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Beryl and Edwina Mystery #7
Murder at a London Finishing School
American adventuress Beryl Halliwell and prim and proper Brit Edwina Davenport team up once again as enquiry agents to solve a mystery at their alma mater in this historical English village mystery set just after World War I.
Neither Beryl nor Edwina are the least bit interested in attending events at their alma mater, Miss Dupont’s Finishing School. Their lives are very full indeed in the village of Walmsley Parva. However, when a letter arrives from Miss Dupont herself requesting their help in a professional capacity, they reluctantly pack their bags for London.
Upon arrival, they learn from Miss Dupont that her business has seen a steep decline since the days before World War I and that now she is concerned a saboteur is attempting to damage the school’s reputation. Students have reported items missing, damaged possessions, and strange noises in the night. Some of the girls even insist ghostly forces are at play.
Then a former classmate of theirs and mother of a prospective student is found dead on the school grounds. The roll call of suspects is long, and if Beryl and Edwina are to have a ghost of a chance of solving the murder, they can’t rule out the possibility that Miss Dupont herself may have finished off the victim . .
Neither Beryl nor Edwina are the least bit interested in attending events at their alma mater, Miss Dupont’s Finishing School. Their lives are very full indeed in the village of Walmsley Parva. However, when a letter arrives from Miss Dupont herself requesting their help in a professional capacity, they reluctantly pack their bags for London.
Upon arrival, they learn from Miss Dupont that her business has seen a steep decline since the days before World War I and that now she is concerned a saboteur is attempting to damage the school’s reputation. Students have reported items missing, damaged possessions, and strange noises in the night. Some of the girls even insist ghostly forces are at play.
Then a former classmate of theirs and mother of a prospective student is found dead on the school grounds. The roll call of suspects is long, and if Beryl and Edwina are to have a ghost of a chance of solving the murder, they can’t rule out the possibility that Miss Dupont herself may have finished off the victim . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
25 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Ellicott
16 books832 followersJessica Ellicott loves fountain pens, Mini Coopers, and throwing parties. She lives in northern New England where she obsessively knits wool socks and enthusiastically speaks Portuguese with a shocking disregard for the rules of grammar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
July 5, 2023
My second book in this series set in a quiet English village just after WW1. Edwina Davenport and her American friend Beryl Halliwell are asked to return to their old finishing school, in their role as private detectives, to help the Principal with an unusual problem.
Strange things are happening in the old school and then a murder occurs and Edwina and Beryl have a multitude of suspects to investigate. It is an interesting story which I did enjoy, but from time to time I felt weighed down by the amount of information that was directed at me, and I confess to a small amount of skimming.
Still an enjoyable story with a satisfactory conclusion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Strange things are happening in the old school and then a murder occurs and Edwina and Beryl have a multitude of suspects to investigate. It is an interesting story which I did enjoy, but from time to time I felt weighed down by the amount of information that was directed at me, and I confess to a small amount of skimming.
Still an enjoyable story with a satisfactory conclusion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 7, 2023
This one had everything it needed to have to be my favorite of the series. Seeing where Edwina and Beryl met? Yes, please! Tackling an old, school bully? Oh, yes! A bunch of other things I can't mention without totally giving away the plot? Yeah. Those, too.
Character growth, the whole nine yards. It had it all. In fact, if it were a person, you could call it "the complete package." Sigh.
Like most "complete package" types, it has glaring flaws that prove it... isn't. And yet, Ellicott did so many things really well, that what maybe should be a three-star book, I can't bear to drop lower than four. So there's that.
My problems? Well, this time I think one of them was a case of the author moving a scene and not realizing that then something someone knew... now that someone doesn't. Or vice versa. Not saying which. That alone was annoying BUT...
Sigh. The repetition. I swear this book had three separate times (that I recall! There could be more!) where we're reminded that Edwina is GREAT at ferreting out lies. Yes. We know. We're reminded over and over in every, single book. If it were just that, I might be able to choke it down, but it's multiple things, and it's becoming wearying.
Character growth, the whole nine yards. It had it all. In fact, if it were a person, you could call it "the complete package." Sigh.
Like most "complete package" types, it has glaring flaws that prove it... isn't. And yet, Ellicott did so many things really well, that what maybe should be a three-star book, I can't bear to drop lower than four. So there's that.
My problems? Well, this time I think one of them was a case of the author moving a scene and not realizing that then something someone knew... now that someone doesn't. Or vice versa. Not saying which. That alone was annoying BUT...
Sigh. The repetition. I swear this book had three separate times (that I recall! There could be more!) where we're reminded that Edwina is GREAT at ferreting out lies. Yes. We know. We're reminded over and over in every, single book. If it were just that, I might be able to choke it down, but it's multiple things, and it's becoming wearying.
August 14, 2023
3.5 stars
While Beryl is about to go off on a golf weekend with her boy toy, Edwina receives a letter from their old finishing school inviting them to visit for prospective students week. As neither she nor Beryl has a daughter in need of finishing, she's prepared to ignore the invitation but tucked inside the envelope is distressing news from the headmistress, Miss DuPont. Strange things have been happening at the school, frightening off students left and right. If this continues, there won't be any school left. Miss DuPont wants Edwina and Beryl to come investigate and get to the bottom of the mystery. Beryl is reluctant to return to the site of her unhappiness but she can't let Edwina go alone. They are both needed to solve the case. As the duo investigate missing objects from dormitories and mysterious clanking sounds, they also feel compelled to investigate the death of Veronica Lisle, former mean girl turned mean mom! The police dismiss it as a simple drunken accident without investigating. Beryl and Edwina are determined to find out what happened, even if it means accusing someone they like of murder! Meanwhile, Edwina is homesick and Beryl knows just what to do to solve THAT problem!
This was a good mystery but not my favorite of the series. It lacked dramatic tension an I was able to put it down without thinking about it in between. The reveal was somewhat surprising and somewhat not. I did expect something of the sort but with different characters. The London finishing school aspect didn't appeal to me all that much. Though I'm more of an Edwina than a Beryl, I would have hated finishing school and been terrible at all the ladylike things they wanted me to do. I missed Walmsley Parma and the eccentric Simpkins and sweet little Crumpet. I even missed some of the other characters.
The "cozy" is done very well. As Beryl and especially Edwina's character arcs show growth over time, this book shows what they were like as girls and how their time at finishing school made them friends and made them the women they are today. Beryl was always headstrong and restless. She's a classic ADHD - can't sit still, doesn't see the point in embroidery/needlework whatever they want her to do. She's rebellious because her teacher was hard on her and yet we learn more about that from the perspective of the teacher and see how the tough teacher made Beryl a strong woman who can stand up to bullies and lead her own life. Beryl has been slowing down a bit and in middle age she's happy to have a home at last. Edwina is her family. Edwina is a real surprise. When Beryl literally crashed into Edwina's life in the first book, Edwina was so timid and a strict rule follower. She's always kind to others, especially those she considers as her social inferiors and that goes a long way towards getting her kind treatment in return. However, here we see her prevaricating, lying, and being tough on her suspects! Her relationship with Charles may be taking a new turn. She can't see him in a romantic way and doesn't want him for her own but then she ends up a little jealous when he gets attention from other females. I detest that attitude and I wish she would either put him out of his misery with a gentle "let's be friends" or fall in love without being prodded by jealousy. He's a little too GOOD for the romantic Edwina. I think she's secretly dreaming of a hero like the one in her cowboy book!
Simpkins is darling as always. He's a hoot and always brings the comic relief. He's also a shrewd judge of character and knows just how to make someone feel special and how not to damage their pride. I think his plan is to please Edwina more than an actual business decision. Little Crumpet will miss Edwina while she's away. Poor little dog! She should bring him along because the girls would probably be more forthcoming and talk to a dog more than they would strange adults.
Veronica Lisle was an awful person. She was a typical mean girl at finishing school and now she's a middle aged mom and a horrid one at that. Her daughter Florence is a lot like Beryl. Why settle down and be "finished" when there's a world to see and things to do? Florence is a good egg. She's closer to her dad, Desmond Montrose, who builds airplanes. She wants to work with her dad making planes. She can see the future and doesn't look back. Her mother is FORCING her to attend the school to see if its a good fit for her though Florence doesn't want it. Everyone can see that the school is not a good fit for young Florence. Her dad agreed with her but now he doesn't and backs up her mother.
Veronica also has a drinking problem which makes her temper worse. There's nothing worse than a drunk Veronica! Veronica is divorced from Florence's dad, unsurprisingly. I can only imagine the tabloid headlines! She's a piece of work who continues to bully anyone who stands in her way. She's married to the much younger Paul Deering, who is a cool stepdad. Paul thinks of Florence more as a kid sister and supports her in whatever she wants to do. He might be a gold digger but I think he is fond of Veronica and provides a good buffer for Florence. He's a little too into golf though. I don't see the appeal and he seems to have anger management issues.
Desmond Montrose may be devastatingly handsome and both Beryl and Edwina seem to like him, but he is not to be trusted. After flip flopping his decision about the school, what else has he changed his mind about? I have my suspicions about why he wants Florence to attend the school though. I think he was hit with Veronica before he knew what was happening and now he's single again and ready to rekindle an old romance. Florence is so cool and modern. She's also a bookworm and I like her a lot but unlike Desmond, she has a VERY strong motive for murder. The more the sleuths piece together the clues, the more they point at young Florence. Oh I hope she didn't do it!
Miss DuPont seems firm but fair. She's dedicated her whole life to the school and that way of life is rapidly losing ground as the "right" way of living. Young girls don't want to be "finished" and marry well. After the war, there's no one of their generation left to marry! Should they be forced to marry old widowers because the older men will take care of them? NO! They want to go out and have jobs while the wealthy ladies live in the here and now without a thought for the future. Reading books set in the 20th-century is so hard because of the wars. We know what the future holds and the days of the Queen's drawing rooms and that lifestyle are quickly coming to an end. With the next war, women will be at the forefront on the home front and in the factories and needing to know how to embroider or set the table for a fancy dinner will no longer be relevant. Poor Miss DuPont! I hope she's dead by then. She doesn't seem to be wedded so much to traditional ideas as to her school. She doesn't KNOW how to do anything else. Edwina has pivoted nicely and I think Miss DuPont could too if she allowed herself to dream. I don't think she's a murderer but she does have a good motive.
Miss Glover is the tough teacher Beryl hated. She's still tough and snippy too. She's a no nonsense sort of woman and doesn't have a sense of humor or a kind bone in her body. She's not like Edwina at all. Miss Glover has a good motive for murder and she seems cool enough to have done it but did she have the strength to push Veronica into the grotto? Maybe she had help? Miss Glover ends up being a more nuanced character and her reveal was rather surprising. I guess she's THAT teacher- the one you hate growing up in school but learn to appreciate as you get older. Maybe? Unless she's a murderer.
Who is behind the mysterious thefts and noises? Could it have been Veronica? The noises stop after she dies! Or was it Mary White, a former student turned teacher? Mary was bullied incessantly by Veronica when they were girls, until Edwina, of all people, put a stop to it ! Mary also lost out on a chance with Desmond when Veronica got her claws into him. It sounds like they were friendly at least. Mary doesn't seem to have suffered any damage from her childhood, at least not outwardly. She's open, friendly and a good art teacher to the girls. She may not be a true artist but she's cool and laid back, not a harsh disciplinarian. I think Mary and Desmond may have rekindled their relationship and it's not proper for a teacher to have liaisons with a man. Veronica would have used this information as leverage to get Mary fired. Mary needs the job because she needs the money. Did she kill Veronica? Alternately, Mary recommended the gardener, Evans. What's he doing there? He's a terrible gardener and doesn't even seem to know how to weed properly. Edwina knows more than he does! The gardens are overgrown and the grounds neglected for too long and he's only one person but still, I find him suspicious. I think he may be Mary's lover or brother or cousin - someone back from the war with psychological damage and in need of a job where they can work alone. I think Evans is having an affair with Veronica and she was throwing shade at Mary as a smoke screen. HE looks good for a murder suspect too. Actually, I don't think Mary did it because she was out of commission but something sounds fishy about her sleepwalking and subsequent fall down the stairs. Perhaps Mary and Evans colluded to kill Veronica to protect their secrets?
Witnesses abovestairs include Adele and Lois, the new Beryl and Edwina! Lois is the more down-to-earth sort, like Edwina. She settles for a logical explanation for the noises while Adele seems to be the nervous sort, romanticizing the situation. Adele seems excited by the mysterious happenings. Does she fancy herself Nancy Drew? Is she investigating on her own? Sadly, these two girls are dropped from the plot.
Witnesses belowstairs include Ellen, the maid, who is efficient and friendly without gossiping. She probably knows more than she's letting on or doesn't know she knows. I'm not sure I like her. Post war, good help is hard to find and she's a little TOO good to be true. Mr. Jennings is an oh-so correct and proper butler, a relic of the past. I suspect he won't be much help in this case. He's one of those "I couldn't say" people. He is more open with Edwina and Mrs. Jennings is as well. They both look on her fondly, like a daughter they spoiled. Mrs. Jennings certainly spoils Edwina with delicious treats. She's a little more prone to gossip than Mr. but they don't have any good answers for the mysterious happenings. Mrs. J unknowingly drops a clue, I think, as to WHAT but not WHO.
Was Veronica's death an accident or murder? Who -or what - is behind the mysterious happenings at the school? I didn't really care all that much to be honest and I hope we return to Walmsley Parva next time.
While Beryl is about to go off on a golf weekend with her boy toy, Edwina receives a letter from their old finishing school inviting them to visit for prospective students week. As neither she nor Beryl has a daughter in need of finishing, she's prepared to ignore the invitation but tucked inside the envelope is distressing news from the headmistress, Miss DuPont. Strange things have been happening at the school, frightening off students left and right. If this continues, there won't be any school left. Miss DuPont wants Edwina and Beryl to come investigate and get to the bottom of the mystery. Beryl is reluctant to return to the site of her unhappiness but she can't let Edwina go alone. They are both needed to solve the case. As the duo investigate missing objects from dormitories and mysterious clanking sounds, they also feel compelled to investigate the death of Veronica Lisle, former mean girl turned mean mom! The police dismiss it as a simple drunken accident without investigating. Beryl and Edwina are determined to find out what happened, even if it means accusing someone they like of murder! Meanwhile, Edwina is homesick and Beryl knows just what to do to solve THAT problem!
This was a good mystery but not my favorite of the series. It lacked dramatic tension an I was able to put it down without thinking about it in between. The reveal was somewhat surprising and somewhat not. I did expect something of the sort but with different characters. The London finishing school aspect didn't appeal to me all that much. Though I'm more of an Edwina than a Beryl, I would have hated finishing school and been terrible at all the ladylike things they wanted me to do. I missed Walmsley Parma and the eccentric Simpkins and sweet little Crumpet. I even missed some of the other characters.
The "cozy" is done very well. As Beryl and especially Edwina's character arcs show growth over time, this book shows what they were like as girls and how their time at finishing school made them friends and made them the women they are today. Beryl was always headstrong and restless. She's a classic ADHD - can't sit still, doesn't see the point in embroidery/needlework whatever they want her to do. She's rebellious because her teacher was hard on her and yet we learn more about that from the perspective of the teacher and see how the tough teacher made Beryl a strong woman who can stand up to bullies and lead her own life. Beryl has been slowing down a bit and in middle age she's happy to have a home at last. Edwina is her family. Edwina is a real surprise. When Beryl literally crashed into Edwina's life in the first book, Edwina was so timid and a strict rule follower. She's always kind to others, especially those she considers as her social inferiors and that goes a long way towards getting her kind treatment in return. However, here we see her prevaricating, lying, and being tough on her suspects! Her relationship with Charles may be taking a new turn. She can't see him in a romantic way and doesn't want him for her own but then she ends up a little jealous when he gets attention from other females. I detest that attitude and I wish she would either put him out of his misery with a gentle "let's be friends" or fall in love without being prodded by jealousy. He's a little too GOOD for the romantic Edwina. I think she's secretly dreaming of a hero like the one in her cowboy book!
Simpkins is darling as always. He's a hoot and always brings the comic relief. He's also a shrewd judge of character and knows just how to make someone feel special and how not to damage their pride. I think his plan is to please Edwina more than an actual business decision. Little Crumpet will miss Edwina while she's away. Poor little dog! She should bring him along because the girls would probably be more forthcoming and talk to a dog more than they would strange adults.
Veronica Lisle was an awful person. She was a typical mean girl at finishing school and now she's a middle aged mom and a horrid one at that. Her daughter Florence is a lot like Beryl. Why settle down and be "finished" when there's a world to see and things to do? Florence is a good egg. She's closer to her dad, Desmond Montrose, who builds airplanes. She wants to work with her dad making planes. She can see the future and doesn't look back. Her mother is FORCING her to attend the school to see if its a good fit for her though Florence doesn't want it. Everyone can see that the school is not a good fit for young Florence. Her dad agreed with her but now he doesn't and backs up her mother.
Veronica also has a drinking problem which makes her temper worse. There's nothing worse than a drunk Veronica! Veronica is divorced from Florence's dad, unsurprisingly. I can only imagine the tabloid headlines! She's a piece of work who continues to bully anyone who stands in her way. She's married to the much younger Paul Deering, who is a cool stepdad. Paul thinks of Florence more as a kid sister and supports her in whatever she wants to do. He might be a gold digger but I think he is fond of Veronica and provides a good buffer for Florence. He's a little too into golf though. I don't see the appeal and he seems to have anger management issues.
Desmond Montrose may be devastatingly handsome and both Beryl and Edwina seem to like him, but he is not to be trusted. After flip flopping his decision about the school, what else has he changed his mind about? I have my suspicions about why he wants Florence to attend the school though. I think he was hit with Veronica before he knew what was happening and now he's single again and ready to rekindle an old romance. Florence is so cool and modern. She's also a bookworm and I like her a lot but unlike Desmond, she has a VERY strong motive for murder. The more the sleuths piece together the clues, the more they point at young Florence. Oh I hope she didn't do it!
Miss DuPont seems firm but fair. She's dedicated her whole life to the school and that way of life is rapidly losing ground as the "right" way of living. Young girls don't want to be "finished" and marry well. After the war, there's no one of their generation left to marry! Should they be forced to marry old widowers because the older men will take care of them? NO! They want to go out and have jobs while the wealthy ladies live in the here and now without a thought for the future. Reading books set in the 20th-century is so hard because of the wars. We know what the future holds and the days of the Queen's drawing rooms and that lifestyle are quickly coming to an end. With the next war, women will be at the forefront on the home front and in the factories and needing to know how to embroider or set the table for a fancy dinner will no longer be relevant. Poor Miss DuPont! I hope she's dead by then. She doesn't seem to be wedded so much to traditional ideas as to her school. She doesn't KNOW how to do anything else. Edwina has pivoted nicely and I think Miss DuPont could too if she allowed herself to dream. I don't think she's a murderer but she does have a good motive.
Miss Glover is the tough teacher Beryl hated. She's still tough and snippy too. She's a no nonsense sort of woman and doesn't have a sense of humor or a kind bone in her body. She's not like Edwina at all. Miss Glover has a good motive for murder and she seems cool enough to have done it but did she have the strength to push Veronica into the grotto? Maybe she had help? Miss Glover ends up being a more nuanced character and her reveal was rather surprising. I guess she's THAT teacher- the one you hate growing up in school but learn to appreciate as you get older. Maybe? Unless she's a murderer.
Who is behind the mysterious thefts and noises? Could it have been Veronica? The noises stop after she dies! Or was it Mary White, a former student turned teacher? Mary was bullied incessantly by Veronica when they were girls, until Edwina, of all people, put a stop to it ! Mary also lost out on a chance with Desmond when Veronica got her claws into him. It sounds like they were friendly at least. Mary doesn't seem to have suffered any damage from her childhood, at least not outwardly. She's open, friendly and a good art teacher to the girls. She may not be a true artist but she's cool and laid back, not a harsh disciplinarian. I think Mary and Desmond may have rekindled their relationship and it's not proper for a teacher to have liaisons with a man. Veronica would have used this information as leverage to get Mary fired. Mary needs the job because she needs the money. Did she kill Veronica? Alternately, Mary recommended the gardener, Evans. What's he doing there? He's a terrible gardener and doesn't even seem to know how to weed properly. Edwina knows more than he does! The gardens are overgrown and the grounds neglected for too long and he's only one person but still, I find him suspicious. I think he may be Mary's lover or brother or cousin - someone back from the war with psychological damage and in need of a job where they can work alone. I think Evans is having an affair with Veronica and she was throwing shade at Mary as a smoke screen. HE looks good for a murder suspect too. Actually, I don't think Mary did it because she was out of commission but something sounds fishy about her sleepwalking and subsequent fall down the stairs. Perhaps Mary and Evans colluded to kill Veronica to protect their secrets?
Witnesses abovestairs include Adele and Lois, the new Beryl and Edwina! Lois is the more down-to-earth sort, like Edwina. She settles for a logical explanation for the noises while Adele seems to be the nervous sort, romanticizing the situation. Adele seems excited by the mysterious happenings. Does she fancy herself Nancy Drew? Is she investigating on her own? Sadly, these two girls are dropped from the plot.
Witnesses belowstairs include Ellen, the maid, who is efficient and friendly without gossiping. She probably knows more than she's letting on or doesn't know she knows. I'm not sure I like her. Post war, good help is hard to find and she's a little TOO good to be true. Mr. Jennings is an oh-so correct and proper butler, a relic of the past. I suspect he won't be much help in this case. He's one of those "I couldn't say" people. He is more open with Edwina and Mrs. Jennings is as well. They both look on her fondly, like a daughter they spoiled. Mrs. Jennings certainly spoils Edwina with delicious treats. She's a little more prone to gossip than Mr. but they don't have any good answers for the mysterious happenings. Mrs. J unknowingly drops a clue, I think, as to WHAT but not WHO.
Was Veronica's death an accident or murder? Who -or what - is behind the mysterious happenings at the school? I didn't really care all that much to be honest and I hope we return to Walmsley Parva next time.
November 25, 2023
2.5/5 stars
Ugh I hate finishing a series, I'm too attached to the characters now
Ugh I hate finishing a series, I'm too attached to the characters now
August 6, 2023
Thank you so much Kensington for the gifted ARC in exchange for this honest review!
When Edwina and Beryl receive a mysterious invitation to return to their alma mater, Miss Dupont's Finishing School, from Miss Dupont herself, the sleuthing duo arrive for business rather than nostalgic purposes. The school is in serious financial trouble after the first world war as less English families are sending their daughters to finishing school. The thefts, bumps in the night, and rumors of a haunting aren't helping matters. Beryl and Edwina are tasked with solving who is behind these strange happenings before Miss Dupont must close her doors for good.
This was a light mystery with an excellent setting. I really liked the school and its sprawling grounds as the narrative's backdrop. Having started the series with this seventh instalment, I was worried I might feel lost in following the two women's trajectory toward performing investigative services. However, their return to the school where they met was actually perfect. I received lots of background not only regarding the series' past adventures but also how the school influenced Beryl and Edwina to become the women they are at present. I especially loved the adventurous, strong-willed Beryl (which shouldn't surprise anyone). Beryl's open disinterest in having children was a particularly refreshing perspective for the time period.
While there are many elements I appreciated, I didn't feel a heavy investment in following the mystery too closely. I also found the ending to be a bit too chaotic and conveniently wrapped up as various characters revealed their true intentions for being at the school. The sudden inclusion of espionage felt forced and out of left field as well.
With that said, I can recommend this to any avid cozy mystery reader, especially those who enjoy a historical setting.
When Edwina and Beryl receive a mysterious invitation to return to their alma mater, Miss Dupont's Finishing School, from Miss Dupont herself, the sleuthing duo arrive for business rather than nostalgic purposes. The school is in serious financial trouble after the first world war as less English families are sending their daughters to finishing school. The thefts, bumps in the night, and rumors of a haunting aren't helping matters. Beryl and Edwina are tasked with solving who is behind these strange happenings before Miss Dupont must close her doors for good.
This was a light mystery with an excellent setting. I really liked the school and its sprawling grounds as the narrative's backdrop. Having started the series with this seventh instalment, I was worried I might feel lost in following the two women's trajectory toward performing investigative services. However, their return to the school where they met was actually perfect. I received lots of background not only regarding the series' past adventures but also how the school influenced Beryl and Edwina to become the women they are at present. I especially loved the adventurous, strong-willed Beryl (which shouldn't surprise anyone). Beryl's open disinterest in having children was a particularly refreshing perspective for the time period.
While there are many elements I appreciated, I didn't feel a heavy investment in following the mystery too closely. I also found the ending to be a bit too chaotic and conveniently wrapped up as various characters revealed their true intentions for being at the school. The sudden inclusion of espionage felt forced and out of left field as well.
With that said, I can recommend this to any avid cozy mystery reader, especially those who enjoy a historical setting.
August 6, 2024
This is a favourite "comfort" series. It is enjoyable, with characters I'm fond of and enjoy visiting with and a solid murder mystery for the main characters to investigate.
Edwina and Beryl are the original "odd couple" as one is a proper British lady, and the other is an American adventuress who is a thoroughly modern and independent woman. They became friends in boarding school and reconnected years later, becoming roommates in Edwina's crumbling British pile in the quintessential tiny British town, and finding themselves continously drawn into murders once they set up as "private inquiry agents".
These books are just good fun and I enjoy them. The extra engaging feature is that my library gets these books in audio format, and they are narrated by the fantastic Barbara Rosenblat who is the ultimate audio narrator, giving every character a unique voice and really bringing all the characters to life.
Edwina and Beryl are the original "odd couple" as one is a proper British lady, and the other is an American adventuress who is a thoroughly modern and independent woman. They became friends in boarding school and reconnected years later, becoming roommates in Edwina's crumbling British pile in the quintessential tiny British town, and finding themselves continously drawn into murders once they set up as "private inquiry agents".
These books are just good fun and I enjoy them. The extra engaging feature is that my library gets these books in audio format, and they are narrated by the fantastic Barbara Rosenblat who is the ultimate audio narrator, giving every character a unique voice and really bringing all the characters to life.
March 30, 2024
A fun addition to the series 💖
July 23, 2023
I love Edwina and Beryl and always enjoy their antics and investigations. I found this one a bit darker and more complex than other as it brings them back to their finishing school.
I studied at a private school and, even if it was decades later, I can say that the author did an excellent job in describing the atmosphere and how some people was mean and petty.
It's a solid mystery and I loved how the author kept past and present together surprising me till the end.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I studied at a private school and, even if it was decades later, I can say that the author did an excellent job in describing the atmosphere and how some people was mean and petty.
It's a solid mystery and I loved how the author kept past and present together surprising me till the end.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 28, 2023
Beryl and Edwina are at it again. Word of their private enquiry agency has gotten around and this time they are invited to their former finishing school to solve a mystery. Their case takes an unexpected turn when Beryl and Edwina stumble across a dead body on the school's property. I enjoy this series but I have been disappointed by the discrepancies in this book and the previous book. These are the discrepancies I came across in this title. On page 175, when Edwina was talking to one of the servants, Jennings, Jennings told Edwina that Mary White had recommended the gardener. Yet on page 257, it seems like Edwina has forgotten that she already knows the answer to this question. Edwina asks Miss DuPont how she had come to hire Evans, the gardener, and Miss DuPont told her that Mary White had recommended him. On page 185, when Edwina asked Mary about her argument with Veronica, Mary said Veronica had seen her speaking with the gardener "from time to time". Then on page 274, Mary tells Edwina, "I'm afraid that I lied to you when I said that she (Veronica) had not actually seen me with the gardener". What? Mary already said Veronica had seen her with the gardener. I hope that there's better editing in future titles.
March 14, 2025
This story begins by Edwina receiving a letter from Miss Dupont's Finishing School in London. Edwina and Beryl are being hired to solve the mysteries of petty thefts and reports of ghostly noises at the school during the night. In the previous books, we learned that Beryl and Edwina first met each other at this school when they were both students at the school. It was interesting to note their perceptions of the school many years later! They were reunited with a few of the teachers that they had known from the days that they had attended the school. They were also reunited with a couple of the students from their class. Those encounters were especially interesting! Of course, there was a murder mystery. I was unable to solve the mystery on my own, and that made the story very interesting for me. It's another great book within an interesting cozy mystery series that is set during the 1800s after the Great War.
August 4, 2023
A charming and cozy historical mystery set at a finishing school for young ladies.
This is my first crack at this series, and I was pleasantly surprised. The story itself is a good one, well plotted and reasonably complex in terms of the mystery itself, and I enjoyed the setting.
Our sleuths are perhaps a bit more predictable and less appealing than some in this subgenre, which isn’t to say they’re unlikable (they’re lovely) but rather that they aren’t especially unique or distinct. This doesn’t mean the story isn’t worth reading, just a fair warning for those who are pickier about the specifics of their historical cozies.
The specific setting probably helped hold my interest here, but I also liked the tone and appreciated the quality enough to try another from this series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is my first crack at this series, and I was pleasantly surprised. The story itself is a good one, well plotted and reasonably complex in terms of the mystery itself, and I enjoyed the setting.
Our sleuths are perhaps a bit more predictable and less appealing than some in this subgenre, which isn’t to say they’re unlikable (they’re lovely) but rather that they aren’t especially unique or distinct. This doesn’t mean the story isn’t worth reading, just a fair warning for those who are pickier about the specifics of their historical cozies.
The specific setting probably helped hold my interest here, but I also liked the tone and appreciated the quality enough to try another from this series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
February 18, 2023
3.75/5 stars! This is the 7th book in the "Beryl and Edwina Mystery" series. First off, I hate the covers for this series so much. Like vehemently. HATE them! But despite that, what lies beneath the cover was really entertaining. Beryl and Edwina were funny and spunky and had a great deal of gumption. I liked the story line but saw the 'twist' coming. Overall, a decently charming and silly read.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 18, 2024
Audible version: I guess I forgot to rate this one when I listened to it and now I’m reading the synopsis and think, yes, I do remember listening. I’ll give it three stars as it’s clearly not that memorable.
February 3, 2024
Cozy mystery was not as exciting as previous books, but I enjoy the characters.
April 22, 2024
3.75 stars
August 8, 2023
Didn't enjoy this one as much as the others, still cosy :)
December 14, 2024
These ones are difficult to rate, since they're so formulaic, and therefore each book is very similiar - obviously with different plots, though. But that's what I like about these types of cozy mysteries! You get to know the characters, and Beryl and Edwina are no different.
This one was really cool, because Beryl and Edwina revisited the school where they first met. It had some fun insights into their childhood and how their friendship developed. I also loved that Crumpet featured a little more heavily in this one - or at least, Edwina mentioned him more. And Edwina continues to grow into a more confident and independent woman, and I love that! And I think Beryl softens under Edwina's influence.
Anyway, this was another great addition to the series!
This one was really cool, because Beryl and Edwina revisited the school where they first met. It had some fun insights into their childhood and how their friendship developed. I also loved that Crumpet featured a little more heavily in this one - or at least, Edwina mentioned him more. And Edwina continues to grow into a more confident and independent woman, and I love that! And I think Beryl softens under Edwina's influence.
Anyway, this was another great addition to the series!
June 2, 2023
This is an enjoyable cosy mystery series, I love Edwina and Beryl, and the close friendship they share. However, this storyline was a bit of a stretch for me, it felt implausible.: too few pupils, too few suspects, my business brain just kept asking questions ... some things just didn't compute and detracted from the story for me.
Perhaps the next one will be back in the village with old Simpkins adding character and Edwina's love interest making some progress. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
It was 3 out of 5 on the enjoyment scale.
Thanks to #Netgalley, Kensington Books and the author for my Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Perhaps the next one will be back in the village with old Simpkins adding character and Edwina's love interest making some progress. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
It was 3 out of 5 on the enjoyment scale.
Thanks to #Netgalley, Kensington Books and the author for my Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2024
This is the worst book of the whole series. I can't recognise the writing style at all. Was it written by ChatGPT? A ghostwriter? Did anyone proofread the book at all before publishing it?
Beryl was repeating the same thought about how Edwina could recognise lies 4 times. Or maybe 5? I lost count. But if only it was just that 😭 The plot is boring and illogical, not even close to the level of the previous books. It's such a shame 🥺
Beryl was repeating the same thought about how Edwina could recognise lies 4 times. Or maybe 5? I lost count. But if only it was just that 😭 The plot is boring and illogical, not even close to the level of the previous books. It's such a shame 🥺
July 24, 2023
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This is such a great mystery! I continually learn from this delightful series and enjoy looking up terms or events that I’m not familiar with. While our lives are completely different, there was something in both Edwina and Beryl with which I felt a kinship. The settings sound picture perfect, especially the gardens.
Edwina and Beryl met at Miss DuPont’s Finishing School for Young Ladies, one a proper young English lady and one an American who hated being there. Their lifelong friendship began when they were roommates and classmates. Beryl currently lives at Edwina’s family estate, where they opened Davenport and Helliwell, Private Enquiry Agency after helping the constable solve complex cases.
Edwina received an invitation to attend the school’s prospective students’ week. Included was a personal letter from Miss DuPont. She asked Edwina and Beryl to come in a professional capacity, under cover as if checking the school for a goddaughter or relative, with all due discretion. Intrigued, Beryl drove them to the school that afternoon.
Miss DuPont told them that student numbers declined before the Great War. When reopening after the war, there were fewer students as young ladies no longer wanted to attend. Lately it seemed as if someone were trying to shut their school down. Students’ personal items went missing. Some reappeared later, others did not. Moans and other distressing sounds awoke them during the night. Students began to leave, and the current enrollment was only six. The headmistress hoped they could find who was behind the trouble before they were forced to close.
They saw Miss Glover, who was older now and still a stickler for the rules. She had an even sharper tongue that struck terror into the hearts of the meek. They were surprised to see Mary, a former fellow student, now a confident teacher of art and culture. Edwina was delighted to find Jennings, the butler, and his wife, the cook, were still there.
As they began the charade of checking the facility for Beryl’s “goddaughter”, they saw Veronica, another former classmate. Veronica was there with her daughter, Florence, who she hoped would attend the school even though she doesn’t want to. Veronica had tormented some of their classmates with incessant bullying, especially Mary. Veronica was as snarky as ever, and acted as an advisor to Miss DuPont. Veronica’s daughter was as different from her mother as night and day. She wants to become an engineer and join the family firm, Montrose Aeronautics.
Beryl and Edwina could find no cause for the disturbances. Some thought the school was haunted, which neither students nor the shoestring staff found amusing. The pair went to the grotto, where Edwina used to spend hours reading as a student, to speak privately. They were horrified to find one of their former classmates with a head wound, dead. Upon advice from one of the men, the local inspector passed it off as an accident, that the woman slipped, fell, and hit her head. Edwina and Beryl didn’t buy it.
The engaging characters come to life through the author’s expert descriptions. She captures their essences beautifully, providing far more than their physical descriptions. Some of this is done through relatable conversations and some through past and current escapades and behavior. My equal favorites are Edwina and Beryl, and I enjoy the Jennings couple as much as Edwina did. I was fascinated to see the school, past and present, through the very different views of the two friends.
Things I found enlightening included the impact of the Great War and the influenza pandemic on everything. Some decided to live for today as tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed, which led many to poor decisions. Both events contributed to low numbers at the school. The death of the former classmate, however, could shut the doors for good. Beryl and Edwina continue to look for the prankster while seeking the truth about the death. There was no shortage of suspects and motives when considering the last 24 hours of her life. The end was a total surprise, for both the death and the disturbances in the school. I was very pleased to see the outcome, and highly recommend this novel and series!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This is such a great mystery! I continually learn from this delightful series and enjoy looking up terms or events that I’m not familiar with. While our lives are completely different, there was something in both Edwina and Beryl with which I felt a kinship. The settings sound picture perfect, especially the gardens.
Edwina and Beryl met at Miss DuPont’s Finishing School for Young Ladies, one a proper young English lady and one an American who hated being there. Their lifelong friendship began when they were roommates and classmates. Beryl currently lives at Edwina’s family estate, where they opened Davenport and Helliwell, Private Enquiry Agency after helping the constable solve complex cases.
Edwina received an invitation to attend the school’s prospective students’ week. Included was a personal letter from Miss DuPont. She asked Edwina and Beryl to come in a professional capacity, under cover as if checking the school for a goddaughter or relative, with all due discretion. Intrigued, Beryl drove them to the school that afternoon.
Miss DuPont told them that student numbers declined before the Great War. When reopening after the war, there were fewer students as young ladies no longer wanted to attend. Lately it seemed as if someone were trying to shut their school down. Students’ personal items went missing. Some reappeared later, others did not. Moans and other distressing sounds awoke them during the night. Students began to leave, and the current enrollment was only six. The headmistress hoped they could find who was behind the trouble before they were forced to close.
They saw Miss Glover, who was older now and still a stickler for the rules. She had an even sharper tongue that struck terror into the hearts of the meek. They were surprised to see Mary, a former fellow student, now a confident teacher of art and culture. Edwina was delighted to find Jennings, the butler, and his wife, the cook, were still there.
As they began the charade of checking the facility for Beryl’s “goddaughter”, they saw Veronica, another former classmate. Veronica was there with her daughter, Florence, who she hoped would attend the school even though she doesn’t want to. Veronica had tormented some of their classmates with incessant bullying, especially Mary. Veronica was as snarky as ever, and acted as an advisor to Miss DuPont. Veronica’s daughter was as different from her mother as night and day. She wants to become an engineer and join the family firm, Montrose Aeronautics.
Beryl and Edwina could find no cause for the disturbances. Some thought the school was haunted, which neither students nor the shoestring staff found amusing. The pair went to the grotto, where Edwina used to spend hours reading as a student, to speak privately. They were horrified to find one of their former classmates with a head wound, dead. Upon advice from one of the men, the local inspector passed it off as an accident, that the woman slipped, fell, and hit her head. Edwina and Beryl didn’t buy it.
The engaging characters come to life through the author’s expert descriptions. She captures their essences beautifully, providing far more than their physical descriptions. Some of this is done through relatable conversations and some through past and current escapades and behavior. My equal favorites are Edwina and Beryl, and I enjoy the Jennings couple as much as Edwina did. I was fascinated to see the school, past and present, through the very different views of the two friends.
Things I found enlightening included the impact of the Great War and the influenza pandemic on everything. Some decided to live for today as tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed, which led many to poor decisions. Both events contributed to low numbers at the school. The death of the former classmate, however, could shut the doors for good. Beryl and Edwina continue to look for the prankster while seeking the truth about the death. There was no shortage of suspects and motives when considering the last 24 hours of her life. The end was a total surprise, for both the death and the disturbances in the school. I was very pleased to see the outcome, and highly recommend this novel and series!
December 26, 2023
I have begun to look forward to each new mystery in this delightful series. If I could visit anyplace that these two finishing school friends have been, including Beryl’s travels around the world, it would be the gardens as they stood at Edwina’s family home. I enjoyed learning a little about the history of the time, especially with regards to flying, attitudes in post-WWI Europe, and the changing roles of women.
Edwina and her best friend since their finishing school days, Beryl, opened an enquiry agency due to their successes in helping local police solve serious cases. Beryl has been taking a break from traveling, and has been staying with Edwina. They received an intriguing invitation to go to the finishing school where they had met for a somewhat clandestine assignment in which they will do undercover work for the owner and founder, Miss DuPont.
Beryl, behind the wheel of her motorcar, got them to the school the same day. She is a confident driver, and has even been a competent pilot of small planes on her adventures! Edwina and Beryl were surprised to see some of the same people at the school as were there when they attended about two decades earlier, including Miss Glover, Jennings, and Mrs. Jennings. Time has not mellowed the first, but Jennings is as proper, and Mrs. Jennings as loving, as long ago.
Miss DuPont is afraid she will have to close her school down for good if some things don’t change. Since the Great War, enrollment has been down, as finishing schools are no longer a priority for young ladies. Someone has been causing disturbances at the boarding school that have already reduced the number of students for the term. Some nights there are awful noises that disturb students and staff, from creaking to groaning and everything in between. Possessions of students have gone missing, from expensive jewelry to lipstick to stockings. Some items are found within days, others not at all.
The current week is when students and parents stay at the school to see if the young ladies and the school are a good match. Currently there is one prospect, the daughter of a former student from when Beryl and Edwina attended. Another former student is now teaching there. Beryl will act as if checking out the school for her goddaughter to see if the school and the young lady would be a good fit while they keep eyes and ears open.
They collected interesting information, but so far nothing indicated who was causing trouble. Then, when Edwina and Beryl were seeking a private place to talk, they found one of their former classmates dead, who had also suffered a head wound. That changed everything and might sound the death knell to the finishing school. While the local inspector determined the death to have been accidental, Beryl and Edwina had heard just enough rumors to capture their curiosity.
What a challenge this mystery was! If their classmate had been murdered, would it have been by whoever was stealing and causing horrifying noises? If she had not been murdered, they could focus on the real reason they came. The resolutions were completely startling and the motives sad, yet I am very satisfied with the conclusion and future of the school. I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates well-written historical cozy mysteries set in post-WWI England with wit, female enquiry agents, and long-term friendship.
Edwina and her best friend since their finishing school days, Beryl, opened an enquiry agency due to their successes in helping local police solve serious cases. Beryl has been taking a break from traveling, and has been staying with Edwina. They received an intriguing invitation to go to the finishing school where they had met for a somewhat clandestine assignment in which they will do undercover work for the owner and founder, Miss DuPont.
Beryl, behind the wheel of her motorcar, got them to the school the same day. She is a confident driver, and has even been a competent pilot of small planes on her adventures! Edwina and Beryl were surprised to see some of the same people at the school as were there when they attended about two decades earlier, including Miss Glover, Jennings, and Mrs. Jennings. Time has not mellowed the first, but Jennings is as proper, and Mrs. Jennings as loving, as long ago.
Miss DuPont is afraid she will have to close her school down for good if some things don’t change. Since the Great War, enrollment has been down, as finishing schools are no longer a priority for young ladies. Someone has been causing disturbances at the boarding school that have already reduced the number of students for the term. Some nights there are awful noises that disturb students and staff, from creaking to groaning and everything in between. Possessions of students have gone missing, from expensive jewelry to lipstick to stockings. Some items are found within days, others not at all.
The current week is when students and parents stay at the school to see if the young ladies and the school are a good match. Currently there is one prospect, the daughter of a former student from when Beryl and Edwina attended. Another former student is now teaching there. Beryl will act as if checking out the school for her goddaughter to see if the school and the young lady would be a good fit while they keep eyes and ears open.
They collected interesting information, but so far nothing indicated who was causing trouble. Then, when Edwina and Beryl were seeking a private place to talk, they found one of their former classmates dead, who had also suffered a head wound. That changed everything and might sound the death knell to the finishing school. While the local inspector determined the death to have been accidental, Beryl and Edwina had heard just enough rumors to capture their curiosity.
What a challenge this mystery was! If their classmate had been murdered, would it have been by whoever was stealing and causing horrifying noises? If she had not been murdered, they could focus on the real reason they came. The resolutions were completely startling and the motives sad, yet I am very satisfied with the conclusion and future of the school. I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates well-written historical cozy mysteries set in post-WWI England with wit, female enquiry agents, and long-term friendship.
July 23, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review Murder at a London Finishing School. All opinions and comments are my own.
It’s another voyage of discovery for Edwina and Beryl in Murder at a London Finishing School, the seventh in the historical mystery series by Jessica Ellicott, as the two proprietors of the Davenport and Helliwell Private Enquiry Agency are tasked to investigate some mysterious goings-on at the school they attended as sprightly young ladies, many years ago (our story is set just after WWI). Beryl is not too happy about this, as her school days were not among her best (besides, she had a vacation planned); but the headmistress is distraught, Edwina is feeling the old school ties, and, well, they are getting paid for it. So, off to London they, go. Needless to say, they get much more than they bargained for -- including a murder.
The story is told from both Edwina’s and Beryl’s perspective, as they search for first, who would want to put the school out of business, and then, for the murderer (ignore that the local police say it’s an accident -- along with our ladies, “we” know better) of a school bully from back in “their day,” who is visiting the school to prepare her own daughter for attendance -- a daughter who is not at all happy at the prospect. The “modern woman” sensibilities are much in evidence, and we read plenty about how this shapes personalities -- new characters and our old, well-established ones.
In between the investigations, author Ellicott gives us the personal stories; Edwina’s away from Walmsley Parva, and she’s, to put it bluntly, homesick. Beryl realizes that the school shaped much of the rest of her life, and knows now that wasn’t such a bad thing. Some readers may think this slows down the narrative, but to me such knowledge only adds to the richness of the story and its characters, as it lends variety and description. And besides, as the author provides knowledge, she also provides investigative clues -- after all, for both the trouble at the school, and especially the murder - who benefits? Beryl and Edwina know that all they have to do is figure that out, and they’ll have both cases closed, not just the one they were hired for. So, everyone is gathered together, and the truth is revealed, with a twist that goes deeper than anyone could have imagined.
It’s so important to understand the characters of Beryl and Edwina. Especially Edwina, who might be an enigma to modern readers. A strong woman who’s unhappy at being away from home for a couple of days. Who found her finishing school a happy place, while Beryl did not. That author Jessica Ellicott continues to make us “see” these two fictional people as real, and that their stories remain recognizable, is a testament to her skill as a world-builder. And above all, Beryl and Edwina are good detectives, and Murder at a London Finishing School shows them at their comfortable best.
It’s another voyage of discovery for Edwina and Beryl in Murder at a London Finishing School, the seventh in the historical mystery series by Jessica Ellicott, as the two proprietors of the Davenport and Helliwell Private Enquiry Agency are tasked to investigate some mysterious goings-on at the school they attended as sprightly young ladies, many years ago (our story is set just after WWI). Beryl is not too happy about this, as her school days were not among her best (besides, she had a vacation planned); but the headmistress is distraught, Edwina is feeling the old school ties, and, well, they are getting paid for it. So, off to London they, go. Needless to say, they get much more than they bargained for -- including a murder.
The story is told from both Edwina’s and Beryl’s perspective, as they search for first, who would want to put the school out of business, and then, for the murderer (ignore that the local police say it’s an accident -- along with our ladies, “we” know better) of a school bully from back in “their day,” who is visiting the school to prepare her own daughter for attendance -- a daughter who is not at all happy at the prospect. The “modern woman” sensibilities are much in evidence, and we read plenty about how this shapes personalities -- new characters and our old, well-established ones.
In between the investigations, author Ellicott gives us the personal stories; Edwina’s away from Walmsley Parva, and she’s, to put it bluntly, homesick. Beryl realizes that the school shaped much of the rest of her life, and knows now that wasn’t such a bad thing. Some readers may think this slows down the narrative, but to me such knowledge only adds to the richness of the story and its characters, as it lends variety and description. And besides, as the author provides knowledge, she also provides investigative clues -- after all, for both the trouble at the school, and especially the murder - who benefits? Beryl and Edwina know that all they have to do is figure that out, and they’ll have both cases closed, not just the one they were hired for. So, everyone is gathered together, and the truth is revealed, with a twist that goes deeper than anyone could have imagined.
It’s so important to understand the characters of Beryl and Edwina. Especially Edwina, who might be an enigma to modern readers. A strong woman who’s unhappy at being away from home for a couple of days. Who found her finishing school a happy place, while Beryl did not. That author Jessica Ellicott continues to make us “see” these two fictional people as real, and that their stories remain recognizable, is a testament to her skill as a world-builder. And above all, Beryl and Edwina are good detectives, and Murder at a London Finishing School shows them at their comfortable best.
November 22, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder at a London Finishing School is the 7th cozy mystery by Jessica Ellicott to feature Beryl & Edwina. Released 25th July 2023 by Kensington, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. The paperback format is due out from the same publisher in December 2023. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a delightfully quirky, beautifully written historical cozy village mystery set in the interwar period. There's skullduggery afoot at Edwina's alma mater, and she and Beryl are soon on the case at the exclusive girls' school from which Edwina matriculated years earlier. As with the other books in the series, there are lots of side plots which are engaging in themselves, but which also enrich and entwine with the main story.
There's a very golden age feel to the whole and the author has a deft touch with dialogue and characterization. The characters are nuanced and delightfully rendered with drawing room wit. Although it's not at all derivative in any way, the feel of the story and the narrative voice remind me a lot of why I love Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce books.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 23minutes and is -masterfully- read by series narrator Barbara Rosenblat. She has a beautifully modulated quite deep voice and the enunciation and perfection of characters' accents delighted me. There is a moderate amount of quite rapid dialogue in the read and she hops from crisp cut-glass upper class British to indefinite general English with quite distinct Scottish brogue, to a domestic servant's broad midlands without a single stumble. Virtuoso reading, a delight.
It could be read as a standalone, however, there will be major spoilers for earlier books in the series if read out of order.
Four and a half stars, five for the audiobook narration. This would make a superlative choice for public library acquisition, social reading (bookclubs, buddy reads, etc - in fact the author has suggested discussion questions on her website) as well as being a great candidate for a very well written series binge read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder at a London Finishing School is the 7th cozy mystery by Jessica Ellicott to feature Beryl & Edwina. Released 25th July 2023 by Kensington, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. The paperback format is due out from the same publisher in December 2023. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a delightfully quirky, beautifully written historical cozy village mystery set in the interwar period. There's skullduggery afoot at Edwina's alma mater, and she and Beryl are soon on the case at the exclusive girls' school from which Edwina matriculated years earlier. As with the other books in the series, there are lots of side plots which are engaging in themselves, but which also enrich and entwine with the main story.
There's a very golden age feel to the whole and the author has a deft touch with dialogue and characterization. The characters are nuanced and delightfully rendered with drawing room wit. Although it's not at all derivative in any way, the feel of the story and the narrative voice remind me a lot of why I love Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce books.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 23minutes and is -masterfully- read by series narrator Barbara Rosenblat. She has a beautifully modulated quite deep voice and the enunciation and perfection of characters' accents delighted me. There is a moderate amount of quite rapid dialogue in the read and she hops from crisp cut-glass upper class British to indefinite general English with quite distinct Scottish brogue, to a domestic servant's broad midlands without a single stumble. Virtuoso reading, a delight.
It could be read as a standalone, however, there will be major spoilers for earlier books in the series if read out of order.
Four and a half stars, five for the audiobook narration. This would make a superlative choice for public library acquisition, social reading (bookclubs, buddy reads, etc - in fact the author has suggested discussion questions on her website) as well as being a great candidate for a very well written series binge read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 24, 2023
On the surface, American adventuress Beryl Halliwell and Edwina Davenport seem an odd mix. Beryl is daring and brash. Edwina is, well, reserved and proper. Together, however, they make an excellent team of enquiry agents, ie private detectives in today's terms. Somehow their strengths and, yes, weaknesses meshed into a formidable duo, changing each for the better. Not that either is always willing to admit that change.
I warmed to this series slowly but have come to look forward to and thoroughly enjoy the more relaxed pace and just past WWI setting. Don't fret if you're just discovering the series as this one stands alone nicely. The author does an excellent job filling us in on background and connections with nary a pause. For instance, I loved what we learned of Beryl's past and personality when Desmond literally flies into the school and recalls Beryl once "borrowing" his test plane to do loops and circuits over the officials gathered at an event. Beryl leaps at the chance to fly the plane he flew in on while Edwina politely declines, saying she'd prefer to keep her feet on the ground. Right there is an excellent reveal of their personalities. You'll also get intriguing peeks at the personalities of the other characters, both regulars and new for this book. I'm rooting for Charles, btw.
And, oh, yes, the mystery. There's a dead body in the finishing school's garden grotto. How did she get there? I mean, Veronica makes the "mean girls" look sweet and kind but, well, who'd want to kill her? Oddly enough, the local law seems relatively uninterested? Why? Is Veronica's family's money an influence? But, what is behind all the spooky noises and thefts that are occurring? Even weirder, some of the items reappear while others don't? A ghost with ever changing tastes? Neither Beryl nor Edwina particularly enjoyed their stay at Miss Dupont's Finishing School, so why do they agree to visit anyway? What draws Beryl and Edwina's family of friends to follow them there? And, Mary? Why would someone whose memories of the school are probably worse than either Beryl or Edwina's now be working there? And....well, never mind. Enough teasers. Let's just say it gets really interesting then.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to check out a staid, ol' style British finishing school without having to endure the discipline often demanded of the girls. The times are changing, aren't they? Looking forward to seeing where that change next takes Beryl and Edwina. Hope Beryl got home in time to enjoy part of the golf adventure, anyway.
I warmed to this series slowly but have come to look forward to and thoroughly enjoy the more relaxed pace and just past WWI setting. Don't fret if you're just discovering the series as this one stands alone nicely. The author does an excellent job filling us in on background and connections with nary a pause. For instance, I loved what we learned of Beryl's past and personality when Desmond literally flies into the school and recalls Beryl once "borrowing" his test plane to do loops and circuits over the officials gathered at an event. Beryl leaps at the chance to fly the plane he flew in on while Edwina politely declines, saying she'd prefer to keep her feet on the ground. Right there is an excellent reveal of their personalities. You'll also get intriguing peeks at the personalities of the other characters, both regulars and new for this book. I'm rooting for Charles, btw.
And, oh, yes, the mystery. There's a dead body in the finishing school's garden grotto. How did she get there? I mean, Veronica makes the "mean girls" look sweet and kind but, well, who'd want to kill her? Oddly enough, the local law seems relatively uninterested? Why? Is Veronica's family's money an influence? But, what is behind all the spooky noises and thefts that are occurring? Even weirder, some of the items reappear while others don't? A ghost with ever changing tastes? Neither Beryl nor Edwina particularly enjoyed their stay at Miss Dupont's Finishing School, so why do they agree to visit anyway? What draws Beryl and Edwina's family of friends to follow them there? And, Mary? Why would someone whose memories of the school are probably worse than either Beryl or Edwina's now be working there? And....well, never mind. Enough teasers. Let's just say it gets really interesting then.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to check out a staid, ol' style British finishing school without having to endure the discipline often demanded of the girls. The times are changing, aren't they? Looking forward to seeing where that change next takes Beryl and Edwina. Hope Beryl got home in time to enjoy part of the golf adventure, anyway.
December 31, 2023
Review originally published on my blog: Musings of a Bookish Kitty: https://www.literaryfeline.com/2023/0...
I bumped up Murder at a London Finishing School in my TBR, the second runner up in August's poll, and am so happy I did. Although this was the 7th book in the series, it was my first introduction to Edwina and Beryl. Set just after World War I, the enquiry agent team of the prim and proper British Edwina Davenport and the American adventuress Beryl Halliwell, are hired by the headmistress of their former alma mater to uncover who is behind the mysterious happenings at Miss Dupont's Finishing School. Neither women really want to return to their old stomping grounds of the school, but they do not feel like they can refuse.
Someone appears to be sabotaging the school--there have been strange sounds at night and items are being misplaced, if not outright stolen. And in the midst of all that a former classmate of Edwina and Beryl's is found dead on the school's property. A murder at the school would be ruinous to its reputation.
The school has already been suffering business-wise, from having had to shut down during the war and then with the changing climate after as interest in schools like Dupont's Finishing School diminish all over. Author Jessica Ellicott adeptly weaves the shifting culture of the times within her story. Not to mention she has created a cast of characters with interesting backgrounds and possible motives, and a mystery that kept me guessing right up to the end.
Coming into the series late can be risky, but this was a great way to get to know the characters and their backgrounds, getting to see where they met and glimpsing some of their childhood memories. Edwina and Beryl are very capable and intelligent women, each with their own strengths. They work well together and make a great team. This was an easygoing mystery with plenty of intrigue. I hope to read more of this series in the future.
I bumped up Murder at a London Finishing School in my TBR, the second runner up in August's poll, and am so happy I did. Although this was the 7th book in the series, it was my first introduction to Edwina and Beryl. Set just after World War I, the enquiry agent team of the prim and proper British Edwina Davenport and the American adventuress Beryl Halliwell, are hired by the headmistress of their former alma mater to uncover who is behind the mysterious happenings at Miss Dupont's Finishing School. Neither women really want to return to their old stomping grounds of the school, but they do not feel like they can refuse.
Someone appears to be sabotaging the school--there have been strange sounds at night and items are being misplaced, if not outright stolen. And in the midst of all that a former classmate of Edwina and Beryl's is found dead on the school's property. A murder at the school would be ruinous to its reputation.
The school has already been suffering business-wise, from having had to shut down during the war and then with the changing climate after as interest in schools like Dupont's Finishing School diminish all over. Author Jessica Ellicott adeptly weaves the shifting culture of the times within her story. Not to mention she has created a cast of characters with interesting backgrounds and possible motives, and a mystery that kept me guessing right up to the end.
Coming into the series late can be risky, but this was a great way to get to know the characters and their backgrounds, getting to see where they met and glimpsing some of their childhood memories. Edwina and Beryl are very capable and intelligent women, each with their own strengths. They work well together and make a great team. This was an easygoing mystery with plenty of intrigue. I hope to read more of this series in the future.
April 8, 2023
The latest installment of the cozy mystery series featuring enquiry agents rural villager Edwina Davenport and her adventurous, globe-trotting American friend Beryl Halliwell take place at Miss Dupont’s Finishing School outside London. (This reader, who has not read the previous books, had no trouble following the story; deftly inserted tidbits about the protagonists’ previous lives and adventures created a good sense of who they are without burdening series readers with lengthy repetitions of previous events.) As aside from forming their life-long friendship, neither enjoyed their sojourn at the school, these former students are initially reluctant to respond to Miss Dupont’s invitation to visit. But the handwritten note accompanying the invitation, indicating that the headmistress needs them to quietly investigate why someone is attempting to sabotage the institution, compels them to comply. On the excuse of determining whether to recommend the school to Beryl’s fictional goddaughter, they arrive to find students deserting the school after a rash of ominous noises and the mysterious disappearances of personal items. They also encounter a former student who now serves as a teacher and another graduate, the archtypical Mean Girl Veronica, who is trying to force her own daughter to attend. When Veronica is found dead in the school’s garden grotto, the investigation takes on new urgency. With current and ex-husbands, dictatorial teachers, a resentful daughter and the quietly desperate headmistress thrown into the mix, there are enough red herrings and hints of danger to make a thoroughly entertaining read. Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the opportunity to sample this ARC.
July 18, 2023
If you love a cozy mystery housed in a historical fiction tale set in England, I have a recommendation for you. Murder at a London Finishing School by Jessica Elliott takes her readers back to the end of World War I with the hovering threat of another war. The former teacher of Beryl Helliwell and Edwina Davenport, Miss Dupont, runs the school and becomes concerned about who she can trust. She sends for the two women who have established a detective team since their years at her Finishing School for Young Ladies. The school has lost status since its heyday when they were enrolled and current happenings have added to loss of enrollment. Strange noises at night may indicate that the school is haunted or that a sinister person is afoot. In addition, items regularly go missing from current student rooms.
Both Beryl and Edwina have their own reasons for reluctance to leave Walmsley Parva, where they have established their reputation as sleuths, to go to London. Yet, they still care for their old teacher. With a cover story that they are checking the school out as a possible place for Beryl’s goddaughter, they arrive to investigate the strange night noises and missing items from current students’ rooms.
They are surprised when Veronica Delisle, their nemesis from bygone days, shows up and is also looking into the possibility of a school for her daughter. Complicating the scene are Veronica’s current and former husbands. Then Veronica is found dead in the grotto. Did she accidentally slip and fall or is there foul play? Suspects abound. Joining the husbands are the gardener, a long time strict teacher at the school, and even Miss DuPont herself.
The book is a good light read, a relaxing pastime with no attempt to make you better informed or a better person.
Both Beryl and Edwina have their own reasons for reluctance to leave Walmsley Parva, where they have established their reputation as sleuths, to go to London. Yet, they still care for their old teacher. With a cover story that they are checking the school out as a possible place for Beryl’s goddaughter, they arrive to investigate the strange night noises and missing items from current students’ rooms.
They are surprised when Veronica Delisle, their nemesis from bygone days, shows up and is also looking into the possibility of a school for her daughter. Complicating the scene are Veronica’s current and former husbands. Then Veronica is found dead in the grotto. Did she accidentally slip and fall or is there foul play? Suspects abound. Joining the husbands are the gardener, a long time strict teacher at the school, and even Miss DuPont herself.
The book is a good light read, a relaxing pastime with no attempt to make you better informed or a better person.
August 3, 2023
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jessica Ellicott for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at a London Finishing School coming out July 25, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Neither Beryl nor Edwina are looking forward to attending events at their former school, Miss Dupont’s Finishing School for Young Ladies. Their lives are very fulfilling in the village of Walmsley Parva. However, when a letter arrives from Miss Dupont herself requesting their help in a professional capacity, they reluctantly leave for London.
Upon their arrival, they find out from Miss Dupont that her business has seen a high decline since the days before World War I and that now she is concerned a saboteur is attempting to damage the school. Students have reported items missing, damaged possessions, and strange noises in the night. Some of the girls even think there’s a ghost.
Then a former classmate of theirs and mother of a prospective student is found dead on the school grounds. The roll call of suspects is long, and if Beryl and Edwina are going to have a chance of solving the murder, they can’t rule out the possibility that Miss Dupont may have finished off the victim.
This is my first book by this author. I didn’t realize this was book 7, but I don’t think you have to read the other books to get into the story. It was a fun cozy mystery. I only wished the murder happened a little sooner. It happened after the halfway mark, so things felt a little bit rushed. Beryl and Edwina were a little hard to tell apart, but that could be because I haven’t read the other books. I love British cozy mysteries so I would definitely check out other ones.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
Neither Beryl nor Edwina are looking forward to attending events at their former school, Miss Dupont’s Finishing School for Young Ladies. Their lives are very fulfilling in the village of Walmsley Parva. However, when a letter arrives from Miss Dupont herself requesting their help in a professional capacity, they reluctantly leave for London.
Upon their arrival, they find out from Miss Dupont that her business has seen a high decline since the days before World War I and that now she is concerned a saboteur is attempting to damage the school. Students have reported items missing, damaged possessions, and strange noises in the night. Some of the girls even think there’s a ghost.
Then a former classmate of theirs and mother of a prospective student is found dead on the school grounds. The roll call of suspects is long, and if Beryl and Edwina are going to have a chance of solving the murder, they can’t rule out the possibility that Miss Dupont may have finished off the victim.
This is my first book by this author. I didn’t realize this was book 7, but I don’t think you have to read the other books to get into the story. It was a fun cozy mystery. I only wished the murder happened a little sooner. It happened after the halfway mark, so things felt a little bit rushed. Beryl and Edwina were a little hard to tell apart, but that could be because I haven’t read the other books. I love British cozy mysteries so I would definitely check out other ones.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
September 3, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: Neither Beryl nor Edwina ever imagine they would be called back to the Finishing School where the two of them first became friends. They certainly would not imagine that the invitation would be as enquiring agents to help the headmistress figure out who is behind the nefarious doings that threaten the very survival of the school.
It is deja vu all over again as they reconnect with one of their school friends now holds a teaching position at the school. The bully who made all three lives miserable is there too as the mother of a student.. The teacher who terrified all the students is still the dragon she once was. There are other familiar faces including the ex husband of the bully whom the girls had fancied during their youth. The elements are there for a tempestuous confrontation. When the two friends discover the bully’s body in a grotto on the grounds, it looks like their investigations might take a deadly turn.
There is no shortage of suspects who might have wanted to kill the woman. But the local police quickly determine it was an accident. Was it? Beryl and Edwina continue to look into the reason they were hired but also cannot resist the lure of uncovering a murder. The reader will be pulled along going from suspect to suspect as more and more information is revealed. The truth, once they discover it, is not at all what they or the reader might have suspected. They had me flummoxed in the best possible way. Five purrs and two paws up.
It is deja vu all over again as they reconnect with one of their school friends now holds a teaching position at the school. The bully who made all three lives miserable is there too as the mother of a student.. The teacher who terrified all the students is still the dragon she once was. There are other familiar faces including the ex husband of the bully whom the girls had fancied during their youth. The elements are there for a tempestuous confrontation. When the two friends discover the bully’s body in a grotto on the grounds, it looks like their investigations might take a deadly turn.
There is no shortage of suspects who might have wanted to kill the woman. But the local police quickly determine it was an accident. Was it? Beryl and Edwina continue to look into the reason they were hired but also cannot resist the lure of uncovering a murder. The reader will be pulled along going from suspect to suspect as more and more information is revealed. The truth, once they discover it, is not at all what they or the reader might have suspected. They had me flummoxed in the best possible way. Five purrs and two paws up.
June 7, 2023
Can I say that I have just finished reading a great cozy murder mystery written by an author who knows a thing or two about writing a book that will keep the readers attention and make you feel as though you are a part of the book as well.
Murder at a London Finishing School by Jessica Ellicott kept me enthralled and entertained from page one. I could not put it down. We have 2 protagonists in the story. American Beryl Halliwell and Brit Edwina Davenport are the closest of friends. Their friendship got started at Miss Duponts finishing school where as luck would have it, they would be going back to that very place to help Miss DuPont. I will throw in here that the author throws in tidbits about the two throughout so that if you have not read the others in the series, you will certainly be able to follow along.and understand the history of the two ladies. When they arrive Miss DuPont informs them that there have been strwdqdwdwwdddwdxdcdssange activities taking place. The girls at the school are hearing noises and possessions are damaged and items are starting to go missing. Then one of the parents turn up deceased and they are thrust into a murder investigation.that takes the reader on a ride of twists and turns with a very unexpected ending.
Solid 5 out of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author/publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review
Murder at a London Finishing School by Jessica Ellicott kept me enthralled and entertained from page one. I could not put it down. We have 2 protagonists in the story. American Beryl Halliwell and Brit Edwina Davenport are the closest of friends. Their friendship got started at Miss Duponts finishing school where as luck would have it, they would be going back to that very place to help Miss DuPont. I will throw in here that the author throws in tidbits about the two throughout so that if you have not read the others in the series, you will certainly be able to follow along.and understand the history of the two ladies. When they arrive Miss DuPont informs them that there have been strwdqdwdwwdddwdxdcdssange activities taking place. The girls at the school are hearing noises and possessions are damaged and items are starting to go missing. Then one of the parents turn up deceased and they are thrust into a murder investigation.that takes the reader on a ride of twists and turns with a very unexpected ending.
Solid 5 out of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author/publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review
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