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Lady Eleanor Swift #14
Murder in Manhattan
Glitzy parties, sightseeing at the Statue of Liberty and strolls through Central Park with Gladstone the bulldog... Lady Eleanor Swift is loving her first trip to the city that never sleeps, until she witnesses a murder! After crossing from England on the SS Celestiana, Lady Eleanor Swift sets up her home-away-from-home in a lavish apartment in New York City. She is soon the toast of the town, with no high-class soirée complete without her presence. Of course, she drags her butler Clifford and Gladstone the bulldog along to every party too. But when she witnesses the charming doorman of her building, Marty , knocked down and killed in a hit-and-run, she finds fashionable society suddenly closes rank. The only local detective interested in helping her find the culprit is street-smart beat cop, Officer Balowski. Resolved to get justice for Marty and his family, Eleanor searches Marty's tiny and is shocked to find five rolls of banknotes tucked under the floorboards. Money talks, but Marty was struggling to make ends meet, so where did the cash come from? The next day wealthy entrepreneur and flashy philanderer Ogden P. Dellaney - a man Marty used to work for - is found dead downtown, miles away from his swanky Upper East Side mansion. Eleanor and Balowski are sure the deaths are connected, but not even Dellaney's wife is willing to answer their questions. Then Eleanor is served with an eviction notice and Balowski is fired from the NYPD. It becomes clear that something is rotten in the Big Apple and Eleanor is determined to get to the core of the mystery before the murderer strikes again... Murder in Manhattan is a fun, fast-paced and twisty Golden Age cozy mystery set in New York. Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss will be glued to the pages. Readers cannot get enough of Verity Bright! ' Unputdownable ... Had me hooked immediately... Filled with suspense ... Will have you laughing until you're crying... A page-turning and unputdownable success!' Bookworm 86 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ' Absolutely loved this! ... I read the book in a day, I couldn't put it down! ' NetGalley reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I am hooked! The best book, bar none, that I have read this year ... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine , intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read! ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ' Can I give it six stars please? ... Pretty much perfect ... Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive .' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2023
1279 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Verity Bright
26 books357 followersVerity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 2, 2023
Book 14 and Lady Eleanor has at last arrived in New York, Hugh has proposed and returned to England, and Eleanor, Clifford, Gladstone and the ladies are left to enjoy a holiday. Unfortunately there is a murder and Eleanor and Clifford are unavoidably involved in solving a very convoluted mystery.
The holiday turns very dangerous indeed as they become involved with gangsters and the seedier side of New York and its inhabitants. Eleanor is as usual determined to find justice even when she is at risk herself and Clifford is forced to produce a gun on a couple of occasions. Gladstone just longs for sausages for breakfast and enjoys an ongoing feud with a resident cat. The whole thing is wrapped up in another significantly beautiful cover.
All good. I hope the authors keep them coming.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The holiday turns very dangerous indeed as they become involved with gangsters and the seedier side of New York and its inhabitants. Eleanor is as usual determined to find justice even when she is at risk herself and Clifford is forced to produce a gun on a couple of occasions. Gladstone just longs for sausages for breakfast and enjoys an ongoing feud with a resident cat. The whole thing is wrapped up in another significantly beautiful cover.
All good. I hope the authors keep them coming.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 21, 2023
With Lady Eleanor Swift, Clifford and her entourage (including Galahad) finally in New York, they were prepared for entertainment in the city that never sleeps. Eleanor's return to their apartment one night saw her witness the hit'n'run death of Marty, the doorman of their lavish apartment block, and the words he managed to Ellie before he breathed his last, puzzled her. But when the New York policeman determined it was case closed, an accident, Ellie and Clifford knew they couldn't let it go at that. It was murder, pure and simple.
But New York was different to England, and the gangsters, drug runners and those who did it for money, were everywhere. It wouldn't be long before Ellie was neck deep in trouble. And the NYPD policeman they enlisted to help them was fired for his trouble - the badness of New York went deep. Could Ellie, Clifford, Iver, their taxi driver, and Balowski, the cop, find who was behind it all, and beat them at their game?
What an episode!! Murder in Manhattan is the 14th in A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series by Verity Bright and I think it's the best so far in the series! Fast paced, electric, fun and entertaining, with everything we're used to from Eleanor, Clifford and Gladstone, and then some, I laughed out loud often, and wondered how on earth Ellie would get herself out of "it" this time! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
But New York was different to England, and the gangsters, drug runners and those who did it for money, were everywhere. It wouldn't be long before Ellie was neck deep in trouble. And the NYPD policeman they enlisted to help them was fired for his trouble - the badness of New York went deep. Could Ellie, Clifford, Iver, their taxi driver, and Balowski, the cop, find who was behind it all, and beat them at their game?
What an episode!! Murder in Manhattan is the 14th in A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series by Verity Bright and I think it's the best so far in the series! Fast paced, electric, fun and entertaining, with everything we're used to from Eleanor, Clifford and Gladstone, and then some, I laughed out loud often, and wondered how on earth Ellie would get herself out of "it" this time! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2023
Last time we saw Lady Swift she was on her way to New York and recently engaged. Now, although with no beau as he had to go back to England, she’s finally in the Big Apple hoping for a nice vacation along her trusted butler Clifford, the ladies of Henley Hall and her beloved bulldog Gladstone. But, as usual, murder and mayhem follow her wherever she goes. The setting might be different but the essence of the series is still intact.
Since her arrival in New York, Lady Swift has become the talk of the town, being invited to all the high-class soirées. When the doorman of her building is killed in a hit-and-run, she’ll take upon herself to find out if it was just an accident as the police think, or if it was deliberate, what will make her come in touch with the seedier side of NYC.
It was so much fun seeing Ellie and Clifford out of their element. Great way to keep things fresh in the series! It was so nice to be able to walk the streets of New York in the 20s, from the high society parties to the seedy speakeasies where crime bosses were making buckets of money thanks to prohibition. It was really interesting to see the contrast between the English and the American way of life, and how they felt like fish out of water some times.
So far from home, they didn’t have their usual collaborators, but the new characters were a great addition. Iver Driver, Officer Balowski…his feud with Clifford was really fun to read about.
I love Ellie’s strong sense of justice and how she cares for everyone, no matter their social status. She’ll always go out of her way to find out the truth even though that means endangering herself.
The mystery itself was also a nice one as it introduced some interesting characters and a plot that dealt with what first comes to mind when one thinks about the USA in the 1920s. Plenty of red herrings made me doubt everyone as the story moved forward towards a really satisfying ending that could only take place in Lady Liberty herself.
“Murder in Manhattan” may be installment number 14 in the series, but it’s still as fresh as the first one, as the series knows how to reinvent itself from time to time to keep Ellie and Clifford’s fans engaged.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Since her arrival in New York, Lady Swift has become the talk of the town, being invited to all the high-class soirées. When the doorman of her building is killed in a hit-and-run, she’ll take upon herself to find out if it was just an accident as the police think, or if it was deliberate, what will make her come in touch with the seedier side of NYC.
It was so much fun seeing Ellie and Clifford out of their element. Great way to keep things fresh in the series! It was so nice to be able to walk the streets of New York in the 20s, from the high society parties to the seedy speakeasies where crime bosses were making buckets of money thanks to prohibition. It was really interesting to see the contrast between the English and the American way of life, and how they felt like fish out of water some times.
So far from home, they didn’t have their usual collaborators, but the new characters were a great addition. Iver Driver, Officer Balowski…his feud with Clifford was really fun to read about.
I love Ellie’s strong sense of justice and how she cares for everyone, no matter their social status. She’ll always go out of her way to find out the truth even though that means endangering herself.
The mystery itself was also a nice one as it introduced some interesting characters and a plot that dealt with what first comes to mind when one thinks about the USA in the 1920s. Plenty of red herrings made me doubt everyone as the story moved forward towards a really satisfying ending that could only take place in Lady Liberty herself.
“Murder in Manhattan” may be installment number 14 in the series, but it’s still as fresh as the first one, as the series knows how to reinvent itself from time to time to keep Ellie and Clifford’s fans engaged.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2023
Thank you Bookcoture and NetGalley for the free e-ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
After solving a shipboard crime on her way to New York, Lady Eleanor Swift finds herself in uncharted waters in New York Society. It seems her exploits have made the papers and now she's a celebrity, along with Gladstone the bulldog. Ellie is happy to socialize with the elite at their parties but she's more comfortable chatting with Marty, the friendly doorman or changing into her pyjamas and enjoying a quiet night at home with her Henley Hall family. They're along for the trip too and the ladies are enjoying all New York has to offer. One thing no one expected New York to offer was another murder to solve! When Marty becomes a victim of a hit-and-run, Ellie is convinced it was murder but the police dismiss her concerns. Only one officer agrees to take a second look but as Ellie soon learns, in New York, cops are on the make and she doesn't know who to trust! When Ellie comes across another dead body, she's perplexed and hasn't a clue what's going on. As usual, she stumbles across some clues that may lead to Marty's killer, but someone else is after the same information for very different reasons. Can Ellie see justice done for Marty before she returns home to England - or worse - is killed?
This wasn't my favorite entry in the series. It's VERY 1920s New Yawk if you know what I mean. It crams in every single stereotype about New York in the 20th-century into one story. I kept waiting for Al Capone to show up even though I knew he was in Chicago at that time. I guessed quickly and easily what it was about, but the whole puzzle eluded me. There was a last minute twist I didn't see coming! At least in this book I can tell the difference between which character is speaking but there was way too much slang for me. Some of the slang isn't even accurate to the time period and took me right out of the story. "Dude" and "That sucks" are both far more recent slang words than the 1920s. (I had to stop and look them up). The period details were OK. Sometimes it felt like looking at modern Manhattan with the traffic jams and rude people.
Ellie is shockingly naïve. She's solved more than 13 murder cases by now and given that one involved a royal, she should understand the way the world works. She should also know by now when a sleazy man is hitting on her and that Society women are as catty as they come. Given the fact she couldn't trust the police in her first murder, she should be aware that the police are human and therefore not immune to bribery and corruption. America may have been seen as the land of opportunity but it wasn't the land of equality. Money talked and I suspect this investigation has to do with someone with money and lots of it. I kept hoping Ellie wouldn't cross Al Capone! Her danger was even more perilous than ever before.
Ellie's naivety is what makes her likable and charming though. She's more comfortable with her so-called servants than her own class. She's very sweet and kind. Ellie sees the best in everyone even when they don't deserve it. As always she has Clifford by her side to make sure she acts like a Lady and to keep her safe. He should also know better and should have guessed what was going on. Clifford is like a superhero at this point! Gladstone is along for the sausages. He is so excited! Americans LOVE sausages! They have a different name but they still smell and taste like his favorite food. He's in hog heaven in New York! Americans also eat something called hamburger but there's no ham in it! Gladstone likes that too. He enjoys the attention and greeting new humans but he does not love CATS, one cat in particular. Catamina lives across the hall and she delights in tormenting poor Gladstone! He's too old, fat and slow to chase her very far and put up a fair fight. The ladies are so cute as always! They're having a blast, especially Trotters and Butters who are learning new things but heaven help any American who thinks they know more about cooking than Ellie's cook!
New York is populated by the rudest people on the planet! Mrs. Melchum across the hall is one cranky old lady. She's rude, snobby and stuck in the last century. She disapproves of everything about Ellie and her entourage. Mrs. M is a faded old Society matron who doesn't know how to keep her nose out of everyone else's business in spite of never leaving the building. She spoils her cat and her cat is so arrogant and smug, she torments poor Gladstone and he gets blamed for causing distress to the naughty cat!
Ogden P. Dellany is the rudest man Ellie has ever met. He's a slimeball, a sleaze, a womanizer and who knows what else. Corrupt businessman probably, rum runner possibly and a nasty piece of work. He doesn't like his wife let alone love her. She's frequently drunk and seems to harbor animosity towards her husband. She claims she stays with him for the money and doesn't care about his infidelities but I think she's angry. She seems like a bitter woman.
The nicest person Ellie meets is Marty, the doorman. He's friendly, always sunny and happy to help. Marty is a wonderful person and a true friend to Ellie for the time she has been in New York. He's a sweet and devoted son and in spite of differences, a loving brother as well. His death is absolutely heartbreaking! Everyone knows it was murder but no one saw anything, no one will say anything and everyone will turn a blind eye. Not Ellie!
I think she Mrs. Dellany wants revenge on her husband. Marty used to work for Mr. Dellany as a chauffeur until Marty was inexplicably fired and blackballed from the profession he enjoyed. Could Mrs. Dellany have tried to come on to Marty only to be rebuffed? Did she fear Marty was going to expose her to her husband? Or is Mrs. Dellany more clever than she seems. I think she is. I think her drunk persona is an act and she may be the brains behind some kind of illegal operation. After all, she has to get her booze somehow doesn't she? It's Prohibition!
Lavinia Vanderdale is a cynical, catty woman. She TRIES to explain to Ellie the way Society works. It's the same in England really, where no one says what they mean and everyone is trying to climb over each other to the top. Lavinia thinks she's a progressive modern woman for starting New York's first social club for women but Ellie doesn't see any evidence of any progressive era politics going on. I think these women are the "antis" who didn't want the right to vote, who like to sit around and discuss where they're going to throw their money next, gripe about their husbands and whatever rich *itches do. Real Housewives of New York 1920s edition! Atticus Wyatt seems affable. He's friendly to Ellie AND to Gladstone. He doesn't seem to mind Gladstone's exuberant greetings. Atticus seems to like everyone, even Ogden! He claims to be a teetotaler but evidence suggests he might be lying. Lavinia claims EVERYONE is lying and Atticus has no more love for Ogden than anyone else has.
Temples, Mr. Dellany's chauffeur, replaced Marty in that position. Temples claims the staff car was missing the night of the party, the night Marty was killed. Did Temples kill Marty? He was the one who had Marty fired in the first place and he seems to consort with low company? Who is the witness who saw the murder and then disappeared? He claimed to be just passing through, a tramp I guess, but I am suspicious of him. Why is he so willing to talk to the police when no one else is?
Marty's brother Earl becomes a co-sleuth. He wants to know who killed his brother and to see justice done. Marty and Earl's mother, Mrs. Morales, is a lovely woman. She must use a wheelchair to get around but it doesn't stop her from having a sunny outlook on life and being friendly. She's touched by Ellie's caring and generosity and firmly of the opinion that she should be involved in the investigation into her son's death. Yes it's upsetting to discover he was murdered but she wants to know the truth. Mrs. Morales bonds with Ellie's staff and their afternoon together sounds like a hoot. Mrs. Morales teaches them about her native Filipino fruit, the calamansi, which she claims Marty planted in Central Park for her. There's absolutely no way. Tropical fruit literally can not grow in New York! That is an even bigger blunder than the peanut butter allergy in a previous book! Does the author have any idea where New York IS or what the climate is like or do they just don't care?
Officer Balowski is the rudest policeman! He's arrogant, dismissive and overworked. He could care less about Marty's murder and dismisses it as a hit and run. That is, until Ellie forces him to take a second look. Balowski has to work on the sly or his Captain would have him out on his ear. There's a hierarchy in New York Society as their is in England and investigating the supposed murder of a doorman is not worth police time or money and investigating the death of a doorman when a wealthy businessman may be involved? NOT gonnna happen! No one wants to end up wearing cement shoes! Private Detective Newkirk is following Ellie. He wants to know what she knows but why? Who is his client and which side is he on?
Hugh is back in England but he makes his feelings known. Finally, he's become a swoony beau, able to express how he feels and show Ellie how much he loves her!
I am eager to return home to Henley Hall and England! I hope Ellie stays put for awhile. Plus I am dying for a reunion with Hugh!
After solving a shipboard crime on her way to New York, Lady Eleanor Swift finds herself in uncharted waters in New York Society. It seems her exploits have made the papers and now she's a celebrity, along with Gladstone the bulldog. Ellie is happy to socialize with the elite at their parties but she's more comfortable chatting with Marty, the friendly doorman or changing into her pyjamas and enjoying a quiet night at home with her Henley Hall family. They're along for the trip too and the ladies are enjoying all New York has to offer. One thing no one expected New York to offer was another murder to solve! When Marty becomes a victim of a hit-and-run, Ellie is convinced it was murder but the police dismiss her concerns. Only one officer agrees to take a second look but as Ellie soon learns, in New York, cops are on the make and she doesn't know who to trust! When Ellie comes across another dead body, she's perplexed and hasn't a clue what's going on. As usual, she stumbles across some clues that may lead to Marty's killer, but someone else is after the same information for very different reasons. Can Ellie see justice done for Marty before she returns home to England - or worse - is killed?
This wasn't my favorite entry in the series. It's VERY 1920s New Yawk if you know what I mean. It crams in every single stereotype about New York in the 20th-century into one story. I kept waiting for Al Capone to show up even though I knew he was in Chicago at that time. I guessed quickly and easily what it was about, but the whole puzzle eluded me. There was a last minute twist I didn't see coming! At least in this book I can tell the difference between which character is speaking but there was way too much slang for me. Some of the slang isn't even accurate to the time period and took me right out of the story. "Dude" and "That sucks" are both far more recent slang words than the 1920s. (I had to stop and look them up). The period details were OK. Sometimes it felt like looking at modern Manhattan with the traffic jams and rude people.
Ellie is shockingly naïve. She's solved more than 13 murder cases by now and given that one involved a royal, she should understand the way the world works. She should also know by now when a sleazy man is hitting on her and that Society women are as catty as they come. Given the fact she couldn't trust the police in her first murder, she should be aware that the police are human and therefore not immune to bribery and corruption. America may have been seen as the land of opportunity but it wasn't the land of equality. Money talked and I suspect this investigation has to do with someone with money and lots of it. I kept hoping Ellie wouldn't cross Al Capone! Her danger was even more perilous than ever before.
Ellie's naivety is what makes her likable and charming though. She's more comfortable with her so-called servants than her own class. She's very sweet and kind. Ellie sees the best in everyone even when they don't deserve it. As always she has Clifford by her side to make sure she acts like a Lady and to keep her safe. He should also know better and should have guessed what was going on. Clifford is like a superhero at this point! Gladstone is along for the sausages. He is so excited! Americans LOVE sausages! They have a different name but they still smell and taste like his favorite food. He's in hog heaven in New York! Americans also eat something called hamburger but there's no ham in it! Gladstone likes that too. He enjoys the attention and greeting new humans but he does not love CATS, one cat in particular. Catamina lives across the hall and she delights in tormenting poor Gladstone! He's too old, fat and slow to chase her very far and put up a fair fight. The ladies are so cute as always! They're having a blast, especially Trotters and Butters who are learning new things but heaven help any American who thinks they know more about cooking than Ellie's cook!
New York is populated by the rudest people on the planet! Mrs. Melchum across the hall is one cranky old lady. She's rude, snobby and stuck in the last century. She disapproves of everything about Ellie and her entourage. Mrs. M is a faded old Society matron who doesn't know how to keep her nose out of everyone else's business in spite of never leaving the building. She spoils her cat and her cat is so arrogant and smug, she torments poor Gladstone and he gets blamed for causing distress to the naughty cat!
Ogden P. Dellany is the rudest man Ellie has ever met. He's a slimeball, a sleaze, a womanizer and who knows what else. Corrupt businessman probably, rum runner possibly and a nasty piece of work. He doesn't like his wife let alone love her. She's frequently drunk and seems to harbor animosity towards her husband. She claims she stays with him for the money and doesn't care about his infidelities but I think she's angry. She seems like a bitter woman.
The nicest person Ellie meets is Marty, the doorman. He's friendly, always sunny and happy to help. Marty is a wonderful person and a true friend to Ellie for the time she has been in New York. He's a sweet and devoted son and in spite of differences, a loving brother as well. His death is absolutely heartbreaking! Everyone knows it was murder but no one saw anything, no one will say anything and everyone will turn a blind eye. Not Ellie!
I think she Mrs. Dellany wants revenge on her husband. Marty used to work for Mr. Dellany as a chauffeur until Marty was inexplicably fired and blackballed from the profession he enjoyed. Could Mrs. Dellany have tried to come on to Marty only to be rebuffed? Did she fear Marty was going to expose her to her husband? Or is Mrs. Dellany more clever than she seems. I think she is. I think her drunk persona is an act and she may be the brains behind some kind of illegal operation. After all, she has to get her booze somehow doesn't she? It's Prohibition!
Lavinia Vanderdale is a cynical, catty woman. She TRIES to explain to Ellie the way Society works. It's the same in England really, where no one says what they mean and everyone is trying to climb over each other to the top. Lavinia thinks she's a progressive modern woman for starting New York's first social club for women but Ellie doesn't see any evidence of any progressive era politics going on. I think these women are the "antis" who didn't want the right to vote, who like to sit around and discuss where they're going to throw their money next, gripe about their husbands and whatever rich *itches do. Real Housewives of New York 1920s edition! Atticus Wyatt seems affable. He's friendly to Ellie AND to Gladstone. He doesn't seem to mind Gladstone's exuberant greetings. Atticus seems to like everyone, even Ogden! He claims to be a teetotaler but evidence suggests he might be lying. Lavinia claims EVERYONE is lying and Atticus has no more love for Ogden than anyone else has.
Temples, Mr. Dellany's chauffeur, replaced Marty in that position. Temples claims the staff car was missing the night of the party, the night Marty was killed. Did Temples kill Marty? He was the one who had Marty fired in the first place and he seems to consort with low company? Who is the witness who saw the murder and then disappeared? He claimed to be just passing through, a tramp I guess, but I am suspicious of him. Why is he so willing to talk to the police when no one else is?
Marty's brother Earl becomes a co-sleuth. He wants to know who killed his brother and to see justice done. Marty and Earl's mother, Mrs. Morales, is a lovely woman. She must use a wheelchair to get around but it doesn't stop her from having a sunny outlook on life and being friendly. She's touched by Ellie's caring and generosity and firmly of the opinion that she should be involved in the investigation into her son's death. Yes it's upsetting to discover he was murdered but she wants to know the truth. Mrs. Morales bonds with Ellie's staff and their afternoon together sounds like a hoot. Mrs. Morales teaches them about her native Filipino fruit, the calamansi, which she claims Marty planted in Central Park for her. There's absolutely no way. Tropical fruit literally can not grow in New York! That is an even bigger blunder than the peanut butter allergy in a previous book! Does the author have any idea where New York IS or what the climate is like or do they just don't care?
Officer Balowski is the rudest policeman! He's arrogant, dismissive and overworked. He could care less about Marty's murder and dismisses it as a hit and run. That is, until Ellie forces him to take a second look. Balowski has to work on the sly or his Captain would have him out on his ear. There's a hierarchy in New York Society as their is in England and investigating the supposed murder of a doorman is not worth police time or money and investigating the death of a doorman when a wealthy businessman may be involved? NOT gonnna happen! No one wants to end up wearing cement shoes! Private Detective Newkirk is following Ellie. He wants to know what she knows but why? Who is his client and which side is he on?
Hugh is back in England but he makes his feelings known. Finally, he's become a swoony beau, able to express how he feels and show Ellie how much he loves her!
I am eager to return home to Henley Hall and England! I hope Ellie stays put for awhile. Plus I am dying for a reunion with Hugh!
October 7, 2023
I've really enjoyed this series, but this entry dragged a bit for me for about the first half of the book. Set completely in New York, the book primarily featured Eleanor, her trusty butler/sidekick Clifford, and a whole host of mostly unsavory people in New York. While Eleanor's loyal staff were all with her in New York (as usual), they were only featured in a few scenes.
I'm definitely continuing with the series, but hope the next is back in England and that Hugh is once again part of the story.
I'm definitely continuing with the series, but hope the next is back in England and that Hugh is once again part of the story.
July 2, 2023
Rating: 4.6 / 5
I must admit, the only thing I don't like about the Eleanor Swift mysteries is when I have to end them. Yes, it's definitely bittersweet to make it to that final chapter and then just...*sniffles* have to put it down because I've finished, and wait anxiously for the next one to come out.
But alas, that's what happens when you love a series so much: you just follow it as best you can, and wait until the next addition comes out.
In this new adventure of Eleanor and Clifford's, with Gladstone of course in tow, we see everyone...very much out of their element as they find themselves in New York--a city famous for being "welcoming" to tourists, ahem, as the saying goes.
Anyway, this time Eleanor herself is actually witness to a murder happening, but since it's done a la New York style (aka hit and run), justice is far from being served and no one apart from Eleanor seems to even think that there is a crime to be solved. However, as we know, Eleanor can't just leave well enough alone, and so she sets out to avenge the murder and see justice done!
Admittedly, maybe because we're away from Eleanor's usual haunts and the lovely manners and mannerisms associated with jolly old England, I found that while I still love this one fine, I didn't love it as much as most of Eleanor's other adventures--and yes, this will be reflected in where I'm ranking it on the list at the end of my review.
Part of this is, I think, because Eleanor herself and even Clifford seem very out of place in a New York setting, trying to solve a crime, and that everything just seems too dead set against them--like, seriously, is it just ONE cop who's not corrupt and who's willing to help out? It's a mismatch of finding Mary and Carson...in Hollywood, let's say, and him still trying to be a proper butler and Mary still trying to be a proper lady, but set against a society that has no use for titled ladies and old-world decencies. It's...just a bit incongruous, shall we say.
Additionally, although there are some unexpected revelations, ultimately I guessed who the murderer was this time around. Given that this is just the second time that I've been able to do so in this series, that's not bad for the series itself though---2/14 times guessing the murderer correctly is still a pretty good track record for keeping up the suspense!
So...yes, all in all, while this is a lesser Eleanor Swift read, it still leaves me loving and enthusiastic for the series overall, and I sincerely look forward to the next read. All the better because Eleanor will finally be back in England after 3 books away--Henley Hall, we await to be back!
And, as always, to conclude, here is my update list in terms of how I'm ranking the books in the series:
My Updated Ranking of the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries
1. Death on a Winter's Day (Book 8)
2. Mystery by the Sea (Book 5)
3. A Very English Murder (Book 1)
4. Death Down the Aisle (Book 11)
5. A Witness to Murder (Book 3)
6. Murder at the Fair (Book 6)
7. Death on Deck (Book 13)
8. The French for Murder (Book 10)
9. Murder in an Irish Castle (Book 12)
10. Murder in the Snow (Book 4)
11. Death at the Dance (Book 2)
12. Murder in Manhattan (Book 14)
13. A Royal Murder (Book 9)
14. A Lesson in Murder (Book 7)
I must admit, the only thing I don't like about the Eleanor Swift mysteries is when I have to end them. Yes, it's definitely bittersweet to make it to that final chapter and then just...*sniffles* have to put it down because I've finished, and wait anxiously for the next one to come out.
But alas, that's what happens when you love a series so much: you just follow it as best you can, and wait until the next addition comes out.
In this new adventure of Eleanor and Clifford's, with Gladstone of course in tow, we see everyone...very much out of their element as they find themselves in New York--a city famous for being "welcoming" to tourists, ahem, as the saying goes.
Anyway, this time Eleanor herself is actually witness to a murder happening, but since it's done a la New York style (aka hit and run), justice is far from being served and no one apart from Eleanor seems to even think that there is a crime to be solved. However, as we know, Eleanor can't just leave well enough alone, and so she sets out to avenge the murder and see justice done!
Admittedly, maybe because we're away from Eleanor's usual haunts and the lovely manners and mannerisms associated with jolly old England, I found that while I still love this one fine, I didn't love it as much as most of Eleanor's other adventures--and yes, this will be reflected in where I'm ranking it on the list at the end of my review.
Part of this is, I think, because Eleanor herself and even Clifford seem very out of place in a New York setting, trying to solve a crime, and that everything just seems too dead set against them--like, seriously, is it just ONE cop who's not corrupt and who's willing to help out? It's a mismatch of finding Mary and Carson...in Hollywood, let's say, and him still trying to be a proper butler and Mary still trying to be a proper lady, but set against a society that has no use for titled ladies and old-world decencies. It's...just a bit incongruous, shall we say.
Additionally, although there are some unexpected revelations, ultimately I guessed who the murderer was this time around. Given that this is just the second time that I've been able to do so in this series, that's not bad for the series itself though---2/14 times guessing the murderer correctly is still a pretty good track record for keeping up the suspense!
So...yes, all in all, while this is a lesser Eleanor Swift read, it still leaves me loving and enthusiastic for the series overall, and I sincerely look forward to the next read. All the better because Eleanor will finally be back in England after 3 books away--Henley Hall, we await to be back!
And, as always, to conclude, here is my update list in terms of how I'm ranking the books in the series:
My Updated Ranking of the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries
1. Death on a Winter's Day (Book 8)
2. Mystery by the Sea (Book 5)
3. A Very English Murder (Book 1)
4. Death Down the Aisle (Book 11)
5. A Witness to Murder (Book 3)
6. Murder at the Fair (Book 6)
7. Death on Deck (Book 13)
8. The French for Murder (Book 10)
9. Murder in an Irish Castle (Book 12)
10. Murder in the Snow (Book 4)
11. Death at the Dance (Book 2)
12. Murder in Manhattan (Book 14)
13. A Royal Murder (Book 9)
14. A Lesson in Murder (Book 7)
July 9, 2023
I've had a blast with this series. Fun, quirky characters, great mysteries, and a wonderful variety of situations. I love how they don't do everything perfectly and yet they usually aren't running reckless either. She doesn't rely a lot on "coincidence" as a general rule.
Yes, I complain about the over-attention to clothing and food detail, but still... really enjoy a series that has a "not like other girls" twist that isn't the same as most (and a logical reason for it, too).
So what's wrong with this one? So many things.
1. I think maybe Lady Swift should've stayed in Europe. Word choice fails would have been bearable. I get it. It happens. But um...
2. The constant treatment of Americans as backwater idiots, the attitude that everyone is crass and ignorant... I just can't take it.
I've been annoyed by the snobby Brits in past books, but nothing even close to this. Add to that a "got woke" feel to have a token character to fit some quota and it just fell flat. Sigh.
I'm not done with the series for sure. I'm definitely going to read the next and see if this is a one-off, but... if she doesn't go home and back to what makes her a lot of fun to read, yeah. I'll be done.
Yes, I complain about the over-attention to clothing and food detail, but still... really enjoy a series that has a "not like other girls" twist that isn't the same as most (and a logical reason for it, too).
So what's wrong with this one? So many things.
1. I think maybe Lady Swift should've stayed in Europe. Word choice fails would have been bearable. I get it. It happens. But um...
2. The constant treatment of Americans as backwater idiots, the attitude that everyone is crass and ignorant... I just can't take it.
I've been annoyed by the snobby Brits in past books, but nothing even close to this. Add to that a "got woke" feel to have a token character to fit some quota and it just fell flat. Sigh.
I'm not done with the series for sure. I'm definitely going to read the next and see if this is a one-off, but... if she doesn't go home and back to what makes her a lot of fun to read, yeah. I'll be done.
July 4, 2023
4.5 Stars: Murder in Manhattan is the 14th book in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series and the first I have read. I had no problem following the story or enjoying it, so don't be frightened by that #14, jump in and enjoy this mystery. In this book, Lady Eleanor is in New York for a couple of weeks, and of course stumbles upon a murder. At first, the hit and run on the doorman where she is staying appears to be an accident, but as she rethought what she saw and heard, she was sure it was intentional and a murder. Unfortunately, the case is closed, but she gets Officer Balowski to believe her and begins her own investigation, while he does the same. Will they figure out who killed, Marty, the doorman? Just when she finds some clues, philanderer Ogden P. Dellaney is found dead. Marty used to work for him, so both Eleanor and Officer Balowski think the deaths are related. When Eleanor is evicted and Officer Balowski is fired, they know they are on the right track.
I enjoyed this historical, cozy, mystery a lot and now wish I had started this series from the beginning. Eleanor is a great character. She is a bit socially inept, but she is strong and independent, has deep feeling for those she cares about, is tenacious and wants to do what is right, especially when justice is involved. She was raised by an uncle after her parents died and he left her everything when he passed, including his butler. Clifford is wonderful. He is like Eleanor's conscience and keeps a careful eye on her. He assists her in her endeavours, although he is also the calming influence when needed. The last of the trio is Gladstone, Eleanor's dog. It seems everyone loves him and it gets her some answers and entrances into circles when he turns on the charm. As far as the mystery goes, I had no idea who the culprit was. This was a well-written and plotted story with enough clues to keep me guessing, but enough twists to have me wrong a few times. This was a fun, face paced story that kept me interested from start to finish. I definitely recommend this one and will be reading more of the previous books myself.
I enjoyed this historical, cozy, mystery a lot and now wish I had started this series from the beginning. Eleanor is a great character. She is a bit socially inept, but she is strong and independent, has deep feeling for those she cares about, is tenacious and wants to do what is right, especially when justice is involved. She was raised by an uncle after her parents died and he left her everything when he passed, including his butler. Clifford is wonderful. He is like Eleanor's conscience and keeps a careful eye on her. He assists her in her endeavours, although he is also the calming influence when needed. The last of the trio is Gladstone, Eleanor's dog. It seems everyone loves him and it gets her some answers and entrances into circles when he turns on the charm. As far as the mystery goes, I had no idea who the culprit was. This was a well-written and plotted story with enough clues to keep me guessing, but enough twists to have me wrong a few times. This was a fun, face paced story that kept me interested from start to finish. I definitely recommend this one and will be reading more of the previous books myself.
July 2, 2023
The fourteenth book in the Lady Eleanor Mystery series! I will confess now that this is my first time reading anything written by Verity Bright. Luckily, this book was easily read on its own, but, I must say, it's given me a small taste of Lady Eleanor, and I'm so ready for more. So, I'm pretty glad there are plenty of books to work my way through!
A cosy mystery with Lady Eleanor at the very centre of it all. She arrived in Manhattan after crossing from England on the SS Celestiana. She sets about living her high society life by being at any soirée she can. She even takes her butler, Clifford and French Bulldog, Gladstone, too! New York life takes a different turn when she witnesses Marty, the doorman of her apartment gets knocked down and killed. As things go from bad to worse for her and the policeman who decided to help her, can Lady Eleanor get to the crux of the matter before someone else is murdered?
1920's Manhattan, a mystery to solve and quite a few delightful characters. I do not know why I am only just reading this series. The cover of this book drew me to check out the blurb, and after reading that, I wanted to know everything!
Even though this was my first introduction to Lady Eleanor and Co., I was soon at home with everyone. I loved the mystery, tension, and the humour, that ran through this story. The conclusion left me with a fuzzy feeling as well. Gripping and such a fun read! I enjoyed it so much.
Thanks to Sarah Hardy of Bookouture Books and NetGalley for the copy of the book to write mu honest review.
A cosy mystery with Lady Eleanor at the very centre of it all. She arrived in Manhattan after crossing from England on the SS Celestiana. She sets about living her high society life by being at any soirée she can. She even takes her butler, Clifford and French Bulldog, Gladstone, too! New York life takes a different turn when she witnesses Marty, the doorman of her apartment gets knocked down and killed. As things go from bad to worse for her and the policeman who decided to help her, can Lady Eleanor get to the crux of the matter before someone else is murdered?
1920's Manhattan, a mystery to solve and quite a few delightful characters. I do not know why I am only just reading this series. The cover of this book drew me to check out the blurb, and after reading that, I wanted to know everything!
Even though this was my first introduction to Lady Eleanor and Co., I was soon at home with everyone. I loved the mystery, tension, and the humour, that ran through this story. The conclusion left me with a fuzzy feeling as well. Gripping and such a fun read! I enjoyed it so much.
Thanks to Sarah Hardy of Bookouture Books and NetGalley for the copy of the book to write mu honest review.
July 29, 2024
3 stars.
Clifford rented a nice Manhattan apartment for Ellie and her entourage so that she could sample its High Society during their sojourn in New York. But when Ellie witnesses her doorman being run down deliberately, she quickly realizes that trying to investigate out of her home turf is a dangerous and unpopular task. It seems nobody in the city is interested in finding out the reason for the murder. But of course, Ellie and Clifford are determined to forge ahead despite being shunned by NY Society and evicted from their apartment.
The finale was again quite hair-raising à la "The Perils of Pauline". But I particularly enjoyed learning from the historical notes about the Prohibition and the corruptions in NY during the 1920s. I'm sort of glad that Ellie and co. will be returning home though. It did feel they were a bit out of their element in Manhattan.
Clifford rented a nice Manhattan apartment for Ellie and her entourage so that she could sample its High Society during their sojourn in New York. But when Ellie witnesses her doorman being run down deliberately, she quickly realizes that trying to investigate out of her home turf is a dangerous and unpopular task. It seems nobody in the city is interested in finding out the reason for the murder. But of course, Ellie and Clifford are determined to forge ahead despite being shunned by NY Society and evicted from their apartment.
The finale was again quite hair-raising à la "The Perils of Pauline". But I particularly enjoyed learning from the historical notes about the Prohibition and the corruptions in NY during the 1920s. I'm sort of glad that Ellie and co. will be returning home though. It did feel they were a bit out of their element in Manhattan.
November 11, 2024
This is a review about the series as a whole, rather than a specific book review about each book.
I am enjoying this series somewhat. I do find somethings rather frustrating at times, but overall, I like how things are developing through the whole series and I do want answers to certain questions that still have to be answered. It's a pleasant, not taxing on brain way to spend a couple of hours.
Eleanor. Right. She does not read as a 28 something woman, who eventually hits her 30's as the series progresses. Her character background doesn't fit the character we are presented with. I know she has been somewhat spoiled and is pampered, but she reads as a teenager to me, especially as all her exploring should've made her more mature. She has been travelling the world for 10 years alone. I repeat, travelling alone as a woman in the 1920's. That wouldn't have been easy and you'd need your wits about you. It's not like she's been locked in a manor for 15 years and is finally being released into the world alas Rapunzel. I also find her general horniness, both hilarious and frustrating, especially when she's falling for people she's just met and having romancey moments at the most worst times when she should be focusing on something much more serious. Though I do know it's part of her character that she falls hard over nothing and has a habit of rushing into romances with people she barely knows. She knows this about herself, yet does it anyway, she never really grows in this respect througout the story. I also didn't like that she turned into blushing, awkward giggling girl around males she finds attractive. It's stereotypical and once again, it's reminisce of a teenager. You'd think at 28, you can be around an attractive male and be fine. Most woman I know can. She just doesn't come across as a 28-30 year woman to me. I do sigh when she's like a bull in a china shop where a delicate hand was needed. She sometimes makes life hard for herself though once again, I know that's one huge part of her character traits, but she can come across quite rude at times. But I don't dislike her and I don't mind having her as the main character, I do wish we would have some more character growth within the story though.
Also, I know talk of food is a somewhat part of the cozy genre, but it gets tiring that Eleanor eats six heavily calorie meals a day, yet always keeps her figure. It's unrealistic and is a pet peeve of mine, as it's a mythical dream that is used as a stick to beat woman with when they can't achieve it.
I really like Clifford (despite the grating chivalry misogyny and being all proper which can get tiring. And I dislike how he's always reminding the ladies that because Eleanor has a title, that means she's better, worth more and special than them. All people are equal on the whole. A title doesn't mean much in this day and age. I know it's somewhat suitable/normal for the time period, but I think the authors can easily not focus and push this specific idea as much as they do. I know Clifford truly believes that she's better but it's getting old, especially when he pushes it on the staff several times a book.) and the rest of the staff though Clifford should be a bit easier on them, haha. I mean, they're doing several peoples worth of work a day by themselves. And one of them is 15 and started working at 11. (Imagine having an 11 year old as a maid/cleaner/everything else.) Dude doesn't know how to relax and chill. And Gladstone is my favourite. He's a cutie and I love his addition to the story. He makes a cute, fun aspect to the books with his charming personality of constantly stealing shoes and his penchant for digging.
Also, Polly started working at the manor at 11. In 1918, you had to stay in school until you were 14! so what's with that?!? Breaks the immersion. I don't understand why they couldn't have her at like 17? It would change nothing. She can still be a clumsy, young, silly girl at 17. You wouldn't have to change a thing about her character as it was written. I don't understand why the author chose her to come to the manor at 11, and be 15 within the stories narrative. Also, within the books I've read (13 as I type this sentence), we've had 2 Eleanor's birthdays, but Polly still has remained 15 somehow?
General Discussions about the series as a whole, including my thoughts on Hugh so probable minor spoilers;
FOR READERS AFTER BOOK 13;
I am enjoying this series somewhat. I do find somethings rather frustrating at times, but overall, I like how things are developing through the whole series and I do want answers to certain questions that still have to be answered. It's a pleasant, not taxing on brain way to spend a couple of hours.
Eleanor. Right. She does not read as a 28 something woman, who eventually hits her 30's as the series progresses. Her character background doesn't fit the character we are presented with. I know she has been somewhat spoiled and is pampered, but she reads as a teenager to me, especially as all her exploring should've made her more mature. She has been travelling the world for 10 years alone. I repeat, travelling alone as a woman in the 1920's. That wouldn't have been easy and you'd need your wits about you. It's not like she's been locked in a manor for 15 years and is finally being released into the world alas Rapunzel. I also find her general horniness, both hilarious and frustrating, especially when she's falling for people she's just met and having romancey moments at the most worst times when she should be focusing on something much more serious. Though I do know it's part of her character that she falls hard over nothing and has a habit of rushing into romances with people she barely knows. She knows this about herself, yet does it anyway, she never really grows in this respect througout the story. I also didn't like that she turned into blushing, awkward giggling girl around males she finds attractive. It's stereotypical and once again, it's reminisce of a teenager. You'd think at 28, you can be around an attractive male and be fine. Most woman I know can. She just doesn't come across as a 28-30 year woman to me. I do sigh when she's like a bull in a china shop where a delicate hand was needed. She sometimes makes life hard for herself though once again, I know that's one huge part of her character traits, but she can come across quite rude at times. But I don't dislike her and I don't mind having her as the main character, I do wish we would have some more character growth within the story though.
Also, I know talk of food is a somewhat part of the cozy genre, but it gets tiring that Eleanor eats six heavily calorie meals a day, yet always keeps her figure. It's unrealistic and is a pet peeve of mine, as it's a mythical dream that is used as a stick to beat woman with when they can't achieve it.
I really like Clifford (despite the grating chivalry misogyny and being all proper which can get tiring. And I dislike how he's always reminding the ladies that because Eleanor has a title, that means she's better, worth more and special than them. All people are equal on the whole. A title doesn't mean much in this day and age. I know it's somewhat suitable/normal for the time period, but I think the authors can easily not focus and push this specific idea as much as they do. I know Clifford truly believes that she's better but it's getting old, especially when he pushes it on the staff several times a book.) and the rest of the staff though Clifford should be a bit easier on them, haha. I mean, they're doing several peoples worth of work a day by themselves. And one of them is 15 and started working at 11. (Imagine having an 11 year old as a maid/cleaner/everything else.) Dude doesn't know how to relax and chill. And Gladstone is my favourite. He's a cutie and I love his addition to the story. He makes a cute, fun aspect to the books with his charming personality of constantly stealing shoes and his penchant for digging.
Also, Polly started working at the manor at 11. In 1918, you had to stay in school until you were 14! so what's with that?!? Breaks the immersion. I don't understand why they couldn't have her at like 17? It would change nothing. She can still be a clumsy, young, silly girl at 17. You wouldn't have to change a thing about her character as it was written. I don't understand why the author chose her to come to the manor at 11, and be 15 within the stories narrative. Also, within the books I've read (13 as I type this sentence), we've had 2 Eleanor's birthdays, but Polly still has remained 15 somehow?
General Discussions about the series as a whole, including my thoughts on Hugh so probable minor spoilers;
FOR READERS AFTER BOOK 13;
July 2, 2023
It’s not easy to say something original after one took part to 14 blog tours and review all the previous instalments. This is the best novel so far as there’s a continuous evolution in the character’s arc and this is one that sees our heroes facing a new environment and people who are an unknown quantity.
You can’t know who you can trust and there’s a lot going on under the façade of the Manhattan high society.
It’s the age of Charleston but also of gangsters, Prohibition, and corruption.
Eleanor and Clifford, with some help from local people, face this new world and a couple of murder.
I love how the authors always add interesting social remarks to their stories as the social naivete of Eleanor can help her to see beyond the conventions.
The mystery is twisty, action packed and fast paced. I couldn’t stop reading and turning pages in a sort of one-more-chapter-syndrome. I had fun and was kept guessing even if some gut feeling suggested me who the villain was.
Not the best to read as a stand-alone but will surely be love by those who read the rest of the series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
You can’t know who you can trust and there’s a lot going on under the façade of the Manhattan high society.
It’s the age of Charleston but also of gangsters, Prohibition, and corruption.
Eleanor and Clifford, with some help from local people, face this new world and a couple of murder.
I love how the authors always add interesting social remarks to their stories as the social naivete of Eleanor can help her to see beyond the conventions.
The mystery is twisty, action packed and fast paced. I couldn’t stop reading and turning pages in a sort of one-more-chapter-syndrome. I had fun and was kept guessing even if some gut feeling suggested me who the villain was.
Not the best to read as a stand-alone but will surely be love by those who read the rest of the series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 30, 2023
I have been an avid reader of the Lady Swift series and have recommended them widely. I read this and book 15 and feel they have lost their cosiness. Spoilers below to explain so please skip if you’ve yet to read them and don’t want to know.
*Spoiler warning*
The hit-and-run murder to kick off this investigation felt unnecessarily gruesome in its description with blood and flashbacks to Eleanor’s war work as well as the grief of Marty’s family, I found it upsetting. I skipped ahead to the end to see the resolution and was disappointed it was a serial killer with no remorse and Eleanor is, once again, very nearly killed. To see a similar scene play out in the next book is unfortunate and I’ll be taking a break from the series. I read cosy novels to relax and solve the whodunit, not for emotional upheaval and violence.
*Spoiler warning*
The hit-and-run murder to kick off this investigation felt unnecessarily gruesome in its description with blood and flashbacks to Eleanor’s war work as well as the grief of Marty’s family, I found it upsetting. I skipped ahead to the end to see the resolution and was disappointed it was a serial killer with no remorse and Eleanor is, once again, very nearly killed. To see a similar scene play out in the next book is unfortunate and I’ll be taking a break from the series. I read cosy novels to relax and solve the whodunit, not for emotional upheaval and violence.
July 2, 2023
Here we find Eleanor, Clifford, Gladstone, and the ladies in the Big Apple. New York City! They’ve successfully made it across the Atlantic, Hugh has proposed and headed back to England, and Eleanor and company are set to enjoy a lovely holiday in America. But murder finds them when Marty, the jovial doorman for their apartment block, is run over in the street. The police aren’t inclined to pursue the matter, and the high society folks Eleanor is mingling with strongly encourage her to drop it.
But Eleanor’s strong sense of justice won’t let her leave it be. As she investigates, she comes up with more questions than answers. Why did Marty have a wad of cash stashed away? He couldn’t have made that much money as a doorman. But he used to work for the wealthy Ogden P. Dellaney, also found dead in mysterious circumstances the following day. Are the two connected?
Verity Bright gives us another lovely literary confection here! Bright portrays a New York where everybody – cops, doormen, chauffeurs – is on the take somehow. People warn Eleanor that the city isn’t kind to those who go poking their noses where they don’t belong (what, Eleanor do that? Perish the thought!). But she persists. And at least one officer of the law, Officer Balowski, is willing to help Eleanor search for the truth. For their troubles, though, Eleanor is evicted from her apartment and Balowski is fired from the force. How much farther will the killer go to warn them off?
Not only do we have the main mystery, but we also have the irascible Mrs. Melchum and her snooty cat, Catamina. Mrs. Melchum isn’t very kind to Eleanor, nor is she favorably inclined toward Gladstone (and who doesn’t love Gladstone?!). The interactions between Gladstone and Catamina are pretty funny. Cat, dog, you get the drift. What happened in her past to make her so bitter? Will she ever warm to Eleanor?
With the cast of charming regulars and new characters to love (or not), a high society setting in the Roaring 20s, and a mystery that leads the reader on a merry chase, Murder in Manhattan is a joy to read. Can’t wait to see what Eleanor gets up to next!
But Eleanor’s strong sense of justice won’t let her leave it be. As she investigates, she comes up with more questions than answers. Why did Marty have a wad of cash stashed away? He couldn’t have made that much money as a doorman. But he used to work for the wealthy Ogden P. Dellaney, also found dead in mysterious circumstances the following day. Are the two connected?
Verity Bright gives us another lovely literary confection here! Bright portrays a New York where everybody – cops, doormen, chauffeurs – is on the take somehow. People warn Eleanor that the city isn’t kind to those who go poking their noses where they don’t belong (what, Eleanor do that? Perish the thought!). But she persists. And at least one officer of the law, Officer Balowski, is willing to help Eleanor search for the truth. For their troubles, though, Eleanor is evicted from her apartment and Balowski is fired from the force. How much farther will the killer go to warn them off?
Not only do we have the main mystery, but we also have the irascible Mrs. Melchum and her snooty cat, Catamina. Mrs. Melchum isn’t very kind to Eleanor, nor is she favorably inclined toward Gladstone (and who doesn’t love Gladstone?!). The interactions between Gladstone and Catamina are pretty funny. Cat, dog, you get the drift. What happened in her past to make her so bitter? Will she ever warm to Eleanor?
With the cast of charming regulars and new characters to love (or not), a high society setting in the Roaring 20s, and a mystery that leads the reader on a merry chase, Murder in Manhattan is a joy to read. Can’t wait to see what Eleanor gets up to next!
July 5, 2023
My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Murder in Manhattan‘ by Verity Bright.
This is Book 14 in the Lady Eleanor Swift series of historical cosy mysteries set in the 1920s. As usual, I complemented my reading with its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Karen Cass.
This novel follows on from the events in Book 13, ‘Death on Deck’, in which Lady Eleanor (Ellie) had travelled to New York City and solved a murder while on board the luxury ocean liner. Ellie has settled herself and her staff into a sumptuous Manhattan apartment and socialises with members of the local high society.
When Ellie witnesses a fatal hit-and-run accident outside her building, she is convinced that it was deliberate though her concerns are initially brushed off by beat cop, Officer Balowski. In addition, her new high society acquaintances close ranks and are not at all encouraging of her sleuthing.
Still, Ellie is unlikely to be put off and doggedly pursues her own investigation. However, New York City presents a very different society to the one that Ellie is used to and she soon finds herself in danger. No further details to avoid spoilers.
This was something a little different from the usual type of murder that Ellie investigates given that she is confronted by a hostile police force, Prohibition-era gangsters, and the like. Being Ellie, she does also find allies and, of course, is assisted by Clifford, her faithful butler, and Gladstone, who continues to win over everyone apart from Catamina, a Siamese cat, and her snobbish owner, who resides in the same apartment building as Ellie and company.
I always enjoy Karen Cass’ narration of the series’ audiobooks and here she obviously had a great deal of fun with the various American accents.
Overall, ‘Murder in Manhattan’ was another enjoyable instalment in this brilliant series with a nail-biting finale that had me on the edge of my seat. The change in location also allowed for a change of pace for Lady Eleanor Swift, combining the usual cosy mystery with a touch of hard boiled pulp fiction.
Highly recommended.
This is Book 14 in the Lady Eleanor Swift series of historical cosy mysteries set in the 1920s. As usual, I complemented my reading with its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Karen Cass.
This novel follows on from the events in Book 13, ‘Death on Deck’, in which Lady Eleanor (Ellie) had travelled to New York City and solved a murder while on board the luxury ocean liner. Ellie has settled herself and her staff into a sumptuous Manhattan apartment and socialises with members of the local high society.
When Ellie witnesses a fatal hit-and-run accident outside her building, she is convinced that it was deliberate though her concerns are initially brushed off by beat cop, Officer Balowski. In addition, her new high society acquaintances close ranks and are not at all encouraging of her sleuthing.
Still, Ellie is unlikely to be put off and doggedly pursues her own investigation. However, New York City presents a very different society to the one that Ellie is used to and she soon finds herself in danger. No further details to avoid spoilers.
This was something a little different from the usual type of murder that Ellie investigates given that she is confronted by a hostile police force, Prohibition-era gangsters, and the like. Being Ellie, she does also find allies and, of course, is assisted by Clifford, her faithful butler, and Gladstone, who continues to win over everyone apart from Catamina, a Siamese cat, and her snobbish owner, who resides in the same apartment building as Ellie and company.
I always enjoy Karen Cass’ narration of the series’ audiobooks and here she obviously had a great deal of fun with the various American accents.
Overall, ‘Murder in Manhattan’ was another enjoyable instalment in this brilliant series with a nail-biting finale that had me on the edge of my seat. The change in location also allowed for a change of pace for Lady Eleanor Swift, combining the usual cosy mystery with a touch of hard boiled pulp fiction.
Highly recommended.
July 5, 2023
Murder In Manhattan by Verity Bright takes Lady Eleanor, Clifford, Gladstone, and the ladies all to Manhattan. Manhattan is a surprise for Lady Eleanor and Lady Eleanor is certainly a surprise for Manhattan. She witnesses a hit and run outside of her apartment and rushes to help. Who should be the victim except their doorman? Marty, her doorman. Of course, they were late as usual and then ran into a very unpleasant neighbor and her cat. Gladstone could hardly let that go, now could he? They made it to the party and met some interesting people and set up some engagements for later in the week. It was later in the week that Marty got hit and died in Ellie’s lap. She vowed then and there to catch his killer for she didn’t believe it to be an accident. She met his family and was further convinced. Sadly, the New York Police had already declared it accidental and shut the book on it. Fortunately she met the police officer who had been present that night and with his help, and the help of a few others, she and Clifford were able to locate the murderer and close the case.
Lady Eleanor Swift is an amazing character who continues to show personal growth every book. He sidekick is Clifford, her butler, who is an extraordinary butler as well as character. Both of these characters are extremely well-written by Verity Bright. The mystery was a good one, although how they managed to solve it is beyond me. They started off with no evidence and only Ellie’s tenacity and personality got them as far as it did. She has recently become engaged to her policeman beau back home and is beyond thrilled. It will be fun to see this relationship expand even more than it has so far. This is an early 20th century story and as such, England is still living in the past as far as nobility is concerned. Ellie is helping to turn the tide on the way women are treated and it is fun to watch. This is a wonderful series and a terrific book!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Murder In Manhattan by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #VerityBright #MurderInManhattan
Lady Eleanor Swift is an amazing character who continues to show personal growth every book. He sidekick is Clifford, her butler, who is an extraordinary butler as well as character. Both of these characters are extremely well-written by Verity Bright. The mystery was a good one, although how they managed to solve it is beyond me. They started off with no evidence and only Ellie’s tenacity and personality got them as far as it did. She has recently become engaged to her policeman beau back home and is beyond thrilled. It will be fun to see this relationship expand even more than it has so far. This is an early 20th century story and as such, England is still living in the past as far as nobility is concerned. Ellie is helping to turn the tide on the way women are treated and it is fun to watch. This is a wonderful series and a terrific book!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Murder In Manhattan by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #VerityBright #MurderInManhattan
July 2, 2023
Lady Eleanor Swift is so excited to be traveling to New York City, with her butler Clifford, and of course her bulldog Gladstone. She has never visited New York City, so she can’t wait to see if it lives up to hype. Walking Gladstone in Central Park is at the top of her list of things she wants to do. However, when she witnesses a murder, her list quickly changes. The doorman at her building, Marty, is killed by a hit-and-run driver, and local Officer Balowski, a beat cop, is on the case. Lady Eleanor and Gladstone assist Officer Balowski in finding the culprit. When they search Marty’s apartment they discover wads of cash hidden under the flooring. But it didn’t make sense because Marty was struggling financially, so where did all that cash come from? Marty’s ex-boss Ogden Delaney is found dead in the city. Elenor is puzzled because Ogden was found so far away from his Upper East Side mansion. Lady Eleanor and Officer Balowski are certain that the murders are connected but they are not getting any answers to their questions, especially from Ogden’s wife. Lady Eleanor is soon evicted from her new apartment and Officer Balowski is fired from the police department. The only thing that makes sense is that they are getting very close to solving the case.
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Lady Eleanor Swift and of course Gladstone. This story plays out like a movie in my mind’s eye. I love to read about the sights and sounds of New York City, and its hustle and bustle. I was immersed in this story and I was stumped at who the culprit was, which kept me flying through the pages. Lady Eleanor is so witty and never gives up when there is a murderer to be found. Gladstone the bulldog always helps solve the case, and I’m sure he is fun to have around. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery Series. Each installment is better, and so different then the previous books. If you are looking for a fun, entertaining and engaging cozy mystery, look no further, you have found it. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Lady Eleanor Swift and of course Gladstone. This story plays out like a movie in my mind’s eye. I love to read about the sights and sounds of New York City, and its hustle and bustle. I was immersed in this story and I was stumped at who the culprit was, which kept me flying through the pages. Lady Eleanor is so witty and never gives up when there is a murderer to be found. Gladstone the bulldog always helps solve the case, and I’m sure he is fun to have around. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery Series. Each installment is better, and so different then the previous books. If you are looking for a fun, entertaining and engaging cozy mystery, look no further, you have found it. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
July 5, 2023
‘Murder in Manhattan’ is everything I love about this type of crime mystery - full of fun, dashings of intrigue, great characters and all set in interwar New York! What is there not to love?! This is book 14 in the series but it can easily be read as a standalone book. I just adore this series though so thoroughly recommend reading them from the beginning!
Lady Eleanor Swift is loving her time in New York due to the glitzy world of parties, sightseeing and strolls through Central Park. That is until she witnesses a murder! Her charming doorman Marty is knocked down right before her eyes in a hit-and-run and when she begins to ask questions New York’s society starts to close ranks. The only local cop willing to help out is Officer Balowski and he isn't too much help either. When Eleanor and her trusty Butler Clifford search Marty’s bedroom they find banknotes hidden in his floor. But Marty was broke so how does he have these? Will Eleanoris able to work out who the murderer is…
Oh, what an outing this is! Eleanor is the happiest and most settled she has been in the whole series and is freshly engaged to Hugh! Eleanor is spending time in New York and has brought Clifford and the girls as well as trusty Gladstone. It was great to see how a tried and tested formula still works in a new setting, indeed it brought excitement and a bit of novelty to the table. But then I love books that are set in this period of New York as so much of the city is gritty in cooperation with the echelons of upper society!
The plotline was packed full of action and intrigue and I was hooked from start to finish! But then this series is one that I am always desperate to get my hands on as it's one of my all-time favourites. So it got devoured in one day when I was in bed with my fibro. This book had an air of added danger to it which I think was a reflection of the gritty side of New York and I liked that! You didn't know who to trust and being new to the city neither did Eleanor.
Roll on book 15!
Lady Eleanor Swift is loving her time in New York due to the glitzy world of parties, sightseeing and strolls through Central Park. That is until she witnesses a murder! Her charming doorman Marty is knocked down right before her eyes in a hit-and-run and when she begins to ask questions New York’s society starts to close ranks. The only local cop willing to help out is Officer Balowski and he isn't too much help either. When Eleanor and her trusty Butler Clifford search Marty’s bedroom they find banknotes hidden in his floor. But Marty was broke so how does he have these? Will Eleanoris able to work out who the murderer is…
Oh, what an outing this is! Eleanor is the happiest and most settled she has been in the whole series and is freshly engaged to Hugh! Eleanor is spending time in New York and has brought Clifford and the girls as well as trusty Gladstone. It was great to see how a tried and tested formula still works in a new setting, indeed it brought excitement and a bit of novelty to the table. But then I love books that are set in this period of New York as so much of the city is gritty in cooperation with the echelons of upper society!
The plotline was packed full of action and intrigue and I was hooked from start to finish! But then this series is one that I am always desperate to get my hands on as it's one of my all-time favourites. So it got devoured in one day when I was in bed with my fibro. This book had an air of added danger to it which I think was a reflection of the gritty side of New York and I liked that! You didn't know who to trust and being new to the city neither did Eleanor.
Roll on book 15!
September 10, 2023
Lady Eleanor Swift is off to New York in Verity Bright’s latest in this fabulous series, Murder in Manhattan.
Lady Eleanor is in Manhattan where she has set up home in a gorgeously lavish apartment. It doesn’t take long for her to become the toast of the town and she’s soon gracing every single high society party in the city. However, it’s not all fun and games as she discovers when the doorman of her building, Marty, is killed in a hit-and-run. With fashionable society closing rank, nobody seems to want to help Eleanor to catch a killer – except for street-smart beat cop Officer Balowski.
Eleanor is willing to do anything to get justice for Marty, but when she searches his apartment and finds huge wads of banknotes, she wonders just what the doorman was mixed up in. When wealthy entrepreneur Ogden P. Dellaney – a man Marty used to work for – is found dead downtown far from swanky Manhattan, Eleanor and Balowski are convinced the murders are connected, but they are no close to catching the killer.
When Eleanor is served with an eviction notice and Balowski fired from the NYPD, it becomes increasingly clear that something sinister is afoot. But New York doesn’t know how tenacious Lady Eleanor Swift can be because she will do whatever it takes to find Marty and Ogden P. Dellany’s killer – even if it means putting herself in danger.
I just cannot get enough of Verity Bright’s fantastic series featuring Lady Eleanor Swift. Murder in Manhattan is a fun, glamorous, intriguing, tense and deliciously readable mystery I read in a single sitting. Lady Eleanor is once again on top form and even though she is on foreign soil, she solves this case with her customary panache, cleverness and sophistication.
A top-notch mystery from one of my favourite crime writers, Murder in Manhattan is the latest unmissable page-turner by Verity Bright.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Eleanor is in Manhattan where she has set up home in a gorgeously lavish apartment. It doesn’t take long for her to become the toast of the town and she’s soon gracing every single high society party in the city. However, it’s not all fun and games as she discovers when the doorman of her building, Marty, is killed in a hit-and-run. With fashionable society closing rank, nobody seems to want to help Eleanor to catch a killer – except for street-smart beat cop Officer Balowski.
Eleanor is willing to do anything to get justice for Marty, but when she searches his apartment and finds huge wads of banknotes, she wonders just what the doorman was mixed up in. When wealthy entrepreneur Ogden P. Dellaney – a man Marty used to work for – is found dead downtown far from swanky Manhattan, Eleanor and Balowski are convinced the murders are connected, but they are no close to catching the killer.
When Eleanor is served with an eviction notice and Balowski fired from the NYPD, it becomes increasingly clear that something sinister is afoot. But New York doesn’t know how tenacious Lady Eleanor Swift can be because she will do whatever it takes to find Marty and Ogden P. Dellany’s killer – even if it means putting herself in danger.
I just cannot get enough of Verity Bright’s fantastic series featuring Lady Eleanor Swift. Murder in Manhattan is a fun, glamorous, intriguing, tense and deliciously readable mystery I read in a single sitting. Lady Eleanor is once again on top form and even though she is on foreign soil, she solves this case with her customary panache, cleverness and sophistication.
A top-notch mystery from one of my favourite crime writers, Murder in Manhattan is the latest unmissable page-turner by Verity Bright.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 31, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Murder in Manhattan, the fourteenth novel to feature Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford, in in 1920s New York.
Eleanor and her staff are on holiday in New York, staying in a posh apartment and attending high society events. This changes when she sees the doorman, Marty, killed in a deliberate hit and run. No one except beat cop Officer Balowski is interested in helping her, even after the extremely rich Ogden Dellaney, Marty’s former employer is killed in a bad neighbourhood, miles from home. When she is evicted from the apartment, shunned by society and Balowski loses his job, she realises that there is something rotten in the Big Apple.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder in Manhattan, although it is by far the most dangerous case Eleanor and Clifford have undertaken. It is a light, frothy read with a good dash of humour, but there is an element of tension as she gets into tight situations but it never lasts long.
The novel is told from Eleanor’s point of view, so the reader gets close to her thought patterns and genuine zest for life. She makes the novel fun, whether it’s her bickering with Clifford or her determination to do the right thing. As ever she makes new friends and wins most of them over with her genuineness.
The plot is fairly zany with Eleanor and Clifford being threatened by gangsters and getting in to all sorts of situations. It never stops and is very moreish. The final showdown is ridiculous, but fun and I must admit that the perpetrator’s identity came as a surprise. It is a clever book and easy to underestimate because it is so much fun, but kudos to the authors for making it seem effortless.
Murder in Manhattan is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Eleanor and her staff are on holiday in New York, staying in a posh apartment and attending high society events. This changes when she sees the doorman, Marty, killed in a deliberate hit and run. No one except beat cop Officer Balowski is interested in helping her, even after the extremely rich Ogden Dellaney, Marty’s former employer is killed in a bad neighbourhood, miles from home. When she is evicted from the apartment, shunned by society and Balowski loses his job, she realises that there is something rotten in the Big Apple.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder in Manhattan, although it is by far the most dangerous case Eleanor and Clifford have undertaken. It is a light, frothy read with a good dash of humour, but there is an element of tension as she gets into tight situations but it never lasts long.
The novel is told from Eleanor’s point of view, so the reader gets close to her thought patterns and genuine zest for life. She makes the novel fun, whether it’s her bickering with Clifford or her determination to do the right thing. As ever she makes new friends and wins most of them over with her genuineness.
The plot is fairly zany with Eleanor and Clifford being threatened by gangsters and getting in to all sorts of situations. It never stops and is very moreish. The final showdown is ridiculous, but fun and I must admit that the perpetrator’s identity came as a surprise. It is a clever book and easy to underestimate because it is so much fun, but kudos to the authors for making it seem effortless.
Murder in Manhattan is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 28, 2023
After the traumas experienced aboard the SS Celestiana Lady Eleanor Swift has been enjoying a stay in New York visiting all the main tourist attractions alongside taking the glittering social calendar by storm as are Gladstone and Clifford! Her temporary home is in a fabulous apartment building with everything a titled lady about town could wish for, including murder!
With two linked killings in 48 hours Eleanor knows she has to intervene but without her loving beau, Hugh Sefton, to help it's down to NYPD beat cop Officer Balowski to lend a hand instead. Their involvement in the investigation isn't universally appreciated however, and it’s soon clear some powerful and influential feathers have been ruffled! As they delve deeper the danger increases and it seems the Big Apple is about to bite back.
This is, amazingly, Book 14 in this series and keeps Lady Eleanor, her staff and Gladstone, away from the familiar location of Henley Hall and its surrounds, instead locating them in the loud, exciting City of New York. Giving the book a different feel from the start it also provides a unique set of additional characters to learn about.
I loved the previous instalment so much that, for me, it was going to be a very difficult act to follow and, perhaps understandably, this didn't quite make five stars. Although the different location was fine I would have liked the familiarity of home to fall back on but I am sure I will be in the minority about this and with no lack of mystery or excitement I did still enjoy reading about Eleanor's latest adventures.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture but the opinions expressed are my own. This is another great addition to this excellent series.
With two linked killings in 48 hours Eleanor knows she has to intervene but without her loving beau, Hugh Sefton, to help it's down to NYPD beat cop Officer Balowski to lend a hand instead. Their involvement in the investigation isn't universally appreciated however, and it’s soon clear some powerful and influential feathers have been ruffled! As they delve deeper the danger increases and it seems the Big Apple is about to bite back.
This is, amazingly, Book 14 in this series and keeps Lady Eleanor, her staff and Gladstone, away from the familiar location of Henley Hall and its surrounds, instead locating them in the loud, exciting City of New York. Giving the book a different feel from the start it also provides a unique set of additional characters to learn about.
I loved the previous instalment so much that, for me, it was going to be a very difficult act to follow and, perhaps understandably, this didn't quite make five stars. Although the different location was fine I would have liked the familiarity of home to fall back on but I am sure I will be in the minority about this and with no lack of mystery or excitement I did still enjoy reading about Eleanor's latest adventures.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture but the opinions expressed are my own. This is another great addition to this excellent series.
June 29, 2023
Lady Eleanor Swift sets up her home-away-from-home in a lavish apartment in New York City. She is soon the toast of the town, with no high-class soirée complete without her presence. Of course, she drags her butler Clifford and Gladstone the bulldog along to every party too. Then she witnesses the charming doorman of her building, Marty, knocked down and killed in a hit-and-run, she finds fashionable society suddenly closes rank. The only local detective interested in helping her find the culprit is street-smart beat cop, Officer Balowski. Resolved to get justice for Marty and his family, Eleanor searches Marty’s tiny apartment and is shocked to find five rolls of banknotes tucked under the floorboards. The next day, wealthy entrepreneur and flashy philanderer Ogden P. Dellaney – a man Marty used to work for – is found dead downtown, miles away from his swanky Upper East Side mansion. Eleanor and Balowski are sure the deaths are connected, but not even Dellaney’s wife is willing to answer their questions. Then Eleanor is served with an eviction notice and Balowski is fired from the NYPD.
The fourteenth outing for Ellie & this time she’s in New York, after proposing Hugh had to return to England. Soon Ellie is up to her neck in accidents, hit & runs, gangsters & New York’s society. Another very well written book that often had me on the edge of my seat, even Clifford had to produce a gun a time or two. Mixed in with the growing tension are slices of humour. Strong characters & a fast paced story had me devouring this engrossing read in a couple of sittings. There are of course twists & turns but Ellie is still dogged in her determination to find out the truth & avoid cement boots & a swim in the Hudson River.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The fourteenth outing for Ellie & this time she’s in New York, after proposing Hugh had to return to England. Soon Ellie is up to her neck in accidents, hit & runs, gangsters & New York’s society. Another very well written book that often had me on the edge of my seat, even Clifford had to produce a gun a time or two. Mixed in with the growing tension are slices of humour. Strong characters & a fast paced story had me devouring this engrossing read in a couple of sittings. There are of course twists & turns but Ellie is still dogged in her determination to find out the truth & avoid cement boots & a swim in the Hudson River.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 14, 2023
Eleanor and her staff have stayed in New York City in a very nice apartment after she and Hugh have become engaged, and he goes back to England. Eleanor is invited to parties with the rich and powerful. One night when they get back late, there are some horses in the middle of the street and Eleanor climbs on one to lead them back to their fenced area. Then, as their taxi leaves, a speeding car hits a man in the middle of the street. Eleanor recognizes the man as Marty, the door man of their building, and she runs to try to help him. His last word was Mary. Eleanor strongly believes it was murder and not an accident, especially since the car did not stop. Instead it speeded away very quickly.
Of course, Eleanor must help find who killed Marty. She goes to visit Marty's elderly mother and his brother in their apartment downstairs. She finds out he used to be the chauffeur for Mr. Dellaney, the wealthy man whose party she had been at. Marty had been fired a short time before. She goes to call at Dellaney's again, but he didn't want to talk about it. Then Dellaney is killed by what looks like the same car. Now she has two cases to solve. She has some help from policeman Bolowski, but she isn't too sure of which side he's on.
Soon, Eleanor is scorned by the rich and famous and evicted from her apartment, and Bolowski is laid off as a policeman. After that, things become very dangerous. Will Eleanor live, let alone be able to solve the murders before she returns to England?
This series gets better and better. I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review has my own opinions.
Of course, Eleanor must help find who killed Marty. She goes to visit Marty's elderly mother and his brother in their apartment downstairs. She finds out he used to be the chauffeur for Mr. Dellaney, the wealthy man whose party she had been at. Marty had been fired a short time before. She goes to call at Dellaney's again, but he didn't want to talk about it. Then Dellaney is killed by what looks like the same car. Now she has two cases to solve. She has some help from policeman Bolowski, but she isn't too sure of which side he's on.
Soon, Eleanor is scorned by the rich and famous and evicted from her apartment, and Bolowski is laid off as a policeman. After that, things become very dangerous. Will Eleanor live, let alone be able to solve the murders before she returns to England?
This series gets better and better. I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review has my own opinions.
June 15, 2023
Murder in Manhattan, #14 in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries) begins where Death on Deck, #13, left off. It is a fun look at the 1920s society in New York City.
Lady Eleanor, her butler Clifford, the ladies of her household staff and her beloved Frenchie, Gladstone have arrived in New York. She has set her household up in apartment and begin to enjoy her time there seeing the sights. The friendly doorman of the building, Marty Morales is run down by a car in front of the building and only Eleanor tried to help him. The police determine it is a hit and run accident, but Eleanor believes it may be murder. She wants to have justice for Marty so she along with Clifford, the ladies and of course, Gladstone, set out to investigate and uncover the killer.
Murder in Manhattan introduced us to some great side characters with stories, a second murder, red herrings and a need to solve the murder before Eleanor becomes the next victim. It kept me reading and wanting more. I admit that I did lose some sleep before finishing it. Eleanor is a strong character who cares for her friends but also is determined to do the right thing. I enjoy the banter and droll humor between Eleanor and Clifford. Also, who doesn't love a Frenchie who likes to eat and take naps?
I was excited to see a new addition and thank NetGalley and #Bookouture for the opportunity to read it and give my honest review.
Lady Eleanor, her butler Clifford, the ladies of her household staff and her beloved Frenchie, Gladstone have arrived in New York. She has set her household up in apartment and begin to enjoy her time there seeing the sights. The friendly doorman of the building, Marty Morales is run down by a car in front of the building and only Eleanor tried to help him. The police determine it is a hit and run accident, but Eleanor believes it may be murder. She wants to have justice for Marty so she along with Clifford, the ladies and of course, Gladstone, set out to investigate and uncover the killer.
Murder in Manhattan introduced us to some great side characters with stories, a second murder, red herrings and a need to solve the murder before Eleanor becomes the next victim. It kept me reading and wanting more. I admit that I did lose some sleep before finishing it. Eleanor is a strong character who cares for her friends but also is determined to do the right thing. I enjoy the banter and droll humor between Eleanor and Clifford. Also, who doesn't love a Frenchie who likes to eat and take naps?
I was excited to see a new addition and thank NetGalley and #Bookouture for the opportunity to read it and give my honest review.
June 25, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "Murder in Manhattan" in exchange for my honest review.
This is book #14 in the Lady Eleanor Swift series and a wonderful addition to it. It continues where "Death on Deck" left off. Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon had proposed to Ellie on the ocean liner but had to return to England. Ellie now wears his engagement ring - which in true Ellie style she manages to lose sight of for awhile.
Everyone else is in New York with Ellie - Clifford, Master Gladstone, Mrs. Butters, Mrs. Trotman, Polly and Lizzie. As always Ellie seems to attract trouble like a magnet and is soon involved in several murders in New York. At first the police are rude and dismissive to Ellie but she soon wins over Officer Balowski. It seems that the criminal element know exactly where Ellie and Clifford are at all times and what they are doing. Soon they find themselves evicted from their apartment, along with Mrs. Morales and her son Earl, Officer Balowski is fired from the force. Who did Ellie manage to rattle so badly that they have the power to do these things.
There are many red herrings in the book. There are also many exciting sequences in the book where your heart is in your throat wondering if Ellie is going to get out of her latest mess alive. The book comes to a very exciting conclusion and I'm honestly very much looking forward to the next book in the series to see what Ellie does next.
This is book #14 in the Lady Eleanor Swift series and a wonderful addition to it. It continues where "Death on Deck" left off. Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon had proposed to Ellie on the ocean liner but had to return to England. Ellie now wears his engagement ring - which in true Ellie style she manages to lose sight of for awhile.
Everyone else is in New York with Ellie - Clifford, Master Gladstone, Mrs. Butters, Mrs. Trotman, Polly and Lizzie. As always Ellie seems to attract trouble like a magnet and is soon involved in several murders in New York. At first the police are rude and dismissive to Ellie but she soon wins over Officer Balowski. It seems that the criminal element know exactly where Ellie and Clifford are at all times and what they are doing. Soon they find themselves evicted from their apartment, along with Mrs. Morales and her son Earl, Officer Balowski is fired from the force. Who did Ellie manage to rattle so badly that they have the power to do these things.
There are many red herrings in the book. There are also many exciting sequences in the book where your heart is in your throat wondering if Ellie is going to get out of her latest mess alive. The book comes to a very exciting conclusion and I'm honestly very much looking forward to the next book in the series to see what Ellie does next.
June 8, 2023
If you’ve seen my previous reviews, then you’ll know I’m a big fan of the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries. And here we are for the 14th instalment, in which Eleanor & Co are finally in New York (after their rather adventurous trip from England).
What a joy to be back reading about Lady Eleanor Swift and her slightly eccentric household again. They are some of my favourite characters, and they are written with a frivolity, but also a depth of character, that is just perfect.
The sense of place was good. With surprisingly few words, the very different feel of New York is conveyed. I relished seeing the different areas of the 1920s version of the city through Eleanor’s eyes.
The mystery was an involving one, and although I guessed the culprit before the big reveal, it was entirely on gut feeling, so I couldn’t be at all sure! I thoroughly enjoyed going along for the ride as Eleanor and Clifford figured out who among the multiple villains was the one to commit this particular crime.
In conclusion, although I didn’t think it could be done, this book is somehow even better than the previous 13 in the series. The combination of humour and mystery is perfect every time. Although you could enjoy this book on its own, I recommend starting with A Very English Murder, the first in the series.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
What a joy to be back reading about Lady Eleanor Swift and her slightly eccentric household again. They are some of my favourite characters, and they are written with a frivolity, but also a depth of character, that is just perfect.
The sense of place was good. With surprisingly few words, the very different feel of New York is conveyed. I relished seeing the different areas of the 1920s version of the city through Eleanor’s eyes.
The mystery was an involving one, and although I guessed the culprit before the big reveal, it was entirely on gut feeling, so I couldn’t be at all sure! I thoroughly enjoyed going along for the ride as Eleanor and Clifford figured out who among the multiple villains was the one to commit this particular crime.
In conclusion, although I didn’t think it could be done, this book is somehow even better than the previous 13 in the series. The combination of humour and mystery is perfect every time. Although you could enjoy this book on its own, I recommend starting with A Very English Murder, the first in the series.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
June 19, 2023
This can't be an unbiased review because I love this series! It works as a stand alone, though.
This series has the very best and interesting characters (good, bad, and absolutely silly). The series began as a farce: Eleanor is widowed and is a presumed orphan and world traveler on the cheap who comes to rural England and finds that she has inherited the title and all that from uncle who is recently deceased. The best part of it all is The Butler Who Knows Everything who helps her with anything, and never treats her like a ninny.
This time she is in NYC along with her Butler, trusty staff, and her tiny French bulldog instead of her home in England. She gets stuck doing the pretty with the local snobs whether she wants to or not, but on getting home one night she witnesses the hit and run death of her own doorman. From then on it's a hard sleuth through some interesting parts of the city and trying to understand the argot of the town used by a local beat cop. Then a rich man with ties to the doorman has the same fate. Lots of sleuthing, plot twists, red herrings and more.
I really enjoy all the ongoing (as well as new) characters, and the mysteries are so well done!
I requested and received a digital ARC of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This series has the very best and interesting characters (good, bad, and absolutely silly). The series began as a farce: Eleanor is widowed and is a presumed orphan and world traveler on the cheap who comes to rural England and finds that she has inherited the title and all that from uncle who is recently deceased. The best part of it all is The Butler Who Knows Everything who helps her with anything, and never treats her like a ninny.
This time she is in NYC along with her Butler, trusty staff, and her tiny French bulldog instead of her home in England. She gets stuck doing the pretty with the local snobs whether she wants to or not, but on getting home one night she witnesses the hit and run death of her own doorman. From then on it's a hard sleuth through some interesting parts of the city and trying to understand the argot of the town used by a local beat cop. Then a rich man with ties to the doorman has the same fate. Lots of sleuthing, plot twists, red herrings and more.
I really enjoy all the ongoing (as well as new) characters, and the mysteries are so well done!
I requested and received a digital ARC of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
July 29, 2025
After an eventful sailing, including murder and a marriage proposal, Lady Eleanor Swift is safely in New York. Her fiance heads home but she witnesses a hit and run after a society party. Can she convince the police that the death was deliberate?
Murder in Manhattan is the 14th book to feature Lady Eleanor Swift and her glorious butler Clifford. The plot follows on directly from the previous book, Death On Deck, but there are no spoilers about the crime only the personal and relationships developments.
Ellie is causing the usual stir in society and despair to the loyal yet exasperated Clifford. She is ably (or not!) accompanied by Gladstone the bulldog adding to the light humour. The police are contemptuous about her suspicions and so she embarks on her own investigation to seek justice for the victim. She is her usual determined self, looking danger in the eye but always protected by Clifford.
American society does not seem very pleasant and this definitely do not improve after the murder. Ellie has plenty of avenues to explore while she searches for motive and possible suspects. I enjoyed the contrast with the usual setting of England. The geographical, cultural and social differences all feed into the plot and character dynamics.
Murder in Manhattan is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
Murder in Manhattan is the 14th book to feature Lady Eleanor Swift and her glorious butler Clifford. The plot follows on directly from the previous book, Death On Deck, but there are no spoilers about the crime only the personal and relationships developments.
Ellie is causing the usual stir in society and despair to the loyal yet exasperated Clifford. She is ably (or not!) accompanied by Gladstone the bulldog adding to the light humour. The police are contemptuous about her suspicions and so she embarks on her own investigation to seek justice for the victim. She is her usual determined self, looking danger in the eye but always protected by Clifford.
American society does not seem very pleasant and this definitely do not improve after the murder. Ellie has plenty of avenues to explore while she searches for motive and possible suspects. I enjoyed the contrast with the usual setting of England. The geographical, cultural and social differences all feed into the plot and character dynamics.
Murder in Manhattan is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
June 18, 2023
I love this 1920’s English series and perhaps that is why this installment was a bit of a miss. The dialog and language was a little too guys and dolls and mobsters to the nth degree. So 1920’s Manhattan and references to the gilded society but not a Vanderbilt or Belmont in sight. There were the obscure moneyed dilettantes and loads of questionable officials throwing their assets around and all over and it was just a bit much. There were several references and details that were so far out of the timeline that I had to wonder about who did the editing. Stereotypes abound and whether they are accurate became inconsequential as they disturbed the flow and were annoying.
All is not in shambles and disarray as many of the favorite characters had leading parts in solving the murder mystery, because there is always at least one murder in any Lady Eleanor Swift installment. This plot, as all of the others, was well thought out and tricky. Having visited and conquered Manhattan, it is my fervent hope that Lady Eleanor and her entourage return to England and tackle the crime wave that is sure to be just on the horizon.
Many thanks to Bookoutre and NetGalley for a copy of # 14.
All is not in shambles and disarray as many of the favorite characters had leading parts in solving the murder mystery, because there is always at least one murder in any Lady Eleanor Swift installment. This plot, as all of the others, was well thought out and tricky. Having visited and conquered Manhattan, it is my fervent hope that Lady Eleanor and her entourage return to England and tackle the crime wave that is sure to be just on the horizon.
Many thanks to Bookoutre and NetGalley for a copy of # 14.
July 5, 2023
How have I not known about this series? So fun and entertaining all wrapped up in a historical cozy. And it takes place during one of my favorite eras, the 1920s (OK I just had to go back and add the 19 – Yikes). While I am sure the series is more enjoyable being read in its entirety, this book can be read as a standalone. This is the only one I have read and i had no trouble following it and really enjoyed it.
Lady Eleanor is in New York with her court and has witnessed another murder. My only gripe with cozy mysteries is how do these people have any friends left? When the New York police and the elite company Eleanor is keeping all don’t want to investigate, our amateur sleuth is hot on the case. She along with one NYC cop start poking around and this just brings trouble to them both.
New York City with all it has to offer is a great setting and I really felt it as I read. I like the supporting cast and their quirky personalities. This was a quick, easy read that captivated me from the start. I’m not sure murder has ever been this fun. I even laughed out a few times.
Lady Eleanor is in New York with her court and has witnessed another murder. My only gripe with cozy mysteries is how do these people have any friends left? When the New York police and the elite company Eleanor is keeping all don’t want to investigate, our amateur sleuth is hot on the case. She along with one NYC cop start poking around and this just brings trouble to them both.
New York City with all it has to offer is a great setting and I really felt it as I read. I like the supporting cast and their quirky personalities. This was a quick, easy read that captivated me from the start. I’m not sure murder has ever been this fun. I even laughed out a few times.
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