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Miss Underhay #1
Zbrodnia i rubin
Pokój z widokiem na... zbrodnię.
Kitty Underhay musi niespodziewanie przejąć stery rodzinnego hotelu w południowej Anglii. Dziewczyna jest przekonana, że dni spędzone w tętniącym życiem nadmorskim kurorcie będą wypełnione przygotowaniami do balu maskowego i oczekiwaniem na przyjazd piosenkarki jazzowej z Chicago.
Kiedy jednak ktoś zaczyna się włamywać do hotelowych pokoi, a w mieście roznoszą się plotki o skradzionym rubinie, Kitty znajduje się w samym środku niebezpiecznych wydarzeń. Hotel rozbrzmiewający jazzem i sala spowita dymem cygar stają się sceną dla zbrodni, której echa sięgają głęboko w przeszłość.
Z pomocą kapitana Matthew Bryanta, nowego ochraniarza, Kitty musi ocalić nie tylko reputację hotelu, ale i życie swoich gości. Czy w jednym z pokoi czai się morderca? I co łączy tajemniczy klejnot z zagadkową przeszłością dziewczyny?
Zbrodnia i rubin otwiera pełną klasy i napięcia serię kryminalną, której akcja rozgrywa się w latach 30. XX wieku w eleganckich wnętrzach hoteli, zamków i sal balowych.
Doskonała powieść dla wielbicieli Agathy Christie, retro kryminałów, klimatycznych zagadek i niebanalnych bohaterek.
Kitty Underhay musi niespodziewanie przejąć stery rodzinnego hotelu w południowej Anglii. Dziewczyna jest przekonana, że dni spędzone w tętniącym życiem nadmorskim kurorcie będą wypełnione przygotowaniami do balu maskowego i oczekiwaniem na przyjazd piosenkarki jazzowej z Chicago.
Kiedy jednak ktoś zaczyna się włamywać do hotelowych pokoi, a w mieście roznoszą się plotki o skradzionym rubinie, Kitty znajduje się w samym środku niebezpiecznych wydarzeń. Hotel rozbrzmiewający jazzem i sala spowita dymem cygar stają się sceną dla zbrodni, której echa sięgają głęboko w przeszłość.
Z pomocą kapitana Matthew Bryanta, nowego ochraniarza, Kitty musi ocalić nie tylko reputację hotelu, ale i życie swoich gości. Czy w jednym z pokoi czai się morderca? I co łączy tajemniczy klejnot z zagadkową przeszłością dziewczyny?
Zbrodnia i rubin otwiera pełną klasy i napięcia serię kryminalną, której akcja rozgrywa się w latach 30. XX wieku w eleganckich wnętrzach hoteli, zamków i sal balowych.
Doskonała powieść dla wielbicieli Agathy Christie, retro kryminałów, klimatycznych zagadek i niebanalnych bohaterek.
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2019
4094 people are currently reading
3869 people want to read
About the author
Helena Dixon
30 books301 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
For other authors of this name, see also:
see: Helena Dixon - Erotica
This author also writes as:
Nell Dixon - Contemporary Womens Fiction
Nell is an multi-award winning author who splits her time between Devon and the Black Country. She lives with her husband, daughters, a tank of tropical fish, and a crazy Cockerpoo called Teddy. She writes contemporary romance as Nell Dixon and historical cozy crime set in 1930's Dartmouth as Helena Dixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
For other authors of this name, see also:
see: Helena Dixon - Erotica
This author also writes as:
Nell Dixon - Contemporary Womens Fiction
Nell is an multi-award winning author who splits her time between Devon and the Black Country. She lives with her husband, daughters, a tank of tropical fish, and a crazy Cockerpoo called Teddy. She writes contemporary romance as Nell Dixon and historical cozy crime set in 1930's Dartmouth as Helena Dixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews
December 14, 2019
As soon as I saw the setting I knew I wanted to read this. I spent many happy holidays in Dartmouth as a child, and remember looking out at the beautiful view of the river from a hotel window just as Kitty does in the story. Plus I always enjoy a good cosy set in the 1930's!
So Murder at the Dolphin Hotel ticked several boxes for me before I even started to read it. It also turned out to be an excellent mystery with many twists and turns and an unpredictable ending. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to reading more about them in future books.
A good story well told and recommended to followers of the genre.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
So Murder at the Dolphin Hotel ticked several boxes for me before I even started to read it. It also turned out to be an excellent mystery with many twists and turns and an unpredictable ending. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to reading more about them in future books.
A good story well told and recommended to followers of the genre.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 20, 2020
It's always good to start a new series that you know you're going to love. 'Murder at the Dolphin Hotel' introduces Kitty Underhay, a young woman who helps her grandmother run a hotel in Dartmouth in the 1930s. Kitty's mother disappeared when she was six and is presumed dead and she hasn't seen her father who lives in America since she was even younger, but she has a good life with her grandmother and enjoys the hotel, especially organising entertainment for the guests.
While Kitty's grandmother is away, disturbing things happen at the hotel and a dead body is found at the ferry terminal. The hotel's security officer, ex army captain Matthew Bryant and Kitty become concerned that something odd is going on and soon there is a mystery to solve that may involve Kitty's past and put her in danger.
This is a well written cosy mystery with an interesting plot, great characters and an ending that's hard to predict. Now I'm looking forward to more excellent mysteries involving Kitty, and hopefully Matthew, in subsequent episodes in this series.
While Kitty's grandmother is away, disturbing things happen at the hotel and a dead body is found at the ferry terminal. The hotel's security officer, ex army captain Matthew Bryant and Kitty become concerned that something odd is going on and soon there is a mystery to solve that may involve Kitty's past and put her in danger.
This is a well written cosy mystery with an interesting plot, great characters and an ending that's hard to predict. Now I'm looking forward to more excellent mysteries involving Kitty, and hopefully Matthew, in subsequent episodes in this series.
December 10, 2019
When Kitty Underhay’s grandmother left to attend to a sick relative, she had hired ex-Army Captain, Matthew Bryant as security for the Dolphin Hotel, and to make sure Kitty herself was safe. Grams knew more than she had let on to Matt; she was worried for Kitty, wishing she hadn’t had to leave. But needs must, and Kitty was an independent young woman, happy to oversee the hotel that had been her home for as long as she could remember. Kitty had acquired the services of a Chicago jazz singer who was in London and had some spare time before heading back to the United States. Kitty’s preparation for the upcoming two weeks, plus keeping the guests happy and accommodated would certainly keep her busy.
But things began going wrong – a murder occurred; some of the guests’ rooms were broken into, including Kitty’s own room. No one could work out what was happening and why. Between Matt, Kitty and Inspector Greville, progress was made, albeit slowly. Kitty’s bafflement at what certain people were after brought sad memories of her mother who had gone missing when Kitty was six. She only had mementos left of the mother she barely remembered and couldn’t comprehend the motive. But it was obvious Kitty was in danger when more murders occurred…
Murder at the Dolphin Hotel is the 1st in A Miss Underhay Mystery series, a historical mystery novel set in 1933 England. The pace was fast, my interest nonstop and there was plenty of action – an excellent whodunit that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
But things began going wrong – a murder occurred; some of the guests’ rooms were broken into, including Kitty’s own room. No one could work out what was happening and why. Between Matt, Kitty and Inspector Greville, progress was made, albeit slowly. Kitty’s bafflement at what certain people were after brought sad memories of her mother who had gone missing when Kitty was six. She only had mementos left of the mother she barely remembered and couldn’t comprehend the motive. But it was obvious Kitty was in danger when more murders occurred…
Murder at the Dolphin Hotel is the 1st in A Miss Underhay Mystery series, a historical mystery novel set in 1933 England. The pace was fast, my interest nonstop and there was plenty of action – an excellent whodunit that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2020
4.5 Stars
It's been seventeen years since Kitty Underhay's mother vanished without a trace. Kitty, now twenty-three years old, lives and works at her grandmother's hotel in Dartmouth, England. When her grandmother travels to look after her sister, Kitty is left in charge of the hotel. Unbeknownst to her, her grandmother has been receiving mysterious letters and has hired a new security officer to look after the hotel in her absence. Kitty doesn't think too much of the additional security until a body is found, rooms are ransacked and a rumor began to circulate that Kitty's mother may have been in possession of a valuable ruby when she went missing. When two more bodies are discovered, Kitty, with the help of the new security officer, decides to investigate.
I found this book to be a delightful and easy read. The writing style is engaging, the mystery intriguing and the setting picturesque and atmospheric. The author's excellent research instantly transported me back to 1930s England, a country slowly recovering and forever changed by the war. The main character, Kitty is likable, smart, and independent. Matt, her sleuth partner, is a complex character with a haunting past. There's definitely chemistry between them and I look forward to seeing what's in store for their characters. The mystery or should I say mysteries kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The author did a great job of building the tension throughout the story and the reveal was action-packed. I will definitely be reading the second book and hope we won't have to wait too long to find out what really happened to Kitty's mother.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It's been seventeen years since Kitty Underhay's mother vanished without a trace. Kitty, now twenty-three years old, lives and works at her grandmother's hotel in Dartmouth, England. When her grandmother travels to look after her sister, Kitty is left in charge of the hotel. Unbeknownst to her, her grandmother has been receiving mysterious letters and has hired a new security officer to look after the hotel in her absence. Kitty doesn't think too much of the additional security until a body is found, rooms are ransacked and a rumor began to circulate that Kitty's mother may have been in possession of a valuable ruby when she went missing. When two more bodies are discovered, Kitty, with the help of the new security officer, decides to investigate.
I found this book to be a delightful and easy read. The writing style is engaging, the mystery intriguing and the setting picturesque and atmospheric. The author's excellent research instantly transported me back to 1930s England, a country slowly recovering and forever changed by the war. The main character, Kitty is likable, smart, and independent. Matt, her sleuth partner, is a complex character with a haunting past. There's definitely chemistry between them and I look forward to seeing what's in store for their characters. The mystery or should I say mysteries kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The author did a great job of building the tension throughout the story and the reveal was action-packed. I will definitely be reading the second book and hope we won't have to wait too long to find out what really happened to Kitty's mother.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 27, 2021
This is the first in the 'Miss Underhay' series and I am certainly looking forward to reading more.
Kitty Underhay is in her early twenties. She assists her grandmother with the running of the Dolphin Hotel, which has been in their family for generations.
Kitty's mother disappeared in mysterious circumstances when Kitty was only six years old, and she has no idea where her father is, apparently having disappeared somewhere in America during WWI. Set in 1933, disaster strikes when a dead body is found near the seaside hotel. It is coming onto their tourist season and the last thing the Hotel needs is bad publicity.
As Kitty's grandmother prepares to leave to assist her invalided sister, a new man arrives at the Hotel, hired by her grandmother as 'security'. What is she so afraid of, and why won't she tell Kitty?
An intriguing mystery, but still some unanswered questions that hopefully will be addressed in future instalments.
Kitty Underhay is in her early twenties. She assists her grandmother with the running of the Dolphin Hotel, which has been in their family for generations.
Kitty's mother disappeared in mysterious circumstances when Kitty was only six years old, and she has no idea where her father is, apparently having disappeared somewhere in America during WWI. Set in 1933, disaster strikes when a dead body is found near the seaside hotel. It is coming onto their tourist season and the last thing the Hotel needs is bad publicity.
As Kitty's grandmother prepares to leave to assist her invalided sister, a new man arrives at the Hotel, hired by her grandmother as 'security'. What is she so afraid of, and why won't she tell Kitty?
An intriguing mystery, but still some unanswered questions that hopefully will be addressed in future instalments.
October 11, 2019
Murder at the Dolphin Hotel by Helena Dixon is an engaging historical cozy. Ms. Dixon is a "new to me" author; but I was glad to find this book as it was an easy read.
The plot is smoothly paced with quite a few twists, several suspects and a diverse cast of characters set in 1933. I found Kitty and Matthew to be very likable and enjoyed getting to know them both as their characters developed throughout the story. The finale was intense and caught me by surprise as to "who done it". I look forward to more books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
The plot is smoothly paced with quite a few twists, several suspects and a diverse cast of characters set in 1933. I found Kitty and Matthew to be very likable and enjoyed getting to know them both as their characters developed throughout the story. The finale was intense and caught me by surprise as to "who done it". I look forward to more books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
March 27, 2024
This was the first book in a really good series for people who enjoy Agatha Christie and any other of the writers that place the bookset in a different time usually in England or another country and people are falling into finding crimes through different circumstances they’re put in.
I love these series old England cozy mystery series books and have read a number of them from a number of different authors and I was very excited to read this book murder at the dolphin hotel and it was an excellent book!!
Great plot, setting and mystery with quick page turning way ahead of my audible!
I’m very much looking forward to reading book two tonight now and give you the review on that tomorrow now that I’m writing reviews or at least trying to.
I love these series old England cozy mystery series books and have read a number of them from a number of different authors and I was very excited to read this book murder at the dolphin hotel and it was an excellent book!!
Great plot, setting and mystery with quick page turning way ahead of my audible!
I’m very much looking forward to reading book two tonight now and give you the review on that tomorrow now that I’m writing reviews or at least trying to.
August 24, 2020
This cozy mystery sounded like it would be right up my alley. Kitty is a young woman in the 1920s who has been put in charge of running the family hotel while her grandmother goes out of town for a bit. Her grandmother doesn’t want to leave and hires a former soldier to be in charge of security while she is gone, due to threatening letters she has been receiving. The problem for me was that Kitty is rather useless and makes only poor choices. I wanted more about the hotel and the workings of the people in the town. Instead I just got stupidity and a mystery that I didn’t care about. This is probably more of a 1.5 then a solid 2 but it was a bit better than a 1 Star.
October 2, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
This new series is set in Dartmouth, England in 1933 with the main characters of Mrs. Treadwell (Grams), the owner of the Dolphin Hotel and her granddaughter Kitty Underhay. Mrs. Treadwell hires ex-army Captain Matthew Bryant to watch over the hotel and especially Kitty as she has been receiving threatening notes in recent weeks. Someone seems to think that they know of the whereabouts of a "treasure". Kitty's mother Mrs. Elowed Underhay disappeared under mysterious circumstances in 1916 and has not been seen or heard from since. Kitty's father Edgar Underhay has not been around since Kitty was a small child.
As several people from the town are murdered and/or attacked, rooms in the hotel are broken into and searched it becomes clear to Matt that there is something more involved and there are more people out there looking for the treasure. American jazz singer Miss Vivien Delaware has been contracted to open the summer season at the Dolphin Hotel. Her stay at the hotel being capped by a grand masked ball. Vivien and her husband Bobby arrive and claim that they have seen her father many times in the US and in England.
The story is gripping from the very first page. It was quite difficult to put the book down as I wanted to know more about the story and the characters. The details in all the descriptions of the town and the characters that support the story are very well laid out. Very deserving of 5 stars and more. I'm very much looking forward to more books in the series and soon.
This new series is set in Dartmouth, England in 1933 with the main characters of Mrs. Treadwell (Grams), the owner of the Dolphin Hotel and her granddaughter Kitty Underhay. Mrs. Treadwell hires ex-army Captain Matthew Bryant to watch over the hotel and especially Kitty as she has been receiving threatening notes in recent weeks. Someone seems to think that they know of the whereabouts of a "treasure". Kitty's mother Mrs. Elowed Underhay disappeared under mysterious circumstances in 1916 and has not been seen or heard from since. Kitty's father Edgar Underhay has not been around since Kitty was a small child.
As several people from the town are murdered and/or attacked, rooms in the hotel are broken into and searched it becomes clear to Matt that there is something more involved and there are more people out there looking for the treasure. American jazz singer Miss Vivien Delaware has been contracted to open the summer season at the Dolphin Hotel. Her stay at the hotel being capped by a grand masked ball. Vivien and her husband Bobby arrive and claim that they have seen her father many times in the US and in England.
The story is gripping from the very first page. It was quite difficult to put the book down as I wanted to know more about the story and the characters. The details in all the descriptions of the town and the characters that support the story are very well laid out. Very deserving of 5 stars and more. I'm very much looking forward to more books in the series and soon.
December 11, 2019
In one of my favorite genres, cozy mysteries,
Murder at the Dolphin Hotel
introduces readers to a new amateur detective as well as a new series.
The very first thing that I enjoyed about this book is the setting. It is 1933 and is in Dartmouth, England. Kitty Underhay is suddenly manager of her grandmother's hotel. Kitty is new at her job, and her grandmother, lovingly called Grams, also hires ex-captain Matthew Bryant to watch over things as she has to deal with an emergency in Scotland and is very concerned with Kitty's safety.
This is in large part to the fact that Grams had received threatening notes. What is more is the fact there might be a missing treasure of sorts in the hotel. So, Kitty and Matthew become aware that several rooms are being searched. Kitty even notices that her room was searched as well. Kitty has more than one near miss with her life, so she and Matthew become extremely vigilant to sort out what is going on.
Sadly, several townspeople are murdered and some are attacked. Everything going on points to the Dolphin Hotel. One more layer of this entertaining story is that Kitty has not seen her father in years, yet it seems that he is indeed around and has been spotted by a couple of the hotel's guests.
All of these factors work very well together to create a nice, enjoyable start to this series. Both Kitty and Matthew are likable characters. Add to this excellent prose and you just might see why I read this book in one sitting. This novel is one that I am glad to have read and I do look forward to continuing in this series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The very first thing that I enjoyed about this book is the setting. It is 1933 and is in Dartmouth, England. Kitty Underhay is suddenly manager of her grandmother's hotel. Kitty is new at her job, and her grandmother, lovingly called Grams, also hires ex-captain Matthew Bryant to watch over things as she has to deal with an emergency in Scotland and is very concerned with Kitty's safety.
This is in large part to the fact that Grams had received threatening notes. What is more is the fact there might be a missing treasure of sorts in the hotel. So, Kitty and Matthew become aware that several rooms are being searched. Kitty even notices that her room was searched as well. Kitty has more than one near miss with her life, so she and Matthew become extremely vigilant to sort out what is going on.
Sadly, several townspeople are murdered and some are attacked. Everything going on points to the Dolphin Hotel. One more layer of this entertaining story is that Kitty has not seen her father in years, yet it seems that he is indeed around and has been spotted by a couple of the hotel's guests.
All of these factors work very well together to create a nice, enjoyable start to this series. Both Kitty and Matthew are likable characters. Add to this excellent prose and you just might see why I read this book in one sitting. This novel is one that I am glad to have read and I do look forward to continuing in this series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 12, 2019
As much as I love a heart-racing, hang onto your seat thriller, there’s something about slowing down and being completely engrossed in a cozy mystery during the holiday season that I absolutely love.
The Murder at the Dolphin Hotel takes place in the summer of 1933 in Dartmouth, England. Mrs. Treadwell (Grams) owns the beautiful Dolphin hotel, which is always bustling during the summer. However, Grams must reluctantly leave since her sister took quite the tumble resulting in some broken bones. While Grams trusts her granddaughter Kitty Underhay to run the hotel in her absence, she decides to hire ex-army Captain Matthew Bryant as head of security to keep an eye on things. The timing couldn’t be more perfect since Grams been receiving some ominous and threatening letters regarding some sort of treasure.
While Kitty may have brushed off Grams concerns at first, strange things start happening. After Kitty discovers that someone has rummaged through her belongings and people are being attacked/murdered, she realizes that she may actually be in serious danger. Matt and Kitty realize that they have to work together in order to figure out what is happening before Kitty loses the hotel or her life.
From the very first chapter, I was sucked into this storyline. I loved that Kitty is an independent and headstrong woman that is capable of not only running a hotel in the 1930s, but that she can also help solve mysteries without completely losing her sanity. She was such a fantastic character to get behind. Matt and Kitty were a lot of fun to watch together and complement each other throughout the story. They make a fantastic team, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for them in the future. I loved all the twists and turns that this whodunnit presented, which left me guessing up until the very end.
Overall, if you’re looking for a great cozy murder mystery then definitely give this one a read!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an eARC for review. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
The Murder at the Dolphin Hotel takes place in the summer of 1933 in Dartmouth, England. Mrs. Treadwell (Grams) owns the beautiful Dolphin hotel, which is always bustling during the summer. However, Grams must reluctantly leave since her sister took quite the tumble resulting in some broken bones. While Grams trusts her granddaughter Kitty Underhay to run the hotel in her absence, she decides to hire ex-army Captain Matthew Bryant as head of security to keep an eye on things. The timing couldn’t be more perfect since Grams been receiving some ominous and threatening letters regarding some sort of treasure.
While Kitty may have brushed off Grams concerns at first, strange things start happening. After Kitty discovers that someone has rummaged through her belongings and people are being attacked/murdered, she realizes that she may actually be in serious danger. Matt and Kitty realize that they have to work together in order to figure out what is happening before Kitty loses the hotel or her life.
From the very first chapter, I was sucked into this storyline. I loved that Kitty is an independent and headstrong woman that is capable of not only running a hotel in the 1930s, but that she can also help solve mysteries without completely losing her sanity. She was such a fantastic character to get behind. Matt and Kitty were a lot of fun to watch together and complement each other throughout the story. They make a fantastic team, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for them in the future. I loved all the twists and turns that this whodunnit presented, which left me guessing up until the very end.
Overall, if you’re looking for a great cozy murder mystery then definitely give this one a read!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an eARC for review. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
March 2, 2021
This was a well-paced tale that reads easily and fast set in Dartmouth in the 1930's. There are two featured characters that grow in trust of one another throughout the series of mishaps and murders, all whilst managing a resort hotel and being faced with bitter truths of family history. Once invested in their fate, one wants to read on in the series.
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September 14, 2021
I got myself introduced to this series a bit late. So far I have only read books 1, 5 and 6 and have enjoyed all of them. I will definitely be catching up with this series.
September 18, 2022
Хареса ми и мисля да продължа с поредицата. Без излишни описания, забързан сюжет пълен с обрати.
December 12, 2019
A lovely, historical cozy mystery set in Dartmouth, 1933.
It's summer and the start of the tourist season in riverside Dartmouth at the Dolphin Hotel. The fashionable place is owned and managed by Mrs. Treadwell and her granddaughter, Miss Kitty Underhay. As the story opens, a dead body has been fetched out of the river -- the man was a Dutch foreigner -- and the police are involved. Murder is not common in Dartmouth and this news has everyone a bit on edge. So, when Mrs. Treadwell has to leave to attend a relative, Kitty learns that Captain Matthew Bryant has been retained to provide security in her grandmother's absence. At the same time, Kitty finds out that Grams has been receiving threatening letters that hint of an item of great value that the sender wants back. Kitty has been in the care of Grams since she was 6 years old when her mother, Elowed, disappeared during the war. Kitty has no memories of her father. It's a mystery that gets more involved after an assault on the former mayoress and a couple more murders. Everything is complicated by a nosy reporter and the scheduled visit by an entertainer from the US. With plenty of intrigue and a surfeit of suspects, can Kitty and Captain Bryant figure out what the treasure is, find it, and make sure it is secured? NO SPOILERS.
As the first in a new series, this installment introduces us to the two main characters. I really enjoyed getting to know Kitty and Matthew and am eager to see what new adventures and mysteries await. I absolutely loved the time period and the setting and couldn't get enough of the period details of a time long gone. The narrative is well-written and the words flew by as I devoured this in a couple of hours. Lots of action and fun trying to guess which were the bad guys.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. I definitely want to read the next book in this series.
It's summer and the start of the tourist season in riverside Dartmouth at the Dolphin Hotel. The fashionable place is owned and managed by Mrs. Treadwell and her granddaughter, Miss Kitty Underhay. As the story opens, a dead body has been fetched out of the river -- the man was a Dutch foreigner -- and the police are involved. Murder is not common in Dartmouth and this news has everyone a bit on edge. So, when Mrs. Treadwell has to leave to attend a relative, Kitty learns that Captain Matthew Bryant has been retained to provide security in her grandmother's absence. At the same time, Kitty finds out that Grams has been receiving threatening letters that hint of an item of great value that the sender wants back. Kitty has been in the care of Grams since she was 6 years old when her mother, Elowed, disappeared during the war. Kitty has no memories of her father. It's a mystery that gets more involved after an assault on the former mayoress and a couple more murders. Everything is complicated by a nosy reporter and the scheduled visit by an entertainer from the US. With plenty of intrigue and a surfeit of suspects, can Kitty and Captain Bryant figure out what the treasure is, find it, and make sure it is secured? NO SPOILERS.
As the first in a new series, this installment introduces us to the two main characters. I really enjoyed getting to know Kitty and Matthew and am eager to see what new adventures and mysteries await. I absolutely loved the time period and the setting and couldn't get enough of the period details of a time long gone. The narrative is well-written and the words flew by as I devoured this in a couple of hours. Lots of action and fun trying to guess which were the bad guys.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. I definitely want to read the next book in this series.
December 7, 2019
A murder mystery set in 1933, this was simply the perfect book for me. I grew up reading such books, scavenging them from my relatives' bookshelves... Most were first or second editions. You bet I was not allowed to touch them. Yet... I did.
Dolphin Hotel was the setting and its owner Mrs. Treadwell was receiving few threatening notes in the past few days. She hired Mathew to look into her and protect Kitty her granddaughter. In absentia of gran, Kitty and Matt started investigating, when murder occurred too close to home.
My first book by Helena Dixon, I loved the old world feeling I experienced while reading this book. I became a child hiding from the world, trying to solve the mystery. Body count increased, and both Kitty and Matthew rushed to get to the identity of the killer. Pages too turned fast trying to keep up with them.
I loved Helen's writing, she took me straight from my home to 1933 where the world moved at a slower pace and investigations were conducted using old fashioned methods. The book started with a strong beginning and ended with the right shocker. There was attraction between the main characters, but in a murder mystery, my focus was only on the who and why of the murder.
A brilliant whodunit where nostalgia and suspense gripped me.
Dolphin Hotel was the setting and its owner Mrs. Treadwell was receiving few threatening notes in the past few days. She hired Mathew to look into her and protect Kitty her granddaughter. In absentia of gran, Kitty and Matt started investigating, when murder occurred too close to home.
My first book by Helena Dixon, I loved the old world feeling I experienced while reading this book. I became a child hiding from the world, trying to solve the mystery. Body count increased, and both Kitty and Matthew rushed to get to the identity of the killer. Pages too turned fast trying to keep up with them.
I loved Helen's writing, she took me straight from my home to 1933 where the world moved at a slower pace and investigations were conducted using old fashioned methods. The book started with a strong beginning and ended with the right shocker. There was attraction between the main characters, but in a murder mystery, my focus was only on the who and why of the murder.
A brilliant whodunit where nostalgia and suspense gripped me.
December 6, 2019
(I received a digital ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
This wasn't the first cozy mystery I've read, but probably the most boring one. Maybe I'm just not suited to cozy mystery.
Pros: good writing (I swear the words flew like water and I didn't realize that I arrived at 50% mark just by reading it at work), easy to follow plot (much like other cozies), and cute setting.
Cons: too many characters, I didn't really like Kitty (and I guess this play a huge role on me not being able to enjoy the book 100%).
Overall, it was OK to me and lots love the book, so cozy lovers, go get your book.
This wasn't the first cozy mystery I've read, but probably the most boring one. Maybe I'm just not suited to cozy mystery.
Pros: good writing (I swear the words flew like water and I didn't realize that I arrived at 50% mark just by reading it at work), easy to follow plot (much like other cozies), and cute setting.
Cons: too many characters, I didn't really like Kitty (and I guess this play a huge role on me not being able to enjoy the book 100%).
Overall, it was OK to me and lots love the book, so cozy lovers, go get your book.
February 7, 2024
Found this free on my kindle unlimited and it was a surprisingly relaxing cosy read! Set between the first and second world wars, the story focuses on Kitty Underhay, whose grandmother owns the Dolphin Hotel. Her mother and father both disappeared during the war, and there is a secret attached to her background, which ultimately puts her in danger.
When Kitty's grandmother gets called away to take care of her other daughter, she hires Captain Matthew Bryant to take care of Kitty. Soon enough, there are break-ins and murders, just when Kitty has arranged to put the hotel back on its feet by hiring an American jazz singer to perform for a few days. As the body count increases by the day, Kitty realises that she is in danger.
This is no Agatha Christie but it was a comfortable read when I wanted to unwind. I enjoyed the writing and the setting, as well as the characters. I am not a fan of this plot of parents disappearing in wartime with jewels, but given that this is Dixon's first book, I'm content to try again. The main character is a little insipid and her romance with the detective does not spark. Matt's whole "I have trauma" shit did not really need to be on the pages at all as it did not add to the actual story.
Overall, I would say this is an excellent cosy read, but not much more. I found it enjoyable and have already downloaded more books (also free on KU) to read when I need to wind down.
When Kitty's grandmother gets called away to take care of her other daughter, she hires Captain Matthew Bryant to take care of Kitty. Soon enough, there are break-ins and murders, just when Kitty has arranged to put the hotel back on its feet by hiring an American jazz singer to perform for a few days. As the body count increases by the day, Kitty realises that she is in danger.
This is no Agatha Christie but it was a comfortable read when I wanted to unwind. I enjoyed the writing and the setting, as well as the characters. I am not a fan of this plot of parents disappearing in wartime with jewels, but given that this is Dixon's first book, I'm content to try again. The main character is a little insipid and her romance with the detective does not spark. Matt's whole "I have trauma" shit did not really need to be on the pages at all as it did not add to the actual story.
Overall, I would say this is an excellent cosy read, but not much more. I found it enjoyable and have already downloaded more books (also free on KU) to read when I need to wind down.
December 11, 2019
When her grandmother must travel to Scotland to care for an ailing relative, Kitty Underhay is left in charge of running the family's hotel during their greatest entertainment booking. After receiving several mysterious and threatening notes, Kitty's grandmother enlists a a former military man, Captain Matt Bryant to make sure everything is safe and secure in her absence.
Now with a murder so close to the hotel's front doors and rooms within in the hotel being secreted into and searched, it appears that her grandmother's fears may not be unfounded. As the crimes and danger seem to crouch ever closer, Matt and Kitty must work to find the answers they need before it's too late.
____________________________
I liked the mystery, the premise was great and I was intrigued trying to solve the mytery alongside Matt and Kitty. The book had a strong start that really pulled me in and, as this is one of my favorite genres, I was fully prepared to love this book. This book flowed really well, was a quick read, and I enjoyed the author's writing style.
As a cozy historical mystery, this book is a must-read. But there was too many moving parts and not enough connection to the main characters for me to be fully invested. Honestly there were so many characters and all were connected in some way, but there waas no real weight to them. And even with multiple deaths, the sense of danger driving Matt and Kitty did not seem to be very high and they did not seem to feel terribly affected at all.
My biggest complaint about this book was the seeming disconnect that I felt between the timelines for our two main characters for the first 3/4 of the book.
What is the age difference here? Because it seems from context that it must be much larger than what the math would signify. Maybe I was missing something? But this disconnect was really all I could focus on throughout most my reading and it really brought down my enjoyment of the book.
I would be interested in continuing with this series. Partially because I love a mystery and partially because I'm curious to see if these timelines would be cleared up for me as we learn more about out characters and their backgrounds. I would recommend Murder at the Dolphin Hotel to fans of cozy historical mysteries.
____
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing an eARC of Murder at the Dolphin Hotel by Helena Dixon for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.
Now with a murder so close to the hotel's front doors and rooms within in the hotel being secreted into and searched, it appears that her grandmother's fears may not be unfounded. As the crimes and danger seem to crouch ever closer, Matt and Kitty must work to find the answers they need before it's too late.
____________________________
I liked the mystery, the premise was great and I was intrigued trying to solve the mytery alongside Matt and Kitty. The book had a strong start that really pulled me in and, as this is one of my favorite genres, I was fully prepared to love this book. This book flowed really well, was a quick read, and I enjoyed the author's writing style.
As a cozy historical mystery, this book is a must-read. But there was too many moving parts and not enough connection to the main characters for me to be fully invested. Honestly there were so many characters and all were connected in some way, but there waas no real weight to them. And even with multiple deaths, the sense of danger driving Matt and Kitty did not seem to be very high and they did not seem to feel terribly affected at all.
My biggest complaint about this book was the seeming disconnect that I felt between the timelines for our two main characters for the first 3/4 of the book.
What is the age difference here? Because it seems from context that it must be much larger than what the math would signify. Maybe I was missing something? But this disconnect was really all I could focus on throughout most my reading and it really brought down my enjoyment of the book.
I would be interested in continuing with this series. Partially because I love a mystery and partially because I'm curious to see if these timelines would be cleared up for me as we learn more about out characters and their backgrounds. I would recommend Murder at the Dolphin Hotel to fans of cozy historical mysteries.
____
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing an eARC of Murder at the Dolphin Hotel by Helena Dixon for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.
November 5, 2023
Това е една от малкото поредици от любимия ми криминален жанр с дами-детективи с повече желание и хитроумие, отколкото някакви конкретни умения или компетенции, които са преведени на български, или поне началните три книги. Кити Ъндърхей не е точно моя любим тип разследваща – не е развейпрах купонджийка като лейди Рампъл, няма своя идеален екип прия��ели в престъпленията и тяхното разкриване като лейди Елинор Суифт, нито пък се хвърля във всичко с главата напред без капка размисъл като лейди Кресида. Тя приема доста по-сериозно отношение към труповете около нея, в сравнение с най-обичните ми литературни героини, което вероятно ще ѝ спечели немалко читатели поне от тези, които не ценят наличието на хумор или сладко богаташко безхаберие, когато има тежки престъпления за разгадаване.
Мис Кити не е безгрижна синьокръвна лейди, не всичко в живота ѝ е поднесено на сребърен поднос, не може да разреши проблемите си като хвърля пачки пари срещу тях. Е, не е и намерено на улицата бедняче без семейство и бъдеще, а по-скоро е нещо като приятна средна класа, наследница на малък хотел някъде по британското крайбрежие, издирваща мистериозно изчезналите си родители. Признавам, че настроението е малко в повече минорно, може би някак уважително към немалкото трупове, които се сипят из хотели, имения и голф игрища, но мистериите си заслужават напрягането на малките сиви клетчици, ако и зад убийствата да не стоят кой знае какви маниакални гении,а в повечето случаи хитроумни и жестоки опортюнисти, на които профайлърите от Престъпни намерения ще им се възрадват бурно.
Мис Ъндърхей има своята сериозна история, има и романтични въжделения, за съжаление реалистично обагрени от последиците от първата голяма война, с обект на чувства в лицето на малко по-кльощав Хенри Кавил (е,поне аз така си го представям), който е всъщност доста свестен детектив, ако и често да отнася подозренията на както винаги леко некомпетентната местна полиция. С малко хитрост, разумно претегляне на фактите, но и да признаем – доста повечко късмет за нашите протагонисти и глупави грешки от страна на престъпниците, Кити все пак успява да се измъкне от проблемите и да оневини приятелите си, които твърде удобно биват все поставени на линията на заподозрените. С всяка следваща книга неволната ни детективка става все по-добра и приключенията ѝ стават все по-заплетени, така че дайте ѝ шанс – Хелена Диксън пише добри криминалета, дори ако не са толкова лековати, колкото ми се иска на мен.
Мис Кити не е безгрижна синьокръвна лейди, не всичко в живота ѝ е поднесено на сребърен поднос, не може да разреши проблемите си като хвърля пачки пари срещу тях. Е, не е и намерено на улицата бедняче без семейство и бъдеще, а по-скоро е нещо като приятна средна класа, наследница на малък хотел някъде по британското крайбрежие, издирваща мистериозно изчезналите си родители. Признавам, че настроението е малко в повече минорно, може би някак уважително към немалкото трупове, които се сипят из хотели, имения и голф игрища, но мистериите си заслужават напрягането на малките сиви клетчици, ако и зад убийствата да не стоят кой знае какви маниакални гении,а в повечето случаи хитроумни и жестоки опортюнисти, на които профайлърите от Престъпни намерения ще им се възрадват бурно.
Мис Ъндърхей има своята сериозна история, има и романтични въжделения, за съжаление реалистично обагрени от последиците от първата голяма война, с обект на чувства в лицето на малко по-кльощав Хенри Кавил (е,поне аз така си го представям), който е всъщност доста свестен детектив, ако и често да отнася подозренията на както винаги леко некомпетентната местна полиция. С малко хитрост, разумно претегляне на фактите, но и да признаем – доста повечко късмет за нашите протагонисти и глупави грешки от страна на престъпниците, Кити все пак успява да се измъкне от проблемите и да оневини приятелите си, които твърде удобно биват все поставени на линията на заподозрените. С всяка следваща книга неволната ни детективка става все по-добра и приключенията ѝ стават все по-заплетени, така че дайте ѝ шанс – Хелена Диксън пише добри криминалета, дори ако не са толкова лековати, колкото ми се иска на мен.
August 6, 2021
I was looking forward to this book. It has a lot of high reviews and I was hopeful it would be the start of a good cosy series. But…
Kitty Underhay’s grandmother receives a series of demanding letters, leading her to think Kitty is in danger. So, as she has to go away to nurse Kitty’s aunt, she employs Matt, a war hero with a tragic past, to keep an eye on Kitty. Matt thinks he’s just doing one of his grandfather’s friends a favour by taking up the role, more formally titled the Dolphin Hotel’s security officer. However, when Kitty is involved in an accident, he wonders if perhaps there might just be a real threat.
The plot is okay but not very original. There’s the mystery of our heroine’s missing mother and father, a couple of murders and the hunt for a gem. There’s no big surprises or twists with the whodunnit and I was probably a little disappointed at how pedestrian the entire thing turned out to be.
Also not very original are the supporting characters -- there’s the regulation black jazz nightclub singer, the busybody oldies, the sleazy reporter. At least there’s no crazy ghosts or talking cats or any of the other usually annoying standard fare for cosies.
Unfortunately there are, however, a lot of repetitive scenes which bulked up the word count needlessly. I also thought there were quite a few historical inaccuracies and some of the dialogue suggested the time setting was much later than its claimed 1930s.
Let’s face facts though -- I don’t read these things wholly for the mystery plot. I liked the idea of the book’s romance but it was a bit boring. I didn’t really think there was much chemistry between Kitty and Matt, despite Dixon rushing them to be attracted instantaneously.
Meanwhile I’ll probably not rush to read any further titles in this series.
2 out of 5
Kitty Underhay’s grandmother receives a series of demanding letters, leading her to think Kitty is in danger. So, as she has to go away to nurse Kitty’s aunt, she employs Matt, a war hero with a tragic past, to keep an eye on Kitty. Matt thinks he’s just doing one of his grandfather’s friends a favour by taking up the role, more formally titled the Dolphin Hotel’s security officer. However, when Kitty is involved in an accident, he wonders if perhaps there might just be a real threat.
The plot is okay but not very original. There’s the mystery of our heroine’s missing mother and father, a couple of murders and the hunt for a gem. There’s no big surprises or twists with the whodunnit and I was probably a little disappointed at how pedestrian the entire thing turned out to be.
Also not very original are the supporting characters -- there’s the regulation black jazz nightclub singer, the busybody oldies, the sleazy reporter. At least there’s no crazy ghosts or talking cats or any of the other usually annoying standard fare for cosies.
Unfortunately there are, however, a lot of repetitive scenes which bulked up the word count needlessly. I also thought there were quite a few historical inaccuracies and some of the dialogue suggested the time setting was much later than its claimed 1930s.
Let’s face facts though -- I don’t read these things wholly for the mystery plot. I liked the idea of the book’s romance but it was a bit boring. I didn’t really think there was much chemistry between Kitty and Matt, despite Dixon rushing them to be attracted instantaneously.
Meanwhile I’ll probably not rush to read any further titles in this series.
2 out of 5
July 4, 2022
Още една серия за следене и още една авторка на криминалета точно от типа, който най-много обичам - ситуирани в спокойствието на английската провинция. Въпросната госпожица Ъндърхей всъщност е нещо като подуправител на хотел през 30-те години и не се занимава с разследване, но пък успешно се забърква в поредица убийства. Разследванията ги върши бивш военен, за чиято лична драма и история очевидно ще научаваме повече в следващите книги.
November 18, 2025
W trakcie czytania tej książki doszło do trzech cudów.
Po pierwsze, to cud że udało mi się dobrnąć do końca. Jednak zasługę za to należy przypisać panu lektorowi, który czytał audiobooka, na którego przerzuciłam się mniej więcej w połowie. Gdyby nie on, nie przebrnęłabym do końca.
Po drugie, to cud że Delfin nie został zamknięty/(doszczętnie) spalony/ograbiony. Zastanawiam się teraz, czy babcia Kitty naprawdę tak bardzo obawiała się tego wyjazdu, bo groziło jej niebezpieczeństwo, czy może bardziej dlatego, że dobytek jej życia znalazł się w niebezpieczeństwie. Już lepiej do obiektu nad Delfinem podczas jej nieobecności było zostawić Alice. I tak wszystkim zajmowała się ta biedna dziewczyna.
Po trzecie, to cud że nikt nie zaczął oceniać Kitty. Całkowicie normalnym było dla wszystkich to, że w latach 30. XX w. młoda dziewczyna znika na całe dnie z nowo poznanym mężczyzną albo zamyka się z nim notorycznie w jakimś pokoju i nie pozwala nikomu tam wchodzić. W dodatku już od samego początku ta dwójka zwraca się do siebie po imieniu, a nawet zdrobnieniami tych imion, jeździ razem w tę i nazad po całym mieście i w ogóle to nic poza nimi ich nie obchodzi.
Liczyłam na książkę w stylu Agaty Christie albo Kerry Greenwood, ale niestety mocno się przejechałam. Chociaż autorka zdecydowanie stara się do tego aspirować.
Jeszcze raz dziękuję panu lektorowi. Żałuję, że nie zaufałam panu od początku.
Po pierwsze, to cud że udało mi się dobrnąć do końca. Jednak zasługę za to należy przypisać panu lektorowi, który czytał audiobooka, na którego przerzuciłam się mniej więcej w połowie. Gdyby nie on, nie przebrnęłabym do końca.
Po drugie, to cud że Delfin nie został zamknięty/(doszczętnie) spalony/ograbiony. Zastanawiam się teraz, czy babcia Kitty naprawdę tak bardzo obawiała się tego wyjazdu, bo groziło jej niebezpieczeństwo, czy może bardziej dlatego, że dobytek jej życia znalazł się w niebezpieczeństwie. Już lepiej do obiektu nad Delfinem podczas jej nieobecności było zostawić Alice. I tak wszystkim zajmowała się ta biedna dziewczyna.
Po trzecie, to cud że nikt nie zaczął oceniać Kitty. Całkowicie normalnym było dla wszystkich to, że w latach 30. XX w. młoda dziewczyna znika na całe dnie z nowo poznanym mężczyzną albo zamyka się z nim notorycznie w jakimś pokoju i nie pozwala nikomu tam wchodzić. W dodatku już od samego początku ta dwójka zwraca się do siebie po imieniu, a nawet zdrobnieniami tych imion, jeździ razem w tę i nazad po całym mieście i w ogóle to nic poza nimi ich nie obchodzi.
Liczyłam na książkę w stylu Agaty Christie albo Kerry Greenwood, ale niestety mocno się przejechałam. Chociaż autorka zdecydowanie stara się do tego aspirować.
Jeszcze raz dziękuję panu lektorowi. Żałuję, że nie zaufałam panu od początku.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2022
„Убийство в хотел „Делфин“ е първата част от поредицата „Криминалните загадки на госпожица Ъндърхей“. Романът ни потапя в атмосферата на 30-те години на ХХ век в Англия, въвличайки ни в една завладяваща и уютна мистерия. Стилът на писане на Хелена Диксън е лек, четивен и много приятен, сюжетът е интересен и вълнуващ, а обстановката в книгата е прекрасно пресъздадена, улавяща духа на епохата. Авторката майсторски пренася читателя в Англия от преди 100 години, докато страната бавно се възстановява от войната.
„Убийство в хотел „Делфин“ е перфектното четиво за един мързелив и лежерен уикенд, в който да се насладите на разследването на Кити и Мат. Историята е приятна, атмосферата в книгата е прекрасна, а героите са невероятно симпатични и находчиви. Сигурна съм, че ако прочетете първата част от поредицата, ще очаквате с нетърпение и следващите романи.
Цялото ревю е тук: https://booksguidebg.wordpress.com/20...
„Убийство в хотел „Делфин“ е перфектното четиво за един мързелив и лежерен уикенд, в който да се насладите на разследването на Кити и Мат. Историята е приятна, атмосферата в книгата е прекрасна, а героите са невероятно симпатични и находчиви. Сигурна съм, че ако прочетете първата част от поредицата, ще очаквате с нетърпение и следващите романи.
Цялото ревю е тук: https://booksguidebg.wordpress.com/20...
February 21, 2024
A young woman is in danger because of her past. Someone wants an item that she doesn’t have but they don’t believe her and are willing to commit murder to reach their objective. Her grandmother hires a veteran soldier to protect her granddaughter but he has demons from his past war experiences that keep interrupting his life.
Clean read. Well written. Cozy historical mystery set in 1933 Dartmouth England. First in a series.
Clean read. Well written. Cozy historical mystery set in 1933 Dartmouth England. First in a series.
April 28, 2023
Väga mõnus muhekrimi jõhkramalt kirjeldatud põnevike vahele, mille saaks ka isegi ühe päevaga loetud saada. Kindlasti sobib neile, kes naudivad Agatha Christiele iseloomulikku kirjandust.
Endale isiklikukt meeldis, see oli lihtne, viisaka keelekasutusega ja kiirelt loetav ning kindlasti vaheldus minu ta tavapäraste krimide vahele.
Endale isiklikukt meeldis, see oli lihtne, viisaka keelekasutusega ja kiirelt loetav ning kindlasti vaheldus minu ta tavapäraste krimide vahele.
December 26, 2019
I loved this atmospheric historical mystery. The characters were appealing and I enjoyed the romantic sub-plot. The descriptions of 1930s Dartmouth, the hotel and other local businesses all added colour. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
July 7, 2022
More of a YA/Romance than a mystery, though still not convincing in those genres, this features a relatively weak and dependent young woman (tiny, lovely, and prone to near-faints) and her handsome, troubled young protector.
Bodies fall intermittently to qualify this as a murder mystery, but there’s no focused, clever investigation. Hearts beat faster, blushes creep up fair faces, eyes gleam, satin skirts rustle, and so forth. But the mystery plot, such as it is, seems to stumble along on its own in a fog in the background while all the feels are felt about all the things in the foreground. Even as a cozy this is a stretch, and it was lacking in an authentic sense of place, time, or atmosphere.
This is a story meant for readers wired more for patience with youthful hand-wringing than I.
Bodies fall intermittently to qualify this as a murder mystery, but there’s no focused, clever investigation. Hearts beat faster, blushes creep up fair faces, eyes gleam, satin skirts rustle, and so forth. But the mystery plot, such as it is, seems to stumble along on its own in a fog in the background while all the feels are felt about all the things in the foreground. Even as a cozy this is a stretch, and it was lacking in an authentic sense of place, time, or atmosphere.
This is a story meant for readers wired more for patience with youthful hand-wringing than I.
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