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Lady Adelaide Mystery #3
Just Make Believe
A week-long house party in the country―why not? Lady Adelaide has nothing else to do, now that her year of mourning for her unfaithful husband is up, and her plans to rekindle her romantic life have backfired. But when her hostess is found dead on the conservatory floor, Addie knows just who to call―Detective Inspector Devenand Hunter of Scotland Yard.
Dev may not want to kiss Addie again, but he's anxious to solve the crime. Who would want to kill Pamela, the beautiful wife of one of Britain's greatest Great War heroes? Certainly not her devoted and wheelchair-bound husband, Sir Hugh Fernald. The other guests seem equally innocent and improbable.
But despite all appearances, something is very wrong at Fernald Hall―there's a body buried in the garden, and the governess has fallen down the stairs to her death. Who's next? Addie and Dev must work together to stop another murder, and they have some help thanks to Rupert, Addie's late and unlamented husband. Rupert needs to make amends for his louche life on earth, and what better way to earn his celestial wings than catch a killer?
Dev may not want to kiss Addie again, but he's anxious to solve the crime. Who would want to kill Pamela, the beautiful wife of one of Britain's greatest Great War heroes? Certainly not her devoted and wheelchair-bound husband, Sir Hugh Fernald. The other guests seem equally innocent and improbable.
But despite all appearances, something is very wrong at Fernald Hall―there's a body buried in the garden, and the governess has fallen down the stairs to her death. Who's next? Addie and Dev must work together to stop another murder, and they have some help thanks to Rupert, Addie's late and unlamented husband. Rupert needs to make amends for his louche life on earth, and what better way to earn his celestial wings than catch a killer?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2020
130 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Robinson
41 books363 followersMaggie Robinson is a former teacher, library clerk and mother of four who woke up in the middle of the night, absolutely compelled to create the perfect man and use as many adverbs as possible doing so. A transplanted New Yorker, she lives with her not-quite perfect husband in Maine, where the cold winters are ideal for staying inside and writing hot historical romances and her latest venture, the Lady Adelaide Mysteries. Her books have been translated into nine languages.
She also wrote two erotic historical romances as Margaret Rowe.
She also wrote two erotic historical romances as Margaret Rowe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 21, 2022
I have mixed feelings about rating this book. I really enjoy the writing and the setting up the background for the murders, but the story just stalled in the middle. There were no hints on who did it, no pointers in the story for the reader to follow. The absence of romance between the main characters was notable other than longing on the part of Addie. Then came the end and it was an odd one. I would rate it 3.5* and I plan to read the next book in the series.
July 31, 2025
Rated 3 stars. Read Libby Kindle while listening to Hoopla Audio. Enjoyable narration by Gemma Dawson. No spoilers in this review.
This is #3 in the Lady Adelaide historical mystery series. Set in 1920's England. I really like the main character, "Addie", who is a young widow. There is a light paranormal setting involving her late husband, Rupert, who died in a car accident with one of his many mistresses. So throughout the series his ghost pops up to help Addie when she becomes involved in murder investigations.
Detective Dev Hunter of Scotland Yard is back as there are THREE suspicious deaths in this episode. Cute romantic vibes between Addie & Dev.
This series is a fun read for when I need a lighter reading experience. I understand that #4 is the final book in the series. Will miss Lady Addie & friends but at least the author isn't dragging the series on and on!
This is #3 in the Lady Adelaide historical mystery series. Set in 1920's England. I really like the main character, "Addie", who is a young widow. There is a light paranormal setting involving her late husband, Rupert, who died in a car accident with one of his many mistresses. So throughout the series his ghost pops up to help Addie when she becomes involved in murder investigations.
Detective Dev Hunter of Scotland Yard is back as there are THREE suspicious deaths in this episode. Cute romantic vibes between Addie & Dev.
This series is a fun read for when I need a lighter reading experience. I understand that #4 is the final book in the series. Will miss Lady Addie & friends but at least the author isn't dragging the series on and on!
August 5, 2024
I really love this series. It's so much fun, as an observer, to "watch" the interaction between Addie and her philandering cad of a ghost husband. Trying, it seems to earn his way into heaven, Rupert is back trying to help Addie solve three murders she encounters at a friends' house party. Addie and Dev can't seem to help get closer to each other, but there are still obstacles in their way--Dev's family and, naturally, Rupert. I had suspected one of the murderers but not the other. Good read.
May 25, 2020
I'm really enjoying this series and I was lucky enough to receive a copy from the author in advance of publication. Some familiar faces reappear, some of them among the suspects, when murder disrupts a country house party, and once again Lady Adelaide is assisted in her sleuthing by Dev Hunter, the handsome detective assigned to the case, and by her late husband, a ghost who keeps popping up at the most inconvenient times, albeit usually with useful clues to share. He can, after all, listen in unseen and snoop without fear of being caught, both handy attributes when it comes to solving crimes. I'm already looking forward to the fourth entry in this series, due out in 2021.
September 8, 2020
I was really saddened by how much this didn't work for me. I skipped the second book in the series but none of the interpersonal relationships had really advanced beyond that book - Addie and Dev are in the same holding pattern, Addie and Rupert ditto - and the pacing was... really awkward; we see Addie meet with Dev and then double back so we can have a few pages of her making the decision to meet with Dev, e.g. The mystery isn't so much solved as the book reaches the end. The villain Confesses All at the end for no apparent reason. The 1920s references seem shoehorned in and there are occasionally grating Americanisms/modernisms. The first book was so great, but this one was just... more of the same, done less well.
August 8, 2020
I enjoy these stories and the characters. I do wish Addie's character would move ahead with her romance with the Inspector, though and hope the author does not drag out the "will they or won't they" part of this series.
Otherwise, this was a good read. I was a little surprised by the solution and liked the couple of red herrings.
I'll be watching for the next installment.
Otherwise, this was a good read. I was a little surprised by the solution and liked the couple of red herrings.
I'll be watching for the next installment.
September 3, 2020
This is a charming series set in post WWI England, featuring Lady Adelaide, a very bright widow who is decidedly not mourning her dead philandering husband -- and since he is still appearing (only to her) she finds him tremendously annoying. Funny and quite bantering. This time around Addie goes to the classic British house party weekend where the hostess winds up dead. Further investigation shows that she is not exactly the paragon everyone expected.
August 19, 2020
Just Make Believe is a lighthearted murder mystery with lots of laugh-out-loud moments interspersed with the more serious aspects of identifying the killer(s). Taking place in 1925, the narrative is true to the post-Great War era of the 'Bright Young Things,' the original "party animals.
Addie and Dev make an unusual pair (with Rupert regularly throwing in his two-cents'-worth), working together to figure out who's behind the several mysterious murders. Of course, there are quite a few red herrings thrown in to confuse the reader. My one complaint is that the story seems to move along at an uneven pace . . . sometimes too slowly and sometimes it jumps ahead unexpectedly. Maggie Robinson has come up with a clever variation on the murder-mystery-detective trope.
Addie and Dev make an unusual pair (with Rupert regularly throwing in his two-cents'-worth), working together to figure out who's behind the several mysterious murders. Of course, there are quite a few red herrings thrown in to confuse the reader. My one complaint is that the story seems to move along at an uneven pace . . . sometimes too slowly and sometimes it jumps ahead unexpectedly. Maggie Robinson has come up with a clever variation on the murder-mystery-detective trope.
April 25, 2021
It’s been a while since I read a mystery and even longer since I read one with a historical setting, but it has been nice to return to what used to be my favourite genre. As for the story? That was nice too. I hope that doesn’t sound as if I’m damning the book with faint praise. I enjoyed the tale; it just didn’t have the wow factor. Of course, that may be because I was reading the third story in a series without having read the first two.
Lady Adelaide is a young aristocrat and has been widowed for a few years when this story starts. Her husband cheated on her all through their marriage and even after his death he won’t tormenting her. His ghost haunts her, mostly to assist her when she runs into murder, but he’s not beyond teasing and infuriating her. What is more, the information he shares with her, while usually right, is never complete enough to provide her with a solution to the mystery she’s facing.
Enter Dev Hunter. As a Detective Inspector, he’s well out of Lady Adelaide's (Addie’s) social circle and therefore league. The fact that he’s also half Indian, only makes the social gap between them wider. Unfortunately, none of that lessens the attraction simmering between them, although Dev is determined to keep his distance and, in this book at least, he succeeds in not repeating the kiss they (apparently) shared in an earlier instalment.
As for murder(s), there’s a lot going on in this book. It may start with the suspicious death of Addie’s hostess, but it isn’t long before a much older crime is uncovered and soon followed by another suspicious death. I think that’s where the story fell down a little for me. The reader doesn’t really get the opportunity to get involved in the investigation. Almost everything Addie discovers is the direct result of her ghostly former husband providing her with information. What’s more, very little of Dev’s investigation takes place on the page. We learn bits and pieces from his thoughts and his conversations with Addie, but for me, there was a significant lack of clues and red herrings in this book. In fact, I had the culprit pinpointed early on in the book, not so much based on what was in the story but more as a result of having read a lot of mysteries in the part and this mystery followed a not unfamiliar pattern. What’s more, the murder(s) in this book aren’t really solved. The ghost provides the answer which, of course, means Addie can’t explain where she gets her information from, and the culprit confesses for reasons that are unclear and unexplained.
Having said all that, I did enjoy this book. In star ratings, I would say this is a solid 3.5. It wasn’t a real page-turner for me but returning to the story was no hardship. I liked Addie and Dev and enjoyed reading about British society on the verge of major changes in social structure and female liberation. In fact, I liked it so much that I’m now determined to read the next book in the series too. The ending of this one introduced the next mystery and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Lady Adelaide is a young aristocrat and has been widowed for a few years when this story starts. Her husband cheated on her all through their marriage and even after his death he won’t tormenting her. His ghost haunts her, mostly to assist her when she runs into murder, but he’s not beyond teasing and infuriating her. What is more, the information he shares with her, while usually right, is never complete enough to provide her with a solution to the mystery she’s facing.
Enter Dev Hunter. As a Detective Inspector, he’s well out of Lady Adelaide's (Addie’s) social circle and therefore league. The fact that he’s also half Indian, only makes the social gap between them wider. Unfortunately, none of that lessens the attraction simmering between them, although Dev is determined to keep his distance and, in this book at least, he succeeds in not repeating the kiss they (apparently) shared in an earlier instalment.
As for murder(s), there’s a lot going on in this book. It may start with the suspicious death of Addie’s hostess, but it isn’t long before a much older crime is uncovered and soon followed by another suspicious death. I think that’s where the story fell down a little for me. The reader doesn’t really get the opportunity to get involved in the investigation. Almost everything Addie discovers is the direct result of her ghostly former husband providing her with information. What’s more, very little of Dev’s investigation takes place on the page. We learn bits and pieces from his thoughts and his conversations with Addie, but for me, there was a significant lack of clues and red herrings in this book. In fact, I had the culprit pinpointed early on in the book, not so much based on what was in the story but more as a result of having read a lot of mysteries in the part and this mystery followed a not unfamiliar pattern. What’s more, the murder(s) in this book aren’t really solved. The ghost provides the answer which, of course, means Addie can’t explain where she gets her information from, and the culprit confesses for reasons that are unclear and unexplained.
Having said all that, I did enjoy this book. In star ratings, I would say this is a solid 3.5. It wasn’t a real page-turner for me but returning to the story was no hardship. I liked Addie and Dev and enjoyed reading about British society on the verge of major changes in social structure and female liberation. In fact, I liked it so much that I’m now determined to read the next book in the series too. The ending of this one introduced the next mystery and I’m looking forward to reading it.
September 30, 2021
Oh, Ms. Robinson...!!! I'm rather surprised this book was published, I would have to go back through my bookcases and check, but I think a plot VERY SIMILAR to this one was written by Margaret Erskine, I just am not sure which title.
I kept having the feeling that I had read this book before, and I even could predict what (and why) would happen next. I kept checking the front of the book for the publish date, but no, it's a fairly recent publish, and even thought it might resemble a Christie book but wasn't sure, (it's not a Christie).
Finally, when I predicted the who, what, why, when and where based on what I thought I had read before and was remembering, I was pretty sure there was an "almost" duplicate out there somewhere.
The difference is there is a ghost in this one and it's set in the 1920's where the other one had no ghost and was set in an earlier time period.
I know this is a serious allegation to make, and I know that there is no such thing as an original idea. I also know that if you've read enough, especially cozy mysteries like I have, you are bound to run across some similarities to other authors. But, holy cow!! Once I read that one of the main character's husbands was in a wheelchair, with a personal man servant to take care of him, I knew she would be the victim. I even knew she would be pregnant and that his mother did it with poison, because once her son knew his wife was going to have a baby that she had been cheating on him and he would be devastated. I even knew the mother would eventually drink the poison herself to keep from going to jail.
All this memory was triggered by just reading that he was in a wheelchair, and had been for almost all of their marriage, and that she was still young-ish and very beautiful.
Therefore, I am very disappointed in Ms. Robinson. She is a better author than that and has a wonderful series going without having to result in near plagiarizing.
I continued to read this book because I wanted to see for myself if I could predict what would happen next based on what I thought I remembered having read before, and I will give this author a second chance and read her next offering.
I believe everyone deserves a second chance and she is a good author who may have just made a mistake. But she only gets one pass. I love reading and keep the books I enjoy most, which is why I have floor to ceiling bookcases in almost every room of my house. Therefore, I consider author's works to be almost sacred and for another person to plagiarize is, to me, a terrible offense. This said, I absolutely cannot, in good conscience, recommend this book.
It's a shame that the books tend to bleed into one another, and, although you can read one without having read the one before, it's always more enjoyable to read them in order. Still, I DO NOT recommend this book.
I kept having the feeling that I had read this book before, and I even could predict what (and why) would happen next. I kept checking the front of the book for the publish date, but no, it's a fairly recent publish, and even thought it might resemble a Christie book but wasn't sure, (it's not a Christie).
Finally, when I predicted the who, what, why, when and where based on what I thought I had read before and was remembering, I was pretty sure there was an "almost" duplicate out there somewhere.
The difference is there is a ghost in this one and it's set in the 1920's where the other one had no ghost and was set in an earlier time period.
I know this is a serious allegation to make, and I know that there is no such thing as an original idea. I also know that if you've read enough, especially cozy mysteries like I have, you are bound to run across some similarities to other authors. But, holy cow!! Once I read that one of the main character's husbands was in a wheelchair, with a personal man servant to take care of him, I knew she would be the victim. I even knew she would be pregnant and that his mother did it with poison, because once her son knew his wife was going to have a baby that she had been cheating on him and he would be devastated. I even knew the mother would eventually drink the poison herself to keep from going to jail.
All this memory was triggered by just reading that he was in a wheelchair, and had been for almost all of their marriage, and that she was still young-ish and very beautiful.
Therefore, I am very disappointed in Ms. Robinson. She is a better author than that and has a wonderful series going without having to result in near plagiarizing.
I continued to read this book because I wanted to see for myself if I could predict what would happen next based on what I thought I remembered having read before, and I will give this author a second chance and read her next offering.
I believe everyone deserves a second chance and she is a good author who may have just made a mistake. But she only gets one pass. I love reading and keep the books I enjoy most, which is why I have floor to ceiling bookcases in almost every room of my house. Therefore, I consider author's works to be almost sacred and for another person to plagiarize is, to me, a terrible offense. This said, I absolutely cannot, in good conscience, recommend this book.
It's a shame that the books tend to bleed into one another, and, although you can read one without having read the one before, it's always more enjoyable to read them in order. Still, I DO NOT recommend this book.
July 14, 2020
Originally posted on Smitten by Books Review Blog
3.5 Stars
Lady Adelaide (Addie) Compton was certainly not looking to be involved in another murder investigation, but… such is the way of the world, one does not always get to choose our best circumstance. With the current state of affairs, a house in unrest and an exuberant, meddling ghost for a late husband…mischief, murder and mayhem are sure to transpire. Just Make Believe by Maggie Robinson delivers an endless and entertaining murder-‐mystery that will leave you guessing until the last minute.
Set in 1925, in South West England, a recently widowed Addie, finds herself accepting an invitation to a party at Fernald Hall, home of Lady Pamela and her husband, Sir Hugh Fernald. Troubled by her connection to her dead, yet haunting ghost of her late husband and a recent failed love attempt with a certain Detective Inspector, Addie sets off with resolve to have a splendid couple of days amongst acquaintances; old and new and perhaps… a bit of flirtatious fun.
The festivities at Fernald Hall, start off with a horse ride through the beautiful grounds of the estate. Not the most enthusiastic rider and a bit out sorts on a horse, Addie takes a fall and conjures the unwanted reappearance of her late husband’s ghost. Laden with the task to protect Addie in order to ascend, Major Rupert Charles Cressleigh Compton, will once again aide Addie in the murder investigation soon to befall over Fernald Hall.
Leading an ambitious investigation, Detective Inspector Devenand Hunter of Scotland Yard, knows he mustn’t be distracted by the presence of Lady Adelaide. It’s been three months since that memorable kiss and one he won’t permit himself to repeat. Besides, with the number of guests and the household staff, the list of suspects is sure to entail all of his efforts.
An assortment of reserved and unforthcoming characters lends to an extensive (long) plot filled with complicated developments in the investigation. I was highly entertained by the amusing Rupert and his jocular relationship with Addie, much to her objection and disapproval of his presence. I enjoyed reading the dialogue of the time period and the customs the characters still practiced were interesting. The relationship between the composed, Detective Inspector Devenand and Addie’s intemperate thoughts make for an anticipated narrative. Overall, the story was good, if a bit long. When murder-‐mystery is the theme, how many murders in one storyline are too many? Personally, I’d like to enjoy a cup of tea with the spirited, Rupert.
~ Patricia
3.5 Stars
Lady Adelaide (Addie) Compton was certainly not looking to be involved in another murder investigation, but… such is the way of the world, one does not always get to choose our best circumstance. With the current state of affairs, a house in unrest and an exuberant, meddling ghost for a late husband…mischief, murder and mayhem are sure to transpire. Just Make Believe by Maggie Robinson delivers an endless and entertaining murder-‐mystery that will leave you guessing until the last minute.
Set in 1925, in South West England, a recently widowed Addie, finds herself accepting an invitation to a party at Fernald Hall, home of Lady Pamela and her husband, Sir Hugh Fernald. Troubled by her connection to her dead, yet haunting ghost of her late husband and a recent failed love attempt with a certain Detective Inspector, Addie sets off with resolve to have a splendid couple of days amongst acquaintances; old and new and perhaps… a bit of flirtatious fun.
The festivities at Fernald Hall, start off with a horse ride through the beautiful grounds of the estate. Not the most enthusiastic rider and a bit out sorts on a horse, Addie takes a fall and conjures the unwanted reappearance of her late husband’s ghost. Laden with the task to protect Addie in order to ascend, Major Rupert Charles Cressleigh Compton, will once again aide Addie in the murder investigation soon to befall over Fernald Hall.
Leading an ambitious investigation, Detective Inspector Devenand Hunter of Scotland Yard, knows he mustn’t be distracted by the presence of Lady Adelaide. It’s been three months since that memorable kiss and one he won’t permit himself to repeat. Besides, with the number of guests and the household staff, the list of suspects is sure to entail all of his efforts.
An assortment of reserved and unforthcoming characters lends to an extensive (long) plot filled with complicated developments in the investigation. I was highly entertained by the amusing Rupert and his jocular relationship with Addie, much to her objection and disapproval of his presence. I enjoyed reading the dialogue of the time period and the customs the characters still practiced were interesting. The relationship between the composed, Detective Inspector Devenand and Addie’s intemperate thoughts make for an anticipated narrative. Overall, the story was good, if a bit long. When murder-‐mystery is the theme, how many murders in one storyline are too many? Personally, I’d like to enjoy a cup of tea with the spirited, Rupert.
~ Patricia
July 27, 2021
The year is 1925. The scene is a very English house party. The guests are generally a part of the “smart set”. The host is an injured war hero. He and his beautiful wife were a well known society couple before the war. Now, they live a more private life.
Adelaide is a young widow. She has been invited to the house party because she has known Hugo, the host, since they were children. His injuries were severe and he is confined to a wheel chair. Pamela, Hugo’s wife, and Addie have been friends for a time. The house party should be a lovely relaxing time. Of course when the bodies start turning up, it is not quite so relaxing.
And one thing about Adelaide, nearly everywhere she goes her late husband goes with her. Rupert was a war hero, an RAF ace. He died in an auto accident. He was accompanied by his latest mistress. Rupert was a man who seldom saw a woman who did not become a conquest. His reputation for affairs is one of the reasons he has not been accepted into heaven. He believes that if he does enough good deeds, he will make his way to his final reward.
Recently, most of his good deeds have been when he and Addie were involved in solving mysteries. All the mysteries involved dead bodies. It is amazing what one ghost can learn when no one can see him nor hear him. Addie is the only person who communicates with Rupert. He likes it that way, Addie just becomes startled when he pops up.
Ms Robinson has created a really fun story. This is the third in a series, but it works as a stand alone read.
The mystery is quite well done. I thought I had it solved several times. I was wrong.
The characters are interesting and entertaining. Even the secondary characters add a great deal to the story. But, Addie and Rupert are the two who truly shine. They are both humorous. And it is obvious that in spite of his history, the deep affection they felt for one another is still right there between them.
Rupert is even willing to help Addie with her friendship with the Scotland Yard detective who is investigating this series of deaths.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good British mystery. But, to really enjoy it even more, I suggest you start at the beginning with Nobody’s Sweetheart Now.
Adelaide is a young widow. She has been invited to the house party because she has known Hugo, the host, since they were children. His injuries were severe and he is confined to a wheel chair. Pamela, Hugo’s wife, and Addie have been friends for a time. The house party should be a lovely relaxing time. Of course when the bodies start turning up, it is not quite so relaxing.
And one thing about Adelaide, nearly everywhere she goes her late husband goes with her. Rupert was a war hero, an RAF ace. He died in an auto accident. He was accompanied by his latest mistress. Rupert was a man who seldom saw a woman who did not become a conquest. His reputation for affairs is one of the reasons he has not been accepted into heaven. He believes that if he does enough good deeds, he will make his way to his final reward.
Recently, most of his good deeds have been when he and Addie were involved in solving mysteries. All the mysteries involved dead bodies. It is amazing what one ghost can learn when no one can see him nor hear him. Addie is the only person who communicates with Rupert. He likes it that way, Addie just becomes startled when he pops up.
Ms Robinson has created a really fun story. This is the third in a series, but it works as a stand alone read.
The mystery is quite well done. I thought I had it solved several times. I was wrong.
The characters are interesting and entertaining. Even the secondary characters add a great deal to the story. But, Addie and Rupert are the two who truly shine. They are both humorous. And it is obvious that in spite of his history, the deep affection they felt for one another is still right there between them.
Rupert is even willing to help Addie with her friendship with the Scotland Yard detective who is investigating this series of deaths.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good British mystery. But, to really enjoy it even more, I suggest you start at the beginning with Nobody’s Sweetheart Now.
May 24, 2021
😽😻📚Claire Bear & Mel Mel's Book Reviews 📚😻😽 'Just Make Believe' by Maggie Robinson.
Genre: Cosy Murder Mystery
About the Book: This is the Third book in the Lady Adelaide (Lady A) series. Lady A is feeling down in the dumps and attends a week-long party In the country. Lady A is soon informed by her 'dead husband' that a murder will soon occur and the next day the hostess is found dead on the conservatory floor. Lady A knows who just to call and she finds out a lot more than she ever thought possible.
My Review: Lady A is witty, strong and funny as always. Rupert is back being charming yet I want to slap him on the back of his ghostly head everytime I find out about the repeated times he has cheated on Lady A when he was alive. The mystery is intriguing, I enjoyed how it developed throughout the story. I feel the author does a great job of showing awareness of how a lot of men in the 1920s felt they couldn't show their emotions due to having to have a 'macho' appearance. I feel this is still relevant today. The countryside manor and 1920's era is described beautifully without being overly descriptive.
It is very frustrating to see that one of the main relationships in the story has still not developed any further and this is the third book in the series! It is slightly off putting for the next book. This novel is not as strong as the other two.
Triggers - Murder and Martial Affairs.
Maggie has announced the fourth novel of this series to come out in September 2021.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
If you would like to see more of my Book Reviews please visit - www.goodreads.com/clairebearmelmel
Or clairebearmelmel on Instagram
Genre: Cosy Murder Mystery
About the Book: This is the Third book in the Lady Adelaide (Lady A) series. Lady A is feeling down in the dumps and attends a week-long party In the country. Lady A is soon informed by her 'dead husband' that a murder will soon occur and the next day the hostess is found dead on the conservatory floor. Lady A knows who just to call and she finds out a lot more than she ever thought possible.
My Review: Lady A is witty, strong and funny as always. Rupert is back being charming yet I want to slap him on the back of his ghostly head everytime I find out about the repeated times he has cheated on Lady A when he was alive. The mystery is intriguing, I enjoyed how it developed throughout the story. I feel the author does a great job of showing awareness of how a lot of men in the 1920s felt they couldn't show their emotions due to having to have a 'macho' appearance. I feel this is still relevant today. The countryside manor and 1920's era is described beautifully without being overly descriptive.
It is very frustrating to see that one of the main relationships in the story has still not developed any further and this is the third book in the series! It is slightly off putting for the next book. This novel is not as strong as the other two.
Triggers - Murder and Martial Affairs.
Maggie has announced the fourth novel of this series to come out in September 2021.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
If you would like to see more of my Book Reviews please visit - www.goodreads.com/clairebearmelmel
Or clairebearmelmel on Instagram
September 8, 2020
Once Again Lady Adelaide finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. And who does she call? The handsome Scotland Yard detective. The romantic undertones are laced throughout the book to add a bit of delight to the gruesome work of ferreting out a killer. And Lady Adelaide is not about to sit this one out, even though she knows she needs to stay far away from the Detective Inspector. She wills herself to distance from the detective and that means no helping solve the mystery. But anyone who has read the first two books knows neither are possible. Add in the delightful but annoying dead husband who shows up at the most inopportune times to “help” and “protect” Lady Adelaide, and you have a cozy mystery that will test the reader in so many ways—red herrings, more bodies, numerous suspects, unrequited crush, and a bothersome, but loveable ghost, make this a book that is hard to put down until the very end.
Oh wait, not only hard to put down, but now extremely hard to wait for book four, because trouble is afoot. I suspect we will see more of the handsome detective, to give Lady Adelaide one more chance to decide if he is the man for her. And will poor Rupert, the philandering and now “dearly departed” husband, finally get a chance to earn his wings?
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book for an honest and voluntary review.
Oh wait, not only hard to put down, but now extremely hard to wait for book four, because trouble is afoot. I suspect we will see more of the handsome detective, to give Lady Adelaide one more chance to decide if he is the man for her. And will poor Rupert, the philandering and now “dearly departed” husband, finally get a chance to earn his wings?
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book for an honest and voluntary review.
November 20, 2021
A slightly formulaic but charming English murder mystery involving Lady Adelaide and her Scotland Yard sleuth/love interest. I do enjoy reading about a country house party in the 1930s where all the guests are possible murderers, but this tale strained credulity. Not just one body, but three eventually turn up, all on the same glorious weekend. The hostess is murdered in the conservatory, a long-dead soldier’s body is unburied in the garden and, while the investigation is underway, a maid falls down the stairs to her death. Lady Adelaide is the classic wealthy dilettante with a convenient talent for solving crimes. She is fascinated with a particular Scotland Yard detective who investigates with her, even though neither one makes the first move toward romance. I could have worked with that obtuse set-up, but she lost me when Lady Adelaide’s dead husband appeared as a ghost to help her solve the crime! Too much. I plowed through to the end because I wanted to see if I was correct in my guesses and then I re-started my search for a new mystery series.
September 13, 2025
Is there anything better than dead bodies showing up at an English house party? Lady Adelaide heads to a neighbor's estate for a few days of frivolity when the hostess turns up dead in the conservatory thanks to poison. Shortly thereafter a body is found buried on the estate, the manner of death pointing to foul play. Are the two deaths connected in some way? And what sort of secrets was their hostess keeping? Smack dab in the middle of another murder, Adelaide calls in Detective Inspector Devenand Hunter from Scotland Yard, despite the fact that he recently rebuffed her advances.
I love a good house party mystery and it was great fun to revisit these characters. However, the reason I'm wary of ghost characters in mystery stories is because so often they are used as sleuthing shortcuts - and while Addie's dead scoundrel husband Rupert skirted this classification in the first two book he's a big neon blinking sign screaming SHORT CUT! in this entry. Which, not gonna lie, I found disappointing.
Still enjoyed it, but probably more like a B- or 3.5 stars on my scale.
I love a good house party mystery and it was great fun to revisit these characters. However, the reason I'm wary of ghost characters in mystery stories is because so often they are used as sleuthing shortcuts - and while Addie's dead scoundrel husband Rupert skirted this classification in the first two book he's a big neon blinking sign screaming SHORT CUT! in this entry. Which, not gonna lie, I found disappointing.
Still enjoyed it, but probably more like a B- or 3.5 stars on my scale.
April 25, 2022
Yet another fun and interesting murder mystery with Lady Adelaide and Inspector Hunter!
I love how Maggie Robinson likes to mix up the setting in each of these books. This one takes place at one of Lady Adelaide’s friend’s houses during a weekend get-together. When one of them winds up dead, secrets start to surface and no one seems to be as innocent as once thought. As bodies begin to stack up, Detective Hunter, Lady Adelaide and silly Rupert have their hands full!
Will Dev and Addie finally revisit that kiss 💋 they shared a couple months ago???
There were plenty of twists and turns in this mystery. I even remember suspecting the murderer for a split second, but there were too many people coming and going to stick with any one suspect for long.
The ending is a fresh twist for this series and I did enjoy it. It showed a more humanistic perspective of law and order. Now on to book 4 because you can’t leave a book on a cliff hanger!! …come on Dev and Addie!!
I love how Maggie Robinson likes to mix up the setting in each of these books. This one takes place at one of Lady Adelaide’s friend’s houses during a weekend get-together. When one of them winds up dead, secrets start to surface and no one seems to be as innocent as once thought. As bodies begin to stack up, Detective Hunter, Lady Adelaide and silly Rupert have their hands full!
Will Dev and Addie finally revisit that kiss 💋 they shared a couple months ago???
There were plenty of twists and turns in this mystery. I even remember suspecting the murderer for a split second, but there were too many people coming and going to stick with any one suspect for long.
The ending is a fresh twist for this series and I did enjoy it. It showed a more humanistic perspective of law and order. Now on to book 4 because you can’t leave a book on a cliff hanger!! …come on Dev and Addie!!
August 6, 2020
Addie is at a house party when her somewhat-less-gone-than-he-should-be husband, Rupert, appears. Luckily it is just as she's being thrown by a horse. Unluckily, it's because there is trouble heading her way.
The host and hostess, Hugh and Pamela, have a decent marriage, but his lungs were damaged in the war and he has a bullet lodged in his spine. Small wonder, then, that there are rumors flying about his wife having an affair with a much older man, a landscape designer, Simon Davies. Also present are three of Hugh's friends from the war and some young ladies.
Rupert's prediction comes true and there is a death, the lady of the house, Pamela. But then another body, that of a young soldier turns up in the garden.
The whole thing ends up being very convoluted but still a good story.
The host and hostess, Hugh and Pamela, have a decent marriage, but his lungs were damaged in the war and he has a bullet lodged in his spine. Small wonder, then, that there are rumors flying about his wife having an affair with a much older man, a landscape designer, Simon Davies. Also present are three of Hugh's friends from the war and some young ladies.
Rupert's prediction comes true and there is a death, the lady of the house, Pamela. But then another body, that of a young soldier turns up in the garden.
The whole thing ends up being very convoluted but still a good story.
June 15, 2022
#3 in the Lady Adelaide series we find Addie is in Gloucestershire for a house party. Unfortunately the hostess, Pamela ends up dead in the conservatory. Suspects abound, including Pamela's war hero, wheelchair bound husband. No sooner has Inspector Devenand Hunter arrived when a second body, or more specifically the bones of the victim are found buried in the garden. Dev is getting no where in his investigation, not even sure if Pamela's death is a murder (did she drink poison on purpose?) when the governess dies from a fall on the servant stairs. And of course the ghost of Addie's dead husband, Rupert is on hand to help out. Or interfere. Or whatever it is he gets up to. Maggie Robinson just keeps them coming. Another great read.
April 8, 2021
I might have given this book another star, but then I started reading a much better book and I realized that although these Lady Adelaide stories are slightly entertaining, they really aren't that great. There's just not much there. You don't really read them for the mystery. I like Dev and Addie, and I think they're smart enough, but they aren't really able to solve the mysteries without Rupert's help. Consequently, the mystery moves very, very slowly. What's supposed to entertain us is the sexual tension between Addie and Dev, but that is just moving way too slowly. Of course, if it gets resolved, then I guess the author won't know how to proceed.
October 12, 2024
Another highly satisfying mystery in the Lade Adelaide series. I didn't read the second book (this one was free in my Kindle library) and there are references to the earlier books that are possible spoilers but nothing too terrible.
Poor Addie - nothing and no one is as it seems. Very enjoyable, with Rupert (her late husband) returning to help with the case, moments of laugh-out-loud fun, and a cliffhanger ending that will have you reaching for book 4 (don't worry, she solves this mystery of this novel), it's the kind of book where I get annoyed if I have to stop and do something else for a while.
Poor Addie - nothing and no one is as it seems. Very enjoyable, with Rupert (her late husband) returning to help with the case, moments of laugh-out-loud fun, and a cliffhanger ending that will have you reaching for book 4 (don't worry, she solves this mystery of this novel), it's the kind of book where I get annoyed if I have to stop and do something else for a while.
March 12, 2021
Widow Lady Adelaide (Addie) & her ghost husband, Rupert are back; this time at a weekend house party for "neighbors"; where the hostess is found poisoned in her conservatory just prior to tea.
I wasn't fond of this book, it fell flat due to the over abundance of narrative, lack of dialog & action (snooping) on Addie's part. Also tiring is Addie's continual haranguing of Rupert for his infidelities while he was alive.
The narrative was rather boring and the over-done conclusion came out of nowhere.
I wasn't fond of this book, it fell flat due to the over abundance of narrative, lack of dialog & action (snooping) on Addie's part. Also tiring is Addie's continual haranguing of Rupert for his infidelities while he was alive.
The narrative was rather boring and the over-done conclusion came out of nowhere.
February 4, 2022
I've had fun with this series so far. Addie has a gift for trying not to involve herself that is overpowered by her curiosity and desire to smooth things over for people she cares about. While she doesn't do much to solve this mystery, , at least she tries. Far too few scenes with Dev this book, but I'm hopeful he makes a significant return in the next.
October 3, 2020
Love this series but this one had perhaps a bit less sparkle than the first two. I think the pacing was a bit slow—although I think the device is clever, there’s even a bit too much of Rupert and the rehashing of how much of a cad he was, etc etc. Addy keeps saying in this book that she needs a purpose, and I rather agree—she and Dev and Rupert all need to evolve (and hope the author doesn’t drag out keeping Addy and Dev apart).
March 29, 2022
A week long house party at a neighbors has people dropping like flies and a body dug up that die 10 years ago. Addie is really tired and troubled with all the deaths of late. She wants her deceased husbands ghost to move on. The bright spot is that she calls Inspector Hunter to come and help.
Now she and Inspector Hunter are flummoxed, until they just happen upon so very surprising information via her ghostly husband.
Now she and Inspector Hunter are flummoxed, until they just happen upon so very surprising information via her ghostly husband.
September 20, 2022
Not as good as the first two in the series. The murder premises are getting a bit too silly. The writing is OK but the action & characters seem to be going nowhere. I would suggest it's time to ditch the Adelaide-Dev relationship because it's static & pointless, & always will be. Fancy make dictate the two come together but it would never work: there's no chemistry between them and they really have nothing in common.
November 21, 2022
3 bodies in 4 days.
Addie attends some nearby friends, and who is there almost immediately to torment her? Right. The ghost of her philandering husband, Rupert. Then there is the first body, so she notifies The Yard and is fortunate enough to get DI Devenand Hunter, the very man she would LOVE to see more of. Always fun as well as a good mystery in this series!
I found the audio on sale and as it is narrated by Gemma Dawson, I chose audio.
Dreamscape Media/Poison Pen Press/Sourcebooks
Addie attends some nearby friends, and who is there almost immediately to torment her? Right. The ghost of her philandering husband, Rupert. Then there is the first body, so she notifies The Yard and is fortunate enough to get DI Devenand Hunter, the very man she would LOVE to see more of. Always fun as well as a good mystery in this series!
I found the audio on sale and as it is narrated by Gemma Dawson, I chose audio.
Dreamscape Media/Poison Pen Press/Sourcebooks
July 22, 2020
This was a great book! My ONLY problem with it is that the author did not offer the hardback, but I am certain she had her reasons! The characters were flawless, strong, and believable. The plot was easy to follow, although twisted as any good plot should be. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and recommend it to anyone who likes this sort of fiction.
July 28, 2020
I loved this book. "Just Make Believe" was as good as the first two books in the series. I like all three of our main characters: Addie, Dev and Rupert. Addie is a very believable character. A good gathering of suspects, too. The ending also leads me to believe there will be a book four. Yay! And I think we'll be seeing more of Addie's mother and Cee in the next book, too.
November 29, 2020
Light, fun cosy crime with Lady Adelaide caught up in yet another murder. The individual crime to be solved was fine, I love the setting and the characters are likeable enough but it really needs to move things along with the character development and Dev & Addie's relationship to keep things interesting.
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