Death from High Places

Lord Edgington Investigates #1.5

by Benedict Brown

Lord Edgington of Cranley Hall has some living to do!

The next item on his bucket list is a nice, serene balloon ride, but when a man falls to his death, the retired detective suspects foul play. With the help of his hapless grandson, he must find the killer before time runs out.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Historical, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Murder Mystery

Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2022

About the author

Writing has always been my passion. It was my favourite hour a week at primary school, and I started on my first, truly abysmal book as a teenager. So it wasn’t a difficult decision to study literature at university which led to an MA in Creative Writing. I spent a long time writing kids’ books, including funny fairy tales, dystopic adventures and serious issue-based YA, before switching to murder mysteries last year.

I grew up in a crime fiction family and spent a long time dreaming up the idea for my detective Izzy Palmer’s debut novel. A Corpse Called Bob is my first full-length book for adults in what is already becoming a long series.

I’m a Welsh-Irish-Englishman originally from South London but now living with my French/Spanish wife and slightly muddled daughter in Burgos, a beautiful city in the north of Spain. I write overlooking the Castilian countryside, trying not to be distracted by the vultures and red kites that fly past my window each day.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death from High Places is so entertaining! I love historical cozy mystery books, and after reading this, I'll be adding the Lord Edgington Investigates books to my TBR. This is a quick read since it's a novella, but you still get a well-plotted mystery to solve. I'm looking forward to getting to know these characters better! If you like historical cozies, definitely check this one out!

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are all similar. Very entertaining in the way of Miss Marple or Mrs. Jeffries. I read or listen to them on the way to sleep.

[Ingvild Sofie · Rating 3 out of 5]

føler man ikke trengte å lese første boka før denne, fordi jeg klarte å få med meg alt. Var veldig kort da, så var lissom ikke tid nok til en veldig intrikat fortelling, men den var ganske morsom til en krim å være. Fikk lyst til å lese de andre bøkene i serien, så kanskje jeg faktisk bør lese første boka lol. Denne var bra og jeg likte den, og rater den 3 stjerner utifra goodreads sin beskrivelse "Liked it" :P

[Julia Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great! I loved that it's a team of a grandfather and his grandson solving cases. I did not see the ending coming. I also liked that even though I hadn't read the first book, this didn't have any spoilers, and it was simultaneously easy to catch on. Loved the funny bits, too--the main character was hilarious.

[Madita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and entertaining short story with the known lovely main characters. It was a great and quick read, but I will always be a full length story kind of person. But for a short story this was great!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The epitome of cosy crime.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this novella a little out of order - I completed books 1-10 before swinging back to read it. I knew Christopher had grown up and learned a lot over the series, but coming back to read this book 1.5 where he had only investigated one case with his grandfather was a huge difference! Fantastic storyline, once again.

[Sarah Zama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this pair! A retired Scotland Yard inspector, who lived his last ten year like an hermit after the death of his beloved wife and who was awakened to life by his teenage nephew Christopher. Quite an unlikely pair. Enthusiastic and full of life the grandfather, tame and cautious the newphew – I simply loved them.

The mystery is ‘easy’ but very well-thought out, based on human nature more than on mechanics. The whole story is based on Lord Edgington’s desire to solve the murder happened in his very house before the police arrives, which leave to him only a couple of hours. In this very short time and pressed by the imminent arrival, Lord Edginggton may only count on his understanding of human nature and on solving the puzzle of the different witnesses.

Really clever, and realistic. I totally loved it.

[Nico · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars but I'm rounding up so I'm not murdered in my sleep by my family. This was very cute and amusing I very well might listen to a full book next time I'm looking for an audiobook.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book in a free giveaway from the author and while it was fine, I think that it would have been better had I read the first book in the series and known more about the character's backgrounds. Chrissy is a young teen back from boarding school at his grandfather, Lord Edgington's, manor. Apparently, Lord Edgington is a former Scotland Yard inspector who just recently reentered the world after his own forced seclusion after his retirement and the death of his wife. But he isn't just content to break out of his own mold but is forcing his young grandson to jump with him, literally and figuratively, by surprising him with a hot balloon ride from which they will jump with parachutes. Chrissy's older brother, Albert, and his university friends are at the manor and one of them, Chet, is a former mechanic who served in WWII and knows how to fly the balloon. Simon, Albert's friend and love rival, is the one with the parachutes for jumping. Albert and his other friends are all in love with Simon's girlfriend, Evie, some openly, like Albert, and others secretly, like Rufus. Lord Edgington and Chrissy make it safely to land after their jumps but Simon's chute never opened and he plunged to his death. Lord Edgington immediately sees that the cord was tampered with so one of Albert's friends is a murderer. Evidence was planted by the murderer to point to Rufus, Evie or Chet being the killer in the hope that the police would think that Albert planted it all to hide his crime of passion. With Simon out of the way, Albert could hope to swoop in and console Evie, making her fall in love with him. But in the end it was really Rufus who used that motive to kill Simon and was the one hoping for that outcome with Evie. Not a bad little novella but because I didn't really know the characters and am not invested in their stories it fell a little flat.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY RATING GUIDE: 4 - 4.5 Stars. I am enjoying this new-to-me Cozy Mystery series with 2 MCs - a capable and formerScotland Yard Superintendent detective (now 75yrs old) and his 16yr grandson (“detective in training”). I don’t usually like young characters in my books yet Christopher shows promise (and the former SY Super leads the investigations). I am finding this a well written, light series which first caught my attention with its lovely book covers (each based on actual estates).

1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).

Cranley Hall, Surrey, England 1925, 2mos after bk1 ~
After 10yrs of seclusion and mourning following the death of his beloved wife, Lord Edgington, the wealthiest and possibly the most eccentric landowner in Surrey, once Scotland Yard’s toughest superintendent inspector, is again living life to its fullest. Lord Edgington has invited a balloonist to take himself, his grandson Christopher, his grandson Albert and Albert’s Oxford friends into the sky in the ballon. Then Lord Edgington and a few others will parachute back down. It is all meant to be a grand adventure, certainly not the interlude to death.

Comments ~
1) DEATH FROM HIGH PLACES was my second Benedict Brown Mystery and I enjoyed it. (I especially enjoy unique settings and careers which the ballooning and parachuting accomplished). I own the audio by George Blahden (which is very nicely done) but I read the novel, this time. It is probably possible to read DFHP as a standalone mystery but I prefer beginning with bk1.
2) I purchased 6+ audios on a recent sale and look forward to listening and reading my way through this series. The Lord Edgington series definitely has a Cozy Mystery “feel” (similar to Harriet Steel’s “Murder in Nuala” series, which I also read) and fits in nicely between other grittier novels and genres when I desire lighter reading. I like that the grandfather (a fully qualified former Scotland Yard Superintendent) heads the investigations as he “trains” his grandson on detection. Hopefully this will continue until the young man is older and more experienced, perhaps partnering with his grandfather at some point.
3) While the suspects were few, in this case, I still found myself interested and was captivated till the end. I am finding this series quite enjoyable and recommend it to those who read/listen to:
> Cozy Mysteries.
> Cozy Historical British Mysteries - Mid-1920’s.
> Seasoned MCs.
> Humor and easy reading mysteries.
> Clean fiction.
> Low angst, little drama.
George Blagden’s audio performances fit the different characters nicely, both male & female.

READER CAUTIONS ~ Suitable to any reader.
PROFANITY - None.
VIOLENCE - This is a Cozy Murder Mystery.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.

[James Garman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Edgington of Cranley Hall has two grandsons away at school. The younger of which is close by and comes home more often, but this particular weekend they are both home. There is also a balloonist there who has agreed to take those who want to up in the balloon, and several are going to use a parachute to jump on.

This younger grandson neither wants to go up in the balloon, nor wants to parachute out, but his grandfather taunts him with the equipment that he has provided for the grandson. So obviously the grandson not only goes up and ends up jumping out also. However, someone actually dies because their parachute doesn't open.

Since his grandfather is a former police with Scotland Yard, naturally the grandson's new job is to work with his grandfather to find out who committed the murder. The grandson is out o f his environment and the grandfather has trouble with this one also.

This novella is the prequel to a series of stories about this grandson being commandeered to help his grandfather fulfill his bucket list. I may follow up but think it sounds lke an interesting exploration.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful novella from a bygone era when balloons were filled with hydrogen. My library offered it as a bonus audiobook borrow just before the month ended, and I really enjoyed the narration and the nostalgic vibe! It presented a captivating mystery to solve, and I think I’ll be checking out the rest of the series.

Lord Edgington of Cranley Hall seeks adventure with a balloon ride and parachute jump. However, following a fatal mishap when a parachute fails to open, he suspects foul play. With his inexperienced grandson's assistance, Edgington must uncover the murderer before it’s too late.

I particularly liked the dynamic between the grandfather and grandson, especially how the grandfather encouraged his grandson to step out of his comfort zone and embrace new experiences.

This story is perfect for anyone who enjoys a touch of nostalgia along with a gripping murder mystery. Set in the 1920s, before the advent of DNA testing and fingerprinting, it made for an intriguing and fun listen. If you enjoy piecing together puzzles, interviewing suspects, and hunting for clues, this quick read or listen will definitely help you keep up your reading goals.

[Erik Tolvstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable addition to the Lord Edgeware series of mysteries - in novella form. This tale clips along quickly, being a series with several of the roles recurring from volume one, there's less time taken for character exposition. There are only five new characters in this story, all well acquainted with each other, and the "what" and "how" of the crime is known early on, so that element of "who" and "why" of the investigation becomes part of the character development of the suspects

The narrator is sixteen year old Christopher Edgington, the grandson of Lord Edgington, the great and retired Detective. In this volume, Christopher's learned a few things compared to his earlier fumbling efforts in the first tale, and he provides some useful help in the investigation.

My own quirky impression of Lord Edgington, is that I always insert the British actor Frank Middlemass into the role in my minds eye. The appearance fits, the alternating fits of bluster, insight, and good humor also match.

On to the next: A Body at a Boarding School

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 75 years old, Lord Edgington is still looking forward to new experiences. His latest plan is to go up in a hot air balloon and convinces his grandson to accompany him. Simon Cumberland liked nothing better than talking about parachuting! Prior to going up in the balloon, Simon reminds Christopher and his grandfather about pulling the cord to open the parachute. Simon leaves the basket first, followed by Christopher and Lord Edgington.

After a successful landing, Lord Edgington and Christopher realize that Simon's chute did not open and he is dead.

Was Simon's death an accident or murder? If murder, who is responsible? Can Lord Edgington and Christopher solve the mystery?

Benedict Brown has another wonderful installment of the Lord Edgington Investigates series. He has created very realistic and likable characters and includes a sprinkling of humor throughout. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing clear to the end.

[Carôle Ceres · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very satisfying novella!

I’m really pleased that the novella was made into this audiobook, because George Blagden is absolutely superb in portraying all the characters.

I also like that it’s a standalone that doesn’t give anything but a passing mention of what has happened before and quite truly can be enjoyed for itself without having known what went on before. (By the way if you haven’t read or listened to the previous book, then you should definitely do so before reading/listening to this one - or immediately afterwards)!

It’s good to see the relationship between the two brothers, Albert and Christopher. They get on with each other really well (which you didn’t quite realise in book one).

The portrayal of Albert‘s friends was very well penned and there were a few characters that you loved or loved to hate! The nemesis police inspector makes a return, but he’s only there to pick up the pieces!

All in all a very satisfying story, now onto book 2.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to amuse. The narrator is very engaging as he plays Watson to his Grandfather's Holmes. In this novella, he's let the old man talk him into going up in a hot air balloon. And then he lets himself be talked into jumping OUT of said balloon -- with a parachute of course. Joining them are the balloon pilot and one of his older brother's friends who are visiting for the weekend. Three of them jump, but only 2 'chutes open, and it's up to Lord Edgington --trailed by Chrissy -- to figure out which of his nephews friends wanted their other friend dead. Before his old rival from Scotland Yard arrives.

FWIW, they're probably best read in order as you'll get to know Chrissy better that way.

[Margo James · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely good cozy murder mystery. A retired Scotland Yard inspector who has spent too many years a recluse after his wife died was suddenly thrust into solving a murder. Now that the Honorable Lord Edmonton is back in the swing of things, murders keep happening around him, this time at a quiet summer weekend that his grandson has organized with some friends. A balloon ride which turns into skydiving soon ends in murder when a young man’s chute doesn’t open. The Lord is anxious to solve the case before the police arrive. Follow his and his sidekick, 16 year old Christopher, as he tracks down all the clues to find the killer.

[Chautona Havig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this one isn't as fleshed out as the others in this series (um... duh, it's a novella), the mystery isn't as layered, so it's pretty easy to figure out who it is. That would have been okay with me, but... it felt like Lord Edgington was reaching with his constant pressure on Hortense AND... I feel like that came from the author.

That said, what Brown did in trying to solve a case fast before the police could arrive was rather brilliant. It explained the rushed story, the mistakes and desperation... it did it all. It just didn't quite work out for me. Still, a solid four-star read and I immediately started in on the next, so... yay!

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novella that comes after the first book in the Lord Edgington mystery series. Lord Edgington wants to skydive from a hot air balloon, and wants Christopher to join him in his adventure. He invites Christopher's brother and his four friends to Cranley Hall to enjoy the event. When one of the guests attempts the skydive and his parachute does not open; he falls to his death. Lord Edgington discovers that the parachute had been tampered with and that the death was murder. Now he must find the killer before the police arrive. Fans of the series will enjoy this brief novella.

[Morticia_is_Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella (well signposted, not a secret) and it's quite a nice little book. I think there was probably enough of a base for it to have been a full length novel, but I applaud the author for not pushing it into something it didn't want to be.

There's a small gathering of Albert's uni friends back at Cranley Hall when the inevitable disaster strikes. One minute it's all hot air balloons and parachutes,the next minute it's mangled corpses and mystery solving.

It was a perfectly pleasant way to spend a couple of dog walks :)

Beautifully narrated, as ever.

[Ka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this one in between books 3 and 4. I had JUST begun to find Christopher more interesting as a character, so this was a bit of a regression as it takes place immediately after book #1, but it was short (~2.5 hrs as an audiobook, though I listen to these sped up to 1.15x) and the mystery was pretty interesting. It involves Christopher's brother Albert, a character who is usually only peripheral comic relief, so it was nice to learn more about him.

Basically one of Albert's friends dies in a parachuting accident, and Christopher investigates with Lord Edgington to figure out who did it.

[Beckiezra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoopla Bonus Borrow. This is just a little novella but I think it was a decent introduction to the series of which it’s a part. It at least made me interested enough to borrow the first book to listen to it. Honestly I haven’t felt excited about a mystery in a while so I’m hoping this series works in a longer format. I did worry a bit that the young boy Watson to the grandpa’s Holmes would be a bit annoying, but it didn’t grate too much, at least in under 3 hours. 1920s England is probably a setting that will appeal to fans of things like Downton Abbey.

[Anja Peerdeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A splendid Lord Edgington novella !
During an Edgington-approved balloon ride with some additional parachuting, one boy falls to his death...... and decidedly not by accident.
Christopher and his grandfather start investigating, leaving no stone unturned.

In this novella, just like in his novels, Brown keeps you guessing all the way until the end.
Great storyline and well-written. A joy to read.
I’m looking forward to the next story in this series !

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It isn't the first story but it was a good introduction to the characters. It's a historical mystery set in the 1920s. The main character, 75-year-old Lord Edgington (a retired Scotland Yard Inspester) and his teenage nephew/ grandson Christopher are riding a hot air balloon. After that it's parachuting from the balloon. The instructor goes first but his shut doesn't open. He ends up plunging to his death. Lord Edgington and Christopher decided to investigate.

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoy when an author goes back and fills in the gaps between two books in a series with a short novella.

Lord Edgington and his grandson/sidekick, Chrissy, are an entertaining duo. It is fun to watch how each of their minds work in order to solve the crime.

I received this book FREE from the author, publisher, distributor, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had DNFed the first full length book in this series at 20%, because I couldn’t get into it. However, when I saw this novella was about ballooning, I couldn’t resist, and I really enjoyed it.

I think, because it was a novella, there wasn’t time for the (what seemed to me) very slow start that the one set at the summer ball had (really sorry, I can’t remember the title). We just got straight into the story. I might possibly try another book in the series at a later point.

[muriel somervell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this very well thought out Novella!

Never disappointed ! Always love the characters more with every word and book. Chrissy and Lord Eddington and friends and family you are a delight! Don't ever stop your fabulous writing Mr. Brown! I'll take some salmon and Strawberry tea sandwiches and a few words from the Eddington gang anytime! Everything I've read from all your books are a savory and sweet delight! Thank you !

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher gets to spend his weekends with his grandfather, Lord Edington, leaving his boarding school each Friday afternoon. He’s not very brave and as he arrives at the mansion he notices a hot air balloon! Next day he goes up in the balloon and also has to parachute out of it. He’s sure he will die, but, he doesn’t. Someone else does, the one who had done several jumps. His parachute had been tampered with, but, by whom. Lord Edington is determined to discover who before the police arrive!

[CHud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella and would enjoy reading more by this author. The main character of the grandfather is humorous and somewhat endearing. I think most people know someone who bears some similarities with this character. He built the case and then solved it, explained how he came to his conclusion.