Murder Stage Left (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery, #26), by Verity Bright

 

Publication Aug. 26, 2026

England, 1926. This is another one of my favorite series. You know, one of those that as a reviewer I request without checking the blurb, number of pages, or that sorta thing. I've never yet been disappointed. In this case, what might seem a relatively simple case, tracking down who has been stealing items from the Shakespeare Memorial theatre, quickly gets far, far more complicated. Lady Eleanor and husband Hugh Seldon have barely arrived when a fire breaks out in the theatre and a body is discovered. I won't ruin the fun of trying to sort out the clues yourself but will say it involves, rivalries, old grudges, arson, theft, and, uh, time in cuffs. Nope, not telling. That'd ruin it for you. Grin.

The detective trio made up of Eleanor, Hugh, and the incredibly knowledgeable Clifford are joined by Eleanor's "aprons", the friends and ladies that make her inherited home of Henley Hall home. You'll hear more of it and taxes, btw, as you read. Despite her title, Eleanor has the same money worries of many of that time and, well, as the book reminds us, what Twain said, that nothing is certain but death and taxes. So, this job was timely for them. I've come to enjoy the company of our trio and still marvel that Clifford isn't only seemingly the perfect butler but is such a virtual fountain of knowledge but seems to be a know what is needed before they do. It's been fun to see the relationship change to one of equals among the three, too, albeit Clifford hasn't quite shed his ingrained sense of "butler-ness". Hugh has grown, too, showing more and more signs of not allowing himself to be totally restricted by what his former job at Scotland Yard would deem acceptable to doing whatever is necessary to solve cases and, in most cases, bring a murderer to justice. Eleanor's ladies are an absolute delight and have their own set of skills, which tend to be focused on ferreting out info while seemingly being nothing but chatty ladies interested in the latest gossip. In other words, I enjoy the entire group and always count it a perk when the ladies are a big part of the investigation.

Bottom line, I enjoyed this installment and am ready for the next. We get what may be a big hint of what that will involve at the end, too, not to mention progress ... hopefully .... toward finally sorting out what really happened to Eleanor's parents so long ago.  You'll also pick up quite a bit of info on not only William Shakespeare but his father John's occupation. I'm not telling but it was known as a whittawer, Be sure to read the author's historical notes. They're always a favorite section for me and, shh, I have to admit to frequently jumping ahead to them before finishing the book. No, they don't give away the ending but my brain cells get caught up in wanting to know more about the reality of events. Thanks #Bookouture for introducing me to Eleanor and her circle of friends. I've come to feel like they're old friends and always enjoy my virtual visits. Maybe they'll give me a taste of a Shooter's Sandwich? 

Murder at the Country Fair, by Merryn Allingham

 

Publication June 2, 2016

Sussex, 1960. Flora and Jack are busy, busy, busy. They're trying to get everything sorted and boxed for their move into their new home at the old schoolhouse. Jack is stressing a bit as he tries to finish his latest novel in the face of pressure from his agent while Flora is still checking in on the bookshop as she can. There is also the autumn fair that they want to attend. Hey, even busy folks need to relax at times. Unfortunately, relaxation is the last thing they get from this visit when one of the vendors is killed on his way to his booth. Accident or something far more sinister? I'm sure you can guess. Murder. And, yikes, what a unique means of killing someone. Any hopes Flora and Jack have of staying out of this case goes by the wayside when Jack's police buddy Alec Ridley asks them to look into it. Turns out the prime suspect is Ridley's golfing buddy. 

So, who killed cheese maker Gilbert Barrow in such a devious way? Despite his agent's discontent, Jack manages to steal away from his novel and do some sleuthing, even including a short stop at this father's home in the process. We learn a bit more about Jack's relationship with his father in each book, so that's always an intriguing encounter. Flora, of course, as usual manages to put herself into danger. Let's face it, impulsive is her mode of operation and her questioning always seems to put a target on her back. I don't want to give away much more of the plot, it's always best and more fun to encounter events fresh, but will say that there are ample suspects and possible reasons for the murder. We're also treated to side stories involving Flora's friend Alice as well as a romance for Sally. Given Sally's romantic history, let's just say I was rooting for her that this one would take. And, oh, the idea of Egypt keeps floating in and out of the story but I'll leave you to find out why. 

Bottom line, despite some questionable stunts by Flora and Jack, I always seem to come away from this series with a smile. While the author didn't delve too much into the history of the times other than to note that the novel Lady Chatterley's Lover had just come out, you just have to wonder what will be playing out in future books. Anyway, although I picked up on an important clue, I interpreted it wrong and still didn't really finger whodunit until the reveal. A bit frustrating, true, but always a good sign of a clever writer. as it all made sense. Thanks #Bookouture for introducing me to Flora, Jack, and the whole of Abbeymead, and the early peeks into how life is progressing for them and their circle of friends. 

Murder in the Reading Room (Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries #6), by Anita Davison

 

Publication June 24, 2026

This is one of those books one reads with a sense of sadness knowing it's the grand finale of the series but can enjoy seeing how life for the characters you've grown to care about ends in a satisfactory way.  As the story begins, Armistice Day is only a month in the past and England is still feeling the effects of the war with shortages and, of course, the empty tables at homes across the nation. Shop assistant Penny is aniously awaiting the return of her Archie while Hannah is lucky enough never to have had Darius far away. True, his job with MI5 with the British government was often shadowy and left Hannah wondering, but he's home now to stay. As for Aunt Violet, she and former Scotland Yard police chief Aidan Farrell seem to be content to remain unmarried although they might as well be. Read that as you will. Grin. They're also busy running an upscale hotel where Hannah and Darius find themself staying while their home is being remodeled, so the family is together. I don't know about you, but that's a biggie for me as a series draws together. You do want to see your virtual friends happy even while they confront a confusing murder. You'll encounter lots of new or at least not part of the inner circle characters as the story unfolds although Hannah's friend Matilda Gilmartin is front and center and a vital cog in solving the mystery.

Of course, this being a cozy mystery, you know Hannah may face some danger, much to Darius' discontent. This leads them to face some life-changing decisions but I'll leave that for you to discover as you read. So, who killed the seemingly innocuous scholar Theodore Pryme in the middle of a crowded research library? Maybe more to the point, why? What does a lovely statue rumored to be a part of the de Medici family collection have to do with anything? And how does an aristocratic but financially strapped family fit into all this? Heck, one of them was even severely wounded in the war? Yet, there's an art expert and another wannabe art collector showing up with connections to the statue. Where does Hannah fit in all this? Why is she attacked? Well, she is snoopy. Asking too many questions? Too many questions to the wrong people? And, did she ever find that Shakespeare related book that set her off on this adventure? In the meantime, there's suffragette talk -- I never realized there was an age limitation on women voting after the voting right was given -- and you'll learn quite a bit about the role of women in the early post-WWI days in England (and elsewhere). Trust me, Aunt Violet wouldn't let us not be fully informed on that if we drop in on her. 

Bottom line, enough teasers. While I'm not sure this series was in my top ten, it's one I've enjoyed in the past as much for the history of the era as the characters. Don't get me wrong. They're quite likable and mostly believable, even the crusty Detective Inspector Wilson. It's been fun to follow Hannah's growth through the series, including a stint in a military hospital, and see her relationship with Darius bloom despite her chafing at giving up any of her independence. I liked the ending, so wish these virtual characters well and, oh, can't forget Bartleby the shop cat. May he thrive, too. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Hannah and her circle of friends and family and the early peeks at how life during and just after the war was going. In a way, I'm going to miss them and that touch of history.  

The Afternoon Tea Murders (The Secret Detective Agency, #4), by Helena Dixon

 

Jane Treen was one of those characters that wasn't easy to like when I first stumbled into this series. Rather standoffish and prickly, she came across as somewhat self centered and standoffish. I'm happy to say that I've gotten to know her better over this series and quite like her now. She's a woman living not only in a man's world, ie a Whitehall office full of, well, full of themselves men, but a wartime world where women were already secondary characters who weren't expected to have an opinion, much less a supposedly man's job. Her initial focus on ignoring those about her who'd belittle or ignore her made her a tough know and it's been delightful to see how she's evolved into, well, if not necessarily easily likable into a more thoughtful, well rounded person. True, she still brings along her cat despite knowing that poor Arthur, with his asthma will be negatively impacted, but she's making a genuine effort to keep them apart whenever possible and has even taken to not smoking around him. Even more telling, she has taken to worrying about his well being instead of finding him a nuisance for slowing her down, so to speak. She's even learned to slow her walking pace when with Arthur given his breathing issues.

As for the mystery, it's a good one. Author Helena Dixon does and excellent job of setting the scene. You will sense the feelings of isolation and the underlying sense of wariness and tension in the old manor house where a team of intelligence experts is being housed. Their job is to intercept and decode enemy messages. something is askew, however. What if one of the code breakers is the enemy? How else can you explain the sudden, unexpected shifts of code? Then while visiting the village, Jane and Arthur stumble across a murder scene. Are they connected to the underlying issues of the team? Why is one of the team members showing increasing signs of being suspicious and, yikes, surely it isn't a mere coincidence he winds up dead, at a dance no less? And....oh, that's just the beginning. Spies, servants not doing their jobs, a claustrophobic sense of unease, and a sense of not knowing who to trust. And, oh, yeah, a snow storm. 

Nope, not sharing any more. You'll just have to read the book. As a history buff, I definitely enjoyed this behind the scenes look at the multitude of people involved in the shadows of the war effort where the danger of German spies was always on their minds, and how vital the behind the scenes agents were. I'm bad a decoding anything that isn't pretty cut and dry, so can only imagine the tedium of going through message after message after message looking for patterns and more importantly, being able to see any diversion from them. Watching Jane and Arthur work together with the very able assist from jack-of-all-trades (and jobs) Benson, was impressive. Thanks #Bookouture for introducing me to this fascinating cast and allowing me an early peek back at their time and service. If I've learned nothing else from this series, it is that I'd have made a rotten spy. Grin.  

 

 

 

Murder at Sea (A Miss Underhay Mystery #23), by Helena Dixon

 

Publication Feb.23, 2026

It's 1938 in Devon, England. As the story opens, to set the scene firmly in history's timetable, Kitty and those about her are hearing news reports of the Nazi government stripped of citizenship in Romania. A problem closer to home quickly developed, however, as Kitty's cousin Hattie bursts in in tears, saying she's been robbed. Even worse, by her gentleman friend who seems to have taken her jewelry, including a treasured keepsake, and vanished. A quick investigation later, Kitty and Matt find themselves boarding the ship Bonaventure to New York. It seems the gentleman friend may be none other than the elusive Redvers that Matt has been trying to track down for far longer than he likes. Much to their shock, they find him. Dead. That's just the beginning, of course, with lots of international intrigue quickly becoming apparent. 

That's about all I'm going to share of the plot as it's a fun one, full of everything from a young girl's starry eyed romance to secret plans (military?) that relate to the war creeping every closer to them in England. On, and stolen identities and, sigh, class differences and, well, even Kitty's father in NYC, who takes them in for their brief stay, plays a role. This has become a favorite series and I find that I like the regulars and am always eager to find out what they've been up to since my last virtual visit. There are quite a few side characters to keep up with, too, I admit, but they pretty quickly differentiate themselves and showed unique personalities and backgrounds. I did miss Bertie, Kitty's trusty spaniel, but he wouldn't have enjoyed cruising most likely. Kitty's father's quick thinking was a plus, too, so his quick appearance was definitely a plus. And, hey, the Statue of Liberty gets a mention, too, a definitely perk of their unexpected trip to America.

Bottom line, if you enjoy historical fiction/mysteries, give this one a try. It works well as a standalone although past readers will grasp certain aspects far more quickly than newbies. Dixon does a great job setting the scene, both in the sense of time and aboard the ship with the increasingly anxious captain and involved characters.  The plot moves along nicely and you'll enjoy meeting most of the side characters, even while suspecting them of murder most likely. Having cruised myself, it was interesting to compare Matt and Kitty's shipboard happenings and how passengers were assigned rooms, not to mention the slightly different lifeboat routines. Thanks #Bookouture for introducing me to this delightful couple of sleuths and giving me this early peek at their life and adventures. 

Murder at Big Ben: The Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries, Book 2, by Michelle Salter

 

Publication March 30, 2026

You're about to take a deep dive back into the past. It's April 1911. About two months before the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. That's neither here nor now, though. The focus of main character Coral Fairbanks is on women's rights. As such, she's quite active in the various activities of the group, some skirting the law. That makes Coral's potentially budding relationship with Scotland Yard detective Guy Flynn a bit tough, obviously, as he's usually tasked with halting the various activities or, as some call them, stunts. In this case, a small group, including Coral, plan to sneak into Parliament and hide out overnight in order to be counted there as part of the national census to be taken the next morning.Unbeknownst to Coral, Flynn is one of the officers sent there to insure nothing is damaged. Unfortunately, property damage is a minor worry as it turns out that one of the woman who sneaks in is found dead there. Hardly a feather in the cap with three Scotland Yard detectives on site. 

That's where the story really takes off. Flynn is torn by his official rank and his sympathy toward the movement which includes his daughter Theresa's growing interest. Coral and Flynn both fight their growing attraction but she quickly falls into helping him whenever possible. Who'd have wanted to kill the vivacious, apparently charming Amy, an American married to a British man? Maybe more puzzling, how did they do it? I'm not going to spoil the plot further for you but let's just say, let's see, it includes not just the suffragette movement but a deep dive into the art world, family drama, forgery, money problems, politics, poisons, and, more. You'll also learn quite a bit about what is called providence, or proof of the authenticity of works of art and it is discerned and proven. As always, I loved the historical aspects of the story (read the author's note at the end for more on that) and enjoyed the behind the scenes look at Big Ben itself, not to mention inside the Parliament building. You'll also be privy to both Coral and Flynn's points of view, which lets you see how things are progressing when the two main characters are apart. The author makes it easier for you to keep the characters straight, btw,, by giving us a character list with a brief description of who is who up front. That was much appreciated as there are quite a few characters.

Bottom line, a fun, relatively quick moving plot. And, nope, I didn't figure it out until the big reveal. I was so sure I had it, too. Good use of red herrings and twists and turns by the author to make it all make sense at the end. The characters were nicely fleshed out and largely likeable. Heck, I felt sympathy for the eventual killer, too, always a sign of good writing. And, oh, yes, seriously liked the ending. Nice to see the romances, yes, plural, moving forward. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to this series and continuing to allow me an early glimpse of Coral's complicated life through the virtual time machine. Looking forward to their next adventure, hopefully without Flynn having to arrest Coral for... well, whatever. 

 

A Summertime Murder (The Isle of Wight Killings #5), by Mary Grand

Publication March 9, 2026

Susan lives in a lovely setting where everything appears serene and calm on the surface. Only, it isn't. There are lots of twists and turns and I lost track of how many times I changed my mind about who was the most likely culprit. The prologue sets the mood as we're briefly in a killer's mind, leaving us uneasy as we wait to find out the details. As such, the fact life goes on as usual for awhile, dog walks and ocean swims included, prepares us but not for how many seem to have had a reason for wanting the victim dead. It reminds us that a killer can walk amongst us anytime, their life rarely allowing a glimpse into whatever drove them to kill. 

We meet Susan early on (this was my first read of the series) and while tired of the overbearing heat of a seemingly never ending heat wave, she's going about her life. We even get to meet not just her friends but the eventual victim, a local vet whose clinic was just broken into. There are quite a few characters, too, so it took me a bit to sort them all out, occasionally getting confused about who was with who or married to who or whose dog was which. I did quickly suss out that Susan seems involved in a slowly budding romance with Robert, a retired cop, but he was in France with his daughter for much of the book, There always seemed to something hovering just beneath the surface, albeit you're not sure what it is about. Everyone seemed to have secrets. Heck, even Susan seems to have a secret of sorts that involves Steve, her ex-husband who shows up in town expecting to stay at her place briefly....for work, of course. 

Bottom line, lots of secrets on the Isle of Wright. Who'd have wanted to kill the local vet and why? He was a keeper of secrets, too, of course, from the past and present. Let's say his wife didn't seem enthused about his news of a big break. But, more than enough said. Once you sort out the characters, which may be more the fact this was my first read of the series than not, it's an intriguing mystery with a growing sense of unease always just below the surface. Lots of twists and turns and, as noted, misdirection that have you pointing to one suspect after another as whodunit, some more than once. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to this intriguing book and author. While it was maybe a bit out of my usual cozy mystery niche, I found it an interesting read and will definitely be back. It was a plus to me that the story was centered around a small town vet practice, too, animal person that I am. Loved the teaser at the end regarding Susan's future. 

The Six Queens of Henry VIII, by Honor Cargill-Martin , Jaimee Andrews(Illustrator)

 

Publication Feb. 3, 20266

Having read many adult level books on the Henry VIII era, I have to admit to more curiosity over how they'd handle, well, how he disposed of so many wives in a children's nonfiction book. As it turned out, pretty well. True, be forewarned that there is one illustration of a bloody sword, but overall it simply says they died and moves on. Don't get me wrong, there's quite a bit of info shared within, including the usual intrigue and efforts to gain status and position within the royal court, but it simply shows the times and, well, Henry VIII's ego and intent upon having whatever he wanted no matter what.

As for the wives, it actually does a nice job sharing their personalities with us. The charts used for each were quite informative, including education and interests, among other things, including date of demise. The illustrations are lively and colorful with the focus on the women, not Henry, I might note. The sections on each draw you in and provide the basics without drama. Heck, even Anne's end is handled rather matter-of-fact style. The sections also seem to follow the same pattern. giving a bit of the six queens background, how they encountered Henry, their doings within the royal court, and then their downfall. Again, all told without drama. We even get a peek at daughter Elizabeth.  The dress of the day is definitely fun to see and is well done by the illustrator. 

Bottom line, while I question somewhat the designation of the book for "children", I don't feel most children today would find much to be shocked at within. While I can envision some reaction to the executioner's bloody sword, for instance, let's face it, kids will be kids, they've surely seen far more explicit scenes on television by the time they'd be ready to tackle this book. The family tree info and timelines at the back are also useful in helping ground us in the Tudor Era. The cover actually helps set the tone and was a fun prelude to the saga. Thanks #SourcebooksKids for this early peek at a period in history that has always fascinated me. I wonder how history might have been changed had Catherine Parr not been able to persuade Henry to return his daughters to the line of succession.

 

 

Murder at Midwinter Farm (A Miss Underhay Mystery #22), by Helena Dixon

 

As a reviewer, you meet any number of virtual cozy mystery couples. Some you like. Some you like but wouldn't want to spend much time with. Others? Uh, never mind. Fortunately, Kitty and Matt are one of those couples I think I'd enjoy spending time with. Well, murders aside. They seem to mesh well and are easy in themselves, always a plus. They feel like the sort of people we might know. True, they're not perfect and Matt is certainly still fighting his own mental demons left behind by the war. It's 1937 and they do seem to genuinely care about those who revolve around them. In this case, they're worried about how skeletal remains being found in the pig sty of Midwinter Farm may impact the upcoming marriage of friends Alice and Robert. Robert has been working hard at renovations and Kitty and Alice are hard at work inside when the remains are found. Who is it? Why is it there? 

Actually, Alice is more concerned about any bad karma connected to the farm house than the who and why? Seems not everyone is able to deal as well with dead bodies being found practically in their own backyard as Kitty. Kitty is determined to allay those superstitious feels of the house somehow being cursed. I liked that she simply didn't tell Alice she was being silly but was supportive and even went out of her way to find positive memories of the house to help Alice's fears. All this while trying to solve the mystery of who that body was and why it was there? 

Needless to say, this being a small town, gossip flew and there were several potential suspects, even the man's family members. How could a long missing man be connected to a robbery? Or, is it even connected? Not sharing any more of the plot. As usual, it was fun to go back in time to 1937 Devon and be reminded that while some things change, everything doesn't. Good friends are there for you, even if they may not buy into your superstitions. Instead, even while delving into whodunit, Kitty and Matt both try to soothe Alice's fears. 

Bottom line, I enjoyed my time spent with Matt and Kitty. While I haven't quite been with this series from the beginning, it's been fun to watch them grown both individually and as a couple. Matt's PTSD symptoms (did it even have a name back then?) help remind us he/they are "real", not perfect but trying their best. Watching them evolve as time passes has been great. Thanks #Bookouture for letting me time travel for an early peek at what's going on in their world.

 

 

Murder on a Frosty Night (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery Book 24), by Verity Bright

 

Publication Dec. 8, 2025

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.

 

Vows and Villainy: The Cambridge Bookshop Series, by Elizabeth Penney

 

Publication Nov. 25, 2025

I chuckled to myself at the sheer serendipity of starting this book that features the Ophelia amidst the lilies image just as mega-star Taylor Swift released her song using the symbol. I'm not quite sure Swift will create a huge number of new Shakespeare readers but it was fun to see. Even better, it works well as a standalone. In any case, our main character Molly Kimball is busy helping best friend Daisy plan her wedding at Hazelhurst House manor, the ancestral home of Molly's boyfriend Kieran. Daisy wants to utilize a Shakespeare theme and Molly is having great fun pulling things together, including a troupe of players who'll perform a Shakespeare work, until, well, no surprise for series' readers, there's a murder. Molly discovers one of the theatre (we're in Cambridge, England) troupe dead in the moat. Yes, there's a moat. Kieran's older brother Alan jumps in to try to save Sir Nigel but, alas, he's long gone. Then, to add to the drama, one of the players accuses Alan of being the murderer. Yep, things are going to get complicated real fast. Will Daisy's dream wedding happen? Or, gulp, will there be other murders?

This has quickly become a "must read" series for me. It's strongly character driven and it's been fun to see the growth and changes of the regular cast over the length of the series.  Toss in not one but two weddings in the work (oops, forgot to mention that Molly's aunt is about to be married, too, to a long time romantic interest? Grin), a bookshop to run, friends and family to give her time to, and suspicious accidents, Molly is one busy lady. Honestly, I think I enjoyed watching the very human aspects of Molly's life evolve around her more than I did trying to figure out whodunit. I like the usual cast and they feel a bit like family, albeit with mostly British accents, I'm sure. Let's face it, just imagining the life Kieran had growing up in this manor, moat, maze, and all, and getting to know his mother, not to mention Molly's family better, was a delight. Toss in the imagined Shakespeare sonnets and play snippets and it was a bit like Molly wasn't the only one getting to visit the Globe Theatre in London. 

Bottom line, I won't rehash the plot, it's an intriguing one that you can enjoy while not visualizing the setting and stage actions. As is often the case, the past has a role to play, too, not to mention the Thomas Marlow bookshop Molly runs which has been around for over 400 years. Molly makes mention of her love of the smells of the bookshop, including old paper, leather, wood, and glue, giving you a bit of a virtual sensory experience. And, hey, we get to spend some time finding our way through a maze. Good thing Kieran grew up knowing the way, including the shortcut Alan and he had devised. And, of course, you'll spend time trying to figure out whodunit before Molly, I'm sure. Alan? Surely not. One of the players? Someone from Sir Nigel's not always sparkling clean past? Or, well, maybe the geese shoved him into the moat? Nah, just kidding. You'll love the ending, I do know. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for, first, introducing me to these wonderful characters, and, two, giving me an early peek at how life in Cambridge is treating Molly and her mom after their move from America.  

Revenge, Served Royal (Lady Petra Inquires, #3), by Celeste Connally

 Publication Nov. 11, 2025

The time is September, 1815. You're invited to attend a wonderful week of merriment and baking competition at Windsor Castle by Queen Charlotte. Lady Petra is happy to accept not just the invite but to be asked to serve as one of the judges of the baking contest. Even better, her own family cook is to be one of the contestants. Some humor as the naive cook is bewildered by the concept of it being a blind competition, simply meaning the judges will have no way of knowing which baked offering is from which cook. There's an added bonus for Lady Petra as one of her family's former cooks, now a former royal chef turned author of cookbooks, will be on hand. So will her romantic interest, Duncan. That's good as Sir Rufus Pomeroy, her family's former cook, is killed.

 I won't detail the plot much further other than to say it was fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes look at an earlier version of Windsor as well as the royal family. King George, who by then had descended into the madness that marked his later years, is largely scarce, for obvious reasons, although the by then Prince Regent is front and center. In fact, he's even a suspect. All does not seem to be functioning as one might expect with Rufus' valet, who turns out to have connections to Petra, is quickly nabbed as the suspect and ordered to the dungeon. True, there are good reasons for his arrest but not his treatment. Petra sets out to prove his innocence and winds up putting herself in the line of danger, not that it deters her. Be sure you read the author's back matter relating to the actual history being covered, which my history major soul loved reading. I won't spoil it for you but will say family drama, scandal, romance, writing, and, yes, baking, take the spotlight at various times.

Bottom line, despite always being taken aback initially by the large cast and rather meandering murder investigation (hey, it is 1815 after all) I wound up liking Petra and her friends. Heck, the character I thoroughly disliked initially was even redeemed, which was a twist I didn't see coming. And, no, I didn't really guess whodunit, either. But, I did thoroughly enjoy the story around the baking competition and I'm not even a fan of cooking shows. I liked that via Petra it was explained what judges were looking for in the various items as well as how they tasted and rated the entries. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for the early peek at a fun mystery set in a historic era I was happy to visit. Heck, I also have to admit to being curious enough to do some internet surfing to refresh my memories of George and Charlotte, including her having a young Mozart play at the palace. 

Murder at the Royal Palace, by Verity Bright

 

Publication Sept. 30, 2025

A delight.

I've come to love this series for the characters and story but must admit, the historical bits the duo of writers that form Verity Bright are a bonus. With half the duo now gone, see the dedication, I hope this series will continue. I've grown to enjoy the time I spend hanging out with Lady Eleanor Swift and her seemingly all-knowing butler Clifford, not to mention her husband, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, and her ladies. And, oh, let's not forget Gladstone, the bulldog. Gladstone didn't get to tag along initially as it's on royal palace grounds. Hugh is being knighted! He's honored but seems to be a mix of embarrassed at the fuss and worried about getting out of there so he can attend to police work. Then, a fellow honoree passes out in front of King George. They discover he's been ill for some time but, well, Eleanor being Eleanor, she's suspicious and urges Hugh to take the case after his death that is offered by his brother. She sells it to Hugh as sort of a trial run for their almost-there investigative agency with Clifford. 

Things escalate from there and in the process you'll learn a great deal about the palace history, particularly the infamous Tower of London. I think in my mind I've always perceived it as pretty much a museum that now houses the royal jewels but not much else. As you'll discover, it's a residence for palace guards and workers of all sorts. If you've ever heard the term Beefeaters, for instance, you'll learn what that actually entails as well as the history of the name. The victim was actually the Raven Master, charged with, well, the well being of royal ravens. You'll learn their story as you read, don't worry, and why they were considered so important. Rune, one of them, is an intriguing, fun character in the story, in fact. I had to chuckle when I read that Clifford was reading Poe's collected works and immediately thought raven, so was delighted to see I'd picked up on at least one clue. All this and more, much more, while you're trying to solve a mystery but keep getting distracted by all the palace and royal mentions. Grin.

I won't detail the plot further, it's a fun one that ultimately includes family drama, danger, royalty, old legends, ghosts--maybe, maybe not, and hidden....well, let's just say stuff for now. You'll have to much fun sorting it all out and I don't want to ruin that fun. The characters are likable and, of course, taking place in the Tower of London adds a certain aura to it all. It was fun to see Eleanor's loyal ladies arrive and jump right into the investigation, not to mention noting the growth and maturity of the younger ones. I'd be giving away a delightful surprise at the end to say much more so, well, read the book and enjoy traveling back in time to the era of King George. Oh, at a time when the now familiar red booths holding phones first appeared, too. See, more fun history. Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for introducing me to this delightful cast and sharing the wealth of info usually included within. I always find myself peeking at the historical notes at the end throughout, I must admit. I guess I'm not much more patient to find out the read story than Eleanor. Grin. 

Murder in Trafalgar Square, by Michelle Salter

 

Publication Sept. 25, 2025

Although it took me a bit to warm up to main character Coral Fairbanks, I see a lot of promise to this new series. As with any new series, there is a lot of information and characters to digest, so it requires focus. I definitely appreciated the character list at the beginning. It was quite helpful as side characters came and went. I actually found myself liking male lead Guy Flynn far more than Coral in the beginning. You may agree when you read the action packed opening. Let's just say, nothing shy and retiring about Coral. She's feisty and opinionated. She's also a suffragette, a topic that gets lots of space in this opening to this new series. I'm not overly familiar with that movement in England, so there was quite a bit of history I had to digest, including a not yet overly powerful Winston Churchill's involvement with the movement. 

I won't elaborate the plot other than to say there's a murder involved. Big surprise, huh? Grin. Besides the women's battle for equal rights and the vote, there's intrigue, backstage wrangling of politicians, love and lust gone wrong, jokes taken too far, violence, and, well, more. The time is 1910, London, so it was interesting to time travel not only backwards for me but to drop in on a country where many of my Pilgrim ancestors came from so many years before but realize that some of the then battles could be equally compelling today. The author does a good job setting the scene, from the horse and carriages that still line the streets and the growing number of automobiles angling for space, to political wrangling and names anyone familiar with history knows the future of. There are quite a few characters but after some initial confusion, they quickly sorted themselves out in my mind and, for the most part, seemed both likable and strong enough to provide interest in future plots. 

Guy Flynn, not only a detective for Scotland Yard but an artist and raising a daughter on his own after his wife's death, was a unique twist and I'm looking forward to seeing how his roles play into those same future plots. Coral was, as noted, slow to grow on me but had come into her own by the end and emerged a strong, multi-layered woman with both a heart of gold and strong will. Watching her work her way through the unfamiliar scenario of being both a potential suspect and gaining Flynn's trust and becoming involved was interesting. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at this brand new series. I'm looking forward to seeing where this tricky beginning takes us. Loved the ending! 

The Mistletoe Murder Club (The Bad Girls Detective Agency Book 4), by Katie Marsh

 

Publication Sept. 5, 2025

I think I chuckled my sleuthing cap loose a few times reading. This one was a roller coaster ride with a few wild loopity-loops tossed in for good measure. This was my intro to the series and what an intro it was. Just plain fun. Beyond quirky actors, a rickety old theatre that seems to be held together as much by grime as anything, complete with a malfunctioning trapdoor and, yikes, stage lights falling from the ceiling. To top it all off, the cast members, who weirdly seem to be both hopeful and reluctant to be there, all seem to hate the director, Dame Beatrice Butler, for whom the theatre is named. Clio Lawrence is one of them. A former actress, she's now a struggling detective with her two besties, Amber and Jeanie, in the Bad Girls Detective Agency. It's her latter title that comes in handy as, not really a surprise, Beatrice is found in her dressing room murdered on opening night. 

 What follows isn't exactly your typical murder investigation. It somehow manages to mix murder, chaos, and humor, not to mention the endearing friendship of the three friends. I'll leave it to you to discover why Amber winds up in a cow outfit. Yes. Cow. In the meantime, Jeanie is somehow short a few pieces of clothing while pursuing her twins, twins that could easily be nicknamed Mayhem and Chaos, through the theatre and falling through a trapdoor while pursuing clues. And, that just the beginning. I'm not going to detail the plot further, but there's rarely a slow, let alone dull moment. Through it all, we get to know the characters well, even the ones that, quite frankly, aren't particularly likable. You'll even learn what a very British pantomime is, not to mention why the cast seems to so hate Beatrice, who you'll follow along on her last day. What was she up to? Nope, not telling. And....so much more. Seriously, I've barely ventured beyond the opening act here (the books chapters are set up in acts, so to speak).

Bottom line, thoroughly enjoyed this oh, so clever murder mystery. The characters come across as real people, the sort you might run into at the grocery, or more likely be run into by the twins if the twins are involved. There's even an unlikely romance, not to mention the usual twist and turns as you come to enjoy being with them all, even those wild child twins. You'll learn why they're so very, very special to Jeanie, too. Bottom line, the three Bad Girl Detectives have each other's back and are willing to take chances to protect each other, and ultimately find whodunit. Lots of Christmas-y references, too, including the reason for the title. In other words, you've got a layered plot that will keep you chuckling and guessing until the end. No, I didn't quite figure it out although it made all the sense in the end. So, kick back, be prepared for a wild ride with a visit to a lovely pub or two, some goofy friends you'll like, and lots of backstage drama, both past and present. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to this fun team of women with this early peek at this book. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next in this series. There are surely many, many more secrets to be discovered in this quaint village. 

The Sisterhood (Lady Emily, #19), by Tasha Alexander

 

Publication Sept. 23, 2025

This was my first read of this apparently long running series. That said, while it ultimately worked as a stand-alone, I felt like I would have known the two leading characters far better had I read earlier books.  Bad me. I enjoyed the main characters, well, most of them, and always love my virtual visits to Edwardian England, even if the status conscious nobility frequently annoys me. All that aside, I don't think this was the book for me as the alternating timelines kept throwing off my focus. Honestly, being new to the series, I had no clue why we were suddenly back in AD 60 when a murder had just taken place in 1907, England. Although it ultimately made sense, I obviously need to shy away from books with this trait as it really broke my concentration and, quite frankly, frustrated my "I wanna know who did it!" fixation. Some readers won't be bothered by this at all, of course, making the book a 4/5 star for them, though for me it kept it at a 3.5 rounded to a 4 star.

As noted, I did wind up quite enjoying meeting Lady Emily and her husband Colin Hargreaves. While the book didn't focus much on their relationship, it appears an excellent one, with lots of understanding, patience, and support. There's even some humor. I applaud Colin for not simply strangling her snobby, very annoying mother. Let's just say, even while understanding Edwardian society pressures and its expectations, she got on my last nerve. I do wish I knew more about Colin's ties to the king, however, so I'm going to have to do some catch up reading. My other favorite character was Sebastian, ironically a thief, albeit a charming, devilishly one. He seems to go way, way back with Emily, claiming an undying love, a relationship that, again, I need to sort out. He may be a thief, but he's charming and I have to admit, I sort of enjoyed his tweaking of the system and readily being willing to share the weak points he utilized in his thefts with Emily and Colin.

As for the murder, it happens early on. I was actually rather taken with the victim, so a bit disappointed to see them killed off so soon. The final reveal was actually rather shocking but made sense based on all we see and learn. And, no, I didn't guess it early though the clues were certainly there. The 60 AD story threw my sleuthing game off. Yeah, that's my excuse. Oddly enough, I think I'd have found that story line intriguing on its own given my own history buff tendencies and the role of horses in Vatta's life. I did know the gist of the story of the ancient warrior woman, Boudica, so it was interesting to read more about that era, confused as it left me initially about its connections to the 1907 mystery. And, the title will make sense to you as being symbolic as the story progresses. You'll also be reminded that being popular isn't the same as being liked. 

Bottom line, while not quite the book for me, it intrigued me enough to have put a couple of the author's past books on hold at the library. I liked the relationship between Emily and Colin, especially in comparison to some of those surrounding them, and want to know more. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for sharing this with me and letting me know what I've been missing.  

The Last Laugh Club, by Kate Galley

 

Publication July 29, 2025

I was immediately hooked and wondering what wedge had driven these friends apart. Each character is distinct with both strengths and flaws, with the vague sense hovering in the air that something was wrong . Even the personalities of the side characters were well-fleshed out and you felt like you got to know and appreciate them, too. Yet, it's the trio of Bridget, Gloria, and Derek that hold center stage although the spirit of Norman, now just ashes, is a character, too, in a sense.. Each thought they had been the only real friend Norman had. They're wrong.

Always a prankster, Norman gets one last laugh at his old work friends. They each receive a seemingly personal notice that, if they're reading this, Norman is dead. He has a request. He requests they wear a colorful, bright item he's made just for them to the funeral. They are singled out at the funeral not only by their non-black garb but his assistant calling them together. Norman asks that his once closest friends scatter his ashes. Why are they so reluctant? Well, I'm not telling but that's one of the things that slowly emerges as the plot and their unexpected adventure progresses. Seems that wasn't the only request.

If you like character driven stories with a touch of family and even romance, you're going to love this one  While not always likable, I'm betting you'll come away liking not just the trio but, as noted, the role of the side characters, too. The trio may not have been glad to be there but I was glad to be a fly on the wall with them, especially as I learned quite a bit about yarn and how it's produced. The intriguing, stormy landscape of the frequently isolated, seemingly almost treeless landscape of the Shetland Islands they travel through in some ways become a character. Heck, you even get to experience a rather nausea awakening ferry ride or two. 

That's all I'm telling. Bottom line, this is a delightfully bumpy road to renewed friendships as they rediscover not only what drove them apart but what brought them together. I ultimately wound up liking them all and rooting for them, even the one I found particularly prickly initially. That's not to say that Norman's last trip was smooth. It had its bumpy, even "Oh, no!" moments, but I'm so glad #BoldwoodBooks allowed me this early peek at a book I wound up truly enjoying. Who know a request to scatter ashes could lead to so many changes and bring people together after years apart. Give it a read!

Murder at the English Manor ( Miss Underhay Mysteries, #20), by Helena Dixon

 

Publication May 23, 2025

Kitty and Matt are not only good private investigators but a delightful couple to spend time with. No matter what is going on, including murder and mayhem. They seem to keep their cool and carry on, although Kitty would dearly love to tell Inspector Lewis off, I'm sure. His lack of respect for her sleuthing skills is long standing, however, and Kitty (and Matt) seem to have learned to cope with him well. That said, they were a bit surprised when he showed up to investigate the murder of the maid at Markham Hall since it's out of his usual realm. There at the invite of Lord and Lady Faversham, perhaps prompted by Mrs. Craven, to add to the security of the gathering to celebrate their eldest son's engagement to a rich American heiress. This seemed to be a common during this time period, which is 1937, England. It's obviously a marriage of convenience, with the daughter getting a fancy title while the Faversham family gets a much needed ingestion of cash. Let's just say Markham Hall is showing its age.

Although Matt isn't distracted long from the long running quest of the series to discover the secrets behind Redvers Palmerston's mysterious appearance after seemingly been dead for years. More on that to come, I'm sure, in future books. The primary focus is to discover what happened to Agnes, sister to Mrs. Craven's maid Dora. That answer is discovered by the rather unpleasant discovery of the body by Kitty while out walking, Bertie, her spaniel who seems to have a nose for finding bodies. There are multiple suspects, mostly focused on those who were there for the engagement announcement. Family secrets seem to abound and rumors of gambling debts, break-ins, and blackmail circulate. In the meantime, what the heck is the American bride-to-be up to? Just one more mystery for Kitty and Matt to solve. Now, if they can just keep Mrs. Craven from getting into mischief/danger. Will the wedding happen? Why does the potential groom's brother take off to stay with friends? What was Agnes up to when she was killed? Who....oh, more than enough teasers.

It's an intriguing mystery with lots of twists and turns and I didn't really figure out whodunit until it was revealed, fun to try to figure out. I definitely have enjoyed getting to know Kitty and Matt better every book and following Matt's efforts to sort out the Redvers' mystery. Although run-down, the setting of Markham Hall adds a touch of upper-class life to the story while the murder itself is, sadly, not the least bit respectful of wealth and class. Thanks to #Bookouture and #NetGalley for initially introducing me to Kitty and Matt and allowing me this early peek at their current case and progress(?) on the Redvers' front. Definitely looking forward to the next installment after that ending.

Tea with Jam & Dread (Tea by the Sea Mysteries Book 6), by Vicki Delany

 

Publication July 29,2025

We're off to jolly ol' England in this installment of the series. Well, not so jolly. Not only is Elizabeth, a countess nearing 100 years-old, who has opened up the Thornecroft Castle estate as a luxury hotel, dealing with family drama, but there's a murder. Needless to say, long time readers won't be surprised to discover Lily Roberts in the middle of it. There with her grandmother Rose, a former kitchen maid at the estate who'd become Elizabeth's friend, and best friend Bernie/Bernadette, she offers to help out in the kitchen. While a kind offer, it puts her on the suspect list. To complicate matters, priceless family jewelry goes missing. Are the crimes connected? 

I won't detail the plot but will note that I very much appreciated the cast of characters included at the front (and British recipes at the end). This one has a large cast and, quite frankly, even after finishing I'm not quite sure I have the family connections quite straight. As a result, the pace seemed leisurely at times as the various characters were introduced, many basically just passing through while others played a more active role. It was interesting that one character was part of a movement to do away with the nobility and status ranking, so to speak, as we heard others talk of the role such things had played in their lives and, yes, the personality of the victim. The usual cast, Rose, Bernie, and Lily were joined by Matt Goodwell, Bernie's boyfriend, a writer doing research in England, and master gardener Simon McCracken, Lily's romantic partner. . 

Bottom line, I like these characters and it seemed like Lily was taking a bit more of the lead in the investigation this go-usual this round rather than following and being prodded by Rose and Bernie. For long time readers, enjoy getting a glimpse of the England Rose so fondly remembers, not to mention enjoy Lily's panic over not just roundabouts but driving on the, to her American mind, the wrong side of the road. Fortunately Simon eventually takes on the driver role or we might have gotten some insight into British hospital care. Lots of family drama and angst, spurned romances, and lively children running about. While the final reveal seemed to just happen, it was satisfactory and wrapped up the case nicely. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing- #KensingtonCozies for allowing me this early peek at the goings-on in Lily's life. How delightful to get this glimpse of Rose's past, in particular, and the aristocratic life of some in England, not to mention their police procedures. The quick glimpse of the barn activity was a bonus. Long nail file, indeed. Grin.

The Seaside Murders (The Secret Detective Agency #2), by Helena Dixon

 

Publication April 30, 2025

I'm hooked. While I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, it's the characters that brought me back for this second installment. Although I spent a great deal of time being annoyed with Jane in the first book, either she's mellowed a bit or I have. At least she isn't practically chain smoking, much to the detriment of code-breaker extraordinary Arthur, this time. Oh, she hasn't quit completely, just seems more aware of how the smoke impacts his asthma. That said, her one-eyed cat, Marmaduke, once again makes the trip with her.  But, hey, small steps, right? 

We also get to know her background a bit more as this book largely takes place at her childhood home in Ashbourne, Kent, England. While I knew POW's were used as labor during the war (it's October, 1941), I really didn't know how it worked, so that was interesting, as was finding out how they chose prisoners who'd be of little danger to the community while working on farms and such. It's when an Italian POW is killed that Jane, Arthur, and his manservent Benson are sent to investigate and stay at Jane's late father's home. It holds many memories for Jane and she's never been able to face sorting things out there. There's also the not-so-little matter of black market activity. Victims of bombings are the usual targets and left with even less than they had once the sly criminals are done with them. There are countless twists and turns and secrets hidden away in this once quiet area. The area becomes even livelier with the arrival of Jane's mother, an actress who's always the center of attention and likes it that way. Can you say "diva"? Jane's relationship with her is, uh, complicated. 

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and getting to know Jane better. Since I spent most of book one annoyed with her for her thoughtless ways, the fact that I realized I've become quite fond of her was both a delight and surprising. True, she's got a way to go yet but she's making progress and it was fun to see the growing sense of understanding and appreciation of what they each bring to the case between Jane and Arthur. No romance but, hey, it's early. His asthma is an interesting trait to assign to a spy catcher, code-breaker or not, so it's interesting to see how it was managed back then. I'm definitely hoping to learn a bit more about Benson, too. He may be the perfect man-servant and well able to deal with Arthur's health issues, but there's surely more beneath the surface there that hasn't been touched on yet. Let's just say, I'd feel good with him having my back. The plot moves along smoothly and the clues are realistic albeit not always obvious. Thanks #Bookouture for gifting me this advance look at how things are progressing on both the war front and for Jane and Arthur. The history buff in me is definitely enjoying this look at life in wartime England and I'm already anxious to read the next installment to see where it takes us.