Favorite Quotes:

‘I believe I’ve met her cousin, Betty, on a few occasions.’ Alice’s mother sniffed. ‘My sister Aggie’s girl. A fast article she is and so sharp she’ll cut herself one of these times.’

You know you cannot do anything around here without the world knowing your business. You were seen, my dear, by one of the staff and now their tongues are wagging at both ends spreading gossip.

The remains of the snow lingered only in a few shady corners, piled up like spilled icing sugar that someone had swept up and forgotten to disperse.


My Review:
While this may be book number four in the series, it was my introduction to Miss Underhay as well as my first sojourn into the wry wit and smooth writing of Helena Dixon. It seems I’m slow on the uptake lately. Each scene flowed like a well-cast episode of Masterpiece Theater. It was an easy, engaging, and light read that kept me interested as well as entertained throughout perusal. The storylines and writing were well contrived, shrewdly paced, and laced with amusing observations and humorous descriptions of the cast of idiosyncratic and oddly intriguing characters.

And it has been a good while since I scored an addition to my Brit Words and Phrases list and I found two new ones tucked into their dialogues with walking out – an old fashioned term for courting or dating; and nine days’ wonder – a hot topic for a short duration, what we currently would say is trending on social media. Although what might have held an enduring interest for nine days then, might last all of nine minutes now due to our vastly diminished attention spans.

I have read three of the four Kitty Underhay novels and enjoyed them all. It was really great to see Kitty's personal story move along. This is a fascinating thread involving her relationships with her grandmother (who owns the hotel they both live in) and Matt ( PI, her friend and love interest)..

When it comes to the murder mystery it is evident that things are just not what they seem. And the more Kitty and Matt dig, the more complicated it gets.The motivation behind the murder was intriguing indeed.

Once again the characters are thoughtfully written. Some are highly likeable while others are quite the opposite, I really struggled to have sympathy for the victims and yet, in the end.... Well done Helena!

I will be keeping and eye out for the next in this very engaging #cozymurdermystery series. Quite wait to see just what Kitty and Matt get up to next time.

With thanks to #NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion

This was a great addition to this series! While the mystery itself is intriguing, I was most impressed by how Dixon wove in the larger story of Kitty's missing mother. It's very compelling and I can't wait to read the next edition!

4.5 stars

This is the fourth book in the A Miss Underhay mystery series by Helena Dixon.

This book reads like it is set in the twentieth century. My meaning by that is that it is a very easy book to navigate and get through. Sometimes historicals set in this century are hard to muddle through. There are the normal 30’s aspects of the text that bring you into the setting that surprise you and make you read on.

Kitty Underhay and Captain Matt Bryant are drawn into a mystery while at a dinner party when the host is poisoned with cyanide. They leap to action and discover a controversy at the local level of government.

This is definitely a fun historical mystery to follow. I always enjoy seeing what Miss Underhay is up to today.

If you love a good historical cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Kitty Underhay has no intention of getting herself into danger again, but she is forced to take an interest when the local councillor collapses and dies at her table at a local grand hotel. Her friend and escort Matt Bryant, the local doctor and police inspector quickly establish that he was poisoned, and his wife is the obvious suspect.
Kitty is not so sure, and it quickly becomes clear that there are several members of the man’s family and legal team who have every reason to murder him to cover up their corrupt schemes and gain the inheritance to which they believe they are entitled.
When the key suspect is killed in a suspicious road accident the stakes get higher until Matt is lured into a trap.
This is a fascinating insight into the social and economic class structure of Britain in the 1930s in the turbulent times following the Great War when even a hint of scandal could ruin someone’s reputation.
I found the details on the underground tunnels in this part of Devon particularly interesting, linked to the ongoing subplot into what happened to Kitty’s missing mother.
Another winner from Helena Dixon!

Kitty Underhay has proved herself to be quite the amateur detective. Time and again, murder and other serious crimes prove to follow her wherever she goes. When Kitty is attending a dinner in place of her grandmother, someone drops dead after consuming a bowl of soup. There is no way Kitty could ignore what is going on. Along with dear friend and love interest Matthew Bryant, Kitty begins looking for answers.

It doesn't take Kitty and Matt long to recognize the cause of death and who they think could be the murderer, but a wrench is definitely thrown into the plans when another murder soon takes place. Will the pair be able to find out who is committing these murders, all the while keeping free from danger themselves? Political corruption seems to be behind these murders so Kitty and Matt leave no stone unturned. Along the way, Kitty continues her search for answers about the disappearance of her mother from years ago.

Having read the three previous books in the series, I am well acquainted with Kitty and Matt. However, each book has its own story so these could serve as standalone novels. However, as someone who truly enjoys continuity, I think other readers would enjoy this book more by reading this series in order. The 1930s time period, along with it being a cozy mystery, makes this book and the previous books delightful reads. The mix of historical fiction along with the mystery contained makes for a very good book that is rich with atmosphere and relatable characters. As Kitty and Matt become even closer, I am eager for the next book in this engaging series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Another fun and very enjoyable cosy mystery by Helena Dixon! I've read the previous books and this story is as entertaining as the others, the pacing is great and I loved how the relationship between Kitty and Matt develop as well as finally getting more information about Kitty's mother and her disappearance.

Fast read that I highly recommend, it's one of my favourite cosy mystery series.

Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

1933. Due to the illness of her grandmother, Kitty Underhay attends the annual dinner dance for hoteliers, at Torquay. She is partnered by her friend and private investigator, Captain Matt Bryant. Just after the end of the first dance one of their dinner companions dies, poisoned. Thankfully Inspector Greville is also attending the dinner. While both help the police with the investigation, Kitty tries to learn more about what happened to her missing mother.
An enjoyable and well-written historical cozy mystery with its likeable main characters. A good addition to this series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
I really enjoy Helena Dixon’s writing and she certainly keeps me gripped and wanting to know what happens next.
And it all happened in this, the 4th book in the series. Not only is there murders to solve for Kitty and Matt- there’s developments regarding her mum’s disappearance and their personal relationship develops further.
I love the historical setting of this cozy mystery series and find the plots unique and engaging. Definitely recommend.

Another delightful installment in this cozy mystery series set in Devon, England. This 4th features Miss Kitty Underhay, whose grandmother owns the Dolphin Hotel, in her latest adventure.

It's autumn, 1933, and Kitty is attending the annual Hotelier's Association Dinner and Dance with her love interest, Captain Matthew Bryant, when one of the guests at their table collapses and dies. Poisoned. Councillor Harold Everton was known as an honest businessman, but soon there are hints of fraud and bribery in the local council. Who wanted him dead and why? As Kitty and Bryant dig around trying to find clues to solve the case, other trouble is brewing. In addition, Kitty continues her quest to find out what happened to her mother who went missing 17 years ago.

Fast and fun, I really enjoy this period in history and love all the details the author interjects to make the era come alive on the page. I've followed this series from the beginning and it's one of my favorites in this genre. I look forward to seeing what's next for Kitty and Matthew.

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

This is the 4th book in the Kitty Underhay mystery series, but was onen I read as a standalone book. I really enjoyed this one!

It is a very atmospheriqc book that allows you to escape from your surroundings and immerse yourself in the 1930s.

It tells the story of a number of unexpected murders, starting with a murder on the dance floor. Are the murders connected? And what could possibly be the motive?

It is a straightforward whodunit, but the suspense is built well in order to surprise and hook the reader.

This was an entertaining, evocative and mysterious read which I enjoyed very much and would recommend!

Murder on the Dance Floor is my first book by Helena Dixon. However, it is the 4th book in the Miss Underhay Mystery series. It had everything I love about cozy mysteries.

I love discovering new-to-me cozy mystery series, and as I usually discover them mid-series, I love the ones that can be read in any order. I had absolutely no problem jumping into this series with book 4. There were a few references to previous murder cases that the characters had been involved with, but it felt more like giving background information and evidence that this wasn't their first murder.

I have now read enough "couple detective" cozies to be convinced that they are my favorite ones. While the series only references Kitty Underhay, she is paired up with one Matthew Bryant. Perhaps it is because she is the amateur detective and as he runs an investigative service or it could just be that series is more focused on Kitty. While I liked Kitty well enough on her own, I particularly enjoyed their dynamic.

It is no secret that I enjoy stories set in the 1930s. Murder on the Dance Floor takes place in November of 1933. I kind of like comparing how different series handle the time period. Maybe it is because this series is set in Dartmouth instead of London, but there is no mention of what is happening in Germany or the economic depression in England. Or maybe the author wanted to keep the story light by waving away these more distressing issues of the time. Though it did make it feel more like the gay twenties and I had to remind myself it was the 1930s.

There are actually two mysteries. One, the disappearance of Kitty's mother, seems to be an overarching mystery that spans the series. The other mystery, the murder of Councillor Everton, is particular to this book. The Everton murder kept me guessing as to who and why all the way to the reveal.

The supporting cast is great. I kind of hope that Alice and Robert become an item and perhaps play a bigger part in assisting Kitty and Matt in future books - I can see that being a natural progression.

Do you know the best part about discovering a great series at book 4? It means I don't have to wait for the next new book to enjoy more of this series - I can go back and pick up the first 3 books. Whether you have been reading this series, want to start with book 1, or will jump right in with book 4, I highly recommend checking out Murder on the Dance Floor.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Wednesday, October 28 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2020/10/murder-on-dance-floor-by-helena-dixon.html

My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of Helena Dixon’s ‘Murder on the Dance Floor’ in exchange for an honest review.

“Kitty Underhay’s dance card is full… of death.”

This is the fourth in Dixon’s series of historical cosy mysteries featuring amateur sleuth Miss Kitty Underhay.

November 1933, Kitty is attending the annual Hoteliers' Association Dinner and Dance on behalf of her grandmother, the proprietress of the Dolphin Hotel. She is escorted by ex-army captain Matthew Bryant and Kitty is hoping that they will have some quality time together.

However, after the sumptuous meal local councillor Harold Everton feels ill and drops dead shortly after taking his medication. The police quickly discover that his death wasn’t from natural causes. Given Everton’s overbearing nature there are plenty of suspects. No more plot details to avoid spoilers.

In addition, throughout the series Kitty has been seeking answers about her mother’s disappearance in 1916. In each book this quest has moved on some. Both this and the restrained ‘will they?, won’t they?’ dynamic between Kitty and Matt have been quite compelling aspects of the series alongside the particular case under investigation.

I feel that Helena Dixon is respectful of the traditions of the Golden Age of Detectives yet confident enough to be playful with its tropes. She also excels in capturing the period setting with a fine attention to detail; including the formal etiquette that was observed with respect to relationships.

Overall, a very enjoyable cosy mystery that kept me guessing as to whodunnit. I enjoy this series very much and look forward to reading more of Kitty’s cases.

I absolutely love this series, and this latest book did not disappoint. This series can be read as stand alone books, but the secondary stories make more sense if books are read in order.
Kitty and Matt, still unsure what their relationship is exactly, attend a fundraiser together. Sadly, as is becoming typical of Kitty, she is sitting at a table when a man is murdered. This time, the Inspector seeks the help of Matt and Kitty in solving this case, especially when a second victim turns up. While the murderer is somewhat predictable, the path to solving the murders is not. Along the way Kitty uncovers more truths in the whereabouts of her missing mother, and Matt finally asks Kitty if she wants to take their relationship past the friendship stage. But with so much sadness, uncertainty, and danger around her, is Kitty ready to give Matt her heart?
Loved this story, and eagerly await the next book in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 Stars
November 1933. Amateur sleuth-cum-dutiful granddaughter Kitty Underhay stifles a sigh of boredom as she attends the annual Hoteliers' Association Dinner and Dance on behalf of her grandmother, the proprietress of the Dolphin Hotel. She hopes the company of ex-army captain Matthew Bryant will enliven the otherwise dull evening. That is, until bullish and overbearing local councillor Harold Everton drops dead into his bowl of consommé. Kitty and Matt waste no time leaping into action.
When their digging throws light on a corruption scandal brewing in the local council involving Everton’s assistant Thomas King, they are sure they’ve cracked the case. But before he can be questioned further, King’s body is found in a smouldering car wreck. Meanwhile, the ongoing mystery about Kitty’s mother throws up some more clues.
Another delightful cosy mystery, this is the fourth book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own there are a couple of ongoing threads which move forward in this book. The mysterious disappearance of Elowed is nearer to being solved when Kitty receives a box of paper cuttings. also the budding romance between Kitty & Mat reaches a pivotal point . A well written story with strong characters. There are plenty of red herrings & twists and turns before the murderer is found. I'm loving the series & eagerly await the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Murder on the Dance Floor is the fourth instalment in the Miss Kitty Underhay Mystery series, set in 1930s Torbay, Devon. It's preferable, but certainly not a necessity, to have read the preceding books before diving into this as the main thread of the plot and investigation is self-contained and enough background is given on the characters to bring new readers up to speed. As autumn turns to winter in the coastal town of Torbay, Kitty Underhay is heading out in the increasingly damp and foggy conditions in order to attend the annual Hoteliers Association Dinner Dance at the Imperial Hotel. Her grandmother Mrs Treadwell has requested her to represent both herself and The Dolphin Hotel at the ball. Accompanying her is her friend, and on/off lover, Captain Matthew Bryant and they just happen to have been seated at the same table as one of the most obnoxious and disliked diners, Councillor Harold Everton, and his wife, Marigold. After ingesting a packet of indigestion relief Everton suddenly slumps over onto the table dead. Matt is under the impression that it could be related to some underhand tactics concerning council planning applications, which Everton had just become aware of.

Meanwhile, Kitty continues to dig into the disappearance of her mother, Elowed, in June 1916, when she was just a child. Father Lamb delivers a box replete with photographs and newspapers clippings allowing Kitty to eventually learn the circumstances around the vanishing act. This is a compelling, captivating and thoroughly entertaining cosy with a large pool of suspects due to Everton being universally hated in the local area; this is clever as it makes it almost impossible to guess who the actual culprit is as there are many people with both motive and opportunity to tamper with the sachets as they were accessible to anyone. The 1930s period in which it is set became known as the Golden Age of Detective Fiction and the atmosphere Dixon creates feels very much like being transported back in time; the era was so adeptly portrayed. With a superb plot, engaging characters and enough twists, turns and intrigue to satisfy even the most demanding crime reader, this is another excellent addition to the series. Recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.

I'm so sorry to have missed the first three of this series because this one is right up my street!

With her grandmother ill, Kitty Underhay has been given the task of representing the Dolphin Hotel at the annual Hotelier's Association Dinner and Dance. Accompanied by Captain Matthew Bryant, Kitty is hoping he will brighten what otherwise promises to be a dull evening. As they enjoy their meal, exchanging pleasantries with others seated at their table they are shocked when one of them, a rather obnoxious local councillor no less, keels over dead. With their sleuthing history, neither Kitty nor Matt can let this one go and are soon up to their eyes in investigating, desperate to aid the police in their probing for the murderer. However, the guilty party will go to any lengths to avoid being found out, and Matt and Kitty are in their sights.

Now, I love a good murder mystery, particularly one set in times gone by which skips past all the 'in your face' blood and gore so this one is just perfect for me. I wallowed in all the period details - especially the fashions! The characters are many and varied - all beautifully drawn - with a wide range of traits but what shines through is Kitty's kindness. There are plenty of suspects and a bunch of clues which could point to any of them and it all adds up to a lovely, entertaining read which made me smile every now and then. A fine mystery, beautifully written and worth 4.5 stars and a hearty recommendation.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

With her grandmother unwell, proprietor of the Dolphin Hotel, Kitty Underhay was obliged to attend the annual Hoteliers’ Association dinner in her stead. Accompanied by Captain Matthew Bryant, her partner in crime on previous occasions, Kitty was looking forward to dancing with Matt after dinner. The eight members of Kitty and Matt’s table were a diverse bunch, but local councillor Harold Everton was a well-known boor. When he suddenly died in front of horrified onlookers, little did Kitty and Matt realise that it was the beginning of another case for them to solve.

As Kitty and Matt attempted to help Inspector Greville to find the murderer, another shocking death occurred. Was it an accident – or was it another murder? The race to find answers, along with another mystery Kitty was trying to solve meant the two friends and sleuths were busy indeed.

Murder on the Dance Floor is the 4th in A Miss Underhay Mystery series by Helena Dixon and I loved it once again! Kitty and Matt get themselves into terrible messes, but the entertainment along the way for the reader is excellent. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Oh how I love this series! This is the fourth novel in the Miss Underhay Mystery series. When Kitty's grandmother asks her (and Captain Bryant) to attend the Hotelier's Association Dinner she has no idea that someone at Kitty's table will wind up dead by evenings end. Naturally, Kitty and Captain Bryant start their own investigation along side the Inspector. This was a well thought out and plotted novel. There were just enough twists and turns to keep it interesting, but nothing that was unbelievable. True to Helena Dixon's writing style, the story comes together beautifully. There's a nice recap at the end and the story wraps up nicely. We also get a glimpse into Captain Bryant's past and the will they/won't they with Kitty and Captain Bryant could possibly be resolved!

I loved the forward momentum with all the characters. There's a lot of personal growth for Kitty and Captain Bryant, individual and together. I loved getting to know them more through this novel.

This is the 4th in the Kitty Underhay series and this is a great cosy mystery.

Kitty once again is witness to a murder when attending a hotelier’s event, with Matt as her escort. A local businessman sat on their table is poisoned and the hunt is on to find the killer.

The ongoing mystery of what happened to Kitty’s mother is finally solved, though how and why is another mystery to be addressed in future books.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.