Murder in an Italian Castle: A 1920s Mystery

Lord Edgington Investigates Abroad #1

by Benedict Brown

An ancient castle in the Tuscan countryside, picturesque vineyards, lines of cypress trees, and an eccentric Englishman falling from the belltower.Italy, 1929. No sooner have master sleuth Lord Edgington and his grandson/apprentice begun their grand tour of Europe than a wealthy landowner turns up dead. On arriving at the palatial Castello di Montegufoni, the duo must uncover the owner’s secrets and pick from a host of dubious suspects to find out who did him in.

Could one of his three rebellious heirs have pushed him from the clocktower? Or is a disgruntled local to blame? Confronted with the dead man’s many former lovers, a shady priest, a corrupt police officer and a serious language barrier, the detectives have their work cut out. But when the body count rises, it’s a race against the clock to solve the puzzle before the killer strikes again.

“Murder in an Italian Castle” is the first book in the brand new “Lord Edgington Investigates Abroad” series of 1920s whodunits. Complete with stunning real-life locations, mouth-watering food, an adorable golden retriever, and a cast of cunning characters, this might just be the warm, witty and wonderfully twisty mystery you need.

Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey on a grand European tour!

Genres: Mystery, Historical

299 pages, Paperback

First published May 18, 2025

About the author

Writing has always been my passion. It was my favourite hour a week at primary school, and I started on my first, truly abysmal book as a teenager. So it wasn’t a difficult decision to study literature at university which led to an MA in Creative Writing. I spent a long time writing kids’ books, including funny fairy tales, dystopic adventures and serious issue-based YA, before switching to murder mysteries last year.

I grew up in a crime fiction family and spent a long time dreaming up the idea for my detective Izzy Palmer’s debut novel. A Corpse Called Bob is my first full-length book for adults in what is already becoming a long series.

I’m a Welsh-Irish-Englishman originally from South London but now living with my French/Spanish wife and slightly muddled daughter in Burgos, a beautiful city in the north of Spain. I write overlooking the Castilian countryside, trying not to be distracted by the vultures and red kites that fly past my window each day.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I’ve long enjoyed the Lord Edgington series of cozy mysteries and here begins a new series (of sorts) where he and Chrissy are going on a loooonnng trip abroad, only to find more murders, of course. The mystery was engaging and Brown includes his always interesting chapters about what he learned while researching. Fun.

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Italian mayhem

Another cast of quirky characters, a lot of twists, and a castle in Italy owned by a nutty Englishman. The action dragged a little with the back and forthing of questioining suspects, but I like Christopher's developing skill and confidence. This is a fun series!

[Kathy]

This one did not appeal. I enjoyed the other series of grandfather/grandson sleuthing, but not this first book taking them "abroad." Sorry.


Kindle Unlimited

[Teddi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent entry in the series (or the new series, I prefer to think it's all the same) but maybe a bit more story next time and less description!
And please, dear author, if you read these reviews, put the cast of characters at the beginning of the book and not the end!

[Leanne Pazik · Rating 5 out of 5]

started a little slow!

This one started slow and I didn’t like ANY of the characters so I didn’t care who was dying, but then it finally picked up and I couldn’t put it down!!! Great story, love Christopher and really great ending!!

[Jackie Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun, “who-done it” novel. I appreciate the writing style, it really fits the era. My only complaint was the ending, it wasn’t as dramatic as anticipated. However, I would read another by this author!

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look forward to continuing to read their European adventures.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Edgington is planning to give his grandson, Christopher, a tour of Europe. Lord Edgington has been invited to visit an old acquaintance, Renwick Monroe, at his castle in Italy. After leaving England and traveling across much of Europe, they arrive at Montegufoni Caslte. Unfortunately, shortly after their arrival, they hear some arguing from a tower, after which Lord Monroe falls to his death. After hearing somebody running down the steps from the tower, Christopher takes off to see if he can find out who it is. Not being familiar with the layout, Christopher realized he stood no chance of catching whoever ran from the tower. As Renwick Monroe had a habit of irritating people and causing havoc wherever he went, Lord Edgington was not surprised at his death. Shortly after his death, Renwick's secretary, Eva Mountstephen joined Lord Edgington and Christopher. Eva was surprised to learn he fell from the tower and didn't understand why he was there in the first place.

With many of the villagers still living on the premises and others in the area upset with Monroe, there is no shortage of suspects. None of Renwick's children lived in or near to the castle. His daughter, Coralie, was due to visit him today, but not his two sons. When Eva contacts the boys, Dashwood and Frederick, they both appear to have alibis. A second death complicates the case for Lord Edgington.

Was Lord Monore's death murder or an accident? If murder, who was responsible? Can Lord Edgington and Christopher unravel the mystery before anybody else dies?

Benedict Brown has a great start to a new Lord Edgington series. The various European settings will definitely add a new dimension to the stories.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the time period, setting, and atmosphere  of this book. It absolutely hit me like an Agatha Christie mystery. The jacket says it’s “Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey” and I quite agree, or maybe like a more historical “Murder She Wrote.” I take it from having read this first book of what will be a series of Lord Eddington’s solving murders abroad, that there are already a series of books where Lord Eddington solves murders closer to home. His grandson, whose age I have not quite discerned, is a bit of an apprentice to him in detective work and solving murders. I absolutely love this set up — we have the mentor and the novice and the grandson sometimes has an aside directly with us, the audience.  I don’t know that the plot and the characters were necessarily super complex, it all could’ve ended one of several different ways, but I enjoyed the journey! As with the Jessica Fletcher character in “Murder She Wrote,” our main character has substantial financial means although in Lord Eddington‘s case, he is actually an aristocrat giving him even more standing and clout. There were lots of times I couldn’t remember who was who because of the sheer number of characters and I had a hard time understanding the layout of the estate. For lots of little reasons, I give this four out of five stars. I am very interested to read the next Lord Eddington  which I cannot yet find evidence that it has been published but the cover is included in the end of this book, “Death on the Night Train to Verona.”  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️

[Glenn Younger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tuscan troubles

Smooth luxury rails and one extremely hot crowded bumpy bus ride bring Lord Edgington (retired Inspector of Scotland Yard) and Christopher (his detective-in-training grandson) to the first stop of their grand tour abroad: A castle atop a steep rocky Tuscan hillside. They arrive just in time to witness their host fall out of a tower window and to his death practically at their feet.

Benvenuto in Italia. (In case you speak Italian about as well as Lord Edgington and Christopher do, that means ‘welcome to Italy’.)

Lots of suspects to choose from including the three heirs, a secretary, and a plethora of people who hated the deceased. Until the suspects start dying, too. Between historical tangles, good food and tense relations, the two work out the knots to the story to a satisfying conclusion.

It looks like investigating abroad is going to be as satisfying to the reader as newly discovered gelato will be for Christopher. I’m already looking forward to the next installment.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Renwick Monroe has purchased Il Castello di Montegufoni in Tuscany with plans to renovate. He was unaware that, through years of neglect, hundreds of locals had moved in. He has been gradually convincing them to move out but it has been slow going. Lord Monroe is a quite detestable character, so it is no surprise to anyone when he is seen falling from the tower to land dead in the castle courtyard.
Lord Edgington has decided to take his nephew Christopher on a grand tour of Europe, starting at the castle of his friend Renwick. They have packed up masses of luggage, several of the staff, and dog Delilah – even bought an extravagantly expensive Bugatti Royale. In the original series, the best word to describe Christopher would be “clueless.” Happily, he now matured to merely callow.

[Anja Peerdeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a wonderful series of Lord Edgington novels set in Great Britain, we now follow Edgington and his grandson Christopher abroad to Europe, this time Italy.

Christopher is no longer a child, he’s grown into a young man of 20 years old. Nobody calls him Chrissy anymore :) However, he still is the Christopher I’ve come to adore in the first series.

The mystery was splendid, a true puzzle, and the writing is splendid as ever, with lots of things to laugh about in a mystery that keeps you turning the pages.

Grandfather Edgington seems to be preparing his grandson for taking over the investigations, it seems their rolls are shifting a bit. Can’t wait to find out how the series will progress!

[Mark Lucas-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in an Italian Castle

The long anticipated, certainly by Chrissy, Grand European Tour has finally begun. Chrissy and his grandfather travel from Cranley to Montefugori in Italy and immediately are greeted by the corpse of their host.
Very much in the style of the previous Lord Edgington series this first adventure shows great promise for the series to follow.
I look forward to each of their new adventures with much anticipation and have never been disappointed. I have to consciously force myself not to rush reading in one sitting and to pace myself so as to prolong the enjoyment.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery

Benedict Brown has crafted another well researched mystery full of interesting characters, twists and turns, and a colorful new setting.
Lord Edgington and Christopher finally start their grand adventure beginning in Italy. Upon their arrival they are met with a murder. A new location, new customs, and a language barrier make solving the murder even more challenging.
I really enjoyed the first book in this new Lord Edgington Investigates series, and I am looking forward to many more adventures in this series.

[Roxanna Fortier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the previous Lord Edgington books immensely

This new journey into Italy is on par to make another great series. The fact that death comes so early in the book is interesting. We visited the area this Spring and remember some of the places that Mr. Brown mentions and also found the people colorful. Looking forward to the next book. I enjoy the after thoughts and found the history quite interesting.

[Krissi · Rating 4 out of 5]

three stars

I have read the complete Lord Edgington series leading to this book. I found a few chuckles in this book but did not find it as compelling as the prior writings. I appreciate the authors research yet I could only take this book in 2-3 chapters at a time (typically I finish a book this size in 2-3 sits) before losing interest to carry on - too many details and not enough story for me on this one. Sorry Benedict, I will give the next one a try.

[Anne Kavcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course, even going on the Grand Tour will have its ups and downs - including another body. Lots of twists and turns before we find out the truth! And the dry wit (and lovely ladies for Christopher to fall in love with) are also not in short supply. Another super Lord Edgington mystery! - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Edgington has some really funny remarks as always so I'm happy he did not take this adventure too seriously at times. Chrissy did a good job trying to solve the murders. But things were very convoluted and perplexing. I don't think you ca determine the killer. Nice try if you do. Another edge of your seat Edgington.
Highly Recommended.

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and intriguing

The change of scenery made it intriguing. The journey was lovely including the bus ride that was hilarious. The rest was a bit confusing the ending surprising and great. It will take some time to get accustomed to Lord Edgington and Christopher away from Cranley Hall. Waiting for the next one.

[Lisa T. Ungerer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Chris and Grandfather mystery

This time the duo are in Italy. No surprise, there is a dead body right away, and more to come. The author is apparently trying to keep Chris on the young side, but is still allowing the character to grow a bit. I loved the sections talking about the Italian food, but that's me. Recommended

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Rich

Lord E mysteries for me are a wonderful, delicious, complex, perfect dessert! This first venture abroad, outside the British Isles is fabulous! Returning characters & new are so marvelously real. Locations described come alive as you read. Christopher & Lord E are impossible not to adore!!!

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3&3/4 stars- I loved the post-chapter detailing the historical research the author did. I liked the mystery & variety of characters, the descriptions of food, art, & architecture peppered throughout the book, and I loved the twist at the end. I’d guessed it, but not right away. The writing was good, not great, but good.

[Callie Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girl!!!

I love Chrissy!! He cracks me up. As always a great book. I truly hope the series never ends or at least to an older Chrissy who starts his own career investigating.

Anyways I loved the change of scenery & plot in this book. All while keeping up with many aspects of the original series.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is definitely a cozy with a lot of description of landscape, rooms, towns, etc. This is also a new series of the Lord Edgington Investigates which has taken him abroad, and my first read of this authors books. I believe that I will go back and start at the beginning of the Lord Edgington series so that I can see where Lord Edgington started. This book has peaked my interest!

[Janet WenShu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun Read of Historical Detective Suspense Fiction

I like the fact that the writer did spend a bit of time getting some historical information correct. It was a delightful short novel to read

[Tara D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Book from Start to Finish!

Another truly enjoyable, clever and entertaining read from Benedict Brown. I have followed Christopher and his grandfather’s adventures from book 1. I love the humor and the fabulous details of the setting and characters. The plots are well crafted. Think Agatha Christie but with of chuckles along the way.

[Gillie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read and loved all of the Lord Edgington books. I especially love that the author shares his research and historical data with us. As Christopher and his grandfather travel through Europe, it should be even more interesting.

[Bryony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series, or more a continuation of the existing series. This time they're in Italy, but same old murders happening. The ending felt a little rushed to me, and not the most surprising reveal ever, however still a very enjoyable read.

[cibby gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

Such a good read. The characters are so well written that I felt I knew them. I want more of Lord Edgington and Chrissy his grandson. Does he ever find the girl he loves?

[Brian J · Rating 5 out of 5]

good new series

I really enjoyed the book Fun new setting and nice to see the Edgington’s trying to solve a crime in a foreign language and country.
But the best part was the footnotes Mr Brown uses to explain some fascinating and probably not important stuff.