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Murder Will Follow Mystery #3
Under the Guise of Death
In the City of Masks, deadly secrets are about to be revealed…
While attending a lavish masked ball in Venice, retired Scotland Yard detective Jasper has a shock when, at the midnight demasqué, he spots a woman whose accidental death he investigated in England three years ago.
Even more stunned than Jasper is the woman's husband, Lord Bantham, who has since remarried, not to mention his new wife who sees her acquired position and wealth slip away. Then there are her old friends who all seem to have known more about the 'accident' than they ever let on.
When the resurrected lady is found dead the next morning on one of Venice's many bridges, the question is: who wanted Lady Bantham to die, again?
The third book in the Murder Will Follow series, this is a gripping mystery perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Robert Thorogood.
While attending a lavish masked ball in Venice, retired Scotland Yard detective Jasper has a shock when, at the midnight demasqué, he spots a woman whose accidental death he investigated in England three years ago.
Even more stunned than Jasper is the woman's husband, Lord Bantham, who has since remarried, not to mention his new wife who sees her acquired position and wealth slip away. Then there are her old friends who all seem to have known more about the 'accident' than they ever let on.
When the resurrected lady is found dead the next morning on one of Venice's many bridges, the question is: who wanted Lady Bantham to die, again?
The third book in the Murder Will Follow series, this is a gripping mystery perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Robert Thorogood.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 30, 2024
After A Testament to Murder and Honeymoon with Death, this is the third Murder Will Follow Mystery, but you can read them all separately and in whichever order you want: they all have an entirely different setting and cast, the only recurring character is Jasper, a former Scotland Yard inspector who is now retired and on a mission to see a little more of the world. Unfortunately for Jasper, death seems to follow the poor bloke wherever he goes!
Under the Guise of Death is quite possibly my favourite instalment in the Murder Will Follow series so far. For one, it’s set in Venice. I’ve never been, but it’s on my travel bucket list and it’s such an atmospheric setting, one that speaks (loudly!) to the imagination. Moreover, this is a double mystery! Three years ago, Lady Bantham died in a car accident in England. Today, she appears on a balcony in Venice, wearing an ostentatious red flamenco dress. Hours later, she is found stabbed to death, clutching a single red rose. Is the woman in red the real Lady Bantham, and if she is, then who was the woman who died in her car all those years ago?
My dear friend Jasper is once more at the right place at the right time. Once again it’s up to Jasper to figure out whodunnit, but this time he also has to figure out what happened three years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed Jasper’s investigations, I loved thinking along with him, trying to find the killer among a plethora of suspects and thinking about what could possibly have happened in the car crash, and trying to figure out all the reasons why.
This year I’ve been rediscovering cosy crime novels, and I have Vivian Conroy to thank for my newly rediscovered love for historical cosy crime. This series has been scratching an Agatha Christie itch I didn’t even know I had! In the midst of all my thrillers with their CSI and data science and DNA / fibre / whatever analysis, I’ve been having loads of fun going back in time, back to basics, Poirot-style, just one sleuth puzzling and putting all the pieces together with little more to go on than his own little grey cells.
Like its predecessors, Under the Guise of Death is a quick, fun, pacey read full of intrigue, well thought out and very addictive. Vivian says in her acknowledgements that she hopes that Jasper’s adventures bring her readers joy, and provide a few hours of sleuthing fun, and I have to say: they most certainly do! Highly recommended to all fans of (historical) cosy crime, and a great place to start if you’re new to the genre and want to give it a whirl.
Under the Guise of Death is quite possibly my favourite instalment in the Murder Will Follow series so far. For one, it’s set in Venice. I’ve never been, but it’s on my travel bucket list and it’s such an atmospheric setting, one that speaks (loudly!) to the imagination. Moreover, this is a double mystery! Three years ago, Lady Bantham died in a car accident in England. Today, she appears on a balcony in Venice, wearing an ostentatious red flamenco dress. Hours later, she is found stabbed to death, clutching a single red rose. Is the woman in red the real Lady Bantham, and if she is, then who was the woman who died in her car all those years ago?
My dear friend Jasper is once more at the right place at the right time. Once again it’s up to Jasper to figure out whodunnit, but this time he also has to figure out what happened three years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed Jasper’s investigations, I loved thinking along with him, trying to find the killer among a plethora of suspects and thinking about what could possibly have happened in the car crash, and trying to figure out all the reasons why.
This year I’ve been rediscovering cosy crime novels, and I have Vivian Conroy to thank for my newly rediscovered love for historical cosy crime. This series has been scratching an Agatha Christie itch I didn’t even know I had! In the midst of all my thrillers with their CSI and data science and DNA / fibre / whatever analysis, I’ve been having loads of fun going back in time, back to basics, Poirot-style, just one sleuth puzzling and putting all the pieces together with little more to go on than his own little grey cells.
Like its predecessors, Under the Guise of Death is a quick, fun, pacey read full of intrigue, well thought out and very addictive. Vivian says in her acknowledgements that she hopes that Jasper’s adventures bring her readers joy, and provide a few hours of sleuthing fun, and I have to say: they most certainly do! Highly recommended to all fans of (historical) cosy crime, and a great place to start if you’re new to the genre and want to give it a whirl.
November 23, 2019
Set in the 1920s, we have beautiful secretive Venice with all its character, and then we have a British cast. Most of them arrogant, rich and confident with it. All with secrets to hide and histories they wish they could get rid of.
A retired Scotland Yard detective with murder following him wherever he goes. At a masked ball the reappearance of a woman who was supposed to have died in a fiery car accident three years ago sets the cat amongst the pigeons. For the present Lady Bantham, does it mean she is married to a bigamist if his first wife is not dead, for Lord Bantham with many secrets to hide does it mean his life is going to come to an end to Lovelane who is Olivia's father who had a love hate relationship with his only daughter what is the future and to everyone around the implications are enormous. The mysterious lady disappears in a flash but her dead body turns up on a bridge the next day and now the search starts.
The setting of Venice was detailed and descriptive. This alone is enough for me. Then the British characters were so on point - their colonial attitude does not die does it?? It added to the piquancy of the story which was a straight forward mystery as to who had actually died in the earlier car crash and who killed Olivia now and why. It was the story surrounding it that added to the flavour of the book.
I've read just one Vivian Conroy before this one and she is an author I will be looking out for.
A retired Scotland Yard detective with murder following him wherever he goes. At a masked ball the reappearance of a woman who was supposed to have died in a fiery car accident three years ago sets the cat amongst the pigeons. For the present Lady Bantham, does it mean she is married to a bigamist if his first wife is not dead, for Lord Bantham with many secrets to hide does it mean his life is going to come to an end to Lovelane who is Olivia's father who had a love hate relationship with his only daughter what is the future and to everyone around the implications are enormous. The mysterious lady disappears in a flash but her dead body turns up on a bridge the next day and now the search starts.
The setting of Venice was detailed and descriptive. This alone is enough for me. Then the British characters were so on point - their colonial attitude does not die does it?? It added to the piquancy of the story which was a straight forward mystery as to who had actually died in the earlier car crash and who killed Olivia now and why. It was the story surrounding it that added to the flavour of the book.
I've read just one Vivian Conroy before this one and she is an author I will be looking out for.
June 7, 2021
In the City of romance and love, a murder happens. Venice is a gorgeous city, fulfilled with love and desire. But under the mask of romance, lies a mystery that has to be solved. Three years ago, the wife of a respectable citizen dies in a car accident. Today, the rich husband has a new wife but the dead one appears to be alive. Everyone, even the inspector who worked on the case three years ago, thinks that there is some kind of logical explanation, but the dead wife dies again. This time, for real, on the most famous bridge in Venice.
The retired Scotland Yard detective Jasper lives in Venice now. He was working on the car accident case three years ago. It happened in England. Today, in Venice, the dead victim of car accident rises from the dead, just to die again.
Who is the dead woman?
Who killed her? The husband, his new wife, or the former lover?
Who died three years ago?
Venice supposed to be his retirement vacation. Detective Jasper has to solve his case all over again.
An intriguing mystery set in the city of masks. I had a feeling I was attending a masked ball while reading it. The story gives you the sence of being in the middle age, when people wore ball gowns and talked like in Shakespeare’s dramas. And yet, you are here, in twenty-first century, comfortably seated on your couch. An easy read , perfect for a relaxing afternoon. It is a third book in the series, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book. Jasper is adorable character, there is nothing out of ordinary about him, like in the other detective’s stories. I adore Venice, been there and always love reading stories set in Venice. Even the murderous ones.
The retired Scotland Yard detective Jasper lives in Venice now. He was working on the car accident case three years ago. It happened in England. Today, in Venice, the dead victim of car accident rises from the dead, just to die again.
Who is the dead woman?
Who killed her? The husband, his new wife, or the former lover?
Who died three years ago?
Venice supposed to be his retirement vacation. Detective Jasper has to solve his case all over again.
An intriguing mystery set in the city of masks. I had a feeling I was attending a masked ball while reading it. The story gives you the sence of being in the middle age, when people wore ball gowns and talked like in Shakespeare’s dramas. And yet, you are here, in twenty-first century, comfortably seated on your couch. An easy read , perfect for a relaxing afternoon. It is a third book in the series, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book. Jasper is adorable character, there is nothing out of ordinary about him, like in the other detective’s stories. I adore Venice, been there and always love reading stories set in Venice. Even the murderous ones.
July 2, 2025
Similarly to the previous in the series, this novel had many side storylines that turned out to be not so important for the main plot, or rather, these peripheral storylines could have been interesting if it wouldn't have been just a mention in a sentence.
Said that, we find ourselves on a masquerade ball in the city of Venice; a bit of a cliché, but it still has its charms.
The issue I had with this novel is that there was no indication the story was sent in the 1920; I would have loved a setting more true to the genre this novel belongs too.
Another thing, the surnames of some of the characters might have been read wrongly. I listened to the book so I can't know the spelling the author has used, but the surnames (as pronounced by the narrator) "Marcetti" and "Bianci" could have been actually written as "MarcHetti" and "BiancHi".
Would be interesting to get this confirmed (or not) by someone who read the book.
Said that, we find ourselves on a masquerade ball in the city of Venice; a bit of a cliché, but it still has its charms.
The issue I had with this novel is that there was no indication the story was sent in the 1920; I would have loved a setting more true to the genre this novel belongs too.
Another thing, the surnames of some of the characters might have been read wrongly. I listened to the book so I can't know the spelling the author has used, but the surnames (as pronounced by the narrator) "Marcetti" and "Bianci" could have been actually written as "MarcHetti" and "BiancHi".
Would be interesting to get this confirmed (or not) by someone who read the book.
February 11, 2020
If you enjoy murder mysteries written in a style similar to Agatha Christie, look no further - Vivian Conroy is her contemporary equivalent! This story is set in the 1920s where retired Scotland Yard detective Jasper is visiting his Venetian counterpart. Whilst there the two attend a masked ball where Jasper is surprised to recognise some of the guests from a case he investigated three years ago following the accidental death of a young lady, Lady Bantham, in a car crash. When the midnight demasqué also reveals that same young lady standing on the balcony, everyone is astounded - including her husband and his new wife, her lover, her best friend and her father. She quickly disappears but the next morning is found murdered on a bridge over a canal. Just who wanted her to really die this time? What happened three years ago? Who killed her?
With so many secrets, surprising revelations and possible motives this is a fascinating murder mystery. The people who knew her seem to have their own suppositions about what happened in the past that only now are being shared. Jasper can't resist endeavouring to discover what happened in the past as well as more recently but working in a foreign land can have its own detractions. This is an engrossing read, a page turner to keep you guessing until all the suspects are brought together for the denouement which is classic Christie in style! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys historical murder mysteries.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after finding this a fascinating and intriguing read.
With so many secrets, surprising revelations and possible motives this is a fascinating murder mystery. The people who knew her seem to have their own suppositions about what happened in the past that only now are being shared. Jasper can't resist endeavouring to discover what happened in the past as well as more recently but working in a foreign land can have its own detractions. This is an engrossing read, a page turner to keep you guessing until all the suspects are brought together for the denouement which is classic Christie in style! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys historical murder mysteries.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after finding this a fascinating and intriguing read.
December 1, 2019
‘Solving murders has been a huge part of my life, and somehow, even after I’ve moved away from London, murder keeps following me. But if I do enjoy anything about it, it’s piecing the clues together and unravelling the web of lies. I don’t find any pleasure in the lies themselves and the dark secrets I have to bring to light. I can only hope some good comes out of it, somehow.’
Thus speaks our hero, retired Scotland Yard detective Jasper at the end of this, his third outing in a classic Golden Age-set murder mystery. Each book can easily be read as a stand-alone, for Jasper is the only repeating character (other than his beloved Labrador, Red). Enjoying his retirement and living abroad, the lavish settings of the book give a background of privilege and class, amongst which dark secrets and deadly deeds abound.
The first wife of Lord Bantham was presumed to have been killed in a car crash three years ago; however, at a masked ball in Venice hosted by her father, she returns, only to be found dead later that evening. Jasper, fortunately for us, was also at the ball, a guest of the local police inspector. Jasper sets out on a series of one-to-one interviews with the motley crew of suspects: the ex-husband, his new wife, her brother, the ex-lover, the best friend, and so on. In each of the interviews red herrings are liberally dropped in, accusations fly, and each in turn tries to deflect the inspector’s attention on to someone else. In classic Golden Age style, the dénouement involves each of the suspects being invited back to the scene of the ball, instructed to wear the costumes they had on that particular evening, and Jasper explains how each of them could have done it, before finally revealing the murderer.
It’s all a piece of huge fun, an homage to the great writers of Golden Age detective fiction, and is the perfect way to pass away a wintry afternoon in front of the fire. The fun, of course, is to be had in trying to work out the clues, or simply to enjoy the tropes that makes these books so entertaining. It is, of course, preposterous that Jasper just happens to be there, or that he takes it upon himself to interview the suspects and trample over any semblance of police jurisdiction. But that, again, is what we want from this. The author does a wonderful job of keeping the action rattling along, and we don’t mind the two-dimensional stereotypes that inhabit this world. This is turning into a thoroughly enjoyable series, and I look forward to the next. 4 stars for a diverting, entertaining murder mystery.
Thus speaks our hero, retired Scotland Yard detective Jasper at the end of this, his third outing in a classic Golden Age-set murder mystery. Each book can easily be read as a stand-alone, for Jasper is the only repeating character (other than his beloved Labrador, Red). Enjoying his retirement and living abroad, the lavish settings of the book give a background of privilege and class, amongst which dark secrets and deadly deeds abound.
The first wife of Lord Bantham was presumed to have been killed in a car crash three years ago; however, at a masked ball in Venice hosted by her father, she returns, only to be found dead later that evening. Jasper, fortunately for us, was also at the ball, a guest of the local police inspector. Jasper sets out on a series of one-to-one interviews with the motley crew of suspects: the ex-husband, his new wife, her brother, the ex-lover, the best friend, and so on. In each of the interviews red herrings are liberally dropped in, accusations fly, and each in turn tries to deflect the inspector’s attention on to someone else. In classic Golden Age style, the dénouement involves each of the suspects being invited back to the scene of the ball, instructed to wear the costumes they had on that particular evening, and Jasper explains how each of them could have done it, before finally revealing the murderer.
It’s all a piece of huge fun, an homage to the great writers of Golden Age detective fiction, and is the perfect way to pass away a wintry afternoon in front of the fire. The fun, of course, is to be had in trying to work out the clues, or simply to enjoy the tropes that makes these books so entertaining. It is, of course, preposterous that Jasper just happens to be there, or that he takes it upon himself to interview the suspects and trample over any semblance of police jurisdiction. But that, again, is what we want from this. The author does a wonderful job of keeping the action rattling along, and we don’t mind the two-dimensional stereotypes that inhabit this world. This is turning into a thoroughly enjoyable series, and I look forward to the next. 4 stars for a diverting, entertaining murder mystery.
November 28, 2019
My thanks to Canelo for a digital edition via NetGalley of Vivian Conroy’s ‘Under the Guise of Death’ in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third in her ‘A Murder Will Follow’ series of cosy mysteries set in various locations in 1920s Europe and featuring Former Inspector Jasper of Scotland Yard. (It amuses me how Jasper is always introduced to others in this fashion).
Jasper is currently enjoying his retirement by touring various glamorous locales and it seems everywhere he goes murder follows!
This one is set in Venice where Jasper is visiting an old friend, who talks him into attending a lavish masquerade party. It turns out that the host, Sir James Lovelane, is known to Jasper as three years previously Jasper had investigated the death of his daughter, Lady Olivia Bantham, in a car accident. Lord Bantham and the new Lady Bantham are also in attendance.
At midnight as the guests unmask a mysterious woman dressed in red reveals herself briefly to be Olivia, Lady Bantham! She flees leaving chaos and confusion in her wake. Is it an elaborate hoax or is the original Lady Bantham somehow still alive? However, the next morning the woman’s body is discovered on one of Venice’s famous bridges and the mystery deepens.
This was a very clever whodunnit consciously created in the tradition of Agatha Christie. I have enjoyed all of this series and feel that they are going from strength to strength. Of the three this has been my favourite.
As in those classic English mysteries there is a convenient pool of suspects on hand and the traditional denouncement and unmasking takes place with Jasper demonstrating his sleuthing skills.
Conroy clearly has great fun playing with the tropes of Golden Age Detective Fiction while creating a sense of the lavish ambiance of 1920s Venice.
A very enjoyable read from start to finish. Hoping that in due course Former Inspector Jasper of Scotland Yard will travel on to another fabulous location where no doubt a murder or two will follow.
Highly recommended for lovers of historical cosy mysteries.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
This is the third in her ‘A Murder Will Follow’ series of cosy mysteries set in various locations in 1920s Europe and featuring Former Inspector Jasper of Scotland Yard. (It amuses me how Jasper is always introduced to others in this fashion).
Jasper is currently enjoying his retirement by touring various glamorous locales and it seems everywhere he goes murder follows!
This one is set in Venice where Jasper is visiting an old friend, who talks him into attending a lavish masquerade party. It turns out that the host, Sir James Lovelane, is known to Jasper as three years previously Jasper had investigated the death of his daughter, Lady Olivia Bantham, in a car accident. Lord Bantham and the new Lady Bantham are also in attendance.
At midnight as the guests unmask a mysterious woman dressed in red reveals herself briefly to be Olivia, Lady Bantham! She flees leaving chaos and confusion in her wake. Is it an elaborate hoax or is the original Lady Bantham somehow still alive? However, the next morning the woman’s body is discovered on one of Venice’s famous bridges and the mystery deepens.
This was a very clever whodunnit consciously created in the tradition of Agatha Christie. I have enjoyed all of this series and feel that they are going from strength to strength. Of the three this has been my favourite.
As in those classic English mysteries there is a convenient pool of suspects on hand and the traditional denouncement and unmasking takes place with Jasper demonstrating his sleuthing skills.
Conroy clearly has great fun playing with the tropes of Golden Age Detective Fiction while creating a sense of the lavish ambiance of 1920s Venice.
A very enjoyable read from start to finish. Hoping that in due course Former Inspector Jasper of Scotland Yard will travel on to another fabulous location where no doubt a murder or two will follow.
Highly recommended for lovers of historical cosy mysteries.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
November 7, 2019
As it happened with many of us, I discovered the pleasure in reading during my teens with Agatha Christie's novels, so the "Murder Will Follow" series is a complete joy for me. In this third book in the series, retired Scotland Yard detective Jasper is in Venice where he has to solve the death of a woman, whose death he already investigated three years before in England. A dead body coming back from the dead three years later? Sign me up!
As usual, we have a pretty complex mystery with plenty of suspects, all of them hiding some secrets. I love the stories where the suspects are all reunited at the end so the detective can unveil the murderer, but in this instance I found it a bit too long, needing all my senses while reading to try to keep track of all the facts.
Absolutely satisfaying murder mystery in a beautiful setting (special mention to the beautiful cover) and with a main character that's fast becoming one of my favorite detectives in today's mystery fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
As usual, we have a pretty complex mystery with plenty of suspects, all of them hiding some secrets. I love the stories where the suspects are all reunited at the end so the detective can unveil the murderer, but in this instance I found it a bit too long, needing all my senses while reading to try to keep track of all the facts.
Absolutely satisfaying murder mystery in a beautiful setting (special mention to the beautiful cover) and with a main character that's fast becoming one of my favorite detectives in today's mystery fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 28, 2019
In Under the Guise of Night, the first Lady Bantham is burned to death in an auto accident allegedly on her way to an assignation with her lover. Three years later, the new Lady Bantham is haunted by a figure that looks suspiciously like the other Lady Bantham. Former Scotland Yard detective Jasper is on hand at a masquerade in Venice when the first Lady Bentham is found murdered three years after she is declared dead in the auto accident by him. Where has she been? Who murdered her? And why? What does this mean for the legality of the second Lady Bentham’s marriage to Lord Bentham?
Under the Guise of Night effectively sets the mood just like a real Agatha Christie tale. There is a large suspect pool with individual clues spread about to eliminate them one by one. The twisty reveal during a confrontation in the ballroom was the perfect final touch. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!
Thanks to Canelo Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Under the Guise of Night effectively sets the mood just like a real Agatha Christie tale. There is a large suspect pool with individual clues spread about to eliminate them one by one. The twisty reveal during a confrontation in the ballroom was the perfect final touch. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!
Thanks to Canelo Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 24, 2019
Retired DI Jasper is in Venice visiting a friend and tags along to a ball where, much to his surprise he learns that the first Lady Bantham, whose death he investigated three years ago back in the UK is still alive. BUT, not for long. Her corpse is found the next day and Jasper is pressed into service interviewing some of the same people he interviewed the first time around, some of whom clearly lied to him. The second Lady Bantham is quite odious and while one might hope she would be the next victim or the prime suspects, there are others. This is a 1920s mystery with a fun cast of characters (and it seems like there are a lot of them at first). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Indeed, this would be catnip for Agatha Christie fans.
May 20, 2020
I must be missing something - so many 4-5 star reviews out there. Unlike the others, I did not feel Conroy did justice to the Venetian setting at all, nor did I care much for the protagonist and his ability to interview powerful people with absolutely no authority to do so. Lots of telling instead of showing. I did finish it, but am not likely to read any more in this series.
June 10, 2020
I found it hard going at first but once I got into the writer’s style and the setting of the book, it became hard to put down. The plot is rather far fetched and the characters are generally not particularly sympathetic but the exotic setting of Venice in the 1920s and the exotic social life carried the story well. I will read more of the writer’s work.
July 17, 2020
Another great story
Another great story in the 1920's cost crime series featuring ex Inspector Jasper. Set in the city of Venice this is an intriguing story with lots of twists and turns.I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
Another great story in the 1920's cost crime series featuring ex Inspector Jasper. Set in the city of Venice this is an intriguing story with lots of twists and turns.I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
July 30, 2021
A decent modern cozy mystery. One of the better ones as it adheres to the conventional murder mystery. Recommend this and others by Conroy. Enjoyable escape reading--so necessary this day and age!
November 24, 2019
Jasper once again attempts to enjoy a restful retirement vacation, but murder follows him. This time he is caught up in a murder tied to a previous case of his. The mystery was interesting with lots of twist and turns. I didn't like any of the characters. In the opening pages, I was really hoping the current Lady Bantham would be the murder victim. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads
June 9, 2020
3.5*
Set in Venice this murder mystery will have you whirring around from one character to another until ex-Scotland Yard, now retired, Inspector Jasper delivers with just a hint of Miss Marple or, perhaps, with the flourish of Poirot delivers the final exposé of Under the Guise of Death.
Vivian Conroy whilst delivering a splendid murder mystery spreads before the reader this stunning city of Venice evoking it’s decaying splendour which both mirrors and yet still, at least for a while, covers up the crumbling mores of the privileged class in this period.
I found Under the Guise of Death an enjoyable, well written and a thoroughly captivating book.
Full review on my blog.
Book: Purchased and thanks to Sophie at Canelo for the invite to read Under the Guise of Death by Vivian Conroy and Canelo for an eCopy via NetGalley . All thoughts are my own, I have not received any payment for this review.
Set in Venice this murder mystery will have you whirring around from one character to another until ex-Scotland Yard, now retired, Inspector Jasper delivers with just a hint of Miss Marple or, perhaps, with the flourish of Poirot delivers the final exposé of Under the Guise of Death.
Vivian Conroy whilst delivering a splendid murder mystery spreads before the reader this stunning city of Venice evoking it’s decaying splendour which both mirrors and yet still, at least for a while, covers up the crumbling mores of the privileged class in this period.
I found Under the Guise of Death an enjoyable, well written and a thoroughly captivating book.
Full review on my blog.
Book: Purchased and thanks to Sophie at Canelo for the invite to read Under the Guise of Death by Vivian Conroy and Canelo for an eCopy via NetGalley . All thoughts are my own, I have not received any payment for this review.
December 2, 2019
My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Canelo for the ARC.
Well, I can understand the author stating her love for Agatha Christie - because this is identifiably A.C. I haven't read the previous 2 books in this series but this caused no problems.
Retired Scotland Yard Detective Jasper, now living on the Riviera, is visiting his friend Alessandro Vernassi, himself a top policeman in Venice. They attend a lavish masked ball hosted by Sir James Lovelane who prompts Jasper to recall that he had investigated the death of Sir James's daughter Olivia 3 years previously in England. Olivia was married to Lord Bantham. The death was ruled accidental - her car came off the road, hit a tree and caught fire. Her maid Agnes disappeared after apparently selling-off her mistress's jewels in London.
Lord Bantham has remarried and, with the new Lady Penelope Bantham, as well as Penelope's brother George Arundell, are attending the masked ball.
Leonardo Biancci is a young, talented violinist, tutored under the guardianship of Marcheti. They were both at the party at the Bentham estate the night before Olivia died - they are both at the masked ball. Leonardo is engaged to an older widow, Giulieta Calvieri, whom he does not love, but is a convenient source of wealth for Marcheti.
Larissa Kenwood was Lady Olivia's friend but was spurned by Lord Bantham following Olivia's death, so she became friends with the new Lady Penelope to stay close to the Lord. She's also attending the masked ball.
There we have the main characters (Oh! not forgetting Jasper's dog, Red).
On the strike of midnight the unmasking takes place; on a balcony above the ballroom the (dead) Lady Olivia Bantham appears, in a red flamenco dress she wore 3 years previously at the party in England.
Chaos ensues. Sir James asks Jasper to investigate the meaning of the appearance - she's dead, it couldn't be her, except the next morning her body is found on a bridge spanning the canal where she had been stabbed.
Why did Olivia decide to make her appearance from the dead, now? Who was in the car crash? Who has to gain from all this?
Jasper is dogged by memories of not investigating the original car crash in any real depth and, with all the main players now in Venice, he's determined to find out what's going on, despite not being able to access any local law enforcement support.
This is a rather complicated plot in true A.C. style, however, I did find the narrative to be rather drawn-out and at times repetitive, and felt like saying 'please, just get on with it'.
3.5 stars really.
Still a good, absorbing read
Well, I can understand the author stating her love for Agatha Christie - because this is identifiably A.C. I haven't read the previous 2 books in this series but this caused no problems.
Retired Scotland Yard Detective Jasper, now living on the Riviera, is visiting his friend Alessandro Vernassi, himself a top policeman in Venice. They attend a lavish masked ball hosted by Sir James Lovelane who prompts Jasper to recall that he had investigated the death of Sir James's daughter Olivia 3 years previously in England. Olivia was married to Lord Bantham. The death was ruled accidental - her car came off the road, hit a tree and caught fire. Her maid Agnes disappeared after apparently selling-off her mistress's jewels in London.
Lord Bantham has remarried and, with the new Lady Penelope Bantham, as well as Penelope's brother George Arundell, are attending the masked ball.
Leonardo Biancci is a young, talented violinist, tutored under the guardianship of Marcheti. They were both at the party at the Bentham estate the night before Olivia died - they are both at the masked ball. Leonardo is engaged to an older widow, Giulieta Calvieri, whom he does not love, but is a convenient source of wealth for Marcheti.
Larissa Kenwood was Lady Olivia's friend but was spurned by Lord Bantham following Olivia's death, so she became friends with the new Lady Penelope to stay close to the Lord. She's also attending the masked ball.
There we have the main characters (Oh! not forgetting Jasper's dog, Red).
On the strike of midnight the unmasking takes place; on a balcony above the ballroom the (dead) Lady Olivia Bantham appears, in a red flamenco dress she wore 3 years previously at the party in England.
Chaos ensues. Sir James asks Jasper to investigate the meaning of the appearance - she's dead, it couldn't be her, except the next morning her body is found on a bridge spanning the canal where she had been stabbed.
Why did Olivia decide to make her appearance from the dead, now? Who was in the car crash? Who has to gain from all this?
Jasper is dogged by memories of not investigating the original car crash in any real depth and, with all the main players now in Venice, he's determined to find out what's going on, despite not being able to access any local law enforcement support.
This is a rather complicated plot in true A.C. style, however, I did find the narrative to be rather drawn-out and at times repetitive, and felt like saying 'please, just get on with it'.
3.5 stars really.
Still a good, absorbing read
November 7, 2019
This was a fun murder mystery that I didn’t know the answer to before the denouement - unusual for me.
At the beginning of the book (Chapters 1 and 2) there were too many characters introduced too quickly, with their stories and I just can’t keep track. However, once I started on Chapter 3, it all seemed to come together and make sense.
I found the final scene going around accusing each person in turn a little tedious. Other than this scene, the story held my attention throughout, though I disliked pretty much all the characters. There were just too many dark secrets and people with ill intent for my personal taste, I like my murder mysteries a little fluffier!
Overall, this is a solid and interesting murder mystery, just a little darker than my personal taste.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
At the beginning of the book (Chapters 1 and 2) there were too many characters introduced too quickly, with their stories and I just can’t keep track. However, once I started on Chapter 3, it all seemed to come together and make sense.
I found the final scene going around accusing each person in turn a little tedious. Other than this scene, the story held my attention throughout, though I disliked pretty much all the characters. There were just too many dark secrets and people with ill intent for my personal taste, I like my murder mysteries a little fluffier!
Overall, this is a solid and interesting murder mystery, just a little darker than my personal taste.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2020
Set in atmospheric and dramatic Venice Jasper finds himself embroiled in another murder investigation. The drama takes place at an iconic masked ball closely followed a death.
There are many people with a motive for murder and Jasper painstakingly investigates all of them, in his imitable style. The 1920's setting is vibrant, and the cast of characters secretive and vividly portrayed. The plot is complex full of misinformation and twists that keep you guessing.
This Agatha Christie-style mystery has all the ingredients glamorous golden age setting, complex characters with realistic motivations for murder and an enigmatic detective who outwits them all.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
There are many people with a motive for murder and Jasper painstakingly investigates all of them, in his imitable style. The 1920's setting is vibrant, and the cast of characters secretive and vividly portrayed. The plot is complex full of misinformation and twists that keep you guessing.
This Agatha Christie-style mystery has all the ingredients glamorous golden age setting, complex characters with realistic motivations for murder and an enigmatic detective who outwits them all.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 29, 2023
Set in Venice, this classical english mystery takes one down the road of a daughter, wife, lover and best friend coming back to life. After some years from being identified as having died in England in a car accident, she pops up at the masquerade function where all her nearest and dearest attend.
The reader is take on a merry ride in this story, with twisted and turns just when they think they are steering straight, lots of suspects and and many secrets to be teased out, with a good ending.
The reader is take on a merry ride in this story, with twisted and turns just when they think they are steering straight, lots of suspects and and many secrets to be teased out, with a good ending.
November 15, 2019
This is an addition to a great series I looked forward to reading. Once Jasper is on his travels this time in Venice and ends up being embroiled in another murder that had has a personnel attachment to in his detectives past. This series does put one in mind of the old stories written i n the golden age of crime. The book is exceptionally readable and again the reveal is not one that you have seen coming from the start of the book. I look forward to the next in this series
November 29, 2019
This is a lovely historical cozy mystery I read in one setting as I couldn't put it down.
It's quite fast paced, full of twists and turns and I loved the atmosphere and the description of Venice.
The cast of characters is interesting and well thought.
The mystery is solid and well crafted, it kept me guessing and the solution came as a surprise.
I can't wait for the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's quite fast paced, full of twists and turns and I loved the atmosphere and the description of Venice.
The cast of characters is interesting and well thought.
The mystery is solid and well crafted, it kept me guessing and the solution came as a surprise.
I can't wait for the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
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