The Mystery of Lady Sedgewick's Butler: A Gwendoline Hartwell Mystery

by Ann Sutton

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Kathryn Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I enjoyed this book. Gwen is so unique and I absolutely love Penny. I hope you write more of these. Well done.

[ShanDizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful start to what I hope is a new series for this author. It was not bogged down with most of the pitfalls in a 1st book. The characters were well fleshed out and the mystery was engaging. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quotes I enjoyed:

“The eyes were a window to the soul.”
“A mother’s love can be a fierce thing Gwen.”

Thank you @simonmaverickaudio maverick mavens for the gifted copy via @librofm.

I always love a cozy mystery and this one was so cute! It features a cast of characters who are easy to root for from the very beginning, Gwen and Penny. After Gwen’s husband is killed in World War I, she unexpectedly inherits his photography business and must figure out how to run it on her own. Fortunately, Penny—a bright, energetic young woman—applies for the position of photography assistant, and the two quickly form a strong partnership. I loved Gwen is determined to stand up and herself. This cozy mystery kept me engaged and guessing till the end.

This is book one in the Gwendoline Hartwell Mystery series. Really hoping there is a book two coming out soon.

Listened to on @librofm
Narrated by Lucy Rayner. Such a great job narrating!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This charming cozy mystery features a cast of characters who are easy to root for from the very beginning. After Gwen's husband is killed in World War I, she unexpectedly inherits his photography business and must figure out how to run it on her own. Fortunately, Penny—a bright, energetic young woman—applies for the position of photography assistant, and the two quickly form a strong partnership.

Even before the mystery unfolds, the story is captivating, as Gwen and Penny navigate the challenges of running a business in a society that underestimates women. Their determination, friendship, and resilience make this an engaging and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start for a new series. I am looking forward to the next book. I liked it better than her Dodo series. Two people both left with sorrows after WWI are finding their way forward. Apparently, they will find romance despite it. Penny is a delightful assistant to Gwendoline who has Sherlock Holmes level observations. Inspector Will Slaughter is the perfect foil to solve crimes with Gwen.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy read, but there were a lot of little things that bugged me throughout. Perhaps the biggest of these was the ease with which a Scotland Yard detective included a previously unknown woman in an investigation, regardless of whatever skills she might have - it just didn't seem very believable.

[Sue Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Breath of Fresh Air

After the Dodo series became annoying due to Dodo's perfect life and perfection in everything (love, marriage, home, beauty, success, money), this book and it's heroine Gwyne and, Penny, of course, was very welcome.

Bravo Ann Sutton. Hoping there are more to come in this series!

But first... Inspector BLOOD, now Inspector SLAUGHTER... Really? :-)

[Sheila-Merle Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first book in series

Lovely start to a new world. Well written, great cozy mystery evoking the social in class changes of the early 20th century. I look forward to more in this series.

[D · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't. This one is NOT for me. The self doubt, the low self esteem of thinking you're not good enough-kept pushing me out of the story. I'm sure the story was a good one, but I could not see around Gwen and the incessant rabbit holes of mind doubts. Soooo done.

[Sparky Fredlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written and enjoyable book

I read many cozy mysteries and this was one of the best I’ve read recently. It was especially important as it is the first in what I hope will be a continuing and lengthy series!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique cast of characters and an interesting story.

I am looking forward to next story. I hope the characters continue to develop along with the beautiful pictures that they take.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwendoline Hartwell Book 1

Quite a departure from the other series this author pens. Money can paint a pretty picture but the ugly will come out.

[stephanie leighton]

Flash of knowledge

Great characters. Looking forward to book two already seeing what happens with Gwen and Slaughter. Hopefully things get easier for Penny

[Amanda Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Jolly Good Read

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Mystery of Lady Sedgewick’s Butler’. Engaging characters involved in an intriguing mystery with a good mix of suspense and romance.