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Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates #7
Death Down the Aisle
1920’s London
Rosemary Lillywhite can't wait for her brother, Frederick, and her best friend, Vera, to tie the knot. She's over the moon they've finally caved in and admitted their love for one another--but even more so than that, she wants them out of her too-crowded townhouse!
The long-awaited--and excessively lavish--country wedding is slated to take place in Pardington in one week's time, and when an ominous warning arrives Rosemary is relieved she'll be out of harm's way. The only problem is, murder seems to follow her everywhere.
When a key member of the wedding party turns up dead, Vera asks Rosemary to turn her back on the case--and the handsome, albeit obnoxious--inspector.
She's content to wash her hands of it all and focus on her matron of honor tasks, but sleeping dogs don't always lie--especially when there are secrets yet to be revealed.
Rosemary Lillywhite can't wait for her brother, Frederick, and her best friend, Vera, to tie the knot. She's over the moon they've finally caved in and admitted their love for one another--but even more so than that, she wants them out of her too-crowded townhouse!
The long-awaited--and excessively lavish--country wedding is slated to take place in Pardington in one week's time, and when an ominous warning arrives Rosemary is relieved she'll be out of harm's way. The only problem is, murder seems to follow her everywhere.
When a key member of the wedding party turns up dead, Vera asks Rosemary to turn her back on the case--and the handsome, albeit obnoxious--inspector.
She's content to wash her hands of it all and focus on her matron of honor tasks, but sleeping dogs don't always lie--especially when there are secrets yet to be revealed.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2021
About the author
Emily Queen
77 books105 followersEmily Queen is a writer of historical fiction, including the Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates cozy mystery series. She lives in Maine, USA with her cat, dog, and too many books to count.
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 7, 2021
It's happening at last! Vera and Freddie are about to tie the knot. A serial killer is after Rosemary but she isn't about to run scared. She's going to be tough and hope he's caught while she's in Pardington for the wedding. With Max nearby, she knows she'll be safe. When Rosie, Max, Vera and Freddie arrive in Pardington, they find everything in an uproar. The ladies are ensconced at Vera's mother's home, while the gents are staying at the Woodridges' home -alone. A gaggle of young cousins have arrived and always with them is Belle Dawson, the vicar's daughter. When Belle arrives late and night, sopping wet, the cousins give her a place to sleep. Upon returning home the next morning, she stumbles across her father's dead body! Who would want to kill the vicar and why? More importantly to Vera, SHE'S GETTING MARRIED in THREE DAYS OMG!!!! How is she going to get married with a clergyman? Living in sin is not an option according to Evelyn Woodbridge! She'll find a way to get her son down the aisle and FAST even if it kills her. Rosemary vows to Vera she won't get involved in the murder but she can't help being curious. Will she figure it out without actually investigating? Will the arrogant Inspector Trousseau accept that a lady detective can solve murders?
This story has waaaaaayy too much wedding drama. The serial killer plot gets dropped after the first chapter and never picks up again. There's too much about the family, the village and the wedding. Even the vicar's murder is kind of on the back burner as Rosie vows not to investigate. I figured out whodunit as soon as the clue was dropped. It was obvious who and I wasn't really surprised by why. The clues were there. There are some odd red herrings along the way though that distracted me.
Vera is an even worse bridezilla in this book. It's the influence of the two mothers, Evelyn and Lorraine. Evelyn is a momzilla and Lorraine goes along with it. For once the roles are reversed. I don't like the more demure Rosie and was happy when she did finally let her frayed nerves show. She needs to slap her BFF and get her sister to distract her mother while Vera and Freddie do their thing! Freddie is too immature to be getting married to begin with. I wasn't happy with the romance plotline either. Max gets jealous of another man's crude interest in Rosemary and starts posturing. UGH. grow up! Rosie and Max are rarely together in this one and she doesn't have time to stop and reflect on her feelings. I did find a lot of lovely thoughts of relationships and marriage though.
There are entirely too many new characters in this story, especially cousins. On Rosemary and Freddie's side, there is Simon, the oldest and oddest of all the cousins. He's socially awkward and maybe today he'd be labeled as "on the spectrum" or something because he doesn't seem to be able to socialize or integrate normally with the rest of the family. He's a little creepy with an unhealthy obsession with Vera. Maybe if the rest of the family treated him with more kindness he'd be less weird. Vera has cousins as well. Hyacinth and Delilah, now 19, want to have some fun and flirt with men. Too young to realize the impact of the war, they're much more immature than Vera and Rosie, even Rosie at that age was a little more mature. It was Vera, back then, who was a better judge of character and had more common sense. Hyacinth and Delilah are silly girls. Their friend, Belle Dawson, is also silly. Beautiful, spoiled and headstrong, she sounds like trouble! I don't think she murdered her father though. She was too shaken by his death. Another one of Vera's cousins, Kitty, is sarcastic and rude. She's a little older than the others and more judgmental. She's a tough nut to crack and not easy to like.
Father Dawson was a kind and gentle man. He meant a lot to the parish and inspired devotion in his parishioners. Sure he spoiled his only child but that's not a crime. He dotes on her and makes excuses for her bad behavior but that's no reason for him to be murdered. How heartbreaking!
Inspector Trousseau of Scotland Yard is on the case. He's arrogant and sexist. He objectifies Rosemary and doesn't believe in lady detectives. Why their brains simply aren't capable of rational deduction! GRRRR! He made my blood boil and I hoped he was the murderer so he would be taken out of the way. I can see why Max doesn't like him but their macho displays don't do anything for me.
Residents of Pardington include a bunch of little old ladies who like to gossip and be catty with each other. Cleo Holmes worries about the weather and not about her cute little dog's lack of manners, making her enemies among the other ladies. She's not very pleasant either. Mrs. Melville, the vicar's housekeeper, loves Belle like her own daughter. She's overprotective of Belle and can't let Belle grow up. I think she's responsible for spoiling Belle.
There are only a few men mentioned. Kit, a newly ordained vicar, hopes to someday take Father Dawson's place and also to marry Belle. I absolutely think he's the murderer. He had a falling out with the vicar over Belle and she realized he had a scary side and that's what led her to walk through the rain to her friends. Or sinister Kit wants the job NOW and literally pushed Father Dawson out. The only other man, Fergus, is a poor man who looks up to the vicar who is helping Fergus become educated. I don't think Fergus is a murderer. He's kind of timid and worships Belle. He may be a key witness without realizing it though.
Once again the book leaves me wanting the next one now! It's so frustrating! This one should have had less wedding drama and more mystery.
This story has waaaaaayy too much wedding drama. The serial killer plot gets dropped after the first chapter and never picks up again. There's too much about the family, the village and the wedding. Even the vicar's murder is kind of on the back burner as Rosie vows not to investigate. I figured out whodunit as soon as the clue was dropped. It was obvious who and I wasn't really surprised by why. The clues were there. There are some odd red herrings along the way though that distracted me.
Vera is an even worse bridezilla in this book. It's the influence of the two mothers, Evelyn and Lorraine. Evelyn is a momzilla and Lorraine goes along with it. For once the roles are reversed. I don't like the more demure Rosie and was happy when she did finally let her frayed nerves show. She needs to slap her BFF and get her sister to distract her mother while Vera and Freddie do their thing! Freddie is too immature to be getting married to begin with. I wasn't happy with the romance plotline either. Max gets jealous of another man's crude interest in Rosemary and starts posturing. UGH. grow up! Rosie and Max are rarely together in this one and she doesn't have time to stop and reflect on her feelings. I did find a lot of lovely thoughts of relationships and marriage though.
There are entirely too many new characters in this story, especially cousins. On Rosemary and Freddie's side, there is Simon, the oldest and oddest of all the cousins. He's socially awkward and maybe today he'd be labeled as "on the spectrum" or something because he doesn't seem to be able to socialize or integrate normally with the rest of the family. He's a little creepy with an unhealthy obsession with Vera. Maybe if the rest of the family treated him with more kindness he'd be less weird. Vera has cousins as well. Hyacinth and Delilah, now 19, want to have some fun and flirt with men. Too young to realize the impact of the war, they're much more immature than Vera and Rosie, even Rosie at that age was a little more mature. It was Vera, back then, who was a better judge of character and had more common sense. Hyacinth and Delilah are silly girls. Their friend, Belle Dawson, is also silly. Beautiful, spoiled and headstrong, she sounds like trouble! I don't think she murdered her father though. She was too shaken by his death. Another one of Vera's cousins, Kitty, is sarcastic and rude. She's a little older than the others and more judgmental. She's a tough nut to crack and not easy to like.
Father Dawson was a kind and gentle man. He meant a lot to the parish and inspired devotion in his parishioners. Sure he spoiled his only child but that's not a crime. He dotes on her and makes excuses for her bad behavior but that's no reason for him to be murdered. How heartbreaking!
Inspector Trousseau of Scotland Yard is on the case. He's arrogant and sexist. He objectifies Rosemary and doesn't believe in lady detectives. Why their brains simply aren't capable of rational deduction! GRRRR! He made my blood boil and I hoped he was the murderer so he would be taken out of the way. I can see why Max doesn't like him but their macho displays don't do anything for me.
Residents of Pardington include a bunch of little old ladies who like to gossip and be catty with each other. Cleo Holmes worries about the weather and not about her cute little dog's lack of manners, making her enemies among the other ladies. She's not very pleasant either. Mrs. Melville, the vicar's housekeeper, loves Belle like her own daughter. She's overprotective of Belle and can't let Belle grow up. I think she's responsible for spoiling Belle.
There are only a few men mentioned. Kit, a newly ordained vicar, hopes to someday take Father Dawson's place and also to marry Belle. I absolutely think he's the murderer. He had a falling out with the vicar over Belle and she realized he had a scary side and that's what led her to walk through the rain to her friends. Or sinister Kit wants the job NOW and literally pushed Father Dawson out. The only other man, Fergus, is a poor man who looks up to the vicar who is helping Fergus become educated. I don't think Fergus is a murderer. He's kind of timid and worships Belle. He may be a key witness without realizing it though.
Once again the book leaves me wanting the next one now! It's so frustrating! This one should have had less wedding drama and more mystery.
November 9, 2025
I listened to this book on audiobook from Audible. The narrator was excellent! She did different voices for the characters. The writing is concise and easy to get into. I have been listening to these audiobooks from the first book in the series. I have enjoyed the main characters.
Of course, there is a murder and a wedding! Lots of tension getting ready for the wedding besides figuring out who murdered the vicar! Of course Rosemary is on the trail. By the way, it’s about time Vera and Freddie tied the knot!
I received an audiobook copy from the author. This review is my own review. If you enjoy a cozy mystery set After World War I before World War II, I think you would enjoy this story! I love audiobooks! Narrators really help make a story entertaining like this one definitely did!
Of course, there is a murder and a wedding! Lots of tension getting ready for the wedding besides figuring out who murdered the vicar! Of course Rosemary is on the trail. By the way, it’s about time Vera and Freddie tied the knot!
I received an audiobook copy from the author. This review is my own review. If you enjoy a cozy mystery set After World War I before World War II, I think you would enjoy this story! I love audiobooks! Narrators really help make a story entertaining like this one definitely did!
November 5, 2025
Audiobook: I enjoyed this story as much as the others in the series. I was happy when Frederick and Vera decided to get married. I felt for Frederick and Vera when a murder occurred during the final preparations for their wedding day. I understood why Rosemary Lillywhite wanted her townhouse back to herself even though she loved her brother and her best friend. I was entertained by all the twists and red herrings which added to the complexity of the mystery. I thought CarenNaess' narration was great and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
June 22, 2021
Because I misjudged and ordered the 8th book in the series, it was hard to catch up to the character's personalities, whims, prior actions, and the story threw a lot of people and names into the mix- I bean to confuse some character's names and deeds and actions. I liked the heroine, but was somewhat put off by all the description of the wedding finery, the excess of money spent n the occasion in the midst of the death of the well-loved and respected minister. The culprit is finally revealed in the end and the wedding goes off and all is somewhat well at the end, but I felt less than satisfied with the outcome.
December 5, 2021
What happens when you mix a radical wedding and a little murderous intrigue? Continue reading Emily Queens book to find out! Rosemary’s brother Frederick and best friend Vera are finally getting married after years of quiet flirtation. But we know this group can not do anything with a little murder thrown into the celebration. Can Rosemary rush to catch the murderer in time to clear the accused name and get her brother married in time? Or will the real murderer go free and her mother get her wish for no wedding? Jump into this fun series snd find out!
April 14, 2021
A Wedding
Rose's brother (Fred) is marrying her best friend Vera in a week. All the ladies are staying in Pardington at Vera's mother estate. Meanwhile the men are staying at Rose's father estate. Cue bridezella . Add the mothers of the couple and you have bridezella on steroids. The men left to their own devices wreck havoc in their own way. Of course there's a murder. Rose is forbidden to get involved. Will there be a happily ever after?
Rose's brother (Fred) is marrying her best friend Vera in a week. All the ladies are staying in Pardington at Vera's mother estate. Meanwhile the men are staying at Rose's father estate. Cue bridezella . Add the mothers of the couple and you have bridezella on steroids. The men left to their own devices wreck havoc in their own way. Of course there's a murder. Rose is forbidden to get involved. Will there be a happily ever after?
July 27, 2021
A few days before Vera and Frederick's wedding, preparations are in high gear with the expected bundle of shenanigans that go with every wedding. Unfortunately the town minister who is to marry the couple is found dead. Who could possibly want to murder a minister? Suspects come and go, Rosemary is under strict orders to not get involved, but the course of events puts her right in the midst of things. And what else could go wrong?
Fun read.
Fun read.
December 12, 2024
For someone so very intelligent, Rosemary can be quite mischievous! I loved this story! The characters are quite beloved to me, both main and supporting. The plot is easily followed and the premise is everyone doing their best to get Frederick and Vera married and finding how who killed the vicar and why. The answers were hard to find and once again Rosemary was in danger of losing her life. I definitely recommend this book and the rest of the series.
July 21, 2025
What Fun!
This book was a bit of a different animal from Rosemary’s previous adventures. Rather than being front and center, the mystery played out in the background to Vera and Freddie’s wedding. As always, the characters are delightful, we learn a bit more about what makes Rosemary tick, and get hints at family secrets and skeletons yet to be discovered. Oh, and the dialogue is, also as usual, one of my favorite parts of the book. Can’t wait to read the next one.
This book was a bit of a different animal from Rosemary’s previous adventures. Rather than being front and center, the mystery played out in the background to Vera and Freddie’s wedding. As always, the characters are delightful, we learn a bit more about what makes Rosemary tick, and get hints at family secrets and skeletons yet to be discovered. Oh, and the dialogue is, also as usual, one of my favorite parts of the book. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Read
August 31, 2026Vera is finally marrying Frederick, if the wedding survives the week. Days out, the vicar meant to officiate is found strangled in his own churchyard, and someone with a heart-shaped calling card has followed Rosemary all the way to Pardington.
A wedding, a village full of feuding relatives, a runaway dog, and a murderer. Rosemary also acquires Dash in this one, who has been causing problems ever since.
A wedding, a village full of feuding relatives, a runaway dog, and a murderer. Rosemary also acquires Dash in this one, who has been causing problems ever since.
April 2, 2021
Wedding?
Who doesn't like a wedding? The woman who would Rather like the man that's getting married? Or is there mystery about other man and other women? You have to read to find out.
Who doesn't like a wedding? The woman who would Rather like the man that's getting married? Or is there mystery about other man and other women? You have to read to find out.
April 3, 2021
Excellent!
Great story! Quite an adventure to get Vera and Freddie married! murder, lies, confusion, family antagonism, and runaway dogs! Too many family members for the week prior to the wedding in quarters to close bring forth old animosities!
Great story! Quite an adventure to get Vera and Freddie married! murder, lies, confusion, family antagonism, and runaway dogs! Too many family members for the week prior to the wedding in quarters to close bring forth old animosities!
April 23, 2021
Interesting
I was not familiar with this author when I started reading this. It was interesting but nothing super special. Probably had I started with the first in the series I might’ve reacted differently.
I was not familiar with this author when I started reading this. It was interesting but nothing super special. Probably had I started with the first in the series I might’ve reacted differently.
May 19, 2021
Wonderful
What a wonderful collection of stories,I really enjoyed all the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
What a wonderful collection of stories,I really enjoyed all the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
May 25, 2021
Great Wedding Week
Very enjoyable story. It kept me interested and curious until the very end. A bunch of women staying together in one place opens up so many possibilities. I love where Emily Queen took it.
Very enjoyable story. It kept me interested and curious until the very end. A bunch of women staying together in one place opens up so many possibilities. I love where Emily Queen took it.
March 27, 2021
Love this series.
October 21, 2021
Enjoyed the tale
Liked the twists in this one. Not so much Mac but we get a lot more characters in the home town village
Liked the twists in this one. Not so much Mac but we get a lot more characters in the home town village
December 8, 2021
Pretty good
I would enjoy more historical details in the story. There is more to history than a bell shaped cloche hat.
I would enjoy more historical details in the story. There is more to history than a bell shaped cloche hat.
March 14, 2022
Another silly ending
The endings are silly and repetitive. I like the author and the characters and I will continue to read. I simply wish the endings weren't ridiculous.
The endings are silly and repetitive. I like the author and the characters and I will continue to read. I simply wish the endings weren't ridiculous.
August 28, 2022
Brilliant read, I love this series
July 21, 2023
on to the next
I really am enjoying this series of books. Each one makes you want to grab the next one. I recommend.
I really am enjoying this series of books. Each one makes you want to grab the next one. I recommend.
April 24, 2026
Listened to audiobook
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews