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Miss Clara Vale Mysteries #2
The Pantomime Murders
Someone is killing fairy godmothers in Cinderella... Can Miss Clara Vale crack the case before the clock strikes twelve?
1929, December: Snow is falling, and Miss Clara Vale is wrapped up against the cold as she braves the icy streets of Newcastle in her latest investigation.
When a young actress from the touring pantomime of Cinderella arrives at her door, Clara isn't sure what to make of her request. Sybil Langford, the legendary fairy godmother in their production, has mysteriously vanished. Could Clara help track her down?
But a few days into Clara's search, Sybil's body is pulled from an icy river, and Clara finds herself in the middle of yet another murder mystery.
With scheming stepsisters waiting in the wings, handsome princes who aren't all they seem, and clues as elusive as glass slippers, Clara will need every one of her scientific skills to catch the killer...
And when Sybil's replacement meets her own tragic end, Clara is in a race against time before the murderer sends a third cast member to their unhappily ever after...
1929, December: Snow is falling, and Miss Clara Vale is wrapped up against the cold as she braves the icy streets of Newcastle in her latest investigation.
When a young actress from the touring pantomime of Cinderella arrives at her door, Clara isn't sure what to make of her request. Sybil Langford, the legendary fairy godmother in their production, has mysteriously vanished. Could Clara help track her down?
But a few days into Clara's search, Sybil's body is pulled from an icy river, and Clara finds herself in the middle of yet another murder mystery.
With scheming stepsisters waiting in the wings, handsome princes who aren't all they seem, and clues as elusive as glass slippers, Clara will need every one of her scientific skills to catch the killer...
And when Sybil's replacement meets her own tragic end, Clara is in a race against time before the murderer sends a third cast member to their unhappily ever after...
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2023
540 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
October 22, 2023
This is an enjoyable and well-researched historical crime novel, set in Northern England in 1929, and the second in a series. If you haven't read the first, however, don't worry, the author updates the new reader in an easy manner, avoiding those pages of backstory which can be irritating to the reader who is already familiar with it.
Clara Vale, private detective, has inherited her business from her uncle and, having already successfully solved a murder or two, is ready to embark on new cases. She finds two clients, a dancer whose friend and mentor has disappeared after a pantomime performance in York, and the prestigious Fenwicks department store in Newcastle, who have suffered from a spate of shoplifting. The latter brings with it the useful perk of jujitsu training!
Clara is very much the modern woman, too young to have been a Suffragette, but just old enough to have benefited from the changes they have helped to bring about. She has a degree from Oxford (so she's one of that league of new and unfortunately-named "graduettes") and a laboratory in the basement where she can develop photographs and conduct analyses, so she's well-qualified, if lacking experience, and, of course, has to fight her corner with prejudice from policemen and pathologists. Luckily, though, she has a friend in Dr Charlie Malone, who allows her to observe and assist in her first post-mortem, and the local Inspector Hawkes is at least tolerant of her involvement in crime cases, if not exactly overjoyed at the prospect.
The action alternates between York and Newcastle, conveniently close since Clara can drive herself back and forth. She's a very capable young woman, though her efficiency slips a bit when her mother, sister and all her sister's children fetch up on her doorstep on Christmas Eve. Of course, her family doesn't approve of her independence, or the way she lives alone without servants. Disastrously, it looks as if they might be there to stay, which could be very inconvenient indeed.
Being a stickler, I checked on some of the author's use of words which felt as if they might be too modern - I might quibble at the use of "predator" in the human sense, for instance, but it had been used in the 1920s, even if it wasn't common parlance until the '80s. I hope the formatting will be sorted out before the final e-version (my ARC was a PDF, which had some issues which will transfer if not tidied up) but again, I am quibbling somewhat, as I've seen much worse and it's not bad enough to interfere seriously with reading. One or two grammatical errors could be cleared out at the same time, and it would be nice if Clara's family titles could be corrected (it's easy to check aristocratic titles and their correct forms with Debretts online). A good copy-editor should have sorted all of this out.
Having quibbled, this promises be an excellent series. I fully intend to go back and read the first, The Picture House Murders, and will be on the lookout for more instalments. Clara may be overcoming prejudice against her sex a little too easily for the period, but a truly accurate depiction of that battle might prove to be too depressing for the reader. Let's just settle down and enjoy a cheerful version!
Clara Vale, private detective, has inherited her business from her uncle and, having already successfully solved a murder or two, is ready to embark on new cases. She finds two clients, a dancer whose friend and mentor has disappeared after a pantomime performance in York, and the prestigious Fenwicks department store in Newcastle, who have suffered from a spate of shoplifting. The latter brings with it the useful perk of jujitsu training!
Clara is very much the modern woman, too young to have been a Suffragette, but just old enough to have benefited from the changes they have helped to bring about. She has a degree from Oxford (so she's one of that league of new and unfortunately-named "graduettes") and a laboratory in the basement where she can develop photographs and conduct analyses, so she's well-qualified, if lacking experience, and, of course, has to fight her corner with prejudice from policemen and pathologists. Luckily, though, she has a friend in Dr Charlie Malone, who allows her to observe and assist in her first post-mortem, and the local Inspector Hawkes is at least tolerant of her involvement in crime cases, if not exactly overjoyed at the prospect.
The action alternates between York and Newcastle, conveniently close since Clara can drive herself back and forth. She's a very capable young woman, though her efficiency slips a bit when her mother, sister and all her sister's children fetch up on her doorstep on Christmas Eve. Of course, her family doesn't approve of her independence, or the way she lives alone without servants. Disastrously, it looks as if they might be there to stay, which could be very inconvenient indeed.
Being a stickler, I checked on some of the author's use of words which felt as if they might be too modern - I might quibble at the use of "predator" in the human sense, for instance, but it had been used in the 1920s, even if it wasn't common parlance until the '80s. I hope the formatting will be sorted out before the final e-version (my ARC was a PDF, which had some issues which will transfer if not tidied up) but again, I am quibbling somewhat, as I've seen much worse and it's not bad enough to interfere seriously with reading. One or two grammatical errors could be cleared out at the same time, and it would be nice if Clara's family titles could be corrected (it's easy to check aristocratic titles and their correct forms with Debretts online). A good copy-editor should have sorted all of this out.
Having quibbled, this promises be an excellent series. I fully intend to go back and read the first, The Picture House Murders, and will be on the lookout for more instalments. Clara may be overcoming prejudice against her sex a little too easily for the period, but a truly accurate depiction of that battle might prove to be too depressing for the reader. Let's just settle down and enjoy a cheerful version!
November 20, 2024
Still fun :)
December 7, 2023
The second story in a series of Miss Clara Vale taking over her uncle’s detective agency in 1929.
Set in the theatre a production of Cinderella is beset by murder.
It’s great to see Clara investigating using her own skills developed working for her uncle. In a time, women were not taken seriously she puts herself in danger to prove her case.
A great read you will be waiting for the next in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher, Embla Books) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Set in the theatre a production of Cinderella is beset by murder.
It’s great to see Clara investigating using her own skills developed working for her uncle. In a time, women were not taken seriously she puts herself in danger to prove her case.
A great read you will be waiting for the next in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher, Embla Books) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
January 3, 2025
very well done cozy
February 15, 2024
This second book in the "Clara Vale" series opens with the vanishing of Sybil Langford, the actress playing the Fairy Godmother in a pantomime. A much younger actress in the troupe, Peggy Rose, is referred to Clara by Juju, Clara's friend and business neighbour.
Sybil Langford’s body turns up some days afterwards, and her replacement also dies, leaving Clara with a more complex case than she anticipated. It leads her to a store's perfume department, where she gets an education in working security, and discovers her case has scheming actors, and a possible tie to smugglers. And to top things off, an oily Jack Danskin involves himself in the case, too.
This was another enjoyable entry in this series. Clara continues to grow as an investigator, and even gains a secretary out of the situation.
I was particularly amused when Clara’s mother, sister and her children arrived unexpectedly on Christmas Eve because of the families' financial difficulties because of the evolving financial crash. Her mother and sister have always looked down on Clara’s need for independence, and to find themselves having to rely on her was no doubt galling to Clara's mother. Though, Clara and her sister gain a better understanding of each other, which was welcome.
Clara continues to build her case files solidly so the police cannot dismiss her conclusions. Her use of photography, fingerprinting, and chemical analysis is innovative to the police she must deal with, but do lend her solutions extra credibility when they lead to the killer.
I again enjoyed this book, and look forward to more in this series
Thank you to Netgalley and to Embla Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Sybil Langford’s body turns up some days afterwards, and her replacement also dies, leaving Clara with a more complex case than she anticipated. It leads her to a store's perfume department, where she gets an education in working security, and discovers her case has scheming actors, and a possible tie to smugglers. And to top things off, an oily Jack Danskin involves himself in the case, too.
This was another enjoyable entry in this series. Clara continues to grow as an investigator, and even gains a secretary out of the situation.
I was particularly amused when Clara’s mother, sister and her children arrived unexpectedly on Christmas Eve because of the families' financial difficulties because of the evolving financial crash. Her mother and sister have always looked down on Clara’s need for independence, and to find themselves having to rely on her was no doubt galling to Clara's mother. Though, Clara and her sister gain a better understanding of each other, which was welcome.
Clara continues to build her case files solidly so the police cannot dismiss her conclusions. Her use of photography, fingerprinting, and chemical analysis is innovative to the police she must deal with, but do lend her solutions extra credibility when they lead to the killer.
I again enjoyed this book, and look forward to more in this series
Thank you to Netgalley and to Embla Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
November 25, 2023
After having listened to the audiobook of the first in this series and absolutely loving it, I just had to get my grubby little mitts on the second one and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. If you haven't read or listened to the first one, don't worry, this can easily be read as a standalone but I would recommend it.
Set in December 1929, the story follows Clara as she continues to get used to major changes in her life having inherited a detective agency from her late uncle. Having already become embroiled and helped to solve a couple of murders, she now finds herself with two more cases to solve; a spate of thefts occurring at a department store and the disappearance of the fairy godmother from the Cinderella pantomime cast.
Both cases provide a host of characters from all different walks of life and bring with them a snapshot into the social norms and conditions of the time which is enlightening. Clara is a strong and independent woman which is a challenge in 1920's Britain where women are mostly seen as feckless and only good for marriage and having children - Clara is most definitely not in that group and she is not afraid to challenge this perception sometimes to her peril.
With a great plot and sub plot, written at a good pace and with excellent characters - I can't wait to see how Clara and her new assistant Bella, work together on future cases. This is a really good cozy murder mystery which is perfect for people who prefer a more genteel read rather than the in-your-face all violence and action of other murder mystery books.
Thank you to the author, Embla Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this latest outing from Miss Clara Vale.
Set in December 1929, the story follows Clara as she continues to get used to major changes in her life having inherited a detective agency from her late uncle. Having already become embroiled and helped to solve a couple of murders, she now finds herself with two more cases to solve; a spate of thefts occurring at a department store and the disappearance of the fairy godmother from the Cinderella pantomime cast.
Both cases provide a host of characters from all different walks of life and bring with them a snapshot into the social norms and conditions of the time which is enlightening. Clara is a strong and independent woman which is a challenge in 1920's Britain where women are mostly seen as feckless and only good for marriage and having children - Clara is most definitely not in that group and she is not afraid to challenge this perception sometimes to her peril.
With a great plot and sub plot, written at a good pace and with excellent characters - I can't wait to see how Clara and her new assistant Bella, work together on future cases. This is a really good cozy murder mystery which is perfect for people who prefer a more genteel read rather than the in-your-face all violence and action of other murder mystery books.
Thank you to the author, Embla Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this latest outing from Miss Clara Vale.
November 28, 2023
December1929 and Miss Clara Vale is wrapped up against the cold as she braves the icy streets of Newcastle in her latest investigation. When Peggy a young actress from a touring theatre company, Clara isn't sure what to make of her request. Sybil Langford, the legendary fairy godmother in their production of Cinderella, mysteriously vanished whilst the company were in York. Clara is tasked with finding her. But a few days later, Sybil's body is pulled from the River Ouse, and Clara finds herself in the middle of yet another murder mystery. When Sybil's replacement meets her own tragic end, Clara is in a race against time before the murderer sends a third cast member to their unhappily ever after.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. Another well written book, the characters are well portrayed & have depth. I really like Clara & how her character is evolving, she’s an intelligent, smart woman determined to make a success of the investigative business her Uncle Bob left her. She is supported by a strong cast of secondary characters, in this book we meet Betty who becomes Clara’s assistant. The case is interesting & things aren’t straight forward with twists, turns & red herrings. I was kept guessing about the villains but did work out part of the mystery. I look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. Another well written book, the characters are well portrayed & have depth. I really like Clara & how her character is evolving, she’s an intelligent, smart woman determined to make a success of the investigative business her Uncle Bob left her. She is supported by a strong cast of secondary characters, in this book we meet Betty who becomes Clara’s assistant. The case is interesting & things aren’t straight forward with twists, turns & red herrings. I was kept guessing about the villains but did work out part of the mystery. I look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 22, 2025
Set in England in December 1929 Clara takes on a job as a undercover shopper to help catch a thief and when an actress goes missing from a local theatre Clara sets to investigate. I have to say I really enjoying Clara’s character she comes from a wealthy family yet she is striking out on her own to use her scientist skills and her uncle’s private investigation firm to create her own path in life. There was lots to hold my interest in this story and I look forward to Clara’s next adventure.
January 6, 2024
Another fun mystery in the Clara Vale series. Clara is a private investigator, a rare thing for a lady in 1929. She finds herself in the midst of a travelling pantomime when Cinderella's Fairy Godmother is found dead, swiftly followed by a second murder. Poisonings, jewel theft, adulterous spouses and clandestine activities abound in this whodunnit mystery. I loved this one as much as the first. #thepantomimemurders #fionaveitchsmith #claravale #emblabooks
November 28, 2023
Another cracking mystery in the Midd Clara Vale series from Fiona Veitch-Smith. I’m loving following Clara and her development as a character and detective. Her no nonsense attitude is one to admire and in a world full of misogyny, she stands up tall for what she believes in. Her relationship with Charlie developed in this story and I love how they worked together - Uncle Bob would be proud of both of them. A clever who-dunnit putting the strength of the female characters to the fore again. Just great
December 26, 2023
Fiona Veitch Smith's novels are always an entertaining read as they're well written and the FMC is clever and never reckless.
I'm loving this series and this is a festive and well plotted historical mystery. it's solid and full of surprising twists
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I'm loving this series and this is a festive and well plotted historical mystery. it's solid and full of surprising twists
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 20, 2024
Loved the next installment in our suffragette detective chronicles 😆.
Bella is a wonderful addition to our motley crew. I can’t wait to learn more about her. Worth waiting to get the audiobook for this one to hear her Geordie accent. Since my relatives are from Newcastle, this could’ve been me in another life.
Hyped for book 3.
Bella is a wonderful addition to our motley crew. I can’t wait to learn more about her. Worth waiting to get the audiobook for this one to hear her Geordie accent. Since my relatives are from Newcastle, this could’ve been me in another life.
Hyped for book 3.
October 28, 2025
Pleased as punch to find that, just as Clara grew as a detective in book 2, so did Smith grow as a writer. My only qualm with book 1 was that the mystery was solved via the age-old cliché of murderer confession. Book 2--a much more satisfactory representation of the detective observing "human psychology."
Reader (and writer) take note: I am a harsh critic... I rarely give 5 stars (and even more rarely bother to remind of that.) A 4-star mystery is all but as good as you're gonna get.
READ MISS CLARA VALE.
Reader (and writer) take note: I am a harsh critic... I rarely give 5 stars (and even more rarely bother to remind of that.) A 4-star mystery is all but as good as you're gonna get.
READ MISS CLARA VALE.
November 29, 2023
Panto's always a good time for all--except when the fairy godmother turns up dead! "The Pantomime Murders" by Fiona Veitch Smith is the second book in a cozy historical mystery series featuring private detective Clara Vale. Clara is first brought in to try and find where the actress whose career is on the downslope, playing the fairy godmother has disappeared. At the same time, Clara takes on what she thinks will be a simple job of finding out who's stealing from the local department store. This is all while Clara has to deal with Victorian and Edwardian (it's 1929-many of the characters grew up during those reigns) viewpoints on whether young ladies should be working as private detectives.
There are enough twists and turns, blind alleys, "gotcha" moments, and tangential touches from all three storylines (yes, there's a third storyline!) to keep the reader wondering what will happen next.
"The Pantomime Murders" is the second book in the Clara Vale series, and there are enough references to the investigation and characters in the first book to allow anyone who hasn't read the first book to fill in all the details needed.
The Pantomime Murders" : four stars
There are enough twists and turns, blind alleys, "gotcha" moments, and tangential touches from all three storylines (yes, there's a third storyline!) to keep the reader wondering what will happen next.
"The Pantomime Murders" is the second book in the Clara Vale series, and there are enough references to the investigation and characters in the first book to allow anyone who hasn't read the first book to fill in all the details needed.
The Pantomime Murders" : four stars
September 18, 2024
Surprised I managed to finish it.
Annoying.
Entitled.
Repetitive.
Ridiculous.
Annoying.
Entitled.
Repetitive.
Ridiculous.
September 8, 2025
Another good book from Fiona with a lot of original research going into it. Highly recommended.
October 6, 2024
Ce deuxième tome me confirme que j'adore cette série. Clara est tellement chouette, intelligente, organisée, les pieds sur terre mais aussi passionnée et gentille.
Évidemment, je ne suis pas tellement dans l'ambiance parce que cette histoire se passe à Noël et qu'il fait actuellement 27° à 18:45 un dimanche soir mais au moins, vous savez que c'est une lecture parfaite pour le CWC!
J'ai hâte de lire la suite et c'est tellement dommage que ça ne soit pas encore traduit en français...
Évidemment, je ne suis pas tellement dans l'ambiance parce que cette histoire se passe à Noël et qu'il fait actuellement 27° à 18:45 un dimanche soir mais au moins, vous savez que c'est une lecture parfaite pour le CWC!
J'ai hâte de lire la suite et c'est tellement dommage que ça ne soit pas encore traduit en français...
November 19, 2023
This second book in the Clara Vale series was the first I’’d read, although I had enjoyed the author’s Poppy Denby series. Clara this time braves a northern English winter to try to solve disappearances and murders linked to a traveling pantomime performance, while also taking on a shoplifting case that brings her into contact with acquaintances old and new. The book is well-written and worked without having read the first. Clara is a strong main character, and the side characters are believable and engaging. The mystery itself is well plotted. Lots of loose ends to be picked up in future books, including how the financial crash of the late 1920s will play out for Clara’s obnoxious family. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2024
In the 2nd of the Clara Vale mysteries, we experience Christmas in England in 1929, as Miss Vale navigates two separate cases while still learning the detective business that she inherited from her uncle. In one she must find out who is shoplifting at a department store, and in the other, she is hired by a traveling pantomime actor to find the missing Cinderella’s Godmother. Further setting the scene is an impromptu visit from her family as some of the issues from the US stock market crash start to have effects in England and Europe.
I enjoyed many of the female characters in the book. Clara is plucky and determined, her eventual sidekick is brave, strong and funny. Clara’s family members are different than you might expect. The male characters are less fleshed out and are either dismissive of her as a woman or paternalistically tolerant.
The author spends a lot of time having Clara go over clues and timelines in her thoughts, charting it out on paper, talking it over with others, etc. A lot of time, often with nothing new to add. Covering the same information multiple times became a little boring. Ultimately the mystery was pretty convoluted, and I’m not sure it worked very well. We never did find out what happened with one of the major suspects at the end or if he was truly involved.
My favorite part overall was the timeframe and setting. The author clearly did some research, and I enjoyed the clothes, houses, and jargon of the day.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed many of the female characters in the book. Clara is plucky and determined, her eventual sidekick is brave, strong and funny. Clara’s family members are different than you might expect. The male characters are less fleshed out and are either dismissive of her as a woman or paternalistically tolerant.
The author spends a lot of time having Clara go over clues and timelines in her thoughts, charting it out on paper, talking it over with others, etc. A lot of time, often with nothing new to add. Covering the same information multiple times became a little boring. Ultimately the mystery was pretty convoluted, and I’m not sure it worked very well. We never did find out what happened with one of the major suspects at the end or if he was truly involved.
My favorite part overall was the timeframe and setting. The author clearly did some research, and I enjoyed the clothes, houses, and jargon of the day.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2024
This is the second book in the series featuring Clara Vale, who although from a wealthy family is determined to make her own way in the world, without financial help from her family. Or from her mother who only wants to find her a suitable husband. Equipped with her Oxford degree in chemistry Clara seeks to find a job in the world of science, but it is 1929 and she quickly discovers that it’s a male dominated one.
The sudden death of her uncle Bob and the news that he has left her his house and money opens up a future for Clara. He has also she discovers left her his detective agency and most wonderful of all his house has a laboratory. And so, Clara sets off from London to a new life in the north of England.
We take up her story as she reads through her uncle’s files and the still open cases. Several she contacts to advise them that Wallace Enquiry Agency is now Vale investigation. Several have already moved to other investigators. One informing her that he ‘would never in a million years employ a lady detective’. This leaves one remaining case, shoplifting in Fenwick’s Department store. When she meets with Mr Carlton the manager, he is happy to employ her, but informs her that he has undercover workers trained by Jack Danskin. Clara has had dealing before with the slippery Jack Danskin and she doesn’t trust him. Although he does have an attractive smile.
Her second case materialises via her friend Juji, who introduces to her Peggy Rose who is in the chorus of Cinderella, the touring Christmas pantomime. The fairy Godmother is being played by the famous actress Sybil Langford, who has mysteriously disappeared. With the snow falling and the streets icy she left the theatre still in her fairy Godmother costume with just her bag and wand. Please can you find her asked Peggy?
As Clara starts her investigation she comes up against prejudice, spite, secrets and lots of chauvinism. But then she is used to that, and she ignores it and ploughs on. Sadly, the missing person case ends abruptly when Sybil’s body is pulled from the river. But now has a murder to solve? Or maybe two, as the second fairy Godmother who took over the part also comes to a tragic end.
I loved how Clara was always ready, and as soon as saw anything that might be pertinent to her investigation, out of her bag came her fingerprinting equipment. Of course, the police are not overly impressed with her interference. Particularly DCI Bradshaw. But DCI Sandy Hawkes maybe mellowing towards her. She does have one thing in her favour and that is her friendship with her uncle Bob’s close friend pathologist Dr Charlie Malone.
Christmas Eve, 3,45pm and Clara is looking forward to a rest on 25th of December, when rounding the bend to home she sees a pile of luggage, two women and four children; The family have arrived unexpectedly, and uninvited. Lady Vanessa Vale wanting to know why the butler hasn’t answered the door. It goes down hill from there. What time does your cook arrive? It took time to explain. I have NO servants, mother. Oh! dear.
The Wall Street crash of 1929, impacted on many people. Particularly those of the upper classes who invested in all sorts if schemes. Clara leans that her father had not only invested unwisely but had borrowed money to do so. They have lost all three of their houses.
I loved this clever and ingeniously plotted book. The characterisation is marvellous. I was completely caught up in the mystery and I couldn’t put it down. I am so looking forward to the next instalment in Clara’s life. Most highly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
The sudden death of her uncle Bob and the news that he has left her his house and money opens up a future for Clara. He has also she discovers left her his detective agency and most wonderful of all his house has a laboratory. And so, Clara sets off from London to a new life in the north of England.
We take up her story as she reads through her uncle’s files and the still open cases. Several she contacts to advise them that Wallace Enquiry Agency is now Vale investigation. Several have already moved to other investigators. One informing her that he ‘would never in a million years employ a lady detective’. This leaves one remaining case, shoplifting in Fenwick’s Department store. When she meets with Mr Carlton the manager, he is happy to employ her, but informs her that he has undercover workers trained by Jack Danskin. Clara has had dealing before with the slippery Jack Danskin and she doesn’t trust him. Although he does have an attractive smile.
Her second case materialises via her friend Juji, who introduces to her Peggy Rose who is in the chorus of Cinderella, the touring Christmas pantomime. The fairy Godmother is being played by the famous actress Sybil Langford, who has mysteriously disappeared. With the snow falling and the streets icy she left the theatre still in her fairy Godmother costume with just her bag and wand. Please can you find her asked Peggy?
As Clara starts her investigation she comes up against prejudice, spite, secrets and lots of chauvinism. But then she is used to that, and she ignores it and ploughs on. Sadly, the missing person case ends abruptly when Sybil’s body is pulled from the river. But now has a murder to solve? Or maybe two, as the second fairy Godmother who took over the part also comes to a tragic end.
I loved how Clara was always ready, and as soon as saw anything that might be pertinent to her investigation, out of her bag came her fingerprinting equipment. Of course, the police are not overly impressed with her interference. Particularly DCI Bradshaw. But DCI Sandy Hawkes maybe mellowing towards her. She does have one thing in her favour and that is her friendship with her uncle Bob’s close friend pathologist Dr Charlie Malone.
Christmas Eve, 3,45pm and Clara is looking forward to a rest on 25th of December, when rounding the bend to home she sees a pile of luggage, two women and four children; The family have arrived unexpectedly, and uninvited. Lady Vanessa Vale wanting to know why the butler hasn’t answered the door. It goes down hill from there. What time does your cook arrive? It took time to explain. I have NO servants, mother. Oh! dear.
The Wall Street crash of 1929, impacted on many people. Particularly those of the upper classes who invested in all sorts if schemes. Clara leans that her father had not only invested unwisely but had borrowed money to do so. They have lost all three of their houses.
I loved this clever and ingeniously plotted book. The characterisation is marvellous. I was completely caught up in the mystery and I couldn’t put it down. I am so looking forward to the next instalment in Clara’s life. Most highly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
October 31, 2023
It’s December 1929. The fairy godmother from the pantomime vanishes into the night after her last performance in York, still wearing her sparkly dress and carrying her sparkly wand. When the show picks up a week later in Newcasttle, she’s been replaced and it turns out she resigned by telegram. Nobody has seen her and the request to send her effects from her theatrical boarding house also came by telegram. A concerned cast-mate hires Clara, a determined distance swimmer and private inquiry agent to find the missing actress.
Two books ago, Clara inherited the detective agency belonging to her late Uncle Bob, and is still learning the ropes. Her mother, Lady Vanessa, hates that she's running the detective agency instead of getting married to someone suitable (read noble), and that she also inherited a Georgian townhouse (complete with a forensic laboratory and a file collection of her uncle’s most bizarre cases). She's functionally independent and in no rush to give up her financial freedom. With plenty to prove to the various police inspectors and potential clients she encounters, Clara works long hours and tackles her new challenges with verve and ingenuity. A side plot about a shoplifting ring brings her a useful new assistant.
This complicated case is embedded in the now-vanished world of constantly touring theatrical companies, their rivalries and alliances, their succession of temporary boarding houses. The quotes from an extant 1929 play script of Cinderella are sure to please theatre historians. There are plenty of tourist touchstones around historical Newcastle as well as a few day trips to York by train. The mystery is a curious one, the science and detection tools are approximately appropriate to the state of knowledge at the time.
The Pantomime Murders has all the elements of an enjoyable 1920s Christmas crime albeit with fewer flappers and less gin, with a strong undercurrent early feminism. However, the first half is weighed down by Clara's repetitive thinking through her next steps, then discussing the same next steps, then doing one or two next steps, then thinking through them again in between every step. Once you get past that, the mystery clips along believably with some nice touches of menacing atmosphere and a nice twist at the end.
Overall this is a satisfying historical Christmas crime novel, well rooted in the social, cultural, and financial history of 1929.
Two books ago, Clara inherited the detective agency belonging to her late Uncle Bob, and is still learning the ropes. Her mother, Lady Vanessa, hates that she's running the detective agency instead of getting married to someone suitable (read noble), and that she also inherited a Georgian townhouse (complete with a forensic laboratory and a file collection of her uncle’s most bizarre cases). She's functionally independent and in no rush to give up her financial freedom. With plenty to prove to the various police inspectors and potential clients she encounters, Clara works long hours and tackles her new challenges with verve and ingenuity. A side plot about a shoplifting ring brings her a useful new assistant.
This complicated case is embedded in the now-vanished world of constantly touring theatrical companies, their rivalries and alliances, their succession of temporary boarding houses. The quotes from an extant 1929 play script of Cinderella are sure to please theatre historians. There are plenty of tourist touchstones around historical Newcastle as well as a few day trips to York by train. The mystery is a curious one, the science and detection tools are approximately appropriate to the state of knowledge at the time.
The Pantomime Murders has all the elements of an enjoyable 1920s Christmas crime albeit with fewer flappers and less gin, with a strong undercurrent early feminism. However, the first half is weighed down by Clara's repetitive thinking through her next steps, then discussing the same next steps, then doing one or two next steps, then thinking through them again in between every step. Once you get past that, the mystery clips along believably with some nice touches of menacing atmosphere and a nice twist at the end.
Overall this is a satisfying historical Christmas crime novel, well rooted in the social, cultural, and financial history of 1929.
December 4, 2023
“The role of the fairy godmother in the Newcastle leg of the Starlight Players’ northern tour of Cinderella will be played by Miss Isobel Baxter. Miss Baxter will be waving the magic wand in the popular Christmas panto due to the sudden withdrawal of Miss Sybil Langford at the end of the York run.”
My thanks to Bonnier U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Pantomime Murders’ by Fiona Veitch Smith.
This is Book 2 in a new series of historical cosy mysteries set in the late 1920s. The lead is Miss Clara Vale, who in the summer of 1929 relocated to Newcastle after inheriting her uncle’s estate, including his private detective agency. She has now renamed the business Vale Investigations.
It is now December 1929 and the costumier, Miss Juju Levine brings Miss Peggy Rose, a dancer with the chorus at the Theatre Royal, to meet with Clara. Peggy is concerned about the whereabouts of Sybil Langford, the legendary fairy godmother in the production of Cinderella. She seems to have vanished after suddenly withdrawing from the pantomime and Peggy is concerned. Could Clara help track her down?
So it’s not long until Clara finds herself in the middle of another murder mystery. When the replacement fairy godmother meets a tragic end, the mystery deepens. Can Clara solve the case before another cast member is targeted?
Having enjoyed ‘The Picture House Murders’ last month, I was delighted to read this second outing for Clara. In it Fiona Veitch Smith had already noted the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and here she continues this by incorporating its impact upon the British economy and specifically upon Clara as well as her family in London as her father is in banking.
I enjoyed this very much and appreciated how the author highlighted Clara’s scientific background, bringing these skills to the investigation. It proved more than a simple whodunnit as the motivation behind the murders were skilfully revealed.
I am impressed with how well Fiona Veitch Smith portrays her period setting as well as building on Clara’s character along with her supporting cast.
Overall, I found ‘The Pantomime Murders’ a strong second novel in this entertaining new series of historical cosy mysteries. I also enjoyed its festive theme of the Christmas pantomimes.
The next book is due in May 2024, though having enjoyed these two books, I may well check out her Poppy Denby Investigates series that is also set in 1920s Britain.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
My thanks to Bonnier U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Pantomime Murders’ by Fiona Veitch Smith.
This is Book 2 in a new series of historical cosy mysteries set in the late 1920s. The lead is Miss Clara Vale, who in the summer of 1929 relocated to Newcastle after inheriting her uncle’s estate, including his private detective agency. She has now renamed the business Vale Investigations.
It is now December 1929 and the costumier, Miss Juju Levine brings Miss Peggy Rose, a dancer with the chorus at the Theatre Royal, to meet with Clara. Peggy is concerned about the whereabouts of Sybil Langford, the legendary fairy godmother in the production of Cinderella. She seems to have vanished after suddenly withdrawing from the pantomime and Peggy is concerned. Could Clara help track her down?
So it’s not long until Clara finds herself in the middle of another murder mystery. When the replacement fairy godmother meets a tragic end, the mystery deepens. Can Clara solve the case before another cast member is targeted?
Having enjoyed ‘The Picture House Murders’ last month, I was delighted to read this second outing for Clara. In it Fiona Veitch Smith had already noted the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and here she continues this by incorporating its impact upon the British economy and specifically upon Clara as well as her family in London as her father is in banking.
I enjoyed this very much and appreciated how the author highlighted Clara’s scientific background, bringing these skills to the investigation. It proved more than a simple whodunnit as the motivation behind the murders were skilfully revealed.
I am impressed with how well Fiona Veitch Smith portrays her period setting as well as building on Clara’s character along with her supporting cast.
Overall, I found ‘The Pantomime Murders’ a strong second novel in this entertaining new series of historical cosy mysteries. I also enjoyed its festive theme of the Christmas pantomimes.
The next book is due in May 2024, though having enjoyed these two books, I may well check out her Poppy Denby Investigates series that is also set in 1920s Britain.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
December 1, 2023
Although this is the second title in a series, this was my first encounter with Miss Clara Vale, and it was a pleasure making her acquaintance and joining her on her sleuthing adventures. Furthermore, I can safely say that this book can be read as a stand-alone story.
Historical mysteries with female leads don’t always work for me. All too often the story becomes a little absurd or over the top in order to allow the sleuth to investigate within the world she inhabits. I had no such qualms about Miss Clara Vale. While it was still (very) rare, women were allowed into colleges in England in 1929, so it is plausible that she would be a knowledgeable chemist. The fact that most but not all men she encounters disapprove of her chosen profession and way of life, and try to discourage her, also makes perfect sense but thankfully didn’t take over the story.
I enjoyed the multi-layered mysteries in this book. What starts of as a case of a missing pantomime leading lady soon turns into something a lot darker and more serious when she turns up dead. Clara Vale moves along with developments, adjusting her investigation to new discoveries as required and making good use of science, friends, and associates.
I have to admit that I figured a lot (but not all) of the mysteries in this book out for myself well before Clara and the police arrived at the same conclusions. That’s not a complaint, however. It just means that this is a true puzzle mystery in that the reader is given all the clues they need to solve the riddles.
This story is filled with interesting and well-portrayed characters. I like Miss Clare Vale. She is a smart, practical, and feisty woman who mostly manages to steer clear of stupid decisions. There is a vast cast of secondary characters in this book, and I liked that they were described just enough for them to play their assigned role in the story without turning into boring stereotypes. I’m especially fond of Clara’s new assistant Betty, and I’m looking forward to reading more about her.
Overall, The Pantomime Murders was a delightful surprise. Who could ask for more than a well-plotted mystery, featuring a fascinating main character, intriguing side characters, and a satisfying solution? Especially when it’s all served as a smooth and captivating read. I’ve got a feeling, I’ll be spending more time with Miss Clara Vale in the future.
Historical mysteries with female leads don’t always work for me. All too often the story becomes a little absurd or over the top in order to allow the sleuth to investigate within the world she inhabits. I had no such qualms about Miss Clara Vale. While it was still (very) rare, women were allowed into colleges in England in 1929, so it is plausible that she would be a knowledgeable chemist. The fact that most but not all men she encounters disapprove of her chosen profession and way of life, and try to discourage her, also makes perfect sense but thankfully didn’t take over the story.
I enjoyed the multi-layered mysteries in this book. What starts of as a case of a missing pantomime leading lady soon turns into something a lot darker and more serious when she turns up dead. Clara Vale moves along with developments, adjusting her investigation to new discoveries as required and making good use of science, friends, and associates.
I have to admit that I figured a lot (but not all) of the mysteries in this book out for myself well before Clara and the police arrived at the same conclusions. That’s not a complaint, however. It just means that this is a true puzzle mystery in that the reader is given all the clues they need to solve the riddles.
This story is filled with interesting and well-portrayed characters. I like Miss Clare Vale. She is a smart, practical, and feisty woman who mostly manages to steer clear of stupid decisions. There is a vast cast of secondary characters in this book, and I liked that they were described just enough for them to play their assigned role in the story without turning into boring stereotypes. I’m especially fond of Clara’s new assistant Betty, and I’m looking forward to reading more about her.
Overall, The Pantomime Murders was a delightful surprise. Who could ask for more than a well-plotted mystery, featuring a fascinating main character, intriguing side characters, and a satisfying solution? Especially when it’s all served as a smooth and captivating read. I’ve got a feeling, I’ll be spending more time with Miss Clara Vale in the future.
November 28, 2023
The Pantomime Murders by Fiona Leitch Smith takes place in England in 1929 at Christmas. Downstairs from Clara’s office lived her friends, Juju and her brother, Jonny, who also ran a costume shop. They were involved in a traveling production of Cinderella and asked her to come help a friend. The friend’s name was Peggy Rose. It would be Clara’s second job as she was currently working on a shoplifting problem in a local department store. Upon hearing from Peggy, she decided she could do both. Peggy was concerned about the star of the show, Sybil Langdon’s, disappearance. It took place in a different city so Clara would spend some time traveling, but she thought she could handle both, especially when she found someone to help with the shoplifting case. It had been only three months since she had inherited her uncle’s business and she felt she was getting the hang of it. She ran into lots of problems because she was a woman, but she was slowly coming to grips with those, as well. This missing actress case had her befuddled, but the shoplifting case was handled in a trice.
It turned out it was really two cases: theft and murder. It took Clara a while to figure that out. She was skeptical of the police and involving them too early as she had had bad experiences. She was a clever young woman and felt she had found her calling with this enquiry agency. The mystery was a good one and it took her a few days to figure it out, but she did. Her beau was in a care home still recovering from an injury. He and his brother were her accountants and were wanting to move her money out of the stock market following the crash which was sure to arrive in England before too long. They suggested real estate and that fact helped her to the solution. All-in-all, it was a good read. Lots of twists and turns and complications. The murder/theft mystery was a good one and the shoplifting mystery was solved almost immediately, involving a rather vulgar man who was a security officer at the store. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Pantomime Murders by Embla Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #FionaLeitchSmith #ThePantomimeMurders
It turned out it was really two cases: theft and murder. It took Clara a while to figure that out. She was skeptical of the police and involving them too early as she had had bad experiences. She was a clever young woman and felt she had found her calling with this enquiry agency. The mystery was a good one and it took her a few days to figure it out, but she did. Her beau was in a care home still recovering from an injury. He and his brother were her accountants and were wanting to move her money out of the stock market following the crash which was sure to arrive in England before too long. They suggested real estate and that fact helped her to the solution. All-in-all, it was a good read. Lots of twists and turns and complications. The murder/theft mystery was a good one and the shoplifting mystery was solved almost immediately, involving a rather vulgar man who was a security officer at the store. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Pantomime Murders by Embla Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #FionaLeitchSmith #ThePantomimeMurders
November 13, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Embla Books for an advance copy of The Pantomime Murders, the second novel to feature Newcastle based private detective Clara Vale, set in 1929.
Clara is asked to look into the mysterious disappearance of Sybil Langford, who was playing the fairy godmother in a touring production of Cinderella. She has made progress when Sybil’s body is found in the river and it looks like she is facing another murder enquiry, made more urgent when Sybil’s replacement also dies.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Pantomime Murders, which is a straightforward murder investigation in that it has a goal of solving the murders, how it gets there and the story it has to tell is much less straightforward.
The novel is told entirely from Clara’s point of view and that is both a blessing and a curse. It allows the reader to get immersed in the plot and events, but it also makes them more willing to rely on her interpretation and the author has a few tricks up her sleeve in that respect. It makes for an interesting read and a good sign for future novels as it is her newly engaged assistant, Bella Cuddy, who cuts through the peripherals and sets her on the right track.
I think that this series offers more than the standard historical cosy. There is an awareness of social conditions, like the limits on life that poverty brings and the way the rich are cosseted and more importantly the difficulties that women have in being anything but a wife and mother. Clara Vale is a trailblazer in women’s rights and the fight against the patriarchy (just kidding, but she does come up against a fair few misogynists).
The novel is well paced with plenty of developments and twists. It starts with a conundrum that gets deeper until more evidence comes to light. I was impressed by the plotting, which is more convoluted than the standard and has a neat solution.
The Pantomime Murders is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Clara is asked to look into the mysterious disappearance of Sybil Langford, who was playing the fairy godmother in a touring production of Cinderella. She has made progress when Sybil’s body is found in the river and it looks like she is facing another murder enquiry, made more urgent when Sybil’s replacement also dies.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Pantomime Murders, which is a straightforward murder investigation in that it has a goal of solving the murders, how it gets there and the story it has to tell is much less straightforward.
The novel is told entirely from Clara’s point of view and that is both a blessing and a curse. It allows the reader to get immersed in the plot and events, but it also makes them more willing to rely on her interpretation and the author has a few tricks up her sleeve in that respect. It makes for an interesting read and a good sign for future novels as it is her newly engaged assistant, Bella Cuddy, who cuts through the peripherals and sets her on the right track.
I think that this series offers more than the standard historical cosy. There is an awareness of social conditions, like the limits on life that poverty brings and the way the rich are cosseted and more importantly the difficulties that women have in being anything but a wife and mother. Clara Vale is a trailblazer in women’s rights and the fight against the patriarchy (just kidding, but she does come up against a fair few misogynists).
The novel is well paced with plenty of developments and twists. It starts with a conundrum that gets deeper until more evidence comes to light. I was impressed by the plotting, which is more convoluted than the standard and has a neat solution.
The Pantomime Murders is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 26, 2023
Newcastle upon Tyne, December 1929: Clara Vale has recently inherited a detective agency and house from her uncle, about 4 - 5 months previously. While many people have been hesitant to hire (or work with) a woman detective, she’s solved several cases. The book opens with her focused on closing out several cases her uncle started, the most recent one involving shoplifting at a local department store. As she starts investigating it, planning to go under cover, another case lands in her lap: a local actress has disappeared. She was playing the fairy godmother in Cinderella, and after the end of one performance, walked out, still wearing her sparkly costume and carrying her fairy wand. As Clara starts digging into both cases, she finds some new allies, including a male detective and a new female assistant.
There’s an interesting side plot dealing with the Great Depression and the collapse of the US Stock market. While her accountant has recommended diversifying her portfolio, apparently her father and brother-in-law weren’t as well advised, leading to an unplanned visit from her mother, her sister, and her sister’s four children.
This is the second book in the series, and I enjoyed it more than the first. The first felt too pessimistic, with too much highlighting of misogyny. There’s still some of that here, but there’s also a few scenes where Clara is reminded that it’s not always discrimination. In one scene, for example, Inspector Hawkes chides Clara that he’s not being dismissive because she’s a woman - he’s worked with female investigators before - but it’s because she only has four months of experience. I also liked the inclusion of her family and how her mother and sister are almost trapped by their lifestyle and reliance on servants, etc. I look forward to seeing how that subplot plays out in future books.
Recommended! I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com and that I voluntarily chose to review.
There’s an interesting side plot dealing with the Great Depression and the collapse of the US Stock market. While her accountant has recommended diversifying her portfolio, apparently her father and brother-in-law weren’t as well advised, leading to an unplanned visit from her mother, her sister, and her sister’s four children.
This is the second book in the series, and I enjoyed it more than the first. The first felt too pessimistic, with too much highlighting of misogyny. There’s still some of that here, but there’s also a few scenes where Clara is reminded that it’s not always discrimination. In one scene, for example, Inspector Hawkes chides Clara that he’s not being dismissive because she’s a woman - he’s worked with female investigators before - but it’s because she only has four months of experience. I also liked the inclusion of her family and how her mother and sister are almost trapped by their lifestyle and reliance on servants, etc. I look forward to seeing how that subplot plays out in future books.
Recommended! I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com and that I voluntarily chose to review.
November 6, 2023
This was a quite 'cute' mystery, without the thrill and suspense typically associated with a murder investigation. Clara is a private investigator, having inherited the business from her late uncle. Initially investigating a disappearance, which then becomes a murder, she vows to get to the bottom of it.
I found the book to be a slower pace than I would've liked, with a lot of filler scenes (I'm still not sure why her family's issues were included, for example). I also thought that a lot of lines of enquiry were investigated later than I would've expected. I was begging for more questions to be asked. The main suspects also seemed pretty obvious to me from the off, and it was overall hard to care that much. I liked some of the characters, and that there wasn't an inclusion of outright homophobia (eg remarks) but an acknowledgement of why it may be a secret to be gay. There was also a lot of dialogue written in accents which I don't typically enjoy as it pulls me out of the immersion and cheapens it for me.
I think this is a pretty easy book to read if you're interested in this type of mystery. It was overly Christmassy, and seemed to be set at Christmas just to say the investigation would take longer because of it (like how Die Hard is set at Christmas but isn't about it). I probably won't pick up any others from the series but there's no hard feelings. I prefer a lot more tension and stakes in my mystery's, but if you'd like something more casual then you'll probably like this book.
I found the book to be a slower pace than I would've liked, with a lot of filler scenes (I'm still not sure why her family's issues were included, for example). I also thought that a lot of lines of enquiry were investigated later than I would've expected. I was begging for more questions to be asked. The main suspects also seemed pretty obvious to me from the off, and it was overall hard to care that much. I liked some of the characters, and that there wasn't an inclusion of outright homophobia (eg remarks) but an acknowledgement of why it may be a secret to be gay. There was also a lot of dialogue written in accents which I don't typically enjoy as it pulls me out of the immersion and cheapens it for me.
I think this is a pretty easy book to read if you're interested in this type of mystery. It was overly Christmassy, and seemed to be set at Christmas just to say the investigation would take longer because of it (like how Die Hard is set at Christmas but isn't about it). I probably won't pick up any others from the series but there's no hard feelings. I prefer a lot more tension and stakes in my mystery's, but if you'd like something more casual then you'll probably like this book.
December 3, 2023
3.5 stars really.
After inheriting her Uncle’s detective agency, Clara Vale officially launches her career by investigating the mysterious deaths of two Fairy Godmothers in this festive crime novel set in 1929.
From the outset, the influence of the 1930s Golden Age of crime is clear. Being a huge fan of this time period, I was delighted by this. I liked the way history was woven into the story: the impact of the Wall Street crash, the recent opening of votes for all women etc. Vale struggles against the constraints of a society that still very firmly believes in a woman’s place being in the home and definitely not in the world of investigation.
If I’m honest, I wish that the whole story had focused just on the murder mystery. I found the shoplifting storyline distracting and awkwardly placed. It was almost as if Clara just needed a convenient place to meet Vella, then the whole mystery was rapidly resolved and never really mentioned again. It might have been better if there had been a way of tying the main storyline and the sub-plot together.
Another irritation for me were the occasional drawn out tangents where chemistry procedures were described in detail or Vale’s internal monologue on her theories of God, creation and science. They were well-written and thoroughly researched, but just didn’t seem to enhance the story at all and just seemed generally misplaced.
However, despite these minor drawbacks, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone looking for a cosy festive crime novel to keep warm with over the winter months.
After inheriting her Uncle’s detective agency, Clara Vale officially launches her career by investigating the mysterious deaths of two Fairy Godmothers in this festive crime novel set in 1929.
From the outset, the influence of the 1930s Golden Age of crime is clear. Being a huge fan of this time period, I was delighted by this. I liked the way history was woven into the story: the impact of the Wall Street crash, the recent opening of votes for all women etc. Vale struggles against the constraints of a society that still very firmly believes in a woman’s place being in the home and definitely not in the world of investigation.
If I’m honest, I wish that the whole story had focused just on the murder mystery. I found the shoplifting storyline distracting and awkwardly placed. It was almost as if Clara just needed a convenient place to meet Vella, then the whole mystery was rapidly resolved and never really mentioned again. It might have been better if there had been a way of tying the main storyline and the sub-plot together.
Another irritation for me were the occasional drawn out tangents where chemistry procedures were described in detail or Vale’s internal monologue on her theories of God, creation and science. They were well-written and thoroughly researched, but just didn’t seem to enhance the story at all and just seemed generally misplaced.
However, despite these minor drawbacks, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone looking for a cosy festive crime novel to keep warm with over the winter months.
December 11, 2023
I loved this book, set in 1929 York and Newcastle, surrounding the disappearance and murder of two Fairy Godmothers in the pantomime. Clara Vale is settling into her life as a private detective, and showing all the misogynists of her time that she is a force to be reckoned with! I feel Fiona Veitch Smith is at the top of her game and it can only get better from here (which I realise is a paradox)!
The author’s ingenious plotting, the way she navigates the personal dynamics between people, and also her lightness of touch, are all outstanding. Her new character Clara Vale is totally engaging, and I love the ease with which the author introduces new characters and develops those we already know and builds up their relationships with Clara. I wait with bated breath to find out what the devastatingly handsome but utterly slippery and untrustworthy Jack Danskin will do next, and what else he will wriggle out of!
In this, the second novel of the series, Clara reveals even more of her gift for detection, harnessing her knowledge of chemistry, alongside her own resourceful character. I love the way she handles people, and the compassion she shows along the way, coupled with her astuteness and pragmatism. For a contemporary woman reader it is sheer delight to see her coming through with the solution when she is not only up against the murderer, but also against those individuals who should really be on her side but are held back by their own prejudice and would try to restrain her purely because she is a woman in an overwhelmingly male line of business.
I felt sad to finish this book and immediately went back to read through the last couple of scenes once more so I could relish the final reveal again!
The author’s ingenious plotting, the way she navigates the personal dynamics between people, and also her lightness of touch, are all outstanding. Her new character Clara Vale is totally engaging, and I love the ease with which the author introduces new characters and develops those we already know and builds up their relationships with Clara. I wait with bated breath to find out what the devastatingly handsome but utterly slippery and untrustworthy Jack Danskin will do next, and what else he will wriggle out of!
In this, the second novel of the series, Clara reveals even more of her gift for detection, harnessing her knowledge of chemistry, alongside her own resourceful character. I love the way she handles people, and the compassion she shows along the way, coupled with her astuteness and pragmatism. For a contemporary woman reader it is sheer delight to see her coming through with the solution when she is not only up against the murderer, but also against those individuals who should really be on her side but are held back by their own prejudice and would try to restrain her purely because she is a woman in an overwhelmingly male line of business.
I felt sad to finish this book and immediately went back to read through the last couple of scenes once more so I could relish the final reveal again!
November 21, 2023
I had a hankering for a cozy Christmas mystery and this novel perfectly scratched that itch. The story is set in 1929 and stars Clara, a new private investigator in Newcastle, England. There’s a novel that precedes this one that I haven’t read, but the author, Fiona Veitch Smith, gives enough background detail that I never felt I’d missed something.
Clara’s primary job is to search for a missing woman, one of the stars of a traveling theater group, at the request of the woman’s friend. The story progresses with more questions than answers until a body is found. The stakes are high, the mystery is compelling, and the novel is as cozy as a warm cup of tea.
I thoroughly enjoyed Clara as a strong-willed female investigator. She has an out-of-the-box background, with a degree in chemistry at a time when most women only got married and had babies, but the historical setting means she’s not as crass as female leads can sometimes be. I also really enjoyed the historical tidbits scattered throughout the story. I was a little hung up on Clara’s investigative tactics, which sometimes blatantly broke the law. I think the antics she pulled would’ve both damaged her professional relationship with the police and made some evidence inadmissible in court. However, this is my first historical detective mystery; maybe that’s the norm for the genre. Overall, the story was fun and just what I was looking for. Five stars.
Clara’s primary job is to search for a missing woman, one of the stars of a traveling theater group, at the request of the woman’s friend. The story progresses with more questions than answers until a body is found. The stakes are high, the mystery is compelling, and the novel is as cozy as a warm cup of tea.
I thoroughly enjoyed Clara as a strong-willed female investigator. She has an out-of-the-box background, with a degree in chemistry at a time when most women only got married and had babies, but the historical setting means she’s not as crass as female leads can sometimes be. I also really enjoyed the historical tidbits scattered throughout the story. I was a little hung up on Clara’s investigative tactics, which sometimes blatantly broke the law. I think the antics she pulled would’ve both damaged her professional relationship with the police and made some evidence inadmissible in court. However, this is my first historical detective mystery; maybe that’s the norm for the genre. Overall, the story was fun and just what I was looking for. Five stars.
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