Murder at Wedgefield Manor

A Jane Wunderly Mystery #2

by Erica Ruth Neubauer

In the wake of World War I, Jane Wunderly—a thoroughly modern young American widow—is traveling abroad, enjoying the hospitality of an English lord and a perfectly proper manor house, until murder makes an unwelcome appearance . . .

England, 1926: Wedgefield Manor, deep in the tranquil Essex countryside, provides a welcome rest stop for Jane and her matchmaking Aunt Millie before their return to America. While Millie spends time with her long-lost daughter, Lillian, and their host, Lord Hughes, Jane fills the hours devouring mystery novels and taking flying lessons—much to Millie’s disapproval. But any danger in the air is eclipsed by tragedy on the ground when one of the estate’s mechanics, Air Force veteran Simon Marshall, is killed in a motorcar collision.

The sliced brake cables prove this was no accident, yet was the intended victim someone other than Simon? The house is full of suspects—visiting relations, secretive servants, strangers prowling the grounds at night—and also full of targets. The enigmatic Mr. Redvers, who helped Jane solve a murder in Egypt, arrives on the scene to once more offer his assistance. It seems that everyone at Wedgefield wants Jane to help protect the Hughes family. But while she searches for answers, is she overlooking a killer hiding in plain sight?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2021

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to be reading a lot of 1920's cosy mysteries lately and I enjoy them all although some are better than others of course. Murder at Wedgefield Manor is one of the good ones.

This was my first book by this author and she writes really well which is always a good start! Her main character, Jane Wunderly, is a competent, intelligent young woman which was a refreshing change from some I have come across in this genre. A realistic and appealing romantic interest, an interesting mystery and some serious detective work completes the requirements for a great read.

I notice though that I have missed book one. I must put that right very soon.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Natalia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Jane Wunderly Mystery series by Erica Ruth Neubauer. American WW1 widow Jane and her aunt Millie are staying at Wedgefield Manor in the picturesque English countryside so that Millie can spend some time with her daughter Lillian and Lillian's father Lord Hughes. When one of Lord Hughes' employees is found dead, and everyone staying at the manor becomes a suspect, Jane teams up with the dashing Mr. Redvers to find the killer.

I thought this was a wonderful addition to the series and my favorite of the two books. This installment has all the fixings of a great country house mystery. The characters are well-rounded, the English countryside setting perfect, and the murder mystery puzzling and filled with family secrets. Jane is a fun, likable, and intelligent protagonist. She's starting to feel like an old friend, and I look forward to solving more mysteries with her. I'm going to miss the English setting but I'm excited for the third book that will most likely be set in America. Redvers has hinted that he is going there as well, so I'm excited to see more development in his and Jane's relationship.
All in all, this was a fun mystery. If you like historical cozy mysteries, you should definitely give this series a try.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the The Jane Wunderly Mystery Series. I had not read book 1. It didn’t matter. I quickly settled with these characters.
Set in Essex countryside , England in 1926, this is a welcome rest and change of pace for Jane and her matchmaking Aunt Millie, before they return to America. Millie enjoys being with her daughter Lillian who is a keen golfer and host Lord Hughes and others staying there. Meanwhile Jane is occupied with flying lessons from Group Captain Chris Hammond, and reading mystery novels. Then one of the estate’s mechanics, Air Force veteran Simon Marshall, is killed in a car accident When that turns out to be because of sliced brake cables on the car, it ends up being a murder to solve. Was Simon really the target? Or could it have been meant for Lord Hughes?
It’s not the first time Jane has been involved in a murder case..She helped solve one with Redvers before in Egypt. They team up again this time to solve the murder mystery. But could they both end up in danger as they seek the killer?
This is an engaging cosy. Jane and Redvers are interesting characters and easy to care about. It was a great setting and a good mystery with a few red herrings thrown in, though I was pleased to see I picked the murderer right. A fun journey as the author uncovers secrets and suppositions,
Jane is an intelligent young woman who has had a hard marriage to an abusive husband. Now, since her husband’s death, she values the freedom as a single woman . She is not afraid to be independent and fend for herself, but also not too proud to admit when she needs help. The romantic interest is well done and believable. Set in the 1920s this is an enjoyable historical mystery novel that maintains interest throughout. I think many people will enjoy it as I did. Time for me to read more in this series.

[Joan Happel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spunky Jane Wunderly is reunited with the mysterious Mr. Redvers for this 2nd installment in Neubauer’s mystery series. This time around the pair are investigating the death of WWI veteran Simon Marshall. What at first seems to be a tragic car accident soon becomes a murder investigation. Evoking the classic English country house murder mysteries of Agatha Christie; Jane, along with Aunt Millie, Aunt Millie’s daughter Lillian, and Lillian’s friend Marie are all staying at Lord Hugh’s country estate. Soon joined by Redvers the mystery unfolds, but not before someone else is killed and others are threatened.

Likeable characters and an intriguing mystery lend to the enjoyment of this cozy 1920s historical mystery novel. Throw in a slow-burning romance, an offbeat chase scene, and a satisfying ending and this is a delightful addition to this new series. I can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists and turns and intrigues galore make for a fine 1920s mystery set in the glorious British countryside. American WWI widow Jane Wunderly stops by Wedgefield Manor In Essex before a planned trip home. She’s come with her Aunt Millie, arriving after an eventful trip to Egypt, where Jane helped solve a murder in the series’ debut. Book 2 keeps you rapt as a suspicious car crash kills a Manor employee. Can Jane nose through scads of suspects to catch the killer? Will the mysterious Mr. Redvers, who arrives from Egypt, be able to aid her search here as he did there? Gentle reader, take heart. All will be revealed as you sit white-knuckled at the edge of your settee. Tea, anyone?

4 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 30 Mar 2021
#MurderatWedgefieldManor #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane has journeyed to Lord Hughes house with Aunt Millie. It’s 1926 and Jane is learning to fly. One of the men working on Lord Hughes’s property is murdered and thus begins a series of attempted murders with Lord Huges being charged. As it happens Redvers turns up—again! It seems Aunt Millie invited him. Which is just as well as he’s in time to assist Jane with her enquires, even as the police would rather she didn’t.
Another intriguing mystery with the fair Jane.

[Dianne Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a country house murder mystery. Add a dash of romance, some family secrets, interesting secondary characters, and a wonderful protagonist like Jane Wunderly and you have all the ingredients for an enjoyable read. I highly recommend Murder at Wedgefield Manor and am looking forward to the next installment!

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Wunderly and her aunt Millie are spending some time at Wedgefield Manor as the guest of Lord Hughes on their way home to America. Jane is enjoying the quiet after their trip to Egypt, but she’s especially enjoying learning to fly. However, things get complicated quickly when the estate’s mechanic, Simon, dies in a motorcar accident. It is quickly ruled a murder, and Millie asks Jane to investigate. It seems everyone she talks to is hiding a secret. But who is the killer?

I enjoyed the first visit to 1926 with Jane, so it was a pleasure to meet up with her again. Jane is a strong lead, and I was impressed with how many of the characters from the first book were logically included here. All the characters are fun with great growth. The many secrets kept the plot moving and did a perfect job of keeping me confused until we got near the end. I did feel that the characters had some modern attitudes to some situations that came up, but it was a minor issue for me. If you haven’t read the first book, some of the character’s backstories are spoiled here, so if you care about that, you’ll want to read the books in order. I enjoyed my second visit with Jane, and I’m curious to see where she will wind up next.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I wrote about everything I liked about this book, my review would be one sentence long. However, I am going to write about everything I hated about it, so this is going to be very long. Buckle up.

I greatly enjoyed the first book in this series. I found it incredibly promising, and I was excited to read more, especially since truly well-written, historically accurate cozy mysteries are hard to come by when you're as picky as I am. I also liked the love interest and the main character's dynamic with him, and I looked forward to their witty banter in future installments.

ALAS. ALAS.

I started this book right after finishing the other, but it didn't catch my interest, so I put it down for about a week. This story's initial set-up wasn't particularly interesting to me, and the characters all felt like stock characters.

The story remains very dull throughout. I kept expecting the mystery to pick up the pace, but it never did, and the characters' circuitous investigations and the police force's attempts at investigation are mainly just word-padding, without anyone discovering much of anything. There is also a whole side story about an intruder on the property that eats up page time without contributing to the plot well. As I read this, I considered that the main reason this was so bad is because there was no suspense, and because the stakes were so low.

The person who was killed had zero character development, and wasn't essential to the lives of anyone there. Some people cared about his death more than others, but no one was deeply motivated by a desire to see justice for this person as an individual who they had a relationship with. Secondarily, even though Lord What's-His-Name was suspected of the murder due to circumstantial evidence, it never seemed likely that anyone was actually going to arrest him. The amateur sleuths and the police force were all pretty convinced that this was a frame-up job, so there wasn't any intensity to the plot related to clearing an innocent man's name or freeing him from jail.

The story blunders along very slowly, and the author attempts to stir up drama by having Jane act like an immature teenager around Redvers, the love interest. The previous book portrayed her baggage from an abusive marriage in a realistic and meaningful way, showing why she would feel uncertain about pursuing a relationship again. In this book, there are perfunctory references to the previous marriage, but this lacks the depth of the previous book, and her behavior is mostly erratic, inconsistent, and immature. Jane's on-again, off-again affections and constant mixed signals can certainly be a sign of trauma, but she just seems rude, selfish, and childish, without her having enough self-awareness or meaningful reflection for the reader to sympathize with why she is kissing this man at one minute and alienating him with harsh, dismissive behavior the next.

Redvers, for his part, is very emotionally mature, but the romantic arc suffers from a lack of chemistry. He is an Upstanding Gentleman, and she is an Uncertain Female, and all of the sparks between them fade out in this dynamic, without any real chemistry or entertaining banter. They trade words that the author probably meant to be witty, but they just have the same arguments over and over again about whether or not they're sharing information appropriately in their investigative efforts.

The whole thing is just SO DULL. And the reveal isn't that interesting either, since the guilty party didn't get any character development either. That person is guilty because of deducible elements related to their position within the cast of characters and how they would benefit, but it seems like puzzle pieces snapping into place, not like an actual story.

Then there's also the horribly realized attempt at LGBT representation, which could not have been less historically accurate and shattered what little suspension of disbelief I had left. Granted, modern authors who attempt to write LGBT representation in historical settings usually do a horrible job, and the only example I can think of regarding a true, unmitigated success was the plot line in Victoria season two, which fit with the world of ideas and the surrounding culture in a realistic way. It was AMAZING. Especially since the bar is as low as what I'm about to describe.

(Please note that the following analysis is somewhat spoilery, even though I'm obviously not recommending this book and don't think the spoilers should matter.)

During the first book, I immediately suspected that a side character, Marie, was gay. The author makes repeated, heavy-handed references to how infatuated Marie is with Lillian, and I expected another shoe to drop later in that book or in the sequel. I was absolutely right. Lillian, who remains woefully undeveloped as a character, indicates in a conversation with Jane that she is aromantic/asexual, so there's nothing happening there, but Marie swiftly becomes involved with Poppy, a visiting friend of Lillian's family.

Jane stumbles upon Marie and Poppy making out in a room of the house. They don't see her, and she is totally chill with the whole thing, as everyone in 1926 clearly would be. She is basically like, "Ah, how nice! Young ladies in love. Some people would judge, but I am so high-minded that I'm overjoyed to see them so happy! How wonderful. What a delight." She keeps harping on this for the rest of the book, every time she thinks about anything related to the girls or sees them interacting. I should have counted the number of times when she was So Pleased To See Them Happy Together.

I wondered if the author was being deliberately inaccurate to portray the world as she wishes it was, or if she actually has no idea what 1926 was like. The story fell apart more and more as other people found about the relationship, and of course, they were just as supportive! Jane feels sorrowful for misjudging these people and thinking that she should keep the secret from them, because of course they are all very open-minded. OF COURSE they would never feel scandalized, flustered, or embarrassed, let alone actually disapprove of the relationship. Only Marie's missionary parents would! They would disown her, but they're out of step with the rest of society, because obviously everyone else is falling over themselves to share their approval.

GUYS. IN 1926, BEING OPEN-MINDED MEANS THAT YOU WERE OKAY WITH DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE.

DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE.

This author wanted to pretend that 1926 was set squarely after the sexual revolution. She also wanted to pretend that her cast of characters would be singularly supportive, to a level that would have been unrealistic and unlikely in most settings in 2006. These characters don't even come around to being supportive. They're just like, "Oh, yes, of course! So glad they're happy. Why would you think I would disapprove?" the moment that they find out. In fact, Redvers is offended that Jane didn't tell him, and that she had kept this a secret.

WHY? Normal people would keep other people's scandalous secrets in 1926? That would be the proper and kind thing to do, especially when this was something that was considered deeply scandalous and that people were socially ostracized for. Also, why does everyone assume that others should have felt totally chill discussing something regarding people's private, sexual lives, when that wasn't something typically discussed in upper class, polite society anyway? Even if it was an affair between a man and a woman, people still would have felt tight-lipped about it due to social decency towards the secret partners and their own likely sense of embarrassment.

I gritted my teeth and plunged through the rest of this fantasy land quickly to get to the end. Of course, once the murderer is revealed, they have plenty of choice words to say about the gay couple! Because of course, the only people in 1926 who disapproved of lesbian relationships were cold-blooded murderers and kidnappers who foamed at the mouth with uncontrolled rage and yelled hateful things about gay people at the police station.

The story concludes with its moralistic, inaccurate, distorted image of reality so that the author can pat herself on the back about how inclusive she is, with absolutely no effort to represent anything about LGBT experiences in 1926, explore people's actual opinions about sexuality in 1926, or tell a realistic or engaging story. I could have believed that one or two characters in the cast would be chill about the relationship, but they would have had to explain themselves more and do more to justify their socially abnormal opinions, and it was absurd for almost the whole cast of characters to fall like dominoes into total, unquestioning acceptance.

I found this book incredibly, disgustingly disappointing. I wish I wasn't writing such a scathing review after enjoying the first book so much and appreciating the author's work then, but I cannot hold myself back out of courtesy for her. However, despite how horrible this book was, I will still read the forthcoming third book, to see if things improve. The first book was so good that I want to believe that this was a one-off, and that the rest of the series will be better.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Jane was a little annoying in the first book but I enjoyed her quirkiness in this story. It didn’t hurt that Mr. Redvers showed up too.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas's Thoughts

Moving on from Egypt Jane and her Aunt Millie make a stop at Wedgefield Manor in the countryside of Essex, England so that Millie can have some quality time with her long-lost daughter, Lillian. Millie is also enjoying time with their host Lord Hughes. Meanwhile, Jane spends her time reading mystery novels and taking flying lessons. Millie would rather have her using her feminine wiles to land a man.

Not long after their arrival one of the estate's mechanics, Air Force veteran Simon Marshall, is killed when the car he is driving crashes into a tree. Mr. Redvers arrives to inform everyone of the man's death and reveals it was not an accident. Someone had cut the brake lines. Redvers offers to stay and assist in catching the murderer. Jane is happy about that and looks forward to working with him again. But their investigation isn't going to be easy. The manor is full of visitors and servants and even mysterious strangers and they are all suspects. Plus they are not even sure Simon was the intended victim. She and Redvers will have to work through all the secrets and clues to uncover the killer. While at it, maybe she can uncover what her true feelings are for Mr. Redvers as well.

______

Again Ms. Neubauer takes us back in time, to England in 1926 and the country estate of Lord Hughes, a very complicated man with more than a few secrets. Several characters including Lord Hughes from Murder at the Mena House return in Murder at Wedgefield Manor so we get to know them better and in different ways.

Jane Wunderly is a great protagonist. She is strong-willed, smart, independent and ready for almost anything. She has grown quite a bit since the first book in this series. Jane and Mr. Redvers make a very good team and I enjoyed the way their feelings for each other played a major part in this story. I like a little romance with my mystery and this one continued to develop over the course of this story in a very natural way, especially for a woman who has sworn off every getting married again. Millie is still trying to play matchmaker for Jane so she is thrilled when Mr. Redvers arrives on the scene. Her daughter Lillian has devoted herself to bettering her golf game in hopes of playing in tournaments. Like Jane, all these characters are well-developed and their growth continued throughout the story.

There are a lot of new characters introduced too. They are all unique and I never felt overwhelmed getting to know them and how they fit into the realm of things at the manor. It was interesting and I was pleased to see that Lord Hughes hired so many veterans from the war. They were all dealing with emotional or physical disabilities, sometimes both. They were realistically portrayed but there is more than just the Lord's generous nature behind these hirings.

The murder mystery was very well-plotted and written. The police, Redvers, and Jane all were active in the investigation and I like the way they worked together. Clues were sorted through, secrets were revealed and some good honest legwork came together leading up to an exciting chase to catch the killer. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of solving this mystery.

I must also say the setting of Lord Hughes's estate was wonderfully described. From the manor house itself to the outbuildings and the countryside, the author took this reader on a wonderful virtual trip to a beautiful place at a fascinating time.

Murder at Wedgefield Manor was a stirring story filled with an entertaining cast of characters. The mystery was compelling and the setting ideal. I can't wait to see what is next for Jane as her journey continues.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book in the series. Although I did not find it as engaging as the first one, and it seemed to lack the same feel of intrigue (that could be due to the Egyptian setting of the first book, where this one is set in England), the mystery was well done and the outcome satisfying. Jane and Aunt Millie are back and are up to mischief. Or, in Aunt Millie's case, trying to spend time with her daughter and the man she loved. Murder At Wedgefield Manor has plenty of interest, fun characters, with just enough history and action to keep the story moving.

Jane is one of those characters that you are always excited to read about. She has gone through a nightmarish marriage and has recovered most of her self-worth, but she has flaws and fears just like any real-life person. She is outgoing, adventurous, and mostly happy with her newfound freedom, and the man she has come to realize is very important in her life. While spending time at a manor house in England with her aunt, life becomes exciting as Jane learns more about her strict, old-fashioned aunt’s past and how to fly. Other characters in this series are equally interesting and add to the action, especially Redvers.

A young man is killed, and Redvers shows up to help Jane save the day. There aren’t many suspects, mainly those staying at or working at the manor, but those that there are all have a reason to want young Simon out of the way, or so it seems. Evidence is abundant, but readers will need to have their sleuthing caps on to unravel every red herring. The setting of England and its countryside invokes ideas of lord and ladies, wealth, history, and grandeur which makes it difficult to think about murder. But the investigation shows there is more than one secret to uncover at this manor house. After a harrowing chase, Jane and Redvers catch the killer and are heroes once more.

Who wouldn’t enjoy spending time in England, living in a manor house, and not having to do anything other than enjoy yourself? Murder At Wedgefield Manor reflects the era and shows growth and maturity in the characters and the plot. This is a wonderful story filled with action, adventure, quirky characters, and a delightful mystery. I highly recommend this book and series if readers want a great adventure back in time.

[amp · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't wowed by the first book in this series although I liked the Egyptian setting. This one takes place in the English countryside but the same faults plaguing the first one are present here. Jane is so brilliant she finds things trained police inspectors miss and expects them to include her in the investigation and gets huffy when they don't, etc. There was even a part where she got irritated because she wasn't going to be allowed to sit in on the interrogation and she claimed it was because she was a woman. I get the amateur sleuth aspect of these cozy mysteries but characters don't have to be obnoxious and think they're smarter than the investigators. Mostly, this book just annoyed me. And does Redvers even have a first name? I can't remember if it was ever mentioned. Overall, I think this series is just okay for me and I probably won't continue reading it.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This follow up to 'Murder at the Mena House' was so much fun and a fabulous second adventure with Jane. Everyone was mostly here with some new characters. The english countryside setting was fun as was the post WW1 themes, social customs of the day and the mystery. I'm really really loving this new series and can't wait to see where it goes next.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happily widowed Jane Wunderly is resting up at Lord Hughes' manor by taking flying lessons in the morning and reading in the afternoon. Things change when one of Hughes' proteges is killed in an auto crash and police find that the brake lines were cut. Then Redvers--who saved Jane's life in Egypt--shows up as another guest. Lord Hughes employs veterans of the Great War on his domestic staff, and his golf-obsessed daughter has a clinging girlfriend, but they seem like unlikely suspects. Then there's Hughes himself, and his young nephew, who arrived after the death, and--unthinkably--Jane's Aunt Millie, who seems very close to Hughes. Jane, who has vowed never to marry again, fights her attraction to Redvers, who seems reluctant to explain his actions.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Solid Stars

I loved this delightful addition to the series.
I quite enjoyed the mystery, the romances and the inclusion of LGBTQA+ characters as well as POC characters.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this would have been better served by reading it closer to when I read the first one, but I liked this! And I like the inclusion of queer characters without it being a real thing.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this continuation of Jane Wunderly’s adventures! The characters, by far, are the best part of these novels. Instead of Egypt, this story finds us in a stately English manor when an “accident” appears to be more sinister than accidental– and the stakes get higher and higher as other things start to go awry.

I love Jane as a protagonist, and I think the story between her and Redvers is SUPER fun and compelling– my only complaint is that it is a bit too slow of a burn in this installment and feels like it barely moved along. The other piece that didn’t quite capture me as much as book one was the setting– I totally lost myself in the sense of place in Egypt in book one, and was a little less captivated by the English setting here, or rather– it just felt very familiar and less exciting.

ALL of that said– I thought the dynamics between touchstone characters (Millie, Lillian, Jane) were really captivating and I can’t wait to see where this goes next. And I love the sparks of modernity to be found throughout the novel– these stories aren’t content to fall into the same old tropes, and I LOVE that.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author (local to me!) for a chance to read an early copy!

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this follow-on to Murder at the Mena House

Jane and her aunt Millie are breaking their return trip to the US by visiting Lord Hughes at his country estate. While Millie and Lord Hughes are catching up on old times, Jane amuses herself with taking flying lessons. This idyllic holiday takes a dramatic turn when one of the employees, a young veteran of the Great War, dies in a car wreck.
The plot clicks into action with the arrival of the mysterious Mr Redvers and the revelation that Simon's crash was no accident.
What then unfolds is a clever mystery, with a number of suspects, and doubt over exactly who was the intended victim. I enjoyed watching Jane and Redvers do their unofficial sleuthing. I felt a good bit of pity for Inspector Greyson, who made the error of trying to keep Jane out of the loop. I figured out 'whodunnit' early on. but that didn't spoil my enjoyment in watching the twists and turns .
I'm already looking forward to the next book.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s interesting but the characters seem to lack depth and there’s too much romance. The main character acts like a teenager in love/not in love instead of someone who has been married and considers herself rather worldly and modern.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably more 3.5. I enjoyed it, but I missed the Egyptian setting of the first book. It was nice to spend more time with these characters though.

[Andree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favourite new cozy mystery series. I mean, I am predisposed to enjoy a cosy mystery series set in the 1920s. I admit that. But here's the thing, this one has:

- Fun settings (the last one was set in a hotel in Cairo, this one is set in a British country house)

- Well-developed side characters. I really warmed to Jane's golf-fanatic of a cousin Lilian, who was blunt, and driven, but also kind-hearted and astute in this one. I also really like Lillian's somewhat difficult friend Marie. Also, Lilian's flighty cousin Poppy was interestingly done as that type of character, in that she wasn't *only* flightly. Actually, that's why I like most of the characters, they tend to be at least a little bit nuanced.

- I like how the characters don't always get 100% perfect background information on people, or there are misunderstandings, and they have to revisit things.

- There are some reasonable attempts at inclusion and diversity. And I continue to enjoy how character stereotypes are often subtly subverted.

- I'm super into a slow burn romance.

- Seriously, I really like the couple's dynamic, so that's getting a second bullet. Their whole relationship is so clearly based in a mutual respect coupled wiht an attraction. Also, they're both... they're both so just not judgemental and reasonable about things. Do they get upset about things? Yes, of course they do. (At least, I assume they both do - we're in Jane's head so we have a better sense of her feelings, but Redvers has at the very least demonstrated frustration.) Do they sometimes have miscommunications? Yes. But they both tend to think about them rationally. In the last book they both acknowledged when a misunderstanding was reasonable. In this one Redvers - in frustration- tells Jane that he doens't like when she retreats from dealing with anything to do with her emotions. And then, THEN, she acknoweldgeds the point. And says it's something they'll have to talk about later. And they do, at least a little bit. They're my favourites.

These books are why I like mystery series with romantic subplots. The mysteries drive the action of the individual books, so while the romantic elements often progress, and contain dramatic elements, they often don't get too melodramatic (unless it's more of a gothic mystery - which can be fun too).

I mean, the books have their flaws (still not sold on Jane's aunt Millie), certainly. But mostly, I just think these books rae doing a really good job of doing what they're trying to do.

Why are there only two of these books? And why doesn't the next one come out until next year? It appears to be set on a boat, and I have loved mysteries set on boats since reading Dragons in the Waters when I was about 12. I want it now.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erica Ruth Neubauer has written a marvellous second instalment in her Jane Wunderly Mystery series. American WW1 widow Jane and her Aunt Millie are staying at Wedgefield Manor in the picturesque English Essex countryside so that Millie can spend some time with Lord Hughes and his daughter, Lillian. Jane, who is currently enjoying taking flying lessons also spends some of her leisure time reading mystery novels. Lord Hughes makes a concerted effort to hire wounded veterans and after dinner and during drinks one evening, one of them, Flight Lieutenant Simon Marshall shows an interest in Lillian. When a disagreement ensues Simon loses his temper but calms down a little before abruptly leaving the room. The noise of a car engine, the beam of headlights and the spitting of gravel alerts the group in the drawing-room that one of Lord Hughes' cars is being driven at high speed away from the house and the driver is Simon Marshall. The next morning whilst Jane is eating her eggs, bacon and toast, Mr Redvers turns up with bad news; there's been a fatal car accident...

This instalment has everything required for a perfect country manor estate mystery. The characters are well created and layered, and the English countryside setting is beautifully described. The protagonist Jane, a war widow, is full of fun, intelligent and very engaging. I enjoyed the mystery aspect which was a puzzle, the family secrets and the understated humour. I'm planning on reading the first book that I've missed, Murder at the Mena House and I'm very much looking forward to solving more mysteries with Jane as well as satisfying my curiosity as to where she'll wind up next. I have no hesitation in recommending Murder at Wedgefield Manor and if you favour historical cozy mysteries, you should definitely give this series a try.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

After really enjoying the first book in this series, I was so glad to get the ARC for this second one, and I was not disappointed! Picking up from where the last one left off, Jane, her Aunt Millie and Millie's daughter Lillian are back in England with Lillian's Uncle/Father [that bit is a little confusing and I am not really sure who knows what, but for now, everyone seems happy with the status quo] and Lillian's friend Marie on Sir Hughes estate. Jane is taking flying lessons [MUCH to the dismay of her Aunt] from a former RAF pilot and generally loving life. The only thing that is missing is the man she cannot [even when she really wants to] stop thinking about, Mr. Readvers. And then one of the staff is killed, Mr. Readvers shows up and the game is on. Again. As Jane and Readvers rush to find the killer before they strike again, they also must contend with their growing attraction to each other and Jane needs to decide if she can, finally, let someone else into her life.

I really enjoyed this book for the most part, even when I realized I knew who the killer was and then I knew the why, as the story is entertaining and keeps you on your toes as it moves towards the conclusion. And the reveal, while a familiar sad tale, was very well done and I think that one will be satisfied with it. A really good read and I will absolutely be looking forward to book 3!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Erica Ruth Neubauer, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another book I read awhile ago and I am now bringing this review to Goodreads. This was also a donation to my Little Free Library, so I had not been aware of this series. Apparently, this is the second book in the series, so I had to do a bit of catch-up as to who is who. This is also a cozy historical mystery series. It is 1926, and there are a few characters gathered at a remote English country manor house owned by the mysterious Lord Hughes. One of his residents has been murdered, and he is now the major suspect. Jane, an American widow (she is the major protagonist), and her moody Aunt Millie, a former lover of their host, are visitors. Are you still with me? As an amateur detective, Jane gets to question all the various guests along with her host. Oh no, might she be a potential murder victim, as well? You mean there might be more mischief afoot? The main female characters are unconventional and have distinct personalities which are rather refreshing. Also, there are surprise twists, and some Agatha Christie type nuances as it comes to a conclusion to the mystery. 3.5 stars.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Wedgefield Manor is the second book in the Jane Wunderly cozy mystery series and was a great addition to this series. Jane is a smart and strongly independent female for the 1920's. I loved that she was learning to fly an airplane during this book. A manor house mystery with multiple suspects, many intriguing twists that kept me guessing. I confess that I did figure out who was behind the murder and mayhem before Jane and Redvers but by only one chapter. I also confess that Jane's Aunt Millie is one of those characters that gets on my nerves repeatedly so I'm hoping that she stays in England for a while longer if Jane returns to America. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Betsy Cornwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Wunderly is a young widow with a penchant for solving mysteries and flying airplanes, not exactly the most lady-like pursuits in 1920's England. She and her Aunt Millie are visiting Lord Hughes and his daughter, Lillian, who are somewhat more than old friends to Millie. Lord Hughes' mechanic, Simon, drives off in a rage, but is his death really accidental? Is Simon something more than just a mechanic? is Jane's flying instructor really who he says he is? What about Lord Hughes? Does Millie know him as well as she thought? And then there's the intrepid Redvers. How did he get from the first book to this one? Can Jane trust her feelings about him? And what are her feelings, for that matter?
You'll just have to read the book because I'm not telling.

[Kristy Drážovská · Rating 5 out of 5]

MI-LU-JEM. Prosím všetkých svätých, bohov Olympu a všetko božie, aby táto séria neskončila nekompletne, ale aby Ikar preložil všetky časti. Už teraz túžim po ďalšom! Prípady Jane W sú návykové, vtipné, dômyselné, zamotané a naozaj famózne! Séria má všetko, čo by dobrá detektívka mala mať - počnúč skvelou hrdinkou, až po neuveriteľne charizmatického pána Redversa (ich chémia sa ani nedá vyjadriť slovami). Musím povedať, že mi tieto prípady prirástli k srdcu a po dočítaní druhého dielu by som mala najradšej v rukách hneď ďalší. Budem sa snažiť byť trpezlivá, ale prosím prosím, preložte aj ďalšie...

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad. I’ll continue with the series.

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

4/1/2021 3.5 stars. Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.

4/2/2021 After the events at Mena House, Egypt, in the first novel of this 1920s-set historical mystery series, our heroine, the widowed American Jane Wunderly, and her (obnoxious) Aunt Millie decide to take up residence at Wedgefield Manor, an estate in the English countryside owned by Lord Hughes, a former and possibly future paramour of Aunt Millie's. But they aren't just there for the sake of Aunt Millie's romantic prospects. Lord Hughes' adopted daughter, Lillian, is actually Millie's child, and Millie wants to get to know her now-grown daughter a little better.

While Millie is working on her social life, Jane is taking advantage of the presence of a genuine RAF pilot and his Moth to take flying lessons, much to Millie's disapproval. But it's a far more mundane vehicle that causes tragedy for their household, when estate mechanic Simon Marshall goes for a nighttime drive and ends up the victim of a fatal crash. After the police discover that the car's brakes were cut and that evidence points to Lord Hughes being the culprit, Jane must solve another murder mystery, as her aunt begs her for help in clearing his name and protecting their daughter.

This is a tidy puzzle of a murder mystery with some excellent ace-aro and lesbian representation. And while I did side eye Jane asking the veteran with the West Indies accent if he didn't want to go "home" after the war, I thought the race and class consciousness throughout were pretty good. The main issue I had with this book is that it drags considerably in the middle third: fortunately, it picks up towards the end, even before I figured out whodunnit and why.

Overall, a decent cozy mystery that does the required job of cleansing my reading palate between books. Not too challenging, but better than half the stuff out there today (and I say that as someone who reads at least one cozy mystery a week.)

Murder At Wedgefield Manor by Erica Ruth Neubauer was published March 30 2021 by Kensington Books and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop! Want it now? For the Kindle version, click here.