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The Milliner Mysteries #1
The Killing at Kaldaire House
A dying man. The painting within her reach. What’s a thief to do?
Talented London milliner Emily Gates creates amazing hats for Society ladies, but to collect from those who don’t pay her bill, she burglarizes their homes. She needs every penny to send her deaf brother to school. Late one night, she sneaks in to find Lord Kaldaire badly injured in his study. Unwilling to abandon him, she calls for help.
When Kaldaire dies without revealing who attacked him, his widow agrees to keep Emily’s secrets ― if Emily will help find her husband’s killer. A bigger danger is a Scotland Yard inspector who threatens to arrest Emily — unless she spies on her father’s family of swindlers and conmen. Worst of all are the attacks from an unknown assailant. What will Emily face first, jail or death?
This cozy mystery is set in the era of My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins, of early automobiles and aeroplanes, and of King Edward VII and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. If you enjoyed the Victorian Bookshop Mysteries, you’ll like Emily Gates and the collection of aristocrats and thieves in her world as they step into the 20th century.
Talented London milliner Emily Gates creates amazing hats for Society ladies, but to collect from those who don’t pay her bill, she burglarizes their homes. She needs every penny to send her deaf brother to school. Late one night, she sneaks in to find Lord Kaldaire badly injured in his study. Unwilling to abandon him, she calls for help.
When Kaldaire dies without revealing who attacked him, his widow agrees to keep Emily’s secrets ― if Emily will help find her husband’s killer. A bigger danger is a Scotland Yard inspector who threatens to arrest Emily — unless she spies on her father’s family of swindlers and conmen. Worst of all are the attacks from an unknown assailant. What will Emily face first, jail or death?
This cozy mystery is set in the era of My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins, of early automobiles and aeroplanes, and of King Edward VII and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. If you enjoyed the Victorian Bookshop Mysteries, you’ll like Emily Gates and the collection of aristocrats and thieves in her world as they step into the 20th century.
318 pages, ebook
Published April 2, 2018
322 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Kate Parker
29 books746 followersKate began reading Agatha Christie mysteries and the Nancy Drew books while her classmates were reading Dick and Jane. She particularly likes historical mysteries and the feeling of time travel a good historical book can give the reader. Combined with her love of late Victorian to World War II architecture and fashions, she found an outlet for the stories and characters that fill her head by writing The Victorian Bookshop Mysteries, The Milliner Mysteries, and The Deadly series, as well as taking part in the Christmas Revels anthologies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 16, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Emily Gates learned to make fabulous hats as a girl from her Mum and she is now a top London milliner in London. Her hats are in demand by all the Society Ladies and she does enjoy running her shop with her uncle and her deaf brother. She is not happy when the ladies or their husbands fail to pay her for her work. She has learned a few tricks from the shadier side of her family and is not beyond burglarizing their homes and holding their prized possessions hostage until her bill is paid.
She has made some beautiful hats for Lady Kaldaire but Lord Kaldaire has not paid her. She knows there is a painting that hangs in his study that he holds very dear. She decides to sneak in late one night to abscond with the portrait but instead finds Lord Kildaire on the floor. When he moans she realizes he is still alive and she has to call for help. Unfortunately, his injuries were severe and he dies before naming his attacker. Emily gains the trust of Lady Kaldaire who vows to keep the break in a secret if Emily agrees to find the killer. That isn’t going to be easy especially with an inspector from Scotland on her tail with some demands of his own.
I am a big fan of Kate Parker. I have enjoyed both her Victorian Bookshop Mysteries and her Deadly Series, So I escaped right into this story and was taken back in time with Emily Gates. A commoner who is drawn into the world of Ladies and Lords, Princes and Princesses. To help Lady Kaldaire gets the answers she needs Emily finds herself rubbing elbows with the elite, riding in motorcars, and attending parties. Detective Inspector Russell knows her truth as well and thinks she may be working with her father and his family. The family he believes are responsible for many of the thefts on his docket.
Ms. Parker’s characters are quite dynamic. Very fleshed out with vivid detail. The clothing and especially the hats are thoroughly described as are the estates, Emily’s shop, home, and workshop, and the automobiles including the dusty roads they travel on. I could picture every place and person perfectly. Emily is a very strong independent woman, but she did bend to Lady Kaldaire’s elaborate schemes sometimes to her own peril. I enjoyed their interactions though very much. I also find Emily’s dedication to caring for her deaf brother heartwarming. Her main goal is to have enough money to send him to a special school and that is what drives her through the story.
The mystery is a bugger to solve. Emily finds herself going to her grandfather for help, something she has shunned before. She feels she is in danger of losing her business if she can’t put all the pieces together and find the killer all while trying to stay out of her family’s shenanigans. She literally travels far and wide to get answers.
As stated in the synopsis this story does have a My Fair Lady mashed with a little Mary Poppins with a dash of Sherlock Holmes feel. The author has great world building skills and has created very memorable characters. I found the story to be delightfully entertaining and a perfect escape.
Emily Gates learned to make fabulous hats as a girl from her Mum and she is now a top London milliner in London. Her hats are in demand by all the Society Ladies and she does enjoy running her shop with her uncle and her deaf brother. She is not happy when the ladies or their husbands fail to pay her for her work. She has learned a few tricks from the shadier side of her family and is not beyond burglarizing their homes and holding their prized possessions hostage until her bill is paid.
She has made some beautiful hats for Lady Kaldaire but Lord Kaldaire has not paid her. She knows there is a painting that hangs in his study that he holds very dear. She decides to sneak in late one night to abscond with the portrait but instead finds Lord Kildaire on the floor. When he moans she realizes he is still alive and she has to call for help. Unfortunately, his injuries were severe and he dies before naming his attacker. Emily gains the trust of Lady Kaldaire who vows to keep the break in a secret if Emily agrees to find the killer. That isn’t going to be easy especially with an inspector from Scotland on her tail with some demands of his own.
I am a big fan of Kate Parker. I have enjoyed both her Victorian Bookshop Mysteries and her Deadly Series, So I escaped right into this story and was taken back in time with Emily Gates. A commoner who is drawn into the world of Ladies and Lords, Princes and Princesses. To help Lady Kaldaire gets the answers she needs Emily finds herself rubbing elbows with the elite, riding in motorcars, and attending parties. Detective Inspector Russell knows her truth as well and thinks she may be working with her father and his family. The family he believes are responsible for many of the thefts on his docket.
Ms. Parker’s characters are quite dynamic. Very fleshed out with vivid detail. The clothing and especially the hats are thoroughly described as are the estates, Emily’s shop, home, and workshop, and the automobiles including the dusty roads they travel on. I could picture every place and person perfectly. Emily is a very strong independent woman, but she did bend to Lady Kaldaire’s elaborate schemes sometimes to her own peril. I enjoyed their interactions though very much. I also find Emily’s dedication to caring for her deaf brother heartwarming. Her main goal is to have enough money to send him to a special school and that is what drives her through the story.
The mystery is a bugger to solve. Emily finds herself going to her grandfather for help, something she has shunned before. She feels she is in danger of losing her business if she can’t put all the pieces together and find the killer all while trying to stay out of her family’s shenanigans. She literally travels far and wide to get answers.
As stated in the synopsis this story does have a My Fair Lady mashed with a little Mary Poppins with a dash of Sherlock Holmes feel. The author has great world building skills and has created very memorable characters. I found the story to be delightfully entertaining and a perfect escape.
April 12, 2018
As all of you already know I am not a big fan of historical books, from time to time I take the chance and I always choose the right ones, because I loved this story and I can assure you that I will follow this series, the characters are really interesting!
First of all, I loved the main character Emily Gates; she has a peculiar family but she has decided not to follow the family business and become a milliner and earn money to pay for the school of her young brother, admirable don’t you think? Sadly it seems that rich people try to avoid paying her, so in a complicated situation to explain she finds a body and becomes involved in a murder investigation! And if she doesn’t have enough work, the widow decides she will have to investigate the murder... It will become something more or less simple, but when she puts her life in danger a couple of times and is followed by the police, Emily wants to discover the truth for her own safety.
The detective of the case will have an important part in this plot; first of all because he always trust and respect Emily, even with the dangerous schemes, and it seems that there are some sparks between them... We will see how this progresses in the future!
I can not forget to talk about Emily’s family; they are thieves... Emily is not in their business but will ask for their help if necessary... This makes the plot ironic and original at the same time...
Believe me when I say that this is a quite complicate case, something that in the beginning seems easy to solve, starts getting complicated and full of twists, making the book addictive.
Really, this had been a delightful read that will be on my must reads this year!
Ready to find the perfect hat?
First of all, I loved the main character Emily Gates; she has a peculiar family but she has decided not to follow the family business and become a milliner and earn money to pay for the school of her young brother, admirable don’t you think? Sadly it seems that rich people try to avoid paying her, so in a complicated situation to explain she finds a body and becomes involved in a murder investigation! And if she doesn’t have enough work, the widow decides she will have to investigate the murder... It will become something more or less simple, but when she puts her life in danger a couple of times and is followed by the police, Emily wants to discover the truth for her own safety.
The detective of the case will have an important part in this plot; first of all because he always trust and respect Emily, even with the dangerous schemes, and it seems that there are some sparks between them... We will see how this progresses in the future!
I can not forget to talk about Emily’s family; they are thieves... Emily is not in their business but will ask for their help if necessary... This makes the plot ironic and original at the same time...
Believe me when I say that this is a quite complicate case, something that in the beginning seems easy to solve, starts getting complicated and full of twists, making the book addictive.
Really, this had been a delightful read that will be on my must reads this year!
Ready to find the perfect hat?
April 15, 2018
I was drawn into this book immediately. The writing style was smooth and compact, which kept the story moving swiftly. The descriptions of London's class society in the early twentieth century kept me satisfied that I was getting to peer back in time to an era where status was everything and clothing said a great deal about who you were.
The puzzle of the plot was carefully thought out and executed. As Emily faced consequence after consequence for her actions and those of her family, I continued to root for her. Emily is, after all, driven by good intentions, and that makes her a likable thief. And as Emily was pulled into the role of reluctant amateur sleuth, the difficulties of class society played out in the plot.
I highly recommend this lovely cozy mystery with plenty of twists and turns and a delightful sleuth.
The puzzle of the plot was carefully thought out and executed. As Emily faced consequence after consequence for her actions and those of her family, I continued to root for her. Emily is, after all, driven by good intentions, and that makes her a likable thief. And as Emily was pulled into the role of reluctant amateur sleuth, the difficulties of class society played out in the plot.
I highly recommend this lovely cozy mystery with plenty of twists and turns and a delightful sleuth.
June 1, 2019
This book had a strong beginning. Emily is a compelling character - a woman trying to make it without relying on her criminal family and take care of her brother. She's got fun skills from that criminal family and is driven to use some of them to try to get the payments owed her. However, once we get past the opening, things stagnate. Emily is blackmailed into helping out with some investigations. But instead of doing anything she fusses and whines and only makes any progress when one of her blackmailers basically forces her too. I'm not a fan of books where the main character is reacting, instead of acting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2020
A 3.5
Kate Parker's first volume in the Milliner Mysteries is better than her Victorian Bookshop series but not as good as the Deadly series.
Parker's strength is characterization and it shows here. My favorite character in the book was Emily's grandpa. I also liked Roberta, Lady Kaldaire and I hope she pops up in future books. There were a lot of characters populating the story which made it drag at times since the reader needs to get an introduction to everyone. I am intrigued by Annie's story and look forward to learning more about her past. Emily's unintended involvement in solving the crime is just crazy enough to be believable.
The mystery was also fairly easily solved. I guessed the guilty party early on. Definitely good enough to continue on. I just hope the pace picks up in further books now that the backstory for most characters has been established.
Kate Parker's first volume in the Milliner Mysteries is better than her Victorian Bookshop series but not as good as the Deadly series.
Parker's strength is characterization and it shows here. My favorite character in the book was Emily's grandpa. I also liked Roberta, Lady Kaldaire and I hope she pops up in future books. There were a lot of characters populating the story which made it drag at times since the reader needs to get an introduction to everyone. I am intrigued by Annie's story and look forward to learning more about her past. Emily's unintended involvement in solving the crime is just crazy enough to be believable.
The mystery was also fairly easily solved. I guessed the guilty party early on. Definitely good enough to continue on. I just hope the pace picks up in further books now that the backstory for most characters has been established.
April 30, 2019
What a fun new cozy mystery series. Emily is a milliner in London during the beginning of the 20th century. She isn't above a spot of burglary to encourage her clients to pay their bills. During one such burglary episode she discovers Lord Kaldaire lying on the floor dying. Despite the danger to herself she calls for help in an effort to save him. Unfortunately he dies anyway and suspicion immediately falls on her. Luckily, Lady Kaldaire believes Emily's story and covers for her with Scotland Yard with the understanding that Emily will help her figure out who killed him. An added complication is Emily's family, a group of jovial criminals who enjoy a good con or burglary. This was full of fun characters and interesting story lines. I really hope there will be another one in the series soon.
August 25, 2018
This was one of the best cozy mysteries I've ever read. The writing was fantastic, the characters were believable and likeable and Miss Emily was wonderful. I could just picture some of her hats and they all sounded beautiful. She was immediately caught between a rock and a hard place when she was just trying to get the money owed her and found the man who owed her grievously injured. And gives herself up to try to save him. The attraction between Emily and James was adorable and the descriptions of the newest motorcars was priceless. It may have gone a little bit longer than necessary, but not so that I was dozing off. Have not read Kate Parker before, but it was a pleasure.
April 4, 2018
Fun new series about Milliner Emily Gates trying to sell hats and investigate murder in 1905 Edwardian London. At times, a bit far fetched, but the characters are likeable and the time period interesting. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
April 10, 2022
Wild ride
This was fun and engaging. Lots of moving pieces and a whole lot of angst but also a bit modern in feel. Emily and Inspector Russell are fun characters. Liked the family push pull struggle.
This was fun and engaging. Lots of moving pieces and a whole lot of angst but also a bit modern in feel. Emily and Inspector Russell are fun characters. Liked the family push pull struggle.
July 1, 2021
This was a really cute who dunnit mystery. One that ended with a book hug. I'm hoping to find a copy of the second book in the series.
April 13, 2018
THE KILLING AT KALDAIRE HOUSE by Kate Parker
The First Milliner Mystery
Emily Gates is a respectable shop owner and talented milliner. In fact, her creations are sought after by most of the aristocracy. Sadly, the upper classes aren't quick to pay their bills, if they pay them at all. Desperate to pay her own bills, Emily falls back on the skills of her father and his family and has taken to robbing the rich and holding their property ransom until she's paid what she's owed. While attempting to relieve a favored painting, Emily's plan falls to pieces as she finds the body of the dying Lord Kaldaire. Knowing she can't leave him, she summons for help. Now Lady Kaldaire knows her secret, as does Detective Inspector Russell. Both vow to keep quiet...as long as Emily helps them. So now Emily's using her family's tricks to help Lady Kaldaire discover who murdered her husband and spying on the family she'd rather not know for the police. Will Emily be able to protect her reputation and her business? Will she discover the truth behind the attack on Lord Kaldaire? And, more importantly, will she find time to continue to make her famous hats?
THE KILLING AT KALDAIRE HOUSE is a fun trip back to Edwardian England. Kate Parker infuses the book with fascinating details of the time, from fashion to mourning rituals, and more. Uniquely determined characters inhabit the pages of this first Milliner Mystery. I love Emily's entrepreneurial spirit. Her creation and the idea to bring it to the motor race was brilliant. Emily is proud of her hard earned respectability, but now must do some rather disrespectable things in order to maintain it! Caught between a rock and a hard place, namely Lady Kaldaire and Detective Inspector Russell, Emily is forced to reconnect with the family she'd distanced herself from, engage in the skills she learned from them, and put herself and her business at risk. Her unwillingness, struggle, and eventual capitulation frustrate her to no end and provide readers with great entertainment. As do the secondary characters! Emily's rogue family are a delightful counterpoint to many of the aristocracy, especially the odious new Lord Kaldaire and his wife.
The first Milliner Mystery is an entertaining mystery brimming with exuberant characters, outlandish situations, and fine historical detail.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The First Milliner Mystery
Emily Gates is a respectable shop owner and talented milliner. In fact, her creations are sought after by most of the aristocracy. Sadly, the upper classes aren't quick to pay their bills, if they pay them at all. Desperate to pay her own bills, Emily falls back on the skills of her father and his family and has taken to robbing the rich and holding their property ransom until she's paid what she's owed. While attempting to relieve a favored painting, Emily's plan falls to pieces as she finds the body of the dying Lord Kaldaire. Knowing she can't leave him, she summons for help. Now Lady Kaldaire knows her secret, as does Detective Inspector Russell. Both vow to keep quiet...as long as Emily helps them. So now Emily's using her family's tricks to help Lady Kaldaire discover who murdered her husband and spying on the family she'd rather not know for the police. Will Emily be able to protect her reputation and her business? Will she discover the truth behind the attack on Lord Kaldaire? And, more importantly, will she find time to continue to make her famous hats?
THE KILLING AT KALDAIRE HOUSE is a fun trip back to Edwardian England. Kate Parker infuses the book with fascinating details of the time, from fashion to mourning rituals, and more. Uniquely determined characters inhabit the pages of this first Milliner Mystery. I love Emily's entrepreneurial spirit. Her creation and the idea to bring it to the motor race was brilliant. Emily is proud of her hard earned respectability, but now must do some rather disrespectable things in order to maintain it! Caught between a rock and a hard place, namely Lady Kaldaire and Detective Inspector Russell, Emily is forced to reconnect with the family she'd distanced herself from, engage in the skills she learned from them, and put herself and her business at risk. Her unwillingness, struggle, and eventual capitulation frustrate her to no end and provide readers with great entertainment. As do the secondary characters! Emily's rogue family are a delightful counterpoint to many of the aristocracy, especially the odious new Lord Kaldaire and his wife.
The first Milliner Mystery is an entertaining mystery brimming with exuberant characters, outlandish situations, and fine historical detail.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
May 19, 2018
Kate Parker has created another interesting female who is a bit out of her time, but believable in a richly created historical setting. Emily Gates is a milliner who due to an unconventional upbringing decides to take an unconventional approach to bill collecting. She arrives to take a painting hostage until her bills are paid, but finds a nearly dead man instead. The lady of the house enlists her to solve the crime or she will out her, the police suspect her and again enlist her help under threat of arrest, and of course there is a killer on the loose. No big deal. Emily is quite the character with an interesting back story and a sense of duty to her family. Excited for the series to continue.
April 15, 2018
The Killing at Kaldaire House begins a new series from Kate Parker, this one set in Edwardian London and featuring Emily Gates, a young, talented, and reasonably successful milliner who inherited her shop from her mother. Unfortunately some of her aristocratic clients seem to see no need to actually pay their bills, and Emily is forced to take extreme measures, using the burglary skills she learned from her father’s disreputable (but highly successful) family to take their valuables (some of which turn out not to be valuable at all) hostage.
On a late night visit to Kaldaire House, Emily discovers the dying master of the mansion lying on the floor of his study. Unwilling to abandon anyone in that condition, she alerts the household. When Lady Kaldaire promises to vouch for her (and pay Emily’s bill herself) if Emily will help her solve the mystery of Lord Kaldaire’s murder, Emily has little choice.
She doesn’t have much choice when the attractive detective assigned to the case, James Russell, recognizes Emily as a member of the notorious Gates family and promises not to arrest her if she will help him keep an eye on her relatives. Needing her income to send the relative she cares most about, her younger brother Matthew, to a special school for the deaf, she finds herself juggling her investigating for Lady Kaldaire, her family, and her growing attraction to Detective Inspector Russell.
With a range of entertaining supporting characters, lots of period detail, and a good mystery, The Killing at Kaldaire House promises another fun series of cozy mysteries from Parker.
On a late night visit to Kaldaire House, Emily discovers the dying master of the mansion lying on the floor of his study. Unwilling to abandon anyone in that condition, she alerts the household. When Lady Kaldaire promises to vouch for her (and pay Emily’s bill herself) if Emily will help her solve the mystery of Lord Kaldaire’s murder, Emily has little choice.
She doesn’t have much choice when the attractive detective assigned to the case, James Russell, recognizes Emily as a member of the notorious Gates family and promises not to arrest her if she will help him keep an eye on her relatives. Needing her income to send the relative she cares most about, her younger brother Matthew, to a special school for the deaf, she finds herself juggling her investigating for Lady Kaldaire, her family, and her growing attraction to Detective Inspector Russell.
With a range of entertaining supporting characters, lots of period detail, and a good mystery, The Killing at Kaldaire House promises another fun series of cozy mysteries from Parker.
October 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this! I like 1900's England as a setting, I like the fashions and social structure of the time [think My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins!] and I like strong female characters - this book has all that plus a well-thought-out, interesting murder mystery to solve.
I have enjoyed all the books I've read by Kate Parker, and this start to a new series was no exception. Parker writes great female characters! Characters who are smart and strong, bucking the "rules" of the time to do their own thing and live their lives on their own terms. But they are also all funny, and kind, and always have complicated back-stories that really humanize them and make them very likable for a reader.
This was just a really fun, easy-to-read, and very entertaining story. I look forward to more books in this series with anticipation!!
I have enjoyed all the books I've read by Kate Parker, and this start to a new series was no exception. Parker writes great female characters! Characters who are smart and strong, bucking the "rules" of the time to do their own thing and live their lives on their own terms. But they are also all funny, and kind, and always have complicated back-stories that really humanize them and make them very likable for a reader.
This was just a really fun, easy-to-read, and very entertaining story. I look forward to more books in this series with anticipation!!
March 14, 2023
Overall, a good story, nicely paces, believable characters.
The writing is compelling and kept me wanting to know more, and figure out "who dun it".
One complaint is the author's repetition of certain bits of information. For example, Emily (main character) continually refers to her extended family as "my father's family". Yup, they're your family, too. Also, her brother Matthew wants to attend a special school and Emily repeatedly states the obvious about Matthew's need to go to the school and the name of the school as if the reader may have forgotten from the other ten times she said it.
These types of writing quirks are little nits that bother me. It always feels like poor or lazy editing on the part of the publisher. That's my issue, though.
Taken as a whole, I enjoyed the book and story. Recommend.
The writing is compelling and kept me wanting to know more, and figure out "who dun it".
One complaint is the author's repetition of certain bits of information. For example, Emily (main character) continually refers to her extended family as "my father's family". Yup, they're your family, too. Also, her brother Matthew wants to attend a special school and Emily repeatedly states the obvious about Matthew's need to go to the school and the name of the school as if the reader may have forgotten from the other ten times she said it.
These types of writing quirks are little nits that bother me. It always feels like poor or lazy editing on the part of the publisher. That's my issue, though.
Taken as a whole, I enjoyed the book and story. Recommend.
January 14, 2025
Set in Victorian London Emily Gates is a milliner supporting herself and her deaf brother. Her mother is dead and her father's family are criminals so Emily keeps her distance. She has developed an interesting way of collecting on unpaid bills. Breaking into the house of the client, she will steal a cherished treasure and hold it ransom until the bill is paid. On one of these jaunts she discovers Lord Kildaire lying on the floor of his study, badly injured. She can't just leave him there so she summons help. Unfortunately he dies and Emily is the prime suspect. Lady Kildaire protects Emily because she recognizes her as her milliner but also decides Emily is bright enough to discover who killed her husband and why. Emily must seek help from her father's family to learn who the murderer is and to protect herself. A bit of romance, some family strife and a great mystery.
May 25, 2018
This book was a decent read. Some of the characters were wonderful, others really annoying. I felt that the mystery wasn’t really a mystery since really there was only two main suspects and both were involved in some way... The romance was sweet but unnecessary. Some sentences could have been edited better, and some events and/or situations didn’t add up as perfectly as they could. I loved the family though (not the father I didn’t like how he turned out).
October 17, 2018
London in Edwardian times, a softened view but thoroughly enjoyable. Emily Gates is a very talented milliner who has a plan to convince a Lord to pay the bill for his wife's hats, but her plan goes awry from the very beginning. As the story goes along, she gets in deeper and deeper and the descriptions alone are worth reading the book but the evolving story also kept my interest even though I had figured out the culprit rather early on. Can't wait to see what action book two brings.
February 1, 2020
This is an interesting take on the detective story with the main character mostly law abiding but with a criminal family. I was initially annoyed with the author for starting yet another series when I was wanting to know what happens next in two of her other series but I really liked the characters and story. I liked that the characters were mostly likable. They were more fully drawn than in other books by the same author. Looking forward to more of this series
July 6, 2022
The millliner stitches up a murderer
A plucky middle class milliner becomes embroiled in a nobleman's murder and must find a way to ferret out clues from her wealthy customers, an attractive police inspector and her family of con artists and burglars .in the witty first installment of mysteries set in Edwardian London by a talented historical mystery writer. I can't wait to start reading the next installment.
A plucky middle class milliner becomes embroiled in a nobleman's murder and must find a way to ferret out clues from her wealthy customers, an attractive police inspector and her family of con artists and burglars .in the witty first installment of mysteries set in Edwardian London by a talented historical mystery writer. I can't wait to start reading the next installment.
October 6, 2024
"The Killing at Kaldaire House" by Kate Parker is a captivating cozy mystery set in early 1900s London. The story follows Emily Gates, a talented milliner who becomes entangled in a murder mystery after discovering the injured Lord Kaldaire. The historical setting, romantic tension, and well-balanced mix of mystery and historical detail make it a perfect read for fans of historical fiction and cosy mysteries. Highly recommended!
May 8, 2018
just splendid!
greatly enjoyed the mystery. beautifully complicated. the characters, er, characters were pleasantly detailed. though i doubt the main character would have been able to move within upper society as she did, it worked perfectly in the story. i enjoy these characters far more than the lady gold mysteries (though i will still read those too).
greatly enjoyed the mystery. beautifully complicated. the characters, er, characters were pleasantly detailed. though i doubt the main character would have been able to move within upper society as she did, it worked perfectly in the story. i enjoy these characters far more than the lady gold mysteries (though i will still read those too).
August 5, 2018
A wonderful new book!
Fun, witty, and dangerous book! This one is another score for Ms Parker! Love the characters, especially the Detective Inspector Russell! Hope there's a romance added in the future, & defiantly more books with Emily Gates & the Gates family! And of course DI James Russell!
Fun, witty, and dangerous book! This one is another score for Ms Parker! Love the characters, especially the Detective Inspector Russell! Hope there's a romance added in the future, & defiantly more books with Emily Gates & the Gates family! And of course DI James Russell!
January 14, 2019
Good story
It took a couple of chapters to get into this book. But once I got past this I was hooked. Love the characters and the settings. It is fun to read historical fiction because it gives you a chance to experience an era or time period and learn about it in a fun way. Recommend this book to all cozy mystery readers. I am looking forward to seeing what Emily does next.
It took a couple of chapters to get into this book. But once I got past this I was hooked. Love the characters and the settings. It is fun to read historical fiction because it gives you a chance to experience an era or time period and learn about it in a fun way. Recommend this book to all cozy mystery readers. I am looking forward to seeing what Emily does next.
June 2, 2021
This is an okay read ... I normally do enjoy a cozy mystery but the plot is not original and the book is overall very dull.
It does seem professionally produced though, with a cute cover and professional edits.
If cozy mysteries are your jam and you don't mind reading the (pretty much) same thing repeatedly, check this out.
It does seem professionally produced though, with a cute cover and professional edits.
If cozy mysteries are your jam and you don't mind reading the (pretty much) same thing repeatedly, check this out.
May 27, 2018
So much mystery
A man is murdered and milliner, Miss Gates, finds the body, whoops! Soon more mysteries abound as she tries to help the widow find the killer without being arrested herself. Excitement and danger are all astound the two. Good mystery.
A man is murdered and milliner, Miss Gates, finds the body, whoops! Soon more mysteries abound as she tries to help the widow find the killer without being arrested herself. Excitement and danger are all astound the two. Good mystery.
April 9, 2020
Characters not engaging, plot seemed more convoluted than it was worth. I just finished the 5th book in the Veronica Speedwell books by Deanna Raybourn and it was like day and night compared to this book. I won't continue with the series.
May 26, 2020
I enjoyed it! A fun mystery, and the premise isn't too farfetched. I also appreciated the amount of time spent on the mystery rather than focused on the wardrobe, food, or whatever else the author uses. Parker hasn't created a world, but she uses one that exists well.
February 7, 2021
Promising start to a new series
I had a bit of a struggle to finish this. The author has set up an awful lot of backstory to fuel future books, but character development is lacking. I'll try the next to see how things progress.
I had a bit of a struggle to finish this. The author has set up an awful lot of backstory to fuel future books, but character development is lacking. I'll try the next to see how things progress.
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