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Tommy & Evelyn Christie #1
Murder at the Manor
Downton Abbey crossed with Murder, She Wrote...set in a Yorkshire village!
Evelyn Christie has resigned herself to another long, boring weekend at Hessleham Hall, the home of her husband, Tommy's, family. However, it turns out to be anything but dull when his uncle, the Earl of Northmoor, is shockingly murdered!
Evelyn must use all of her sleuthing knowledge, gained whilst she was a member of the Police force during the war, to find out who the murderer is before the bungling local police force decide the Earl was bumped off so Tommy could inherit his title.
If you enjoy the glamour of bygone eras like 1920s Downton Abbey and gentle, cozy mysteries set in the English countryside then you will love this new series.
Evelyn Christie has resigned herself to another long, boring weekend at Hessleham Hall, the home of her husband, Tommy's, family. However, it turns out to be anything but dull when his uncle, the Earl of Northmoor, is shockingly murdered!
Evelyn must use all of her sleuthing knowledge, gained whilst she was a member of the Police force during the war, to find out who the murderer is before the bungling local police force decide the Earl was bumped off so Tommy could inherit his title.
If you enjoy the glamour of bygone eras like 1920s Downton Abbey and gentle, cozy mysteries set in the English countryside then you will love this new series.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
2712 people are currently reading
2507 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Coles
38 books307 followersThe daughter of a military father, Catherine was born in Germany and lived most of the first 14 years of her life abroad. She spent her school years devouring everything her school library had to offer!
Her favourites were romance and mysteries. Her love for the Nancy Drew books led Catherine to check out every mystery story she could find. She soon found Agatha Christie who quickly became Catherine's favourite author.
Catherine writes cosy mysteries that take place in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie mysteries are set in 1920s North Yorkshire. Her new series, the Martha Miller cosy mysteries, are set in the years following the Second World War in Berkshire.
Catherine lives in northeast England with her two spoiled dogs who have no idea they are not human!
You can connect with Catherine on her website - www.catherinecoles.com
Her favourites were romance and mysteries. Her love for the Nancy Drew books led Catherine to check out every mystery story she could find. She soon found Agatha Christie who quickly became Catherine's favourite author.
Catherine writes cosy mysteries that take place in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie mysteries are set in 1920s North Yorkshire. Her new series, the Martha Miller cosy mysteries, are set in the years following the Second World War in Berkshire.
Catherine lives in northeast England with her two spoiled dogs who have no idea they are not human!
You can connect with Catherine on her website - www.catherinecoles.com
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June 12, 2024
Murder at the Manor (Tommy & Evelyn Christie, #1) by Catherine Coles
Synopsis /
Evelyn Christie has resigned herself to another long, boring weekend at Hessleham Hall, the home of her husband, Tommy's, family. However, it turns out to be anything but dull when his uncle, the Earl of Northmoor, is shockingly murdered!
Evelyn must use all of her sleuthing knowledge, gained whilst she was a member of the Police force during the war, to find out who the murderer is before the bungling local police force decide the Earl was bumped off so Tommy could inherit his title.
My Thoughts /
There are lots of reasons for murder, and not all of them logical.
Have you heard of the saying there was a cast of thousands?
When I picked up Murder at the Manor and began reading, the first thing I was presented with was a cast list. There are 31 names on that list and I'm not gonna fib, I had a little panic attack. I still haven't come to a firm decision yet about whether I'm 'for' or 'against' a character list. My list of 'Yays' or 'Nays' seem to be pretty even at this point. But that's a 'me' problem and one I'll still be grappling with for a while, so it seems.
At 203 pages, this is a quick and satisfying little read.
This 1920s cozy mystery takes place in a Yorkshire village, on the grounds of a charming manor house called Hessleham Hall. And although the village might be 'peaceful' and the manor house 'charming', what happens next is neither peaceful nor charming!
Hessleham Hall is home to the Christie family. This weekend was the earl's traditional annual family get-together, to celebrate the start of the grouse shooting season, so most of the family were in attendance, including our protagonists, Tommy and Evelyn Christie. Evelyn's husband, Tommy had grown up at Hessleham Hall as a child. His late father, Henry, was the fifth and youngest child of the Fourth Earl of Northmoor. However, it is Tommy's uncle, Charles Christie who is the current Earl (No. 5) of Northmoor. Family dynamics, as they are, Evelyn wasn't looking forward to spending three days with her husband's family.
The story takes its first mysterious turn when Charles Christie up and dies one evening during dinner. R.I.P. Earl number 5!
This meant that: "I am the sixth Earl of Northmoor”, Eddie said, entitlement ringing in each word. Yeah, there's no sugar coating it, Eddie was a putz.
It's not going to come as any surprise to you all that, during the first shoot of the annual grouse shooting season: "It's Eddie", Oliver Turnbull turned away from the figure Evelyn could now see laying prostrate on the rough carpet of the moorland. "He's been shot". R.I.P. Earl number 6!
Things are looking grim, it's not good when the 'spare' gets killed!!! It's Murderers:2 - Earls:0.
Next in line for the coveted, oops, I mean now undesirable role of earl is our main man, Tommy. Tommy is unlike the other male members of his family, ie. NOT a putz.
With Earls dropping like flies and her husband next in line, Evelyn and Tommy begin to look into who's behind the murders. With murder, infidelity, and possible blackmail to investigate, nothing can be overlooked.
“Sometimes information doesn’t appear pertinent at all, right until the moment when it is. In fact, by that time, it can be positively crucial.”
This book brings nothing new to the table in terms of characters, plot or setting. In fact, some chapters had me thinking I was in a game of Cleudo, with lines like: Westley Harrison, the family solicitor, was in the billiard room. and Evelyn made her way back to the drawing room, pausing outside the billiard room.
There is some humour written in, which was enjoyable and much appreciated. But overall, it lacked sparkle and polish - or maybe, it's just because I've read so many of these cozy mysteries now that I really need them to step up in terms of character development and plot. It's by no means a bad book, but I can think of a lot more I'd recommend before this one.
A solid 3 star read, but I'm bumping it up to 3.5 because of Nancy - the Irish Red Setter, because I'm a sucker for dogs.
I believe this rather wraps things up, My Lord.
Synopsis /
Evelyn Christie has resigned herself to another long, boring weekend at Hessleham Hall, the home of her husband, Tommy's, family. However, it turns out to be anything but dull when his uncle, the Earl of Northmoor, is shockingly murdered!
Evelyn must use all of her sleuthing knowledge, gained whilst she was a member of the Police force during the war, to find out who the murderer is before the bungling local police force decide the Earl was bumped off so Tommy could inherit his title.
My Thoughts /
There are lots of reasons for murder, and not all of them logical.
Have you heard of the saying there was a cast of thousands?
When I picked up Murder at the Manor and began reading, the first thing I was presented with was a cast list. There are 31 names on that list and I'm not gonna fib, I had a little panic attack. I still haven't come to a firm decision yet about whether I'm 'for' or 'against' a character list. My list of 'Yays' or 'Nays' seem to be pretty even at this point. But that's a 'me' problem and one I'll still be grappling with for a while, so it seems.
At 203 pages, this is a quick and satisfying little read.
This 1920s cozy mystery takes place in a Yorkshire village, on the grounds of a charming manor house called Hessleham Hall. And although the village might be 'peaceful' and the manor house 'charming', what happens next is neither peaceful nor charming!
Hessleham Hall is home to the Christie family. This weekend was the earl's traditional annual family get-together, to celebrate the start of the grouse shooting season, so most of the family were in attendance, including our protagonists, Tommy and Evelyn Christie. Evelyn's husband, Tommy had grown up at Hessleham Hall as a child. His late father, Henry, was the fifth and youngest child of the Fourth Earl of Northmoor. However, it is Tommy's uncle, Charles Christie who is the current Earl (No. 5) of Northmoor. Family dynamics, as they are, Evelyn wasn't looking forward to spending three days with her husband's family.
The story takes its first mysterious turn when Charles Christie up and dies one evening during dinner. R.I.P. Earl number 5!
This meant that: "I am the sixth Earl of Northmoor”, Eddie said, entitlement ringing in each word. Yeah, there's no sugar coating it, Eddie was a putz.
It's not going to come as any surprise to you all that, during the first shoot of the annual grouse shooting season: "It's Eddie", Oliver Turnbull turned away from the figure Evelyn could now see laying prostrate on the rough carpet of the moorland. "He's been shot". R.I.P. Earl number 6!
Things are looking grim, it's not good when the 'spare' gets killed!!! It's Murderers:2 - Earls:0.
Next in line for the coveted, oops, I mean now undesirable role of earl is our main man, Tommy. Tommy is unlike the other male members of his family, ie. NOT a putz.
With Earls dropping like flies and her husband next in line, Evelyn and Tommy begin to look into who's behind the murders. With murder, infidelity, and possible blackmail to investigate, nothing can be overlooked.
“Sometimes information doesn’t appear pertinent at all, right until the moment when it is. In fact, by that time, it can be positively crucial.”
This book brings nothing new to the table in terms of characters, plot or setting. In fact, some chapters had me thinking I was in a game of Cleudo, with lines like: Westley Harrison, the family solicitor, was in the billiard room. and Evelyn made her way back to the drawing room, pausing outside the billiard room.
There is some humour written in, which was enjoyable and much appreciated. But overall, it lacked sparkle and polish - or maybe, it's just because I've read so many of these cozy mysteries now that I really need them to step up in terms of character development and plot. It's by no means a bad book, but I can think of a lot more I'd recommend before this one.
A solid 3 star read, but I'm bumping it up to 3.5 because of Nancy - the Irish Red Setter, because I'm a sucker for dogs.
I believe this rather wraps things up, My Lord.
December 26, 2021
"If you enjoy the glamour of bygone eras like 1920s, Downton Abbey and gentle, cozy mysteries set in the English countryside then you will love this new series."
And the spiel is all true! Seriously enjoyable read, wonderful characters you can fully invest in and extremely well written. I simply adore the deliciously "naughty" Aunt Em, who is first and foremost always a Lady. 😆
And the spiel is all true! Seriously enjoyable read, wonderful characters you can fully invest in and extremely well written. I simply adore the deliciously "naughty" Aunt Em, who is first and foremost always a Lady. 😆
March 16, 2021
Formulaic and rather dull.
The characters, including the principal duo, were flat, uninteresting and unlikable. The writing was competent but the lack of a spark means I will not be reading the next book.
The characters, including the principal duo, were flat, uninteresting and unlikable. The writing was competent but the lack of a spark means I will not be reading the next book.
September 21, 2020
Murder at the Manor by Catherine Coles was a great beginning to the Tommy & Evelyn Christie historical cozy series. Tommy and Evelyn are very likable characters and the murder mysteries were intriguing. I got a kick out of Aunt Em and her outspoken manner. A smoothly paced plot, only a few viable suspects and a few red herrings made this an enjoyable book.
March 20, 2022
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this cosy mystery set in the 1920's. It's a traditional cosy set in a big country house with all the airs and graces that go with. I liked the main characters Evelyn & Tommy and I loved that they gathered everyone in the library at the end to pin down the murderer...classic!
I will definitely be reading more in this series :)
I enjoyed this cosy mystery set in the 1920's. It's a traditional cosy set in a big country house with all the airs and graces that go with. I liked the main characters Evelyn & Tommy and I loved that they gathered everyone in the library at the end to pin down the murderer...classic!
I will definitely be reading more in this series :)
November 3, 2021
I was looking for something light, and this fit that bill. I would argue potentially too light. The writing and characterization felt a bit simplistic. There was a little bit too much of the main characters rocking up to the various suspects and just bluntly asking interrogatory questions about the case, which I get that's a thing in a cozy, but this felt a bit too on the nose. And while the main couple is charming - and I enjoyed sarcastic Great Aunt Em - this was a bit of a case of the main characters being charming, and everyone else (including the victims) being fairly terrible. I mean, I did enjoy Tommy and Evelyn, but I doubt I'll continue.
December 10, 2020
This is the first in a historical cozy mystery series and it was a delightful read. I especially enjoyed the sleuthing couple and the female role portrayed as back in those days women were rarely afforded such freedom. The mystery itself was enjoyable as well and made for a fun read.
October 12, 2020
How disappointing - the book was ruined by the amount of errors some quite major. How on earth did we know one of the characters wanted to go to the states! The ending was very abrupt - one minute they didn’t have a clue the next they’d worked it all out.
I don’t mind small errors in a book as I can just ignore them but when you have to spend time puzzling over what was meant because of the errors then it’s just not good enough. A proper proof reader is needed to pick up on most of the errors.
Very disappointing!
I don’t mind small errors in a book as I can just ignore them but when you have to spend time puzzling over what was meant because of the errors then it’s just not good enough. A proper proof reader is needed to pick up on most of the errors.
Very disappointing!
July 12, 2021
Poorly written
Not terrible, but the punctuation errors made it hard for me to enjoy. Plot and characters were lackluster and period language wasn’t consistent. Won’t continue the series.
Not terrible, but the punctuation errors made it hard for me to enjoy. Plot and characters were lackluster and period language wasn’t consistent. Won’t continue the series.
March 17, 2024
Meh, this was alright.
I really enjoyed that it felt like an Agatha Christie novel.
I liked reading it but at the same time there were a great number of characters and I kept losing track of who anyone was (there was a cast of players listed at the beginning but since I was reading the ebook I found it more annoying to constantly reference.)
It was an easy read but at the same time I felt like I wasn't really affected by the solution to the murder. No big "aha" moment when it all came together.
I really enjoyed that it felt like an Agatha Christie novel.
I liked reading it but at the same time there were a great number of characters and I kept losing track of who anyone was (there was a cast of players listed at the beginning but since I was reading the ebook I found it more annoying to constantly reference.)
It was an easy read but at the same time I felt like I wasn't really affected by the solution to the murder. No big "aha" moment when it all came together.
July 4, 2021
Enjoyed this mystery set in the 1920s. Evelyn and Tommy are a married couple who find themselves at the centre of a murder quickly followed by another, but which of the handful of guests and the family are responsible?
Catherine Coles weaves an interesting and enjoyable tale.
Catherine Coles weaves an interesting and enjoyable tale.
February 6, 2023
Modern book trying to sound like an authentic Golden Age mystery. Remind me not to read anything with the word “cozy” in its title.
July 30, 2020
Murder at the manor is described as a cosy mystery and I couldn’t agree more. I fell in love with Evelyn’s character quite fast and at the end even liked Tommy a whole lot too. All the characters have a clear presence throughout the book and Catherine revealed their true intentions and characters very smooth. What really makes this cozy is the intertwining and family bond in this book tho, but on the other hand, as I personally have some trouble with loads of people in a book, it might get confusing too. What I deffintely loved most were the reveals and plot twists. Catherine knows when to add what to spice up the story and how to end the story in a wholesome and complete way. The way the story ends and everything gets figured out gave me the typical ‘cheap detective turned to amazingly smart ideas’ vibe wich I loved, but isn’t that new either. Wich makes me land on a 3 star review. I enjoyed the book very much, finished it in 2 days because it read very smooth and the story wasn’t over complicated, but I wouldn’t read it again as it didn’t stand out to me that much either. This is a very enjoyable book to get you out of a reading slump as it keeps you wondering until the end, and I love that in a book!
*I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
*I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
July 5, 2024
Found this in a little free library down the road of the house I stay at in West Yorkshire. It’s self published and I had no idea the author was so popular, but that said, it read well. A few errors here and there with the repetition of words etc (like it was typed up incorrectly) but the story itself is fairly sound. I found some of the characters a bit flat but became fairly attached to others. Other than Agatha Christie, I don’t think I’ve read any cosy mysteries (unless Sherlock Holmes counts?) so this was new to me. I somewhat disliked that some of the setting and characters weren’t really described, so I couldn’t picture them, but at the same time enjoyed it because my brain just filled it in for me. I’m going to seek out the second one and see if I keep enjoying the series - it was pleasant and relaxing to read even if the characters were a bit wooden.
June 1, 2022
It is a delightful cozy English mystery set in the 1920s. The author does such a good job of painting the characters as part of the story that there isn't any slow character development in the book.
August 28, 2020
Nasty relatives, murder and double gin and tonic.
Set in the 1920's, after the first world war, means the world is changing. Evelyn has been working during the war, unheard of for a married woman, before that time. But at the mansion Tommy's relatives still hang to a life of spoilt gentry. Murder changes everything.
A lot of interesting, if not all of them likeable, characters. I like aunt Em, she brings a fun note to tense situations.
I am looking forward to more Tommy, Evelyn and Nancy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Set in the 1920's, after the first world war, means the world is changing. Evelyn has been working during the war, unheard of for a married woman, before that time. But at the mansion Tommy's relatives still hang to a life of spoilt gentry. Murder changes everything.
A lot of interesting, if not all of them likeable, characters. I like aunt Em, she brings a fun note to tense situations.
I am looking forward to more Tommy, Evelyn and Nancy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2022
Kindle freebie at time of download. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway,
Evelyn Christie, wife of policeman and foremer soldier, Tommy Christie, does not relish a weekend at Hessleham Hall, Tommy's family home. As Tommy is third in line to inherit, she knows the family will be putting pressure on her to produce an heir and become more conventional. She'd rather breed dogs. Then, the weekend shooting party becomes anything but dull when Tommy's uncle, the Earl of Northmoor, becomes terribly ill and dies at dinner. The doctor believes Uncle Charles was poisoned! That means someone in the house is a murderer. The police don't seem to be making much headway so Evelyn and Tommy try to move things along. His cousin Eddie and Eddie's wife Lillian both have the strongest motivie but won't be honest with Evelyn and Tommy. Another shocking death while out shooting grouse makes Tommy the lead suspect! Evelyn knows her husband didn't covet the title and estate and would never murder anyone. It's up to her to free her husband and find out who the real murderer is.
This book must be following in the Golden Age tradition. Naming your character Tommy Christie and setting the book post-WWI pretty much guarantees that connection. The plot reminded me of a Georgette Heyer mystery centered around a dysfunctional family but it lacked her sparkling wit and three-dimensional characters. THIS book is rather dull. I didn't care anything for any of the characters and really didn't care who the murderer was. The conclusion isn't very satisfactory. I don't like it when the characters gather all the suspects in one room and then proceed to accuse each one of murder and see which is the guilty party. It's lazy writing. We already know who the suspects are and the motive. Pick one and let the sleuths figure it out! I wasn't surprised by the identity of the murderer but I wasn't absolutely sure that person had done it.
The historical details are told rather than shown. Don't tell me the phone is so new people tend to shout into it-SHOW me someone shouting. Aside from the references to the war (WWI), telephones and a few other pointed references, this story could take place any time before WWII with the ideas and attitudes of the British upper class never changing. They do mention birth control and family planning though, dating it to the 20th-century but that comes late in the story. I had ONE big problem with the dated attitudes in this book.
No writer can hold a candle to Georgette Heyer's characterization but authors should at least TRY to make their characters three-dimensional. I didn't feel anything for Tommy at all. He's a good man and clearly loves his wife. He has a strong sense of honor and all the love in the world wouldn't make me support his decision-the decision he came to even before discussing it with his wife. He tries to be noble and say if it's not what she wants he won't do it but he's already made up his mind! Tommy is rather boring and dull. Evelyn is relatable. She likes dogs better than people and her Gordon Setter Nancy is her child. I appreciate that Evelyn doesn't want children right now, not until she's good and ready. (Bonus points for Evelyn) She's still sensitive to the old ways when women were brood mares though and sympathetic to another character who has had 5 children in 7 years. I think Evelyn needs to have a nice chat with this woman about how NOT to have so many children! Evelyn is sweet and kind. Raised in an eccentric household, she's more comfortable in the kitchen chatting with the servants than she is with her in-laws. She's also happier talking to two middle class suspects than her cousin-in-law. I like how she's kind, empathatic and caring but she's also very naive and kind of a stick in the mud. Evelyn starts off as Mary-Sueish but grows and becomes more interesting towards the end.
The only other character I like is eccentric Great-Aunt Emily. She fills the dowager role nicely and is very Heyeresque. She says anything that comes into her head and really enjoys the drama of the murder investigation. It keeps her entertained. She hated her nephew and his wife and enjoys annoying them.
The first victim, Uncle Charles, Fifth Earl of Northmoor was your typical old-fashioned tyrannical patriarch. He sounds selfish and rude. His son, Eddie, is my primary suspect for murderer. Eddie is greedy, lazy and stupid. He cares more about his own pleasures than running his estate. Eddie would prefer to have Tommy be the unpaid estate steward at Eddie's beck and call. Tommy has big plans for saving the estate money which I'm sure Eddie would be in favor of but something tells me they'd clash over methods. Eddie's wife Lillian is equally horrid. She's also selfish, greedy and lazy. She's unneccessarily and excessively rude to everyone, also seeks her own pleasures and is a second rate actress. I believe they both plotted to kill the old Early and Lillian is Lady Macbeth.
All the guests are suspects as well. There's Westley Harrison, the family solicitor. He's exactly the type you would expect Eddie to hire-someone like him. I think Westley is lazy and greedy like Eddie. Westley hasn't updated either victim's will and he expects to be treated as a member of the family, an inheritor perhaps. I wonder if he's an illegitmate relative? He's also rumored to have left a trail of broken hearts behind and in a relationship with Lillian. That would be most improper if true. He's employed by the family and not a friend. Plus, she's married. Also an employee and not a friend, is Jack Partridge, the estate manager. Why is he there? He, too, is a shifty character and hiding a possible motive for murder. When his secret is revealed, I don't think it reflects badly on him and again shows a terrible dated attitude. At least though
Oliver Turnbull, the vicar, is the most unclerical clergyman ever. He's brooding, drinks too much and treats his wife abominably. He leaves her to care for their FIVE children, not involving himself in her life or the children's lives at all, yet he stopped ignoring his wife long enough to beget 5 children. He ought to be locked up! When his secrets were revealed, showing a tortured mind, it made him a little more of a sympathetic character but I think he's weak willed and whiny. I don't think he's a murderer. His wife, Isobel, is a nervous, timid woman. I think she's hiding something and it may be that she had relations with the old Earl or Eddie. She may know more about the murder than she lets on. I found her a tragic character and she's one I hoped was NOT the murderer.
Another one I hope is not the murderer but I have a lot of problems with is Julia Davenport, a school headmistress. She was dumb enough to fall in love with a scoundrel. I think she wouldn't make a good teacher and people would think she's immoral. She's passionate about the SCHOOL but doesn't seem interested in the school for the sake of helping children. It seems rather the opposite. Sure she needs the money but I'm sure there are other schools she could teach at. Her family secrets are not so dark but she has a strong motive for murder. I hope she's not because I kind of liked the cynical teacher.
This story also contains a downstairs element. Evelyn hopes to relieve stress and obtain clues by working in the kitchen. She knows how to manage Mrs. O'Connell, the cook and endears herself to Nora, the maid. Nora is young and silly but she's aware of the village gossip and that could help the case. Plus, her crush, the butcher's boy, is sweet enough to bring sausage links for Nancy so I think Nora's crush is reciprocated and I think that's cute. Win over the dog, win my heart. Nora is young though and shouldn't settle just yet. Evelyn also knows how to handle Mrs. Chapman, the stern housekeeper. Mrs. Chapman runs a tight ship. She's old-fashioned and loves routine. Evelyn understands this and uses it to her advantage. I don't think the housekeeper knows anything and the juicy gossip is all in the kitchen.
NOT a murderer is Doctor Mainwaring, unless he's covering up by announcing the dark deed. He's a good doctor but he's hiding something. I guessed what secret he was hiding eventually.
I'm uninterested in reading more of this series. It lacks the sparkle and well-rounded characters of the masters of mysteries.
Evelyn Christie, wife of policeman and foremer soldier, Tommy Christie, does not relish a weekend at Hessleham Hall, Tommy's family home. As Tommy is third in line to inherit, she knows the family will be putting pressure on her to produce an heir and become more conventional. She'd rather breed dogs. Then, the weekend shooting party becomes anything but dull when Tommy's uncle, the Earl of Northmoor, becomes terribly ill and dies at dinner. The doctor believes Uncle Charles was poisoned! That means someone in the house is a murderer. The police don't seem to be making much headway so Evelyn and Tommy try to move things along. His cousin Eddie and Eddie's wife Lillian both have the strongest motivie but won't be honest with Evelyn and Tommy. Another shocking death while out shooting grouse makes Tommy the lead suspect! Evelyn knows her husband didn't covet the title and estate and would never murder anyone. It's up to her to free her husband and find out who the real murderer is.
This book must be following in the Golden Age tradition. Naming your character Tommy Christie and setting the book post-WWI pretty much guarantees that connection. The plot reminded me of a Georgette Heyer mystery centered around a dysfunctional family but it lacked her sparkling wit and three-dimensional characters. THIS book is rather dull. I didn't care anything for any of the characters and really didn't care who the murderer was. The conclusion isn't very satisfactory. I don't like it when the characters gather all the suspects in one room and then proceed to accuse each one of murder and see which is the guilty party. It's lazy writing. We already know who the suspects are and the motive. Pick one and let the sleuths figure it out! I wasn't surprised by the identity of the murderer but I wasn't absolutely sure that person had done it.
The historical details are told rather than shown. Don't tell me the phone is so new people tend to shout into it-SHOW me someone shouting. Aside from the references to the war (WWI), telephones and a few other pointed references, this story could take place any time before WWII with the ideas and attitudes of the British upper class never changing. They do mention birth control and family planning though, dating it to the 20th-century but that comes late in the story. I had ONE big problem with the dated attitudes in this book.
No writer can hold a candle to Georgette Heyer's characterization but authors should at least TRY to make their characters three-dimensional. I didn't feel anything for Tommy at all. He's a good man and clearly loves his wife. He has a strong sense of honor and all the love in the world wouldn't make me support his decision-the decision he came to even before discussing it with his wife. He tries to be noble and say if it's not what she wants he won't do it but he's already made up his mind! Tommy is rather boring and dull. Evelyn is relatable. She likes dogs better than people and her Gordon Setter Nancy is her child. I appreciate that Evelyn doesn't want children right now, not until she's good and ready. (Bonus points for Evelyn) She's still sensitive to the old ways when women were brood mares though and sympathetic to another character who has had 5 children in 7 years. I think Evelyn needs to have a nice chat with this woman about how NOT to have so many children! Evelyn is sweet and kind. Raised in an eccentric household, she's more comfortable in the kitchen chatting with the servants than she is with her in-laws. She's also happier talking to two middle class suspects than her cousin-in-law. I like how she's kind, empathatic and caring but she's also very naive and kind of a stick in the mud. Evelyn starts off as Mary-Sueish but grows and becomes more interesting towards the end.
The only other character I like is eccentric Great-Aunt Emily. She fills the dowager role nicely and is very Heyeresque. She says anything that comes into her head and really enjoys the drama of the murder investigation. It keeps her entertained. She hated her nephew and his wife and enjoys annoying them.
The first victim, Uncle Charles, Fifth Earl of Northmoor was your typical old-fashioned tyrannical patriarch. He sounds selfish and rude. His son, Eddie, is my primary suspect for murderer. Eddie is greedy, lazy and stupid. He cares more about his own pleasures than running his estate. Eddie would prefer to have Tommy be the unpaid estate steward at Eddie's beck and call. Tommy has big plans for saving the estate money which I'm sure Eddie would be in favor of but something tells me they'd clash over methods. Eddie's wife Lillian is equally horrid. She's also selfish, greedy and lazy. She's unneccessarily and excessively rude to everyone, also seeks her own pleasures and is a second rate actress. I believe they both plotted to kill the old Early and Lillian is Lady Macbeth.
All the guests are suspects as well. There's Westley Harrison, the family solicitor. He's exactly the type you would expect Eddie to hire-someone like him. I think Westley is lazy and greedy like Eddie. Westley hasn't updated either victim's will and he expects to be treated as a member of the family, an inheritor perhaps. I wonder if he's an illegitmate relative? He's also rumored to have left a trail of broken hearts behind and in a relationship with Lillian. That would be most improper if true. He's employed by the family and not a friend. Plus, she's married. Also an employee and not a friend, is Jack Partridge, the estate manager. Why is he there? He, too, is a shifty character and hiding a possible motive for murder. When his secret is revealed, I don't think it reflects badly on him and again shows a terrible dated attitude. At least though
Oliver Turnbull, the vicar, is the most unclerical clergyman ever. He's brooding, drinks too much and treats his wife abominably. He leaves her to care for their FIVE children, not involving himself in her life or the children's lives at all, yet he stopped ignoring his wife long enough to beget 5 children. He ought to be locked up! When his secrets were revealed, showing a tortured mind, it made him a little more of a sympathetic character but I think he's weak willed and whiny. I don't think he's a murderer. His wife, Isobel, is a nervous, timid woman. I think she's hiding something and it may be that she had relations with the old Earl or Eddie. She may know more about the murder than she lets on. I found her a tragic character and she's one I hoped was NOT the murderer.
Another one I hope is not the murderer but I have a lot of problems with is Julia Davenport, a school headmistress. She was dumb enough to fall in love with a scoundrel. I think she wouldn't make a good teacher and people would think she's immoral. She's passionate about the SCHOOL but doesn't seem interested in the school for the sake of helping children. It seems rather the opposite. Sure she needs the money but I'm sure there are other schools she could teach at. Her family secrets are not so dark but she has a strong motive for murder. I hope she's not because I kind of liked the cynical teacher.
This story also contains a downstairs element. Evelyn hopes to relieve stress and obtain clues by working in the kitchen. She knows how to manage Mrs. O'Connell, the cook and endears herself to Nora, the maid. Nora is young and silly but she's aware of the village gossip and that could help the case. Plus, her crush, the butcher's boy, is sweet enough to bring sausage links for Nancy so I think Nora's crush is reciprocated and I think that's cute. Win over the dog, win my heart. Nora is young though and shouldn't settle just yet. Evelyn also knows how to handle Mrs. Chapman, the stern housekeeper. Mrs. Chapman runs a tight ship. She's old-fashioned and loves routine. Evelyn understands this and uses it to her advantage. I don't think the housekeeper knows anything and the juicy gossip is all in the kitchen.
NOT a murderer is Doctor Mainwaring, unless he's covering up by announcing the dark deed. He's a good doctor but he's hiding something. I guessed what secret he was hiding eventually.
I'm uninterested in reading more of this series. It lacks the sparkle and well-rounded characters of the masters of mysteries.
April 13, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
September 2, 2020
Very entertaining.
I liked the characters and the plot very much. It was to the point and not padded out with descriptions of scenery as sometime happens, but, discreet and discrete do not mean the same thing. Discreet is the spelling which should have been used in the context. That is the only criticism I have . A good read.
I liked the characters and the plot very much. It was to the point and not padded out with descriptions of scenery as sometime happens, but, discreet and discrete do not mean the same thing. Discreet is the spelling which should have been used in the context. That is the only criticism I have . A good read.
August 4, 2020
An enjoyable cozy mystery with a hint of Agatha Christie peeking through the words.
I enjoyed this book. The storyline was interesting, the characters were believable, and I really liked the way the author provided a narrative wrap up as to who could have committed the murder.
The main characters, Tommy and Evelyn Christie (I’m assuming a nod to the lady of mystery, Agatha Christie), we’re fun and interesting to follow throughout the story. And I positively loved Aunt Em, a rather gleeful old lady. The author provided a list of characters at the beginning of the book which is always helpful in a book with so many characters.
I liked the author’s style of writing, and at times, it felt as if she was writing the book “tongue in cheek”. She kept the story moving along and gave the readers a satisfactory ending.
If your a fan of Agatha Christie or Downton Abbey, you will enjoy this book. I look forward to continuing with the series.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and Catherine Coles
I enjoyed this book. The storyline was interesting, the characters were believable, and I really liked the way the author provided a narrative wrap up as to who could have committed the murder.
The main characters, Tommy and Evelyn Christie (I’m assuming a nod to the lady of mystery, Agatha Christie), we’re fun and interesting to follow throughout the story. And I positively loved Aunt Em, a rather gleeful old lady. The author provided a list of characters at the beginning of the book which is always helpful in a book with so many characters.
I liked the author’s style of writing, and at times, it felt as if she was writing the book “tongue in cheek”. She kept the story moving along and gave the readers a satisfactory ending.
If your a fan of Agatha Christie or Downton Abbey, you will enjoy this book. I look forward to continuing with the series.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and Catherine Coles
August 6, 2020
I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving a free copy.
This book offers a very unique "whodunit" story with entertaining dialogue and surprising reveals. I love that the book came across as being just as cozy as described. I did find it a bit difficult to get started, as there are many characters introduced right away, making it difficult to keep track of who's who, but as the story progressed it became easier to remember how everyone was linked to each other and I finished the last half very quickly. I loved the dynamics between Tommy and Evelyn and am excited to read the second installment in this series!
This book offers a very unique "whodunit" story with entertaining dialogue and surprising reveals. I love that the book came across as being just as cozy as described. I did find it a bit difficult to get started, as there are many characters introduced right away, making it difficult to keep track of who's who, but as the story progressed it became easier to remember how everyone was linked to each other and I finished the last half very quickly. I loved the dynamics between Tommy and Evelyn and am excited to read the second installment in this series!
December 13, 2022
CHARACTERS
🔲 mary-sue party
✅ mostly 2D
🔲 great main cast, forgettable side characters
🔲 well-written
🔲 complex and fascinating
🔲 hard to believe they are fictional
PLOT
🔲 you've already heard this exact story a thousand times
🔲 nothing memorable
✅ gripping
🔲 exceptional
🔲 mind=blown
WORLDBUILDING
✅ takes place in our world
🔲 incoherent
🔲 OK
🔲 nicely detailed
🔲 meticulous
🔲 even the last tree in the forest has its own story
ATMOSPHERE
🔲 nonexistent
🔲 fine
✅ immersive
🔲 you forget you are reading a book
PACING
🔲 dragging
🔲 inconsistent
🔲 picks up with time
✅ page-turner
🔲 impossible to put down
A bit too convoluted and over-the-top for my taste.
🔲 mary-sue party
✅ mostly 2D
🔲 great main cast, forgettable side characters
🔲 well-written
🔲 complex and fascinating
🔲 hard to believe they are fictional
PLOT
🔲 you've already heard this exact story a thousand times
🔲 nothing memorable
✅ gripping
🔲 exceptional
🔲 mind=blown
WORLDBUILDING
✅ takes place in our world
🔲 incoherent
🔲 OK
🔲 nicely detailed
🔲 meticulous
🔲 even the last tree in the forest has its own story
ATMOSPHERE
🔲 nonexistent
🔲 fine
✅ immersive
🔲 you forget you are reading a book
PACING
🔲 dragging
🔲 inconsistent
🔲 picks up with time
✅ page-turner
🔲 impossible to put down
A bit too convoluted and over-the-top for my taste.
August 23, 2020
Absolutely loved it!
I loved the characters Tommy and Evelyn. Both are rather unconventional, although Tommy was raised in an aristocratic family, and there is nothing one wouldn’t do for the other. As a former policeman, Tommy is good at investigating and Evelyn is able to befriend almost everyone, including the servants. The dog and Aunt Em were also favourite characters and I enjoyed her well-timed and often inappropriate comments. The mystery was interesting and suited the time period and there were plenty of possible suspects. Some of the dialogue sounded too modern to me but overall it was an enjoyable book and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the characters Tommy and Evelyn. Both are rather unconventional, although Tommy was raised in an aristocratic family, and there is nothing one wouldn’t do for the other. As a former policeman, Tommy is good at investigating and Evelyn is able to befriend almost everyone, including the servants. The dog and Aunt Em were also favourite characters and I enjoyed her well-timed and often inappropriate comments. The mystery was interesting and suited the time period and there were plenty of possible suspects. Some of the dialogue sounded too modern to me but overall it was an enjoyable book and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2020
Although it took me a while to warm up to this book I did enjoy it overall. I might have said "Finally!" Out loud when Evelyn stood up for herself at the end of chapter 14. I did kind of feel like she and Tommy found the answer to everything mostly by accident and I'm not really clear on Isobel's roll in everything but I enjoyed it enough to read the second one. My kindle version did have a few errors in it towards the end.
January 4, 2021
With a number of suspects Catherine Coles uses greed, illicit relationships and the aristocracy to bring us a classic murder mystery. Tommy and Evelyn are just the right couple to lead the investigation into the murders as they not only have police experience, but Tommy has a staunch sense of justice no matter who is involved, including family.
I listened to this on Audible and loved the narrator as she portrayed the characters well, especially bringing the opinionated and feisty Aunt Emily to life, showing the caring nature of Evelyn and the grasping relatives. If you like audio versions of books, I think you will really enjoy it.
Thank you to Catherine Coles for the audiobook. I was not required to write a positive review.
I listened to this on Audible and loved the narrator as she portrayed the characters well, especially bringing the opinionated and feisty Aunt Emily to life, showing the caring nature of Evelyn and the grasping relatives. If you like audio versions of books, I think you will really enjoy it.
Thank you to Catherine Coles for the audiobook. I was not required to write a positive review.
March 7, 2021
This is an entertaining listen full of colorful (and devious) characters, luxurious manor pursuits, and a classic whodunnit. The story is well-paced and the world of the manor thoroughly drawn. The narration is excellent. I look forward to listening to number 2!
Disclaimer: I received this audiobook for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received this audiobook for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
June 26, 2022
Another splendid mystery!
I really loved Coles' new Martha post-War mystery series, so popped over to try out this older series of hers, and it's also excellent!
1920s manor murder mystery with heaps of personality. Tommy and Evelyn are a very likeable couple, and I particularly enjoyed Evelyn's perspective on her husband's terrible relatives (except Aunt Emily who is a snarky goddess).
I'm looking forward to more of these!
I really loved Coles' new Martha post-War mystery series, so popped over to try out this older series of hers, and it's also excellent!
1920s manor murder mystery with heaps of personality. Tommy and Evelyn are a very likeable couple, and I particularly enjoyed Evelyn's perspective on her husband's terrible relatives (except Aunt Emily who is a snarky goddess).
I'm looking forward to more of these!
April 27, 2024
It was descent. I felt that the story was lacking of action even if it has some good moments, it felt flat. I staggled with finding the characters intresting and it was hard to actually keep up with them because of how many they actually were. I thought multiple times about DNFing it but I pussed through because I didn't think that it deserved that treatment.
August 25, 2020
Murder at the Manor is the first book in A Tommy & Evelyn Christie Mystery series and is a great start to this new series.
I really enjoyed reading this 1920s cozy mystery. The characters are well depicted and suit the era. Aunt Em is a lot of fun. The storyline is enjoyable and well written, flowing smoothly from start to finish with murder, mystery, and many suspects. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I really enjoyed reading this 1920s cozy mystery. The characters are well depicted and suit the era. Aunt Em is a lot of fun. The storyline is enjoyable and well written, flowing smoothly from start to finish with murder, mystery, and many suspects. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
October 9, 2020
I’ve got a new author to add to my cozy mystery collection!
Truly enjoyed this new author. Great story, excellent character development and some twists along the way. Can’t wait till ‘Murder at the Village Fete’ comes out. I joined Ms Cole’s Facebook group.
Truly enjoyed this new author. Great story, excellent character development and some twists along the way. Can’t wait till ‘Murder at the Village Fete’ comes out. I joined Ms Cole’s Facebook group.
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