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Manor House Mysteries #3
For Whom Death Tolls
Released for the First Time on Kindle, the third book in the fabulous Manor House Mystery Series by Kate Kingsbury, the bestselling author of the Pennyfoot Hotel Mysteries!
Enthralling mystery, lots of laughter and a little bit of romance – that’s village life in wartime England….
Left with only a muddle-headed butler, a bossy cook/housekeeper and a couple of energetic maids, Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton has enough problems on her hands. Not only is she struggling to upkeep the sprawling Manor House and vast acres she inherited, she must also take care of her numerous tenants, while coping with the inconveniences and sacrifices of wartime England. Fortunately Sitting Marsh is far removed from the bombing going on in London and other cities. That doesn’t mean that peace prevails in the tiny village. There’s the handsome American major who takes over the Manor House for officers’ quarters, and the group of belligerent housewives determined to take on the German invaders, not to mention a murder or two…
Lovers of Agatha Christie’s books will find much to enjoy in this tale of intrigue and laughter in an English village, and Emily Brightwell fans will fall in love with the offbeat characters of Sitting Marsh.
FOR WHOM DEATH TOLLS
Lady Elizabeth is horrified when the body of an American airman is found hanging from a bell rope in the church tower. As always, our intrepid sleuth is hot on the trail, but a missed clue and a formidable killer may very well cost her life.
Enthralling mystery, lots of laughter and a little bit of romance – that’s village life in wartime England….
Left with only a muddle-headed butler, a bossy cook/housekeeper and a couple of energetic maids, Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton has enough problems on her hands. Not only is she struggling to upkeep the sprawling Manor House and vast acres she inherited, she must also take care of her numerous tenants, while coping with the inconveniences and sacrifices of wartime England. Fortunately Sitting Marsh is far removed from the bombing going on in London and other cities. That doesn’t mean that peace prevails in the tiny village. There’s the handsome American major who takes over the Manor House for officers’ quarters, and the group of belligerent housewives determined to take on the German invaders, not to mention a murder or two…
Lovers of Agatha Christie’s books will find much to enjoy in this tale of intrigue and laughter in an English village, and Emily Brightwell fans will fall in love with the offbeat characters of Sitting Marsh.
FOR WHOM DEATH TOLLS
Lady Elizabeth is horrified when the body of an American airman is found hanging from a bell rope in the church tower. As always, our intrepid sleuth is hot on the trail, but a missed clue and a formidable killer may very well cost her life.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2002
44 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Kate Kingsbury
85 books569 followersKate Kingsbury grew up in London, England, and at a very early age began telling stories to her school friends during the London Blitz of WW II while huddling in bomb shelters. Kate moved to the U.S. in the early sixties, and had passed her 50th birthday when she published her first book. Writing as Doreen Roberts, (her real name at the time) she published 26 romance novels for Harlequin/Silhouette. In 1991 her first Pennyfoot Hotel book was published and since then Kate has written 35 mysteries, including the Manor House mysteries, the Bellehaven House mysteries(written as Rebecca Kent) and the Raven's Nest mysteries, (written as Allison Kingsley.) Her new series, The Merry Ghost Inn Mysteries debuted in January, 2017 with Dead and Breakfast, featuring a B & B on the Oregon coast. She has one son, Regan, and lives with her husband, Bill, in the beautiful state of Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 29, 2024
Overall this series has improved. At least in this book Elizabeth had a reason to be involved in the case and wasn't just pushing in. It begins with church bells ringing in the middle of the night a sign the Germans have invaded. Anxiously the villagers all arrive at the church including the intrepid Rita Crumm and her army of followers. It's soon discovered there is no invasion but there's an American soldier sort of hanging from the bells in the towers. As he is American they take over the investigation and Earl asked Elizabeth to investigate as they seem determined to blame Polly's beau Sam. The deceased and Sam had at least two physical fights one over Polly and the other over a poker game. In what turns out to be a related plot line there's suddenly an abundance in food around town. Peaches, chicken, things that are next to impossible to get due to rationing. These goods dry up soon after the murders leaving Elizabeth to connect the two. The b plot involves a cricket game a seemingly softening of relations between the British and American troops and the promise of a baseball game in the future. Some amusements for me included the adventures of George and Gracie and Martin thinking a person was peeing on the table in the drawing room, a downside to giving pets human names, the chimney sweeping was equally amusing. I learned chocolate chip cookies came to England with the Americans as Elizabeth was enchanted by them while visiting a new lady in town. Polly kind of annoyed me. Saying things like if the Americans hadn't come into the war the Germans for sure would've invaded by now. Um no kiddo by the time the Americans entered the war Hitler decided Russia was an easier target cause that's what insane megolmaniacs do. Not that Stalin wasn't better as my Ukrainian ancestors could attest to. Granted if Hitker hadn't invaded Russia they might very well have invaded. But if we go into all the stupid things he did this could go on for too long. She also whined about how much work she had to do. Maybe if you hadn't lied to your creep of a boyfriend and yes he is a creep. Polly is 15, he is 24 even if he thinks she's older it still gives me the ick, but anyway if she hadn't lied to him and said she was a secretary instead of a maid this wouldn't be an issue. You brought it on yourself. Elizabeth also annoyed me by constantly asking for two lumps of sugar. I know there's black market stuff going on but wasn't sugar extremely rationed? And how rude to take a bunch of sugar from someone else's rations even if you are lady of the manor. Anyway aside from these small gripes this one was good and I quite enjoyed visiting with the folks of Sitting Marsh again.
May 10, 2020
For Whom Death Tolls by Kate Kingsbury is the third book of the Manor House mystery series set in the English countryside during World War II. Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton is a widow, an orphan, and Lady of the Manor for Sitting Marsh, the nearby village. She's nearly penniless, must allow a busload of sight-seers to tour her home in order to finance overdue repairs.
Housekeeper/cook Violet and senile butler Martin live at the Manor House; they've worked for Elizabeth's family all her life. American pilots are billeted in the east wing, their leader Major Earl Monroe. Housemaid Polly (who lives with her mother and sister in the village) is infatuated with Sam, an American flyer. To impress Sam, Polly lies about her age, claims to be Elizabeth's secretary.
When a soldier is murdered in Sitting Marsh, Sam is arrested. Polly is devastated. Elizabeth is sure Sam is innocent, so when Earl asks her to make discreet inquiries in town, she readily agrees. She would have considered it her duty as Lady of the Manor anyway. She's grateful for a reason to speak often to Earl. She hides her attraction to him, as he has a wife in the States, but she enjoys his companionship whenever it's appropriate.
In hopes of alleviating tension between the British and American soldiers, Elizabeth organizes a cricket match. She gracefully handles friction with bossy villager Rita, and gently questions a shopkeeper dealing in stolen goods, wondering if it relates to the murder. She visits a new village resident, sympathetic to her deafness, but later senses something is not quite right.
In a totally hilarious scene, Elizabeth attempts to clean her own chimneys to save money. Disaster averted, Elizabeth continues sleuthing, until she comes face to face with the killer.
Housekeeper/cook Violet and senile butler Martin live at the Manor House; they've worked for Elizabeth's family all her life. American pilots are billeted in the east wing, their leader Major Earl Monroe. Housemaid Polly (who lives with her mother and sister in the village) is infatuated with Sam, an American flyer. To impress Sam, Polly lies about her age, claims to be Elizabeth's secretary.
When a soldier is murdered in Sitting Marsh, Sam is arrested. Polly is devastated. Elizabeth is sure Sam is innocent, so when Earl asks her to make discreet inquiries in town, she readily agrees. She would have considered it her duty as Lady of the Manor anyway. She's grateful for a reason to speak often to Earl. She hides her attraction to him, as he has a wife in the States, but she enjoys his companionship whenever it's appropriate.
In hopes of alleviating tension between the British and American soldiers, Elizabeth organizes a cricket match. She gracefully handles friction with bossy villager Rita, and gently questions a shopkeeper dealing in stolen goods, wondering if it relates to the murder. She visits a new village resident, sympathetic to her deafness, but later senses something is not quite right.
In a totally hilarious scene, Elizabeth attempts to clean her own chimneys to save money. Disaster averted, Elizabeth continues sleuthing, until she comes face to face with the killer.
February 20, 2017
This is the 4th book in the Manor House series by Kate Kingsbury. The story opens only a few weeks after the conclusion of the previous novel, "Death is in the Air." Because most of the characters, major and secondary, continue from one book to the next, this entry is really not a standalone novel. While backstory for the major characters is briefly touched upon, that is not enough to truly appreciate the situation in which WWII has placed Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton. Therefore, I would recommend that the series be read in order.
Now, on the practical side, these books are difficult to find. Most of the entries in this series have not yet been converted to e-format and are out of active publication in paper format. They are quite expensive in the used book market and the public library system that serves my city of over a million souls has only one copy of this particular issue. However, it is worth seeking out this entry as it contains the plot arc in which the relationship between Lady Elizabeth and Major Monroe begins its shift toward the romantic side.
While this book is classified as a cozy historical mystery, I would consider it as a “cozy” only because the primary character has no ties to the policing community, not even as a private investigator. I would also think that editors would classify this as a cozy because the mystery is solved as a part of and while the lead character is fulfilling her daily obligations as administrator and guardian of the manor.
However, there is nothing cozy about the manner of murder. There is nothing cozy about the interrogation of Lady Elizabeth and Polly by the military investigators. And there is absolutely nothing cozy about the confrontation between Lady Elizabeth and the murderer.
While this book is not written in the first person, the story is told primarily from Lady Elizabeth’s point of view. Thus, we only get to analyze the clues at the speed with which the author allows them into the sphere of our main character. All the clues are subtle, no obvious red herrings, and all suspects are plausible. And just like Elizabeth, I missed the main clue. Oh, I identified the murderer, but, just like Elizabeth, I missed the twist.
For me, missing the twist was an “Oh. Well, huh!” moment. But for the character of Elizabeth, missing the twist nearly caused her death. So if surviving without a scratch and being rescued at the last moment by the rising love interest in her life are characteristics of a cozy, then this novel is a cozy. However, it is surely a realistically plotted one, right up to and including the rescue.
Kate Kingsbury is quite adept at portraying a historical period. Her characters speak with the dialect and vocabulary of the times. The internal monologues stay in character, as do the descriptions of the surrounding countryside, homes and businesses. And her ability to write the character of Martin, the increasingly senile butler, is a wonder. He is given a demeanor that is stately rather than pathetic. And the man is absolutely hilarious. The looks that the author puts on his face, the stances that she gives his body and the way she has him phrase his words make you think that he may not be as barmy as he appears.
And speaking of being hilarious, don’t let the cozy nature of this story stop you from reading before you get to Chapter 9. In this chapter, Lady Elizabeth and her staff finally begin a chore that they have been discussing periodically for several chapters, cleaning the chimneys. Within just a few paragraphs you know exactly what’s going to happen; you can see it coming a mile away. And by the last word of the chapter, you will be howling with laughter, tears rolling down your cheeks. Bravo, Kate Kingsbury, for a scene that I will probably never forget.
Now, on the practical side, these books are difficult to find. Most of the entries in this series have not yet been converted to e-format and are out of active publication in paper format. They are quite expensive in the used book market and the public library system that serves my city of over a million souls has only one copy of this particular issue. However, it is worth seeking out this entry as it contains the plot arc in which the relationship between Lady Elizabeth and Major Monroe begins its shift toward the romantic side.
While this book is classified as a cozy historical mystery, I would consider it as a “cozy” only because the primary character has no ties to the policing community, not even as a private investigator. I would also think that editors would classify this as a cozy because the mystery is solved as a part of and while the lead character is fulfilling her daily obligations as administrator and guardian of the manor.
However, there is nothing cozy about the manner of murder. There is nothing cozy about the interrogation of Lady Elizabeth and Polly by the military investigators. And there is absolutely nothing cozy about the confrontation between Lady Elizabeth and the murderer.
While this book is not written in the first person, the story is told primarily from Lady Elizabeth’s point of view. Thus, we only get to analyze the clues at the speed with which the author allows them into the sphere of our main character. All the clues are subtle, no obvious red herrings, and all suspects are plausible. And just like Elizabeth, I missed the main clue. Oh, I identified the murderer, but, just like Elizabeth, I missed the twist.
For me, missing the twist was an “Oh. Well, huh!” moment. But for the character of Elizabeth, missing the twist nearly caused her death. So if surviving without a scratch and being rescued at the last moment by the rising love interest in her life are characteristics of a cozy, then this novel is a cozy. However, it is surely a realistically plotted one, right up to and including the rescue.
Kate Kingsbury is quite adept at portraying a historical period. Her characters speak with the dialect and vocabulary of the times. The internal monologues stay in character, as do the descriptions of the surrounding countryside, homes and businesses. And her ability to write the character of Martin, the increasingly senile butler, is a wonder. He is given a demeanor that is stately rather than pathetic. And the man is absolutely hilarious. The looks that the author puts on his face, the stances that she gives his body and the way she has him phrase his words make you think that he may not be as barmy as he appears.
And speaking of being hilarious, don’t let the cozy nature of this story stop you from reading before you get to Chapter 9. In this chapter, Lady Elizabeth and her staff finally begin a chore that they have been discussing periodically for several chapters, cleaning the chimneys. Within just a few paragraphs you know exactly what’s going to happen; you can see it coming a mile away. And by the last word of the chapter, you will be howling with laughter, tears rolling down your cheeks. Bravo, Kate Kingsbury, for a scene that I will probably never forget.
August 11, 2014
A quick read, more like a literary snack. The dénouement was interesting, though not that big a surprise. Left me hungry but not quite starving for more of Lady Elizabeth and Major Earl Monroe.
October 19, 2018
This is a consistently enjoyable series and it offers good insight into the changes brought about by two world wars, such as the crumbling division between the aristocracy and the common people (illustrated when Polly informs Elizabeth that people don't appreciate being called "servants") and also the changing role of women in society and the work force.
I am getting a little sick of Rita Crumm, however. But these types of books follow a formula and Rita is part of the formula for the Manor House series. Oh well. I have to take the bad with the good, I guess.
The mystery was a little more complex in this book than the previous two. But why would Elizabeth suspect Violet of being the contact when she already knew something was up with Percy and his grocery store? He was definitely more of a suspect in that regard. And, for the first time with the Manor House series, I was completely thrown as to the killer's identity.
Through Elizabeth and Polly (and to a lesser extent Major Monroe, Sam and others), Kingsbury creates characters that the reader will care to see what happens to them next. I love the budding relationship between Elizabeth and the major. Both are trying so hard not to overstep the bounds of propriety. Of course, the only way I can see Elizabeth avoiding heartbreak is for Major Monroe to receive a "Dear John" letter from his wife. I'm hoping it arrives soon.
I am getting a little sick of Rita Crumm, however. But these types of books follow a formula and Rita is part of the formula for the Manor House series. Oh well. I have to take the bad with the good, I guess.
The mystery was a little more complex in this book than the previous two. But why would Elizabeth suspect Violet of being the contact when she already knew something was up with Percy and his grocery store? He was definitely more of a suspect in that regard. And, for the first time with the Manor House series, I was completely thrown as to the killer's identity.
Through Elizabeth and Polly (and to a lesser extent Major Monroe, Sam and others), Kingsbury creates characters that the reader will care to see what happens to them next. I love the budding relationship between Elizabeth and the major. Both are trying so hard not to overstep the bounds of propriety. Of course, the only way I can see Elizabeth avoiding heartbreak is for Major Monroe to receive a "Dear John" letter from his wife. I'm hoping it arrives soon.
September 8, 2024
The best mystery of the bunch so far, 4/5 stars.
It's surprising how the mind works. Even 4 years after reading this for the first time, I still remembered what happened. With that being said, this definitely is the best mystery so far in the series. We have a murder that slowly reveals a hidden backstory in our small English village, that both adds depth and fits well into the time period. The reveal itself is more surprising than usual, and I thought it was a really satisfying conclusion.
Characters and writing are much of the same, which is to say that they are enjoyable and we get some deepening of the character relationships in the series. Things still move a bit slowly, which is understandable considering this series is 9 books long, but I think the dog feeding of backstory is a bit too slow. Either way, a highly enjoyable sequel, and I would definitely recommend this series if you like cozy mysteries!
Quick hits:
+ The best mystery in the series so far.
+ The writing quality is consistent, and the dialogue is snappy.
+ The characters are still fun, and the relationships are getting deeper.
- Some things move a bit too slow, and unrealistically at times. The series is long sure, but more balance would be better as we approach the halfway point.
It's surprising how the mind works. Even 4 years after reading this for the first time, I still remembered what happened. With that being said, this definitely is the best mystery so far in the series. We have a murder that slowly reveals a hidden backstory in our small English village, that both adds depth and fits well into the time period. The reveal itself is more surprising than usual, and I thought it was a really satisfying conclusion.
Characters and writing are much of the same, which is to say that they are enjoyable and we get some deepening of the character relationships in the series. Things still move a bit slowly, which is understandable considering this series is 9 books long, but I think the dog feeding of backstory is a bit too slow. Either way, a highly enjoyable sequel, and I would definitely recommend this series if you like cozy mysteries!
Quick hits:
+ The best mystery in the series so far.
+ The writing quality is consistent, and the dialogue is snappy.
+ The characters are still fun, and the relationships are getting deeper.
- Some things move a bit too slow, and unrealistically at times. The series is long sure, but more balance would be better as we approach the halfway point.
August 31, 2019
Set in small village WWII England, this series features a widowed English aristocrat by birth who must work very hard to keep the family estate and keep the village for which she is responsible operating peacefully and lawfully. She must solve mysteries and use all powers of persuasion, diplomacy, and class-intimidation to accomplish her ends, assisted by the American AF officer billeted at her home. OK puzzle and characters.
April 5, 2019
I liked it overall, but found the plot a bit muddled at the end. Still, looking fwd to reading the next one.
May 14, 2020
I do enjoy this series.
July 21, 2016
I feel like being transported into the era of the World Wars so I'm rereading this series. It's totally absorbing with very engaging characters. It's a "must read" for all you Historical Mystery lovers.
You can't help but to fall in love with the characters in this series. Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Comptom is forced to let the American soldiers live in her home. Her aging butler is suffering from Alzheimer's & is constantly complaining about have Americans in the Manor. My heart goes out to Lady Elizabeth as she tries to juggle maids, who no longer like being called that, her forgetful butler & a house full of soldiers. To top it all off she discovers the body of an American GI hanging from the bell rope in the church! I love this series & am working my way through it again. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to get lost in a quaint Historical Mystery.
You can't help but to fall in love with the characters in this series. Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Comptom is forced to let the American soldiers live in her home. Her aging butler is suffering from Alzheimer's & is constantly complaining about have Americans in the Manor. My heart goes out to Lady Elizabeth as she tries to juggle maids, who no longer like being called that, her forgetful butler & a house full of soldiers. To top it all off she discovers the body of an American GI hanging from the bell rope in the church! I love this series & am working my way through it again. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to get lost in a quaint Historical Mystery.
February 15, 2012
Book #22 read in 2007
Once again, this book was very entertaining! I really love Lady Elizabeth and Major Earl. All of the supporting characters are great too! I now have to start the hunt for the rest of the series. I wish it was not so difficult to find.
Sent to a bookcrosser who passed it on. Last heard from in Pennsylvania.
Once again, this book was very entertaining! I really love Lady Elizabeth and Major Earl. All of the supporting characters are great too! I now have to start the hunt for the rest of the series. I wish it was not so difficult to find.
Sent to a bookcrosser who passed it on. Last heard from in Pennsylvania.
April 15, 2012
This was a quaint little mystery. It's the first I've read from this series. I definitely wish I'd read the first 2 before this one as I felt like I missed the backstory of the manor and the main characters. Still, a very likable cast and I enjoyed the WWII storyline. I'll definitely read more from this series.
June 17, 2011
I like this series except for the fact that it moves slowly from novel to novel. Each book seems to cover only a week's time. A murder a week in a small village defies logic. And there is the character of Martin...who become less comical and more annoying with each book.
Read
September 5, 2011Lady Elizabeth is again embroiled in a murder. This time it plays out against the backdrop of a cricket match, unexpected food supplies and a body in the bell tower. Somehow she resolves it all and is rescued herself.
September 20, 2007
For Whom Death Tolls - VG
Kate Kingsbury - 3rd in series
WWII England, Classic English mystery, aristocratic woman.
Kate Kingsbury - 3rd in series
WWII England, Classic English mystery, aristocratic woman.
September 22, 2012
I thoroughly enjoy Kate Kingsbury's writing. This book was no exception. She always leaves me ready to read the next book in her series.
November 1, 2013
A lovely read.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/673732...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/673732...
January 14, 2012
Kate Kingsbury gives us a pleasant and readable addition to the Manor House mysteries. Lady Compton has to find who killed an American in this WWII story.Likable characters make it an enjoyable read.
July 19, 2012
Nice little cozy mystery set in England in WWII. This is the first one I've read in the series and was quite enjoyable.
February 28, 2013
I'm enjoying the characters- Lady Elizabeth & Major Monroe & Polly! & the few glimpses of Bessie. A cozy cozy, I like.
March 18, 2014
3.5 stars. Enjoyable series, interesting WWII setting
September 12, 2014
This novel was an excellent read!
A good mixture of mystery, humor, and sexual inuendos, along with a village that you can picture.
A good mixture of mystery, humor, and sexual inuendos, along with a village that you can picture.
January 15, 2015
Enjoying this series!
March 19, 2015
Very British
Enjoyed the mystery tremendously. Kept me guessing. I like the setting and the time period of these books. Lady Elizabeth is a nice person.
Enjoyed the mystery tremendously. Kept me guessing. I like the setting and the time period of these books. Lady Elizabeth is a nice person.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews