Writer's Digest (Judge, 27th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards) : Fantastic job of character building and exceptional use of sensory detail. Clever realisations, and wrap-ups, in the investigation. I see that this is a title in a series and I would gladly read others in this collection. Meet Lord James Harrington and his delightful wife, Beth; residents of the tiny village of Cavendish, deep in the heart of West Sussex in England. They adore hosting seasonal events, running their country hotel, keeping the local folklore alive and listening to the latest murder mystery on the wireless. But mysteries don’t always remain on the airwaves… It’s a busy time on the Cavendish calendar; the Whitsun dance, Cavendish in Bloom and the week-long steam rally are all being celebrated and James is looking forward to an enjoyable couple of weeks. Having picked up a commendation from the Sussex police, he and Beth are given a curious task by DCI George Lane and his superior, Superintendent Higgins and that is to observe the behaviour of Theodore Livingstone, Member of Parliament, who has a second home in Cavendish and living well beyond his means. James and Beth discover that Theodore is not to be crossed and that his son, Maximillian, is the editor of a salacious gossip magazine. Both are boorish men who are driven by money and power. But when a body is discovered, with links to the Livingstone family, James cannot help but put his sleuthing skills to the test. Is a prominent MP really mixed up in drugs? Why are some of the villagers acting so strangely? What hold does Theodore have over young British starlet, Dulcie Faye? Why doesn’t DCI Lane trust his own people? Who is the mysterious man following James? Join James, Beth and the regulars as they celebrate Whitsun and embark on another thrilling adventure. Sweet Mystery Book When Lord James Harrington is asked to keep an eye on a powerful and malevolent member of Parliament who has just bought a home in Cavendish, crime descends on his beloved village. A gossip rag comes to town and compounds the problems. Fear and depression grip the town, and James and Beth are determined to track down the problem before the Whitsun celebration. As trusted members of the community, he and his wife are able to get a few citizens to admit what's bothering them. James, DCI Goeorge Lane and their old friend Bert team up and develop a plan to take down the villains and restore sanity to the village. But an unlikely heroine shows up with a plan to slam the prison door on the powerful man who has effectively covered his tracks. It's a complicated tale of secrets being used against good people. I love this British cozy series. Note from I'm delighted to announce that Magna Publishing (part of Ulverscroft) are in the process of releasing this series in large print and audio. For details on this, please visit Ulverscroft.com.
I was not sure about this storyline. A is we-connected MP with contacts in Scotland Yard and with the Prime Minister is suspected of running drugs and other unsavory acts. His ne'er do well son is a chip off the old block without his fathers business acumen. Why would the police ask Lord Harrington to keep an eye on him when he is at his "country home" in Cavendish and to trust no one but his local Constable friend. The story moved along and all the ends were tied up nicely. Granny Harrington's featured recipe is always an added bonus!
I have read every Lord James Harrington book written by Lynn Florkiewicz and loved them all. This one was especially timely. A man elected to government office who was corrupt and a criminal. Human nature can be very difficult to understand but this issue is not an uncommon one, unfortunately. Lynn Florkiewicz writes a tight storyline of the worst of humanity but tempers it with the best of humanity. Cavendish is a place I would gladly live because of the best of human nature. Can't wait for the next Lord Harrington and Cavendish!
What an involved and marvelous mystery as Lord James tries to help investigate a man who seems to think intimidation equals the power to do anything he wants. At the same time the village is involved in a steam guild fair and the ladies dance the traditional Whit-Monday Morris dance.
I wasn't sure I was going to like this installment because of the subject matter; however it has ended up as my favorite book in the series. Well done, Ms. Florkiewicz!
This was my favorite of the series, though all have been fun to read. If you haven't read any of Lord James Harrington 's mysteries, you are missing out. It is a clean old fashioned series without the violence and bad language of other mystery books.
I enjoy all the Lord Harrington books. They are clean but a very good read. This book was more intense than the others but just as good. Great job Lynn.