Murder on a Frosty Night

Lady Eleanor Swift #24

by Verity Bright

Wrapping presents and singing at midnight mass on a frosty night… Lady Swift is determined to enjoy Christmas at home this year, until another body turns up!

Winter 1925. Eleanor and Hugh are decking the halls for their first married Christmas together when butler Clifford arrives with a mysterious telegram. A lucrative case awaits their new detective agency… but in the most remote county in England. The note insists they must be there by midnight to accept the job.

After a snowy journey, they arrive at the tiny hamlet of Yorelow to find their client, Osmund Unwin, dead in the churchyard as midnight mass ends. They realise they are now in the absurd situation of having to solve the murder of their client – who they never met – to solve a case they know nothing about and officially never accepted!

There is very little festive goodwill to go around, as it seems half the village had a grudge against the rich man. Was it one of the Frisham sisters, owners of the tavern and rumoured to be in a love triangle with Unwin? Or perhaps his maid, who never had a nice thing to say about him?

When another body is found in the ruins of the castle overlooking the town, Eleanor is baffled. Clearly there’s more to this nightmare before Christmas than the gang first thought…

A totally unputdownable historical murder mystery set in an English village at Christmas, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Catherine Coles!

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

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2025

About the author

Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 24th book in this delightful series about Lady Eleanor Swift.

The story begins in 1925 as Christmas is approaching. Eleanor and new husband, Hugh, are looking forward to their first Christmas together at home with Clifford, Kofi and the ladies around them. However they are tempted by a lucrative offer to take an unusual case and end up far from home on the special day. Not much can stand in the way of these characters though and events do turn out well.

This has been a great series from the start, beautifully written and with such wonderful characters in Ellie and Clifford. I sincerely hope there will be more books to come!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Christmas Eve in 1925, cold and snowy, when Lady Eleanor Swift received a telegram, begging the new detective agency to arrive in a remote part of England by midnight. It didn't make much sense, signed IOU, but although it was Christmas Eve and the villagers were all arriving at the Hall before too long, the three of them; Clifford, Hugh Seldon and Ellie, decided to investigate. It was a long and cold drive, with Gladstone beside them, but when they eventually arrived at the tiny hamlet of Yorelow, it was just after midnight. Were they too late? It seemed they were as the body of their unmet client was found dead in the graveyard after midnight mass.

As they began investigating, alongside the local constable, they were met with much aggravation - it seemed no one liked the dead man, and there were plenty with a motive. The local reverend was a good man, and offered to host the Henley Hall ladies when they arrived, so a festive Christmas dinner could be had. But was he involved in the murder? Ellie thought not - and then another, much disliked person was murdered. Could they discover who the killer was before the road reopened as the snow melted, and the higher up police arrived? Not the way Ellie & Hugh expected to spend their first Christmas as newlyweds...

Murder on a Frosty Night is the 24th in the Lady Eleanor Swift seres by Verity Bright and I loved it. This whole series has been fabulous, and I hope it continues, although the passing of one half of the author team makes that unknown. I was laughing at the antics of the usual team; enjoying once again, Clifford & Ellie's back-and-forth niggling, and with the insertion on a permanent basis of Hugh, things were pretty much perfect. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. One I will eventually start over. As always, the mystery was engaging and intriguing. Lady Eleanor isn’t your traditional Lady, which adds more humor to the series. Clifford, her stodgy, dry witted Butler and her sweet husband, Colin round out the unusual investigative team. If you enjoy suspense and laugh out loud moments, this is a series for you. One of my favorite scenes was the dog and cat “ice skating” on the lake. The side characters except the villains are always delightful as well. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. Looking forward to the next.

[Lady Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 / 5

Let me start off with the humble brag that I guessed who the murderer was in this one. That's....3/24 for me--game set and match, right?

In all honesty though, THIS felt like a lot of what I've been missing from the Eleanor Swift series for the last couple of books: an honest-to-goodness murder mystery that doesn't try to tour guide me through too much or mislead me too much. Instead, it feels like it follows a natural progression, with more clues coming up organically, red herrings, deductions, clues, the works! It was just...gah, it was just perfect, and just what I needed to warm me up this holiday season! (And it's also the first Eleanor Swift book in a while that I devoured in less than a day.)

What makes this mystery special is that it's the first official one of the Byron Detective Agency, that has Eleanor, Clifford, and Seldon working together in tandem. I especially liked how since their relationship dynamics are already well-established, the author chose to bypass rehashing anything that we already know, and just stuck to the mystery at hand.

And the mystery itself? Well, the trio are paid to investigate something, except it seems that their client was murdered before actually revealing what the investigation's all about. Is this two separate things, or is the investigation also tied to the murder? Of course, the trio are honour-bound to find out.

Anyway, to keep the review spoiler free, I think that, once again, I'll just mention the pluses and what I liked, and then leave it at that:

+ The fact that it takes place in a small, remote hamlet in the middle of nowhere. Until now, while the group has investigated in some pretty remote areas, I think this is the smallest one, and the idea of being "snowed in" with the killer is always one that appeals to me!

+ The fact that this time, all the ladies and even Kofi are along for the ride as well. I think that this fact alone is what puts it as my new #2 favourite (and yes, I'm serious, it's getting a REALLY high ranking on my list), as even if they don't necessarily do much towards solving the mystery, just having them there for the Christmas-y, feelgood moments is worth its weight in gold!

+ The cast of characters that, sure, are only one-off side characters, but are interesting enough in their own right! Granted, they're never as important as the recurring main characters, but I did enjoy them as well!

+ Imagining cute little Gladstone and Tomkins amidst the snow and even skating together. I'm beginning to think that the wintertime plots of this series are my favourite books, because, from what I'm seeing, they're definitely the "coziest" of these cozy mysteries!

+ The climax of the story. Now, this can either make or break a mystery, from what I've observed. If it's done well, it can make even a lackluster-ish mystery seem better; whereas, if it's stupid or overly-dramatic or cliche or whatever, it can ruin an excellent buildup. THIS book's conclusion felt...just right. It's mini-spoiler territory here, but what I appreciated is that it didn't present us with a "life or death" situation for Eleanor & co. where they're on to the murderer for a while and then get cornered by them at the last minute in this whole "grand reveal". No, this time around, it's done very much-interrogation style, where Eleanor & co. put on a show of sorts, and need to use trickery rather than an explicit attack to get the murderer to reveal themselves. It just felt...appropriate for this smaller town setting, and was very much in-tune with giving us a warm place to retreat to amidst other "frosty" surroundings. I just liked the change of pace is what I want to say, and while it doesn't top my #1 favourite book of this series (Death on a Winter's Day, book 8, which also takes place in the winter, funnily enough, though it does have a way more dramatic ending), it does bring it pretty close.
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And now, before my rating, just a couple of things that we STILL need to find out more about, and therefore may have to look forward to:

1 - WHO. IS. SILAS? (Eleanor's groundkeeper / security guard) Wait, his name is Silas, right? I mean, he's so elusive and has hardly been mentioned for the past several books or so, that I'm wondering if the authors might not have forgotten about him? (And hoping that they didn't.)

2 - WHAT HAPPENED TO ELEANOR'S PARENTS? I know this is probably going to be addressed maybe only at the conclusion of the series, but considering that even just hints of us learning more about this have already been introduced a few books back, I think it's about time the authors fessed up and gave us a few more breadcrumbs.

3 - Also, I'm still rooting for a romance between Biddy and Clifford. She's mentioned briefly in this, but, say what you will, I seriously think she's Clifford's other half and that they'd make an adorable Carson/Mrs. Hughes-like pairing.

4 - ALSO ALSO, we NEED more details on Clifford's past, goshdarnit! I swear, I've mentioned this before, but his and Byron's (Eleanor's uncle's) adventures could probably be a series unto themselves, a real Wooster/Jeeves ride, and I'd 100000% be FOR IT!
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So, yeah, all in all, still a lot to explore, but that brings us to my updated ranking:

My Updated Ranking of the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries

1. Death on a Winter's Day (Book 8)
2. Murder on a Frosty Night (Book 24)
3. Mystery by the Sea (Book 5)
4. A Midwinter Murder (Book 20)
5. A Very English Murder (Book 1)
6. Death Down the Aisle (Book 11)
7. A Witness to Murder (Book 3)
8. Murder at the Fair (Book 6)
9. Death on Deck (Book 13)
10. The French for Murder (Book 10)
11. Murder in an Irish Castle (Book 12)
12. Murder in Mayfair (Book 18)
13. Murder in the Snow (Book 4)
14. Death at the Dance (Book 2)
15. Death at a Paris Hotel (Book 22)
16. Murder on the Cornish Cliffs (Book 16)
17. A Recipe for Murder (Book 21)
18. Murder in Manhattan (Book 14)
19. A Royal Murder (Book 9)
20. Murder by Invitation (Book 15)
21. Murder at the Royal Palace
22. Murder on the Nile (Book 19)
23. A Death in Venice (Book 17)
24. A Lesson in Murder (Book 7)

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

A seven-hour drive brings Lady Eleanor Swift, her husband Hugh Seldon, and their ever-reliable butler Clifford to the remote village of Yorelow. They’ve come at the request of a new client, eager to take on an early case under the banner of their newly established Byron Detective Agency. With half of their fee already paid, they’re ready to get to work—until they arrive and make a startling discovery: their would-be client and host is already dead.

The location itself is unforgettable. Known as the “Devil’s Porringer,” this strange geological formation resembles a vast punchbowl carved out by centuries of water erosion. To Ellie, it feels like a village frozen in time—quiet, isolated, and tucked inside a steep, circular hollow. It’s the perfect backdrop for a mystery, and the trio wastes no time diving in.

Naturally, they’re not alone. Ellie’s loyal dog Gladstone is at her side, and fans of the series will be pleased to know that her beloved ladies—and Kofi—also make appearances as the investigation unfolds.

What becomes clear quickly is that the crime occurred before they even reached the village, leaving them not only to untangle a murder but also to solve a perplexing riddle tied to the victim. The frosty holiday season and the picturesque snowfall lend an enchanting charm to the tension-filled atmosphere.

I’ve loved this series from the very beginning, and this installment is no exception. With its wintry setting and ever-endearing characters, Murder on a Frosty Night is yet another delightful mystery that keeps you guessing right to the end.

Thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[marita lazarus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to the Lady Eleanor series....

A telegraph on Christmas Eve to the newly minted Byron Detective Agency has our trio running to a remote hamlet in the English Countryside to meet with a new client. Once they arrive, they discover the client is not at the manor, puzzled they head for the public house where they can find lodging for the night. As they wonder around the graveyard of the church, they find a dead body over a gravestone - it's the body of their client.

From this point forward, the mystery starts further developing. It will get muddy before it gets resolved.

I love seeing the whole team together, and our wonderful ladies and Kofi arrive to help Eleanor, Clifford and Hugo.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bookoture, Verity Bright and NetGalley for an e-ARC. All opinions in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.

Ellie and Hugh are looking forward to celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple at Henley Hall with Clifford, the ladies, the furry terrible twosome and all the villagers. The halls are decked and Mrs. Trotman is preparing a delicious feast. However, Hugh is busy working, trying to tie up loose ends for Scotland Yard and fretting about money since the Byron Detective Agency has not had any valuable clients so far. It seems like a Christmas miracle is within reach when a telegram arrives offering 300 GBP now, 300 GBP on acceptance of case and a further 300 once the case is concluded. The catch? It's Christmas Eve and they have to arrive by midnight and the telegram has no phone number to call and ask for a delay. So the sleuths bundle up in the Rolls, drive 400 miles in the snow to get lost in the smallest hamlet in Britain. Along the way they nearly hit a women dressed all in black, encounter a curmudgeonly landlady who is less than thrilled to greet them but provides directions to Waketon Court, a medieval style castle outside the village. They arrive close to the deadline only to learn the master is not within but has been dead for five years! Then who sent the telegram? Ah, his nephew who has been squatting at Waketon Court but is currently not at home. Inigo Osmond Unwin (I.O.U.), their client, has left them a gramophone recording but no real information to go on. Back to the village, after midnight, Ellie, Hugh and Clifford seek information about I.O.U when Ellie stumbles across their client's dead body lying over his uncle's grave. NOW they have a murder investigation on their hands! Aided by the local constable and the new vicar, the Byron Detective Agency has their work cut out for them. Can they solve the mystery before the Inspector arrives the day after Boxing Day?

This is a long and twisty mystery. I was very confused after skimming the last third and had to go back and reread most of the book. The mystery was very complicated and I never guessed what was going on. I took what we were told at face value just as the sleuths did and didn't realize there was more than meets the eye. The introduction of gramophone records was interesting and used by Agatha Christie in one of her most famous mysteries. Thankfully this mystery is not as dark and creepy but the gramophone recording is a big clue. Thank you to Mark for the fascinating historical notes. This is one of the few times I didn't know any of that! The cozy Christmas cheer was a lot of fun and added some lightness to this otherwise somewhat grim mystery.

As always, the characters are the real draw for this story. I was a little disappointed Ellie had to cancel a visit from a new friend she met in a previous story because there was another mystery there and perhaps a potential new... friendship ... for Clifford. I missed the ladies at first but Ellie, Hugh and Clifford did too and Gladstone missed his partner in crime so they come along later to celebrate the season with their family. The ladies were under used though. I'd love to be a fly on the wall watching them dance around in their frilly ___ (bloomers? knickers? UNMENTIONABLES!) and teasing the vicar. Kofi gets in on the fun for his first Christmas with his adopted family. Ellie is so delightful with her sense of humor and her big heart. She's drawn to help women in need, I think and she forms a connection with a potential suspect whom everyone believes is a witch. In the past Ellie has had some sort of guardian angel looking out for her and I think this time it's her turn to be guardian angel. I love her cheeky sense of humor and how she enjoys puns and riling up Clifford with unladylike behavior and language. Hugh wouldn't want her to be anyone but herself and he makes it clear he loves her devotedly as she is. There weren't enough swoony moments between them for my taste but the few times they have to be alone together are lovely. Hugh has come a long way. He recognizes he can't wrap his wife up in cotton wool but he does want her to be safe and he does want to shield her from seeing more of the horrible things she's already been exposed to. Hugh can't help himself. He's still a policeman even if he quit the force. Now Clifford is a partner in the business, he has to learn to unbend and relax the rules a bit. The horror! I love his encyclopedic knowledge of everything. Who needs the internet when you have Clifford?

The inhabitants of the hamlet Yorlow are not a friendly, welcoming sort. They're not used to strangers, being in the most out of the way location in the country. Their hamlet is a "devil's punchbowl" location and they don't get many strangers. I.O.U. is a stranger though and a newcomer. He's come to stay in order to assess the property to sell the castle and the contents. He was an odd sort. His uncle, Augustus Pritchard, eschewed all things modern - an in anything after Tudor times! He enjoyed reading, riddles and mainly keeping to himself. I.O.U. on the other hand, was the exact opposite. He loved mechanical gadgets- the more the merrier and made good use of the new home recording machine. Unwin was rather obnoxious about it- using the gramophone to dictate what he wanted for supper and whatever else he needed the butler/valet and cook/housekeeper to do for him. He did not endear himself to the servants or the villagers. What was he doing poking around the graveyard at midnight on Christmas Eve? Did he just happen to be strolling past skipping Midnight Mass or ducking out early? Or was there another reason- a reason connected to his urgent telegram to the Agency? Who else was out and about and killed Unwin? Figure out the motive and then find the killer. Well, that's not exactly easy with a newcomer for more than one reason.

First on the suspect list is Ned Yearth. Ned is one of those nasty guys who likes to smirk and make "knowing" comments. He thinks he can do whatever he wants and does things to rile people up. He threatened Unwin and was not at Midnight Mass. Well ideally he should be the killer but that's too obvious. Yet, Gladstone doesn't like Ned so I think he must be the killer. Who else is there? The butler/valet Mr. Babcock is certainly a prime suspect. He hated the newcomer, the nephew who invited himself to stay and wouldn't leave until the legalities of Mr. Pritchard's will were sorted out. The nephew seemed to think everything would work in his favor and if it did, Mr. Babcock would be out of a job. In many respects Mr. Babcock is from the same old school as Clifford but he's also odd. He's fiercely loyal to a dead employer and acts as if his employer is on vacation and will return soon. He knows a lot about what's going on in the village but is not so forthcoming. He, too, is an obvious suspect! Miss Dora is the only only servant. She's Mr. Pritchard's cleaner and also cooks meals for the household - mostly Mr. Babcock. She seems like a timid sort of woman who wouldn't harm her employer even if she was worried about losing her job.

Mathilde Frisham runs the local pub with her sister Blythe. The two could not be more opposite. Mathilde is all business. She's tough and strong and suspicious of strangers. She doesn't trust anyone or like anyone. Mathilde is tough on her sister who is more of a free spirit and more lively. Blythe stepped out around the time of the murder, according to her sister. Yeesh really? Mathilde is quick to throw her sister under the bus and my guess is, her sister loved not wisely but maybe too well and she loved Unwin? She seems to be the only one mourning his death so I think that's a safe assumption to make. Maybe her older sister did the man in. I sure hope it's not "Loony" Luna. Why is everyone Luna believed to be "loony"? This Luna is eccentric in a different way than Luna Lovegood but she's an adult and chooses to be odd. Luna was the young lady of the manor until her parents lost their money and perished in a fire. She got blamed and now lives in the woods in a cabin, dresses all in black and flits around mysteriously. I rather like the sound of her and I hope she's not the murderer. She does have a strong motive though.

Mr. Dunstan O'Brien, the church warden, whatever that is, is a newcomer to the village. He's kind of odd and cranky. Dunstan asked for the job the day after Rev. Ansel arrived and says he's helped out at churches before. He went through a tough time and just wants to be left alone and not asked a million questions that remind him of who he used to be. Or maybe he's just suspicious because he has something to hide? He's not in the story much and he was at Mass but not the whole time! He had means and opportunity but what about motive? Douglas "Digger" Dilkes, a mysterious man, is the grave digger. A-ha! He had means and opportunity to kill Unwin but again, what motive? He had more motive to kill the second person who turns up dead but not Unwin. Jarrett Maystone, the stone mason, is a little creepy. He's fascinated by Ellie's green eyes, so like the stones he tumbles and polishes. He's hoping to find a real gem some day. Ah... a jewel heist was referenced in the first chapter... could he have found real gems after all and sold them to shady characters? Could he then have gotten involved in stealing jewels? But he lives so far and out of the way from civilization so I doubt it. He was friendly enough until the sleuths mentioned Pritchard's grave and he seemed to be issuing a veiled threat about not sticking their noses in things that are none of their business.

Constable Farnaby Quilter is a good man. He is respected in the village and can handle local petty crimes but he's never had a murder case before. He wants to solve this one and retire but needs the Byron Detective Agency's help. Constable Quilter is bashful around Ellie but comfortable celebrating Christmas with the ladies and Kofi. Yet, the sleuths feel he is not as forthcoming as he should be and withholding information that could be pertinent to the case. I don't know why they suspect that though. I think he's being open with them as much as he can. Rev. Thaddeus Ansel is the new, young vicar in the hamlet. He's a bachelor and as a young man, has difficulty convincing the parishioners he is as good as an elderly vicar. Sure his Christmas Eve Midnight Mass sermon is in Latin and way too long but he's kind and really wants to help people. He starts by helping the sleuths by providing information. He observed strange lights in the graveyard but was unable to identify the people. He also knows who was at Mass and who was not which helps narrow down the suspect pool. Most importantly, he does a real good deed for the sleuths on Christmas when they're homesick and missing family. He's a sweet man and I think Blythe should marry him.

Professor Pike is not the murderer as he was in jail, drunk at the time but he's a delightful character. A professor of "phony English" I knew just what Quilter meant! Professor Pike is Henry Higgins and that's made clear late in the novel with a reference to George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion. Unlike the staid Henry Higgins, Professor Pike is perpetually drunk and can't hold down a job. They need him to not be drunk to help them out. Can he do it?

This was one twisty mystery! I'm still a little confused as to how they figured it out!

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Christmas Eve, and Lady Eleanor Swift has almost the entire village of Little Buckley descending on Henley Hall for the festivities she hosts every year. However, she now also has a fledgling detective agency to keep afloat, and so the offer of a lucrative case, which she'd need to travel for almost immediately, leaves her conflicted. With her wonderful staff happy to take over running the party, Eleanor, her new husband ex-Detective Chief Inspector Sir Hugh Seldon, ever loyal butler, Clifford, and Gladstone her trusty bulldog find themselves heading towards the hamlet of Yorelow where, unfortunately, they soon find a dead body. With one local policeman and a lot of snow, the Byron Detective Agency is soon on the case! There may be only a few local residents to consider, but the case soon proves both confusing and dangerous. Will they sort through the clues and discover the culprit, or will Eleanor and Hugh's first Christmas as man and wife be their last?

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 did enjoy this festive visit to Little Buckley, even if most of the action took place elsewhere. It was good to have Kofi return, and the story was lifted back up to where I like it to be when Eleanor's 'aprons' travelled to meet with her, Hugh, and Clifford. Once again, the historical notes were fascinating and added that extra layer to this very good Christmas read.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A case for the new detective agency

Eleanor, her husband, and Clifford’s newly formed detective agency has not exactly prospered. When a telegram asks for their help in a small hamlet with a prepayment, the trio meets the call, only to find the sender to be murdered. The small village offers little in police help and the trio invites their household down to the village to join in the investigation. The Christmas holiday becomes a very different time of celebration as nearly everyone in the small town becomes a suspect. The usual banter between Eleanor and Clifford offers a light tone to the mystery.

[Nanette Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder on a Frosty Night by Verity Bright publishes December 8th with Bookouture. It is A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery Book 24 and is described as ‘a totally unputdownable historical murder mystery set in an English village at Christmas, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Catherine Coles!'

Although book 24 in this series, which by the way is some achievement, I have never read any of the hugely popular Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries before. I was a little reticent going in but I needn’t have worried as it stands perfectly fine on its own. Having inherited Henley Hall estate from her uncle, Lady Eleanor Swift, with her butler Clifford, have been involved in some amateur sleuthing over the years. Now, recently married, Eleanor’s husband, ex-detective Hugh Seldon joins the team as they launch their new detective agency. Hugh is used to Eleanor’s quirky ways and is happy to support her in this new venture but even he is slow to accept their first case, which lands at their door on Christmas Eve.

Eleanor thrives on mischief and excitement so is delighted at the prospect of the long journey that would be ahead of them should they accept. She is quite willing to leave the household festivities to the staff who, by the way, also feature strongly in this series. Hugh had been hoping for a more relaxed first Christmas together but Eleanor’s enthusiasm is infectious and soon the pair, with Clifford accompanying them, head off to the secluded hamlet of Yorelow.

Through treacherous conditions, they eventually arrive at their destination but, on searching out their client, they discover he is dead. Immediately they find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery, one where the locals all seem to have either motive or opinion. With the weather and the festive season causing issues with any outside assistance, Eleanor, Hugh and Clifford soon become embroiled in a bewildering investigation.

With Hugh’s past experience, the local policeman is only too happy with any help, as dead bodies are not normally within his daily remit. But as they trio slowly begin to unearth some local hearsay and truths, they soon discover that this wee hamlet harbours plentiful secrets and a buried past.

I originally chose to read Murder on a Frosty Night because I wanted some escape from the grim news that permeates society at the moment. Although a murder mystery, Verity Bright writes books that offer light-hearted entertainment with the effervescent Eleanor Swift at the helm. With a bubbly personality and the ability to see the positive in most things, she is a breath of fresh air with a perpetually jolly disposition.

Murder on a Frosty Night sparkles with a festive atmosphere amidst the snow covered valley of Yorelow. The cosy murder mystery element is well developed with a wonderful cast of characters that come alive as the pages turn. The ideal seasonal read to snuggle up by the fire with, Murder on a Frosty Night is sure to be another hit for Verity Bright.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: *Murder on a Frosty Night* by Verity Bright

Rating: 5-Stars

Oh, what a cozy and captivating Christmas treat this book turned out to be! From the moment I laid eyes on the charming cover, I knew *Murder on a Frosty Night* would be a delightful addition to my seasonal reading. Verity Bright has once again crafted a perfect blend of mystery, historical charm, and festive spirit that warms the heart even on the frostiest of winter nights.

Set in winter 1925, we join Eleanor and Hugh as they prepare to celebrate their very first Christmas as a married couple. The festive cheer is quickly interrupted when their loyal butler, Clifford, arrives bearing an urgent telegram—a lucrative case awaits their fledgling detective agency in one of England’s most remote counties. Without hesitation, along with their trusty bulldog Gladstone, they journey to the tiny hamlet of Yorelow.

But this isn’t your typical Christmas gathering—upon arrival, they discover their client, Osmund Unwin, has been found dead just as midnight mass concludes. Now faced with solving the murder of a man they never even met, Eleanor and Hugh find themselves tangled in a web of village secrets and grudges. Is it the enigmatic Frisham sisters, tangled in rumors and love triangles? Or perhaps the sharp-tongued maid with her own motives? And when another body turns up near the old castle ruins, the mystery only deepens.

What truly makes this story shine is how effortlessly it blends the holiday atmosphere with an intriguing whodunit. The village’s icy setting and the tension simmering beneath its quaint surface make for an engaging backdrop. Plus, the return of familiar characters like Kofi adds that comforting continuity I adore in this series. I especially enjoyed the moments when Eleanor’s ladies made their way to meet with Hugh and Clifford—such a charming touch!

Verity Bright’s attention to historical detail is impeccable. I always appreciate how she enriches her stories with fascinating historical notes at the end, and this book is no exception. It gave me a wonderful glimpse into life in 1925 England, adding an extra layer of depth to the mystery.

All in all, *Murder on a Frosty Night* is exactly the kind of cozy, clever Christmas read I look forward to each year. Perfect for curling up by the fire with a cup of something warm, this book delivers intrigue, heart, and festive spirit in equal measure. Highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries and holiday tales alike!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Murder on a Frosty Night" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the 24th story in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series. It's Christmas time and everyone is getting ready at Henley Hall. Master Gladstone and Tomkins the Tomcat are busy helping wrap presents. The villagers from Little Buckford are expected for the traditional Christmas Eve festivities.

Sir Hugh Seldon has resigned as Chief Inspector but continues on part-time with consultancy work for Scotland Yard. As well as forming part of the trio with Ellie and Clifford of running The Byron Detective Agency.

Of course, no Christmas would be complete without a mystery for them to solve. When they receive a telegram from IOU Esq. telling them that they would be paid 3 times £300 if they show up before midnight on Christmas Eve - which is over a 3 hour drive to arrive in Yarlow and Waketon Court - and they have the villagers arriving. The aproned elves are proud to be entrusted to run the event in the absence of Ellie.

Where is this town that they have been summoned to? Who is the strange woman that runs out in front of their Rolls? Where did the clay they find in the fender come from?

After a complicated trip they find that the Master of the House Mr. Pritchard died 5 years ago. Babcock the Valet was aware that they would be arriving. IOU Esq. turns out to be Inigo Osmund Unwin, the nephew of Mr. Pritchard who has temporarily moved in after inviting himself. He is not there to great our trio because he had gone out but left a gramophone recording marked The Byron Detective Agency. They listen to the message but it gives our trio no answer as to why they were summoned here. They decided that they do have a case - a missing person case - namely their client is missing. The village has a lovely Constable Quilter who welcomes their assistance.

Ellie has decided that Clifford is a vampire because he glides along silently, never eats or sleeps. The usual banter between the two of them is always enjoyable and the best moments in the stories.

If Ellie is involved there is sure to be a dead body because she has a peculiar habit of stumbling over them. The Aprons arrive to help them as they are all members of the Detective Agency and often supply valuable clues.

One of my favourite features of the Lady Swift books are the Historical Notes at the end because the reader learns more about the time period and interesting facts.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: A Murder on a Frosty Night
Series: A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #24
Author: Verity Bright
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction
Pub Date: December 8, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 335

In Book #24 Lady Eleanor Swift’ and longtime love interest dashing Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon got married.
Winter 1925 ~. Eleanor and Hugh are decking the halls for their first married Christmas together when butler Clifford arrives with a mysterious telegram. A lucrative case awaits their new detective agency… but in the most remote county in England. The note insists they must be there by midnight to accept the job.
Eleanor and Clifford have started a new detective agency! They came up with an official name -‘The Bryon Detective Agency”.

Lady Eleanor Swift has been hosted the annual Holiday in the little village of Little Buckley every year at Henley Hall but this job is important for the new detective agency. Her dependable staff assures her they can continue to carry on with the event.

So she Clifford, and Gladstone her trusty bulldog head off to the hamlet of Yorelow where, of course, find a dead body. There are only a few local residents to consider, but the case soon proves both confusing and dangerous.

Since this is a Historical Fiction, the Author goes into details “with Historical Notes’ (Something I always love!)
We are told that most of the places, ceremonies and past event are real however ‘creative adjustments’ are typically made with this series~
Some of what was real:
• Midnight Mass had been celebrate in Latin until 1969. So in 1925 it would have been in Latin.
• Darwin and the Earthworms
• Pandora’s Box
• Pygmalion
So if you are curious, you just may enjoy this story!

About the Author ~~~ Verity Bright
I was saddened that on June 29, 2025 — ... Laura Tong, one half of the husband-and-wife cozy crime writing partnership Verity Bright. Was tragically killed and her husband Mark was seriously injured.
Their writing spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humor, before embarking on their first historical mystery.

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early e-Galley.
Publishing. Release Date scheduled for December 8, 2025.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters in this series are why I keep coming back. From the husband wife team of Eleanor and Hugh to their trusty butler (and now partner in their detective agency) Clifford, down to Gladstone the Bulldog, they're all well-fleshed out and distinctive. Oddly enough, I find that the relationship between Lady Eleanor Swift and her "knows what she wants before she does" butler Clifford the most fun. The banter between the two of them is sure to bring a smile to your face, even with his well timed jabs at her habit of having a, uh, healthy appetite. Husband Hugh, er, Sir Hugh Seldon, aka former Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard, is there but seems to have the straight man role more so than Clifford, so he's oddly enough often more of a restrained personality than their butler/partner/friend. Together, the make up the Bryon Detective Agency which embarks on one strange case.

It's Christmas Eve and people are gathering at Henley Hall but, well, they want to make this agency a success, never mind that it involves making a long, difficult journey in the snow that same evening because they must arrive before midnight to accept the case. Miraculously, they do. Only one problem. Their client is no where to be found. Then, while strolling over to the local church for Christmas Eve services, they stumble over a body. It's Inigo Osmund Unwin draped over a tombstone. Oops, he was apparently their client.

I won't really detail more of the plot except to say it's a complicated one. Let's face it. It started with complications and only gets more so. The hamlet of Yorelow, where they'd been summoned, is small but there are more than a couple likely suspects. Along the way, as they follow one lead after another, meeting some eccentric characters in the process, you'll learn about the hurdy-gurdy, early gramophone recordings, the history of midnight mass, Darwin, and even Pandora's Box...and more. And, for long time readers, never fear. Eleanor's ladies, aka "The Aprons" do make a memorable appearance. Don't forget to read the Historical Notes at the end. They're always a highlight for this former history major. Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for introducing me to this delightful trio of sleuths and all their friends and associates. I'm hoping this series is able to continue for a long time despite the death of the female half of the husband/wife writing pair.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on a Frosty Night is the 24th book in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series and this one kept me guessing right until the reveal was made. It's Christmas Eve when a telegram arrives at Henley Hall hiring the Byron Private Detective Agency. A down payment had been deposited in their account and they are offered 2 more payments, 1 if they take the case and arrive at Waketon Court in village/hamlet of Yorelow by midnight that day. Of course they accept, and Eleanor, Seldon and Clifford along with Gladstone, Eleanor's dog, head off in the Rolls. Seven hours later, they finally arrive at Waketon Court, a half hour late, and only the butler is about. Shortly after midnight, they find the man who hired them, dead, propped up on his uncle's gravestone in the church cemetery. They decide to stay and help the one constable in the hamlet find the killer, so summon the ladies to join them for Christmas and Boxing Day. Will they find the killer, as well as figure out the motive for his murder?

This was an interesting mystery from start to finish. It was a strange way to be hired for their first big case, and being in such a small and isolated area, it was similar to a locked door mystery. There were many people that didn't like the victim, Inigo Unwin, but enough to kill him? Questioning pretty much everyone in the area, sorting out motives and ending up with another victim, had them at an impasse. Of course it is Eleanor's intuition that gets them thinking in another direction. There are lots of red herrings and it wasn't until they figured out that was what they were, that they gradually worked things out. I loved this quote from Eleanor, We chased that red herring for a long time before we realised it smelt just a little too fishy to be true.. With the use of a professor of linguistics, the case is eventually cracked. I enjoyed the gathering of all the suspects as they unveiled their finds, hoping the killer would reveal him or herself. Another great addition to the series, with a well plotted storyline, just enough humor to keep it from becoming too dark and heavy, great characters and a wonderful aha moment when all is revealed, I don't hesitate to recommend this book and series to those who enjoy historical cozy mysteries.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on a Frosty Night is the latest cosy murder from Verity Bright and once again presents a very tough case to solve. As the snow falls and the temperature plummets, Ellie, Hugh and Clifford are at what appears to be a complete dead end, when a simple clue presents itself resulting in a case conclusion with an astonishing ending.
It’s almost Christmas again and Lady Eleanor Swift, her husband Hugh and the stalwart Clifford are getting ready to celebrate their first Christmas together at Henley Hall.
Ellie is doing her best to get all her gits wrapped, with help from Tompkins and Gladstone, in time to attend a function at Little Buckford, but somehow it is not coming together as it should. Hugh is in his office trying to finish work required in his new position as a consultant to Scotland Yard.
Even though it is the festive season the lack of work for the new Byron Detective Agency is causing some worry and when a telegram arrives with the promise of Three Hundred pounds as a retainer and a further six hundred to follow, they make the hasty decision to travel to Waketon Court, Yorelow in Westhamshire, arriving as directed, before the final stroke of Midnight.
Once there they being to seriously wonder just what it is they have undertaken as they find the body of the client draped over a grave, the residents of the Village secretive, holding grudges that go back many years and the staff at Waketon Court behaving in a very unusual manner.
Time is a crucial factor in attempting to discover what has been going on and exactly what was the murder weapon used to kill not once but several times with a ruthlessness that leads them to believe there is far more to what has occurred in Yorelow than first meets the eye.
Combining forces with the local Constabulary, and with the arrival of the ladies from Henley Hall, it seems they may have a wonderful Christmas after all, if only they can find the killer before they kill again.
Gripping and most intriguing Murder on a Frosty Night is one case that will keep you guessing until the last snowflake falls on Yorelow, Westhamshire.

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Murder on a Frosty Night’ is full of festive cheer and, of course, devilish murders! This is the 24th book in the series but can certainly be read as a stand-alone story. This is one of my favourite series and reading each new story feels like you are catching up with old friends. It manages to capture the magic of the interwar period, with a female protagonist that doesn't care about the concept of being ‘proper’, plus add in a loyal butler and sidekick! Also, at times it is god damn funny and who doesn't need a bit of laughter in their lives.

Just as Lady Eleanor Swift and her new husband Sir Hugh Seldon are preparing to welcome the villagers to Henley Hall for their annual Christmas Eve party, they receive a telegram asking them to come forthwith to help solve a mysterious crime. After a long drive through the snow, they arrive at a tiny hamlet and find that the person who sent the telegram has been killed. What is odd is he has been draped over the grave of his uncle and the gravestone has a riddle on it!

There is a new dynamic as the main three characters are now running their own detective agency and having Hugh around all the time is a pleasant addition. However, Eleanor and her butler Clifford are the stars of the show. Clifford reminds me slightly of Stephen Fry in QI mode, mixed with the bulk of Tom Hardy and the attitude of Mr Carson from Downton Abbey! It's a brilliant combination.

Despite this book being a murder mystery, it is packed full of nods to the festive season and has the feeling of celebration of friends and family coming together. As Eleanor states, as long as you have ‘your people’ around you, you are at home no matter where you are. But the mystery side of the story is as nuanced as ever. Very nearly a locked room scenario, since the weather cuts off the hamlet, it was full of misdirection, red herrings, and surprising motivations. As entertaining as ever, this is a brilliant read.

Let me know if you pick this one up!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The client was dead before they even arrived!

This delightful cozy, set in England in 1925, finds Lady Eleanor Swift and husband Hugh Seldon ready to celebrate their first Christmas together at Henley Hall. When an unexpected telegram arrives on Christmas Eve with a curt and mysterious message asking them to travel to a remote hamlet by midnight to earn their fees, they decide that their fledgling detective agency needs some income, so they drive off with Gladstone in tow. Upon tardy arrival to the client's estate, they find an empty office and a recording that starts to give them a few details before being abruptly cut off. Hearing music from the local church, they pass a graveyard where a dead man rests across a tombstone. Alas, it's the body of Inigo Osmund Unwin, their client.

This immediately turns the investigation into a game of retroactive deduction, forcing the Byron Detective Agency to solve a case that they were technically too late for. The inhabitants of the village didn't know or care much for Unwin and they seem to have a lot of secrets. As the snow falls and temperatures drop, Eleanor, Hugh, and Clifford begin a heated interrogation of the locals. Christmas this year will be nothing like they expected.

This was complex and fun with lots of wonderful historical details that the author is known for. I love the time period and the setting with the Christmas theme. The characters are what drives this series, however, and I always enjoy returning to catch their latest whodunit. From Lady Eleanor and Hugh to Clifford, their butler, who is a walking encyclopedia, to the "aprons" who cook and clean, everyone is part of the crew. Their camaraderie and witty repartee are part of each book's charm. Although there is always a mystery to solve, it's really the sense of team and family that carries this beyond the typical cozy.

After 24 books, I still very much enjoy this series and recommend any interested readers start with the first installment for maximum enjoyment.

Book Blog Tour for Bookouture 12-9-25
ARC provided for review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder on a Frosty Night by Verity Bright opens on Christmas Eve, Ellie and Hugh’s first Christmas as a married couple, when a telegram arrives. It was an odd one: 300 pounds had been deposited in their account, 300 pounds when they arrived, and 300 pounds when they solved the mystery. The catch was that they needed to be there by midnight. They’d have to leave immediately. So much for Christmas. They arrived but it was odd. The person who had hired them was not at home, but had left a recording for them; a new invention, but the 300 pounds was in the desk drawer as it had stated. Things got really strange when a few hours later the man who had hired them was found dead. Thus started the strangest investigation, and Christmas, any of them had ever spent.

Hugh and Ellie are settling nicely into their marriage and the three, including Clifford are doing their best to make the Byron Investigative Agency a success, although it was slow going. This a small town in the middle of nowhere, the end of the road. And, everyone who lived there was odd. Well, they are all related in one way or another. Inbreeding? The name of the law man was Quilter, one of many oddities, although he was bright and appeared to be honest. The owners of the pub where they stayed were sisters, although they didn’t always get along with each other. This is a lovely series in which we have seen the main characters grown and change, and the remain the same. This was a good, if confusing, mystery, celebrating the Christmas week in its own unique way.

I was invited to read Murder on a Frosty Night by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #VerityBright #MurderOnAFrostyNight

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable installment in the Lady Swift series, perfect for a cosy festive read. The Christmas setting was charming, with snowy villages, midnight mass, and a classic country mystery atmosphere that fans of historical whodunits will definitely appreciate.

As always, Eleanor and Hugh are a pleasure to follow. Their dynamic continues to be one of the strongest parts of the series, and I really enjoy how their partnership has developed since the earlier books. The plot itself is easy to follow and nicely paced, making it a light and entertaining mystery rather than something overly complicated. It’s the kind of book you can happily curl up with and finish in a couple of sittings.

The premise of having to solve the murder of their own client before even officially taking on the case was fun and slightly absurd in a good way. The village cast of suspects was interesting enough, with plenty of grudges and secrets to keep things moving. While some twists were a little predictable if you’ve read a lot of cosy mysteries, there were still enough surprises to stay engaged.

That said, this one didn’t quite stand out as a favourite in the series for me. The second body and the wider mystery felt a bit rushed toward the end, and I would have liked a little more depth to some of the side characters. It was enjoyable but not especially memorable.

Overall, a solid and festive addition to the series. If you’ve read the previous books and enjoy the characters, you’ll definitely have a good time with this one. Easy, light, and perfect for the Christmas season – I’d rate it a comfortable 7/10.

[Acantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do so enjoy this series.

It's Eleanor and Hugh's first Christmas as a married couple, but any hopes they had of enjoying the celebrations without distractions is shattered when a mysterious telegram is delivered with a deadline and the promise of a mystery. Racing to the scene, they discover their would be employer is dead.

The setting was fantastic, a tiny hamlet that time forgot. And considering we're in a historical cosy murder mystery, we're even further back in time. Then you add in the snow trapping them in this place and it gives you a wonderful location. The side characters we meet here are brilliant as ever, I was particularly fond of the Reverend, but they were all great, from the two sisters who owned the pub, the grave digger, 'looney' Luna, and the rest.

Learning more about the victim was fun too, he started off seeming one way, but as the book progressed, you learnt more and more about him and he comes across as a very well rounded, great character.

As for the plot itself, from the arrival of the telegram, it races along and never lets up. You are in for a wide ride as mysteries, danger, murder, and so much I can't name for spoilers. It's ridiculous, its overblown, - its amazing. This is a feel good series, where characters get happy endings, where the found family that has formed around Eleanor gets stronger with every book. Long may this series continue and I can't wait to see what they get up to next!

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Sue Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

MURDER ON A FROSTY NIGHT is the twenty fourth novel in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series by VERITY BRIGHT but it can easily stand alone.
The newly formed Byron Detective Agency is off to a very slow start when they receive a strange telegram from a small unknown village called Yorelow, over four hundred miles away from Henley Manor, from an unknown person who has put a well needed non-refundable deposit in their bank account with the demand that they arrive at Waketon Court before midnight. After hastily made plans, they set off through the snow and arrive to find their client, Mr Inigo Osmund Unwin’s body draped over a tombstone, and a village full of suspects who disliked him intensely……
They have their deceased client’s case to solve and a second murder, which is made harder by the locals antagonism towards outsiders, general deviousness and disinterest in answering questions. Constable Quilter is a great help with his knowledge of the locals and theit history, and is pleased to have Hugh, a newly retired Scotland Yard detective, to help in solving the case.
Reverend Thaddeus Ansel is a great help in hosting the Henley Hall ladies (and animals) who bring some Christmas cheer with them on Boxing Day to lift the spirits of Ellie, Hugh and Clifford, in the unusual festive season they are experiencing.
This is a most excitng and enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

[CPE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verity Bright’s Murder on a Frosty Night is the twenty-fourth book in the Lady Eleanor Swift series. Eleanor and her husband, Hugh Seldon, recently resigned from Scotland Yard, are looking forward to their first Christmas as a married couple. It’s Christmas Eve and the house is being seasonally decorated, ready to receive the villagers. Out of the blue, they receive a telegram from a client, offering them £900 if they arrive at his house by midnight. However, that’s over 400 miles away, so they need to set off immediately, just to have a chance of being there by midnight. They arrive, more or less on time, but find their client has been murdered.

That sense of urgency is kept up throughout the book and there are some wonderful plot twists. Eleanor’s staff provide light relief, as usual; and the depiction of Constable Quilter shows nicely that a village policeman can be as sharp (and humane) as anyone else, rather than a slow-witted clod. This is a highly enjoyable book. My only quibble is that there are some phrases that jar with the 1920s’ setting. To say that someone “crashed” after drinking too much doesn’t sound like a 1920s’ phrase; and nor does “crap job”. Although these grate and intrude upon the reader’s absorption, they have no serious impact.

Highly recommended, but, as always, the book will be much more enjoyable if read after the 23 preceding books in the series!

#MurderonaFrostyNight #NetGalley

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter 1925. Eleanor and Hugh are decking the halls of Henley Hall for their first married Christmas together when butler Clifford arrives with a mysterious telegram. A lucrative case awaits their new detective agency but in the most remote county in England. The note insists they must be there by midnight to accept the job. After a snowy journey, they arrive at the tiny hamlet of Yorelow to find their client, Osmund Unwin, dead in the churchyard as midnight mass ends. They realise they are now in the absurd situation of having to solve the murder of their client, who they never met, to solve a case they know nothing about and officially never accepted!
I can’t believe that this is book twenty four in the series & it’s still as fresh as the first. Whilst it could be read on its own, I’ve loved getting to know Ellie, Hugh, Clifford & the Aprons. I love the dynamics between the group & how well they all work together but the dynamics between Ellie & Clifford & Ellie & Hugh are the icing on the cake. The case or should I say what starts as a non-case is intriguing with plenty of red herrings & twists & turns. There are quite a small number of suspects in the small tight knit village but I was left guessing. A very well written charming cosy mystery which I loved
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[BookswithLydscl | · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winning instalment of the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, I really do enjoy the Christmas period books in this series! Murder on a Frosty Night is a wonderfully atmospheric and engaging mystery with a wintry chill and suitably bleak small village setting. The frosty setting adds an additional layer of charm and tension and it feels like the ideal backdrop for a cleverly woven investigation full of red herrings and satisfying twists.

The characters, as always, are warm and well-drawn, and the interactions between them brings the series' trademark humour and heart to the story. The story is also well paced with smart plotting and the final reveal gave me the exact payoff I hoped for in a Lady Eleanor seasonal whodunnit.

This is a lovely blend of winter ambience and classic mystery beats that delivers charm and suspense in equal measure and as always I loved it and eagerly await the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital review copy of "Murder on a Frosty Night" as part of the book tour in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor and Hugh are preparing for their first Christmas as a married couple when they receive a telegram with a new case. They travel for miles on Christmas Eve only to find their client murdered in the graveyard… Murder on a Frosty Night is the 24th book in the Lady Eleanor Swift series of historical cosy murder mysteries set in the 1920s.
A mysterious telegram and the need to establish their detective agency sees Ellie and Hugh set off for a remote village with butler Clifford and bulldog Gladstone. The mystery deepens when they arrive and find their client missing and then murdered on his uncle’s grave.
The small community provides plenty of suspects and suspicious behaviour for Eleanor, Hugh and Clifford to unravel. And the victim himself is an enigma that they need to consider first.
The festive theme adds an extra dynamic to the usual warmth and gentle comedy in the series. The setting of the small community brings atmosphere while the inclusion of Eleanor's staff keeps the familiarity for fans of these books.
Murder on a Frosty Night is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery and the festive setting makes it a great December read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do they manage it - one installment is better than the next. So many great elements conspire to make a great read, terrific characters, interesting setting, information and history, just the right amount of humor and a chorus of support characters that you can’t help but love, but also, a plot that is always a mind tickler. I firmly believe that without the character of Clifford, the Butler, this series fails. Thankfully he is once again front and center with his wealth of knowledge, background and an extraordinary explanation of the direction from which the Messiah will return - who knew?!

So, set with snow against “a clear starry night” the members of the Byron Detective Agency will attempt to solve a mystery which quickly morphs into a murder mystery or two. They will investigate, they will eat sumptuous meals, they will frolic and they will take risks to see the successful conclusion of a very fun installment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries.

A million thanks to Bookoutre and NetGalley for a copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been happy with all the adventures that Eleanor has taken to different settings with her menagerie in tow. It keeps things fresh this far into the series. Showing up to the middle of nowhere to find the person who hired them dead is a great start to a mystery. Having stories set in small towns where everyone knows each other is always interesting and so different from how things are now. There are an abundance of suspects in this town as the victim was not well-liked by all. There are colorful characters with mysterious backstories and local biases/lore to piece together. Having Hugh, Clifford & Eleanor working together as a team and figuring out their dynamic is fun to watch. I would have enjoyed celebrating Christmas with this crew wherever they land during their adventures.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been enjoying the Lady Eleanor Swift series for a long time now, and have been looking forward to Murder on a Frosty Night.

I loved this book. There was a confusing mass of clues, a mysterious summons, and a small community cut off by the snow. What’s not to love?

The setting was great, with a mysterious atmosphere and yet lots of seasonal winter weather. There was a sense of the village having a history that was affecting the current day. I really enjoyed watching Eleanor and Co unravelling that, as well as the murder.

There were lots of fascinating and suspicious characters, who all seemed like the most likely suspect in turn. I didn’t work out who the culprit was until the end.

Overall, this was an excellent and seasonal mystery, with much loved characters. I can’t wait to see what they get up to next.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.