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Lady Eleanor Swift #7
A Lesson in Murder
When Lady Swift is invited to her old school, she walks through familiar classrooms, finds her favourite books in the library… and surely that’s not a body? Time for a lesson in murder!
Autumn, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift is invited to her old school, St Mary’s, as a guest speaker. Her favourite teacher, Mrs Wadsworth, has asked that Eleanor talk about her intrepid travels around the globe – travelling the Silk Road by bicycle, crossing the Himalayas and even befriending the Maharaja of India. But in the circumstances, perhaps it would have been a good idea to talk about her career as a daring detective…
Because no sooner has Eleanor brushed up on her times tables then she is greeted by terrible news: Mrs Wadsworth has been murdered. Eleanor is utterly devastated but she owes it to her dearest teacher to find out who killed her and why. So, alongside Gladstone the bulldog, it’s best paw forward to track down a villain.
But when the art teacher is also found dead, Eleanor is sure someone is trying to do away with the people who taught her everything. As Eleanor delves into possible motives, she discovers a clue in the most unlikely place: her mother’s old school diary. Does the route to the murderer lie within a secret passageway her mother uncovered? Can Eleanor nail the culprit in time or is the killer coming for her next?
A totally gripping and glamorous 1920s cozy! Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Rhys Bowen are in for a treat.
Readers are totally addicted to Verity Bright!
Autumn, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift is invited to her old school, St Mary’s, as a guest speaker. Her favourite teacher, Mrs Wadsworth, has asked that Eleanor talk about her intrepid travels around the globe – travelling the Silk Road by bicycle, crossing the Himalayas and even befriending the Maharaja of India. But in the circumstances, perhaps it would have been a good idea to talk about her career as a daring detective…
Because no sooner has Eleanor brushed up on her times tables then she is greeted by terrible news: Mrs Wadsworth has been murdered. Eleanor is utterly devastated but she owes it to her dearest teacher to find out who killed her and why. So, alongside Gladstone the bulldog, it’s best paw forward to track down a villain.
But when the art teacher is also found dead, Eleanor is sure someone is trying to do away with the people who taught her everything. As Eleanor delves into possible motives, she discovers a clue in the most unlikely place: her mother’s old school diary. Does the route to the murderer lie within a secret passageway her mother uncovered? Can Eleanor nail the culprit in time or is the killer coming for her next?
A totally gripping and glamorous 1920s cozy! Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Rhys Bowen are in for a treat.
Readers are totally addicted to Verity Bright!
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
1512 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Verity Bright
27 books358 followersVerity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
September 8, 2021
Another delightful episode in the lives of Lady Eleanor, Clifford and Gladstone. There was also a lot more about Hugh than usual which was nice.
This series relies very much on the charm of its main characters and their interactions. Scanning the reviews I noticed that nearly everyone who had read the earlier books gave this one five stars. People who were just joining the series at book 7 were more likely to give it three. There is a lot to be said for reading some series in order!
In A Lesson in Murder Ellie goes back to her old boarding school supposedly to give an 'old girl's' lecture. The discovery of a body in the library has her staying on for several days and linking up with DCI Hugh Seldon to solve the case. She also finds out a little more about her own history regarding her parents and her uncle which is interesting.
I enjoyed it enormously as I have done all the previous books. The setting was good, the mystery intriguing and the characters their usual delightful selves. I hope the author keeps them coming.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This series relies very much on the charm of its main characters and their interactions. Scanning the reviews I noticed that nearly everyone who had read the earlier books gave this one five stars. People who were just joining the series at book 7 were more likely to give it three. There is a lot to be said for reading some series in order!
In A Lesson in Murder Ellie goes back to her old boarding school supposedly to give an 'old girl's' lecture. The discovery of a body in the library has her staying on for several days and linking up with DCI Hugh Seldon to solve the case. She also finds out a little more about her own history regarding her parents and her uncle which is interesting.
I enjoyed it enormously as I have done all the previous books. The setting was good, the mystery intriguing and the characters their usual delightful selves. I hope the author keeps them coming.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 13, 2021
Guest of honour at St Mary’s boarding school, Lady Eleanor Swift was startled at the ringing of the school bell just as she’d been going to make her speech. The chaos that ensued with the cancellation of Speech Day, the finding of Mrs Wadsworth’s body in the library, and the arrival of Inspector Hugh Seldon and his team, started a baffling case for Ellie, Clifford (her butler) and the Inspector. As the headmistress wanted to keep it all quiet, finding answers immediately, Ellie and Clifford remained at St Mary’s – Ellie as a fill in housemistress and Clifford to help on the grounds.
Ellie’s girls from Holly House were a delightful group of nine to eleven year olds, and Ellie found her time was reminiscent of when she herself was nine years old at this very school. Mrs Wadsworth was also Ellie’s teacher which made it personal for her to find the culprit. But could they? It was when a second teacher’s body was discovered that they knew the clock was ticking and they needed to solve the mystery quickly…
A Lesson in Murder is the 7th in A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series by Verity Bright and I loved it! Delightful, laugh out loud funny at times, with the resplendent Galahad keeping both Ellie and Clifford on their toes, the entertainment factor is high. I thoroughly enjoy this series and am already looking forward to #8. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Ellie’s girls from Holly House were a delightful group of nine to eleven year olds, and Ellie found her time was reminiscent of when she herself was nine years old at this very school. Mrs Wadsworth was also Ellie’s teacher which made it personal for her to find the culprit. But could they? It was when a second teacher’s body was discovered that they knew the clock was ticking and they needed to solve the mystery quickly…
A Lesson in Murder is the 7th in A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series by Verity Bright and I loved it! Delightful, laugh out loud funny at times, with the resplendent Galahad keeping both Ellie and Clifford on their toes, the entertainment factor is high. I thoroughly enjoy this series and am already looking forward to #8. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
A Lesson in Murder is the seventh instalment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries, and it's an absorbing and entertaining addition to the series. It's June 1921, and Lady Eleanor Swift has agreed to deliver a motivational speech to students and present prizes as a Guest of Honour at her old all-girls boarding school, St Mary’s. She is extremely nervous about her role, so she is more than a little relieved when a bell rings, interrupting her speech before it can even get started, and the Headteacher, Mrs Lonsdale, states that it must be postponed due to an emergency. Unfortunately, though, it's due to the death of Ellie’s favourite teacher Mrs Wadsworth, who has been discovered dead on the floor of the library. It has been made to look like an accident but Clifford, who was at the scene prior to Ellie, believes it has been staged, and Ellie feels similar suspicions after taking a look.
The police are called to investigate, and a short time later Ellie’s friend Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon arrives; he is immediately under pressure from his superiors and those at Whitehall to deem the death an accident to clear the case up quickly due to many pupils of the school being the offspring of prominent figures. As Seldon is not authorised to stay long at the scene due to the possibility of upsetting the students, one of whom is the daughter of the King’s Private Secretary, he agrees to have Ellie and her faithful butler Clifford do some covert investigating as they are not as conspicuous, and they must keep Seldon informed of their progress. So to make it look less suspicious and obvious something is amiss, Ellie is temporarily appointed the Housemistress of Holly House allowing her to fill Mrs Wadsworth’s position while getting closer to the girls residing there.
Clifford stays on as groundskeeper and to keep Ellie safe. While there she uncovers many insidious secrets and another death occurs which the police deem to also be an accident. Can they solve this complicated case? This is a compelling and engrossing historical murder mystery with the lightheartedness of a great cosy. It's told solely from Ellie’s perspective making it highly immersive and the story is so beautifully plotted that I was failing with my guesses as to where it was heading every single time. There are plenty of possible suspects, lots of drama, wicked twists and dizzying misdirection throughout, providing many unexpected surprises, developments and reveals. However, the characters are what really make this series superb as Ellie is likeable and determined to achieve justice, Clifford is loyal to his core and Master Gladstone, Ellie’s pooch, is her ever-faithful best friend. A riveting, charming and highly recommended read.
The police are called to investigate, and a short time later Ellie’s friend Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon arrives; he is immediately under pressure from his superiors and those at Whitehall to deem the death an accident to clear the case up quickly due to many pupils of the school being the offspring of prominent figures. As Seldon is not authorised to stay long at the scene due to the possibility of upsetting the students, one of whom is the daughter of the King’s Private Secretary, he agrees to have Ellie and her faithful butler Clifford do some covert investigating as they are not as conspicuous, and they must keep Seldon informed of their progress. So to make it look less suspicious and obvious something is amiss, Ellie is temporarily appointed the Housemistress of Holly House allowing her to fill Mrs Wadsworth’s position while getting closer to the girls residing there.
Clifford stays on as groundskeeper and to keep Ellie safe. While there she uncovers many insidious secrets and another death occurs which the police deem to also be an accident. Can they solve this complicated case? This is a compelling and engrossing historical murder mystery with the lightheartedness of a great cosy. It's told solely from Ellie’s perspective making it highly immersive and the story is so beautifully plotted that I was failing with my guesses as to where it was heading every single time. There are plenty of possible suspects, lots of drama, wicked twists and dizzying misdirection throughout, providing many unexpected surprises, developments and reveals. However, the characters are what really make this series superb as Ellie is likeable and determined to achieve justice, Clifford is loyal to his core and Master Gladstone, Ellie’s pooch, is her ever-faithful best friend. A riveting, charming and highly recommended read.
December 14, 2022
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (rounded down)
Aaaand we're back, right into the adventures of Eleanor, Clifford, and Master Gladstone! This time, they find themselves in, er, an "educational" setting at Eleanor's old finishing school, and must act incognito in order to solve the latest murder with which they're faced.
Admittedly, to review this story in itself, it is a good novel. It's got the coziness expected of a cozy mystery via the setting and heartwarming moments of Eleanor interacting with the students and of course Eleanor x Clifford x Seldon making a great trio of discussion (with Gladstone at their feet, of course!), and the twist at the end in itself was unexpected!
HOWEVER
When putting it in the context of this series and what I've come to expect from it so far, I did find it a bit lacking in the mystery department. Like, I didn't foresee what was going to happen, but nevertheless the motivation just didn't seem as strong this time so as to result in murder. Additionally, I felt like the focus was so much on the school itself that Eleanor and Clifford's own moments were kind of cut down in comparison, and a certain discussion that was promised between Clifford and Eleanor----just never really happened. I definitely got the sense of a 1920s girls' finishing school, in other words, but not quite the usual Eleanor Swift worldview feel that I got in all of the other novels. Just a thought.
Therefore, so far I'd have to put it as my least favourite from the book so far, though I won't be giving them an official ranking until I read all of them.
Ahem, anyways, on to the next read!
Aaaand we're back, right into the adventures of Eleanor, Clifford, and Master Gladstone! This time, they find themselves in, er, an "educational" setting at Eleanor's old finishing school, and must act incognito in order to solve the latest murder with which they're faced.
Admittedly, to review this story in itself, it is a good novel. It's got the coziness expected of a cozy mystery via the setting and heartwarming moments of Eleanor interacting with the students and of course Eleanor x Clifford x Seldon making a great trio of discussion (with Gladstone at their feet, of course!), and the twist at the end in itself was unexpected!
HOWEVER
When putting it in the context of this series and what I've come to expect from it so far, I did find it a bit lacking in the mystery department. Like, I didn't foresee what was going to happen, but nevertheless the motivation just didn't seem as strong this time so as to result in murder. Additionally, I felt like the focus was so much on the school itself that Eleanor and Clifford's own moments were kind of cut down in comparison, and a certain discussion that was promised between Clifford and Eleanor----just never really happened. I definitely got the sense of a 1920s girls' finishing school, in other words, but not quite the usual Eleanor Swift worldview feel that I got in all of the other novels. Just a thought.
Therefore, so far I'd have to put it as my least favourite from the book so far, though I won't be giving them an official ranking until I read all of them.
Ahem, anyways, on to the next read!
August 19, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own and not affected by the giveaway.
It's June 1921 and Lady Eleanor Swift is hoping the ground will open up and swallow her whole before she has to give a speech at her alma mater, St. Mary's. While Ellie's memories of the school are not so great, she agreed to speak about her travels as a favor to her favorite teacher, Mrs. Wadsworth. Fortunately, an emergency delays Ellie's speech and then cancels the event. Unfortunately, the emergency comes in the form of the death of Mrs. Wadsworth in her beloved library. Clifford suspects foul play and asks Ellie to take a look. They both determine that the accident had to have been staged and the police must be called. Ellie is surprised to see her friend Chief Inspector Seldon on the scene. He's facing intense pressure from higher ups to call the death an accident and ensure the security of the school. Seldon trusts Ellie and Clifford but his hands are tied unless... he bends the rules and asks Ellie to go undercover. As a boardinghouse mistress she'll have the opportunity to meet the staff and talk to the students without anyone the wiser. Clifford will tag along to keep Ellie safe and help out on the grounds. Ellie is nervous about her new assignment and would rather stay out of it to avoid another row with Hugh but he's asking her to work under him so can't really say no. Her time at St. Mary's brings a lot of surprises, including another death the police determine as natural causes. Ellie and Clifford suspect otherwise. Can they solve the case before Seldon gets fired?
This is another very good entry in this series. The 1920s references were minimal since the setting was a boarding school. The history focus is on changing roles for women and progressive education that will teach girls to be strong, capable, adventurous women like Lady Swift! I questioned a couple of word choices but when I looked them up they were actually around when the book was set. "Get a grip" dates to the 1890s and the other expression I questioned was first recorded in print in 1919. I liked the story well enough to stay up very late reading it but found the whodunit kind of lame. I didn't expect it to be that person but I did suspect how the murderer got around. I'm not into boarding school stories - except for Harry Potter- but I liked the cozy details of Ellie's personal journey the most.
Ellie is still a bit immature and scattered but that's why we love her. Her strong, brave spirit and sense of adventure make her appealing. I like that she's less than perfect but she still needs looking after and I'm worried Hugh is going to spring it on her that he has a kid. She is NOT the motherly type. As dorm supervisor she's more of a big sister. Since Ellie attended the school and boarded at Holly House herself, she has intense empathy for the girls. A troublemaker in her school days, Ellie had little regard for authority but of course as an adult she must follow the rules. I think she did a good job balancing the adult in charge role with her desire to befriend the girls and be seen as fun. She learns more about herself and her past and is coming to terms with her uncle's seeming abandonment of her as a child. At first I didn't like how the relationship plot seemed to have fizzled since Ellie's birthday. It's true Hugh works a lot and as a policeman he's very by the book but I thought they had come to an understanding. While they don't have time for a date, Clifford works behind the scenes to make sure they have time alone to talk. By the end, I was happy with how things went. I felt really bad for Seldon in this book. He hasn't slept and can't rest until this case is solved. He's getting pressure from the higher ups who are being pressured by the school governor to hurry up and wrap up the case even take the lazy way out if it means getting out of the school quickly. Still, we learn a bit more about him and see his personality come through more. The banter between Ellie and Hugh is pretty cute. I'm hoping for more next time.
Clifford is incomparable. He's fun but tough. He looks after Ellie like a father figure/bodyguard rolled into one. He's incredibly intelligent and perceptive. He knows what Ellie needs before she does. I would have liked seeing him working in the gardens a bit more. That would have been funny. He brings along Gladstone, the naughty bulldog, who sadly only has one good scene. Sausages! No onion for Gladstone, I hope. I missed the other recurring characters though. The ladies didn't come along.
At the school the teachers are a mixed bag of draconian old school, new school and downright weird. Headmistress Miss Lonsdale is great. She seems to care about the school, the girls AND see that the world has changed since the pre-war days. Her education methods are sometimes unorthodox and she never uses the cane to punish a student. I really like her and respect her. I think Ellie does too. She goes along with Seldon's plan and allows Ellie a lot of leeway to explore the school and talk to the teachers. Second in command is Mrs. Coulson. She is NASTY! Mrs. Coulson is old school. She liked the draconian (read sexist and cruel) rules and prefers to keep order with an iron fist. She doesn't like being overruled by Miss Lonsdale, she doesn't like the elderly former English teacher turned librarian or the scatterbrained art teacher. Who DOES she like? I don't think she likes anyone. I like her for murderer! She's my chief suspect. I'd like her to be the victim rather than the sweet old Mrs. Wadsworth. Mrs. Wadsworth was lovely. She understood children needed kindness, gentleness and imagination. Boarding school shouldn't be a prison as Mrs. Coulson would like it to be. Mrs. Wadsworth was a huge influence on Ellie and I'm sure she inspired many other girls to love literature and to travel the world. Her legacy would be so special and enormous if she had been able to either retire voluntarily or die of natural causes. She was 68 which doesn't sound very old today but from the way they described her, it sounds like 68 was the equivalent of 80-something today. Her death is a real tragedy.
Miss Munn, head of PE is a jolly, energetic type. She can run pretty far and seems strong. Somehow I don't think she'd concern herself with the librarian enough to have cause to murder the older woman though. Matron, the school nurse, seems suspicious. She's hiding something for sure and I don't think it's a small secret. She's lying about where she was at the time of the murder. Matron seems nice enough, no nonsense though. I think she's good to the girls at least. Miss Jupe, head of music, plays the role of the exotic "other." The only person with brown skin at the school, she presents herself as foreign and mysterious. She likes to gossip and dig for information from other people but seems reluctant to give up anything. I think she's playing a role and may have information Ellie needs but won't share for whatever reason. Miss Small is the art teacher. She's very silly and the dreamy sort. She has her head in the clouds. I think Miss Small knows more about Mrs. Wadsworth's death than she realizes. That could put her in danger. Miss Rice, the school secretary, is the typical middle-aged spinster variety of woman usually found in the 1920s. She seems timid and rather reluctant to talk. To me she feels ... sad... like a woman who hears about adventures but has never had one and will never. I don't think she's the murderer or knows anything about it.
There are a few men at the school. The Chaplain is an odd sort of young fellow. He seems suspicious but I guessed his secret pretty much right away. Ellie should have figured it out sooner. The Bursar is a super nasty lech. He has a HUGE ego and thinks he's God's gift to mankind. He served in the war and has an old injury that conveniently just flared up. Is he telling the truth or lying? Ellie's method of testing her theory is not a great one. Why not let Gladstone run into the man? If you called "sausages" I bet Gladstone would barrel into a man for his favorite food. Finally, we have Mr. Hepple, the groundskeeper. He's been at the school forever and is very protective of it. He knows every rule, every inch of the school and is determined to prevent outsiders from coming in. He's very suspicious of Clifford but I think he's just one of those cranky gardeners.
I'm enjoying this series more with each book and will for sure read more!
It's June 1921 and Lady Eleanor Swift is hoping the ground will open up and swallow her whole before she has to give a speech at her alma mater, St. Mary's. While Ellie's memories of the school are not so great, she agreed to speak about her travels as a favor to her favorite teacher, Mrs. Wadsworth. Fortunately, an emergency delays Ellie's speech and then cancels the event. Unfortunately, the emergency comes in the form of the death of Mrs. Wadsworth in her beloved library. Clifford suspects foul play and asks Ellie to take a look. They both determine that the accident had to have been staged and the police must be called. Ellie is surprised to see her friend Chief Inspector Seldon on the scene. He's facing intense pressure from higher ups to call the death an accident and ensure the security of the school. Seldon trusts Ellie and Clifford but his hands are tied unless... he bends the rules and asks Ellie to go undercover. As a boardinghouse mistress she'll have the opportunity to meet the staff and talk to the students without anyone the wiser. Clifford will tag along to keep Ellie safe and help out on the grounds. Ellie is nervous about her new assignment and would rather stay out of it to avoid another row with Hugh but he's asking her to work under him so can't really say no. Her time at St. Mary's brings a lot of surprises, including another death the police determine as natural causes. Ellie and Clifford suspect otherwise. Can they solve the case before Seldon gets fired?
This is another very good entry in this series. The 1920s references were minimal since the setting was a boarding school. The history focus is on changing roles for women and progressive education that will teach girls to be strong, capable, adventurous women like Lady Swift! I questioned a couple of word choices but when I looked them up they were actually around when the book was set. "Get a grip" dates to the 1890s and the other expression I questioned was first recorded in print in 1919. I liked the story well enough to stay up very late reading it but found the whodunit kind of lame. I didn't expect it to be that person but I did suspect how the murderer got around. I'm not into boarding school stories - except for Harry Potter- but I liked the cozy details of Ellie's personal journey the most.
Ellie is still a bit immature and scattered but that's why we love her. Her strong, brave spirit and sense of adventure make her appealing. I like that she's less than perfect but she still needs looking after and I'm worried Hugh is going to spring it on her that he has a kid. She is NOT the motherly type. As dorm supervisor she's more of a big sister. Since Ellie attended the school and boarded at Holly House herself, she has intense empathy for the girls. A troublemaker in her school days, Ellie had little regard for authority but of course as an adult she must follow the rules. I think she did a good job balancing the adult in charge role with her desire to befriend the girls and be seen as fun. She learns more about herself and her past and is coming to terms with her uncle's seeming abandonment of her as a child. At first I didn't like how the relationship plot seemed to have fizzled since Ellie's birthday. It's true Hugh works a lot and as a policeman he's very by the book but I thought they had come to an understanding. While they don't have time for a date, Clifford works behind the scenes to make sure they have time alone to talk. By the end, I was happy with how things went. I felt really bad for Seldon in this book. He hasn't slept and can't rest until this case is solved. He's getting pressure from the higher ups who are being pressured by the school governor to hurry up and wrap up the case even take the lazy way out if it means getting out of the school quickly. Still, we learn a bit more about him and see his personality come through more. The banter between Ellie and Hugh is pretty cute. I'm hoping for more next time.
Clifford is incomparable. He's fun but tough. He looks after Ellie like a father figure/bodyguard rolled into one. He's incredibly intelligent and perceptive. He knows what Ellie needs before she does. I would have liked seeing him working in the gardens a bit more. That would have been funny. He brings along Gladstone, the naughty bulldog, who sadly only has one good scene. Sausages! No onion for Gladstone, I hope. I missed the other recurring characters though. The ladies didn't come along.
At the school the teachers are a mixed bag of draconian old school, new school and downright weird. Headmistress Miss Lonsdale is great. She seems to care about the school, the girls AND see that the world has changed since the pre-war days. Her education methods are sometimes unorthodox and she never uses the cane to punish a student. I really like her and respect her. I think Ellie does too. She goes along with Seldon's plan and allows Ellie a lot of leeway to explore the school and talk to the teachers. Second in command is Mrs. Coulson. She is NASTY! Mrs. Coulson is old school. She liked the draconian (read sexist and cruel) rules and prefers to keep order with an iron fist. She doesn't like being overruled by Miss Lonsdale, she doesn't like the elderly former English teacher turned librarian or the scatterbrained art teacher. Who DOES she like? I don't think she likes anyone. I like her for murderer! She's my chief suspect. I'd like her to be the victim rather than the sweet old Mrs. Wadsworth. Mrs. Wadsworth was lovely. She understood children needed kindness, gentleness and imagination. Boarding school shouldn't be a prison as Mrs. Coulson would like it to be. Mrs. Wadsworth was a huge influence on Ellie and I'm sure she inspired many other girls to love literature and to travel the world. Her legacy would be so special and enormous if she had been able to either retire voluntarily or die of natural causes. She was 68 which doesn't sound very old today but from the way they described her, it sounds like 68 was the equivalent of 80-something today. Her death is a real tragedy.
Miss Munn, head of PE is a jolly, energetic type. She can run pretty far and seems strong. Somehow I don't think she'd concern herself with the librarian enough to have cause to murder the older woman though. Matron, the school nurse, seems suspicious. She's hiding something for sure and I don't think it's a small secret. She's lying about where she was at the time of the murder. Matron seems nice enough, no nonsense though. I think she's good to the girls at least. Miss Jupe, head of music, plays the role of the exotic "other." The only person with brown skin at the school, she presents herself as foreign and mysterious. She likes to gossip and dig for information from other people but seems reluctant to give up anything. I think she's playing a role and may have information Ellie needs but won't share for whatever reason. Miss Small is the art teacher. She's very silly and the dreamy sort. She has her head in the clouds. I think Miss Small knows more about Mrs. Wadsworth's death than she realizes. That could put her in danger. Miss Rice, the school secretary, is the typical middle-aged spinster variety of woman usually found in the 1920s. She seems timid and rather reluctant to talk. To me she feels ... sad... like a woman who hears about adventures but has never had one and will never. I don't think she's the murderer or knows anything about it.
There are a few men at the school. The Chaplain is an odd sort of young fellow. He seems suspicious but I guessed his secret pretty much right away. Ellie should have figured it out sooner. The Bursar is a super nasty lech. He has a HUGE ego and thinks he's God's gift to mankind. He served in the war and has an old injury that conveniently just flared up. Is he telling the truth or lying? Ellie's method of testing her theory is not a great one. Why not let Gladstone run into the man? If you called "sausages" I bet Gladstone would barrel into a man for his favorite food. Finally, we have Mr. Hepple, the groundskeeper. He's been at the school forever and is very protective of it. He knows every rule, every inch of the school and is determined to prevent outsiders from coming in. He's very suspicious of Clifford but I think he's just one of those cranky gardeners.
I'm enjoying this series more with each book and will for sure read more!
November 27, 2021
A Lesson in Murder is the seventh book in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series and the series keeps getting better and fresher with each passing book. Absolutely loved this one as well and it was wonderful to see Eleanor getting a tiny glimpse of her mother's life as a student at the same boarding school Eleanor went to as a child. I am not sure if Eleanor realises it but I believe she has found another professional calling as a Housemistress to go hand in hand with her sleuthing skills.
Now onto the eighth book!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Verity Bright for the e-Arc of the book.
Now onto the eighth book!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Verity Bright for the e-Arc of the book.
April 24, 2024
Super fun! My favorite in the series so far! I love Eleanor’s connection to her mom through their old school. The school setting itself is really fun. I adore Mr Clifford (though I’m not sure how even he could have whipped up such a fabulous midnight feast under the circumstances but I’m very happy to suspend disbelief). And we get some hints about Clifford’s background that have given him quite a wide range of skills. We get lots of Hugh! I thought the investigation itself in this was a bit haphazard—I don’t know that Eleanor could solve cases without Clifford—but there is so much else to love that I don’t need the investigation to be as clear cut as a Poirot. The Holly House girls were also so fun.
September 21, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
The staffroom had the air of a space that had just been bustling with activity and was trying to catch its breath.
He ran a hand over his tousled mousy hair, which looked as if he had trimmed it himself in front of an inadequately lit mirror.
I really don’t know how you fit your colossal brain under your bowler hat. Surely, Mrs Butters must have needed to let the seams out?
My Review:
I continue with my love of the adorable Lady Swift and Clifford, her wizardly wise, ever-ready, and perfectly prepared butler. I will never tire of her humorous adventures and shenanigans or the smooth and engaging storytelling of the writing team known as Verity Bright. The storylines were colorfully detailed, pleasantly familiar, cleverly plotted, wryly amusing, and with, as usual, the culprit and motives being 100% unpredictable until the very last chapter.
The staffroom had the air of a space that had just been bustling with activity and was trying to catch its breath.
He ran a hand over his tousled mousy hair, which looked as if he had trimmed it himself in front of an inadequately lit mirror.
I really don’t know how you fit your colossal brain under your bowler hat. Surely, Mrs Butters must have needed to let the seams out?
My Review:
I continue with my love of the adorable Lady Swift and Clifford, her wizardly wise, ever-ready, and perfectly prepared butler. I will never tire of her humorous adventures and shenanigans or the smooth and engaging storytelling of the writing team known as Verity Bright. The storylines were colorfully detailed, pleasantly familiar, cleverly plotted, wryly amusing, and with, as usual, the culprit and motives being 100% unpredictable until the very last chapter.
September 14, 2021
“…and surely that’s not a body?”
Recently, I have become quite invested in several different series of ‘Golden Age’ mysteries, with Lady Eleanor Swift, her butler Clifford and trusty canine companion Gladstone, right up there amongst my favourite amateur sleuthing partnerships.
When I open the first page, to greet my new found friends, I just know that it is going to be like putting on a warm fluffy dressing gown and comfy slippers, curling up in front of a real roaring fire, with a warming drink, some delicious snacks, and lovely company (once you have read this delightful story you’ll see exactly why, for yourself).
Whilst during the course of previous investigations, I have been made privy to certain personal facts about Eleanor and her life before she inherited her title and family property following the death of her uncle, this case takes things to a whole new level as Eleanor is taken back to a period of her childhood she had thought she would much rather have forgotten about. However, as events unfold and from necessity, she finds herself becoming more deeply involved in day to day life at her old boarding school, where she uncovers new and hitherto unknown to her information about her family, which is bittersweet, very poignant and has the power to change her entire perspective about her past.
The book also comes with an additional, very thoughtful little mini guide of historical notes, which elaborates on many quirky aspects of the story which are alluded to briefly, but which adds some interesting detailed facts to back up the general narrative.
This well structured, multi-layered storyline, is totally immersive, beautifully textured and rich in detail and atmosphere. The narrative is assured, observational and visually descriptive. The dialogue is easy-going and conversational. In amongst the growing body count, there are a few lighter, compassionate moments, which helps to release the tension for both teachers and pupils alike, and are a testament to the authors’ confidence in the imagery their words can conjure up. Eleanor also has a habit of talking and reasoning with herself, although unlike myself, someone who tends to verbalise my conversations, Eleanor keeps them very much inside her own head, resulting in some lovely imaginary ‘speech bubbles’ as she sets about her various undercover investigations.
There is no unnecessary preamble with this storyline, the action kicks in from the word go, when the body of Eleanor’s favourite teacher is discovered. The chapters are short and punchy, keeping the dialogue fluid and the narrative seamless and easy to follow. The ending is brought to a satisfying conclusion for almost everyone involved, with no annoying little loose ends left tantalisingly hanging. Even Eleanor’s rather on-off, foundling relationship with DI Hugh Seldon, seems to finally be heading in the right direction, despite her own and Clifford’s involvement in yet another of his investigations, which has always hitherto, been a sticking point in any future they might have together as a couple. On this occasion however, Hugh has no choice but to call on ‘inside help’ from the intrepid duo, even though he tries to fool himself into thinking that he is in control of the situation – as if!
Eleanor has had to learn the lesson the hard way, about the protocols and accepted behaviours which come with the title of ‘Her Ladyship’. Meanwhile Clifford has well and truly had his eyes and mind opened to the responsibilities of being both butler and confidante to a young woman who is far ahead of her times, is often unorthodox and downright unladylike in her behaviour, and is far from confident or happy with adhering to the traditional social mores and class structure, which her newly appointed station in life demands. However as time has inexorably moved on, there has definitely been an unspoken shifting and meeting of minds between them. Decorum and protocol remain very much the watchwords when circumstances dictate, whilst in more private and intimate moments, or whilst they are in consultation over yet anther murder investigation, a more easy relaxed atmosphere ensues.
The authors have created a core cast of wonderfully developed, authentic characters, who will more than ably stand the test of time, combining high style and murder in an altogether unique way. They are generally easy to connect with and invest in, with a dynamism and synergy which only comes from having been given a free hand and strong voice with which to tell their own stories, with merely the gentlest of guiding hands from their creators. The extra characters added to compliment each investigation are all equally well defined and know the part they have to play, and whilst not all might be as amenable as Eleanor and Clifford, they are just as addictive and genuinely believable.
This is pure enjoyment, entertainment and escapism – what better motives for reading can there possibly be!
To share a few of the memorable moments from the book, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
Recently, I have become quite invested in several different series of ‘Golden Age’ mysteries, with Lady Eleanor Swift, her butler Clifford and trusty canine companion Gladstone, right up there amongst my favourite amateur sleuthing partnerships.
When I open the first page, to greet my new found friends, I just know that it is going to be like putting on a warm fluffy dressing gown and comfy slippers, curling up in front of a real roaring fire, with a warming drink, some delicious snacks, and lovely company (once you have read this delightful story you’ll see exactly why, for yourself).
Whilst during the course of previous investigations, I have been made privy to certain personal facts about Eleanor and her life before she inherited her title and family property following the death of her uncle, this case takes things to a whole new level as Eleanor is taken back to a period of her childhood she had thought she would much rather have forgotten about. However, as events unfold and from necessity, she finds herself becoming more deeply involved in day to day life at her old boarding school, where she uncovers new and hitherto unknown to her information about her family, which is bittersweet, very poignant and has the power to change her entire perspective about her past.
The book also comes with an additional, very thoughtful little mini guide of historical notes, which elaborates on many quirky aspects of the story which are alluded to briefly, but which adds some interesting detailed facts to back up the general narrative.
This well structured, multi-layered storyline, is totally immersive, beautifully textured and rich in detail and atmosphere. The narrative is assured, observational and visually descriptive. The dialogue is easy-going and conversational. In amongst the growing body count, there are a few lighter, compassionate moments, which helps to release the tension for both teachers and pupils alike, and are a testament to the authors’ confidence in the imagery their words can conjure up. Eleanor also has a habit of talking and reasoning with herself, although unlike myself, someone who tends to verbalise my conversations, Eleanor keeps them very much inside her own head, resulting in some lovely imaginary ‘speech bubbles’ as she sets about her various undercover investigations.
There is no unnecessary preamble with this storyline, the action kicks in from the word go, when the body of Eleanor’s favourite teacher is discovered. The chapters are short and punchy, keeping the dialogue fluid and the narrative seamless and easy to follow. The ending is brought to a satisfying conclusion for almost everyone involved, with no annoying little loose ends left tantalisingly hanging. Even Eleanor’s rather on-off, foundling relationship with DI Hugh Seldon, seems to finally be heading in the right direction, despite her own and Clifford’s involvement in yet another of his investigations, which has always hitherto, been a sticking point in any future they might have together as a couple. On this occasion however, Hugh has no choice but to call on ‘inside help’ from the intrepid duo, even though he tries to fool himself into thinking that he is in control of the situation – as if!
Eleanor has had to learn the lesson the hard way, about the protocols and accepted behaviours which come with the title of ‘Her Ladyship’. Meanwhile Clifford has well and truly had his eyes and mind opened to the responsibilities of being both butler and confidante to a young woman who is far ahead of her times, is often unorthodox and downright unladylike in her behaviour, and is far from confident or happy with adhering to the traditional social mores and class structure, which her newly appointed station in life demands. However as time has inexorably moved on, there has definitely been an unspoken shifting and meeting of minds between them. Decorum and protocol remain very much the watchwords when circumstances dictate, whilst in more private and intimate moments, or whilst they are in consultation over yet anther murder investigation, a more easy relaxed atmosphere ensues.
The authors have created a core cast of wonderfully developed, authentic characters, who will more than ably stand the test of time, combining high style and murder in an altogether unique way. They are generally easy to connect with and invest in, with a dynamism and synergy which only comes from having been given a free hand and strong voice with which to tell their own stories, with merely the gentlest of guiding hands from their creators. The extra characters added to compliment each investigation are all equally well defined and know the part they have to play, and whilst not all might be as amenable as Eleanor and Clifford, they are just as addictive and genuinely believable.
This is pure enjoyment, entertainment and escapism – what better motives for reading can there possibly be!
To share a few of the memorable moments from the book, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
September 17, 2021
Light-hearted cozy English mystery series set in the 1920s never disappoints.
Lady Eleanor Swift is off to be the guest speaker at her old boarding school in this 7th installment. St. Mary's doesn't hold a lot of good memories for her as she attended soon after the disappearance of her parents when she was 9 years old. Unfortunately, the speech day is interrupted by an untimely death of one of Eleanor's favorite teachers. Could it be murder? She is surprised when Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon attends the scene and even more taken aback when she and Clifford are asked to stay on to do some investigating. No sooner do they start making discreet inquiries when yet another suspicious death occurs. Someone is killing teachers, but who, and what could possibly be the motive? No spoilers.
Another enjoyable quick read with some of my favorite characters. I love the banter and interaction between Clifford and Eleanor -- everyone should have such a butler. And will Eleanor and Hugh finally, ever, take their relationship to the next level? Can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. And, incidentally, it is best to read this series from the beginning to fully appreciate it.
Lady Eleanor Swift is off to be the guest speaker at her old boarding school in this 7th installment. St. Mary's doesn't hold a lot of good memories for her as she attended soon after the disappearance of her parents when she was 9 years old. Unfortunately, the speech day is interrupted by an untimely death of one of Eleanor's favorite teachers. Could it be murder? She is surprised when Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon attends the scene and even more taken aback when she and Clifford are asked to stay on to do some investigating. No sooner do they start making discreet inquiries when yet another suspicious death occurs. Someone is killing teachers, but who, and what could possibly be the motive? No spoilers.
Another enjoyable quick read with some of my favorite characters. I love the banter and interaction between Clifford and Eleanor -- everyone should have such a butler. And will Eleanor and Hugh finally, ever, take their relationship to the next level? Can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. And, incidentally, it is best to read this series from the beginning to fully appreciate it.
October 4, 2021
I find every book in this series a real tonic. It’s wonderful to be taken to another time and place and the all-girls’ school setting for A Lesson in Murder was a great success, with a colourful cast of interesting characters. I also adore the pairing of haphazard, unconventional Eleanor and proper-yet-humorous Clifford. Highly recommended.
March 11, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Lesson In Murder' by Verity Bright.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Verity Bright, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 14th September 2021.
This is the fourth book I have read by this author. It is also the seventh book in her 'Lady Eleanor Smith Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read Verity's 'A Witness to Muder' (third book in the series), 'Mystery By The Sea' (5th book in the series) and 'Murder At The Fair' (6th book in the series) which I would also recommend reading.
I was originally drawn to this book by its fantastic eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Rhys Bowen are in for a treat. ' I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Verity and if this is as good as 'A Witness To Murder', 'Mystery By The Sea' and 'Murder At The Fair' it is sure to be an epic read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 41 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and had holidays in England on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Verity has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Lady Eleanor Smith. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO VERITY ON YET ANOTHER PAGE TURNING SUCCESS!!
Another successful unputdownable cosy mystery by the very talented Verity Bright. I'm always a bit dubious with books based historically as I worry about not being able to 'deal' with the language used but I absolutely love how Verity has written her books. The language used is perfectly suited to the era whilst being easy to read and making it quite humorous on several occasions. The atmosphere and descriptions were perfect. The synopsis and cover also suit the storyline.
The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Eleanor and Clifford go about their detective work. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. It was filled with suspense, mystery, laughter, murder, clues, deceit. tension, suspense, a sprinkle of romance and so much more!! It is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. I never did work out who the killer was and was completely shocked when they were discovered. A great achievement as I am a huge crime fan and tend to work out who did what quite early on, especially considering I have read so many of Verity's books yet she manages to get me everytime. The atmosphere was perfectly suited to the mystery. I loved the fact that it was set in Ellie's old boarding school and the lovely surprise that it wasn't only Ellie that attended!! It was lovely watching her reminiscing about her times there while also discovering new knowledge while there.
If you read this book please keep going once you get to the end as you come across the fascinating historical notes by Verity which will teach you more about the first non white teacher in Britain, the first woman to cycle around the world, Northern Ireland, Ellie's Irish connections, fingerprinting, the South African hospital in Abbeville, Vermilion (such a shame that couldn't have worked out), flanking paths, shellac, double helix staircases (fascinating!), victorian fern collecting (looking forward to my next custard cream!) and Who's who (obviously a mistake had been made). I thoroughly enjoyed reading this notes and I did have a bit of a giggle at a few. Well done Verity!
Although this is the seventh book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
The characters were all larger than life, realistic and a complete breathe of fresh air. Eleanor is an amazing character, very bubbly and certainly not your typical 'Lady', she is absolutely unique as well as a very strong female lead which is a great bonus for myself being female. I absolutely adore her relationship with Clifford along with the rest of her "staff" that she treats more like friends. The only downfall is that herself and Clifford are fictional as these are two characters I would absolutely LOVE to meet in real life!! Clifford is absolutely fantastic and I really enjoy how he makes me laugh with his diplomatic skills while being extremely sarcastic at times. It is so sweet how he has taken Eleanor under his wing and admonishes her in several occasions in his humerus ways. I cannot wait to meet them both again and see what they get up to in the next "episode". I really enjoyed getting to meet the teachers at St Mary's along with all the girls at .Holly House who all had their own larger than life personalities!!
A huge congratulations on another fantastic success Verity!!! Here's to looking forward to your next book 🥂
If you are looking for a cosy mystery that will have you laughing until your crying look no further!!!
This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors and this is one of my favourite 'series' Verity! A page turning and unputdownable success!
Overall a fun and easy to read page turning cozy murder mystery with the perfect amount of crime and humour that will keep you turning the pages.
Genres covered in this novel include Cozy Mystery, Murder and Crime amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Agatha Christie and anyone looking for a very easy, page turning and enjoyable read.
315 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ALessonInMurder #Bookouture #VerityBright #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@VerityBright @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'A Lesson In Murder' by Verity Bright.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Verity Bright, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 14th September 2021.
This is the fourth book I have read by this author. It is also the seventh book in her 'Lady Eleanor Smith Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read Verity's 'A Witness to Muder' (third book in the series), 'Mystery By The Sea' (5th book in the series) and 'Murder At The Fair' (6th book in the series) which I would also recommend reading.
I was originally drawn to this book by its fantastic eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Rhys Bowen are in for a treat. ' I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Verity and if this is as good as 'A Witness To Murder', 'Mystery By The Sea' and 'Murder At The Fair' it is sure to be an epic read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 41 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and had holidays in England on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Verity has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Lady Eleanor Smith. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO VERITY ON YET ANOTHER PAGE TURNING SUCCESS!!
Another successful unputdownable cosy mystery by the very talented Verity Bright. I'm always a bit dubious with books based historically as I worry about not being able to 'deal' with the language used but I absolutely love how Verity has written her books. The language used is perfectly suited to the era whilst being easy to read and making it quite humorous on several occasions. The atmosphere and descriptions were perfect. The synopsis and cover also suit the storyline.
The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Eleanor and Clifford go about their detective work. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. It was filled with suspense, mystery, laughter, murder, clues, deceit. tension, suspense, a sprinkle of romance and so much more!! It is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. I never did work out who the killer was and was completely shocked when they were discovered. A great achievement as I am a huge crime fan and tend to work out who did what quite early on, especially considering I have read so many of Verity's books yet she manages to get me everytime. The atmosphere was perfectly suited to the mystery. I loved the fact that it was set in Ellie's old boarding school and the lovely surprise that it wasn't only Ellie that attended!! It was lovely watching her reminiscing about her times there while also discovering new knowledge while there.
If you read this book please keep going once you get to the end as you come across the fascinating historical notes by Verity which will teach you more about the first non white teacher in Britain, the first woman to cycle around the world, Northern Ireland, Ellie's Irish connections, fingerprinting, the South African hospital in Abbeville, Vermilion (such a shame that couldn't have worked out), flanking paths, shellac, double helix staircases (fascinating!), victorian fern collecting (looking forward to my next custard cream!) and Who's who (obviously a mistake had been made). I thoroughly enjoyed reading this notes and I did have a bit of a giggle at a few. Well done Verity!
Although this is the seventh book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
The characters were all larger than life, realistic and a complete breathe of fresh air. Eleanor is an amazing character, very bubbly and certainly not your typical 'Lady', she is absolutely unique as well as a very strong female lead which is a great bonus for myself being female. I absolutely adore her relationship with Clifford along with the rest of her "staff" that she treats more like friends. The only downfall is that herself and Clifford are fictional as these are two characters I would absolutely LOVE to meet in real life!! Clifford is absolutely fantastic and I really enjoy how he makes me laugh with his diplomatic skills while being extremely sarcastic at times. It is so sweet how he has taken Eleanor under his wing and admonishes her in several occasions in his humerus ways. I cannot wait to meet them both again and see what they get up to in the next "episode". I really enjoyed getting to meet the teachers at St Mary's along with all the girls at .Holly House who all had their own larger than life personalities!!
A huge congratulations on another fantastic success Verity!!! Here's to looking forward to your next book 🥂
If you are looking for a cosy mystery that will have you laughing until your crying look no further!!!
This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors and this is one of my favourite 'series' Verity! A page turning and unputdownable success!
Overall a fun and easy to read page turning cozy murder mystery with the perfect amount of crime and humour that will keep you turning the pages.
Genres covered in this novel include Cozy Mystery, Murder and Crime amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Agatha Christie and anyone looking for a very easy, page turning and enjoyable read.
315 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ALessonInMurder #Bookouture #VerityBright #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@VerityBright @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
September 14, 2021
This is the 7th book in the Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series, but the first I read, so I want to catch up with the others.
This time the lady visits her old school, St. Mary´s as a guest of honour. Before she can deliver her speech though, a favourite teacher of hers is found dead in the library - supposedly an accident, but Ellie suspects there´s more behind it. She and her butler Clifford try to help Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon in his work, while getting in touch with the students there. Will they find out the truth, when things take a turn?
I liked this book, and the characters are described well and sometimes funny. Ellie seems a bit naive for her age, but she´ s trying to break the rules and also helping the school girls. Clifford is more of a humorous figure, and there are others whose secrets are revealed in the course of the story.
Somehow the figures seem to be concocted from several other mysteries, so this doesn´t necessarily appear new. I want to read others in the series though.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This time the lady visits her old school, St. Mary´s as a guest of honour. Before she can deliver her speech though, a favourite teacher of hers is found dead in the library - supposedly an accident, but Ellie suspects there´s more behind it. She and her butler Clifford try to help Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon in his work, while getting in touch with the students there. Will they find out the truth, when things take a turn?
I liked this book, and the characters are described well and sometimes funny. Ellie seems a bit naive for her age, but she´ s trying to break the rules and also helping the school girls. Clifford is more of a humorous figure, and there are others whose secrets are revealed in the course of the story.
Somehow the figures seem to be concocted from several other mysteries, so this doesn´t necessarily appear new. I want to read others in the series though.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2021
Your school days are supposed to be some of the happiest of your life but not always. For Lady Eleanor Swift leaving St Mary's School was the best thing she did, so why is she voluntarily returning as a guest? One reason would be to renew the friendship with her old house mistress and current librarian, Mrs Wadsworth, the one kindhearted teacher who, amazingly, is still there.
When Speech Day is interrupted by the sound of the school alarm the event is suddenly cancelled after the discovery of Mrs Wadsworth's body. Devastated by the news Eleanor is amazed when DCI Seldon arrives to oversee the investigation he wants her to undertake covertly, with the ever present Clifford, of course!
There are secrets to be uncovered, enquiries to be made as Eleanor finds herself taking over Mrs Wadsworth's position as head of Holly House and the welfare of the youngsters who will undoubtedly be missing the much loved librarian. As she tries to investigate alongside her new and unfamiliar duties Eleanor finds it's not just the students who are gaining an education.
This is the seventh in the wonderful Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series and for just the second time the action moves away from Henley Hall. With only Clifford, Seldon, and Gladstone from the main protagonists to assist her the storyline is a little different but no less entertaining because of it.
I have to admit that Clifford did come across a little less realistically this time. He has always had the ability to provide Eleanor with everything necessary to solve a case but here, in an unfamiliar setting I found it harder to believe he could do so as, if not more, expertly than usual.
Clifford's perfection however, did nothing to reduce the reading experience and I particularly enjoyed Eleanor's moments of introspection and better understanding of her unhappy childhood. There was also a very satisfying ending to this book with a promise of more to come and I can't wait to see what happens next.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. If you are a fan of this series you won’t be disappointed but as it can also be read as a standalone it could also introduce you to a wonderfully eccentric and enjoyable reading experience with six other stories to catch up on.
When Speech Day is interrupted by the sound of the school alarm the event is suddenly cancelled after the discovery of Mrs Wadsworth's body. Devastated by the news Eleanor is amazed when DCI Seldon arrives to oversee the investigation he wants her to undertake covertly, with the ever present Clifford, of course!
There are secrets to be uncovered, enquiries to be made as Eleanor finds herself taking over Mrs Wadsworth's position as head of Holly House and the welfare of the youngsters who will undoubtedly be missing the much loved librarian. As she tries to investigate alongside her new and unfamiliar duties Eleanor finds it's not just the students who are gaining an education.
This is the seventh in the wonderful Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series and for just the second time the action moves away from Henley Hall. With only Clifford, Seldon, and Gladstone from the main protagonists to assist her the storyline is a little different but no less entertaining because of it.
I have to admit that Clifford did come across a little less realistically this time. He has always had the ability to provide Eleanor with everything necessary to solve a case but here, in an unfamiliar setting I found it harder to believe he could do so as, if not more, expertly than usual.
Clifford's perfection however, did nothing to reduce the reading experience and I particularly enjoyed Eleanor's moments of introspection and better understanding of her unhappy childhood. There was also a very satisfying ending to this book with a promise of more to come and I can't wait to see what happens next.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. If you are a fan of this series you won’t be disappointed but as it can also be read as a standalone it could also introduce you to a wonderfully eccentric and enjoyable reading experience with six other stories to catch up on.
August 7, 2022
This was a delightful entry in the mystery series, and it's definitely my favorite so far. This time Lady Eleanor and her butler are at the boarding school she attended as a young girl, when a death occurs. The two are quickly involved in the investigation, but along the way we learn more about Lady Eleanor's past, and that of her mother. I definitely look forward to reading more in the series.
October 24, 2021
When Eleanor is invited back to her old school to give a speech, it’s to find her favourite teacher has been murdered. Cue a brilliant array of suspects, plenty of plot twists and turns, and a villain finally outed in a satisfying ending. The period charm of the 1920s is present in spades, this time in a school setting rather than Henley Hall, giving the reader an understanding of Eleanor’s childhood with both its good and bad memories. Her relationship with her charges, as she takes on the temporary role of house mistress, is delightful. Overall, Eleanor is a wonderfully realised character and so well-matched by the inimitable Clifford, a butler everyone should have!
August 30, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of A Lesson in Murder, the seventh novel to feature amateur sleuth Lafayette Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford, set in 1921.
Lady Eleanor is back at her old school, St Mary’s, as guest of honour at the annual prize giving when the ceremony is halted due to the death of a staff member. Mrs Wadsworth had been Ellie’s support as a lonely child and now she was lying dead in the library, murdered she and Clifford suspect as does Chief Inspector Seldon when he arrives. Ellie and Clifford stay on at the school to conduct an undercover investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Lesson in Murder, which is a light, frothy tale with an ingenious solution. The novel is told entirely from Ellie’s point of view, so what she knows the reader knows and I still didn’t get near a solution, probably due to too much giggling and taking what I was told at face value. It is difficult to see through the misdirection when you’re having fun.
Being set in a boarding school the novel contains most of the usual tropes, mischievous school children, personality clashes in the staff, midnight feasts, school dinners, secret passages and lost diaries among others. It is also heartwarming as Ellie champions the underdogs and releases untapped potential. So, an excellent background that takes me back to my childhood reading that frames a clever murder mystery. The solution is highly unlikely, but who needs verisimilitude when it’s all good, clean fun? Not me.
The novel misses the staff at Henley Hall, always another source of entertainment, but Ellie and Clifford manage to soldier on in their inimitable style, provoking laughter on a regular basis, ably assisted by Gladstone the dog. To make up for the loss of “the ladies” the author moves the will they, won’t they relationship between Ellie and DCI Hugh Seldon a step closer to romance, but we’ve been here before, so who knows?
A Lesson in Murder is a fun read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Lady Eleanor is back at her old school, St Mary’s, as guest of honour at the annual prize giving when the ceremony is halted due to the death of a staff member. Mrs Wadsworth had been Ellie’s support as a lonely child and now she was lying dead in the library, murdered she and Clifford suspect as does Chief Inspector Seldon when he arrives. Ellie and Clifford stay on at the school to conduct an undercover investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Lesson in Murder, which is a light, frothy tale with an ingenious solution. The novel is told entirely from Ellie’s point of view, so what she knows the reader knows and I still didn’t get near a solution, probably due to too much giggling and taking what I was told at face value. It is difficult to see through the misdirection when you’re having fun.
Being set in a boarding school the novel contains most of the usual tropes, mischievous school children, personality clashes in the staff, midnight feasts, school dinners, secret passages and lost diaries among others. It is also heartwarming as Ellie champions the underdogs and releases untapped potential. So, an excellent background that takes me back to my childhood reading that frames a clever murder mystery. The solution is highly unlikely, but who needs verisimilitude when it’s all good, clean fun? Not me.
The novel misses the staff at Henley Hall, always another source of entertainment, but Ellie and Clifford manage to soldier on in their inimitable style, provoking laughter on a regular basis, ably assisted by Gladstone the dog. To make up for the loss of “the ladies” the author moves the will they, won’t they relationship between Ellie and DCI Hugh Seldon a step closer to romance, but we’ve been here before, so who knows?
A Lesson in Murder is a fun read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 18, 2023
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I’ve been catching up on the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries back catalog after falling in love with volume 12 and up last year. The great thing about this series is that each book can be read as a standalone, however, in each book another tidbit from Eleanor’s prior life dribbles out, just enough to whet the appetite of those who have read the whole series.
This time the Eleanor visits her old school, St. Mary´s as a guest of honor. Right when she is about to give her speech to the young ladies, her favorite teacher is found dead in the library. It’s apparent to Eleanor and her ever trusty butler/right-hand man, Clifford, that it was no accident. Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon makes another appearance in the series, and for the first time, I can finally see what Eleanor finds attractive about him: He’s a good detective! She and Clifford, and her ever trusty bulldog, Gladstone, help Hugh in his investigation.
Once again, Verity Bright has excelled at bringing the Golden Age to life with the exquisite descriptions of locales, styles, and manner of speaking. Readers love Lady Eleanor for her feistiness, independence, yet naivete at the same time. She’s the sort of woman you want to take under your wing, yet you know she wouldn’t let you do that because she’s still not used to relying on others, besides Clifford, to help her out.
There’s a bit about Eleanor’s mother that intrigued me in this book, and I hope the upcoming volumes I haven’t read yet shed more light on the mysteries of Eleanor’s parents and their disappearance. I can’t say enough good things about this cozy mystery series and look forward to more.
Lastly, I appreciate the fact that on Kindle, most of the volumes are fairly priced, making this a Bargain Sleuth-approved series! On to volume 8!
I’ve been catching up on the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries back catalog after falling in love with volume 12 and up last year. The great thing about this series is that each book can be read as a standalone, however, in each book another tidbit from Eleanor’s prior life dribbles out, just enough to whet the appetite of those who have read the whole series.
This time the Eleanor visits her old school, St. Mary´s as a guest of honor. Right when she is about to give her speech to the young ladies, her favorite teacher is found dead in the library. It’s apparent to Eleanor and her ever trusty butler/right-hand man, Clifford, that it was no accident. Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon makes another appearance in the series, and for the first time, I can finally see what Eleanor finds attractive about him: He’s a good detective! She and Clifford, and her ever trusty bulldog, Gladstone, help Hugh in his investigation.
Once again, Verity Bright has excelled at bringing the Golden Age to life with the exquisite descriptions of locales, styles, and manner of speaking. Readers love Lady Eleanor for her feistiness, independence, yet naivete at the same time. She’s the sort of woman you want to take under your wing, yet you know she wouldn’t let you do that because she’s still not used to relying on others, besides Clifford, to help her out.
There’s a bit about Eleanor’s mother that intrigued me in this book, and I hope the upcoming volumes I haven’t read yet shed more light on the mysteries of Eleanor’s parents and their disappearance. I can’t say enough good things about this cozy mystery series and look forward to more.
Lastly, I appreciate the fact that on Kindle, most of the volumes are fairly priced, making this a Bargain Sleuth-approved series! On to volume 8!
September 12, 2021
‘A Lesson in Murder’ by Verity Bright is Part of a series, but there’s no need to have read them in advance as this works as a stand-alone too.
Lady Eleanor Swift is back at her old school, St Mary’s, to give a speech. Her memories were not all good by any means, so being back stirs up some difficult feelings.
She’s a very independent woman for the time and not everyone appreciates that. When the death occurs of her favourite old teacher, Eleanor is pulled into the mystery, by virtue of being there, and because of her association with Chief Inspector Seldon in previous adventures. When he turns up to deal with the situation he asks her to go undercover as a house mistress. Will they be able to find out the identity of the killer in time? Eleanor will have to use all of her know-how about the school to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
I liked the references to her time there and to previous mysteries. The book had a comfortable, cosy vibe, and the reader is made to feel part of it all. Being set in the Golden Age of Crime in the 1920s makes it all the more exciting. I also liked the dynamic between Eleanor , Clifford her butler, and Chief Inspector Seldon. They make a great team. But most of all, I loved the boarding school setting, partly because I read so many books set in them when I was a child. It felt familiar. Verity Bright succeeded in bringing back those memories and adding her own twist with an engrossing mystery.
I was given this ARC to review.
Lady Eleanor Swift is back at her old school, St Mary’s, to give a speech. Her memories were not all good by any means, so being back stirs up some difficult feelings.
She’s a very independent woman for the time and not everyone appreciates that. When the death occurs of her favourite old teacher, Eleanor is pulled into the mystery, by virtue of being there, and because of her association with Chief Inspector Seldon in previous adventures. When he turns up to deal with the situation he asks her to go undercover as a house mistress. Will they be able to find out the identity of the killer in time? Eleanor will have to use all of her know-how about the school to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
I liked the references to her time there and to previous mysteries. The book had a comfortable, cosy vibe, and the reader is made to feel part of it all. Being set in the Golden Age of Crime in the 1920s makes it all the more exciting. I also liked the dynamic between Eleanor , Clifford her butler, and Chief Inspector Seldon. They make a great team. But most of all, I loved the boarding school setting, partly because I read so many books set in them when I was a child. It felt familiar. Verity Bright succeeded in bringing back those memories and adding her own twist with an engrossing mystery.
I was given this ARC to review.
September 14, 2021
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley, too,
For my copy of this book, here's my honest review:
Having thoroughly enjoyed several books in this series before
I really couldn't wait to escape into some more!
The stories are set back in the 1920s and star
Lady Eleanor Swift who is more used to travelling afar!
She has inherited a title she hadn't expected
And learning to be a lady she initially rejected
But now, with the help of her butler and Gladstone
She's learning to live a new life that isn't so alone.
However, murders and mysteries keep coming her way
And she's unable to avoid involvement, despite what others say.
This time she's gone to present prizes at her old school
Something she's now regretting, another dead body isn't cool.
When memories come flooding back of her time spent there
Mrs Wadsworth is the teacher she remembers really taking care.
So when this lady's body is discovered on the ground,
Eleanor is determined that if there's a killer they'll be found!
With schoolgirls, teachers and memories, too,
Eleanor is determined her best to support Hugh.
With her working undercover in the school
Will she be able to resist breaking any rule?
Get ready for another fascinating mystery and burgeoning romance, too
In this fascinating story with great characters who
Always keep you guessing and hoping for the best
I hope you read it for yourself and discover all the rest!
For my copy of this book, here's my honest review:
Having thoroughly enjoyed several books in this series before
I really couldn't wait to escape into some more!
The stories are set back in the 1920s and star
Lady Eleanor Swift who is more used to travelling afar!
She has inherited a title she hadn't expected
And learning to be a lady she initially rejected
But now, with the help of her butler and Gladstone
She's learning to live a new life that isn't so alone.
However, murders and mysteries keep coming her way
And she's unable to avoid involvement, despite what others say.
This time she's gone to present prizes at her old school
Something she's now regretting, another dead body isn't cool.
When memories come flooding back of her time spent there
Mrs Wadsworth is the teacher she remembers really taking care.
So when this lady's body is discovered on the ground,
Eleanor is determined that if there's a killer they'll be found!
With schoolgirls, teachers and memories, too,
Eleanor is determined her best to support Hugh.
With her working undercover in the school
Will she be able to resist breaking any rule?
Get ready for another fascinating mystery and burgeoning romance, too
In this fascinating story with great characters who
Always keep you guessing and hoping for the best
I hope you read it for yourself and discover all the rest!
June 19, 2022
*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This was my first Lady Eleanor Swift murder mystery and I think I really missed out by not starting with the first book and reading through in chronological order, as the characters are wonderfully engaging but I got the impression of lots of backstory behind their relationships, conversations and behaviour.
Very much a classic, British, golden-age style mystery here, as Lady Eleanor and her trusty sidekicks Clifford, Gladstone and Seldon investigate the deaths of two teachers at her old private boarding school and manage to uncover a web of secrets beneath the refined facade.
The main plot is well-constructed and kept me guessing, and there is a nice little subplot that reminded me of Enid Blyton’s school stories, as Lady Eleanor explores her history with the school and finds some closure by helping some of the current girls deal with their problems.
In fact, the only aspect I wasn’t keen on were the constant ‘Ellie’ asides, which I found a bit distracting!
I definitely intend to head back to try book 1 of this series, and feel that it is one fans of Agatha Christie, Ellis Peters and similar are likely to enjoy.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This was my first Lady Eleanor Swift murder mystery and I think I really missed out by not starting with the first book and reading through in chronological order, as the characters are wonderfully engaging but I got the impression of lots of backstory behind their relationships, conversations and behaviour.
Very much a classic, British, golden-age style mystery here, as Lady Eleanor and her trusty sidekicks Clifford, Gladstone and Seldon investigate the deaths of two teachers at her old private boarding school and manage to uncover a web of secrets beneath the refined facade.
The main plot is well-constructed and kept me guessing, and there is a nice little subplot that reminded me of Enid Blyton’s school stories, as Lady Eleanor explores her history with the school and finds some closure by helping some of the current girls deal with their problems.
In fact, the only aspect I wasn’t keen on were the constant ‘Ellie’ asides, which I found a bit distracting!
I definitely intend to head back to try book 1 of this series, and feel that it is one fans of Agatha Christie, Ellis Peters and similar are likely to enjoy.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
September 1, 2021
1921 and Lady Eleanor Swift has been invited to give an address to the girls as she is considered a rather prestigious old girl. Independent, adventurous and definitely not found elsewhere a rather sensible down to earth young woman who is also of the aristocracy. Very unusual combination for the time.
When one of her most beloved teachers are found dead just before her speech and which turns the whole school upside down, Eleanor is called upon to privately investigate along with Clifford her butler who is a character in himself (and stories could be written from his point of view alone) to find out who did this. The school seemingly made up of staid, respectable teachers is anything but and Eleanor discovers plot upon plot with many suspects. It has to be whittled down and fast, because a second murder takes place.
Entering the school as a relief was the only way Eleanor was able to access the school without suspicion and without incurring the wrath of its well heeled parents, who did not want even a whiff of scandal to touch their daughters at this elite school. Fighting the establishment and discovering clues was not an easy task but the inimitable Lady Eleanor does it all in her usual unflappable style.
Loved the plot, the characters, the settings, the era, everything!
When one of her most beloved teachers are found dead just before her speech and which turns the whole school upside down, Eleanor is called upon to privately investigate along with Clifford her butler who is a character in himself (and stories could be written from his point of view alone) to find out who did this. The school seemingly made up of staid, respectable teachers is anything but and Eleanor discovers plot upon plot with many suspects. It has to be whittled down and fast, because a second murder takes place.
Entering the school as a relief was the only way Eleanor was able to access the school without suspicion and without incurring the wrath of its well heeled parents, who did not want even a whiff of scandal to touch their daughters at this elite school. Fighting the establishment and discovering clues was not an easy task but the inimitable Lady Eleanor does it all in her usual unflappable style.
Loved the plot, the characters, the settings, the era, everything!
November 3, 2022
I love the Lady Swift series! Definitely a favourite and a go-to for when I want light, fun, easy-reading with a side of great characters and fun shenanigans.
This series never disappoints me. Elena and Clifford (and of course, Gladstone the bulldog!) are an absolute delight and visiting with them and going along on their murder investigating adventures are wonderful and entertaining in each new book.
The unorthodox life Lady Swift leads charms me each time, as does her intrepid butler-cum-investigative partner in crime, Clifford. The two of them make an amazing pair and I dearly love them both.
This is just a charming, cheeky and uplifting series that I really, really love.
Format note: I get this series in audio format as the narrator is fabulous and really brings the characters fully to life and makes them feel real. I recommend the audio version highly!
This series never disappoints me. Elena and Clifford (and of course, Gladstone the bulldog!) are an absolute delight and visiting with them and going along on their murder investigating adventures are wonderful and entertaining in each new book.
The unorthodox life Lady Swift leads charms me each time, as does her intrepid butler-cum-investigative partner in crime, Clifford. The two of them make an amazing pair and I dearly love them both.
This is just a charming, cheeky and uplifting series that I really, really love.
Format note: I get this series in audio format as the narrator is fabulous and really brings the characters fully to life and makes them feel real. I recommend the audio version highly!
September 18, 2021
A nice cosy mystery, although I could have done without the author contorting the story trying to incorporate ‘Chief Inspector Seldon’. I’m probably in a minority of one, but I see his roll as purely arriving at the end to arrest the culprit.
Eleanor is at her best when she isn’t subservient to Seldon and worrying he is not paying her enough attention.
I enjoyed parts of the story, including Eleanor’s role as ‘House Mother’, but I’m not so sure about the way the murderer is identified, it comes almost ‘out of the blue’ with very little evidence.
I might have given three stars, but the book ends with a note from the author;
”Dying to know if Hugh and Eleanor might become more than friends during her next case?“ No! What would make me happy is if Seldon disappears.
Eleanor is at her best when she isn’t subservient to Seldon and worrying he is not paying her enough attention.
I enjoyed parts of the story, including Eleanor’s role as ‘House Mother’, but I’m not so sure about the way the murderer is identified, it comes almost ‘out of the blue’ with very little evidence.
I might have given three stars, but the book ends with a note from the author;
”Dying to know if Hugh and Eleanor might become more than friends during her next case?“ No! What would make me happy is if Seldon disappears.
July 20, 2024
3 stars.
Ellie is invited back to her boarding school and was just about to give her speech when her favourite teacher is found dead. As Hugh is not allowed within the girls' school, Ellie takes the position of den mother and Clifford as a groundskeeper to investigate.
It's another solid addition with Ellie learning something about her mother and helping the girls she looked after to win a school contest. There also seems to be a bit more traction with Hugh. Apart from the wishy-washy state of Ellie's love life, I am enjoying the repartee between Ellie and Clifford. But I do find it a bit difficult to listen to the book as Ellie seems to be always eating, especially when I'm hungry!
Ellie is invited back to her boarding school and was just about to give her speech when her favourite teacher is found dead. As Hugh is not allowed within the girls' school, Ellie takes the position of den mother and Clifford as a groundskeeper to investigate.
It's another solid addition with Ellie learning something about her mother and helping the girls she looked after to win a school contest. There also seems to be a bit more traction with Hugh. Apart from the wishy-washy state of Ellie's love life, I am enjoying the repartee between Ellie and Clifford. But I do find it a bit difficult to listen to the book as Ellie seems to be always eating, especially when I'm hungry!
February 26, 2022
I'm not a big historic fiction reader but I do enjoy this series. This is book 7 in the Lady Eleanor Swift series set in England before WWII. Asked to be guest speaker at her old school, St. Mary's, Lady Swift if dismayed to find her favorite teacher has been murdered in the school library. With many prominent families sending their girls to St. Mary's, Chief Inspector Seldon wants Eleanor to stay at the school as a teacher to help investigate. Another great cozy that can be read as a stand alone but you'll want to read them all. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 12, 2024
Can’t get enough of these sweet little cozy mysteries! This instalment takes us back to Lady Swifts old boarding school where she tried to unravel the mysterious death of her favourite school teacher!
I thought this one was so sweet, having Eleanor even closer to her mother and unraveling some of their relationship. I honestly didn’t know ‘who did it’ till the end so that’s always enjoyable, as is the very Sherlock-esque grand revels towards the end of the book
I love how all the individuals in these books have a slow character build as your go through the series - it makes me feel even more attached to them
I thought this one was so sweet, having Eleanor even closer to her mother and unraveling some of their relationship. I honestly didn’t know ‘who did it’ till the end so that’s always enjoyable, as is the very Sherlock-esque grand revels towards the end of the book
I love how all the individuals in these books have a slow character build as your go through the series - it makes me feel even more attached to them
September 20, 2021
Lady Eleanor Swift's latest murder investigation takes place in her old boarding school. The suspects are numerous, and Ellie and Clifford pose as school staff to find the murderer. The school setting is atmospheric and evokes classic murder mysteries. The engaging characters and twisty mystery plot make this another addictive read.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 1, 2021
Another wonderful read. This series just gets better and better. I absolutely enjoyed this one. A brilliant mystery expertly told. Five wonderful stars.
March 16, 2025
I wish there were a hundred of these in the series! I do enjoy them. So charming and feel good. Much needed in these dark and dreadful times.
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