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The Case of the Misdelivered Valentine
1920’s London
In this prequel to The Case at Barton Manor, Rosemary Lillywhite solves her first case.
When Rosemary receives an unexpected gift on Valentine's day, a gift that was not meant for her, she sets out to solve the mystery of the mistaken delivery.
In this prequel to The Case at Barton Manor, Rosemary Lillywhite solves her first case.
When Rosemary receives an unexpected gift on Valentine's day, a gift that was not meant for her, she sets out to solve the mystery of the mistaken delivery.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2020
About the author
Emily Queen
47 books103 followersEmily Queen is a writer of historical fiction, including the Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates cozy mystery series. She lives in Maine, USA with her cat, dog, and too many books to count.
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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July 29, 2020A Valentine's Day short mystery. Rosemary Lillywhite's husband Andrew died six month ago from a heart condition leaving Rosemary bereft. She can't bring herself to go through his things or even to do some painting, which she used to love. Her best friend Vera tries to cheer Rose up with a mystery to solve. A bouquet of red roses has been delivered to Rose's townhouse but not to Rose. The note is to a woman named Betty from a man who didn't fight hard to win her love. Rose's heart is touched by the romantic story and Vera pushes Rose to find the mysterious Betty and see if there's a chance to make things right.
This story shows the reader why Rose's friends are so concerned for her. She's really in a deep state or mourning here as Andrew's death is still very fresh. She truly loved him and they were partners in life and work. The mystery isn't all that engaging or complicated. It has some errors making the story rather unlikely. This is a simple, sweet little story.
Earl Walter Harrington- is that his name or title? His title would be Walter Harrington, Earl of___ placename. His son, JLH, would be Lord tcourtesy title or The Honorable Mr. JLH if he's a younger son. Boys were typically sent to school (boarding school, there wasn't another option) at a young age to begin with. It was a matter of tradition not punishment.
If you don't care about accuracy and just want fluff, read this story. It doesn't really add anything to the series.
This story shows the reader why Rose's friends are so concerned for her. She's really in a deep state or mourning here as Andrew's death is still very fresh. She truly loved him and they were partners in life and work. The mystery isn't all that engaging or complicated. It has some errors making the story rather unlikely. This is a simple, sweet little story.
Earl Walter Harrington- is that his name or title? His title would be Walter Harrington, Earl of___ placename. His son, JLH, would be Lord tcourtesy title or The Honorable Mr. JLH if he's a younger son. Boys were typically sent to school (boarding school, there wasn't another option) at a young age to begin with. It was a matter of tradition not punishment.
If you don't care about accuracy and just want fluff, read this story. It doesn't really add anything to the series.
June 25, 2020
2 1/2 stars. A short and bittersweet story about love, loss and the chance of renewal.
February 15, 2022
Short intriguing story, leaves me wanting to explore more stories with Rosemary and her friend Vera .
May 24, 2020
A very short prequel that gives us a little more of Mrs. Lillywhite's story. And it's lovingly romantic, to boot. My only quibble has something to do with the naming of people that have English titles. The author should have done better research on that one. Yes, it's a bit nit-picky, but if you're writing stories about English people, you did to get all your points correct.
October 4, 2025
The Case of the Misdelivered Valentine by Emily Queen serves as a delightful prequel to the Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates Mysteries series. Setting the stage with a cozy mystery, this charming short story introduces readers to Rosemary Lillywhite, a widow grappling with grief after the death of her husband, Andrew.
On Valentine's Day, Rosemary receives a bouquet of red roses, reminiscent of the gifts Andrew used to send her. However, these roses come with a card addressed to someone else, prompting Rosemary to unravel the mystery of the misdelivered gift. With the encouragement of her supportive best friend, Vera, Rosemary embarks on her first case, and the duo's rapport provides a heartwarming glimpse into their friendship.
Emily Queen crafts a narrative rich with descriptive detail, capturing the essence of a historical cozy mystery. The author skillfully weaves floriography into the plot, offering readers an engaging and educational experience intertwined with the intrigue. Although a couple of suspects are introduced, the story maintains a light, fast-paced rhythm that makes it an enjoyable read.
While I do wish there was a little more heightened suspense, the story's minor shortcomings can be easily forgiven. The Case of the Misdelivered Valentine lays the groundwork for the series beautifully, leaving readers eager to explore more of Rosemary's adventures in The Case at Barton Manor.
For those who appreciate a blend of mystery and historical charm, this prequel is a promising introduction to the series. Dive into Rosemary's world, and you may find yourself captivated by her endearing journey and ready to solve more mysteries alongside her.
Opinionated Book Rating:
Originality: 4.75/5.0
Plot Structure: 4.5/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue and Narrative: 4.5/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 5.0/5.0
Overall Rating: 4.8/5.0 (Rating will be rounded up due to platforms not allowing partial ratings.)
On Valentine's Day, Rosemary receives a bouquet of red roses, reminiscent of the gifts Andrew used to send her. However, these roses come with a card addressed to someone else, prompting Rosemary to unravel the mystery of the misdelivered gift. With the encouragement of her supportive best friend, Vera, Rosemary embarks on her first case, and the duo's rapport provides a heartwarming glimpse into their friendship.
Emily Queen crafts a narrative rich with descriptive detail, capturing the essence of a historical cozy mystery. The author skillfully weaves floriography into the plot, offering readers an engaging and educational experience intertwined with the intrigue. Although a couple of suspects are introduced, the story maintains a light, fast-paced rhythm that makes it an enjoyable read.
While I do wish there was a little more heightened suspense, the story's minor shortcomings can be easily forgiven. The Case of the Misdelivered Valentine lays the groundwork for the series beautifully, leaving readers eager to explore more of Rosemary's adventures in The Case at Barton Manor.
For those who appreciate a blend of mystery and historical charm, this prequel is a promising introduction to the series. Dive into Rosemary's world, and you may find yourself captivated by her endearing journey and ready to solve more mysteries alongside her.
Opinionated Book Rating:
Originality: 4.75/5.0
Plot Structure: 4.5/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue and Narrative: 4.5/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 5.0/5.0
Overall Rating: 4.8/5.0 (Rating will be rounded up due to platforms not allowing partial ratings.)
June 10, 2025
“The Case of the Misdelivered Valentine” is a nice little short story, and a quick introduction to the 'Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates' series.
A grieving widow, Rosemary Lillywhite, receives a bouquet of red rose on Valentine's Day.
The problem is that they are not for her but a previous resident, Betty.
Her friend Vera suggests that they track Betty down and deliver the bouquet.
Vera believes that if she can get Rosemary to stop moping she will be able to get over the death of her husband quicker.
She does, and she does - there's not much more to it than that.
3 Stars.
A grieving widow, Rosemary Lillywhite, receives a bouquet of red rose on Valentine's Day.
The problem is that they are not for her but a previous resident, Betty.
Her friend Vera suggests that they track Betty down and deliver the bouquet.
Vera believes that if she can get Rosemary to stop moping she will be able to get over the death of her husband quicker.
She does, and she does - there's not much more to it than that.
3 Stars.
September 4, 2020
I have read this prequel first before delving into the series, to give myself a little introduction. It has a good descriptive narrative and gives a nice insight into the relationship between Rosie and Vera. I will look forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 30, 2020
Cute Story
Nice prequel. I just wish it was a little bit longer. It doesn't answer my biggest question, how did Andrew die? Gun to read but I wouldn't pay for it.
Nice prequel. I just wish it was a little bit longer. It doesn't answer my biggest question, how did Andrew die? Gun to read but I wouldn't pay for it.
November 8, 2023
Light mystery. Enjoyed it and moving onto the next book in the series.
May 8, 2026
Quick origin short story for the Mrs Lillywhite mystery series.
October 12, 2022
1920s. Widow Rosemary Lilywhite on St Valentine's day received red roses as was usual from her husband. But the card states that they are not for her. But who is the lady mentioned.
An enjoyable historical mystery
An enjoyable historical mystery
January 28, 2026
I really liked this novella, and perhaps may read more books in the series. It is extremely well-written. I liked the main characters. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews