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Churchill & Pemberley #6
The Poisoned Peer
The 99-year-old Earl of Middlemop has had his future cruelly snatched from him.
Who could have poisoned the richest man in Wessex? The answer lies within the walls of Gripedown Hall where family secrets and bitter rivalries prevail.
Senior sleuths Churchill and Pemberley investigate on the behest of their friend Tryphena Ridley-Balls. However, another friend needs their help too. Mrs Thonnings’s haberdashery shop is the target of a poison pen letter campaign. Her weak elastic has reportedly caused a stretch of sartorial mishaps, but are the claims true?
Just as they’re close to the answers, an embarrassing slip-up results in Churchill and Pemberley’s dismissal. With their reputations sagging, can the two old ladies snap into action and bounce back?
Who could have poisoned the richest man in Wessex? The answer lies within the walls of Gripedown Hall where family secrets and bitter rivalries prevail.
Senior sleuths Churchill and Pemberley investigate on the behest of their friend Tryphena Ridley-Balls. However, another friend needs their help too. Mrs Thonnings’s haberdashery shop is the target of a poison pen letter campaign. Her weak elastic has reportedly caused a stretch of sartorial mishaps, but are the claims true?
Just as they’re close to the answers, an embarrassing slip-up results in Churchill and Pemberley’s dismissal. With their reputations sagging, can the two old ladies snap into action and bounce back?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2021
253 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Emily Organ
72 books655 followersEmily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 25, 2021
Hysterical
The dialogs in this series is hysterical, along with the shenanigans. But the twist in this episode really took the cake.
The dialogs in this series is hysterical, along with the shenanigans. But the twist in this episode really took the cake.
May 1, 2021
Fun happy cozy
Love the Churchill and Pemberley series. This is light ,fun laugh out loud at times. As always, a great ending.
Love the Churchill and Pemberley series. This is light ,fun laugh out loud at times. As always, a great ending.
April 22, 2021
Another charming, funny and enthralling mystery for Churchill and Pemberly.
February 12, 2022
Parodies are generally written to be funny. This one is not. It tries too hard and the characters are too cartoonish to believe.
February 18, 2022
Amusing British murder mystery that is nearly a spoof on the genre, with characters bearing names like Chief Inspector Llewellyn-Dalrymple; Mr. Ponsonby-Staithes; Cairistiona Vigors-Slipcote; and Richard Aubrey Ridley-Balls, the eighth Earl of Middlemop, of Gripedown Hall, Compton Poppleford.
Annabel Churchill, widow of the last chief inspector, fashions herself a detective. With her devoted (and nearly on the spectrum) assistant, Miss Pemberly, she bumbles around solving crimes in her village, while eating copious amounts of tea and cakes. When the local 99 year old earl is murdered, the two ladies are engaged by his daughter to find out who done it. Turns out he frequently changed his will and added codicils, and the documents that keep turning up add new suspects to the line-up. Very cute. A nice break from the serious.
Annabel Churchill, widow of the last chief inspector, fashions herself a detective. With her devoted (and nearly on the spectrum) assistant, Miss Pemberly, she bumbles around solving crimes in her village, while eating copious amounts of tea and cakes. When the local 99 year old earl is murdered, the two ladies are engaged by his daughter to find out who done it. Turns out he frequently changed his will and added codicils, and the documents that keep turning up add new suspects to the line-up. Very cute. A nice break from the serious.
November 12, 2022
Something about Churchill & Pemberley really tickles me every time. I love their banter and sometimes Churchill's obtuseness. In this episode, they're tasked with finding out who murdered a nonagenarian who was probably close to finding his own way out anyway. The amusing side-plot involves the newest store in town, a buttons-and-bows shop to compete with the one Compton Poppleford already has, and the local paper has published some startling letters about failed elastic purchased from the old shop... so we get plenty of running gags about the "poison elastic letters". Well, this mystery kept me on my toes, and grinning all the way.
(Oops! I forgot to actually type a review the first time around, but thanks for liking it.)
(Oops! I forgot to actually type a review the first time around, but thanks for liking it.)
July 20, 2022
This is not the first book in the series, however, it is the first I have read. I wish I had started with the first because it's clear there are things between the two main characters, inside "jokes", if you will, that would have been amusing to be in on. Despite my lack, this book was great fun, especially since the characters are a hoot. The murderer was not easily guessed, either, which is always a bonus in cozy mysteries that are often read for so much more than plot.
May 6, 2021
As always with this series I'm entertained from beginning to end with wit and clean clever dialogue. Love Compton Poppleford! Appreciate the author who highlights seniors! The paperback is an excellent price to!!!
May 12, 2021
Best one yet!
Loved the new installment of Churchill and Pemberly. Good story, fun read, and laugh out loud parts. Enjoyed it immensely!!!
Loved the new installment of Churchill and Pemberly. Good story, fun read, and laugh out loud parts. Enjoyed it immensely!!!
April 23, 2021
Boring
Churchill and Pemberley has been one of my favorites, however this latest book was just not entertaining and was just boring
Churchill and Pemberley has been one of my favorites, however this latest book was just not entertaining and was just boring
November 9, 2021
Churchill and Pembers back on the case
Mrs Churchill and Miss Pemberley are back to deal with two cases in this episode.
Poor Mrs Thonnings has received some bad press after a series of anonymous letters have been printed in the Compton Poppleford Gazette complaining about her elastic sending all her customers rushing to the newly opened Boutons et Rubans.. has Mrs Bouton created the bad publicity to gain custom or is it someone else altogether?
Then Mrs Churchill's new friend Tryphena Ridley-Balls asks for her help when her father, the Earl of Middlemop, is murdered at the grand old age of 99. With the estate falling into the hands of Mrs Supant the housekeeper there's plenty of bickering while Mrs Churchill gathers her evidence.. but who could have put the cyanide in his remedy syrup? Only Mrs C in her bumbling way could possibly get to the bottom of it..
Mrs Churchill and Miss Pemberley are back to deal with two cases in this episode.
Poor Mrs Thonnings has received some bad press after a series of anonymous letters have been printed in the Compton Poppleford Gazette complaining about her elastic sending all her customers rushing to the newly opened Boutons et Rubans.. has Mrs Bouton created the bad publicity to gain custom or is it someone else altogether?
Then Mrs Churchill's new friend Tryphena Ridley-Balls asks for her help when her father, the Earl of Middlemop, is murdered at the grand old age of 99. With the estate falling into the hands of Mrs Supant the housekeeper there's plenty of bickering while Mrs Churchill gathers her evidence.. but who could have put the cyanide in his remedy syrup? Only Mrs C in her bumbling way could possibly get to the bottom of it..
December 22, 2021
The Poison Peer
What a charming cozey mystery full of mayhem, intrigue, mischief and murder. In an time of historic change when lady detectives were a rarity. Mrs Churchill and Pemberly would have been quite a novelty these characters are vibrant, astute and dedicated to their goal of finding justice never mind who thinks what of them .In the array of characters throughout this mystery you will find Emily Organ has brought an abundance of colorful characters and events to light. I truly enjoyed the every part of this comical display of writing. Acquire " The Poison Peer " so that you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. 😀 Kat
What a charming cozey mystery full of mayhem, intrigue, mischief and murder. In an time of historic change when lady detectives were a rarity. Mrs Churchill and Pemberly would have been quite a novelty these characters are vibrant, astute and dedicated to their goal of finding justice never mind who thinks what of them .In the array of characters throughout this mystery you will find Emily Organ has brought an abundance of colorful characters and events to light. I truly enjoyed the every part of this comical display of writing. Acquire " The Poison Peer " so that you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. 😀 Kat
February 27, 2022
Lady Detectives
Lighthearted, funny at times, engaging period mystery, Mrs. Churchill and Miss Penne fly are quite memorable characters. Their names probably the only ones without a humorous twist.
At first, the mystery seemed unsolvable with the clues provided but it seems as if Mrs. Churchill's brain was working away amidst all the cake eating and a plausible solution was found.
In the story, it really was not the mystery per season that held my attention, it was more the interactions between the characters.
If you enjoy reading about quaint English people and villages, you will enjoy this one.
Lighthearted, funny at times, engaging period mystery, Mrs. Churchill and Miss Penne fly are quite memorable characters. Their names probably the only ones without a humorous twist.
At first, the mystery seemed unsolvable with the clues provided but it seems as if Mrs. Churchill's brain was working away amidst all the cake eating and a plausible solution was found.
In the story, it really was not the mystery per season that held my attention, it was more the interactions between the characters.
If you enjoy reading about quaint English people and villages, you will enjoy this one.
March 1, 2022
There were a number of laugh-out-loud moments in this cozy mystery, but one scene in particular had me doubled over with tears running down my face. I'm a great fan of British humor and could visualize Churchill and Pemberley with their own BBC series. The writing was strong, with gems like this two-sentence character study:
The woman who had just entered the room was wide-faced, like Tryphena, and her ears peeked out through her grey, bobbed hair. Her eyes were languid and she wore a dress of insipid colour which hung from her shoulders like laundry left out to dry.This was just the break from reality that I needed.
May 21, 2021
Amusing if overly familiar 6th instalment
Enjoyable detective romp, akin to 'keeping up appearances' crossed with 'miss marple' and 'French & Saunders'.
No need to read the first 5 to pick this one up, but I do recommend them all. This latest instalment did however seem slightly lacking compared to the earlier novels, maybe because there was little originality. The jokes, puns, predicaments and investigation all felt a little too familiar, however, perhaps the charm of the series is the familiar tropes set up in the first novels.
Enjoyable detective romp, akin to 'keeping up appearances' crossed with 'miss marple' and 'French & Saunders'.
No need to read the first 5 to pick this one up, but I do recommend them all. This latest instalment did however seem slightly lacking compared to the earlier novels, maybe because there was little originality. The jokes, puns, predicaments and investigation all felt a little too familiar, however, perhaps the charm of the series is the familiar tropes set up in the first novels.
February 24, 2022
The Poisoned Pen is Perfect!
I have read all of the Mrs. Churchill and Miss Pemberly books. The two ladies bumble around, and get into very funny situations but finally get things resolved in the end. They are "detectives" and they work to solve a murder, and poison pen letters sent to a newspaper. Some of the trouble they get into had me laughing out loud. I have read all 6 of the books so far, but I sure hope there will be more to come. The characters are great, and the books are so much fun to read.
I have read all of the Mrs. Churchill and Miss Pemberly books. The two ladies bumble around, and get into very funny situations but finally get things resolved in the end. They are "detectives" and they work to solve a murder, and poison pen letters sent to a newspaper. Some of the trouble they get into had me laughing out loud. I have read all 6 of the books so far, but I sure hope there will be more to come. The characters are great, and the books are so much fun to read.
October 26, 2022
Well, That Was Unexpected
Churchill and Pemberley have two more unrelated cases in this story. One of slander and the other murder. The detectives have many suspects, as usual in the murder mystery and none in their other case. The wrap up at the end brings the murder mystery to a surprise conclusion and then there's the other case that also is solved a little later. Now on to the next book, number 7.
Churchill and Pemberley have two more unrelated cases in this story. One of slander and the other murder. The detectives have many suspects, as usual in the murder mystery and none in their other case. The wrap up at the end brings the murder mystery to a surprise conclusion and then there's the other case that also is solved a little later. Now on to the next book, number 7.
February 1, 2024
RA
Another very enjoyable outing for the senior sleuths: they don't have senior moments, just very embarrassing ones! Churchill and Pembers are rapidly becoming my favourite detective duo. The dialogue driven stories are an absolute pleasure! Sad that I only have one more to read. Bumbling to the truth can be a higher form of literature than the rapier minded detective. Fortunately Emily Organ is developing quite a canon of female detectives.
Another very enjoyable outing for the senior sleuths: they don't have senior moments, just very embarrassing ones! Churchill and Pembers are rapidly becoming my favourite detective duo. The dialogue driven stories are an absolute pleasure! Sad that I only have one more to read. Bumbling to the truth can be a higher form of literature than the rapier minded detective. Fortunately Emily Organ is developing quite a canon of female detectives.
Read
May 13, 2021A really enjoyable series. Fun, light mysteries
This is the 2nd series I've read by Emily. I have thoroughly loved them both.
I just had so much fun reading about Mrs Churchill and Miss Pemberly. This would a great cozy mystery TV series. I know what all the characters look like, the quirks, the clothes, even the dog Oswald.
This is the 2nd series I've read by Emily. I have thoroughly loved them both.
I just had so much fun reading about Mrs Churchill and Miss Pemberly. This would a great cozy mystery TV series. I know what all the characters look like, the quirks, the clothes, even the dog Oswald.
January 13, 2023
Cute
Witty dialogue and charming characters make this book fun read. Tasked with solving who murdered a ninety nine year old Earl, Mrs. Churchill and Miss Pemberley encounter the odd inhabitants of the old Earls manner finding more suspects and little evidence to accuse someone. With Oswell in tow and determination our murderer is found out.
Witty dialogue and charming characters make this book fun read. Tasked with solving who murdered a ninety nine year old Earl, Mrs. Churchill and Miss Pemberley encounter the odd inhabitants of the old Earls manner finding more suspects and little evidence to accuse someone. With Oswell in tow and determination our murderer is found out.
June 3, 2021
Another excellent and amusing yarn
Continues the adventures of the 2 elderly lady detectives. Lots of suspect and red herrings before the culprits are revealed of both the murder and the letter writing.
Continues the adventures of the 2 elderly lady detectives. Lots of suspect and red herrings before the culprits are revealed of both the murder and the letter writing.
July 4, 2021
Some hilarious momento
I enjoyed this book. Some of the dialogues between the two main characters - Pemberley and Churchill - were very entertaining. There were a couple of incidents where I burst out loud laughing.
I enjoyed this book. Some of the dialogues between the two main characters - Pemberley and Churchill - were very entertaining. There were a couple of incidents where I burst out loud laughing.
September 8, 2021
This had me chuckling throughout the read …as well as developing a penchant for tea and cake. I’ve never done elevenses …I do now! So many quirky characters and so many twists and turns. But most importantly beware of poor quality elastic from dodgy haberdashers!
September 30, 2021
I love these two
I love Churchill and Pemberly. I reckon them to a female Abbott and Costello. Absolutely hilarious and such clever mysteries to solve. I hope there is another one I can't wait.
I love Churchill and Pemberly. I reckon them to a female Abbott and Costello. Absolutely hilarious and such clever mysteries to solve. I hope there is another one I can't wait.
November 30, 2021
Who is the grumpy earl’s heir?
Churchill and Pemberley are tasked with solving two mysteries, the death of a very old earl and poison pen letters attacking a local haberdashery.
Snooping, breaking and entering and hilarity occur as the old girls discover who dunnit.
Churchill and Pemberley are tasked with solving two mysteries, the death of a very old earl and poison pen letters attacking a local haberdashery.
Snooping, breaking and entering and hilarity occur as the old girls discover who dunnit.
December 13, 2021
This is one of my favorite series. The situations are hilarious and the two main characters mesh so well together despite their different personalities. Despite the bumbling, Mrs. Churchill is rather astute when it comes to figuring out the mystery. I can't wait to read more.
February 25, 2022
I am a big fan of Emily Organ's, Penny Green books. Unfortunately I did not like this series as well. It was a bit too whimsical and lite for me to really enjoy. It was a quick easy read but I will look for other books written by Emily.
Read
February 26, 2022I’m not going to rate this because it is a silly little book that made me laugh and took my mind off the worries of war. For that I am grateful. I will read another in the series when the need arises.
February 26, 2022
Enjoyable and humorous!
I have read a number of the authors mysteries but this was the first of this series. The English humor was very evident in many pages. The mystery and its solution were great.
I have read a number of the authors mysteries but this was the first of this series. The English humor was very evident in many pages. The mystery and its solution were great.
March 1, 2022
Very enjoyable
I am not the target audience for this kind of book at all, but I enjoyed this. Well written and humorous with the characters believable for the period. Also only spotted two small typos, I often find loads, so we’ll edited. Recommended.
I am not the target audience for this kind of book at all, but I enjoyed this. Well written and humorous with the characters believable for the period. Also only spotted two small typos, I often find loads, so we’ll edited. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews