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London Ladies' Murder Club #2
A Body at the Séance
When a body turns up at a glamorous séance, Mabel Canning’s sleuthing skills are put to the test. Because it appears the victim died twice…
London, 1921: As a winter wind blows through the streets of London, Mabel Canning is hired by the Useful Women’s Agency to attend a séance at the home of famous medium Madame Pushkana. But when Mabel hears a choking noise and a loud thud, she quickly turns on the lights to find herself at the scene of a murder.
The victim is none other than Stamford Plomley, whose widow arranged the séance after he died in a fire eight months ago. How did he come back from the dead without a scorch mark on him? And could one of their assembled party of gentlewomen have killed him… again?
When Scotland Yard arrive, the police try to stop Mabel from interfering. But having just formed the London Ladies’ Murder Club, Mabel isn’t going anywhere. And with the help of former detective Park Winstone, she begins to piece together what really happened at the ghostly gathering.
But when Mabel receives a threatening letter warning her to stay away from the case, she realises the murderer may have another victim in mind. With time running out, will she hit a dead end? Or can she keep herself from becoming the next one to be sent to an early grave?
A totally gripping, witty and warm Golden Age cozy murder mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman, Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.
London, 1921: As a winter wind blows through the streets of London, Mabel Canning is hired by the Useful Women’s Agency to attend a séance at the home of famous medium Madame Pushkana. But when Mabel hears a choking noise and a loud thud, she quickly turns on the lights to find herself at the scene of a murder.
The victim is none other than Stamford Plomley, whose widow arranged the séance after he died in a fire eight months ago. How did he come back from the dead without a scorch mark on him? And could one of their assembled party of gentlewomen have killed him… again?
When Scotland Yard arrive, the police try to stop Mabel from interfering. But having just formed the London Ladies’ Murder Club, Mabel isn’t going anywhere. And with the help of former detective Park Winstone, she begins to piece together what really happened at the ghostly gathering.
But when Mabel receives a threatening letter warning her to stay away from the case, she realises the murderer may have another victim in mind. With time running out, will she hit a dead end? Or can she keep herself from becoming the next one to be sent to an early grave?
A totally gripping, witty and warm Golden Age cozy murder mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman, Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2024
539 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Marty Wingate
32 books694 followersUSA Today best-selling author Marty Wingate writes The First Edition Library series (Berkley) set in Bath, England, about the curator of a collection of books from the Golden Age of Mystery. Book one, The Bodies in the Library, concerns murder among an Agatha Christie fan-fiction writing group, and in book two, Murder Is a Must (October 2020), an exhibition manager is found dead at the bottom of a spiral staircase. Marty also writes historical fiction: Glamour Girls (Alcove Press, January 2021) follows Spitfire pilot Rosalie Wright through both the physical and emotional dangers of the Second World War. Marty writes two further mystery series: the Potting Shed books (Alibi) feature Pru Parke, a middle-aged American gardener transplanted from Texas to England, and the Birds of a Feather series (Alibi) follows Julia Lanchester, bird lover, who runs a tourist office in a Suffolk village.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
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January 6, 2024
A Body at the Séance by Marty Wingate
Synopsis /
When a body turns up at a glamorous séance, Mabel Canning’s sleuthing skills are put to the test. Because it appears the victim died twice…
London, 1921: As a winter wind blows through the streets of London, Mabel Canning is hired by the Useful Women’s Agency to attend a séance at the home of famous medium Madame Pushkana. But when Mabel hears a choking noise and a loud thud, she quickly turns on the lights to find herself at the scene of a murder.
The victim is none other than Stamford Plomley, whose widow arranged the séance after he died in a fire eight months ago. How did he come back from the dead without a scorch mark on him? And could one of their assembled party of gentlewomen have killed him… again?
When Scotland Yard arrive, the police try to stop Mabel from interfering. But having just formed the London Ladies’ Murder Club, Mabel isn’t going anywhere. And with the help of former detective Park Winstone, she begins to piece together what really happened at the ghostly gathering.
But when Mabel receives a threatening letter warning her to stay away from the case, she realises the murderer may have another victim in mind. With time running out, will she hit a dead end? Or can she keep herself from becoming the next one to be sent to an early grave?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Marty Wingate and Bookouture publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
If you haven't heard of the London Ladies' Murder Club, it's a wonderful new cosy mystery series set in 1921 London, highlighting the adventures (or are they misadventures?) of Miss Mabel Canning.
In her early thirties, Miss Mabel Canning recently moved to London to live as an 'independent' woman. She found herself a job at the Useful Women Agency run by the efficient Miss Lillian Kerr. Being a 'useful woman' means just that - providing a useful service for the well-to-doers. Helping hang a picture frame, to collecting dresses from the haberdasher, going to the library, reading to a client, responding to correspondence, it's all useful employment. In the previous book, while assisting a wealthy widow (Rosalind Despard) with general tasks, a body falls dead on the front doorstep. Mabel, with the assistance of Detective Inspector Tollerton and Detective Sergeant Lett solve the case, and Mabel and the Useful Women Agency get the credit.
In #2, Miss Canning and the Useful Women's Agency are back, and in this instalment there's a body at the Séance.
Mabel has been assigned a job by Miss Kerr to attend a séance with client, Mrs Plomley. If Mabel thought it strange, she was reminded that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself was an advocate - so if it was okay for Doyle, then….
Arriving at the home of Madame Pushkana, Mabel finds she is one of many - there's her client, Mrs Plomley, Miss Winnie Colefax, Mr George Midday, Mr William Frogg and Mr Arthur Trenchard. Mabel leans that Mrs Plomley wants Madame Pushkana to contact her late husband, who died some eight months ago, to make sure he is okay in the afterlife.
Never having attended a séance before, Mabel didn't know what to expect, but when the lights go out, and the table starts to rise and the chandelier begins to shake, it was all a bit surprising. There is a sharp bang and all the lights go out and then…..total chaos. When the lights are finally turned back on, Mabel is faced with the table upturned, everyone out of their seats and a dead body on the floor. If that wasn't bad enough, Mrs Plomley lets out a shriek and a wail - and she identifies the body as that of her husband who died eight months earlier.
With Detective Inspector Tollerton and Detective Sergeant Lett from Scotland Yard investigating, Mrs Plomley hires Mabel to investigate her husband's 'first' death. With help from her friends, Cora and Skeff, and help from former detective Park Winstone and Gladys the dog, Mabel is able to solve the mystery of the body at the séance.
Author Marty Wingate has created a winning combination, with warm, charming characters and uniquely original murder mysteries.
I'm a little sad that I've finished this one, as I have now finished the series. I hope I won't have to wait too long to visit with the Useful Women's Agency and Miss Canning again.
A Body at the Séance is due for release on January 11, 2024.
Synopsis /
When a body turns up at a glamorous séance, Mabel Canning’s sleuthing skills are put to the test. Because it appears the victim died twice…
London, 1921: As a winter wind blows through the streets of London, Mabel Canning is hired by the Useful Women’s Agency to attend a séance at the home of famous medium Madame Pushkana. But when Mabel hears a choking noise and a loud thud, she quickly turns on the lights to find herself at the scene of a murder.
The victim is none other than Stamford Plomley, whose widow arranged the séance after he died in a fire eight months ago. How did he come back from the dead without a scorch mark on him? And could one of their assembled party of gentlewomen have killed him… again?
When Scotland Yard arrive, the police try to stop Mabel from interfering. But having just formed the London Ladies’ Murder Club, Mabel isn’t going anywhere. And with the help of former detective Park Winstone, she begins to piece together what really happened at the ghostly gathering.
But when Mabel receives a threatening letter warning her to stay away from the case, she realises the murderer may have another victim in mind. With time running out, will she hit a dead end? Or can she keep herself from becoming the next one to be sent to an early grave?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Marty Wingate and Bookouture publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
If you haven't heard of the London Ladies' Murder Club, it's a wonderful new cosy mystery series set in 1921 London, highlighting the adventures (or are they misadventures?) of Miss Mabel Canning.
In her early thirties, Miss Mabel Canning recently moved to London to live as an 'independent' woman. She found herself a job at the Useful Women Agency run by the efficient Miss Lillian Kerr. Being a 'useful woman' means just that - providing a useful service for the well-to-doers. Helping hang a picture frame, to collecting dresses from the haberdasher, going to the library, reading to a client, responding to correspondence, it's all useful employment. In the previous book, while assisting a wealthy widow (Rosalind Despard) with general tasks, a body falls dead on the front doorstep. Mabel, with the assistance of Detective Inspector Tollerton and Detective Sergeant Lett solve the case, and Mabel and the Useful Women Agency get the credit.
In #2, Miss Canning and the Useful Women's Agency are back, and in this instalment there's a body at the Séance.
Mabel has been assigned a job by Miss Kerr to attend a séance with client, Mrs Plomley. If Mabel thought it strange, she was reminded that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself was an advocate - so if it was okay for Doyle, then….
Arriving at the home of Madame Pushkana, Mabel finds she is one of many - there's her client, Mrs Plomley, Miss Winnie Colefax, Mr George Midday, Mr William Frogg and Mr Arthur Trenchard. Mabel leans that Mrs Plomley wants Madame Pushkana to contact her late husband, who died some eight months ago, to make sure he is okay in the afterlife.
Never having attended a séance before, Mabel didn't know what to expect, but when the lights go out, and the table starts to rise and the chandelier begins to shake, it was all a bit surprising. There is a sharp bang and all the lights go out and then…..total chaos. When the lights are finally turned back on, Mabel is faced with the table upturned, everyone out of their seats and a dead body on the floor. If that wasn't bad enough, Mrs Plomley lets out a shriek and a wail - and she identifies the body as that of her husband who died eight months earlier.
With Detective Inspector Tollerton and Detective Sergeant Lett from Scotland Yard investigating, Mrs Plomley hires Mabel to investigate her husband's 'first' death. With help from her friends, Cora and Skeff, and help from former detective Park Winstone and Gladys the dog, Mabel is able to solve the mystery of the body at the séance.
Author Marty Wingate has created a winning combination, with warm, charming characters and uniquely original murder mysteries.
I'm a little sad that I've finished this one, as I have now finished the series. I hope I won't have to wait too long to visit with the Useful Women's Agency and Miss Canning again.
A Body at the Séance is due for release on January 11, 2024.
March 15, 2024
A Body at The Seance is the second book in the London Ladies’ Murder Club series, a historical mystery series.
Mabel is a “modern woman” in 1921, single and in her 30s. She has come to London from a small town to make her way in the world. She lives in an apartment building and has made friends with some of the other residents, especially “Skeff”, Cora and Park. She works at a sort of temp agency of the time, the Useful Women’s Agency. The head of the agency, Miss Kerr, sends her on all sorts of jobs, and while working one of these, Mabel wound up helping to investigate a murder. Because of her success with that, Miss Kerr decided to add “private investigations” to the long list of things her Useful Women can do.
In this book, Mabel is hired to accompany a woman to a seance and, as you can figure out from the title, there is a death. Mabel is asked to investigate, along with the London police, although technically Mabel is investigating something else (I don’t want to spoil the story!) Mabel has an interesting “talent” - when she looks at someone’s handwriting, she hears music. And each person’s handwriting makes Mabel think of different sorts of music. Very interesting!
While I definitely enjoyed this one, it felt a bit slower than the first book. Perhaps it was because there were so many possible suspects to investigate? I love Mabel’s relationship with Cora and “Skeff”, two women who live together in her building. Skeff works as a journalist and her skills are helpful to Mabel’s investigations. Cora makes hats as a sideline to her regular job and her wide variety of hats help Mabel to semi-disguise herself at times. (I did find that the author kept referring to Cora’s “apple cheeks” too many times.) Park is a former Scotland Yard detective and it’s looking like he will be a romantic interest for Mabel, who worries that getting involved with a man will endanger her status as an independent woman. (Remember, this was the 1920s.) Park’s dog, Gladys, plays a big part once again. Among the new characters in this story, I particularly enjoyed Perkins.
Despite this book feeling a bit slow, I look forward to reading Mabel’s further adventures - the next book in the series will be A Body at the Dance Hall.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Mabel is a “modern woman” in 1921, single and in her 30s. She has come to London from a small town to make her way in the world. She lives in an apartment building and has made friends with some of the other residents, especially “Skeff”, Cora and Park. She works at a sort of temp agency of the time, the Useful Women’s Agency. The head of the agency, Miss Kerr, sends her on all sorts of jobs, and while working one of these, Mabel wound up helping to investigate a murder. Because of her success with that, Miss Kerr decided to add “private investigations” to the long list of things her Useful Women can do.
In this book, Mabel is hired to accompany a woman to a seance and, as you can figure out from the title, there is a death. Mabel is asked to investigate, along with the London police, although technically Mabel is investigating something else (I don’t want to spoil the story!) Mabel has an interesting “talent” - when she looks at someone’s handwriting, she hears music. And each person’s handwriting makes Mabel think of different sorts of music. Very interesting!
While I definitely enjoyed this one, it felt a bit slower than the first book. Perhaps it was because there were so many possible suspects to investigate? I love Mabel’s relationship with Cora and “Skeff”, two women who live together in her building. Skeff works as a journalist and her skills are helpful to Mabel’s investigations. Cora makes hats as a sideline to her regular job and her wide variety of hats help Mabel to semi-disguise herself at times. (I did find that the author kept referring to Cora’s “apple cheeks” too many times.) Park is a former Scotland Yard detective and it’s looking like he will be a romantic interest for Mabel, who worries that getting involved with a man will endanger her status as an independent woman. (Remember, this was the 1920s.) Park’s dog, Gladys, plays a big part once again. Among the new characters in this story, I particularly enjoyed Perkins.
Despite this book feeling a bit slow, I look forward to reading Mabel’s further adventures - the next book in the series will be A Body at the Dance Hall.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 10, 2024
This is a review for both A Body on the Doorstep and A Body at the Séance, the first and second novels in the London Ladies' Murder Club Book series.
I read other novels by Marty Wingate and always enjoyed them as the plot are always entertaining, the mystery solid and the characters well rounded.
These novels are the excellent start of a new series and the type of novels that keeps you reading and enjoying the stories.
I found them very entertaining and they type of mystery that makes you relax and have fun.
I loved Mabel, the heroine, and was fascinated by the world of the Useful Women’s Agency. Mabel is clever, indipendent and never reckless. I love how she worked to be her own woman and adapted to her new life in London.
The cast of characters is well done and relatable. I liked them as they're all quite relatable and likeable.
I can't wait to read the third in this series as I want to know what will happen in Mabel's life and the new mystery.
Well done and highly entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I read other novels by Marty Wingate and always enjoyed them as the plot are always entertaining, the mystery solid and the characters well rounded.
These novels are the excellent start of a new series and the type of novels that keeps you reading and enjoying the stories.
I found them very entertaining and they type of mystery that makes you relax and have fun.
I loved Mabel, the heroine, and was fascinated by the world of the Useful Women’s Agency. Mabel is clever, indipendent and never reckless. I love how she worked to be her own woman and adapted to her new life in London.
The cast of characters is well done and relatable. I liked them as they're all quite relatable and likeable.
I can't wait to read the third in this series as I want to know what will happen in Mabel's life and the new mystery.
Well done and highly entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 18, 2024
This story involving Mabel Canning our amateur sleuth, and Jack of all trades has solved her first crime, and is now embroiled in her second. At a seance, a man who was dead for several months is found murdered during the seance with very little clues left for the Police to follow. Mabel has been part of the group who follows the seance leader, and has more insight into the group of characters than the Police can ever hope to achieve. When Madame herself is found murdered, Mabel knows that time is limited as the murderer is becoming nervous that she is going to confront him.
Good deduction, painstaking detective work, a touch of romance in a classic vintage style and setting this was a delightful old fashioned read.
Good deduction, painstaking detective work, a touch of romance in a classic vintage style and setting this was a delightful old fashioned read.
January 2, 2024
This was another fun entry in Wingate’s new series about a woman in 1921 London who happens upon a murder mystery and works to solve it along with her friends and a new romantic interest.
The mystery is intriguing, but the real fun is how the author captures the atmosphere of the moment whether its from the description of fashions or the streets and neighborhoods of London. I really enjoyed entering into this world.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
The mystery is intriguing, but the real fun is how the author captures the atmosphere of the moment whether its from the description of fashions or the streets and neighborhoods of London. I really enjoyed entering into this world.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
December 29, 2023
This book definitely started with a bang - straight into the action with a death at a Seance set up to contact Mrs Plomley’s late husband. When his body is found there, it is evident that he hadn’t died in a fire eight months previously, as everyone had thought.
Mabel Canning from the Useful Women Agency is back and along with her, Park, Gladys, Augustus, Cora and Skeff. I absolutely love these characters and although this book can be read as a standalone, the development of the characters and the relationships between them is a big part of the series enjoyment for me.
The plot was excellent; I am fascinated by the spirit world and Mabel investigated the authenticity of the psychic, Madame Pushkana, as much as the murder, which I really loved.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Marty Wingate and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Mabel Canning from the Useful Women Agency is back and along with her, Park, Gladys, Augustus, Cora and Skeff. I absolutely love these characters and although this book can be read as a standalone, the development of the characters and the relationships between them is a big part of the series enjoyment for me.
The plot was excellent; I am fascinated by the spirit world and Mabel investigated the authenticity of the psychic, Madame Pushkana, as much as the murder, which I really loved.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Marty Wingate and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
December 10, 2023
This is the second book featuring Mabel Canning, who has moved to London in 1921, to fulfill her lifelong dream of being an independent woman in the city. She lives in a flat where some of her neighbours are great friends, and she works at the Useful Women agency, run by Miss Lillian Kerr. According to the author's note, the agency and Miss Kerr actually existed. The agency provides help for women, both in terms of employment and for those women who want to hire other women to do respectable domestic tasks. These range from the mundane (picking up some shopping or hanging pictures) to the less common, such as the job Mabel is assigned to. She has been asked to attend a seance with the client, Mrs. Plomley, a widow whose husband died in a fire 6 months previously. Mabel has no idea what to expect, but she goes along to the seance, where everyone is surprised because the lights go out, chaos ensues, and Mr. Plomley is discovered there in the flesh. This time, however, he actually is dead, strangled with a curtain te back. What happened 6 months before, what happened now, and what happened in between? Mrs. Plomley wants to know and she wants Mabel to find out. With the help of her friends, Mabel takes on the task.
I'd only just finished the first book in the series, which I loved, when I immediately started this one. I think I enjoyed this one even more! Gladys the dog has a bigger role in this book, which is great--she's a fun character. I liked watching the development of Mabel's friendships in her new home and her growing confidence in herself and her abilities. Her evolution as a person as she considers what her possibilities are is a joy to read. I enjoyed the historical setting and the references to other mystery authors. In this book, Conan Doyle is mentioned because of his interest in spiritualism, which was big at the time. Some of the characters involved in the mystery had interesting backstories which added some depth to the story. The mystery itself was well done and kept me turning the pages.
This is an excellent book in a series that is excellent so far. I can't wait for the next book so I can hang out some more with Mabel and her friends--and Gladys, of course! If you enjoy historical cozies, good mysteries, a fun cast of characters, and a great setting, then I can highly recommend this book and the series.
I thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy of this book.
I'd only just finished the first book in the series, which I loved, when I immediately started this one. I think I enjoyed this one even more! Gladys the dog has a bigger role in this book, which is great--she's a fun character. I liked watching the development of Mabel's friendships in her new home and her growing confidence in herself and her abilities. Her evolution as a person as she considers what her possibilities are is a joy to read. I enjoyed the historical setting and the references to other mystery authors. In this book, Conan Doyle is mentioned because of his interest in spiritualism, which was big at the time. Some of the characters involved in the mystery had interesting backstories which added some depth to the story. The mystery itself was well done and kept me turning the pages.
This is an excellent book in a series that is excellent so far. I can't wait for the next book so I can hang out some more with Mabel and her friends--and Gladys, of course! If you enjoy historical cozies, good mysteries, a fun cast of characters, and a great setting, then I can highly recommend this book and the series.
I thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy of this book.
December 11, 2023
A Body at the Séance is the second in Marty Wingate’s London Ladies Murder Club series. After I finished the first book in the series, I grabbed the second and started immediately. It features the same characters as the first in the series: Mabel Canning, who works at the Really Useful Women agency, hired out to women who need another female to do errands; Skeff and Cora, the two women who share a small flat in the same apartment block as Mabel’s; and Park Winstone, the handsome ex-policeman who lives on the floor below with his dog, Gladys. Gladys plays a larger part in this story. When Lilian Kerr, Mabel’s boss at Really Useful Women, tells Mabel that a Miss Gladys Winstone has engaged her services at 3pm that afternoon, Mabel and I both spat our tea across the room.
Once again, we have a body in Chapter One. In this case, there is absolutely no doubt the man has been murdered, but the deceased was supposed to have died a few months earlier. In fact, he has just been murdered at a séance held to summon his spirit. Now there’s a cracking start to a mystery! I love the way Wingate starts novels with a bang to grab our attention and fills in the background afterwards. Mabel had been asked to accompany the supposed widow to the séance and is, therefore, present at the murder, although the room is pitch-dark and no-one can see anything. It looks like one of the others present is the murderer but Mabel’s attempts to identify the culprit meet with obfuscation and evasion.
I thought the first book in the series was excellent, but A Body at the Séance is even better. When I’m reading a book, I make notes, perhaps where I spot an inconsistency or something clumsy. With this book, I find that I made no notes whatsoever. That demonstrates (a) how enthralled I was; and (b) that I couldn’t find a single thing to nit-pick about (and believe me, I am picky). Yes, I guessed the murderer long before the end, but that’s because I spotted one clue – that’s right, this is one of those mysteries where the author delicately inserts clues into the narrative and (possibly for the first time ever) I spotted one.
And for anyone who read the first book and also hoped that Britain’s naughtiest schoolboy, Augustus Malling-Frobisher III, would make an appearance, you will not be disappointed.
Once again, we have a body in Chapter One. In this case, there is absolutely no doubt the man has been murdered, but the deceased was supposed to have died a few months earlier. In fact, he has just been murdered at a séance held to summon his spirit. Now there’s a cracking start to a mystery! I love the way Wingate starts novels with a bang to grab our attention and fills in the background afterwards. Mabel had been asked to accompany the supposed widow to the séance and is, therefore, present at the murder, although the room is pitch-dark and no-one can see anything. It looks like one of the others present is the murderer but Mabel’s attempts to identify the culprit meet with obfuscation and evasion.
I thought the first book in the series was excellent, but A Body at the Séance is even better. When I’m reading a book, I make notes, perhaps where I spot an inconsistency or something clumsy. With this book, I find that I made no notes whatsoever. That demonstrates (a) how enthralled I was; and (b) that I couldn’t find a single thing to nit-pick about (and believe me, I am picky). Yes, I guessed the murderer long before the end, but that’s because I spotted one clue – that’s right, this is one of those mysteries where the author delicately inserts clues into the narrative and (possibly for the first time ever) I spotted one.
And for anyone who read the first book and also hoped that Britain’s naughtiest schoolboy, Augustus Malling-Frobisher III, would make an appearance, you will not be disappointed.
September 6, 2025
Another excellent murder mystery!!
I'm so grateful there's more books in this series.
I can't get enough!
I'm so grateful there's more books in this series.
I can't get enough!
January 7, 2024
Thank you to to NetGalley, Marty Wingate and Bookouture publishing for the free e-arc. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
Mabel Canning is determined to be independent and has been taking any off jobs the Useful Woman Agency has given her. She's also been operating as a private detective within the agency, solving crimes like lost dogs. When she's engaged to attend a séance, Mabel is skeptical and doesn't know what to expect but willing to go because it's a job. Her client, Mrs. Plomley, is attending a séance for the first time to contact her husband, Stanford, who died in a fire a few months ago. The other guests are regulars at Madame Pushkana's séances and other events. Mabel is still skeptical when Stanford Plomley appears to speak within the room but even Madame seems surprised and when the lights go out, there's complete chaos with Madame fallen into a swoon. As Mabel goes to help the medium, she discovers the dead body of Stanford Plomley under the heavy curtains. What? He was supposed to be dead already! How can a man die twice? While the murder is a matter for Scotland Yard, Mrs. Plomley hires Mabel to investigate the FIRST mysterious death of her husband. Mabel wants the truth too and though she promises she won't get involved in the murder investigation, she discovers the two cases seem to be intertwined and can't help but investigate the other guests. When she discovers a threatening note meant to warn her off, she's shaken but determined to go on. Then Madame Pushaka is literally stabbed in the back and before Mabel can solve Stanford Plomley's first death, she's off investigating the two current murders. Were they connected? Who killed Stanford Plomley and Madame Pushaka? One person or two? What will she do if it turns out to be Mrs. Plomley?
Oh I say! This second story was much better than the first, mystery wise. I never guessed who the murderer was at all. I was thinking along the same lines as Mabel but I wasn't sure. It seemed like a rather elaborate set up for a murder. The killer's motive didn't make a whole lot of sense. At first I missed some of the regular characters from the first book but most of them end up coming along for the investigation or putting in an appearance. It's the cozy that really makes this series shine. The characters, the 1920s setting and an independent "middle aged" (at 31) middle class heroine makes this series different from all the other 1920s lady detective novels. While it isn't Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence books, it's well done and I enjoyed it a lot.
Mabel is a great character. She's from a middle class background and her mother is dead. Her father, a greengrocer, served in the army in India until Mabel was a baby and then came home. Mabel is a doting daughter and though sometimes her dad is a little overprotective but she doesn't fuss at him because of it. Mabel just lets him know what he needs to know, just enough, that's it, so he doesn't worry. The post-WWI setting gives Mabel more depth than your average cozy heroine as well. She's mourning the loss of her friend Edith to the Spanish 'flu and though skeptical of mediums, is sort of hoping to hear from Edith. Mabel is practical and hard working. She's learned a lot from her odd jobs and understands human nature. What she does not understand is when she's about to walk into a trap. I do dislike that trope and hopefully she'll know better next time. I like how compassionate she is towards widows but still keeps an open mind in regards to Mrs. Plomley's guilt. I feel torn about her feelings for Park Winstone. I normally like a sweet, slow burn romance but Mabel mopes when he's not around and I could do without a romance in this series about a woman determined to be independent. Park is a nice guy. He's sweet on Mabel and misses her while he's in Paris on business. He doesn't like her investigating alone and is willing to play Watson to her Sherlock if it means being around her and keeping her safe. Park is moving faster than Mabel is ready for though but he backs off because he, too, can't bring himself to make a move towards commitment. He seems to respect Mabel's intelligence and independence so I think it could work out. Adorable Gladys, Park's terrier, has a bigger role to play in this story. She's funny and very terrierish demanding food just as the humans are sharing a moment. Gladys helps with the investigation as well and she senses someone isn't quite right but that someone remains elusive and just out of sight. She's also protective of her pack, which includes Mabel now. Don't underestimate her because she's cute!
I simply adored Skeff and Cora in the first book and it took a bit but they reappear in this one to help Mabel out. Cora is lovely and a talented milliner and costumer. She doesn't question why Mabel needs hats and even offers to help. She's a sweet woman and a jolly soul. Skeff is more masculine and more blunt. She speaks her mind but isn't rude about it. She respects her uncle's rules for his paper and respects herself too much to go and write a gossip column or tabloidy stories. She's a real journalist and I admire her. They're a cute couple and I like the queer representation. It feels right for the time and not shoehorned in to make the book more appealing for modern readers who wants more diverse characters. Mabel's father being in the Indian army and Mrs. Chandeker, the housekeeper, showcase the awful parts of the British Empire and Mabel's love for Mrs. Chandeker seems a little modern for the time but Mrs. C was Mabel's nanny when she was a baby. Augustus Frobisher has a cameo chapter. He's so funny! He's a typical ADHD kid. He's brilliant but doesn't know how to express his brilliance because everyone keeps trying to push him into a little mold of what a young gentleman should be like. Like Mabel, I feel sympathy for the kid. His father lives in Australia and seldom visits (obviously) and his mother never pays enough or the right kind of attention to her son. My heart went out to him when he asked Mabel to come to school for parents' day. His friend is cute but it's obvious Gussie is the ringleader. Somehow, the other boy manages to avoid getting into trouble. I would have made Gussie older than 8 though, more like 11-12 when boys are goofy, awkward and energetic. At 8 they're still cute! (Mostly, sometimes). Beware, Mabel! This kid is smart enough to manipulate you and make you think "Awww he's so cute!" LOL! I think she's smart enough to be aware of that and let it happen because she enjoys spending time with him.
Detective Inspector Tollerton is back, at Mabel's request, which wouldn't happen if that wasn't his jurisdiction. He's fair but doesn't want Mabel getting involved. She's a civilian and it would be dangerous. I don't think he doubts her intelligence and instinct the way Mabel seems to think. I think he's just a police officer trying to do his job without a nosy regular old person messing up crime scenes and getting into trouble asking questions. Now we meet a police woman! WPC Wardle is tough but she isn't judgmental or rude towards Mabel. Her job is to stand guard and assist with female suspects. Mabel manages to get WPC Wardle to do something she wants to do and Tollerton won't allow.
Everyone else is a newcomer to the series. I don't think we'll see any of them again as most of them are rather unappealing. Mrs. Plomley is a mousy little woman who hires Mabel to attend a séance, for moral support. Mrs. Plomley is an enigma. One minute she's mousy, the next she's in hysterics and the next day she's a boss lady who won't take no for an answer. Which one is the real Mrs. Plomley? The first two personalities don't seem like murderers to me but the last one does. I wouldn't discount her as a suspect, especially since it seems she had several motives. What kind of man did she marry? Stanford Plomley sounds like he was an idle dreamer who enjoyed a laugh and never really grew up. He doesn't seem like he was the responsible type and some clues point to him being a wannabe serial womanizer. Creep. Still, no one deserves to be murdered- twice. I'm wondering if the fire was a blind and he was kidnapped to keep him quiet about some scheme he was involved in and when he was about to spill the beans, he was murdered? That would imply that the murderer was in the room and knew what Stanford was about to say or feared what he was about to say. He sounds like a lousy husband and good riddance to him but again, he didn't deserve to be murdered. Maybe he was about to confess and apologize. Maybe he really did love his wife, in his own way.
Madame Pushkana is the usual type of medium. She keeps people coming, paying a fee, while stringing them along, making them believe she can contact their loved ones. That's really rotten and she claims not to be taking advantage of people, if that's not taking advantage, then what is? She has a small staff so she doesn't go through some of the elaborate tricks most mediums did at the time but there's some spirit rapping on the table and a ghostly voice and a chandelier moving. YET, there's also hints that Madame may be the real deal and there's possibly even some paranormal activity happening. Her full backstory is never revealed. We don't know what made her do what she did. All we really know is that she has a habit of rescuing waifs and strays and bringing them under her wing. That's all very admirable but then they feel compelled to help her with her scam. She seemed like a nice person, fundamentally, and may have gotten in over her head in something. Did that something involve Stanford Plomley?
Madame's relationship with her butler, Perkins, is not romantic but they might be related. When he reveals his story, I can guess at why he is so afraid his father will come from the spirit realm and speak to him. Perkins is a great character but also made me a little uncomfortable because he embodies the stereotype of a gay man. I don't think he would have out and out told Mabel that Madame Pushkana is not of his persuasion. It was illegal to be homosexual at that time. He took a big risk coming out to her. Skeff seems to recognize her mirror image and they take an instant liking to each other. Perkins is an amazing baker and he's kind enough to let Mabel poke around and ask questions. They become friendly and I don't think he's a murderer. He was devoted to Nell and owed his life to her. He kept Nell from being too reckless and she kept him in check as well. They were good for each other. They seemed to be like siblings. Perkins is the only new character I actually liked.
Mrs. Heath, a grande dame type is one of the guests at the séance. She's rude, snooty and demanding. I can see her murdering Madame but why Stanford? Actually I can guess why she would be angry with him too! Miss Winnie Colefax is an old friend of Madame's. We never get that story either but she came to London at the same time. She seems to know secrets and even though she's a mousy woman, she doesn't reveal anything. In fact, she may be covering up and hiding things from the investigators. Mr. Trenchard, twice widowed, is hoping to speak with his beloved late wife #2. He seems OK, a typical mourning husband but probably will move on soon. He's wealthy though but self-made. He claims his family made the machines that made muslin, cogs and all. I am QUITE familiar with those machines AND the machines used to make those machines. That was a good job requiring a special skill, either carpenter or ironworker. His background doesn't sound realistic to me. I don't really know. Mr. Fogg is a devoted spiritualist and a hanger-on. He follows Madame Pushaka and wants to be her right-hand man. He's described as a "toady." He seems protective of her and doesn't like allowing others into the inner circle. He truly seems to believe Madame is a real psychic. He's a fool and "a fool and his money are soon parted" so I guess I don't feel too badly for him. Mr. Midday is as well but not quite to the same extent. He is a bachelor gentleman who works for his money. He has a sister, Charlotte, who is also into the spiritualist thing but she has a club foot and doesn't get out much. She seems strong in personality and quite intelligent. I don't entirely trust her though. She may be covering up for her brother. If she isn't an accessory to murder then she would make a good Useful Woman.
Blanche Eckhard, a draughtswoman in an engineering firm that employed Mr. Plomley, is a Useful Woman sort. She's tough and tells it like it is. She did not like Mr. Plomley and sheds light on his true character. She had good reason to hate him (#MeToo) but both murders seem excessive and not like her. She keeps on at her job and doesn't let sexist, creepy men bother her. Sam Dugard is a handyman for Madame P. He's another stray she rescued and helped. He's described as "a bit thick" but I don't see it. He may be high functioning autism but speaks with Mabel and answers her questions. He was devoted to Madame but did his job and nothing more. He was not in the house at the time of the murder. He's a dutiful son and needed to go see his mother in an emergency. He's a sweet man but I think he knows more than he realizes. He saw something, someone, and hasn't made any connections yet but there has to be a link between what he saw and the murders. Where was Wilf, the stage hand, at the time of the second murder? He claims he was backstage looking for a lantern but in the dark could anyone see him? He seemed to think Madame was bossy and demanding. Would that lead to murder?
I really enjoyed these first two books and hope there is more to follow. I want to see what else Mabel gets up to and hang out with Cora and Skeff again. Plus I'd like to spend time with Win and Gladys too. Another winning series from Marty Wingate!
Mabel Canning is determined to be independent and has been taking any off jobs the Useful Woman Agency has given her. She's also been operating as a private detective within the agency, solving crimes like lost dogs. When she's engaged to attend a séance, Mabel is skeptical and doesn't know what to expect but willing to go because it's a job. Her client, Mrs. Plomley, is attending a séance for the first time to contact her husband, Stanford, who died in a fire a few months ago. The other guests are regulars at Madame Pushkana's séances and other events. Mabel is still skeptical when Stanford Plomley appears to speak within the room but even Madame seems surprised and when the lights go out, there's complete chaos with Madame fallen into a swoon. As Mabel goes to help the medium, she discovers the dead body of Stanford Plomley under the heavy curtains. What? He was supposed to be dead already! How can a man die twice? While the murder is a matter for Scotland Yard, Mrs. Plomley hires Mabel to investigate the FIRST mysterious death of her husband. Mabel wants the truth too and though she promises she won't get involved in the murder investigation, she discovers the two cases seem to be intertwined and can't help but investigate the other guests. When she discovers a threatening note meant to warn her off, she's shaken but determined to go on. Then Madame Pushaka is literally stabbed in the back and before Mabel can solve Stanford Plomley's first death, she's off investigating the two current murders. Were they connected? Who killed Stanford Plomley and Madame Pushaka? One person or two? What will she do if it turns out to be Mrs. Plomley?
Oh I say! This second story was much better than the first, mystery wise. I never guessed who the murderer was at all. I was thinking along the same lines as Mabel but I wasn't sure. It seemed like a rather elaborate set up for a murder. The killer's motive didn't make a whole lot of sense. At first I missed some of the regular characters from the first book but most of them end up coming along for the investigation or putting in an appearance. It's the cozy that really makes this series shine. The characters, the 1920s setting and an independent "middle aged" (at 31) middle class heroine makes this series different from all the other 1920s lady detective novels. While it isn't Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence books, it's well done and I enjoyed it a lot.
Mabel is a great character. She's from a middle class background and her mother is dead. Her father, a greengrocer, served in the army in India until Mabel was a baby and then came home. Mabel is a doting daughter and though sometimes her dad is a little overprotective but she doesn't fuss at him because of it. Mabel just lets him know what he needs to know, just enough, that's it, so he doesn't worry. The post-WWI setting gives Mabel more depth than your average cozy heroine as well. She's mourning the loss of her friend Edith to the Spanish 'flu and though skeptical of mediums, is sort of hoping to hear from Edith. Mabel is practical and hard working. She's learned a lot from her odd jobs and understands human nature. What she does not understand is when she's about to walk into a trap. I do dislike that trope and hopefully she'll know better next time. I like how compassionate she is towards widows but still keeps an open mind in regards to Mrs. Plomley's guilt. I feel torn about her feelings for Park Winstone. I normally like a sweet, slow burn romance but Mabel mopes when he's not around and I could do without a romance in this series about a woman determined to be independent. Park is a nice guy. He's sweet on Mabel and misses her while he's in Paris on business. He doesn't like her investigating alone and is willing to play Watson to her Sherlock if it means being around her and keeping her safe. Park is moving faster than Mabel is ready for though but he backs off because he, too, can't bring himself to make a move towards commitment. He seems to respect Mabel's intelligence and independence so I think it could work out. Adorable Gladys, Park's terrier, has a bigger role to play in this story. She's funny and very terrierish demanding food just as the humans are sharing a moment. Gladys helps with the investigation as well and she senses someone isn't quite right but that someone remains elusive and just out of sight. She's also protective of her pack, which includes Mabel now. Don't underestimate her because she's cute!
I simply adored Skeff and Cora in the first book and it took a bit but they reappear in this one to help Mabel out. Cora is lovely and a talented milliner and costumer. She doesn't question why Mabel needs hats and even offers to help. She's a sweet woman and a jolly soul. Skeff is more masculine and more blunt. She speaks her mind but isn't rude about it. She respects her uncle's rules for his paper and respects herself too much to go and write a gossip column or tabloidy stories. She's a real journalist and I admire her. They're a cute couple and I like the queer representation. It feels right for the time and not shoehorned in to make the book more appealing for modern readers who wants more diverse characters. Mabel's father being in the Indian army and Mrs. Chandeker, the housekeeper, showcase the awful parts of the British Empire and Mabel's love for Mrs. Chandeker seems a little modern for the time but Mrs. C was Mabel's nanny when she was a baby. Augustus Frobisher has a cameo chapter. He's so funny! He's a typical ADHD kid. He's brilliant but doesn't know how to express his brilliance because everyone keeps trying to push him into a little mold of what a young gentleman should be like. Like Mabel, I feel sympathy for the kid. His father lives in Australia and seldom visits (obviously) and his mother never pays enough or the right kind of attention to her son. My heart went out to him when he asked Mabel to come to school for parents' day. His friend is cute but it's obvious Gussie is the ringleader. Somehow, the other boy manages to avoid getting into trouble. I would have made Gussie older than 8 though, more like 11-12 when boys are goofy, awkward and energetic. At 8 they're still cute! (Mostly, sometimes). Beware, Mabel! This kid is smart enough to manipulate you and make you think "Awww he's so cute!" LOL! I think she's smart enough to be aware of that and let it happen because she enjoys spending time with him.
Detective Inspector Tollerton is back, at Mabel's request, which wouldn't happen if that wasn't his jurisdiction. He's fair but doesn't want Mabel getting involved. She's a civilian and it would be dangerous. I don't think he doubts her intelligence and instinct the way Mabel seems to think. I think he's just a police officer trying to do his job without a nosy regular old person messing up crime scenes and getting into trouble asking questions. Now we meet a police woman! WPC Wardle is tough but she isn't judgmental or rude towards Mabel. Her job is to stand guard and assist with female suspects. Mabel manages to get WPC Wardle to do something she wants to do and Tollerton won't allow.
Everyone else is a newcomer to the series. I don't think we'll see any of them again as most of them are rather unappealing. Mrs. Plomley is a mousy little woman who hires Mabel to attend a séance, for moral support. Mrs. Plomley is an enigma. One minute she's mousy, the next she's in hysterics and the next day she's a boss lady who won't take no for an answer. Which one is the real Mrs. Plomley? The first two personalities don't seem like murderers to me but the last one does. I wouldn't discount her as a suspect, especially since it seems she had several motives. What kind of man did she marry? Stanford Plomley sounds like he was an idle dreamer who enjoyed a laugh and never really grew up. He doesn't seem like he was the responsible type and some clues point to him being a wannabe serial womanizer. Creep. Still, no one deserves to be murdered- twice. I'm wondering if the fire was a blind and he was kidnapped to keep him quiet about some scheme he was involved in and when he was about to spill the beans, he was murdered? That would imply that the murderer was in the room and knew what Stanford was about to say or feared what he was about to say. He sounds like a lousy husband and good riddance to him but again, he didn't deserve to be murdered. Maybe he was about to confess and apologize. Maybe he really did love his wife, in his own way.
Madame Pushkana is the usual type of medium. She keeps people coming, paying a fee, while stringing them along, making them believe she can contact their loved ones. That's really rotten and she claims not to be taking advantage of people, if that's not taking advantage, then what is? She has a small staff so she doesn't go through some of the elaborate tricks most mediums did at the time but there's some spirit rapping on the table and a ghostly voice and a chandelier moving. YET, there's also hints that Madame may be the real deal and there's possibly even some paranormal activity happening. Her full backstory is never revealed. We don't know what made her do what she did. All we really know is that she has a habit of rescuing waifs and strays and bringing them under her wing. That's all very admirable but then they feel compelled to help her with her scam. She seemed like a nice person, fundamentally, and may have gotten in over her head in something. Did that something involve Stanford Plomley?
Madame's relationship with her butler, Perkins, is not romantic but they might be related. When he reveals his story, I can guess at why he is so afraid his father will come from the spirit realm and speak to him. Perkins is a great character but also made me a little uncomfortable because he embodies the stereotype of a gay man. I don't think he would have out and out told Mabel that Madame Pushkana is not of his persuasion. It was illegal to be homosexual at that time. He took a big risk coming out to her. Skeff seems to recognize her mirror image and they take an instant liking to each other. Perkins is an amazing baker and he's kind enough to let Mabel poke around and ask questions. They become friendly and I don't think he's a murderer. He was devoted to Nell and owed his life to her. He kept Nell from being too reckless and she kept him in check as well. They were good for each other. They seemed to be like siblings. Perkins is the only new character I actually liked.
Mrs. Heath, a grande dame type is one of the guests at the séance. She's rude, snooty and demanding. I can see her murdering Madame but why Stanford? Actually I can guess why she would be angry with him too! Miss Winnie Colefax is an old friend of Madame's. We never get that story either but she came to London at the same time. She seems to know secrets and even though she's a mousy woman, she doesn't reveal anything. In fact, she may be covering up and hiding things from the investigators. Mr. Trenchard, twice widowed, is hoping to speak with his beloved late wife #2. He seems OK, a typical mourning husband but probably will move on soon. He's wealthy though but self-made. He claims his family made the machines that made muslin, cogs and all. I am QUITE familiar with those machines AND the machines used to make those machines. That was a good job requiring a special skill, either carpenter or ironworker. His background doesn't sound realistic to me. I don't really know. Mr. Fogg is a devoted spiritualist and a hanger-on. He follows Madame Pushaka and wants to be her right-hand man. He's described as a "toady." He seems protective of her and doesn't like allowing others into the inner circle. He truly seems to believe Madame is a real psychic. He's a fool and "a fool and his money are soon parted" so I guess I don't feel too badly for him. Mr. Midday is as well but not quite to the same extent. He is a bachelor gentleman who works for his money. He has a sister, Charlotte, who is also into the spiritualist thing but she has a club foot and doesn't get out much. She seems strong in personality and quite intelligent. I don't entirely trust her though. She may be covering up for her brother. If she isn't an accessory to murder then she would make a good Useful Woman.
Blanche Eckhard, a draughtswoman in an engineering firm that employed Mr. Plomley, is a Useful Woman sort. She's tough and tells it like it is. She did not like Mr. Plomley and sheds light on his true character. She had good reason to hate him (#MeToo) but both murders seem excessive and not like her. She keeps on at her job and doesn't let sexist, creepy men bother her. Sam Dugard is a handyman for Madame P. He's another stray she rescued and helped. He's described as "a bit thick" but I don't see it. He may be high functioning autism but speaks with Mabel and answers her questions. He was devoted to Madame but did his job and nothing more. He was not in the house at the time of the murder. He's a dutiful son and needed to go see his mother in an emergency. He's a sweet man but I think he knows more than he realizes. He saw something, someone, and hasn't made any connections yet but there has to be a link between what he saw and the murders. Where was Wilf, the stage hand, at the time of the second murder? He claims he was backstage looking for a lantern but in the dark could anyone see him? He seemed to think Madame was bossy and demanding. Would that lead to murder?
I really enjoyed these first two books and hope there is more to follow. I want to see what else Mabel gets up to and hang out with Cora and Skeff again. Plus I'd like to spend time with Win and Gladys too. Another winning series from Marty Wingate!
December 16, 2023
Mabel Canning works for the Useful Women Agency in London. Her assignments might include anything from picking up dry cleaning to escorting school boys to the train to helping a woman decide where she wants to hang a valuable painting to murder.
When Mabel is hired to take Mrs Plomley to a seance where she hopes to reconnect with her husband who died in a fire eight months earlier. What she isn't anticipating is finding the formerly deceased husband dead again this time by being strangled in drapery tiebacks. Naturally Scotland Yard is involved, but Mrs Plomley wants Mabel to find out about her husband's first supposed death.
Mabel begins looking into the first death but also investigates the other people who were at the seance to see if any of them had had earlier connections with Mr Plomley. With the help of her friends Cora and Skeff and assistance from Park Winstone and his adorable dog Gladys, Mabel is on the case.
This was an engaging cozy mystery. I really like Mabel's determination to be an independent woman and her way a making friends which are becoming a network of people with a wide variety of skills and connections. I also like her budding relationship with Park who really understands her and encourages her to develop her talents even while hoping that she will keep out of danger.
I look forward to more cases for Mabel and the London Ladies' Murder Club to investigate in future books.
When Mabel is hired to take Mrs Plomley to a seance where she hopes to reconnect with her husband who died in a fire eight months earlier. What she isn't anticipating is finding the formerly deceased husband dead again this time by being strangled in drapery tiebacks. Naturally Scotland Yard is involved, but Mrs Plomley wants Mabel to find out about her husband's first supposed death.
Mabel begins looking into the first death but also investigates the other people who were at the seance to see if any of them had had earlier connections with Mr Plomley. With the help of her friends Cora and Skeff and assistance from Park Winstone and his adorable dog Gladys, Mabel is on the case.
This was an engaging cozy mystery. I really like Mabel's determination to be an independent woman and her way a making friends which are becoming a network of people with a wide variety of skills and connections. I also like her budding relationship with Park who really understands her and encourages her to develop her talents even while hoping that she will keep out of danger.
I look forward to more cases for Mabel and the London Ladies' Murder Club to investigate in future books.
December 22, 2023
The man who turned up strangled to death at the seance in November was supposed to have died in a fire the previous March. Say what? Mabel was there at the behest of the man's wife and much tomfoolery was uncovered as she began sleuthing. Suspend disbelief and you will enjoy this historical romp as much as I did!
Mabel left the village of Peasmarsh, moved into New River House, made friends with fellow rooming house residents (Cora and Skeff), and came to work at the Useful Women’s Agency.
This is a light-hearted read with an interesting and well-written cozy murder and lots of fun situational guffaws. Easily works as a stand alone.
I requested and received an EARC from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thanks for the fun!
Mabel left the village of Peasmarsh, moved into New River House, made friends with fellow rooming house residents (Cora and Skeff), and came to work at the Useful Women’s Agency.
This is a light-hearted read with an interesting and well-written cozy murder and lots of fun situational guffaws. Easily works as a stand alone.
I requested and received an EARC from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thanks for the fun!
January 11, 2024
3.75 stars
The second adventure of small town vicar's daughter turned city girl Mabel Canning. Mabel is the star employee of the Useful Women's Agency which provides all kinds of labor for all kinds of situations. She has been asked to accompany a new widow to a seance to see if she can talk to her deceased husband. But the seance is chaotic -- the medium passes out, there is a minor explosion, and they find a dead body. And -- it's the supposedly already dead husband!
Mabel is a great character. She is smart and determined and independent. She will accept help but will not be talked down to or patronized and she is very ingenious at problem solving. With the help of her next door neighbors and her sort of sweetie, they are soon tracking down the real story.
Quite readable, fun, and nicely plotted historical cozy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The second adventure of small town vicar's daughter turned city girl Mabel Canning. Mabel is the star employee of the Useful Women's Agency which provides all kinds of labor for all kinds of situations. She has been asked to accompany a new widow to a seance to see if she can talk to her deceased husband. But the seance is chaotic -- the medium passes out, there is a minor explosion, and they find a dead body. And -- it's the supposedly already dead husband!
Mabel is a great character. She is smart and determined and independent. She will accept help but will not be talked down to or patronized and she is very ingenious at problem solving. With the help of her next door neighbors and her sort of sweetie, they are soon tracking down the real story.
Quite readable, fun, and nicely plotted historical cozy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 11, 2023
I'd only just finished the first book in the series and was thrilled when I found I could immediately started this one. I think I enjoyed this one as much if not more than the first book. Gladys the dog is here again which I love. I liked watching the development of Mabel's friendships and of course her romance with Park. Some of the characters involved in the mystery had interesting backstories which added some depth to the story. The mystery itself was well done and I didn't spot the villain as early as I did in the first. Another great book can't wait for number three now. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2024
Whether or not one is a believer in spiritualism, the best one can hope for at a séance is a ‘message from the other side’ from the dearly departed. But no matter how much one believes, one absolutely does not expect the dearly departed to appear in the flesh. Even more miraculously, in the whole and entirely not desiccated or decomposing flesh – in spite of the dearly departed’s departure having taken place eight months previously.
However, one could not exactly say that reports of Stamford Plomley’s death had been greatly exaggerated – more that they were clearly premature eight months ago. Because the man is certainly dead now, strangled with the rope generally used to tie back the curtains that had so recently concealed his quite living body until the advent of the rope and whoever used it to bring about his delayed – or at least erroneously reported – demise.
And not that the world – and certainly Stamford Plomley’s widow Ivy – aren’t both better off with him firmly and finally deceased. However, that leaves both Scotland Yard and Mabel Canning, the head of the Useful Women’s Agency’s private investigations division with cases to solve.
Mrs. Plomley hires Mabel to investigate the circumstances of Stamford Plomley’s ‘first’ death, while Inspector Tollerton of Scotland Yard must look into the case of his second and more permanent one.
They will both have their hands full looking into the cult of believers who attended the séance conducted by the mysterious Madame Pushkana. A séance that was intended to bring Mrs. Plomley a message from the perhaps not-so-dearly departed – a message that was providentially – for someone – interrupted by a bit of flash paper and that rope around Mr. Plomley’s neck.
But if the late and not-so-lamented-as-was-originally-believed Stamford Plomley was killed with a rope in the séance room, when Madame Pushkana, the medium herself, is murdered by a knife in the back, backstage before one of her public ‘spiritual evenings’, both Inspector Tollerton and Mabel are forced to the realization that their cases have become uncannily close – and that someone is stalking their list of potential suspects.
Escape Rating A-: I couldn’t resist diving almost straight into A Body at the Séance so soon after the first book in the London Ladies’ Murder Club series, the charmingly murderous A Body on the Doorstep, because that book was just so much cozy mystery fun that I had to find out if the author managed to capture that lightning in the bottle a second time – even if said lightning jumped out of the bottle and killed someone new.
Which it did – in all the ways that the above can be taken as a pun. A Body at the Séance was every bit as much fun as the first book – if not just a teeny bit more because of the many ways that Mabel managed to hang onto her skepticism even as she found herself investigating an all-too-real murder that was just a bit over the top because of both setting and circumstances.
Watching Mabel unravel the murder while exploring her post-World War I London was just as charming as the first book – even if I did figure out whodunnit well before the final reveal.
What carried this second entry in the series, at least for this reader, was the intelligence and yes, charm, of Mabel herself. She’s easy for contemporary readers to identify with because, in spite of an entire century between her world and ours, her situation is so very similar to that of any independent woman determined to stretch her wings and make a place for herself on her own merits for the very first time in her life.
So Mabel is finding her way in what, for her, is intended to be a brave, new world, and it is. She’s got to earn a living, watch her expenses, find a new set of friends, new familiar places, and generally make her own way. She’s not rich, she’s not poor, she’s not in service, she’s from a comfortably middle-class background and has been given strong roots by her upbringing and wings from being finally able to make her own life.
And that’s a circumstance that many of us can identify with – with or without the ubiquity of social media.
That Mabel may have found an unexpected romance is just icing on a cake that she’s not sure she’s ready to eat. Because her independence is precious to her, she’s worked hard to reach it, and she’s not willing to fall back into the expected female role. She just isn’t sure yet whether the man she stumbled across in her first investigation will be able to accept her as an equal and not just as a wife.
She’s not willing to settle. And she doesn’t have to. Which makes her the kind of role model the world could still use more of.
So, as much as I came for the cozy murder mystery setting so reminiscent of the Golden Age of detective fiction, I’m absolutely sticking for Mabel Canning, her London Ladies’ Murder Club and the wonderful doggy assistance of the rather intelligent Gladys, because I’m loving every page.
Mabel, and her growing ‘Scooby Gang’, especially Gladys, will be back in April in A Body at the Dance Hall. As a child, I thought the old saying was “a new face on the BALLroom floor”, instead of what it really is. It looks like this time I’ll get to see my version come to life. Or, more likely, death, in just a couple of months.
Either way, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how Mabel and her friends get to the bottom of their next case!
Originally published at Reading Reality
However, one could not exactly say that reports of Stamford Plomley’s death had been greatly exaggerated – more that they were clearly premature eight months ago. Because the man is certainly dead now, strangled with the rope generally used to tie back the curtains that had so recently concealed his quite living body until the advent of the rope and whoever used it to bring about his delayed – or at least erroneously reported – demise.
And not that the world – and certainly Stamford Plomley’s widow Ivy – aren’t both better off with him firmly and finally deceased. However, that leaves both Scotland Yard and Mabel Canning, the head of the Useful Women’s Agency’s private investigations division with cases to solve.
Mrs. Plomley hires Mabel to investigate the circumstances of Stamford Plomley’s ‘first’ death, while Inspector Tollerton of Scotland Yard must look into the case of his second and more permanent one.
They will both have their hands full looking into the cult of believers who attended the séance conducted by the mysterious Madame Pushkana. A séance that was intended to bring Mrs. Plomley a message from the perhaps not-so-dearly departed – a message that was providentially – for someone – interrupted by a bit of flash paper and that rope around Mr. Plomley’s neck.
But if the late and not-so-lamented-as-was-originally-believed Stamford Plomley was killed with a rope in the séance room, when Madame Pushkana, the medium herself, is murdered by a knife in the back, backstage before one of her public ‘spiritual evenings’, both Inspector Tollerton and Mabel are forced to the realization that their cases have become uncannily close – and that someone is stalking their list of potential suspects.
Escape Rating A-: I couldn’t resist diving almost straight into A Body at the Séance so soon after the first book in the London Ladies’ Murder Club series, the charmingly murderous A Body on the Doorstep, because that book was just so much cozy mystery fun that I had to find out if the author managed to capture that lightning in the bottle a second time – even if said lightning jumped out of the bottle and killed someone new.
Which it did – in all the ways that the above can be taken as a pun. A Body at the Séance was every bit as much fun as the first book – if not just a teeny bit more because of the many ways that Mabel managed to hang onto her skepticism even as she found herself investigating an all-too-real murder that was just a bit over the top because of both setting and circumstances.
Watching Mabel unravel the murder while exploring her post-World War I London was just as charming as the first book – even if I did figure out whodunnit well before the final reveal.
What carried this second entry in the series, at least for this reader, was the intelligence and yes, charm, of Mabel herself. She’s easy for contemporary readers to identify with because, in spite of an entire century between her world and ours, her situation is so very similar to that of any independent woman determined to stretch her wings and make a place for herself on her own merits for the very first time in her life.
So Mabel is finding her way in what, for her, is intended to be a brave, new world, and it is. She’s got to earn a living, watch her expenses, find a new set of friends, new familiar places, and generally make her own way. She’s not rich, she’s not poor, she’s not in service, she’s from a comfortably middle-class background and has been given strong roots by her upbringing and wings from being finally able to make her own life.
And that’s a circumstance that many of us can identify with – with or without the ubiquity of social media.
That Mabel may have found an unexpected romance is just icing on a cake that she’s not sure she’s ready to eat. Because her independence is precious to her, she’s worked hard to reach it, and she’s not willing to fall back into the expected female role. She just isn’t sure yet whether the man she stumbled across in her first investigation will be able to accept her as an equal and not just as a wife.
She’s not willing to settle. And she doesn’t have to. Which makes her the kind of role model the world could still use more of.
So, as much as I came for the cozy murder mystery setting so reminiscent of the Golden Age of detective fiction, I’m absolutely sticking for Mabel Canning, her London Ladies’ Murder Club and the wonderful doggy assistance of the rather intelligent Gladys, because I’m loving every page.
Mabel, and her growing ‘Scooby Gang’, especially Gladys, will be back in April in A Body at the Dance Hall. As a child, I thought the old saying was “a new face on the BALLroom floor”, instead of what it really is. It looks like this time I’ll get to see my version come to life. Or, more likely, death, in just a couple of months.
Either way, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how Mabel and her friends get to the bottom of their next case!
Originally published at Reading Reality
January 29, 2024
I didn't just love the first book in this series, and I really disliked this one. Our "hero" doesn't solve the mystery; the killer reveals himself. No one does anything clever or figures anything out. There is a bunch of wild speculation early in the book which turns out, lo and behold, to be right! Amazing. The only character I really like is the dog. I won't be reading any more of these.
January 3, 2024
Publication Date: 11th Jan 2024
3.8 Stars
One Liner: A good mystery but slow
November 1921
Mabel is working with the Useful Women’s Agency, hoping for a better case than finding missing dogs. However, she didn’t expect to end up on a crime scene when attending the séance with Mrs. Plomley to communicate with the woman’s dead husband. What’s more, how did Mr. Stamford Plomley die at the séance when he was supposed to have perished almost a year ago?
Mabel is hired to investigate the previous non-death, though the lines blur soon. Who is Madame Pushkana? Is she a gifted medium being targeted by someone who hates her, or is she a con artist and a murderer? Can Mabel solve the case?
The story comes in Mabel’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
After enjoying book one a few days ago, I was eager to read this and see how Mabel proved her worth as a private investigator.
As with the previous one, the book starts with Mabel knocking on the door and introducing herself at her job site. That way, we get into action almost right away.
The mystery is rather interesting and has enough suspects to track. Though it takes a while, there are enough clues to figure out the killer. I guessed right despite the red herrings, and the process is logical. Mabel is still an amateur sleuth, so she is bound to miss a few things.
We meet the recurring characters again (Cora, Skeff, Park, Inspector Tollerton, Miss Kerr, etc.) and some new ones. Augustus also makes an appearance, much to my delight. Like Mabel, I also have a soft spot for that kid. Gladys, the part-terrier (Park’s dog), is proving to be a lifesaver!
There’s a touch of paranormal, given the premise. It is well done and just enough to suit the plotline. I like how the whole thing is nicely balanced.
The bits about séance and its working are interesting enough. However, I should give credit to The Other Side of Mrs. Wood for understanding the whole thing a lot more.
There’s a wee bit of progress in the expected romance between Mabel and Park. Nothing major, so it doesn’t affect the mystery.
Two things I like the most –
Mabel’s comparison of handwriting with music is an intriguing concept. Those who know the music script (and like classical pieces) will enjoy this more. I don’t have the required knowledge, but I love the concept.
The characters don’t just try to solve the crime. They also provide emotional support to those who require it. They step in to help strangers in need. Moreover, Mabel is good at marketing. She is always ready to recommend her fellow women to her clients based on their requirements.
But… why is the book so slow? The first one had a steady pace despite introducing the characters and setting. I expected this to be along the same lines, but it is way slower and doesn’t seem inclined to move faster.
To summarize, A Body at the Séance is a well-plotted and engaging mystery with some twists, laughs, puzzles, and loads of tea. Naturally, I am looking forward to the next book and will read it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ABodyAtTheSéance
3.8 Stars
One Liner: A good mystery but slow
November 1921
Mabel is working with the Useful Women’s Agency, hoping for a better case than finding missing dogs. However, she didn’t expect to end up on a crime scene when attending the séance with Mrs. Plomley to communicate with the woman’s dead husband. What’s more, how did Mr. Stamford Plomley die at the séance when he was supposed to have perished almost a year ago?
Mabel is hired to investigate the previous non-death, though the lines blur soon. Who is Madame Pushkana? Is she a gifted medium being targeted by someone who hates her, or is she a con artist and a murderer? Can Mabel solve the case?
The story comes in Mabel’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
After enjoying book one a few days ago, I was eager to read this and see how Mabel proved her worth as a private investigator.
As with the previous one, the book starts with Mabel knocking on the door and introducing herself at her job site. That way, we get into action almost right away.
The mystery is rather interesting and has enough suspects to track. Though it takes a while, there are enough clues to figure out the killer. I guessed right despite the red herrings, and the process is logical. Mabel is still an amateur sleuth, so she is bound to miss a few things.
We meet the recurring characters again (Cora, Skeff, Park, Inspector Tollerton, Miss Kerr, etc.) and some new ones. Augustus also makes an appearance, much to my delight. Like Mabel, I also have a soft spot for that kid. Gladys, the part-terrier (Park’s dog), is proving to be a lifesaver!
There’s a touch of paranormal, given the premise. It is well done and just enough to suit the plotline. I like how the whole thing is nicely balanced.
The bits about séance and its working are interesting enough. However, I should give credit to The Other Side of Mrs. Wood for understanding the whole thing a lot more.
There’s a wee bit of progress in the expected romance between Mabel and Park. Nothing major, so it doesn’t affect the mystery.
Two things I like the most –
Mabel’s comparison of handwriting with music is an intriguing concept. Those who know the music script (and like classical pieces) will enjoy this more. I don’t have the required knowledge, but I love the concept.
The characters don’t just try to solve the crime. They also provide emotional support to those who require it. They step in to help strangers in need. Moreover, Mabel is good at marketing. She is always ready to recommend her fellow women to her clients based on their requirements.
But… why is the book so slow? The first one had a steady pace despite introducing the characters and setting. I expected this to be along the same lines, but it is way slower and doesn’t seem inclined to move faster.
To summarize, A Body at the Séance is a well-plotted and engaging mystery with some twists, laughs, puzzles, and loads of tea. Naturally, I am looking forward to the next book and will read it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ABodyAtTheSéance
March 17, 2024
"A Body at the Séance" is book #2 in the "London Ladies' Murder Club" by Marty Wingate.
"When a body turns up at a glamorous séance, Mabel Canning’s sleuthing skills are put to the test. Because it appears the victim died twice…
London, 1921: As a winter wind blows through the streets of London, Mabel Canning is hired by the Useful Women’s Agency to attend a séance at the home of famous medium Madame Pushkana. But when Mabel hears a choking noise and a loud thud, she quickly turns on the lights to find herself at the scene of a murder.
The victim is none other than Stamford Plomley, whose widow arranged the séance after he died in a fire eight months ago. How did he come back from the dead without a scorch mark on him? And could one of their assembled party of gentlewomen have killed him… again?
When Scotland Yard arrive, the police try to stop Mabel from interfering. But having just formed the London Ladies’ Murder Club, Mabel isn’t going anywhere. And with the help of former detective Park Winstone, she begins to piece together what really happened at the ghostly gathering.
But when Mabel receives a threatening letter warning her to stay away from the case, she realises the murderer may have another victim in mind. With time running out, will she hit a dead end? Or can she keep herself from becoming the next one to be sent to an early grave?"
My thoughts:
I'm not a believer in séances and such, so I was a bit skeptical about this particular story but Ms. Wingate did an excellent job of presenting the believers, the skeptics and how some of the "messages from beyond" are actually achieved.
Mabel does her best to gather info from the various participants of the séance but she also knows that they aren't exactly being truthful with her. Even her client - Mrs. Plomley - isn't being completely upfront with what she knows. This is beyond frustrating for Mabel as she tries to sort out how all the pieces fit together. Skeff, Cora and of course Winstone all lend a hand in gathering info to catch the person behind the murder.
As with the first book in this series, Mabel is sent on a number of assignments for the Useful Women Agency - including another encounter with the young rascal Augustus!
Mabel and Winstone are also growing closer. His dog Gladys does tend to steal a few scenes but is a delight. You couldn't ask for better neighbours than Skeff and Cora as they are more than willing to help any way they can.
Well placed misdirection help to keep the story moving and most readers will likely be guessing till the reveal. However, I did suspect one person in particular a few chapters before the reveal which turned out to be correct.
The story flowed naturally through Mabel's day to day work, sleuthing and relationships to a dramatic reveal and take down. After it is all said and done, there is a bit of a debrief from the police as well as among the friends to tie up loose ends and leave room to proceed to the next book in the series which comes out April 8, 2024! I've already ordered my Kindle copy!
"When a body turns up at a glamorous séance, Mabel Canning’s sleuthing skills are put to the test. Because it appears the victim died twice…
London, 1921: As a winter wind blows through the streets of London, Mabel Canning is hired by the Useful Women’s Agency to attend a séance at the home of famous medium Madame Pushkana. But when Mabel hears a choking noise and a loud thud, she quickly turns on the lights to find herself at the scene of a murder.
The victim is none other than Stamford Plomley, whose widow arranged the séance after he died in a fire eight months ago. How did he come back from the dead without a scorch mark on him? And could one of their assembled party of gentlewomen have killed him… again?
When Scotland Yard arrive, the police try to stop Mabel from interfering. But having just formed the London Ladies’ Murder Club, Mabel isn’t going anywhere. And with the help of former detective Park Winstone, she begins to piece together what really happened at the ghostly gathering.
But when Mabel receives a threatening letter warning her to stay away from the case, she realises the murderer may have another victim in mind. With time running out, will she hit a dead end? Or can she keep herself from becoming the next one to be sent to an early grave?"
My thoughts:
I'm not a believer in séances and such, so I was a bit skeptical about this particular story but Ms. Wingate did an excellent job of presenting the believers, the skeptics and how some of the "messages from beyond" are actually achieved.
Mabel does her best to gather info from the various participants of the séance but she also knows that they aren't exactly being truthful with her. Even her client - Mrs. Plomley - isn't being completely upfront with what she knows. This is beyond frustrating for Mabel as she tries to sort out how all the pieces fit together. Skeff, Cora and of course Winstone all lend a hand in gathering info to catch the person behind the murder.
As with the first book in this series, Mabel is sent on a number of assignments for the Useful Women Agency - including another encounter with the young rascal Augustus!
Mabel and Winstone are also growing closer. His dog Gladys does tend to steal a few scenes but is a delight. You couldn't ask for better neighbours than Skeff and Cora as they are more than willing to help any way they can.
Well placed misdirection help to keep the story moving and most readers will likely be guessing till the reveal. However, I did suspect one person in particular a few chapters before the reveal which turned out to be correct.
The story flowed naturally through Mabel's day to day work, sleuthing and relationships to a dramatic reveal and take down. After it is all said and done, there is a bit of a debrief from the police as well as among the friends to tie up loose ends and leave room to proceed to the next book in the series which comes out April 8, 2024! I've already ordered my Kindle copy!
January 13, 2024
My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘A Body at the Séance’ by Marty Wingate.
This is Book 2 in Wingate’s London Ladies Murder Club, a new series of cozy historical mysteries set in 1920s London.
November, 1921, two months after the events in ‘A Body on the Doorstep’, Miss Mabel Canning is continuing her work with the Useful Women’s Agency, which exists to fulfil the ‘domestic needs of today’s gentlewoman’. Mabel convinced Miss Kerr, her boss, to add private investigations to their list of services.
For her latest assignment Mabel is to accompany Mrs. Ivy Plomley to a séance being held at the home of the famous medium Madame Pushkana. Mrs. Plomley hopes to contact her late husband, Stanford, who had died eight months previously in a fire. As the séance progresses, the lights suddenly go out. Mabel hears a choking noise and a loud thud. Suddenly she’s again at the scene of a murder! These evening engagements are proving deadly!
Is one of the assembled guests responsible? No spoiler about the identity of the victim, though it is a big surprise to all present. Of course, the police are involved though Mrs. Plomley hires Mabel through the Useful Women’s Agency to undertake a separate investigation, assisted by former detective Park Winstone, though it naturally complements Scotland Yard’s official enquiries. No further details to avoid spoilers.
I do enjoy the fact that Mabel doesn’t see herself in competition with Scotland Yard and respects their authority and understands that Detective Inspector Tollerton cannot discuss details of their investigation, though he appreciates her contribution.
I am also pleased that alongside the main case Mabel is undertaking various other assignments for the Useful Women’s Agency, including wrangling naughty schoolboy, Augustus Malling-Frobisher, on a school outing to the Natural History Museum and assisting another client in finding the right spot to hang her rather large Millais. There’s also plenty of antics from Gladys, Park’s canine companion.
Overall, I found ‘A Body at the Séance’ a great deal of fun with an intriguing whodunnit at its heart. It confirmed for me that I shall be continuing with this charming series of cosy mysteries.
This is Book 2 in Wingate’s London Ladies Murder Club, a new series of cozy historical mysteries set in 1920s London.
November, 1921, two months after the events in ‘A Body on the Doorstep’, Miss Mabel Canning is continuing her work with the Useful Women’s Agency, which exists to fulfil the ‘domestic needs of today’s gentlewoman’. Mabel convinced Miss Kerr, her boss, to add private investigations to their list of services.
For her latest assignment Mabel is to accompany Mrs. Ivy Plomley to a séance being held at the home of the famous medium Madame Pushkana. Mrs. Plomley hopes to contact her late husband, Stanford, who had died eight months previously in a fire. As the séance progresses, the lights suddenly go out. Mabel hears a choking noise and a loud thud. Suddenly she’s again at the scene of a murder! These evening engagements are proving deadly!
Is one of the assembled guests responsible? No spoiler about the identity of the victim, though it is a big surprise to all present. Of course, the police are involved though Mrs. Plomley hires Mabel through the Useful Women’s Agency to undertake a separate investigation, assisted by former detective Park Winstone, though it naturally complements Scotland Yard’s official enquiries. No further details to avoid spoilers.
I do enjoy the fact that Mabel doesn’t see herself in competition with Scotland Yard and respects their authority and understands that Detective Inspector Tollerton cannot discuss details of their investigation, though he appreciates her contribution.
I am also pleased that alongside the main case Mabel is undertaking various other assignments for the Useful Women’s Agency, including wrangling naughty schoolboy, Augustus Malling-Frobisher, on a school outing to the Natural History Museum and assisting another client in finding the right spot to hang her rather large Millais. There’s also plenty of antics from Gladys, Park’s canine companion.
Overall, I found ‘A Body at the Séance’ a great deal of fun with an intriguing whodunnit at its heart. It confirmed for me that I shall be continuing with this charming series of cosy mysteries.
January 12, 2024
A Body at the Seance by Marty Wingate is the second in a new series, London Ladies’ Murder Club featuring Mabel Canning, along with partners in detection, Cora, Skeff, and Park. Cora firmly believes that a hat can changes one’s appearance, demeanor, and personality and in this book she sets about proving it, as Mabel needs some of each. Her assignment from Miss Kerr at Useful Women is to accompany Mrs. Plomley to a séance. She wishes to contact her late husband. While she is there she hears his voice but it not able to finish the conversation. Instead the lights all go off and when light is restored a man is dead. It is Mr. Samford Plomley. Also on the floor, unconscious, is Madame Pushkana, the medium. Mabel immediately tells Perkins, the butler, to call the Scotland Yard and ask for Detective Inspector Tollerton. Tollerton was the detective she deal with during her previous case and a friend of Park’s.
All of the core people appear in these book and the reader’s knowledge of their characters grows in depth. Everyone is bereft about the danger Madame Pushkana was in as they all adored her. Everyone at the séance were past clients except for Mrs. Plomley. Tollerton instructed Mabel that she was not to get involved in this murder and she does not. Instead Useful Women were contracted to investigate Mr Plomley’s previous death. Of course, the two do somewhat run together. There are surprises aplenty as well as another death and several attempted murders. Park and Mabel grow closer as do Mabel and her two friends, Cora and Skeff, who both prove to be beyond helpful in this investigation. All comes aright when it is determined Mrs. Plomely is not the murderer and she is able to pay her bill to Useful Women and Mabel gets paid. Her first foray into investigation has proven successful with a wonderfully diverse cast of characters and a twisted mystery to unravel. A delightful read!
Thank you Bookoutre for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #MartyWingate #ABodyAtTheSeance
All of the core people appear in these book and the reader’s knowledge of their characters grows in depth. Everyone is bereft about the danger Madame Pushkana was in as they all adored her. Everyone at the séance were past clients except for Mrs. Plomley. Tollerton instructed Mabel that she was not to get involved in this murder and she does not. Instead Useful Women were contracted to investigate Mr Plomley’s previous death. Of course, the two do somewhat run together. There are surprises aplenty as well as another death and several attempted murders. Park and Mabel grow closer as do Mabel and her two friends, Cora and Skeff, who both prove to be beyond helpful in this investigation. All comes aright when it is determined Mrs. Plomely is not the murderer and she is able to pay her bill to Useful Women and Mabel gets paid. Her first foray into investigation has proven successful with a wonderfully diverse cast of characters and a twisted mystery to unravel. A delightful read!
Thank you Bookoutre for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #MartyWingate #ABodyAtTheSeance
January 11, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Marty Wingate for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Body at the Séance coming out January 11, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
London, 1921: As a winter wind blows through the streets of London, Mabel Canning is hired by the Useful Women’s Agency to attend a séance at the home of famous medium Madame Pushkana. But when Mabel hears a choking noise and a loud thud, she quickly turns on the lights to find herself at the scene of a murder.
The victim is none other than Stamford Plomley, whose widow arranged the séance after he died in a fire eight months ago. How did he come back from the dead without a scorch mark on him? And could one of their assembled party of gentlewomen have killed him… again?
When Scotland Yard arrive, the police try to stop Mabel from interfering. But having just formed the London Ladies’ Murder Club, Mabel isn’t going anywhere. And with the help of former detective Park Winstone, she begins to piece together what really happened at the ghostly gathering.
But when Mabel receives a threatening letter warning her to stay away from the case, she realises the murderer may have another victim in mind. With time running out, will she hit a dead end? Or can she keep herself from becoming the next one to be sent to an early grave?
I received the first book as an audiobook from NetGalley. I loved it so much that I needed to check out the second book. I’m so glad I received it! This series is turning out to be really fun! I love historical cozies, and this is a great time period. Mabel is a strong, ambitious character and I love all the things she gets up to in the series. I definitely want to check out more books to come! The seance plot is always fun for me. I love spiritualism in books. I think I would’ve liked a little more of Park Winstone, but overall I loved the book!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy mysteries!
London, 1921: As a winter wind blows through the streets of London, Mabel Canning is hired by the Useful Women’s Agency to attend a séance at the home of famous medium Madame Pushkana. But when Mabel hears a choking noise and a loud thud, she quickly turns on the lights to find herself at the scene of a murder.
The victim is none other than Stamford Plomley, whose widow arranged the séance after he died in a fire eight months ago. How did he come back from the dead without a scorch mark on him? And could one of their assembled party of gentlewomen have killed him… again?
When Scotland Yard arrive, the police try to stop Mabel from interfering. But having just formed the London Ladies’ Murder Club, Mabel isn’t going anywhere. And with the help of former detective Park Winstone, she begins to piece together what really happened at the ghostly gathering.
But when Mabel receives a threatening letter warning her to stay away from the case, she realises the murderer may have another victim in mind. With time running out, will she hit a dead end? Or can she keep herself from becoming the next one to be sent to an early grave?
I received the first book as an audiobook from NetGalley. I loved it so much that I needed to check out the second book. I’m so glad I received it! This series is turning out to be really fun! I love historical cozies, and this is a great time period. Mabel is a strong, ambitious character and I love all the things she gets up to in the series. I definitely want to check out more books to come! The seance plot is always fun for me. I love spiritualism in books. I think I would’ve liked a little more of Park Winstone, but overall I loved the book!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy mysteries!
January 3, 2024
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of A Body at the Seance, the second novel to feature fledgling PI Mabel Canning, set in London in 1921.
As part of her work for the Useful Women’s Agency Mabel is asked to accompany Mrs Plomley to a seance held by famous medium Madame Pushkana. When the lights go out unexpectedly Mabel hears a scuffle and when they go back on she finds a dead body. The body is that of Stamford Plomley who was supposed to have died in a fire eight months ago and the reason his widow was attending the seance.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Body at the Seance, which is a fun read with an interesting plot. It is told entirely from Mabel’s point of view so the reader gets closely involved in the investigation, knowing what she does and guessing alongside her. I didn’t guess correctly even though all the hints and clues are there, but it was still fun following Mabel and her exploits.
I like the plot as it is quite offbeat with the double death of Stamford Plomley and a hint of the paranormal. There is a limited cast of suspects (a rum bunch if ever I saw one) and no obvious motive so it’s simply a matter of asking the right questions and avoiding the long arm of the law in the form of Inspector Tollerton and his aversion to people meddling in police business. Mabel is hired to investigate Stamford’s first death, nothing to do with the current investigation into his second death, well, maybe a slight overlap as the suspects are projecting a united, close lipped front. It’s fun and entertaining and that makes the reader want to keep turning the pages.
Mabel has a few friends helping her out, notably former Scotland Yard detective turned diplomat Park Winstone, who supplies the love interest (very slowly) and practical investigative support.
A Body at the Seance is a fun read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
As part of her work for the Useful Women’s Agency Mabel is asked to accompany Mrs Plomley to a seance held by famous medium Madame Pushkana. When the lights go out unexpectedly Mabel hears a scuffle and when they go back on she finds a dead body. The body is that of Stamford Plomley who was supposed to have died in a fire eight months ago and the reason his widow was attending the seance.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Body at the Seance, which is a fun read with an interesting plot. It is told entirely from Mabel’s point of view so the reader gets closely involved in the investigation, knowing what she does and guessing alongside her. I didn’t guess correctly even though all the hints and clues are there, but it was still fun following Mabel and her exploits.
I like the plot as it is quite offbeat with the double death of Stamford Plomley and a hint of the paranormal. There is a limited cast of suspects (a rum bunch if ever I saw one) and no obvious motive so it’s simply a matter of asking the right questions and avoiding the long arm of the law in the form of Inspector Tollerton and his aversion to people meddling in police business. Mabel is hired to investigate Stamford’s first death, nothing to do with the current investigation into his second death, well, maybe a slight overlap as the suspects are projecting a united, close lipped front. It’s fun and entertaining and that makes the reader want to keep turning the pages.
Mabel has a few friends helping her out, notably former Scotland Yard detective turned diplomat Park Winstone, who supplies the love interest (very slowly) and practical investigative support.
A Body at the Seance is a fun read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 12, 2024
When Mabel Cannen is sent to a séance by Mrs. Ivy Plumley she’s excited to be going to a séance held by a Madame Pushkin but when the Madame tries to conjure up Miss Plumlee’s deceased husband Stedman it seems right when she’s making contact the lights go up fire shoots up and the room seems to lose control but when Mabel turns the lights back on they are shocked to see the dearly departed dead in the room with them. Mabel immediately tells the Butler to call inspector Tollerton. This doesn’t mean the London ladies murder club is no longer because Mabel and the gang will definitely be on the case. With threatening letters and things lurking in the shadows being an amateur sleuth can get very hairy not as hairy as win Mabel it’s sent by the useful ladies society to aMiss Gladys Winston… Yes that Gladys! When I was reading this book I got nervous when we had yet another deceased husband popping up dead I was a little worried but OMG I have nothing to worry about it seems Marty Windgate knows how to spin a yarn a.m. to write yet another great mystery. I love books that are hard to put down and it seems these are and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the third book “a Body in the Dancehall.” When you read as many books as I do and write reviews for almost all of them it’s hard to find new ways to tell people about great books just trust me if you love a great cozy historical fiction mystery then you definitely need to get familiar with A Body At The Séance in my humble opinion this one was better than the first but as I said that’s just my opinion I do recommend this book if this is your genre then I totally recommend it! I want to thank Bookoucher and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
August 11, 2025
I'm getting into these books now, I've just bought the next two in the series!! Mabel Canning works for the Useful Women Agency and having solved a murder in the previous book Miss Kerr who runs the agency has allowed Mabel to set up a sub-section helping people with police matters. She has been booked by Mrs Plomley to accompany her to a seance to get in touch with her late husband who 8mths previously died in a fire in his shed, only a burnt beyond recognition body wearing Stamford's ring is discovered. The seance is being held by Madame Pushkana in her very swanky house, when Mabel gets there she meets a group of people who regularly attend her seances and she seems to be the outsider.
The seance begins and Madame Pushkana is asking Mr Stamford Plomley to speak to his wife, his voice comes through but Mabel is surprised as his voice sounds as if he's very much alive and actually in the room with them, then with a rattling of the chandelier and a blinding flash of light and the table turning and her butler Noddy Perkins, quite a nice likeable character, rushes in putting on lights while Mme Pushkana falls onto some curtains which fell down and Mabel moves the curtains and discovers Stamford Plomley's dead body. This time Stamford definitely is dead.
The case picks up from here and all of those at the seance are rightly suspected of murdering for the last time, Stamford Plomley. Then Mabel discovers that Stamford was a notorious womaniser and that his wife probably knew, she is head of her list of suspects. This is really an intriguing story and had me guessing until the end, and Mabel's relationship with Park Winstone and his dog Gladys is ratchetting up a little!
The seance begins and Madame Pushkana is asking Mr Stamford Plomley to speak to his wife, his voice comes through but Mabel is surprised as his voice sounds as if he's very much alive and actually in the room with them, then with a rattling of the chandelier and a blinding flash of light and the table turning and her butler Noddy Perkins, quite a nice likeable character, rushes in putting on lights while Mme Pushkana falls onto some curtains which fell down and Mabel moves the curtains and discovers Stamford Plomley's dead body. This time Stamford definitely is dead.
The case picks up from here and all of those at the seance are rightly suspected of murdering for the last time, Stamford Plomley. Then Mabel discovers that Stamford was a notorious womaniser and that his wife probably knew, she is head of her list of suspects. This is really an intriguing story and had me guessing until the end, and Mabel's relationship with Park Winstone and his dog Gladys is ratchetting up a little!
January 10, 2024
Marty Wingate's "A Body at the Séance" is a really good addition to the London Ladies' Murder Club series, earning a solid five stars from me. This time around, the characters we adore are back, and the introduction of Perkins, Madame Pushkana's butler, adds an extra dash of charm.
Set in 1921 London, Mabel Canning, from the Useful Women’s Agency, takes on a séance that takes a dark turn when a murder occurs.
The characters, as likable as ever, embark on unraveling the curious case of Stamford Plomley, who seemingly returned from the dead without a trace of the fire that claimed his life months ago. The formation of the London Ladies’ Murder Club, with Mabel at the helm and former detective Park Winstone by her side, brings a delightful camaraderie to the story.
The mystery is brilliantly crafted, with unexpected twists keeping readers on their toes. While I guessed the culprit three-quarters into the story, the surprising motive threw me for a loop, adding an intriguing twist.
As Scotland Yard tries to deter Mabel, she presses on, facing threats and a ticking clock. The suspense builds as a menacing letter hints at more danger, creating a gripping race against time.
In a nutshell, "A Body at the Séance" is a must-read historical mystery, blending charm, humor, and danger. Marty Wingate continues to enchant readers with the spirited London Ladies' Murder Club, leaving us eagerly anticipating their next adventure.
Set in 1921 London, Mabel Canning, from the Useful Women’s Agency, takes on a séance that takes a dark turn when a murder occurs.
The characters, as likable as ever, embark on unraveling the curious case of Stamford Plomley, who seemingly returned from the dead without a trace of the fire that claimed his life months ago. The formation of the London Ladies’ Murder Club, with Mabel at the helm and former detective Park Winstone by her side, brings a delightful camaraderie to the story.
The mystery is brilliantly crafted, with unexpected twists keeping readers on their toes. While I guessed the culprit three-quarters into the story, the surprising motive threw me for a loop, adding an intriguing twist.
As Scotland Yard tries to deter Mabel, she presses on, facing threats and a ticking clock. The suspense builds as a menacing letter hints at more danger, creating a gripping race against time.
In a nutshell, "A Body at the Séance" is a must-read historical mystery, blending charm, humor, and danger. Marty Wingate continues to enchant readers with the spirited London Ladies' Murder Club, leaving us eagerly anticipating their next adventure.
January 11, 2024
London, 1921: As a winter wind blows through the streets of London, Mabel Canning is hired by the Useful Women’s Agency to attend a séance at the home of famous medium Madame Pushkana. Whilst at the séance there’s a flash of light then total darkness, Mabel stumbles over a large lump & when the lights are switched on she finds herself at the scene of a murder. The victim is none other than Stamford Plomley, whose widow arranged the séance after he died in a fire eight months ago! When Scotland Yard arrive, the police try to stop Mabel from interfering. But having just formed an investigative division of the Useful Women’s Agency, Mabel isn’t going anywhere. And with the help of former detective Park Winstone, she begins to piece together what really happened at the ghostly gathering.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I really like Mabel & the cast of secondary characters especially Miss Kerr & Mable’s friends living in the same block if flats, I also must include Gladys who is a delight. I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery & I was kept guessing through most of the book as to who the villain was but did have my suspicions, which proved to be correct. There are plenty of twists & turns & of course red herrings. Mabel is like a dog with a bone & doesn’t give up. I’m also enjoying her relationship with Park & how it is developing & changing. I look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I really like Mabel & the cast of secondary characters especially Miss Kerr & Mable’s friends living in the same block if flats, I also must include Gladys who is a delight. I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery & I was kept guessing through most of the book as to who the villain was but did have my suspicions, which proved to be correct. There are plenty of twists & turns & of course red herrings. Mabel is like a dog with a bone & doesn’t give up. I’m also enjoying her relationship with Park & how it is developing & changing. I look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 10, 2024
Five reasons I'm giving Five Stars to A Body at the Séance by Marty Wingate:
1. The Time and Place: We are in 1921 London, a time when modern women are putting the great war behind them, cutting their hair and dipping their toes into the seductive pool of independence.
2. The Protagonist: 32-year-old Mabel Canning has been in London only a short while and already has a nice apartment, an interesting job at the Useful Women’s Agency and three new friends. I liked Mabel as soon as I met her, a lovely mix of modern and well-mannered and a lovely person all around.
3. The Plot: One day, while attending a séance while on assignment, Mabel finds a most surprisingly murdered body. Her little grey cells are immediately on the job, she is a Useful Woman after all.
4. The Supporting Cast: Mabel soon gathers a group of friends - from her upstairs neighbors to the doorman and her client's brother - all fun characters and worthy companions, and all contribute to the solution.
5. The Tone: I find myself wanting to use that word 'lovely' yet again. If you are in the market for a well-written, intelligent mystery full of twists and turns, fun characters and a satisfying solution, this could well be the book for you.
1. The Time and Place: We are in 1921 London, a time when modern women are putting the great war behind them, cutting their hair and dipping their toes into the seductive pool of independence.
2. The Protagonist: 32-year-old Mabel Canning has been in London only a short while and already has a nice apartment, an interesting job at the Useful Women’s Agency and three new friends. I liked Mabel as soon as I met her, a lovely mix of modern and well-mannered and a lovely person all around.
3. The Plot: One day, while attending a séance while on assignment, Mabel finds a most surprisingly murdered body. Her little grey cells are immediately on the job, she is a Useful Woman after all.
4. The Supporting Cast: Mabel soon gathers a group of friends - from her upstairs neighbors to the doorman and her client's brother - all fun characters and worthy companions, and all contribute to the solution.
5. The Tone: I find myself wanting to use that word 'lovely' yet again. If you are in the market for a well-written, intelligent mystery full of twists and turns, fun characters and a satisfying solution, this could well be the book for you.
January 8, 2024
4.25*
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital review copy of "A Body At The Séance " in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
This was a great follow up to A Body On The Doorstep and definitely makes this a series I'll be keen to continue with when we get further cases for Mabel to investigate. Book 2 sees Mabel tasked with joining a séance as a companion to Mrs Plomley who is hoping to communicate with her dead husband. The lights go out, chaos ensues and the formerly 'dead' Mr Plomley is found on the carpet, strangled and this time, officially dead.
What follows is a twisting and turning case the reunites some of our favourites from Book 1 as Mabel doggedly pursues the truth.
I felt that this story did have too many characters who I didn't particularly care for in the suspect group and it led to some repetition of scenes however, as a case I didn't guess the ultimate outcome or why it happened and I felt that it definitely had more red herrings and was more complicated than Book 1. I was glad to see Cora and Skeff return, as well as Park and Gladys and I appreciate that it hasn't taken 8 or 9 books for Park and Mabel's relationship to develop. I was also glad to see the return of some of Mabel's side tasks, most notably naughty Augustus who keeps Mabel on her toes but adds a wonderful break from the core proceedings.
If you love historical cosy mysteries (like I do) then this series will tick all the boxes and I eagerly await future installments!
A Body At The Séance is released on January 11th 2024.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital review copy of "A Body At The Séance " in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
This was a great follow up to A Body On The Doorstep and definitely makes this a series I'll be keen to continue with when we get further cases for Mabel to investigate. Book 2 sees Mabel tasked with joining a séance as a companion to Mrs Plomley who is hoping to communicate with her dead husband. The lights go out, chaos ensues and the formerly 'dead' Mr Plomley is found on the carpet, strangled and this time, officially dead.
What follows is a twisting and turning case the reunites some of our favourites from Book 1 as Mabel doggedly pursues the truth.
I felt that this story did have too many characters who I didn't particularly care for in the suspect group and it led to some repetition of scenes however, as a case I didn't guess the ultimate outcome or why it happened and I felt that it definitely had more red herrings and was more complicated than Book 1. I was glad to see Cora and Skeff return, as well as Park and Gladys and I appreciate that it hasn't taken 8 or 9 books for Park and Mabel's relationship to develop. I was also glad to see the return of some of Mabel's side tasks, most notably naughty Augustus who keeps Mabel on her toes but adds a wonderful break from the core proceedings.
If you love historical cosy mysteries (like I do) then this series will tick all the boxes and I eagerly await future installments!
A Body At The Séance is released on January 11th 2024.
January 13, 2024
As an employee of the Useful Women's Agency and it's new London Ladies' Murder Club, Hazel has been assigned to accompany a widow, Mrs.Plomley, to a seance at the home of Madame Pushkana. Mrs. Plomley hopes to make contact with her dead husband through the medium. When the quiet, darkened seance room erupts with a flash of light and a crashing chandelier the body of supposedly burned to death Mr. Plomley is found dead under the velvet drapes. The police are called and though Inspector Tollerton tries to keep Hazel out of the investigation, he isn't successful. Hazel, Winstone, Cora and Skeff all become involved in finding the killer. Who killed Mr. Plomley and who burned to death in the shed years ago? In the midst of the investigation another murder occurs when Madame Pushkana is stabbed to death and Hazel receives threatening letters warning her to back off.
This is the second in the London Ladies' Murder Club series and it is terrific. Once again, Wingate's characters shine and the action is tense and fast-paced.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC
This is the second in the London Ladies' Murder Club series and it is terrific. Once again, Wingate's characters shine and the action is tense and fast-paced.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC
January 28, 2024
This is the second London Ladies' Murder Club Book
Set in the 1920s it is well worth a look!
I read the first book several weeks before
And really looked forward to reading more.
Mabel Canning is hired to witness a séance
She isn't sure why, but she'll give it a chance.
A widow hopes she'll hear from her husband who
Died in a fire, so Mabel will listen, too.
A dramatic event, a flash and the lights go out,
A shout, mayhem, what's it all about?
The lights go on, but beware
A dead body - the widow's husband -is lying there!
How can he have died again?
Can anyone explain?
Definitely a case for Mabel to investigate
And find the killer before its too late!
For Mabel and her friends this is another enthralling case
With mystery, danger and suspense taking place.
If you enjoy historical cosy mysteries
I highly recommend you read this series!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Set in the 1920s it is well worth a look!
I read the first book several weeks before
And really looked forward to reading more.
Mabel Canning is hired to witness a séance
She isn't sure why, but she'll give it a chance.
A widow hopes she'll hear from her husband who
Died in a fire, so Mabel will listen, too.
A dramatic event, a flash and the lights go out,
A shout, mayhem, what's it all about?
The lights go on, but beware
A dead body - the widow's husband -is lying there!
How can he have died again?
Can anyone explain?
Definitely a case for Mabel to investigate
And find the killer before its too late!
For Mabel and her friends this is another enthralling case
With mystery, danger and suspense taking place.
If you enjoy historical cosy mysteries
I highly recommend you read this series!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
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