Review: Mistletoe and Murder

This book is set in London in 1923. Daisy Dalrymple Fletcher and family are to gather for Christmas at Brockdene, Lord Westmoor’s estate in Cornwell, with her mother Dowager Viscountess Dalrymple. Daisy arrives ahead to get some information for an article she is writing on Brockdene.

Once Daisy arrives, she finds that not only will Lord Westmoor not be joining them, they will be joined by The Norvilles, some poor relations who live there. She is sure her mother was not made aware of this information and wonders how she will handle it when she arrives.

Daisy soon realizes that the Norvilles are mostly unhappy people. It is discovered that Susannah Norville, the family matriarch, arrived at the state many years ago to find out her husband Albert had drowned and his family would not accept her word that they had been married. So her sons were not given their birthrights as earls. Her son Captain Norville has arrived with Reverand Calloway. Daisy doesn’t know immediately what the purpose of his visit is. Then he is found murdered in the chapel.

Daisy’s husband, Alec, didn’t want anyone to know he was a Scotland Yard Inspector. But once the local police are contacted and it is soon apparent Scotland Yard will be called in, he has to step up and run the investigation. He calls for his team to come assist him.

Alec’s young daughter, Belinda, and her cousin Derek, have been enjoying investigating the house. Many desks are supposed to have hidden compartments. They discover some of them and then find some valuable clues for the investigation.

I found Daisy, Alec, Belinda and Derek to be very entertaining characters. I think they really made this story. Normally I don’t read many books set in London or back in time. I was pleasantly surprised to find this book to be a very enjoyable read. I recommend this book.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Dawn Dowdle

Book Review: Mistletoe and Murder