful to Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

In this new book, Kitty Underhay is on the verge of getting married, in the midst of wedding planning and is thrown into a mystery once again. What was supposed to be a pleasant evening, filled with fun and time spent with her father ends in the most unexpected way. This story is fun to read as Kitty and her fiancé Matt work together to find the murderer and save her father upon whom suspicion has fallen.

I like the author's style of writing and how she has shaped the characters involved in this book and series. Most of the books in the series can be read as standalone mysteries and enjoyed all the same. Kitty is a strong-willed woman who has a mind of her own and opinions on just about everything. However, the wonderful thing about her is that she knows just when to show it and when to stay silent and demure. Her relationship with Matt has developed over the series and I quite enjoyed reading about them and seeing how they have grown in this book.

The mystery is intriguing and with so many different characters in the mix, it proves to be an adventure for the reader as we follow the characters and the investigation. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading about more of Kitty's adventures and investigations. This book and series is for those who enjoy cozy mysteries, historical fiction with a splash of romance.

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unsurprisingly it's not going to be a smooth journey to the wedding! Once again, Kitty and her fiance have to figure out just what happened at the charity ball. I did figure out some of the plot, and some of the story elements felt a bit of a stretch in this one, but I really enjoyed seeing how the longer storyline unfolded. I'm looking forward to seeing where we go from here..

I am a fan of the series, The author's writing style and the characters in this series, having read all of the books to date

It's a FOUR out of FIVE for me.

With thanks to #NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion

[Bea27x · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice is a queen

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "Murder at the Charity Ball" in exchange for my honest review.

This is book #11 in the Miss Underhay series and finally the day of Kitty and Matt's wedding has arrived but nothing is ever quite that simple with this couple. The story begins with an article in the Torbay Herald on December 15th, 1934 announcing that Millicent Craven is organizing a charity ball on behalf of Lady Eliza Foxley and her sister Mrs. Lillie Trentham in aid of the Seafarers' Widows and Orphans Fund.

Over the course of the story family are gathering at the Dolphin Hotel to join Kitty and Mrs. Treadwell - her grandmother. Edgar Underhay - Kitty's father has chosen to stay at Villa Lamora, owned by Lady Foxley after meeting her on the crossing of the Atlantic from New York. Kitty's aunt and uncle from Enderley Hall, along with her cousin Lucy who is returning the favour of being her bridesmaid after Kitty was bridesmaid not that long ago when she married Rupert. Matt's parents and aunt also arrive and they are not all that pleased with his choice of wife. Kitty consoles herself with the fact that they didn't like Matt's first wife either.

At the charity ball of course there is a murder and who a better suspect than Kitty's father Edgar. This is following by a poisoning, an attempt to push someone down the stairs and another poisoning. Of course, Inspector Greville as usual arrests several people who are innocent of the crimes. It is a shock when Kitty and Matt figure out who the true murderer is and the reasons for all the attempts and murders.

Mrs. Craven and Kitty's grandmother are once again more invested in the wedding and how Kitty should live her life after the wedding than Kitty is. We get a glimpse into the future Mrs. Bryant when Matt gives Kitty her wedding gift.

And no Miss Underhay adventure would be complete without another visit from Esther Hammett. Perhaps this will be the book where she is finally captured and out of Kitty's life for good. Many threads from previous books appear to be wrapped up in this one leaving way for new adventures for our favourite couple.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Murder at the Charity Ball’ by Helena Dixon. I combined reading with its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Karen Cass.

This is Book 11 in the Miss Kitty Underhay series of historical cosy mysteries set in 1930s Devon. Each book deals with a central mystery and so can be read as a stand-alone, though reading in order does allow for an appreciation of its characters’ development along with ongoing supplemental storylines.

December 1934. Kitty Underhay is attending a charity ball at Villa Lamora, the lavish home of Lady Eliza Foxley. The annual event is in aid of the Seafarers’ Widows and Orphans Fund and is a highlight of the local social season

Kitty is excited to see her father, the roguish Edgar Underhay, who has recently travelled from New York to Devon in order to walk her down the aisle. He and the fun-loving Lady Foxley became chummy during the voyage and she invited him to stay at the house as her guest.

There’s plenty of champagne, music, and dancing though before the end of the evening there’s also a murder! Inspector Greville is on the case though in the past he has often arrested the wrong person. When suspicion falls on Edgar, Kitty and Matthew, her private detective fiancé, vow to clear his name. No further details to avoid spoilers.

Having followed this series from its beginning, it has consistently proved entertaining with plenty of period detail to set the mood. I also appreciate that rather than solving case after case and hitting reset, there has been real changes in Kitty’s circumstances.

Overall, ‘Murder at the Charity Ball’ proved another delightful cosy and I definitely will be looking forward to further investigations by Kitty and Matthew.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Charity Ball by Helena Dixon is another of the delightful Miss Underhay series of mysteries featuring Captain Matthew Bryant as well. They are at a charity ball organized for the family by gram’s friend, Mrs. Craven. The family had been held up and did want to cancel. They mad in it time for the ball, though, arriving on the same ship as had Kitty’s father, Edgar Underhay. It was actually lovely; Mrs. Craven had done an excellent job, until Matt and Kitty were called away. The hostess, Lady Eliza Foxley, had been found murdered in her bedchamber, strangled by her own stocking. Despite the fact of their wedding in just over a week, Matt and Kitty were called upon to help investigate, especially as Kitty’s father was one of the suspects.

I love this series. They are all so proper. Kitty is a well-written character with more information given in each. Her grandmother is a lovely old lady. Together they run the Dolphin Hotel in Dartmouth. Matt is retired from the war and the Home Office. He is another well-written character, riding his motorcycle about, having recovered from the death of his first wife and their baby in the bombings, he is ready to begin again. They are lovable characters, especially when teamed with Alice and Dolly, the chambermaids and Inspector Greville, and a host of lessor characters. The plot was good. I was able to figure out who the murderer was before Kitty, did, but not by a whole lot. The personality of the setting just adds to the overall personality of the book. Give it a read.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Murder at the Charity Ball by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #HelenaDixon #MurderAtTheCharityBall

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the lead up of Christmas 1934, but more importantly... Kitty and Matt's wedding! Kitty's father Edgar has come over from New York and they reunite at a charity ball. Later that evening the host is found dead and Edgar is the main suspect for murder...
Murder at the Charity Ball is the 11th book in the cosy murder mystery series featuring Kitty Underhay and her private investigator beau Matthew Bryant. It can be read as a stand alone book but there are personal plotlines about their romance and her mother's death which have weaved through the series.
Kitty and Matt are looking forward to tying the knot. Lady Eliza Foxley struck up a friendship with Kitty's father on the boat from America and invited him to stay at her home. Now she is dead, strangled with one of her own stockings, and Edgar is discovered standing over the body. Kitty is convinced of her father's innocence but needs to persuade the police that other suspects had motive and opportunity.
There are plenty of twists as other characters are in danger and the police scramble to catch the killer. Meanwhile, Kitty is suspicious of her father's behaviour but doesn't believe it relates to murder. The peripheral characters in the series continue to add some light relief. Kitty's grandmother and her formidable friends Mrs Craven provide some gentle humour due to their old fashioned attitudes. Kitty is thoroughly modern with fresh ideas about gender and class for the 1930s.
Murder at the Charity Ball is an enjoyable addition to the series especially as we celebrate a wedding!

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s book eleven, its the week before Christmas and finally Matt and Kitty are going to tie the knot on Christmas Eve. What could be more romantic and what could possibly go wrong?

A murder at the ball?

Kitty’s father the prime suspect?

Kitty and Matt are invited to a Charity Ball by Lady Eliza Foxley, well known for perhaps not the right reasons but still not averse to organising and giving something back. Present is Edgar Underhay, Kitty’s father who is back from America for the wedding and came across the Atlantic accompanying Eliza.

All seems to going well, dancing, drinking and enjoying life. Until Eliza is found dead, strangled by one of her own silk stockings and Edgar standing over her.

With his reputation, it’s clear who the focus goes onto. But with some persuasion Kitty and Matt try and convince the police that perhaps there is more to this than meets the eye. When some of the potential suspects all have something to hide, including Eliza’s sister, niece, secretary, financial investor and old nursery nurse it seems Kitty is going to be focusing on something else before her wedding.

This is like picking up with stories of old friends every time I return to The Dolphin Hotel and Kitty, Matt as well as the wonderful Alice and her sister Dolly. As the series has gone on, the characters have grown and the plot moves on. This was a lovely way to finish my reading year as it felt I was closing some chapters with Kitty but also at the same time opening some more up and moving forward.

I look forward to the next chapter of Kitty’s life. Though I wonder if she can get through her honeymoon unscathed and without any bodes?

This book, this series is perfect for those who like the warm hug of a story even if slightly scattered with dead bodies and criminals. The supplementary characters make for fun diversions and back stories and the fact that it is set in churches, big houses, hotels, trains to name a few adds to that golden age feel of the books.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wedding planner Kitty Underhay is getting married and she couldn’t be happier. But before the wedding festivities begin Kitty and her fiancé Captain Matthew Bryant have been invited to attend the charity ball at Lady Eliza Foxley’s home. They are so excited for the event because many of the attendees to the charity ball are also in town for Kitty and Captain Matthew’s wedding. However, while dancing the waltz and sipping cocktails at the ball, Kitty’s father Edgar Underhay, finds Lady Eliza strangled by her own silk stocking. Edgar immediately becomes a suspect. Captain Matthew and Kitty must jump into action and quickly find the killer in order to free her father in time to walk her down the aisle.

I was so happy to know that Kitty Underhay was back on the case. This cozy mystery was a rapid page turner that I enjoyed very much. The author kept me guessing who the culprit was until the very end. I thought the flow of the story was full of wonderful twists and turns and that made it unputdownable. Thank you Helena Dixon for such an enjoyable read, I loved it. This book is part of the Miss Underhay Mystery series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone but don’t pass up this wonderful mystery series. I loved this series and I highly recommend it.

[Lee-Anne Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY we get the wedding! With its festive feel, I so wish I'd been able to read this in December. Of course where Kitty and Matt are concerned, we don't get to the wedding without a few bumps along the way, and by bumps I mean dead bodies... An intriguing locked room style mystery embroils Kitty's dad in troubles the happy couple could well do without, and all the people resident in the unfortunate house make credible suspects, so my suspicions jumped around several times - very satisfying! There is hopefully a resolution to another issue that has plagued Kitty too, and not before time - I hope this is something that isn't somehow bungled or wriggled out of going forward, it has definitely had its day now. My only criticism of this lovely cosy series is an editing issue that keeps dividing sentences with full stops that should be with commas, so the second sentence doesn't make proper sense (although in fairness this book has fewer of them than some past ones). For example: 'Ouch!' she cried, as she leapt from her seat. Her cigarette dangling from her hand. (this isn't a quote, just a demo) But that minor irritation aside, I always enjoy this series, it's always like visiting old friends, and I look forward to the next - an automatic must-read for me!

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 11 in the Miss Underhay series and my first read. Whilst there were quite a few references to previous cases, and it might have helped to have read them, this did read well as a stand-alone. The book had vibes of a young Miss Marple and I felt parts were written in a similar style. I’m sure it’s not coincidence that the series is set in the area in which Christie lived for many years. An easy read cozy mystery with the thread of a past case running alongside this one and an impending wedding.

Briefly, it’s 1934 and Kitty and her fiancé Matthew, a private investigator, are attending a charity ball held at the home of wealthy Lady Eliza Foxley when the hostess is found dead and Kitty’s rather degenerate father is arrested for murder. Kitty is getting married on Christmas Eve and is determined to have her father there…

Apart from wedding preparations it seemed that Matthew was more involved with the investigation than Kitty but they work well as a team looking to unmask the killer. A number of red herrings along the way but I did guess who the guilty party was - there were a few clues to their identity given. A good, fast paced cozy mystery and an enjoyable read.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating murder mystery set back in 1934
Where Kitty Underhay is involved once more.
At a high society Charity Ball she meet up with her Dad
The death of the hostess leaves them all feeling sad!

Murdered with her own silk stocking
Everyone agrees it is just too shocking.
All the suspects are family or friends
People on whom she should really depend.

With other potential victims and twists galore
This is a brilliant reading, the kind I adore.
There's added mystery with another threat, too,
And Kitty's wedding coming soon - what a to do!

There's plenty to keep you guessing as the story unfolds
And secrets, revelations and surprises are told.
You have to keep everything crossed that all will go well
Including Matt and Kitty's wedding that should be swell.

Another brilliant case for this duo and the police to solve
Testing their tenacity and their resolve.
The family dramas and history add to the mix
As everything they endeavour now to fix.

I really enjoyed this story and hope you'll also find
Time to read it for yourself and see if you're of a like mind.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Miss Underhay books, they’re one of my favourite cosy crime series. So I couldn’t wait to get my copy of Murder at the Charity Ball, the 11th volume.

Once again, Kitty just happens to be at an event when a dead body is found - this time by her father. I loved the mystery plot, it kept me guessing right until the end. There were plenty of suspicious characters it could have been!

It was lovely to return to this favourite group of characters, and to see the fulfilment of a certain happy event! Kitty and Matt now work well together, along with Inspector Greville, and others. I’m pleased to see Bertie still being mischievous, though thankfully starting to calm down a little. And I absolutely loved the way that Alice saved the day.

Overall, this was another excellent story in a great series, and the mystery kept me guessing until the very end.

Although this book would read well on its own, I recommend reading from the start of the series to get the most enjoyment from it.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.