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Lady Eleanor #1
A Poisoning in Piccadilly
London, New Year’s Eve 1923, and Lady Eleanor Bakewell dances with American millionaire Henry T Eisenbach. When he dies at her feet she suspects poison, and the police suspect her.
But the vital documents Henry had brought with him for the British Government have gone missing, and Military Intelligence now suspect her, too.
With the threat of an arrest imminent, Eleanor must prove herself a Bright Young Thing in every sense in order to uncover the real killer.
A Poisoning In Piccadilly is a high-spirited romp through 1920s London, featuring fast cars, feisty women, and the men who love them both.
But the vital documents Henry had brought with him for the British Government have gone missing, and Military Intelligence now suspect her, too.
With the threat of an arrest imminent, Eleanor must prove herself a Bright Young Thing in every sense in order to uncover the real killer.
A Poisoning In Piccadilly is a high-spirited romp through 1920s London, featuring fast cars, feisty women, and the men who love them both.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2019
737 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Lynda Wilcox
27 books89 followersLynda Wilcox's first piece of published writing was a poem in the school magazine. In her twenties she wrote Pantomime scripts for Amateur Dramatic groups and was a founder member of The Facts of Life, a foursome who wrote and performed comedy sketches for radio. Now she concocts fantasy stories for older children (10-13) and writes funny whodunits for adults.
Lynda lives in a small town in England, in an untidy house with four ageing computers and her (equally ageing but very supportive) husband. She enjoys pottering in the garden where she grow brambles, bindweed and nettles along with roses and lilies. Oh! And slugs! Slugs that feed well on everything but the brambles and weeds.
Most of all, she loves to write — it gets her out of doing the housework. She also reads a lot and enjoys good food and wine.
Lynda lives in a small town in England, in an untidy house with four ageing computers and her (equally ageing but very supportive) husband. She enjoys pottering in the garden where she grow brambles, bindweed and nettles along with roses and lilies. Oh! And slugs! Slugs that feed well on everything but the brambles and weeds.
Most of all, she loves to write — it gets her out of doing the housework. She also reads a lot and enjoys good food and wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 9, 2022
Rating: 2 / 5
Okay, I give the author full credit for trying, but the bottom line is that they just don't get into the spirit of things in a way that's engaging.
Basically, we have Lady Eleanor...er...Bakewell (I think?), who attends a party on New Year's Eve at the best of her friend, the party organizer Lady Ava. Whilst there, Eleanor does her friend a solid by dancing with the elder Mr. Eisenbach, as Ava wants to strike a business deal with the younger Eisenbach and needs his dad to be distracted.
This...kind of goes according to plan, as the elder Eisenbach actually dies in Eleanor's arms while they're dancing, and the verdict is murder. (Dun dun duuuun!)
From there on we get Eleanor kind of shoved into things with solving the case and its connection to some government papers, aaaaand...
...I didn't care about any of it.
Ahem, okay, first off, I didn't like the whole "Eleanor has a long and complicated past and was also a secret agent at one point" bullshit. Like...she's twenty-four, and it's 1923--you do realize that that would've made her a TEENAGER during WWI when she's supposedly having secret liaisons and taking on false identities and spying, right? Like, no way would that ever have been ALLOWED, nevermind realistic!
So...nope, calling bullshit on that. Like, if the author wanted to make it realistic, then she should've made Eleanor 34 instead of 24--literally, just adding on 10 years to this would've given the story more creduility.
Next, in terms of this mystery and Eleanor's solving skills, she does the bare minimum of what sleuths would do--i.e. ask questions and try to figure stuff out, but then what she's REALLY doing and what she even admits to at one point is, and I quote "waiting for a breakthrough".
Um...wut?
WAITING for a breakthrough?
Hon, detectives don't wait for breakthroughs! If they get them, sure, that's fine and great, but otherwise they're finding clues, cutting corners, and putting their brains to work--something that Eleanor doesn't seem to be too interested in doing, as she's constantly getting distracted either by the attractiveness of Eisenbach Jr., or the forced-secret-agent/past-love-affair Armitage guy. (Whom I didn't care about AT ALL, by the way.)
So...yeah, slow-moving, boring, and ultimately a book whose best asset is its cover.
One word: Next.
Okay, I give the author full credit for trying, but the bottom line is that they just don't get into the spirit of things in a way that's engaging.
Basically, we have Lady Eleanor...er...Bakewell (I think?), who attends a party on New Year's Eve at the best of her friend, the party organizer Lady Ava. Whilst there, Eleanor does her friend a solid by dancing with the elder Mr. Eisenbach, as Ava wants to strike a business deal with the younger Eisenbach and needs his dad to be distracted.
This...kind of goes according to plan, as the elder Eisenbach actually dies in Eleanor's arms while they're dancing, and the verdict is murder. (Dun dun duuuun!)
From there on we get Eleanor kind of shoved into things with solving the case and its connection to some government papers, aaaaand...
...I didn't care about any of it.
Ahem, okay, first off, I didn't like the whole "Eleanor has a long and complicated past and was also a secret agent at one point" bullshit. Like...she's twenty-four, and it's 1923--you do realize that that would've made her a TEENAGER during WWI when she's supposedly having secret liaisons and taking on false identities and spying, right? Like, no way would that ever have been ALLOWED, nevermind realistic!
So...nope, calling bullshit on that. Like, if the author wanted to make it realistic, then she should've made Eleanor 34 instead of 24--literally, just adding on 10 years to this would've given the story more creduility.
Next, in terms of this mystery and Eleanor's solving skills, she does the bare minimum of what sleuths would do--i.e. ask questions and try to figure stuff out, but then what she's REALLY doing and what she even admits to at one point is, and I quote "waiting for a breakthrough".
Um...wut?
WAITING for a breakthrough?
Hon, detectives don't wait for breakthroughs! If they get them, sure, that's fine and great, but otherwise they're finding clues, cutting corners, and putting their brains to work--something that Eleanor doesn't seem to be too interested in doing, as she's constantly getting distracted either by the attractiveness of Eisenbach Jr., or the forced-secret-agent/past-love-affair Armitage guy. (Whom I didn't care about AT ALL, by the way.)
So...yeah, slow-moving, boring, and ultimately a book whose best asset is its cover.
One word: Next.
October 11, 2019
Disappointing
I am not fond of writing bad reviews, but this was disappointing drivel. So cookie cutter, shallow characters, it’s like this was written one night whilst the author was drowsy.
I am used to the fabulous golden age books by Beth Byers, and Jane C. Reid, and this was.... blah
I am not fond of writing bad reviews, but this was disappointing drivel. So cookie cutter, shallow characters, it’s like this was written one night whilst the author was drowsy.
I am used to the fabulous golden age books by Beth Byers, and Jane C. Reid, and this was.... blah
March 22, 2020
Kindle freebie at the time of download
3.5+ stars
Lady Eleanor Bakewell attends a lavish New Year's Eve 1923 party at the swanky Rudolph Hotel in London. At the request of her friend Ann Carstairs, who is trying to launch a party planning business with a branch in New York, Eleanor agrees to dance with Henry T. Eisenbach, the steel magnate, an American millionaire. Eleanor is reluctant to entertain a brash American businessman but Henry turns out to be polite. He's eager to use his steel to rebuild Britain after the war and has brought his two adult children to see the place of his birth. While dancing with Eleanor, Henry Eisenbach drops dead, presumably of poisoning. This isn't the first death Eleanor has seen but she's rattled just the same. The police seem to think the murder was politically motivated and suspect Eleanor! As a veteran of the Great War, she protests. Eleanor toys with the idea of becoming a private detective so she sets out to clear her name and solve her first case.
I enjoyed this story for the most part. It moves quickly and I read it in one night. However, the mystery got a little complicated at the end. I was shocked when Eleanor revealed the identity of the murderer. I completely missed the clue. I now have a lot of questions! My other chief complaint about the story is there is way too much about cars and car racing. I don't know anything about cars or like cars and it just bogs the story down. I also objected to some period correct terminology like "swarthy" which really doesn't need to be used and one scene where the policemen check out Eleanor's back "view." Also something that does not need to be there. The head jumping in that scene is weird to begin with and having the men objectify Eleanor in that way means they don't respect her intelligence. Bonus points for one mention of a Cairn Terrier!
Eleanor may be a British cozy sleuth but she isn't as dispassionate and cold blooded as most of them. She's seriously rattled by Henry's death basically in her arms. I admire her poise and calmness in spite of her emotions. I really like her friendship with her maid, Tilly, who plays mother to Eleanor while they're in London. Eleanor has a secret history from the war which slowly comes out in the course of the story. I can't imagine doing what she did -ANY of it but it makes sense. She's not a typical bright young thing. She wants to do something with her life and help people if she can. Her friend Ann is also a Lady and prefers to do something more than party. She understands the culture of the time and put her party planning skills to use. It's one thing she can do as a noblewoman to be independent and worthwhile. The same can't be said for some of her friends. Tommy Totteridge aka "Totters", the Viscount of Marchwold, is a more typical bright young person. He parties a lot and is often drunk. He has a little more depth than that by the end of the story. His girlfriend, Sophie, seems nice but also a bright young person. A friend of his, "Ferret" Fortescue, is a hanger-on and always at the same parties as Totters but they don't seem to be very close friends.
The children of Henry Eisenach are not as appealing as he was. He had a purpose, a drive and a desire to help. His children are lazy, selfish and boring. Howard thinks of nothing but cars and car racing. He's not very bright or interesting. I don't know how Eleanor can stand to be with him for any length of time. Carolyne is super spoiled and doesn't appreciate it. She's whiny and bratty. I'm not sure either of them are actually mourning their father.
Chief Inspector Blount is firm but fair. He treats everyone as a suspect, even Ann and Eleanor, and doesn't let them off the hook because they're aristocrats. He also doesn't make quick judgments. He seems stumped though and can't figure things out on his own. Major Peter Armitage is from a secret government agency and thinks the crime is politically motivated. He has a past with Eleanor and there's an attraction between them. The attraction is purely physical at this point. I don't really get any romantic vibes between them but it's early in their relationship and they know too much about the other to be completely comfortable.
Besides the Eisenach children, suspects include Howard's secretary Theodore Jensen, a newcomer to the household who seems sneaking and suspicious. He keeps himself to himself so no one knows much about him. The valet, Golding, could have easily poisoned his employer. The maid, Louise, has a crush on Howard. She's young and silly. Perhaps someone used her as a dupe to poison Howard without her understanding what she was doing. There could also be a secret German spy. Who is it? Could it be the cloakroom attendant at the Rudolph, Harry Lamb?
Other secondary characters are a lot of fun and add some period color to the story. There's a jazz band and two singers. The band leader, Derek Delaney, sounds like a salesman, which of course he has to be to keep booking gigs. He or the band may have seen something suspicious. Penny and Polly Dashwood are the jazz singers that performed with the band. They have suspicious minds and drive a hard bargain. They strike me as the types that have always had to scrape for a living and mistrust the higher ups of society. They'll do or say anything for money so can they be relied upon as witnesses? I hope they appear again because I found them to be interesting and enjoyable characters.
This series is a cut above Ginger Gold Mysteries Books 1-3 and slightly below Sara Rosett's High Society Lady Detective series, in my opinion. Fans of that type of cozy mystery will enjoy this one. I would be open to reading another book about Eleanor if I could.
3.5+ stars
Lady Eleanor Bakewell attends a lavish New Year's Eve 1923 party at the swanky Rudolph Hotel in London. At the request of her friend Ann Carstairs, who is trying to launch a party planning business with a branch in New York, Eleanor agrees to dance with Henry T. Eisenbach, the steel magnate, an American millionaire. Eleanor is reluctant to entertain a brash American businessman but Henry turns out to be polite. He's eager to use his steel to rebuild Britain after the war and has brought his two adult children to see the place of his birth. While dancing with Eleanor, Henry Eisenbach drops dead, presumably of poisoning. This isn't the first death Eleanor has seen but she's rattled just the same. The police seem to think the murder was politically motivated and suspect Eleanor! As a veteran of the Great War, she protests. Eleanor toys with the idea of becoming a private detective so she sets out to clear her name and solve her first case.
I enjoyed this story for the most part. It moves quickly and I read it in one night. However, the mystery got a little complicated at the end. I was shocked when Eleanor revealed the identity of the murderer. I completely missed the clue. I now have a lot of questions! My other chief complaint about the story is there is way too much about cars and car racing. I don't know anything about cars or like cars and it just bogs the story down. I also objected to some period correct terminology like "swarthy" which really doesn't need to be used and one scene where the policemen check out Eleanor's back "view." Also something that does not need to be there. The head jumping in that scene is weird to begin with and having the men objectify Eleanor in that way means they don't respect her intelligence. Bonus points for one mention of a Cairn Terrier!
Eleanor may be a British cozy sleuth but she isn't as dispassionate and cold blooded as most of them. She's seriously rattled by Henry's death basically in her arms. I admire her poise and calmness in spite of her emotions. I really like her friendship with her maid, Tilly, who plays mother to Eleanor while they're in London. Eleanor has a secret history from the war which slowly comes out in the course of the story. I can't imagine doing what she did -ANY of it but it makes sense. She's not a typical bright young thing. She wants to do something with her life and help people if she can. Her friend Ann is also a Lady and prefers to do something more than party. She understands the culture of the time and put her party planning skills to use. It's one thing she can do as a noblewoman to be independent and worthwhile. The same can't be said for some of her friends. Tommy Totteridge aka "Totters", the Viscount of Marchwold, is a more typical bright young person. He parties a lot and is often drunk. He has a little more depth than that by the end of the story. His girlfriend, Sophie, seems nice but also a bright young person. A friend of his, "Ferret" Fortescue, is a hanger-on and always at the same parties as Totters but they don't seem to be very close friends.
The children of Henry Eisenach are not as appealing as he was. He had a purpose, a drive and a desire to help. His children are lazy, selfish and boring. Howard thinks of nothing but cars and car racing. He's not very bright or interesting. I don't know how Eleanor can stand to be with him for any length of time. Carolyne is super spoiled and doesn't appreciate it. She's whiny and bratty. I'm not sure either of them are actually mourning their father.
Chief Inspector Blount is firm but fair. He treats everyone as a suspect, even Ann and Eleanor, and doesn't let them off the hook because they're aristocrats. He also doesn't make quick judgments. He seems stumped though and can't figure things out on his own. Major Peter Armitage is from a secret government agency and thinks the crime is politically motivated. He has a past with Eleanor and there's an attraction between them. The attraction is purely physical at this point. I don't really get any romantic vibes between them but it's early in their relationship and they know too much about the other to be completely comfortable.
Besides the Eisenach children, suspects include Howard's secretary Theodore Jensen, a newcomer to the household who seems sneaking and suspicious. He keeps himself to himself so no one knows much about him. The valet, Golding, could have easily poisoned his employer. The maid, Louise, has a crush on Howard. She's young and silly. Perhaps someone used her as a dupe to poison Howard without her understanding what she was doing. There could also be a secret German spy. Who is it? Could it be the cloakroom attendant at the Rudolph, Harry Lamb?
Other secondary characters are a lot of fun and add some period color to the story. There's a jazz band and two singers. The band leader, Derek Delaney, sounds like a salesman, which of course he has to be to keep booking gigs. He or the band may have seen something suspicious. Penny and Polly Dashwood are the jazz singers that performed with the band. They have suspicious minds and drive a hard bargain. They strike me as the types that have always had to scrape for a living and mistrust the higher ups of society. They'll do or say anything for money so can they be relied upon as witnesses? I hope they appear again because I found them to be interesting and enjoyable characters.
This series is a cut above Ginger Gold Mysteries Books 1-3 and slightly below Sara Rosett's High Society Lady Detective series, in my opinion. Fans of that type of cozy mystery will enjoy this one. I would be open to reading another book about Eleanor if I could.
April 15, 2020
I quite like historical mysteries, especially those with an interesting, intelligent and independent heroine. My problem with many of these books is the heroine turns out not to be so independent and often the authors seems compelled to introduce a romantic interest at the first opportunity.
Eleanor is an independent young woman with the added bonus that she had an intrigue wartime role. Also her maid Tilly appeared to be more of a partner than a servant, adding extra interest into the story.
Overall I enjoyed this book and I liked Eleanor and Tilly. Fortunately the author resisted the need for a romantic involvement, although I'm afraid she might succumb in the next book. The plot wasn't that gripping and Eleanor seemed to ignore information even when she had worked out it could be important. I also don't particularly like plots that are solved by sudden inspiration right at the end of the book.
Eleanor is an independent young woman with the added bonus that she had an intrigue wartime role. Also her maid Tilly appeared to be more of a partner than a servant, adding extra interest into the story.
Overall I enjoyed this book and I liked Eleanor and Tilly. Fortunately the author resisted the need for a romantic involvement, although I'm afraid she might succumb in the next book. The plot wasn't that gripping and Eleanor seemed to ignore information even when she had worked out it could be important. I also don't particularly like plots that are solved by sudden inspiration right at the end of the book.
May 12, 2024
Cozy 1920s-set mystery featuring yet another lady amateur sleuth... these really are a dime a dozen, aren't they? This one was entertaining enough to quickly breeze through, solid if simple plot and a quick read. Eleanor's wartime derring-do past was a little OTT and would have been better suited to a character who wasn't just a teenager at the time she supposedly engaged in all of that - aging her up by 5-10 years would have done the trick. Might grab another one of these if I need a quick, not overly taxing read at some point.
October 10, 2023
Terrific start to a new series for me. I gravitate towards historical cozy mysteries especially when the amateur sleuths are a Lady and her maid. I'm looking forward to book 2 now and can't wait to see what Lady Eleanor and her maid get into next. Happy Reading!
March 1, 2023
I have never really written a truly bad review. Unfortunately, that changed after reading this book.
I gave this book a chance after reading the Lady Hardcastle mysteries which I enjoyed. I did not enjoy this book. A few notes:
Editing: This manuscript could've used a really good edit. It was repetitive and meandered into inconsiquential details. I learned to start skimming as I wanted to get to the end. (at one point she repeatedly thinks & excuses someone as a possible murderer)
Naming: Seriously. Everyone has the same initials for the first & last names? Why would anyone do this? it's so incredibly weird.
Story: Overall, really unbelievable and boring. The conclusion was completely unsatisfactory and there was no explanation. Arrests and done.
Character building & relationships: The relationship between Lady Eleanor and her maid was completely unbelievable since there wasn't any real character development. there wasn't any character development or believability between any of the relationships. Oh and one of the criminals has one mention in the first 4/5 of the book (which is not part of good mystery writing).
Main character: Unbelievable. 24 year old former spy? How old was she when she was a spy? She lacked any real skills and instead is a rich girl that's bored. She's not believable as a character.
Recommendation: Skip it.
This was lazy writing at its best and gives self publishing a bad name. I read this through kindle unlimited and the best thing about this book is that I'm done with it and never have to read it again. I highly recommend giving this book series a skip.
I gave this book a chance after reading the Lady Hardcastle mysteries which I enjoyed. I did not enjoy this book. A few notes:
Editing: This manuscript could've used a really good edit. It was repetitive and meandered into inconsiquential details. I learned to start skimming as I wanted to get to the end. (at one point she repeatedly thinks & excuses someone as a possible murderer)
Naming: Seriously. Everyone has the same initials for the first & last names? Why would anyone do this? it's so incredibly weird.
Story: Overall, really unbelievable and boring. The conclusion was completely unsatisfactory and there was no explanation. Arrests and done.
Character building & relationships: The relationship between Lady Eleanor and her maid was completely unbelievable since there wasn't any real character development. there wasn't any character development or believability between any of the relationships. Oh and one of the criminals has one mention in the first 4/5 of the book (which is not part of good mystery writing).
Main character: Unbelievable. 24 year old former spy? How old was she when she was a spy? She lacked any real skills and instead is a rich girl that's bored. She's not believable as a character.
Recommendation: Skip it.
This was lazy writing at its best and gives self publishing a bad name. I read this through kindle unlimited and the best thing about this book is that I'm done with it and never have to read it again. I highly recommend giving this book series a skip.
January 10, 2021
Decent writing, plot and characters. Some of the dialogue sounded a bit too modern for the period.
Rather distracting that characters who should have known better kept addressing the main character as "Lady Bakewell" though. As a Duke's daughter, they should have been calling her "Lady Eleanor". Took me two minutes to google that. A pity that nobody involed with the book seems to have bothered to check.
Rather distracting that characters who should have known better kept addressing the main character as "Lady Bakewell" though. As a Duke's daughter, they should have been calling her "Lady Eleanor". Took me two minutes to google that. A pity that nobody involed with the book seems to have bothered to check.
January 15, 2024
Score: 3/5
In London 1923, Lady Eleanor Bakewell joined a New Year’s Eve party at the prestigious Rudolph Hotel, hosted by her friend Ann Carstairs. Prior to the soirée, Ann entrusted Lady Eleanor with an important task—approaching the esteemed American millionaire, Henry T. Eisenbach, because Ann wanted to expand her business. The enchanting evening took an unexpected turn when Lady Eleanor and Henry shared a dance. Henry succumbed to poison while dancing in Lady Eleanor's arms. Additionally, the vital documents Henry had brought with him for the British Government have gone missing. Now entangled in a web of suspicion, Lady Eleanor, a seasoned veteran of the Great War, embarks on a quest to clear her name and unravel the mysteries surrounding this captivating case.
The historical mystery is a sub-genre that combines two of my favourite genres together – historical and mystery. In 2023, I was on a hunt for cheap historical mystery books. I couldn’t remember how I came across this book. However, my suspicion is that there must be something to do with the captivating cover, a testament to the timeless charm of a "cover buy."
Though it has an excellent Goodreads rating, I found myself navigating the middle ground with this book—neither overwhelmingly good nor disappointing. What stood out for me was the glamour of Lady Eleanor's high-society world, featuring a wealthy American widower, luxurious cars, and lavish hotels. The author skillfully painted these elements with vivid detail, almost making me experience the contrasting circumstances of my humbler existence. The London setting in 1923 was carefully designed, leaving me feeling like the time was a genuine touch. I also like how the victim’s unforeseen death and the elusive identity of the culprit.
However, certain narrative aspects left me with reservations. Ann, Lady Eleanor's friend, proved to be a questionable companion, exploiting her to forge a connection with Henry. Secondly, Lady Eleanor's reactions, particularly her seemingly exaggerated response to police accusations, at times appeared incongruous with her background as a former secret agent. To be fair, some former secret agents committed crimes. Thus, Lady Eleanor shouldn’t act more superior than any other suspects. Lastly, the narrative felt somewhat monotonous even when it reached the culprit-revealing part. Without the compelling momentum to make the plot more engaging to read, the story seemed to linger.
"A Poisoning in Piccadilly" marks the primary book of the Lady Eleanor series. While my personal journey with the series concludes here, I recommend this book to aficionados of historical mysteries—specifically, those who are intrigued by aristocratic London settings and their elegant lifestyles.
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In London 1923, Lady Eleanor Bakewell joined a New Year’s Eve party at the prestigious Rudolph Hotel, hosted by her friend Ann Carstairs. Prior to the soirée, Ann entrusted Lady Eleanor with an important task—approaching the esteemed American millionaire, Henry T. Eisenbach, because Ann wanted to expand her business. The enchanting evening took an unexpected turn when Lady Eleanor and Henry shared a dance. Henry succumbed to poison while dancing in Lady Eleanor's arms. Additionally, the vital documents Henry had brought with him for the British Government have gone missing. Now entangled in a web of suspicion, Lady Eleanor, a seasoned veteran of the Great War, embarks on a quest to clear her name and unravel the mysteries surrounding this captivating case.
The historical mystery is a sub-genre that combines two of my favourite genres together – historical and mystery. In 2023, I was on a hunt for cheap historical mystery books. I couldn’t remember how I came across this book. However, my suspicion is that there must be something to do with the captivating cover, a testament to the timeless charm of a "cover buy."
Though it has an excellent Goodreads rating, I found myself navigating the middle ground with this book—neither overwhelmingly good nor disappointing. What stood out for me was the glamour of Lady Eleanor's high-society world, featuring a wealthy American widower, luxurious cars, and lavish hotels. The author skillfully painted these elements with vivid detail, almost making me experience the contrasting circumstances of my humbler existence. The London setting in 1923 was carefully designed, leaving me feeling like the time was a genuine touch. I also like how the victim’s unforeseen death and the elusive identity of the culprit.
However, certain narrative aspects left me with reservations. Ann, Lady Eleanor's friend, proved to be a questionable companion, exploiting her to forge a connection with Henry. Secondly, Lady Eleanor's reactions, particularly her seemingly exaggerated response to police accusations, at times appeared incongruous with her background as a former secret agent. To be fair, some former secret agents committed crimes. Thus, Lady Eleanor shouldn’t act more superior than any other suspects. Lastly, the narrative felt somewhat monotonous even when it reached the culprit-revealing part. Without the compelling momentum to make the plot more engaging to read, the story seemed to linger.
"A Poisoning in Piccadilly" marks the primary book of the Lady Eleanor series. While my personal journey with the series concludes here, I recommend this book to aficionados of historical mysteries—specifically, those who are intrigued by aristocratic London settings and their elegant lifestyles.
Connect with Biblioteca di Violet via:
YouTube
April 21, 2020
A Poisoning in Piccadilly by Lynda Wilcox
This is the first of the Lady Eleanor mysteries and if you enjoy early 20th century historical cozy mysteries as much as I do you will be delighted with this gem.
It centers around Duke Bakewell's daughter, Lady Eleanor and her help and companion Tilly who resides with her in her London flat. Eleanor and Tilly grew up together, Tilly's mother being Duke Bakewell's cook, and Eleanor insisted that Tilly do everything with her; lessons, archery, horseback riding, etc. as they grew up. When World War I broke
out they both volunteered and, by luck, they both ended up in Paris working for the espionage team in Ardennes for a very dangerous mission. They were led by Major Armitage, a handsome bloke to whom Eleanor was very attracted.
Skipping ahead to the last day of the year 1923, Lady Eleanor goes to the ballroom o the Rudolph Hotel where her good friend Ann is throwing a party for New Year's Eve. As Eleanor arrives Ann tells her she would specifically like her to talk up a family that she met in the US when she was there. The father, Henry T. Eisenbach, is someone she would like to approach about being her partner when she expands her successful party planning business to New York. She knows he and his adult children, Howard and Carolyne, will adore meeting someone with a title. Eleanor is uncomfortably aware that Ann is using her but she says she will meet them and see how they all get along.
She is having a surprisingly good time with Henry, discussing various topics and having a few drinks, when he asks her to dance. She accepts, finding him a good dancer, light on his feet, until he starts miss-stepping, finally falling at her feet dead.
The rest is as you would expect. Chief Inspector Blount sees immediately that she could have poisoned him and grills her both that night at the Rudolph and the next day at Scotland Yard where she finds Major Armitage sitting in the shadows observing as Blount questions her. While she recognizes him right away, she also realizes that he does not recognize her without the black hair she had in Paris. And back then she and Tilly used false names to protect themselves as well as saying they were older than they actually were. And, of course, that was over 5 years ago.
But who killed Henry Eisenbach? And why did he die just as he was dancing with her? And why is Major Armitage, who is still in espionage, involved? All very good questions that you will have a cracking good time reading how Lady Eleanor answers them one by one. I highly recommend this book! I received it free from a promotion but this review is all honestly mine. I hope you like it as much as I did! Enjoy!
This is the first of the Lady Eleanor mysteries and if you enjoy early 20th century historical cozy mysteries as much as I do you will be delighted with this gem.
It centers around Duke Bakewell's daughter, Lady Eleanor and her help and companion Tilly who resides with her in her London flat. Eleanor and Tilly grew up together, Tilly's mother being Duke Bakewell's cook, and Eleanor insisted that Tilly do everything with her; lessons, archery, horseback riding, etc. as they grew up. When World War I broke
out they both volunteered and, by luck, they both ended up in Paris working for the espionage team in Ardennes for a very dangerous mission. They were led by Major Armitage, a handsome bloke to whom Eleanor was very attracted.
Skipping ahead to the last day of the year 1923, Lady Eleanor goes to the ballroom o the Rudolph Hotel where her good friend Ann is throwing a party for New Year's Eve. As Eleanor arrives Ann tells her she would specifically like her to talk up a family that she met in the US when she was there. The father, Henry T. Eisenbach, is someone she would like to approach about being her partner when she expands her successful party planning business to New York. She knows he and his adult children, Howard and Carolyne, will adore meeting someone with a title. Eleanor is uncomfortably aware that Ann is using her but she says she will meet them and see how they all get along.
She is having a surprisingly good time with Henry, discussing various topics and having a few drinks, when he asks her to dance. She accepts, finding him a good dancer, light on his feet, until he starts miss-stepping, finally falling at her feet dead.
The rest is as you would expect. Chief Inspector Blount sees immediately that she could have poisoned him and grills her both that night at the Rudolph and the next day at Scotland Yard where she finds Major Armitage sitting in the shadows observing as Blount questions her. While she recognizes him right away, she also realizes that he does not recognize her without the black hair she had in Paris. And back then she and Tilly used false names to protect themselves as well as saying they were older than they actually were. And, of course, that was over 5 years ago.
But who killed Henry Eisenbach? And why did he die just as he was dancing with her? And why is Major Armitage, who is still in espionage, involved? All very good questions that you will have a cracking good time reading how Lady Eleanor answers them one by one. I highly recommend this book! I received it free from a promotion but this review is all honestly mine. I hope you like it as much as I did! Enjoy!
February 9, 2022
“A refreshingly straightforward story with likeable characters”
Lynda Wilcox
Format - Kindle
Genre - Mystery
⭐️⭐️⭐️
—————————-
I was reluctant to start this book for two reasons:
1. I’ve read a lot of crime/mystery over the last year
2. I am often put off by period settings
I’m glad I didn’t let either of those things deter me.
The story is set in 1920s London, and the period is brought to life effortlessly without overt references to the time, which made it all a natural part of the story’s mood.
Lady Eleanor takes the lead, as one of Londons “bright young things” with a surprising war time past; she’s a really likeable character and the plot follows her perspective.
Lady Eleanor finds herself wrapped up in a Murder tied to British Intelligence, and with a fast pace and no fuss approach, we’re taken on her journey to solve the mystery.
I think my favourite thing about this book is it’s simplicity, often that’s cited as a criticism but it was so refreshing to read a great story which was well written but didn’t make too much effort to be “clever”. Of course that does mean the plot could feel a little predictable, but because of the fun and jaunty narrative, that doesn’t matter.
I won’t rush to read the next one, but I would absolutely like to!
—————————-
Lynda Wilcox
Format - Kindle
Genre - Mystery
⭐️⭐️⭐️
—————————-
I was reluctant to start this book for two reasons:
1. I’ve read a lot of crime/mystery over the last year
2. I am often put off by period settings
I’m glad I didn’t let either of those things deter me.
The story is set in 1920s London, and the period is brought to life effortlessly without overt references to the time, which made it all a natural part of the story’s mood.
Lady Eleanor takes the lead, as one of Londons “bright young things” with a surprising war time past; she’s a really likeable character and the plot follows her perspective.
Lady Eleanor finds herself wrapped up in a Murder tied to British Intelligence, and with a fast pace and no fuss approach, we’re taken on her journey to solve the mystery.
I think my favourite thing about this book is it’s simplicity, often that’s cited as a criticism but it was so refreshing to read a great story which was well written but didn’t make too much effort to be “clever”. Of course that does mean the plot could feel a little predictable, but because of the fun and jaunty narrative, that doesn’t matter.
I won’t rush to read the next one, but I would absolutely like to!
—————————-
Read
February 13, 2022This cosy 1920s murder mystery with a hint of espionage was a quick read. The actual mystery was easy to follow, but I didn't really warm to any of the characters. Somehow, they didn't feel consistent, as if the author was stage-managing how they reacted and behaved depending on plot requirements rather than letting them be people. Although we followed Eleanor for the whole story, there was a tendency to drift into other character's thoughts which felt unsettling.
I'm not generally picky about historical accuracy—I'm happy to view all historical fiction as "alternate history"—but the modes of address felt odd. For example, every time someone addressed Eleanor as "Lady Bakewell," I had to stop and check if I'd missed her mother arriving on the scene.
An entertaining lightweight read.
I'm not generally picky about historical accuracy—I'm happy to view all historical fiction as "alternate history"—but the modes of address felt odd. For example, every time someone addressed Eleanor as "Lady Bakewell," I had to stop and check if I'd missed her mother arriving on the scene.
An entertaining lightweight read.
May 23, 2024
A new detective
This was a fun read with a new kind of detective. Lady Eleanor has solved a crime. Now she is involved in another and add murder to espionage for good action. During WWII plans were drawn up for a new and better metal. This is what was being carried to England from America. Lady Eleanor was at the place and time of the courier's death. In fact she was dancing with him! She was dismayed at the death of a very nice person, and mortified at being considered as the murderer. So she took on finding out who did it, and why. The book was quick and not funny but read slightly tongue in cheek. Showing women can do things and even best the police and Scotland yard.
This was a fun read with a new kind of detective. Lady Eleanor has solved a crime. Now she is involved in another and add murder to espionage for good action. During WWII plans were drawn up for a new and better metal. This is what was being carried to England from America. Lady Eleanor was at the place and time of the courier's death. In fact she was dancing with him! She was dismayed at the death of a very nice person, and mortified at being considered as the murderer. So she took on finding out who did it, and why. The book was quick and not funny but read slightly tongue in cheek. Showing women can do things and even best the police and Scotland yard.
April 1, 2021
Ok start,has possibilities
I wasn't to thrilled with the first book in this series. Too much backstory not really fleshed out. Also I did not like the depiction of the heroine's (Lady Eleanor) maid. While stating how close Tilly and Eleanor are and how they had been thru thick and thin during the war, she's still treated as the maid! Cooking, cleaning and dressing "My Lady" and still gala caring around town doing her mistresses bidding. Be that as it may at least the mystery was different and interesting not just paint by number. I will definitely give the next installment a chance to see if it reach its potential.
I wasn't to thrilled with the first book in this series. Too much backstory not really fleshed out. Also I did not like the depiction of the heroine's (Lady Eleanor) maid. While stating how close Tilly and Eleanor are and how they had been thru thick and thin during the war, she's still treated as the maid! Cooking, cleaning and dressing "My Lady" and still gala caring around town doing her mistresses bidding. Be that as it may at least the mystery was different and interesting not just paint by number. I will definitely give the next installment a chance to see if it reach its potential.
August 25, 2021
Bright Young Thing seeks new adventures
“Back off coppers,” he said. “I’m getting on that aircraft and if you try and stop me it will be curtains for her ladyship here.”
What a line!!
Whilst the characters and writing didn't create a love that would get me to dive into the next in the series, I did enjoy the book. It was thoroughly researched, bringing 1920s London to life and sending me off to google some details, and I was kept guessing for a while as to who the murderer was. I may revisit the series when I want another fun read.
3.5
“Back off coppers,” he said. “I’m getting on that aircraft and if you try and stop me it will be curtains for her ladyship here.”
What a line!!
Whilst the characters and writing didn't create a love that would get me to dive into the next in the series, I did enjoy the book. It was thoroughly researched, bringing 1920s London to life and sending me off to google some details, and I was kept guessing for a while as to who the murderer was. I may revisit the series when I want another fun read.
3.5
July 3, 2021
Quite a good series beginning. I like Lady Eleanor….she’s smart, fun, witty, and independent…just the kind of heroine I like. I was startled by the ending, though. Usually, authors drop little veiled “who dunnit” clues along the way….either this author’s clues were a little more veiled than I’m accustomed to, or I wasn’t paying close enough and missed a few. But, a fun read with morning tea and just before bed nevertheless. I recommend it and am looking forward to the next one.
July 16, 2021
I didn’t care for this. I couldn’t get into it and almost gave up at 75% finished. Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series is my absolute favorite so I compare all historical cozies to it. The characters in this weren’t nearly as engaging. The story seemed to get right to business and stick to it, which made it feel less believable and less well rounded. I just didn’t care about any of the characters because I didn’t know much about them. They all felt a bit stiff.
February 13, 2022
I liked this book as the lead character is a strong, intelligent, capable women who can handle herself. I enjoy historical mysteries but don’t like the oppressions of the time but this book skates around most of that. It is a cozy so doesn’t lovingly linger on disgusting, brutal details which I definitely do not like. I found the this first book entertaining I hope I find the next one in the series entertaining as well.
September 4, 2022
A Poisoning In Piccadilly (The Lady Eleanor Mysteries)
London, New Year’s Eve 1923, and Lady Eleanor Bakewell dances with American millionaire Henry T Eisenbach. He falls at her feet and is dead she is the major suspect. Important military papers are missing and she is the only suspect. She will have to prove her innocence and find out who the killer was. I enjoyed this book it has interesting characters and a fun story. I love how she investigates without really trying or others not noticing?
London, New Year’s Eve 1923, and Lady Eleanor Bakewell dances with American millionaire Henry T Eisenbach. He falls at her feet and is dead she is the major suspect. Important military papers are missing and she is the only suspect. She will have to prove her innocence and find out who the killer was. I enjoyed this book it has interesting characters and a fun story. I love how she investigates without really trying or others not noticing?
July 8, 2025
Overall, I found it quite enjoyable. This mystery is set post-World War I Britain. Lady Eleanor, who aided the government during the war ,sets to find out who poisoned the man she was dancing with on New Year’s Eve . No great twists or shocks in this book. A bit of espionage. A bit “cookie cutter“ but if you’re looking for a light historical ( 1923) British murder mystery this is good. This is first in a series, in the future I may read more from this author.
September 23, 2020
Lady Eleanor
On public television there is a program called Miss Fisher, this book reminds me of that show. It is set in the twenties in London and
Lady Eleanor sets out to solve a murder much like Miss Fisher. I love the outfits and places that are described! All in all a good read.
On public television there is a program called Miss Fisher, this book reminds me of that show. It is set in the twenties in London and
Lady Eleanor sets out to solve a murder much like Miss Fisher. I love the outfits and places that are described! All in all a good read.
May 7, 2021
Frothy Fun
The first in the Lady Eleanor Mystery series, A Poisoning in Piccadilly, is a candy floss of mystery, mayhem, espionage and fun characters in the 1920’s London of the Bright Young Things. Nothing to sink your teeth into, but perfect for a mental escape. I will happily read Ms Wilcox’s future additions to this lighthearted series.
The first in the Lady Eleanor Mystery series, A Poisoning in Piccadilly, is a candy floss of mystery, mayhem, espionage and fun characters in the 1920’s London of the Bright Young Things. Nothing to sink your teeth into, but perfect for a mental escape. I will happily read Ms Wilcox’s future additions to this lighthearted series.
July 28, 2021
Masterpiece Theatre material
I could see, hear ,taste ,and almost smell the whole story! It is a perfect gem of a mystery reminiscent of Agatha Christy with just a bit more humor. I love,love this book and would at this point read anything by Lynda Wilcox just because she wrote it! I am very happy knowing I will be meeting these people again!
I could see, hear ,taste ,and almost smell the whole story! It is a perfect gem of a mystery reminiscent of Agatha Christy with just a bit more humor. I love,love this book and would at this point read anything by Lynda Wilcox just because she wrote it! I am very happy knowing I will be meeting these people again!
July 29, 2021
This was a pretty good book. There was nothing graphic or offensive in the book. It was what I'd call a clean British mystery. It wasn't riveting, but it did have a good plot and a very likable main character in Lady Eleanor Bakewell. She is in her mid-20s and a very capable and independent young woman. If you want to read a relatively light, engaging British mystery, this is a good one.
August 3, 2021
This mystery, by Lynda Wilcox, is the first in the Lady Eleanor series. It was nice light reading and quite enjoyable. Good for beach or bedtime reading. I especially liked all the references to the 1920's-the speech patterns, food and drink, type of clothing worn and activities that were popular at that time. Hope to read more in the series.
August 17, 2021
I Have read a few 20's novels and they have never really grabbed Me .. Well Lynda Wilcox has done it for Me . The 1st one in the Lady Eleanor Mystery series was a Very good read and a Clever Story .Our leading Lady is very likable and Has a Great little maid in Tilly .. A Great start to the Series
October 6, 2021
A titled flapper & former spy in the war, a murder and a handsome officer. Shades of Lee Strauss! I realize that there are limited plots out there for strong independent flappers but the only thing different between this and the Lee Strauss's Ginger Gold stories are the names of the characters. It was still fun but not very inventive.
February 6, 2022
New Years Eve 1923. At a party organised by Lady Ann Carstairs and attended by Lady Eleanor Bakewell, at the Rudolph Hotel, a death occurs. A poisoning. Ann asks Eleanor to investigate because she thinks that Chief Inspector Blount believes her guilty.
An entertaining cozy mystery with some likeable characters. A good start to the series.
An entertaining cozy mystery with some likeable characters. A good start to the series.
April 18, 2023
Lady Eleanor was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A man was murdered at a party she was attending and she became a suspect. More than one clue pointed to an espionage scene yet she had the courage to investigate knowing she could be in danger. A very British story of a lady and her maid who go to great lengths to uncover the murderer. A nice cozy mystery.
October 26, 2023
excellent — Lady Eleanor will be a good series
The story and mystery are interesting— just clever enough. England of the era and the overflow of intrigue from the war were realistically braided together. A potential love interest; a good but not clever homicide detective; Tilly the maid …..and a supporting cast are now ready to be in future stories. I look forward to #2
The story and mystery are interesting— just clever enough. England of the era and the overflow of intrigue from the war were realistically braided together. A potential love interest; a good but not clever homicide detective; Tilly the maid …..and a supporting cast are now ready to be in future stories. I look forward to #2
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