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London Ladies' Murder Club #1
A Body on the Doorstep
Fiercely independent Mabel Canning can’t wait to begin working for the Useful Women’s Agency. But when she discovers a body on her client’s doorstep, it’s time to add solving murders to her job description…
London, 1921: Mabel Canning is proud to be a modern woman working for the Useful Women’s Agency, carrying out tasks for gentlewomen from flower arranging to washing muddy dogs. But when she answers the door for wealthy widow Rosalind Despard, she almost chokes on her cucumber sandwich when she finds a soldier’s body on the doorstep.
As she offers tea to the policemen of Scotland Yard, Mabel can’t resist getting drawn into the investigation. Who was the mysterious dead man? And why was he holding a letter for Rosalind, written by her husband on the day he disappeared?
As Mabel hunts for clues, she joins forces with Rosalind’s handsome brother, former detective Park Winstone, and his adorable terrier, Gladys. But when Mabel suspects she is being followed, the detective duo know that time is running out before the killer strikes again.
As she investigates, Mabel discovers dusty old photographs that help her reveal the soldier’s true identity. But as she gets closer to uncovering the young man’s murderer, she knows she’s also one step closer to danger... Can she outsmart the killer and save Park and Rosalind before they also turn up dead as doornails?
A totally unputdownable and utterly charming Golden Age cozy mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman, Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.
London, 1921: Mabel Canning is proud to be a modern woman working for the Useful Women’s Agency, carrying out tasks for gentlewomen from flower arranging to washing muddy dogs. But when she answers the door for wealthy widow Rosalind Despard, she almost chokes on her cucumber sandwich when she finds a soldier’s body on the doorstep.
As she offers tea to the policemen of Scotland Yard, Mabel can’t resist getting drawn into the investigation. Who was the mysterious dead man? And why was he holding a letter for Rosalind, written by her husband on the day he disappeared?
As Mabel hunts for clues, she joins forces with Rosalind’s handsome brother, former detective Park Winstone, and his adorable terrier, Gladys. But when Mabel suspects she is being followed, the detective duo know that time is running out before the killer strikes again.
As she investigates, Mabel discovers dusty old photographs that help her reveal the soldier’s true identity. But as she gets closer to uncovering the young man’s murderer, she knows she’s also one step closer to danger... Can she outsmart the killer and save Park and Rosalind before they also turn up dead as doornails?
A totally unputdownable and utterly charming Golden Age cozy mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman, Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2024
1964 people are currently reading
724 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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December 31, 2023
A Body on the Doorstep by Marty Wingate
Synopsis /
Fiercely independent Mabel Canning can’t wait to begin working for the Useful Women’s Agency. But when she discovers a body on her client’s doorstep, it’s time to add solving murders to her job description…
London, 1921: Mabel Canning is proud to be a modern woman working for the Useful Women’s Agency, carrying out tasks for gentlewomen from flower arranging to washing muddy dogs. But when she answers the door for wealthy widow Rosalind Despard, she almost chokes on her cucumber sandwich when she finds a soldier’s body on the doorstep.
As she offers tea to the policemen of Scotland Yard, Mabel can’t resist getting drawn into the investigation. Who was the mysterious dead man? And why was he holding a letter for Rosalind, written by her husband on the day he disappeared?
As Mabel hunts for clues, she joins forces with Rosalind’s handsome brother, former detective Park Winstone, and his adorable terrier, Gladys. But when Mabel suspects she is being followed, the detective duo know that time is running out before the killer strikes again.
As she investigates, Mabel discovers dusty old photographs that help her reveal the soldier’s true identity. But as she gets closer to uncovering the young man’s murderer, she knows she’s also one step closer to danger... Can she outsmart the killer and save Park and Rosalind before they also turn up dead as doornails?
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.
I'm going to begin by letting you all know that this is my very first NetGalley read and I'm so excited!!
How lucky am I to have received a winning book on my first request - Hurrah!
A Body on the Doorstep opens in 1921 London (post WWI) where we find our main character, Mabel Canning, making her way to her first 'useful' job of the morning. You see, Mabel, moved to London so that she could fulfill a lifelong dream. Mabel isn't interested in marriage, or courting, or playing the social scene, no, Mabel wants nothing more than to live as an independent woman. Moving to London was just the beginning, and, being accepted onto the books at the "Useful Women Agency" is another step towards her lifelong dream.
I love that the author has created this independent woman, and Mabel is just the right mix of independent and will accept help when required. She is fiercely independent but will dote on her elderly father and friends. She mourns the loss of her childhood best friend to the Spanish flu but doesn't dwell on it and chooses to remember the fonder moments to their friendship. She's a quick learner and smart as a whip. In short, Mabel has a good head of those independent shoulders.
And she'll need all those smarts when, at her first job for the "Useful Women Agency" a body drops dead on the doorstep. As happens in cosy mysteries, there is more than one mystery to solve. In A Body on the Doorstep there are three. I enjoyed the author's descriptions of the post World War I setting and I had no trouble inserting myself into the pages of 1921 London. The story moves along quickly and the cast of secondary characters introduced are all well fleshed out and really quite pivotal to the storyline. I can easily see any of them as returning characters and, I certainly hope they will.
The author has written a compelling complex storyline, but it reads easily, and the clues dropped along the way assisted with understanding the big reveal at the end.
At the end, the author hints that there are big things in store for Miss Canning, and I for one want to be there to read them!
A Body on the Doorstep, the first instalment of the London Ladies Murder Club series is due for release on January 11, 2024.
Synopsis /
Fiercely independent Mabel Canning can’t wait to begin working for the Useful Women’s Agency. But when she discovers a body on her client’s doorstep, it’s time to add solving murders to her job description…
London, 1921: Mabel Canning is proud to be a modern woman working for the Useful Women’s Agency, carrying out tasks for gentlewomen from flower arranging to washing muddy dogs. But when she answers the door for wealthy widow Rosalind Despard, she almost chokes on her cucumber sandwich when she finds a soldier’s body on the doorstep.
As she offers tea to the policemen of Scotland Yard, Mabel can’t resist getting drawn into the investigation. Who was the mysterious dead man? And why was he holding a letter for Rosalind, written by her husband on the day he disappeared?
As Mabel hunts for clues, she joins forces with Rosalind’s handsome brother, former detective Park Winstone, and his adorable terrier, Gladys. But when Mabel suspects she is being followed, the detective duo know that time is running out before the killer strikes again.
As she investigates, Mabel discovers dusty old photographs that help her reveal the soldier’s true identity. But as she gets closer to uncovering the young man’s murderer, she knows she’s also one step closer to danger... Can she outsmart the killer and save Park and Rosalind before they also turn up dead as doornails?
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.
I'm going to begin by letting you all know that this is my very first NetGalley read and I'm so excited!!
How lucky am I to have received a winning book on my first request - Hurrah!
A Body on the Doorstep opens in 1921 London (post WWI) where we find our main character, Mabel Canning, making her way to her first 'useful' job of the morning. You see, Mabel, moved to London so that she could fulfill a lifelong dream. Mabel isn't interested in marriage, or courting, or playing the social scene, no, Mabel wants nothing more than to live as an independent woman. Moving to London was just the beginning, and, being accepted onto the books at the "Useful Women Agency" is another step towards her lifelong dream.
I love that the author has created this independent woman, and Mabel is just the right mix of independent and will accept help when required. She is fiercely independent but will dote on her elderly father and friends. She mourns the loss of her childhood best friend to the Spanish flu but doesn't dwell on it and chooses to remember the fonder moments to their friendship. She's a quick learner and smart as a whip. In short, Mabel has a good head of those independent shoulders.
And she'll need all those smarts when, at her first job for the "Useful Women Agency" a body drops dead on the doorstep. As happens in cosy mysteries, there is more than one mystery to solve. In A Body on the Doorstep there are three. I enjoyed the author's descriptions of the post World War I setting and I had no trouble inserting myself into the pages of 1921 London. The story moves along quickly and the cast of secondary characters introduced are all well fleshed out and really quite pivotal to the storyline. I can easily see any of them as returning characters and, I certainly hope they will.
The author has written a compelling complex storyline, but it reads easily, and the clues dropped along the way assisted with understanding the big reveal at the end.
At the end, the author hints that there are big things in store for Miss Canning, and I for one want to be there to read them!
A Body on the Doorstep, the first instalment of the London Ladies Murder Club series is due for release on January 11, 2024.
January 8, 2024
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 manages to get employment at the Useful Women’s Agency (this was an actual thing!), doing various odd jobs: arranging flowers, taking an 8-year-old to the train to get him to his boarding school; washing a dog; mending a lacey piece of clothing; helping at a wake; etc.
While at the wake for Guy Despard, who had disappeared 7 years earlier (finally able to be declared legally dead), Mabel answers the door and a man falls at her feet, dead, holding a letter from the woman’s husband, dated 7 years earlier. And so the mystery starts! Who was the man and why did he have that 7-year-old letter?
When I read books about the lives of women in earlier times, I’m always struck by how limited their lives could be, due to social conventions. It was basically “unheard of” for a woman to go to a restaurant alone or to a music hall (similar to American vaudeville), for example.
I enjoyed the character of Mabel, as well as many of the side characters, such as the two other young women who live in her building: Cora, an aspiring milliner, and “Skeff”, a journalist (I’m sure that was quite unusual then). Bridget, the feisty maid at the Despard house is another great character. The wife of the missing/dead man, Rosalind, used to sing in music halls and her brother, Park, is a former Scotland Yard detective. Mabel winds up working with Park on the case of the “body at the doorstep” and they made a good pair. Park’s dog, Gladys, provides some welcome fun.
I look forward to reading of Mabel’s further adventures - the next book in the series is A Body at the Seance.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was narrated beautifully by Naomi Frederick, a new-to-me narrator.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
While at the wake for Guy Despard, who had disappeared 7 years earlier (finally able to be declared legally dead), Mabel answers the door and a man falls at her feet, dead, holding a letter from the woman’s husband, dated 7 years earlier. And so the mystery starts! Who was the man and why did he have that 7-year-old letter?
When I read books about the lives of women in earlier times, I’m always struck by how limited their lives could be, due to social conventions. It was basically “unheard of” for a woman to go to a restaurant alone or to a music hall (similar to American vaudeville), for example.
I enjoyed the character of Mabel, as well as many of the side characters, such as the two other young women who live in her building: Cora, an aspiring milliner, and “Skeff”, a journalist (I’m sure that was quite unusual then). Bridget, the feisty maid at the Despard house is another great character. The wife of the missing/dead man, Rosalind, used to sing in music halls and her brother, Park, is a former Scotland Yard detective. Mabel winds up working with Park on the case of the “body at the doorstep” and they made a good pair. Park’s dog, Gladys, provides some welcome fun.
I look forward to reading of Mabel’s further adventures - the next book in the series is A Body at the Seance.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was narrated beautifully by Naomi Frederick, a new-to-me narrator.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
December 23, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Bookoture for the free e-ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
3.5 stars
Mabel Canning has come to London to be independent. She has no interest in marriage and is eager to have a career. As careers for women are limited in 1921 London, she'll settle for a job that pays for rent. Or jobs, as the case may be. As an employee of the Useful Women Agency, Mabel sits and waits in the office to be recommended for any odd job that comes along. Her first big job is to help out at a wake. Mabel is shocked to discover Rosalind Despard's husband may or may not be dead. He's been missing for 7 years and now can be legally declared dead. Rosalind was under suspicion by the police for murdering her husband and though nothing came of it, some people still like to gossip. She needs Mabel for moral support. When a knock on the door brings Mabel down to answer it, a dead body rolls into the house. No one recognizes the man but he was holding a letter from Rosalind's husband dated the day he disappeared! When the police arrive, Mabel, as a newcomer to the household, is the one under suspicion! She's curious about who the man was and what happened to Guy Despard, plus she really likes Rosalind so she can't let it go! What really happened 7 years ago and is it tied into the body on the doorstep?
I really enjoyed the concept of this series, the setting and the characters. It was different from the usual high society lady detective series (which I do love but am kind of tired of the same thing over and over). The mystery grabbed my attention once it began in earnest and I couldn't put the book down. However, I did have to put the book down to go to sleep and thus forgot all about the clue that made me solve the mystery pretty much right away. I got distracted by a red herring but figured it out before Mabel. It was rather obvious and could have been solved quickly if anyone had bothered to think of it. I questioned the police use of forensics but then they didn't actually do much of that. I did like how the diversity of London was worked in and especially appreciated how it was shown, not told.
Mabel is a great character. She's fiercely independent yet also devoted to her dad and friends back home. She's mourning the loss of her best friend to the Spanish 'Flu but doesn't dwell on it. She's able to look back fondly on her memories. Mabel doesn't do anything rash or stupid during her investigation even though she may want to. She has a good head on her shoulders and good instincts. Mabel keeps an open mind now she's in London meeting all sorts of people. She's tenacious, intelligent and loyal. Mabel is someone I would like to be friends with. I love how she deals with young Augustus, a naughty 8-year-old boy. She's still young enough to think like a child and have sympathy for him even though she's "middle aged" (at 31!). Augustus is funny and sad at the same time. Poor kid wants attention and goes about getting it in the wrong way. He's clearly intelligent but lacks parental support. His mother is a nit wit and his father is oft absent. I knew a kid just like that so I think Augustus is fully believable. I hope Mabel is called upon to escort him to the station in future books.
Rosalind Despard is a wealthy woman through marriage to the self-made Guy Despard. She was once a performer on the music hall stage until Guy fell desperately in love with her. They were not your usual wealthy young man about town and opportunist. It seems like they adored each other and were quite the progressive couple. His disappearance truly upset Rosalind and she's been worried about him ever since. The presence of a dead body on the doorstep is enough to rattle her. Rosalind seems to have a nervous disposition but she recovers quickly with the help of good friends. Rosalind is highly intelligent and an astute businesswoman. She notices something her lawyer and bookkeeper never noticed or are hiding from her. Her maid, Bridget, can be grumpy but she's devoted to Rosalind, having been the backstage minder at the music hall. Bridget is loyal and protective of Rosalind but not over protective. That role goes to Rosalind's brother, Park Winstone. Park loves his sister very much but he doesn't always treat her like an adult. He worries about her mental health and her physical well-being. Park mistrusts Mabel and her intentions yet Mabel was hired through an agency! To be fair, he just arrives when the body shows up so he doesn't know the particulars. He's cautious and rightfully so. Park is slow to trust but when he does, he is a supportive and a good listener. His dog Gladys is a little bit unruly but very cute. She takes to Mabel right away which should show Park that Mabel is a good person!
Cyril Godfrey is Rosalind's most devoted friend and old stage partner from the music hall days. He's the king of bad dad jokes which apparently audiences in the 1920s still enjoyed. The constant "Boom boom!" after his truly awful jokes drove me crazy. Less of him please. He's jovial and over-the-top but means well. He's good to the girls he works with. If he has one fault, he dwells too much on the past. He's one of those ageing performers clinging to his last bit of fame as times and tastes change. If he thinks the cinema in 1921 is closing the music halls, wait until talkies! I think comparing movies and the stage is apples and oranges and he shouldn't blame the cinema for changing tastes. Bad dad jokes are never funny and his type of act is a relic from the Victorian era. This soon after WWI, I'm thinking people want an escape. I found him incredibly annoying.
Thomas Hardcastle, Guy Despard's solicitor, has been running the business in Guy's absence. The lawyer seems to be hiding something. He's a little evasive and squirrely when Rosalind asks direct questions. Gabrielle Roche is Guy's secretary. She seems efficient but a bit arrogant, like she knows better than anyone else about how to run the business. She's also Irish and devoted to Irish independence. Mabel spied Gabrielle where she shouldn't be in the house speaking with some men during the wake. That makes her a good suspect for... something?! Who is Michael Shaugnessy and why did Guy have to rush off to see him? Is he mixed up in the Irish independence movement somehow? Inspector Tollerton is firm but seems fair enough. He's doing his job and his friendship with Park means he's serious about finding out what happened to Rosalind's husband.
Miss Florrie Hart has taken Rosalind's place on the stage with Cyril. She's young and naïve and seems to be missing her fella. First, was he really her fella when no one seems to have seen him with her? Second, did he ghost her or is something else going on? Poor Florrie. She's the weepy sort who prefers hand wringing to action.
Mabel's father's friend, Mr. Chigley, is a porter at the flats where Mabel lives. He's very kind and thinks of himself as a surrogate father to Mabel. He seems more willing to allow Mabel to live an independent adult life than her father is though. Her father checks up on her way too much but that keeps Mabel in check for she fears of word getting back to her father that she was up to something dangerous. Mabel's new friends, Cora and Skeff, are a lot of fun! They're a couple and Mabel accepts that just as they accept her as a new friend without question. Skeff is a more masculine type, raised in a newspaper family. She works as a reporter for her uncle's paper as an investigative journalist. She's fair and doesn't like tabloid sensations, just the facts. She just wants the truth to be known. It's so sweet how supportive Skeff is of Cora's talent as a milliner. Cora works for someone else now but she could branch out on her own. She's a clever designer and a sweet person. Skeff has a level head and can handle the business end of things while Cora is the creative genius. They should go into business together. Their friend Flea, a mysterious figure at the docks, is intriguing and unusual. He's a valuable asset to the investigation yet doesn't have any more clues to help figure out what happened. Could he be in danger because he's so observant? I hope not.
This was fun enough that I'm ready to read the second one. I was already approved and will be reading it after Christmas!
Miss Lillian Kerr is the proprietress of the Useful Woman Agency. She has a knack for knowing what each woman is most useful at and matching them with the right job. Some of the jobs sound ghastly to me! She's tough and shows Mabel who is boss in a passive aggressive way but seems Mabel can live up to her high standards. Miss Kerr isn't too sure about Mabel being involved in a murder investigation though.
3.5 stars
Mabel Canning has come to London to be independent. She has no interest in marriage and is eager to have a career. As careers for women are limited in 1921 London, she'll settle for a job that pays for rent. Or jobs, as the case may be. As an employee of the Useful Women Agency, Mabel sits and waits in the office to be recommended for any odd job that comes along. Her first big job is to help out at a wake. Mabel is shocked to discover Rosalind Despard's husband may or may not be dead. He's been missing for 7 years and now can be legally declared dead. Rosalind was under suspicion by the police for murdering her husband and though nothing came of it, some people still like to gossip. She needs Mabel for moral support. When a knock on the door brings Mabel down to answer it, a dead body rolls into the house. No one recognizes the man but he was holding a letter from Rosalind's husband dated the day he disappeared! When the police arrive, Mabel, as a newcomer to the household, is the one under suspicion! She's curious about who the man was and what happened to Guy Despard, plus she really likes Rosalind so she can't let it go! What really happened 7 years ago and is it tied into the body on the doorstep?
I really enjoyed the concept of this series, the setting and the characters. It was different from the usual high society lady detective series (which I do love but am kind of tired of the same thing over and over). The mystery grabbed my attention once it began in earnest and I couldn't put the book down. However, I did have to put the book down to go to sleep and thus forgot all about the clue that made me solve the mystery pretty much right away. I got distracted by a red herring but figured it out before Mabel. It was rather obvious and could have been solved quickly if anyone had bothered to think of it. I questioned the police use of forensics but then they didn't actually do much of that. I did like how the diversity of London was worked in and especially appreciated how it was shown, not told.
Mabel is a great character. She's fiercely independent yet also devoted to her dad and friends back home. She's mourning the loss of her best friend to the Spanish 'Flu but doesn't dwell on it. She's able to look back fondly on her memories. Mabel doesn't do anything rash or stupid during her investigation even though she may want to. She has a good head on her shoulders and good instincts. Mabel keeps an open mind now she's in London meeting all sorts of people. She's tenacious, intelligent and loyal. Mabel is someone I would like to be friends with. I love how she deals with young Augustus, a naughty 8-year-old boy. She's still young enough to think like a child and have sympathy for him even though she's "middle aged" (at 31!). Augustus is funny and sad at the same time. Poor kid wants attention and goes about getting it in the wrong way. He's clearly intelligent but lacks parental support. His mother is a nit wit and his father is oft absent. I knew a kid just like that so I think Augustus is fully believable. I hope Mabel is called upon to escort him to the station in future books.
Rosalind Despard is a wealthy woman through marriage to the self-made Guy Despard. She was once a performer on the music hall stage until Guy fell desperately in love with her. They were not your usual wealthy young man about town and opportunist. It seems like they adored each other and were quite the progressive couple. His disappearance truly upset Rosalind and she's been worried about him ever since. The presence of a dead body on the doorstep is enough to rattle her. Rosalind seems to have a nervous disposition but she recovers quickly with the help of good friends. Rosalind is highly intelligent and an astute businesswoman. She notices something her lawyer and bookkeeper never noticed or are hiding from her. Her maid, Bridget, can be grumpy but she's devoted to Rosalind, having been the backstage minder at the music hall. Bridget is loyal and protective of Rosalind but not over protective. That role goes to Rosalind's brother, Park Winstone. Park loves his sister very much but he doesn't always treat her like an adult. He worries about her mental health and her physical well-being. Park mistrusts Mabel and her intentions yet Mabel was hired through an agency! To be fair, he just arrives when the body shows up so he doesn't know the particulars. He's cautious and rightfully so. Park is slow to trust but when he does, he is a supportive and a good listener. His dog Gladys is a little bit unruly but very cute. She takes to Mabel right away which should show Park that Mabel is a good person!
Cyril Godfrey is Rosalind's most devoted friend and old stage partner from the music hall days. He's the king of bad dad jokes which apparently audiences in the 1920s still enjoyed. The constant "Boom boom!" after his truly awful jokes drove me crazy. Less of him please. He's jovial and over-the-top but means well. He's good to the girls he works with. If he has one fault, he dwells too much on the past. He's one of those ageing performers clinging to his last bit of fame as times and tastes change. If he thinks the cinema in 1921 is closing the music halls, wait until talkies! I think comparing movies and the stage is apples and oranges and he shouldn't blame the cinema for changing tastes. Bad dad jokes are never funny and his type of act is a relic from the Victorian era. This soon after WWI, I'm thinking people want an escape. I found him incredibly annoying.
Thomas Hardcastle, Guy Despard's solicitor, has been running the business in Guy's absence. The lawyer seems to be hiding something. He's a little evasive and squirrely when Rosalind asks direct questions. Gabrielle Roche is Guy's secretary. She seems efficient but a bit arrogant, like she knows better than anyone else about how to run the business. She's also Irish and devoted to Irish independence. Mabel spied Gabrielle where she shouldn't be in the house speaking with some men during the wake. That makes her a good suspect for... something?! Who is Michael Shaugnessy and why did Guy have to rush off to see him? Is he mixed up in the Irish independence movement somehow? Inspector Tollerton is firm but seems fair enough. He's doing his job and his friendship with Park means he's serious about finding out what happened to Rosalind's husband.
Miss Florrie Hart has taken Rosalind's place on the stage with Cyril. She's young and naïve and seems to be missing her fella. First, was he really her fella when no one seems to have seen him with her? Second, did he ghost her or is something else going on? Poor Florrie. She's the weepy sort who prefers hand wringing to action.
Mabel's father's friend, Mr. Chigley, is a porter at the flats where Mabel lives. He's very kind and thinks of himself as a surrogate father to Mabel. He seems more willing to allow Mabel to live an independent adult life than her father is though. Her father checks up on her way too much but that keeps Mabel in check for she fears of word getting back to her father that she was up to something dangerous. Mabel's new friends, Cora and Skeff, are a lot of fun! They're a couple and Mabel accepts that just as they accept her as a new friend without question. Skeff is a more masculine type, raised in a newspaper family. She works as a reporter for her uncle's paper as an investigative journalist. She's fair and doesn't like tabloid sensations, just the facts. She just wants the truth to be known. It's so sweet how supportive Skeff is of Cora's talent as a milliner. Cora works for someone else now but she could branch out on her own. She's a clever designer and a sweet person. Skeff has a level head and can handle the business end of things while Cora is the creative genius. They should go into business together. Their friend Flea, a mysterious figure at the docks, is intriguing and unusual. He's a valuable asset to the investigation yet doesn't have any more clues to help figure out what happened. Could he be in danger because he's so observant? I hope not.
This was fun enough that I'm ready to read the second one. I was already approved and will be reading it after Christmas!
Miss Lillian Kerr is the proprietress of the Useful Woman Agency. She has a knack for knowing what each woman is most useful at and matching them with the right job. Some of the jobs sound ghastly to me! She's tough and shows Mabel who is boss in a passive aggressive way but seems Mabel can live up to her high standards. Miss Kerr isn't too sure about Mabel being involved in a murder investigation though.
January 26, 2024
Mabel Canning is a forward-thinking and independent woman eager to begin working for the Useful Women's Agency. However, when a man's body is found on her employer's doorstep, Mabel makes the immediate decision to get to the bottom of things. Meanwhile, she takes on quite a few various assignments for the agency.
More than once Mabel knocks heads with former detective Park Winstone and the pair become unlikely partners in what promises to be an enjoyable series by Marty Wingate. I love Mabel, then Park and his dog Gladys were wonderful additions, and the ever present danger that faced Mabel the deeper she dug for answers was intriguing.
Cozies are a favorite of mine, and coming in with the first book in a new series was a true delight. I can't wait to see what else is in store for Mabel.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
More than once Mabel knocks heads with former detective Park Winstone and the pair become unlikely partners in what promises to be an enjoyable series by Marty Wingate. I love Mabel, then Park and his dog Gladys were wonderful additions, and the ever present danger that faced Mabel the deeper she dug for answers was intriguing.
Cozies are a favorite of mine, and coming in with the first book in a new series was a true delight. I can't wait to see what else is in store for Mabel.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 19, 2023
4.25★
YES. I completely inhaled this audiobook in one day. It was so gripping and interesting that I had a mental corkboard mapped out in my head, string and all. The story is an upbeat and cozy murder mystery with a charming main character, Mabel. Wingate’s writing allowed for each character to have a motive and it definitely kept me guessing - however I did have my suspicions (they were correct!!!!!) This is the first book in the London Ladies’ Murder Club and I am definitely going to add the rest to my tbr when the audiobooks become available.
Mabel: FMC - cunning, observant, and joyful. She is such a fun and modern character in an old fashioned world.
I only knocked the book down a few points because I felt like there were unnecessary tidbits about side quests that did not really pertain to the main story. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for allowing me access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!
YES. I completely inhaled this audiobook in one day. It was so gripping and interesting that I had a mental corkboard mapped out in my head, string and all. The story is an upbeat and cozy murder mystery with a charming main character, Mabel. Wingate’s writing allowed for each character to have a motive and it definitely kept me guessing - however I did have my suspicions (they were correct!!!!!) This is the first book in the London Ladies’ Murder Club and I am definitely going to add the rest to my tbr when the audiobooks become available.
Mabel: FMC - cunning, observant, and joyful. She is such a fun and modern character in an old fashioned world.
I only knocked the book down a few points because I felt like there were unnecessary tidbits about side quests that did not really pertain to the main story. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for allowing me access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 4, 2025
This was the perfect murder-mystery!!!
It would make an excellent movie!
I can't wait to continue the series!
It would make an excellent movie!
I can't wait to continue the series!
January 9, 2024
A brilliant easy to listen series debut cozy mystery. . Loved the idea of modern women ideas in the 1920's. The main characters Mabel is qritten and narrated so well she came to life in my ears. I loved the way it had all the elements including romance woven inro a whodunit mystery. The plot was predictable at times but so enjoyabke to listen too. Modern women in 20s london with great detail given to clothing wtc. I loved tge way it ended with the seeds set for number 2. The narrator did well with the various characters . The dialogue at times seems strange but was well executed. The quality if the audio was superb .
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator for this cracking 4 star listen and i look girward to the next in thus series.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator for this cracking 4 star listen and i look girward to the next in thus series.
October 7, 2024
Lovely! A new series from one of my favourite authors and I think it just may help overcome my disappointment that there were only three books in her First Edition Library Mystery series. Although she is American, Marty Wingate visits the UK regularly and does a lot of research for her books - I watched a video where she explained that her favourite research tools were the Oxford English Dictionary and the British Newspaper Archive. Unlike some books set in England by US authors, her books feel very authentic and you can relax into them knowing that you're not going to keep bumping into American words and historical or social inaccuracies.
The idea of the Useful Women Agency is so fascinating and based on fact. Mabel could be sent to do such a wide range of tasks that it gives endless opportunities to show the social conventions of the day and how society and life were changing for women of all classes in the 1920s. It also means that the mysteries in each plot as the series goes forward can be diverse and not limited to a particular set of circumstances.
The idea of the Useful Women Agency is so fascinating and based on fact. Mabel could be sent to do such a wide range of tasks that it gives endless opportunities to show the social conventions of the day and how society and life were changing for women of all classes in the 1920s. It also means that the mysteries in each plot as the series goes forward can be diverse and not limited to a particular set of circumstances.
January 1, 2024
4.5* rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital review copy of "A Body On the Doorstep" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
Right out of the gate I've got to say that this is one of my favourite series openers that I've read in a long time. I requested to read this for review as I love a 1920s cosy mystery series and loved that this one wasn't centred around the idea of titled lady detective. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE them (Lady Eleanore Swift, Dodo Dorchester et al) but I'm very glad to have met Mabel Canning to add to Augusta Peel (Emily Organ) and Kitty Underhay (Helena Dixon) for a different perspective within this genre.
Mabel is a new transplant to London, seeking an independent and fulfilling life and so she finds herself an employee of the Useful Women's Agency. From washing dogs to escorting troublesome young schoolboys to their train, Mabel is taken all over London and one particular job stands out from the rest when she finds herself becoming a part of a particularly intriguing murder.
Throughout the rest of the book, as we work to solve the mystery (or mysteries in the case of this story!) we find ourselves introduced to the core group who I suspect will make up 'the gang' for the rest of this series - Cora and Skeff who are already establishing themselves as being firm friends of Mabel, Park Winstone a potential love interest and his sister Rosalind who I think will end up in Best Friend territory. We also have the trusty dog sidekick in the form of Gladys plus multiple well meaning and supportive additional figures who help round out a lively and appealing cast of characters.
The mystery/mysteries in this story were intriguing and provided plenty of twists, turns and red herrings and whilst I had my suspicions about the ultimate 'bad guy' I didn't guess the ultimate reason and catalyst for the story.
Overall the London Ladies' Murder Club is a very very welcome series addition to my roster of 1920s(ish) cosy mysteries and I can't wait for book 2!
A Body on the Doorstep is released on January 11th 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital review copy of "A Body On the Doorstep" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
Right out of the gate I've got to say that this is one of my favourite series openers that I've read in a long time. I requested to read this for review as I love a 1920s cosy mystery series and loved that this one wasn't centred around the idea of titled lady detective. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE them (Lady Eleanore Swift, Dodo Dorchester et al) but I'm very glad to have met Mabel Canning to add to Augusta Peel (Emily Organ) and Kitty Underhay (Helena Dixon) for a different perspective within this genre.
Mabel is a new transplant to London, seeking an independent and fulfilling life and so she finds herself an employee of the Useful Women's Agency. From washing dogs to escorting troublesome young schoolboys to their train, Mabel is taken all over London and one particular job stands out from the rest when she finds herself becoming a part of a particularly intriguing murder.
Throughout the rest of the book, as we work to solve the mystery (or mysteries in the case of this story!) we find ourselves introduced to the core group who I suspect will make up 'the gang' for the rest of this series - Cora and Skeff who are already establishing themselves as being firm friends of Mabel, Park Winstone a potential love interest and his sister Rosalind who I think will end up in Best Friend territory. We also have the trusty dog sidekick in the form of Gladys plus multiple well meaning and supportive additional figures who help round out a lively and appealing cast of characters.
The mystery/mysteries in this story were intriguing and provided plenty of twists, turns and red herrings and whilst I had my suspicions about the ultimate 'bad guy' I didn't guess the ultimate reason and catalyst for the story.
Overall the London Ladies' Murder Club is a very very welcome series addition to my roster of 1920s(ish) cosy mysteries and I can't wait for book 2!
A Body on the Doorstep is released on January 11th 2024
January 18, 2024
It delights me to say that Bookouture just seems to be incapable of publishing a bad book.
This is another new series from the imprint and while I’m not as overwhelmingly in love with it this far as I am with the Verity Bright or Fliss Chester books, it’s a promising start with delightful characters and a well-written mystery.
Though it’s not quite as zany and there’s less humor than in some of the publisher’s other series, the tone and style of this is similar, yet also seems to have found it’s own unique voice in the Historical Mystery subgenre.
I wish there was a bit more historical detail included (the best of the Bookouture series are so, so good at this), but perhaps we’ll see more of that in a future installment.
Regardless, this is a fun read, well-structured mystery, and a series I’ll look forward to seeing more of.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is another new series from the imprint and while I’m not as overwhelmingly in love with it this far as I am with the Verity Bright or Fliss Chester books, it’s a promising start with delightful characters and a well-written mystery.
Though it’s not quite as zany and there’s less humor than in some of the publisher’s other series, the tone and style of this is similar, yet also seems to have found it’s own unique voice in the Historical Mystery subgenre.
I wish there was a bit more historical detail included (the best of the Bookouture series are so, so good at this), but perhaps we’ll see more of that in a future installment.
Regardless, this is a fun read, well-structured mystery, and a series I’ll look forward to seeing more of.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
January 6, 2024
I'm sure that the characters will develop as the series progresses and will have plenty of appeal to some. The set-up and plot were a little too far-fetched for me (from the widow making friends with Mabel within minutes and the brother moving into her apartment block essentially overnight). It all felt as bit of a stretch and I had
spotted the perpetrator very early on. This cozy 1920 murder mysteryis three stars out of five for me
With thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
spotted the perpetrator very early on. This cozy 1920 murder mysteryis three stars out of five for me
With thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2024
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.com - @msbookshelf_reviews
ARC | Is this a new genre I completely missed?! How brilliant! Historical fiction, a classic whodunnit crime novel, all with the easiness and joyfulness of a delicious women’s fiction read. I’m obsessed! Just like I am with the main character, Mabel. She’s smart, insightful and brave. I’m in awe with how she carries herself and, as I previously drew comparison to chick-lit or women’s fiction, it’s incredibly refreshing to have a MC who’s not held back by doubt or insecurities, which is so often the case. Mabel is fierce, very confident in herself, her talents and intellect and she radiates a self confidence you can feel coming through the pages. She is kind and considerate and both the woman you’d aspire to be and want as your friend.
Although this is not your typical fast paced crime novel, the mystery keeps you glued to the page as the plot thickens and more clues (and bodies!) are discovered. It took me until the final chapter to understand how this could be turned into a series, but yesss I am here for it!
Great read!
Thank you Bookouture for the reading and reviewing opportunity!
ARC | Is this a new genre I completely missed?! How brilliant! Historical fiction, a classic whodunnit crime novel, all with the easiness and joyfulness of a delicious women’s fiction read. I’m obsessed! Just like I am with the main character, Mabel. She’s smart, insightful and brave. I’m in awe with how she carries herself and, as I previously drew comparison to chick-lit or women’s fiction, it’s incredibly refreshing to have a MC who’s not held back by doubt or insecurities, which is so often the case. Mabel is fierce, very confident in herself, her talents and intellect and she radiates a self confidence you can feel coming through the pages. She is kind and considerate and both the woman you’d aspire to be and want as your friend.
Although this is not your typical fast paced crime novel, the mystery keeps you glued to the page as the plot thickens and more clues (and bodies!) are discovered. It took me until the final chapter to understand how this could be turned into a series, but yesss I am here for it!
Great read!
Thank you Bookouture for the reading and reviewing opportunity!
January 21, 2024
A Body on the Doorstep is the first in a new detective series written by Marty Wingate and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I love cosy crime and this was exactly my cup of tea. Set in London in 1921, we follow independent woman, Mabel Canning as she embarks on a new life working for the Useful Women's Agency. Having moved from her small village to London we follow her during her first couple of weeks and as she gets to grips with her new life. Her first couple of days have her doing all manner of things from flower arranging to escorting errant young schoolboys to the train station. Her most interesting job however has her helping out at a wake. Organised by Rosalind Despard, Mabel is there to help and provide friendship for Rosalind following the disappearance of her husband 7 years previously. The 'wake' has actually been organised as a way of saying goodbye to her husband, something which has troubled Rosalind as she is still none the wiser about what really happened to him.
During the wake, as the title of the book suggests, Mabel answers the door and is disturbed to find a soldiers dead body on the doorstep, clutching a note addressed to Rosalind from her husband. Despite the police launching an investigation, Mabel can't help but become involved in the investigation, alongside Rosalind's brother Park (an ex detective himself) and his lovable dog Gladys, who has taken a liking to Mabel.
A Body on the Doorstep was superbly written and I loved reading about Mabel and her adventures. We are also introduced to some of the other inhabitants in the flats, Cora and Skeff, that Mabel lives in who become Mabel's friends and help her with the investigation and I thought they added a lot of spark to the story (and hope they are in the others too!)
As with all mysteries, there are plenty of seeds of doubt added into the plot and even about 75% through the story, I still wasn't sure if I had guessed everything right. The ending was brilliant - it took me in a completely different direction as to what I was thinking!
I'm really looking forward to the next couple of instalments and can't wait to see what is in store for Mabel, now that she has her sleuthing hat on!
During the wake, as the title of the book suggests, Mabel answers the door and is disturbed to find a soldiers dead body on the doorstep, clutching a note addressed to Rosalind from her husband. Despite the police launching an investigation, Mabel can't help but become involved in the investigation, alongside Rosalind's brother Park (an ex detective himself) and his lovable dog Gladys, who has taken a liking to Mabel.
A Body on the Doorstep was superbly written and I loved reading about Mabel and her adventures. We are also introduced to some of the other inhabitants in the flats, Cora and Skeff, that Mabel lives in who become Mabel's friends and help her with the investigation and I thought they added a lot of spark to the story (and hope they are in the others too!)
As with all mysteries, there are plenty of seeds of doubt added into the plot and even about 75% through the story, I still wasn't sure if I had guessed everything right. The ending was brilliant - it took me in a completely different direction as to what I was thinking!
I'm really looking forward to the next couple of instalments and can't wait to see what is in store for Mabel, now that she has her sleuthing hat on!
January 19, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with this audio book.
Author Marty Wingate sets her cozy murder mystery in London of 1921.
World War I has ended and loads of smart young women are striving to make a living and lead an independent life. Mabel Canning is one such young woman who has moved to London to work at the "Useful Women's Agency".
Day 1 at her job finds her serving sandwiches and tea at a wake. What is strange is that the wake is for Guy Despard who vanished 7 years ago, without a word. Even stranger - a knock at the door finds Mabel looking down on the dead body of a young man.
In his pocket is a letter written 7 years back by Guy Despard to his wife Rosalind!
The story takes the reader from the wealthy homes of the upper class, to the working women's hostel, to a music hall, to Scotland Yard - doing justice to them all.
Of particular interest to me were the tasks the Useful Women undertook. Washing dogs, cleaning furs, reading to the aged, escorting young boys to school - nothing is beneath them in their struggle for independence. You also see them fighting paternalistic attitudes of men around them.
An interesting first book in a series. I'm looking forward to reading the others!
3 stars.
Author Marty Wingate sets her cozy murder mystery in London of 1921.
World War I has ended and loads of smart young women are striving to make a living and lead an independent life. Mabel Canning is one such young woman who has moved to London to work at the "Useful Women's Agency".
Day 1 at her job finds her serving sandwiches and tea at a wake. What is strange is that the wake is for Guy Despard who vanished 7 years ago, without a word. Even stranger - a knock at the door finds Mabel looking down on the dead body of a young man.
In his pocket is a letter written 7 years back by Guy Despard to his wife Rosalind!
The story takes the reader from the wealthy homes of the upper class, to the working women's hostel, to a music hall, to Scotland Yard - doing justice to them all.
Of particular interest to me were the tasks the Useful Women undertook. Washing dogs, cleaning furs, reading to the aged, escorting young boys to school - nothing is beneath them in their struggle for independence. You also see them fighting paternalistic attitudes of men around them.
An interesting first book in a series. I'm looking forward to reading the others!
3 stars.
December 25, 2023
Read as an audiobook performed by Naomi Frederick
Mabel Canning moves to London to make her way as an independent, modern woman, only to almost immediately become entangled in a murder investigation.
This book was a delight. The characters are smart, unique, and charming while still being realistic. The narrator of the audiobook does a good job of giving them their own unique voices and cadence, which made it easy to understand who was speaking. The writing is descriptive and flows well, with enough detail to know where you are without dragging it out.
I really enjoyed the post World War I setting of the novel, as well as the main character’s adjustments to life in the big city. The mystery was complex enough to not be obvious or too unpredictable. The hints that were left throughout the book helped me to guess who was behind the murder before getting to the big reveal, though several of the smaller reveals took me by surprise.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this ARC. This is my honest review.
A mystery that hits the perfect balance between cozy and gripping. 5/5
Mabel Canning moves to London to make her way as an independent, modern woman, only to almost immediately become entangled in a murder investigation.
This book was a delight. The characters are smart, unique, and charming while still being realistic. The narrator of the audiobook does a good job of giving them their own unique voices and cadence, which made it easy to understand who was speaking. The writing is descriptive and flows well, with enough detail to know where you are without dragging it out.
I really enjoyed the post World War I setting of the novel, as well as the main character’s adjustments to life in the big city. The mystery was complex enough to not be obvious or too unpredictable. The hints that were left throughout the book helped me to guess who was behind the murder before getting to the big reveal, though several of the smaller reveals took me by surprise.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this ARC. This is my honest review.
A mystery that hits the perfect balance between cozy and gripping. 5/5
January 12, 2024
My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC and to Bookouture Audio for a review copy of the unabridged audiobook edition, both via NetGalley, of ‘A Body on the Doorstep’ by Marty Wingate. The audiobook was narrated by Naomi Frederick.
This is Book 1 in Wingate’s new series of cozy historical mysteries set in 1920s London. The overall title is the London Ladies Murder Club.
In 1921 Mabel Canning arrives in London. She is proud to be a modern, independent woman and has signed up with the Useful Women’s Agency, which provides a variety of services to the ladies of London.
During her first week she is assigned to assist Rosalind Despard, a wealthy former music hall star, organise a wake for her husband, who after seven years has been declared legally dead. Just as they are raising their glasses to toast the memory of Guy Despard, the doorbell rings. There is shock all around when there is the body of a young man on the doorstep. In his pocket is a letter from Guy!
Alongside her duties for the agency Mabel searches for clues with Rosalind’s brother, Park Winstone, and his adorable terrier, Gladys. Park had formerly been with Scotland Yard. No further details to avoid spoilers.
I enjoyed this cosy mystery very much, finding that it had a nice balance between an intriguing whodunnit with a degree of gentle humour. It’s clear that Mabel has quickly been bitten by the amateur sleuth bug and there’s even a tip of the hat in the direction of Agatha Christie.
With respect to the audiobook, Naomi Frederick is an accomplished actor with stage and screen credits. She currently has narrated around 40 audiobook titles. I felt that she did an excellent job. I was pleased to see that she will be continuing to serve as narrator for this series.
Overall, I found ‘A Body on the Doorstep’ a fun cosy mystery that sets up the formation of the London Ladies Murder Club. I certainly plan on continuing with the series as published.
This is Book 1 in Wingate’s new series of cozy historical mysteries set in 1920s London. The overall title is the London Ladies Murder Club.
In 1921 Mabel Canning arrives in London. She is proud to be a modern, independent woman and has signed up with the Useful Women’s Agency, which provides a variety of services to the ladies of London.
During her first week she is assigned to assist Rosalind Despard, a wealthy former music hall star, organise a wake for her husband, who after seven years has been declared legally dead. Just as they are raising their glasses to toast the memory of Guy Despard, the doorbell rings. There is shock all around when there is the body of a young man on the doorstep. In his pocket is a letter from Guy!
Alongside her duties for the agency Mabel searches for clues with Rosalind’s brother, Park Winstone, and his adorable terrier, Gladys. Park had formerly been with Scotland Yard. No further details to avoid spoilers.
I enjoyed this cosy mystery very much, finding that it had a nice balance between an intriguing whodunnit with a degree of gentle humour. It’s clear that Mabel has quickly been bitten by the amateur sleuth bug and there’s even a tip of the hat in the direction of Agatha Christie.
With respect to the audiobook, Naomi Frederick is an accomplished actor with stage and screen credits. She currently has narrated around 40 audiobook titles. I felt that she did an excellent job. I was pleased to see that she will be continuing to serve as narrator for this series.
Overall, I found ‘A Body on the Doorstep’ a fun cosy mystery that sets up the formation of the London Ladies Murder Club. I certainly plan on continuing with the series as published.
January 11, 2024
This is the first book I've read by this author. I loved it! The story had a light, breezy, early 20s feel despite it being a murder mystery. I would call it a cozy mystery. I love a good cozy mystery. I read the whole thing today. I do love it when a mystery does not have to drag out into tomorrow. I don't do well with waiting for resolution. I also did not call the murderer until quite late in the story, a rarity for me. I was actively NOT trying to guess at who had done it. I wanted to be surprised. I think an average reader, one who isn't quite as steeped in mystery as I am, might actually be surprised, which is lovely.
I was immediately sucked into the story. I felt instantly invested in Mabel. She is a lovely character with a sharp wit and a decided streak of independence. Mabel is intelligent and kind. The Useful Women's Agency is such a clever idea! I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
I also ought to mention, I had an audio ARC. The narration was splendid. It fit the story exactly. I could not have asked for a better narrator. In fact, I would like the get the whole series on audio, I think.
I highly recommend this book. I believe it is appropriate for mystery lovers from teen to centenarians. The engaging story and lovable characters are sure to capture the attention.
I was immediately sucked into the story. I felt instantly invested in Mabel. She is a lovely character with a sharp wit and a decided streak of independence. Mabel is intelligent and kind. The Useful Women's Agency is such a clever idea! I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
I also ought to mention, I had an audio ARC. The narration was splendid. It fit the story exactly. I could not have asked for a better narrator. In fact, I would like the get the whole series on audio, I think.
I highly recommend this book. I believe it is appropriate for mystery lovers from teen to centenarians. The engaging story and lovable characters are sure to capture the attention.
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
July 19, 2025
In 1920s London, being independent as a woman proves to be a challenge as Mabel Canning navigates her way through the various odd jobs assigned to her by the Useful Women Agency, her employment firm. Indeed, it is the very first task that causes much consternation when, as an assistant at a wake, Mabel encounters a dead body on the doorstep of the chief mourner.
As the first book in the London Ladies' Murder Club mystery series, a good portion of the plot involves introductions to the main characters. And what characters they were, too! This is not a stereotypical softly softly version of the 1920s, but a vibrant and lively rendition with bold characters who go against the norm. I adored Mabel as the main character/investigator. She was delightful to follow, quite fearless and spirited. The mystery took some time to unpack, but was intriguing.
I recommend this mystery to cosy lovers who enjoy a fair bit of history in the background.
As the first book in the London Ladies' Murder Club mystery series, a good portion of the plot involves introductions to the main characters. And what characters they were, too! This is not a stereotypical softly softly version of the 1920s, but a vibrant and lively rendition with bold characters who go against the norm. I adored Mabel as the main character/investigator. She was delightful to follow, quite fearless and spirited. The mystery took some time to unpack, but was intriguing.
I recommend this mystery to cosy lovers who enjoy a fair bit of history in the background.
February 1, 2024
A Body on the Doorstep is a thoroughly enjoyable, cozy mystery set in London, 1921. Mabel Canning has just moved from the country to the city to be an independent woman and is working for the Useful Ladies Agency. On her first day, she is attending awake, and opens the door to a dead body falling in on her! She continues to work for the agency while investigating the murder at the same time. I love her strength and determination to stand up for herself, and not let anyone, men in particular, push her around. The narration was excellent and easy to listen to. I look forward to reading more of Mabel‘s adventures in the useful ladies agency. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the access to this audiobook, ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this audiobook!
It took me a bit to start and get through this book and not entirely sure why.
The audiobook was really well narrated, loved listening to the voice, and the story was well constructed, but somehow it just fell a bit dragy to me.
I wasn't too invested in the characters, and I do feel like the audiobook might have made it harder to keep track of who is who. I did really enjoy the murder-mystery aspect of it, and the investigative side of Mabel!
I'd definitely be happy to hear more from this author, and I probably would recommend this book to mystery and audiobook fans!
It took me a bit to start and get through this book and not entirely sure why.
The audiobook was really well narrated, loved listening to the voice, and the story was well constructed, but somehow it just fell a bit dragy to me.
I wasn't too invested in the characters, and I do feel like the audiobook might have made it harder to keep track of who is who. I did really enjoy the murder-mystery aspect of it, and the investigative side of Mabel!
I'd definitely be happy to hear more from this author, and I probably would recommend this book to mystery and audiobook fans!
February 18, 2024
I do love a cosy historical crime series with likeable characters, a hint of romance, and a dog for good measure. This ticked all the boxes for me. It was interesting reading about the kind of jobs the Useful Women agency covered - a bit like an early temp agency - and I hope that there is romance to come for Mabel!
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
January 28, 2024
I enjoyed my time with Mabel, a transplant in London. Mabel is hardworking, extroverted, and curious. Her Useful Women employer certainly added to the story, as did the likable Rosalind, Mabel's first assignment.
The budding romance is nice. I could do without the obligatory "cozy" pet.
Readers looking for a cozy period mystery with an admirable heroine will enjoy this. The cover oversells it - it's certainly not "completely gripping." But it was enjoyable and sweet.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I purchased for my library.
The budding romance is nice. I could do without the obligatory "cozy" pet.
Readers looking for a cozy period mystery with an admirable heroine will enjoy this. The cover oversells it - it's certainly not "completely gripping." But it was enjoyable and sweet.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I purchased for my library.
January 31, 2024
A Body on the Doorstep is Marty Wingate's new fun, cozy mystery series.
The main character is plucky and quite unique. I enjoyed all the side characters, and Wingate does a lovely job describing them. The mystery was pretty clever.
Naomi Frederick does a lovely job narrating A Body on the Doorstep.
an audiobook copy of A Body on the Doorstep was provided by Bookouture Audio, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
The main character is plucky and quite unique. I enjoyed all the side characters, and Wingate does a lovely job describing them. The mystery was pretty clever.
Naomi Frederick does a lovely job narrating A Body on the Doorstep.
an audiobook copy of A Body on the Doorstep was provided by Bookouture Audio, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
November 10, 2025
2.5 Stars
Overall, this was a decent read with a likable enough FMC, Mable. I liked the side characters and the sly LGBT representation. I picked up the Audible for free and it was very well done.
The mystery took quite a while to really launch. It was fairly obvious who the murderer was and while I wasn't bored, there was a bit of uneven pacing that made parts feel a bit long. It was also unbelievable that the FMC would so easily move into / be accepted in the various circles in so short a time, which was done to set up the premise of the series. Everyone basically treated Mable like she'd been around for a 100 yrs, vs one week. That bothered me so much in another very long and favorite series, I dnf'd in the 25% of the first book. So kudos to Ms. Wingate for a deft hand because while I scoffed and rolled my eyes, I still wanted to keep reading to see where we ended up. I will check out other works by the author and probably book 2 of the London Ladies' Murder Club at some point.
Overall, this was a decent read with a likable enough FMC, Mable. I liked the side characters and the sly LGBT representation. I picked up the Audible for free and it was very well done.
The mystery took quite a while to really launch. It was fairly obvious who the murderer was and while I wasn't bored, there was a bit of uneven pacing that made parts feel a bit long. It was also unbelievable that the FMC would so easily move into / be accepted in the various circles in so short a time, which was done to set up the premise of the series. Everyone basically treated Mable like she'd been around for a 100 yrs, vs one week. That bothered me so much in another very long and favorite series, I dnf'd in the 25% of the first book. So kudos to Ms. Wingate for a deft hand because while I scoffed and rolled my eyes, I still wanted to keep reading to see where we ended up. I will check out other works by the author and probably book 2 of the London Ladies' Murder Club at some point.
July 19, 2025
Wingate captures the era (London in the early 1920s) very well, and protagonist Mabel Canning is appropriately charming yet resourceful. The series set-up -- concerning an all-female-staffed services bureau -- is a clever way to explain Mabel's involvement in a murder investigation (and future ones, too, I'm sure.) I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.
September 28, 2025
Clean cozy mystery set in 1920s London. Mabel comes to London to become an independent woman and finds work with the Useful Women agency. Although some of the jobs she is given are unexciting, such as reading poetry to elderly ladies, one assignment ends in a murder investigation. First in a series. I would read the next one but it‘s not available at my library. 🙁
January 19, 2024
An enjoyable read - looking forward to this series!
April 22, 2024
Interesting setting in 1921 London.
September 5, 2024
Fairly predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. I love an independent woman solving murders in 1920s London.
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