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Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #5
The Burning Issue of the Day
January 1910. A journalist has been killed in a suspicious blaze. Everything points to a group of suffragettes, but the apparent culprit insists she is innocent.
When Lady Hardcastle receives a letter from a suffragette requesting her urgent help, the retired spy turned sleuth knows only she stands between an accused young woman and the gallows. Evidence at the scene makes Lizzie Worrel’s innocence difficult to believe, and with the police treating it as an open-and-shut case of arson, Lady Hardcastle faces a barrage of resistance as she tries to dig out the truth.
With her trusted maid and confidante, the formidable Flo, Lady Hardcastle sets off in pursuit of the truth as time runs out for the accused suffragette. Was she set up? And if so, is the real culprit a traitor to the cause—or part of a darker conspiracy?
When Lady Hardcastle receives a letter from a suffragette requesting her urgent help, the retired spy turned sleuth knows only she stands between an accused young woman and the gallows. Evidence at the scene makes Lizzie Worrel’s innocence difficult to believe, and with the police treating it as an open-and-shut case of arson, Lady Hardcastle faces a barrage of resistance as she tries to dig out the truth.
With her trusted maid and confidante, the formidable Flo, Lady Hardcastle sets off in pursuit of the truth as time runs out for the accused suffragette. Was she set up? And if so, is the real culprit a traitor to the cause—or part of a darker conspiracy?
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First published April 10, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 581 reviews
May 10, 2019
I really look forward to each of these books as they come out, so that I can enjoy a few more pleasant hours in the company of the amazing Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence. The two of them make a remarkable team and in this book we hear a lot more of their past times together when Lady Hardcastle was a spy and Florence learned martial arts, among many other things.
The burning issue of the day of the title is the Suffragette movement and the author has done his research. It is amazing to look back and realise that many people really believed that women did not have the right kind of brain to cope with such serious issues as voting for their government. At least we have come a long way from that!
Of course our intrepid pair become involved in arson, murder, break and enter, and even gold theft and fraud, ably assisted by their good friend Inspector Sunderland. All very silly but absolutely delightful and an excellent read.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The burning issue of the day of the title is the Suffragette movement and the author has done his research. It is amazing to look back and realise that many people really believed that women did not have the right kind of brain to cope with such serious issues as voting for their government. At least we have come a long way from that!
Of course our intrepid pair become involved in arson, murder, break and enter, and even gold theft and fraud, ably assisted by their good friend Inspector Sunderland. All very silly but absolutely delightful and an excellent read.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 5, 2019
The fire which started just before midnight and burned the shop to the ground was blamed on the suffragettes – the young lady who was immediately arrested and thrown in jail proclaimed her innocence. But the police declared it an open and shut case. It was when a man’s body – that of a prominent journalist – was found in the wreckage that it was declared murder.
When Lady Hardcastle received a letter from a friend in Bristol requesting her urgent help, she and her maid and fellow sleuth, Florence Armstrong, immediately set off in their motor to meet with the suffragettes and see what could be done. But the evidence seemed to fit the crime – this one would be a challenge to Flo and Lady Hardcastle. As they began their investigations, there were dark and sinister secrets linked to the fire. Would the two determined sleuths find the answers before it was too late?
The Burning Issue of the Day is the 5th in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by TE Kinsey and another excellent addition to the series. I love the laugh out loud wit and humour that always peppers these stories – light, entertaining and loads of fun. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are two really brilliant characters and I’m already looking forward to #6. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Lady Hardcastle received a letter from a friend in Bristol requesting her urgent help, she and her maid and fellow sleuth, Florence Armstrong, immediately set off in their motor to meet with the suffragettes and see what could be done. But the evidence seemed to fit the crime – this one would be a challenge to Flo and Lady Hardcastle. As they began their investigations, there were dark and sinister secrets linked to the fire. Would the two determined sleuths find the answers before it was too late?
The Burning Issue of the Day is the 5th in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by TE Kinsey and another excellent addition to the series. I love the laugh out loud wit and humour that always peppers these stories – light, entertaining and loads of fun. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are two really brilliant characters and I’m already looking forward to #6. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2019
In 1910, the Bristol News reports a suffragette has killed a newspaper man during an arson demonstration and is now up for murder. Lady Hardcastle and her intrepid lady's maid, Florence are now on the case to prove Lizzie Worrel innocent and find the true arsonist and killer.
The Burning Issue of the Day is the fifth in the Lady Hardcastle historical cozy mysteries. There is a flow to the series, but the reader/listener could get a book out of order as there is a fresh mystery in each installment.
In this latest, the ladies leave their village for the nearby city to involve themselves in the suffragette movement, newspaper industry, and big city politics. With the help of police detective, Inspector Sutherland, who has been told to let the arrest stand and not continue investigating, the help of young, energetic suffragette leader, Georgie, and the return of cynic female reporter, Diana Cordal, they face up against a powerful group of Bristol's leaders who they are investigating for the crime.
The Lady Hardcastle series are a fun historical cozy mystery series about a pair of retired spies that moved to the country for a rest from their former activities, but find murder investigation an engaging alternative hobby. No one suspects this pair of being more than an eccentric and entertaining widow and her maid, but Lady Emily Hardcastle has a first class brain behind her playful and sometimes vague remarks and Flo, her little Welsh maid grew up agile and capable in the circus and is trained in the martial arts. They are an entertaining pair of friends and amateur sleuths.
I enjoy how each installment of this series focuses on a different aspect of history from that Edwardian time period. Music, car racing, moving pictures, and now women's suffrage. The city of Bristol is brought to life and I appreciate the historical backdrop the author takes the time to paint.
The mystery in this one is slow burn as the group conducts their investigation. There was a good bit going on that could be part of it or simply a distraction. There were many players that had to be investigated, too. So, it gets along slowly. I figured out most of it ahead of time, but it's always enjoyable to see how they work it out and bring about justice.
Elizabeth Knowelden is the narrator for this series and she is sensational at bringing the characters, including the men, various classes, and the historical tone to life. Flo is the point of view of the story and I like how she is portrayed with the more lively voices given to the others except Inspector Sunderland who tends to be the straight guy in the humor moments. I love how Knowelden's narration brings that special shine to the stories.
All in all, this was another easy going, delightful addition to the series. Those who enjoy lighter-toned historical mysteries with a great deal of humor should give this series a try.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to the book in exchange for an honest review.
The Burning Issue of the Day is the fifth in the Lady Hardcastle historical cozy mysteries. There is a flow to the series, but the reader/listener could get a book out of order as there is a fresh mystery in each installment.
In this latest, the ladies leave their village for the nearby city to involve themselves in the suffragette movement, newspaper industry, and big city politics. With the help of police detective, Inspector Sutherland, who has been told to let the arrest stand and not continue investigating, the help of young, energetic suffragette leader, Georgie, and the return of cynic female reporter, Diana Cordal, they face up against a powerful group of Bristol's leaders who they are investigating for the crime.
The Lady Hardcastle series are a fun historical cozy mystery series about a pair of retired spies that moved to the country for a rest from their former activities, but find murder investigation an engaging alternative hobby. No one suspects this pair of being more than an eccentric and entertaining widow and her maid, but Lady Emily Hardcastle has a first class brain behind her playful and sometimes vague remarks and Flo, her little Welsh maid grew up agile and capable in the circus and is trained in the martial arts. They are an entertaining pair of friends and amateur sleuths.
I enjoy how each installment of this series focuses on a different aspect of history from that Edwardian time period. Music, car racing, moving pictures, and now women's suffrage. The city of Bristol is brought to life and I appreciate the historical backdrop the author takes the time to paint.
The mystery in this one is slow burn as the group conducts their investigation. There was a good bit going on that could be part of it or simply a distraction. There were many players that had to be investigated, too. So, it gets along slowly. I figured out most of it ahead of time, but it's always enjoyable to see how they work it out and bring about justice.
Elizabeth Knowelden is the narrator for this series and she is sensational at bringing the characters, including the men, various classes, and the historical tone to life. Flo is the point of view of the story and I like how she is portrayed with the more lively voices given to the others except Inspector Sunderland who tends to be the straight guy in the humor moments. I love how Knowelden's narration brings that special shine to the stories.
All in all, this was another easy going, delightful addition to the series. Those who enjoy lighter-toned historical mysteries with a great deal of humor should give this series a try.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to the book in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2025
I think this was my favorite so far! I loved Lady Hardcastle and Flo’s partnership with Dinah Caudle, Lady Bickle, and, as always, Inspector Sunderland. They’re all such great characters and they were all integral to the solving of this complex case. I loved the historical details about the suffragettes and how Kinsey sets up a contrast between those who believe in women’s right to vote and those who don’t. Some characters underestimate women to their own peril. 😏 The case ends up being a lot more complex than it appears to be too. It was fun to be more in Bristol this time too, which I’ve ‘visited’ in E.H. Young’s novels.
September 3, 2023
I have to say, this wasn't necessarily my favorite addition to the series. The plot just didn't really intrigue me as much.
I still love Lady Hardcastle and Flo, though. Can't wait to see what they get up to next.
I still love Lady Hardcastle and Flo, though. Can't wait to see what they get up to next.
October 4, 2022
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April 1, 2023
Another fine entry in the series. The audio book is top notch.
March 4, 2023
2019 - bk 164. 2020 bk 207. Zowie - I didn't think I would get the newest Lady Hardcastle until the fall - and it arrived this week! A man is murdered, but only discovered when a fire engulfs the building in which his apartment lays. Literature and a note leads to a young woman involved in the suffragette movement and she is arrested. Her colleagues plea with Lady Hardcastle to look into the murder. Flo is aghast when their nemesis, the journalist from an earlier mystery, comes to them with a clue to the possible murder. The murdered man was a colleague of hers and she has his notebooks. This is a mystery within a mystery, clues lead to criminal activity that will shake the foundations of the city and the police. An excellent read.
May 11, 2019
The Lady Hardcastle mysteries have been an auto-buy series for me since I first listened to A Quiet Life in the Country. I highly recommend this series on audio (though I actually own print, kindle, and audio copies of every book in the series). Elizabeth Knowelden is a fabulous narrator and really brings Kinsey's characters to life. I love the cheekiness of Lady H and Flo, and the mysteries themselves are always well plotted.
October 31, 2025
I experienced this to as an audiobook and was amazed by another tour de force performance by Elizabeth Knowelden. How anyone can convincingly do 6-7 accents including some male ones is beyond me.
As to the story itself, it’s solid and entertaining and the way Knowelden presents it I could easily see it being consumed whilst sitting around a fire as I could laying out on a deck in the sun.
If you like the Richard Osman books this series could be for you - it’s cosy with a capital ‘C’ with feminist and ‘feel good’ overtones.
As to the story itself, it’s solid and entertaining and the way Knowelden presents it I could easily see it being consumed whilst sitting around a fire as I could laying out on a deck in the sun.
If you like the Richard Osman books this series could be for you - it’s cosy with a capital ‘C’ with feminist and ‘feel good’ overtones.
July 12, 2019
Great entry to one of my favorite series. Lady Hardcastle and Flo simply make the best crime-solving team.
December 6, 2019
4/5 ⭐️
Wish there was a bit more of the sufferagett movement
Wish there was a bit more of the sufferagett movement
July 29, 2021
Listening to a Lady Hardcastle story is like a visit with old friends. Since I accessed the novels out of order, this is my last episode & that makes me sad. Hopefully, T. E. Kinsey will come up with a new adventure for Lady Emily & Flo & their family & friends. Narrator Elizabeth Knowelden is awesome at bringing all the characters to life. In this one, her voice for the elderly butler cracked me up. Entertaining!
December 28, 2020
I have spent the last few months reading my way through the Lady Hardcastle series. I'm happy to say that I've been enjoying each new installment as much as the last. I love the characters and the humor and the mysteries are always well written and intriguing. I definitely recommend this series for fans of historical mysteries.
June 13, 2025
This series remains entertaining!
April 11, 2019
3.5 stars
I received a free digital edition from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Lady Hardcastle and her maid/friend Florence Armstrong are looking forward to a quiet winter at home. They're hoping Lady H's friend "Fishy" will make them a new motorcar so they can gad about in the winter without freezing. Then Lady Hardcastle reads about a journalist was killed in a fire started by an arsonist and the suffragette bagged for the crime. Through a mutual friend, Lady Hardcastle is requested by Lady Bickle, a member of the Women's Social and Political Union, to investigate the crime and free her fellow suffragette Lizzie Worrel from gaol. Lady Hardcastle and Flo head off to Bristol and discover the crime goes much deeper than women's suffrage. They must join forces with Lady Bickle and an old nemesis, journalist Dinah Caudle, to figure out the truth and free Lizzie Worrel.
I have been eagerly anticipating this story since December. Women's suffrage is a favorite topic of mine and one I have studied extensively. I had a feeling my old friends Emily and Flo would want the right to vote. However, because the investigation takes them out of the neighborhood and into the city of Bristol, I feel the story loses some of the charm present in previous books. There are only two short scenes involving the Farley-Strouds and two short scenes with Daisy at the pub. I miss the local color and especially the Farley-Strouds. I did appreciate learning what happened to Clarissa after the events of the first book. I had been wondering about that, but for once the Farley-Strouds are not at the center of events in this book. The plot structure is more traditional and departs from the usual three-in-one structure. There are a couple of smaller mysteries that lead into the overall large mystery.
The mystery was OK but not what I expected. I was not really surprised by the revelations except for one at the very end. I was able to put the book down and sleep without wanting to pick it up again right away. After about the 2/3 mark was where it really got interesting and I wanted to finish it but was able to sleep without finishing. The denouement needed some more action. I kept thinking Lady Hardcastle was missing something. There was something else later in the novel I thought she should have looked into but didn't. I feel bad for thinking it but it could have answered some questions that arise at the very end of the novel. I really like the coded journal and had fun trying to figure it out. I am not as clever as Lady Hardcastle, alas, and couldn't crack the cipher.
Emily and Flo are, as always, delightful. They share less of their usual banter in this story but are still very close. Flo rolls her eyes whenever Emily forgets a name and Emily teases Flo about her lack of height. They really do act like sisters or even an old married couple. Emily acts like a scatterbrained old lady but she's much more sharp and aware than she lets on. Inspector Sunderland knows this and trusts her judgement. I appreciate that the detective is not an arrogant fool. Inspector Sunderland's hands are tied as the police believe this is a closed case. He's also on the trail of something else, unofficially. Since he is not able to investigate, this makes Lady Hardcastle's involvement more plausible and necessary.
The only other series regulars to appear are Daisy at the Dog and Duck, who has a subplot of her own and Dr. Simeon Gosling. Dr. Gosling is as jovial as ever and this time we get to see him interact with a male colleague and friend. He's a very jolly sort of man with a sense of humor. I like him because he appreciates his friend Emily's intelligence and accepts Flo as part of the package deal. Journalist Dinah Caudle may become a series regular as well. She got off on the wrong foot with Lady Hardcastle but now they are united in a common cause and must call a truce. Dinah can be tough because she's a woman in a man's world. She's trying to succeed in life outside of the expectations her family has for her and I admire her for that. She's more straightforward than Lady Hardcastle but she knows how to get answers in her own way. She also has more finesse when interrogating her suspects. I suspect she will become a friend and assist with future investigations.
The newcomers are connected with either the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) or the anti-women's suffrage league. While I do not approve of some of the tactics employed by the WSPU, their cause has my full sympathy. I know quite a lot about them so I skimmed some of the history presented in the story. Georgina, Lady Bickle, seems to be the head of the local Bristol branch of the WSPU. She's a champion of women's suffrage but not at the expense of human life and she knows Lizzie Worrel did not kill Christian Brookfield. Georgie is a younger version of Lady Hardcastle but I do not care for her as much. Georgie is a wealthy dilettante. Is she merely a bored housewife looking for something to do that's slightly mischievous or does she firmly believe in the cause? Her flippant manner rubs me the wrong way. Lady Hardcastle may be eccentric but she's better educated than Georgie and is more intelligent and serious than she looks. Perhaps Georgie will seem less silly when she's older? It is very nice to see her so devoted to her husband, though and not be a part of the usual society marriage.
Poor Lizzie Worrel is stuck in jail for a crime she claims she didn't commit. She is not doing well. I feel so awful for her. She doesn't have a prayer of a chance of getting out of jail alive. Lady Hardcastle, a stranger, is her only hope. It's no wonder Lizzie is despondent. The other two suffragettes who work in the office with Lizzie and Georgie are Marisol Rojas and Beattie Challenger. Marisol, a Chilean woman, is passionate and dedicated to the cause of freedom. I really like her. Beattie is a stereotypical spinster. She's quiet, nondescript and dedicated to the Empire. I object to the spinster stereotype. I don't like Beattie because of her jingoistic and snide comments to Marisol. Ladies, you're on the same side working for a common cause, don't be catty towards each other.
The suspects are Mr. Oswald Crane, a coffee importer who speaks out against women's suffrage and marital infidelity, blaming the woman. Unfortunately for him, his wife is conducting an affair and everyone knows it. He's a blustery, rude sort of man who thinks he's a big shot and can intimidate people but is really a buffoon and not taken seriously. Nathaniel Morefield, Mrs. Crane's lover, is actually a big shot. He's on the city council and naturally the ladies suspect him of corruption but how deep and what exactly is he involved in? Jimmy Stanbridge is a younger son of nobility and has a bad drinking and gambling problem. He comes across as quite foolish. Redvers Hinckley is a property developer and I think that speaks for itself. Which one is a killer? They each have motivation to protect their own interests from the nosy journalist who was about to expose corruption in the city of Bristol. Are you surprised these types are on the suspect list? I am not. If they were American it would be the same thing with ties to Tammany Hall. Obviously these good old boys are opposed to women's suffrage for the most ridiculous reasons. Their rationale for opposing women's suffrage makes me so angry. I could never be as polite as Lady Hardcastle. I would have given them a blistering lecture and flounced off!
The book works as a standalone but contains some small spoilers - more like hints- for previous books in the series. Lady Hardcastle reveals more of her real backstory and she is becoming more well-known because of her past exploits. There is one brief mention of an old enemy and I really wonder what the story is there! I am dying to read more books about Lady Hardcastle and find out what's going on with this enemy she thought was dead.
The author includes a historical note on the WSPU and other notes on the history of the places mentioned in the story.
Content includes a visit to a certain type of house frequented by men and a chat with a woman dressed ... unusually. She informs Lady Hardcastle and Flo that the man they are asking about had to leave on foot. You can connect the dots yourself with the information presented. I'd rather not and it just wasn't necessary.
Content also includes minor gun violence and arson.
I received a free digital edition from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Lady Hardcastle and her maid/friend Florence Armstrong are looking forward to a quiet winter at home. They're hoping Lady H's friend "Fishy" will make them a new motorcar so they can gad about in the winter without freezing. Then Lady Hardcastle reads about a journalist was killed in a fire started by an arsonist and the suffragette bagged for the crime. Through a mutual friend, Lady Hardcastle is requested by Lady Bickle, a member of the Women's Social and Political Union, to investigate the crime and free her fellow suffragette Lizzie Worrel from gaol. Lady Hardcastle and Flo head off to Bristol and discover the crime goes much deeper than women's suffrage. They must join forces with Lady Bickle and an old nemesis, journalist Dinah Caudle, to figure out the truth and free Lizzie Worrel.
I have been eagerly anticipating this story since December. Women's suffrage is a favorite topic of mine and one I have studied extensively. I had a feeling my old friends Emily and Flo would want the right to vote. However, because the investigation takes them out of the neighborhood and into the city of Bristol, I feel the story loses some of the charm present in previous books. There are only two short scenes involving the Farley-Strouds and two short scenes with Daisy at the pub. I miss the local color and especially the Farley-Strouds. I did appreciate learning what happened to Clarissa after the events of the first book. I had been wondering about that, but for once the Farley-Strouds are not at the center of events in this book. The plot structure is more traditional and departs from the usual three-in-one structure. There are a couple of smaller mysteries that lead into the overall large mystery.
The mystery was OK but not what I expected. I was not really surprised by the revelations except for one at the very end. I was able to put the book down and sleep without wanting to pick it up again right away. After about the 2/3 mark was where it really got interesting and I wanted to finish it but was able to sleep without finishing. The denouement needed some more action. I kept thinking Lady Hardcastle was missing something. There was something else later in the novel I thought she should have looked into but didn't. I feel bad for thinking it but it could have answered some questions that arise at the very end of the novel. I really like the coded journal and had fun trying to figure it out. I am not as clever as Lady Hardcastle, alas, and couldn't crack the cipher.
Emily and Flo are, as always, delightful. They share less of their usual banter in this story but are still very close. Flo rolls her eyes whenever Emily forgets a name and Emily teases Flo about her lack of height. They really do act like sisters or even an old married couple. Emily acts like a scatterbrained old lady but she's much more sharp and aware than she lets on. Inspector Sunderland knows this and trusts her judgement. I appreciate that the detective is not an arrogant fool. Inspector Sunderland's hands are tied as the police believe this is a closed case. He's also on the trail of something else, unofficially. Since he is not able to investigate, this makes Lady Hardcastle's involvement more plausible and necessary.
The only other series regulars to appear are Daisy at the Dog and Duck, who has a subplot of her own and Dr. Simeon Gosling. Dr. Gosling is as jovial as ever and this time we get to see him interact with a male colleague and friend. He's a very jolly sort of man with a sense of humor. I like him because he appreciates his friend Emily's intelligence and accepts Flo as part of the package deal. Journalist Dinah Caudle may become a series regular as well. She got off on the wrong foot with Lady Hardcastle but now they are united in a common cause and must call a truce. Dinah can be tough because she's a woman in a man's world. She's trying to succeed in life outside of the expectations her family has for her and I admire her for that. She's more straightforward than Lady Hardcastle but she knows how to get answers in her own way. She also has more finesse when interrogating her suspects. I suspect she will become a friend and assist with future investigations.
The newcomers are connected with either the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) or the anti-women's suffrage league. While I do not approve of some of the tactics employed by the WSPU, their cause has my full sympathy. I know quite a lot about them so I skimmed some of the history presented in the story. Georgina, Lady Bickle, seems to be the head of the local Bristol branch of the WSPU. She's a champion of women's suffrage but not at the expense of human life and she knows Lizzie Worrel did not kill Christian Brookfield. Georgie is a younger version of Lady Hardcastle but I do not care for her as much. Georgie is a wealthy dilettante. Is she merely a bored housewife looking for something to do that's slightly mischievous or does she firmly believe in the cause? Her flippant manner rubs me the wrong way. Lady Hardcastle may be eccentric but she's better educated than Georgie and is more intelligent and serious than she looks. Perhaps Georgie will seem less silly when she's older? It is very nice to see her so devoted to her husband, though and not be a part of the usual society marriage.
Poor Lizzie Worrel is stuck in jail for a crime she claims she didn't commit. She is not doing well. I feel so awful for her. She doesn't have a prayer of a chance of getting out of jail alive. Lady Hardcastle, a stranger, is her only hope. It's no wonder Lizzie is despondent. The other two suffragettes who work in the office with Lizzie and Georgie are Marisol Rojas and Beattie Challenger. Marisol, a Chilean woman, is passionate and dedicated to the cause of freedom. I really like her. Beattie is a stereotypical spinster. She's quiet, nondescript and dedicated to the Empire. I object to the spinster stereotype. I don't like Beattie because of her jingoistic and snide comments to Marisol. Ladies, you're on the same side working for a common cause, don't be catty towards each other.
The suspects are Mr. Oswald Crane, a coffee importer who speaks out against women's suffrage and marital infidelity, blaming the woman. Unfortunately for him, his wife is conducting an affair and everyone knows it. He's a blustery, rude sort of man who thinks he's a big shot and can intimidate people but is really a buffoon and not taken seriously. Nathaniel Morefield, Mrs. Crane's lover, is actually a big shot. He's on the city council and naturally the ladies suspect him of corruption but how deep and what exactly is he involved in? Jimmy Stanbridge is a younger son of nobility and has a bad drinking and gambling problem. He comes across as quite foolish. Redvers Hinckley is a property developer and I think that speaks for itself. Which one is a killer? They each have motivation to protect their own interests from the nosy journalist who was about to expose corruption in the city of Bristol. Are you surprised these types are on the suspect list? I am not. If they were American it would be the same thing with ties to Tammany Hall. Obviously these good old boys are opposed to women's suffrage for the most ridiculous reasons. Their rationale for opposing women's suffrage makes me so angry. I could never be as polite as Lady Hardcastle. I would have given them a blistering lecture and flounced off!
The book works as a standalone but contains some small spoilers - more like hints- for previous books in the series. Lady Hardcastle reveals more of her real backstory and she is becoming more well-known because of her past exploits. There is one brief mention of an old enemy and I really wonder what the story is there! I am dying to read more books about Lady Hardcastle and find out what's going on with this enemy she thought was dead.
The author includes a historical note on the WSPU and other notes on the history of the places mentioned in the story.
Content includes a visit to a certain type of house frequented by men and a chat with a woman dressed ... unusually. She informs Lady Hardcastle and Flo that the man they are asking about had to leave on foot. You can connect the dots yourself with the information presented. I'd rather not and it just wasn't necessary.
Content also includes minor gun violence and arson.
January 23, 2026
So, I was more than happy to be back in the cosy world of Lady Hardcastle, re-kindling the spark lost in the last book I've read in the series. And all was well, the story started strong and the humour was humouring as it should.
But then at some point, the story completely stalls to near halt, with nothing particularly happening other then the characters going from one house to another for nearly 150 pages, discussing the same theory over and over again.
And I'm heartbroken to say that the last 30 pages were just garbage 💔
Not only do we get the whole wrap up of the mystery second hand explained to us at a dinner, once everything is done, but for some reason the author decided to destroy the whole WSPU branch, making all memebers but one, villains??
Not to mention Dinah C. getting hitched up with a man who could be her father???
And by the end, all 4 women were sounding and acting exactly the same, using the same jokes and sticking out their tongues in a Lady H fashion.
The hell was this ending? 😟
However, I'll read one more of these books. I know it's hard to make every entry in a series have the same fun delivery and occasionally, there will be flops, but it feels like potentially, The Lady Hardcastle Series has now ran it's course and the author no longer knows how to keep the initially provided atmosphere alive. I guess the next book will tell
I'm truly hoping I'm not right 🤞🤞🤞
But then at some point, the story completely stalls to near halt, with nothing particularly happening other then the characters going from one house to another for nearly 150 pages, discussing the same theory over and over again.
And I'm heartbroken to say that the last 30 pages were just garbage 💔
Not only do we get the whole wrap up of the mystery second hand explained to us at a dinner, once everything is done, but for some reason the author decided to destroy the whole WSPU branch, making all memebers but one, villains??
Not to mention Dinah C. getting hitched up with a man who could be her father???
And by the end, all 4 women were sounding and acting exactly the same, using the same jokes and sticking out their tongues in a Lady H fashion.
The hell was this ending? 😟
However, I'll read one more of these books. I know it's hard to make every entry in a series have the same fun delivery and occasionally, there will be flops, but it feels like potentially, The Lady Hardcastle Series has now ran it's course and the author no longer knows how to keep the initially provided atmosphere alive. I guess the next book will tell
I'm truly hoping I'm not right 🤞🤞🤞
March 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this Lady Hardcastle mystery. As always it was a fun audiobook but I also found it interesting to hear / learn more about the Women’s Suffragette (which honestly, I didn’t know much about). Looking forward to book #6 in the series!
June 16, 2019
3 STARS for the 5th book in this series. As in the previous books, 5 STARS for the narration by Elizabeth Knowelden. She adds so much to the books. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the four previous.
This story takes place in 1910, and Lady Emily Hardcastle and her lady’s maid/"tiny servant" and friend, Florence are called to Bristol, to clear the name of a suffragette. Lizzie Worrel, a member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) has been arrested for murder. A shop owned by a known anti-suffragist was deliberately set afire but unfortunately a tenant who lived above the shop, journalist Christian Brookfield died in the fire. Evidence at the scene of the crime included suffragette leaflets and a “signed” note by Worrel claiming responsibility.
As usual the highlight of all of Lady Hardcastle and Flo’s books are their unique partnership and friendship. Their banter is always amusing and unheard of between a lady and her maid. I was glad to see Inspector Sutherland again. In the last few books he had a smaller part. We finally meet Mrs. Sutherland. It was promised in one of the early books that the ladies should meet. However, on the page it was very brief. I hope she shows up again for a longer visit.
Its too bad that I didn’t find the mystery portion of the book compelling enough to hold my interest. But I did learn about the British suffragette movement. All I knew about it, I learned from Mary Poppins. Kinsey also added at the end of the book a bit of WSPU history in Britain and other research notes.
Oh, well. I’m looking forward to another installment of Lady Hardcastle and Flo’s adventures. I hope its not a long wait.
This story takes place in 1910, and Lady Emily Hardcastle and her lady’s maid/"tiny servant" and friend, Florence are called to Bristol, to clear the name of a suffragette. Lizzie Worrel, a member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) has been arrested for murder. A shop owned by a known anti-suffragist was deliberately set afire but unfortunately a tenant who lived above the shop, journalist Christian Brookfield died in the fire. Evidence at the scene of the crime included suffragette leaflets and a “signed” note by Worrel claiming responsibility.
As usual the highlight of all of Lady Hardcastle and Flo’s books are their unique partnership and friendship. Their banter is always amusing and unheard of between a lady and her maid. I was glad to see Inspector Sutherland again. In the last few books he had a smaller part. We finally meet Mrs. Sutherland. It was promised in one of the early books that the ladies should meet. However, on the page it was very brief. I hope she shows up again for a longer visit.
Its too bad that I didn’t find the mystery portion of the book compelling enough to hold my interest. But I did learn about the British suffragette movement. All I knew about it, I learned from Mary Poppins. Kinsey also added at the end of the book a bit of WSPU history in Britain and other research notes.
Oh, well. I’m looking forward to another installment of Lady Hardcastle and Flo’s adventures. I hope its not a long wait.
April 8, 2019
This is the 5th entry in this series. It is a wonderful series and this book is as entertaining as I expected. I believe that this book can work well as a stand alone read. The mystery and investigation and solution are all separate from past stories. There are references to past characters and events, yet everything is fully explained.
I strongly suggest that you read the earlier books in the series, because it will add to the enjoyment. And you would not want to miss a single laugh.
Lady Hardcastle and her ladies' maid Florence Armstrong have been spies for the crown, escaped from danger in several foreign countries and now are retired to the country. The goal is a quiet and peaceful life. It will never happen.
When Lady Hardcastle gets a letter requesting her help, she feels honor bound to look into the matter.
A suffragette, Lizzie, has been arrested for murder and faces the gallows. But, other members of her group believe that she is innocent. They need the skills that Lady Hardcastle and Flo can bring, in order to find the true killer and free Lizzie.
When the investigation begins, a coded diary helps them follow possible suspects. It will be decoded by a former adversary, a young woman who is a reporter for the local newspaper.
Diana was a friend of the reporter who died and she is also a strong believer in the rights of women. She is happy to become an important part of this investigation.
The suspects are important and powerful men. They are above suspicion. As things unfold, it becomes evident they are not at all who they appear. It seems what is below the surface is corrupt.
Lady Hardcastle and Flo are wonderful characters. Their conversations are filled with humor and wit. Each of them are intelligent women who are capable of solving problems. Because of that, they are supporters of the vote for women. This book also points out that if women did get the vote, only the “right” women would be able to vote. And there were many men in England who were unable to vote because of their status.
As clues are presented, the reader is carried along with the investigation. It is evident who the criminals are, but providing enough proof to get Lizzie out of jail will take a great deal of effort.
T E Kinsey is a wonderful author. He continues to produce quality stories about a time and place when life was not as simple as we would like to imagine.
His characters are well developed and complete. Even secondary characters are provided with enough back story that the reader understands who they are and their motivation.
Lady Hardcastle and Flo work with the police and exchange information on a regular basis. This is not a story where a heroine goes into danger without letting anyone know where they are.
It would be wonderful to imagine that Lady Hardcastle and Flo existed and had exciting adventures one after the other. Each book provides another reason to admire them, enjoy them and laugh along with them.
I have enjoyed this series, and Mr Kinsey's talent.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.
I strongly suggest that you read the earlier books in the series, because it will add to the enjoyment. And you would not want to miss a single laugh.
Lady Hardcastle and her ladies' maid Florence Armstrong have been spies for the crown, escaped from danger in several foreign countries and now are retired to the country. The goal is a quiet and peaceful life. It will never happen.
When Lady Hardcastle gets a letter requesting her help, she feels honor bound to look into the matter.
A suffragette, Lizzie, has been arrested for murder and faces the gallows. But, other members of her group believe that she is innocent. They need the skills that Lady Hardcastle and Flo can bring, in order to find the true killer and free Lizzie.
When the investigation begins, a coded diary helps them follow possible suspects. It will be decoded by a former adversary, a young woman who is a reporter for the local newspaper.
Diana was a friend of the reporter who died and she is also a strong believer in the rights of women. She is happy to become an important part of this investigation.
The suspects are important and powerful men. They are above suspicion. As things unfold, it becomes evident they are not at all who they appear. It seems what is below the surface is corrupt.
Lady Hardcastle and Flo are wonderful characters. Their conversations are filled with humor and wit. Each of them are intelligent women who are capable of solving problems. Because of that, they are supporters of the vote for women. This book also points out that if women did get the vote, only the “right” women would be able to vote. And there were many men in England who were unable to vote because of their status.
As clues are presented, the reader is carried along with the investigation. It is evident who the criminals are, but providing enough proof to get Lizzie out of jail will take a great deal of effort.
T E Kinsey is a wonderful author. He continues to produce quality stories about a time and place when life was not as simple as we would like to imagine.
His characters are well developed and complete. Even secondary characters are provided with enough back story that the reader understands who they are and their motivation.
Lady Hardcastle and Flo work with the police and exchange information on a regular basis. This is not a story where a heroine goes into danger without letting anyone know where they are.
It would be wonderful to imagine that Lady Hardcastle and Flo existed and had exciting adventures one after the other. Each book provides another reason to admire them, enjoy them and laugh along with them.
I have enjoyed this series, and Mr Kinsey's talent.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.
May 31, 2019
I am really enjoying this series - it's very tongue-in-cheek with some interesting historical elements and a corking mystery! I have fallen in love with these characters so the series is just getting better and better for me!
Armstrong is simply awesome...and very funny. I LOVE IT.
It's a cosy that doesn't take itself seriously at all. Pure fun with nods to serious social issues of the time (1910 England).
Highly highly recommended (start at the beginning if you can but not essential) - especially on audio.
Armstrong is simply awesome...and very funny. I LOVE IT.
It's a cosy that doesn't take itself seriously at all. Pure fun with nods to serious social issues of the time (1910 England).
Highly highly recommended (start at the beginning if you can but not essential) - especially on audio.
October 1, 2024
4.5🌟 Another fun and exciting Lady Hardcastle mystery! 🤩
The narrator for the audio book is AMAZING and it's a wonderfully good time to listen to. This series has the best characters (especially Lady Hardcastle herself and Flo), even though the plots are not always believable.
I've enjoyed every T.E. Kinsey book I've read so far and I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
The narrator for the audio book is AMAZING and it's a wonderfully good time to listen to. This series has the best characters (especially Lady Hardcastle herself and Flo), even though the plots are not always believable.
I've enjoyed every T.E. Kinsey book I've read so far and I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
December 3, 2020
This was another fun outing with Lady Hardcastle and Flo Armstrong. It wasn't quite as strong as a couple of the earlier books -- but still thoroughly enjoyable. Each book reveals a bit more about the backstory of these two, and their banter is so clever and funny. I LOVE this series in audiobook format.
August 30, 2021
A delight from start to finish! I adore this series, and this installment - women’s suffrage! - made for a delightful addition to it. The audio can’t be beat.
June 2, 2019
Lady Emily Hardcastle and her lady's maid/ friend , Flo is as usual a great read. I really like these two characters and hope to read more of their escpades.
This time they are to save an incarcerated suffragette accused of arson and murder. While helping her they discover another sinister plot regarding the theft of Chilean gold. Very reasonable plot, which is what I love.
This time they are to save an incarcerated suffragette accused of arson and murder. While helping her they discover another sinister plot regarding the theft of Chilean gold. Very reasonable plot, which is what I love.
April 16, 2019
3 and 1 / 2 stars
I like these somewhat lighthearted romps into the past. This book is set in 1910 and Lady Hardcastle, former spy – now retired, of course – and the indomitable Flo set out to investigate an arson and murder.
The murdered man, who died as a result of the fire, was a newspaper reporter. The fire was supposedly set by a suffragette. When the young woman writes to Lady Hardcastle from her prison cell pleading for her assistance, The Lady and Flo can't help but respond.
I really like Lady Hardcastle. She is outspoken, drives too fast is an artist and amateur sleuth. Her trusty and formidable sidekick Flo is devoted to the Lady. I love the teasing relationship they have with one another while dealing with some very serious issues. I did not care for this installment of the series as much I have the previous stories. It is written in Mr. Kinsey's usual almost carefree style. It is written in an easy-to-read manner with one event following another in a clear logical manner. I very much look forward to the next installment in this series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for forwarding to me a copy of this great little book for me to read, enjoy and review.
I like these somewhat lighthearted romps into the past. This book is set in 1910 and Lady Hardcastle, former spy – now retired, of course – and the indomitable Flo set out to investigate an arson and murder.
The murdered man, who died as a result of the fire, was a newspaper reporter. The fire was supposedly set by a suffragette. When the young woman writes to Lady Hardcastle from her prison cell pleading for her assistance, The Lady and Flo can't help but respond.
I really like Lady Hardcastle. She is outspoken, drives too fast is an artist and amateur sleuth. Her trusty and formidable sidekick Flo is devoted to the Lady. I love the teasing relationship they have with one another while dealing with some very serious issues. I did not care for this installment of the series as much I have the previous stories. It is written in Mr. Kinsey's usual almost carefree style. It is written in an easy-to-read manner with one event following another in a clear logical manner. I very much look forward to the next installment in this series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for forwarding to me a copy of this great little book for me to read, enjoy and review.
April 25, 2019
3.5 stars... giving this a rare round up because TE Kinsey's research was phenomenal and I learned while being entertained. Always a joy.
Flo and Lady H were as usual a great team and I'm glad Ms. Coddle got a chance to redeem herself. I found the bit with the cat a tad contrived but you can't win them all.
Flo and Lady H were as usual a great team and I'm glad Ms. Coddle got a chance to redeem herself. I found the bit with the cat a tad contrived but you can't win them all.
April 27, 2019
In 1910, in England, as in the United States, the eponymous burning issue is votes for women. Former spy Emily, Lady Hardcastle, and her sassy, diminutive sidekick Florence Armstrong are drawn into a case in which a suffragette is accused of arson and inadvertent murder. As always, the mystery was well crafted, and the novel was a quick, funny five-star read.
That said, author T.E. Kinsey also taught me a great deal about suffrage organizations in England and the lengths that opponents took to deny women the vote. Kinsey includes actual quotes from male chauvinists of the day who felt that women were too emotional — and stupid — for politics. An amusing and eye-opening book. Who could ask for more? I can’t wait for the sixth entry in this fabulous series.
If you have Kindle Unlimited, you’re in for an additional treat: The Kindle and Audible versions are free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. As always, narrator Elizabeth Knowelden makes this book!
That said, author T.E. Kinsey also taught me a great deal about suffrage organizations in England and the lengths that opponents took to deny women the vote. Kinsey includes actual quotes from male chauvinists of the day who felt that women were too emotional — and stupid — for politics. An amusing and eye-opening book. Who could ask for more? I can’t wait for the sixth entry in this fabulous series.
If you have Kindle Unlimited, you’re in for an additional treat: The Kindle and Audible versions are free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. As always, narrator Elizabeth Knowelden makes this book!
June 30, 2019
As always, Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong do not disappoint. Their adventures are always interesting and the dialogue is often laugh-out-loud funny. After reading some heavy fiction, it's a pleasure to pick up these stories and relax with them. It's 1910 and this particular mystery has the intrepid duo knee deep in the affairs of the women's suffrage movement and trying to clear a young woman accused of burning down a building that just happened to be occupied. Needless to say, there's more than the Suffragettes involved. Turns out that there are some very crooked city officials up to some very nasty business. Fun, relaxing and very well written - you just can't beat these books.
July 27, 2019
This is, hands down, one of my most favorite new series. I got the first book on a whim and have devoured each book as it came along [with a NEW ONE COMING IN OCTOBER!!!!!]. They are hilariously funny, have a great mystery and gives a glimpse into what life was like in the early 20th century in England with a widowed Lady and her handy lady's maid [and so much more]. The side characters are such a great addition to the story and I am never, ever bored with these books. I highly recommend them AND the audiobook. The narrator for these books is just fantastic and makes the book that much more enjoyable!!
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