Murder At Ashcombe Hall: A 1920’s Historical Cosy Mystery

by Felicity Penn

When an unfashionably practical vicar’s daughter inherits a grand estate, she expects property disputes, not poisoned port...or a game of murderous intrigue in the genteel English countryside.

Fresh from London’s nursing wards (and armed with nothing but a stiff upper lip, a startling lack of etiquette, and her fiery Jack Russell, Pip), Cecily arrives at her inherited Oxfordshire estate to discover that grand country houses are nothing like the vicarage back home—and infinitely more dangerous.

Between Pip’s enthusiastic assaults on priceless antiques, Mrs Fotheringill’s steely housekeeper glare, and an Earl who keeps keeling over at the most inconvenient moments, Cecily must untangle a web of family secrets, vulture-like relatives, and suspicious villagers before she becomes the main course. With dinner guests dropping like flies—and one particularly imperious Persian cat—our intrepid novice hostess will need all her wartime grit (and a dash of divine providence) to clear her name… and keep her new home from becoming her last.

Who poisoned Lord Oswald? Everyone—and we mean everyone—has a motive in this laugh-out-loud historical page-turner—but no one can fool Cecily or her terrier partner-in-detection!

Bursting with English flair, razor-sharp humour, and more twists than a country lane, Murder at Ashcombe Hall is perfect for fans of witty whodunits, genteel suspense, and the golden glow of 1920s charm. Welcome to Little Codding—you’ll never want to leave (assuming you survive).

Genres: Whodunit

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2025

Reviews

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim after reading a similar book, and I was not disappointed. I seem to find myself picking up cozy mysteries set in the 1920-30s more often these days, and I think it is because there is no technology. No mobile phones, no computers, no TVs, or other modern devices that can interfere with a mystery story.

The characters were fun to follow. I liked how the humble vicar's daughter suddenly becomes lady of the manor - and titled to boot! - and the problems that creates in a world that is already dealing with so many upheavals post-war. Cecily is just a really nice woman, who is practical, considerate, and willing to work with people... and it doesn't hurt that she is rather intelligent. The dog is another selling point. Who can resist a furry sidekick? Anyway, the mystery in this book does revolve around her said inheritance, and it was fast paced enough that I devoured this in one sitting. Have already picked up the second book for a read. A great first impression.

3.75 stars

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's very elaborate language, with an effusion of adjectives, but it doesn't really get in the way of the story, despite some dialogue sounding entirely unnatural. Oddly for a woman brought up in the local vicarage, she seems to have to introduce herself to the villagers, it's an odd dichotomy, but again doesn't distract from the book. Worth a read despite the quirks.

[Karol L. Hosking · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read

I noticed and appreciated the writing style; descriptive, well developed with the right amount of period formality. Story moved along at a good pace...with a mix of all the essential elements... Humor, character development (early days as this is first in what I hope will be a series ) time, place and purpose. A delightful read indeed!!
KLH

[Vicki O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Ash com he's First Murder

A new author and new series for me. I enjoyed the story even though it was a bit more complex than my usual reads. But, it did make me think and that's always good. I look forward to the next mystery.

[Gail Souter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Run of the mill without any charm

Gave up on it! Between constant religious quotes and far too pretentious language amongst themselves, it was,tedious. Characters were not interesting either! Very forgettable!

[Elizabeth Dodd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done story with the vicar's daughter (i.e. not an aristocrat) inheriting an estate and having to cope with it all that entail.
Very enjoyable to see how see manages it all.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this very enjoyable! The first book in a series can sometimes seem slow as characters and settings are introduced, but this one kept my attention throughout. Looking forward to book 2!