The characters in this series are why I keep coming back. From the husband wife team of Eleanor and Hugh to their trusty butler (and now partner in their detective agency) Clifford, down to Gladstone the Bulldog, they're all well-fleshed out and distinctive. Oddly enough, I find that the relationship between Lady Eleanor Swift and her "knows what she wants before she does" butler Clifford the most fun. The banter between the two of them is sure to bring a smile to your face, even with his well timed jabs at her habit of having a, uh, healthy appetite. Husband Hugh, er, Sir Hugh Seldon, aka former Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard, is there but seems to have the straight man role more so than Clifford, so he's oddly enough often more of a restrained personality than their butler/partner/friend. Together, the make up the Bryon Detective Agency which embarks on one strange case.
It's Christmas Eve and people are gathering at Henley Hall but, well, they want to make this agency a success, never mind that it involves making a long, difficult journey in the snow that same evening because they must arrive before midnight to accept the case. Miraculously, they do. Only one problem. Their client is no where to be found. Then, while strolling over to the local church for Christmas Eve services, they stumble over a body. It's Inigo Osmund Unwin draped over a tombstone. Oops, he was apparently their client.
I won't really detail more of the plot except to say it's a complicated one. Let's face it. It started with complications and only gets more so. The hamlet of Yorelow, where they'd been summoned, is small but there are more than a couple likely suspects. Along the way, as they follow one lead after another, meeting some eccentric characters in the process, you'll learn about the hurdy-gurdy, early gramophone recordings, the history of midnight mass, Darwin, and even Pandora's Box...and more. And, for long time readers, never fear. Eleanor's ladies, aka "The Aprons" do make a memorable appearance. Don't forget to read the Historical Notes at the end. They're always a highlight for this former history major. Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for introducing me to this delightful trio of sleuths and all their friends and associates. I'm hoping this series is able to continue for a long time despite the death of the female half of the husband/wife writing pair.
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