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The Catherine Tregowyn Mysteries #3
Murder at Tregowyn Manor
From the Amazon #1 Bestselling Author, another 1930’s vintage Golden Age Mystery . . ."...readers will fall in love with the charming cast of characters, each of whom seem above suspicion. By blending romance and thrills with a spunky, brilliant protagonist, the author serves up a golden age-style treat for any book-loving armchair sleuth".--Publisher's Weekly (Booklife)Winter of 1935 finds Oxford archaeologist, Sonny Nichols, under arrest for the theft of a priceless Roman relic from a dig in Cornwall. Catherine Tregowyn and her sleuthing partners Harry and Dot go to his aid. Almost immediately an anonymous telegram threatens Catherine’s life. Dot’s cousin has involved himself in something deadly.Undeterred, they motor down to the dig in Cornwall which is on Catherine’s estranged father’s estate. Shortly after their arrival, someone viciously attacks Catherine, nearly killing her. The next morning, one of the archaeologists is missing, and more artifacts have been stolen. The attacker is clearly desperate. Is this only simple greed or are there other factors at work here?When murder intervenes, Catherine, Harry, and Dot must dig deeper. Is the murderer the charismatic student who has forsaken his aristocratic birthright? Or the misanthropic and penniless professor who seeks to advance his career? Could it be the charming and glib young Irish peer who loves Greek dancing or the ruthless student who needs to reverse his family’s fortunes?When the truth finally comes out it is on a scale none of them could possibly have imagined. . . G.G. Vandagriff has written yet another Golden Age English mystery filled with familiar faces from her prior books and an entire collection of new Oxonians who are less . . . and more than they seem at first glance.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2020
308 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
G.G. Vandagriff
55 books325 followersG.G. Vandagriff is the author of over thirty novels Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. The Last Waltz, the first novel in her 20th Century Historical Romance Series won the Whitney Award for Best Historical Novel in 2009. There are now two more books in that series—Exile and Defiance.
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago.
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts.
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago.
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 29, 2022
Another lively, action packed episode in Oxford and other sites revolving around the archaeological dig close to Catherine's home where her father has permitted the dig but gets targeted amidst the illegal acts surrounding legitimate scholarship. Friends, Family, Romance, Scholarship...then enough trouble requiring MI6 help in the end.
This is a fun, light series I was happy to discover at the end of my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Jumping into the next in line of these Golden Age mystery books featuring attractive couple.
Kindle Unlimited
This is a fun, light series I was happy to discover at the end of my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Jumping into the next in line of these Golden Age mystery books featuring attractive couple.
Kindle Unlimited
September 20, 2020
3 1/2 stars. Murder and archaeology are two things I love and when you combine them in a good story that is even better. Catherine and fellows go to Catherine's home to clear a friend charged with stealing a rare artifact. Of course, murder soon follows but Catherine is also plagued by her distant relationship with her family. Lots of drama but a good read and it is nice to find out a little more about Catherine's family.
September 25, 2022
4.5, really. England, the times between the wars. I like these mysteries though they are intense, and really ride the line between cozy and scary.
September 3, 2020
Great mystery
I have read many of Ms. Vandgraff's books and they have all been good. This one is no exception. There is a mysterious theft, a friend accused, who Catherine and her friends need to save, a murder and Catherine almost gets killed as well, then her father is arrested for the murder! As if he would nearly kill his daughter trying to cover it up! She doesn't remember what happened because she had a head injury. There are many suspects and Catherine and her friends have their work cut out for them. You'll never guess who the bad guy is.
As usual the book is well written and edited. One little thing caught my attention as an editing error. It doesn't effect the story but I'm a retired nurse and it was hard to ignore. At one point Catherine's mother suffers a broken arm. Later it is found to be a compound fracture. A compound fracture is one where the skin is priced by a piece of the bone that is sharp from the break. It is bloody, extremely painful, and requires emergency surgery to fix, usually with screws. Even if they didn't use screws in this time period the nurse would not just set it and leave it to for a day or two recommending they get an xray days later. But like I said, most people wouldn't even notice the error and it doesn't distract from the story.
So I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories set in the 1930's, enjoys mysteries, and a nice sweet clean romance.
I have read many of Ms. Vandgraff's books and they have all been good. This one is no exception. There is a mysterious theft, a friend accused, who Catherine and her friends need to save, a murder and Catherine almost gets killed as well, then her father is arrested for the murder! As if he would nearly kill his daughter trying to cover it up! She doesn't remember what happened because she had a head injury. There are many suspects and Catherine and her friends have their work cut out for them. You'll never guess who the bad guy is.
As usual the book is well written and edited. One little thing caught my attention as an editing error. It doesn't effect the story but I'm a retired nurse and it was hard to ignore. At one point Catherine's mother suffers a broken arm. Later it is found to be a compound fracture. A compound fracture is one where the skin is priced by a piece of the bone that is sharp from the break. It is bloody, extremely painful, and requires emergency surgery to fix, usually with screws. Even if they didn't use screws in this time period the nurse would not just set it and leave it to for a day or two recommending they get an xray days later. But like I said, most people wouldn't even notice the error and it doesn't distract from the story.
So I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories set in the 1930's, enjoys mysteries, and a nice sweet clean romance.
February 2, 2024
This was quite disappointing. From being a capable, independent, 1930's woman, Catherine has become dependent on Harry. Her reunion with her parents was far too quick. I was also disappointed in that the author could not decide whether Sonny Nichol was Dot's brother or cousin. Sometimes he was both on the same page. It was a ridiculous mistake that shows that her books are not being edited properly, or that very little care has been taken.
Her continued use of Americanisms is also disappointing for a set of novels that are supposed to be about an English woman in England. "Gotten" has never been use in the UK. She has her characters eating an "entrée", when that course is never known by that term in England. There were similar mistakes in the first two novels, but not half as many as in this one.
There seems to be a lot of unnecessary padding. The main characters wander around discussing the case over and over again, barely interrogating suspects, and generally flailing about. There are fewer passages about Catherine's clothes, food, and naps which padded out the other two novels. But that is this novel's only saving grace. Don't think I'll be bothering with the rest in the series.
Her continued use of Americanisms is also disappointing for a set of novels that are supposed to be about an English woman in England. "Gotten" has never been use in the UK. She has her characters eating an "entrée", when that course is never known by that term in England. There were similar mistakes in the first two novels, but not half as many as in this one.
There seems to be a lot of unnecessary padding. The main characters wander around discussing the case over and over again, barely interrogating suspects, and generally flailing about. There are fewer passages about Catherine's clothes, food, and naps which padded out the other two novels. But that is this novel's only saving grace. Don't think I'll be bothering with the rest in the series.
April 27, 2022
4.5 Stars.
Depression era cozy set in Cornwall, UK. Catherine, 'Cat', Tregowyn's friend Dot asks her to help Dot's cousin, who is accused of stealing a valuable artifact from a dig in Cornwall. The trail leads back to Cat's ancestral home and her estranged parents. Then the Professor in charge of the ancient site is murdered and Cat is nearly killed as well. The story starts a bit slowly but picks up nicely when the cast arrives at Tregowyn Manor. The book is well written, with period correct language, and a nice mix of real locations and the fictional ones necessary to the story. It is plotted more densely than the average cozy as Cat has to deal with the after effects of a concussion, the awakening of long dormant feelings for her parents, an unwelcome suiter, as well as the mystery at the core of the book. I've been on a journey through a number of period mysteries of late and this is a fine example of the genre.
Depression era cozy set in Cornwall, UK. Catherine, 'Cat', Tregowyn's friend Dot asks her to help Dot's cousin, who is accused of stealing a valuable artifact from a dig in Cornwall. The trail leads back to Cat's ancestral home and her estranged parents. Then the Professor in charge of the ancient site is murdered and Cat is nearly killed as well. The story starts a bit slowly but picks up nicely when the cast arrives at Tregowyn Manor. The book is well written, with period correct language, and a nice mix of real locations and the fictional ones necessary to the story. It is plotted more densely than the average cozy as Cat has to deal with the after effects of a concussion, the awakening of long dormant feelings for her parents, an unwelcome suiter, as well as the mystery at the core of the book. I've been on a journey through a number of period mysteries of late and this is a fine example of the genre.
July 27, 2022
Cat does a stint as an archaeologist
Catherine Tregowyn is accomplished at most anything she tries, so when her sleuthing skills are requested by her friend Dot Cat jumps in. Dot’s cousin has been accused of theft from an archaeological dig on the lands of the Tregowyn manor. Cat’s parents have been unattentive during most of her life and she’s a bit disconcerted about returning home with Harry, a clearly inappropriate beau by her parent’s standards. Dot, Cat, and Harry all dive into the work at the dig, but a murder at the family home draws the three into the investigation. All of those in the dig are suspects, but the one arrested is a surprise. Another good entry in the series, with both a murder mystery and family drama.
Catherine Tregowyn is accomplished at most anything she tries, so when her sleuthing skills are requested by her friend Dot Cat jumps in. Dot’s cousin has been accused of theft from an archaeological dig on the lands of the Tregowyn manor. Cat’s parents have been unattentive during most of her life and she’s a bit disconcerted about returning home with Harry, a clearly inappropriate beau by her parent’s standards. Dot, Cat, and Harry all dive into the work at the dig, but a murder at the family home draws the three into the investigation. All of those in the dig are suspects, but the one arrested is a surprise. Another good entry in the series, with both a murder mystery and family drama.
October 28, 2020
Interesting Read
I have enjoyed this series to date and certainly recommend it to those looking for an interesting read. There were so many characters who easily could have been the murderer that I gave up trying to figure out who before the end of the book. I will say I had a little trouble keeping the characters straight because of the various names but that was just me. I did feel the ending was a little overly dramatic and not really necessary. If you haven’t given this series a try check it out. Somehow I missed the 2nd in the series so time for me to backtrack.
I have enjoyed this series to date and certainly recommend it to those looking for an interesting read. There were so many characters who easily could have been the murderer that I gave up trying to figure out who before the end of the book. I will say I had a little trouble keeping the characters straight because of the various names but that was just me. I did feel the ending was a little overly dramatic and not really necessary. If you haven’t given this series a try check it out. Somehow I missed the 2nd in the series so time for me to backtrack.
March 13, 2022
Catherine Tregowyn is a tutor at a college in Oxford. Her best friend Dot works for an ad agency in London. Her love interest, Harry is also a tutor at a different college in Oxford. When Dot's cousin, Sonny is arrested for stealing an artifact from an archeological dig on the Tregowyn Estate property, Catherine, Dot, and Harry work to solve the theft. I love the characters in this series. The mysteries are always twisted with many possible suspects. I love Ms. Vandagriff's descriptions of the 1930's era. Wonderful!
October 29, 2020
Another delightful Between war novel of broken British aristocracy, independent progeny - in this case a daughter, who would not inherit if there WAS money, and a mystery on a dig. Add in a romantic interest, British academia and “ filthy” weather in Cornwall and its a great”cozy mystery” but on steroids. Excellent and absorbingly confusing plot, intelligent dialogue and description make it a winner for a mental vacation !
October 31, 2020
Terrific!
Loved it! This is better than the first book in the series, which was excellent! Catherine and Harry are great characters, with interesting personalities. Through trial and error, they have learned to support and help each other! Set in Oxford in 1935, all the characters are experiencing a different world and learning how to deal with all the changes! This is an exciting investigation with a thrilling finale!
Loved it! This is better than the first book in the series, which was excellent! Catherine and Harry are great characters, with interesting personalities. Through trial and error, they have learned to support and help each other! Set in Oxford in 1935, all the characters are experiencing a different world and learning how to deal with all the changes! This is an exciting investigation with a thrilling finale!
December 28, 2022
When Catherine's best friend Dot's cousin Sonny is accused of stealing a Roman artefact from a dig on Catherine's family's ancestral estate, Catherine is eager to help Dot find the true culprit. So along with Catherine's friend Harry, another Oxford don, they travel down to Cornwall, where they meet all the archaeology team. Although trying to determine who and why isn't easy, it still puts Catherine in danger.
September 11, 2020
Mystery, Murder, and Mayhem
I thoroughly enjoyed all three Catherine Tregowyn Mysteries and hold there will be more. The characters and their interrelationships are well developed, the mysteries completely puzzling, and the resolutions perfection, especially since I was unable to solve them until Catherine did.
I thoroughly enjoyed all three Catherine Tregowyn Mysteries and hold there will be more. The characters and their interrelationships are well developed, the mysteries completely puzzling, and the resolutions perfection, especially since I was unable to solve them until Catherine did.
May 5, 2021
Another Great One
This third book in Vandagriffs’ 1930’s Golden Age mystery series is the best so far! The plot races along with an underlying theme of archeology which adds to the book’s interesting plot. This addition to the series has the perfect combination of mystery and suspense, with just a little romance thrown in. Highly recommended!
This third book in Vandagriffs’ 1930’s Golden Age mystery series is the best so far! The plot races along with an underlying theme of archeology which adds to the book’s interesting plot. This addition to the series has the perfect combination of mystery and suspense, with just a little romance thrown in. Highly recommended!
July 25, 2021
Riveting!
This installment is the best so far. It had me disliking Cat's parents immensely. The mystery itself was top draw. So many viable suspects. So many motives. So much double dealing in love and war. Whew! Lots of action. A plethora of emotions. Forgiveness and love. This book has it all!!!
This installment is the best so far. It had me disliking Cat's parents immensely. The mystery itself was top draw. So many viable suspects. So many motives. So much double dealing in love and war. Whew! Lots of action. A plethora of emotions. Forgiveness and love. This book has it all!!!
November 25, 2021
Some Oxford students and tutors, a Roma/Anglo Saxon archaeological dig, and aristocratic families suffering the financial impoverishment of the stock market Crash. This is a mystery with family tensions and amateur sleuthing that presents all possible contenders for thefts and murder as the key character try to identify and solve the clues, inviting readers to so so alongside them.
April 8, 2022
A bit too EMO but gets 4 stars for a good ending
Too much time is spent on Catherine's rich girl problems with her emotionally cold parents. However, resolution of the murder mystery ends with a bang, that part is sufficiently well written to bring this up from 3 to 4 stars on the Kindle unlimited scale.
Too much time is spent on Catherine's rich girl problems with her emotionally cold parents. However, resolution of the murder mystery ends with a bang, that part is sufficiently well written to bring this up from 3 to 4 stars on the Kindle unlimited scale.
May 8, 2022
Very slow start to me. Once it got going, it was really good. Like the inclusion of the "Trouble" although, taking the wrong side. :-) No mention of what the english were doing TO the irish I understand that the focus is on the threat from Hitler. And hindsight of course is a wonderful thing.:-)
August 13, 2022
Wonderful book
As I am making my way through the Catherine Tregowyn mysteries they just keep getting better and better. I can't wait to read the next one. I am anxious to find out what happens next but I know I am going to be sad when I have read the last book and there isn't one to look forward to reading. A wonderful book!
As I am making my way through the Catherine Tregowyn mysteries they just keep getting better and better. I can't wait to read the next one. I am anxious to find out what happens next but I know I am going to be sad when I have read the last book and there isn't one to look forward to reading. A wonderful book!
October 25, 2022
Getting even better!
Our protagonist, her love interest, and her best friend are called down to an archeological dig in Cornwall that just happens to be on her parents' estate. The purpose is to clear her best friend's cousin of the theft of a Roman tile, but what should happen at the dig but that the professor in charge who originally made the accusation is murdered!
Our protagonist, her love interest, and her best friend are called down to an archeological dig in Cornwall that just happens to be on her parents' estate. The purpose is to clear her best friend's cousin of the theft of a Roman tile, but what should happen at the dig but that the professor in charge who originally made the accusation is murdered!
December 29, 2022
I enjoy historical fiction. I realize liberty was taken in the dates of these artifacts being taken. However there are too many liberties taken for this to be historical fiction. “Trunk calls” in Britain were not introduced until 1957. This book is set in 1935. My idea of historical fiction is to tell a store but kept historical facts true.
September 11, 2020
Book 3 in the series gains momentum and we visit Catherine's home and parents in this investigation of an archaeologic theft. A romance is recovered and the heroine addresses her tattered relationship with her parents.
September 13, 2020
Could not put it down
Again strong well developed characters and outstanding job of putting the story in that strange time. Worry about what the Germans were doing but more so of the potential of another war.
Again strong well developed characters and outstanding job of putting the story in that strange time. Worry about what the Germans were doing but more so of the potential of another war.
September 27, 2020
More great fun
Set in the mid 1930s this series of mysteries is a diverting read. This is the third and I have enjoyed all three. I enjoy this historical period and the characters and the mysteries are a welcome escape in these trying times. I regret U shall have to wait for more.
Set in the mid 1930s this series of mysteries is a diverting read. This is the third and I have enjoyed all three. I enjoy this historical period and the characters and the mysteries are a welcome escape in these trying times. I regret U shall have to wait for more.
October 30, 2020
Fantastic!
I loved this book. You should definitely read the first two books in this series before this one. While it will stand alone, it's much better if you know the background. Very exciting and I didn't see the culprit until the end.
I loved this book. You should definitely read the first two books in this series before this one. While it will stand alone, it's much better if you know the background. Very exciting and I didn't see the culprit until the end.
December 27, 2020
I loved this story! The characters were very believable, most were endearing, and the plot was easily followed through all it's twists and turns. The ending was a bit of a surprise, due to the several red herrings dropped. I highly recommend this story, the author and the series.
February 24, 2021
Great series in 1935 England
Oxford dons. Romance. History. And murders. This three book series puts you in 1930's Oxford, with many bizarre characters, some impoverished nobility, and (of course) the odd villain.
Oxford dons. Romance. History. And murders. This three book series puts you in 1930's Oxford, with many bizarre characters, some impoverished nobility, and (of course) the odd villain.
March 24, 2021
Good Agatha Christie-ish mystery. However, the ending seemed to be contrived as if the author couldn't figure out whodunnit and therefore threw in another ending. The chosen murderer could have still been used but with other, more appropriate motives.
Disappointing.
Disappointing.
May 27, 2021
Murder, archaeology and terrorists
These stories keep getting better with each new book. The Cornish countryside, the dig and the murder mystery were very entertaining. This era for me is magical.
These stories keep getting better with each new book. The Cornish countryside, the dig and the murder mystery were very entertaining. This era for me is magical.
July 8, 2021
This was an exciting fun read set in the 1930's. Cat and Harry make quite a team as they work on a murder that takes place in Cat's ancestral home. She becomes closer to her parents. People do grow. Next they go across the pond to the US.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews