Book wasn't meant for me. Hopefully someone will enjoy it more. Happy reading. I will try and rent it at the library

Louise Innes is a new to me author and I have to say I am looking forward to reading more by this author! I loved this book

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Christmas in Edgemead, England so be a merry affair but a dead man found in the chimney of Holly Lodge dressed in a Santa suit gives the holiday a criminal turn.

The village’s newest resident, international pop star, Mimi Levanté has purchased Holly Lodge. The body was found during her renovations and while Ooh La La hair salon owner Daisy Thorne, Mimi, and her sister Floria were at the Lodge. Daisy calls her friend, Detective Chief Inspector Paul McGuinness to report their discovery. Daisy has helped him before and has now completed her profile class so the good Detective Chief Inspector allows her to help him with the case. That is until the killer strikes again and Daisy may be the next person on his Christmas list.

This series has a great cast of characters. What I really loved about this story was how Daisy and Paul’s relationship went to a new level. He hates that she gets involved in his murder cases but has realized she is not going to stop so he may as well embrace her help as long as he can keep her safe. Daisy has learned to tell him what she has done and what she has uncovered and how it moves his case in another direction. They are taking it slow on the romantic part of their relationship but it does look like their holiday will be a merry one.

The mystery was very well-plotted with some nice twists and misdirection. I must have fallen for every one of them because when the guilty party was revealed I was totally surprised. And what a reveal it was. Saved by the skin of her teeth and with me holding my breath.

Sadly, this appears to be the last book in the series. I really wish we would have a chance to visit these characters again.

Death at Holly Lodge is the third book in the Daisy Thorne series by Louise R Innes. Although I haven’t read the first two books in this series I was able to jump right in to the town of Edgemead and get involved in the mystery.

I loved Daisy as a character because although she really does have the best of intentions, she just can’t seem to stop herself from trying to solve the case. See, while visiting Holly Lodge with her two friends Mimi and Floria, the renovation crew who is remodeling the house finds a body in the chimney.

And he just so happens to be a man wearing a red and white jumpsuit.

The friends are shocked. It’s not every day you find a dead body in your house, let alone the body of Santa Claus.

Daisy’s friends and coworkers at her salon were fun to read about. I loved the mentioned of gingerbread lattes and lots of gossip as they attempted to make it through the busy season, when everybody wants special nails or a new hairdo for Christmas.

Overall it was just a really fun world to dive into. The mystery was well developed and kept me guessing as the story unfolded. The tension between Daisy and DCI Mcguinness (who might also be her boyfriend, although she’s too scared to admit it) made me laugh at times. It was funny how he would try to tell her what to do. She would try her best to behave but there’s no stopping Daisy when a mystery is afoot.

If you like Christmas cozy mysteries you’re sure to like this one. I loved reading about Daisy and her friends at the salon, so I’m looking forward to checking out the first two books in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Princess Fuzzypants here: The previous book in the series introduced Daisy, hair stylist and criminal profiler, her best friend, Floria and her Prima Donna mother who also had other daughters who were unknown to each other prior to the mother’s demise. It also introduced the other members of Daisy’s salon team and Paul, the DI who may not like Daisy interfering with his investigations but likes and respects her. A lot.

It took that book a while before it gained traction but this one seemed to hit the ground running when one of the sisters, Mimi, is gutting her newly purchased Holly Lodge, when the contractors discover a body of a man in a Santa suit wedged in the chimney. It is quickly determined that he was murdered but his identity and the motive for murder is harder to establish. It appears he has been a naughty lad and the deeper the investigation goes the naughtier he becomes. Then, when another victim is murdered, it is clear the killer is still around and willing to do anything to keep from getting caught.

The bottom line is the deceased “Santa” did some truly heinous things and deserved his comeuppance but the killer turns out to be just as bad or worse. It was a well paced and interesting story that kept me guessing right to the end. The various relationships are interesting especially the nascent one between Daisy and Paul. They make an awesome team both professionally and personally. Five purrs and two paws up.

Daisy is back again . She is the proud owner of a hair salon. There is also some extra excitement this Christmas season because a famous singer had moved to the picturesque town. The renovations begin and soon the body of a man is found stuffed in the chimney. This story is very light hearted and festive. The characters are sweet and charming. This story will captivate cozy lovers. The story is well written and easy to follow. I love following the clues to see if I can figure out who did it before daisy does. I definitely recommend this lovely cozy

Loved this book. Fun and cozy Christmas-theme murder that reads quick with strong likeable characters and nice flowing action. I've never read the previous books in the series, but found I didn't need to - this works well as a stand-alone. Main character Daisy and DCI McGuiness undertake a mystery in trying to find the murderer of a santa stuffed up a chimney. Loved the characters, the subtle romance beginning between Daisy and McGuiness, and the setting of a quaint English town. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Daisy Thorne series remains one of my favorite cozy mystery series. As much as I enjoy trying to solve the mystery, I love the interactions between Daisy and her friends, including her love interest DCI McGuinness.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Publish Date: September 28th 2021

When a friend discovers a skeleton Santa in her chimney during her house renovation, Daisy is asking to once again figure out The Who what and why of this crime. This time around she has DCI Paul McGuiness on her side.

This is the third in the #daisythornemystery series. I accidentally read the third book first but loved it so much I wanted to go back and read the series properly. I loved this book so much. I didn’t miss anything really from starting on the third book. They explain who died but not how or who the killer was. I would happily read it again.

#deathathollylodge #adaisythornemystery #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #cozymysteryseries

Santa's coming down the chimney tonight. But wait, this year he can't because he's already in the chimney and he's stuck and also dead.
International music star Mimi is buying the Holly Lodge in picturesque Edgemead, England when renovations start to her shock a man dressed as Santa is found stuffed in her chimney.
It's been determined the body is a man who's been missing that played Santa every year for the children. This manor house mystery has Daisy, Ooh La La hair salon owner sleuthing right along with dashing DCI Paul McGuinness as they fen angle their way through clues of Christmases past. No one is above suspicion especially when the suspects are as slippery as the ice outside.
Cleverly written, I enjoyed this Christmas mystery.

Pub Date 28 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Daisy is on the case again helping DCI Paul investigate the death of the Santa in the chimney. The mystery is full of twists and turns to keep you guessing and the characters are wonderful! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

This is a fun cosy murder mystery set over the Christmas period. It's the third book in the series but it can be read as a standalone novel.
The action revolves around Daisy, a hairdresser with a knack for amateur sleuthing who is now working as a consultant with the local police, Detective Paul (her will-they, won't they love interest) and a host of other local residents.
In each book Daisy tries to work whodunit to solve a murder. In this story a body is uncovered in an uninhabited house.
It took me a while to get my head around all the various characters but after the first few chapters the story gained pace and I was intrigued to find out who the culprit was and why.
If you like murder mysteries with a hint of romance, I would recommend giving this a read.

This is the 3rd installment in the Daisy Thorne mystery series. Daisy is getting ready for the Holidays and her Salon (Ooh La La) is so busy but Daisy goes to visit with her friend Floria and her sister Mimi who is a pop star about to start her European Tour but she has recently purchased Holly Lodge and is renovating it when the workman find a dead man dressed as Santa in the fireplace. Daisy of course immediately calls DCI Inspector Paul McGuinness and asks if she can put together a profile of the killer as she has finished her criminology degree and is qualified to act as a consultant to the police. Paul agrees and even has her come along when talking to the wife of the victim. The victim was at the Lodge for 2 years as he disappeared 2 years before on Christmas Eve. The name of the victim is Tom Pierce and he is an estate agent from the town over and his wife Hannah has remarried his business partner who is the estate agent who sold the property to Mimi. Paul asks Daisy to not investigate on her own and to keep him posted of everything she might find out thru family and friends and the gossip that happens in her salon. Daisy has a solid group of friends and she is trying to determine if there is something that can go further with her and Paul. I like to see how their relationship is growing. This was a quick read and very entertaining, I could not put it down and finished it one night. I loved how Daisy keeps her head about her and is so protective of her friends and she kept her promise to Paul by keeping him in the loop. Loved it. Fantastic ending. Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.

Death at Holly Lodge by Louise R. Innes is the 3rd book in the Daisy Thorne Mystery series, and another fun addition. Daisy Thorne is a hair dresser who owns Ooh La La salon in the village of Edgemead in Surrey, England. This book is Christmas themed. When a body is found in Holly Lodge, which is being renavated the mystery begins. Once I started this book I could not stop reading it. It was a quick read that kept me guessing. I look forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this book for all cozy mystery book lovers, you will not be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was such a fun Christmas mystery. The pacing is done well, and I loved the mystery. The characters are endearing. Highly recommend!

Daisy Thorne, owner of Ooh La La salon in the small town of Edgemead, Surrey, England, is preparing for the holidays along with everyone else. But with her salon booked up completely until they close for Christmas, she's finding it hard to make time for herself. But one day she decides to visit Holly Lodge with her best friend Floria, whose sister, pop star Mimi Fallon, has bought the place and plans to renovate.

While the workers are busy, the three women sit in the kitchen -- or what's left of it, currently -- as the old Georgian has sat empty for several years. But then a body is discovered in the chimney, and the man is dressed like Santa Claus. While the women are stunned, after DCI Paul McGuinness arrives, Daisy perks up and sets her sights on profiling the killer. While McGuinness doesn't seem to want her help, she knows he needs it since she has local contacts and he doesn't; and when it's found out that the man was a local named Tim Pierce, Daisy sets to work questioning her clients. Soon more information comes forth, and there's a real mystery as to what actually happened to him. With a few different stories drifting about, Daisy will have to decide who's telling the truth and who isn't -- even if it puts her in arms' length of a killer...

This is the third book in the series and I have read them all. I must say that this book, like the others, flows easily with crisp writing and lovely descriptions of what is happening around the characters. One can get a feel for actually being in Edgemead, (although I don't know about all the snow!); and we watch as Daisy puts her wits to use in figuring out who the culprit might be. Along with this, we have McGuinness, who at times seems frustrated with Daisy and at others grateful for her help, as he himself has to put the evidence together and cannot go with his gut feeling. It makes for a wonderful pair of characters who, in their own ways, depend upon one another to solve the case.

We also have the secondary story of Daisy wondering where, if anything, her budding relationship with McGuinness is going. She reasons that they both have jobs they love and are important to them, but on the other hand, Daisy is wanting to have a real relationship. She juggles her emotions with her instincts, and we can see that it isn't easy for her to do when it comes to herself.

But then another event occurs and the stakes are suddenly raised to find the killer and fast. When Daisy finally figures it out, it comes as almost a surprise and the reasoning behind it, much like most murderers, lets us know that unhinged minds are capable of anything. Then we have the lovely epilogue of Christmas day, and it makes one long for the holidays so we can celebrate ourselves.

Ms. Innes tells a wonderful tale, and I am glad that I have had the opportunity to read her books, and I await the next in the series eagerly. Highly recommended.

Great holiday book with a murderous flair. I enjoyed this light hearted book. It was a great escape from the gruesome murder books and a great way to dip your toes into the holiday spirit.

A perfect Holiday cozy mystery ! This is a great introduction to holiday reading. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own. This is a favorite series of mine and this holiday release is a fun read. This is the 3rd release in this well crafted enjoyable series.

Beauty shop owner, Daisy Thorne is ready to enjoy the Christmas season in Edgemead, England. The village is in the throes of decorating and planning with the local business owners. One of Daisy’s dear friends, a pop star Mimi Levanté, is in the process of remodeling a old mansion she bought. The workmen find a corpse dressed as Father Christmas in a chimney. Daisy is a savvy smart investigator and offers the local police her assistance . When the clues and suspects start adding up to motive and opportunity Daisy may be danger.

I loved this Christmas theme mystery and look forward to the next in series. The writing is smart dan the sleuth keep me guessing to conclusion Very well done to the author.

Death at Holly Lodge is the perfect holiday themed cozy mystery for lovers of the genre.

It's Christmas season and Daisy Thorne is happy to have her best friend Floria and her sisters in town to enjoy the season - have parties and seasonal dinners, visit the Christmas markets and just simply enjoy the season together. Unfortunately, a body is discovered at Holly Lodge during ongoing renovations - Santa was stuck in the chimney, no less. That terrible discovery leads to an investigation, lead by recurring character and swoony love interest DCI Paul McGuiness, with Daisy assisting as much as possible. I like the fact that Daisy got a certification in criminology/ profiling to make it believable for her to be helping the police (as opposed to quite a few of the amateur sleuths aiding bumbling detectives in the cozy mystery genre); she can now be an official consultant.
I loved revisiting Edgmead in this third installment in the Daisy Thorne series, there are lovely characters, an exciting well constructed plot, twists and red herrings and some holiday cheer, it was a fabulous pick me up read at the end of a long work day - I loved diving back in with my trusty cast of characters and getting a seasonal head start alongside them

Ooh La La hair salon owner Daisy Thorne adores the Christmas cheer in her picturesque hometown of Edgemead. Excitement is extra high this year, as international pop star, Mimi Levanté , the village’s newest resident, begins renovating historic Holly Lodge. But the charming country home’s makeover is cut short by a shocking discovery—the body of a man, dressed as Santa Claus, jammed inside the house’s chimney! The body is identified as Tom Pierce, a local estate agent who vanished on Christmas Eve two years ago. As the case moves from missing to murder, Daisy and DCI Paul McGuinness work together looking for evidence. Then ayoung woman is killed at the Christmas Market.
The third outing for Daisy, it’s easily read on its own but as I must read a series from the beginning I’d recommend doing so because as well as getting to know Daisy, her staff & friends there’s also her relationship with Paul which seems to take two steps forward & then three back – definitely two forward in this book! There are twists & turns as well as surprises. Secrets are revealed & not everyone is as they seem. A very well written, engrossing cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read