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Churchill & Pemberley #8
Disaster at the Christmas Dinner
A poisoned plum pudding. A mutilated snowman. Christmas has gone disastrously wrong in Compton Poppleford.
Elderly sleuths Churchill and Pemberley are enjoying Christmas dinner with friends when a guest is fatally poisoned. Who’s responsible for the deadly dose? And why did they ruin the festive fun?
Churchill and Pemberley use their knowledge of the guests to investigate, but there’s another demand on their time. A Christmas killjoy is carrying out barbaric attacks on snowmen. Where will they strike next?
As secrets are uncovered and snowy footprints are followed, the detective duo find themselves in one dead end after another. And as the snowman smasher escalates, there’s a risk that Christmas will be ruined for the entire village…
Churchill and Pemberley face the ultimate test – could a trusted friend actually be a killer?
Elderly sleuths Churchill and Pemberley are enjoying Christmas dinner with friends when a guest is fatally poisoned. Who’s responsible for the deadly dose? And why did they ruin the festive fun?
Churchill and Pemberley use their knowledge of the guests to investigate, but there’s another demand on their time. A Christmas killjoy is carrying out barbaric attacks on snowmen. Where will they strike next?
As secrets are uncovered and snowy footprints are followed, the detective duo find themselves in one dead end after another. And as the snowman smasher escalates, there’s a risk that Christmas will be ruined for the entire village…
Churchill and Pemberley face the ultimate test – could a trusted friend actually be a killer?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2022
About the author
Emily Organ
75 books674 followersEmily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 2, 2022
Okay, this was fun, fun fun!
First, we have a serial killer... of snowmen! *dies laughing* Then, we have murder by plum pudding at a Christmas dinner which, seriously, rude!
And then, we have Churchill having a thing for Dr Eleph... er... Silliphant and losing some of her impartiality :P
And there are so many mince pies that as soon as I hit post I WILL have to go and cook myself some :P
But, in the end, as always, Churchill and Pembers (and Oswald!) get the case solved. The murder, that is; the serial snowmen smasher was solved almost by mistake *g*
Delightfully funny, as it is every book in this series :D
First, we have a serial killer... of snowmen! *dies laughing* Then, we have murder by plum pudding at a Christmas dinner which, seriously, rude!
And then, we have Churchill having a thing for Dr Eleph... er... Silliphant and losing some of her impartiality :P
And there are so many mince pies that as soon as I hit post I WILL have to go and cook myself some :P
But, in the end, as always, Churchill and Pembers (and Oswald!) get the case solved. The murder, that is; the serial snowmen smasher was solved almost by mistake *g*
Delightfully funny, as it is every book in this series :D
December 14, 2022
Fun Christmas cozy
For followers of Mrs Churchill & Ms Pemberley, you will know these two silly elderly detectives bring fun and imagination to all their investigations. With two Christmas mysteries to solve, this book is no exception.
For followers of Mrs Churchill & Ms Pemberley, you will know these two silly elderly detectives bring fun and imagination to all their investigations. With two Christmas mysteries to solve, this book is no exception.
December 20, 2022
An excellent book and well worth reading.
December 7, 2022
This is the first Churchill and Pemberley book that I've read. I have followed all of Emily Organ's Penny Green series and have loved every single one.
Well, this story was no different. I loved it! The mystery was so well presented. There were several suspects. All had motive to murder [the victim]. It was actually a tough one to work out. I felt that the murderer I suspected was a foregone conclusion, but no! I was wrong. This one could've gone several different ways and I didn't suspect the ending at all.
Once again, Emily Organ has another great book!
I was given an ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Well, this story was no different. I loved it! The mystery was so well presented. There were several suspects. All had motive to murder [the victim]. It was actually a tough one to work out. I felt that the murderer I suspected was a foregone conclusion, but no! I was wrong. This one could've gone several different ways and I didn't suspect the ending at all.
Once again, Emily Organ has another great book!
I was given an ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 14, 2023
When the "disaster" of the title happened near the beginning of the book, I was surprised and a little shocked. You know that tingle you get from touching a 9-volt battery to your tongue? Yeah, like that. I guess I shouldn't have been shocked that a murder took place in a whodunit, but the set-up to it worked well for me. (I'm not gonna tell you who, what, why, or where. And I just noticed this book has no blurb in the GR entry, so you're totally on your own!)
Briefly, plot-wise: there's a "disaster" at a Christmas dinner attended by our protagonist pair, and meanwhile there's also a snowman smashing rogue loose in the village, just before the local competition for best snowman. So, there are two mysteries for our heroines to solve. They're aided and hindered by the familiar local residents, including Inspector Mappin of course.
Wow, C&P have become one of my favorite sleuthing duos in a beloved ongoing series. The prose, as always is first rate, and the editing is super. I started reading this after Christmas because until the 30th of December, I was still in the process of reading about the jam factory fiasco in the previous book.
Briefly, plot-wise: there's a "disaster" at a Christmas dinner attended by our protagonist pair, and meanwhile there's also a snowman smashing rogue loose in the village, just before the local competition for best snowman. So, there are two mysteries for our heroines to solve. They're aided and hindered by the familiar local residents, including Inspector Mappin of course.
Wow, C&P have become one of my favorite sleuthing duos in a beloved ongoing series. The prose, as always is first rate, and the editing is super. I started reading this after Christmas because until the 30th of December, I was still in the process of reading about the jam factory fiasco in the previous book.
December 9, 2022
What a wonderful read!
I have read every book Ms. Organ has published and each book has been a delight. Her characters are so developed that they become real to me. There is mystery tied up with lots of humor. I can't wait for another book to be published from any of her series. I would recommend this book as well as all three of her series, to anyone who wants an enjoyable read from a talented author. Keep it up Emily. I am a devoted fan.!!!!
I have read every book Ms. Organ has published and each book has been a delight. Her characters are so developed that they become real to me. There is mystery tied up with lots of humor. I can't wait for another book to be published from any of her series. I would recommend this book as well as all three of her series, to anyone who wants an enjoyable read from a talented author. Keep it up Emily. I am a devoted fan.!!!!
May 6, 2023
I love the Churchill & Pemberley books: I've read and enjoyed them all. I enjoyed Disaster at the Christmas Dinner too, but I felt that it didn't quite live up to the previous books.
All the usual elements were there, but (maybe it's just me) but I felt there was less effort in this one. It wasn't particularly funny and the two mysteries were not particularly intruiging. Mild spoiler: the one culprit was so obvious as to be disregarded, and the other admitted culpability based on a detective's theory when there was no other evidence (I realise they do this in Christie too).
I also noticed much more this time round that the book is extremely speech heavy. Description is minimal at best: this is probably a stylistic choice to make it as easy flowing to read as possible. I would have preferred a little more description, but others might not.
I would still recommend the book: it is an easy casual read that can be finished in a day. It is cosy crime at its most cosy.
All the usual elements were there, but (maybe it's just me) but I felt there was less effort in this one. It wasn't particularly funny and the two mysteries were not particularly intruiging. Mild spoiler: the one culprit was so obvious as to be disregarded, and the other admitted culpability based on a detective's theory when there was no other evidence (I realise they do this in Christie too).
I also noticed much more this time round that the book is extremely speech heavy. Description is minimal at best: this is probably a stylistic choice to make it as easy flowing to read as possible. I would have preferred a little more description, but others might not.
I would still recommend the book: it is an easy casual read that can be finished in a day. It is cosy crime at its most cosy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2022
"Disaster at the Christmas Dinner" has our two intrepid senior detectives, Churchill and Pemperley (and their dog Oswald), tracking down two criminals as Christmas approaches. There are mince pies a plenty (but watch out for the plum pudding)! This book is as much fun as the first seven volumes, and has the ladies travelling afield from Compton Poppleford on the branch line to dig up vital clues. I especially like how Miss Pemberley becomes a bit more assertive to counter Mrs Churchill always jumping to conclusions or ignoring facts about certain parties.
You will enjoy the book and hopefully be filled with holiday cheer. It has one of the best (or perhaps least expected lines in any novel:
"It's just as well I have some emergency mince pies in my handbag."
Thanks to Emily Organ for allowing me to pre-read this book.
You will enjoy the book and hopefully be filled with holiday cheer. It has one of the best (or perhaps least expected lines in any novel:
"It's just as well I have some emergency mince pies in my handbag."
Thanks to Emily Organ for allowing me to pre-read this book.
December 22, 2025
A cozy village story
What a delightful cozy mystery! This was my first Churchill and Pemberley book, but it won't be my last. The author creates a charming glimpse into English and older layer of village life with wonderfully quirky characters (those names are absolutely brilliant). The two mysteries of poisoned pudding and snowman vandalism offered an enjoyable read. It's lighthearted fun that lifts your spirits, perfect when you want an easy, enjoyable read that makes you smile. Not heavy or complicated, just pure comfort wrapped in seasonal village charm.
What a delightful cozy mystery! This was my first Churchill and Pemberley book, but it won't be my last. The author creates a charming glimpse into English and older layer of village life with wonderfully quirky characters (those names are absolutely brilliant). The two mysteries of poisoned pudding and snowman vandalism offered an enjoyable read. It's lighthearted fun that lifts your spirits, perfect when you want an easy, enjoyable read that makes you smile. Not heavy or complicated, just pure comfort wrapped in seasonal village charm.
December 14, 2022
A Quiet Village Christmas Indeed
The snow is falling gently…there are mince pies and sherry and plum pudding…oh, my, someone poisoned the village snitch’s portion. Churchill and Pemberly already have the baffling case of the snow man smasher…and the vandalism won’t stop! Who is decapitating innocent snow people? Who sent the poor snitch to her reward. Will the mysteries be solved by Christmas? Read and find out.
The snow is falling gently…there are mince pies and sherry and plum pudding…oh, my, someone poisoned the village snitch’s portion. Churchill and Pemberly already have the baffling case of the snow man smasher…and the vandalism won’t stop! Who is decapitating innocent snow people? Who sent the poor snitch to her reward. Will the mysteries be solved by Christmas? Read and find out.
December 15, 2022
Want some light seasonal reading material?? This one is it. There were enough chuckles to get me through it but not enough to worry about what's next. Unless you have actually know little old ladies in small towns I don't know if you would get the chuckles. It's not much of a mystery even for a cozy. It is an easy read though good for a cold night and can easily be ready at one sitting or at least in one day.
December 16, 2022
I simply ADORE Emily Organ's Churchill and Pemberley series! The latest installment, Disaster at the Christmas Dinner, is a charming addition, the perfect cozy to settle down to read with a nice cup of tea (or my personal choice, cocoa!). Lots of fun trying to follow along as this dynamic duo try to determine who is the serial snowman slasher and who is the pudding poisoner - or are they one and the same?!? A+++
January 12, 2023
Compared to Agatha Christie, it's Mills and Boone
These books are charming, and well written, but a little empty headed. They are a good easy read and I thoroughly enjoy them when my brain can't cope with more highbrow stuff. They aren't obvious, not giving the game away until the last minute and I do find the holding back of information annoying - but I did miss a big pointer in this one!
These books are charming, and well written, but a little empty headed. They are a good easy read and I thoroughly enjoy them when my brain can't cope with more highbrow stuff. They aren't obvious, not giving the game away until the last minute and I do find the holding back of information annoying - but I did miss a big pointer in this one!
December 27, 2024
A holiday dinner and a murder and then there is the village competition for the best snowman, but someone is going around smashing the snowmen and stealing their hats and scarfs. Churchill and Pemberly are on both cases and do a lot of traveling around collecting information and then at the very end they solve the case with the person you would never suspect turning out to be the killer. Great read.
December 31, 2025
Utterly delightful. Perfect way to end this year in books. Churchill and Pemberly are great partner detectives who complement each other so well. The dialogue between all the characters was so entertaining (and amusing much of the time). The murder mystery was well paced and interesting, and the secondary mystery about who was smashing snowmen was just fun and entertaining. The small English town at Christmastime with festive shenanigans going on is always a win in my book.
December 12, 2022
Light hearted mystery
I enjoy the Churchill and Pemberley books. They are light hearted and filled with characters who could have committed the murder. Inspector Mappins is always clueless without the ladies help murders would go unsolved. All in all these books are worth the time to read Emily Organ is a very good writer!
I enjoy the Churchill and Pemberley books. They are light hearted and filled with characters who could have committed the murder. Inspector Mappins is always clueless without the ladies help murders would go unsolved. All in all these books are worth the time to read Emily Organ is a very good writer!
December 14, 2022
Emily Organ is an author who never fails to thrill and delight.
This enchanting story of the two bumbling and stumbling amateur detectives in a small village in England captured my total interest.
They simultaneously solve two mysteries when I thought they would fail until the last minute
Needless to say I look forward to her next book
This enchanting story of the two bumbling and stumbling amateur detectives in a small village in England captured my total interest.
They simultaneously solve two mysteries when I thought they would fail until the last minute
Needless to say I look forward to her next book
December 17, 2022
This was such a delight, a real XMAS season treat. One of my very favorites of the Churchill & Pemberley series. This was particularly original and fun, and yes, naive, the most charming. Oswald, the detective dog, is getting a more active role. I cannot have enough of these cosy reads, and so far, these books are my favorite in the genre.
December 31, 2022
Another Great One By Emily Organ
I love this series. Churchill and Pemberley are always busy solving a minor problem when they're sidelined by a murder. This book was a lot of fun with all of the usual characters and some new ones. I'm looking forward to reading more about these two Lady detectives and Oswald.
I love this series. Churchill and Pemberley are always busy solving a minor problem when they're sidelined by a murder. This book was a lot of fun with all of the usual characters and some new ones. I'm looking forward to reading more about these two Lady detectives and Oswald.
December 31, 2022
Member my comes into focus
This amusing story of crime at Christmas had me chuckling. Pembers takes a step forward in detection because Churchill is besotted with one of the suspects. They do manage to figure out who smashed all the village snowmen and who murdered Enid the tattle tale. Highly recommended.
This amusing story of crime at Christmas had me chuckling. Pembers takes a step forward in detection because Churchill is besotted with one of the suspects. They do manage to figure out who smashed all the village snowmen and who murdered Enid the tattle tale. Highly recommended.
January 1, 2023
A new Churchill and Pemberley is always something to enjoy. As usual A good plot, lighthearted fun, a cast of quirky characters,plenty of snacks, Oswald the dog and a satisfactory ending a la Christie. I enjoy getting the suspects together in a room and revealing the Murderer. I have enjoyed all of Emily's series. All are so well written the pages seem to fly by.
January 30, 2023
This was charming and funny as two older ladies play detective. Someone is killing snowmen in the village, and has ruined the plum pudding. Who would do such awful deeds at Christmas. They intend to find out in a cunning, but humerus way . This is not my usual type of book to read, although it was light, and entertaining. I gave it a 4 stars.
December 27, 2024
If you like mysteries from the 1900s, this is an interesting read. I jumped into the deep end of the series, so wasn't familiar with the backstories of these characters. If you are looking for an old Phyrne Fischer as a main character, this might be your cup of tea.
Got to love Oswald. Give it go!
Got to love Oswald. Give it go!
May 7, 2025
Reads like an old-fashioned book circa 1940s. The story was basically good although I thought Churchill wasn't as good a detective as she thought she was, I figured out who was smashing the snowmen way before it is revealed. The identity of the murderer was harder to figure out. The ending was nice.
December 13, 2022
Another whimsical Churchill and Pemberley
Emily Organ does it again, with her delightful portrayal of these comical but thoroughly lovable characters. Too bad Compton Poppleford isn’t a real village — I’d love to visit!
Emily Organ does it again, with her delightful portrayal of these comical but thoroughly lovable characters. Too bad Compton Poppleford isn’t a real village — I’d love to visit!
December 22, 2022
Churchill and Pemberley mysteries are my absolute favorite cozy mysteries. They are hysterical & fun. Churchill's vanity knows no bounds and Pemberley & Oswald are absolutely delightful!!! I cannot wait for more C&P mysteries........
December 23, 2022
Plump Female receive and sidekick solve another crime
Churchill and Pemberley muddle through for another suspense filled crime. At the end they solve the murder before Christmas arrived!
Churchill and Pemberley muddle through for another suspense filled crime. At the end they solve the murder before Christmas arrived!
January 23, 2023
Silly but funny
Being British I find it interesting that such crazy names are given to everyone in an attempt to seem very "British", the story would have been just as in with ordinary names. All that aside a fun and lighthearted read.
Being British I find it interesting that such crazy names are given to everyone in an attempt to seem very "British", the story would have been just as in with ordinary names. All that aside a fun and lighthearted read.
July 3, 2024
Very delightful story
Ms Organ has written a cute story with witty dialogue and charming characters that will keep your interest as you accompany Mrs Churchill, Miss Pemberley and Oswell on their latest case.
Ms Organ has written a cute story with witty dialogue and charming characters that will keep your interest as you accompany Mrs Churchill, Miss Pemberley and Oswell on their latest case.
December 3, 2022
Fun and cheery Christmas book! I love reading about what they get up to and the twists at the end I never see coming. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews