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Ruby Dove Mysteries #6
The Mystery of Ruby's Mistletoe
Snowbound at Christmas. Very cosy. Until a murderer and a thief appear. December, 1935. Ruby and Fina are anticipating a quiet Christmas. But the snowy peace of Quenby College is shattered when the police come looking for Ruby. She and Fina escape to a relative's plush country home -- only to find that Aunt Millie has a few surprises in store ... As the mercury drops, Ruby and Fina are drawn into a web of false identities and half-truths. Why did someone spike the cocktails during the after-dinner jazz? Who stole Aunt Millie's priceless hatpin collection? Could it be a coincidence that all the house guests were also present on the day when Fina's father was murdered? With the police on their tail, and a killer on the loose, the two dressmaking sleuths have to use all their considerable wits to solve Fina's family tragedy - and bring a little joy back to Christmas.
222 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2019
28 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Rose Donovan
17 books46 followersRose Donovan is a lifelong devotee of golden age mysteries. She now travels the world seeking cosy spots to write, new adventures to inspire devious plot twists, and adorable animals to petsit. Learn more at www.rosedonovan.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 21, 2019
Spending the holidays with the aunt that disowned her after her father’s death was definitely not on Fina’s list of things to do. But when the constable showed up at Oxford looking for her best friend Ruby, the girls need to get away from the college before one or both of them spend the holidays in jail even though neither of them has committed a crime.
Fina used to love her Aunt Millicent, known to most as Lady Shillington. But after Fina’s brother was wrongfully hanged for the murder of Fina’s father. Lady Shillington cut all ties with Fina and her mum after the trial, so it came as a surprise that she would invite Fina for the holidays.
Because Fina knows her brother was innocent, she and Ruby decide to find the real killer when visiting the village for the holiday. Unbeknownst to them, Lady Shillington has invited all of the people involved with the untimely deaths to celebrate the holidays at her home.
Fina, Ruby and their friend Pixley are locked in a snowbound mansion with the person or persons that are undoubtedly the murderer or murderers. Will someone else die before Christmas dinner is served? Fina and her friends must find the killer but who can they trust to help trap the guilty person or persons?
This historical cozy mystery set in the 1930s it is full of red herrings, twists and turns. Like all cozies, the murder is not graphic and the gumshoes are college students not police inspectors. But do not discount the detailed hunt for the killer using the only tools available to solve crime in the early 1900s, which pretty much amounts to good old brain power.
Reading Ms. Donovan’s book is reminiscent to one of my favorite authors, Dame Agatha Christie. Setting up the suspects in a snowbound house, asking them to meet in the drawing room and the cleverly satisfying conclusion was extremely satisfying. I can picture Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot nodding at Ms. Donovan saying “Well done!”
This is the sixth book in the Ruby Dove Mystery Series. It is the first one I have read. It works fine as a standalone novel, but there were some references to previous cases that escaped me. That is okay, because the reader in me will seek out the five previous books so that I can be privy to the inside jokes between Ruby and Fina as well as learn about their previous cases that were referenced in The Mystery of Ruby’s Mistletoe.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley and Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman
Fina used to love her Aunt Millicent, known to most as Lady Shillington. But after Fina’s brother was wrongfully hanged for the murder of Fina’s father. Lady Shillington cut all ties with Fina and her mum after the trial, so it came as a surprise that she would invite Fina for the holidays.
Because Fina knows her brother was innocent, she and Ruby decide to find the real killer when visiting the village for the holiday. Unbeknownst to them, Lady Shillington has invited all of the people involved with the untimely deaths to celebrate the holidays at her home.
Fina, Ruby and their friend Pixley are locked in a snowbound mansion with the person or persons that are undoubtedly the murderer or murderers. Will someone else die before Christmas dinner is served? Fina and her friends must find the killer but who can they trust to help trap the guilty person or persons?
This historical cozy mystery set in the 1930s it is full of red herrings, twists and turns. Like all cozies, the murder is not graphic and the gumshoes are college students not police inspectors. But do not discount the detailed hunt for the killer using the only tools available to solve crime in the early 1900s, which pretty much amounts to good old brain power.
Reading Ms. Donovan’s book is reminiscent to one of my favorite authors, Dame Agatha Christie. Setting up the suspects in a snowbound house, asking them to meet in the drawing room and the cleverly satisfying conclusion was extremely satisfying. I can picture Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot nodding at Ms. Donovan saying “Well done!”
This is the sixth book in the Ruby Dove Mystery Series. It is the first one I have read. It works fine as a standalone novel, but there were some references to previous cases that escaped me. That is okay, because the reader in me will seek out the five previous books so that I can be privy to the inside jokes between Ruby and Fina as well as learn about their previous cases that were referenced in The Mystery of Ruby’s Mistletoe.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley and Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman
February 1, 2019
This is a fun series with very likeable main characters. Ruby and Fina, best friends and amateur sleuths decide to dodge the police at Quenby because they want to talk to Ruby about a thieving gang called the Elephant Gang who are prolific robbers and have eluded the police. Apparently, there is a member of that group named Ruby and so the police asked Fina if she knew where her friend, Ruby Dove was and she said no, but she suspected where she could be and together they left school for Christmas to go to Fina's Aunt's country estate. Fina felt strange about it because she hadn't seen her aunt in a while, but it was the best place for them to go in order to get away. And Ruby wanted to help Fina get some questions answered about the death of her father and the execution of her brother for the murder. She has so many questions and felt in her heart her brother didn't do it. Fina also invited their journalist friend, Pixley who they trusted and since he was spending Christmas alone, they figured it would be nice and besides they could use his investigative help. At Aunt Millie's estate, things aren't what Fina expected. First of all, the house had some strange renovations she never expected her straight laced aunt would have even thought of. And then there was a very strange mix of guests who were invited to share the holiday at the mansion. What happens next are a frightening and strange set of circumstances, including drugging the guests and items being stolen, that set Ruby, Fina and Pixley to put on their sleuthing caps to solve the strange events that were taking place and in turn find evidence of how Fina's father was murdered and who the murderer actually was. Wow so many threads and each guest has a secret of their own to be unwoven. I can't wait to see what happens in the next adventure with Ruby and Fina. I received an ARC but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
February 6, 2019
This series is notable for the sense of period that it portrays and also for the quirky and engaging characters who feature in the books. This book is a little different in that Fina is rather more centre-stage than in the other books, which tend to focus more on Ruby.
I really liked the start which features Ruby and Fina dodging the police and having to leave their college to join Fina's aunt in her country house, there is a very funny piece where Fina has to dodge the college 'scouts' to warn Ruby, and this sets the tone for the rest of the book. Another notable funny moment is the descriptions of the bathing suits, including a wooden one!
However once Ruby and Fina are joined by their friend Pixley the tone turns rather more sombre as there are robberies, attempted murder and spiked drinks, albeit lightened by more humorous moments. It becomes obvious that the gathering relates to the murder of Fina's father, and her brother's subsequent death sentence, which Fina has always believed was a miscarriage of justice.
There are a lot of characters, and they all have something to hide, and the subsequent investigation by experienced amateur sleuths Ruby, Fina and Pixley turns up all sorts of surprises, and risks. The culprit is well concealed right up to the end. Although this is a complete stand-alone story, there is a loose end which will provide a great story line for another book.
I received an advance copy of the book but have voluntarily reviewed it
I really liked the start which features Ruby and Fina dodging the police and having to leave their college to join Fina's aunt in her country house, there is a very funny piece where Fina has to dodge the college 'scouts' to warn Ruby, and this sets the tone for the rest of the book. Another notable funny moment is the descriptions of the bathing suits, including a wooden one!
However once Ruby and Fina are joined by their friend Pixley the tone turns rather more sombre as there are robberies, attempted murder and spiked drinks, albeit lightened by more humorous moments. It becomes obvious that the gathering relates to the murder of Fina's father, and her brother's subsequent death sentence, which Fina has always believed was a miscarriage of justice.
There are a lot of characters, and they all have something to hide, and the subsequent investigation by experienced amateur sleuths Ruby, Fina and Pixley turns up all sorts of surprises, and risks. The culprit is well concealed right up to the end. Although this is a complete stand-alone story, there is a loose end which will provide a great story line for another book.
I received an advance copy of the book but have voluntarily reviewed it
February 9, 2019
This historical mystery series is set in London and stars Ruby and Fina in a Sherlock and Watson-type relationship.
In Ruby’s Mistletoe, Ruby and Fina travel to Fina’s estranged aunt’s home for safety reasons. But once there they realize things are not what they seem. Their sleuthing skills are needed or they’ll all be in danger.
I enjoyed this book. The historical aspect is interesting and the author does a good job pulling you into the setting. The characters are realistic and enjoyable to read. This book is part of a series but you do not need to have read the prior books in order to enjoy this one. Also the book is set in time near Christmas but I would say it’s more a winter book than a holiday book. If you only like to read Christmas books in December don’t worry – you’ll enjoy reading this whenever.
I recommend reading The Mystery of Ruby’s Mistletoe!
I read an ARC copy. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
In Ruby’s Mistletoe, Ruby and Fina travel to Fina’s estranged aunt’s home for safety reasons. But once there they realize things are not what they seem. Their sleuthing skills are needed or they’ll all be in danger.
I enjoyed this book. The historical aspect is interesting and the author does a good job pulling you into the setting. The characters are realistic and enjoyable to read. This book is part of a series but you do not need to have read the prior books in order to enjoy this one. Also the book is set in time near Christmas but I would say it’s more a winter book than a holiday book. If you only like to read Christmas books in December don’t worry – you’ll enjoy reading this whenever.
I recommend reading The Mystery of Ruby’s Mistletoe!
I read an ARC copy. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
February 3, 2019
This mystery is the first one I have read in the series but it intrigued me right from the start. It was very different from other cozy mysteries I have read but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fina and Ruby and also Pixley made a very interesting investigative team in a household of maybe murders. They were all invited to Fina's Aunt house for Christmas and as the story unfolded it became obvious why they were all there but not who the guilty party was. This story was good to the last page and I look forward with anticipation of reading the next book or all the ones before it.
February 19, 2019
I loved it. It took me right back in time to the era it is written . Love that Ruby and Fina are friends and can be studying, especially Ruby doing chemistry. You go!
I admit that the mistletoe had me confused. i was thinking late holiday book. Guess again! it is using the mistletoe as a herb. Love that.
This might be book 6 in a series but it is my first in the series and this author. I am hoping to read more.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC copy.
I admit that the mistletoe had me confused. i was thinking late holiday book. Guess again! it is using the mistletoe as a herb. Love that.
This might be book 6 in a series but it is my first in the series and this author. I am hoping to read more.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC copy.
January 9, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I have not read any of the prior Ruby Dove mysteries, which did not detract from this book, but there were enough references to earlier cases to pique my interest. I found this cozy quite enjoyable. The setting of an English manor house at 1930's Christmas was fairly standard, but the characters were quite an unusual group (The character list in the beginning of the book was very helpful). The central mystery was tragic and the additional mysteries added to the confusion. I was kept guessing to the end, in the fine tradition of Dame Agatha.
September 25, 2022
This was disappointing. The letter Fina never left out her handbag was stolen from her night table. This cherished letter which she had ready many times was beyond her ability to recreate. Surely a cherished letter from her beloved deceased brother would have been committed to memory, though since we are told repeatedly she has a photographic memory, there should be no difficulty in remembering.
I know the series requires a suspension of disbelief, but when the author can't be consistent, it's sad.
I know the series requires a suspension of disbelief, but when the author can't be consistent, it's sad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2019
Such a crowded cast
There were so many people with strange names and Titles in this book that I was totally confused. I couldn't follow the action because of the name confusion. Fena wasn't well characterized because she showed contradictory traits that weren't believable and Ruby wasn't characterized at all. This is the only book in the series that I have read and it will be my last. I wonder if this series needs to be read in order. That might help
...
There were so many people with strange names and Titles in this book that I was totally confused. I couldn't follow the action because of the name confusion. Fena wasn't well characterized because she showed contradictory traits that weren't believable and Ruby wasn't characterized at all. This is the only book in the series that I have read and it will be my last. I wonder if this series needs to be read in order. That might help
...
February 6, 2021
Like the series, but ...
Consistent with earlier books in this series, but not well edited. I found three glaring errors. I won’t say what they are because one of them would be a spoiler. These were distracting. Also at times it was difficult to tell who was speaking. And there were so many characters it was impossible for me to keep them straight. Overall, the plot was very good and had a satisfactory ending.
Consistent with earlier books in this series, but not well edited. I found three glaring errors. I won’t say what they are because one of them would be a spoiler. These were distracting. Also at times it was difficult to tell who was speaking. And there were so many characters it was impossible for me to keep them straight. Overall, the plot was very good and had a satisfactory ending.
February 2, 2019
A house party in the country , the snow is falling and a group of people arrive to enjoy Christmas.
What could possibly go wrong.
Ruby and Fina are about to find out ! Each of the guests has a secret and drugs, spies and theft muddy the waters.
A perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold winter day.
What could possibly go wrong.
Ruby and Fina are about to find out ! Each of the guests has a secret and drugs, spies and theft muddy the waters.
A perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold winter day.
March 30, 2020
Enjoyable mystery
This book includes three mysteries that are solved. Despite not reading any of the other books in this series, I was able to fully enjoy this book. The main characters are very likeable and intriguing. The book is a quick read that keeps you entertained until the very end.
I won this book thru a goodreads giveaway
This book includes three mysteries that are solved. Despite not reading any of the other books in this series, I was able to fully enjoy this book. The main characters are very likeable and intriguing. The book is a quick read that keeps you entertained until the very end.
I won this book thru a goodreads giveaway
February 2, 2019
Loved this! You get such a great feel for the times, and the social atmosphere. And I was completely bewildered right up until the end. This really brought me back to the old Agatha Christie country house mysteries that I loved.
January 27, 2020
I have never read any of the series as I shy away from mysteries. Loved it. I love historical stories and the fact that the main characters are female pull into this mystery of a dead man and his family funny yet sobering I would recommend it BBC as I found it an easy read.
February 16, 2020
This was the first book that I have read in the series. The author did a great job with back story so I had information on what was going on. I am absolutely going to start the series from the beginning. The book moved along nicely with interesting characters. Good book!
January 11, 2020
An absolute delight!
Ruby at last solves the mystery the demise and scandal surrounding Fin's family.
Miss Donovan writes the perfect cozy mysteries, replete with British details in its writing style. Historically accurate yet filled with fun, the Ruby Dove. Mysteries are a delight to read.
Ruby at last solves the mystery the demise and scandal surrounding Fin's family.
Miss Donovan writes the perfect cozy mysteries, replete with British details in its writing style. Historically accurate yet filled with fun, the Ruby Dove. Mysteries are a delight to read.
August 28, 2023
I won the ebook on 12-29-2019 in the Goodreads Give-Away and between the weather and the pandemic this is the best time to read and listen to a lot of books. This book reminded me of a combination of Agatha Christie books and Sherlock Holmes. Ruby and Fina leave Quenby College for personal reasons and go to Aunt Millie's where the is a gathering of people at Christmas with investigations, robberies and a lot of deducing at the end of the story.
This is Book 5 not Book 6 per Amazon
This is Book 5 not Book 6 per Amazon
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews