What do you think?
Rate this book
A Lady & Lady's Maid Mystery #5
A Silent Stabbing
As England recovers from its costly involvement in the Great War, Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady’s maid, Eva Huntford, find the steady comforts of their lives unsettled by a local case of murder . . .
Eva is excited for a visit from her sister Alice, who lives in Suffolk with her husband and three children. But when Alice arrives alone, desiring a break from her family, Eva becomes concerned. Her dismay deepens as Alice starts spending time with a former beau, Keenan Ripley, who owns the nearby pear orchard. At the same time, Phoebe's sister Julia, now a widow and pregnant, is in a fretful state, and Phoebe struggles to be helpful to her.
When Keenan's brother Stephen, the new head gardener at the Renshaw estate, Foxwood Hall, is found impaled by a pair of hedge clippers, the police—including Eva's beau, Constable Miles Brannock—suspect his closest kin. Stephen had been eager to sell their orchard to an American developer, but Keenan had fiercely resisted. A table set with two teacups and scones suggests Keenan had company the morning of the murder—and Eva fears her sister was with him.
If Alice were to provide Keenan with an alibi, her reputation and marriage would be ruined. She denies being there but is clearly withholding secrets, much to Eva's consternation. Now, to protect her sister, Eva and Phoebe set off to expose the gardener's real killer, putting their own lives at risk . . .
Eva is excited for a visit from her sister Alice, who lives in Suffolk with her husband and three children. But when Alice arrives alone, desiring a break from her family, Eva becomes concerned. Her dismay deepens as Alice starts spending time with a former beau, Keenan Ripley, who owns the nearby pear orchard. At the same time, Phoebe's sister Julia, now a widow and pregnant, is in a fretful state, and Phoebe struggles to be helpful to her.
When Keenan's brother Stephen, the new head gardener at the Renshaw estate, Foxwood Hall, is found impaled by a pair of hedge clippers, the police—including Eva's beau, Constable Miles Brannock—suspect his closest kin. Stephen had been eager to sell their orchard to an American developer, but Keenan had fiercely resisted. A table set with two teacups and scones suggests Keenan had company the morning of the murder—and Eva fears her sister was with him.
If Alice were to provide Keenan with an alibi, her reputation and marriage would be ruined. She denies being there but is clearly withholding secrets, much to Eva's consternation. Now, to protect her sister, Eva and Phoebe set off to expose the gardener's real killer, putting their own lives at risk . . .
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
57 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Maxwell
29 books1,083 followersAlyssa Maxwell is the author of The Gilded Newport Mysteries, inspired by her husband’s family whose Newport origins date back numerous generations. The series features the glamour of the Gilded Age and a sleuth who is a Newporter born and raised, and also a less "well-heeled" cousin of the Vanderbilt family. Alyssa also writes A Lady & Lady’s Maid Mysteries, an English-set series that begins as WWI is ending. She and her husband live in South Florida, where she is a member of the Florida chapter of the Mystery Writers of America and the South Florida Fiction Writers. You can visit her at http://alyssamaxwell.com, and find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 6, 2020
In this fifth installment of the A Lady and Lady's Maid Mysteries, Lady Phoebe's sister Julia, now a widow and pregnant, is having a hard time coping with the sudden death of her husband and is worried she'll be a terrible mother. Phoebe wants to be helpful to her sister, but Julia keeps pushing everyone away. Meanwhile, Lady Phoebe's lady's maid, Eva Huntford, is excited for a visit from her sister Alice and her three children. But when Alice arrives alone and announces that she needs a break from her family, Eva becomes worried. Her concern deepens as Alice starts spending time with a former beau, Keenan Ripley, who owns a pear orchard. When Keenan's brother Stephen, the new head gardener at Lady Phoebe's family estate, is murdered, and Keenan becomes the main suspect, Phoebe and Eva decide to do their own investigation, especially when Eva begins to suspect that Alice might be keeping a secret that could prove Keenan's innocence.
A Silent Stabbing by Alyssa Maxwell is a delightful and entertaining historical cozy mystery, with well-rounded characters, a charming English countryside setting, and an intriguing and well-plotted murder mystery. The plot flows perfectly and kept me turning the pages. The author's engaging writing style and excellent research instantly transported me back to post World War I England, a nation still recovering and forever changed by the war.
Phoebe and Eva are both wonderful and intelligent characters. I found their relationship with their sisters to be very relatable. They are excellent at solving problems and make a great team. I look forward to more adventures with them. If you enjoy historical cozies, then I highly recommend this series.
I received an ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A Silent Stabbing by Alyssa Maxwell is a delightful and entertaining historical cozy mystery, with well-rounded characters, a charming English countryside setting, and an intriguing and well-plotted murder mystery. The plot flows perfectly and kept me turning the pages. The author's engaging writing style and excellent research instantly transported me back to post World War I England, a nation still recovering and forever changed by the war.
Phoebe and Eva are both wonderful and intelligent characters. I found their relationship with their sisters to be very relatable. They are excellent at solving problems and make a great team. I look forward to more adventures with them. If you enjoy historical cozies, then I highly recommend this series.
I received an ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 25, 2020
This 5th installment of the Lady and Lady’s Maid historical mystery series is another delight. Set in post WWI England, Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her maid Eva Huntford are on hand when another mysterious murder is committed. The Renshaw estate, Foxwood Hall, has hired a new head gardener, Stephen Ripley, whose brother Keenan ones a pear orchard and produces the villages favorite local cider called “perry”. When Stephen is found murdered on the Renshaw estate, his brother is arrested for the crime. Meanwhile the villagers have found out that Horace Walker, an American, wants to buy the Ripley orchard to create a golf resort; thus, depriving the village of its favorite beverage! Believing in Keenan’s innocence, Lady Phoebe and Eva are in a rush to find the real murderer before the orchard is sold. Who really killed Stephen? Is it the young under-gardener William who has disappeared; the owner of the local pub whose business would drop off without the beloved “perry”; and what does Eva’s sister Alice know that she is not telling? With determination, these two intrepid sleuths set out to discover the truth.
In the vain of a traditional upstairs/downstairs English mystery, this is a fun and entertaining read, with plenty of plot twists and surprises. Well written and excellently plotted, the author recreates the world of 1920’s England, still recovering from the Great War, and unaware of the second world war looming on the horizon. Phoebe and Eva are strong, independent female protagonists; more interested in their endeavors than in husbanding hunting. Along with an interesting cast of recurring and new characters, this is another great addition to the series. If you have not read the others, hurry and pick them up. For fans of historical fiction, cozy mysteries and English manor house stories.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
In the vain of a traditional upstairs/downstairs English mystery, this is a fun and entertaining read, with plenty of plot twists and surprises. Well written and excellently plotted, the author recreates the world of 1920’s England, still recovering from the Great War, and unaware of the second world war looming on the horizon. Phoebe and Eva are strong, independent female protagonists; more interested in their endeavors than in husbanding hunting. Along with an interesting cast of recurring and new characters, this is another great addition to the series. If you have not read the others, hurry and pick them up. For fans of historical fiction, cozy mysteries and English manor house stories.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
May 11, 2020
A silent Stabbing is the fifth installment of the lady's maid historical mystery. Set after WW1 in Cotswold's England, Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her maid Eva Huntford are trying to resolve the murder of the new gardener of Renshaw estate Stephen Ripley.
This is my first time reading this series so for me this feels like being on an episode of Downton Abbey but with a murder mystery to solve. It's a very light cozy mistery but well written. Also if you're curious, you don't need to read the books before to enjoy this one.
thanks to netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review
3.5 stars
This is my first time reading this series so for me this feels like being on an episode of Downton Abbey but with a murder mystery to solve. It's a very light cozy mistery but well written. Also if you're curious, you don't need to read the books before to enjoy this one.
thanks to netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review
3.5 stars
March 10, 2020
1920 – Little Barlow, the Cotswolds, England.
A man has been murdered on the Renshaw estate, Foxwood Hall.
Almost immediately a viable No.1 suspect comes to light, but everyone in the village knows this man is not the killing kind.
Chief Inspector Perkins has not become any smarter than he was a year ago so it is up to Constable Brannock, Lady Phoebe and her lady’s maid Eva who must take up the case.
Oh dear! Is it possible that a close relative of Eva’s could be involved?
Neatly plotted and well written this is no high-brow literature, but it is a warm and cozy mystery with delightful characters. An entertaining easy read.
A man has been murdered on the Renshaw estate, Foxwood Hall.
Almost immediately a viable No.1 suspect comes to light, but everyone in the village knows this man is not the killing kind.
Chief Inspector Perkins has not become any smarter than he was a year ago so it is up to Constable Brannock, Lady Phoebe and her lady’s maid Eva who must take up the case.
Oh dear! Is it possible that a close relative of Eva’s could be involved?
Neatly plotted and well written this is no high-brow literature, but it is a warm and cozy mystery with delightful characters. An entertaining easy read.
January 26, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-galley of this novel.
This mystery novel is set in 1920 in the Cotswold's, one of my favorite areas of England. The village of Little Barlow and Foxwood Hall provide the locations for this story; not an entirely isolated village but close enough to large towns and cities so characters can travel outside their setting to give the reader a rest from the small community. Lady Phoebe Renshaw is an independent woman in some ways because she has a motor car at her disposal to drive for trips to go visiting and shopping and it also comes in handy for chasing down clues to the murder of Foxwood Hall's new head gardener. Eva Huntford is lady's maid to Phoebe and the two of them can't possibly resist the temptation to investigate this murder. As in most village murders there is a wide range of suspects which only becomes clear when the background of all those involved finally shows what the motive was for the crime.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery as the light reading it is intended to be. There are quite a few characters in the story but that is how it would naturally be in a community of people living this close together. This is book number five in the series but there is no problem for readers new to the series to begin here.
This mystery novel is set in 1920 in the Cotswold's, one of my favorite areas of England. The village of Little Barlow and Foxwood Hall provide the locations for this story; not an entirely isolated village but close enough to large towns and cities so characters can travel outside their setting to give the reader a rest from the small community. Lady Phoebe Renshaw is an independent woman in some ways because she has a motor car at her disposal to drive for trips to go visiting and shopping and it also comes in handy for chasing down clues to the murder of Foxwood Hall's new head gardener. Eva Huntford is lady's maid to Phoebe and the two of them can't possibly resist the temptation to investigate this murder. As in most village murders there is a wide range of suspects which only becomes clear when the background of all those involved finally shows what the motive was for the crime.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery as the light reading it is intended to be. There are quite a few characters in the story but that is how it would naturally be in a community of people living this close together. This is book number five in the series but there is no problem for readers new to the series to begin here.
March 9, 2020
3.5 stars
Ladies' maid Eva has been granted leave time to go home to her parents where her sister Alice and her family will be visiting. Eva is eager to catch up with Alice and love the little ones. When Alice arrives alone, Eva is suspicious that something is wrong but Alice won't talk. Eva becomes uneasy when she spies her sister flirting with an old flame, Keenan Ripley, a pear orchard owner and cider maker. Back at Foxwood Hall, the Renshaws, upstairs and down, are shocked when the longtime head gardener retires without telling anyone. It sets the household on end, just as life was settling down again after the war and Lady Julia's wedding. When Lady Phoebe and Eva spy Keenan arguing in the street with an American businessman, they are shocked to learn the Keenan orchard is close to foreclosure. The villagers are deeply upset and resent the idea of a fancy resort catering to rich American tourists. Keenan's brother Stephen returns to the village to take up a post as Foxwood Hall's new gardener. He's never shown an interest in his family orchard before and doesn't make a good impression on the staff or the villagers but no one expects him to be murdered! Naturally the police set their sight on Kennan but Phoebe and Eva have reason to believe Kennan has an alibi for the time of the murder- one that involves a woman, possibly Eva's sister. If Alice speaks up her marriage will be over and her family ruined. If she doesn't, an innocent man could hang. It's up to Phoebe and Eva to try to solve the case once again. Phoebe also has her hands full trying to deal with a pregnant Julia and her crazy mood swings. How long until the baby arrives and they know if Julia's baby is the next Lord Annondale? (4 more months!)
I love the setting of this series. The Cotswolds is my favorite place in all of England precisely because of the quaint villages. I do love the sheep and I do not love the idea of a resort. That kind of defeats the purpose of visiting a historic location. I can see the argument for bringing more jobs to the village but by 1920, most jobs were not on farms anymore. Thank goodness today we have heritage protected towns and a TV and movie industry to bring in tourists. Fans of Downton Abbey will love the upstairs/downstairs storyline and immersing themselves in that world. However, I found the mystery a little less engaging that some of the previous ones. I figured out who the murderer was pretty quickly and was surprised when the girls didn't. One of them, I won't say which one, really should have guessed. The two murders are pretty gruesome and the conclusion feels a little rushed. What is the aftermath of the second murder? If the first murder victim had not been a servant, I would have expected a CID unit from a nearby city to come and investigate instead of the incompetent police. Scotland Yard might want to know about the second. That one could cause problems. I guessed some of the other mysteries as well.
I still love Phoebe and Eva. Phoebe is still a little innocent and naive at times. She rushes into things without thinking and finds herself in trouble. I like how she wants to do what is best for her family and the village. She truly cares. Eva is a wonderful friend and daughter. She isn't the best communicator with her sister but they live such different lives and when Alice won't open up, Eva can't stay and push her sister to spill her secrets. I feel sorry for Alice and I hope she finds fulfillment and contentment in the future. I could not live her life any more than Phoebe could.
The murder introduces us to more of the villagers in Little Barlow. Keenan Ripley owns a pear orchard and produces a pear cider, a local favorite and "best in England." His orchard is in danger but I think the bank should give him more time because he has a solid business plan. He explained what happened and why. It makes sense. He needs time. Keenan loves his orchard. It's his birthright, his home and his livelihood. The rest of the villagers depend on Keenan for their cider. I like how they pitch in to help while he's in jail, even if their motive is not pure. Joe Murdock, the innkeeper, is a big, burly man who spends his nights serving Ripley's cider and breaking up fights. He is certainly large enough and angry enough to be a murderer. Mr. Corbyn also has a motive for murder. He will lose his sheep pasture if the orchard is sold. He is a quiet farmer, doing his job. His wife is a nasty, judgmental woman. She is one of those who sniffs her disapproval and looks down her nose at behavior she doesn't approve of. Every village has one!
Keenan's brother, Stephen, is the exact opposite of Keenan. He doesn't care about his heritage at all. He's an opportunist. Stephen is not a nice person at all. He's a terrible brother, awful servant and a troublemaker. Still, I was surprised when he was killed and not Mr. Walker. Mr. Walker is a loud, brash American businessman who thinks his money can buy anything. When he's unhappy he sticks his lower lip out above the top one. Mr. Walker has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
The servants have their own downstairs problems. The butler, Mr. Giles, has dementia and everyone else rallies around to support him. He's still excellent at managing the staff and can be tough when he needs to. He sounds like a dear man. Alfred Peele's defection upsets him a lot. What did cause Alfred, a man in good health, to suddenly retire, everyone wants to know. Vernon, the footman, is in line to inherit Mr. Giles's job when Mr. Giles retires. He's a solid young man who knows how to be tactful about helping Mr. Giles when dementia gets in the way of the older man's duties. William, an under gardener, is young and nervous. The staff seem to like him. Like the footman William in Downton Abbey, this William also comes from the village and his family is well known. Mrs. Ellison, the cook, yells at Dora, the kitchen maid a lot but they seem to have a good working relationship like Mrs. Pattmore and Daisy. Dora isn't afraid to defend herself when something happens. She insists she isn't the one stealing food, but who is and why? Josh, the hallboy, is the lowest member of the staff. He is often overlooked and when he's around he seems skittish. Could he know something about one of the mysteries afoot?
Julia managed not to annoy me this time. I understand she's conflicted about her husband's death and feeling guilty about it. She's pregnant, which is messing with her mind, and scared. I don't agree with Phoebe about Julia's secret visit. Julia will hear what she wants anyway. Julia has come to a major crossroads in her life and I hope she can find happiness. Amelia is still at school but she is as sweet as ever. Grampapa is a darling and Phoebe has him wrapped around her finger. Lady Wroxley is still formidable but I think she's unbending a bit. She wants what's best for the village and her grandchildren. I think after the events of the previous book, the Renshaws have reevaluated their priorities and family is more dear than ever.
I'm utterly dying to know whether Julia's baby is a boy or girl. I'm thinking girl because she needs a boy so badly.
Ladies' maid Eva has been granted leave time to go home to her parents where her sister Alice and her family will be visiting. Eva is eager to catch up with Alice and love the little ones. When Alice arrives alone, Eva is suspicious that something is wrong but Alice won't talk. Eva becomes uneasy when she spies her sister flirting with an old flame, Keenan Ripley, a pear orchard owner and cider maker. Back at Foxwood Hall, the Renshaws, upstairs and down, are shocked when the longtime head gardener retires without telling anyone. It sets the household on end, just as life was settling down again after the war and Lady Julia's wedding. When Lady Phoebe and Eva spy Keenan arguing in the street with an American businessman, they are shocked to learn the Keenan orchard is close to foreclosure. The villagers are deeply upset and resent the idea of a fancy resort catering to rich American tourists. Keenan's brother Stephen returns to the village to take up a post as Foxwood Hall's new gardener. He's never shown an interest in his family orchard before and doesn't make a good impression on the staff or the villagers but no one expects him to be murdered! Naturally the police set their sight on Kennan but Phoebe and Eva have reason to believe Kennan has an alibi for the time of the murder- one that involves a woman, possibly Eva's sister. If Alice speaks up her marriage will be over and her family ruined. If she doesn't, an innocent man could hang. It's up to Phoebe and Eva to try to solve the case once again. Phoebe also has her hands full trying to deal with a pregnant Julia and her crazy mood swings. How long until the baby arrives and they know if Julia's baby is the next Lord Annondale? (4 more months!)
I love the setting of this series. The Cotswolds is my favorite place in all of England precisely because of the quaint villages. I do love the sheep and I do not love the idea of a resort. That kind of defeats the purpose of visiting a historic location. I can see the argument for bringing more jobs to the village but by 1920, most jobs were not on farms anymore. Thank goodness today we have heritage protected towns and a TV and movie industry to bring in tourists. Fans of Downton Abbey will love the upstairs/downstairs storyline and immersing themselves in that world. However, I found the mystery a little less engaging that some of the previous ones. I figured out who the murderer was pretty quickly and was surprised when the girls didn't. One of them, I won't say which one, really should have guessed. The two murders are pretty gruesome and the conclusion feels a little rushed. What is the aftermath of the second murder? If the first murder victim had not been a servant, I would have expected a CID unit from a nearby city to come and investigate instead of the incompetent police. Scotland Yard might want to know about the second. That one could cause problems. I guessed some of the other mysteries as well.
I still love Phoebe and Eva. Phoebe is still a little innocent and naive at times. She rushes into things without thinking and finds herself in trouble. I like how she wants to do what is best for her family and the village. She truly cares. Eva is a wonderful friend and daughter. She isn't the best communicator with her sister but they live such different lives and when Alice won't open up, Eva can't stay and push her sister to spill her secrets. I feel sorry for Alice and I hope she finds fulfillment and contentment in the future. I could not live her life any more than Phoebe could.
The murder introduces us to more of the villagers in Little Barlow. Keenan Ripley owns a pear orchard and produces a pear cider, a local favorite and "best in England." His orchard is in danger but I think the bank should give him more time because he has a solid business plan. He explained what happened and why. It makes sense. He needs time. Keenan loves his orchard. It's his birthright, his home and his livelihood. The rest of the villagers depend on Keenan for their cider. I like how they pitch in to help while he's in jail, even if their motive is not pure. Joe Murdock, the innkeeper, is a big, burly man who spends his nights serving Ripley's cider and breaking up fights. He is certainly large enough and angry enough to be a murderer. Mr. Corbyn also has a motive for murder. He will lose his sheep pasture if the orchard is sold. He is a quiet farmer, doing his job. His wife is a nasty, judgmental woman. She is one of those who sniffs her disapproval and looks down her nose at behavior she doesn't approve of. Every village has one!
Keenan's brother, Stephen, is the exact opposite of Keenan. He doesn't care about his heritage at all. He's an opportunist. Stephen is not a nice person at all. He's a terrible brother, awful servant and a troublemaker. Still, I was surprised when he was killed and not Mr. Walker. Mr. Walker is a loud, brash American businessman who thinks his money can buy anything. When he's unhappy he sticks his lower lip out above the top one. Mr. Walker has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
The servants have their own downstairs problems. The butler, Mr. Giles, has dementia and everyone else rallies around to support him. He's still excellent at managing the staff and can be tough when he needs to. He sounds like a dear man. Alfred Peele's defection upsets him a lot. What did cause Alfred, a man in good health, to suddenly retire, everyone wants to know. Vernon, the footman, is in line to inherit Mr. Giles's job when Mr. Giles retires. He's a solid young man who knows how to be tactful about helping Mr. Giles when dementia gets in the way of the older man's duties. William, an under gardener, is young and nervous. The staff seem to like him. Like the footman William in Downton Abbey, this William also comes from the village and his family is well known. Mrs. Ellison, the cook, yells at Dora, the kitchen maid a lot but they seem to have a good working relationship like Mrs. Pattmore and Daisy. Dora isn't afraid to defend herself when something happens. She insists she isn't the one stealing food, but who is and why? Josh, the hallboy, is the lowest member of the staff. He is often overlooked and when he's around he seems skittish. Could he know something about one of the mysteries afoot?
Julia managed not to annoy me this time. I understand she's conflicted about her husband's death and feeling guilty about it. She's pregnant, which is messing with her mind, and scared. I don't agree with Phoebe about Julia's secret visit. Julia will hear what she wants anyway. Julia has come to a major crossroads in her life and I hope she can find happiness. Amelia is still at school but she is as sweet as ever. Grampapa is a darling and Phoebe has him wrapped around her finger. Lady Wroxley is still formidable but I think she's unbending a bit. She wants what's best for the village and her grandchildren. I think after the events of the previous book, the Renshaws have reevaluated their priorities and family is more dear than ever.
I'm utterly dying to know whether Julia's baby is a boy or girl. I'm thinking girl because she needs a boy so badly.
February 9, 2020
A SILENT STABBING by Alyssa Maxwell
The Fifth Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery
Stephen Ripley is back in Little Barlow and is causing all manner of problems. Not only does he want to sell the family orchard out from his brother, he wants to sell it to an American who wants to raze the pears and build a resort for wealthy Americans! Stephen has also taken over as head gardener at Foxwood Hall, yet no one knew of the previous gardener's decision to leave. Lady Phoebe and her grandfather intend to speak to the man, but find him murdered, stabbed to death with his own hedge clippers. With suspicion immediately thrown on Stephen's brother, Lady Phoebe intends to investigate. Yet keeping her mistress out of harm's way is not Eva's only concern. Keenan may have an alibi, but Eva believes that her sister...her married sister...may be the one to provide it. Now Lady Phoebe and Eva must work together once more to see that justice is served and propriety maintained.
The relationship between siblings is at the heart of A SILENT STABBING. Certainly Stephen and Keenan Ripley could rival Cain and Abel, but there is a strain between sisters too, as we see from Eva and Alice as well as Phoebe and Julia. Despite the tension between certain relatives, I enjoy seeing the way the families gather together, and the community as well. It did my heart good to read about everyone stepping in to help pick the pears and make the perry in Keenan's absence. Of course, many of them may have had ulterior motives, after all, the perry must be saved! Be that as it may it was wonderful to see a community band together and unite against the obnoxious American who threatened their little town as well as their favorite beverage.
I loved the mystery in this fifth Lady and Lady's Maid outing. An unlikable victim, plenty of suspects, concerns over who those suspects are, as well as odd behavior by several characters all add to the suspense. I liked the addition Miss Lara Greenwood and I hope to see more of her in future books. As for the ne'er do wells, while I had my suspicions as to the murderer, I eventually thought I was wrong and was thrown for a loop at the end!
A SILENT STABBING is a great period mystery highlighting family relationships as well as class differences. I only wish that I had my own glass of perry to raise in its honor!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The Fifth Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery
Stephen Ripley is back in Little Barlow and is causing all manner of problems. Not only does he want to sell the family orchard out from his brother, he wants to sell it to an American who wants to raze the pears and build a resort for wealthy Americans! Stephen has also taken over as head gardener at Foxwood Hall, yet no one knew of the previous gardener's decision to leave. Lady Phoebe and her grandfather intend to speak to the man, but find him murdered, stabbed to death with his own hedge clippers. With suspicion immediately thrown on Stephen's brother, Lady Phoebe intends to investigate. Yet keeping her mistress out of harm's way is not Eva's only concern. Keenan may have an alibi, but Eva believes that her sister...her married sister...may be the one to provide it. Now Lady Phoebe and Eva must work together once more to see that justice is served and propriety maintained.
The relationship between siblings is at the heart of A SILENT STABBING. Certainly Stephen and Keenan Ripley could rival Cain and Abel, but there is a strain between sisters too, as we see from Eva and Alice as well as Phoebe and Julia. Despite the tension between certain relatives, I enjoy seeing the way the families gather together, and the community as well. It did my heart good to read about everyone stepping in to help pick the pears and make the perry in Keenan's absence. Of course, many of them may have had ulterior motives, after all, the perry must be saved! Be that as it may it was wonderful to see a community band together and unite against the obnoxious American who threatened their little town as well as their favorite beverage.
I loved the mystery in this fifth Lady and Lady's Maid outing. An unlikable victim, plenty of suspects, concerns over who those suspects are, as well as odd behavior by several characters all add to the suspense. I liked the addition Miss Lara Greenwood and I hope to see more of her in future books. As for the ne'er do wells, while I had my suspicions as to the murderer, I eventually thought I was wrong and was thrown for a loop at the end!
A SILENT STABBING is a great period mystery highlighting family relationships as well as class differences. I only wish that I had my own glass of perry to raise in its honor!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
June 7, 2021
The Great War is over, but everyone is still reeling from the fallout. As some soldiers come home and many do not, everyone in seem to be greatly affected. Lady's Maid Eva is excited to learn that her sister is coming home to the village of Little Barlowe to spend time with the family. Her view takes a disturbed turn when it turns out that Alice has returned home alone and Alice seems to be spending a lot of time with Keenan Ripley, a local farmer who co-owns a pear orchard.
Keenan's brother Stephan has also returned home and has taken a job as the head gardner at Foxwood Hall, the manor house where Eva works. That would seem to be a great opportunity, but a number of people are unsure as to whether he is up to the task. The fact the long-time previous head gardner retired with no notice also seems a little fishy.
Worries about Stephen seem to come true when he is found at the foot of his ladder next to a hedge. The fall isn't want killed him. Instead, it was the hedge clippers that were found sticking into his abdoman. Keenan becomes the prime suspect when it has been found out that Stephen hoped to convince his brother to sell their orcahrd to an American developer. The fact that Alice might have been stending a great deal of time with Keenan means she could be his alibi, but it would likely ruin her marriage and reputation.
Eva and Lady Phoebe find themselves on another case with the hopes of saving the reputation of one (or more) of their loved ones. It is nice to have the setting focused a little less on the noble characters and more on the village characters. It adds some fun freshness. I have always been intrigued about how English manors had attached villages that seemed to house the house and grounds staff.
To be honest, this was not my favorite book in the series, but it was still a lot of fun.
Keenan's brother Stephan has also returned home and has taken a job as the head gardner at Foxwood Hall, the manor house where Eva works. That would seem to be a great opportunity, but a number of people are unsure as to whether he is up to the task. The fact the long-time previous head gardner retired with no notice also seems a little fishy.
Worries about Stephen seem to come true when he is found at the foot of his ladder next to a hedge. The fall isn't want killed him. Instead, it was the hedge clippers that were found sticking into his abdoman. Keenan becomes the prime suspect when it has been found out that Stephen hoped to convince his brother to sell their orcahrd to an American developer. The fact that Alice might have been stending a great deal of time with Keenan means she could be his alibi, but it would likely ruin her marriage and reputation.
Eva and Lady Phoebe find themselves on another case with the hopes of saving the reputation of one (or more) of their loved ones. It is nice to have the setting focused a little less on the noble characters and more on the village characters. It adds some fun freshness. I have always been intrigued about how English manors had attached villages that seemed to house the house and grounds staff.
To be honest, this was not my favorite book in the series, but it was still a lot of fun.
January 21, 2020
I have really enjoyed these books in the past and was so excited to get this one as an ARC - I am so glad the series is continuing!!
This book is a bit different [SO. MANY. CHARACTERS.], with Phoebe's sister Lady Julia [widowed AND pregnant] visiting at the same time as Eva's sister Alice [who is in need of a "break from her family" and who's behavior is very concerning to Eva] and all the chaos that visitors cause. Lady Julia is quite spoiled and comes off as a bit bratty, even for a titled lady.
When the brother of Alice's former beau [see what I mean about a lot of characters, and we haven't even gotten to the police AND all the incidental characters] ends up dead, everyone's eyes turn to both Alice and Keenan [her former beau] and the incriminating evidence that is found doesn't help matters much. It is up to Phoebe [who, for a Lady, is eager to dive into a mystery], Eva and HER beau, Constable Brannock to sort it all out and find the murderer before they strike again.
The story was good and believable, the mystery was excellent - I was VERY surprised at who the murderer was and absolutely surprised at the why, and THAT is why I really like these books - some of it may be a touch unbelievable, but the mystery never disappoints. I am hoping that the author keeps writing these - I know I will keep reading them if she does!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a bit different [SO. MANY. CHARACTERS.], with Phoebe's sister Lady Julia [widowed AND pregnant] visiting at the same time as Eva's sister Alice [who is in need of a "break from her family" and who's behavior is very concerning to Eva] and all the chaos that visitors cause. Lady Julia is quite spoiled and comes off as a bit bratty, even for a titled lady.
When the brother of Alice's former beau [see what I mean about a lot of characters, and we haven't even gotten to the police AND all the incidental characters] ends up dead, everyone's eyes turn to both Alice and Keenan [her former beau] and the incriminating evidence that is found doesn't help matters much. It is up to Phoebe [who, for a Lady, is eager to dive into a mystery], Eva and HER beau, Constable Brannock to sort it all out and find the murderer before they strike again.
The story was good and believable, the mystery was excellent - I was VERY surprised at who the murderer was and absolutely surprised at the why, and THAT is why I really like these books - some of it may be a touch unbelievable, but the mystery never disappoints. I am hoping that the author keeps writing these - I know I will keep reading them if she does!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2020
This murder mystery isn't as well-plotted as some of the previous installments in the series, and I found the denouement over-the-top and unbelievable. However, this was still an enjoyable period piece, and I appreciated the ways that the author further developed the characters and their relationships with each other.
March 5, 2020
I rarely write reviews but I am shocked at how many 4- and 5-star reviews this book has. I can’t even finish this book. I had to look it up online and see if it was a young adult book because that’s how it’s written. I’m bored, I don’t care about any of the characters, and I don’t care how it ends. Goodbye.
February 25, 2023
3 stars
This was a bit slow but I quite liked Eva's scenes at her parents house.
This was a bit slow but I quite liked Eva's scenes at her parents house.
March 7, 2025
Not very believable story. But still it was ok
August 30, 2021
RATING: 4 STARS
A Silent Stabbing is a bit of a departure from the other four novels in the series, by having more of Eva's personal story. We get to see her parents, but also meet her sister, Alice. Alice comes home, with her kids, to her parents minus her husband. Soon, Alice is seen with her ex-beau, Keenan Ripley more than a few times, and people start to talk. Speaking of sisters, Julia (Phoebe's sister) is pregnant and widowed and back home.
At Renshaw, the head gardener just up and quits without telling anyone. He leaves a note saying that Stephen Ripley, Keenan's brother, should now be head gardener. As Phoebe asks around about the head Gardner, Stephen is found dead, impaled on gardening shears. The constable thinks it might be his own family, as he wanted to sell his family business, but Keenan's alibi may not be able to come forward, if Eva has something to do with it. This novel is a bit more busy with drama and storylines. I still enjoyed this quicker pace novel, as I liked the story with Eva and her family. It provided more details about Eva as a person.
A Silent Stabbing is a bit of a departure from the other four novels in the series, by having more of Eva's personal story. We get to see her parents, but also meet her sister, Alice. Alice comes home, with her kids, to her parents minus her husband. Soon, Alice is seen with her ex-beau, Keenan Ripley more than a few times, and people start to talk. Speaking of sisters, Julia (Phoebe's sister) is pregnant and widowed and back home.
At Renshaw, the head gardener just up and quits without telling anyone. He leaves a note saying that Stephen Ripley, Keenan's brother, should now be head gardener. As Phoebe asks around about the head Gardner, Stephen is found dead, impaled on gardening shears. The constable thinks it might be his own family, as he wanted to sell his family business, but Keenan's alibi may not be able to come forward, if Eva has something to do with it. This novel is a bit more busy with drama and storylines. I still enjoyed this quicker pace novel, as I liked the story with Eva and her family. It provided more details about Eva as a person.
February 27, 2020
A Silent Stabbing is the fifth book in the A Lady & Lady's Maid Mystery series by author Alyssa Maxwell. I have to start off by saying that I really enjoyed this book. The book centers around a visit home by Eva's sister Alice, who mysteriously arrives at their parents house without her three children. She claims that she needs some time by herself but Eva suspects that something more is going on with Alice's family life. It's not too long after Alice arrives back in Little Barrow that she reunites with a former flame, Keenan Ripley, who is a local farmer and supplier of perry throughout the village. Eva is concerned by her sister's familiarity with Keenan and doesn't want her to do something that would put her reputation and marriage in danger.
Lady Phoebe Renshaw soon learns that Keenan Ripley's brother, Stephen, is set to become the new head gardener at her family's estate. This is shocking to her because she had no idea that their current head gardener had any plans to retire or leave. The news quickly comes out that Stephen is looking to sell his half of the Ripley farm to an American developer who plans to buy Keenan's half when the bank forecloses on it. Keenan gets upset about this in front of a large number of townspeople and it comes back to haunt him when his brother is found dead the next day. It is evident that Stephen Ripley was murdered and Keenan is quickly taken into custody because he is the person with the best motive and he has no alibi.
Lady Phoebe and Eva decide that they need to help Keenan establish his innocence and they quickly begin looking into the things surrounding the murder. There are also other factors that both ladies are dealing with throughout their search for a killer. Lady Phoebe is trying to help her sister cope with being a widow and being pregnant and Eva is trying to figure out what's wrong with Alice and what she can do to help her.
I thought the mystery was really well done. We had several twists and red herrings to follow throughout the ladies search for a killer. I began to have some idea as to who the culprit could be before the reveal occurred but I could not figure out why this person would have done it. Everything was wrapped up logically though and made sense even if the reasoning behind the murder made me sad. Another thing that I really enjoy about this series is all of the historical information about life following World War I in England that the author conveys throughout the book. You can definitely tell that she does her research. I really enjoyed this book and think it is a fantastic new addition to the series. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy well crafted historical mysteries with fun characters and lots of fascinating historical information. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My thanks to Alyssa Maxwell for the advance copy.
Lady Phoebe Renshaw soon learns that Keenan Ripley's brother, Stephen, is set to become the new head gardener at her family's estate. This is shocking to her because she had no idea that their current head gardener had any plans to retire or leave. The news quickly comes out that Stephen is looking to sell his half of the Ripley farm to an American developer who plans to buy Keenan's half when the bank forecloses on it. Keenan gets upset about this in front of a large number of townspeople and it comes back to haunt him when his brother is found dead the next day. It is evident that Stephen Ripley was murdered and Keenan is quickly taken into custody because he is the person with the best motive and he has no alibi.
Lady Phoebe and Eva decide that they need to help Keenan establish his innocence and they quickly begin looking into the things surrounding the murder. There are also other factors that both ladies are dealing with throughout their search for a killer. Lady Phoebe is trying to help her sister cope with being a widow and being pregnant and Eva is trying to figure out what's wrong with Alice and what she can do to help her.
I thought the mystery was really well done. We had several twists and red herrings to follow throughout the ladies search for a killer. I began to have some idea as to who the culprit could be before the reveal occurred but I could not figure out why this person would have done it. Everything was wrapped up logically though and made sense even if the reasoning behind the murder made me sad. Another thing that I really enjoy about this series is all of the historical information about life following World War I in England that the author conveys throughout the book. You can definitely tell that she does her research. I really enjoyed this book and think it is a fantastic new addition to the series. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy well crafted historical mysteries with fun characters and lots of fascinating historical information. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My thanks to Alyssa Maxwell for the advance copy.
March 1, 2020
Every time I read a book written by Alyssa Maxwell it becomes my new favorite !! I love going back in time with her books and reading about a simpler time is some ways but a more difficult time in others....it's kind of hard to explain but I'll try.
A Silent Stabbing is the fifth book in her Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery series and the reader is hanging around with Lady Phoebe and her lady's maid, Eva.....and if you are a fan like me, you know they are going to be in the middle of things !!
While Eva is dealing with her sister Alice returning home for a visit without her husband and children causing her family to worry, Lady Phoebe and her grandfather find their new head gardener murdered and his assistant missing. Lady Phoebe and Eva decide to look into things when the police arrest the deceased brother for the crime and they know, in their hearts, that he is innocent.
You cannot help but love the relationship that Lady Phoebe and Eva have as well as everyone in their circle. They all take care of each other and look out for others. Lady Phoebe and Eva will do whatever they can to help others and if someone is hurt or murdered, they will go above and beyond, even putting themselves in harm's way.
Reading a story set back in the 1920's where times were very different than they are now can be enlightening. As there were no cell phones, computers and woman had very different roles in society it is a much simpler time unless there is a crime, especially murder. With a murder there is no way to quickly warn people, there is no DNA to test to solve the case, and finding the murderer can be very difficult. Even though things are done very differently and it seems like it is much harder to do, Maxwell makes it so much fun reading about it. You cannot help but love the way Lady Phoebe and Eva go about helping the police and the outcome is always a huge surprise !!
I love traveling back in time with Maxwell as the guide. I love hanging out at Foxwood Hall with Lady Phoebe, her family and their staff. I love what lady Phoebe is doing for her community and those affected by the war and that she has such determination in everything that she does !!! You will fall in love with this series and never want to leave Foxwood Hall.
A Silent Stabbing is the fifth book in her Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery series and the reader is hanging around with Lady Phoebe and her lady's maid, Eva.....and if you are a fan like me, you know they are going to be in the middle of things !!
While Eva is dealing with her sister Alice returning home for a visit without her husband and children causing her family to worry, Lady Phoebe and her grandfather find their new head gardener murdered and his assistant missing. Lady Phoebe and Eva decide to look into things when the police arrest the deceased brother for the crime and they know, in their hearts, that he is innocent.
You cannot help but love the relationship that Lady Phoebe and Eva have as well as everyone in their circle. They all take care of each other and look out for others. Lady Phoebe and Eva will do whatever they can to help others and if someone is hurt or murdered, they will go above and beyond, even putting themselves in harm's way.
Reading a story set back in the 1920's where times were very different than they are now can be enlightening. As there were no cell phones, computers and woman had very different roles in society it is a much simpler time unless there is a crime, especially murder. With a murder there is no way to quickly warn people, there is no DNA to test to solve the case, and finding the murderer can be very difficult. Even though things are done very differently and it seems like it is much harder to do, Maxwell makes it so much fun reading about it. You cannot help but love the way Lady Phoebe and Eva go about helping the police and the outcome is always a huge surprise !!
I love traveling back in time with Maxwell as the guide. I love hanging out at Foxwood Hall with Lady Phoebe, her family and their staff. I love what lady Phoebe is doing for her community and those affected by the war and that she has such determination in everything that she does !!! You will fall in love with this series and never want to leave Foxwood Hall.
February 25, 2020
A SILENT SLAYING, the fifth installment in the excellent Lady & Lady’s Maid Mystery, is a delightful read full of sibling rivalry, secrets, greed, and community.
Once again, author Alyssa Maxwell has woven an intriguing tale proving that life in the country is not always as bucolic as it seems. This time around Lady Phoebe and her maid Eva are both dealing with sisters who are acting odd. Julia is fretting over her pregnancy and all that rides on the child being a boy. Alice arrives for a visit, but without her children as expected. Eva fears something is wrong at home, especially when Alice seemingly rekindles an acquaintance with the local pear farmer Keenan. Keenan has troubles of his own when his brother Stephen comes to town after years of being away intent on selling the orchard to an American investor. When Stephen, who is the new head gardener at Lady Phoebe’s family estate, is stabbed with his gardening shears and Keenan is arrested for the crime, Lady Phoebe and Eva put on their investigative hats to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I really enjoy this series, and A SILENT SLAYING is a worthy addition. Maxwell has a flowing writing style that is effortlessly period correct while also keeping the cozy feel of the genre. It is immensely readable and engaging. I admire Lady Phoebe and Eva as they make their way through a rapidly changing post-WWI era. They are strong, independent, intelligent women. Their struggles with their sisters feel authentic and relatable.
The mystery is engaging and well developed with plenty of suspects and details. I changed my mind about the killer’s identity many times throughout the book as new clues were revealed. Though I thought I had it all figured out by the story’s climax, Maxwell still managed to surprise me.
A SILENT SLAYING is sure to please fans of the Lady & Lady’s Maid series and new readers alike. Highly recommended.
I gratefully received and ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Publishers and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Once again, author Alyssa Maxwell has woven an intriguing tale proving that life in the country is not always as bucolic as it seems. This time around Lady Phoebe and her maid Eva are both dealing with sisters who are acting odd. Julia is fretting over her pregnancy and all that rides on the child being a boy. Alice arrives for a visit, but without her children as expected. Eva fears something is wrong at home, especially when Alice seemingly rekindles an acquaintance with the local pear farmer Keenan. Keenan has troubles of his own when his brother Stephen comes to town after years of being away intent on selling the orchard to an American investor. When Stephen, who is the new head gardener at Lady Phoebe’s family estate, is stabbed with his gardening shears and Keenan is arrested for the crime, Lady Phoebe and Eva put on their investigative hats to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I really enjoy this series, and A SILENT SLAYING is a worthy addition. Maxwell has a flowing writing style that is effortlessly period correct while also keeping the cozy feel of the genre. It is immensely readable and engaging. I admire Lady Phoebe and Eva as they make their way through a rapidly changing post-WWI era. They are strong, independent, intelligent women. Their struggles with their sisters feel authentic and relatable.
The mystery is engaging and well developed with plenty of suspects and details. I changed my mind about the killer’s identity many times throughout the book as new clues were revealed. Though I thought I had it all figured out by the story’s climax, Maxwell still managed to surprise me.
A SILENT SLAYING is sure to please fans of the Lady & Lady’s Maid series and new readers alike. Highly recommended.
I gratefully received and ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Publishers and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
March 28, 2020
As England recovers from its costly involvement in the Great War, Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady’s maid, Eva Huntford, find the steady comforts of their lives unsettled by a local case of murder . . .
Eva is excited for a visit from her sister Alice, who lives in Suffolk with her husband and three children. But when Alice arrives alone, desiring a break from her family, Eva becomes concerned. Her dismay deepens as Alice starts spending time with a former beau, Keenan Ripley, who owns the nearby pear orchard. At the same time, Phoebe's sister Julia, now a widow and pregnant, is in a fretful state, and Phoebe struggles to be helpful to her.
When Keenan's brother Stephen, the new head gardener at the Renshaw estate, Foxwood Hall, is found impaled by a pair of hedge clippers, the police—including Eva's beau, Constable Miles Brannock—suspect his closest kin. Stephen had been eager to sell their orchard to an American developer, but Keenan had fiercely resisted. A table set with two teacups and scones suggests Keenan had company the morning of the murder—and Eva fears her sister was with him.
If Alice were to provide Keenan with an alibi, her reputation and marriage would be ruined. She denies being there but is clearly withholding secrets, much to Eva's consternation. Now, to protect her sister, Eva and Phoebe set off to expose the gardener's real killer, putting their own lives at risk
An enjoyable cozy with good characters and nice action.
Eva is excited for a visit from her sister Alice, who lives in Suffolk with her husband and three children. But when Alice arrives alone, desiring a break from her family, Eva becomes concerned. Her dismay deepens as Alice starts spending time with a former beau, Keenan Ripley, who owns the nearby pear orchard. At the same time, Phoebe's sister Julia, now a widow and pregnant, is in a fretful state, and Phoebe struggles to be helpful to her.
When Keenan's brother Stephen, the new head gardener at the Renshaw estate, Foxwood Hall, is found impaled by a pair of hedge clippers, the police—including Eva's beau, Constable Miles Brannock—suspect his closest kin. Stephen had been eager to sell their orchard to an American developer, but Keenan had fiercely resisted. A table set with two teacups and scones suggests Keenan had company the morning of the murder—and Eva fears her sister was with him.
If Alice were to provide Keenan with an alibi, her reputation and marriage would be ruined. She denies being there but is clearly withholding secrets, much to Eva's consternation. Now, to protect her sister, Eva and Phoebe set off to expose the gardener's real killer, putting their own lives at risk
An enjoyable cozy with good characters and nice action.
February 15, 2020
3.75 stars
Another readable entry in the Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery series featuring lady's maid Eva and Lady Phoebe. The manor gardener leaves, possibly under duress, and his replacement is found stabbed soon after. One of the young male servants who was acting as under gardener disappears at the same time. Is he the murderer or did he see something that frightened him?
The murder victim was on bad terms with his brother over their inheritance and whether or not to sell out, so the brother falls under suspicion. And to further complicate things, the brother's alibi might hinge on Eva's sister -- which would be a scandal since she is a married mother who has shown up unexpectedly at her parents with no explanation.
I enjoy the characters, writing and setting of this series. However, it is an implausible situation which is hinted at in this entry. Will Eva give up any idea of a home and family of her own in order to remain at the manor and attend the young ladies? Will Lady Phoebe strike out on her own? The unevenness of the upstairs/downstairs relationship is uncomfortable at times and I wonder if this series is sustainable. But each entry has been enjoyable so thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Another readable entry in the Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery series featuring lady's maid Eva and Lady Phoebe. The manor gardener leaves, possibly under duress, and his replacement is found stabbed soon after. One of the young male servants who was acting as under gardener disappears at the same time. Is he the murderer or did he see something that frightened him?
The murder victim was on bad terms with his brother over their inheritance and whether or not to sell out, so the brother falls under suspicion. And to further complicate things, the brother's alibi might hinge on Eva's sister -- which would be a scandal since she is a married mother who has shown up unexpectedly at her parents with no explanation.
I enjoy the characters, writing and setting of this series. However, it is an implausible situation which is hinted at in this entry. Will Eva give up any idea of a home and family of her own in order to remain at the manor and attend the young ladies? Will Lady Phoebe strike out on her own? The unevenness of the upstairs/downstairs relationship is uncomfortable at times and I wonder if this series is sustainable. But each entry has been enjoyable so thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 9, 2023
"A Lady & Lady's Maid Mystery+"+ series has been and continues to be one of my favorite historical cozy series. I love the characters and with the time period being the 1920's, one of my favorite times to read about in history, every book brings new enjoyment and fun. Lady Phoebe and her lady's maid Eva are perfect together. As someone whose very familiar with the have's and have nots of the roaring 20's it's refreshing to see a Lady treat her maid as an equal in every way, they're actually really good friends. In a "Silent Stabbing" Lady Phoebe and Eva are tasked with trying to find who among the many suspects is responsible for stabbing the new gardener with his own gardening shears. With very few clues and a possible tie to the crime being someone in Eva's family, the pressure mounts to find this murderer!
These all have been quick reads and not because of the page count but because they're fun, have great characters and the mysteries are well thought out and keep me guessing until the very end. If you've started this series, keep reading and if you've not started, well hurry about a open that first book! Believe me you'll be happy you did! Happy Reading!
These all have been quick reads and not because of the page count but because they're fun, have great characters and the mysteries are well thought out and keep me guessing until the very end. If you've started this series, keep reading and if you've not started, well hurry about a open that first book! Believe me you'll be happy you did! Happy Reading!
January 19, 2020
September, 1920 in the Cotswolds, Eva, maid to Ladies Phoebe and Amelia Renshaw takes center stage in this tale. She is the driving force while maintaining her position, trying to puzzle out the change in her family dynamics, sleuthing with Lady Phoebe, giving the reader a look at the upstairs/downstairs dynamics of a Great House and explaining the close knit community of Little Barlow.
Everything is familiar, old characters, new ones that are introduced, life surrounding Foxwoods Hall and ah yes, a murder. It was interesting to have Eva become the storyteller in this latest installment of “A Lady and Ladies Maid Mystery series and watch her follow the carefully dropped clues to a harrowing but satisfying ending.
I always enjoy Alyssa Maxwell’s books and this was no exception. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for a copy.
Everything is familiar, old characters, new ones that are introduced, life surrounding Foxwoods Hall and ah yes, a murder. It was interesting to have Eva become the storyteller in this latest installment of “A Lady and Ladies Maid Mystery series and watch her follow the carefully dropped clues to a harrowing but satisfying ending.
I always enjoy Alyssa Maxwell’s books and this was no exception. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for a copy.
June 8, 2025
Sometimes it’s Important to Become Involved
Once again strange things are happening in their small town and Lady Phoebe is not one to ignore a mystery. Much as her maid tries to keep her lady away from danger, they both have a strong desire to help the innocent by finding the villain. These are 2 women who you’ll admire for their bravery, cleverness and desire for justice. A murder, a missing servant, a race against time to save the town’s well loved hard cider and an American who wants to change their friendly town into a busy tourist resort, all upset the quiet little town and make it difficult for the Lady and her maid to bring peace to their town while handling their own family problems. Lots of characters to like or not and lots of little side mysteries that bring people a little bit closer.
Once again strange things are happening in their small town and Lady Phoebe is not one to ignore a mystery. Much as her maid tries to keep her lady away from danger, they both have a strong desire to help the innocent by finding the villain. These are 2 women who you’ll admire for their bravery, cleverness and desire for justice. A murder, a missing servant, a race against time to save the town’s well loved hard cider and an American who wants to change their friendly town into a busy tourist resort, all upset the quiet little town and make it difficult for the Lady and her maid to bring peace to their town while handling their own family problems. Lots of characters to like or not and lots of little side mysteries that bring people a little bit closer.
January 15, 2020
Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady’s maid, Eva Huntford find their lives disrupted by each of their sisters for various reasons. In A Silent Stabbing by Alyssa Maxwell, Phoebe's sister Julia is fretful. Newly widowed and pregnant, she is unsure how she feels about having a baby and about her husband's sudden death. Stephen Ripley returns to become the head gardener at Foxwood Hall after the abrupt and totally unexpected departure of long-time gardener Alfred Peele. When Phoebe meets him, she decides he has a sly and sneaky way about him, but is determined to be friendly because of his brother Keenan, a local pear grower. When someone is murdered. Lady Phoebe and Eva are determined to find the killer.
February 20, 2020
The synopsis provided by the publisher for this this delightful historical cozy is confusing (at least for me). This is really the story of Lady Phoebe and her maid Eve and their sisters, Julia and Alice, both of whom are experiencing trials. Then, it's also the story of Keenan and Stephan, who differed over the future of their orchard until Stephan is found stabbed with hedge clippers! If you can keep everyone straight (and it's not that hard) you'll find yourself sure that you know who did it and why but no= you'll be wrong. I like the Cotswald setting, which is a treat. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Phoebe and Eve become more well rounded with each installment and I'm looking forward to the next one.
November 19, 2022
A Developer and a foreigner (an American, in fact) tried to horn~in into traditional Little Barrow's deeply English and deeply clannish, possibly even slightly xenophobic feudal village with disastrous results. Not to mention that greed and no respect for tradition plus warped beliefs were thrown into the bloody mix... so that the Renshaws at Foxhall and the villagers were deeply embroiled in murder and petty pilferage. Oh, and Lady Julia was now 4 months pregnant and inveigled Phoebe to see a medium, whom Phoebe was convinced to be most likely a charlatan, who told Julia that her dead husband did not blame her so she must not feel guilty about his death and that was good for everyone concerned despite the dubious source of reassurance... also, that Julia was carrying a boy.
October 6, 2021
Continues to be a fun series to read. I find the main characters engaging and the mysteries are just convoluted enough to keep one entertained. I thought I had an idea of whodunit but was successfully steered away by the red herrings. Turns out I was right, but was still kept guessing until the end. Mark of a good mystery!
Was a bit sad that Phoebe's beau, Owen, didn't make an appearance in this book. I want her to have a happy ending. Or beginning, I guess it would be.
Also pleased by the continued character development of Phoebe's sister, Julia. The family dynamics are almost as much fun as the mysteries.
Was a bit sad that Phoebe's beau, Owen, didn't make an appearance in this book. I want her to have a happy ending. Or beginning, I guess it would be.
Also pleased by the continued character development of Phoebe's sister, Julia. The family dynamics are almost as much fun as the mysteries.
January 23, 2025
Audiobook - This was my first book of the series not realizing it was the 5th. Definitely makes sense of the familiar and seemingly atypical relationship between the 2 MCs. The end was a bit anticlimactic, unfortunately. The story overall was fine enough if you think it’s not a bit of a reach, which I kind of did. The actual murder was like okkk, the financial entanglement storyline…the murderer …yikes, I best not think on this long because 4 stars is starting to feel really generous. I leave this review by saying: I certainly hope this is not the best one in the series. I’ll probably give another a listen…maybe.
January 15, 2020
1920. Problems arrive at the village of Little Barlow and Foxwood Hall. Why has Eva Huntford's married sister arrived at their parents home without her husband and children. Lady Phoebe's elder sister Julia seems in a distressed state with her pregnancy. But worse events occur when the new head gardener Stephen Ripley is found dead, killed. To lady's maid Eva and Lady Phoebe there seems to be more suspects than just Stephen's brother Keenan.
An enjoyable fast-paced, cozy historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book
An enjoyable fast-paced, cozy historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book
June 10, 2021
The head gardener at the Renshaw estate has unexpectedly and suddenly retired. When the new gardener turns up murdered, shortly after getting into fights with his brother and others, Phoebe & Eva have to sort out the mess and save the innocent from being falsely accused.
Another pleasant read in the series. There's nothing terribly innovative here, but Phoebe and Eva are both sympathetic characters and their mystery-solving is interesting.
I do wonder how long the author is going to be able to stall the romantic relationships of both maid & mistress, however.
Another pleasant read in the series. There's nothing terribly innovative here, but Phoebe and Eva are both sympathetic characters and their mystery-solving is interesting.
I do wonder how long the author is going to be able to stall the romantic relationships of both maid & mistress, however.
July 31, 2021
This is the 5th book in the A Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery series. I’m a fan of the series, I love the “upstairs downstairs” aspects of the books. In this installment, Lady Phoebe and her maid Eva have to solve the murder of a relative of her sister’s former beau. The police suspect Lady Phoebe’s sister, and her name must be cleared. A well-written and plotted historical mystery, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews