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1920s Murder Mystery #3
Death At Chelsea: A 1920s murder mystery
The prettiest flowers can be deadly…
Detective duo Mrs Jameson and Marjorie Swallow are called to investigate when a renowned garden designer suspects that someone is sabotaging her priceless Himalayan Sapphire Lilies, ahead of the 1923 Chelsea Flower Show. But soon it’s not just the flowers that are dying. Rival gardeners, intrepid plant hunters and even King George V himself are caught up in a poisonous bouquet with its roots deep in the mountains of Tibet. The third in the Marjorie Swallow 1920s murder mystery series requires all her wit, charm and pluck to solve.
Detective duo Mrs Jameson and Marjorie Swallow are called to investigate when a renowned garden designer suspects that someone is sabotaging her priceless Himalayan Sapphire Lilies, ahead of the 1923 Chelsea Flower Show. But soon it’s not just the flowers that are dying. Rival gardeners, intrepid plant hunters and even King George V himself are caught up in a poisonous bouquet with its roots deep in the mountains of Tibet. The third in the Marjorie Swallow 1920s murder mystery series requires all her wit, charm and pluck to solve.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2024
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47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 8, 2024
Blog Tour review
The writing was light and full of action, with a couple of different possible solutions running through the story. It was interesting that each character had a different viewpoint on who had committed the crimes and why. It added to the mystery and kept me guessing until the end.
The chapters were short so you moved through the story at a good pace. There was a lot of information presented to you so you didn't have time to dwell.
There was an interesting flow to the book. With lots of different possible solutions it slowed the reader down and kept the mystery going right to the end of the book.
The story was from the viewpoint of the Personal Secretary which was interesting as she came from a working class background and suddenly had this opportunity to get involved in the upper classes problems. It was also interesting to see how she could move between the class divide with relative ease. The fact that there was even still a class divide in the 1920s was interesting to read about.
Around the main two characters, there were a lot of supporting characters to keep track of. I really had to concentrate on who was who. As each character had a different viewpoint as to who committed the crimes, bits were reinforced which helped you to separate and remember who each character was.
Lastly the settings. They were well described and added a nice layer to the story. The description wasn't overbearing and went well with what was happening to the characters. I loved the time period that the story was set in as well as the place. I have never been to the Chelsea Flower Show, but I would like to at some point!
Overall a well told story, with lots of different storylines that tied up together well at the end.
The writing was light and full of action, with a couple of different possible solutions running through the story. It was interesting that each character had a different viewpoint on who had committed the crimes and why. It added to the mystery and kept me guessing until the end.
The chapters were short so you moved through the story at a good pace. There was a lot of information presented to you so you didn't have time to dwell.
There was an interesting flow to the book. With lots of different possible solutions it slowed the reader down and kept the mystery going right to the end of the book.
The story was from the viewpoint of the Personal Secretary which was interesting as she came from a working class background and suddenly had this opportunity to get involved in the upper classes problems. It was also interesting to see how she could move between the class divide with relative ease. The fact that there was even still a class divide in the 1920s was interesting to read about.
Around the main two characters, there were a lot of supporting characters to keep track of. I really had to concentrate on who was who. As each character had a different viewpoint as to who committed the crimes, bits were reinforced which helped you to separate and remember who each character was.
Lastly the settings. They were well described and added a nice layer to the story. The description wasn't overbearing and went well with what was happening to the characters. I loved the time period that the story was set in as well as the place. I have never been to the Chelsea Flower Show, but I would like to at some point!
Overall a well told story, with lots of different storylines that tied up together well at the end.
February 9, 2025
That was such fun! It was a really well done cozy mystery, with great details about horticulture and the Chelsea flower show and life in 1920s London. It was very much as if a Miss Fischer mystery was set in England.
July 5, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up. The redoubtable Mrs Jameson and Marjorie Swallow, her increasingly street-wise and savvy assistant, are back and, this time, there’s blood on the blooms as what appears to be a case of sabotage rapidly becomes an investigation of murder.
If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you’ll know that I’ve been a longstanding fan of Anna Sayburn Lane’s work having enjoyed both her Helen Oddfellow series of literary thrillers – which began with Unlawful Things back in 2018 – and, more recently, her new 1920s murder mystery series, which began with Blackmail in Bloomsbury.
Death at Chelsea is, technically, the third in the series (NB: there is also prequel novella, Murder at the Ritz, which tells the tale of Marjorie’s very first investigation with Mrs Jameson and is available as a free eBook if you sign up to Anna’s newsletter on her website) but can easily be read as a standalone. Whilst there are several returning characters, and the occasional nod to past cases, there are no spoilers for previous investigations and Marjorie and Mrs Jameson’s new case is entirely independent of previous events in the series.
Having grown in both skill and confidence since the series start, Marjorie is flying solo more frequently in Death in Chelsea with Iris Jameson taking more of a back seat. Indeed, Marjorie’s employer is somewhat out of sorts for much of the book. Walter and Constance Hall are old friends of Iris and, it soon transpires, the Kent countryside around Hawkshill Manor is a reminder to Mrs Jameson of both old times and poor decisions. Without giving away any spoilers, we get a tantalising glimpse of a somewhat scandalous past that promises to put some meat onto the bones of Iris’s character who has, for me at least, somewhat paled in comparison to her sparkier assistant in previous novels. As there’s a fourth book in the series on the horizon, I’m really hoping that this character development continues and we get to find out more about Mrs Jameson’s mysterious past.
Marjorie continues to be a fantastic protagonist and, as mentioned above, she’s grown in both confidence and skill. Whilst I do still find Marjorie’s sudden bursts of jiu-jitsu faintly ridiculous (it’s historically accurate – there was a fairly well-known jiu-jitsu studio established in London that was, notably, used by women in the period – but I just find it amusing that the otherwise quite prim Marjorie can suddenly floor a pursuer with a swift knee to the groin), it’s fantastic to see her investigating crime scenes and interviewing suspects independently, as well as making her own deductions. The fact that, as a former draper’s assistant, she can move both ‘above’ and ‘below’ stairs also proves to be useful.
As for the case itself, it’s a well-plotted tale of professional sabotage with several moving parts. What really happened during the expedition to find Constance Hall’s prize Himalayan Sapphire Lilies? And does it have any bearing on the current case? Or is Marjorie better looking closer to home and investigating the fraught relationship between Constance and her employees? And what about overly cosy relationship between Constance’s son and the pretty young wife of renowned plant hunter Ernest Buckler? As always, there are plenty of potential suspects for Iris and Marjorie to investigate and it isn’t long before they have more possible motives than they know what to do with.
Combining a lively plot with well-researched and realised historical (and horticultural) detail, Death at Chelsea is another fantastic outing for Marjorie and Mrs Jameson. Fans of the series are sure to enjoy this latest mystery and, for newcomers, this is the perfect jumping-off point for discovering this delightful duo.
NB: This review also appears on my blog at https://theshelfofunreadbooks.wordpre... as part of the blog tour for the book. My thanks go to the publisher for providing a copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you’ll know that I’ve been a longstanding fan of Anna Sayburn Lane’s work having enjoyed both her Helen Oddfellow series of literary thrillers – which began with Unlawful Things back in 2018 – and, more recently, her new 1920s murder mystery series, which began with Blackmail in Bloomsbury.
Death at Chelsea is, technically, the third in the series (NB: there is also prequel novella, Murder at the Ritz, which tells the tale of Marjorie’s very first investigation with Mrs Jameson and is available as a free eBook if you sign up to Anna’s newsletter on her website) but can easily be read as a standalone. Whilst there are several returning characters, and the occasional nod to past cases, there are no spoilers for previous investigations and Marjorie and Mrs Jameson’s new case is entirely independent of previous events in the series.
Having grown in both skill and confidence since the series start, Marjorie is flying solo more frequently in Death in Chelsea with Iris Jameson taking more of a back seat. Indeed, Marjorie’s employer is somewhat out of sorts for much of the book. Walter and Constance Hall are old friends of Iris and, it soon transpires, the Kent countryside around Hawkshill Manor is a reminder to Mrs Jameson of both old times and poor decisions. Without giving away any spoilers, we get a tantalising glimpse of a somewhat scandalous past that promises to put some meat onto the bones of Iris’s character who has, for me at least, somewhat paled in comparison to her sparkier assistant in previous novels. As there’s a fourth book in the series on the horizon, I’m really hoping that this character development continues and we get to find out more about Mrs Jameson’s mysterious past.
Marjorie continues to be a fantastic protagonist and, as mentioned above, she’s grown in both confidence and skill. Whilst I do still find Marjorie’s sudden bursts of jiu-jitsu faintly ridiculous (it’s historically accurate – there was a fairly well-known jiu-jitsu studio established in London that was, notably, used by women in the period – but I just find it amusing that the otherwise quite prim Marjorie can suddenly floor a pursuer with a swift knee to the groin), it’s fantastic to see her investigating crime scenes and interviewing suspects independently, as well as making her own deductions. The fact that, as a former draper’s assistant, she can move both ‘above’ and ‘below’ stairs also proves to be useful.
As for the case itself, it’s a well-plotted tale of professional sabotage with several moving parts. What really happened during the expedition to find Constance Hall’s prize Himalayan Sapphire Lilies? And does it have any bearing on the current case? Or is Marjorie better looking closer to home and investigating the fraught relationship between Constance and her employees? And what about overly cosy relationship between Constance’s son and the pretty young wife of renowned plant hunter Ernest Buckler? As always, there are plenty of potential suspects for Iris and Marjorie to investigate and it isn’t long before they have more possible motives than they know what to do with.
Combining a lively plot with well-researched and realised historical (and horticultural) detail, Death at Chelsea is another fantastic outing for Marjorie and Mrs Jameson. Fans of the series are sure to enjoy this latest mystery and, for newcomers, this is the perfect jumping-off point for discovering this delightful duo.
NB: This review also appears on my blog at https://theshelfofunreadbooks.wordpre... as part of the blog tour for the book. My thanks go to the publisher for providing a copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
July 3, 2024
It is the run-up to the 1923 Chelsea Flower Show, and the final touches are being put to the show gardens. Gold and silver medals will be awarded by the committee, and King George V and Queen Mary will inspect the entries, so not a leaf or petal can be out of place. Also, huge amounts of money can be made by the winners of the competition, as keen gardeners will rush to purchase plants which received awards at Chelsea. At Hawkshill Manor, garden designer Constance Hall (who appears to be modelled on Vita Sackville West) is obsessing over a key element of her Chelsea garden. In her greenhouse she is raising a spectacular new strain of blue lily brought back from the Himalyas by plant hunters. When some of these lilies are deliberately overwatered, Constance is ready to search heaven and earth to find the perpetrator. However, she may not have to look too far, because she is convinced her neighbour and Chelsea competitor Norman Alperton is the guilty party. Enter society sleuth Mrs. Jameson and her secretary, former shop girl Marjorie Swallow, who soon find themselves investigating not only horticultural sabotage, but a murder.
Anna Sayburn Lane is the author of a series of murder mysteries set in 1920s London. Death at Chelsea is the third, but it works very well as a stand-alone. The characters are well drawn and the background to the stories is carefully researched. Some characters, like Constance Hall, are based on real people, and historical figures are sometimes included. I liked Mrs. Jameson - an older woman who is secretive about her past - very much, and young Marjorie Swallow makes a funny, relatable narrator. The two plant hunters and their wives add spice to the mystery, as the plot takes the reader to Tibet and back. Highly recommended.
I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Anna Sayburn Lane is the author of a series of murder mysteries set in 1920s London. Death at Chelsea is the third, but it works very well as a stand-alone. The characters are well drawn and the background to the stories is carefully researched. Some characters, like Constance Hall, are based on real people, and historical figures are sometimes included. I liked Mrs. Jameson - an older woman who is secretive about her past - very much, and young Marjorie Swallow makes a funny, relatable narrator. The two plant hunters and their wives add spice to the mystery, as the plot takes the reader to Tibet and back. Highly recommended.
I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
November 8, 2024
"Death At Chelsea" is book #3 in "1920s Murder Mystery" by Anna Sayburn Lane.
My thoughts:
I do like the core characters of this series. The author has clearly done research into the time period and crafted an intriguing storyline. Some well placed misdirection keep the reader engaged to try to figure out the how and why of sabotage of rare plants and murder.
A NOTE TO THE AUTHOR:
At the end of this book (and the first two of the series), there was a message that readers could get the prequal to this series "for free" by going to the author website and signing up for the mailing list. The so called "free" book is NOT free! The "free book" cost READERS personal privacy by having to submit name and email. Many authors have reported their email subscriber list being hacked or losing access to their own email over the last couple years - thus leaving any subscribers vulnerable to spam mail and potential hacking of their own accounts.
Having to provide an email and then having to jump through hoops (clicking on various links to actually get to the "free" download) to receive an otherwise "free" book is both manipulative and deceitful. Websites for most authors are full of trackers/cookies as are most subscriber emails. This author is certainly not the first to use this practice to boost their subscriber list at the expense of reader privacy. If you really want us to keep reading your books, then make the book available on the primary book sites such as Amazon, Nook, Google etc. Other authors offer a first book or prequal for free via those sites to draw readers into their series so there is no reason this author can't do the same. JMO
My thoughts:
I do like the core characters of this series. The author has clearly done research into the time period and crafted an intriguing storyline. Some well placed misdirection keep the reader engaged to try to figure out the how and why of sabotage of rare plants and murder.
A NOTE TO THE AUTHOR:
At the end of this book (and the first two of the series), there was a message that readers could get the prequal to this series "for free" by going to the author website and signing up for the mailing list. The so called "free" book is NOT free! The "free book" cost READERS personal privacy by having to submit name and email. Many authors have reported their email subscriber list being hacked or losing access to their own email over the last couple years - thus leaving any subscribers vulnerable to spam mail and potential hacking of their own accounts.
Having to provide an email and then having to jump through hoops (clicking on various links to actually get to the "free" download) to receive an otherwise "free" book is both manipulative and deceitful. Websites for most authors are full of trackers/cookies as are most subscriber emails. This author is certainly not the first to use this practice to boost their subscriber list at the expense of reader privacy. If you really want us to keep reading your books, then make the book available on the primary book sites such as Amazon, Nook, Google etc. Other authors offer a first book or prequal for free via those sites to draw readers into their series so there is no reason this author can't do the same. JMO
May 1, 2024
Death at Chelsea is the third book of the 1920s Murder Mystery series by Anna Sayburn Lane. I simply adore Mrs. Jameson and Marjorie Swallow. They are strong, intuitive and intelligent. The secondary characters are well drawn and often amusing…at least to this American reader. I learn quite a lot while reading Anna Sayburn Lane’s books. She provides historical insights into 1920’s British society and social etiquette of the time. She also includes actual people from history. Additionally, the class distinctions especially interested me.
The annual Chelsea Flower Show is a very big deal for English gardeners. Garden designers vie for the coveted Chelsea Flower Show medal. However, this year, Mrs. Jameson has been invited to Hawkeshill Manor regarding a case of sabotage of some very rare sapphire blue lilies. While she is investigating the sabotage, the competition turns deadly. Now Mrs. Jameson and Marjorie must find not only a saboteur, but also, a murder.
The humor is delightful. Not laugh out loud funny, but very amusing and snickerable. I was definitely intrigued by yet another lovely peek into Jazz Age England. Marjorie is so very smart and clever. Mrs. Jameson is knowledgeable and wise. And, I can’t forget to mention Frankie! Smart as a whip and devilishly sneaky. Quite the asset to the team.
This was a great read. I can barely wait for the fourth book. I was honored to receive an advance reader’s copy from the author. This review is my honest opinion.
The annual Chelsea Flower Show is a very big deal for English gardeners. Garden designers vie for the coveted Chelsea Flower Show medal. However, this year, Mrs. Jameson has been invited to Hawkeshill Manor regarding a case of sabotage of some very rare sapphire blue lilies. While she is investigating the sabotage, the competition turns deadly. Now Mrs. Jameson and Marjorie must find not only a saboteur, but also, a murder.
The humor is delightful. Not laugh out loud funny, but very amusing and snickerable. I was definitely intrigued by yet another lovely peek into Jazz Age England. Marjorie is so very smart and clever. Mrs. Jameson is knowledgeable and wise. And, I can’t forget to mention Frankie! Smart as a whip and devilishly sneaky. Quite the asset to the team.
This was a great read. I can barely wait for the fourth book. I was honored to receive an advance reader’s copy from the author. This review is my honest opinion.
June 30, 2024
Death at Chelsea is the third book in the 1920s murder mystery series, and what an excellent third installment we have.
As we've come to love and expect from this series, yet again we follow our two super-sleuths, Mrs Jameson and Marjorie Swallow.
This time, ahead of the 1923 Chelsea Flower Show, a world renowned garden designer suspects foul play and believes someone is sabotaging her garden.
But soon, more mysterious goings on occur at the flower show and so our the indomitable Mrs Jameson and her assistant must get to the bottom of things.
So all in all, this was a great read. It's a brilliant insight into 1920s British society, with lots of period detail, delightful humour and an intriguing plot.
It's well researched and intelligently written with well fleshed out characters and a plot filled with red herrings, twists and turns.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
As we've come to love and expect from this series, yet again we follow our two super-sleuths, Mrs Jameson and Marjorie Swallow.
This time, ahead of the 1923 Chelsea Flower Show, a world renowned garden designer suspects foul play and believes someone is sabotaging her garden.
But soon, more mysterious goings on occur at the flower show and so our the indomitable Mrs Jameson and her assistant must get to the bottom of things.
So all in all, this was a great read. It's a brilliant insight into 1920s British society, with lots of period detail, delightful humour and an intriguing plot.
It's well researched and intelligently written with well fleshed out characters and a plot filled with red herrings, twists and turns.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
May 13, 2024
Absolutely electric read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The plot itself is for the reader to discover in this latest Marjorie and Mrs. Jameson mystery and you'll be so delighted to unravel it! I do want to say how much I enjoyed the down to earth characters of Frankie and assorted household staff. There's so much to enjoy ~ witty conversation , little nuggets I've heard my mum say, lots of common sense being dispersed. Theres even a character to wholeheartedly dislike from pretty much the onset of the story! There's a mystery tightly wrapped inside the main mystery which is a bonus find! As well there's some discussion about just how the culprit should be handled. Highly recommend this latest in the series and if you've not yet read the preceding ones ~ why not now !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The plot itself is for the reader to discover in this latest Marjorie and Mrs. Jameson mystery and you'll be so delighted to unravel it! I do want to say how much I enjoyed the down to earth characters of Frankie and assorted household staff. There's so much to enjoy ~ witty conversation , little nuggets I've heard my mum say, lots of common sense being dispersed. Theres even a character to wholeheartedly dislike from pretty much the onset of the story! There's a mystery tightly wrapped inside the main mystery which is a bonus find! As well there's some discussion about just how the culprit should be handled. Highly recommend this latest in the series and if you've not yet read the preceding ones ~ why not now !
June 26, 2024
Death At Chelsea is my first read by the author, and I really enjoyed this period murder mystery. The details are simply brilliant, and the writing style flows smoothly, which makes it easier to read.
This is the third book in the 1920s Murder Mystery series, but you can definitely read it as a standalone. I loved both Mrs Jameson and Marjorie. I'm always a sucker for strong female characters, and they didn't disappoint me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating murder mystery, and I highly recommend this book. I am definitely going back to read the first two books and am looking forward to the fourth one now.
This is the third book in the 1920s Murder Mystery series, but you can definitely read it as a standalone. I loved both Mrs Jameson and Marjorie. I'm always a sucker for strong female characters, and they didn't disappoint me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating murder mystery, and I highly recommend this book. I am definitely going back to read the first two books and am looking forward to the fourth one now.
April 17, 2024
The third in a series of sleuth novels featuring Margery Swallow and her American employer, Iris Jameson. So far they have been well written, engaging and bring to life London in the 1920’s. They also have a nicely developed sense of fun. This book is no different. Set in the horticultural world and loosely based on historic figures, I found the book well researched and informative. The plotline kept you guessing until near the end and had a small chase scene near the end. A really enjoyable read
April 15, 2024
The Chelsea Flower Show - the most prestigious and coveted medal for any serious gardener but when death follows behind it, it beggars the question - is it worth killing for?
I have enjoyed these Marjorie Swallow books. They are intriguing and cleverly written with great characters. I like Frankie best of all, I think, but each and everyone of them brings so many bits to the puzzle that it just becomes a great read.
I have enjoyed these Marjorie Swallow books. They are intriguing and cleverly written with great characters. I like Frankie best of all, I think, but each and everyone of them brings so many bits to the puzzle that it just becomes a great read.
May 6, 2024
Twists and turns galore! A fantastic tale
Ms Lane is at the top of her game again in “Death at Chelsea.”
I found this to be a marvelous tale, well researched, plenty of red herrings, and with a sufficient number of period details to satisfy the most critical reader.
I highly recommend “Death at Chelsea: A 1920s Murder Mystery.”
Ms Lane is at the top of her game again in “Death at Chelsea.”
I found this to be a marvelous tale, well researched, plenty of red herrings, and with a sufficient number of period details to satisfy the most critical reader.
I highly recommend “Death at Chelsea: A 1920s Murder Mystery.”
May 11, 2024
Who knew flowers could be so dangerous
This was a great book. It kept you on your toes as to who & what exactly was going on...didn't expect the ending to be the way it ended.
Can't wait for the next book!!
This was a great book. It kept you on your toes as to who & what exactly was going on...didn't expect the ending to be the way it ended.
Can't wait for the next book!!
Read
August 27, 2025A good mystery but sad
This story developed with interesting characters that I came to care about. There was a pretty high body count, and Margie faced some dilemmas about how the class system affected justice. Recommended
This story developed with interesting characters that I came to care about. There was a pretty high body count, and Margie faced some dilemmas about how the class system affected justice. Recommended
April 12, 2024
I love this 1920's mystery series, both Marjorie and her boss are intriguing.
November 8, 2025
This was a wonderful light read full of poise and puzzles.
The cover is beautiful, as are the others in the series, and I love the 1920s aspect of the story. Even though it's the 3rd in the series, I really got a feel for Marjorie - her intelligence, morals, and understanding.
I loved all the little details - I even learned some stuff too! Everything fitted together well, it was very Christie-like in that it could have been any of the characters at one point. Of course, there were plenty of other secrets to uncover too.
I needed to know one more thing at the end, I'm hoping for the best, but given the time period, I'm not sure...
Overall, a great historical murder mystery that draws you into the lives of all the characters.
*I received a complementary copy of the book from Random Things Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The cover is beautiful, as are the others in the series, and I love the 1920s aspect of the story. Even though it's the 3rd in the series, I really got a feel for Marjorie - her intelligence, morals, and understanding.
I loved all the little details - I even learned some stuff too! Everything fitted together well, it was very Christie-like in that it could have been any of the characters at one point. Of course, there were plenty of other secrets to uncover too.
I needed to know one more thing at the end, I'm hoping for the best, but given the time period, I'm not sure...
Overall, a great historical murder mystery that draws you into the lives of all the characters.
*I received a complementary copy of the book from Random Things Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 29, 2025
For my full review click on the link below:
https://crossexaminingcrime.com/2025/...
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