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Phyllida Bright Mystery #1
Murder at Mallowan Hall
The first in an exciting new historical mystery series set in the home of Agatha Christie!
Colleen Cambridge's charming and inventive new historical series introduces an unforgettable heroine in Phyllida Bright, fictional housekeeper for none other than famed mystery novelist Agatha Christie. When a dead body is found during a house party at the home of Agatha Christie and her husband Max Mallowan, it's up to famous author's head of household, Phyllida Bright, to investigate...
Tucked away among Devon's rolling green hills, Mallowan Hall combines the best of English tradition with the modern conveniences of 1930. Housekeeper Phyllida Bright, as efficient as she is personable, manages the large household with an iron fist in her very elegant glove. In one respect, however, Mallowan Hall stands far apart from other picturesque country houses...
The manor is home to archaeologist Max Mallowan and his famous wife, Agatha Christie. Phyllida is both loyal to and protective of the crime writer, who is as much friend as employer. An aficionado of detective fiction, Phyllida has yet to find a gentleman in real life half as fascinating as Mrs. Agatha's Belgian hero, Hercule Poirot. But though accustomed to murder and its methods as frequent topics of conversation, Phyllida is unprepared for the sight of a very real, very dead body on the library floor...
A former Army nurse, Phyllida reacts with practical common sense--and a great deal of curiosity. It soon becomes clear that the victim arrived at Mallowan Hall under false pretenses during a weekend party. Now, Phyllida not only has a houseful of demanding guests on her hands--along with a distracted, anxious staff--but hordes of reporters camping outside. When another dead body is discovered--this time, one of her housemaids--Phyllida decides to follow in M. Poirot's footsteps to determine which of the Mallowans' guests is the killer. With help from the village's handsome physician, Dr. Bhatt, Mr. Dobble, the butler, along with other household staff, Phyllida assembles the clues. Yet, she is all too aware that the killer must still be close at hand and poised to strike again. And only Phyllida's wits will prevent her own story from coming to an abrupt end...
Colleen Cambridge's charming and inventive new historical series introduces an unforgettable heroine in Phyllida Bright, fictional housekeeper for none other than famed mystery novelist Agatha Christie. When a dead body is found during a house party at the home of Agatha Christie and her husband Max Mallowan, it's up to famous author's head of household, Phyllida Bright, to investigate...
Tucked away among Devon's rolling green hills, Mallowan Hall combines the best of English tradition with the modern conveniences of 1930. Housekeeper Phyllida Bright, as efficient as she is personable, manages the large household with an iron fist in her very elegant glove. In one respect, however, Mallowan Hall stands far apart from other picturesque country houses...
The manor is home to archaeologist Max Mallowan and his famous wife, Agatha Christie. Phyllida is both loyal to and protective of the crime writer, who is as much friend as employer. An aficionado of detective fiction, Phyllida has yet to find a gentleman in real life half as fascinating as Mrs. Agatha's Belgian hero, Hercule Poirot. But though accustomed to murder and its methods as frequent topics of conversation, Phyllida is unprepared for the sight of a very real, very dead body on the library floor...
A former Army nurse, Phyllida reacts with practical common sense--and a great deal of curiosity. It soon becomes clear that the victim arrived at Mallowan Hall under false pretenses during a weekend party. Now, Phyllida not only has a houseful of demanding guests on her hands--along with a distracted, anxious staff--but hordes of reporters camping outside. When another dead body is discovered--this time, one of her housemaids--Phyllida decides to follow in M. Poirot's footsteps to determine which of the Mallowans' guests is the killer. With help from the village's handsome physician, Dr. Bhatt, Mr. Dobble, the butler, along with other household staff, Phyllida assembles the clues. Yet, she is all too aware that the killer must still be close at hand and poised to strike again. And only Phyllida's wits will prevent her own story from coming to an abrupt end...
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2021
1375 people are currently reading
9391 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Cambridge
23 books1,106 followersColleen Cambridge is the pen name of Colleen Gleason, an award-winning USA Today and New York Times bestselling author.
Colleen Cambridge writes mostly historical-set mysteries with famous people as the sidekick or friend of her protagonists and has a blast doing so. She's written about Agatha Christie's (fictional) housekeeper, Abe Lincoln's (fictional) aide, and Julia Child's (fictional) best friend in Paris.
Colleen lives in the midwest United States with her family and two dogs, and is always plotting her next murder—er, book.
Colleen Cambridge writes mostly historical-set mysteries with famous people as the sidekick or friend of her protagonists and has a blast doing so. She's written about Agatha Christie's (fictional) housekeeper, Abe Lincoln's (fictional) aide, and Julia Child's (fictional) best friend in Paris.
Colleen lives in the midwest United States with her family and two dogs, and is always plotting her next murder—er, book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,060 reviews
April 26, 2023
Murder at Mallowan Hall (Phyllida Bright Mystery #1)
Colleen Cambridge (Author), Jennifer M. Dixon (Narrator)
I feel conflicted about this audiobook. I did enjoy it and I definitely want to listen to book #2, in the future. Phyllida, the head housekeeper of Mallowan Hall, is a shrewd, judgmental woman, with flashy, bright, hair always, and flashy clothes when off duty. But she also knows exactly how to carry herself while doing her job, until she loses all sense of her work boundaries when a body is found in the library. Once she is on the trail of a murderer, Phyllida interferes with evidence and impedes the official investigation because she thinks she is the one who can deduce who committed the crime. Is there something in her past that makes her feel she is the person for the job, or is it because she's read all of Agatha Christie's books, that gives her the impression she knows how to do murder investigations better than Scotland Yard?
Behind the scenes, Phyllida isn't just the head housekeeper but is actually Agatha Christie's best friend, confidante, and equal. It seems Agatha has faith in Phyllida finding the murderer and possibly Agatha leans heavily on Phyllida's advice and input when thinking up ways to kill people, for her novels. I'd like to know more about Phyllida's past because there are hints of something interesting back there that would cause a friend of Agatha Christie to be happy to hide behind the anonymity of a head housekeeper job.
The two things that hold me back on rating the book higher are part of what make this an "Agatha Christie" mystery type story. One is that there was so many characters, all with potential to be the murderer, that I could not keep up with them. The other thing is that to illustrate just how honed in to detail that Phyllida is, just like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, the story gets bogged down in details that almost stop it in it's tracks. The most glaring example is the extremely detailed description of the bar owner, who is very much a minor side character. I wish Phyllida's talents and character could be presented with a lot fewer words.
My favorite part of the story is the relationship, as cantankerous as it is, between Phyllida and Bradford, the unkempt, not to be put in his place, chauffeur. I'd like to see more of them and their oil and water characters together. The more Phyllida tries to ignore Bradford the worse she is at it. Just like Phyllida, Bradford appears to have a past that would be very interesting to know and I hope we learn more in the next book in this series. I enjoyed Jennifer M. Dixon's narration of this story, which fit the setting and time period very well.
Publication October 26, 2021
Thank you to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.
Colleen Cambridge (Author), Jennifer M. Dixon (Narrator)
I feel conflicted about this audiobook. I did enjoy it and I definitely want to listen to book #2, in the future. Phyllida, the head housekeeper of Mallowan Hall, is a shrewd, judgmental woman, with flashy, bright, hair always, and flashy clothes when off duty. But she also knows exactly how to carry herself while doing her job, until she loses all sense of her work boundaries when a body is found in the library. Once she is on the trail of a murderer, Phyllida interferes with evidence and impedes the official investigation because she thinks she is the one who can deduce who committed the crime. Is there something in her past that makes her feel she is the person for the job, or is it because she's read all of Agatha Christie's books, that gives her the impression she knows how to do murder investigations better than Scotland Yard?
Behind the scenes, Phyllida isn't just the head housekeeper but is actually Agatha Christie's best friend, confidante, and equal. It seems Agatha has faith in Phyllida finding the murderer and possibly Agatha leans heavily on Phyllida's advice and input when thinking up ways to kill people, for her novels. I'd like to know more about Phyllida's past because there are hints of something interesting back there that would cause a friend of Agatha Christie to be happy to hide behind the anonymity of a head housekeeper job.
The two things that hold me back on rating the book higher are part of what make this an "Agatha Christie" mystery type story. One is that there was so many characters, all with potential to be the murderer, that I could not keep up with them. The other thing is that to illustrate just how honed in to detail that Phyllida is, just like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, the story gets bogged down in details that almost stop it in it's tracks. The most glaring example is the extremely detailed description of the bar owner, who is very much a minor side character. I wish Phyllida's talents and character could be presented with a lot fewer words.
My favorite part of the story is the relationship, as cantankerous as it is, between Phyllida and Bradford, the unkempt, not to be put in his place, chauffeur. I'd like to see more of them and their oil and water characters together. The more Phyllida tries to ignore Bradford the worse she is at it. Just like Phyllida, Bradford appears to have a past that would be very interesting to know and I hope we learn more in the next book in this series. I enjoyed Jennifer M. Dixon's narration of this story, which fit the setting and time period very well.
Publication October 26, 2021
Thank you to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.
October 19, 2021
Phyllida Bright lives up to her name in this first book of her new series. I love the premise of a housekeeper (and a distinctive one at that) solving mysteries under the very nose of the iconic Agatha Christie. The two actually have a strong bond from past experiences and it is quite amusing to see that in the midst of the sleuthing Agatha is taking notes for future publications. I have not read all of the Agatha Christie books, but am certain that those who have will appreciate how much of a homage this new release is to those classics. For those who love a good cozy, this will fit the bill. Plenty of red herrings, a closed room murder to be solved with many houseguests and staff, and an investigation that Hercule Poirot himself would be proud of. The denouement speech is delightful, but I found the solution to be a bit weak. Rounding up to four stars and hoping I will love the second in the series even more than the first.
Thank you to Shelf Awareness and Colleen Cambridge for a paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Shelf Awareness and Colleen Cambridge for a paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2021
A new historical mystery series (cozy) that has a cast of interesting characters that all work for Agatha Christie. Of course it is fiction, and the housekeeper, Phyllida Bright, thinks she is the next detective Poirot!
A guest is murdered during a house party and the manor. We are introduced to the large house staff and the party guests (who are all suspects). There were quite a few characters to keep track of and Ms. Bright was up to the task!
Enjoyed it for the most part. I was disappointed in the strange reveal of the motive, but clues were scattered throughout. The large cast was also a challenge, but I would read the next book because I did enjoy the setting and Ms. Bright starring as the sleuth.
Thanks to NG and publisher for my review copy!
September 18, 2023
Earlier this year, I read the first book in Colleen Cambridge's series, "An American in Paris," a murder mystery involving a friend of Julia Child's. I enjoyed it, so I got a copy of the first book, "Murder at Mallowan Hall," from her Phyllida Bright Mysteries, which focus on the housekeeper for Agatha Christie, post her divorce and remarriage. What a delight! Love the character, the setting, and the writing style. Akin to some of Christie's best mysteries, I immediately found myself immersed in the intentional similarities, rooting for Phyllida, and curious to discover whether she was more of a Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot. I daresay she falls somewhere in the middle, as she's not as old as Miss Marple but doesn't reveal her thoughts, and she's quite clever yet not as peculiar in her ways. A man dies in his guest room, found my a maid, and he's not recognized by anyone. Soon, we learn he was a reporter and possibly blackmailing someone in the house. With ten guests, ten household staff, and some strange visitors, Bright has a lot to sort thru. But she does it well with the help of the new, handsome mechanic who might just be hiding something himself.
December 7, 2022
I really loved this book and how it was supposedly the fictional inspiration for The Body in the Library by the great Agatha Christie and how the plot involves the author herself and her family and a house full of guests and servants who not only reminded me of Agatha Christie’s novels but also Downton Abbey l I was kept guessing as to who was the killer with so many plot twists occurring. I love the heroine who happens to be the housekeeper detective and her possible love triangle and I love the chauffeur who reminds me of the chauffeur on Father Brown. I also love that animals weren’t harmed in the novel and they were a huge draw for me!
April 9, 2023
Murder at Mallowan Hall (Phyllida Bright Mystery, #1) by Colleen Cambridge
Synopsis /
Tucked away among Devon's rolling green hills, Mallowan Hall combines the best of English tradition with the modern conveniences of 1930. Housekeeper Phyllida Bright, as efficient as she is personable, manages the large household with an iron fist in her very elegant glove. In one respect, however, Mallowan Hall stands far apart from other picturesque country houses...
The manor is home to archaeologist Max Mallowan and his famous wife, Agatha Christie. Phyllida is both loyal to and protective of the crime writer, who is as much friend as employer. An aficionado of detective fiction, Phyllida has yet to find a gentleman in real life half as fascinating as Mrs. Agatha's Belgian hero, Hercule Poirot. But though accustomed to murder and its methods as frequent topics of conversation, Phyllida is unprepared for the sight of a very real, very dead body on the library floor...
A former Army nurse, Phyllida reacts with practical common sense--and a great deal of curiosity. It soon becomes clear that the victim arrived at Mallowan Hall under false pretences during a weekend party. Now, Phyllida not only has a houseful of demanding guests on her hands--along with a distracted, anxious staff--but hordes of reporters camping outside. When another dead body is discovered--this time, one of her housemaids--Phyllida decides to follow in M. Poirot's footsteps to determine which of the Mallowans' guests is the killer. With help from the village's handsome physician, Dr. Bhatt, Mr. Dobble, the butler, along with other household staff, Phyllida assembles the clues. Yet, she is all too aware that the killer must still be close at hand and poised to strike again. And only Phyllida's wits will prevent her own story from coming to an abrupt end...
My Thoughts /
What I feel is that if one has got to have a murder actually happening in one's house, one might as well enjoy it, if you know what I mean.
— Agatha Christie
Did you know that Agatha Christie met British archaeologist, Sir Max Mallowan (14 years her junior) in February of 1930 and that the two were married in the September of that same year? And that thereafter they spent several months each year on archaeological expeditions in Iraq and Syria? Mallowan reportedly feared she would be repulsed by his job of digging up ancient remains, but on the contrary, she was fascinated, it seemed that meeting him reawakened her interest in life and writing again.
While married to Mallowan, Christie went on to write some of her most famous and successful novels including Murder on the Orient Express in 1934; Death on the Nile in 1937; and Appointment with Death in 1938. She became the prolific writer we remember today, spending her spare time going on annual digs in Iraq with her husband.
TO THE STORY:
He was quite dead — not to mention significantly bloodied due to the fountain pen protruding from the side of his neck
When housekeeper, Phyllida Bright found a dead man sprawled on the floor in her employer's library, stabbed in the carotid, it didn't even occur to her to scream.
As a nurse's aide during the Great War, Phyllida had been witness to worse atrocities; but in her position as housekeeper at Mallowan Hall, home to Agatha Christie and her husband, Max Mallowan, Phyllida hadn't expected this. The dead man, Mr Charles Waring, was a guest at Mallowan Hall - having arrived the night before (uninvited) requesting lodging from a storm raging outside. Mr Mallowan and his writer wife were already host to a number of guests and, since their home was big enough to accommodate another, offered him safe lodging for the night.
It's the 1930s, and, during that time-period it was normal for a grand English country home such as Mallowan Hall to be run by a large servant staff. In the case of Mallowan Hall, a modest manor house with fifteen guest rooms and an array of sitting rooms, parlours and offices, ran smoothly under the rule of housekeeper Phyllida Bright, parlourmaids (Ginny and Mary), chambermaids (Lizzie, Bess and Violet), the footmen (Stanley and Freddie), Mrs Puffley (the cook), the kitchen maids (Molly, Benita and Opal), Mr Dobble (the butler), Amsi (the gardener) and of course, Bradford (the chauffer) - to name a few!!!
Phyllida thought the local constabulary, Constable Greensticks, was a short, pompous man who portrayed himself rather shabbily and nothing at all like her employer's fictional Belgian detective, M. Hercule Poirot. It became obvious to Phyllida that if the investigation into the death of Mr Waring was going to be solved, she was going to have to work the case.
With names like: Eugene Mustard, the Devines, the Harfords, the Budgely-Rhodeses, Mr Grimson and Mr Sloup; and places like 'The Screaming Magpie' and the annual Beetroot and Chicken Foot Festival you know you are in 'jolly Old England'. And while the location (Mallowan Hall) actually existed, the staff and events that are portrayed here are completely fictional. Although the staff might have been fictional, the portrayals are accurate. The 'turf wars' between the upstairs and downstairs servant staff; as well as the battle between housekeeper, butler and cook - were all reminiscent of shows like Upstairs, Downstairs which aired on ITV in the early 1970s.
Cambridge's prose is descriptive and light. The characters, although there is a huge cast, are intriguing and well-developed. The plot is well-paced and full of red herrings, and suspects! I loved how Cambridge brought the ending together - with a denouement - very British! (am I allowed to say that?😂😂).
Synopsis /
Tucked away among Devon's rolling green hills, Mallowan Hall combines the best of English tradition with the modern conveniences of 1930. Housekeeper Phyllida Bright, as efficient as she is personable, manages the large household with an iron fist in her very elegant glove. In one respect, however, Mallowan Hall stands far apart from other picturesque country houses...
The manor is home to archaeologist Max Mallowan and his famous wife, Agatha Christie. Phyllida is both loyal to and protective of the crime writer, who is as much friend as employer. An aficionado of detective fiction, Phyllida has yet to find a gentleman in real life half as fascinating as Mrs. Agatha's Belgian hero, Hercule Poirot. But though accustomed to murder and its methods as frequent topics of conversation, Phyllida is unprepared for the sight of a very real, very dead body on the library floor...
A former Army nurse, Phyllida reacts with practical common sense--and a great deal of curiosity. It soon becomes clear that the victim arrived at Mallowan Hall under false pretences during a weekend party. Now, Phyllida not only has a houseful of demanding guests on her hands--along with a distracted, anxious staff--but hordes of reporters camping outside. When another dead body is discovered--this time, one of her housemaids--Phyllida decides to follow in M. Poirot's footsteps to determine which of the Mallowans' guests is the killer. With help from the village's handsome physician, Dr. Bhatt, Mr. Dobble, the butler, along with other household staff, Phyllida assembles the clues. Yet, she is all too aware that the killer must still be close at hand and poised to strike again. And only Phyllida's wits will prevent her own story from coming to an abrupt end...
My Thoughts /
What I feel is that if one has got to have a murder actually happening in one's house, one might as well enjoy it, if you know what I mean.
— Agatha Christie
Did you know that Agatha Christie met British archaeologist, Sir Max Mallowan (14 years her junior) in February of 1930 and that the two were married in the September of that same year? And that thereafter they spent several months each year on archaeological expeditions in Iraq and Syria? Mallowan reportedly feared she would be repulsed by his job of digging up ancient remains, but on the contrary, she was fascinated, it seemed that meeting him reawakened her interest in life and writing again.
While married to Mallowan, Christie went on to write some of her most famous and successful novels including Murder on the Orient Express in 1934; Death on the Nile in 1937; and Appointment with Death in 1938. She became the prolific writer we remember today, spending her spare time going on annual digs in Iraq with her husband.
TO THE STORY:
He was quite dead — not to mention significantly bloodied due to the fountain pen protruding from the side of his neck
When housekeeper, Phyllida Bright found a dead man sprawled on the floor in her employer's library, stabbed in the carotid, it didn't even occur to her to scream.
As a nurse's aide during the Great War, Phyllida had been witness to worse atrocities; but in her position as housekeeper at Mallowan Hall, home to Agatha Christie and her husband, Max Mallowan, Phyllida hadn't expected this. The dead man, Mr Charles Waring, was a guest at Mallowan Hall - having arrived the night before (uninvited) requesting lodging from a storm raging outside. Mr Mallowan and his writer wife were already host to a number of guests and, since their home was big enough to accommodate another, offered him safe lodging for the night.
It's the 1930s, and, during that time-period it was normal for a grand English country home such as Mallowan Hall to be run by a large servant staff. In the case of Mallowan Hall, a modest manor house with fifteen guest rooms and an array of sitting rooms, parlours and offices, ran smoothly under the rule of housekeeper Phyllida Bright, parlourmaids (Ginny and Mary), chambermaids (Lizzie, Bess and Violet), the footmen (Stanley and Freddie), Mrs Puffley (the cook), the kitchen maids (Molly, Benita and Opal), Mr Dobble (the butler), Amsi (the gardener) and of course, Bradford (the chauffer) - to name a few!!!
Phyllida thought the local constabulary, Constable Greensticks, was a short, pompous man who portrayed himself rather shabbily and nothing at all like her employer's fictional Belgian detective, M. Hercule Poirot. It became obvious to Phyllida that if the investigation into the death of Mr Waring was going to be solved, she was going to have to work the case.
With names like: Eugene Mustard, the Devines, the Harfords, the Budgely-Rhodeses, Mr Grimson and Mr Sloup; and places like 'The Screaming Magpie' and the annual Beetroot and Chicken Foot Festival you know you are in 'jolly Old England'. And while the location (Mallowan Hall) actually existed, the staff and events that are portrayed here are completely fictional. Although the staff might have been fictional, the portrayals are accurate. The 'turf wars' between the upstairs and downstairs servant staff; as well as the battle between housekeeper, butler and cook - were all reminiscent of shows like Upstairs, Downstairs which aired on ITV in the early 1970s.
Cambridge's prose is descriptive and light. The characters, although there is a huge cast, are intriguing and well-developed. The plot is well-paced and full of red herrings, and suspects! I loved how Cambridge brought the ending together - with a denouement - very British! (am I allowed to say that?😂😂).
September 13, 2023
Are you familiar with Mrs. Phyllida Bright?
She is the no nonsense efficient head housekeeper/friend (former Army nurse) for the famous Agatha Christie and her second husband, archaeologist Max Mallowan.
And yet, it is this very Phyllida Bright who is the one doing all the detecting when it comes to murder in their mansion.
A lover of Poirot, will she be able to solve this case working alongside bumbling inspectors, and deliver the culprit(s) in true Agatha Christie style at the end of the novel?
It is truly up to the reader if they want to be patient and see.
After all, how can you not resist one of the character’s lines when they say, “Very well done, Mrs. Bright. You had me hanging on every single word! It was like living in a detective novel.”
The question is, will you, as the reader, feel the same?
She is the no nonsense efficient head housekeeper/friend (former Army nurse) for the famous Agatha Christie and her second husband, archaeologist Max Mallowan.
And yet, it is this very Phyllida Bright who is the one doing all the detecting when it comes to murder in their mansion.
A lover of Poirot, will she be able to solve this case working alongside bumbling inspectors, and deliver the culprit(s) in true Agatha Christie style at the end of the novel?
It is truly up to the reader if they want to be patient and see.
After all, how can you not resist one of the character’s lines when they say, “Very well done, Mrs. Bright. You had me hanging on every single word! It was like living in a detective novel.”
The question is, will you, as the reader, feel the same?
March 25, 2021
Cambridge pens a thoroughly intriguing mystery, told in a unique manner from the perspective of the staff belowstairs rather than the upper class above, in this splendid first installment in a new series. Her heroine, Phyllida Bright, is the confident, shrewd, and eminently capable housekeeper for none of other than the grand dame of mystery herself—Agatha Christie—and a great admirer of Christie’s fictional detective Poirot, whose methods she seeks to emulate. Fans of Tessa Arlen and Jennifer Ashley will be delighted.
September 10, 2023
Meh. Given the amount of hype around this book, maybe my expectations were too high but I was disappointed with this. Based on the number of 4 and 5-star reviews on here, I'm obviously in the minority, but giving my perspective on the book anyway.
First off I did not warm to Phyllida - at all! Reviews I read of this went on at length about how clever and awesome she was but I did not react to her that way. In fact I found her just the opposite - self-congratulatory in the extreme, pushy and just overall annoying. I kept thinking if I was her boss she would not be working for me very long unless she checked the attitude. There were numerous oblique references to a prior relationship between her and Agatha as an explanation for how familar she was and justifying the liberties she takes that would never have been accepted from a servant at this time, but we don't get a clear explanation of what that is. Presumably, that is something for a planned future book - I won't be reading those so I guess I won't know what that is.
The book is set up as Agatha Christie's housekeeper as a sleuth, so I guess it was inevitable that there would be comparisons to and homages to Christie's books and particularly to her famous sleuths. We are told early that Phyllida is a big Hercule Poirot fan. That's no problem, because who isn't?? The issue (for me) comes with multiple references in the book where Phyllida thinks or says that she's "just like Hercule" or similar, and there is even a place at the end where the author has Agatha Christie herself actually tell Phyllida that Hercule himself couldn't have done better. Um, no. Sorry but the real Christie's Hercule Poirot is masterfully written to walk a very fine line between fussy officiousness and clever brilliance in how he manages his questioning without making people want to punch him. The original books do this very successfully. This book absolutely does not, and I feel like it is the height of unwarranted hubris to have that comparison in this book. It annoyed me a lot.
Aside from all that, the vast majority of the book is just dull. There are descriptions of rooms, objects, clothing, food etc., ad nauseum and most of them have nothing to do with the murder or its investigation. I started skimming over large chunks of the book at about the halfway point because I hoped the resolution would improve my opinion without boring me senseless with all the unneeded details. It didn't.
Phyllida really wants an Hercule-like reveal with all the suspects in a room listening to her extol on her oh-so-clever determination of who the killer was and Agatha and her husband give it to her. Unfortunately, instead of being efficient and engaging and truly interesting as it always was with the REAL Hercule, Phyllida's speech really comes across as self-important and excessively drawn out as a way to hammer the listeners with how smart she is. I skimmed through most of it just to find out who did what to whom and why.
It was a big risk to apply Hercule Poirot-like components to a completely different character. It could have worked, so points to the author for courage, but for this reader it was just way off base and did not work. I won't be continuing with this series. Fortunately, I got this from the library, so it cost me nothing but time to give this a try. If I want Hercule Poirot-like characters and stories, I'll just go re-read the originals.
First off I did not warm to Phyllida - at all! Reviews I read of this went on at length about how clever and awesome she was but I did not react to her that way. In fact I found her just the opposite - self-congratulatory in the extreme, pushy and just overall annoying. I kept thinking if I was her boss she would not be working for me very long unless she checked the attitude. There were numerous oblique references to a prior relationship between her and Agatha as an explanation for how familar she was and justifying the liberties she takes that would never have been accepted from a servant at this time, but we don't get a clear explanation of what that is. Presumably, that is something for a planned future book - I won't be reading those so I guess I won't know what that is.
The book is set up as Agatha Christie's housekeeper as a sleuth, so I guess it was inevitable that there would be comparisons to and homages to Christie's books and particularly to her famous sleuths. We are told early that Phyllida is a big Hercule Poirot fan. That's no problem, because who isn't?? The issue (for me) comes with multiple references in the book where Phyllida thinks or says that she's "just like Hercule" or similar, and there is even a place at the end where the author has Agatha Christie herself actually tell Phyllida that Hercule himself couldn't have done better. Um, no. Sorry but the real Christie's Hercule Poirot is masterfully written to walk a very fine line between fussy officiousness and clever brilliance in how he manages his questioning without making people want to punch him. The original books do this very successfully. This book absolutely does not, and I feel like it is the height of unwarranted hubris to have that comparison in this book. It annoyed me a lot.
Aside from all that, the vast majority of the book is just dull. There are descriptions of rooms, objects, clothing, food etc., ad nauseum and most of them have nothing to do with the murder or its investigation. I started skimming over large chunks of the book at about the halfway point because I hoped the resolution would improve my opinion without boring me senseless with all the unneeded details. It didn't.
Phyllida really wants an Hercule-like reveal with all the suspects in a room listening to her extol on her oh-so-clever determination of who the killer was and Agatha and her husband give it to her. Unfortunately, instead of being efficient and engaging and truly interesting as it always was with the REAL Hercule, Phyllida's speech really comes across as self-important and excessively drawn out as a way to hammer the listeners with how smart she is. I skimmed through most of it just to find out who did what to whom and why.
It was a big risk to apply Hercule Poirot-like components to a completely different character. It could have worked, so points to the author for courage, but for this reader it was just way off base and did not work. I won't be continuing with this series. Fortunately, I got this from the library, so it cost me nothing but time to give this a try. If I want Hercule Poirot-like characters and stories, I'll just go re-read the originals.
January 14, 2022
Phyllida Bright is the uber capable housekeeper at Mallowan Hall, the home of Agatha Christie and her second husband. We know there is quite the backstory here and as this is #1 in the series, this among other reasons, will entice us to stick around for more. There is a murder at the manor and Phyllida, who is an avid reader of mysteries and of whom Hercule Poirot is a hero to be imitated. The characterization of Agatha Christie in this story comes closest to what I always imagined she would be like. Phyllida has an unlikely helper in Bradford, the dark and mysterious chauffer (another interesting backstory) and is her complete opposite. However, as the saying goes, 'opposites attract', don't they?
I really considered myself lucky to have stumbled on a new series that I found so enjoyable. I look forward to future mysteries in this series. The upstairs/downstairs view of manor life only added to the enjoyment.
I really considered myself lucky to have stumbled on a new series that I found so enjoyable. I look forward to future mysteries in this series. The upstairs/downstairs view of manor life only added to the enjoyment.
November 5, 2021
Phyllida Bright is the fictional housekeeper for none other than Agatha Christie. She happens upon a real murder in Agatha's home that is not so much different than the fictional works of her employer. Just like in Agatha Christie's classic detective stories, the town police blunder their way through the case, and it is left to Phyllida to help crack the case before even more people are murdered in her household.
I loved the concept of this book and Phyllida as well as the other characters are unique and fun to follow. I was not able to solve the entire case by the end of the book which I find refreshing and this definitely keeps my interest when I can't wait to find out the conclusion.
Would recommend to Agatha Christie fans as you will find some Easter eggs in his book, as well as cozy mystery, and detective book fans.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
I loved the concept of this book and Phyllida as well as the other characters are unique and fun to follow. I was not able to solve the entire case by the end of the book which I find refreshing and this definitely keeps my interest when I can't wait to find out the conclusion.
Would recommend to Agatha Christie fans as you will find some Easter eggs in his book, as well as cozy mystery, and detective book fans.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
July 6, 2025
Outstanding narrator. I didn’t guess the murderer.
December 24, 2021
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
MURDER AT MALLOWAN HALL (Phyllida Bright Mystery Book #1) by Colleen Cambridge is a clever and entertaining start to a new historical cozy mystery series with the housekeeper as an amateur sleuth set in the fictional manor home of Agatha Christie and her second husband, Max Mallowan.
Phyllida Bright previously worked with Mrs. Christie during WW1 where she was a nurse, while Mrs. Christie worked in the pharmacy. She was hired under not completely explained and slightly mysterious circumstances. Phyllida has a close friendship with Agatha, and she rules over the household staff with a strict adherence to decorum, but also with fairness, even as she deals with a supercilious butler who is curious to know more about her background.
Phyllida has yet to meet a gentleman she admires in real life as much as Agatha’s fictional detective Hercule Poirot. When she finds a dead body of one of the current house guests on the floor in the library, she is determined to follow in her favorite detective’s footsteps and solve the case. When a member of the household staff is killed next, Phyllida knows the killer is close at hand and she must work quickly before her own story ends abruptly.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery and found it to be a charming homage to Agatha Christie’s own mysteries. Phyllida is an amateur sleuth worth following and I am especially interested in finding out why she is trying so hard to keep her birth date and past a mystery from others and why she is so accepting of mores that others, in this time period, would find appalling. I loved that Phyllida got her denouement at the end of the story just as a fictional sleuth would in a written mystery. All the secondary characters in the household and their jobs were interesting to learn about and I will be looking forward to how Phyllida and Bradford, the chauffeur get on in future books. There are plenty of red-herrings and plot twists to keep the cozy mystery reader turning the pages.
A good start to this cozy historical mystery series, loved the intrepid Phyllida, and I am looking forward to more mysteries in this series.
MURDER AT MALLOWAN HALL (Phyllida Bright Mystery Book #1) by Colleen Cambridge is a clever and entertaining start to a new historical cozy mystery series with the housekeeper as an amateur sleuth set in the fictional manor home of Agatha Christie and her second husband, Max Mallowan.
Phyllida Bright previously worked with Mrs. Christie during WW1 where she was a nurse, while Mrs. Christie worked in the pharmacy. She was hired under not completely explained and slightly mysterious circumstances. Phyllida has a close friendship with Agatha, and she rules over the household staff with a strict adherence to decorum, but also with fairness, even as she deals with a supercilious butler who is curious to know more about her background.
Phyllida has yet to meet a gentleman she admires in real life as much as Agatha’s fictional detective Hercule Poirot. When she finds a dead body of one of the current house guests on the floor in the library, she is determined to follow in her favorite detective’s footsteps and solve the case. When a member of the household staff is killed next, Phyllida knows the killer is close at hand and she must work quickly before her own story ends abruptly.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery and found it to be a charming homage to Agatha Christie’s own mysteries. Phyllida is an amateur sleuth worth following and I am especially interested in finding out why she is trying so hard to keep her birth date and past a mystery from others and why she is so accepting of mores that others, in this time period, would find appalling. I loved that Phyllida got her denouement at the end of the story just as a fictional sleuth would in a written mystery. All the secondary characters in the household and their jobs were interesting to learn about and I will be looking forward to how Phyllida and Bradford, the chauffeur get on in future books. There are plenty of red-herrings and plot twists to keep the cozy mystery reader turning the pages.
A good start to this cozy historical mystery series, loved the intrepid Phyllida, and I am looking forward to more mysteries in this series.
May 2, 2023
What a fun mystery! I really enjoyed this Agatha Christie-esque mystery. Phyllida Bright is the housekeeper at Mallowan Hall where Christie lives with her new husband. During a house party a guest is found murdered in the library. Phyllida takes it upon herself to solve the crime. I loved the characters in this, especially the banter between Phyllida and the chauffeur. I did have to suspend belief a few times, but really enjoyed being with Phyllida as she thought through all the evidence and searched for clues. There were quite a few humorous moments that made my reading experience so delightful. I am very excited for book 2 in this new series.
November 14, 2021
Agatha Christie has been my favorite author since I was 9 years old and discovered Hercule Poirot. As a Christie lover, the concept of this novel made me jump at the chance to read it - what a fun idea for a series! The main character, Phyllida Bright, is the head housekeeper for Christie and her husband, Max Mallowan. Mallowan Hall is a large country manor and Phyllida runs the household efficiently. She is very protective of her employers and wants things to be just right at all times. A dead body in the library does tend to get things in an uproar, however.....
I love the 1930's setting for this novel, and although completely fictionalized the house, staff and setting sucked me into the story immediately. Can you imagine?? A cold blooded murder....in the library....at AGATHA CHRISTIE's house??? :) Perfect!!
The story moves at a nice pace. There is plenty of sleuthing and lots of suspects. It was like being in a Christie novel featuring her own household staff. Fun!
I read a digital review copy of this book, and also listened to the audiobook. Narrated by Jennifer M. Dixon, the audio is just short of 9.5 hours. Dixon has the perfect voice to narrate this book! Her voice acting performance was wonderful. A fun, interesting listening experience!
I am definitely, 100%, no doubt whatsoever completely on board for more stories in this series! Can't wait!!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington and listened to audio from HighBridge Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
I love the 1930's setting for this novel, and although completely fictionalized the house, staff and setting sucked me into the story immediately. Can you imagine?? A cold blooded murder....in the library....at AGATHA CHRISTIE's house??? :) Perfect!!
The story moves at a nice pace. There is plenty of sleuthing and lots of suspects. It was like being in a Christie novel featuring her own household staff. Fun!
I read a digital review copy of this book, and also listened to the audiobook. Narrated by Jennifer M. Dixon, the audio is just short of 9.5 hours. Dixon has the perfect voice to narrate this book! Her voice acting performance was wonderful. A fun, interesting listening experience!
I am definitely, 100%, no doubt whatsoever completely on board for more stories in this series! Can't wait!!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington and listened to audio from HighBridge Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
November 4, 2021
.
This new series begins with Phyllida Bright discovering a body in the library of Mallowan Hall, where Max Mallowan lives with his wife, famous author Agatha Christie. Bright is the Housekeeper for Mallowan Hall, but becomes a sleuth as well, trying to solve the murder mystery. She is also in the middle of managing a huge house party.
This is an intriguing mystery with plenty of twists and red herrings. Phyllida is the star of the show, and the life below stairs is described in interesting detail. Phyllida is a strong and accomplished main character. I am looking forward to reading her further adventures.
This new series begins with Phyllida Bright discovering a body in the library of Mallowan Hall, where Max Mallowan lives with his wife, famous author Agatha Christie. Bright is the Housekeeper for Mallowan Hall, but becomes a sleuth as well, trying to solve the murder mystery. She is also in the middle of managing a huge house party.
This is an intriguing mystery with plenty of twists and red herrings. Phyllida is the star of the show, and the life below stairs is described in interesting detail. Phyllida is a strong and accomplished main character. I am looking forward to reading her further adventures.
October 12, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington Publishing for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review Murder at Mallowan Hall. All opinions are my own.
The housekeeper of Mallowan Hall (yes, “that” Mrs. Mallowan, popularly known as Agatha Christie) finds a dead body in the library. How terribly inconvenient for someone who doesn’t want the publicity (not that many people do, of course. Our book is set in the 1930s, not the 2020s). Thus begins Murder at Mallowan Hall by experienced mystery writer Colleen Cambridge. (An author’s note right at the beginning lets us know that the setting and the characters are entirely fictitious, well, except for Mr. Max and Mrs. Agatha, of course. One hopes that the real Mrs. Mallowan would have approved.)
Phyllida Bright is that housekeeper, and she establishes herself as the one who is going to investigate the murder, as she doesn’t trust the police to do the job. She’s also established as a fully realized character, along with everyone else in the house, although there’s nothing new there with the snobby butler or curmudgeon of a cook. That’s fine; this is one of those books that will get you to where you need to go without a whole lot of fuss. Just like a well-run house, actually. Although murder -- actually, two murders eventually, in this case – doesn’t usually figure in the equation.
The murder investigation is under control throughout; she gets the requisite “stop interfering” speech from the police inspector, but when did that stop anybody? Phyllida has everything in check. One of her inspirations is her favorite fictional detective Hercule Poirot, after all.
Clues pop up, including some incriminating photographs. She gets some help from the family chauffeur; looks like he’s definitely going to figure in future books. Every amateur detective needs a sidekick, don’t they?
A side note -- what I really enjoyed was what you learn about the duties of a housekeeper in a big house. I found that almost as compelling to read as the murder mystery.
And since this runs along the lines of a “golden age” mystery, we’re rewarded with the “drawing room scene,” in this case that library, where everyone gathers to listen as Phyllida expose a murderer. Just like in her employer’s books. And best of all, she gets the greatest of compliments from Monsieur Poirot’s creator – a job well done. Wonderfully plotted and thoroughly entertaining, Murder at Mallowan Hall is a great start to a new series.
The housekeeper of Mallowan Hall (yes, “that” Mrs. Mallowan, popularly known as Agatha Christie) finds a dead body in the library. How terribly inconvenient for someone who doesn’t want the publicity (not that many people do, of course. Our book is set in the 1930s, not the 2020s). Thus begins Murder at Mallowan Hall by experienced mystery writer Colleen Cambridge. (An author’s note right at the beginning lets us know that the setting and the characters are entirely fictitious, well, except for Mr. Max and Mrs. Agatha, of course. One hopes that the real Mrs. Mallowan would have approved.)
Phyllida Bright is that housekeeper, and she establishes herself as the one who is going to investigate the murder, as she doesn’t trust the police to do the job. She’s also established as a fully realized character, along with everyone else in the house, although there’s nothing new there with the snobby butler or curmudgeon of a cook. That’s fine; this is one of those books that will get you to where you need to go without a whole lot of fuss. Just like a well-run house, actually. Although murder -- actually, two murders eventually, in this case – doesn’t usually figure in the equation.
The murder investigation is under control throughout; she gets the requisite “stop interfering” speech from the police inspector, but when did that stop anybody? Phyllida has everything in check. One of her inspirations is her favorite fictional detective Hercule Poirot, after all.
Clues pop up, including some incriminating photographs. She gets some help from the family chauffeur; looks like he’s definitely going to figure in future books. Every amateur detective needs a sidekick, don’t they?
A side note -- what I really enjoyed was what you learn about the duties of a housekeeper in a big house. I found that almost as compelling to read as the murder mystery.
And since this runs along the lines of a “golden age” mystery, we’re rewarded with the “drawing room scene,” in this case that library, where everyone gathers to listen as Phyllida expose a murderer. Just like in her employer’s books. And best of all, she gets the greatest of compliments from Monsieur Poirot’s creator – a job well done. Wonderfully plotted and thoroughly entertaining, Murder at Mallowan Hall is a great start to a new series.
January 22, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was such a fun read. Book one of a new historical mystery series with Agatha Christie as one of the main side characters. I really liked the twist of having the housekeeper Phyllida Bright be the chief detective, as apposed to Agatha herself. I also found it to be well written and well paced. The setting (Mallowan Hall) was lovely. The plot was engaging and kept me guessing right until the end. Phyllida is quite a likable main character (do I detect a little future bit of romance with the chauffeur?) And there are also plenty of intriguing and charming secondary characters. This was a solid start to this series and I can't wait to see what these characters get up to in the next book!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
April 25, 2022
I did expect to like this book more than I did. Agatha Christie's housekeeper rather enjoys the art of sleuthing, so she is the main character always attempting to stay a step ahead of the Scotland Yard as things go awry during a house party when a stranger finds admittance and is soon found murdered by fountain pen to the eye. Oh my. There are a fair number of mishaps/murders during the house party that keep the housekeeper very busy indeed.
I like the concept and it had its humorous moments but there was a surfeit of detailed anticipations and explanations on the part of the constant-motion housekeeper. I found her annoying and decidedly lacking any sense of humour.
I like the concept and it had its humorous moments but there was a surfeit of detailed anticipations and explanations on the part of the constant-motion housekeeper. I found her annoying and decidedly lacking any sense of humour.
October 31, 2021
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a fun, cozy historical fiction/mystery set in England during the 1930s. Phyllida Bright is the housekeeper of a great manor owned by Max Mallowan and his wife, Agatha Christie. She is smart, elegant, efficient and runs the house with an iron fist. When a guest is killed during a dinner party, Phyllida determines she must solve the mystery herself when she sees how inept the local police are in investigating the case.
It's quickly determined that the unanticipated guest arrived under false pretenses. Phyllida must try to solve the crime, while also dealing with demanding guests with secrets of their own, an upset staff, and a hoard of photographers at the gate. Luckily Phyllida is well versed in the tactics of Christie's hero Hercule Poirot, and she's on the scent of the killer.
This is a well written, interesting and fun historical fiction mystery. I really liked Phyllida and her strong, no-nonsense manner. She has secrets of her own, and I look forward to finding out what they are in future books. Agatha Christie plays only a small part in the book, and her husband an even smaller one. I am glad, because the staff have more than enough depth and personality to sustain the book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Books. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a fun, cozy historical fiction/mystery set in England during the 1930s. Phyllida Bright is the housekeeper of a great manor owned by Max Mallowan and his wife, Agatha Christie. She is smart, elegant, efficient and runs the house with an iron fist. When a guest is killed during a dinner party, Phyllida determines she must solve the mystery herself when she sees how inept the local police are in investigating the case.
It's quickly determined that the unanticipated guest arrived under false pretenses. Phyllida must try to solve the crime, while also dealing with demanding guests with secrets of their own, an upset staff, and a hoard of photographers at the gate. Luckily Phyllida is well versed in the tactics of Christie's hero Hercule Poirot, and she's on the scent of the killer.
This is a well written, interesting and fun historical fiction mystery. I really liked Phyllida and her strong, no-nonsense manner. She has secrets of her own, and I look forward to finding out what they are in future books. Agatha Christie plays only a small part in the book, and her husband an even smaller one. I am glad, because the staff have more than enough depth and personality to sustain the book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Books. All opinions are my own.
July 21, 2024
I enjoyed this for the most part but don’t really like where the mystery went. I loved the cast of characters… Agatha Christie on page a few times was fun. A good whodunnit… not sure I’ll continue the series.
November 13, 2021
Phyllida Bright is SO annoying!! She should be charged with obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence. She's an idiot as far as I can tell. And it keeps saying that "she has her reasons" and how mysterious she is. So you never get to know her. Boring!
April 20, 2022
Though this is set at the home of Agatha Christie, after she married archeologist Max Mallowan, Christie is just a background character—and that’s alright. The lead character is her housekeeper, Phyllida Bright. Bright has a mysterious background, but what we know—and nobody else in the household does—is that she is an old friend of Christie’s. This leads to her spending some alone time with Christie during the latter’s writing time, as they talk over the deadly events unfolding over the days of the Mallowans’ house party.
First, a man shows up, claiming to be from the Times and to be there for an interview with Christie the next day. The interview never occurs, since the man is found dead in the library the next morning. Phyllida Bright doesn’t assess the police detectives to be up to snuff and, being a big fan of Hercule Poirot, she decides to investigate the murder herself. This is highly irritating to the detectives and the butler, but that doesn’t daunt her. The only thing troubling her is the smirking and sarcastic new car man, Bradford. Though, unlike Mrs. Bright, he prefers to stay in the background, he seems as observant as she is—and with as mysterious a background.
As you might expect, the crime (well, more than one, actually) is solved by Mrs. Bright, and she reveals all in just the sort of suspects-gathered-in-the-library dramatic fashion as you’d expect from a Poirot novel.
This is a promising start to a series. I hope to learn more about Mrs. Bright—and Bradford.
First, a man shows up, claiming to be from the Times and to be there for an interview with Christie the next day. The interview never occurs, since the man is found dead in the library the next morning. Phyllida Bright doesn’t assess the police detectives to be up to snuff and, being a big fan of Hercule Poirot, she decides to investigate the murder herself. This is highly irritating to the detectives and the butler, but that doesn’t daunt her. The only thing troubling her is the smirking and sarcastic new car man, Bradford. Though, unlike Mrs. Bright, he prefers to stay in the background, he seems as observant as she is—and with as mysterious a background.
As you might expect, the crime (well, more than one, actually) is solved by Mrs. Bright, and she reveals all in just the sort of suspects-gathered-in-the-library dramatic fashion as you’d expect from a Poirot novel.
This is a promising start to a series. I hope to learn more about Mrs. Bright—and Bradford.
August 5, 2021
I seem to be reading lots of 'tween books lately - this one is rated by me as between 3.5 and 4 stars with the arrow landing on the 4 because I think I would be willing to read the second book in the series when it is published.
Mrs. Phyllida Bright is the housekeeper at Mallowan Hall, the country residence of Max and Agatha Mallowan (yep, Agatha Christie herself). Phyllida and Agatha have some history which is hinted at but not revealed in this book because it will obviously form the basis of another book in the series. Let's just say that Agatha takes a decided back seat in this mystery solving so if you had hoped to find that line taken in this series you are sure to be disappointed. Phyllida does give Agatha a great plot line for a book she should write based on what happens here: a body is found dead in the library. The murder weapon is so absurd that I still find myself trying to figure out how the murderer accomplished such a perfect.....strike? Even if this novel wasn't written with a tongue-in-cheek meaning, I definitely had to read it with a tongue-in-cheek supposition.
There is a very large cast of characters in this book with plenty of them above stairs, loads of them below stairs and even some living outside the house. A lot to keep track of. There is also a red herring that must have been almost pulverized by the time the book was over from being dragged through the pages. Phyllida is allowed to resort to some pretty silly actions when she begins investigating this murder and her attitude almost of competition for who can solve it first made it hard for me to take the book seriously at times. I'm really hoping some changes in the personality of this sublimely accomplished housekeeper will be toned town somewhat for future books; she didn't exactly give me warm, fuzzy feelings. She also needs to lose her personal comparisons with Poirot and his solving skills. She's got a long, long way to go before she gets to that level.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-galley of this novel.
Mrs. Phyllida Bright is the housekeeper at Mallowan Hall, the country residence of Max and Agatha Mallowan (yep, Agatha Christie herself). Phyllida and Agatha have some history which is hinted at but not revealed in this book because it will obviously form the basis of another book in the series. Let's just say that Agatha takes a decided back seat in this mystery solving so if you had hoped to find that line taken in this series you are sure to be disappointed. Phyllida does give Agatha a great plot line for a book she should write based on what happens here: a body is found dead in the library. The murder weapon is so absurd that I still find myself trying to figure out how the murderer accomplished such a perfect.....strike? Even if this novel wasn't written with a tongue-in-cheek meaning, I definitely had to read it with a tongue-in-cheek supposition.
There is a very large cast of characters in this book with plenty of them above stairs, loads of them below stairs and even some living outside the house. A lot to keep track of. There is also a red herring that must have been almost pulverized by the time the book was over from being dragged through the pages. Phyllida is allowed to resort to some pretty silly actions when she begins investigating this murder and her attitude almost of competition for who can solve it first made it hard for me to take the book seriously at times. I'm really hoping some changes in the personality of this sublimely accomplished housekeeper will be toned town somewhat for future books; she didn't exactly give me warm, fuzzy feelings. She also needs to lose her personal comparisons with Poirot and his solving skills. She's got a long, long way to go before she gets to that level.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-galley of this novel.
April 24, 2024
★★
I actually thought I might not finish this one but persevered and it ended up being a harmless homage to Agatha Christie.
When a murder takes place in the library of Mallowan Hall, intrepid housekeeper Phyllida Bright does not have confidence that the local constabulary or even Scotland Yard can solve it. When she finds the body and calls the police, they can be forgiven at first for thinking that she is playing a joke. What are the chances that a murder would take place in the home of the nation's most popular writer of detective fiction, Agatha Christie? However, when it is established that a murder has indeed taken place, the police miss details that Phyllida thinks are obvious clues. So she decides to look into the matter herself.
I like the character of Phyllida but unfortunately, she's the only character that is really fleshed out in any detail - and I would almost say, in too much detail at times. The examples supporting her "eye for detail" were numerous and got repetitive after a while. I would rather have had more information about some of the other characters that are key to the story. The concept of having a murder take place in Agatha Christie's home is fun and I enjoyed the interaction between Agatha and Phyllida.
I also enjoyed the details of how a country house the size of Mallowan Hall is run. The hierarchy of the staff was interesting and how the day-to-day chores were prioritized kept me engaged. The story left me however, with an overall feeling of not being finished. Not enough detail and attention given to any character other than Phyllida.
I'm not sure I would pick up another in the series as I'm simply not that curious about Phyllida and her future.
I actually thought I might not finish this one but persevered and it ended up being a harmless homage to Agatha Christie.
When a murder takes place in the library of Mallowan Hall, intrepid housekeeper Phyllida Bright does not have confidence that the local constabulary or even Scotland Yard can solve it. When she finds the body and calls the police, they can be forgiven at first for thinking that she is playing a joke. What are the chances that a murder would take place in the home of the nation's most popular writer of detective fiction, Agatha Christie? However, when it is established that a murder has indeed taken place, the police miss details that Phyllida thinks are obvious clues. So she decides to look into the matter herself.
I like the character of Phyllida but unfortunately, she's the only character that is really fleshed out in any detail - and I would almost say, in too much detail at times. The examples supporting her "eye for detail" were numerous and got repetitive after a while. I would rather have had more information about some of the other characters that are key to the story. The concept of having a murder take place in Agatha Christie's home is fun and I enjoyed the interaction between Agatha and Phyllida.
I also enjoyed the details of how a country house the size of Mallowan Hall is run. The hierarchy of the staff was interesting and how the day-to-day chores were prioritized kept me engaged. The story left me however, with an overall feeling of not being finished. Not enough detail and attention given to any character other than Phyllida.
I'm not sure I would pick up another in the series as I'm simply not that curious about Phyllida and her future.
October 27, 2021
A house party, murder, upstairs/downstairs scenes. What else can you have but a golden-age mystery. However, this time, it is set at the home of no other than Agatha Christie, the Queen of Murder Mysteries. Told from the point of view of the housekeeper and friend of Agatha Christie, Phyllida Bright, has a quick mind and is thoroughly versed in the ways of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Of course, she will investigate when she finds a dead body in the library to discovers the police are not getting the job done. Agatha must not be bothered as she is trying to finish a book and tend to her guests.
Phyllida is an engaging character and a good investigator. Her interaction with Agatha is believable but does not play a big role in the story. Her encounters with the butler and the chauffeur have a bigger part and are amusing and enjoyable. The other characters are well-drawn as well.
The narrator does a good job and the different voices suit the characters well. However, since there are a number of characters it can be hard to remember who is who sometimes.
There is always the danger when using a real person in a fictional mystery series that the person will not seem true to life. Cambridge does a good job in her depiction of Agatha and her husband Max. It helps that they don’t have starring roles in the story.
I enjoyed it. It can be read as any other historical mystery set during the Golden Age of Murder or for the character of Agatha Christie. Either way, it is a good story and I would definitely read another in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Phyllida is an engaging character and a good investigator. Her interaction with Agatha is believable but does not play a big role in the story. Her encounters with the butler and the chauffeur have a bigger part and are amusing and enjoyable. The other characters are well-drawn as well.
The narrator does a good job and the different voices suit the characters well. However, since there are a number of characters it can be hard to remember who is who sometimes.
There is always the danger when using a real person in a fictional mystery series that the person will not seem true to life. Cambridge does a good job in her depiction of Agatha and her husband Max. It helps that they don’t have starring roles in the story.
I enjoyed it. It can be read as any other historical mystery set during the Golden Age of Murder or for the character of Agatha Christie. Either way, it is a good story and I would definitely read another in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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July 20, 2025When it was suggested to me that I write a murder mystery series featuring Agatha Christie's housekeeper as the protagonist, I thought I'd won the lottery.
Imagine being able to immerse myself in all things Christie...and call it work! Research!
I had so much fun creating Phyllida Bright, Agatha's fictional housekeeper who...finds a body in Agatha Christie's own library right on page one.
Imagine being able to immerse myself in all things Christie...and call it work! Research!
I had so much fun creating Phyllida Bright, Agatha's fictional housekeeper who...finds a body in Agatha Christie's own library right on page one.
December 2, 2021
A fun murder mystery set in Agatha Christies home. Really enjoyed it!
February 14, 2023
3,5 Sterne
Eines Morgens entdeckt Phyllida Bright, Haushälterin von Agatha Christie, einen Toten in der Bibliothek, erstochen mit einem Füllfederhalter. Als Fan von Detektivromanen begibt sie sich auf Tätersuche, doch schon bald gibt es einen weiteren Mird.
Ich mochte die unaufgeregte und humorvolle Art des Buches, die mich irgendwie ein bisschen auch an Downton Abbey erinnert hat. Wahrscheinlich, weil es viel um Dienstboten, Herrschaften und das Leben und Arbeiten in einem englischen Herrenhaus geht. Die Personen waren nett und anschaulich charakterisiert, der Kriminalfall ganz nett, wenn auch alles insgesamt nicht unbedingt einzigartig oder innovativ. Es hat mich gewundert, dass die Autorin kaum was aus dem "Agatha Christie"-Setting gemacht hat. Das wirkte irgendwie gewollt und unnötig. Trotzdem eine kurzweilige und angenehme Unterhaltung.
Eines Morgens entdeckt Phyllida Bright, Haushälterin von Agatha Christie, einen Toten in der Bibliothek, erstochen mit einem Füllfederhalter. Als Fan von Detektivromanen begibt sie sich auf Tätersuche, doch schon bald gibt es einen weiteren Mird.
Ich mochte die unaufgeregte und humorvolle Art des Buches, die mich irgendwie ein bisschen auch an Downton Abbey erinnert hat. Wahrscheinlich, weil es viel um Dienstboten, Herrschaften und das Leben und Arbeiten in einem englischen Herrenhaus geht. Die Personen waren nett und anschaulich charakterisiert, der Kriminalfall ganz nett, wenn auch alles insgesamt nicht unbedingt einzigartig oder innovativ. Es hat mich gewundert, dass die Autorin kaum was aus dem "Agatha Christie"-Setting gemacht hat. Das wirkte irgendwie gewollt und unnötig. Trotzdem eine kurzweilige und angenehme Unterhaltung.
October 19, 2021
Mysterious, atmospheric, and delightfully entertaining!
Murder at Mallowan Hall is a clue-like murder mystery set in England at the home of Max Mallowan and Agatha Christie during the 1930s that features Phyllida Bright, a housekeeper extraordinary who, after stumbling upon the body of a last-minute, previously uninvited guest to the manor, and with a lack of confidence in the local Constable and Scotland Yard inspector sent to investigate the case, endeavours to solve not just one, but ultimately two murders by using her knowledge and love of Hercule Poirot and a little extra help from some of the other members of staff.
The prose is descriptive and light. The characters, including the intelligent, independent heroine, are multi-layered, intriguing, and well-developed. And the plot is a well-paced whodunit full of red herrings, suspects, amateur sleuthing, deduction, attraction, and of course, a touch of the unexpected.
Murder at Mallowan Hall is the first book in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series, and if you love historical mysteries, this one won’t disappoint. It’s an entertaining, cosy, satisfying debut by Cambridge, and I can guarantee I will definitely be keeping my eye out for book number two.
Thank you to Kensington Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Murder at Mallowan Hall is a clue-like murder mystery set in England at the home of Max Mallowan and Agatha Christie during the 1930s that features Phyllida Bright, a housekeeper extraordinary who, after stumbling upon the body of a last-minute, previously uninvited guest to the manor, and with a lack of confidence in the local Constable and Scotland Yard inspector sent to investigate the case, endeavours to solve not just one, but ultimately two murders by using her knowledge and love of Hercule Poirot and a little extra help from some of the other members of staff.
The prose is descriptive and light. The characters, including the intelligent, independent heroine, are multi-layered, intriguing, and well-developed. And the plot is a well-paced whodunit full of red herrings, suspects, amateur sleuthing, deduction, attraction, and of course, a touch of the unexpected.
Murder at Mallowan Hall is the first book in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series, and if you love historical mysteries, this one won’t disappoint. It’s an entertaining, cosy, satisfying debut by Cambridge, and I can guarantee I will definitely be keeping my eye out for book number two.
Thank you to Kensington Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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