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Rose Simpson Mysteries #1
Murder at Ashgrove House
The first book in the Rose Simpson mysteries.
When Sir William and Lady Withers invite friends and family to a weekend house party at their country home, Ashgrove House, they are faced with the arrival of both invited and uninvited guests, the consequence of which is murder.
Set in 1930, Murder at Ashgrove House is full of intrigue, clues and red herrings, with nearly everyone having a motive for wishing the victim dead. This is a classic country house murder mystery set during the golden age of crime and will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey, alike.
When Sir William and Lady Withers invite friends and family to a weekend house party at their country home, Ashgrove House, they are faced with the arrival of both invited and uninvited guests, the consequence of which is murder.
Set in 1930, Murder at Ashgrove House is full of intrigue, clues and red herrings, with nearly everyone having a motive for wishing the victim dead. This is a classic country house murder mystery set during the golden age of crime and will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey, alike.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2013
351 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Addison
15 books71 followersI have always loved murder mysteries set in country houses during the Golden Age of Crime era where the murders were not too graphic and the main aim was to try and work out the murderer by identifying a handful of carefully hidden clues and of course dodging the red herrings.
Therefore it is my intention in the Rose Simpson Mysteries to give sufficient clues whereby an eagle-eyed reader may be able to work out who the murderer is, but for it not to be too easy. I also want my books to be an enjoyable read for those readers, like my husband, who just enjoy reading murder mysteries.
Therefore it is my intention in the Rose Simpson Mysteries to give sufficient clues whereby an eagle-eyed reader may be able to work out who the murderer is, but for it not to be too easy. I also want my books to be an enjoyable read for those readers, like my husband, who just enjoy reading murder mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
April 2, 2019
Murder at Ashgrove House is book one of the Rose Simpson Mysteries series by Margaret Addison. Lady Withers invited her niece Lady Lavinia Sedgwick and her friend Rose Simpson to come and visit Ashgrove House for the weekend. Unbeknown to Lady Withers her husband Sir William asked Earl and Countess of Belvedere to come down the same weekend. Panic ensued in the household and a murder. The readers of Murder at Ashgrove House will need to continue to read to find out what happens. Also, the readers of Murder at Ashgrove House will enjoy the ending of this book.
I have noticed that readers are labelling Murder at Ashgrove House to Downtown Abby and Agatha Christie. I can understand where the readers are coming from, but to me books in the Rose Simpson Mysteries series are different. Murder at Ashgrove House is well written and researched by Margaret Addison. I love the cover of Murder at Ashgrove House. I like Margaret Addison portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout Murder at Ashgrove House. Margaret Addison does a fantastic job of transporting her readers back to the 1930s through her description of the setting of Murder at Ashgrove House.
The readers of Murder at Ashgrove House will learn about living in a large manor house in the early 1930s. Also, the readers of Murder at Ashgrove House will learn about law enforcement investigation in the 1930s.
I recommend this book.
I have noticed that readers are labelling Murder at Ashgrove House to Downtown Abby and Agatha Christie. I can understand where the readers are coming from, but to me books in the Rose Simpson Mysteries series are different. Murder at Ashgrove House is well written and researched by Margaret Addison. I love the cover of Murder at Ashgrove House. I like Margaret Addison portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout Murder at Ashgrove House. Margaret Addison does a fantastic job of transporting her readers back to the 1930s through her description of the setting of Murder at Ashgrove House.
The readers of Murder at Ashgrove House will learn about living in a large manor house in the early 1930s. Also, the readers of Murder at Ashgrove House will learn about law enforcement investigation in the 1930s.
I recommend this book.
February 9, 2015
Entertaining but maddening! The plot turns on a misunderstood, badly articulated conversation. That's a little lazy but the character types were fun. Rose needs to be less of a hysterical drip. Where's the pluck??
February 3, 2017
This book is a pastiche of the classical whodunnits. From the start, the authors alludes to "a sinister atmosphere", bad feelings and so on, without any apparent reason. All the clichés are here, including of course the romantic part. I did not much enjoy it, and even dropped a few chapters to get to the end, which I usually never do, and which was exactly what I expected ... No more Miss Simpson for me, thank you.
August 23, 2017
I really like a good historical mystery, especially those with an interesting and hopefully feisty heroine. I started this book because I thought Rose looked to be slightly different from the usual heroines, who are often either upper or lower class. I hoped Rose would be a strong character able to fit into both worlds and if necessary step outside normal social conventions.
However, I do not like silly historical romances or stories just about the inbred useless aristocracy. Unfortunately this book quickly turned into a pathetic Downton Abbey and within seconds of meeting Cedric she had fallen in love with him.
I could have put up with this if Rose wasn’t so repressed and feeble. At one point Lord Sneddon trapped her and was going to have his ‘wicked way’ with her. How did she react? She thought about ending it all by throwing herself down the stairs. Why didn’t she think about knocking him down the stairs?
I was ready to give up, but had one glimmer of hope when Rose stood up to Lady Belvedere, but this was false optimism, as Rose quickly reverted to being quite pathetic.
The actual mystery didn’t really start until half way through the book, but the author kept dropping hints about what was likely to happen all the way through the story. This was OK, but what I didn’t like was the way the author tried to introduce artificial tension. For example Rose suddenly jumps up and pushes Edith out of the way so she can get to the inspector with vital information, she throws herself into the detective sergeant. So do we find out what is so vital? No the author leaves Rose sat there and goes off at a tangent for pages and pages and pages. In fact Rose isn’t really involved with the investigation, which is basically carried out by the two police detectives and in the end is solved by the perpetrator confessing.
I thought about giving the book two stars, but under Goodreads rating system this would have meant the story was OK and it really wasn't.
However, I do not like silly historical romances or stories just about the inbred useless aristocracy. Unfortunately this book quickly turned into a pathetic Downton Abbey and within seconds of meeting Cedric she had fallen in love with him.
I could have put up with this if Rose wasn’t so repressed and feeble. At one point Lord Sneddon trapped her and was going to have his ‘wicked way’ with her. How did she react? She thought about ending it all by throwing herself down the stairs. Why didn’t she think about knocking him down the stairs?
I was ready to give up, but had one glimmer of hope when Rose stood up to Lady Belvedere, but this was false optimism, as Rose quickly reverted to being quite pathetic.
The actual mystery didn’t really start until half way through the book, but the author kept dropping hints about what was likely to happen all the way through the story. This was OK, but what I didn’t like was the way the author tried to introduce artificial tension. For example Rose suddenly jumps up and pushes Edith out of the way so she can get to the inspector with vital information, she throws herself into the detective sergeant. So do we find out what is so vital? No the author leaves Rose sat there and goes off at a tangent for pages and pages and pages. In fact Rose isn’t really involved with the investigation, which is basically carried out by the two police detectives and in the end is solved by the perpetrator confessing.
I thought about giving the book two stars, but under Goodreads rating system this would have meant the story was OK and it really wasn't.
September 23, 2015
Murder at Ashgrove House is set in 1930. The country estate mystery begins when Sir William and Lady Withers invite three guests at the Ashgrove House over the weekend. But along with Lady Lavinia Sedgwick, Rose Simpson and Mrs. Edith Torrington, the weekend party takes a fateful twist when other guests turn up at the party uninvited. The consequence of which is a murder.
The quiet country manor along with the traditional aristocratic upper class setting gives a glimpse of the life of the privileged world of the bygone era which is appealing in its own way. I love the Agatha Christie vein of the story and enjoyed reading it. It is full of red herrings and clues as the blurb suggests. A good book to curl up with and enjoy. Margaret Addison has succeeded to build up a good plot and the characters are well-etched.
Full review on : http://wp.me/p5VOch-ak
The quiet country manor along with the traditional aristocratic upper class setting gives a glimpse of the life of the privileged world of the bygone era which is appealing in its own way. I love the Agatha Christie vein of the story and enjoyed reading it. It is full of red herrings and clues as the blurb suggests. A good book to curl up with and enjoy. Margaret Addison has succeeded to build up a good plot and the characters are well-etched.
Full review on : http://wp.me/p5VOch-ak
June 8, 2017
I really didn't expect this book to be as good as it is. It's a very well written country house mystery set in the 1930s; part of the Golden Age of Mysteries, with an excellent cast of characters and a fascinating plot. Just the right amount of twists and turns to keep you turning pages with a surprise ending.
I loved it and intend to read more about Miss Rose Simpson.
I loved it and intend to read more about Miss Rose Simpson.
September 27, 2016
Rose Simpson works at a dress shop. A friendly coworker invites her to a country weekend at her aunt's estate. Lady Lavinia took the job on a bet but now she's finding it too much like actual work. Rose is happy to get out of the city. She's hoping for a nice relaxing weekend. Instead, a snobby woman gets murdered and Rose is caught right in the middle of things.
I liked Rose, mostly, although she is a little too quick to scream and fuss when things go wrong. She seriously needs to toughen up. She's a bit too much of a Mary Sue right now - everyone who likes her is a good guy, and everyone who doesn't is clearly a bad guy. But my main complaint about the book is that there is way too many recaps. The cops have to review the investigation, review the evidence, review the interview they just conducted. Then the suspect has to have some interior monologue for a few paragraphs as well. The POV skips from character to character with no way of marking the text so that the reader can tell when it changes. The second book at least had a line break in between, but this one has nothing.
The plot wasn't anything complicated, but I did like the setting. I'm hoping that it will improve. I'm only giving it 3 stars, and I would cautiously recommend it for readers who like this type of book.
I liked Rose, mostly, although she is a little too quick to scream and fuss when things go wrong. She seriously needs to toughen up. She's a bit too much of a Mary Sue right now - everyone who likes her is a good guy, and everyone who doesn't is clearly a bad guy. But my main complaint about the book is that there is way too many recaps. The cops have to review the investigation, review the evidence, review the interview they just conducted. Then the suspect has to have some interior monologue for a few paragraphs as well. The POV skips from character to character with no way of marking the text so that the reader can tell when it changes. The second book at least had a line break in between, but this one has nothing.
The plot wasn't anything complicated, but I did like the setting. I'm hoping that it will improve. I'm only giving it 3 stars, and I would cautiously recommend it for readers who like this type of book.
June 12, 2017
A wonderful trip in time
I like this series! It is a well researched historical cozy, set in post WWI Britain. .Strict class structure is still very much in evidence, but is beginning to break down. The protagonist, Rose Simpson, is a well educated shopgirl who works in a dress shop with the daughter of a peer who is doing it as a lark. The young woman, Lavinia, invites Rose to her ancestral estate for a weekend. Rose mingles with the aristocratic class and is soon drawn into it's problems and mysteries. The characters are well defined and described, from the absent-minded, kindly earl to the vindictive, sadistic wife of another peer who, course, is murdered. Rose is an example of post-war changing morays as she is instantly attracted to the heir to a dukedom who likewise falls in love with her. Crossing class lines is scandalous, and the young man's mother flatly prohibits the match. Rose, of course, solves the case. If you like historical mysteries, this is a series for you! I'm hooked. I look forward to Rose's next adventure.
I like this series! It is a well researched historical cozy, set in post WWI Britain. .Strict class structure is still very much in evidence, but is beginning to break down. The protagonist, Rose Simpson, is a well educated shopgirl who works in a dress shop with the daughter of a peer who is doing it as a lark. The young woman, Lavinia, invites Rose to her ancestral estate for a weekend. Rose mingles with the aristocratic class and is soon drawn into it's problems and mysteries. The characters are well defined and described, from the absent-minded, kindly earl to the vindictive, sadistic wife of another peer who, course, is murdered. Rose is an example of post-war changing morays as she is instantly attracted to the heir to a dukedom who likewise falls in love with her. Crossing class lines is scandalous, and the young man's mother flatly prohibits the match. Rose, of course, solves the case. If you like historical mysteries, this is a series for you! I'm hooked. I look forward to Rose's next adventure.
May 16, 2015
Well this year in books for me is getting to a horrible starte. I loved the setting and that is it. Obvious who gonna get kill, the reason why and who did it. And what is up with the murder happening in the middle if the book. No no. I wouldnt recommend this series to my worst enemy
July 20, 2017
Lovely read
Although the characters are s bit stereotyped, they have such charm that does not matter. It is a Cinderella story, you see, and reality would be unseemly. Murder may not appear seemly either, but it does suggest that love triumphs, and don't we wish it were so?
Although the characters are s bit stereotyped, they have such charm that does not matter. It is a Cinderella story, you see, and reality would be unseemly. Murder may not appear seemly either, but it does suggest that love triumphs, and don't we wish it were so?
March 30, 2015
Murder
The good part is I didn't figure it out...but it drug on too long. I liked the period the characters were unlikable as well, crept for the servants.
The good part is I didn't figure it out...but it drug on too long. I liked the period the characters were unlikable as well, crept for the servants.
October 19, 2023
At times this was like ploughing through a wild hedge. There was so much information, so many people with a motive, but apparently not the opportunity and absolutely no one liked the victim. Even so it did rather grip this reader and while I wasn't convinced by the inspector's choice of arrest, and had wondered in passing if it would turn out to be the person who was eventually proved to be the murderer I wasn't convinced of their guilt either until the very end.
The characters were well written and it was easy to identify with them. You could imagine an audience cheering the goodies, booing the baddies and sympathising with the poor little outsider. It will be interesting to see which characters move on to the next book and how they and their relationships develop.
The characters were well written and it was easy to identify with them. You could imagine an audience cheering the goodies, booing the baddies and sympathising with the poor little outsider. It will be interesting to see which characters move on to the next book and how they and their relationships develop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2021
This first book got me started reading the series all the way through the 4th in a couple of days. I've thoroughly enjoyed the period (post WWI) and how well the author describes her settings so that I truly see it all. The characters are all well written and stay in character. Ms. Addison has a knack for coming up with a wonderful mix of characters and setting them loose in a plot with twists and turns galore. Her mysteries aren't easy to figure out who and how, but they are interesting and delightful. I'm looking forward to more Rose Simpson and her young Earl, Detective Inspector Deacon and one or the other of his sergeants. Recommended.
November 22, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. It won't be for everyone. If you want a fast paced thriller, this isn't for you.
However, if you like well crafted characters and a well thought out plot, this is just the thing. It takes a while for the murder to take place. Not until chapter 18 in fact.
The build up is well executed and I loved the tension as It mounted at the house party of disaster. Rose is a wonderful character. Can't wait to see what happens to her next. There is even some romance. For me, a perfect read!
However, if you like well crafted characters and a well thought out plot, this is just the thing. It takes a while for the murder to take place. Not until chapter 18 in fact.
The build up is well executed and I loved the tension as It mounted at the house party of disaster. Rose is a wonderful character. Can't wait to see what happens to her next. There is even some romance. For me, a perfect read!
May 18, 2021
Parts of this story made me sad
I know that life isn't all sunshine and happiness, but I read to escape into a mystery. I didn't enjoy the tragedies that the author felt were necessary to elaborate on. Rose is a great character and I did enjoy her more in book five, that I read first without realizing that it was book five. This was the reason that I bought book one. Although I was tempted not to finish this book I did and finding out who the murderer was, is always gratifying. And a bit of a surprise.
I know that life isn't all sunshine and happiness, but I read to escape into a mystery. I didn't enjoy the tragedies that the author felt were necessary to elaborate on. Rose is a great character and I did enjoy her more in book five, that I read first without realizing that it was book five. This was the reason that I bought book one. Although I was tempted not to finish this book I did and finding out who the murderer was, is always gratifying. And a bit of a surprise.
May 9, 2018
This book had serious potential. But it needed some more editing. It was rambly and repetitive and got hung up on small details. And the mystery itself wasn't that compelling. I found Rose/Cedric to be waaay too cloying. And basically none of the characters were likable. I'm also confused as to how it's a "Rose Simpson" mystery when she barely does anything?
This was essentially a poorly executed cozy mystery.
This was essentially a poorly executed cozy mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2019
I am surprised I hadn't heard of this series before now. It has a nice "golden age" feel to it with several interwoven subplots that add a nice complexity to the main murder mystery. A weekend house party with only a dozen characters and yet just when you think you may have unraveled what it is all leading up to, there's a twist or turn that makes you start wondering again. A very satisfying cozy set in about 1930 England. Looking forward to continuing this series!
December 19, 2018
Great funuu
Intricate building of both plot and characters and the perfect English manor. This book was well written , literate and humorous. The dialogue came off quite naturally. If you are a true anglophile, as I am and plunk it all down in a fabulous vintage setting; it is a little slice of heaven.
Intricate building of both plot and characters and the perfect English manor. This book was well written , literate and humorous. The dialogue came off quite naturally. If you are a true anglophile, as I am and plunk it all down in a fabulous vintage setting; it is a little slice of heaven.
January 25, 2019
Great atmosphere in a country house murder
Old fashioned large country house owned by gentry. Invited and uninvited guests all join the weekend party at Ashgrove House. And murder Happens , but who dun-nit?? Couldn’t put the story down. Great atmosphere and characters.
Old fashioned large country house owned by gentry. Invited and uninvited guests all join the weekend party at Ashgrove House. And murder Happens , but who dun-nit?? Couldn’t put the story down. Great atmosphere and characters.
June 24, 2019
Story_comments_The story is dragged. Edith potrayed as a person with unbalanced, depressed mind. With this potrayal the author has made this character carry the story.
The Lord sneddon'spresence too is vague.seems a interim interference.lady Constance managing the presence of all other characters,in a constant whirl.Can be read casually when light reading is needed.
The Lord sneddon'spresence too is vague.seems a interim interference.lady Constance managing the presence of all other characters,in a constant whirl.Can be read casually when light reading is needed.
February 2, 2021
I can honestly say I was so confused that I almost stopped reading this book, several times. The plot was a muddy mess, the characters did not give you any confidence in them, and the story was just confusing at best. This story also tells me that I would never make an adequate writer, myself, and I could see me making a worse mess than this book was.
March 4, 2017
I admit to liking the country manor house mystery with numerous titled folks those under suspicion for the dastardly deed. So basically this plot is appealing and the author die a good job raising suspicion for many of them.
November 12, 2017
Another Victorian Mystery Novel
The characters were very well done and there were plenty of surprises! I do wonder if a "toff" would have the same type of trial and punishment as lower class people; however, Addison does not include the trial as does Anne Perry (my favorite)!
The characters were very well done and there were plenty of surprises! I do wonder if a "toff" would have the same type of trial and punishment as lower class people; however, Addison does not include the trial as does Anne Perry (my favorite)!
November 17, 2017
A Bit of Intrigue
Rose Simpson is a delightful protagonist I look forward to reading more. The upstairs/down stairs elements and the social code of the day very intriguing. I would recommend this book.
Rose Simpson is a delightful protagonist I look forward to reading more. The upstairs/down stairs elements and the social code of the day very intriguing. I would recommend this book.
January 13, 2018
Good 1920s English murder mystery
Characters in this story are well developed, describing the House, grounds and the story. It was similar to Christie but I still like hers a little better.
Characters in this story are well developed, describing the House, grounds and the story. It was similar to Christie but I still like hers a little better.
November 29, 2018
Cozy murder
It was a nice easy murder mystery, not an obvious murderer and the background story unfolding a little at a time. It was a good read, and i think i will read more of this author's mysteries.
It was a nice easy murder mystery, not an obvious murderer and the background story unfolding a little at a time. It was a good read, and i think i will read more of this author's mysteries.
January 23, 2019
A most entertaining read.
I couldn't put it down. Complex plot. Twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Eileen
I couldn't put it down. Complex plot. Twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Eileen
March 18, 2019
3 Stars for this Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey murder mystery. I liked it overall, although I felt it was a bit off in pacing. For example, not even time to develop certain relationships but too much time on interviews and explaining boring customs. Overall, I liked how the ending wrapped up.
March 31, 2020
Adhesive House.
What an intriguing complicated mind boggling twisted way to write this murder mystery. Could not put this book down. From beginning to the end a page the er. Well don.
What an intriguing complicated mind boggling twisted way to write this murder mystery. Could not put this book down. From beginning to the end a page the er. Well don.
May 16, 2020
I enjoyed this. The cast of characters was big enough, but not too big, the various relationships between them believable and, in the end, it really is sometimes the small things that will make you realise you may have the wrong end of the stick and help you work out what is going on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews