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Beryl and Edwina Mystery #3
Murder Cuts the Mustard
In the lean years following World War I, brash American adventuress Beryl Halliwell and prim and proper Brit Edwina Davenport form a private inquiry agency to make ends meet, hoping that crime does indeed pay . . .
The latest occurrence to disturb the peace in the quaint English village of Walmsley Parva hits rather too close to home--in fact, the prime suspect has taken up residence in Edwina's potting shed. Her elderly gardener Simpkins has been secretly sleeping there after a row with his disreputable brother-in-law and housemate, Hector Lomax.
When Hector is found murdered in the local churchyard, Constable Gibbs comes looking for Simpkins, who was last seen arguing with his kin in the pub the night before. Based on the sad state of her garden, Edwina has grave doubts that the shiftless Simpkins could muster the effort to murder anyone. The two sleuths throw themselves into weeding out suspects and rooting out the real killer.
But this is no garden variety murder. The discovery of a valuable ring, a surprise connection to Colonel Kimberly's Condiment Company, and a second homicide all force Beryl and Edwina to play catch-up as they relish the chance to contain the culprit . . .
The latest occurrence to disturb the peace in the quaint English village of Walmsley Parva hits rather too close to home--in fact, the prime suspect has taken up residence in Edwina's potting shed. Her elderly gardener Simpkins has been secretly sleeping there after a row with his disreputable brother-in-law and housemate, Hector Lomax.
When Hector is found murdered in the local churchyard, Constable Gibbs comes looking for Simpkins, who was last seen arguing with his kin in the pub the night before. Based on the sad state of her garden, Edwina has grave doubts that the shiftless Simpkins could muster the effort to murder anyone. The two sleuths throw themselves into weeding out suspects and rooting out the real killer.
But this is no garden variety murder. The discovery of a valuable ring, a surprise connection to Colonel Kimberly's Condiment Company, and a second homicide all force Beryl and Edwina to play catch-up as they relish the chance to contain the culprit . . .
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2019
81 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Ellicott
16 books832 followersJessica Ellicott loves fountain pens, Mini Coopers, and throwing parties. She lives in northern New England where she obsessively knits wool socks and enthusiastically speaks Portuguese with a shocking disregard for the rules of grammar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
December 28, 2022
This was an excellent read - I must go back to the earlier episodes now. Edwina Davenport & Beryl Helliwell are very likeable & believable, I enjoyed their interactions & each one separately. I hope to see Simpkins in future books as well. The village of Walmsley Parva is the perfect setting & its inhabitants interesting. Would there really have been an attested female Constable in a small village in Kent in the 1920s, let alone one working on her own? I doubt it, but it adds a little fillip to the tale.
The Author's historical notes at the end are very interesting - poor Humorist!
The Author's historical notes at the end are very interesting - poor Humorist!
October 29, 2019
Walmsley Parva is facing yet another murder. It’s now June of 1921, and the body of Hector Lomax has been found in the graveyard. Hector was not a well-liked or respected man in town, and that holds true for Simpkins, Edwina’s elderly gardener. Simpkins was Hector’s brother-in-law, and they shared a house, so naturally, he becomes a suspect in Hector’s death. However, that isn’t the only surprise the day has in store for Simpkins and, by extension, Edwina and Beryl. It quickly becomes clear the pair of friends need to get to the bottom of what is happening for their own sake as well as that of Simpkins. Can they do it?
I love this duo. Edwina and Beryl complement each other perfectly, and with the book’s excellent use of limited third person, we get to know both of them. The growth in them continues here as well. The rest of the cast is just as strong. I did feel the plot got a little sidetracked in the middle, but I was always entertained and the book ramps up again for a logical climax. Since the story is set in 1921, we get an interesting look at the changes that were going on in the larger society at the time. I had never given these changes much thought, but I enjoy seeing how the characters are reacting to them. If you haven’t started this series yet, you really should. If you are already a fan, you’ll love our third visit with Beryl and Edwina.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I love this duo. Edwina and Beryl complement each other perfectly, and with the book’s excellent use of limited third person, we get to know both of them. The growth in them continues here as well. The rest of the cast is just as strong. I did feel the plot got a little sidetracked in the middle, but I was always entertained and the book ramps up again for a logical climax. Since the story is set in 1921, we get an interesting look at the changes that were going on in the larger society at the time. I had never given these changes much thought, but I enjoy seeing how the characters are reacting to them. If you haven’t started this series yet, you really should. If you are already a fan, you’ll love our third visit with Beryl and Edwina.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 11, 2019
After reading the first three books in the series, this one is probably my favorite. Edwina and Beryl are now running their own investigation agency and starting to make some money. This case runs a little close to home. After a known trouble maker in the small town is murdered, the constable's first suspect is Edwina's very own gardener, Simpkins. Then Jack, their favorite newsboy, father is arrested instead. As a favor to Jack they set out to prove that his father is innocent, even if the evidence against him is strong. Bringing both their investigative strengths to the case, Beryl and Edwina have their work cut out for them. Lots of surprises in this story! This one was their strongest case yet and I can't wait to see where they go next. Especially when they get a silent partner:)
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2022
3.5 stars
January 18, 2020
All is not as it should be in the quiet English village of Walmsley Parva. Edwina is shocked to her very core when Constable Gibbs arrives to question her jobbing gardener, Simpkins, about the murder of his brother-in-law, Hector Lomax. Edwina is not only shocked at the suggestion of murder, knowing Simpkins as she does, but also the notion that Simpkins has taken up residence in her potting shed unbeknownst to her (but entirely known the rest of the village). Edwina is positive Simpkins didn't kill his brother-in-law but Constable Gibbs will hardly consider another suspect, that is, until she arrests Frank Prentice instead. Frank may be the village drunk but his young son Jack is concerned and wants Beryl and Edwina to prove his dad's innocence. They promise to discover who killed Hector even if it was Frank. Then poor Edwina receives a second shock when a fancy London lawyer shows up to inform Simpkins he has inherited Colonel Kimberly's Condiment Company! Now Simpkins stands to be richer than Edwina! What is the world coming to? When Colonel Kimberly's heirs show up in the village, Beryl knows they mean trouble and she and Edwina plan to keep them far from Simpkins. Another murder in the village distracts them from Simpkins and his problems. Can they figure out who killed Hector and save Simpkins from being eaten alive by Colonel Kimberly's nasty heirs?
As always, this series is a delight. This is a true cozy series with amateur detectives, a quaint village populated by quirky characters and little violence. The mystery is pretty good. I was distracted by a major red herring and thought I had it all figured out until I didn't. I did have an inkling the title had some bearing on the mystery but that part of it comes in so late that it seems impossible. I ended up putting together some of the more obvious clues to figure out some things but not the whole story. The murders were tragic and the story is also tinged with the darkness that followed WWI. There is some commentary on the men returning from the war with shell shock and drinking away their memories. Even Edwina starts to think Beryl must have seen and done things during the war she doesn't want to remember by sharing those stories. The characters are sympathetic to the men but also feel sorry for the women who are stuck married to men who drink away all their wages.
Other than the two murders, Walmsley Parva is a delightful village filled with nosy gossips and fun characters. Hector Lomax, the first victim, is the brother-in-law of Simpkins. Where cheeky, lazy Simpkins is a hoot, his brother-in-law was not. Hector was extra lazy, shiftless and not above lying, stealing or blackmail to get what he wanted. He was a nasty man and the consensus in the village is that the murderer did them all a favor. Edwina and Simpkins have known each other so long they can reach each other's thoughts and she is adept at telling when people are lying. Simpkins may lie about her garden work but he would never lie about killing his beloved wife's brother.
I like how Edwina is starting to let go of the strict moral and social codes she was reared with. In her parents and grandparents' day, a gardener was far beneath them socially and financially. The war changed the social order a bit and good help is hard to find and even harder to retain. Edwina is stuffy but her outlook is changing. She's trying hard to let go of those innate prejudices so when the Londoners come disparaging Simpkins, she stands up to defend him. He's HER Simpkins to yell at and argue with! Edwina is really coming along nicely. I can relate to her. Feeling the freedom of being able to do and think things on your own for the first time is scary but also wonderful! Beryl, as always, is the comedic one of the pair. A wild adventuress in her youth, she hasn't fully settled down to village life. Beryl's American ways are shocking to Edwina yet Beryl seems to be rubbing off on her and vice versa. Beryl is tired of big adventures but solving murders in the village keeps her active and provides excitement.
The murder suspects are all over the village. It seems no one had a reason to like Hector. He was seen arguing with Frank in the pub. Frank is the village drunk and I feel sorry for his family. I also feel sorry for him that he can't get help for his addiction and therefore can't hold down a job. Hector caused Frank to lose his job so Frank seems a more likely suspect than Simpkins. Hector was also seen arguing with a bald man at the pub. He was in dispute with a neighbor over something and the feud spilled over into the public arena. Two less likely suspects emerge as Beryl and Edwina start to uncover clues. One is a woman who would be justified in lashing out at Hector and the other a man. While Edwina feels the man had reason to loathe Hector and want to kill him, I disagree. To be that angry and upset with Hector enough to kill him is not excusable. The woman is a better suspect but the clues point to the man.
Other characters in the village include young Jack Gibbs. How heartbreaking for the boy to have to be the man of the family at a young age. He's still innocent enough to think his dad is not guilty of murder and that Beryl and Edwina can easily prove his dad's innocence. They do try to explain that they will do their best but it isn't looking good and young Jack is still convinced. Jack becomes the symbol of what WWI did to children. The war affected them as much as adults. Alma Poole is the local hairdresser. I was surprised to learn she is married because she owns her own business. Alma is adept at a variety of hairstyles, including bobbing and also keeping her clients secrets. She seems to be hiding her own secrets as well. Her revelations are rather shocking and a bit repugnant. Even Beryl is shocked. Her husband, Sidney, the butcher, doesn't seem like a pleasant man. Why is he holding back choice meats Edwina probably can't afford and didn't ask for? Why the special treatment? He has a nasty temper and a suspicious mind. I don't understand his insecurities. Geraldine, the telephone switchboard operator, is an example of the new order of society. She's a young woman who is not content with marrying some old man for security. She holds down a job, has valuable skills and dreams of a better life. While I don't find her personality very pleasant, I admire her life goals.
The secondary mystery of Colonel Kimberly's Condiment Company enters the story late. The big mystery is WHY did Simpkins inherit? The story, when revealed, seems silly and implausible. Mrs. Kimberly is a not so grieving widow. Edwina suspects Mrs. Kimberly was a fortune hunter and not about to stop trying to get her hands on money now her husband is dead. She's a nasty woman with no redeeming qualities. I would feel bad for her but unlike Geraldine, she made choices that were rather unethical if what Edwina suspects is true. Colonel Kimberly's nephew, Mr. Fanhurst, seems himself as a charming ladies' man. He's spoiled and lazy, used to getting everything he wants. It's clear he wants his uncle's company or at least the money. Whether he's working with his step-great-aunt or not is not obvious but he certainly means trouble for Simpkins. Finally, Mr. Armitage, the chair of the board of directors, claims he wants what's best for the company. He seems to want something different than the family but also not Simpkins. His attitude towards Simpkins and the way he goes about trying to get what he wants is not nice. Mr. Armitage is a slimy man.
This is a fun, quick read and I look forward to seeing what Beryl and Edwina (and Crumpet, who doesn't have much to do in this story) get up to next.
As always, this series is a delight. This is a true cozy series with amateur detectives, a quaint village populated by quirky characters and little violence. The mystery is pretty good. I was distracted by a major red herring and thought I had it all figured out until I didn't. I did have an inkling the title had some bearing on the mystery but that part of it comes in so late that it seems impossible. I ended up putting together some of the more obvious clues to figure out some things but not the whole story. The murders were tragic and the story is also tinged with the darkness that followed WWI. There is some commentary on the men returning from the war with shell shock and drinking away their memories. Even Edwina starts to think Beryl must have seen and done things during the war she doesn't want to remember by sharing those stories. The characters are sympathetic to the men but also feel sorry for the women who are stuck married to men who drink away all their wages.
Other than the two murders, Walmsley Parva is a delightful village filled with nosy gossips and fun characters. Hector Lomax, the first victim, is the brother-in-law of Simpkins. Where cheeky, lazy Simpkins is a hoot, his brother-in-law was not. Hector was extra lazy, shiftless and not above lying, stealing or blackmail to get what he wanted. He was a nasty man and the consensus in the village is that the murderer did them all a favor. Edwina and Simpkins have known each other so long they can reach each other's thoughts and she is adept at telling when people are lying. Simpkins may lie about her garden work but he would never lie about killing his beloved wife's brother.
I like how Edwina is starting to let go of the strict moral and social codes she was reared with. In her parents and grandparents' day, a gardener was far beneath them socially and financially. The war changed the social order a bit and good help is hard to find and even harder to retain. Edwina is stuffy but her outlook is changing. She's trying hard to let go of those innate prejudices so when the Londoners come disparaging Simpkins, she stands up to defend him. He's HER Simpkins to yell at and argue with! Edwina is really coming along nicely. I can relate to her. Feeling the freedom of being able to do and think things on your own for the first time is scary but also wonderful! Beryl, as always, is the comedic one of the pair. A wild adventuress in her youth, she hasn't fully settled down to village life. Beryl's American ways are shocking to Edwina yet Beryl seems to be rubbing off on her and vice versa. Beryl is tired of big adventures but solving murders in the village keeps her active and provides excitement.
The murder suspects are all over the village. It seems no one had a reason to like Hector. He was seen arguing with Frank in the pub. Frank is the village drunk and I feel sorry for his family. I also feel sorry for him that he can't get help for his addiction and therefore can't hold down a job. Hector caused Frank to lose his job so Frank seems a more likely suspect than Simpkins. Hector was also seen arguing with a bald man at the pub. He was in dispute with a neighbor over something and the feud spilled over into the public arena. Two less likely suspects emerge as Beryl and Edwina start to uncover clues. One is a woman who would be justified in lashing out at Hector and the other a man. While Edwina feels the man had reason to loathe Hector and want to kill him, I disagree. To be that angry and upset with Hector enough to kill him is not excusable. The woman is a better suspect but the clues point to the man.
Other characters in the village include young Jack Gibbs. How heartbreaking for the boy to have to be the man of the family at a young age. He's still innocent enough to think his dad is not guilty of murder and that Beryl and Edwina can easily prove his dad's innocence. They do try to explain that they will do their best but it isn't looking good and young Jack is still convinced. Jack becomes the symbol of what WWI did to children. The war affected them as much as adults. Alma Poole is the local hairdresser. I was surprised to learn she is married because she owns her own business. Alma is adept at a variety of hairstyles, including bobbing and also keeping her clients secrets. She seems to be hiding her own secrets as well. Her revelations are rather shocking and a bit repugnant. Even Beryl is shocked. Her husband, Sidney, the butcher, doesn't seem like a pleasant man. Why is he holding back choice meats Edwina probably can't afford and didn't ask for? Why the special treatment? He has a nasty temper and a suspicious mind. I don't understand his insecurities. Geraldine, the telephone switchboard operator, is an example of the new order of society. She's a young woman who is not content with marrying some old man for security. She holds down a job, has valuable skills and dreams of a better life. While I don't find her personality very pleasant, I admire her life goals.
The secondary mystery of Colonel Kimberly's Condiment Company enters the story late. The big mystery is WHY did Simpkins inherit? The story, when revealed, seems silly and implausible. Mrs. Kimberly is a not so grieving widow. Edwina suspects Mrs. Kimberly was a fortune hunter and not about to stop trying to get her hands on money now her husband is dead. She's a nasty woman with no redeeming qualities. I would feel bad for her but unlike Geraldine, she made choices that were rather unethical if what Edwina suspects is true. Colonel Kimberly's nephew, Mr. Fanhurst, seems himself as a charming ladies' man. He's spoiled and lazy, used to getting everything he wants. It's clear he wants his uncle's company or at least the money. Whether he's working with his step-great-aunt or not is not obvious but he certainly means trouble for Simpkins. Finally, Mr. Armitage, the chair of the board of directors, claims he wants what's best for the company. He seems to want something different than the family but also not Simpkins. His attitude towards Simpkins and the way he goes about trying to get what he wants is not nice. Mr. Armitage is a slimy man.
This is a fun, quick read and I look forward to seeing what Beryl and Edwina (and Crumpet, who doesn't have much to do in this story) get up to next.
October 29, 2019
3.5 stars
MURDE CUTS THE MUSTARD is the entertaining third book in the post-World War I era series featuring former adventuress Beryl and her finishing school chum Edwina. This time around Edwina’s gardener becomes the prime suspect in his ne’er do well brother-in-law’s murder. Beryl and Edwina put on their investigative thinking caps to clear his and another villager’s names and unmask the real killer, all while the body count continues to rise.
I enjoy historical mysteries so Beryl and Edwina adventures are right up my alley. The 1921 setting highlights the changing British society still dealing with the ramifications of WWI. Don’t get me wrong, though, it sticks to the light hearted cozy standard with a quaint village setting, endearing characters, and “off screen” violence. Beryl and Edwina could not be more different from one another, and they balance each other well. The supporting characters are not quite as likable, but that is intentional. After all, murder suspects need not be nice.
In addition to the main murder mystery, there is a subplot dealing with an unexpected windfall that seems odd at first but plays out well in the end of the tale setting up a potential twist for future books. The pace is somewhat slow yet steady throughout. I did not figure out whodunit until close to the end.
Overall, MURDER CUTS THE MUSTARD is a charming, fun escapade. Recommended to fans of historical and cozy mysteries.
I received an ARC of this title through NetGalley from Kensington Publishers and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
MURDE CUTS THE MUSTARD is the entertaining third book in the post-World War I era series featuring former adventuress Beryl and her finishing school chum Edwina. This time around Edwina’s gardener becomes the prime suspect in his ne’er do well brother-in-law’s murder. Beryl and Edwina put on their investigative thinking caps to clear his and another villager’s names and unmask the real killer, all while the body count continues to rise.
I enjoy historical mysteries so Beryl and Edwina adventures are right up my alley. The 1921 setting highlights the changing British society still dealing with the ramifications of WWI. Don’t get me wrong, though, it sticks to the light hearted cozy standard with a quaint village setting, endearing characters, and “off screen” violence. Beryl and Edwina could not be more different from one another, and they balance each other well. The supporting characters are not quite as likable, but that is intentional. After all, murder suspects need not be nice.
In addition to the main murder mystery, there is a subplot dealing with an unexpected windfall that seems odd at first but plays out well in the end of the tale setting up a potential twist for future books. The pace is somewhat slow yet steady throughout. I did not figure out whodunit until close to the end.
Overall, MURDER CUTS THE MUSTARD is a charming, fun escapade. Recommended to fans of historical and cozy mysteries.
I received an ARC of this title through NetGalley from Kensington Publishers and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
October 1, 2023
It's official, this may be a new favorite series. I've been listening to these on audio and the narrator is superb, following along in the book too. Love it! There is so much more than mystery going on and things tied together in this book in such a delightful way.
August 30, 2022
The mystery story was exceptional, but there is so much else that I enjoyed while reading this book! Once again, there was a lot of interesting character development that would be missed without first reading the previous books in the series. I enjoyed the ambiance of the small village in England. Everyone seems to know everyone else's business! The time is set during about the year 1920, when people were feeling the aftereffects of the Great War. The different social classes were obvious, and people who felt they were among the "betters" treated the lesser classes with disdain. The book was interesting on so many levels!
October 29, 2019
Murder Cuts The Mustard is the third book in the Beryl and Edwina Mystery series.
This is one of my favorite series set shortly after WWI in the quaint little village of Walmsley Parva. Beryl and Edwina have known each other since childhood and have recently met again with Beryl stopping in Walmsley Parva and meets up once again with Edwina. After solving their first murder, Beryl suggests that they start a private inquiry agency. Edwina being a private person has her doubts, but Beryl is finally able to convince her. At first glance, Beryl and Edwina might seem an unlikely duo, Beryl being a free-spirit and Edwina is one to follow the life most women followed during the years following the war. But they end up being a very effective duo.
The story begins with Edwina’s, less than energetic gardener, Simpkins, engaged in an argument with his brother-in-law, Hector Lomax. The disagreement is over Simpkins late wife’s wedding ring that Simpkins claims Lomax has stolen. The next morning the body of Lomax is found in the graveyard next to the church. Simpkins becomes the prime suspect until Constable Gibbs learns that Frank Prentice was found, intoxicated, near where the Lomax body was discovered and who had also had an argument with Lomax the previous evening. Jack Prentice, Frank’s boy, comes to Beryl and Edwina asks to hire them to find evidence to clear his father’s name. Jack is their newspaper boy and runs errands for Edwina and Beryl and they agree to try and find Lomax’s killer.
A subplot to the story centers on Simpkins. Edwina and Beryl become concerned when a solicitor from London arrives in town wanting to speak with Simpkins. Their fears are put to rest when they learn that Simpkins has received a rather large inheritance and is now a man of means. Simpkins has been left the controlling interest in Colonel Kimberly’s Condiment Company by Colonel Kimberly. Simpkins is aware of the company’s product but has no idea as to Colonel Kimberly is.
Ms. Ellicott once again provides us with a well-written and plotted story with enough red herring to have kept me guessing until the end. She also provides us with an interesting cast of supporting characters, in addition to the wonderful Edwina and Beryl.
I very much looking forward to the next book in this very enjoyable series.
This is one of my favorite series set shortly after WWI in the quaint little village of Walmsley Parva. Beryl and Edwina have known each other since childhood and have recently met again with Beryl stopping in Walmsley Parva and meets up once again with Edwina. After solving their first murder, Beryl suggests that they start a private inquiry agency. Edwina being a private person has her doubts, but Beryl is finally able to convince her. At first glance, Beryl and Edwina might seem an unlikely duo, Beryl being a free-spirit and Edwina is one to follow the life most women followed during the years following the war. But they end up being a very effective duo.
The story begins with Edwina’s, less than energetic gardener, Simpkins, engaged in an argument with his brother-in-law, Hector Lomax. The disagreement is over Simpkins late wife’s wedding ring that Simpkins claims Lomax has stolen. The next morning the body of Lomax is found in the graveyard next to the church. Simpkins becomes the prime suspect until Constable Gibbs learns that Frank Prentice was found, intoxicated, near where the Lomax body was discovered and who had also had an argument with Lomax the previous evening. Jack Prentice, Frank’s boy, comes to Beryl and Edwina asks to hire them to find evidence to clear his father’s name. Jack is their newspaper boy and runs errands for Edwina and Beryl and they agree to try and find Lomax’s killer.
A subplot to the story centers on Simpkins. Edwina and Beryl become concerned when a solicitor from London arrives in town wanting to speak with Simpkins. Their fears are put to rest when they learn that Simpkins has received a rather large inheritance and is now a man of means. Simpkins has been left the controlling interest in Colonel Kimberly’s Condiment Company by Colonel Kimberly. Simpkins is aware of the company’s product but has no idea as to Colonel Kimberly is.
Ms. Ellicott once again provides us with a well-written and plotted story with enough red herring to have kept me guessing until the end. She also provides us with an interesting cast of supporting characters, in addition to the wonderful Edwina and Beryl.
I very much looking forward to the next book in this very enjoyable series.
November 26, 2019
Murder Cuts the Mustard by Jessica Ellicott is the third book in her Beryl and Edwina Mystery series and it is a HUGE hit !!! I fell in love with Beryl and Edwina when Beryl crashed in front of Edwina's house in the first book in this series, Murder in an English Village, and that love grows with every one of these books.
In Murder Cuts the Mustard the story and murder are very close to Edwina when her gardener, Simpkins, is the center of things. First his brother-in-law and roommate, Hector, is found murdered and even though Simpkins is not a suspect, Edwina and Beryl are asked to look into the case when the father of the paperboy is arrested. Also Simpkins is in possession of a valuable ring that even he does not know the story behind it. And while Simpkins is trying to deal with the death of his brother-in-law, strangers come to town declaring him the recipient of a huge fortune....one that could change his life forever !!!
While Edwina and Beryl try to help Simpkins deal with all the turmoil, they are also going around town putting the pieces to Hector's last days on earth in order.....they soon realize that there are a list of people that weren't on the best of terms with Hector and they all have very good reasons to have killed him.....
I love Edwina and Beryl !! I love their relationship and the way they work together. I thoroughly enjoy reading this series and try to read the books slowly so that I can completely enjoy them and linger in Walmsley Parva hanging out with Edwina and Beryl as long as possible. I hope to visit as often as I can !!!
In Murder Cuts the Mustard the story and murder are very close to Edwina when her gardener, Simpkins, is the center of things. First his brother-in-law and roommate, Hector, is found murdered and even though Simpkins is not a suspect, Edwina and Beryl are asked to look into the case when the father of the paperboy is arrested. Also Simpkins is in possession of a valuable ring that even he does not know the story behind it. And while Simpkins is trying to deal with the death of his brother-in-law, strangers come to town declaring him the recipient of a huge fortune....one that could change his life forever !!!
While Edwina and Beryl try to help Simpkins deal with all the turmoil, they are also going around town putting the pieces to Hector's last days on earth in order.....they soon realize that there are a list of people that weren't on the best of terms with Hector and they all have very good reasons to have killed him.....
I love Edwina and Beryl !! I love their relationship and the way they work together. I thoroughly enjoy reading this series and try to read the books slowly so that I can completely enjoy them and linger in Walmsley Parva hanging out with Edwina and Beryl as long as possible. I hope to visit as often as I can !!!
January 13, 2022
I get such a kick out of these stories, they're so fun! The characters are funny and quirky. I just enjoy Jessica Ellicotts' writing so much. Edwina and Beryl are like love children of Agatha Christie and the Golden Girls.
November 8, 2019
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Murder Cuts the Mustard
Beryl and Edwina Mystery #3
By Jessica Ellicott
ISBN#9781496710543
Author’s website: jessicaellicott.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
In the lean years following World War I, brash American adventuress Beryl Halliwell and prim and proper Brit Edwina Davenport form a private inquiry agency to make ends meet, hoping that crime does indeed pay . . .
The latest occurrence to disturb the peace in the quaint English village of Walmsley Parva hits rather too close to home–in fact, the prime suspect has taken up residence in Edwina’s potting shed. Her elderly gardener Simpkins has been secretly sleeping there after a row with his disreputable brother-in-law and housemate, Hector Lomax.
When Hector is found murdered in the local churchyard, Constable Gibbs comes looking for Simpkins, who was last seen arguing with his kin in the pub the night before. Based on the sad state of her garden, Edwina has grave doubts that the shiftless Simpkins could muster the effort to murder anyone. The two sleuths throw themselves into weeding out suspects and rooting out the real killer.
But this is no garden variety murder. The discovery of a valuable ring, a surprise connection to Colonel Kimberly’s Condiment Company, and a second homicide all force Beryl and Edwina to play catch-up as they relish the chance to contain the culprit.
Review:
This charming third mystery featuring adventuress Beryl and her old school friend Edwina find the odd-couple sleuths in the midst of yet another murder investigation when Edwina’s gardener’s deadbeat brother-in-law is killed and Simkins is a suspect. When the village drunk is arrested, Beryl and Edwina hone their investigative skills to unearth the real killer.
I think Beryl and Edwina make a great sleuthing team. They could not be any more different from each other, but each woman’s strengths balance out the other’s weaknesses. The English village setting is perfect for the cozy mystery genre, and though the story takes place in the uncertain years following World War I, the tone is lighthearted and the book easy to read. It can be read as a standalone, but readers do get a better understanding of the characters and their circumstances if they begin reading the series with book one.
The murder mystery is well thought out, and there is a subplot, also concerning Simkins, that initially seems odd but plays out to set up some potential changes for Beryl and Edwina in future books. There are plenty of suspects to choose from, and a few red herrings to keep readers guessing. I did not figure out the killer’s identity until very late in the tale. The story does lag a bit in the middle but quickly regains its footing.
Murder Cuts the Mustard is entertaining and endearing. It hits all of the cozy mystery high points. Recommended to any historical or cozy mystery reader.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Murder Cuts the Mustard
Beryl and Edwina Mystery #3
By Jessica Ellicott
ISBN#9781496710543
Author’s website: jessicaellicott.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
In the lean years following World War I, brash American adventuress Beryl Halliwell and prim and proper Brit Edwina Davenport form a private inquiry agency to make ends meet, hoping that crime does indeed pay . . .
The latest occurrence to disturb the peace in the quaint English village of Walmsley Parva hits rather too close to home–in fact, the prime suspect has taken up residence in Edwina’s potting shed. Her elderly gardener Simpkins has been secretly sleeping there after a row with his disreputable brother-in-law and housemate, Hector Lomax.
When Hector is found murdered in the local churchyard, Constable Gibbs comes looking for Simpkins, who was last seen arguing with his kin in the pub the night before. Based on the sad state of her garden, Edwina has grave doubts that the shiftless Simpkins could muster the effort to murder anyone. The two sleuths throw themselves into weeding out suspects and rooting out the real killer.
But this is no garden variety murder. The discovery of a valuable ring, a surprise connection to Colonel Kimberly’s Condiment Company, and a second homicide all force Beryl and Edwina to play catch-up as they relish the chance to contain the culprit.
Review:
This charming third mystery featuring adventuress Beryl and her old school friend Edwina find the odd-couple sleuths in the midst of yet another murder investigation when Edwina’s gardener’s deadbeat brother-in-law is killed and Simkins is a suspect. When the village drunk is arrested, Beryl and Edwina hone their investigative skills to unearth the real killer.
I think Beryl and Edwina make a great sleuthing team. They could not be any more different from each other, but each woman’s strengths balance out the other’s weaknesses. The English village setting is perfect for the cozy mystery genre, and though the story takes place in the uncertain years following World War I, the tone is lighthearted and the book easy to read. It can be read as a standalone, but readers do get a better understanding of the characters and their circumstances if they begin reading the series with book one.
The murder mystery is well thought out, and there is a subplot, also concerning Simkins, that initially seems odd but plays out to set up some potential changes for Beryl and Edwina in future books. There are plenty of suspects to choose from, and a few red herrings to keep readers guessing. I did not figure out the killer’s identity until very late in the tale. The story does lag a bit in the middle but quickly regains its footing.
Murder Cuts the Mustard is entertaining and endearing. It hits all of the cozy mystery high points. Recommended to any historical or cozy mystery reader.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
September 1, 2020
2020 bk 286 It is always nice to come into unexpected money - or is it? When Edwina's gardener has an unexpected inheritance things go wrong, well, actually things seemed to go wrong before he was notified of his legacy. When the father of a young boy is arrested for the murder of the gardener's brother in law, the young man, screws up his courage, starts doing more things to earn money, and hires the firm of Edwina and Beryl to find out who really did it!
I always love finding new mystery authors who write well enough that I save my pennies to purchase their books in hardback - this is the case of Jessica Ellicott - I even went back and bought the first one in hardback after reading an ebook of her work. Her writing continues to keep me reading.
I always love finding new mystery authors who write well enough that I save my pennies to purchase their books in hardback - this is the case of Jessica Ellicott - I even went back and bought the first one in hardback after reading an ebook of her work. Her writing continues to keep me reading.
July 12, 2020
Cute cozy mystery set in England between WWI and WWII, but of course, nobody in that time knew that the War to end all Wars was only the first of two in rapid succession to involve so many dang countries. I like reading about things set in this odd timeframe, which already reminds me of Life After Life by Kate Atkinson (a very different book, but set in this location and timeframe).
Beryl and Edwina are charming. I'm not quite sure how they've been surviving up this point, and may backtrack in the series to find out. The library audiobook collection sadly does not tell me when books are part of a series (and where they would fall in such series).
Beryl and Edwina are charming. I'm not quite sure how they've been surviving up this point, and may backtrack in the series to find out. The library audiobook collection sadly does not tell me when books are part of a series (and where they would fall in such series).
November 2, 2022
Excellent murder mystery set in a Kentish village after the first World War. I read the first book in the series and this is the third. While former cases were referenced from time to time, it was not necessary to have read any of the other books to follow this one. But there is some development in character relationships.
I adore the two female sleuths and the friendship between them. And Barbara Rosenblat does an incredible job at bringing the wide variety of village inhabitants to life.
I do hate the cover for the book here on Goodreads. The one on my audio book was much more to my liking.
I adore the two female sleuths and the friendship between them. And Barbara Rosenblat does an incredible job at bringing the wide variety of village inhabitants to life.
I do hate the cover for the book here on Goodreads. The one on my audio book was much more to my liking.
January 25, 2021
Hector Lomax derived pleasure from enraging people, and argued with a slew of people before his murder. Unfortunately, one was Edwina's gardener Simpkins and another was newsboy Jack's father, whom Constable Gibbs arrests. Edwina and Beryl set out to find the murderer, with hopes of not further implicating someone they care about. Meanwhile, Simpkins is surprised to learn he has inherited a fortune, if he can live to enjoy it.
The ending tied everything up but, in my opinion, was too complicated.
The ending tied everything up but, in my opinion, was too complicated.
October 9, 2020
Love this series so much! Very enjoyable read!
December 10, 2021
Fun and clever cozy series.
March 12, 2023
Another fun book in this series. Beryl and Edwina are becoming quite good private investigators!
July 13, 2023
3.5 stars
November 12, 2021
Really cute and entertaining series.
February 15, 2022
I get such a chuckle listening to these sleuths’ adventures.
June 25, 2020
I enjoyed this mystery. Mixing an American in a British setting or vice versa is a long established trope to get sales in two countries, but here we see the American lady immersed in Kent culture in the aftermath of the Great War, living alongside an English lady and adapting to odd or quaint or class-conscious customs. So in this case it works well as many British Isles residents would also need matters explained to them about the historical setup, which English people of the time wouldn't need to explain to one another.
In this mystery, the shabby gardener is suspected of murder when his housemate, an odd drunk, is found killed. We learn about the unusual weather in Kent of that year and how society is changing in the wake of the war. Great characterisation and attention to detail.
I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
In this mystery, the shabby gardener is suspected of murder when his housemate, an odd drunk, is found killed. We learn about the unusual weather in Kent of that year and how society is changing in the wake of the war. Great characterisation and attention to detail.
I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
June 23, 2020
I love this series! This is a perfect cozy mystery series, filled with small-town shenanigans, colourful characters, and a fun murder to solve [well, for everyone except the victim, that is!]
I absolutely adore Beryl and Edwina! They are the perfect pair of opposites and they work perfectly together in investigating for their private inquiry business. I love how they irritate and support one another in equal measure!
The town is hilarious! Chock-a-block with every small-town kind of cliche you could want [and that is a compliment!] the inhabitants of Walmsley Parva are just a hoot!
Format note: I always buy the audio book for this series, because it is narrated by the absolutely spectacular Barbara Rosenblat, who is in the top 3 audio narrators I will always love listening to. Barbara is amazing with making every character sound unique, and she brings all the characters to life with her narration! If you like audio books, this series is a terrific one to listen to.
There is really nothing I don't like about these books. The author has created a wonderful world, put interesting characters into it, and gives them plenty to do, while infusing the whole thing with the subtle, cheeky humour the Brits are known for. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this series as an excellent one!
I absolutely adore Beryl and Edwina! They are the perfect pair of opposites and they work perfectly together in investigating for their private inquiry business. I love how they irritate and support one another in equal measure!
The town is hilarious! Chock-a-block with every small-town kind of cliche you could want [and that is a compliment!] the inhabitants of Walmsley Parva are just a hoot!
Format note: I always buy the audio book for this series, because it is narrated by the absolutely spectacular Barbara Rosenblat, who is in the top 3 audio narrators I will always love listening to. Barbara is amazing with making every character sound unique, and she brings all the characters to life with her narration! If you like audio books, this series is a terrific one to listen to.
There is really nothing I don't like about these books. The author has created a wonderful world, put interesting characters into it, and gives them plenty to do, while infusing the whole thing with the subtle, cheeky humour the Brits are known for. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this series as an excellent one!
April 27, 2022
While I enjoyed the setting and characters of this mystery, set in an English village between the wars, the writing style was a bit ponderous and made it a slower read. Odd couple Edwina (an aging English rose) and her American friend Beryl, who's had a career as an adventurer (somehow, calling a woman an 'adventuress' doesn't mean at all the same thing) live together and run a small detective agency. When an obnoxious villager is murdered, the police arrest an unemployed drunk--who happens to be the father of the spunky newspaper boy who has won the ladies' hearts. They agree to investigate, with little hope of clearing the man. When it turns out that the dead man's brother-in-law, who is Edwina's jobbing gardener, has inherited a fortune from a man he never met, the plot thickens, although our sleuths ignore that element in favor of village jealousies. Somehow, I missed the second of this series, and will have to go back to read it now.
March 22, 2022
This series is such a delight! I love Edwina and Beryl and their investigations!
October 28, 2021
I’ve read these three Beryl and Edwina books in very quick succession because they are such easy, pleasant reads. The fact that the author is moving the heroines sequentially through time, i.e., it’s only a month after the end of the second book when this one takes place, means that you really do get not only a sense of the passage of time but interestingly, a flavour how slowly time seems to pass in a small village. This time, Edwina’s gardener, Simpkins, is suspected of murdering his cousin, with whom he has been living, but of course, nothing is what it seems, and soon our intrepid sleuths, and their assorted sidekicks, are hot on the trail of who really did the dirty deed. In the course of the action, Simpkins appears to be heir to a fortune in mustard stock, and Beryl decides she’s going to write a book … if only she could figure out the dastardly typewriter.
October 26, 2019
This is becoming one of my favorite historical cozy mystery series.
I love Edwina and Beryl and I love the well researched historical background and their mysteries.
It's a gripping, humorous and entertaining read that kept me hooked and made me turn pages as fast as I could.
The mystery is fast paced, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing.
I was more than happy to meet again the quirky cast of characters and the character development is excellent as they're all well written and interesting.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I love Edwina and Beryl and I love the well researched historical background and their mysteries.
It's a gripping, humorous and entertaining read that kept me hooked and made me turn pages as fast as I could.
The mystery is fast paced, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing.
I was more than happy to meet again the quirky cast of characters and the character development is excellent as they're all well written and interesting.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
July 5, 2021
My third read into this series, and the assembled characters of this dreadful village are beginning to grate in their dullness. They're also unpleasant. I'm not sure the lure of the mystery is enough to warrant spending hours among them. :/ Why is it so hard to find a good mystery series? DNF
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