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Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates #8
A Twisted Case of Murder
Rosemary Lillywhite knew mass murderer Garrison Black had his sights set on her--but she had no idea how entangled their lives would become. Could there be anything more twisted than murder?
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2021
103 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Emily Queen
37 books100 followersEmily Queen is a writer of historical fiction, including the Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates cozy mystery series. She lives in Maine, USA with her cat, dog, and too many books to count.
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 12, 2021
Too Neat
There were just too many coincidences. I know they had to wrap up the serial murder story but really? Also I'm finding Mrs. L to be really selfish and foolhardy. I know she wants to be the one to control her life, that's understandable, but really?
There were just too many coincidences. I know they had to wrap up the serial murder story but really? Also I'm finding Mrs. L to be really selfish and foolhardy. I know she wants to be the one to control her life, that's understandable, but really?
October 31, 2021
Love this series
November 5, 2021
Awesome!!
I can’t wait for number 9!! A few questions to be answered?? Actually quite a few!! Love Rosemary and Vera!! Can’t give away anything else. Yikes, will Rosemary and Mat be together????
I can’t wait for number 9!! A few questions to be answered?? Actually quite a few!! Love Rosemary and Vera!! Can’t give away anything else. Yikes, will Rosemary and Mat be together????
November 3, 2021
Rosemary Lillywhite is being stalked by a serial killer who wants her dead. She is determined not to be afraid and arm herself with as much information about Garrison Black as she can. What she hasn't told her police chief beau, Max, is that she's been compiling old case files and conducting a psychological profile of the killer. She will turn the information over to the police, eventually, of course. She'd rather not have Max mad at her right now but when he reveals his frustrations over her stubbornness, it reveals cracks in their relationship. Will their relationship survive if Rose manages to evade Garrison Black? Should she give up investigating for the sake of her relationship with Max? It doesn't help to have Vera and Freddie back from their honeymoon wanting to double date for a night on the town. Then Rose makes a shocking discovery in her yard that may resolve matters once and for all. Something doesn't seem quite right to Rose and she can't figure out what that is. Can she solve the mystery before it's too late?
This mystery starts off dark and creepy and then stalls midway through. There's very little suspense until the very end and it's pretty random. I suspected something and someone else entirely and the story left a little bit of a mystery that may never be solved. I wasn't thrilled by the relationship plotline. Of course Rose and Max are bound to butt heads but this was too much angst and drama for me. The 1920s London setting is well done and I got a good feel for the time and place but some of it is too dark for me. What I don't like about this series is the headjumping changes in point-of-view. It shifts too abruptly. One line we're in Rose's head and the next Vera's or Max's. I would prefer just Rose. For a book published days ago, I only caught two very minor typos! Impressive! Thank you Emily Queen for actually proofreading and editing your book.
Rose is a sweet, sympathetic character. She's intelligent but as a lady she lacks an outlet for her intelligence. She's been brought up to hide her feelings and always act like a lady. She's found a good group of friends in a self-defense group who share her intelligence, passionate nature and desire for social justice. However, I agree with Max that she disregards her own safety. It's one thing to live your life and not be cowed by threats but it's another to be careless. Max can't always be there and he doesn't seem to have guards posted outside her house at night. I think he should! He doesn't know who to trust though because of corruption in the force. Max is a typical policeman. He sees the world in absolutes and Rosemary is absolutely in danger and should absolutely hide herself away and be safe. He obviously cares about her but he doesn't quite understand her the way Andrew did. Their relationship is still new. Andrew recognized Rose's intelligence and curiosity and taught her the tricks of his trade. He wanted her to continue with his P.I. business after he was gone so he obviously trusted her good sense, or at least trusted Wadsworth, her butler/bodyguard to protect her! Max has to come to accept Rose's interest in crime. Perhaps he will, like Andrew, resign from the force so he can reconcile his relationship with Rose with his need to see justice done because fundamentally, he's a nice man.
Vera and Freddie are back from their honeymoon and behaving as normal. He's besotted and can't believe he's captured Vera's heart. Vera is preoccupied with an upcoming new role she is eager for- a private detective character! Vera drives Rose crazy shadowing Rose's every movement and mannerism. That must be freaky. Freddie still drives Vera crazy and they still fight a lot but they love each other. Vera does NOT love her mother-in-law who continually calls to see if there's any baby news and offer name suggestions, decorating suggestions for the nursery, etc. etc. UGH! That would make me scream! Apparently in the 1920s there's ways of preventing babies from coming when you don't want them to and Vera does NOT want babies right now. Maybe in the future. Vera has a sort of mystery subplot of her own. She has a new nemesis, Cora Flowers, a young actress who is out for the same role as Vera. She's unfriendly and the gossip about her hints at instability. Is she going to harm Vera or sabotage Vera's career somehow? Desmond Cooper turns up again to shake up the fragile relationship between Rose and Max. Des is not my favorite character. He's a little too roaring 20s and too carefree. However, I believe deep down he's a good man. Some day some lucky woman will recognize his worth and want him as much as he wants her. It's not Rose though. No love triangles in this story, thankfully.
Rose's friends are mostly awesome! I like Ivy Gibson, the police commissioner's wife. She's the leader of their club and even though she's older, she recognizes the need for a social organization that actually does good as well as the need for women to learn to take care of themselves. Esme Prescott, second in command, is a widow like Rosemary but like Rose, she's not sitting around wearing the willow or waiting for a new husband. She's actively doing something to finish the work her husband started and trying to prevent another senseless death. I like her a lot too. Newcomer Hadley Walsh is so obnoxious! She keeps bragging about how Garrison Black killed Arabelle Grey in her own neighborhood. She doesn't seem afraid at all. This girl desires to be the center of attention and I suspect she's behind the rumor mill. Mrs. Higgins, an older lady, is extremely conservative and rude about it. I wonder what she's doing in such a progressive club? Why insult younger members like Vera? Sadly, many older people still, 100 years later, agree with Mrs. Higgins on the subject of short skirts. Not much has changed- "If she wears her skirt too short she's asking for trouble!" ARUGH! It's a miracle murder didn't happen on the spot given Vera's temper.
Rose's maid Anna is a sweet, lovely girl in the throes of first love. Uh-oh! I have my concerns about her mysterious new beau. Morris Clayton, Max's new constable, is a newcomer to the force. He comes across as young, bumbling and not too quick. How did he make it on the force if he's that ridiculous? When Rose spies him somewhere she didn't expect, she has her suspicions about him. Me too but we didn't come to the same conclusion. Wadsworth's unfinished question may point her in the right direction of that mystery. Jack, the gardener, seems to have a crush on Rose. He's very kind and thoughtful. He makes me uneasy because he doesn't show her the usual deference and is rather overly solicitous at times. I expect he's the one behind the surprising development in the plot.
Who is Miss Briony Keller? She's certainly suspicious, trying to become Rose's friend, showing up uninvited and then turning up to look for a broach she certainly wasn't wearing last time. It's very strange. She's probably some gossip rag columnist looking for dirt to write more trashy stories on Rose to feed the rumor mill. Mrs. Brighton, Garrison Black's old landlady, knows a whole lot more about him than the police do. Did she share her knowledge and suspicions with the police? No. Why? Because the police are corrupt and don't look seriously at the impoverished in the East End. To an East Ender, the police are not to be trusted. Mrs. B seems quite fond of Garrison Black. Could she have somehow helped him escape prison? Did she help hide him? I don't think she had the means to help him escape but she would hide him. He's one of the neighborhood's own and she clearly has a soft spot for him. That would make her an accomplice and I would hate to see her jailed. I think Rose feels the same way-pity more than outrage.
I'm not in a hurry to read more of this series but if I happen across the next one for free, I would probably read it.
This mystery starts off dark and creepy and then stalls midway through. There's very little suspense until the very end and it's pretty random. I suspected something and someone else entirely and the story left a little bit of a mystery that may never be solved. I wasn't thrilled by the relationship plotline. Of course Rose and Max are bound to butt heads but this was too much angst and drama for me. The 1920s London setting is well done and I got a good feel for the time and place but some of it is too dark for me. What I don't like about this series is the headjumping changes in point-of-view. It shifts too abruptly. One line we're in Rose's head and the next Vera's or Max's. I would prefer just Rose. For a book published days ago, I only caught two very minor typos! Impressive! Thank you Emily Queen for actually proofreading and editing your book.
Rose is a sweet, sympathetic character. She's intelligent but as a lady she lacks an outlet for her intelligence. She's been brought up to hide her feelings and always act like a lady. She's found a good group of friends in a self-defense group who share her intelligence, passionate nature and desire for social justice. However, I agree with Max that she disregards her own safety. It's one thing to live your life and not be cowed by threats but it's another to be careless. Max can't always be there and he doesn't seem to have guards posted outside her house at night. I think he should! He doesn't know who to trust though because of corruption in the force. Max is a typical policeman. He sees the world in absolutes and Rosemary is absolutely in danger and should absolutely hide herself away and be safe. He obviously cares about her but he doesn't quite understand her the way Andrew did. Their relationship is still new. Andrew recognized Rose's intelligence and curiosity and taught her the tricks of his trade. He wanted her to continue with his P.I. business after he was gone so he obviously trusted her good sense, or at least trusted Wadsworth, her butler/bodyguard to protect her! Max has to come to accept Rose's interest in crime. Perhaps he will, like Andrew, resign from the force so he can reconcile his relationship with Rose with his need to see justice done because fundamentally, he's a nice man.
Vera and Freddie are back from their honeymoon and behaving as normal. He's besotted and can't believe he's captured Vera's heart. Vera is preoccupied with an upcoming new role she is eager for- a private detective character! Vera drives Rose crazy shadowing Rose's every movement and mannerism. That must be freaky. Freddie still drives Vera crazy and they still fight a lot but they love each other. Vera does NOT love her mother-in-law who continually calls to see if there's any baby news and offer name suggestions, decorating suggestions for the nursery, etc. etc. UGH! That would make me scream! Apparently in the 1920s there's ways of preventing babies from coming when you don't want them to and Vera does NOT want babies right now. Maybe in the future. Vera has a sort of mystery subplot of her own. She has a new nemesis, Cora Flowers, a young actress who is out for the same role as Vera. She's unfriendly and the gossip about her hints at instability. Is she going to harm Vera or sabotage Vera's career somehow? Desmond Cooper turns up again to shake up the fragile relationship between Rose and Max. Des is not my favorite character. He's a little too roaring 20s and too carefree. However, I believe deep down he's a good man. Some day some lucky woman will recognize his worth and want him as much as he wants her. It's not Rose though. No love triangles in this story, thankfully.
Rose's friends are mostly awesome! I like Ivy Gibson, the police commissioner's wife. She's the leader of their club and even though she's older, she recognizes the need for a social organization that actually does good as well as the need for women to learn to take care of themselves. Esme Prescott, second in command, is a widow like Rosemary but like Rose, she's not sitting around wearing the willow or waiting for a new husband. She's actively doing something to finish the work her husband started and trying to prevent another senseless death. I like her a lot too. Newcomer Hadley Walsh is so obnoxious! She keeps bragging about how Garrison Black killed Arabelle Grey in her own neighborhood. She doesn't seem afraid at all. This girl desires to be the center of attention and I suspect she's behind the rumor mill. Mrs. Higgins, an older lady, is extremely conservative and rude about it. I wonder what she's doing in such a progressive club? Why insult younger members like Vera? Sadly, many older people still, 100 years later, agree with Mrs. Higgins on the subject of short skirts. Not much has changed- "If she wears her skirt too short she's asking for trouble!" ARUGH! It's a miracle murder didn't happen on the spot given Vera's temper.
Rose's maid Anna is a sweet, lovely girl in the throes of first love. Uh-oh! I have my concerns about her mysterious new beau. Morris Clayton, Max's new constable, is a newcomer to the force. He comes across as young, bumbling and not too quick. How did he make it on the force if he's that ridiculous? When Rose spies him somewhere she didn't expect, she has her suspicions about him. Me too but we didn't come to the same conclusion. Wadsworth's unfinished question may point her in the right direction of that mystery. Jack, the gardener, seems to have a crush on Rose. He's very kind and thoughtful. He makes me uneasy because he doesn't show her the usual deference and is rather overly solicitous at times. I expect he's the one behind the surprising development in the plot.
Who is Miss Briony Keller? She's certainly suspicious, trying to become Rose's friend, showing up uninvited and then turning up to look for a broach she certainly wasn't wearing last time. It's very strange. She's probably some gossip rag columnist looking for dirt to write more trashy stories on Rose to feed the rumor mill. Mrs. Brighton, Garrison Black's old landlady, knows a whole lot more about him than the police do. Did she share her knowledge and suspicions with the police? No. Why? Because the police are corrupt and don't look seriously at the impoverished in the East End. To an East Ender, the police are not to be trusted. Mrs. B seems quite fond of Garrison Black. Could she have somehow helped him escape prison? Did she help hide him? I don't think she had the means to help him escape but she would hide him. He's one of the neighborhood's own and she clearly has a soft spot for him. That would make her an accomplice and I would hate to see her jailed. I think Rose feels the same way-pity more than outrage.
I'm not in a hurry to read more of this series but if I happen across the next one for free, I would probably read it.
December 17, 2024
Why is it when one human loves another so much, a strong disagreement is inevitable? Yes, I have revealed the fact I do not like controversy and never have. I understand we cannot all have the same opinion or beliefs, but why can we not simply allow the other person to agree to disagree and leave it at that? Things to ponder, folks. The characters in this series are beloved to me, except when they fuss and verbally fight. The plot is straightforward and the premise is Rosemary feels the need to find out what made Mr Black the murderer he was. The answers are illuminating. I most assuredly recommend this book and the entire series.
December 15, 2025
Audiobook: I enjoyed this book as much as the others in the series. I understood Rosemary's point-of-view as she was tired of being gaslighted by the men around her. I applauded her independent spirit and desire to find the man who was threatening her. I liked Rosemary and her circle of friends. I appreciated the information regarding gardening. I thought Caren Naess' narration was superb as her performance nuanced the characters and the settings to bring them to life. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
December 12, 2025
A Twisted Case of Murder: A 1920s Murder Mystery (Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates Mysteries Book 8), my fifth read from author Emily Queen. An enjoyable well-written, 5-hour 23-minute/26-page historical mystery, the eighth book in the Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates Series. “I received a complementary Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Caren Naess' narration was excellent and adds to the enjoyment of the read/listen. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
December 15, 2025
The narrator I really like a lot. I have listened to several other books that she has narrated in this series. I think she really adds a lot to the story. The story itself is enjoyable. I really like this series as well. I was blown away by the ending. Always such a good mystery! The main characters are fun to revisit in the books. If you like at this time period this is an entertaining, cozy mystery which is easily engageable. The plot had some twisty surprises! I was given a copy of the audiobook from the author. The review is completely my own opinion.
July 22, 2025
Unexpected Developments
Several things about this book delighted me. Chief among them was that Rosemary showed a different and deeper side of herself. Another was Dash, the dog Rosemary rescued from his truly awful owner in a previous book. He adds a certain lightheartedness to the proceedings. As in Book 7, the murder and its solution occur kind of in the background while attention is focused elsewhere. I quite enjoy that technique and I’m looking forward to Book 9.
Several things about this book delighted me. Chief among them was that Rosemary showed a different and deeper side of herself. Another was Dash, the dog Rosemary rescued from his truly awful owner in a previous book. He adds a certain lightheartedness to the proceedings. As in Book 7, the murder and its solution occur kind of in the background while attention is focused elsewhere. I quite enjoy that technique and I’m looking forward to Book 9.
November 5, 2023
I received this book as a freebie in return for an honest review.
This book was quite enjoyable, it was easy to follow as a stand alone, but would have been better I think if I had read the other books. I can see the outlines for new books in the future with things 'touched on' but not taken further. Interesting!
This book was quite enjoyable, it was easy to follow as a stand alone, but would have been better I think if I had read the other books. I can see the outlines for new books in the future with things 'touched on' but not taken further. Interesting!
November 29, 2023
So satisfying.
I love this series. I love Rose, her staff, her family and how the author manages to use suspense, mystery, humor, relationships and places to tell the stories. Well done!
I love this series. I love Rose, her staff, her family and how the author manages to use suspense, mystery, humor, relationships and places to tell the stories. Well done!
May 11, 2024
This was the first in this series that I couldn't finish. Started off well, and then suddenly, it felt forced and not compelling. I'll try the next and see if I've just had my fill or if this one is the exception.
February 17, 2025
Rose and crew are at it again. I feel like this series resonates with me because I work in a male dominated career field.
I really need to know what’s going to happen with Rose and Max - let’s get a move on guys - just dive in - we know you love each other!
I really need to know what’s going to happen with Rose and Max - let’s get a move on guys - just dive in - we know you love each other!
September 14, 2023
1920s Serial killer Garrison Black started his spree ten years ago and now it seems he is determined to kill Rosemary Lillywhite (story carried over from other books?). Rosemary unfortunately has turned into an unlikeable character.
September 29, 2023
Addicting!
I can never put the book down when I read these! I like the wording of the books and how it matches how I imagine the characters speak and think.
I can never put the book down when I read these! I like the wording of the books and how it matches how I imagine the characters speak and think.
November 26, 2025
another enjoyable instalment
February 5, 2022
Couldn't Stop Reading!
I think this is the best book, yet. The twists and turns in the story kept me enthralled. Maybe a few too many wackos for me, but I loved it anyway. Rosemary has grown a lot and will continue to do so. Now that her life isn't in immediate danger, hopefully she and Max can move forward. But I do have to worry about the poor soldiers at the soup kitchen. There will be more mysteries there, I'm sure.
I think this is the best book, yet. The twists and turns in the story kept me enthralled. Maybe a few too many wackos for me, but I loved it anyway. Rosemary has grown a lot and will continue to do so. Now that her life isn't in immediate danger, hopefully she and Max can move forward. But I do have to worry about the poor soldiers at the soup kitchen. There will be more mysteries there, I'm sure.
December 30, 2021
Rosemary finds the body of her stalker, Garrison Black, in her garden. Police believe he died of natural causes, but did he? Suspicions swirl, some even pointing fingers at Rosemary. So who did it? Where is Rosemary's relationship with Max going? And what are Vera and Frederick up to? Quick, interesting read.
May 22, 2022
Unusual!
Darker than the previous books in this series. Definitely not a cozy mystery because there are danger and threats everywhere!
Darker than the previous books in this series. Definitely not a cozy mystery because there are danger and threats everywhere!
September 3, 2022
Really enjoyed this book and the series is great. I have just started No.9.
February 27, 2023
Very unhappy about the continued mass murderer storyline. Skimmed it.
December 6, 2023
Emily Queen is always an enjoyable read! Cozy little mystery with likable characters.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews