What do you think?
Rate this book
Rose Simpson Mysteries #4
Murder at Renard's
The fourth book in the Rose Simpson Mysteries series.
It is 1931 and London shop girl, Rose Simpson, is busy with preparations for the first fashion show to be held at Madame Renard’s dress shop. Emotions are running high with everyone involved wondering if it will be a success. A dramatic end to the evening shows Rose that her detective skills are not just required by the aristocracy.
Murder at Renard’s is full of intrigue, clues and red herrings, with nearly everyone having a motive for wishing the victim dead. This is a classic murder mystery set during the golden age of crime and will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey.
It is 1931 and London shop girl, Rose Simpson, is busy with preparations for the first fashion show to be held at Madame Renard’s dress shop. Emotions are running high with everyone involved wondering if it will be a success. A dramatic end to the evening shows Rose that her detective skills are not just required by the aristocracy.
Murder at Renard’s is full of intrigue, clues and red herrings, with nearly everyone having a motive for wishing the victim dead. This is a classic murder mystery set during the golden age of crime and will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey.
250 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2015
About the author
Margaret Addison
15 books71 followersI have always loved murder mysteries set in country houses during the Golden Age of Crime era where the murders were not too graphic and the main aim was to try and work out the murderer by identifying a handful of carefully hidden clues and of course dodging the red herrings.
Therefore it is my intention in the Rose Simpson Mysteries to give sufficient clues whereby an eagle-eyed reader may be able to work out who the murderer is, but for it not to be too easy. I also want my books to be an enjoyable read for those readers, like my husband, who just enjoy reading murder mysteries.
Therefore it is my intention in the Rose Simpson Mysteries to give sufficient clues whereby an eagle-eyed reader may be able to work out who the murderer is, but for it not to be too easy. I also want my books to be an enjoyable read for those readers, like my husband, who just enjoy reading murder mysteries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 13, 2016
I have no idea why I bothered to read this book to the end because so many aspects of it annoyed me intensely. In particular, why on earth would Scotland Yard detectives allow a self-styled 'amateur sleuth' to sit in on interviews and even let her question the suspects? Bizarre. I had hoped for a Marplesque nostalgia-trip to supposedly simpler times, but was disappointed by this melodrama's weak characters and histrionic dialogue.
February 21, 2019
Great murder mystery.
Another great Rose Simpson murder mystery weaving suspense and red herrings. Including a whiff of romance from the Inspector of police, directed at Rose. But Rose is to marry Cedric, Earl of Belvedere, so look forward to the next murder for Rose to solve during her wedding and marriage.
Another great Rose Simpson murder mystery weaving suspense and red herrings. Including a whiff of romance from the Inspector of police, directed at Rose. But Rose is to marry Cedric, Earl of Belvedere, so look forward to the next murder for Rose to solve during her wedding and marriage.
March 29, 2020
Murder follows
The next in the Rose Simpson series, which takes place at the shop where she works. Up to usual standard, an enjoyable read, which can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series. I must admit that I like reading the series, as I enjoy learning more about the characters. Recommended.
The next in the Rose Simpson series, which takes place at the shop where she works. Up to usual standard, an enjoyable read, which can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series. I must admit that I like reading the series, as I enjoy learning more about the characters. Recommended.
April 5, 2020
Murder at Renards.
The saga continues. Rose appears to be in The right place at the wrong time. I felt the Inspector was taking in love with Rose. Only to have an arrow through the heart. Looking forward to the next book. Looking forward to what's ahead the three main characters. Should be very interesting.
The saga continues. Rose appears to be in The right place at the wrong time. I felt the Inspector was taking in love with Rose. Only to have an arrow through the heart. Looking forward to the next book. Looking forward to what's ahead the three main characters. Should be very interesting.
July 2, 2017
Lovely series
Another lively book in the series that I Love! Well written and great likable characters, the mysteries are many, but easy to follow. A great historical British mystery teaching us about another time. Thank you Ms Addison once again!
Another lively book in the series that I Love! Well written and great likable characters, the mysteries are many, but easy to follow. A great historical British mystery teaching us about another time. Thank you Ms Addison once again!
February 7, 2018
Good mystery and interesting characters.
Hope to read the others in this series.
The only thing that annoyed me no end was the style of writing dialogues for some characters -
"This book, it is good but the dialogues, they are strange."
uugghhhh.....
Hope to read the others in this series.
The only thing that annoyed me no end was the style of writing dialogues for some characters -
"This book, it is good but the dialogues, they are strange."
uugghhhh.....
May 24, 2018
Rose has done it again!
Deductive reasoning by Rose Simpson followed the clues to expose the murderer once again! Enjoyed the historical setting and fashions with tutoring on English customs of the period as this cozy mystery unfolded!
Deductive reasoning by Rose Simpson followed the clues to expose the murderer once again! Enjoyed the historical setting and fashions with tutoring on English customs of the period as this cozy mystery unfolded!
May 23, 2020
Gorgeous!
I adore these books! I am literally reading them one after another even though I know I will regret when I get to the last one. They remind me of the Daisy Dalrymple books which I also love.
I adore these books! I am literally reading them one after another even though I know I will regret when I get to the last one. They remind me of the Daisy Dalrymple books which I also love.
August 20, 2020
Such a charming murder
If murder can be charming 😁 I had decided who the murderer was but was interested by the unfolding of the story. I do like this period and the genteel way the story is told.
If murder can be charming 😁 I had decided who the murderer was but was interested by the unfolding of the story. I do like this period and the genteel way the story is told.
January 13, 2021
Designing Women
Good book and story. Enthralling mystery. Fun to read about Rose at her "day job." Fashion and murder do seem to go hand in hand. But I am worried that Rose's love life will not go smoothly at all. That is what keeps it so fun and interesting .
Good book and story. Enthralling mystery. Fun to read about Rose at her "day job." Fashion and murder do seem to go hand in hand. But I am worried that Rose's love life will not go smoothly at all. That is what keeps it so fun and interesting .
July 17, 2017
Too much introspection
I didn't like this one. It moved really slowly and not much happened. I liked the characters but I could hardly slog through the story.
I didn't like this one. It moved really slowly and not much happened. I liked the characters but I could hardly slog through the story.
December 3, 2018
Great
As usual, great book. I will be dissapointed when this series ends. At the moment, i wonder how life will continue for Rose and i look forward to reading the next one.
As usual, great book. I will be dissapointed when this series ends. At the moment, i wonder how life will continue for Rose and i look forward to reading the next one.
March 8, 2017
Rose Simpson does it again
Her leaving Renard's at the end was a bit of a shock because now she isn't the shop girl anymore.
Her leaving Renard's at the end was a bit of a shock because now she isn't the shop girl anymore.
August 1, 2015
Four and a half stars!
I am really enjoying the Rose Simpson series. This murder mystery was a little different from the first three, as it was closer to home for Rose, rather than in the homes of aristocracy as the first three books were. I did guess from fairly early on who the murderer would be, but the interaction of the characters was great and very entertaining. I especially love her interaction with Inspector Deacon, and I'm still hopeful she will get rid of the milquetoast in his favour. Can't wait for the next one!
I am really enjoying the Rose Simpson series. This murder mystery was a little different from the first three, as it was closer to home for Rose, rather than in the homes of aristocracy as the first three books were. I did guess from fairly early on who the murderer would be, but the interaction of the characters was great and very entertaining. I especially love her interaction with Inspector Deacon, and I'm still hopeful she will get rid of the milquetoast in his favour. Can't wait for the next one!
September 2, 2015
CHARMING SERIES
I gave this 5 because it is so like the books of the era. Plus the culprits aren't that easily found out. I don't generally care for period pieces, however, the descriptions of setting and "players" are "spot on! This series is a charming reprise from mysteries That take themselves so seriously.
I gave this 5 because it is so like the books of the era. Plus the culprits aren't that easily found out. I don't generally care for period pieces, however, the descriptions of setting and "players" are "spot on! This series is a charming reprise from mysteries That take themselves so seriously.
June 11, 2016
Jolly good read
Moments after the end of their first fashion event, Renard's goes up in flames and London's next top model is murdered. It could be a case of mistaken identity and the killer meant to slay someone else. Fashion can be a cut-throat business, but shop girl Rose Simpson pieces together the pattern of a murder once again.
Moments after the end of their first fashion event, Renard's goes up in flames and London's next top model is murdered. It could be a case of mistaken identity and the killer meant to slay someone else. Fashion can be a cut-throat business, but shop girl Rose Simpson pieces together the pattern of a murder once again.
July 25, 2015
Twisty
This book was not as interesting as the others. I suspected who was the killer right off. There were a lot of words to muddle through to get t to how it happened. I do like this series.
This book was not as interesting as the others. I suspected who was the killer right off. There were a lot of words to muddle through to get t to how it happened. I do like this series.
August 17, 2015
Summer beach day read.
I love to relax by reading. Margaret Addison allows that. She rights a strong independent woman figure in a time when it was not seen favorable. I recommend to anyone looking for a good and relaxing read.
I love to relax by reading. Margaret Addison allows that. She rights a strong independent woman figure in a time when it was not seen favorable. I recommend to anyone looking for a good and relaxing read.
July 27, 2015
Disappointing
Not nearly enough action. Almost the entire story is told through police interviews and conversations. The author has good story ideas, but needs to incorporate more action and get a decent editor.
Not nearly enough action. Almost the entire story is told through police interviews and conversations. The author has good story ideas, but needs to incorporate more action and get a decent editor.
August 15, 2015
An old-fashioned whodunnit series that I've been enjoying. Cozy fare with a young woman who works in a dress shop. She has a knack for putting together clues; her initial talent shows up at an aristocratic house party in the first book.
September 17, 2015
Great Plot
This is the 4th book I've read in this series and my favorite. I liked changing the manor house settings to Rose' s workplace. One thing I'd like to see added is a break between paragraphs indicating a passage of time in the action or the move to a different location.
This is the 4th book I've read in this series and my favorite. I liked changing the manor house settings to Rose' s workplace. One thing I'd like to see added is a break between paragraphs indicating a passage of time in the action or the move to a different location.
September 26, 2015
Another Good Read!
Another clever story about Rose and her crime fighting skills. As with the other books in this series, the characters are well crafted and the story lines believable. Looking forward to reading more of this series and the other series from this author.
Another clever story about Rose and her crime fighting skills. As with the other books in this series, the characters are well crafted and the story lines believable. Looking forward to reading more of this series and the other series from this author.
August 12, 2016
I gave it a 4 for the ending. Otherwise pretty average reading.
Rose can be annoying but she showed some backbone here. Great characters but the mystery was not really a mystery. The killer was obvious. But I liked how the reveal unfolded.
Rose can be annoying but she showed some backbone here. Great characters but the mystery was not really a mystery. The killer was obvious. But I liked how the reveal unfolded.
August 29, 2016
Very enjoyable
I look forward to each new story by Margaret Addison. The characters and story lines are very interesting. I look forward to reading her next story. If you are looking for a good book to read I suggest you give this one a try.
I look forward to each new story by Margaret Addison. The characters and story lines are very interesting. I look forward to reading her next story. If you are looking for a good book to read I suggest you give this one a try.
July 29, 2015
Fun quick read
Perfect summertime fare. Good characters that had me sort of hoping for a different ending. And then again not. I recommend the series.
Perfect summertime fare. Good characters that had me sort of hoping for a different ending. And then again not. I recommend the series.
August 26, 2015
Having a setting that is not a country estate made a welcome change, even though the mystery wasn't much of one this time.
November 22, 2015
Full of detail.
January 22, 2016
Just a real good book
Having read all the previous Rose Simpson books I was not disappointed in this change of pace one to a more plebian setting. Just a real goodbook
Having read all the previous Rose Simpson books I was not disappointed in this change of pace one to a more plebian setting. Just a real goodbook
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews