A Christmas Murder in Merrywell

Violet Brewster, Book 5

By: Jane Bettany

Narrated by: Hannah Parker

'Mistletoe and murder, friends, family and deceit — this has it all' FAITH MARTIN 'I LOVED this book! I practically inhaled it within a few hours. This was such a cosy read and it’s put me in a very festive mood' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A cosy, festive murder mystery to curl up with in front of the fire, for fans of Clare Chase and Katie Gayle.

In the charming village of Merrywell, an exciting new Christmas Market is bringing festive cheer and bustling crowds. But as the stallholders celebrate in the village bookshop at the end of a successful first day, someone rushes in to announce that a body has been found.

Once again in the wrong place at the wrong time, Violet Brewster is on hand to offer the police her astute – if perhaps unwelcome – opinion on the crime. While the police dismiss the death as an accident, Violet senses that there’s more to this tragedy than meets the eye.

Determined to uncover the truth, she must navigate a maze of secrets and lies before the killer strikes again. As the festive season unfolds, can Violet solve the mystery before it’s too late?

Readers love A Christmas Murder in Merrywell!:

'A gentle, absorbing mystery which I enjoyed so much that I'm now going to go back to the beginning of Violet Brewster's adventures and acquaint myself with books 1-4' DEBBIE YOUNG

'Full of twists and turns … gripping and unputdownable' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A story that feels both comforting and compelling – perfect for curling up with on a frosty evening' ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Another excellent adventure in this great series' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

©2025 Jane Bettany

Critic reviews

Praise for Jane Bettany:

'Mistletoe and murder, friends, family and deceit — this has it all' Faith Martin

'An entertaining and engaging cozy mystery set against a beautiful backdrop.’ Clare Chase

'If it’s cosy crime you’re after, this has all the essential ingredients’ Daily Mail

‘Jane Bettany delivers cosy with a dash of sass – thoroughly enjoyable and utterly irresistible’ Peter Boland

‘A murder mystery with a blossoming romance … what more could one ask for? Delicious!’ Katie Gayle

‘Completely compelling from the get-go, I didn’t want to put it down! Brilliant cosy mystery at its most charming best.’ Jonathan Whitelaw

‘A perfect cosy mystery with an engaging cast of characters and a beautifully drawn setting’ Roz Watkins

'If you love cozy crime/mystery books then you will not be disappointed… A book to put to the top of your ‘must read now’ pile!’ C.L. Peache

'A cosy mystery to keep you guessing' My Weekly

5 stars

A Christmas Murder in Merrywell is a well written mystery with engaging characters and lots of twists and turns.