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Lady Eleanor Swift #6
Murder at the Fair
Summer flowers, warm sunshine, a maypole dance and… is that another murder? A tricky case is afoot for Lady Swift!
Summer, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift, the best amateur sleuth in the country, is delighted to be in charge of the prize-giving at her village summer fair. But the traditional homemade raft race takes a tragic turn when the local undertaker, Solemn Jon, turns up dead amongst the ducks. Jon was the life of any party and loved by the entire village. Surely this was simply an awful accident?
But when a spiteful obituary is printed in the local paper, Eleanor realises there may be more to Jon’s death than first thought. Despite handsome Detective Seldon giving her strict instructions not to interfere, Eleanor owes it to Jon’s good name to root out the truth. So with her partner in crime, Gladstone the bulldog, Eleanor starts digging for clues…
When another local dies in a riding accident, the police refuse to believe he was murdered. But a second vindictive death notice convinces Eleanor of foul play. Solemn Jon’s assistant, a bullish banker and a majestic marquess make her suspect list, but it isn’t until she finds a dusty old photograph that she knows the true culprit behind both crimes. Then another obituary appears – her own! Can Eleanor nail the killer before she too turns up dead among the ducks?
An utterly compelling and charming cozy mystery! Pure delight for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss.
Summer, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift, the best amateur sleuth in the country, is delighted to be in charge of the prize-giving at her village summer fair. But the traditional homemade raft race takes a tragic turn when the local undertaker, Solemn Jon, turns up dead amongst the ducks. Jon was the life of any party and loved by the entire village. Surely this was simply an awful accident?
But when a spiteful obituary is printed in the local paper, Eleanor realises there may be more to Jon’s death than first thought. Despite handsome Detective Seldon giving her strict instructions not to interfere, Eleanor owes it to Jon’s good name to root out the truth. So with her partner in crime, Gladstone the bulldog, Eleanor starts digging for clues…
When another local dies in a riding accident, the police refuse to believe he was murdered. But a second vindictive death notice convinces Eleanor of foul play. Solemn Jon’s assistant, a bullish banker and a majestic marquess make her suspect list, but it isn’t until she finds a dusty old photograph that she knows the true culprit behind both crimes. Then another obituary appears – her own! Can Eleanor nail the killer before she too turns up dead among the ducks?
An utterly compelling and charming cozy mystery! Pure delight for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2021
1811 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Verity Bright
26 books377 followersVerity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
June 10, 2021
Another stunning cover to attract the reader in and discover the joys of reading about Lady Eleanor Swift and her trusty English butler, Clifford. I consider this series to be at the top of the genre of cosy mysteries, always telling a good story with a background of delightful characters and a touch of Upstairs/Downstairs.
The story is told from the point of view of Eleanor or Ellie as she calls herself. However it is Clifford who steals the show with his sense of humour, his astuteness and the way he cares for Eleanor. One other character needs a mention also for scene stealing - Gladstone the chubby, aging English Bulldog. The part where he attacks the vacuum cleaner bag is hilarious, as is his constant need for food, something he shares with his mistress.
The author writes well with genuinely funny repartee between her two main characters. The mystery is suitably mysterious and I had no idea of whodunnit until I was told! The ending was charming and tied up all the loose ends. I am looking forward to the next book already.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The story is told from the point of view of Eleanor or Ellie as she calls herself. However it is Clifford who steals the show with his sense of humour, his astuteness and the way he cares for Eleanor. One other character needs a mention also for scene stealing - Gladstone the chubby, aging English Bulldog. The part where he attacks the vacuum cleaner bag is hilarious, as is his constant need for food, something he shares with his mistress.
The author writes well with genuinely funny repartee between her two main characters. The mystery is suitably mysterious and I had no idea of whodunnit until I was told! The ending was charming and tied up all the loose ends. I am looking forward to the next book already.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 16, 2021
I love this series! Lady Eleanor Swift with her faithful butler Clifford once again set out to investigate a murder, after Solemn Jon, the undertaker, died on May day, when the raft race took a tragic turn. The local police declared it to be an accident, but his wife Maggie didn’t believe it was. When a horrid obituary was placed in the local paper, Ellie and Clifford were sure it was more than an accident, but Detective Seldon, after checking the site, also declared it an accident – as well as demanding Ellie not put herself in danger, as she was wont to do.
A second death, which also seemed no accident and Clifford and Ellie were up to their eyeballs in confusion. Would they eventually work out what was going on? After a near-miss by Ellie, and her own obituary in the paper, they were fully aware of the need to reach a swift conclusion…
Murder at the Fair is the 6th in A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series by Verity Bright and once again the author has nailed it! Brilliant characters, plenty of twists and turns, endearing dogs with both Gladstone and Patrick this time, and the staff of Henley Hall completely take the cake! I’m already looking forward to the next installment in this great series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
A second death, which also seemed no accident and Clifford and Ellie were up to their eyeballs in confusion. Would they eventually work out what was going on? After a near-miss by Ellie, and her own obituary in the paper, they were fully aware of the need to reach a swift conclusion…
Murder at the Fair is the 6th in A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series by Verity Bright and once again the author has nailed it! Brilliant characters, plenty of twists and turns, endearing dogs with both Gladstone and Patrick this time, and the staff of Henley Hall completely take the cake! I’m already looking forward to the next installment in this great series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
She wracked her brain for a more charitable description, but all she could think of was an underfed ferret. With his sharp dark eyes set in hollow sockets, protruding jaw and barely-there upper lip, his face seemed permanently set in a scowl.
We have to invite her, old friend of the family and all that. Personally, she constantly reminds me of the native Scottish thistle she is so fiercely proud of. Prickly year-round and thoroughly invasive.
Out of the blue he simply hurled the offer of marriage at me like I was a giddy, aged spinster who would bite his arm off to accept.
‘Have, er, Polly or Gladstone, met the vacuum cleaner yet?’… He sighed. ‘Polly is still terrified of the machine after Mrs Trotman told her it would suck her eyeballs out if she stared down the hose while it was on.’
Folk say she’s about as handsome as a three-legged horse born backwards, which is why she doesn’t have any young gentleman courting her.
Guilt’s a bad enough bedfellow without grief stealing in and hogging the quilt.
My Review:
I continue in my love fest with Verity Bright, as I am evermore enamored with this delightfully amusing cozy mystery series. I have enjoyed every installment, which only improves with each new entry. The books could be read as standalones although a quicker connection and deeper understanding could be had by reading the earlier publications as frequent mentions of her previous exploits were sprinkled throughout. I adore the kind and gentle Lady Eleanor (Ellie), who has a tendency to become embroiled and entangled in various schemes and becomes determined to solve the surrounding mystery and ferret out the culprits. This time, despite being admonished by her would-be suitor and police inspector to keep her nose clean, Ellie has stepped into several oddly mysterious deaths she suspects were murders, which led back to blackmail, family secrets of her own, and a few nefarious scams.
Generous helpings of wit, amusing humor and entertaining side stories occur along the way as she and her ever-attentive butler apply their skills and attention towards unraveling the villainous schemes. Verity Bright’s engaging writing style was refreshingly breezy and smoothly enticing in addition to being brain and rib-tickling as the cleverly plotted storylines and clues were a curious conundrum. I am already rubbing my hands together with glee contemplating her next adventure.
She wracked her brain for a more charitable description, but all she could think of was an underfed ferret. With his sharp dark eyes set in hollow sockets, protruding jaw and barely-there upper lip, his face seemed permanently set in a scowl.
We have to invite her, old friend of the family and all that. Personally, she constantly reminds me of the native Scottish thistle she is so fiercely proud of. Prickly year-round and thoroughly invasive.
Out of the blue he simply hurled the offer of marriage at me like I was a giddy, aged spinster who would bite his arm off to accept.
‘Have, er, Polly or Gladstone, met the vacuum cleaner yet?’… He sighed. ‘Polly is still terrified of the machine after Mrs Trotman told her it would suck her eyeballs out if she stared down the hose while it was on.’
Folk say she’s about as handsome as a three-legged horse born backwards, which is why she doesn’t have any young gentleman courting her.
Guilt’s a bad enough bedfellow without grief stealing in and hogging the quilt.
My Review:
I continue in my love fest with Verity Bright, as I am evermore enamored with this delightfully amusing cozy mystery series. I have enjoyed every installment, which only improves with each new entry. The books could be read as standalones although a quicker connection and deeper understanding could be had by reading the earlier publications as frequent mentions of her previous exploits were sprinkled throughout. I adore the kind and gentle Lady Eleanor (Ellie), who has a tendency to become embroiled and entangled in various schemes and becomes determined to solve the surrounding mystery and ferret out the culprits. This time, despite being admonished by her would-be suitor and police inspector to keep her nose clean, Ellie has stepped into several oddly mysterious deaths she suspects were murders, which led back to blackmail, family secrets of her own, and a few nefarious scams.
Generous helpings of wit, amusing humor and entertaining side stories occur along the way as she and her ever-attentive butler apply their skills and attention towards unraveling the villainous schemes. Verity Bright’s engaging writing style was refreshingly breezy and smoothly enticing in addition to being brain and rib-tickling as the cleverly plotted storylines and clues were a curious conundrum. I am already rubbing my hands together with glee contemplating her next adventure.
June 14, 2021
Murder at the Fair is the sixth instalment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series set in the fictional village of Little Buckford, Buckinghamshire. Eleanor Swift has been invited to be the Guest of Honour at the 1921 Little Buckford May Fair and her tasks include starting the raft race, declaring the victor of the best-dressed raft and the last raft over the line. But one of the race participants, Solemn Jon, a popular man and the local undertaker, fails to finish the race and after a search is mounted an empty raft is located and he is found amongst the bulrushes by the side of the river and had seemingly hit his head when he fell from his raft. When his obituary is published in the County Herald it takes everyone, including Lady Eleanor, aback. It's not exactly nice about him and was signed off by his assistant who claims he was murdered, which is in direct conflict with the official police report stating it to be an accidental drowning. It gets Ellie thinking and she resolves to get to the bottom of what really happened to Solemn Jon that fine May afternoon. She and trusty butler and sleuthing sidekick, Clifford, begin to investigate but don't get very far. So she calls in a favour from Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, on whom Ellie has a crush, but when he backs up the official narrative of an accident, Ellie realises she must continue to seek the truth alone in a clandestine fashion.
Ellie is invited to Langham Manor to visit friends Lord and Lady Fenwick-Langham with whose son, Lancelot, Ellie used to step out with. Also at the luncheon is the esteemed Lord Evander Rankin who she joins on a horse ride. The Rankin Hall resident tries to blackmail Ellie into marrying him and threatens to release documents that would ruin her Uncle Byron’s reputation if such papers were released. The following day she learns Rankin died of an apparent accident once she had left him and another vengeful obituary appears. Can Ellie establish who murdered both men before the killer strikes once more? This is another charming, compulsive and engrossing cosy mystery featuring the same wonderful cast of characters - Ellie, her loyal butler, Clifford, and curious bulldog Gladstone - as they aim to solve this captivating mystery. Interspersed throughout is witty banter between Clifford and Ellie that'll appeal to anyone with a dry sense of humour. Told solely from Ellie’s perspective, this lighthearted historical cosy afforded me some much-needed escapism and the budding romance between Ellie and Seldon will be interesting to see develop. It's comfort reading at its finest and there is never a dull moment between the crimes and Ellie’s personal life, both of which are absorbing. A whimsical, fun and thoroughly entertaining read. Highly recommended.
Ellie is invited to Langham Manor to visit friends Lord and Lady Fenwick-Langham with whose son, Lancelot, Ellie used to step out with. Also at the luncheon is the esteemed Lord Evander Rankin who she joins on a horse ride. The Rankin Hall resident tries to blackmail Ellie into marrying him and threatens to release documents that would ruin her Uncle Byron’s reputation if such papers were released. The following day she learns Rankin died of an apparent accident once she had left him and another vengeful obituary appears. Can Ellie establish who murdered both men before the killer strikes once more? This is another charming, compulsive and engrossing cosy mystery featuring the same wonderful cast of characters - Ellie, her loyal butler, Clifford, and curious bulldog Gladstone - as they aim to solve this captivating mystery. Interspersed throughout is witty banter between Clifford and Ellie that'll appeal to anyone with a dry sense of humour. Told solely from Ellie’s perspective, this lighthearted historical cosy afforded me some much-needed escapism and the budding romance between Ellie and Seldon will be interesting to see develop. It's comfort reading at its finest and there is never a dull moment between the crimes and Ellie’s personal life, both of which are absorbing. A whimsical, fun and thoroughly entertaining read. Highly recommended.
August 6, 2021
Murder At The Fair is the sixth book in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series and with each passing book the series keeps getting more charming, more witty, more exciting and a bit more dangerous too.
It's May Fair at the village of Little Buckford and Eleanor Swift as the Lady of Henley Hall is excited to serve as a chief guest to oversee and give out prizes during the May Fair celebrations which includes the homemade raft race, the most important event of the local May Fair. But the race takes a tragic turn when Solemn Jon, the local undertaker and one of the most loved citizens of the village is found dead after his raft fails to reach the finishing line. At first his death is termed a tragic accident... until an obituary appears in the local newspaper stating otherwise. Solemn Jon's widow hints to Eleanor as well that she thinks her husband was killed and wants Eleanor to look into the mystery. Chief Inspector Seldon too thinks it is a case of accidental drowning and does not want Eleanor pursuing the case further. However, Eleanor being the independent, free spirited woman that she is, decides to pursue the mystery with the assistance of her brilliant and witty butler Clifford and her mischief causing bulldog Gladstone.
Alongside this May Fair murder mystery, Eleanor also has to survive her first ever annual spring cleaning activities in Henley Hall which sees her loyal and supportive household staff tackle the different spring cleaning rituals with modern inventions like the vacuum cleaner with disastrous and hilarious results! With her down to earth attitude Eleanor completely gets along with all her household staff (whom she considers family) and almost the entire village and we see further proof of her compassionate and helping nature towards both her staff and villagers at the end of this book.
This has become one of my favourite cosy mystery series and I look forward to reading the next installment. Also, the cover designs are just eye catching fabulous 😍! My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Verity Bright for the e-Arc of the book.
It's May Fair at the village of Little Buckford and Eleanor Swift as the Lady of Henley Hall is excited to serve as a chief guest to oversee and give out prizes during the May Fair celebrations which includes the homemade raft race, the most important event of the local May Fair. But the race takes a tragic turn when Solemn Jon, the local undertaker and one of the most loved citizens of the village is found dead after his raft fails to reach the finishing line. At first his death is termed a tragic accident... until an obituary appears in the local newspaper stating otherwise. Solemn Jon's widow hints to Eleanor as well that she thinks her husband was killed and wants Eleanor to look into the mystery. Chief Inspector Seldon too thinks it is a case of accidental drowning and does not want Eleanor pursuing the case further. However, Eleanor being the independent, free spirited woman that she is, decides to pursue the mystery with the assistance of her brilliant and witty butler Clifford and her mischief causing bulldog Gladstone.
Alongside this May Fair murder mystery, Eleanor also has to survive her first ever annual spring cleaning activities in Henley Hall which sees her loyal and supportive household staff tackle the different spring cleaning rituals with modern inventions like the vacuum cleaner with disastrous and hilarious results! With her down to earth attitude Eleanor completely gets along with all her household staff (whom she considers family) and almost the entire village and we see further proof of her compassionate and helping nature towards both her staff and villagers at the end of this book.
This has become one of my favourite cosy mystery series and I look forward to reading the next installment. Also, the cover designs are just eye catching fabulous 😍! My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Verity Bright for the e-Arc of the book.
January 26, 2024
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish Eleanor Swift is extremely clever very independent quite surprising how the book turns out.
November 24, 2023
For some reason, these mysteries always start out slow for me. I think it may be because I don’t love the personality of Lady Eleanor Swift, one half of the amateur sleuth duo in this series. She is far too slapdash for my taste, and I just don’t know how realistic she is for her early 20s time period. I do love her partner-in-solving-crime, though: Eleanor’s Jeeves-like butler Mr Clifford. He is a delight! So I keep reading and then I get into the flow of Eleanor’s character and start to enjoy it more and more. Though parts of Eleanor’s character continue to bother me, she is kindhearted and has the most wonderful relationship with her staff. I am intrigued by her relationship with Inspector Hugh Seldon too, though it’s moving rather slow. This particular mystery was enjoyable and kept me guessing until the very end. There is a surprise twist too, which I found fascinating.
July 23, 2022
Rating: 4.9 / 5
Once again weaving a tangled web and crafting a compelling mystery, we're brought back into the world of Eleanor Swift! This time, our lady is back at Henley Hall after her not-so-relaxing holiday, and is in the middle of things as being a representative citizen of Little Buckford. What that means is making a quick speech and launching the annual May Day raft races at the May Day Fair of Little Buckford, and the event almost goes off without a hitch.
That "almost" meaning that, of course, where Eleanor goes, murder seems to follow.
This time, Eleanor is kind of stuck having to solve the murder, which at first seems like a genuine accident, since she gave her promise to do so. This is at odds with putting her own safety at first though, and even her relationship with DCI Seldon--which is a bit rocky in this one, but for very good reason!
Ahem, anyway, as always in these books, it's impossible for me to guess at who the murderer is and, even if I do guess the murderer, I still never know the exact motives, based on how the author weaves her tale!
Add to that Eleanor and Clifford's ever-charming dynamic, and Master Gladstone around hoping for treats as always, and you've got yet another delight to add to this series (and my favourites shelves)!
Keep 'em coming, you've got a dedicated fan in me!
Once again weaving a tangled web and crafting a compelling mystery, we're brought back into the world of Eleanor Swift! This time, our lady is back at Henley Hall after her not-so-relaxing holiday, and is in the middle of things as being a representative citizen of Little Buckford. What that means is making a quick speech and launching the annual May Day raft races at the May Day Fair of Little Buckford, and the event almost goes off without a hitch.
That "almost" meaning that, of course, where Eleanor goes, murder seems to follow.
This time, Eleanor is kind of stuck having to solve the murder, which at first seems like a genuine accident, since she gave her promise to do so. This is at odds with putting her own safety at first though, and even her relationship with DCI Seldon--which is a bit rocky in this one, but for very good reason!
Ahem, anyway, as always in these books, it's impossible for me to guess at who the murderer is and, even if I do guess the murderer, I still never know the exact motives, based on how the author weaves her tale!
Add to that Eleanor and Clifford's ever-charming dynamic, and Master Gladstone around hoping for treats as always, and you've got yet another delight to add to this series (and my favourites shelves)!
Keep 'em coming, you've got a dedicated fan in me!
June 21, 2021
"A tricky case is afoot for Lady Swift!”
After reading Murder at the Fair, my second dip into this excellent Golden Age Murder Mystery series, I can safely say, move over ‘Jeeves and Wooster’ and make space for ‘Swift and Clifford’. I really do think this would make a wonderfully colourful BBC drama series, or at least a one off, made for television film.
There has been some excellent and detailed research undertaken by the authors, to ensure the authenticity of both the characters, setting and the social mores of the time. They have also included an interesting and comprehensive ‘historical facts’ section at the end of the book, which reflects some of the more quirky customs and colloquialisms you might encounter in your reading.
Whilst this episode is very much part of an ongoing series, the individual books do work rather well as stand alone stories. There is obviously a little backstory going on with some of the characters, however any need to know facts are expertly and seamlessly woven into the narrative and dialogue, so that I never felt left out of any gossip or history. In fact this story seemed to give away some lovely extra little snippets of information that hadn’t been revealed in previous books, so everything is kept fresh and relevant.
The story hit the ground running right from the time I opened the first page; the action was continuous throughout which left me little time to draw breath and take stock of the situation as it unfolded and developed; culminating in an ending which was neatly packaged and never rushed; although that extra fourth criteria for keeping me turning the pages, that the main protagonist should always make it out alive, seems to be getting a closer call each time!
This well structured, multi-faceted, traditional mystery, is beautifully textured and puts the reader right at ease. The authors wrote with total authority, consummate ease, complete confidence and some lovely heart and humour moments, as they led me completely in the direction of their choosing and at a pace of their setting, and all without me even noticing.
Once Eleanor had really got the bit between her teeth and begun work on this case in earnest, the suspects began to multiply exponentially, until even she needed to take a break, re-evaluate the situation and work her way through things methodically, which is where the ever steadfast and calming influence of her loyal butler and partner in crime busting, Clifford, once again came into its own. As it transpires, no one suspect was guilty of all the crimes, although the many twists and turns in the tale needed to be unravelled before that became clear. Lies and deception, guilty little secrets, jealousy and revenge, all mean different things to so many vindictive people with an axe to grind and retribution on their minds. Needless to say, I never got close to working this one out and that final devastating and unexpected blow, dealt right at the eleventh hour, was vindication come too late for some, whilst also being something of a cloud with the proverbial silver lining for someone I had been rooting for all the way along.
The chapters were nice and short and well signposted, which kept the action fluid and current. This together with well assured, observational and period descriptive narrative and some excellent, conversational, cultural dialogue, offered a genuine sense of time and place, which made this a particularly enjoyable journey for me.
The authors have gone to great lengths to ensure that the well drawn and highly engaging and relatable characters, all have a voice of their own, making this their own story for their times. After being rather thrust into the role of Lady of the Manor, following the death of her uncle, Eleanor had been used to a much more bohemian upbringing in South Africa, so adapting to her new position is proving to be quite a challenge. She is very much a person ahead of her times, who whilst recognising that her staff do work for her, would much rather they work with her, towards the common goal of keeping the estate in good standing as a tribute to Uncle Byron. She is generous with both her time and money, always putting others before herself and in all fairness, even the rather dyed-in-the-wool Clifford, enjoys more moments of levity, impropriety and equality at Eleanor’s side, than he would ever have envisaged.
Eleanor’s affairs of the heart also seem to be on the up, with DCI Hugh Seldon, after a few false starts and having a veritable bombshell dropped on her about his past. Now all Hugh needs to do is work out how to stop Eleanor almost getting herself killed every time she decides to try and solve a crime for herself and all should be good, as I think he has already come to the conclusion that he is never really going to tame her into becoming ‘the little woman at home’!
As with so many fictional amateur sleuths, Eleanor has also been bequeathed ownership of and responsibility for, a four-legged canine partner, who in this particular case, very much thinks he rules the roost, without having to work too hard for it. In fact the only time he really stirs himself from his dozing and napping, is when he gets the scent or sight of food, no matter what it might be, and then he is suddenly all action!
No matter which genre I read from, I do so to fulfil the four ‘E’s’: Enjoyment, Entertainment, Escapism and Emotion and this lovely series hits the sweet spot on all fronts and is definitely one to escape into!
After reading Murder at the Fair, my second dip into this excellent Golden Age Murder Mystery series, I can safely say, move over ‘Jeeves and Wooster’ and make space for ‘Swift and Clifford’. I really do think this would make a wonderfully colourful BBC drama series, or at least a one off, made for television film.
There has been some excellent and detailed research undertaken by the authors, to ensure the authenticity of both the characters, setting and the social mores of the time. They have also included an interesting and comprehensive ‘historical facts’ section at the end of the book, which reflects some of the more quirky customs and colloquialisms you might encounter in your reading.
Whilst this episode is very much part of an ongoing series, the individual books do work rather well as stand alone stories. There is obviously a little backstory going on with some of the characters, however any need to know facts are expertly and seamlessly woven into the narrative and dialogue, so that I never felt left out of any gossip or history. In fact this story seemed to give away some lovely extra little snippets of information that hadn’t been revealed in previous books, so everything is kept fresh and relevant.
The story hit the ground running right from the time I opened the first page; the action was continuous throughout which left me little time to draw breath and take stock of the situation as it unfolded and developed; culminating in an ending which was neatly packaged and never rushed; although that extra fourth criteria for keeping me turning the pages, that the main protagonist should always make it out alive, seems to be getting a closer call each time!
This well structured, multi-faceted, traditional mystery, is beautifully textured and puts the reader right at ease. The authors wrote with total authority, consummate ease, complete confidence and some lovely heart and humour moments, as they led me completely in the direction of their choosing and at a pace of their setting, and all without me even noticing.
Once Eleanor had really got the bit between her teeth and begun work on this case in earnest, the suspects began to multiply exponentially, until even she needed to take a break, re-evaluate the situation and work her way through things methodically, which is where the ever steadfast and calming influence of her loyal butler and partner in crime busting, Clifford, once again came into its own. As it transpires, no one suspect was guilty of all the crimes, although the many twists and turns in the tale needed to be unravelled before that became clear. Lies and deception, guilty little secrets, jealousy and revenge, all mean different things to so many vindictive people with an axe to grind and retribution on their minds. Needless to say, I never got close to working this one out and that final devastating and unexpected blow, dealt right at the eleventh hour, was vindication come too late for some, whilst also being something of a cloud with the proverbial silver lining for someone I had been rooting for all the way along.
The chapters were nice and short and well signposted, which kept the action fluid and current. This together with well assured, observational and period descriptive narrative and some excellent, conversational, cultural dialogue, offered a genuine sense of time and place, which made this a particularly enjoyable journey for me.
The authors have gone to great lengths to ensure that the well drawn and highly engaging and relatable characters, all have a voice of their own, making this their own story for their times. After being rather thrust into the role of Lady of the Manor, following the death of her uncle, Eleanor had been used to a much more bohemian upbringing in South Africa, so adapting to her new position is proving to be quite a challenge. She is very much a person ahead of her times, who whilst recognising that her staff do work for her, would much rather they work with her, towards the common goal of keeping the estate in good standing as a tribute to Uncle Byron. She is generous with both her time and money, always putting others before herself and in all fairness, even the rather dyed-in-the-wool Clifford, enjoys more moments of levity, impropriety and equality at Eleanor’s side, than he would ever have envisaged.
Eleanor’s affairs of the heart also seem to be on the up, with DCI Hugh Seldon, after a few false starts and having a veritable bombshell dropped on her about his past. Now all Hugh needs to do is work out how to stop Eleanor almost getting herself killed every time she decides to try and solve a crime for herself and all should be good, as I think he has already come to the conclusion that he is never really going to tame her into becoming ‘the little woman at home’!
As with so many fictional amateur sleuths, Eleanor has also been bequeathed ownership of and responsibility for, a four-legged canine partner, who in this particular case, very much thinks he rules the roost, without having to work too hard for it. In fact the only time he really stirs himself from his dozing and napping, is when he gets the scent or sight of food, no matter what it might be, and then he is suddenly all action!
No matter which genre I read from, I do so to fulfil the four ‘E’s’: Enjoyment, Entertainment, Escapism and Emotion and this lovely series hits the sweet spot on all fronts and is definitely one to escape into!
August 27, 2021
Lady Eleanor Swift, her trusty butler Clifford and loyal dog Gladstone are at it again. Eleanor is in charge of a village May Day race. As the race is nearly finishing, one of the crafts in the raft race has not returned to the finish line. It is soon discovered that it was manned by Solemn Jon, a local undertaker who is well loved in the village. After a while, a search is underway, and sadly, Solemn Jon's body was discovered.
At first Solemn Jon's death was deemed an accident, but when the obituary is published, Eleanor cannot help do what she does best. She is determined to discover what happened to him. Eleanor is a well-traveled woman, one who has experienced many exciting things. She has since returned home to Henley Hall and should be living the life of a Lady, complete with servants and much more. However, she consistently eschews convention and is quite adept as an amateur detective. Besides the obituary, Solemn Jon's wife appeals to Eleanor to look into her husband's death.
Eleanor knocks heads with Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon (to whom she finds more than attractive) and he tells her to back off. However, after another death occurs, and another odd obituary having been published, Eleanor determinedly looks for clues. This creates problems for Eleanor, as she finds herself in danger yet again.
Not only do we have Eleanor, whom I have come to love as I have read the five previous books in this series, I am enjoying Clifford's role as well. He proves a fine partner for Eleanor. His banter with Eleanor is quite refreshing. I also enjoyed seeing Eleanor's maid Polly in this story as well.
Murder at the Fair is a truly enjoyable addition to this wonderful cozy mystery series. I am really looking forward to the next book, especially as it seems there is a budding romance between Eleanor and DCI Seldon. I would love to see where that goes. But, more importantly, I cannot wait to see what other crimes fall into Eleanor's purview and how she manages to keep herself safe.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinon.
At first Solemn Jon's death was deemed an accident, but when the obituary is published, Eleanor cannot help do what she does best. She is determined to discover what happened to him. Eleanor is a well-traveled woman, one who has experienced many exciting things. She has since returned home to Henley Hall and should be living the life of a Lady, complete with servants and much more. However, she consistently eschews convention and is quite adept as an amateur detective. Besides the obituary, Solemn Jon's wife appeals to Eleanor to look into her husband's death.
Eleanor knocks heads with Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon (to whom she finds more than attractive) and he tells her to back off. However, after another death occurs, and another odd obituary having been published, Eleanor determinedly looks for clues. This creates problems for Eleanor, as she finds herself in danger yet again.
Not only do we have Eleanor, whom I have come to love as I have read the five previous books in this series, I am enjoying Clifford's role as well. He proves a fine partner for Eleanor. His banter with Eleanor is quite refreshing. I also enjoyed seeing Eleanor's maid Polly in this story as well.
Murder at the Fair is a truly enjoyable addition to this wonderful cozy mystery series. I am really looking forward to the next book, especially as it seems there is a budding romance between Eleanor and DCI Seldon. I would love to see where that goes. But, more importantly, I cannot wait to see what other crimes fall into Eleanor's purview and how she manages to keep herself safe.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinon.
June 16, 2021
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
3,5 ⭐️
Lady Eleanor Swift is back and, as per usual, her butler Clifford and Master Gladstone, her bulldog, accompany her while she tries to solve the death of Solemn Jon, the village undertaker. Although ruled an accidental death, Ellie is convinced something smells fishy (pun intended) and sets to prove them all wrong.
I just love Ellie and Clifford so much! They make such a great couple of detectives and after six books in the series their dynamics are such a pleasure to read. In fact, every regular character in the series is a delight. The women in Ellie’s household, the Langhams, DI Seldon… I can’t wait to see where their budding romance takes them.
This time the murder investigation took a while to take off and didn’t manage to grab me as much as some of the other books. I started to enjoy the mystery more in the last quarter when some of the pieces started falling into place. It was a bit difficult this time for us readers to play detective along Ellie and Clifford cause the resolution came a little bit out of the blue. Also, some of the side plots were closed a bit too quickly.
However, it’s always a joy coming back to these characters so I’m anxiously waiting Ellie’s next adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3,5 ⭐️
Lady Eleanor Swift is back and, as per usual, her butler Clifford and Master Gladstone, her bulldog, accompany her while she tries to solve the death of Solemn Jon, the village undertaker. Although ruled an accidental death, Ellie is convinced something smells fishy (pun intended) and sets to prove them all wrong.
I just love Ellie and Clifford so much! They make such a great couple of detectives and after six books in the series their dynamics are such a pleasure to read. In fact, every regular character in the series is a delight. The women in Ellie’s household, the Langhams, DI Seldon… I can’t wait to see where their budding romance takes them.
This time the murder investigation took a while to take off and didn’t manage to grab me as much as some of the other books. I started to enjoy the mystery more in the last quarter when some of the pieces started falling into place. It was a bit difficult this time for us readers to play detective along Ellie and Clifford cause the resolution came a little bit out of the blue. Also, some of the side plots were closed a bit too quickly.
However, it’s always a joy coming back to these characters so I’m anxiously waiting Ellie’s next adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2021
Another fun installment in this historical mystery series. Even though it's hot outside right now, everyone can still use a little cozy charm.
It's summertime, 1921, and the whole village of Little Buckford has turned out for the May Day celebrations. Lady Eleanor is the guest of honor and presides over the festivities. Little did she imagine that she would discover a dead man at the end of the raft race. Solemn Jon was the local undertaker and, though everyone thought well of him, an obituary in the next day's newspaper suggested that he was murdered. Soon, Lady Eleanor and Clifford, her butler in her amateur sleuthing adventures, are involved in an investigation. And her erstwhile beau, Detective Hugh Seldon, is none to happy about it.
I enjoy this series and have read all of them, in order, from the beginning. I always look forward to seeing what Lady Eleanor and the staff at Henley Hall get involved in next. The details about place, time, customs, etc. are so interesting as I love this era.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
It's summertime, 1921, and the whole village of Little Buckford has turned out for the May Day celebrations. Lady Eleanor is the guest of honor and presides over the festivities. Little did she imagine that she would discover a dead man at the end of the raft race. Solemn Jon was the local undertaker and, though everyone thought well of him, an obituary in the next day's newspaper suggested that he was murdered. Soon, Lady Eleanor and Clifford, her butler in her amateur sleuthing adventures, are involved in an investigation. And her erstwhile beau, Detective Hugh Seldon, is none to happy about it.
I enjoy this series and have read all of them, in order, from the beginning. I always look forward to seeing what Lady Eleanor and the staff at Henley Hall get involved in next. The details about place, time, customs, etc. are so interesting as I love this era.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
June 14, 2021
This is another great murder mystery set in 1921 with Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford, as the investigating pair, aided by Gladstone – the bulldog. It is a story in which her relationship with Detective Seldon is put under even more strain as he tells her to stay out of the investigation into the untimely death of the local undertaker, Solemn John. There are plenty of potential suspects, some red herrings, together with spiteful obituaries appearing in the local paper – including one for herself!
I really enjoy the authors’ style of writing, which takes you straight back to the era and into the thick of things. Lady Eleanor is a feisty, independent young lady – well, she’s trying to act like a lady most of the time! Mind you, Clifford certainly seems to be somewhat psychic as he usually has just what Lady Eleanor needs, even before she knows she needs it, and his sense of humour really adds to the story. The community, its characters and activities are brought to life in the story, making you feel part of it all. There are snippets bringing key events from the era – such as the introduction of new devices like a vacuum cleaner and their impact on regular events like the annual spring cleaning.
There are dilemmas to be faced, blackmailers to be thwarted and someone’s good name to be made in this engaging page turner, which is a great addition to the series and a fun mystery, too, with a murderer to be identified before there are more victims….
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
I really enjoy the authors’ style of writing, which takes you straight back to the era and into the thick of things. Lady Eleanor is a feisty, independent young lady – well, she’s trying to act like a lady most of the time! Mind you, Clifford certainly seems to be somewhat psychic as he usually has just what Lady Eleanor needs, even before she knows she needs it, and his sense of humour really adds to the story. The community, its characters and activities are brought to life in the story, making you feel part of it all. There are snippets bringing key events from the era – such as the introduction of new devices like a vacuum cleaner and their impact on regular events like the annual spring cleaning.
There are dilemmas to be faced, blackmailers to be thwarted and someone’s good name to be made in this engaging page turner, which is a great addition to the series and a fun mystery, too, with a murderer to be identified before there are more victims….
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
May 17, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Murder at the Fair, the sixth novel to feature Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford set in Buckinghamshire in 1921.
Lady Eleanor is presiding over the village May Day fete when Solemn Jon, the undertaker, is found dead in the reeds. A tragic accident or was it? Lady Eleanor isn’t so sure when a nasty obituary is published in the local paper. She’s not getting far in her investigation, especially as she has to keep it quiet after Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon has warned her off, but a hunting accident and another nasty obituary offer her more clues.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder at the Fair, which is a light, frothy read with a good mystery attached. It is told entirely from Lady Eleanor’s point of view, so the reader is able to get involved in her reasoning and her life. She and Clifford are a formidable duo with a nice line in humour and teasing. They never fail to bring a smile to my face.
The plot is suitably arch with murder and a few other crimes and misdemeanours thrown in for extra fun. I must admit that I had no idea of what was going on, but really liked the way Lady Eleanor and Clifford dealt with it all, with aplomb and a brass neck. There is never a dull moment in the novel as there is always something going on, whether it’s investigative or domestic.
The dynamic between the characters is fun too. The ladies, as the female staff are known, are a raucous bunch when let off the leash, especially with the home brew and Lady Eleanor has been known to join them. Clifford, the benevolent despot, turns a blind eye. The budding romance between Lady Eleanor and Chief Inspector Seldon slows down in this novel over her sleuthing and she spends an inordinate amount of time worrying about it. Man up, Ellie, you’re a modern woman with a great personality, make him do the running because you’re worth it. Just a small suggestion to the author.
Murder at the Fair is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Lady Eleanor is presiding over the village May Day fete when Solemn Jon, the undertaker, is found dead in the reeds. A tragic accident or was it? Lady Eleanor isn’t so sure when a nasty obituary is published in the local paper. She’s not getting far in her investigation, especially as she has to keep it quiet after Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon has warned her off, but a hunting accident and another nasty obituary offer her more clues.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder at the Fair, which is a light, frothy read with a good mystery attached. It is told entirely from Lady Eleanor’s point of view, so the reader is able to get involved in her reasoning and her life. She and Clifford are a formidable duo with a nice line in humour and teasing. They never fail to bring a smile to my face.
The plot is suitably arch with murder and a few other crimes and misdemeanours thrown in for extra fun. I must admit that I had no idea of what was going on, but really liked the way Lady Eleanor and Clifford dealt with it all, with aplomb and a brass neck. There is never a dull moment in the novel as there is always something going on, whether it’s investigative or domestic.
The dynamic between the characters is fun too. The ladies, as the female staff are known, are a raucous bunch when let off the leash, especially with the home brew and Lady Eleanor has been known to join them. Clifford, the benevolent despot, turns a blind eye. The budding romance between Lady Eleanor and Chief Inspector Seldon slows down in this novel over her sleuthing and she spends an inordinate amount of time worrying about it. Man up, Ellie, you’re a modern woman with a great personality, make him do the running because you’re worth it. Just a small suggestion to the author.
Murder at the Fair is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
June 13, 2021
Summer, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift, the best amateur sleuth in the country, is delighted to be in charge of the prize-giving at her village summer fair. But the traditional homemade raft race takes a tragic turn when the local undertaker, Solemn Jon, turns up dead amongst the reeds. Jon was loved by the entire village. When a spiteful obituary is printed in the local paper, Eleanor realises there may be more to Jon’s death than first thought & then she's asked by Maggie Jon's widow to investigate. Despite handsome Detective Seldon giving her strict instructions not to interfere, Eleanor owes it to Jon’s good name to root out the truth. So with her partners in crime, Clifford her butler & Gladstone the bulldog, Eleanor starts digging for clues. When another local dies in a riding accident, the police refuse to believe he was murdered. But a second vindictive death notice convinces Eleanor of foul play.
This is the sixth book in the series & is easily read on its own. I’m loving the series Ellie is the unconventional Lady, I love her. Clifford is the quintessential English butler seemingly able to read Ellie’s mind , font of all local knowledge with a wry sense of humour. The pace is good & there plenty of red herrings also some twists & turns that were a surprise. Hugh Seldon takes a bit of a back seat in this book but I’m sure their budding romance, which has stalled will move forward in future books. I love the humour in he books & Gladstone running off with the bag from Victor had me laughing out loud. I hope there are plenty more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the sixth book in the series & is easily read on its own. I’m loving the series Ellie is the unconventional Lady, I love her. Clifford is the quintessential English butler seemingly able to read Ellie’s mind , font of all local knowledge with a wry sense of humour. The pace is good & there plenty of red herrings also some twists & turns that were a surprise. Hugh Seldon takes a bit of a back seat in this book but I’m sure their budding romance, which has stalled will move forward in future books. I love the humour in he books & Gladstone running off with the bag from Victor had me laughing out loud. I hope there are plenty more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 17, 2021
Another triumph for Lady Eleanor Swift, her fabulous butler Clifford and also for the fantastic author Verity Bright.
This is the 6th outing for the sleuthing pair and we see them investigating again as the local undertaker Solemn John is found dead after the annual May Day raft race. As usual Clifford is a key assisting in their amazing amateur sleuthing and things become more urgent as another body is found and an attempt is made on Lady Eleanor’s life.
The characters in this series are absolutely adorable. Eleanor is what all ladies of the time (and indeed any time!) would aspire to be; outgoing, likeable, keen to help others and be a part of the local community. We see in this book how the relationship between Lady Eleanor and butler Clifford has become more like friends, as he was when butler to her late uncle and although we see and hear little about her love interest policeman Hugh, we see enough to want more.
This is a fabulous and enjoyable book, which is lovely as a standalone but much better read as part of the series as the reader learns the story of all the characters and becomes more involved with them with each one. I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended.
This is the 6th outing for the sleuthing pair and we see them investigating again as the local undertaker Solemn John is found dead after the annual May Day raft race. As usual Clifford is a key assisting in their amazing amateur sleuthing and things become more urgent as another body is found and an attempt is made on Lady Eleanor’s life.
The characters in this series are absolutely adorable. Eleanor is what all ladies of the time (and indeed any time!) would aspire to be; outgoing, likeable, keen to help others and be a part of the local community. We see in this book how the relationship between Lady Eleanor and butler Clifford has become more like friends, as he was when butler to her late uncle and although we see and hear little about her love interest policeman Hugh, we see enough to want more.
This is a fabulous and enjoyable book, which is lovely as a standalone but much better read as part of the series as the reader learns the story of all the characters and becomes more involved with them with each one. I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2021
3.5 stars
Lady Eleanor Swift is presiding over the festive traditional May Day float race in the village. She's expected to open the race and present the winners and losers with their prize. When one float doesn't return with the rest, Eleanor is concerned. She and Clifford explore the riverbank to determine what happened to Solemn Jon and are dismayed to discover he hit his head and died. Clifford dismisses it as a tragic accident but Eleanor has a niggling feeling she can't let go. When Solemn Jon's widow Maggie asks Eleanor for help solving her husband's murder, Eleanor feels she can't say no. She turns to her sometimes beau, Detective Hugh Seldon for help and he agrees with Clifford, the death was an accident. Eleanor is torn between giving in to Hugh's request she not investigate further and helping the grieving widow. When a shocking obituary is published in the paper, Eleanor fears Maggie must be right. Someone killed Solemn Jon for some unknown crime hinted at in the paper. It's up to Eleanor and Clifford to figure things out even if it means uncovering secrets Maggie may not want to hear. Meanwhile, at Lord and Lady Langham's, Eleanor makes a new conquest, revealing a darker side to the aristocracy. Can her reputation survive in tact? It's also spring cleaning time in the house and the ladies are consumed with the work. Ellie doesn't want to leave but she's in the way. How can she make it up to them and make it easier next year?
I liked this story but felt it was too long. I was also surprised when I skipped to the end to see what happened to Solemn Jon and why that the clues were not there in the first half of the book. Some were but the murderer doesn't appear until later and neither does another villain. That seems like sloppy writing to me. The details of spring cleaning were mildly interesting but took up a lot of space. The resolution also went on too long with some domestic wrap-up following that. It just seemed like there was too much going on in this book. I would have focused on the float race and May Day traditions. They sounded like a lot of quirky, silly fun.
I love Eleanor's kind heart and her empathy towards the servants and the villagers. She's unconventional but a better lady of the manor for her compassion. I disliked how her relationship with Hugh seems to have cooled after the previous book. I wasn't surprised. I had a bad feeling about that. I did NOT expect the random bombshell he dropped on Ellie though! WHAT?? That needs some explaining!! Her relationship with Clifford seems to be on more formal grounds than normal too. He does less looking after her and acts more like a proper butler. I missed Gladstone. He doesn't really have a lot of cute scenes in this story. The ladies are front and center though as it is spring cleaning time and they have much work to do.
Solemn Jon's death was truly a tragedy. He seemed so nice and everyone loved him at Christmas. He was a much respected and valuable member of the community. Meeting his wife and dog, Patrick, only reinforce that impression. Maggie is a dear and they were so much in love. If she believes her husband was murdered then she must be correct. Patrick is the best of good dogs- clever and swift. I hope the murder motive isn't to steal him! Solemn Jon's assistant, Mr. Willie Green, doesn't feel the love. Willie Green is the least respected member of the community. He hints at knowing a dark secret about his boss that someone might want to kill over. Everyone hates Willie and believes he's a stupid drunk who is never up to anything worthwhile. Some of this is justified by his behavior but some of it is simply because he has the misfortune to be the son of a worthless man. This is very sad but also something people really believed in back in the 1920s. Willie is the chief suspect for murderer but something tells me he didn't do it.
What about Mr. Prestwick-Peterman, the pompous chairman of the May Fair committee. I don't think he's a murderer but he's not very likable. He enjoys the sound of his own voice and the feeling of importance.
Sergeant Brice is still not very good at solving crimes but this one is especially difficult. He still sees Eleanor as his nemesis and isn't very friendly. However, in this book he does step up and do his job- no more, no less.
Lord Fenwick-Langham is so much fun! A typical country squire, he takes to Eleanor's more relaxed approach to life. His wife's choice of lunch guests leaves a lot to be desired though. I do like the Marchioness of Wendlebury. Does she have a title of her own is that why she's Lady Lambourne? She speaks her mind and isn't afraid of offending anyone. Eleanor begins to suspect Lady Lambourne is a murder suspect- she hired a hitman of course, she wouldn't get her hands dirty. I doubt she'd do the deed even that way. She's a Marchioness and can do away with people legally. Lord Rankin is super nasty. He's positively medieval in his beliefs, even for the 1920s he's a snob and totally rude. He's the type of man who enjoys the hunt and that includes women. He's used to getting his own way and does not ever hear the word "no." I think he's met his match in Ellie but he may be able to get the better of her. UGH! He gives me the creeps. He's totally lying about something because it's 1921 and not 1918-1919. That's an obvious clue and my guess was right in the end.
Another unpleasant guest is Mr. Edwards, the newspaper publisher. "A hawker of newspaper scandal!" to quote Lady Violet Crawley on Downton Abbey. Mr. Edwards doesn't deserve Lord Rankin's snobbery but he doesn't deserve Eleanor sticking up for him either. He printed that obituary after all! A real villain is Arthur Pendle, an unscrupulous man who runs a shady dog racing ring. He's cruel to his dogs so therefore, it stands to reason he treats people as badly so I'm sure he's the murderer. Who is his new rival? I bet it is someone backed by someone with money, possibly Lord Rankin's money? Sir Gordon Thretheway is a wealthy, self-made banker and not to stereotype but he's also not a good guy. He's nearly as ruthless as Lord Rankin and willing to ruin Eleanor to achieve his own ends. I'm a little confused by what kind of shady business he's involved in but it might be some kind of a Ponzi scheme.
We meet a few of the local people who assist with the investigation. Young Eric Brimpton knows all about the dog races and provides Ellie with a valuable clue. He seems innocent of any wrongdoing though. Jack Brown is a delivery boy and sweet on Polly. He seems a bit lacking in intelligence to pair up with her. He innocently delivers another clue to our amateur sleuth. Matthew "Mew" Mayhew is a sweet lad whose family is down on their luck. He liked Solemn Jon and wants to help solve his murder. The boy provides some information which may prove useful. Mrs. Trimble is Willie's landlady. She seems fond of him and he is a different person around her. She's disabled and her beloved husband made her an adaptive wheelchair before he passed. She seems cranky and unwilling to help until Clifford tries to butter her up. She's a real eccentric for sure. One last new character is Charles Burgess, former butler to Lord Rankin. The man is... odd and not quite right in the head. I feel bad for him for the things that happened to him in the past.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series and hope there's more Gladstone and more romance!
Lady Eleanor Swift is presiding over the festive traditional May Day float race in the village. She's expected to open the race and present the winners and losers with their prize. When one float doesn't return with the rest, Eleanor is concerned. She and Clifford explore the riverbank to determine what happened to Solemn Jon and are dismayed to discover he hit his head and died. Clifford dismisses it as a tragic accident but Eleanor has a niggling feeling she can't let go. When Solemn Jon's widow Maggie asks Eleanor for help solving her husband's murder, Eleanor feels she can't say no. She turns to her sometimes beau, Detective Hugh Seldon for help and he agrees with Clifford, the death was an accident. Eleanor is torn between giving in to Hugh's request she not investigate further and helping the grieving widow. When a shocking obituary is published in the paper, Eleanor fears Maggie must be right. Someone killed Solemn Jon for some unknown crime hinted at in the paper. It's up to Eleanor and Clifford to figure things out even if it means uncovering secrets Maggie may not want to hear. Meanwhile, at Lord and Lady Langham's, Eleanor makes a new conquest, revealing a darker side to the aristocracy. Can her reputation survive in tact? It's also spring cleaning time in the house and the ladies are consumed with the work. Ellie doesn't want to leave but she's in the way. How can she make it up to them and make it easier next year?
I liked this story but felt it was too long. I was also surprised when I skipped to the end to see what happened to Solemn Jon and why that the clues were not there in the first half of the book. Some were but the murderer doesn't appear until later and neither does another villain. That seems like sloppy writing to me. The details of spring cleaning were mildly interesting but took up a lot of space. The resolution also went on too long with some domestic wrap-up following that. It just seemed like there was too much going on in this book. I would have focused on the float race and May Day traditions. They sounded like a lot of quirky, silly fun.
I love Eleanor's kind heart and her empathy towards the servants and the villagers. She's unconventional but a better lady of the manor for her compassion. I disliked how her relationship with Hugh seems to have cooled after the previous book. I wasn't surprised. I had a bad feeling about that. I did NOT expect the random bombshell he dropped on Ellie though! WHAT?? That needs some explaining!! Her relationship with Clifford seems to be on more formal grounds than normal too. He does less looking after her and acts more like a proper butler. I missed Gladstone. He doesn't really have a lot of cute scenes in this story. The ladies are front and center though as it is spring cleaning time and they have much work to do.
Solemn Jon's death was truly a tragedy. He seemed so nice and everyone loved him at Christmas. He was a much respected and valuable member of the community. Meeting his wife and dog, Patrick, only reinforce that impression. Maggie is a dear and they were so much in love. If she believes her husband was murdered then she must be correct. Patrick is the best of good dogs- clever and swift. I hope the murder motive isn't to steal him! Solemn Jon's assistant, Mr. Willie Green, doesn't feel the love. Willie Green is the least respected member of the community. He hints at knowing a dark secret about his boss that someone might want to kill over. Everyone hates Willie and believes he's a stupid drunk who is never up to anything worthwhile. Some of this is justified by his behavior but some of it is simply because he has the misfortune to be the son of a worthless man. This is very sad but also something people really believed in back in the 1920s. Willie is the chief suspect for murderer but something tells me he didn't do it.
What about Mr. Prestwick-Peterman, the pompous chairman of the May Fair committee. I don't think he's a murderer but he's not very likable. He enjoys the sound of his own voice and the feeling of importance.
Sergeant Brice is still not very good at solving crimes but this one is especially difficult. He still sees Eleanor as his nemesis and isn't very friendly. However, in this book he does step up and do his job- no more, no less.
Lord Fenwick-Langham is so much fun! A typical country squire, he takes to Eleanor's more relaxed approach to life. His wife's choice of lunch guests leaves a lot to be desired though. I do like the Marchioness of Wendlebury. Does she have a title of her own is that why she's Lady Lambourne? She speaks her mind and isn't afraid of offending anyone. Eleanor begins to suspect Lady Lambourne is a murder suspect- she hired a hitman of course, she wouldn't get her hands dirty. I doubt she'd do the deed even that way. She's a Marchioness and can do away with people legally. Lord Rankin is super nasty. He's positively medieval in his beliefs, even for the 1920s he's a snob and totally rude. He's the type of man who enjoys the hunt and that includes women. He's used to getting his own way and does not ever hear the word "no." I think he's met his match in Ellie but he may be able to get the better of her. UGH! He gives me the creeps. He's totally lying about something because it's 1921 and not 1918-1919. That's an obvious clue and my guess was right in the end.
Another unpleasant guest is Mr. Edwards, the newspaper publisher. "A hawker of newspaper scandal!" to quote Lady Violet Crawley on Downton Abbey. Mr. Edwards doesn't deserve Lord Rankin's snobbery but he doesn't deserve Eleanor sticking up for him either. He printed that obituary after all! A real villain is Arthur Pendle, an unscrupulous man who runs a shady dog racing ring. He's cruel to his dogs so therefore, it stands to reason he treats people as badly so I'm sure he's the murderer. Who is his new rival? I bet it is someone backed by someone with money, possibly Lord Rankin's money? Sir Gordon Thretheway is a wealthy, self-made banker and not to stereotype but he's also not a good guy. He's nearly as ruthless as Lord Rankin and willing to ruin Eleanor to achieve his own ends. I'm a little confused by what kind of shady business he's involved in but it might be some kind of a Ponzi scheme.
We meet a few of the local people who assist with the investigation. Young Eric Brimpton knows all about the dog races and provides Ellie with a valuable clue. He seems innocent of any wrongdoing though. Jack Brown is a delivery boy and sweet on Polly. He seems a bit lacking in intelligence to pair up with her. He innocently delivers another clue to our amateur sleuth. Matthew "Mew" Mayhew is a sweet lad whose family is down on their luck. He liked Solemn Jon and wants to help solve his murder. The boy provides some information which may prove useful. Mrs. Trimble is Willie's landlady. She seems fond of him and he is a different person around her. She's disabled and her beloved husband made her an adaptive wheelchair before he passed. She seems cranky and unwilling to help until Clifford tries to butter her up. She's a real eccentric for sure. One last new character is Charles Burgess, former butler to Lord Rankin. The man is... odd and not quite right in the head. I feel bad for him for the things that happened to him in the past.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series and hope there's more Gladstone and more romance!
June 28, 2021
Lady Eleanor Swift is not the average aristocrat found in 1921 England. She is kind, just and fair by all. She sees equality is something sadly missing from English society and wants to find a way to fit it into her own life and those who work for her. This makes her stand out, she is known for her quirky and independent views and it does not go down very well with some members of the aristocracy in her county.
Lady Eleanor also seems to be drawn into murders, like a magnet and these seem to follow her around. In this episode she is the chief guest at a summer fair, a position her uncle gladly held but when a raft race which was supposed to be fun (and was very competitive amongst the village turned deathly Lady Eleanor was drawn into the investigation despite the local cops marking it out as an accidental death.
The story is straight forward but all the characters were so interesting from the Lady herself, to her suitors to the butler, to her varied staff as well as the villagers themselves. It added heaps of interest to the story and made it seem so alive and vibrant. The book though part of a series can be read as a stand alone.
I like the series and only hope I will have the opportunity to read the others in this.
Lady Eleanor also seems to be drawn into murders, like a magnet and these seem to follow her around. In this episode she is the chief guest at a summer fair, a position her uncle gladly held but when a raft race which was supposed to be fun (and was very competitive amongst the village turned deathly Lady Eleanor was drawn into the investigation despite the local cops marking it out as an accidental death.
The story is straight forward but all the characters were so interesting from the Lady herself, to her suitors to the butler, to her varied staff as well as the villagers themselves. It added heaps of interest to the story and made it seem so alive and vibrant. The book though part of a series can be read as a stand alone.
I like the series and only hope I will have the opportunity to read the others in this.
June 18, 2021
Once again it’s time to enter the world of Lady Swift and her faithful butler Clifford. This is a series I am sure you know I adore and this book was no different. It was as fun as usual, the pacing was terrific, and it was a great read!
Lady Swift is tasked with judging the raft river race of part of the village’s local May Fair celebrations. Local teams compete by building elaborate rafts in order to reach the finish line first. However, as they are waiting for the last raft to appear Eleanor gets a sinking feeling that something is wrong and organises a search party. Unfortunately, they find the body of Solemn Joe, the local undertaker, in the rushes further up the river. It seems like an accident until there is an obituary in the paper that hints that Solemn Jon had secrets and it was actually murder! His widow tasks Eleanor to find out what happened. However, she also has had strict instructions not look into things by DI Seldon. She is torn but she owes to his wife to find out the truth! With Clifford and Gladstone the bulldog at her side.
First of all I spent the whole of the book reading the words Solemn Jon as Solomon Joe! Do you ever get word blindness like that?!
Once again this is a great outing for this series - lots of nods to classic crime fiction of the time (local fair, big house mysteries and a loyal servant) which I loved! The scenes I enjoy the most are when Clifford and Eleanor are sitting together to try and work out who committed the deeds. I also really enjoyed how much Eleanor’s character is starting to develop and mature slightly. Especially, when it comes to affairs of the heart and understanding how life really is for the people who live round her. There are a few nods to modernity as well what with Victor!
If you are a fan of this series you are not going to be disappointed. If you aren’t - what’s wrong with you?!!
Lady Swift is tasked with judging the raft river race of part of the village’s local May Fair celebrations. Local teams compete by building elaborate rafts in order to reach the finish line first. However, as they are waiting for the last raft to appear Eleanor gets a sinking feeling that something is wrong and organises a search party. Unfortunately, they find the body of Solemn Joe, the local undertaker, in the rushes further up the river. It seems like an accident until there is an obituary in the paper that hints that Solemn Jon had secrets and it was actually murder! His widow tasks Eleanor to find out what happened. However, she also has had strict instructions not look into things by DI Seldon. She is torn but she owes to his wife to find out the truth! With Clifford and Gladstone the bulldog at her side.
First of all I spent the whole of the book reading the words Solemn Jon as Solomon Joe! Do you ever get word blindness like that?!
Once again this is a great outing for this series - lots of nods to classic crime fiction of the time (local fair, big house mysteries and a loyal servant) which I loved! The scenes I enjoy the most are when Clifford and Eleanor are sitting together to try and work out who committed the deeds. I also really enjoyed how much Eleanor’s character is starting to develop and mature slightly. Especially, when it comes to affairs of the heart and understanding how life really is for the people who live round her. There are a few nods to modernity as well what with Victor!
If you are a fan of this series you are not going to be disappointed. If you aren’t - what’s wrong with you?!!
July 28, 2023
For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
Eleanor Swift reminds me so much of the early Nancy Drew books that were published in 1930. Each mystery can be read as a standalone novel and you don’t have to have read all the books in a row, although I am enjoying catching up on the back catalogue.
Just like the intrepid Nancy Drew, Eleanor is smart and resourceful, has a wealth of experiences in unusual things that become of value while investigating a crime, and has a great cast of supporting characters that help the story along. Just like Nancy, Eleanor, while smart, can be a bit naive, too, which endears her to her readers. She’s not practically perfect, she’s flawed, and makes mistakes along the way to solving her cases, which seem to drop in her lap, just like Nancy.
This time around, Eleanor has to find out who may have murdered Solemn Jon, the undertaker, after a raft race at the local fair goes wrong. All signs lead to an accident until a spiteful obituary appears in the local paper the next day. The obit is signed, but the man in question swears he didn’t write it. Eleanor, her ever faithful right-hand man and butler, Clifford, and her even more faithful elderly dog, Gladstone, help her investigate.
Then, another person dies, and police believe it also was an accident. Another mean and nasty obituary appears in the paper, so now Ellie is sure these are cases of murder, not accidents. There are plenty of suspects, and she has to sift through the clues and gather evidence to get to the truth. When her own obituary appears in the newspaper, she knows she’s getting close.
This was another satisfying cozy from Verity Bright. I’ve enjoyed all of Eleanor’s adventures to date, and I love that they’re reasonably-priced on the Kindle. Bargain Sleuth approved!
Eleanor Swift reminds me so much of the early Nancy Drew books that were published in 1930. Each mystery can be read as a standalone novel and you don’t have to have read all the books in a row, although I am enjoying catching up on the back catalogue.
Just like the intrepid Nancy Drew, Eleanor is smart and resourceful, has a wealth of experiences in unusual things that become of value while investigating a crime, and has a great cast of supporting characters that help the story along. Just like Nancy, Eleanor, while smart, can be a bit naive, too, which endears her to her readers. She’s not practically perfect, she’s flawed, and makes mistakes along the way to solving her cases, which seem to drop in her lap, just like Nancy.
This time around, Eleanor has to find out who may have murdered Solemn Jon, the undertaker, after a raft race at the local fair goes wrong. All signs lead to an accident until a spiteful obituary appears in the local paper the next day. The obit is signed, but the man in question swears he didn’t write it. Eleanor, her ever faithful right-hand man and butler, Clifford, and her even more faithful elderly dog, Gladstone, help her investigate.
Then, another person dies, and police believe it also was an accident. Another mean and nasty obituary appears in the paper, so now Ellie is sure these are cases of murder, not accidents. There are plenty of suspects, and she has to sift through the clues and gather evidence to get to the truth. When her own obituary appears in the newspaper, she knows she’s getting close.
This was another satisfying cozy from Verity Bright. I’ve enjoyed all of Eleanor’s adventures to date, and I love that they’re reasonably-priced on the Kindle. Bargain Sleuth approved!
July 12, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is the sixth book in the Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series by Verity Bright.
This is a very interesting book. Lady Eleanor has gotten herself a car and is now learning how to drive it since she dislikes making Clifford drive her around everywhere. She is looking for independence and does get it but it comes at a price when she ends up crashing her new shiny vehicle at some point during the book. I mean, you knew it would happen so that is not too spoiler-ish.
This book is about the death of a man during a summer fair where they are having a boating race. Lady Eleanor has gained more of the attention of Detective Seldon and I figure this relationship will only grow stronger as the books progress. He is a much better fit romantically than the man who was her significant flame in previous books.
This book is very layered and motivations of m0re than one person tie into the death of this man and then later the death of another fellow. Great mystery to follow. Love the vibe of these stories. Not too gruesome, very light hearted and just a fun mysterious romp into the 1920’s!
Great series to follow. Must read series for me!
If you love a historical cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great new must read book great series too!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
This is the sixth book in the Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series by Verity Bright.
This is a very interesting book. Lady Eleanor has gotten herself a car and is now learning how to drive it since she dislikes making Clifford drive her around everywhere. She is looking for independence and does get it but it comes at a price when she ends up crashing her new shiny vehicle at some point during the book. I mean, you knew it would happen so that is not too spoiler-ish.
This book is about the death of a man during a summer fair where they are having a boating race. Lady Eleanor has gained more of the attention of Detective Seldon and I figure this relationship will only grow stronger as the books progress. He is a much better fit romantically than the man who was her significant flame in previous books.
This book is very layered and motivations of m0re than one person tie into the death of this man and then later the death of another fellow. Great mystery to follow. Love the vibe of these stories. Not too gruesome, very light hearted and just a fun mysterious romp into the 1920’s!
Great series to follow. Must read series for me!
If you love a historical cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great new must read book great series too!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
July 19, 2024
3 stars.
One of the villagers is found drowned after a raft race at the May Day Village Fair. I quite liked the victim, Solemn Jon, the jovial undertaker whom we've already met in a previous book. I was therefore a bit more invested in finding out who the killer is. Before long, we have a few unsavory suspects and Ellie being blackmailed for something her dead uncle had done inadvertently.
Another solid addition. Although I thought the resolution of Ellie's blackmail problem was a bit too easy? And I'm not a fan of the on-again, off-again thing Ellie has going with Hugh.
One of the villagers is found drowned after a raft race at the May Day Village Fair. I quite liked the victim, Solemn Jon, the jovial undertaker whom we've already met in a previous book. I was therefore a bit more invested in finding out who the killer is. Before long, we have a few unsavory suspects and Ellie being blackmailed for something her dead uncle had done inadvertently.
Another solid addition. Although I thought the resolution of Ellie's blackmail problem was a bit too easy? And I'm not a fan of the on-again, off-again thing Ellie has going with Hugh.
April 17, 2022
This one kept me guessing. The undertaker's assistant has possibly the worst reputation of anyone in the village but when an obituary is printed in the local paper under his name, referring to his late employer, the villagers are scandalised despite his protestations that he knew nothing about the piece. Another two obituaries appear bearing his name and what little reputation he has deteriorates further. The undertaker's wife is convinced her husband was murdered even 'though he so obviously was the victim of an accident - but then so were the other two.
August 9, 2021
Charming. I like the characters, I love the dog. I'm not crazy about the main character's internal dialogue; it really doesn't contribute anything and it's a bit distracting, but overall I enjoy these light mysteries.
December 6, 2024
Definitely the guiltiest of my little guilt pleasures, I love these charming, colorful, intricate mysteries and the dear main characters at Henley Hall 🤗
September 17, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Murder At The Fair' by Verity Bright.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Verity Bright, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 15th June 2021.
This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the sixth book in her 'Lady Eleanor Smith Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read Verity's 'A Witness to Muder' (third book in the series) and 'Mystery By The Sea' (5th book in the series) which I would also recommend reading.
I was originally drawn to this book by its fantastic eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Pure delight for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss.' I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Verity and if this is as good as 'A Witness To Murder' or 'Murder By The Sea' it is sure to be an epic read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 50 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and had holidays in England on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Verity has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists is Lady Eleanor Smith. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Another successful unputdownable cosy mystery by the very talented Verity Bright. I'm always a bit dubious with books based historically as I worry about not being able to 'deal' with the language used but I absolutely love how Verity has written her books. The language used is perfectly suited to the era whilst being easy to read and making it quite humorous on several occasions. The atmosphere and descriptions were perfect.
The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Eleanor and Clifford go about their detective work. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. It was filled with suspense, mystery and suspense and is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. I never did work out who the killer was and was completely shocked when they were discovered. A great achievement as I am a huge crime fan and tend to work out who did what quite early on.
The characters were all larger than life, realistic and a complete breathe of fresh air. Eleanor is an amazing character, very bubbly and certainly not your typical 'Lady' she is absolutely unique as well as a very strong female lead which is a great bonus for myself being female. Clifford is absolutely fantastic and I really enjoy how he makes me laugh with his diplomatic skills. I loved meeting them again along with Butters, Trotters and Polly who are all larger than life with their own exceptional personalities. I cannot wait to meet them all again and see what they get up to in the next "episode".
A huge congratulations on another fantastic success Verity!!! Here's to looking forward to your next book 🥂
Overall a fun and easy to read cozy murder mystery with just the tight amount of humour that will keep you turning the pages.
Genres covered in this novel include Cozy Mystery, Murder and Crime amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Agatha Christie and anyone looking for a very easy and enjoyable read.
338 pages.
This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#MurderAtTheFair #Bookouture #VerityBright #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@VerityBright @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'Murder At The Fair' by Verity Bright.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Verity Bright, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 15th June 2021.
This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the sixth book in her 'Lady Eleanor Smith Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read Verity's 'A Witness to Muder' (third book in the series) and 'Mystery By The Sea' (5th book in the series) which I would also recommend reading.
I was originally drawn to this book by its fantastic eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Pure delight for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss.' I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Verity and if this is as good as 'A Witness To Murder' or 'Murder By The Sea' it is sure to be an epic read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 50 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and had holidays in England on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Verity has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists is Lady Eleanor Smith. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Another successful unputdownable cosy mystery by the very talented Verity Bright. I'm always a bit dubious with books based historically as I worry about not being able to 'deal' with the language used but I absolutely love how Verity has written her books. The language used is perfectly suited to the era whilst being easy to read and making it quite humorous on several occasions. The atmosphere and descriptions were perfect.
The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Eleanor and Clifford go about their detective work. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. It was filled with suspense, mystery and suspense and is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. I never did work out who the killer was and was completely shocked when they were discovered. A great achievement as I am a huge crime fan and tend to work out who did what quite early on.
The characters were all larger than life, realistic and a complete breathe of fresh air. Eleanor is an amazing character, very bubbly and certainly not your typical 'Lady' she is absolutely unique as well as a very strong female lead which is a great bonus for myself being female. Clifford is absolutely fantastic and I really enjoy how he makes me laugh with his diplomatic skills. I loved meeting them again along with Butters, Trotters and Polly who are all larger than life with their own exceptional personalities. I cannot wait to meet them all again and see what they get up to in the next "episode".
A huge congratulations on another fantastic success Verity!!! Here's to looking forward to your next book 🥂
Overall a fun and easy to read cozy murder mystery with just the tight amount of humour that will keep you turning the pages.
Genres covered in this novel include Cozy Mystery, Murder and Crime amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Agatha Christie and anyone looking for a very easy and enjoyable read.
338 pages.
This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#MurderAtTheFair #Bookouture #VerityBright #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@VerityBright @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
September 23, 2022
Excellent as expected!
Another adorable cozy mystery with Lady Eleanor, her OCD butler Clifford, Master Gladstone and of course the wonderful 'ladies' of the house -albeit downstairs...
This time the murder is at the local May Day fair celebrated every year.
I struggled to connect with the true villain of the story. Hence the four stars instead of five.
But I like how it turned out in the end.
Another adorable cozy mystery with Lady Eleanor, her OCD butler Clifford, Master Gladstone and of course the wonderful 'ladies' of the house -albeit downstairs...
This time the murder is at the local May Day fair celebrated every year.
I struggled to connect with the true villain of the story. Hence the four stars instead of five.
But I like how it turned out in the end.
June 26, 2021
Whether you are relaxing on your front porch or taking a trip to the beach, this cozy mystery is the perfect accompaniment. The mystery is fun - one you get to solve along with the main character. Just like Eleanor, I could see all the pieces but couldn't quite connect them until the end. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads.
October 27, 2024
This is a review about the series as a whole, rather than a specific book review about each book.
I am enjoying this series somewhat. I do find somethings rather frustrating at times, but overall, I like how things are developing through the whole series and I do want answers to certain questions that still have to be answered. It's a pleasant, not taxing on brain way to spend a couple of hours.
Eleanor. Right. She does not read as a 28 something woman, who eventually hits her 30's as the series progresses. Her character background doesn't fit the character we are presented with. I know she has been somewhat spoiled and is pampered, but she reads as a teenager to me, especially as all her exploring should've made her more mature. She has been travelling the world for 10 years alone. I repeat, travelling alone as a woman in the 1920's. That wouldn't have been easy and you'd need your wits about you. It's not like she's been locked in a manor for 15 years and is finally being released into the world alas Rapunzel. I also find her general horniness, both hilarious and frustrating, especially when she's falling for people she's just met and having romancey moments at the most worst times when she should be focusing on something much more serious. Though I do know it's part of her character that she falls hard over nothing and has a habit of rushing into romances with people she barely knows. She knows this about herself, yet does it anyway, she never really grows in this respect througout the story. I also didn't like that she turned into blushing, awkward giggling girl around males she finds attractive. It's stereotypical and once again, it's reminisce of a teenager. You'd think at 28, you can be around an attractive male and be fine. Most woman I know can. She just doesn't come across as a 28-30 year woman to me. I do sigh when she's like a bull in a china shop where a delicate hand was needed. She sometimes makes life hard for herself though once again, I know that's one huge part of her character traits, but she can come across quite rude at times. But I don't dislike her and I don't mind having her as the main character, I do wish we would have some more character growth within the story though.
Also, I know talk of food is a somewhat part of the cozy genre, but it gets tiring that Eleanor eats six heavily calorie meals a day, yet always keeps her figure. It's unrealistic and is a pet peeve of mine, as it's a mythical dream that is used as a stick to beat woman with when they can't achieve it.
I really like Clifford (despite the grating chivalry misogyny and being all proper which can get tiring. And I dislike how he's always reminding the ladies that because Eleanor has a title, that means she's better, worth more and special than them. All people are equal on the whole. A title doesn't mean much in this day and age. I know it's somewhat suitable/normal for the time period, but I think the authors can easily not focus and push this specific idea as much as they do. I know Clifford truly believes that she's better but it's getting old, especially when he pushes it on the staff several times a book.) and the rest of the staff though Clifford should be a bit easier on them, haha. I mean, they're doing several peoples worth of work a day by themselves. And one of them is 15 and started working at 11. (Imagine having an 11 year old as a maid/cleaner/everything else.) Dude doesn't know how to relax and chill. And Gladstone is my favourite. He's a cutie and I love his addition to the story. He makes a cute, fun aspect to the books with his charming personality of constantly stealing shoes and his penchant for digging.
Also, Polly started working at the manor at 11. In 1918, you had to stay in school until you were 14! so what's with that?!? Breaks the immersion. I don't understand why they couldn't have her at like 17? It would change nothing. She can still be a clumsy, young, silly girl at 17. You wouldn't have to change a thing about her character as it was written. I don't understand why the author chose her to come to the manor at 11, and be 15 within the stories narrative. Also, within the books I've read (13 as I type this sentence), we've had 2 Eleanor's birthdays, but Polly still has remained 15 somehow?
General Discussions about the series as a whole, including my thoughts on Hugh so probable minor spoilers;
I am enjoying this series somewhat. I do find somethings rather frustrating at times, but overall, I like how things are developing through the whole series and I do want answers to certain questions that still have to be answered. It's a pleasant, not taxing on brain way to spend a couple of hours.
Eleanor. Right. She does not read as a 28 something woman, who eventually hits her 30's as the series progresses. Her character background doesn't fit the character we are presented with. I know she has been somewhat spoiled and is pampered, but she reads as a teenager to me, especially as all her exploring should've made her more mature. She has been travelling the world for 10 years alone. I repeat, travelling alone as a woman in the 1920's. That wouldn't have been easy and you'd need your wits about you. It's not like she's been locked in a manor for 15 years and is finally being released into the world alas Rapunzel. I also find her general horniness, both hilarious and frustrating, especially when she's falling for people she's just met and having romancey moments at the most worst times when she should be focusing on something much more serious. Though I do know it's part of her character that she falls hard over nothing and has a habit of rushing into romances with people she barely knows. She knows this about herself, yet does it anyway, she never really grows in this respect througout the story. I also didn't like that she turned into blushing, awkward giggling girl around males she finds attractive. It's stereotypical and once again, it's reminisce of a teenager. You'd think at 28, you can be around an attractive male and be fine. Most woman I know can. She just doesn't come across as a 28-30 year woman to me. I do sigh when she's like a bull in a china shop where a delicate hand was needed. She sometimes makes life hard for herself though once again, I know that's one huge part of her character traits, but she can come across quite rude at times. But I don't dislike her and I don't mind having her as the main character, I do wish we would have some more character growth within the story though.
Also, I know talk of food is a somewhat part of the cozy genre, but it gets tiring that Eleanor eats six heavily calorie meals a day, yet always keeps her figure. It's unrealistic and is a pet peeve of mine, as it's a mythical dream that is used as a stick to beat woman with when they can't achieve it.
I really like Clifford (despite the grating chivalry misogyny and being all proper which can get tiring. And I dislike how he's always reminding the ladies that because Eleanor has a title, that means she's better, worth more and special than them. All people are equal on the whole. A title doesn't mean much in this day and age. I know it's somewhat suitable/normal for the time period, but I think the authors can easily not focus and push this specific idea as much as they do. I know Clifford truly believes that she's better but it's getting old, especially when he pushes it on the staff several times a book.) and the rest of the staff though Clifford should be a bit easier on them, haha. I mean, they're doing several peoples worth of work a day by themselves. And one of them is 15 and started working at 11. (Imagine having an 11 year old as a maid/cleaner/everything else.) Dude doesn't know how to relax and chill. And Gladstone is my favourite. He's a cutie and I love his addition to the story. He makes a cute, fun aspect to the books with his charming personality of constantly stealing shoes and his penchant for digging.
Also, Polly started working at the manor at 11. In 1918, you had to stay in school until you were 14! so what's with that?!? Breaks the immersion. I don't understand why they couldn't have her at like 17? It would change nothing. She can still be a clumsy, young, silly girl at 17. You wouldn't have to change a thing about her character as it was written. I don't understand why the author chose her to come to the manor at 11, and be 15 within the stories narrative. Also, within the books I've read (13 as I type this sentence), we've had 2 Eleanor's birthdays, but Polly still has remained 15 somehow?
General Discussions about the series as a whole, including my thoughts on Hugh so probable minor spoilers;
June 28, 2021
I leapt from book 1 (thanks mum) to book 6 (thanks Netgalley) and thoroughly enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to catching up on the ones between because the characters are delightful though you don’t need to have read the series to appreciate “Murder at the Fair”. Set in 1921, in the English countryside, our lead, Lady Swift, finds herself at the centre of the village fair. Whilst trying correctly attended to her duties, she uncovers the body of the local undertaker. Feeling instinctively that there is more afoot than an accident, she swiftly becomes involved in solving the case…much to the disgruntlement of the local constabulary and beau Detective Inspector Seldon.
As in all good cosy mysteries, the characters are delightful! These are people who the reader loves to return to again and again to see what they are doing and where they are. Clifford the butler is a favourite but is outshone by Gladstone, the bulldog, for me!
Romping across the countryside, ruffling feathers, Lady Swift finds herself in peril more than once making it a book that difficult to put down! I loved it start to finish! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale!
Merged review:
I leapt from book 1 (thanks mum) to book 6 (thanks Netgalley) and thoroughly enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to catching up on the ones between because the characters are delightful though you don’t need to have read the series to appreciate “Murder at the Fair”. Set in 1921, in the English countryside, our lead, Lady Swift, finds herself at the centre of the village fair. Whilst trying correctly attended to her duties, she uncovers the body of the local undertaker. Feeling instinctively that there is more afoot than an accident, she swiftly becomes involved in solving the case…much to the disgruntlement of the local constabulary and beau Detective Inspector Seldon.
As in all good cosy mysteries, the characters are delightful! These are people who the reader loves to return to again and again to see what they are doing and where they are. Clifford the butler is a favourite but is outshone by Gladstone, the bulldog, for me!
Romping across the countryside, ruffling feathers, Lady Swift finds herself in peril more than once making it a book that difficult to put down! I loved it start to finish! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bookouture through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
As in all good cosy mysteries, the characters are delightful! These are people who the reader loves to return to again and again to see what they are doing and where they are. Clifford the butler is a favourite but is outshone by Gladstone, the bulldog, for me!
Romping across the countryside, ruffling feathers, Lady Swift finds herself in peril more than once making it a book that difficult to put down! I loved it start to finish! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale!
Merged review:
I leapt from book 1 (thanks mum) to book 6 (thanks Netgalley) and thoroughly enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to catching up on the ones between because the characters are delightful though you don’t need to have read the series to appreciate “Murder at the Fair”. Set in 1921, in the English countryside, our lead, Lady Swift, finds herself at the centre of the village fair. Whilst trying correctly attended to her duties, she uncovers the body of the local undertaker. Feeling instinctively that there is more afoot than an accident, she swiftly becomes involved in solving the case…much to the disgruntlement of the local constabulary and beau Detective Inspector Seldon.
As in all good cosy mysteries, the characters are delightful! These are people who the reader loves to return to again and again to see what they are doing and where they are. Clifford the butler is a favourite but is outshone by Gladstone, the bulldog, for me!
Romping across the countryside, ruffling feathers, Lady Swift finds herself in peril more than once making it a book that difficult to put down! I loved it start to finish! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bookouture through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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