Eliza is hoping for a peaceful Christmas. She doesn’t expect to be in the company of a killer when a parlour game goes terribly wrong… investigative skills.
But not everyone is keen on the idea…
When Connie trips over a body in the drawing room, things take a turn for the worse. It looks like murder … and the killer must be in the house!
With Connie high on the list of suspects, Eliza sets out to clear her name. But the guests refuse to answer her questions, and the police don’t want her help. As the secret lives of the guests are revealed, Eliza is determined the police arrest the right person … and get them behind bars in time for Christmas.
This is a standalone story in the Eliza Thomson Investigates series. If you like Miss Marple-style murder mysteries, and historical heroines with attitude, you’ll love this step-back-in-time Christmas cozy.
Books in the Eliza Thomson Investigates series:
•A Deadly Tonic
•Murder in Moreton
•Death of an Honourable Gent
•Dying for a Garden Party
•A Scottish Fling
•A Christmas Murder
NB. This series is written in UK English
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Eliza visits her father and is invited to a neighbors luncheon. They decide to play a game of death in the dark. Things turn too real when the hostess is killed and the killer is amongst the guest. I really enjoyed this quick read with the quirky characters. I love a murder mystery where the murderer isn’t obvious. I recommend this book!
Another great cozy mystery story!
This cozy mystery series is great! I downloaded and read the first book of this series as part of a cozy mystery authors’ giveaway promotion. I am so glad that I did. I enjoyed it so much that I am downloading the remaining books in the “Eliza Thomson Investigates Murder Mystery” series to my KU library. The development of each character as the series progresses is wonderful. I can picture these people in my mind. I feel as though I am living in the story with them.
This book is set in the winter of 1901. Eliza, the main character, does not behave as most gentlewomen of this time period much to the chagrin of many men she encounters. She is outspoken, unyielding to tradition, and determined to do as she pleases. And it pleases her to investigate murders. Whether she is solving a murder from newspaper accounts or happens across a murder in her day to day life which is the case in this story. There are plenty of red herrings in this well-written, entertaining murder mystery. The author provides just enough clues so that, if you pay close attention, you will be able to determine whodunit before the big reveal.
Written in UK English and set in 1901, some American English readers may find following the story confusing at first. However, I assure you that it is worth reading on to the finish. It is an intriguing cozy mystery. A clean, fun, and witty read. I recommend “A Christmas Murder” for anyone who enjoys reading a good mystery.
A Christmas time murder
Eliza, Mr Bell, and Connie are invited to Mr Bell’s neighbor’s house for luncheon where a murder game goes horribly wrong. The other guests are all pointing their fingers at Connie as being the guilty part which just won’t do! Since the local police are tied up and can’t get to the scene, Eliza starts the investigation without them. I love this period series! I feel that I’m in the room with the rest of the group trying to discover what happened.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
December 1901 finds Dr Archie and Eliza
Thomson along with Mrs Connie Appleton
(a widow, Eliza’s best friend and next door
neighbor) visiting in Richmond-on-Thames.
They plan to spend the Christmas holiday
week with Mr. Bell (Eliza’s father).
The group is unexpectedly invited to Mr Bell’s
neighbors for a solstice luncheon. Eliza turns
out to be the guest of honor. Why?? It turns
out the hostess has an interest in learning
about Eliza’s detective skills in solving murder.
An interesting, array of guests described in a
colorful, detailed manner that will hold the
reader attention plus give clues to the up
coming happenings.
The hostess announces that the group will
take part in the game “Murder in the Dark”.
There is an apprehension on playing this
game by several of the guest.
The light go out!!! Connie screams after
tripping over someone in the dark.
The hostess has been stabbed!!!
Why was she killed? Who would want her
dead?
The blame is put on Connie. Eliza cons her
way into the investigation to prove Connie’s
innocence plus that her family was not involved.
Secrets are revealed by the guests that will
shock the others.
A well written, well thought out complex murder
mystery with intriguing, secrets to stump the
investigators and reader to the identity of the
culprit.
A quick, enjoyable time with Eliza and her
family set during the Christmas season.
A Highly Recommended Read!!
This is book # 4 in the Eliza Thomson Investigates
Mysteries Series. It can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read A Christmas Murder.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity. My
opinion is voluntary and my own.
Eliza, her husband and friend go to Eliza’s dad’s house for Christmas. While there his neighbor invites them over for a luncheon and to play a who done it Murder game. While playing Connie, Eliza’s friend, trips over something. Turns out it was a body of one of the teammates. Eliza has to prove herself to the sergeant that she is capable of helping him solve the murder before Christmas. She definitely is good at what she does and helping draw out confessions. To have a murder victim that everyone loved but could’ve had a reason to kill makes you wonder who actual did it. Will the murderer surprise you ? Another great read !
I received this as an ARC book for my honest and voluntary review
Up to the usual high standard! A great read. Poor Connie being accused of murder! Eliza to the rescue spotting the clues and finally revealing the culprit to a rather dense police officer. A very satisfying “whodunnit” and I look forward to reading more of Val McBeath’s books.
Read as an ARC and, to be honest, I will collect all this author’s books. So enjoyable and just my cup of tea.
A Festive Frolic!
A very merry Christmas luncheon party becomes fraught with tension as a murder is found to have taken place during the post-luncheon parlour game. Thankfully Eliza is on hand to help the local constabulary find out ‘whodunnit’. She has to be on top form for this investigation because her dearest friend’s liberty and very life is at risk. As usual she proves herself up to the challenge. A little, perfectly timed, albeit unwitting help from Connie provides the final piece of the puzzle . This story lived up to all my expectations and the high standard of the previous stories featuring Eliza. It is the perfect read to get everyone who enjoys cosy mysteries into a Christmassy mood.
Read as a free ARC but this voluntary review is my honest opinion.
Three and 1/2 stars. Wonderful characters. Eventhough Eliza is a bit pushy and Connie a bit meek and mild, I quite enjoyed the story. Will definitely read more by the author. I was given a free ARC by the author. My review is freely and honestly given