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Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #2
In the Market for Murder
Revised edition: Previously published as The Spirit is Willing, this edition of In The Market For Murder includes editorial revisions.
Spring, 1909, and Lady Hardcastle, amateur sleuth and all-round eccentric, is enjoying a well-deserved rest. But a week after a trip to the cattle market, Spencer Caradine, a local farmer, turns up dead in the pub, face-down in his beef and mushroom pie. Once again, it is up to Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence, to solve the case.
Armed with wit and whimsy, not to mention Florence’s mean right hook, the pair set out to discover what really happened and why. Was it poison or just ill luck?
As they delve further into their investigation, they encounter a theft where nothing is stolen, a séance with a troubled ghost and an ever-increasing number of Spencer’s family and friends who might just have motive for murder. One thing’s for sure: Lady Hardcastle has a mystery on her hands.
Spring, 1909, and Lady Hardcastle, amateur sleuth and all-round eccentric, is enjoying a well-deserved rest. But a week after a trip to the cattle market, Spencer Caradine, a local farmer, turns up dead in the pub, face-down in his beef and mushroom pie. Once again, it is up to Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence, to solve the case.
Armed with wit and whimsy, not to mention Florence’s mean right hook, the pair set out to discover what really happened and why. Was it poison or just ill luck?
As they delve further into their investigation, they encounter a theft where nothing is stolen, a séance with a troubled ghost and an ever-increasing number of Spencer’s family and friends who might just have motive for murder. One thing’s for sure: Lady Hardcastle has a mystery on her hands.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2015
2824 people are currently reading
4815 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,058 reviews
March 18, 2018
This is a really fun series and I am loving it! Lady Hardcastle is like a slightly higher class Miss Marple and with her off sider, maid Florence Armstrong, she goes around solving crimes on behalf of a bumbling police force.
The Lady and her maid have a wonderful relationship which enables Flo to go almost everywhere in society. I loved it every time Lady Hardcastle called her "tiny servant". They are able to be incredibly rude to each other and find it all good fun. In the end the two of them are attempting to solve three mysteries which of course finally come together due to the brilliance of our two leading ladies.
I enjoyed every moment and look forward to more of their stories.
The Lady and her maid have a wonderful relationship which enables Flo to go almost everywhere in society. I loved it every time Lady Hardcastle called her "tiny servant". They are able to be incredibly rude to each other and find it all good fun. In the end the two of them are attempting to solve three mysteries which of course finally come together due to the brilliance of our two leading ladies.
I enjoyed every moment and look forward to more of their stories.
April 16, 2024
3.5
Nice holiday read. Probably not a book I'd read again
Nice holiday read. Probably not a book I'd read again
July 15, 2022
3.5~4★
“ ‘He was a miserable old codger who never had a good word for anyone. Well, actually that’s not true. He had plenty of good words for most of the people he met, but not ones I can repeat in front of ladies. He could start a fight in an empty room, that one.’ “
You’ll be pleased to know he was the murder victim with whom the story opens, not a mourned member of the community. This is a cosy mystery, after all. He dies, face-down in his pie while having lunch at the pub. Nothing like the comforting ambience of the local pub!
Lady Emily Hardcastle and her maid, Flo Armstrong, are back in action, more or less, after Lady H recovered from their previous outing. Moving to a small village in the country for the peace and quiet has backfired in that regard, but considering the colourful past these two have enjoyed, a fresh murder mystery every now and then is just what they need.
Armstrong (servants are always addressed by their surname) narrates the story and recounts the dialogue and banter so it doesn’t read like a diary. It flows naturally, flow being the operative word, considering the endless pots of tea and coffee that appear at every stop. I know people are sociable, but really!
The protocol of the times is that a lady’s maid wouldn’t generally join Lady H and her host or visitor at the table, but this village seems to accept them as they are, a pair. In a big manor house, however, it can be helpful that Armstrong can join the servants in the kitchen and pick up other gossip over cups of tea.
Inspector Sunderland was so impressed with their investigating skills earlier that he has asked them (over cups of tea) to give him a hand looking into the murder, which clears the way for their interviewing all of the locals. More cups of tea with the locals.
A favourite character features again. She and Emily’s mother were friends, and she has adopted these two as part of the family.
“Gertrude, Lady Farley-Stroud, gave every appearance of being a formidable old battleaxe, but we knew another side of her. Once you got past her social armour she turned out to be a charming, amiable and ever-so-slightly dotty old lady of the sort that made for a splendid aunt but a thoroughly embarrassing mother.”
She and Sir Hector are seen often as they all meet regularly for cups of tea, coffee, and meals. Lady Farley-Stroud (Gertie) has been lending them Bert and the Strouds’ car.
Lady H decides she must have a car herself. She will drive it, no chauffeur, which leads to a conversation that is typical of her relationship with Armstrong, whom she often refers to as her “tiny Welsh servant or “mop-squeezer”.
“ ‘Can’t you just picture me behind the wheel with you by my side? Free to come and go as we please. Roaring down the highways and byways . . .’
‘Crashing into ditches and trees,’ I said.
‘O ye of the tiniest amount of faith,’ she said, aiming a flick at my ear. ‘It can’t be all that difficult. Bert manages it and he’s scarcely possessed of the keenest of minds.’
‘I agree he’s something of a plodder, my lady, but he has a certain single-mindedness about him. He has the advantage of having a dogged determination to concentrate on the task at hand. He’s not a flighty old biddy who always has her mind on something else.’
‘Pfft,’ she said. ‘I know a lady’s maid who might not get any supper.’
‘And I know a grumpy old widow who might struggle to cook supper for herself,’ I said, dodging another flick.
She laughed and rang the doorbell. ‘A telephone and a motor car, that’s what we need.’”
Of course they sort everything out, the murder, a rugby club theft, a dodgy clairvoyant. Light entertainment when you need a break from Val McDermid or Michael Robotham.
“ ‘He was a miserable old codger who never had a good word for anyone. Well, actually that’s not true. He had plenty of good words for most of the people he met, but not ones I can repeat in front of ladies. He could start a fight in an empty room, that one.’ “
You’ll be pleased to know he was the murder victim with whom the story opens, not a mourned member of the community. This is a cosy mystery, after all. He dies, face-down in his pie while having lunch at the pub. Nothing like the comforting ambience of the local pub!
Lady Emily Hardcastle and her maid, Flo Armstrong, are back in action, more or less, after Lady H recovered from their previous outing. Moving to a small village in the country for the peace and quiet has backfired in that regard, but considering the colourful past these two have enjoyed, a fresh murder mystery every now and then is just what they need.
Armstrong (servants are always addressed by their surname) narrates the story and recounts the dialogue and banter so it doesn’t read like a diary. It flows naturally, flow being the operative word, considering the endless pots of tea and coffee that appear at every stop. I know people are sociable, but really!
The protocol of the times is that a lady’s maid wouldn’t generally join Lady H and her host or visitor at the table, but this village seems to accept them as they are, a pair. In a big manor house, however, it can be helpful that Armstrong can join the servants in the kitchen and pick up other gossip over cups of tea.
Inspector Sunderland was so impressed with their investigating skills earlier that he has asked them (over cups of tea) to give him a hand looking into the murder, which clears the way for their interviewing all of the locals. More cups of tea with the locals.
A favourite character features again. She and Emily’s mother were friends, and she has adopted these two as part of the family.
“Gertrude, Lady Farley-Stroud, gave every appearance of being a formidable old battleaxe, but we knew another side of her. Once you got past her social armour she turned out to be a charming, amiable and ever-so-slightly dotty old lady of the sort that made for a splendid aunt but a thoroughly embarrassing mother.”
She and Sir Hector are seen often as they all meet regularly for cups of tea, coffee, and meals. Lady Farley-Stroud (Gertie) has been lending them Bert and the Strouds’ car.
Lady H decides she must have a car herself. She will drive it, no chauffeur, which leads to a conversation that is typical of her relationship with Armstrong, whom she often refers to as her “tiny Welsh servant or “mop-squeezer”.
“ ‘Can’t you just picture me behind the wheel with you by my side? Free to come and go as we please. Roaring down the highways and byways . . .’
‘Crashing into ditches and trees,’ I said.
‘O ye of the tiniest amount of faith,’ she said, aiming a flick at my ear. ‘It can’t be all that difficult. Bert manages it and he’s scarcely possessed of the keenest of minds.’
‘I agree he’s something of a plodder, my lady, but he has a certain single-mindedness about him. He has the advantage of having a dogged determination to concentrate on the task at hand. He’s not a flighty old biddy who always has her mind on something else.’
‘Pfft,’ she said. ‘I know a lady’s maid who might not get any supper.’
‘And I know a grumpy old widow who might struggle to cook supper for herself,’ I said, dodging another flick.
She laughed and rang the doorbell. ‘A telephone and a motor car, that’s what we need.’”
Of course they sort everything out, the murder, a rugby club theft, a dodgy clairvoyant. Light entertainment when you need a break from Val McDermid or Michael Robotham.
June 13, 2022
I was surprised at just how much I enjoyed this! I loved that the story was from the lady's maid perspective, especially with her being such a sharp witted narrator, and this was so charmingly funny and atmospheric. There were even flashes of writing that I would describe as "Christie-esque." All in all, this is a cozy mystery series that doesn't feel overly twee or cutesy - will read more!
November 23, 2017
Going to the cattle market wasn’t something Florence Armstrong, maid to Lady Hardcastle was interested in. But go they did. It was a week later that the local farmer Spencer Caradine, who’d purchased their friend, Lady Farley-Stroud’s cattle, collapsed and died in the pub. Lady Hardcastle and Florence were requested to set their skills to the test to discover if he was murdered – and if so, by whom…
As they worked, mystery upon mystery descended on the village. The club’s trophies vanished, and the visiting clairvoyant seemed not quite what she seemed to the suspicious Flo. Would the two sleuths discover the who-dunnits to all three problems?
In the Market for Murder is the 2nd in the Lady Hardcastle cosy mystery series by T.E. Kinsey and as much fun as the first. Light, entertaining and laugh out loud funny in places, I thoroughly enjoy Lady Hardcastle and the dry character of Flo; have no hesitation in highly recommending it and look forward to reading the next in the series.
As they worked, mystery upon mystery descended on the village. The club’s trophies vanished, and the visiting clairvoyant seemed not quite what she seemed to the suspicious Flo. Would the two sleuths discover the who-dunnits to all three problems?
In the Market for Murder is the 2nd in the Lady Hardcastle cosy mystery series by T.E. Kinsey and as much fun as the first. Light, entertaining and laugh out loud funny in places, I thoroughly enjoy Lady Hardcastle and the dry character of Flo; have no hesitation in highly recommending it and look forward to reading the next in the series.
April 5, 2017
Hear! Hear! Retired spy Emily, Lady Hardcastle, and her intrepid if impudent maid Florence “Flo” Armstrong return in this fun and intriguing sequel to the boffo debut A Quiet Life in the Country. This time the duo tackle three mysteries: the poisoning death of a poisonous curmudgeon/farmer, an inexplicable break-in at Littleton Cotterell’s rugby clubhouse in which the burglar eschews Scotch and cash but nabs a trophy and some rubbish, and a séance at Littleton Cotterell’s pub the Dog and Duck where an apparition accuses a newcomer to the village of murder.
Opening in the spring of 1909, In the Market for Murder proves as amusing and clever as its predecessor. Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong maintain the same lively banter and methodically undertake whatever puzzles the open-minded police throw their way. Fans of Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher, Rhys Bowen’s Lady Georgiana, Linda L. Richards’ Kitty Pangborn, or Amy Myers’ Chef Nell Drury have the opportunity to find a new series to relish. Highly recommended.
Opening in the spring of 1909, In the Market for Murder proves as amusing and clever as its predecessor. Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong maintain the same lively banter and methodically undertake whatever puzzles the open-minded police throw their way. Fans of Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher, Rhys Bowen’s Lady Georgiana, Linda L. Richards’ Kitty Pangborn, or Amy Myers’ Chef Nell Drury have the opportunity to find a new series to relish. Highly recommended.
May 23, 2021
In the Market for Murder
(A Lady Hardcastle Mystery Book 2)
by T E Kinsey
Another great mystery for Lady H and her maid Flo. A murder, a robber, a mystic is all something to solve.
I enjoy the style of writing and the social aspects of that time. Fun read!
(A Lady Hardcastle Mystery Book 2)
by T E Kinsey
Another great mystery for Lady H and her maid Flo. A murder, a robber, a mystic is all something to solve.
I enjoy the style of writing and the social aspects of that time. Fun read!
August 9, 2018
This series is continuing to grow on me. I really am starting to like the main characters, Lady Hardcastle and her ladies maid Flo. Their interaction is entertaining as are many of the peripheral characters. The mysteries (there always seem to be several) seem to be getting better plotted also. I'll probably keep following this series. 3.5 stars
April 19, 2017
The time is 1909. Emily, Lady Hardcastle and her personal maid, Florence Armstrong, have resettled in Gloustershire a year ago, abandoning the night lights of London. At the instigation of the local constabulary and with the indulgence of C.I.D. Inspector Sunderland, the two have solved several mysteries and already become local heroines.
As you can see above, the title of the only version I could find on Goodreads differs from my Kindle copy, titled In the Market for Murder. The descriptions seem to match so my guess is this is where my review should be located.
In this novel our gals encounter a murder, a "bunco" swindle, a robbery, and a fraud. The usual characters are there including Sir Hector and his wife (the Farley-Strouds); their "help", the aforementioned Sunderland, the police, shopkeepers and citizens of Littleton Cotterell, and assorted relations.
The mysteries are quite interesting enough (with only one potential hole that I won't discuss). Yet, you will like this because of the characters and the repartee or you will not like it at all.
There is nothing is this novel that is less than in the first, A Quiet Life in the Country, so I will give it (a bit reluctantly the same number of stars). I guess it is a sense of foreboding that this will become formulaic. Life before Littleton Cotterell seems much more interesting when these two were acting as secret agents in Europe and Asia. Perhaps, Kinsey will get around to that eventually. Until then, I am going on to other authors.
As you can see above, the title of the only version I could find on Goodreads differs from my Kindle copy, titled In the Market for Murder. The descriptions seem to match so my guess is this is where my review should be located.
In this novel our gals encounter a murder, a "bunco" swindle, a robbery, and a fraud. The usual characters are there including Sir Hector and his wife (the Farley-Strouds); their "help", the aforementioned Sunderland, the police, shopkeepers and citizens of Littleton Cotterell, and assorted relations.
The mysteries are quite interesting enough (with only one potential hole that I won't discuss). Yet, you will like this because of the characters and the repartee or you will not like it at all.
There is nothing is this novel that is less than in the first, A Quiet Life in the Country, so I will give it (a bit reluctantly the same number of stars). I guess it is a sense of foreboding that this will become formulaic. Life before Littleton Cotterell seems much more interesting when these two were acting as secret agents in Europe and Asia. Perhaps, Kinsey will get around to that eventually. Until then, I am going on to other authors.
June 25, 2024
4.25 stars ...
Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Flo,
are such a freakin' hoot!! 😆
The narrator, Elizabeth Knowelden,
is an absolute delight, too! 😊
Super fun series! 👍😁👍
Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Flo,
are such a freakin' hoot!! 😆
The narrator, Elizabeth Knowelden,
is an absolute delight, too! 😊
Super fun series! 👍😁👍
October 29, 2018
Oh how I love these books. Not sure why, no gory details, no sex but pure fun. The main characters are a hoot, the diminutive lady's maid who is an expert in martial arts, the refined lady who totes a gun in her hat and a level of light hearted repartee between them all combine to make an amusing read which occasionally made me laugh out loud.
I suppose Lady Hardcastle is the female equivalent of Lord Peter Whimsey but she is more entertaining.
Not a book for lovers of serious fiction but a pleasant interlude. When is someone going to make a TV series based on these stories?
Sure wish more of them were available in audio.
I suppose Lady Hardcastle is the female equivalent of Lord Peter Whimsey but she is more entertaining.
Not a book for lovers of serious fiction but a pleasant interlude. When is someone going to make a TV series based on these stories?
Sure wish more of them were available in audio.
February 25, 2025
This is another in the series of enjoyable romps through the English countryside. As with Kinsey’s other books, this story features Lady Hardcastle and her maidservant. The repartee between mistress and somewhat cheeky servant is what lifts the story from being merely entertaining. Both of the characters are seen as resourceful and intelligent whilst the men can often be loveable rogues, old fusspots or just a bit dense.
The plot was solid with all sorts of twists and turns and maintained my interest to the end.
This has the feel of a book written for women and yet was written by a man.
Anyone could enjoy this especially as a amusing holiday read.
The plot was solid with all sorts of twists and turns and maintained my interest to the end.
This has the feel of a book written for women and yet was written by a man.
Anyone could enjoy this especially as a amusing holiday read.
August 27, 2023
3.5⭐
I must say, I'm kinda sad that I didn't love this one as much as I loved A Quiet Life in the Country.
I just think it was the setting in this one that didn't do it for me as much, and the character's weren't nearly as interesting. The mystery in this book wasn't my favorite, but I did enjoy how Kinsey wrapped everything up in the end.
I'm hoping for a change of scenery in the next book.
I must say, I'm kinda sad that I didn't love this one as much as I loved A Quiet Life in the Country.
I just think it was the setting in this one that didn't do it for me as much, and the character's weren't nearly as interesting. The mystery in this book wasn't my favorite, but I did enjoy how Kinsey wrapped everything up in the end.
I'm hoping for a change of scenery in the next book.
March 4, 2025
It's just not engaging. I'm giving up and won't be reading the series further, but at least I've cleared my shelf a little by reading the first two books.
February 10, 2021
This series is so much fun. If you can get the audio books those are very well done.
February 18, 2017
This is tremendous fun as widowed Lady Hardcastle and determined Florence, a lady's maid of many talents, come home to England from the East and settle to village life. The year is 1909 and with gradual modernisation - motor cars, for the rich, and telephones, though not in the country yet, we see older ways. Farmers are dour and scrape a living even in Somerset. One such farmer dies after the cattle market and Lady Hardcastle makes enquiries.
I was not sure of the source of the rumour that the man was poisoned. No reason was given and this is the only trip-up I can see. I admit to skipping lightly through the séance as these don't interest me, and there was plenty of activity in other directions.
The constant references to India and China mean that the book is not trying to be ultra-English village like many others, but is the better for it, while Lady Hardcastle is more enlightened than her peers and regards her maid as a good friend and almost her equal. Enjoy.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
I was not sure of the source of the rumour that the man was poisoned. No reason was given and this is the only trip-up I can see. I admit to skipping lightly through the séance as these don't interest me, and there was plenty of activity in other directions.
The constant references to India and China mean that the book is not trying to be ultra-English village like many others, but is the better for it, while Lady Hardcastle is more enlightened than her peers and regards her maid as a good friend and almost her equal. Enjoy.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
August 22, 2020
Charming and eccentric, Lady Hardcastle and her intrepid maid, Flo, have settled into village life, but that doesn't mean life has settled down when a death, a theft, and a vengeful ghost provide them with three new mysteries to solve.
In the Market For Murder is the second of the Lady Hardcastle series of standalones.
Just on the heels of their previous amateur sleuthing efforts, Lady Hardcastle is recovering from a gunshot wound and ready to shake off her convalescence so she and Flo accept an invitation from Lady Farley-Stroud to attend the local market day at another nearby village. Aside from Flo's fear of cows, they enjoy a day of browsing, shopping, and a drop in to the local pub where all the farmers take their meal and the meat pie and ale are to die for- literally. A spiteful farmer who no one likes not even his wife and son drops face first into his beef and mushroom pie. Inspector Sunderland is hard pressed on a different case in Bristol and asks Lady Hardcastle and Florence to assist the local constabulary. The locals also get their help on a missing rugby trophy and an odd result of a seance. With chipper wit and dogged investigation, they take on one and all.
These are mostly light and fun capers which I find highly entertaining. There is an engaging historical backdrop with activities and events for the time- 1909- including women's place, the novelty of the house telephone and motor cars as well as life in an English farming village. I might roll my eyes a bit at the 'what ho's and 'toodlely pips', but I find the colorful characters quaint and fun, too.
The mysteries are partly easy and also have a few difficult moments. I like that Flo got to show off her martial art skills once again when things get suspenseful.
The narration work is sensational and a great match of Elizabeth Knowelden for the series that is narrated from Flo's wry, observant perspective. She does well at the whole cast from the older Farley-Strouds, to gruff farmer accents, to young Daisy in the village.
All in all, I enjoyed this light historical cozy which was the last of the series I needed to catch up before left waiting patiently for the latest release. I can recommend it for those who enjoy amusing historical murder mysteries.
In the Market For Murder is the second of the Lady Hardcastle series of standalones.
Just on the heels of their previous amateur sleuthing efforts, Lady Hardcastle is recovering from a gunshot wound and ready to shake off her convalescence so she and Flo accept an invitation from Lady Farley-Stroud to attend the local market day at another nearby village. Aside from Flo's fear of cows, they enjoy a day of browsing, shopping, and a drop in to the local pub where all the farmers take their meal and the meat pie and ale are to die for- literally. A spiteful farmer who no one likes not even his wife and son drops face first into his beef and mushroom pie. Inspector Sunderland is hard pressed on a different case in Bristol and asks Lady Hardcastle and Florence to assist the local constabulary. The locals also get their help on a missing rugby trophy and an odd result of a seance. With chipper wit and dogged investigation, they take on one and all.
These are mostly light and fun capers which I find highly entertaining. There is an engaging historical backdrop with activities and events for the time- 1909- including women's place, the novelty of the house telephone and motor cars as well as life in an English farming village. I might roll my eyes a bit at the 'what ho's and 'toodlely pips', but I find the colorful characters quaint and fun, too.
The mysteries are partly easy and also have a few difficult moments. I like that Flo got to show off her martial art skills once again when things get suspenseful.
The narration work is sensational and a great match of Elizabeth Knowelden for the series that is narrated from Flo's wry, observant perspective. She does well at the whole cast from the older Farley-Strouds, to gruff farmer accents, to young Daisy in the village.
All in all, I enjoyed this light historical cozy which was the last of the series I needed to catch up before left waiting patiently for the latest release. I can recommend it for those who enjoy amusing historical murder mysteries.
June 24, 2017
5 STARS for the audiobook. 4 Stars for the book itself plus 1 star for the excellent narrator.
First off, I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed this series as much as I do, if I were reading it myself and not listening to the audiobook. The narrator, Elizabeth Knoweldon is one of the best I've heard. She gives each character (especially the mains and reoccurring characters) unique voices. Each relative to their station in society and their various regional accents. I am certainly no expert at all - but Lady Emily Hardcastle has the upper crust voice and her personal maid and best friend, Florence Armstrong, Has I assume a hint of a Welsh accent? She even sang a line Florence sings.
The book takes place in 1909, mostly in a small village near Bristol. In this second book of the series, Lady Hardcastle and Flo investigate a possible murder by poison of a hated local farmer, a theft, and a seance complete with a ghost. But really, the reason I enjoy this series is Emily and Flo's amusing banter and unusual friendship. Flo is still her maid, serving her and taking care of all her needs but they dine, play cards, insult each other and take walks together as companions. It is also interesting that the reader only get snippets of information of their interesting pasts.
The negative to this book is the ending. It is a bit of a mess. As a mystery the reader likes to try to solve the mystery along with the "detective" but Tinsey holds back too many clues that only Lady Hardcastle knows and shares during the final requisite revealing. And IMO too convoluted. Ending -1 star.
Nevertheless I love Lady Emily, Flo and company so much that I immediately started listening to book 3, Death around the Bend.
First off, I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed this series as much as I do, if I were reading it myself and not listening to the audiobook. The narrator, Elizabeth Knoweldon is one of the best I've heard. She gives each character (especially the mains and reoccurring characters) unique voices. Each relative to their station in society and their various regional accents. I am certainly no expert at all - but Lady Emily Hardcastle has the upper crust voice and her personal maid and best friend, Florence Armstrong, Has I assume a hint of a Welsh accent? She even sang a line Florence sings.
The book takes place in 1909, mostly in a small village near Bristol. In this second book of the series, Lady Hardcastle and Flo investigate a possible murder by poison of a hated local farmer, a theft, and a seance complete with a ghost. But really, the reason I enjoy this series is Emily and Flo's amusing banter and unusual friendship. Flo is still her maid, serving her and taking care of all her needs but they dine, play cards, insult each other and take walks together as companions. It is also interesting that the reader only get snippets of information of their interesting pasts.
The negative to this book is the ending. It is a bit of a mess. As a mystery the reader likes to try to solve the mystery along with the "detective" but Tinsey holds back too many clues that only Lady Hardcastle knows and shares during the final requisite revealing. And IMO too convoluted. Ending -1 star.
Nevertheless I love Lady Emily, Flo and company so much that I immediately started listening to book 3, Death around the Bend.
September 10, 2018
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous one of this series. The banter I enjoyed in the first novel irritated me in this one. Plus we had 3 separate mysteries intertwined, so it felt one mystery was being forgotten. Perhaps though it was just me, I rushed straight from the first novel into the second. I will take a break and try book 3 later.
August 12, 2020
I am rapidly falling in love with these books! The dynamic duo of Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong is my favourite thing ever and their crime solving dramas are wonderful to read. I love a good who-dunnit mystery and these exactly and perfectly fit that description. I foresee a binge of more of this series books in my future !!
November 15, 2021
4/5 ⭐️
I enjoyed the mystery in this as well as the humor. I hope there’s more paranormal goings on in the series!
I enjoyed the mystery in this as well as the humor. I hope there’s more paranormal goings on in the series!
February 27, 2021
Entertaining! I enjoy the ladies' banter & interactions with their quirky neighbors. Sometimes I lose track of the mystery they're solving--especially when the make me laugh. 😂
February 19, 2023
Mostly (fully?) recovered from her injuries, Lady Hardcastle and Flo are back to their usual selves when murder most bovine strikes a most detested cattle farmer after market day. But as the case goes nowhere and other random mysteries keep piling up, could it all be too much for even this dynamic duo?
Not to abuse the vernacular, but this was a bit of a pip. It’s taken far too long for to get get back to this series and I really enjoyed these anachronistically progressive bad-ass female detectives showing both their cleverness and general disdain for male chauvinism once again.
The mystery is quite solid. From what I recall from the first one as well, these are not precisely cracking clever Christie-style bits of brilliance, the murderer was pretty much who I thought, but the plot hangs together with a very logical and strong narrative line that meant I didn’t feel shorted by the denouement at all.
That was especially important because, at times, it feels like the story is veering all over creation. There are no less than three bits of criminality going on, with the main plot stalling out for ages due to what I would say is one of the more realistic depictions of early criminology.
It still entertains, but it did bug me a little how it seems to swerve away from doing much with the suspects or main plot in favour of all these other threads. Now, obviously, things are not so cut and dried as all that, and there are various layers of clever going on here. As I said, it comes out quite satisfactorily in the wash.
There’s also one moment of narrative providence that kind of bugged me, as it doesn’t quite reach deus ex machina, but a very chance encounter proves to be a bit of a life-saver and a key part of the puzzle. It’s not the most elegant part of a story that is, for the most part, quite elegant.
Still, no matter what’s going on, you always have the strong-willed Lady Hardcastle and the stalwart Flo, much more partners than master and servant, which befits their shared history. Watching them be terribly clever, say pithy things, and generally needle the patriarchy is a large part of the fun.
They make even the quiet parts quite chummy and I felt numerous times like the author was having a rather good time writing their dialogue and that really came through in the clinch when waiting for the next big revelation or information drop.
3.5 stars - a jolly good read was had by all, meaning me, and I look forward to the next one, which I fully intend to read far sooner than later.
Not to abuse the vernacular, but this was a bit of a pip. It’s taken far too long for to get get back to this series and I really enjoyed these anachronistically progressive bad-ass female detectives showing both their cleverness and general disdain for male chauvinism once again.
The mystery is quite solid. From what I recall from the first one as well, these are not precisely cracking clever Christie-style bits of brilliance, the murderer was pretty much who I thought, but the plot hangs together with a very logical and strong narrative line that meant I didn’t feel shorted by the denouement at all.
That was especially important because, at times, it feels like the story is veering all over creation. There are no less than three bits of criminality going on, with the main plot stalling out for ages due to what I would say is one of the more realistic depictions of early criminology.
It still entertains, but it did bug me a little how it seems to swerve away from doing much with the suspects or main plot in favour of all these other threads. Now, obviously, things are not so cut and dried as all that, and there are various layers of clever going on here. As I said, it comes out quite satisfactorily in the wash.
There’s also one moment of narrative providence that kind of bugged me, as it doesn’t quite reach deus ex machina, but a very chance encounter proves to be a bit of a life-saver and a key part of the puzzle. It’s not the most elegant part of a story that is, for the most part, quite elegant.
Still, no matter what’s going on, you always have the strong-willed Lady Hardcastle and the stalwart Flo, much more partners than master and servant, which befits their shared history. Watching them be terribly clever, say pithy things, and generally needle the patriarchy is a large part of the fun.
They make even the quiet parts quite chummy and I felt numerous times like the author was having a rather good time writing their dialogue and that really came through in the clinch when waiting for the next big revelation or information drop.
3.5 stars - a jolly good read was had by all, meaning me, and I look forward to the next one, which I fully intend to read far sooner than later.
December 22, 2021
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 4 Stars
Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #2
Publication Date: 12/20/2016
Period: Edwardian – 1909 – Littleton Cotterell, Gloucestershire
Number of Pages: 270
In this delightfully delivered mystery, we find Lady Emily Hardcastle almost recovered from the bullet wound she received at the end of the first book. She’s getting up and about and is itching for something interesting to do when, lo and behold, Inspector Sunderland presents Lady Hardcastle and Florence with a murder investigation. Not only is it a murder, but they met the victim only a week before his death. Goodness, there is a lot of nefarious goings-on in rural England because they also end up investigating a theft and a fraud at the same time.
The murder victim, Spencer Caradine, is spiteful, hateful, vengeful, and just downright mean, so there is definitely no shortage of suspects. But was he really murdered? The police coroner is sure he has been poisoned, but he has no idea what the poison would be. Did a neighbor do it? Did the wife, who is in love with another man, do it? Did the other man do it? Was it his maltreated son who did it? With so many suspects and no motives, Emily and Florence have their work cut out for them.
With the murder investigation stalled, Lady Emily and Florence work on their other cases. Who could have broken into the rugby club to ONLY steal a trophy and some worthless memorabilia? Leave it to Lady Emily to figure it all out. Then, when an apparition at a séance accuses one of the attendees of murder, Florence is on the case. With a childhood spent among circus performers and showmen, Florence is uniquely qualified to ferret out the tricks used by the medium. Or, are they really tricks? Maybe this medium is truly gifted and the spirit was actually murdered by the accused.
I ‘read’ the Whispersync version of the book, and thoroughly enjoyed the narration. The narrator, Elizabeth Knowelden, did an excellent job with all of the characters, but I particularly liked her interpretation of Lady Emily and Florence.
This is a highly entertaining addition to the series and I can definitely recommend it. The characters are intelligent, likable, and very witty and you will absolutely love spending time with them.
Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #2
Publication Date: 12/20/2016
Period: Edwardian – 1909 – Littleton Cotterell, Gloucestershire
Number of Pages: 270
In this delightfully delivered mystery, we find Lady Emily Hardcastle almost recovered from the bullet wound she received at the end of the first book. She’s getting up and about and is itching for something interesting to do when, lo and behold, Inspector Sunderland presents Lady Hardcastle and Florence with a murder investigation. Not only is it a murder, but they met the victim only a week before his death. Goodness, there is a lot of nefarious goings-on in rural England because they also end up investigating a theft and a fraud at the same time.
The murder victim, Spencer Caradine, is spiteful, hateful, vengeful, and just downright mean, so there is definitely no shortage of suspects. But was he really murdered? The police coroner is sure he has been poisoned, but he has no idea what the poison would be. Did a neighbor do it? Did the wife, who is in love with another man, do it? Did the other man do it? Was it his maltreated son who did it? With so many suspects and no motives, Emily and Florence have their work cut out for them.
With the murder investigation stalled, Lady Emily and Florence work on their other cases. Who could have broken into the rugby club to ONLY steal a trophy and some worthless memorabilia? Leave it to Lady Emily to figure it all out. Then, when an apparition at a séance accuses one of the attendees of murder, Florence is on the case. With a childhood spent among circus performers and showmen, Florence is uniquely qualified to ferret out the tricks used by the medium. Or, are they really tricks? Maybe this medium is truly gifted and the spirit was actually murdered by the accused.
I ‘read’ the Whispersync version of the book, and thoroughly enjoyed the narration. The narrator, Elizabeth Knowelden, did an excellent job with all of the characters, but I particularly liked her interpretation of Lady Emily and Florence.
This is a highly entertaining addition to the series and I can definitely recommend it. The characters are intelligent, likable, and very witty and you will absolutely love spending time with them.
July 27, 2023
Thankfully, I don't feel as devastatingly apathetic about this book as I did the first book in the series, so that does justify my decision to continue reading the series. At least a little. It had too many hallmarks of things I really like for me to give up on it completely. The writing is fun and quippy, the characters are hilarious and have so much good banter, and really, an older lady and the maid who is more of her BFF teaming up to kick ass and solve mysteries is just the kind of book that I should be really into... but there's just something about this that doesn't QUITE work. I don't know what! I don't know how to describe it! I know exactly the vibe and feeling it's going for. It's a cosy mystery, but with a little more teeth than you usually get in those. I love the unconventional cross-class friendship between the two main characters; it genuinely warms my heart. The mystery was also better written than in the first book; when all the little mysteries came together it didn't seem quite as haphazard. It really is a good book overall; I just failed to be swept away by it? The pacing was weird; I spent a lot of time being bored. There were a few standout side characters, but most of them were bland and forgettable. The book and setting oozes with charm and none of that sticks to the characters (imo). When the big reveal came and we find out who's responsible, I had to scroll back like, 'which person is that again?' IDK. I just didn't like this as much as I was expecting, and maybe that's a sign to give up on the series.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Elizabeth Knowelden, which was excellent as always; I adore her different voices. I love a fancy fussy old lady, and she does a great fancy fussy old lady voice. Especially for Lady Farley-Stroud. The pronunciation of 'Eugénie' did keep throwing me though. I'd still recommend this to people who are looking for cosy historical mysteries; I think I just have to admit it's not for me.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Elizabeth Knowelden, which was excellent as always; I adore her different voices. I love a fancy fussy old lady, and she does a great fancy fussy old lady voice. Especially for Lady Farley-Stroud. The pronunciation of 'Eugénie' did keep throwing me though. I'd still recommend this to people who are looking for cosy historical mysteries; I think I just have to admit it's not for me.
May 31, 2020
This is the second book in the Lady Hardcastle murder mystery series by T.E.Kinsey and it was just as enjoyable as the first! Can't wait to read or listen to Book #3 :)
April 18, 2018
In T. E. Kinsey’s In the Market for Murder (sic) Lady Hardcastle and her trusty maid, ‘Armstrong’ are asked by the local police to assist in a investigation of the death of a local totally disliked farmer. Lady Hardcastle and Miss Armstrong are thrilled. Setting is England, a village near Bristol, Spring 1909. I enjoyed the characters, especially L H. And Armstrong, and the mystery had all of the markings of a good one. The 31/4 stars is a reaction to being bogged down as Lady Hardcastle wraps up the mysteries, but even before that happened, I felt ‘bogged down’. I believe that the author attempted to present a wide scope for the reader to enjoy, but unfortunately for me, the book/mystery became too wordy, to unfocused, and basically unrealistic, but I truly like the premise of the series and the characters. Thus, I am looking forward to #3, Death around the Bend.
May 30, 2017
I thought I would like this book a lot more than I did. It had a number of very good reviews. Now I think those that were disappointed just didn't write a review. First I became exasperated with Lady Hardcastle calling every one 'dear' whether a close friend or a new acquaintance. Also there is a lot of time spent on essentially nothing but proving that the two central women are unusual. By the time the mysteries wrapped up, I no longer cared and could hardly remember what the mystery was.
November 28, 2023
So so fun!! I can’t believe it took me so long to get to this second book in the series. I had completely forgotten that the story is told from Flo’s perspective. There is so much delightful humor in this. I love a good comic mystery. Lady Hardcastle and her maid Flo are so fun, so endearing. I also enjoyed their relationship with Inspector Sunderland. Also the new motor car! I do love books set in Edwardian England.
May 25, 2018
3.5 stars
I’m enjoying these lighthearted English mysteries. Charming stories that put a smile on my face, from the point of view of an outspoken lady’s maid and her clever friend/mistress. Excellent palate cleansers between heavier reads or a string of frustrating ones.
I’m enjoying these lighthearted English mysteries. Charming stories that put a smile on my face, from the point of view of an outspoken lady’s maid and her clever friend/mistress. Excellent palate cleansers between heavier reads or a string of frustrating ones.
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