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A Lady & Lady's Maid Mystery #7
A Deadly Endowment
Set among the landed gentry of post-WWI England and perfect for fans of Downton Abbey, Alyssa Maxwell’s latest historical mystery finds sleuthing duo Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady’s maid, Eva Huntford, hunting a killer after the decision to open Foxwood Hall for guided tours turns deadly...
To make ends meet, Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady’s maid, Eva Huntford, have decided to open up Foxwood Hall to guided public tours. Not everyone is pleased about it—even to the point of committing murder…
The lean times following the Great War continue to require creative solutions for England's noble class. But Lady Phoebe’s proposal to open up the Renshaw estate to guided tours for additional income strikes many in the family as a “vulgar enterprise.” Phoebe’s grandfather, the Earl of Wroxly, however, reluctantly concedes the necessity.
Their first tour group consists of members of the Historical Society, a magazine writer, and a flock of students. It’s a large group for Phoebe, her sister Amelia, and Eva to manage, and when the widow Arvina Bell goes missing, Eva goes in search of her—only to find her in the library, strangled with a silken drapery cord.
The schoolchildren are promptly sent home, but the members of the Historical Society—many of whom also wandered off at times—remain for interrogation. There is also, curiously, a framed photo missing from the library. As the police hastily zero in on a suspect, Phoebe and Eva weigh the clues. Does the crime have to do with rumors of hidden treasure at Foxwood Hall? But they must make haste to solve the widow’s murder—before someone else becomes history…
To make ends meet, Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady’s maid, Eva Huntford, have decided to open up Foxwood Hall to guided public tours. Not everyone is pleased about it—even to the point of committing murder…
The lean times following the Great War continue to require creative solutions for England's noble class. But Lady Phoebe’s proposal to open up the Renshaw estate to guided tours for additional income strikes many in the family as a “vulgar enterprise.” Phoebe’s grandfather, the Earl of Wroxly, however, reluctantly concedes the necessity.
Their first tour group consists of members of the Historical Society, a magazine writer, and a flock of students. It’s a large group for Phoebe, her sister Amelia, and Eva to manage, and when the widow Arvina Bell goes missing, Eva goes in search of her—only to find her in the library, strangled with a silken drapery cord.
The schoolchildren are promptly sent home, but the members of the Historical Society—many of whom also wandered off at times—remain for interrogation. There is also, curiously, a framed photo missing from the library. As the police hastily zero in on a suspect, Phoebe and Eva weigh the clues. Does the crime have to do with rumors of hidden treasure at Foxwood Hall? But they must make haste to solve the widow’s murder—before someone else becomes history…
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2021
75 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Maxwell
26 books1,075 followersAlyssa Maxwell is the author of The Gilded Newport Mysteries, inspired by her husband’s family whose Newport origins date back numerous generations. The series features the glamour of the Gilded Age and a sleuth who is a Newporter born and raised, and also a less "well-heeled" cousin of the Vanderbilt family. Alyssa also writes A Lady & Lady’s Maid Mysteries, an English-set series that begins as WWI is ending. She and her husband live in South Florida, where she is a member of the Florida chapter of the Mystery Writers of America and the South Florida Fiction Writers. You can visit her at http://alyssamaxwell.com, and find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 3, 2022
3-1/2 /5
The Great War has left the gentry in financial problems. Lady Phoebe Renshaw has devised a plan to open up Foxwood Hall to paying visitors in order to add a little something to the coffers. Not everyone is on board with the plan but they agree to give it a try.
On the very first tour there are a group of school children with their teacher and a party from the Historical Society as well as a magazine writer interested in writing about the stately old homes in the area. For Phoebe and Eva it is quite the challenge keeping track of so many people.
No sooner has the tour come to an end Phoebe and Eva discover one of the ladies from the Historical Society has gone missing. After a frantic search she is found strangled to death in the library and, strangely, a framed family photograph has been stolen.
Chief Inspector Perkins is (as usual) jumping to conclusions and not doing his job properly therefore it is up to Phoebe and Eva who must immediately take up the case if the right culprit is to be found.
There are enough suspects to keep the reader guessing with quite the surprise at the end.
Another entertaining addition to this cozy mystery series with very likable characters.
Since this is #7 in the series I would suggest reading some of the earlier books to get to know the family before getting to this one.
The Great War has left the gentry in financial problems. Lady Phoebe Renshaw has devised a plan to open up Foxwood Hall to paying visitors in order to add a little something to the coffers. Not everyone is on board with the plan but they agree to give it a try.
On the very first tour there are a group of school children with their teacher and a party from the Historical Society as well as a magazine writer interested in writing about the stately old homes in the area. For Phoebe and Eva it is quite the challenge keeping track of so many people.
No sooner has the tour come to an end Phoebe and Eva discover one of the ladies from the Historical Society has gone missing. After a frantic search she is found strangled to death in the library and, strangely, a framed family photograph has been stolen.
Chief Inspector Perkins is (as usual) jumping to conclusions and not doing his job properly therefore it is up to Phoebe and Eva who must immediately take up the case if the right culprit is to be found.
There are enough suspects to keep the reader guessing with quite the surprise at the end.
Another entertaining addition to this cozy mystery series with very likable characters.
Since this is #7 in the series I would suggest reading some of the earlier books to get to know the family before getting to this one.
February 26, 2023
This was an interesting book.
The mystery wasn't that mysterious but the ongoing stories of the Renshaw family moves along well.
Julia's baby is born off page and she has another event also handled off page.
The Grandparents end on a high note.
I look forward to book 8.
The mystery wasn't that mysterious but the ongoing stories of the Renshaw family moves along well.
Julia's baby is born off page and she has another event also handled off page.
The Grandparents end on a high note.
I look forward to book 8.
January 30, 2022
Lady Phoebe has convinced her family to open up their house to the public and make some extra money in order to keep the estate going. The first guests are a group of schoolchildren and their teachers, and the members of a local historical society. Chaos ensues when some of the guests wander off and one of them is murdered. Lady Phoebe and her lady's maid, Eva, begin to investigate. Is the murderer still in their midst?
This is the seventh book in the Lady and Lady's Maid series by Alyssa Maxwell, set in a British country estate in 1921. I enjoyed the story and the characters. The mystery is well thought out. Lady Phoebe and Eva function well together, as they each have insights into the separate classes that dwell above and below stairs. Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this latest offering by Alyssa Maxwell.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This is the seventh book in the Lady and Lady's Maid series by Alyssa Maxwell, set in a British country estate in 1921. I enjoyed the story and the characters. The mystery is well thought out. Lady Phoebe and Eva function well together, as they each have insights into the separate classes that dwell above and below stairs. Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this latest offering by Alyssa Maxwell.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
January 29, 2022
Phoebe has had the grand idea to open the estate to guided tours. Grams was adamently against the idea as were Julia and Fox but Grampapa decided in favor of the tours. Phoebe, Eva and Amelia are excited about showing off their home but may have bitten off more than they can chew when a bus full of eager school children arrives. Then the historical society members descend upon them, each with their own agenda. As hard as the ladies and Eva try, they can't manage to keep everyone in the same place at the same time. As a result, they're one person short at the end of the tour. When Eva goes back inside to check, she returns with the disturbing news that Arvina Bella, a writer, has been murdered. The police suspect her son, Hayden, a war veteran murdered her for his inhertance but Phoebe is adament, after speaking with Hayden, that he's innocent. That leaves someone from the historical society and that doesn't sit right with Phoebe. It disturbs her to have this terrible deed done in her home and she plans to make it right for Grampapa. Then someone breaks into the house, attacks Grams and steals a family photo. Why would someone take a worthless memento of Grampapa's parents? Could it be possible they're NOT the last of the Renshaws? Meanwhile, Julia takes herself, Charles and Amelia off and then disappears. What could she be up to?
The mystery was engaging. I stayed up late and woke up early to finish it. I picked up on the clues, figured out whodunit but never quite put all the pieces together. I must say though, there were too many red herrings and side mysteries going on. I also think the story seems a little implausible and some of the speech sounded too modern American. I did not like all the blood with the second death. That was gruesome and not very cozy. Still, I enjoyed the tale and catching up with Phoebe, Eva and the rest of the Renshaws.
If I had known this book was going to open with a field trip, I probably would have been tempted to skip it. I did laugh a LOT. Alyssa Maxwell must have been a museum guide or chaperoned field trips because she nailed it! Anyone reading this book now knows what I experienced on a daily basis during the school year for four years! A few more snarky kids and it would be the same. I don't know if that's accurate for 1921 Britain though but the scene was ripped straight from my life. We tried not to book school groups and adult groups on the same day and never together thankfully and I never lost anyone let alone had a murder happen! Poor Phoebe! I got a taste of my own role as I read Phoebe and Amelia drone on about the history of their estate! Oh dear! I also appreciated the follow-up to the previous mystery. I wondered what had happened with Trent and hoped he was OK.
The character growth has kind of stalled a bit. This one focuses mainly on the murder with a side mystery about Julia. Phoebe and Eva are still sweet and kind. Eva shows more of her feelings for Miles openly in one scene, which was nice. Phoebe is determined NOT to rely on Owen and he never appears on page. Grams is still a stern dowager type of the Victorian era. She's old-fashioned and over reacts BIG TIME to something one of the grandchildren does. I would have initally argued that opening the house to tours was a good idea but only the public areas and not upstairs where the bedrooms are. I do agree that it was a bad idea to have Phoebe and Amelia lead the tours. Aren't they supposed to be conducted by a servant in exchange for tips? Grampapa is not a man of his time. He's loving and kind and wants what's best for his family as well as the estate. Grams is more terrifying. It sounds as if parliament is in session so maybe he should go to London and participate in the House of Lords because he can see the world has changed, whereas Grams can not. Fox is still kind of a bratty kid. I think he should have more say in what happens around the estate. He's 16 and not a little boy any longer. It's nice to see him take an interest in estate management though. Amelia remains a sweetheart. She's young and naive about the ways of the world but not so naive she doesn't understand Phoebe's guess as to why someone took the photo.
Julia has given birth already! The news is unceremoniously dumped into the plot as an offhand mention of the child's name. I was confused as to who that was, expecting the baby to be born on page/as part of the plot. This story takes place in May 1921 and Julia gave birth in January to a healthy baby. Julia is a good mother. I was surprised at how involved she was in her child's life. She doesn't just hand the baby to Hetta. She holds the baby a lot, lets the family spoil the child and is protective of the baby's welfare. She takes the baby and Amelia and leaves but doesn't drop out of the plot. At first I wondered what she was up to and almost skipped ahead to find out. I soon figured it out on my own though. I was surprised. Julia has changed a lot and Phoebe seems glimpses of the old pre-war Julia. That makes me sad to learn how much pressure Julia felt as the eldest grandchild. It breaks my heart she gave up her childhood, her happiness and hopes for the future when their father was killed. Phoebe is still very much a child in comparison.
The pther newest member of the family is Mr. Fairfax, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy the grandchildren brought home at the end of the previous book. He's very much loved and spoiled-even by Grams! They won't dream of putting him in danger even when someone suggests letting him roam the house to protect the family at night. All right so Grams may have been worried about their priceless antique family heirlooms and the carpets but she did seem concerned for the dog as well. If Fairfax is upstairs then he can guard the family at least. He doesn't have a huge role to play but it was nice to catch up and see how he's doing.
Chief Inspector Perkins is still arrogant and lazy. How can he still be Chief Inspector if he just fixates on a convenient suspect who turns out NOT to be the murderer? He didn't appreciate being woken up early after hitting the bottle the night before. That's just not right. Miles is a much better policeman. He listens carefully to everything Phoebe and Eva have to say and considers the evidence. He doesn't let his feelings for Eva get in the way of his investigation but he does ask her to stay out of it because her wants her to be safe. He's so sweet and they're cute together.
The new characters, members of the local historical society, are awful! Aw man. Don't make historical society people be bad characters! I don't like it when historians, librarians or doctors end up being the murderer. I was sort of hoping it was somehow Perkins! That was impossible, I know. Abel Hawkhurtst, president, is just awful! He's arrogant, a bully and super snobby. He wants to be of the aristocracy but doesn't appreciate the traditions they hold dear. It sure looks like Hawkhurst is guilty of something. I believe he could be the murderer. I want it to be him because he's just a horrible man. His wife is equally snobby and rude. They're dismissive of the school children because the children attend what we Americans would call public school. They're the village children and not the children of the gentry and nobility. Everyone I ever had on my tours on a school day was unfailingly polite and found the children's excitement charming. (Because we kept them well behind the school groups LOL!) They also insult Phoebe's grandparents' taste in decor! That's just DUMB. I would have kicked them out. Mrs. Hawkhurst is also rude to Arvina and just all around thinks she's better than everyone else. However, Eva notices that appearances can be decieving and Mrs. Hawkhurst is hiding secrets from the world. Does she know her husband is a murder suspect? Is she in on it? Did she kill Arvina? I don't see either of them breaking into the house but they do seem to be wannabe nobility. Perhaps Mr. Hawkhurst was born to Phoebe's great-grandfather on the wrong side of the sheets or perhaps to a minor branch of the family and wants his inheritance any way he can get it. Why kill Arvina though?
Arvina Bell claims to be writing a book on great manor houses of the Cotswolds. Ooh I want to read it! She's pushy and doesn't behave like a gentlewoman, even wandering off during the tour. Arvina is a little too eager. Why didn't she call to arrange a private tour? Why join everyone else knowing it will be difficult to see what she wants and hard to get in private conversations with the family. She could have easily written or called to ask them to assist her. I'm sure Grams and Grampapa would have been happy to oblige. Her son Hayden was in the war and obviously injured in more ways than one. I think he probably has shell shock. He's a bit antisocial and socially awkward. We don't know if he was always like that but apparently he was there in the trenches in hell and that surely would do a number on anyone. While Phoebe assumes he's innocent based on her limited experience with veterans, how does she know for sure? I'm not positive he isn't the murderer, not because he has shell shock, but for another reason. Hayden does seem nice and gentle. He's willing to share his mother's papers with Phoebe and Eva but is he sharing EVERYTHING? Or is he trying to distract them from his true purpose for killing his mother?
Ophelia Champman, of Country Heritage Magazine has also come to write about the manor houses of the Costwolds. She seems full of herself and I get the impression from her style of dress that she wants to appear a part of the elite but isn't. She's clever but I get the sense she knows it and smirks at people who are not. She's more pushy than Arvina and super eager to interview Eva and learn more about the house. I suspect she really is writing a tell-all tabloid style article or will sell secrets to the press to fund her expensive couture knock-off wardrobe. I don't trust her, especially not after she turns up with Ernie.
Lady Primrose, wife of a conservative MP, is the opposite of the Hawkhurts. She's a bit snooty in a different way. She supports her husband's conservative values and is a mouthpiece for him in the country. Yet, she's hiding something. When Phoebe and Eva question her, she's jumpy and her answers about her husbands make her seem nervous. Does she really know where he is? Is he expected home? I think she's having an affair or they're actually separated but can't tell anyone because it would be bad for his career. I don't see a motive for murdering Arvina.
Dr. Bishop is new to the area. He set up his practice outside of the village. Dr. Bishop is jovial and affable but he's busy pursuing Arvina and I can't like that. Since he's the only one who was with the group the whole time, he can't be the murderer. Eamon Sadler is a bookseller outside the village. He's a very eager beaver when it comes to the library. Of course he'd want to see the books but I think he's appraising them for value. Would he try to cheat Grampapa out of his library or worse-steal the books? He seems shifty and I don't trust him yet I want him to be a good person. Don't make the bookseller a villain!
Ernest Shackleton shows up presuming upon a relationship that doesn't really exist. While he may be a brilliant and caring veternarian, for some reason he is dead set against the Renshaws. He seems to take it personally that Julia's marriage cut him out of his inheritance. It was his uncle's choice to find a bride among the nobility and marry a much much younger woman. He's up to no good I'm sure of it. Could he somehow be connected to the murder? I'm guessing not since he's been a regular antagonist for awhile now but he's suspicious and I don't trust him. I wonder though if he also has shell shock and it makes him behave erratically? Sometimes he's a sympathetic and nice man, sometimes he offers brillaint insight and other times he stirs up trouble maliciously.
So who killed Arvina and why? What secrets might there be hiding in Phoebe's home?
content:
blood
mention of warfare
mention of illegitamate child
mention of adultery
guns
naughty photos of French burlesque dancers
The mystery was engaging. I stayed up late and woke up early to finish it. I picked up on the clues, figured out whodunit but never quite put all the pieces together. I must say though, there were too many red herrings and side mysteries going on. I also think the story seems a little implausible and some of the speech sounded too modern American. I did not like all the blood with the second death. That was gruesome and not very cozy. Still, I enjoyed the tale and catching up with Phoebe, Eva and the rest of the Renshaws.
If I had known this book was going to open with a field trip, I probably would have been tempted to skip it. I did laugh a LOT. Alyssa Maxwell must have been a museum guide or chaperoned field trips because she nailed it! Anyone reading this book now knows what I experienced on a daily basis during the school year for four years! A few more snarky kids and it would be the same. I don't know if that's accurate for 1921 Britain though but the scene was ripped straight from my life. We tried not to book school groups and adult groups on the same day and never together thankfully and I never lost anyone let alone had a murder happen! Poor Phoebe! I got a taste of my own role as I read Phoebe and Amelia drone on about the history of their estate! Oh dear! I also appreciated the follow-up to the previous mystery. I wondered what had happened with Trent and hoped he was OK.
The character growth has kind of stalled a bit. This one focuses mainly on the murder with a side mystery about Julia. Phoebe and Eva are still sweet and kind. Eva shows more of her feelings for Miles openly in one scene, which was nice. Phoebe is determined NOT to rely on Owen and he never appears on page. Grams is still a stern dowager type of the Victorian era. She's old-fashioned and over reacts BIG TIME to something one of the grandchildren does. I would have initally argued that opening the house to tours was a good idea but only the public areas and not upstairs where the bedrooms are. I do agree that it was a bad idea to have Phoebe and Amelia lead the tours. Aren't they supposed to be conducted by a servant in exchange for tips? Grampapa is not a man of his time. He's loving and kind and wants what's best for his family as well as the estate. Grams is more terrifying. It sounds as if parliament is in session so maybe he should go to London and participate in the House of Lords because he can see the world has changed, whereas Grams can not. Fox is still kind of a bratty kid. I think he should have more say in what happens around the estate. He's 16 and not a little boy any longer. It's nice to see him take an interest in estate management though. Amelia remains a sweetheart. She's young and naive about the ways of the world but not so naive she doesn't understand Phoebe's guess as to why someone took the photo.
Julia has given birth already! The news is unceremoniously dumped into the plot as an offhand mention of the child's name. I was confused as to who that was, expecting the baby to be born on page/as part of the plot. This story takes place in May 1921 and Julia gave birth in January to a healthy baby. Julia is a good mother. I was surprised at how involved she was in her child's life. She doesn't just hand the baby to Hetta. She holds the baby a lot, lets the family spoil the child and is protective of the baby's welfare. She takes the baby and Amelia and leaves but doesn't drop out of the plot. At first I wondered what she was up to and almost skipped ahead to find out. I soon figured it out on my own though. I was surprised. Julia has changed a lot and Phoebe seems glimpses of the old pre-war Julia. That makes me sad to learn how much pressure Julia felt as the eldest grandchild. It breaks my heart she gave up her childhood, her happiness and hopes for the future when their father was killed. Phoebe is still very much a child in comparison.
The pther newest member of the family is Mr. Fairfax, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy the grandchildren brought home at the end of the previous book. He's very much loved and spoiled-even by Grams! They won't dream of putting him in danger even when someone suggests letting him roam the house to protect the family at night. All right so Grams may have been worried about their priceless antique family heirlooms and the carpets but she did seem concerned for the dog as well. If Fairfax is upstairs then he can guard the family at least. He doesn't have a huge role to play but it was nice to catch up and see how he's doing.
Chief Inspector Perkins is still arrogant and lazy. How can he still be Chief Inspector if he just fixates on a convenient suspect who turns out NOT to be the murderer? He didn't appreciate being woken up early after hitting the bottle the night before. That's just not right. Miles is a much better policeman. He listens carefully to everything Phoebe and Eva have to say and considers the evidence. He doesn't let his feelings for Eva get in the way of his investigation but he does ask her to stay out of it because her wants her to be safe. He's so sweet and they're cute together.
The new characters, members of the local historical society, are awful! Aw man. Don't make historical society people be bad characters! I don't like it when historians, librarians or doctors end up being the murderer. I was sort of hoping it was somehow Perkins! That was impossible, I know. Abel Hawkhurtst, president, is just awful! He's arrogant, a bully and super snobby. He wants to be of the aristocracy but doesn't appreciate the traditions they hold dear. It sure looks like Hawkhurst is guilty of something. I believe he could be the murderer. I want it to be him because he's just a horrible man. His wife is equally snobby and rude. They're dismissive of the school children because the children attend what we Americans would call public school. They're the village children and not the children of the gentry and nobility. Everyone I ever had on my tours on a school day was unfailingly polite and found the children's excitement charming. (Because we kept them well behind the school groups LOL!) They also insult Phoebe's grandparents' taste in decor! That's just DUMB. I would have kicked them out. Mrs. Hawkhurst is also rude to Arvina and just all around thinks she's better than everyone else. However, Eva notices that appearances can be decieving and Mrs. Hawkhurst is hiding secrets from the world. Does she know her husband is a murder suspect? Is she in on it? Did she kill Arvina? I don't see either of them breaking into the house but they do seem to be wannabe nobility. Perhaps Mr. Hawkhurst was born to Phoebe's great-grandfather on the wrong side of the sheets or perhaps to a minor branch of the family and wants his inheritance any way he can get it. Why kill Arvina though?
Arvina Bell claims to be writing a book on great manor houses of the Cotswolds. Ooh I want to read it! She's pushy and doesn't behave like a gentlewoman, even wandering off during the tour. Arvina is a little too eager. Why didn't she call to arrange a private tour? Why join everyone else knowing it will be difficult to see what she wants and hard to get in private conversations with the family. She could have easily written or called to ask them to assist her. I'm sure Grams and Grampapa would have been happy to oblige. Her son Hayden was in the war and obviously injured in more ways than one. I think he probably has shell shock. He's a bit antisocial and socially awkward. We don't know if he was always like that but apparently he was there in the trenches in hell and that surely would do a number on anyone. While Phoebe assumes he's innocent based on her limited experience with veterans, how does she know for sure? I'm not positive he isn't the murderer, not because he has shell shock, but for another reason. Hayden does seem nice and gentle. He's willing to share his mother's papers with Phoebe and Eva but is he sharing EVERYTHING? Or is he trying to distract them from his true purpose for killing his mother?
Ophelia Champman, of Country Heritage Magazine has also come to write about the manor houses of the Costwolds. She seems full of herself and I get the impression from her style of dress that she wants to appear a part of the elite but isn't. She's clever but I get the sense she knows it and smirks at people who are not. She's more pushy than Arvina and super eager to interview Eva and learn more about the house. I suspect she really is writing a tell-all tabloid style article or will sell secrets to the press to fund her expensive couture knock-off wardrobe. I don't trust her, especially not after she turns up with Ernie.
Lady Primrose, wife of a conservative MP, is the opposite of the Hawkhurts. She's a bit snooty in a different way. She supports her husband's conservative values and is a mouthpiece for him in the country. Yet, she's hiding something. When Phoebe and Eva question her, she's jumpy and her answers about her husbands make her seem nervous. Does she really know where he is? Is he expected home? I think she's having an affair or they're actually separated but can't tell anyone because it would be bad for his career. I don't see a motive for murdering Arvina.
Dr. Bishop is new to the area. He set up his practice outside of the village. Dr. Bishop is jovial and affable but he's busy pursuing Arvina and I can't like that. Since he's the only one who was with the group the whole time, he can't be the murderer. Eamon Sadler is a bookseller outside the village. He's a very eager beaver when it comes to the library. Of course he'd want to see the books but I think he's appraising them for value. Would he try to cheat Grampapa out of his library or worse-steal the books? He seems shifty and I don't trust him yet I want him to be a good person. Don't make the bookseller a villain!
Ernest Shackleton shows up presuming upon a relationship that doesn't really exist. While he may be a brilliant and caring veternarian, for some reason he is dead set against the Renshaws. He seems to take it personally that Julia's marriage cut him out of his inheritance. It was his uncle's choice to find a bride among the nobility and marry a much much younger woman. He's up to no good I'm sure of it. Could he somehow be connected to the murder? I'm guessing not since he's been a regular antagonist for awhile now but he's suspicious and I don't trust him. I wonder though if he also has shell shock and it makes him behave erratically? Sometimes he's a sympathetic and nice man, sometimes he offers brillaint insight and other times he stirs up trouble maliciously.
So who killed Arvina and why? What secrets might there be hiding in Phoebe's home?
content:
blood
mention of warfare
mention of illegitamate child
mention of adultery
guns
naughty photos of French burlesque dancers
December 9, 2021
I was so excited to see that there was going to be another book in this series as I really enjoy reading them. The previous book had left it so that it could have been the final one, but also open to more, and here we are. YAY!
This outing with Lady Phoebe and Eva and Amelia [as she is now out of school and able to be involved in the shenanigans that Phoebe and Eva get up to] and the family finds the household preparing to open the house to tours as to bring in some much needed income. Of course, NOTHING goes smoothly, a body is found and the whole house is reduced to shambles as they try and round up all the people who could have been involved. Lady Phoebe and Eva are of course bent on helping the police, but it really goes into high gear when another body is found, Julia goes missing and Phoebe's beloved Grams is attacked in the home at night - neither Phoebe or Eva is going to stand by and let the home life that they all hold dear be defiled by violence. So they dive in and when all the dust and smoke clears, the results are not what anyone was expecting.
I will admit I had guessed who the killer was early on and then knew the why, but how it was all wrapped up made it unimportant that I knew what I knew. The story is still fun and crazy and exceptional. I really look forward to these books and this one absolutely did not disappoint and I can only hope that there will be another one. Fingers crossed!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Alyssa Maxwell, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This outing with Lady Phoebe and Eva and Amelia [as she is now out of school and able to be involved in the shenanigans that Phoebe and Eva get up to] and the family finds the household preparing to open the house to tours as to bring in some much needed income. Of course, NOTHING goes smoothly, a body is found and the whole house is reduced to shambles as they try and round up all the people who could have been involved. Lady Phoebe and Eva are of course bent on helping the police, but it really goes into high gear when another body is found, Julia goes missing and Phoebe's beloved Grams is attacked in the home at night - neither Phoebe or Eva is going to stand by and let the home life that they all hold dear be defiled by violence. So they dive in and when all the dust and smoke clears, the results are not what anyone was expecting.
I will admit I had guessed who the killer was early on and then knew the why, but how it was all wrapped up made it unimportant that I knew what I knew. The story is still fun and crazy and exceptional. I really look forward to these books and this one absolutely did not disappoint and I can only hope that there will be another one. Fingers crossed!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Alyssa Maxwell, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2022
It's always a treat to escape into one of Alyssa Maxwell's book and A Deadly Endowment is a fast paced, exciting and exhilarating read !! And with it being the seventh book in her Lady & Lady's Maid Mystery series not only should you feel like a part of the family but you will love traveling back in time. If this is the first book you are reading in this series, don't worry... you will catch on quick enough.
In A Deadly Endowment Lady Phoebe has persuaded her grandparents, the Earl and Lady of Wroxly, to open their home, Foxwood Hall, to the public for scheduled tours of the property for a small fee. Even though they are hesitant, they agree as long as the guests are supervised at all times. Unfortunately their first scheduled tour turns into a huge disaster when Lady Phoebe and her maid Eva are unable to keep track of everyone at all times and one of the guests is found murdered in the library !!
As Lady Phoebe and Eva take investigative matters into their own hands as they are use to doing when something like this happens, they find that most of the people that were on that tour have a lot of secrets. Members of the local chapter of the Historical Society as well as a magazine writer are at the top of the list of suspects when Arvina Bell is found murdered in the library. Arvina was a member of the Historical Society and was with her son on the tour. The authorities take the son in for his mother's murder but when he is let go, Lady Phoebe and Eva begin to look into the others in the group. Unfortunately every time they think that they are getting close to crossing someone off the list something else happens and they are still left with a long list of suspects.
The murder at the estate isn't the only thing that the Renshaw family has to deal with....after the murder eldest granddaughter Julia feels that she and her son are no longer safe there so she takes him and goes to the estate she inherited when her husband died. She takes along the youngest granddaughter, Amelia, but the family soon learns that Julia left Amelia at Lyndale Park and her whereabouts are unknown.
Unfortunately Lady Phoebe and Eva cannot do anything much about finding Julia knowing that if she doesn't want to be found, they won't find her until she is ready to let her whereabouts known. So they set their sights on looking into Arvina's death and the secrets within the Historical Society.
I don't know how to prove it but I think that Maxwell has a time machine and can travel back in time to the era that she writes about. She is so knowledgeable in that time frame that she has you convinced that you are there as well. She describes everything so well that you will see it vividly in your mind. It is such a vivid picture that you will want to stay there as long as you can even if there is a murderer running around and you may not be safe.......
In A Deadly Endowment Lady Phoebe has persuaded her grandparents, the Earl and Lady of Wroxly, to open their home, Foxwood Hall, to the public for scheduled tours of the property for a small fee. Even though they are hesitant, they agree as long as the guests are supervised at all times. Unfortunately their first scheduled tour turns into a huge disaster when Lady Phoebe and her maid Eva are unable to keep track of everyone at all times and one of the guests is found murdered in the library !!
As Lady Phoebe and Eva take investigative matters into their own hands as they are use to doing when something like this happens, they find that most of the people that were on that tour have a lot of secrets. Members of the local chapter of the Historical Society as well as a magazine writer are at the top of the list of suspects when Arvina Bell is found murdered in the library. Arvina was a member of the Historical Society and was with her son on the tour. The authorities take the son in for his mother's murder but when he is let go, Lady Phoebe and Eva begin to look into the others in the group. Unfortunately every time they think that they are getting close to crossing someone off the list something else happens and they are still left with a long list of suspects.
The murder at the estate isn't the only thing that the Renshaw family has to deal with....after the murder eldest granddaughter Julia feels that she and her son are no longer safe there so she takes him and goes to the estate she inherited when her husband died. She takes along the youngest granddaughter, Amelia, but the family soon learns that Julia left Amelia at Lyndale Park and her whereabouts are unknown.
Unfortunately Lady Phoebe and Eva cannot do anything much about finding Julia knowing that if she doesn't want to be found, they won't find her until she is ready to let her whereabouts known. So they set their sights on looking into Arvina's death and the secrets within the Historical Society.
I don't know how to prove it but I think that Maxwell has a time machine and can travel back in time to the era that she writes about. She is so knowledgeable in that time frame that she has you convinced that you are there as well. She describes everything so well that you will see it vividly in your mind. It is such a vivid picture that you will want to stay there as long as you can even if there is a murderer running around and you may not be safe.......
January 13, 2022
7th in this series. I really enjoyed it. Just like the earlier books, I was captured at the first page and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out where it would next take me. Now to wait for the next book in this series.
August 6, 2025
A bit slow but ok
March 20, 2022
I like listening to these light post World War mysteries.
December 19, 2021
I waited a while before starting this series. I really like The Gilded Newport Mysteries, and I wasn't sure that this series would do it for me. I do like period mysteries, so I finally gave them a shot. Now, I look forward to each of these books as much as the Newport books.
This is the only one I read out of order. I received an ARC from Ms. Maxwell, and read it right away. After I finished it, I read the previous book, which filled in a few details that I wondered about while reading this one. Still, it stands alone very well.
The landed gentry faced a change in life-style after World War I, and Lady Phoebe talks her grandparents into possibly opening Foxwood Hall for occasional tours as a way to bring in some extra income. Since it's a murder mystery, you can guess what happens. Someone is murdered in the Hall on the trial run, and Lady Phoebe and Eva get involved with determining who the killer is, much to the displeasure of Chief Inspector Perkins. Miles Brannock, his right-hand man and Eva's romantic interest, knows that the two women have a knack for finding clues where the police don't have access, so he reluctantly accepts that they will be "assisting."
I enjoy the interactions between Eva and Miles. I missed Lady Phoebe's romantic interest, Owen, in this book, but after going back to the previous book, I found that Owen had been in that one, and Miles wasn't.
I enjoyed the characters in this book. They each have quirks that make it easy to keep them straight. That's not always the case when a large group of new characters are thrown into the mix.
If you like period mysteries, you won't be disappointed in this one. I'd recommend reading the series in order, but that's just my personal preference.
This is the only one I read out of order. I received an ARC from Ms. Maxwell, and read it right away. After I finished it, I read the previous book, which filled in a few details that I wondered about while reading this one. Still, it stands alone very well.
The landed gentry faced a change in life-style after World War I, and Lady Phoebe talks her grandparents into possibly opening Foxwood Hall for occasional tours as a way to bring in some extra income. Since it's a murder mystery, you can guess what happens. Someone is murdered in the Hall on the trial run, and Lady Phoebe and Eva get involved with determining who the killer is, much to the displeasure of Chief Inspector Perkins. Miles Brannock, his right-hand man and Eva's romantic interest, knows that the two women have a knack for finding clues where the police don't have access, so he reluctantly accepts that they will be "assisting."
I enjoy the interactions between Eva and Miles. I missed Lady Phoebe's romantic interest, Owen, in this book, but after going back to the previous book, I found that Owen had been in that one, and Miles wasn't.
I enjoyed the characters in this book. They each have quirks that make it easy to keep them straight. That's not always the case when a large group of new characters are thrown into the mix.
If you like period mysteries, you won't be disappointed in this one. I'd recommend reading the series in order, but that's just my personal preference.
December 19, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review A Deadly Endowment. All opinions and comments are my own.
It’s 1921 in this latest (#7) Lady and Lady’s Maid Mystery by Alyssa Maxwell. Phoebe Renshaw is our Lady and Eva Huntford is our lady’s maid – but she’s more a comrade-in-arms. We find ourselves at Foxwood Hall, the Wroxley family home, which is being opened to tours. No one is happy about this. But since the war, money is tight.
The first tour’s participants immediately are more trouble than they’re worth for Lady Phoebe and Eva, who attempt to keep people where they’re supposed to be. Can we see where this is going? Indeed, one of the guests disappears. Phoebe sends Eva, who finds the body of Arvina Bell. Strangled, she is. And boy, are there going to be a lot of possible suspects – it was a really big tour group!
One man is immediately in trouble -- the dead woman’s son, also on the tour. Chief Inspector Perkins, with the exemplary police work he’s known for, concludes he done the deed. Refuses to consider anyone else. The End, we can all go home. Uh, no. Alyssa Maxwell has something else in mind for her readers.
In between figuring out the killer, Phoebe must contend with what Julia, her older sister is doing. Julia’s story has been part and parcel of the books throughout the series, and she does get to finally do something for herself, in A Deadly Endowment.
There’s clues galore -- why is there a photograph missing from the library? What was Mrs. Bell searching for that got her killed? And is there something in the family history that should be brought to light? Phoebe uses her knowledge of society to ask the right questions, with Eva on hand, to question everyone, upstairs and downstairs. And question they do, of course. The members of the historical society that Mrs. Bell belonged to do have a lot to hide. There’s even a break-in at the Hall, and a second murder. Somehow Foxwood Hall is the key to everything. Lady Phoebe and Eva function as a terrific team to discover the identity of a ruthless murderer and the secret of the Hall.
Ms. Maxwell has a deft touch with setting, and the characters that populate her books are compelling, “real” people that you will want to know more about. Plotting is always a strong point, too; there’s twists and turns enough in A Deadly Endowment to keep you turning the pages. Fans of the long-running series should find themselves entertained once more.
It’s 1921 in this latest (#7) Lady and Lady’s Maid Mystery by Alyssa Maxwell. Phoebe Renshaw is our Lady and Eva Huntford is our lady’s maid – but she’s more a comrade-in-arms. We find ourselves at Foxwood Hall, the Wroxley family home, which is being opened to tours. No one is happy about this. But since the war, money is tight.
The first tour’s participants immediately are more trouble than they’re worth for Lady Phoebe and Eva, who attempt to keep people where they’re supposed to be. Can we see where this is going? Indeed, one of the guests disappears. Phoebe sends Eva, who finds the body of Arvina Bell. Strangled, she is. And boy, are there going to be a lot of possible suspects – it was a really big tour group!
One man is immediately in trouble -- the dead woman’s son, also on the tour. Chief Inspector Perkins, with the exemplary police work he’s known for, concludes he done the deed. Refuses to consider anyone else. The End, we can all go home. Uh, no. Alyssa Maxwell has something else in mind for her readers.
In between figuring out the killer, Phoebe must contend with what Julia, her older sister is doing. Julia’s story has been part and parcel of the books throughout the series, and she does get to finally do something for herself, in A Deadly Endowment.
There’s clues galore -- why is there a photograph missing from the library? What was Mrs. Bell searching for that got her killed? And is there something in the family history that should be brought to light? Phoebe uses her knowledge of society to ask the right questions, with Eva on hand, to question everyone, upstairs and downstairs. And question they do, of course. The members of the historical society that Mrs. Bell belonged to do have a lot to hide. There’s even a break-in at the Hall, and a second murder. Somehow Foxwood Hall is the key to everything. Lady Phoebe and Eva function as a terrific team to discover the identity of a ruthless murderer and the secret of the Hall.
Ms. Maxwell has a deft touch with setting, and the characters that populate her books are compelling, “real” people that you will want to know more about. Plotting is always a strong point, too; there’s twists and turns enough in A Deadly Endowment to keep you turning the pages. Fans of the long-running series should find themselves entertained once more.
November 19, 2021
May 1921 The Earl of Wroxley has finally agreed to granddaughter Phoebe Renshaw’s request to open Foxwood Hall, in Little Barlow, to the public. The first visitors are a group of children and The Little Barlow Chapter of the Greater Historical Society. But after the tour a body is discovered and that a photograph is missing. But why and by whom. Will this be the only death.
Phoebe and her maid Eva Huntford investigate along side Constable Miles Brannock
An enjoyable cozy historical mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Phoebe and her maid Eva Huntford investigate along side Constable Miles Brannock
An enjoyable cozy historical mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2021
Swept back in time to the the bucolic and scenic Cotswolds in May, 1921 prepare to become reacquainted with Phoebe Renshaw of Foxwood Hall and her Lady’s maid Eva Huntford. If you have not have the pleasure of reading any of the previous installments of this series “A Lady & Lady’s Maid Mystery”, no matter as #7 doesn’t require reading the previous installments (although you have missed out on a lot of fun). Phoebe, ever pushing the boundaries of defined social class constraints, is about to discover just how quickly good intentions can lead to inexplicable and horrible results. And we are off - Foxwoods Hall is about to be open to house tours. With the best intentions to raise much needed funds for tenant repairs and to bring a new influx of visitors to Little Barlow this seemed a meritorious compromise. The result is going to give added weight and dimension to that old adage “No good deed goes unpunished.”
The trial tour is comprised of a dozen school children with their teacher who are exempt from the tour charge and eight members of the Greater Gloucestershire Historical Society who are the paying guests, each with their own prying agenda and secrets. In the blink of an eye the children have gone hither and yon and a few are missing. Another blink or the eye and the paying guests are snooping in places that are completely off limits and a head count shows adult members are missing as well. Something has gone very wrong and the next visitor to Foxwood Hall is Chief Inspector Perkins. Now the fun really begins with so many twists and turns, red herrings, warnings and bumps in the night.
Alyssa Maxwell handles everything so well - the period, the setting, the characters, the dialogue, the internal asides, the murder, the mystery, the romances. She is a skilled writer who is a master of this genre. As long as she is writing I am reading.
So many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for a copy.
The trial tour is comprised of a dozen school children with their teacher who are exempt from the tour charge and eight members of the Greater Gloucestershire Historical Society who are the paying guests, each with their own prying agenda and secrets. In the blink of an eye the children have gone hither and yon and a few are missing. Another blink or the eye and the paying guests are snooping in places that are completely off limits and a head count shows adult members are missing as well. Something has gone very wrong and the next visitor to Foxwood Hall is Chief Inspector Perkins. Now the fun really begins with so many twists and turns, red herrings, warnings and bumps in the night.
Alyssa Maxwell handles everything so well - the period, the setting, the characters, the dialogue, the internal asides, the murder, the mystery, the romances. She is a skilled writer who is a master of this genre. As long as she is writing I am reading.
So many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for a copy.
June 3, 2022
https://openbooksociety.com/article/a...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Lady Phoebe and her Lady’s Maid Eva are at it again in this seventh installment in the series. A Deadly Endowment is full of murder, snobbery, blackmail, secrets, and theft and is sure to please fans of historical mysteries.
Since the end of WWI, the nobility are finding it harder and harder to stay afloat; their way of life is becoming a thing of the past. In an effort to monetarily help her grandparents, Lady Phoebe and Eva decide to open the family home up for guided tours. Of course, even prepared as they are, they find themselves overwhelmed during their initial tour trying to corral village children on field trip, the local historical society members, a magazine writer, and Arvina Bell, who is doing research for a book about manor houses in the area. When Arvina is found strangled in the library, Phoebe and Eva know they must investigate since the chief inspector has jumped to conclusions and arrested Arvina’s son. Their investigating unearths the dark side of the historical society leading to more murder and danger for the intrepid pair. To further complicate matters, Phoebe’s older sister Julia leaves home out of fear for her infant’s safety but they promptly disappear.
I always enjoy my time with Lady Phoebe and Eva, and A Deadly Endowment is a welcome addition to the series. These characters have grown over the course of the series, and I love the optimistic, thoughtful adult Phoebe is becoming. She and Eva make a great sleuthing team, but I think Eva is the stronger of the two. Eva’s relationship with policeman Miles is endearing and moving along nicely, even if it is at a snail’s pace. Julia’s side story rounds out the book nicely, but I still do not love her. I understand the pressure she has felt as the oldest grandchild, but still…. Grams continues to be the vigilant Victorian dowager-like character, and I adore Grampapa. Though difficult, his slow acceptance of change and the emphasis on his ancestors in this tale make him quite human and wonderful. As younger sister Amelia and brother Fox get older, I hope we see more of them. New addition to the family, a terrier named Mr. Fairfax, is delightful. The members of the Historical Society are pretty much all awful with the exception of Dr. Bishop. They are snobs with much to hide (Dr. Bishop has secrets of his own, too) whose lives and livelihoods depend on appearances.
The mystery is complex and keeps readers guessing until late in the book. As Phoebe and Eva weed through the suspects, each clue revealed complicates matters and leads to even more questions. There are plenty of clues though, with a fair number of red herrings, which make for interesting reading throughout. And, of course, there is danger to be faced at the climax of the story.
I liked A Deadly Endowment and hope there are many more adventures featuring Lady Phoebe and her loyal maid Eva.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Lady Phoebe and her Lady’s Maid Eva are at it again in this seventh installment in the series. A Deadly Endowment is full of murder, snobbery, blackmail, secrets, and theft and is sure to please fans of historical mysteries.
Since the end of WWI, the nobility are finding it harder and harder to stay afloat; their way of life is becoming a thing of the past. In an effort to monetarily help her grandparents, Lady Phoebe and Eva decide to open the family home up for guided tours. Of course, even prepared as they are, they find themselves overwhelmed during their initial tour trying to corral village children on field trip, the local historical society members, a magazine writer, and Arvina Bell, who is doing research for a book about manor houses in the area. When Arvina is found strangled in the library, Phoebe and Eva know they must investigate since the chief inspector has jumped to conclusions and arrested Arvina’s son. Their investigating unearths the dark side of the historical society leading to more murder and danger for the intrepid pair. To further complicate matters, Phoebe’s older sister Julia leaves home out of fear for her infant’s safety but they promptly disappear.
I always enjoy my time with Lady Phoebe and Eva, and A Deadly Endowment is a welcome addition to the series. These characters have grown over the course of the series, and I love the optimistic, thoughtful adult Phoebe is becoming. She and Eva make a great sleuthing team, but I think Eva is the stronger of the two. Eva’s relationship with policeman Miles is endearing and moving along nicely, even if it is at a snail’s pace. Julia’s side story rounds out the book nicely, but I still do not love her. I understand the pressure she has felt as the oldest grandchild, but still…. Grams continues to be the vigilant Victorian dowager-like character, and I adore Grampapa. Though difficult, his slow acceptance of change and the emphasis on his ancestors in this tale make him quite human and wonderful. As younger sister Amelia and brother Fox get older, I hope we see more of them. New addition to the family, a terrier named Mr. Fairfax, is delightful. The members of the Historical Society are pretty much all awful with the exception of Dr. Bishop. They are snobs with much to hide (Dr. Bishop has secrets of his own, too) whose lives and livelihoods depend on appearances.
The mystery is complex and keeps readers guessing until late in the book. As Phoebe and Eva weed through the suspects, each clue revealed complicates matters and leads to even more questions. There are plenty of clues though, with a fair number of red herrings, which make for interesting reading throughout. And, of course, there is danger to be faced at the climax of the story.
I liked A Deadly Endowment and hope there are many more adventures featuring Lady Phoebe and her loyal maid Eva.
August 29, 2021
A Deadly Endowment by Alyssa Maxwell
The reason why I wanted to read this book is because of past works by the author based in Newport, RI where I live near.
This book starts out with other works by the author, dedication page and acknowledges pages.
Story starts in 1921 Cotswolds, England in a mansion and the sisters live there with their grandparents. Julia has her own baby and she has money enough to live on.
The girls come up with a scheme to make money from things others have done-allowing a tour of the house.
They have the plan in place and their grandfather wants to give them a chance. The grandmother is not so open to the idea but sets rules-no one upstairs.
The very first tour starts off with a busload of kids and their teacher. One woman gives the tour and answers questions and she often has to ask another sister to go find one who wandered off. That happens often and I enjoy learning about the history of the mansion during the tour. Like how they interact with the guests, most from the local historic society.
A missing woman is found.... Miles is one of the local cops that has been dating one of them. Everybody is questioned and the girls take it upon themselves to also accumulate clues.
Man in question is actually the murdered mothers son, he's got a lot to gain monetarily and the estate. Others who attended were quite suspicious also, magazine reporters and authors and they wanted to wander into other rooms not on the tour.
A break in and only a photo was stolen...A hidden treasure and another murder...
Love the politeness and manners.
Some visit the suspects at their house and even have tea and sweets. The women compare notes and also have warned others that the one the cops were holding has been released so real killer is on the loose.
Very detailed descriptions of not only the houses but the gardens and the clothes they wear.
Never thought that it was the person who murdered others. Also treasure, wow where it was found.
Can't wait to read more from this author. Lots of action, adventure, mysteries, murders, clues home life and travel.
I received this review book from Kensington Books via Net Galley and this is my honest opinion.
#ADeadlyEndowment #NetGalley.
The reason why I wanted to read this book is because of past works by the author based in Newport, RI where I live near.
This book starts out with other works by the author, dedication page and acknowledges pages.
Story starts in 1921 Cotswolds, England in a mansion and the sisters live there with their grandparents. Julia has her own baby and she has money enough to live on.
The girls come up with a scheme to make money from things others have done-allowing a tour of the house.
They have the plan in place and their grandfather wants to give them a chance. The grandmother is not so open to the idea but sets rules-no one upstairs.
The very first tour starts off with a busload of kids and their teacher. One woman gives the tour and answers questions and she often has to ask another sister to go find one who wandered off. That happens often and I enjoy learning about the history of the mansion during the tour. Like how they interact with the guests, most from the local historic society.
A missing woman is found.... Miles is one of the local cops that has been dating one of them. Everybody is questioned and the girls take it upon themselves to also accumulate clues.
Man in question is actually the murdered mothers son, he's got a lot to gain monetarily and the estate. Others who attended were quite suspicious also, magazine reporters and authors and they wanted to wander into other rooms not on the tour.
A break in and only a photo was stolen...A hidden treasure and another murder...
Love the politeness and manners.
Some visit the suspects at their house and even have tea and sweets. The women compare notes and also have warned others that the one the cops were holding has been released so real killer is on the loose.
Very detailed descriptions of not only the houses but the gardens and the clothes they wear.
Never thought that it was the person who murdered others. Also treasure, wow where it was found.
Can't wait to read more from this author. Lots of action, adventure, mysteries, murders, clues home life and travel.
I received this review book from Kensington Books via Net Galley and this is my honest opinion.
#ADeadlyEndowment #NetGalley.
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December 28, 2021A Deadly Endowment by Alyssa Maxwell
The reason why I wanted to read this book is because of past works by the author based in Newport, RI where I live near.
This book starts out with other works by the author, dedication page and acknowledgement pages.
Story starts in 1921 Cotswolds, England in a mansion and the sisters live there with their grandparents. Julia has her own baby and she has money enough to live on.
The girls come up with a scheme to make money from things others have done-allowing a tour of the house.
They have the plan in place and their grandfather wants to give them a chance. The grandmother is not so open to the idea but sets rules-no one upstairs.
The very first tour starts off with a busload of kids and their teacher. One woman gives the tour and answers questions and she often has to ask another sister to go find one who wandered off. That happens often and I enjoy learning about the history of the mansion during the tour. Like how they interact with the guests, most from the local historic society.
A missing woman is found.... Miles is one of the local cops that has been dating one of the sisters.. Everybody is questioned and the girls take it upon themselves to also accumulate clues.
Man in question is actually the murdered mothers son, he's got a lot to gain monetarily and the estate. Others who attended were quite suspicious also, magazine reporters and authors and they wanted to wander into other rooms not on the tour.
A break in and only a photo was stolen...A hidden treasure and another murder...
Love the politeness and manners.
Some visit the suspects at their house and even have tea and sweets. The women compare notes and also have warned others that the one the cops were holding has been released so real killer is on the loose.
Very detailed descriptions of not only the houses but the gardens and the clothes they wear.
Never thought that it was the person who murdered others. Also treasure, wow where it was found.
Can't wait to read more from this author. Lots of action, adventure, mysteries, murders, clues home life and travel.
I received this review book from Kensington Books via Net Galley and this is my honest opinion.
#ADeadlyEndowment #NetGalley.
The reason why I wanted to read this book is because of past works by the author based in Newport, RI where I live near.
This book starts out with other works by the author, dedication page and acknowledgement pages.
Story starts in 1921 Cotswolds, England in a mansion and the sisters live there with their grandparents. Julia has her own baby and she has money enough to live on.
The girls come up with a scheme to make money from things others have done-allowing a tour of the house.
They have the plan in place and their grandfather wants to give them a chance. The grandmother is not so open to the idea but sets rules-no one upstairs.
The very first tour starts off with a busload of kids and their teacher. One woman gives the tour and answers questions and she often has to ask another sister to go find one who wandered off. That happens often and I enjoy learning about the history of the mansion during the tour. Like how they interact with the guests, most from the local historic society.
A missing woman is found.... Miles is one of the local cops that has been dating one of the sisters.. Everybody is questioned and the girls take it upon themselves to also accumulate clues.
Man in question is actually the murdered mothers son, he's got a lot to gain monetarily and the estate. Others who attended were quite suspicious also, magazine reporters and authors and they wanted to wander into other rooms not on the tour.
A break in and only a photo was stolen...A hidden treasure and another murder...
Love the politeness and manners.
Some visit the suspects at their house and even have tea and sweets. The women compare notes and also have warned others that the one the cops were holding has been released so real killer is on the loose.
Very detailed descriptions of not only the houses but the gardens and the clothes they wear.
Never thought that it was the person who murdered others. Also treasure, wow where it was found.
Can't wait to read more from this author. Lots of action, adventure, mysteries, murders, clues home life and travel.
I received this review book from Kensington Books via Net Galley and this is my honest opinion.
#ADeadlyEndowment #NetGalley.
November 23, 2021
Though this is one in several cozy mysteries in the A Lady and Lady's Maid series, it can be read as a standalone. I have not read any of the previous novels and was totally able to follow the complete stoyline with no problems at all.
Income is low at Foxwood Hall, the year is 1921 and the Great War has taken its toll on the estate. The Earl of Wroxley, Lady Phoebe's grandfather has reluctantly agreed to her plan to open the manor up for tours, thus generating some numch needed income. This plan goes terribly awry.
Upon giving their first tour, Lady Phoebe and her maid hav more than their hands full. Trying to keep the children entertained and engaged, not mention them wandering off, the adults are sniping at each other and wandering around where they should not be also! It is more than they can do to herd everyone up and get through the tour. When they finally think the long day is at an end, Lady Phoebe and Eva get another shock, the body of one of the guests has been found murdered in the library!
Which guest had motive to murder a seemingly harmless member of the local historical society and why chose Foxwood Hall for the scene of the crime? As Lady Phoebe and her maid investigate they find that everyone has a motive and no one can be believed.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery, it was a fast paced, quick read, with entertaining and likeable characters, and a plot with enough red-herrings and twists and turns to keep a reader engaged.
I give it 5 stars and recommend to all cozy mystery fans. This book comes out December 28, grab one for a late Christmas present!
Thank you to Kensington Books and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.
Income is low at Foxwood Hall, the year is 1921 and the Great War has taken its toll on the estate. The Earl of Wroxley, Lady Phoebe's grandfather has reluctantly agreed to her plan to open the manor up for tours, thus generating some numch needed income. This plan goes terribly awry.
Upon giving their first tour, Lady Phoebe and her maid hav more than their hands full. Trying to keep the children entertained and engaged, not mention them wandering off, the adults are sniping at each other and wandering around where they should not be also! It is more than they can do to herd everyone up and get through the tour. When they finally think the long day is at an end, Lady Phoebe and Eva get another shock, the body of one of the guests has been found murdered in the library!
Which guest had motive to murder a seemingly harmless member of the local historical society and why chose Foxwood Hall for the scene of the crime? As Lady Phoebe and her maid investigate they find that everyone has a motive and no one can be believed.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery, it was a fast paced, quick read, with entertaining and likeable characters, and a plot with enough red-herrings and twists and turns to keep a reader engaged.
I give it 5 stars and recommend to all cozy mystery fans. This book comes out December 28, grab one for a late Christmas present!
Thank you to Kensington Books and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.
December 14, 2021
Set in post WWI England, The Deadly Endowment is the seventh in the endlessly charming series but that doesn't mean you absolutely must read the first six to understand what is happening. However, it certainly does help and feels like enjoying a comfy cup of tea with chatty friends, practically collapsing into giggles and whispers. Not only are there deceptions upon deceptions but slivers of romance and murder to boot.
Lady Phoebe and her quirky family have taken the plunge and fling open the doors of Foxwood Hall to the public for the first time. After the war everything is in shambles and needs must. Lady Phoebe feels this is a fabulous way to earn money. Besides. Who wouldn't wish to catch glimpses of grandeur? However, half of the family firmly disagrees with the idea, even before catastrophe strikes during a tour with a group of children and the historical society (delightful combination...what could possibly go wrong?). There are suspicious goings on, including a missing photograph and a murdered Arvina Bell in the library. But that's not all.
Lady Phoebe's maid and dearest friend Eva and special gentleman friend Constable Miles Brannock aid Lady Phoebe in inveigling and snooping for clues which leads them to treasure and a plethora of other delectable secrets. The historical details are fun and the era fascinating. But what enticed me the most (other than murder) are the characters which are anything but dull. This is a book to get lost in thoroughly and enjoyably.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this marvellous book! I am eager to discover what will happen in the next in the series...
Lady Phoebe and her quirky family have taken the plunge and fling open the doors of Foxwood Hall to the public for the first time. After the war everything is in shambles and needs must. Lady Phoebe feels this is a fabulous way to earn money. Besides. Who wouldn't wish to catch glimpses of grandeur? However, half of the family firmly disagrees with the idea, even before catastrophe strikes during a tour with a group of children and the historical society (delightful combination...what could possibly go wrong?). There are suspicious goings on, including a missing photograph and a murdered Arvina Bell in the library. But that's not all.
Lady Phoebe's maid and dearest friend Eva and special gentleman friend Constable Miles Brannock aid Lady Phoebe in inveigling and snooping for clues which leads them to treasure and a plethora of other delectable secrets. The historical details are fun and the era fascinating. But what enticed me the most (other than murder) are the characters which are anything but dull. This is a book to get lost in thoroughly and enjoyably.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this marvellous book! I am eager to discover what will happen in the next in the series...
December 20, 2021
Little Barlow, The Cotswold, England - 1921
Lady Phoebe Renshaw lives at Foxwood Hall with her grandparents, the Earl and Countess of Wroxly. Her sister, Amelia, and brother, Fox, also live there along with her widowed sister, Julia, and son.
After the war, money has become tight and Phoebe has decided that they should open Foxwood Hall to tours to help bring in some money. While her grandmother is not for it, her grandfather has approved her idea.
Phoebe’s maid, Eva, is conducting the tour today which consists of a group of school children and a number of people from the local historical society. Some people aren’t always staying with the group so she needs help from Phoebe to keep them together. When the tour is over, they realize a woman is missing and find her in the library strangled to death. In addition, a beloved framed picture of their great-grandparents is missing. After the police arrive to speak with everyone about the dead woman, the family then wonders why anyone would be interested in stealing the picture. Thus, Phoebe and Eva begin to delve into the history of the great-grandparents.
After another break-in attempt, it is learned that there is a rumor that a great treasure is hidden somewhere in the house. Could it be true?
This is a clever mystery written true to the time period. I liked Eva, Phoebe, and the grandparents. I have read many of this author’s books in both of her series and find that her research is exceptional. Enjoy.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Lady Phoebe Renshaw lives at Foxwood Hall with her grandparents, the Earl and Countess of Wroxly. Her sister, Amelia, and brother, Fox, also live there along with her widowed sister, Julia, and son.
After the war, money has become tight and Phoebe has decided that they should open Foxwood Hall to tours to help bring in some money. While her grandmother is not for it, her grandfather has approved her idea.
Phoebe’s maid, Eva, is conducting the tour today which consists of a group of school children and a number of people from the local historical society. Some people aren’t always staying with the group so she needs help from Phoebe to keep them together. When the tour is over, they realize a woman is missing and find her in the library strangled to death. In addition, a beloved framed picture of their great-grandparents is missing. After the police arrive to speak with everyone about the dead woman, the family then wonders why anyone would be interested in stealing the picture. Thus, Phoebe and Eva begin to delve into the history of the great-grandparents.
After another break-in attempt, it is learned that there is a rumor that a great treasure is hidden somewhere in the house. Could it be true?
This is a clever mystery written true to the time period. I liked Eva, Phoebe, and the grandparents. I have read many of this author’s books in both of her series and find that her research is exceptional. Enjoy.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 11, 2022
Princess Fuzzypants here: Lady Phoebe and her lady’s maid Eve are back with a story that takes place close to home. Just as the post WWI years affected the great houses in Downton Abbey, Foxwood must also navigate through turbulent and new waters. Phoebe, ever the modern woman, much to the chagrin of some of her more traditional family, suggests they open the house for tours. It looks like the first tour may be the last one when one of the visitors is murdered. The suspects include the rest of the party, the members of the local historical society. The woman’s son is arrested at first but on flimsy not even circumstantial evidence. Many of the other members of the society have secrets that, if sufficiently desperate, they might kill to keep quiet.
As Phoebe and Eve travel around speaking with the people who were on the tour, they also uncover a secret that concerns her Great Grandfather. There is a rumour that he hid some treasure somewhere on the property. When there is a break in and a second member of the tour is murdered, the theory that someone is looking for the treasure and will stop at nothing to gain it grows in strength. Before the killer is unmasked, Phoebe and Eve assist in solving several other crimes. And more than one secret is revealed to all.
This is a light read filled with the period fun of the early 20th Century. Four purrs and two paws up.
As Phoebe and Eve travel around speaking with the people who were on the tour, they also uncover a secret that concerns her Great Grandfather. There is a rumour that he hid some treasure somewhere on the property. When there is a break in and a second member of the tour is murdered, the theory that someone is looking for the treasure and will stop at nothing to gain it grows in strength. Before the killer is unmasked, Phoebe and Eve assist in solving several other crimes. And more than one secret is revealed to all.
This is a light read filled with the period fun of the early 20th Century. Four purrs and two paws up.
February 18, 2022
I really enjoy reading this series. Lord and Lady Renshaw are the grandparents of four grandchildren and they all live in Foxwood Hall. Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady's maid, Eva Huntford, live on the large Renshaw Estate and Foxwood Hall is the big manor house. After the Great War things have changed a lot and it's expensive to run a big estate now. So Lady Phoebe, her sister Amelie and Eva are conducting their first tour of Foxwood Hall. The first to arrive are 12 students and their teacher. then people from the local Historical Society come, there are seven of them and a Writer for a Home Magazne. It's hard to keep track of all of them on the tour, people keep wandering off. They finally end the tour and find out a lady is missing. The children are dismissed and Eva, Amelie and Phoebe hunt for her. They find her in the library dead, someone strangled her with the drape ties. Lady Phoebe and Eva are the sleuths and they start interviewing the Historical Society Members and the writer and keep getting clues, Then another murder happens and a thief comes in to the Hall one night. Everyone is scared, but nor the two sleuths. I love the way Alyssa Maxwell describes her characters, I can imagine them interrogating everyone. It's a fun book to read, it keeps us guessing who did it. I recommend anyone reading it. Happy reading.
January 6, 2022
Guess what came out last week? That's right, it's the next book in the Lady and Lady's Maid series by Alyssa Maxwell! I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review, so thank you Netgalley and Kensingtonbooks!
Phoebe Renshaw and her lady's maid Eva Huntford have devised a plan to help bring some extra money to the Renshaw estate: they're going to conduct tours of the space. The rest of the Renshaw family isn't psyched about the plan, and they predict that it will be problematic. However, I think they imagined a broken vase rather than the dead body in the library. As the inspector arrests the wrong culprit (again), Eva and Phoebe determine to solve the crime that's been committed in their own home.
Although the characters aren't as robust as I'd like, the Lady and Lady's Maid series is a true cozy mystery series where you'll enjoy following the characters. I've liked seeing how Julia (Renshaw sister) has progressed, and I'm hoping to see more of Phoebe and the other siblings' development. I did guess the killer towards the end of this book, but it was still an enjoyable read with a satisfying ending.
Read my full review at samiamreadingandreviewing.wordpress.com.
Phoebe Renshaw and her lady's maid Eva Huntford have devised a plan to help bring some extra money to the Renshaw estate: they're going to conduct tours of the space. The rest of the Renshaw family isn't psyched about the plan, and they predict that it will be problematic. However, I think they imagined a broken vase rather than the dead body in the library. As the inspector arrests the wrong culprit (again), Eva and Phoebe determine to solve the crime that's been committed in their own home.
Although the characters aren't as robust as I'd like, the Lady and Lady's Maid series is a true cozy mystery series where you'll enjoy following the characters. I've liked seeing how Julia (Renshaw sister) has progressed, and I'm hoping to see more of Phoebe and the other siblings' development. I did guess the killer towards the end of this book, but it was still an enjoyable read with a satisfying ending.
Read my full review at samiamreadingandreviewing.wordpress.com.
January 8, 2022
{Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the gift of an eARC in exchange for an honest review.}
Lady Phoebe convinces her grandparents to open their home to public guided tours against much opposition on their part. When one of the visitors is murdered during the tour, Phoebe and her lady’s maid Eva investigate in order to find the person responsible and ensure the safety of the houses’ inhabitants.
▪ Good, complementary pair of detectives. Phoebe and Eva work well together: when they think status will make people eager to give information, Phoebe leads the questioning, and when they feel that people would be cowed by her title, Eva takes the lead. They are in sync and respectful of each other, so there isn’t unnecessary drama complicating things.
▪ Family drama. There is some drama that does complicate the plot, however, in the form of Phoebe’s sister who has trouble with her husbands kinsman and is behaving erratically.
▪ Setting in the English countryside. There are villagers, landowners with financial problems, a surly police detective, and everybody has at least one secret. Just like a cosy mystery should be.
This is a very enjoyable mystery, well-plotted and fun to read.
Lady Phoebe convinces her grandparents to open their home to public guided tours against much opposition on their part. When one of the visitors is murdered during the tour, Phoebe and her lady’s maid Eva investigate in order to find the person responsible and ensure the safety of the houses’ inhabitants.
▪ Good, complementary pair of detectives. Phoebe and Eva work well together: when they think status will make people eager to give information, Phoebe leads the questioning, and when they feel that people would be cowed by her title, Eva takes the lead. They are in sync and respectful of each other, so there isn’t unnecessary drama complicating things.
▪ Family drama. There is some drama that does complicate the plot, however, in the form of Phoebe’s sister who has trouble with her husbands kinsman and is behaving erratically.
▪ Setting in the English countryside. There are villagers, landowners with financial problems, a surly police detective, and everybody has at least one secret. Just like a cosy mystery should be.
This is a very enjoyable mystery, well-plotted and fun to read.
December 18, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-galley of this historical cozy mystery.
This novel is one in which the characters are almost all so nice and the feeling of tension is so low that it is hard to remember that there has been murder done. Ah, a cozy historical set in the fantasy world of Britain's landed gentry. This was very entertaining and well written with characters from almost all levels of the class system in place in England in 1921. If you like to solve the puzzle set for you by an author while having the bothersome bits glossed over, this will probably be a hit with you. The writing is very good, as I've already said, and the characters have been together over multiple books, so their personalities are firmly established and blend well. Prepare to relax and watch Phoebe Renshaw of Foxwood Hall and her maid, Eva Huntford, solve the problem of the death of one of the people taking the inaugural tour of Foxwood Hall. That is going to put a spanner in the works of raising the money necessary to keep Foxwood solvent, so Phoebe and Eva have to solve this murder quickly and quietly, if possible.
This novel is one in which the characters are almost all so nice and the feeling of tension is so low that it is hard to remember that there has been murder done. Ah, a cozy historical set in the fantasy world of Britain's landed gentry. This was very entertaining and well written with characters from almost all levels of the class system in place in England in 1921. If you like to solve the puzzle set for you by an author while having the bothersome bits glossed over, this will probably be a hit with you. The writing is very good, as I've already said, and the characters have been together over multiple books, so their personalities are firmly established and blend well. Prepare to relax and watch Phoebe Renshaw of Foxwood Hall and her maid, Eva Huntford, solve the problem of the death of one of the people taking the inaugural tour of Foxwood Hall. That is going to put a spanner in the works of raising the money necessary to keep Foxwood solvent, so Phoebe and Eva have to solve this murder quickly and quietly, if possible.
November 25, 2022
Phoebe and Eva, to augment Foxwood Hall's maintenance, had the brilliant idea of turning the Renshaw ancestral home into one of those English estates that conduct tours. On opening day, they had two groups of local tourists ~ a bus full of Little Barlaw's village school children who were given a free treat and the local historical amateur aficionados' chapter who were the Hall's first paying tourists. As it turned out, there was a murder, the victim was a lady author who was last seen staring at Lord and Lady Wroxly's wedding picture in the library. She was strangled by one of the library curtains' tiebacks. That particular framed photograph was later on noticed to be missing about the time of the murder in the course of the investigation. Given the book's title, this had something to do with a legacy from the past, at the time of the present Lord Wroxly's father. As per the murder's warped interpretation, such a largess would be a 'finder keepers' sort of thing in a deadly scavengers' hunt or more accurately described as a bloody treasure hunt given that 2 people died.
September 21, 2021
"A Deadly Endowment" is the seventh in the A Lady and Lady's Maid series. I had not read any of the series, but I enjoyed this latest installment. "A Deadly Endowment" is a true cozy...amateur detectives, manor house, lots of red herrings, not much violence, etc. I particularly liked that our detectives--Lady Phoebe and her lady's maid Eva--are equal in their abilities.
This book takes place after World War I, and Phoebe has decided that her home, Foxwood Hall, should open for tours to generate some income. Of course, things go hideously wrong on the first public tour when one of the guests is found murdered. There are a host of possible culprits, but what could the motive be?
There was a side plot involving Phoebe's sister Julia that I probably would have enjoyed more if I had read the earlier books. This is a light, quick read, not particularly original but fun.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. "A Deadly Endowment" releases Dec. 28.
This book takes place after World War I, and Phoebe has decided that her home, Foxwood Hall, should open for tours to generate some income. Of course, things go hideously wrong on the first public tour when one of the guests is found murdered. There are a host of possible culprits, but what could the motive be?
There was a side plot involving Phoebe's sister Julia that I probably would have enjoyed more if I had read the earlier books. This is a light, quick read, not particularly original but fun.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. "A Deadly Endowment" releases Dec. 28.
November 18, 2021
Alyssa Maxwell's stories are full of people you care about who are smart, determined and kind. She weaves romance into the story without sacrificing the goals of the heroines. No one is giving up anything to be in a relationship and the male love interests are supporters of the female leads--refreshing and unique in historical romances. I look forward to each installment of these books and this one was no different. The story lines are easy to follow, yet you won't find yourself saying "oh, it's Colonel Mustard in the library" in the first chapter. If you're looking for an engaging story with a puzzle and history built in, these stories are for you.
This installment in the Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery was a wonderful addition to the series. The characters continue to grow and progress in their lives while still remaining true to the story lines in previous books. The only disappointment I have is that I have to wait for the next book in the series to come out!
This installment in the Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery was a wonderful addition to the series. The characters continue to grow and progress in their lives while still remaining true to the story lines in previous books. The only disappointment I have is that I have to wait for the next book in the series to come out!
June 12, 2022
Another charming historical cozy mystery from Alyssa Maxwell.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Lady Phoebe and Eva books just as much as the Newport mysteries, and the setting (though common to the genre) is delightful and well drawn.
Maxwell always gives us a good quality mystery as well, cleverly plotted with a good suspect pool and a logical solve.
But it’s the characters and setting that really make this series appealing. Both the family and their staff are always a delight to read about, and the house comes to life with Maxwell’s evocative descriptions. I love that the house tour was central to the murder, allowing more descriptive content about it to bleed into the plot itself.
If you like Maxwell’s Newport series, you’ll enjoy these as well. It’s the same concept in a different but equally fun setting and while there’s less real world social history involved, the characters still delight.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Lady Phoebe and Eva books just as much as the Newport mysteries, and the setting (though common to the genre) is delightful and well drawn.
Maxwell always gives us a good quality mystery as well, cleverly plotted with a good suspect pool and a logical solve.
But it’s the characters and setting that really make this series appealing. Both the family and their staff are always a delight to read about, and the house comes to life with Maxwell’s evocative descriptions. I love that the house tour was central to the murder, allowing more descriptive content about it to bleed into the plot itself.
If you like Maxwell’s Newport series, you’ll enjoy these as well. It’s the same concept in a different but equally fun setting and while there’s less real world social history involved, the characters still delight.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
June 13, 2022
this series is still enjoyable but this one felt a little... static? Meaning, it seems like it was a placeholder. That is, until the last chapter, wherein several loose ends were tied up neatly. Made me wonder if by tying up those loose ends, the next volume in the series will finally make some movement on the separate romances for the two leading ladies.
As far as the mystery, the viciousness of the murders didn't seem to jibe with either the whodunit or the whydunit. And that's why it only got three stars from me. I had a hard time seeing the murder as both psychologically or physically able to commit the crimes. The problem stems from, I believe, how very little each of the suspects is fleshed out. Therefore, the denouement comes somewhat out of left field. The only way I knew the answer had to be coming soon is that I was running out of pages.
Next time, be better, Ms. Maxwell. Be better.
As far as the mystery, the viciousness of the murders didn't seem to jibe with either the whodunit or the whydunit. And that's why it only got three stars from me. I had a hard time seeing the murder as both psychologically or physically able to commit the crimes. The problem stems from, I believe, how very little each of the suspects is fleshed out. Therefore, the denouement comes somewhat out of left field. The only way I knew the answer had to be coming soon is that I was running out of pages.
Next time, be better, Ms. Maxwell. Be better.
September 9, 2021
Lady Phoebe Renshaw has convinced her grandparents to open up Foxwood Hall for guided tours to generate income to support the estate. The first tour group, a practice run, consists of local students, members of the Historical Society and a magazine writer. Lady Phoebe, her sister Amelia and her maid Eva find it is not an easy task to keep members of the tour from wandering off.
Unfortunately, while searching for a missing Historical Society member, her body is discovered in the library.
Lady Phoebe and Eva investigate who would want the woman dead and whether a missing photo holds the key. Does the photo contain a secret about the Renshaw family? As the investigation proceeds, connections between the Historical Society members are uncovered providing a reason for murder.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Unfortunately, while searching for a missing Historical Society member, her body is discovered in the library.
Lady Phoebe and Eva investigate who would want the woman dead and whether a missing photo holds the key. Does the photo contain a secret about the Renshaw family? As the investigation proceeds, connections between the Historical Society members are uncovered providing a reason for murder.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
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