Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries Book 4

Even though the famous opera house has shuttered its doors for the war, Covent Garden remains one of the most exciting, bustling areas of London. It's where Hannah Merrill and Aunt Violet have their bookshop and , in spite of a recent spate of burglaries in the area, it generally thought to be a good neighbourhood. So Hannah is surprised when she sees a fellow shopkeeper - a jeweller named Jacob Cornelis - having a heated argument with a stranger. Especially when the next day Cornelis is found dead in his shop, apparently the victim of another burglary.

London, July 1017. I'm really liking this cosy murder mystery series. Hannah is still doing top secret war work, an old flame of Violets is in town, and there;s a spate of burglaries around Covent Garden. The man who Cornelis was arguing with is the policeman who turns up to investigate his murder. But not everything is as it seems. There were lots of twists, the characters were well-developed, the pace was steady in this well-written book.

Published 14th March 2025

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

Hannah Merill owns the Covent Garden Bookshop with her Aunt Violet Edwards. Recently,  some break-ins have been happening at the surrounding shops. One of the victims was known to Hannah and her aunt, Mr. Cornelis who owns a jewelry shop on Floral Street. He was found dead.

Penny and Archie work for the bookshop and are encouraging Hannah to help find the killer. It is known that the Priest's Hole, a pub, is known to sell black market stolen goods and that is were they should start. Against her boyfriend Darius Clifford's request, Hannah decides to figure out who knows about the thefts and who may be the killer. She has many suspects; could it be Mr. Emilio Alfara, a recent Spanish individual with unknown origin or perhaps it's Detective Constable Daniel Vane, who she saw being part of some suspicious activities, or it may be Mr. Edwin Lloyd, Mr . Cornelis future son-in-law to be who didn't get his way? Hannah will help Detective Inspector Aidan Farrell, her Aunt Violet's beau, find the killer and stop these break-ins.

Murder In Covent Garden has several shady characters with intent and motive who could easily be the killer. But you will never guess who it is!

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this cozy and delicious murder mystery with a huge twist.

When a well-known playwright is found murdered in Covent Garden, a determined detective steps in to unravel the mystery. As secrets and lies are uncovered, the detective must navigate through a web of deception to catch the killer before they strike again.
If you want to read a delicious and compelling mystery set in the fascinating streets of London, Murder in Covent Garden by Anita Davidson is the right choice!
Anita Davidson weaves an intricate tale that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Her characters are vivid, their motives complex, and the plot twists will leave you breathless.
It was a pleasure to catch up with the main characters and travel back in time to London after WWI. This book is a clever mix of wit and suspense, making it impossible to put down.
I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

Set in the tumultuous time of WWI, Hannah Merrill runs a bookshop with her Aunt Violet in Covent Garden. Although a safe area, there's been a recent spate of burglaries and when a kind, elderly jeweller is found murdered in his shop, Hannah feels she must use her skills to help the police find the culprit, especially when she saw a stranger arguing with the victim the day before. When the stranger turns out to be one of the policemen assigned to investigate the crime, Hannah ropes in her friends to help her find out the truth, even going undercover into a 'gentleman's club' to track what happened to the stolen jewels.

A fun, light-hearted murder mystery read about a young, headstrong, independent woman and her suffragette aunt, who both love to push the conventions of the time.
Wonderful characters you can't help but love and a great plot with a few twists along the way to keep you turning the pages. An easy and entertaining read which is part of a series by this author - I look forward to reading more books in this series. ⭐⭐⭐.5

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book and an opportunity to review it. Publication date is 14 March 2025.

"Murder in Covent Garden" by Anita Davison is a gripping historical mystery that transports readers to the vibrant and tumultuous streets of World War I-era London. Set against the backdrop of the bustling Covent Garden district, the novel combines a richly detailed historical setting with a suspenseful plot, making it a must-read for fans of cosy mysteries and period dramas.

The story centres on Hannah Merrill, a spirited young woman who runs a bookshop with her Aunt Violet in the heart of Covent Garden. Despite the war and a recent spate of burglaries, the area remains lively and full of character. However, the sense of normalcy is shattered when Hannah witnesses a heated argument between Jacob Cornelis, a local jeweller, and a mysterious stranger. The next day, Cornelis is found dead in his shop, and the man Hannah saw arguing with him turns out to be the very policeman assigned to investigate the crime.

Suspicious of the official narrative and determined to uncover the truth, Hannah and Violet take it upon themselves to investigate. Their amateur sleuthing leads them into a dangerous underworld of theft, blackmail, and murder, where nothing is as it seems. As they dig deeper, they realize that the killer may strike again, and time is running out to stop them.

Anita Davison excels at creating a vivid sense of time and place, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of 1915 London. The Covent Garden setting is brought to life with meticulous detail, from the shuttered opera house to the bustling market streets, providing a rich backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The historical context of World War I adds depth to the story, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of the characters as they navigate the challenges of wartime life.

Hannah and Violet are delightful protagonists, with their sharp wit, determination, and strong bond making them a formidable investigative duo. Hannah’s curiosity and courage drive the narrative, while Violet’s wisdom and humour provide balance and warmth. Their dynamic relationship is a highlight of the novel, adding both emotional depth and light-hearted moments to the story.

The mystery itself is well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Davison skilfully weaves together multiple threads, from the initial burglaries to the shocking murder, creating a complex and engaging plot. The tension builds steadily as Hannah and Violet uncover dark secrets and face increasing danger, culminating in a satisfying and suspenseful conclusion.

"Murder in Covent Garden" is a charming and clever historical mystery that combines a richly drawn setting, memorable characters, and a gripping plot. Anita Davison delivers a story that is both entertaining and immersive, perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of history, intrigue, and amateur sleuthing. This novel is a delightful addition to the genre and promises more thrilling adventures for Hannah and Violet in future instalments.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved this book which had lots of twists and turns throughout the story.

The characters were all different, there was drama and danger.

The book can be read as a standalone without having read the previous books.

I recommend this book.

This was a decent cozy mystery with a well-developed world but sadly, it didn’t completely hook me. I found the premise quite intriguing, however, the pacing was a little slow for me, and so I didn’t connect well with the characters—a fun read though!

Once again I enjoyed this cozy murder mystery read. These characters have effectively warmed there way into my heart and plan to stay there. I really love period piece novels and it's even better when it's a murder mystery.

The book is well written and the chemistry between the characters is palpable. I love the jests they make towards each other. It adds a certain comedic effect that makes this book even more enjoyable. I also really like how the author incorporates war and it's toll it takes on countries, without it overshadowing the plot. Due to the time period in which the book is set, it cannot be ignored, so, she masterfully interweaves it into the story.

Despite this being being a cozy murder mystery, the reveal of the antagonist still surprised me. Overall, this is the perfect read for those who love cozy mysterious reads. I highly recommend.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and Anita Davidson for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Cancel all plans while reading - I inhaled this amazing book over one weekend and resented everything that kept me away from it! The writing was top notch and the characters were very real.

Anita Davison delivers another compelling historical mystery in Murder in Covent Garden, a gripping addition to the Hannah Merrill Mysteries series. Set in London during the summer of 1917, the book blends an intriguing whodunit with rich period detail, immersing readers in a city shaped by the ongoing First World War.

When a wealthy Spanish gentleman visits the bookshop run by Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet, his arrival sets off a chain of events that soon leads to murder. A local jeweller is found dead in what appears to be a robbery, but Hannah is not convinced. She witnessed the victim in a heated argument with none other than the policeman now leading the investigation. Determined to uncover the truth, Hannah once again finds herself drawn into a case—despite the objections of her fiancé, Darius, and her aunt’s beau, Aidan.

Davison crafts an absorbing mystery, balancing suspense with a charming cast of characters. Hannah’s close bond with Aunt Violet is a highlight, deepening as secrets from Violet’s past emerge. The romantic subplots add further intrigue, though the sudden dissatisfaction both Hannah and Violet feel in their relationships is resolved rather quickly.

While this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, making it an excellent entry point for new readers. With its engaging mystery, well-researched historical setting, and strong female leads, Murder in Covent Garden is a delight for fans of cosy and historical mysteries alike.

3.5/5.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Murder in Covent Garden is set in London, 1917, during WWI, where Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet own and run a bookshop.

When a spate of burglaries ends in the murder of a local jeweler, Hannah decides to do a little digging to find the culprit. But not everything is as it seems, and soon Hannah is in quite a bit of danger...

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I jumped into this series at book four, and while I'm sure I missed a couple of key elements and how certain relationships developed in the first three books, this had no negative impact at all, which was great.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, not least because the characters were so well-rounded. Aunt Violet and Hannah are ahead of their time for 1917, and some of their banter really made me laugh.

For a cozy mystery, I learned a lot, too. For instance, I had never heard of 'trench watches' which, as it turns out, are the origins of the men's wristwatch, which was adapted from the pocket watch because of the war. That might say more about me, though!

The plot is excellent and twisty enough that different characters could all be in the frame at some point, so I kept changing my mind as the book went on.

Murder in Covent Garden moves along at a great pace and is engaging from beginning to end, right up to the whodunit reveal.

I loved all the characters and will definitely be reading number 5 when it comes out.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Murder in Covent Garden in exchange for my honest opinion.

Set during World War I, Hannah Merrill and her aunt Violet run a bookshop in Covent Garden. Hannah, often aided and abetted by Aunt Violet, just can’t help herself getting involved in murder investigations. A spate of burglaries recently in the area targeting jewellery suddenly escalates as a jewellery shop is broken into and the owner is murdered. Hannah knew the owner and his family and is determined to help find the culprit.

An enjoyable read, the ongoing investigations are well blended with the personal lives of Hannah and Violet. When I received this book from NetGalley I realised that it was the fourth book in the series, so I read the earlier ones first. Although the book can be read as a standalone, I really do recommend that they are read in order as the growth of the characters is much more interesting that way.

This twisty cozy mystery gets off to a flying start with the appearance of a mysterious, wealthy Spanish gentleman in the bookshop run by Hannah and her aunt Violet. Shortly afterwards, a local shopkeeper - a jeweller - is murdered in what appears to be a robbery gone wrong. Hannah's not convinced though - she saw the jeweller just hours earlier arguing in the street with - plot twist - the policeman now assigned to investigate the murder. Fearing police involvement in the crime, Hannah decides to investigate herself..

Set in London in the summer of July 1917, the backdrop of the first world war is almost a character in itself so rich are the details. This is the fourth book in this series but easily read as a standalone, and would by enjoyed by anyone partial to a cozy mystery or historical mystery. The unraveling of the crime was very intriguing and a real page turner, which I enjoyed. My only criticism would be that the main characters - Hannah and Violet - seemed to both suddenly be dissatisfied with their partners but it was very quickly resolved.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy.

A great historical mystery. I enjoy reading about Hannah and her Aunt Violet, I feel like I'm there with them. It's definitely hard to put the book down, so it's easy to read right through to the end. This is book 4 in the series and I hope not the last.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for this ARC. Book No 3 dipped a bit but with No 4 we are back on track. Plot is very good, lots of twists, lots of character development. Loving this series.

This book is historically set, in WW2 London.
Historically set books aren’t my favourite, but I chose to request the ARC anyway as I thought that London in the war would be a fascinating setting. I was definitely right!

The story is very much a cozy murder mystery. A perfect palette cleanser between all of the psychological thrillers. That said there were some clever twists and the storyline absolutely kept me gripped throughout the read.

I hadn’t realised it’s part of a series, I think had I have read it in order then the characters would have made sense to me more. But it was enjoyable and entertaining all the same!

Also can we take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous front cover?! If only I had a Kindle Colorsoft, dear husband 😉

"The BRAND NEW installment in Anita Davison's gripping cozy mystery series! Nobody should be in the market...for murder!

Even though its famous opera house has shuttered its doors for the war, Covent Garden remains one of the most exciting, bustling areas of London. It's where Hannah Merrill and Aunt Violet have their bookshop and, in spite of the recent spate of burglaries in the area, it's generally thought to be a good neighbourhood.

So Hannah is surprised when she sees a fellow shopkeeper - a jeweller named Jacob Cornelis - having a heated argument with a stranger. Especially when the next day Cornelis is found dead in his shop, apparently the victim of another burglary.

But what shocks Hannah more is when she meets the policeman supposedly there to investigate the crime. Because he is none other than the man who Hannah saw arguing with Cornelis the day before.

Hannah knows it's up to her and Violet to investigate. But they don't know they're about to uncover a secret underworld of theft, murder and blackmail. And they must act fast, before the Covent Garden Killer strikes again...

A gripping and unputdownable Golden Age cozy crime mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Helena Dixon and Verity Bright."

I'm just saying... cops, right?

Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet run a bookshop in London and occasionally help policeman Aidan, Violet's beau, to solve crimes. This book is number 4 in the series and the ladies continue to involve themselves in Aidan's cases against the gentleman's wishes, which often leads to contention in Hannah's relationship with her fiancé Darius, who has a top secret job with the Government which often adds romantic complication and intrigue.

I very much enjoy the character of Hannah and her relationship with Aunt Violet which grows a little stronger in this story as she learns more about her secretive Aunt's past due to the arrival of a mysterious Spaniard from her past.

The downside was the jarring way the majority of characters personalities seemed to flip at some point in the book, which developed the plot but was a little abrupt. One minute they are portrayed as a typical Dickensian villain or corrupt cop and the next you learn a little more and it spins the story in a completely different direction.

Overall it was a great progression to the story, I look forward to seeing how the relationship between Hannah and Darius develops in the face of the top secret nature of his job. I adore the historical detail of the time, the strong description of women's rights and the activities of the suffragettes.

Historical mystery part of a series but works as a standalone. Interesting female characters and lots of twists and turns.

Murder in Covent Garden by Anita Davison is an easy-to-read, cozy historical mystery. This Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet story is filled with many twists and turns as our intrepid protagonist seeks to solve a shocking murder in her community. There are many colorful characters, moments of tension and danger, and a satisfying conclusion to the mystery.

Though this is the fourth book of the series, it’s still understandable and enjoyable without having read the previous books in the series. Each character is introduced well, so you don’t feel as though you’re missing anything.

If you’re in the mood for a cozy historical mystery with endearing and interesting characters, consider checking this out.