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Lady Eleanor #3
A Traitor at Tower Bridge
London 1924.
Private enquiry agent Lady Eleanor Bakewell, and her maid Tilly, return in another stirring tale of espionage and murder.
Private enquiry agent Lady Eleanor Bakewell, and her maid Tilly, return in another stirring tale of espionage and murder.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2020
329 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Lynda Wilcox
27 books89 followersLynda Wilcox's first piece of published writing was a poem in the school magazine. In her twenties she wrote Pantomime scripts for Amateur Dramatic groups and was a founder member of The Facts of Life, a foursome who wrote and performed comedy sketches for radio. Now she concocts fantasy stories for older children (10-13) and writes funny whodunits for adults.
Lynda lives in a small town in England, in an untidy house with four ageing computers and her (equally ageing but very supportive) husband. She enjoys pottering in the garden where she grow brambles, bindweed and nettles along with roses and lilies. Oh! And slugs! Slugs that feed well on everything but the brambles and weeds.
Most of all, she loves to write — it gets her out of doing the housework. She also reads a lot and enjoys good food and wine.
Lynda lives in a small town in England, in an untidy house with four ageing computers and her (equally ageing but very supportive) husband. She enjoys pottering in the garden where she grow brambles, bindweed and nettles along with roses and lilies. Oh! And slugs! Slugs that feed well on everything but the brambles and weeds.
Most of all, she loves to write — it gets her out of doing the housework. She also reads a lot and enjoys good food and wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 18, 2020
A few months into her private inquiry agent business and Lady Eleanor begins to doubt her abilities. She's been asked by a working-class woman, Mrs. Mary Cropper, to search for her husband Martin. In London, a missing man could be anywhere, most likely with another woman or dead. While all his work mates and everyone at the pub agrees Martin was a one woman man, where on earth could he be? It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. With Joe Minshull settled in at Blakewell Manor, Eleanor no longer has a spy on the streets. A casual comment leads her to her peers in search of a three-letter organization. Then Eleanor encounters Major Peter Armitage again is drawn into his investigation searching for a Russian anarchist. Soon the two cases collide and take a shocking development. Eleanor is certain she'll never solve the case but she's going to try her hardest to see justice done.
I really enjoyed this mystery even though it was far more simple and easy to figure out that the previous two. I probably would have easily guessed who and why if I hadn't been reading late at night when I was tired. I especially enjoyed the relationship subplot and can't wait to see where that's headed. It's complicated!
I really like Eleanor and see a lot of potential for character growth. I like that she's unsure of herself. It's early in her career and she knows she's just a socialite with nothing meaningful to do. It's up to Tilly to prop her up. I love how protective Tilly is of Eleanor and how she knows Eleanor better than Eleanor knows herself. In spite of Tilly's toughness, she has a soft heart and her kinder feelings are directed towards little Joe Minshull. The boy is bright and engaging. He should be in school and that will help him help his family in the long run. I hope Eleanor's father sees the potential in Joe and helps educate the boy. I like how boyish Joe is in spite of being the man of the family most of his life. He's a good kid and I hope nothing bad happens to him again. Peter, Eleanor's secret romantic interest, is infuriating, I agree. It seems like the past is a blank slate to him but I don't think it is. An offhand comment leaves me to believe he seems to have feelings for her but can't or won't act on them. It's frustrating for Eleanor and would be for me too, to have my intelligence valued yet be kept in the dark on official business. Do you want my help or not? Tell me what I'm looking for and why and trust me to keep my mouth shut or don't bother me. She's better off without him. I agree with Tilly that Peter's arrival in Eleanor's life always brings bad luck and a broken heart.
Secondary characters are limited mainly to the mystery but Totters and Sophie have a cameo. I love Totters. He's not too intelligent but he's a good friend. There's a hilarious subplot for Eleanor involving a man named Squidgy. He's not bright and has a weak chin but I think he's kind. I feel sorry for him to go by such a horrible nickname.
The mystery centers around the missing Martin Cropper. A painter by trade, he's been working on painting the Tower Bridge. It sounds like he's a really good man and not your average drunken lout of a laborer the upper class always believe all working men are. Mary is truly worried about her husband and seems to love him very much. After taking this case I hope Eleanor learns not to be so cynical. Martin's boss, Mr. Bairstow, also seems atypical. He sounds reasonable and fair, abiding by the rules. He doesn't involve himself in his workers' lives when they're off duty and that makes him less helpful in terms of solving the mystery. Unless he knows something about Martin or is involved in something he isn't telling Eleanor about because it's illegal. Cameron McIntyre, project foreman, also seems kind and fair but a plot twist makes me suspect he may be up to no good. Martin's replacement, Simon, is the silent type. He's alert and keen but mysterious. Other suspects include Mr. Grenville at the RRC who is protective of his membership and not cooperative with Eleanor but falls for Ann's pretty face and charm. He sounds a little sleazy. Another suspect is Alan Green, a neighbor of the Croppers. He seems to have a good motive to want Martin gone.
This is such a fun series. I love the author's dedication to research and the "rabbit hole" details in the author's note. I'm a nerd so keep 'em coming! I am so happy she finished this book early and am eager for book 4 coming soon! There's nothing to do right now but write, right? Hint hint!
I really enjoyed this mystery even though it was far more simple and easy to figure out that the previous two. I probably would have easily guessed who and why if I hadn't been reading late at night when I was tired. I especially enjoyed the relationship subplot and can't wait to see where that's headed. It's complicated!
I really like Eleanor and see a lot of potential for character growth. I like that she's unsure of herself. It's early in her career and she knows she's just a socialite with nothing meaningful to do. It's up to Tilly to prop her up. I love how protective Tilly is of Eleanor and how she knows Eleanor better than Eleanor knows herself. In spite of Tilly's toughness, she has a soft heart and her kinder feelings are directed towards little Joe Minshull. The boy is bright and engaging. He should be in school and that will help him help his family in the long run. I hope Eleanor's father sees the potential in Joe and helps educate the boy. I like how boyish Joe is in spite of being the man of the family most of his life. He's a good kid and I hope nothing bad happens to him again. Peter, Eleanor's secret romantic interest, is infuriating, I agree. It seems like the past is a blank slate to him but I don't think it is. An offhand comment leaves me to believe he seems to have feelings for her but can't or won't act on them. It's frustrating for Eleanor and would be for me too, to have my intelligence valued yet be kept in the dark on official business. Do you want my help or not? Tell me what I'm looking for and why and trust me to keep my mouth shut or don't bother me. She's better off without him. I agree with Tilly that Peter's arrival in Eleanor's life always brings bad luck and a broken heart.
Secondary characters are limited mainly to the mystery but Totters and Sophie have a cameo. I love Totters. He's not too intelligent but he's a good friend. There's a hilarious subplot for Eleanor involving a man named Squidgy. He's not bright and has a weak chin but I think he's kind. I feel sorry for him to go by such a horrible nickname.
The mystery centers around the missing Martin Cropper. A painter by trade, he's been working on painting the Tower Bridge. It sounds like he's a really good man and not your average drunken lout of a laborer the upper class always believe all working men are. Mary is truly worried about her husband and seems to love him very much. After taking this case I hope Eleanor learns not to be so cynical. Martin's boss, Mr. Bairstow, also seems atypical. He sounds reasonable and fair, abiding by the rules. He doesn't involve himself in his workers' lives when they're off duty and that makes him less helpful in terms of solving the mystery. Unless he knows something about Martin or is involved in something he isn't telling Eleanor about because it's illegal. Cameron McIntyre, project foreman, also seems kind and fair but a plot twist makes me suspect he may be up to no good. Martin's replacement, Simon, is the silent type. He's alert and keen but mysterious. Other suspects include Mr. Grenville at the RRC who is protective of his membership and not cooperative with Eleanor but falls for Ann's pretty face and charm. He sounds a little sleazy. Another suspect is Alan Green, a neighbor of the Croppers. He seems to have a good motive to want Martin gone.
This is such a fun series. I love the author's dedication to research and the "rabbit hole" details in the author's note. I'm a nerd so keep 'em coming! I am so happy she finished this book early and am eager for book 4 coming soon! There's nothing to do right now but write, right? Hint hint!
April 21, 2020
I like Eleanor and I enjoy following her as she investigates a case, but what I am not so keen on is the way she suddenly solves the case and before the author gives any clue as to what she has discovered, the arrest is setup and the case is finished.
Had it not been for the 'spoiler' I may have given this book four stars.
Had it not been for the 'spoiler' I may have given this book four stars.
February 20, 2022
I really like this series but this book not as much as the previous because I hate it when the author goes for drama rather than making sense. The Major’s “death” did not make any sense. It would have been very easy to have it make sense but the author didn’t make the effort. Why would pretending to be dead be protection for Eleanor? The author didn’t even bother to other an explanation just that it was. I found that irritating. I’ll still read the next in the series because over all I like the series so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2020
Lady ELeanor on the case.
Very good story with lady Eleanor taking on a case which she at first thinks a simple urder case but turns out not to be . I loved all the descriptions of how people dressed for various parties .lady Eleanor is a very clever lady and puts her experiences of being a spy during the war to good use .the story kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was happening next ,I gave it this very deserved top rating can't wait for the next one.
Very good story with lady Eleanor taking on a case which she at first thinks a simple urder case but turns out not to be . I loved all the descriptions of how people dressed for various parties .lady Eleanor is a very clever lady and puts her experiences of being a spy during the war to good use .the story kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was happening next ,I gave it this very deserved top rating can't wait for the next one.
February 13, 2021
This is the best one in the series in that it doesn’t just focus on the elite upper classes but illustrates what life is like for the working classes and the poor. It also brings into play the world of espionage.
However I wasn’t impressed by the way the murderer suddenly appears in the story at the end of the book with no clue as to his involvement before. A very clumsy way of tying things up.
I did however suss out beforehand that a certain character would reappear.
However I wasn’t impressed by the way the murderer suddenly appears in the story at the end of the book with no clue as to his involvement before. A very clumsy way of tying things up.
I did however suss out beforehand that a certain character would reappear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2020
Great Series!
Terrific Series that is set in London in the 1920's--- post WW 1. War may be over but espionage still exists. Lady Eleanor gets involved again while attempting to find a missing husband. Great Adventure through London with all class levels involved. Very entertaining, exciting and enjoyable reading adventure!
Terrific Series that is set in London in the 1920's--- post WW 1. War may be over but espionage still exists. Lady Eleanor gets involved again while attempting to find a missing husband. Great Adventure through London with all class levels involved. Very entertaining, exciting and enjoyable reading adventure!
October 14, 2020
A little bit of history
Excellent storytelling. There are real places and real facts in the story but it is not a history book. Don't look for the historical fact Just enjoy the story And the writer is characters. It's a book of fiction I know that many historical readers sometimes get caught up and the Facts when really this is a great story touring book.
Excellent storytelling. There are real places and real facts in the story but it is not a history book. Don't look for the historical fact Just enjoy the story And the writer is characters. It's a book of fiction I know that many historical readers sometimes get caught up and the Facts when really this is a great story touring book.
May 12, 2021
Another Fun Romp
This next Lady Eleanor mystery has kept me hungry for more. Each of them are entertaining and charming. Don’t look for eloquent writing or elaborate plots, but if you’re looking for a fun jaunt through 1930s pseudo-mysteries that will keep you turning pages, this is your author and series.
This next Lady Eleanor mystery has kept me hungry for more. Each of them are entertaining and charming. Don’t look for eloquent writing or elaborate plots, but if you’re looking for a fun jaunt through 1930s pseudo-mysteries that will keep you turning pages, this is your author and series.
October 28, 2023
another great tale! I recommend
What fun! The mystery works. But the intriguing part of the story is how the different groups……aristocracy, workmen, spies, little boys and lots of cooked breakfasts all get rolled into one plot. Elegantly done! As an American I am always intrigued by the importance of “cooked breakfasts”.
What fun! The mystery works. But the intriguing part of the story is how the different groups……aristocracy, workmen, spies, little boys and lots of cooked breakfasts all get rolled into one plot. Elegantly done! As an American I am always intrigued by the importance of “cooked breakfasts”.
April 12, 2020
Tea and mayhem
Lady Eleanor is a sleuth. She had a client with missing husband and the search begins. Finding more than one victim including herself in the line of fire makes for a good story.
Lady Eleanor is a sleuth. She had a client with missing husband and the search begins. Finding more than one victim including herself in the line of fire makes for a good story.
June 23, 2020
Rowing on the river
I like Lady Eleanor and Major Peter Armitage. Lady Eleanor is now looking a married man who has disappeared. She with the help of friends tracts down clues. Parties galore, yet she keeps her mind on business and the Major. Read and enjoy!
I like Lady Eleanor and Major Peter Armitage. Lady Eleanor is now looking a married man who has disappeared. She with the help of friends tracts down clues. Parties galore, yet she keeps her mind on business and the Major. Read and enjoy!
November 4, 2024
Another quick and entertaining read, though I do believe I'd have enjoyed it more if .
April 10, 2020
Lady Eleanor books
All of the Lady Eleanor books have been great. I'm looking forward to the fourth soon! The city areas are fascinating. I love Tilly and the boy!
All of the Lady Eleanor books have been great. I'm looking forward to the fourth soon! The city areas are fascinating. I love Tilly and the boy!
April 30, 2020
I’m confused about why Armitage faked his death. How does it protect her?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2020
Wonderful
These books are a cracking good read the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
These books are a cracking good read the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
May 18, 2020
Wonderful
A lovely cozy mystery, Lady Eleanor has a murder mystery to solve and has help from friends. Plenty of mayhem and alcohol are involved. I really enjoyed this book.
A lovely cozy mystery, Lady Eleanor has a murder mystery to solve and has help from friends. Plenty of mayhem and alcohol are involved. I really enjoyed this book.
May 25, 2020
I enjoyed this as well as the other books in the series. Ends are a bit abrupt. Otherwise a quick and cozy read.
June 25, 2020
Very Good Book
Kept me reading when I should have stopped! Such an interesting story. So happy things ended up as they did.
Kept me reading when I should have stopped! Such an interesting story. So happy things ended up as they did.
December 11, 2020
Another wonderfully written story by Lynda. The story had many twists and turns, kept you guessing and wanting to read the whole book in one sitting. About to start book 4 and cant wait.
April 2, 2021
Heroinne Has Heartbreak
I do not want to give the story away. Suffice to say there is intrigue, espionage, romance and murder. This mystery will definitely keep your interest.
I do not want to give the story away. Suffice to say there is intrigue, espionage, romance and murder. This mystery will definitely keep your interest.
December 6, 2021
Te mystery was easier to figure out this time around but there was some real emotion the brought the characters to life. I'm looking forward to reading more in the future
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2021
Best yet!
Definitely getting addicted to this series n like coming home on a cold evening, putting on warm n Cozy clothes n settling in for the evening.
Definitely getting addicted to this series n like coming home on a cold evening, putting on warm n Cozy clothes n settling in for the evening.
February 22, 2022
I am enjoying the Lady Eleanor books. The mysteries are complex enough to keep a reader guessing. This one has a bit of twist that was satisfying.
March 9, 2022
Moves fast
The book kept me guessing up until the end. It is a fast moving storyline. It was an enjoyable read for a rainy day.
The book kept me guessing up until the end. It is a fast moving storyline. It was an enjoyable read for a rainy day.
June 10, 2023
Honestly f this isn’t a Lady Eleanor series, it is truly Tilly that is the glue that pushes the story forward and provides direction to the nearly hapless Lady Eleanor.
July 27, 2023
pretty good
All in all it was a pretty good story. No big surprises or suspenseful moments. It was a bit predictable, better than I could ever do
All in all it was a pretty good story. No big surprises or suspenseful moments. It was a bit predictable, better than I could ever do
August 9, 2025
wonderful
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. It is a great read for a rainy day and a cup of tea
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. It is a great read for a rainy day and a cup of tea
January 3, 2021
Really enjoyed this one. So glad the major didn't die, but my immediate reaction when Lady E was told he "had gone", was that he hadn't died, but went into hiding...and I was right.
I do have to agree with another reviewer that the solution to the case comes without enough clarification, or clues to the reader to follow. Was able to assume the spy had done the murder, but looking back see that there was not enough substantiation for my assumption.
I do have to agree with another reviewer that the solution to the case comes without enough clarification, or clues to the reader to follow. Was able to assume the spy had done the murder, but looking back see that there was not enough substantiation for my assumption.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2021
Another wonderful entry in the Lady Eleanor mysteries series of books. I love the characters, the setting and everything about them. Thoroughly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews