5th in the Miss Underhay Mysteries, Murder in the Belltower by Helena Dixon is another exciting historical mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. Spendin5th in the Miss Underhay Mysteries, Murder in the Belltower by Helena Dixon is another exciting historical mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. Spending Christmas with her newly acquired relatives, Kitty Underhay was accompanied by her friend and (for the period of the holiday) maid Alice, at Enderley Hall. Kitty’s friend Matthew Bryant, ex-army captain and now PI, was also invited, along with guests from America and Austria.
Freezing conditions with snow and ice see the winter of 1933 and Christmas at Enderley Hall also facing murder, mayhem and mischief as Kitty searched for clues, while positive Matt was hiding something from her. Would Kitty discover who the murderer was? And would she also discover more about her mother’s murder?
I’m loving this series – the covers are enticing and the content always intriguing. Although the ending was a little abrupt this time around, I still highly recommend it.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
**Just a warning – the blurb is almost all completely wrong in the way things are set out – part of it didn’t even happen!
Merged review:
5th in the Miss Underhay Mysteries, Murder in the Belltower by Helena Dixon is another exciting historical mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. Spending Christmas with her newly acquired relatives, Kitty Underhay was accompanied by her friend and (for the period of the holiday) maid Alice, at Enderley Hall. Kitty’s friend Matthew Bryant, ex-army captain and now PI, was also invited, along with guests from America and Austria.
Freezing conditions with snow and ice see the winter of 1933 and Christmas at Enderley Hall also facing murder, mayhem and mischief as Kitty searched for clues, while positive Matt was hiding something from her. Would Kitty discover who the murderer was? And would she also discover more about her mother’s murder?
I’m loving this series – the covers are enticing and the content always intriguing. Although the ending was a little abrupt this time around, I still highly recommend it.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
**Just a warning – the blurb is almost all completely wrong in the way things are set out – part of it didn’t even happen!...more
When I finally realised, a few pages in, that all characters in A Pocket Full of Pie were cats (this is my first in the series!), everything began to When I finally realised, a few pages in, that all characters in A Pocket Full of Pie were cats (this is my first in the series!), everything began to flow properly. And I enjoyed the fun and entertainment. The characters' names were crazy fun - Marzi Pan is one which made me laugh! - but the two detectives from The #2 Feline Detective Agency, Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins, had their wits about them, and soon their long suspect list was shortened to just a few. There was plenty of food in A Pocket Full of Pie, especially with the bake-off competition, as well as a cricket match (can you imagine cats playing cricket in their cricket whites?!), a radio station - Whisker FM - and the reading of Agatha Crispy's novels! A delightful read which amused me....more
When Maud and Daisy received a message that their old friend, Lord Urquhart, needed their assistance at Clachlan Castle on the Isle of Mull, the two wWhen Maud and Daisy received a message that their old friend, Lord Urquhart, needed their assistance at Clachlan Castle on the Isle of Mull, the two women left their business - M. McIntyre Detective Agency in Edinburgh - to immediately head there. It was 1912 in a cold, wintery Scotland, with dense fog, storms of fierce lightning and loud claps of thunder, and Maud and Daisy had no idea what was ahead of them. The castle's owner, Magnus Carmichael, was a pleasant man until he was angered, and his few guests were a mottled lot.
When first one of the castle's guests was murdered, then the police officer who was collecting clues and interviewing staff and guests, was also murdered, Maud and Daisy were well on the trail of the killer - obviously someone from within Clachlan - but they were puzzled. A locked room murder for the first one; an impossibility for the second. But the two detectives were determined. Would they discover the killer before the police arrived on the island?
I was sad to read at the end of the story, that Death in a Scottish Castle is the final book in The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency series by Lydia Travers as I have enjoyed them all. This one (#4), is the best yet in my opinion. Maud and Daisy are well written characters, and complement each other well. I love "listening" to Daisy talk in her broad Scottish accent, as they work out the clues and head toward a result. An excellent story; a great series and one I recommend to fans of historical cosies.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When sixty year old Vera Wong discovered a dead body in her tea shop early one morning, she immediately called the police. But first she did a couple When sixty year old Vera Wong discovered a dead body in her tea shop early one morning, she immediately called the police. But first she did a couple of things - just to help them, of course. Seeming quite obvious to Vera that the victim had been murdered, she was shocked at the police's actions, and of course, Vera being Vera, decided to find the killer herself.
As first one stranger, then another, appeared in her shop, Vera knew (from the shows on TV) that killers always return to the scene of the crime. And so her suspect list grew. As she cooked her famous meals, and brewed her delicious teas, for her new friends, she knew they were all hiding secrets, and it was her job to uncover them. But her gradual liking for her "suspects" found her in a quandary. She had a solution - but would it work? Would she discover who was the killer?
Set in San Francisco, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is my first by Jesse Q. Sutanto and I enjoyed it very much. Vera is a card; her deep love for little Emma - her sous chef - was cute, with her answer to everything - after the cups of tea - being to cook, cook, cook, to feed the few. Highly recommended....more
When Betsy Edwards was enticed away from the Red Dragon pub by an elegant American, Emmy Court, who declared Betsy had psychic abilities and she wanteWhen Betsy Edwards was enticed away from the Red Dragon pub by an elegant American, Emmy Court, who declared Betsy had psychic abilities and she wanted her tested, Betsy was excited. Working at the Sacred Grove New Age centre was all she'd dreamed about; meeting all the people involved made Betsy feel important. But when the director went missing from Sacred Grove, and Betsy saw where he was in a dream, she was horrified when it was true, and he was dead.
With two previous missing women connected to the Sacred Grove centre, Constable Evan Evans was suspicious. His superiors attended the centre, interviewing all staff while Evans kept in the background. But he knew something wasn't right about the place, and he also knew Betsy was in danger. Betsy declared she could look after herself but could she? Would Evans discover who the culprit was before it was too late?
Evans to Betsy is the 6th in the Constable Evans series by Rhys Bowen and I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I have the previous books. Just a lowly constable is Evan Evans, but he is very smart, solving the cases ahead of his superiors (much to their disgust) Fun and entertaining, I can highly recommend this series to fans of the genre!...more
It was mid 1912 when Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong were summoned to Bristol by Lady H's brother Harry. There had been a murder and Harry didnIt was mid 1912 when Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong were summoned to Bristol by Lady H's brother Harry. There had been a murder and Harry didn't want the local police to find who the dead man was. He was an "important man" to the Secret Service Bureau so Lady H and Flo had to take over the investigation. That went down like a lead balloon to the local powers that be, until Harry set them right. Then Harry told Lady H and Flo to pack for two weeks and make their way, as fast as possible, to London...
London, and the flat that Harry had secured for them, felt familiar and good. Dressing to mix, the pair wandered the streets, catching up with a brothel madam, an under world criminal, and more. But it was the sighting of distinctive hats that had Lady H and Flo certain they knew what was going on. Would they be able to keep the Austrian delegate safe? The significant threats needed to be knocked on the head, but could it be done?
An Assassination on the Agenda is another delightful, fun and entertaining episode in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries - #11 - by T.E. Kinsey which I adored! I laughed out loud on many occasions as the two MCs bickered, argued, teased, and generally got themselves into all sorts of trouble. But their talents haven't changed - if anything, they've improved. And what an outcome! I'm really loving this series and already looking forward to the next. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Lady Eleanor Swift, her butler, Clifford and the ladies, were in London for a day or two, for the British Empire Exhibition. Eleanor had decided on a Lady Eleanor Swift, her butler, Clifford and the ladies, were in London for a day or two, for the British Empire Exhibition. Eleanor had decided on a hot air balloon ride, which Clifford declined in partaking. But it was while aloft that Eleanor spotted two men down below, in one of the vacant exhibition areas, and she saw one shoot the other. When she was finally able to head to the area, there was nothing there - no sign of what she'd seen. Did she imagine it?
Lady Chadwick, a person Eleanor didn't know well, approached Ellie at The Ritz, where she was staying, and begged her for help. An expensive pearl necklace had gone missing and Lady Chadwick was sure one of her staff was the thief. Could Ellie pretend to be a governess to her two children, all the while investigating the loss of the necklace? Of course, Ellie would help (wondering all the while what she would do with two children!) Clifford would be close at hand, but not living in Chadwick House, while Ellie's fiance, Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, was also in London, but for a different purpose. Ellie was quite bemused with what she found in the manor; the back biting and mud slinging wasn't how it was in Hendon Hall. Gradually she made her way forward - but would she find the answers she needed? And how was it connected to the murder Ellie thought she saw?
Murder in Mayfair is the 18th in the Lady Eleanor Swift series by Verity Bright and I loved it once again! Ellie's an excellent character and with Clifford by her side, along with Gladstone (the dog) and Tomkins (the cat) and of course, Hugh - the highjinks continue. This series is always fun and entertaining, and this one is no different. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
It was 1930 when private eye, Miss Clara Vale, became embroiled in a plot involving Egyptian artefacts and mummies. The night at the Hancock Museum inIt was 1930 when private eye, Miss Clara Vale, became embroiled in a plot involving Egyptian artefacts and mummies. The night at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle was the beginning and it wasn't long before Clara and her assistant Bella were heading for Cairo on a cruise ship. On board were people who had also been at the Museum, plus a fellow sleuth who wanted the answers before Clara. Jack had always been a thorn in her side, irritating and aggravating. But she also knew they were both on the same side.
Upon arrival in Cairo, Clara was amazed at the beauty surrounding her. But she also discovered that she had no idea who she could trust. With murders and smuggling, as well as devious people watching her and Bella, Clara knew the clock was ticking and danger was circling. Would they discover who the culprit/s were before someone else died?
The Pyramid Murders is the 3rd in the Miss Clara Vale Mysteries by Fiona Veitch Smith and the first I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip around Cairo, on the River Nile and the sight of the pyramids, even from the air! This historical mystery was filled with bad guys, and I certainly didn't come to the right conclusion until the reveal! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Georgina Drake was in London, staying with her daughter Bea who was starring in her first role in Macbeth at the theatre. Bert, Georgie's dog, had comGeorgina Drake was in London, staying with her daughter Bea who was starring in her first role in Macbeth at the theatre. Bert, Georgie's dog, had come with her, as well as Doris who accompanied Georgie everywhere. Georgie was a professional photographer and taking photos of the rehearsals, plus the head shots for advertising. But the first day of rehearsing went badly wrong when one of the actors was discovered, dead, under the stage.
When Georgie discovered the dead actor had been blackmailing Bea, she immediately suspected he wouldn't have only blackmailed one person. In other words, there were a number of people who would have motive. With the London police interviewing everyone, including Georgie, she knew she had to work hard herself to discover the killer. Otherwise they might go after someone else. But could she do it?
The Body Under the Stage is the 3rd in the Georgina Drake Mystery series by Kate Hardy and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mystery, intrigue, a touch of ghostly nudging and some great characters make this a series I'm keen to continue. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
It was 1936 when Captain Matthew Bryant and his wife Kitty (formerly Miss Underhay) arrived in Nice, under orders from Whitehall in London. They were It was 1936 when Captain Matthew Bryant and his wife Kitty (formerly Miss Underhay) arrived in Nice, under orders from Whitehall in London. They were to meet up with a stranger, collect papers from him and return to London as quickly as possible. But shortly after their arrival in the luxurious hotel, they decided to take a walk before dinner and when they became lost, walked through an alley in hopes of meeting the main thoroughfare. But what they found was a dead body, and Matt was horribly convinced it was the man they were due to meet.
With Inspector Villiers interviewing everyone, including Matt and Kitty, plus the group of people in the hotel sticking close to their sides, Kitty wondered if these people were ones they'd been warned about. When another body was discovered, Kitty and Matt knew the dangers were getting closer and they were far from discovering where the papers were. What would they do? They didn't want to disappoint Whitehall, but neither did they want to put themselves in danger...
Murder on the French Riviera is the 16th in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and I thoroughly enjoyed it! This one seemed to have more danger attached to it for Kitty and Matt - the tension was heightened, and the thrills were accelerating. A fabulous episode, and one I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Eliza Anderson's twin sister was missing and the police weren't interested, so she arrived at the door of the Portobello Detective Agency, run by GracEliza Anderson's twin sister was missing and the police weren't interested, so she arrived at the door of the Portobello Detective Agency, run by Grace McKenna, ex cop. Learning about Beth's life to date was hard to listen to, but Grace took the case and her two offsiders, Hannah and Jean, along with Harvey, Grace's devoted Labrador were all determined to find the missing woman. Eliza's information led them to a clinic for addicted young people; they would stay for a year, free of charge, and leave, healthy and no longer addicted. Grace was alarmed. Those places were expensive; what was happening out in the Scottish wilderness at Whiteadder House?
Grace's ex husband, Brodie, who was a police officer, told Grace he couldn't and wouldn't get involved, even when the body of a young woman was found washed up on the shore. With no help from the officials, Grace and her team knew they had to infiltrate Whiteadder House themselves. Danger vibrated, but Grace was determined. There were people in peril, some who were beyond help she knew - but she had to do it, come what may. Hannah and Grace went in undercover - but would they make it out again?
Murder at Whiteadder House is the 3rd in the Detective Grace McKenna Scottish Murder Mystery series by Jackie Baldwin and it was intense! Fast paced, my heart was pounding as I flew through the pages - I couldn't work out whether this would end well or not! Fabulous characters - the three women of the detective agency, and Harvey make the stories! I'm really looking forward to #4 and am convinced this one is the best yet in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
It was 1925 when Cressida Fawcett and her pug Ruby arrived at Cressy's Aunt Mary's mansion in Winchester, with her best friend, Dotty and Dotty's brotIt was 1925 when Cressida Fawcett and her pug Ruby arrived at Cressy's Aunt Mary's mansion in Winchester, with her best friend, Dotty and Dotty's brother Alfred following a few hours later. When Aunt Mary, Cressy and Ruby accompanied the church's Dean as he took them for a tour through the crypt, their shock was immense when a recently murdered body was found, with Aunt Mary's maid, Nancy standing over him with a bloodied candlestick in her hands. Nancy was arrested and when Cressy's friend, Detective Andrews and his sidekick, Kirby, of Scotland Yard arrived, they declared it an open and shut case.
But Cressy, in part directed by Aunt Mary, declared Nancy innocent. She wouldn't kill the man she loved, the man she was engaged to, would she? Andrews wouldn't be moved. Cressy could feel something was drastically wrong and with mention of ancient bones being discovered, her investigative nerves tingled. She had to find the true killer before Nancy faced the noose. As Cressy searched the elegant, old but beautiful Cathedral, she knew it held dark secrets...
Death in the Crypt is the 5th in the Cressida Fawcett series by Fliss Chester and it was another fun and entertaining addition to the series. Cressy continues to do foolish things (investigating by herself, in dark and dangerous places) but her heart is in the right place and she always gets results, much to Andrews' chagrin! Ruby is cute, a clever little pug, while the plot twists were incredible! Death in the Crypt is one I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Loading...
