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Anna Fairweather #1
An Untimely Death
At a 1921 garden party, murder is on the menu...
The sudden death of her employer sets loyal maid Anna Fairweather on a dangerous quest for justice. Discovering who killed the quarrelsome Colonel will require joining forces with the victim’s attractive nephew, Jerome Townson, but is the charming Mr. Townson hiding darker motives than anyone guesses?
A formidable dowager, an incompetent Chief Constable, and a host of greedy relations become obstacles in Anna’s search for the truth. Will the head butler and the other inscrutable household servants become her allies? Or will Anna face her ultimate fate – and a ruthless killer – alone?
The sudden death of her employer sets loyal maid Anna Fairweather on a dangerous quest for justice. Discovering who killed the quarrelsome Colonel will require joining forces with the victim’s attractive nephew, Jerome Townson, but is the charming Mr. Townson hiding darker motives than anyone guesses?
A formidable dowager, an incompetent Chief Constable, and a host of greedy relations become obstacles in Anna’s search for the truth. Will the head butler and the other inscrutable household servants become her allies? Or will Anna face her ultimate fate – and a ruthless killer – alone?
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2020
825 people are currently reading
997 people want to read
About the author
Blythe Baker
117 books387 followersBlythe Baker is a thirty-something bottle redhead from the South Central part of the country. When she’s not slinging words and creating new worlds and characters, she’s acting as chauffeur to her children and head groomer to her household of beloved pets.
Blythe enjoys long walks with her dog on sweaty days, grubbing in her flower garden, cooking, and ruthlessly de-cluttering her overcrowded home. She also likes binge-watching mystery shows on TV and burying herself in books about murder.
Blythe enjoys long walks with her dog on sweaty days, grubbing in her flower garden, cooking, and ruthlessly de-cluttering her overcrowded home. She also likes binge-watching mystery shows on TV and burying herself in books about murder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 2, 2021
Totally enjoyed this book. I picked it up last night and finished it when I ate lunch.. Look forward to the next book.. and.. First book post for me for 2021
January 3, 2021
I received a copy from BookSprout; this is my honest review.
-Simple mystery with about 5 minutes of suspense. Good descriptions abound. You can hear the clatter of plates, smell the eggs, and see the angry faces all around.
-I did not like Selina. I didn't think she was a good friend or colleague. She didn't mind her own business in either personal or work life. Her tone while speaking with Anna is not one of friendship.
-When you have money and you die, "friends" come back to see what's what. Poor Mrs. Montford, the widow, has to endure all these people in her mansion until the reading of the will, which was a surprise to everyone, except to her I think.
-The description says the Chief Constable was incompetent but we have no idea what he achieved and or what leads he was following. Apart from the day the man died, we didn't see him. Maybe if he knew about a certain aspect, he would have searched for it but he didn't know about it.
-The mystery is solved at the end but something else is going on in the background which has a cliffhanger.
-Simple mystery with about 5 minutes of suspense. Good descriptions abound. You can hear the clatter of plates, smell the eggs, and see the angry faces all around.
-I did not like Selina. I didn't think she was a good friend or colleague. She didn't mind her own business in either personal or work life. Her tone while speaking with Anna is not one of friendship.
-When you have money and you die, "friends" come back to see what's what. Poor Mrs. Montford, the widow, has to endure all these people in her mansion until the reading of the will, which was a surprise to everyone, except to her I think.
-The description says the Chief Constable was incompetent but we have no idea what he achieved and or what leads he was following. Apart from the day the man died, we didn't see him. Maybe if he knew about a certain aspect, he would have searched for it but he didn't know about it.
-The mystery is solved at the end but something else is going on in the background which has a cliffhanger.
March 20, 2021
Again another delightful story with mystery and humour. Anna’s employer has been murdered. She teams up with his handsome nephew to find out what happened. Awesome.
December 29, 2020
Anna is Mrs. Montford's personal maid. Anna is usually always by her side but today she is told to help the cook or the housekeeper, whichever one needs help the most. Today is a big day as Mrs. Montford is having a birthday party for Colonel Montford. All of the Colonel's family is there and many local people. Anna now is helping with the serving of drinks. She sees a servant go by with a tray and notices a mole on the back of his neck. She doesn't recognize him. He goes directly to the Colonel and offers him a drink. He takes one. In just a short time he collapsed. What happened? Police are called and a doctor. The police think he had a heart attack. The doctor says he was poisoned. Nobody can leave until they are questioned. Anna thinks the police aren't doing anything and decides she will have to conduct her own investigation. What will she find? Will she be in danger?
Characters are fleshed out. The plot is well thought out and the story flows well. Get a copy and come along with Anna as she investigates. Does she find the killer? Or does the killer go after Anna?
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
Characters are fleshed out. The plot is well thought out and the story flows well. Get a copy and come along with Anna as she investigates. Does she find the killer? Or does the killer go after Anna?
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
July 1, 2021
This book did not hold my interest enough to finish it.
Anna is a maid with a great amount of inner thoughts. She serves her mistress and does not want to do anything else in the household.
She is intelligent – up to a point. She dithered about being asked to help in the household, about serving drinks outside in the garden, about receiving coats from arriving guests. You can see, she dithered a great deal.
She had premonitions. She felt things. Unfortunately for me, Anna only made me feel bored.
I simply could not continue to be interested past the 65 % point.
Ms Baker is a talented author, but this one was definitely not for me.
Anna is a maid with a great amount of inner thoughts. She serves her mistress and does not want to do anything else in the household.
She is intelligent – up to a point. She dithered about being asked to help in the household, about serving drinks outside in the garden, about receiving coats from arriving guests. You can see, she dithered a great deal.
She had premonitions. She felt things. Unfortunately for me, Anna only made me feel bored.
I simply could not continue to be interested past the 65 % point.
Ms Baker is a talented author, but this one was definitely not for me.
January 20, 2021
Light, airy and a fun read - the who done it ending is a classic ! Looking forward to Book 2 of the series !
February 10, 2021
Good book!!!!
First time reading this author, had a lot of details, but it was necessary in some spots.
Anna, the personal servant to the mistress of the manor had been put in a mess just by seeing something she was not supposed to notice.
Selina her best friend, a servant in the manor, kept trying to keep her out of trouble went to deaf ears, when Anna didn't want to hear it, because she had a bad feeling and couldn't shake it.
The Manor was preparing to have a big birthday party for Colonel Montford, that Mrs. Montford is arranging.
The Manor is buzzing with activities getting last minute thing done before the guests arrived.
Anna noticed the Colonel is highly upset just before the party and she let Mrs. Montford know so she could go ask and calm him down before the party, but it was too late.
Then it happened that shook the whole celebration, the Colonel was offered a drink and then passed out and never recovered. Who and why is the big question everyone is asking.
Anna and the Colonel's nephew Jerome had thoughts of foul play along with Mrs. Montford.
You have to read for details.
First time reading this author, had a lot of details, but it was necessary in some spots.
Anna, the personal servant to the mistress of the manor had been put in a mess just by seeing something she was not supposed to notice.
Selina her best friend, a servant in the manor, kept trying to keep her out of trouble went to deaf ears, when Anna didn't want to hear it, because she had a bad feeling and couldn't shake it.
The Manor was preparing to have a big birthday party for Colonel Montford, that Mrs. Montford is arranging.
The Manor is buzzing with activities getting last minute thing done before the guests arrived.
Anna noticed the Colonel is highly upset just before the party and she let Mrs. Montford know so she could go ask and calm him down before the party, but it was too late.
Then it happened that shook the whole celebration, the Colonel was offered a drink and then passed out and never recovered. Who and why is the big question everyone is asking.
Anna and the Colonel's nephew Jerome had thoughts of foul play along with Mrs. Montford.
You have to read for details.
May 22, 2023
Rating: 3.4 / 5
I've come to a conclusion: for every great cozy mystery that I absolutely love or am at least interested in, there's three cozy mysteries that are...just average and formulaic and...rather dull/bland/boring.
This book falls into the latter category.
It centres around Anna Fairweather, a maid/companion to Mrs.....M something (forgot the exact name), whose husband, the Colonel, is murdered during the festivities for his 70th birthday.
The book itself is slightly shorter than some other cozy mysteries, so there's not an overwhelming amount of characters, plot twists, or descriptions set in; but, at the same time, there's nothing in particular to recommend Anna as a character, nor any of the side characters around her.
It's just...average.
As for continuing this series, I'm not too inclined to do so right now, so maybe put it on the backburner. I'll try some other Blythe Baker mysteries, and see if anything pops out at me from there.
I've come to a conclusion: for every great cozy mystery that I absolutely love or am at least interested in, there's three cozy mysteries that are...just average and formulaic and...rather dull/bland/boring.
This book falls into the latter category.
It centres around Anna Fairweather, a maid/companion to Mrs.....M something (forgot the exact name), whose husband, the Colonel, is murdered during the festivities for his 70th birthday.
The book itself is slightly shorter than some other cozy mysteries, so there's not an overwhelming amount of characters, plot twists, or descriptions set in; but, at the same time, there's nothing in particular to recommend Anna as a character, nor any of the side characters around her.
It's just...average.
As for continuing this series, I'm not too inclined to do so right now, so maybe put it on the backburner. I'll try some other Blythe Baker mysteries, and see if anything pops out at me from there.
March 19, 2024
Twenty two year old Anna is a maid in a wealthy household, dedicated to her lady, Mrs. Montford. When Colonel Montford dies suddenly on his 70th birthday, Anna is convinced it was murder. Despite the Colonel's prestigious standing in the community, the Chief Constable does not seem motivated to discover the cause of death, and questions drag on. Mrs. Montford is distressed that there are no answers. Anna wants to help, but is discouraged by her friend who continually warns her off the case, other servants who give her other duties, and her own insecurities about messing about in things not her business, but encouraged by the Colonel's nephew Jerome who wants her help discovering the murderer. Or is he the guilty one? With snipey relatives of the Montfords filling the house and dining room for days while waiting for the funeral and the will to be read, life is chaos, and someone may get away with murder.
January 1, 2021
She has done it again!!!! Wonderful new series!!!
Grabs your attention from the start. Found my self lost in that world. So much so that I forgot to figure out the 'who done it'.
You are taken down so many different avenues while the whole story deals with the grief and dealings of family members. You will be do immersed that you will forget to watch for clues!!!
Wonderfully done!!! Just the distraction I needed.
Definite must read for anybody. Just a regular cozy mystery for those who might not want the magic or paranormal cozy mystery. If that is your favorite , DO NOT PASS THIS UP!!! You will be missing out BIG TIME!!
Easy to read, fun, enjoyable and great escape for the world.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Grabs your attention from the start. Found my self lost in that world. So much so that I forgot to figure out the 'who done it'.
You are taken down so many different avenues while the whole story deals with the grief and dealings of family members. You will be do immersed that you will forget to watch for clues!!!
Wonderfully done!!! Just the distraction I needed.
Definite must read for anybody. Just a regular cozy mystery for those who might not want the magic or paranormal cozy mystery. If that is your favorite , DO NOT PASS THIS UP!!! You will be missing out BIG TIME!!
Easy to read, fun, enjoyable and great escape for the world.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
April 11, 2022
Spoilers for the whodunnit!
This was a super quick read, and made for a decent intro to the series. But I wasn’t a huge fan of the main character. She was almost too timid for someone who’s to be the main sleuth of a series (though perhaps that’s part of her character development).
Was also not too thrilled with how the investigation proceeded. Other than seeing that the possible murderer had a mole on his neck, the main character didn’t really do any actual sleuthing. Everything about the suspects was just told to her. (Not to mention that she never told the police about the guy with the mole in the first place??)
And then after all that, the butler did it. Kind of lame but as I said, it made for a quick read and the writing was good even if the mystery aspects weren’t fantastic.
This was a super quick read, and made for a decent intro to the series. But I wasn’t a huge fan of the main character. She was almost too timid for someone who’s to be the main sleuth of a series (though perhaps that’s part of her character development).
Was also not too thrilled with how the investigation proceeded. Other than seeing that the possible murderer had a mole on his neck, the main character didn’t really do any actual sleuthing. Everything about the suspects was just told to her. (Not to mention that she never told the police about the guy with the mole in the first place??)
And then after all that, the butler did it. Kind of lame but as I said, it made for a quick read and the writing was good even if the mystery aspects weren’t fantastic.
June 5, 2023
I like this kind of story and the contours of the plot were interesting. But the writing was poor—a jumble of metaphors, uninteresting character development, unconvincing relationship between the protagonist and her employer, clumsy “romantic” interest, and basically amateurish. I nearly just quit reading, something I almost never do. But the book got me through some insomnia. All in all, it’s like the author watched Downton Abbey and decided to write a “mystery” about those kinds of people. Except these characters just never jelled. Even the plot teaser at the end wasn’t enough to make me want to read he next in the series—never mind the whole series. There are much better period cozies out there. This one was not up to snuff.
August 7, 2023
2 insipid stars. I’m DNFing this one at the 40% mark. The heroine is too timid, to frightened to be rummaging around looking for clues. She barely has enough guts to look into a mirror let alone look into a murder.
Anna is a paid companion to a wealthy woman. The woman’s husband (The Colonel) is murdered during his birthday party. Anna spends most of her time standing around, hoping to fade into the background and obsess about her mistress. She flits around, wondering who is who, what does her mistress need/want/think and wringing her hands-a lot. Sorry, but if you’re still biting your lip and skulking around the mansion like some mistreated cat, (at 40% into the dang book!) then shame on you author. Enough already.
Anna is a paid companion to a wealthy woman. The woman’s husband (The Colonel) is murdered during his birthday party. Anna spends most of her time standing around, hoping to fade into the background and obsess about her mistress. She flits around, wondering who is who, what does her mistress need/want/think and wringing her hands-a lot. Sorry, but if you’re still biting your lip and skulking around the mansion like some mistreated cat, (at 40% into the dang book!) then shame on you author. Enough already.
February 21, 2021
Main character needs an infusion of personality
It's a short book, but even so it took me a while to finish because it just isn't very compelling. The main character is a jumpy goose of a servant girl that just doesn't have much in the way of personality. Her inner monologue is tedious and not terribly bright. The timeframe is also rather inconsistent... is it over 3, 4, 5 or more days? It's rather stuck on 3 days, even after multiple days pass. Thankfully, there are very few typos and the basic murder mystery formula holds up, even if it's a bit stereotypical. Maybe it gets better the further into the series you go?
It's a short book, but even so it took me a while to finish because it just isn't very compelling. The main character is a jumpy goose of a servant girl that just doesn't have much in the way of personality. Her inner monologue is tedious and not terribly bright. The timeframe is also rather inconsistent... is it over 3, 4, 5 or more days? It's rather stuck on 3 days, even after multiple days pass. Thankfully, there are very few typos and the basic murder mystery formula holds up, even if it's a bit stereotypical. Maybe it gets better the further into the series you go?
March 30, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed An Untimely Death by Blythe Baker, and I will look forward to reading the next in the series. It is a delightful cozy mystery which I like because I am not looking for extended suspense or to read a thriller. I like the gentleness of cozy mysteries and this one fits the bill. Anna is the personal maid to the lady of the house, but when the master of the house is killed, Anna wants to know who did it. Shy and retiring, Anna still manages to look for clues. She is aided by one of the guests, the master's nephew, and by her friend, Selina. Good plot, good characters. I just never got an exact feel for the time period. Maybe I somehow missed it.
Celia Martin
Celia Martin
February 17, 2022
I've tried other series by this author and did not enjoy them. This book was given to me as a gift. I read the first two chapters at lunch and was rather disappointed that I had to go back to work.
Anna is very meek and timid, definitely not my favorite type of lead character, but it is explained and reasonable. She is also intelligent and observant. I liked her and rooted for her.
The mystery was subtly and cleverly handled. Clues were presented and the story flowed on. The climax was exciting.
I do wish that more of the side characters was more likable. She could have had more than just one friend. Everybody else did not have to be grouches.
Anna is very meek and timid, definitely not my favorite type of lead character, but it is explained and reasonable. She is also intelligent and observant. I liked her and rooted for her.
The mystery was subtly and cleverly handled. Clues were presented and the story flowed on. The climax was exciting.
I do wish that more of the side characters was more likable. She could have had more than just one friend. Everybody else did not have to be grouches.
March 22, 2024
Boring! I had to actually get through the book's endless pages of the heroine's constantly repetitive thoughts by skimming the first line of each paragraph. The heroine is completely uninspiring, can barely look at her own reflection in a mirror. Her alliance with the handsome family relative is completely unbelievable, and if her domineering and rude best friend was the best she could find she should've looked elsewhere. Only gave it two stars as I was a little surprised who turned out to be the murderer. Only finished it due to my own personal rule of always finishing books no matter how bad they are.
October 3, 2024
She keeps you guessing!
Yes, author Blythe Baker, really does keep you so busy during her stories that you are guessing right up until the end about the identity of the culprit. As a lady's maid, Anna should be sight unseen. Her mistress, however, chooses to keep her within easy reach at all times and uses her to run all sorts of errands and tasks. Apparently, she's so good at it that she's gotten herself written into the will when even some of the relatives didn't. That should cause some chit-chat. But she still has a murderer to find. Recommended. Also recommended is this author's other series, The Rose Beckingham Murders.
Yes, author Blythe Baker, really does keep you so busy during her stories that you are guessing right up until the end about the identity of the culprit. As a lady's maid, Anna should be sight unseen. Her mistress, however, chooses to keep her within easy reach at all times and uses her to run all sorts of errands and tasks. Apparently, she's so good at it that she's gotten herself written into the will when even some of the relatives didn't. That should cause some chit-chat. But she still has a murderer to find. Recommended. Also recommended is this author's other series, The Rose Beckingham Murders.
January 3, 2021
I am in love with Anna Fairweather!
Hopefully not the only one either if I think of the colonels nephew...
The characters in this story are wonderfully written and described. I can hear the housekeepers voice when she’s upset, and Selinas whisperers to Anna when she tells her to leave the mysterious death of the colonel be. But Anna can’t leave it be, can she? I am impatiently waiting for the next adventure ...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hopefully not the only one either if I think of the colonels nephew...
The characters in this story are wonderfully written and described. I can hear the housekeepers voice when she’s upset, and Selinas whisperers to Anna when she tells her to leave the mysterious death of the colonel be. But Anna can’t leave it be, can she? I am impatiently waiting for the next adventure ...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2021
I’m conflicted
This is a MUCH shorter book than I normally would read. I only read it because it was available on kindle unlimited. The book is only about 180 pages. Unfortunately the first 100 pages left me with a minuscule amount of information about the main character and I still know VERY little about her. I’m still not certain about the actual time period because it was never really mentioned. I can read just about anything so this was”okay”. If I had purchased this book I would be unhappy, my dollars are precious and I would not have been satisfied with my purchase.
This is a MUCH shorter book than I normally would read. I only read it because it was available on kindle unlimited. The book is only about 180 pages. Unfortunately the first 100 pages left me with a minuscule amount of information about the main character and I still know VERY little about her. I’m still not certain about the actual time period because it was never really mentioned. I can read just about anything so this was”okay”. If I had purchased this book I would be unhappy, my dollars are precious and I would not have been satisfied with my purchase.
November 29, 2021
Uniquely different
Blythe Baker creates a different narrative in AN UNTIMELY DEATH. Through the innocent eyes of a young girl with concerns for her mistress, the reader experiences the witnessing of a murder. In her naivete, Anna may trust the wrong people to help her identify the murderer. But the voice of the characters is the best part of this book. With the suspense, mystery and emotions involved in the events, there is a calmness and appreciation that plays as an undercurrent.; the subtleties make the responses more realistic.
Blythe Baker creates a different narrative in AN UNTIMELY DEATH. Through the innocent eyes of a young girl with concerns for her mistress, the reader experiences the witnessing of a murder. In her naivete, Anna may trust the wrong people to help her identify the murderer. But the voice of the characters is the best part of this book. With the suspense, mystery and emotions involved in the events, there is a calmness and appreciation that plays as an undercurrent.; the subtleties make the responses more realistic.
March 16, 2021
Well the butler did it--but of course. This is the third series I have tried to read by Blythe Baker and once again it fails to "get" me. In this one Anna starts the series as a lady's maid. (If the fore- shadowing bears fruit, she will end up owning the castle.) Her subservience and timidity are annoying, though undoubtedly prime characteristics for a maid. I wish her well, but I don't think I will travel on this road with her.
December 9, 2021
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
I love this series and this author. I love a good clean read!
It contained great descriptive parts that I could feel, taste, smell, and hear.
Fabalouse writting!
A Intreging attention grabbing short read!
Wow!
This suspenseful journey with twist and turns held my attention from start to the clever unexpected ending!
A must read! Enjoy!
I love this series and this author. I love a good clean read!
It contained great descriptive parts that I could feel, taste, smell, and hear.
Fabalouse writting!
A Intreging attention grabbing short read!
Wow!
This suspenseful journey with twist and turns held my attention from start to the clever unexpected ending!
A must read! Enjoy!
Read
December 9, 2021This first book in the series is light reading--not as complicated as a lot of mysteries are. This has its good and bad points, but my preference is for something a little more involved. Nevertheless, some of the characters were engaging, and almost all of the action takes place in the house where the murder took place, which heightens the tension somewhat. I would definitely read another in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2021
Blythe has done it again with a great new series! Mystery, twists, turns and suspense fill the story line. She has a way of introducing the characters that makes it easy to get to know them. A great read for mystery lovers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2021
Lots of twists and turns with plenty of drama thrown in. Interesting and entertaining characters. Grabs you from the first page. Hang on for an intriguing and suspenseful journey. Keeps you hooked until the end. Good whodunit.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2021
There are many, many historical mysteries set in the 1920s. And I have read many of the different series. This one has a lot of the downstairs/upstairs behind the scene running of a stately home than most and has plenty of deductions along with mistakes you would expect of amateur detectives. A fun story.
December 12, 2021
This was a nice short historical cozy mystery. Anna was an interesting character to follow around as she tried to find out who murdered her employer. She is a very timid person and so having to go outside her normal duties is a difficult thing for her to do but she feels as though she must in order to help her Mistress. Overall I liked it.
January 3, 2022
This book is an easy read with a few expected twists.
The author has done a fantastic job of describing the protagonist’s anxiety. Also, very vivid descriptions of the Downton Abbey-esque backdrop.
A story that doesn’t add to your stress, and instead, has a calm, relaxing vibe to it, particularly if you’re a whodunnit junkie.
The author has done a fantastic job of describing the protagonist’s anxiety. Also, very vivid descriptions of the Downton Abbey-esque backdrop.
A story that doesn’t add to your stress, and instead, has a calm, relaxing vibe to it, particularly if you’re a whodunnit junkie.
January 14, 2022
A good read
The plot was a little slow being formed. I was about to give up on it as a mystery, but then the mole on the back of the neck had me guessing as to who would want to kill the colonel. I love surprises and this really gave me one. Kudos to MS Baker. Good job. I would recommend An Untimely Death to my friends who like mysteries with surprises.
The plot was a little slow being formed. I was about to give up on it as a mystery, but then the mole on the back of the neck had me guessing as to who would want to kill the colonel. I love surprises and this really gave me one. Kudos to MS Baker. Good job. I would recommend An Untimely Death to my friends who like mysteries with surprises.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews