The Picture House Murders

Miss Clara Vale Mysteries #1

by Fiona Veitch Smith, Hannah Genesius (Narrator)

Murder is no occupation for a lady... or is it?

1929: Miss Clara Vale is a woman ahead of her time. Rather than attending Oxford to bag an eligible Duke (as her mother, Lady Vale, so desperately hoped), she threw herself into a degree in chemistry, with aspirations to become a scientist in her own right.

But the world isn't ready for Clara. Unable to land a job in science because she's a woman, she is stuck behind the desk at a dingy London library.

Until her estranged Uncle dies suddenly, leaving her his private detective agency, and laboratory, in his will.

Clara couldn't become a detective, could she?

The decision is made for her when one of her uncle's old clients comes to her for help with a case surrounding the local picture house and invites Clara to see the latest show, before they discuss the details.

But during the film, a fire suddenly engulfs the picture house, with tragic consequences.

It seems at first an accident, but Clara soon begins to question if it was in fact a carefully orchestrated murder.

She's suddenly in the middle of a deadly mystery and will discover her scientific skills make her a sleuth to be reckoned with... Can she catch the killer before they strike again?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Fiction, Crime, Historical Mystery

Audiobook

First published August 29, 2023

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was 1929 London, and Clara Vale, a scientist after her studies, was working in a library in London. No one would employ a woman scientist, no matter the qualifications she had, and while the library was a mundane, boring job, at least she had work. When Clara suddenly discovered her Uncle Bob had died some weeks prior, and her mother, Lady Vale, had made excuses not to go to the funeral, not even telling Clara, she was livid. Travelling by train to Newcastle, she saw her uncle's solicitors and learned he'd left her his house, which included a laboratory, plus his detective agency from which he'd enjoyed great success and respect.

Clara had only been in Newcastle a day when she was approached by one of Uncle Bob's clients, and so it saw Clara helping Alice, following the work her uncle had been doing to determine whether her picture house fire was deliberate. The police had closed the case, which meant there was no insurance pay out. But Alice knew it was arson; proving it was another matter. When Clara accompanied Alice to a picture, intending to discuss where to go with the investigation after the viewing, the sudden fire inside the theatre, which saw disastrous consequences, made Clara's mind up. She was sure there was evil afoot and would do everything in her power to prove it. But in doing so, was she putting herself in danger?

The Picture House Murders is the 1st in the Miss Clara Vale Mysteries by Fiona Veitch Smith and it was fun and entertaining. Clara is a great character, far ahead of her time, and her obvious enjoyment in the science of her endeavours makes her a good detective. I had worked out the perpetrator well before the reveal, but getting to the conclusion was well done. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Not Quite A Bookshop · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the story of a young woman, Clara Vale, who comes into a house funds and detective agency courtesy of her uncle. Due to the time period things are very much against her and the story charts her attempts to overcome sexism and bias whilst finding her feet ‘up North’.

An easy listen on the whole, a little predictable but maybe that’s because I read so many in this genre? Slight criticism of the narration in that all male characters sounded identical so had to listen hard to know who was who. Additionally the parts pertaining to Clara’s sex life were cringeworthy, worse that the same ‘fumble’ was described numerous times. The aftermath of contraception options then read like a text book. Apart from that an enjoyable enough, easy listen.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for this audiobook in exchange for my personal, honest review. This review will also appear on my bookstagram account www.instagram.com/not_quite_a_bookshop

[Medollga · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cozy and interesting, plus the writing was easy and engaging!👌⭐

I liked this mystery's setting and premise; the time period (late 1920s) and the corresponding events were why I bought the book. I expected the heroine to be more of Miss Phryne Fisher inspired lady-detective, yet she was much more reserved and studious.

I wished for the plot to be more of a mystery though...Pretty early on you get the idea of what's the crime actually about and who's done it, and as a reader you have to gradually see how the heroine comes to find the much-needed evidence. Sometimes evidence just falls in her lap😅

I'm interested in the continuation, so we'll see!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many things were wrong; didn’t finish. Characters in 1929 spoke like people in 2023, and the author has absolutely no understanding of chemistry- you can’t identify kerosene by looking at it under a microscope.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fab start to a new series. Set in a time period where women needed a males signature to inherit or open a bank account and sexism was riffe. Clara has a science degree and is working as an independent librarian when her uncle dies and leaves her amongst thibgs his detective agency.
As clara fights to getvwhats her qnd aolve this case.
The narration on the whole was good. Sadly the male characters soubded isentical and lacked wmotion. Sone of the more scientific info like contraception was read like a txt book. This might have been deliberate due to Clara's degree . A great first liaten a bit predictable in places but kept me ibvested in the overall story.
I loved the fact tgat it tgen turned out the story was based on a teue event with a few details amended..
This was a great short listen hopefully the next in the series will look more at the male characters and how they sound

Thank you net gallery and publisher and author and narrator for a solid 4 star listen.

[Alžběta · Rating 2 out of 5]

The one word to describe this book is "meh." It's not horrible, but also not good. Most annoyingly, however, the author doesn't even seem to try to create realistic characters for a story set in 1929 - there are plenty of various correct historical references, but the characters themselves are too obviously modern and speak and behave implausibly for their time.

[Tierney Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging cozy mystery with a lead, Clara, who starts off well in the series opener and is likely to shine as it continues. The plot ticks along nicely, and the whodunnit is sustained really well all the way the through as you try to spot clues and seeds. The twist and climax work well :).

I got this thru Prime Reading, and I've TBR'd the audio of the next book since the narrator sounds really good.

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Picture House Murders is an excellent start to a new series. Clara has inherited a business, a house and a good deal of wealth after the death of her uncle. Clara is an interesting character for the time period as she has a degree in science and an interest in continuing her uncle's enquiry agency.
The story reminds the modern reader of the limits society placed on women in the last century. Clara could not open a bank account without a letter of approval from her father or a male relative.
The mystery starts as a small task of providing enough evidence to cast doubt that a fire at the picture house was arson and not negligence. However, Clara finds herself embroiled in a much more complex case of murder. Allies cannot always be trusted and Clara must tread carefully as she fits the puzzle pieces together.
There is the beginning of a romance for Clara here but I'm hoping she remains independent of a husband for as long as possible and holds on to her freedom that financial independence brings.
I listened to the audio version of this book and found the narrator to be excellent and I will be happy to continue to enjoy the series in this format.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Cosy mystery

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know a book is good when you get up, realize you finished it last night and are really disappointed that you can't read it with your breakfast. This book reminds me of the best golden age of mystery writers, especially Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers. It's got the Agatha Christie mystery, LGBTQ inclusion and sense of scenery and the character development of Dorothy Sayers. I also appreciated the accurate historical notes, although the treatment of women in the 1920s occasionally made me put the book down and, enraged, go rant to my long-suffering husband. We are also introduced to a whole cast of characters besides Miss Clara who I'm pretty sure will feature in future books. Can't wait for the next one!

[R. R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dropped it soon. I have a hard time reading novels with a historical background. They do the research, and make sure that the reader knows that through squeezing in era related info everywhere, while projecting 21st century values and ideas into the same space.
Added to that, the boring tedious dialogue and chemical combination

[Youssef · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author spent a lot of energy researching fashion, frocks and fabrics, but perhaps not enough fleshing up realistic characters for the time period... or an engaging plot.

[the_nerd_cafephile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Netgalley, Bonnier UK Audio and the author for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The year is 1929 and women are finally allowed to go to university, hold their own wealth and vote. Ms. Clara Vale, a chemistry graduate from Oxford struggling to get employed in a job as per her qualification due to her gender finds out that her uncle has passed away and has left her his estate in Newcastle. On arrival in Newcastle, she finds out that her beloved but estranged uncle was a private investigator who has left her his practise if she would have it along with all of his estate and possessions.

Feeling completely out of place, confused and shocked at this news along with meeting one of his clients who is in desperate need for her help, Clara decides to prolong her stay and give herself some time to make this decision using this case as a tryout. The case involves a denied insurance claim on the burning down of a picture house that was ruled out as an accident due to negligence by the owners. Clara's uncle Bob suspected Arson and took on the case from Alice who also recently lost her husband in the midst of all this tragedy. When there is more and more scenarios that seems to support Alice and Bob's belief's Clara takes it upon herself to solve this case.

This was a gripping piece of fiction that masterfully dealt with a lot different factor's bringing it all together to a very satisfying conclusion. I was rooting for Clara from the very beginning and the author managed to keep me guessing till 85% mark which for me is a very successful crime thriller/ murder mystery. I absolutely loved the parts where Clara was using her knowledge as Scientist shine through in the detective work that she is trying her hand in. The narrator was brilliant with accents and character distinction and bringing Clara so much definition while keeping up the drama factor. Definitely a perfect book for Agatha Christie fans

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
really enjoyed this one, set in the 1920’s Clara Vale is an Oxford science graduate and at age 30 wants to live her own life, support herself and get a job she really wants.

Following the death of her uncle she finds he has left her an inheritance- a house, money and his detective agency 😃

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Mrs Fisher’s Murder Mysteries this hit all the right notes for me.

My only complaint is that the possible future romantic interest was a bit dull for me. Happy for Clara as a third-party, but no steam on my end.

[Bridget Vollmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sara♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this mystery set in 1929.

[Michelle Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Historical cozy mystery. I learned a lot and it was good fun!

[Nancy Duhaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. I like that the main character Clara was determined to fight for what was hers, help out a woman in need, and stand up to her parents and brother.

[ghostly_bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAWPILE 7.00
4 STARS

Loved this- a feisty female main character, a detective agency and it's set in my local area?
win win win!
Really loved this and want to continue the series ASAP!

[Bobbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting premise, but the actual ‘mystery’ did not hold my attention for long. Not sure if I will continue with the series or not.

[Vicky Lee Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

good plot

I enjoyed all the twists and turns kept you on your toes. Good characters, kept you guessing as to who were the bad guys and who weren’t.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want a cozy mystery that’s heavier on science than hunches, this is a good start. It wasn’t quite for me though.

[ALM · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who talks about the heroine "feeling heavy in her bladder"??? Then her nonchalance at the end toward a character who was severely injured.... There are better books of a similar vein. Skip it.

[Ferna · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a book whose drawn out mystery concludes with the most rapid-ending reveal, I say…why? The ending was such a slap-dash finish blink and you might miss it. Granted, I will say that the plot did start circling as though the scent was beginning to fade, and perhaps the author knew this, which is why the story’s plug was rapidly pulled.

For a mystery that had some nice plot layers, I feel a little ho-hum now that I have finished reading. I am curious enough to see how book 2 in the series is, and if some of the abrupt wrinkles are ironed out, as for a light murder mystery this series *may* have potential. Though if book 2 follows the same formula as the first, the series could be a no for me.

[Layla · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Picture House Murders: a sadly disappointing, slow, dragging story. I really attempted to enjoy it, reading 200 pages to which I physically could not go through the pain anymore (I just gave it up but I am counting it as a read due to the 200 page mark). Clara was a pleasant character, but her story was dreadfully long and inconsistent. Some parts were slightly intriguing, other parts I wanted to be in the Carousel fire myself reading it. Another lesson: never judge a book by its promising cover.

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona Veitch Smith writes the first of a historical crime series set in London and Newcastle in 1929, which I listened to on audio, narrated reasonably well by the author and Hannah Genesius, including a Geordie accent where appropriate, and is approximately 9 hours and 35 minutes long. 30 year old Clara Vale feels like a fish out of water within her family, she has no desire to snag herself a rich husband, like her sister, as her mother wants, her feckless brother has gambling debts, and she refuses to accept her father's allowance, preferring to be independent and live on her meagre earnings as a librarian at a Bloomsbury library. This is not her chosen occupation, she had dreams of being a scientist after gaining a Chemistry degree at Oxford, but outdated attitudes ensured that she failed to secure a post as a scientist.

Clara first learns of the death of her beloved estranged Uncle Bob when she receives a solicitor's letter that she has been left something in his will, her mother having kept her in the dark. Mortified she had in recent years left their relationship drift apart, Clara travels to Newcastle, expecting a small amount of cash. So it comes as a shocking surprise to find herself the main beneficiary of Bob's estate, which included his house with its own laboratory, money and stocks, and his private inquiry firm. Bob leaves her a letter, telling her she would make a great investigator, something that will take her some time to believe. Initially planning to stay for a mere 5 days, Clara is to extend her stay as she finds herself drawn into a ongoing dark and murky case Bob had taken on, involving Alice, a desperate woman. There are break-ins, a bag snatching, the burning of a another picture house that ends in tragedy, and other murders.

Clara is using her scientific knowledge to build a dossier of evidence that she hopes will help Alice get the insurance payout she needs, having lost her husband in an accident. It still takes some time for Clara to believe she can be a PI. In the meantime, there a number of other obstacles in her path, such as the bank refusing her access to her money without her father's consent, her brother thinks he is entitled to Bob's inheritance, the housekeeper is lying, and the authorities are reluctant to listen to the evidence she is collating. This is an enjoyable and entertaining beginning to this series that outlines the position of women and the social norms and attitudes of the time, and Newcastle provides a wonderful location, but it is not without its flaws, the story takes some time to get going and there is a little too much repetition. Many thanks to the publisher for an ALC.

[S.C. Skillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Pacy, page-turning, consistently interesting and engaging it is a worthy successor to the author’s Poppy Denby murder mystery series.

Set in 1929, most of the action takes place in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and the story is full of knowledgeable detail and insight into that major moment of transition in cinema history when the industry moved from the silent films to talkies. The author opens up for us the implications of that for small cinema owners.

Miss Clara Vale herself is a main protagonist we can empathise with, every step of the way: enlightened, independent, smart, rebellious: I loved her. I also applaud the author’s depiction of the huge challenges faced by an intelligent, talented, academically accomplished woman in those times, when faced with the misogyny that stems directly from the patriarchal system.

Misogyny of course is still with us, but Fiona Veitch Smith skilfully conveys the particular attitude many people would have had in 1929. Things were changing. Lawmakers were becoming aware of how unacceptable it was to treat women as second class citizens. But those shifts in society’s leaders had not yet filtered down to all members of society. As we know, major shifts in attitude take several generations to work themselves out within a society. So in this story we still have older family members, many themselves female, trying to compel a younger intelligent woman to lower her expectations in life, and focus only on marriage and babies as her sole purpose.

We also have men unwilling to concede that women may in fact inherit in their own names; they may open a bank account in their own names; and that firstborn males should no longer take precedence by default, in questions of inheritance. I notice too that the professionals in the story, solicitors and bankers, have started to feel slightly uncomfortable and ashamed about the belief that women are inferior. BUT in their hearts they still believe it.

The plot is exciting and fast-moving; Clara had never intended to take over a detective agency, but her uncle had believed in her sufficiently to name her in her will as the major beneficiary of his business, his money and his estate.

Inevitably there are snares on the path, strong and powerful adversaries, and some very cunning and malicious forces ready to deprive her of her rights, and to defeat and betray her. Clara is not quite sure throughout most of the story whether she can or is willing to take this on this detective agency. Yet her excellent scientific training and special knowledge carry her through an ingenious series of twists and turns.

I did wonder though, how tolerant and understanding people would have been of homosexuality at this time and in this society, when it was still illegal. I found myself thinking, “Would they have been so enlightened and so accepting at that time?” But such is the author’s impeccable research I can trust her for this.

A brilliant read and I look forward to Clara Vale’s next case!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Picture House Murders by Fiona Leitch Smith is the first book in a new series and the author did a fabulous job of setting it all up and introducing this new sleuth without dragging it out. Clara is a librarian. She doesn’t want to be a librarian; she wants to be a scientist. That is what she got her degree in. But, no one wants a female scientist in 1929, or even a female science teacher. She is at loose ends. Her father has offered her an allowance but only if she lives as he wishes. She does not. The last thing she needs is a husband, which is what he thinks she needs. That is when she receives a letter for a solicitor telling her that her uncle Bob has died and left her something. He died six weeks ago! Her mother didn’t tell her and didn’t go to the funeral. Her mother was not amongst her favorite people. Enough said. Imagine her surprise when she arrived at the solicitor’s office to discover he had left her a house, ten thousand pounds, five thousand more in stock, and his business: he had been a private enquiry agent. How she wished she had known. How she wished she had kept in better touch.

As she was looking at his office, a young woman called Alice arrived and explained she had been a client of Bob’s and was simply checking to see if Clara was going to carry on. She quietly explained that Bob had been her last hope, every other agency in town had turned her down. She went on to explain that her husband and his brother had owned small movie theaters in adjoining towns; the brother’s had burned down and her husband had died in an accident. Clara hadn’t even decided what she was going to do about the agency, but this woman spoke to her heart. She promised to look into it and took the file back to the hotel with her. Then things started happening: the agency was broken in to; her hotel room had been ransacked; she met her uncle’s housekeeper who totally misrepresented her relationship with Bob. Things got odder and odder. And it didn’t stop. It was a compelling mystery, well-plotted and interesting, with lots of historical color woven through it. I loved it and look forward to more.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Picture House Murders by Embla Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #FionaLeitchSmith #ThePictureHouseMurder