Katy Watson

A Lively Midwinter Murder

Katy Watson

Reviewed on 31st December 2025

The Dahlias return for a fourth mystery, this time set in a classic setting of a remote Scottish castle, snowed in for the winter, and thus providing a neat set of suspects to investigate.

It's a challenging mystery with a lot going on amongst all the suspects, and within our group of stars. For the first time all three of their partners have been brought along for the ride too, adding some interesting new elements to the dynamic but also supplementing their number in a convenient manner.

Some very distracting red herrings popped up along the way, one in particular that distracted me away from what was really going on, but which was seemingly never actually followed up on by the characters.

An enjoyable adventure, and I look forward to many more.

Seven Lively Suspects

Katy Watson

Reviewed on 1st March 2025

The Dahlias return for their third adventure. Caro has published the first book in the series, and the trio are met at the launch party by a group who ask for their help clearing a family member of a cold case.

I love all the moments of meta jokes that fill this book - what better 'write what you know' than a mystery set at a literary festival. There are so many throughout that just make this a delight to read.

The characters feel almost a step realer now - they've had time for their personalities to settle, and jumping between them feels less harsh than before and a better flow. I enjoyed the balance of focus with the previous novel too.

Just an enjoyable little trip into their world. I look forward to the three more promissed.

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A Very Lively Murder

Katy Watson

Reviewed on 28th September 2024

The 3 Dahlias reconvene in Wales after one receives a death threat, and various other mysteries surround the production of their new film.

Unlike the first novel, the perspective shifts frequently between the three main characters, and I found that made the flow slightly less smooth. I’m not sure how the original style could have been preserved now though.

I didn’t find myself as captivated as by the first novel either, despite it being a solid mystery with a good range of characters and lots going on. I think it almost loses something without all the insecurities in the just-beginning relationship between the characters.

That said, it’s still been an enjoyable read and I’m planning to continue with this series as future entries become available in paperback.

The Three Dahlias

Katy Watson

Reviewed on 14th April 2024

This new twist on the golden era/cosy crime genre sees three actresses who played the fictional detective Dahlia Lively meet up for a convention, where naturally they are drawn into solving a real murder.

It’s a wonderful read, full of fascinating characters with secrets to uncover. There’s a lot going on, and Watson’s structure provides a great way to meet her characters and see the world through each of their eyes, as well as setting out a thoroughly good mystery.

I properly enjoyed every moment and have immediately put the sequels on my wish list - I can’t wait to find out what adventures await for them.

The perfect cosy read, just the sort of thing I was hoping for.

Recently reviewed

A Lively Midwinter Murder

Reviewed on 31st December 2025

Seven Lively Suspects

Reviewed on 1st March 2025

A Very Lively Murder

Reviewed on 28th September 2024

The Three Dahlias

Reviewed on 14th April 2024

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