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Mrs. Jeffries #39
Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice
Mrs. Jeffries always keeps her friends close and now must keep an enemy even closer if she is going to catch a killer. . . .Inspector Nigel Nivens is not a nice man or a good investigator. In fact, he’s terrible at his job and has always done everything he can to make life difficult for Inspector Witherspoon. But even his powerful family can’t help him after he maliciously tried to hobble Witherspoon’s last homicide investigation. He’s been sent to a particularly difficult precinct in the East End of London as penance.When a paid informant is found shot in an alley, Nivens thinks that if he can crack the case, he’ll redeem himself and have a much-needed chance at impressing his superiors. But there’s one big problem with his plan—Niven’s distinct antique pistol is found at the scene of the crime and even more evidence is uncovered that links the Inspector to the murder.Despite their mutual dislike for Nivens, Mrs. Jeffries and Inspector Witherspoon know the man isn’t a cold-blooded killer. Now they’ll just have to prove it. . . .
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2020
81 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Emily Brightwell
68 books536 followersCheryl Lanham was born on 11 October 1948 in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia, USA. Her family moved to Southern California in 1959 and she grew up in Pasadena. After graduating from California State University, she decided to work her way around the world and took off for England. She didn’t get much further because she met Richard James Arguile, the Englishman who became her husband, got married on May 1976, and had two children, Matthew and Amanda. While working in international shipping, she decided to pursue her dream and become a writer – which, of course, is the best job ever. She has written romance novels as Sarah Temple, and Young Adult novels as Cheryl Lanham. As Emily Brightwell, she is the author of the “Mrs. Jeffries” mysteries.
Cheryl Lanham Arguile returned to California, where she lives with her husband and a cranky old cat named Kiwi.
Cheryl Lanham Arguile returned to California, where she lives with her husband and a cranky old cat named Kiwi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 9, 2021
This is a charming, cozy, light Victorian mystery with some totally delightful characters.
While this is #39 in the series a new reader would have no trouble in getting to know the characters.
And there is always a clever murder mystery to be solved.😉
This offering is a little bit different in that the murder suspect is another policeman who has had a rather long-standing rancorous relationship with Inspector Witherspoon making this much more complicated for Mrs. Jeffries and the household staff and everyone involved in helping to solve the Inspector’s cases.
Very enjoyable as usual.
While this is #39 in the series a new reader would have no trouble in getting to know the characters.
And there is always a clever murder mystery to be solved.😉
This offering is a little bit different in that the murder suspect is another policeman who has had a rather long-standing rancorous relationship with Inspector Witherspoon making this much more complicated for Mrs. Jeffries and the household staff and everyone involved in helping to solve the Inspector’s cases.
Very enjoyable as usual.
January 19, 2021
What a great addition this is to the Mrs. Jeffries series! One does not need to read the series to enjoy this as sufficient information is shared about people and situations. If one likes cozy mysteries from the Victorian era in London, here is an excellent mix of characters, ages, backgrounds, and suspense to keep one guessing throughout.
Inspector Gerald Witherspoon is a highly respected homicide detective who, with his assistant Constable Barnes, have the best solve rate in the city. His secret weapon, so secret even he does not know about it, is his housekeeper, Mrs. Jeffries, and his staff. She has been with him since he inherited the elegant home he lives in. He is not used to luxury or servants, and it has not changed who he is. Mrs. Jeffries, his lady friend Ruth, and the staff work together to ask questions and help get information regarding the cases he works. Between the evening sherry and conversation that Mrs. Jeffries and the inspector share and the information they manage to get to him through Ruth or Constable Barnes, their inspector solves even the hardest cases. Each of the staff members has friends or contacts in the parts of town they lived in before working for Gerald.
Bert, a man who has his own ice cart from which he also delivers flowers, is killed one evening. A constable found him and sent a boy to the nearby police station to bring help. An anonymous person hired a boy to go to a local gossip paper stating that someone was found murdered, that the killer may be with the police, and the powers that be were trying to cover it up. It was true that an antique dueling pistol was found next to Bert, and it was immediately recognized as belonging to Inspector Nigel Nivens as he recently showed it officers when he was at the station. He claimed he had no connection to the murder and has no idea how the gun was stolen. He was away from his home for a couple nights but had not seen evidence of a break-in.
Most people, from his peers, subordinates, superiors at the police station to his informants and people he sent to prison, dislike Nivens. He is not a team player, does not know how to investigate properly, relies on informants or bribery, and comes from a wealthy, powerful family whose help he begged for too many times. This time they are not going to help; it is up to him to figure it out. Part of the trouble is that he knows he has burned too many bridges with peers, including Inspector Witherspoon, to have any reason to hope for help. Gerald Witherspoon and his secret weapon loves justice far more than seeing someone else suffer unless proven to be the bad guy.
This whodunit is very well executed. I could not figure out the full solution. I thought I knew who the killer might have been but could not get the why. The plot twists and turns pointed to many possible suspects. When Mrs. Jeffries was stumped and time was running out, and it seems all is lost. This is a great add to a wonderful series! I highly recommend it to those who enjoy well-written historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian England with wit, engaging characters, and a hard-to-solve whodunit.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Inspector Gerald Witherspoon is a highly respected homicide detective who, with his assistant Constable Barnes, have the best solve rate in the city. His secret weapon, so secret even he does not know about it, is his housekeeper, Mrs. Jeffries, and his staff. She has been with him since he inherited the elegant home he lives in. He is not used to luxury or servants, and it has not changed who he is. Mrs. Jeffries, his lady friend Ruth, and the staff work together to ask questions and help get information regarding the cases he works. Between the evening sherry and conversation that Mrs. Jeffries and the inspector share and the information they manage to get to him through Ruth or Constable Barnes, their inspector solves even the hardest cases. Each of the staff members has friends or contacts in the parts of town they lived in before working for Gerald.
Bert, a man who has his own ice cart from which he also delivers flowers, is killed one evening. A constable found him and sent a boy to the nearby police station to bring help. An anonymous person hired a boy to go to a local gossip paper stating that someone was found murdered, that the killer may be with the police, and the powers that be were trying to cover it up. It was true that an antique dueling pistol was found next to Bert, and it was immediately recognized as belonging to Inspector Nigel Nivens as he recently showed it officers when he was at the station. He claimed he had no connection to the murder and has no idea how the gun was stolen. He was away from his home for a couple nights but had not seen evidence of a break-in.
Most people, from his peers, subordinates, superiors at the police station to his informants and people he sent to prison, dislike Nivens. He is not a team player, does not know how to investigate properly, relies on informants or bribery, and comes from a wealthy, powerful family whose help he begged for too many times. This time they are not going to help; it is up to him to figure it out. Part of the trouble is that he knows he has burned too many bridges with peers, including Inspector Witherspoon, to have any reason to hope for help. Gerald Witherspoon and his secret weapon loves justice far more than seeing someone else suffer unless proven to be the bad guy.
This whodunit is very well executed. I could not figure out the full solution. I thought I knew who the killer might have been but could not get the why. The plot twists and turns pointed to many possible suspects. When Mrs. Jeffries was stumped and time was running out, and it seems all is lost. This is a great add to a wonderful series! I highly recommend it to those who enjoy well-written historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian England with wit, engaging characters, and a hard-to-solve whodunit.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
January 24, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice
A Victorian Mystery, Book #39
By Emily Brightwell
ISBN 9780593101063
Author Website: emilybrightwell(.)com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Mrs. Jeffries always keeps her friends close and now must keep an enemy even closer if she is going to catch a killer. . . .
Inspector Nigel Nivens is not a nice man or a good investigator. In fact, he’s terrible at his job and has always done everything he can to make life difficult for Inspector Witherspoon. But even his powerful family can’t help him after he maliciously tried to hobble Witherspoon’s last homicide investigation. He’s been sent to a particularly difficult precinct in the East End of London as penance.
When a paid informant is found shot in an alley, Nivens thinks that if he can crack the case, he’ll redeem himself and have a much-needed chance at impressing his superiors. But there’s one big problem with his plan–Niven’s distinct antique pistol is found at the scene of the crime and even more evidence is uncovered that links the Inspector to the murder.
Despite their mutual dislike for Nivens, Mrs. Jeffries and Inspector Witherspoon know the man isn’t a cold-blooded killer. Now they’ll just have to prove it. (Goodreads)
Review:
I was so happy to see our old friends, Inspector Gerald Witherspoon, Mrs. Jeffries, and his staff and friends again! Constable Barnes sees housekeeper Mrs. Jeffries as the best detective he has ever known, but she refuses credit. What a treasure she is!
This novel is a delight for those who enjoy historical cozy mysteries set in the late 1880’s London. I enjoy watching the household staff find clues in the background and Inspector Witherspoon, whose lifestyle is one of inherited wealth but never puts on airs. The inspector and his assistant, Constable Barnes, are hard-working, thoughtful investigators who solve some of the most difficult murders in London.
On a chilly spring Monday evening in the East End of London, an iceman who also delivers flowers is murdered. Left beside his body is an antique flintlock dueling pistol recently seen by the officers at the Leman Street Station. It is part of a set inherited by Inspector Nivens, who had shown the pair off to co-workers a few days earlier after a repair was made to one of them. Bert Santorini, the iceman, had been an informant of Nivens, recently helping Nivens put away the O’Dwyer brothers for several burglaries. A lad was paid to go to the worst of the local papers, The Sentinel, with information about the murder with a hint that police was protecting one of their own. Scotland Yard wants it solved now.
There are few detectives as disliked as Inspector Nigel Nivens. His family has friends in high places that, not long ago, helped him keep his job despite a major error in a recent case. He has an arrogance not befitting a public servant. The men who work with him and for him, as well as the thieves and informants he deals with, share in their dislike of him.
Nivens claims to be totally innocent but has no alibi for the time of the murder. He knows how unpopular he is; few cops would ever look beyond him to find who the real murderer is. When Gerald Witherspoon, accompanied by Constable Barnes, begins to investigate, Nivens doesn’t feel much hope; he has betrayed Witherspoon a couple times.
Mrs. Jeffries knows this murder troubles the inspector. Witherspoon doesn’t care for Nivens, but he does care for justice, as do Mrs. Jeffries and the staff. One day when the staff is meeting with the results of what they learned, Nivens shows up, wanting to talk with them. He said that people at the station think they are who really investigate and help Witherspoon solve all the murders he does. They denied their involvement multiple times, in multiple ways. He pleads for their help, as he knows he will hang if the real killer isn’t found, but they declare they are only servants. Mrs. Jeffries is also terribly troubled about the case, as Chief Superintendent Barrows will only give Witherspoon and Barnes a couple more days to solve it or arrest Nivens.
Catching up with the characters was such a delight! They are well-defined, even to being able to picture them. Learning about Betsy’s background was eye-opening and makes me appreciate her more. Mrs. Jeffries is my favorite character, as she really does have a way of thinking that helps her put the bits and pieces of information together. She is a natural encourager, of their inspector and of the staff. When any one person feels they had little success getting information, she considers what they do learn throughout the case, and tells them one never knows what bit they bring in that will solve it.
I was immediately welcomed into this mystery. The pace is steady throughout much of the novel, at which time it speeds up like a runaway horse through to the end. The series does not have to be read in order to be fully satisfying; each can be read as standalones. The staff learns over the course of days that the iceman has more than his share of enemies, from people he lied about to send to prison to ex-lady friends. This was quite the challenge to solve! The end was perfect, with no leftover clues or questions. I highly recommend this wonderful mystery. It is fascinating to see the historical period and how murders are solved in a time without internet or even telephones and much of the information learned is to be remembered and written up by hand.
Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice
A Victorian Mystery, Book #39
By Emily Brightwell
ISBN 9780593101063
Author Website: emilybrightwell(.)com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Mrs. Jeffries always keeps her friends close and now must keep an enemy even closer if she is going to catch a killer. . . .
Inspector Nigel Nivens is not a nice man or a good investigator. In fact, he’s terrible at his job and has always done everything he can to make life difficult for Inspector Witherspoon. But even his powerful family can’t help him after he maliciously tried to hobble Witherspoon’s last homicide investigation. He’s been sent to a particularly difficult precinct in the East End of London as penance.
When a paid informant is found shot in an alley, Nivens thinks that if he can crack the case, he’ll redeem himself and have a much-needed chance at impressing his superiors. But there’s one big problem with his plan–Niven’s distinct antique pistol is found at the scene of the crime and even more evidence is uncovered that links the Inspector to the murder.
Despite their mutual dislike for Nivens, Mrs. Jeffries and Inspector Witherspoon know the man isn’t a cold-blooded killer. Now they’ll just have to prove it. (Goodreads)
Review:
I was so happy to see our old friends, Inspector Gerald Witherspoon, Mrs. Jeffries, and his staff and friends again! Constable Barnes sees housekeeper Mrs. Jeffries as the best detective he has ever known, but she refuses credit. What a treasure she is!
This novel is a delight for those who enjoy historical cozy mysteries set in the late 1880’s London. I enjoy watching the household staff find clues in the background and Inspector Witherspoon, whose lifestyle is one of inherited wealth but never puts on airs. The inspector and his assistant, Constable Barnes, are hard-working, thoughtful investigators who solve some of the most difficult murders in London.
On a chilly spring Monday evening in the East End of London, an iceman who also delivers flowers is murdered. Left beside his body is an antique flintlock dueling pistol recently seen by the officers at the Leman Street Station. It is part of a set inherited by Inspector Nivens, who had shown the pair off to co-workers a few days earlier after a repair was made to one of them. Bert Santorini, the iceman, had been an informant of Nivens, recently helping Nivens put away the O’Dwyer brothers for several burglaries. A lad was paid to go to the worst of the local papers, The Sentinel, with information about the murder with a hint that police was protecting one of their own. Scotland Yard wants it solved now.
There are few detectives as disliked as Inspector Nigel Nivens. His family has friends in high places that, not long ago, helped him keep his job despite a major error in a recent case. He has an arrogance not befitting a public servant. The men who work with him and for him, as well as the thieves and informants he deals with, share in their dislike of him.
Nivens claims to be totally innocent but has no alibi for the time of the murder. He knows how unpopular he is; few cops would ever look beyond him to find who the real murderer is. When Gerald Witherspoon, accompanied by Constable Barnes, begins to investigate, Nivens doesn’t feel much hope; he has betrayed Witherspoon a couple times.
Mrs. Jeffries knows this murder troubles the inspector. Witherspoon doesn’t care for Nivens, but he does care for justice, as do Mrs. Jeffries and the staff. One day when the staff is meeting with the results of what they learned, Nivens shows up, wanting to talk with them. He said that people at the station think they are who really investigate and help Witherspoon solve all the murders he does. They denied their involvement multiple times, in multiple ways. He pleads for their help, as he knows he will hang if the real killer isn’t found, but they declare they are only servants. Mrs. Jeffries is also terribly troubled about the case, as Chief Superintendent Barrows will only give Witherspoon and Barnes a couple more days to solve it or arrest Nivens.
Catching up with the characters was such a delight! They are well-defined, even to being able to picture them. Learning about Betsy’s background was eye-opening and makes me appreciate her more. Mrs. Jeffries is my favorite character, as she really does have a way of thinking that helps her put the bits and pieces of information together. She is a natural encourager, of their inspector and of the staff. When any one person feels they had little success getting information, she considers what they do learn throughout the case, and tells them one never knows what bit they bring in that will solve it.
I was immediately welcomed into this mystery. The pace is steady throughout much of the novel, at which time it speeds up like a runaway horse through to the end. The series does not have to be read in order to be fully satisfying; each can be read as standalones. The staff learns over the course of days that the iceman has more than his share of enemies, from people he lied about to send to prison to ex-lady friends. This was quite the challenge to solve! The end was perfect, with no leftover clues or questions. I highly recommend this wonderful mystery. It is fascinating to see the historical period and how murders are solved in a time without internet or even telephones and much of the information learned is to be remembered and written up by hand.
January 13, 2021
Series: Mrs. Jeffries #39
Publication: 1/26/21
Number of Pages: 304
Thirty-Nine books into the series and I’m still loving it. The characters are as fresh and delightful today as they were in the first book. There is always a serious mystery to solve, but it is done with wit and charm galore. I always look forward to each new book because of its warmth, it’s family feel – all of the characters have the utmost respect and care for each other despite the differences in their stations in life. Each book is a delightful addition to the series, but you can also read each book as a standalone should you wish to do so – but you would be missing the character and relationship growth that has occurred in the previous books.
Inspector Nigel Nivens is in serious trouble – very serious trouble. If you’ve read the previous books, you know what a despicable piece of work he is. Now, there has been a heinous murder, and all of the evidence points to Nivens being the perpetrator. Nivens detests Inspector Witherspoon, yet now, not only his career but his life is in Witherspoon’s hands. LOVE IT!
Inspector Witherspoon is called into the Chief’s office and told that he has a new case. The case isn’t out of his station, but Witherspoon is being assigned nonetheless. There has been a murder in the East End and all of the evidence points to Nigel Nivens being the murderer. The overhead folks at Scotland Yard wouldn’t mind throwing the book at Nivens and getting rid of him, but they know they have to give the investigation every appearance of fairness. That is why they assign the case to Witherspoon – the most respected Inspector on the force.
Witherspoon doesn’t like Nivens, but he doesn’t believe he is capable of murder. However, the evidence is pretty clear. In Witherspoon’s view, the only way to conduct the investigation is to be unbiased and to start fresh and look at ALL of the clues, not just the obvious ones. As he investigates, he learns that there are many, many, many people who have reasons to want the victim dead.
I love that Inspector Witherspoon has an ‘unknown to him’ support team consisting of his housekeeper, maid, cook, coachman, and several interested friends who are helping him behind the scenes. I love how they quietly feed him the clues they have found without him even being aware that they’ve done it. That ‘support team’ has absolutely no love for Nivens because of the way he’s treated Witherspoon in the past, but they also don’t believe he’s guilty. They’ll help their inspector solve the crime no matter which way it goes.
I loved this book and enjoyed reading every word of it. I love the characters and the whole ‘family’ feel it has. I hope you’ll read this book, and this series, and that you’ll love it as much as I do. I even like that this book has departed from its norm and leaves a bit of a cliff-hanger for the end. I feel a set-up for a future story there :)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication: 1/26/21
Number of Pages: 304
Thirty-Nine books into the series and I’m still loving it. The characters are as fresh and delightful today as they were in the first book. There is always a serious mystery to solve, but it is done with wit and charm galore. I always look forward to each new book because of its warmth, it’s family feel – all of the characters have the utmost respect and care for each other despite the differences in their stations in life. Each book is a delightful addition to the series, but you can also read each book as a standalone should you wish to do so – but you would be missing the character and relationship growth that has occurred in the previous books.
Inspector Nigel Nivens is in serious trouble – very serious trouble. If you’ve read the previous books, you know what a despicable piece of work he is. Now, there has been a heinous murder, and all of the evidence points to Nivens being the perpetrator. Nivens detests Inspector Witherspoon, yet now, not only his career but his life is in Witherspoon’s hands. LOVE IT!
Inspector Witherspoon is called into the Chief’s office and told that he has a new case. The case isn’t out of his station, but Witherspoon is being assigned nonetheless. There has been a murder in the East End and all of the evidence points to Nigel Nivens being the murderer. The overhead folks at Scotland Yard wouldn’t mind throwing the book at Nivens and getting rid of him, but they know they have to give the investigation every appearance of fairness. That is why they assign the case to Witherspoon – the most respected Inspector on the force.
Witherspoon doesn’t like Nivens, but he doesn’t believe he is capable of murder. However, the evidence is pretty clear. In Witherspoon’s view, the only way to conduct the investigation is to be unbiased and to start fresh and look at ALL of the clues, not just the obvious ones. As he investigates, he learns that there are many, many, many people who have reasons to want the victim dead.
I love that Inspector Witherspoon has an ‘unknown to him’ support team consisting of his housekeeper, maid, cook, coachman, and several interested friends who are helping him behind the scenes. I love how they quietly feed him the clues they have found without him even being aware that they’ve done it. That ‘support team’ has absolutely no love for Nivens because of the way he’s treated Witherspoon in the past, but they also don’t believe he’s guilty. They’ll help their inspector solve the crime no matter which way it goes.
I loved this book and enjoyed reading every word of it. I love the characters and the whole ‘family’ feel it has. I hope you’ll read this book, and this series, and that you’ll love it as much as I do. I even like that this book has departed from its norm and leaves a bit of a cliff-hanger for the end. I feel a set-up for a future story there :)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 22, 2020
I really like this series. It has been going for such a long time, but I always pick up a book as soon as it is released. I enjoyed how the character of Nigel Niviens was used in this book. I also enjoyed how the book left us with just a little bit of a cliffhanger (the series doesn't usually tend to do that) and it made me even more excited for the next installment of the series.
January 19, 2022
There is a saying, "Nothing ever changes." In Mrs. Jeffries case, it does.
In the last dozen years I've read about 6 of the 39 Mrs. Jeffries cozies, and enjoyed them as uncomplicated, cute, and very English mysteries. The writing fit the stories and the characters were the stars. Throughout, the theme of the "downstairs" inhabitants of Inspector Witherspoon's household not only being more than in service, but in pursuit of justice, came through clearly.
Then there was a giant step for mankind. I do not know if this started with Mrs. Jeffries # 37 or #38 since I haven't read them, but there has been a transformation with #39. The writing is more mature, the plot wonderfully complicated, the clues strewn like mysterious confetti, and the emphasis is on the dastardly Inspector Nivens. The accusation of murder against him could have been used for revenge, but instead it became an instrument of honor among the sleuths. The plotting and pacing were neatly done, and the depth of how it was executed could never have fit into the earlier works.
I can usually guess whodunit, but this time I had trouble doing so, which is a compliment from a reader who appreciates this new era of the Mrs. Jeffries books. Recommended.
In the last dozen years I've read about 6 of the 39 Mrs. Jeffries cozies, and enjoyed them as uncomplicated, cute, and very English mysteries. The writing fit the stories and the characters were the stars. Throughout, the theme of the "downstairs" inhabitants of Inspector Witherspoon's household not only being more than in service, but in pursuit of justice, came through clearly.
Then there was a giant step for mankind. I do not know if this started with Mrs. Jeffries # 37 or #38 since I haven't read them, but there has been a transformation with #39. The writing is more mature, the plot wonderfully complicated, the clues strewn like mysterious confetti, and the emphasis is on the dastardly Inspector Nivens. The accusation of murder against him could have been used for revenge, but instead it became an instrument of honor among the sleuths. The plotting and pacing were neatly done, and the depth of how it was executed could never have fit into the earlier works.
I can usually guess whodunit, but this time I had trouble doing so, which is a compliment from a reader who appreciates this new era of the Mrs. Jeffries books. Recommended.
May 25, 2021
Inspector Nivens is Inspector Witherspoon’s arch rival. Despite his wrong doings, Nivens manages to stay on the force.
However, it looks a though Nivens has gone too far. Someone has been murdered, and all the evidence points to Nivens.
Without a friend in the world, and being suspect #1, will Nivens face the gallows?
This was a quick paced read. My mind was constantly looking for answers as the evidence piles up.
The door has definitely been thrown open to future intrigue.
It would definitively help to have some background into the different characters that help Inspector Witherspoon.
Highly recommended!😊
However, it looks a though Nivens has gone too far. Someone has been murdered, and all the evidence points to Nivens.
Without a friend in the world, and being suspect #1, will Nivens face the gallows?
This was a quick paced read. My mind was constantly looking for answers as the evidence piles up.
The door has definitely been thrown open to future intrigue.
It would definitively help to have some background into the different characters that help Inspector Witherspoon.
Highly recommended!😊
February 16, 2021
I live the audio books of the series
January 1, 2021
In 2020 nothing was predictable, so it's wonderful to be able to rely on Emily Brightwell bringing us another delightful Mrs. Jeffries book. In Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice, Inspector Nigel Nivens is in trouble. If you've read other Mrs. Jeffries books, you know that he is not someone you'd want to defend. Nivens hates Inspector Witherspoon and is a crooked, deceitful inspector. But Mrs. Jeffries knows Nigel Nivens has been set up to take the fall for a murder he didn't commit. And though none of the Witherspoon household staff would be sorry to see Nivens in prison, they don't want a murderer to go free or an innocent man to take the fall.
What I love about these books most of all is the feeling that this staff, as well as their neighbors who help "solve" the crimes, are family. They may not be related by blood, but they care for each other. They care for their employer so much that they risk their own safety at times to gather clues.
Another thing that I appreciate about this series is that as it has progressed, Inspector Witherspoon has really grown more capable and become more confident in his abilities. It seems as if the clues "fed" to him are fewer than before, and he has truly become the inspector that Scotland Yard and his fellow constables believe him to be....and always have been.
If you've never read any books in the series, I suggest you start at the beginning. You don't need to read every book if you want to get to this one quickly, but you do need to know how things were in the beginning and how they've progressed. Trust me though. They are all very enjoyable cozy mysteries! These are especially wonderful reads for those of us who like historical cozies too. As an Anglophile, I love that they're set in England too.
I highly recommend this & all of the Mrs. Jeffries books!
What I love about these books most of all is the feeling that this staff, as well as their neighbors who help "solve" the crimes, are family. They may not be related by blood, but they care for each other. They care for their employer so much that they risk their own safety at times to gather clues.
Another thing that I appreciate about this series is that as it has progressed, Inspector Witherspoon has really grown more capable and become more confident in his abilities. It seems as if the clues "fed" to him are fewer than before, and he has truly become the inspector that Scotland Yard and his fellow constables believe him to be....and always have been.
If you've never read any books in the series, I suggest you start at the beginning. You don't need to read every book if you want to get to this one quickly, but you do need to know how things were in the beginning and how they've progressed. Trust me though. They are all very enjoyable cozy mysteries! These are especially wonderful reads for those of us who like historical cozies too. As an Anglophile, I love that they're set in England too.
I highly recommend this & all of the Mrs. Jeffries books!
June 7, 2021
Not deep, but fun...
May 28, 2021
I think I just wasn’t quite in the right mind space for another Mrs Jeffries book so close after reading two others in the series. I whizzed through the first half of this book but then struggled to be interested enough to read the last half. I think I also got a little overwhelmed by the amount of bit players in this one; it felt like there were a LOT of suspects and red herrings (more than normal). But all that aside, a fairly solid 39th entry in the Mrs Jeffries series.
June 8, 2021
Another great book featuring Mrs. Jeffries and the gang. The author has an excellent relationship with her characters, creating well rounded personalities with believable back stories. The plot is complex without being confusing and there are red herrings a-plenty! In Dame Agatha's league, Ms. Brightwell has added another wonderful installment to her Mrs. Jeffries series. You'll love both this book and the series. I highly recommend both for cozy mystery lovers.
March 8, 2021
Former Inspector Nigel Nivens is accused of murdering one of his own snitches. The fact that his own gun was used makes it hard for him to deny. Witherspoon is brought in from another office to solve the case but the proof becomes more damning all the time against Nivens. It doesn't help that everyone believes the police will do anything to save their own men.
Inspector Witherspoon and Constable Barnes find the case a tough one and so does Witherspoon's helpful staff. No matter how hard they try they can't come up with any information that really helps and they don't like Nivens because he has tried to take down their boss several times in the past.
Another great Emily Brightwell story!
Inspector Witherspoon and Constable Barnes find the case a tough one and so does Witherspoon's helpful staff. No matter how hard they try they can't come up with any information that really helps and they don't like Nivens because he has tried to take down their boss several times in the past.
Another great Emily Brightwell story!
February 13, 2024
Another good audio book for me to listen to on my way to dream land.
May 17, 2021
I enjoy this series.
March 12, 2022
Another good Mrs Jeffries story
February 11, 2021
The GoodReads description is spoilerish and not a good summary.
Bert Santorini, an ice delivery man in the East End of London, ends his day by meeting someone in an alley off the Commercial Road in Whitechapel, a notoriously bad neighborhood. He has survived by his wits thus far and the person he is waiting for will pay if anything happens to Bert. Unfortunately for Bert, he's met by an unknown assailant who shoots him dead. When the police inspect the scene of the crime, they discover a gun belonging to Inspector Nigel Nivens lying next to the body. When the sensational press get ahold of the story, right away, they accuse the police of covering up the crime to protect one of their own. Superintendent Barrows is unimpressed and puts Inspector Witherspoon on the job. Scared, Nivens turns to Mrs. Jeffries for help but she doesn't trust him. It doesn't look good for Nivens, all the evidence points to him and Mrs. Jeffries knows they need to see justice done, no matter who the murderer was. She doesn't think it was Inspector Nivens, as much as she dislikes him. To the people of the West End, Bert Santorini was a good member of the community but in Whitechapel, he was not well liked and everyone seems to have a motive for murder. Can Inspector Witherspoon and Mrs. Jeffries figure this one out in time to save Inspector Nivens or will he finally be found guilty of a crime he may not have committed?
As with most of the other books in this series, it opens with the murder. I don't like seeing the murder happen. It makes it easier to guess who the murderer is. I prefer to follow the clues and figure it out as I go along. Fortunately, in this story, it's unclear who the murderer is right away. It takes a lot of sifting through clues to put them together. I had my suspicions and finally knew for sure who did it about 2/3 of the way through. I was surprised it took Mrs. Jeffries so long to figure it out. They had all the clues. Alas, she's getting older and her mind isn't as sharp as it used to be. The book ends with a lot of drama and hints at a future case for the servants to solve and more tension with Inspector Nivens.
Bert Santorini seems like a good man at first. An Italian immigrant trying to survive in a cruel world, he works hard delivering ice to people and seems to care about his horse. However, when the sleuthing begins, we get a different picture of Bert. He was selfish, manipulative and a blackguard. He used his good looks and charm to get ahead in unscrupulous ways and then turned around and stabbed people in the back. I don't think he deserved to die but he deserved to get caught, go to jail and bring down Nivens with him. The GoodReads description of the novel is not quite true. It's not specifically stated Bert lied but it is inferred that he wants Nigel to pay him off for putting the Dwyer brothers behind bars. It's also inferred he's the one who planted the evidence. We won't ever know for sure because all we get about that is Bert's thoughts just before he's murdered.
Even though the evidence points to Inspector Nivens I don't think he did it. He's not THAT stupid! First of all, he's too fussy to actually do the deed himself. He'd pay someone to do it for him. Secondly, if he did commit murder, say, in self-defense or in the heat of the moment, he could have dropped his weapon but I think he'd send an urchin to go get it and then blame the street rat for theft and murder. He's crafty but not dumb. Finally, he's too lazy to actually kill someone. He likes his comfortable lifestyle. I don't picture him meeting someone down the dark alley. However, he's been a thorn in the side of the department for ages and now they finally have a chance to get rid of him but must do it legally. I almost feel bad for Nivens because he's scared but he's only worried about his own skin.
Fortunately, the Superintendent put Witherspoon on the job. Inspector Witherspoon's moral code and strong sense of ethics will see justice done. He doesn't even suspect Nivens! While this case isn't easy to solve, he knows Nivens isn't stupid enough to leave evidence lying around. Mrs. Jeffries doesn't think Nivens did it either but she is reluctant to help him because she fears he won't change and he'll turn on their beloved Inspector again. She doesn't know Nigel's mother has finally cut him off so he might be more motivated to actually do some police work and not just pay off people so Nivens can get a promotion. Mrs. Jeffries is getting on in years now. It was sad to see her not as sharp as she normally is. She found a solution to her memory problems and I hope it works for her.
Constable Barnes is smart and he's on the verge of figuring it out with help from a new character. Constable John Rhodes, a former colleague of Constable Barnes is still at the same station. Determined not to retire, he's still sharp and witty. He's a big help in the investigation and I really like him a lot.
Suspects are numerous. Whitechapel, the infamous neighborhood where the Ripper murders took place, is not a nice neighborhood even years later. However, a Mrs. Callahan has fixed up the Crying Crows Pub to appeal to a higher class of clientele, primarily policeman. She adheres to the laws and doesn't allow the riff-raff into her pub. Even so, she is not a nice woman. She constantly yells at her employees and patrons too. Janice, the barmaid, is verbally abused by Mrs. Callahan on a daily basis. Alex, the barman, is treated only slightly better. He has a thicker skin. Mrs. Callahan protects her privacy but everyone knows she hated Bert Santorini and kicked him out of her pub. Alberta Miller, of the Thistle and Thorn pub was once in love with Bert Santorini before he two-timed her. She truly believes he loved her and they had a future together. Was Bert lying to her? Is she that naïve or lying? The other woman, Mrs. Sorensen, is now Bert's landlady. She too believed his promises and thought they would marry. Frida Sorensen has a very nasty temper. Could the motive for murder be a passionate love affair turned sour? Another suspect is Harvey Macklin, who was Mrs. Sorensen's previous lover. He planned to marry her and thought she loved him until she threw him over for Bert. Could he have wanted his rival out of the way? It seems plausible but Harvey is a nervous sort. He does appear to be trying to protect himself and his lady love though.
The O'Dwyers are the most likely suspects. Three of the sons are in jail for a crime they swear they did not commit. Their mother admits they may not be lily white but they did NOT cosh that butler on the head and she's convinced the police planted evidence to arrest her sons. Mrs. O'Dwyer wants her sons freed. I would expect she wants revenge on Satorini but killing him is not going to help. There may be other reasons she wants him dead, though. Philip Graves is another former criminal with a grudge against Santorini. The profile fits. He's angry at Santorini for multiple reasons and certainly being in prison made him hard. What about pickpocket Dickie Stiles? He was apparently thick with Bert recently. I think he picked Nivens' pocket to steal his house key, someone stole the dueling pistol and used it to kill Santorini.
Mrs. Goodge and Luty Belle are also getting older and can't easily hold 3-year-old Amanda anymore. Luty's spirit is as fiery as ever though and Mrs. Goodge's plain speaking is much appreciated. It's sad to see the older characters aging. The young ones have really come into their own. Wiggins has such a kind heart. He would be a good successor to the Inspector. Phillis has become so confident and bold. She's determined to forge her own path in life and not let anyone stand in her way. She and Wiggins fight like siblings. I was hoping for a romance there but I don't see it as sexual tension fighting. Betsy has to confront her past and come to terms with everything that happened. It was traumatic growing up in Whitechapel and it pains Smythe to think about his beloved's life there and her insistence at helping in the case causes trouble in paradise. Oh no! I hate it when they fight and they scared Amanda! I hope this adventure helps Betsy heal and move on. I am sure Smythe will move heaven and hearth to help give his wife one thing she wants for closure. I like how her story incorporates some of the nitty gritty, darker aspects of Victorian life without it being the main focus of the mystery.
There's one loose thread in the end they haven't told the Inspector and a possibility of a future case. There was even a suspicious death mentioned in the beginning of the book, not believed to be murder, but what if it was?
This book works as a standalone because they recap a lot. I liked getting to know the characters and watching them develop a bit each book. I hope to reconnect with these characters soon.
Bert Santorini, an ice delivery man in the East End of London, ends his day by meeting someone in an alley off the Commercial Road in Whitechapel, a notoriously bad neighborhood. He has survived by his wits thus far and the person he is waiting for will pay if anything happens to Bert. Unfortunately for Bert, he's met by an unknown assailant who shoots him dead. When the police inspect the scene of the crime, they discover a gun belonging to Inspector Nigel Nivens lying next to the body. When the sensational press get ahold of the story, right away, they accuse the police of covering up the crime to protect one of their own. Superintendent Barrows is unimpressed and puts Inspector Witherspoon on the job. Scared, Nivens turns to Mrs. Jeffries for help but she doesn't trust him. It doesn't look good for Nivens, all the evidence points to him and Mrs. Jeffries knows they need to see justice done, no matter who the murderer was. She doesn't think it was Inspector Nivens, as much as she dislikes him. To the people of the West End, Bert Santorini was a good member of the community but in Whitechapel, he was not well liked and everyone seems to have a motive for murder. Can Inspector Witherspoon and Mrs. Jeffries figure this one out in time to save Inspector Nivens or will he finally be found guilty of a crime he may not have committed?
As with most of the other books in this series, it opens with the murder. I don't like seeing the murder happen. It makes it easier to guess who the murderer is. I prefer to follow the clues and figure it out as I go along. Fortunately, in this story, it's unclear who the murderer is right away. It takes a lot of sifting through clues to put them together. I had my suspicions and finally knew for sure who did it about 2/3 of the way through. I was surprised it took Mrs. Jeffries so long to figure it out. They had all the clues. Alas, she's getting older and her mind isn't as sharp as it used to be. The book ends with a lot of drama and hints at a future case for the servants to solve and more tension with Inspector Nivens.
Bert Santorini seems like a good man at first. An Italian immigrant trying to survive in a cruel world, he works hard delivering ice to people and seems to care about his horse. However, when the sleuthing begins, we get a different picture of Bert. He was selfish, manipulative and a blackguard. He used his good looks and charm to get ahead in unscrupulous ways and then turned around and stabbed people in the back. I don't think he deserved to die but he deserved to get caught, go to jail and bring down Nivens with him. The GoodReads description of the novel is not quite true. It's not specifically stated Bert lied but it is inferred that he wants Nigel to pay him off for putting the Dwyer brothers behind bars. It's also inferred he's the one who planted the evidence. We won't ever know for sure because all we get about that is Bert's thoughts just before he's murdered.
Even though the evidence points to Inspector Nivens I don't think he did it. He's not THAT stupid! First of all, he's too fussy to actually do the deed himself. He'd pay someone to do it for him. Secondly, if he did commit murder, say, in self-defense or in the heat of the moment, he could have dropped his weapon but I think he'd send an urchin to go get it and then blame the street rat for theft and murder. He's crafty but not dumb. Finally, he's too lazy to actually kill someone. He likes his comfortable lifestyle. I don't picture him meeting someone down the dark alley. However, he's been a thorn in the side of the department for ages and now they finally have a chance to get rid of him but must do it legally. I almost feel bad for Nivens because he's scared but he's only worried about his own skin.
Fortunately, the Superintendent put Witherspoon on the job. Inspector Witherspoon's moral code and strong sense of ethics will see justice done. He doesn't even suspect Nivens! While this case isn't easy to solve, he knows Nivens isn't stupid enough to leave evidence lying around. Mrs. Jeffries doesn't think Nivens did it either but she is reluctant to help him because she fears he won't change and he'll turn on their beloved Inspector again. She doesn't know Nigel's mother has finally cut him off so he might be more motivated to actually do some police work and not just pay off people so Nivens can get a promotion. Mrs. Jeffries is getting on in years now. It was sad to see her not as sharp as she normally is. She found a solution to her memory problems and I hope it works for her.
Constable Barnes is smart and he's on the verge of figuring it out with help from a new character. Constable John Rhodes, a former colleague of Constable Barnes is still at the same station. Determined not to retire, he's still sharp and witty. He's a big help in the investigation and I really like him a lot.
Suspects are numerous. Whitechapel, the infamous neighborhood where the Ripper murders took place, is not a nice neighborhood even years later. However, a Mrs. Callahan has fixed up the Crying Crows Pub to appeal to a higher class of clientele, primarily policeman. She adheres to the laws and doesn't allow the riff-raff into her pub. Even so, she is not a nice woman. She constantly yells at her employees and patrons too. Janice, the barmaid, is verbally abused by Mrs. Callahan on a daily basis. Alex, the barman, is treated only slightly better. He has a thicker skin. Mrs. Callahan protects her privacy but everyone knows she hated Bert Santorini and kicked him out of her pub. Alberta Miller, of the Thistle and Thorn pub was once in love with Bert Santorini before he two-timed her. She truly believes he loved her and they had a future together. Was Bert lying to her? Is she that naïve or lying? The other woman, Mrs. Sorensen, is now Bert's landlady. She too believed his promises and thought they would marry. Frida Sorensen has a very nasty temper. Could the motive for murder be a passionate love affair turned sour? Another suspect is Harvey Macklin, who was Mrs. Sorensen's previous lover. He planned to marry her and thought she loved him until she threw him over for Bert. Could he have wanted his rival out of the way? It seems plausible but Harvey is a nervous sort. He does appear to be trying to protect himself and his lady love though.
The O'Dwyers are the most likely suspects. Three of the sons are in jail for a crime they swear they did not commit. Their mother admits they may not be lily white but they did NOT cosh that butler on the head and she's convinced the police planted evidence to arrest her sons. Mrs. O'Dwyer wants her sons freed. I would expect she wants revenge on Satorini but killing him is not going to help. There may be other reasons she wants him dead, though. Philip Graves is another former criminal with a grudge against Santorini. The profile fits. He's angry at Santorini for multiple reasons and certainly being in prison made him hard. What about pickpocket Dickie Stiles? He was apparently thick with Bert recently. I think he picked Nivens' pocket to steal his house key, someone stole the dueling pistol and used it to kill Santorini.
Mrs. Goodge and Luty Belle are also getting older and can't easily hold 3-year-old Amanda anymore. Luty's spirit is as fiery as ever though and Mrs. Goodge's plain speaking is much appreciated. It's sad to see the older characters aging. The young ones have really come into their own. Wiggins has such a kind heart. He would be a good successor to the Inspector. Phillis has become so confident and bold. She's determined to forge her own path in life and not let anyone stand in her way. She and Wiggins fight like siblings. I was hoping for a romance there but I don't see it as sexual tension fighting. Betsy has to confront her past and come to terms with everything that happened. It was traumatic growing up in Whitechapel and it pains Smythe to think about his beloved's life there and her insistence at helping in the case causes trouble in paradise. Oh no! I hate it when they fight and they scared Amanda! I hope this adventure helps Betsy heal and move on. I am sure Smythe will move heaven and hearth to help give his wife one thing she wants for closure. I like how her story incorporates some of the nitty gritty, darker aspects of Victorian life without it being the main focus of the mystery.
There's one loose thread in the end they haven't told the Inspector and a possibility of a future case. There was even a suspicious death mentioned in the beginning of the book, not believed to be murder, but what if it was?
This book works as a standalone because they recap a lot. I liked getting to know the characters and watching them develop a bit each book. I hope to reconnect with these characters soon.
March 1, 2021
Great mystery
I couldn't stop reading this mystery. Once I started I could not stop. The plot was excellent, especially the turn of events.
I couldn't stop reading this mystery. Once I started I could not stop. The plot was excellent, especially the turn of events.
January 25, 2021
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice is the 39th Victorian mystery by Emily Brightwell. Due out 26th Jan 2021 from Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 304 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
These books are always a sure bet for an enjoyable and engaging story with an ensemble cast of comfortable well written characters. It's like a visit with an old and trusted friend. You know what to expect and it's always a fun and satisfying time.
In this installment an ice delivery man is shot at close range and Inspector Witherspoon and his faithful retainers are searching for clues to his secret background, his murder, and the criminal underground of Victorian East London. Things start looking grim for Witherspoon's old adversary Nigel Nivens and Mrs. Jeffries and co. are soon on the case.
This is a comfortable and enjoyable read. The language is clean, the plot is easy to follow, the pacing is gentle, and the denouement is satisfying. It works reasonably well as a standalone. The author is adept at providing back info without spoon feeding or info dumping.
Four and a half stars. Recommended to fans of historical cozies, Victorian procedurals, and general cozy mystery series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice is the 39th Victorian mystery by Emily Brightwell. Due out 26th Jan 2021 from Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 304 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
These books are always a sure bet for an enjoyable and engaging story with an ensemble cast of comfortable well written characters. It's like a visit with an old and trusted friend. You know what to expect and it's always a fun and satisfying time.
In this installment an ice delivery man is shot at close range and Inspector Witherspoon and his faithful retainers are searching for clues to his secret background, his murder, and the criminal underground of Victorian East London. Things start looking grim for Witherspoon's old adversary Nigel Nivens and Mrs. Jeffries and co. are soon on the case.
This is a comfortable and enjoyable read. The language is clean, the plot is easy to follow, the pacing is gentle, and the denouement is satisfying. It works reasonably well as a standalone. The author is adept at providing back info without spoon feeding or info dumping.
Four and a half stars. Recommended to fans of historical cozies, Victorian procedurals, and general cozy mystery series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 6, 2021
One of the Best in the Series
It's unusual for books in a series this long to get better, but, truthfully, this is one of the best in the series. I was on pins and needles trying to determine the guilty party. Also, this book ends in a cliff-hanger, making me hope the next book in the series isn't a long time coming. Each of the characters are a joy to experience, and the way that the author keeps them interesting is wonderful. This was so good. I look forward to the next book. Bravo!
It's unusual for books in a series this long to get better, but, truthfully, this is one of the best in the series. I was on pins and needles trying to determine the guilty party. Also, this book ends in a cliff-hanger, making me hope the next book in the series isn't a long time coming. Each of the characters are a joy to experience, and the way that the author keeps them interesting is wonderful. This was so good. I look forward to the next book. Bravo!
March 22, 2021
Inspector Nigel Nivens has long been a thorn in the side of Inspector Gerald Witherspoon – jealous of Witherspoon’s success, Nivens has done everything he can to undermine Witherspoon including withholding evidence in some cases. Witherspoon is aware of this but when Nivens is suspected of committing a murder and the evidence against him is overwhelming, Witherspoon isn’t quite convinced and is determined to find out the truth. It won’t be easy – luckily he has the help not only Constable Barnes but his loyal household staff – even if he doesn’t know it!
“Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice” is the very well done thirty-ninth book in Emily Brightwell’s Victorian cozy mystery series. Even with that many books, the series remains fresh and readers still learn a bit more about the various regular characters (in this book a part of Betsy’s childhood is revealed). Having Nivens as a murder suspect is an inspired idea – it gives readers a glimpse into Nivens’ life – and it is one of the most intricately plotted of all the books in the series. The murder is not easy to solve and both Witherspoon and his household staff struggle to find enough clues and evidence to identify the killer. The part where the killer is revealed is excellently done with just the right amount of suspense and tension that had me on the edge of my seat.
“Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice” is a nicely done cozy mystery.
“Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice” is the very well done thirty-ninth book in Emily Brightwell’s Victorian cozy mystery series. Even with that many books, the series remains fresh and readers still learn a bit more about the various regular characters (in this book a part of Betsy’s childhood is revealed). Having Nivens as a murder suspect is an inspired idea – it gives readers a glimpse into Nivens’ life – and it is one of the most intricately plotted of all the books in the series. The murder is not easy to solve and both Witherspoon and his household staff struggle to find enough clues and evidence to identify the killer. The part where the killer is revealed is excellently done with just the right amount of suspense and tension that had me on the edge of my seat.
“Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice” is a nicely done cozy mystery.
February 2, 2021
Excellent
Have loved all the Mrs. Jeffries books. Always fresh and always fun. This one is no different. Can't wait til the next one.
Have loved all the Mrs. Jeffries books. Always fresh and always fun. This one is no different. Can't wait til the next one.
January 28, 2021
Consuming read
As usual Mrs. Jeffries entertained me. I have been a fan since I read #1 in the series. I love these good folk.
As usual Mrs. Jeffries entertained me. I have been a fan since I read #1 in the series. I love these good folk.
December 15, 2020
I love this series and have been reading it for a number of years. I enjoy the characters and the London setting. They work for a detective so it explains why they have so many murders to solve. I did figure out who done it, just not why. I was still interested in finding out how the characters put it all together.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2021
This series is one of my all time favourites. I love the characters and their camaraderie, team work and relationships.
The mysteries are well written and always keep me guessing.
I'm not usually a fan of Victorian era mysteries but this is an exception.
This latest offering does not disappoint!
The mysteries are well written and always keep me guessing.
I'm not usually a fan of Victorian era mysteries but this is an exception.
This latest offering does not disappoint!
January 27, 2021
Original review posted on Smitten by Books Reviews
Bert Santorini arrives for a meeting in the crime-ridden area of Whitechapel, but instead of the payment he is anticipating, he is murdered. The killer leaves the murder weapon next to the body and it has an unexpected source – it belongs to Inspector Nigel Nivens, nemesis of Inspector Gerald Witherspoon. Inspector Witherspoon is called in from Scotland Yard to conduct an impartial investigation of Santorini’s murder. Witherspoon and his partner Constable Barnes know Nivens is capable of a lot of underhanded things, but could he really be a killer? Witherspoon and Barnes, with the help of housekeeper Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of the household, are determined to find the truth no matter what that turns out to be.
This book is part of the long-running Mrs. Jeffries series set in Victorian England. The premise behind this book and the others is that Inspector Witherspoon’s household staff and a couple of close family friends work with Constable Barnes to help the Inspector solve his cases without his knowledge. Nigel Nivens has always suspected that Witherspoon has had help with his cases and even when his life is on the line, Nivens still tries to cause trouble for his rival. It isn’t always easy, but the household is willing to put their feelings about Nivens aside and find out who is really responsible for Santini’s death even if that benefits the unpleasant Nigel Nivens.
Even though Nivens is at his lowest in this book, his lying and his entitled attitude make him an unsympathetic character and I just couldn’t feel sorry for him. It’s still a good book with an interesting case with a lot of surprising clues uncovered by Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of the “team”. Betsy, the former Witherspoon housemaid, has always been my favorite character and I enjoyed the parts of the books with her obtaining information to help the case while facing some of the hardships she experienced in the past. The case is resolved, but a couple of things at the end of the story seem to spell trouble for the future. It looks like there is a lot of drama in store in the next installment.
~ Christine
Bert Santorini arrives for a meeting in the crime-ridden area of Whitechapel, but instead of the payment he is anticipating, he is murdered. The killer leaves the murder weapon next to the body and it has an unexpected source – it belongs to Inspector Nigel Nivens, nemesis of Inspector Gerald Witherspoon. Inspector Witherspoon is called in from Scotland Yard to conduct an impartial investigation of Santorini’s murder. Witherspoon and his partner Constable Barnes know Nivens is capable of a lot of underhanded things, but could he really be a killer? Witherspoon and Barnes, with the help of housekeeper Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of the household, are determined to find the truth no matter what that turns out to be.
This book is part of the long-running Mrs. Jeffries series set in Victorian England. The premise behind this book and the others is that Inspector Witherspoon’s household staff and a couple of close family friends work with Constable Barnes to help the Inspector solve his cases without his knowledge. Nigel Nivens has always suspected that Witherspoon has had help with his cases and even when his life is on the line, Nivens still tries to cause trouble for his rival. It isn’t always easy, but the household is willing to put their feelings about Nivens aside and find out who is really responsible for Santini’s death even if that benefits the unpleasant Nigel Nivens.
Even though Nivens is at his lowest in this book, his lying and his entitled attitude make him an unsympathetic character and I just couldn’t feel sorry for him. It’s still a good book with an interesting case with a lot of surprising clues uncovered by Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of the “team”. Betsy, the former Witherspoon housemaid, has always been my favorite character and I enjoyed the parts of the books with her obtaining information to help the case while facing some of the hardships she experienced in the past. The case is resolved, but a couple of things at the end of the story seem to spell trouble for the future. It looks like there is a lot of drama in store in the next installment.
~ Christine
June 20, 2021
Not as captivating and charming as the other titles in the series. It is almost as if the first half of the book were written by another author. The set-up is different. Usually the clues are revealed to the reader by Mrs Jeffries and the other servants in Inspector Witherspoon's household. In this book, Inspector Witherspoon and Constable Barnes conduct lengthy interviews with suspects in the shooting of Bert Santorini. What makes this killing so unusual is the murder weapon was left with the body, a dueling pistol belonging to Inspector Nigel Nivens, the most disliked member of the Metropolitan Police Force. Not until half-way through the book, do Mrs Jeffries and her servant sleuths take over the narrative and liven up the story.
The second difference between this title and the others in the series is the length of the chapters. The previous books the series have chapters averaging 15 pages, making the books fast reads. In this title, the chapters are at least 25 pages each, slowing down this reader.
The third difference is the didactic exchanges between Mrs Jeffries and the servants about the righteousness of their investigations - nothing is more important than ensuring justice. Usually there is one such exchange in each book. Here there were at least five such discussions, mainly because the servants hated Nigel Nivens for the times he had hampered Inspector Witherspoon's investigations and had to convince themselves to guarantee even Nivens was treated fairly. It's too repetitive and boring.
These three changes make the first half of the book drag. Once Mrs Jeffries and the household are featured in the investigation, the pace and tone of the book pick up, leaving the reader with a satisfying ending.
The second difference between this title and the others in the series is the length of the chapters. The previous books the series have chapters averaging 15 pages, making the books fast reads. In this title, the chapters are at least 25 pages each, slowing down this reader.
The third difference is the didactic exchanges between Mrs Jeffries and the servants about the righteousness of their investigations - nothing is more important than ensuring justice. Usually there is one such exchange in each book. Here there were at least five such discussions, mainly because the servants hated Nigel Nivens for the times he had hampered Inspector Witherspoon's investigations and had to convince themselves to guarantee even Nivens was treated fairly. It's too repetitive and boring.
These three changes make the first half of the book drag. Once Mrs Jeffries and the household are featured in the investigation, the pace and tone of the book pick up, leaving the reader with a satisfying ending.
March 2, 2021
When a paid informant is found shot in an alley, Nivens thinks that if he can crack the case, he’ll redeem himself and have a much-needed chance at impressing his superiors. But there’s one big problem with his plan—Niven’s distinct antique pistol is found at the scene of the crime and even more evidence is uncovered that links the Inspector to the murder. Despite their mutual dislike for Nivens, Mrs. Jeffries and Inspector Witherspoon know the man isn’t a cold-blooded killer. Now they’ll just have to prove it. . .
This is the 39th book in the Mrs. Jeffries Siri‘s and this is the 39th book that I’ve read. I guess you could say I am a fan of this series. And all of my favorite characters were back for this one. And all of them were involved in the solving of the crime, some more than others. Early on, even though they thought that inspector Nivens could not possibly be guilty, everything pointed toward him. And as clues were revealed, it’s still looked like it could be him.
Maybe after having read the other 38 books, and being subjected to inspector Nivens personality quirks, I wanted him to be guilty. Of course, it was a given that Mrs. Jeffries would come up with the clues to help solve the murder. The problem was I wanted to solve it before she did even if I knew that was never going happen. But I will say that I I am better at following the clues after having read that many of the Mrs. Jeffries books.
I would like to think the author, the publisher, and net galley for my copy of this book. The comments are my very own.
This is the 39th book in the Mrs. Jeffries Siri‘s and this is the 39th book that I’ve read. I guess you could say I am a fan of this series. And all of my favorite characters were back for this one. And all of them were involved in the solving of the crime, some more than others. Early on, even though they thought that inspector Nivens could not possibly be guilty, everything pointed toward him. And as clues were revealed, it’s still looked like it could be him.
Maybe after having read the other 38 books, and being subjected to inspector Nivens personality quirks, I wanted him to be guilty. Of course, it was a given that Mrs. Jeffries would come up with the clues to help solve the murder. The problem was I wanted to solve it before she did even if I knew that was never going happen. But I will say that I I am better at following the clues after having read that many of the Mrs. Jeffries books.
I would like to think the author, the publisher, and net galley for my copy of this book. The comments are my very own.
August 14, 2021
Inspector Nigel Nivens may be the bane of Inspector Witherspoon's existence, but neither Witherspoon nor anyone in his household thinks he's a murderer. Yet, when the man Nivens paid to lie in court (to get a conviction in a particular case) is murdered, someone is at pains to implicate Nivens by using his gun, and a pillow from his house as a silencer. Witherspoon's household staff, who secretly investigate all of his cases and help him solve them--without his knowledge--are less than thrilled with having to investigate to clear the name of someone they despise, but they love justice more than they hate Nivens. It's a complicated case, since so many people hated the murdered man, and as it happened in the East End, the group has fewer resources and less familiarity with the area. But there's never any doubt that Mrs. Jeffries will solve it--but can she solve it in time?
While I love this series this wasn't my favorite entry because it had so many characters I couldn't keep track of them, and because I easily pegged the murderer and then it got a little frustrating to hear Mrs. Jeffries trying to figure it out when the clues were so obvious. Of course, they were obvious to me as the reader since in addition to the clues that Mrs. Jeffries had, the reader also sees what the author has chosen to include, and thus knows what's important and what isn't. But still, always enjoyable to spend time with this found family, and interesting to learn a bit more about the despicable Nivens that didn't involve him being despicable to Witherspoon, for once.
While I love this series this wasn't my favorite entry because it had so many characters I couldn't keep track of them, and because I easily pegged the murderer and then it got a little frustrating to hear Mrs. Jeffries trying to figure it out when the clues were so obvious. Of course, they were obvious to me as the reader since in addition to the clues that Mrs. Jeffries had, the reader also sees what the author has chosen to include, and thus knows what's important and what isn't. But still, always enjoyable to spend time with this found family, and interesting to learn a bit more about the despicable Nivens that didn't involve him being despicable to Witherspoon, for once.
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