Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Royally Snuffed: An Amateur Female Duchess Detective Cozy Mystery

Rate this book
Book 3 in the new series from best-selling author P.C. James and Kathryn Mykel–author of award-winning Sewing Suspicion & Quilting Calamity.A Duchess, her trusted butler, and a nose-it-all furry sidekick.
London, 1959. Lady Mary, Duchess of Snodsbury has invited guests to her home for to see the newly restored house and gardens at her home at Snodsbury, what could possibly go wrong at such an innocent event? With her three young assistant sleuths out to prove their new sleuthing skills, Lady Mary sets out to solve the crime.Royally Snuffed is the fun, third in series, cozy mystery with a historical nod. If you like crafty sleuths, animal sidekicks, and a trio of amateur detectives, then you’ll love P.C. James and Kathryn Mykel’s Duchess of Snodsbury Series.Order Royally Snuffed to unravel the deadly plot today!

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2024

20 people are currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

P.C. James

32 books62 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
48 (65%)
4 stars
20 (27%)
3 stars
3 (4%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
23 reviews
November 7, 2024
I received an advanced copy of Royally Snuffed and found it to be full of twists and turns, which is, of course, the perfect recipe for a good cozy mystery. I had read a previous work by the authors and enjoyed meeting back up with characters I already knew as well as being introduced to some who were part of the plot twists to throw you off the trail.The plot involved several layers that continued to develop until we arrived at the totally unexpected ending, making the book a great deal of fun. I always enjoy mysteries that are set in the English countryside and this one was a delight! I hope to meet up with these sleuths again in a new adventure.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,102 reviews45 followers
November 17, 2024
I am delighted to share a review of Royally Snuffed: An Amateur Female Duchess Detective Cozy Mystery by P.C. James and Kathryn Mykel @authorkathrynmykel . This is book three in the new series from best-selling author P.C. James and Kathryn Mykel–author of award-winning Sewing Suspicion & Quilting Calamity, and features a Duchess, her trusted butler, and a nose-it-all furry sidekick. It is 100% pure fun!

This was such a fun, one sitting read! While it was my first read in the Duchess of Snodsbury Series, I had no issues following along, and of course I’ve added books one and two in the series to my TBR.

There is lots to like here, especially for fans of light-hearted cozy historical mysteries. The setting of 1959 England is vivid, and the characters well-written and enjoyable. Much creativity went into the names of characters, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the darling dog, Barkley as Lady Mary’s sidekick. I wanted to reach into the pages and bring him home with me!
The mystery is solid and well-plotted with many twists and turns that I did not know who was guilty, but I enjoyed putting the clues together.

When you need a lovely break from the to-dos of life and want to travel to England in the late 1950s, this is the series you should grab! It’s a wonderful escape!
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,109 reviews75 followers
November 20, 2024
A triumph! Book three and alas it’s come to an end. Fare thee well my fine book friends until next time there’s a crime spree , I’m free to gather the clues to your mystery. The year 1959 and Snodsbury has had a makeover.This includes the vast gardens . And this is where things take an unexpected surprise as their gardener has met his demise. There’s lots more to ponder and Ponsonby and Barclay as well as the others step up and take charge before they’re charged with murder , well all except Barclay of course, that would be absurd . As daft as charging a calling bird. Delightful setting ,sublime in the vivid descriptions and immersive prose ,letting our imaginations fill in the tiniest of gaps , there’s suspicious ladies and sneaky looking chaps ,a few red herrings too perhaps. The trio of sleuths are all set to take up the cause as the writers deliver their well written prose. Nose deep in mystery our intrepid detectives have one prime directive. Keeping their own hides out of jail. They must not fail…. Wonderfully,charming and alarming too ,well it’s not often you see or read about a murder or two . Leave it to the experts I say they know what they’re doing. Just while they’re deliberating , is there any tea brewing? Great storytelling ! Loved every page.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,540 reviews13 followers
November 18, 2024
What a wonderful and unexpectedly twisty mystery! Lady Mary is having a garden party unfortunately for her she becomes suspect number one when her prickly gardener is found dead. She must quickly get to work to solve this case with the help of some loyal friends before the police lock her up and throw away the key!
A first for me in this series but it’s well written and as such you don’t feel as if you’ve missed important info and are constantly out of the loop. The characters and the setting are wonderful. English countryside 1959 comes alive as if you were there. There’s a cheeky sense of humor which I think is quite clear from just the names and is most enjoyable. Definitely recommend giving this book and the series a try, I know I’m going back to read books one and two!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my sincere and honest review.
455 reviews5 followers
November 22, 2024
Another excellent story about the Society of Six. The unlikely group has not one but three murders to solve. The Duchess with her calm and stiff upper lip still rules supreme win it comes to solving a mystery. I really enjoyed the dynamics of all the characters. You have the upstairs and downstairs with the Dutchess, Cook and Ponsonby. And the old versus young with the Duchess, Dotty, Margie and Winnie. The Dutchess has known better times but has adapted and now has a life that she is proud of. I loved the descriptions of Snodsbury and how the place was looking so much better since the war. The bond between the six is strong and they will solve the murders even when it takes them close to home. Royally Snuffed is the third of a trilogy and Ms. Mykel ties up everything very well and in such a way that the Society of Six can live on in your imagination.
Profile Image for Christina.
557 reviews4 followers
November 23, 2024
It’s 1959, and Lady Mary, Duchess of Snodsbury, has invited an array of high society guests to her estate for a garden party showcasing her garden which is in the midst of a renovation. However, the festivities take a grim turn when Mary’s gardener is found murdered. As if one murder weren’t enough, the story unravels to reveal two more—one contemporary and another in the form of a long-buried skeleton unearthed in the garden.

Determined to uncover the truth, Mary and her friends delve into the mystery, but their investigation leads to a bittersweet and ultimately unhappy resolution.

This was the first book in the series I’ve read, and while I initially found it challenging to keep track of so many characters, it didn’t take long to get up to speed. The plot was engaging, with twists that kept me guessing, and the ending was unexpected. I give this a solid four out of five stars.
Profile Image for Kathy.
777 reviews30 followers
November 18, 2024
Lady Mary, the Duchess of Snodsbury, and her trio of intrepid young sleuths must unravel a perplexing mystery when a murder occurs at the garden party. With motives as plentiful as suspects, the ladies, Mary’s loyal butler, and her precious Corgi have their work cut out for them. When a skeleton is unearthed in the newly restored rose garden, and another murder occurs, they realize that perhaps they’ve been looking in the wrong direction. As long buried secrets come to light, everything changes for our sleuths.

A thoroughly captivating mystery by the talented duo of Kathryn Mykel and P.C. James. Meticulously plotted with surprising twists and turns. The characters are endearing and interesting and the pacing is such that you’ll keep turning pages to get to the answers. While part of a trilogy, the story stands on its own quite well. I do hope we get to check in on these characters in future projects.
Profile Image for Adrian Murphy.
Author 13 books18 followers
November 18, 2024
Murder strikes close to home for Duchess Mary. This is the third and apparently final installment in the Snodsbury Mysteries series.

Mary and her team of sleuths, including Barkley, her adorable corgi, set out to discover who spoiled her garden party by killing an admired member of staff. The bodies soon begin to pile up. The plot follows the usual twists, turns, and false leads. Was there more to the victim than met the eye? Do events from the dark days of World War Two cast a shadow over the present (1959 England)?

I won't spoil the plot, except to say the ending is bittersweet. Events (and the trilogy) are brought to a well-rounded, if somewhat unexpected conclusion. I think I'm going to miss the sleuthing six, and, of course, Barkley!
1,385 reviews15 followers
November 16, 2024
I love all things Kathryn Mykel and this does not disappoint. This is part of The Duchess of Snodsbury amateur detective series, I have not read any of this series before. It is London 1959 and Lady Mary Duchess of Snodsbury, has invited guests to her Snodsbury Estate for a party. Her talented gardener Zaclan, is found dead in the rose bushes. There are a lot of twists and turns, but who is the true killer? It kept me guessing to the end, and I still had no clue. Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Kathryn Mykel and P.C. James!!!
469 reviews6 followers
November 16, 2024
Nothing ruins a garden party quite as much as your dog finding a dead body. When a rude and prickly inspector immediately accuses Mary, the Duchess of Snodsbury, and her loyal butler Ponsonby of killing the victim Mary and her three young sleuths immediately begin to investigate wanting more than anything to find the killer before the insufferable inspector does. This charming series is set with wealthy and titled individuals as well as intelligent, observant and determined Duchess of Snodsbury. This book is entertaining and engaging and kept my interest until the final page. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
125 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2024
This is the latest creation of the fantastic writers P.C. James and Kathryn Mykel. I absolutely love this series and this latest is wonderful. Lady Mary is finally in better financial shape after the war and she was finally able to get her home and garden back to pre-war standards and is hosting a grand garden party, which unfortunately becomes the scene of a crime. Lady Mary, her trusted butler Ponsonby, Dotty, Margie , Winnie and Cook (The Society of Six) are on the case. It's a great story that will captive you and the ending will shock you.

1,008 reviews9 followers
November 10, 2024
Entertaining cozy!

Another entertaining cozy in the Duchess of Snodsbury series. The stakes are high as Lady Mary, the Duchess, holds a garden party at her refurbished estate. A murder quickly changes the tenor of the day so Mary jumps into investigative mode along with three young ladies. Twist, turns and a totally unexpected ending that no one can see coming. I recommend this book.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,035 reviews8 followers
November 16, 2024
This is a story that starts in a garden party at an English estate. Mary the Duchess that owns the estate is throwing a party to let everyone know that she is doing well again and to showcase the renewal of her gardens. The gardener is murdered and Mary and her group of young amateur sleuths decide to investigate. This book had a whole lot of twists and turns and ends with the most unlikely person of all as the culprit.
Profile Image for Robert Foland.
470 reviews8 followers
November 18, 2024
"Royally Snuffed: An Amateur Female Duchess Detective Cozy Mystery" offers a delightful reading experience. The collaboration between authors P. C. James and Kathryn Mykel results in a finely crafted cozy mystery. The narrative boasts well-rounded characters that create an extensive pool of suspects. It's historical fiction of a higher caliber—swift, captivating, and enjoyable.

I received an advance copy of this book from the authors and leave a voluntary review.
17 reviews
November 19, 2024
I’m a big fan of Downtown Abbey and Midsomer Murders. Royally Snuffed pulls you into UK society, with a murder that hits very close to home for the Duchess. I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing to the end. I highly recommend it to cozy mystery lovers. You’ll love this book! I’m looking forward to reading more in the series.
ARC reader.
1,769 reviews23 followers
November 25, 2024
A retrospective look on the past.An array of familiar characters that have invaluable minds and morality that can't help but make you feel compassion for all ,a plot so emotionally impacting the secrets, betrayals, misdirections, laughter, mayhem, intrigue, histories retold and and if you have been following this series a surprising romance finally. Acquire " Royally Snuffed " from compassionate, intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. As well as a glimpse into the past. Kat
950 reviews9 followers
November 8, 2024
Lady Mary, the Duchess of Snodbury is having a garden party. Several guests do a tour of the gardens that have been massively improved. Later the body of the gardener is found dead. Murdered. Lady Mary has three young friends staying with her and they decide to do some sleuthing. There are some other deaths as well, quite a complicated story, but easy to read.
Profile Image for Lizz Taylor.
1,413 reviews16 followers
November 10, 2024
This cozy was hard to put down once I started. There were a lot of twists and turns as secrets were revealed after a seemingly innocent renovation leads to a horrible discovery. Lady Mary is her charming self at finding answers with her assistants. This is number 3 in the series but can be read as a standalone.
95 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2024
The Duchess of Snodsbury is back and hosting a party at her country home with the newly renovated gardens. Unfortunately, a murder happens so Duchess Mary and her team of young sleuths spring into action.

This is an entertaining read with an unexpected twist. I received a free advance copy and this is my honest opinion.
13 reviews
November 19, 2024
Royally Snuffed is a fantastic book. Set in 1959, a good year - the year of my birth, the story is written true to the time period. The setting, story line, and most of all - the characters are like visiting family. Humor, mystery, and friendships are woven with excellence throughout the entire book. You will love this book!
86 reviews
November 21, 2024
A wonderful story with great characters. A Duchess, her trusty Butler, and we can't forget her furry sidekick!! Lady Mary is Dutchess of Snodsbury. She has invited loads of people to her party. Her newly rejuvenated Rose garden seems to expose tangled threats and mysteries. will these mysteries be solved? will the party go on?? A must read story. it is the conclusion to this fantastic series.
Profile Image for Beth Helm.
1,058 reviews
November 8, 2024
I loved the book. Suspense, mystery, intrigue and so much more keep you turning the pages. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you find yourself guessing your decision again. A great who dun it mystery when you want to curl up with a good book.
288 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2024
This is a deep and intriguing mystery. I felt myself caught up in the mood and the actions being played out. The real motive and mystery is deeper and more involved than I would ever have imagined. This was a surprising story that read well and was a most excellent read!!!!
559 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2024
Enjoyable Cozy Mystery!

This book was an engaging read to curl up and enjoy. The author did an excellent job at giving the story an unexpected piece that took it up a notch. Thanks to the offer for an early copy of this read!
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,574 reviews47 followers
November 19, 2024
A charming historical cozy set in London. A female sleuth who will outsmart the bad guys despite her stature . A scenic tour turns deadly quickly and the cast of suspects are plenty. It is quick paced read.
17 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2024
A great book to wind up the Duchess of Snodsbury Amateur Detective trilogy. I did not see that end coming. It has been awhile since I was surprised like that and I'm so glad I read this one.

376 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2024
I enjoyed reading about Mary and her young fellow sleuths! Challenging mystery with some interesting characters to make it fun! These are my opinions after reading an early copy of the book.
Profile Image for Jan.
Author 13 books29 followers
November 21, 2024
wonderful conclusion to the series

All the old characters are there so it feels like home - new adventures await and of course - murder. It’s a fun who/why done it that you can finish in a few hours.
266 reviews7 followers
November 19, 2024
This is a very delightful cozy mystery. I loved the characters and they kept my interest as they hunted for clues. The pacing was great and kept me reading to see what happened next. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.