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Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #10
A Fire at the Exhibition
May 1912. After the previous year’s deadly heatwave, it’s been an uneventful spring in Littleton Cotterell. Though for Lady Hardcastle and her fiercely loyal lady’s maid Flo, at least there are the provincial delights of the village’s inaugural art exhibition—and bicycle race—to look forward to. But at the exhibition opening, there’s a panicked shout of ‘Fire!’ In the confusion, the main attraction—an extremely expensive book—is stolen from under everyone’s nose, as is a valuable painting lent by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud. Then the race, which starts as a charming day out, ends in a shocking death. And to top it all off, the Farley-Strouds reveal they’re in debt and might lose their house. The sleuthing duo soon find themselves torn between a murder investigation, an art theft mystery, and trying to help their pals. All with a suspicious figure from Flo’s past, a supercilious insurance investigator, and a pair of rather bizarre treasure hunters on the loose…
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2023
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March 29, 2025
4.5 stars.
September 5, 2023
The tenth book in this marvelous series and long may it continue!!!
It is now May 1912. There is a fire at the village Art Exhibition and several precious articles are stolen. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are on the case, happily assisting the police and using all their special skills. There is even a hunt for lost treasure which leads to a very suspenseful and dangerous conclusion.
This is such a good series - I look forward to reading each one as it is published. The author is very well informed and writes extremely well with many entertaining comments, and clever dialogue between her ladyship and her 'tiny servant'.
There are hints at the end of this story that the daring duo are about to return to their espionage days in the next book. I can't wait.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It is now May 1912. There is a fire at the village Art Exhibition and several precious articles are stolen. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are on the case, happily assisting the police and using all their special skills. There is even a hunt for lost treasure which leads to a very suspenseful and dangerous conclusion.
This is such a good series - I look forward to reading each one as it is published. The author is very well informed and writes extremely well with many entertaining comments, and clever dialogue between her ladyship and her 'tiny servant'.
There are hints at the end of this story that the daring duo are about to return to their espionage days in the next book. I can't wait.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 3, 2023
Littleton Cotterell's inaugural art exhibition was something the village was looking forward to, with the drawcard being a very expensive book, which would have a security detail, plus a painting and bust lent by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud of the Grange. Lady Hardcastle and Flo were there, along with the whole village it seemed, and when a shout of "Fire" rippled through the crowd, panic saw everyone rushing to the entrance to escape. Flo and Lady H went back inside once all were out, as they couldn't see flames. What they found was a missing book, plus Sir Hector's two items also gone, and no evidence of how it happened. Lady H and Flo were immediately on the case.
The bicycle race which was to take place the following day - Sunday - saw many competitors, as well as Lady H and Flo who joined the gentile part of the ride. But one of the main competitors was missing at the end of the race. Where was he and why hadn't he checked in on completion? The discovery of his body two days later saw Inspector Sunderland join the local police plus Flo and Lady H. But would they be able to spread their talents over all that was happening? They needed, rather desperately, to solve and locate Sir Hector's losses...
A Fire at the Exhibition is #10 in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by author T.E. Kinsey and once again, I loved it. Laughing out loud on multiple occasions, the interaction between Lady H and her devoted maid, Flo, gets me every time! So well written, the series is a delight to read, and I hope there are many more to come. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The bicycle race which was to take place the following day - Sunday - saw many competitors, as well as Lady H and Flo who joined the gentile part of the ride. But one of the main competitors was missing at the end of the race. Where was he and why hadn't he checked in on completion? The discovery of his body two days later saw Inspector Sunderland join the local police plus Flo and Lady H. But would they be able to spread their talents over all that was happening? They needed, rather desperately, to solve and locate Sir Hector's losses...
A Fire at the Exhibition is #10 in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by author T.E. Kinsey and once again, I loved it. Laughing out loud on multiple occasions, the interaction between Lady H and her devoted maid, Flo, gets me every time! So well written, the series is a delight to read, and I hope there are many more to come. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2023
I've enjoyed this series from the beginning, and when a new Lady Hardcastle book comes out, I know I'm in for a good time. Flo and Lady Hardcastle aren't the most dedicated sleuths but their witty banter and whimsical adventures always make for a delightful read.
November 12, 2023
This has become such a comfort series for me and this book was one of the best in the series!
July 24, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
It's spring in Littleton Cottrell and the village hall has been repaired and ready to host a show of local artwork. The piece de resistance will be a bejeweled complete works of William Shakespeare made for local eccentric businessman Basil Westbury. Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong are happy to help setup and lend their support. On opening day, the village hall is packed with people, until someone yells "fire!" and everyone stampedes out the front and side doors. Backtracking to try to help, Emily and Flo realize something is very off. There's no fire! Only a bucket of smelly, smoky rags. In the main hall, there's one empty plinth where the Shakespeare was on display, in spite of security guards. Sir Hector Farley-Stroud is beside himself at the loss of two pieces he loaned for the show: one is a painting, that if paired with the other, could be valuable enough to save The Grange from being sold. The other was merely a sentimental piece, a bust of a previous owner of The Grange. Emily and Flo are on the case for the missing artwork! Meanwhile, Emily's old nemesis has come to represent the insurance company in search of the Shakespeare book and a group of avid cyclists have come to the area for a big race and leisurely ride. When one of the race organizers fails to return to the village, a search reveals his dead body in the woods off the course. Inspector Sutherland is on that case while Emily and Flo lend a hand. Their main task to find Sir Hector's painting. He also has to deal with treasure hunters on the property. If their fanciful story about hidden treasure is real, it could be what the Farley-Strouds need to save them from financial ruin.
This story was so much fun! It might even be my favorite of the series to date. It's set entirely in the village and focuses mainly on the Farley-Strouds, both of which please me to no end! The mysteries are not as complex or interesting as some of the previous investigations. I figured out one pretty quickly and most of another but not the murder. That was a surprise. That's OK because I love immersing myself in quaint English villages populated by quirky characters, which this series has aplenty!
As always, Emily and Flo are delightful! They needle each other on purpose and put up with one another's eccentricities. They can communicate without speaking and know they always have each others' backs. I love their relationship! While I sort of missed their siblings, they have Daisy and a new friend to banter with. Daisy has been crowned May Queen and she makes her friend Flo call her "Your Majesty." It's all in good fun though because they're such good friends. Daisy doesn't let it go to her head. She's still working hard for her parents and Old Joe. In fact, she even helps with the investigation. Daisy is more observant than she realizes and figures out a clue that even Flo didn't get! I enjoy Daisy and her parents are a riot. Her mother is awful but her dad pretends to be deaf in order to ignore his wife's constant complaining. They're too funny! I simply adore the Farley-Strouds, always have, especially dear Hector. His affectionate nicknames for his wife cracked me up! As a pastry aficionado, he wormed his way into my heart with that one! Lady F-S is a little more stuffy and proper but I think she loves her husband. They're too funny when they talk about Clarissa, who in the past has been rather feather-brained. It would break their hearts to lose The Grange and mine too. I hope they find the paintings or the treasure to pay their bills and save their home! The war is coming though and I can't see them saving The Grange past that when so many other homes were lost but this is a light, fantasyish sort of world so anything can happen!
Basil Westbury, a Shakespeare obsessed businessman, has commissioned a bejeweled one-of-a-kind book worth 1 million GBP (1912 money)! I recognized the inspiration behind it of course, Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám. Unlike the real book, this one is merely stolen and not on board a doomed ship (which has already sunk and surprisingly no one comments on it!). This Shakespeare book is one for the ages and everyone comes to gawk at it. When it goes missing though, no one seems terribly upset. It's not like you can sell it on the open market but there is the black market and one could remove the gemstones and sell those separately. I can see it being a target of thieves. However, Basil Westbury had it insured and the insurance company sent along two security guards, if you can call them that. Basil is the only one who seems concerned about the book. He keeps lurking around the hall hoping his book will miraculously turn up.
Sergeant Dobson is trying his hardest to do the best he can to locate the missing items but he's not too quick. He needs help from the more clever lady sleuths and their inspector friend. He doesn't trust the local police and calls in the Bristol CID and Inspector Sunderland for help. That's very wise of him and noble of him to admit he can't do this on his own. He's a heck of a lot smarter than the two security guards hired to guard the Westbury Shakespeare! Dan Porter is talkative but not too bright. He's hired to stand guard and as long as he gets paid, he doesn't care if he's guarding anything! Um Ok... His colleague, Larry Templeman, doesn't talk at all! Fat lot of good these two did guarding the priceless book. Unless they're smarter than they look? Maybe someone paid them to look the other way while the book was stolen? Maybe that someone was Basil Westbury himself, for the insurance money? He's loaded though so that doesn't make a lot of sense but if it were anyone else, I'd guess insurance fraud.
That's a job for Cordelia Harrill, an insurance investigator sent to discover the whereabouts of the Westbury Shakespeare. A more unpleasant woman you could not hope to meet. She's a catty mean girl type and doesn't understand that Emily has the upper hand now and is insulting her with sly humor. Cordelia doesn't have a sense of humor, fun, playfulness, or anything. She's narrowly focused on finding the book but she can't get anywhere because she's rude to the villagers. Once she insults Daisy, game over! Emily and Flo know this, of course, but Cordelia won't take their advice so I think her investigation is doomed until Emily and Flo figure it out.
The Littleton Cottrell Cycling Club has organized a big event for all the bicycle riders in the area. Emily and Flo are now novices riders but eager to ride along for fun. Mr. Parslow, Mr. Blackmore, Mr. Screen and Mr. Nurse are the sexist men who run the club. They're pleasant enough but have a slight condescending air. Miss Irene Vibert may or may not have feelings for Blackmore who flirts with Lady Hardcastle. Emily is oblivious but Flo and Irene pick up on the vibes and Flo picks up on Irene's annoyance at her friend's flirting. This moment becomes important after Blackmore turns up dead. Blackmore does not seem like he was a wonderful person. Not only did he flirt, he worshipped money but was the only one unimpressed by Westbury's book. He worked for Westbury's company. Is there a connection? Maybe he stole the book for personal gain or he stole it for money and was double crossed and killed? Or maybe Irene killed him for flirting with another woman?
Angelina Goodacre, new tenant of the Dower House, seems like a fun, modern lady. A former circus trick cyclist, she has moved to the village in her retirement. She seems very modern, like Lady Hardcastle and I think the three women are on the verge of friendship. That would be interesting for the pair to have other friends in the neighborhood. However, Angelina becomes a prime suspect when Daisy notices something unusual happening at the Dower House at night. What is going on? What Flo discovers doesn't look good for her new friend but maybe there's a good explanation? Or is Angelina Goodacre a murderer and thief?
Zeke and Zibbie Freer are treasure hunters come in search of a Peninsular War hero's treasure hidden on the property now belonging to Sir Hector Farley-Stroud. These two are weird. They must be twins with their secret language and unspoken dialogue. They seem a little shady but they also appear to check out. Are they really treasure hunters or is it something else they want? Did they steal the book and hide it on Sir Hector's land? They didn't seem to appear until after that but there were so many people at the exhibition, how to know who was there? The treasure hunt is a lot of fun but I think they're going to be dismayed because there's no treasure. They don't seem legit to me though so maybe not. Never fear, leave it to Emily and Flo to keep track of the siblings and find out what's going on.
The chief suspect for the exhibition thefts is Mickey Yawn, a local ne'er do well youth who has a bad reputation. However, his reputation may be unearned because people say he's more often NOT caught doing what he was accused of. Mickey is a piece of work though and his girlfriend, Olive Churches, sure has a mouth on her. She comes from a crime family and claims her dad knows who did the job. Is she bragging, telling the truth or totally misleading the sleuths? I wouldn't trust her. Both of the youths seem like braggarts who like to shoot their mouths off. Are they innocent this time of anything other than canoodling while he's supposed to be working?
I want to stay in the pages of this book for longer but I must move on. It sounds like Lady H and Miss Armstrong are going back to government spying. The war is coming and they will be needed. I vastly prefer visiting with them at home, in the country.
content:
Emily and Flo have PTSD from their first adventure. Emily is suffering nightmares as a result while Flo remains stoic and doesn't share her problem with her friend/employer.
Young couple caught in the bushes "canoodling" just hints of what they were up to.
A slight whiff of Imperialism from Sir Hector. They were in India before they purchased The Grange.
It's spring in Littleton Cottrell and the village hall has been repaired and ready to host a show of local artwork. The piece de resistance will be a bejeweled complete works of William Shakespeare made for local eccentric businessman Basil Westbury. Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong are happy to help setup and lend their support. On opening day, the village hall is packed with people, until someone yells "fire!" and everyone stampedes out the front and side doors. Backtracking to try to help, Emily and Flo realize something is very off. There's no fire! Only a bucket of smelly, smoky rags. In the main hall, there's one empty plinth where the Shakespeare was on display, in spite of security guards. Sir Hector Farley-Stroud is beside himself at the loss of two pieces he loaned for the show: one is a painting, that if paired with the other, could be valuable enough to save The Grange from being sold. The other was merely a sentimental piece, a bust of a previous owner of The Grange. Emily and Flo are on the case for the missing artwork! Meanwhile, Emily's old nemesis has come to represent the insurance company in search of the Shakespeare book and a group of avid cyclists have come to the area for a big race and leisurely ride. When one of the race organizers fails to return to the village, a search reveals his dead body in the woods off the course. Inspector Sutherland is on that case while Emily and Flo lend a hand. Their main task to find Sir Hector's painting. He also has to deal with treasure hunters on the property. If their fanciful story about hidden treasure is real, it could be what the Farley-Strouds need to save them from financial ruin.
This story was so much fun! It might even be my favorite of the series to date. It's set entirely in the village and focuses mainly on the Farley-Strouds, both of which please me to no end! The mysteries are not as complex or interesting as some of the previous investigations. I figured out one pretty quickly and most of another but not the murder. That was a surprise. That's OK because I love immersing myself in quaint English villages populated by quirky characters, which this series has aplenty!
As always, Emily and Flo are delightful! They needle each other on purpose and put up with one another's eccentricities. They can communicate without speaking and know they always have each others' backs. I love their relationship! While I sort of missed their siblings, they have Daisy and a new friend to banter with. Daisy has been crowned May Queen and she makes her friend Flo call her "Your Majesty." It's all in good fun though because they're such good friends. Daisy doesn't let it go to her head. She's still working hard for her parents and Old Joe. In fact, she even helps with the investigation. Daisy is more observant than she realizes and figures out a clue that even Flo didn't get! I enjoy Daisy and her parents are a riot. Her mother is awful but her dad pretends to be deaf in order to ignore his wife's constant complaining. They're too funny! I simply adore the Farley-Strouds, always have, especially dear Hector. His affectionate nicknames for his wife cracked me up! As a pastry aficionado, he wormed his way into my heart with that one! Lady F-S is a little more stuffy and proper but I think she loves her husband. They're too funny when they talk about Clarissa, who in the past has been rather feather-brained. It would break their hearts to lose The Grange and mine too. I hope they find the paintings or the treasure to pay their bills and save their home! The war is coming though and I can't see them saving The Grange past that when so many other homes were lost but this is a light, fantasyish sort of world so anything can happen!
Basil Westbury, a Shakespeare obsessed businessman, has commissioned a bejeweled one-of-a-kind book worth 1 million GBP (1912 money)! I recognized the inspiration behind it of course, Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám. Unlike the real book, this one is merely stolen and not on board a doomed ship (which has already sunk and surprisingly no one comments on it!). This Shakespeare book is one for the ages and everyone comes to gawk at it. When it goes missing though, no one seems terribly upset. It's not like you can sell it on the open market but there is the black market and one could remove the gemstones and sell those separately. I can see it being a target of thieves. However, Basil Westbury had it insured and the insurance company sent along two security guards, if you can call them that. Basil is the only one who seems concerned about the book. He keeps lurking around the hall hoping his book will miraculously turn up.
Sergeant Dobson is trying his hardest to do the best he can to locate the missing items but he's not too quick. He needs help from the more clever lady sleuths and their inspector friend. He doesn't trust the local police and calls in the Bristol CID and Inspector Sunderland for help. That's very wise of him and noble of him to admit he can't do this on his own. He's a heck of a lot smarter than the two security guards hired to guard the Westbury Shakespeare! Dan Porter is talkative but not too bright. He's hired to stand guard and as long as he gets paid, he doesn't care if he's guarding anything! Um Ok... His colleague, Larry Templeman, doesn't talk at all! Fat lot of good these two did guarding the priceless book. Unless they're smarter than they look? Maybe someone paid them to look the other way while the book was stolen? Maybe that someone was Basil Westbury himself, for the insurance money? He's loaded though so that doesn't make a lot of sense but if it were anyone else, I'd guess insurance fraud.
That's a job for Cordelia Harrill, an insurance investigator sent to discover the whereabouts of the Westbury Shakespeare. A more unpleasant woman you could not hope to meet. She's a catty mean girl type and doesn't understand that Emily has the upper hand now and is insulting her with sly humor. Cordelia doesn't have a sense of humor, fun, playfulness, or anything. She's narrowly focused on finding the book but she can't get anywhere because she's rude to the villagers. Once she insults Daisy, game over! Emily and Flo know this, of course, but Cordelia won't take their advice so I think her investigation is doomed until Emily and Flo figure it out.
The Littleton Cottrell Cycling Club has organized a big event for all the bicycle riders in the area. Emily and Flo are now novices riders but eager to ride along for fun. Mr. Parslow, Mr. Blackmore, Mr. Screen and Mr. Nurse are the sexist men who run the club. They're pleasant enough but have a slight condescending air. Miss Irene Vibert may or may not have feelings for Blackmore who flirts with Lady Hardcastle. Emily is oblivious but Flo and Irene pick up on the vibes and Flo picks up on Irene's annoyance at her friend's flirting. This moment becomes important after Blackmore turns up dead. Blackmore does not seem like he was a wonderful person. Not only did he flirt, he worshipped money but was the only one unimpressed by Westbury's book. He worked for Westbury's company. Is there a connection? Maybe he stole the book for personal gain or he stole it for money and was double crossed and killed? Or maybe Irene killed him for flirting with another woman?
Angelina Goodacre, new tenant of the Dower House, seems like a fun, modern lady. A former circus trick cyclist, she has moved to the village in her retirement. She seems very modern, like Lady Hardcastle and I think the three women are on the verge of friendship. That would be interesting for the pair to have other friends in the neighborhood. However, Angelina becomes a prime suspect when Daisy notices something unusual happening at the Dower House at night. What is going on? What Flo discovers doesn't look good for her new friend but maybe there's a good explanation? Or is Angelina Goodacre a murderer and thief?
Zeke and Zibbie Freer are treasure hunters come in search of a Peninsular War hero's treasure hidden on the property now belonging to Sir Hector Farley-Stroud. These two are weird. They must be twins with their secret language and unspoken dialogue. They seem a little shady but they also appear to check out. Are they really treasure hunters or is it something else they want? Did they steal the book and hide it on Sir Hector's land? They didn't seem to appear until after that but there were so many people at the exhibition, how to know who was there? The treasure hunt is a lot of fun but I think they're going to be dismayed because there's no treasure. They don't seem legit to me though so maybe not. Never fear, leave it to Emily and Flo to keep track of the siblings and find out what's going on.
The chief suspect for the exhibition thefts is Mickey Yawn, a local ne'er do well youth who has a bad reputation. However, his reputation may be unearned because people say he's more often NOT caught doing what he was accused of. Mickey is a piece of work though and his girlfriend, Olive Churches, sure has a mouth on her. She comes from a crime family and claims her dad knows who did the job. Is she bragging, telling the truth or totally misleading the sleuths? I wouldn't trust her. Both of the youths seem like braggarts who like to shoot their mouths off. Are they innocent this time of anything other than canoodling while he's supposed to be working?
I want to stay in the pages of this book for longer but I must move on. It sounds like Lady H and Miss Armstrong are going back to government spying. The war is coming and they will be needed. I vastly prefer visiting with them at home, in the country.
content:
Emily and Flo have PTSD from their first adventure. Emily is suffering nightmares as a result while Flo remains stoic and doesn't share her problem with her friend/employer.
Young couple caught in the bushes "canoodling" just hints of what they were up to.
A slight whiff of Imperialism from Sir Hector. They were in India before they purchased The Grange.
June 7, 2024
Truly one of the best books in the series. I actually shed a few tears.
January 7, 2025
I have been a great fan of these novels but this one just didn't do it for me, it almost felt like it was written by a different author. The key characters lacked their usual wit and quirkiness and Lady Hardcastle seemed to have lost her normally excellent powers of deduction, reason and character assessment. The dialogue was stilted and made worse by the z and z characters and their z said ... etc. The plot was slow and plodding as highlighted by Lady Hardcastle and Flo themselves with their regular references to needing to just pause and ponder in the hope that something comes to them. Too many lunches and references to sandwiches, pies and cider. The cycling passages seemed somewhat superfluous... I wont go on. Hoping there is a return to the usual enjoyable read in the next instalment.
Read
December 26, 2023I do not want the adventures of Lady Hardcastle and her tiny servant Florence Armstrong to finish, I’ve been enjoying following their crime solving exploits. This story has all of the classic elements, a baffling puzzle solved by Lady Hardcastle, a murder thrown into the mix, and plenty of fun with their friends and the usual cast of characters from the little village at the centre of murderous Gloucestershire. I did suspect at least some of the solution, but enjoyed the unfolding regardless.
It looks like author TE Kinsey has started on an adjacent series, but there is also another in the Lady Hardcastle Mystery series scheduled for publication next year, so much to look forward to.
It looks like author TE Kinsey has started on an adjacent series, but there is also another in the Lady Hardcastle Mystery series scheduled for publication next year, so much to look forward to.
October 22, 2023
Set at the turn of the century, the twentieth century, that is, during the Edwardian era, exciting things are afoot for Lady Hardcastle and Flo in their charming Gloucestershire village- an art show and a bicycle race with enthusiastic treasure hunters at the Grange. Art thievery and murder make the May Day holiday a memorable one for them.
A Fire at the Exhibition is the tenth installment in a series that has a connected progression for those who like to see the two retired spies settling into a new pastime of murder solving, but has the advantage of each book working fine as a standalone as well.
The lady and her lady’s maid are now locally known for solving crime and the law eagerly accepts their help so they are able to plunge right into both situations and assist. The art show theft happens in the opening chapters, but the murder is many more chapters later. They are stumped somewhat about the art thieves, but pick up bits as they go. There are some nice red herrings among the large range of possibilities to keep them guessing. I did guess at what happened with the theft though I won’t lie that I had other suspicions equally strong. Now, the murder came so late in their investigations that I wasn’t sure what to think and can’t say there was a clear trail from the culprits when the ladies did spring the answer at the end.
The side venture of the treasure hunt based on a fictional historical event tied to the Grange and the Farley-Strouds was a fun addition as was the ladies new interest in biking. I love how each book features some bit of historical items like the innovative racing bikes and women’s growing participation in biking as a sport.
My absolute favorite moments are seeing ‘Tiny Servant’ shock the villains who under-estimate her by taking them down with her martial art and acrobatic ability. Flo has many skills she picked up as part of a team of British espionage agents alongside Lady Hardcastle, but her cheery friendliness and Lady H’s ‘what ho’s always fool people.
The series narrator is a long-time favorite and I still enjoy Elizabeth Knowelden’s bright enthusiastic way of voicing the witty repartee of Lady Hardcastle and Flo as well as the rest of the regulars and new cast members.
All in all, another fabulous low-key murder mystery and solid historical setting and colorful characters in combination that makes this historical cozy series one I happily recommend.
I rec’d an eARC from Netgalley and an audio from Brilliance Audio to read/listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on Oct 8 at Books of My Heart.
A Fire at the Exhibition is the tenth installment in a series that has a connected progression for those who like to see the two retired spies settling into a new pastime of murder solving, but has the advantage of each book working fine as a standalone as well.
The lady and her lady’s maid are now locally known for solving crime and the law eagerly accepts their help so they are able to plunge right into both situations and assist. The art show theft happens in the opening chapters, but the murder is many more chapters later. They are stumped somewhat about the art thieves, but pick up bits as they go. There are some nice red herrings among the large range of possibilities to keep them guessing. I did guess at what happened with the theft though I won’t lie that I had other suspicions equally strong. Now, the murder came so late in their investigations that I wasn’t sure what to think and can’t say there was a clear trail from the culprits when the ladies did spring the answer at the end.
The side venture of the treasure hunt based on a fictional historical event tied to the Grange and the Farley-Strouds was a fun addition as was the ladies new interest in biking. I love how each book features some bit of historical items like the innovative racing bikes and women’s growing participation in biking as a sport.
My absolute favorite moments are seeing ‘Tiny Servant’ shock the villains who under-estimate her by taking them down with her martial art and acrobatic ability. Flo has many skills she picked up as part of a team of British espionage agents alongside Lady Hardcastle, but her cheery friendliness and Lady H’s ‘what ho’s always fool people.
The series narrator is a long-time favorite and I still enjoy Elizabeth Knowelden’s bright enthusiastic way of voicing the witty repartee of Lady Hardcastle and Flo as well as the rest of the regulars and new cast members.
All in all, another fabulous low-key murder mystery and solid historical setting and colorful characters in combination that makes this historical cozy series one I happily recommend.
I rec’d an eARC from Netgalley and an audio from Brilliance Audio to read/listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on Oct 8 at Books of My Heart.
September 8, 2023
I love the Lady Hardcastle series, but this book was dragging a bit. Of course the setting in the village with an art exhibition and a bicycle race is nice, and the characters, Lady Hardcastle and her maid Flo leading the way, are well described and funny as ever, but the crime (here more than one) moves into the background. So it´s entertaining, but would deserve more mystery.
Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for an arc ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for an arc ebook in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2023
This book is exactly why I don't let myself review one book by comparing it to another. If I did, books that I loved and earned five stars wouldn't have gotten those stars if compared with this.
Because as usual, Kinsey's latest Lady Hardcastle is perfection--for me. I saw a few reviews that didn't like the things I loved the most.
First, I loved how Kinsey made them flounder a bit. They spent a lot of time letting things percolate while they went along seemingly doing nothing. But actually, on reflection, I think I get it. This time, Lady Hardcastle is unsure of herself, so she kind of pushes the investigation into directions that look like misdirection or avoidance but is really doing her clueless act. It reminded me of what Sherlock Holmes might do if he tried to play the "dumb blonde" thing.
And really, there are a lot of things to figure out--things that eventually are all tied together in unexpected ways. Yes, it was easy to figure out, but most cozy mysteries are. You have a cycle race, an art exhibition, bicycles going missing, a secretive neighbor, an old nemesis, a murder with a weird theft involved, a treasure hunt, and let's not forget the Great Fire of Littleton Cotteral. Okay, so yeah. Not very great or fiery but you get the point.
I loved it, I thought it was brilliant, and I especially loved how Kinsey gave us something a little outside the same old same old and misdirected the reader with his seemingly meandering plot that, after all, wasn't so meandering as we thought.
Because as usual, Kinsey's latest Lady Hardcastle is perfection--for me. I saw a few reviews that didn't like the things I loved the most.
First, I loved how Kinsey made them flounder a bit. They spent a lot of time letting things percolate while they went along seemingly doing nothing. But actually, on reflection, I think I get it. This time, Lady Hardcastle is unsure of herself, so she kind of pushes the investigation into directions that look like misdirection or avoidance but is really doing her clueless act. It reminded me of what Sherlock Holmes might do if he tried to play the "dumb blonde" thing.
And really, there are a lot of things to figure out--things that eventually are all tied together in unexpected ways. Yes, it was easy to figure out, but most cozy mysteries are. You have a cycle race, an art exhibition, bicycles going missing, a secretive neighbor, an old nemesis, a murder with a weird theft involved, a treasure hunt, and let's not forget the Great Fire of Littleton Cotteral. Okay, so yeah. Not very great or fiery but you get the point.
I loved it, I thought it was brilliant, and I especially loved how Kinsey gave us something a little outside the same old same old and misdirected the reader with his seemingly meandering plot that, after all, wasn't so meandering as we thought.
February 14, 2025
Now let’s be very clear on one thing. These series are not for serious murder mystery lovers. There is no logical deduction, no fact checking and 100% of the time the cases get resolved by fluke or by chance.
The aim ofcourse is to keep readers hooked till the end, with the expected reaction ‘well I never’, if one was a character in the books.
Having established that, it must be said that the books and stories are still remarkably delightful.
These are light reads, meant for fun reading and in the end you get more hooked to the day to day goings of the characters, fully forgetting this was a crime mystery (as lead sleuths do too).
The good parts of this particular story for me was the different natures of crime. There was murder, theft and treasure hunt too. The variety was a very interesting mix.
The things that didnt work for me was why is police so incapable of solving any crime for weeks on, the book theft could have been solved way sooner rather making it a drag, and the extreme rudeness of Florence. Maybe it is a culture thing but I can never see myself saying ‘oh do shut up’ to an old lady in front of others, specially when the lady in question is your boss, a regal lady of society and you happen to be their house / chamber maid. I completely love the idea of the two women being more companions than maid and master, but still can’t digest rudeness from anyone or any character.
Overall the story was fun but way too dragged for my liking.
The aim ofcourse is to keep readers hooked till the end, with the expected reaction ‘well I never’, if one was a character in the books.
Having established that, it must be said that the books and stories are still remarkably delightful.
These are light reads, meant for fun reading and in the end you get more hooked to the day to day goings of the characters, fully forgetting this was a crime mystery (as lead sleuths do too).
The good parts of this particular story for me was the different natures of crime. There was murder, theft and treasure hunt too. The variety was a very interesting mix.
The things that didnt work for me was why is police so incapable of solving any crime for weeks on, the book theft could have been solved way sooner rather making it a drag, and the extreme rudeness of Florence. Maybe it is a culture thing but I can never see myself saying ‘oh do shut up’ to an old lady in front of others, specially when the lady in question is your boss, a regal lady of society and you happen to be their house / chamber maid. I completely love the idea of the two women being more companions than maid and master, but still can’t digest rudeness from anyone or any character.
Overall the story was fun but way too dragged for my liking.
October 1, 2023
3.5⭐
I can't believe I'm finally all caught up. I absolutely flew through this series!
I have to admit, I didn't find this mystery particularly interesting, but I always enjoy the characters. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are such a fun duo!!!
This was such a wholesome series, and I had so much fun with it.
I can't believe I'm finally all caught up. I absolutely flew through this series!
I have to admit, I didn't find this mystery particularly interesting, but I always enjoy the characters. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are such a fun duo!!!
This was such a wholesome series, and I had so much fun with it.
September 12, 2023
4-1/2 Stars
Another excellent entry in the Flo & Lady Hardcastle mystery series. They are my current favorite crime fighting duo. This series is my idea of the perfect cozy mystery!
Another excellent entry in the Flo & Lady Hardcastle mystery series. They are my current favorite crime fighting duo. This series is my idea of the perfect cozy mystery!
February 29, 2024
Flo and Lady Hardcastle are back to solve another mystery and possibly a murder. Very enjoyable and I look forward to the next one in the series. I am sad and happy to say that I am all caught up now!
December 22, 2023
Love this series. Well worth reading
August 13, 2023
This series is a delight, and A Fire at the Exhibition is a great tenth addition. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are back. An art exhibition is being staged in the Littleton Cottrell village hall. A valuable book is stolen, as well as a painting owned by the Farley-Strouds. Emily and Flo have even more reason than usual to investigate, as the Farley-Strouds will lose their home unless the painting is found, so it can be sold with its counterpart.
There's also a bicycle race. New cyclists Emily and Flo join the race, only to be landed with a second mystery when one of the organizers goes missing and is later found dead.
Why you should read it: it's a great slice-of-life in a pre-WWI village in England. The characters are so much fun, and the mysteries are interesting. Emily and Flo are friends more than servant and employer, and their interactions with each other, and other village inhabitants are thoroughly enjoyable. There's a good amount of humor without devolving into silliness. Not quite Wodehouse, mostly because both of our protagonists are far and away smarter than Bertie Wooster, but there's a feel of it.
Why you shouldn't read it: I have no idea, really, unless you don't like cozy and/or historical mysteries. There's nothing to dislike and a whole lot to enjoy.
4 out of 5 stars. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
There's also a bicycle race. New cyclists Emily and Flo join the race, only to be landed with a second mystery when one of the organizers goes missing and is later found dead.
Why you should read it: it's a great slice-of-life in a pre-WWI village in England. The characters are so much fun, and the mysteries are interesting. Emily and Flo are friends more than servant and employer, and their interactions with each other, and other village inhabitants are thoroughly enjoyable. There's a good amount of humor without devolving into silliness. Not quite Wodehouse, mostly because both of our protagonists are far and away smarter than Bertie Wooster, but there's a feel of it.
Why you shouldn't read it: I have no idea, really, unless you don't like cozy and/or historical mysteries. There's nothing to dislike and a whole lot to enjoy.
4 out of 5 stars. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 20, 2023
A Fire at the Exhibition felt like a cozy visit with old friends! Lady Hardcastle and her maid Florence Armstrong find themselves—once again—in the thick of village goings-on. Except, this time, there's a fire and a theft with few clues.
The pace of this tale felt more relaxed than some of their adventures. I didn't even think there was going to be a murder, at first! There are bicycle rides and picnics and many a tea with friends and neighbors. And this time, Lady Hardcastle seems to keep her ideas about the case a bit more close to her chest, in a very Sherlock or Poirot style. But in the end, we find out what was in her brain all along. And there's even a scene or two dangerous enough for Flo to pull out her tricks.
You'll appreciate this tale best if you've read the other Lady Hardcastle adventures, but it could be read on its own.
(Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.)
The pace of this tale felt more relaxed than some of their adventures. I didn't even think there was going to be a murder, at first! There are bicycle rides and picnics and many a tea with friends and neighbors. And this time, Lady Hardcastle seems to keep her ideas about the case a bit more close to her chest, in a very Sherlock or Poirot style. But in the end, we find out what was in her brain all along. And there's even a scene or two dangerous enough for Flo to pull out her tricks.
You'll appreciate this tale best if you've read the other Lady Hardcastle adventures, but it could be read on its own.
(Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.)
September 4, 2023
It is the titular exhibition rather than the fire that is the crux of this 10th entry in this entertaining series featuring Emily, Lady Hardcastle, and her sassy maid and sidekick Florence Armstrong. A local moneybag, Basil Westbury, has commissioned a one-of-a-kind book of the complete works of Shakespeare, a book literally encrusted in jewels and gold. When Westbury kindly agrees to its being shown off at the first annual Littleon Cotterell Art Exhibition, thieves set a fire as a distraction and make off with the book and two other artworks. Just the kind of case that’s up Emily and Flo’s alley!
That’s just the first of three mysteries in A Fire at the Exhibition. Author T.E. Kinsey never disappoints; I had so much fun meeting up with Lady Hardcastle and all of her friends. Lots of quips, humor and twists and turns make this a five-star read.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK in exchange for an honest review.
That’s just the first of three mysteries in A Fire at the Exhibition. Author T.E. Kinsey never disappoints; I had so much fun meeting up with Lady Hardcastle and all of her friends. Lots of quips, humor and twists and turns make this a five-star read.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2023
I can't say enough good things about this story and this series. I have had the privilege of reading them all and enjoy going back and revisiting the stories. There is so much more than a cozy mystery here!
This time we are back in the village, in Littleton Cotterell, revisiting all the key characters. This time we have an Art Exhibition and a Bicycle Race to enjoy. Along with the possibility of the Farley- Strouds losing their home. Plenty to keep you reading. So many threads to follow, a lovely dose of red herrings and a very satisfying end, Well done indeed T E!!
There were times I just couldn't stop laughing, "I explained to the flowers that it was the risk they took when they accepted free board and lodging in our garden, ..." (Flo) ... I thought only I was this sort of weird. I could go on.
The relationship between Lady Hardcastle and her lady's maid, Flo, is reason enough to pick up any of these books as is the dialogue of Emily, whenever someone is intentionally rude or hurtful. Lessons to be learnt here.
I cant recommend this one enough, Its five out of five on the enjoyment scale for me
With thanks to Amazon Publishing UK, #Netgalley and the author for my advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
This time we are back in the village, in Littleton Cotterell, revisiting all the key characters. This time we have an Art Exhibition and a Bicycle Race to enjoy. Along with the possibility of the Farley- Strouds losing their home. Plenty to keep you reading. So many threads to follow, a lovely dose of red herrings and a very satisfying end, Well done indeed T E!!
There were times I just couldn't stop laughing, "I explained to the flowers that it was the risk they took when they accepted free board and lodging in our garden, ..." (Flo) ... I thought only I was this sort of weird. I could go on.
The relationship between Lady Hardcastle and her lady's maid, Flo, is reason enough to pick up any of these books as is the dialogue of Emily, whenever someone is intentionally rude or hurtful. Lessons to be learnt here.
I cant recommend this one enough, Its five out of five on the enjoyment scale for me
With thanks to Amazon Publishing UK, #Netgalley and the author for my advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
October 29, 2023
Avid Reader
As always Lady Hardcastle and Florence save the day for the owner of the Grange, but the true culprits truly had them chasing their tails. Then, of course, there was a red herring that threw them off, and the readers as well. As we say, "I didn't see that one coming!" There were actually two thefts. We also have a treasure hunt, A bicycle race, and a murder. You will be exhausted by the time the book ends.
As always Lady Hardcastle and Florence save the day for the owner of the Grange, but the true culprits truly had them chasing their tails. Then, of course, there was a red herring that threw them off, and the readers as well. As we say, "I didn't see that one coming!" There were actually two thefts. We also have a treasure hunt, A bicycle race, and a murder. You will be exhausted by the time the book ends.
September 17, 2023
Listened to this and it was good fun. Two Victorian ladies who were former spies and just happen to get caught up in murder and nefarious shenanigans in their small town.
November 24, 2023
I loved being reunited with Emily & Flo in this excellent installment of the Lady Hardcastle mystery series 🫶🏻
May 15, 2024
Another fun Lady Hardcastle mystery narrated by the incomparable Elizabeth Knowelden. Recommended to those who enjoy clean mysteries.
April 24, 2025
3.75 stars
March 28, 2024
Excellent as always. Would love a TV series of these two fantastic characters
October 13, 2024
Absolutely one of my most favorite series to read. Flo and Lady Hardcastle are utterly delightful
July 3, 2024
I love the little village and the people that are part of this story. There are a lot of red herrings in the story but just go with it and enjoy. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are such a great pair. They seem like the kind of people you would want to get to know. Another good part to the series.
September 12, 2023
2023 book 258. Another well done story in the tales of Lady Hardcastle. I just read through the entire series again and was restless waiting for the sequel when it popped up. A fire, theft of artworks, hidden treasure - this book has it all, including the return of many of our friends and meeting an old friend of Miss Armstrongs. Well done!
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