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Lady Fan Mystery #10
The Hanging Cheat
The Fanshawes are back in another twisty mystery! For fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Barbara Erskine and Jane Austen.
Who hanged the body in the woods…?
1796, England
Heavily pregnant Lady Ottilia Fanshawe should not really be travelling. But when her sister-in-law dies, she goes with her husband Francis to comfort her brother and her two nephews.
And of course it’s not long before the services of her alter-ego, Lady Fan, are required.
While playing in the woodlands, the two boys come across a gruesome discovery. A dead man is hanging from a tree.
The corpse is quickly identified as the local justice, Hector Penkevil, a man universally disliked for his meanness.
And it’s soon clear that his death was not suicide, but murder.
With Penkevil so disliked in the community, how can Lady Fan narrow down the suspects? Will she find the killer?
And can she solve the mystery before she is forced to bed with her pregnancy…?
THE HANGING CHEAT is the tenth book in the Lady Fan Mystery historical romance murder mysteries with a courageous woman sleuth embarking on a traditional British, private investigation in eighteenth-century England.
‘The late Regency writer Georgette Heyer lives—and she's writing mysteries as Elizabeth Bailey!’ - Meritorious Mysteries
‘Ottilia is a strong, intelligent character with a real enthusiasm for detective work’ – She Reads Novels
‘They have everything you love in romances, plus continuing characters you can really come to love, and murders as well! Her heroine sleuth, Ottilia, is a fantastic character.’ - Historical Romance UK
LADY FAN HISTORICAL MYSTERY SERIES
BOOK The Gilded Shroud
BOOK The Deathly Portent
BOOK The Opium Purge
BOOK The Candlelit Coffin
BOOK The Mortal Blow
BOOK The Fateful Marriage
BOOK The Dagger Dance
BOOK The Unwanted Corpse
BOOK The Vengeance Trail
BOOK The Hanging Cheat
Who hanged the body in the woods…?
1796, England
Heavily pregnant Lady Ottilia Fanshawe should not really be travelling. But when her sister-in-law dies, she goes with her husband Francis to comfort her brother and her two nephews.
And of course it’s not long before the services of her alter-ego, Lady Fan, are required.
While playing in the woodlands, the two boys come across a gruesome discovery. A dead man is hanging from a tree.
The corpse is quickly identified as the local justice, Hector Penkevil, a man universally disliked for his meanness.
And it’s soon clear that his death was not suicide, but murder.
With Penkevil so disliked in the community, how can Lady Fan narrow down the suspects? Will she find the killer?
And can she solve the mystery before she is forced to bed with her pregnancy…?
THE HANGING CHEAT is the tenth book in the Lady Fan Mystery historical romance murder mysteries with a courageous woman sleuth embarking on a traditional British, private investigation in eighteenth-century England.
‘The late Regency writer Georgette Heyer lives—and she's writing mysteries as Elizabeth Bailey!’ - Meritorious Mysteries
‘Ottilia is a strong, intelligent character with a real enthusiasm for detective work’ – She Reads Novels
‘They have everything you love in romances, plus continuing characters you can really come to love, and murders as well! Her heroine sleuth, Ottilia, is a fantastic character.’ - Historical Romance UK
LADY FAN HISTORICAL MYSTERY SERIES
BOOK The Gilded Shroud
BOOK The Deathly Portent
BOOK The Opium Purge
BOOK The Candlelit Coffin
BOOK The Mortal Blow
BOOK The Fateful Marriage
BOOK The Dagger Dance
BOOK The Unwanted Corpse
BOOK The Vengeance Trail
BOOK The Hanging Cheat
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2023
216 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bailey
93 books304 followersAn avid reader from an early age, Elizabeth Bailey grew up in colonial Africa under unconventional parentage and with theatre in the blood. Back in England, she trod the boards until discovering her true métier as a writer in her thirties, when she fulfilled an early addiction to Georgette Heyer by launching into historical romance. Eight years and eight books later, Elizabeth joined the Harlequin Mills & Boon stable, fuelling her writing with a secondary career teaching and directing drama, and writing plays into the bargain.
With 18 historicals published, Elizabeth turned to other genres, producing two titles (Fly the Wild Echoes and For One More Tomorrow) in the cross-genre literary/paranormal field as well as a suspense novella (Silence of a Stranger). She has several short stories available too and a guide for writers on editing.
Continuing her foray into other genres, but returning to her favourite historical period, Elizabeth turned to mystery. She placed her female sleuth in the late Georgian world of intrigue, elegance, aristocrats and rogues, where privilege rubbed shoulders with the harsh realities of making ends meet. While Ottilia moves in the upper echelon of Society, she is thoroughly at ease in the lower, which allows Elizabeth to cross boundaries with impunity. These novels are now published with Sapere Books and the list continues to grow.
Sapere also publish her Brides by Chance Regency Adventures, a series dedicated to the countless women who could not ordinarily hope for romance and marriage: poor relations, dowerless females, those who did not "take", orphans. In a word, the classic Cinderella heroine.
Now retired from teaching, Elizabeth concentrates on writing and promotion, with a sideline in running an assessment critique service for writers.
With 18 historicals published, Elizabeth turned to other genres, producing two titles (Fly the Wild Echoes and For One More Tomorrow) in the cross-genre literary/paranormal field as well as a suspense novella (Silence of a Stranger). She has several short stories available too and a guide for writers on editing.
Continuing her foray into other genres, but returning to her favourite historical period, Elizabeth turned to mystery. She placed her female sleuth in the late Georgian world of intrigue, elegance, aristocrats and rogues, where privilege rubbed shoulders with the harsh realities of making ends meet. While Ottilia moves in the upper echelon of Society, she is thoroughly at ease in the lower, which allows Elizabeth to cross boundaries with impunity. These novels are now published with Sapere Books and the list continues to grow.
Sapere also publish her Brides by Chance Regency Adventures, a series dedicated to the countless women who could not ordinarily hope for romance and marriage: poor relations, dowerless females, those who did not "take", orphans. In a word, the classic Cinderella heroine.
Now retired from teaching, Elizabeth concentrates on writing and promotion, with a sideline in running an assessment critique service for writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 2, 2023
Why have I never hear of this series before???? I do believe I’ve found my newest obsession.
Book 10 of the Lady Fan mystery series finds the heroine investigating the hanging death of a disliked magistrate. With so many people as suspects how will she ever find the murderer???
Having never read the prior novels I was concerned I would be unable to jump in at this juncture but I found it to be an amazing read. Easily able to be read as a stand alone mystery. I have to say that I will definitely read the prior novels now though.
Wonderfully funny and intriguing with a headstrong and delightful heroine!!
Special thanks to NetGalley, Elizabeth Bailey, and Sapere Books for the chance to read this ARC for my honest review!
Book 10 of the Lady Fan mystery series finds the heroine investigating the hanging death of a disliked magistrate. With so many people as suspects how will she ever find the murderer???
Having never read the prior novels I was concerned I would be unable to jump in at this juncture but I found it to be an amazing read. Easily able to be read as a stand alone mystery. I have to say that I will definitely read the prior novels now though.
Wonderfully funny and intriguing with a headstrong and delightful heroine!!
Special thanks to NetGalley, Elizabeth Bailey, and Sapere Books for the chance to read this ARC for my honest review!
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December 6, 2023Another strong effort by Elizabeth Bailey!
Thanks to the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
What follows is my own opinion on the book.
I have read all the books in the Lady Fan series and I have never been disappointed!
This time we find Tillie and Francis at Patrick's house after his wife's death.
Mystery is following Tillie everywhere she goes and the corpse of a universally hated man is found in the woods. Will Tillie find the culprit? The possible perpetrators are many and everyone has a strong motive.
As usual the characters are well written, the plot well thought out and the story always interesting.
Can't wait for the next book!
Thanks to the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
What follows is my own opinion on the book.
I have read all the books in the Lady Fan series and I have never been disappointed!
This time we find Tillie and Francis at Patrick's house after his wife's death.
Mystery is following Tillie everywhere she goes and the corpse of a universally hated man is found in the woods. Will Tillie find the culprit? The possible perpetrators are many and everyone has a strong motive.
As usual the characters are well written, the plot well thought out and the story always interesting.
Can't wait for the next book!
December 9, 2024
A good story. I like this series because the characters behave as they would have at the time. Not as modern people would behave.
December 4, 2023
I always enjoy reading how Lady Fan solves the mystery. She has a very patient husband which would have been a rare thing at the time of this series. Not sure about how easy she took to her brother having a mistress, I did like the way the book ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2023
Lady Fan does it again!
I love these novels, they remind me of G.Heyer's books that I discovered at the library as a teenager! I experience the same delicious but with your books. The story begins, and pay attention as clues and hints are left along the way.
If you need a spa day or week please enjoy them if it ends in such a wonderfully satisfying story. Thank you!
I love these novels, they remind me of G.Heyer's books that I discovered at the library as a teenager! I experience the same delicious but with your books. The story begins, and pay attention as clues and hints are left along the way.
If you need a spa day or week please enjoy them if it ends in such a wonderfully satisfying story. Thank you!
December 1, 2023
Loved it
One of my most favorite Lady Fan books. I especially enjoyed her two nephews. Hope they appear in future stories. Looking forward to the next one.
One of my most favorite Lady Fan books. I especially enjoyed her two nephews. Hope they appear in future stories. Looking forward to the next one.
November 29, 2023
Another winner
When a man hated by many ends up dead, it's up to Lady Fan to sort who really did it. Plus family drama, pregnancy, enthusiastic nephews and more. I very much look forward to the next book.
When a man hated by many ends up dead, it's up to Lady Fan to sort who really did it. Plus family drama, pregnancy, enthusiastic nephews and more. I very much look forward to the next book.
November 27, 2023
Another great entry into what is for me a must read series. Lots of suspects in this one as the victim is the most hated man in the district. This time Lady Fan has 2 able assistants in her nephews so we get to see much more of them and her brother in this latest instalment which moves along at a good pace. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2023
Excellent!
Wonderful! Terrific series and this book is outstanding. Great mystery, very fast paced, and Lady Fan has her 2 nephews as her assistants!
Wonderful! Terrific series and this book is outstanding. Great mystery, very fast paced, and Lady Fan has her 2 nephews as her assistants!
November 26, 2023
Liked
An interesting story line and characters that developed well.The story flowed more of who did the murder everybody did but nobody did
An interesting story line and characters that developed well.The story flowed more of who did the murder everybody did but nobody did
December 3, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Fan Mystery #10
Publication Date: 11/24/23
Period: Georgian
Number of Pages: 335
I completed my read of the last book, The Vengeance Trail, in a very sad mood because Francis had a lot of emotional suffering in that book, and it was not over by the end. That left me wondering how things would change for this book – and the rest of the series – to work. I have my answer now – and if you were wondering the same thing, you’ll have your answer as well.
A very pregnant Ottilia Fanshaw, Lady Fan, and her husband Francis are at her brother’s home for the funeral of his wife who had been ill for a very long time. Francis cannot wait to leave so he can get Ottilia back to their home and coddle her before the delivery of their child. Just as their departure is approaching, their two nephews come running into the house announcing they’ve discovered a dead body in the woods. Is it natural causes? Is it suicide? Is it murder? Lady Fan – and even Francis – are sure it is a murder staged to look like a suicide. Poor Francis – because we all know Ottilia will want to stay and solve the crime.
There is a plethora of suspects because the victim is the most hated man in the district – not a single soul has anything good to say about him. They speak with suspects throughout the district, but few have real alibis which makes the elimination of them all but impossible. How can Lady Fan work through it all and solve the crime before her pregnancy makes it impossible for her to do so? With time of the essence, she decides to divide and conquer. She enlists her two nephews and Francis to help interview suspects, chase down clues, and help puzzle out the events, so surely she’ll identify the murderer soon.
This is an excellent mystery that will keep you guessing till the end. Just when you are absolutely sure who the culprit is, there is a revelation that makes you doubt it. When we finally wind through all of the clues and suspects and find the culprit – you’ll be surprised – at least by part of it.
I enjoyed this addition to the Lady Fan series and am already looking forward to the next one. I hope you’ll enjoy it as well.
Series: Lady Fan Mystery #10
Publication Date: 11/24/23
Period: Georgian
Number of Pages: 335
I completed my read of the last book, The Vengeance Trail, in a very sad mood because Francis had a lot of emotional suffering in that book, and it was not over by the end. That left me wondering how things would change for this book – and the rest of the series – to work. I have my answer now – and if you were wondering the same thing, you’ll have your answer as well.
A very pregnant Ottilia Fanshaw, Lady Fan, and her husband Francis are at her brother’s home for the funeral of his wife who had been ill for a very long time. Francis cannot wait to leave so he can get Ottilia back to their home and coddle her before the delivery of their child. Just as their departure is approaching, their two nephews come running into the house announcing they’ve discovered a dead body in the woods. Is it natural causes? Is it suicide? Is it murder? Lady Fan – and even Francis – are sure it is a murder staged to look like a suicide. Poor Francis – because we all know Ottilia will want to stay and solve the crime.
There is a plethora of suspects because the victim is the most hated man in the district – not a single soul has anything good to say about him. They speak with suspects throughout the district, but few have real alibis which makes the elimination of them all but impossible. How can Lady Fan work through it all and solve the crime before her pregnancy makes it impossible for her to do so? With time of the essence, she decides to divide and conquer. She enlists her two nephews and Francis to help interview suspects, chase down clues, and help puzzle out the events, so surely she’ll identify the murderer soon.
This is an excellent mystery that will keep you guessing till the end. Just when you are absolutely sure who the culprit is, there is a revelation that makes you doubt it. When we finally wind through all of the clues and suspects and find the culprit – you’ll be surprised – at least by part of it.
I enjoyed this addition to the Lady Fan series and am already looking forward to the next one. I hope you’ll enjoy it as well.
December 12, 2023
When her sister-in-law dies, Lady Fan visits her brother, planning only a short visit to him and his two sons. But when a body is found hanging in the local woods - and the evidence shows that it wasn't suicide, despite being framed that way - it's clear their visit isn't going to be as short as planned. Fortunately, Lord Francis has come around to the idea of her helping, and is actively supporting her investigation - but all too many people had good reason to hate the dead man. Can Lady Fan find the culprit, or will this be the time she fails?
It was great to see Francis and Ottilia smoothing things out between them again - their relationship has always been good to watch, and while problems are a realistic thing to show, it's great to see them working through them and coming out stronger than ever. In terms of the murder, I can't say I worked any of it out - it kept me guessing right through to the end, but it did work well. And the ending, while unconventional, was definitely satisfying. It was also nice to see more of Ben and Tom. I have fairly mixed feelings about Patrick's side story, but it is at least handled cleanly. All in all, a good read and I look forward to more Lady Fan in future - and finding out the gender of her offspring!
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
It was great to see Francis and Ottilia smoothing things out between them again - their relationship has always been good to watch, and while problems are a realistic thing to show, it's great to see them working through them and coming out stronger than ever. In terms of the murder, I can't say I worked any of it out - it kept me guessing right through to the end, but it did work well. And the ending, while unconventional, was definitely satisfying. It was also nice to see more of Ben and Tom. I have fairly mixed feelings about Patrick's side story, but it is at least handled cleanly. All in all, a good read and I look forward to more Lady Fan in future - and finding out the gender of her offspring!
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
January 2, 2024
Characters You Wish Were Real
Some readers will guess the murder before the reveal and some won't, but either way Elizabeth Bailey treats her readers with respect. She doesn't talk down to us or over-explain. She lets us come along at our own pace without boring those of quick mind. But even better, her well-rounded characters make the stories so much more than just a murder mystery. Some of these characters are so true-to-life, natural, and likable that you wish they were your friends or colleagues.
I rarely reread a murder mystery because once I know the answer, then the story has lost its intrigue. Elizabeth Bailey's work is the exception. I will want to reread Lady Fan and all of her mysteries, especially this o none, over and over because the heroine and her family is as close to my heart as Louisa May Alcott's March sisters. I am rooting for you, Otillia!
Some readers will guess the murder before the reveal and some won't, but either way Elizabeth Bailey treats her readers with respect. She doesn't talk down to us or over-explain. She lets us come along at our own pace without boring those of quick mind. But even better, her well-rounded characters make the stories so much more than just a murder mystery. Some of these characters are so true-to-life, natural, and likable that you wish they were your friends or colleagues.
I rarely reread a murder mystery because once I know the answer, then the story has lost its intrigue. Elizabeth Bailey's work is the exception. I will want to reread Lady Fan and all of her mysteries, especially this o none, over and over because the heroine and her family is as close to my heart as Louisa May Alcott's March sisters. I am rooting for you, Otillia!
December 17, 2023
Ottilia is in the country visiting her recently widowed brother when her nephews discover a body. Tillie has been inactive due to her pregnancy and so is very happy to take on the investigation. The victim is an obnoxious, vicious man that everyone is happy to see dead, which makes pinpointing a likely suspect difficult. Added to that are the discovery of some (to Ottilia) shocking, adulterous liaisons. Characters new and old enliven the story and the solution is satisfactorily complicated. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one which will hopefully include some of the new chartacters introduced here.
December 15, 2023
The Hanging Cheat was an eloquent story about an wife and husband detective team murder mystery where the whole town is full of precariously flawed residents who play well into a good "who done it." I found at times it was lagging and boring but overall it kept me on my toes and it was a fun exploration into the minds of people in a time of great chaos. Would definitely recommend to anyone that enjoys historical fiction and Agatha Christie. Very much enjoyed this, it was delightful and lovely novel.
March 23, 2024
Getting redundant...
I have read every book in the series since book one. I have to say I am to the point where I'm skipping chapters because it's just repeating the same thing. How many times can Fan lean on the mantle, and Ottilia have a cup of coffee? I was really disappointed in this book that she did not have the twins by the end. Now I have to wait for the next book to find out if she lives, dies, and what the babies are. Kind of a waste of my time in this one....
I have read every book in the series since book one. I have to say I am to the point where I'm skipping chapters because it's just repeating the same thing. How many times can Fan lean on the mantle, and Ottilia have a cup of coffee? I was really disappointed in this book that she did not have the twins by the end. Now I have to wait for the next book to find out if she lives, dies, and what the babies are. Kind of a waste of my time in this one....
May 8, 2024
Lady Fan does it again
Not only does Lady Fan solve the murder but we are allowed to accompanied her while she does it. This delightful story reintroduced us to Lady Fan's brother and his sons, but a new character has come forth that appears to become a semi regular. There are numerous suspects who had a beef with the victim, including his family. How Lady Fan solved this crime gives you an enjoyable read.
Not only does Lady Fan solve the murder but we are allowed to accompanied her while she does it. This delightful story reintroduced us to Lady Fan's brother and his sons, but a new character has come forth that appears to become a semi regular. There are numerous suspects who had a beef with the victim, including his family. How Lady Fan solved this crime gives you an enjoyable read.
December 15, 2023
Surprises Galore
Oh, how I love Lady Fan and her family! I won't reveal any of the surprises one encounters in this book, but know it's hard to put down and even harder to figure out whodunit and how. Her interactions with her brother and nephews are delightful. Of course it's going to be hard waiting for the next Lady Fan to see how her pregnancy turns out.
Oh, how I love Lady Fan and her family! I won't reveal any of the surprises one encounters in this book, but know it's hard to put down and even harder to figure out whodunit and how. Her interactions with her brother and nephews are delightful. Of course it's going to be hard waiting for the next Lady Fan to see how her pregnancy turns out.
January 4, 2024
Delightful Mystery Book
Very pregnant Auntilla is a notarized detective. She seems to unravel mysteries constantly. Aided by her nephews the spy on possible malcontents. Then inform Tilla what they have learned.
Finally after 2 weeks of listening and finally reveals the people who have been involved
Very pregnant Auntilla is a notarized detective. She seems to unravel mysteries constantly. Aided by her nephews the spy on possible malcontents. Then inform Tilla what they have learned.
Finally after 2 weeks of listening and finally reveals the people who have been involved
February 6, 2024
Lord and Lady Fanshawe are staying with her brother and nephews, just after the death of her sister in law. A local Justice, who seems to be hated by everyone in the district, is found dead in the woods in suspicious circumstances. Everyone expects Lady Fan to investigate and find the murderer. I have really enjoyed this series of books, and hope it will continue.
January 29, 2024
love everyone in series
This series only gets better ! I have to say, Ms Bailey! You’ve left is with a double cliffhanger here! Will it take 9 months for your next installment ‼️❓😳 please say a New Lady Fan is just around the corner ?😃
This series only gets better ! I have to say, Ms Bailey! You’ve left is with a double cliffhanger here! Will it take 9 months for your next installment ‼️❓😳 please say a New Lady Fan is just around the corner ?😃
June 30, 2024
Wonderful Series
Love the relationship between the female and male leads. Strong, intelligent, warm and compassionate heroine and hero. Great supporting characters. Wonderful sense of time and place. Plenty of intrigue. Keeps you guessing!
Love the relationship between the female and male leads. Strong, intelligent, warm and compassionate heroine and hero. Great supporting characters. Wonderful sense of time and place. Plenty of intrigue. Keeps you guessing!
January 9, 2026
Poor Ottilia's brother Mr. Francis, his wife Sarah died after many years of being sickly. The story continues with finding a dead body in the woods. And Lady Fan soon seeks the killer. In general I enjoyed the story and found the end fascinating. Having twins, just wow.
December 9, 2023
good
It does take me a few minutes to adjust to the more formal speech cadence. It is a pleasant change from the typical cozy historical mysteries.
It does take me a few minutes to adjust to the more formal speech cadence. It is a pleasant change from the typical cozy historical mysteries.
December 14, 2023
Review to follow.
December 24, 2023
Another great story!
I couldn't put the book down. This really was one hard to figure out. And in the end it was a surprise!
I couldn't put the book down. This really was one hard to figure out. And in the end it was a surprise!
December 28, 2023
fabulous
As always a great read, with interwoven plots and this time I wasn’t able to work out who did as quickly as normal. Highly recommended.
As always a great read, with interwoven plots and this time I wasn’t able to work out who did as quickly as normal. Highly recommended.
December 29, 2023
Fabulous
I am in awe of the fabulous Lady Fan! Such a wonderful character and such a great read all around. Wonderful series, a good read alone but don't miss the rest!
I am in awe of the fabulous Lady Fan! Such a wonderful character and such a great read all around. Wonderful series, a good read alone but don't miss the rest!
January 11, 2024
1796. The Fanshawes are visiting her brother Dr Patrick Hathaway on the death of his wife. Unfortunately sons Ben and Tom Hathaway discover the murdered body of Justice Hector Penkevil. Lady Fan investigates but the suspects are many as the dead man was universally disliked.
An entertaining historical mystery.
An entertaining historical mystery.
January 27, 2024
A mystery full with well rounded suspects and nice wordbuilding set on the last years of the 18th century.
It could have done with an extra chapter as epiloge.
It could have done with an extra chapter as epiloge.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews