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Angela Marchmont Mystery #10
The Shadow at Greystone Chase
After her bruising encounter with the law, Angela Marchmont has vowed to give up detecting, and is doing her best to forget the events of last winter and the terrible lie she told to save herself. So when a letter arrives from beyond the grave requesting her help and reminding her of the past, she is anything but pleased. Drawn reluctantly into one final case and spurred on by her guilty conscience, Angela soon discovers a viper's nest of family betrayals and hidden enmities which have lain undisturbed for years, and which may have led to the deaths of more than one person. Despite her unwillingness to reopen old wounds, Angela knows she must put aside her own feelings and solve the mystery if she is ever to find peace. Can she get to the heart of the matter, right the wrong she has done and be happy at last?
Each of the Angela Marchmont books contains a standalone mystery which is resolved at the end. However, if you are new to the series, please note that Book 10, The Shadow at Greystone Chase, contains spoilers from Book 9, The Scandal at 23 Mount Street and is to some extent a sequel, and we therefore advise reading the two in order.
Each of the Angela Marchmont books contains a standalone mystery which is resolved at the end. However, if you are new to the series, please note that Book 10, The Shadow at Greystone Chase, contains spoilers from Book 9, The Scandal at 23 Mount Street and is to some extent a sequel, and we therefore advise reading the two in order.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 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 56 reviews
September 29, 2021
This was a good final novel in the Angela Marchmont series and follows on from the previous book, in which Angela was accused of murder herself. Following on from the infamous Court Case and feeling she owed her life to Edgar Vallencourt, Angela is tentatively re-entering Society. She feels somewhat restless and considers returning to the States. However, then she is approached by Vallencourt's solicitor, and uncle, who asks her to look into the murder of Edgar Vallencourt's wife. Readers of the series will know that he was on the run, after being arrested and tried for her murder.
This is rather a convoluted plot, but readers of the series will be aware of all the previous events, allowing Angela - and Freddy - to investigate whether or not Vallencourt's wife died at his hands. Of course, everything is wrapped up neatly, as Angela unearths family secrets and unearths the truth. This mystery leads neatly into the spin-off series, featuring Freddy Pilkington-Soames. I look forward to reading on, as I have always enjoyed Freddy's character and found him more fun than Angela. Overall, the Angela Marchmont series is a mixed bag, but I think most readers will approve of the ending.
This is rather a convoluted plot, but readers of the series will be aware of all the previous events, allowing Angela - and Freddy - to investigate whether or not Vallencourt's wife died at his hands. Of course, everything is wrapped up neatly, as Angela unearths family secrets and unearths the truth. This mystery leads neatly into the spin-off series, featuring Freddy Pilkington-Soames. I look forward to reading on, as I have always enjoyed Freddy's character and found him more fun than Angela. Overall, the Angela Marchmont series is a mixed bag, but I think most readers will approve of the ending.
May 25, 2017
The tenth and final outing in the Angela Marchmont series of murder mysteries set in the twenties. Most of the books of this series can be read independently of each other, but this one is the exception: it follows on almost directly from The Scandal at 23 Mount Street and has many spoilers for that story, so if you haven’t read the ninth book yet, read on at your peril.
After the sombre courtroom drama of the previous book, things are almost back to normal here, with ladylike amateur sleuth Angela and her aristocratic reporter sidekick Freddy investigating a murder from several years ago. But it isn’t quite normal, because the murder in question is the wife of Angela's love interest, jewel thief Edgar Valencourt. And because she feels guilty about the events of book nine, she agrees to try.
The mystery isn’t particularly complicated. I guessed the identity of the murderer, and most of the reasons, within about five minutes. I also spotted some important clues along the way. That doesn’t make it any less interesting or enjoyable to watch the story unfold, and see Angela and Freddy circle closer and closer to the truth. This is, in many ways, a classic country-house murder mystery, with all sorts of family secrets lurking behind the wealthy exterior.
But to be honest, the murder isn’t the focus of this one, so much as the ramifications of the previous book, the weight of guilt and decisions made and actions taken which can never be undone. So there is a heavier tone than in some of the earlier books, and an all-pervading sadness. So can the author wrap things up and bring not just this mystery but the whole series to a satisfying conclusion? Of course she can!
This was another wonderful read, and although (like the previous book) it suffered a little from the backstory-heavy plot, I can’t in all conscience give it less than five stars. And for anyone wondering about the creator of the Angela Marchmont mysteries, you will find a little more information about the reclusive Clara Benson at the end of the book.
A brief word about the series as a whole. They say that many series take several books to establish themselves, and so it is here. The first book, The Murder at Sissingham Hall, is quite slow, and features Angela only as a side character, an odd stylistic choice. The second book, The Mystery of Underwood House, is much more readable, and I’d almost say you could start the series here without losing anything. By book 3, The Treasure at Poldarrow Point, things are beginning to pick up and the humour is finally showing through. By book 5, The Imbroglio at Villa Pozzi, the writing reaches glorious heights of charm, and this and book 6, The Problem at Two Tithes, are among my favourite reads of the year. The rest of the series is magnificent. Highly recommended for fans of cozies and Agatha Christie-style country-house murders.
After the sombre courtroom drama of the previous book, things are almost back to normal here, with ladylike amateur sleuth Angela and her aristocratic reporter sidekick Freddy investigating a murder from several years ago. But it isn’t quite normal, because the murder in question is the wife of Angela's love interest, jewel thief Edgar Valencourt. And because she feels guilty about the events of book nine, she agrees to try.
The mystery isn’t particularly complicated. I guessed the identity of the murderer, and most of the reasons, within about five minutes. I also spotted some important clues along the way. That doesn’t make it any less interesting or enjoyable to watch the story unfold, and see Angela and Freddy circle closer and closer to the truth. This is, in many ways, a classic country-house murder mystery, with all sorts of family secrets lurking behind the wealthy exterior.
But to be honest, the murder isn’t the focus of this one, so much as the ramifications of the previous book, the weight of guilt and decisions made and actions taken which can never be undone. So there is a heavier tone than in some of the earlier books, and an all-pervading sadness. So can the author wrap things up and bring not just this mystery but the whole series to a satisfying conclusion? Of course she can!
This was another wonderful read, and although (like the previous book) it suffered a little from the backstory-heavy plot, I can’t in all conscience give it less than five stars. And for anyone wondering about the creator of the Angela Marchmont mysteries, you will find a little more information about the reclusive Clara Benson at the end of the book.
A brief word about the series as a whole. They say that many series take several books to establish themselves, and so it is here. The first book, The Murder at Sissingham Hall, is quite slow, and features Angela only as a side character, an odd stylistic choice. The second book, The Mystery of Underwood House, is much more readable, and I’d almost say you could start the series here without losing anything. By book 3, The Treasure at Poldarrow Point, things are beginning to pick up and the humour is finally showing through. By book 5, The Imbroglio at Villa Pozzi, the writing reaches glorious heights of charm, and this and book 6, The Problem at Two Tithes, are among my favourite reads of the year. The rest of the series is magnificent. Highly recommended for fans of cozies and Agatha Christie-style country-house murders.
September 16, 2021
3.5 stars - enjoyable wrap-up of this historical mystery series set in 1920s England. Angela has always been a likable, smart, society sleuth - but after standing trial in the last book for her nasty estranged husband’s murder, she simply wanted to lick her wounds in private. She has sworn off detecting, and is even thinking of returning to New York City to sell her business.
Angela is asked to take on one more case, though; Edgar Vallincourt’s uncle, who is also his attorney, wants her to look into the murder case of Edgar’s first wife. He feels his nephew was not guilty, and even though he was reportedly killed at the end of the last book, he’d like Edgar exonerated. Edgar left behind a letter for her, asking her to look into it.
Angela doesn’t want to get involved, but feels she owes Edgar a debt of gratitude. She heads down to the Kent watering hole where the family lived and starts investigating - Freddy tags along, claiming to be Angela’s son to the catty old dears staying at the hotel. Angela would like to brain him, but he provides comic relief and a good deal of useful patter and charm with local witnesses who might remember helpful clues to the nine-year-old crime. I enjoyed their interchanges with each other, the locals, and potential suspects.
No spoilers, but this was interesting and entertaining, and had a satisfying conclusion - Benson did a good job tying up loose ends, and setting up Freddy as an enterprising reporter/detective, leading into a series of his own. I’d like to read at least his first outing, see how he fares on his own.
Angela is asked to take on one more case, though; Edgar Vallincourt’s uncle, who is also his attorney, wants her to look into the murder case of Edgar’s first wife. He feels his nephew was not guilty, and even though he was reportedly killed at the end of the last book, he’d like Edgar exonerated. Edgar left behind a letter for her, asking her to look into it.
Angela doesn’t want to get involved, but feels she owes Edgar a debt of gratitude. She heads down to the Kent watering hole where the family lived and starts investigating - Freddy tags along, claiming to be Angela’s son to the catty old dears staying at the hotel. Angela would like to brain him, but he provides comic relief and a good deal of useful patter and charm with local witnesses who might remember helpful clues to the nine-year-old crime. I enjoyed their interchanges with each other, the locals, and potential suspects.
No spoilers, but this was interesting and entertaining, and had a satisfying conclusion - Benson did a good job tying up loose ends, and setting up Freddy as an enterprising reporter/detective, leading into a series of his own. I’d like to read at least his first outing, see how he fares on his own.
Read
December 18, 2015The final of this series, and a suitable conclusion of the multiple threads that had grown through the series.
I was also pleased to read the author's note at the end, not only for the abandonment of the "found manuscript" fiction, but also because it looks like Freddy is getting his own series.
Highly recommended series to anyone who likes their golden age mysteries.
I was also pleased to read the author's note at the end, not only for the abandonment of the "found manuscript" fiction, but also because it looks like Freddy is getting his own series.
Highly recommended series to anyone who likes their golden age mysteries.
November 30, 2017
What a way to end a series! Bravo Clara Benson. You tied up all loose ends and ended on a high note for Angela Marchmont. Perhaps we will hear from Angela again...
September 29, 2018
So sad she is done!!!
Well I finished ALL 20, each one better and more intriguing then the one before!!! I will NOT spoil anything!!!! So I will say, good bye Angela have a great and mischievous future!!!
Well I finished ALL 20, each one better and more intriguing then the one before!!! I will NOT spoil anything!!!! So I will say, good bye Angela have a great and mischievous future!!!
November 2, 2019
Sigh - the last full book in this series. I wish there were more, but she has pretty much wrapped it up. Edgar is dead, but at his request and that of his lawyer/uncle, Angela agrees to go to his childhood home at Greystone Chase to try to prove that Edgar did not kill his wife Selina, although he was convicted of her murder and then escaped; she feels she owes it to him for saving her life. She is still recovering from her own courtroom trauma as told in the previous book, which should be read BEFORE this one.
She meets several people who live or are visiting in the area, and also meets what is left of the de Lisle family, Edgar's brother and his wife; his father Roger, the autocrat, and his mother are both now dead. Angela poses as a possible buyer for the house in order to gain an entree, and calls on Freddy to help her (he decides to play the role of her son, which ticks Angela off a bit!) Her driver William is also called on to help several times. By questioning servants and local people, Angela gains a picture of what happened all those years ago when Selina was murdered. However unwillingly, she does manage to find proof that Edgar didn't do it, and considers herself even. But more complications follow....
A good wrap-up of the series, although there would be room to continue, which apparently the author does not want to do (with the exception of a short story.) I enjoyed this series very much!
She meets several people who live or are visiting in the area, and also meets what is left of the de Lisle family, Edgar's brother and his wife; his father Roger, the autocrat, and his mother are both now dead. Angela poses as a possible buyer for the house in order to gain an entree, and calls on Freddy to help her (he decides to play the role of her son, which ticks Angela off a bit!) Her driver William is also called on to help several times. By questioning servants and local people, Angela gains a picture of what happened all those years ago when Selina was murdered. However unwillingly, she does manage to find proof that Edgar didn't do it, and considers herself even. But more complications follow....
A good wrap-up of the series, although there would be room to continue, which apparently the author does not want to do (with the exception of a short story.) I enjoyed this series very much!
December 15, 2015
This is how you end a series... I still want more, but I guess that's it, being that Clara Benson didn't write any more Angela Marchmont books. All of her regulars appear to say goodbye, and I really loved where the story ends. Yes, it is predictable and sappy, but I loved it! It's bittersweet, but I will be re-reading this series in the future.
September 19, 2019
I chose this in desperation when I couldn’t find anything I wanted to read. I’d read the first three books in the series and enjoyed them (at least, that’s my memory from several years back.) Certainly, the author’s writing style has improved from the first three to this last in the series. And I tend to enjoy an old fashioned mystery where the reader is restricted to the main character’s POV and what she/he finds out. While that mostly means a series of interviews, it usually makes for a fun game of whodunit. Unfortunately, in this case, you suspect the killer very early on and read only to see when and how Angela figures it out. It took her much too long, sifting through one unlikely suspect after another. The murder itself is banal (hence, I guess, its predictability). In place of surprising revelations, we have Angela’s lengthy ruminations over Valencourt, her lost love. There is no real climax and the romantic ending is, like the mystery, trite and surprisingly unsatisfying. This may be a good ending for those who have followed through all ten of the Marchmont mysteries, but it wasn’t a good read for me.
February 10, 2019
Wonderful storytelling
I had read some of these books in the past, but never put them all together. A few weeks ago I read books 3-6 and realized how much I truly enjoyed them. I couldn't wait to.get to the next one to find out what was happening to.my friends, and especially to Angela. Each book.on its own was interesting and satisfying, but I think once I began to put them together. I realized the big picture was even greater than the sum of its parts. I don't want to spoil the reading for someone else, but please read them all.and live with these characters while their lives play out. This is one of the best, most intriguing and most "feeling" series I have ever read. Thank you, Clara Benson, so much. Could you maybe write one or two more Angela Marchmont stories so we can revel in her new life? Thank you so much.
f
I had read some of these books in the past, but never put them all together. A few weeks ago I read books 3-6 and realized how much I truly enjoyed them. I couldn't wait to.get to the next one to find out what was happening to.my friends, and especially to Angela. Each book.on its own was interesting and satisfying, but I think once I began to put them together. I realized the big picture was even greater than the sum of its parts. I don't want to spoil the reading for someone else, but please read them all.and live with these characters while their lives play out. This is one of the best, most intriguing and most "feeling" series I have ever read. Thank you, Clara Benson, so much. Could you maybe write one or two more Angela Marchmont stories so we can revel in her new life? Thank you so much.
f
August 11, 2018
Now that Angela has evaded the hangman's noose and is ready to give up detecting, she gets a letter imploring her to revisit the case of the love of her life Edgar Valencourt, found guilty of strangling his wife over a decade earlier, believed perished in a fatal fall from a bridge after he escaped prison. Although he is dead and gone, he had offered his life to protect hers, and he claims he was innocent. Can she, in this final book, change the status of that ruling and case? Should she bother?? (If you've read all the earlier books, nothing here will surprise you, but there is a sense of closure.)
March 8, 2021
I was sorry to see the end of this most excellent series. Unlike many books set in historical periods, none of Benson's books contained anachronisms that pulled me out of the time period, and I really appreciated that about them. (To be fair, while I know a fair bit about post-WWI Britain, I'm not as familiar with it as I am about other periods.)
I did find that I was exhausted from reading Book 9 when I immediately started this final volume--sort of like Angela herself was--and yet I was still engaged in the final mysteries and how all the loose threads from previous volumes were tied off. It was a satisfying conclusion and while I'm sorry there won't be any more volumes, I'm content.
I did find that I was exhausted from reading Book 9 when I immediately started this final volume--sort of like Angela herself was--and yet I was still engaged in the final mysteries and how all the loose threads from previous volumes were tied off. It was a satisfying conclusion and while I'm sorry there won't be any more volumes, I'm content.
November 28, 2018
A good final book to end the series. If you are looking for a casual 20th century style detective fiction with heart warming characters and witty narrative, you might enjoy this. When you read a long series like this one, one wishes that the characters in the book were real. They are wonderfully portrayed-their behaviour, their idiosyncrasies along with their flaws skilfully captured. After reading this I would like nothing more than to meet these characters in real life and it feels a little sad to be not able to know what happens in their lives afterwards.
April 8, 2019
And so, the end at last
I have now read all of this series except, oddly enough, the first in the series. Had i read that one i might have had a better idea of Angela's age! I'm trying to find that first one, but i must say i have loved them all. I'm not sure about the ending of this one, but perhaps Freddy will hear from Angela & clear up any doubt of her happiness. Loved this series, looking forward to seeing what Freddy gets up to.
I have now read all of this series except, oddly enough, the first in the series. Had i read that one i might have had a better idea of Angela's age! I'm trying to find that first one, but i must say i have loved them all. I'm not sure about the ending of this one, but perhaps Freddy will hear from Angela & clear up any doubt of her happiness. Loved this series, looking forward to seeing what Freddy gets up to.
February 6, 2018
A Lovely Golden Age Mystery
Clara Benson invited me to get to know Angela Marchmont in the first page of Book 1, Murder at Sissingham Hall and I fell in love with her. I have so thoroughly enjoyed every word, every phrase, every description and thankful I caught sight of the first book on Amazon. Thank you dear writer, it has been a pleasure!!!
Clara Benson invited me to get to know Angela Marchmont in the first page of Book 1, Murder at Sissingham Hall and I fell in love with her. I have so thoroughly enjoyed every word, every phrase, every description and thankful I caught sight of the first book on Amazon. Thank you dear writer, it has been a pleasure!!!
February 24, 2018
Marvelous Whodunit!
The last of a ten part series and it didn't disappoint. The relationships of Angela Marchmont were tied up neatly and I loved the results. It's best to read the series in order to see character developments and how the relationships are inner woven in the storylines. No spoiler alert, read for yourself.
The last of a ten part series and it didn't disappoint. The relationships of Angela Marchmont were tied up neatly and I loved the results. It's best to read the series in order to see character developments and how the relationships are inner woven in the storylines. No spoiler alert, read for yourself.
July 16, 2018
A satisfying ending to a 10 book series!
Although sad to read the last book, I was happy to see the series wrapped up with a satisfying ending. I can hold out hope that Ms. Benson sees fit to restart the series set some time later in America. I’m certain that Angela would have lots of adventures in NY post 1929. 😎
Although sad to read the last book, I was happy to see the series wrapped up with a satisfying ending. I can hold out hope that Ms. Benson sees fit to restart the series set some time later in America. I’m certain that Angela would have lots of adventures in NY post 1929. 😎
July 23, 2020
Not what I hoped for..
.. because it's turned into a romance.
More unlikely and slightly silly plot lines.. which is annoying.. I do like Freddie though.. and I rather hope that his series will be an improvement over Angela's which now feels like a long road to a HEA. I'd much rather have been aware upfront that books 9 and 10 are a two part mini series within the set.
.. because it's turned into a romance.
More unlikely and slightly silly plot lines.. which is annoying.. I do like Freddie though.. and I rather hope that his series will be an improvement over Angela's which now feels like a long road to a HEA. I'd much rather have been aware upfront that books 9 and 10 are a two part mini series within the set.
August 5, 2017
Great
I had a ' deal's from Angela for a while but delighted that l resumed with the last two adventures
Brilliant, will take on the New adventures with Freddie? He comes across as mischievous and clever. Will miss the elegant Angela and daring Edgar.
I had a ' deal's from Angela for a while but delighted that l resumed with the last two adventures
Brilliant, will take on the New adventures with Freddie? He comes across as mischievous and clever. Will miss the elegant Angela and daring Edgar.
September 6, 2018
5 stars
What a wonderful series. I read all ten of these very well written books one after the other. Loved all the characters. The storyline were interesting her good who done it's. Highly recommend.
What a wonderful series. I read all ten of these very well written books one after the other. Loved all the characters. The storyline were interesting her good who done it's. Highly recommend.
March 20, 2019
This seems to be the last full book in this series and I am ready for it to be over. The murder investigation was a real reach. I know she has spun off the Freddy character into four more books, but I will probably not read them.
July 21, 2019
Great series
I am sad to say good by to Angela Marchmont. I greatly enjoyed the series. Her moral complexity. The full language. The kindness and humanity. I would recommend this series to my friends and family. Teens and adults.
I am sad to say good by to Angela Marchmont. I greatly enjoyed the series. Her moral complexity. The full language. The kindness and humanity. I would recommend this series to my friends and family. Teens and adults.
September 27, 2021
This being the last Angela Marchmont , I think we all knew what was going to be in it. Probably what we all wanted. This book was geared towards the new series by Benson, which I am hoping will be as entertaining as this one has been.
November 18, 2021
A Successful Ending of a Lovely Series!
So sorry to see it end but, it was time. Angela needed to leave on a positive note. It was captivating and heartwarming.
So glad she had a happy ending!
So sorry to see it end but, it was time. Angela needed to leave on a positive note. It was captivating and heartwarming.
So glad she had a happy ending!
April 3, 2018
Sweet sorrow
So sorry this series has ended and maybe sometime in the future she will return. I very much enjoyed this series and hope to see more in the future
So sorry this series has ended and maybe sometime in the future she will return. I very much enjoyed this series and hope to see more in the future
August 24, 2018
Yes
I don't like writing reviews...fun series!!! Just what the doctor ordered, an English mystery...enjoyable, light, fun... Just want to get this done!!!
I don't like writing reviews...fun series!!! Just what the doctor ordered, an English mystery...enjoyable, light, fun... Just want to get this done!!!
June 13, 2019
Spell binding
I thoroughly enjoyed Angela Marchmont and her adventures. I hope we hear more from her someday and learn of her new life.
I thoroughly enjoyed Angela Marchmont and her adventures. I hope we hear more from her someday and learn of her new life.
October 26, 2019
Angela Marchmount
Oh, how I love all of these stories!!!!!! I’m sad it has ended, but will read on with Freddy . Thank you for your imagination of writing!!! I loved them all!!!
Oh, how I love all of these stories!!!!!! I’m sad it has ended, but will read on with Freddy . Thank you for your imagination of writing!!! I loved them all!!!
Read
February 14, 2021This entry has some interesting twists and turns, and on the whole is a satisfying end to the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2021
This conclusion pulled everything together very nicely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews