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Mayfair 100 #3
The Body in Berkeley Square
London August 1915. The body of an unknown woman is discovered, stabbed, in a Mayfair square. She is expensively dressed and yet the autopsy reveals that she has been working in the munitions industry. The women of the Mayfair 100 team begin to try and uncover the woman's identity through her clothing, whilst their police colleagues investigate the harsh world of manufacturing munitions. What they become involved with is top level industrial espionage, as well as a murder investigation.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2021
About the author
Lynn Brittney
66 books112 followersLynn Brittney has been a writer for almost thirty years and has written several adult and children’s non-fiction books and many plays for adults and children that have been performed all over the world. Her first young adult novel was shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Prize; the Brandford Boase Award and the Doncaster Book Prize. Her second young adult novel was included in the UK Government’s Recommended Reading List for Boys and was described by the Daily Telegraph as containing…”furious swordplay, tremendous chases, atmospheric journeys and wince-inducing reminders that this was an age before anaesthetics.”
Mayfair 100: A Murder in Belgravia is her first historical crime novel for adults and was published by Mirror Books in 2018.
She has been a writer for many years, first working as a journalist on trade and business magazines. She also worked part-time as a drama teacher and began writing plays for children, young adults and older actors. These are published by Playstage Junior, Playstage YA and Playstage Senior.
Then, when her son was a teenager, she became aware that teachers were struggling to interest their pupils in Shakespeare, so she embarked upon writing a series of young adult novels set in Elizabethan England, involving espionage, action and Shakespearian plots. The Nathan Fox books were nominated for various awards, such as the Waterstone’s Book Prize and the Brandford Boase Award. She then created some fact books to accompany the novels, called The Elizabethan World of Nathan Fox. Both novels and fact books have become useful tools in English speaking schools around the world. These books are now published by Iris Books in London.
In 2017, she began to write a series of period murder mysteries – called the Mayfair 100 series. Set in London during WW1, the books involve a secret team of professional policemen and educated women in solving crimes. The team are based in Mayfair, an upper-class area of London and Mayfair 100 is the telephone number. Book 1, called A Murder in Belgravia, was published in the UK by Mirror Books, at the beginning of 2018 and the second book in the series was published in the UK in March 2019. The American version of Book 1 was published by Crooked Lane Books in March 2019.
In 2019, a second murder mystery book, in the Mayfair 100 series, called A Death in Chelsea, was published by Mirror Books in the UK and by Crooked Lane in the USA.
During the lockdown of 2020, Lynn Brittney tried her hand at something new and wrote a series of three small books entitled Gifts From Your Garden. An avid gardener, cook and craftsperson, she decided to combine all her hobbies and skills into Book 1: Culinary, Book 2: Health and Beauty and Book 3: Crafts. The trio of little books are packed with recipes, instructions and tips on how to make use of everything you grow and make them into gifts for friends and family. These books are published by Iris Books of London.
All of Lynn Brittney's plays are published by the Playstage Group (Playstage Junior, YA and Senior).
Mayfair 100: A Murder in Belgravia is her first historical crime novel for adults and was published by Mirror Books in 2018.
She has been a writer for many years, first working as a journalist on trade and business magazines. She also worked part-time as a drama teacher and began writing plays for children, young adults and older actors. These are published by Playstage Junior, Playstage YA and Playstage Senior.
Then, when her son was a teenager, she became aware that teachers were struggling to interest their pupils in Shakespeare, so she embarked upon writing a series of young adult novels set in Elizabethan England, involving espionage, action and Shakespearian plots. The Nathan Fox books were nominated for various awards, such as the Waterstone’s Book Prize and the Brandford Boase Award. She then created some fact books to accompany the novels, called The Elizabethan World of Nathan Fox. Both novels and fact books have become useful tools in English speaking schools around the world. These books are now published by Iris Books in London.
In 2017, she began to write a series of period murder mysteries – called the Mayfair 100 series. Set in London during WW1, the books involve a secret team of professional policemen and educated women in solving crimes. The team are based in Mayfair, an upper-class area of London and Mayfair 100 is the telephone number. Book 1, called A Murder in Belgravia, was published in the UK by Mirror Books, at the beginning of 2018 and the second book in the series was published in the UK in March 2019. The American version of Book 1 was published by Crooked Lane Books in March 2019.
In 2019, a second murder mystery book, in the Mayfair 100 series, called A Death in Chelsea, was published by Mirror Books in the UK and by Crooked Lane in the USA.
During the lockdown of 2020, Lynn Brittney tried her hand at something new and wrote a series of three small books entitled Gifts From Your Garden. An avid gardener, cook and craftsperson, she decided to combine all her hobbies and skills into Book 1: Culinary, Book 2: Health and Beauty and Book 3: Crafts. The trio of little books are packed with recipes, instructions and tips on how to make use of everything you grow and make them into gifts for friends and family. These books are published by Iris Books of London.
All of Lynn Brittney's plays are published by the Playstage Group (Playstage Junior, YA and Senior).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 3, 2023
I recommend the series as I have enjoyed the books a great deal. The story and characters seem time appropriate, and the mystery is engaging. Very light touch on romance, this volume delt with espionage and treason. This could have perhaps been made into two books as it felt a bit over complicated towards the latter third. Rate it 4.25*
July 21, 2021
Ms. Brittney has woven a complex and intriguing mystery for the Mayfair 100 to solve this time. I have enjoyed each one of the books in this series and was thrilled when I found this one. The characters are so well drawn and the descriptive writing has made me feel like I've had the opportunity to visit London and the surrounding areas. Each of the characters have their own strengths and weaknesses but contribute so much to each of their cases. I truly hope that Ms. Brittney will continue this series.
December 26, 2022
Everything came together brilliantly as always, but there were enough proofreading misses to take me out of the story and the typesetting of the paperback edition was terrible.
December 12, 2021
Best Book in the Series Yet!
I absolutely love this series and this book just kept building and getting better and better! I can't wait for the next release! A must read book no matter what!
I absolutely love this series and this book just kept building and getting better and better! I can't wait for the next release! A must read book no matter what!
February 4, 2023
Another murder for the team
But this time, the murder is entwined with treason. The team rises to the occasion once again to investigate the death of a munitions factory worker. She turns out to have been a plant by the Naval Offices. Investigating the death also means Investigating the factory. Very interesting view of England at war. Needs to be proofread!!
But this time, the murder is entwined with treason. The team rises to the occasion once again to investigate the death of a munitions factory worker. She turns out to have been a plant by the Naval Offices. Investigating the death also means Investigating the factory. Very interesting view of England at war. Needs to be proofread!!
June 3, 2021
Fun Read
Another intriguing case for the Mayfair 100. Would have given 5 stars, but the editing and proofing was sloppy enough to be distracting.
Another intriguing case for the Mayfair 100. Would have given 5 stars, but the editing and proofing was sloppy enough to be distracting.
April 11, 2023
I have really enjoyed this series looking forward to reading the next book. Wondering which woman Beech will end up with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2022
Five reasons I’m giving Five Stars to the Mayfair 100 Murder Mystery series:
1. The Background - The year is 1915, England is settling into the WWI, and Chief Inspector Peter Beech has already been to the front, been wounded and is back at work for the police. Peter is worried about the Yard’s inability to address delicate matters and gets permission to set up a secret task force with a couple of special policemen and some extraordinary women.
2. Gender Equality - At a time when no females were allowed into the police force, the women in these books do pull their weight! They are all intelligent and resourceful, some more educated than others, but all are amazing and great characters.
3. Class Equality - The task force grows from one book to the next with more characters joining the fun. They range from all walks of life, some wealthy and titled, others from the slums of London, but they soon come together to create their own kind of family.
4. The Plots - While the atmosphere is nostalgic and cozy, the plots are complicated with many twists and turns. I’ve read all three books in the series (I’m hoping for more!) and have yet to guess the outcome, a big plus for me.
5. The Fun - Characters you can really love, plots that keep you guessing, woman power and interesting snippets of history thrown in… If you like lighthearted, moreish historical mysteries, this could well be the series for you.
1. The Background - The year is 1915, England is settling into the WWI, and Chief Inspector Peter Beech has already been to the front, been wounded and is back at work for the police. Peter is worried about the Yard’s inability to address delicate matters and gets permission to set up a secret task force with a couple of special policemen and some extraordinary women.
2. Gender Equality - At a time when no females were allowed into the police force, the women in these books do pull their weight! They are all intelligent and resourceful, some more educated than others, but all are amazing and great characters.
3. Class Equality - The task force grows from one book to the next with more characters joining the fun. They range from all walks of life, some wealthy and titled, others from the slums of London, but they soon come together to create their own kind of family.
4. The Plots - While the atmosphere is nostalgic and cozy, the plots are complicated with many twists and turns. I’ve read all three books in the series (I’m hoping for more!) and have yet to guess the outcome, a big plus for me.
5. The Fun - Characters you can really love, plots that keep you guessing, woman power and interesting snippets of history thrown in… If you like lighthearted, moreish historical mysteries, this could well be the series for you.
March 26, 2024
Intriguing third book in this terrific series. The entire Mayfair 100 group is engaging and intelligent. The camaraderie and mutual respect never wanes. I especially appreciate that I can read an entire book without worrying that one of the characters is going to do something stupid in order to move the plot along. And the plot moves along, no lagging or dragging. In addition to a peppy story, the research and detail were intriguing and absorbing -- Britain during World War I, with treason and munitions manufactuing on the home front, all uncovered by the murder of one brave young woman.
All that said, the book (I had a paperback copy that I begged my library to purchase) was rife with typos, and had a very bad comma problem. I am not clear on the history of the Mayfair 100 series, but the current publisher states on their website that "We decided we would give some highly praised novels, discarded by major publishing companies, a second chance. Novels that should have been available for future generations of readers and not consigned to the ‘out of print’ pile after a year of good-but-not-exceptional sales."
https://irisbooks.co.uk/about/
However, I am delighted to see that there are at least two more titles following this one, and I can hope the commas are under better control. As I'm not sure I can continue to convince my library to purchase these (I will try), I might finally need to get a Kindle.
All that said, the book (I had a paperback copy that I begged my library to purchase) was rife with typos, and had a very bad comma problem. I am not clear on the history of the Mayfair 100 series, but the current publisher states on their website that "We decided we would give some highly praised novels, discarded by major publishing companies, a second chance. Novels that should have been available for future generations of readers and not consigned to the ‘out of print’ pile after a year of good-but-not-exceptional sales."
https://irisbooks.co.uk/about/
However, I am delighted to see that there are at least two more titles following this one, and I can hope the commas are under better control. As I'm not sure I can continue to convince my library to purchase these (I will try), I might finally need to get a Kindle.
September 13, 2023
I'm enjoying this cozy series. It's set in London during WWI. The police are manned by men who've been injured in the war or have come back from retirement. They're ably assisted by intelligent women who are more than qualified -- even if their education in law, chemistry, and medicine doesn't allow them to do all they could on account of being women. But the Mayfair 100 special group, though not actually attached to the police, are always instrumental in the solution.
And it's not just upper class, educated women. Some in their group are from the lower classes but just as useful in going where the men can not. In this case, a young girl has been found murdered in a high class neighborhood. The first order of business is to identify her. Soon, the Navy and other departments doing war work are involved, not just in finding out who killed her but in shutting down a ring of war profiteers -- traitors, really.
There's also romantic interplay among the group. He's her best friend from childhood, but is in love with the other one, who's not yet ready to commit having buried her husband not long ago. And the Navy men are quite handsome. I could actually do without that aspect but it doesn't distract from the main plot. For now, I'll definitely continue the series.
And it's not just upper class, educated women. Some in their group are from the lower classes but just as useful in going where the men can not. In this case, a young girl has been found murdered in a high class neighborhood. The first order of business is to identify her. Soon, the Navy and other departments doing war work are involved, not just in finding out who killed her but in shutting down a ring of war profiteers -- traitors, really.
There's also romantic interplay among the group. He's her best friend from childhood, but is in love with the other one, who's not yet ready to commit having buried her husband not long ago. And the Navy men are quite handsome. I could actually do without that aspect but it doesn't distract from the main plot. For now, I'll definitely continue the series.
November 18, 2022
Could've been a lot better
Wow! This story was sure something
It had MANY errors (grammar and punctuation) and seemed like the author was very rushed to get each chapter done and decided to sacrifice good editing.
This story was very drawn out and rather convoluted with very many wheels turning at once.
I also felt that there just "happened" to be amazing luck with the operations that the characters carried out. All their plans worked out according to the way they were intended to. No one ever got caught in the act of implementing their unlikely acts of espionage. Everything just seemed to magically go as planned no matter how far fetched said plans were.
I didn't dislike this story. I just feel it had a lot going against it as the author seemed unaware that plans can and do go awry, and that proper editing IS an actual thing.
Wow! This story was sure something
It had MANY errors (grammar and punctuation) and seemed like the author was very rushed to get each chapter done and decided to sacrifice good editing.
This story was very drawn out and rather convoluted with very many wheels turning at once.
I also felt that there just "happened" to be amazing luck with the operations that the characters carried out. All their plans worked out according to the way they were intended to. No one ever got caught in the act of implementing their unlikely acts of espionage. Everything just seemed to magically go as planned no matter how far fetched said plans were.
I didn't dislike this story. I just feel it had a lot going against it as the author seemed unaware that plans can and do go awry, and that proper editing IS an actual thing.
March 22, 2023
I know she needs a proofreader, I get it but I’ve really enjoyed this series nonetheless. They are so well researched and I love the characters. My only complaint with the series is that I’d really like to see more between the characters developed. Not necessarily romance but even just deeper connections, more of their personal interactions a long with the procedural detective work woven into the plot. They aren’t very long books, so I just wish she’d add to their individual stories. She definitely did a better job of that in this book, but I need more! Also, I love Billy!!
December 24, 2021
Third winner
Superb addition to the Mayfair 100 series. Period details a highlight, and the exhaustive research Brittany has undertaken shows on every page. I enjoy a book that teaches me new things, and this series shows a side and challenges of WW1 previously unknown. Along with strong characters, a tense and involved mystery on several levels creates a book that can’t be put down.
Superb addition to the Mayfair 100 series. Period details a highlight, and the exhaustive research Brittany has undertaken shows on every page. I enjoy a book that teaches me new things, and this series shows a side and challenges of WW1 previously unknown. Along with strong characters, a tense and involved mystery on several levels creates a book that can’t be put down.
January 7, 2024
Well researched. Started with a murder and then delved into treason during wartime and the effects of munitions factory jobs on the workers.
I still can't picture any of the characters 3 books into the series and that continues to annoy me. All I see is a tall constable in a uniform, an inspector In a suit who limps, an older sergeant in an overcoat and several women who I assume are wearing dresses. It's like a bunch of walking clothes!
I still can't picture any of the characters 3 books into the series and that continues to annoy me. All I see is a tall constable in a uniform, an inspector In a suit who limps, an older sergeant in an overcoat and several women who I assume are wearing dresses. It's like a bunch of walking clothes!
June 8, 2021
Complex but extremely enjoyable
This 3rd book of the series has been very well researched and I had trouble putting it down. The consistency of the 3 books is the fact that there are so many layers to these mysteries, but not in an overwhelming sense. So enjoyable and a very easy read. I do hope that there are more coming.
This 3rd book of the series has been very well researched and I had trouble putting it down. The consistency of the 3 books is the fact that there are so many layers to these mysteries, but not in an overwhelming sense. So enjoyable and a very easy read. I do hope that there are more coming.
November 21, 2021
Enjoyed it but...
First of all, the positives were interesting plot and I enjoyed the historical background of women in WWI. The team interactions such as they were, were intriguing. The negatives were editing needed work too many spelling and grammatical errors. The main characters especially Beech need much more fleshing out to be at all interesting.
First of all, the positives were interesting plot and I enjoyed the historical background of women in WWI. The team interactions such as they were, were intriguing. The negatives were editing needed work too many spelling and grammatical errors. The main characters especially Beech need much more fleshing out to be at all interesting.
July 6, 2022
Wow!
Mayfair 100 team has another winner! This involves neutral nations supplying war materials to Germany. The problem is that British companies are moving goods through England
to a final destination in Germany, just because they are greedy! Fantastic story with an excellent plot!
Mayfair 100 team has another winner! This involves neutral nations supplying war materials to Germany. The problem is that British companies are moving goods through England
to a final destination in Germany, just because they are greedy! Fantastic story with an excellent plot!
July 6, 2022
A fascinating read.
Exciting, very interesting & fast moving book. Loved the characters. The adventures they all under took was presented with great precision. I read all three books & I'm hoping there will be more very soon. A great read for anyone that enjoys history, mystery & medicine.
Exciting, very interesting & fast moving book. Loved the characters. The adventures they all under took was presented with great precision. I read all three books & I'm hoping there will be more very soon. A great read for anyone that enjoys history, mystery & medicine.
July 23, 2022
wonderful
I really loved all three books, and would recommend them to anyone who liked a good mystery. I have enjoyed learning a little bit about the history of WW1, as I am a history buff. Finally I hope Lynn writes more books because you really grow to love each one of the characters.
I really loved all three books, and would recommend them to anyone who liked a good mystery. I have enjoyed learning a little bit about the history of WW1, as I am a history buff. Finally I hope Lynn writes more books because you really grow to love each one of the characters.
September 25, 2022
The Mayfair 100 team continues to grow and what seems like a relatively standard murder of an unknown woman soon becomes an investigation into treason, spying and the safety of munitions workers.
The third book in the series and while it was still enjoyable I sometimes felt like there were too many plots trying to be tied up, almost as though it was trying to be over-complicated.
The third book in the series and while it was still enjoyable I sometimes felt like there were too many plots trying to be tied up, almost as though it was trying to be over-complicated.
October 22, 2021
This is a great series to read when you're looking for a comfort read. The characters have great camaraderie, exhibit traits we all aspire to, and solve interesting mysteries. This book was like slipping under a cozy blanket--my only complaint is that I wish there were more of them!
January 22, 2022
I've really enjoyed all the books in this series. Has a great cast of characters in it with a lot of laughs had. The mysteries are enough to keep you guessing and trying to work out which way they go. Highly recommend and looking forward to the next in the series.
November 11, 2022
They keep getting better!
Ms. Brittney is a fantastic writer. Her character development is great. I actually cried when Myrtle dIed. I truly hope.
Lynn continues with this series!
Ms. Brittney is a fantastic writer. Her character development is great. I actually cried when Myrtle dIed. I truly hope.
Lynn continues with this series!
January 21, 2023
good
I am invested in these wonderful characters. I liked that we got a little more of Beech than in previous books. He seems a little on the seams, not entirely fleshed out. We got more of an intimate picture of him in this one I think.
I am invested in these wonderful characters. I liked that we got a little more of Beech than in previous books. He seems a little on the seams, not entirely fleshed out. We got more of an intimate picture of him in this one I think.
June 7, 2021
Love this series and was glad to be back with the Mayfair 100. Interesting mystery that dealt with interesting facts about war profiteers and how it bordered on treason. Good story.
June 28, 2021
Good series
Have enjoyed read about the gang again. Look forward to the next in the series. Learned many new things about the Great War.
Have enjoyed read about the gang again. Look forward to the next in the series. Learned many new things about the Great War.
July 31, 2021
Really good read. Just enjoy an easy read with an entertaining story
November 8, 2021
Waiting for the third one
Wasn't sure at first about the additional characters and going off at a different angle, however the characters became better
Wasn't sure at first about the additional characters and going off at a different angle, however the characters became better
July 22, 2022
good
Really enjoyed this series. Decent character development, interesting plots and lots of historical detail. I hope that there will be more.
Really enjoyed this series. Decent character development, interesting plots and lots of historical detail. I hope that there will be more.
July 31, 2022
Best yet
This was by far the best one yet. I’m also excited that there is a 4th book in the series.
This was by far the best one yet. I’m also excited that there is a 4th book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews