A Murder at Oxford: A 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery

Kitty Worthington Mysteries #6

by Magda Alexander

A decade-old murder. Kitty's fiancé suspected of the crime. Can she find the killer before he pays with his life?

England, 1924. With business booming at the Ladies of Distinction Detective Agency and her personal life going swimmingly, Kitty Worthington couldn’t be happier. But then her sister summons her to Oxford. An urgent matter threatens someone Kitty holds dear.

After her arrival at that august city, Kitty discovers the cause for her sister's concern. The remains of a young woman with ties to Robert Crawford , Kitty’s fiancé, has been found. Testimony at the inquest soon points to him as the murderer. Terrified he may be charged with the crime, Kitty sets out to investigate.

But with a trail gone as cold as the grave, the facts prove elusive. And everyone seems to have something to hide. Who’s lying? Who’s telling the truth? As close as she is to the suspect, Kitty can’t tell. But with time running out, she must discover the murderer. For if she doesn’t, Robert may be condemned to hang.

A Murder at Oxford , Book 6 in The Kitty Worthington Mysteries. A 1920s historical cozy mystery set among the rarefied atmosphere of Oxford academia is sure to please lovers of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Cozy

238 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2023

Reviews

[María José Jiménez Tubío · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely, Murder, she wrote in the 1920s. I need a wedding, Kitty!!!

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read but I must have missed any clues as I didn’t work the culprit until it was revealed.

[Crazy for Books (Stephanie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their getting shorter but I still enjoy them. looking forward to the next installment.

[K Whatsherface · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started getting confused on the characters. It doesn't help that I've been reading multiple books at once.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply personal case

Business is booming for Kitty and Lady Emma in their detective agency so much so they take on another lady detective. So when Kitty’s sister Margaret sends an urgent missive to come up to Oxford she hopes for a quick trip. That’s not to be the case. It seems Robert’s former fiancée has been found dead and whispers are he is prime suspect. Kitty drops everything and enlists the aid of friends old and new and family to suss out the truth behind this terrible tragedy. Things seem to go from bad to worse as the investigation proceeds but Kitty is more determined than ever to find the truth and justice for not only Robert but the poor young woman who was taken before her time.
This one will tear at your heartstrings as Kitty is separated from Robert and as they both must endure the suspicions, gossip and close minds of people. The usual suspects and a few new faces gather for the war council and proceed to leave no stone unturned until they find the culprit. Lots of surprises about Robert and his origins. I rather enjoyed that this mystery took us out of London for the most part and we got the lovely backdrop of Oxford. Great mystery and a great story to read!

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery in Oxford

So much of Inspector Crawford's past life is brought to light when a cold case points to him as the possible murderer! Ring for tea and sit back as the evidence is revealed.

[KELLY A JACK · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Murder at Oxford book 6

This is a historical cozy murder mystery during the 1920’s . Full of twists and turns and intrigue.With secrets abound and villains to catch ,it was definitely a page turner for me and a HEA ending 💃🏻❣️

[Sherry Vorhaben · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great book

I loved the entire series. Can’t wait for the next in this series. The characters are wonderful. Magda Alexander is one of my favorite authors. Start with the first book. Murder on the Golden Arrow: A 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery (The Kitty Worthington Mysteries Book 1). You won’t regret it!

[Patricia B. Boyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun!

Titles galore, happy high jinks, a good look at twenties manors and manners with a cold case mystery to solve make this an absorbing read and thoroughly enjoyable.😊

[Patricia Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok

It was pretty easy to spot the villainous characters from early in the plot. Some of the conversation between characters seems more 21st century rather than early 20th.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. 1924. Business is good enough at Kitty's detective agency for her to take on another detective, Lady Aurelia. But then Kitty's sister Margaret summons her to Oxford with shockingnews—a body of a young woman has been found, and it belongs to Robert's former fiancee! Robert attempts to keep Kitty from investigating, but she is determined. Together with friends, family, and colleagues, she puts together the clues, and determines the shocking truth.

While I enjoy reading the books in this series, it takes a degree of the proverbial "suspension of disbelief." For instance, it is highly unlikely that a young woman (or group of young ladies) could have run a detective agency in the 1920s. And that her family and friends would apparently drop everything to assist her with her cases when need be.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving her betrothed.

Kitty’s detective agency is gaining business and the ladies are very busy. When Kitty’s fiance Robert is arrested for murder, all of her attention focuses on proving him innocent. Unfortunately, the victim is Robert’s first fiancée from some years before. When her remains are found, Robert is accused because of his association with her, their broken engagement, and stories of her being seduced. Kitty employs her usual team and some new friends to build the story to prove Robert’s innocence. Those who’ve read Kitty’s other cases will enjoy this couple whose love story is interrupted by his arrest.

[Groucho42 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another nice entry but only average because of two flaws. One of the laziest bits of cozy mystery writers is to have too many close family members or friends be accused of murder. In the first book, it was Kitty's soon to by brother in law. In this, it's her fiance Robert. Too dumb. Second is that does everyone have to marry aristocracy?

Still, overall good. Robert's former fiance is found dead in Oxford and, as mentioned, he's accused. It's up to Kitty and team to figure it out. The best part of this series is how it's a bunch of people investigating and Kitty organizes the evidence as a good leader. That part's well done.

[Bks43v3r]

Unrated

I need to think about this a little before I rate it. I have read several books in this series. The mysteries have been ok for the most part. I often have questions that are unaddressed. It can be a bit frustrating.




*SPOILER*

As in some of the other books, I had questions.

1. On what basis was Robert arrested? What evidence, if any was there? A broken engagement? (He is a respected lawman, with a great reputation.)

2. Why did the victim not get Robert’s help.

3. The evidence that was found. Really, exactly how was that never found earlier?

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad

In fact this was actually quite good. I did guess who the murderer was, but only on the premise of the least likely person is usually the one who did it! The interesting thing so far, is that it's really only the men who do dastardly deeds. Whilst the women are misguided or led astray and are deserving of sympathy. Yet we all know that women, if they have that certain kink, can be worse than some men! It would be interesting to see how Kitty and her gang would cope against someone like that.

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oxford, England 1924. Kitty Worthington's business, the Ladies of Distinction Detective Agency, has been very busy lately, but she puts it all aside when summoned to Oxford by her sister Margaret. A decades-old murder has been discovered, and the victim is a young woman with ties to Robert Crawford, Kitty’s fiancé. Why was she murdered, after such a short life which had been particularly cruel to her? Kitty and her associates must uncover the truth, even after all these years, before Robert can be formally charged with the crime.

[Julie Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible. Another delightful cozy in the Kitty Worthington series. In A Murder at Oxford, Kitty's fiancé Detective Chief Inspector Robert Crawford stands accused of killing his former fiancée, whose body was discovered 10 years after she disappeared. While Kitty must deal with her feelings regarding Robert's previous engagement, she nevertheless rallies her team to determine the real villain. Alexander introduces two new characters, and I imagine they will show up in future books. I will repeat myself that this series is perfect for keeping me entertained during my morning walks.

[Gail Souter · Rating 2 out of 5]

NOT the best

I didn't enjoy this one! It was far too contrived! There was no evidence to arrest Robert! Kitty is actually far too young for him and very immature when it comes to relationships! She is like a teenager. She is getting on my nerves now moonin over him all the time! The person responsible FOR the murder was an afterthought! Never had they been mentioned to even be in the running!

[Mike Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot is eerily similar to another cozy mystery I read a year ago or so. Some differences but the major plot line was the same.

I don't remember the other author. It may have been Magda Alexander. But, if she's going to recycle a book with different characters, just say so. And move it to as different location.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fun series but I think I'm done with it. It's basically the same book with a different mystery (yet solved the same way) and then the MCs take teeny tiny steps toward the future. It's not the author's fault necessarily, it's just that there is a fine line between quirky and "oh come on now".

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oxford 1924. Twenty~four years ago, when Robert was a student in Oxford, he acquired a fiancee. The girl, surprisingly bear a close resemblance to Kitty. Ellen's remains were uncovered at a shallow grave with her head bashed in and Robert was arrested; though he said that they ended their engagement amicably.

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Murder At Oxford :Book 6 The Kitty Worthington Mysteries

Kitty hears about the death of her fiancee Robert Crawford's former fiancee and that Robert is suspected of the young woman's murder. Caught trying to search out the real killer, Kitty is forced to stop the investigation. Will her team find who was responsible, or will the truth lead her fiancee to the gallows?

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun

I am really enjoying this series. I know it’s quite simple but the characters are so much fun. And now we finally know Robert’s standing in life. Mildred will be in heaven with her daughter’s marriages, a Duke and a Marquis, and Ned with Lily. I would really like to see he other son. Starting the next one later today.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Education in Detecting

Another delicious unfolding of hints, clues, and testimonies brings “A Murder at Oxford” to a satisfying end. To this wonderful detective agency, following a set of procedures is the path to their solving a murder. The interaction between characters is great and I always love the devilish twist at the end.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I have become so addicted to this book series. The stories are interesting, keeping you immersed. The characters, well the good guys, charming and so wonderful. Impatiently waiting for the next book !

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Mystery

Again I am surprised and delighted. I was thrilled to learn all Robert's secrets. And interesting new characters were introduced. I hope that speeding daredevil shows up again.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Murder

There was a body found, no not a body but the bones of a long dead victim. Who is the culprit? The Ladies of Distinction would solve the case.
I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Homerun2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Enjoyable if not very realistic historical series.Kitty, the aristocratic manager of her own detective agency, is admirably organized. But when her Scotland Yard fiance is arrested for murder, she can't afford not to investigate.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent installment in the Kitty Worthington series! In this one we are introduced to some fun new characters, and we finally learn Robert's secrets! I really enjoyed the mystery and did not guess who the killer was. I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little series

Kitty Worthington and her friends come to the aid of Kitty's fiancé. Robert has been accused of the murder that took place approximately 9 years prior of a young woman to whom he had been engaged. A scandal unfolds.