I received this book for free from the Author, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Killing of a Chestnut Tree by Oliver K. Langmead Series: Havelock Harper Mysteries #1
Published by Tordotcom on October 27 2026
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Mystery
Pages: 176
Format: ARC
Source: Author, Publisher
Buy on Amazon, Buy on Bookshop.org
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The nitty-gritty: Clever, charming and romantic, The Killing of a Chestnut Tree is the perfect bite-sized, feel good tale for our times.
I’ve been a fan of Oliver K. Langmead since 2015 when I read and loved Dark Star, and he continues to surprise me to this day. The Killing of a Chestnut Tree is a bit of a departure from some of his other books, but I love this new direction. This is the start to a mystery/detective series that takes place in the UK and is set in the late nineteenth century, following a detective with a distinct Sherlock Holmes flavor. But what could have been just a standard mystery is something else entirely in Langmead’s hands. The “story within a story” format is one I love, and it works remarkably well here. And bonus, The Killing of a Chestnut Tree is a delightful, feel good queer romance, and I could not stop smiling while I was reading it.
We follow Havelock Harper, a famous London detective whose cases are serialized in the Times. He’s assisted by Major Sebastian Wright, who also happens to be the narrator of the story. Their latest case takes place in a remote, forested area where the Duchess of Farleigh House has called upon Havelock to investigate the death of the Duke of Farleigh. When Havelock and Sebastian arrive, they are surprised to find out that the “Duke” is actually a large chestnut tree, and a nearby axe suggests that someone chopped the Duke down.
As the two men begin their investigation, they discover a town that has been keeping secrets from the outside world. Each person they meet brings them closer to solving the mystery, but Havelock’s keen sense of observation picks up on unease below the surface. Because the town of Farleigh is divided, and in order for everyone to come together, Havelock must uncover the reasons behind the Duke’s murder.
What I’ve described above is only part of the story, and that’s what makes The Killing of a Chestnut Tree so unique. The mystery of the Duke’s felling is framed by yet another mystery, one involving two night watchmen named Emmet and Henry who, on their rounds one night, discover white flower petals strewn all over the ground (and no flower bearing plants in the vicinity that could account for the petals). Emmet is a huge fan of Havelock Harper, and so he decides to ask him to help solve the mystery. Havelock agrees, and this is where the story of the Duke enters the picture. The way Langmead weaves these two tales together is simply brilliant.
The mystery of the Duke’s “murder” is fairly complex and involves much more than just the townspeople of Farleigh and the individual who committed the crime. The history of the town plays a big part and adds a nice extra layer to the story. Havelock is a wonderful character who is not only driven by the mystery but also wants to understand the motivations of the possible suspects, and his ability to intuit the truth was remarkable and highly entertaining.
As for the romance, it isn’t the main focus, but the story wouldn’t be nearly as engaging without it. The time period makes it nearly impossible for queer people to have open relationships, so the characters struggle with their feelings quite a bit. But the romances—yes, there are two!—are so sweet and real and added the perfect, light-hearted touch.
And I have to mention the trees of Farleigh Forest, which are very important to the mystery. Langmead’s heartfelt message to save forests from destruction (like logging and construction) will resonate with many readers, and the trees have a very cool surprise that I won’t reveal here. I loved the scientific facts the author adds about trees and the ways they communicate with each other, and you will probably come to love and respect these trees as much as I did.
Everything is wrapped up nicely at the end, but Havelock and Sebastian will return! I am already excited to read their next adventure, The Chrysalis Conundrum coming out next year.
Big thanks to the author and the publisher for providing a review copy.
This sounds lovely! And obviously it goes straight to my TBR!!
I hope you get to read it!
This sounds really good!! Love a Sherlockian mystery
It was really good, and such a gentle, happy story:-)
Excellent review! I might really enjoy this one.
I think you would!
I love the sound of this one, especially with the Holmes and Watson feel.
Lynn 😀
It was so much and fun and so well written:-)
I love a good detective story, so this is right up my alley! And I see you’re reading Off the Reservation right now? I’m so eager to get my hands on it. Hopefully soon!
I just finished Off the Reservation last night, and I’m still trying to gather my thoughts, lol. It was sort of exhausting, but very typical for the author’s work. So if you’re a fan, you will probably love it!
I’ve never read anything by Langmead. This sounds fun…and maybe a good introduction to this author?
Yes, it’s short too so that’s a bonus for a new author:-)
I definitely need to check this one out. I always adore a story within a story and am very curious to discover how the two mysteries connect to one another. The Tainted Cup has left me excited for any Holmes style lead so I can definitely see me falling for the characters. And its lovely to hear that the romance is so charming too. Lovely review.
I think it will appeal to readers who loved The Tainted Cup for sure!
Oh a new Oliver K. Langmead book! It does sound different from his usual books but that’s not a bad thing. It sounds quite wonderful and the cover is so cute!!
He’s such a good writer and very creative as well!
It seems cozy and smart and sweet so just perfect for the season!
It was very sweet, it was nice to read something so gentle with all the horror I’ve been reading;-)
This brought back memories of what I think may have been a true story about a huge ancient tree along an old stone fence, possibly in England, that was cut down, and local authorities were looking for who did it. I think it was sort of a local landmark and attraction.
How interesting, I wonder if the author knew about that story when he was writing this…
I LOVE the sound of this one, Tammy. Thank you for a lovely review:)). I’ve missed the boat regarding the arc, but I’ll probably treat myself to the audiobook!
The cover is eye catching even if this isn’t really my type of read. Glad you enjoyed it though. Great review!
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2026/10/10/e-galley-review-entities-to-lovers-by-mallory-marlowe/