Anita Davison Books In Order

Publication Order of Flora Maguire Mysteries Books

Publication Order of Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery Books

Publication Order of The Woulfes of Loxsbeare Books

Publication Order of Canadian Historical Brides Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Anita Davison is an English author best known for her Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries set in WWI. She was born and raised in London, and the city’s vibrant history has influenced her writing from a very young age. Anita lived in different cities across the UK and Europe before finally moving back to her home city, where she spent most of her time writing books about the 17th century.

Murder in the Bookshop is the first novel in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery series. The books take the readers back in time into the heart of London in 1915, amidst the turmoil of World War I and the daring acts of suffragettes. The city, battered by Zeppelin raids, sets a dramatic backdrop for a story that blends espionage, mystery, and a bit of family drama.

We meet Hannah, the protagonist, who finds herself navigating the dangers and uncertainties of a city at war. Despite her mother’s pleas to seek refuge in Surrey, Hannah is drawn to the Covent Garden bookshop her Aunt Violet owns. The day after a raid, she arrives to find the shop still standing, with young apprentice Archie holding the fort, but their manager, Monty Carstairs, is absent. Hannah’s dismay at the disarray in the bookshop is just the beginning of her troubles.

Upon discovering a hidden stash of postcards being sold illicitly by Monty, Hannah is thrust more deeply into the complexities of managing the bookshop. Her decision to take control and fire Monty sets off a chain of events that reveals more than just family secrets and evil dealings. Monty’s ominous parting words hint at challenges to come, leaving Hannah to wonder about the true extent of his involvement in the darker underbelly of wartime London.

However, discovering her friend Lily-Anne’s body catapults Hannah from the relative peace of her daily routines into the heart of a mystery that threatens to consume her life. As Hannah delves deeper into the investigation, with the steadfast Aunt Violet by her side, the narrative unfolds against a rich tapestry of historical events. The backdrop of the First World War and the burgeoning Women’s Rights movement adds complexity to Hannah’s quest for justice, painting a vivid picture of a society on the brink of monumental change.

Hannah’s character, marked by resilience and a keen sense of justice, resonates deeply with the reader. Her determination to uncover the truth, even as she navigates the labyrinth of high society’s expectations and the personal grief of losing a fiancé to the war, showcases the inner strength of a woman ahead of her time. With her secrets and unwavering support, Aunt Violet embodies the spirit of change that Hannah aspires to. The mystery, teeming with suspects from German spies to bad employees, unravels at a pace that keeps the reader on their toes.
Murder in the Bookshop delves into themes of loyalty, courage, and the struggle for justice against a backdrop of espionage and societal upheaval. The presence of German spies and bombings adds suspense and danger, making every discovery and decision crucial.

As Hannah steers the bookshop through these turbulent times, she embodies the resilience and determination of those fighting on the home front. Murder in the Bookshop is not just a murder mystery; it’s a vivid portrayal of a period marked by conflict, change, and the fight for equality. With its rich historical context, complex characters, and a plot that weaves together various strands of intrigue, this novel is a compelling read for anyone fascinated by history, mystery, and the enduring power of the human spirit to seek justice amidst chaos.
The Rebels Daughter is the first novel in the Woulfes of Loxsbeare series. In Somerset’s majestic Loxbeare House, Sir Jonathan and Lady Woulfe stand as pillars of dignity, guiding their family through turbulent times. Their daughter, Helena, epitomizes The Rebel’s Daughter, a nickname that reflects her family’s entanglement in a struggle for faith and freedom. The Wolfes, a prosperous Protestant under Sir Jonathan’s lead, chart a precarious course through the political upheaval incited by James II’s Catholic monarchy. This religious and political tension era compels Sir Jonathan to ally with the Duke of Monmouth, Charles II’s unrecognized progeny, marking a defiant stand against the reigning sovereign’s oppressive rule.

As the Duke of Monmouth disembarks on English soil, his call to arms reverberates through the halls of Loxbeare House. Sir Jonathan, his son Aaron, and brother Edmund heed this call, embarking on a journey fueled by conviction, leaving behind a trail of worry and uncertainty. Sir Jonathan’s assurances to his family, framing their action as a mere protest under arms, quickly come to light, revealing a gross underestimation of the conflict’s ferocity. The king’s deep-seated enmity towards Monmouth propels a vicious crackdown on the rebellion, underscoring the high stakes of dissent.

The community’s atmosphere grows tense, reaching a climax as a church proclamation denounces Monmouth and his allies as traitors. This declaration casts a long shadow over Helena and her kin, stirring fears for the safety of her father, brother, and uncle. It also ignites concerns about her societal standing. Amidst the brewing storm, Helena grapples with the potential fallout, fearing the societal backlash that might tarnish her marriage prospects and respectability.

Yet, amidst the chaos, Helena’s thoughts drift to moments of warmth and laughter shared with her father, a stark juxtaposition to the rebellion’s harsh realities. The threat of Sir Jonathan’s estate confiscation looms, painting a grim picture of the rebellion’s costs and the brutal consequences of defiance.

Anita Seymour’s The Rebel’s Daughter not only charts the course of the Monmouth Rebellion but also delves deeper into the emotional and social intricacies faced by those caught in the crossfire. Through Helena’s eyes, the narrative expands to explore themes of familial loyalty, the harshness of political strife, and the resilience of the human spirit. Seymour’s work is a testament to the complexity of historical events, portraying not just the broad strokes of rebellion but the intimate struggles of individuals navigating a world of uncertainty and change.

The Rebels Daughter invites readers to reflect on the enduring themes of courage in the face of adversity, the intricate struggle between personal and political identities, and the strength of familial bonds. Anita Dawson’s portrayal offers a nuanced exploration of the past, serving as a mirror to our times, where questions of loyalty, belief, and the cost of standing for one’s convictions remain ever relevant.