BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'A Midwinter Murder' by Verity Bright.

CONGRATULATIONS VERITY ON YOUR 20TH BOOK IN THIS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING SERIES!!!

YET ANOTHER HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO VERITY ON YET ANOTHER PAGE TURNING SUCCESS!! THIS HAS GOT TO BE MY FAVOURITE BOOK IN ONE OF MY FAVOURITE COSY MYSTERY SERIES!!

Another successful unputdownable cosy mystery by the very talented Verity Bright. I'm always a bit dubious with books based historically as I worry about not being able to 'deal' with the language used but I absolutely love how Verity has written her books. The language used is perfectly suited to the era whilst being easy to read and making it quite humorous on several occasions. The atmosphere and descriptions were perfect. The synopsis and cover also suit the storyline.

I have absolutely loved this series ever since I first got hooked on to them!! I genuinely lost count of the amount of times I genuinely laughed out loud while reading this book!! I would not normally recommend anyone reads books out of order but if you have not read the previous books then it does not make a difference and there is a silver lining in that when you have finished you can go back and read all the previous books in this fabulous series while waiting for the next book to come out which is called 'A Recipe For Murder' and is out on the 31st March. The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Eleanor and Clifford go about their detective work. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. It was filled with suspense, mystery, laughter, murder, clues, deceit. tension, suspense and so much more!! It is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. Regardless of where you pick up this brilliant cosy crime book Verity will transport you to Auldwyke Hall and Yorkshire at the turn of a page! I absolutely devoured this brilliant read in one sitting as I just could not put it down and gave up on lying to myself saying just one more chapter as that never happened!! I never did work out who the killer was and was completely shocked when they were discovered. A great achievement as I am a huge crime fan and tend to work out who did what quite early on, especially considering I have read so many of Verity's books yet she manages to get me every time. The atmosphere was perfectly suited to the mystery. I love the fact that this book takes us on an adventure to Yorkshire and transports us into the past to the year 1924. Verity's gorgeous evocative writing skills and descriptions whisked me off to Auldwyke Hall and even with the murder and mayhem I was gutted when I came to the end and had to leave behind some amazing friends!!! However, as always it leaves me looking forward to seeing what they get up to in the next book in this absolutely fantastic series which is actually called 'A Recipe For Murder' and is out on the 31st March but is available to preorder on Amazon now!! What I also love about each book in this fantastic series is the fact that although they are cosy mysteries they always end up having me in stitches of laughter on so many occasions which makes it the perfect light hearted read!! Verity's books always send me back to the past and I become so immersed in each of her fantastic books that I always feel a bit lost when I finally look up from my book and land back in 2024!!! One of the things I absolutely love and would, again, like to thank Verity for his her absolutely fantastic historical notes that she includes at the end of each one of her amazing books which always fascinate me and I always end up learning at least one new thing about!! At the end of this brilliant book Verity includes historical notes about Rural Policing, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Prussic Acid, Inheritance Laws, Miniature Books and Edwardian Christmas Trees so make sure you read all of the way to the end of this book to learn more about those as well as enjoying an absolutely fantastic read!! If your looking for a dog with a huge personality, a Lady with an attitude, a politely sarcastic butler and a light-hearted cosy murder mystery then look no further!!

Although this is the twentieth book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

The characters are all larger than life, realistic and a complete breathe of fresh air. Eleanor is an amazing character, very bubbly and certainly not your typical 'Lady', she is absolutely unique as well as a very strong female lead which is a great bonus for myself being female. I absolutely adore her relationship with Clifford along with the rest of her "staff" that she treats more like friends. The only downfall is that herself and Clifford are fictional as these are two characters I would absolutely LOVE to meet in real life!! Clifford is absolutely fantastic and I really enjoy how he makes me laugh with his diplomatic skills while being extremely sarcastic at times. It is so sweet how he has taken Eleanor under his wing and admonishes her in several occasions in his humorous ways. They are like the perfect comedy duo but don't tell Clifford!! I also love Sheldon who is completely overworked but still such a gentleman who is constantly on edge with Eleanor's adventures!! I adored that their love for each other shines through the pages in this book I loved meeting them all again including the Henley Hall ladies Butters, Trotters, Polly and Lizzie in this book. The gang are all larger than life with their own exceptional personalities and I love meeting each and every one of them in each and every book in this fantastic series. I can't forget the absolutely adorable Gladstone along with Tomkins who are adventures in themselves! Every single one of the characters play their parts perfectly as always in Verity's books and I cannot wait to meet Eleanor, Clifford, Sheldon, Gladstone and Tomkins along with the Henley Hall ladies again in the next book in this fantastic series which is called 'A Recipe For Murder' and is out on the 31st March but is available to preorder on Amazon now.

A huge congratulations on yet another fantastic success Verity!!! Here's to looking forward to your next book 🥂 If you are looking for a cosy mystery that has everything that you could ask for in a book and more then look no further!!! This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors and this is one of my favourite 'series' Verity! Yet another page turning and unputdownable success!

Overall a fun and easy to read page turning cosy murder mystery with the perfect amount of crime and humour that will keep you hooked throughout.

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@VerityBright @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous

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Twenty books! Can you believe it!? I can honestly say that I have enjoyed each and every one. I do think the more festive settings are particularly wonderful and Verity Bright has a talent for setting the atmosphere. Cosy gatherings with her beloved staff, delicious food and drink, a sprinkle of romance and of course a murder or two along the way. This time we are in the wild Yorkshire moors in a country house that seems to be holding a secret or two. I loved that Eleanor and Hugh were very much working together on this one (alongside Clifford of course) and we get to see their relationship develop a little deeper. We may even get a wedding one of these days. There is also the possibility of new romance blossoming along the way in future stories, if we are lucky enough to have them.

Lady Eleanor Swift was hoping to spend a festive, romantic Christmas at home with her sweetie, Detective Inspector Hugh Seldon. But her plans are upended when she receives a call from Mr. Porritt, secretary to the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke, insisting that she and Hugh attend the Duke’s annual shooting competition. Mr. Porritt will not take no for an answer, and Ellie finds herself off to the wilds of Yorkshire.

But she’s barely made Porritt’s acquaintance in person before she finds him dead in the storehouse where the shooting clays are kept. Hugh is quickly made the lead detective on the case – nearly the only detective, as the Duke insists no more outside policemen be brought in. A blizzard shuts down the roads, so getting in or out is a moot point. Thankfully, Danby of the local constabulary made it to the scene, so he’s there to assist Hugh, along with Ellie, Clifford, and the ladies of Henley Hall. This is not at all the romantic Christmas Ellie dreamed about!

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the Verity Bright mysteries I’ve read. And I probably say this about each successive one, but I do believe I’ve liked this one the most of them all! Here, Bright gives us, not quite a locked-room mystery, but a contained scene with a limited number of suspects. Hugh feels almost as if the Duke is actively trying to hamper the investigation, but he can’t get a face to face meeting with the Duke to find out why, because the man hasn’t left his chambers or admitted anyone other than his secretary for a decade now – since his wife died. And the more Hugh and Ellie dig, the more questions they have. There’s no shortage of suspects once they all stop lying. But who had reason to kill Porritt? Was he even the intended suspect? Or was the Duke the real target? And who in the world could want to kill a man who’d isolated himself for ten years?

As always, Verity Bright gives us clue after clue that unravels, and then points us somewhere else entirely. They create a vivid picture of life in the Golden Age, and I simply love Ellie and all her people. Clifford, with his mindfulness of etiquette and propriety, and a surprising number of unexpected skills, is a perfect foil to often impulsive, frequently indecorous Ellie. The ladies are a treat. The Christmas they and Clifford create for Ellie and Hugh and themselves is just magical. I don’t even want to be anyplace where there are blizzards, but that Christmas shindig they had might tempt me!

Does Ellie ever actually meet the Duke? Will there be any romance in her Christmas? Can they solve the mystery of Porritt’s death before the killer strikes again? And what kind of outfits did the ladies make for Gladstone and Tompkins this time?

If you love a good, comfy, cozy mystery that feels like going on an adventure with friends, you really should get to know Lady Eleanor. You can start with this one, but I recommend you start at the beginning and get to know her whole story. A Midwinter Murder is a perfect book to read on a chilly day, curled up with a soft blanket, a warm drink, and a cat. I loved it!

In the winter of 1924, Lady Eleanor Swift, delighted to be invited as a guest at the manor of the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke, eagerly anticipates spending time with her fiancé, Detective Hugh Seldon. Their constant busyness has left them yearning for a moment of respite.

However, their plans are disrupted by the murder of the Duke’s secretary, Mr. Poritt. Hugh immediately takes charge. The inclement weather adds to the challenges of solving this unfortunate crime, making it difficult for Hugh to conduct his investigation. Eleanor, with her past experience in solving murders, offers her assistance as a second set of eyes.

Accompanying Eleanor is her ever-proper butler, Clifford, a loyal man who adheres strictly to the rules and propriety of his Lady. Always there for Eleanor, the quest to uncover the truth behind Mr. Poritt’s murder becomes a race against time.

The investigation is fraught with obstacles, and Eleanor’s sharp instincts and sharp tongue prove invaluable to Hugh’s efforts. As they delve deeper into the case, tension escalates, drawing them closer to the killer.

This delightful Lady Eleanor Swift series’ 20th book offers a unique bonus: an exploration of how a titled Lady and a policeman could plan to marry during the Golden Age. The author delves into the social conventions and expectations of the era, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the characters.

The book also features the return of beloved characters such as Polly, Mrs. Butters, and the other ladies, adding depth and richness to the narrative. Clifford’s ever-protectiveness over Eleanor and his role as the male version of Mary Poppins, always knowing or having what is needed at any given moment, further enhances the charm of the story.

Beyond its captivating mystery, this celebratory 20th book in the series offers a delightful exploration of personal relationships and societal norms, making it a truly enjoyable reading experience.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I love this series and was happy to read this new installment as it's better that the previous, festive, and gripping.
Catching with Eleanor, Clifford, Gladstone and all the happy gang is always a treat and it's a good way to read a solid mystery and having fun.
This is no exception: characters evolving, festive atmosphere, well researched historical background, and solid mystery full of surprises.
I don't think I can write anything new: go, read it since the beginning, have fun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series are written as standalone novels, meaning you don’t necessarily have to have read the previous volumes to understand the plot. However, I highly recommend you do because they are all so delightful! This holiday mystery is the 20th adventure for Eleanor and the gang, and I think it’s the best one yet.

Eleanor has plans to spend the holidays at home at Henley Hall this Christmas. However, she and her fiancé detective, Hugh Seldon, have been invited to a shooting competition at the mysterious Duke of Auldwyke’s estate. All seems to be going fine until Ellie finds the duke’s secretary, Mr. Porritt, dead. The duke doesn’t want to call Scotland Yard, but since Hugh works for them, he and Eleanor will have to figure out the murderer without any help. That should be no problem, right? After all, this is Ellie’s 20th murder mystery, right?

Besides the normal, lovely drawn characters, I really enjoyed the interplay between Eleanor and Hugh. I didn’t like Hugh much when he first came on the scene, and I thought their engagement was rushed, but he’s really grown on me. And for this volume, the two characters actually discuss their future together!

This mystery was a bit darker than previous volumes in the series but having Clifford and Gladstone the bulldog present relieved some of the tension amongst the guests at Auldwyke Hall. Overall, I found this a very enjoyable read

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
LOVE this series!!! Lady Eleanor is ready to celebrate Christmas with her finance. Oh course nothing goes smoothly and Lady Eleanor soon finds a dead body. Eleanor and Hugh are trapped in a manor house while a blizzard is outside. Can they figure out who did it before someone else dies?
I can’t believe this is the twentieth book in the series! They keep getting better as the series goes on. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

READ THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE…
Closed door mysteries
Sweet holiday romance
Nonstop action

#AMidwinterMurder #VerityBright #Bookouture #LadyEleanor #Mystery #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks

Number 20 in this delightful series and still each new story is as delightful as all the ones before it.

A Midwinter Murder takes Lady Eleanor and her entire household, including pets, to spend Christmas at the home of a reclusive Duke. Unfortunately they have barely arrived when Elly discovers a dead body. The good part of this is that Hugh is put in charge of the investigation so our team of sleuths are soon in action.

The mystery is involved, there are many suspects. and the eventual culprit is a surprise. Best of all Hugh is really discovering his romantic side and it seems the wedding may soon become reality. I can't wait to see what Gladstone will wear!

Lady Eleanor Swift has been invited to visit the Duke of Auldwyke for Christmas. She and Clifford are being driven by the Duke's secretary Mr. Porritt, and her staff by the first foootman Mr. Lofthouse. Her fiance Hugh Seldon will be coming the next day to be with them. The ladies (Ellie's female help) will be staying in the game keeper's cottage. The main house has very strict rules that no one is allowed further than the 2nd floor, and no one can talk with their host who lives in a locked room on the upper floor. All guests are required to shoot in a competition with guns provided by the host. They soon realize that most of the guests were also there ten years before when a stray shot killed the Duke's wife. The Duke has not been seen by any guests since then.

However, shortly after they arrive, Ellie finds Mr. Porritt strangled in a storage room. A local young constable arrives to investigate the murder, but he needs help. Ellie volunteers Seldon and herself to help. Soon, a blizzard locks them all in, and there is an attack on the Duke when small glass pellets filled with cyanide are shot through the 3rd floor windows. Ellie manages to get the Duke out of the way and to nurse him a little.

The book becomes quite exciting, and in spite of all the interviewing of suspects, we don't find the real culprit until practically the end. I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC so I could read the book before publication.

This series has been amazing and very popular as this is the 20th installment!

Lady Swift is excited about Christmas and sets about making it fun for everyone. She is a guest at the Duke of A's manor home and awaiting the arrival of her fiance Hugh

When murder turns up, it is all hands on deck to find the culprit. Love the characters and the setting and can only look forward to more in this series!

In A MIDWINTER MURDER by Verity Bright it is the winter of 1924. Lady Eleanor Swift attends a shoot at the Duke of Auldwyke’s manor house in Yorkshire Moors. The Duke’s secretary, Mr. Porritt, is found dead by Lady Swift. How and why is Mr. Porritt dead? I read on to find out.

The setting resembles Downton Abbey with entitled characters like the protagonist, Lady Eleanor Swift, and the staff like the chauffeur, Mr. Lofthouse. The description of Christmastime draws the reader into the cozy comfort of the holiday setting. The description of Mr. Porritt's death brings the main mystery into focus. Who killed Mr. Porritt? While this book is a good read, I think it is too long. I still look forward to reading the next Lady Eleanor Swift book. The backstory has certainly piqued my interest. Thank you, Bookouture and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of A MIDWINTER MURDER.

Lady Eleanor Swift has been dreaming of a romantic Christmas with her fiancé DCI Hugh Seldon and her beloved staff at home. Hugh is finally going to take some vacation time and spend the holidays with Ellie at Henley Hall. Instead of the holiday she has been dreaming of, she finds herself traveling to the Yorkshire estate of the reclusive Duke of Auldwyk, with Hugh to join her a day later. Ellie was sure she declined the invitation, but the Duke's Secretary, Mr. Porritt, tells her they did not receive her regrets to the Christmas shooting party and that he fears for his position if Ellie and Hugh do not attend. She agrees only if her staff and pets can be accommodated as well. Ellie and Clifford are picked up by Mr. Porritt and are taken to the estate. Ellie soon finds herself stumbling across the body of Mr. Porritt shortly after getting settled. Ellie, Clifford, Hugh and the ladies find themselves embroiled in a mystery that is tied to a event that occurred 10 years prior. There is no shortage of possible suspects among her fellow guests and the estate's staff.

The story started a little slow but picked up and I was hooked till the end. It was a cleverly plotted mystery with lots of twists and turns. I did not guess the identify of our perpetrator until the author revealed it. I was happy to get to see more of Ellie and Hugh's relationship. I also love that we are seeing Ellie's "chosen family" and getting to see more of them interreacting with each other. (the sledding scene was a hoot) Also, how can you not love the canine/feline antics of Gladstone and Tompkins!

This book will definitely give you white Christmas vibes and leave you with a satisfied smile on your face! Thank you, Verity Bright, for this special Christmas gift!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me the chance to read this ARC.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Verity Bright for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Midwinter Murder coming out December 4, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this series! It’s one of my favorite cozy historical mysteries series. I love Eleanor and Hugh working together, solving murders. This was a fun setting. I love the Christmastime fun. The writing is always good. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy mysteries!

A Midwinter Murder – A Cozy Mystery Delight!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with A Midwinter Murder by Verity Bright? I’m practically bursting to tell you how much I absolutely loved this book! Picture this: it’s winter 1924, and Lady Eleanor Swift finds herself at the grand but mysterious Auldwyke Hall, hosted by the reclusive Duke. She has her heart set on a cozy, festive celebration with her fiancé, the charming detective Hugh Seldon, complete with homemade baubles and reindeer-shaped cookies. But, of course, things take a dramatic turn when a body is discovered!

The unfortunate Mr. Porritt, the Duke’s secretary, is found dead in a storeroom clutching a golden rose pendant that sends Eleanor's curiosity—and her detective instincts—into overdrive. As she and Hugh navigate through a blizzard and a house full of suspicious guests, each with their own secrets, the tension builds. The stakes are raised even higher when an attempt is made on the Duke’s life. Seriously, the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat!

What really made this read special for me was seeing Hugh play such a significant role throughout the story. Finally! I’ve been waiting for this! And of course, it’s always a joy to reunite with our beloved characters who feel like old friends at this point. The atmosphere of Auldwyke Hall was so vivid; I could practically feel the chill of the moors and the warmth of the fireside.

Verity Bright has crafted a delightful mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. I can’t rave enough about how well everything was tied together—every little detail felt perfectly placed. Honestly, I can’t wait for the next adventure with Eleanor, Hugh, Clifford, and the rest of this fabulous crew!

If you’re looking for a cozy mystery to curl up with this winter, look no further than A Midwinter Murder. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Lady Eleanor Swift, her butler Clifford, the ladies plus Gladstone & Tomkins all arrived at Auldwyke Hall, owned by a reclusive Duke, reported not to have left his third floor apartment in ten years. Eleanor had received the puzzling invitation, to which she'd declined, but with a phone call by the Duke's secretary, to say he hadn't received her response, and could she please come at the Duke's request, what could Ellie do? The plans for a special Christmas with Hugh, her fiancé - Detective Inspector Hugh Seldon - were messed up, so Hugh was joining the party the following day. But within minutes of Ellie's arrival, she found a body. Clifford swiftly joined her and together they planned what would follow.

Hugh's arrival saw him take over the search for the killer; the Duke would not allow any other police in Auldwyke Hall, and the Christmas clay shoot must go on! Ellie, Hugh and Clifford had their work cut out for them and with snow deeply on the countryside around them, and stormy weather bringing more, there was no leaving, or arriving at the Hall. The phone was out - they were truly isolated. Interviewing the Duke's guests, plus the staff, proved nigh on impossible; they all held secrets; they all told lies. As danger crept closer, with an attempt on the Duke's life, and another murder, Hugh was as frustrated as he'd ever been - and it was Christmas Eve...

A Midwinter Murder is the 20th in the Lady Eleanor Swift series by Verity Bright and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Fun and entertaining, each episode fresh and new - I love the antics of the two animals, and Ellie's ladies - the aprons, they call themselves - are wonderful. As is Clifford - basically the whole cast of regular characters make the books pretty much perfect. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

A Midwinter Murder is such a fun, festive read. Even with a murder, it put me in the Christmas mood. While it is unlikely that I will have a white Christmas (I live in the south), reading this book had me craving a snowstorm and a fireplace (I have the cocoa and cookies).

This is book 20 in the series, but it isn't absolutely necessary to read the previous books. (If you are snowed in during the holidays, this would be a great series to binge-read.)

I loved all the fun scenes with Eleanor and Hugh and her staff. Since they weren't at Hendley Hall, the ladies on her staff didn't have their normal chores so they were much more relaxed, and the little cottage they were staying in on the estate felt so homey. I wanted to be sitting around the kitchen table with them (and enjoying the treats, except maybe the Yorkshire pudding - there is a recipe for the traditional Yorkshire pudding, and reading the recipe turned my stomach with all the game bird stuffed into it).

The mystery is a good one too and kind of apt for the season. The Duke is a bit of a curmudgeon as well as a recluse. The invited guests are not exactly who would expect to be invited to a shooting party at the estate of a Duke. So everything is a little odd at Auldwyke Hall.

If you love Hugh and Eleanor together, then we get a lot of them together in this book and they are such a cute couple. We also get some hints at what the future holds for them as they attempt to discuss their upcoming nuptials and life together.

If you are looking for a light-hearted read with plenty of winter festivities, you should definitely get this book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Thursday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2024/12/a-midwinter-murder-by-verity-bright.html

Another very entertaining book in this enjoyable series, this time with the added joy of a Christmas setting. Clifford is developing into a brilliant character, his acerbic remarks are a highlight for me. I found the pace a bit slower for the first part of the book so only4 stars but I’m already looking forward to the next investigation by this great team.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for sending me an ARC for my honest review.

Reading a Lady Eleanor Swift book is always such a fun time. What made this one more special is that we get a whole book about her spending time with Hugh. This has always been something I would have liked to see. Although I haven't read this series from the start, I can tell the two had a great start to their relationship and I can't wait to see how it develops further.

I also have to admit that the mystery was a head-scratcher for me. I only guessed the motive behind the murder, never the guilty party. I tend to enjoy the book more when I cannot say who I think is behind the killings.

Hopefully the next adventure will contain more of Hugh! (and might we finally hear the wedding bells?)

I’ve been a huge fan of the Lady Eleanor Swift series since book 1, and now we’re on book 20! So I was thrilled to receive a copy of A Midwinter Murder to review.

This time around, Eleanor and Co have been invited to a mysterious Christmas house party in Yorkshire. No sooner has she arrived, than she’s tripping over a dead body!

I so enjoyed this story. I loved the setting of the moors in Yorkshire, and the wintriness of the weather. It made a background that was festive, in spite of the murder(s?).

I loved the fact that Seldon and the ladies were there with Eleanor, as well as Clifford. I really enjoyed the little interludes with the ladies in their cottage, and the way they support Eleanor and Seldon. I also loved the fact that Eleanor and Seldon are finally making some progress in discussing what their life will be like after they marry. I really hope we’ll see more progress in their relationship soon. I’d really love to see them continuing to solve murders post marriage.

Now I will finally mention the murder mystery part of the story! I loved this one, it took several unexpected twists, and I was baffled for most of the book! I definitely couldn’t wait to find out who was really behind it all. A most satisfactory plot in all respects.

Overall, this was a festive delight of a murder mystery. I loved spending more time with this favourite group of characters, who are also old friends. I can’t wait to see what they get up to next!

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

A 1920s Christmas is tainted by murder.

Lady Eleanor Swift and her entourage are bound to the wild Yorkshire Moors to spend Christmas at Auldwyke Hall as guests of the Duke. The only saving grace making this venture pleasant is that Eleanor’s fiancé, Hugh Seldon, is actually going to attend with them. They hope to find some quiet time alone to discuss their future plans. Alas, almost immediately after arrival, Eleanor stumbles upon the dead body of the Duke’s secretary. Mr. Porritt has been strangled and left for dead in a storeroom.
Their holiday is near ruined now as Eleanor, Hugh, and butler Clifford spend their time trying to suss out a killer.

As always, the characters make this such a fun and satisfying cozy mystery. It’s definitely a series that should be read in order from the beginning in order to develop a relationship with each of them. Eleanor is definitely unconventional, compassionate, and clever as she helps investigate nasty crimes and find justice. I enjoy all the period details and a particularly interesting aspect is that the book includes a recipe for genuine Yorkshire Christmas Pie (circa 1747) and some historical notes on rural policing, clay pigeon shooting, Prussic acid, inheritance laws, miniature books, and Edwardian Christmas trees. All of which feature in the story.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC — both provided by the publisher. The narrator, Karen Cass, did a fabulous job of voicing all the different characters and bringing them to life with appropriate dramatic flair. This excellent production definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

If you are looking for a great cozy mystery series set in the UK in the 1920s, I can highly recommend this one. I’m already looking forward to the next installment.