"Yuletide Market Murder" By Victoria Tait: Review/Giveaway

Review by Sarah Erwin

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it.

Newly established antiques expert Dotty Sayers is back in Victoria Tait’s newest whodunit – Yuletide Market Murder, and readers should grab a cup of tea and settle in for another page-turning adventure.

In book 11, Dotty continues her work refurbishing Foxley Hall, a castle in rural Leicestershire owned by Edwin and Stevan Milner-Moore. Edwin and Stevan are planning to open Foxley Hall as a boutique hotel, and Dotty has been staying with them in the hall to help with the plans. The hall has also been tapped to host a Yuletide Market and Dotty has agreed to lend a helping hand to Edwin and Stevan. Her friend (and possibly more!) Zach continues his family research, so he is able to spend time at the hall and with Dotty.

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Image Source Kanga Press

As Dotty goes about her work, she meets retired Inspector Peter Havercroft, and he tells her that 20 years ago, several homes and country houses in the area (including Foxley Hall) had been robbed. Not only were valuable antiques stolen, but a child was kidnapped from the grounds of Foxley Hall.

Later, Dotty and Edwin discover one of the missing antiques hidden in Foxley Hall. Could this be a clue to the past robberies? Before they can discover much, a man collapses and dies at the Yuletide Market. At first it seems unrelated, but is it? Readers should hold on to their hats because secrets are revealed that had me gasping out loud.

I absolutely love being back with Dotty, and this mystery was complex and layered, as it tied together clues from the past and present crimes. There are some excellent twists and turns that had me eagerly following Dotty and Zach, trying to figure out both mysteries.

What’s so wonderful about this series is that readers catch up with our favorite characters like Dotty and Zach, of course, not to mention Dotty’s wonderful cat Earl Grey (I am so glad he can travel with her). Victoria also always introduces us to new characters that add to the story. I so enjoyed getting to know Edwin and Stevan “in person” and found Peter a wonderful addition to the story with his knowledge of the history of the area and the cold cases. Edwin’s terrier, Butter, was a lively addition and I chuckled at the scenes describing Earl Grey and Butter together. There were a few mentions of Dotty’s best friend Keya, and I do love those tie-ins.

The setting of the grounds of an old castle in rural England is a wonderful backdrop for Dotty’s adventures. Victoria’s attention to detail in her writing brings the story to life, from the details of the food cooked and served to the presents Dotty and Zach purchase at the Yuletide Market. I found myself googling a recipe for parsnip soup and making myself more cups of tea than usual as I read.

This is a festive mystery that readers looking to add some seasonal reading to their lives will surely enjoy!

To enter to win a copy of Yuletide Market Murder(either print or ebook winner's choice), simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "yuletide,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 14, 2024. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! 

You can click here to purchase this book.

Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now she’s a stay at home mom. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.