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Manor House Mysteries #1
A Bicycle Built for Murder
Released for the First Time on Kindle, the first 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.
A BICYCLE BUILT FOR MURDER
An anxious mother begs Lady Elizabeth to find her missing daughter, and she finds it impossible to refuse. Her tenants are her children, and she’ll do anything to keep them safe and happy. When she discovers the daughter’s bicycle abandoned on the cliffs, and then the young woman’s body washed up on the beach, Lady Elizabeth is faced with far more problems than she anticipated.
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.
A BICYCLE BUILT FOR MURDER
An anxious mother begs Lady Elizabeth to find her missing daughter, and she finds it impossible to refuse. Her tenants are her children, and she’ll do anything to keep them safe and happy. When she discovers the daughter’s bicycle abandoned on the cliffs, and then the young woman’s body washed up on the beach, Lady Elizabeth is faced with far more problems than she anticipated.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2001
108 people are currently reading
1211 people want to read
About the author
Kate Kingsbury
84 books568 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 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 29, 2010
This is the first book in the Manor House series by Kate Kingsbury, my first book by this writer, and I definitely plan to read more.
It's World War II in England, and a murder has happened in Sitting Marsh, where Lady Elizabeth is the "squire". The deceased, Beryl, a flirty sixteen-year-old had her sights set on the American soldiers protecting the area, so a "Yank" is the probable suspect. Elizabeth tries to solve the mystery before the problematic relationship between town residents and the Yank soldiers completely crumbles. Throughout the book, we meet the employees of the manor: Violet, the cook/maid, who tries to control Elizabeth's life, Martin, the senile butler(good laughs here), Desmond, the wacky gardener, and Polly, the flirtatious teen maid, all entertaining and enjoyable.
I'll be looking for the next book in the series.
It's World War II in England, and a murder has happened in Sitting Marsh, where Lady Elizabeth is the "squire". The deceased, Beryl, a flirty sixteen-year-old had her sights set on the American soldiers protecting the area, so a "Yank" is the probable suspect. Elizabeth tries to solve the mystery before the problematic relationship between town residents and the Yank soldiers completely crumbles. Throughout the book, we meet the employees of the manor: Violet, the cook/maid, who tries to control Elizabeth's life, Martin, the senile butler(good laughs here), Desmond, the wacky gardener, and Polly, the flirtatious teen maid, all entertaining and enjoyable.
I'll be looking for the next book in the series.
December 27, 2014
A Bicycle Built for Murder is the first of nine books in the Manor House Mysteries by Kate Kingsbury. Set in WWII Britain it definitely falls into the "cozy" mystery category. Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton has inherited the family responsibilities very early due to the deaths of both parents in the Blitz. She is also burdened by a lack of funds after her no good ex husband squandered her family fortune. Lady Elizabeth takes her responsibilities very seriously however. When a young woman, the daughter of one of her tenants, is murdered Lady Elizabeth takes it upon herself to find out who murdered her and why.
Lady Elizabeth is an endearing character, strong willed, and a little too conscious of her position. The main attraction is the wartime setting and the vast differences in British society from that day to this. Not to mention the changes brought by "Yanks" who are to be billeted at the Manor and their handsome commanding Major. While not difficult to figure out "whodunnit" A Bicycle Built for Murder is a pleasant, short read and I will definitely be reading more of the series.
Lady Elizabeth is an endearing character, strong willed, and a little too conscious of her position. The main attraction is the wartime setting and the vast differences in British society from that day to this. Not to mention the changes brought by "Yanks" who are to be billeted at the Manor and their handsome commanding Major. While not difficult to figure out "whodunnit" A Bicycle Built for Murder is a pleasant, short read and I will definitely be reading more of the series.
August 11, 2014
Nice and promising beginning of a series. Nothing very complicated, but I love the setting and time - World War II Britain, women guarding the home fires, the Yanks and all that, and I like the main characters, Lady Elizabeth and Major Monroe. Can't wait to see what happens next in that area. The mystery is not exactly Agatha Christie, but interesting enough.
June 5, 2016
Overall, an enjoyable period cozy. There were a few attitudes and ideas held by characters that irked me, although they are accurate to the time period. Martin and Violet were great!
January 25, 2018
I am not sure who recommended this author/series. It was okay, but it read more like a 'Nancy Drew' mystery. Too many books-so little time. I won't be reading this author/series.
February 20, 2017
Written in 2001, following the 1999 de facto end of the author’s Pennyfoot Hotel series, this book starts the Manor House series.
This first book capably answers the five major questions for a mystery series:
(1) WHO the series will be about – Lady Elizabeth; Major Earl Monroe, USAAF; Violet, Lady Elizabeth’s housekeeper; and Martin, Lady Elizabeth’s senile butler; (2) WHAT the series will be about – Lady Elizabeth’s inherited role, following her parents’ deaths, in the mental, emotional and physical survival of her manor’s tenants and the neighboring village during an era of drastic change; (3) WHEN – during WWII; (4) WHERE – Sitting Marsh, a coastal village in Great Britain; and (5) WHY Lady Elizabeth becomes involved in the murders – to help heal the emotional wounds of her tenants and the villagers during a time of war.
The author’s style is one that flows page-by-page and chapter-to-chapter. The book is a quick but involved read. Paying attention is a must or the clues to the murderer’s identity will just slip right by.
This book has a more comfortable feel to it than does the Pennyfoot series. However, the time line begins at least 30 years after the end of the previous series and takes place during the 1940’s, a time more of us will be familiar with. I do not know the age of the author, but, perhaps, she has/had relatives who lived through that era and were able to impart first-hand knowledge to her. I know that my own father was USAAF stationed in Britain during WWII and much of what I read felt familiar, based on his stories of that time.
I look forward to the next book in this series – what mystery will need to be solved, what events of war will affect the Manor and how will Lady Elizabeth help the villagers, and herself, emotionally through the situation.
This first book capably answers the five major questions for a mystery series:
(1) WHO the series will be about – Lady Elizabeth; Major Earl Monroe, USAAF; Violet, Lady Elizabeth’s housekeeper; and Martin, Lady Elizabeth’s senile butler; (2) WHAT the series will be about – Lady Elizabeth’s inherited role, following her parents’ deaths, in the mental, emotional and physical survival of her manor’s tenants and the neighboring village during an era of drastic change; (3) WHEN – during WWII; (4) WHERE – Sitting Marsh, a coastal village in Great Britain; and (5) WHY Lady Elizabeth becomes involved in the murders – to help heal the emotional wounds of her tenants and the villagers during a time of war.
The author’s style is one that flows page-by-page and chapter-to-chapter. The book is a quick but involved read. Paying attention is a must or the clues to the murderer’s identity will just slip right by.
This book has a more comfortable feel to it than does the Pennyfoot series. However, the time line begins at least 30 years after the end of the previous series and takes place during the 1940’s, a time more of us will be familiar with. I do not know the age of the author, but, perhaps, she has/had relatives who lived through that era and were able to impart first-hand knowledge to her. I know that my own father was USAAF stationed in Britain during WWII and much of what I read felt familiar, based on his stories of that time.
I look forward to the next book in this series – what mystery will need to be solved, what events of war will affect the Manor and how will Lady Elizabeth help the villagers, and herself, emotionally through the situation.
November 9, 2016
This is a very nice mystery set in an English village during WWII. Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton is living at the family manor having lost her parents in the Blitz in London. she is still coming to grips with her loss, her divorce and her genteel poverty.
When a local girl goes missing she is asked to looked into the disappearance by the locals, when the girl is discovered murdered she is further pressed into service to her people. The populace are suspicious of the American flyboys at the local airbase.
She is trying to hold house and home together and take care of her aging Butler. While preparing for the Yanks to move into the manor.
This is a clever, tight mystery with engaging characters
When a local girl goes missing she is asked to looked into the disappearance by the locals, when the girl is discovered murdered she is further pressed into service to her people. The populace are suspicious of the American flyboys at the local airbase.
She is trying to hold house and home together and take care of her aging Butler. While preparing for the Yanks to move into the manor.
This is a clever, tight mystery with engaging characters
July 11, 2016
Fun! Fast and breezy with endearing characters. I particularly like the old butler, Martin. I also like how Lady Elizabeth isn't a naive, twenty-something. The only off-putting thing was the constant use of the word "Yanks", but I wonder if that wasn't an authentic depiction of British sentiment at the time. I'm glad I bought the entire series and can't wait to jump into the next book. Thank you, Selah, for the recommendation!
January 12, 2015
I quite enjoyed this book. I like the strong main character and the setting which set it apart from a lot of other cozies. the other characters are well written and bring in extra interest without being silly..
I'm waiting to see how Martin takes the arrival of the Americans in the house!
I'm waiting to see how Martin takes the arrival of the Americans in the house!
November 4, 2015
Cute cosy series set in England during World War II one of my favorite settings. Plot, characters are average - easy to read...escape.
October 12, 2016
interesting beginning to a new series.
September 6, 2024
A cozy historical mystery that I can't help but love. 4/5 stars.
I first read these books when I got back into reading right before Covid, before I really used Goodreads. I felt in the mood to reread these, and my recent flight was the perfect time. I will fully admit that these aren't that deep, and the mysteries aren't overly complex. But the heart is the characters. Elizabeth, Earl, Violet, and Martin add so much to the story that draws you in, and makes it so enjoyable. Even years later, I love them just as much!
The writing quality is good. The time feels well realized, and the prose is so digestible that the chapters fly by. Exploration of the time period is minimal but just enough to get a feeling of the time. One of the best parts is the view of normal people during WWII. The lives contributing to the war effort, albeit not on the frontlines. I really appreciate this view point.
As mentioned, the characters are great. Well varied personalities, that play so well off each other. The dialogue is snappy, and really pops off the page. Violet and Martin in particular are just so funny together, and adds levity to the background of the dark time period.
The mystery is pretty good here. We have a crime that has many potential outcomes, and while the outcome isn't necessarily surprising, it's well written and executed. I like how it makes an impact on the surrounding world, and further cements Elizabeth's role in the community.
If you like cozy mysterious, I'd definitely recommend. There's a good bit to love here, and there's charm. Surprisingly, that can be harder to find!
Quick hits:
+ The mystery, while predictable, is well written and executed.
+ The characters and their interactions are so fun to read.
+ The writing and exploration is unique in my experience.
- Cozy, so can feel a bit simple or shallow some times. Milage will vary.
I first read these books when I got back into reading right before Covid, before I really used Goodreads. I felt in the mood to reread these, and my recent flight was the perfect time. I will fully admit that these aren't that deep, and the mysteries aren't overly complex. But the heart is the characters. Elizabeth, Earl, Violet, and Martin add so much to the story that draws you in, and makes it so enjoyable. Even years later, I love them just as much!
The writing quality is good. The time feels well realized, and the prose is so digestible that the chapters fly by. Exploration of the time period is minimal but just enough to get a feeling of the time. One of the best parts is the view of normal people during WWII. The lives contributing to the war effort, albeit not on the frontlines. I really appreciate this view point.
As mentioned, the characters are great. Well varied personalities, that play so well off each other. The dialogue is snappy, and really pops off the page. Violet and Martin in particular are just so funny together, and adds levity to the background of the dark time period.
The mystery is pretty good here. We have a crime that has many potential outcomes, and while the outcome isn't necessarily surprising, it's well written and executed. I like how it makes an impact on the surrounding world, and further cements Elizabeth's role in the community.
If you like cozy mysterious, I'd definitely recommend. There's a good bit to love here, and there's charm. Surprisingly, that can be harder to find!
Quick hits:
+ The mystery, while predictable, is well written and executed.
+ The characters and their interactions are so fun to read.
+ The writing and exploration is unique in my experience.
- Cozy, so can feel a bit simple or shallow some times. Milage will vary.
May 11, 2024
I'm sure I read this years ago. But I remembered nothing about it except that the main character rides a motorcycle in a dress and fancy hat. In this first installment we meet Lady Elizabeth. Her parents were killed in the blitz and she is now lady of the manor. To her dismay her house is requistioned by the Americans. Her housekeeper Violet who reminded me a bit of Carson from Downton Abbey is equally appalled and butler Martin who's a bit like the Tim Conway old man character is just confused and thinks they are being invaded. With this going on Elizabeth is also asked by Winnie Pierce to find her daughter Beryl who's vanished. Her bicycle was found bent at the bottom of a cliff and Beryl is presumed to have driven off and possibly drowned or been swept out to sea. Beryl's body washes up. Not trusting the police who are basically old retired guys brought back into service when all the men went to war she begins to investigate. Beryl made a few enemies, a jilted boyfriend, two Americans she led on and a pissed off girlfriend of one of the Americans. While some of it was pretty obvious the story was amusing and engaging. Very quick and light reading with touches of humour and a hint of romance, sort of I enjoyed it. It was a good start and I'm curious to see how the other background stories play out.
September 8, 2018
Last of the books I read on vacation. A 5, two 4s and a 3. Not bad.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the time period and setting of England during WWII. Fairly well-written though the mystery was hardly complicated (I had the murderer pegged from the get-go). And I liked the characters. The bumbling Martin is hysterically endearing. One complaint, which is not the author's fault, is the editing. The names of Winnie and Violet were mixed up far too many times.
I definitely think there is a spark between Lady Elizabeth and Major Monroe. I'm interested to see where the relationship will go since the major mentioned a wife. Will he turn out to be a widower? Or will he and Elizabeth have to suppress their feelings (or give into an illicit wartime romance)? Very intriguing.
I'm also interested to see what will become of Polly and her fib. Enough loose ends to leave the reader wanting more.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the time period and setting of England during WWII. Fairly well-written though the mystery was hardly complicated (I had the murderer pegged from the get-go). And I liked the characters. The bumbling Martin is hysterically endearing. One complaint, which is not the author's fault, is the editing. The names of Winnie and Violet were mixed up far too many times.
I definitely think there is a spark between Lady Elizabeth and Major Monroe. I'm interested to see where the relationship will go since the major mentioned a wife. Will he turn out to be a widower? Or will he and Elizabeth have to suppress their feelings (or give into an illicit wartime romance)? Very intriguing.
I'm also interested to see what will become of Polly and her fib. Enough loose ends to leave the reader wanting more.
July 29, 2019
This was the first book in the Manor House Mystery. It takes place in a small village during wartime England. Lady Elizabeth is trying to provide for her Manor House and her tenants during this time and it's not easy. Especially since her staff consist of a aging butler and an unhappy cook/housekeeper along with part-time help. When a friend ask her to look for her daughter who has been missing for a couple of days she feels she can't refuse. Before she can get started an American Major informs her that several American solders will be needing to stay at Manor House for a short period. Now she has to get the manor ready for unexpected guest which does not make anyone in the household happy. Once she gets a chance to do some asking about the girl that is missing she just comes up either with more questions or a wall. Very easy read with a little comedy included. Enjoyed and will probably continue this series.
August 30, 2021
Lady Elizabeth “Lizzie” Compton is dealing with a crumbling manor, senile butler, grumbling cook, and cheeky maid, when one of her tenants asks her to solve the murder of her rather promiscuous teen daughter. Set in a small English village during WWII, Lizzie is also preparing her home to house a group of American officers to aid in the war effort. Putting aside a member of the nobility deciding to play detective, I found this a fair British cozy and quick enough read. But the characters didn’t feel fully fleshed out and the members of Lizzie’s household were not very likeable. The running gag of the butler’s dementia fell flat and grew old very quickly. And, while the murder was solved, many loose threads for other plot elements – such as the impending arrival of the Americans to the house, Lizzie’s attraction to a certain officer, the maid’s efforts at playing grown up – were left for a future book which I doubt I’ll be reading.
December 9, 2025
I enjoyed the setting of this book (coastal Great Britain, WWII) but some of the dated attitudes gave me trouble. Sitting Marsh is typical for its time, the men are away at war except for those too old, too young or too infirm to serve. However, nearby are American Air Force soldiers and Royal Air Force who come to town to drink at the pub and go to dances with the local girls. I had a little trouble with the attitudes towards the girls in this book, they were "asking for trouble wearing lipstick and cheap clothes" and so when a young girl goes missing it was assumed it was because she was fast and loose.
January 13, 2021
This has been a wonderful little historical mystery set in the WWII British countryside. I’ve read other books by this author and she has a knack for making interesting, humorous, and relatable characters. All her characters have depth that grows with each book so I am quite looking forward to the next in this series. The plot is a good mystery and the way the relationship between characters, as well as the conflicting British countryside culture clashes with American military culture is very well done. It lends itself well to both setting and plot.
October 25, 2024
I love anything WWII-related and this book especially reminded me of a sweet neighbor I had who was Army Air Force and stationed in England during the war. Elizabeth is a great main character, proper but relatable and very clever. The mystery was interesting and sad and it was the tiniest little clue that gave away the killer. I completely missed it! I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which I just happened to find a few days ago. I’ve read other books by this author and this was definitely my favorite.
May 1, 2018
Great first book in a great series. Takes you back to the era of great sacrifices and simpler times. The characters take on a life of their own and become more interesting further into the series.
Read the series in order for the character and plot development. The author knows how to suck you into her series. Enjoy.
Read the series in order for the character and plot development. The author knows how to suck you into her series. Enjoy.
July 15, 2021
Enjoyable mystery set during WWII English countryside
An enjoyable mystery set in the English countryside during WWII and a traditional cozy as well. Set in and around a manor house, Lady Elizabeth sets out to solve the murder of a young girl from the village. Add the newly arrived American soldiers and she has many suspects.
An enjoyable mystery set in the English countryside during WWII and a traditional cozy as well. Set in and around a manor house, Lady Elizabeth sets out to solve the murder of a young girl from the village. Add the newly arrived American soldiers and she has many suspects.
January 18, 2024
Rounding up to 3 starts I think. It was a fine enough way to spend a couple of hours, but the dialogue was repetitive and I’m not sure I actually liked Lady Elizabeth all that much. The depiction of Martin, the butler, bothered me too. Not comfortable with someone with dementia being used for laughs.
March 7, 2018
By the Sea...By the Sea...murder in the night!
This is my first book by this author and I think I need more books to get a feel about the author's style. The ending was excellent and I liked the way the murder was solved.
This is my first book by this author and I think I need more books to get a feel about the author's style. The ending was excellent and I liked the way the murder was solved.
November 19, 2017
Good story that moves along at a reasonable pace.
November 19, 2017
Another series by Kate Kingsbury and off to a good start. She is not the greatest writer but some of her books are fun. Will see how this series goes.
June 7, 2018
great series.
May 11, 2020
A simple murder mystery set in a small village just outside London during WWII.
January 22, 2021
A fun, WW2 historical cozy mystery. I liked the main character Lady Elizabeth.
July 31, 2021
Thought it moved quickly but kept waiting for Americans to move in. Must be in next book.
July 16, 2024
Well, this was decent. In any case, it was easy to read and ended quickly, and that was also rather decent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews