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Manor House Mystery #5
Grace Against the Clock
When Marshfield Manor hosts a charity event, Grace Wheaton, the mansion’s curator and manager, is happy to lend a helping hand—until a killer makes an unwanted donation…
With the town clock in desperate need of repair, local lawyer Joyce Swedburg and her ex-husband, Dr. Leland Keay, are trying to put their differences aside to organize a benefit at Marshfield Manor to raise money to restore the beautiful timepiece. While Grace appreciates the opportunity to support such a good cause, the tension between the unhappy exes is giving her the urge to put both of the organizers in time out.
But after Leland collapses on stage during the festivities, poisoned, Grace suspects there was more going on behind the scenes. Now, she’s in a race to catch a ticked off murderer, and, if she’s going to prevent anyone else from getting hurt, every second will count…
With the town clock in desperate need of repair, local lawyer Joyce Swedburg and her ex-husband, Dr. Leland Keay, are trying to put their differences aside to organize a benefit at Marshfield Manor to raise money to restore the beautiful timepiece. While Grace appreciates the opportunity to support such a good cause, the tension between the unhappy exes is giving her the urge to put both of the organizers in time out.
But after Leland collapses on stage during the festivities, poisoned, Grace suspects there was more going on behind the scenes. Now, she’s in a race to catch a ticked off murderer, and, if she’s going to prevent anyone else from getting hurt, every second will count…
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
About the author
Julie Hyzy
50 books878 followersNew York Times bestselling author, Julie Hyzy, has won the Anthony, Barry, Phobos, and Derringer Awards for her fiction.
Novels include:
Virtual Sabotage
The White House Chef Mystery series
The Manor House Mysteries
Deadly Blessings
Deadly Interest
Dead Ringer
Artistic License
Playing With Matches
Visit:
www.juliehyzy.com
Novels include:
Virtual Sabotage
The White House Chef Mystery series
The Manor House Mysteries
Deadly Blessings
Deadly Interest
Dead Ringer
Artistic License
Playing With Matches
Visit:
www.juliehyzy.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
September 15, 2021
Good addition to this series! It kept me wanting to know what was going on because I couldn't guess it. I'm hoping Grace gets a happier ending in future books!
March 19, 2016
UGH! This book was a disappointment. I have read other books by Hyzy and generally enjoyed them but now I am not sure I will read anymore in this series, or even by this author.
I only made it about halfway through the book then could not take anymore and skimmed to the end. Even then, by the time I got as far as I did, I no longer really cared 'who dunnit' I mostly just wanted to put the book down and move on to something worth my time and energy to read it.
Too many of the characters in this book are gratuitously abrasive, including Grace who seems to have some giant sense of entitlement about her place in the world. The point at which I stopped reading described the understandably angry response of another character whom Grace had dragged away from his vacation by a P.I. just so that she could resolve her curiosity about his part (or possibly lack thereof) in the murder. She was amazed both that he was angry about the situation and that he rightly refused to answer questions that she had no right to ask. Seriously? How could she not understand that unless she completely lacked any type of conscience or empathy herself?
After that, the plot plodded along with too many gratuitous scenes that had nothing to do with the storyline; some seemingly added just to put in another horrible character or chance for Grace to feel smug and superior (e.g. the scenes at her neighbour's house after the 'big discovery' in her basement). The setting was also underdeveloped and boring.
I have started to wonder too if a therapist might not get fairly rich starting up a group therapy session for cozy mystery authors. Lately, so many of them have been writing some truly neurotic characters. In this case aside from Grace seeming to have no conscience or empathy; Grace also seems to have absolutely no boundaries, deciding that because the scene of the murder was at the Manor she 'had a responsibility to investigate the death'. Seriously?!? NO!! That is the responsibility of the police! Get some therapy. Learn some boundaries. Get a life!! That Hyzy wrote about the situation as if it were 'normal' (including that most of the other characters spoke about it as if it were normal) suggests that Hyzy herself might have some issues in those areas. Me, I just really hate it when a character in a mystery investigates for such a spurious reason.
After that, the writing overall seemed lazy. E.g. during the dialogues, the characters 'said' virtually everything to one another, including questions. Is it too much to ask that characters 'ask' questions to one another? Is the author so lazy she could not have come up with even that simple, boring word for questions?
UGH! Overall I did not enjoy this book. I will not be reading anymore in the series.
I only made it about halfway through the book then could not take anymore and skimmed to the end. Even then, by the time I got as far as I did, I no longer really cared 'who dunnit' I mostly just wanted to put the book down and move on to something worth my time and energy to read it.
Too many of the characters in this book are gratuitously abrasive, including Grace who seems to have some giant sense of entitlement about her place in the world. The point at which I stopped reading described the understandably angry response of another character whom Grace had dragged away from his vacation by a P.I. just so that she could resolve her curiosity about his part (or possibly lack thereof) in the murder. She was amazed both that he was angry about the situation and that he rightly refused to answer questions that she had no right to ask. Seriously? How could she not understand that unless she completely lacked any type of conscience or empathy herself?
After that, the plot plodded along with too many gratuitous scenes that had nothing to do with the storyline; some seemingly added just to put in another horrible character or chance for Grace to feel smug and superior (e.g. the scenes at her neighbour's house after the 'big discovery' in her basement). The setting was also underdeveloped and boring.
I have started to wonder too if a therapist might not get fairly rich starting up a group therapy session for cozy mystery authors. Lately, so many of them have been writing some truly neurotic characters. In this case aside from Grace seeming to have no conscience or empathy; Grace also seems to have absolutely no boundaries, deciding that because the scene of the murder was at the Manor she 'had a responsibility to investigate the death'. Seriously?!? NO!! That is the responsibility of the police! Get some therapy. Learn some boundaries. Get a life!! That Hyzy wrote about the situation as if it were 'normal' (including that most of the other characters spoke about it as if it were normal) suggests that Hyzy herself might have some issues in those areas. Me, I just really hate it when a character in a mystery investigates for such a spurious reason.
After that, the writing overall seemed lazy. E.g. during the dialogues, the characters 'said' virtually everything to one another, including questions. Is it too much to ask that characters 'ask' questions to one another? Is the author so lazy she could not have come up with even that simple, boring word for questions?
UGH! Overall I did not enjoy this book. I will not be reading anymore in the series.
August 3, 2014
As things at the Marshfield Manor appear somewhat calm, Grace prepares for a fundraiser related to one of the town's monuments. When event organisers begin to on their key ideas, Grace is left to hope that the event will come off without a hitch, while playing referee. During the presentation, a local physician collapses and appears to suffer a fatal heart attack. Authorities are called and what appears to be a simple medical emergency soon becomes a potential homicide. If that were not enough for Grace to handle, recent home renovations reveal a secret within her home; something that may shed some light on the murder investigation. With a cop bent on finding the murderer post haste and Grace tied up in her amateur sleuthing capabilities, the story is sure to take some interesting turns before anyone's accused and convicted. Hyzy keeps a great pace and a great collection of characters to help the novel evolve in its true fashion.
Having tackled both Hyzy series, I am well-versed in some of her style choices. While the novels are well-written, they hold a soft hokey nature to them. Not as cookie cutter as expected, they still have an ability to thrust Grace Wheaton into the limelight when all she wants is to do her assigned job. Hyzy is able to progress not only the story, but also the ever-evolving characters from novel to novel. Done with great nuance, Hyzy treats the reader to a wonderful collection of mysteries.
Kudos, Madam Hyzy for such a great read and thoroughly provoking story.
Having tackled both Hyzy series, I am well-versed in some of her style choices. While the novels are well-written, they hold a soft hokey nature to them. Not as cookie cutter as expected, they still have an ability to thrust Grace Wheaton into the limelight when all she wants is to do her assigned job. Hyzy is able to progress not only the story, but also the ever-evolving characters from novel to novel. Done with great nuance, Hyzy treats the reader to a wonderful collection of mysteries.
Kudos, Madam Hyzy for such a great read and thoroughly provoking story.
June 17, 2021
What a great mystery! I loved how it all unraveled! I didn't suspect the actual murderer at all which is highly unusual. Also I like the developments in Grace's personal life. Looking forward to the next one!
May 15, 2023
Another exciting adventure in Emberstowne. This was a fun story and I really enjoyed some of the discoveries. The mystery was good and definitely kept me guessing until the exciting ending. Good characters round out this good series.
June 25, 2017
The construction work on Grace's house is going really good, she is actually surprised at how well Hillary is doing with the job. They were actually getting a long a little bit.
Grace attends an event where a doctor is killed and it's back to sleuthing. She finds out there are a few people who had reason to want him dead. While looking for a killer Hillary finds a hidden door in her basement which sends her on a quest to see where it goes and finds out it goes all the way to her neighbors house.
Grace's love life is not going to well and a lot of it has to do with her just not being over Jack yet, but I think she got that boost she needed towards the end and I hope the next guy she meets can get her full attention.
The mystery is really good as well, there was a lot of good clues and red herrings and I was pretty sure I knew why the doctor was killed but I was having a time pin pointing the killer so that was fun.
Can't wait to see what trouble Grace gets into next!
Grace attends an event where a doctor is killed and it's back to sleuthing. She finds out there are a few people who had reason to want him dead. While looking for a killer Hillary finds a hidden door in her basement which sends her on a quest to see where it goes and finds out it goes all the way to her neighbors house.
Grace's love life is not going to well and a lot of it has to do with her just not being over Jack yet, but I think she got that boost she needed towards the end and I hope the next guy she meets can get her full attention.
The mystery is really good as well, there was a lot of good clues and red herrings and I was pretty sure I knew why the doctor was killed but I was having a time pin pointing the killer so that was fun.
Can't wait to see what trouble Grace gets into next!
April 28, 2024
In this book, Grace has her hands full with solving the murder that occurred during her fundraiser at the Mansion. In the meantime, she has some deep self reflection on the mystery of her love life and which man to be with. If that isn’t enough, she discovers a few surprises as Hillary leads Grace’s house remodel. All of the many mysteries captured in this one book kept me turning the pages. I enjoy watching how Grace grows personally, how her relationships with various key characters shift and change. This book held more of that than others in this series, making it especially intriguing.
There’s still so much to discover about Grace, Marshfield Manor, and the cute town of Emberstowne. What will the next book in this series uncover?
There’s still so much to discover about Grace, Marshfield Manor, and the cute town of Emberstowne. What will the next book in this series uncover?
August 20, 2017
Grace helps with a community project and a co chair ends up dead. It looks like a diabetic attack but looks are deceiving. Read and see how it all works out.
September 8, 2021
Its been a while since I read one of this series, but I still like it.
November 3, 2017
In Grace against the Clock by Julie Hyzy, Grace Wheaton helps to host a ritzy fundraiser at Marshfield Manor to raise money to restore the large clock that greets visitors to Emberstown. Organized by lawyer Joyce Swedberg and her ex-husband, Dr. Leland Kaey, who have determined to put their differences aside for this positive purpose, this gala charges $1,000 a plate, and Bennett Marshfield has paid for many of his employees to attend. The local photographer, David Cherk, who documents all of Emberstown’s events, has prepared a show of his photos, and all seems ready the night before the event. Then, the next night, first Joyce cancels, and then as they begin, Dr. Kaey disappears. Just as they start a massive manhunt, he reappears, but in an extremely inebriated state, mutters the word “injection,” and dies in Grace’s arms.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
December 14, 2024
This was an excellent end of the chair suspense book. I loved getting so involved that I hated putting this book down. I couldn't wait to find out who done it......don't worry I guessed wrong....BOY WAS I WRONG LOL
What saddens me the most is this author is so wonderful in her writings, and she isn't writing anymore......for sure I am going to read all of her books....provided I can find them LOL
What saddens me the most is this author is so wonderful in her writings, and she isn't writing anymore......for sure I am going to read all of her books....provided I can find them LOL
January 16, 2019
I really like these. It’s like a grown up Nancy Drew series.
February 18, 2018
An interesting murder. I thought I had it solved early, but I was wrong. That's a sign of a good mystery.
June 11, 2014
Grace Against the Clock is the fifth book in the A Manor House Mystery series.
Once again Hyzy has provided the reader with an engaging mystery. A well developed story with interesting and believable characters.
Joyce Swedburg and her ex-husband Dr. Leland Keay are planning a fund raiser to cover the cost of repairing the Emberstowne village green clock. The fund-raiser is going to take place in an unused area of the Marshfield Manor's basement. As Grace is about to start the festivities, Swedburg has a case of food poisoning and is unable to attend, she finds that Dr. Keay is no where to be found. She asks David Cherk, a local photographer to look behind the curtains he had had erected for his evenings presentation, while she and Francis set off to check other nearby areas. As they are returning, Dr. Keay appears and stumbles onto the stage and falls, apparently in a drunken stupor. Grace runs to his side in time to hear the word injection from his dying breath. Leland had a history of alcohol abuse in the past, but everyone thought had been sober for five years since his being in an accident in which his mistress had been killed. It appeared to have been a "locked room" murder, but soon, with the help of the curator of the historical center, that in fact there is a "wood elevator" in the room. Grace now sets her sights on who might have known of this entrance and wanted to do away with Leland. Even though she was supposedly sick, Joyce becomes a prime suspect, as does Grace's neighbor, Todd Depota, whose wife was killed in the accident of Leland's.
Meanwhile on the home front, Hillary, Bennett's step-daughter, is busy getting her decorating business going by rejuvenating Grace's Victorian home. Grace and Hillary have had issues in the past, but amazingly, things are going well with them. As work begins in the basement, Hillary soon find a locked metal door, similar in appearance to bank vault door, and when Larry the locksmith gets it opened there appears to be tunnel behind the door. But where the tunnel leads or who had made it is a mystery to everyone.
Most all the characters from the previous books in the series are back once again. Bennett seems to be resolved that Grace will be involved with the investigation and pretty much lets Grace pursue the investigation with out too many comments. Francis is a wonderful character and this reader is beginning to enjoy the banter that she has with Grace. In fact, they both have seemed to accepted each other and their bickering seems to be of the good natured type. Scott and Bruce continue to be around as sounding boards for Grace. Once again PI Tooney puts his life on the line for Marshfield Manor and is rewarded nicely for his efforts.
Most definitely will be watching for the next book in this exciting series.
Once again Hyzy has provided the reader with an engaging mystery. A well developed story with interesting and believable characters.
Joyce Swedburg and her ex-husband Dr. Leland Keay are planning a fund raiser to cover the cost of repairing the Emberstowne village green clock. The fund-raiser is going to take place in an unused area of the Marshfield Manor's basement. As Grace is about to start the festivities, Swedburg has a case of food poisoning and is unable to attend, she finds that Dr. Keay is no where to be found. She asks David Cherk, a local photographer to look behind the curtains he had had erected for his evenings presentation, while she and Francis set off to check other nearby areas. As they are returning, Dr. Keay appears and stumbles onto the stage and falls, apparently in a drunken stupor. Grace runs to his side in time to hear the word injection from his dying breath. Leland had a history of alcohol abuse in the past, but everyone thought had been sober for five years since his being in an accident in which his mistress had been killed. It appeared to have been a "locked room" murder, but soon, with the help of the curator of the historical center, that in fact there is a "wood elevator" in the room. Grace now sets her sights on who might have known of this entrance and wanted to do away with Leland. Even though she was supposedly sick, Joyce becomes a prime suspect, as does Grace's neighbor, Todd Depota, whose wife was killed in the accident of Leland's.
Meanwhile on the home front, Hillary, Bennett's step-daughter, is busy getting her decorating business going by rejuvenating Grace's Victorian home. Grace and Hillary have had issues in the past, but amazingly, things are going well with them. As work begins in the basement, Hillary soon find a locked metal door, similar in appearance to bank vault door, and when Larry the locksmith gets it opened there appears to be tunnel behind the door. But where the tunnel leads or who had made it is a mystery to everyone.
Most all the characters from the previous books in the series are back once again. Bennett seems to be resolved that Grace will be involved with the investigation and pretty much lets Grace pursue the investigation with out too many comments. Francis is a wonderful character and this reader is beginning to enjoy the banter that she has with Grace. In fact, they both have seemed to accepted each other and their bickering seems to be of the good natured type. Scott and Bruce continue to be around as sounding boards for Grace. Once again PI Tooney puts his life on the line for Marshfield Manor and is rewarded nicely for his efforts.
Most definitely will be watching for the next book in this exciting series.
July 31, 2014
When a cardiac surgeon suddenly dies at a benefit at Marshfield Manor, Grace has one more thing to worry about. There's also the state of her love life, as she has two men who are interested in her, the continuing renovations to her house, and the problems that come with being curator and manager of a large historic site. I usually like the first few of a new Hyzy series, and then get bothered by the carryover complexities--in this case, mostly Grace's family ramifications. Grace discovers two secret passages (in different buildings) in this one. If you don't find that disquieting, go ahead--it's a pleasant enough read.
February 9, 2023
I'm so hoping that the Jack drama is done. It's utterly irritating. Even though Grace seems to have broken it off for the final final time with Jack, why make it happen just after another man told your heroine to take a good long look at what she wants. Like, she couldn't do it on her own? She's smart enough to figure other things out.
Oh, the mystery is just whatever. I'm reading another book which references Ronald Knox's Ten Commandments for Detective Fiction, the third of which is - Not more than one secret room or passage is allowable. Grace's author obviously didn't read these.
Oh, the mystery is just whatever. I'm reading another book which references Ronald Knox's Ten Commandments for Detective Fiction, the third of which is - Not more than one secret room or passage is allowable. Grace's author obviously didn't read these.
September 29, 2014
Another great book in the Manor House Mystery series! A fundraiser is being held in the basement of the Manor House (local historical museum)to restore the town's giant timepiece. When it is time for the main speaker to address the crowd, he comes staggering (as if drunk) and collapses on the stage. Grace (curator and manager of Marshfield Manor) along with her secretary Frances (who knows all the gossip there is know in town) begin their own investigation (much to the chagrin of the local police).
A fast pace, twists and turns mystery!
A fast pace, twists and turns mystery!
September 29, 2014
As always, Julie Hyzy can be counted on for solid, well-written cozy mysteries with excellent characters and clever plots. This one is a bit of a locked room mystery and I loved the discovery of how it was accomplished. I never even thought to suspect the actual killer, either. I'm genuinely looking forward to the next book.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/997338...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/997338...
July 23, 2014
Once again Julie Hyzy has brought her written words to life in the fifth book of A Manor House Mystery series.
Marshfield Manor is holding a charity event to raise money to cover the cost of repairing the Emberstowne village clock.
Grace is also having renovations done to her historic home with the help of Hillary.
All the characters are back and once again Grace gets involved with a murder investigation.
Looking forward to the next book in this adventurous series.
Marshfield Manor is holding a charity event to raise money to cover the cost of repairing the Emberstowne village clock.
Grace is also having renovations done to her historic home with the help of Hillary.
All the characters are back and once again Grace gets involved with a murder investigation.
Looking forward to the next book in this adventurous series.
July 17, 2016
I've read several books in this series, and I've always enjoyed the protagonist and the world of the story. I do think the character, with her indecisiveness about love matters, is beginning to grate on my nerves, and the mystery in this particular book was easy for me to figure out, but overall this wasn't a bad entry in the Grace series.
Read
April 2, 2015I like this author. Love the idea of working in a mansion that is open to the public for a small admission fee. In other words..I want to go to there. I've missed a few between this one and the fist one I read, I'll have to order them from my library.
February 12, 2015
One of the things I enjoyed about Grace Against the Clock was the title--a perfectly named book. Another good entry in this series!
January 9, 2016
Could not get through this one either
August 26, 2018
One of the better ones in this series. They read like the Hallmark Mystery movies. Light reading and fun.
January 12, 2022
I wanted to love this book but I struggled with it. I couldn't connect to the main character, or really any of the side characters. I found Grace both a pushover and pushy.
August 22, 2025
This is between a 3-star (on par for the series) and 4-stars (thoroughly enjoyable) for me. I reserve 5 stars for books I'd reread, and I generally don't reread mysteries once I know whodunit.
I did enjoy this entry in the series. I enjoyed finding the tunnels and secret rooms. Julie Hyzy does well writing settings, and just as I enjoyed seeing the fancy house in Italy, I enjoyed discovering these secret passages with her.
I did not guess whodunit. There weren't enough clues to figure it out before Grace did.
"I knew that my composure was driving her nuts, and that made me even calmer." I like this quote, although I can't imagine antagonizing someone intentionally, and it sounds funny to antagonize someone with calmness. But I can imagine it.
There does, however, come a time when someone else's frustrations or emotional outbursts no longer have to become our own. It reminds me of the old internet adage I love: "Do not let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace."
One reviewer reports that Bennett has been lessening in age over the course of the series. He began in his 80's and is in his 70's now. I thought that was funny. He's aging backwards like Merlin. Neither that reviewer nor I know if that's intentional on the author's part, or just a discrepancy.
One other reviewer, Susan, said, "Too many of the characters in this book are gratuitously abrasive, including Grace who seems to have some giant sense of entitlement about her place in the world...
After that, the plot plodded along with too many gratuitous scenes that had nothing to do with the storyline; some seemingly added just to put in another horrible character or chance for Grace to feel smug and superior."
That's an interesting perspective. There are abrasive characters such as Frances, and yes, Grace herself can be abrasive at times, but I wouldn't have characterized her as such. I also don't think of her as entitled. She's tried to keep Bennett from pouring money into her and her home, but has finally caved in. Still, she doesn't seem to expect such from him.
She does, however, seem to expect to be able to disrupt people in order to solve a mystery, and I think that's what the reviewer referred to.
I don't think Grace feels smug and superior, either, especially when lamenting her love-life, or trying to figure out what's "wrong" with herself. She feels competent, and respects that Frances is even more so. She may inwardly berate the cops, but she's learning to understand the perspective of one. What this reviewer takes as smugness, I take as self-confidence in her own competence, while gracefully acknowledging others' competencies - well, as long as they are not police officers.
SPOILER ... I'm glad one character got a retainer fee.
ANOTHER SPOILER ... Grace is mistaken. She couldn't have saved so-and-so, who was crawling towards the danger, not away from it.
MORE SPOILERS ... Yeah, I agree with Grace that she's better off distancing herself from Jack. She does seem to be attracted to the unstable types.
I did enjoy this entry in the series. I enjoyed finding the tunnels and secret rooms. Julie Hyzy does well writing settings, and just as I enjoyed seeing the fancy house in Italy, I enjoyed discovering these secret passages with her.
I did not guess whodunit. There weren't enough clues to figure it out before Grace did.
"I knew that my composure was driving her nuts, and that made me even calmer." I like this quote, although I can't imagine antagonizing someone intentionally, and it sounds funny to antagonize someone with calmness. But I can imagine it.
There does, however, come a time when someone else's frustrations or emotional outbursts no longer have to become our own. It reminds me of the old internet adage I love: "Do not let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace."
One reviewer reports that Bennett has been lessening in age over the course of the series. He began in his 80's and is in his 70's now. I thought that was funny. He's aging backwards like Merlin. Neither that reviewer nor I know if that's intentional on the author's part, or just a discrepancy.
One other reviewer, Susan, said, "Too many of the characters in this book are gratuitously abrasive, including Grace who seems to have some giant sense of entitlement about her place in the world...
After that, the plot plodded along with too many gratuitous scenes that had nothing to do with the storyline; some seemingly added just to put in another horrible character or chance for Grace to feel smug and superior."
That's an interesting perspective. There are abrasive characters such as Frances, and yes, Grace herself can be abrasive at times, but I wouldn't have characterized her as such. I also don't think of her as entitled. She's tried to keep Bennett from pouring money into her and her home, but has finally caved in. Still, she doesn't seem to expect such from him.
She does, however, seem to expect to be able to disrupt people in order to solve a mystery, and I think that's what the reviewer referred to.
I don't think Grace feels smug and superior, either, especially when lamenting her love-life, or trying to figure out what's "wrong" with herself. She feels competent, and respects that Frances is even more so. She may inwardly berate the cops, but she's learning to understand the perspective of one. What this reviewer takes as smugness, I take as self-confidence in her own competence, while gracefully acknowledging others' competencies - well, as long as they are not police officers.
SPOILER ... I'm glad one character got a retainer fee.
ANOTHER SPOILER ... Grace is mistaken. She couldn't have saved so-and-so, who was crawling towards the danger, not away from it.
MORE SPOILERS ... Yeah, I agree with Grace that she's better off distancing herself from Jack. She does seem to be attracted to the unstable types.
December 27, 2018
I listened to the unabridged audio edition of this book which I obtained for free from my local public library.
Like the previous book in this series, this was another fantastic installment. The story progression, the character development, and the surprises were all very well done. The mystery kept me guessing right up until the reveal near the end. I was unable to guess whodunnit which makes for a good mystery.
One minor quibble is that the first 3 books of this series referred to Bennett Marshfield as an octogenarian, which would mean a man in his 80s. Book 4 also referred to him as an octogenarian but then later in the story used the phrase "a man in seventies." This fifth book finally refers to him as a septuagenarian which is the correct word for a man in his seventies. I'm not sure if this regression in age was a simple mistake or if Hyzy changed her mind regarding Bennett's age over the course of those books, perhaps for the benefit of being able to add more stories covering a wider range of time over the course of the remainder of the series. Regardless, this is a relatively minor detail and doesn't really detract significantly from the story.
Like the previous book in this series, this was another fantastic installment. The story progression, the character development, and the surprises were all very well done. The mystery kept me guessing right up until the reveal near the end. I was unable to guess whodunnit which makes for a good mystery.
One minor quibble is that the first 3 books of this series referred to Bennett Marshfield as an octogenarian, which would mean a man in his 80s. Book 4 also referred to him as an octogenarian but then later in the story used the phrase "a man in seventies." This fifth book finally refers to him as a septuagenarian which is the correct word for a man in his seventies. I'm not sure if this regression in age was a simple mistake or if Hyzy changed her mind regarding Bennett's age over the course of those books, perhaps for the benefit of being able to add more stories covering a wider range of time over the course of the remainder of the series. Regardless, this is a relatively minor detail and doesn't really detract significantly from the story.
March 27, 2022
(3.5 stars) This is the 5th book in the series. The manor is hosting a fundraiser in the basement area for the town clock tower and the surrounding area. When one of the organizers, Dr. Leland Keay goes missing before his introductory speech, they begin a search. Grace finds him collapsed and he ends up dying, but not before telling her about an injection. Grace suspects that he has been murdered. With one detective out of commision due to a heart attack, Grace feels compelled to help figure out what happened. In her own life, she is dealing with the renovation of her house, which leads to an unexpected discovery of a tunnel in her basement. She is also trying to work out how she feels about Adam and if she has gotten over her previous relationship. There are several puzzling issues to work out to narrow down the list of suspects, but her investigation puts herself and others in danger.
June 2, 2018
This is the second book in the Manor House series I’ve read. It is a better than average cozy mystery. I certainly had the wrong person picked as the murderer! Grace Wheaton is the curator of the lovely Marshfield Manor and is probably the niece of the owner of the manor, Bennett Marshfield. Grace moved to Emberstone after inheriting a rundown Victorian home that is undergoing remodeling under the direction of Bennett’s stepdaughter. The Manor was to host a grand gala fundraiser. They had opened the basement rooms for the event … but just as things were getting started one of the leading heart surgeons struggled to the stage and collapsed. He was obviously drunk --- or was he simply murdered. Secret tunnels, old vendettas, town history, all get mixed up in solving the crime.
July 5, 2019
This continues to be a very enjoyable series. This installment felt a little different in that much of the action centered around Grace’s home rather than her employer, Marshfield Manor. When a prominent local dies during a fundraiser at the Manor, Grace is dragged into a lot of past history as well as a finding a secret passageway in her own home. I loved the way these characters have grown and changed over time and it was refreshing to see Hillary settling in to what is shaping up to be a promising career. Also still love Grace’s relationship with her housemates, though her love life drama had me a little worn out in this book. Ultimately, I think she made a great decision re: the love life and I’m interested to see where that goes in future books in the series.
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