Digging Up Death at the Castle

Kitty McCray Cozy Mystery #2

by Avery Kent

An English castle, a smart resourceful young sleuth, and treasure that leads to treachery…

The tranquil halls of Frobisher castle echo with excitement when new castle employee and graduate student, Kitty McCray, helps to discover ancient artifacts during castle restorations.

When American visitors and press arrive to view the display, one of the guests is murdered . Kitty must navigate a labyrinth of clues and suspects, a skeptical police inspector and a killer lurking in the shadows.

With the clock ticking and a murderer on the loose, Kitty must rely on her wit, her intrepid Nan, and her sweet wandering cat Mittens , to unmask the culprit before they strike again. Richard, the castle’s handsome young owner, might be the next victim.

But as Kitty edges closer to the truth, she places herself in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer, setting the stage for a deadly showdown.

Genres: Mystery

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2024

Reviews

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another nice entry in the Kitty McCray mystery series, set at a castle in England. In this one Kitty and Richard (the owner of the castle and her friend since childhood) are planning an auction for charity. However, while looking around the room where the auction will be held, they discover a secret room filled with artifacts from Egypt. Soon, they're incorporating the artifacts into the charity event, with plans to send the artifacts back to Egypt once its however. Of course, this being a cozy mystery, we also get a murder, and a theft. With many possible suspects, all staying at the castle, Kitty and her friends begin to investigate.

If you're looking for a tense, suspense-filled mystery this probably isn't the series for you. But if you like your mysteries light, this may work.

[MaryAnn Wohlbrandt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Need a proofreader!

Hire a proofreader!!! Learn the basics of punctuation, especially the proper use of commas. Would make it a much more enjoyable reading experience. Otherwise, the story wasn't too bad.

[Janna-Lis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book set in the English castle featuring supersleuth Kitty McCray, her cat Mittens, her nan and Richard the castle owner.
During renovations to the red dining room another room was discovered behind a wall. The room was crammed full of Egyptian artefacts and Richard was keen to restore them to where they belong in Egypt.
Deciding to display the haul for a few days before shipping them off, a select group were invited to stay at the castle, including other family members related to the original expeditions, museum curaters, various journalists with interest especially relevant to the find.
When a woman's body was found in the display room, as well as priceless necklace was missing the castle became a hive of speculation, accusations and revelations. Everyone had something to hide, many were not who they claimed to be and others with agendas that could link them to the crimes.
Asd the plot thickens Kitty used her skills to fillet out the truth from all the twists and turns until the final revelation .
I enjoy this Author's style, believable characters and plots wich are fascinating and also believable. I highly recommend this book which ticks asll my boxes for an excellent cozy mystery.
I received an ARC copy of this book and leave my review voluntarily because I enjoyed reading it.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable mystery with all the suspects in the old house/castle.

During renovations Kitty's cat finds a lost room at the castle, filled with Egyptian artifacts brought back to England by the grandfather of the current owner and her employer, Richard. Richard decides the right thing to gift them to a museum in Egypt, but not before putting them all on display, including a fabulous necklace, to get some publicity for the castle and its renovations.

But almost as soon as they go on display one of the guests is murdered, and the necklace is stolen. Then the murderer strikes again, and Richard himself is also attacked. Will he become a third victim? Can Kitty dig through the clues and suspects to work out who the killer is before it is too late?

The characters are likable, and the dialogue between them believable. While in no way a thriller, there is excitement as the plot unfolds and the danger to Richard and Kitty increases.

Recommended for lovers of cosy mysteries, particularly those with an interest in antiques, Egyptology or stories set in old castles.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid writing ! An Englishman’s home is his castle. Yes I know this one really is a castle . It belongs to a very nice man name of Richard. Frobisher Castle’s new employee and graduate student Kitty McCray is in for a treat when by helping out with restorations, a discovery is made though. Richard Frobisher gets more than he bargained for while showing her around when the kitten goes missing and his walls have more bricks removed to help it be found. Unearthed is Egyptian artefacts no less . Then a more gruesome discovery amid the American guests and press , with the murder of one of the guests . Oh my ! With time running low it’s time to reveal the killer with the help of her Nan and of course her sweet Mittens…. Awesome storytelling by Avery Kent . A truly immersive , get lost in the mayhem of excellent storytelling, excellent descriptions and great characters. Superb writing from an excellent pen.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty is at the Frobisher Castle to help Richard get ready for the benefit for the children's charity when her cat Mittens disappears into a wall that is being worked on and the only way to get her out is to break down the way. Inside they find that there are Egyptian artifacts from when Richard's grandfather was doing digs in Egypt. He decides that he will return the artifacts to Egypt but first wants to have a gathering for the other families that were part of his grandfathers adventures to come and view them one more time.
Unfortunately for everyone that's when the murders start happening. Kitty gets involved working to solve the mystery when the second murder happens. It took a lot of investigating around the police and the people in the castle to figure everything out but eventually the guilty person is brought to justice. I received an ARC for this book and this is my honest review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Frobisher is restoring his castle hoping to donate the artifacts he's finding after displaying them in the castle. Kitty McCray is an employee and graduate who has been helping out with restorations. While walking through the areas of restoration checking out the progress, Richard and Kitty find the her kitten Mittens is missing. They find the kitten in a small space, causing them to tear out a wall to get her out. But much to their surprise, they find a hidden room with lots of Egyptian artifacts and a beautiful necklace that his grandfather had amassed over the years. Determined to offer the relics for display first, before donating them to the museum, we have a murder and the missing necklace. And so the fun begins! With lots of twists and turns we are taken to a great ending. I highly recommend this second book in the series as well as the first book. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am currently reading the 5th book in this series. Overall, they are well-written and decently edited. However, I have some quibbles with Book 2, Digging Up Death at the Castle, especially in the editing. There are many comma splices throughout the book; this is distracting. There are also misused or misspelled words or phrases--"heirs and graces" instead of "airs and graces", "dower" instead of "dour". There were others as well. I don't know where Avery Kent is from, but I kept feeling that the stories are written by an American who bases some of her characterizations on stock British characters from mystery films or books from the 1930s. The other books in the series seem to be more consistently edited, and while there are still some anachronistic phrases here and there, they are not so obvious that they take me out of the story.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frobisher Castle is having some repairs done & there is a small space behind a wall found by the builders. Whilst Richard Frobisher is sowing Kitty the work in progress Mittens, her cat, gets into the space & they have to knock a lot more wall down to rescue her & find masses of valuable Egyptian artefacts from various digs that had been part financed by Richard’s great grandfather. They decide the things must go back to Egypt but first to have a showing to the families of the people involved in the digs. Then someone gets murdered & the most valuable piece, a necklace, is missing. Then another person gets murdered & Richard is luckily saved by Kitty arriving on the scene. Several people could be guilty but in the end, Kitty gets the murderer caught. An interesting read.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pharaoh's curse!

Frobisher Castle is hosting a children's charity auction but a recent plumbing leak has Richard looking for ways to fix the damage with their limited funds. He and Kitty stumble onto a hidden room full of his grandfather's archeological artifacts from Egypt and they plan an event to earn money for the repairs. The event draws interest and while the attendees are at the Castle Kitty stumbles onto a murder scene. Inspector Haddock has a suspect in custody but Kitty is convinced he has the wrong person and sets out to find the killer.

This is a well-written series with storylines that keep me guessing. The possibility of a romance between Richard and Kitty adds a nice touch. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book even better than the first book since now all the key characters are established, and I felt like I was greeting people I already met. By the next book everyone’s gonna seem like old friends. I love the chemistry between Richard and Kitty! I can only hope for their already-solid relationship to turn to maybe more than just old childhood buddies.

The showdown was awesome and the planned type like I love. It’s just incredibly satisfying catching a wily perp while having all the pieces fall into place. In book form only. I’m super content to leave the actual legwork to Kitty, Richard, Nan and the Major lol. And of course, the adorable Mittens and Flint. It’s really cool how that cat finds clues! Can’t wait to see what adventure comes along for these guys!

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frobisher Castle owner Richard Frobisher and Kitty McCray with her cat find some artifact behind a wall in the red dinning room at the Castle. Lots of people who were connected to the artifact come to stay at the Castle. Kitty finds Warren Shaw over the dead body of Betsy Carmichael who had been murdered and the valuable necklace was missing too.  Then there is another  murder this time it is Asta  Stone . Lot of mayhem with twist and turns.Kitty tries to find the real culprit going about looking for clues. A intriguing read with a nail-biting finish .  I received this ARC copy via booksprouts and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Karen Armes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty McCray and her kitten Mittens along with Nan and Richard find themselves in another murder mystery at the Castle. While the castle is Richards family home, it is also a hotel. During renovations a hidden area in the Red dining room is discovered and hidden treasures are uncovered. Bringing special guest into the castle to view the Egyptian artifacts also brings in jewelry/art thieves and murderers. The storyline is very interesting and will keep you guessing. The characters are believable and the setting is very captivating. This is the second book in this series and though it can stand alone it would be more enjoyable if you have read the first book.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!!! This and action packed of an page turner and the suspense is mysterious. I was on the verge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. This was a funny and humor story. Kitty was Richards cat in England and they was looking for and egyptian artifacts around in the castle. Is this artifacts might be worth a lot of money. Somebody else wanted this artifacts too. Will the person be caught in time or will it be sold in an auction. And who was murder to keep the artifacts out the hands of others right now.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Sue Rae Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digging Up Death at the Castle a Kitty McCray Mystery by Avery Kent in which the builders are fixing the damage of water in the Red Dining Room and they find a hidden room. MIttens the cat decides this a perfect place to explore. Kitty and Nolan discover a hidden room full of Egyptian artifacts from Nolan's great great-grandfather's collection from his expeditions while trying to get to Mittens. It's a major find! Noland plans a charity event to show off the collection then return everything to Egypt. The evening of the charity event someone is pushed down the stairs and then someone is stabbed to death. Are these artifacts cursed? Thanks to Avery Kent for this wonderful read!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series that I have read. Once again you find Nan and her granddaughter Kitty in the middle of things. And where you have Kitty - you have her cat Mittens. After a water leak and some renovations, Mitten finds a hole in a temporary wall that will lead to an international mystery.
The story kept my attention and as usual with a good mystery there might be a murder or even two.. Once again Kitty is at the center of solving the mystery. It's a good read and I would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Frobisher is remodeling part of the castle when Kitty’s kitten, Muffins, crawls through a hole in the wall. They enlarge the hole to get her and find a hidden treasure of Egyptian Antiques. They decide to display in the castle. But at least one of the guests wants the artifacts for themselves. An employee of the castle is injured, a guest is killed and the artifacts are targeted. Can Kitty piece the clues together and solve the case before something is stolen or somebody else is murdered? This is an engaging mystery full of clues and suspects. Enjoy.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digging Up Death at the Castle is book #2 in the Kitty McCray Cozy Mystery series by Avery Kent.

An exciting discovery in the castle leads to death takes a dark turn. I really like characters in this book and the castle setting. The mystery was really interesting because not much was known about the victim or the suspects, but there were plenty of suspects. There was so much going on that with every twist, I changed my mind about the guilty party.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Taryn Raulston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitty & Richard stumble upon ancient Egyptian artifacts hidden in the castle that cause more trouble than they’re worth. This unique find attracts all sorts of selfish characters to the castle for the unveiling. There’s a lot of incriminating information floating around, which makes it easy to dislike and mistrust all the possible suspects.
I didn’t like this book as much as the first one in the series, but still a good mystery and great main characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intriguing & entertaining murder mystery for amateur shrewd sleuth Kitty to solve. She weighs up all the possibilities & does some research into suspects. Several people want to mislead her after 2 murders, & more! Evidence is thin, so Kitty devises a plan to catch the thieving murderer! Highly enjoyable, recommend. (Second in series, but standalone)
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author, & I am writing a voluntary honest review.

[Linda Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typos Hurt the Story

I have enjoyed both of the books in this series but this time typos continually pulled me out of the plotl. Not just misspellings but also synonyms like :wrapped instead of rapped. The author needs to hire a proofreader, there is really no excuse for the many
errors.
Sad because I loved the mystery and the characters and will try the next book and hope someone read it before releasing it to the world.

[Colby Woodring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel very much. It had me on the edge of my seat at times. I felt like I was truly investigating right alongside Kitty, Mittens, and friends. It was the kind of mystery that kept me guessing a different killer in each chapter. It was also fun to read and kept me engaged throughout the book. I can't wait to see what comes next!

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Cozy.

A highly entertaining cozy with Kitty and Richard investigating a murder at the castle. Of course, Kitty's darling and clever cat, Mittens, is key to the story. Lots of suspects, lots of motives and lots of denials of guilt. A truly enjoyable and well written cozy.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greed, greed, and more greed. Worth killing people for??? Maybe until it's you losing your life. This was a cut throat killer with tunnel vision. They only saw the end goal and not the path of destruction they wrought in the pursuit of it. This kept me guessing and turning pages, but I still ended up clueless. A good mystery worth your time.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mittens discovers a hidden room with priceless artifacts there is a lot of interest from the press, historians and thieves. Good thing Kitty is on site to add her skills as amateur sleuth to the mix. There are a lot of plot twists until everything is resolved. I am looking forward to more in this series.

[L.a.l · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you thought that having a charity event at a castle that was being fixed up was to be calm, then you are reading the wrong book.
From finding secret passages to deception, this book is loaded with twists, turns and a load of fun characters to follow.
Keeps you thinking from cover to cover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good cozy mystery book

I really enjoyed reading this cozy mystery. I like how Kitty, her friend & the owner of the home/castle, Richard & her cat, mittens helped to solve the mystery of the murders & accidents that occurred. I would recommend this cozy mystery to anyone who likes these type of books.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. The characters are becoming more beloved to this reader with each book. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who stole the discovered Egyptian necklace and helped to injure the housekeeper of the castle. The answers were convoluted and hard to figure out. I definitely recommend this book and the first one.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice cozy mystery

What do you do if you discover a treasure trove of Egyptian artifacts in a secret room of your castle? Well, how about inviting a bunch of near-strangers to look at them before they're placed in locked cases, of course! I really enjoyed this story, and the slowly-building hints of romantic tension just add to the fun without being intrusive.

[Divya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was yet another interesting cozy mystery in this series. This one sees Kitty and her friends investigate the murder of a woman staying at the castle. The story is interesting with intriguing characters, stolen artifacts and adorable pets.