The Killing of a Chestnut Tree by Oliver K Langmead

Everyone in England knows Havelock Harper, the celebrated consulting detective, from the cases published in the papers. If any of them read his secret files, they would discover a very different man. His most fantastical cases must never reach the public eye, and nor must the love he shares with his stalwart companion, the formidable Major Sebastian Wright.

The Duke of Farleigh has been killed, and Havelock Harper summoned to the secluded Farleigh Forest to solve his murder. When he and Sebastian arrive, they discover a greater mystery. The trees of Farleigh have begun to speak, writing words into their leaves and bark. The victim is one of those an ancient chestnut, cruelly chopped down.

Why has the forest begun to speak? Why would anyone cut down the Duke? And how can Farleigh’s gentle, quiet paradise survive this crime?

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📖 Pre-Reading Thoughts

Sherlock Holmes may have inspired countless detectives, but it's always interesting to see what a new writer brings to the formula. A Victorian mystery involving a talking forest certainly sounded different enough to catch my attention.

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📚 Post-Reading

As I thought...

Oliver K. Langmead wears his Sherlock Holmes inspiration proudly. The Killing of a Chestnut Tree has all the hallmarks of a classic Victorian detective story, from the brilliant consulting detective and loyal companion to the carefully layered mystery at its heart. Presenting the novel as a secret case file hidden within another story is a particularly enjoyable touch, adding an extra layer of intrigue before the investigation even begins.

The mystery itself is well constructed, balancing a traditional murder investigation with a delightfully unusual central premise: the trees of Farleigh Forest have begun to communicate by growing words into their bark and leaves. It's an idea that feels quietly magical rather than overwhelming, allowing the investigation to remain the focus.

It surprised me by...

How readily everyone accepts the supernatural element. Coming in with little experience of Sherlock Holmes beyond its cultural reputation, I wasn't sure whether this was in keeping with the classic stories or a deliberate choice by Langmead. Either way, once I accepted the premise myself, it became easy to settle into the mystery.

At just over novella length, the story moves at a satisfying pace and would make an excellent choice for anyone looking for a mystery they can enjoy over a couple of evenings. The ending leaves plenty of room for further adventures, and I'll certainly be interested to see where the series goes next.

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👀 Who I'd Recommend It To

• Fans of Sherlock Holmes-inspired mysteries
• Readers who enjoy folklore woven into detective fiction
• Anyone looking for a quick autumnal read
• Lovers of cosy mysteries with a magical twist

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Music: something with gentle strings and woodwinds, or a quietly mysterious folk piece.

Vibe Check: Fallen leaves crunching beneath your boots, amber light filtering through ancient branches, bark etched with impossible words, damp earth after rain, the hush of a forest that is trying very hard to tell you something.

Tarot: Ace of Swords

Havelock uses all his faculties to see through the confusion around what's happened and who's played what part. The sparks of inspiration may be spread out throughout this story, but they come together to form a solution.

The Killing of a Chestnut Tree publishes on the 27th October, 2026. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.