Calamity Under the Chandelier

Sleuthing Starlet Mystery #1

by Bianca Blythe, Camilla Blythe

Murder. Manor homes. Malfunctioning chandeliers.

Hollywood starlets are supposed to be happily on set in sunny California, and not trapped in drafty manor houses during ferocious snowstorms.

But after Cora Clarke's best friend and fellow actress elopes with an English earl, Cora visits England to help her friend brave the aristocratic disapproval of her new husband's family.

Unfortunately, the holiday turns nightmarish when a chandelier crashes down and kills somebody. When suspicion falls on her friend, Cora vows to figure out the identity of the murderer. After all, blizzards have a habit of preventing the police from arriving, and body counts have a dreadful habit of growing.

NB: This book was previously titled Murder at the Manor House under the name Bianca Blythe. 

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Ebooks, Historical, Mystery Thriller

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2018

Reviews

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Manod

Cora has been let go from her contract in Hollywood and has been invited to spend Christmas with Veronica in England at her husband's family's Manor house. Intrigue and murder haunt the holidays and Cora used her past rolls to help her discover the culprit.
Good characters and lots of surprises.

[Harriet Steel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve often spotted this high in the free mystery chart so thought I would give it a try. The basic idea is pure Agatha Christie - a group of people holed up in a country house during a snowstorm and one of them is murdered. It’s Christmas and Hollywood star, Veronica, has brought her friend Cora (also an actress but a less successful one) to her husband’s family home to help her endure the company of her parents-in-law, the Duke and Duchess of Hawley. Cora turns sleuth, helped by the mysterious, and very attractive, Randolph who is a fellow guest. The plot is not bad and there are flashes of humour, but I'm afraid that a lot about the book disappointed me. The characters are thin and the style of writing terribly jerky with frequent misuse of words. I had the feeling that the book was written by an over-enthusiastic teenager and hardly given any polish after the first draft. Despite that, I got to the end and quite enjoyed it, but I think one book by this author may be enough for me.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Cora goes to England to spend Christmas with her best friend the screen star Veronica, who has scandalously eloped with an Earl.

I originally DNF'd this, but reread it when I received a free copy of the boxset of the first three books in the series. I enjoyed it.

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story takes place in the pre-WWII era.
Two American girls go to the house of the Duke and Duchess. The girls receive a less than warm welcome, at the place. One thing leads to the other and that is when the Duke dies under suspicious circumstances. No one else is willing to solve the murder. But one of the girls – the MC – Cora who is an actress, takes up the matter.
Everyone in the estate becomes a suspect and slowly Cora unravels the truth.
Quick, fast read and it was an interesting take by presenting the POV of the society of the times from the eyes of the two girls from America. Liked it.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give Calamity under the Chandelier (A Sleuthing Starlet Mystery Book 1) by Camilla Blythe, 4 stars.

This a historical cozy mystery set in the time before WWII where Hollywood starlets were glamorous as ever. Our main character, Cora, is quite timid in the beginning of the book, but really finds herself and her inner strength as the story goes on and she is a good main character. The secondary characters are varied and interesting each in their own way.

This book is set up in your typical Agatha Christie-type fashion where we meet each of the characters and they are described in detail to us. Then the author throws in the death and has us figure out who the murderer is. Of course, they each had a motive and they aren't what they appear. I really enjoy these types of books so this was fun to me. I did not guess the outcome and was pleasantly surprised when I got to the end. I am excited to see what book two in the series has in store.

If you enjoy Historical Cozy Mysteries, this book is for you.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Ms Blythe's first foray into writing detective novels, set in the aftermath of the Flapper Era and just before WWII, when the first rumblings of discontent were being heard about war in Europe. Cora accompanies her friend and fellow actress across the ocean to Great Britain, where they are to spend Christmas with Veronica's in-laws, the Duke and Duchess. Life on the estate is very different to what Cora expected and it seems that the two American girls antagonise and upset everyone they come in contact with, barring the Duchess' friend from Italy. When murder is committed, the family try to brush it under the carpet, despite the fact that it is the Duke that is dead. Ms Blythe brought out an interesting look at the upper British class of the time, as well as the differences being experienced by the two American girls. There were twists in the plot and everyone was a suspect. However, it is Cora's experience as an actress in detective films that forces her to view the situation with suspicion and to start gathering clues. It was a fairly lighthearted read with interesting characters and I trust that this author will develop this style further. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora is on her way to England with her good friend Veronica. Veronica has married an English nobleman, the son of a duke. Now it is Christmas, Cora has just lost her contract with a movie studio and the trip is the best offer she has had.

When they arrive at the manor, they meet a cast of characters who are interesting but not exactly warm and welcoming. Apparently no one is glad that Veronica is a countess and will eventually become a duchess. After all, Veronica is American, and everyone knows what that means.

When the present duke is murdered, Cora morphs into her film character of a girl detective.

This is a very quick read. The characters are interesting, entertaining and at times amusing. In fact, every character adds to the depth of the story.

The plot is quick moving. But, I did find things rather simplistic.

I enjoyed this book and I have the next book in the series on my Kindle.

[J.T.K. Gibbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps I have watched too man 1930s murder/thriller/crime dramas, but this book wants to cram it all into one short book. There is the stuffy aristocrats and their staff, the American interlopers and a curious murder that almost looks like an accident, until a second murder removes the doubt. There are tangles and twists aplenty in the plot, but what I miss are the wisecracks to break the tension and show that the heroine is something other than a "girl" acting on her reflexes. And the denouement takes way too long.

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora goes with her friend to Britain and then they spend an amazing time with the Duke and Duchess. After an incident happens Cora turns into a Holmes esct character. This is a fast paced book with alot of life and plenty of characters to keep you guessing. A beach read.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 ½ Stars

Calamity Under the Chandelier is the first book in the Sleuthing Starlet Mystery series by Camilla Blythe. It is an interesting cozy mystery with just enough drama and suspense to keep me entertained.
Cora Clarke, a Hollywood starlet, has come to England to support her friend Veronica James, who scandalously eloped with the son of a duke. This caused quite a stir amongst the aristocracy and meets the scathing disapproval of his family. Now with Christmas upon them Cora arrives for the festivities- but when a murder occurs throwing suspicion on her friend- Cora dives into the role of detective.
Calamity Under the Chandelier is a very quick and easy read. While it was a little predictable in places that didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Looking forward to seeing what sleuthing adventures Cora gets up to next!

Thank you, Camilla Blythe!

[Suzanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

An editing disaster. Incorrect words, missing words, missing letters, not to mention way too much repetition of plot points already covered and historical information already widely known. Plus, there's far too much telling, as if the author didn't trust the readers to understand. (If you've read it, the construction of that last sentence will be painfully familiar.)

There were times when the descriptions of what was happening didn't make sense, and the author seemed more interested in exploring the main character's emotional life, which was fairly stagnant, than moving the story forward.

There's also an implausible amount of blushing (who knew there were so many synonyms for it?) and lip twitching happening throughout.

This book has the bones of a good story, but the execution fell far short of the potential. There are better options out there, even if you can get this one for free as I did.

[Kety · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new romance that will entertainment you until the last page, set up between the two WW.
Twists, romance and mystery in an enjoyable romance.
Don't miss it!
I received a free book and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Melissainau · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book left me decidedly meh. I have marked it as finished but that's because I'm done with it, rather than because I've actually finished it to the end.It's not awful, but it's definitely not great.

[Gail Gassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun mystery

Attention there are spoilers in this review!! A lovely mystery with a strange & twisted ending! Lots of suspects & even an Italian that's not an Italian. Since Coras father is definitely an Italian she spot the game pretty early on. So is he the murderer? Could it really be her friend Veronica! Not after knowing her for so many years, but she has a really shady past. A real rate to riches story that the Duke does not approve of at all. Will be to go far to discredit her & annul his sons marriage? So who is the murderer & why kill a mean old man. Or could it be his shady dealings with countries who would support England's enemies, but England isn't an enemy of Germany. The King actually may like Hitler, or that's how it seems. So much evil going on in the manor,& in the European countries. Then there's Randolph, who is he!? Is he really who he says he is? A photographer, seeking pictures of the new Lady Veronica. Can Cora find out who he really is, before she falls to far for the handsome, and very wide shouldered Randolph. He's definitely up to something since he shows up in England in the middle of a blizzard, & right before the murder, & seems totally taken with Cor & her beauty. He's still suspicious, especially after the second murder when part of his camera is found with the body, but what about Veronica, after all she does have that dodgy last that she didn't want her husband too know about, except now he does & seems not to care at all. After all he is the new duke! Cora needs to think things through better, but will she be to late in figuring out the murderer before they dispose of her nosiness lands her on the list of bodies? A great who did it, except I was really disappointed in all the loose ends it left at the ending. That's why it's only been given four stars, even 3 maybe would be good because of the questions left unanswered at the end. Hoping they'll be answered in the next book, if not, I'll not read a third book,sorry!

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calamity under the Chandelier is the opening to Bianca Blythe’s new series called Sleuthing Starlet Mysteries. It is my first foray into Ms Blythe’s universe and as I understand, it is her first mystery story and it takes place in the time period between the two world wars, just when the Flapper Era has ended. I can see that her other series have been taking place in further past so it was interesting to start off knowing that this is her first detective story AND it is in the ‘most recent’ time.
We have two American girls in England at Christmas time – Veronica who has married the son of a duke and her friend Cora who has lost her contract with movie studio and decides to take the trip her friend. You can just close your eyes and picture how two American starlets are wreaking havoc in the stiff upper lip crowd! The writer is giving us an interesting view into the upper class of the time when the first rumblings of the discontent are being heard and the next war is just around the corner.
There are twists and turns and there are quite a few unpleasant characters there but on the other hand each of them adds something to the story so they pull you in and you lean back and light your ciggie, drink a glass of absinthe and try to solve the murder with Cora. It was great to see how Cora emerged as a confident and brave young woman after meeting her at the beginning as a shy and unsecure girl.
I can see that there are 3 more stories in the series so if you take a liking to Cora and her Great English Adventure, then you know you have quite a few hours to look forward to! I am sure that the ‘ride’ also gets smoother the more into the era and the characters we get into!

[Anantha Rusum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and an amusing read, Calamity under the Chandelier is about two American actresses who find themselves caught in a tricky situation in England in 1940s amongst the British elite.
Veronica is a Hollywood actress who has eloped with an Earl, a would-be-duke and that does not go very well with his family. Her good friend Cora, who is also an actress, is having a bad time in Hollywood losing all her contracts. So, she decides to take a break with Veronica and travels to England. But things are not as rosy as it seemed to be. The two starlets dream of a countryside England where everything is green and they can get the coveted freedom of their own lives incognito, unbound by the chains of the showbiz.
But when they reach England, they enter the civilization of the British elite, who look down scornfully on foreigners. The two American girls cannot blend in with the characters they meet in the manor and seem to draw attention in whatever they do.
Things go worse when a chandelier drops from the ceiling and none other than the Duke is killed. All suspicions are pointed towards Veronica. But there is something which the family is withholding back. Cora dons into her film character of a lady detective and conducts her own little investigations.
There are numerous characters who could be suspects. Can Cora crack this mystery? That forms the crux of the story.
It is a very light and fast paced read. There were some loose ends in the end, but overall, the plot is captivating. I loved reading this book!!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora Clarke’s best friend, Veronica, elopes with an English earl. She invites Cora along to England to deal with her new husband’s family and the anticipated disapproval. Since Cora has just lost her contract with a movie studio, the timing works out well for her. The people they meet are very interesting, despite not being very welcoming to the Americans.

But things go seriously wrong when a terrified scream brings everyone rushing to the Duke’s locked bedroom door. After a few more screams, all was silent. Edmund went through another room to get access to the Duke’s room and, with a look of horror on his face, unlocked the door. A crystal chandelier had crashed onto the Duke while he was in his bed, killing him. When everyone figures Veronica is the murderer, Cora decides to take on the role she played as an actress to become the detective who will find the real murderer. She has her hands full with this task! No one had liked the Duke. There were many clues turning up, but things are not always what they seem. Everyone there seems to have something to hide! Will Cora find the murderer? Will she exonerate Veronica’s name?

This is a convoluted murder mystery. The wide variety of characters will grab the reader’s attention and keep the mind guessing as to what clues to examine or toss away. The story line is good and fast-paced. Grab your copy and enjoy the mystery!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not previously read anything by Camilla Blythe, but the Calamity under the Chandelier, could not have been a better choice for me to be introduced to her writing skills. I was going into this one with the inviting and attention grabbing cover and blurb but that was about it. I expected a fairly easy cozy murder mystery and felt I got a lot more. This was quite the little murder mystery but the underlying and overlapping story lines kept me engrossed and engaged with the characters as I read. The premise may not have been extremely unique but it was written so well I felt as if I was watching a mystery movie unfold as I read.

Cora Clarke wants to be there and support her best friend Veronica who just eloped and is expecting the meet and greet and divulging this information will be a difficult pill to swallow. She travels with her friend to England at a time when her career is also on the fritz. She is supposed to be in Hollywood on set, not stuck in the cold winter of England during a scary and murderous time for the manor they are in. Things get pretty twisted and turned that you don’t see the ending that is coming. I look forward to seeing what else we will get from this series as well. It appears that there is some available and I am gonna dive into one soon!

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted an ARC of this book. It’s not like other books by Bianca Blythe that I have read, which she warns her readers of ahead of time. It's not your typical Regency Romance. In fact, this one takes place in the years leading up to World War II.

I found it interesting to read about these times from the perspective of these characters. There are some very unlikeable characters in this book. The first one to die seems to have deserved it, though perhaps not in the manner in which death was delivered. And almost everyone seems to have had a motive for killing him.

The narration is in the third person from the POV of Cora. Cora is probably the most likable character in this book. She wants desperately to solve this murder. For me, there were many surprises in this book. The plot took turns which I did not expect. People were not as I expected them to be. Ultimately, I really enjoyed the book, and the transformation of Cora from a shy, timid, uncertain woman into someone with confidence and bravery - one not in need of a man for her HEA. I would recommend this book for just about any age group.

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calamity under the Chandelier is a crime story based in the 1940's, what happens when two American Starlets descend on a very "British" Christmas and discover a murder to boot.

Cora and Veronica are making there way to UK to spend time with Veronica's new in laws which just happen to be the Duke and Duchess. As they try to blend in with the group of people who are there for Christmas the two of them seem to draw attention in whatever they do.

When a chandelier drops from the ceiling and kills no other than the Duke, Veronica is classed as the number one suspect in the matter but the family seem to be just sweeping it under the carpet. Until Cora gets involved and decides to solve the mystery and prove her friends innocence.

This story is the first story I have read by this author and really enjoyed the flow and the twists and turns, it is a great insight into the british elite and was a fascinating read from start to finish. The characters are well developed and complement each other well. I also love the way this was set just after the roaring 20's/ 30's were freedom and individuality was just becoming explored.

I can't wait to read the next installment in this series.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calamity Under The Chandelier
A Sleuthing Starlet Mystery
Book 1
By Camilla Blythe
☆☆☆☆☆
This is a full length novel, that dates back to a different era. You will find Dukes and Duchess and castles with motes. Therefore you will find this to be a historical plot, within a building mystery.

Actress Cora Clarke's best friend Veronica, has taken her to meet her husband. Their travel to England is quite the adventure for the ladies. Now, Cora wants to support Veronica, but she should be working on her crumbling acting career. As she steps away to England, she finds herself in the middle of a mystery. And that is where this story really begins. Loaded with twists and turns. And just when you think you got it, something else happens.

I love a good mystery! Camilla Blythe has done her job, in this the first book, of Sleuthing Scarlet Mysteries. Camilla Blyth is a new author for me. One I will have to read more from. You will love the characters and the strong rolls they play. No Spoilers here. You know their names. Now is the time to find out who did what. Way to keep me coming back for more Camilla Blyth!

[Pat M · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book in a new series introduces Cora Clarke who travels to England with her actress friend who married Edmund a future duke. There is a lot of tension among family members as the present duke is rather a nasty sort; he can find something unpleasant about anyone and he does.
After dinner they retire for the night only to be awakened during the night by a hideous long scream. Breaking into his room, he is discovered on his bed where the chandelier is on top of his very dead body. Of course there is a blizzard, phones aren’t working and it would be dangerous to try to get to town for the police. Cora, having played a girl detective for many years, stops people from disturbing the scene until police can arrive. Billy, part of the staff is dispatched when daylight comes to ski into town to summon police. The roads are impassible with so much snow; they don’t expect to see anyone until the next day. Our girl Cora takes it on herself to try to piece together where everyone was at the time of the scream. This is a cozy mystery that has several twists and turns to keep you guessing until near the end. I gave it a 4 star rating because it wasn’t long enough.

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calamity under the Chandelier (A Sleuthing Starlet Mystery Book 1)
By Camilla Blythe
5 out of 5 stars

I loved reading the book Calamity under the Chandelier (A Sleuthing Starlet Mystery Book 1) by Camilla Blythe. It is a mystery novel that hooked me in from the beginning. I loved reading about the character of Cora Clarke. She follows her best friend and fellow actress to England and ends up in the middle of a mystery. When someone is killed and her friend becomes a suspect, Cora becomes determined to find out who the murderer is. Read this book to find out the full story and if Cora is successful in her search. This is a book that had me guessing all the way through. There are twists that I didn’t see coming. I found myself turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. The tension is high, and the suspicions run deep. The body count rises. Don’t miss out on an entertaining story that will have you reading far into the night. I would highly recommend reading this book.

[Melissa Agena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love a good British Novel! Calamity Under the Chandelier is a Sleuthing Starlet Mystery novel written by Camilla Blythe. This story takes place in England with two American actresses who come in and turn everything upside down! Cora is an actress who just lost her job. Veronica is her best friend, who is also an actress and who just so happened to elope with the son of a Duke. The Duke’s family is not happy this marriage took place. During this whole ordeal, a murder takes place and Veronica is pinned for it. So, Cora is on a murder mystery mission to find out who the real killer is because she is certain that her friend could not have done this. There are so many twists and turns that you have no idea who the murder truly is! This author does a really good job at sucking you in and by then you don’t want to put the book down! The characters are wonderful and interact really well together. This book makes you want to help Cora solve the murder along with her! This story was really great and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora Clarke's best friend and fellow actress Veronica elopes with an English earl & Cora travels to England to give Veronica moral support when she braves the aristocratic disapproval of her new husband's family. Unfortunately the holiday turns nightmarish when a crystal chandelier crashes down and someone is killed. Suspicion falls on Veronica so Cora vows to figure out the identity of the murderer.
I really enjoyed this book which was set in rural England in the 1930s, it captured the essence of the times with haughty aristocrats & beautiful actresses, throw in a snowstorm, broken telephone wires & you’re set for a good old fashioned whodunnit. There were plenty of red herrings & everyone seems to have something to hide until the killer is finally exposed. This isn’t the authors usual genre but I’d recommend reading it & I’m looking forward to more sleuthing by Cora

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calamity under the Chandelier (A Sleuthing Starlet Mystery Book 1) by Camilla Blythe. I Loved this book! This story takes off in the time period of the Flapper era. There are 2 American girls Cora whose career is on a downward spiral& Veronica who has married the son of a Duke, in England during the Christmas season. They find themselves in the midst of a mystery when Cora takes Veronica's place on a trip. Cora is meant to be on set in Hollywood not in freezing wet England. Now here she is in this big fat mess. The Duke's family does not like Veronica so Cora has to stay to help protect her friend. When a chandelier falls on someone and kills them at a party its going to take every bit of skill Cora has to keep her friend out of jail. Will Cora find out who the real murderer is before they lock up her best friend? Will her career ever take off again. This was such a fun book to read and it kept you reading until the very end.

[Kayla Interdonato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calamity under the Chandelier is the first book in A Sleuthing Starlet Mystery series by Camilla Blythe. I absolutely admired Cora picking up her life and going to England with her friend Veronica. Veronica, who is big in Hollywood, just eloped with an English earl. She decided to give up stardom and move to England to be with her husband. After Cora is fired from her job, Veronica asks her to come along to help be a buffer with her husband's disapproving family. What seems like a typical holiday turns into a chilling murder when a chandelier falls and kills someone. Cora is determined to prove Veronica’s innocence, no matter what everyone else thinks. This was a quick afternoon read that left me wanting more. The author does a wonderful job keeping the readers on their toes with suspense. Also, I loved how the story was based during a past era, back when people didn’t fly to Europe but traveled by boat instead.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Calamity Under the Chandelier. It's December 1937 and American actress, Veronica James has eloped with Lord Edmund James of Yorkshire. As she gets ready to spend some time with her new in-laws the Duke and Duchess of Hawley, she invites her actress friend, Cora Clarke along. They leave Bel Air, CA and travel to Chalcroft Park, their manor house in England. The women's visit is awkward due to the unlikable personalities of the other guests, and things turn serious when the Duke is found dead underneath the chandelier in his bedroom. Trying to be support of her friend and keep them safe until help arrives, Cora starts sleuthing to discover who the murderer is. This is a very entertaining book and I read it in one sitting. There are several reasons why each guest can be thought of as a suspect, twists and turns, and lots of eclectic characters. I look forward to seeing what Cora gets up to next.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calamity under the Chandelier by Camilla Blythe is the first book in the Sleuthing Starlet Mystery series. This is a great who-dun-it style book that is thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. The author has really written this book well. It has an interesting storyline that really pulled you in to it. It kept you interested with twists thrown in throughout. I loved trying to figure out who was the one responsible.
The characters were really entertaining. It was the mixing of two worlds and it seemed to work really well. For me they really added to the overall story and just made a good book even better. As the first book in the series I thought this was a great way to start it off and I am looking forward to reading what is to come next.

[Erica Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need to read that one book that you can take at the surface. Camilla Blythe does just that. It was a story that relaxed so much that I fell in love with the simple story. The plot line is a cozy mystery setting. It was a simple place, but yet it had its moments of intense moments. The characters are a blast to relate to. I felt as if I was the Sleuthing Starlet in the story.I found myself looking for the clues with Cora. She was just helping her friend because she knew she did not have anything to do with it. I highly recommend you reading this story to help Cora solve the mystery.