What do you think?
Rate this book
Sophie Burgoyne #4
Chertsey Park: A 1920s historical mystery of drama and suspense
Readers are cordially invited to Lord Roderick Stokely’s birthday celebration. RSVP
(Bring Your Own Blackjack)
In a beautiful Belgravia house, Dowager Countess Georgiana intends to celebrate her son’s birthday - delightful festivities are planned. Lord Stokely has a different agenda for the occasion, one concerning governance, politics, and the seizing of power. Burgoyne’s Agency has yet a third and very dangerous design for the evening — the toppling of Britain’s foremost charismatic personality and most photogenic peer — Stokely.
Outside of Belgravia, Britain is in a turbulent state. Confidence in the government is shaken, hidden forces are undermining the peace established after the Great War, and the fear of anarchy is entering British homes.
The game begins for the intrepid secret agency, and it only grows more hazardous — until it becomes a question of survival for Sophie and her friends. The perils of the investigation are magnified as their enemies multiply around them.
Should be read in series order.
(Bring Your Own Blackjack)
In a beautiful Belgravia house, Dowager Countess Georgiana intends to celebrate her son’s birthday - delightful festivities are planned. Lord Stokely has a different agenda for the occasion, one concerning governance, politics, and the seizing of power. Burgoyne’s Agency has yet a third and very dangerous design for the evening — the toppling of Britain’s foremost charismatic personality and most photogenic peer — Stokely.
Outside of Belgravia, Britain is in a turbulent state. Confidence in the government is shaken, hidden forces are undermining the peace established after the Great War, and the fear of anarchy is entering British homes.
The game begins for the intrepid secret agency, and it only grows more hazardous — until it becomes a question of survival for Sophie and her friends. The perils of the investigation are magnified as their enemies multiply around them.
Should be read in series order.
- GenresMysteryHistorical
457 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2023
180 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 18, 2023
News about Burgoyne's Employment Bureau has spread fast and the team are asked to provide additional servants for Lady Stokely's dinner party in honour of her son. following on from that, the team are asked to visit Lord Stokely's home, Chertsey Park, to assist the skeleton staff in catering for four days of meetings and entertainment for Stokely and his cohort. It's an ideal opportunity for the gang to dig up some dirt about the dastardly Stokely and the police are on standby nearby.
Meanwhile Stokely's plotting is coming to a head, he's inciting riots, strikes, and financing acts of terrorism.
These books are very much in the same theme as Buchan's The 39 Steps, by which I mean that there are wealthy men plotting the downfall of the government and the rise of a new power. Of course the 1920s were a hotbed of political extremism, the fascists were rising to power in Italy, many former soldiers embraced the communist ideals of equality and a classless society. After WW1 people wanted to change the world for the better and many young people were sick of old men leading them into catastrophic wars for their own aggrandisement.
Having said that, this was only okay. It felt like Sophie created all the mayhem because she couldn't/wouldn't act like a servant and ended up putting everyone in danger. Also, towards the end I felt like Sophie got captured about six times in one evening. There were at least three different layers of henchmen, and it stopped making sense a little bit.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Meanwhile Stokely's plotting is coming to a head, he's inciting riots, strikes, and financing acts of terrorism.
These books are very much in the same theme as Buchan's The 39 Steps, by which I mean that there are wealthy men plotting the downfall of the government and the rise of a new power. Of course the 1920s were a hotbed of political extremism, the fascists were rising to power in Italy, many former soldiers embraced the communist ideals of equality and a classless society. After WW1 people wanted to change the world for the better and many young people were sick of old men leading them into catastrophic wars for their own aggrandisement.
Having said that, this was only okay. It felt like Sophie created all the mayhem because she couldn't/wouldn't act like a servant and ended up putting everyone in danger. Also, towards the end I felt like Sophie got captured about six times in one evening. There were at least three different layers of henchmen, and it stopped making sense a little bit.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
October 12, 2023
Suspense, Action, Romance all in one!
This is the 4th book in the series and the most suspenseful of all. I especially liked the beginning with Sophie's dinner with Sinjin and both getting called away. From there to the end, l feared for the team. No more said for fear of saying too much. Just read it.
This is the 4th book in the series and the most suspenseful of all. I especially liked the beginning with Sophie's dinner with Sinjin and both getting called away. From there to the end, l feared for the team. No more said for fear of saying too much. Just read it.
January 9, 2025
A good read
I like these books though as I have mentioned before, I do find them overlong. There seems to be quite a lot of 'information' included that to me is unnecessary. E.g., Sophie, Elizabeth and Auntie Bessie take a trip to book a room for Elizabeth that isn't too far from Lord Stokely's home. I really only needed to know that they have been successful in this. I didn't need to follow the whole trip, including getting petrol, having the oil checked on the car; discussing with the garage owner why there are so many pubs for 700 inhabitants. Finding the pub, trying the Milk Stout etc. It added nothing to the plot and took about 6 pages when 1 would have done. It seems to be a theme for the author, so no doubt the next book will be the same.
I like these books though as I have mentioned before, I do find them overlong. There seems to be quite a lot of 'information' included that to me is unnecessary. E.g., Sophie, Elizabeth and Auntie Bessie take a trip to book a room for Elizabeth that isn't too far from Lord Stokely's home. I really only needed to know that they have been successful in this. I didn't need to follow the whole trip, including getting petrol, having the oil checked on the car; discussing with the garage owner why there are so many pubs for 700 inhabitants. Finding the pub, trying the Milk Stout etc. It added nothing to the plot and took about 6 pages when 1 would have done. It seems to be a theme for the author, so no doubt the next book will be the same.
February 19, 2025
gripping.
I’m not usually a fan of 20th century novels, but this series is really enjoyable to read. It’s quite unusual with its plots, with characters that are very likeable, yet very different, ranging from the aristocracy to the working class.
There’s the occasional glitch with the language of the period, and one or two little things that weren’t available in the 1920s, but nothing to pull you out of the story, as the story itself is so well thought out, and keeps you on your toes. A pleasure to read.
I’m not usually a fan of 20th century novels, but this series is really enjoyable to read. It’s quite unusual with its plots, with characters that are very likeable, yet very different, ranging from the aristocracy to the working class.
There’s the occasional glitch with the language of the period, and one or two little things that weren’t available in the 1920s, but nothing to pull you out of the story, as the story itself is so well thought out, and keeps you on your toes. A pleasure to read.
July 9, 2023
A superbly written mystery with historically correct settings and characters
The series continues with an artful plot and characters set in 1920’s England that has an engaging blend of compelling characters and interesting themes. The main character, Sophie Burgoyne, is well developed and is placed in various difficult and dangerous situations that require a number of associates to help her bring them to a successful conclusion. I highly recommend it.
The series continues with an artful plot and characters set in 1920’s England that has an engaging blend of compelling characters and interesting themes. The main character, Sophie Burgoyne, is well developed and is placed in various difficult and dangerous situations that require a number of associates to help her bring them to a successful conclusion. I highly recommend it.
August 24, 2023
The series as a whole is a definite "keeper". This particular book was not my favorite but that will not stop me from continuing the series. There was just a bit too much extensive details at some points that made my interest waver. A higher tension factor in this plot made it very interesting. This also closed a storyline that had been woven throughout the previous books. It will be interesting to see what the author comes up with next.
August 17, 2023
Sophie and her agency sleuths go undercover at the country estate of a charismatic criminal who is successfully passing himself off as a member of the aristocracy and a rising politician. While the Burgoyne Aency works as temporary maids and footmen, they hear conversations, search drawers and closets and generally gather information for both Scotland Yard and the Home Office. The details of 1920s London in these books are wonderful. Setting is everything.
September 30, 2023
Truly excellent
Mr Bellamy’s writing is superb.
I’ve certainly enjoyed the Sophie Burgoyne books to this point, and “Chertsey Park” is a delight.
Thankfully, for the reader, an epilogue hints at adventures to come.
This is not a book that can be read on its on, so please enjoy the earlier works first.
Mr Bellamy’s writing is superb.
I’ve certainly enjoyed the Sophie Burgoyne books to this point, and “Chertsey Park” is a delight.
Thankfully, for the reader, an epilogue hints at adventures to come.
This is not a book that can be read on its on, so please enjoy the earlier works first.
February 2, 2024
each book gets better
The traitor was named Stokely…..she had to have based him….. and the whole situation ….. on Donald Trump.
The Earl’s cronies, the planning…… the end game of dictator ….. destroying the country through thugs, fires and explosions…….. and thankfully detected and destroyed .
The traitor was named Stokely…..she had to have based him….. and the whole situation ….. on Donald Trump.
The Earl’s cronies, the planning…… the end game of dictator ….. destroying the country through thugs, fires and explosions…….. and thankfully detected and destroyed .
August 30, 2024
Another very good story
I think reading the other books first helped with this one. as with the other stories it takes a while to place all the characters. but later in the books the twists and turns reveal themselves. the author like to wrap up all the lose ends. very good story lines
I think reading the other books first helped with this one. as with the other stories it takes a while to place all the characters. but later in the books the twists and turns reveal themselves. the author like to wrap up all the lose ends. very good story lines
July 14, 2025
Best so far
I’ve just started reading this series, and have been binge-reading the books. While this book is the best so far, it is a bit creepy, as the premise strikes a bit close to home. It’s different enough that it is clearly fiction, but still close enough to be disturbing. Great book. I’ll read it again I’m sure
I’ve just started reading this series, and have been binge-reading the books. While this book is the best so far, it is a bit creepy, as the premise strikes a bit close to home. It’s different enough that it is clearly fiction, but still close enough to be disturbing. Great book. I’ll read it again I’m sure
October 13, 2023
It takes seven to capture the bad guys
Slow start then moves along quickly, like the Rabbit.
Enjoy this multifaceted approach to solving crime. Will "Mr. Balaclava" or Morton win Sophie's hand?
Slow start then moves along quickly, like the Rabbit.
Enjoy this multifaceted approach to solving crime. Will "Mr. Balaclava" or Morton win Sophie's hand?
January 2, 2024
Sofie and co are busy again thwarting a hostile element in British government. Murder, an evil newspaper spewing lies to try a hostile revolt against Britain. So relieved Society and crew work their way in.and manage to save the day again.
May 15, 2024
Good VS Evil
The suspense has been building. Sophie and her people are working for the FO again. This time they are at Chertsey Park, the ancestral home of Lord Storkley. What an intense story. I won't say anymore but, READ THIS BOOK!
The suspense has been building. Sophie and her people are working for the FO again. This time they are at Chertsey Park, the ancestral home of Lord Storkley. What an intense story. I won't say anymore but, READ THIS BOOK!
August 26, 2024
On the edge of my seat!
I love this series, and this installment did not disappoint! Great plot, although frighteningly too similar to our current state of affairs. I enjoy the character development also. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
I love this series, and this installment did not disappoint! Great plot, although frighteningly too similar to our current state of affairs. I enjoy the character development also. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
September 10, 2025
I love Sophie and her gang. They are all so feisty. This was one of the best yet. But which of her admirers does she prefer. I know who I want her to pick. And Aunt Bessie, she’s amazing. Looking forward to reading the next one
July 2, 2023
a fun read.
Very good characters. Can get a little worded but there are no perfects. Looking forward to reading the next in series
Very good characters. Can get a little worded but there are no perfects. Looking forward to reading the next in series
July 14, 2023
Excellent
This series is fantastic. Please keep them coming! Full of intrigue and excitement. I can't wait to find out what the crew faces next.
This series is fantastic. Please keep them coming! Full of intrigue and excitement. I can't wait to find out what the crew faces next.
July 17, 2023
Great story
I really enjoyed this book! This is a great series! Interesting characters, great story, clever plot twists. Highly recommended for cozy mystery aficionados.
I really enjoyed this book! This is a great series! Interesting characters, great story, clever plot twists. Highly recommended for cozy mystery aficionados.
Read
September 6, 2023Dnf
July 9, 2024
Would not recommend to readers who haven't read the earlier books. Otherwise it's a good yarn, if tending towards some irrelevant verbosity.
December 22, 2024
The ladies are at it again, with Fern returning and Elizabeth coming on board. Lots of action and tangents. No mystery.
May 8, 2025
The main storyline is getting very very dull and repetitive.
October 9, 2025
3.75 stars
October 22, 2025
# Four is a Winner
Sophie Burgoyne series just keep getting better all the time. I am completely captivated! Bravo! Do yourself a favor and read one.
kdh
Sophie Burgoyne series just keep getting better all the time. I am completely captivated! Bravo! Do yourself a favor and read one.
kdh
June 26, 2024
Managed to be actually stressful. :-) And mostly satisfying.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews