Mrs. Jeffries Holds the Trump

Mrs. Jeffries #24

by Emily Brightwell

Michael Provost lived a quiet life, yet this successful owner of a medical supply company was spotted floating facedown off the Chelsea Vestry Wharf. His servants adored him, and he had no greedy relatives or business rivals—who would ever want him dead? Luckily for Inspector Gerald Witherspoon, Mrs. Jeffries and her staff are always ready to dive into an investigation, and their combined efforts soon lead to a connection with an earlier crime. Was Provost himself sleuthing when he was horrifically interrupted? And could the same fate befall Inspector Witherspoon?

She keeps house for Inspector Witherspoon...and keeps him on his toes. Everyone’s awed by his Scotland Yard successes—but they don’t know about his secret weapon. No matter how messy the murder or how dirty the deed, Mrs. Jeffries’s polished detection skills are up to the task...proving that behind every great man there’s a woman—and that a crime solver’s work is never done.

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

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 3, 2008

About the author

Cheryl Lanham was born on 11 October 1948 in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia, USA. Her family moved to Southern California in 1959 and she grew up in Pasadena. After graduating from California State University, she decided to work her way around the world and took off for England. She didn’t get much further because she met Richard James Arguile, the Englishman who became her husband, got married on May 1976, and had two children, Matthew and Amanda. While working in international shipping, she decided to pursue her dream and become a writer – which, of course, is the best job ever. She has written romance novels as Sarah Temple, and Young Adult novels as Cheryl Lanham. As Emily Brightwell, she is the author of the “Mrs. Jeffries” mysteries.

Cheryl Lanham Arguile returned to California, where she lives with her husband and a cranky old cat named Kiwi.

Reviews

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Jeffries, the household staff, and other friends look forward to hunting down clues to help Inspector Gerald Witherspoon solve murder crimes. Smythe and Betsy try to wed for a third time, with her sister and brother-in-law brought to town thanks to Smythe. A new employee is added to the household to help during thw wedding preparations, murder solving, Christmas, and the honeymoon. After you get to know the characters, it becomes a much more compelling series.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted murders & quirky characters make this historical cozy a Must Read.

[The Hobbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Provost, hard working owner of a medical equipment business, was found dead in the river by Chelsea Vestry Wharf. The police assumed it was an accidental drowning until young Dr Bosworth, the police medical examiner, determined that Provost had been hit over the head and held under the water; bruises on his shoulders corresponded to hand prints. Michael Provost liked to play whist and loved Sherlock Holmes. When his friend Eric Grigson disappeared, Provost investigated and wrote his findings to the police in 6 letters. When Provost was found dead, Inspector Witherspoon wondered if it had to do with the questions he was asking about his friend. Was Provost getting too close to knowing what happened to Grigson, and therefore had to be silenced? If only the letters could be found! Who on the police force were they sent to and where were they now? Were they dealing with two deaths - Provost's and Grigson's? While Inspector Witherspoon and Constable Barnes were interviewing people associated with the two men, Mrs Jeffries and Witherspoon's servants were interviewing shop keepers, hansom drivers, pub goers, and servants of Provost and his card playing partners. Mrs Jeffries and company were sure they had two murders! The suspects, all members of the Wentworth Club, were unlikable characters who stopped at nothing to maintain the appearance they were wealthy aristocrats. They would never give their motives away, but their servants would!

[moxieBK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Jeffries Holds the Trump (Mrs. Jeffries, #24) — Emily Brightwell/Narrator: Jennifer M. Dixon (11 chapters) October 10-11, 2024

A man, Michael Provost, is found floating face-down off the Chelsea Vestry Wharf. If it wasn’t for the medical inspector for the autopsy, the police would’ve called it suicide. But Dr. Bosworth knew the man and did a thorough enough investigation to realize that he had been held underwater until he drowned.

Plus, his servants thought he was kind, gentle and very good to them. But he was investigating the disappearance of his good friend and that made him a target.

Mrs. Jeffries, the gang, and the inspector must look into the death and figure out who would want him killed… and why. Could it be his sister; a disgruntled vendor; or did her accidentally drown like the police believe?

I loved this story. It had a great plot, good characters and even Inspector Nigel is featured in a friend enemy sort of way.

Narrator was good, but a few times with the accents confused me as to which character was talking.

Five stars.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mrs. Jeffries and the household crew help their employer Inspector Witherspoon solve the mysterious death of Michael Provost, a successful businessman whose employees love him and who has no greedy relatives to vie for his money. What's the motive? They discover that Provost was not so quietly investigating the disappearance of an old friend who owned a local pub, but it takes more research to learn that the friend was a bookie in his spare time. Witherspoon's nemesis attempts to derail the investigation by concealing evidence, but things turn out well in the end.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another twisted cozy mystery featuring favorite characters. Poor Wiggins gets distracted in this one but the others all step up and seek out the clues they need to steer Inspector Witherspoon to arrest the killer. It was very nice to see Inspector Nivens finally get his just desserts finally!

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wonder why the audiobook is listed separately from the print version. Usually the audiobook is listed as a version of the book. But as always it’s a good story.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visit with Mrs Jefferies and her staff is always a relaxing read. Michael Provost was found drowned in the Thames River. Dr. Bosworth is sure he was murdered and the police feel it is an accident. Inspector Witherspoon has the case. Mr Provost has no enemies and there appears to be no reason he was killed. Mrs Jefferies needs to find an answer amid all the facts that keep showing up. Will. The Inspector solved this complex case?

[Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author delivers a cozy mystery that warms the heart.

Authorities fish Michael Provost from the river, and most assume he took his life. A physician working with the police challenges this, pointing to a head wound suggesting someone struck Provost before drowning him. Finger-sized bruises on his neck hint at strangulation. Inspector Nivens, ever at odds with the charming Inspector Gerald Witherspoon, insists it’s suicide. Nivens’ superiors disagree, suspecting murder, and assign the case to Witherspoon—meaning his clever household staff joins the investigation.

The staff digs quietly and uncovers intriguing details. Provost, a Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, died while probing the shady dealings of his friend, Ernie Grigson, a bookie. It seems Provost got too close to the truth for a killer’s comfort.

What pulls me deeper into this series is Brightwell’s knack for crafting characters I adore. I want to pull up a chair at their table, savor one of Mrs. Goodge’s Victorian-era pastries, and soak in the banter of this tight-knit crew. Wiggins, the apple-cheeked footman with a roving eye, falls under the spell of a young woman who coaxes truths from him effortlessly. This time, she might just hold his heart. Read on to discover if Wiggins faces heartbreak or happiness.

The mystery’s resolution surprised me, and equally delightful is the news of Smythe and Betsy’s wedding, set for the second Saturday in October.

Some critics call the series formulaic, noting most books span exactly 11 chapters, as if Brightwell follows a rigid outline. I see their point but don’t share it. I don’t always crave cutting-edge writing or clever gimmicks. I don’t need mysteries that start at the end and work backward—though those can be fun. Books like this weave a gentle magic, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

[Alison C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Bosworth is certain that his friend Michael Provost, pulled lifeless from the Thames, could not have fallen in accidentally and could not have killed himself, but he has a hard time convincing the police of that. He talks to Mrs. Jeffries about it, and she tries to think of a way to get the information to Inspector Witherspoon, but it is only when Provost’s solicitor insists to the Chief Inspector that the death be investigated that the police take any action. Unfortunately for Inspector Witherspoon, there is very little information to go on, especially as the man’s household insists that he wrote letters to the police about his own “investigation” into the disappearance of a friend of his, letters that nobody seems to have seen…. There were a few little problems with this book, notably that one character is misnamed (that is, the Inspector talks with one suspect and then with another suspect and both are called by the same name), a mistake that could have been corrected by a proofreader, and some words that are run-on now (tonight, household) are separated (to night, house hold), some of which is correct for the period but not all - and those spellings are not consistent throughout the book. Minor quibbles, yes, but such things detract from the whole unfortunately. Meantime, a subplot involving Wiggins starts nicely but sort of peters out before too long; a bit more attention could have been paid there. However, the romance between the Inspector and Ruth Cannonberry seems to be progressing nicely, so there’s that. Not one of my favourites in this series, still mildly recommended though. Two and a half stars.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mrs. Jeffries Holds The Trump is #24 in the series. I haven't read all of them up to this point. I've missed a whole bunch as they are hard to find in my second hand book shops. But they are still very easy to pick up as the author does a good job with letting the reader know the details of the regular characters.

Unfortunately, #24 was weaker than the other stories I've read. It's definitely not one of my favs. I found the story kinda dragged and it wasn't as interesting as others. It's been awhile since I really didn't care for one.

This time Michael Provost, successful owner of a medical supply company is found dead in the waters of Chelsea Vestry Wharf. Much adored by his employees both at his business and in his household, plus no relatives to speak of, it's up to Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of Scotland Yard's Inspector Witherspoon's household staff to help him solve yet another murder.

This story is written a different way. I like how she's done this to change things up and keep it fresh. After all it's a long series, and it's important to keep her reader returning for more.

I've noticed in this series, the names of characters are quite different and I had a good chuckle at this one in this story: Barnabas Bagshot. I think Emily Brightwell does this on purpose, I mean she has too, right?

The big question is, did I solve it? I partly did, actually I mostly did. It took me bit longer than normal to figure it out (the mostly). You'll see what I mean once you've read it.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

#24 in the end of the 19th century London based mystery series in which Scotland Yard Inspector Witherspoon's domestic staff headed by Mrs. Jefferies, without his knowledge, work to help him solve his murder cases. The recurring and well developed helpers” are Barnes (Witherspoon’s detective sergeant), Mrs. Goodge (cook), Smythe (coachman), Betsy (maid and later Smythe’s wife), Wiggins (servant), Phyllis (maid and newest addition), Luty (wealthy American widow), Hatchet (Luty’s butler), and Ruth (next door neighbor and romantic interest for Witherspoon).

Opens in January with the hosuehold staff restless because it has been a month since the last case. The staff is approached by Dr. Bosworth, a Sherlock Holmes type police surgeon, with his views that a friend of his, Michael Provost, has been murdered, but was unable to persuade Withspoon’s nemesis Inspector Nivens that it is a murder. He has worked the staff previously, so approaches them with his concerns and help.

Michael Provost was a highly successful businessman who had no apparent enemies, greedy relatives or business rivals, yet he was murdered. The major clue is that Provost was asking a lot of questions about the disappearance of a friend of his.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspector Witherspoon doesn't know it, but the found-family of his household servants and their friends help him solve murders in Victorian London, especially his perspicacious housekeeper, Mrs. Jeffries. The murder they're investigating now is that of a well-off businessman drowned in the river. It seems, as they later learn, that he was investigating the disappearance of a friend, so then that becomes part of their investigation as well. Everything seems to lead to a certain gentleman's club, but there are so many threads to the case that Mrs. Jeffries worries they'll never solve it. Plus, the beyond-obnoxious Inspector Nivens, who loathes Witherspoon, seems to have some involvement, and that's never a good thing.

Another satisfying entry in a delightful series, even if I skipped over some of the bits with Nivens because he's a loathsome toad. This one spent a bit more time on the actual mystery than the household, which was different, but Wiggins did get a bit of a look-in with a crush on a young lady that came to nothing. It's about time--Wiggins is the perpetual "boy" of the crew, but he's in his twenties now and it seems unlikely that a good-looking, kind, personable young man who is interested in women would have zero love life. Oh well!

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unread shelf project 2021: book 41.

Aw I really enjoy Mrs Jeffries. These books are a lot of talking and a lot of different story threads, and you have to remind yourself to maintain some suspension of disbelief — but I do love the characters and their relationships and interactions! And the mysteries are fun too.

I kind of wanted to see about buying the rest of this series as I have several already — but then I realized there are 40 books in the series! Ah well. I definitely want to read more of them at least!

Also, I bought this book when it was fairly new (2008 is the publication year, I think I bought it in 2009 or so), when I was a junior in college! Whew that was a long time ago. Makes me feel kind of old, but YAY for me finally reading a book that’s been on my shelves for over a decade (& has moved with me 3 times and over 600 miles)!

[Patricia Kiyono · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wealthy businessman is found floating in the Thames, and his death is at first ruled an accident. But his solicitor and housekeeper both dispute that and demand a thorough investigation. The inspector and his secret assistants uncover a tangled web of related mysteries: another possible murder, a nearly fatal accident, and stolen jewelry. Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of the household help find out how they’re all connected. There were a few questions that went unanswered in my mind, and detracted a bit from my enjoyment of the outcome. Also, Mrs. Jeffries’ actions at the very end were very puzzling and out of character.

[Barb Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A man is dead. A fan of Sherlock Holmes, the dead man apparently was engaged in an investigation of his own before he was murdered. Now, it's up to Inspector Witherspoon, Constable Barnes, Mrs. Jeffries and every member and friend of the household staff to solve a series of murders. Along the way, Wiggins loses his heart only to have it returned in a battered state.

This book raced at a quicker pace than usual and included a slew of characters to keep track of. Nonetheless, it was a familiar romp with old friends.

[PlusFour · Rating 1 out of 5]

Emily Brightwell does not do Victorian British dialogue well; actually, she doesn't do British English well. In general, her attempts at British colloquialisms mostly fall flat. She also gives her characters distracting, silly, unconvincing names like Blimpey Groggins, perhaps to match the silly, unconvincing plot involving a wealthy Victorian woman hanging about with a bunch of servants, and a wealthy man working as a coachman. If you're looking for Victorian atmosphere or realism you won't find it here.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun, quick listen. This time the household of Upper Edmonton Garden along with their neighbor friends helped solve the mystery of the murder of a fellow amateur sleuth, Michael Provost. He was trying to solve the disappearance of his school friend Ernie Griggson. Both were murdered by no-longer-well-off “gentlemen” who used Ernie as a bookie. The shits. If you can’t afford to gamble, then DON’T.

[☯Emily Ginder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical mystery with the whole crew investigating and everyone "speaks softly." I don't really understand why the author doesn't just say the Inspector "said." He and others tend to speak softly. Are there synonyms for softly? Or perhaps other words, like ferociously, angrily, puzzled, inquisitively, peacefully, quietly, loudly, etc.

These books are a quick read with an almost clairvoyant Mrs. Jeffries helping a hapless inspector solve another case.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun mystery, little bit predictable, but at least the inspector found at least some of the clues. Glad Lutty and Ruth got to get in on the action, it’s always more fun when they do. Person drowns in the river after a night of card play, accident says Niven’s. Not so says the household staff, the coroner, and the attorney, who incidentally demands the best inspector, which apparently is Witherspoon. And with the help of the staff, we discover this was anything but an accidental drowning.

[Mili Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing: 4 Stars;
Characters: 5 Stars;
Plot: 3 Stars;
Entertaining: 3 Stars;
Read Again? No.
Narrator: 5 Stars;
Cover Art: 4 Stars? I like the ie with the top hat in the water.

Not as good as the previous book. I felt that this one was too all over the place and there are some loopholes. For example, why wasn’t Dr. B there at the end?

[Kellene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable romp with the Upper Edmonton Gardens crew. This case was more involved than some others in this series, and I was still working my way through suspects and motives nearing the end, along with Mrs. Jeffries. I wasn't surprised by the ending, but found it very comforting that I didn't have it all sussed out.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Emily Bright well stories of MRS JEFFRIES, they involve the household of a police records keeper turned detective. His entire house values him so that they are willing to secretly assist him in his cases. Very entertaining and an easy read.

[janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever and cheerful ending to a complicated cozy

This series is like a balm to a difficult time. Even though the characters are simplistic, it never fails to satisfy. Thought the mystery is more complicated that usual, it's the characters that keep me coming back for more stories.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tangled tale for sure. The characters in this book were a bit easier to follow for me than in some of the other books in this series. I just love all the different talents among the downstairs staff at the inspector’s house. So much fun reading

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good who dunnit with Mrs Jeffries and the gang. A man who was investigating a friends disappearance turns up dead Inspector Witherspoon gets the case and his staff go on the hunt. Always interesting twists and turns , Ms Brightwell has done it again.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

a man in the river.

And he’s dead. Murdered. Mrs. J and the gang follow up on many complicated clues to sort out, not one, but two murders. And some dark links to several other possible murders.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story with multiple crimes that need to be solved by the group. The entire crew is present for this one and it ends with Mrs. Jeffries being angry, which is quite out of character. Looking forward to the next one... hoping there will be a wedding!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite of the Mrs. Jeffries' books. I found it dragged a bit in places, and the mystery was pretty obvious from the start. But even at that, it was a fun read.