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A Charleton House Mystery #0
A Stately Murder
Charleton House has it all. Stunning architecture, beautiful gardens – and murder most foul …
A light-hearted ghost tour around the darkened rooms of a stately home is the perfect setting for thrills and chills. But the thrills and chills turn into very real terror when a new member of the phantom team starts haunting the rambling halls of the grand old house.
Taking a break from managing the three cafés of Charleton House, nestled deep in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, Sophie Lockwood joins the tour, expecting an evening of fun and banter with her friend, charismatic tour guide Mark Boxer. What she’s not expecting is to stumble upon the victim of the first murder the historic house has ever known.
Determined to get to the bottom of this brutal crime, Sophie enlists the help of the sweet-toothed Mark and newly promoted Detective Constable Joe Greene. It will take an extra dose of caffeine along with the help of her colourful collection of friends to solve the mystery. Can Sophie stop the cold-blooded killer before they strike again? Or will the next ghost to haunt Charleton House be her own?
Fans of T E Kinsey and M C Beaton will love A Stately Murder. Join Sophie as she attempts to solve the mystery, find the killer and save the day. But first, coffee …
A light-hearted ghost tour around the darkened rooms of a stately home is the perfect setting for thrills and chills. But the thrills and chills turn into very real terror when a new member of the phantom team starts haunting the rambling halls of the grand old house.
Taking a break from managing the three cafés of Charleton House, nestled deep in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, Sophie Lockwood joins the tour, expecting an evening of fun and banter with her friend, charismatic tour guide Mark Boxer. What she’s not expecting is to stumble upon the victim of the first murder the historic house has ever known.
Determined to get to the bottom of this brutal crime, Sophie enlists the help of the sweet-toothed Mark and newly promoted Detective Constable Joe Greene. It will take an extra dose of caffeine along with the help of her colourful collection of friends to solve the mystery. Can Sophie stop the cold-blooded killer before they strike again? Or will the next ghost to haunt Charleton House be her own?
Fans of T E Kinsey and M C Beaton will love A Stately Murder. Join Sophie as she attempts to solve the mystery, find the killer and save the day. But first, coffee …
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Published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 18, 2020
A delight from start to finish. Sympathetic and believable characters, meticulous plotting, a clear and engaging narrative voice, and a strong sense of place. Not to mention historic houses, gin, coffee and cats. What more could anyone want?
April 7, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable prequel to Kate P. Adams's Charleton House Mystery Series, A Stately Murder introduces interesting and realistic characters in an expansive country estate setting with its labyrinthine gardens and historical manor house that is now a tourist attraction in which the staff recreates its authentic and perhaps haunted past. Authenticity is key to the staff right down to the foods prepared in the cafes and supervised by newcomer Sophie who becomes the amatuer sleuth heroine. A present time murder in the manor relates to the past owner, a 17th century Duke, and an artist and his painting. The author creates a great atmospheric story interspersed with humor as the mystery unwinds. Looking to continue reading this series about the mysteries at the manor and its close knit staff.
July 7, 2020
I loved this introduction to a new series & cast of characters. The setting was wonderful, and the mystery was enjoyable. I'm looking forward to more in this series!
January 15, 2021
A very nice introduction to a new series. Sophie is the manager of the cafes and kitchens at a Manor house where history is reenacted for the pleasure of tourists. A unique setting with a variety of characters.
March 25, 2020
What a great cozy mystery. It was short and because of that I wanted it to last longer. Sophie was a fantastic cook for an English public mansion, with lots of history and actors who portrayed it. Her chocolate croissants and brownies sounded fantastic. Wouldn't we all like to be top chefs? She is not only a cook but she is smart and brave. She helps Mark solve a murder of one of the staff members. I thought the whole plot and the writing were compelling.
March 19, 2020
Last night I decided to begin reading A Stately Murder before going to bed.
In what seemed like no time whatsoever, I decided to retire for the evening, BUT I had read the entire book!
We often hear or use the term “quick read”. This is truly a quick, thoroughly enjoyable read. There are no gaps where you find yourself saying - “Okay. Okay. Start moving again!”
I look forward to additional entries in this series. If I had another, I would have read it last night.
Thank you Kate...
In what seemed like no time whatsoever, I decided to retire for the evening, BUT I had read the entire book!
We often hear or use the term “quick read”. This is truly a quick, thoroughly enjoyable read. There are no gaps where you find yourself saying - “Okay. Okay. Start moving again!”
I look forward to additional entries in this series. If I had another, I would have read it last night.
Thank you Kate...
March 14, 2020
This is a great little cozy mystery. Characters who are believable in a well-developed plot that had just enough twists and turns to keep you interested. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the next book.
March 8, 2020
This is a great new cozy mystery with everything I like about cozies - likable characters, friendship, and an intriguing mystery. Sophie runs the restaurants and cafes at Charleton House which is an historic British home open to tourists. It started off with Sophie joining her friend Mark who is giving a ghost tour of the house. It sounded like a paranormal cozy, but it isn't. On the tour, Sophie finds the body of a coworker dead. She helps her friend Joe, who is on the police force, get some clues to solve the case. This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery that kept me guessing.
March 5, 2020
500 year old Charleton House and Gardens used for tours. Sophie runs the Cafes in the house and sometimes gives tours and while checking a tour out discovers a dead body. She thought it was a prop that moves being the house was supposed to be haunted. She set out asking and looking for the murderer getting into trouble. A quick read with a surprise ending.
February 14, 2020
A Stately Murder will keep you reading late into the night. I could not put it down. What a great murder mystery, it kept me guessing until the end. Great writing with wonderful characters and some thrills.
February 12, 2020
Loved getting to know the characters and inner workings of an English Stately home. Great character development, lots of humor and twists and turns in the plot. I didn’t who was responsible for the murder until the very end. Can’t wait to get to know these characters better in future books!
March 25, 2020
The first book in a very promising new series! I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the story. The descriptions were well developed and I could actually visualize Charleton House which is open to tourists. The main character, Sophie runs the 3 restaurants in Charleton House as her friend Mark does the tours which he calls Ghost Tours. Sophie decides to take a break from her restaurants to take a tour with her friend's tour group to see if there really are ghosts in the masion. Mark conducted a very realistic ghost tour having even Sophie screaming and jumping. But what ended up being real is that Sophie actually stumbles upon one of the workers, Ian, who was murdered it really scared her although at first she thought it was part of the tour! Definitely not expected when she just wanted to enjoy herself outside of working. With the help of Mark and a newly promoted Detective Constable Joe Greene and her friends, she feels she must get to the bottom of who wanted to see Ian dead. With a lot of laughs along with some twists and turns and a couple of surprises you are treated to a fast paced fun murder mytery with some very likeable characters. I really would like to see where this goes from here. I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
April 1, 2020
I very much enjoyed this introduction to the characters at Charlton House. It was a fun, short murder mystery. I didn’t guess who the culprit was until more than halfway through (a definite win for me), and it was fun seeing behind the scenes at a historic house (as well as enjoying the mystery). I look forward to returning to Charlton House and getting to know the characters in more depth.
For those who are wondering how to get hold of this book, I received it by subscribing to the author’s newsletter.
For those who are wondering how to get hold of this book, I received it by subscribing to the author’s newsletter.
October 30, 2024
Sophie is new to managing the restaurants at a stately home in Derbyshire. When her friend Mark is leading a tour of Charleton House, they discover that one of the staff has been murdered. Who would want to kill a mild-mannered historical interpreter? The police are on the case, but so is Sophie.
March 13, 2020
I was given this book and I really enjoyed it. It’s a “classic style” country house whodunnit with good characterisation and nice plot twists .
It really gives a sense of working in a stately home, the sense of family amongst the employees.
Well worth reading .
It really gives a sense of working in a stately home, the sense of family amongst the employees.
Well worth reading .
February 19, 2020
I devoured this lovely start to a new cozy mystery series. The setting was beautiful - I felt like I was wandering through the grounds of Charleton House with Sophie and her friends & colleagues. Sophie was delightful & relatable; I share her love of interesting gins, and also have a cat who manages to sound like a baby elephant. I did recognize the bad guy as soon as we met him or her, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of trying to figure out the motive and means. I also really enjoyed the insight into what it takes to manage a restaurant and work behind the scenes at a tourist house. The characters were as well-developed as the setting, and I look forward to getting to know them even better as I continue to explore Charleton House in the rest of the series!
April 4, 2020
Sophie runs the visitor cafes at Charleton House, a 500 year old stately home with 300 rooms and at least one story for every room. These tales are acted out in some of the rooms and during tours through out different sections of the estate. Both the stories and the actors who portray them are known for their thorough research and 100% historical accuracy or as close as they can be given the available materials.
Sophie, who is determined to learn everything there is to know about Charleton House, is tagging along with her 'work husband' Mark, who is happily married to his own husband, while he conducts a ghost tour for that evening's visitors until something totally unforseen shows up and the tour comes to an abrupt end. Hours later, after talking to the police, Mark and Sophie are left wondering who the murdered actor is in the chair before the fire and how he got there,
This is a delightful mystery that introduced me to a world I never knew existed and it is totally captivating. Sophie and Mark take up the challenge of discovering who the murderer is and why they killed a nice guy, who was really good at his job and very aware of the accuracy of what he wore, did and said.Along the way of their investigation you will be introduced to the Duke and Duchess who own Charleton House, the other employees from different departments of the house and some beautiful settings at both Charleton House and other houses in the English countryside that are open to the public. I am very much looking forward to Ms. Adams other books. This book was given to me for free in a promotion but the review is all mine, Enjoy!
Sophie, who is determined to learn everything there is to know about Charleton House, is tagging along with her 'work husband' Mark, who is happily married to his own husband, while he conducts a ghost tour for that evening's visitors until something totally unforseen shows up and the tour comes to an abrupt end. Hours later, after talking to the police, Mark and Sophie are left wondering who the murdered actor is in the chair before the fire and how he got there,
This is a delightful mystery that introduced me to a world I never knew existed and it is totally captivating. Sophie and Mark take up the challenge of discovering who the murderer is and why they killed a nice guy, who was really good at his job and very aware of the accuracy of what he wore, did and said.Along the way of their investigation you will be introduced to the Duke and Duchess who own Charleton House, the other employees from different departments of the house and some beautiful settings at both Charleton House and other houses in the English countryside that are open to the public. I am very much looking forward to Ms. Adams other books. This book was given to me for free in a promotion but the review is all mine, Enjoy!
March 29, 2020
Sophie Lockwood has only been working at Charleton House for a short time, but she has an opportunity to join a tour with her friend, Mark Boxer. In one of the rooms, Sophie is sure that one of the mannequins moved. While speaking with Mark about the mannequin, she mentions its location. Unfortunately, what she saw was not a mannequin... it was a corpse!
Ian Rayner started working at Charleton House after leaving Berwick Hall following an argument with Anthony Robbins. Other than the argument at his former employer, Ian does not seem to have any issues with anybody and was well liked. His latest project dealt with a painting from the 1760s.
Who killed Ian? Why was he killed? Was his death related to the argument at Berwick Hall? Can Sophie figure out the puzzle and solve the mystery?
Kate Adams has done a wonderful job with this new series. The history of an old English estate lends an extra level of depth to the story. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing clear to the end.
Ian Rayner started working at Charleton House after leaving Berwick Hall following an argument with Anthony Robbins. Other than the argument at his former employer, Ian does not seem to have any issues with anybody and was well liked. His latest project dealt with a painting from the 1760s.
Who killed Ian? Why was he killed? Was his death related to the argument at Berwick Hall? Can Sophie figure out the puzzle and solve the mystery?
Kate Adams has done a wonderful job with this new series. The history of an old English estate lends an extra level of depth to the story. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing clear to the end.
February 16, 2022
I think A Stately Murder is considered a prequel to the Charleton House series as a novella. It is a cozy mystery which often times makes me think of stories that aren't very well fleshed out, the characters are not well formed or the writing is just not that great. A Stately Murder certainly doesn't fit that description of cozy mystery. The story follows several members of the staff of Charleton House, an historic home with cafes, gift shops, historical interpreters and others who act as amateur sleuths after one of the staff is found murdered during a tour. The staff were fun to read about and I felt like I wanted to be friends with them and head to the pub at the end of the day. The story had some humor and enough suspense to keep me interested. I would have given it 5* if I hadn't figured out the mystery part of the way through. I'm usually pretty obtuse on those things so I was surprised at that. It didn't diminish the story and I enjoyed the read. I look forward to continuing the Charleton House series.
July 19, 2020
This was a short, entertaining prequel to this author's series. It was also free on the author's website, which is a great way to encourage people to read your book and get into your series.
I enjoyed this story, as brief as it was. It was still a full cozy mystery that has all the elements of the cozy genre, and is well done.
I enjoy cozies set in Britain, and this one is in a stately manor house, where our protagonist runs the several cafes in the historic home. Sophie is a smart, sassy and likable character, and I love that she doesn't pull the "too stupid to live" stunts that many main characters in cozies tend to do. Sophie handles her busy-bodying investigative antics with much good sense.
The supporting characters here are also enjoyable, and I liked learning about the home [read: Downton Abbey-esque] and it's history as well as how it runs as a tourist location.
Although this was a short story, I enjoyed it. I would definitely pick up more books in this series.
I enjoyed this story, as brief as it was. It was still a full cozy mystery that has all the elements of the cozy genre, and is well done.
I enjoy cozies set in Britain, and this one is in a stately manor house, where our protagonist runs the several cafes in the historic home. Sophie is a smart, sassy and likable character, and I love that she doesn't pull the "too stupid to live" stunts that many main characters in cozies tend to do. Sophie handles her busy-bodying investigative antics with much good sense.
The supporting characters here are also enjoyable, and I liked learning about the home [read: Downton Abbey-esque] and it's history as well as how it runs as a tourist location.
Although this was a short story, I enjoyed it. I would definitely pick up more books in this series.
March 16, 2021
This is an introductory novella to a series of cozy mystery novels set in an old English manor, the Charleton house. The story is charming and the characters were cleverly plotted as the author guides the reader through a surprising murder and the circumstances that lead up to the dastardly deed. The heroine, Sophie, is a new employee to the estate, in charge of the on-site restaurants and kitchens. Tagging along on a tourist tour of the manor, Sophie unexpectedly discovers a manor period-actor who has been murdered. How, who, and when sets Sophie off on a murder-mystery adventure that is sure to put her and her friends in danger. Kate Adams does a marvelous job of describing the manor and the surrounding gardens that would put anyone inclined to visit the location. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series and the adventures at Charleton House.
March 20, 2021
Well written, but a little slow. Most likely because Sophie just does not seem like someone who would want to play sleuth. However, with the help of her friend Mark, after first noticing something was off during the tour and Mark announcing the death of Ian, they both jumped right in with trying to dig up clues as to who would want to kill him. Everyone seemed to have liked him, but as usual in these situations, not everyone is as decent as they portray. Especially when most of them are entertainers of some kind.
I did really enjoy the story and the setting in England, including Mark who I found fun. The police were actually on good terms, even friends with the amateur detectives so rather than look down on them, he actually listened to what they had to say and ran with some of their clues.
I did really enjoy the story and the setting in England, including Mark who I found fun. The police were actually on good terms, even friends with the amateur detectives so rather than look down on them, he actually listened to what they had to say and ran with some of their clues.
January 7, 2025
This novella is a delightful foray into the cozy mystery genre, blending historical intrigue with contemporary wit.
The plot is both engaging and suspenseful, weaving themes of ambition, betrayal, and camaraderie into its narrative.
Adams’ characters are a standout feature.
The writing is crisp and atmospheric, capturing the grandeur of Charleton House and the eerie charm of its ghostly legends.
However, the story occasionally leans on exposition, and some secondary characters could benefit from further development.
A “Stately Murder” is an enjoyable read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a historical twist.
Adams’ wit and attention to detail make this a standout addition to the genre.
The plot is both engaging and suspenseful, weaving themes of ambition, betrayal, and camaraderie into its narrative.
Adams’ characters are a standout feature.
The writing is crisp and atmospheric, capturing the grandeur of Charleton House and the eerie charm of its ghostly legends.
However, the story occasionally leans on exposition, and some secondary characters could benefit from further development.
A “Stately Murder” is an enjoyable read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a historical twist.
Adams’ wit and attention to detail make this a standout addition to the genre.
January 24, 2025
This is the beginning of the Charleton House Mysteries by Kate. It is also a free book if you subscribe to her author page.
This is where reads meet Sophie, Mark and Joe. Mark is doing a tour, and he invited Sophie to join in. Sophie freaks out when she witnessed a mannequin moving. Mark thinks she is insane but goes to check out the truth. Sophie, along with Mark and Joe, go around and stir up trouble for others when trying to find out what happened to Ian.
Reading how Ian wanted to be good at something and wanting to improve on that something good, just to have it taken from him because of a jealous bully? I cried a little. I was so sad seeing how he just wanted to put his skills and do what he loved but improve on it and have it grow into something bigger and better.
This is where reads meet Sophie, Mark and Joe. Mark is doing a tour, and he invited Sophie to join in. Sophie freaks out when she witnessed a mannequin moving. Mark thinks she is insane but goes to check out the truth. Sophie, along with Mark and Joe, go around and stir up trouble for others when trying to find out what happened to Ian.
Reading how Ian wanted to be good at something and wanting to improve on that something good, just to have it taken from him because of a jealous bully? I cried a little. I was so sad seeing how he just wanted to put his skills and do what he loved but improve on it and have it grow into something bigger and better.
October 22, 2020
A wanderfull cozey murder mystery with the outrageous caracters vibrant and an insight in the middle ages of England's aristocrats. A mystery full of histery and Sophie the management of the food shops has a keen eye not only for aproapriat food for the periods but in puzzling out a mystery. Ms.Kate P. Adams has given a lovely clean mystery that also changes the readers. I highly recommend you aquier a copy and start enjoying "A Stately Murder "so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😮🤔😐🤔🙄😊.Kat
January 18, 2022
A ghost-walk tour of Charleton House leads to a gruesome discovery: amongst the lifesize figurines, a dead body has been posed!
A Stately Murder is a lovely introduction to the Charleton House Mysteries series. The book is as cosy as a hug with characters who are both sympathetic and genuine. And, let's not forget the fabulous setting: Charleton House is a wonderous place that would be a delight to explore.
I can't wait to read more in this series. It's the perfect cosy!
A Stately Murder is a lovely introduction to the Charleton House Mysteries series. The book is as cosy as a hug with characters who are both sympathetic and genuine. And, let's not forget the fabulous setting: Charleton House is a wonderous place that would be a delight to explore.
I can't wait to read more in this series. It's the perfect cosy!
April 11, 2020
This is a new author to me and I love her! Her book, A Stately Murder, was a fun read. It describes a gal who run the cafes at a stately manor home. The descriptions were spot on and the characters very like-able. I could not figure out who the murderer was until it was revealed at the end. I did not want to stop reading. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series. I am adding Kate P. Adams to my list of favorite authors. I highly recommend this book
May 7, 2020
A Prequel
Sophie's only been at Charleton House a few months, but is thoroughly enjoying learning about her surroundings, its family, and their history. Finding a corpse wasn't generally part of the tour, nonetheless Sophie has!
In a convoluted story involving a 17th century Duke, a painter, and murder, Adams has woven a gripping tale. Dotted with engaging characters and bits of humour, the pages kept turning, almost of their own accord. Highly recommend!
Sophie's only been at Charleton House a few months, but is thoroughly enjoying learning about her surroundings, its family, and their history. Finding a corpse wasn't generally part of the tour, nonetheless Sophie has!
In a convoluted story involving a 17th century Duke, a painter, and murder, Adams has woven a gripping tale. Dotted with engaging characters and bits of humour, the pages kept turning, almost of their own accord. Highly recommend!
March 3, 2020
I enjoyed this book as it was based on a couple of historical house and it was a very good mystery to try to figure out. The British mysteries are written just a bit differently than the American ones we usually read and I really like the change and flow of them. I am looking forward to finding the time to read the next book in this series as well. Well done Kate.
March 21, 2020
Murder in a 500 year old haunted house, but the ghost is a newly murdered man, discovered by Sophie, a newly hired woman, who is to run the three cafes of the house and gardens. The fun begins here and leads us on a merry chase. Wonderful characters in a charming setting. Coffee and cakes all around.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews