What do you think?
Rate this book
Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates #3
Death on the Isle of Love
1920’s Cyprus
At long last, lady detective Rosemary Lillywhite and her best friend Vera are on their way to a much-needed holiday in sunny Cyprus—and they’re not traveling alone. Rosemary’s impish brother, Frederick, on sabbatical from work at their father’s company, has decided a little sun and sand is exactly what he needs.
With his longtime chum Desmond Cooper—also Rosemary’s childhood crush—in tow, the foursome can’t wait to relax and shrug off the lingering stain of a murder investigation. Unfortunately for Rosemary, death seems to follow her wherever she goes—even as far as the Isle of Love.
Will she finally open her heart to a man other than her late husband, and if she does, which one will she choose—Desmond, or handsome CID detective Max Whittington?
Book three in The Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates series.
Are you ready to escape to the roaring twenties? For fans of Beth Byers, Leighann Dobbs, and Lee Strauss.
A light, cozy mystery with no swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
At long last, lady detective Rosemary Lillywhite and her best friend Vera are on their way to a much-needed holiday in sunny Cyprus—and they’re not traveling alone. Rosemary’s impish brother, Frederick, on sabbatical from work at their father’s company, has decided a little sun and sand is exactly what he needs.
With his longtime chum Desmond Cooper—also Rosemary’s childhood crush—in tow, the foursome can’t wait to relax and shrug off the lingering stain of a murder investigation. Unfortunately for Rosemary, death seems to follow her wherever she goes—even as far as the Isle of Love.
Will she finally open her heart to a man other than her late husband, and if she does, which one will she choose—Desmond, or handsome CID detective Max Whittington?
Book three in The Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates series.
Are you ready to escape to the roaring twenties? For fans of Beth Byers, Leighann Dobbs, and Lee Strauss.
A light, cozy mystery with no swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2019
344 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Emily Queen
32 books101 followersEmily Queen is a writer of historical fiction, including the Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates cozy mystery series. She lives in Maine, USA with her cat, dog, and too many books to count.
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 25, 2020
Rosemary Lillywhite, her friend Vera, her brother Freddie and his friend Desmond are finally off on vacation to the Isle of Love, Cyprus for some fun in the sun. Des is hoping for some love and Rose isn't sure she's all that adverse to the idea of starting to open up her mind to the possibility. She's also hoping her brother and Vera will figure out just how perfect they are for each other and stop bickering. After a mix-up with their rooms, the travelers are introduced to Cecily DeVant, the hotel manager and an old friend of Rose and Freddie's mother. Cecily privately reveals she's the owner of the hotel and they're having staffing problems but will soon be back on track to be a world class hotel. However, one guest in particular likes to make his complaints known. When Rose enters the supply closet for some extra towels because the incompetent new maid is overwhelmed, Rose gets the shock of a lifetime. She discovers Cecily lying dead on the closet floor. Someone bashed her in the back of the head leaving Rose distraught and sad. The island's inspector sets his sights on blaming Rosemary but she knows she isn't a killer. So which one of the hotel guests or staff did in Cecily and why? Rosemary and friends are determined to find out.
I liked this story even more than the previous one. I never guessed whodunit or had any suspicion of what actually happened. I was also thinking along the same lines as Rose. I could have done without Vera and Freddie's constant bickering though. The description of Cyprus isn't bad but it could be better. An author's note explaining the history of Cyprus would have been nice. I had to look it up to discover it was a British protectorate at the time the story takes place, which explains all the British hotel guests, staff and Max coming to join in the investigation so easily. That really needed to be explained. The romantic subplots are keeping me hooked and I'm eager to see what happens next.
Rose is a little less naïve now she's solved a few murders. She's still very sweet and kind. I like her treatment of Anna and I probably would have acted the same way but I did have a niggling feeling Vera might be right. I think Rose's heart has made up her mind which of her two suitors she truly loves but it's complicated. I'm glad she's finally moving on. Vera's plot has taken a dramatic turn. She's not longer a man-eater and shows signs of wanting to settle down! I like this new side of Vera but now how nasty it makes her towards Freddie. I was wrong about their feelings for each other and their constant fighting is apparently some kind of bizarre flirtation. I don't like Freddie very much. He's too intent on getting drunk at any opportunity, is rude to the staff and appreciates the wrong sort of woman. He's so clueless! Desmond is better at recognizing his feelings for Rose and he's more chivalrous and kind than Freddie.
Cecily is a tough, demanding employer and none of her staff like her. They're not very good at their jobs and don't show any respect for their positions at such a fancy hotel. However, like Rose, I think this is a two-way street. Rose is kind to Anna, Anna shows devotion to Rose which makes Rose want to reward Anna with more kindness and consideration. Cecily is from a different generation where one could be horrid to the servants and no one cared because the servants were basically stuck but after WWI, there were many new opportunities, especially for women. These staff could go work for any of the other hotels on the island. Why haven't they all left is the question? Or is it because they're so incompetents no one will hire them?
Gloria, one of the receptionists, is one of the few actually trying to do her job but she isn't very nice or pleasant behind Cecily's back. At the top of my suspect list is Walter, the assistant manager. He's self-important, rude to others and clearly angling for the top spot. He takes his job a bit too seriously and not seriously enough at the same time. I don't like him or trust him. Another major suspect is Charlotte, the new maid. She can't seem to do anything right and she was in the supply closet right near where the body was discovered. Charlotte may be hiding something. I don't know if she's the killer but she may be in league with the murderer. Margaret is more professional than Charlotte and seems to know how to do her job but isn't easy to get along with. She's rude and belittling to Charlotte. She's rather a pill.
I am interested to see what happens next for Rose and friends.
I adore Benny, the elevator operator. He's very sweet and I think they must label him "slow witted." Today he would have special needs, maybe on the autism spectrum (he likes routine). I don't suspect HIM of being a murderer at all. He's the only one who must be innocent. I think Cecily understood his challenges and was a wonderful person for giving him a chance.
Other suspects include Mr. Wright, a hotel guest determined to complain about EVERY minute detail and anything he can think of to annoy the staff and make the hotel seem like it's not a good place to stay. Is he just cranky or does he have a motive for his meanness? When certain things are revealed, it does seem like he has a motive for murder. He would be near the top of my suspect list. I think there are some unanswered questions about him though. Farther down on my list but untrustworthy is Geneviève Chevallier, a siren of a woman and a gold digger too. She manages to bring Freddie under her spell. She is rude and disrespectful to her fiancé, Benjamin Marlowe. He's a nasty, slimy womanizer and a villain if there ever was one. He seems to be bothered Charlotte a lot and even hits on Rosemary and Vera. Yuck. He flashes around his wealth yet doesn't seem to be paying his bills. I think he's lying about a lot of things, including his wealth.
Inspector Booth is not a very good detective. He immediately suspects Rosemary who is one of the only people without a motive! Good thing Max comes to the rescue. Max is a better detective and true friend.
I liked this story even more than the previous one. I never guessed whodunit or had any suspicion of what actually happened. I was also thinking along the same lines as Rose. I could have done without Vera and Freddie's constant bickering though. The description of Cyprus isn't bad but it could be better. An author's note explaining the history of Cyprus would have been nice. I had to look it up to discover it was a British protectorate at the time the story takes place, which explains all the British hotel guests, staff and Max coming to join in the investigation so easily. That really needed to be explained. The romantic subplots are keeping me hooked and I'm eager to see what happens next.
Rose is a little less naïve now she's solved a few murders. She's still very sweet and kind. I like her treatment of Anna and I probably would have acted the same way but I did have a niggling feeling Vera might be right. I think Rose's heart has made up her mind which of her two suitors she truly loves but it's complicated. I'm glad she's finally moving on. Vera's plot has taken a dramatic turn. She's not longer a man-eater and shows signs of wanting to settle down! I like this new side of Vera but now how nasty it makes her towards Freddie. I was wrong about their feelings for each other and their constant fighting is apparently some kind of bizarre flirtation. I don't like Freddie very much. He's too intent on getting drunk at any opportunity, is rude to the staff and appreciates the wrong sort of woman. He's so clueless! Desmond is better at recognizing his feelings for Rose and he's more chivalrous and kind than Freddie.
Cecily is a tough, demanding employer and none of her staff like her. They're not very good at their jobs and don't show any respect for their positions at such a fancy hotel. However, like Rose, I think this is a two-way street. Rose is kind to Anna, Anna shows devotion to Rose which makes Rose want to reward Anna with more kindness and consideration. Cecily is from a different generation where one could be horrid to the servants and no one cared because the servants were basically stuck but after WWI, there were many new opportunities, especially for women. These staff could go work for any of the other hotels on the island. Why haven't they all left is the question? Or is it because they're so incompetents no one will hire them?
Gloria, one of the receptionists, is one of the few actually trying to do her job but she isn't very nice or pleasant behind Cecily's back. At the top of my suspect list is Walter, the assistant manager. He's self-important, rude to others and clearly angling for the top spot. He takes his job a bit too seriously and not seriously enough at the same time. I don't like him or trust him. Another major suspect is Charlotte, the new maid. She can't seem to do anything right and she was in the supply closet right near where the body was discovered. Charlotte may be hiding something. I don't know if she's the killer but she may be in league with the murderer. Margaret is more professional than Charlotte and seems to know how to do her job but isn't easy to get along with. She's rude and belittling to Charlotte. She's rather a pill.
I am interested to see what happens next for Rose and friends.
I adore Benny, the elevator operator. He's very sweet and I think they must label him "slow witted." Today he would have special needs, maybe on the autism spectrum (he likes routine). I don't suspect HIM of being a murderer at all. He's the only one who must be innocent. I think Cecily understood his challenges and was a wonderful person for giving him a chance.
Other suspects include Mr. Wright, a hotel guest determined to complain about EVERY minute detail and anything he can think of to annoy the staff and make the hotel seem like it's not a good place to stay. Is he just cranky or does he have a motive for his meanness? When certain things are revealed, it does seem like he has a motive for murder. He would be near the top of my suspect list. I think there are some unanswered questions about him though. Farther down on my list but untrustworthy is Geneviève Chevallier, a siren of a woman and a gold digger too. She manages to bring Freddie under her spell. She is rude and disrespectful to her fiancé, Benjamin Marlowe. He's a nasty, slimy womanizer and a villain if there ever was one. He seems to be bothered Charlotte a lot and even hits on Rosemary and Vera. Yuck. He flashes around his wealth yet doesn't seem to be paying his bills. I think he's lying about a lot of things, including his wealth.
Inspector Booth is not a very good detective. He immediately suspects Rosemary who is one of the only people without a motive! Good thing Max comes to the rescue. Max is a better detective and true friend.
February 3, 2020
Another entertaining book in the series. Cyprus is an unusual setting of a 1920s historical mystery but it works. The feeling of the 1920s is conveyed through descriptions of the clothes and the amount of alcohol people drink. It reminds me a bit of the Thin Man movies. It is also reflected in the attitude about the proper role of men and women that some people have but the women characters in this story are definitely challenging the traditional roles: Rosemary has worked as a detective and another character owns and runs a hotel.
The mystery is ok. There are plenty of suspects with motives and red herring to keep it lively. It is a little bit of a stretch for Max to come all the way to Cyprus to help with a murder investigation that he wasn't asked to help with. How did he manage to get the time off? Most bosses aren't going to be ok with my love interest has got caught up in a murder and I want to go help her. What some people may not know is that Cyprus was a Crown Colony of Britain at this time so it wasn't completely why would the local police pay any attention to what you have to say, Max Whittington. There was something in the mystery that I just found a little forced. It didn't always flow smoothly. Maybe because the love was a very disruptive factor in the novel.
Rosemary might finally be willing to open her heart to love again but Desmond and Max might be more interested in fighting each other than to romance her. Meanwhile, Vera and Frederick were both bickering all the time and everyone else could see it was because they have feelings for each other but don't seem to realize it themselves. Then there was another couple always fighting. It got to be a bit annoying.
Not a bad mystery. The period details are fun and the romantic intrigues keep things interesting for the next book.
The mystery is ok. There are plenty of suspects with motives and red herring to keep it lively. It is a little bit of a stretch for Max to come all the way to Cyprus to help with a murder investigation that he wasn't asked to help with. How did he manage to get the time off? Most bosses aren't going to be ok with my love interest has got caught up in a murder and I want to go help her. What some people may not know is that Cyprus was a Crown Colony of Britain at this time so it wasn't completely why would the local police pay any attention to what you have to say, Max Whittington. There was something in the mystery that I just found a little forced. It didn't always flow smoothly. Maybe because the love was a very disruptive factor in the novel.
Rosemary might finally be willing to open her heart to love again but Desmond and Max might be more interested in fighting each other than to romance her. Meanwhile, Vera and Frederick were both bickering all the time and everyone else could see it was because they have feelings for each other but don't seem to realize it themselves. Then there was another couple always fighting. It got to be a bit annoying.
Not a bad mystery. The period details are fun and the romantic intrigues keep things interesting for the next book.
September 17, 2024
A Vacation that Wasn't
During their long-postponed trip to Cyprus, Rosemary and company are supposed to be recovering from their last two brushes with murder. Alas, relaxation is not to be. Their hostess and owner of the Aphrodite Sands hotel is murdered shortly after their arrival. With no shortage of suspects and no clear motive hijinks ensue.
My only real criticism of this book, which I didn't have with the first two books in the series, is the timing. I had a hard time telling morning from evening and the constant consumption of gin and tonic didn't make it any easier. Looking forward to book 4.
During their long-postponed trip to Cyprus, Rosemary and company are supposed to be recovering from their last two brushes with murder. Alas, relaxation is not to be. Their hostess and owner of the Aphrodite Sands hotel is murdered shortly after their arrival. With no shortage of suspects and no clear motive hijinks ensue.
My only real criticism of this book, which I didn't have with the first two books in the series, is the timing. I had a hard time telling morning from evening and the constant consumption of gin and tonic didn't make it any easier. Looking forward to book 4.
July 18, 2024
Audiobook: I was entertained by this third book in the series. I enjoyed the characters and their amusing conversations. I liked the convoluted mystery and the quirky characters who made it more difficult to figure out who was the culprit. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought Caren Naess' narration was reflective of the ambiance of the story, and I enjoyed her performance. I was gifted a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without any financial gain, to leave a review which included my honest opinions.
December 10, 2024
This was a fun story, as fun as you can make a murder mystery. There is a bit of romance, a bit of detecting, a bit of mystery, and a lot of red herrings all in the mix. The characters are very interesting and beloved to this reader and poor Rosemary has a pickle on her hands with both her late husband's best friend and her brother's best friend interested in her romantically. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed the hotel manager and why. There are several surprises in the answers. I most definitely recommend this book.
July 19, 2021
Rosemary Lillywhite, her brother Freddie, her best friend Vera, and friend Desmond take a holiday trip to Cyprus to stay in a hotel owned by Cecily, a good friend of Rosemary's mother. Intending to have a fun beach holiday, the group finds themselves involved in solving the mystery of the murder of Cecily. Suspects abound, romance is in the air, and feelings become complicated when Max Whittington, a London detective, comes to help out.
A fun little whodunnit.
A fun little whodunnit.
November 27, 2023
Can always expect an excellent mystery
I've never guessed who the murderer was! It's a humorous and delightful murder! It's not slapstick comedy but humours. After the murderer is discovered, you see all the signs layer out before you, you ask yourself how did I not see this! Emily Queen really knows how to keep you guessing until the last page is read! I highly recommend any and all of Emily 's novels. You won't be disappointed!
I've never guessed who the murderer was! It's a humorous and delightful murder! It's not slapstick comedy but humours. After the murderer is discovered, you see all the signs layer out before you, you ask yourself how did I not see this! Emily Queen really knows how to keep you guessing until the last page is read! I highly recommend any and all of Emily 's novels. You won't be disappointed!
July 17, 2024
Death on the Isle of Love: A 1920s Murder Mystery (Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates Book 3), my first read from author Emily Queen. An enjoyable well-written, 4-hour 40-minute/392-page historical mystery, the third book in the Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates Series, which looks to be a series of enjoyable reads. “I received an Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 29, 2024
I have listened to the first three books on audiobook.
This is book 3. I love the narrator. Her voice and accent are very distinct and add to the ambience of the novel.
This is not a very long book, but it was refreshing, light and interesting. Nice to take a vacation in Cyprus when along comes a murder!
I like the interactions between the main characters. I also like the time period in the 1920s. Nicely written and enjoyable.
This is book 3. I love the narrator. Her voice and accent are very distinct and add to the ambience of the novel.
This is not a very long book, but it was refreshing, light and interesting. Nice to take a vacation in Cyprus when along comes a murder!
I like the interactions between the main characters. I also like the time period in the 1920s. Nicely written and enjoyable.
April 8, 2021
Loved It!
This is the third book in this series. It definitely brings the story forward. A beautiful island, friends on vacation, new loves or old...and not to mention murder! Oh did I mention a good old catfight between rival females? Good fun, great read, excellent mystery. Who could ask for more?
This is the third book in this series. It definitely brings the story forward. A beautiful island, friends on vacation, new loves or old...and not to mention murder! Oh did I mention a good old catfight between rival females? Good fun, great read, excellent mystery. Who could ask for more?
May 12, 2021
Wonderful
A cracking good read, i love the characters they are so well written,the interaction between the characters is brilliant, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
A cracking good read, i love the characters they are so well written,the interaction between the characters is brilliant, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
July 14, 2024
Un cozy mystery che si fa dimenticare. Non c'è nessun motivo perchè sia ambientato a Cipro o negli anni venti, nessuna caratterizzazione di luoghi o epoca così come dei personaggi. Una storia che non si fa ricordare e nell'insieme anonimo.
July 21, 2024
Audiobook review.
An intriguing story with a wonderful cast of characters, plenty of humour and surprises, and a bit of romance. The book is excellently narrated by Caren Naess.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
An intriguing story with a wonderful cast of characters, plenty of humour and surprises, and a bit of romance. The book is excellently narrated by Caren Naess.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
January 30, 2025
Meh. I think I am done with this series. The murder didn't even happen until 1/3 of the way through the book and even then she didn't actually solve it as opposed to be in the right place for a confrontation. Also, the characters seemed immature and the pov was annoying.
February 24, 2020
Excellent book
Again a Very engaging book sprinkled with murder, side plots, mayhem and romance. Couldn't put it down and the ending was a bit surprising.
Again a Very engaging book sprinkled with murder, side plots, mayhem and romance. Couldn't put it down and the ending was a bit surprising.
July 9, 2020
Very Enjoyable Read
I really like this series. Good stories, good characters, good locations. This book ranks with the best of them. I definitely recommend this book.
I really like this series. Good stories, good characters, good locations. This book ranks with the best of them. I definitely recommend this book.
June 29, 2021
Some errors, and confusing point-of-view shifts.
September 17, 2021
Good Yarn
Some intriguing characters and beautiful scenery. Shame they didn't really get to relax. Look forward to the next adventure in the series.
Some intriguing characters and beautiful scenery. Shame they didn't really get to relax. Look forward to the next adventure in the series.
January 23, 2022
Another Winner
Murder and mayhem and twists and turns have the pages turning in this mystery. Romance flourishes with a surprising outcome.
Murder and mayhem and twists and turns have the pages turning in this mystery. Romance flourishes with a surprising outcome.
July 2, 2023
murder & romance
The third book in this series brought things forward with Vera & Frederick. Can’t wait for book 4 to see what happens with Max.
The third book in this series brought things forward with Vera & Frederick. Can’t wait for book 4 to see what happens with Max.
August 31, 2023
Good fun, relationships are developing and characters coming more to life. The mystery itself is a good set up overall with a few twists and turns leading nicely into book 4
July 8, 2020
I will be quite happy to have Mrs. Lillywhite and her friends back in Britain. The Isle of Love was not as interesting as the first two books in the series. I think that I was probably looking for a deeper feeling for the island of Cyprus itself. Instead, this is a hotel mystery which, frankly, could have been set just about anywhere. Clearly other readers of this series are not as critical as I am. You might love this book. Go for it.
January 6, 2020
Excellent read!
I love the era in which the mystery is set! The glamour and mindset of the men and women during this age is intriguing! The difference in the view of women’s role in society while changing is also historical! Women today would find this interesting I think! The morals and style of couture is fascinating too! Very enjoyable read! Cannot wait for next book to come to Kindle!
I love the era in which the mystery is set! The glamour and mindset of the men and women during this age is intriguing! The difference in the view of women’s role in society while changing is also historical! Women today would find this interesting I think! The morals and style of couture is fascinating too! Very enjoyable read! Cannot wait for next book to come to Kindle!
August 10, 2024
I’ve been a fan of the Mrs Lillywhite Investigates series for a while now, so I jumped on the chance to review the audiobook of Death on the Isle of Love, the third in the series.
This time around, Rosemary and Co have taken a holiday to Cyprus, and it’s not long before there’s a death.
I really enjoyed listening to this mystery. The story is a good one, with all sorts of suspicious characters staying and working at the hotel. It was great fun to follow Rosemary and her friends as they try to figure out what happened.
The setting was a lovely one, with the luxurious hotel and the beautiful surroundings. Although Rosemary and Co didn’t manage to see as much of it as they were hoping to!
The narration was very good, putting in expression and feeling, and generally bringing the story to life. The different characters were well distinguished with different voices.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this murder mystery. I love the characters, the plot, and the narration is great too.
I was given a copy of this audiobook, my opinions are my own.
This time around, Rosemary and Co have taken a holiday to Cyprus, and it’s not long before there’s a death.
I really enjoyed listening to this mystery. The story is a good one, with all sorts of suspicious characters staying and working at the hotel. It was great fun to follow Rosemary and her friends as they try to figure out what happened.
The setting was a lovely one, with the luxurious hotel and the beautiful surroundings. Although Rosemary and Co didn’t manage to see as much of it as they were hoping to!
The narration was very good, putting in expression and feeling, and generally bringing the story to life. The different characters were well distinguished with different voices.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this murder mystery. I love the characters, the plot, and the narration is great too.
I was given a copy of this audiobook, my opinions are my own.
December 13, 2019
I'm really enjoying the Rosemary Lillywhite series. She's starting to come in to her own and rally back from a devastating blow. I'm enjoying watching her progression through these books and very much look forward to the next in the series. The writing is very well done and the books are interesting and showcase a time period, with lots of cocktails and fashion, that has always been appealing to me. With her family and friends and of course the delicious Inspector, Rose figures out each puzzle.
October 14, 2019
Entertaining!
Getaway to Cyprus is not the sunny, lazy beach retreat the 4 friends thought it would be. Obstreperous fellow guests, inefficient hotel staff, and the murder of the hotel owner ruin their vacation. They are forced to " help" the local police in their attempt to solve the murder.
Getaway to Cyprus is not the sunny, lazy beach retreat the 4 friends thought it would be. Obstreperous fellow guests, inefficient hotel staff, and the murder of the hotel owner ruin their vacation. They are forced to " help" the local police in their attempt to solve the murder.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews