Death in Kensington

Augusta Peel #8

by Emily Organ

Killer murder is in fashion

A high-society fashion show is not Augusta Peel’s usual idea of entertainment. But when she’s offered a spare ticket, the chance to see a show by a renowned designer is too good to miss.

The glittering event takes a turn when a rising model is found dead after the show. Augusta embarks on a murder investigation where the glamour of fashion collides with the deadly secrets of the wealthy. And as the stakes are raised, Augusta must use all her wits to unravel the threads before someone else becomes a victim.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2024

About the author

Emily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past. 

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being the weakest in the series thus far, the mystery was still decent and I do like how Augusta is developing in as a character. Having her secret out in the open (for Philip and Fred, at least) has given her a sense of security that she lacked before, and that helps with her detecting.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Augusta Peel book is always wonderful news, and this one didn't disappoint :D

Philip is brought by Detective Inspector Morris into an investigation about a stolen painting. Scotland Yard suspects an art dealer who goes by the name of Briggs has it and they are willing to contract Philip to confirm this suspicions. And Philip quickly brought Augusta into it, of course *g* And the fun thing is they will have to do going undercover as a married couple *laughs*

But before tackling this issue, Augusta, albeit reluctantly, has accepted Lady Hereford's invitation to a fashion show where her niece’s daughter, Daphne is modelling. Surprising herself, Augusta quite enjoys it. That is, she does it until the end when the dead body of one of the models is discovered by Daphne. Being the person who found the victim Daphne is soon put under arrest and yes, Augusta is now working on two cases. Detective Sergeant Joyce is the one working the murder case and he's glad to get any help he can from Augusta. Oh, what a long way has he walked since they first met :P

The case of the stolen painting gets a little more difficult than they both imagined and Augusta and Philip face some dangerous moments that almost lead to something else, but alas, no! bad timing :P

Nevertheless, they are not ready to give up on their pursuit of the elusive Briggs. Meanwhile, the murder investigation gets more and more complex with too many suspects... and a new dead body. Things aren't looking up in this front, either :P

The good news is that Fred got himself a lady friend who is spending a fortune on books just to chat with him *g* The bad news is that said girl has an admirer/stalker who hasn't taken kindly her interest in Fred. Oh, boy!

So, yes, a lot is going on in this book, there isn't a moment of calm until the very end. I must say I was totally surprised by who the murderer was, I was oblivious until August explained it to me *shakes head* But at least, all the baddies ended up in prison and the painting returned to its proper owner.

Ah, but that ending... poor Augusta! I can't wait for the next book and see how things go on!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in the Augusta Peel mystery series. Author Emily Organ brings us another thoroughly enjoyable and intriguing mystery.

I really enjoyed this book with its dual mysteries of a murder at a fashion show and a stolen painting. Besides repairing old books for resale, Augusta again works with Scotland Yard to solve both mysteries. There is lots of travel around London (including a car chase!) and even the beginning of a budding romance for her shop assistant, Fred.

This book kept me interested all the way to the end. I did not guess the culprit, and was misled a number of times. As always, moral support by Sparky the canary, whose owner, Lady Hereford has a particular interest in the investigation.

I really like Emily's books because they contain interesting facts about London at that time woven into the plot. She does good historical research for each book. Highly recommended!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Mrs Peel series. She is so down to earth and realistic. This time she gets pulled into an investigation with people who seem complete opposites of her. She and Mr Fisher end up in what might be a life threatening situation.

I especially like this book for two reasons. First, it seems that Augusta and Philip may see a change in their relationship. Additionally, we learn a little about Augusta’s previous life and background.

I highly recommend you read the entire series. Even if you don’t, this standalone book is well worth the read .

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the books in this series, and this newest addition did not disappoint.
Augusta and Philip have two mysteries to solve in this story. Scotland Yard would like Augusta and Philip to investigate a case of stolen and fenced art work, one in particular for a man to whom said painting means a great deal.
The other investigation deals with, of course, murder. Augusta goes with Lady Hereford to a fashion show in which Lady Hereford's grand niece is one of the models. Another one of the show's models ends up dead back stage during the show. And from there, the race to find the murderer is on. There are many potential suspects, but the case proves to be a difficult one to solve.
I enjoyed this book a great deal and am looking very forward to the next one in the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am leaving my voluntary review.

[KathleenWH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two mysteries to solve

Augusta Peel has two mysteries to address in “Death in Kensington” but only
one really receives the full attention of her sharp mind.

There is the death referred to in the title, of course, and an investigation into
shady art dealing which seems to me to be almost an afterthought, as if
Ms Organ had a quota of pages to fill.

The murder investigation occupies the center of the book and Ms Peel does
a magnificent job of peeling apart the different layers of the onion.

It’s a wonderful addition to the eight book series, and I highly recommend it.

[Terry Polston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs Peel is very busy. She is running her bookshop, restoring damaged books, going undercover to find stolen artwork, and helping solve a murder. What a busy week. It was interesting to read about the beginnings of modeling careers. The jealousy, and fragile egos of the girls were the same as they are today. Not much has changed there. The girls were used to having such strict rules and then they get to wear fabulous clothes, get photographed, and meet interesting people. Heady stuff for these very young girls.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are several layers of crimes here. Philip was tasked by a peer to find a particular painting that was taken during a robbery, the perpetrator was known but Scotland Yard could not prove a thing. Augusta's help was needed here for undercover work; so was her presence at a fashion show where Lady Hereford's high strung niece was a model. After the show, Daphne found the star model, strangled. Again Augusta's help was needed when Daphne was arrested for Lola's murder. This is a Good one.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. I loved the combination of 1920s fashion and history in London. Augusta Peel makes a fun and skilled detective all while running her own bookshop in London. In this book, she works closely with Scotland Yard to solve a murder in the fashion world and also helps Phiiip Fisher to return a stolen painting. I enjoyed a car chase through downtown London that included a tour of many of the tourist sites, some I saw myself when I visited there a few years back.

[Cynthia Knotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this one in a day!

I really love Emily Organs' mysteries. Not just this series but all her books. This is a great mystery, with interesting characters and a plot that surprised me. The story is a good one. If you love a good mystery you must read this. It will surely turn you on to all her other books.

[Patricia Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for a quiet evening at home👍👍

To date, I have read all the books in this series and am looking forward to the next one. They are all well written with unforgettable, believable characters and situations. .They hold your interest from beginning to end and , in my opinion, is time well spent.

[Gary and Sandra Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love this writer

All of Emily Organ's books are a delight to read. This book takes place at a fashion show, but the supposed suspects will just not cooperate, they all got alibis. If this is not enough, Augusta and Philip are assisting Scotland Yard in apprehending a art theft ring. Wonderful storytelling and characters make this a enjoyable reading experience.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Good Story

Mrs. Peel is an innocent bystander when a murder happens at a fashion show. She is asked to help the police with investigating the crime. She and Philip are also asked to help Scotland Yard with their case of theft of very valuable art. Busy woman. Interesting outcomes of both cases.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that the author needs to be more familiar with UK terminology, or use it. NO Brit asks for the bathroom. Toilets, WC, but never, ever, the bathroom. Bathrooms have baths. Every time Augusta asks for or talks about bathrooms, it sets my teeth on edge. Come on, Emily, you should know better!

[PIETER · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've grown to like this series more and more. Here, Lady Hereford's great niece is arrested for a murder at a fashion show. Augusta is asked to remove her from police suspicion but the number of suspects becomes increasingly confusing. Philip and Augusta work together again on multiple cases simultaneously.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely descriptions of fashion and what it's like to be a model in this newest of jobs for beautiful young women. And, as August and Philip team up to find a stolen painting, Augusta's heart keeps fluttering for Philip. Highly Recommended.

[Elainebowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Another wonderful book,the characters are really well written and the description of the places are wonderful,I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fashion is murder!

Lady Hereford's grand niece is a fashion model. She is accused of murdering a fellow model at a public fashion show! Augusta, Philip, Fred, and Joyce thus enter into the world of high fashion!

[Kathie Frobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't see it coming!

The London fashion scene of the 1920's is something I was unaware of. The characters Emily created for this industry are quite interesting, as is the crafty art thief who exploits vulnerable art lovers.
I thought I knew who the murderer was but nope!

[Kathy Byers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I have really enjoyed this series so far. I sometimes wish the characters and storyline was more thoroughly developed but enjoy them nonetheless. They are reminiscent of Agatha Christie's books.

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series as I like the main character, Mrs. Peel. Ahem. It was interesting learning more about her background.
This mystery centered around fashion models in the 1920. And art theft, two mysteries running along side of each other. Both good.

[Helen Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Augusta Peel Mystery I enjoyed a lot! I love all the reoccurring characters immensely and hope Emily Organ has still many ideas for this ongoing series. I did not guess the murderer right away in this one ;-)

[Gail Tavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good

I always enjoy reading Augusta Perl books by Emily Organ. They are always a great mystery book and you never figure out the murderer until the end, no matter how hard you try.

[Brian Holmwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have said before that I really enjoy Emily Organ books and I am really enjoying the Augusta Peel books. Death in Kensington doesn't disappoint. An unpopular model is murdered at a fashion show. As always there is a number of suspects and a surprising culprit. On to the next book.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. The mysteries in this series are always decent. I like Augusta. The books aren’t great but they are entertaining and a quick read.

[Pascalpaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like the augusta peel books, and have read every book, but Death in Kensington is not a good read.
Characters and storyline poor and uninteresting, got very bored with it, and nearly didn't finish it, easily guessed who the murderer was, and was hoping there would be a red herring at the end to alleviate my boredom
Also it was definitely not worth £4.99!

[Christa Saccullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fashionable Murder

This one was an interesting insight into the early fashion world, how competitive emotions can run high...enough to trigger murder. Enter Augusta Peel!

[Colette Ferreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the Augusta Peel series by Emily Organ! Augusta is a fascinating character, a middle-aged book repairer with a mysterious past, running a quaint bookbinding workshop in Bloomsbury. Her quiet life is turned upside down when she becomes entangled in various murder investigations, often alongside Scotland Yard detective Inspector Fisher.

What makes this series truly special is Augusta's unique profession. Her expertise in restoring old books adds a rich layer to the stories, and her bookshop serves as a cozy backdrop to the unfolding mysteries. The historical 1920s setting is beautifully depicted, immersing readers in the vibrant atmosphere of London during that era.

The chemistry between Augusta and Inspector Fisher is delightful, and their partnership evolves in a way that feels both natural and engaging. The mysteries themselves are well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked.

If you're a fan of historical mysteries with strong, relatable characters and a touch of romance, I highly recommend this series. It's a charming and captivating read from start to finish.