What do you think?
Rate this book
Loch Down Abbey #1
Loch Down Abbey
No one in. No one out.
Family can be murder . . .
It's the 1930s and a mysterious illness is spreading over Scotland. But the noble and ancient family of Inverkillen, residents of Loch Down Abbey, are much more concerned with dwindling toilet roll supplies and who will look after the children now that Nanny has regretfully (and most inconveniently) departed this life.
Then Lord Inverkillen, Earl and head of the family, is found dead in mysterious circumstances. The inspector declares it an accident but Mrs MacBain, the head housekeeper, isn't so convinced. As no one is allowed in or out because of the illness, the residents of the house - both upstairs and downstairs - are the only suspects. With the Earl's own family too busy doing what can only be described as nothing, she decides to do some digging - in between chores, of course - and in doing so uncovers a whole host of long-hidden secrets, lies and betrayals that will alter the dynamics of the household for ever.
Family can be murder . . .
It's the 1930s and a mysterious illness is spreading over Scotland. But the noble and ancient family of Inverkillen, residents of Loch Down Abbey, are much more concerned with dwindling toilet roll supplies and who will look after the children now that Nanny has regretfully (and most inconveniently) departed this life.
Then Lord Inverkillen, Earl and head of the family, is found dead in mysterious circumstances. The inspector declares it an accident but Mrs MacBain, the head housekeeper, isn't so convinced. As no one is allowed in or out because of the illness, the residents of the house - both upstairs and downstairs - are the only suspects. With the Earl's own family too busy doing what can only be described as nothing, she decides to do some digging - in between chores, of course - and in doing so uncovers a whole host of long-hidden secrets, lies and betrayals that will alter the dynamics of the household for ever.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2021
606 people are currently reading
3274 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 481 reviews
April 15, 2021
3.5
1930’s Loch Down, Scottish Highlands
Lord Hamish Inverkillen is missing, Inspector Jarvis of Loch Down Police Force investigates. Lord Hamish is eventually found dead, plunging the family into deep waters. Oh and Nanny McKenzie is dead, poor old girl, fancy working the poor soul until she’s well into her seventies! Her death causes chaos as her charges run amok. Meanwhile over the border in England a mysterious illness rampages known as Virulent Pernicious Mauvais which begins to affect Scotland too.
First of all, the positives. It does capture the spirit of the 1930’s especially upper class attitudes towards invisible servants, their sense of entitlement, their spending beyond their means to uphold standards and lifestyle. There is wry humour poked at these characters, I mean, how utterly ghastly that one has to ‘draw’ one’s own bath and that ladies should have to walk downstairs to take breakfast in the dining room rather than a tray delivered to their rooms. Quick, fetch me my smelling salts! There are some amusing arguments over Covid style shortages which gets a smile. It captures the spirit of the cozy mystery with a whole host of suspects, red herrings and it all gets a bit well, Lady Chatterley. What a household they are, so many secrets, lies and airs and graces. They’re a truly awful bunch! The house is worth a mention as that is intriguing with its 125 rooms and multiple thousands of acreage, it too holds its secrets and if only walls could talk. I like the twist at the end, it’s a bit of a stretch but the means do justify the ends!
However, there are so many characters it’s overwhelming and this means that apart from one or two they’re not well fleshed out and some seem to serve little purpose other than to baffle me. The style at times is somewhat ponderous especially at the beginning with over descriptions and explanation which slows the pace though this does improve in the second half which is much better than the first. The plot is really convoluted with so much going on it becomes bewildering and truthfully apart from recognition of our Covid reality I’m not that sure their pandemic actually adds much to the plot????
Overall, it’s an easy read, it’s fun in places and it entertains.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the widget in return for an honest review.
1930’s Loch Down, Scottish Highlands
Lord Hamish Inverkillen is missing, Inspector Jarvis of Loch Down Police Force investigates. Lord Hamish is eventually found dead, plunging the family into deep waters. Oh and Nanny McKenzie is dead, poor old girl, fancy working the poor soul until she’s well into her seventies! Her death causes chaos as her charges run amok. Meanwhile over the border in England a mysterious illness rampages known as Virulent Pernicious Mauvais which begins to affect Scotland too.
First of all, the positives. It does capture the spirit of the 1930’s especially upper class attitudes towards invisible servants, their sense of entitlement, their spending beyond their means to uphold standards and lifestyle. There is wry humour poked at these characters, I mean, how utterly ghastly that one has to ‘draw’ one’s own bath and that ladies should have to walk downstairs to take breakfast in the dining room rather than a tray delivered to their rooms. Quick, fetch me my smelling salts! There are some amusing arguments over Covid style shortages which gets a smile. It captures the spirit of the cozy mystery with a whole host of suspects, red herrings and it all gets a bit well, Lady Chatterley. What a household they are, so many secrets, lies and airs and graces. They’re a truly awful bunch! The house is worth a mention as that is intriguing with its 125 rooms and multiple thousands of acreage, it too holds its secrets and if only walls could talk. I like the twist at the end, it’s a bit of a stretch but the means do justify the ends!
However, there are so many characters it’s overwhelming and this means that apart from one or two they’re not well fleshed out and some seem to serve little purpose other than to baffle me. The style at times is somewhat ponderous especially at the beginning with over descriptions and explanation which slows the pace though this does improve in the second half which is much better than the first. The plot is really convoluted with so much going on it becomes bewildering and truthfully apart from recognition of our Covid reality I’m not that sure their pandemic actually adds much to the plot????
Overall, it’s an easy read, it’s fun in places and it entertains.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the widget in return for an honest review.
May 10, 2022
"Anyone who said there were no secrets in a small village had clearly never been to Loch Down.”
Loch Down Abbey has one hundred and twenty-five rooms, a Library, and five thousand acres of land. That doesn’t include the servants’ quarters of course; one never counts those. But, nineteen people only use six, Other than the bedrooms, too shame!
This is a story of accidental death and a heart attack and a scandal, no two, three is better or maybe 4, I think of 5!!!
A funny grandmother, very selfish children, and grandchildren, full of rumors and gossip. 6 children exploring an amazing Abbey and find its secrets. They search the house and find the hidden paths but, adults could not. More than 20 servants being less and less, to get the family mad.
Royal residents of Loch Down Abbey are not very interested in being out or do something but, they always are busy. The head housekeeper, After fifteen years, didn’t understand what it was they did all day. They hardly can even be dressed, and of course, they don't know the way of the kitchen.
“Why must he always try to do things? He isn’t good at doing things. Doing Things is what servants are for.”
Mrs. MacBain, the head housekeeper, is worried about new sickness in the village, and the accidental death which looks no accidental at all. But, what could she say? "I suspect one of the family murdered His Lordship?"
It was a very interesting, funny and mysterious book with strong characters, I easily could imagine them. This wasn't a crime- mystery but, there were lots of secrets. I really enjoyed this Scottish set. I loved the house, It was so amazing and exploring. With lots of secret passages that no one could see if somebody sneaking around. I'm sure the killer, loved the house as I am. :)
Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read Loch Down Abbey by Beth Cowan-Erskine in exchange for an honest review.
Published Date 10 Jun 2021
My review on 05 Apr 2021
Loch Down Abbey has one hundred and twenty-five rooms, a Library, and five thousand acres of land. That doesn’t include the servants’ quarters of course; one never counts those. But, nineteen people only use six, Other than the bedrooms, too shame!
This is a story of accidental death and a heart attack and a scandal, no two, three is better or maybe 4, I think of 5!!!
A funny grandmother, very selfish children, and grandchildren, full of rumors and gossip. 6 children exploring an amazing Abbey and find its secrets. They search the house and find the hidden paths but, adults could not. More than 20 servants being less and less, to get the family mad.
Royal residents of Loch Down Abbey are not very interested in being out or do something but, they always are busy. The head housekeeper, After fifteen years, didn’t understand what it was they did all day. They hardly can even be dressed, and of course, they don't know the way of the kitchen.
“Why must he always try to do things? He isn’t good at doing things. Doing Things is what servants are for.”
Mrs. MacBain, the head housekeeper, is worried about new sickness in the village, and the accidental death which looks no accidental at all. But, what could she say? "I suspect one of the family murdered His Lordship?"
It was a very interesting, funny and mysterious book with strong characters, I easily could imagine them. This wasn't a crime- mystery but, there were lots of secrets. I really enjoyed this Scottish set. I loved the house, It was so amazing and exploring. With lots of secret passages that no one could see if somebody sneaking around. I'm sure the killer, loved the house as I am. :)
Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read Loch Down Abbey by Beth Cowan-Erskine in exchange for an honest review.
Published Date 10 Jun 2021
My review on 05 Apr 2021
April 28, 2021
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love the concept and idea for this book; a wealthy and huge family who can barely do anything without their maids, stuck in a house, and with a murderer among them. One of the things I find very intriguing about this book is how creative the author was when she described the atmosphere. It truly feels like we're diving deep into history and I can truly feel the desperation when this family realized the storm coming toward them.
Though I do like the ending, I have actually have mixed feelings about this book. For one, this book involves a horde of characters and it was a real challenge to remember who is who. I had to come back to the List of Characters in the beginning of the book (Thank God for that) every few moments or so when I started and it impacted my enjoyment toward the book. Secondly, the author jumps between POVs ever so suddenly. Combine that with the confusing cast, it really started to go from enjoyment to confusion. Third, I was fully expecting a thriller-y story, with a bunch of complicated characters; but I didn't get that. Though the mystery was a little interesting at the beginning, I quickly lost interest halfway through. If you're expecting a tense, 'gets you out of your seat' thriller', this might not be for you.
I love the concept and idea for this book; a wealthy and huge family who can barely do anything without their maids, stuck in a house, and with a murderer among them. One of the things I find very intriguing about this book is how creative the author was when she described the atmosphere. It truly feels like we're diving deep into history and I can truly feel the desperation when this family realized the storm coming toward them.
Though I do like the ending, I have actually have mixed feelings about this book. For one, this book involves a horde of characters and it was a real challenge to remember who is who. I had to come back to the List of Characters in the beginning of the book (Thank God for that) every few moments or so when I started and it impacted my enjoyment toward the book. Secondly, the author jumps between POVs ever so suddenly. Combine that with the confusing cast, it really started to go from enjoyment to confusion. Third, I was fully expecting a thriller-y story, with a bunch of complicated characters; but I didn't get that. Though the mystery was a little interesting at the beginning, I quickly lost interest halfway through. If you're expecting a tense, 'gets you out of your seat' thriller', this might not be for you.
June 2, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
It's the 1930s and a mysterious illness is spreading across Scotland. But the noble and ancient family of InverKillen, residents of Loch Down Abbey, are much more concerned with dwindling toilet roll supplies and who will look after the children now that Nanny has regretfully departed this life. Lord Inverkillen, Earl and head of the family, is found dead in mysterious circumstances. the Inspector declares it an accident but Mrs MacBain, the head housekeeper, isn't so convinced.
There's an epidemic sweeping across Scotland. Lord Hamish goes missing and Inspector Jarvis is called in to investigate. But Lord Hamish is not the only one who's died, Nanny MacKenzie has also died.
There's a lot of characters to try and remember. Most of the family members aren't very likable and hardly any of them can do anything without their maids. The story is told from multiple perspectives but the sudden switches of perspective makes it a bit confusing. Filled with secrets, betrayals, lies and some humour, this is an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #BethCowanErskine for my ARC of #LochDownAbbey in exchange for an honest review.
It's the 1930s and a mysterious illness is spreading across Scotland. But the noble and ancient family of InverKillen, residents of Loch Down Abbey, are much more concerned with dwindling toilet roll supplies and who will look after the children now that Nanny has regretfully departed this life. Lord Inverkillen, Earl and head of the family, is found dead in mysterious circumstances. the Inspector declares it an accident but Mrs MacBain, the head housekeeper, isn't so convinced.
There's an epidemic sweeping across Scotland. Lord Hamish goes missing and Inspector Jarvis is called in to investigate. But Lord Hamish is not the only one who's died, Nanny MacKenzie has also died.
There's a lot of characters to try and remember. Most of the family members aren't very likable and hardly any of them can do anything without their maids. The story is told from multiple perspectives but the sudden switches of perspective makes it a bit confusing. Filled with secrets, betrayals, lies and some humour, this is an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #BethCowanErskine for my ARC of #LochDownAbbey in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2022
a lighthearted story with petty drama so common to the period drama sprinkled in. it gave ‘this was written by an american who has watched too much downton abbey and wanted to deviate from this to avoid copyright claims in the best way.
despite this, there is never a strong focus in the narrative. i saw the vision but it was unfortunately never executed so it led me to wonder: who was i supposed to be rooting for? was i supposed to like the upstairs family members? root for any of the affairs? care for whether there had been a murder or if it had just been an accident? create theories as to who had done it? create theories as to whether the death had been an accident?
even though my questions were never answered, i did enjoy it overall. if i was supposed to be rooting for the downstairs staff like i was, then the conclusion of the story was enough for me.
despite this, there is never a strong focus in the narrative. i saw the vision but it was unfortunately never executed so it led me to wonder: who was i supposed to be rooting for? was i supposed to like the upstairs family members? root for any of the affairs? care for whether there had been a murder or if it had just been an accident? create theories as to who had done it? create theories as to whether the death had been an accident?
even though my questions were never answered, i did enjoy it overall. if i was supposed to be rooting for the downstairs staff like i was, then the conclusion of the story was enough for me.
June 18, 2021
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a fun Historical Fiction Cozy Mystery that is a quick and easy read. Set in Scotland in the 1930's while a mysterious illness is spreading through the country, the Inverkillen family and their servants are dealt a terrible blow when Lord Inverkillen, Earl and head of the family, is found dead in mysterious circumstances.
Except, the family doesn't seem too bothered with the Earl's death. They are more concerned about the fact that less tea cakes will be served at tea time because a number of servants are sick and the remaining ones are struggling to maintain the house in their absence. Although the inspector declares the Earl's death an accident, Mrs. McBain, the head housekeeper, isn't convinced and decides to investigate in between her duties.
Mrs. McBain is an astute and clever woman who slowly begins to unravel the mystery of the Earl's death, in addition to uncovering long-hidden family secrets and lies that will alter everyone at the Abbey's future. Mrs. McBain is a well-formed character, as are several of the minor characters. The book has several very funny bits and is full of wry, sarcastic observations of the elitist, selfish, entitled upper class occupants of the manor. Most of the secrets and surprise endings are fairly obvious, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. If you're looking for a light, fun, quick and easy read, this is the book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a fun Historical Fiction Cozy Mystery that is a quick and easy read. Set in Scotland in the 1930's while a mysterious illness is spreading through the country, the Inverkillen family and their servants are dealt a terrible blow when Lord Inverkillen, Earl and head of the family, is found dead in mysterious circumstances.
Except, the family doesn't seem too bothered with the Earl's death. They are more concerned about the fact that less tea cakes will be served at tea time because a number of servants are sick and the remaining ones are struggling to maintain the house in their absence. Although the inspector declares the Earl's death an accident, Mrs. McBain, the head housekeeper, isn't convinced and decides to investigate in between her duties.
Mrs. McBain is an astute and clever woman who slowly begins to unravel the mystery of the Earl's death, in addition to uncovering long-hidden family secrets and lies that will alter everyone at the Abbey's future. Mrs. McBain is a well-formed character, as are several of the minor characters. The book has several very funny bits and is full of wry, sarcastic observations of the elitist, selfish, entitled upper class occupants of the manor. Most of the secrets and surprise endings are fairly obvious, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. If you're looking for a light, fun, quick and easy read, this is the book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton. All opinions are my own.
April 4, 2021
I thank Hodder and Stoughton for a copy of Loch Down Abbey. It is described like Down Abbey, with humour and a disease that his harming the Scottish town. So, because of that I was interested to read it.
It’s the 1930’s in the deep Scottish highland lies Loch down Abbey the home of Lord and lady Inverskillens and the huge number of staff. When a mysterious illness effects and staff and the nearby town. The Inverskillens are horrified when they must start caring for themselves and must deal with the Lord who is found dead. Is it an accident of was he murdered? They also must deal with the Abbey has run into debt and have the bailiffs at the door.
Loch Down Abbey has a unique storyline of a historical murder mystery, and hint about a disease like Covid. After the Lord died, I found it quite hilarious how the family had to cope and do things for themselves. Even arguing over a couple of toilet rolls. He made me think about our Royal family when I read this and wondered if they had similar arguments that the people in this book did. This is an entertaining read that I read in one sitting. The only criticism I have that they were far too many characters and got confused who was who. But it made up with the conclusion of this story
It’s the 1930’s in the deep Scottish highland lies Loch down Abbey the home of Lord and lady Inverskillens and the huge number of staff. When a mysterious illness effects and staff and the nearby town. The Inverskillens are horrified when they must start caring for themselves and must deal with the Lord who is found dead. Is it an accident of was he murdered? They also must deal with the Abbey has run into debt and have the bailiffs at the door.
Loch Down Abbey has a unique storyline of a historical murder mystery, and hint about a disease like Covid. After the Lord died, I found it quite hilarious how the family had to cope and do things for themselves. Even arguing over a couple of toilet rolls. He made me think about our Royal family when I read this and wondered if they had similar arguments that the people in this book did. This is an entertaining read that I read in one sitting. The only criticism I have that they were far too many characters and got confused who was who. But it made up with the conclusion of this story
May 9, 2021
No wonder this book is over 600 pages; there is so much going on and there are so many people involved. The funny thing is that there are not a whole lot more people involved than in the average police procedural or thriller. It's just that all characters live in one house and are more or less related which sometimes makes it look as if there are more people than you would think.
Anyway, I just loved it. There is a murder, there is a mystery, there are hidden surprises in the story - as for instance what happens with one of the characters, who is supposed to be a famous author ;-), but very reluctant to talk about his books.
You could say there is too much going on; you can also say you just have to read this book and enjoy yourself with the story and the funny dialogues.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
Anyway, I just loved it. There is a murder, there is a mystery, there are hidden surprises in the story - as for instance what happens with one of the characters, who is supposed to be a famous author ;-), but very reluctant to talk about his books.
You could say there is too much going on; you can also say you just have to read this book and enjoy yourself with the story and the funny dialogues.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
March 31, 2022
The fact that it took me this long to go through it should be a review in itself 😬 I somehow got lured by the pretty cover and failed to get it was a covid-centric Downton Abbey parody before opening it. Some fun ideas and accessible writing, but overall it was just too much to be really enjoyable. The characters are miles past caricature, with maybe 4 brain cells between them all, and to be honest I couldn’t get invested in either them or the plot, even just for laughs. Definitely not a book for me.
February 3, 2025
I thought this book was going to be a nice cozy mystery and I was quite prepared to forgive the Covid origin, the hints that there may be some similarity to Downton Abbey, and the endless stream of references to Scotland's salmon fishing, ghillies and gamekeepers, and bonny blooming heather. Lord Inverkillen dies in mysterious circumstances and there is no shortage of suspects who would prefer him off the scene. A police inspector is called to investigate, Mr. Jarvis. He doesn't last long in the narrative, which is the first clue that the story is going to change course. Mrs. MacBain, the housekeeper, takes over as a Miss Marple clone and finds little more than family misbehaviours and a very annoying group of unnamed family children.
All well and good. Then the whole thing collapses into a mish-mash of how awfully servants were treated by the British aristocracy, which is fair enough though not particularly original, and a far-fetched idea that the servants could club together to exploit prohibition in America, export their own illicit whisky to the States at an enormous profit, and end up buying the Abbey as their own hotel. It began quietly enough and while it remained a murder mystery it was mildly entertaining, then it crumbled into nothing very much. I believe there is a sequel - hopefully there is some bloodshed instead of marital naughtiness and financial ineptitude.
All well and good. Then the whole thing collapses into a mish-mash of how awfully servants were treated by the British aristocracy, which is fair enough though not particularly original, and a far-fetched idea that the servants could club together to exploit prohibition in America, export their own illicit whisky to the States at an enormous profit, and end up buying the Abbey as their own hotel. It began quietly enough and while it remained a murder mystery it was mildly entertaining, then it crumbled into nothing very much. I believe there is a sequel - hopefully there is some bloodshed instead of marital naughtiness and financial ineptitude.
April 18, 2021
May I say, I LOVE the title and its fantastic wordplay.
This book would make an entertaining movie or TV series.
As a novel, however, it feels like it's trying to do too many things at once. First, there's the Downton-Abbey-esque setting, which IS pretty fun. Then there's an unexpected death in the family, so it's sort of a mystery. And then there's a pandemic, which gets shoe-horned in with lots of wink-wink, nudge-nudge references that people who have lived through 2020 will understand all too well.
However, there's not a strong focus in the narrative. It's a bit hard to tell whether we're supposed to be invested in the mystery or not. And the treatment of the pandemic is both extremely specific (shortages of toilet paper) and vaguely distant (we never actually see anyone who is sick, even though all the staff is catching it like crazy). Again, hard to tell whether we're supposed to care.
The characters have relatively little personality and are more defined by their roles than anything else. So it takes a while to sort them out and remember who is who.
That said, I did enjoy it somewhat as the plot started opening up in the latter half, and was satisfied with the resolution of a couple of plot threads. It's fairly light-hearted overall even though there are some dramatic revelations.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this advance review copy.
This book would make an entertaining movie or TV series.
As a novel, however, it feels like it's trying to do too many things at once. First, there's the Downton-Abbey-esque setting, which IS pretty fun. Then there's an unexpected death in the family, so it's sort of a mystery. And then there's a pandemic, which gets shoe-horned in with lots of wink-wink, nudge-nudge references that people who have lived through 2020 will understand all too well.
However, there's not a strong focus in the narrative. It's a bit hard to tell whether we're supposed to be invested in the mystery or not. And the treatment of the pandemic is both extremely specific (shortages of toilet paper) and vaguely distant (we never actually see anyone who is sick, even though all the staff is catching it like crazy). Again, hard to tell whether we're supposed to care.
The characters have relatively little personality and are more defined by their roles than anything else. So it takes a while to sort them out and remember who is who.
That said, I did enjoy it somewhat as the plot started opening up in the latter half, and was satisfied with the resolution of a couple of plot threads. It's fairly light-hearted overall even though there are some dramatic revelations.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this advance review copy.
June 24, 2021
Seemed like a mish-mash of ideas.
May 28, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good word-play and LOVE Downton Abbey so just for that title alone, this just gets a couple of stars. Unfortunately, the rest didn’t meet my expectations. By the synopsis, I thought this would be a hilarious Downton Abbey parody in the middle of a pandemic mixed with a murder mystery, and while it was all that in part, I think it never reached its full potential. I expected to laugh out loud and at most I chuckled.
The cast of characters, with a clear DA inspiration, is sooooo huge that it took me quite a while to know who was who. All of them, save for a few exceptions, were pretty one-dimensional and defined by their rank in the family or the service and though that may have been the author’s intention to poke fun at the absurdities of the aristocracy and their relationship with their employees, it made me detached from all of them and not care about what was going on.
The “illlness” part was so superficial that it didn’t add much apart from a few mentions to face masks and a shortage of toilet paper and the murder mystery and its resolution were pretty bland.
Though not what I was expecting, I don’t regret reading it, so if you’re in the mood for a quick read with some absurd characters, a few pandemic observations and a light mystery, this would be the perfect choice.
I love a good word-play and LOVE Downton Abbey so just for that title alone, this just gets a couple of stars. Unfortunately, the rest didn’t meet my expectations. By the synopsis, I thought this would be a hilarious Downton Abbey parody in the middle of a pandemic mixed with a murder mystery, and while it was all that in part, I think it never reached its full potential. I expected to laugh out loud and at most I chuckled.
The cast of characters, with a clear DA inspiration, is sooooo huge that it took me quite a while to know who was who. All of them, save for a few exceptions, were pretty one-dimensional and defined by their rank in the family or the service and though that may have been the author’s intention to poke fun at the absurdities of the aristocracy and their relationship with their employees, it made me detached from all of them and not care about what was going on.
The “illlness” part was so superficial that it didn’t add much apart from a few mentions to face masks and a shortage of toilet paper and the murder mystery and its resolution were pretty bland.
Though not what I was expecting, I don’t regret reading it, so if you’re in the mood for a quick read with some absurd characters, a few pandemic observations and a light mystery, this would be the perfect choice.
May 30, 2021
So. Much. Fun!
August 2, 2021
Too many characters (29) and NO chapters???? So it was just a continuous flow of text that constantly changed pov which got SO unnecessarily confusing. Also this was not the cosy closed room Cluedo murder mystery I was expecting, just a bunch of boring rich people having affairs tbh
Read
March 15, 2025Oh ptn enfin fini !!!
La première moitié a été une tannée : on découvre la vie d’une famille aristocrate écossaise donc déjà 14 persos SANS COMPTER LES DOMESTIQUES !! Carrément j’ai du faire un arbre généalogique, qui est marié avec qui ? Qui est le fils/la fille de qui? JEN POUVAIS PLUS y’avait bcp trop de persos, certains pdv étaient inutiles et c’était leeeeeent. J’aurais abandonné si c’était pas un cadeau mais je me suis accrochée pcq j’ai vu des avis dire que ça allait mieux dans la deuxième moitié. Alors oui c’est le cas la suite est bcp plus intéressante mais franchement le début aurait pu être bcp plus digeste.
Bon sinon les personnages sont détestables évidemment sauf la gouvernante que j’ai adoré. C’est un peu caricatural des aristocrates égoïstes et méprisants mais réel nonobstant donc je pense que c’est fait exprès. En plus y’a l’ambiance un peu Covid, pénuries etc avec une mystérieuse épidémie qui n’a pas apporté grand chose à l’histoire si ce n’est accentuer les défauts des personnages (comment ça il manque 20 domestiques, je n’ai pas remarqué? Quoi je dois faire mon lit moi même ???!!! Je suis aristocrate c’est scandaleux!!! Arrêter les plateaux petit dej au lit pour aller dans la salle à manger? Et puis quoi encore???) . Bon j’avais deviné toute l’intrigue mais j’ai quand même bien aimé l’ambiance et la fin que je n’avais pour le coup pas vu venir. MDR j’ai débité mais au final c’est une histoire de secrets de famille, de manoir, de passages secrets….très sympa si on fait abstraction des DEUX CENT PREMIÈRES PAGES
La première moitié a été une tannée : on découvre la vie d’une famille aristocrate écossaise donc déjà 14 persos SANS COMPTER LES DOMESTIQUES !! Carrément j’ai du faire un arbre généalogique, qui est marié avec qui ? Qui est le fils/la fille de qui? JEN POUVAIS PLUS y’avait bcp trop de persos, certains pdv étaient inutiles et c’était leeeeeent. J’aurais abandonné si c’était pas un cadeau mais je me suis accrochée pcq j’ai vu des avis dire que ça allait mieux dans la deuxième moitié. Alors oui c’est le cas la suite est bcp plus intéressante mais franchement le début aurait pu être bcp plus digeste.
Bon sinon les personnages sont détestables évidemment sauf la gouvernante que j’ai adoré. C’est un peu caricatural des aristocrates égoïstes et méprisants mais réel nonobstant donc je pense que c’est fait exprès. En plus y’a l’ambiance un peu Covid, pénuries etc avec une mystérieuse épidémie qui n’a pas apporté grand chose à l’histoire si ce n’est accentuer les défauts des personnages (comment ça il manque 20 domestiques, je n’ai pas remarqué? Quoi je dois faire mon lit moi même ???!!! Je suis aristocrate c’est scandaleux!!! Arrêter les plateaux petit dej au lit pour aller dans la salle à manger? Et puis quoi encore???) . Bon j’avais deviné toute l’intrigue mais j’ai quand même bien aimé l’ambiance et la fin que je n’avais pour le coup pas vu venir. MDR j’ai débité mais au final c’est une histoire de secrets de famille, de manoir, de passages secrets….très sympa si on fait abstraction des DEUX CENT PREMIÈRES PAGES
April 8, 2024
Un cosy mystery bien fait dans un manoir écossais, avec une ambiance qui m'a rappelé les Hercule Poirot : une famille aristocratique égocentrique et dont tous les membres se détestent plus ou moins, ce qui donne des repas à l'ambiance glaciale. J'adore !
Sur fond d'une maladie épidémique (roman écrit pendant le Covid), la famille Ogilvy-Sinclair et son tartan à faire pleurer vont voir tous leurs secrets mis à jour à la suite de la mort de l'un d'entre eux. Un accident ? Rien n'est moins sûr, surtout pour les domestiques qui voient et entendent tout. Surtout quand les révélations se font petit à petit entre tromperies, dettes et activités illégales.
Ça se lit assez facilement, si ce n'est qu'on change souvent de point de vue au sein d'un même paragraphe, il faut parfois bien suivre ! Mais l'intrigue se déroule, on est pris, on essaye de deviner les secrets de chacun, on se moque avec joie de ces aristocrates imbus d'eux-mêmes incapables de s'habiller sans domestique. Heureusement qu'il y a des personnages attachants, mais les scènes d'engueulade généralisée sont très drôles. Bref, une lecture agréable et pas trop niaise, avec une révélation inattendue.
Sur fond d'une maladie épidémique (roman écrit pendant le Covid), la famille Ogilvy-Sinclair et son tartan à faire pleurer vont voir tous leurs secrets mis à jour à la suite de la mort de l'un d'entre eux. Un accident ? Rien n'est moins sûr, surtout pour les domestiques qui voient et entendent tout. Surtout quand les révélations se font petit à petit entre tromperies, dettes et activités illégales.
Ça se lit assez facilement, si ce n'est qu'on change souvent de point de vue au sein d'un même paragraphe, il faut parfois bien suivre ! Mais l'intrigue se déroule, on est pris, on essaye de deviner les secrets de chacun, on se moque avec joie de ces aristocrates imbus d'eux-mêmes incapables de s'habiller sans domestique. Heureusement qu'il y a des personnages attachants, mais les scènes d'engueulade généralisée sont très drôles. Bref, une lecture agréable et pas trop niaise, avec une révélation inattendue.
June 19, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
I think this is supposed to be a parody of Downton Abbey, but I didn't watch the show.
I think this is supposed to be a parody of Downton Abbey, but I didn't watch the show.
June 9, 2021
The play on words in the title of this book is brilliant and really intrigued me when I first came across it. Initially I was a bit hesitant about reading a story which features a pandemic and lockdown as it felt a bit too soon and close to home. However, my reservations quickly dissolved when I saw how well these elements are handled in the plot.
Set in 1930s Scotland, the Loch Down Abbey of the title has been home to the Inverkillen family for hundreds of years. At the start of the book we are introduced to quite a lot of characters including the extended family resident at the house and the numerous members of staff. However it doesn't take too long to get to know who everyone is and it quickly becomes clear that this is a pretentious, spoilt and privileged family who take many things, including their staff, for granted.
As the pandemic worsens and impacts on staff numbers, food and other resources are harder to come by and the book explores the impact this has on the family with a lot of humour and satire. However, this only provides the backdrop to an excellent family drama full of secrets, scandals and shocking revelations. I thought the plotting was excellent and it made for a hugely entertaining read.
This is a really promising debut novel and I will be keeping an eye out for this author's next books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC.
Set in 1930s Scotland, the Loch Down Abbey of the title has been home to the Inverkillen family for hundreds of years. At the start of the book we are introduced to quite a lot of characters including the extended family resident at the house and the numerous members of staff. However it doesn't take too long to get to know who everyone is and it quickly becomes clear that this is a pretentious, spoilt and privileged family who take many things, including their staff, for granted.
As the pandemic worsens and impacts on staff numbers, food and other resources are harder to come by and the book explores the impact this has on the family with a lot of humour and satire. However, this only provides the backdrop to an excellent family drama full of secrets, scandals and shocking revelations. I thought the plotting was excellent and it made for a hugely entertaining read.
This is a really promising debut novel and I will be keeping an eye out for this author's next books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC.
May 22, 2021
This was a kinda cool take off on Downton Abbey except that it takes place back during the 1930’s but there’s also a Covid-19 type virus going around as well. In the midst of all the upheaval in the castle, the Nanny dies and the Lord of the Manor is found drowned in the lake, When the will is gone over, it’s discovered that the estate is in debt and they have to figure out how to resolve all the many issues they are dealing with.
It always amazes me the difference in class-the idea of having to make their own beds was appalling to them even in the midst of the pandemic type virus and all the other stressors-like having to sell the castle off.
The biggest issue is that there’s so many characters to keep up with but once you get a couple hundred pages in, it pretty much all makes sense-there’s also a character listing at the beginning and the end of the book to help.
Thanks to Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
It always amazes me the difference in class-the idea of having to make their own beds was appalling to them even in the midst of the pandemic type virus and all the other stressors-like having to sell the castle off.
The biggest issue is that there’s so many characters to keep up with but once you get a couple hundred pages in, it pretty much all makes sense-there’s also a character listing at the beginning and the end of the book to help.
Thanks to Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
March 29, 2021
First and foremost, I would like to thank NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC of this book, the first one after a long time :)
I am actually always stunned how it takes such a short time for some atrocious series of events in the world to come to such a complex medium as a book. And sometimes I'm just bored to death by it. Not with Loch Down Abbey. The thing I respect about this book is that, although it does use some current events, it simply does not revolve the whole novel around it, it is used just as a pinch of spice to the whole story.
But, what's the story?
Set in the 1930s in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Down (nice wordplay, if I may add) Abbey becomes the scene of a series of unfortunate events. That series of unfortunate events would be just like any other series in any other novel if it weren't for the Inverkillens, the residing family which is, put it plainly, peculiar. By peculiar, I don't mean in any supernatural or paranormal way. More like a bunch of egocentric, selfish, and exalted characters that are unable to see anything further away from their noses. And, if I may add, a big part of the family is just a bunch of spoiled brats used to the privileges given to them by their birthright. Well, some walls and dreams are, putting it mildly, are about to collapse.
Loch Down Abbey was, for the most part, a refreshing and entertaining read. I loved the historical setting of the novel, I loved the atmosphere, I loved most of the pace. By gods, I even liked the most hateful characters in this novel, just because they were so bloody entertaining and well built. Although it is easiest to describe this book as a historical mystery, it doesn't lack a smart and subtle sense of humor, a pinch of love drama, and some decent human stories.
The fact that this novel doesn't revolve just around one event, but a series of them has got me confused at times because I was unsure where in the world is all this leading., and there are also, luckily, short parts of it that I found a bit plane. Fortunately, it didn't affect the overall impression of this book.
When it comes to the star quality of this novel, I'm wedged somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. In the end, solid 4 stars. If you are looking for some entertaining read, Loch Down Abbey might be your easiest pick.
I am actually always stunned how it takes such a short time for some atrocious series of events in the world to come to such a complex medium as a book. And sometimes I'm just bored to death by it. Not with Loch Down Abbey. The thing I respect about this book is that, although it does use some current events, it simply does not revolve the whole novel around it, it is used just as a pinch of spice to the whole story.
But, what's the story?
Set in the 1930s in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Down (nice wordplay, if I may add) Abbey becomes the scene of a series of unfortunate events. That series of unfortunate events would be just like any other series in any other novel if it weren't for the Inverkillens, the residing family which is, put it plainly, peculiar. By peculiar, I don't mean in any supernatural or paranormal way. More like a bunch of egocentric, selfish, and exalted characters that are unable to see anything further away from their noses. And, if I may add, a big part of the family is just a bunch of spoiled brats used to the privileges given to them by their birthright. Well, some walls and dreams are, putting it mildly, are about to collapse.
Loch Down Abbey was, for the most part, a refreshing and entertaining read. I loved the historical setting of the novel, I loved the atmosphere, I loved most of the pace. By gods, I even liked the most hateful characters in this novel, just because they were so bloody entertaining and well built. Although it is easiest to describe this book as a historical mystery, it doesn't lack a smart and subtle sense of humor, a pinch of love drama, and some decent human stories.
The fact that this novel doesn't revolve just around one event, but a series of them has got me confused at times because I was unsure where in the world is all this leading., and there are also, luckily, short parts of it that I found a bit plane. Fortunately, it didn't affect the overall impression of this book.
When it comes to the star quality of this novel, I'm wedged somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. In the end, solid 4 stars. If you are looking for some entertaining read, Loch Down Abbey might be your easiest pick.
December 15, 2023
Ähhh.
Lupasi paljon, antoi vähän. Täynnä vähän liikaa kaikkea. Päälle liimattu vielä koronahassuttelua, joka ei oikein edes hymyilyttänyt. Tympeyteni saattaa johtua myös ylipitkästä kuunteluprosessista, mutta tosi vaikea keksiä, kelle suosittelisin tätä!
Lupasi paljon, antoi vähän. Täynnä vähän liikaa kaikkea. Päälle liimattu vielä koronahassuttelua, joka ei oikein edes hymyilyttänyt. Tympeyteni saattaa johtua myös ylipitkästä kuunteluprosessista, mutta tosi vaikea keksiä, kelle suosittelisin tätä!
August 6, 2025
Desastroso. Nulo conocimiento del entorno en el que sitúa la acción. Trama aburrida a más no poder. Diálogos poco naturales. Muy decepcionante, aparte de innecesariamente largo. Totalmente prescindible.
March 23, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy of Loch Down Abbey, a stand-alone novel set in the Highlands in 1930.
Lord Inverkillen, head of the Ogilvey-Sinclair house, dies unexpectedly and the local police inspector is quick to call it an accident. Mrs MacBain, the housekeeper isn’t so sure and launches a discreet investigation while coping with a mysterious pandemic and a family full of secrets.
I found Loch Down Abbey in the mystery and thriller section and thought it sounded appealing - 1930s country house murder, but it’s not quite that and I didn’t find it particularly mysterious or thrilling. It is more an unraveling of family secrets than murder mystery and I found it hard to maintain my interest in a bunch of entitled aristos acting like children. I think it is intended as satire, but if so it passed me by.
Initially I found it impossible to keep up with all the family members and where they fit in. I found myself constantly referring back to the cast list to sort them out (this is not as easy on a Kindle as in a physical book). And they have lots of secrets, some more obvious than others, the novel basically consists of family squabbles over money and hierarchy, Mrs MacBain’s attempts to manage a depleted staff and the family and the unraveling of said secrets. As this does not meet my reading interests I found that the novel dragged and lacked punch, although, having said that the final solution was a lovely, if improbable twist.
I understand that this is a first novel so the author has time to refine her style. It seems to lose its way at times and some twists have no lead up, which can be a bit strange. I also think that the characterisation is uneven, for example we learn next to nothing about Mrs MacBain the supposed protagonist and too much about Cedric who has no real role to play.
Loch Down Abbey is a solid read which will appeal to readers who like cosy mysteries. It’s just not my kind of book.
Lord Inverkillen, head of the Ogilvey-Sinclair house, dies unexpectedly and the local police inspector is quick to call it an accident. Mrs MacBain, the housekeeper isn’t so sure and launches a discreet investigation while coping with a mysterious pandemic and a family full of secrets.
I found Loch Down Abbey in the mystery and thriller section and thought it sounded appealing - 1930s country house murder, but it’s not quite that and I didn’t find it particularly mysterious or thrilling. It is more an unraveling of family secrets than murder mystery and I found it hard to maintain my interest in a bunch of entitled aristos acting like children. I think it is intended as satire, but if so it passed me by.
Initially I found it impossible to keep up with all the family members and where they fit in. I found myself constantly referring back to the cast list to sort them out (this is not as easy on a Kindle as in a physical book). And they have lots of secrets, some more obvious than others, the novel basically consists of family squabbles over money and hierarchy, Mrs MacBain’s attempts to manage a depleted staff and the family and the unraveling of said secrets. As this does not meet my reading interests I found that the novel dragged and lacked punch, although, having said that the final solution was a lovely, if improbable twist.
I understand that this is a first novel so the author has time to refine her style. It seems to lose its way at times and some twists have no lead up, which can be a bit strange. I also think that the characterisation is uneven, for example we learn next to nothing about Mrs MacBain the supposed protagonist and too much about Cedric who has no real role to play.
Loch Down Abbey is a solid read which will appeal to readers who like cosy mysteries. It’s just not my kind of book.
June 16, 2021
The Ogilvy-Sinclair family had everything: the 120-room Loch Down Abbey, an earldom, and servants galore.
But soon a pox came upon their house. An illness was crossing their land and all of Scotland. First, their children’s nanny died. Then more and more servants were sickened. Eventually, the village shops and even the pub were shuttered. Worse, the 19th Earl, Hamish, is found dead. Was it an accident? Or was it foul play? Only the venerable housekeeper, Mrs. MacBain, has the ability and desire to discover the answer. But what family secrets will her investigation dredge up?
Woo, this family has some scandalous secrets all right! Obviously, if you shove a bunch of non-observant and self-centered people together with nothing to do, most will do the wrong thing. Some of the secrets are obvious to an alert reader. Others should have been, and the clues are clear in hindsight. However, the hilarious conclusion was an unexpected surprise! I adored the ending of Loch Down Abbey, though some of the middle dragged a bit. 4 stars!
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
But soon a pox came upon their house. An illness was crossing their land and all of Scotland. First, their children’s nanny died. Then more and more servants were sickened. Eventually, the village shops and even the pub were shuttered. Worse, the 19th Earl, Hamish, is found dead. Was it an accident? Or was it foul play? Only the venerable housekeeper, Mrs. MacBain, has the ability and desire to discover the answer. But what family secrets will her investigation dredge up?
Woo, this family has some scandalous secrets all right! Obviously, if you shove a bunch of non-observant and self-centered people together with nothing to do, most will do the wrong thing. Some of the secrets are obvious to an alert reader. Others should have been, and the clues are clear in hindsight. However, the hilarious conclusion was an unexpected surprise! I adored the ending of Loch Down Abbey, though some of the middle dragged a bit. 4 stars!
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 29, 2021
I enjoyed what Loch Down Abbey very clearly aims to achieve... a classic mystery take on a suspicious death, with investigating reminiscent of Ms. Marple or Nancy Drew, a large house with a quarreling aristocratic family, against a charming Scottish backdrop in the Highlands.
However, I found the writing a bit juvenile, and the ending a bit disappointing and anti-climactic given the good buildup. I also guessed at a few of the plotlines, at a point of the book where I suspect the author was setting up the stories, not intending to have them revealed to the reader just yet.
The characters were quite 2-dimensional as well, although I think the servants were the most interesting, and I quite enjoyed the relations between the family and servants, highlighting the invisibility of 'the help' in these situations, contrast with the power they actually have and the skill set they must possess to do their jobs.
There seems to be quite a bit of hype around this book, at least in Scotland, and I was really looking forward to reading Loch Down Abbey. Unfortunately it fell short of most of my expectations, but it was still a fun, light read!
However, I found the writing a bit juvenile, and the ending a bit disappointing and anti-climactic given the good buildup. I also guessed at a few of the plotlines, at a point of the book where I suspect the author was setting up the stories, not intending to have them revealed to the reader just yet.
The characters were quite 2-dimensional as well, although I think the servants were the most interesting, and I quite enjoyed the relations between the family and servants, highlighting the invisibility of 'the help' in these situations, contrast with the power they actually have and the skill set they must possess to do their jobs.
There seems to be quite a bit of hype around this book, at least in Scotland, and I was really looking forward to reading Loch Down Abbey. Unfortunately it fell short of most of my expectations, but it was still a fun, light read!
March 7, 2023
Panství Loch Down
Velice zajímavý příběh transformace jednoho panství, odehrávající se na počátku 20. století, kterou započalo nenápadné úmrtí jedné chůvy. Tato kniha je překvapivě čtivá, plná překvapivých odhalení, nečekaných zvratů, převážně vtipných situací, a to vše propojené nenáročnou detektivní linkou. Očekávala jsem příběh ve stylu Panství Downton, ale dostala mnohem víc. Je skoro až neuvěřitelné, že tato kniha, je autorčinou prvotinou.
Velice zajímavý příběh transformace jednoho panství, odehrávající se na počátku 20. století, kterou započalo nenápadné úmrtí jedné chůvy. Tato kniha je překvapivě čtivá, plná překvapivých odhalení, nečekaných zvratů, převážně vtipných situací, a to vše propojené nenáročnou detektivní linkou. Očekávala jsem příběh ve stylu Panství Downton, ale dostala mnohem víc. Je skoro až neuvěřitelné, že tato kniha, je autorčinou prvotinou.
August 19, 2024
Concept: Downton Abbey meets COVID meets the Scotland Highlands meets family drama and murder mystery set in the 1930s.
Execution: As one review said much more succinctly: Downton Abbey meets Jerry Springer.
The characters were just terrible people to begin with and poorly drawn stereotypes to boot.
Minimal dialogue, all telling and no showing, roving POV that switches without warning and without even firmly establishing the character or voice of character you are switching to in advance. Not enough plot or interesting people populating the story to keep the reader engaged. Accidental death finally occurs around page 50(ish) and local inspector is doubtful and unqualified to take on an investigation of this caliber and a family of this pompous fortitude. So leave it to… the head housekeeper? Not very believable in general and specifically in this case because again, the reader is TOLD that Mrs MacBain could have been a general if she were born a man, but we don’t have proof. That could have been conveyed via relationships both within the family and the household staff. She would have to have enough social capital to be entrusted with an investigation, let alone the earned confidences over the years to conduct the kind of covert interviews to uncover a murderer.
Tired of this sloppy premise by page fifty and skipped ahead to the last 50 pages to discover one of the most OUTLANDISH endings ever. There’s no way the family members would have behaved in this manner. Even if you think shocking things you don’t SAY them or throw pillows at your scandalous daughter in law. And the ending was beyond belief for too many reasons to count. What a waste of time.
Execution: As one review said much more succinctly: Downton Abbey meets Jerry Springer.
The characters were just terrible people to begin with and poorly drawn stereotypes to boot.
Minimal dialogue, all telling and no showing, roving POV that switches without warning and without even firmly establishing the character or voice of character you are switching to in advance. Not enough plot or interesting people populating the story to keep the reader engaged. Accidental death finally occurs around page 50(ish) and local inspector is doubtful and unqualified to take on an investigation of this caliber and a family of this pompous fortitude. So leave it to… the head housekeeper? Not very believable in general and specifically in this case because again, the reader is TOLD that Mrs MacBain could have been a general if she were born a man, but we don’t have proof. That could have been conveyed via relationships both within the family and the household staff. She would have to have enough social capital to be entrusted with an investigation, let alone the earned confidences over the years to conduct the kind of covert interviews to uncover a murderer.
Tired of this sloppy premise by page fifty and skipped ahead to the last 50 pages to discover one of the most OUTLANDISH endings ever. There’s no way the family members would have behaved in this manner. Even if you think shocking things you don’t SAY them or throw pillows at your scandalous daughter in law. And the ending was beyond belief for too many reasons to count. What a waste of time.
April 11, 2022
Loch Down Abbey è il giallo perfetto per gli amanti di Downton Abbey.
Scozia, anni 30. Una misteriosa pandemia sta prendendo piede quando Lord Inverkillen viene trovato morto. La polizia dichiara l’accaduto uno sfortunato incidente, ma sembra che la governante non sia della stessa opinione.
I parallelismi con la serie tv a cui strizza l’occhio sono molteplici e durante la lettura viene naturale fare degli accostamenti tra le due opere.
Fulcro centrale della storia è la famiglia Ogilvy-Sinclair con i suoi numerosi membri e i suoi scabrosi misteri.
La nobiltà che deve stare al passo con i tempi, con una situazione economica instabile e alle prese con una strana malattia è quindi la protagonista del libro facendo passare in secondo piano le indagini.
Il genere giallo è infatti travolto dall’ironia dei personaggi e dalle vicissitudini familiari.
Proprio per questo motivo mi sento di dire che questa lettura non è rivolta principalmente a chi è cresciuto con pane, Poirot e Miss Marple.
Invece i fan di Downton Abbey o chiunque voglia godersi qualche ora leggera, con un sorriso stampato sulle labbra, non può lasciarselo scappare!
Un libro godibile, che scorre velocemente.
Se cercate un albero genealogico da stampare per facilitare la lettura lo potete trovare qui (Ilibrididede.it)!
Puoi trovare questa e altre recensioni sul mio profilo Instagram “I libri di Dede” www.instagram.com/ilibrididede o sul mio blog/sito www.ilibrididede.it 📚
Scozia, anni 30. Una misteriosa pandemia sta prendendo piede quando Lord Inverkillen viene trovato morto. La polizia dichiara l’accaduto uno sfortunato incidente, ma sembra che la governante non sia della stessa opinione.
I parallelismi con la serie tv a cui strizza l’occhio sono molteplici e durante la lettura viene naturale fare degli accostamenti tra le due opere.
Fulcro centrale della storia è la famiglia Ogilvy-Sinclair con i suoi numerosi membri e i suoi scabrosi misteri.
La nobiltà che deve stare al passo con i tempi, con una situazione economica instabile e alle prese con una strana malattia è quindi la protagonista del libro facendo passare in secondo piano le indagini.
Il genere giallo è infatti travolto dall’ironia dei personaggi e dalle vicissitudini familiari.
Proprio per questo motivo mi sento di dire che questa lettura non è rivolta principalmente a chi è cresciuto con pane, Poirot e Miss Marple.
Invece i fan di Downton Abbey o chiunque voglia godersi qualche ora leggera, con un sorriso stampato sulle labbra, non può lasciarselo scappare!
Un libro godibile, che scorre velocemente.
Se cercate un albero genealogico da stampare per facilitare la lettura lo potete trovare qui (Ilibrididede.it)!
Puoi trovare questa e altre recensioni sul mio profilo Instagram “I libri di Dede” www.instagram.com/ilibrididede o sul mio blog/sito www.ilibrididede.it 📚
January 11, 2022
Ahhh! This was such a fun read! I feel a bit misled by the tagline, but that’s a quibble and not the books fault. This is like a mashup of Gosford Park/Downton Abbey, a mystery, and Covid protocols. I loved it.
The pandemic stuff (here, Virulent Pernicious Malaise) isn’t much except as a way to have less staff in the house, but I liked all the little hints of what we’ve all been through these past two-ish years - masks, food and toiletry shortages, staying home. The mystery was good but parts of it were fairly obvious, but no less enjoyable. Downton Abbey-ish, Georgina is totally Violet and I pictured much of the staff as Downton’s staff. The family is more… Cazalets almost, with dynamics and affairs and whatnot, but that’s good too.
I expected a sort of romance novel type mystery (fun but fluff) and I got so much more. Super fun and enjoyable read.
The pandemic stuff (here, Virulent Pernicious Malaise) isn’t much except as a way to have less staff in the house, but I liked all the little hints of what we’ve all been through these past two-ish years - masks, food and toiletry shortages, staying home. The mystery was good but parts of it were fairly obvious, but no less enjoyable. Downton Abbey-ish, Georgina is totally Violet and I pictured much of the staff as Downton’s staff. The family is more… Cazalets almost, with dynamics and affairs and whatnot, but that’s good too.
I expected a sort of romance novel type mystery (fun but fluff) and I got so much more. Super fun and enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 481 reviews