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Evie Parker Mystery #4
Murder in the Cards: 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery
A 1920s lighthearted cozy mystery
Evie, the countess of Woodridge, has come under fire from a newcomer to the small village of Halton, but she has no time to dwell on the woman's petty-minded criticisms. She is hosting three scriptwriters. Unfortunately, they are determined to set their murder mystery at Halton House.
Evie's life is thrown into turmoil when reality begins to imitate fiction, and Henrietta, the dowager countess of Woodridge becomes the prime suspect in a villager's death.
Evie, the countess of Woodridge, has come under fire from a newcomer to the small village of Halton, but she has no time to dwell on the woman's petty-minded criticisms. She is hosting three scriptwriters. Unfortunately, they are determined to set their murder mystery at Halton House.
Evie's life is thrown into turmoil when reality begins to imitate fiction, and Henrietta, the dowager countess of Woodridge becomes the prime suspect in a villager's death.
Audible Audio
Published July 6, 2021
About the author
Sonia Parin
125 books206 followersI write Cozy Mysteries: humorous historical (1920s), contemporary and paranormal.
All my books provide a 'clean' read - no swearing and no graphic violence.
These fun cozy mysteries are intended to provide lighthearted entertainment for those who enjoy quirky characters and humorous tales.
All my books provide a 'clean' read - no swearing and no graphic violence.
These fun cozy mysteries are intended to provide lighthearted entertainment for those who enjoy quirky characters and humorous tales.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 6, 2019
Interesting mystery
I'm enjoying this series! It's got well fleshed out characters, some with secrets.
It's not heavy reading and there are fascinating facts about England.
I'm enjoying this series! It's got well fleshed out characters, some with secrets.
It's not heavy reading and there are fascinating facts about England.
September 16, 2024
This is a "Squeaky clean lighthearted cozy mystery set in the 1920s". It is an enjoyable light mystery. I listened to the audiobook and the performance was very good.
August 20, 2019
Viper in their midst with an urge to even scores
A good read. Loved the way she gets into a flap about her Granny's forthcoming visit (we can all relate to having one particular relative that sends us into a panic). Nice plot but just got a bit too clever for it's own good at the end. A more simplified solution would have been a cleaner ending. Nevertheless well thought out and researched. The characters are great but surprised to see our main character take such a backseat in this one. Almost becoming overshadowed by the writers.
Her Granny's coming for a visit and she's in a panic. Everything has to be perfect. Shame one new neighbour (who has returned to the village) is slandering her name and the family to all and sundry. When the elder Dowager gets into an actual fight with her ad it leaves the vicious rumour mongerer dead there is uproar. Strife hits the village with sides being taken, attacks on the house, police involvement and accusations. Does the arrival of the new Vicar have anything to do with it? What is the cause of death? Is it the weapon she has read about but cannot prove? Will they stop the deaths?
A good read. Loved the way she gets into a flap about her Granny's forthcoming visit (we can all relate to having one particular relative that sends us into a panic). Nice plot but just got a bit too clever for it's own good at the end. A more simplified solution would have been a cleaner ending. Nevertheless well thought out and researched. The characters are great but surprised to see our main character take such a backseat in this one. Almost becoming overshadowed by the writers.
Her Granny's coming for a visit and she's in a panic. Everything has to be perfect. Shame one new neighbour (who has returned to the village) is slandering her name and the family to all and sundry. When the elder Dowager gets into an actual fight with her ad it leaves the vicious rumour mongerer dead there is uproar. Strife hits the village with sides being taken, attacks on the house, police involvement and accusations. Does the arrival of the new Vicar have anything to do with it? What is the cause of death? Is it the weapon she has read about but cannot prove? Will they stop the deaths?
July 6, 2019
Clever mystery!
This cozy mystery series is entertaining, with very likable characters and clever interaction among them. They are set in the 1920's in an English village near Halston Manor, the residence of Evie Parker, who is the widow of an earl. Each murder involves some activity in the area with ancillary characters from the village and outside area in each cozy mystery. Evie is an amateur who manages to get involved with a murder in each mystery. Each mystery is entertaining and confusing with lots of suspects.
This cozy mystery series is entertaining, with very likable characters and clever interaction among them. They are set in the 1920's in an English village near Halston Manor, the residence of Evie Parker, who is the widow of an earl. Each murder involves some activity in the area with ancillary characters from the village and outside area in each cozy mystery. Evie is an amateur who manages to get involved with a murder in each mystery. Each mystery is entertaining and confusing with lots of suspects.
September 14, 2019
Evie Parker is immersed in another murder. Really she's immersed in clearing the name of Lady Henrietta Woodridge of scandal as there has been no mention or accusations of a murder.
This one was a fun and twisted mystery, many suspects, (real and fictional) as Evie has opened her home to a group of young women who are mystery writers, and will be using Halton House as a retreat to get ideas and write a script. The unfortunate demise of a woman who has a grudge against Evie is nothing but fodder for the play.
This one was a fun and twisted mystery, many suspects, (real and fictional) as Evie has opened her home to a group of young women who are mystery writers, and will be using Halton House as a retreat to get ideas and write a script. The unfortunate demise of a woman who has a grudge against Evie is nothing but fodder for the play.
July 7, 2019
You always get an excellent book from Sonia Parin!
The mysterious death in her village of a very annoying London transplant has everyone wondering not just who but also how the woman died. Evie has some delightful new people staying at Halton House and they decide to use the murder as inspiration for their play! Hilarity abounds as the playwrights use the mystery and the people in the village to form their play and Evie uses the play to sound out ideas about the murder.
The mysterious death in her village of a very annoying London transplant has everyone wondering not just who but also how the woman died. Evie has some delightful new people staying at Halton House and they decide to use the murder as inspiration for their play! Hilarity abounds as the playwrights use the mystery and the people in the village to form their play and Evie uses the play to sound out ideas about the murder.
March 23, 2020
Just okay.
I gave a glowing report on the first book. It was a nice mystery but I was especially fascinated by the glimpse of post WWI England and the possible romance between our heroine and her mysterious chauffeur/bodyguard.
However, this is book 4 and no romance has materialized and Nothing has been done with the bodyguard angle.
The mysteries themselves just aren’t interesting enough for me to keep threading this series.
I gave a glowing report on the first book. It was a nice mystery but I was especially fascinated by the glimpse of post WWI England and the possible romance between our heroine and her mysterious chauffeur/bodyguard.
However, this is book 4 and no romance has materialized and Nothing has been done with the bodyguard angle.
The mysteries themselves just aren’t interesting enough for me to keep threading this series.
August 6, 2019
Great
I adore Edie and her friends! The author brings these characters alive with their witty comments. Caro and Tom are excited characters.
I adore Edie and her friends! The author brings these characters alive with their witty comments. Caro and Tom are excited characters.
October 19, 2019
Loved it
As always I thoroughly enjoyed reading Evie's exploits and can not wait to read the next book in the series.
As always I thoroughly enjoyed reading Evie's exploits and can not wait to read the next book in the series.
January 1, 2023
Evie is hosting a gaggle of playwrights in her house. It's too bad they want to use her house as a setting. Well, it wouldn't be so bad if it weren't a murder. With her recent history, it's better to avoid being associated with that particular crime. It becomes especially bad when a local busybody turns up dead. Right after having an argument with Evie's mother-in-law.
It seems that the late Mrs. Sheffield wasn't particularly mourned but the lengths that someone went to make sure she was no longer on this plane were pretty great. There ended up being several folds in the eventual solution but it was a good ride along the way.
It seems that the late Mrs. Sheffield wasn't particularly mourned but the lengths that someone went to make sure she was no longer on this plane were pretty great. There ended up being several folds in the eventual solution but it was a good ride along the way.
May 1, 2021
Do angry bees make mad honey...?
What I like most about this mystery series is its intricacies. You never know 'who done it' until the conclusion. At least I don't. This installment brings young writers creating a play with Evie, her mother - in - law, Henrietta, butler Edgar and maid Caro. Of course her bodyguard Tom, is there desperately trying not to be involved. A good mystery well told. An enjoyable read.
What I like most about this mystery series is its intricacies. You never know 'who done it' until the conclusion. At least I don't. This installment brings young writers creating a play with Evie, her mother - in - law, Henrietta, butler Edgar and maid Caro. Of course her bodyguard Tom, is there desperately trying not to be involved. A good mystery well told. An enjoyable read.
February 5, 2021
Although I still enjoy Evie Parker mysteries, book number 4 seemed rather bland. I enjoyed Evie’s interactions with her houseguests, the book seemed tamed down a bit. Maybe the series will liven up once Evie’s grandma, Toodles, arrives. It should prove to be interesting to see what the interaction between Henrietta, Sarah, and Toodles will be like.
May 18, 2021
Confusing
Still no answers from previous books. This particular book made me feel as if I had a glimpse into the author’s mind during plot creation. The multitude of theories expressed about the murder was a tad overdone. When introducing the script writer’s creative process and theories as an addition to the plot it turned into a muddle.
Still no answers from previous books. This particular book made me feel as if I had a glimpse into the author’s mind during plot creation. The multitude of theories expressed about the murder was a tad overdone. When introducing the script writer’s creative process and theories as an addition to the plot it turned into a muddle.
August 14, 2021
Narrated by Pearl Hewitt
Tantor Audio
This one went off onto too many tangents. The meta-story of the play being written around the murder never worked for me. Hewitt's delightfully light voice is perfectly matched with the goings on in this series, but she seemed to struggle keeping the characters straight in this book. Not surprising.
Tantor Audio
This one went off onto too many tangents. The meta-story of the play being written around the murder never worked for me. Hewitt's delightfully light voice is perfectly matched with the goings on in this series, but she seemed to struggle keeping the characters straight in this book. Not surprising.
May 10, 2023
This is a continuation of the Countess of Woodridge, Evie Parker stories set in the 1920s. These books are an easy read and kind of fun. Evie isn't the traditional type of countess because of her relationship with her household staff. These books are a fun read even though I sometimes have trouble keeping track of the different characters.
February 10, 2021
Never a dull moment at Halton House
A group of writers descend on Evie and Halton House, and if course someone ends up being killed. Great development of secondary characters as the murder is solved. A fun read.
A group of writers descend on Evie and Halton House, and if course someone ends up being killed. Great development of secondary characters as the murder is solved. A fun read.
February 21, 2022
Took a bit of getting into but came up trumps in the end
Got a bit bored the way the story seemed to meander at the beginning but as per my headline it finished up sprinting at the end. Not a fan of the writers plot mirroring the proceedings
Got a bit bored the way the story seemed to meander at the beginning but as per my headline it finished up sprinting at the end. Not a fan of the writers plot mirroring the proceedings
August 15, 2024
Yes, I know this is all a tongue-in-cheek study in high society manners, and the "mystery" is usually pretty good, but the blathering nonsensical conversations from the main characters are like fingernails on a chalkboard.
February 27, 2020
Im loving these Evie Parker 1920 Mysteries I will hate for them to end. Such great stories. I love the Roaring 20s anything.
May 19, 2020
Twists & Turns
What a fun read! I never was sure who did it. So interesting. I am certainly loving the Dowager Henrietta! Her character is really the best part of the story.
What a fun read! I never was sure who did it. So interesting. I am certainly loving the Dowager Henrietta! Her character is really the best part of the story.
January 20, 2021
Another great Evie Parker mystery! Enjoyable if slightly more entangled than I could follow easily.
August 26, 2021
Good read, but the title has no connection with the story. Cards? What cards? A better title would certainly help. Perhaps, Murder of a Busybody. That'd be at least somewhat accurate.
November 20, 2021
This was just weird. The parallel play story was baffling and undeveloped. Very little substance to this one.
June 3, 2023
Evie Parker never disappoints
October 2, 2024
It's very easy to see how these could be turned into TV episodes like Miss Fisher's
October 6, 2024
Great read
What a hoot! 😀 This one had a crazy bunch of playwrights trying to write a mystery, then a murder actually happened and they were trying to solve it and write their play!
What a hoot! 😀 This one had a crazy bunch of playwrights trying to write a mystery, then a murder actually happened and they were trying to solve it and write their play!
January 4, 2025
This one might be my favorite one of the series…at least so far.
June 22, 2020
A delightful diversion during these difficult times!
Reminds me of Jeeves and Downton Abbey.
Reminds me of Jeeves and Downton Abbey.
August 23, 2019
Interesting concept but a bit convoluted at the finish
The idea was a really great one, with Evie hosting a trio of Phillipa's friends who wish to write a play about a murder set in a fictional version of the household but shortly after they arrive a real murder occurs and Lady Henrietta is suddenly the main suspect.
When the rather arrogant and spiteful Mrs Sheffield moves to the village with her husband she seems to have a serious issue with Evie. Criticising her every move and generally appearing to consider Evie to be beneath her socially. Lady Henrietta is not enamoured by the rumours reaching her regarding Mrs Sheffield and refuses to be introduced trying to avoid a confrontation. But fate intervenes and while sitting in the elegant lounge Mrs Green provides for her more exclusive clients, waiting for her dress fitting, she overhears Mrs Sheffield denigrating Evie once again. Raised to ire she promptly gives Mrs Sheffield a dressing down and defends herself against her return attack. With rather a commotion the police are called to settle things down and Henrietta returns to the dower house. Shortly after an ambulance arrives at the dressmakers and Mrs Sheffield is declared dead.. as rumours abound that Henrietta killed Mrs Sheffield Evie moves her up to the House and Henrietta throws herself into the topsy turvy world that the writers are creating for their play.
Can Evie sort out the real from the fictional ideas floating around the house as the play follows the real murder? Did Henrietta kill the despised Mrs Sheffield? With a new detective on the scene will he accept Evie's insights and ideas or follow the obvious path?
It did become a little bit muddled at times but mostly well written. The ending wasn't the best, still seems confusing after a reread.. where did they get the "poison"? I don't seem to be able to work out that part other than a vague "you can find whatever you need in London" which to be honest is a little weak.
Unfortunately a few errors crept in near the ending.. Mrs Sheffield is called Mrs Green at a crucial point, Sara in previous books becomes Sarah, wrong tense used a couple of times.. it's a shame because it interrupts the flow at the crucial stage of the novel.
I like the fact that the author does research and carefully blends Evie's American upbringing into the way of life for the English aristocracy. Evie introspectively questions what is expected of her over what she'd naturally do, which is an especially nice touch.
A few bits I am still not sure about that could vaguely be small plot holes but mentioning them would give the plot away really..
All in all still a good read but not quite as good as the previous novels.
The idea was a really great one, with Evie hosting a trio of Phillipa's friends who wish to write a play about a murder set in a fictional version of the household but shortly after they arrive a real murder occurs and Lady Henrietta is suddenly the main suspect.
When the rather arrogant and spiteful Mrs Sheffield moves to the village with her husband she seems to have a serious issue with Evie. Criticising her every move and generally appearing to consider Evie to be beneath her socially. Lady Henrietta is not enamoured by the rumours reaching her regarding Mrs Sheffield and refuses to be introduced trying to avoid a confrontation. But fate intervenes and while sitting in the elegant lounge Mrs Green provides for her more exclusive clients, waiting for her dress fitting, she overhears Mrs Sheffield denigrating Evie once again. Raised to ire she promptly gives Mrs Sheffield a dressing down and defends herself against her return attack. With rather a commotion the police are called to settle things down and Henrietta returns to the dower house. Shortly after an ambulance arrives at the dressmakers and Mrs Sheffield is declared dead.. as rumours abound that Henrietta killed Mrs Sheffield Evie moves her up to the House and Henrietta throws herself into the topsy turvy world that the writers are creating for their play.
Can Evie sort out the real from the fictional ideas floating around the house as the play follows the real murder? Did Henrietta kill the despised Mrs Sheffield? With a new detective on the scene will he accept Evie's insights and ideas or follow the obvious path?
It did become a little bit muddled at times but mostly well written. The ending wasn't the best, still seems confusing after a reread.. where did they get the "poison"? I don't seem to be able to work out that part other than a vague "you can find whatever you need in London" which to be honest is a little weak.
Unfortunately a few errors crept in near the ending.. Mrs Sheffield is called Mrs Green at a crucial point, Sara in previous books becomes Sarah, wrong tense used a couple of times.. it's a shame because it interrupts the flow at the crucial stage of the novel.
I like the fact that the author does research and carefully blends Evie's American upbringing into the way of life for the English aristocracy. Evie introspectively questions what is expected of her over what she'd naturally do, which is an especially nice touch.
A few bits I am still not sure about that could vaguely be small plot holes but mentioning them would give the plot away really..
All in all still a good read but not quite as good as the previous novels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews