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Kurland St. Mary Mystery #8
Death Comes to the Rectory
Murder casts a dark shadow over the christening of Lady Lucy and Major Sir Robert Kurland's daughter Elizabeth--even more so when Lucy's own father, the rector, falls under suspicion for the crime...
Lucy and Robert's joy in christening their new daughter, surrounded by extended family and loved ones who have gathered in the village of Kurland St. Mary, is only enhanced when Robert's aunt Rose--now the second wife of Lucy's father Ambrose--announces that she is with child. However, not everyone is happy about the news, in particular Rose's adult daughter Henrietta and her husband, who fear for their inheritance. Following the christening, Rose's disagreeable son-in-law Basil Northam threatens to turn afternoon tea in the rectory into an unsightly brawl. The next morning, he is found in the rector's study, stabbed through the heart with an antique letter opener, clutching a note that appears to implicate the rector himself. As the local justice of the peace, Robert has an obligation to remain unbiased in his investigation of the ghastly crime, even though his prime suspect is a man of the cloth and his wife's father. But Lucy is under no such obligation. As snow traps the members of the christening party in Kurland St. Mary, she vows to clear her father's name and bring the cold-blooded culprit to justice. Someone had better start saying their prayers...
Lucy and Robert's joy in christening their new daughter, surrounded by extended family and loved ones who have gathered in the village of Kurland St. Mary, is only enhanced when Robert's aunt Rose--now the second wife of Lucy's father Ambrose--announces that she is with child. However, not everyone is happy about the news, in particular Rose's adult daughter Henrietta and her husband, who fear for their inheritance. Following the christening, Rose's disagreeable son-in-law Basil Northam threatens to turn afternoon tea in the rectory into an unsightly brawl. The next morning, he is found in the rector's study, stabbed through the heart with an antique letter opener, clutching a note that appears to implicate the rector himself. As the local justice of the peace, Robert has an obligation to remain unbiased in his investigation of the ghastly crime, even though his prime suspect is a man of the cloth and his wife's father. But Lucy is under no such obligation. As snow traps the members of the christening party in Kurland St. Mary, she vows to clear her father's name and bring the cold-blooded culprit to justice. Someone had better start saying their prayers...
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2021
63 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Lloyd
18 books525 followersCatherine Lloyd was born just outside London, England, into a large family of dreamers, artists, and history lovers. She completed her education with a master’s degree in history at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and uses the skills she gained there to research and write her historical mysteries. Catherine currently lives in Hawaii with her husband and youngest daughter..
Please note only the Kurland St. Mary mysteries are written by this Catherine Lloyd, not the romances.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Please note only the Kurland St. Mary mysteries are written by this Catherine Lloyd, not the romances.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
January 13, 2021
Series: Kurland St. Mary Mystery #8
Publication: 1/26/21
Number of Pages: 304
*** 3.5 Stars Rounded Up ***
I really struggled with what rating to give this book. If it was a book in the middle of a series, I’d give it 5-stars easily because the mystery is well-written, well-plotted, and well-executed. Usually, I figure out within the first chapter or two who the murderer is – but I wasn’t sure with this one. I had suspicions – but definitely wasn’t sure. However, this book isn’t in the middle of a series, it is the wrap-up for a series and, as such, it just wasn’t satisfying to me. The author has said she might write some additional short stories for this series in the future, but, to this reader, that doesn’t make up for what is lacking in this final book. As a series ender, I did not want to see a family left splintered and in turmoil. I wanted to know what the future held for the Harrington’s – especially the twins and Anna – Oh, and Rose’s baby. Yet, Anna was hardly even mentioned in the story and she wasn’t at her niece’s christening. So, if you read the book for the mystery, you’ll enjoy it – but if you read it for both the mystery and the wrap-up to a much-loved series, you’ll end up a bit disappointed. All of that disappointment could have so easily been avoided with just an additional chapter or an epilogue showing the family in their happy lives at some future point. I’m not exactly sorry I read the book – but I’m not exactly jumping for joy either.
Lady Lucy and Sir Robert Kurland are preparing to celebrate the christening of their baby daughter, Elizabeth Jane Sarah, who was named after her deceased grandmothers and her great-aunt. They’ve invited friends and family and have filled both the rectory and the manor with guests. In the middle of all of the guest's arrival, there is an unexpected, uninvited, and unwanted couple who appears. Robert asks them to leave, but since the woman, Henrietta, is Robert’s cousin – and the step-daughter of Lucy’s father – they can hardly remove them bodily. You’ll never see a nastier set of people than Henrietta and her husband Lord Northam. Robert makes it very plain to both of them that they WILL NOT disturb the christening services. This is his much-loved, and much-doted-upon daughter's big day and he will not have it spoiled.
Just after the services, the body of Basil, Lord Northam, is discovered in the rector’s office – with the rector’s letter opener. That immediately makes the rector, Lucy’s father, the prime suspect. Lucy doesn’t believe her father is guilty – but Robert thinks he could be. As the magistrate for the area, it is Robert’s duty to investigate and determine the guilty party – even if that means hurting his wife.
It seems everyone has a reason to want Lord Northam dead – he was mutually hated by all who knew him. As the investigation continues, more and more secrets come to light along with more and more reasons someone would want to kill Lord Northam. Yet, all of the evidence keeps coming back to the rector. Henrietta insists that the rector is the guilty party and she makes that loud and clear to any and all who will listen. Can Robert and Lucy work through all of the secrets and lies to get to the truth? That truth will surprise you!
I did enjoy the mystery, but the overall feel of the book left me wanting. I thought Lucy was much too sanguine about her father being accused of murder and much too accepting of Robert’s need to pursue her father as a suspect. The ending was also dissatisfying because there was no real wrap-up. The family was left fractured with more wounds than could be easily repaired.
If you love the series, I hope you won’t be as disappointed as I was in the final book. If you aren’t invested in the series – you should find the mystery very enjoyable.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication: 1/26/21
Number of Pages: 304
*** 3.5 Stars Rounded Up ***
I really struggled with what rating to give this book. If it was a book in the middle of a series, I’d give it 5-stars easily because the mystery is well-written, well-plotted, and well-executed. Usually, I figure out within the first chapter or two who the murderer is – but I wasn’t sure with this one. I had suspicions – but definitely wasn’t sure. However, this book isn’t in the middle of a series, it is the wrap-up for a series and, as such, it just wasn’t satisfying to me. The author has said she might write some additional short stories for this series in the future, but, to this reader, that doesn’t make up for what is lacking in this final book. As a series ender, I did not want to see a family left splintered and in turmoil. I wanted to know what the future held for the Harrington’s – especially the twins and Anna – Oh, and Rose’s baby. Yet, Anna was hardly even mentioned in the story and she wasn’t at her niece’s christening. So, if you read the book for the mystery, you’ll enjoy it – but if you read it for both the mystery and the wrap-up to a much-loved series, you’ll end up a bit disappointed. All of that disappointment could have so easily been avoided with just an additional chapter or an epilogue showing the family in their happy lives at some future point. I’m not exactly sorry I read the book – but I’m not exactly jumping for joy either.
Lady Lucy and Sir Robert Kurland are preparing to celebrate the christening of their baby daughter, Elizabeth Jane Sarah, who was named after her deceased grandmothers and her great-aunt. They’ve invited friends and family and have filled both the rectory and the manor with guests. In the middle of all of the guest's arrival, there is an unexpected, uninvited, and unwanted couple who appears. Robert asks them to leave, but since the woman, Henrietta, is Robert’s cousin – and the step-daughter of Lucy’s father – they can hardly remove them bodily. You’ll never see a nastier set of people than Henrietta and her husband Lord Northam. Robert makes it very plain to both of them that they WILL NOT disturb the christening services. This is his much-loved, and much-doted-upon daughter's big day and he will not have it spoiled.
Just after the services, the body of Basil, Lord Northam, is discovered in the rector’s office – with the rector’s letter opener. That immediately makes the rector, Lucy’s father, the prime suspect. Lucy doesn’t believe her father is guilty – but Robert thinks he could be. As the magistrate for the area, it is Robert’s duty to investigate and determine the guilty party – even if that means hurting his wife.
It seems everyone has a reason to want Lord Northam dead – he was mutually hated by all who knew him. As the investigation continues, more and more secrets come to light along with more and more reasons someone would want to kill Lord Northam. Yet, all of the evidence keeps coming back to the rector. Henrietta insists that the rector is the guilty party and she makes that loud and clear to any and all who will listen. Can Robert and Lucy work through all of the secrets and lies to get to the truth? That truth will surprise you!
I did enjoy the mystery, but the overall feel of the book left me wanting. I thought Lucy was much too sanguine about her father being accused of murder and much too accepting of Robert’s need to pursue her father as a suspect. The ending was also dissatisfying because there was no real wrap-up. The family was left fractured with more wounds than could be easily repaired.
If you love the series, I hope you won’t be as disappointed as I was in the final book. If you aren’t invested in the series – you should find the mystery very enjoyable.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 20, 2023
three and a half stars
Lady Lucy and Sir Robert Kurland are looking forward to the christening of their daughter Elizabeth. Friends and family have been invited. The joyful occasion becomes tense when a couple who were not invited turn up expecting to stay. Things get worse from there when the day after the christening the body of Lord Basil Northam is found in the rectory. And his death is not from natural causes. He has been stabbed. Evidence points to the rector, Lucy’s father. As the local magistrate is is up to Robert to investigate. Northam is far from a popular man leaving a number of people with reason to want him dead, but Lucy’s father is the prime candidate. Lucy cannot believe her father is guilty of Lord Northam’s murder. Lucy is just as determined to clear her father’s name. No one is going anywhere anyway as they are snowed in. Until the mystery is solved a murderer is in their midst.
I liked the interaction between Lucy and Robert, even when it turned frosty at times.
This is book 8 in a series about Kurland St Mary. I had read book 7 though not others in the series but settled back happily with the characters. As well as the likeable there are some decidedly unlikeable characters.
The mystery throws up several red herrings so readers should have fun trying to guess the murderer and the motivation behind it. I enjoyed it. It is very much a cosy mystery, told with a light touch. A fun read. My husband is now reading and enjoying it.
Lady Lucy and Sir Robert Kurland are looking forward to the christening of their daughter Elizabeth. Friends and family have been invited. The joyful occasion becomes tense when a couple who were not invited turn up expecting to stay. Things get worse from there when the day after the christening the body of Lord Basil Northam is found in the rectory. And his death is not from natural causes. He has been stabbed. Evidence points to the rector, Lucy’s father. As the local magistrate is is up to Robert to investigate. Northam is far from a popular man leaving a number of people with reason to want him dead, but Lucy’s father is the prime candidate. Lucy cannot believe her father is guilty of Lord Northam’s murder. Lucy is just as determined to clear her father’s name. No one is going anywhere anyway as they are snowed in. Until the mystery is solved a murderer is in their midst.
I liked the interaction between Lucy and Robert, even when it turned frosty at times.
This is book 8 in a series about Kurland St Mary. I had read book 7 though not others in the series but settled back happily with the characters. As well as the likeable there are some decidedly unlikeable characters.
The mystery throws up several red herrings so readers should have fun trying to guess the murderer and the motivation behind it. I enjoyed it. It is very much a cosy mystery, told with a light touch. A fun read. My husband is now reading and enjoying it.
October 2, 2020
Death Comes to the Rectory by Catherine Lloyd brings the Kurland St. Mary cozy series to close. I'm sorry that I will have no more adventures with Sir Robert and Lady Lucy.
The story moved smoothly with the murder of a despicable nobleman in the Kurland St. Mary rectory. The suspects are numerous and all staying at Kurland Hall. To complicate matters it is snowing and the guests are beginning to become restless. There are family secrets both in Lucy's family and in Robert's and there is tension between Robert and Lucy during the investigation. A captivating read that kept me turning the pages.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
The story moved smoothly with the murder of a despicable nobleman in the Kurland St. Mary rectory. The suspects are numerous and all staying at Kurland Hall. To complicate matters it is snowing and the guests are beginning to become restless. There are family secrets both in Lucy's family and in Robert's and there is tension between Robert and Lucy during the investigation. A captivating read that kept me turning the pages.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
November 30, 2020
This final book in the Kurland St. Mary series will be a bittersweet read for fans of the series because the writing, plotting and character development are all so good. I did not even come close to working out who had committed the murder at the rectory so my compliments to Catherine Lloyd for a very good puzzle. All the clues were there but I just whizzed right by them.
Family and friends are gathering at Kurland Hall for the christening of baby Elizabeth. It should have been such a joyous occasion but murder intruded when a body was discovered in the rectory soon after the baptism ceremony was over. As it turned out there were plenty of people in the vicinity who didn't mind seeing the victim dead, but who actually did the murder? As the local magistrate Sir Robert has to investigate a crime when he should have been playing host to the guests visiting Kurland St. Mary for his daughter's special day. No matter where the evidence takes him Sir Robert must try to bring someone to justice.
I enjoyed this story very much and I think fans will be quite satisfied with the quality of this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-galley of this novel.
Family and friends are gathering at Kurland Hall for the christening of baby Elizabeth. It should have been such a joyous occasion but murder intruded when a body was discovered in the rectory soon after the baptism ceremony was over. As it turned out there were plenty of people in the vicinity who didn't mind seeing the victim dead, but who actually did the murder? As the local magistrate Sir Robert has to investigate a crime when he should have been playing host to the guests visiting Kurland St. Mary for his daughter's special day. No matter where the evidence takes him Sir Robert must try to bring someone to justice.
I enjoyed this story very much and I think fans will be quite satisfied with the quality of this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-galley of this novel.
February 16, 2021
Death Comes to the Rectory
3 Stars
In this final installment, Lucy and Sir Robert investigate the murder of the obnoxious Basil Northam, who was, unfortunately, stabbed in the rectory making Lucy's father, the rector, the prime suspect.
While I have enjoyed this series immensely and count Lucy as one of my all-time favorite historical mystery heroines, this particular addition is not of the same caliber as the previous books.
To begin with, the mystery itself is rather uninspired. The victim is completely deserving of his fate; the suspects lie incessantly, and the investigation is tedious and repetitive. By the time the culprit is revealed, it is difficult to care one way or the other, especially considering the .
Lucy and Robert's interactions are also missing the wit and spark that has characterized their relationship thus far. Moreover, the book ends rather abruptly, and it could have done with an epilogue to provide closure for the Kurlands and their friends.
Overall, it seems that Lloyd has run out of steam with regard to this series, so perhaps it is for the best that it has come to an end.
3 Stars
In this final installment, Lucy and Sir Robert investigate the murder of the obnoxious Basil Northam, who was, unfortunately, stabbed in the rectory making Lucy's father, the rector, the prime suspect.
While I have enjoyed this series immensely and count Lucy as one of my all-time favorite historical mystery heroines, this particular addition is not of the same caliber as the previous books.
To begin with, the mystery itself is rather uninspired. The victim is completely deserving of his fate; the suspects lie incessantly, and the investigation is tedious and repetitive. By the time the culprit is revealed, it is difficult to care one way or the other, especially considering the .
Lucy and Robert's interactions are also missing the wit and spark that has characterized their relationship thus far. Moreover, the book ends rather abruptly, and it could have done with an epilogue to provide closure for the Kurlands and their friends.
Overall, it seems that Lloyd has run out of steam with regard to this series, so perhaps it is for the best that it has come to an end.
April 8, 2023
Death Comes to the Rectory took me days to read. Since this is the last book in Catherine Lloyd's exquisite Kurland St. Mary's series, I just did not want to say goodbye o Lucy and Robert Kurland. I forced myself to put the book down to slowly savor every word.
The character development is exquisite. I’m still amazed that Penelope, a character I wanted to slap in the first book, has developed into an absolute favorite. She’s still snooty and acerbic but she chose true love over status. And was so happy to see beloved Foley settled on the property; besides River and Lucy, Foley is a favorite character.
The murder mystery was superb, I was going back and forth trying to guess the murder's identity. Northam was such a vile scoundrel; he deserved an even more painful demise. I almost wanted his killer to get away with killing such a despicable, malicious villain.
There was so much subterfuge, chicanery, and family drama that culminated into a complex tangle of as insurmountable as a Gordian knot. Although for a series finale, the author left a lot of loose ends...will Rose deliver a healthy baby, how will the Harrington family repair and bind the wounds inflicted on their family ties, where the heck was Anna, what will be the lasting impact on Lucy and Robert's marriage with so much unnecessary family turmoil, and how could Julia, an earl's daughter, be so stupid?
This would have rated five stars for me if there had been an epilog to see how things fared after the dust settled. I really hope that Ms. Lloyd will grace her readers with a future follow up book or novella to let us know how Robert, Lucy, their youngsters, and the villagers of St. Mary are faring. I feel terrible that the Harringtons will have to face even more family conflict and possible scandal.
Nevertheless, I have not enjoyed a series like this in a very long time and it was an absolute pleasure to meet these characters. Very highly recommended.
The character development is exquisite. I’m still amazed that Penelope, a character I wanted to slap in the first book, has developed into an absolute favorite. She’s still snooty and acerbic but she chose true love over status. And was so happy to see beloved Foley settled on the property; besides River and Lucy, Foley is a favorite character.
The murder mystery was superb, I was going back and forth trying to guess the murder's identity. Northam was such a vile scoundrel; he deserved an even more painful demise. I almost wanted his killer to get away with killing such a despicable, malicious villain.
There was so much subterfuge, chicanery, and family drama that culminated into a complex tangle of as insurmountable as a Gordian knot. Although for a series finale, the author left a lot of loose ends...will Rose deliver a healthy baby, how will the Harrington family repair and bind the wounds inflicted on their family ties, where the heck was Anna, what will be the lasting impact on Lucy and Robert's marriage with so much unnecessary family turmoil, and how could Julia, an earl's daughter, be so stupid?
This would have rated five stars for me if there had been an epilog to see how things fared after the dust settled. I really hope that Ms. Lloyd will grace her readers with a future follow up book or novella to let us know how Robert, Lucy, their youngsters, and the villagers of St. Mary are faring. I feel terrible that the Harringtons will have to face even more family conflict and possible scandal.
Nevertheless, I have not enjoyed a series like this in a very long time and it was an absolute pleasure to meet these characters. Very highly recommended.
August 11, 2022
Another good addition to this series. Good characters and a good mystery. Sometimes a few years pass between murders. It is nice to see the changes to the characters and their lives as times goes on and to see that not every village in England becomes a slaughter house with murders every few months. Lol. But if they didn't what would I have to read?
February 1, 2021
Lucy and Robert are pleased to be planning a christening party for their new daughter Elizabeth. Sure, their son Ned is jealous of his new sister but that's nothing they can't handle. While visiting Lucy's father and his new wife, Robert's Aunt Rose, the family gets a few shocks. First, Lucy's father is in debt to the local miller who confront the Rector at home. Next, another angry person descends upon the Rectory; Aunt Rose's daughter Henrietta arrives unexpectedly looking for her mother. Her angry demeanor makes Aunt Rose feel unwell. She makes a huge announcement - she's pregnant! Henrietta is furious and her husband, Lord Northam, appears to inform everyone Lucy's father is intending to rob Aunt Rose of her money and leave nothing to Henrietta and Basil! Robert knows his cousins have already tried to bleed his aunt dry as Northam is a profligate spender. There's no love lost between Robert and his cousins and while he is not fond of his father-in-law either, he knows the Rector doesn't need Rose's money. (Or does he?) As the guests arrive at the church for the christening, Lucy's father is late to arrive. When he returns, he discovers a horrific sight: Lord Northam stabbed to death in the Rectory study. Henrietta insists the Rector killer her beloved husband. As Magistrate, Robert is in charge of the case. With both his family and Lucy's wanting him to prove the Rector either did or didn't murder Lord Northam, he has his work cut out for him.
This mystery was super tight. I never guessed who the murderer was, not even when the murderer confessed at the end. Since there were so many suspects, the murderer was kind of obvious but the timeline didn't quite work out for any of my main suspects. However, I believe this mystery would work better in the 1920s if the snow was heavy enough to block train tracks and knock out telephone and telegraph wires. It's a classic Christieesque plot with everyone snowed in but the history just doesn't work for the Regency period. Married women, even widows, were not legal entities. Aunt Rose can not legally make or change her will without her husband's consent. Her money went to him upon her marriage except for what had been set aside for her. Henrietta likely received a dowry to buy Lord Northam as her husband and maybe some extra money because they're industrial money not landed gentry money but women just didn't inherit like that. This issue is even discussed several times in regards to Henrietta so why does the author ignore it with Rose? Is there some loophole to the law I didn't find online? Also, Rose wouldn't use the word "pregnant" or announce it in front of everyone. I'm certain the author knows this and jettisoned good history for a good story.
I normally love Lucy and Robert's relationship but in this book they're sort of fighting because he's the magistrate who has to prove her father is guilty or not guilty of murder. This story lacks the warmth and humor I enjoy in their relationship. He still stands up for her to her horrid father and tries to protect her from the worst of her father's faults but Robert's military bearing comes out in this novel and he's back to being bossy and grouchy. If he let Lucy investigate with him, they would have solved the murder much sooner. She does a little bit of investigating but she fears someone in her family is guilty. It has to be someone close to either Lucy or Robert, someone from their own family or circle of friends and she doesn't really want to know.
Lord Northam was a truly awful, horrible man. He was a narcissist who manipulated Henrietta and twisted the truth to suit his narrative of events. He may have been a card sharp and cheat and was unfaithful to his marriage vows. If anyone in this book deserved to be murdered, it was he. Too bad Robert has such a strong sense of honor and too bad Henrietta screeches the house down wanting justice for her husband. This murder would be better off unsolved. Any way it goes, the murderer is someone close to Robert and/or Lucy. At first I wanted to feel sorry for Harriet. She must have married quite young to be so besotted with a scoundrel. Harriet is so truly horrid and bratty, especially to her mother. What happened there? What are her siblings like? Why is Harriet so selfish? She reminded me (probably on purpose) of Lydia Bennet, but Lydia is only 15! If she was Lydia's age, her selfishness and temper tantrums would make sense. I guess it takes one narcissist to love another? I think she must be mentally unhinged from her husband's frequent misbehavior. If Harriet is under 25 then I give her some leeway in not fully understanding what she was doing and clinging to her mistaken love for her man. Lord Northam smarter than Mr. Wickham and knows how to cover his misdeeds better. How many children do they have? She says children and son alternately. I take it one son and maybe one or more daughters? Harriet makes Penelope seem nice.
Lucy's family is still awful- all of them. The twins are the only good ones and they're just home from school for Christmastide. Lucy's father is still really horrible. He's selfish and sexist and still doesn't value Lucy as he should. He only values Anna because she's demure and doesn't argue with him. However, I don't believe the Rector would commit murder, either voluntarily or in a rage. He does have a temper but he's a man of the cloth. I believe if he accidentally stabbed someone he wouldn't just calmly go about his duty and baptize his granddaughter. He would be freaked out and then try to get Robert to cover it up. The Earl of Harrington's son Max is the next suspect on the list. Lucy's young cousin is a young man about town. He enjoys gambling and has run up significant debts, much to his father's dismay. He currently owes Lord Northam a hefty sum and has made no pretense of enjoying the baby's celebration. Max was MIA and acts suspicious. Hmm ... Well I don't think Max did it either but he might know more about the timeline of events than he lets on. Max has a hasty temper, he's sensitive about his honor, as young men are and angsty because Papa keeps him on a short leash. I CAN see Max lashing out in anger and stabbing someone but that scenario would be more likely to happen in London and more realistically, be in the form of a duel. If Max believes Lord Northam cheated, why isn't the boy moving heaven and earth to find witnesses to bring down Northam? Are all the men scared to speak up or is Max just angry he lost? The Earl of Harrington may not be as despicable as Lord Northam or as rude to Lucy as his brother but he sure is selfish, manipulative and awful. Yes Lucy, I do believe he could be a murderer and willing to throw his brother under the carriage in order to protect his family reputation. Max is the heir, the presumed next Earl! Lucy's father is sadly expendable. I suspect Lucy's Aunt Jane, the Countess of Harrington, could and would commit murder to protect her son. I was surprised no one considered her. She's busy worrying about her daughter's broken engagement and upcoming trip abroad. You know what "abroad" means. It takes Lucy forever to spell that out for Robert! I wonder whether Julia's fiancé was involved in Lord Northam's business in some way and she found out and broke off the engagement? Or the Earl of Harrington was involved, lost money and that's why he refuses to pay Max's debts and blames his brother for getting him involved in a Ponzi scheme. I think it could be one of these people who killed Lord Northam.
A dark horse is Aunt Rose. She's so lovely and sweet but she isn't feeling well. Harriet and Lord Northam's arrival has put too much stress on her shoulders and it's taking a toll on her body. I think she's worrying about something. Is she afraid her husband is the murderer or worried it was her daughter? Is she just worried about Harriet or did she make the ultimate sacrifice for her daughter and set her daughter free by killing Lord Northam? I hope she isn't a murderer but Lucy needs a mother. Like Lucy, I find her announcement squicky. Doesn't her father have enough children to support? There's still the 3 boys and Anna, even though Anthony has a job, we know what his career path looks like from Joshua's comments. Captain Joshua Coles, a former Hussar, loved his career in the army but must give it up as it is no longer profitable and his father needs him on the estate. I don't really feel sorry for him at all. These people are so whiny! They have everything, while the Miller undoubtedly needs the money to support his family! Joshua seems nice enough but there's something I can't put my finger on that I don't like about him. He seems secretive and while he's helpful in running errands, it places him in the right spots for some of the events that occur. If he is Lord Northam's murderer, why do it on the day of your godchild's christening? Why frame her grandfather? That's just downright unacceptable. I do understand his anger towards the Rector but honestly, he needed to have brought that up with Robert ahead of time!
Mr. Penarth, the moneylender (thankfully not Jewish but a pious Christian), arrives in Kurland St. Mary looking for his money. He seems very nice and he respects Robert. Mr. Penarth answers all the questions and is honest with Robert. However, other reports of him are vastly different. I don't trust Northam and Henrietta's word, but given his occupation, he would want his money back... how badly does he want that money? Would he use any means necessary to get it? He claims to be a devout Christian so I don't think he would actually get his hands dirty and do the deed himself. Could he have hired someone? Perhaps young Max? Maybe Joshua? What about the Miller? If he hired anyone, I think it would be someone lower class and the Miller already has a beef with the Rector. I wonder if Mr. Penarth bribed the Miller by paying Mr. Harrington's debts and promising revenge? That's a bit of a stretch but it is a murder mystery! Mr. Barry, Mr. Penarth's secretary, seems like a nice man. He acts a little nervous. Maybe he's suspicious? Was he really in London the whole time or in a nearby village inn waiting to be summoned by his employer?
Luke and Michael, the twins, are still schoolboys but growing up fast. They're eager to be doing something and having adventures. I think Lucy has done a good job raising them and they'll grow up nicely. Robert and Lucy's son, Ned, is a spoiled brat already at 4. I know they waited a long time for him to arrive and probably thought he'd be an only child, but his grandfather indulges him. (My parents do that too!) He's still very young and I'm sure with the guidance of a younger Mr. Fletcher as tutor, he'll grow up better. Elizabeth is only three months old and already her personality is showing. She has a sunny temper like her mother but I don't see Lucy as sunny. Anna, yes, Lucy, no. I think Elizabeth will be sweet and lovely like Anna.
I am sad to say goodbye to Lucy and Robert as this is the final book in the series. It needs an epilogue to tell us how Aunt Rose fares through her confinement and whether Lucy has a new sister or brother. Will Anthony come home? What careers will the twins have? Also, where is Anna? She's not in this story at all. We need to know what happens to her. I would have gladly read another book even if the history is not 100% correct. I'll try to let go of my historian side but it's not easy!
This mystery was super tight. I never guessed who the murderer was, not even when the murderer confessed at the end. Since there were so many suspects, the murderer was kind of obvious but the timeline didn't quite work out for any of my main suspects. However, I believe this mystery would work better in the 1920s if the snow was heavy enough to block train tracks and knock out telephone and telegraph wires. It's a classic Christieesque plot with everyone snowed in but the history just doesn't work for the Regency period. Married women, even widows, were not legal entities. Aunt Rose can not legally make or change her will without her husband's consent. Her money went to him upon her marriage except for what had been set aside for her. Henrietta likely received a dowry to buy Lord Northam as her husband and maybe some extra money because they're industrial money not landed gentry money but women just didn't inherit like that. This issue is even discussed several times in regards to Henrietta so why does the author ignore it with Rose? Is there some loophole to the law I didn't find online? Also, Rose wouldn't use the word "pregnant" or announce it in front of everyone. I'm certain the author knows this and jettisoned good history for a good story.
I normally love Lucy and Robert's relationship but in this book they're sort of fighting because he's the magistrate who has to prove her father is guilty or not guilty of murder. This story lacks the warmth and humor I enjoy in their relationship. He still stands up for her to her horrid father and tries to protect her from the worst of her father's faults but Robert's military bearing comes out in this novel and he's back to being bossy and grouchy. If he let Lucy investigate with him, they would have solved the murder much sooner. She does a little bit of investigating but she fears someone in her family is guilty. It has to be someone close to either Lucy or Robert, someone from their own family or circle of friends and she doesn't really want to know.
Lord Northam was a truly awful, horrible man. He was a narcissist who manipulated Henrietta and twisted the truth to suit his narrative of events. He may have been a card sharp and cheat and was unfaithful to his marriage vows. If anyone in this book deserved to be murdered, it was he. Too bad Robert has such a strong sense of honor and too bad Henrietta screeches the house down wanting justice for her husband. This murder would be better off unsolved. Any way it goes, the murderer is someone close to Robert and/or Lucy. At first I wanted to feel sorry for Harriet. She must have married quite young to be so besotted with a scoundrel. Harriet is so truly horrid and bratty, especially to her mother. What happened there? What are her siblings like? Why is Harriet so selfish? She reminded me (probably on purpose) of Lydia Bennet, but Lydia is only 15! If she was Lydia's age, her selfishness and temper tantrums would make sense. I guess it takes one narcissist to love another? I think she must be mentally unhinged from her husband's frequent misbehavior. If Harriet is under 25 then I give her some leeway in not fully understanding what she was doing and clinging to her mistaken love for her man. Lord Northam smarter than Mr. Wickham and knows how to cover his misdeeds better. How many children do they have? She says children and son alternately. I take it one son and maybe one or more daughters? Harriet makes Penelope seem nice.
Lucy's family is still awful- all of them. The twins are the only good ones and they're just home from school for Christmastide. Lucy's father is still really horrible. He's selfish and sexist and still doesn't value Lucy as he should. He only values Anna because she's demure and doesn't argue with him. However, I don't believe the Rector would commit murder, either voluntarily or in a rage. He does have a temper but he's a man of the cloth. I believe if he accidentally stabbed someone he wouldn't just calmly go about his duty and baptize his granddaughter. He would be freaked out and then try to get Robert to cover it up. The Earl of Harrington's son Max is the next suspect on the list. Lucy's young cousin is a young man about town. He enjoys gambling and has run up significant debts, much to his father's dismay. He currently owes Lord Northam a hefty sum and has made no pretense of enjoying the baby's celebration. Max was MIA and acts suspicious. Hmm ... Well I don't think Max did it either but he might know more about the timeline of events than he lets on. Max has a hasty temper, he's sensitive about his honor, as young men are and angsty because Papa keeps him on a short leash. I CAN see Max lashing out in anger and stabbing someone but that scenario would be more likely to happen in London and more realistically, be in the form of a duel. If Max believes Lord Northam cheated, why isn't the boy moving heaven and earth to find witnesses to bring down Northam? Are all the men scared to speak up or is Max just angry he lost? The Earl of Harrington may not be as despicable as Lord Northam or as rude to Lucy as his brother but he sure is selfish, manipulative and awful. Yes Lucy, I do believe he could be a murderer and willing to throw his brother under the carriage in order to protect his family reputation. Max is the heir, the presumed next Earl! Lucy's father is sadly expendable. I suspect Lucy's Aunt Jane, the Countess of Harrington, could and would commit murder to protect her son. I was surprised no one considered her. She's busy worrying about her daughter's broken engagement and upcoming trip abroad. You know what "abroad" means. It takes Lucy forever to spell that out for Robert! I wonder whether Julia's fiancé was involved in Lord Northam's business in some way and she found out and broke off the engagement? Or the Earl of Harrington was involved, lost money and that's why he refuses to pay Max's debts and blames his brother for getting him involved in a Ponzi scheme. I think it could be one of these people who killed Lord Northam.
A dark horse is Aunt Rose. She's so lovely and sweet but she isn't feeling well. Harriet and Lord Northam's arrival has put too much stress on her shoulders and it's taking a toll on her body. I think she's worrying about something. Is she afraid her husband is the murderer or worried it was her daughter? Is she just worried about Harriet or did she make the ultimate sacrifice for her daughter and set her daughter free by killing Lord Northam? I hope she isn't a murderer but Lucy needs a mother. Like Lucy, I find her announcement squicky. Doesn't her father have enough children to support? There's still the 3 boys and Anna, even though Anthony has a job, we know what his career path looks like from Joshua's comments. Captain Joshua Coles, a former Hussar, loved his career in the army but must give it up as it is no longer profitable and his father needs him on the estate. I don't really feel sorry for him at all. These people are so whiny! They have everything, while the Miller undoubtedly needs the money to support his family! Joshua seems nice enough but there's something I can't put my finger on that I don't like about him. He seems secretive and while he's helpful in running errands, it places him in the right spots for some of the events that occur. If he is Lord Northam's murderer, why do it on the day of your godchild's christening? Why frame her grandfather? That's just downright unacceptable. I do understand his anger towards the Rector but honestly, he needed to have brought that up with Robert ahead of time!
Mr. Penarth, the moneylender (thankfully not Jewish but a pious Christian), arrives in Kurland St. Mary looking for his money. He seems very nice and he respects Robert. Mr. Penarth answers all the questions and is honest with Robert. However, other reports of him are vastly different. I don't trust Northam and Henrietta's word, but given his occupation, he would want his money back... how badly does he want that money? Would he use any means necessary to get it? He claims to be a devout Christian so I don't think he would actually get his hands dirty and do the deed himself. Could he have hired someone? Perhaps young Max? Maybe Joshua? What about the Miller? If he hired anyone, I think it would be someone lower class and the Miller already has a beef with the Rector. I wonder if Mr. Penarth bribed the Miller by paying Mr. Harrington's debts and promising revenge? That's a bit of a stretch but it is a murder mystery! Mr. Barry, Mr. Penarth's secretary, seems like a nice man. He acts a little nervous. Maybe he's suspicious? Was he really in London the whole time or in a nearby village inn waiting to be summoned by his employer?
Luke and Michael, the twins, are still schoolboys but growing up fast. They're eager to be doing something and having adventures. I think Lucy has done a good job raising them and they'll grow up nicely. Robert and Lucy's son, Ned, is a spoiled brat already at 4. I know they waited a long time for him to arrive and probably thought he'd be an only child, but his grandfather indulges him. (My parents do that too!) He's still very young and I'm sure with the guidance of a younger Mr. Fletcher as tutor, he'll grow up better. Elizabeth is only three months old and already her personality is showing. She has a sunny temper like her mother but I don't see Lucy as sunny. Anna, yes, Lucy, no. I think Elizabeth will be sweet and lovely like Anna.
I am sad to say goodbye to Lucy and Robert as this is the final book in the series. It needs an epilogue to tell us how Aunt Rose fares through her confinement and whether Lucy has a new sister or brother. Will Anthony come home? What careers will the twins have? Also, where is Anna? She's not in this story at all. We need to know what happens to her. I would have gladly read another book even if the history is not 100% correct. I'll try to let go of my historian side but it's not easy!
February 13, 2021
3.5 stars for this latest in a Regency-set series, which started out strong, with a thoroughly unlikable character killed during a family celebration - Sir Robert, as magistrate, must investigate, even though the victim was married to his nasty cousin, and his pompous father-in-law is a suspect. The investigation went on too long, though, and became repetitive, with Sir Robert and Lucy trudging back and forth through the snow, interviewing suspects, and in between, dealing with a few nasty relatives (suspects).
By the end, Robert is fed up with all their guests, who came for their daughter’s christening, but freezing winter weather and snow, along with the murder investigation, have kept them at his estate. They all lie to him at some point, and hamper his investigation as he tries to piece together who murdered the unsavory swindler Basil, Lord Northam. His widow, Henrietta, is Robert’s cousin, and a thoroughly selfish and nasty woman. There is a financial swindle at the heart of the murder, and Lloyd serves up a very clever twist of an ending as she unmasks the killer - I really thought she was going to take the easy way out, and make it someone outside the immediate family circle, considering the layers of relationships and perceived loyalties. The killer is a surprise, and it takes too long to get there, but it makes sense and is well done.
By the end, Robert is fed up with all their guests, who came for their daughter’s christening, but freezing winter weather and snow, along with the murder investigation, have kept them at his estate. They all lie to him at some point, and hamper his investigation as he tries to piece together who murdered the unsavory swindler Basil, Lord Northam. His widow, Henrietta, is Robert’s cousin, and a thoroughly selfish and nasty woman. There is a financial swindle at the heart of the murder, and Lloyd serves up a very clever twist of an ending as she unmasks the killer - I really thought she was going to take the easy way out, and make it someone outside the immediate family circle, considering the layers of relationships and perceived loyalties. The killer is a surprise, and it takes too long to get there, but it makes sense and is well done.
February 20, 2021
I adore this series, and this book was excellent! I love the main characters, their family and friends, and the setting. The book is wonderfully written, moves along at a good pace, and I managed to keep everyone straight. Ditto for the other books in this series! I had to wait a good while to get this book from the library, and it was well worth the wait! You can read the books in any order, but as with most series, starting at the beginning makes each installment more fun!
January 23, 2021
Murder casts a dark shadow over the christening of Lady Lucy and Major Sir Robert Kurland's daughter Elizabeth—even more so when Lucy's own father, the rector, falls under suspicion for the crime. Lucy and Robert’s joy in christening their new daughter, surrounded by extended family and loved ones who have gathered in the village of Kurland St. Mary, is only enhanced when Robert’s aunt Rose—now the second wife of Lucy’s father Ambrose—announces that she is with child. However, not everyone is happy about the news, in particular Rose's adult daughter Henrietta and her husband, who fear for their inheritance. Following the christening, Rose’s disagreeable son-in-law Basil Northam threatens to turn afternoon tea in the rectory into an unsightly brawl. The next morning, he is found in the rector’s study, stabbed through the heart with an antique letter opener, clutching a note that appears to implicate the rector himself. As the local justice of the peace, Robert has an obligation to remain unbiased in his investigation of the ghastly crime, even though his prime suspect is a man of the cloth and his wife’s father. But Lucy is under no such obligation. As snow traps the members of the christening party in Kurland St. Mary, she vows to clear her father’s name and bring the cold-blooded culprit to justice. Someone had better start saying their prayers
This is the eighth & final book in this brilliant series & I'm sad to see it end especially as I felt there were lots of loose ends, I would have loved an epilogue. However as always the book is well written & the mystery engrossing. I wasn’t sure who the murderer was until nearly the end. Strong characters & a fast paced plot plus plenty of red herrings & twists & turns held my interest all the way through
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the eighth & final book in this brilliant series & I'm sad to see it end especially as I felt there were lots of loose ends, I would have loved an epilogue. However as always the book is well written & the mystery engrossing. I wasn’t sure who the murderer was until nearly the end. Strong characters & a fast paced plot plus plenty of red herrings & twists & turns held my interest all the way through
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 24, 2021
Death Comes to the Rectory by Catherine Lloyd
Kurland St. Mary Mystery #8
Coming in on the last book of a series is probably not the wisest way to read a series but this book did manage to stand alone, introduce the characters easily and give enough background to follow the story without difficulty.
What I liked:
* The story felt of the time period
* There were plenty of potential murderers
* I didn’t mind that the person who died was killed because he was reprehensible
* The relationship between Robert and Lucy seemed well established and healthy
* That the rector and his new bride seemed to care about one another – and were expecting a baby though older
* The twists and turns
* The way the clues were eked out
* That the murderer and motivation were eventually determined
What I didn’t like:
* Many of the characters: Northam, Henrietta, the Earl…and others
* Not sure it is a dislike but I am curious enough to find out what the sentence would be for the person who admitted to murder to see if google might tell me.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I have enjoyed it more if I had read the entire series? Probably
Would I read more books by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Kurland St. Mary Mystery #8
Coming in on the last book of a series is probably not the wisest way to read a series but this book did manage to stand alone, introduce the characters easily and give enough background to follow the story without difficulty.
What I liked:
* The story felt of the time period
* There were plenty of potential murderers
* I didn’t mind that the person who died was killed because he was reprehensible
* The relationship between Robert and Lucy seemed well established and healthy
* That the rector and his new bride seemed to care about one another – and were expecting a baby though older
* The twists and turns
* The way the clues were eked out
* That the murderer and motivation were eventually determined
What I didn’t like:
* Many of the characters: Northam, Henrietta, the Earl…and others
* Not sure it is a dislike but I am curious enough to find out what the sentence would be for the person who admitted to murder to see if google might tell me.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I have enjoyed it more if I had read the entire series? Probably
Would I read more books by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
May 8, 2021
Lucy and Robert Kurland have called their nearest and dearest (plus Robert's obnoxious cousin Henrietta and her even more obnoxious husband Basil) together to celebrate the christening of their daughter. When there's a murder, and the whole village is isolated by a snowstorm, Lucy's father, the vicar, is the main suspect. He had quarreled with the victim, and the body is found in his own study, stabbed with his paper knife. Reluctant to arrest his father-in-law, Robert, as village magistrate, investigates further. Since the prospective suspects are family and close friends, it's clear that whatever the solution, someone they love will be impacted, so this is a bit darker than the usual Lloyd mystery. And to make things worse, an author's note makes it clear that this is the last of the Kurland St. Mary mysteries!
June 28, 2021
Another murderer comes to Kurland St. Mary's during the christening of Lucy and Robert's daughter Elizabeth. While all of their guests are in the church Henrietta's husband is murdered while sitting in the study of Lucy's father. As Robert and Lucy work to solve the mystery they find no end of suspects due to the hatred many felt toward the dead man. Throw in a money scheme the deceased had orchestrated which caused many to lose considerable amounts of money and there are many suspects. Since Lucy and Robert's family has now become intwined every suspect is a family member but Lucy and Robert of course finally have all of the evidence and in a big reveal where everyone is gathered in the drawing room the murderer finally confesses.
February 2, 2021
2021 bk 22. Lucy and Robert have put off their infant daughter's christening long enough - to make sure she will be healthy for it. Summoning wanted family, their is dismay when one couple appears and makes themselves at home. The husband, a scam artist and wicked man, proceeds to blackmail most of the mail members of the part, having previously scammed them out of their funds. The christening goes off well, until it is discovered that murder has occurred. Another well done Kurland St. Mary's mystery.
December 8, 2020
I love this series and am glad to see that my library has the previous books. I just need to find time to read them!
The characters are interesting and the husband and wife have a good marriage without it being over the top perfect. The mystery kept me guessing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are interesting and the husband and wife have a good marriage without it being over the top perfect. The mystery kept me guessing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2021
2.5 STARS (rounding up due to my love of earlier books)
Perhaps because this was the last book of the series, but I felt somewhat disappointed with this finale. I have always disliked the rector, especially the way he treated Lucy throughout the series, and sadly, he did not improve. For a finale, it was mostly anticlimactic. I wanted a longer Epilogue or more details about the Kurland Family in the future.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, historical/cozy series.
Perhaps because this was the last book of the series, but I felt somewhat disappointed with this finale. I have always disliked the rector, especially the way he treated Lucy throughout the series, and sadly, he did not improve. For a finale, it was mostly anticlimactic. I wanted a longer Epilogue or more details about the Kurland Family in the future.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, historical/cozy series.
February 26, 2021
Haiku:
Nathan or Lucas?
Elizabeth must choose!
We choose to tune out...
Nathan or Lucas?
Elizabeth must choose!
We choose to tune out...
October 13, 2024
Another good cozy mystery in this terrific series!
January 27, 2021
Death Comes to the Rectory is my first Catherine Lloyd book. Even though I jumped in the series at Book 8, it stood perfectly fine on its own and I followed along well with no confusion. It was certainly a different type of story than what I typically read but I enjoyed the experience. An engaging storyline and well-developed characters drew me in from the start.
ARC received via NetGalley.
ARC received via NetGalley.
January 27, 2021
4.5 *
It is always hard to say goodbye to a much-loved series. Catherine Lloyd made it a little bit easier by finishing with an amazingly complex mystery that tested the loyalty and commitment to justice of her fantastic detective duo.
Death Comes to the Rectory is the 8th and final book in a historical mystery series set during the Regency in England. The story opens with preparations for the christening of Lucy and Robert's daughter Elizabeth. Robert's Aunt Jane is married to Lucy's father, the rector. Jane's daughter and horrible husband, Lord Northam, show up unexpectedly and are not welcomed by anybody. Poor weather however means that Robert and Lucy must extend their hospitality despite an already full house. Lord Northam is found dead in the rectory study on the day of the christening. Lucy's father appears to be guilty.
This was a complex mystery with plenty of suspects, red herrings, lies, motives, and complicated family connections. I loved watching Lucy and Robert try to solve the case while trying to protect family members (some more worthy of protection than others). The conflicts between Lucy and Robert, Robert and his father-in-law, and all the other various family and close friends gave the story an added level of tension.
A financial scheme plays a big part in the plot and I had a bit of a hard time with the money/numbers but it never overshadowed my enjoyment of the story as a whole. I really enjoyed this book and plan to re-read the series in the very near future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is always hard to say goodbye to a much-loved series. Catherine Lloyd made it a little bit easier by finishing with an amazingly complex mystery that tested the loyalty and commitment to justice of her fantastic detective duo.
Death Comes to the Rectory is the 8th and final book in a historical mystery series set during the Regency in England. The story opens with preparations for the christening of Lucy and Robert's daughter Elizabeth. Robert's Aunt Jane is married to Lucy's father, the rector. Jane's daughter and horrible husband, Lord Northam, show up unexpectedly and are not welcomed by anybody. Poor weather however means that Robert and Lucy must extend their hospitality despite an already full house. Lord Northam is found dead in the rectory study on the day of the christening. Lucy's father appears to be guilty.
This was a complex mystery with plenty of suspects, red herrings, lies, motives, and complicated family connections. I loved watching Lucy and Robert try to solve the case while trying to protect family members (some more worthy of protection than others). The conflicts between Lucy and Robert, Robert and his father-in-law, and all the other various family and close friends gave the story an added level of tension.
A financial scheme plays a big part in the plot and I had a bit of a hard time with the money/numbers but it never overshadowed my enjoyment of the story as a whole. I really enjoyed this book and plan to re-read the series in the very near future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2023
I hope there will be more books! This series is the best!
January 10, 2021
3.5 stars
Evidently this is the end of the well-done Kurland St. Mary series, featuring the mostly formerly irascible Sir Robert and his wife Lucy. The pair have been interesting to watch in various adventures as they joust and battle for equity. Their intelligence and mutual high regard and affection make this an enjoyable pastime.
This time out, their friends and family are gathered for their new daughter's christening. But between Robert and Lucy, they have more than their share of truly odious, self-centered, narcissistic and venal relatives. Various undercurrents are circulating: financial straits, family disgrace, parent-child disagreements, and disputes over a future will. It all comes to a head when the most awful of their relations (and that is saying something) is found murdered in Lucy's father's study. This man was heartily disliked by everyone and had further estranged himself by embroiling several of those present in a deceitful investment scam.
The murder victim is married to Robert's cousin, Lucy's father is the prime suspect, and her aristocratic uncle and his son also are behaving suspiciously. As Robert investigates the death of the man that no one mourns, Lucy also is naturally upset at her father's predicament. And Robert soon discovers that all those involved have something to hide and will lie to protect it.
I will be sorry to see this series end. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Evidently this is the end of the well-done Kurland St. Mary series, featuring the mostly formerly irascible Sir Robert and his wife Lucy. The pair have been interesting to watch in various adventures as they joust and battle for equity. Their intelligence and mutual high regard and affection make this an enjoyable pastime.
This time out, their friends and family are gathered for their new daughter's christening. But between Robert and Lucy, they have more than their share of truly odious, self-centered, narcissistic and venal relatives. Various undercurrents are circulating: financial straits, family disgrace, parent-child disagreements, and disputes over a future will. It all comes to a head when the most awful of their relations (and that is saying something) is found murdered in Lucy's father's study. This man was heartily disliked by everyone and had further estranged himself by embroiling several of those present in a deceitful investment scam.
The murder victim is married to Robert's cousin, Lucy's father is the prime suspect, and her aristocratic uncle and his son also are behaving suspiciously. As Robert investigates the death of the man that no one mourns, Lucy also is naturally upset at her father's predicament. And Robert soon discovers that all those involved have something to hide and will lie to protect it.
I will be sorry to see this series end. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 27, 2020
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington Book for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review Death Comes to the Rectory. All opinions are my own.
Alas, this is the last book in the Kurland St. Mary series, so ‘tis sure all ends will be tidied and our two protagonists, Robert and Lucy Kurland, will find themselves at a satisfactory (happy) end for followers of the series. First, of course, they have one final mystery to solve.
Everyone has gathered for the christening of the Kurland’s baby daughter. It’s quickly established that not everyone likes each other. There’s the daughter and son-in-law of Lucy’s stepmother, for instance, who antagonizes everybody. And it doesn’t help that Lucy’s father the vicar and his wife announce that they are “expecting a blessed event.” Well, that means less money for the greedy pair, and they’re incensed. Then the husband, Lord Northam, turns up dead, and his widow immediately accuses her father in law of the dirty deed, to get her mother’s money completely. It’s up to Robert as the local magistrate to investigate. It’s rather a sticky situation, but since “police” are rather thin on the ground, it being only 1826, he’s the only one around that can do the job.
And there are other matters happening in this book. Broken engagements, unhappy heirs, money troubles all around. We think we’ve got problems. Pity these poor English gentry as they wade through all their troubles. But such matters could mean ostracism from society; and the murdered man had involved others in some very dubious and illegal schemes. Certainly, enough to be killed over. Defrauding people does tend to make them angry.
Another suspect is looked at, but it’s obvious that Robert’s uncle the earl thinks they will get away with murder, if need be. The author makes it clear that this society’s rules meant that the rich are indeed different. She has a firm grasp on her understanding of time and place in her writing.
And then a man from London dies – one that our first dead man owed a lot of money to. Things are getting complicated, indeed. Everyone is doubting Robert, even his wife. Catherine Lloyd is certainly giving us a lot to work with here, emotion-wise, stringing us along.
Finally, we have a drawing room scene, but that’s how you get someone to confess, and since we have a lot of characters, it’s the easiest way. We also find out just how despicable a figure our Lord Northam really was. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
I’m sorry to see the last of Robert and Lucy, and their family and friends, but the series ends on a high note. Catherine Lloyd has always captured her Georgian world very well, especially in dialog and setting, and Death Comes to the Rectory is no exception.
Alas, this is the last book in the Kurland St. Mary series, so ‘tis sure all ends will be tidied and our two protagonists, Robert and Lucy Kurland, will find themselves at a satisfactory (happy) end for followers of the series. First, of course, they have one final mystery to solve.
Everyone has gathered for the christening of the Kurland’s baby daughter. It’s quickly established that not everyone likes each other. There’s the daughter and son-in-law of Lucy’s stepmother, for instance, who antagonizes everybody. And it doesn’t help that Lucy’s father the vicar and his wife announce that they are “expecting a blessed event.” Well, that means less money for the greedy pair, and they’re incensed. Then the husband, Lord Northam, turns up dead, and his widow immediately accuses her father in law of the dirty deed, to get her mother’s money completely. It’s up to Robert as the local magistrate to investigate. It’s rather a sticky situation, but since “police” are rather thin on the ground, it being only 1826, he’s the only one around that can do the job.
And there are other matters happening in this book. Broken engagements, unhappy heirs, money troubles all around. We think we’ve got problems. Pity these poor English gentry as they wade through all their troubles. But such matters could mean ostracism from society; and the murdered man had involved others in some very dubious and illegal schemes. Certainly, enough to be killed over. Defrauding people does tend to make them angry.
Another suspect is looked at, but it’s obvious that Robert’s uncle the earl thinks they will get away with murder, if need be. The author makes it clear that this society’s rules meant that the rich are indeed different. She has a firm grasp on her understanding of time and place in her writing.
And then a man from London dies – one that our first dead man owed a lot of money to. Things are getting complicated, indeed. Everyone is doubting Robert, even his wife. Catherine Lloyd is certainly giving us a lot to work with here, emotion-wise, stringing us along.
Finally, we have a drawing room scene, but that’s how you get someone to confess, and since we have a lot of characters, it’s the easiest way. We also find out just how despicable a figure our Lord Northam really was. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
I’m sorry to see the last of Robert and Lucy, and their family and friends, but the series ends on a high note. Catherine Lloyd has always captured her Georgian world very well, especially in dialog and setting, and Death Comes to the Rectory is no exception.
November 6, 2020
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Death comes to Kurland St. Mary for the final time in "Death Comes to the Rectory".
As Robert and Lucy Kurland prepare for their infant daughter's christening, they receive two unexpected surprises, one welcome and the other decidedly not. Robert's Aunt Rose and Lucy's rector father are expecting a baby--a welcome surprise though most definitely unexpected given their ages. The other unexpected surprise? Rose's daughter from her first marriage and her terrible husband, Lord Northam--and they are furious to learn that Rose is having another child, one that will take money away from them.
But no one expected that such a joyous occasion would be marred when Lord Northam is found murdered in the rector's study--and Lucy's father quickly becomes suspect number one. But plenty members of the party has means and motivation to want the philandering Lord Northam dead--especially when it comes to light that he was the instigator of a fraudulent shipping scheme that has made quite a lot of people considerably poorer. With all fingers pointing at the rector, will Robert and Lucy be able to find the real killer?
In the last "Kurland St. Mary" mystery, Lloyd pulls out all the punches. Multiple suspects, missing money, scams, wayward sons, and Robert and Lucy divided between facts and morals as they face their toughest case yet. Readers will bid a fond farewell to the familiar characters and charming country village as they interview suspects, search for clues, and formulate their own suspicions as to who-dunnit that will keep them guessing until the very end!
Death comes to Kurland St. Mary for the final time in "Death Comes to the Rectory".
As Robert and Lucy Kurland prepare for their infant daughter's christening, they receive two unexpected surprises, one welcome and the other decidedly not. Robert's Aunt Rose and Lucy's rector father are expecting a baby--a welcome surprise though most definitely unexpected given their ages. The other unexpected surprise? Rose's daughter from her first marriage and her terrible husband, Lord Northam--and they are furious to learn that Rose is having another child, one that will take money away from them.
But no one expected that such a joyous occasion would be marred when Lord Northam is found murdered in the rector's study--and Lucy's father quickly becomes suspect number one. But plenty members of the party has means and motivation to want the philandering Lord Northam dead--especially when it comes to light that he was the instigator of a fraudulent shipping scheme that has made quite a lot of people considerably poorer. With all fingers pointing at the rector, will Robert and Lucy be able to find the real killer?
In the last "Kurland St. Mary" mystery, Lloyd pulls out all the punches. Multiple suspects, missing money, scams, wayward sons, and Robert and Lucy divided between facts and morals as they face their toughest case yet. Readers will bid a fond farewell to the familiar characters and charming country village as they interview suspects, search for clues, and formulate their own suspicions as to who-dunnit that will keep them guessing until the very end!
October 1, 2020
I have been a huge fan of this series since the beginning and was disappointed to see that this will be the last book in the series. I will miss my adventures with Sir Robert and Lucy and their supporting cast of friends and family.
Death Comes to the Rectory revolves around the stabbing murder of a scoundrel whom many have reason to kill, including Lucy's father and other assorted relatives. This investigation brings tension between Lucy and Sir Robert as his duties as the justice of the peace come up against her desire to protect her family.
The investigation is nicely paced and deftly plotted, and, as details of the investigation emerge, the finger of suspicion is pointed to a number of likely suspects.
Verdict: An enjoyable and absorbing read--Here's hoping this is not truly the end of Lucy and Sir Robert's story.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Death Comes to the Rectory revolves around the stabbing murder of a scoundrel whom many have reason to kill, including Lucy's father and other assorted relatives. This investigation brings tension between Lucy and Sir Robert as his duties as the justice of the peace come up against her desire to protect her family.
The investigation is nicely paced and deftly plotted, and, as details of the investigation emerge, the finger of suspicion is pointed to a number of likely suspects.
Verdict: An enjoyable and absorbing read--Here's hoping this is not truly the end of Lucy and Sir Robert's story.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
January 17, 2021
Death Comes to the Rectory (Kurland St. Mary Mystery #8) by Catherine Lloyd
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
Release Date: January 26, 2021
Death Comes to the Rectory is the eighth and final book in the Kurland St. Mary Mystery series by Catherine Lloyd. This is the only book in the series that I have read and it works really well as a standalone book.
I really enjoyed this story. I'm not typically a fan of historical fiction, but this one really worked well for me. I found the author's writing style to be very comfortable to read.
My favorite part of the book was the mystery! I really enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was! This was well done and kept me guessing until the very end!
If you enjoy mysteries, especially period pieces, you should read this book!
I'm so grateful to Catherine Lloyd, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
Release Date: January 26, 2021
Death Comes to the Rectory is the eighth and final book in the Kurland St. Mary Mystery series by Catherine Lloyd. This is the only book in the series that I have read and it works really well as a standalone book.
I really enjoyed this story. I'm not typically a fan of historical fiction, but this one really worked well for me. I found the author's writing style to be very comfortable to read.
My favorite part of the book was the mystery! I really enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was! This was well done and kept me guessing until the very end!
If you enjoy mysteries, especially period pieces, you should read this book!
I'm so grateful to Catherine Lloyd, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
May 19, 2021
Disappointing. They began with so much promise. Many of the books in the series were quite good. But I don’t understand why the interesting and best characters came along only one time and the bitter and the shrewish stayed along for the entire series.
I have always liked the Major. . He changed and developed over the series. Lucy I do not like. I get that she has opinions and she’s intelligent. She’s also petulant and extremely short tempered. And rather immature. I wish she would have developed more. Oh well, it’s over now. This one was the most challenging to get through. And it’s the last one.
I have always liked the Major. . He changed and developed over the series. Lucy I do not like. I get that she has opinions and she’s intelligent. She’s also petulant and extremely short tempered. And rather immature. I wish she would have developed more. Oh well, it’s over now. This one was the most challenging to get through. And it’s the last one.
September 23, 2020
Another amazing entry into a top-notch series! If you're into mysteries or regency romances or Jane Austen, I've been recommending this series for years now and the latest is the high quality story I've come to expect from Lloyd. I was especially interested that she decided to center her latest in Kurland St. Mary which let her focus on many of the characters we have come to know and love.
Definitely worth reading, but for the maximum impact, start with Death Comes to the Village .
Definitely worth reading, but for the maximum impact, start with Death Comes to the Village .
December 14, 2020
I have always enjoyed this series, with the ever grumpy but loving Robert, and his wife Lucy. Set in the late 1800’s, Lucy is not the quiet submissive wife you would expect, but a very insightful and strong wife. When the couple is in the midst of their daughter’s christening, a murder victim brings death to Lucy’s family’s home. Her father, the Rector, is the major suspect as her husband investigates with Lucy’s help. As usual, there are many red herrings, and the solution is not easily predicted. I recommend reading this series in order since the books to have a progression to them. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
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