Clifton Manor - Episode One

by Victoria Spencer

The year is 1912, and Clifton Manor is one of the most prestigious homes in the Yorkshire countryside. But as Anna Holden is about to discover, it is a house not only steeped in history, but in secrets as well…Upon her arrival as the new assistant cook, Anna discovers that a thousand mysteries await her. What lies beyond the heavily padlocked door the other servants do their best to avoid? Who has Lady Clifton been speaking to in such hushed, surreptitious tones? What is the cause of the misfortune running rampant amongst the staff? And why does George Winston, the eligible bachelor of the family, seem more taken with Anna than he does the proper ladies his mother parades before him?Despite her station in life, Anna can’t seem to put these questions out of her mind. As the pieces fall into place around her, she how long will it be until her own secrets are revealed?Author's As you will have noticed, this book is referred to as “Episode One” which may sound like a slightly unusual subtitle for a book. The idea is that there will be six episodes per “season” of this story and I will keep writing it for as long as I have stories to tell in the Clifton Manor universe. I love reading books in the same way I watch TV shows—regular bursts of short, digestible content. This style is not for everyone, but I hope some of you like it and keep reading. I will be releasing episodes of Clifton Manor on a regular basis so you should never have to wait too long for you next fix.

Genres: Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Amazon, Novella, British Literature, Edwardian

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2014

Reviews

[Cheryl (Super Slump)]

Sooooo ..... after being locked out of my Kindle app I've decided to have a bit of a clean up in my various "Books Read" lists. First cabs off the rank are my DNF pile. If I DNF'd it and have absolutely NO intention of reading it again, I'm changing my rating to 1 🌟 and deleting it off my Kindle. Life is too short at my age for crappy books!!


Original Review:

I'm sorry, I tried, I really did but this was utterly RIDICULOUS! This is a DNF at 35%.
There were just too many glaring inconsistencies with deportment, clothing, language and reactions to situations for the time period this historical mystery is set in. I drew the line when one of the Lady's of the Manor (17yo) likened milking a cow to stroking a man's penis. PREPOSTEROUS!!!

[Nola Arganbright]

A good beginning

The series takes place in 1922. It is interesting but not a stand alone but a lead into the next book.

[Please Pass the Books]

I tried this and was unable to finish. When Anna came in to serve at a party with her skirt tucked into her knickers (the author says underwear--I live in England, nobody says underwear now, they definitely didn't say it then) I had to stop reading. I don't like American or modern jargon in Edwardian stories and I don't like modern plots and subplots in period pieces where they would never happen. I'm not an absolute stickler for authenticity, but it does have to be believable. No manor house would ever--EVER--have "Welcome to..." carved out in flowers and shrubbery unless the manor house was at Disneyland. This is England, and old money does not pander to theme park gardening. This story, while it may have potential, goes the wrong way too fast. It didn't take me very long to determine this wasn't a series I could get into. It just wasn't for me.

[Mary Eve]

Clifton Manor

An introduction to the Upstairs - Downstairs lives of an English manor, reminiscent of Downton Abbey. This is labeled as a historical mystery but I didn't find many historical elements intertwined in the story. There is mention of a major event in history that is set to take place. However, it doesn't occur in the time line of Episode One. I don't normally nitpick an author's choice of slang words. Unfortunately, I'm going to here. Other than a dated timeline of 1912, there's little indication that this is set in the early 20th century. The phrase 'chill out' is most certainly foreign to lords and ladies of 1912. When one of the book's participants uttered this phrase I was thrown off. I had to backtrack to make sure I wasn't in a dual timeline. Honestly, I don't mind when authors play with dates to better suit their stories. I DO mind when characters speak modern slang in historical mysteries. It's just not right. An upper crust daughter of the manor house would not say CHILL OUT - not even to herself. My mind wandered to the future after this faux pas and I kind of lost the feel of Clifton Manor. It was ok. I'd appreciate a bit more originality in the details.

[Ted Tayler]

"Downton Manor meets Upstairs Downstairs"

The settings are authentic enough, but the stereotypical characters don't carry much flesh on their bones. Some of the language, and references are out of keeping with 1912 England. The biggest gripe is the tendency these days for the complete story to be broken down into bite-sized pieces. The set-up in this slice is achieved by telling the story through the eyes of different characters, above and below stairs. Then you're left in mid-air... unless of course, you BUY episode two and the rest.

[QNPoohBear]

Anna Holden is in need of a job and takes a position as Assistant Cook at the prestigious Clifton Manor in Yorkshire though she had been a lady's' maid at her last job. She is quickly befriended by maid Gladys who seems to do all the other work besides dress the two most senior ladies in the house. Gladys is having a tough time. In addition to all the other work she has to do, she may have overheard something she shouldn't have and someone has it in for her and Anna. Upstairs, only son and heir George is expected to marry a society lady picked out by his mother. He would much rather handle the family accounts. He's taken them over from his father who only cares about hunting. He can't make heads or tales out of the ledgers. Something is off, but what? George's sister Lady Jane is about to be married to a disgusting, lecherous man and is eager to get her hands on his money. Youngest sister Elizabeth treats the servants like human beings and is friends with a farm hand. When Anna helps George discover a clue to the mystery, the mystery grows ever deeper and... one must wait for further episodes.

This is a great example of BAD Downton Abbey fan fiction. I'm not sure where to start... the language is modern (What is a weekend?) and sounds American though the author claims to write in British English. Just because words or phrases are used in Downton Abbey does not make them correct! I HIGHLY doubt anyone ever said "Chill out!" in the Edwardian period.

Moving on the the characters... I find none of them likable and the only nice ones are boring. The Upstairs family is one giant cliche of bad Julian Fellows characters mixed with more smut and more cliches about the period.

The plot is only just getting started and there's not even a remote chance I'll buy the next installments to find out what's going on. Thomas and O'Brien... I mean whatever their names are in this book... Sterling and Juliet? are scheming and in cahoots with family about something. Think all the bad Julian Fellows plots and cliches about the time period. The plot just has too much going on and alternates view points too often. There's also a lot of sexual innuendo and crude talk I didn't care for.

I would not recommend this book to those who like well-written good quality stories. If you prefer the smutty aspects of Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs you may actually like this.

[Rosemary]

Picture this --1912 -- a large estate in Yorkshire with glorious grounds, a titled aristocratic family above stairs and a bevy of servants below to attend to every need. Each group has their share of dramas and intrigues to draw the reader into their world and keep them entertained while doing it. The oldest daughter is named Mary and her life's goal is to make a good marriage. There's a housemaid named Anna and a conniving footman whose mission in life is to get the dirt on everyone and use it against them. Does this sound familiar? It's Downton Abbey all over again, right down to the heir booking himself on a luxury liner called the Titanic. I understand there's bound to be a few similarities given the subject matter, but really? There's so much material lifted from DA, I'm surprised Julian Fellowes hasn't mounted a lawsuit.

And the writing was jarring in spots because it contains vernacular completely inappropriate for the time. Who says "okay" in 1912 Great Britain. Or one character addressing another by saying "hey". One does not use expressions like "flashing your rear" or "all that stuff" in this era. The author obviously did not do her research.

There are some good storylines - the locked downstairs closet, the misappropriation of estate funds, for example that would make for interesting reading but the clumsy writing and the purloined plot took away my enjoyment. I also am not a fan of the serial concept. Oh wait, the author probably needs to watch the next installment of Downton Abbey in order to get more material for the next episode of Clifton Manor.

[A.G. Lindsay]

Good enough

Lacks the charm and wit of Downton Abbey, but is entertaining and a quick read. The characters are a bit stereotypical but I think this will be remedied in later books. It does end on a mild cliffhanger. Has a bit too many modernisms (i.e. Elizabeth tells herself to "chill out") for my taste or I might have rated it a bit higher.

[Donna Nova]

If you like Downton Abbey ...

This was quite easy to get to know the characters quickly, making it an easy enjoyable read.
It was entirely too short. I'm disappointed to see how many writers are splitting up stories this way.
I understand with so many free books available. I felt this was too good to leave it undone.
Still an enjoyable read.

[Jon Roth]

Awesome & Original

Okay I gave the story five stars for fact one I'm a man and found it interesting to buy in the first place. Second the characters in the book can actually be visualized in the mind and just like her I love reading completed series Highly Recommended

[Johnny Lansky]

Review

I normally do not like novella length books but I did enjoy this one. I thought this was well written, and liked the many ongoing threads. I will read the second installment, and more, if it continues to hold my I interest.

[Megan Atkins]

Excellent

I thought thought the way this was written was excellent. I loved the suspense of it and the way the author has chosen to write. I look forward to reading the rest of these books.

[Kathy]

This style of writing is not for me

But for those who do enjoy serial books, this one would probably receive more stars.
I just like my books to be complete stories.
The writing didn't butcher the English language, and it obviously received technical editing.

[Cynthia Price]

The author raises your interest and curiosity over quite a few characters in the book and then before your curiosity is satisfied the book ends. There are so many riddles to solve and I felt let down with not even one solved. It is a good way to sell the series as you are hooked.

[Graciela T. Parsons]

All I can say is boring! Could not get engaged reading this book.

[Tatyana]

interesting detective story, episode one seems to be finished at episode two - may be! (but we see there also episodes 3-6). go on reading to get all the clues and find the story finished!

[Samantha McNulty]

3★

[Liz Terek]

Episode 1, Season 1 'Clifton Manor' Series

In 1912's Yorkshire, large mansions and sizeable staff are the norm among the wealthy. Clifton Manor is no exception. Episode 1 of the 6 Episode series introduces us to all the major players & a bit about their role in the Manor.

Anna Holden has taken a job at the Manor working in the kitchen. A step down from her previous job, Anna had no choice to accept any available offer due to a yet-to-be-determined issue. Lady Clifton, the matriarch, has many secrets. Day-to-day operations of the household are lightly overseen by her as she heavily relies on senior staff to keep the wheels turning. Her children are more involved in household matters than their mother & seldom seen father.

George 'does the books'. At the time Anna joins the ranks, George is beginning to question the ledgers and wondering about differing amounts recorded in the family finances. Feeling a change needs to be made, he rolls up his sleeves and digs deep into dark corners. Elizabeth is the baby of the family. Despite her title & net worth, Elizabeth would rather spend her days visiting the staff. Often overlooked, Elizabeth is the one tender-heart in a sea of selfish ones. Jane, their sister, should be worried about her upcoming wedding. Though a matter of convenience, it is an important affair. However, she seems preoccupied with matters from her past.

While we get to know the family & prominent staff members, we get peaks into the façade the family shows the world & the dysfunctional behind the scenes. As with any series, we are left with questions to explore & initial opinions on the fictional world we're in. Why is one padlocked door forbidden to all staff members? What's up with the family money? How many skeletons are in the closets of the Manor? Episode 2 will certainly reveal more details.

Set-up by installments like any other series, 'Clifton Manor' reads like a nifty soap opera. Romance & mystery around every corner, back-stabbing, betrayals - you name it. I happened upon the series by chance while searching for a new series. While there wasn't a major 'wow' factor, I thought it was well-done and enjoyed it. There's enough in this first episode to make me want to tune in to the same channel again.

I am especially fond of Elizabeth. Every family needs a person who cares for everyone more than themselves. We have to keep in mind that the time period relies heavily on Class Status and prejudice abounds. Regardless, 'Episode 1' is definitely worth the time and with colder weather on its way, it'll be a good way to spend your time. I give it 4 stars.

[Marley]

Downton Abbey on the cheap! I like the idea of episodic writing. While Ms. Spencer is no Dickens, she tells an engaging story that moves along and leaves you hanging until the next ep is released. What's in the locked room? What are the American's up to? Will Lady Elizabeth marry her predatory fiance? Is there a place in upperrclass socety for fat girls? Will evil servants prevail? Who's sleeping with whom? What's up with the major's meals? Will our heroine Anna Holden, who has her own secrets yet to be revealed, get caught snooping around? This could go on into 2025.

I can't wait for the female Winstons (especially--except for Lady Jane)), belles of the i d'ciecle be forced by the government to open their house to wlounded British soldies or worTheirr day is nearly over,st yet, after the wa, to be thrown into the workforce. They may as well have a god time while they can.

One small annoyance: the use of American jargon and contemporary words,such as sexist.

[Les]

2.5

This is an interesting concept. A knock off of Downton Abbey. With a dysfunctional family and sneaky servants. The plot is teased out in chapters featuring a single character and plot point.

As you can see from the title this is 'Episode One' so it is an introduction with no resolution and a teaser. Set in March 1912 (Dun dun dun) we are crawling toward history.

The biggest problem I have with the story is the really modern language used by the characters. At one point Elizabeth, the Edith of Clifton, thinks "Chill out Elizabeth". No one said "Chill out" in 1912

Is there something nefarious going on - Probably. Do I care not in the least.

[D.H. Hanni]

Fast, fluffy read. Felt a lot like I was reading something that would happen on Downtown Abbey. I didn't like that everybody had some mystery going on and not a single one was resolved by the end of the book. Just one tiny one could have been resolved. I understand cliffhangers and wanting people to keep reading on to the next books, but tie up one thing at least. The characters were just sort of there for me and fit a lot of archetypes seen in books. On the fence about reading the next book.

[Ashley]

A little tease to get you curious

I'm a huge fan of Downtown Abbey and immediately saw many similarities between the show and characters and circumstances in this story. I do like that you found out just a little bit about some of the mysterious goings on to have a small wow factor, but also enough to make you want to read the next "episode".

[Patricia Gulley]

I enjoyed this first episode, so will get the next one. Author stated he wrote in British, and would continue so. Good, I like that, but I felt there were too many modern terms used that weren't around in 1912--British or American.

[Monte]

Intriguing...and very enjoyable read.

I wasn't sure if I would like this style of writing. To my surprise, I read the episode in one sitting and looking forward to the next one. Well written and highly entertaining with a dash of mystery.

[Smriti Baliga]

Not worth it

Way too many characters and unnecessary drama or mystery surrounding each one of them. Each chapter seemed dedicated to a mystery! Being a fan of Dowton Abbey, I had a lot of expectations from this book but it has left me disappointed.

[Allison]

Pretty good story set in short "Episodes", about 10 Chapters or so each one. I like that I can go read other things if I want between Episodes. This book reminds me somewhat of the TV show Downton Abbey with the Upstairs and Downstairs folks living life amid multiple secrets and storylines.

[Kristin King]

Reminded me of Downton Abbey with a lot more secrets/intrigue from the get go. Not many likable characters, though, IMO.

[Audrey]

Excellent

[Evilangel1281]

Great read

Written in British English I really enjoyed it. Sad that it ended with a maiden voyage but love the idea behind the story. Can't wait to read the next episode!

[Deborah Kesner]

A Victorian story

If you like a cosy Victorian story your in for a treat. This story introduces you to the household and hired help. Good luck.