A Killer at the Castle

Lady Ellen Investigates #2

by Kelly Mason

Can Lady Ellen of Ashcombe Hall finally savour a relaxing break at Millars Hotel? Not quite. Her plans take an unexpected turn when a sightseeing tour of Branden Bay Castle turns deadly.

The picturesque castle in Branden Bay stands proudly above the town and beach. Lady Ellen finds herself thrust into the heart of a chilling mystery when a tragic incident unfolds, and a soul plummets from one of the castle’s turrets. On a blustery day, it seems like a dreadful accident, but the police suspect foul play.

As the victim's will is unveiled, a shock revelation exposes drama, indiscretions, and disputes. Motives lay bare, and Lady Ellen is called upon to untangle the truth. Alongside her spirited companion, Lottie Penny, the charming Captain Hamilton, and her faithful Irish Setter, Prince, Ellen must unravel the sinister threads that tie the beneficiaries to the deceased’s estate.

In the glamorous backdrop of the roaring 1920s, where jazz-filled evenings and clandestine secrets collide, "A Killer at the Castle" is the second riveting instalment in Kelly Mason's Lady Ellen Investigates series. If you love the glitz and glamour of the era, step back in time and immerse yourself in a twisty tale.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Murder Mystery, Audiobook

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2024

About the author

Hi, I love writing mysteries and started with a paranormal series. In the last couple of years I have been writing 1920s mysteries. I love the atmosphere of the time, that has been depicted on our screens and in fiction. Of the fashion, the cars, the parties following the war which gave everyone that 'live for the day' attitude.

I set my books in Somerset close to where I live, although the towns and villages are fictional they are based on real places local to me. They have to be fictional as I change them to fit the story. I do use the real cities though, such as Bristol and Bath Spa. They are places I visit often and it's great to be able to spend time researching what the cities were like 100 years ago.

I hope you enjoy reading my books.

Reviews

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second entry in the Lady Ellen historical mystery series. Surprisingly, Ellen, Hamilton, and Lottie are still at the same hotel where the murder occurred in the first book. Lady Ellen's home is still being refurbished, and they have decided to stay at Millar's Hotel. However, they're some of the only guests remaining, as all the rest and many of the staff left after the murder in the first book. Soon, of course, another murder occurs. Ellen and her friends get involved in solving the mystery. The mystery had many potential victims, and a lot of twists and turns, and I enjoyed the ultimate solution.

The class differences between Ellen, Hamilton, Lottie, and Lottie's love interest Sebaastian are frequently mentioned, and set up as barriers to anything happening. This seems realistic for the times, so did not bother me. However, it also makes me wonder what will happen eventually in the series.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series of books
Great investigations and nice short reads

[Amalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four reasons I'm giving Four Stars to A Killer at the Castle by Kelly Mason:

The Time and Place - We are in rural England in the years following the Great War. Lady Ellen Ashcombe has done more than her fair share for the war effort, but now it it time to turn Ashcombe Hall back into a residence and Lady Ellen must leave for three months while the work is being done.

The Plot - Finding refuge in a lovely hotel on a small resort town near Bristol, Lady Ellen treats herself and her friends to a visit to a nearby castle. Tragedy, of course, strikes as a man plummets to his death and Lady Ellen must once again investigate.

The Protagonist - Lady Ellen has known her fair share of grief, losing her husband to the war and her parents as well. Now, in her late 20s, she is strong , resourceful, kind, generous, etc. etc. Her one fault is an abundance of nosiness, but is that even a fault when you're an amateur detective?

The Posse - Lady Ellen has a small group of friends to help her with her sleuthing - There is the loyal Lottie, the dashing captain Hamilton, and a very dear dog. They all work together to solve a fun mystery and make this a charming, light as air and very enjoyable read.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The owners of Millar’s hotel are back at the hotel & things are not happy! Mr Millar is raging at his useless nephew & guests are leaving as are some of the staff. Lady Ellen, Lottie & Captain Hamilton with Prince (the dog) go to the local castle & have a tour there. As they are leaving they hear a scream & they find that Mr Millar has fallen from the turret that was supposedly closed off to the public due to the danger from the gale that was blowing! But, it was decided it was not an accident or suicide, but murder. Naturally everyone blames everyone else, so Lady Ellen, Lottie & Captain Hamilton become sleuths again. There are several “wheels within wheels” going along too, which adds to this interesting read. Someone who’d been heading down a wrong road got a shock that put them onto a better road.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a decent story, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the previous book. There was nothing particularly wrong, but in the beginning there were a number of minor ‘mystery novel clichés’ that I found slightly annoying, such as the victim changing wills just before being murdered. Also why do so many mystery authors resort to throwing in suicide as the first option whenever somebody dies?
In this story there wasn’t as much of Captain Hamilton, but I could have done with even less and unfortunately the author replaced him with Lottie’s love life. Also there was another does of Inspector Stone, who has gone beyond a caricature and is now just a poor joke.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Ellen is in Millars Hotel thinking that she was having a quiet break while her home was being renovated but somehow things did not go the way she had anticipated. Firstly, a man dies face down in his soup. Then the hotel owner throws himself off the turret of the castle. Is Millars hotel cursed or does death follow Lady Ellen?

I enjoyed the first book and this is just as good. The characters are developing well and the mystery well written and intriguing. Looking forward to more from Lady Ellen!

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Ellen and friends are back for another adventure. Still in Branden Bay, the four—Ellen; her young companion, Lottie; Captain Ernest Hamilton; and Sebastian, Lord Garthorn—along with Ellen's dog, Prince, take a tour of the local castle. While they are there, the body of the recently returned owner of the hotel where they are staying, is discovered at the base of one of the towers. Did he fall or was he pushed? Naturally Ellen is determined to investigate in this fast-paced, quickly read story.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed with the first book, and I liked this book just as much, so much that I have already pre-ordered the third book. The main character is quite admirable. She is a lady of the upper echelon, yet has no problem in helping those less fortunate. She is looked down on by her peers for doing so. She is also quite a good sleuth, and able to admit that she makes mistakes. This one landed her in hot water, but was soon rescued by her friend the Major. I most definitely recommend this book.

[Lois · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the prequel to this series very much and quite like the first in the series, but this book just made me feel weary. The plot was good, there were so many twists and red herrings, it was hard to keep up. What I didn't like was the terrible stilted language and the holier than thou attitude of some of the characters. The book didn't flow for me, I struggled to read it and was more grateful than anything else to get to the end.

[CJ Earls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series where Lady Ellen, her companion Ellen and the Captain discovered the identity of a murderer at the Millar Hotel, and I found this novel to be even better. The characters are interesting and evolving and open a window into the changing English society of the 1920s.

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Not so Restful Hotel Stay/ Murder !!

The owners of the hotel return from a trip & continue their bickering …
Then there’s a murder & another…
Plus as Lady Ellen attempts to solve
The mystery it seems more suspects
Are added to the list. But she is good at solving riddles-and she does !!

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

I do like the characters of this book. I just would like to know more about Leonard, Lady Ellen’s late husband. She is so serious about being so proper about the different society rules I would like to know what his title was and why didn’t Lady Ellen Inherited it. I want her to accept Captain Hamilton.

[Rosie Guidry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stumped again

I seldom read a mystery without solving it before I'm halfway through it. Kelly Mason's, Lady Ellen's mysteries, are the only exception. She has me quessing until the final chapter.

I am so ready to start reading her next Lady Ellen Investigates series that I know I'll be up until the wee hours reading.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exceptionally kind and curious Lady Ellen is involved in another twisty mystery. Once again the engaging writing and narration (Frances Butt) combine to provide a very entertaining audiobook at a 5 star level.
Can’t wait to learn what mystery will pop up next, and how relationships will evolve or dissolve within the structure of 1920’s British society.

[Julie Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this installment in the series, the mystery and the development of the characters.

[Malgorzata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, with interesting characters and captivating story, full of twists and turns.

[Sherry Priddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Looking forward to the next one.

[Elainebowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Another wonderful storyb I really enjoyed reading about all the characters in this book,I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.

[Elliemae · Rating 4 out of 5]

audiobook format

Enjoyable series!

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Lady Ellen and her supporting cast. Another fun mystery. Glad Prince was able to contribute to solving the murders.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

another good murder mystery , worth reading.

[Pam Schueler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the lead investigator being a women, love the setting. Haven't figured out the correct murder on my own, always waiting to the end to find out Who dunit!

[Cyn Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Kelly Mason series. I love her 1920's mysteries! Highly recommend this author!

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kept Me Guessing Until the Very End

Lady Ellen thinks she will take a break from all the hoopla at home. But so many things happen at her hotel, there is no rest.