Skelton's Guide to Domestic Poisons: The sharp-witted historical whodunnit

Arthur Skelton #1

by David Stafford

Unassuming Yorkshireman, Arthur Skelton, is one of the most celebrated and recognisable barristers in the land. His success in the high-profile Dryden case - 'the scandal of 1929' - catapulted him to the front pages of the national newspapers. His services are now much in demand and, after careful consideration, he agrees to defend Mary Dutton. Dubbed 'The Collingford Poisoner' by the press, Mary is accused of poisoning her husband after years of abuse. Together with his trusted assistant, Skelton digs deeper and discovers that secrets and lies run deep in the Dutton family and all is not as it appears.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Crime, Historical Mystery, British Literature

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2020

About the author

David Stafford is a writer, broadcaster and occasional musician born in Birmingham, England. David began his career in fringe and community theatre in the 1970s. In the early 1980s, he collaborated and toured with Alexei Sayle, which resulted in two series for Capital Radio, two films for TV ('Itch and Didn't You Kill My Brother?), a book, Great Bus Journeys of the World, and various songs and recordings including Doctor Marten’s Boots. At the same time he was a presenter on the Channel 4 consumer programme 4 What It’s Worth and contributed to many arts programmes and documentaries including The Media Show (Channel 4) and extensively to The Late Show (BBC2). His TV plays include Dread Poets Society (BBC2) co-written with the poet Benjamin Zephaniah, My Little Grey Home In The West and Catherine. For ten years he wrote a weekly column for the Saturday Guardian, eventually called Staffordshire Bull. During the 1990s, he presented Tracks for BBC2, Going Places for BBC Radio 4 and was a regular panellist on Radio 4’s literary parody game Booked. David frequently stood in for John Peel as the presenter of Home Truths (BBC Radio 4). After Peel’s death, he became first one of the pool of presenters and later sole presenter of the programme. For the past five years he has taught a screenwriting course at Birkbeck College, University of London.

Reviews

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was called "The Latter-Day Galahad". The Dryden case, the scandal of 1929, was deemed a "masterpiece of forensic eloquence". Hannah Dryden sued her husband for defamation of character after he authored "Mistress of Mayfair", a so-called "true to life account of Hannah's supposed debaucheries". Barrister for the prosecution, Arthur Skelton, wore thick glasses and had a pronounced limp. "...instead of attacking the defence case he praised it...he congratulated Maurice Dryden on his literary invention and his cast of witnesses, on their ability to tell spellbinding stories...as he exposed the implausibility of these stories". Shelton was now recognized everywhere!

Stop the funeral! Mary Dutton's husband cannot be buried! An autopsy was ordered. Pathological findings indicated "substantial amounts of arsenic administered in small doses over a period of time". Mary Dutton is called "The Collingford Poisoner", her picture splashed on the front cover of the Herald. "And now, at last, the British had an arsenic killer all of their own. And she looked like Lillian Gish". Mary didn't have a chance. Rat poison was found in her pantry...but...Ted Dutton was a cruel wife beater. He beat his wife with fists, sticks, kitchen utensils and regularly beat his children. Mary had the means-motive-opportunity to bring about Ted's demise. Did she do it?

A general election was coming. Why not hire the "Latter-Day Galahad" for this potential landmark case. A "Mary Dutton Defence Fund" was established by one of the political candidates running for office. If Skelton wins, his fame will skyrocket, if he loses, his star will crash and burn. Many women, wearing homemade sashes and displaying banners, "Mary Dutton Defence League" quietly gathered while newspapers claimed "the flappers were taking to the streets...the threat of civil unrests, especially where women were involved". "It is clear that the Mary Dutton case is regarded as something of a cause celebre".

Edgar Hobbes, Skelton's assistant helped him to theorize, to determine if someone other than Mary could have poisoned Ted. Ted ran a small holding...mostly sheep. Is it possible that he did not take proper precautions when dipping each sheep separately to remove ticks? Could the sheep dip have contained arsenic? In Edgar's words, "So...the prosecution would keep repeating cruelty, rat poison. Cause, Effect. And we'd be bleating on about sheep dip. She'll hang...".

"Skelton's Guide to Domestic Poisons" by David Stafford is a mystery "of old" with flourishes of modern times. Political agendas due to an election, women's rights and corruption at the highest level come to light. Author Stafford uses a broad brush to characterize Shelton and Edgar. As they travel in a chauffeur driven Daimler, rented by the day, Edgar rides with his head out the window so as not to barf from motion sickness in the interior of the elegant vehicle. The Dutton case was one of many cases this duo had pending on the court docket. A reader looking for a fast-paced courtroom thriller will find the action to be slow moving. This tome is character driven with many doses of humor and stops for a cuppa. Epistolary touches add to the investigative fun. This is a lovely, Golden Age type, historical mystery debut I thoroughly enjoyed!

Thank you Allison & Busby and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[K.J. Charles]

Somewhat offbeat. It's framed as a murder mystery but really it's more a character piece on Skelton, a lawyer inspired by the real Norman Birkett, and a look at barrister life in the late 20s. There's great period detail, the characters are all fun and the writing witty. The main murder mystery is kind of underpowered amid all the other bits and pieces that pass through the pages, and it's also unresolved wtf we never actually find out what happened. Which is fine in a book about a lawyer, but slightly discombobulating given it's literally presented as a whodunnit by the publisher and the structure.

Odd. I think I will read another now I know what it's getting at but I did spend a lot of this feeling slightly puzzled.

[Georgie-who-is-Sarah-Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tl;dr - terrific, 100% recommended, go and buy it immediately.

I don't think I've ever highlighted so much of a book before. The writing is witty, the dryest of dry wit. It's also, when it needs to be, very moving. Skelton ('Every Gal's Galahad') is humane, flawed, funny and endearing. The secondary characters (except this doesn't do Edgar or Mila justice) are rounded, thoughtful creations. Huge shout-out, too, to the pitch-perfect period setting, from brand names to transport to Girl Guides, from politics to Birmingham slums.

The plot...I won't spoil it, but the plot is perfect. The resolution won't be to everyone's taste but it worked for me.

I could quote lots and lots of this, but I'll limit myself to one final neatly expressed extract.

[There's a running joke that Skelton is bored by a case (The Matlock and Ripley Textile Bank versus The Imperial Bauxite Trading Company) which he eventually and carelessly wins.]
"Skelton tried to be gracious but celebrating a possible gain of three-quarters of a million pounds with men who already had far more money than they needed did not feel like the sort of thing he should be doing with his life...
"He pretended to be mortified that he had to refuse their kind offer but was afraid he had a previous engagement. A barrister’s life is a constant juggling act, he said, always rushing from one place to another. And they laughed, scarcely noticing that jugglers, for the most part, stand in one spot and do no rushing at all."

[Literary Redhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful from that cheeky cover to the denouement! Boasts wit for miles, murder by poison, a famed Yorkshire barrister who takes on a hopeless case, gutsy suffragettes, and a lively 1920s England. If you love historical mysteries that keep you laughing out loud, this one’s for you. Cheers!

4 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 17 Sep 2020

Thanks to the author, Allison & Busby, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#SkeltonsGuidetoDomesticPoisons #NetGalley

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets can be poisonous. Before being propelled to front-page fame by winning the case of the century, Yorkshireman Arthur Skelton was a fairly unremarkable barrister. Now, he is enjoying the attention that being dubbed a hero by the press brings – namely practising his distinguished pose and his autograph – much to the amusement of his wife. But January 1929 brings another high-profile case. Mary Dutton is accused of murdering her husband, although there are few people who dispute her guilt. The case is considered unwinnable, however, despite the odds, Skelton agrees to defend her – a decision that has absolutely nothing to do with her resemblance to a beautiful Hollywood actress. With an army of flappers set to cast their inaugural votes in the looming general election, both sides of the political divide are keen to secure their support by turning the case to their advantage and begin to lean on Skelton. Aided by his trusty clerk Edgar, Skelton faces mounting pressure to find the truth. But will that be enough to save a young woman’s life?

This is a relatively tame 1920s murder mystery just on the verge of becoming a cosy but which has plenty of intrigue and a superbly developed cast of characters who come alive on the page. It's an easy and quick read with a well thought through plot full of twists and turns and not to mention the scheming of some of the characters. Involving domestic abuse, the media mob have become, as they often do, judge and jury deciding that Mary, dubbed ’The Collingford Poisoner’, is guilty of the crime, but luckily Skelton doesn't jump to conclusions without evidence. Based on a real-life case, as explained in the authors note, this is a promising start to a brand new series, and I will certainly be looking out for the next instalment. Highly recommended to those who enjoy historical murder mysteries and crime fiction with a little touch of something different to it. Many thanks to Allison & Busby for an ARC.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fresh from his recent courtroom success, barrister Arthur Skelton is having to get used to being in the limelight and the adoration of those who regard him as a latter day Galahad, riding to the rescue of damsels in distress. The damsel in question is Mary Dutton, accused of the murder of her violent husband in a seemingly open and shut case.

Arthur sets out to construct a plausible defence for Mary - ideally by identifying others with the means, motive and opportunity. He's assisted in this by his extremely efficient clerk, Edgar, who is a fountain of knowledge and has connections seemingly in every solicitors office in the country. Later they are joined by Rose Critchlow, daughter of the solicitor representing Mary Dutton. Rose has ambitions to pursue a career in law despite it being a largely male preserve so is delighted to get involved. Drawing inspiration from the words of the Girl Guide's Handbook, she can "think of nothing better than to be an everyday heroine whose example might be followed with advantage.'" As it happens, Rose proves to be an extremely adept and industrious investigator, uncovering evidence that would otherwise have remained hidden.

I enjoyed the brief insights into Arthur's other cases and also the glimpses of his home life with wife, Mila, and their two children. Mila is quite a character - clever, independent-minded, an advocate of equal rights and not afraid to voice her opinions. Often, Arthur finds himself marvelling that she should have chosen him over so many others.

The unravelling of the mystery is accompanied by gentle humour. For example, when Arthur and Edgar attend a meeting in a rather seedy pub in Limehouse, Arthur observes, "It was old. Dickens could have drunk here, maybe Shakespeare and Marlowe, and possibly Chaucer, but none of them would have, because they were all too choosy." In another example, as Arthur and his clerk run through Edgar's list (numbered, of course) of other possible suspects or motives, Edgar observes, "Sapphism is a lot more common than you like to believe." "Not in the Midlands", replies Arthur.

There are occasional contributions (in letter form) from Arthur's cousin, Alan, who, with his wife Norah, travels the country in a Rover Sunbeam spreading the word of God, whilst also acting as a useful gatherer of information for Arthur's cases. There's more gentle humour on display here. I chuckled at the descriptions of their meetings which comprise earnest sermons, the enthusiastic singing of hymns and recitals of popular songs, such as 'When Father Papered the Parlour You Couldn't See Pa for Paste'.

I really enjoyed Skelton's Guide to Domestic Poisons and I very much hope there are more cases for Skelton to tackle in the future.

[Macarena (followed that rabbit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arthur Skelton is now a famous barrister due to his success in a front-page case. He has to get used to being recognized by people in the streets thanks to his picture being published on several newspapers. Therefore, his services are highly requested. His next case is another notorious one: "The Collingford Poisoner". Mary Dutton has been accused of poisoning her husband. It's believed she has done it to end years of domestic violence. It was well known that her husband committed severe violence against her.

Skelton visits Mary Dutton in prison along with his assistant, Edgar, and after several questions, he's highly convinced she's innocent. They will have to follow a long and intricate road to discover the truth: who killed Mary Dutton's husband?

In conclusion, an entertaining and enjoyable historical mystery book. It's been a lovely surprise. I liked Arthur Skelton and I'd like to read more stories, or cases, with him as a barrister.

Thanks to Allison & Busby and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book simply turned out to not be my cup of tea. The premise was interesting, that of a lawyer of humble origins using his common sense and interest in the world around him to defend his clients. I also liked the witty and meandering way of telling the story. However, the wit and humor felt incongruous with the rather gloomy feel of the novel as a whole. It felt like there were varying levels of seediness around every corner. The main thing that didn’t work for me was the lack of a clear solution to the mystery. All in all, I can see why some people would really like this book, and others would really dislike it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for providing a digital ARC.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Stafford’s Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons is what you get when you cross a Golden-Age mystery with P. G. Wodehouse, which would be high praise indeed if not for caveats.

Set in a 1929 England ignorant of the economic cataclysm to come, Stafford’s mystery centres on a loveable, of-working-class-stock barrister and his efforts to exonerate Mary Dutton, accused of poisoning her abusive husband; the novel’s blurb offers some further details:

Before propelled to front-page fame by winning the case of the century, Arthur Skelton was a fairly unremarkable barrister. Now, he is enjoying the attention that being dubbed a hero by the press brings – namely practising his distinguished pose and his autograph – much to the amusement of his wife.

But January 1929 brings another high-profile case. Mary Dutton is accused of murdering her husband, although there are few people who dispute her guilt. The case is considered unwinnable; however, despite the odds, Skelton agrees to defend her – a decision that has absolutely nothing to do with her resemblance to a beautiful Hollywood actress …

With an army of flappers set to cast their inaugural votes in the looming general election, both sides of the political divide are keen to secure their support by turning the case to their advantage and begin to lean on Skelton. Aided by his trusty clerk Edgar, Skelton faces mounting pressure to find the truth. But will that be enough to save a young woman’s life?

Stafford’s quasi-comic, quasi-tragic mystery may be divided into disparate parts: the marvelously comic characterization and dubious mystery.

Arthur Skelton is adorable; his wife, Mila, hilariously, sharply forthright. (He is sooo in love with Mila that I resented the blurb’s suggestion Arthur is susceptible to Mary’s Lillian-Gish looks.) We are introduced to them as Mila ruffles through newspaper articles lauding Arthur:

‘Look at this one. You’re posing,’ she’d said, brandishing the News of the World.

‘I am not posing.’

‘You’ve got your distinguished face on.’

‘Is it my fault if my face, in repose, can sometimes appear distinguished?’ It wouldn’t have been so bad if he hadn’t been so conspicuous, but he was six foot three, with a face like a horse and round glasses with lenses so thick that his eyes filled them like moons. And he had a limp.

Arthur is of that wonderful ilk of detective: bumbling, a tad slow, and yet, he figures out how to save his client, win his case, bring justice every time. There is an endearing quality to Arthur’s naïveté (but his intelligence and persistence should not be underestimated). Arthur’s research into the case that made him famous represents his lovable “innocence” and Stafford’s ability to reduce me to snorting guffaws: “Although he was a thirty-six-year-old married man with two children, the witness statements frequently alluded to sexual practices of which he was entirely ignorant. His Latin — fello, lingua and so on — led him to make some educated guesses, but French — never his strong subject at school — led him to translate Maitresse de la Douleur as ‘Our Lady of the Sorrows’, a misapprehension that was thankfully cleared up before the trial began.”

The great comic strength of Stafford’s novel lies in Arthur’s partners-in-solving-cases, wife Mila and clerk, as well as his clerk Edgar Hobbes, Jeeves to Arthur’s Bertie. One of the most adorable moments of Arthur and Mila’s relationship is Arthur’s memory of their courtship: ” … she criticized the Labour Party’s policy on conscription while he ate chocolate creams. They took bus rides out to Holcombe Moor and up Worsley Woods. Eventually they held hands and went in for a bit of kissing. Neither of them was very good at that sort of thing but they’d always muddled through, well enough to have two children, anyway. ‘Are there any biscuits?’ Skelton said. ‘No.’ Mila disapproved of biscuits.” She also disapproves of singing (which made me love her forever and finger-cross we see more Mila in Stafford’s next Skelton’s Guides mystery): “There was a Girl Guide troop attached to the Lambourn Academy. Mila had been camping with them once and had been impressed by the girls’ resourcefulness, but, as an atheist republican, she was put off by the amount of God and King involved. Also, the singing. ‘They sang,’ she had complained, ‘endlessly and incomprehensibly.’ ” As someone who has endured many girls school choirs sounding like about-to-be-garotted cats, Mila is my girl. (Mila is so smart, she’s actually the one who finds the solution to Arthur’s Mary Dutton case!)

To Mila, add a Girl Guide leader named Rose who wants to be a solicitor, Arthur’s revival-circuit cousins who sleuth for him on the side, Edgar with his head out of vehicles to prevent car-sickness, and the funniest encounter with a recalcitrant horse I’ve ever read and you have the makings of a great comic novel. What of the caveats you opened with, you’re thinking. Amidst all my hilarity was a horrifying awareness of the seriousness surrounding Mary Dutton’s case: domestic abuse, family tragedy, the still-felt ravages of the Great War. Underlying Skelton’s Guide is a sense all is not right with the world and the way it treats women. In the ambiance and characterization of Stafford’s wonderful “people”, the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-anticipating Edgar; intrepid Girl Guide leader, Rose; Valkyrie-like Mila; foolishly bumbling, hearts-in-the-right-place cousins, I found a keeper of a mystery series, reminiscent of McCall Smith’s gentle, loving No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, except McCall Smith’s characters and atmosphere are matched with equally gentle “crimes”. In Stafford’s novel, the awfulness of the Mary Dutton revelations were dissonant given the Bertie-Wooster, Nick-and-Nora vibes of his main characters. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading Arthur and Mila, Edgar, Rose, and the world Stafford created and I want to know how they solve their next case. With Miss Austen, we would agree Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons offers “real comfort,” Emma.

David Stafford’s Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons was published by Allison and Busby. It was released in September 2020 and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received an e-galley from Allison and Busby via Netgalley.

[Carla (viajoconunlibro) · Rating 1 out of 5]

English: Boring. Not only slow to read as the author focuses on unnecessary distractions that helps nothing to the story but also the characters are plain and bland. The main character, Skelton, is a lawyer that its only talents are to be friendly with people and make them chat and to arrive fast to correct conclusion.

The books do not even work as a thriller or investigation novel, because Skelton is not an investigator but just a lawyer that always is in the correct place at the right time and speaks with the correct person. And the only exception to Skelton’s “always be correctness” is when he has un-based doubts about his wife, which tries to give the character a human and insecure side, but it does not work.

Español: Aburrido. No solo es lento de leer y el autor se enfoca en distracciones innecesarias que no aportan en nada a la historia, sino que también los personajes son simples y aburridos. El personaje principal, Skelton, es un abogado cuyo único talento es ser amistoso con la gente y hacerla hablar, así como llegar rápidamente a las conclusiones corrects.

El libro tampoco funciona como thriller o novela de investigación, porque Skelton no es un investigados sino solo un abogado que está siempre en el lugar correcto en el momento exacto para hablar con la persona correcta. Y la única excepción a este talento de Skelton “siempre estar en lo correcto” es cuando tiene dudas sin fundamento sobre su mujer, lo que trata de darle un lado humano e inseguro, pero no funciona.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Honestly, I cannot remember the last time I laughed so long and so hard all the way through a book.

Everything about this book is clever, charming, cheeky and delightful! The authors - a husband and wife I like to imagine are quite similar to Skelton and Mila - have created just a wonderfully fun murder mystery that is sorted out by the geekiest but at the same time most likable hypocondriac/paranoiac barrister you have ever met!

Said barrister is assisted by his loyal - but odd in the most entertaining way - clerk/assistant Edgar, his socialist feminist wife Mila, and a motley cast of supporting characters who weave (or in some cases barge) in and out as the case plays itself to the conclusion of the story.

Truly the cleverness and bone-dry British humour that runs through virtually every page of this story had me giggling or out-right guffawing the entire way through the book. It was hilarious and clever all at the same time, as well as being subtle but sarcastic. Brilliant, as the Brits like to say - absolutely Brilliant!

If you enjoy a good murder mystery, British humour, charming likable characters and snappy repartee - or any of these components - then I highly recommend this book to you! I was thrilled to learn there is a second book, and will definitely be reading that soon - this series and these characters are definite keepers!!

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

After winning an important and highly publicized case, Barrister Arthur Skelton finds himself suddenly in great demand in the latter part of the 1920's. Now it's 1929, and he's been asked to take over the case of a woman accused of killing her husband. But the case comes with a whole lot of problems. For one, all the evidence points to her being guilty. For another, she was an abused wife and has become a cause celebre for women who are about to cast their first vote in the upcoming election which means the Home Office would really like to ensure she isn't executed. So Skelton is faced with a huge dilemma - should he convince his client to take a lesser plea to avoid the gallows or should he go ahead with the trial and, somehow, fingers crossed, win the case.

Skelton's Guide to Domestic Poisons by author David Stafford was a completely entertaining historical cozy reminiscent of the Golden Age of mysteries. Although it lacks much in the way of action, it makes up for it with sly humour and likeable characters who kept my attention throughout. This was definitely a whole lot of fun and I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys a quiet, slyly witty historical mystery.

Thanks to Netgalley and Alison & Busby for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Claire Huston · Rating 3 out of 5]

A promising murder mystery overwhelmed by character study. 3.5/5 stars.

This review was originally posted on my book blog.

I enjoyed this story, especially its varied and colourful range of characters, the often witty dialogue, and the way it dealt with the intricacies of the intersection of law and politics. I also liked that it wasn't entirely London-based and the period details were terrific, you can tell there's a lot of careful research behind the writing.

However, from the first couple of chapters I thought I was in for a thrilling investigative mystery, but that isn't really what the book turns out to be. While Skelton's detective work does take us down a few dead ends and yields some revelations, I felt that the book becomes more a character study than murder mystery.

In fact, I really hope this book is the first in a series. If not, then there is a lot of unnecessary character exposition in the story which could have been cut in the interests of advancing the plot. The oodles of character insight also muffle the stakes, diluting the tension which should have been the heart of the narrative.

Also, while details are great, we are told a lot of information which turns out not to be relevant to the plot. I kept thinking, "Oh, that will surely be significant later or help Skelton to solve the problem," but then it wasn't! So, again, I hope the groundwork laid in this book is paving the way for future installments where all the character building will pay terrific dividends.

Overall: an interesting story with great period details, but not as exciting as I'd hoped with the central mystery muffled by extensive character insights.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hm yes okay so I liked it idk 2.75 stars or something . I have to say I LOVED this book in the middle to end but then the ending happend and completely ruined everything that built up to the plot . Tbh I didn't even get the plot and had to have someone explain it to me so idk that's not the point of it for me . the beginning was hard for me to get into too and the ending was ugh frustrating and just not very well done I think. The middle and all was very very good and if everything would have been like the middle of the book I would have for sure given this 4 stars so yes. 2.75 ☆ from me but 3 on goodreads

[Stephanie Thoresen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover of this book is what reeled me in, along with a promising summary. I liked Arthur Skelton and the background that made him into a famous defense attorney, but the humor in the book didn’t quite land with me, and I felt like there were too many tangents that took away from the main murder case. The ending didn’t really satisfy either. It makes a sort of sense since Skelton is a defense attorney, so his job is to get his client off, and not necessarily “solve” the crime, but I would have certainly enjoyed something more concrete! Just a case of this book not being for me.

[Aida ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

i enjoyed it, but it wasn't as good as i expected. i liked the setting and the concept of the murder/mystery. however, the characters felt a bit flat for me. i also felt like there were parts with a lot more description of thing we didn't need, and others that felt quite rushed.
it was a fast read and i did had fun while reading it.

[H. Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and lighthearted.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. The writing is incredible and you can basically mark every single page of the book. I love all the characters they just feel very real in that detailed writing that kind of helps you to imagine every corner of the world/the time this book takes place in. The plot definetly has my whole heart and its a kind of book that you finish reading and first of all need to take 10 minutes just to sit and comprehend the plot twist. I would totally recommend it to anyone.

[ghostly_bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

CAWPILE - 6.43

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like mystery books that keep you laughing out loud, you will love this book. Skelton and his "crew" are absolutely delightful. Do read this book, you will definitely be entertained. And in today's world, isn't that what we're looking for?

[Soph · Rating 2 out of 5]

David Stafford’s book Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons belongs to the crime fiction genre. I want to start by saying I loved the setting and the historical context of this book, and its’ blurb made me so excited to read the book, it went to the top of my TBR list instantly. This book is set in January 1929 and it’s the first time many women can vote. Arthur Skelton is known as ‘The Latter-Day Galahad’ due to his previous success on a case, marking him the most famous barrister in Britain and his face is now all over the newspapers. Ably assisted by his law clerk, Edgar, Skelton now faces a new challenge when Mary Dutton is accused of poisoning her husband. As the defendant is a woman and her punishment would be death by hanging, the outcome of this new case is not only life or death for Mary but will also have a great impact on Britain’s political future.

However, I do feel as if my prior excitement to read this book wasn’t matched by the time I finished Domestic Poisons. The ending was very sudden, without giving closure to the many questions introduced throughout the book. As I was reading, I could see I was getting towards the end of the book however the story was not progressing at the same speed. There were many dead ends throughout the book, and I had hoped this would lead to a revolutionary discovery, but again, this did not happen. Even at the end of the book, I felt as if there was unnecessary detail being shared that were not relevant explicitly to the outcome of the Mary Dutton case.

I think my disappointment for Domestic Poisons grows as I had such high hopes after reading the book description. As I was reading the book, I was looking for the classic ‘whodunit’ story but unfortunately what I hoped was the answer, never transpired. Due to the books pacing, it took me a while to get through. I am usually a fan of crime, thriller, and mystery books but I think I have discovered I enjoy more intense and fast-paced stories. With that being said, Domestic Poisons is an easy to read book and I am glad I read something different to what I usually pick up. However, for me, there was a little too much un-answered mystery.

For a more in-depth review, please check out my book blog: https://sophslibrary.com/2021/04/19/s...

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to both NetGalley and Allison & Busby for providing me with an advance copy of David Stafford’s novel, Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons.

This is not a book for everyone. In fact, it may even be the kind of book you have to be in the mood to read. That is not to say that it is bad, because it most certainly is not, but it does require you to pay attention or else you risk missing some of the sharp wit embedded in the prose. While I’m not normally one to enjoy novels set in the past, I would make an exception in this case.

Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons begins with a short prologue wherein a funeral is mid-procession and halted to recall the body. The authorities believe the deceased may have been poisoned and thus need to perform an autopsy. The reader is then swiftly transported to chapter one, which is set approximately one year later, in 1929.

The protagonist, Arthur Skelton, is a barrister in London. After receiving lofty praise from the press for winning a case, him and his clerk, Edgar Hobbes, are bombarded with a number of new cases; one of them being the main plot of the book.

The best thing about this novel is the witty banter. It is fantastic. The first page immediately had me howling with laughter. I have been searching for this type of humor in a fiction work for years, and truly cannot remember the last time I read fiction that had it without venturing outside the genre. So, I was more than pleased to discover that the entire novel continues on like this and that it was not just a red herring to lure the reader and/or publisher into reading it.

Despite the levity that the humor adds to what would otherwise be a straight-forward legal procedural, it is not the kind of book you bring to the beach (or at least I wouldn’t). Again, I cannot stress this enough: you must concentrate when reading this novel or you will lose the plot.

Though it is not a difficult read and the syntax is clear, the style is very old school British. It reads akin to Sherlock or an Agatha Christie novel, rather than anything from present day. Also, if you are not from the UK or familiar with British culture, some references are hard to understand and many cease to exist (e.g., dark jaffarade).

Between the style and unfamiliar references, I found myself slogging through sections that lacked banter. It is possible that some passages were chock-full of unnecessary detail, but I’m not entirely sure since the writing style lends itself to overwriting. For example, we do not meet the primary murder suspect until chapter 11. Since the reader is told who the suspect is early on and she is already in jail, I’m not sure why it took this long to introduce her.

Around chapter 9 we also start encountering letters from Skelton’s cousin. Strange to change up the format this far into the story. I appreciate that we get a sense of the times and how news travels, but I think the details for the case could have been discovered in a different way instead of through letters to some random cousin character to whom the reader really does not have a strong connection.

Speaking of characters, Skelton’s wife, Mila, is my favorite character in the book. I think the author could and should have done a lot more with her; especially, since Skelton alludes to her intelligence numerous times throughout the story. By the end, I was tired of hearing those descriptions (however beautifully written) and wished she played a larger part.

My other gripe was that the book was built up to this huge court case that ends abruptly in one chapter. Everything seems to wrap up quickly in the last two chapters. I liked that it ended with the same husband and wife banter that it began with (a neat little package of sorts), but it was a throwaway comment and I thought it needed a stronger ending.

Overall, three stars for me, considering there were an equal number of things that I enjoyed and didn’t enjoy. If you like British humor and legal procedurals set in the past, then Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons is for you. This book also contains lots of nods to female empowerment, which is slipped in through historical anecdotes and news discussions about events from the times. So if you enjoy history about women empowerment, then this may be up your alley as well.

[Caren Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ted Dutton is dead. His wife, Mary Dutton, stands accused of his murder. And before you waste any time feeling sorry for Ted, he was an awful guy who beat his wife and kids. Mary stands accused of feeding him arsenic by way of meat pie, which has a delightful Sweeney Todd feel to it. But she’s got a ton of people who don’t think she’s done it and they’ve put together a trust to hire a lawyer to defend her.

Skelton aka Galahad is the lawyer (barrister, really, since we’re talking about England) who comes to the rescue of women in distress. The first case of notoriety was a woman suing her ex-husband for libel, which Skelton easily wins. He’s a mild-mannered man who used mild-mannered whimsy to poke holes into the prosecutor’s case until it collapsed. This new case is as dramatic, but a good deal harder because he’s got to find out who really killed Ted if he wants to prevent his client from being sentenced to death.

Skelton and his clerk Edgar search for the truth, which means looking into Ted’s family. Not only are they shady, but they’re crazy. There’s Ted’s dad, who was a dirty police inspector (he stole money from lepers) and who the whole police force misses; his mom who was a holier-than-thou drunk and bitterly hates Mary, and his brother Billy who doesn’t really want anything to do with them since they’re all nuts. They’re not Kardashian level crazy but they’re Osbourne level wackos. I appreciate the refined, let’s drink tea and chat up this nice murder suspect or this kindly busybody who may hold the clue I’m looking for.

The author manages to draw out whodunnit over the course of the book. Honestly, most murder mysteries can be solved relatively quickly but this one was entertaining enough to keep me puzzled and reading.

Right up until the very end, the reader doesn’t get to know whether or not Mary is guilty. We’re on the edge of our seats asking, but did she do it? I wonder if the writer didn’t know whether he wanted her guilty or not. It made for really good reading because you didn’t know what to make of all the bat shit crazy stuff that was happening.

Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons was a fun read. It’s gentler than a screwball comedy but it’s fun and witty and there are enough crazy plot twists to keep the pages turning and the reader guessing until the end. Fans of Rhys Bowen and Charles Todd will love Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons.

[Elliot A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Skelton's Guide to Domestic Poisons in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Gist

Set in 1930s England, the novel follows the exploits of barrister Arthur Skelton, who is drawn into a perplexing case involving suspected poisoning. When Harriet Bugler is accused of murdering her husband, Skelton takes on the challenge of defending her. The story unfolds with a series of twists and turns as Skelton navigates the complexities of the case, uncovering hidden secrets and confronting a range of eccentric characters.

The Details

Stafford's characters are richly drawn and memorable. Arthur Skelton, with his sharp mind and dry wit, makes for a compelling protagonist. His interactions with his quirky legal team add depth and humour to the narrative. Harriet Bugler, the accused, is portrayed with a blend of vulnerability and resilience, making her plight engaging and sympathetic.

Stafford's writing is both clever and engaging. He masterfully balances the darker elements of the story with humour, creating a tone that is reminiscent of classic British mysteries. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with irony, reflecting the period's sensibilities. Stafford's attention to historical detail enriches the setting, immersing readers in the world of 1930s England.

The novel explores themes of justice, truth, and societal norms. It delves into the intricacies of the legal system and the moral ambiguities faced by those seeking to uncover the truth. The theme of domestic life and its hidden dangers is central to the story, providing a backdrop for examining the characters' motives and actions. Additionally, the book touches on issues of class and gender, reflecting the social dynamics of the time.

The Verdict

Overall, Skelton's Guide to Domestic Poisons is a delightful start to the Arthur Skelton series, offering a well-crafted mystery that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. David Stafford's ability to blend humor with suspense sets this novel apart, making it a standout in the genre. Fans of historical mysteries and legal dramas will find much to enjoy in this engaging tale.

[Megan Chasteen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Allison and Busby for this free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

In David Stafford’s Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons, after Mary Dutton is accused of murdering her husband, lawyer Arthur Skelton is called in to defend her. Skelton is riding his own small wave of fame after successfully defending a previous client in a highly-publicized case. In this case, he maneuvers through a tense political climate, a family history full of secrets, and a corrupt police department in an attempt to free his client.

It took me a couple of chapter to really sink into this one, but once I was in, I was in. The cast of characters is varied and entertaining. I loved Skelton—his slightly offhand, tongue-in-cheek manner was humorous and refreshing. His wife, Mila, is the epitome of a strong, forward-thinking woman (looked down upon in 1920s-30s England), and Edgar, Skelton’s clerk, is somehow both formal and quirky. The story moved along at a solid pace and there was nothing too inexplicable or over-the-top; I don’t love over-the-top plot lines in a mystery. Normally, in mysteries I read, the main character is out for the truth of the matter, whatever the outcome. What I found intriguing about this one is that since Skelton is a lawyer, the human part of him wants the truth, but even more, the lawyer part of him wants reasonable doubt, another motive elsewhere that would get his client released. It is a different mindset than what I have been accustomed to and I liked it. My only complaint is that I wish the wrap-up had been a little neater, but it did not ruin the story for me.

I definitely recommend this one. If you’re anything like me and enjoy mysteries, especially British mysteries, pick this one up!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Skelton's Guide to Domestic Poisons is a thunderously well written exuberant historical legal procedural set in the late 1920s and written by David Stafford. Released 17th Sept 2020 by Allison & Busby, it's 352 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
The story arc is well plotted, with a plethora of possible suspects and motives. The disparate plot threads (a poisoning, injury compensation, Skelton's cousins Alan & Nora, flappers, suffragettes, skullduggery, official corruption and more) interweave well and culminate in a satisfying and well written denouement. Even the secondary characters are very finely drawn, from Skelton's clerk, his wife (a fervent feminist and lady gym master), to Arthur Skelton himself.

Arthur and his clerk, Edgar, have a solid repartee going on as they investigate, and the whole has a *very* Albert Campion and Lugg vibe. The dialogue is witty and sparkling and cheeky and thoroughly enjoyable. It scintillates and Stafford is a beautifully capable writer. It's not entirely apparent whether this is the beginning of a series or not, but I find myself fervently hoping there's more in store.

For readers who decide to pick it up, the author's notes at the end of the book are absolutely worth a read.

A lovely and entertaining mystery. Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Allison & Busby for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons’ by David Stafford. It was originally published in September 2020.

This is the first in a series of legal mysteries set in late 1920s London. Its lead is Arthur Skelton, a fairly unremarkable barrister who has recently been propelled to front-page fame after winning an important case.

In January 1929 another high profile case comes his way. Mary Dutton has been accused of murdering her abusive husband with poison. Even though there are people who are questioning her guilt, the case is considered unwinnable. Yet Skelton takes it anyway.

There is also a political aspect to the case as a general election is on the horizon and politicians on both sides are keen to secure the support of the army of women poised to cast their inaugural votes. This leads to further pressure on Skelton to uncover the truth. He is assisted in his investigation by his clerk, Edgar Hobbs.

Following the narrative David Stafford writes about how he came to create Arthur Skelton and reveals that he is based on a real life barrister, who had been highly celebrated in his day.

Overall, I found this an entertaining, well plotted historical mystery that was rich in period detail and contained plenty of dry humour.

Book 3 in the series is due to be published soon and I plan to read the second in the series before then.

[Bri Childs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A breath of fresh air in the mystery genre - reminiscent of Doyle's writing in Fitzgerald's world.

Arthur Skelton is a newly come to fame barrister who exudes logic and humility. Coming off of a recent, widely publicized trial, Skelton is encouraged to take on the new case of Mary Dutton - a woman accused of poisoning her abusive husband. The case seems un-winnable due to police corruption and involvement, but with the late 20's burgeoning era of female voting, Labour Party politics and highly opinionated newspapers, much of the world is either convinced she is innocent or that her murder was just. What ensues is a charming novel as Skelton almost stumbles upon the truth to this little mystery.

As an avid reader of mystery and suspense, this book was so delightful to pick up. It was a quick read, and some slang and language was a bit tricky for me to gasp as an American, but overall I was completely enamored with the quirky and searingly logical character of Skelton. The quick banter and dialogue was perfectly written so that I smirked and giggled the whole way through and could actually visualize the characters going back and forth. While not intensely gripping, the mystery was almost calming to follow along with as side stories brought about revelations and questions left you hanging, yet smiling, at the end.

[Stacy Sarling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arthur Skelton is a quiet unassuming lawyer who has found himself thrown into the public eye thanks to his latest win, the high-profile Dryden case which was 'the scandal of 1929’. Now that his services are in popular demand he is carefully choosing who it is he would like to represent. Amongst many cases that are available and against his trusted assistants recommendation, he agrees to defend Mary Dutton. Dubbed 'The Collingford Poisoner' by the press, Mary is accused of poisoning her husband after years of abuse. Together with his assistant Edgar, they work on the case and discover that all is not as it appears with secrets and lies that run deep into the Dutton family history.
I wasn’t too sure what to expect going in but I found that I loved the mystery around Mary Dutton and her family. Full of some brilliant characters and plenty of twists and turns, this is a delightful historical mystery read.
I absolutely loved the relationship between Skelton and Edgar. They have such a wonderful dynamic, not unlike Holmes and Watson, and there were some brilliant scenes with them both.
Throughout the story though, I found there were times that I couldn't keep up with where they were and what they were doing but overall it was easy to follow. There are quite a lot of bible references in, which I feel is necessary to the character providing them. I am not a religious person so this did not appeal to me but it wasn’t so full on that it disturbed me from enjoying the book on the whole.
A wonderful historical mystery with a comedic twist, I thoroughly enjoyed Skelton’s Guide to Domestic Poisons and I look forward to reading more of their journey.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5