Murder under the Mistletoe by Liz Fielding.
Maybridge murder mystery book 2.
Abby Finch arrives at the old church hall armed with festive mistletoe and holly, ready to decorate. But within moments of her walking through the door, tragedy strikes . . .
Edward Marsh reaches to test the antique star at the top of the tree. There’s a fizz and the lights go out.
This was a good read. Little slow but readable. I did like Abby. I'm looking forward to the next book. 3*.

It's only within the last few months that I discovered Liz Fielding and the 'Maybridge Murder Mystery' series. I discovered the series when I had the good fortune to pick the first book in the series called 'Murder Among The Roses'. I loved 'Murder Among The Roses' and I have been impatiently waiting for the second book in the series to be released. Well the wait is over because the second book in the series is called 'Murder Under The Mistletoe' and it was released on 7th November 2023. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Murder Under The Mistletoe' but more about that in a bit.

I loved most of the characters in 'Murder Under The Mistletoe' apart from one. I have to be honest and say that I disliked the character Gregory Tatton from the moment I first 'met' him. There was just something smarmy about his whole attitude, his behaviour and the way he just seems to take over. He's the sort of person that I would cross the road to avoid. On numerous occasions I felt myself wanting to jump inside the pages of the book to give Tatton a few dozen slaps across the face with a wet flip flop for his attitude and behaviour. I must admit that I breathed a sigh of relief each time Tatton left the scene shall we say.

I was drawn into 'Murder Under The Mistletoe' from the very start. In fact 'Murder Under The Mistletoe' seemed to develop a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn't willing to break. Part of the reason why I enjoyed the story so much has to do with the characters- a lot of whom ended up feeling more like friends rather than characters in a book. I was intrigued by the story and by the murder and by the possibility that the murder victim wasn't who it was supposed to be. I had to keep reading to see if the story was going to pan out in the way in which I thought it would. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'Murder Under The Mistletoe'. I found 'Murder Under The Mistletoe' to be a gripping cozy mystery that certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.

'Murder Under The Mistletoe' is superbly written. Liz has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Liz's books often feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Liz clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Murder Under The Mistletoe' and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Liz's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

A Christmas murder....or is it murders? This book had a lot of information that was not needed and seemed to drag on. It was a pretty decent read.

Two deaths (one sad snd one utterly deserved!), a clutch of suspects, an amateur sleuth diving in too deep instead of just letting the police do their job, plus suspicious deaths and mysteries from the past... all you need for a cosy village murder story.
The menace nd unease was just starting to build for Abby when a sudden death took it away. I felt slightly cheated by that, although new dangers soon crept in.
I enjoyed the book very much but did feel there was a large cast of villagers it was hard to keep track of and a lot of back story I was not party to (Howard's death and the dug up bones of a baby for instance) which is clearly because I had not read Book 1 in the series. It just about works as a standalone but I wish I had read the other book first.

Abby Finch, owner of the Earthly Designs gardening business, had much to deal with during the events of book one, Murder Among The Roses. Now her cheating husband Howard is dead and her children, Lucy 17, Tom 14 and Sophie 10, face their first Christmas without a father. Not that that should make them lonely, for Abby has plenty of great friends who give her excellent support in the town of Maybridge. The run up to the festivities, however, is marred by tragedy when the leechlike silver fox Gregory Tatton, a man who the lunch club ladies drool over but who has a dark underside, forces retired English teacher Edward March to fix the tree lights with fatal consequences. Abby is suspicious of Tatton, especially when he sends her a veiled threat, and as she makes enquiries about him, discovers a man who seems to get whatever he wants. By whatever means he can, including blackmail. Just as she is wondering if he was actually the intended victim of the dodgy wiring, DC Dee Newcombe informs her that Gregory has been found dead in very suspicious circumstances, which means there are plenty of suspects. Unfortunately that includes Abby herself, which means only one thing – she and best friend Megan will have to solve the crime.
There’s always room on my bookshelf for a super festive murder mystery and this one definitely ticks all the boxes. It’s full of great and well described characters that are easy to take to and features a clever twisty plot with plenty of red herrings along the way. Abby herself is lovely, down to earth and hard working whilst having to juggle a growing business, a family, a super keen boyfriend and her past notoriety from when she unexpectedly dug up some bones in the previous story. There’s plenty in this book to keep the reader hooked right up to the end. I’m certainly looking forward to more.

After reading a bunch of books that said they were cozy mysteries, but weren't, I picked this one up. It's set in a small town; Abby is a small business owner with a loving family and lots of friends; we've just been introduced to a complete jerk who might as well have a "I will be dead soon" sign on his back; and to add icing to the cake, it's Christmas time. *lets out sigh of relief* Ahhhhh...

This is the kind of book that is perfect to read on a cold winter's night with a cup of tea. Recommended.

(A small note: After reading about 15% of this book, I did actually go back and read the first book in the series, Murder under the Roses. I think you don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one, but I felt like I was missing just enough undertones to make it worthwhile. Now, having read books 1 & 2 I can't wait until book 3!)

This is such a cute little cozy mystery! It was very Christmassy and got me right in the holiday mood. I loved Abby’s character (even though she is way too nosy for her own good lol), and the rest of the supporting characters were great as well. I also didn’t guess who the killer was because there were literally so many suspects and red herrings. I do definitely recommend reading the first book in the series before this one, as you’ll be a little confused if you read this one first (like I did, oops). All in all, if you love Christmas and cozy mysteries, definitely add this one to your TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffre Books for the opportunity to read before pub day! Murder Under the Mistletoe is out now!

Murder Under the Mistletoe by Liz Fielding is the second Maybridge Murder Mysteries Book. Perhaps like me you know Liz Fielding more as a romance writer. Let me tell you, she sure can write a great cozy mystery too.

As the story begins Abby Finch who runs Earthly Designs goes to the local church Hall with mistletoe and holly to help decorate for the holidays. Before the day is over there is a death which at the beginning seems to have been an accident. However, it is no accident and the man who died was not even the intended victim. Oh my, Abby can’t help but do a little sleuthing on her own. Yet as a widow with three children to raise and a business to run should she get involved?

A twisty cozy mystery with a great main character, a murderer to being to justice and danger to avoid, all during the season of great joy and goodwill. Abby Finch is sure to become a favorite, like a modern-day Miss Marple.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Festive Fatality..
The second outing in the Maybridge Murder Mystery series and a fatality mars the festive season. To make matters worse, the death was most definitely no accident - but was it the right victim? Abby soon finds herself a suspect in a murder case, but as she becomes determined to solve the crime herself, is she putting herself in mortal danger? With a nicely drawn cast of characters, an idyllic location and a pacy narrative this is an enjoyable cosy crime for the Christmas season.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve decided that cosy mystery is just not for me. I’ve loved so many of this author’s romances and wanted to try her new mysteries. I liked both of them and I think she’s created a great character in Abby.

However, much as it’s well written and enjoyable - I much prefer fewer characters and a lot more romance in a book so I think I’ll not be bothering with more. But it is a well written example of the genre and LF does it very well so I happily recommend this one and the first in the series to all,readers who like cosy mystery.I am sure they’ll enjoy it.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this book.

This is the second in this series, so Abby Finch has some additional background story that comes before this episode but still comes back to haunt her at every turn. A dead ex-husband, bones found in her garden, and other family nightmares continue to bother Abby and her children.

Abby’s life gains a new nightmare when she is asked to provide some mistletoe for the senior’s Christmas lunch. When Abby is accosted, and basically threatened, by a man who seemed to have all of the women swooning at his beck and call, she finds her easy life to be under threat, again. And when one of the seniors is basically shocked to death when putting lights on the tree, Abby finds herself trying to save a life.

Even though Abby is somewhat friendly with the local police, she tries to solve two possible murder cases herself, with support from some friends, which puts her in danger, as it usually happens.

This was a fun Christmas cozy mystery, and a pleasant read.

The premise is great and there are plenty of Christmas touches but I found it to be very poorly written and it just got worse the more I read.

Abby Finch has been asked to provide mistletoe to decorate the village hall. As she delivers it there is an accident - or is it and someone dies.
Abby decides to investigate and soon finds that one of the villagers is busy blackmailing people. Was he the intended victim?
But then he is found dead!

This was a cozy mystery thriller! I enjoyed the characters and thought it was an easy read. I feel like I should've read the first one though before? I felt like I wasn't understanding some of the characters rolls. It also felt very "hallmarky", but I liked it! A 4 star read!

Thanks NetGalley and publishers for the arc of Murder under the mistletoe by Liz Fielding.

So cozy! Loved every moment reading this and I’m now on the hunt for more by this author.

Another awesome story in this series, I loved being back in Maybridge, it is just about Christmas time and Abby Finch is busy, it will be the families first Christmas without their father and Jake is away in Italy, but Abby is always happy to help where she can.

Abby has been asked for some mistletoe to decorate the old church hall for the seniors Christmas lunch, when she drops it in with some more foliage for decoration, her old teacher, Edward is there helping decorate, as he attempts to attach the star the lights go out and Edward is dead on the ground, Abby does her best to revive him sadly with no success, it is not long before they realise that it was not a terrible accident.

Abby is approached by Gregory Tatton, a real ladies man to organize for her help in his garden, but this man does not want to take no for an answer and with Abby asking questions it turns out that this man is a blackmailer and seems to have a lot of ladies and a few men at his beck and call, was it him who should have been the victim not Edward?

Then when there is another death in Maybridge, Abby is questioned by the police and Abby is determined to get answers and uncover the truth, there is a lot going on in this village, but will Abby put herself in danger with her digging?

I loved this story and I am loving this series, Abby is a wonderful character, she is easy to make friends with as are her children and things seem to be moving along with Jake, I was guessing till the end with this one, Liz Fielding had me turning the pages and I really hope there will be many more Abby stories to come.

Thank you MS Fielding for another fabulous story, this one is going on the keeper shelf, and I highly recommend to any reader who loves a good mystery with wonderful characters.

My thanks to the publisher Joffe and Netcalley for my copy to read and review.

Murder Under the Mistletoe by Liz Fielding is a delightful holiday-themed cozy mystery that will capture your heart from the very first page. Fielding has delivered a treasure that brings together elements of suspense, charm, and Christmas spirit in a perfect concoction.

Abby Finch is as relatable as she is endearing. As a busy mother of three, an expert gardener, and an all-around charismatic character, she's the heart of the story. The authenticity of her character make her someone to cheer for.

The story kicks off when Abby heads to the old church hall, armed with mistletoe and holly, to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. However, what she stumbles upon is far from the merry and bright decor she had in mind. The sudden death of Edward Marsh, during the Christmas preparations, casts a dark cloud over the holiday spirit. The scene is supremely set and I felt pulled into the atmosphere. The story paints a festive and suspenseful setting for the unfolding events.

The mystery takes an unexpected turn as Abby begins her quest to uncover the truth behind Edward's untimely demise. Fielding's writing is skillful and engaging. I found myself guessing and anticipating the next reveal with every turn of the page. Fielding meticulously crafted this plot, ensuring that you're hooked from the start and that the suspense builds at a perfect pace.

Abby's interactions with the townsfolk, from Gregory Tatton to the other members of the seniors’ lunch club, add depth. Each character feels fleshed out and brings their own unique charm and complexity. The tensions and secrets that lie beneath the surface of this small town are expertly unraveled as Abby unfolds the threads of the murder mystery.

Fielding kept me so entertained with her witty dialogue, endearing characters, and the warm Christmas spirit that permeates the plot. Murder Under the Mistletoe includes cozy fireside scenes, heartwarming moments, and the magic of Christmas that's smoothly woven into the story.

Fielding's writing provides a heartwarming sense of community and the importance of coming together during the holiday season. She successfully blends the murder investigation with the spirit of Christmas.

Murder Under the Mistletoe is a brilliantly executed cozy mystery that really captures the essence of Christmas and delivers a captivating and well-crafted whodunit. Liz Fielding's writing will warm your heart, tickle your intellect, and keep you on the edge of your seat. This has been the perfect book to cozy up with at the start of this holiday season. I relished in the joy of Christmas cheer and the thrill of solving a murder mystery.

When Abby Finch headed to the old church hall to help set up for the old folks Christmas festivities, she was carrying mistletoe and holly. The decorations were already looking very festive, and getting the lights set up on the Christmas tree was next in line. But with a spark and a flash, the lights went out, a thud was heard by all, and Edward Marsh lay dead on the floor. Gregory Tatton had been meant to add the star to the top of the tree; he was also universally disliked; was it faulty lighting, and was he the intended recipient?

With the police declaring Edward's death was no accident, Abby was determined to find the answers. With Jake currently overseas with his work, but coming back before Christmas, Abby and her three children were busy with the lead up to Christmas activities. Abby was also busy with her gardening business, and it was one thing after another. But when a second person died and Abby was questioned thoroughly by the police, she was determined to find the culprit. But was she putting herself in danger in doing so?

Murder Under the Mistletoe is the 2nd in the Maybridge Murder Mysteries by Liz Fielding and I loved it! The first in the series - Murder Among the Roses - introduced me to Ms Fielding and I know now, this is a series I'll continue with, and hope for many more to come. Abby is a wonderful character, a great mum and friend, and I'm looking forward to more stories featuring her. Highly recommended.

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

A festive seasonal cozy Maybridge murder mystery, with a stunning cover Book Two.
Who's been naughty? who's been nice? who's hiding the fact they're a murderer.
Abby Finch a busy mum of three children and an expert gardener.
A fatal accident at the old parish hall in St Barts, leads to the death of Edward Marsh, but this is no accident and this turns out to be the wrong victim.
Fantastic book two from this author, that takes your mind on a whirlwind of whodunnit.
It's really good and could not fault any of the mayhem going on, with added sense of humour. Absolutely great chapters you wont be abled to put it down.
Once again I really hope to read more of this authors work from this sleepy village that never has a dull quiet day, LOVED IT!

This cosy murder mystery has a lovely seasonal feel and rural setting. I found there were so many characters to follow, it may be better to have read the previous book in the series. Abby is an empathetic main character.