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Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery #4
Manor of Dying
In a new Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery, Meg Barrett will have to uncover the truth about a long-ago murder before a killer decides she’s history . . .
When decorator Meg Barrett travels to a remote mansion to help select period pieces for a new 1930s-style television mystery series, she’s chilled to learn that the manor was once a mental asylum and the site of a mysterious decades-old murder. And when a fierce blizzard knocks out the power and strands Meg and her cohorts in the home’s rickety old elevator, they emerge to discover that another person has been murdered—in the same macabre manner as the original victim.
With a suspect list limited to those who were also stranded at the manor, Meg begins digging through their backgrounds for clues to both the old and new murder, trying to discover a connection that will lead her to the culprit’s identity. But the more she learns, the more clear it becomes that someone wants to keep the secrets of the past buried, and Meg knows she’ll have to watch her back before a ruthless killer decides to commit her to a grisly fate . . .
Includes scrumptious recipes and vintage decorating tips!
When decorator Meg Barrett travels to a remote mansion to help select period pieces for a new 1930s-style television mystery series, she’s chilled to learn that the manor was once a mental asylum and the site of a mysterious decades-old murder. And when a fierce blizzard knocks out the power and strands Meg and her cohorts in the home’s rickety old elevator, they emerge to discover that another person has been murdered—in the same macabre manner as the original victim.
With a suspect list limited to those who were also stranded at the manor, Meg begins digging through their backgrounds for clues to both the old and new murder, trying to discover a connection that will lead her to the culprit’s identity. But the more she learns, the more clear it becomes that someone wants to keep the secrets of the past buried, and Meg knows she’ll have to watch her back before a ruthless killer decides to commit her to a grisly fate . . .
Includes scrumptious recipes and vintage decorating tips!
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2019
75 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Bridge
13 books341 followersABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathleen Bridge, national bestselling author of The Hamptons Home and Garden Mystery Series and The By The Sea Mystery Series. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America. Kathleen is also an antiques and vintage dealer and lives on the Central East Coast of Florida. www.kathleenbridge.com
Kathleen Bridge, national bestselling author of The Hamptons Home and Garden Mystery Series and The By The Sea Mystery Series. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America. Kathleen is also an antiques and vintage dealer and lives on the Central East Coast of Florida. www.kathleenbridge.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 9, 2019
A copycat killer lurks in an eerie, yet fascinating old insane asylum mansion that sets a great stage for Author Kathleen Bridge to tell her latest Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery #4.
Turbulent weather near Christmas threatens to hinder Meg Barrett and her best friend, Elle Warner as they assist the TV production staff who are about to film a mini-series at Nightingale Manor. The two friends are hired to select appropriate furnishings for a 1930’s setting. An attic full of vintage treasures awaits them. So does a body in the basement.
The author weaves a mesmerizing tale connecting a 60 year old murder and a current crime scene at the former mental institution. I was absolutely captivated by all the surprising reveals, and even had a few chuckles at some of the dry humor.
The protagonist and recurring secondary characters in this series are really enjoyable. Meg is torn between two men; Patrick and Cole, and I felt like she’d made a decision by the end of this novel. I’m eagerly looking forward to book #5 to see what happens next! The author also adds some interesting tips on refurbishing on a budget, and some great recipes to try.
Turbulent weather near Christmas threatens to hinder Meg Barrett and her best friend, Elle Warner as they assist the TV production staff who are about to film a mini-series at Nightingale Manor. The two friends are hired to select appropriate furnishings for a 1930’s setting. An attic full of vintage treasures awaits them. So does a body in the basement.
The author weaves a mesmerizing tale connecting a 60 year old murder and a current crime scene at the former mental institution. I was absolutely captivated by all the surprising reveals, and even had a few chuckles at some of the dry humor.
The protagonist and recurring secondary characters in this series are really enjoyable. Meg is torn between two men; Patrick and Cole, and I felt like she’d made a decision by the end of this novel. I’m eagerly looking forward to book #5 to see what happens next! The author also adds some interesting tips on refurbishing on a budget, and some great recipes to try.
August 9, 2019
This book hit all my favorite mystery themes: a secluded manor, delving into the past and an unsolved death from decades ago, atmospheric locations, and something I love to do, hunting through antiques. Add to that a perplexing cast of suspects, and you've got a fun, entertaining, and engaging read! I loved the main character, Meg Barret, who now feels like a friend, and I'd love nothing more than to head to the Hamptons to hang out with her and her friends for a weekend.
July 1, 2019
Manor of Dying by Kathleen Bridge is the fourth A Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery. Meg Barrett along with her friend, Elle Warner are heading to Shelter Island where Nightingale Manor resides. A production company is going to film the pilot of the 1930s mini-series Mr. & Mrs. Winslow at what was once an old sanitorium. Meg and Elle have been hired to help select pieces for the set as well as inventory the items. Nightingale Manor has an attic filled with period furniture that they can utilize plus belongings from the former sanitorium residents. Meg did a little research before their departure. She discovered that Dr. Nightingale’s grandfather ran the manor as a sanitorium and in the 1950s an actress was murdered by her friend which resulted in the facility being shut down. Meg, Elle and Felicity (the set designer) are taking the elevator to the ground floor to make the last ferry of the day when the power goes out. Twenty hours later when the power is restored, the elevator descends to the basement. When the doors open, the threesome see Dr. Blake Nightingale, the current owner, on a gurney with an ice pick in his heart. The killer recreated the 1950s murder of the actress. The suspect list is limited to those who were stranded in the manor during the storm. Meg believes there is a reason the guilty party recreated the old killing. So, Meg begins looking into the suspects backgrounds to see if she can find any connections. She will need to watch her back, because someone is unhappy with Meg’s sleuthing. Can Meg unravel the clues in time, or will she end up in a perilous position?
Manor of Dying can be read alone if you have not read the previous three books in A Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery series. The author provided the backgrounds on the main characters plus we are told about the last three cases. The characters are developed and relatable. Kathleen Bridge is a descriptive writer which will allow readers to visualize the scenes and the characters. However, it does slow down the pace of the story. I enjoyed the information on various decorating styles and the descriptions of the beautiful antiques. I wanted some of the lovely pieces stored in the attic of Nightingale Manor. The mystery was interesting in the way it tied to the past murder. I liked how Meg found various clues to the old case while digging into Dr. Nightingale’s murder. I wish it had been a little more challenging to identify Dr. Nightingale’s killer. The story highlights how women were treated in psychiatric facilities in the past plus the horrible procedures they suffered in an attempt to “cure” them. Meg is missing her boyfriend, Cole with the holidays approaching. They get to spend so little time together. Patrick Seaton, though, continues to be thrown in her path and she cannot help but think about a future with him. We will have to wait and see what happens. Manor of Dying has vintage fashions, a beach poet, a creepy sanitorium basement, two adorable Scottie dogs, an iced cosmetic surgeon, and one curious interior decorator.
Manor of Dying can be read alone if you have not read the previous three books in A Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery series. The author provided the backgrounds on the main characters plus we are told about the last three cases. The characters are developed and relatable. Kathleen Bridge is a descriptive writer which will allow readers to visualize the scenes and the characters. However, it does slow down the pace of the story. I enjoyed the information on various decorating styles and the descriptions of the beautiful antiques. I wanted some of the lovely pieces stored in the attic of Nightingale Manor. The mystery was interesting in the way it tied to the past murder. I liked how Meg found various clues to the old case while digging into Dr. Nightingale’s murder. I wish it had been a little more challenging to identify Dr. Nightingale’s killer. The story highlights how women were treated in psychiatric facilities in the past plus the horrible procedures they suffered in an attempt to “cure” them. Meg is missing her boyfriend, Cole with the holidays approaching. They get to spend so little time together. Patrick Seaton, though, continues to be thrown in her path and she cannot help but think about a future with him. We will have to wait and see what happens. Manor of Dying has vintage fashions, a beach poet, a creepy sanitorium basement, two adorable Scottie dogs, an iced cosmetic surgeon, and one curious interior decorator.
July 17, 2019
This is the fourth book in the Hamptons Home and Garden series. Meg Barrett has been hired, along with her friend Elle, to be a decorator for a television series. The house is owned by the family of Dr. Blake and was once a sanitorium; it is reputed to be haunted with the ghosts of prior residents. There was also a murder on the grounds in the 1950's involving two celebrities. At first, Meg is skeptical of any such talk but when she and Elle are trapped in an elevator for over twenty hours and Dr. Drake is found murdered, they wonder if his killing could be connected to past events.
The book was an enjoyable, well-paced cozy read. The number of characters was manageable although it then also limited the scope of suspects. It can easily be read as a standalone. I really liked the detailed descriptions of the Hamptons in the winter. I've never been there before but the author made me feel like I was seeing it with my own eyes. There was also a lot of attention devoted to the interior decorations of various locations and noting the types of materials used. The inclusion of the "Little Grey" cottage with its historical connections to the "Grey Gardens" home owned by cousins of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis added another dimension to the book. There were decorating tips and recipes included at the conclusion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishers for a digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
The book was an enjoyable, well-paced cozy read. The number of characters was manageable although it then also limited the scope of suspects. It can easily be read as a standalone. I really liked the detailed descriptions of the Hamptons in the winter. I've never been there before but the author made me feel like I was seeing it with my own eyes. There was also a lot of attention devoted to the interior decorations of various locations and noting the types of materials used. The inclusion of the "Little Grey" cottage with its historical connections to the "Grey Gardens" home owned by cousins of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis added another dimension to the book. There were decorating tips and recipes included at the conclusion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishers for a digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
March 12, 2021
I really enjoyed Manor of Dying. It had glamour and atmosphere. It was multigenerational, smart, and gracious - different from the disappointing #3. Kathleen Bridge has reclaimed her high standards, thank goodness. Sleuth Meg Barrett, winsome and capable interior decorator for the wealthy, was back to behaving like an adult. I was relieved.
For me, the Hamptons setting was the main draw in this installment (and in the series itself), thanks to Bridge: the antique hunts and interior decorating; Meg's Montauk cottage, best friend Elle's showbiz dress closet; poetry-in-the-sand romance. I relished the descriptions of white blizzards pounding the jagged stone coast; freezing rain and heatless mansions; haute fireplace dining and small dinner parties; the old village book store; the greedy rich murdered in their sprawling estates. No one "does" Hamptons mystery fiction quite like Bridge. I look forward to reading book 5.
3 stars
For me, the Hamptons setting was the main draw in this installment (and in the series itself), thanks to Bridge: the antique hunts and interior decorating; Meg's Montauk cottage, best friend Elle's showbiz dress closet; poetry-in-the-sand romance. I relished the descriptions of white blizzards pounding the jagged stone coast; freezing rain and heatless mansions; haute fireplace dining and small dinner parties; the old village book store; the greedy rich murdered in their sprawling estates. No one "does" Hamptons mystery fiction quite like Bridge. I look forward to reading book 5.
3 stars
June 16, 2019
I was intrigued by the description of this book, and because I've read good things about this author, I decided to select it on NetGalley.
Manor of Dying is a fun story about a pair of friends who are designing the set and clothing the actors for a new television series.
I love anything about vintage clothing and furniture, so I new I was going to be in for a treat.
This book is full of twists and turns and when I reached the final sentence, I hated to say goodbye to my new friends.
I'm definitely keeping an eye on this series, I would love to list it in my top 3 favorites.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for approving me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Manor of Dying is a fun story about a pair of friends who are designing the set and clothing the actors for a new television series.
I love anything about vintage clothing and furniture, so I new I was going to be in for a treat.
This book is full of twists and turns and when I reached the final sentence, I hated to say goodbye to my new friends.
I'm definitely keeping an eye on this series, I would love to list it in my top 3 favorites.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for approving me to read an advanced copy of this book.
August 17, 2020
It's off-season in the Hamptons and Meg Barrett is thrilled for the opportunity to help dress the set for a miniseries set in the 1930s. There is a mansion full of Deco antiques, unfortunately said mansion used to be insane asylum for the rich where a scandalous murder once took place. Well-constructed mystery with an especially engaging heroine who wears hearing aids and needs to read lips in situations where there is a lot of background noise. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2019
"Manor of Dying" earns 5/5 Vintage Mysteries...Clever and Engaging!
I am an eager fan of Kathleen Bridge's By the Sea Mystery series, so I'm embarrassed I've not been faithful to her Hampton's Home & Garden Mystery series. But, better late than never...after reading book five, I am a fan now!
Meg Barrett has set up a lovely interior design business, Cottages by the Sea, in Montauk, Long Island, and with the slow down in business opportunities during the winter months, she accepted a job at Nightingale Manor on Shelter Island, just a short ferry ride across some choppy grayish waters. Hired by a film crew setting up for a Thin Man-style mini series, Meg and BFF/partner Elle would be inventorying items to be used for the 1930s era and assisting the set designer. But, the old manor, once an sanatorium/asylum, and site of a grizzly murder sixty years ago...oooh, that's a super set up for things to go wrong! Then the arrival of a major storm, a power outage, elevator mishap, and a dead body...ok, things have definitely gone wrong! I love it!
Cozy fans will love it, too! Kathleen Bridge's well-written first-person narrative allowed me the vicarious thrill to be in the middle of Meg's experience....her fears, her strengths, her connections with other people, and her journey to a very exciting conclusion. The mystery kept me quite engaged, fascinated by the tales behind the murderous events at the manor and the current owner's legal issues, and challenged to determine the culprit. Her writing style was rich with vivid description of the physical and the emotional, and dialogue illustrated well the tone and personalities. I really like the sister-like dynamic between Meg and Elle, and the manner in which they collaborate. There are a lot of characters to follow, but there were enough references to keep everyone's story straight. Karma did well to bring motive into clarity..creative!
And I love the bonuses! Meg and Elle's Think-Outside-the-Box Guide to Repurposing Vintage Finds highlights ideas about creating a barista station in the kitchen, turning a windowsill into an herb garden, one-of-a-kind magnets, and more. For the culinary fan easy-to-follow Year-Round Party Pleasers: Jeff Barrett's Roquefort/Fig Flatbread, Meg's Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes and Olives, Meg's Easy Cheesecake Bars, and Claire's Cranberry Pineapple Punch!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
I am an eager fan of Kathleen Bridge's By the Sea Mystery series, so I'm embarrassed I've not been faithful to her Hampton's Home & Garden Mystery series. But, better late than never...after reading book five, I am a fan now!
Meg Barrett has set up a lovely interior design business, Cottages by the Sea, in Montauk, Long Island, and with the slow down in business opportunities during the winter months, she accepted a job at Nightingale Manor on Shelter Island, just a short ferry ride across some choppy grayish waters. Hired by a film crew setting up for a Thin Man-style mini series, Meg and BFF/partner Elle would be inventorying items to be used for the 1930s era and assisting the set designer. But, the old manor, once an sanatorium/asylum, and site of a grizzly murder sixty years ago...oooh, that's a super set up for things to go wrong! Then the arrival of a major storm, a power outage, elevator mishap, and a dead body...ok, things have definitely gone wrong! I love it!
Cozy fans will love it, too! Kathleen Bridge's well-written first-person narrative allowed me the vicarious thrill to be in the middle of Meg's experience....her fears, her strengths, her connections with other people, and her journey to a very exciting conclusion. The mystery kept me quite engaged, fascinated by the tales behind the murderous events at the manor and the current owner's legal issues, and challenged to determine the culprit. Her writing style was rich with vivid description of the physical and the emotional, and dialogue illustrated well the tone and personalities. I really like the sister-like dynamic between Meg and Elle, and the manner in which they collaborate. There are a lot of characters to follow, but there were enough references to keep everyone's story straight. Karma did well to bring motive into clarity..creative!
And I love the bonuses! Meg and Elle's Think-Outside-the-Box Guide to Repurposing Vintage Finds highlights ideas about creating a barista station in the kitchen, turning a windowsill into an herb garden, one-of-a-kind magnets, and more. For the culinary fan easy-to-follow Year-Round Party Pleasers: Jeff Barrett's Roquefort/Fig Flatbread, Meg's Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes and Olives, Meg's Easy Cheesecake Bars, and Claire's Cranberry Pineapple Punch!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
July 22, 2019
This the 4th book in Hampton Home and Garden series but the first one I have read. It work well as a standalone, however I have added the earlier books to my TBR list.
Meg Barrett and her partner, Elle have been hired to inventory the props needed for the pilot show of a new miniseries. They are headed for Southampton on a stormy winter day. After spending the day working, they are trapped in the elevator overnight. In the morning they find Dr. Blake kill in the same way as a 1960s murder that happened in the same house. Meg curiosity takes over and she feels that there is a connection between the 60s murder and Dr. Blake's murder. Will she prove it? I highly recommend this book.
Recipes are included
Disclosure: Thanks to Belong the Page Publishing for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Meg Barrett and her partner, Elle have been hired to inventory the props needed for the pilot show of a new miniseries. They are headed for Southampton on a stormy winter day. After spending the day working, they are trapped in the elevator overnight. In the morning they find Dr. Blake kill in the same way as a 1960s murder that happened in the same house. Meg curiosity takes over and she feels that there is a connection between the 60s murder and Dr. Blake's murder. Will she prove it? I highly recommend this book.
Recipes are included
Disclosure: Thanks to Belong the Page Publishing for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 20, 2020
I am thrilled this series was picked up by a new publisher.
I will be honest that I have not read the previous books in the series, but I will rectify that.
This was a real delight to read.
I really enjoyed the characters, especially the protagonist. The whodunit was engaging and kept me interested and guessing.
I cannot wait to read more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I will be honest that I have not read the previous books in the series, but I will rectify that.
This was a real delight to read.
I really enjoyed the characters, especially the protagonist. The whodunit was engaging and kept me interested and guessing.
I cannot wait to read more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
December 13, 2022
Like the previous books, this mystery is a two parter. There's the murder during the time when the house was a sanatorium. Then there's the modern day murder of a relative of the doctors who ran the place. The past as recreated through things Meg reminds me of The Snake Pit by Mary Jane Ward (1946). The modern day one, is even more sinister.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
September 25, 2021
Present murder mixed with the past?
This is book 4 in the Hampton Home and Garden series and I thought by now I would have a good handle on the characters and what makes them tick. So I was surprised when Meg and Elle became consultants for a TV show. The show, that will be filmed on Shelter Island had me so intrigued that for a moment I forgot it's just in a story. And the mansion of the proposed show was the scene of a celebrity murder many years ago.
I enjoyed the old murder that Meg became fixated with and was sure was the cause of the new murder.
Kathleen Bridge has a way to make the exclusive Hampton's seem like any other town. My only problem with the book is a few minor inconsistencies which are minor but made me go back to make sure I was reading and remembering correctly.
If you like characters that are a little different, and a story line that flows from one book to another then you won't be disappointed with this series.
Now on to book 5.
This is book 4 in the Hampton Home and Garden series and I thought by now I would have a good handle on the characters and what makes them tick. So I was surprised when Meg and Elle became consultants for a TV show. The show, that will be filmed on Shelter Island had me so intrigued that for a moment I forgot it's just in a story. And the mansion of the proposed show was the scene of a celebrity murder many years ago.
I enjoyed the old murder that Meg became fixated with and was sure was the cause of the new murder.
Kathleen Bridge has a way to make the exclusive Hampton's seem like any other town. My only problem with the book is a few minor inconsistencies which are minor but made me go back to make sure I was reading and remembering correctly.
If you like characters that are a little different, and a story line that flows from one book to another then you won't be disappointed with this series.
Now on to book 5.
July 8, 2019
Manor of Dying by Kathleen Bridge is the 4th book in the Hamptons Home and Garden Mystery series, and I am thrilled the series is back, under a new publisher. Meg Barrett is a decorator who is hired along with her best friend Elle, to a remote island, and a building which use to be an insane asylum in the 1930's. The building was picked to be the set of a television program, and Meg and Elle were hired to pick out authentic furniture for the time period. Right from the beginning there are strange things going on, including both a new and an old murder. I really enjoyed this book, I felt I was right there in the snow storm with them. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing. Thank you.
September 19, 2021
Spooky Cozy
This was a perfect read for a cold October day. Interesting mystery with a bit of a spooky twist. Really enjoyed!
This was a perfect read for a cold October day. Interesting mystery with a bit of a spooky twist. Really enjoyed!
July 5, 2019
This cozy mystery follows Meg Barret as she helps her friend Elle to collect pieces for a TV mini-series set to be filmed at Nightingale Manor on Shelter Island. The estate was previously owned by Dr Tobias Nightingale and used as a sanitorium and was the location of the shocking murder of a high profile patient in the 1950s. The current owner is his grandson, Dr Blake Nightingale, a former TV personality plastic surgeon who is being sued in the aftermath of a botched surgery. Now he is in need of money and so is keen to have the mini-series filmed on his estate.
While digging for pieces for the set, Meg and Elle along with Felicity from the production team, find themselves trapped in the elevator for several hours during a power outage. When power is eventually restored and the elevator begins to move, it opens in the basement and to find another murder had occurred to mirror the one from the past. Know the three of them to be innocent, Meg takes it upon herself to weed throught the remaining people in the house in order to solve the mystery and insure one of them won't be next as they continue their work at the house.
This is the fourth book in Kathleen Bridge's Hamptons Home and Garden Mystery series, but Manor of Dying could also serve as a stand alone book. There are brief mentions throughout the book of Meg's tendency to stumble her way into murder investigtions, which are obviously referencing the prior books, but you don't need to have read them to understand this book. If you enjoy cozy mysteries and this book though, you should go back and read them because why not enjoy the whole series?
I really liked the reciepes included at the end of the book. I thought it was a really cute touch. Ocassionally I found the interactions between characters to be a little forced, but I did like all of the different characters. There were a lot of characters in this book and they all worked into the story very well. The mystery was engaging, with a couple surprises along the way. I guessed who the murderer was before the reveal, but I was intruiged to learn her reasoning.
I really wish the two Scottie dogs had been in the book more, the only time they featured in the book was to push the plot forward a bit and as a way to give Meg a clue. They were cute and I would have loved to see a little more of them, but I will content myself that we see some other pets we met in the book.
My biggest complaint was that there was no real sense of danger for the characters, mainly there was just a creepy vibe to the story. That and the love triangle between Meg, Patrick, and Cole. I'm not much a fan of love triangles and this one felt pretty weak. Perhaps if I read the prior books in the series I would understand Meg's reasoning better though.
Overall a decent cozy mystery, but not one of my favorites.
Thank you Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley, this is my honest review.
While digging for pieces for the set, Meg and Elle along with Felicity from the production team, find themselves trapped in the elevator for several hours during a power outage. When power is eventually restored and the elevator begins to move, it opens in the basement and to find another murder had occurred to mirror the one from the past. Know the three of them to be innocent, Meg takes it upon herself to weed throught the remaining people in the house in order to solve the mystery and insure one of them won't be next as they continue their work at the house.
This is the fourth book in Kathleen Bridge's Hamptons Home and Garden Mystery series, but Manor of Dying could also serve as a stand alone book. There are brief mentions throughout the book of Meg's tendency to stumble her way into murder investigtions, which are obviously referencing the prior books, but you don't need to have read them to understand this book. If you enjoy cozy mysteries and this book though, you should go back and read them because why not enjoy the whole series?
I really liked the reciepes included at the end of the book. I thought it was a really cute touch. Ocassionally I found the interactions between characters to be a little forced, but I did like all of the different characters. There were a lot of characters in this book and they all worked into the story very well. The mystery was engaging, with a couple surprises along the way. I guessed who the murderer was before the reveal, but I was intruiged to learn her reasoning.
I really wish the two Scottie dogs had been in the book more, the only time they featured in the book was to push the plot forward a bit and as a way to give Meg a clue. They were cute and I would have loved to see a little more of them, but I will content myself that we see some other pets we met in the book.
My biggest complaint was that there was no real sense of danger for the characters, mainly there was just a creepy vibe to the story. That and the love triangle between Meg, Patrick, and Cole. I'm not much a fan of love triangles and this one felt pretty weak. Perhaps if I read the prior books in the series I would understand Meg's reasoning better though.
Overall a decent cozy mystery, but not one of my favorites.
Thank you Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley, this is my honest review.
June 21, 2019
"Manor of Dying" by Kathleen Bridge is the 4th installment in "A Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery". I highly recommend this book and I purchased the previous 3 books as soon as I finished reading.
In a new Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery, Meg Barrett will have to uncover the truth about a long-ago murder before a killer decides she’s history . . .
When decorator Meg Barrett travels to a remote mansion to help select period pieces for a new 1930s-style television mystery series, she’s chilled to learn that the manor was once a mental asylum and the site of a mysterious decades-old murder. And when a fierce blizzard knocks out the power and strands Meg and her cohorts in the home’s rickety old elevator, they emerge to discover that another person has been murdered—in the same macabre manner as the original victim.
With a suspect list limited to those who were also stranded at the manor, Meg begins digging through their backgrounds for clues to both the old and new murder, trying to discover a connection that will lead her to the culprit’s identity. But the more she learns, the more clear it becomes that someone wants to keep the secrets of the past buried, and Meg knows she’ll have to watch her back before a ruthless killer decides to commit her to a grisly fate . . .
Includes scrumptious recipes and vintage decorating tips!
The Protagonist Meg is clever, well developed and down to earth. There were quirky characters and likeable side characters. I enjoyed the relationship between Meg and her BFF Elle.
The description of the Hamptons, vintage clothes and Nightingale Manor was wonderful. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book is engaging from start to finish, grabbing you from the very beginning.
Highly recommended. A fabulous book for an author I will definitely follow in the future.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
In a new Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery, Meg Barrett will have to uncover the truth about a long-ago murder before a killer decides she’s history . . .
When decorator Meg Barrett travels to a remote mansion to help select period pieces for a new 1930s-style television mystery series, she’s chilled to learn that the manor was once a mental asylum and the site of a mysterious decades-old murder. And when a fierce blizzard knocks out the power and strands Meg and her cohorts in the home’s rickety old elevator, they emerge to discover that another person has been murdered—in the same macabre manner as the original victim.
With a suspect list limited to those who were also stranded at the manor, Meg begins digging through their backgrounds for clues to both the old and new murder, trying to discover a connection that will lead her to the culprit’s identity. But the more she learns, the more clear it becomes that someone wants to keep the secrets of the past buried, and Meg knows she’ll have to watch her back before a ruthless killer decides to commit her to a grisly fate . . .
Includes scrumptious recipes and vintage decorating tips!
The Protagonist Meg is clever, well developed and down to earth. There were quirky characters and likeable side characters. I enjoyed the relationship between Meg and her BFF Elle.
The description of the Hamptons, vintage clothes and Nightingale Manor was wonderful. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book is engaging from start to finish, grabbing you from the very beginning.
Highly recommended. A fabulous book for an author I will definitely follow in the future.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
June 24, 2019
Meg Barrett and her friend Elle are headed for Nightingale Manor, the site of a former mental asylum, complete with the history of a grisly murder. They are to pick out historical props for an upcoming series set in the 1930's. But when they arrive there is friction between factions and the house itself is cold and forbidding. The inventory is in the attic but the tension everywhere else has Meg curious, listening- for Murder is in the air...
I really loved the plot. The type of work Meg does and her friend Elle, that is exactly what I would like to do, particularly in set research for film. The additional plus of cataloging inventory and Thirties decor, between the two, was a major plus. The whole book read like my dream life with a dream job. I suspect many Readers will feel this way. This is Book 4 so there is quite a bit to take in.. especially the first few chapters. The pace is fast though and before I knew it I was halfway through the Book.
The descriptive details are amazing... a ferry with its rough waves and a gray, forbidding ocean...a small cottage tucked into Montauk with views of a lighthouse. But all through the Book these charming details are sprinkled and they add to the story along with- the warm friendship between Elle and Meg. Some of these characters I have not met yet, such as a boyfriend who delivers yachts to buyers and has invited Meg to Cornwall. But I can't wait to do so...
The shivery aspect of the Manor House, complete with Tombstones next to the gate house or tickets tucked into an armless doll, will enthrall everyone. Added to that, the forbidding, coldness of the Rooms and the basement which still houses the Asylum gurneys, will guarantee this will be a story you want to read. I could not stop until I had devoured the last page. Five stars
My thanks to Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing
I really loved the plot. The type of work Meg does and her friend Elle, that is exactly what I would like to do, particularly in set research for film. The additional plus of cataloging inventory and Thirties decor, between the two, was a major plus. The whole book read like my dream life with a dream job. I suspect many Readers will feel this way. This is Book 4 so there is quite a bit to take in.. especially the first few chapters. The pace is fast though and before I knew it I was halfway through the Book.
The descriptive details are amazing... a ferry with its rough waves and a gray, forbidding ocean...a small cottage tucked into Montauk with views of a lighthouse. But all through the Book these charming details are sprinkled and they add to the story along with- the warm friendship between Elle and Meg. Some of these characters I have not met yet, such as a boyfriend who delivers yachts to buyers and has invited Meg to Cornwall. But I can't wait to do so...
The shivery aspect of the Manor House, complete with Tombstones next to the gate house or tickets tucked into an armless doll, will enthrall everyone. Added to that, the forbidding, coldness of the Rooms and the basement which still houses the Asylum gurneys, will guarantee this will be a story you want to read. I could not stop until I had devoured the last page. Five stars
My thanks to Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing
August 1, 2019
I enjoyed the first three books in this series and was thrilled that it had found a new home with Beyond the Page. I've never been to the Hamptons but reading these mysteries makes me want to put a visit on my to do list. Now it's winter and business is slow, the perfect time for Meg and her friend Elle to take another job. A film crew is going to shoot a 1930's mini series on Shelter Island in a grand old manor house that, at one time, was a sanatarium. Back in the 1950's there had been a high profile murder committed there and some think the place is haunted. On top of that, once they are in the process of gathering up props for the filming the power goes out and Meg and Elle are trapped in the elevator for what seems like ages! Well it's really not that long but for this reader? 20 minutes would do me in. Once they are released they behold a dead body, murdered in copycat fashion to the previous crime.There should be a rule that creepy basements are off limits. The victim is the grandson of the doctor who ran the sanatorium. Of course Meg and Elle set out to connect the two murders.
This mystery had it all - a snowed in group of people making for a great locked room setting - check. A very creepy backstory - check. Hints of a haunting - check. A bit of romance - check. A really neat setting for the house - check. Two sweet Scotties named Murphy and Max - perfect. Put it altogether with talk of antiques and period fashion and a wonderful puzzle to solve and I was happily transported for the day. It made me want to get my copies of the Nick and Nora movies and binge watch them.
My thanks to the publisher Beyond the Page for continuing this wonderful series and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This mystery had it all - a snowed in group of people making for a great locked room setting - check. A very creepy backstory - check. Hints of a haunting - check. A bit of romance - check. A really neat setting for the house - check. Two sweet Scotties named Murphy and Max - perfect. Put it altogether with talk of antiques and period fashion and a wonderful puzzle to solve and I was happily transported for the day. It made me want to get my copies of the Nick and Nora movies and binge watch them.
My thanks to the publisher Beyond the Page for continuing this wonderful series and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2019
This is the 4th installment in this series. Meg Barrett is helping her friend Elle in helping to catalog and find items for an upcoming TV mini-series. The series is planned to filmed on Shelter Island at Nightingale Manor. This is the home of Dr. Blake Nightingale a TV celebrity plastic surgeon who is in the process be sued for a botched surgery and the grandson of Dr. Tobias Nightingale the central figure in a decades old murder at the former mental asylum. Meg and Elle are in the attic along with Felicity a production assistant on the project when they decide they should get going as a storm is heading in. While in the elevator the power goes out and they are trapped overnight and when the power comes up the elevator takes them to the basement and former operating room. There they find Dr. Blake on the operating table with an icepic thru his heart (this is just like the original murder). Meg finds some items missing in the attic after the murder (including the contents of a suitcase of the murder victim from the 50's) as well as a letter from Marion Fortune who was convicted of the murder of her friend Arden. Meg is convinced the murders are connected but decides to let the police handle it. Yeah Right!! This was an entertaining read with only a handful of suspects but the story and plot kept me engaged. I look forward to next installment in this series and hopefully a resolution to Cole versus Patrick. Not really a fan of love triangles.
July 23, 2019
This is the 4th book in the " Hamptons Home and Garden" mystery series. I have read the entire series and highly recommend the entire series. I enjoy the location of the Hamptons and how the author so richly describes the area. This series is smart , fun and always includes a good sleuth with surprising clues. I find them highly enjoyable cozy mystery books. This new book is delightful .
In this next in series our savvy protagnist Meg is going to a spooky old mansion to find decor for a project that will include decor from the 1930's . The mansion has a haunted past with a murder and was a former insane asylum.. She has brought her friends along and soon a storm hits and they are stuck in the old elevator ! This reminded me of Agatha Christie as they find a murder occurred in the mansion once they emerge . They are faced with the owner lying with a ice pick ! The suspect list is limited to those they know are present which makes the mystery all the more intriguing., The clues were multi layered and fun to try to figure out. The setting of the old mansion with a mysterious history added a great spooky feel. to the book .
This was the perfect mystery read with underlying suspicion , great plot and fast paced writing. I found it pleasing to the end and look forward to the next in series. Very smart series that will please every mystery reader.
In this next in series our savvy protagnist Meg is going to a spooky old mansion to find decor for a project that will include decor from the 1930's . The mansion has a haunted past with a murder and was a former insane asylum.. She has brought her friends along and soon a storm hits and they are stuck in the old elevator ! This reminded me of Agatha Christie as they find a murder occurred in the mansion once they emerge . They are faced with the owner lying with a ice pick ! The suspect list is limited to those they know are present which makes the mystery all the more intriguing., The clues were multi layered and fun to try to figure out. The setting of the old mansion with a mysterious history added a great spooky feel. to the book .
This was the perfect mystery read with underlying suspicion , great plot and fast paced writing. I found it pleasing to the end and look forward to the next in series. Very smart series that will please every mystery reader.
June 25, 2019
Meg Barrett who is a decorator is thrilled when her best friend Elle lands them a job on the set of a miniseries being filmed at a 1930’s mansion. Going through the treasures in the house is right in Meg’s wheelhouse, but what really fascinates her is that the house use to be a psychiatric hospital which also had a murder in it’s past. The girls are working hard at not getting involved in the long ago murder but it’s hard not to when another murder takes place while they are in the house! The suspect pool is narrow, and so Meg begins her sleuthing to find the killer.
This book was so good I could barely put it down. Kathleen Bridge wrote this book so fabulously that just when you think you have it all figure out, you get just another little tidbit of information to make you suspect one of the other characters. This is the first book I read in the series, but I am definitely going to go back and read the other three novels. I found it easy to follow the history of the characters and this can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. A huge thank you to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. I absolutely loved it.
This book was so good I could barely put it down. Kathleen Bridge wrote this book so fabulously that just when you think you have it all figure out, you get just another little tidbit of information to make you suspect one of the other characters. This is the first book I read in the series, but I am definitely going to go back and read the other three novels. I found it easy to follow the history of the characters and this can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. A huge thank you to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. I absolutely loved it.
June 23, 2019
Meg Barrett and her BFF Elle have been hired to work on a miniseries set in the 1930s that is being filmed locally on Shelter Island during the off season. When Meg and Elle are stranded during a snow storm in the creepy old mansion, a one time mental asylum, they get stuck in the elevator as the power goes out.
When the power finally comes back on the elevator opens in the basement and the owner of the manor is lying on a gurney with an icepick in his heart, mirroring a murder that took place at the asylum years and years ago. With the snow storm meaning no one got off or on the island since last night, the murderer is one of the people in the house and Meg isn’t going to stop until she has answers.
This is the first book I have read in the series and serves fine as a standalone, though references to Meg and Patrick’s interactions in the previous books have me wanting to read those to get the full story. A quaint cozy that will leave you wanting more of the Hamptons, Meg and the gang.
When the power finally comes back on the elevator opens in the basement and the owner of the manor is lying on a gurney with an icepick in his heart, mirroring a murder that took place at the asylum years and years ago. With the snow storm meaning no one got off or on the island since last night, the murderer is one of the people in the house and Meg isn’t going to stop until she has answers.
This is the first book I have read in the series and serves fine as a standalone, though references to Meg and Patrick’s interactions in the previous books have me wanting to read those to get the full story. A quaint cozy that will leave you wanting more of the Hamptons, Meg and the gang.
June 25, 2019
Having lived near a mental asylum in upstate New York and visiting an historic one in Jerome, Arizona I was intrigued by the book description and cover.
Meg Barrett and her friend Elle are helping to set the stage for a new 1930s-style television mystery series in the Hamptons (Long Island, NY).
Meg and Elle are stranded during a snow storm at the mansion. The power goes off while they are in an elevator. When power is restored, the doors open in the basement and reveal the owner dead on a cot. This eerily resembles the previous decades-old murder.
I found the plot engaging, the characters well-developed, and the twists and turns kept me turning the pages.
This is the first of the series that I have read. It is a standalone story and worth the time to read. I have added this author to my read list.
I was given an advanced e-copy of the book from Netgalley. I am not required to leave a positive review.
Meg Barrett and her friend Elle are helping to set the stage for a new 1930s-style television mystery series in the Hamptons (Long Island, NY).
Meg and Elle are stranded during a snow storm at the mansion. The power goes off while they are in an elevator. When power is restored, the doors open in the basement and reveal the owner dead on a cot. This eerily resembles the previous decades-old murder.
I found the plot engaging, the characters well-developed, and the twists and turns kept me turning the pages.
This is the first of the series that I have read. It is a standalone story and worth the time to read. I have added this author to my read list.
I was given an advanced e-copy of the book from Netgalley. I am not required to leave a positive review.
July 16, 2019
Book 4 in the series.
This is another series that was saved from the Berkley purge by a new publisher. It's good to see some of these series that I thought were dead coming back.
This is actually probably my favorite so far in the series. I loved the setting, the spooky old sanitarium on an island in the middle of a snow storm. And I really love Meg. The fact that she's hard of hearing makes her all the more real to me.
The only thing that keeps this book from being perfect is the love interest. Or should I say love interests? I don't like Cole, the constantly gone boyfriend, who obviously cares more for sailing then Meg, but I really dislike the hinted at love triangle. That needs to be resolved one way or another (Although I admit, I favor Patrick over Cole). Either way, the dreaded love triangle trope results in an automatic 1 star downrate from me.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
This is another series that was saved from the Berkley purge by a new publisher. It's good to see some of these series that I thought were dead coming back.
This is actually probably my favorite so far in the series. I loved the setting, the spooky old sanitarium on an island in the middle of a snow storm. And I really love Meg. The fact that she's hard of hearing makes her all the more real to me.
The only thing that keeps this book from being perfect is the love interest. Or should I say love interests? I don't like Cole, the constantly gone boyfriend, who obviously cares more for sailing then Meg, but I really dislike the hinted at love triangle. That needs to be resolved one way or another (Although I admit, I favor Patrick over Cole). Either way, the dreaded love triangle trope results in an automatic 1 star downrate from me.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
June 24, 2019
Good friends Meg and Elle have similar taste and interests and now get to indulge themselves by choosing the furniture and things for the sets for a new miniseries filmed in their area. The building being used is a 1930s mansion on an island nearby. But it's December and that means lots of snow and using the ferry. It also meant a power outage while being stuck in the elderly household elevator. Which meant that they didn't get to know who committed the murder. Let the sleuthing begin!
The plot holds interest, lots of red herrings and twists, convincing suspects, and a much earlier murder to be reexamined. Loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
The plot holds interest, lots of red herrings and twists, convincing suspects, and a much earlier murder to be reexamined. Loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
March 6, 2024
Meg and her friend travel to a remote mansion to secure period pieces for a TV series set in the 1930s. It was a former mental asylum and the site of a decades old murder. It’s not long before history repeats itself, though, and after a long night trapped in an ancient elevator, Meg discovers a body in the basement, the victim killed in the same macabre way. Of course, Meg has to find out who the murderer is before another person falls victim to the same fate. It’s a well plotted tale, with its dark setting and mysterious characters. Power failures, dastardly doctors, and wild accusations all add to the charm of this delightful mystery. Just keep the lights on and stay out of elevators while you read this tale!
June 18, 2019
Friends, Meg and Elle have been chosen the enviable task of choosing period furniture for a television mystery series set in the 1930’s. A remote mansion has been chosen for the site of the series and although Meg and Elle are excited, they are also apprehensive after learning that the manor was formerly a mental asylum and the site of a horrific murder. Does the future imitate the past? In this new interesting series set in the Hamptons, all roads lead to mystery and murder. A good book and I look forward to see what next these friends can get into. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC for my honest review.
June 22, 2019
I'm happy this series is back because I really loved the previous installments.
I liked this one as well but somehow it seemed different from the others in the series.
Many it's due to the setting that is different, maybe it's due to fact that Meg is going to places where there can be dangerous and nothing ever happens.
On a general level this book was engrossing and entertaining, it was great to meet again the cast of characters, and the setting was amazing.
I hope there won't be any love triangle because they usually bores me to tears after a couple of installment.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked this one as well but somehow it seemed different from the others in the series.
Many it's due to the setting that is different, maybe it's due to fact that Meg is going to places where there can be dangerous and nothing ever happens.
On a general level this book was engrossing and entertaining, it was great to meet again the cast of characters, and the setting was amazing.
I hope there won't be any love triangle because they usually bores me to tears after a couple of installment.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
June 23, 2019
The fourth book in the Hamptons Home & Garden series is another great addition to the series. It's the Christmas season in the Hamptons and Meg and Elle are working at an island mansion selecting the perfect vintage decorations for period tv mini-series. While stuck at the mansion during a snow storm the mansion's owner is murdered in a way that echoes a decades old murder that also occurred at the mansion.
This is a well plotted mystery with great characters. I have read the other books in this series (if you haven't you're missing out) but this book works well as a stand-alone novel.
This is a well plotted mystery with great characters. I have read the other books in this series (if you haven't you're missing out) but this book works well as a stand-alone novel.
July 24, 2019
Meg and Elle, one has a nose for antiques and the other for poking it into other peoples’ business literally. Meg’s curiosity and her need to know attitude land them in trouble most of the time and this time, their job with the antique insurance company prove to be just that. I believe Meg curiosity would land her in serious trouble if she doesn’t curb her nosiness. She also needs to be decisive in which guy she really loves and stop letting her emotions rule her actions. An interesting intriguing and fun read.
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