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Oxford Key Mysteries #1
Murder at St Margaret
WELCOME TO OXFORD, WHERE MAGIC LIVES ETERNALLY EVERY AFTER
When Natalie Payne accepts the Head of Ceremonies role at the University of Oxford, her first assignment is planning the spectacular autumn gala at St Margaret College. However, her plans are dashed when she finds their famed chef dead in the kitchen.
If that discovery isn’t enough, the cat following her around is actually a four-hundred-year-old wyvern. He’s got news for her: Nat’s a prefect, with the magic of Oxford running in her veins.
Nat’s got to solve the murder, find a new chef for the gala and get to the bottom of why Oxford’s magic is acting up. With the help of her wyvern, a band of Eternals and the savviest assistant who ever existed, Nat is sure to be a success.
But can she do it before St Margaret loses its connection to the magic of Oxford?
If you like cozy mysteries where ghosts walk the halls, paintings come to life, wyverns play around, and magic seems within reach, the Oxford Key Mysteries are sure to delight.
When Natalie Payne accepts the Head of Ceremonies role at the University of Oxford, her first assignment is planning the spectacular autumn gala at St Margaret College. However, her plans are dashed when she finds their famed chef dead in the kitchen.
If that discovery isn’t enough, the cat following her around is actually a four-hundred-year-old wyvern. He’s got news for her: Nat’s a prefect, with the magic of Oxford running in her veins.
Nat’s got to solve the murder, find a new chef for the gala and get to the bottom of why Oxford’s magic is acting up. With the help of her wyvern, a band of Eternals and the savviest assistant who ever existed, Nat is sure to be a success.
But can she do it before St Margaret loses its connection to the magic of Oxford?
If you like cozy mysteries where ghosts walk the halls, paintings come to life, wyverns play around, and magic seems within reach, the Oxford Key Mysteries are sure to delight.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2020
783 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Morrison
80 books232 followersLynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England along with her husband, two daughters and two cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.
You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.
You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
April 6, 2021
Not the Oxford I know...
I really liked the sound of this series. I thought that murder mysteries set in a magical version of Oxford University would be just my cup of tea. The fact that the author was American didn't put me off because I've enjoyed many novels set in England which were written by authors from other countries. Then I attempted to read this book.
I knew from the very first scene, in which the executive assistant of the Principal of St Margaret's College addresses the newly appointed Head of Ceremonies as `hun', that this novel wasn't going to work for me. Both narrative and dialogue are full of Americanisms, the heroine isn't convincingly British (why not make her American?) and her job within the university made no sense to me. Worst of all, her cat/wyvern sidekick, H, speaks in a wild mixture of regional accents and dialects (`Ow else do ya think a gooseberry puddin' like ya ends up wiff such a noble title?') which I found excruciating.
The murder plot is standard stuff but there are some good ideas in the magical part of the story. With better editing this could have been a promising series but I won't be trying any more of Morrison's work. I'll stick to Nancy Warren's charming Oxford-set `Vampire Knitting Club Mysteries' instead.
Geraldine (D.Phil. Oxon)
I really liked the sound of this series. I thought that murder mysteries set in a magical version of Oxford University would be just my cup of tea. The fact that the author was American didn't put me off because I've enjoyed many novels set in England which were written by authors from other countries. Then I attempted to read this book.
I knew from the very first scene, in which the executive assistant of the Principal of St Margaret's College addresses the newly appointed Head of Ceremonies as `hun', that this novel wasn't going to work for me. Both narrative and dialogue are full of Americanisms, the heroine isn't convincingly British (why not make her American?) and her job within the university made no sense to me. Worst of all, her cat/wyvern sidekick, H, speaks in a wild mixture of regional accents and dialects (`Ow else do ya think a gooseberry puddin' like ya ends up wiff such a noble title?') which I found excruciating.
The murder plot is standard stuff but there are some good ideas in the magical part of the story. With better editing this could have been a promising series but I won't be trying any more of Morrison's work. I'll stick to Nancy Warren's charming Oxford-set `Vampire Knitting Club Mysteries' instead.
Geraldine (D.Phil. Oxon)
July 29, 2020
Murder at St Margaret is not my usual genre, but I absolutely LOVED it. Unlike so many female MCs these days who seem only to be able to be strong and smart if they are also charmingly socially inept, Nat is unapologetically strong and smart--AND confident and hilarious. THANK YOU, Lynn Morrison, for giving us a female main character we don't have to pity in order to relate to. The clever, unexpected dashes of humor splashed throughout this story were probably my favorite part (the banter between Nat and H, the wyvern, was perfection), though the mystery aspect was well-done too. This is a book you'll want to read snuggled up with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot tea. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
October 9, 2020
Nathalie Payne, Nat to her friends, has her dream job realized - Head of Ceremonies at Oxford. Problem is, on her first day the head Chef is murdered, chaos reigns and her cat (that came with the job) isn't what he seems. Nat's beloved grandfather told her wonderful stories of magic that occurred during his time working at Oxford. Thinking they were only tales, but loving them, Nat soon discovers she is a "prefect" and the latest in a long line of magical ancestors working at Oxford.
Wow, I loved this book! One of my favorite types of cozy has a "mystery within a mystery" and this one didn't disappoint. Nat must solve the murder of the chef and find out why the magical field is disappearing at Oxford. Both mysteries are interconnected and flow together making it so much fun to read. Nat is kind, smart and witty. I loved "H" (Humphrey) both as a cat and an ice cream loving wyvern!
The author has created a wonderfully written cozy mystery which takes the reader into a believable world of magic at Oxford. It's "down to earth" and magical at the same time. I already have the second book and can't wait to venture back to Oxford!
I received a copy of the book from the author and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Wow, I loved this book! One of my favorite types of cozy has a "mystery within a mystery" and this one didn't disappoint. Nat must solve the murder of the chef and find out why the magical field is disappearing at Oxford. Both mysteries are interconnected and flow together making it so much fun to read. Nat is kind, smart and witty. I loved "H" (Humphrey) both as a cat and an ice cream loving wyvern!
The author has created a wonderfully written cozy mystery which takes the reader into a believable world of magic at Oxford. It's "down to earth" and magical at the same time. I already have the second book and can't wait to venture back to Oxford!
I received a copy of the book from the author and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 2, 2020
This is the book we all need right now. It has mystery, magic, murder, a no-nonsense female protagonist who is smart and down to Earth, a 400-year-old wyvern who speaks cockney and suspense that won't let you put that book down. Oh and I forgot it all happens in Oxford and has some interesting Oxford fun facts scattered around the book.
Reading it now, during the time of a global pandemic, has made me very, very happy.
Reading it now, during the time of a global pandemic, has made me very, very happy.
November 4, 2020
This was a fun, quick read. Just right for relaxing during this stressful time. There are two mysteries — the murder of the head chef at St Margaret's college, and the fact that magic is somehow leaking out of Oxford — one college has already lost it, but some has been found all the way away in London. The characters are interesting and quirky, and discover the clues needed to solve the murder, while also working towards figuring out the magic problem. Recommended.
October 15, 2020
I saw this fun jewel pop-up on sale at BookDoggy and after just having finished my latest Dean Koontz book, was definitely in the mood for something light and fun. I’ve read many cozies, but, I’d never read one with the paranormal element. I thought it was time to go for that ride.
Lynn Morrison writes well, the story moves along, the characters developed. The setting in Oxford was delightful to read and felt well-researched. Learning about the colleges was enjoyable. One of the primary characters – H – had a super fun accent. Every time this cat/wyvern spoke I smiled a bit, breaking down the dialect. I could hear it and felt amused.
I blew through the book during one rainy day – the perfect companion for my mood. I’d chosen this book from the thousands thrown my way because I related to a blog Lynn wrote about the writing. From Lynn:
“Writing this book saved my sanity. That is no exaggeration. I sat at home, day after day, writing my little heart out. I got an editor. I took my editorial beatings. I deleted, rewrote and rewrote again. I worked my butt off, and somewhere in those hours I rediscovered my creativity and value.”
As an author, I appreciated those words. Good book. The way it ended was bit surprising. I could recommend for all ages.
Lynn Morrison writes well, the story moves along, the characters developed. The setting in Oxford was delightful to read and felt well-researched. Learning about the colleges was enjoyable. One of the primary characters – H – had a super fun accent. Every time this cat/wyvern spoke I smiled a bit, breaking down the dialect. I could hear it and felt amused.
I blew through the book during one rainy day – the perfect companion for my mood. I’d chosen this book from the thousands thrown my way because I related to a blog Lynn wrote about the writing. From Lynn:
“Writing this book saved my sanity. That is no exaggeration. I sat at home, day after day, writing my little heart out. I got an editor. I took my editorial beatings. I deleted, rewrote and rewrote again. I worked my butt off, and somewhere in those hours I rediscovered my creativity and value.”
As an author, I appreciated those words. Good book. The way it ended was bit surprising. I could recommend for all ages.
July 24, 2020
Surprisingly entertaining!
I have to admit I steer clear of ghost, witches, or occult books. When I read the description of this book I was hooked on the Oxford location and the promise of a delightful, fun read. It didn't disappoint and quite a few laugh out loud moments. I'm already downloading book 2!
I have to admit I steer clear of ghost, witches, or occult books. When I read the description of this book I was hooked on the Oxford location and the promise of a delightful, fun read. It didn't disappoint and quite a few laugh out loud moments. I'm already downloading book 2!
September 12, 2021
It had potential, sadly didn't quite live up to it.
Simply put I liked the idea of the story, not so much the execution of it.
For one thing 1st person present tense makes it sound like you're giving a report rather than telling me a story. It has that awkward feel to it like when you stumble across an old journal from years ago and cringe at what you once thought was decent writing...
Even more confusing she kept describing herself in ways only a third person would see her "my eyes light up", "my eyes are bright with genuine enthusiasm". Sorry, hun, can't have it both ways
As for the MC, not sure what you would call the book-version of over-acting, whatever it is, that's what kept coming to mind reading this book. But yeah, wasn't really sold on her either...
In the end it felt like most of the book was a ramble and the actual mystery was more of an afterthought... bummer..
Simply put I liked the idea of the story, not so much the execution of it.
For one thing 1st person present tense makes it sound like you're giving a report rather than telling me a story. It has that awkward feel to it like when you stumble across an old journal from years ago and cringe at what you once thought was decent writing...
Even more confusing she kept describing herself in ways only a third person would see her "my eyes light up", "my eyes are bright with genuine enthusiasm". Sorry, hun, can't have it both ways
As for the MC, not sure what you would call the book-version of over-acting, whatever it is, that's what kept coming to mind reading this book. But yeah, wasn't really sold on her either...
In the end it felt like most of the book was a ramble and the actual mystery was more of an afterthought... bummer..
May 18, 2020
What a charming, original and magical cozy mystery! Lynn Morrison's debut is excellent, and I can't wait for the second book.
Natalie Payne is the heroine, and on her first week on the job at the University of Oxford, a dead body turns up. If that's not wild enough, Natalie learns she has a magical legacy. And a cat that turns into a wyvern (who has a deep love of cheese).
The well-paced story unfolds with rich descriptions of the university campus in all its rainy, moody glory — along with rock-solid characterization and humor. There's a frustrating and wryly funny potential love interest, too! This is a must-read for lovers of light paranormal cozies. Morrison has a way with smart characters, witty dialogue, and settings, and she sets the stage for a wonderful series to come.
Natalie Payne is the heroine, and on her first week on the job at the University of Oxford, a dead body turns up. If that's not wild enough, Natalie learns she has a magical legacy. And a cat that turns into a wyvern (who has a deep love of cheese).
The well-paced story unfolds with rich descriptions of the university campus in all its rainy, moody glory — along with rock-solid characterization and humor. There's a frustrating and wryly funny potential love interest, too! This is a must-read for lovers of light paranormal cozies. Morrison has a way with smart characters, witty dialogue, and settings, and she sets the stage for a wonderful series to come.
May 27, 2021
Three stars is generous
I got this book through Kindle Unlimited and am writing this review as my honest opinion. I really wanted to like this book. But, not so much. Very interesting plot line, likable characters, a cat who used to be a gargoyle and then becomes a Wyvern and speaks to certain humans, great descriptions and history of Oxford University (and the Colleges that make up Oxford)….Should have been a really good book. But, I found her writing style to be so distracting and annoying…”I go into the kitchen”, “H sneezes”, “she reads a book”….it’s written like a movie/stage script. H’s accent is somewhat difficult to decipher and needed concentration to do so. I just couldn’t get past chapter 6, although I did try.
I got this book through Kindle Unlimited and am writing this review as my honest opinion. I really wanted to like this book. But, not so much. Very interesting plot line, likable characters, a cat who used to be a gargoyle and then becomes a Wyvern and speaks to certain humans, great descriptions and history of Oxford University (and the Colleges that make up Oxford)….Should have been a really good book. But, I found her writing style to be so distracting and annoying…”I go into the kitchen”, “H sneezes”, “she reads a book”….it’s written like a movie/stage script. H’s accent is somewhat difficult to decipher and needed concentration to do so. I just couldn’t get past chapter 6, although I did try.
October 4, 2021
This book pulled me in from page 1! A beautiful detailed description of Oxford and how all the colleges work.
I love the paranormal elements. The main character is a strong woman and I love the way she interacts with all the characters in the book.
I couldn't figure out who committed the murder.
I can't wait for the next book! Found a great new author!!
Also I loved the narrator. She has a lovely English accent and all her voices were individual so you can tell who is speaking.
An excellent book all around!
This book is a review copy and this is my honest review.
I love the paranormal elements. The main character is a strong woman and I love the way she interacts with all the characters in the book.
I couldn't figure out who committed the murder.
I can't wait for the next book! Found a great new author!!
Also I loved the narrator. She has a lovely English accent and all her voices were individual so you can tell who is speaking.
An excellent book all around!
This book is a review copy and this is my honest review.
May 21, 2020
Loved this book which is the start of a new series, I can't wait for the next one to see how the story continues! The characters have great dialogue. I love the banter between Nat & H. I love the magical aspect mixed with mystery. The author describes Oxford in such detail I could definitely imagine myself there. She makes me want to buy a pair of wellies and take a trip through the Oxford countryside. Bring on the next book!
May 29, 2020
Throw on some wellies. It's time for a mystery. This book was a fresh and fun read- a university filled with magic and a cheese eating wyvern sidekick?!? Yes.
Nat is a strong female protagonist with a no nonsense attitude. The witty banter between Nat and H was appealing. I loved all the scenes about Oxford - Morrison puts you right there. Outstanding debut! I look forward to Nat's next adventure!!
Nat is a strong female protagonist with a no nonsense attitude. The witty banter between Nat and H was appealing. I loved all the scenes about Oxford - Morrison puts you right there. Outstanding debut! I look forward to Nat's next adventure!!
September 4, 2022
True, it took awhile to build up the steam in the story, but it was worth the wait. The main character is fun, believable, and endearing, as are the majority of the supporting characters. The story is about magic and the premise is one I have not seen before, so original. The plot is easily followed and the ending was quite satisfactory with a few issues left to resolve, and an almost cliffhanger without the requisite angst of a story left hanging. I definitely recommend this book.
June 1, 2020
Snappy dialogue and lush descriptions of the college campus (Oxford!) make this the perfect cozy mystery to cuddle up with during isolation. I jumped into the book knowing nothing about it, but was pleasantly surprised with the thread of magic weaving the characters together. Bonus: It is the beginning of a series, so more mysteries to come!
June 2, 2020
Loved it
I loved this book, the story was very interesting and engaging. I found it funny and very unusual and GOOD grammar. Oxford Unniversity is endlessly interesting.Will be. reading all this authors books.
I loved this book, the story was very interesting and engaging. I found it funny and very unusual and GOOD grammar. Oxford Unniversity is endlessly interesting.Will be. reading all this authors books.
August 4, 2020
A debut mystery that set the stage for a solid series.
I love the wyvern, and some of the characters in particular. We all need more Bartie in our lives.
The story progression is well paced, and an easy read.
Who doesn’t love a whodunnit?
I love the wyvern, and some of the characters in particular. We all need more Bartie in our lives.
The story progression is well paced, and an easy read.
Who doesn’t love a whodunnit?
August 11, 2020
This was such a clever cozy mystery! Some great twists and turns, and really incredible detail. I felt like I was in Oxford with Nat, or running with her in the rain, and I could see H getting up to his shenanigans. What a lovely debut.
September 16, 2020
This is exactly the kind of book I devoured when I was growing up. A delightful, easy-to-read mystery packed with action, a smart heroine, magic and mystery. Kudos to the author for this delightful, imaginative tale.
September 29, 2021
Oh wow, I really enjoyed this book. Imagine Harry Potter with the talking portraits and statutes, ghost flying around and weird and wonderful creatures. Now imagine him solving a murder and you would be some way to imagining this book but it is so much more than that. There are two mysteries going on in this book as well as the elaborate party planning and learning of magic, the main mystery (the murder) does get solved but I think the second one (the leaking/disappearance of magic) is going to be an on going event in the series and a good reason to get the next book. The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing but it was the characters that I loved, especially H the wyvern and the mischief he gets into with his flame sneezes. Being set in Oxford was also fun, I really felt like I was walking down the halls of Hogwarts but it still kept the English feel about it some how. The party planning even worked and didn't detract from the mystery investigation. It was just a fun magical cozy mystery and I can't wait for the next book.
Natalie is about to start her dream job at Oxford university as head of ceremonies but her first day doesn't turn out to be Disney Land magical. First she finds the chef who is going to be cooking all the gala food for the biggest event of the year, lying dead in the kitchen. Then she touches a key left by her predecessor and learns all the magical stories her grandfather told her about Oxford was true and he should know he worked there for years. She gains help navigating through the magical world that has just opened up to her from H, who everybody thinks is a cat but is actually a four-hundred-year-old wyvern with a taste for dairy and alcohol. If that wasn't had enough but the murder should never have been allowed to happen, the magic that protects the school seems to be disappearing leaving everybody vulnerable and its her job to restore it. Can she plan the party of the year, find a killer and track down what is wrong with the magic? All in her first week? It's a lot to do but armed with her lists, a new set of friends and a beginners level of magic Natalie has no other choice.
I liked the narrator. I have heard Pearl Hewitt read a number of audio books by different authors but somehow it always seems like different characters and I never imagine characters from the wrong series in the book she is reading. She is just a talented narrator.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Natalie is about to start her dream job at Oxford university as head of ceremonies but her first day doesn't turn out to be Disney Land magical. First she finds the chef who is going to be cooking all the gala food for the biggest event of the year, lying dead in the kitchen. Then she touches a key left by her predecessor and learns all the magical stories her grandfather told her about Oxford was true and he should know he worked there for years. She gains help navigating through the magical world that has just opened up to her from H, who everybody thinks is a cat but is actually a four-hundred-year-old wyvern with a taste for dairy and alcohol. If that wasn't had enough but the murder should never have been allowed to happen, the magic that protects the school seems to be disappearing leaving everybody vulnerable and its her job to restore it. Can she plan the party of the year, find a killer and track down what is wrong with the magic? All in her first week? It's a lot to do but armed with her lists, a new set of friends and a beginners level of magic Natalie has no other choice.
I liked the narrator. I have heard Pearl Hewitt read a number of audio books by different authors but somehow it always seems like different characters and I never imagine characters from the wrong series in the book she is reading. She is just a talented narrator.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 26, 2021
Overall, I definitely enjoyed this light-hearted cozy paranormal mystery - as much for the Oxford college setting as for anything about the plot or characters.
On the negative side, the setup for how the main character, Nat, realises that magic at Oxford is real felt a little like handwavium - kind of 'well, we need to have SOME mechanism for her to realise this when nobody else in the St Margaret's college does - yeah, OK, a magic key is as good as any other'.
Plus, one of my major bugbears is authors being too heavy-handed when it comes to writing accents and brogues. I feel like we as readers should only be noticing thick, heavy accents and having to consciously figure out the meaning behind them if that reflects what the POV character is doing. If the POV character quickly habituates to the accent and starts automatically mentally translating everything that's said and easily understanding it, then the author can help the reader by doing the same with the dialogue. Or, if not, it would be great to show the main character struggling to understand and asking for clarification each time.
All of which is to say that I found H's brogue super distracting throughout the book. I'm not saying he shouldn't have one - just that Ms Morrison could have applied it with a much lighter touch and still given the impression of his accent without setting up a flashing neon sign that screams "THIS CHARACTER SPEAKS DIFFERENTLY TO ANY OTHER PERSON IN THE BOOK!!!!" in every line of dialogue he has (and he has a LOT) for no obvious reason beyond the LOLs.
On the positive side, and outweighing my pet accent peeve by quite a large amount, is just how much I loved the female friendships and female relationships in general in this story. Other than one unlikeable character, the women in this story work together well, and support each other in getting things done. They all bring their own talents and skills to the mix, and they respect each others' value - which is exactly my favourite kind of relationship dynamic in any story, but especially one where so many of the main characters are female.
And while there's nothing that stands out to me as great or super original about the plot or characterisation otherwise, there's also nothing that niggled massively at me either. So basically, I'd put this as a solid 4-star read, and I'm looking forward to reading Book 2 at some point.
On the negative side, the setup for how the main character, Nat, realises that magic at Oxford is real felt a little like handwavium - kind of 'well, we need to have SOME mechanism for her to realise this when nobody else in the St Margaret's college does - yeah, OK, a magic key is as good as any other'.
Plus, one of my major bugbears is authors being too heavy-handed when it comes to writing accents and brogues. I feel like we as readers should only be noticing thick, heavy accents and having to consciously figure out the meaning behind them if that reflects what the POV character is doing. If the POV character quickly habituates to the accent and starts automatically mentally translating everything that's said and easily understanding it, then the author can help the reader by doing the same with the dialogue. Or, if not, it would be great to show the main character struggling to understand and asking for clarification each time.
All of which is to say that I found H's brogue super distracting throughout the book. I'm not saying he shouldn't have one - just that Ms Morrison could have applied it with a much lighter touch and still given the impression of his accent without setting up a flashing neon sign that screams "THIS CHARACTER SPEAKS DIFFERENTLY TO ANY OTHER PERSON IN THE BOOK!!!!" in every line of dialogue he has (and he has a LOT) for no obvious reason beyond the LOLs.
On the positive side, and outweighing my pet accent peeve by quite a large amount, is just how much I loved the female friendships and female relationships in general in this story. Other than one unlikeable character, the women in this story work together well, and support each other in getting things done. They all bring their own talents and skills to the mix, and they respect each others' value - which is exactly my favourite kind of relationship dynamic in any story, but especially one where so many of the main characters are female.
And while there's nothing that stands out to me as great or super original about the plot or characterisation otherwise, there's also nothing that niggled massively at me either. So basically, I'd put this as a solid 4-star read, and I'm looking forward to reading Book 2 at some point.
December 6, 2021
Murder at St. Margaret was a delightful cozy mystery with just the right amount of snark, a (sometimes) fuzzy companion, and ancient magic. The humor reminded me a bit of the Chronicles of St. Mary’s time travel series, though not as intense. I enjoyed the slower pace and smaller cast – making it easy for me to keep track of everyone.
I really like H, the cat (or wyvern). He’s the one that introduces Nat to the world of magic at Oxford and it’s a touching couple of moments. Nat’s grandad used to work at Oxford and he told her many fantastical stories when she was a kid. Now she finds out those stories were real!
The plot was fun if a bit simple. There’s plenty of false herrings, but I think they were obvious. Still it was fun to watch Nat, an amateur sleuth, figure all that out. There’s also a blossoming romantic interest and I felt it was pretty basic. Like I could tell from their first interaction where their path would go. Granted, part of that is because of the small cast. Overall, it was cute, fun, and made me laugh with it’s witty humor. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Pearl Hewitt is so charming to listen to. I like how her voice for Nat isn’t terribly young, but rather shows that Nat has some years under her belt working other places before she landed at Oxford. I also loved her snarky voice for H the little wyvern. Her male voices could use a touch more masculinity. Each character’s voice was distinct and I never got them confused. The pacing was good and there were no tech issues with this recording. 4/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lynn Morrison. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
I really like H, the cat (or wyvern). He’s the one that introduces Nat to the world of magic at Oxford and it’s a touching couple of moments. Nat’s grandad used to work at Oxford and he told her many fantastical stories when she was a kid. Now she finds out those stories were real!
The plot was fun if a bit simple. There’s plenty of false herrings, but I think they were obvious. Still it was fun to watch Nat, an amateur sleuth, figure all that out. There’s also a blossoming romantic interest and I felt it was pretty basic. Like I could tell from their first interaction where their path would go. Granted, part of that is because of the small cast. Overall, it was cute, fun, and made me laugh with it’s witty humor. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Pearl Hewitt is so charming to listen to. I like how her voice for Nat isn’t terribly young, but rather shows that Nat has some years under her belt working other places before she landed at Oxford. I also loved her snarky voice for H the little wyvern. Her male voices could use a touch more masculinity. Each character’s voice was distinct and I never got them confused. The pacing was good and there were no tech issues with this recording. 4/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lynn Morrison. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
January 19, 2022
Sigh, I love cosy (I prefer the British spelling) mysteries, especially when they take place in England.
Every now and then I find one that allows me to escape my mundane American life and takes me into another world, whether that is the past or into magical realms. This one does the latter.
I discovered this series in one of those Kindle ads that open up when I open my Kindle, and I downloaded the first one when I saw it was part of Kindle Unlimited. I've had trouble finding a book that really compels me to keep reading, and this seemed like a no-risk way to keep reading.
Natalie (Nat) Payne is an event planner, formerly at Disney, but now at Oxford, and when she starts her job, she discovers that Oxford is a magical place. Her pet cat is actually a wyvern (I just learned that this is a smaller, two-legged, flying dragon), and the colleges are filled with Eternals, basically ghosts who keep the magic going.
And then, just as she is discovering this, the chef at her colleges is murdered, and she learns that the magic is at risk, and to safe it, she must solve the murder, along with two other people who know about the magic.
As I'm writing this, I realize it sounds like a stretch, but I'm enjoying the series.
There are four books, plus a few shorter things the author has written. None of them are stand-alones. To read the later texts, someone really needs to read the earlier texts. (It's a bit annoying that the author recaps all the salient details at the beginning of every book, but I suppose that might be helpful if I weren't reading them all at once.)
Every now and then I find one that allows me to escape my mundane American life and takes me into another world, whether that is the past or into magical realms. This one does the latter.
I discovered this series in one of those Kindle ads that open up when I open my Kindle, and I downloaded the first one when I saw it was part of Kindle Unlimited. I've had trouble finding a book that really compels me to keep reading, and this seemed like a no-risk way to keep reading.
Natalie (Nat) Payne is an event planner, formerly at Disney, but now at Oxford, and when she starts her job, she discovers that Oxford is a magical place. Her pet cat is actually a wyvern (I just learned that this is a smaller, two-legged, flying dragon), and the colleges are filled with Eternals, basically ghosts who keep the magic going.
And then, just as she is discovering this, the chef at her colleges is murdered, and she learns that the magic is at risk, and to safe it, she must solve the murder, along with two other people who know about the magic.
As I'm writing this, I realize it sounds like a stretch, but I'm enjoying the series.
There are four books, plus a few shorter things the author has written. None of them are stand-alones. To read the later texts, someone really needs to read the earlier texts. (It's a bit annoying that the author recaps all the salient details at the beginning of every book, but I suppose that might be helpful if I weren't reading them all at once.)
December 2, 2021
Murder at St. Margaret is the first in a cozy mystery series that has a sprinkle of magic. Natalie is the newest event planner at St. Margaret's College. It is a part of the larger Oxford University system. She soon discovers that her adopted cat is really a tiny Wyvern and that she has comes from a line of magic keepers.
I thought this was a fun mystery. I liked the magical world that Natalie fond herself thrust into. I also loved that she was one of three newcomers who are tasked with keeping the magic at Oxford. Kate and Mathilde round out the trio. I loved that they were learning together. The other characters were fun and added a lot of color to the story. H was adorable. The mystery was OK. The solution kind of fell in Nat's lap, but I did enjoy following her as she tried to solve it. There is a larger question of why the magic is leaking out of the Oxford. There were no answers here, so I'm assuming that mystery continues over the series.
I listened to the audiobook and I would recommend it in this format. I enjoyed the voiced the narrator used. H's was cute and I could totally picture a little wyvern speaking like that. I do recommend this one. I look forward to the next book.
I thought this was a fun mystery. I liked the magical world that Natalie fond herself thrust into. I also loved that she was one of three newcomers who are tasked with keeping the magic at Oxford. Kate and Mathilde round out the trio. I loved that they were learning together. The other characters were fun and added a lot of color to the story. H was adorable. The mystery was OK. The solution kind of fell in Nat's lap, but I did enjoy following her as she tried to solve it. There is a larger question of why the magic is leaking out of the Oxford. There were no answers here, so I'm assuming that mystery continues over the series.
I listened to the audiobook and I would recommend it in this format. I enjoyed the voiced the narrator used. H's was cute and I could totally picture a little wyvern speaking like that. I do recommend this one. I look forward to the next book.
October 25, 2025
Does anyone else automatically read with a British accent in their head when they know the book is set in London?
Nat is a party planner just hired at St. Margaret's at Oxford to organize their annual gala. But her first morning, she and her boss Harry, discover the body of the head chef with a meat cleaver in her back.
What Nat doesn't realize is that she has been brought to the college because the magic is failing. Nat doesn't know about magic until she unlocks her desk and suddenly the cat who has been following her around, H, suddenly starts talking and looks like a tiny dragon. H is a Wyvern and one of the Eternals who guard the magic of Oxford. Nat must team up with her snooty, but handsome neighbor, Edward, a criminology professor, and H to find out who the killer is before the gala has to be canceled and that will damage the magic even further.
As far as I can tell, Nat has no actual magic of her own, but she is one of three Prefects who guard the different magical elements from portraits that talk to books that hold secrets.
This was so cute! I definitely want to continue the series. It is clean, funny, and well-written!
Nat is a party planner just hired at St. Margaret's at Oxford to organize their annual gala. But her first morning, she and her boss Harry, discover the body of the head chef with a meat cleaver in her back.
What Nat doesn't realize is that she has been brought to the college because the magic is failing. Nat doesn't know about magic until she unlocks her desk and suddenly the cat who has been following her around, H, suddenly starts talking and looks like a tiny dragon. H is a Wyvern and one of the Eternals who guard the magic of Oxford. Nat must team up with her snooty, but handsome neighbor, Edward, a criminology professor, and H to find out who the killer is before the gala has to be canceled and that will damage the magic even further.
As far as I can tell, Nat has no actual magic of her own, but she is one of three Prefects who guard the different magical elements from portraits that talk to books that hold secrets.
This was so cute! I definitely want to continue the series. It is clean, funny, and well-written!
November 30, 2021
I love a good mystery and then you throw in a magical cat AND a wyvern (who’s really the cat) AND a few ghosts AND a setting at Oxford…well. I ask you, how could I resist?? Needless to say, I didn’t, and I’m here to tell you this story is packed with charm and appealing characters and a good conundrum to be solved. Nat and her cohorts, Kate and Mathilde, find lots of clues leading to who killed the chef that are frequently red herrings and, of course, the bigger question is what is causing the magic to fail?
Well, actually, the biggest question might be how did Nat not know about her own connection to the magical world, not to mention where did this curmudgeonly cat called H (because he hates his name) come from? But I digress.
All in all, Ms. Morrison’s Murder at St. Margaret was a most satisfying blend of mystery and urban fantasy, enhanced in a delightful way by Ms. Hewitt’s audiobook narration. I really savored the latters intonations and pacing and I think these two ladies together present an awfully enchanting tale. Now, on to book #2, Burglary at Barnard.
Well, actually, the biggest question might be how did Nat not know about her own connection to the magical world, not to mention where did this curmudgeonly cat called H (because he hates his name) come from? But I digress.
All in all, Ms. Morrison’s Murder at St. Margaret was a most satisfying blend of mystery and urban fantasy, enhanced in a delightful way by Ms. Hewitt’s audiobook narration. I really savored the latters intonations and pacing and I think these two ladies together present an awfully enchanting tale. Now, on to book #2, Burglary at Barnard.
August 16, 2020
Great if you’re after a fast paced cozy.
Had no idea what to expect when I picked this up. Adding a supernatural twist can be a make or break decision, but thankfully it worked a treat in this academic setting. Nat goes into this as blindly as the reader, and when the supernatural world opens up to her that is when the real fun begins.
The characters were fun, feisty, and played off each other well. Nat, the Eternals, H, Harry and the other Prefects are memorable, but when you throw the arrogant - and elitist - professor, Edward, into Natalie’s path, well, sit back and watch the sparks fly. It was more fun watching these two bicker than it was having the murder solved. This honestly, the victim was almost a non-entity, and the police didn’t even conduct decent investigation. If that aspect of the story had of been up to snuff this would have been a four star read.
3.5 stars ⭐️
Had no idea what to expect when I picked this up. Adding a supernatural twist can be a make or break decision, but thankfully it worked a treat in this academic setting. Nat goes into this as blindly as the reader, and when the supernatural world opens up to her that is when the real fun begins.
The characters were fun, feisty, and played off each other well. Nat, the Eternals, H, Harry and the other Prefects are memorable, but when you throw the arrogant - and elitist - professor, Edward, into Natalie’s path, well, sit back and watch the sparks fly. It was more fun watching these two bicker than it was having the murder solved. This honestly, the victim was almost a non-entity, and the police didn’t even conduct decent investigation. If that aspect of the story had of been up to snuff this would have been a four star read.
3.5 stars ⭐️
November 28, 2021
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lynn Morrison. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
When Natalie becomes Oxford’s new Head of Ceremonies, she has no idea what she’s in for. When she learns that her grandfather’s fairy tales were true and that there is a world of magic at Oxford that only a chosen few can see, she’s thrilled. But now, not only does she have a gala to get ready for, she also needs to find out what is going on with the magic and a murderer needs to be found.
I enjoyed reading about the magical side of Oxford. I especially liked “H”. What a fun character!
Pearl Hewitt does a great job with narration. Her pace and timing are good, and she’s able to make each character sound distinct.
I’m looking forward to listening to the next book in this series.
When Natalie becomes Oxford’s new Head of Ceremonies, she has no idea what she’s in for. When she learns that her grandfather’s fairy tales were true and that there is a world of magic at Oxford that only a chosen few can see, she’s thrilled. But now, not only does she have a gala to get ready for, she also needs to find out what is going on with the magic and a murderer needs to be found.
I enjoyed reading about the magical side of Oxford. I especially liked “H”. What a fun character!
Pearl Hewitt does a great job with narration. Her pace and timing are good, and she’s able to make each character sound distinct.
I’m looking forward to listening to the next book in this series.
December 3, 2021
This was my first Lynn Morrison's book, and won't be my last. This is the first book in the Oxford Key mysteries Series. This is an excellent paranormal cozy mystery, filled with magic, and twists and turns. Natalie, the main character, is smart, determined, and capable. The supporting characters are intriguing. I liked Natalie's friends Kate and Mathilde. The plot is well crafted, and captivating. The storyline is original, and interesting. In addition to the excellent writing, Pearl Hewitt did a fantastic job with the narration. Her range of voices is impressive. This is a great team author/narrator. I enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to listening to Burglary at Barnard, the next book in the series. If you like paranormal cozy mysteries, this series is for you.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lynn Morrison. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lynn Morrison. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
February 7, 2023
When Natalie Payne takes a new job as Head of Ceremonies at Oxford University her first job is to plan the annual Autumn Gala, she has no idea of what awaits. On her second day there the Head Chef is found murdered in the kitchen. She also discovers that at Oxford there is a secret world of magic that influences day to day life and that unbeknownst to her she possess magic at her disposal. Before the gala can be celebrated she has to use her new found power to solve the murder. She is aided by a cadre of “Eternals,” spirits that have inhabited Oxford for hundreds of years in various forms. Her savviest aide is Humphrey, known as “H” who is a 400 year-old Wyvern that was previously a gargoyle. To her he presents as a small fire breathing flying dragon who others see as a cat. H is also a cynical spirit who is always hungry and sometimes drunk on stout. A humorous mystery that is sure to entertain.
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