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Miss Underhay #20
Murder at the English Manor
A glamorous engagement celebration in an English country manor house… and a local maid dead. Somebody call Kitty Underhay!
At home in Devon, Kitty is attending a ball at the very grand Markham Hall. With celebrations in full swing and everyone kitted out in their glad rags, Kitty and Matt enjoy the champagne. But the next morning, the party feels well and truly over when Kitty stumbles across a body while out walking her dog, Bertie. The maid, Agnes, is dead, and everyone at Markham Hall is a suspect…
Kitty and Matt set about piecing together the puzzle as the streamers are swept away and empty glasses gathered up. But who could the murderer be? The other maids seem shifty; Lord and Lady Faversham, the hosts, are not without motive, and even Kitty’s grandmother is keeping her cards close to her chest this time…
But then a safe filled with precious jewels has its lock broken, and another body is found tangled up in the weeds of the lake in the grounds. Kitty wonders if the poor guest knew their dancing days were almost over when they were merrily sipping punch the night before? And what secrets are the other guests hiding…
Can Kitty save the next victim at the eleventh hour? Or will this really be a weekend to die for?
Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey or Verity Bright will adore this totally charming murder mystery. The perfect treat for cozy crime fans!
At home in Devon, Kitty is attending a ball at the very grand Markham Hall. With celebrations in full swing and everyone kitted out in their glad rags, Kitty and Matt enjoy the champagne. But the next morning, the party feels well and truly over when Kitty stumbles across a body while out walking her dog, Bertie. The maid, Agnes, is dead, and everyone at Markham Hall is a suspect…
Kitty and Matt set about piecing together the puzzle as the streamers are swept away and empty glasses gathered up. But who could the murderer be? The other maids seem shifty; Lord and Lady Faversham, the hosts, are not without motive, and even Kitty’s grandmother is keeping her cards close to her chest this time…
But then a safe filled with precious jewels has its lock broken, and another body is found tangled up in the weeds of the lake in the grounds. Kitty wonders if the poor guest knew their dancing days were almost over when they were merrily sipping punch the night before? And what secrets are the other guests hiding…
Can Kitty save the next victim at the eleventh hour? Or will this really be a weekend to die for?
Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey or Verity Bright will adore this totally charming murder mystery. The perfect treat for cozy crime fans!
252 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2025
1222 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Helena Dixon
29 books307 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
For other authors of this name, see also:
see: Helena Dixon - Erotica
This author also writes as:
Nell Dixon - Contemporary Womens Fiction
Nell is an multi-award winning author who splits her time between Devon and the Black Country. She lives with her husband, daughters, a tank of tropical fish, and a crazy Cockerpoo called Teddy. She writes contemporary romance as Nell Dixon and historical cozy crime set in 1930's Dartmouth as Helena Dixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
For other authors of this name, see also:
see: Helena Dixon - Erotica
This author also writes as:
Nell Dixon - Contemporary Womens Fiction
Nell is an multi-award winning author who splits her time between Devon and the Black Country. She lives with her husband, daughters, a tank of tropical fish, and a crazy Cockerpoo called Teddy. She writes contemporary romance as Nell Dixon and historical cozy crime set in 1930's Dartmouth as Helena Dixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
May 22, 2025
Book 20 and Kitty and Matt are attending a celebration at Markham Hall which goes well until Bertie discovers the dead body of a maid the next morning. Kitty and Matt's P.I. talents are needed to investigate before anyone else dies.
As usual it was enormous fun watching all my favourite characters in action again. Mrs. Craven demonstrated some previously unknown and remarkable talents which was delightful. Bertie managed to eat a good number of sausages and Matt made progress with his other special case. All good and I am already looking forward to the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
As usual it was enormous fun watching all my favourite characters in action again. Mrs. Craven demonstrated some previously unknown and remarkable talents which was delightful. Bertie managed to eat a good number of sausages and Matt made progress with his other special case. All good and I am already looking forward to the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 15, 2025
Kitty Underhay (now Bryant) and her husband Matt - both Private Investigators - were asked by Millicent Craven to attend a ball the following weekend at the manor house - Markham Hall - belonging to friends of hers. Mainly because a young maid was missing, not heard of by her sister Dora in four weeks. Agnes had been working at the manor and vanished after lunch one day. Matt and Kitty were also requested to be security for the couple of days everyone was there. Bertie, their mischievous dog, was with them, and instrumental in discovering the body of the missing maid. Was she murdered, or was it a terrible accident?
When Inspector Lewis arrived on the scene, he was horrified to discover Matt and Kitty there. They didn't like him, and he didn't like them! But Kitty was determined to solve Agnes' murder, even though Inspector Lewis would take the credit...
Murder at the English Manor is #20 in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and once again I loved it! Fun, entertaining, fast paced with plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing, I've loved each and every one in this series. A tip - don't take much notice of the blurb for this one; it's not correct! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
When Inspector Lewis arrived on the scene, he was horrified to discover Matt and Kitty there. They didn't like him, and he didn't like them! But Kitty was determined to solve Agnes' murder, even though Inspector Lewis would take the credit...
Murder at the English Manor is #20 in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and once again I loved it! Fun, entertaining, fast paced with plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing, I've loved each and every one in this series. A tip - don't take much notice of the blurb for this one; it's not correct! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
May 14, 2025
I love this prolific series. Kitty and her husband Matt are clever and delightful. Bertie,their dog is special, too. This story left a nice cliffhanger, so I’m ready for the next book. I always enjoy the settings, and the mystery. The author is so descriptive that I was often transported to the unfolding scene. Highly recommend the entire series.
I was blessed with an ARC, and the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC, and the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
April 16, 2025
When Kitty is summoned to afternoon tea by Mrs Craven, she knows something is brewing! Having packed for a weekend away with husband Matt and their dog Bertie they begin their search to discover what happened to Mrs Craven's housekeeper's sister who worked at Markham Hall while also passing an expert eye over the security of the estate. Lord and Lady Faversham are preparing for a party to celebrate the engagement of their eldest son to a rich American socialite, but tension is in the air and when Kitty and Bertie discover a body she knows things are definitely going to get worse before they get better
This, amazingly, is book twenty in Helena Dixon’s excellent Miss Underhay Mystery Series and I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this, was sure I had the killer identified and was completely wrong! I can absolutely recommend this book to any fan of a quintessential British cosy historical crime series.
This, amazingly, is book twenty in Helena Dixon’s excellent Miss Underhay Mystery Series and I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this, was sure I had the killer identified and was completely wrong! I can absolutely recommend this book to any fan of a quintessential British cosy historical crime series.
May 6, 2025
murder mystery and mayhem in a country village.
Kitty and Matt are back on the case, and with Mrs. C along to help
Another good cozy mystery with the gang we all love. This time, Mrs. C needs Kitty and Matt's assistance with old family friends and distant relations. Find a missing maid and follow the clues in a rundown estate.
Kitty and Matt are back on the case, and with Mrs. C along to help
Another good cozy mystery with the gang we all love. This time, Mrs. C needs Kitty and Matt's assistance with old family friends and distant relations. Find a missing maid and follow the clues in a rundown estate.
May 11, 2025
The latest mystery in the Miss Underhay series continues the sleuthing adventures of wife and husband duo Kitty and Matt Bryant. This time, Kitty and Matt are drawn into a murder mystery by Mrs. Craven (one of my least favorite characters in the series, but who does something hilarious toward the end of this book). A young maid to an old aristocratic family loosely connected to Mrs. Craven through her deceased husband has gone missing and the maid’s sister is looking for answers. Enter Kitty and Matt who head down to Markham Hall to look into the matter. Based on the title alone, I don’t think it will come as a shocker to anyone that the poor maid is dead (though that isn’t revealed until about 30% of the way through the book), and soon it’s not a case of tracking down a missing maid, but uncovering her killer.
It may sound strange, but the best thing about these books, in my opinion, is their low stakes nature. Sure, Kitty and Matt are investigating a disappearance/murder, but there is plenty of time for fancy meals, long walks with their dog, and tea. Typically, there is no sense of urgency until the final 4 or so chapters, which makes this the perfect book to read before bed. As someone who has a lot of trouble falling asleep, these are the perfect books to read right before you turn out the lights. Just interesting enough characters and mystery to keep you reading, but not so much that you can’t turn off your brain. That may sound strange, but I mean it as a real compliment. These are the definition of a cozy, murder mystery read.
In Murder at the English Manner, we’re treated to an interesting mystery, a small look at the woes of the impoverished aristocracy (cue a tiny violin), and a small update on the overarching multi-book ongoing mystery of the man who faked his death during the war. The characters embroiled in this mystery are fairly one note, but it doesn’t really detract from the events or the story and, as I mentioned above, Mrs. Craven finally has a scene where I don’t entirely dislike her.
I highly recommend starting this series at the beginning when Kitty was actually Miss Underhay and enjoy 20 fun cozy murder mysteries with, hopefully, more to come.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
It may sound strange, but the best thing about these books, in my opinion, is their low stakes nature. Sure, Kitty and Matt are investigating a disappearance/murder, but there is plenty of time for fancy meals, long walks with their dog, and tea. Typically, there is no sense of urgency until the final 4 or so chapters, which makes this the perfect book to read before bed. As someone who has a lot of trouble falling asleep, these are the perfect books to read right before you turn out the lights. Just interesting enough characters and mystery to keep you reading, but not so much that you can’t turn off your brain. That may sound strange, but I mean it as a real compliment. These are the definition of a cozy, murder mystery read.
In Murder at the English Manner, we’re treated to an interesting mystery, a small look at the woes of the impoverished aristocracy (cue a tiny violin), and a small update on the overarching multi-book ongoing mystery of the man who faked his death during the war. The characters embroiled in this mystery are fairly one note, but it doesn’t really detract from the events or the story and, as I mentioned above, Mrs. Craven finally has a scene where I don’t entirely dislike her.
I highly recommend starting this series at the beginning when Kitty was actually Miss Underhay and enjoy 20 fun cozy murder mysteries with, hopefully, more to come.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
May 23, 2025
Kitty Underhay and her husband Matt are asked by their friend Mrs. Craven to attend a lavish ball with the intent of discovering what happened to one of the maids. They will definitely be using their skills as private investigators.
The ball was to be a busy event, and Kitty and Matt had planned on watching over the entire event, as that was their original purpose for attending. What started off as a favor to their friend, Mrs. Craven, ends up becoming much more.
Sadly, Agnes just didn't go missing. She was found dead, and it definitely was a case of murder. With the staff at the residence and all of the guests, Kitty and Matt don’t have a shortage of suspects, as just about anyone could have been responsible for Agnes’ murder.
Mrs. Craven made a fine companion to Kitty and Matt on this case, and was actually quite entertaining. Their experience working together solving Agnes’ murder will no doubt be of benefit to them. Will the trio discover what happened? Also, will Matt’s attention on yet another case prevent him from working to find answers with Kitty and Mrs. Craven?
Murder at the English Manor celebrates its twentieth book in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon. As always, she has written an entertaining story and has pleasantly managed to keep this series fresh and enjoyable. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The ball was to be a busy event, and Kitty and Matt had planned on watching over the entire event, as that was their original purpose for attending. What started off as a favor to their friend, Mrs. Craven, ends up becoming much more.
Sadly, Agnes just didn't go missing. She was found dead, and it definitely was a case of murder. With the staff at the residence and all of the guests, Kitty and Matt don’t have a shortage of suspects, as just about anyone could have been responsible for Agnes’ murder.
Mrs. Craven made a fine companion to Kitty and Matt on this case, and was actually quite entertaining. Their experience working together solving Agnes’ murder will no doubt be of benefit to them. Will the trio discover what happened? Also, will Matt’s attention on yet another case prevent him from working to find answers with Kitty and Mrs. Craven?
Murder at the English Manor celebrates its twentieth book in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon. As always, she has written an entertaining story and has pleasantly managed to keep this series fresh and enjoyable. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 20, 2025
This was a really good entry in this long running series! Although it's #20, the series continues to hold my interest. In this book, Kitty and Matt are asked by Mrs. Craven to investigate the disappearance of her maid's sister. The sister, Agnes, worked at an estate as a maid, and left with no letter, no notice. She just disappeared. Kitty, Matt, and Mrs. Craven all head to the estate for a weekend party at the estate which is being held to celebrate the engagement of the oldest son of the estate to a wealthy American woman. In addition to the main mystery, there is a lot going on with the family that owns the estate. There's also the lingering mystery about a man Matt knew during WWI.
As has been the case in the past, the book ends with a bit of a cliff-hanger about the next book. I really enjoyed this entry, and look forward to the next!
As has been the case in the past, the book ends with a bit of a cliff-hanger about the next book. I really enjoyed this entry, and look forward to the next!
May 22, 2025
4.5* rounded up
"Murder at the English Manor" is the twentieth instalment in Helena Dixon's Miss Underhay Mystery series and once again delivers a thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery that as always gives us a wonderful blend of mystery, intrigue and period detail that I always enjoy from this series.
This time, Kitty and Matt are engaged by Mrs Craven to attend a engagement celebration at the home of Lord and Lady Faversham to look into the disappearance of a housemaid, Agnes, but the festivities soon take a dark turn ensuring that it's a race against the clock to solve the mystery before it's time to head home. As always there are plenty of motives and secrets amongst the guests which gives us plenty of red herrings and twists along the way.
Kitty's character continues to shine and develop in this book and her relationship with Matt adds depth and warmth to the story. The mystery is overall highly engaging but unfolds at a leisurely pace, allowing us to get to know the characters and enjoy an immersive journey into the historical period in which it is set.
"Murder at the English Manor" is one of my favourite recent additions to the Miss Underhay series, and the storytelling, settings, characters and attention to detail makes this series a must-read for fans of period cosy mysteries. It's a story that entertains and intrigues, and as always, has left me eager for Kitty's next adventure.
"Murder at the English Manor" is the twentieth instalment in Helena Dixon's Miss Underhay Mystery series and once again delivers a thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery that as always gives us a wonderful blend of mystery, intrigue and period detail that I always enjoy from this series.
This time, Kitty and Matt are engaged by Mrs Craven to attend a engagement celebration at the home of Lord and Lady Faversham to look into the disappearance of a housemaid, Agnes, but the festivities soon take a dark turn ensuring that it's a race against the clock to solve the mystery before it's time to head home. As always there are plenty of motives and secrets amongst the guests which gives us plenty of red herrings and twists along the way.
Kitty's character continues to shine and develop in this book and her relationship with Matt adds depth and warmth to the story. The mystery is overall highly engaging but unfolds at a leisurely pace, allowing us to get to know the characters and enjoy an immersive journey into the historical period in which it is set.
"Murder at the English Manor" is one of my favourite recent additions to the Miss Underhay series, and the storytelling, settings, characters and attention to detail makes this series a must-read for fans of period cosy mysteries. It's a story that entertains and intrigues, and as always, has left me eager for Kitty's next adventure.
May 27, 2025
Kitty and Matt are not only good private investigators but a delightful couple to spend time with. No matter what is going on, including murder and mayhem. They seem to keep their cool and carry on, although Kitty would dearly love to tell Inspector Lewis off, I'm sure. His lack of respect for her sleuthing skills is long standing, however, and Kitty (and Matt) seem to have learned to cope with him well. That said, they were a bit surprised when he showed up to investigate the murder of the maid at Markham Hall since it's out of his usual realm. There at the invite of Lord and Lady Faversham, perhaps prompted by Mrs. Craven, to add to the security of the gathering to celebrate their eldest son's engagement to a rich American heiress. This seemed to be a common during this time period, which is 1937, England. It's obviously a marriage of convenience, with the daughter getting a fancy title while the Faversham family gets a much needed ingestion of cash. Let's just say Markham Hall is showing its age.
Although Matt isn't distracted long from the long running quest of the series to discover the secrets behind Redvers Palmerston's mysterious appearance after seemingly been dead for years. More on that to come, I'm sure, in future books. The primary focus is to discover what happened to Agnes, sister to Mrs. Craven's maid Dora. That answer is discovered by the rather unpleasant discovery of the body by Kitty while out walking, Bertie, her spaniel who seems to have a nose for finding bodies. There are multiple suspects, mostly focused on those who were there for the engagement announcement. Family secrets seem to abound and rumors of gambling debts, break-ins, and blackmail circulate. In the meantime, what the heck is the American bride-to-be up to? Just one more mystery for Kitty and Matt to solve. Now, if they can just keep Mrs. Craven from getting into mischief/danger. Will the wedding happen? Why does the potential groom's brother take off to stay with friends? What was Agnes up to when she was killed? Who....oh, more than enough teasers.
It's an intriguing mystery with lots of twists and turns and I didn't really figure out whodunit until it was revealed, fun to try to figure out. I definitely have enjoyed getting to know Kitty and Matt better every book and following Matt's efforts to sort out the Redvers' mystery. Although run-down, the setting of Markham Hall adds a touch of upper-class life to the story while the murder itself is, sadly, not the least bit respectful of wealth and class. Thanks to #Bookouture and #NetGalley for initially introducing me to Kitty and Matt and allowing me this early peek at their current case and progress(?) on the Redvers' front. Definitely looking forward to the next installment after that ending.
Although Matt isn't distracted long from the long running quest of the series to discover the secrets behind Redvers Palmerston's mysterious appearance after seemingly been dead for years. More on that to come, I'm sure, in future books. The primary focus is to discover what happened to Agnes, sister to Mrs. Craven's maid Dora. That answer is discovered by the rather unpleasant discovery of the body by Kitty while out walking, Bertie, her spaniel who seems to have a nose for finding bodies. There are multiple suspects, mostly focused on those who were there for the engagement announcement. Family secrets seem to abound and rumors of gambling debts, break-ins, and blackmail circulate. In the meantime, what the heck is the American bride-to-be up to? Just one more mystery for Kitty and Matt to solve. Now, if they can just keep Mrs. Craven from getting into mischief/danger. Will the wedding happen? Why does the potential groom's brother take off to stay with friends? What was Agnes up to when she was killed? Who....oh, more than enough teasers.
It's an intriguing mystery with lots of twists and turns and I didn't really figure out whodunit until it was revealed, fun to try to figure out. I definitely have enjoyed getting to know Kitty and Matt better every book and following Matt's efforts to sort out the Redvers' mystery. Although run-down, the setting of Markham Hall adds a touch of upper-class life to the story while the murder itself is, sadly, not the least bit respectful of wealth and class. Thanks to #Bookouture and #NetGalley for initially introducing me to Kitty and Matt and allowing me this early peek at their current case and progress(?) on the Redvers' front. Definitely looking forward to the next installment after that ending.
May 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Murder at the English Manor" in exchange for my honest review.
This is the 20th book in the fantastic Miss Underhay series. As always the story starts with articles from the Torbay Herald. This time dated May 1937. An ad for a 'Situation Vacant' - looking for a live-in general maid. The next ad is a 'Forthcoming Marriage' ad from the same address in Bovey Tracey.
When Mrs. Craven the best friend of Kitty's grandmother invites her for tea, Kitty has a feeling that she will once again be roped into something. Mrs. C's maid Dora is beside herself with worry when she can't locate her sister Agnes who writes every week and they meet up for tea every fortnight. She disappeared a month ago and hasn't sent for her trunk or belongings.
Mrs. C wants Kitty and Matt to investigate. She's been invited to an engagement party and wants them to come along, and she will help them investigate - what could go wrong? Dowager Lady Faversham's late husband Lord Norman was the cousin of Mrs. C's late husband Peregrine.
Of course, where Kitty goes there is sure to be a murder, this time spotted by Bertie everyone's favourite roan cocker spaniel who they have taken along with them because he tends not to be on his best behaviour at all times.
The family is in dire straights, they need the marriage to happen because that will bring money into the family. The estate is quite rundown and the bride and groom appear to be a strange match. The bride's father wants a title and the family want his money.
The family is rather cold and uncaring that something has happened to Agnes. No one seems to be worried about her. They just insist that she ran off with some young man. They're more concerned with keeping Mr. Conway happy so that his daughter will marry into the family and bring her money. Sadly Inspector Lewis makes an appearance. He couldn't solve a crime to save his own life and is probably jealous that Matt and Kitty are so bright and solve everything with the greatest of ease.
Matt is also working on his investigation that started when they returned from New York and saw someone that he thought was long dead, very much alive on the dock. It's a complex mystery that Matt is determined to solve.
Once again Ms. Dixon has brought together an interesting cast of characters and an ingenious plot. As always worth more than 5 starts and very much looking forward to the next adventure!
This is the 20th book in the fantastic Miss Underhay series. As always the story starts with articles from the Torbay Herald. This time dated May 1937. An ad for a 'Situation Vacant' - looking for a live-in general maid. The next ad is a 'Forthcoming Marriage' ad from the same address in Bovey Tracey.
When Mrs. Craven the best friend of Kitty's grandmother invites her for tea, Kitty has a feeling that she will once again be roped into something. Mrs. C's maid Dora is beside herself with worry when she can't locate her sister Agnes who writes every week and they meet up for tea every fortnight. She disappeared a month ago and hasn't sent for her trunk or belongings.
Mrs. C wants Kitty and Matt to investigate. She's been invited to an engagement party and wants them to come along, and she will help them investigate - what could go wrong? Dowager Lady Faversham's late husband Lord Norman was the cousin of Mrs. C's late husband Peregrine.
Of course, where Kitty goes there is sure to be a murder, this time spotted by Bertie everyone's favourite roan cocker spaniel who they have taken along with them because he tends not to be on his best behaviour at all times.
The family is in dire straights, they need the marriage to happen because that will bring money into the family. The estate is quite rundown and the bride and groom appear to be a strange match. The bride's father wants a title and the family want his money.
The family is rather cold and uncaring that something has happened to Agnes. No one seems to be worried about her. They just insist that she ran off with some young man. They're more concerned with keeping Mr. Conway happy so that his daughter will marry into the family and bring her money. Sadly Inspector Lewis makes an appearance. He couldn't solve a crime to save his own life and is probably jealous that Matt and Kitty are so bright and solve everything with the greatest of ease.
Matt is also working on his investigation that started when they returned from New York and saw someone that he thought was long dead, very much alive on the dock. It's a complex mystery that Matt is determined to solve.
Once again Ms. Dixon has brought together an interesting cast of characters and an ingenious plot. As always worth more than 5 starts and very much looking forward to the next adventure!
May 18, 2025
Title: Murder at the English Manor
Series: A Miss Underhay Mystery #20
Author: Helena Dixon
Narrator: Karen Cass
Format: 🎧
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Audiobook Pub Date May 23, 2025
My Rating: 4.3 Stars
Pages: 309
When Kitty Underhay is summoned to afternoon tea by Mrs. Craven, she knows something is up!
Kitty and her husband Matt Bryant have packed for a weekend away they of course, include their dog Bertie.
Mrs. Craven needs their help in finding out what happened to Agnes her housekeeper's sister.
Kitty and Matt will be is attending an engagement party at the very grand Markham Hall.
Lord and Lady Faversham are having an engagement Ball for their eldest son Sebastian who is marrying Ruby, a wealthy American socialite.
Everyone is having a wonderful time at the party. Kitty and Matt are thinking about the missing maid. Kitty asks her husband- “Shall we dance and not think about investigating right now?”
The next morning, Kitty takes Bertie for a walk in the nearby woods as they have done previously only this time Birdie is more interested in a small building than in walking in the woods or even caching the ducks in the pond. Kitty sees that the building is a mausoleum. Birdie seems to want go in. Kitty tries the door and sure enough it isn’t locked, When they enters she sees why Bertie was so interested as he was trying to drawn her attention to a body - might this be the maid Agnes?
\Whodunit was a surprise as well as the ending!
I am looking forward to Kitty and Matt’s next adventure as we got a hint at the end of this story.
I really like these two.
I loved Ashley Weaver’s Amory and Milo Ames series but there has been any new stories in ages. So Kitty and Matt seem perfect for me!
Although this is book twenty in Helena Dixon’s Miss Underhay Mystery Series it was my first. I wasn’t sure if it would work but I found it easy to catch up with many of the recurring characters - I found it enjoyable and look forward to reading another.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 23, 2025.
Series: A Miss Underhay Mystery #20
Author: Helena Dixon
Narrator: Karen Cass
Format: 🎧
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Audiobook Pub Date May 23, 2025
My Rating: 4.3 Stars
Pages: 309
When Kitty Underhay is summoned to afternoon tea by Mrs. Craven, she knows something is up!
Kitty and her husband Matt Bryant have packed for a weekend away they of course, include their dog Bertie.
Mrs. Craven needs their help in finding out what happened to Agnes her housekeeper's sister.
Kitty and Matt will be is attending an engagement party at the very grand Markham Hall.
Lord and Lady Faversham are having an engagement Ball for their eldest son Sebastian who is marrying Ruby, a wealthy American socialite.
Everyone is having a wonderful time at the party. Kitty and Matt are thinking about the missing maid. Kitty asks her husband- “Shall we dance and not think about investigating right now?”
The next morning, Kitty takes Bertie for a walk in the nearby woods as they have done previously only this time Birdie is more interested in a small building than in walking in the woods or even caching the ducks in the pond. Kitty sees that the building is a mausoleum. Birdie seems to want go in. Kitty tries the door and sure enough it isn’t locked, When they enters she sees why Bertie was so interested as he was trying to drawn her attention to a body - might this be the maid Agnes?
\Whodunit was a surprise as well as the ending!
I am looking forward to Kitty and Matt’s next adventure as we got a hint at the end of this story.
I really like these two.
I loved Ashley Weaver’s Amory and Milo Ames series but there has been any new stories in ages. So Kitty and Matt seem perfect for me!
Although this is book twenty in Helena Dixon’s Miss Underhay Mystery Series it was my first. I wasn’t sure if it would work but I found it easy to catch up with many of the recurring characters - I found it enjoyable and look forward to reading another.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 23, 2025.
January 18, 2026
By all accounts, the books in Helena Dixon’s Miss Underhay Mystery series should be something I read once or two of, then dismiss. While the mysteries are decent, the writing is very formulaic and really glosses over the social issues that were present during the time this is set in. For instance, in Murder in New York, the lead characters visit Kitty Underhay’s father in New York City. Although set in the 1930s, there’s little acknowledgement that The Great Depression is going on. When I thought about writing this review, I had to ask myself what appeals to me about these books. It came to me. They remind me of the Nancy Drew series I loved as a tween, where real life tended not to intrude on anything Nancy wanted to accomplish.
Murder at the English Manor is another bit of escapism. In past books, there was some talk of the buildup to a second world war, Kitty’s husband Matt having served in the first one. There’s no talk of the goings on across the English Channel here, just total immersion in a mystery set among the high society of England at the time.
Millie Craven is a friend of Kitty and Matt’s. Her maid Dora’s sister has been missing for about a month. Millicent begs Kitty and Matt to accompany her to the estate where Agnes, her sister, works. The Markhams are about to celebrate the engagement of their son to a wealthy American heiress, an influx of cash being much-needed to continue supporting the estate and the family. They question the family and staff about the disappearance, while at the same time maintaining the story that they are there as security consultants.
The morning following the celebration, Kitty stumbles on Agnes’ body inside the family mausoleum. The police are brought in, including Kitty’s somewhat-nemesis, Inspector Lewis. As usual, he’s more annoyed than appreciative of Kitty’s presence. As they try to figure out who is responsible for Agnes’ murder, Matt needs to go to London to check on something for a mystery that’s been going on throughout several of the books.
I did enjoy Murder at the English Manor despite its predictability. In fact, I had the wrong suspect all along, which surprised me at the end. I was sure I knew who did it. Although the reasoning behind the murder was quickly evident, the identity of the murderer didn’t fall into place quite as easily.
To read my complete review, please go to Murder at the English Manor by Helena Dixon – Unraveling Murder and Class in 1930s England
Murder at the English Manor is another bit of escapism. In past books, there was some talk of the buildup to a second world war, Kitty’s husband Matt having served in the first one. There’s no talk of the goings on across the English Channel here, just total immersion in a mystery set among the high society of England at the time.
Millie Craven is a friend of Kitty and Matt’s. Her maid Dora’s sister has been missing for about a month. Millicent begs Kitty and Matt to accompany her to the estate where Agnes, her sister, works. The Markhams are about to celebrate the engagement of their son to a wealthy American heiress, an influx of cash being much-needed to continue supporting the estate and the family. They question the family and staff about the disappearance, while at the same time maintaining the story that they are there as security consultants.
The morning following the celebration, Kitty stumbles on Agnes’ body inside the family mausoleum. The police are brought in, including Kitty’s somewhat-nemesis, Inspector Lewis. As usual, he’s more annoyed than appreciative of Kitty’s presence. As they try to figure out who is responsible for Agnes’ murder, Matt needs to go to London to check on something for a mystery that’s been going on throughout several of the books.
I did enjoy Murder at the English Manor despite its predictability. In fact, I had the wrong suspect all along, which surprised me at the end. I was sure I knew who did it. Although the reasoning behind the murder was quickly evident, the identity of the murderer didn’t fall into place quite as easily.
To read my complete review, please go to Murder at the English Manor by Helena Dixon – Unraveling Murder and Class in 1930s England
December 31, 2025
What a delightful quick read! Or in this case, listen. Things my first experience with this series which are inter-connected stand alone books but they do have some threads that carry through. However, even though there are some things that are from the previous book, you can easily pick up what is going on.
They have a very cozy mystery quality to them but it’s like a little bit more than cozy? Very low stakes which just makes them such an easy read. I love the British setting which just makes this American want to jump on a plane!
The narrator Karen Cass does an excellent job! All the different voices she performs and at a good pace. Even though it was recorded swiftly it was easy to speed things up to 2x speed and it was still quite understandable. Bookouture Audio does such a good job with their audiobook productions and finds the right narrator for the right book.
While I enjoyed this on a beautiful spring day I could see getting all cozy on a rainy day and dicing right in. The only criticism I have is with some repetitiveness with the dog. It just seemed weird that he was mentioned so much. Also, I think the author loves to use the word balustrade as it’s used a ton with characters constantly in its presence 😝.
This book comes out on May 23, 2025 so if you’re a mystery lover get this on your TBR!
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Bookouture Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
They have a very cozy mystery quality to them but it’s like a little bit more than cozy? Very low stakes which just makes them such an easy read. I love the British setting which just makes this American want to jump on a plane!
The narrator Karen Cass does an excellent job! All the different voices she performs and at a good pace. Even though it was recorded swiftly it was easy to speed things up to 2x speed and it was still quite understandable. Bookouture Audio does such a good job with their audiobook productions and finds the right narrator for the right book.
While I enjoyed this on a beautiful spring day I could see getting all cozy on a rainy day and dicing right in. The only criticism I have is with some repetitiveness with the dog. It just seemed weird that he was mentioned so much. Also, I think the author loves to use the word balustrade as it’s used a ton with characters constantly in its presence 😝.
This book comes out on May 23, 2025 so if you’re a mystery lover get this on your TBR!
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Bookouture Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
April 25, 2025
💖Review: Murder at the English Manor
🥞Rate: 5 Stars!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💌Praise: Kitty and Matt are my favorite mystery solving couple! First off! I love the cover! I love all of Helena's book covers but this one with its twilight background and kitty holding a smart martini glass in her hands made me realize right off the bat this is going to be the ultimate page turner! (Well all of Helena's books are page turners!)
🥃 Kitty and Matt have been invited by Mrs. Craven to a english manor where there have been some suspicious activity going on! Including a murder! She asked our couple to help investigate and make sure everything is tip top shape before a big wedding! Gasp!! (Mrs. Craven truly is one of my favorites!)
⛱️ I stayed up late into the night wondering which character were carrying what secrets now! The new cast of characters are a quirky bunch! Some are artistic! Some are very traditional! And the ones that are in between definitely had me second-guessing their motives and their ideals! Are they innocent? Or are they hiding something?
🧁Characters: Mrs craven's old friend Lady Sarah is definitely someone I thought of Dame Maggie Smith playing! She's quick to the point and her dry humor was extremely entertaining! Lady Amelia has my heart because she is such a sweet artist! But once again Kitty and Matt are my favorite! From every eavesdrop on whispered conversations to the details of a beautiful engagement ball this book has it all! Matt having to solve a second case involving a missing friend of his from back then becomes more interesting as this story progresses!
🌃Extra; Helena is pen to parchment magic! I will be re reading this book and looking forward to other books of hers! I'm very thankful to have been selected to read this treasure early!
🥞Rate: 5 Stars!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💌Praise: Kitty and Matt are my favorite mystery solving couple! First off! I love the cover! I love all of Helena's book covers but this one with its twilight background and kitty holding a smart martini glass in her hands made me realize right off the bat this is going to be the ultimate page turner! (Well all of Helena's books are page turners!)
🥃 Kitty and Matt have been invited by Mrs. Craven to a english manor where there have been some suspicious activity going on! Including a murder! She asked our couple to help investigate and make sure everything is tip top shape before a big wedding! Gasp!! (Mrs. Craven truly is one of my favorites!)
⛱️ I stayed up late into the night wondering which character were carrying what secrets now! The new cast of characters are a quirky bunch! Some are artistic! Some are very traditional! And the ones that are in between definitely had me second-guessing their motives and their ideals! Are they innocent? Or are they hiding something?
🧁Characters: Mrs craven's old friend Lady Sarah is definitely someone I thought of Dame Maggie Smith playing! She's quick to the point and her dry humor was extremely entertaining! Lady Amelia has my heart because she is such a sweet artist! But once again Kitty and Matt are my favorite! From every eavesdrop on whispered conversations to the details of a beautiful engagement ball this book has it all! Matt having to solve a second case involving a missing friend of his from back then becomes more interesting as this story progresses!
🌃Extra; Helena is pen to parchment magic! I will be re reading this book and looking forward to other books of hers! I'm very thankful to have been selected to read this treasure early!
May 24, 2025
Murder at the English Manor by Helena Dixon is a Miss Underhay mystery where in we join Kitty and Matt at a house party, invited by Mrs. Craven. Worse yet, she plans to help them investigate the disappearance of the sister of her maid, whom she had recommended to her friends, the Favershams. It is an odd household for this time between wars. The Dowager, who was Mrs. Craven’s friend; her son and his wife; their two sons, and several servants in a house that called for many servants. Also were the elder son’s (Sebastian) fiancee and her father. There is to be a ball to announce the engagement. It was obvious by the appearance of the manor that the Favershams needed money. Hence, the engagement to the daughter of a wealthy American. These people had hardly noticed the disappearance of Agnes, the maid. They assumed she ran off with her boyfriend and moved on. Kitty and Matt found so much more.
What had been a common practice earlier, marrying an American heiress for an influx of money had rather gone out of style. Matt and Kitty are an excellent investigative team. They complement each other, in that opposite types of people respond to them, opening doors previously shut. Mrs. Craven proved not to be a misery, which surprised them both. The detective was still cold and uncooperative, believing private investigators, especially women, had no place in the world of policing. Excellent main characters who have done nothing but grow throughout the series. The mystery was a good one which ended sadly, but life was to move forward and more happily than one might expect.
I was invited to read Murder at the English Manor by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #HelenaDixon #MurderAtTheEnglishManor
What had been a common practice earlier, marrying an American heiress for an influx of money had rather gone out of style. Matt and Kitty are an excellent investigative team. They complement each other, in that opposite types of people respond to them, opening doors previously shut. Mrs. Craven proved not to be a misery, which surprised them both. The detective was still cold and uncooperative, believing private investigators, especially women, had no place in the world of policing. Excellent main characters who have done nothing but grow throughout the series. The mystery was a good one which ended sadly, but life was to move forward and more happily than one might expect.
I was invited to read Murder at the English Manor by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #HelenaDixon #MurderAtTheEnglishManor
May 19, 2025
In this 20th incarnation of the Miss Kitty Underhay Mysteries, Kitty and Matt are coerced by Kitty’s least favourite aged pensioner to pursue the problem of a missing maid.
The maid is missing from Markham and nobody seems to care, until the body turns up that is. The ever disapproving Inspector Lewis joins the fray as we hunt for the now murder.
As always, Dixon weaves an intriguing plot around the well-loved familiar characters and the introduction of new ones. There is growing tension as suspects are identified and rejected, liars are exposed and new secrets exposed. Kitty and Matt are up against a close-mouthed family and a truculent inspector, as they work to find the responsible person.
Whilst Dixon leaves clues to help the reader solve the problem, the reader needs to be paying close attention to identify them.
In the end, the murderer is found and Kitty and Matt are able to return to their quiet family life in Toukay, but is it really so quiet? On their arrival a letter asking their assistance on a new case awaits them and the next adventure is already calling.
Overall, Murder at the English Country House is up to Dixon’s usual standards. I’d say it’s fairly middle of the pack in terms of the series but at 20 and counting it gets harder to have anything entirely new with the same set of characters following the familiar plot structure. However, when it’s an enjoyable series, the middle isn’t a bad place to be still sitting at a 4 star review. If this is your thing and you love a period murder mystery, it’s highly enjoyable and well worth a read.
Thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for getting to read this ARC and reduce my wait until it releases!
The maid is missing from Markham and nobody seems to care, until the body turns up that is. The ever disapproving Inspector Lewis joins the fray as we hunt for the now murder.
As always, Dixon weaves an intriguing plot around the well-loved familiar characters and the introduction of new ones. There is growing tension as suspects are identified and rejected, liars are exposed and new secrets exposed. Kitty and Matt are up against a close-mouthed family and a truculent inspector, as they work to find the responsible person.
Whilst Dixon leaves clues to help the reader solve the problem, the reader needs to be paying close attention to identify them.
In the end, the murderer is found and Kitty and Matt are able to return to their quiet family life in Toukay, but is it really so quiet? On their arrival a letter asking their assistance on a new case awaits them and the next adventure is already calling.
Overall, Murder at the English Country House is up to Dixon’s usual standards. I’d say it’s fairly middle of the pack in terms of the series but at 20 and counting it gets harder to have anything entirely new with the same set of characters following the familiar plot structure. However, when it’s an enjoyable series, the middle isn’t a bad place to be still sitting at a 4 star review. If this is your thing and you love a period murder mystery, it’s highly enjoyable and well worth a read.
Thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for getting to read this ARC and reduce my wait until it releases!
May 20, 2025
Kitty is invited to tea with her Grams, also present is Mrs Craven who has a favour to ask of Kitty & Matt. Dora, Mrs Craven’s maid is worried about her sister Agnes who she hasn’t heard from in a month & she would like The Bryant’s to investigate. So Matt & Kitty find themselves attending a ball at the very grand but run down Markham Hall. But the next morning, the party feels well and truly over when Kitty stumbles across a body while out walking her dog, Bertie. The maid, Agnes, is dead. Kitty and Matt set about piecing together the puzzle, although Inspector Lewis would rather they went home.
The twentieth book in the series & another well written engrossing cosy mystery. I love Matt & Kitty who work so well together ably aided & abetted by Bertie their spaniel. There are a limited number of suspects but the author throws quite a few red herrings as well as twists & turns. I must admit I didn’t like the family especially the dowager who was clinging onto nineteenth century values. There is also the ongoing mystery of one of Matt’s army colleague’s who faked his death, the ending opens this up & I can’t wait to see what happens. I was also lucky enough to receive an audiobook as well & the narrator was amazing really brought the book to life
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The twentieth book in the series & another well written engrossing cosy mystery. I love Matt & Kitty who work so well together ably aided & abetted by Bertie their spaniel. There are a limited number of suspects but the author throws quite a few red herrings as well as twists & turns. I must admit I didn’t like the family especially the dowager who was clinging onto nineteenth century values. There is also the ongoing mystery of one of Matt’s army colleague’s who faked his death, the ending opens this up & I can’t wait to see what happens. I was also lucky enough to receive an audiobook as well & the narrator was amazing really brought the book to life
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
June 8, 2025
Wedding Bells May Be Ringing
Our DynamiC Duo are headed to stay at the English Manor Home of The Faversham Estate in Markham. It seems that Mrs. Craven’s housekeeper Dora’s sister has gone missing, and no one on the estate has seen her. So, Mrs. Craven asks Kitty and Matt to travel to the estate to help find out what has happened to Agnes.
The Estate is in a frenzy as their oldest son Sebastian is engaged to marry a young American Ruby Conway, who is quite wealthy due to her inheritance and her father has arranged the marriage to raise his daughter’s station in life. The marriage will also help the Faversham’s out of the financial crisis they are currently facing.
Of course, when they arrive and start to assist with finding the missing maid, Kitty and her faithful dog Bertie find the missing made in a mausoleum located i the woods near the lake on the estate.
Oh oh, its time to call in the authorities. And guess who shows up, none other than Kitty’s and Matt’s favorite law enforcement officer, Inspector Lewis, has been assigned to the case.
Trouble brews throughout this case as no one really knows who killed Agnes. Could it have been the gardner, or his son, or perhaps one of the family members. I guess you’ll have to pick this, the 20th “Miss Underhay” mystery.
Our DynamiC Duo are headed to stay at the English Manor Home of The Faversham Estate in Markham. It seems that Mrs. Craven’s housekeeper Dora’s sister has gone missing, and no one on the estate has seen her. So, Mrs. Craven asks Kitty and Matt to travel to the estate to help find out what has happened to Agnes.
The Estate is in a frenzy as their oldest son Sebastian is engaged to marry a young American Ruby Conway, who is quite wealthy due to her inheritance and her father has arranged the marriage to raise his daughter’s station in life. The marriage will also help the Faversham’s out of the financial crisis they are currently facing.
Of course, when they arrive and start to assist with finding the missing maid, Kitty and her faithful dog Bertie find the missing made in a mausoleum located i the woods near the lake on the estate.
Oh oh, its time to call in the authorities. And guess who shows up, none other than Kitty’s and Matt’s favorite law enforcement officer, Inspector Lewis, has been assigned to the case.
Trouble brews throughout this case as no one really knows who killed Agnes. Could it have been the gardner, or his son, or perhaps one of the family members. I guess you’ll have to pick this, the 20th “Miss Underhay” mystery.
May 25, 2025
Rounded up from 4.5
I can't believe we're already at the twentieth book in this fantastic cozy mystery series!
In this book Kitty and Matt are invited to an engagement party at Markham hall, after they're asked by Mrs Craven to help find a missing maid, her sister Dora having not heard from her in weeks. As a cover, they are asked to keep a watchful eye over the hall after a few attempted break-ins. When they arrive, they find a family on the brink of ruin and a house that's seen better days, so there's a lot riding on the engagement and wedding going ahead as it would bring much needed money for them. It's tricky for both Kitty and Matt to navigate the tensions in the house and try to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Another great addition to this already brilliant series! Even though this is a long series, the author still keeps me gripped and eager for more books.
I enjoyed the addition of Mrs Craven and her meddling ways in this book, becoming more of hindrance as she always does when she tries to 'help' with their investigations.
I loved the fact that this story really kept me guessing. I wasn't sure who the murderer was until right near the end.
I will always recommend these books to anyone who wants a fresh take on a classic style murder mystery.
I can't believe we're already at the twentieth book in this fantastic cozy mystery series!
In this book Kitty and Matt are invited to an engagement party at Markham hall, after they're asked by Mrs Craven to help find a missing maid, her sister Dora having not heard from her in weeks. As a cover, they are asked to keep a watchful eye over the hall after a few attempted break-ins. When they arrive, they find a family on the brink of ruin and a house that's seen better days, so there's a lot riding on the engagement and wedding going ahead as it would bring much needed money for them. It's tricky for both Kitty and Matt to navigate the tensions in the house and try to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Another great addition to this already brilliant series! Even though this is a long series, the author still keeps me gripped and eager for more books.
I enjoyed the addition of Mrs Craven and her meddling ways in this book, becoming more of hindrance as she always does when she tries to 'help' with their investigations.
I loved the fact that this story really kept me guessing. I wasn't sure who the murderer was until right near the end.
I will always recommend these books to anyone who wants a fresh take on a classic style murder mystery.
May 18, 2025
Kitty (the former Miss Underhay) and husband Matt Bryant work together as private investigators. This time they are invited to an engagement party at a family's country house. They learn a lot about the families involved including the genteel poverty of the groom's titled family and the wealth of the bride's American family. The cast of characters alone is highly entertaining even before the local grumpy detective arrives to investigate a body and a missing maid. The story moves along quickly with twists and surprises galore. I think that it probably stands alone as well as being very welcome to those of us who are addicted to this series.
This is hardly an unbiased review as I really love the Missy Underhay series.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Bookouture via NetGalley.
#MurderattheEnglishManor by Helena Dixon @helenadixonuk #MissUnderhayMysteryBk20 #BritishCozyCrimeMystery @bookouture #Cornwall #cozymystery #cozymysteryseries #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo @Waterstones #England #MurderInvestigations #privateInvestigators #twisty
This is hardly an unbiased review as I really love the Missy Underhay series.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Bookouture via NetGalley.
#MurderattheEnglishManor by Helena Dixon @helenadixonuk #MissUnderhayMysteryBk20 #BritishCozyCrimeMystery @bookouture #Cornwall #cozymystery #cozymysteryseries #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo @Waterstones #England #MurderInvestigations #privateInvestigators #twisty
May 24, 2025
When Millicent Craven, a close friend of her grandmother,
Cajoles Kitty and Matt to attend the ball of another,
They know there is bound to be trouble in store
Especially when Millicent wants to help investigate once more!
They're off to Markham Hall, home to Lord and Lady Faversham,
To join the engagement party of their oldest son.
Millicent is concerned on behalf of her maid
As her sister worked there but seems to have been mislaid!
Agnes has been missing for a month or more
But no one seems intrigued or creating a furore
What has happened to their maid they're not concerned
More interested in the engagement for which they've yearned.
There are so many suspects, secrets and clues to discover
As Kitty and Matt seeking the truth to uncover.
With Bertie's assistance a body is found
But can the killer be brought to ground?
A fascinating case with hints at another
The clues are mounting up as readers soon discover.
A fantastic page-turner read, I highly recommend
A delight in which my time to spend.
For my copy of this brilliant book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Cajoles Kitty and Matt to attend the ball of another,
They know there is bound to be trouble in store
Especially when Millicent wants to help investigate once more!
They're off to Markham Hall, home to Lord and Lady Faversham,
To join the engagement party of their oldest son.
Millicent is concerned on behalf of her maid
As her sister worked there but seems to have been mislaid!
Agnes has been missing for a month or more
But no one seems intrigued or creating a furore
What has happened to their maid they're not concerned
More interested in the engagement for which they've yearned.
There are so many suspects, secrets and clues to discover
As Kitty and Matt seeking the truth to uncover.
With Bertie's assistance a body is found
But can the killer be brought to ground?
A fascinating case with hints at another
The clues are mounting up as readers soon discover.
A fantastic page-turner read, I highly recommend
A delight in which my time to spend.
For my copy of this brilliant book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
June 21, 2025
Kitty and her husband Matt are invited to Markham Hall to investigate the disappearance of a maid...
Murder at the English Manor is the 20th book in the Miss Underhay (now Mrs Bryant) series of cosy historical murder mysteries.
Kitty isn't thrilled when her grandmother's friend Mrs Craven insists that the couple join her at Markham Hall. An engagement is imminent and nothing must get in the way (Mrs Craven's money is at stake!) But added to this is the mystery of Agnes' disappearance and going by the book's title I don't think it is a spoiler to say a body is found.
Kitty and Matt are ably assisted by their spaniel Bertie who tries to be on his best behaviour. There were comedy moments with Mrs Craven's involvement with the case.
As usual for this series, the focus is on a contained situation with a limited range of suspects (but I still didn't manage to guess...) There is the classical feel that I have come to expect and the social and gender norms/values of the era are authentically depicted.
This series continues to entertain and I can't believe it has now reached 20 books! What an achievement!
Murder at the English Manor is the 20th book in the Miss Underhay (now Mrs Bryant) series of cosy historical murder mysteries.
Kitty isn't thrilled when her grandmother's friend Mrs Craven insists that the couple join her at Markham Hall. An engagement is imminent and nothing must get in the way (Mrs Craven's money is at stake!) But added to this is the mystery of Agnes' disappearance and going by the book's title I don't think it is a spoiler to say a body is found.
Kitty and Matt are ably assisted by their spaniel Bertie who tries to be on his best behaviour. There were comedy moments with Mrs Craven's involvement with the case.
As usual for this series, the focus is on a contained situation with a limited range of suspects (but I still didn't manage to guess...) There is the classical feel that I have come to expect and the social and gender norms/values of the era are authentically depicted.
This series continues to entertain and I can't believe it has now reached 20 books! What an achievement!
July 6, 2025
This was my first Helena Dixon book and even though this is the 20th book in this series, I didn't feel lost at all. There was one mystery to be solved in this book and everything wrapped up nicely at the end! Readers can jump in and out of this series with no issues. The next mystery is introduced at the end of this book, to entice readers to continue reading.
Overall, this story was fine. It seems like a typical cozy mystery - the murder was a classic one and there weren't any twists or turns. The writing style was very much "tell, don't show", which was disappointing. There are a million instances of phrases like "Kitty assumed ____" or "Kitty surmised ____" but there is no indication of how or why she's making these assumptions. They're just stated as fact. Because of this, there are very few details in Dixon's writing style. I did enjoy the characters, but Dixon's writing style isn't for me.
This book was narrated by Karen Cass, who did a good job. If I was to rate just the narration alone, I'd probably give the book 4 stars. Cass's voice fit the characters and time period well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for sending me an audioARC of this book!
Overall, this story was fine. It seems like a typical cozy mystery - the murder was a classic one and there weren't any twists or turns. The writing style was very much "tell, don't show", which was disappointing. There are a million instances of phrases like "Kitty assumed ____" or "Kitty surmised ____" but there is no indication of how or why she's making these assumptions. They're just stated as fact. Because of this, there are very few details in Dixon's writing style. I did enjoy the characters, but Dixon's writing style isn't for me.
This book was narrated by Karen Cass, who did a good job. If I was to rate just the narration alone, I'd probably give the book 4 stars. Cass's voice fit the characters and time period well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for sending me an audioARC of this book!
September 6, 2025
The Miss Underhay mystery series is set in England during the 1930s, but this is the twentieth book: it’s 1937, Kitty is now married to (retired) Captain Matt Bryant, and the couple run a private investigative business. They are invited to spend the weekend at a manor in Devon in the dual role of guests and investigators into the disappearance of one of the housemaids, but when Kitty finds the body in the family mausoleum on the estate, the mystery becomes a murder enquiry.
Dixon has a talent for creating tightly written plots and credible characters, but what is most impressive is the picture she offers of English society in a time of change. Here she provides a perceptive scrutiny of the impoverished landed gentry, clinging with increasing desperation to their status and privileges despite their economic decline, convinced of their superiority to the lower classes whom they continue to exploit callously, and arrogantly reluctant to admit the uncomfortable reality of their own irresponsibility. Especially the older generation, understandably enough. But how long can that reality be avoided? Recommended.
Dixon has a talent for creating tightly written plots and credible characters, but what is most impressive is the picture she offers of English society in a time of change. Here she provides a perceptive scrutiny of the impoverished landed gentry, clinging with increasing desperation to their status and privileges despite their economic decline, convinced of their superiority to the lower classes whom they continue to exploit callously, and arrogantly reluctant to admit the uncomfortable reality of their own irresponsibility. Especially the older generation, understandably enough. But how long can that reality be avoided? Recommended.
June 8, 2025
Murder at the English Manor is the 20th Miss Underhay Mystery and another entertaining read/listen. Mrs. Craven, Kitty's grandmother's friend asks for her and Matt's help. A distant relative's maid has disappeared and Mrs. Craven's maid is worried about her cousin. The family is hosting an upcoming engagement party at their home, Markham Hall, and want nothing to go wrong. Kitty and Matt get invited to the celebration as guests as well as security. The family is terribly in debt, and need the marriage to go through to bring in the income needed to keep their home afloat. The party goes well, but the next morning, Kitty finds the body of Agnes while out walking her dog, Bertie. They call in help from the local police, and their nemesis, Inspector Lewis, is the constable sent out. He never wants their help, but they give it anyway. As the investigation continues, some jewelry is almost stolen from the safe and another body is found in the lake on the property. It seems everyone has secrets and it takes some shrewd questioning to get some answers. Will they figure our who the killer is before another body turns up.
This was another fun mystery with characters that I enjoy. Matt and Kitty work very well together with him gathering information and following the rules, and Kitty using intuition and problem solving to put the clues together. I always laugh wen Millicent Craven is around. She is a bit of a narcissist, thinking she is doing everything, and sticking her nose in where she isn't needed or wanted, but this time, she actually helps. Bertie also adds humor to a story, and has quite the appetite. Kitty ends up in the kitchens helping when all the staff either quit or are taken from service by their families. It is quite the way to get information though. The bumbling Inspector Lewis once again uses what Matt and Kitty find out to take credit for solving the case. I never seem to figure out who commits the crimes until just before it is revealed, which I love. Murder at the English Manor is another fun, interesting, twisty, cozy, historical mystery which I definitely recommend. I did a read/listen enjoying both formats. Karen Cass does a good job with this story, the voices, accents and tone. I have listened to other books she has narrated and I always enjoy her performance.
This was another fun mystery with characters that I enjoy. Matt and Kitty work very well together with him gathering information and following the rules, and Kitty using intuition and problem solving to put the clues together. I always laugh wen Millicent Craven is around. She is a bit of a narcissist, thinking she is doing everything, and sticking her nose in where she isn't needed or wanted, but this time, she actually helps. Bertie also adds humor to a story, and has quite the appetite. Kitty ends up in the kitchens helping when all the staff either quit or are taken from service by their families. It is quite the way to get information though. The bumbling Inspector Lewis once again uses what Matt and Kitty find out to take credit for solving the case. I never seem to figure out who commits the crimes until just before it is revealed, which I love. Murder at the English Manor is another fun, interesting, twisty, cozy, historical mystery which I definitely recommend. I did a read/listen enjoying both formats. Karen Cass does a good job with this story, the voices, accents and tone. I have listened to other books she has narrated and I always enjoy her performance.
June 2, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Helena Dixon for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at the English Manor coming out May 23, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
At home in Devon, Kitty is attending a ball at the very grand Markham Hall. With celebrations in full swing and everyone kitted out in their glad rags, Kitty and Matt enjoy the champagne. But the next morning, the party feels well and truly over when Kitty stumbles across a body while out walking her dog, Bertie. The maid, Agnes, is dead, and everyone at Markham Hall is a suspect…
Kitty and Matt set about piecing together the puzzle as the streamers are swept away and empty glasses gathered up. But who could the murderer be? The other maids seem shifty; Lord and Lady Faversham, the hosts, are not without motive, and even Kitty’s grandmother is keeping her cards close to her chest this time…
But then a safe filled with precious jewels has its lock broken, and another body is found tangled up in the weeds of the lake in the grounds. Kitty wonders if the poor guest knew their dancing days were almost over when they were merrily sipping punch the night before? And what secrets are the other guests hiding…
I really love this series! The time period is really fun. It reminds me a lot of Agatha Christie novels. I think Kitty and Matt are a really dynamic duo and I love the way they support each other. I think the setting was perfect. I’m obsessed with English manors. I would definitely read more books in this series!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
At home in Devon, Kitty is attending a ball at the very grand Markham Hall. With celebrations in full swing and everyone kitted out in their glad rags, Kitty and Matt enjoy the champagne. But the next morning, the party feels well and truly over when Kitty stumbles across a body while out walking her dog, Bertie. The maid, Agnes, is dead, and everyone at Markham Hall is a suspect…
Kitty and Matt set about piecing together the puzzle as the streamers are swept away and empty glasses gathered up. But who could the murderer be? The other maids seem shifty; Lord and Lady Faversham, the hosts, are not without motive, and even Kitty’s grandmother is keeping her cards close to her chest this time…
But then a safe filled with precious jewels has its lock broken, and another body is found tangled up in the weeds of the lake in the grounds. Kitty wonders if the poor guest knew their dancing days were almost over when they were merrily sipping punch the night before? And what secrets are the other guests hiding…
I really love this series! The time period is really fun. It reminds me a lot of Agatha Christie novels. I think Kitty and Matt are a really dynamic duo and I love the way they support each other. I think the setting was perfect. I’m obsessed with English manors. I would definitely read more books in this series!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
April 19, 2025
This is the 20th book in this lovely cozy crime series, featuring Kitty and her husband Matt who are once again amateur sleuthing.
This is a really lovely series which gives the reader the opportunity to grow to love the characters and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and builds on the relationships between the characters. Each book has a different case, while a thread shows ongoing stories that run through several novels. The relationship between Matt and Kitty is central to this series and in this book we see them trying to solve a murder while acting also as a protective service. Matt is also trying to solve a case from his past, which is moving towards a conclusion.
Great writing and familiar likeable characters with a sound plot and interesting storyline. One to recommend and definitely start from book one to enjoy the characters development.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a really lovely series which gives the reader the opportunity to grow to love the characters and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and builds on the relationships between the characters. Each book has a different case, while a thread shows ongoing stories that run through several novels. The relationship between Matt and Kitty is central to this series and in this book we see them trying to solve a murder while acting also as a protective service. Matt is also trying to solve a case from his past, which is moving towards a conclusion.
Great writing and familiar likeable characters with a sound plot and interesting storyline. One to recommend and definitely start from book one to enjoy the characters development.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2025
If you love cozy mystery series with historical settings, give this series a try. While it can function as a stand alone mystery, I’d definitely recommend starting at book one. I was a bit confused at times because this is the only book I’ve read in the Miss Underhay series. I’m sure that following the series from the beginning would have help me feel more invested in the characters. I was intrigued to read this story because of the premise: a large house and dead maid. It felt a bit shallow in terms of empathy and evoking a connection from the reader. Why should the reader care about the maid, for example? Eventually, the details did came around, but it was slow-going. I prefer to be roped in right from the beginning, and that requires feeling connected to the characters or being shocked somehow.
Overall, I think it’s a fun and light-hearted series to follow, but don’t expect it to be fast-paced.
Overall, I think it’s a fun and light-hearted series to follow, but don’t expect it to be fast-paced.
May 14, 2025
The 20th book in the series and I love these characters just as much, if not more, than I did in the beginning. The characters are friends, the stories remain fresh, and the mysteries are compelling. Uniquely, this book includes a Dollar Princess (a wealthy American heiress willing to trade her wealth for an English title), much more common to the late 19th and early 20th centuries than the 1930s, but Ruby is a great character who should not be underestimated. Her father also escapes the trope of being a larger than life boor. When Inspector Lewis, he who readers love to hate, and Mrs. Cravens are added to the mix, it's quite an outing. If you are a fan of the series, you will enjoy this latest adventure. If you have not read the series, I do encourage you to start at the beginning, get a feel for Kitty, her grandmother, and The Dolphin Hotel, where Kitty develops those investigative chops. The ending sends a clear message there are more adventures to come, and I cannot wait.
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