Murder in Covent Garden
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.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/MurderCoventGarden
Author Bio
Anita was brought up in London, a city with a history that has always fascinated her and influenced her first attempts at writing. Her first three novels featured a 17th Century West Country family on the losing side of the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. Other previous work includes an Edwardian Cosy Mystery series featuring amateur sleuth, Flora Maguire set in early 20th Century London and Cheltenham. Anita’s most recent work is the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries set in WWI from Boldwood Books.
Social Media Links
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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anita-davison
Why Should I Read It?
Anita Davison delivers another delightful historical mystery in Murder in Covent Garden, blending intrigue, strong female leads, and a richly atmospheric wartime London setting. With a bookshop as the backdrop and a clever amateur sleuth at the helm, this novel is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a historical twist.
📖 The Story:
Covent Garden may be bustling, but danger lurks beneath its lively surface. When bookshop owner Hannah Merrill witnesses an argument between jeweler Jacob Cornelis and a mysterious stranger, she doesn’t think much of it—until Cornelis is found dead the next day, seemingly the victim of a burglary. But when Hannah sees the same man from the argument posing as a policeman investigating the crime, she knows something isn’t right. Alongside her sharp-witted Aunt Violet, she embarks on an investigation that leads them deep into a web of theft, blackmail, and murder.
🔍 What I Loved:
✔️ A Clever, Determined Heroine: Hannah is a resourceful and intelligent protagonist, and her dynamic with Aunt Violet adds both charm and wit to the story.
✔️ A Richly Detailed Setting: Wartime London comes to life, from the bustling bookshop to the shadowy underworld lurking beneath Covent Garden’s glamour.
✔️ A Twisty, Engaging Mystery: The murder plot is layered with secrets and suspense, keeping the reader hooked until the very end.
⚠️ Minor Con:
The pacing slows a little in the middle, and some clues feel slightly predictable for seasoned mystery readers. However, the well-developed characters and immersive setting more than make up for it!
⭐ Final Verdict:
Murder in Covent Garden is a must-read for lovers of historical mysteries, bookish settings, and amateur sleuths who refuse to back down. If you enjoy authors like Rhys Bowen or Jacqueline Winspear, you’ll love this one!