Murder in Covent Garden – A Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery

Last Updated on April 22, 2026

If you’ve ever read any of my book reviews before, you’ll know that I’m generally not fond of jumping into an already established mystery series.

I prefer to begin at the beginning and make my way through one by one, except, in this case, I didn’t realise that Murder in Covent Garden was book four – oops!

From author Anita Davison, the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet mystery series begins with Murder in the Bookshop and features Hannah and her Aunt Violet, who own and run said bookshop.

Over the course of three books, they solve various murders. By the time we get to book four, it’s 1917, and World War 1 is in full swing.

The good news is that not having read the first few books made no difference to how enjoyable Murder in Covent Garden is.

I gathered pretty quickly that the duo had been amateur sleuthing before, but the characters are so well-rounded that it works great as a standalone – thankfully.

So with my faux pas out of the way, what is the book all about, and is it worth reading??

Miss Hannah Merrill

Covent Garden, known for its vibrant atmosphere and bustling streets, remains a hub of activity even as the war rages on.

The famous opera house may have closed its doors, but the area still pulses with life. It is here that Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet run a quaint bookshop, a haven for those seeking refuge from the chaos outside.

The story begins with Hannah witnessing a heated argument between Jacob Cornelis, a jeweller, and a stranger.

The next day, Cornelis is found dead in his shop, and the police investigation that follows reveals a surprising twist: the stranger Hannah saw arguing with Cornelis is none other than a policeman tasked with solving the crime.

Luckily for Hannah, Mr Cornelius had ordered a book from her store, which gives her the perfect excuse to visit his home and ask a few questions of her own.

The fact that her Aunt Violet also happens to be dating the Inspector in charge also gives Hannah some licence to go snooping, but all is not what it seems.

Is the killer also responsible for a spate of burglaries that have gone unsolved? Who and why would anyone want to kill a frail old man?

Even her own fiancé has his secrets as part of his work with the newly created Military Intelligence, Section 5 (MI5), leaving Hannah with few people she can trust with her suspicions.

But when she digs a little too much, she soon finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer…

Great Characters

At the core of Murder in Covent Garden are its characters, each crafted with care and depth.

Hannah Merrill, the protagonist, is a young woman with a strong sense of justice and independence.

Her relationship with her Aunt Violet is particularly noteworthy, as Violet’s past as a suffragette and her current involvement with DI Aidan Farrell add layers to the narrative.

Hannah’s fiancé, Darius, brings an air of mystery and intrigue, while his secretive nature often tests Hannah’s patience and understanding.

Aunt Violet, with her sharp wit and independent spirit, is a delightful character who embodies the changing roles of women during this period.

Her relationship with Aidan is a highlight, as she refuses to be tied down by societal expectations, choosing instead to maintain her independence and freedom.

The supporting cast, including Archie and Penny from the bookshop, adds warmth and a lot of fun to the story, making the characters feel like old friends.

Wartime Backdrop

Anita Davison’s mastery lies in her ability to transport us to the era of World War I, capturing the essence of life in London during those tumultuous years.

I’m not even entirely sure how she managed to be so specific about the entire setting, but honestly, if I close my eyes, I can picture every bit of it in my head.

The novel is full to the brim with historical details that bring the setting to life, from the rationing and air raids to the suffragette movement and the changing roles of women.

I even learned about things that I had no idea about. For instance, there’s mention of ‘trench watches’, which I looked up, only to discover that, during WWI, men had their pocket watches adapted to wrist watches for the front lines. Who knew!

Or that the change from full-length skirts to knee-length had nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with conserving material, which was in short supply.

Suffice it to say these elements not only provide a rich backdrop for the mystery but also offer a glimpse into the lives of those living through one of history’s most pivotal moments, and I loved it.

Worth A Reading

Murder in Covent Garden is a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre, offering a unique blend of historical detail, engaging characters, and a gripping plot.

Anita Davison’s writing is engaging and accessible, making the book an enjoyable read for both fans of historical fiction and those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery.

For readers who enjoy authors like Agatha Christie, Helena Dixon, and Verity Bright, Murder in Covent Garden is a must-read.

It is a testament to Davison’s skill as a storyteller that she can craft a narrative that is both a page-turner and a thoughtful exploration of life during wartime.

As the series continues to unfold, fans of Hannah Merrill and Aunt Violet will be eagerly awaiting the next installment, and I now count myself as one of them!