A Question of Hats

Angela Marchmont Mystery #5.5

by Clara Benson

When a mysterious parcel containing a hat is delivered by mistake to Angela Marchmont she thinks little of it, except to note that she wouldn’t be seen dead in the thing. But if she doesn’t want it, there are plenty of other people who do—and who are prepared to take it from her by force if necessary. It soon turns out there’s more than just a hat at stake, and now it’s up to Angela to discover what’s been going on—before someone else gets there first!

A Question of Hats is a short story of seven chapters, which takes place between the events of The Incident at Fives Castle and The Imbroglio at the Villa Pozzi. There are no spoilers for the rest of the series!

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, British Literature

63 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2018

About the author

Clara 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.

Reviews

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good little mystery in only 62 pages. Witty, funny and very enjoyable.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela receives a strange delivery of a hat she finds revolting. She tries to return the hat to the correct recipient and is turned away. Then someone is trying to steal it from her and she investigates why. A nice, short satisfying story.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I stumbled upon the Angela Marchmont series and The Murder at Sissingham Hall (first book in the series) several years ago looking for Golden Age detective fiction. I'm usually very skeptical of self-published books, but the description appealed to me, so I gave it a try. I'm glad I did as I was immediately hooked. Ms. Benson has a gift for writing historical mysteries - I feel as though I'm reading a book written in the 20's, but the writing does not seem stale as some books written back then do.

Although Ms. Benson has ended the Angela Marchmont series, this is the third short story she has written, and I'll continue to be on the lookout for more. Angela is an intelligent and independent woman, but realistically so for the late 20's. In the series novels, the clues are usually laid out to be followed by both Angela and the reader - it is more difficult to do this in a short story, but I didn't feel cheated as Angela solved the mystery.

I have read all of the books published by Ms. Benson, and I do have to note that the editing is superb as well. Many self-published books that I have read have misspellings and grammatical errors - NOT so with any of the Angela Marchmont or Freddy Pilkington-Soames series. The books are edited better than quite a lot of books I read these days from the major publishing houses.

Although I believe this short story can stand alone, I highly recommend starting with the first book - The Murder at Sissingham Hall - or even the prequel short story - The Man on the Train. You won't want to miss a moment in this wonderful series.

Recommended for those who enjoy a well-written mystery in the style of Golden Age detective fiction, or for that matter anyone who enjoys a well-written mystery in general."

[ShanDizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty

This was another great AM short story with Marthe displaying her oh so French fashion sense. Her reaction to the 1st hat is laugh out loud hilarious!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Due to a misdirected parcel, Angela Marchmont stumbles over a rather bumbling plot involving an escaped prisoner. The story hearkens back to a classic style in which mystery plots were a sort of game between author and reader, designed to provide an entertaining diversion with a minimum of violence.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

I've read all of the Angela Marchmont series and this didn't disappoint. Well written, great characters, complete storyline. A nice little mystery to while away an hour or two.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick and cute

and plausible. she is a woman that sticks her nose in dangerous places, but, she uses the brawn she has with her to get things done. i appreciate mrs marchmont and her curious ways.

[cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another neat and contentment guaranteed adventure

Love these Angels Marchmont books.A heroine who is believable and constant.This doesn't disappoint,except these are more novellas and wish it had been longer

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grand portrayal of robbery gone wrong

This was a perfect way to spend a cold quiet New Year's Eve, snuggled under the comforter with an Angela Larchmont short story. Easy to read effortless story story with the usual cast of characters who take care of Angela.

[Pauline Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, Angela! Clara Benson’s fans will all be thrilled by this charming novella featuring 1920s amateur sleuth Angela Marchmont, this time with a starring role for her French lady’s maid, Marthe. A very enjoyable read. Four stars.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast and fun

This little short story fits in between two other adventures of Angela Marchbank, one taking place in Scotland, the other in Italy. In this, Angela solves a problem with hats and uncovers gold buillion in the process. A fun and quick read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1928, February. When a hat is wrongly delivered to her Angela Marchmont she attempts to give it to the correct person, but they do not want it. Unfortunately several other people do, but Angela is unable to determine why, at first.
An enjoyable and well-written little mystery

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite series. I'd love a new full-length novel, but I'll take an Angela Marchmont short story any day of the week.

[Judith Somerset · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Angela Marchmont!

I love this series. Well written, and because I have read them all, including Freddy's books, I was happy to see this short story!

[Maureen Hetzel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters as always are delightful. But with the shorter story the arc is necessarily simpler and easier to untangle. Angela Marchmont is STILL a favorite!

[C-shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little short story, a great introduction to the Angela Marchmont mysteries.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked it

Found it easy to read and a good little mystery, I would rather it be a little longer. A very very good little mystery

[Jacqueline Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read - only about 80 pages!

[vicki holderread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books

I really like the main character. It’s fun to read historical, easy reading mysteries. Wish there were more in this series

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was no reason for this short story. Angela solved a minor crime with her ladies maid and chauffeur but it was very unsatisfying.

[Margot M. Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite fun

Enjoyed this short story. I like reading about Angela’s adventures. I would recommend this and all other Angela Marchmont mysteries for teens and adults.

[Cathy Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Marchmount

This was a short story and it was very good. I love all the characters and how they manage to solve the mystery of something is awesome.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small interlude in the Angela Marchmont series . In its very few pages, it does contain a certain amount of humour, making it very like an old-fashioned farce. Entertaining.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun, light-hearted sleuthing novella. Quick read with excellent use of narration to convey the story line.