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Gwendoline Hartwell Mysteries #1
The Mystery of Lady Sedgewick's Butler
An aristocratic family. A murdered butler. And a widowed photographer who sees everything.
The Great War is over, but for widow Gwen Hartwell, the crippling grief lingers. Struggling to honor her late husband's wish that she take over his photography studio, she hires an assistant and accepts a commission to photograph the aristocratic Sedgewick family—an opportunity that could put her fledgling business on the map.
But during the photo session, the butler is found murdered.
Enter Inspector Will Slaughter, an injured war hero with a sharp tongue and a sharper mind, who manages to ruffle Gwen’s feathers during their first interview. However, he quickly recognizes her unique gift for observation and recruits her to use her skills while photographing each suspect.
As Gwen's camera captures evidence and her trained eye spots clues others overlook, she finds herself drawn deeper into a dangerous game as she discovers that each family member harbors dark secrets—affairs, blackmail, financial desperation.
With her loyal assistant Penny at her side, Gwen must use her camera and her wits to unmask a killer before they strike again.
A gripping historical cozy mystery featuring a fragile young widow who discovers she is stronger than she thinks, an unlikely partnership, and enough suspects to keep you guessing until the final page. Sure to please fans of Rhys Bowen and Agatha Christie.
The Great War is over, but for widow Gwen Hartwell, the crippling grief lingers. Struggling to honor her late husband's wish that she take over his photography studio, she hires an assistant and accepts a commission to photograph the aristocratic Sedgewick family—an opportunity that could put her fledgling business on the map.
But during the photo session, the butler is found murdered.
Enter Inspector Will Slaughter, an injured war hero with a sharp tongue and a sharper mind, who manages to ruffle Gwen’s feathers during their first interview. However, he quickly recognizes her unique gift for observation and recruits her to use her skills while photographing each suspect.
As Gwen's camera captures evidence and her trained eye spots clues others overlook, she finds herself drawn deeper into a dangerous game as she discovers that each family member harbors dark secrets—affairs, blackmail, financial desperation.
With her loyal assistant Penny at her side, Gwen must use her camera and her wits to unmask a killer before they strike again.
A gripping historical cozy mystery featuring a fragile young widow who discovers she is stronger than she thinks, an unlikely partnership, and enough suspects to keep you guessing until the final page. Sure to please fans of Rhys Bowen and Agatha Christie.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Ann Sutton
33 books51 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 19, 2026
This was a delightful start to what I hope is a new series for this author. It was not bogged down with most of the pitfalls in a 1st book. The characters were well fleshed out and the mystery was engaging. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 28, 2026
Interesting
I enjoyed this book. Gwen is so unique and I absolutely love Penny. I hope you write more of these. Well done.
I enjoyed this book. Gwen is so unique and I absolutely love Penny. I hope you write more of these. Well done.
July 6, 2026
A Breath of Fresh Air
After the Dodo series became annoying due to Dodo's perfect life and perfection in everything (love, marriage, home, beauty, success, money), this book and it's heroine Gwyne and, Penny, of course, was very welcome.
Bravo Ann Sutton. Hoping there are more to come in this series!
But first... Inspector BLOOD, now Inspector SLAUGHTER... Really? :-)
After the Dodo series became annoying due to Dodo's perfect life and perfection in everything (love, marriage, home, beauty, success, money), this book and it's heroine Gwyne and, Penny, of course, was very welcome.
Bravo Ann Sutton. Hoping there are more to come in this series!
But first... Inspector BLOOD, now Inspector SLAUGHTER... Really? :-)
July 3, 2026
A very well written and enjoyable book
I read many cozy mysteries and this was one of the best I’ve read recently. It was especially important as it is the first in what I hope will be a continuing and lengthy series!
I read many cozy mysteries and this was one of the best I’ve read recently. It was especially important as it is the first in what I hope will be a continuing and lengthy series!
May 28, 2026
Great first book in series
Lovely start to a new world. Well written, great cozy mystery evoking the social in class changes of the early 20th century. I look forward to more in this series.
Lovely start to a new world. Well written, great cozy mystery evoking the social in class changes of the early 20th century. I look forward to more in this series.
June 24, 2026
Quotes I enjoyed:
“The eyes were a window to the soul.”
“A mother’s love can be a fierce thing Gwen.”
Thank you @simonmaverickaudio maverick mavens for the gifted copy via @librofm.
I always love a cozy mystery and this one was so cute! It features a cast of characters who are easy to root for from the very beginning, Gwen and Penny. After Gwen’s husband is killed in World War I, she unexpectedly inherits his photography business and must figure out how to run it on her own. Fortunately, Penny—a bright, energetic young woman—applies for the position of photography assistant, and the two quickly form a strong partnership. I loved Gwen is determined to stand up and herself. This cozy mystery kept me engaged and guessing till the end.
This is book one in the Gwendoline Hartwell Mystery series. Really hoping there is a book two coming out soon.
Listened to on @librofm
Narrated by Lucy Rayner. Such a great job narrating!
“The eyes were a window to the soul.”
“A mother’s love can be a fierce thing Gwen.”
Thank you @simonmaverickaudio maverick mavens for the gifted copy via @librofm.
I always love a cozy mystery and this one was so cute! It features a cast of characters who are easy to root for from the very beginning, Gwen and Penny. After Gwen’s husband is killed in World War I, she unexpectedly inherits his photography business and must figure out how to run it on her own. Fortunately, Penny—a bright, energetic young woman—applies for the position of photography assistant, and the two quickly form a strong partnership. I loved Gwen is determined to stand up and herself. This cozy mystery kept me engaged and guessing till the end.
This is book one in the Gwendoline Hartwell Mystery series. Really hoping there is a book two coming out soon.
Listened to on @librofm
Narrated by Lucy Rayner. Such a great job narrating!
June 3, 2026
This charming cozy mystery features a cast of characters who are easy to root for from the very beginning. After Gwen's husband is killed in World War I, she unexpectedly inherits his photography business and must figure out how to run it on her own. Fortunately, Penny—a bright, energetic young woman—applies for the position of photography assistant, and the two quickly form a strong partnership.
Even before the mystery unfolds, the story is captivating, as Gwen and Penny navigate the challenges of running a business in a society that underestimates women. Their determination, friendship, and resilience make this an engaging and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Even before the mystery unfolds, the story is captivating, as Gwen and Penny navigate the challenges of running a business in a society that underestimates women. Their determination, friendship, and resilience make this an engaging and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
May 29, 2026
Great start for a new series. I am looking forward to the next book. I liked it better than her Dodo series. Two people both left with sorrows after WWI are finding their way forward. Apparently, they will find romance despite it. Penny is a delightful assistant to Gwendoline who has Sherlock Holmes level observations. Inspector Will Slaughter is the perfect foil to solve crimes with Gwen.
June 16, 2026
This was an easy read, but there were a lot of little things that bugged me throughout. Perhaps the biggest of these was the ease with which a Scotland Yard detective included a previously unknown woman in an investigation, regardless of whatever skills she might have - it just didn't seem very believable.
June 10, 2026
I can't. This one is NOT for me. The self doubt, the low self esteem of thinking you're not good enough-kept pushing me out of the story. I'm sure the story was a good one, but I could not see around Gwen and the incessant rabbit holes of mind doubts. Soooo done.
July 6, 2026
A unique cast of characters and an interesting story.
I am looking forward to next story. I hope the characters continue to develop along with the beautiful pictures that they take.
I am looking forward to next story. I hope the characters continue to develop along with the beautiful pictures that they take.
June 9, 2026
Gwendoline Hartwell Book 1
Quite a departure from the other series this author pens. Money can paint a pretty picture but the ugly will come out.
Quite a departure from the other series this author pens. Money can paint a pretty picture but the ugly will come out.
Read
June 14, 2026Flash of knowledge
Great characters. Looking forward to book two already seeing what happens with Gwen and Slaughter. Hopefully things get easier for Penny
Great characters. Looking forward to book two already seeing what happens with Gwen and Slaughter. Hopefully things get easier for Penny
July 2, 2026
A Jolly Good Read
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Mystery of Lady Sedgewick’s Butler’. Engaging characters involved in an intriguing mystery with a good mix of suspense and romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Mystery of Lady Sedgewick’s Butler’. Engaging characters involved in an intriguing mystery with a good mix of suspense and romance.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews