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Euphemia Martins Mystery #3
A Death in the Asylum
Book three in the Euphemia Martins murder mystery series by Caroline Dunford. Euphemia, the disowned granddaughter of an Earl, is working unhappily as a housekeeper for Bertram Stapleford at his ill advised new property, when the dramatic collapse of the kitchen floor sends her back to where it all began, Stapleford House. A visiting mystic disrupts the Staplefords unleasing old family rumours. Euphemia finds herself playing second fiddle to Bertram's new love, Beatrice Wilton, as she launches a project to investigate the new aslyums. It is not long before Euphemia realizes that not only does Beatrice have her unscrupulous sights set on Bertram, but that her enterprises may be about to put them all in very great danger. A besotted Bertram will not listen, so once more she turns to the handsome Butler, Rory for aid. Then a midnight attacker strikes at the heart of Stapleford Hall and the stakes are suddenly all too high. As usual Euphemia only has her quick wits and that defence of all virtuous young ladies to defend herself, her scream.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2013
25 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Dunford
50 books47 followersLike most authors I did several jobs before I settled down to writing full time. I've been a journalist, a development officer, and a psychotherapist. I am a novelist, short story writer, mentor, tutor and playwright.
Throughout my life I've been fascinated by people - to the extent I even did a psychology degree before training in psychotherapy. I firmly believe that we all make sense of the whole through narrative- even if it's only the one inside your own head.
My Euphemia Martins Mysteries are inspired by my maternal great grandmother, who left a life of luxury to go into service.
However, everything I do inspires me. The best way of me to make sense of what often seems a very chaotic world is to tell stories. And in those stories I'm always asking questions.
Recently my play Burke has gone into its third production. It tries to make sense of what Burke and Hare, still the UK's most successful (?) serial killers did what they did. How they started.
You'll find traces of questions like this is the Euphemia stories where I often explore why people can and do do unpleasant things.
But - and this is a big but - I also believe that if you want to look at the darker side of human nature you must also pay homage to the lighter side, the truly selfless and generous acts that all humans are capable of doing.
And you need humour. Life can deal all of us harsh knocks and laughter is one of the greatest weapons in our armoury - along with love.
Throughout my life I've been fascinated by people - to the extent I even did a psychology degree before training in psychotherapy. I firmly believe that we all make sense of the whole through narrative- even if it's only the one inside your own head.
My Euphemia Martins Mysteries are inspired by my maternal great grandmother, who left a life of luxury to go into service.
However, everything I do inspires me. The best way of me to make sense of what often seems a very chaotic world is to tell stories. And in those stories I'm always asking questions.
Recently my play Burke has gone into its third production. It tries to make sense of what Burke and Hare, still the UK's most successful (?) serial killers did what they did. How they started.
You'll find traces of questions like this is the Euphemia stories where I often explore why people can and do do unpleasant things.
But - and this is a big but - I also believe that if you want to look at the darker side of human nature you must also pay homage to the lighter side, the truly selfless and generous acts that all humans are capable of doing.
And you need humour. Life can deal all of us harsh knocks and laughter is one of the greatest weapons in our armoury - along with love.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 25, 2015
This is the third volume of the Euphemia Martins series of mysteries. Euphemia has now been promoted to housekeeper and has moved from Stapleford to White Orchards where Bertram Stapleford has set up his own establishment. Unfortunately the house has structural problems and a ceiling collapses, necessitating the household's removal back to Stapleford while repairs are carried out. Madam Arcana is visiting Stapleford and holding séances which Euphemia attends. Mrs Wilson, the housekeeper overreacts to a message and arouses Euphemia's curiosity.
Against her better judgement, Euphemia travels to London with a journalist who was in the Stapleford house party and who wants to do a story on asylums. Euphemia's curiosity is soon aroused and as usual she is not at all sure who to trust. I found this an entertaining and amusing read. Euphemia is as ever an amusing narrator and I like the other series characters - Bertram, who is never sure what to make of Euphemia; the handsome Rory, the butler at Stapleford and Merry, the housemaid and Euphemia's friend.
The book shows how people could end up in asylums even though by today's standards there was probably nothing too much wrong with them and how vindictive families could dispose of their unwanted relatives by having them shut away. I think this series are best read in the order in which they were published though the books do provide brief summaries of previous events where necessary in the form of footnotes.
Against her better judgement, Euphemia travels to London with a journalist who was in the Stapleford house party and who wants to do a story on asylums. Euphemia's curiosity is soon aroused and as usual she is not at all sure who to trust. I found this an entertaining and amusing read. Euphemia is as ever an amusing narrator and I like the other series characters - Bertram, who is never sure what to make of Euphemia; the handsome Rory, the butler at Stapleford and Merry, the housemaid and Euphemia's friend.
The book shows how people could end up in asylums even though by today's standards there was probably nothing too much wrong with them and how vindictive families could dispose of their unwanted relatives by having them shut away. I think this series are best read in the order in which they were published though the books do provide brief summaries of previous events where necessary in the form of footnotes.
January 13, 2022
I wasn't too sure about this one in the series as it starts with a seance, which I'm not very interested in, but I really liked where the plot went to in this book, and the ending was especially good.
Much like the Jeeves and Wooster books, the characters are what really sells these books, and the author has a great eye for characterisation.
Much like the Jeeves and Wooster books, the characters are what really sells these books, and the author has a great eye for characterisation.
April 11, 2018
This is by far the best book in the series so far, Plenty of intrigue and goings on to keep my going for a year. Some real edge of the seat moments and finishes with a real set of questions to Euphemia Martins.
May 27, 2013
The continuing saga of Euphemia's adventures, elevated to the status of Bertram's housekeeper. The pair aren't your typical master and servant pair, there's attraction but this is 1910 and there are social constraints. Those who've read the previous two books know that Euphemia has her secrets, and if grandpa ever acknowledges her they'll be a few surprised people.
As to the crime, it's not sure how many murders there are, one good be natural but with Bertram seeming to fall for another lady and Rory back on the scene, things seem to be getting in a tangle.
As to the crime, it's not sure how many murders there are, one good be natural but with Bertram seeming to fall for another lady and Rory back on the scene, things seem to be getting in a tangle.
July 26, 2018
This is the third of these books I’ve read and they only get better - the look at asylums was just chilling enough and you are left on a cliffhanger they just get better and better, I’m already reading book 4
April 24, 2018
Rating: 3.5 stars
Books in the Euphemia Martins series certainly improve from books 1 to 3. The first one sets the scene and introduces all the primary characters, especially the members of the Stapleford family and their affairs and place in the world. The second introduced (spies? agents?) Fitzroy and Edward and their interest in the family. The third reveals more skeletons in the closet and boy, does this family have 'em stacked to the gills! I enjoyed the investigation in this book and the reveal in the asylum was unexpected.
However, there are certain issues with the books that I think could be remedied with the help of a professional editor. At one point, what should have been "daughter" was written as "son". Most importantly, I think investigative mysteries would be best written with the "show-don't tell" credo. People keep mentioning how intelligent and insightful Euphemia is but, at times, I don't think she lives up to these statements. There's been some interesting character development and that's certainly a welcome aspect of the story.
Unfortunately, I might have reached the end of my journey with Miss Martins/St John because this is the last book in the series that my library has purchased. Hopefully, they'll add the rest of the series as well or they become available on Google Play. As for the last question for the book club discussion, my answer is Rory and I hope Euphemia will choose the same. He's level-headed, intelligent, treats her (for the most part) as an equal, and tries his best to aid and protect her even when he disagrees with her.
Books in the Euphemia Martins series certainly improve from books 1 to 3. The first one sets the scene and introduces all the primary characters, especially the members of the Stapleford family and their affairs and place in the world. The second introduced (spies? agents?) Fitzroy and Edward and their interest in the family. The third reveals more skeletons in the closet and boy, does this family have 'em stacked to the gills! I enjoyed the investigation in this book and the reveal in the asylum was unexpected.
However, there are certain issues with the books that I think could be remedied with the help of a professional editor. At one point, what should have been "daughter" was written as "son". Most importantly, I think investigative mysteries would be best written with the "show-don't tell" credo. People keep mentioning how intelligent and insightful Euphemia is but, at times, I don't think she lives up to these statements. There's been some interesting character development and that's certainly a welcome aspect of the story.
Unfortunately, I might have reached the end of my journey with Miss Martins/St John because this is the last book in the series that my library has purchased. Hopefully, they'll add the rest of the series as well or they become available on Google Play. As for the last question for the book club discussion, my answer is Rory and I hope Euphemia will choose the same. He's level-headed, intelligent, treats her (for the most part) as an equal, and tries his best to aid and protect her even when he disagrees with her.
December 7, 2019
are you sure it was a detective? more like a love-tangled story ) but an easy read
March 25, 2020
This is the third, and I liked it better than the second, even if it rushed a bit towards the end. The plot held together well and carried on the characters and lines from previous books.
May 10, 2021
Absolutely loving this series
Well this story has me hooked.
I’ve devoured it in 2 days. I’m really enjoying how the relationships are developing over the series and how Euphemia is maturing in her actions and in response to others.
I found the storyline gripping and couldn’t put it down. I’m glad I’ve come to find this series later on when I can instantly download the next one!
Well this story has me hooked.
I’ve devoured it in 2 days. I’m really enjoying how the relationships are developing over the series and how Euphemia is maturing in her actions and in response to others.
I found the storyline gripping and couldn’t put it down. I’m glad I’ve come to find this series later on when I can instantly download the next one!
December 6, 2016
Book 3. Again, entertaining, quick read, period piece, but with some very modern thinking. Again, this book is severely lacking in a good copy edit - as are all the books in this otherwise charming series. The love triangle between Rory, Bertram, and Euphemia continues. The murders that happen are in the background, so much so that for a large part of this book, I anticipated that a certain murder victim had not in fact been murdered. I guess, for me, if Euphemia (and hence, the reader) doesn't see the victim, we have only hearsay as to whether there was a victim at all or it is some trick or ruse that will be revealed later in the book. I have noted a tendency for the author to wander into too much "tell" and not enough "show" - which has the effect of distancing the reader. I can't quite believe something that happens during the course of the novel but that I do not see with my own eyes through a character's POV. Despite the desperate need for editing and some predictable and contrived plot points, this is a very fast and enjoyable read with just enough romance and class conflict to keep things interesting.
September 20, 2016
This book was a truly quick read for me throughout the night as I wasn't in a sleeping mode. I like this series and it is truly a gentle cozy. I was and am a bit confused by where it is going with the mysterious spy element.
Now, we have quite the romance going. I do vote for Rory but, that is my vote. It was hard times for the real persons that often had to go 'down' in status and be ignored by their previous friends and even family members. Being 'cut' from society is painful.
A good series.
Now, we have quite the romance going. I do vote for Rory but, that is my vote. It was hard times for the real persons that often had to go 'down' in status and be ignored by their previous friends and even family members. Being 'cut' from society is painful.
A good series.
September 23, 2019
What are the connections of a seance held at Stapleford House, Mrs Wilson, the housekeeper being attacked, and then Euphemia Martins accompanying Bertram Stapleford with his new love Beatrice Wilton (a gossip writer at her family's newspaper) as they investigate asylums in London.
What are the secrets that the Stapleford family are trying to hide.
Another enjoyable mystery.
The last of the re-reads for this series now onto the unread stories
What are the secrets that the Stapleford family are trying to hide.
Another enjoyable mystery.
The last of the re-reads for this series now onto the unread stories
May 10, 2014
Another interesting story although it got quite silly in places. And I must say that Bertram comes across as quite an idiot. other than being rich, I don't know what a strong minded woman would see in him.
March 9, 2016
Great fun
I really enjoyed Euphemia's endeavors to find out the secret of her employers' family. Lots of excitement; great relationships explored.
I really enjoyed Euphemia's endeavors to find out the secret of her employers' family. Lots of excitement; great relationships explored.
July 8, 2021
What I expected. Enjoyable part of the series.
March 31, 2017
State of Confusion
Lies, slight of hand, one upsmanship. All amuck. Euphemia is deep in it. There must be a cloud over this young woman to attract such chaos. Annoying are the footnotes referring back to earlier "journals" as Euphemia calls them. Numbering the books and encouraging readers to read in order. To keep page count down (under 150) the author uses the footnotes rather than condense back story to up date reader. Again, these need to be read in order. They remind me of Readers Digest Condensed Books.
Lies, slight of hand, one upsmanship. All amuck. Euphemia is deep in it. There must be a cloud over this young woman to attract such chaos. Annoying are the footnotes referring back to earlier "journals" as Euphemia calls them. Numbering the books and encouraging readers to read in order. To keep page count down (under 150) the author uses the footnotes rather than condense back story to up date reader. Again, these need to be read in order. They remind me of Readers Digest Condensed Books.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews