REVIEW - FESTIVELY FATAL - When you need something Christmassy yet murdery

Festively Fatal by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 22nd November 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Christmas Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

I've been saving this book on my TBR for this time of year. I love this series, and intersperse it in my reading, knowing I'll enjoy each book. It's definitely a series I wish more people knew about.

I love that the team who have been brought up in a 'make do and mend' environment got to see how the other half live. And realised that maybe they have the better end of the deal! :O 

Poor Lucas - he's grumpier than ever. He should be enjoying a lovely Christmas. But, of course, a ghost has to come along and ruin it. But at least Tommy gets some long-awaited festive family spoiling, bless him. Oh, the cuteness of a city boy experiencing the snowy countryside - something I've personally witnessed IRL! And Clara seems to thrive whenever there's a mystery to solve. 

The banter and enthusiasm always wrap these mysteries in a loving warmth. 

And this one really had me guessing! Who dunnit? 

Marvellous writing, great characters, festive plot - a brilliant read. Just right for anyone wanting a little Christmas with their murder mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - WHAT HAPPENED IN LONDON - Unusual things!

What Happened in London by Kim M Watt

 Date read: 7th November 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Not-So-Cosy Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Having read and loved all the Beaufort Scales books, I was intrigued by what had happened to DI Adams to get her there. She was definitely, deliberately not saying something! 

I was keen to eek out spooky season, so this was my opportune moment to delve in. The Beaufort Scales series is full of cake and wonderful chaos. This story, as the author warns, is darker, though. But then I trust Kim M Watt - she can make even the dark and dangerous sound beautiful with her beautiful phrasing. She has a delightful way of viewing the world in terms of sharp angles and diffuse light. 

So, the story:

Children are going missing in the Christmas Market! And there are strange people about - ones who are not quite all they seem. But then there are the forgotten - they're going missing too, not that anyone seemed to care before DS (not yet DI) Adams got involved.

Jack is a colourful character, and a wonderful addition to this cast. He's fascinating.

And it was comforting and lovely to see the 'dog' make a tentative introduction this early in Adams' career.

The bridge itself becomes a character in its own right, with its looming, dark girders, and the Thames swirling below with its hungry currents. 

I love how determined DS Adams is. She will sniff out a case and keep investigating until it's solved, even when the clues she discovers make 0 sense and give her migraines. 

NB This is not a book for those folk who don't like arachnid behaviour

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those readers seeking a thrilling mystery with an unusual nature. An intriguing book that peeks behind the flimsy veil of reality.

Always in love and light,

TL