Book Review: Murder at the Wedding by Anita Davison

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Anita Davison back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for Murder at the Wedding.

Hannah Merrill is about to marry the love of her life…

The couple are determined their low-key celebration will go without a hitch, but there can’t be an ‘I do’ while the vicar is missing. And when he’s found dead – a victim of a poisoning – in the crypt behind the church, Hannah knows only she and Aunt Violet can find out who did it.

Hannah’s beloved thinks she shouldn’t interfere. But if he fails to remember that an independent woman in 1916 doesn’t do what she’s told to by a man, the dead vicar may be the least of his worries…

Then the vicar’s own fiancé appears on the scene, even though nobody knew he was engaged. And suddenly it becomes clear someone has a secret, one shocking enough to kill for.

Will the intrepid pair of amateur sleuths catch the murderer before they kill again? Or will it be til death parts them all?

*****

Hannah Merrill is about to marry Darius Clifford. The wedding day begins brightly. Proceedings soon take a turn when the body of Reverend Julian Aldrich is found. Can Hannah and her Aunt Violet get to the bottom of this mystery?

Having read previous novels in this series, I was delighted to be invited onto the blog tour for the latest in the Miss Merrill & Aunt Violet mystery series. I do like myself a cosy crime series and this one didn’t disappoint.

I am going to try and review without giving too much away.

The book starts off strong, pulling you into the narrative quickly. There are plenty of twists, surprises and revelations that kept me wanting to turn the page. I was guessing right until the end which is proof of a good mystery. The historical aspects are fascinating, and the setting is integrated well into the plot. This book explores themes of war, loss, betrayal and lingering resentment. Anita Davison has created a believable tale.

The characters are marvellous. Hannah manages to keep a level head (I am not sure I could under the circumstances), and she is good at critical thinking, not letting herself get ahead of things too much. Violet is a hoot and she’s the kind of Auntie that’s fun and openminded.

The supporting cast are a varied bunch and gave the book a well-rounded feel. Penny intrigues me. I think there may be more to her than first appears.

OK, I am going to stop there. If this book will be your introduction to this series, it can be read as a standalone just fine. Reading the other books in the series will of course enrich this novel but it’s not essential.

Murder at the Wedding is a compelling way to spend a few hours. It has lots of mystery and I am eagerly awaiting book six.

About Anita Davison –

Anita Davison is the author of the successful Flora Maguire historical mystery series.

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Murder at the Wedding, book five in the Miss Merrill & Aunt Violet series and was released by Boldwood Books on 26th October 2025. Click to buy on Amazon, Kobo and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.