Book Title: Murder at Midwinter Manor
Series: Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery Series #3
Author: Anita Davison
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction
Pub Date: September 10, 2024
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages: 283

It's Christmas, 1916. Hannah Merrill and Aunt Violet along with Bartleby their cat leave London for a Christmas holiday party at Hannah’s sister Iris.
Hannah’s family has a surprise for her at the party as on-again off-again boyfriend Darius is there. Hannah and Darius are actually a make for each other couple but Hannah just isn’t sure it will work!
Although there is nasty snow storm the party guest still have an enjoyable time.
Unfortunately the next morning they fine Mr. Ellis in one of the study chair and a broken crystal vase smashed on the floor. The dear is Mr. Ellis had a heart attack and when he fell he knocked over the vase. However, when they find the family heirloom ruby missing, there is obviously more to this. It turns out Mr. Ellis was murdered.

Due to the bad weather only detective available is not very experienced.
Therefore Hannah, Aunt Violet, Darius and Inspector Farrell need to find out whodunit.

I am a cozy mystery fan and this story was an enjoyable read and yes exactly what I expect when I pick up a cozy!

Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me this enjoyable early eGalley!
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 10, 2023.

In the depth of winter 1916, Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet have left London to spend the festive season at her sister's country estate. The weather is Christmas card beautiful but makes getting in and out of the grounds almost impossible.

When the body of one of the guests is discovered with very few clues to investigate, Hannah and Violet realise the local police force, stretched to its limits already, is going to need all the help it can get! The disappearance of a priceless necklace doesn't make the situation any easier but can they find answers before an innocent person is charged with crimes they didn't commit?

Book 3 in this historical cosy crime series is a fun read which also looks into difficult areas such as soldiers suffering from shell shock and the assumption that a young woman’s ambitions are limited to marriage and motherhood. This was the first time I had visited this series and it was a pleasant, easy read.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Boldwood Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. Although I enjoyed this it didn't really grab me in the way some similar series have.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot...there are already some reviews like that out there if that's what you are looking for!

Having read the previous books in this series (Murder in the Bookshop, and Murder in the Library) I was delighted to be invited to read this, the third in the series.

This novel is set at the country home of Hannah's sister and brother-in-law (Iris and Mycroft). This time, the family (including Aunt Violet, Darius, Hannah's parents, and others) are gathering in the run up to Christmas, and the guests include wider family and friends.

After dinner on the first evening, snow falls, effectively cutting off the household from the wider area, and giving a pushy neighbour the excuse of staying overnight. In the morning however, the body of one of the guests is discovered, and the Police are called...eventually naming the cause of death as murder! A valuable family heirloom (jewel) has also vanished mysteriously. Aunt Violet decides to invite Inspector Farrell along as a guest...

There are plenty of red herrings - both regarding the murder and the missing jewel - and a few other twists in the tale that add to the enjoyment.

The main characters were very well written and well rounded, and there is a good cast of supporting characters each with their part to play in the mystery. There are some fairly sterotypical characters (eg the overbearing bumptious policeman, the pushy Mama) but they are all well described and fit in perfectly.

The book is in the "cosy" mystery genre, but with other threads running through the story, which adds dimension.

Looking forward to further adventures of Hannah and Aunt Violet!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

3.5⭐
I need this to be turned into a movie it would be so good, hope it gets picked up soon.
This book was such a fun cozy read and so bingable like I read the last 80% in three hours???I am not the one for cozy mysteries tbh but this changed my mind and I will definitely pick the other books in the series.Aunt violet was such a funny character so I would love to see more of her and the setting was just perfect like escaping into a cozy Christmas mystery instead of the August heat was just perfect,this was such a delightful read and I am so glad I gave cozy mystery a go!!!
Thank you for netgalley,the author and the publisher for the e-arc.

ARC Review

Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison is a cozy crime novel. It's the third book from the " Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery"
series.

In this latest installment, Hannah and her aunt Violet take a trip to Midwinter Manor to spend Christmas with Hannah's sister, Iris.
What they hoped would be a peaceful escape from their bustling lives in London—and the murder mysteries that often surround
them—quickly turns into anything but. On their first night, the tranquility is shattered by a murder and a theft. With only
an inept local officer at their disposal, it's up to Hannah and Violet to unravel the truth.

This story is truly captivating, filled with engaging twists and delightful moments. The setting, steeped in the elegance of a
bygone era, adds a layer of sophistication to the narrative. The "whodunit" mystery is masterfully crafted, with a diverse cast
of characters, all confined within the manor, contributing to the intrigue and excitement.

Violet, with her independence and disregard for societal norms, quickly became my favorite character. Hannah, a close second,
mirrors her aunt's strength and intelligence. I particularly enjoyed Hannah's methodical approach to solving the mystery—taking notes,
carefully listening to others, and showing compassion towards the witnesses. The discovery of the ruby was a standout moment in the
book.

If you’re a fan of period crime novels, this one is a must-read.

wry-humor, situational-humor, country-house, England, cozy-mystery, local-law-enforcement, series, 1916, unputdownable, unpleasant-neighbors, misogynistic-era, historical-figures, historical-mystery, historical-places-events, historical-research, history-and-culture, friends, friendship, families, amateur-sleuth, relationships, relatives, investigations, murder, snow-season, snobs, closed-circle-mystery, jewelry-theft, family-drama, detective*****

I think that many of the characters wanted to escape FROM Midwinter Manor. So many of them are caricatures of some classics as are a few of the activities (like the excruciating dinners, dippy girls, and wailing women). Not to mention the smugly overbearing and closed-minded local police detective. Thats the fun stuff. The investigation is very well done and the red herrings are sneaky which should have warned me about the plot twists on the way. Series just keeps getting better!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

This is the first book in this series I have read - I was approached by the publisher to give it a whirl!

So Hannah, Aunt Violet and Bartleby head off to a cosy festive get together at the home of Iris (Hannah’s sister). One of the guests is found in the study and a family heirloom is nowhere to be found. The only policeman to make it through the ghastly winter and festive weather is next to nothing useless so Hannah and Aunt Violet step up.

This book is a cozy Christmas, historical setting read. The characters took time to grow on me but I think that was because it was book 3 in the series. I am however downloading the others! I feel like it can be read as a stand alone to be fair!!! I loved the relationships between the characters and the way the story grew throughout. It made me smile and feel cosy!

Thank you for the opportunity Boldwood Books! ❤️

I have only just discovered this author, but really enjoyed this and indeed the previous books in the series. Likeable characters, warm writing and intriguing mysteries - perfect read with a cup of tea and chocolate biscuit! I will look forward to more in the series. Many thanks

This book combines three of my favorite things: Christmas, a cozy mystery, and history. In this case, Hannah and her suffragette Aunt Violet are spending the holiday at the home of Hannah's sister, Iris. Hannah is delighted to discover that her beau, Darius, is there. She's far less than excited when one of the guests is found murdered. Christmas is about to take a backseat to a murder investigation. Some of the classic holiday tropes are there, like being snowed in, a not particularly experienced investigator, family tensions, eccentric family members, romance, and, oh, yes, there's a war on. This is Christmas, 1916. One of the guests, in fact, is home on leave, suffering from what we'd today call PTSD, an unexpected topic and the reasons for it. And, oh, I almost forgot, not only are there missing gems, but besides related children, there's a cat on hand, too, as well as some rowdy pups. The setting is beautifully described and sounds enchanting.

I won't detail the plot. I'll simply say it was intriguing to see author Davison weave in historical events and impacts to a probably typical family event. Well, typical for those with social status. Hannah has been on her own for a time, working in the London bookstore where I first met her, but finds it rather nice to be spoiled again....briefly. Aunt Violet's romantic interest, with his ties to Scotland Yard even makes an appearance. Seems neither Hannah nor Aunt Violet, not to mention Darius, are confident of the small town detective's investigative skills. By the way, make sure you read the historical note at the end for more info on what Darius' job involved and its importance to the war effort.

It was fun to see the interactions of these characters, including Hannah's parents, who we get to know better as the book goes along.Unfortunately, I found myself having a hard time sorting out and keeping track of the rest of the assembled cast. Although we got a bit of info on them as the story progressed, I never felt like I connected with them. Even at the end, sigh, I was still fuzzy on who was who and who was connected to who and why it mattered. Thus, I found myself largely focusing on the main cast, with a particular focus on what surprise Hannah and Darius had in store for the rest of the family. Nope. Not telling. Read the book. Honestly, even with my confusion over characters, I did enjoy the story and found the mystery nicely played with some unexpected twists. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at Christmas with Hannah and her family and friends. I'm definitely looking forward to what is next.

An excellent cozy from one of my favorite authors. Book #3 in the series where we visit with Hannah and her Aunt Violet as they once again investigate the murder of another guest. Anita Davidson always provides some excellent entertainment.

Davison's Escape to Midwinter Manor offers readers a cozy, historical mystery set against the backdrop of a snowy Christmas in 1916. As the third installment in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet series, this novel invites readers to a grand country estate where a festive gathering turns sinister when a murder occurs.

The author skillfully evokes a classic country house mystery atmosphere, complete with a diverse cast of characters, a secluded setting, and a touch of gothic undertones. The historical context of World War I Britain adds depth to the narrative, providing a backdrop of societal tensions and personal challenges.

Hannah Merrill and her eccentric Aunt Violet are endearing protagonists, and their dynamic adds a layer of charm to the story. However, the secondary characters, while serving their purpose in the plot, often feel somewhat underdeveloped.

The mystery itself is intricate, with numerous potential suspects and a well-crafted plot. While the pacing is generally steady, there are moments where the narrative can feel somewhat leisurely. Additionally, the large cast of characters can occasionally be confusing, making it difficult for readers to keep track of everyone's motivations and relationships.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Escape to Midwinter Manor is a delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries and historical fiction. The novel successfully transports readers to a bygone era, and the mystery, though perhaps not groundbreaking, is engaging enough to keep readers turning the pages.Davison's Escape to Midwinter Manor offers readers a cozy, historical mystery set against the backdrop of a snowy Christmas in 1916. As the third installment in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet series, this novel invites readers to a grand country estate where a festive gathering turns sinister when a murder occurs.

The author skillfully evokes a classic country house mystery atmosphere, complete with a diverse cast of characters, a secluded setting, and a touch of gothic undertones. The historical context of World War I Britain adds depth to the narrative, providing a backdrop of societal tensions and personal challenges.

Hannah Merrill and her eccentric Aunt Violet are endearing protagonists, and their dynamic adds a layer of charm to the story. However, the secondary characters, while serving their purpose in the plot, often feel somewhat underdeveloped.

The mystery itself is intricate, with numerous potential suspects and a well-crafted plot. While the pacing is generally steady, there are moments where the narrative can feel somewhat leisurely. Additionally, the large cast of characters can occasionally be confusing, making it difficult for readers to keep track of everyone's motivations and relationships.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Escape to Midwinter Manor is a delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries and historical fiction. The novel successfully transports readers to a bygone era, and the mystery, though perhaps not groundbreaking, is engaging enough to keep readers turning the pages.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy.

Murder at Midwinter Manor is the third book in the Miss Merill and Aunt Violet Mystery series. It’s a cozy, historical mystery set on Christmas in 1916.

Hannah and Aunt Violet are lovely characters, they are very likable throughout the whole book.

The historical part of this book was not really my cup of tea, but I still enjoyed the story. If you do like historical fiction this is the one for you!

Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwoodbooks, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review 📚🏘️
Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison
(Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Series)
⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’re back! Hannah, Aunt Violet and even Bartleby 🐈‍⬛ are off for the Christmas holiday to visit Hannah’s sister Iris. There is more of Hannah’s family introduced, and a whole new cast of characters (or shall I say suspects!) to go along with them.

By now we know where Hannah goes, trouble tends to follow. When a houseguest is found dead the same night a prized Ruby goes missing it’s time to bring in the authorities. When the detective on the case is blinded by making the wrong answer right, Hannah, Aunt Violet, Darius and Inspector Farrell take matters into their own hands.

While I felt overwhelmed by the cast of new characters and at times could not remember who was who, the existing characters we love made up for it. Because of this however, I recommend starting at the beginning of this series to appreciate it best! (Get ready for some binge reading!)

If you like historical settings for your cozy mysteries, then this series is a must. Davison writes in a manner that makes you forget you’re reading a present work and not a mystery of the past!

It was such a mysterious book, kept me on my toes. It was a page turner for sure, was obsessed with the characters, and can we give a moment for the ending? Absoutetly amazing!

Escape to Midwinter Manor had some good elements, but it wasn’t quite my cup of tea. Set during a snowy Christmas in 1916, it features Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet trying to solve a murder and theft at a grand country estate. The cozy, festive setting and classic country house mystery vibes are well done, and the writing is solid.

The story kept me entertained, but the mystery itself didn’t grab me as much as I hoped. While it’s clear that Davison has crafted a charming, intricate world with some great characters, I found that the plot didn’t quite pull me in the way I expected. Fans of historical cozies and Golden Age mysteries might find more to enjoy here than I did.

Murder at Midwinter Manor is a delightful historical cozy set in 1916 England. This has all the elements of a good cozy. Murder, a missing valuable family heirloom, family dynamics, an inept policeman, lots of red herrings, and likeable characters; especially Hannah and her Aunt Violet, as well as Bartleby the cat. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Murder at Midwinter Manor is the third Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet mystery book, and I've read all of them.

This story takes us to Hannah's sister's house for a Christmas party. Some of the guests are family, and some of them are not (Oh dear for them).

While we get to know the members of the party, there are strange goings-on in the background, and when Hannah is left with not one but two mysteries to solve, things start to become more interesting.

As we watch Hannah and her aunt, alongside their two male sidekicks, at work, we're treated to everything we'd expect from a Golden Age country-house-style murder. (I was somewhat jealous about all the Afternoon Teas they managed to consume.) The mystery is intricately connected to the era of First World War Britain, and the events are believable and enjoyable to read about.

When they come, the conclusions are both satisfying after suspicion has fallen on just about everyone.

As a huge fan of this genre of fiction, I really enjoyed Murder at Midwinter Manor and the glimpse given of a divided society in a single house between servants and masters.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy. I will share it on my blog.

I love cozy murder mysteries but I enjoy the Miss Merrill ones especially! The Christmas setting made this one even more cozy and enjoyable. I love that these are sort of interconnected standalones rather than a series and they're all great fun with lots of mystery, likable characters and they're quick reads that really pull you in!

It's Christmas, 1916. Hannah Merrill and her wonderful Aunt Violet leave London (taking Bartleby the cat) to be a part of the festive house party hosted by Hannah's sister, Iris. Hannah expects some tension with her mother, because there always is, but she's looking forward to having a good time in spite of the sometimes uncomfortable family dynamics. As it turns out, she's got more than differing family attitudes to deal with when one of the guests doesn't make it to Christmas, having been murdered in the study. On the same morning the body is discovered, another guest realizes that a family heirloom is missing. Are the two related? The lone policeman who can make it through the snow doesn't inspire confidence, but luckily, Aunt Violet and Hannah are there to get to the bottom of things.

I've got quite a soft spot for good Christmas cozies, so I was excited to see this book. I love this series--Aunt Violet is particularly wonderful. I was not disappointed. The setting is classic--manor house at Christmas, snowstorm, incompetent police officer, familial discord, missing family jewel, and the murder. The historical time period, which plays a part in the mystery, is well observed and the historical note at the end fleshes out one aspect of a main character's job a bit. Once I started, I didn't want to put the book down and I read it in one sitting, thoroughly enjoying every minute. This is the third book in the series, but you don't have to have read the first two to enjoy this one. It's a great series, though, and it's definitely worth reading all three if you're a historical cozy mystery fan. I highly recommend them all.

This gentle period novel follows in the tradition of Golden Age country house mysteries and will provide an entertaining read for folks following thst genre.

The cast of characters is limited to house guests and staff and suspicion has to fall upon someone in that group. The book’s saving grace is the acerbic and somewhat flamboyant Aunt Vi….. many of the other characters just seemed a bit “flat” to me. They were fine to “ round out a party,” but weren’t entertaining enough to carry a whole book. I found myself mildly bored by all of them, and by the interminable few days it took to resolve the mystery.

Netgalley provided me a complimentary copy of this nook in exchange for a candid review.