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Flora Maguire Mysteries #3
Death of a Suffragette
1903 London is bustling and glamorous. With troubling secrets simmering and worrying signs of war Flora Maguire must solve a deadly mystery which leads right to the heart of the corridors of power.
When the body of a London socialite, and leading light of the burgeoning women’s suffrage movement, is found outside The Grenadier public house in London’s fashionable Knightsbridge, Flora Maguire can’t resist investigating.
Mysterious letters are discovered in the victim’s belongings, including strange links to the foreign office. But why do the clues keep coming back to the assassination of a Baltic king?
As Flora closes in on the killer, it soon becomes clear she is no longer safe in London, but – as her husband Bunny rushes to be by her side – will he be the one to save her, or will she have to find her own way out?
Previously published as Murder at The Grenadier and A Knightsbridge Scandal
What readers are saying about Death of a ‘London makes for a wonderful setting for this cozy mystery, brought to life by the author's elegant prose and deep historical research. I am enjoying this series. Flora Maguire is an excellent amateur detective!’
‘I just finished one Flora book to move onto another! … A super book to curl up with and apparently, there's more to come!’
‘This is a series mystery lovers won't want to miss.’
‘I enjoyed it tremendously!’
‘Careful though, it’s hard to put it down once you start!!’
When the body of a London socialite, and leading light of the burgeoning women’s suffrage movement, is found outside The Grenadier public house in London’s fashionable Knightsbridge, Flora Maguire can’t resist investigating.
Mysterious letters are discovered in the victim’s belongings, including strange links to the foreign office. But why do the clues keep coming back to the assassination of a Baltic king?
As Flora closes in on the killer, it soon becomes clear she is no longer safe in London, but – as her husband Bunny rushes to be by her side – will he be the one to save her, or will she have to find her own way out?
Previously published as Murder at The Grenadier and A Knightsbridge Scandal
What readers are saying about Death of a ‘London makes for a wonderful setting for this cozy mystery, brought to life by the author's elegant prose and deep historical research. I am enjoying this series. Flora Maguire is an excellent amateur detective!’
‘I just finished one Flora book to move onto another! … A super book to curl up with and apparently, there's more to come!’
‘This is a series mystery lovers won't want to miss.’
‘I enjoyed it tremendously!’
‘Careful though, it’s hard to put it down once you start!!’
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2023
216 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Anita Davison
25 books158 followersAuthor of the Flora Maguire Mysteries published by Aria Fiction
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 12, 2017
I enjoyed the first two Flora Maguire Mysteries, Flora’s Secret and Betrayal at Cleve Abbey and have also enjoyed the most recent one in the series, A Knightsbridge Scandal by talented novelist Anita Davison,
Flora Harrington is staying at Prince Albert Mansions, in a luxurious apartment. A young woman has been discovered in an alley next to the mansions.
Inspector Maddox questions all the residents in Albert Mansions. When he questions Flora, he warns her not to meddle in police business, but she is curious and one thing leads to another. When she suspects the victim was a member of a suffragette group she attends a meeting. She discovers the murdered woman’s identity and continues to investigate.
I congratulate Davison on the twists and turns in A Knightsbridge Scandal, which culminated in finding out ‘Who Done It’.
Each of the Davison’s novels sweep me back into times past.. William’s flat “filled with pristine furniture in pale wood, pastel-painted walls, polished gilt mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and the sculptures and art work William had brought back from his travels abroad,” Grocers with “counters piled high with Christmas puddings and mince pies, for those without resident cooks, who had been preparing since November. Handmade chocolates, marzipan fruits and humbugs piled into baskets everywhere. Harrods with its series of halls like Aladdin’s cave and Mr Liberty’s store in which there are unusual items from Asia, China, Egypt, Moroco and other countries.
I look forward to reading the next novel in the series.
Flora Harrington is staying at Prince Albert Mansions, in a luxurious apartment. A young woman has been discovered in an alley next to the mansions.
Inspector Maddox questions all the residents in Albert Mansions. When he questions Flora, he warns her not to meddle in police business, but she is curious and one thing leads to another. When she suspects the victim was a member of a suffragette group she attends a meeting. She discovers the murdered woman’s identity and continues to investigate.
I congratulate Davison on the twists and turns in A Knightsbridge Scandal, which culminated in finding out ‘Who Done It’.
Each of the Davison’s novels sweep me back into times past.. William’s flat “filled with pristine furniture in pale wood, pastel-painted walls, polished gilt mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and the sculptures and art work William had brought back from his travels abroad,” Grocers with “counters piled high with Christmas puddings and mince pies, for those without resident cooks, who had been preparing since November. Handmade chocolates, marzipan fruits and humbugs piled into baskets everywhere. Harrods with its series of halls like Aladdin’s cave and Mr Liberty’s store in which there are unusual items from Asia, China, Egypt, Moroco and other countries.
I look forward to reading the next novel in the series.
March 14, 2017
London makes for a wonderful setting for this cozy mystery, brought to life by the author's elegant prose and deep historical research. I am enjoying this series. Flora Maguire is an excellent amateur detective, with a very English no-nonsense attitude, yet inhibited by the constraints the era imposes on women. Flora has a confusing mystery to solve which involves a murder, mysterious letters, the women's suffrage, and international politics. In pursuit of the murderer, she gets herself into hot water causing some very anxious moments. Looking forward to the next one.
March 17, 2017
1903 London and Flora has come to visit her father where she gets embroiled in a murder investigation which involves robbery, spies, and Serbian gangs.
A very enjoyable historical mystery story with some very likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book
A very enjoyable historical mystery story with some very likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book
February 23, 2017
Confession - I just finished one Flora book to move onto another! A Knightsbridge Scandal comes out in a few days and so I'm not going to give too much away, but....
Flora's circumstances have changed - for the good. She is building relationships that are long overdue, except when a murder happens almost on her doorstep, well, she just can't help herself - a super book to curl up with and apparently, there's more to come...
Flora's circumstances have changed - for the good. She is building relationships that are long overdue, except when a murder happens almost on her doorstep, well, she just can't help herself - a super book to curl up with and apparently, there's more to come...
February 14, 2017
1903 is a good period. A period of great change particularly for women with the beginning of the suffragette movement though it still had a long way to go. Attitudes of men were also changing albeit slowly.
Flora our heroine has come to London seeking out her father whom she has never met nor been acknowledged by upto this time. All along she thought herself the daughter of the butler, a governess by profession and was looked at condescendingly by all including her mother in law. Her husband thank goodness is a perfectly decent man.
Flora is as her wont goes slap bang into a murder and a mystery which will take her to the very highest in the land. The ramifications of a murder which was thought first to be a robbery gone wrong, then linked to the victims connections to the suffragette movement move steadily upwards to a Serbian gang operating in London right under the eye of the very highest.
Very descriptive of not just the mystery and the murder it was, but also of the life and times of the period and London in particular, this was a very good piece of writing and one I enjoyed tremendously.
Flora our heroine has come to London seeking out her father whom she has never met nor been acknowledged by upto this time. All along she thought herself the daughter of the butler, a governess by profession and was looked at condescendingly by all including her mother in law. Her husband thank goodness is a perfectly decent man.
Flora is as her wont goes slap bang into a murder and a mystery which will take her to the very highest in the land. The ramifications of a murder which was thought first to be a robbery gone wrong, then linked to the victims connections to the suffragette movement move steadily upwards to a Serbian gang operating in London right under the eye of the very highest.
Very descriptive of not just the mystery and the murder it was, but also of the life and times of the period and London in particular, this was a very good piece of writing and one I enjoyed tremendously.
March 21, 2017
Flora, in her third mystery outing, is in London to relax, but of course a body is found and she must investigate as the intrepid amateur sleuth she is. 1903's London comes to life, as well as the struggling women's movement, in Ms. Davison's elegant prose. This is a series mystery lovers won't want to miss.
February 21, 2017
The third installment in this series continues to build on the good character development and detailed plot we've come to expect from this series. Flora travels to London to visit and get to know her recently discovered father. A woman is murdered and Flora can not leave any stones uncovered to discover the culprit. Flora travels take to various places that give us a deeper look into the lives of the women of the day, their struggles and dreams. Twists and turns abound in this installment, and it was a satisfying read. I continue to enjoy this series and look forward to the next installment.
February 6, 2017
This book (titled "A Knightsbridge Scandal" on my review copy) is a mystery set in 1903 in England. It's the third book in a series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one. However, the characters referred to events in the previous novels and partly spoiled previous mysteries.
The characters were interesting, especially Flora's maid. Flora now seems to feel she's better at detective work than she actually is, which gets her into trouble. Flora still walks into dangerous situations, but in this book, she ends up passively waiting for someone to notice she's missing and rescue her.
Historical details (like politics, technology, etc.) were woven into the story and played a role in the mystery. Flora and her maid asked questions and uncovered clues. I strongly suspected whodunit as being the murderer from early on, and I had a fair idea of what was going on before Flora did. There was enough complexity to the mystery to keep it interesting, though.
There were no sex scenes. There was a very minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical mystery novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The characters were interesting, especially Flora's maid. Flora now seems to feel she's better at detective work than she actually is, which gets her into trouble. Flora still walks into dangerous situations, but in this book, she ends up passively waiting for someone to notice she's missing and rescue her.
Historical details (like politics, technology, etc.) were woven into the story and played a role in the mystery. Flora and her maid asked questions and uncovered clues. I strongly suspected whodunit as being the murderer from early on, and I had a fair idea of what was going on before Flora did. There was enough complexity to the mystery to keep it interesting, though.
There were no sex scenes. There was a very minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical mystery novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 10, 2017
Davison's third installment will leave you guessing right up to the final chapters. Just the right amount of descriptions pulls the reader into Flora Harrington's Edwardian London. It's a world where everyone has secrets and Flora is able to lure them out of people.
A fine cozy with plenty of intrigue and excellent with the historical details.
Received an advanced copy.
A fine cozy with plenty of intrigue and excellent with the historical details.
Received an advanced copy.
June 15, 2017
A Knightsbridge Scandal by Anita Davison is the third book in The Flora Maguire series. We are swept back to the Edwardian era (1903) in this novel. Flora Harrington is visiting her biological father in London. Flora discovered William Osborne was her birth father only a year ago. Flora and her maid, Sally are staying with William in his apartment at the Prince Albert Mansions. The first evening they have dinner and attend the theater. They return home to find the police in the alley next to the apartment building. A woman had been killed near The Grenadier (a pub). The victim turns out to be Evangeline Lange, who was involved in the suffrage movement. Flora’s curiosity is aroused because she had witnessed a scene between Ms. Lange and a resident of Prince Albert Mansions. While William is away at work each day (secretary to the foreign office), Flora (along with her outspoken maid, Sally) starts nosing into Ms. Lange’s life. Flora tries to share her findings with Detective Inspector Maddox, the lead investigator, but he does not appreciate her help (mostly because she is a woman). Clues lead toward the foreign office and issues abroad. What was Ms. Lange involved in? Flora is determined to unveil the killer, but what happens when she finds herself in a sticky situation?
A Knightsbridge Scandal is written during one of my favorite eras—The Edwardian. That is my favorite part of the book. The author did a wonderful job at portraying the scenery of London, the clothing, conveyances, and people’s attitudes. I found the pace of the story to be slow (plodding) and the dialogue stilted (awkward). I wish the author had provided all the background on Flora in this book. I have not had the opportunity to read the first two books in The Flora Maguire series (nor will I), and I was missing some details. I was especially curious as to why Flora’s husband is called Bunny and why Flora was attracted to him (and why would she marry Bunny after meeting his mother). The missing information did not affect the story or my view of the book. The novel would have been better without Flora’s husband and mother-in-law (especially her). If those people were in my life, I would want to escape to London (I probably would never go back home). The only reason Flora was investigating the crime is curiosity and boredom (I could understand being bored in that time period). I give A Knightsbridge Scandal 3 out of 5 stars (it was okay). Flora was not a character I enjoyed. I like her curiosity, but not her acerbic comments (some of which did not help her relationship with her birth father) or her recklesness. Detective Inspector Maddox was a pompous, blowhard. His attitude, unfortunately, was in line with the time period. Most men would not appreciate a women’s interference (thankfully, some men were more enlightened). The mystery seemed complicated, but I was able to identify the killer long before the reveal. A Knightsbridge Scandal was not the right historical, mystery for me.
A Knightsbridge Scandal is written during one of my favorite eras—The Edwardian. That is my favorite part of the book. The author did a wonderful job at portraying the scenery of London, the clothing, conveyances, and people’s attitudes. I found the pace of the story to be slow (plodding) and the dialogue stilted (awkward). I wish the author had provided all the background on Flora in this book. I have not had the opportunity to read the first two books in The Flora Maguire series (nor will I), and I was missing some details. I was especially curious as to why Flora’s husband is called Bunny and why Flora was attracted to him (and why would she marry Bunny after meeting his mother). The missing information did not affect the story or my view of the book. The novel would have been better without Flora’s husband and mother-in-law (especially her). If those people were in my life, I would want to escape to London (I probably would never go back home). The only reason Flora was investigating the crime is curiosity and boredom (I could understand being bored in that time period). I give A Knightsbridge Scandal 3 out of 5 stars (it was okay). Flora was not a character I enjoyed. I like her curiosity, but not her acerbic comments (some of which did not help her relationship with her birth father) or her recklesness. Detective Inspector Maddox was a pompous, blowhard. His attitude, unfortunately, was in line with the time period. Most men would not appreciate a women’s interference (thankfully, some men were more enlightened). The mystery seemed complicated, but I was able to identify the killer long before the reveal. A Knightsbridge Scandal was not the right historical, mystery for me.
December 29, 2024
good story but too many errors
This series has created a lovely world, with good characters and relationships that develop over time. This particular book had too many typos, mistaken, pronouns, conflicting clothing, details, and incorrect cultural information. It took my pleasure away somewhat. Plus, one of the villains was too easy to guess. I will continue with the series because I enjoy the characters and hope future stories have less errors.
This series has created a lovely world, with good characters and relationships that develop over time. This particular book had too many typos, mistaken, pronouns, conflicting clothing, details, and incorrect cultural information. It took my pleasure away somewhat. Plus, one of the villains was too easy to guess. I will continue with the series because I enjoy the characters and hope future stories have less errors.
May 28, 2018
Good series
I enjoyed this book. The mystery was intriguing and as usual I did not figure out who the murderer was. I did guess some of it though. I only gave this 4 stars because the beginning of the story dragged a bit but once I got a little further into the story it hooked me as usual.
I enjoyed this book. The mystery was intriguing and as usual I did not figure out who the murderer was. I did guess some of it though. I only gave this 4 stars because the beginning of the story dragged a bit but once I got a little further into the story it hooked me as usual.
August 25, 2018
Tenacious, Intuitive, amateur detective, but a little frustrating.
I really enjoy the Flora Maguire series. She is tenacious and intuitive throughout the book. However, at the end she seems to stop thinking and goes forward only on instinct and winds up nearly getting harmed. It's a little frustrating to watch a smart woman get into this situation over and over.
I really enjoy the Flora Maguire series. She is tenacious and intuitive throughout the book. However, at the end she seems to stop thinking and goes forward only on instinct and winds up nearly getting harmed. It's a little frustrating to watch a smart woman get into this situation over and over.
December 2, 2025
This had a nice twist at the end. The place of foreigners is always tricky in books like this, but other than that, I found this a strong installment in the series. I really like what Davison does with the character arcs and gender dynamics -- especially that she doesn't make the latter entirely anachronistic.
May 29, 2018
Interesting Story
While I enjoyed this somewhat convoluted story, the change in the main character's demeanor didn't ring true. Flora seems to be developing hard edges and is much more self absorbed in this story. I will read the next one to see what develops.
While I enjoyed this somewhat convoluted story, the change in the main character's demeanor didn't ring true. Flora seems to be developing hard edges and is much more self absorbed in this story. I will read the next one to see what develops.
August 22, 2024
Interesting history of the suffragette movement and women’s lifestyle. The addition of Sally, the ladies maid was excellent and gave Flora’s character someone to play against so she was not constantly inside her head.
August 22, 2019
Second book better than the first.
Will get the next book as soon as I finish this review. I like reading novels set in this timeframe,gives I new perspective to common
Things.
Will get the next book as soon as I finish this review. I like reading novels set in this timeframe,gives I new perspective to common
Things.
March 24, 2024
Brilliant
What a wonderful read, I really enjoyed reading this book ,the characters are so well written , I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
What a wonderful read, I really enjoyed reading this book ,the characters are so well written , I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
October 26, 2024
terrific story
Loved the way it evolved and the bit of humour along with a serious story line. Well doe to Anita for a story well told
Loved the way it evolved and the bit of humour along with a serious story line. Well doe to Anita for a story well told
January 27, 2025
Did not manage to finish the book.
February 15, 2025
My pleasure in this book is that it's my 'comic book indulgence'. I enjoy the 'who done it' and then the representation of women in the forefront of the story.
June 2, 2019
Flora is in London visiting her birth father when a young woman is murdered next door. Flora thinks she way the woman earlier in the day. She has time on her hands, so she starts to investigate the woman, her life, and the people around her.
Good fun read.
Good fun read.
April 24, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I was really looking forward to starting Anita Davison's latest novel, A Knightsbridge Scandal, as she was a brand new author for me to sink my teeth into in regards to her work. I had heard of her, well, seen her books on Amazon, but my love for historical fiction wasn't as deep back then as it is now.
Set in 1903, London; A Knightsbridge Scandal brought to light the issues that women were up against back in the day; such as the suffragette movement. The movement was only just beginning to get the word out about their organisation and their beliefs; and, as this storyline shows, A LOT of people (mainly males) were completely against the entire thing. Because of that, women's safety became a rather touchy subject and also rather dangerous. Again, just like this storyline describes, there is always a scandal when you least expect it. Especially if, like Flora, you're meant to be having a little city break and the definition of 'seeing the sights' is completely different to what you originally thought....
Recently I have been reading a lot more historical fiction novels than ever before as I am a HUGE history buff (not many people know that), which meant my excitement for this novel was at a high. Early 1900's, London and a lot of history, what's not to like?
I need to be honest. It took me a little while to be able to get into this storyline and find something to sink my teeth into to keep me interested. The first couple of chapters seemed to ponder along at their own pace with a couple of sparklers alongside them, instead of a firework moment. Does that make sense? I struggled to find 'the thing' at first, and I so badly wanted to! I'm not usually one to give up on a book for a trivial reason, so I kept reading with my fingers crossed.
Did someone say SCANDAL?! Why helllooooooo there! The little 'something' I needed to reel me into the storyline properly, arrived with glittery paper and a huge bow (well, not really but you know what I mean). Flora was SUCH an inquisitive soul, completely unable to keep her nose out of things that didn't concern her. But you know what? I'm SOOOO glad that she was like that because I got to follow her journey of investigation, as well as learning more about an early 1900's London. From that moment I just knew that the book and I would be A-Okay.
Flora's mother in law, SHEEEEEESH!!!! What WAS that woman on? Both Bunny and his mother got on my nerves something chronic, no wonder Flora wanted to get a bit of excitement into a life and what a way to do it! Of course she managed to land herself in a bit of hot water, Flora was delving into a situation that she really should be steering clear of. That said, it was an exciting read with my detective skills failing me once again!
Anita Davison filled the storyline with one of my most favourite historical moments, The Suffragette Movement, and her brilliant descriptions made the movement come to life before my very own eyes.
Even though I was slightly unsure of the novel at the beginning, Anita's delightful writing style, historical knowledge and infectious bouts of excitement throughout, really did change my mind. It was as though something in the storyline just clicked.
Entertaining, secretive and incredibly interesting, A Knightsbridge Scandal is an ideal read to lounge on the sofa and step back in time with.
Thank you Aria.
I was really looking forward to starting Anita Davison's latest novel, A Knightsbridge Scandal, as she was a brand new author for me to sink my teeth into in regards to her work. I had heard of her, well, seen her books on Amazon, but my love for historical fiction wasn't as deep back then as it is now.
Set in 1903, London; A Knightsbridge Scandal brought to light the issues that women were up against back in the day; such as the suffragette movement. The movement was only just beginning to get the word out about their organisation and their beliefs; and, as this storyline shows, A LOT of people (mainly males) were completely against the entire thing. Because of that, women's safety became a rather touchy subject and also rather dangerous. Again, just like this storyline describes, there is always a scandal when you least expect it. Especially if, like Flora, you're meant to be having a little city break and the definition of 'seeing the sights' is completely different to what you originally thought....
Recently I have been reading a lot more historical fiction novels than ever before as I am a HUGE history buff (not many people know that), which meant my excitement for this novel was at a high. Early 1900's, London and a lot of history, what's not to like?
I need to be honest. It took me a little while to be able to get into this storyline and find something to sink my teeth into to keep me interested. The first couple of chapters seemed to ponder along at their own pace with a couple of sparklers alongside them, instead of a firework moment. Does that make sense? I struggled to find 'the thing' at first, and I so badly wanted to! I'm not usually one to give up on a book for a trivial reason, so I kept reading with my fingers crossed.
Did someone say SCANDAL?! Why helllooooooo there! The little 'something' I needed to reel me into the storyline properly, arrived with glittery paper and a huge bow (well, not really but you know what I mean). Flora was SUCH an inquisitive soul, completely unable to keep her nose out of things that didn't concern her. But you know what? I'm SOOOO glad that she was like that because I got to follow her journey of investigation, as well as learning more about an early 1900's London. From that moment I just knew that the book and I would be A-Okay.
Flora's mother in law, SHEEEEEESH!!!! What WAS that woman on? Both Bunny and his mother got on my nerves something chronic, no wonder Flora wanted to get a bit of excitement into a life and what a way to do it! Of course she managed to land herself in a bit of hot water, Flora was delving into a situation that she really should be steering clear of. That said, it was an exciting read with my detective skills failing me once again!
Anita Davison filled the storyline with one of my most favourite historical moments, The Suffragette Movement, and her brilliant descriptions made the movement come to life before my very own eyes.
Even though I was slightly unsure of the novel at the beginning, Anita's delightful writing style, historical knowledge and infectious bouts of excitement throughout, really did change my mind. It was as though something in the storyline just clicked.
Entertaining, secretive and incredibly interesting, A Knightsbridge Scandal is an ideal read to lounge on the sofa and step back in time with.
Thank you Aria.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews