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Angela Marchmont Mystery #9
The Scandal at 23 Mount Street
When an unwelcome figure from her past turns up unexpectedly, Angela Marchmont has no idea that she is about to become the most notorious woman in Britain. Forced to reveal secrets she has kept to herself for many years and which she had thought were safely buried, Angela faces a fight for her very life which she looks almost certain to lose without the help of the man she loves. But what hope does she have when the one man who can save her is the one man who has every reason to abandon her to her fate?
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2015
About the author
Clara Benson
31 books289 followersClara Benson is the author of the Angela Marchmont Mysteries and Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventures - traditional English whodunits in authentic style set in the 1920s and 30s. One day she would like to drink cocktails and solve mysteries in a sequinned dress and evening gloves. In the meantime she lives in the north of England with her family and doesn't do any of those things.
If you want to be the first to hear about new releases, and to receive a free, exclusive short story, sign up to her mailing list at clarabenson.com/newsletter.
If you want to be the first to hear about new releases, and to receive a free, exclusive short story, sign up to her mailing list at clarabenson.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 9, 2021
This is the ninth in the Angela Marchmont series. It finally reveals the secrets of Angela's past - some of which I had already guessed at, but it is interesting to have much of her back story revealed.
When Angela's estranged husband turns up, a ne'er do well who sponges off her, and then gets himself killed, she finds herself as the main suspect. This enables the author to enjoy some dramatic Court scenes, as the public gallery enjoys seeing one of the rich and famous in the dock.
This has an enjoyable cast of characters, including jewel thief, Edgar Valencourt and Freddy Pilkington-Soames, lots of twists and turns and dramatically revealed evidence. It is a shame that much of the author's writing is so flat, as the scenarios work, but she never quite brings them to life. I do like Freddy though and want to finish this series, so I can move on to the spin-off series in which he is the main character.
When Angela's estranged husband turns up, a ne'er do well who sponges off her, and then gets himself killed, she finds herself as the main suspect. This enables the author to enjoy some dramatic Court scenes, as the public gallery enjoys seeing one of the rich and famous in the dock.
This has an enjoyable cast of characters, including jewel thief, Edgar Valencourt and Freddy Pilkington-Soames, lots of twists and turns and dramatically revealed evidence. It is a shame that much of the author's writing is so flat, as the scenarios work, but she never quite brings them to life. I do like Freddy though and want to finish this series, so I can move on to the spin-off series in which he is the main character.
July 11, 2021
3.5 stars. This was fun and entertaining- no spoilers, but Angela is in a heap of trouble in this one, and we learn a lot more about her past. The resolution felt a bit too pat to me, and I have a feeling things aren’t as settled as Angela thinks at the end. I look forward to the next book. This one gave Freddy more of a role, and he added a lot to my enjoyment. I would seek out his spin off series to listen to, I could see them being fun!
July 21, 2015
I am a big fan of Angela Marchmont's adventures. Everything about them, from the tight plots to the wonderful descriptions of the lives of wealthy people back then. This one is my new favorite, because Angela gets to be involved in a whodunit in a role that she has never known. Now, the stakes are raised and there is a payoff besides guessing the culprit. Secrets about her are revealed. Some, I kind of guessed, others were surprising. I am sad that there is only one more book after this. This is really a great series, debatably better than Agatha Christie's, and I am a huge fan of Ms. Christie. I really hope that she finds the happiness she deserves, along with all the supporting characters that are now so well known to me.
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September 16, 2015This is an example of a plot where I will never enjoy the set up (and indeed tend to skim through it), but then will happily read through the story once we get past the 'lowest point' that inevitably comes along with this particular plot.
This is not quite the resolution of the series - there's one more yet to be released, which I shall pick up and enjoy in due course.
In terms of Golden/Silver Age mysteries - well, for a start, despite the authorial bio, I'm fairly certain this is a modern book, not one written by someone born in the 1890s. It's an interesting hair to split - pen names are incredibly common in fiction, and this author is certainly not the first to add a bio that adds authenticity, but is it a dubious move to assume such an identity? In any case, although I don't think these will hit the re-read shelves like the Christies, Allinghams or Marsh's, (after a somewhat shaky start) they've been fun, light and very glommable reads.
This is not quite the resolution of the series - there's one more yet to be released, which I shall pick up and enjoy in due course.
In terms of Golden/Silver Age mysteries - well, for a start, despite the authorial bio, I'm fairly certain this is a modern book, not one written by someone born in the 1890s. It's an interesting hair to split - pen names are incredibly common in fiction, and this author is certainly not the first to add a bio that adds authenticity, but is it a dubious move to assume such an identity? In any case, although I don't think these will hit the re-read shelves like the Christies, Allinghams or Marsh's, (after a somewhat shaky start) they've been fun, light and very glommable reads.
March 8, 2021
I finished book 6 in this series and was reading the synopses of the last 4. When I saw that Angela's secret past was being exposed and the only man she had loved was the only one who could save her, I skipped 7 and 8 and immediately started this book. As much as I loved the first 6 books in the series, I was enthralled by this one. I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
November 29, 2017
Oh boy! Angela on trial for murder?!?! I thought she put them away! Of course, we know that she didn't do it but the telling of it was riveting and un-put-downable!!!! And now, the truth comes out about Angela's past. Boy! What a doozy!
August 4, 2015
Angela Marchmont finds herself on the wrong side of the law in this exciting story in which someone she definitely doesn't want to see reappears in her life and threatens her security. Unfortunately the one person who could save her is unlikely to want to do so and she has no means of contacting him. It is a race against time in which Angela's friends looks certain to lose and the book keeps you on the edge of your seat until almost the end.
This is the penultimate volume in the Angela Marchmont series and I will be sorry when I don't have a new one to look forward to. This book, like the rest of the series, was written in the 1920s so it has a genuine period feel to it of the best Golden Age of British crime writing. The books were not published until long after the author's death as she wrote for her own enjoyment.
The book, like the rest of the series, is well written and the trial scenes are extremely well done. If you like conventional crime novels then this series may be just what you're looking for. They don't need to be read in order of publication except that this one should be read after the rest otherwise all the hints in the other books aren't at all mysterious.
This is the penultimate volume in the Angela Marchmont series and I will be sorry when I don't have a new one to look forward to. This book, like the rest of the series, was written in the 1920s so it has a genuine period feel to it of the best Golden Age of British crime writing. The books were not published until long after the author's death as she wrote for her own enjoyment.
The book, like the rest of the series, is well written and the trial scenes are extremely well done. If you like conventional crime novels then this series may be just what you're looking for. They don't need to be read in order of publication except that this one should be read after the rest otherwise all the hints in the other books aren't at all mysterious.
August 31, 2019
I can't even express exactly how excited I was to get an email yesterday that the new Angela Marchmont book was ready! Rarely have I loved a book series as much as I love this one, and this newest book...the best yet!
Angela herself is the victim in this book, and what a thrilling ride it was, right to the conclusion! It shocked me several times, completely surprised me, and made me cry at least twice. It had many of the characters I've grown to love, a great mystery, and even though it was much more serious natured than the previous eight books, there was still a little glimmering of that sarcastic humour that makes this series so enjoyable.
I recommend this book highly, but do please start at the beginning of the series, as this is book #9! And apparently only one last book still to come; I'm so excited for it, yet sad at the thought there will be no more after that...
Angela herself is the victim in this book, and what a thrilling ride it was, right to the conclusion! It shocked me several times, completely surprised me, and made me cry at least twice. It had many of the characters I've grown to love, a great mystery, and even though it was much more serious natured than the previous eight books, there was still a little glimmering of that sarcastic humour that makes this series so enjoyable.
I recommend this book highly, but do please start at the beginning of the series, as this is book #9! And apparently only one last book still to come; I'm so excited for it, yet sad at the thought there will be no more after that...
November 26, 2018
The book is so wonderfully written and I loved every page of it, cover to cover. In the books that I have read in this genre (detective fiction) there is no drama or emotion, just pure wit (as one would expect), the detective solves the mystery through his ingenious methods and the criminal is brought to justice. Not this one! Angela is put in prison and she has to prove her innocence or she will be dead before christmas.
The book starts with an unexpected visit from a person whom she loves dearly and soon followed by her husband. Shocked by his sudden appearance she knows that he is going to trouble her for a while, but she has no clue that it will be more than just trouble for a few days. All the details of her past that she has tried so hard to keep secret all these years knocks at her door that rainy morning on 23 Mount-street and she realizes that the present is never far away from the past.
If you have been reading the series from the start then you would absolutely love this one. All your favourite characters are there in this one (at least mine were). There is this one huge secret which completely caught me off guard that I could not stop smiling when I was reading that part. In conclusion, this is an amazing story and definitely deserves 5 stars without doubt
PS: I am definitely getting the Freddy mysteries after this!#ReadInOneSitting
July 23, 2020
Several suspicions confirmed..
.. some rather ridiculous scenarios though.
If only the characters had more depth and consistency and clues were a little less obviously thrown in.
On the down side it's a little difficult to believe bearing in mind that we're told that Mr Marchmont relied upon Angela for money and yet hadn't been seen by her for years. So surely he didn't rely on her for money, he also didn't rely on his mother who is "despite all appearances rather badly off" which would clearly indicate that he was funding himself through nefarious means and had plenty of enemies..
The actual events are much too unlikely, and I think Benson has rather callously dispatched a character because she overplayed it in the courts and needed to lose him.. she made him into another contradictory personality suddenly and had no way to get him out of it.
Difficult also is the way Angela behaves, cold, silent, accepting and at odds with the series.
.. some rather ridiculous scenarios though.
If only the characters had more depth and consistency and clues were a little less obviously thrown in.
On the down side it's a little difficult to believe bearing in mind that we're told that Mr Marchmont relied upon Angela for money and yet hadn't been seen by her for years. So surely he didn't rely on her for money, he also didn't rely on his mother who is "despite all appearances rather badly off" which would clearly indicate that he was funding himself through nefarious means and had plenty of enemies..
The actual events are much too unlikely, and I think Benson has rather callously dispatched a character because she overplayed it in the courts and needed to lose him.. she made him into another contradictory personality suddenly and had no way to get him out of it.
Difficult also is the way Angela behaves, cold, silent, accepting and at odds with the series.
July 8, 2021
This was another book of this author's that just did not come up to the standard of the earlier books. We do get to find out more of Angela's past, but that seemed very strange to me, as the husband just seemed to not fit. I know it was explained but I still don't think Angela would have married such a man. Her ability to make money was no real surprise, but seeing how independent she was in earlier books, I don't think she would have felt so attached to a mistake she had made. I was also amazed that no mention she made of her undercover work we had been led to believe. Her attachment to her "god- daughter" was believable, however I had thought that her neglect of the girl in the first book in Cornwall was because she felt no close attachment. It just seemed to me that Angela had, had a complete personality change. I think there are only two books left in the series , so will see what direction Angela goes in those.
April 3, 2019
Just the best, so far
Scandal @ 23 Mount Street is the 9th of the Angela Marchmont series, and byvfar the best yet. Angela winds up on trial for the murder of her worthless husband, and the scramble to save her from conviction and the gallows brings Edgar Valencourt to her rescue. Only now HE is in prison and awaiting the gallows. It will be interesting to read the final book in the series.
Scandal @ 23 Mount Street is the 9th of the Angela Marchmont series, and byvfar the best yet. Angela winds up on trial for the murder of her worthless husband, and the scramble to save her from conviction and the gallows brings Edgar Valencourt to her rescue. Only now HE is in prison and awaiting the gallows. It will be interesting to read the final book in the series.
November 1, 2019
It is nearly impossible to describe this book without spoiling the plot. So I will just say that Angela's past comes back to visit her and her life becomes very complicated. We learn more of her history and a surprise is revealed (at least it was a surprise to me!) Her old frenemy Edgar also makes an appearance. This was a fascinating book - I stayed awake all night because I couldn't bear to put it down without finding out what would happen.
December 3, 2020
Really farfetched. To think that all the people who saw them together at the ball wouldn't put 2 and 2 together and realize she perjured herself... And too many other convenient occurrences. Like how did the gun "just go off" and hit him behind the ear. Really? And Edgar ends up dying after all. Shot in Paris and falls in the river BUT they fish out the body and identify him (so she doesn't have to get all angsty about the conscience).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2018
What a deliciously intriguing tale
This one was unexpected on my part; who would think Angela would herself be in trouble! It certainly had me guessing if she could figure her way out.
This one was unexpected on my part; who would think Angela would herself be in trouble! It certainly had me guessing if she could figure her way out.
February 22, 2019
This book revealed so much about the main character. You finally feel like the real Angela Marchmont is here. You, do however feel the pain of this very private person when all is exposed. Not a light novel like previous ones, but much more depth.
Read
February 13, 2021This entry wasn't as satisfying as some of the others in the series, but for the most part, the characters are strong and the story moved right along. Will be interesting to see where some of these threads lead in vol. 10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2022
Well, this was a fine mess she got herself into...no need to create a spoiler as anyone can read the summary of this book. Suffice it to say that #9 and I'm still a fan of Angela Marchmont and her amateur detective work....although in this one she does very little detection at all. Quite a twist.
July 20, 2017
Good tale
After reading mostly medieval books lately I really enjoyed this latest escapade of the heroine and look forward to the next Angela adventure.
After reading mostly medieval books lately I really enjoyed this latest escapade of the heroine and look forward to the next Angela adventure.
August 16, 2017
I LOVE the Angela Marchmont books and this was no exception even though it was a completely different turn. Darker and more romantic. One more to go.
July 11, 2018
Another great book
This was probably the best of the series so far! So sad that book9 is the last. Going to dive right into it now that this one is finished...
This was probably the best of the series so far! So sad that book9 is the last. Going to dive right into it now that this one is finished...
September 26, 2018
Oh this one was good, but didn’t like the ending!!!
I can’t ruin it BUT with ALL the people Angela has helped through 9books!! Her friends and loved ones should have helped her!!
I can’t ruin it BUT with ALL the people Angela has helped through 9books!! Her friends and loved ones should have helped her!!
March 13, 2019
This was different because Angela was charged with murder and her friends had to try to solve the crime. It was not as fun having Angela behind bars.
October 25, 2019
Angela Marchmont
I couldn’t put it down!!! So good. The way the plot turns and twists, you never really know half the time what is going on. Onto the next book!!!
I couldn’t put it down!!! So good. The way the plot turns and twists, you never really know half the time what is going on. Onto the next book!!!
December 14, 2019
Seldom in a mystery is the main character in this position and it kept getting more complicated.
December 12, 2021
This addition to the series does tie up many loose ends. It's a must read.
March 28, 2022
LOVED this one! The story is all about Angela's husband and her back story. it answers a lot of questions.
Shelved as 'audio-c'
December 19, 2021Goodreads needs to update with audiobook edition.
March 2, 2017
A very good story
Almost didn't read it because I hate courtroom drama. I'm glad I did. I am sorry to know that book 10 will be the last of this series. I'm not happy how it ended but maybe book 10 will answer my questions.
Almost didn't read it because I hate courtroom drama. I'm glad I did. I am sorry to know that book 10 will be the last of this series. I'm not happy how it ended but maybe book 10 will answer my questions.
September 24, 2016
Angela Marchmont has lived her adult life in a decidedly unconventional manner, and yet she is unmistakably a well-bred woman raised in a wealthy family in pre-WWI England. That combination of recklessness and reticence makes her fascinating, but in this book it almost gets her hanged.
Previous books have hinted at her past, but in this one the past catches up to and almost destroys her. Sitting in a cell awaiting trial, the celebrated amateur detective is powerless to track down the person who's guilty of the crime she's charged with. What she NEEDS, of course, is a Perry Mason who will break down doors and pull clever ruses until he catches the real criminal. What she GETS is an intelligent, experienced English barrister who knows the law and the legal system, but doesn't have a clue about detecting.
That job falls to Freddy Pilkington-Soames, ace reporter and man-about-town. He loves Angela and believes in her innocence, but isn't much good as a detective. As he bumbles along, it becomes clear that Freddy's value to the "Clarion" is that he knows all the high-society types and can file mildly scandalous stories about them. But when it comes to demanding that people tell him their private affairs.... Well, an English gentleman simply doesn't DO that, does he? It isn't until he gets a kick in the rear (and some insider information) from Angela's loyal maid Marthe that things begin to move along. But will what they turn up help or hurt?
This is my ninth Clara Benson and not my favorite. For one thing, seeing Angela in trouble and fighting for her life was upsetting. Silly to become so fond of a fictional character that you suffer along with her, but that's what fiction is all about. Also, a large segment (maybe a third) takes place in the courtroom. Although the author does a good job of skewering the brilliant, but arrogant types who forge successful careers as prosecutors, evidence experts, and defense lawyers, I'm just not a courtroom junkie.
It gets better as it goes along and it ties up the loose ends of Angela's past and explains some mysteries that have only been hinted at before. It's fun meeting old friends like Freddy and Kathie Jameson and Angela's God-daughter Barbara and (of course) her unsuitable but irresistible admirer Edgar Valencourt. When I wasn't agonizing over Angela's dire straits, I enjoyed the author's lively descriptions of London society. She does a skillful job of showing the nuances of the English class system, which was still the accepted social order at the time. The next Angela Marchmont will be the tenth and (according to the publishers) the last. I'll be sorry to see them end, but it's been a good run.
Previous books have hinted at her past, but in this one the past catches up to and almost destroys her. Sitting in a cell awaiting trial, the celebrated amateur detective is powerless to track down the person who's guilty of the crime she's charged with. What she NEEDS, of course, is a Perry Mason who will break down doors and pull clever ruses until he catches the real criminal. What she GETS is an intelligent, experienced English barrister who knows the law and the legal system, but doesn't have a clue about detecting.
That job falls to Freddy Pilkington-Soames, ace reporter and man-about-town. He loves Angela and believes in her innocence, but isn't much good as a detective. As he bumbles along, it becomes clear that Freddy's value to the "Clarion" is that he knows all the high-society types and can file mildly scandalous stories about them. But when it comes to demanding that people tell him their private affairs.... Well, an English gentleman simply doesn't DO that, does he? It isn't until he gets a kick in the rear (and some insider information) from Angela's loyal maid Marthe that things begin to move along. But will what they turn up help or hurt?
This is my ninth Clara Benson and not my favorite. For one thing, seeing Angela in trouble and fighting for her life was upsetting. Silly to become so fond of a fictional character that you suffer along with her, but that's what fiction is all about. Also, a large segment (maybe a third) takes place in the courtroom. Although the author does a good job of skewering the brilliant, but arrogant types who forge successful careers as prosecutors, evidence experts, and defense lawyers, I'm just not a courtroom junkie.
It gets better as it goes along and it ties up the loose ends of Angela's past and explains some mysteries that have only been hinted at before. It's fun meeting old friends like Freddy and Kathie Jameson and Angela's God-daughter Barbara and (of course) her unsuitable but irresistible admirer Edgar Valencourt. When I wasn't agonizing over Angela's dire straits, I enjoyed the author's lively descriptions of London society. She does a skillful job of showing the nuances of the English class system, which was still the accepted social order at the time. The next Angela Marchmont will be the tenth and (according to the publishers) the last. I'll be sorry to see them end, but it's been a good run.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews