Death at Holly Lodge

Daisy Thorne Mystery #3

by Louise R. Innes

T'was the weeks before Christmas,
and Daisy nabs a new case,
when a missing man is found
stuffed above a fireplace...

Ooh La La hair salon owner Daisy Thorne adores the Christmas cheer in her picturesque hometown of Edgemead, England. Excitement is extra high this year, as international pop star, Mimi Levant�, the village's newest resident, begins renovating historic Holly Lodge. But the charming country home's makeover is cut short by a shocking discovery--the body of a man, dressed as Santa Claus, jammed inside the house's chimney!

The secreted Santa is identified as Gregory Pearce, a local father who vanished on Christmas Eve two years ago. As the case moves from missing to murder, Daisy and dashing DCI Paul McGuinness begin combing through the clues of Christmases past. But the killer will go to great lengths to keep old crimes under wraps. Now, DCI McGuinness must protect Daisy as she tries to untangle the mystery before a merry murderer embarks on another slay ride.

Genres: Mystery, Christmas, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Holiday, Contemporary, Adult

231 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 28, 2021

About the author

Louise R. Innes is an English cozy mystery author and creator of the Daisy Thorne and Little Flower Shop cozy mysteries series.

She lives in beautiful Surrey, in a village not unlike the one in her books. When she's not writing, she can be found traipsing through the parks or kayaking on the River Thames.

Download a free cozy from her website: louiseroseinnes.com/cozy-mysteries.

Reviews

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mimi Levante has recently purchased Holly Lodge, planning to turn it into her home in the UK, and since Mimi’s half-sister, Floria, is Daisy Thorne’s best friend, Daisy is meeting the two women there to check out the property. While they are there, the men working on restoring it make a horrific discovery – someone stuffed a dead man in a Santa suit in the chimney. Who was the victim? And how did he come to be hidden in the chimney?

This is such a great premise for a Christmas set mystery, and it delivered. We get the answer to the questions I posed and so many more by the time the book is over, and the pace is great, delivering clues and red herrings at a steady pace. Daisy and all the regulars are back, and I enjoyed getting to see them again. I especially enjoyed seeing the growth in her relationship with DCI Paul McGuinness. I did find some timeline issues, including a day we got twice in a row, but they were minor. The further I got into the book, the more I caught the Christmas spirit. If you are looking for a fun mystery to get you in the mood for Christmas, this is the book for you.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy Thorne is definitely someone I want to spend the holidays with. She's such a great character and she really grabs the reader's attention in this holiday story.
When she stumbles across a dead Santa Claus, she stops at nothing to find the truth.

#DeathatHollyLodge #NetGalley

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying this fun series, set in Edgemead in the UK, not far from London. It is Christmas time and the village is in festive mode and spirits. Daisy Thorne owns a village hair salon, Ooh La La, where they are busy with clients getting ready for Christmas. Daisy is interested in criminology and in fact, she has now finished her profile class. Mimi, pop star and sister of her best friend, Floria, has purchased on old lovely estate, Holly Lodge, in the area. While Daisy, Mimi, and Floria are at the house looking around, the renovators discover the body of a man dressed as Santa in the chimney. His body falls out when they are clearing boards and debris out. Daisy calls her hunky friend Detective Chief Inspector Paul McGuinness when the discovery is made. This time Paul lets Daisy help him out a little with profiling and consulting on the case. This is a fun mystery to unravel as they follow the clues and Paul is impressed with Daisy's input. The the ending has some surprises, including a surprise killer. Lots of fun to read with a holiday air, lots of snow, great characters and a fun plot.
I was received a complimentary copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

[AmBerGUR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is super cozy!!! I loved it.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Christmas in Edgemead, England so be a merry affair but a dead man found in the chimney of Holly Lodge dressed in a Santa suit gives the holiday a criminal turn.

The village’s newest resident, international pop star, Mimi Levanté has purchased Holly Lodge. The body was found during her renovations and while Ooh La La hair salon owner Daisy Thorne, Mimi, and her sister Floria were at the Lodge. Daisy calls her friend, Detective Chief Inspector Paul McGuinness to report their discovery. Daisy has helped him before and has now completed her profile class so the good Detective Chief Inspector allows her to help him with the case. That is until the killer strikes again and Daisy may be the next person on his Christmas list.

This series has a great cast of characters. What I really loved about this story was how Daisy and Paul’s relationship went to a new level. He hates that she gets involved in his murder cases but has realized she is not going to stop so he may as well embrace her help as long as he can keep her safe. Daisy has learned to tell him what she has done and what she has uncovered and how it moves his case in another direction. They are taking it slow on the romantic part of their relationship but it does look like their holiday will be a merry one.

The mystery was very well-plotted with some nice twists and misdirection. I must have fallen for every one of them because when the guilty party was revealed I was totally surprised. And what a reveal it was. Saved by the skin of her teeth and with me holding my breath.

Sadly, this appears to be the last book in the series. I really wish we would have a chance to visit these characters again.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

England during the holidays, what could be better? Other than murder in England during Christmas. Death at Holly Lodge is the third book in the “A Daisy Thorne Mystery” series and may be the best one yet. Daisy’s hair salon is busier than ever, the holidays are bringing in more and more customers, and everyone wants to look their best. But… murder comes to call when Daisy visits Holly Lodge while renovations begin and finds Santa Claus dead.

The characters in this series are always fun and exciting to read about. They have a flair for the dramatic and an inherent ability to find trouble. Just because it’s the Christmas season doesn’t make a difference. They are still getting into mischief and causing chaos. The victim this time around is a complete unknown, which in many ways is easier than if it was a character that readers already had a predetermined bias. Finding Santa Claus in a chimney may sound funny until you realize he didn’t get there willingly.

It doesn’t take Daisy long to come up with suspects, from Santa's widow to the townspeople who hold a grudge. Suspects and evidence team up to make this story an exciting ride. Add in a few drops of Christmas cheer, a new Santa Claus who may or may not be involved, a few red herrings, and you have yourself a mystery for the holidays that won’t disappoint. Daisy slowly unwraps the killer’s motive and the killer themself while setting herself up for a possible Christmas disaster and another murder, her own. Death at Holly Lodge is an enjoyable read from start to finish and should be on all cozy reader’s holiday lists this year.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santa's coming down the chimney tonight. But wait, this year he can't because he's already in the chimney and he's stuck and also dead.
International music star Mimi is buying the Holly Lodge in picturesque Edgemead, England when renovations start to her shock a man dressed as Santa is found stuffed in her chimney.
It's been determined the body is a man who's been missing that played Santa every year for the children. This manor house mystery has Daisy, Ooh La La hair salon owner sleuthing right along with dashing DCI Paul McGuinness as they fen angle their way through clues of Christmases past. No one is above suspicion especially when the suspects are as slippery as the ice outside.
Cleverly written, I enjoyed this Christmas mystery.

Pub Date 28 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Moshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cosy mystery. I might have felt a little alienated with the characters as this is the 3rd book in the series and I’ve just jumped in abruptly.

I do enjoyed the friendships and the festive atmosphere of this book.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh La La hair salon owner Daisy Thorne adores the Christmas cheer in her picturesque hometown of Edgemead. Excitement is extra high this year, as international pop star, Mimi Levanté , the village’s newest resident, begins renovating historic Holly Lodge. But the charming country home’s makeover is cut short by a shocking discovery—the body of a man, dressed as Santa Claus, jammed inside the house’s chimney! The body is identified as Tom Pierce, a local estate agent who vanished on Christmas Eve two years ago. As the case moves from missing to murder, Daisy and DCI Paul McGuinness work together looking for evidence. Then ayoung woman is killed at the Christmas Market.
The third outing for Daisy, it’s easily read on its own but as I must read a series from the beginning I’d recommend doing so because as well as getting to know Daisy, her staff & friends there’s also her relationship with Paul which seems to take two steps forward & then three back – definitely two forward in this book! There are twists & turns as well as surprises. Secrets are revealed & not everyone is as they seem. A very well written, engrossing cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining series! I love Daisy and all of her friends. They are super supportive and lots of fun. This time Daisy is on hand when workers find Santa up the chimney. Since she's completed her requirements to consult with the police she actually gets to help legitimately this time! Lots of twists and turns and a few frightening moments make for a really good read!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death at Holly Lodge is the third book in this series and is just as great as the first. With Christmas coming Daisy's so busy at her hair salon and Santa stuck up the chimney at Holly Lodge. What happened to Santa and how will this mystery unravel.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

First holiday book of the season. Fun little mystery

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd installment in the Daisy Thorne mystery series. Daisy is getting ready for the Holidays and her Salon (Ooh La La) is so busy but Daisy goes to visit with her friend Floria and her sister Mimi who is a pop star about to start her European Tour but she has recently purchased Holly Lodge and is renovating it when the workman find a dead man dressed as Santa in the fireplace. Daisy of course immediately calls DCI Inspector Paul McGuinness and asks if she can put together a profile of the killer as she has finished her criminology degree and is qualified to act as a consultant to the police. Paul agrees and even has her come along when talking to the wife of the victim. The victim was at the Lodge for 2 years as he disappeared 2 years before on Christmas Eve. The name of the victim is Tom Pierce and he is an estate agent from the town over and his wife Hannah has remarried his business partner who is the estate agent who sold the property to Mimi. Paul asks Daisy to not investigate on her own and to keep him posted of everything she might find out thru family and friends and the gossip that happens in her salon. Daisy has a solid group of friends and she is trying to determine if there is something that can go further with her and Paul. I like to see how their relationship is growing. This was a quick read and very entertaining, I could not put it down and finished it one night. I loved how Daisy keeps her head about her and is so protective of her friends and she kept her promise to Paul by keeping him in the loop. Loved it. Fantastic ending. Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a perfect Christmas mystery and even though I've never been to England, I could still picture the little town businesses all decorated and getting ready for the Christmas Market. I loved that Daisy and DCI McGuiness aka Paul were getting closer and closer in their personal relationship. He got a lot less mad when she'd go ahead and do something, and she knew to just 'fess up and tell him what she did while pointing out the good that came of it. They're taking it slowly which is alway s a good sign.

The showdown was a good one, and I hadn't figured out whodunit, so I just went along with whatever Daisy thought. It took several people to take down this perp, and fortunately Daisy was trained well enough now that she'd called the police before going to where she was going. There was a good surprise toward the end which wrapped up the whole case. Looks like Daisy and Paul were going to have a Merry Christmas after all! This book releases September 28, 2021.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Thorne, owner of Ooh La La salon in the small town of Edgemead, Surrey, England, is preparing for the holidays along with everyone else. But with her salon booked up completely until they close for Christmas, she's finding it hard to make time for herself. But one day she decides to visit Holly Lodge with her best friend Floria, whose sister, pop star Mimi Fallon, has bought the place and plans to renovate.

While the workers are busy, the three women sit in the kitchen -- or what's left of it, currently -- as the old Georgian has sat empty for several years. But then a body is discovered in the chimney, and the man is dressed like Santa Claus. While the women are stunned, after DCI Paul McGuinness arrives, Daisy perks up and sets her sights on profiling the killer. While McGuinness doesn't seem to want her help, she knows he needs it since she has local contacts and he doesn't; and when it's found out that the man was a local named Tim Pierce, Daisy sets to work questioning her clients. Soon more information comes forth, and there's a real mystery as to what actually happened to him. With a few different stories drifting about, Daisy will have to decide who's telling the truth and who isn't -- even if it puts her in arms' length of a killer...

This is the third book in the series and I have read them all. I must say that this book, like the others, flows easily with crisp writing and lovely descriptions of what is happening around the characters. One can get a feel for actually being in Edgemead, (although I don't know about all the snow!); and we watch as Daisy puts her wits to use in figuring out who the culprit might be. Along with this, we have McGuinness, who at times seems frustrated with Daisy and at others grateful for her help, as he himself has to put the evidence together and cannot go with his gut feeling. It makes for a wonderful pair of characters who, in their own ways, depend upon one another to solve the case.

We also have the secondary story of Daisy wondering where, if anything, her budding relationship with McGuinness is going. She reasons that they both have jobs they love and are important to them, but on the other hand, Daisy is wanting to have a real relationship. She juggles her emotions with her instincts, and we can see that it isn't easy for her to do when it comes to herself.

But then another event occurs and the stakes are suddenly raised to find the killer and fast. When Daisy finally figures it out, it comes as almost a surprise and the reasoning behind it, much like most murderers, lets us know that unhinged minds are capable of anything. Then we have the lovely epilogue of Christmas day, and it makes one long for the holidays so we can celebrate ourselves.

Ms. Innes tells a wonderful tale, and I am glad that I have had the opportunity to read her books, and I await the next in the series eagerly. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death at Holly Lodge is the third book in the Daisy Thorne series by Louise R Innes. Although I haven’t read the first two books in this series I was able to jump right in to the town of Edgemead and get involved in the mystery.

I loved Daisy as a character because although she really does have the best of intentions, she just can’t seem to stop herself from trying to solve the case. See, while visiting Holly Lodge with her two friends Mimi and Floria, the renovation crew who is remodeling the house finds a body in the chimney.

And he just so happens to be a man wearing a red and white jumpsuit.

The friends are shocked. It’s not every day you find a dead body in your house, let alone the body of Santa Claus.

Daisy’s friends and coworkers at her salon were fun to read about. I loved the mentioned of gingerbread lattes and lots of gossip as they attempted to make it through the busy season, when everybody wants special nails or a new hairdo for Christmas.

Overall it was just a really fun world to dive into. The mystery was well developed and kept me guessing as the story unfolded. The tension between Daisy and DCI Mcguinness (who might also be her boyfriend, although she’s too scared to admit it) made me laugh at times. It was funny how he would try to tell her what to do. She would try her best to behave but there’s no stopping Daisy when a mystery is afoot.

If you like Christmas cozy mysteries you’re sure to like this one. I loved reading about Daisy and her friends at the salon, so I’m looking forward to checking out the first two books in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Santa got stuck up the chimney it was a bit of innocent fun, unfortunately when it happened at Holly Lodge there was nothing innocent about it! In the town of Edgemead international pop sensation, Mimi Levante, is the newest resident, she is also Daisy Thorne's best friend, Floria's, sister and they are together at her new home when the builders find a dead body in a Santa suit!

With Christmas just around the corner Daisy is rushed off her feet at the Ooh La La Beauty Salon but absolutely has enough time to help DCI Paul McGuinness when he enlists her help with his latest murder investigation! Even heavily falling snow can't prevent them trying to put everything together to work out who had hidden Father Christmas so successfully over two years ago. Unfortunately, as Paul and Daisy look at things from every angle the killer is determined to remain undiscovered even if that means abandoning the Christmas spirit by adding to his list of victims.

This is the third Daisy Thorne mystery and my favourite so far. The murder investigation is entertaining and I didn't guess whodunnit which is always good. The main protagonists, in the three main locations, are familiar now and I thoroughly enjoyed reacquainting myself with them. There were off scene things to catch up with as well as the changes happening in this storyline, all of which, fingers crossed, promise more excitement to happen in the next book.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. Louise R Innes's series just gets better and better and I loved this.

[Myarn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death at Holly Lodge by Louise R. Innes (Daisy Thorne Mystery #3) 5 stars

Excitement is the air, it is Holiday time in Edgemead, England. International pop star, Mimi Levante (she is featured in the first book "Death at a Country Mansion") is renovating the historic Holly Lodge. When the construction people run into a problem with one of the chimney's, it is just another delay in the renovation process. Unfortunately, the renovation crew discovers a dead body in the chimney dressed up like Santa Claus. The dead man is Gregory Pearce who was reported missing two years ago. Why was Gregory Pearce stuffed into the chimney at Holly Lodge? Mimi and her sister Floria, Daisy's best friend asks for some assistance in getting to bottom of this matter. Daisy and her friend, DCI Paul MacGuinness, investigates the victims past to find the multiple suspects to his murder.

Daisy Thorne is not in law enforcement (at least not officially), she is the owner of Ooh La La hair salon and the clearing house for every piece of gossip in the village and its neighboring towns. At the beginning of the series she was studying criminal profiling. In this mystery, she has finished her studies and can be retained by the police to help in cases. She does help in questioning suspects and witnesses; her insights help advance the case and solve the mystery. I really enjoyed this book, it was a page turner all the way. The relationship between Daisy and Paul appears to be progressing nicely (after the initial hiccups) and I have high hopes for more from those two, I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: The previous book in the series introduced Daisy, hair stylist and criminal profiler, her best friend, Floria and her Prima Donna mother who also had other daughters who were unknown to each other prior to the mother’s demise. It also introduced the other members of Daisy’s salon team and Paul, the DI who may not like Daisy interfering with his investigations but likes and respects her. A lot.

It took that book a while before it gained traction but this one seemed to hit the ground running when one of the sisters, Mimi, is gutting her newly purchased Holly Lodge, when the contractors discover a body of a man in a Santa suit wedged in the chimney. It is quickly determined that he was murdered but his identity and the motive for murder is harder to establish. It appears he has been a naughty lad and the deeper the investigation goes the naughtier he becomes. Then, when another victim is murdered, it is clear the killer is still around and willing to do anything to keep from getting caught.

The bottom line is the deceased “Santa” did some truly heinous things and deserved his comeuppance but the killer turns out to be just as bad or worse. It was a well paced and interesting story that kept me guessing right to the end. The various relationships are interesting especially the nascent one between Daisy and Paul. They make an awesome team both professionally and personally. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Judith von Kirchbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death at Holly Lodge is the perfect holiday themed cozy mystery for lovers of the genre.

It's Christmas season and Daisy Thorne is happy to have her best friend Floria and her sisters in town to enjoy the season - have parties and seasonal dinners, visit the Christmas markets and just simply enjoy the season together. Unfortunately, a body is discovered at Holly Lodge during ongoing renovations - Santa was stuck in the chimney, no less. That terrible discovery leads to an investigation, lead by recurring character and swoony love interest DCI Paul McGuiness, with Daisy assisting as much as possible. I like the fact that Daisy got a certification in criminology/ profiling to make it believable for her to be helping the police (as opposed to quite a few of the amateur sleuths aiding bumbling detectives in the cozy mystery genre); she can now be an official consultant.
I loved revisiting Edgmead in this third installment in the Daisy Thorne series, there are lovely characters, an exciting well constructed plot, twists and red herrings and some holiday cheer, it was a fabulous pick me up read at the end of a long work day - I loved diving back in with my trusty cast of characters and getting a seasonal head start alongside them.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s almost Christmas and Daisy Thorne is feeling the holiday cheer. Visiting her friend Mimi, who is currently restoring an old manor home, Daisy is on hand when the workers find a body that had been stuffed in the chimney….dressed as Santa Claus. While it does dampen the holiday cheer a bit, Daisy promises her friends she will try to figure out who the person was, even though DCI Paul McGuiness is pleading with her to not get involved.

With the hometown advantage and running the local hair salon, Daisy is in a position to hear things that Paul isn’t. Promising to not take chances and go out on her own, Daisy gets some information that will help Paul in his investigation, yet she can’t quite help getting a little more involved than she said she would. Will this be the Christmas that Daisy and Paul figure out a murder and whatever is going on between them, or will it be her very last Christmas?

This is a really fun British Cozy that is well written and delivers a satisfying whodunit each and every time. There are three books in this series, so you can have a little binge to catch up and be ready for the next one.

[Bobbie Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of DEATH AT HOLLY LODGE (Book 3 of the Daisy Thorne Mysteries), by Louise R. Innes, in exchange for an honest review. Ooh La La beauty shop owner, Daisy Thorne is enjoying the Christmas season in her hometown of Edgemead, England. One of Daisy’s dear friends, international pop star Mimi Levanté, has recently purchased a derelict estate and is in the process of extensive remodeling. During a visit with Mimi at Holly Lodge, the workmen find a corpse dressed as Father Christmas lodged in a chimney. As Daisy is now a qualified investigator, she offers her assistance to DCI Paul McGuinness in identifying the victim and the killer. However, having gotten away with murder for so long, the killer is determined to thwart the investigation. Will DCI McGuinness and Daisy capture the murderer before he or she goes on another slay-ride?

I liked this book. I recommend this book to fans of the series and to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, home renovation, Christmas, and small towns.

#DeathatHollyLodge #NetGalley

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect Holiday cozy mystery ! This is a great introduction to holiday reading. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own. This is a favorite series of mine and this holiday release is a fun read. This is the 3rd release in this well crafted enjoyable series.

Beauty shop owner, Daisy Thorne is ready to enjoy the Christmas season in Edgemead, England. The village is in the throes of decorating and planning with the local business owners. One of Daisy’s dear friends, a pop star Mimi Levanté, is in the process of remodeling a old mansion she bought. The workmen find a corpse dressed as Father Christmas in a chimney. Daisy is a savvy smart investigator and offers the local police her assistance . When the clues and suspects start adding up to motive and opportunity Daisy may be danger.

I loved this Christmas theme mystery and look forward to the next in series. The writing is smart dan the sleuth keep me guessing to conclusion Very well done to the author.

[Margie Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Daisy Thorne Mysteries takes place at Christmas time in a small village in Surrey, England. Beauty salon proprietor Daisy is present when a dead body dressed as Father Christmas falls out of a chimney in a historic home being renovated by her friend. The body turns out to be a man who disappeared two years ago and was thought to have abandoned his wife and left the country with his girlfriend. But, of course, it's more complicated than that.

Since Daisy now has a criminal justice certificate, she sometimes acts as a "consultant" to her not-quite-boyfriend, a police detective, and there are times when she goes a bit too far conducting her own investigation. But it's a very quick read with no graphic violence, populated with Daisy's salon employees, friends, and other townspeople, not to mention some suspicious characters who may or not be involved in the murder. I don't think this is the best in the series, but it provided a couple of pleasant hours of reading.

[Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

a Christmas cozy set in England. the main character has taken a course/program on criminal profiling, so she gets to work with the police in a more official capacity than most cozy protagonists. she's present when some renovations in her friend's new house accidentally disturb the remains of a man who was murdered and left in a chimney. there's plenty of seasonal cheer throughout the story, which I appreciated. I didn't find myself connecting with the characters, not quite sure why (perhaps because so many are introduced, but they're sketched very broadly without having many opportunities to demonstrate much depth; ex/Krish is gay, loves to gossip, lives near a coffee shop, and seems to be in a happy relationship; although he appears several times, that's as much as you get). not planning to add the rest of this series to my reading list right away, because I already have so many, but I would consider reading at least one more in the future.

[Trudi Jorda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Thorne is the owner of Ooh La La hair salon in Edgemead, England. She has a history of getting involved in solving mysteries that DCI McGuinness is currently working on. He grudgingly admits that her ability to profile and spot clues is often helpful. There is a spark between them but both have trouble dealing with it! In this tale , a long time friend of Daisy has abought the long time vacant Holly Lodge and when they go as a group of friends to check it out they find a dead body of Santa Claus stuffed up the chimney. The Police are called in and it is discovered that the body is Thom Pierce who has gone missing for two years and was presumed gone from the area, leaving his wife to run away with his mistress! With the help of friends and the ability to sniff out lies Daisy is on the case, putting herself and others in danger. No hints but it was an enjoyable story with plenty of questions and a bit of developing romance. Enjoy!

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy is in the Christmas mood and enjoying time with best friend Floria and her sister Mimi who has recently purchased Holly Lodge. And Daisy is there once again when a dead body is found, this time in the chimney of Mimi’s new house! Having just completed her training to become a profiler, DCI McGinnis let’s Daisy work with him as he tries to solve a two year old murder. But how is it that Thomas Pierce disappeared two years ago on his way to play Santa for a children’s charity, and now shows up stuffed in the chimney? Everyone in town assumed he ran off with the bar maid, who disappeared around the same time, but he obviously didn’t. This is a rather complex murder mystery with plenty of clues to investigate and possibly some romance between Daisy and DCI McGinnis! I received an advance copy from the author and write this review voluntarily.

[Tracie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Edgemead is a village near the Thames, in England where Ooh La La Salon owner Daisy Thorne has become involved with murder, even being accused of one herself. She is now a qualified criminal profiler and can be a consultant to the local police. Daisy has an uncertain relationship with Detective Chief Inspector Paul McGuinness but they are thrown together just before Christmas to solve a crime or two. The sister of Daisy's friend Floria lives in Australia but is looking for a home in Edgemead. Mimi thinks the neglected Holly Lodge is the place. Unfortunately, when they meet there, workers find a body dressed in a santa suit stuffed up the chimney. The characters in this series are appealing, although the romance is slow, and there is a holiday feeling despite the murder. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle McBride · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun cosy murder mystery set over the Christmas period. It's the third book in the series but it can be read as a standalone novel.
The action revolves around Daisy, a hairdresser with a knack for amateur sleuthing who is now working as a consultant with the local police, Detective Paul (her will-they, won't they love interest) and a host of other local residents.
In each book Daisy tries to work whodunit to solve a murder. In this story a body is uncovered in an uninhabited house.
It took me a while to get my head around all the various characters but after the first few chapters the story gained pace and I was intrigued to find out who the culprit was and why.
If you like murder mysteries with a hint of romance, I would recommend giving this a read.

Many thanks to the author who provided me with the ebook via Netgalley.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not expecting this cast of characters. Three or four half siblings of an opera diva living in now two different mansions are Daisy’s friends. She is a police consultant and seems to go along with everything because there is only one detective in town. Also she runs a beauty parlor. That was a lot to take in. It made it a little difficult to connect with the characters. I loved the mystery. There were red herrings, missing people, false names, and a murdered man in a Santa costume who fell out of the chimney. That was quite a ride. The solution made a lot of sense, but I thought the investigation should have gotten to the solution a little sooner. It seemed like there were a couple points that they overlooked. It wasn’t super Christmasy, but that made it seem realistic. So I didn’t mind that .
This quirky cast of characters and twisty mystery made for an easy quick read.