Spend Christmas in New York with Kitty and Matt.

I love this series. It’s one of the few historical cozies that constantly delivers the perfect blend of period detail and a good mystery. And did I mention that the covers are always enticing and set the mood.

In this installment, Kitty and Matt are bound for New York when they receive a message that Kitty’s father, Edgar, is ill. When they arrive, they find him much improved and suspect that perhaps he was not sick but perhaps hiding from people he didn’t want to see. Regardless, they decide to make the best of the holidays and accept an invitation to attend a charity costume party up in the penthouse of Edgar’s somewhat swanky building. It’s a shock when they find their hostess, the wealthy widow Nora Dangerfield, dead alongside a path in the park the next morning on their way to breakfast. Not only does it appear that she had been murdered, she had also been robbed of all of her jewels.

Despite being far from home and unable to use their credentials, Kitty and Matt begin their own investigation without permission of the local NYC police. There are many friends and acquaintances to question and lots of them have plenty of motive, means, and opportunity to kill Nora. But who did it?

I love the characters and the way the author writes the stories. I always feel like I am meeting up again with old friends when I pick up a new book featuring Kitty and Matt. This is the 18th and I feel it is important to begin this series at the beginning. I highly recommend it for a comfort read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.

I've read and enjoyed many of the books in this series but this one didn't quite work for me.

All the action takes place in an apartment block with a very limited cast of characters. None of which had much appeal to me. I think a lot of that had to do with the kind of relationships that formed the essence of the story (don't want to give anything away). Also, I see these two as professionals now (while that's not the motivation in this instance). Hmmmmm...

I think a good story with the full cast of the original cast and the hotel life as a backdrop would be most welcome.

It was 3/5 for me

With thanks to Bookouture, Netgalley and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review

4.5 Stars
Winter, 1936. Kitty receives an unexpected telegram just before Christmas saying that her father in New York is seriously ill. She and her husband Matt swiftly set out for America and, after a fraught ocean crossing, they arrive to discover he is much improved. Kitty decides to make the most of her visit by taking in the sights and attending a costume party thrown by her father’s friend, Mrs Nora Dangerfield. After a fabulous night, Kitty and Matt decide to blow away the cobwebs with a chilly morning walk in Central Park. but then they discover their hostess Mrs Dangerfield murdered, her body partly hidden in some bushes. She is still in her evening wear, but her jewellery is missing. There are plenty of suspects & then her assistant dies too.
Another entertaining, enjoyable cosy mystery, a very different setting but Matt & Kitty are soon in the thick of an investigation. I love the couple who work so well together. The cast of supporting characters are, apart from Edgar & Nora are not very likeable. There are plenty of twists & turns as well as red herrings until Kitty & Matt finally work out who the villain was & the climax is thrilling. I also liked the teaser about Matt’s former army friend &fingers crossed things seem to be looking up for Robert & Alice. A well written cosy mystery which was a riveting read
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

(ad pr) Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture & Helena Dixon

1936 in New York city at Christmas time sounds like an amazing adventure, however things take a turn from “sick” parent to a murder. We travel around the city on murder investigations and fancy gatherings, what we think it happening gets a new turn at each chapter.
I did wish to find out more information about what happened with all those involved in other tangled affairs. However great read, easy flow and fantastic storyline.

Publication date: 25th November 2024
Read dates: 18th November – 19th November 2024

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Helena Dixon for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder in New York coming out November 25, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read a few books in this series now. I still need to read all of them. I really love cozy mysteries. I’m obsessed with Kitty and Matt’s relationship. I love their support. The time period is really interesting. New York is always a fun setting for books. I loved the mystery. I would definitely read more by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy historical mysteries!

Loved this one. Lots of viable suspects, and I loved how it was personal for Kitty. I can recommend this series.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.

3.75 stars

This historical cozy series is reliably readable and undemanding. Recently married Kitty and Matt, private investigators in England, journey to New York City after getting a report that Kitty's father is quite ill. He is an old reprobate, and when they arrive they find his problem was probably due more to avoiding creditors than to medical problems.

They are annoyed, but they determine to enjoy the city at Christmas and do some sightseeing. Kitty's father lives in a beautiful apartment and his neighbors are quite well off. They attend a costume party at his wealthy friend Nora's, but then are shocked the next morning when they discover Nora's body minus her diamond jewelry.

There are suspects: Nora's daughter and her son-in-law, who stand to profit; her butler and assistant who are both facing termination and her married lover's wife. It isn't long before the second body appears. In their usual calm and logical fashion, Kitty and Matt investigate. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It was winter, not far from Christmas in 1936, when Kitty received a telegram from New York, saying her father, Edgar Underhay, was gravely ill and could Kitty come quickly. She and husband Matt Bryant, booked passage on a ship to New York, praying they'd arrive on time. But, as was usual with her father, Kitty discovered he wasn't unwell at all; he had his reasons for feigning illness. She was cross he hadn't sent another telegram, or answered her frantic calls. It was his good friend Nora Dangerfield who'd summoned them - now they were to go to a costume party in Nora's apartment in the lead up to Christmas.

The party was a vibrant one, but there were ructions among a few of the guests. When Matt, Kitty and Edgar finally returned to Edgar's apartment, they were exhausted. The following morning, Matt and Kitty headed out to breakfast, only to discover a dead body lying in the frost and snow behind the building. With the police on the job, Kitty still felt the need to investigate, even being so far from home and not knowing the procedures the NY police followed. Would she get herself and Matt in trouble, either with the local police or the murderer?

Murder in New York is the 18th in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and once again it was fun, entertaining and enjoyable. I've read this series from the beginning, and hope the author continues for a long time to come! Matt & Kitty are great characters, and their stories are usually set around Devon in England, so this was a pleasurable departure from the norm. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

A missive via Telegram sent from New York, telling Mrs Kitty Bryant her father is seriously unwell, sees Matt and Kitty ocean bound on the SS Manhattan, in a desperate bid to get to New York to assist her father, Edgar Underhay, a man who had only in recent years, returned to her life.
Arriving in New York, she discovers that Edgar seems to have made a somewhat miraculous recovery, if indeed he was unwell at all, he is living in a very luxurious apartment and has been befriended by Mrs Norah Dangerfield, a wealthy society patron and widow, who lives on the floor above.
Kitty and Matt are convinced Edgar is up to something, but what, and as he seems to be restored to good health they decide to make the most of their time in New York. Invited to Norah’s annual Christmas fundraiser, they have a rather enjoyable if unexpected evening, but are interested in the dynamics between the people in attendance after a confrontation occurs between Norah and one of her inebriated guests.
A walk in search of breakfast the following morning sees them discover the body of Norah in the deep snow, still in her evening gown, but very definitely dead. The police are called and even though Matt and Kitty explain their business in England they are warned by New York’s finest, not to meddle in their murder enquiry.
When another death occurs, they find that in spite of their best efforts not to get involved they do, much to the chagrin of the local Police department. As they live almost on the spot, they find that watching the other residents of the Apartment block becomes a daily occurrence and even though there are several people who could have murdered Norah, why would they murder again!
Murder in New York is a gripping, intriguing and challenging case to solve once again from the pen of Helena Dixon, as Kitty and Matt discover that all is most definitely not as it seems, as they and the New York Police Department finally combine their resources to catch a ruthless killer!

Having this book set in NY was a refreshing choice as 18 books in, a setting can get stale. It kept the focus on Kitty and her Dad and husband but welcomed in new characters. I liked that it kept up some mystery around Kitty’s father but also gave us a peek into his world. The mysteries were not straightforward which kept me guessing throughout the book with many confusing misdirections. I appreciate when I don’t solve the mystery ahead of time yet it still makes sense that I could have. I wouldn’t mind another trip back to NY in the future as I enjoyed this book more than some of the more recent ones. I also look forward to finding out more about Matt’s history and the new mystery they arrived back in London to find.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

This definitely felt cozy as we meet these characters and their wild entanglements. Kitty and her husband Matt arrive at New York to see her dad and find an intriguing friend group…. You can’t trust anyone! The characters and the need to know who done it kept my eyes glued to the pages.
I received this as an ARC and this is the first book in the series I read and I’m definitely going back and reading 17 books!!!

4.5*

It's glitz and glamour in this instalment of the Miss Underhay series as Kitty and Matt have been called to New York at the behest of Nora Dangerfield, upstairs neighbour and friend of Kitty's father Edgar.

Fearing the worst and arriving to find Edgar in the rudest of health the Bryant's aim to enjoy a Christmas in New York and celebrate their wedding anniversary. As always though murder has other plans as Nora is found dead following a charity ball in her penthouse apartment. With so many suspects, motives and secrets and an uncooperative detective on the case it's up to our intrepid duo to piece together the clues and try and solve the case before Christmas Day.

This story came along just at the right time for me. I needed a new cosy mystery fix of one of my favourite series and I felt that this location worked well for Kitty and Matt. The case is intriguing and the supporting cast of characters are small enough and well rounded enough to ensure my interest in them as any number of them could have done it.

I had my suspicions of the murderer but enough red herrings were thrown my way to never make me sure which is something I feel Helena Dixon does well in these books. It ensures it's an overall satisfying read and you don't come away from it feeling it was too obvious or conversely too overly plotted.

A great addition to the series and one that ended on a cliff hanger that already has me ready and waiting for book 19 in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital review copy of "Murder in New York" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Murder in New York was a very enjoyable read where we got to see Kitty and Matt take a trip to visit Kitty's father, Edgar, in New York City after they received notice that he was very ill. Upon arrival, it becomes clear that Edgar wasn't really as ill as they were led to believe but they decide to make the best of it and enjoy the Christmas season in New York. Edgar is friends with his upstairs neighbor, Nora Dangerfield who invites them to a party she already had planned to help raise money for charity. The next morning, while going out to brunch, Kitty and Matt stumble upon Nora's body. Used to working with the police back home, Kitty and Matt find themselves trying to stay out of the police's way while figuring out who killed Nora to ensure Kitty's father isn't suspected given his shady past. There is certainly no lack of suspects leaving Kitty and Matt racing to solve the murder. I thought that the mystery bit was well done, and I especially liked the descriptions of New York during the holiday season and seeing it through Kitty and Matt's eyes as visitors to the city. I always enjoy the titles in this series, but especially ones where Kitty and Matt are outside of their usual locations.

What better way to spend Christmas than abroad, experiencing the snow and cold weather of New York. In 1936, Kitty and Matt find themselves setting out for America after they receive news that her father is unwell. Upon reaching New York it seems Kitty’s father, Edgar has made a swift recovery and Kitty and Matt can now enjoy the sights of New York at Christmas.

Far away from Devon and discovering bodies, it seems the perfect escape. That is until they stumble across a dead body.

That dead body is Mrs Dangerfield, Edgar’s upstairs neighbour and the host of the previous nights wonderful party that everyone who is everyone attended.. Add in Mrs Dangerfield’s daughter, an elderly chauffeur, a secret lover and a personal secretary, it seems this murder might have enough suspects. That is until another one of them ends up dead.

Not so sure of the way American’s conduct such investigations Matt and Kitty find themselves, very much told not to interfere. But of course curiosity always gets the better of Kitty and it seems she is going to come in close contact with the preparator.

It is going to make for an interesting Christmas tale to tell those left behind in Devon.

I really got the feel of New York at Christmas, the extravagance in the shops, the weather, Central Park, Church Service and the opulence that would not have been matched if Kitty and remained at home.

One of the better stories in this cosy mystery series and it is always a joy and comfort when the next book is released. More of the same please.

BEST COZY MYSTERY SERIES SINCE NANCY DREW!!
Kitty and Matt are back at another mystery! My little mystery loving heart was so elated and I found out they were going to New York City! I couldn't wait to hear about their adventures in America! What could Christmas bring them? 🎙️

Kitty and Matt get an urgent call from a friend of her father saying he is ill! 'Tis the season for rejoining family! And maybe a little murder?! I love how attentive that Matt is always of Kitty! Any moment of distress for her he is there to protect her. And vice versa! 💖

Kitty and Matt arrived in New York to find her father Edgar is perfectly fine! He was sick prior now he is back to his good old entertaining self LOL. He convinces the couple to stay for Christmas and come to a party with a lovely and mysterious socialite! Our favorite detective couple enter a game of cat and mouse when murder takes place and there is no suspect to trace! 🫢

(I totally imaged the apartment from The Marvelous Mrs Maisel as one of the movie sets in my mind LOL) 📖

The way Helena Dixon writes her mystery series is layered to perfection! I easily follow along with the flow of her writing such as a multitude of icings coming together to create a cosmic cupcake! 🧁

Every time I turn to chapter Helena always gives us a surprise or curiosity around the book corner! I actually kept jotting down notes thinking I know who it is! But then evidence would remove that character and I was on the hunt again! My blood was pumping, and my mind was racing when all the pieces started to fall together! ☕

Kitty is a force to be reckoned with lol!! In between shopping and going to visit the Rockefeller Christmas Tree she was determined to get justice jingle bell style!
I really love how Helena describes the characters reactions in certain scenes. The vocabulary she uses makes each scene really pop! I felt like I was in a Christmas episode of Murder She Wrote and Kitty can be Jessica's aunt! 🎆

I still swoon over Matt LOL that man had my heart since book 1! He is a protective wolf around Kitty and the charm shines through for him in this book during the Christmas season! 😊

The side characters were a lot of fun! It was as if I was getting to know an estranged family and couldn't wait to see what shenanigans and secrets they held! 💕

I will be reading Helena's books for life! I have always been a mystery fan! And Helena and her writing are the essence of mystery and pure entertainment. Every time a character is mentioned in a new volume I think back to how I first read about them. I'm collecting Helena's books in paperback and I always go to them when I'm having a good or bad day or in between days lol 🍨

Bravo!!! I cannot wait for more Kitty and Matt mysteries and any other series she will give to us!🌌

Bookouture and NetGalley provided me with an e arc for Murder in New York and I am glad they did!
A really enjoyable murder mystery with two amateur sleuths, from England set in New York at Christmas time.
With its twinkling lights, cosy restaurants, snow on Central Park, fashionable parties, this is a romp of a traditional crime caper
Even though this us the 18th book in the series, I was able to read about Kitty and Matt, and Kitty's slightly disreputable father, Edgar almost as a stand alone novel.
Helena Dixon has a deft way with her descriptions of 1930s New York and I very much felt immersed in the glittering social whirl she created!
The ultimate test is, would I want to read any of the previous 17 Miss Underhay titles? Yes I certainly would!

In the 18th book in this lovely cozy crime series set in the 1930’s, we see Helena and her husband Matt summoned to New York by a telegram advising that her father Edgar is in very poor health. The telegram has been sent by his friend Nora, a wealthy woman living in a glamorous penthouse apartment above Edgar’s. On arriving in New York Edgar appears well again and Kitty and Matt decide to try and enjoy their time there and celebrate their anniversary with Edgar and his friends. After a party hosted by Nora, Kitty and Matt decide on a breakfast in the park, but are met with the body of someone they have just become acquainted with.

Once again embroiled in a murder investigation things are quite different to those the couple have assisted with in the UK. Another death quickly follows and Matt and Kitty, along with Edgar, try and price together who is responsible.

Another lovely read with great references to the time and a colourful picture painted of the New York society in the 1930’s, with beautiful balls and parties. The characters are a mixture of well known and new and interesting and I enjoyed the change of pace and place for this book. The ending offers an interesting insight into book 19 and I am very much looking forward to reading that when it is a available.

An enjoyable addition to the Kitty Underhay series, this sees Kitty and husband Matt sail to New York after learning her wayward father is very ill. They arrive only to find him much recovered in the time it took them to travel over, but they are soon tripping over bodies again, after one of her father’s neighbours is murdered.

All the bits you love are here, with the fresh location of New York and a few new characters. Don’t worry, while Grams, Alice and Mrs Craven aren’t there in person, they do get name checked several times!

Perfect if you like a cosy historical mystery, NYC and a little Christmas snow.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

Thanks to Netgalley.co.uk for a review copy of this book.

Another cosy mystery from Helena Dixon with all the usual glamour of the era.
Kitty and Matt travel to New York, where Kitty's father is gravely ill.
Summoned by his friend Nora Dangerfield, they make the journey by ship from England.
On arrival, the mystery of her father's illness begins to unfold. Nora introduces them to her family and friends, and as new acquaintances arrive in their lives, as with all of the 'Ms. Underhay Mysteries', murder inevitably follows.
It is an easy read, if a little predictable at times, but with some great descriptive scenes, some wonderful hidden secrets, and many characters to love and loath.
I read this in one sitting and really enjoyed it.

I love reading about the adventures of Kitty and Matt. This book finds the couple rushing to America when a friend of her fathers sends a message that he is quite ill. Upon their arrival they find the telegram had not been very accurate and they settle in to spend the holidays with Kitty's father. Instead of a relaxing New York holiday, Kitty and Matt find themselves thrown into a murder investigation of not just one of her father's friends, but two. There are lots of people with motives, but who could actually carry out the crime?
This series is always a great read. I love the characters, even Kitty's father with all his flaws. The plot reads smoothly and quickly, with lots of build up. Looking forward to their next book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.