Escaping the city doesn’t mean escaping the criminals…

1916, Midwinter Manor: Desperate for a Christmas weekend break from war-torn London, Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet take Bartleby the cat and themselves off to visit Hannah’s sister, in her beautiful country estate, deep in the English countryside.

The huge house is full of relatives, friends and merrymakers, and everyone’s excited to have a Christmas to remember.

But then, when a fellow-guest’s body is found in the library – apparently bludgeoned to death – and a precious ruby is stolen from another guest, it appears that it’s going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

With the house snowed in, and the rural police force completely incapable of finding a single credible suspect, Hannah and Aunt Violet realise that once again it’s going to be down to them to get to the bottom of it.

Because whoever’s behind the crimes must be at Midwinter Manor… And if they’re not found, who knows what their next ‘gift’ will be?

A totally unforgettable Golden Age, country house, cozy crime novel, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, and Agatha Christie.

Readers love the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet series:

‘I couldn’t put this book down, I just wanted to keep reading. The story kept me guessing all the time and the ending was unexpected. Can’t wait for the next book.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A fabulous historical novel that entertained me from the start… Reminiscent of Miss Jane Marple… I loved the inclusion of Bartleby, the bookshop cat who was very much a character in his own right.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful!! I had high hopes for this novel and it did not disappoint. Once I began I could hardly put it down. I am excited to read Ms. Davison’s next installment.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a fabulous setting for a murder… If I could have read it in one sitting, I would have done. A brilliant plot with some clever twists! I think I've found a new favourite series. I can’t wait for the next instalment. Highly recommended!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this delightful new cozy mystery featuring a young society girl and her suffragette aunt… 5 stars. I look forward to more in this series.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book. Hannah and Aunt Violet are wonderful characters and I liked them from the start. The surrounding characters are well imagined. The setting is interesting. I enjoyed the references to literature and the way books were a part of the story line… Very entertaining and I highly recommend it.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fascinating characters, scandals, espionage and murder… Kept me turning the pages wanting to know what would happen to Hannah and her delightful feline companion.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐