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Mitford Murders #4
Unity
Het is 1933 en Louisa Cannon is dolgelukkig: ze is getrouwd met haar grote liefde Guy Sullivan en doet een opleiding tot stenograaf. Maar dan wordt ze benaderd door een geheimzinnige man die haar vraagt om de Mitford-zussen Diane en Unity, die lid zijn van de Britse unie van Fascisten te bespioneren tijdens een cruise die ze een paar weken later zullen maken. In eerste instantie weigert ze, maar de man benadrukt dat de toekomst van Engeland op het spel staat. En zo vergezelt ze de Mitford even daarna op reis. Ze zijn nog niet lang onderweg als één van de passagiers op brute wijze wordt vermoord en Louisa bij het onderzoek betrokken raakt. Al snel worden er twee personen verdacht, maar Louisa betwijfelt of ze schuldig zijn. Terwijl ze probeert om haar onderzoek en haar missie te combineren, raakt ze steeds verder verstrikt in een web van geheimen en tegenstrijdige belangen. Twee jaar later begint de rechtszaak tegen de verdachten. Zal het recht zegevieren of loopt de echte moordenaar nog vrij rond?
301 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
November 9, 2020
Louisa Cannon was happy. It was her wedding day, and she would soon be Mrs Sullivan, wife to DS Guy Sullivan, a member of the CID, Metropolitan Police, London. No longer would she be a lady’s maid, catering to the Mitford sisters’ every whim. But when Louisa was approached first by Lady Redesdale, then by the enigmatic Iain, to accompany the Mitfords on a cruise; to keep an eye on both Diana Guinness (nee Mitford) and her sister Unity, who both had fascist leanings and an unhealthy fascination with Sir Oswald Mosley, Louisa’s first instinct was to refuse. After all, it was only six months since she and Guy had married…
The European cruise was to take three weeks, but within a matter of days, unrest and arguments, fights and drunken brawls occurred. But when a man was brutally murdered, Louisa found herself embroiled in the case with suspects all over the Princess Alice. Their arrival in Rome would see most of the party disembark and head back to London – the cruise was spoiled for the Mitfords and Louisa certainly didn’t want anything more to do with the danger and entrapment she was involved in.
Up and coming new lawyer, Tom Mitford, found himself part of the trial some three years later. But would the person who murdered onboard the Princess Alice walk free – or hang for the offence?
The Mitford Trial is the 4th in the Mitford Murders series by Jessica Fellowes and as with the last three titles, I loved this one. Set in 1933 with unrest, Hitler on the horizon, zealous Nazis and naïve and innocent young women caught up in the fervour. I liked the way the novel was set up with chapters of the trial interspersed with what was happening on the ship, toward the latter part of the story. The Mitford Trial is based on a true story – details at the end of the novel by the author. (But don’t read it first as it contains spoilers) Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The European cruise was to take three weeks, but within a matter of days, unrest and arguments, fights and drunken brawls occurred. But when a man was brutally murdered, Louisa found herself embroiled in the case with suspects all over the Princess Alice. Their arrival in Rome would see most of the party disembark and head back to London – the cruise was spoiled for the Mitfords and Louisa certainly didn’t want anything more to do with the danger and entrapment she was involved in.
Up and coming new lawyer, Tom Mitford, found himself part of the trial some three years later. But would the person who murdered onboard the Princess Alice walk free – or hang for the offence?
The Mitford Trial is the 4th in the Mitford Murders series by Jessica Fellowes and as with the last three titles, I loved this one. Set in 1933 with unrest, Hitler on the horizon, zealous Nazis and naïve and innocent young women caught up in the fervour. I liked the way the novel was set up with chapters of the trial interspersed with what was happening on the ship, toward the latter part of the story. The Mitford Trial is based on a true story – details at the end of the novel by the author. (But don’t read it first as it contains spoilers) Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for Providing me with a free advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
For her fourth book on the legendary British Mitford Sisters, author Jessica Fellowes follows them on a cruise, a cruise that turns out to be worse than ever imagined, and one that puts the family right smack in the middle of the action and intrigue.
Fellowes is the niece of Julian Fellowes, the writer of Downton Abby, and so she seems to have followed his lead in these books about the Mitford’s who are wealthy aristocrats, as well as their now former maid Louisa. This book really shows the differences in the class structure in England, as Louise has already left the families employ when she married policeman Guy Sullivan, but despite that fact the family feels they need a maid to accompany them on their 3-week cruise and so Louisa reluctantly accepts.
Lots of fascinating people are on this cruise including German businessmen and his assistant, a bankrupt architect and is always drunken wife, amorous crew members, many fellow wealthy Brits and nobles, and halfway through the book Louisa’s husband Guy Sullivan joins the group, seemingly out of the blue. And it is shortly after Guy arrives on the boat in Livorno, Italy that a heinous crime occurs.
One of the Mitford sisters is called to the scene and she alerts Louisa and Guy to the crime. Because of the boats location in international waters and since it is a British cruise liner, Guy is quickly put in charge of the investigation because he is the only British police officer on the boat.
Before we know it two people are claiming to be the assailant and nobody knows for sure what really happened, how it happened and why it occurred? Eventually Louisa discovers the weapon and soon a search of the entire ship occurs. Incidents occur that force Louisa into a prime investigative role and by the time the boat arrives in Rome the assault has turned into a murder and two people are under arrest.
Interspersed within the book are scenes from the murder trial two years in the future, and by the end of the book there are plot twists to keep your head spinning!
This being the 4th book of the series, all the names and titles of the Mitford Sisters and family get confusing to a first time reader. Sometimes we have first names being used, other times married names, and then there are titles also used. If you can work your way around all of this, you will find that The Mitford Trial is a real pager that exposes the foibles of the Upper Class, as well being one heck of a good mystery!
This review was previously published at www.mysteryandsuspense.com
For her fourth book on the legendary British Mitford Sisters, author Jessica Fellowes follows them on a cruise, a cruise that turns out to be worse than ever imagined, and one that puts the family right smack in the middle of the action and intrigue.
Fellowes is the niece of Julian Fellowes, the writer of Downton Abby, and so she seems to have followed his lead in these books about the Mitford’s who are wealthy aristocrats, as well as their now former maid Louisa. This book really shows the differences in the class structure in England, as Louise has already left the families employ when she married policeman Guy Sullivan, but despite that fact the family feels they need a maid to accompany them on their 3-week cruise and so Louisa reluctantly accepts.
Lots of fascinating people are on this cruise including German businessmen and his assistant, a bankrupt architect and is always drunken wife, amorous crew members, many fellow wealthy Brits and nobles, and halfway through the book Louisa’s husband Guy Sullivan joins the group, seemingly out of the blue. And it is shortly after Guy arrives on the boat in Livorno, Italy that a heinous crime occurs.
One of the Mitford sisters is called to the scene and she alerts Louisa and Guy to the crime. Because of the boats location in international waters and since it is a British cruise liner, Guy is quickly put in charge of the investigation because he is the only British police officer on the boat.
Before we know it two people are claiming to be the assailant and nobody knows for sure what really happened, how it happened and why it occurred? Eventually Louisa discovers the weapon and soon a search of the entire ship occurs. Incidents occur that force Louisa into a prime investigative role and by the time the boat arrives in Rome the assault has turned into a murder and two people are under arrest.
Interspersed within the book are scenes from the murder trial two years in the future, and by the end of the book there are plot twists to keep your head spinning!
This being the 4th book of the series, all the names and titles of the Mitford Sisters and family get confusing to a first time reader. Sometimes we have first names being used, other times married names, and then there are titles also used. If you can work your way around all of this, you will find that The Mitford Trial is a real pager that exposes the foibles of the Upper Class, as well being one heck of a good mystery!
This review was previously published at www.mysteryandsuspense.com
February 2, 2021
This is Book 4 in "The Mitford Murders" mystery series, and opens in Kent in 1933. It is her wedding day, and Louisa Cannon has just married Guy Sullivan, a member of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Metropolitan Police, London. She is no longer a ladies maid for the Mitford sisters, is training as a stenographer, and is looking forward to married life. However, strange and unusual circumstances find her as a temporary ladies maid, traveling with the Mitfords on the cruise ship The Princess Alice when a murder is committed. The ensuing trial leaves Louisa in a quandary, as she knows information she cannot share and is more involved than anyone could imagine.
Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. The book is fictional, but based on true events. Among the true characters from history that appear in this novel are the eccentric and controversial Mitford sisters, their brother Thomas Mitford, and known fascist Sir Oswald Mosley. Fellowes does a great job of combining fact and fiction. This novel is at times complex and compelling, but at other times I found it moved a little too slowly for me. I did not really connect with the characters and was not fond of their choices. However, I would recommend this book to fans of historical crime/mystery novels and anyone who enjoys reading about the Mitford sisters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley for Historical Novels Review. My review is voluntary.
Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. The book is fictional, but based on true events. Among the true characters from history that appear in this novel are the eccentric and controversial Mitford sisters, their brother Thomas Mitford, and known fascist Sir Oswald Mosley. Fellowes does a great job of combining fact and fiction. This novel is at times complex and compelling, but at other times I found it moved a little too slowly for me. I did not really connect with the characters and was not fond of their choices. However, I would recommend this book to fans of historical crime/mystery novels and anyone who enjoys reading about the Mitford sisters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley for Historical Novels Review. My review is voluntary.
October 27, 2022
Enjoyable, but I feel this series is getting a bit too repetitive at this point.
November 1, 2020
“The Mitford Trial” is the fourth installment in the Mitford Murders series. This time the story is inspired by a real life murder, and Louisa and her new husband Guy are back to try and solve the case, but in a Europe going trough the rise of fascism, the dangers they must face are that much harder.
It’s always a joy coming back to this series. Louisa is such a lovable character. We’ve seen her truly grow throughout the years. In her new life as Mrs. Sullivan she just juggle what others expect of her as a married woman and her desires as a modern working gal.
One thing I truly like about this series is that each book is centered around one of the Mitford sisters. After finishing each volume, I always have the need to learn more about them and, although I found Unity’s ideas revolting, I wanna know more about her and her story. All the sisters are fascinating characters and I find very interesting how different they all were despite their same upbringing.
The murder mystery itself looked quite straight forward at first, but it was soon revealed that much more darker interests were behind that death. The actual resolution felt a bit rushed and, though in logic with the political situation at the time, it was a bit disheartening. I’m so curious to see what Louisa does with the info she has and if that will mean a new chapter in her career.
Ms. Fellowes writes a terrific historical murder mystery that blends fact and fiction of a period where the threat of fascism was on the horizon, what adds a dark and convulse background to the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere for providing and eARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s always a joy coming back to this series. Louisa is such a lovable character. We’ve seen her truly grow throughout the years. In her new life as Mrs. Sullivan she just juggle what others expect of her as a married woman and her desires as a modern working gal.
One thing I truly like about this series is that each book is centered around one of the Mitford sisters. After finishing each volume, I always have the need to learn more about them and, although I found Unity’s ideas revolting, I wanna know more about her and her story. All the sisters are fascinating characters and I find very interesting how different they all were despite their same upbringing.
The murder mystery itself looked quite straight forward at first, but it was soon revealed that much more darker interests were behind that death. The actual resolution felt a bit rushed and, though in logic with the political situation at the time, it was a bit disheartening. I’m so curious to see what Louisa does with the info she has and if that will mean a new chapter in her career.
Ms. Fellowes writes a terrific historical murder mystery that blends fact and fiction of a period where the threat of fascism was on the horizon, what adds a dark and convulse background to the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere for providing and eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2021
This started out slow and unrealistic.
Our ‘heroine’ Louisa recently married to a policeman is approached by a stranger saying that the British Government needs her to spy on Diana Mitford.
No questions asked, no suspicion about this stranger even as he gives his name as Iain but states it is not his real name.
Not a moment thought or even a discussion with her policeman husband (at least not discussed in the book) our ‘heroine’ says: sure, ok, no problem. And off she goes with the family on a cruise.
Suddenly in the middle of the book Chapter 24, Page 141 the story switches to the Old Bailey, May 1935.
Then back to 1933 - UNTIL Chapter 31, Page 177 it’s back to the Old Bailey 1935.
From then on the story keeps flipping back and forth and all that did was to annoy me.
The whole thing was just ridiculous.
Had the author not done that I would likely have given this maybe 2-stars.
Our ‘heroine’ Louisa recently married to a policeman is approached by a stranger saying that the British Government needs her to spy on Diana Mitford.
No questions asked, no suspicion about this stranger even as he gives his name as Iain but states it is not his real name.
Not a moment thought or even a discussion with her policeman husband (at least not discussed in the book) our ‘heroine’ says: sure, ok, no problem. And off she goes with the family on a cruise.
Suddenly in the middle of the book Chapter 24, Page 141 the story switches to the Old Bailey, May 1935.
Then back to 1933 - UNTIL Chapter 31, Page 177 it’s back to the Old Bailey 1935.
From then on the story keeps flipping back and forth and all that did was to annoy me.
The whole thing was just ridiculous.
Had the author not done that I would likely have given this maybe 2-stars.
January 6, 2021
This book was genuinely awful. It jumps around. It leaves plot lines in the middle of them and never goes back. It jumps around [yes, I know I said that already. Yes, it needs to be said twice, and maybe more] and is so disjointed, you never know where you are. To jump from one year to the next and then back again is not a fun way to read a book. And this book uses this all the time. And it is just awful. There are so many characters, that by the end, I barely remembered just who this book was about. It was absolutely sensationalized [given the past books, I have a very difficult time believing that Louisa would enter into espionage and keep things from her husband and also go back into service for the Mitford's, who she now pretty much despises. The whole premise is just ridiculous and unbelievable and just added to the already awfulness of this book. The writing is also so poor, it was like she just had to get another book written and this was the result. And DO NOT EVEN get me started on the end. SO unsatisfying after all that mumbo-jumbo claptrap. I am officially done with this series and cannot recommend it to anyone.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2020
Another exciting mystery in the Mitford series which I’m thinking may be coming to an end but I’m hoping not. Based on a real murder - don’t read the end notes until you’ve finished the book - this time we’re on board a cruise ship, the Princess Alice, in the Mediterranean in the early 1930s. Louisa, now married to Guy, accepts the Mitfords’ offer to accompany them as their ladies’ maid but unbeknowns to them, she has an ulterior motive. When Joseph Fowler is found murdered in his stateroom, the candidates for perpetrator are obvious. But are they too obvious? Running as a parallel story is Diana (Mitford) Guinness’s involvement with Sir Oswald Moseley and Unity Mitford’s obsession with Hitler.
Jessica Fellowes is a careful researcher and has managed to unearth a true crime of passion on which to base this story. When combined with the Mitford sisters’ political obsessions, this makes for an exciting and interesting storyline. It’s a real page turner, at times only just (but successfully) managing to avoid melodrama, and I would love there to be a 5th in this series.
With thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review copy.
Jessica Fellowes is a careful researcher and has managed to unearth a true crime of passion on which to base this story. When combined with the Mitford sisters’ political obsessions, this makes for an exciting and interesting storyline. It’s a real page turner, at times only just (but successfully) managing to avoid melodrama, and I would love there to be a 5th in this series.
With thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review copy.
November 8, 2020
Mitford Murders #4
It's former lady's maid, Louisa Cannon's wedding day, but the fantasy is shattered when she is approached by a secretive man asking her to spy on Diana Mitford. Diana is having an affair with the infamous Oswald Moseley and her similary fascist sister, Unity. Louisa finds herself accompanying the Mitfords on a cruise. But a man gets attacked and there's suspects everywhere.
This story was inspired by a real life murder. I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but I do like historical fiction with a bit of a murder mystery to solve. Louisa agrees to accompany three of the Mitford women on a cruise. The tory flips back and forth between their time on the ship and the court case. The pace is steady throughout. The plotline kept me guessing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #LittleBrownBookGroupUK and the author #JesssicaFellowes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's former lady's maid, Louisa Cannon's wedding day, but the fantasy is shattered when she is approached by a secretive man asking her to spy on Diana Mitford. Diana is having an affair with the infamous Oswald Moseley and her similary fascist sister, Unity. Louisa finds herself accompanying the Mitfords on a cruise. But a man gets attacked and there's suspects everywhere.
This story was inspired by a real life murder. I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but I do like historical fiction with a bit of a murder mystery to solve. Louisa agrees to accompany three of the Mitford women on a cruise. The tory flips back and forth between their time on the ship and the court case. The pace is steady throughout. The plotline kept me guessing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #LittleBrownBookGroupUK and the author #JesssicaFellowes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2021
I've now read all four of the Mitford Murders books, and they lose a little bit of charm with each installment. Fellowes did a lot of historical research for this book, but the plotting, characterization, and story just falls flat. Louisa is sent off on a cruise with the Mitfords on the thinnest of pretenses, and the mystery is not particularly interesting. It moves between the time of the cruise and a later trial, but it's not clear what that adds to the story. Ultimately, the solution is extremely unsatisfying and the book is pretty uninspiring.
I received an arc of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an arc of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
It's her wedding day, but a lady's maid is asked to spy on her employer, who is having an affair with a fascist in 1933. Things lead to murder, and there is a prickly mess to find out whodunnit.
Historically pretty accurate.
It's her wedding day, but a lady's maid is asked to spy on her employer, who is having an affair with a fascist in 1933. Things lead to murder, and there is a prickly mess to find out whodunnit.
Historically pretty accurate.
May 13, 2021
For someone who owes so much to the Mitford family, (see #1 in this series: THE MITFORD MURDERS) protagonist, Louisa Cannon, is surprisingly caustic about them and acts extremely put-upon to be asked if she wishes to attend some of them on a Mediterranean cruise, for pay, of course. At first she turns them down as she is recently married to DS Guy Sullivan of the Metropolitan police and is currently training to be a court reporter, so she doesn't have time or desire to take a trip which would involve a lot of work. However, things change when she is approached by a mysterious man who claims that all she needs to know is that he is from the government and she should call him Iain! Basically, she is recruited without much choice, to spy on two of the Mitford sisters, Unity and Diana who are both showing strong fascist sympathies, especially Diana who is carrying on an affair with Oswald Moseley, leader of the British fascists.
From there, the story becomes more and more ludicrous, not because it isn't based on some facts (Diana did end up marrying Moseley, and Unity became a fanatical Hitler supporter,) but because of the contrived ways in which Louisa, a completely fictional character, snoops around half-heartedly and yet manages to always be in the right place at the time (on a giant ocean liner!) to hear crucial secrets and see letters being brandished around. There is a murder and then who should show up on board but Louisa's detective husband! The catch here is that he isn't in the know about Louisa's top-secret assignment and she can't/won't tell him. This leads to quite a predicament, to say the least. All-in-all, it was a story with a lot of potential that got buried under a narrative that couldn't hold up the weight of the plot.
It didn't help that the book was riddled with elementary grammatical errors and timing discrepancies. Also, the ending was rushed and totally implausible. I fully expected someone to pop up and say "just kidding!" while explaining what really happened!
From there, the story becomes more and more ludicrous, not because it isn't based on some facts (Diana did end up marrying Moseley, and Unity became a fanatical Hitler supporter,) but because of the contrived ways in which Louisa, a completely fictional character, snoops around half-heartedly and yet manages to always be in the right place at the time (on a giant ocean liner!) to hear crucial secrets and see letters being brandished around. There is a murder and then who should show up on board but Louisa's detective husband! The catch here is that he isn't in the know about Louisa's top-secret assignment and she can't/won't tell him. This leads to quite a predicament, to say the least. All-in-all, it was a story with a lot of potential that got buried under a narrative that couldn't hold up the weight of the plot.
It didn't help that the book was riddled with elementary grammatical errors and timing discrepancies. Also, the ending was rushed and totally implausible. I fully expected someone to pop up and say "just kidding!" while explaining what really happened!
July 31, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
International bestselling author Jessica Fellowes has produced another suspense filled volume in her Mitford Sisters series titled The Mitford Trial. With plenty of plot twists and a good serve of intrigue, The Mitford Trial charts the rise and popularity of fascism in a world of mounting conflict. Jessica Fellowes has produced another thrilling chapter in her popular historical series.
The Mitford Trial welcomes back Louisa Cannon, a maid who unwittily becomes a spy. On her wedding day, Louisa interacts with a man who asks her to spy on the famous Mitford family. While one Mitford sister has attracted unwanted attention to due an illicit affair, the other Mitford sister is being scrutinised for her fascist activities. Louisa embarks on a glamourous cruise with the Mitford family in an effort to obtain more information about their movements. This luxurious cruise soon ends in disaster when someone is struck down violently and the eye of suspicion is cast on many on board the glitzy cruise. The Mitford Trial also travels to Britain’s capital as the heroine of the tale is embroiled in family conflicts, rising fascism and a difficult court case. What scandals await the cast of The Mitford Trial?
If you a looking for a great mystery series that takes you inside the world of the rich and glamorous from times past, The Mitford Trial is a good story to turn to. I have only touched on this series a little, having read and enjoyed the series opener when it was released. There have been two more books since Jessica Fellowes first introduced this intriguing series, but I haven’t had a chance to read them yet. The opportunity to reconnect with this series thanks to the fourth issue of the infamous Mitford family fold came my way via a review copy of The Mitford Trial.
This time around former maid Louisa Cannon really takes to the floor and directs much of the action in The Mitford Trial. We also gain a significant insight into the world of Diana and Unity Mitford, thanks to Louisa’s spying activities. Fellowes devotes plenty of page time to the wider Mitford clan. With the addition of Louisa’s husband Guy, a detective, the reader is presented with a solid set of interesting characters. Louisa is a joy to follow and I found her warmth, honesty, bravery and movements very interesting. While the Mitford sisters had me swooning over their glamour, elegance and sophistication. I would love to have inhabited their world and I enjoyed watching how these women pushed the boundaries placed on them during these restrictive times.
The main mystery line of The Mitford Trial was full of suspicion, conspiracy, intricate plots and underhanded activities. The scenes based on the ritzy cruise liner allow for a closed type whodunnit case to evolve. Think a good dash of Agatha Christie or even contemporary novelist Ruth Ware. However, I will honestly admit to being a duped by this one. The mystery seemed to be quite complicated and confusing at times. I definitely struggled to get a good handle on this aspect of the story. The Mitford Trial definitely keeps you on your toes.
For me, the period detail is what enticed me to continue reading along, even when some areas of the book proved to be a challenge. The areas focused on the rising popularity of fascism and the growth of Nazism in Germany made The Mitford Trial historically interesting. It was also fascinating to observe the vices of the upper class and their failings as this novel progressed. Injecting plenty of real-life happenings into the book as explained by the author in her historical notes gave this book a great sheen. I’m sure other readers out there and fans of the series will appreciate all that Jessica Fellowes has to offer in The Mitford Trial.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
International bestselling author Jessica Fellowes has produced another suspense filled volume in her Mitford Sisters series titled The Mitford Trial. With plenty of plot twists and a good serve of intrigue, The Mitford Trial charts the rise and popularity of fascism in a world of mounting conflict. Jessica Fellowes has produced another thrilling chapter in her popular historical series.
The Mitford Trial welcomes back Louisa Cannon, a maid who unwittily becomes a spy. On her wedding day, Louisa interacts with a man who asks her to spy on the famous Mitford family. While one Mitford sister has attracted unwanted attention to due an illicit affair, the other Mitford sister is being scrutinised for her fascist activities. Louisa embarks on a glamourous cruise with the Mitford family in an effort to obtain more information about their movements. This luxurious cruise soon ends in disaster when someone is struck down violently and the eye of suspicion is cast on many on board the glitzy cruise. The Mitford Trial also travels to Britain’s capital as the heroine of the tale is embroiled in family conflicts, rising fascism and a difficult court case. What scandals await the cast of The Mitford Trial?
If you a looking for a great mystery series that takes you inside the world of the rich and glamorous from times past, The Mitford Trial is a good story to turn to. I have only touched on this series a little, having read and enjoyed the series opener when it was released. There have been two more books since Jessica Fellowes first introduced this intriguing series, but I haven’t had a chance to read them yet. The opportunity to reconnect with this series thanks to the fourth issue of the infamous Mitford family fold came my way via a review copy of The Mitford Trial.
This time around former maid Louisa Cannon really takes to the floor and directs much of the action in The Mitford Trial. We also gain a significant insight into the world of Diana and Unity Mitford, thanks to Louisa’s spying activities. Fellowes devotes plenty of page time to the wider Mitford clan. With the addition of Louisa’s husband Guy, a detective, the reader is presented with a solid set of interesting characters. Louisa is a joy to follow and I found her warmth, honesty, bravery and movements very interesting. While the Mitford sisters had me swooning over their glamour, elegance and sophistication. I would love to have inhabited their world and I enjoyed watching how these women pushed the boundaries placed on them during these restrictive times.
The main mystery line of The Mitford Trial was full of suspicion, conspiracy, intricate plots and underhanded activities. The scenes based on the ritzy cruise liner allow for a closed type whodunnit case to evolve. Think a good dash of Agatha Christie or even contemporary novelist Ruth Ware. However, I will honestly admit to being a duped by this one. The mystery seemed to be quite complicated and confusing at times. I definitely struggled to get a good handle on this aspect of the story. The Mitford Trial definitely keeps you on your toes.
For me, the period detail is what enticed me to continue reading along, even when some areas of the book proved to be a challenge. The areas focused on the rising popularity of fascism and the growth of Nazism in Germany made The Mitford Trial historically interesting. It was also fascinating to observe the vices of the upper class and their failings as this novel progressed. Injecting plenty of real-life happenings into the book as explained by the author in her historical notes gave this book a great sheen. I’m sure other readers out there and fans of the series will appreciate all that Jessica Fellowes has to offer in The Mitford Trial.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
February 17, 2021
RATING: 2.5 STARS
May 4, 2021
3.5 Stars
It is 1933, and Louisa Sullivan has been six months married, having left employment with the wealthy Mitford family to marry Guy Sullivan, a Detective Sargent with the British Police. But now the Mitford's have approached Louisa about becoming a chaperone and lady's maid for three of their daughters who are going to be embarking on a cruise. Louisa ends up accepting this position, as it turns out Guy is going to be away from home during this time as well. After a man is murdered on the cruise ship, Louisa becomes embroiled in trying to find the murderer.
This is a fictional story, but is based on a number of true events. The Mitfords were a well-known and wealthy family in Britain. Two of their daughters did join the British Union of Fascists, which becomes an important factor in this story. The murder on the ship, and the subsequent trial did occur in 1933.
I think I was at a disadvantage in reading, and then rating, this book as it is the 4th in a series, and I have not read any of the previous books. From reading what other reviewers have written, I fear I am not doing this book justice, coming into the middle of the story, in a way. However, I did learn things I did not know previously, which is one of the major things I enjoy about historical fiction. I may go back and read the other three leading up to this one in this series.
My thanks to Netgalley, Jessica Fellowes, and Minotaur Publishers for the copy of the book I was furnished. I will try to be more cautious about what books I request that are part of a series.
It is 1933, and Louisa Sullivan has been six months married, having left employment with the wealthy Mitford family to marry Guy Sullivan, a Detective Sargent with the British Police. But now the Mitford's have approached Louisa about becoming a chaperone and lady's maid for three of their daughters who are going to be embarking on a cruise. Louisa ends up accepting this position, as it turns out Guy is going to be away from home during this time as well. After a man is murdered on the cruise ship, Louisa becomes embroiled in trying to find the murderer.
This is a fictional story, but is based on a number of true events. The Mitfords were a well-known and wealthy family in Britain. Two of their daughters did join the British Union of Fascists, which becomes an important factor in this story. The murder on the ship, and the subsequent trial did occur in 1933.
I think I was at a disadvantage in reading, and then rating, this book as it is the 4th in a series, and I have not read any of the previous books. From reading what other reviewers have written, I fear I am not doing this book justice, coming into the middle of the story, in a way. However, I did learn things I did not know previously, which is one of the major things I enjoy about historical fiction. I may go back and read the other three leading up to this one in this series.
My thanks to Netgalley, Jessica Fellowes, and Minotaur Publishers for the copy of the book I was furnished. I will try to be more cautious about what books I request that are part of a series.
March 11, 2021
3 1/2 stars
December 31, 2022
Finalmente la struttura si diversifica un pochino dai precedenti. Interessante la vicenda e come sempre l'ambientazione storica. Bello anche il parallelo fra vicende e successivo processo. Un po' forzata la deriva spy story, Louisa come spia del governo non ce la vedo proprio!
October 14, 2023
Molto accattivante questa serie in cui personaggi realmente esistiti e fatti realmente accaduti si mescolano abilmente con la fiction per ricreare dei casi polizieschi che hanno per protagonisti i nostri carissimi Louisa Cannon e Guy Sullivan. Anzi, non è neanche corretto chiamare Louisa Cannon, perché ormai ha sposato il suo Guy ed è diventata Sullivan.
Purtroppo, Louisa non è ancora riuscita a liberarsi dall'influenza della famiglia Mitford - che sopporta sempre meno - perché viene contattata da un agente segreto che le chiede di indagare tra le conoscenze della famiglia Mitford durante una crociera che Lady Redesdale deve fare con le due figlie Unity e Diana, che sta per divorziare da Bryan Guinness e non nasconde la propria relazione con Sir Oswald Mosley - il capo del partito fascista britannico, che lei chiama Capo.
Louisa è quindi costretta ad accettare di fare da cameriera personale delle tre donne, malgrado avesse già detto di no a Nancy, che l'aveva contattata. E comunque i rapporti tesi della giovane con la suocera, con cui Louisa e Guy sono andati a vivere dopo il matrimonio, rendono sempre più gradito un periodo di lontananza da Londra.
La crociera si svolge tra maggio e giugno 1933, e Louisa riesce a ottenere un po' di informazioni. Purtroppo, durante il viaggio, un uomo viene colpito ripetutamente in testa con un mazzuolo e si trova tra la vita e la morte.
Per caso, Guy aveva raggiunto Louisa in Italia per farle una sorpresa, così si prende carico delle indagini, mentre Louisa cerca il suo collegamento per far pervenire le informazioni che ha trovato agli agenti della Corona.
A un certo punto, ai fatti e alle indagini che si svolgono sulla nave da crociera nel 1933 si alterna l'udienza per il processo dei presunti colpevoli, che si svolge all'Old Bailey due anni dopo. Ho trovato questo passaggio da un periodo all'altro molto cinematografico, ma anche un po' confusionario.
Comunque, l'atmosfera tesa degli anni '30, le simpatie di alcune delle Mitford - e anche di molti altri inglesi - per Hitler e l'antisemitismo dilagante sono davvero rappresentati splendidamente (e fanno venire i brividi).
Purtroppo, Louisa non è ancora riuscita a liberarsi dall'influenza della famiglia Mitford - che sopporta sempre meno - perché viene contattata da un agente segreto che le chiede di indagare tra le conoscenze della famiglia Mitford durante una crociera che Lady Redesdale deve fare con le due figlie Unity e Diana, che sta per divorziare da Bryan Guinness e non nasconde la propria relazione con Sir Oswald Mosley - il capo del partito fascista britannico, che lei chiama Capo.
Louisa è quindi costretta ad accettare di fare da cameriera personale delle tre donne, malgrado avesse già detto di no a Nancy, che l'aveva contattata. E comunque i rapporti tesi della giovane con la suocera, con cui Louisa e Guy sono andati a vivere dopo il matrimonio, rendono sempre più gradito un periodo di lontananza da Londra.
La crociera si svolge tra maggio e giugno 1933, e Louisa riesce a ottenere un po' di informazioni. Purtroppo, durante il viaggio, un uomo viene colpito ripetutamente in testa con un mazzuolo e si trova tra la vita e la morte.
Per caso, Guy aveva raggiunto Louisa in Italia per farle una sorpresa, così si prende carico delle indagini, mentre Louisa cerca il suo collegamento per far pervenire le informazioni che ha trovato agli agenti della Corona.
A un certo punto, ai fatti e alle indagini che si svolgono sulla nave da crociera nel 1933 si alterna l'udienza per il processo dei presunti colpevoli, che si svolge all'Old Bailey due anni dopo. Ho trovato questo passaggio da un periodo all'altro molto cinematografico, ma anche un po' confusionario.
Comunque, l'atmosfera tesa degli anni '30, le simpatie di alcune delle Mitford - e anche di molti altri inglesi - per Hitler e l'antisemitismo dilagante sono davvero rappresentati splendidamente (e fanno venire i brividi).
June 15, 2021
I so much disliked this book #4 ((((((
I've read the previous 3 books and they were OK, but this one I simply did not like.
Everything was wrong for me: the dialogues, the setting, the relations between characters
It felt like you are reading something synthetic, like shewing on plastic candy, smells like a real candy, has a taste of a real candy, but it all fakes
Some banal phrases (((
Not to myself: please do not read any of Jessica Fellows books.
She has been riding the name of her uncle for a while, and now she simply can not write ((((
I've read the previous 3 books and they were OK, but this one I simply did not like.
Everything was wrong for me: the dialogues, the setting, the relations between characters
It felt like you are reading something synthetic, like shewing on plastic candy, smells like a real candy, has a taste of a real candy, but it all fakes
Some banal phrases (((
Not to myself: please do not read any of Jessica Fellows books.
She has been riding the name of her uncle for a while, and now she simply can not write ((((
January 14, 2021
Il processo Mitford è il quarto volume della saga di gialli storici scritta da Jessica Fellows che va sotto il nome de I delitti Mitford-Sei sorelle, una vita di misteri, edita in Italia da Neri Pozza Editore.
Come ormai la Fellows ci ha abituati, anche in questo caso, lo spunto per creare la trama viene offerto da fatti di cronaca realmente accaduti a Londra negli anni ’30 del secolo scorso, che vedono il diretto coinvolgimento della famiglia Mitford. Senza ombra di dubbio, questa volta è Louisa Cannon al centro della scena, insieme alle ormai famigliari donne Mitford.
«Invece Louisa era certa di sentirsi perfettamente calma e al sicuro, come se sapesse di essere finalmente sulla via di casa dopo un’assenza troppo lunga»
Il processo Mitford – Trama
Londra, 15 ottobre 1932. Louisa Cannon e Guy Sullivan stanno finalmente convolando a nozze. È così che si apre la narrazione che coprir�� un arco narrativo di circa tre anni. Louisa, con sua grande soddisfazione, ha finalmente cambiato vita: moglie di un sergente investigativo del CID e praticante stenografa, ha lasciato alle spalle la sua vita da cameriera delle sorelle Mitford, anche se il filo che le unisce è molto più difficile da spezzare di quanto creda.
Infatti, nonostante la sua differente posizione sociale, Nancy, la maggiore delle sorelle, convoca Louisa nella casa paterna, per chiederle di accompagnare sua madre, Lady Redesdale e le sorelle Diana, Unity e Jessica in crociera. Inizialmente categorica nel rifiutare di servire nuovamente la famiglia Mitford, nei giorni seguenti Louisa si vedrà costretta a ritrattare la sua idea. Intercettata dai servizi segreti inglesi, riceverà la richiesta – da parte del governo britannico – di accompagnare le sorelle Mitford in viaggio, a causa dell’iscrizione di Diana e Unity al partito fascista inglese.
Nel libro precedente avevamo lasciato Diana sposata a Bryan Guinnes, ma infatuata di Sir Oswald Mosley, fondatore dell’Unione britannica fascista. In questo libro, il divorzio tra Diana e Bryan è imminente, e la sua relazione con Sir O. conosciuta da tutta la famiglia. Ancora più affascinata della sorella dall’avvento del fascismo è la ormai diciannovenne Unity, la quale desidera trasferirsi in Germania, imparare il tedesco e incontrare Hitler; differentemente da sua sorella poco più piccola Jessica, che invece approfitterà del viaggio di famiglia per trasferirsi a Parigi per condurre i suoi studi.
Reclutata dai servizi segreti all’insaputa di Guy, Louisa decide di partire con le Mitford per tenere sott’occhio i movimenti di Diana e Unity e scoprire informazioni utili sui piani tedeschi. Ciò che veramente sorprenderà Louisa però, sarà l’arrivo a sorpresa di suo marito. Poche ore più tardi, su quella stessa nave, verrà assassinato il passeggero Joseph Fowler. Ma perché? E soprattutto da chi? Guy e Louisa inizieranno due indagini separate che li troveranno schierati su due fronti opposti.
Perché leggerlo
Il processo Mitford alterna due racconti: quello dello svolgimento della crociera e delle indagini di Louisa; e quello del processo due anni più tardi, nell’aula dell’Old Bailey, primo tribunale. Louisa è la vera protagonista della narrazione: come abbiamo già visto nei libri precedenti, è alla ricerca costante del suo posto nel mondo; il fatto di essere diventata moglie non le impedisce di scegliersi una professione, di crearsi una carriera, senza accomodarsi nel ruolo della brava casalinga, moglie e madre. Il suo amore per Guy non le impedisce di fare ciò che realmente sente e vuole.
Se negli altri libri, Louisa è stata al centro delle investigazioni insieme a Nancy e Pamela, questa volta trama alle spalle di Diana e Unity. In realtà, questa nuova declinazione non sorprende del tutto ma, anzi, si sposa perfettamente con il clima di antipatia che Louisa già nutriva nei mesi a Parigi con Diana, quando era la sua cameriera personale. Le sorelle Mitford sono quasi lo sfondo in cui Louisa muove i suoi passi, consolida le proprie idee e i propri valori, conosce il mondo fatto di feste con il capitano della nave, partite di bridge e passeggiate sul ponte; ma non la distrae più da ciò che ha maturato essere la sua vera natura.
Inoltre, in questo libro si evincono le discrepanze più marcate tra i membri della famiglia Mitford, in particolare a causa dell’adesione al fascismo di Diana e Unity, per questo allontanate dalla sorella Jessica, fervente comunista, e da Nancy e Pamela, coscienti delle atrocità del partito di destra. Anche i genitori si mostrano fortemente contrari alle frequentazioni delle due sorelle e nondimeno, Tom, l’unico fratello, coinvolto come avvocato nel processo all’Old Bailey, non sarà altrettanto contento del secondo matrimonio di Diana con Sir O., ma si sforzerà di mantenere la pace famigliare con tutti i membri Mitford.
Il processo Mitford mette in gioco gli elementi che mi fanno amare i libri della Fellows: fatti di cronaca londinese, scandali, tradimenti, feste lussuose e divertimenti sfrenati, amori, intrighi, assassinii e investigazioni ufficiali e private. Aggiungendo però quel tocco di mistero ulteriore che mancava negli altri tre libri: i servizi segreti.
L’accenno alle manipolazioni dei governi britannico e tedesco, il reclutamento di agenti e spie apre a nuovi scenari ancora più affascinanti e degni di investigazione. Il coinvolgimento della famiglia Mitford con i nazisti e con Hitler in persona (fatti realmente accaduti) rende la narrazione ancora più coinvolgente, così come la reale implicazione di Tom nel vero processo che ha ispirato la Fellows nella storia di Jospeh Fowler.
È innegabile che anche in questo ultimo volume la Fellows sia riuscita a mescolare sapientemente elementi della realtà con dosi di finzione, riuscendo così a creare la ricetta del giallo perfetto.
Come ormai la Fellows ci ha abituati, anche in questo caso, lo spunto per creare la trama viene offerto da fatti di cronaca realmente accaduti a Londra negli anni ’30 del secolo scorso, che vedono il diretto coinvolgimento della famiglia Mitford. Senza ombra di dubbio, questa volta è Louisa Cannon al centro della scena, insieme alle ormai famigliari donne Mitford.
«Invece Louisa era certa di sentirsi perfettamente calma e al sicuro, come se sapesse di essere finalmente sulla via di casa dopo un’assenza troppo lunga»
Il processo Mitford – Trama
Londra, 15 ottobre 1932. Louisa Cannon e Guy Sullivan stanno finalmente convolando a nozze. È così che si apre la narrazione che coprir�� un arco narrativo di circa tre anni. Louisa, con sua grande soddisfazione, ha finalmente cambiato vita: moglie di un sergente investigativo del CID e praticante stenografa, ha lasciato alle spalle la sua vita da cameriera delle sorelle Mitford, anche se il filo che le unisce è molto più difficile da spezzare di quanto creda.
Infatti, nonostante la sua differente posizione sociale, Nancy, la maggiore delle sorelle, convoca Louisa nella casa paterna, per chiederle di accompagnare sua madre, Lady Redesdale e le sorelle Diana, Unity e Jessica in crociera. Inizialmente categorica nel rifiutare di servire nuovamente la famiglia Mitford, nei giorni seguenti Louisa si vedrà costretta a ritrattare la sua idea. Intercettata dai servizi segreti inglesi, riceverà la richiesta – da parte del governo britannico – di accompagnare le sorelle Mitford in viaggio, a causa dell’iscrizione di Diana e Unity al partito fascista inglese.
Nel libro precedente avevamo lasciato Diana sposata a Bryan Guinnes, ma infatuata di Sir Oswald Mosley, fondatore dell’Unione britannica fascista. In questo libro, il divorzio tra Diana e Bryan è imminente, e la sua relazione con Sir O. conosciuta da tutta la famiglia. Ancora più affascinata della sorella dall’avvento del fascismo è la ormai diciannovenne Unity, la quale desidera trasferirsi in Germania, imparare il tedesco e incontrare Hitler; differentemente da sua sorella poco più piccola Jessica, che invece approfitterà del viaggio di famiglia per trasferirsi a Parigi per condurre i suoi studi.
Reclutata dai servizi segreti all’insaputa di Guy, Louisa decide di partire con le Mitford per tenere sott’occhio i movimenti di Diana e Unity e scoprire informazioni utili sui piani tedeschi. Ciò che veramente sorprenderà Louisa però, sarà l’arrivo a sorpresa di suo marito. Poche ore più tardi, su quella stessa nave, verrà assassinato il passeggero Joseph Fowler. Ma perché? E soprattutto da chi? Guy e Louisa inizieranno due indagini separate che li troveranno schierati su due fronti opposti.
Perché leggerlo
Il processo Mitford alterna due racconti: quello dello svolgimento della crociera e delle indagini di Louisa; e quello del processo due anni più tardi, nell’aula dell’Old Bailey, primo tribunale. Louisa è la vera protagonista della narrazione: come abbiamo già visto nei libri precedenti, è alla ricerca costante del suo posto nel mondo; il fatto di essere diventata moglie non le impedisce di scegliersi una professione, di crearsi una carriera, senza accomodarsi nel ruolo della brava casalinga, moglie e madre. Il suo amore per Guy non le impedisce di fare ciò che realmente sente e vuole.
Se negli altri libri, Louisa è stata al centro delle investigazioni insieme a Nancy e Pamela, questa volta trama alle spalle di Diana e Unity. In realtà, questa nuova declinazione non sorprende del tutto ma, anzi, si sposa perfettamente con il clima di antipatia che Louisa già nutriva nei mesi a Parigi con Diana, quando era la sua cameriera personale. Le sorelle Mitford sono quasi lo sfondo in cui Louisa muove i suoi passi, consolida le proprie idee e i propri valori, conosce il mondo fatto di feste con il capitano della nave, partite di bridge e passeggiate sul ponte; ma non la distrae più da ciò che ha maturato essere la sua vera natura.
Inoltre, in questo libro si evincono le discrepanze più marcate tra i membri della famiglia Mitford, in particolare a causa dell’adesione al fascismo di Diana e Unity, per questo allontanate dalla sorella Jessica, fervente comunista, e da Nancy e Pamela, coscienti delle atrocità del partito di destra. Anche i genitori si mostrano fortemente contrari alle frequentazioni delle due sorelle e nondimeno, Tom, l’unico fratello, coinvolto come avvocato nel processo all’Old Bailey, non sarà altrettanto contento del secondo matrimonio di Diana con Sir O., ma si sforzerà di mantenere la pace famigliare con tutti i membri Mitford.
Il processo Mitford mette in gioco gli elementi che mi fanno amare i libri della Fellows: fatti di cronaca londinese, scandali, tradimenti, feste lussuose e divertimenti sfrenati, amori, intrighi, assassinii e investigazioni ufficiali e private. Aggiungendo però quel tocco di mistero ulteriore che mancava negli altri tre libri: i servizi segreti.
L’accenno alle manipolazioni dei governi britannico e tedesco, il reclutamento di agenti e spie apre a nuovi scenari ancora più affascinanti e degni di investigazione. Il coinvolgimento della famiglia Mitford con i nazisti e con Hitler in persona (fatti realmente accaduti) rende la narrazione ancora più coinvolgente, così come la reale implicazione di Tom nel vero processo che ha ispirato la Fellows nella storia di Jospeh Fowler.
È innegabile che anche in questo ultimo volume la Fellows sia riuscita a mescolare sapientemente elementi della realtà con dosi di finzione, riuscendo così a creare la ricetta del giallo perfetto.
November 27, 2023
I like the series, but so far, this was my least favorite book...
ICYMI (and I only found out last year when I found book 1) the Mitford sisters were actual people, and they were....fascinating? Born between 1904 and 1920, the 6 girls achieved infamy for outlandish behavior and problematic views. Diana divorced the heir of Guinness brewing to chase the Oswald Mosley, the British fascist. Unity became a Nazi sympathizer and was rumored to have been one of Hitler's girlfriends. She attempted suicide in 1940 and lingered several more years before dying of her wounds. This book is mostly Unity and Diana, but the other sisters are also interesting (one was a communist, one a socialist, one a novelist expatriate in France, and one a serene English noble woman.... speaking of the novelist, her work is thought to have inspired the Strange sisters in Harry Potter and some Downton Abbey characters, among others... I'm going to track down her books soon).
This series follows the life and times of the girls through fictional murders. Louisa Canon is a servant. She starts out having lied to gain employment to escape a bad home life in book 1. She manages to stay on, but she's obviously not one of the family. Her status does rise some as in the beginning of book 4 (this one) it starts with Louisa getting married to a policeman. In past books, she's done things like trail the girls to make sure they're safe at parties, but this time it's Unity and Diana who are the issue. Louisa agrees to spy on the girls whose sympathies were very well known.
One reason I liked this book less was that it was darker than the first 3. Yes, they're all about murders, but this one has the girls being older and more grown up and dabbling in really disturbing ideology.... but that ideology is also the big central point of the Mitford sisters' 6 it should be there.
The first third of the book was set up with travel details and little parties and standing in line in the post office in Italy lying to each other. There are some clues thrown in, but honestly, I didn't recall any of them until after the murder and the points are being brought back up.
There was one line I didn't like at first but it stuck with me and I think the author meant it to be absurd. The woman is heavily intoxicated and in proximity to the victim (while in possession of a motive). She makes an incriminating statement and the person who hears think that it can't possibly be held against her because she not in her right mind. Um yeah.... "your honor, she admitted to xyz".... I'm pretty sure that prosecution would work today.
The case, 2**
The Mitford sisters story 5*****
Louisa in this book 2.5 rounded up.
The pacing, 2**.
The mention of the orient express, priceless.
ICYMI (and I only found out last year when I found book 1) the Mitford sisters were actual people, and they were....fascinating? Born between 1904 and 1920, the 6 girls achieved infamy for outlandish behavior and problematic views. Diana divorced the heir of Guinness brewing to chase the Oswald Mosley, the British fascist. Unity became a Nazi sympathizer and was rumored to have been one of Hitler's girlfriends. She attempted suicide in 1940 and lingered several more years before dying of her wounds. This book is mostly Unity and Diana, but the other sisters are also interesting (one was a communist, one a socialist, one a novelist expatriate in France, and one a serene English noble woman.... speaking of the novelist, her work is thought to have inspired the Strange sisters in Harry Potter and some Downton Abbey characters, among others... I'm going to track down her books soon).
This series follows the life and times of the girls through fictional murders. Louisa Canon is a servant. She starts out having lied to gain employment to escape a bad home life in book 1. She manages to stay on, but she's obviously not one of the family. Her status does rise some as in the beginning of book 4 (this one) it starts with Louisa getting married to a policeman. In past books, she's done things like trail the girls to make sure they're safe at parties, but this time it's Unity and Diana who are the issue. Louisa agrees to spy on the girls whose sympathies were very well known.
One reason I liked this book less was that it was darker than the first 3. Yes, they're all about murders, but this one has the girls being older and more grown up and dabbling in really disturbing ideology.... but that ideology is also the big central point of the Mitford sisters' 6 it should be there.
The first third of the book was set up with travel details and little parties and standing in line in the post office in Italy lying to each other. There are some clues thrown in, but honestly, I didn't recall any of them until after the murder and the points are being brought back up.
There was one line I didn't like at first but it stuck with me and I think the author meant it to be absurd. The woman is heavily intoxicated and in proximity to the victim (while in possession of a motive). She makes an incriminating statement and the person who hears think that it can't possibly be held against her because she not in her right mind. Um yeah.... "your honor, she admitted to xyz".... I'm pretty sure that prosecution would work today.
The case, 2**
The Mitford sisters story 5*****
Louisa in this book 2.5 rounded up.
The pacing, 2**.
The mention of the orient express, priceless.
November 7, 2020
This series is not getting better as it continues.
Once again, Jessica Fellowes finds a real murder case, fictionalizes it, and uses it for her own ends. She combines it with Diana Mitford's passion for fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley, and Unity Mitford's obsession with Hitler and Nazism, and then tosses her character Louisa Cannon (about to become Louisa Sullivan as the book opens)into the mix. It's a mess.
To make matters worse, Fellowes goes back and forth in time to the eponymous trial, but doesn't do it smoothly, only throwing in bits and pieces that add to the confusion. The Mitfords are as unpleasant as ever, perhaps even more so with Unity moving towards center stage. She was just as repulsive as Diana, possibly more so. But their name sells, and the book blurb describes them as "fascinating and glamorous." It leaves out "spoiled, selfish and bigoted." I'd be happy to see the last of them. Fellowes suggests a possible new life opening up for Louisa and Guy, but I'm sure that no matter what that entails, she'll find a way to involve them again with the Mitfords.
Once again, Jessica Fellowes finds a real murder case, fictionalizes it, and uses it for her own ends. She combines it with Diana Mitford's passion for fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley, and Unity Mitford's obsession with Hitler and Nazism, and then tosses her character Louisa Cannon (about to become Louisa Sullivan as the book opens)into the mix. It's a mess.
To make matters worse, Fellowes goes back and forth in time to the eponymous trial, but doesn't do it smoothly, only throwing in bits and pieces that add to the confusion. The Mitfords are as unpleasant as ever, perhaps even more so with Unity moving towards center stage. She was just as repulsive as Diana, possibly more so. But their name sells, and the book blurb describes them as "fascinating and glamorous." It leaves out "spoiled, selfish and bigoted." I'd be happy to see the last of them. Fellowes suggests a possible new life opening up for Louisa and Guy, but I'm sure that no matter what that entails, she'll find a way to involve them again with the Mitfords.
November 27, 2020
This book, the 4th in the series, sees Louisa Cannon getting married to her long time beau Guy Sullivan with members of the Mitford family attending. It has been many years since Louisa first met the Mitford family and they have all grown up and changed—some not for the better. Before long, Louisa and members of the Mitford family are once again caught up in murder.
Based, in part, on real life events and facts including the murder and some of the Mitford daughter’ anti-Semitism and support of Hitler this is not a light-hearted book set in the roaring twenties but the darker days leading up to World War II. Fellowes is able to weave historical facts with real people and create a fictional story that does justice to the atmosphere of the time.
It is a satisfying story but I don’t like it as much as the others because I don’t like these people very much. Louisa and Guy are a delight and I’m happy that they finally find some happiness in marrying one another but the Mitford children who are the focus of this book aren’t very nice and neither are their beliefs.
Thanks for to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Based, in part, on real life events and facts including the murder and some of the Mitford daughter’ anti-Semitism and support of Hitler this is not a light-hearted book set in the roaring twenties but the darker days leading up to World War II. Fellowes is able to weave historical facts with real people and create a fictional story that does justice to the atmosphere of the time.
It is a satisfying story but I don’t like it as much as the others because I don’t like these people very much. Louisa and Guy are a delight and I’m happy that they finally find some happiness in marrying one another but the Mitford children who are the focus of this book aren’t very nice and neither are their beliefs.
Thanks for to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2020
Jessica Fellowes writes fiction that has a basis in true crime, weaving in details and people from this era who readers will recognize. It gives her books a depth that makes the stories that much better, although they are pretty darn good anyway.
The Mitford Trial is based upon a real murder and investigation. This is the 4th book in the series but it is a stand alone also. Each volume is based on a different sister and her drama/ life story. The time line is just before the 1930's just before war has been declared. The story unfolds through the eyes of Louisa, the sister's maid who has a very interesting story in this book herself. An ocean voyage is cut short when a murder is committed and our Mitford sister is accused. What follows next will make you add the first three books to your TBR list.
The Mitford Trial is based upon a real murder and investigation. This is the 4th book in the series but it is a stand alone also. Each volume is based on a different sister and her drama/ life story. The time line is just before the 1930's just before war has been declared. The story unfolds through the eyes of Louisa, the sister's maid who has a very interesting story in this book herself. An ocean voyage is cut short when a murder is committed and our Mitford sister is accused. What follows next will make you add the first three books to your TBR list.
March 29, 2021
This fourth book in the series sees our heroine, Louisa Cannon, back in temporary service with the Mitfords on a cruise to Italy. It's a way for her to earn some extra money & she becomes embroiled in a murder aboard ship. But she has some secrets of her own that greatly complicate matters as she learns things she'd rather not know. The accused are then put on trial & we follow the trial's progress & how it affects the Mitford family. This takes place from 1933-35 so Diana & Unity are becoming increasingly involved with fascist causes & the steps to war are shown through the eyes of the characters. Since I've read non-fiction about the family, it's interesting how the author takes true events & works them into the fictional story. She also has great endnotes to explain some of the historical events. A very good story with some early MI5 intrigue.
April 23, 2021
Not for me. My star rating decreased the further I got into The Mitford Trial. I was unaware this novel was part of a series but the story manages to stand alone. It is a convoluted and unbelievable story that employees the common practice of switching time lines between recent past (1933) and current present (1935). Louisa and Guy have their wedding reception curtailed when Guy is called to duty at the police station and days later Louisa is recruited to serve as an undercover spy onboard a cruise. There Louisa will serve as lady's maid to a passel of entitled Mitfords, a wealthy family she used to work for. Mayhem ensues with a murder during the trip that may have something to do with the Mitfords and Nazis. Characters are introduced with similar names, it becomes difficult to keep the storyline straight, and the ending of the novel is absurd! Sorry to say reading the Mitford Trial was a waste of time and will be the last I read in the Mitford murder series.
April 29, 2024
Interesting and captivating, although I found the ending to be slightly lackluster, yet surprising. I would still recommend this as a quick read if you enjoy historical fiction! I remained interested in the storyline and couldn’t 100% predict the ending - I was intrigued by some of the twists and turns, and thought the book moved at a decent, quick pace. I felt like Louisa as a character was disappointing … she kind of let me down a little bit, but she fit what a lady’s maid during this period would be assumed. I thought her relationship with Guy was a bit boring and I didn’t fully connect with them as a couple. It was a bit wild to see early followers of Hitler. The historical context at the end of the book is interesting and helpful. I don’t think I’ll read the others in the series, but enjoyed this as a standalone.
November 13, 2020
The Mitford Trial is the fourth in the series by Jessica Fellowes. Each of the books focuses loosely on one of the (in)famous Mitford sisters (of which there were five, as well as a brother). I hadn't realised when I embarked on the first book in the series, The Mitford Murders that the Mitford family actually existed and that the girls in particular quite well known.
These books are fiction, but based on true events and Fellowes includes historical notes at the end of each book. The Mitford Trial is set over a few years in the early 1930s and we're edging closer to the second world war. The mystery at the heart of this book very much reflects the involvement of Mitford family members drawn to fascism and communism and their allegiances with Hitler and Nazi Germany.
3.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
These books are fiction, but based on true events and Fellowes includes historical notes at the end of each book. The Mitford Trial is set over a few years in the early 1930s and we're edging closer to the second world war. The mystery at the heart of this book very much reflects the involvement of Mitford family members drawn to fascism and communism and their allegiances with Hitler and Nazi Germany.
3.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
April 9, 2021
Ho intrapreso la lettura del quarto capitolo della saga delle sorelle Mitford con poche aspettative, avendo sentito pareri non troppo positivi. Invece, devo dire che mi è piaciuto.
La trama è meno intricata rispetto a quella dei libri precedenti e ci sono alcune parti della narrazione forse un po' troppo romanzate che appaiono decisamente irrealistiche. Nonostante questo, l'ho trovata una lettura molto godibile e in linea con gli altri volumi della saga.
Molto interessante l'approfondimento storico presente alla fine del romanzo e sempre gradevole la prosa di Jessica Fellowes.
La trama è meno intricata rispetto a quella dei libri precedenti e ci sono alcune parti della narrazione forse un po' troppo romanzate che appaiono decisamente irrealistiche. Nonostante questo, l'ho trovata una lettura molto godibile e in linea con gli altri volumi della saga.
Molto interessante l'approfondimento storico presente alla fine del romanzo e sempre gradevole la prosa di Jessica Fellowes.
October 26, 2020
Based on a real life murder set in the 1930’s. A time of the rise of Hitler and fascism in Britain. The Mitford sisters real life characters are woven into this story. A cruise that Louise is asked to be on looking after Unity Mitford. Her life becomes so much more complicated when MI5 ask her to spy for them but she cannot tell her husband DS Guy Sullivan. Newly married Louise will have to choose between truth and marriage. Set at a very fascinating time in history but l found the mystery took a while to get going and l found it a bit difficult to relate to the character of Louise and her choices in this book.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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