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Manor Cat Mystery #1
Lady Takes the Case
When a dinner party turns deadly, the feisty Lady Cecilia Bates and intuitive cat Jack are on the case, in this first entry to an exciting new historical-mystery series.
England 1912. Danby Hall is the only home Lady Cecilia Bates has ever known. Despite the rigid rules of etiquette and her mother the Countess of Avebury's fervent desire to see her married off, Lady Cecilia can't imagine life anywhere else. But now, with an agricultural depression sweeping the countryside, the Bates family's possession of the hall is suddenly in peril.
A possible solution arrives in the form of the imperious American heiress Annabel Clarke. The Earl and Countess of Avebury are determined that Cecilia's brother, Patrick, will win Annabel's hand in marriage--and her fortune along with it. To help the lackluster Patrick in this pursuit, the Bates and their staff arrange a grand house party upon the heiress's arrival.
When a guest dies after sipping from a glass meant for Annabel, it's clear the Bates have a more poisonous problem on their hands than a lack of chemistry. As the scandal seizes Danby, Cecilia sets out to find the culprit, with help from Annabel's maid, Jane, and Jane's curiously intelligent cat, Jack.
After the poison that someone had stashed away inside the manor is discovered, Cecilia is left with two possibilities: Either a resident of Danby snapped and tried to kill the arrogant heiress, or the threat is coming from one of their guests, who would love to see the Bates family's decline become permanent.
England 1912. Danby Hall is the only home Lady Cecilia Bates has ever known. Despite the rigid rules of etiquette and her mother the Countess of Avebury's fervent desire to see her married off, Lady Cecilia can't imagine life anywhere else. But now, with an agricultural depression sweeping the countryside, the Bates family's possession of the hall is suddenly in peril.
A possible solution arrives in the form of the imperious American heiress Annabel Clarke. The Earl and Countess of Avebury are determined that Cecilia's brother, Patrick, will win Annabel's hand in marriage--and her fortune along with it. To help the lackluster Patrick in this pursuit, the Bates and their staff arrange a grand house party upon the heiress's arrival.
When a guest dies after sipping from a glass meant for Annabel, it's clear the Bates have a more poisonous problem on their hands than a lack of chemistry. As the scandal seizes Danby, Cecilia sets out to find the culprit, with help from Annabel's maid, Jane, and Jane's curiously intelligent cat, Jack.
After the poison that someone had stashed away inside the manor is discovered, Cecilia is left with two possibilities: Either a resident of Danby snapped and tried to kill the arrogant heiress, or the threat is coming from one of their guests, who would love to see the Bates family's decline become permanent.
304 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2019
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January 12, 2020
"LADY TAKES THE CASE" BY Eliza Casey
I love a great Historical Mystery story sub genre and this debut novel of the Manor Cat Mystery Series is an amazing beginning to series I will be looking forward to. The setting is in the Danby Hall in 1912 and Eliza Casey writes a wonderful cast of characters that include Lady Cecilia Bates and her sidekick Jack the Cat. I love the historical detail that Eliza Casey writes within this lovely mystery story. Its Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie and I cannot have enough of this amazing start of a great series. I am certainly now a fan of this one.
This was an exciting read for me and one that I thoroughly enjoyed in one sitting. The pacing is great and the characters are absolutely vivid and engaging. What a lovely ride back in time for this amazing cozy mystery.
I love a great Historical Mystery story sub genre and this debut novel of the Manor Cat Mystery Series is an amazing beginning to series I will be looking forward to. The setting is in the Danby Hall in 1912 and Eliza Casey writes a wonderful cast of characters that include Lady Cecilia Bates and her sidekick Jack the Cat. I love the historical detail that Eliza Casey writes within this lovely mystery story. Its Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie and I cannot have enough of this amazing start of a great series. I am certainly now a fan of this one.
This was an exciting read for me and one that I thoroughly enjoyed in one sitting. The pacing is great and the characters are absolutely vivid and engaging. What a lovely ride back in time for this amazing cozy mystery.
February 13, 2020
2.5 stars, maybe a bit more... OK but not that good.
Lord and Lady Avebury need to marry their son Patrick to an heiress to save Danby Hall from their encroaching neighbors who wish to buy it. Lady Avebury has her sights set on Annabel Clarke of San Francisco and is hosting a lavish house party to welcome Annabel to England and hopefully the family. Lady Cecilia Bates hopes for the best for her absent-minded brother who prefers spending his days in his laboratory to doing the social rounds. Cecilia ponders her own fate as her brother nears his nuptials. She wants something more than the life her mother has planned but what and how to achieve it are the questions. Jane Hughes, maid to Annabel Clarke, is wondering why she ever left New Jersey. Was it worth the groping men in the Manhattan hotel where she worked? Was it worth the shipwreck she barely survived? Jane has always longed for adventure and now she has had more than her fair share. Little does she know, she's about to get far more than she bargained for when a party guest is poisoned at dinner and Annabel believes the poison was meant for her. Jane is eager to find any information she can and Cecelia is determined to save her brother and her home from scandal. Together, with Jane's cat Jack, they search for clues. Can they solve the case before Patrick is arrested?
This story had a lot of potential it didn't live up to. The writing is pedestrian and repetitive in spots. The plot is rather predictable. I guessed one major plot point right away I did suspect someone but dismissed that from my mind because it didn't seem possible. I wasn't completely surprised that my initial guess was correct. This story was inspired by Downton Abbey but lacks the sparkling wit and compelling characters. The historical details are nice but they don't make the story.
This story has two heroines, Cecilia and Jane. I liked them both. Cecilia never pushes past conventional boundaries, preferring instead smaller rebellions like running, dressing simply, and investigating murder. She dreams of a different life but she can't quite envision it yet. She's a little insipid for me. Her kindness to Jane and everyone else is nice but shows a more idealized version of the past than even Downton Abbey. I didn't understand why she kept spending money when she knew her family was in short funds. I liked Jane better. Jane is resourceful, intelligent and kind. She rescues Jack when he needs love and a home and he repays her by providing comfort and love. I like how easily Jane adapts to England. She's a bit naive for a working girl but she was eager for adventure and didn't question anything. I wish her much success.
Th rest of the Bates family is a mixed bag. Lord Avebury is calm and kind. He's the opposite of his wife who is anxious to appear as elegant and wealthy as their ancient lineage implies. She's tough on her children, not wanting what's best for them but what's best for their estate. Yet, she does seem to love her family and her harshness comes from anxiety about the future. Patrick is a very nice young man but he will not make a good Earl. He's too preoccupied by his botany studies. His motive is to help people, which is wonderful and I admire that, but he also needs to focus on the present. Patrick is blinded by Annabel's pretty face and I hate it when men get so stupid. The Dowager is slightly funny in an acerbic way but she lacks the wit of Lady Violet in Downton Abbey.
Annabel is not a nice woman. She sucks up to Patrick and makes herself engaging to him but to Jane she's a shrew, always throwing temper tantrums. Annabel hogs the only bathroom in that wing, no doubt wasting expensive water. She complains about the old-fashioned house, already plans to redecorate minus the antiques, not understanding that those items have been in the family for centuries and belong in the house to show off the family's status. If I were Cecelia, I would have explained all this to my brother and shown him what an awful person she is.
The murder victim, Mr. Hayes is a famous explorer. He's planning on writing a book to tell of his adventures but he won't tell any in person in any detail. Perhaps he's a phony. When he is killed, it seems like he was innocent and didn't deserve to die. Secrets come out and while he didn't deserve to die, he wasn't a saint. I suspected something about him right away.
Other party guests include Mrs. Maggie Solent, a widow and Cecilia's mother's best friend. "Aunt Maggie" is a breath of fresh air. She lives life on her own terms and I think she is a good influence on Cec. Lord and Lady Byswater are the nearest neighbors. Lady Byswater has new money and the couple are eager to spend it. They want to get their hands on Denby to add to their own estate. I'm not sure this would be legally allowed but I'm not well versed in Edwardian property law. I don't like how grasping these people are. They don't seem to care at all about the personal feelings of their neighbors. Maud Rainsley, Cecilia's best friend, is visiting with her parents. Maud attends Girton, the ladies' college at Cambridge. woohoo! I like her best of all the characters. She's thrilled with her studies and has plans to become a professor herself. Yet, she seems to hold a torch for Patrick. Which will she choose? A rewarding career or managing a household? I think she would be a good wife for Patrick but a career seems like a better choice. Lord St. John, the former heir, is a nasty rake. He drinks too much and is inappropriate with the women-ALL of them. Is it too much to hope he dies too? St. John is just despicable. He could have played his cards right, been nice to his cousins and less sour grapes at least outwardly and perhaps Patrick won't marry and St. John's children, if he has any, will inherit. Instead, he makes a pest out of himself and none of the family likes him.
Downstairs the servants are all kind. Mrs. Frazer, the housekeeper, is a motherly sort and Redvers, the butler does his job without comment. Two of the footmen are a bit mysterious and suspect. Paul, a longtime servant, tripped just before Hayes died. Could he have poisoned the wine? He insists on wearing gloves at all times following the murder, what is he hiding? His secret turned out to be boring. He's courting the maid, Rose, on the downlow because Lady Avebury doesn't approve of servants having their own lives. Rose is not as nice as Jane. She isn't too interested in becoming a ladies' maid or as intelligent and thoughtful as Jane. The new footman, Jesse, is a bit mysterious. He's given a lot of responsibility super early and he keeps winking at Cecilia. I don't like men who know they're good looking. Unfortunately, he doesn't have much page time to develop his story. Collins, the chauffeur, is a great man. He's thoughtful and intelligent but he oversteps his position sometimes, becoming too familiar with Cecilia. She thinks he likes Jane but I suspect his warmer feelings are for Cecilia. He is helpful and a good person but not right for Cecilia.
Colonel Havelock is the local magistrate and first to investigate the murder. He doesn't do a very thorough job. He's in way over his head. Inspector Hennesy also doesn't do a good job because he has his sight set on Patrick even before he has confirmation of what killed Mr. Hayes. This man seems to hold a grudge against the nobility but there's no character development here to explain. Sargeant Dunn looks rough and tough but is actually very nice and respectful. I think he'd do a better job investigating. He seems less quick on the draw and more interested in listening.
I won't be reading more of these books if they even make it to publication unless the writing improves. My recommendation is to skip this series and read Alyssa Maxwell's Lady and Lady's Maid Mysteries.
Lord and Lady Avebury need to marry their son Patrick to an heiress to save Danby Hall from their encroaching neighbors who wish to buy it. Lady Avebury has her sights set on Annabel Clarke of San Francisco and is hosting a lavish house party to welcome Annabel to England and hopefully the family. Lady Cecilia Bates hopes for the best for her absent-minded brother who prefers spending his days in his laboratory to doing the social rounds. Cecilia ponders her own fate as her brother nears his nuptials. She wants something more than the life her mother has planned but what and how to achieve it are the questions. Jane Hughes, maid to Annabel Clarke, is wondering why she ever left New Jersey. Was it worth the groping men in the Manhattan hotel where she worked? Was it worth the shipwreck she barely survived? Jane has always longed for adventure and now she has had more than her fair share. Little does she know, she's about to get far more than she bargained for when a party guest is poisoned at dinner and Annabel believes the poison was meant for her. Jane is eager to find any information she can and Cecelia is determined to save her brother and her home from scandal. Together, with Jane's cat Jack, they search for clues. Can they solve the case before Patrick is arrested?
This story had a lot of potential it didn't live up to. The writing is pedestrian and repetitive in spots. The plot is rather predictable. I guessed one major plot point right away I did suspect someone but dismissed that from my mind because it didn't seem possible. I wasn't completely surprised that my initial guess was correct. This story was inspired by Downton Abbey but lacks the sparkling wit and compelling characters. The historical details are nice but they don't make the story.
This story has two heroines, Cecilia and Jane. I liked them both. Cecilia never pushes past conventional boundaries, preferring instead smaller rebellions like running, dressing simply, and investigating murder. She dreams of a different life but she can't quite envision it yet. She's a little insipid for me. Her kindness to Jane and everyone else is nice but shows a more idealized version of the past than even Downton Abbey. I didn't understand why she kept spending money when she knew her family was in short funds. I liked Jane better. Jane is resourceful, intelligent and kind. She rescues Jack when he needs love and a home and he repays her by providing comfort and love. I like how easily Jane adapts to England. She's a bit naive for a working girl but she was eager for adventure and didn't question anything. I wish her much success.
Th rest of the Bates family is a mixed bag. Lord Avebury is calm and kind. He's the opposite of his wife who is anxious to appear as elegant and wealthy as their ancient lineage implies. She's tough on her children, not wanting what's best for them but what's best for their estate. Yet, she does seem to love her family and her harshness comes from anxiety about the future. Patrick is a very nice young man but he will not make a good Earl. He's too preoccupied by his botany studies. His motive is to help people, which is wonderful and I admire that, but he also needs to focus on the present. Patrick is blinded by Annabel's pretty face and I hate it when men get so stupid. The Dowager is slightly funny in an acerbic way but she lacks the wit of Lady Violet in Downton Abbey.
Annabel is not a nice woman. She sucks up to Patrick and makes herself engaging to him but to Jane she's a shrew, always throwing temper tantrums. Annabel hogs the only bathroom in that wing, no doubt wasting expensive water. She complains about the old-fashioned house, already plans to redecorate minus the antiques, not understanding that those items have been in the family for centuries and belong in the house to show off the family's status. If I were Cecelia, I would have explained all this to my brother and shown him what an awful person she is.
The murder victim, Mr. Hayes is a famous explorer. He's planning on writing a book to tell of his adventures but he won't tell any in person in any detail. Perhaps he's a phony. When he is killed, it seems like he was innocent and didn't deserve to die. Secrets come out and while he didn't deserve to die, he wasn't a saint. I suspected something about him right away.
Other party guests include Mrs. Maggie Solent, a widow and Cecilia's mother's best friend. "Aunt Maggie" is a breath of fresh air. She lives life on her own terms and I think she is a good influence on Cec. Lord and Lady Byswater are the nearest neighbors. Lady Byswater has new money and the couple are eager to spend it. They want to get their hands on Denby to add to their own estate. I'm not sure this would be legally allowed but I'm not well versed in Edwardian property law. I don't like how grasping these people are. They don't seem to care at all about the personal feelings of their neighbors. Maud Rainsley, Cecilia's best friend, is visiting with her parents. Maud attends Girton, the ladies' college at Cambridge. woohoo! I like her best of all the characters. She's thrilled with her studies and has plans to become a professor herself. Yet, she seems to hold a torch for Patrick. Which will she choose? A rewarding career or managing a household? I think she would be a good wife for Patrick but a career seems like a better choice. Lord St. John, the former heir, is a nasty rake. He drinks too much and is inappropriate with the women-ALL of them. Is it too much to hope he dies too? St. John is just despicable. He could have played his cards right, been nice to his cousins and less sour grapes at least outwardly and perhaps Patrick won't marry and St. John's children, if he has any, will inherit. Instead, he makes a pest out of himself and none of the family likes him.
Downstairs the servants are all kind. Mrs. Frazer, the housekeeper, is a motherly sort and Redvers, the butler does his job without comment. Two of the footmen are a bit mysterious and suspect. Paul, a longtime servant, tripped just before Hayes died. Could he have poisoned the wine? He insists on wearing gloves at all times following the murder, what is he hiding? His secret turned out to be boring. He's courting the maid, Rose, on the downlow because Lady Avebury doesn't approve of servants having their own lives. Rose is not as nice as Jane. She isn't too interested in becoming a ladies' maid or as intelligent and thoughtful as Jane. The new footman, Jesse, is a bit mysterious. He's given a lot of responsibility super early and he keeps winking at Cecilia. I don't like men who know they're good looking. Unfortunately, he doesn't have much page time to develop his story. Collins, the chauffeur, is a great man. He's thoughtful and intelligent but he oversteps his position sometimes, becoming too familiar with Cecilia. She thinks he likes Jane but I suspect his warmer feelings are for Cecilia. He is helpful and a good person but not right for Cecilia.
Colonel Havelock is the local magistrate and first to investigate the murder. He doesn't do a very thorough job. He's in way over his head. Inspector Hennesy also doesn't do a good job because he has his sight set on Patrick even before he has confirmation of what killed Mr. Hayes. This man seems to hold a grudge against the nobility but there's no character development here to explain. Sargeant Dunn looks rough and tough but is actually very nice and respectful. I think he'd do a better job investigating. He seems less quick on the draw and more interested in listening.
I won't be reading more of these books if they even make it to publication unless the writing improves. My recommendation is to skip this series and read Alyssa Maxwell's Lady and Lady's Maid Mysteries.
December 1, 2019
As soon as this book appeared on my desk I was eager to read it. I thought the cover was pretty and I love lady detective novels so basically this book was a must read for me.
I was looking for something light and just fun since I had come off reading a few heaver read, it sounded perfect.
This book boasts a well known romance writer writing under a pseudonym, though we are never told who the well known writer is. I was curious to see how that translated into a mystery novel, and I was admittedly even more curious about who said writer was.
This book had a lot of things that I enjoy—great time period, non conventional ladies, budding romances, and cross class friendships. But something about this book fell a little short of my expectations. I thought Cecilia was a great heroine and fit the lady detective role well and I also enjoyed Jane, but I felt like their friendship was a little reaching when it came to how close they got and how fast.
I also thought it was interesting that the mystery series was named after the cat, but the cat didn’t really have much to do with the mystery itself so I wondered if it was really necessary to include the cat in the series title or even at all in the story.
The mystery itself was not overly complex or twisty which was fine. It was clear that some of the characters were misrepresenting themselves which left enough doubt for the reader to question their motives and what they were hiding. But I was able to work out the mystery for the most part which was fine. I went into this one knowing that it was going to be more of a light read and I thought it met those expectations, but I was honestly expecting a little more from this one.
Maybe a little more romance (considering the author writes romance) or maybe a little more red herrings….I am not sure but I finished it feeling as though I wanted more over all but I also felt like I was eager to read the next mystery. So where did that leave me with this one? Considering I was satisfied with the ending and looking forward to the next one, I decided to go with a 3 star review for this new mystery. It was good but not outstanding.
See my full review here
I was looking for something light and just fun since I had come off reading a few heaver read, it sounded perfect.
This book boasts a well known romance writer writing under a pseudonym, though we are never told who the well known writer is. I was curious to see how that translated into a mystery novel, and I was admittedly even more curious about who said writer was.
This book had a lot of things that I enjoy—great time period, non conventional ladies, budding romances, and cross class friendships. But something about this book fell a little short of my expectations. I thought Cecilia was a great heroine and fit the lady detective role well and I also enjoyed Jane, but I felt like their friendship was a little reaching when it came to how close they got and how fast.
I also thought it was interesting that the mystery series was named after the cat, but the cat didn’t really have much to do with the mystery itself so I wondered if it was really necessary to include the cat in the series title or even at all in the story.
The mystery itself was not overly complex or twisty which was fine. It was clear that some of the characters were misrepresenting themselves which left enough doubt for the reader to question their motives and what they were hiding. But I was able to work out the mystery for the most part which was fine. I went into this one knowing that it was going to be more of a light read and I thought it met those expectations, but I was honestly expecting a little more from this one.
Maybe a little more romance (considering the author writes romance) or maybe a little more red herrings….I am not sure but I finished it feeling as though I wanted more over all but I also felt like I was eager to read the next mystery. So where did that leave me with this one? Considering I was satisfied with the ending and looking forward to the next one, I decided to go with a 3 star review for this new mystery. It was good but not outstanding.
See my full review here
November 3, 2019
Series: Manor Cat Mystery #1
Publication Date: 11/26/19
Number of Pages: 304
*** 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 ***
This book covers a lot of firsts – I believe it is the first book by the author, it is the first book in this series and it is my first read by this author. I have to admit I was a bit hesitant to request this book because I wasn’t sure if I was going to get a talking, magical cat or – well – something else. Happily, it turns out it is just a normal cat doing normal cat things and the sleuthing is left up to the two ladies.
The mystery itself isn’t too challenging to figure out, but it was interesting to see how the resolution unfolded. Historical mysteries are my favorite sub-genre and this fit right into that mold – although 1912 is a bit later than my normal reading period. I enjoyed the setting – a period when young ladies are trying to figure out what to do with themselves; the beginnings of the suffragette movement, etc. Given that, I think it will be fun to see Lady Cecilia work her way through what she wants for herself and her life – while solving mysteries, of course. In order to satisfy my reading requirements though, I’ll need a love interest for Cecilia and I didn’t see that. I did see one potential, though inappropriate, possibility in a private investigator who makes a brief appearance. We’ll just have to see what happens in the romance department before I decide whether to continue, long term, with the series.
The Blake family, like many others of the time, are titled and rich in properties, but poor in the money to actually support those properties or the lifestyles that go with them. If they don’t come up with a solution soon, they will be forced to sell their beautiful estate, Danby Hall. The family, Lady Cecilia, Lord Patrick (Viscount Bellham), and Lord Avebury are going along with Lady Avebury’s plan to marry Patrick off to an American heiress. Patrick is one of those lovely, sweet, befuddled people who is always lost in his own world of scientific (botany) experiments. He’s a very handsome young man, just oblivious to the world around him.
The Blake’s are hosting a house party with the American heiress, Annabel Clarke, as the guest of honor. It turns out the lady is quite a demanding, temperamental diva and is quite full of herself. Yet, she charms Patrick and he seems totally smitten. Cecilia notices some strange undercurrents among the guests, but they are a varied lot and some have old enmities. Most of the guests, however, don’t even know each other. That makes it really hard to figure out what is going on when a guest suddenly dies in the middle of dinner one evening. It seems he was poisoned and the heiress is sure that it was meant for her.
Lady Cecilia has always been curious about what was going on, but when it seems Patrick is the prime suspect, she is determined to solve the mystery. I love that Cecilia and Jane become instant friends and both have an insatiable curiosity. They work well together – one covers the upstairs folks and the other covers the belowstairs folks.
There was a lovely epilogue that sets up the next book, Lady Rights a Wrong, and that will be interesting to see. I’ll certainly read that addition to the series to see if a romance is added in and then I’ll decide whether to continue with the series or not.
This was a fun read and I think the author did a nice job of creating an interesting mystery with red herrings and distractions. I believe that Eliza Casey is a pseudonym for a multi-published author, but I don't know which one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 11/26/19
Number of Pages: 304
*** 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 ***
This book covers a lot of firsts – I believe it is the first book by the author, it is the first book in this series and it is my first read by this author. I have to admit I was a bit hesitant to request this book because I wasn’t sure if I was going to get a talking, magical cat or – well – something else. Happily, it turns out it is just a normal cat doing normal cat things and the sleuthing is left up to the two ladies.
The mystery itself isn’t too challenging to figure out, but it was interesting to see how the resolution unfolded. Historical mysteries are my favorite sub-genre and this fit right into that mold – although 1912 is a bit later than my normal reading period. I enjoyed the setting – a period when young ladies are trying to figure out what to do with themselves; the beginnings of the suffragette movement, etc. Given that, I think it will be fun to see Lady Cecilia work her way through what she wants for herself and her life – while solving mysteries, of course. In order to satisfy my reading requirements though, I’ll need a love interest for Cecilia and I didn’t see that. I did see one potential, though inappropriate, possibility in a private investigator who makes a brief appearance. We’ll just have to see what happens in the romance department before I decide whether to continue, long term, with the series.
The Blake family, like many others of the time, are titled and rich in properties, but poor in the money to actually support those properties or the lifestyles that go with them. If they don’t come up with a solution soon, they will be forced to sell their beautiful estate, Danby Hall. The family, Lady Cecilia, Lord Patrick (Viscount Bellham), and Lord Avebury are going along with Lady Avebury’s plan to marry Patrick off to an American heiress. Patrick is one of those lovely, sweet, befuddled people who is always lost in his own world of scientific (botany) experiments. He’s a very handsome young man, just oblivious to the world around him.
The Blake’s are hosting a house party with the American heiress, Annabel Clarke, as the guest of honor. It turns out the lady is quite a demanding, temperamental diva and is quite full of herself. Yet, she charms Patrick and he seems totally smitten. Cecilia notices some strange undercurrents among the guests, but they are a varied lot and some have old enmities. Most of the guests, however, don’t even know each other. That makes it really hard to figure out what is going on when a guest suddenly dies in the middle of dinner one evening. It seems he was poisoned and the heiress is sure that it was meant for her.
Lady Cecilia has always been curious about what was going on, but when it seems Patrick is the prime suspect, she is determined to solve the mystery. I love that Cecilia and Jane become instant friends and both have an insatiable curiosity. They work well together – one covers the upstairs folks and the other covers the belowstairs folks.
There was a lovely epilogue that sets up the next book, Lady Rights a Wrong, and that will be interesting to see. I’ll certainly read that addition to the series to see if a romance is added in and then I’ll decide whether to continue with the series or not.
This was a fun read and I think the author did a nice job of creating an interesting mystery with red herrings and distractions. I believe that Eliza Casey is a pseudonym for a multi-published author, but I don't know which one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 3, 2019
The first book in the Manor Cat series and a new author for me. The story is easy to read and very formulaic of a gothic novel. I realize the major turn early but there are several other turns. I did enjoyed the book and look forward to the next book.
It is 1912 England is in period where the economy has slack off. The Bates family is in trouble and might loose the Estate. The answer the heir must wed a wealthy heiress and an American Annabelle Clarke heiress and her maid Jane arrive at the Manor for a house party. Jane adopted a black and white cat on the ship. He is intelligent cat and quickly becomes a favorite with Lady Cecilia and is allowed the run of the Manor. Patrick, the heir to the Estate is a botanist growing poisonous plants to learn about them.
At the ball to welcome Annabelle to the Manor a guest collapses, and he was poison by an herb making Patrick a suspect in the murder. Lady Cecilia and Jane set out to clear Patrick's name. Are they successful. The ending is unique. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Disclosure: Thanks to Berkley for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Lady Cecilia Bates
It is 1912 England is in period where the economy has slack off. The Bates family is in trouble and might loose the Estate. The answer the heir must wed a wealthy heiress and an American Annabelle Clarke heiress and her maid Jane arrive at the Manor for a house party. Jane adopted a black and white cat on the ship. He is intelligent cat and quickly becomes a favorite with Lady Cecilia and is allowed the run of the Manor. Patrick, the heir to the Estate is a botanist growing poisonous plants to learn about them.
At the ball to welcome Annabelle to the Manor a guest collapses, and he was poison by an herb making Patrick a suspect in the murder. Lady Cecilia and Jane set out to clear Patrick's name. Are they successful. The ending is unique. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Disclosure: Thanks to Berkley for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Lady Cecilia Bates
December 10, 2019
While Danby Hall is a beautiful estate, it's upkeep is a difficult undertaking, which is the situation regarding most of the grand estates in England. There's only one way to save Danby and it's American money. Many of the British aristocracy married American heiresses in order to save their family's estate and that's the hope of Lady Avebury. She hopes that she can arrange a marriage between her son, Patrick, and the American heiress, Annabel Clarke. When Annabel comes to visit Danby, they are hoping she will be enamored with its grandness and its history. However, during a dinner party, disaster ensues. One of the guests, a famous world explorer, falls ill during the dinner party and dies. Everyone is a suspect, especially Patrick who has a laboratory filled with herbs, plants, and the like. When the Inspector starts questioning Patrick, Lady Cecelia Bates, Patrick's sister, gets concerned, because knows that Patrick wouldn't harm anyone. Lady Cecelia forms a friendship with Annabel's maid, Jane, and together, along with Jane's cat, they figure out who is responsible for this horrific dinner party murder. Having a friend like Jane, Cecelia is privy to the goings-on downstairs as well as the details surrounding the new footman. Lady Takes the Case by Eliza Casey is a cozy historical mystery that's perfect for fans of Downton Abbey as well as Jane Austen.
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
January 10, 2020
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and The Unread:
I have a great fondness for stories set immediately prior to the First World War, with all the ongoing and upcoming upheaval that the setting involves. If there’s a mystery at the heart of the story, so much the better. Having said all that, I also like a story that has a proper feel for the times and the people, and an acknowledgement that these aren’t just modern people inhabiting period costumes. A proper sense of place is also high on my list of requirements. This story started off so well, with a suitably cinematic prologue. Sadly things went rapidly downhill from there…
Danby Hall, the seat of the Earl of Avebury, is splendidly described at the beginning of the book, although we soon learn that the Earl is struggling to maintain the house and family in a suitably grand manner. We also learn that the story is set somewhere near Leeds, which doesn’t really fit with the naming of the earldom, but hey ho, there are notable exceptions to that rule. I’m not entirely sure that the family of an ancient Earldom would have the surname Bates, either. All that said, the story proper begins some days before our exciting prologue, as Lady Cecilia and the rest of the household await the arrival of the American heiress, whom they all assume will save the family finances by falling for and marrying Cecilia’s rather unworldly brother.
The family have planned an elaborate dinner party to show off, and show off to, their guest and have invited a number of local personalities, along with a famous explorer. When the explorer drops dead – poisoned – during the meal, Cecilia finds herself investigating the crime, since the police seem determined to make her brother, with his ‘suspicious’ botanical experiments, their chief suspect. Cecilia is aided in her endeavours by the heiress’ relatively new maid, and also by the maid’s pet cat – acquired on their voyage from the US.
This could have been a good story, even if the cat was a trifle too dog-like for my liking (my kittens are terribly unhelpful at pretty much everything), but it lacked both a proper feel for the manners of the age and any sort of understanding of the geography of the region and of Yorkshire villages in general. If it had been set in the Home Counties, I might have given it a little more leeway, but the idea of sending a servant from Leeds to London for last-minute supplies just made me boggle (not to mention the idea that a village near Leeds would have raspberries out of season, whether in insufficient numbers or not).
I think I’ll avoid the next in the series, even if some of the descriptions were pleasingly vivid.
I have a great fondness for stories set immediately prior to the First World War, with all the ongoing and upcoming upheaval that the setting involves. If there’s a mystery at the heart of the story, so much the better. Having said all that, I also like a story that has a proper feel for the times and the people, and an acknowledgement that these aren’t just modern people inhabiting period costumes. A proper sense of place is also high on my list of requirements. This story started off so well, with a suitably cinematic prologue. Sadly things went rapidly downhill from there…
Danby Hall, the seat of the Earl of Avebury, is splendidly described at the beginning of the book, although we soon learn that the Earl is struggling to maintain the house and family in a suitably grand manner. We also learn that the story is set somewhere near Leeds, which doesn’t really fit with the naming of the earldom, but hey ho, there are notable exceptions to that rule. I’m not entirely sure that the family of an ancient Earldom would have the surname Bates, either. All that said, the story proper begins some days before our exciting prologue, as Lady Cecilia and the rest of the household await the arrival of the American heiress, whom they all assume will save the family finances by falling for and marrying Cecilia’s rather unworldly brother.
The family have planned an elaborate dinner party to show off, and show off to, their guest and have invited a number of local personalities, along with a famous explorer. When the explorer drops dead – poisoned – during the meal, Cecilia finds herself investigating the crime, since the police seem determined to make her brother, with his ‘suspicious’ botanical experiments, their chief suspect. Cecilia is aided in her endeavours by the heiress’ relatively new maid, and also by the maid’s pet cat – acquired on their voyage from the US.
This could have been a good story, even if the cat was a trifle too dog-like for my liking (my kittens are terribly unhelpful at pretty much everything), but it lacked both a proper feel for the manners of the age and any sort of understanding of the geography of the region and of Yorkshire villages in general. If it had been set in the Home Counties, I might have given it a little more leeway, but the idea of sending a servant from Leeds to London for last-minute supplies just made me boggle (not to mention the idea that a village near Leeds would have raspberries out of season, whether in insufficient numbers or not).
I think I’ll avoid the next in the series, even if some of the descriptions were pleasingly vivid.
January 4, 2022
Lady Takes the Case is the first book in this historical mystery series. Set in England 1912 at Danby Hall, Lady Cecilia Bates and her sidekick Jack the Cat are on the case when a dinner party at Danby Hall goes wrong. A guest sips from poisoned glass meant for American heiress Annabel Clarke.
Lady Cecilia is left to find out if a resident of Danby tried to kill the arrogant Annabel, or if one of their guests is out to make trouble for the Bates family.
Overall the mystery is a fun whodunnit to unravel with Lady Cecilia and her cat, however nothing too exciting to write about.
I received a copy from the publisher
Lady Cecilia is left to find out if a resident of Danby tried to kill the arrogant Annabel, or if one of their guests is out to make trouble for the Bates family.
Overall the mystery is a fun whodunnit to unravel with Lady Cecilia and her cat, however nothing too exciting to write about.
I received a copy from the publisher
September 4, 2024
An enjoyable cozy historical mystery but not without its problems.
This series is named for a cat, “A Manor Cat Mystery” but the cat has only a very small role in the book.
The language is also a little uneven. The book takes place in 1912, but the author inserts sentences such this one; “She would have slapped them both into next week if they tried anything.” Lady Cecilia was referring to unwanted drunken pinches from Lord St. John and another womanizing guest, Richard Hayes.
Jarring modern expressions such as this one, take me right out of 1912 and put me back into the present day. In the early 1900s no young Lady would have used that phrase or dared to actually slap a Lord no matter how irritating he was.
3.5 rounded to 4 Stars
This series is named for a cat, “A Manor Cat Mystery” but the cat has only a very small role in the book.
The language is also a little uneven. The book takes place in 1912, but the author inserts sentences such this one; “She would have slapped them both into next week if they tried anything.” Lady Cecilia was referring to unwanted drunken pinches from Lord St. John and another womanizing guest, Richard Hayes.
Jarring modern expressions such as this one, take me right out of 1912 and put me back into the present day. In the early 1900s no young Lady would have used that phrase or dared to actually slap a Lord no matter how irritating he was.
3.5 rounded to 4 Stars
April 30, 2020
After Not the Girl You Marry‘s cynicism, it was refreshing to discover a cozy, well-written historical mystery with an engaging, likeable heroine, her “downstairs” sidekick, A CAT NAMED JACK (who saves the day), a Yorkshire setting (one of my favourite places in the world), and a Christie-esque closed-manor murder. Our heroine is nineteen-year-old Lady Cecilia Bates of Danby Hall; her mother, the Duchess, determined to save the crumbling manor and family’s waning finances by arranging a lucrative marriage for her son; the Duke, urbane and warm, sells off the family treasures, piece by piece, to keep staff, grounds, tenants, and family; the heir, Patrick, handsome, but distracted and solely focussed on his botanical experiments. When the novel opens, Danby Hall awaits the arrival of Miss Annabel Clarke, the swimming-in-money American bride-to-be, whose fortune will save Danby Hall in exchange for a Duchess’s title. Lady Avebury has rallied the staff and her family to welcome Annabel with balls, masquerades, garden parties, and picnics. To that end, she has invited neighbouring aristos, as well as interesting London-based guests, one of whom, Richard Hayes, famous explorer, expires of strychnine poisoning at the first grand dinner. The spoiled, mercurial heiress believes the poison was meant for her, but Lady Cecilia Bates and the heiress’s New-Jersey-born lady’s maid, Jane, with Jack’s help, are on the case.
Like the wonderful Poppy Redfern I read a while ago, what gives Lady Takes the Case its charm is the character ensemble and loveable figure of Cecilia Bates. While Cecilia, maid Jane, and cat Jack, question, prod, and sneak into secret hidey-holes to discover who killed Hayes, the novel is permeated with the atmosphere of the old manor and its denizens, which spill out, delightfully, into a great group of villagers. At nineteen, Cecilia possesses a lovely ingenue quality, but she’s also smart, kind, and warm. She reads sensational and sentimental novels, knows and loves every nook and cranny of Danby Hall, and, most astutely, realizes the world is changing.
Many a moment arrives when Cecilia will muse about the changes coming to society, the possibilities, especially for women, of a life beyond hearth and home. Cecilia, though she had her come-out in last year’s London season, isn’t husband-hunting: “Cecilia sighed. No wonder she was so reluctant to get married herself.” Cecilia’s sentiments are echoed in the American lady’s maid’s, Jane’s, thoughts: “Jane didn’t want to marry. Not yet. She was sure there were adventures to be had first.” In two of the unlikeliest of young woman, one, an aristocrat; the other, a maid, we see a desire in young women for a life other than of marriage, though they both have an attraction to a nearby young man; their first thoughts are of attraction, not marriage. Cecilia muses about the necessity even for her brother to marry to save the family estate: ” … even if Cecilia chafed to be free, she did understand her mother’s worries. Understood what drove her. Cecilia loved that land, too, loved their home and the history of it all. But surely, there had to be another way to save it all, without sacrificing the Bates children’s happiness?” Cecilia’s understanding of this tension between the value and beauty of the land and manor with the urge to make choices for herself is one of the themes that makes this closed-manor murder mystery all the more compelling and deep.
The mystery too is part of the changing landscape of England’s Edwardian history. Cecilia’s father, a charming, kind man presides over a crumbling manor, no matter its beauty and tradition, maybe because of it. Cecilia’s mother, like Mrs. Bennett, desperate for decent marriages for her children, under her command, her heart is in the right place: to ensure their home and future. With Annabel’s arrival, that new element, the brash, wealthy American enters the ancient house. And with the murder, the changing outside world makes for an invasion (and it’s seen a few) that Danby Hall has yet to experience. Cecilia is very much aware of this: “Cecilia … knew how things had changed in the last few years. The old ways, when families at Danby ruled their fiefdoms and were not questioned, were allowed to run their own affairs as they saw fit, were gone. She wasn’t sure her parents would ever see that.” Though I had long-guessed the mystery’s resolution, the reasons behind and the machinations around it were way more interesting: sexual harassment, greed, manipulation.
Lest you think that Lady Takes the Case is humourless, I will give you a hint of some of its delights. A village of adorables, a cat with a propensity for pouncing on ribbons and solving crimes, witty dialogue, two sleuthing friends, Jane and Cecilia, with a shared love of books, especially romantic and sensational ones. And lest you think it is romance-void, I will hint at one cross-class tall, handsome Viking of a young man for Cecilia, who is kind, funny, and protective. And yes, another one for Jane too. I enjoyed every moment of Casey’s first-in-series and urge lovers of cozy mystery, cats, and a dab of romance to read it too. Also, I am eagerly awaiting the second in the series, out in June, where our Cecilia ventures forth and meets some suffragettes! With Miss Austen, we deem Lady Takes the Case possessed of “no charm equal to tenderness of heart,” Emma.
Eliza Casey’s Lady Takes the Case is published by Berkley Prime Crime. It was released in November 2019 and may be procured at your preferred vendor. I received an e-galley from Berkley Prime Crime, via Netgalley.
Like the wonderful Poppy Redfern I read a while ago, what gives Lady Takes the Case its charm is the character ensemble and loveable figure of Cecilia Bates. While Cecilia, maid Jane, and cat Jack, question, prod, and sneak into secret hidey-holes to discover who killed Hayes, the novel is permeated with the atmosphere of the old manor and its denizens, which spill out, delightfully, into a great group of villagers. At nineteen, Cecilia possesses a lovely ingenue quality, but she’s also smart, kind, and warm. She reads sensational and sentimental novels, knows and loves every nook and cranny of Danby Hall, and, most astutely, realizes the world is changing.
Many a moment arrives when Cecilia will muse about the changes coming to society, the possibilities, especially for women, of a life beyond hearth and home. Cecilia, though she had her come-out in last year’s London season, isn’t husband-hunting: “Cecilia sighed. No wonder she was so reluctant to get married herself.” Cecilia’s sentiments are echoed in the American lady’s maid’s, Jane’s, thoughts: “Jane didn’t want to marry. Not yet. She was sure there were adventures to be had first.” In two of the unlikeliest of young woman, one, an aristocrat; the other, a maid, we see a desire in young women for a life other than of marriage, though they both have an attraction to a nearby young man; their first thoughts are of attraction, not marriage. Cecilia muses about the necessity even for her brother to marry to save the family estate: ” … even if Cecilia chafed to be free, she did understand her mother’s worries. Understood what drove her. Cecilia loved that land, too, loved their home and the history of it all. But surely, there had to be another way to save it all, without sacrificing the Bates children’s happiness?” Cecilia’s understanding of this tension between the value and beauty of the land and manor with the urge to make choices for herself is one of the themes that makes this closed-manor murder mystery all the more compelling and deep.
The mystery too is part of the changing landscape of England’s Edwardian history. Cecilia’s father, a charming, kind man presides over a crumbling manor, no matter its beauty and tradition, maybe because of it. Cecilia’s mother, like Mrs. Bennett, desperate for decent marriages for her children, under her command, her heart is in the right place: to ensure their home and future. With Annabel’s arrival, that new element, the brash, wealthy American enters the ancient house. And with the murder, the changing outside world makes for an invasion (and it’s seen a few) that Danby Hall has yet to experience. Cecilia is very much aware of this: “Cecilia … knew how things had changed in the last few years. The old ways, when families at Danby ruled their fiefdoms and were not questioned, were allowed to run their own affairs as they saw fit, were gone. She wasn’t sure her parents would ever see that.” Though I had long-guessed the mystery’s resolution, the reasons behind and the machinations around it were way more interesting: sexual harassment, greed, manipulation.
Lest you think that Lady Takes the Case is humourless, I will give you a hint of some of its delights. A village of adorables, a cat with a propensity for pouncing on ribbons and solving crimes, witty dialogue, two sleuthing friends, Jane and Cecilia, with a shared love of books, especially romantic and sensational ones. And lest you think it is romance-void, I will hint at one cross-class tall, handsome Viking of a young man for Cecilia, who is kind, funny, and protective. And yes, another one for Jane too. I enjoyed every moment of Casey’s first-in-series and urge lovers of cozy mystery, cats, and a dab of romance to read it too. Also, I am eagerly awaiting the second in the series, out in June, where our Cecilia ventures forth and meets some suffragettes! With Miss Austen, we deem Lady Takes the Case possessed of “no charm equal to tenderness of heart,” Emma.
Eliza Casey’s Lady Takes the Case is published by Berkley Prime Crime. It was released in November 2019 and may be procured at your preferred vendor. I received an e-galley from Berkley Prime Crime, via Netgalley.
August 7, 2022
It is rare for me to purchase a book from a glance at the cover art for as a life-long reader and as a retired librarian I know the English idiom "don't judge a book by its cover." The cover of this novel was shared on one of the Facebook cozy mystery groups that I follow and I was instantly intrigued. The home reminded me of the English homes featured in the television series of "Downton Abbey" and "Belgravia." Then the cute little ginger tabby caught my eye and I was quite curious what role he might have to play in the mystery. With the lovely reminder of the wonderful stories by Julian Fellowes and my curiosity about the little cat, I made my purchase.
The setting is the springtime of 1912 England and with visions of the grandeur of "Downton Abbey" and "Belgravia" scenes dancing in my mind, I could easily envision each scene in "Lady Takes the Case." I was also my own casting director transferring actors and actresses from the British drama and mystery series that I've watched on PBS Masterpiece Theater and AcornTV to now star in my mind's visions of "Lady Takes the Case" as I turned each page.
I loved Lady Cecilia Bates from the very first paragraph as her bedroom was described as over the years I have chosen those same colors as my favorites for this room and have also thought of this room as a quiet sanctuary. Her polite consideration and kindness to family, friends, villagers, and servants alike characterized her as an individual it is always lovely to meet and have as a friend on one's life journey. I was also delighted as Lady Cecilia (or Cec as called by her brother) came to become the amateur sleuth as she worried that her brother was going to be named as the prime suspect in the murder that shockingly has occurred in the midst of a dinner party in the home their family has lived in for generations.
Another character that I liked from her first introduction into the storyline was that of Jane Hughes, maid to American heiress Annabel Clarke. I liked Jane's adventurous spirit and was happy every time she managed to spend more time with Lady Cecilia than Annabel as Jane herself described Annabel as "bossy and persnickety."
The introduction of the ginger tabby named Jack was as charming and plausible as I hoped it would be from my first glance at his appearance on the front cover. I won't divulge any more of this affectionate and intelligent furry face but suffice it to say that he's the purr-fect assistant to Lady Cecilia and Jane.
Another mystery is the name of the author as Eliza Casey is a pseudonym for a multi-published author. Her books are said to have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. I can only hope that some day she reveals her name.
I can't wait to read the next novel in the series!
08/07/22 Review Update: The Manor Cat Mystery Series is written by Amanda McCabe using pseudonym Eliza Casey.
The setting is the springtime of 1912 England and with visions of the grandeur of "Downton Abbey" and "Belgravia" scenes dancing in my mind, I could easily envision each scene in "Lady Takes the Case." I was also my own casting director transferring actors and actresses from the British drama and mystery series that I've watched on PBS Masterpiece Theater and AcornTV to now star in my mind's visions of "Lady Takes the Case" as I turned each page.
I loved Lady Cecilia Bates from the very first paragraph as her bedroom was described as over the years I have chosen those same colors as my favorites for this room and have also thought of this room as a quiet sanctuary. Her polite consideration and kindness to family, friends, villagers, and servants alike characterized her as an individual it is always lovely to meet and have as a friend on one's life journey. I was also delighted as Lady Cecilia (or Cec as called by her brother) came to become the amateur sleuth as she worried that her brother was going to be named as the prime suspect in the murder that shockingly has occurred in the midst of a dinner party in the home their family has lived in for generations.
Another character that I liked from her first introduction into the storyline was that of Jane Hughes, maid to American heiress Annabel Clarke. I liked Jane's adventurous spirit and was happy every time she managed to spend more time with Lady Cecilia than Annabel as Jane herself described Annabel as "bossy and persnickety."
The introduction of the ginger tabby named Jack was as charming and plausible as I hoped it would be from my first glance at his appearance on the front cover. I won't divulge any more of this affectionate and intelligent furry face but suffice it to say that he's the purr-fect assistant to Lady Cecilia and Jane.
Another mystery is the name of the author as Eliza Casey is a pseudonym for a multi-published author. Her books are said to have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. I can only hope that some day she reveals her name.
I can't wait to read the next novel in the series!
08/07/22 Review Update: The Manor Cat Mystery Series is written by Amanda McCabe using pseudonym Eliza Casey.
January 21, 2020
I rather liked this though am unsure if I'll continue the series. A good start that I feel is worth a solid 4 🌟!
November 24, 2019
LADY TAKES THE CASE is the splendid debut of the Manor Cat Mystery series, taking place in England 1912, by Eliza Casey. Historical mysteries are my favorite sub-genre, and there is much to love between these pages.
The aristocratic Bates family faces a dire future if Lord and Lady Avebury do not find a way to infuse their land rich yet monetarily poor estate with funds. The quickest way to do this appears to be marrying their son Patrick off to American heiress Annabel Clarke even though they know little about her or her family. When house party guest and infamous explorer Richard Hayes suddenly dies at a dinner honoring Annabel, Patrick becomes the prime suspect. Patrick’s sister Lady Cecilia, with the help of Annabel’s plucky maid Jane, dedicates herself to unmasking the killer among her parents’ guests.
I am a big fan of the author’s historical mysteries and romances written under various nom de plumes so I was thrilled to read LADY TAKES THE CASE. I was not disappointed. Casey takes a generous amount of time setting the stage for the murder by presenting quite a few characters, describing Danby Hall, and introducing readers to the local village. Personally, I enjoy all of this lead up, and I felt immersed in both the English countryside and pre-World War I era. Once the murder occurs, the story moves along at a quick pace all the way to its exciting conclusion. The plot provides plenty of clues, misdirection, and suspects without becoming overwhelming or unchallenging. There were some elements I figured out early on but others that kept me guessing. There is a nice balance between the mystery and the historical.
Lady Cecelia makes a wonderful amateur sleuth. She is obviously intelligent and naturally curious. Faced with the task of mapping out her future in a changing world, she is relatable and compelling. The supporting cast of characters is varied and engaging. Aside from Lady Cecilia, I find ladies maid Jane particularly captivating and look forward to seeing how, as a relatively inexperienced American, forges her way through life in the English Manor. And, of course, I would be remiss to not mention Jack, THE cat of the series title. I was not sure what to expect from the feline (i.e. human attributes or magical powers), but he a relatively normal cat and delightful sidekick.
LADY TAKES THE CASE is one of my best reads of 2019, and I cannot wait to spend more time with Lady Cecilia, Jane, and Jack. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
The aristocratic Bates family faces a dire future if Lord and Lady Avebury do not find a way to infuse their land rich yet monetarily poor estate with funds. The quickest way to do this appears to be marrying their son Patrick off to American heiress Annabel Clarke even though they know little about her or her family. When house party guest and infamous explorer Richard Hayes suddenly dies at a dinner honoring Annabel, Patrick becomes the prime suspect. Patrick’s sister Lady Cecilia, with the help of Annabel’s plucky maid Jane, dedicates herself to unmasking the killer among her parents’ guests.
I am a big fan of the author’s historical mysteries and romances written under various nom de plumes so I was thrilled to read LADY TAKES THE CASE. I was not disappointed. Casey takes a generous amount of time setting the stage for the murder by presenting quite a few characters, describing Danby Hall, and introducing readers to the local village. Personally, I enjoy all of this lead up, and I felt immersed in both the English countryside and pre-World War I era. Once the murder occurs, the story moves along at a quick pace all the way to its exciting conclusion. The plot provides plenty of clues, misdirection, and suspects without becoming overwhelming or unchallenging. There were some elements I figured out early on but others that kept me guessing. There is a nice balance between the mystery and the historical.
Lady Cecelia makes a wonderful amateur sleuth. She is obviously intelligent and naturally curious. Faced with the task of mapping out her future in a changing world, she is relatable and compelling. The supporting cast of characters is varied and engaging. Aside from Lady Cecilia, I find ladies maid Jane particularly captivating and look forward to seeing how, as a relatively inexperienced American, forges her way through life in the English Manor. And, of course, I would be remiss to not mention Jack, THE cat of the series title. I was not sure what to expect from the feline (i.e. human attributes or magical powers), but he a relatively normal cat and delightful sidekick.
LADY TAKES THE CASE is one of my best reads of 2019, and I cannot wait to spend more time with Lady Cecilia, Jane, and Jack. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
February 2, 2020
This is the first in the Manor Cat series and boy does it conjure up images of Downton Abbey along the way. The Bates family own Danby, their family house, that is starting to become harder to manage on meager funds. There hope is to marry one of their children to someone with money. When a rich American heiress comes to visit it looks like there problems may be solved. Until murder interrupts their plans.
Besides the Bates reference, there is a Miss Hughes, and several other familiar names. Just enough where I was contouring up the TV show but not enough to be outright stealing. The mystery was fairly simple to work through but the setting and characters made it worthwhile. For a series that is supposedly about a cat, the cat itself wasn't the big a part of the story, though he did nudge some critical clues into the light towards the end of the book.
Besides the Bates reference, there is a Miss Hughes, and several other familiar names. Just enough where I was contouring up the TV show but not enough to be outright stealing. The mystery was fairly simple to work through but the setting and characters made it worthwhile. For a series that is supposedly about a cat, the cat itself wasn't the big a part of the story, though he did nudge some critical clues into the light towards the end of the book.
December 3, 2019
The only thing that will keep the Earl of Avebury and his family afloat is a wealthy marriage, and who is coming for a visit but a beautiful American heiress. With any luck, she'll fall for the earl's handsome, scholarly son. But when a member of the house party dies suddenly and the local doctor thinks it's poison, the son--a botanist--becomes a suspect, and his sister, Lady Cecilia, decides to investigate. She's suspicious of a lot of people, but befriends the heiress's lady's maid, also an American, Jane Hughes, and Jane's friendly cat. It takes all three of them to find and capture a killer.
June 2, 2020
2020 bk 181. Not as sophisticated as other Edwardian mystery tales, this is still a fun mystery to read on a sunny day - more beach read than thriller. The story line kept me guessing, particularly as there were several mystery lines, not all of which were answered in the story.
January 15, 2020
Just a nice, pleasant cozy with some luscious description of the manor house. It'd make a great TV series.
January 24, 2020
Such a good book and it kept me guessing all the time!
May 24, 2020
Unprepossessing little cozy mystery. Twists and turns are pretty good and thankfully no annoying romance.
March 18, 2022
This was the first in an Historical Mystery series. It is well written with great characters and an intriguing mystery. A bit much on describing dresses and hair, but it gets a solid four stars from me.
July 21, 2022
More like a cosy than a thriller, this book had me puzzled. The read unwinds slowly as the action ramps up. The last chapters made the entire book worth the read.
February 10, 2020
nicely written, but the mystery was a bit easy to figure out once enough clues were given, and it was pretty annoying that only the last 15 pages (out of 300) were given to solving the mystery
December 10, 2019
A BIG thanks to Berkley Prime Crime!
This is a mystery where I can curl up in a comfy chair with a steamy hot chocolate and thoroughly enjoy the mystery and the hot chocolate! I loved it! It has a Downton Abbey quality to it. I especially loved Lady Cecilia and Jane. Jane is Annabel's ladies maid, but Jane and Lady Cecilia had an instant connection. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop throughout the pages of the cozy. When there was a murder at the dinner table, Lady Cecilia and Jane worked together to investigate and solve the mystery. Jane has a kitty cat she discovered on the ship to England. Lady Cecilia and Jane love that kitty!
The nearby village has some interests I enjoy. Mr. Hatcher's bookshop is a wonderful place to stop, browse and meet Mr. Hatcher. And! There's Miss Moffat's tea shop, which is a quiet refuge from the storm at Danby Hall. Of course, there's a mysterious man lurking about in the village. There are a couple of surprises and a satisfying conclusion.
This is a mystery where I can curl up in a comfy chair with a steamy hot chocolate and thoroughly enjoy the mystery and the hot chocolate! I loved it! It has a Downton Abbey quality to it. I especially loved Lady Cecilia and Jane. Jane is Annabel's ladies maid, but Jane and Lady Cecilia had an instant connection. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop throughout the pages of the cozy. When there was a murder at the dinner table, Lady Cecilia and Jane worked together to investigate and solve the mystery. Jane has a kitty cat she discovered on the ship to England. Lady Cecilia and Jane love that kitty!
The nearby village has some interests I enjoy. Mr. Hatcher's bookshop is a wonderful place to stop, browse and meet Mr. Hatcher. And! There's Miss Moffat's tea shop, which is a quiet refuge from the storm at Danby Hall. Of course, there's a mysterious man lurking about in the village. There are a couple of surprises and a satisfying conclusion.
April 6, 2020
Lady Cecilia Bates has led the life most ladies of her class have led—house parties, hunts and her season. With the upcoming arrival of her brother, Philip’s intended, Annabelle Clarke, from San Francisco, California the estate is in a dither. The centuries old manor house is abuzz with cleaning and pulling out of the best silver, dishes and curtains. Ms. Clarke’s visit is important to the family, not only because they hope for a love match for the couple—they need the wealth Annabelle’s family will bring to the financially struggling estate. All is a flurry when Annabelle arrives. Along with Annabelle, several other house guests, included a renowned explorer, Richard Hayes, arrive. It is during dinner that first night Mr. Hayes suddenly takes ill and to the shock of all attendees, dies. Even more shocking is Annabelle declaring that she was the intended victim!
Can the killer be found before he…or she…makes good on the attempt on Annabella’s life?
What a great start to a new series! Cecilia is a great character. She’s smart and at an interesting crossroads personally and in the world view. She isn’t sure where she wants to go in life except it’s not to have yet another season and her mother deciding on a suitable spouse for her. But other than that, she has so many ideas of what she would like to do. And they are at the start of a new century where women have more opportunities.
Jane, who starts out as Annabelle’s maid, is another fabulous character. She adds dimension to the story and solving the mystery. She, along with her cat, Jack, are the perfect foils for Cecilia.
Other characters, including Annabelle herself, make for a fully fleshed out story. Each is unique with their own personalities and, where appropriate, quirks.
The mystery of who killed Mr. Hayes is multi-layered and there is a bit of a mystery within a mystery that adds to enjoyment of the story.
The true hero of the story is, of course, Jack the cat! But that goes without saying.
This is definitely a series to add to your “must read” list. I can’t wait for book 2!
This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.
Can the killer be found before he…or she…makes good on the attempt on Annabella’s life?
What a great start to a new series! Cecilia is a great character. She’s smart and at an interesting crossroads personally and in the world view. She isn’t sure where she wants to go in life except it’s not to have yet another season and her mother deciding on a suitable spouse for her. But other than that, she has so many ideas of what she would like to do. And they are at the start of a new century where women have more opportunities.
Jane, who starts out as Annabelle’s maid, is another fabulous character. She adds dimension to the story and solving the mystery. She, along with her cat, Jack, are the perfect foils for Cecilia.
Other characters, including Annabelle herself, make for a fully fleshed out story. Each is unique with their own personalities and, where appropriate, quirks.
The mystery of who killed Mr. Hayes is multi-layered and there is a bit of a mystery within a mystery that adds to enjoyment of the story.
The true hero of the story is, of course, Jack the cat! But that goes without saying.
This is definitely a series to add to your “must read” list. I can’t wait for book 2!
This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.
September 27, 2019
3.5 stars out of 5
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Takes the Case is a charming, but formulaic cozy mystery set in England in 1912. Set in the ancestral home of the aristocratic Bates family, the Bates family has fallen on harder times as of late, and are in danger of losing their home if they do not wed either Cecilia, or her brother, Patrick, to someone with money. During a dinner party held in honour of Annabel Clark, a young, rich, American heiress, one of the party guests suddenly falls dead, murdered by poison. Cecilia, incredibly inquisitive, and horribly bored by her predicament in life, decides to try and solve the mystery, along with the help of Ms. Clark's lady's maid, Jane, and her cat, Jack.
The mystery itself isn't anything too over the top, and it was clear to me that certain people were not who they said they were from very early on. However, there were a couple of small twists that kept the story interesting. Also, even though the series is being Manor Cat Mystery's, the cat is luckily not that prevalent. He acts like a cat, and does not possess super sleuthing abilities rivaling that of a human person. Cecilia and Jane are the ones who do all the grunt work.
It is clear that there is going to be a sequel based upon potential romances for our main heroines, and the fact that the epilogue left us with a cliffhanger. Honestly, poor Patrick. All in all, this was a lovely, quick read, great for those rainy days you just want to stay inside and curl up with a book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Takes the Case is a charming, but formulaic cozy mystery set in England in 1912. Set in the ancestral home of the aristocratic Bates family, the Bates family has fallen on harder times as of late, and are in danger of losing their home if they do not wed either Cecilia, or her brother, Patrick, to someone with money. During a dinner party held in honour of Annabel Clark, a young, rich, American heiress, one of the party guests suddenly falls dead, murdered by poison. Cecilia, incredibly inquisitive, and horribly bored by her predicament in life, decides to try and solve the mystery, along with the help of Ms. Clark's lady's maid, Jane, and her cat, Jack.
The mystery itself isn't anything too over the top, and it was clear to me that certain people were not who they said they were from very early on. However, there were a couple of small twists that kept the story interesting. Also, even though the series is being Manor Cat Mystery's, the cat is luckily not that prevalent. He acts like a cat, and does not possess super sleuthing abilities rivaling that of a human person. Cecilia and Jane are the ones who do all the grunt work.
It is clear that there is going to be a sequel based upon potential romances for our main heroines, and the fact that the epilogue left us with a cliffhanger. Honestly, poor Patrick. All in all, this was a lovely, quick read, great for those rainy days you just want to stay inside and curl up with a book.
November 14, 2019
"Lady Takes the Case" is a historical mystery set in 1912 in England. I enjoyed the main characters, but there were so many loose ends and vague explanations that I was left baffled and unsatisfied by the end. For example, they found several suspicious bottles (and other apparent clues) that were never explained. The woman that showed up at the very end never explained where she had been. A character who was drunk in one scene managed to shoot an arrow with superb accuracy just minutes later. A room that was at the opposite end of the hallway suddenly was described as across the hallway at the end of the book. And even the characters were confused by whodunit's reasoning and motive for the crime.
Lady Cecilia and the servant Jane were kind, engaging characters. The cat started out acting more like a dog, but it did act catlike by the end. The cat hardly played a role until the very end. Cecilia and Jane asked questions about potential motives. Since whodunit was pretty obvious from the very start, the middle of the story involved more descriptions of clothing and party activities than of the investigation. There were a number of historical errors, like the police leaving their critical evidence behind in room being used during a party, where anyone could meddle with it. I don't recall any bad language. There was no sex.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
Lady Cecilia and the servant Jane were kind, engaging characters. The cat started out acting more like a dog, but it did act catlike by the end. The cat hardly played a role until the very end. Cecilia and Jane asked questions about potential motives. Since whodunit was pretty obvious from the very start, the middle of the story involved more descriptions of clothing and party activities than of the investigation. There were a number of historical errors, like the police leaving their critical evidence behind in room being used during a party, where anyone could meddle with it. I don't recall any bad language. There was no sex.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
November 4, 2024
Danby Hall is a beautiful estate in Avebury owned by the Count and countess of Avebury. However, they are a little low on funds for the upkeep of the estate. They have found a wealthy man in California whose daughter, Annabelle is coming to meet and possibly marry the son Patrick. However, things keep going wrong. Annabelle has found a lady's maid, Jane, in New York and she arrives with Annabelle along with Jane's cat. Jane also begins helping Patrick's sister, Cecilia. The ship foundered on the way, so Annabelle needs to find a local seemstress to make her some clothes. Things begin going wrong right away. At the first dinner, one of the guests suddenly dies in the middle of the dinner. It appear he has been poisoned, and annabelle claims that she had been the target.
As the parties continue, more things seem to go wrong. One of the relatives seems to be drinking too much most of the time, and at one point grabs Cecilia and kisses her much to her distresss. When the ladies are trying out archery, an arrow suddenly comes from the woods and ends up in the hem of Annabelle's skirt. Cecilia and Jane team up as an investigator team. By the end of the book, we have found that not everyone is who we believed they were, but it appears the the good guys are winning. This is a clever book, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
As the parties continue, more things seem to go wrong. One of the relatives seems to be drinking too much most of the time, and at one point grabs Cecilia and kisses her much to her distresss. When the ladies are trying out archery, an arrow suddenly comes from the woods and ends up in the hem of Annabelle's skirt. Cecilia and Jane team up as an investigator team. By the end of the book, we have found that not everyone is who we believed they were, but it appears the the good guys are winning. This is a clever book, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 23, 2022
Ooh, this was so good! The plot is simple and similar to Downton Abbey: Lady Cecilia Bates and her family live at Danby Hall in Yorkshire. Her mother is trying to set up a marriage between the heir, Patrick and an American heiress. Her money will save Danby Hall from being sold. There is a house party to welcome Annabel and announce the engagement.
Now the twists begin: a guest dies after mistakenly drinking from a glass meant for Annabel. Patrick is quite the expert in poisons but what would be his motive to kill his prospective bride? But who else could have done it? The mysterious stranger in the village? Is there more to the new footman than just a handsome face? The neighbors want to buy Danby Hall; perhaps they have escalated to murder to seal the deal? Or was there some other reason to eliminate the murder victim-what secrets did he take to his grave?
As scandal swirls around Danby hall, Lady Cecilia investigates. She finds an unlikely ally and possible friend in Annabel's maid, Jane and her cat, Jack.
Very well done, likable characters, believable plot that twisted and turned. I was completely fooled as to the ending. Book two is not available as an ebook for some reason, so I'm waiting for my turn at the library to read the next one. 4 stars.
Now the twists begin: a guest dies after mistakenly drinking from a glass meant for Annabel. Patrick is quite the expert in poisons but what would be his motive to kill his prospective bride? But who else could have done it? The mysterious stranger in the village? Is there more to the new footman than just a handsome face? The neighbors want to buy Danby Hall; perhaps they have escalated to murder to seal the deal? Or was there some other reason to eliminate the murder victim-what secrets did he take to his grave?
As scandal swirls around Danby hall, Lady Cecilia investigates. She finds an unlikely ally and possible friend in Annabel's maid, Jane and her cat, Jack.
Very well done, likable characters, believable plot that twisted and turned. I was completely fooled as to the ending. Book two is not available as an ebook for some reason, so I'm waiting for my turn at the library to read the next one. 4 stars.
November 9, 2019
3.5 stars
This likable debut of a historical cozy series is set in pre World War I England. Lady Cecilia Bates and her brother Patrick and parents live in a grand but fading estate called Danby. Cecilia and Patrick need to marry well to insure the survival of their home.
An acquaintance has suggested Annabel Clarke, a rich American heiress, might be the answer. Patrick is a botanist and neither he nor Cecilia is terribly interested in society and the London season. Soon Annabel and her new maid Jane (and Jane's cat Jack) are headed out for a week of parties and events to meet the family.
Annabel is nearly scuttled enroute when her ship sinks, but she and Jane survive and soon she arrives. She is beautiful, spoiled, sometimes charming and sometimes difficult. The second night of her stay at dinner, a fellow guest dies at the table -- and the police say it's poison.
Cecilia and Jane begin asking questions because they know something is not right. Everyone has secrets, and obviously some of them are deadly.
Fun, light and entertaining. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This likable debut of a historical cozy series is set in pre World War I England. Lady Cecilia Bates and her brother Patrick and parents live in a grand but fading estate called Danby. Cecilia and Patrick need to marry well to insure the survival of their home.
An acquaintance has suggested Annabel Clarke, a rich American heiress, might be the answer. Patrick is a botanist and neither he nor Cecilia is terribly interested in society and the London season. Soon Annabel and her new maid Jane (and Jane's cat Jack) are headed out for a week of parties and events to meet the family.
Annabel is nearly scuttled enroute when her ship sinks, but she and Jane survive and soon she arrives. She is beautiful, spoiled, sometimes charming and sometimes difficult. The second night of her stay at dinner, a fellow guest dies at the table -- and the police say it's poison.
Cecilia and Jane begin asking questions because they know something is not right. Everyone has secrets, and obviously some of them are deadly.
Fun, light and entertaining. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 6, 2020
I enjoyed this story. A nice start to what will hopefully be a cozy series.
I liked Lady Cecilia. She is a sheltered English aristocrat, but she has spunk, and she is smart, kind and determined once she decides detecting is something she needs to do when murder arrives in her family's crumbling English pile.
The supporting characters in this book were also very entertaining. I loved maid Jane, and the cat Jack is adorable and even helps out a couple of times with investigating.
I will say that the resolution regarding the murder was not that hard to figure out [I never even try to do that, and I mostly had figured out who was the killer and why with the clues given during the book] but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story at all.
This was a good entry in the "English house-party murder mystery" category, with the requisite British "types" of people, as well as some Americans thrown in as cats among the pigeons. The pace of the story was good, the plot-points well conceived, and the characters were just charming and fun. I will definitely watch for future installments of this series and read them.
I liked Lady Cecilia. She is a sheltered English aristocrat, but she has spunk, and she is smart, kind and determined once she decides detecting is something she needs to do when murder arrives in her family's crumbling English pile.
The supporting characters in this book were also very entertaining. I loved maid Jane, and the cat Jack is adorable and even helps out a couple of times with investigating.
I will say that the resolution regarding the murder was not that hard to figure out [I never even try to do that, and I mostly had figured out who was the killer and why with the clues given during the book] but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story at all.
This was a good entry in the "English house-party murder mystery" category, with the requisite British "types" of people, as well as some Americans thrown in as cats among the pigeons. The pace of the story was good, the plot-points well conceived, and the characters were just charming and fun. I will definitely watch for future installments of this series and read them.
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