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The Underwood Mysteries #2
Food For The Gallows
An historical murder mystery set in the 1820's.
The second Underwood mystery finds the self-appointed detective back in the Pennines, now a married man.
His brother Gil has been made vicar of a Spa town called Hanbury and it is here where Underwood and his wife Verity arrive for a visit.
Within days they are embroiled in another murder mystery when Josephine Dunstable dies in the Spa Pump-rooms, apparently poisoned by a cup of the supposedly healing waters. Since she is seventy and her new husband just barely twenty-seven, immediate suspicion falls upon the groom, and only Underwood believes the young man’s protestations of innocence.
Hanbury is full of interesting characters and during the course of his investigations, Underwood finds himself befriending Toby Hambleton, a black ex-puglilist, Major Jeremy James Thornycroft, a Waterloo veteran without legs, Lady Hartley-Wells, a redoubtable widow and her foppish nephew Vivian Pepper.
Will Underwood find the true killer of Josephine Dunstable or will her young husband Oliver become ‘food for the gallows’?
The second Underwood mystery finds the self-appointed detective back in the Pennines, now a married man.
His brother Gil has been made vicar of a Spa town called Hanbury and it is here where Underwood and his wife Verity arrive for a visit.
Within days they are embroiled in another murder mystery when Josephine Dunstable dies in the Spa Pump-rooms, apparently poisoned by a cup of the supposedly healing waters. Since she is seventy and her new husband just barely twenty-seven, immediate suspicion falls upon the groom, and only Underwood believes the young man’s protestations of innocence.
Hanbury is full of interesting characters and during the course of his investigations, Underwood finds himself befriending Toby Hambleton, a black ex-puglilist, Major Jeremy James Thornycroft, a Waterloo veteran without legs, Lady Hartley-Wells, a redoubtable widow and her foppish nephew Vivian Pepper.
Will Underwood find the true killer of Josephine Dunstable or will her young husband Oliver become ‘food for the gallows’?
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2014
118 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 7, 2023
Food For The Gallows is book two in the Underwood Mysteries series by Suzanne Downes. Gil Underwood, a mister in a rural spa town called Hanbury, had a fantastic idea to start a school and asked his brother Cadmus to come and visit with his wife Verity to become part of his plan. However, on their arrival in town, an old lady dies, and Cadmus Underwood decides to investigate to find the killer. The readers of Food For The Gallows will continue to follow Cadmus Underwood's investigation to discover what happens.
Food For The Gallows is a fantastic historical murder mystery and an excellent addition to this series. I engaged with the story and characters from the first page, and I like how Suzanne incorporates quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I love Suzanne Downes's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Food For The Gallows is well-written and researched by Suzanne Downes. I like Suzanne Downes's description of the settings of Food For The Gallows, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Food For The Gallows will learn about a weed called Tansy and the dangers and uses of this weed. Also, the readers of Food For The Gallows will learn about living in rural areas of England in the 1820s.
I recommend this book.
Food For The Gallows is a fantastic historical murder mystery and an excellent addition to this series. I engaged with the story and characters from the first page, and I like how Suzanne incorporates quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I love Suzanne Downes's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Food For The Gallows is well-written and researched by Suzanne Downes. I like Suzanne Downes's description of the settings of Food For The Gallows, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Food For The Gallows will learn about a weed called Tansy and the dangers and uses of this weed. Also, the readers of Food For The Gallows will learn about living in rural areas of England in the 1820s.
I recommend this book.
May 27, 2016
Having set a high standard in A Noble Pair of Brothers, book two in the Underwood series was going to have a tough time topping it. Fortunately, Food for the Gallows doesn't try to outdo its predecessor, however it does bring back our favourite characters from book one. Underwood is less stiff in this one, and I like the charm of the scenes between him and wife Verity.
Verity's a more realistic woman compared to waif-like Charlotte (who I also like but Verity just seems like a better fit for Underwood).
The plot this time centres on the death of Mrs Dunstable, a woman in her 70s. Now for the time period, living into your 70s would be like living into your 100s today, so at first her death is not treated with suspicion. But she has a young husband...and she left a considerable estate. More than enough reason to do her in.
So the book's set piece is off and running. Underwood does do some running around the truth, before the eventual culprit (in a very intense and surprising scene) is revealed. Being taken to the gallows back then would be the most horrendous method of execution in my view, but the setting, just as with book one is beautifully created.
This is one of the most enjoyable murder mysteries I have read in a while. I like the Latin introductions to each chapter, and the interplay between Underwood and his brother, still the Reverend Gil, are entertaining and believable.
Without graphic violence or gratuitous sex scenes, the author has created another solid mystery for readers to enjoy. 4.5 stars from me.
Verity's a more realistic woman compared to waif-like Charlotte (who I also like but Verity just seems like a better fit for Underwood).
The plot this time centres on the death of Mrs Dunstable, a woman in her 70s. Now for the time period, living into your 70s would be like living into your 100s today, so at first her death is not treated with suspicion. But she has a young husband...and she left a considerable estate. More than enough reason to do her in.
So the book's set piece is off and running. Underwood does do some running around the truth, before the eventual culprit (in a very intense and surprising scene) is revealed. Being taken to the gallows back then would be the most horrendous method of execution in my view, but the setting, just as with book one is beautifully created.
This is one of the most enjoyable murder mysteries I have read in a while. I like the Latin introductions to each chapter, and the interplay between Underwood and his brother, still the Reverend Gil, are entertaining and believable.
Without graphic violence or gratuitous sex scenes, the author has created another solid mystery for readers to enjoy. 4.5 stars from me.
August 6, 2019
Gil Underwood is now the vicar at the spa town of Hanbury. Having lived at his mother's since their marriage Undewood and Verity decide to visit his brother. One of the many visiors is a Josephine Dunstable (70) and her young husband Oliver (26). Unfortunately while visiting the spa Pump-rooms Josephine Dunstable dies. The finger is pointed at her husband but Undwerwood believes him innocent and investigates. But trouble between Underwood, Verity and Charlotte Wynter dampen his progress.
An enjoyable well-written mystery with its varied characters.
An enjoyable well-written mystery with its varied characters.
April 11, 2017
Very enjoyable
I love the character development from book to book. Her characters are complex and all to human. If you have not read the series I would encourage the reader to take a chance, I think you will be pleased.
I love the character development from book to book. Her characters are complex and all to human. If you have not read the series I would encourage the reader to take a chance, I think you will be pleased.
March 12, 2019
An excellent book. Though, I will admit, I was tempted to smack Verity a few times for being needlessly stubborn, though Underwood was in for a couple of shakes as well. Other than that, this is one of the most well-developed and realistic, to the time, marriage relationships I have read in a historical mystery. Too often either the relationship or the mystery is neglected but I do not feel that is true in this book.
Another great addition.
Another great addition.
October 26, 2020
What a treat!
The writing was as good as the first book. The brothers Underwood are back and CH and his wife have joined Gil in Hanbury; a spa town of some renown. Of course there is a murder to solve but that pales in comparison to what the brothers are personally dealing with. Gil has fallen in love with the perfect woman to be his wife, and her lovely little boy. Of course it is not easy as Gil and Catherine must weather one or two obstacles.
CH and Verity are still newly wed and all is not bliss. Misunderstandings and miscommunication plague the couple. The murder, as terrible as such things are, is a distraction from all the personal problems.
This is a great story and now I am looking forward to book 3.
The writing was as good as the first book. The brothers Underwood are back and CH and his wife have joined Gil in Hanbury; a spa town of some renown. Of course there is a murder to solve but that pales in comparison to what the brothers are personally dealing with. Gil has fallen in love with the perfect woman to be his wife, and her lovely little boy. Of course it is not easy as Gil and Catherine must weather one or two obstacles.
CH and Verity are still newly wed and all is not bliss. Misunderstandings and miscommunication plague the couple. The murder, as terrible as such things are, is a distraction from all the personal problems.
This is a great story and now I am looking forward to book 3.
January 16, 2021
Downes two Dickensian Underwood brothers create plenty of interest on the page: Underwood, who has strong Sherlock Holmes tendencies, has a droll humor - liked the scene when he sees the house Gil has found for them as a school. Other times I want to slap him upside the head. The Reverend is far too busy saving the world, while keeping himself to himself, but definitely the more humane of the two. Verity is truly the longsuffering wife to tolerate Underwood, whom she loves deeply, but she has an excess of tricks up her sleeve. The true hero in this story, whose untold intellect and cunning.
Downes uses the much aligned adjective to strong advantage, enabling her to bring history alive and place the reader in the scene. Dickens would laud her work.
Downes uses the much aligned adjective to strong advantage, enabling her to bring history alive and place the reader in the scene. Dickens would laud her work.
October 15, 2017
A little slower than I like
While this is written in the 1700's and behavior, even between a man and wife is slow, not necessarily honest, even when it comes to pregnancy, it becomes obnoxious.
Underwood and Verity started their marriage off with idiotic game playing, which, I blame, wholly on Verity.
The mystery was great though. That said, I am off to the next book in this series.
While this is written in the 1700's and behavior, even between a man and wife is slow, not necessarily honest, even when it comes to pregnancy, it becomes obnoxious.
Underwood and Verity started their marriage off with idiotic game playing, which, I blame, wholly on Verity.
The mystery was great though. That said, I am off to the next book in this series.
December 21, 2019
Enjoyable mystery in the series of two Georgian era brothers, one a vicar and one a retired by marriage Cambridge professor. Gil Underwood has taken a new position as vicar and invites his brother and new wife to visit him. They are soon involved in a murder mystery as Underwood and his wife grapple with how to support themselves and the complications of a new marriage, especially when both spouses have difficulty communicating.
January 4, 2021
Excellent follow up mystery with a return of some favorite characters and some not-so-favorites (I’m looking at you C. W.). While I appreciate the development of the relationships, this mystery was overshadowed by personal drama that felt a little too much from such intelligent people. That being said, I do like the main characters and will continue reading the series.
April 2, 2018
The Underwoods
Triumphant! I cannot wait to download the next installment & do nothing with my day other than to immerse myself into the world of Verity, Cadmus & Gil! I really don't know why it took me so long to decide to read this series!
Triumphant! I cannot wait to download the next installment & do nothing with my day other than to immerse myself into the world of Verity, Cadmus & Gil! I really don't know why it took me so long to decide to read this series!
January 4, 2020
Charmingly Sweet!
Such a lovely story with just the right amount of romance and mystery! I truly enjoy the romances of yesteryear, dastardly men, proper ladies and a good fireside mystery. Well done
Such a lovely story with just the right amount of romance and mystery! I truly enjoy the romances of yesteryear, dastardly men, proper ladies and a good fireside mystery. Well done
September 23, 2020
While this book had a decent plot line, it seemed the author finally grew tired of the story and simply ended it. What looked like a promising mystery series became, to me, a tired romantic series where the two main characters can't seem to express their true feelings for each other.
March 1, 2021
Food for the Gallows (The Underwood Mysteries Book 2)
This book was over the top for mental stress...the characters performed like a three ring circus...
It was hard to keep it all.straight...
This book was over the top for mental stress...the characters performed like a three ring circus...
It was hard to keep it all.straight...
February 20, 2017
Again, the free Kindle version has lots of errors. I enjoyed the mystery. I found the too-stubborn-to-communicate Verity-Cadmus storyline to be tedious.
May 12, 2018
Great light reading book.
Loved this book. Again urge author takes us behind the scenes living in old England. Women didn't stand a chance somrtimes.
Loved this book. Again urge author takes us behind the scenes living in old England. Women didn't stand a chance somrtimes.
May 25, 2019
Oh dear
Too much time spent on every one's domestic woes; the story, plot gets lost and nearly forgotten in the mix.
Too much time spent on every one's domestic woes; the story, plot gets lost and nearly forgotten in the mix.
April 4, 2020
But editing errors detract.
August 28, 2020
Trite
Plot is good, but to much filler which does nothing to advance the plot. I feel the 1st book was better .
Plot is good, but to much filler which does nothing to advance the plot. I feel the 1st book was better .
March 25, 2021
Oh Chuffy! What are you doing?
I first came across Cadmus and Verity Underwood in the last Detective Lazarus book (No 3) as an elderly couple. So it's been interesting to read about their early marital difficulties in this book.
We learn that both brothers are quite reticent to becoming involved in relationships. Fresh off the break-up with Charlotte Wynter, Cadmus proposes to Verity at the end of book1. Verity loves Cadmus and is there for him, anticipating his needs, taking care of him, and not receiving anything in return.
The re-emergence of Charlotte causes Verity to re-think her position and thus
the trials and tribulations of their marriage play out between the murder investigation and new supporting characters who seem to understand Verity more than her husband.
Cadmus' pride and anger seem to interfere with resolving his issues. I for one, was pleased to see Verity take a stand (even if she left her explanations a bit too late)
I found myself skimming through the book to the end. Could have been shortened somewhat
I first came across Cadmus and Verity Underwood in the last Detective Lazarus book (No 3) as an elderly couple. So it's been interesting to read about their early marital difficulties in this book.
We learn that both brothers are quite reticent to becoming involved in relationships. Fresh off the break-up with Charlotte Wynter, Cadmus proposes to Verity at the end of book1. Verity loves Cadmus and is there for him, anticipating his needs, taking care of him, and not receiving anything in return.
The re-emergence of Charlotte causes Verity to re-think her position and thus
the trials and tribulations of their marriage play out between the murder investigation and new supporting characters who seem to understand Verity more than her husband.
Cadmus' pride and anger seem to interfere with resolving his issues. I for one, was pleased to see Verity take a stand (even if she left her explanations a bit too late)
I found myself skimming through the book to the end. Could have been shortened somewhat
March 3, 2017
A fun addition to the series. I enjoy reading series where the characters and their relationships grow and develop over time, and Food for The Gallows doesn't disappoint in that respect.
October 25, 2016
Good mystery plot, idiotic characters
From the beginning you know who murders the old lady, but I enjoyed the problems proving it. The romance part was hard to get through. How can you have such seemingly intelligent characters act like blighting idiots towards each other? I would love to have seen them unite as s team to thwart the bad guys and girls.
From the beginning you know who murders the old lady, but I enjoyed the problems proving it. The romance part was hard to get through. How can you have such seemingly intelligent characters act like blighting idiots towards each other? I would love to have seen them unite as s team to thwart the bad guys and girls.
June 27, 2016
I love Verity Underwood
She is a marvelous heroine. Happy to be married, she adores her husband and is not a doormat. The mystery is well written, too, but let's face it, if you don't like the detectives, you won't like the story.
She is a marvelous heroine. Happy to be married, she adores her husband and is not a doormat. The mystery is well written, too, but let's face it, if you don't like the detectives, you won't like the story.
July 6, 2015
Another mystery by this author.
I like this detective mystery plot set in a small resort in 18th century England. The characters are interesting and everything turns out well.
I like this detective mystery plot set in a small resort in 18th century England. The characters are interesting and everything turns out well.
October 27, 2020
Good for the Reader
What a treat. Glad I bought the second book in the series right away so I could move right along without hesitation. On to the next and the next, "ad infinitam"
What a treat. Glad I bought the second book in the series right away so I could move right along without hesitation. On to the next and the next, "ad infinitam"
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews