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Eliza Thomson Investigates #2
Death of an Honourable Gent
A body found dead in the lake. An unsuspecting witness accused of murder. Eliza’s weekend away was going from bad to worse…
April 1901: A weekend house party at the stately home of the Earl of Lowton ... with an invitation to his daughter’s debutante ball. It should have been perfect.
And it would have been … had it not been for the body found dead in the lake.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With only hours to go before the biggest event in the Lowton’s social calendar, the family have no intention of letting it ruin the occasion.
But Eliza isn’t family.
Determined to prove that the death was murder, Eliza enlists the help of husband Archie, and best friend Connie. But it soon becomes apparent that not everyone wants to see justice done.
With an innocent man accused of murder, Eliza must stand up to those trying to thwart her investigation. But powerful men have formidable friends … and they aren’t going to let her have it all her own way.
This is the third standalone story in the Eliza Thomson Investigates series. If you like murder mysteries, and historical heroines with attitude, you’ll love this step-back-in-time cozy series.
Get your copy today!
NB. This series is written in UK English
April 1901: A weekend house party at the stately home of the Earl of Lowton ... with an invitation to his daughter’s debutante ball. It should have been perfect.
And it would have been … had it not been for the body found dead in the lake.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With only hours to go before the biggest event in the Lowton’s social calendar, the family have no intention of letting it ruin the occasion.
But Eliza isn’t family.
Determined to prove that the death was murder, Eliza enlists the help of husband Archie, and best friend Connie. But it soon becomes apparent that not everyone wants to see justice done.
With an innocent man accused of murder, Eliza must stand up to those trying to thwart her investigation. But powerful men have formidable friends … and they aren’t going to let her have it all her own way.
This is the third standalone story in the Eliza Thomson Investigates series. If you like murder mysteries, and historical heroines with attitude, you’ll love this step-back-in-time cozy series.
Get your copy today!
NB. This series is written in UK English
252 pages, ebook
Published August 23, 2019
163 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
V.L. McBeath
33 books76 followersVal is an accidental author! She started writing in 2010 when she realised the family history research she was working on would make a great story.
That story ultimately turned into The Ambition & Destiny Series, a five part series with a short story prequel.
By the time that was complete, Val had developed a taste for writing and began a series of historical cozy mysteries - Eliza Thomson Investigates.
Prior to writing, Val trained as a scientist and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years. In 2012, she set up her own consultancy business, and currently splits her time between business and writing.
Born and raised in Liverpool (UK), Val now lives in Cheshire with her husband, two daughters and a cat. In addition to family history, her interests include rock music and Liverpool Football Club.
That story ultimately turned into The Ambition & Destiny Series, a five part series with a short story prequel.
By the time that was complete, Val had developed a taste for writing and began a series of historical cozy mysteries - Eliza Thomson Investigates.
Prior to writing, Val trained as a scientist and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years. In 2012, she set up her own consultancy business, and currently splits her time between business and writing.
Born and raised in Liverpool (UK), Val now lives in Cheshire with her husband, two daughters and a cat. In addition to family history, her interests include rock music and Liverpool Football Club.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 11, 2022
The curious Eliza Thompson is invited to a house party, and because her husband Archie could not accompany her due to work commitments, she takes her best friend Connie instead. They arrive into a tense situation, with the hosting family members angry with one another. One is clearly angrier than the others as someone kills Sir Cyril, brother of (head of family) Sir Neville. Cyril has been horrible to everyone around him, and angry about of his supposed lack of wealth, compared to Sir Neville, his elder brother.
Eliza and Connie and Eliza's father, who was also invited to the party, begin snooping. And when it looks like a doctor is needed, Eliza naturally gets Archie to come and help with the investigation, much to Eliza’s father’s unhappiness, as he has never been happy with Eliza’s choice for a husband.
So, the mystery was not hard to figure out, but I enjoyed this anyway. Eliza is smart, has little use for fools, but thankfully has the ability to be reasonably diplomatic in her dealings with others, even those she dislikes.
Interestingly, her son is also at the house party, as he's friends with Neville's son, and sadly, Eliza’s son Henry needs some tuning up by his mother. He has it in his head that his mother is making a fool of herself, playing at investigating, which is a man’s job, and he’s convinced she’s humiliating him. Well, Eliza shows him, and gives him what-for for his regressive and conservative beliefs. Thankfully by the end, when the murderer is revealed, not only is Henry properly appreciative of his mother, but her father has gained respect for his son-in-law. (As if Eliza would have married an idiot!)
I wonder what new problem Eliza and Connie will stumble upon in the next book.
Eliza and Connie and Eliza's father, who was also invited to the party, begin snooping. And when it looks like a doctor is needed, Eliza naturally gets Archie to come and help with the investigation, much to Eliza’s father’s unhappiness, as he has never been happy with Eliza’s choice for a husband.
So, the mystery was not hard to figure out, but I enjoyed this anyway. Eliza is smart, has little use for fools, but thankfully has the ability to be reasonably diplomatic in her dealings with others, even those she dislikes.
Interestingly, her son is also at the house party, as he's friends with Neville's son, and sadly, Eliza’s son Henry needs some tuning up by his mother. He has it in his head that his mother is making a fool of herself, playing at investigating, which is a man’s job, and he’s convinced she’s humiliating him. Well, Eliza shows him, and gives him what-for for his regressive and conservative beliefs. Thankfully by the end, when the murderer is revealed, not only is Henry properly appreciative of his mother, but her father has gained respect for his son-in-law. (As if Eliza would have married an idiot!)
I wonder what new problem Eliza and Connie will stumble upon in the next book.
August 30, 2019
I did enjoy this story and it was true to the attitudes of the time. The way that some members of the aristocracy thought they could do what they liked. Also their attitude towards commoners. Eliza is a strong, intelligent woman and she has her friend Connie to help her. This story takes place at a house party and there were a few likely suspects, it will keep you guessing until the end. An entertaining read.
August 28, 2019
April 1901: Eliza Thomson and her husband,
Archie are invited to a house party and coming
out party at the estate of the Earl of Lowton.
Since Archie was on call in Moreton, Eliza takes
her best friend and close neighbor, Mrs Connie
Appleton to accompany her to the affair.
Eliza’s father Mr Bell is also attending.
Eliza, Connie and Mr Bell are the only untitled
persons at the affair. They are friends of the
Earl of Lowton’s wife who prior to marriage was
untitled.
The Earl’s brother was very critical of any untitled.
So when the brother was dead in the pond, the
Earl decides to call it an accident.
But Eliza telegrams Archie to come to the estate
as she believes it to be the murderer.
Then Mr Bell is taken off to jail after being judged
by the powerful aristocrats.
Eliza goes into action to prove him innocence with
the help of her friend in New Scotland Yard.
An intriguing, interesting complex murder mystery.
A myriad of characters all claiming innocence and
all full of inconsistencies.
Vivid, colorful, detailed descriptions of the estate
and characters plus captivating writing.
This is book # 3 in the Eliza Thomson Investigates
Mysteries Series. It can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read Death of an Honourable Gent.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity. My opinion
is voluntary and my own.
Archie are invited to a house party and coming
out party at the estate of the Earl of Lowton.
Since Archie was on call in Moreton, Eliza takes
her best friend and close neighbor, Mrs Connie
Appleton to accompany her to the affair.
Eliza’s father Mr Bell is also attending.
Eliza, Connie and Mr Bell are the only untitled
persons at the affair. They are friends of the
Earl of Lowton’s wife who prior to marriage was
untitled.
The Earl’s brother was very critical of any untitled.
So when the brother was dead in the pond, the
Earl decides to call it an accident.
But Eliza telegrams Archie to come to the estate
as she believes it to be the murderer.
Then Mr Bell is taken off to jail after being judged
by the powerful aristocrats.
Eliza goes into action to prove him innocence with
the help of her friend in New Scotland Yard.
An intriguing, interesting complex murder mystery.
A myriad of characters all claiming innocence and
all full of inconsistencies.
Vivid, colorful, detailed descriptions of the estate
and characters plus captivating writing.
This is book # 3 in the Eliza Thomson Investigates
Mysteries Series. It can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read Death of an Honourable Gent.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity. My opinion
is voluntary and my own.
May 2, 2023
3rd installment in the Eliza Thomson Series, involves Eliza & Dr. Archie were invited for the weekend to the Estate of the Earl of Lowton where Eliza's childhood friend Lady Caroline Lowton & mother of Lady Alice who's debutante ball was the Event of the village.
Dr. Archie is not a fan of the aristocrats lifestyle. He finds a way to get out of going. Which doesn't please his wife. Eliza. Who excepted Lady Caroline's invite months ago. Dr. Thomson suggests that she takes that's her dear friend & neighbor Mrs. Appleton. Who also happens to be Eliza's watson.
Also invited to this grand event is Eliza's father Mr. Bell. who is already at the estate along with Henry Eliza's son & Lord Albert who are both on break from Cambridge. To attend the grand affair for Lady Alice. This event is for Lady Alice to find a husband. But her brother Lord Albert has some news of his own. That his father & uncle The Honourable Sir Cyril Lowton cannot stand. Cyril Lowton has made it clear his contemptuous attitude when it comes to common folks like the Thomson's, Mr. Bell & even Lady Caroline who has been married into the family over 20 yrs. Doesn't except commoners marrying into the aristocratic Lowton family. He believes he should have gotten the Earlship.
While Cyril Lowton criticizes, reticules & makes demands of who should socialize with whom. Such as Lady Alice, Lord Albert & Henry Thomson Makes demands of certain guests, is sister in law, Lady Caroline & servants of his Lord Lowton estate. People in the party. like his wife, Lady Victoria, Lord David, & other
Then during dinner Cyril insulted, Mr. Bell, Eliza's father, & the Thomson family for being at the house party that is for the up & mighty. Unfortunately, the next day, Cyril decided he needed to meet someone in the garden. Little did he know it would be the end of his life. When Mr. Bell & the went ahead of Eliza & Connie on the morning of the ball for a garden estate walk. He found the Honorable Lowton face up in the lake. Yelled for help, When Eliza & Connie arrived they saw Lord Lowton help Mr. Bell with his brother's out of the lake. However, Eliza starts her sleuthing to find out what happened to the Honourable Gent.
Only to be shut down by Lord Lowton to state he would get the local Dr. to come & state that his brother drowned. But something seems off to Eliza & Connie, especially when they don't want to tell the mistress of the house Lady Caroline, of the death & have the ball goes as planned. Eliza doesn't believe that is the right discission. She sends a telegram to have Archie come immediately so he can do an autopsy of the body. Lord Lowton isn't pleased with her noising around.
When she strongly advises their needs to be an inquire of his death. Lord Lowton says uses his friend * lawyer Lord Beaufort to lead the investigation. From the very beginning, the investigation is not a truthful investigation.
The next day after the ball & all the alibi's are taken. Lord beaufort decides that Mr. Bell is the one who killed Cyril Lowton. When he happened to be the one who tried to save him. Eliza has to take matters in her own hands to find out the truth about this murder. To save her father from being hung by the gallow.
Dr. Archie is not a fan of the aristocrats lifestyle. He finds a way to get out of going. Which doesn't please his wife. Eliza. Who excepted Lady Caroline's invite months ago. Dr. Thomson suggests that she takes that's her dear friend & neighbor Mrs. Appleton. Who also happens to be Eliza's watson.
Also invited to this grand event is Eliza's father Mr. Bell. who is already at the estate along with Henry Eliza's son & Lord Albert who are both on break from Cambridge. To attend the grand affair for Lady Alice. This event is for Lady Alice to find a husband. But her brother Lord Albert has some news of his own. That his father & uncle The Honourable Sir Cyril Lowton cannot stand. Cyril Lowton has made it clear his contemptuous attitude when it comes to common folks like the Thomson's, Mr. Bell & even Lady Caroline who has been married into the family over 20 yrs. Doesn't except commoners marrying into the aristocratic Lowton family. He believes he should have gotten the Earlship.
While Cyril Lowton criticizes, reticules & makes demands of who should socialize with whom. Such as Lady Alice, Lord Albert & Henry Thomson Makes demands of certain guests, is sister in law, Lady Caroline & servants of his Lord Lowton estate. People in the party. like his wife, Lady Victoria, Lord David, & other
Then during dinner Cyril insulted, Mr. Bell, Eliza's father, & the Thomson family for being at the house party that is for the up & mighty. Unfortunately, the next day, Cyril decided he needed to meet someone in the garden. Little did he know it would be the end of his life. When Mr. Bell & the went ahead of Eliza & Connie on the morning of the ball for a garden estate walk. He found the Honorable Lowton face up in the lake. Yelled for help, When Eliza & Connie arrived they saw Lord Lowton help Mr. Bell with his brother's out of the lake. However, Eliza starts her sleuthing to find out what happened to the Honourable Gent.
Only to be shut down by Lord Lowton to state he would get the local Dr. to come & state that his brother drowned. But something seems off to Eliza & Connie, especially when they don't want to tell the mistress of the house Lady Caroline, of the death & have the ball goes as planned. Eliza doesn't believe that is the right discission. She sends a telegram to have Archie come immediately so he can do an autopsy of the body. Lord Lowton isn't pleased with her noising around.
When she strongly advises their needs to be an inquire of his death. Lord Lowton says uses his friend * lawyer Lord Beaufort to lead the investigation. From the very beginning, the investigation is not a truthful investigation.
The next day after the ball & all the alibi's are taken. Lord beaufort decides that Mr. Bell is the one who killed Cyril Lowton. When he happened to be the one who tried to save him. Eliza has to take matters in her own hands to find out the truth about this murder. To save her father from being hung by the gallow.
May 7, 2021
Death of an Honourable Gent by V.L. McBeath is the 3rd book in the Eliza Thomson Investigates series and as in the first two, Eliza finds herself knee deep in a murder investigation and with the help of her best friend Connie will be instrumental in finding the culprit.
Eliza and her husband Dr. Archie are invited to the glamorous estate of the Earl of Lowton for the coming out party for his daughter. She's not family, but a friend of his wife, so although most of the guests are titled people and rather wealthy and known in society Eliza is not, but still feels welcomed. Connie on the other hand feels a bit out of place among the titled others. The weekend is going well, other than the rudeness of their host the Earl. He's not shy when it comes to his opinions on the lower class, or anyone who isn't family or well to do. He even has words for Eliza and Connie. They brush him off and ignore his rudeness for the sake of Eliza's friendship with her friend. That is until Eliza's father finds him floating in the lake on the property with a large gash on the back of his head. A croquet mallet is found nearby and believed to be the murder weapon. The men of the group, the other titled guests who don't want any publicity insist on keeping this all under the rug and saying it's an accidental drowning, and whatever one does do not call Scotland Yard! Eliza is shocked and knows something's fishy here and calls her husband the doctor to come quickly to examine the dead body and start an inquest.
The group is angry that their weekend has been soured and the police are involved. But they're even more angry with Eliza for sticking her lower class nose in everywhere. Eliza will make sure no stone is left unturned and after her father is arrested for the murder she's even more determined to find the real killer and bring them to justice. Working against the other guests and the Earls wife and his own brother she carries on and with the help of Scotland Yard will find the clues, uncover the evidence and help solve the crime.
These are fun, quick reads with great characters set in the English countryside. I love the characters and after 3 books now have gotten to know them all. I'm a sucker for anything historical so the time period of the early 1900's is always a plus for me. If you enjoy cozy mysteries I'd say give this series a shot, it's good, the mystery will keep you guessing and the characters are great! Happy Reading!
Eliza and her husband Dr. Archie are invited to the glamorous estate of the Earl of Lowton for the coming out party for his daughter. She's not family, but a friend of his wife, so although most of the guests are titled people and rather wealthy and known in society Eliza is not, but still feels welcomed. Connie on the other hand feels a bit out of place among the titled others. The weekend is going well, other than the rudeness of their host the Earl. He's not shy when it comes to his opinions on the lower class, or anyone who isn't family or well to do. He even has words for Eliza and Connie. They brush him off and ignore his rudeness for the sake of Eliza's friendship with her friend. That is until Eliza's father finds him floating in the lake on the property with a large gash on the back of his head. A croquet mallet is found nearby and believed to be the murder weapon. The men of the group, the other titled guests who don't want any publicity insist on keeping this all under the rug and saying it's an accidental drowning, and whatever one does do not call Scotland Yard! Eliza is shocked and knows something's fishy here and calls her husband the doctor to come quickly to examine the dead body and start an inquest.
The group is angry that their weekend has been soured and the police are involved. But they're even more angry with Eliza for sticking her lower class nose in everywhere. Eliza will make sure no stone is left unturned and after her father is arrested for the murder she's even more determined to find the real killer and bring them to justice. Working against the other guests and the Earls wife and his own brother she carries on and with the help of Scotland Yard will find the clues, uncover the evidence and help solve the crime.
These are fun, quick reads with great characters set in the English countryside. I love the characters and after 3 books now have gotten to know them all. I'm a sucker for anything historical so the time period of the early 1900's is always a plus for me. If you enjoy cozy mysteries I'd say give this series a shot, it's good, the mystery will keep you guessing and the characters are great! Happy Reading!
October 23, 2021
This is a good British cozy historical mystery. Eliza and her friend Connie are staying at Lawton Hall for the debutante ball of the daughter of her friend. They, and Eliza's father Mr. Bell, Godfather of the debutante, are the only non titled attendees. The brother of Lord Lawton is particularly rude to those without titles. The morning of the ball, Eliza's father finds the Earl's brother dead in the lake. There is a croquet mallet nearby. He calls out, and the Earl and his son are immediately on the site. They want the death hidden until after the ball, although the Earl tells his brother's wife Victoria. Eliza contacts her doctor husband Archie to come certify the death, which he says is a murder.
The next day, a powerful legal friend of the Earl interviews all the guests. Because several people lie to him about their alibis, he declares that Mr. Bell is the murderer because he was the first on the scene. Of course, Eliza and Connie must find the real murderer in order to save Mr. Bell who is immediately taken to the local jail. Eliza and Connie call in a Scotland Yard inspector and they soon find the discrepancies in several alibis, but they don't find out what really happened until almost the end of the book.
The next day, a powerful legal friend of the Earl interviews all the guests. Because several people lie to him about their alibis, he declares that Mr. Bell is the murderer because he was the first on the scene. Of course, Eliza and Connie must find the real murderer in order to save Mr. Bell who is immediately taken to the local jail. Eliza and Connie call in a Scotland Yard inspector and they soon find the discrepancies in several alibis, but they don't find out what really happened until almost the end of the book.
April 9, 2020
A great turn-of-the-20th-century cozy mystery series!
I downloaded and read the first book of this series as part of a cozy mystery authors’ giveaway promotion. I am so glad that I did. I enjoyed it so much that I am downloading the remaining books in the “Eliza Thomson Investigates Murder Mystery” series to my KU library. This turn-of-the-20th-century cozy mystery series has got me hooked.
Eliza does not behave as the men, and apparently most women, of England in 1901 expect her to behave. She is determined, outspoken, unyielding, and fearless in her quest for truth and justice. Especially so as someone she loves has been wrongfully accused of murder, been arrested, and is facing the gallows. As I have come to expect in this cozy mystery series, there are many twists and turns in determining whodunit in this mystery.
Written in UK English and set in 1901, some American English readers may find following the story confusing at first. However, I assure you that it is worth reading on to the finish. It is an entertaining little cozy mystery. A clean, fun, and witty read. I recommend “Death of an Honourable Gent” for anyone who loves reading a good mystery.
I downloaded and read the first book of this series as part of a cozy mystery authors’ giveaway promotion. I am so glad that I did. I enjoyed it so much that I am downloading the remaining books in the “Eliza Thomson Investigates Murder Mystery” series to my KU library. This turn-of-the-20th-century cozy mystery series has got me hooked.
Eliza does not behave as the men, and apparently most women, of England in 1901 expect her to behave. She is determined, outspoken, unyielding, and fearless in her quest for truth and justice. Especially so as someone she loves has been wrongfully accused of murder, been arrested, and is facing the gallows. As I have come to expect in this cozy mystery series, there are many twists and turns in determining whodunit in this mystery.
Written in UK English and set in 1901, some American English readers may find following the story confusing at first. However, I assure you that it is worth reading on to the finish. It is an entertaining little cozy mystery. A clean, fun, and witty read. I recommend “Death of an Honourable Gent” for anyone who loves reading a good mystery.
March 28, 2020
Good read
This is the third book in the series and the best so far, Ms. McBeath has written a interesting story set in a time when Lords and Lady's ruled the fashionable set and anyone not in their circle was looked down upon. This time Eliza and Connie are invited to attend one of those fashionable house parties but murder prevailed and Eliza must solve it or her love one will hang. How she solves it makes for a great story, enjoyed the book.
This is the third book in the series and the best so far, Ms. McBeath has written a interesting story set in a time when Lords and Lady's ruled the fashionable set and anyone not in their circle was looked down upon. This time Eliza and Connie are invited to attend one of those fashionable house parties but murder prevailed and Eliza must solve it or her love one will hang. How she solves it makes for a great story, enjoyed the book.
April 7, 2021
Move over Agatha
I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery set in Victorian England. Eliza is invited to a coming out ball of her childhood friend’s daughter. Misogyny and elitism hinder the investigation when the Earl’s brother is found murdered by the lake and Eliza’s father is framed. I’m looking forward to reading more of Eliza’s investigations.
I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery set in Victorian England. Eliza is invited to a coming out ball of her childhood friend’s daughter. Misogyny and elitism hinder the investigation when the Earl’s brother is found murdered by the lake and Eliza’s father is framed. I’m looking forward to reading more of Eliza’s investigations.
February 18, 2024
Death of an Honourable Gent is an entertaining murder mystery which follows a doctor’s wife with a knack for solving crimes who attends an aristocratic party only to discover one of the guests dead. This is a fun series that never takes itself too seriously.
The narrator of the audiobook does a good job.
The narrator of the audiobook does a good job.
January 3, 2022
2.5 - 3 stars
Oh it’s a hard one to review. The mystery is pretty good, the writing is good, and it was nice to see Connie have a bit more oomph. But, while I’m sure it’s accurate to the time, the class stuff is so disagreeable, frustrating and gross it was tough to get through.
Oh it’s a hard one to review. The mystery is pretty good, the writing is good, and it was nice to see Connie have a bit more oomph. But, while I’m sure it’s accurate to the time, the class stuff is so disagreeable, frustrating and gross it was tough to get through.
May 16, 2023
Good quick read
The story moved along quickly, in the front was a list of characters which helped to figure out relations. I like these stories be wise they move the story along not a lot of rehashing or describing scenery over and over
The story moved along quickly, in the front was a list of characters which helped to figure out relations. I like these stories be wise they move the story along not a lot of rehashing or describing scenery over and over
November 20, 2024
3.5 rounded up. Perfectly ok historical mystery set in an English country estate during a weekend party with the issue of the snobbiness of the titled folks vs the common folks. Realistically I’m not sure in real life Eliza would have been able to overcome such an obstacle.
May 17, 2021
A nice cozy with some anti-religious sentiment otherwise a pleasant read. Well narrated.
June 16, 2023
very good
A well deserved 5 stars as with all of VL McBeath books I have read almost all of her books now excellent author…
A well deserved 5 stars as with all of VL McBeath books I have read almost all of her books now excellent author…
October 28, 2023
Who killed Sir Cyril and why or why not??? Bringing commoners??? Thank you, Eliza!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
June 14, 2024
An excellent read.
Another excellent well written story,plenty of red herrings all over.A book well worth reading,am looking forward to the next one in the series.Highly recommend.
Another excellent well written story,plenty of red herrings all over.A book well worth reading,am looking forward to the next one in the series.Highly recommend.
Read
November 4, 2025keeps you guessing. perfect!!
April 2, 2024
I have to admit, this book dissapointed me. I was truly expecting greater things following [Murder in Moreton], however I'm afraid the book turned the tables in the wrong direction.
All my frustrations from the former book only grew in size as I was reading [Death of an Honorable Gent].
Archie was an actual spineless asshole, let me just say that. I've wasted ink annotating several curse words on this man. The entire book thorough I was praying to god that Eliza would just divorce the manchild and marry the inspector instead! I'm usually not this much into splitting up couples but on god, Archie is one of the most unsupportive and incapable book husbands I've read about in a while.
Aside from Archie, we once again didn't get to know much about our main cast. The book focused solely on the murder case without adding anything cozy or meaningful to get attached to. Somehow, in this book Eliza was absolutely annoying and somewhat brainless, while Connie might as well not have existed. The only character I felt any type of affection for was Mr. Bell who was the most supporting and chill father (shame on you Archie, you prick).
This will be the last book in this series I'll be reading unfortunately. I might give the further books another try in the future, but that won't be now.
All my frustrations from the former book only grew in size as I was reading [Death of an Honorable Gent].
Archie was an actual spineless asshole, let me just say that. I've wasted ink annotating several curse words on this man. The entire book thorough I was praying to god that Eliza would just divorce the manchild and marry the inspector instead! I'm usually not this much into splitting up couples but on god, Archie is one of the most unsupportive and incapable book husbands I've read about in a while.
Aside from Archie, we once again didn't get to know much about our main cast. The book focused solely on the murder case without adding anything cozy or meaningful to get attached to. Somehow, in this book Eliza was absolutely annoying and somewhat brainless, while Connie might as well not have existed. The only character I felt any type of affection for was Mr. Bell who was the most supporting and chill father (shame on you Archie, you prick).
This will be the last book in this series I'll be reading unfortunately. I might give the further books another try in the future, but that won't be now.
August 23, 2019
Eliza Thomson takes up the cudgels on behalf of an accused innocent once again and meets with powerful opposition and shocking indifference.
There's a satisfying investigation, with alibis exploding all over the place. Also a pleasing motive twist, which I didn't anticipate although it was true to character. The "arrival of the cavalry" was nicely done too.
The story is set in a grand country estate, another dramatic change in setting, as the first was set in London and the second in a quiet village. I wasn't quite sure about the way the aristocrats were depicted. I don't mean so much the closing ranks, the lying through the teeth and the pointing fingers, which unfortunately happen in all walks of life when people feel a need to protect themselves, but the general tone and attitudes. They just didn't ring true to me, though I admit I may be mostly going by the fiction of the period. I thought the depiction of the self-preoccupation of the young people was spot-on, though.
There's a satisfying investigation, with alibis exploding all over the place. Also a pleasing motive twist, which I didn't anticipate although it was true to character. The "arrival of the cavalry" was nicely done too.
The story is set in a grand country estate, another dramatic change in setting, as the first was set in London and the second in a quiet village. I wasn't quite sure about the way the aristocrats were depicted. I don't mean so much the closing ranks, the lying through the teeth and the pointing fingers, which unfortunately happen in all walks of life when people feel a need to protect themselves, but the general tone and attitudes. They just didn't ring true to me, though I admit I may be mostly going by the fiction of the period. I thought the depiction of the self-preoccupation of the young people was spot-on, though.
August 23, 2019
I just love this series!
Eliza and Connie are back again and stumble over another body. Was it an accident or murder? Most of the cast of characters are related and titled so they couldn't possibly have had anything to do with the body! So that leaves Eliza and her family.
I love the time period that this series takes place and the author does such a wonderful job of describing it. And the upper crust is so snobby and self righteous! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
Eliza and Connie are back again and stumble over another body. Was it an accident or murder? Most of the cast of characters are related and titled so they couldn't possibly have had anything to do with the body! So that leaves Eliza and her family.
I love the time period that this series takes place and the author does such a wonderful job of describing it. And the upper crust is so snobby and self righteous! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
August 25, 2019
A Compelling Cozy Mystery
August 23, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Another intriguing mystery to be solved...luckily Eliza and the loyal Connie are on the scene to make sure that the truth wins out. This murder is more than an interesting challenge to be figured out however...someone close to Eliza is threatened and she needs to apply her shrew deductive abilities and persistence to ensure that justice is served. Read as a free ARC but this review is voluntary and my own unbiased opinion.
August 23, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Another intriguing mystery to be solved...luckily Eliza and the loyal Connie are on the scene to make sure that the truth wins out. This murder is more than an interesting challenge to be figured out however...someone close to Eliza is threatened and she needs to apply her shrew deductive abilities and persistence to ensure that justice is served. Read as a free ARC but this review is voluntary and my own unbiased opinion.
December 8, 2019
Again,never fails,this was so edge of your seat reading! I have to say when I really found out what happened,I never would have guessed! I love this author,I love her books,I love her stories,this series has been a great read that everyone should read just one and you will be hooked! A lot of planning went into this story you can tell by the mystery of who killed who and why! Read the series,you will not be let down!!
August 15, 2019
Eliza Thomson and Connie Appleton go to a house party at Lowton Hall where an honorable gentleman ends up dead. They then spend their time trying to figure out who killed this man. Very interesting cozy mystery. Well-written and character driven. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 29, 2019
An exceptional murder mystery plot
Very intricate details of finding clues, legwork & solving a murder. Not sure if in real life Scotland Yard works with regular people to solve murders. Nevertheless, another excellent murder mystery
Very intricate details of finding clues, legwork & solving a murder. Not sure if in real life Scotland Yard works with regular people to solve murders. Nevertheless, another excellent murder mystery
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