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Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate #1
Murder at Merisham Lodge
A mansion, a title and marriage to a wealthy Lord – Lady Eveline Cartwright has it all. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to prevent her being bludgeoned to death one night in the study of Merisham Lodge, the family’s country estate in Derbyshire.
Suspicion quickly falls on her ne’er-do-well son, Peter, but not everyone in the household is convinced of his guilt. Head kitchen maid Joan Hart and lady’s maid, Verity Hunter, know that when it comes to a crime, all is not always as it seems.
With suspicions and motives thick on the ground, Joan and Verity must use all the wit and courage they possess to expose a deadly murderer who will stop at nothing to achieve their aim…
Murder at Merisham Lodge is the first in a new series of historical mysteries, Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate, set in the 1930s. The author, Celina Grace, is the creator of the bestselling The Kate Redman Mysteries and The Asharton Manor Mysteries, as well as several standalone thrillers.
Suspicion quickly falls on her ne’er-do-well son, Peter, but not everyone in the household is convinced of his guilt. Head kitchen maid Joan Hart and lady’s maid, Verity Hunter, know that when it comes to a crime, all is not always as it seems.
With suspicions and motives thick on the ground, Joan and Verity must use all the wit and courage they possess to expose a deadly murderer who will stop at nothing to achieve their aim…
Murder at Merisham Lodge is the first in a new series of historical mysteries, Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate, set in the 1930s. The author, Celina Grace, is the creator of the bestselling The Kate Redman Mysteries and The Asharton Manor Mysteries, as well as several standalone thrillers.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2016
2777 people are currently reading
3716 people want to read
About the author
Celina Grace
62 books454 followersI’ve been trying to get published as a writer since…. um… er…um…see, it was that long ago I can’t remember. A long time. I make it fifteen years and counting….
I’ve also been writing for as long as I can really remember. I wrote my first story, The Blue Ruby, when I was about seven (if I can find that deathless prose scribbled in an exercise book somewhere, I might upload it here for a bit of light relief). Throughout college and university, I experimented with screenplays and scripts (I was studying Film and English at the time at the University of East Anglia), as well as other more short stories. In my twenties, I started my first novel, finished it, then my second, then my third. In my thirties, I was slightly side-tracked by the birth of my son but, leaving aside that trifling distraction, managed to write my fourth..
I didn’t bother trying to get the first novel published as I saw it as more of a practise run at this business of being an author. With the second, I entered the 2004 Lit Idol competition and got to third place. That was my ticket to publication, I thought, surely? Hah! Just the first in a long line of disappointments, of which every writer must be familiar… hopes built up to then be smacked down again. I had an agent approach me after the competition and on their encouragement, I finished, edited and polished the manuscript, sent it off to them with happy hopes – to be told months later that they didn’t think it was quite right for them..
Gutted, but enthusiasm relatively undimmed, I started on a new novel, inspired in part by the dramatic events of 2005 – the London bombings. I also wrote a short story at the same time on the same subject – it was on my mind a lot that summer (unsurprisingly. Freedom Fighter is the story – available on Amazon as part of The Mourning After short story collection). This novel The House on Fever Street (written under my maiden name Celina Alcock) was shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Aha, I thought, a fairly prestigious and industry recognised award. This will get me published. Did it? Did it buggery!.
The House on Fever Street was also longlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of that year, which garnered me some nice reviews and a much needed ego boost but didn’t advance my career as a published author much further..
So what next for our doughty heroine? She ups and writes her fourth novel, gains an agent and thinks now, now I have finally made it as a published author! And she waits. And waits. And waits some more. And then waits a bit more. And a bit more. Finally, for variety, she waits a bit more..
So, after two years of waiting, reading about self-publishing on Amazon and other platforms, I believe a phrase that ends in ‘…for a game of soldiers’ passed my lips and I decide to publish myself. So I did. And here I am on Amazon, making sales. No publisher. No agent. Just me..
And that makes me VERY happy.
I’ve also been writing for as long as I can really remember. I wrote my first story, The Blue Ruby, when I was about seven (if I can find that deathless prose scribbled in an exercise book somewhere, I might upload it here for a bit of light relief). Throughout college and university, I experimented with screenplays and scripts (I was studying Film and English at the time at the University of East Anglia), as well as other more short stories. In my twenties, I started my first novel, finished it, then my second, then my third. In my thirties, I was slightly side-tracked by the birth of my son but, leaving aside that trifling distraction, managed to write my fourth..
I didn’t bother trying to get the first novel published as I saw it as more of a practise run at this business of being an author. With the second, I entered the 2004 Lit Idol competition and got to third place. That was my ticket to publication, I thought, surely? Hah! Just the first in a long line of disappointments, of which every writer must be familiar… hopes built up to then be smacked down again. I had an agent approach me after the competition and on their encouragement, I finished, edited and polished the manuscript, sent it off to them with happy hopes – to be told months later that they didn’t think it was quite right for them..
Gutted, but enthusiasm relatively undimmed, I started on a new novel, inspired in part by the dramatic events of 2005 – the London bombings. I also wrote a short story at the same time on the same subject – it was on my mind a lot that summer (unsurprisingly. Freedom Fighter is the story – available on Amazon as part of The Mourning After short story collection). This novel The House on Fever Street (written under my maiden name Celina Alcock) was shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Aha, I thought, a fairly prestigious and industry recognised award. This will get me published. Did it? Did it buggery!.
The House on Fever Street was also longlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of that year, which garnered me some nice reviews and a much needed ego boost but didn’t advance my career as a published author much further..
So what next for our doughty heroine? She ups and writes her fourth novel, gains an agent and thinks now, now I have finally made it as a published author! And she waits. And waits. And waits some more. And then waits a bit more. And a bit more. Finally, for variety, she waits a bit more..
So, after two years of waiting, reading about self-publishing on Amazon and other platforms, I believe a phrase that ends in ‘…for a game of soldiers’ passed my lips and I decide to publish myself. So I did. And here I am on Amazon, making sales. No publisher. No agent. Just me..
And that makes me VERY happy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
August 7, 2017
Although this novel is listed as the first ‘Miss Hart and Miss Hunter’ investigation, it soon became apparent that the characters had appeared in an earlier novella length story, “Death at the Manor: The Asharton Mysteries 1.” This was referred to several times and, even though this is obviously a stand-alone story, it would have been nice if there had been some mention about this on the product page as I would have preferred to have read them in order. The Asharton Mystery took place in 1929 and this story is set in 1930, with Joan Hart joining Verity Hunter in service at Merisham Lodge, the summer residence of Lord Cartwright and his family in Derbyshire.
Joan Hart is to be undercook at Merisham, while Verity is ladies maid to Dorothy, step daughter of Lord Cartwright, whose mother, Lady Eveline, is his second wife. There is also Lord Cartwright’s son, Duncan, by his first wife, Lady Eveline’s son, Peter, who is slightly frowned upon as a wastrel, Rosalind Makepeace, Lord Cartwright’s secretary and, of course, a whole host of staff and servants. Verity and Joan met as children, where they were brought up in an orphanage, and obviously share a close bond. Joan is, refreshingly, resentful of being in service and, although generally cheerful, this is a realistic look at life as a domestic service.
Although, when murder occurs, Joan and Verity begin to investigate, they have little time to discuss events, are often too bone tired in the evening to even discuss matters and often have to rush off to work. That said, often you wish they did have a little more time, so they could carry the story forward a little more quickly and there were less rumours and speculation and more investigating. The police presence is in the intelligent Inspector Marks and it might have been useful to have seen things more from his perspective, to help create a little more excitement. That said, this is an interesting look at murder in a country house, from an unusual perspective and I enjoyed the characters and setting enough that I will go back and read the original novella.
Rated 3.5
Joan Hart is to be undercook at Merisham, while Verity is ladies maid to Dorothy, step daughter of Lord Cartwright, whose mother, Lady Eveline, is his second wife. There is also Lord Cartwright’s son, Duncan, by his first wife, Lady Eveline’s son, Peter, who is slightly frowned upon as a wastrel, Rosalind Makepeace, Lord Cartwright’s secretary and, of course, a whole host of staff and servants. Verity and Joan met as children, where they were brought up in an orphanage, and obviously share a close bond. Joan is, refreshingly, resentful of being in service and, although generally cheerful, this is a realistic look at life as a domestic service.
Although, when murder occurs, Joan and Verity begin to investigate, they have little time to discuss events, are often too bone tired in the evening to even discuss matters and often have to rush off to work. That said, often you wish they did have a little more time, so they could carry the story forward a little more quickly and there were less rumours and speculation and more investigating. The police presence is in the intelligent Inspector Marks and it might have been useful to have seen things more from his perspective, to help create a little more excitement. That said, this is an interesting look at murder in a country house, from an unusual perspective and I enjoyed the characters and setting enough that I will go back and read the original novella.
Rated 3.5
June 27, 2018
Again something I enjoyed at the time of reading but can barely recall a month later to write this review. I admit that even reading the blurb and some other reviews, it brought nothing back to me at all, so I'm considering revising my rating. (Initially rated 3, now 2). Joan and Verity aren't the most engaging of characters either.
September 16, 2020
Excellent
A well written book that takes place in England in the 1920's. Very English personalities for the characters. The main characters are strong women who are intelligent and determined to find answers to the murders at the Manor House where they are in service.
A well written book that takes place in England in the 1920's. Very English personalities for the characters. The main characters are strong women who are intelligent and determined to find answers to the murders at the Manor House where they are in service.
November 6, 2018
Joan Hart is an under cook at Merisham Lodge belonging to Lord Cartwright and his family. She was lucky to get the job after a disaster at her previous place of employment. Joan's more vivacious friend Verity helped her to obtain the post and the friends are happy to room together. All seems to be going OK until Lady Eveline's estranged son Peter shows up looking for money. When Ver finds Lady Eveline dead in the library, she enlists Joan's help. The inspector remembers the pair from a previous investigation and asks for their help finding clues that may seem insignificant. As staff Joan and Verity can gossip with the belowstairs family and as ladies' maid to Lady E's daughter Dorothy, Verity can move around the house and chat with her employer. Will they know the clues when they see them and will the friends have the courage to speak out?
This mystery was OK. I liked the country house setting, it reminded me of Downton Abbey. I didn't like the narration style. Joan is very matter of fact and relates the story as it happens. I think a third person perspective would have been better. I would have preferred more warmth and humor in the story as well. I also want to nitpick the titles. Lady Eveline-is she Lord Cartwright's daughter? Why no-she's his wife- so say so! Lady Cartwright is her title. It got very confusing with different people calling her different names. I also needed a family tree to figure out who was related to whom. None of the revelations really surprised me but I wasn't exactly positive who the killer was other than not a random insane person.
I liked Verity better than Joan. Verity has a more vivacious personality and she knows how to use her charm to get what she wants. She never crosses a line though. Joan is more nervous and more reserved. She alludes to things that happened at her previous place of employment but not having read that book I was a bit confused as to why she kept bringing that up. There's also a subplot about a maid, Nora, and I felt very very bad for her. These things happened all the time and it upsets me every time I read about it.
Upstairs we have Lord Cartwright, a wealthy industrialist who married into the nobility. He is uncouth and has a nasty temper. I don't think anyone would cry if he died. His son and heir has a more biting, caustic tongue, choosing to trade insults with his stepsister instead of bullying her. Lady Eveline isn't in the story much before she winds up dead. Verity says Lady E isn't the kindest of employers but the household is a decent one so she can't be that bad. Her daughter Dorothy manages to be slightly a cut above the average stereotypical debutante but she doesn't really show any character growth. She surprised me a bit so that was nice.
The police manage not to be bumbling idiots in this novel. The Inspector is kind and sympathetic. He respects Joan and Verity's intelligence and asks for help. I liked that a lot and his kindness made this story different from the usual country house nobility mystery.
I wasn't into this story enough to want to read more though.
Kindle freebie at time of purchase
This mystery was OK. I liked the country house setting, it reminded me of Downton Abbey. I didn't like the narration style. Joan is very matter of fact and relates the story as it happens. I think a third person perspective would have been better. I would have preferred more warmth and humor in the story as well. I also want to nitpick the titles. Lady Eveline-is she Lord Cartwright's daughter? Why no-she's his wife- so say so! Lady Cartwright is her title. It got very confusing with different people calling her different names. I also needed a family tree to figure out who was related to whom. None of the revelations really surprised me but I wasn't exactly positive who the killer was other than not a random insane person.
I liked Verity better than Joan. Verity has a more vivacious personality and she knows how to use her charm to get what she wants. She never crosses a line though. Joan is more nervous and more reserved. She alludes to things that happened at her previous place of employment but not having read that book I was a bit confused as to why she kept bringing that up. There's also a subplot about a maid, Nora, and I felt very very bad for her. These things happened all the time and it upsets me every time I read about it.
Upstairs we have Lord Cartwright, a wealthy industrialist who married into the nobility. He is uncouth and has a nasty temper. I don't think anyone would cry if he died. His son and heir has a more biting, caustic tongue, choosing to trade insults with his stepsister instead of bullying her. Lady Eveline isn't in the story much before she winds up dead. Verity says Lady E isn't the kindest of employers but the household is a decent one so she can't be that bad. Her daughter Dorothy manages to be slightly a cut above the average stereotypical debutante but she doesn't really show any character growth. She surprised me a bit so that was nice.
The police manage not to be bumbling idiots in this novel. The Inspector is kind and sympathetic. He respects Joan and Verity's intelligence and asks for help. I liked that a lot and his kindness made this story different from the usual country house nobility mystery.
I wasn't into this story enough to want to read more though.
Kindle freebie at time of purchase
February 20, 2016
As always I really do look forward to a new story from Celina Grace. I enjoy her style of writing and the fact she mainly writes novella style books now. This one was the perfect length and subject for a day curled up on the sofa sheltering from the awful winter weather-a feel good, making-the-world-a-better-place mystery. It's compact and easy to follow with a few red herrings scattered along the way.
After the awful murders at Asharton Manor in 1929, Joan and Verity have now moved onto a new household. Joan is working in the kitchen (lots of chopping involved!) And Verity is a ladies maid. But murder seems to follow our intrepid amateur detectives wherever they go.
I loved the first of The Asharton Manor series (there are 4 in total) and I think the reason it was my favourite, was the pairing of Joan and Verity. This novella reads like an old fashioned murder mystery and is a fabulous intro to Celina Grace if you haven't read her books before. I am part of her early reader group and it is always a thrill to get the next copy of her book sent to me as she writes a smooth and interesting plot with characters you like and care about.
I hope this isn't the last we see of this crime fighting duo.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
After the awful murders at Asharton Manor in 1929, Joan and Verity have now moved onto a new household. Joan is working in the kitchen (lots of chopping involved!) And Verity is a ladies maid. But murder seems to follow our intrepid amateur detectives wherever they go.
I loved the first of The Asharton Manor series (there are 4 in total) and I think the reason it was my favourite, was the pairing of Joan and Verity. This novella reads like an old fashioned murder mystery and is a fabulous intro to Celina Grace if you haven't read her books before. I am part of her early reader group and it is always a thrill to get the next copy of her book sent to me as she writes a smooth and interesting plot with characters you like and care about.
I hope this isn't the last we see of this crime fighting duo.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 20, 2020
This is an enjoyable country house murder mystery, free from a lot of gore. It was just the thing I was in the mood for on a quiet afternoon and short enough to read in one sitting. Joan Hart is under cook in the house of the wealthy Cartwright family and her best friend, Verity, is maid to the daughter of the house, Lady Dorothy. When Lady Cartwright is found bludgeoned to death in the library, Joan and Verity do some amateur sleuthing and eventually help to solve the mystery.
The story is set in the 1930s and a big attraction for me was the detail about the lives of servants in large houses in those days - the meals they would have served, how they were prepared, how servants would have spent their meagre leisure time, and what they thought of the "upstairs" folk whose lives were made so comfortable by their hard work. From the bibliography, I see that the author had done a lot of research and she put it to good use.
The Downton Abbey atmosphere did quite often seem to trump the mystery, but the plot was fine and there was enough of a twist at the end to make a satisfying finale. The story is told from Joan's point of view and I liked her character and that of her friend Verity. The family were less convincingly portrayed.
My quibbles with the book were that calling Lady Cartwright Lady Evelina was confusing and incorrect. She was Lord Cartwright's wife not his daughter. Also the plight of one of the other servants introduced a darker note that, to me, jarred with the rest of the story. There was rather too much harking back to a previous book for my taste, and there were some typos. Apart from these points, however, I recommend this if you're looking for a pleasant, not too demanding read.
The story is set in the 1930s and a big attraction for me was the detail about the lives of servants in large houses in those days - the meals they would have served, how they were prepared, how servants would have spent their meagre leisure time, and what they thought of the "upstairs" folk whose lives were made so comfortable by their hard work. From the bibliography, I see that the author had done a lot of research and she put it to good use.
The Downton Abbey atmosphere did quite often seem to trump the mystery, but the plot was fine and there was enough of a twist at the end to make a satisfying finale. The story is told from Joan's point of view and I liked her character and that of her friend Verity. The family were less convincingly portrayed.
My quibbles with the book were that calling Lady Cartwright Lady Evelina was confusing and incorrect. She was Lord Cartwright's wife not his daughter. Also the plight of one of the other servants introduced a darker note that, to me, jarred with the rest of the story. There was rather too much harking back to a previous book for my taste, and there were some typos. Apart from these points, however, I recommend this if you're looking for a pleasant, not too demanding read.
February 13, 2016
Review: MURDER AT MERISHAM LODGE erby Celina Grace
(Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate Book 1)
Readers of Celina Grace's Asharton Manor Series will delight in her newest series: Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate. In Book 1, MURDER AT MERISHAM LODGE, kitchen worker Joan Hart and lady's maid Verily Hunter, enduringly best friends, are reunited in service at Merisham Lodge, after the events at Asharton Manor. Joan, who loves to read and dreams becoming an author, also has a curious and observant nature. When a murder occurs, she sets out to discover the culprit, while the police look at likely suspects. Adventure and danger ensue.
MURDER AT MERISHAM LODGE is a warm historical English cosy mystery, set in the 1930's.
(Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate Book 1)
Readers of Celina Grace's Asharton Manor Series will delight in her newest series: Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate. In Book 1, MURDER AT MERISHAM LODGE, kitchen worker Joan Hart and lady's maid Verily Hunter, enduringly best friends, are reunited in service at Merisham Lodge, after the events at Asharton Manor. Joan, who loves to read and dreams becoming an author, also has a curious and observant nature. When a murder occurs, she sets out to discover the culprit, while the police look at likely suspects. Adventure and danger ensue.
MURDER AT MERISHAM LODGE is a warm historical English cosy mystery, set in the 1930's.
January 9, 2021
I made it 24% into this but I've called time as it really isn't for me, to be honest. I'm a huge fan of the author's Kate Redman series, which is just terrific, and really downloaded this on the back of liking that so much. I HAD tried a couple of her prior standalones and didn't like those, either, so in future I'll just ensure I stick with Kate's series.
This one is set in the 1930s but it appears to be tied into the Asharton Manor series she also writes as that is constantly referred to ! I've read none of that series and therefore it became highly aggravating to have it consistently mentioned on every other page. Plus, because of the era it's set, I feel it's all a bit too genteel for me, if I'm truly honest !!
I did tut under my breath when Joan deduced a visitor to the house was perhaps part of the family when he'd asked for his mater !! Really didn't need any detecting skills to figure THAT out. Then the police arrived the day after a murder and Joan makes a run for the stairs, with absolutely no explanation given for this pretty over-the-top reaction, and I pretty much gave up then.
She did use English spellings but then for some reason slung tires into the mix but that was it for any mistakes.
This one is set in the 1930s but it appears to be tied into the Asharton Manor series she also writes as that is constantly referred to ! I've read none of that series and therefore it became highly aggravating to have it consistently mentioned on every other page. Plus, because of the era it's set, I feel it's all a bit too genteel for me, if I'm truly honest !!
I did tut under my breath when Joan deduced a visitor to the house was perhaps part of the family when he'd asked for his mater !! Really didn't need any detecting skills to figure THAT out. Then the police arrived the day after a murder and Joan makes a run for the stairs, with absolutely no explanation given for this pretty over-the-top reaction, and I pretty much gave up then.
She did use English spellings but then for some reason slung tires into the mix but that was it for any mistakes.
January 18, 2018
Its a cute easy read, like a Downton Abbey extension but includes a murder and perhaps less upstairs intrigue.
The story is told from cook's assistant Joan Hart point of view, when a murder occurs at the manor she works in; she and her best friend, lady's maid Verity, set about, albeit accidentally, to solve the mystery. I did have my suspicions of who was the killer and I got it about 1/2 right. The mystery is about 50% of the story the other half is more consumed with life as a servant in the 1930's.
I have to give props to the writer in that she does a good job of dialogue and keeping the scenes authentic, as I imagine (I'm no subject matter expert on it), she could easily have written for Downton Abbey.
I would recommend for anyone, not taxing on the brain, not depressing, great for a plane ride, on the beach, vacation. Also clean so older teen's can dig in as well.
The story is told from cook's assistant Joan Hart point of view, when a murder occurs at the manor she works in; she and her best friend, lady's maid Verity, set about, albeit accidentally, to solve the mystery. I did have my suspicions of who was the killer and I got it about 1/2 right. The mystery is about 50% of the story the other half is more consumed with life as a servant in the 1930's.
I have to give props to the writer in that she does a good job of dialogue and keeping the scenes authentic, as I imagine (I'm no subject matter expert on it), she could easily have written for Downton Abbey.
I would recommend for anyone, not taxing on the brain, not depressing, great for a plane ride, on the beach, vacation. Also clean so older teen's can dig in as well.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
April 28, 2018
This is a very readable, immensely enjoyable, cozy mystery set in a great English country house between the Wars. The main characters are women in service, Joan Hart and Verity Hunter. Joan is a Kitchen maid / undercook and Verity is a ladies maid to the daughter of the Manor. The women have known one another since childhood when they were placed in the same orphanage, They have different skill sets and while Verity seems more educated it seems that Joan is actually more clever.
The author does an excellent job of showing how hard life was for people in service even in the 20th century and the vast difference between the 'haves' and the 'have nots'.
When the first murder occurs an Investigator from Scotland Yard is dispatched. And of course there are several red herrings before the real murderer is discovered.
As other reviewers have noted while this is described as the first book in the series there is reference to another murder that took place in a different series. Death at the Manor (The Asharton Manor Mysteries #1) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Which will explain that story, I assume since I haven't read it. I think the Asharton Manor series is more of a gothic series so the spin off makes sense.
The author does an excellent job of showing how hard life was for people in service even in the 20th century and the vast difference between the 'haves' and the 'have nots'.
When the first murder occurs an Investigator from Scotland Yard is dispatched. And of course there are several red herrings before the real murderer is discovered.
As other reviewers have noted while this is described as the first book in the series there is reference to another murder that took place in a different series. Death at the Manor (The Asharton Manor Mysteries #1) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Which will explain that story, I assume since I haven't read it. I think the Asharton Manor series is more of a gothic series so the spin off makes sense.
September 21, 2020
Countryside Murder
An excellent plot, mesmerising characters, delishisly suspenseful. Perfectly written. I wouldn't change one thing. And, no, I didn't guess who did it.
An excellent plot, mesmerising characters, delishisly suspenseful. Perfectly written. I wouldn't change one thing. And, no, I didn't guess who did it.
January 30, 2021
Celina Grace writes well and tells a well-plotted story. Her characters are intriguing.
March 25, 2023
I don’t know why this book doesn’t have a higher rating. It was one of those increasingly rare cozy mysteries where the protagonists and police weren’t completely stupid. And it was written with British downtown abbey charm. My one criticism is I wish there was a tad more to the ending, like it’s a bit abrupt and could have used a couple more paragraphs of after the killer is found wrap up.
September 20, 2020
I enjoyed this very much. I needed a quick, fun read with some mystery without getting too intense. Life is intense right now enough all on it's own. The setting was great as were the characters. I've just purchased The Asherton Manor 4 book set, which takes place prior to this book. looking forward to reading them now!
June 11, 2017
This book reminds me of sitting by the fire, tea cup in hand, relaxing, and reading. It is a cozy read, indeed. There is murder, several in fact, but you never feel our two ladies are in real danger, to the end. There is a mansion, or huge country lodge, and both Jean, and Verily work there, as the help. The murder of the lady of the house, brings in the detective, and our girls start snooping. The second body appears, and the action picks up a bit. It all unravels very nicely, until Joan figures it out. Nice , and sweet story , about two friends ,who just can't help sticking their ears to the door. They actually get a lot of investigating done, considering, they work from Sun up, to Sun down. we all know ,no one notices the help, in these mysteries. This is a pleasant read, but your heart won't go racing. There is no thrilling, edge of your seat murder mystery. The characters were well thought out, as well as the story. No sex at all, just referred to, very proper , in the telling.
January 2, 2019
A very enjoyable mystery. I delighted in the viewpoint narration of cookmaid Joan Hart and her friendship with Verity Hunter. Their detection work is very realistically handled, carried on around exhausting workdays above and below stairs, and with hardly any privacy except when they are dropping with sleep. The solution is not as straightforward as it seems. I read it in one day and went right on to buy DEATH AT THE MANOR, a novella with the same characters.
My favorite Historical Mystery New Read of 2018
My favorite Historical Mystery New Read of 2018
November 1, 2020
The idea of two staff ( a lady's maid and a kitchen undercook) taking the lead in resolving a murder in the household intrigued me enough to want to read this one.
It has potential, but somehow just didn't quite come together for me. Their respective positions within the household certainly allowed them to see things and ask questions the establishment may have struggled with but I think I would have liked a stronger police lead.
Also found the overall outcome for the family a little distressing (but don't want to give the plot away)
While I made it to the end, I don't think I will be reading any further of the Miss's H & H. Perhaps if they leave service and get recognised as investigators (But that seems unlikely)
It has potential, but somehow just didn't quite come together for me. Their respective positions within the household certainly allowed them to see things and ask questions the establishment may have struggled with but I think I would have liked a stronger police lead.
Also found the overall outcome for the family a little distressing (but don't want to give the plot away)
While I made it to the end, I don't think I will be reading any further of the Miss's H & H. Perhaps if they leave service and get recognised as investigators (But that seems unlikely)
September 29, 2019
I like the style this book is written in, as a narrative from one of the main characters, Joan Hart, the 2nd cook in a 1930's manor, where several of 'them upstairs ' get murdered. Joan and her friend Verity, a ladies maid, seem attracted to crime having previously been witnesses to a murder in another book by the same author, so I guess that's the theme.
This book is extremely light writing and has nothing to tax the readers brain, which suited me as I read it whilst being home from work ill.
This book is extremely light writing and has nothing to tax the readers brain, which suited me as I read it whilst being home from work ill.
April 5, 2024
Audiobook. There are novellas that precede this book which are all set at the place of previous employment. What I liked best was the friendship between Joan and Verity, and the discussion Joan has with the cook hearing about her time with the family. The reader is great, the story is satisfyingly clever, and the "feel" of the time period comes through really well.
July 3, 2017
This is a rather delightful murder mystery set in the 1930s and told through the eyes, ears and gossip of one of the servants. There isn't necessarily anything unexpected or standout about this book but the writing is pleasant and easy to read, flowing well without too much detail or excessive descriptions of who did what and when. This kind of put me in mind of those cosy Sunday afternoons watching Miss Marple and Midsomer Summer Murders.
Read
May 30, 2018There just wasn't enough character development for me to care about what was happening.
September 22, 2020
Quite an enjoyable short story. Will try more by this author.
July 3, 2023
Totally enjoyable cozy mystery!
September 4, 2017
Interesting concept - crime solving duo of two maids. Not a bad way to pass a holiday off work. Though at times I found myself thinking "I'm ready to be done with this story." I'm not sure that I cared enough about the characters to read the series.
October 13, 2020
I liked this series-strong female characters, the setting and the mysteries to solve.
Read
February 20, 2018A very enjoyable read set around the 1930's, a good plot and set at a decent pace, great holiday reading.
February 28, 2017
Nothing new
The book is pleasant but nothing new in the mystery genre. If I am putting in the time to read a book I want to feel okay something g new. Or maybe the main characters are interesting, if the story is weak, sorry they are not.
The book is pleasant but nothing new in the mystery genre. If I am putting in the time to read a book I want to feel okay something g new. Or maybe the main characters are interesting, if the story is weak, sorry they are not.
February 20, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this read. I've been waiting for this story since the first of the Asharton novellas was published and I am very glad to see more of Joan and Verity. I think they are a great mystery team. Smart and active, but in a believable way. You don't ever wonder how they could do what they do within the confines of their social roles and their "real" jobs are never thrown to the side. This sometimes stretches believability in similarly set mysteries. But they seem real and down to earth. I also love Grace's writing style. Even though this is a historical mystery, the action moves with a very modern clip to it. You are drawn into action, it doesn't meander. I don't mind meandering historicals, in fact, I've made a study of reading them. But this is a fresh style and really makes for an exciting read, while still getting your upstairs downstairs fix. Highly recommend to anyone who likes country house, upstairs downstairs, or historical mysteries in general. I very much look forward to more in this series. This definitely had some potential in set up for giving us a cast of regulars and establishing an interesting arc. There is an Easter egg in one (or more?) of the Asharton stories about what happens later in Joan's life and career and I look forward to see how she evolves into that.
May 3, 2016
I absolutely adore the Miss Hart & Miss Hunter mysteries!
I'm so glad that the first of the Asharton Manor series spun off into a series of its own - the characters Verity & Joan are so engaging. And I love a good historical piece set in the 20's, 30's or 40's.
Silly me read the 2nd novel in the series first, rather than this one - but it all makes sense now. :P
This book was a tad more gory/scary than the original Asharton Manor story but I must say that made for a more exciting read. This was definitely a case of two heads being better than one, as both Joan & Verity set out to solve the mystery together. This is also the first time we are introduced to Inspector Marks & it does seem like he has rather a sparkle in his eye when it comes to Joan. It will be exciting to see where this leads.
It's quite interesting from an historical point of view just how snobbish the hierarchy of servants were - the exhausting way of life is like another character itself & makes me especially glad I wasn't born in this era.
I'm so glad that the first of the Asharton Manor series spun off into a series of its own - the characters Verity & Joan are so engaging. And I love a good historical piece set in the 20's, 30's or 40's.
Silly me read the 2nd novel in the series first, rather than this one - but it all makes sense now. :P
This book was a tad more gory/scary than the original Asharton Manor story but I must say that made for a more exciting read. This was definitely a case of two heads being better than one, as both Joan & Verity set out to solve the mystery together. This is also the first time we are introduced to Inspector Marks & it does seem like he has rather a sparkle in his eye when it comes to Joan. It will be exciting to see where this leads.
It's quite interesting from an historical point of view just how snobbish the hierarchy of servants were - the exhausting way of life is like another character itself & makes me especially glad I wasn't born in this era.
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