Deadly Receptions: The Debut of Castlewood Manor

My American Almost-Royal Cousin #3

by Veronica Cline Barton

The stakes have never been higher for American heiress Gemma Lancaster Phillips, now firmly ensconced as both resident and employee of her ancestral estate, Cherrywood Hall. Together with her cousin Evan, 8th Marquess of Kentshire, and her boyfriend Kyle, the estate manager, Gemma wants nothing more than to pull off the royal wedding of the season while planning the premiere and U.S. tour for the period drama series, Castlewood Manor, and attending the Telly Tiara awards show. But an ex-love threatens Gemma's and Kyle's relationship, while the reveal of explosive secrets has the potential to shatter Gemma's relationship with her cousin and her future at Cherrywood Hall.

Jealousy and revenge mix with royal drama, power plays and scandal as the Tellys grow closer—with deadly results. Will Gemma, with the help of Scotland Yard, be able to put a stop to the mayhem? Or will the wedding, the tour, the Tellys—and Gemma's life—be ruined?

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2019

About the author

Veronica Cline Barton earned graduate degrees in both engineering and business and has had successful careers in the software and technology industries. Her lifelong love affair with British murder mysteries inspired her to embark on a literary career.

She loves all things glamorous; royals, acting, fashion (emphasis on boots and crowns) and loads of yummy foods and cocktails. When not traveling and spinning mystery yarns, she lives in California with her husband, Bruce, and her two cats, Daisy and Ebbie.

The Crown for Castlewood Manor is the first book in the My American Almost Royal Cousin Series, followed by Cast, Crew, & Carnage; the Filming of Castlewood Manor; Deadly Receptions, the Debut of Castlewood Manor; Mistletoe and Mayhem, Yuletide at Castlewood Manor and Double Trouble: Showtime at Castlewood Manor.

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cozy mystery.....this is that and so much more! I have read quite a few cozies over the years but Veronica brings something new to the table. The way she describes the setting, makes me want to jump on a plane to visit Gemma and the gang....they feel so real, like an old friend.
This is the third installment in her My American Almost Royal Cousin Series and they just keep getting better.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a cozy mystery with a Royal twist.

[Shanna Swenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Receptions was full of paparazzi, premieres, and even a proposal. The wedding pavilion opened and the season began at Cherrywood Hall, aka Castlewood Manor, and as promised, drama, deception and debuts ensued. I mean, who knew a veil with a sordid past could cause so many problems? LOL!

Book three didn’t disappoint in this funny, action-packed, and light-hearted mystery series of Veronica Cline Barton’s. I laughed, cried, and gasped (out loud) as twists, turns…and trains took me to various destinations- England, NYC, Vail, Malibu, and even Iceland (swoon)!

Gemma’s feistiness and sense of humor never fail to tickle me and I just love her and Kyle together. Some revelations that I can’t say and meeting her father had me surprised, but as always, Veronica’s characters are super lovable and, despite his flaws, I enjoyed getting to know Dr. David Phillips.

Jillian, aka Ma-Ma, Aunt Margaret, and Evan are always fun to catch up with and the drama in this one was high, at every turn, and kept me on my toes.

This book truly had it all and I absolutely loved it. I even told V that this one was my favorite thus far. She told me to “just wait”, I know what that means! :-D

Get on board and grab this series up for murder, mystery, and so much more. I’m excited to return to Castlewood Manor for Mistletoe and Mayhem…I mean who doesn’t wanna spend Christmas in a gorgeous English estate with Gemma, Kyle and crew? I know I do!

[Wendy Bayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying Cline Barton's series My American Almost Royal Cousin. I have to admit I have read them out of order, but each one plays off the previous and is unique in its own right.
Deadly Receptions is a fast-paced mystery.
Gemma and her love interest Sir Kyle deal with several crises that result in a series of unfortunate incidents for her mother, who is up for a Best Actress award. As well they find themselves dealing with not one but two murderers, one who is severely deranged.
Murder on the train, headed for Vail, murder in Malibu and the finger always point to the wrong person.
Well done, Cline Barton!

[Bibiana Krall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Receptions is perfectly titled, as it’s the third novel in a three book series with a possible fourth on the way, “My American Almost Royal Cousin Series.” It’s a cozy mystery and escapist women’s fiction that takes the reader on a wild ride from a posh estate in the UK to the golden shores of America in search of the winners of the “Telly Tiaras.”

As I have come to expect from the main character Gemma, a PhD with a rocky, romantic past hailing from Malibu she has an amazing appetite for gourmet food and always seems to be in the midst of glamour, good eats, royal visits and “accidental” murders. She is of royal British connection by way of her late Great Aunt Pippa. A ghost and a strong character in her own right who oversees the family from her portrait in an atmospheric manor house by the sea.

A dramatic TV series named Castlewood Manor is being filmed on the grand estate and Gemma’s mother Ma-Ma, as she’s fondly called is in line for a prestigious award for her stellar acting performance in the show being televised on the grounds.

The renowned architect, Stephanie Rutherford, who is also a pilot and is gorgeous to boot, has also turned the estate into a wedding venue thanks to the brilliant design of a new wedding pavilion. She was once considered a possible rival for Sir Kyle’s affections for Gemma, but it turns out that her sights were set on Penny Atkins, the wardrobe director of the TV series.

Sir Timothy is a tall handsome man with class and style who is the be the first groom alongside Lady Kimberly in the new wedding pavilion. All the pomp and circumstance one might expect from a royal wedding like this creates mayhem and draws the paparazzi in droves to the point that tents are set up with food and drink to hold them at the gates of the estate in wait for the photo ops that might maker break a career. “The public was treated to a complete history of royal tiaras and their origins, as tiara fever swept the nation.”

When the nuptials finally begin there is a dramatic and romantic feel to the story as the reader is captivated by what a royal wedding might be like to attend. “The wind picked up a bit, but it lent a dramatic edge to the pictures, with Lady Kimberly’s veil billowing out over the cliff edge.” I particularly enjoyed this imagery.

The author has a way of bringing wit and humor into her stories in the midst of chaos, “The queen had fainted dead away, and was now lying spread eagle on Prince Thaddeus’ lap.”

One can’t help but enjoy a giggle at the expense of a wealthy family who might have the highest standards of social propriety and never allows real-life to encroach on their public personas.

Needless to say things don’t go as planned and for a few days Gemma and Sir Kyle are whisked away once more to experience a fairy tale setting that bodes well for a romantic and ideal weekend. “The sounds of a Scottish bagpiper, heralding the morning, woke us as the sun crept in through the heavy drapes.” Count me in!

Eventually the dreamy scene ends and the characters are anxious and stressed out, but only because they await the awards show in New York City where once again we are given images of incredible parties, fanciful ball gowns, jewels and the glittering world of the elite.

A new character named Burt is introduced and he’s a total Neanderthal, an old-Hollywood type who is chasing Ma-Ma to be his next meal ticket as her agent. The fine social play an actress might have to endure to make it in the business becomes part of her negotiations to stymie Burt’s aggressive pursuit. It’s clear she doesn’t want to be part of it, but it makes you also wonder how much she’s had to sacrifice to be where she is in the film industry. Ma-Ma is an endearing character. Although she is very much about her looks and career, she is also kind, and cares deeply for her friends and loves her daughter Gemma.

This story has quite a few twists and the bodies start piling up when possibly reasons why this is occurring are introduced. Is it the cheating ex boyfriend Dr. Michael West? The academic father who seems to come and go with the wind? A royal who is possibly related to Great Aunt Pippa’s rival back in the day? Or a terrible curse that coincides with the Telly Tiaras?

The possibilities are endless as to who’s next and why. Along with the intrigue there are lots of mice playing and a little bed hopping. Nothing ever goes beyond the classy and this part is left to our imaginations. The end was a fabulous wrap up and so totally romantic, it won me over and I just loved it for the amazing imagery.

Sir Kyle has definitely become more romantic and self-assured in his relationship with Gemma and he truly is a swoon-worthy gentleman any woman might hope to have as her boyfriend, husband or lover. The heat turned up a bit more in this book and I enjoyed that immensely. This novel could be a stand-alone, but I suggest you read from the beginning so that you can savor Gemma’s journey as she finds her way in the many adventures, fashions shoots and fabulous parties in the series.

If you love stories full of glitz and glitter wrapped in a cozy mystery, you will adore this series.

[Stefan McElvain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good example of trying a story outside of your comfort zone. Usually, I'm more of a paranormal, scifi type of guy. This would make a fantastic afternoon soap opera drama. It starts in England with the completion of a new yet to be televised TV series--which is up for rewards even before it's shown--and a royal wedding. The details are exquisite, and you're swept into a life of privilege. The story follows Gemma, an American, her boyfriend--Sir Kyle, Ma-ma as they prepare for the award ceremony and the aftermath. The venue moves from England to Scotland to New York to Vail to Malibu.

There are multiple twists and turns--expect the unexpected...including murder. A soap opera combined with a murder mystery. You will not be disappointed and will want to read more about Castlewood Manor. I'm glad I finished this story and will never say never again.

This series has to be added to your TBR list

[John Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape to the fantasy of aristocratic life.
Veronica Cline Barton’s hands-across-the-Atlantic series continues with the TV series ‘Castlewood Manor’ about to hit the screens, a royal wedding in the offing, and skullduggery afoot. (Also, as if that wasn’t enough there is an awards show to attend.)
Let me depart, however, from the plot – and consequent risk of spoilers – to say a few things about why I enjoy these books. First, they are populated by characters you care about, and the American-British links are well thought through. The stories are also properly paced, and the author understands the rise and fall of narrative necessary to engage a reader. She overlaps and interweaves the various elements skillfully, and introduces humour at appropriate points to prevent the flow becoming too mechanical. She keeps the language light. Let me offer some flavours of the author’s foreshadowing and storytelling skills:
“Well, this doesn’t sound good to me,” Ma-ma said, shaking her head. “It’s never good to mix old girlfriends or ex-wives with your fiancé, I don’t care what anyone says.”
And
“The bride and groom to-be smiled and responded to our questions, but their answers seemed flat and rehearsed, with little joy in them. Something was going on behind the scenes, I was certain. Was it just normal jitters? Or did Sir Timothy’s ex-girlfriend play into their moods?”
And
Chief Inspector Marquot began speaking. “I’m sorry I’ve had to gather you here this morning. I’d like to introduce Mr. Rodney Green, the general manager of the Vail Line. He has asked me to lead the investigation of the accident until we pull into Vail, where the police there will take over. I am sorry to report that [NO SPOILERS HERE!], the superfan who was selected for this trip, has been found murdered in her suite.”
Romance, royalty, comedy and an element of mystery – a winning combination.
(And, by the way, if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series – this is number #3 – you can jump straight in here as Ms Cline Barton gives you a summary of what has gone before. But why miss the earlier treats?)

[Mark Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think we can agree that it’s a good idea to read outside your regular genre choices. That’s one reason I chose Veronica Cline Barton’s Deadly Receptions: The Debut of Castlewood Manor. And even though I’m not part of the audience Barton is writing for, I’m glad I did.

Deadly Receptions covers a lot of the Northern Hemisphere—London to New York to Vale to Malibu to Reykjavik and back to London—although the action ramps up on the train ride from New York to Vale. That trip is full of action and mystery that recalls Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express or C.A. Asbrey’s In All Innocence. And it has all the elements of a good cozy mystery.

There is always a vague threat of danger lurking in the background, but for the most part, Gemma, Kyle, Jillian, and the other key characters live the highlife in ease and comfort. That gives us a chance to pretend we could actually experience the lifestyles of the rich and famous. And escaping into that world is certainly a fundamental reason one chooses novels in a series like Barton’s My American Almost-Royal Cousin.

Barton’s descriptions of the elegant meals made my mouth water time and again. She’s good at that. She’s also good at describing the gowns, jewels, and fashion that dominate so many of the scenes. Full disclosure, I skimmed some of the clothing details along the way. But this is from a man whose idea of dressing up means clean jeans and a collared shirt, so take it for what it’s worth.

Barton’s characters, for the most part, are likable and relatable. There are significant exceptions, including a mayor of New York who bears a striking resemblance to a former U.S. President. Gemma is believable, as is her mother and the rest of their entourage. They’re genuinely nice people, despite their elevated social and economic standing. And just when you think Gemma’s life can’t get any more glamorous or opulent, it does.

Gemma and her relatives and friends are not part of the lifestyle of most readers. That said, we root for them the whole way through to the end—even though we’re envious of these ultra-rich, almost royals along the way. As the tension builds, our nerves are on edge, even though we’re sure the plot is heading for a happily-ever-after ending. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

Deadly Receptions is the third book in the series, so I missed some of the history that has led Gemma and others to the experiences of this novel. I’d recommend starting with book one.

Trust me, Barton is a skilled storyteller with a knack for detail that will delight and entertain you all the way through.

[Cathleen Maza · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so, so much going on in "Deadly Receptions: The Debut of Castlewood Manor" that it's hard to know where to begin! In this third installment of the My American Almost Royal Cousin series, the big buzz is that Jillian Phillips (Gemma's beloved Ma-ma) is in the running for a coveted Telly Tiara award. This sets up a whirl wind tour of parties, interviews, and receptions for our beloved British/American characters. It's not all fun and glam games, however, as major confrontations, smear campaigns, and ego trips abound on the journey...all exploding into a full-blown murder mystery. My personal favorite of the adventures was the U.S. cross country train trip, which delightfully conjured up the essence of Agatha Christie and was positively to-die-for. From that point on, I found the book impossible to put down, so be prepared! Gemma and company have many surprises (both good and bad) in store for readers, perfectly paired with an emotional masterpiece of an ending. Fans of the cozy mystery genre...this is a must-read and will have you scrambling through your reading que to get to Book Four. Very well done!

[C.A. A. Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma Lancaster is getting on well with her almost Royal British cousins. She is organising various banquets and the premier of Castle Wood Manor TV series is attracting fabulous interest concerning the first season. Gemma’s colourful mother (Ma-ma) is top of the bill and performing in the show as a major star. But first a Royal Wedding must happen and Gemma will organise it with help from various cousins, her loved one and friends. Situations and consequence of the event (I will not tell) roll on to other proceedings. Chiefly a promotional tour of the USA for the smash hit TV show Castle Wood Manor – AKA Cherry Wood Hall – the real location of the TV drama.
Gemma must handle and attend the events as best she can. From here there is trouble with a relentless paparazzi. The intrigue grows for a pre-debut USA TV launch. Then murder rears an ugly head in this new; ‘Who was it?’ ‘Who is next?’ And ‘Why?’ The promotional train tour becomes all the more lively and dramatic as the mayhem and intrigue follow the tour all the way to Vale and on to Malibu.

[MJ LaBeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drama, deceit, desire unfold

Hang on to your crowns readers! It’s time for the Tella Tiaras in this third installment of My American Almost-Royal Cousin series.

Fans of soap operas, night-time dramas and all things Royal you don’t want to miss this!

The books really need developed into a TV series. I can “see” Gemma talking directly into the camera as she does in the book- a narrative tool I haven’t seen utilized in other books, but it works here as Gemma is telling us the story from her point-of-view. This subtle technique is used sparingly by the author and pulls us into Gemma’s world even more without distracting from the read. Cherrywood Hall is a character itself and the cast and crew turning the castle into Castlewood Manor for a TV drama period series come to life with the author’s superb writing, richly developed characters, and fabulous details as readers are swept up in the drama and characters struggles, food and fashion, that take us from the castle to various locations.

Castlewood Manor is buzzing with the TV show’s debut and Jillian’s and Dame Agnes’ nominations for a Tella Tiara in the best actress and best supporting actress categories respectively. Let the TV interviews, paparazzi, parties, and troublesome accidents which end up in multiple murders begin! There are some delicious big reveals in Deadly Receptions: The Debut of Castlewood Manor peppering readers with anticipation for the next book. I enjoyed the ending; although, a bit different from the previous two books as it felt more like a serial close pulling us further toward book 4. The author jolted me from happily ever after to uh, oh, what’s happening here…Bravo! I’m looking forward reading book 4.

[Kerri Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!
As soon as I opened this book I was
welcomed to Cherrywood Hall. I got to know it and its inhabitants, and it wasn’t long before I was eating drinking, and living the life of luxury right along side them.
But it didn’t stop there. The drama, the laughter! A literal page turner.
I must admit, instead of mowing through, I languished over every page simply because I didn’t want to leave.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reads.

[Anita Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sometimes with a series you get the impression that the author is running out of steam with the later books and all their best ideas come early on. Not so with this classy, cosy murder mystery, which I enjoyed even more than the previous two. In this third book we dive straight in with a royal wedding, hosted at the new, specially built venue on the Cherrywood Hall estate. Gemma Phillips, cousin to Lord Evan the 8th Marquess of Kentshire, is in her element coordinating this important event attended by royalty and their rich and famous friends. The author has cleverly created a fictional royal family which enables her to involve them in the plot in a quite believable way.

The wedding itself takes a very unexpected turn and soon the story is rollicking along at a great pace. All the author's trademark elements are here - the luxurious lifestyles, lavish settings and indulgent, mouthwatering food - all described in almost photographic detail. The estate is now fully involved with the ongoing TV series production and there is plenty of glitz and glamour in the red carpet events and award ceremonies. There are more mysterious injuries and deaths yet the story never becomes dark. Gemma has an ongoing romance which is very much part of the plot and is described in a charming, wholesome way.

The pace never flags and I was surprised and delighted at the imaginative plot twists that I did not see coming. Gemma and her family are likeable characters who have become more and more real as the series has progressed. The story moves at a good pace with the use of well written dialogue and I became quite immersed in the characters; I would catch myself wondering what would happen to them next, and eagerly anticipating my next reading session - the sign of engaging characters and an absorbing, well written plot Ms Barton is clearly in her stride with this series. All in all, this book is a delightful piece of escapism, never predictable and as cosy as an afternoon on the sofa with your favourite film on a wet afternoon. A perfect binge read.