Meet Lord James Harrington and his delightful wife, Beth; residents of the tiny village of Cavendish, deep in the heart of West Sussex in England. They adore hosting seasonal events, running their country hotel, keeping the local folklore alive and listening to the latest murder mystery on the wireless. But mysteries don’t always remain on the airwaves... James and Beth are looking forward to hosting the New Year’s Eve ball to welcome in 1960. But, first, they are accommodating the main actors of a travelling Old West show and displaying American Indian artefacts at Harrington’s Country House Hotel as part of that tour. Many people show an interest in the items even though they are thought to be simply valueless trinkets. When someone attempts to break into the display cabinet, James’ suspicions are aroused. And, when a member of the Old West Show is found dead, he finds himself in the middle of a baffling mystery. Is there something of value among the artefacts after all? Why are so many people interested in the display? When a tenuous link to an old bank robbery crops up, the mystery deepens further.
I love this series and this book didn’t disappoint. The Lord Harrington mysteries transport you back to the late 50s and the lifestyle of a small English village. As usual you have the activities of the village centered around a holiday, this one being Christmas as well as New Year’s Eve. I read it over the holidays which as especially nice. It’s has a mystery that keeps you guessing. All the main characters are back, and this installment of the series introduces a new character who I look forward to seeing in the new installments. I highly recommend this series. While it is not essential to start the series from the beginning, I think it be more enjoyable.
This book is one in a series I have not read but a stand alone certainly. I found it difficult to get into and, in fact, had set it aside intending to let it go. But the mystery drew me back and I'm glad it did. The author is wordy, a bit stilted at times, and goes into great detail about family relations. If the reader knows the family they will celebrate their excitement. But if they don't, like me, they may find it tedious and off putting. My focus was the mystery and the individuals involved with it. It is good and if I were looking for another series in which to become involved I might read more of this one. Perhaps at a future time.
Nice read with just enough intrigue-one ‘faux pas’ to mention
Nice to read a book that’s well written with no punctuation or grammatical mistakes. However, the use of the term ‘Native American’ was inappropriate for the time period. Any referral to a person of such heritage would have been called ‘Indian’ or ‘American Indian’. The term ‘Native American’ didn’t come into use until the 1970s, when all the politically correct terms came into being.
I hope these stories go on for a very long time. Even though they are centered around a murder, the stories aren't over the top gruesome. The people, the era and personalities are the most important part of the story. They always end on an uplifting note. Can't wait for the next one!
Another great outing for Lord James Harrington and Co. Reading these books is like meeting up with old friends in familiar places. I am definitely hoping for more.
The Lord Harrington stories are always well thought out and this one was no exception. Good plot, believable characters, time period events written into story, keeps you engaged, enticing you to continue to the end.
Even though, it is a great cozy read. Interesting and varied characters, titled British n commoners, Americans n Scots n even a Native American. Did I mention a crook you might hope a trendy bit, gets away???
Oh my, I just want to spent time here getting to interact with these people and being part of the local activities. Traditions are so important. Good mystery too.