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Summers Slain
When a dear friend is murdered in what may have been a case of mistaken identity, Lady Gayle embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind the recent deaths and bring the killer to justice. Can she solve the mystery before it's too late, or will she become the next victim in this historical cozy mystery?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2023
302 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Rush
25 books14 followersCassie Rush used to be a project manager who sat in meetings, dreaming about being a writer. One day she discovered ideas for that first story and started writing.
Now she finds it hard to stop. As long as the ideas keep coming and people keep buying her stories, she’ll keep writing them down to share with everyone else.
Now she finds it hard to stop. As long as the ideas keep coming and people keep buying her stories, she’ll keep writing them down to share with everyone else.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 19, 2023
In the Grand Style of Agatha Christy
If you love Agatha Christy you will love the Lady Gayle mysteries. Reminiscent of Downtown Abbey this has all of the elegance and fascinating look into the running of these large English estates. The plot was well developed and the ending not at all obvious. Well done Ms. Rush!
If you love Agatha Christy you will love the Lady Gayle mysteries. Reminiscent of Downtown Abbey this has all of the elegance and fascinating look into the running of these large English estates. The plot was well developed and the ending not at all obvious. Well done Ms. Rush!
April 26, 2023
A Cloudy Summer
Summers Slain is the first in a new cozy series starring Lady Gayle Summers and her maid. The idea of a woman thrust into the role of countess and heir to a castle is a good one.
The reason I gave it only three stars is that I think author Cassie Rush tried to take on too many issues ar once: Lady Gayle's mum has a drinking problem, the CID Inspector has PTSD, her dashing Sweet Young Thing friend snorts cocaine and her estate manager, who is afraid of horses, insists on riding a poor old pony. These ideas are presented, then dropped. Estate tenants are introduced, offer the Countess tea and disappear. And Lady Gayle never seems to get help about the estate from trusted sources like the estate manager, the family lawyer and doctor and trusted servants. She also visits the brewery she owns that the staff won't let her tour. The brewery, castle and grounds are all supposedly bleeding money but her intermittent attempts to find out why reveal no answers.
I also found it annoying that every reference to the protagonist is by her name and title. There are paragraphs with numerous Lady Gayles.
The countess is described as an adventurous woman who enlisted in the ambulance service
at age 18 and spent four years at the front in the Great War. Yet often she seems very naive and unable to make decisions. She also doesn't know how to take a pulse to determine life, which seems improbable from her work in battlefield triage.
Cassie Rush had a good plot idea but she would have benefited from a good editor. I will stick around for the next title, but hope the text is more cohesive. I also hope to get answers to my unanswered questions.
Summers Slain is the first in a new cozy series starring Lady Gayle Summers and her maid. The idea of a woman thrust into the role of countess and heir to a castle is a good one.
The reason I gave it only three stars is that I think author Cassie Rush tried to take on too many issues ar once: Lady Gayle's mum has a drinking problem, the CID Inspector has PTSD, her dashing Sweet Young Thing friend snorts cocaine and her estate manager, who is afraid of horses, insists on riding a poor old pony. These ideas are presented, then dropped. Estate tenants are introduced, offer the Countess tea and disappear. And Lady Gayle never seems to get help about the estate from trusted sources like the estate manager, the family lawyer and doctor and trusted servants. She also visits the brewery she owns that the staff won't let her tour. The brewery, castle and grounds are all supposedly bleeding money but her intermittent attempts to find out why reveal no answers.
I also found it annoying that every reference to the protagonist is by her name and title. There are paragraphs with numerous Lady Gayles.
The countess is described as an adventurous woman who enlisted in the ambulance service
at age 18 and spent four years at the front in the Great War. Yet often she seems very naive and unable to make decisions. She also doesn't know how to take a pulse to determine life, which seems improbable from her work in battlefield triage.
Cassie Rush had a good plot idea but she would have benefited from a good editor. I will stick around for the next title, but hope the text is more cohesive. I also hope to get answers to my unanswered questions.
October 3, 2024
This is a cozy mystery with tremendous depth. I love that the author took her time in developing Lady Gayle's character. It's refreshing to see this independent woman, who had gone through war and experienced love and loss, taking charge in this 1920s English countryside setting. I was transported through time and space as I read this. Wonderful job, Miss Rush.
June 25, 2024
Really enjoyed this first instalment of Lady Gayle Summer’s stories. Read it in one evening because each chapter made me want to read the next! Very much looking forward to the following books
April 9, 2023
If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, you will love Cassie Rush’s first book in her latest cozy mystery series. I was completely drawn into the setting (1922 Yorkshire) with the Castle and horses and dogs and costumes. Lady Gayle Summer, a young widow who has inherited the estate from her recently deceased father, is gutsy and determined. With the help of her trusted sidekick/maid Alice, she takes many risks and ultimately discovers “who done it.” Summers Slain is a real gem, a great read, and I look forward to Book 2.
April 9, 2023
Interesting cast of characters & clever mystery
This is my first Cassie Rush book, and was able to follow the characters and plot like a standalone novel.
We start in the midst of mourning. Lady Gayle is getting used to running her family’s estate after her father’s death. From loyal (or maybe not so loyal) staff to an opinionated mother to a grumpy (shady?) neighbor we’re handed a bunch of threads and anxiously await which ones are the main ones we’ll begin tugging on….
A rich setting and an almost thriller like reveal, Summers Slain was a fun and clever read.
This is my first Cassie Rush book, and was able to follow the characters and plot like a standalone novel.
We start in the midst of mourning. Lady Gayle is getting used to running her family’s estate after her father’s death. From loyal (or maybe not so loyal) staff to an opinionated mother to a grumpy (shady?) neighbor we’re handed a bunch of threads and anxiously await which ones are the main ones we’ll begin tugging on….
A rich setting and an almost thriller like reveal, Summers Slain was a fun and clever read.
August 12, 2024
I received this book as a freebie in return for an honest review.
I love stories based in the 1920's. I also love a good mystery story, not too graphic. Well, this was a lovely combination of the two. The story follows Lady Gayle Summer as she finds out that she has inherited her fathers estate. Now she is the lady of the manor, she finds out that people don't think that a woman is capable of running the estate and she should sell up, which she cannot do by terms of the will, or find a husband to run it for her. She's about to prove them all wrong. She can run the estate, and she catches a murderer in her spare time. Great story. Looks like it will be a great series.
I love stories based in the 1920's. I also love a good mystery story, not too graphic. Well, this was a lovely combination of the two. The story follows Lady Gayle Summer as she finds out that she has inherited her fathers estate. Now she is the lady of the manor, she finds out that people don't think that a woman is capable of running the estate and she should sell up, which she cannot do by terms of the will, or find a husband to run it for her. She's about to prove them all wrong. She can run the estate, and she catches a murderer in her spare time. Great story. Looks like it will be a great series.
April 15, 2023
I was a bit disappointed as I read, at the lax way Lady Gayle was dealing with things that should have been obvious to need following up on. Possibly not enough plot it seemed for a full length story. But somehow the author turned it into a very enjoyable read. The characters were well drawn and appealing. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have noted the date when the second book in the series will be released as I read mainly on KU. Recommended to cozy mystery readers, from another cozy author.
November 5, 2023
I really liked this story. I am fairly easy to please and if I can find sympathy or a small connection with the protagonists, I am a happy reader. In the case of this story, I was able to connect very well with the main character, Lady Gayle, whom I admire and who depends on and is very close to those around her. As usual I was unable to suss out who was trying to kill her, but that did not stop me from enjoying the story. I most certainly recommend this book.
April 14, 2023
Has potential as a series, but I have to say it isn't really a book you can work out the culprit of from provided clues - the one clue didn't convince me that only one person could be guilty. It felt like the unmasking was vomited out of nowhere rather than proceeding logically. Still worth trying a next one...
February 10, 2024
A good book to curl up with
When I started reading this book,I had little expectation as I have never read this author's work before,but I was pleasantly surprised.A good first in the series book, though the main protagonist seems to have too sad a back story.Simple clean cozy mystery with a period setting which will make history buffs happy.
When I started reading this book,I had little expectation as I have never read this author's work before,but I was pleasantly surprised.A good first in the series book, though the main protagonist seems to have too sad a back story.Simple clean cozy mystery with a period setting which will make history buffs happy.
August 3, 2024
Lady Gayle has inherited her Father's estate after he is thrown from his horse and has a heart attack. The estate would have went to her brother but he died in the War. Her Mother is insisting she find a Husband and her Friend asks to visit. When her Friend is killed and the Inspector accusing her of the crime Lady Gayle investigates. I enjoyed this story and I recommend it.
April 5, 2023
Riveting!
This is the first book I’ve read of this author, and now I want more! A well-crafted mystery that kept me guessing the entire time! Loved the 1920’s Downton Abbey-esque setting! Intriguing and entertaining! Can’t wait for the next one!
This is the first book I’ve read of this author, and now I want more! A well-crafted mystery that kept me guessing the entire time! Loved the 1920’s Downton Abbey-esque setting! Intriguing and entertaining! Can’t wait for the next one!
April 12, 2023
great series starter
Loved getting to know Lady Gayle and her world. LOVING this 1920’s series starter. I could also tell there had been some good research done by the author on the period. Can’t wait for the next one.
Loved getting to know Lady Gayle and her world. LOVING this 1920’s series starter. I could also tell there had been some good research done by the author on the period. Can’t wait for the next one.
April 14, 2023
surprisingly enjoyable
Read the book out of curiosity. Really enjoyed. Plot was great, characters well defined. There were huge leaps in finding the murderer, but look foyto next book.
Read the book out of curiosity. Really enjoyed. Plot was great, characters well defined. There were huge leaps in finding the murderer, but look foyto next book.
August 10, 2023
Wonderful
A really nice book. Lady Gayle Summer inherits a castle from her father. She turns into an amateur sleuth with her maid Alice after her friend is shot. There is more murder and mayhem. I enjoyed reading this book.
A really nice book. Lady Gayle Summer inherits a castle from her father. She turns into an amateur sleuth with her maid Alice after her friend is shot. There is more murder and mayhem. I enjoyed reading this book.
November 29, 2023
Pretty Good
For a first book in a new series, this was pretty good. Lots of murders very quickly. But having Gayle's good friend just show up seemed a little much. I will still read the next book. Hoping the second time will be a charm.
For a first book in a new series, this was pretty good. Lots of murders very quickly. But having Gayle's good friend just show up seemed a little much. I will still read the next book. Hoping the second time will be a charm.
August 16, 2025
Unexpected Twist at the End
Who doesn’t enjoy a thrill a minute adventure? Then, just like a good roller coaster ride, the heart-stopping curve at the end. Can’t wait to go again with Ms Rush’s next exciting mystery.
Who doesn’t enjoy a thrill a minute adventure? Then, just like a good roller coaster ride, the heart-stopping curve at the end. Can’t wait to go again with Ms Rush’s next exciting mystery.
May 9, 2023
Great new series!
Loved the characters. Very good story. Looking forward to the next book. I did not expect it to be so good as I have been disappointed by some other series.
Loved the characters. Very good story. Looking forward to the next book. I did not expect it to be so good as I have been disappointed by some other series.
June 9, 2023
Summer slain
The book was intriguing and the story line was pretty good. I like books with out a lot of swear words in them. It's very good story and clean.
The book was intriguing and the story line was pretty good. I like books with out a lot of swear words in them. It's very good story and clean.
January 19, 2024
Great Mystery
I was surprised by who done it. It was a classic O'Henry twist! It was kind of sad though, the murderer I mean. I kept thinking it did not have to end this way. I guess it was the era.
I was surprised by who done it. It was a classic O'Henry twist! It was kind of sad though, the murderer I mean. I kept thinking it did not have to end this way. I guess it was the era.
February 6, 2024
Entertaining.
Like a little raw gem, this book shows great potential for an intriguing series. It has a few confusing passages, but all in all, it's quite a pleasant read
Like a little raw gem, this book shows great potential for an intriguing series. It has a few confusing passages, but all in all, it's quite a pleasant read
February 14, 2024
I found this book to be incredibly slow, and very stilted. I did not finish it. Read the first 16 chapters to halfway through, then read the last couple of chapters.
February 16, 2024
Anything English has got to be good and this is superb. The settings, the clothes, the characters, and the language, bring back an era we will sadly never experience again. Highly Recommended.,
February 27, 2024
The war may be over but the shooting is not.
After the death of her father lady Gail returns home to find that more shots are being fired there then were fired at her during the war.I really liked this story. A great mystery that didn't rely on gory details and sexual scenes, in other words a good clean murder mystery.
After the death of her father lady Gail returns home to find that more shots are being fired there then were fired at her during the war.I really liked this story. A great mystery that didn't rely on gory details and sexual scenes, in other words a good clean murder mystery.
March 22, 2024
Good Mystery.
A good mystery set just after the First World War with all the getting back on with life accompaniment a story of the times needs.
A good mystery set just after the First World War with all the getting back on with life accompaniment a story of the times needs.
August 29, 2024
Very light and airy mystery. Great for before bed reading when you want to quit reading and go right to sleep without thinking about what you have been reading. This is a compliment, not a criticism. I find books like this to be great for that purpose. Not super serious, just goes along.
October 29, 2024
Great read
A new and interesting series with some room for growth in the area of moving forward mentally after WW1; and mysteries to be solved, too!
A new and interesting series with some room for growth in the area of moving forward mentally after WW1; and mysteries to be solved, too!
October 30, 2024
Great Book!!
This was a great book and I loved all the characters! I didn’t know who the guilty character was until the end of the book. I can’t wait to read the next book.
This was a great book and I loved all the characters! I didn’t know who the guilty character was until the end of the book. I can’t wait to read the next book.
February 25, 2026
An easy, entertaining read that flows well. While it didn't particularly captivate me or leave a lasting impression, it serves its purpose as a light mystery to pass the time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews