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Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventures #2
A Case of Murder in Mayfair
When Hollywood star Dorothy Dacres plummets six floors from her hotel terrace on the night of her greatest triumph, it initially looks like a tragic accident. But her death is so very convenient to her many enemies that press-man Freddy Pilkington-Soames, who was there on the night she died, begins to suspect foul play. And when cocaine is found in her room, it only complicates matters further. Soon Freddy is chasing across London on the trail of drug dealers, in reluctant company with his deadly rival Corky Beckwith, the most unscrupulous reporter in Fleet Street, who will do anything for a story. With the future of a film studio at stake, can Freddy find the culprit—and get one up on Corky—before he becomes the killer's next victim?
248 pages, ebook
First published December 9, 2016
235 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Clara Benson
32 books349 followersClara Benson is the author of the Angela Marchmont Mysteries and Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventures - traditional English whodunits in authentic style set in the 1920s and 30s. One day she would like to drink cocktails and solve mysteries in a sequinned dress and evening gloves. In the meantime she lives in the north of England with her family and doesn't do any of those things.
If you want to be the first to hear about new releases, and to receive a free, exclusive short story, sign up to her mailing list at clarabenson.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 26, 2022
This is the second in a spin-off series from the Angela Marchmont books, in which Freddy Pilkington-Soames featured. Freddy is a young reporter for the Clarion although, as is clear in this book, he considers himself a cut above his rival, Corky Beckwith.
This mystery revolves around the film industry. Hollywood movie star, Dorothy Dacres, comes to London hoping to take a starring part in a new talkie. A silent film star, she hopes to revitalise her career. However, Freddy's old friend, Augusta Lang (Gussie) also hopes for the part. Gussie takes Freddy to a party at Dorothy Dacres suite, where he meets the various suspects. A young actor who is concerned his fiancee is jealous, Dacres husband, Head of Production, the Director, who would rather have Gussie as his lead and his wife, who finds Dacres rude, Dorothy's sister, Cora, who is constantly belittled by her and others. The night ends in tragedy, when Dorothy Dacres falls from the roof - but did she fall, or was she pushed?
Freddy comes across Corky Beckwith, posing as a waiter, who is hunting out a story on 'dope' while Freddy is more interested in murder. This is an involved, fun story, although it flags at times. Still, Freddy is a fun character and I do enjoy his adventures.
This mystery revolves around the film industry. Hollywood movie star, Dorothy Dacres, comes to London hoping to take a starring part in a new talkie. A silent film star, she hopes to revitalise her career. However, Freddy's old friend, Augusta Lang (Gussie) also hopes for the part. Gussie takes Freddy to a party at Dorothy Dacres suite, where he meets the various suspects. A young actor who is concerned his fiancee is jealous, Dacres husband, Head of Production, the Director, who would rather have Gussie as his lead and his wife, who finds Dacres rude, Dorothy's sister, Cora, who is constantly belittled by her and others. The night ends in tragedy, when Dorothy Dacres falls from the roof - but did she fall, or was she pushed?
Freddy comes across Corky Beckwith, posing as a waiter, who is hunting out a story on 'dope' while Freddy is more interested in murder. This is an involved, fun story, although it flags at times. Still, Freddy is a fun character and I do enjoy his adventures.
May 11, 2022
3.5 stars, for sheer entertainment value! I noticed these books say on the cover “A Freddy Pilkington-Soames adventure”, and I think that’s an accurate description of the whole series so far.
There is a mystery because there is a murder, and Freddy is usually nearby or involved somehow, but he doesn’t do all of the actual detecting. He’s smart enough to leave that to the pros at Scotland Yard, and Benson lets us look over their shoulders as they hash out the case, and talk about the clues and suspects.
But Freddy does have adventures - his first book (A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia), kicks off in style as a drunken Freddy comes across his Society columnist mother trying to dispose of a dead body, which of course leads to complications.
Or in this case, tracking down a possible drug ring on a cold London night with the odious Corky Beckwith, a rival reporter. This results from both young men being present at a hotel penthouse party celebrating the return to the screen of an American silent film actress, hoping to make a brilliant comeback in a new “talkie”, but instead plunging off a balcony to her death. Cocaine is found at the scene, so Corky, who is obsessed with building his reputation with scary stories condemning the wild London party set for rampant drug use, wants to ride the yellow journalism wave for all its worth.
Freddy, however, is there as a private citizen, escorting a childhood friend and rising young actress (Gussie). He can see there is plenty of conflict among the film crowd, and the victim, Dorothy Dacres, had set up plenty of backs in her short time in London. Also, his actress pal was up for the starring role Dorothy announced as her own to the party crowd just before her death.
Freddy knows Gussie could never have done it, but he still feels honor bound to dig into the conflicts among the suspects. His exciting nightmare climb across London rooftops with Corky, as they try to escape a gun-wielding coke dealer, gives him a vital clue as to the murder method. In this “adventure”, he is shot at, attacked in a nightclub by a jealous beau, then raked over the coals by his newspaper publisher for conduct unbecoming! Then there’s the dangerous finale, when he confronts a powerful, angry killer…
Anyway, a fun read, perfect for listening while I knit - so far, I am enjoying this series, reading with the Reading the Detectives group.
There is a mystery because there is a murder, and Freddy is usually nearby or involved somehow, but he doesn’t do all of the actual detecting. He’s smart enough to leave that to the pros at Scotland Yard, and Benson lets us look over their shoulders as they hash out the case, and talk about the clues and suspects.
But Freddy does have adventures - his first book (A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia), kicks off in style as a drunken Freddy comes across his Society columnist mother trying to dispose of a dead body, which of course leads to complications.
Or in this case, tracking down a possible drug ring on a cold London night with the odious Corky Beckwith, a rival reporter. This results from both young men being present at a hotel penthouse party celebrating the return to the screen of an American silent film actress, hoping to make a brilliant comeback in a new “talkie”, but instead plunging off a balcony to her death. Cocaine is found at the scene, so Corky, who is obsessed with building his reputation with scary stories condemning the wild London party set for rampant drug use, wants to ride the yellow journalism wave for all its worth.
Freddy, however, is there as a private citizen, escorting a childhood friend and rising young actress (Gussie). He can see there is plenty of conflict among the film crowd, and the victim, Dorothy Dacres, had set up plenty of backs in her short time in London. Also, his actress pal was up for the starring role Dorothy announced as her own to the party crowd just before her death.
Freddy knows Gussie could never have done it, but he still feels honor bound to dig into the conflicts among the suspects. His exciting nightmare climb across London rooftops with Corky, as they try to escape a gun-wielding coke dealer, gives him a vital clue as to the murder method. In this “adventure”, he is shot at, attacked in a nightclub by a jealous beau, then raked over the coals by his newspaper publisher for conduct unbecoming! Then there’s the dangerous finale, when he confronts a powerful, angry killer…
Anyway, a fun read, perfect for listening while I knit - so far, I am enjoying this series, reading with the Reading the Detectives group.
January 5, 2024
I like this series more than I expected to, possibly because it's so rare to find a male MC in a cozy mystery series. Freddy is part of the social elite in London but holds a job and doesn't rely on his class to skate by in life. That makes me like him even more :)
This book revolves around the casting of one of the first 'talkies' back when America was just starting to become known for movie-making. I understand the fear of losing their grip on the business, but some of the attitudes put forth by the London aristocracy were hard to believe - and made it easy to understand why the upper class was so reviled.
The murder victim in this book was famous but not very well-liked, especially among her industry peers, so there were quite a few suspects to consider. At several points, I thought I had it figured out, but then something would happen to prove me wrong. In the end, I did figure it out, but not until just before it was revealed in the book, and the motive made sense when all was said and done.
I look forward to reading the next book to see what Freddy gets up to next.
This book revolves around the casting of one of the first 'talkies' back when America was just starting to become known for movie-making. I understand the fear of losing their grip on the business, but some of the attitudes put forth by the London aristocracy were hard to believe - and made it easy to understand why the upper class was so reviled.
The murder victim in this book was famous but not very well-liked, especially among her industry peers, so there were quite a few suspects to consider. At several points, I thought I had it figured out, but then something would happen to prove me wrong. In the end, I did figure it out, but not until just before it was revealed in the book, and the motive made sense when all was said and done.
I look forward to reading the next book to see what Freddy gets up to next.
November 11, 2020
3.5 stars, rounded up because I laughed out loud (when offhandedly Freddy spins a tale about his sidekick Basil's parentage).
I have enjoyed Clara Benson's Angela Marchmont cozy mysteries, so decided to give Freddy Pilkington-Soames a try. The setting is London in the early 1930s. Freddy is delightfully wry, and his rival reporter, Corky, is annoying but makes an excellent foil. The mystery plot was well developed, and all the clues were there. Nevertheless, there are a couple of surprising twists at the end.
Gethyn Edwards is a new narrator to me, and overall he was excellent. He gets Freddy just right. My only complaint is with his American accent. Like so many native speakers of British English, he overemphasized the "r" when voicing an American character.
Recommended for a light, quick read/listen
I have enjoyed Clara Benson's Angela Marchmont cozy mysteries, so decided to give Freddy Pilkington-Soames a try. The setting is London in the early 1930s. Freddy is delightfully wry, and his rival reporter, Corky, is annoying but makes an excellent foil. The mystery plot was well developed, and all the clues were there. Nevertheless, there are a couple of surprising twists at the end.
Gethyn Edwards is a new narrator to me, and overall he was excellent. He gets Freddy just right. My only complaint is with his American accent. Like so many native speakers of British English, he overemphasized the "r" when voicing an American character.
Recommended for a light, quick read/listen
November 7, 2020
Enjoyable “game afoot” to solve. Author’s up to her usual par. Narrator, Gethyn Edwards, is a pleasant male voice and is easily understood.
February 1, 2017
This is the second in the spin-off series from the author’s Angela Marchmont series or murder mysteries set in the twenties. This time, Freddy Pilkington-Soames, insouciant man-about-town, finds himself in the middle of a drugs-and-murder case amongst a set of film people. A famous Hollywood actress somehow falls from a high balcony during a party announcing her landing a plum part. She wasn’t the nicest person in the world, so no shortage of suspects with a grudge against her, including another actress, a cameraman, a producer, the actress’s sister and so on. Freddy joins forces with another journalist, the less than scrupulous Corky Beckwith, to investigate.
This series has one advantage over its predecessor - Freddy is able to take a far more active part in events than the ladylike Angela. So there’s a great deal of creeping about at night, sneaking into suspects’ houses and getting into fights. Freddy’s also rather resourceful, although there’s sometimes an element of luck involved in placing him at just the right spot for things to happen.
This one wasn’t quite as light-footed as the first in the series, and I’m hoping that Freddy gets out of town occasionally in future books. Angela got about quite a bit - Cornwall, Scotland, Italy spring to mind - and several of her books had a country-house feel to them redolent of Agatha Christie, which I marginally prefer to the seedy side of London. But a good entertaining romp, nevertheless. Four stars.
This series has one advantage over its predecessor - Freddy is able to take a far more active part in events than the ladylike Angela. So there’s a great deal of creeping about at night, sneaking into suspects’ houses and getting into fights. Freddy’s also rather resourceful, although there’s sometimes an element of luck involved in placing him at just the right spot for things to happen.
This one wasn’t quite as light-footed as the first in the series, and I’m hoping that Freddy gets out of town occasionally in future books. Angela got about quite a bit - Cornwall, Scotland, Italy spring to mind - and several of her books had a country-house feel to them redolent of Agatha Christie, which I marginally prefer to the seedy side of London. But a good entertaining romp, nevertheless. Four stars.
May 19, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book in this series; the second one isn't quite as good. What made the first one amusing was the involvement of the snobby blue-bloods. In this one, upper-crust man Freddy Pilkington-Soames, who slums as a photojournalist, is trying to discover who is really behind a drug operation that seems to have a connection to the murder of an American movie star. The actress was angling for a role in one of the first talkies, which places the timeframe of the series in the last couple years of the 1920's. I could have done without the American Hollywood types mucking around in London, and I sorely missed Freddy's mother and her galling statements about class.
September 25, 2020
This must be quite the series. This second one in the series is brisk, amusing, interesting, and has twists that I certainly didn't see coming. The characters are well done. The period isn't overdone, just done nicely. And the little snobberies between the Americans and British are funny. I'd like to read one or two more to see how this series really holds together since book one and two were so very different. Recommended
June 17, 2022
My impression after reading the first one (A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia) was that Freddy was just a poor man's Lord Peter Wimsey. I decided to give him a second chance and my opinion is unchanged.
September 2, 2024
Freddy is at it again
I love the way he tells wild and crazy stories all the time — I’m surprised anyone believes anything he says! Also, he really has some insanely bad luck.
I love the way he tells wild and crazy stories all the time — I’m surprised anyone believes anything he says! Also, he really has some insanely bad luck.
Read
February 7, 2017A thorough romp. Freddy loses a little insouciance when the story is from his POV, and tends to be a little more sensible altogether than my impression of him from Angela's books, but still an enjoyable story.
May 20, 2022
This is centred around an American actress, and the American/British film industry. A murder is committed in the penthouse of a London hotel, during a party held by a famous American actress, who is about to take the leading role in one of the first talking films. She is felt to be the wrong actress for film , as the leading role is an English part and her accent is obviously American, however, as usual money plays a huge part in the decision. Freddy, the journalist, is invited to the party by a woman who is hoping that she, as an English speaker will get the part. The murder takes place, and there is lots of talk of the victim having been a drug taker, and therefore a lot of emphasis is put onto the drug market which is affecting London at this time. Freddy, being on the spot when the murder takes place, finds himself involved with a fellow journalist from an alternative paper who is certain the drug angle has a major role. These two join forces to investigate.
There is a big cast in this book and I found it difficult at first identifying the characters. Also the rooms of this part of the hotel building can get pretty confusing. Freddy is continually on the move and gets himself into a few scrapes along the way. I didn't like this book as much as the first in the series, but it was an entertaining caper.
There is a big cast in this book and I found it difficult at first identifying the characters. Also the rooms of this part of the hotel building can get pretty confusing. Freddy is continually on the move and gets himself into a few scrapes along the way. I didn't like this book as much as the first in the series, but it was an entertaining caper.
June 17, 2018
Another charming Freddy novel. Lots of colorful; characters that would be at home in a Noel Coward comedy. An aging actress from Hollywood, ambitious to stay on top and in London to promote herself starring in a planned forthcoming film--one of those new talkies to help you date this in early 1930s--dies from a mysterious fall from her penthouse suite during a party she threw to honor herself, and a range of those she had wronged throughout her career were in attendance. So was Freddy, and that's how we get a fun mix of Hollywood culture and glamor into the regular character ensemble of the press, police, and well to do folk with whom fun loving Freddy interacts.
July 24, 2020
Freddy is better..
..than Angela! There's a comedic turn about the Freddy series that gives it an edge over the Marchmont series even though the characters overlap somewhat.
The Ace reporter finds himself in some tricky situations and has a rather interesting way of getting out of them.
His clues don't seem to be dropped in quite so obviously or heavily, which helps, although the description of places and scenes of crimes could be clearer and more detailed. The terraces do become harder to follow in this with the multiple rooms access, also not very clearly defined, making it a bit of a grey and fuzzy area.
..than Angela! There's a comedic turn about the Freddy series that gives it an edge over the Marchmont series even though the characters overlap somewhat.
The Ace reporter finds himself in some tricky situations and has a rather interesting way of getting out of them.
His clues don't seem to be dropped in quite so obviously or heavily, which helps, although the description of places and scenes of crimes could be clearer and more detailed. The terraces do become harder to follow in this with the multiple rooms access, also not very clearly defined, making it a bit of a grey and fuzzy area.
August 17, 2022
An actress is annoying everyone with her very existence until she's suddenly murdered.
Another fun tale from Clara Benson. We follow Freddy who is trying to get the scoop before another reporter he very much looks down on bets him to it.
A tangled web is weaved that results in a very fun and interesting murder mystery.
This one was made more obviously due to the presence of a really bad trope, the ethereal child that is wisdom personified. Made it too easy and the bad action scene at the reveal is practically compulsory at this point.
Over all this one was fun and the characters more defined compared to book one.
Another fun tale from Clara Benson. We follow Freddy who is trying to get the scoop before another reporter he very much looks down on bets him to it.
A tangled web is weaved that results in a very fun and interesting murder mystery.
This one was made more obviously due to the presence of a really bad trope, the ethereal child that is wisdom personified. Made it too easy and the bad action scene at the reveal is practically compulsory at this point.
Over all this one was fun and the characters more defined compared to book one.
February 13, 2021
I've been listening to these as audiobooks and have been completely charmed by the narrator. He just a fantastic job differentiating the various characters and it really sucks you into the storyline. It's about a 7-hour book, so it's not too long not too short. It's the perfect length for a day. I enjoy the audio books because I'm able to do other things while I'm listening, like crochet or cross stitch or cook. Another enjoyable read in the series. I've already downloaded book 3. I definitely recommend these historical fiction murder mystery books.
October 5, 2019
Freddy Pilkington-Soames has been invited to a party held by Hollywood Star Dorothy Dacres, as a guest of actress Augusta Laing, aka Gussie Lippincott. But the evenig does not go as planned as Dorothy Dacres falls from the sixth floor terrace.
Accident or murder. Inspector Eintwistle and Sergeant Bird investigate. With the help of Freddy, and reporter Corky Beckwith.
An enjoyable and well-written cozy mystery
Accident or murder. Inspector Eintwistle and Sergeant Bird investigate. With the help of Freddy, and reporter Corky Beckwith.
An enjoyable and well-written cozy mystery
June 19, 2021
I rarely review books but I just had to review this one. I’m really enjoying the Freddy Pilkington-Soames series by Clara Benson; however, my main reason for the review is to applaud Gethyn Edwards’ outstanding audiobook performance! It’s truly perfection! I’m not sure whether American listeners would agree as they might not love the American accents. But, I’m Australian so I can’t really tell whether they are done well or not! I can’t wait to listen to the next one!
August 10, 2021
I think I came to the perfect description of these books. If you Agatha Christie, but you want fluff and murder. This is it. Freddie is quite literally the most hilarious and ridiculous character. He is constantly making me chuckle with his outlandish stories. Also you never really seem to feel too bad about the victim. These are entirely predictable and that is what makes them joyous to read.
October 26, 2021
Well told story
This book has a good cast of characters, all with well thought-out motives. It is easy to read and enjoyable, but I felt has though I read this book before as it feel similar to other books I've read. I am interesting in reading more by this author but time is always passing by.
This book has a good cast of characters, all with well thought-out motives. It is easy to read and enjoyable, but I felt has though I read this book before as it feel similar to other books I've read. I am interesting in reading more by this author but time is always passing by.
September 8, 2025
This is the second installment in the Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventures series. This murder mystery was well-written and laced with slapstick humor, which made it a fun read. The charming MMC bumbles his way through the investigation, but ultimately solves the crime. The pacing was great, even given the complex matrix of characters who were suspects. I enjoyed this book.
October 24, 2017
Very good.
Very intriguing and I adore the time period and the characters . It transports you to another time and you can let your imagination run over. I very much enjoy Ms Benson's books. Easy and light to read and hard to put down.
Very intriguing and I adore the time period and the characters . It transports you to another time and you can let your imagination run over. I very much enjoy Ms Benson's books. Easy and light to read and hard to put down.
May 26, 2020
A Case of Murder in Mayfair
This book is perfectly serviceable as a second novel in a series. It is not the best novel in the series because it does not match volume one. This is readable and somewhat likeable, but not the best.
This book is perfectly serviceable as a second novel in a series. It is not the best novel in the series because it does not match volume one. This is readable and somewhat likeable, but not the best.
June 20, 2021
Clara Benson always writes good cozy mysteries. I finished this one with a smile on my face. This is the first time I’ve listened to a Freddy Pilkington-Soames adventure on audiobook. I hope to find more of them in the future.
December 11, 2022
Cozy mystery #2 of this series featuring a spin off from the Marchmont Mysteries by this author. It reminds me so much of the P.G. Wodehouse "Jeeves" mysteries with all the antics and bumbling solutions to the cases. Perfect for mystery lovers during the Christmas season.
July 8, 2025
This second book in the series was fun and light hearted. I listened to it on audiobook which I would recommend. The narrator captures the characters beautifully. This would be a fun audiobook to listen to on a long road trip.
January 7, 2018
A good series
I enjoyed this little read of Freddy but a lot of things that happened could never have happened but this is a book.
I enjoyed this little read of Freddy but a lot of things that happened could never have happened but this is a book.
May 30, 2020
3.5 stars
August 13, 2020
Another diverting entertainment with Freddy. A bit more mystery and less rollicking humor than the first book, still good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews