Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another Christmas story in August - who am I?! I do love a cosy mystery and as I’d read the previous ones in the series, couldn’t miss out on this just because it was still summer.

Set in the time of war, a murder takes place during a family get together at Hannah’s sister’s house. Then a family heirloom goes missing, and everyone wonders who or what is next. As usual, Hannah and Aunt Violet start to investigate but a rude detective appears and takes over. No one seems to be off his radar so it’s down to the ladies to find out who the real culprit is.

The writing as ever is great, full of humour and sarcasm as well as seriousness and twists that keep on coming. I really enjoyed this one, just as much as the previous books in the series and very much hope there will be more.

"Murder at Midwinter Manor (Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery #3)" by Anita Davison is like Christmas at Downton Abbey mixed with Agatha Christie, though that's pretty much just a Christmas time Agatha Christie.

Miss Hannah Merrill is visiting family for the Christmas season when one of the guests is found dead in the study. Is it natural causes or something more? Especially with a valuable ruby also missing.

I had one particular suspect in mind. However, there was a second person I was thinking would have been a good suspect but was never really a suspect. My primary suspect ended up being the culprit.

I was excited to accept this book! I just finished this one also and half the day is gone lol!
I love love a good murder mystery.
Seems like Aunt Violet never wants to listen to anyone wow! She's definitely hardheaded but I still liked her. She's what made the story interesting and fun lol
All the characters were delightful, charming, and mysterious all of those things.
I simply couldn't put the book down it was sooooo good!
The description of Midwinter Manor made me feel like I was there and helping to solve this mystery. Wow! I enjoyed every minute of it. I hated to say goodbye.
5 stars from me for keeping me invested right up until the end. A great guess whodunit book. I highly recommend!
My thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an amazing adventure! I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Hannah and Aunt Violet are back with another adventure. This time, their desire to solve the crime is even more personal, as this is very much a family affair. The duo are staying with Hannah's sister, Iris, when one of their fellow guests is murdered. Keen to help Iris save her house party from complete disaster, Hannah and Aunt Violet are soon on the trail of the killer. However, it soon becomes clear that this is no straightforward murder case. Trouble is definitely brewing at Midwinter Manor.

One of the things I love about reading a series is the extra character development it allows for. In this book, by meeting Hannah's family, not only do we learn more about her and her relationship with them, but through her eyes we also learn that perhaps her view of them has been a little skewed. I know from my own experiences that I viewed my relationship with my mum very differently when I had children of my own. Although Hannah's situation isn't quite the same, observing how her mother copes with the crisis the family find themselves in makes Hannah re-evaluate her judgements about her. She comes to a new understanding as a result and it will be interesting to see how this develops as the series progresses.

The extra characters were an interesting bunch, each with their own backstory and reason for wanting to stay at Midwinter Manor and it was educational to see the varying reactions to shellshock and its effectsm as the war continues to add extra depth to the series.

I'm very much looking forward to Book 4!

A real romp for fans of Agatha Christie or Downton Abbey.
A Christmas house party turns ugly when one of the guests is murdered, as well as a theft.
Several people could have a motive, lots of them have secrets, and not all relationships are what they seem.
All of which is set very ,much in its time, early in WWI.
There are men with shell shock, the beginnings of MI5, women with short hair (because maids are hard to come by when they can work in a factory instead), some novelty motorvehicles, and a real sense of times that are changing.

There is nothing I love more than a mystery taking place at an out of the way locale with lots of different suspects. This was another delightful entry in this cozy mystery series. There were two mysteries to be solved, and one thinks they are connected, but were they? Hannah and her Aunt Violet find themselves drawn back in to another captivating mystery.

My favorite character, Aunt Violet, is back! This was my favorite so far of this series because it was fun with some fun twists. If you love amateur sleuths and cozy reads, definitely pick up this series!

The third in the series of "Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet', 'Murder at Midwinter Manor' is a light, easy-to-read murder mystery. A theft and a murder just days before Christmas. The houseguests for the holiday party are mostly family. So are the theft and murder related or totally separate crimes? A classic case of whodunit.

Releases Sep. 10th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It took me a little while to warm up to the characters, which I believe is due to this being the third book in the series. This is my first experience with this author, and I found it to be an enjoyable, cozy, historical read. Now, I'm eager to go back and check out the first two books in the series!

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

This was my first Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet mystery but won’t be my last. A fast paced cosy mystery set in a Manor House in the golden age. What’s not to like? Throw in a good dose of Christmas and you have the perfect read.

Another in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet series which was very enjoyable, though maybe a little unseasonal as a Summer read. Easy to read, with a real period feel and with main characters that are likeable. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks to Netgalley.

Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries, Book 3

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 her Aunt Violet realise that once again it's going to be down to them to get to the bottom of it.

This is a really good cosy murder mystery. Aunt Violet and Hannah are both endearing characters, and Aunt Violet is also quite funny. Set in 1916, Hannah and Violet got to Hannah's sisters for Christmas to escape war-torn London for a few days. What they didn't expect to get was a murder. Then another guest realises a family heirloom is missing. Are the two crimes connected? It's been snowing, so only one policeman makes it through to Midwinter Manor, but he's not the most competent. There are plenty of twists and red herrings to try and keep us off the right track. This is an enjoyable read.

Published 10th September 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AnitaDavison for my ARC of #MurderAtMidwinterManor in exchange for an honest review.

This was a delightful cozy mystery set in picturesque country house during the golden age. With moments of hilarity mixed in with serious conversations, Davison created an enchanting story and mystery all at once.
This was my first Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery and oh boy. I loved it from the very first page. The pacing and tension was perfect. I never felt bored or overwhelmed. I loved how the characters encouraged and chastised each other when necessary. The mystery was interesting and had the perfect amount of twists included.
As for the setting and characters, Davison made them come to life. It very much had the vibes of a Miss Fisher mystery but still totally unique which I loved!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first exposure to this author and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style, descriptions of characters and setting, and plot. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the storyline (without spoiling anything) and kept myself up late reading 'one more chapter.' I thank Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book prior to its release and will be seeking out more by this author!

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it, I don’t usually like cosy reads but this I really enjoyed. Murder mystery and a bit of romance in there what more could you ask for?

This was a well crafted murder mystery with a romance or two in the background. The two female amateur sleuths were inquisitive and observant rather than being brash, working out the riddle with logic. The identity of the villain was flagged up quite easily and more could have been made of the red herrings. There were a few statements concerning equality which were welcomed and the war setting reminded you of the horrific nature of combat and how in ww1, victims of shell shock were treated scornfully rather than with understanding. All in all a diverting read

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.

This is yet another excellent book from the pen of Anita Davison, and I was delighted to be given the chance to review it. This pair of ladies are a delight, both being thoroughly modern misses. Aunt Violet is a wonderfully 'modern' lady whose risque behaviour is an eye opener for Hannah and a source of despair to her sister, Hannahs' mother.
For a complete immersion into the lives of these two ladies, I recommend beginning with the first book, you won't regret it. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of Murder at Midwinter Manor.

Book Title: Murder at Midwinter Manor
Series: Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery Series #3
Author: Anita Davison
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction
Pub Date: September 10, 2024
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages: 283

It's Christmas, 1916. Hannah Merrill and Aunt Violet along with Bartleby their cat leave London for a Christmas holiday party at Hannah’s sister Iris.
Hannah’s family has a surprise for her at the party as on-again off-again boyfriend Darius is there. Hannah and Darius are actually a make for each other couple but Hannah just isn’t sure it will work!
Although there is nasty snow storm the party guest still have an enjoyable time.
Unfortunately the next morning they fine Mr. Ellis in one of the study chair and a broken crystal vase smashed on the floor. The dear is Mr. Ellis had a heart attack and when he fell he knocked over the vase. However, when they find the family heirloom ruby missing, there is obviously more to this. It turns out Mr. Ellis was murdered.

Due to the bad weather only detective available is not very experienced.
Therefore Hannah, Aunt Violet, Darius and Inspector Farrell need to find out whodunit.

I am a cozy mystery fan and this story was an enjoyable read and yes exactly what I expect when I pick up a cozy!

Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me this enjoyable early eGalley!
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 10, 2023.

In the depth of winter 1916, Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet have left London to spend the festive season at her sister's country estate. The weather is Christmas card beautiful but makes getting in and out of the grounds almost impossible.

When the body of one of the guests is discovered with very few clues to investigate, Hannah and Violet realise the local police force, stretched to its limits already, is going to need all the help it can get! The disappearance of a priceless necklace doesn't make the situation any easier but can they find answers before an innocent person is charged with crimes they didn't commit?

Book 3 in this historical cosy crime series is a fun read which also looks into difficult areas such as soldiers suffering from shell shock and the assumption that a young woman’s ambitions are limited to marriage and motherhood. This was the first time I had visited this series and it was a pleasant, easy read.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Boldwood Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. Although I enjoyed this it didn't really grab me in the way some similar series have.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot...there are already some reviews like that out there if that's what you are looking for!

Having read the previous books in this series (Murder in the Bookshop, and Murder in the Library) I was delighted to be invited to read this, the third in the series.

This novel is set at the country home of Hannah's sister and brother-in-law (Iris and Mycroft). This time, the family (including Aunt Violet, Darius, Hannah's parents, and others) are gathering in the run up to Christmas, and the guests include wider family and friends.

After dinner on the first evening, snow falls, effectively cutting off the household from the wider area, and giving a pushy neighbour the excuse of staying overnight. In the morning however, the body of one of the guests is discovered, and the Police are called...eventually naming the cause of death as murder! A valuable family heirloom (jewel) has also vanished mysteriously. Aunt Violet decides to invite Inspector Farrell along as a guest...

There are plenty of red herrings - both regarding the murder and the missing jewel - and a few other twists in the tale that add to the enjoyment.

The main characters were very well written and well rounded, and there is a good cast of supporting characters each with their part to play in the mystery. There are some fairly sterotypical characters (eg the overbearing bumptious policeman, the pushy Mama) but they are all well described and fit in perfectly.

The book is in the "cosy" mystery genre, but with other threads running through the story, which adds dimension.

Looking forward to further adventures of Hannah and Aunt Violet!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.