Death Waits for No Lady

Inspector Blades #2

by James Andrew

Police are called to a large house after the parlour maid discovers the wealthy owner’s body

The peace of a Yorkshire town is disturbed when one of its most prominent residents is murdered. Inspector Blades and Sergeant Peacock investigate…

With the murder weapon found near the body, the detectives hope that fingerprints will help them discover the killer. But it is clear that they are dealing with a cunning perpetrator who has covered all their tracks. With various leads running into dead ends, the answers will come from understanding the victim’s character and the killer’s motive.

The victim, Lady Evelyn Wright, ran a tight ship at Elmwood Hall, she had the highest of expectations of her servants and made a strong display of moral rectitude. But recently, after the death of her stern father, she had been courting, and several younger men were seen in her company. Any of these, Inspector Blades surmises, might have reason to take advantage of Lady Wright.

However, the investigation centres on one individual in particular, a war veteran and minister of a Spiritualist church, in whom the victim often confided at her home.

Exploring their relationship, Inspector Blades and his trusty sergeant unveil clues that shine light on a shadier side to the victim, and point to other reasons for her death.

When another murder occurs, they must act quickly to stop a ruthless criminal. But have they got the right man?

In a novel that illuminates the changing world of Britain after the Great War, James Andrew has woven an intriguing murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.

“If you enjoyed Downton Abbey, you’ll love this murder mystery.”

DEATH WAITS FOR NO LADY is the second book by James Andrew to feature these detectives.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Historical Mystery, Crime

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2018

Reviews

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The murders had stopped. They never knew why, just as they had never found out who had committed them, and Blades still wondered whether he deserved to continue in his job.

Death Waits for No Lady (Inspector Blade, #2)
by James Andrew

I sometimes try to stretch my reading by reading genres I am not into.

I always hope it works in that I will discover a new genre!

It did not work here.

Yorkshire set cozy mystery where the Mistress of a large estate is murdered and there are many suspects. It could be any of the servants, a lover, her brother, someone else.

And the Inspector Blade is also trying to solve another series of murders from the past.

Great for cozy mystery fans. It is a well written and fun book that will keep you on your toes.

I just am not into this genre. I made it to 30 percent and then skimmed. It is a slow moving book and for me, I dislike cozy mysteries because I do not feel the tension so..

Not at all for me but others may like. I think I will stick with Genres I know I like for now.

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little better than the first in the series, but the three stars feels generous nonetheless. While Inspector Blades and his sidekick, Sergeant Peacock, are likeable characters, the other characters, as with the first book of the series are largely unlikeable. Miss Evelyn Wright, mistress of the house is found dead. That begins a series of discoveries involving the double life she is living. A number of people come under suspicion but none can be proved to be the villain. The murders continue and finally Inspector Blades discovers the villain. The last few pages indicate that we will back with the story of the first book.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who killed the mistress of the house? There are no surfeit of suspects, including a whole bunch of would-be suitors. There's a lot going on in this book, and the author doesn't disappoint in bringing plotting and characterization together to create a story that will keep you guessing to the last page

And on top of that, is the serial killer back? Inspector Blades, weary from personal soul-searching that will draw you in with its emotion and truth, will now be faced with that. Again. Can't wait for the next book!

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing mystery

The mystery itself was very intriguing, and I couldn’t wait to find out who did it and see if my suspicions were correct. The book, however, took a long time delivering its ending. After the killer was revealed, there were still additional chapters, making it a really long and repetitious read.
Also, I did not appreciate the book’s leanings toward the Spiritualist Church and séances. Profanity was minimal.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but the unnecessary wordiness took away from the story.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn’t intended to move straight on to this second in the series, but caved in out of laziness. I’m glad I did. Another decent single read. I found this one rather more satisfying than the first, perhaps because if was more complete, and the detection became more confident, systematic and assumption-questioning. In other words, there is learning happening. I am only mildly disappointed at the hook at the end, resurrecting the unfinished business on the previous book. Ho hum! This one is getting close to four stars. I expect I will take the lure.

[Erik Empson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again James Andrew transports us to the early Twenties, a time of changing mores, of shifting balances in the make up of class society and a world in which identities, as well as the bodies on which they rested, have been fractured.
A wealthy lady who wanted for nothing in her life, apart from companionship, is found murdered in her home. Inspector Blades with his sidekick, bright-spark Sergeant Peacock, investigates. Can you guess who did it?

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good murder investigation (2nd book of the Yorkshire Murders by the author) set in 1920. The troubled atmosphere of the aftermath of WWI is very well rendered. So many young men suffering from war traumatic experiences and whose behaviours can prove erratic/violent easily become suspects....
A perfect twist at the end made me start on the third book straight away! I am really enjoying this series!

[Marie Keates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another intriguing mystery, with plenty of twists, turns and suspects to keep me guessing. The finale was satisfying, although a little less exposition over the same clues by different characters would have tightened the plot considerably, and the story of the poker felt contrived and didn’t quite work for me. Why go to such trouble? What was the plan when simply putting it in another room or cleaning it would have worked?

[John Bainbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this and hope there'll be more on the way soon. Inspector Blades and Sergeant Peacock are likeable, interesting characters. An absorbing, well-plotted mystery with a lovely setting and authentic sense of place. Great descriptive writing, a cut above many Golden Age-set detective novels.

[Evelyn Grabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent read. The story was great, ran quite smoothly, characters were perfect. Can't say enough good about it. I heartily recommend this book to all mystery buffs. Was sorry to see the book end, it was that engrossing and entertaining.
This doesn't seem to be a series, but I will be looking for more books by James Andrew. Am adding him to my favorite authors list.

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a continuation of the first novel in this series than I anticipated, Inspector Blake grows as a detective, becoming more confident. Having failed to correctly solve the first three murders in his precinct, he is determined to correctly solve the murder of this lady. He learns that circumstantial evidence astutely followed can indeed help determine a murderer.

[Trish Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn't really do it for me. There were two glaring errors. One was Evelyn's name suddenly changed to Elspeth and two, the local doctor"s name also changed beyond recognition. Not the sort of thing that is acceptable in a novel. Also, the storyline was somewhat limp as far as I was concerned

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1921. Inspector Blades and Sergeant Peacock are called one morning to Elmwood Hall in Birtleby. Only to find the body of Miss Evelyn Wright. Killed by the fireplace poker. But who could have a motive for such a senseless killing.
An enjoyable murder mystery

[Alison Stendahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery

With excellent use of descriptive language, this book had me guessing until near the end ...”who dunnit” . I definitely look forward to a third book!

[Andy Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good follow up to, "The Body Under the Sands." Blades is growing and becoming a character to look forward to. I hope there are more books to come.

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. Knew the murderer within 4 pages.

[David Stimpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good story. Quite slow really. I enjoyed reading it

[Richard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, the quality of this story fell well short of the first in the series, " The Body Under the Sands"