Holly, Baubles, and Murder
Series: Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery #8
Author: Victoria Tait
Genre: Cozy Crafts and Hobbies Mystery
Setting: Yorkshire, England
Release Date: October 20, 2023, by Kanga Press
Pages: 240
Summary:
A joyful Christmas festival turns deadly when a corpse ends up as the chilling centrepiece. Can an amateur sleuth unwrap the tinsel-tangled mystery before the merry cheer melts away?
Talented antiques enthusiast, Dotty Sayers, is thrilled to be organising a Christmas display at a Yorkshire country house. She enjoys decking the halls, but the season is far from jolly when the chief guide is found dead, her body as cold as ice.
When cops dismiss the death, Dotty turns to her prickly American colleague, only to learn he has his own secrets to solve. But when he disappears, this amateur detective fears the festive charades have become far deadlier.
Can Dotty string together the clues and bring to light the killer?
This new instalment of the Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series is a Christmas country house murder mystery. If you enjoy entertaining characters, perplexing puzzles, and charming English settings, you’ll love Victoria Tait’s page-turning tale.
Enjoy Christmas cheer with Dotty, and buy Holly, Sculptures and Murder today!
Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Books2Read
Character Interview with Dotty Sayers
How did you and your author meet?
We’ve been together for a while now, and we originally met when the author visited the auction house where I was working in the Cotswolds.
Why did this writer decide to feature you in a whole series of books?
I think she felt sorry for me. I was shy, and I’d just lost my husband, so I wasn’t sure what to do with my life. But then I told her a story about discovering a body in a grandfather clock. She thought it fascinating and wrote Hour is Come, a free prequel to my series. (Visit www.VictoriaTait.com to secure your copy.)
Do you have any friends or family helping you out?
To start with, I had lots of friends, including my best friend, Sergeant Keya Varma. But since I left the Cotswolds, it’s just me and my British blue cat, Earl Grey. I do miss everyone in the Cotswolds, and I wonder if I should return soon.
Do you have a regular job and investigate on the side or are you a full-time detective?
I worked at Akemans antiques, as the receptionist and trainee valuer, but there was an incident in Priceless Betrayal which meant I needed some time away. I’m currently working for Lord Abermarle, organising the decoration of Yoredale Hall for the annual Christmas Festival. Solving crimes is just something that seems to happen.
What is the funniest thing that happens to you or another character in this story?
We all had fun times decorating Yoredale Hall and playing in the snow after a heavy snowstorm. But both events brought tragedy, so it’s hard to think about them as funny. But I did have some laughs with Lily, who ran the shop and café at the Hall, and her wonderful daughter, Ivy.
Have you solved other cases or is this your first one?
I have to admit, I’ve helped solve quite a few murders, and some antique related frauds and thefts. Until recently, I was close to the police in Cirencester, in the Cotswolds, but now I’m in Yorkshire, I’m acting on my own.
Do you have a gift or a special talent?
Oh no! I just observe people and events, and connect the dots. There’s nothing special about me.
Who is the most important individual in your life?
I don’t know at the moment. I miss Keya, my best friend, and Aunt Beanie, my old landlady. But I have my cat, Earl Grey, and I’ve just met Zach, although I’m not sure I can call him a friend just yet.
What is your ideal vacation?
What a wonderful idea! I’d like to go somewhere with lots of history, and art, and architecture. Somewhere in Italy, I think, with delicious food. I spent some time in the south of France recently, and it was wonderful. It’s nice to have some sun, although even in winter, Yorkshire can be beautiful.
If you could change anything about your life what would it be?
To have taken charge of my life earlier. I’ve missed so much, but I’m trying to make up by visiting new places, meeting new people, and having new experiences.
Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery Series
About the Author
Victoria Tait was born and raised in Yorkshire, England. After following her military husband around the world, she drew on her life’s experiences, and a love of Agatha Christie, Father Brown, and Murder She Wrote, to write British-based cozy mysteries.
Her determined female sleuths are joined by colourful and quirky teams of helpers, and her settings are vivid and realistic. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world where you’ll experience surprises, humour, and sometimes, a tug on your heartstrings.
Do you like tea, mysteries, and books? Then why not join Victoria’s TeaCozy Club for regular news and updates, and download the free prequel to the Dotty Sayers Antique Mysteries series as a gift by visiting her website.
Who doesn’t like tea, cake, and a slice of murder?
Website | Blog | Goodreads | Amazon | Bookhype | BookBub | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
Giveaway
Prize: Cozy Christmas Baubles Giveaway
Tour Organized by:
To find all the tour information, click the banner at the top of the page.
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Thank you for dropping by! So, what do you think of Dotty Sayers and Holly, Baubles, and Murder by Victoria Tait? Check out the other stops and enter the awesome giveaway if you have time.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
Thank you hosting Holly, Baubles and Murder on your website.
Victoria