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The Victory Party
The storm is coming.
When the Great War ends, former cryptographer Lady Jill Morgan has only two things to host a house party for her brother and to decide her future. That changes when she receives a warning from her one-time employer that her guests may not be as they seem.
Captain Richard Darnaway comes to Huntingtower with his own plans - plans that don't involve tracking traitors like he did during the war. But he finds he needs all his old skills when a perhaps-not-so-retired fellow agent is murdered.
Now Richard and Jill have to navigate a guest list of war heroes and supposedly retired spies to find out which one is a murderer . . . and a traitor.
The Victory Party is a historical mystery with Christian themes and sweet, kisses only romance.
When the Great War ends, former cryptographer Lady Jill Morgan has only two things to host a house party for her brother and to decide her future. That changes when she receives a warning from her one-time employer that her guests may not be as they seem.
Captain Richard Darnaway comes to Huntingtower with his own plans - plans that don't involve tracking traitors like he did during the war. But he finds he needs all his old skills when a perhaps-not-so-retired fellow agent is murdered.
Now Richard and Jill have to navigate a guest list of war heroes and supposedly retired spies to find out which one is a murderer . . . and a traitor.
The Victory Party is a historical mystery with Christian themes and sweet, kisses only romance.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2025
1 person is currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 20, 2025
My goodness, I love the storyline and can't wait for the next Kingsmantle Crew book!! I picture Kingsmantle as sort of a Captain Raymond-like sort of figure, seated in the shadows behind his massive mahogany desk.
Hoping for more of Vernon, Verity, and Bella in future! Especially Bella--I loved her and Jill's friendship, but she is such a quiet shadow that I want to know what she's thinking of.
This was deliciously like a Tommy and Tuppence story. I found myself wound up with the stressful moments, and heartily relieved at the outcome. Perfect for a rainy day and cup of tea mood reading!
Hoping for more of Vernon, Verity, and Bella in future! Especially Bella--I loved her and Jill's friendship, but she is such a quiet shadow that I want to know what she's thinking of.
This was deliciously like a Tommy and Tuppence story. I found myself wound up with the stressful moments, and heartily relieved at the outcome. Perfect for a rainy day and cup of tea mood reading!
November 3, 2025
Aaaggghhh this is SO good! I had high expectations for this one and pre-ordered it before it even released even though it was a new-to-me author, something that I never do. It definitely didn't disappoint, and now I'm left eagerly awaiting book 2 in the series. Emma Donovan is going to be the next Agatha Christie, without a doubt!
April 11, 2025
The First World War has ended and Lady Jill finds herself adrift between a life of purpose and an unknown future. With one final responsibility before handing off the family estate to her brother, she prepares to host a party. But just before guests arrive, an intriguing letter from the head of her former spy ring casts each one of her guests in a new--and potentially dangerous--light.
Richard Darnaway arrives at the home of his dear friend and fellow spy with one goal in mind: to secure a future with Lady Jill. But after years of working side by side in a platonic relationship, marriage seems to be the last thing on her mind. As he searches for the right moment to speak with her, the unexpected murder of one of their guests throws all his plans--and everything he thought he knew--into question.
Together, they must work to untangle the web of lies and former allegiances that remains in the wake of the war to find their killer... before he has the chance to kill again.
This story reads very much like an Agatha Christie novel, with its British country estate setting, fun banter, and light romantic themes. The characters are all intriguing with complicated pasts and even more complicated motives. Until the very end, I wasn't sure I'd solved the mystery myself! Add to that an abandoned village, family lore, and friends who feel like family, and it's a charming, enjoyable story from beginning to end!
Richard Darnaway arrives at the home of his dear friend and fellow spy with one goal in mind: to secure a future with Lady Jill. But after years of working side by side in a platonic relationship, marriage seems to be the last thing on her mind. As he searches for the right moment to speak with her, the unexpected murder of one of their guests throws all his plans--and everything he thought he knew--into question.
Together, they must work to untangle the web of lies and former allegiances that remains in the wake of the war to find their killer... before he has the chance to kill again.
This story reads very much like an Agatha Christie novel, with its British country estate setting, fun banter, and light romantic themes. The characters are all intriguing with complicated pasts and even more complicated motives. Until the very end, I wasn't sure I'd solved the mystery myself! Add to that an abandoned village, family lore, and friends who feel like family, and it's a charming, enjoyable story from beginning to end!
November 30, 2025
Blog Post: https://fictionwithphoebe.com/the-vic...
3.5 stars
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨.
I loved all the espionage elements in this book, especially the botanical codenames!
The story did feel a little light on the romance, though. I would have preferred a few more scenes that showed Jill’s developing romantic feelings toward Richard.
There were also some loose ends . But maybe those will be addressed in future books?
Overall, I’m looking forward to more of the Kingsmantle Crew.
Favorite Moments
🌼 the ball
🌼 love confession
Content Notes:
war, death of a parent (mentioned), someone is referred to as almost “clairvoyant,” mention of shooting and fighting, mention of witches being burned, some alcohol consumption, blood, death from a gunshot, mentions of death and dying, mention of ghost stories, some mild violence, mention of “indiscreet” letters, near deaths and murder attempts
3.5 stars
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨.
I loved all the espionage elements in this book, especially the botanical codenames!
The story did feel a little light on the romance, though. I would have preferred a few more scenes that showed Jill’s developing romantic feelings toward Richard.
There were also some loose ends . But maybe those will be addressed in future books?
Overall, I’m looking forward to more of the Kingsmantle Crew.
Favorite Moments
🌼 the ball
🌼 love confession
Content Notes:
war, death of a parent (mentioned), someone is referred to as almost “clairvoyant,” mention of shooting and fighting, mention of witches being burned, some alcohol consumption, blood, death from a gunshot, mentions of death and dying, mention of ghost stories, some mild violence, mention of “indiscreet” letters, near deaths and murder attempts
May 1, 2025
I loved this book! It's perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and John Buchan (i.e. me), and it set up the next book so well -- the questions that were most intriguing to me didn't get answered yet, so I can't wait for book 2!
May 16, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was like Downton Abby meets murder mystery, with a sweet love story in the mix. The main character Jill was very interesting, not your typical lead in that she was calm and calculated but in a kind sense. She loves patterns and numbers, and that added to the story. The other side characters were very well developed, and hidden away with their own secrets, just enough to keep me wanting to know more!
This was a real Whodunnit which made it such a fun read. Donovan did a great job of making me feel like I was there in the English countryside post-WWI with such wonderful details from the clothing to the place itself. I loved the mystery of who committed the murder and why, and the larger story around it made it even more intriguing, I won’t say more, no spoilers. Cannot wait until the next novel comes out, I’ll be buying immediately! Oh, and I loved the snippets of book quotes or poetry before each chapter, it really set the scenes. Wonderful book. Bravo!
This was a real Whodunnit which made it such a fun read. Donovan did a great job of making me feel like I was there in the English countryside post-WWI with such wonderful details from the clothing to the place itself. I loved the mystery of who committed the murder and why, and the larger story around it made it even more intriguing, I won’t say more, no spoilers. Cannot wait until the next novel comes out, I’ll be buying immediately! Oh, and I loved the snippets of book quotes or poetry before each chapter, it really set the scenes. Wonderful book. Bravo!
November 19, 2025
Not many books are set post WWI, but The Victory Party shows life after The Great War--the out of work pilots, those thrust into espionage who must now return to normal life, the fact that not all loose ends were tied up just because the armistice was called...
Donovan gives a peek into these and more with a mystery set at a country estate and multiple potential culprits.
I had a crazy theory of who our killer could be. Worked out how it could work, why it would work, and what it would mean for the continuing story. So that really blinded me to who it was (or the clues were that well hidden).
All in all, I really enjoyed the reading, even during the time I found it a bit difficult (that was me not the book I think). BUT... there are threads that must be part of the continuing story. If not, this book would leave you hanging on several fronts. Because it's book one of a series, and because of the kind of series, I think it only makes sense that we know who did what and for at least one reason. But there are still questions, and I want to know answers.
Donovan gives a peek into these and more with a mystery set at a country estate and multiple potential culprits.
I had a crazy theory of who our killer could be. Worked out how it could work, why it would work, and what it would mean for the continuing story. So that really blinded me to who it was (or the clues were that well hidden).
All in all, I really enjoyed the reading, even during the time I found it a bit difficult (that was me not the book I think). BUT... there are threads that must be part of the continuing story. If not, this book would leave you hanging on several fronts. Because it's book one of a series, and because of the kind of series, I think it only makes sense that we know who did what and for at least one reason. But there are still questions, and I want to know answers.
May 10, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful debut novel! It has the gentle, comforting feel of a classic while also drawing me into a murder mystery set at an old English country estate - with the added intrigue of former spies from World War I, who have to face the reality that the war may not be completely over yet…at least for them.
Lady Jill Morgan and Richard Darnaway must put their heads together to solve the murder of one of their former comrades on secret missions from the war before anyone else falls victim to an unknown traitor…and in the process, discover if their hearts may be drawn together as well.
If you enjoy the World War I or 1920s era or vintage British mysteries like Agatha Christie, you’ll love The Victory Party! I look forward to reading more from this author.
Lady Jill Morgan and Richard Darnaway must put their heads together to solve the murder of one of their former comrades on secret missions from the war before anyone else falls victim to an unknown traitor…and in the process, discover if their hearts may be drawn together as well.
If you enjoy the World War I or 1920s era or vintage British mysteries like Agatha Christie, you’ll love The Victory Party! I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 31, 2025
This was a solid debut! The book had a great plot line, likeable characters, friends to lovers and a strong female lead, so if you love these tropes combined with a post war setting and great writing, this book is for you.
April 9, 2025
Lady Jill has one more responsibility before she has to make a decision about what to do with her life–plan a party to welcome her brother home.
But when she gets news that one of the guests might be a traitor, and then someone is murdered, she's suddenly in the middle of a mystery that might take all her former spy training to solve. Her friendships and faith will be tested, but along the way she might find purpose and love.
📚Things I loved:
•Historical with authentic British feel
•Mystery
•Soft and subtle romance
•Wonderful literary quotes throughout the book with lots of references to books and literature.
•A keen wise aunt
• Horses
• Smooth conversation
• Ciphers and codes
• A direct best friend
But when she gets news that one of the guests might be a traitor, and then someone is murdered, she's suddenly in the middle of a mystery that might take all her former spy training to solve. Her friendships and faith will be tested, but along the way she might find purpose and love.
📚Things I loved:
•Historical with authentic British feel
•Mystery
•Soft and subtle romance
•Wonderful literary quotes throughout the book with lots of references to books and literature.
•A keen wise aunt
• Horses
• Smooth conversation
• Ciphers and codes
• A direct best friend
November 28, 2025
I am finally, after months, sitting down to write a review for this book. I can’t tell you how enjoyable this novel was. It felt so classic, and cozy almost comfortable to read. It felt like turning on TCM and finding an old black and white who-done-it that you have never heard of before, but turns out to end up becoming one of your all time favorite.
I don’t know what else to say other than I will getting this book for my sister for Christmas, and I think you need to really try it out!
I don’t know what else to say other than I will getting this book for my sister for Christmas, and I think you need to really try it out!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews