She keeps house for Inspector Witherspoon . . . and keeps him on his toes. Everyone's awed by his Scotland Yard successes-but they don't know about his secret weapon. No matter how messy the murder or how dirty the deed, Mrs. Jeffries's polished detection skills are up to the task . . . proving that behind every great man there's a woman-and that a crimesolver's work is never done. Sir Edmund Leggett is flattered to be stalked by a young lady-who makes herself scarce after he's murdered in cold blood. The police hold the young woman to blame. But Inspector Witherspoon has other ideas and consults his housekeeper, Mrs. Jeffries-who always gets to the heart of the matter.
Cheryl Lanham was born on 11 October 1948 in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia, USA. Her family moved to Southern California in 1959 and she grew up in Pasadena. After graduating from California State University, she decided to work her way around the world and took off for England. She didn’t get much further because she met Richard James Arguile, the Englishman who became her husband, got married on May 1976, and had two children, Matthew and Amanda. While working in international shipping, she decided to pursue her dream and become a writer – which, of course, is the best job ever. She has written romance novels as Sarah Temple, and Young Adult novels as Cheryl Lanham. As Emily Brightwell, she is the author of the “Mrs. Jeffries” mysteries.
Cheryl Lanham Arguile returned to California, where she lives with her husband and a cranky old cat named Kiwi.
For me, Mrs. Jeffries Mysteries are the literary equivilent to comfort food; familiar, safe from unpleasant surprises, enjoyable and always made from the same recipe. (Take that as you will; for some, as a series that may not be a good recipe).
Excellent bedtime reads that are short enough to complete in a week or less, they can be relied upon to provide a not-too-obvious mystery set in one of my favorite historical periods; Victorian era London.
In this 19th instalment in a series that will number 28 books in May 2011, Emily Brightwell (pseudonym of Cheryl Arguile) deviates little from the recipe of the other books in the series. This story sees the household staff of Inspector Witherspoon of Scotland Yard assist him in investigating a murder that was committed immediately following the engagement announcement between an impoverished Knight and a young woman with a large dowry.
As with all Mrs. Jeffies Mysteries however, this is done without Insp. Witherspoon's knowledge. He is aided through subtle hints received from Mrs. Jeffries and strategically placed friends of the household who nudge him towards areas that he may want to investigate further. The societal quirks of the Victorian era further shape the course of the investigation, providing challenges to gathering clues from people obsessed with decorum.
I quite enjoyed this book, but that being said, I doubt I would ever rate one of this series higher than 3-stars for the same reasons I regard them so highly as bedtime reads: they are rarely enthralling 'page-turners', but rather are nice light reads that are just plain fun. They're easy to set aside and go to sleep peacefully at the end of a chapter.
The series is chronilogical, but character development through the series is virtually limited to two supporting characters with romantic ties, and therefore I've found reading the books out of order hasn't been disorientating.
I've no doubt that I'll read the entire series and be happy each time I see a new one published.
A woman I being pressured to marry a floundering man that she can’t stand, for reasons of clout and money…but on the day of their engagement announcement, he turns up dead; shot 3 times.
In this mystery set in Victorian England, Inspector Gerald Witherspoon is in charge of the investigation of the murder of Sir Edmund Leggett, who was killed on his way home from his engagement party. Witherspoon has plenty of suspects, beginning with a young woman who has been stalking him. But there's plenty of other people that wanted him dead, including his fiancée who hates him (he was marrying her for her money, her parents agreed because they wanted his title), his mistress who is furious at the upcoming wedding, his cousin who inherits everything, and the numerous people he owes money to. But Witherspoon will have no problem solving this case, not while his housekeeper Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of his household staff are working behind the scenes to help him!
I really enjoy this series. The mysteries are always well written and well plotted. Brightwell switches back and forth between Witherspoon's investigation and the servants which I like, because it gives insight into all the characters. What I like the most is that, even after nineteen books in the series, the characters continue to grow and in each book we learn more and more about them. In this particular book, it was a little tidbit about Hatchet that made him come even more alive to me as a character. And Witherspoon's detecting abilities develop more and more each book, which is a nice touch as it would have been easy for him to become a caricature.
I highly recommend these books for fans of cozy mysteries. My only complaint is I read the book in one night and now have to wait for the next one!
A nobleman is murdered on his way home from a party announcing his engagement to a very reluctant bride. The Inspector gets the case and Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of the staff secretly investigate as usual.
I think it is hard to sustain a series this long without extremely likable characters. And that is what this series has for me. Each of the characters contributes their unique skills and they work together as a team and it is fun and you root them along.
In this one, the mystery had some interesting suspects but I felt the throwaway significant piece that brought it all together was thrown in at the last minute. Then you go - oh yeah... But satisfying nonetheless
Standing quietly outside his home and a girl follows Sir Edmonds Leggett wherever he goes.His engagement to Beatrice Parkington was just announced. On his way home from the party he is shouted 3 times dead. Inspector Witherspoon has the case. Mrs Jeffries and friends set to work help him solved the murder. There are many suspects beside the stalker to including the girl who doesn't want to marry him and his mistress. The case takes many strange turns. The ending is a surprise.
Inspector Gerald Witherspoon's housekeeper and staff work diligently to uncover clues on his murder cases. I wish I had Mrs. Jeffries, housekeeper, ability to decipher the clues and figure out wo the murderer is. Their teamwork is incredible and more people should work together for the greater good.
Nothing like Mrs. Jeffries and associates to while away a sleepy Sunday afternoon. As always, a decent mystery with a likable cast. I had a little more difficult time figuring out the "whys" that led to the solution, although I did get the hint that the individual would turn out to be the killer.
Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of Scotland Yard Inspector Witherspoon's staff are at it again, helping him solve another mystery all without him realizing it in #19 in this series.
This time around Sir Edmund Leggett has a stalker, a woman who is showing up outside his home and whenever he goes. He ends up being murdered, three bullets to his chest and Mrs. Jeffries knows if she doesn't find the real killer, the police will make it easy, find her and prosecute her.
I've read the first 5 and then missed a whole bunch before picking it up again at book #17. Thankfully, there isn't much character growth or changes in characters, so this series is easy to pick up at any of the books. I haven't been able to find all the ones in between at any of my Goodwills or second hand book stores, but I keep looking out for them and I will continue on with the series with the other 10 or 11 books I have left in my bookshelf.
I was about half way through the story, when I made my first guess of who was the killer is. I read another 40 pages and I changed my mind and decided it was someone else and from there, all the clues that was thereafter fit in, made sense and Yeah, I figured it out!
I'm a huge fan of cozy mysteries and I've found Mrs.Jeffries is at the top of the list. Easy and relaxing reads that give the reader the ability to be a sleuth and deduce the killer or just go with the flow of the story and discover along with the very likable characters. I love how there is growth in each book with the main characters, and back story to keep the reader wanting more about them, not just the mystery to be solved.
A titled man is found murdered on the night of his engagement and Inspector Witherspoon is on the case, along with his household staff (not that he knows it.) They find that the fiancé was forced into the engagement by her domineering, new money father. But could the engagement be a way to get close to the man for nefarious reasons? With the suspect list growing higher it takes all the skills of the staff to find the answers along with their duties in the household.
Fun and informative about Victorian London, I definitely suggest the series!
Sir Edmund Leggett has a title but no cash. Beatrice Parkington’s father has wealth but craves a titled heir. His solution? Force Beatrice to marry Leggett, a notorious “bounder and cad” who impregnates women, tosses them meager coins if they’re lucky, and abandons them. Beatrice’s domineering father ignores this and pushes for the marriage. But Beatrice loves an American astronomer, and when they’re not gazing into each other’s eyes, they’re stargazing through telescopes. She fiercely resists marrying Leggett. Her father insists the engagement party must proceed, believing he can bully her into compliance. Leggett announces the engagement and slips out early. Meanwhile, an enigmatic red-haired woman shadows him—watching his house, trailing his every move. Read to uncover why.
As Leggett walks home, someone he knows confronts him and fires three bullets into his chest. Beatrice’s father wastes no time shopping her to Leggett’s cousin next.
Inspector Witherspoon and Constable Barnes get the 3 a.m. call about Leggett’s death and dive into the case. The Witherspoon household staff, led by Mrs. Jeffries, pitch in as always, but this mystery proves tougher than past ones. Mrs. Jeffries cracks it at the last possible minute.
I give this four stars. Some critics call the series shallow or formulaic, but I see it as comfort food. You know the flavor before you bite, yet it never loses its charm.
In Victorian London, when Sir Edmund Leggatt is shot after announcing the betrothal that could keep him from bankruptcy, there's no shortage of suspects. His fiancee emphatically didn't want to marry him; her father is just ruthlessly determined she marry someone with a title. Then there's the young woman who'd been stalking him--who has now disappeared. There's also the American man who's been corresponding with the fiancee--and who is now in London. And the list doesn't stop there. But since Inspector Gerald Witherspoon has the case, that means his whole household is secretly investigating alongside him--if anyone can catch this killer, they can.
Another enjoyable entry in this found-family series (which I would love to see the BBC make into a series!). I liked that one of the suspects immediately came to them (after being pointed in their direction), so they have to decide whether to help, or to turn them over to the police. Talk about getting in too deep! But because this is a cozy series, there's never really any doubt that it will end in a satisfactory manner, which it does.
When Sir Edmund Leggett is shot to death while stumbling home from his engagement party, very few people mourn him: not his fiancee who had no intention of marrying him, not his fiancee’s wealthy father who sold off his daughter because he desperately wanted to have a “title” in his family tree, not his creditors who will now never be repaid, not the myriad women whom he had seduced and cast aside throughout his unsavory life. Indeed, only his mistress seems upset at all about his death, and she is a suspect too since he had promised to marry her and then threw her over for the richer girl. Inspector Gerald Witherspoon and Constable Barnes must sort through the mess of this man’s life, and Mrs. Jeffries and the household staff must discreetly provide the Inspector with clues gleaned from their own investigations, which are many and various indeed…. The 19th entry in this long-running cozy series set in late Victorian London is as delightful as always, although of course by this point the plots are rather formulaic; nevertheless, the relationships between the main characters are always enjoyable, like meeting up with old friends for a good natter over tea; recommended!
#19 in the end of the 19th century London based mystery series in which Scotland Yard Inspector Witherspoon's domestic staff headed by Mrs. Jefferies, without his knowledge, work to help him solve his murder cases. The recurring and well developed helpers” are Barnes (Witherspoon’s detective sergeant), Mrs. Goodge (cook), Smythe (coachman), Betsy (maid and later Smythe’s wife), Wiggins (servant), Phyllis (maid and newest addition), Luty (wealthy American widow), Hatchet (Luty’s butler), and Ruth (next door neighbor and romantic interest for Witherspoon).
After announcing his engagement to a younger woman who doesn’t want to marry him, Sir Edmund Leggett was killed walking home from the party. There are plenty of suspects: a young woman who has been stalking him; his fiancée who hates him; his mistress who is furious at the upcoming wedding, his cousin who inherits everything, and the numerous people he owes money to. His staff quickly pitches in to help while still looking for the second suspect from a previous murder case who has disappeared.
On the way home from his engagement party, Sir Edmund Leggett is murdered, shot three times in the chest. A young woman has been stalking him for two weeks, waiting outside his house and following him. Certainly, she must be the murderer! But the girl has disappeared; Inspector Witherspoon and Constable Barnes have the London police looking for her. What the Inspector does not know is his household staff, led by his housekeeper Mrs Jeffries, know exactly where the young woman is; they are hiding her! Witherspoon, in his official capacity, and his servants, as amateur sleuths, are both discovering that Sir Edmund was a most hated man. Any number of murder suspects turn up, including his fiancee who swore she would never marry such a loathsome man. Just enough suspects to keep track of, each different in his or her own way. A page turner, with a satisfying ending.
Audiobook-reader, Jennifer Dixon, I like better than Lindy Nettleton. She can't do an American accent for Mrs. Crookshank, but she reads faster and is less annoying. It made the book more enjoyable, because even though there is a bit of squabbling and competition, it was read in a more casual, lighthearted way. It took some of the emphasis off the quibbling. These are enjoyable, cozy mysteries in Victorian England. The characters are entertaining, and you become attached to them. Their stories and relationships evolve over time. The mystery itself is good, too. The premise is a little silly--that the servants can solve the mystery without the inspector finding out. This gets 4 stars now, probably because of the new reader. There have been caring and tender moments in the last few books, but they were more touching now. (All books in this series have basically the same review.)
It is quite a few years since I read one of this series and tbh until I found this book in a charity shop did not think it was still being written. It is almost the definition of ‘cosy crime mystery’. The novel is an easy read that passes the time and nothing more. As far as the series is concerned the number of regular cast has almost stayed the same between number 8 (last one I read I think) and this one (19) A bit of character development seems to have happened but not enough for me to feel lost. So overall not much to say really. Something to pass the time if you want an easy read (and everyone does at some point in time) but nothing to tax either your brain or vocabulary. Recommend yes as a quick read.
With an eclectic group of amateur sleuths and Mrs. Jeffries at the helm, the household of Inspector Gerald Witherspoon sets out to solve another perplexing murder.
This is a wonderful historical murder mystery, full of interest characters and an engaging storyline. Those who have read the series from the beginning know the characters well. They are an unique group who pull you in and hold your attention. The storyline runs along smoothly and quickly, filled with subtle clues, numerous interesting suspects, close calls, dead ends, surprising twists, danger and suspense. I love this series and find it a relaxing read, full of mystery, caring and friendship. I look forward to the next in the series.
Sir Edmund Leggett is used to women falling all over him so when one is stalking him, he would normally have no problem it. But this time there is a problem, he is getting engaged and would rather not have her outside the home where the couple announce their engagement. His new fiancee leaves shortly after the announcement and he finds himself walking home alone. While walking, a figure appears in front of him, shooting him three times. Who would want to see him dead? Or should I say "get in line to do the job." There really are a number of suspects and Mrs. J and her staff need to find out who did it and why.
Mrs Jeffries and her group again help Inspector Witherspoon solve a murder. (see previous 2 reports). This one has the inspector looking for the person who murdered a prospective bridegroom on the night his engagement was announced. The bride’s father was paying a large dowry to have his daughter wed into the titled rank of society even though the groom was a womanizer, in debt, and had no head for business – but he did have a title!! … The bride was very opposed to the marriage. This was a confusing case… I thought it a bit better than the two previous stories, but still I don’t think I’ll look too hard for other Mrs. Jeffries books.
Mrs. Jeffries Stalks the Hunter (Mrs. Jeffries, #19) — Emily Brightwell/Narrator: Jennifer M. Dixon (11 chapters) December 27-28, 2023
A woman is accused of murder her betrothed whom she has no desire to wed. But the man had another woman who stalked him and the police think it was her who killed the man. However, Inspector Witherspoon has other ideas, and when Mrs. Jeffries and her gang find the girl, they are convinced she didn’t do the deed. However, they aren’t convinced it was the betrothed either. So, who done did the deed, and why?
Interesting story that is a nice twist in the same old common cozy mystery theme.
I just love reading cozy mysteries from time to time. The Mrs. Jeffries mysteries quite satisfy the bill. In this particular mystery, the patriarch of a wealthy family wishes to marry his daughter off to a rather shady Sir Edmund Leggett so his daughter will have a title. Arrangements are made financially, and an engagement announcement party scheduled, however Sir Edmund is murdered on his way home after the party. So, who is the murderer? Inspector Witherspoon is put on the case. And therefore, Mrs. Jefferies and the rest of the Witherspoon’s staff quickly start to investigate as well A fun read.
When a nobleman is shot to death the very night he announces his engagement, the immediate suspect is a young woman seen stalking him. But Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of the household at Upper Edmonton Gardens aren’t so quick to settle on one possibility. It could be his brother, who stands to inherit the title and estate. It could be any of a number of women whose reputations he’d ruined. It could be the fiancée, who’d made it clear that she had no intention of marrying the philanderer. Or it could be someone else. I had a difficult time believing the motive behind this one, but enjoyed the way the case was solved.
In the first books I read in this series, it was kind of charming that all the "staff" helped the constable solve his cases. In this one I was just kind of irritated that it made him look like an incompetent and bumbling fool. Although I laughed at some of the antics of their "investigation", none of it seemed to lead to much, as they sent the constable to a house, where the murderer was about to kill again, and then confessed. So I wasn't a big fan of this one. Still, a fun mystery.
A minor, impoverished nobleman is murdered while walking home from his engagement party. The late Sir Edmund was generally loathed, so Witherspoon and his loyal household have a wealth of suspects ranging from the deceased’s only living relative, to his new fiancé, to the mysterious young woman who silently stalked Sir Edmund for weeks before his death.
I'm not sure if it is the author or I've just read too many of this series in a short amount of time. Still love the characters, but the mysteries are getting very repetitive. And the solution seems to come out of nowhere. Still good books, but I think I'll take a little break before reading #20.
Another fun read, and one that echoed my thoughts in a lot of places, so I was glad I was not alone in not wanting the murderer to be this person or that person. The ending was very well done, so that you didn't have to be sorry for the killer, since you could not be sorry for the person murdered. He deserved it.
This was a brief respite from some heavy reading - much about politics, history, war, etc. The clever clan of house servants in a Scotland Yard Inspector's home solve another mystery. Good to be with them again.
So far the weakest case for me. This time around the solution seemed a little tagged on, as if that particular thread was edited in last second to have a little more... action? Drama? in there and to throw the reader off? It didn't feel fully part of the story. But otherwise quite enjoyable.