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Mr. Quayle Mysteries #2
A Rather Dastardly Death
A holiday on the French Riviera turns deadly when Lord Unsworth’s old flame is found murdered in this second installment of the “entertaining” Mr. Quayle Mysteries. (Kirkus Reviews)
“One murder was quite enough for this family!” Lady Constance declared. “Two starts to look like carelessness! And what happens when it’s three? Or four?”
France 1926. In the wake of murder and tragedy, Lord Unsworth and his family flee to the French Riviera in a desperate attempt to escape the ensuing scandal and find a few months of peace and solitude. But their hopes are soon dashed when Fanny joins a community of writers, artists, and anarchists, and Arthur unwittingly becomes entangled in a plot to catch an elusive international jewel thief.
And when Lord Unsworth’s old flame, Lady Rosaline Barrett De Marchi, is found dead in suspicious circumstances, the efficient Mr. Quayle finds himself once again called upon to save the family from ruin…
“One murder was quite enough for this family!” Lady Constance declared. “Two starts to look like carelessness! And what happens when it’s three? Or four?”
France 1926. In the wake of murder and tragedy, Lord Unsworth and his family flee to the French Riviera in a desperate attempt to escape the ensuing scandal and find a few months of peace and solitude. But their hopes are soon dashed when Fanny joins a community of writers, artists, and anarchists, and Arthur unwittingly becomes entangled in a plot to catch an elusive international jewel thief.
And when Lord Unsworth’s old flame, Lady Rosaline Barrett De Marchi, is found dead in suspicious circumstances, the efficient Mr. Quayle finds himself once again called upon to save the family from ruin…
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2023
117 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Slayton
5 books85 followersAnthony Slayton is a self-confessed Anglophile, at least when it comes to murder and death. Author of the Mr. Quayle Mysteries, he is a life-long mystery aficionado—the more bodies, the better! In his spare time, he can probably be found walking in the park or binge-watching one mystery series or another (possibly just rewatching Poirot and Midsomer Murders for the umpteenth time). You can follow him on BookBub for the latest on sales https://bit.ly/BookBubslayton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 15, 2023
Book two of the Mr Quayle Mystery series picks up where the first left off with the Unsworth family recovering from the devastation of murder…and unwittingly landing themselves in the middle of another murder mystery! The location …the gorgeous and interesting French Riveria. Multi-faceted characters with a multitude of motives abound!
It is a scintillating read, from start to finish, with wonderfully plausible and entertaining red herrings and a logical conclusion! Cosy historical Brit murder mystery at its best! It left me eager for the next! The dry humour is a particular delight! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It is a scintillating read, from start to finish, with wonderfully plausible and entertaining red herrings and a logical conclusion! Cosy historical Brit murder mystery at its best! It left me eager for the next! The dry humour is a particular delight! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 26, 2023
Anthony Slayton knows how to write a mystery that is so reminiscent of the Golden Age. In his author's note, he even references some of the Golden Age stories as influences. I enjoyed the first book featuring Mr. Quayle, and I was not disappointed by this second in the series. In "A Rather Dastardly Death," Quayle is in the French Riviera with his employer Lord Unsworth and family. While there, Lord Unsworth reconnects with his old flame, a scandalous former actress and patron of the arts. But Lady Rosaline Barrett De Marchi falls victim to murder and there are myriad suspects. There also is a ancillary plot involving an art thief mastermind. Quayle is his unassuming but brilliant self and we meet Monsieur Tallier of the Surete, who is on the track of the art thief. There are plenty of red herrings and a reveal that is classic Golden Age. I keep wanting more information about Mr. Quayle (no first name is given) but he remains enigmatic. I am looking forward to the third book. This is a series best read in order.
August 13, 2023
Another book about Lord Unsworth's illustrious family. After reading the first book, I was eagerly looking forward to this second one.
After all the murders and misadventures of a year ago, this time the family settles down on the French Côte d'Azur, and fortunately, the mysterious Mr Quayle is back on the scene. There are hints at his previous position in life, yet it remains unclear what he did before he started working for Lord Unsworth. I hope his past is revealed in the third volume!
Personally, I like to think he worked for MI5/MI6; that's probably how he knows about Lady Rosaline's suspicions of espionage, forcing her to leave Italy headlong.
I see Quayle as the embodiment of Sidney Reilly, on whom later the James Bond stories are based. He certainly knows a lot about espionage and seems to have all sorts of contacts in the War Office and high up in Whitehall.
I like Quayle's character the most, he seems like a mix of Jeeves and Christie's Hercule Poirot.
The whole family settles down on the French Côte d; Azur, where Arthur once again gets into all sorts of trouble and where Lord Unsworth runs into an old love, Lady Rosaline, a socialite. She knows a thing or two about Quayle's past and his link to Colonel Statham, Teddy, Lord Unsworth's son, who lost his life in the trenches during the First World War. Is that perhaps the reason Lord Unsworth wants him around, as someone who knew his son?
Quayle wonders what Lady Rosaline wants from Lord Unsworth after all these years.
Not much later, Quayle stumbles across her body; she appears to have been murdered.
Unsworth wants Quayle to investigate her death; he is very concerned about his reputation, Rosaline has kept his love letters all these years, which could again damage the family's reputation.
A second storyline follows the hunt for La Chimère, an art thief who likes to work in affluent circles. Lady Rosaline was a supposed victim.
This second can be read as a standalone, although I recommend you read the first book, it gives you a better introduction to most of the characters. There is a list of characters, which I would have preferred at the beginning of the story.
The narrative is somewhat reminiscent of a mix of a golden age mystery and P.G. Woodhouse's books. As in P.G. Woodhouse's books, the author has chosen archaic language and most of the characters or settings are all a bit caricaturesque or a tad over-the-top.
I do like some archaic language, but combined with the humour, I found it a bit too much at times. It got a bit bland here and there and I got the impression that the author mainly wanted to do his best to portray everything as historical and amusing as possible. At times, it all came across as a bit forced.
The story is a strange mix of golden age mystery, or an Christie for that matter, with a touch of P.G. Woodhouse. I like both these authors, but prefer to read them independently.
I didn't find this story as strong as the first part, and hope we really find out more about Quayle in the sequel. I am looking forward to the third part.
3. 5 stars. Thank you BookSirens and the author for this review copy.
I leave this review voluntarily.
After all the murders and misadventures of a year ago, this time the family settles down on the French Côte d'Azur, and fortunately, the mysterious Mr Quayle is back on the scene. There are hints at his previous position in life, yet it remains unclear what he did before he started working for Lord Unsworth. I hope his past is revealed in the third volume!
Personally, I like to think he worked for MI5/MI6; that's probably how he knows about Lady Rosaline's suspicions of espionage, forcing her to leave Italy headlong.
I see Quayle as the embodiment of Sidney Reilly, on whom later the James Bond stories are based. He certainly knows a lot about espionage and seems to have all sorts of contacts in the War Office and high up in Whitehall.
I like Quayle's character the most, he seems like a mix of Jeeves and Christie's Hercule Poirot.
The whole family settles down on the French Côte d; Azur, where Arthur once again gets into all sorts of trouble and where Lord Unsworth runs into an old love, Lady Rosaline, a socialite. She knows a thing or two about Quayle's past and his link to Colonel Statham, Teddy, Lord Unsworth's son, who lost his life in the trenches during the First World War. Is that perhaps the reason Lord Unsworth wants him around, as someone who knew his son?
Quayle wonders what Lady Rosaline wants from Lord Unsworth after all these years.
Not much later, Quayle stumbles across her body; she appears to have been murdered.
Unsworth wants Quayle to investigate her death; he is very concerned about his reputation, Rosaline has kept his love letters all these years, which could again damage the family's reputation.
A second storyline follows the hunt for La Chimère, an art thief who likes to work in affluent circles. Lady Rosaline was a supposed victim.
This second can be read as a standalone, although I recommend you read the first book, it gives you a better introduction to most of the characters. There is a list of characters, which I would have preferred at the beginning of the story.
The narrative is somewhat reminiscent of a mix of a golden age mystery and P.G. Woodhouse's books. As in P.G. Woodhouse's books, the author has chosen archaic language and most of the characters or settings are all a bit caricaturesque or a tad over-the-top.
I do like some archaic language, but combined with the humour, I found it a bit too much at times. It got a bit bland here and there and I got the impression that the author mainly wanted to do his best to portray everything as historical and amusing as possible. At times, it all came across as a bit forced.
The story is a strange mix of golden age mystery, or an Christie for that matter, with a touch of P.G. Woodhouse. I like both these authors, but prefer to read them independently.
I didn't find this story as strong as the first part, and hope we really find out more about Quayle in the sequel. I am looking forward to the third part.
3. 5 stars. Thank you BookSirens and the author for this review copy.
I leave this review voluntarily.
November 15, 2023
3 stars
I liked it less than the first instalment. Far too many characters and the ending was beyond twisted.
For a book where not much happens, the ending felt overwhelmingly convoluted.
I liked it less than the first instalment. Far too many characters and the ending was beyond twisted.
For a book where not much happens, the ending felt overwhelmingly convoluted.
February 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2. This was one of those mysteries where it is difficult to have any sympathy for the victim. The characters either love or hate to an excess, nothing in between. Also, it appears Mr. Quayle assumes more than he investigates but in the end you realize how much he did. The author just wasn’t able to specify it in print. The end held some surprises, and had a very melancholy undertone. It’s hard to imagine another book in this series, I don’t know how the author could do it convincingly. Disappointing compared to the first book, but still worth reading.
October 1, 2023
Read previously and forgot to rate… re-reading
A *golden age-like mystery (clean). Narrator is more pleasant as it goes along. Re-read to rate-again.
* a Goodreads readers comment—which I agree with.
A *golden age-like mystery (clean). Narrator is more pleasant as it goes along. Re-read to rate-again.
* a Goodreads readers comment—which I agree with.
August 29, 2024
I think I liked this book better than the first one and normally 2nd books in a series are not that great.
This book has Mr. Quayle going on a vacation with his bosses family and while there what should happen but a murder of course. Once again Mr. Quayle is asked to help keep the families name out of the mud. The book is well written and I like all of the characters. And the ones that are not likeable are well written as unlikeable and I like that. hahahha
This book has Mr. Quayle going on a vacation with his bosses family and while there what should happen but a murder of course. Once again Mr. Quayle is asked to help keep the families name out of the mud. The book is well written and I like all of the characters. And the ones that are not likeable are well written as unlikeable and I like that. hahahha
April 16, 2023
It is important to note that most of the themes explored in this book deal with sensitive subject matters. My review, therefore, touches on these topics as well. Many people might find the book's subject matters & those detailed in my review overwhelming. I would suggest you steer clear of both if this is the case. Please note that from this point forward I will be writing about matters which contain reflections on violent crimes, promiscuity, infidelity, & others.
Once upon a time, there was a family that experienced a horrible plight. It seems that someone was murdered on their property during a rather inconvenient time. Other than these passing remarks, I have little recollection of any of the details of the first book of this series. This is an awkward position to be in because I remember having enjoyed the little adventure that “A Most Efficient Murder” (2022) had given me. With this confusion, a constant attempt to recall what had led the family to leave their home to prance around the French Rivera, I marooned my way through a greater portion of this book.
Do not mistake me, Slayton has once again crafted a delightfully interesting read. For lovers of mystery novels, readers who do not concern themselves with how one arrives at a conclusion but rather, appreciate the journey, Slayton’s books will provide the reader with enough pages to gratify the mind of the curious. As the summer months draw near, I found myself eager to settle outside & allow my mind the pleasure of a mystery that might not be so mysterious; a story that transported me, as the sun warmed the Canadian sky, to a place of beaches, crisp mornings, luxury, & lore.
I am not unhappy to have come upon the second book in what appears to be a running series. On the contrary, I am very pleased to see Slayton continue his efforts to introduce the literary world to another unsuspecting character with the mind to solve crimes. I appreciate Mr. Quayle very much. He is at once a begrudging participant in the events that surround him & eager to weave out the truth in muddied waters. There are no confusing characteristics about his person, he is a rather simple, debonair man who enjoys his life as it is & we need not concern ourselves with the details.
With that being said, I did begin to wonder about Mr. Quayle. I should say that this began happening because I could not, for the life of me, remember what happened in the first book. Should a reader be attempting to pick these books at random they might be met with little resistance. The stories do not necessarily need to be read in order. However, the plot does include references to previous events all of which shape a character as we meet them in the current book. For example, much was made of Arthur’s willful ignorance of proper behaviour throughout a criminal investigation.
Was Arthur an idiot in the first book? Was Arthur simply a product of a wealthy family who found himself never much concerned with proletariat casualties? I cannot remember to confirm or deny. This led me to question why everyone was as they were. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The timeline separating these books is about a year’s time, not at all unusual. This is also not to say that the first book was not memorable. I read many books, I do not expect myself to remember them all down to the punctuation patterns. However, I did expect myself to remember some of this story. After all, it was so simple, how could I have forgotten it all?
It is, in fact, because the first story was so simple in nature that I found myself moving the memory of it out of my mind. Murder mysteries rarely diverge from the pattern they employ. Habitual readers of the Mystery genre will find themselves in familiar water more often than not, wading through vegetation they were confident to meet. Yet, I also think this reflects something of the book itself. There are no striking characteristics about the characters. Mr. Quayle is who he is but, who is he really? What differentiates him from Nero Wolf, Hercule Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, Jack Reacher, or the many others with whom we have become familiar over the centuries?
It would be encouraging to see Mr. Quayle become an assertive participant in the literary world as much as in the stories that include him. We find him the unwilling advocate for justice which also includes watching him participate in the events that see perpetrators brought to justice. What happens in between? We read a great deal of him being described as withheld, brooding, intelligent, secretive, & mysterious. However, we see little of this in action. The same holds true for the majority of the characters in this book. I found the descriptions of the detective quite tiring. Surely he was not always gleaming behind slits in his eyes, waiting as one does for people to answer his questions. Surely, there was more to him than that.
I appreciate that most secondary characters do not necessitate a great deal of characterization for a reader to appreciate their role. Many of the policing bodies that litter Agatha Christie’s novels are there for argument’s sake alone. They are never very detailed nor very interesting to read about. Whereas Hercule Poirot is pompous in his self-confidence & gruelling in his awareness of a situation, Quayle is unsuspecting & practically absent from the inquiry. I found myself wanting more from every character in this novel because they became ghosts within their own narrative.
Due to this fact, the mystery at hand was too obvious to gleam much interest from me. I remind the reader once more that this is a book that can be enjoyed for the simple pleasure of reading—this is what I had hoped for in the beginning but, I am seldom a reader who can approach a book without stumbling on the logistics of the whole thing. Therefore, one is encouraged to take my comments with a grain of salt. I know that many readers will find these books enthralling. After all, we are brought along with a family of strange folk as their aristocracy plays centre stage all the while, their lives are plagued with secrets we are rarely exposed to.
On that note, I am a native French speaker. The French in this book needed an extra eye employed solely for the purpose of reviewing the language. The terminology was not always accurate nor were the verb tenses & sometimes the spelling was wrong. Alongside that, there were a few English errors that led me to stumble throughout my reading experience as well. Overall, this brought me out of the immersion I hoped to find within this story.
At the end of the day, it is always who you expect it to be. I do not mean to be coy in so saying that, Mr. Hercule Poirot is the one who reminds me that the simplest answer is often where the truth is to be found. The ways in which we arrive at said conclusion—shifting through the facts & collecting evidence—are part of the fun of reading murder mysteries. Within these stories, we are often inclined to believe that everyone has something to lose. We are led to question our own instincts & shrouds of detail are set to divert us from hypothesizing the truth. Without these to colour the scenery we are faced with the simplicity of the truth & this rarely makes for a very engaging, endearing, or interesting story.
Once upon a time, there was a family that experienced a horrible plight. It seems that someone was murdered on their property during a rather inconvenient time. Other than these passing remarks, I have little recollection of any of the details of the first book of this series. This is an awkward position to be in because I remember having enjoyed the little adventure that “A Most Efficient Murder” (2022) had given me. With this confusion, a constant attempt to recall what had led the family to leave their home to prance around the French Rivera, I marooned my way through a greater portion of this book.
Do not mistake me, Slayton has once again crafted a delightfully interesting read. For lovers of mystery novels, readers who do not concern themselves with how one arrives at a conclusion but rather, appreciate the journey, Slayton’s books will provide the reader with enough pages to gratify the mind of the curious. As the summer months draw near, I found myself eager to settle outside & allow my mind the pleasure of a mystery that might not be so mysterious; a story that transported me, as the sun warmed the Canadian sky, to a place of beaches, crisp mornings, luxury, & lore.
I am not unhappy to have come upon the second book in what appears to be a running series. On the contrary, I am very pleased to see Slayton continue his efforts to introduce the literary world to another unsuspecting character with the mind to solve crimes. I appreciate Mr. Quayle very much. He is at once a begrudging participant in the events that surround him & eager to weave out the truth in muddied waters. There are no confusing characteristics about his person, he is a rather simple, debonair man who enjoys his life as it is & we need not concern ourselves with the details.
With that being said, I did begin to wonder about Mr. Quayle. I should say that this began happening because I could not, for the life of me, remember what happened in the first book. Should a reader be attempting to pick these books at random they might be met with little resistance. The stories do not necessarily need to be read in order. However, the plot does include references to previous events all of which shape a character as we meet them in the current book. For example, much was made of Arthur’s willful ignorance of proper behaviour throughout a criminal investigation.
Was Arthur an idiot in the first book? Was Arthur simply a product of a wealthy family who found himself never much concerned with proletariat casualties? I cannot remember to confirm or deny. This led me to question why everyone was as they were. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The timeline separating these books is about a year’s time, not at all unusual. This is also not to say that the first book was not memorable. I read many books, I do not expect myself to remember them all down to the punctuation patterns. However, I did expect myself to remember some of this story. After all, it was so simple, how could I have forgotten it all?
It is, in fact, because the first story was so simple in nature that I found myself moving the memory of it out of my mind. Murder mysteries rarely diverge from the pattern they employ. Habitual readers of the Mystery genre will find themselves in familiar water more often than not, wading through vegetation they were confident to meet. Yet, I also think this reflects something of the book itself. There are no striking characteristics about the characters. Mr. Quayle is who he is but, who is he really? What differentiates him from Nero Wolf, Hercule Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, Jack Reacher, or the many others with whom we have become familiar over the centuries?
It would be encouraging to see Mr. Quayle become an assertive participant in the literary world as much as in the stories that include him. We find him the unwilling advocate for justice which also includes watching him participate in the events that see perpetrators brought to justice. What happens in between? We read a great deal of him being described as withheld, brooding, intelligent, secretive, & mysterious. However, we see little of this in action. The same holds true for the majority of the characters in this book. I found the descriptions of the detective quite tiring. Surely he was not always gleaming behind slits in his eyes, waiting as one does for people to answer his questions. Surely, there was more to him than that.
I appreciate that most secondary characters do not necessitate a great deal of characterization for a reader to appreciate their role. Many of the policing bodies that litter Agatha Christie’s novels are there for argument’s sake alone. They are never very detailed nor very interesting to read about. Whereas Hercule Poirot is pompous in his self-confidence & gruelling in his awareness of a situation, Quayle is unsuspecting & practically absent from the inquiry. I found myself wanting more from every character in this novel because they became ghosts within their own narrative.
Due to this fact, the mystery at hand was too obvious to gleam much interest from me. I remind the reader once more that this is a book that can be enjoyed for the simple pleasure of reading—this is what I had hoped for in the beginning but, I am seldom a reader who can approach a book without stumbling on the logistics of the whole thing. Therefore, one is encouraged to take my comments with a grain of salt. I know that many readers will find these books enthralling. After all, we are brought along with a family of strange folk as their aristocracy plays centre stage all the while, their lives are plagued with secrets we are rarely exposed to.
On that note, I am a native French speaker. The French in this book needed an extra eye employed solely for the purpose of reviewing the language. The terminology was not always accurate nor were the verb tenses & sometimes the spelling was wrong. Alongside that, there were a few English errors that led me to stumble throughout my reading experience as well. Overall, this brought me out of the immersion I hoped to find within this story.
At the end of the day, it is always who you expect it to be. I do not mean to be coy in so saying that, Mr. Hercule Poirot is the one who reminds me that the simplest answer is often where the truth is to be found. The ways in which we arrive at said conclusion—shifting through the facts & collecting evidence—are part of the fun of reading murder mysteries. Within these stories, we are often inclined to believe that everyone has something to lose. We are led to question our own instincts & shrouds of detail are set to divert us from hypothesizing the truth. Without these to colour the scenery we are faced with the simplicity of the truth & this rarely makes for a very engaging, endearing, or interesting story.
June 20, 2023
This is the second in the Mr. Quayle Mystery Series and it is every bit as good as the first! Mr. Quayle once again finds himself surrounded by murder and mystery, and reluctantly agrees to assist in solving the mystery and murder when requested to do so by his employer, Lord Unsworth, and despite the misgivings of the lord’s sister, Lady Constance. This time the family (including the Unsworths’ niece Fanny and Lady Constance’s son Arthur) are on holiday on the French Riviera, trying to forget the murder and mayhem that occurred in the first book (A Quite Deadly Affair). As you can surmise from the title, it’s not long before there is death and accusations and suspicions. In fact, death occurs in the prologue! I won’t say who but you’ll find out the significance of it by the end of the book.
Once again, Mr. Slayton has given us a well written whodunit, reminiscent of the style of Agatha Christie with a dash of Downton Abbey thrown in. We are still in the 1920s, just in France rather than England this time, but many of the main characters are British. Fanny and Arthur play prominent roles in this tale and once again, get themselves in over their heads. One hopes that by the next book, both these young people might have learned a thing or two and exercise more common sense. Mr. Quayle proves himself once again to be an observant investigator and in his own humble way, assists everyone in dealing with their feelings and reputations. The characters in A Rather Dastardly Death are quite colorful IMHO, and there are enough surprises and twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end. While I had worked out one small piece of the mystery about halfway through, the rest was for me to discover as I read.
The story is complete in this book. I highly recommend you not only read the first book but also the prequel novella, A Quite Deadly Affair, which Mr. Slayton provides free when you join his newsletter (or buy either of the books on Kindle – the link to the novella is at the end). Having the background of the main characters is helpful even if not necessary to enjoy this book. While there is murder and treachery, the book is rated G in my opinion, and again reminds me how Agatha Christie was able to write about murder and mayhem without foul language or graphic sex scenes. The pace is brisk enough, slowing only a little when there is some exposition by Mr. Quayle (once again in the fine tradition of Agatha Christie – think Hercule Poirot explaining how his little gray cells put things together for his conclusion). Mr. Quayle is an intriguing character on which to base a series of murder mysteries, given his status as a personal secretary to Lord Unsworth. He is subject to the whims of his employer at all times, and has to be careful during his investigations that he ruffles no upper class feathers or the feathers of the local constabulary. He walks that fine line well. Mr. Slayton imbues his stories with enough detail as to time and place that you really feel you’re in 1920s France or England as you read. This is a fine follow up novel, and Mr. Slayton hints in his notes at the end that the next book will be forthcoming. I’m looking forward to it!
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book through Booksirens, and I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.
Once again, Mr. Slayton has given us a well written whodunit, reminiscent of the style of Agatha Christie with a dash of Downton Abbey thrown in. We are still in the 1920s, just in France rather than England this time, but many of the main characters are British. Fanny and Arthur play prominent roles in this tale and once again, get themselves in over their heads. One hopes that by the next book, both these young people might have learned a thing or two and exercise more common sense. Mr. Quayle proves himself once again to be an observant investigator and in his own humble way, assists everyone in dealing with their feelings and reputations. The characters in A Rather Dastardly Death are quite colorful IMHO, and there are enough surprises and twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end. While I had worked out one small piece of the mystery about halfway through, the rest was for me to discover as I read.
The story is complete in this book. I highly recommend you not only read the first book but also the prequel novella, A Quite Deadly Affair, which Mr. Slayton provides free when you join his newsletter (or buy either of the books on Kindle – the link to the novella is at the end). Having the background of the main characters is helpful even if not necessary to enjoy this book. While there is murder and treachery, the book is rated G in my opinion, and again reminds me how Agatha Christie was able to write about murder and mayhem without foul language or graphic sex scenes. The pace is brisk enough, slowing only a little when there is some exposition by Mr. Quayle (once again in the fine tradition of Agatha Christie – think Hercule Poirot explaining how his little gray cells put things together for his conclusion). Mr. Quayle is an intriguing character on which to base a series of murder mysteries, given his status as a personal secretary to Lord Unsworth. He is subject to the whims of his employer at all times, and has to be careful during his investigations that he ruffles no upper class feathers or the feathers of the local constabulary. He walks that fine line well. Mr. Slayton imbues his stories with enough detail as to time and place that you really feel you’re in 1920s France or England as you read. This is a fine follow up novel, and Mr. Slayton hints in his notes at the end that the next book will be forthcoming. I’m looking forward to it!
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book through Booksirens, and I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.
April 23, 2023
I enjoyed spending time again with Mr. Quayle and the Unsworth family. They are in the Rivera for the season, trying to hide from the murder scandal in the last book, but, of course, murder finds them again. This time it is an old flame of Lord Unsworth’s, Lady Rosaline, who is killed in her mansion, among her art collections, during a party. There are several suspects. Former protégés, such as painter Leger, writer Sir Julius and a playwright who is living in a cottage on the grounds and writing her memoir. Leger’s wife is a suspect as are the museum owner and his daughter. Along with all of the Unsworths, Lady Constance and her son, Arthur, Lord Unsworth and his niece, Fanny. And Fanny’s boyfriend, Mr. Hollins. The Count and Countess from Italy are suspected art thieves and may also be murderers. Finally, Lady Rosaline’s son, Raymond and his wife Vivi. As you can see, there were A LOT of characters to keep track of and the list of characters that I found at the end of the book when I finished should really be placed up front so that the reader can reference it occasionally. Mr. Quayle is asked by the police to help with the investigation since he found the body and discovered the missing sculpture. But the Count and Countess were in a room full of people playing cards. When the Count ends up dead too and the playwrite is knocked out and his cottage set on fire, they know that they are closing in on the killer. All of the Unsworths are involved in drawing the killer out. Arthur goes on a wild car ride trying to prove that a car could beat the blue train to Paris, breaking Raymond and Vivi’s alibis. Fanny eavesdrops on conversations among the artist crowd and figures out that Madame Leger was having an affair with the Count and was painting copies of artwork in Lady Rosalina’s collection which were then swapped with the originals, the stolen artwork then sold. In the end, it was Mr. Quayle who put all the pieces together and discovered that Mr. Hollins was not Lady Rosaline’s son out of wedlock, as he suspected that he was, but rather the illegitimate son of her dead husband. As he is older than Raymond, he inherits his father’s vast estate, not Raymond. Raymond, who always idolized his father and had a rocky relationship with his mother, recently learned of the existence of a bastard child, so he started killing everyone who knew about the child, including his mother and the playwright in order to protect his legacy. He says that he figured out who Mr. Hollins was so I can’t figure out why he didn’t just kill him instead but I guess killers aren’t always logical. The big reveal of the killer was done by Mr. Quayle on the blue train, ala Ms. Christie’s Poirot. I understand that there is a final book to come in the trilogy and I look forward to reading that when it is available.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
Exceptional Read!
Despite being the second book in the series (not counting the prequel) this is the first I am reading author Anthony Slayton’s work and I find it to be exceptional! Slayton starts off incorporating some of the action into the prologue which most readers tend to skip. As a reading purist I like to read from cover to cover including the acknowledgements and I’m glad I did! Straight off there is the murder of Lord Clearance Weatherford which harkens back to the Golden Age of mysteries in its style, and is so well written that it whets my appetite for the story. Unfortunately, the Dramatis Personae, which is basically the cast of characters is in the back of the book. So, had I not read the contents I would have overlooked this extra and it proved to be essential in keeping the characters straight. Given this, I would advise anyone reading the book, and you should definitely read this book, to start with the Dramatis Personae and Prologue followed by the story. This will amply prepare you for the writing style of Slayton which is far more character heavy than I am used to but now appreciate. That is to say, most authors use characters almost as though they are a prop and reveal those facts about them that serve the story. But, Slayton provides fully detailed characters with colorful histories and personalities that complicate the suspect pool in a good way. This makes the plot twists all the more delicious because you really don’t see them coming until they’re upon you. Another facet of Slayton’s writing is his use of Monsieur Tallier of the French Constabulatory as an unofficial partner to Mr. Quayle, Secretary to Lord Unsworth. Unlike law enforcement relationships I have come across in other historical mysteries, Tallier and Quayle are more like frenemies who respect one another. Tallier uses Quayle to further his investigation—watching like a cat watches a mouse—waiting for the cheese to be revealed. Most mysteries I’ve encountered either use the law enforcement officer as a friend or someone who views the amateur sleuth as an impediment. The two gentlemen were so ideally matched and integral to the plot that I became fully invested in both characters as crime fighters. But, it is Mr. Quayle I found myself personally rooting for because he seems like a good chap albeit heavily flawed—but oh so interesting as a result. My thanks to #AnthonySlayton and #NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Despite being the second book in the series (not counting the prequel) this is the first I am reading author Anthony Slayton’s work and I find it to be exceptional! Slayton starts off incorporating some of the action into the prologue which most readers tend to skip. As a reading purist I like to read from cover to cover including the acknowledgements and I’m glad I did! Straight off there is the murder of Lord Clearance Weatherford which harkens back to the Golden Age of mysteries in its style, and is so well written that it whets my appetite for the story. Unfortunately, the Dramatis Personae, which is basically the cast of characters is in the back of the book. So, had I not read the contents I would have overlooked this extra and it proved to be essential in keeping the characters straight. Given this, I would advise anyone reading the book, and you should definitely read this book, to start with the Dramatis Personae and Prologue followed by the story. This will amply prepare you for the writing style of Slayton which is far more character heavy than I am used to but now appreciate. That is to say, most authors use characters almost as though they are a prop and reveal those facts about them that serve the story. But, Slayton provides fully detailed characters with colorful histories and personalities that complicate the suspect pool in a good way. This makes the plot twists all the more delicious because you really don’t see them coming until they’re upon you. Another facet of Slayton’s writing is his use of Monsieur Tallier of the French Constabulatory as an unofficial partner to Mr. Quayle, Secretary to Lord Unsworth. Unlike law enforcement relationships I have come across in other historical mysteries, Tallier and Quayle are more like frenemies who respect one another. Tallier uses Quayle to further his investigation—watching like a cat watches a mouse—waiting for the cheese to be revealed. Most mysteries I’ve encountered either use the law enforcement officer as a friend or someone who views the amateur sleuth as an impediment. The two gentlemen were so ideally matched and integral to the plot that I became fully invested in both characters as crime fighters. But, it is Mr. Quayle I found myself personally rooting for because he seems like a good chap albeit heavily flawed—but oh so interesting as a result. My thanks to #AnthonySlayton and #NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for a review copy of A Rather Dastardly Death, the second novel to feature Mr Quayle, secretary to Lord Unsworth, set in 1926.
Lord Unsworth and his family are holidaying on the French Riviera as a respite from the scandal surrounding them in England. Some respite. His niece, Fanny, is involved with artists and communists, his nephew, Arthur, has cultivated some insalubrious contacts at the gaming tables and his old flame, Lady Rosaline Barrett De Marchi, has managed to get herself murdered. Once again it’s Mr Quayle to the rescue.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Rather Dastardly Death, which has a fiendish plot and, contrary to the title, more than one death. With the period setting it has the feel of Golden Age fiction, but it also has the style with a some complicated murders, some eye opening side crimes, a well concealed perpetrator and a motive hardly hinted at before the denouement. Where it differs is the multiple points of view, and while I’m not always a fan of this approach, it works extremely well here, giving the reader a wider perspective on events and more than one take on events.
The plot is absorbing with all sorts of red herrings and potential suspects. Personally I was unable to guess at any of it, so the solution was a welcome surprise after hours of puzzlement. I was impressed by the author’s deft touch in both his plotting and writing and his knowing tone, not that it’s condescending, more in the sense that we’re all in on the absurdity. I couldn’t help but draw comparisons between the plot and Mr Quayle, both are opaque until it’s time to let loose a little.
Mr Quayle, no first name provided, is a bit of an enigma. He is obviously smart, thinks laterally and is dedicated to protecting the Unsworth family for reasons only hinted at. Otherwise everything about him is murky, including his likes and dislikes. This again is in tune with the Golden Age ethos, where it’s all about the investigation rather than the investigator. I keep waiting for some bombshell about him to drop and so far it hasn’t.
A Rather Dastardly Death is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Lord Unsworth and his family are holidaying on the French Riviera as a respite from the scandal surrounding them in England. Some respite. His niece, Fanny, is involved with artists and communists, his nephew, Arthur, has cultivated some insalubrious contacts at the gaming tables and his old flame, Lady Rosaline Barrett De Marchi, has managed to get herself murdered. Once again it’s Mr Quayle to the rescue.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Rather Dastardly Death, which has a fiendish plot and, contrary to the title, more than one death. With the period setting it has the feel of Golden Age fiction, but it also has the style with a some complicated murders, some eye opening side crimes, a well concealed perpetrator and a motive hardly hinted at before the denouement. Where it differs is the multiple points of view, and while I’m not always a fan of this approach, it works extremely well here, giving the reader a wider perspective on events and more than one take on events.
The plot is absorbing with all sorts of red herrings and potential suspects. Personally I was unable to guess at any of it, so the solution was a welcome surprise after hours of puzzlement. I was impressed by the author’s deft touch in both his plotting and writing and his knowing tone, not that it’s condescending, more in the sense that we’re all in on the absurdity. I couldn’t help but draw comparisons between the plot and Mr Quayle, both are opaque until it’s time to let loose a little.
Mr Quayle, no first name provided, is a bit of an enigma. He is obviously smart, thinks laterally and is dedicated to protecting the Unsworth family for reasons only hinted at. Otherwise everything about him is murky, including his likes and dislikes. This again is in tune with the Golden Age ethos, where it’s all about the investigation rather than the investigator. I keep waiting for some bombshell about him to drop and so far it hasn’t.
A Rather Dastardly Death is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 3, 2023
After a series of recent unpleasant events, the family of Lord Edward Statham, 13th Earl of Unsworth, decamps to the French Riviera for some much-needed rest and relaxation. However, misfortune has not forgotten them, and it is only a matter of days before the notorious Lady Rosaline Barrett De Marchi, Widow of Treville-Sur-Mer, is found murdered at a garden party in her home and a valuable sculpture stolen. It is therefore fortunate that Lord Unsworth’s quietly efficient secretary, Mr. Quayle, has already had experience in investigating such unpleasant events and has also made the acquaintance of Monsieur Tallier of the French police, visiting the Riviera ostensibly on vacation but in reality pursuing a long-sought-after art thief. The two investigators have no shortage of suspects or of motives, but who had both the opportunity and the means becomes more complicated, especially after another death and a very suspicious fire…. There is a vogue right now for cozy mysteries set in the 1920s, often amongst the aristocracy, and this series, of which “A Rather Dastardly Death” is the second, fits right into that category. Mr. Slayton has a gift for creating vibrant and believable characters, particularly in the person of Mr. Quayle, who has hidden depths that the reader just longs to know more about. Early on, when being asked to use his detective skills to help solve the murder, Mr. Quayle muses to himself about how much he would appreciate it if his *secretarial* skills were wanted as much; I think that says much about his character, and I found it quite charming. I think you can start with this book and then go back to the earlier novel, “A Most Efficient Murder,” but in whatever order you read them - recommended!
May 4, 2023
A RATHER DASTARDLY DEATH is the 2nd installment of Mr. Quayle Mysteries by Anthony Slayton.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mr Quayle has followed his illustrious employer, Lord Unsworth from England down to the French Riviera. The family is ready to be clear of all the gossip surrounding "the incident" of a murder at the estate and how could this location in 1926 be more perfect. Unfortunately, Quayle finds himself invited and required to attend a party of an old flame of Lord Unsworth's, who happens to reside nearby. This is certainly not his scene. While trying to keep an eye on Arthur, Unsworth's nephew, Quayle is aware of Lord Unsworth heading off with the Lady Rosaline, the hostess. When she turns up dead and a piece of art is missing, will Quayle be able to solve this mystery before his employer is too deeply implicated?
This is a fun, cozy, old-fashioned murder mystery with plenty of possible culprits and motives. I am often drawn to these types of stories because they are so entertaining and require less from me, thus giving me a perfect reading palate cleanser. This met my expectations superbly! I thoroughly enjoyed zipping through the digital pages while uncovering more layers of the mystery. The 1926 French Riviera setting was a fun departure from the typical, and I loved imagining the outfits at this soiree.
I definitely recommend this to fans of this genre. I would say this is a good standalone, but I think since it is the 2nd, and easy to catch up, it would be worth starting at the beginning with A MOST EFFICIENT MURDER. These are quick reads with a high entertainment value!
Thank you to @booksirens, Ink & Dagger Press, and the author for the opportunity to read yet another delightful mystery and share my thoughts! This title is available now!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mr Quayle has followed his illustrious employer, Lord Unsworth from England down to the French Riviera. The family is ready to be clear of all the gossip surrounding "the incident" of a murder at the estate and how could this location in 1926 be more perfect. Unfortunately, Quayle finds himself invited and required to attend a party of an old flame of Lord Unsworth's, who happens to reside nearby. This is certainly not his scene. While trying to keep an eye on Arthur, Unsworth's nephew, Quayle is aware of Lord Unsworth heading off with the Lady Rosaline, the hostess. When she turns up dead and a piece of art is missing, will Quayle be able to solve this mystery before his employer is too deeply implicated?
This is a fun, cozy, old-fashioned murder mystery with plenty of possible culprits and motives. I am often drawn to these types of stories because they are so entertaining and require less from me, thus giving me a perfect reading palate cleanser. This met my expectations superbly! I thoroughly enjoyed zipping through the digital pages while uncovering more layers of the mystery. The 1926 French Riviera setting was a fun departure from the typical, and I loved imagining the outfits at this soiree.
I definitely recommend this to fans of this genre. I would say this is a good standalone, but I think since it is the 2nd, and easy to catch up, it would be worth starting at the beginning with A MOST EFFICIENT MURDER. These are quick reads with a high entertainment value!
Thank you to @booksirens, Ink & Dagger Press, and the author for the opportunity to read yet another delightful mystery and share my thoughts! This title is available now!
July 15, 2023
It’s good to be back with Mr. Quayle and the Unsworth family again!
Once more I’m captivated and surprised by the story and the twist inside!
The story has a strong opening with a man being murdered then the rest of the characters are introduced one by one. Each of them has secrets that will make them appear suspicious which means identifying the culprit will be a hard one!
Not just about solving the murder mystery case, a thief mastermind also find its way to the chaos which makes this case even more exciting and harder to crack, it pose as a challenge for Mr. Quayle to solve this one and I definitely enjoy how he solve it this time!
The ending was a big surprise, I already guessed the culprit early on but with a lot of red herrings thrown inside the story, my decision is often swayed with how the author spin the tale and makes the reader think it was someone else.
Overall, it’s a great sequel to the series and I recommend reading it in order.
It’s an enjoyable and entertaining classic murder mystery with a twist that will shocked you.
I’m really looking forward to read the next book to find out what other trouble the Unsworth family is going to stumble upon!
I received an advanced review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Once more I’m captivated and surprised by the story and the twist inside!
The story has a strong opening with a man being murdered then the rest of the characters are introduced one by one. Each of them has secrets that will make them appear suspicious which means identifying the culprit will be a hard one!
Not just about solving the murder mystery case, a thief mastermind also find its way to the chaos which makes this case even more exciting and harder to crack, it pose as a challenge for Mr. Quayle to solve this one and I definitely enjoy how he solve it this time!
The ending was a big surprise, I already guessed the culprit early on but with a lot of red herrings thrown inside the story, my decision is often swayed with how the author spin the tale and makes the reader think it was someone else.
Overall, it’s a great sequel to the series and I recommend reading it in order.
It’s an enjoyable and entertaining classic murder mystery with a twist that will shocked you.
I’m really looking forward to read the next book to find out what other trouble the Unsworth family is going to stumble upon!
I received an advanced review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
September 27, 2023
This is an interesting story.
Mr Quayle is the personal assistant for the Earl of Unsworth. The family has had to deal with some stressful events, so they are taking a holiday to the French Riviera. And this will become a very stressful holiday for everyone involved. The family includes, the Earl; his sister, Constance; his nephew Arthur; and his niece, Fanny. And of course Mr Quayle.
Mr Quayle and Monsieur Tallier, a French Detective, are two men of similar minds and intelligence. They two of them investigate a murder and theft of an historic treasure. Soon, there are more things to investigate. In fact, it seems the hits just keep on coming.
The suspects are numerous. The plot is filled with clues. The reader is provided all the same information that Mr Quayle has.
I enjoyed this book. Mr Slayton is a new to me author. I am glad I found both he and Mr Quayle.
If I were to complain, I would mention that there were times I felt there were too many facts to follow. But, this is a good mystery. The action moves along well. And Mr Slayton is very adept at creating characters who are quite complete people.
I liked Mr Quayle. In fact, I liked everyone in the Earl’s family and a few other people as well.
Mr Quayle is the personal assistant for the Earl of Unsworth. The family has had to deal with some stressful events, so they are taking a holiday to the French Riviera. And this will become a very stressful holiday for everyone involved. The family includes, the Earl; his sister, Constance; his nephew Arthur; and his niece, Fanny. And of course Mr Quayle.
Mr Quayle and Monsieur Tallier, a French Detective, are two men of similar minds and intelligence. They two of them investigate a murder and theft of an historic treasure. Soon, there are more things to investigate. In fact, it seems the hits just keep on coming.
The suspects are numerous. The plot is filled with clues. The reader is provided all the same information that Mr Quayle has.
I enjoyed this book. Mr Slayton is a new to me author. I am glad I found both he and Mr Quayle.
If I were to complain, I would mention that there were times I felt there were too many facts to follow. But, this is a good mystery. The action moves along well. And Mr Slayton is very adept at creating characters who are quite complete people.
I liked Mr Quayle. In fact, I liked everyone in the Earl’s family and a few other people as well.
April 13, 2023
A Rather Dastardly Death by indie author Anthony Slayton was just the kind of tale I needed, after diving into so much fantasy recently! And a huge thank you has to go to the author & Book Sirens for letting me read this cosy murder mystery. Returning to the world of Mr Quayle & the Unsworth family, it probably won’t surprise you to hear that I fangirled pretty hard, considering my review for the first book...
The returning characters within A Rather Dastardly Death are just as wonderfully comforting as they were in the previous book. Quayle isn’t the fussy Poirot, or witty Miss Marple… But goodness he’s a very clever sleuth. And within this book? More of his past during the war is revealed, along with other secrets the Unsworth family have kept close to their chests until now. I *really* love that these characters have a depth to them, making them more than just a name on a page.
With a melting pot of theories, red herrings & numerous suspects… I haven’t enjoyed myself this much for a long time! If you like murder mysteries & haven’t read any of Anthony’s books, you need to fix that error right now. I’m just saying!
You can read my FULL review on my blog via this link: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/a-rat...
The returning characters within A Rather Dastardly Death are just as wonderfully comforting as they were in the previous book. Quayle isn’t the fussy Poirot, or witty Miss Marple… But goodness he’s a very clever sleuth. And within this book? More of his past during the war is revealed, along with other secrets the Unsworth family have kept close to their chests until now. I *really* love that these characters have a depth to them, making them more than just a name on a page.
With a melting pot of theories, red herrings & numerous suspects… I haven’t enjoyed myself this much for a long time! If you like murder mysteries & haven’t read any of Anthony’s books, you need to fix that error right now. I’m just saying!
You can read my FULL review on my blog via this link: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/a-rat...
April 23, 2023
This is the second book in the series and I once again, I was not disappointed.
We have returning characters from the first book, the Unsworth family and of course, Mr. Quayle. This time they are on the French Riviera trying to escape some of the scandal from the first book. But of course, murder finds them again, and like before, Quayle is there to help solve the case.
Lady Constance has invited several people to her estate, she just also happens to be an old flame of Lord Unsworth. She unexpectedly murdered during a party, while surrounded by her expensive art collection. The list of suspects is pretty extensive: a painter named Leger, a playwright that lives on the premises, the Unsworths, and a Count and Countess who just also might be art thieves. It was a little hard to keep track of everyone.
The story has a lot of twists and turns but overall is a great read! I really like the character of Mr. Quayle and of course the Unsworths. I love how the author has allowed the histories of the characters to come out slowly and therefore give them more depth. I highly recommend this series. You will not be disappointed. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
We have returning characters from the first book, the Unsworth family and of course, Mr. Quayle. This time they are on the French Riviera trying to escape some of the scandal from the first book. But of course, murder finds them again, and like before, Quayle is there to help solve the case.
Lady Constance has invited several people to her estate, she just also happens to be an old flame of Lord Unsworth. She unexpectedly murdered during a party, while surrounded by her expensive art collection. The list of suspects is pretty extensive: a painter named Leger, a playwright that lives on the premises, the Unsworths, and a Count and Countess who just also might be art thieves. It was a little hard to keep track of everyone.
The story has a lot of twists and turns but overall is a great read! I really like the character of Mr. Quayle and of course the Unsworths. I love how the author has allowed the histories of the characters to come out slowly and therefore give them more depth. I highly recommend this series. You will not be disappointed. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
March 27, 2024
A Rather Dastardly Death is the second of the Mr. Quayle Mysteries and the Lord Unsworth and his family are on vacation in the French Riviera, trying to get some distance from the events of A Quite Deadly Affair. Of course, it’s not long until someone is murdered, a woman Lord Unsworth knew decades earlier, and the family gets caught up in another investigation. Mr. Quayle, at Lord Unsworth’s request, agrees to assist in solving the mystery and protecting the family’s reputation if possible.
This is a fun old-fashioned murder mystery with plenty of suspects and possible motives. The dead woman, Lady Rosaline Barrett De Marchi, Widow of Treville-Sur-Mer, was surrounded by “admirers” and hangers-on, any of whom could have killed her. We also have a side plot regarding a jewel thief who may be in the Riviera and a statuette from Lady Rosaline’s collection is missing.
All of the characters are notable, but Quayle is what makes this series work so well. He’s quiet and unassuming in the midst of the others eccentricities and chaos. He’s a reluctant investigator, but good at observing and asking questions. The solution was a little convoluted but did make use of the vast number of characters. And the book a very good denouement scene.
This is a fun old-fashioned murder mystery with plenty of suspects and possible motives. The dead woman, Lady Rosaline Barrett De Marchi, Widow of Treville-Sur-Mer, was surrounded by “admirers” and hangers-on, any of whom could have killed her. We also have a side plot regarding a jewel thief who may be in the Riviera and a statuette from Lady Rosaline’s collection is missing.
All of the characters are notable, but Quayle is what makes this series work so well. He’s quiet and unassuming in the midst of the others eccentricities and chaos. He’s a reluctant investigator, but good at observing and asking questions. The solution was a little convoluted but did make use of the vast number of characters. And the book a very good denouement scene.
October 11, 2023
Audiobook
This takes place mainly in the south of France where Lord Unsworth and family are taking a holiday. Naturally, the enigmatic Mr. Quayle is with them. At an old acquaintance’s party, a murder happens. Although the police are involved, Mr. Quayle is tasked with solving the crime and keeping the family name out of it as far as possible. This is a complex affair with many characters involved. Lady Caroline, Fanny and Arthur, all have a part to play but Quayle is the main one. Quayle is quite the puzzle, he doesn’t give much away about himself or his background. There are snippets now and again. This was an entertaining read that kept me guessing until the end. I have read the other books in the series but this could be read as a stand-alone.
The narrator was excellent, he changed his voice for all the characters and they were quite a number. I don’t know how he remembered them all! He really brought the story to life.
I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own
This takes place mainly in the south of France where Lord Unsworth and family are taking a holiday. Naturally, the enigmatic Mr. Quayle is with them. At an old acquaintance’s party, a murder happens. Although the police are involved, Mr. Quayle is tasked with solving the crime and keeping the family name out of it as far as possible. This is a complex affair with many characters involved. Lady Caroline, Fanny and Arthur, all have a part to play but Quayle is the main one. Quayle is quite the puzzle, he doesn’t give much away about himself or his background. There are snippets now and again. This was an entertaining read that kept me guessing until the end. I have read the other books in the series but this could be read as a stand-alone.
The narrator was excellent, he changed his voice for all the characters and they were quite a number. I don’t know how he remembered them all! He really brought the story to life.
I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own
September 15, 2024
Not as strong as the first book. I guess writing three titles back to back does that. The first novel's strength relies on the family being tied to the victim, each thread connecting in the end. It's the intimacy that made book 1 so good. Well, the Unsworth's can't always be the center of murders, but I felt Fannie and Arthur didn't need involvement.
It was there, but too many moving parts. The story should've focused on Rosaline's last remaining admirers, if you ask me. No jewelry heist. Just silly old men who were the last of a bunch of groupies.
The subplot involving the Counts and the father and daughter was rather, spin-off baity. "Here's my spin-off series involving jewelry heists!" The worst part? The Countess's husband's death wasn't that important. I need someone to die, this guy will do!
However I'm glad Arthur and Fannie were proactive so Quayle won't be at it alone. (I'm going to assume they'll take over the series for WW2).
My biggest disappointment though, I really thought Holland was going to turn out to be the Earl's son. Now that would've been a riot!
It was there, but too many moving parts. The story should've focused on Rosaline's last remaining admirers, if you ask me. No jewelry heist. Just silly old men who were the last of a bunch of groupies.
The subplot involving the Counts and the father and daughter was rather, spin-off baity. "Here's my spin-off series involving jewelry heists!" The worst part? The Countess's husband's death wasn't that important. I need someone to die, this guy will do!
However I'm glad Arthur and Fannie were proactive so Quayle won't be at it alone. (I'm going to assume they'll take over the series for WW2).
My biggest disappointment though, I really thought Holland was going to turn out to be the Earl's son. Now that would've been a riot!
April 30, 2023
A nice easy read, we find Lord Unsworth and his family now living on the French Riviera, having decided they needed to leave England after the scandal they found themselves living through. Mr Quayle, Lord Unsworths secretary, goes with them, which is just as well as the family becomes embroiled in another awkward situation which requires Mr Quayles special skills, again.
Set in 1926, with upper crust characters who can quell a minion with a piercing glare, this is an enjoyable murder mystery, which rolls along at a really good pace. I liked the interactions of the family with Mr Quayle, who is definitely a man with an interesting past, having survived WWI, and also a mysterious job with a government department. There are several story lines running together, a couple of nice red herrings and a twist at the end. An enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set in 1926, with upper crust characters who can quell a minion with a piercing glare, this is an enjoyable murder mystery, which rolls along at a really good pace. I liked the interactions of the family with Mr Quayle, who is definitely a man with an interesting past, having survived WWI, and also a mysterious job with a government department. There are several story lines running together, a couple of nice red herrings and a twist at the end. An enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2023
This was a well-crafted historical mystery with good pacing and great characters. This second book in the Mr. Quayle series finds Lord Unsworth and his family on the Riviera dealing with the aftermath of recent events.
I really enjoy Slayton's writing style. The prologue was fantastic and peaked my interest in the story that was about to unfold. I liked that Quayle, who was an insider for the investigation in the last book, was very much on the outside for this book. It tested his skills as an amateur sleuth in a way we didn't see in the first book. Normally, I like to follow the clues and try to figure out the mystery but about halfway through this book, I realized that I had stopped doing that and was simply enjoying the read. I can't wait for the next installment in what is quickly becoming one of my favourite historical mystery series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoy Slayton's writing style. The prologue was fantastic and peaked my interest in the story that was about to unfold. I liked that Quayle, who was an insider for the investigation in the last book, was very much on the outside for this book. It tested his skills as an amateur sleuth in a way we didn't see in the first book. Normally, I like to follow the clues and try to figure out the mystery but about halfway through this book, I realized that I had stopped doing that and was simply enjoying the read. I can't wait for the next installment in what is quickly becoming one of my favourite historical mystery series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 18, 2023
This was another very enjoyable read. Having been introduced to Mr Quayle and the Unsworth family in the first book, this was very much more of the same except this time we have the luxurious setting of the French Riviera.
This time the whole family are on the Riviera when an old flame of Lord Unsworth, Lady Rosaline, is murdered. In fact there is more than 1 murder. Throw in some art thefts, forgeries, lots of suspects, lots of red herrings and we have a very intriguing story. Despite the cozy nature of the book, the storyline is quite complicated and there's plenty of twists to keep you wanting to read more. I'm looking forward to seeing what misfortune befalls the family next in order for My Quayle (who is still a bit of an enigma by the way) to step in to save the day.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This time the whole family are on the Riviera when an old flame of Lord Unsworth, Lady Rosaline, is murdered. In fact there is more than 1 murder. Throw in some art thefts, forgeries, lots of suspects, lots of red herrings and we have a very intriguing story. Despite the cozy nature of the book, the storyline is quite complicated and there's plenty of twists to keep you wanting to read more. I'm looking forward to seeing what misfortune befalls the family next in order for My Quayle (who is still a bit of an enigma by the way) to step in to save the day.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 24, 2023
A really well done sequel to the first Mr Quayle mystery. The Unsworth family retreats to the French Riviera to escape the public eye following the tragedies of the first tale. Of course, events go quickly awry.
I have to admit, I set the book aside after reading about a quarter of the way through - too many threads, moving too slowly. In the last couple of days, I picked it up again and got completely hooked.
There are several threads of activity going on, some of which might be red herrings, or not. By the end, I felt quite pleased with myself, in that I had good ideas on some of the threads, but not all, and I didn't quite grasp the final whodunnit. Oh, there are a couple of nice twists along the way.
(There's a short prequel that I need to read now, and I hope Mr Slayton writes an additional Mr Quayle mystery)
I have to admit, I set the book aside after reading about a quarter of the way through - too many threads, moving too slowly. In the last couple of days, I picked it up again and got completely hooked.
There are several threads of activity going on, some of which might be red herrings, or not. By the end, I felt quite pleased with myself, in that I had good ideas on some of the threads, but not all, and I didn't quite grasp the final whodunnit. Oh, there are a couple of nice twists along the way.
(There's a short prequel that I need to read now, and I hope Mr Slayton writes an additional Mr Quayle mystery)
March 30, 2023
1926 The Unsworth family have decided to escape from the problems at home and travel to the French Riviere. There they are invited to a party by an old flame of the Earl. Unfortunately a murder occurs and DCI Tallier of the Surete who suspiciously just happens to me on holiday asks Arthur Quayle for his help. Will there be more deaths but could the possible motive be.
An entertaining and well-written historial mystery with its varied and likeable characters. Including an interesting main character in this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining and well-written historial mystery with its varied and likeable characters. Including an interesting main character in this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2023
A Rather Dastardly Death is Book 2 in A Mr. Quayle Mystery by Anthony Slayton. This story picks up right after the end of Book 2… solving a murder at the Earl of Unsworth's estate. The Earl takes his family and secretary, Quayle, to the French Rivera to escape the scandal. I liked how the author progressed the story with characters from book 1 and new characters in this story. I liked that the main murder did not happen to early in the story and I found the story had layers. It was very enjoyable. Can't wait to read Mr Quayle's next adventure. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
April 23, 2023
Luxury European trains, a death in the dining car, a convent-come-decadent-mansion on the Riviera – what more could you want in the setting for this classic mystery? In this 2nd book in the series, M. Tallier joins the cast as the French inspector on the trail of a legendary jewel thief (or is that thieves?) and finds himself joining forces with Mr. Quayle (who was just hoping for a relaxing vacation) to solve yet another murder (or two? Or three?). The clues are all there – can you solve it before the inimitable Mr. Quayle?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 28, 2024
Excellent and Sophisticated
Excellent and intriguing mystery. A complex set of facts are set for through the mind of a superb intellect. Both the principal protagonist read and the newly introduced French detective are characters which require additional development. Happily they are rich earth from which the propagate greater yield. The principal character, Mr. Quayle is very interesting, but needs to be fleshed out further, if he is to continue to hold the reader. No doubt the author is aware of this, and has planned to do so as he proceeds down the series. I look forward to the next installment.
Excellent and intriguing mystery. A complex set of facts are set for through the mind of a superb intellect. Both the principal protagonist read and the newly introduced French detective are characters which require additional development. Happily they are rich earth from which the propagate greater yield. The principal character, Mr. Quayle is very interesting, but needs to be fleshed out further, if he is to continue to hold the reader. No doubt the author is aware of this, and has planned to do so as he proceeds down the series. I look forward to the next installment.
June 15, 2023
I really liked this boo, but I think I did prefer the first one (A Most Efficient Murder) more. This isn't my normal genre-cozy mystery. I usually prefer thriller/suspense when it comes to mystery, but something about Mr. Quayle has made me like him and his adventures. I really like the way the author writes. This is the third book I have read of his, the other one being the first in the series and the second one being a mini-story he did with similar characters. I have thoroughly enjoyed them all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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