Death at Daisy's Folly

Kathryn Ardleigh #3

by Robin Paige

The third title in The Victorian Mysteries series sure to delight fans of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie.

Kate and Sir Charles gather with a host of memorable guests at the Warwicks' Eaton Lodge for an English country-house weekend. Meet Albert Edward, Prince of Wales; his "darling Daisy," the Countess of Warwick; their friends—and their enemies. Someone has murdered a stableboy and the Prince, smarting over a recent gambling exposé and seeking to avoid scandal, directs Sir Charles to find the killer. But the stakes go up when a guest is shot with the Countess's gun.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Victorian

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1997

About the author

Robin Paige is the pen-name of husband and wife team Bill and Susan Wittig Albert.

The Robin Paige Victorian/Edwardian mystery series was written by Bill and Susan Albert from 1994-2006. There are a dozen books in the series (now completed), beginning in the mid 1890s and continuing through 1903.

The series, beginning with Death at Bishop's Keep, features two amateur sleuths: Kate Ardleigh Sheridan and Sir Charles Sheridan, later Lord Sheridan , Baron of Somersworth. Kate is an Irish-American woman who writes under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell.

She comes to England and inherits a small fortune and the estate of Bishops Keep, located in East Anglia, near the village of Dedham, Essex. Sir Charles is a landed peer and amateur scientist with a special interest in new forensic techniques, such as fingerprinting, ballistics, toxicology, and photography.

In each of the 12 books in the series, Kate and Charles meet notable figures of their time as they set about solving the relevant mystery.

Reviews

[Andree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this series, however, this one is a bit problematic. I continue to enjoy the major pairing; however, when this one introduced the "obstacle" to their relationship, I genuinely thought: "Well, that feels ridiculously contrived."

Not ideal is all I'm saying.

The book did redeem itself when the two characters involved seemed to realize the ridiculous contrivance. In fact, the ridiculous contrivance is done away with at about the 50% park, when the two characters do the almost unthinkable in a romance novel, and actually have a conversation. So, obviously that pleased me.

I found there was a little bit too much, "Kate, your American perspective is so refreshing!" in this one. Although, semi-justified when contrasted with the absolute power of the Prince of Wales. Sort of.

Basically, I continue to enjoy the world, and the characters, but this one was not entirely my favourite. Even if the romance did save itself.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm hiding this behind a spoiler cut because I do mention very mild spoilers between the two main characters later in my review.

This is the third book in a very enjoyable series, and probably my favorite thus far.

This series has a habit of inserting real life historical figures into the stories, and this book was no exception. This time both Prince Albert as well as his mistress, Daisy, Countess of Warwick play starring roles. The bulk of the novel takes place at Daisy's estate, Easton Lodge.

The characters in this series continue to be well written, both the fictional characters and the 'real life' ones. To that end, great pains seem to have been taken to be respectful to any historical figures used in the novels when writing their fictional counterpoints.

I'm glad that Sir Charles and Kate admitted their love for each other and am thrilled with the fact that the authors chose to have Sir Charles propose to Kate very early on in the series and not make us wait 6 or 7 books in.

I must say, I have to love the way the proposal was made: In a somewhat awkward fashion while standing over the body of a dead man. I found it to be quite fitting!

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very reminiscent of a Downton Abbey episode. Not that characters resemble them, but the setting does and maybe the era. Like an upstairs, downstairs type of thing. I also marvel at the relationships between each different set - the wealthy and their staff. There were more bodies than expected in this one weekend. And it was all wound up in the last few pages. I did not like having to read the servant’s vernacular which tremendously slowed down my reading sped.

[Christina Baehr]

This one was a less pleasant entry in the series due to the unpleasant milieu of the future King Edward VII and the (historically accurate) fin de siècle house party immorality. I enjoyed the charming first two books, so I will likely try the 4th even though I didn’t much enjoy this one. I prefer to have more likeable characters in my cozy murder mysteries.

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm very tempted to give this one star; I haven't been so annoyed by a book ... since the last two-star book I read. If for nothing else, I hate it for the love scene that takes place literally feet away from a fresh corpse. I hate it for the abrupt culmination of the will-they-won't-they romance. I hate the whole story of HRH and Daisy, but that's not the author's (authors') fault. I hate that "weekend" was consistently used, when nobility of the period would never use the word. I hate the misquote of Dante - seriously, if you're going to use a quote to make your character look smart, you want to get the quote right. Basically, I hate everything except the writing which unfortunately made it readable (listen-to-able) enough to get me to the end. I'm glad Scribd doesn't have any more of the series available, because I have a feeling that however annoyed I am right now I'd still listen to the next one. I can't without spending money, so - good. 'Cause I hated this.

Did I mention the love scene practically standing over a dead body? Because that was one of the worst things I've ever read (or listened to). Just need to be clear on it.

[Rachel N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daisy Warwick is having a house party including Prince Bertie,her known lover. A stable boy and then a royal member of the party are murdered. Fortunately Charles Sheridan, soon to become a baron, and the writer Kate Ardleigh are on hand to help solve the case. The book goes quite a bit into the lives of servants during the later years of Queen Victoria's reign and the anarchist movement. Some of the chapters going into this seemed shoved into the book and didn't have much to do with the main plot. There were also a lot of potential suspects and I couldn't keep them all straight. I do liek the two main characters so I plan on continuing the series.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2020 bk 293. Death at Daisy's Folly is notable because it is the tale that introduces Kate to the British house party and to the Prince of Wales. When a stablehand and then a member of their party is murdered, Charles and Daisy are called to solve a mystery, despite needing the time to work out what their relationship could and will be. Throughout the book there are attempts to divert their attention to blaming the socialists, the anarchists, the conservatives behind the throne, and the Prince's own affair with the Duchess 'Daisy'. Thanks to Charles sticking to his guns and scientific method, the truth wins out and almost everyone heads home, happy with the solution.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Progress for Kate and Charles! Also lots of intriguing historical detail that makes up the main mystery plot here. It surrounds the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) and his notorious years-long affair with Daisy, the Countess of Warwick, who was later to become a Socialist. I didn’t realize England was so anti-monarch so close to the end of Victoria’s reign because a lot of people didn’t trust the “Playboy Prince”. I like that the Prince and Daisy are humanized in this, even if I find their behavior reprehensible in some respects.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about the Prince of Wales and a house party.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gently, historical cozies are fab for me. I love cozies of all types since I tend to learn or yearn from each one. I learn something new and I tend to yearn to learn whatever skill that is the premise of each. I do learn from this series and I am fairly certain I do not yearn for Victorian times...poor or rich with no real in-between really. Feelings had to be couched in vague phrasing, bleah...
But one of the reasons that I enjoy this series is that the main character, Kate Ardleigh, bucks the system. She's known hardship and rose above it by working hard and discovering a talent for writing 'penny-dreadfuls' under a pseudonym. When she became an heiress, she didn't changer her style, just her setting.
Her concerns now are how she feels about Sir Charles and what will happen if anyone discovers her secret identity.
Each book so far eases the reader into the Victorian era and we gently follow along as Kate discovers her surroundings and feelings and we watch as she assists in solving each murder that occurs wherever she and Sir Charles go.
I love this series, a definite recommend.

[Dyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written cozy Victorian mystery that has real life historical figures seamlessly woven in with the compelling fictional characters. The author also doesn't bow to my Pet Peeve in the romance portion - the Great Misunderstanding - which keeps a couple apart thru a long and drawn out rift to ad nauseum. It's only the 3rd in the series and Sir Charles Sheridan proposes to Kate Ardleigh and she accepts - they actually talk out their problems and work thru them! At the beginning of each chapter is a short excerpt from the writings of famous authors by which the reader can glean something that will happen in the chapter.

Sir Charles is interested in Kate because she is not the typical Victorian lady, but independent and free-thinking - a non-traditional American redhead. She also has a secret talent for writing - her genre happens to be penny-dreadfuls under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell. Her interest in detection provides material for her stories. Most of the upper crust Victorian ladies read them, but have no clue who the author really is. Sir Charles has an interest in science, forensics, photography and detection. In this book he is interested in ballistics and fingerprinting. He may soon be forced to accept the title of Lord Sheridan which will change his lifestyle and family obligations.

Sir Charles and Kate have both been invited to Easton Lodge owned by Lady Frances (Daisy) Brooke, the Countess of Warwick. Daisy has invited about 20 guests for the weekend, including HRH the Prince of Wales who happens to be her lover. Daisy has a passion for philanthropies and has arranged an excursion to the Chelmsford workhouse for the Prince and needs Sir Charles to photograph the event. Some people are disturbed at the influence that Daisy has over the Prince. Sir Charles and Kate are excited to see each other, but each has a secret snag which they think will kill their romance.

The book opens with the murder of Prince Albert's (Bertie) groom, a young man who just acquired the job as a reward. It looks like an accident, but Sir Charles thinks it might be murder. The Prince asks him to investigate the matter and report back to him. Since they have investigated two previous cases together, Sir Charles asks Kate to help him question everyone, because their observational skills and problem solving techniques compliment each other.

Upon returning from the excursion to the workhouse, it is discovered that Kate has found the dead body of Lord Reginald Wallace outside Daisy's Folly, a well-known trysting spot on the grounds of the lodge estate. A lot of the clues seem to point to Daisy as the murderer, but it looks like she is being framed. She is also concerned about a missing letter Bertie sent her that could cause a scandal if made public. A third murder involves an Easton Lodge footman named Marsh who was secretly leaving to become a violent anarchist. This widens the scope of the investigation to everyone on the estate including guests and servants. Are the murders related?

At the back of the book is a chapter entitled Historical Note that gives a brief history of the "darling Daisy affair" between the Countess of Warwick and the Prince of Wales which was the most notorious Royal affair of its day. The book also provides a look at the social life, morals, and bluster of the aristocracy as well as life downstairs in the servant's quarters. The book was an intriguing mystery and was skillfully unraveled. It is one well worth reading.

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

MY RATING GUIDE: 3-3.5 Stars. I generally need to like the characters in a story in order to enjoy the book. I failed to appreciate the characters in DEATH AT DAISY’S FOLLY except for the main characters, Sir Charles and Miss Kate. The depiction of the other characters I found rather appalling (party host and guests). I found the callous attitude toward the dead and the poor was disheartening.

1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= THIS WAS OKAY/fairly good; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).

Daisy’s Folly, 1895 ~
After meeting and growing to admire and respect Sir Charles Sheridan, the 2nd son of a baron, a scientist, archeologist, photographer, amateur criminologist (and more) in just under a year, American heiress Kate Ardeigh sees Charles once again. Both are invited to attend a prestigious weekend party hosted by Prince Edward’s mistress, Daisy, the Countess of Warwick, in her Summer Home.

The weekend party begins with much shenanigans behind closed doors. The fun and activities are briefly interrupted by the gruesome discovery of a young groom supposedly killed by the Prince’s favorite stallion. His Royal Highness demands that Sir Charles look into the death of the boy while the party continues. But Charles’ and Kate’s questions and investigation uncovers secrets and indiscretions they’d rather not know regarding the other guests. Then another dead body is found. Is someone killing for silence? Or is there another reason?

Comments ~
1) DEATH AT DAISY’S FOLLY is bk3 in Robin Paige’s (a husband/wife writing team) 12 book Victorian Mystery series. DF can be read quite easily as a standalone novel as the supportive cast of various secondary characters (MCs, police force, friends) aren’t present in this novel.
2) As mentioned above, I do enjoy the MCs in this series. Sir Charles, in particular, reminds me somewhat of Dorothy Sayers’ Lord Peter Whimsey from a later period and Kate has certain similarities to his wife, Harriet Vane.
3) I appreciated the author notes at the end of DEATH AT DAISY’S FOLLY. They helped fill in details regarding this particular set of Society. Such details help me differentiate history from fiction. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and hope I enjoy the overall story more.
4) I have been enjoying this series (this is my least favorite so far) and intend to continue with the next book soon. I recommend this series to readers of:
> Edwardian fiction
> Cozy Mysteries
> British Mysteries
> Historical Mysteries and fiction

Final Comments~
Robin Paige’s novels contain interesting facts and historical details that I enjoy reading. Each book also includes a famous person from history. It’s unfortunate (for me) that DEATH AT DAISY’S FOLLY featured HRH (His Royal Highness) Prince Edward’s wealthy (and married) heiress mistress, Countess Daisy Warwick. I simply couldn’t find myself overly sympathetic to her, the Prince, or any of their group set against the extreme poverty of the poor and common folk. Other readers’ opinions may differ.

READER CAUTION ~ Minimal.
Rare or no use of strong language; murders occur off scene; intimacies (adulterous liaisons) are mentioned, or alluded to, but occur behind closed doors.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I have read in this series. Each successive book has been better than the one before it. In Death at Daisy's Folly, the mystery - for me, at least - took a back seat to the social and political intrigues that framed it. Daisy Warwick was a real person in history that was, indeed, Prince Albert's mistress. I also read that she was the inspiration for the song, "Daisy, Daisy". Those familiar with the song will remember it being sung by HAL in the Kubrick film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. All the bits and pieces of historical information that went into this story brought the novel alive in a way that a straight mystery could never do.

My highest praise for this book and what I have read of the series thus far is how the characters are written so well. They are believable and interesting, two hallmarks of good characterization. The writing is neither academic nor pop-oriented. Again, the style of writing fits in with the time period yet is written with a verve that fits into today's audience's tastes quite well. Good characterization, however, is nothing without a psychological dynamic supporting the thoughts and actions of the characters. In Death at Daisy's Folly, there are several moments where the main characters share their private thoughts in explanation of their motives. Truly, this is exceptional writing in the field of genre.

The whole Victorian Mystery series by Robin Paige is worth looking into. The writing and the story lines are much above even that found in "serious" literature. Extreme recommendations for this book as well as for this series.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started giving this a five star review but then changed it to four stars as, although I love the characters and the plots, there are several “Americanisms” in these books which spoils it for an English reader. Things like “odor” instead of “odour” or “color” instead of “colour” and “fender” instead of “bumper” and the list goes on!

Also there are areas of the book where the author gets a bit of verbal diarrhoea and puts in big chunks of dialogue that actually are unnecessary to the plot that you have to just skim through to rejoin the action.

Aside from these negative things though, the books are a good enjoyable read with characters you can really like and become very fond of like the scruffy Sir Charles who marries the lead character, Kathryn, and the matriarchal cook, Mrs Pratt who you can’t help but love.

I am racing through these books and there are 12 books in the series (so far!)

Give them a go, skip through the paragraphs of “word salad” and you will uncover a jewel of a book. Not quite up there with Arrowood (Mick Finlay) or Ashmole Foxe (William Savage) but they are still enjoyable.

[Chrystyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death at Daisy's Folly by Robyn Paige - Good

Some light relief again (I was still ploughing through Ancient Greek history at this point).

Another outing for Kate Ardleigh and Sir Charles Sheridan when they are both invited to a House Party thrown by the Earl and Countess of Warwick (the eponymous Daisy) for the Prince of Wales...Daisy just happens to be his latest mistress.

When a stableboy is killed, no one is sure if it was an accident or something more sinister and the Prince asks Charles to investigate. But then there's a missing letter, gambling debts, scandal and a guest is shot. Can Kate and Charles solve the mystery, retrieve the letter, and keep all the scandals under wraps without involving the Police or other authority?

Nice bit of nonsense and I like the way the authors include a few 'real' people and events into the story. The only things that jar are the occasional Americanism creeping into an English, Victorian setting and the way they try to write lower class accents is a bit cringy. Both easily overlooked once the story picks up the pace.


#review

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have binge-read the first three books today, and although the mystery at the centre of this book was very intriguing (Prince Albert with his mistress Daisy), the pompous Prince and his attending courtiers just put my back up. I didn't really like any of the secondary characters, and the plot itself, while revealed in the end, just seemed to be so blown up and out of proportion with the motive that it totally blew my suspension of belief out of the water.

On the plus side, we do see a bit of conflict spring up between Sir Charles and Kate, and their relationship changes a few times during the book. I always enjoy a bit of tension between the eventual love interests. However, (unfortunately) Bradford is once again along for the ride. I really haven't developed any fondness for that spoiled bugger.

Haven't bought any more books in the series, but will definitely try to grab a few from my library to see whether or not I'll add more of these to my collection.

3.25 ★

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a few ups and downs with this one. I liked hearing more about Charles's backstory (as shocking as it was) and I very much enjoyed Charles's and Kate's romance (they make me so happy!). Daisy was a good character, as were Kate's maid whose name alludes me and Lawrence. I feel like the characterization of the Prince was well done, I could hardly stand him, and I loved that my copy of the book gave further reading for the sources they used for the research. I will be looking into all of them. However, when it came to the actual murder plot, I was... underwhelmed. Not as much as the previous book, but so far nothing has wowed me as much as the first book. But that's genuinely not why I'm reading these books in the first place, it's the atmospheric writing and the characterizations that make me so genuinely thrilled to read this series. So it's a concession that I will very happily make!

[Sarah Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, my continuance in this series is on going.
This series of books have well known people of the day in them and this on has Bertie, the then Prince of Wales, later to become king Edward the seventh and his mistress, Daisy, countess of Warwick. I looked them both up and the facts that these authors have used is amazing.
The story is good, we've moved into 1895, and Kate our heroine is having her life becoming more adventurous and I'm pleased to say, more romantic at last.
This books action takes place at Daisy's stately home during a house party for the upper classes of society and includes all the scandals and machinations that the Marlborough set truly got involved with.
It's interesting to read historically correct books with a fictitious story wrapped around it.
I must now admit I've got two other books to read now before I continue with book number 4 in this series.

[Helene Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review - I really enjoyed this one, I think at least in part because it was a connection with something real - there are any number of books about the future Edward VII (Prince Albert Edward aka 'Bertie') and it was really interesting to see what life around him could have been like in a fictional form. I also loved the developing relationship between Kate and Charles and I can't wait to see where that goes next!

Genre? - Crime / Mystery / Historical

Characters? - Kate Ardleigh / Charles Sheridan / Prince Albert Edward / Frances 'Daisy' Warwick / Lord Warwick / Amelia / Eleanor Farley

Setting? - Easton Lodge (England)

Series? - Kathryn Ardleigh #3

Recommend? – Yes

Rating - 19/20

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who knew the "upper" society of Victorian England was so embroiled in infidelity? Apparently there were simultaneous demands for virtue and blind-eyes for vice. This book, as the preceeding two in the series, is a historical fiction. The book centers largely around Lady Frances (Daisy) Brooke, the Countess of Warwick. She throws a party for her lover, the Prince, and invites various people. Death and murder mar the party and Charles and Kate are charged with solving the crime without letting any information leak, thereby avoiding the worse-than-death consequence of scandal. The challenge they face this time is that they are tasked with investigating into the lives of people with lots of secrets to hide, and lots of skill at hiding them.

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - 3*
The first book is still the best in the series so far, for me.

Lots of bed hopping and partner swapping in this story, which creates the backdrop for the story.
I felt sorry for Daisy by the end of the story - becoming a temporary mistress to Royalty added to the mess called her life.

The mystery case running through this one felt a bit feeble by the end.

(Extra for others: There is more detailing of the physical attraction and their embraces between Kate and her beau in this story than in previous books.)

At this point there are no other audiobooks available via audible, and I'm not sure I'm in the headspace to want to listen further at the moment ....
Lockdown lite, etc.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why are American women portrayed as free-thinking and lively? Kate may not swoon at the sight of a murdered man, but she is not seen reading, although she is a secret author of mystery tales. Daisy has a library and the true concerns for social reforms both within her house and her community and the leadership skills. Poor Kate. Is she doomed to the life of a baroness? Or will her new life allow her to shake off her American innocence and grow to be a leader for women? Can Daisy and Kate form an alliance? Unanswered questions— but the narrative of the conflicts of this social era is fun.

[Paraphrodite · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.

I didn't like this one as much as the previous 2 books. I think it's because there were too many characters/ suspects and all the bed hoppings within the Marlborough House set got very confusing.

Except for the initial stable boy, I really didn't care much about any of the other victims, so the reasons for the murders were a bit meh. But the story did highlight the British Class system and it must have been unnerving for the then Upper Class watching the unrest in France.

I'm glad that Charles and Kate got their act together too. It's going to be interesting to see how they go on as a couple.

[Jaime Ann Sanborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment of the Victorian Mystery series features Frances “Daisy” Greville, Countess of Warrick. She was a well-known lover of the Prince of Wales as well as a devout social philanthropist. “Bertie,” the Prince of Wales, is an abhorrent character who takes other men’s wives as his lovers and behaves as if he is above all other men (which he was permitted to do by his royal birth). I find royalty and nobility very off-putting. Anyway- there is a murder at one of Daisy’s extravagant house parties. The Prince wants there to be no scandal, so Charles and Kate are called upon to solve the mystery. I didn’t like this one as much as the 2nd book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This shaping up to be a really enjoyable series. I particularly enjoy the insertion of real figures from the period with the fictitious characters and events. This story takes place at Easton Lodge at a weekend house party and involves Daisy Countess of Warwick and the then Prince of Wales. Alongside them there are a host of fictional characters and a murder for the dauntless Kate Ardleigh and her companion Charles Sheridan to solve. An enjoyable romp through the upper reaches of English society just before the turn of the century

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading books set in the Victorian era of England. This book was steeped in plenty of political plot, and the setting in Easton Lodge was well described. There were quite a few characters to keep up with, but being already familiar with the Marlborough set it was not hard for me to follow along. It is nice that the authors tried to keep things historically accurate, but I really didn’t care for all the talk of affairs going on. It was disappointing that Kate Ardleigh did not have much of a voice in this book.

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

No wonder Kate Ardleigh struggles to understand the etiquette expected of Victorian English society. She might be unconventional but thankfully when seen amongst the company of supposed aristocracy, whose clandestine behaviour resembles that of common alley cats, culminating in multiple murders, Sir Charles recognises she’s a keeper. Their alliance seems destined to become more than professional. I am looking forward to see how their relationship develops over the series.

[Bettina W. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had it's moments, though it ended up not being my cup of tea. I was looking for something in the vein of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, but had to be disappointed by the overplayed romantic drama that made what could have been a cozy (conspiratorial) murder mystery into a bland series of unfortunate events with far too little focus on the two main characters I would have loved to get to know better.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did not enjoy the premise of a house party with the notorious Berties, the Prince of Wales and Daisy, the Countess of Warwick; I did enjoy learning more about early motor cars and investigation methods with fingerprinting and use of photographs. The first half of the book was slow for me, until the murder occurred.
While strange circumstances for a marriage proposal, both Sir Charles Sheridan and American Kate Ardleigh are unique individuals, both in time and in England.

[Tria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not so poor as its predecessor; the characters were more engaging and the setting rather less blatantly full of anachronisms and a lack of local and historical research. It still wasn't the best thing I've ever read by a long shot, but it's a notable improvement for the couple who write this series. 3.5 stars.