Book review: A Lively Midwinter Murder by Katy Watson

I adore Mr B's Emporium in Bath. It's my all-time favourite book shop with the best booksellers! They have recommended many novels to me that ended up being absolute favourites, including the fantastic The Three Dahlias by Katy Watson. Just two years after the release of this brilliantly clever take on the whodunnit, the series already comprises of four different titles. And the latest one is set at Christmas time; the perfect murderous read for the festive season. 

About A Lively Midwinter Murder

The latest novel in the Three Dahlias series is set in a remote Scottish castle, a very festive location if ever there was one. There is a Christmas market in the nearest town, fancy dinners are planned, and there are mince pies galore. But not everything is as cosy as it seems...

Since their first faithful meeting and murder investigation, the three actresses who have taken on the role of fictional sleuth Dahlia Lively – Posy, Caro, and Rosalind – have become firm friends and real-life crime-solving buddies. They've investigated murders at a convention for fans of Dahlia-author Lettice Davenport, their own film set, and a crime writer's festival.

But this time around they're not working when someone turns up dead. It seems that no place is safe when the three Dahlias are together, not even their friend Libby's wedding.

My review

This series of books is set in a world where everyone knows the classic stories of fictional murder investigator Dahlia Lively, a character created by famous author Lettice Davenport. The concept and popularity of these stories are more than loosely based on Agatha Christie's legacy as the queen of crime.

This is what really makes this book series so unique amongst the plethora of murder mystery releases in recent years. Although this most recent tale wasn't set in a working environment for the Dahlias; I suppose there are only so many murders that can take place during filming or at festivals! There are still extracts of the original Lettice Davenport stories opening each new chapter though and, interestingly, they're now interspersed with snippets from Caro's books as she's been writing about their murderous adventures – just when we thought this series couldn't get any more meta... 

Clever nods to the golden age of crime stories (and its star Agatha Christie) aside, Katy Watson has created another fantastic mystery for readers to dig into. This time around we do not start with a murder, but we certainly realise early on that something's not quite right at Dunwick Castle. Things disappear and reappear, the bride-to-be receives a threatening message, and various guests seem to have a secretive history. It's not surprising that everyone's already on edge and acting suspect when the inevitable murder takes place. 

While we all have come to know and love our Dahlias, what's so great about this developing series is that the side characters get a chance to shine more with each new dead body that turns up. Of course, Libby is in the proverbial spotlight as it is her wedding they've all gathered for, but the three Dahlias' respective others – Jack, Annie, and Kit – are now also donning their sleuthing caps to help with the investigation. In a sea of shady new characters, it's comforting to be reunited with people we can undoubtedly trust. 

A Lively Midwinter Murder by Katy Watson is very true to its name; there is not a dull moment within its pages! This makes the whodunnit hugely gripping and it's no surprise that I devoured it in less than two days. So if you're looking for a cosy read this Christmas that combines holiday cheer with a dash of murder, then no look no further than this delightful new addition to the Three Dahlias series. 

A Lively Midwinter Murder by Katy Watson is published today by Constable and you can now buy your copy from your favourite local book shop!


Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me, but this has not impacted this honest review.