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Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates #6
Most Definitely Murder (Large Print): A 1920's Murder Mystery
This time, there's no doubt about somebody is dead. A mass murderer is on the loose in London, but lady detective Rosemary Lillywhite has bigger problems. With the perfect wedding dress just out of reach, her best friend, Vera, is planning a rushed elopement with Rosemary's brother, Frederick. Unfortunately, Rosemary knows her mother, Evelyn, will have a conniption when she hears the news! Hoping to avoid a disaster, she vows to change Vera's mind and sets about acquiring the coveted gown before it's too late. But then, Rosemary's beloved butler, Wadsworth, is caught standing over a dead body, quite literally red-handed, and she must dive into his past to find the key to his innocence. What Rosemary discovers is that Wadsworth was more closely connected to her late husband than she'd ever realized - they're both tied to the headline-making mass murderer Garrison Black! Now, her budding relationship with detective inspector Max Whittington will have to move to the back burner while they prove Wadsworth didn't pull the trigger. In the midst of a crisis, will Rosemary convince Vera and Frederick to reconsider their elopement before Evelyn's head explodes? Are you ready to escape to the roaring twenties? For fans of Beth Byers, Leighann Dobbs, Lee Strauss, and cozy historical murder mysteries. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
378 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2020
About the author
Emily Queen
77 books105 followersEmily Queen is a writer of historical fiction, including the Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates cozy mystery series. She lives in Maine, USA with her cat, dog, and too many books to count.
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 7, 2021
Rosemary Lilywhite is about to get a headache from living with her bridezilla best friend Vera and Vera's betrothed, Rosie's brother Freddie. Vera is in search of the most perfect wedding dress and won't settle for anything less. Unfortunately, the dress she wants is unavailable. Rosie takes it upon herself to settle the drama but what she finds is quite surprising. There's also the matter of an escaped serial killer on the loose taking up Max's time and attention and her butler, Wadsworth, constantly fighting with her cook. When Max's colleague Nathaniel Prescott ends up murdered, Wadsworth is caught at the scene of the crime and arrested! Rosemary knows her intrepid butler would never do such a thing and Max agrees but given the evidence and pressure from above, he had no choice. Rosie sets out to clear her butler's name and restore order to the household. She uncovers past secrets and betrayals she was never meant to learn. Who can she trust now and will life ever be the same again?
This story started off strong with the serial killer and the murder. However, the focus shifted and the conclusion ended up unsatisfying. I figured out who the real murderer was before Rosemary. I had come to the same conclusion about Garrison Black she did but that turned out to be lame.
I like Rosemary well enough. She's smart and tough but she's still mourning Andrew and not ready to move on yet. While she's officially dating Max, she just doesn't seem like her whole heart is in it. I didn't understand why she got so upset when she discovered a secret. It was kept a secret to protect her and ensure her happiness as long as possible. WOULD she have been able to handle the knowledge? Yes Andrew should have discussed it with her because it was rather a shock but he didn't and he's gone so get over the drama. Max is preoccupied with work and trying to balance what he feels in his gut with the evidence and not anger anyone. Vera is obnoxious and Freddie is too. He's immature and while she's a little better, she's also immature. Of course everyone's mood is affected by Rosemary and Freddie's overbearing mother Evelyn. She's a nightmare!
Garrison Black is an evil serial killer targeting specifically young women with blond hair. What made him want to kill these women? Rosemary fits the profile albeit maybe a bit older. With her sleuthing skills, I wouldn't be surprised if he comes after her next.
Nathaniel Prescott is one of the good guys on the police force. Sometimes his personality leaves a bit to be desired but he seems honest and didn't deserve to die. I strongly suspect Percy Turner, another policeman. He's nasty and has a mind stuck in the gutter. He's continually insulting people including Rosemary who is not only a lady but above him in station! I think he's corrupt and committed murder and framed Wadsworth. I WANT it to be Percy anyway!
The ladies shine in this novel. Esme Prescott, Nate's wife of one year, is lovely. She's a lot like Rosemary actually. I feel so sad for her. Ivy Gibson, the Commissioner's wife, is awesome. She's brave, tough and strong. She's been through a lot and come out stronger. I love her ladies' group. I figured out what they were up to right away. Sure she likes to gossip but it's never malicious or harmful in any way. The heiress, Arabelle Grey, comes across as a man eater at first. She was spotted spending an awful lot of time with Nathaniel Prescott-the very married Nathaniel Prescott. Arabelle doesn't get along with the other ladies. They judge her, unfairly as it turns out. She's a complicated character and I admire her though I don't agree with her choices. The late Constable Green's mother Margot is the only one who isn't a lady and a strong, modern woman. She's mousy and clingy. I feel sad for her that her only son was killed in the line of duty but she clings to much to Prescott and isn't a very likable person.
Betsy Brown, owner of Vera's dream wedding dress, is a very sad figure. She clings to the past when her husband was alive. She enjoys wallowing in sorrow, indulging in food and drink to make herself feel better. I do feel bad for her because nobody would have recognized depression or knew how to treat it. However, she comes across as a bit rude and spiteful. I strongly suspect her Freddie went off to war to escape her and never came back because he didn't like her, not that he's dead. Rosie doesn't follow up on the clue there and doesn't get involved.
The cook, Helen, is just awful. She's beastly to Wadsworth, resents the extra work she's stuck with and is sassy to Rosemary. She does something unforgivable but not surprising. I was so happy when Rosie grew a pair and stood up to Helen! new cook, Gladys, is the opposite. Being a "colored" woman, she knows how to keep her opinions to herself. She's kind and motherly and does her job well.
I'm dying to read the next book and see what happens with Rosie and the serial killer!
This story started off strong with the serial killer and the murder. However, the focus shifted and the conclusion ended up unsatisfying. I figured out who the real murderer was before Rosemary. I had come to the same conclusion about Garrison Black she did but that turned out to be lame.
I like Rosemary well enough. She's smart and tough but she's still mourning Andrew and not ready to move on yet. While she's officially dating Max, she just doesn't seem like her whole heart is in it. I didn't understand why she got so upset when she discovered a secret. It was kept a secret to protect her and ensure her happiness as long as possible. WOULD she have been able to handle the knowledge? Yes Andrew should have discussed it with her because it was rather a shock but he didn't and he's gone so get over the drama. Max is preoccupied with work and trying to balance what he feels in his gut with the evidence and not anger anyone. Vera is obnoxious and Freddie is too. He's immature and while she's a little better, she's also immature. Of course everyone's mood is affected by Rosemary and Freddie's overbearing mother Evelyn. She's a nightmare!
Garrison Black is an evil serial killer targeting specifically young women with blond hair. What made him want to kill these women? Rosemary fits the profile albeit maybe a bit older. With her sleuthing skills, I wouldn't be surprised if he comes after her next.
Nathaniel Prescott is one of the good guys on the police force. Sometimes his personality leaves a bit to be desired but he seems honest and didn't deserve to die. I strongly suspect Percy Turner, another policeman. He's nasty and has a mind stuck in the gutter. He's continually insulting people including Rosemary who is not only a lady but above him in station! I think he's corrupt and committed murder and framed Wadsworth. I WANT it to be Percy anyway!
The ladies shine in this novel. Esme Prescott, Nate's wife of one year, is lovely. She's a lot like Rosemary actually. I feel so sad for her. Ivy Gibson, the Commissioner's wife, is awesome. She's brave, tough and strong. She's been through a lot and come out stronger. I love her ladies' group. I figured out what they were up to right away. Sure she likes to gossip but it's never malicious or harmful in any way. The heiress, Arabelle Grey, comes across as a man eater at first. She was spotted spending an awful lot of time with Nathaniel Prescott-the very married Nathaniel Prescott. Arabelle doesn't get along with the other ladies. They judge her, unfairly as it turns out. She's a complicated character and I admire her though I don't agree with her choices. The late Constable Green's mother Margot is the only one who isn't a lady and a strong, modern woman. She's mousy and clingy. I feel sad for her that her only son was killed in the line of duty but she clings to much to Prescott and isn't a very likable person.
Betsy Brown, owner of Vera's dream wedding dress, is a very sad figure. She clings to the past when her husband was alive. She enjoys wallowing in sorrow, indulging in food and drink to make herself feel better. I do feel bad for her because nobody would have recognized depression or knew how to treat it. However, she comes across as a bit rude and spiteful. I strongly suspect her Freddie went off to war to escape her and never came back because he didn't like her, not that he's dead. Rosie doesn't follow up on the clue there and doesn't get involved.
The cook, Helen, is just awful. She's beastly to Wadsworth, resents the extra work she's stuck with and is sassy to Rosemary. She does something unforgivable but not surprising. I was so happy when Rosie grew a pair and stood up to Helen! new cook, Gladys, is the opposite. Being a "colored" woman, she knows how to keep her opinions to herself. She's kind and motherly and does her job well.
I'm dying to read the next book and see what happens with Rosie and the serial killer!
September 15, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook. The narrator adds a lot of charm with a British accent to the story helps you settle into a different time period and place.
I like these cozy mysteries. They are a lighter mystery. Interesting dynamics between family and friends that keep things moving along. If you need some light escapism, this is a good series to read. Or listen to!
I like these cozy mysteries. They are a lighter mystery. Interesting dynamics between family and friends that keep things moving along. If you need some light escapism, this is a good series to read. Or listen to!
June 23, 2025
Enjoyable, quick, historical cosy mystery reads - though the Americanisms do slip in every now and again!
April 14, 2021
Top Notch
I gave book 6 in this series five stars because it is excellent for its genre. This mystery is all about backstory and its compelling. We learn about Rose's dead husband. He is humanized, no longer a one dimensional "perfect" person. The butler Wadsworth at the center of this mystery is also fleshed out. The result is him becoming a most sympathetic and beloved character. Rose and Vera's friendship is tested as well as her faith in her beau Max . Add in a secret ladies self-defense group, a serial killer, cat lady with a presumed dead husband and you have a great read!
I gave book 6 in this series five stars because it is excellent for its genre. This mystery is all about backstory and its compelling. We learn about Rose's dead husband. He is humanized, no longer a one dimensional "perfect" person. The butler Wadsworth at the center of this mystery is also fleshed out. The result is him becoming a most sympathetic and beloved character. Rose and Vera's friendship is tested as well as her faith in her beau Max . Add in a secret ladies self-defense group, a serial killer, cat lady with a presumed dead husband and you have a great read!
January 31, 2021
A great series !
I have to admit the name Emily Queen caught my attention. Yes it reminded me of Ellery Queen. But I really liked this series. Right from the beginning I felt that we were very good friends. I felt right at home with everyone. Rosemary Lilly white is my new bet friend. The characters are strong and nice. Their clothes are described very well. Everywhere she went I was right next to her. A new book will be out soon, I r looking forward to it. Happy Reading !
I have to admit the name Emily Queen caught my attention. Yes it reminded me of Ellery Queen. But I really liked this series. Right from the beginning I felt that we were very good friends. I felt right at home with everyone. Rosemary Lilly white is my new bet friend. The characters are strong and nice. Their clothes are described very well. Everywhere she went I was right next to her. A new book will be out soon, I r looking forward to it. Happy Reading !
July 25, 2021
Wadsworth, Rosemary's butler, is arrested for the death of a policeman after he was found at the scene of the crime. Rosemary tries to find out who really did it. Mixed into this main plot were the pre-wedding anxieties over the dress, the venue, and the guest list for Vera and Frederick's wedding. This entry in the Rosemary Lillywhite series seemed a bit more serious than previous entries, but it was an easy read.
December 12, 2024
Just when you think she is finally past all the drama, Wadsworth, Rosemary's butler, gets arrested for the murder of a friend. I am heavily invested in these stories and all the characters, main and supporting are important to me. The plot is straightforward and the premise is finding out if the mass murderer, Black, is responsible for the dead man or if it's someone else. I definitely recommend this book and the entire series.
Read
August 31, 2026London is hunting an escaped killer. The police are toasting the hero who caught him. And then that hero turns up shot dead in his own study, with Rosemary's butler kneeling over the body.
If you have been waiting to find out who Wadsworth actually is — where he came from, how he ended up in that house, what he's been quietly carrying since before Rosemary ever met him — this is the book. He has been my favourite from the beginning and he earns it here.
If you have been waiting to find out who Wadsworth actually is — where he came from, how he ended up in that house, what he's been quietly carrying since before Rosemary ever met him — this is the book. He has been my favourite from the beginning and he earns it here.
November 21, 2020
Entertaining!
This was not as good as previous ones in this series. Everyone is fighting each other over diverse problems and the murder did not seem that important. Many people are keeping past secrets that conflict and the issues involved seem trivial ----- especially those among the family!
This was not as good as previous ones in this series. Everyone is fighting each other over diverse problems and the murder did not seem that important. Many people are keeping past secrets that conflict and the issues involved seem trivial ----- especially those among the family!
February 12, 2021
Emily Queen has given me another fun cozy mystery. Rosemary Lilywhite is dealing with a disagreeable cook, her brother and her best friend fussing about their upcoming wedding when her butler is arrested for murder. Rose has to solve these problems while trying to enjoy her own love life. As usual there is lots of trouble in her path.
December 24, 2020
An intriguing mystery with no buried clues.
There's more than one mystery. There's good action scenes, well written. There's romance and domestic squabbles. It's all well written, entertaining, and quite enjoyable.
There's more than one mystery. There's good action scenes, well written. There's romance and domestic squabbles. It's all well written, entertaining, and quite enjoyable.
November 25, 2020
2 1/2 stars.
December 17, 2020
I'm a great fan of Rosemary Lillywhite and her family.
January 4, 2021
I read cozy mysteries as much for the relationships and dialogues between the characters as the mystery. Theses are short books and fast reading. Very good. Looking forward to next book in series.
February 19, 2021
Entertaining and fun.
I like the characters and the way they interact with each other. It has been a great series. Looking forward to the next book in March
I like the characters and the way they interact with each other. It has been a great series. Looking forward to the next book in March
May 18, 2021
Wonderful
Another wonderful book, I really enjoyed this book the characters are really well written,I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories
Another wonderful book, I really enjoyed this book the characters are really well written,I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories
June 29, 2021
3.5. Still some errors.
December 6, 2021
Okay
A few editing problems that were a bit distracting. Not a lot of historical detail and the murderer was obvious.
A few editing problems that were a bit distracting. Not a lot of historical detail and the murderer was obvious.
August 25, 2022
Really enjoyed this, I love this series of of books. On to No. 7 now.
July 15, 2023
thumbs up
Another good read. I can’t wait to see what happens next time. I definitely recommend this book and the series.
Another good read. I can’t wait to see what happens next time. I definitely recommend this book and the series.
April 23, 2026
Listened to audiobook
August 12, 2022
twists and turns
Another great read! Rosemary Lillywhite does it again! Mystery, intrigue, murder, danger, some fun and a little romance combined with interesting characters to make a very enjoyable story.
Another great read! Rosemary Lillywhite does it again! Mystery, intrigue, murder, danger, some fun and a little romance combined with interesting characters to make a very enjoyable story.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews