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Pennyfoot Hotel #19
Herald of Death
The landscape of the Pennyfoot is covered with splashes of rich reds and greens for the holidays. That should not include blood. However, a killer is on the loose, bent on ending some residents’ good times…
The Christmas Angel is a welcome sight during the winter season—but not this year. A killer is afoot in Badgers End, cutting a lock of hair from the victims and sticking a gold angel on their foreheads. Cecily Sinclair Baxter already promised her husband that she’d take a hiatus from sleuthing. But three killings have created a blizzard of bad publicity—and guests are canceling their hotel reservations.
Cecily pokes around, but the victims seem unrelated. Then the killer claims a fourth and fifth victim, obviously not slowing down for the holidays—so neither will Cecily. She will have to stop the angel of death from striking again, leaving murder under the tree…
The Christmas Angel is a welcome sight during the winter season—but not this year. A killer is afoot in Badgers End, cutting a lock of hair from the victims and sticking a gold angel on their foreheads. Cecily Sinclair Baxter already promised her husband that she’d take a hiatus from sleuthing. But three killings have created a blizzard of bad publicity—and guests are canceling their hotel reservations.
Cecily pokes around, but the victims seem unrelated. Then the killer claims a fourth and fifth victim, obviously not slowing down for the holidays—so neither will Cecily. She will have to stop the angel of death from striking again, leaving murder under the tree…
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
19 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Kate Kingsbury
85 books569 followersKate Kingsbury grew up in London, England, and at a very early age began telling stories to her school friends during the London Blitz of WW II while huddling in bomb shelters. Kate moved to the U.S. in the early sixties, and had passed her 50th birthday when she published her first book. Writing as Doreen Roberts, (her real name at the time) she published 26 romance novels for Harlequin/Silhouette. In 1991 her first Pennyfoot Hotel book was published and since then Kate has written 35 mysteries, including the Manor House mysteries, the Bellehaven House mysteries(written as Rebecca Kent) and the Raven's Nest mysteries, (written as Allison Kingsley.) Her new series, The Merry Ghost Inn Mysteries debuted in January, 2017 with Dead and Breakfast, featuring a B & B on the Oregon coast. She has one son, Regan, and lives with her husband, Bill, in the beautiful state of Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 17, 2020
It is Christmastime at the Pennyfoot ‘Country Club’, and a special guest is expected to spend Christmas at the Pennyfoot, but snow has arrived and very heavily a week before Christmas followed by murder of a local resident, and then another resident. The Constable feels out of his depth with the the Inspector away. Thus, he stops at the Pennyfoot to speak with Mrs. Baxter who has made her husband a promise not to sleuth anymore, but that is exactly why Constable Northcott is talking with Mrs. Baxter. He needs her help! What a conundrum! Will Mr. Baxter let his wife assist the Constable? After all, Mr. Baxter turned down a fabulous job offer so his wife could run the Pennyfoot not chase murderers and solve crimes. What will happen to Christmas at the Pennyfoot if these crimes are not solved, and it does not stop snowing? Another Christmastime grand mystery with Pennyfoot’s delightful staff and their own ‘Sherlock Holmes’. 4 stars.
December 12, 2015
Absolute Holiday treasure! Another Pennyfoot Christmas story and just as fun, inspiring, edge of your seat, as any of the previous books.
This time we have a serial killer in Badger's End. He or she, cuts a lock of hair from each victim and puts a golden Angel stamp on the foreheads of his/her victims. None of the victims seem to have anything in common, thus making it difficult for the authorities and meddling Cecily to figure out a perpetrator.
Clive and Gertie seem to be getting closer, and Madeline the underground town psychic is on her game.
I highly recommend any of these books!
This time we have a serial killer in Badger's End. He or she, cuts a lock of hair from each victim and puts a golden Angel stamp on the foreheads of his/her victims. None of the victims seem to have anything in common, thus making it difficult for the authorities and meddling Cecily to figure out a perpetrator.
Clive and Gertie seem to be getting closer, and Madeline the underground town psychic is on her game.
I highly recommend any of these books!
November 11, 2011
"Herald of Death" is a historical mystery with a side plot involving romances between several minor characters. The story was set somewhere between 1902 to 1905 in England. This is the thirteenth novel in the series, and it can be read as a stand-alone. However, I don't think this is a good book to introduce a new reader to the series.
While this novel didn't spoil any of the previous mysteries, the character development has clearly been going on and carrying forward since the first book. I felt like I stepped into a party where everyone already knew each other, but I didn't know anyone. I didn't really understand the dynamics of some of the character's relationships.
Also, we're told how clever Cecily is about solving mysteries, but she didn't follow up on obvious clues, didn't dig deeper for the truth, asked simple questions that got her the same information that the police told her, and when the connection between the murders was finally obvious, she still didn't catch on. But I think this was on purpose since Cecily wonders at the end if she's losing her touch since she didn't do those things.
This might be interesting to those who know the brilliant Cecily, but I was...less than impressed. Especially since she acted like a spoiled brat with her husband and deliberately set up her friend to be killed in order to "prove" who the murderer was since she had no actual evidence. She didn't even manage to save her friend, either--a rather impossible event occurred that saved their lives while causing unrealistically minor damage to the whodunit.
The two side romances were clearly ongoing from the previous book and were supposed to add interest, but again it probably was more interesting if you already knew the characters. Only one of the romances was resolved by the end.
The historical setting was very vague with very few historical details given in the story. It wasn't until the end that one detail was given that actually pinned down the time period.
The story has a witch as the friend of Cecily. There was a fair amount of explicit British bad language, and a very minor amount of explicit bad language that would also potentially offend Americans. There was no sex. Overall, fans of the series will probably enjoy another outing with the character's they enjoy, but I'd recommend anyone else start with the first book in the series if the series sounds interesting.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
While this novel didn't spoil any of the previous mysteries, the character development has clearly been going on and carrying forward since the first book. I felt like I stepped into a party where everyone already knew each other, but I didn't know anyone. I didn't really understand the dynamics of some of the character's relationships.
Also, we're told how clever Cecily is about solving mysteries, but she didn't follow up on obvious clues, didn't dig deeper for the truth, asked simple questions that got her the same information that the police told her, and when the connection between the murders was finally obvious, she still didn't catch on. But I think this was on purpose since Cecily wonders at the end if she's losing her touch since she didn't do those things.
This might be interesting to those who know the brilliant Cecily, but I was...less than impressed. Especially since she acted like a spoiled brat with her husband and deliberately set up her friend to be killed in order to "prove" who the murderer was since she had no actual evidence. She didn't even manage to save her friend, either--a rather impossible event occurred that saved their lives while causing unrealistically minor damage to the whodunit.
The two side romances were clearly ongoing from the previous book and were supposed to add interest, but again it probably was more interesting if you already knew the characters. Only one of the romances was resolved by the end.
The historical setting was very vague with very few historical details given in the story. It wasn't until the end that one detail was given that actually pinned down the time period.
The story has a witch as the friend of Cecily. There was a fair amount of explicit British bad language, and a very minor amount of explicit bad language that would also potentially offend Americans. There was no sex. Overall, fans of the series will probably enjoy another outing with the character's they enjoy, but I'd recommend anyone else start with the first book in the series if the series sounds interesting.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
January 7, 2012
think this is the last of this series I read. They are starting to be dull.
December 3, 2022
A serial killer is on the loose, and the police are clueless about what to do, so they ask Cecily to solve the crime so everyone can have a happy Christmas. She happily obliges although she had promised Baxter after the last case to retire from crime solving because it was getting dangerous, and he in turn had turned down a lucrative offer from overseas so they could remain as managers of the Pennyfoot. He hardly complains after she flagrantly breaks her promise. She ends up setting a trap for the killer, and her friend Madeline, who was the bait, almost gets hurt because constable Northcutt who was supposed to be on the lookout at the scene was not there. Subplot about romance among the hotel staff - Gertie and Clive, Pansy and Samuel - are a diversion but not related to the main plot. Other subplot about a Peter Pan play being produced for the guests' entertainment is comic relief. Not one of the better Pennyfoot entries as the relationship between Cecily and Baxter seems strained.
December 12, 2016
With another Christmas on the way, Badger's End is experiencing a major blizzard and a series of bizarre ritualistic murders. For the first time ever, the police have come to Cecily to ask for help in solving the murders. Baxter isn't thrilled, but he understands that if customers cancel for the Christmas season they could have seriously problems. Soon five people are dead and Cecily realizes she is on the trail of an exceptionally dangerous and unbalanced individual.
I'm not sure why I read these mysteries year after year. I don't really like many of the characters. I do love Madeline and would read a whole series about her, but she's a small character. I love the setting and the Christmas feeling. The mysteries are fast paced, but this time there were very few clues, possible suspects, or red herrings. I had suspicions about the murderer, but no real explanation or evidence until Cecily lucked out.
I'm not sure why I read these mysteries year after year. I don't really like many of the characters. I do love Madeline and would read a whole series about her, but she's a small character. I love the setting and the Christmas feeling. The mysteries are fast paced, but this time there were very few clues, possible suspects, or red herrings. I had suspicions about the murderer, but no real explanation or evidence until Cecily lucked out.
September 13, 2021
herald of death
I always enjoy the Pennyfoot Hotel mysteries. They are quite entertaining, always with a murder or, in this case, murders to solve, and involving some fright and danger when the revealing and apprehension of the culprit(s) are just about accomplished. If I have one desire for this particular story, it would be to include the actual performance of the pantomime, and not just the rehearsal. Phoebe’s attempts to herd her performers and pull off a performance for the Pennyfoot’s guests are hilarious!
I always enjoy the Pennyfoot Hotel mysteries. They are quite entertaining, always with a murder or, in this case, murders to solve, and involving some fright and danger when the revealing and apprehension of the culprit(s) are just about accomplished. If I have one desire for this particular story, it would be to include the actual performance of the pantomime, and not just the rehearsal. Phoebe’s attempts to herd her performers and pull off a performance for the Pennyfoot’s guests are hilarious!
January 2, 2022
2.5 stars. It's fine, nothing more. Baxter, the protagonist's husband, is an insufferable doorknob, I took off a half star just for him. The mystery was also very simplistic, and I felt that Cecily was the main investigator not because she is good at it, but because the police are very stupid. The writing is good, the characters and setting are fine, besides it being simple and Baxter there were no big drawbacks.
March 11, 2022
My first book I read from the Christmas Selection of Pennyfoot Hotel Mysteries. I enjoyed the cast of servants and the host of Pennyfoot Hotel. Cecily Sinclair Baxter and her servants rush to catch the killer before her Christmas guests arrive. Some laughter and romance help create a perfect read on Christmas any time of the year.
May 12, 2017
Enjoyable read, fun characters. Went on a trip and was able to finish the book. Made the trip go by fast.
May 31, 2017
Another good story set during the Christmas season.
December 4, 2018
Light, easy read, but seems a little far-fetched that this many bodies pile up & the police constable never calls his supervisor or Scotland Yard! (Owned/selling)
March 23, 2019
Not one of the best ones but still cute.
Read
November 23, 2020Among my Christmas reads by Kate Kingsbury. Looks like I read it last year... will find out.
December 14, 2020
Figured it out early on in the book.
June 28, 2021
Well, after having finished the 19th book in the series, I can only say that I really enjoy the characters, but the formula had really gotten old, especially these Christmas themed stories.
December 4, 2025
This was enjoyable. I've read around in this series and not all of it so the characters aren't as familiar as they could be but the story was still good. I never saw the culprit coming.
January 21, 2021
Ending was exciting and main characters had good storylines. But it started painfully slow.
December 6, 2011
The Pennyfoot Hotel is now a country club licensed for card games and owner Cecily Sinclair Baxter is looking forward to a busy holiday season with a hotel full of guests. However, it seems there is a serial killer on the loose in Badger’s End, causing fear among the staff as well as canceled reservations. Cecily has investigated several murders in the past, without the blessing of the local police force. This time, Police Constable Northcott is begging for Cecily’s help so the murders will be solved before Christmas and now Cecily is torn. Her husband Hugh gave up a desirable position abroad so she could stay in England and run the hotel, but she had to promise not to get involved in any more investigations. Hugh eventually relents and gives his reluctant blessing for Cecily to help identify the murderer, as long as she keeps coachman Samuel nearby. However, none of the clues are coming together and the murderer nicknamed “The Christmas Angel” strikes again. Will Cecily regain her touch at investigating before the murderer claims another victim?
The Pennyfoot Hotel series is charming and the special holiday stories are especially enjoyable. However, "Herald of Death" is disappointing and not on par with some of the prior books in the series. The plot of the mystery is interesting, but the investigation is slow to get going at the beginning and the story slows down several times in later portions of the book.
Distinct, memorable characters are the best part of paying a visit to the Pennyfoot Hotel, and they are still present in this book. Readers who have read other books in the series will enjoy catching up with the characters and while new readers may not understand all of the backstories of each character, they are given enough information to enjoy the story. However, even some of the characters are lacking this time. The usually endearing Cecily seems to have lost her sparkle as she laments over the lack of progress she is making with the case. One of her best friends, Phoebe Fortescue, comes into her home and runs the annual Christmas pageant with an iron fist, and seems especially overbearing this go-round. Even Cecily’s husband Hugh comes off selfish and self-centered during much of the book, although there are a few nice scenes between him and Cecily that help make up for his earlier complaints over turning down the position abroad. Madeline Prestwick, Cecily’s other good friend, is as sweet and caring as ever, but her psychic contributions to the investigation seem out of place with the rest of the book.
The supporting characters of "Herald of Death" steal the show from the main characters. Pansy, one of the Pennyfoot maids, is not sure what’s going to happen next in her relationship with Samuel. She becomes even more insecure when his ex-girlfriend, the beautiful Doris, comes back to the Pennyfoot after appearing on stage in London. One of the other maids, Gertie, is outspoken, independent, and unlucky in love, and becomes scared when she finds herself experiencing deeper feelings than friendship towards her frequent companion Clive. These two subplots made the entire book for me. These storylines were such a joy to read, I sometimes found myself wanting to race through the descriptions of the murder investigation to get back to the beautifully written story of love and friendship related to Pansy, Samuel, Doris, Gertie, and Clive.
While the exact year isn’t mentioned, this story seems to take place somewhere between 1902 and 1905 and the book contains wonderful period details, such as Cecily traveling by horse and carriage to visit the suspects in the murder. It’s a simpler time of sleigh rides and Christmas pantomime’s for the upper classes, but much hard work and rules for conduct for the servants. The book illustrates both ways of life very well through a variety of vivid, interesting characters. Those who enjoy books set in England during this time period will love the atmosphere in the latest Pennyfoot Hotel holiday mystery. (3 1/2 stars)
This review was originally written for The Season E-Zine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
The Pennyfoot Hotel series is charming and the special holiday stories are especially enjoyable. However, "Herald of Death" is disappointing and not on par with some of the prior books in the series. The plot of the mystery is interesting, but the investigation is slow to get going at the beginning and the story slows down several times in later portions of the book.
Distinct, memorable characters are the best part of paying a visit to the Pennyfoot Hotel, and they are still present in this book. Readers who have read other books in the series will enjoy catching up with the characters and while new readers may not understand all of the backstories of each character, they are given enough information to enjoy the story. However, even some of the characters are lacking this time. The usually endearing Cecily seems to have lost her sparkle as she laments over the lack of progress she is making with the case. One of her best friends, Phoebe Fortescue, comes into her home and runs the annual Christmas pageant with an iron fist, and seems especially overbearing this go-round. Even Cecily’s husband Hugh comes off selfish and self-centered during much of the book, although there are a few nice scenes between him and Cecily that help make up for his earlier complaints over turning down the position abroad. Madeline Prestwick, Cecily’s other good friend, is as sweet and caring as ever, but her psychic contributions to the investigation seem out of place with the rest of the book.
The supporting characters of "Herald of Death" steal the show from the main characters. Pansy, one of the Pennyfoot maids, is not sure what’s going to happen next in her relationship with Samuel. She becomes even more insecure when his ex-girlfriend, the beautiful Doris, comes back to the Pennyfoot after appearing on stage in London. One of the other maids, Gertie, is outspoken, independent, and unlucky in love, and becomes scared when she finds herself experiencing deeper feelings than friendship towards her frequent companion Clive. These two subplots made the entire book for me. These storylines were such a joy to read, I sometimes found myself wanting to race through the descriptions of the murder investigation to get back to the beautifully written story of love and friendship related to Pansy, Samuel, Doris, Gertie, and Clive.
While the exact year isn’t mentioned, this story seems to take place somewhere between 1902 and 1905 and the book contains wonderful period details, such as Cecily traveling by horse and carriage to visit the suspects in the murder. It’s a simpler time of sleigh rides and Christmas pantomime’s for the upper classes, but much hard work and rules for conduct for the servants. The book illustrates both ways of life very well through a variety of vivid, interesting characters. Those who enjoy books set in England during this time period will love the atmosphere in the latest Pennyfoot Hotel holiday mystery. (3 1/2 stars)
This review was originally written for The Season E-Zine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2012
It is Christmas time again at the Pennyfoot Country Club and Cecily Sinclair Baxter is determined to enjoy it - she's even promised her husband that she would stop trying to solve murders. But she soon has to break that promise - someone is killing people in Badgers End, cutting a lock from their hair, and sticking a gold angel on their foreheads. As the victims pile up, people start canceling their reservations at the Pennyfoot. Cecily is determined to stop the killer before Christmas is ruined.
For several years now, Kate Kingsbury fans have been lucky enough to have a Pennyfoot Hotel mystery to read for the holidays and "Herald of Death" carries on that tradition. The first page sets the tone for the rest of the book - it gets off to a nice cozy start until the shock of the third paragraph - it is a wonderful way to start the book.
What I love about the Pennyfoot Hotel series is the characters, starting with Cecily who just can't help getting involved with mysteries (why she gets involved in this one is a nice touch by Kingsbury). Truthfully, Baxter is starting to annoy me a bit, I wish Kingsbury would tone him down a notch. Madeline is more mysterious than ever (or is she - she pulls off an amazing stunt towards the end), while Phoebe is even more obnoxious than usual (long-time fans of the series may be surprised at what happens with her pageant in this book and delighted at who stars in it). When the book isn't focused on the mystery it is mostly focused on the love lives of the household staff mainly Gertie/Clive and Pansy/Samuel (I like the Gertie/Clive storyline; I'm not quite sure how I feel about Samuel in this book). As for the mystery - it is certainly one of the bloodier cozy mysteries I've read. It is not graphic by any means but the bodies do pile up - quickly. The plot could have been tighter - I did figure out very early on who the killer was - but Kingsbury does plant some nice clues and throws in a red herring or two in an attempt to throw off the reader. There are some tense moments towards the end of the book as they work to trap the killer.
"Herald of Death" is another nice holiday gift for Kate Kingsbury fans.
For several years now, Kate Kingsbury fans have been lucky enough to have a Pennyfoot Hotel mystery to read for the holidays and "Herald of Death" carries on that tradition. The first page sets the tone for the rest of the book - it gets off to a nice cozy start until the shock of the third paragraph - it is a wonderful way to start the book.
What I love about the Pennyfoot Hotel series is the characters, starting with Cecily who just can't help getting involved with mysteries (why she gets involved in this one is a nice touch by Kingsbury). Truthfully, Baxter is starting to annoy me a bit, I wish Kingsbury would tone him down a notch. Madeline is more mysterious than ever (or is she - she pulls off an amazing stunt towards the end), while Phoebe is even more obnoxious than usual (long-time fans of the series may be surprised at what happens with her pageant in this book and delighted at who stars in it). When the book isn't focused on the mystery it is mostly focused on the love lives of the household staff mainly Gertie/Clive and Pansy/Samuel (I like the Gertie/Clive storyline; I'm not quite sure how I feel about Samuel in this book). As for the mystery - it is certainly one of the bloodier cozy mysteries I've read. It is not graphic by any means but the bodies do pile up - quickly. The plot could have been tighter - I did figure out very early on who the killer was - but Kingsbury does plant some nice clues and throws in a red herring or two in an attempt to throw off the reader. There are some tense moments towards the end of the book as they work to trap the killer.
"Herald of Death" is another nice holiday gift for Kate Kingsbury fans.
November 17, 2011
This is the 19th book of the Pennyfoot Hotel. With the last seven books being set at Christmas time, with Cecily managing the country club for the holidays.
It rather busy at the Pennyfoot, what with holidays quickly approaching. The staff is busy with the cooking and cleaning, Madeline is in to decorate the tree and a\the rooms. Cook and her staff are having their normal squabbles which are always very entertaining.
Then P.C. Northcott shows up at the Pennyfoot, this is never a good sign as it usually means the police are in over their heads with trouble. Northcott reports that there have been two murders and that the victims had angel stickers attached to their foreheads and had a lock of hair removed. With his superior in London at the yard, Northcott knows their is no way he can solve the murders so that him and his wife can go to London for the holidays without Cecily help.
Cecily enjoys helping the police with there investigations, so she and Sam head off to what they do best. Almost before they can really get started on the investigation, there have been five murders, with very little to tie them to the the same murderer. But with good vision and investigative skills Cecily is able to wrap the murders up so that Northcott can spend Christmas in London.
And of course Phoebe Fortescue is on hand with a Christmas pageant-- a pantomime of Peter Pan and finger are crossed that it won't be a disaster like some have been in the past.
I really enjoy these stories as they are written in such a way that that I see in my mind's eye the scenes being played out.
Wonderful holiday season read.
It rather busy at the Pennyfoot, what with holidays quickly approaching. The staff is busy with the cooking and cleaning, Madeline is in to decorate the tree and a\the rooms. Cook and her staff are having their normal squabbles which are always very entertaining.
Then P.C. Northcott shows up at the Pennyfoot, this is never a good sign as it usually means the police are in over their heads with trouble. Northcott reports that there have been two murders and that the victims had angel stickers attached to their foreheads and had a lock of hair removed. With his superior in London at the yard, Northcott knows their is no way he can solve the murders so that him and his wife can go to London for the holidays without Cecily help.
Cecily enjoys helping the police with there investigations, so she and Sam head off to what they do best. Almost before they can really get started on the investigation, there have been five murders, with very little to tie them to the the same murderer. But with good vision and investigative skills Cecily is able to wrap the murders up so that Northcott can spend Christmas in London.
And of course Phoebe Fortescue is on hand with a Christmas pageant-- a pantomime of Peter Pan and finger are crossed that it won't be a disaster like some have been in the past.
I really enjoy these stories as they are written in such a way that that I see in my mind's eye the scenes being played out.
Wonderful holiday season read.
January 7, 2013
This is the 5th or 6th of the Pennyfoot Hotel Christmas mysteries I have read. Certainly not the best one. Cecily Sinclair Baxter runs the Pennyfoot Hotel in 1902--5? and always has a special Christmas planned for her guests. Every year, of course, a murderer visits the area, causing Cecily to act as a detective and help find the criminal since the local police are not terribly bright, and she is always worried that her guests will leave. This upsets her husband and causes others to worry about her. But this particular year (2011) the killer is more brutal, Cecily is less inspired in her detecting, and consequently the most interesting part is the romantic problems of the servants. Gertie and Clive get closer together while trying to make life pleasant for Gertie's twins. Pansy and Samuel are starting to care for one another, although Pansy's jealousy is a main ingredient in that subplot.
One of Kate Kingsbury's best traits as a writer is character development of what are often minor characters. Certainly in this book both Gertie and Pansy are more engaging than Cecily. It is the first time I felt more sympathy for her husband than her, and he was fairly nasty at times. Kate is also good at describing the period setting. The book does put one in the mood for Chirstmas, but maybe not so well as in previous novels in this series.
One of Kate Kingsbury's best traits as a writer is character development of what are often minor characters. Certainly in this book both Gertie and Pansy are more engaging than Cecily. It is the first time I felt more sympathy for her husband than her, and he was fairly nasty at times. Kate is also good at describing the period setting. The book does put one in the mood for Chirstmas, but maybe not so well as in previous novels in this series.
January 14, 2012
Every year the Pennyfoot Country Club suffers from the Christmas Curse - someone is murdered on it's premises during the Christmas Holiday. In this book, the curse is avoided. Instead, a serial killer is on the loose in Badger's End (the nearby village), a week or so before the Pennyfoot's Christmas guests are set to arrive. The bumbling constable asks Cecily for help solving the case, so he will be able to go on his Christmas holiday. The book spends a lot of time following Cecily riding in the carriage visiting the kin of the latest victim. She is completely baffled by the murder and stumbles on the solution by accident. (I, on the other hand, figured out who done it by the third murder, and I am normally terrible at solving murder mysteries.) We do spend some time at the Pennyfoot with Gertie and Pansy, but it felt pretty empty. I will also say that I thought the ending to catch the murderer was really ridiculous.
If you have never read a Pennyfoot mystery before, don't start with this one. If you have, I would read this one only if you have a desire to continue on the character's arcs, but not for the mystery. Even then, the characters weren't as fulfilling and fun as usual.
If you have never read a Pennyfoot mystery before, don't start with this one. If you have, I would read this one only if you have a desire to continue on the character's arcs, but not for the mystery. Even then, the characters weren't as fulfilling and fun as usual.
November 8, 2011
I really enjoy this series. It's very well written and filled with characters that the author has taken time to develop over several books. It does help to have read the other stories, but it's not entirely necessary to enjoy this one.
There's a murderer killing men, stealing a lock of hair, and putting a golden Christmas angel on their foreheads. Cecily, despite her promise to her husband to stop sleuthing, gets drawn in to the investigation. She has to figure out the connection that could possibly link such unrelated victims. Will she find the murderer before all her guests cancel their holiday plans to visit her inn?
As always, the main mystery is not the only story going on. In this case there's the possible romance between Gertie and Clive. She wants to be just friends, but does he want more? He's wonderful to her twins, but would he be a good husband? It's not the typical story of romance, but rather one that is much more realistic as are the characters.
I always look forward to a new Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery.
There's a murderer killing men, stealing a lock of hair, and putting a golden Christmas angel on their foreheads. Cecily, despite her promise to her husband to stop sleuthing, gets drawn in to the investigation. She has to figure out the connection that could possibly link such unrelated victims. Will she find the murderer before all her guests cancel their holiday plans to visit her inn?
As always, the main mystery is not the only story going on. In this case there's the possible romance between Gertie and Clive. She wants to be just friends, but does he want more? He's wonderful to her twins, but would he be a good husband? It's not the typical story of romance, but rather one that is much more realistic as are the characters.
I always look forward to a new Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery.
May 10, 2012
This novel was a gentle murder cozy. Although the crimes were quite hideous, the writing style of Kate Kingsbury places you back in the Victorian days easily.
County club manager, Cecily Sinclair Baxter, a favorite sleuth, is asked by P.C. Northcott to aid him in investigating the "Christmas Angel" murderer so that he might go on Christmas Holidays. Cecily who is worried about cancellations for the season, readily agrees.
To my personal amazement, I figured out the perpetrator by page...well I won't tell you as I do not wish to spoil the book for you. I did enjoy finding out how Cecily figures it out though and the annual Christmas play is a treat also.
County club manager, Cecily Sinclair Baxter, a favorite sleuth, is asked by P.C. Northcott to aid him in investigating the "Christmas Angel" murderer so that he might go on Christmas Holidays. Cecily who is worried about cancellations for the season, readily agrees.
To my personal amazement, I figured out the perpetrator by page...well I won't tell you as I do not wish to spoil the book for you. I did enjoy finding out how Cecily figures it out though and the annual Christmas play is a treat also.
February 17, 2015
Another nice episode of Christmas at the Pennyfoot Hotel. The reason I continue to read this series is for the wonderful characters that have been developed. The mysteries are fun and interesting, but the reason I keep coming back is to read more about the Personal lives of Cecily, Gertie, Samuel, Mrs. Chubb, Madeline, etc. I also especially love the Christmas theme because it really gets me in the spirit for Christmas. This mystery was pretty interesting and I didn't figure it out until almost right before Cecily did. There were some nice red-herrings in here that kept you from seeing the truth.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series next December.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series next December.
September 10, 2013
The Pennyfoot Hotel is once again beset by trouble during the holiday season. A serial killer is abroad in the night, cutting locks of hair from his victims and branding their foreheads with golden angel stickers. After her last terrifying case, Cecily has promised her husband that she will cease her detecting. When she is appealed to by the local constable, however, can Cecily keep her promise or will she once again plunge headlong into danger? The holiday seasons are always fraught with danger at the Pennyfoot Hotel. The fact that the serving staff plays an integral part of the story contributes to the interesting social class "behind-the-scenes" storyline.
December 23, 2011
This is a Christmas murder mystery in the Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery series. The setting is Badgers End, England in the early 1900's. Cecily manages the hotel and they are getting ready for Christmas. There are subplots about the love lives of a couple of the maids and their boyfriends. The main story line is a serial killer on the loose named the Christmas Angel because he leaves a gold foil sticker of an angel on his victims' foreheads. Cecily helps the inept local cop catch the killer before she loses all her Christmas bookings. Pretty good.
June 29, 2012
Cecily Baxter has promised her husband to stay out of any criminal investigations in their tiny town, but this time the police constable wants her help. There have been several murders among the local people, and he fears that they're dealing with a serial killer. Cecily wangles her way into the investigation, but even she can't find a link between the victims. Meanwhile, the usual downstairs romances progress, or don't. It's got a nice Christmas theme, for those who care for holiday mysteries.
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