A Case of Intrigue in Islington

Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventures #8

by Clara Benson, James Langton (Narrator)

During a disturbance at an agricultural show in London, a young man of foreign appearance is stabbed, his killer melting away into the crowd. First on the scene is reporter Freddy Pilkington-Soames, who's covering the show for his newspaper and is just in time to hear the victim's last words, warning of danger to a person by the name of Longstaff and begging Freddy to help.

Following a second suspicious death, and with only the young man's message and a crumpled newspaper clipping to guide him, Freddy finds himself embroiled in a mystery that becomes increasingly puzzling the more he looks into it. Who was the foreigner, and who wanted him dead? How did he know Longstaff was in danger? And what is the significance of the word "Rosa", which was on his lips as he died?

Having exasperated his editor one too many times, Freddy's hanging onto his job by the skin of his teeth, but this is a mystery he can't let go. With ruthless and dangerous criminals on his trail who have no hesitation in using violence to achieve their ends, Freddy is in a race against time to prevent a crime that could have a devastating impact and cause misery for thousands of people. But how can he succeed when he doesn't even know what that crime is?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

Clara Benson is the author of the Angela Marchmont Mysteries and Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventures - traditional English whodunits in authentic style set in the 1920s and 30s. One day she would like to drink cocktails and solve mysteries in a sequinned dress and evening gloves. In the meantime she lives in the north of England with her family and doesn't do any of those things.

If you want to be the first to hear about new releases, and to receive a free, exclusive short story, sign up to her mailing list at clarabenson.com/newsletter.

Reviews

[Pauline Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a long time since my last Freddy book (can it possibly be three years? Write faster, Miss Benson!), and I’d almost forgotten how much fun they are. Here Freddy attends the Smithfields Agricultural Show, a place where even Freddy couldn’t get into trouble, you’d have thought, but no, there’s a murder right in front of him, and inevitably he’s sucked into the mystery. This time, his great rival from another newspaper, Corky Beckwith, is also on the case, or at least interfering and throwing everything into disarray.

Happily, Freddy is intrepid enough not to be deterred, despite dastardly attacks on his person, and the later parts of the book become rather thrilling, and an exercise in derring-do. This is one of the great benefits of Freddy over the author’s previous sleuth, Angela Marchmont, that Freddy can clamber about on roofs and get into fisticuffs with the bad guys, which Angela was far too ladylike to do. However, there’s not the same mystery about Freddy’s past. I so enjoyed finding out bit by bit all Angela’s little secrets.

That’s neither here nor there, however, it’s just my little perpetual moan about Freddy. I’d have liked to see more of his aristocratic family and friends, who were somewhat absent on this outing, but the mystery was intriguing, with any number of unexpected twists and turns, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, even the high stress bits where it looked like Freddy’s number was up. Five stars.

[J.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun mystery/adventure with Freddy Pilkington-Soames. As a reporter for the Clarion - and barely hanging on to his job - Freddy is assigned to cover a livestock fair in town. It's a dull assignment until a young man is murdered, but not before passing on some mysterious clues to Freddy. But his investigation turns up much more than a simple crime. Clara Benson has outdone herself this time and this latest book was so much fun I could barely stop reading and finished it in about a day.

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual there it's great fun investigating with Freddy. Mind you, if I had to contend with Corky Beckwith, I'd be the one committing murder!

[Craftyhj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat implausible but fun nonetheless

The Freddy books make for easy and fun reading. Not stringing on the brain but light entertainment. And there is always a place for just that.

This book is no exception. It all got rather silly for a while but it kept my attention and made for an entertaining few hours.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journalism is a dangerous job!

Freddy gets accidentally drawn into the investigation of a murder, and as the pieces fall into place, realizes that it’s part of a much bigger scheme. Of course, Corky is there to make him miserable every step of the way.

[Phil Hoskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing counterfeit about nearly dying for a Headline

This one is fast paced and loose as Freddy tries to right a wrong that might have never been discovered. There are twists at every turn, and some were dangerous in deed. Hope the next book is ready soon!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corky is not an honest reporter, creates news to so he has some false news to write up. This time he almost become one of the news himself but why does Freddy have to go and save him?

Well, that is Freddy. Way too nice.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun escapade with Freddy Pilkington-Soames, 1920s journalist, lower-rung aristocrat, and amateur sleuth.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, as always. Like Tommy's (of Tommy and Tuppence fame) adventures.