What do you think?
Rate this book
Mrs. Jeffries #21
Mrs. Jeffries Appeals the Verdict
GUILTY BYSTANDERS
After a perfectly decent local woman is killed during a robbery, the Witherspoon household receives a surprising visit from a stranger named Blimpey Groggins. He claims his best buddy was convicted of the crime. He also claims the peaceable chap didn’t even know how to fire a gun. And considering he’s to be hanged in three weeks, Blimpey’s desperate to find the real killer. With the trail cold, the crime allegedly solved, and the evidence mucked up, Mrs. Jeffries and her belowstairs cohorts have their work cut out for them if they want to save an innocent man from the gallows.
She keeps house for Inspector Witherspoon…and keeps him on his toes. Everyone’s awed by his Scotland Yard successes—but they don’t know about his secret weapon. No matter how messy the murder or how dirty the deed, Mrs. Jeffries’ polished detection skills are up to the task…proving that behind every great man there’s a woman—and that a crimesolver’s work is never done.
After a perfectly decent local woman is killed during a robbery, the Witherspoon household receives a surprising visit from a stranger named Blimpey Groggins. He claims his best buddy was convicted of the crime. He also claims the peaceable chap didn’t even know how to fire a gun. And considering he’s to be hanged in three weeks, Blimpey’s desperate to find the real killer. With the trail cold, the crime allegedly solved, and the evidence mucked up, Mrs. Jeffries and her belowstairs cohorts have their work cut out for them if they want to save an innocent man from the gallows.
She keeps house for Inspector Witherspoon…and keeps him on his toes. Everyone’s awed by his Scotland Yard successes—but they don’t know about his secret weapon. No matter how messy the murder or how dirty the deed, Mrs. Jeffries’ polished detection skills are up to the task…proving that behind every great man there’s a woman—and that a crimesolver’s work is never done.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 2, 2006
85 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Emily Brightwell
68 books542 followersCheryl Lanham was born on 11 October 1948 in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia, USA. Her family moved to Southern California in 1959 and she grew up in Pasadena. After graduating from California State University, she decided to work her way around the world and took off for England. She didn’t get much further because she met Richard James Arguile, the Englishman who became her husband, got married on May 1976, and had two children, Matthew and Amanda. While working in international shipping, she decided to pursue her dream and become a writer – which, of course, is the best job ever. She has written romance novels as Sarah Temple, and Young Adult novels as Cheryl Lanham. As Emily Brightwell, she is the author of the “Mrs. Jeffries” mysteries.
Cheryl Lanham Arguile returned to California, where she lives with her husband and a cranky old cat named Kiwi.
Cheryl Lanham Arguile returned to California, where she lives with her husband and a cranky old cat named Kiwi.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 17, 2019
I love how this author finds ways of writing that keeps her mysteries fresh and very "non-cookie-cutter". This one was different yet again. I always enjoy these books and have no problems recommending the books as stand alone or the series as a whole.
Wonderful cozy mystery!
Wonderful cozy mystery!
January 23, 2026
3.75⭐️
I never regret my time in a Mrs.Jeffries. I just love these characters so much.
In this one, one of Inspector Nivens’ cases is brought to the staff’s attention as the convicted man is scheduled to be hanged. However, there is some new evidence that causes the house staff to look into the details of the case a little deeper.
I never regret my time in a Mrs.Jeffries. I just love these characters so much.
In this one, one of Inspector Nivens’ cases is brought to the staff’s attention as the convicted man is scheduled to be hanged. However, there is some new evidence that causes the house staff to look into the details of the case a little deeper.
October 19, 2017
I enjoyed this break from the usual format. Smythe finds a desperate Blimpy, one of his main informants, needing him help. In this case, the trial is over, and a hanging is in the offing. Now, not only do they need to find the killer, they have to get their Inspector to reopen a closed case.
August 11, 2019
Another case that will keep you hooked til the end
Plenty of twists and turns to keep you wondering who, how and why..
Mr and Mrs Muran were robbed on a back street after a night out, he was coshed and survived the attack, she was shot twice and died at the scene. As it was labelled a robbery Inspector Niven got the case and when Mr Muran's watch surfaces a while later in a pawnbrokers the owner has no hesitation in fingering in Tommy O'Dell for the crime.
O'Dell swears he took the watch much earlier in the day but Niven seeing his opportunity to "solve" a murder fails to investigate and ignores the evidence.
This time Smythe's friend and supplier of information, Blimpey Goggins, is asking him for help.. Blimpey is positive Tommy's innocent.. a pickpocket he maybe but not a murderer.
Caroline Muran ran her family business as the sole remaining heir. Concerned more about her workers than huge profits who could possibly want her dead?
With Tommy's conviction and sentence, can anyone help him avoid the long drop? Will there be justice for Caroline?
Mrs Jeffries isn't sure how to persuade Inspector Witherspoon to take a look. But when Niven starts bragging and goading Witherspoon and Constable Barnes, and a stranger appears to raise Chief Inspector Barrow's interest in the case she doesn't have to worry.. with Niven on the warpath and only a short amount of time can they finally find the culprit..
Plenty of twists and turns to keep you wondering who, how and why..
Mr and Mrs Muran were robbed on a back street after a night out, he was coshed and survived the attack, she was shot twice and died at the scene. As it was labelled a robbery Inspector Niven got the case and when Mr Muran's watch surfaces a while later in a pawnbrokers the owner has no hesitation in fingering in Tommy O'Dell for the crime.
O'Dell swears he took the watch much earlier in the day but Niven seeing his opportunity to "solve" a murder fails to investigate and ignores the evidence.
This time Smythe's friend and supplier of information, Blimpey Goggins, is asking him for help.. Blimpey is positive Tommy's innocent.. a pickpocket he maybe but not a murderer.
Caroline Muran ran her family business as the sole remaining heir. Concerned more about her workers than huge profits who could possibly want her dead?
With Tommy's conviction and sentence, can anyone help him avoid the long drop? Will there be justice for Caroline?
Mrs Jeffries isn't sure how to persuade Inspector Witherspoon to take a look. But when Niven starts bragging and goading Witherspoon and Constable Barnes, and a stranger appears to raise Chief Inspector Barrow's interest in the case she doesn't have to worry.. with Niven on the warpath and only a short amount of time can they finally find the culprit..
September 26, 2023
A little scary with threats from Nivens and a poor guy getting convicted of a murder he didn't commit. Neither the characters nor I could tell where this was going because the logistics were so different from usual. The inspector doesn't have this case. The conviction has already been made. The murder was months before. I really enjoyed being along with the team as they worked to get poor Tommy O'Dell set free, although I wasn't sure how he could be set free when he was guilty of theft, if nothing more.
January 10, 2021
Great cozy audio
July 15, 2023
Pretty good. Easy reading. Simple plot.
February 8, 2015
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
June 5, 2018
I love this series! This is my go to series and Mrs Jeffries never disappoints. This is book 21 and I’ve read most of them. This time the household is trying to save a lad from hanging and they worry they will not have enough time to suss out the real killer.
June 21, 2020
Blimpey Groggans shows up in Inspector Witherspoon's kitchen. The Inspector is not there, but his servants are. They are the ones Blimpey wants to see. He knows that the servants, led by housekeeper Mrs Jeffries, help the Inspector solve his murders cases. The Inspector doesn't know he's receiving help, but Blimpey does. Smythe, the Inspectors coachman, has used Blimpey Groggins' services as a "purveyor of information," to find out all kinds of facts about suspects. Now Blimpey needs their help. Young Tommy Odell has been convicted of the murder of Caroline Muran, local factory owner. The night she was shot, her husband was coshed over the head and had his pocket watch stolen. Tommy was arrested when he tried to pawn the watch. Blimey explains to Mrs Jeffries and servants that Tommy is a pickpocket, not a murderer. He picked Kevin Muran's pocket hours before he and his wife were attacked. Now the boy is scheduled to hang! Mrs Jeffries and crew take on the assignment. It won't be easy without the Inspector being involved and they have only 3 weeks before Tommy Odell's hanging. Meticulously, the servants gather information about each suspect. Miraculously, Scotland Yard realizes the initial investigation was shoddy; the case had been given to Nigel Nivens because it looked like a robbery. Now the Chief Inspector wants Witherspoon to re-open the case and make sure an innocent man is not hung. Suspenseful, a manageable number of suspects, and clues galore. Too many clues! But in the end, Mrs Jeffries susses out the murderer. A page-turner!!
January 27, 2023
Blimpy Groggins is one of Smythe's best sources of information, when he and the other members of Inspector Witherspoon's household are out, secretly solving whatever murder their kind inspector is investigating in Victorian London. So when Blimpy asks for their help for a friend who has been wrongly convicted of murder and set to hang, the household is torn. On the one hand, they love investigating and are passionate about justice. On the other hand, Witherspoon was not the original investigator--that was the slimy Inspector Nivens, who bungled the investigation so badly that there might not be a chance of unearthing the truth at this point. Still, they want justice not just for the wrongly convicted Tommy, but for the kind and generous woman who was murdered. They are on the case!
I love this series, and the found-family of Upper Edmonton Gardens. You have to firmly suspend your disbelief to enjoy it, but why not? It is fiction, after all! The characters are all distinct, and the settings, while not overly-detailed, still set the story firmly in an aspirational version of its era. I did guess the murderer on this one, but it hardly matters--I just want to see how Mrs. Jeffries solves it and keeps their beloved employer in the dark about their activities! I could do without Nivens in every book, though. He's the Oscar the Grouch in their Sesame Street, but with zero redeeming features.
I love this series, and the found-family of Upper Edmonton Gardens. You have to firmly suspend your disbelief to enjoy it, but why not? It is fiction, after all! The characters are all distinct, and the settings, while not overly-detailed, still set the story firmly in an aspirational version of its era. I did guess the murderer on this one, but it hardly matters--I just want to see how Mrs. Jeffries solves it and keeps their beloved employer in the dark about their activities! I could do without Nivens in every book, though. He's the Oscar the Grouch in their Sesame Street, but with zero redeeming features.
October 7, 2024
Inspector Witherspoon’s household staff is bemused when Blimpey Groggins, one of Smythe’s “sources,” appeals to them to look into the case of a man who is due to hang for the murder of a woman during the course of a robbery. The man had been caught trying to pawn a piece of jewelry and admits to stealing it but denies killing anybody, but the inspector on the case has obtained a conviction and considers the case closed. When they learn that the man on the case was none other than *their* inspector’s nemesis, Inspector Nivens, the staff is all too pleased to help - but the hanging is due to take place in a few weeks, and they have very little time….The 21st Mrs. Jeffries novel is slightly different from the earlier books in that our heroes are basically taking up a “cold case” because it occurred some time back and the trail, such as it is, has gone very cold. But the characters are as engaging as ever, the people associated with the situation are well-drawn and the lives of the staff continue to move forward, all of which is very satisfying. Plus a cat from the previous book has joined the staff, to the delight of nobody but Mrs. Groodge, which adds some comic relief as well. Recommended!
October 20, 2025
Smythe, Inspector Gerald Witherspoon’s trusty coachman, guards a secret: a dodgy informant who feeds him case-breaking tips. One day, this shadowy figure barges into the Witherspoon household, pleading for help to save Tommy O’Dell from the gallows. Tommy, a slick pickpocket, nabbed a gold watch, but he didn’t bash a man’s skull or murder his wife, the informant swears. The staff recoils—Smythe never meant for them to meet this lowlife—but they rally, slipping clever clues to Witherspoon. Despite his nemesis barking to leave the “closed” case alone, Witherspoon digs in.
The trail leads to the victim’s wife, who ran a factory another company craved. Her brother, back from America, fumes that the police botched the job and demands a sharper look. True to the series, the pace dips as Witherspoon and crew hunt for answers, but it hums enough to keep you glued.
Character depth, though, stays light. Set in April, with Betsy and Smythe’s wedding looming three months out, the story skips any bridal chatter. Instead, it lingers on Fred, the charming dog, and Sampson, the devilish cat adopted in an earlier book. The cook fawns over that feline, but most readers won’t care either way.
The trail leads to the victim’s wife, who ran a factory another company craved. Her brother, back from America, fumes that the police botched the job and demands a sharper look. True to the series, the pace dips as Witherspoon and crew hunt for answers, but it hums enough to keep you glued.
Character depth, though, stays light. Set in April, with Betsy and Smythe’s wedding looming three months out, the story skips any bridal chatter. Instead, it lingers on Fred, the charming dog, and Sampson, the devilish cat adopted in an earlier book. The cook fawns over that feline, but most readers won’t care either way.
September 22, 2018
#21 in the end of the 19th century London based mystery series in which Scotland Yard Inspector Witherspoon's domestic staff headed by Mrs. Jefferies, without his knowledge, work to help him solve his murder cases. The recurring and well developed helpers” are Barnes (Witherspoon’s detective sergeant), Mrs. Goodge (cook), Smythe (coachman), Betsy (maid and later Smythe’s wife), Wiggins (servant), Phyllis (maid and newest addition), Luty (wealthy American widow), Hatchet (Luty’s butler), and Ruth (next door neighbor and romantic interest for Witherspoon).
After a perfectly decent local woman is killed during a robbery, the Witherspoon household receives a surprising visit from a stranger claiming his best buddy was convicted of the crime that he didn’t do. He’s asking the household staff to help prove the man’s innocence. They are racing against time as the man is due to be hanged in 3 weeks. Worse yet, the case was investigated by Inspector Nivens, an ambitious detective who envies and despises Witherspoon and has bungled the investigation.
After a perfectly decent local woman is killed during a robbery, the Witherspoon household receives a surprising visit from a stranger claiming his best buddy was convicted of the crime that he didn’t do. He’s asking the household staff to help prove the man’s innocence. They are racing against time as the man is due to be hanged in 3 weeks. Worse yet, the case was investigated by Inspector Nivens, an ambitious detective who envies and despises Witherspoon and has bungled the investigation.
June 25, 2022
Oh, it's so good to have a week off (from work) and be able to read two books this week!
Number 21 in the cozy Victorian mystery series, Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of Inspector Witherspoon's staff are at it again, helping their master solve another crime without him knowing.
When Blimpey Groggins shows up at the residence of Witherspoon (in the kitchen of course) asking the staff for their help instead of the usual, the other way around, you know this story is going to be a little bit different and still be able enjoy it as much. His best buddy, professional pickpocketer, has been convicted of a crime and he is to be hanged in 3 weeks, but pickpocketers do not murder. Can they find the real murderer before then?
I can say early on in the story I knew who the murderer was. Yeah for me! Looking forward to reading #22.
Number 21 in the cozy Victorian mystery series, Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of Inspector Witherspoon's staff are at it again, helping their master solve another crime without him knowing.
When Blimpey Groggins shows up at the residence of Witherspoon (in the kitchen of course) asking the staff for their help instead of the usual, the other way around, you know this story is going to be a little bit different and still be able enjoy it as much. His best buddy, professional pickpocketer, has been convicted of a crime and he is to be hanged in 3 weeks, but pickpocketers do not murder. Can they find the real murderer before then?
I can say early on in the story I knew who the murderer was. Yeah for me! Looking forward to reading #22.
September 16, 2018
#21 in the series of a Victorian Mystery with Mrs. Jeffries, who is a practical housekeeper for Inspector Witherspoon. The Inspector himself doesn't know that his secret weapon is Mrs. Jeffries along with her downstairs cohorts, who have their work cut out for them if they want to save an innocent man from the gallows.
After a perfectly decent local woman is killed during a robbery, the Witherspoon household receives a surprising visit from a stranger. He claims that his best buddy was convicted of the crime and didn't even know how to fire a gun, the evidence is all mucked up and the police didn't look any further and considered the case closed. With the trail cold, the stranger is desperate to find the real killer and has only 3 weeks before his friend goes to the gallows.
After a perfectly decent local woman is killed during a robbery, the Witherspoon household receives a surprising visit from a stranger. He claims that his best buddy was convicted of the crime and didn't even know how to fire a gun, the evidence is all mucked up and the police didn't look any further and considered the case closed. With the trail cold, the stranger is desperate to find the real killer and has only 3 weeks before his friend goes to the gallows.
March 26, 2024
I bought two of these books a year ago and just now getting to the second one. It was very much like the other I read. Inspector Witherspoon's servants, led by Mrs. Jeffries, the housekeeper, help him to solve his murders without his knowledge. The premise is the same. The staff each do their own thing within their skill level, and Mrs. Jeffries gives hints to the inspector over coffee or a drink. It doesn't seem plausible that Inspector Witherspoon treats his housekeeper like an equal, and it really doesn't seem believable that he can't figure out what's going on around him. I did guess the solution long before the end and it was simplistic as before. I won't be reading any more of these. They're not that bad, but not that interesting either.
August 16, 2025
In a change of pace, the household takes on a case before it’s assigned to the inspector. The coachman Smythe is caught off guard when his friend Blimpy Groggins, who in the past was one of his main sources for information about seedier characters in London, comes to him asking the household to find the real killer of a well-liked business woman, since his good friend was scheduled to hang for the crime. The household has a difficult time finding clues until a relative of the victim comes forward and insists that the case be reopened. When the shoddy police work is revealed, Inspector Witherspoon is assigned the case, and the guilty party is unmasked at the last second. I’m not sure I enjoyed this episode as much as some of the others, but I’ll keep reading/listening to the series.
July 3, 2023
When an acquaintance of Smythe's asks for the household's help in proving a friend of his' innocence, they eagerly dive into it. Knowing they are up against a clock, and wanting justice to prevail, they attack every angle of the 'solved' case. Finding a shoddily done investigation, even the Inspector ends up on the case, much to a fellow copper's consternation. Mayhem, madness, and motives abound...but the intrepid staff, with help from wide and varied sources, muddle through to quite the exhilarating conclusion.
The second Mrs. Jeffries book I have read and I enjoyed it thoroughly. But, in all honesty, I enjoyed Mrs. Jeffries Takes the Ball significantly more.
The second Mrs. Jeffries book I have read and I enjoyed it thoroughly. But, in all honesty, I enjoyed Mrs. Jeffries Takes the Ball significantly more.
October 14, 2024
Mrs. Jeffries Appeals the Verdict (Mrs. Jeffries, #21) — Emily Brightwell/Narrator: Jennifer M. Dixon (11 chapters) September 28-30, 2024
Blimpey Groggins comes to the Witherspoon household to ask Mrs. Jeffries to investigate a case involving a condemned man that he feels is innocent. Since the case has already been tried and the man is to be hanged, Mrs. Jeffries is uncertain what to do. But she needn’t worry; an accidental overheard conversation pushes the inspector to investigate the case for himself. Unfortunately, Inspector Nivens was the one who convicted the innocent man, and gives Witherspoon an ultimatum in the end.
Another fun cozy mystery with the gang.
Four stars.
Blimpey Groggins comes to the Witherspoon household to ask Mrs. Jeffries to investigate a case involving a condemned man that he feels is innocent. Since the case has already been tried and the man is to be hanged, Mrs. Jeffries is uncertain what to do. But she needn’t worry; an accidental overheard conversation pushes the inspector to investigate the case for himself. Unfortunately, Inspector Nivens was the one who convicted the innocent man, and gives Witherspoon an ultimatum in the end.
Another fun cozy mystery with the gang.
Four stars.
October 10, 2025
There's no mystery here that Inspector Witherspoon's staff can see--in fact, the murderer has been caught, convicted and sentenced. And it wasn't even Witherspoon's case! But when information broker Blimpey Groggins comes to the kitchen door and says that the man convicted is innocent, the housekeeper Mrs. Jeffries and the rest agree to investigate, fearfully because the detective in charge was Witherspoon's arch-enemy Inspector Nevins, and also because they are afraid that they don't have time to clear the suspect before he is hanged. And who but a random robber--the convicted man--would want to kill a woman loved by those who knew her?
June 5, 2020
Mrs Jefferies does it again
I love these books, they are London Victorian versions of Miss Marple. Plain and simple murder mysteries with a few red herrings but nothing too complicated. The characters are all likable and have their own ways of finding out information for their beloved inspector Witherspoon, without him knowing they are helping him. This case saved a young man from being hanged for a murder he did not commit, because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time with crucial evidence. Enjoyable easy read.
I love these books, they are London Victorian versions of Miss Marple. Plain and simple murder mysteries with a few red herrings but nothing too complicated. The characters are all likable and have their own ways of finding out information for their beloved inspector Witherspoon, without him knowing they are helping him. This case saved a young man from being hanged for a murder he did not commit, because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time with crucial evidence. Enjoyable easy read.
July 11, 2019
I've always been a fan of mystery novels and when this one came into my possession I was immediately intrigued. I'd never read a book by this author or from this series so I had no expectations for it. I found the characters to be charming, but the plot to be a tad slow and drawn out. It just felt like there were too many details and that it was wordy at certain points. In a sense, I think it could have been condensed slightly. It was enjoyable though.
May 31, 2022
Pleasant enough story, in the series. Author obviously has an autofill for certain key words, like pothole. I'm getting the feeling that she bzngs these things out in a few days.
I'm not liking the new narrator. Her 'Wiggins' voice is shrill, although he's a young man. Bad characterization. Betsy's voice is the same. Terrible when they're in the same conversation. I need earplugs to dull the sharpness. Painful.
Definitely not their best efforts.
I'm not liking the new narrator. Her 'Wiggins' voice is shrill, although he's a young man. Bad characterization. Betsy's voice is the same. Terrible when they're in the same conversation. I need earplugs to dull the sharpness. Painful.
Definitely not their best efforts.
September 29, 2022
I am so glad that this series has gotten over its awkwardness when the staff at Upper Edmonton Gardens were infighting about men/women, who solved more murders, etc. They are back in harmony now (except for Samson) and I love the series again. They are my favourite crimefighting family and I don't like when they disagree. Loved having Blimpey leave the bar and join the kitchen crew for a time. Always happy to have minimal or no Luty. All in all, a great book.
May 29, 2020
Mrs. Jeffries and friends solve another
This is the first book of the Mrs. Jeffries series I have read and I hope to read more. The cast of characters is engaging and dedicated to Inspector Witherspoon and their assistance in his cases always wins the day. Funny, entertaining series
This is the first book of the Mrs. Jeffries series I have read and I hope to read more. The cast of characters is engaging and dedicated to Inspector Witherspoon and their assistance in his cases always wins the day. Funny, entertaining series
July 25, 2020
I love the Mrs. Jefferies series of mysteries. This one is a bit different in that Inspector Witherspoon and Constable Barnes are not assigned to this case. Inspector Niven is and has bungled the case. A man is set to be hanged for a murder he did not commit. Will Mrs. Jefferies and team be able to prove who the real killer is in time or will he hang?
August 1, 2023
I really enjoy listening to this cosy series versus reading it. The plots are formulaic; but I find that part of the charm with the lovable crew of servants at Inspector Witherstone’s home. Captained by Mrs Jeffries, his formidable housekeeper, they assist the Inspector in the down low to solve his murders. Lots of fun and the setting in Victorian London is a delight.
September 22, 2023
project Innocence.
Mrs. Jeffries style. Blimpey comes to the inspector’s house to make a request. Can they prove the innocence of one Tommy Odell, wrongfully convicted of murder by inspector Niven. The whole household throws themselves into the effort, aided by Witherspoon’s being officially asked to redo the investigation.
Mrs. Jeffries style. Blimpey comes to the inspector’s house to make a request. Can they prove the innocence of one Tommy Odell, wrongfully convicted of murder by inspector Niven. The whole household throws themselves into the effort, aided by Witherspoon’s being officially asked to redo the investigation.
November 23, 2024
I am consistently delighted with Brightwell’s novels, but occasionally, she really knocks one out of the park and tops even herself. These books fit the cozy definition of mystery well, but she loosens up the formula just enough to be interesting, dynamic, and compelling, without straying too far from what makes a cozy so appealing.
She, and her creation Mrs. Jeffries, are quite the treasures.
She, and her creation Mrs. Jeffries, are quite the treasures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews