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Lady Adelaide Mystery #1
Nobody's Sweetheart Now
Listening length: 7 hours, 45 minutes
A delightful English cozy series begins in August 1924. Lady Adelaide Compton has recently (and satisfactorily) interred her husband, Major Rupert Charles Cressleigh Compton, hero of the Somme, in the family vault in the village churchyard.
Rupert died by smashing his Hispano-Suiza on a Cotswold country road while carrying a French mademoiselle in the passenger seat. With the house now Addie's, needed improvements in hand, and a weekend house party underway, how inconvenient of Rupert to turn up! Not in the flesh, but in - actually, as a - spirit. Rupert has to perform a few good deeds before becoming welcomed to heaven - or, more likely, thinks Addie, to hell.
Before Addie can convince herself she's not completely lost her mind, a murder disrupts her careful seating arrangement. Which of her twelve houseguests is a killer? Her mother, the formidable Dowager Marchioness of Broughton? Her sister Cecilia, the born-again vegetarian? Her childhood friend and potential lover, Lord Lucas Waring? Rupert has a solid alibi as a ghost and an urge to detect.
Enter Inspector Devenand Hunter from the Yard, an Anglo-Indian who is not going to let some barmy society beauty witnessed talking to herself derail his investigation. Something very peculiar is afoot at Compton Court and he's going to get to the bottom of it - or go as mad as its mistress trying.
A delightful English cozy series begins in August 1924. Lady Adelaide Compton has recently (and satisfactorily) interred her husband, Major Rupert Charles Cressleigh Compton, hero of the Somme, in the family vault in the village churchyard.
Rupert died by smashing his Hispano-Suiza on a Cotswold country road while carrying a French mademoiselle in the passenger seat. With the house now Addie's, needed improvements in hand, and a weekend house party underway, how inconvenient of Rupert to turn up! Not in the flesh, but in - actually, as a - spirit. Rupert has to perform a few good deeds before becoming welcomed to heaven - or, more likely, thinks Addie, to hell.
Before Addie can convince herself she's not completely lost her mind, a murder disrupts her careful seating arrangement. Which of her twelve houseguests is a killer? Her mother, the formidable Dowager Marchioness of Broughton? Her sister Cecilia, the born-again vegetarian? Her childhood friend and potential lover, Lord Lucas Waring? Rupert has a solid alibi as a ghost and an urge to detect.
Enter Inspector Devenand Hunter from the Yard, an Anglo-Indian who is not going to let some barmy society beauty witnessed talking to herself derail his investigation. Something very peculiar is afoot at Compton Court and he's going to get to the bottom of it - or go as mad as its mistress trying.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 13, 2018
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About the author
Maggie Robinson
40 books360 followersMaggie Robinson is a former teacher, library clerk and mother of four who woke up in the middle of the night, absolutely compelled to create the perfect man and use as many adverbs as possible doing so. A transplanted New Yorker, she lives with her not-quite perfect husband in Maine, where the cold winters are ideal for staying inside and writing hot historical romances and her latest venture, the Lady Adelaide Mysteries. Her books have been translated into nine languages.
She also wrote two erotic historical romances as Margaret Rowe.
She also wrote two erotic historical romances as Margaret Rowe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
July 13, 2018
I was provided an ARC of this book from Edelweiss and Ingram Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions presented are my own.
5 cozy AF stars for my sweet lil bb Adelaide
Where do I even start with this?!? This is my first Maggie Robinson book and I see that she tends to write historical romances but has switched it up with Nobody's Sweetheart Now and boy am I glad she did. This was such a fun, smartly written and genuinely enjoyable book to read.
This begins with Lady Adelaide's husband Rupert dying in a car crash with a french woman who is decidedly not his wife. Months later Addie hosts a small dinner party for some close (and not so close) friends and family much to the chagrin of her mother. Addie's late husband Rupert makes a surprise appearance - not in body, but in spirit to what he assumes is make amends to the "Fellow Upstairs" in order to make it into heaven instead of hell (where Addie thinks is a more apt place for him to rest eternally). From there, we get traditional background information on the guests à la 1985's smash hit and board game Clue before a murder disrupts Addie's already wavering psyche. Enter saucy and sexy inspector Devenand Hunter of the New Scotland Yard and thus begins the investigation!
Addie was an incredibly likable main character, she was smart, sassy, quick witted and incredibly fun to read. Rupert, for being what was probably intended to be a grade A d-bag was also an immensely fun character and I really enjoyed Addie and Rupert's banter back and forth. This was a laugh out loud read and it gave me all the warm fuzzies of a traditional cozy mystery.
"Rupert smiled ruefully. Could an apparition be rueful? Or was Addie really unconscious, perhaps on her death bed, suffering from a heat stroke or a regular stroke or some kind of tea-induced hallucination?"
I mean come on how can you not love her!?
Past the enjoyable plot, fairly clever twists, and exceedingly fun cast of characters Robinson is an exceptional writer. She used formatting in very clever ways throughout the story, she unfolded clues and new information just when they were needed and had very little frivolous unrelated information. This was a knock out from start to finish and I think anyone who has an enjoyment of mysteries would love this book as much as I did.
I will say, it didn't hurt that Addie has a sweet little terrier named Fitz and I have a sweet (most of the time) little terrier named Fitz so we're soul sisters, NBD.
My only hang up here was again, the formatting of the kindle version. Through Adobe Digital Editions the formatting was excellent and I'm not sure if it's the downloaded copy through Edelweiss or just that it's unreleased but I hope this gets fixed because nothing should detract from this read!
5 cozy AF stars for my sweet lil bb Adelaide
Where do I even start with this?!? This is my first Maggie Robinson book and I see that she tends to write historical romances but has switched it up with Nobody's Sweetheart Now and boy am I glad she did. This was such a fun, smartly written and genuinely enjoyable book to read.
This begins with Lady Adelaide's husband Rupert dying in a car crash with a french woman who is decidedly not his wife. Months later Addie hosts a small dinner party for some close (and not so close) friends and family much to the chagrin of her mother. Addie's late husband Rupert makes a surprise appearance - not in body, but in spirit to what he assumes is make amends to the "Fellow Upstairs" in order to make it into heaven instead of hell (where Addie thinks is a more apt place for him to rest eternally). From there, we get traditional background information on the guests à la 1985's smash hit and board game Clue before a murder disrupts Addie's already wavering psyche. Enter saucy and sexy inspector Devenand Hunter of the New Scotland Yard and thus begins the investigation!
Addie was an incredibly likable main character, she was smart, sassy, quick witted and incredibly fun to read. Rupert, for being what was probably intended to be a grade A d-bag was also an immensely fun character and I really enjoyed Addie and Rupert's banter back and forth. This was a laugh out loud read and it gave me all the warm fuzzies of a traditional cozy mystery.
"Rupert smiled ruefully. Could an apparition be rueful? Or was Addie really unconscious, perhaps on her death bed, suffering from a heat stroke or a regular stroke or some kind of tea-induced hallucination?"
I mean come on how can you not love her!?
Past the enjoyable plot, fairly clever twists, and exceedingly fun cast of characters Robinson is an exceptional writer. She used formatting in very clever ways throughout the story, she unfolded clues and new information just when they were needed and had very little frivolous unrelated information. This was a knock out from start to finish and I think anyone who has an enjoyment of mysteries would love this book as much as I did.
I will say, it didn't hurt that Addie has a sweet little terrier named Fitz and I have a sweet (most of the time) little terrier named Fitz so we're soul sisters, NBD.
My only hang up here was again, the formatting of the kindle version. Through Adobe Digital Editions the formatting was excellent and I'm not sure if it's the downloaded copy through Edelweiss or just that it's unreleased but I hope this gets fixed because nothing should detract from this read!
July 31, 2021
A decent 3.5 stars automatically rounded up for a most enjoyable reading experience that works best as a comedy of manners. It's set among the British aristocracy in 1924 with well-developed, mostly congenial characters on a pair of country estates with full (and sympathetic) awareness of the recent tragedy of the "Great War" and all its repercussions on British life.
It's billed as a mystery though, isn't it? And sure enough, a naked corpse turns up (in a most embarrassing way) during a three-day weekend with a dozen invited guests, none of whom appear to be the murdering sort. There are comic overtones to this murder and two accidental deaths six months earlier that set up the story, but a second murder is discovered that has nothing humorous about it.
The second murder victim, you see, is working class, and I really appreciated the way the author portrayed the range of attitudes of the aristocratic characters towards that crime--all the way from heartbreak to disdain. I felt particularly close to the main character, Addie (Lady Adelaide), the hostess of the weekend gathering, as she kept insisting to others that this working-class victim be treated on an equal footing with the upper-class one.
A second element of social consciousness in the novel comes with the inspector in charge of the investigation, Devenand Hunter, whose father is retired from both military police and civil law enforcement and whose mother is Hindu. Dev was born and bred in England and does not affiliate with any religion, but he's sufficiently versed in his formidable mother's traditions that, upon meeting Addie (Lady Adelaide) for the first time, he quickly recited to himself the disquisition on knowledge from the Nyaya Sutra, all seven paragraphs of it (in convenient English translation), to remind himself not to dismiss her as an empty beauty.
The third-person narration moves easily between Addie's and Dev's perspectives as they quickly build trust and cooperate in the investigation. While Addie brings us that delightful comedy of manners with all the sincerity on which humor truly depends, Dev gives us a straightforward police procedural that ultimately unmasks the culprit with more than a bit of help from Addie. So it's a little disappointing for readers like me who look forward to a well-crafted mystery--none of the guests seems very suspicious at all until the crucial evidence comes to light and we know who did it.
Even so, there were two good revelations for me, those "I never saw that" moments a mystery fan hopes for --and there is indeed one big, well-executed red herring along the way.
The biggest share of laughs for me came from the ghost, Rupert, who is well described in the publisher's blurb as a war hero whose need for excitement in the dull country surroundings led him to cheat vigorously on his young wife Addie. She was about to sign the official petition for divorce when he smashed his car against a wall, killing himself and his current mistress. Six months later, surprise! His ghost crashes the weekend house party.
Addie's the only one who can see or hear him, and their conversations are a riot, especially because she insists on talking to him out loud and appears to others to be arguing with herself. "Yes, I guess I argue with myself a lot." Rupert is a very intrusive ghost, but he takes seriously the notion that he won't be allowed to move on to Heaven (Addie thinks, not Heaven, the other place) until he helps with the mess he left behind, and that means helping to solve the murders. Those three-way scenes with Addie, Dev, and Rupert are priceless.
Rupert probably shows the most personal growth of any of the characters, seeing things a little differently after his death of course but also learning to appreciate people he thought he knew. He apologizes to Addie from the start for his behavior in life, and very gradually he becomes less of a jerk.
It's never clear, though, just how much Rupert can affect things. He touches Addie sometimes, he can do poltergeist stuff to some extent, and at one point he takes a dildo away to hide it. More often, his hands just pass through things as you'd expect from a ghost. And he's always popping in with a comment on Addie's current thought, but he says it's not like reading people's minds--he doesn't know how to explain it to her. The author seems to cover this by having Rupert say he's still trying to figure all this out, how molecules work and so on.
Romance? Respectful affection seems to grow between Addie and Dev, and a most unsatisfactory alternative makes a triangle of sorts (good heavens, Addie, you can't be taking him seriously, can you?). There's nothing beyond a slightly tender moment or two, and it looks like the sequel might not go much further. And this from a writer of many historical romances!
It's billed as a mystery though, isn't it? And sure enough, a naked corpse turns up (in a most embarrassing way) during a three-day weekend with a dozen invited guests, none of whom appear to be the murdering sort. There are comic overtones to this murder and two accidental deaths six months earlier that set up the story, but a second murder is discovered that has nothing humorous about it.
The second murder victim, you see, is working class, and I really appreciated the way the author portrayed the range of attitudes of the aristocratic characters towards that crime--all the way from heartbreak to disdain. I felt particularly close to the main character, Addie (Lady Adelaide), the hostess of the weekend gathering, as she kept insisting to others that this working-class victim be treated on an equal footing with the upper-class one.
A second element of social consciousness in the novel comes with the inspector in charge of the investigation, Devenand Hunter, whose father is retired from both military police and civil law enforcement and whose mother is Hindu. Dev was born and bred in England and does not affiliate with any religion, but he's sufficiently versed in his formidable mother's traditions that, upon meeting Addie (Lady Adelaide) for the first time, he quickly recited to himself the disquisition on knowledge from the Nyaya Sutra, all seven paragraphs of it (in convenient English translation), to remind himself not to dismiss her as an empty beauty.
The third-person narration moves easily between Addie's and Dev's perspectives as they quickly build trust and cooperate in the investigation. While Addie brings us that delightful comedy of manners with all the sincerity on which humor truly depends, Dev gives us a straightforward police procedural that ultimately unmasks the culprit with more than a bit of help from Addie. So it's a little disappointing for readers like me who look forward to a well-crafted mystery--none of the guests seems very suspicious at all until the crucial evidence comes to light and we know who did it.
Even so, there were two good revelations for me, those "I never saw that" moments a mystery fan hopes for --and there is indeed one big, well-executed red herring along the way.
The biggest share of laughs for me came from the ghost, Rupert, who is well described in the publisher's blurb as a war hero whose need for excitement in the dull country surroundings led him to cheat vigorously on his young wife Addie. She was about to sign the official petition for divorce when he smashed his car against a wall, killing himself and his current mistress. Six months later, surprise! His ghost crashes the weekend house party.
Addie's the only one who can see or hear him, and their conversations are a riot, especially because she insists on talking to him out loud and appears to others to be arguing with herself. "Yes, I guess I argue with myself a lot." Rupert is a very intrusive ghost, but he takes seriously the notion that he won't be allowed to move on to Heaven (Addie thinks, not Heaven, the other place) until he helps with the mess he left behind, and that means helping to solve the murders. Those three-way scenes with Addie, Dev, and Rupert are priceless.
Rupert probably shows the most personal growth of any of the characters, seeing things a little differently after his death of course but also learning to appreciate people he thought he knew. He apologizes to Addie from the start for his behavior in life, and very gradually he becomes less of a jerk.
It's never clear, though, just how much Rupert can affect things. He touches Addie sometimes, he can do poltergeist stuff to some extent, and at one point he takes a dildo away to hide it. More often, his hands just pass through things as you'd expect from a ghost. And he's always popping in with a comment on Addie's current thought, but he says it's not like reading people's minds--he doesn't know how to explain it to her. The author seems to cover this by having Rupert say he's still trying to figure all this out, how molecules work and so on.
Romance? Respectful affection seems to grow between Addie and Dev, and a most unsatisfactory alternative makes a triangle of sorts (good heavens, Addie, you can't be taking him seriously, can you?). There's nothing beyond a slightly tender moment or two, and it looks like the sequel might not go much further. And this from a writer of many historical romances!
September 16, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advanced digital copy of Nobody’s Sweetheart Now by Maggie Robinson. The book is introduced as the first in a new cozy series featuring Lady Adelaide Compton. If the book leads to a series, this reader hopes the future books will include some of the more interesting secondary characters as well and an opportunity to see how relationships develop. The book is well written and offers an enjoyable opportunity to spend time with some of the wealthy and titled in England during the roaring twenties.
Lady Adelaide is a kind-hearted, innocent woman of impeccable breeding who has recently been widowed. Her philandering husband was killed in a fatal automobile wreck while driving with his latest mistress. The accident and resulting death is how Lady Adelaide learns her husband is and has often been unfaithful. Her response has been to gather her thoughts, remodel the country home she inherited along with the flat in London, and begin to move forward with her new life. She was aware the marriage was less than happy, but clueless as to the extent of his philandering, which combine to prevent her experiencing any deep grief at her new status as widow.
With her desire to move forward and begin to enjoy life again, she plans a weekend party at her country estate, inviting a number of her long-time friends. The guest she didn’t invite, but who shows up anyway, is the ghost of her now dead husband. Throughout the book the reader gets the opportunity to eavesdrop as Addie moves from believing he is a figment of her imagination to accepting that she is now being visited by a ghost.
The weekend party is barely underway when the discovery of a dead body is found on the grounds of Addie’s estate. Not long after, a second body is found and Addie begins learning that most of her friends have lives both secret lives and activities far darker than she would have believed. She is truly an innocent who is kind-hearted toward friends and servants alike, and it comes as somewhat of a shock when she learns not everyone is the same.
Because the local constabulary bungles the initial interviews and angers many of Addie’s upper class guests, Devenand Hunter an Anglo-Indian detective from Scotland Yard is called in to take over the investigation. He is a few years older than Addie, single and incredibly handsome as well as intelligent. While there are hints at an attraction between Addie and Dev, as well as another male character who has known Addie for most of her life, these are very much background stories and serve to add character and depth to Addie and others instead of pushing the book over into a romance novel.
While the ending is satisfying, it was not as tight as I might like for it to have been. The solution to this mystery is given toward the end of the novel without many clues and red herrings leading up to the conclusion, so the reader isn’t afforded the opportunity to solve the mystery on their own much before the denouement. Still, with many likeable characters and an intriguing look into the period, the story remains enjoyable and I would definitely consider reading a second book in the series.
Lady Adelaide is a kind-hearted, innocent woman of impeccable breeding who has recently been widowed. Her philandering husband was killed in a fatal automobile wreck while driving with his latest mistress. The accident and resulting death is how Lady Adelaide learns her husband is and has often been unfaithful. Her response has been to gather her thoughts, remodel the country home she inherited along with the flat in London, and begin to move forward with her new life. She was aware the marriage was less than happy, but clueless as to the extent of his philandering, which combine to prevent her experiencing any deep grief at her new status as widow.
With her desire to move forward and begin to enjoy life again, she plans a weekend party at her country estate, inviting a number of her long-time friends. The guest she didn’t invite, but who shows up anyway, is the ghost of her now dead husband. Throughout the book the reader gets the opportunity to eavesdrop as Addie moves from believing he is a figment of her imagination to accepting that she is now being visited by a ghost.
The weekend party is barely underway when the discovery of a dead body is found on the grounds of Addie’s estate. Not long after, a second body is found and Addie begins learning that most of her friends have lives both secret lives and activities far darker than she would have believed. She is truly an innocent who is kind-hearted toward friends and servants alike, and it comes as somewhat of a shock when she learns not everyone is the same.
Because the local constabulary bungles the initial interviews and angers many of Addie’s upper class guests, Devenand Hunter an Anglo-Indian detective from Scotland Yard is called in to take over the investigation. He is a few years older than Addie, single and incredibly handsome as well as intelligent. While there are hints at an attraction between Addie and Dev, as well as another male character who has known Addie for most of her life, these are very much background stories and serve to add character and depth to Addie and others instead of pushing the book over into a romance novel.
While the ending is satisfying, it was not as tight as I might like for it to have been. The solution to this mystery is given toward the end of the novel without many clues and red herrings leading up to the conclusion, so the reader isn’t afforded the opportunity to solve the mystery on their own much before the denouement. Still, with many likeable characters and an intriguing look into the period, the story remains enjoyable and I would definitely consider reading a second book in the series.
January 7, 2019
Happy to have caught the first Lady Adelaide book just as the series is getting started, as I have every intention of reading more in this charming cozy mystery series. Robinson does a nice job introducing us to a cast of fully fleshed out characters, especially the beautiful, young society woman, Lady Adelaide, and her departed husband, Rupert, here in ghostly form only. Addie is looking forward to the end of her six-month mourning period after her scoundrel of a husband ran off the road with his mistress, killing both of them on impact with a stone wall. As it turns out though, Addie had long ago given up on her marriage to Rupert upon discovering his consistent cheating, and so his recent death is a bit of a blessing in disguise. She can now explore possibilities for future happiness that were closed to her when Rupert was alive, but those possibilities may hinge on the fact that Rupert is haunting her and the country estate they shared.
Rupert is one of the best parts of the novel and it is a pleasant surprise to discover that the scoundrel side of him is but one aspect of a richer character. He knows his limitations as a faithful and moral person and is happy to mock himself as well as to show genuine regret for his treatment of Addie. He is unexpectedly sympathetic and genuinely funny, and he has the ability to pop up in Addie's life at the most awkward of moments for her.
Addie is trying hard to build a life for herself at the start of the novel when she hosts her very own weekend party. Unfortunately, one of the guests is murdered and the list of suspects is long, mostly because the murder victim had managed to enrage so many people before her death. Rupert's insights into the questionable lives of each guest is essential to solving the mystery. Dev Hunter, the handsome Anglo-Indian homicide detective, however, is the other essential ingredient to this book. Dev walks a fine line in upper crust British society, well aware that his ability to solve crimes often hinges on whether he can appease stuffy aristocrats suspicious of his Indian heritage. Addie welcomes Dev into her world and immediately places firm trust in his abilities. Likewise, Dev trusts his policing instincts and absolves her of guilt very early in the novel, which conveniently supports their budding romance.
I found this book sweet and absorbing, especially for its depiction of a romance that explores interracial and class tensions. Addie is an appealing heroine with a good heart, and I want to see how she develops as a single woman now that Rupert appears to be gone for good. The mystery itself was fun to try to solve though not particularly riveting. As far as mysteries go, this is pretty tame. For characterization though, the book offers some really intriguing and complex ones that I look forward to following.
Rupert is one of the best parts of the novel and it is a pleasant surprise to discover that the scoundrel side of him is but one aspect of a richer character. He knows his limitations as a faithful and moral person and is happy to mock himself as well as to show genuine regret for his treatment of Addie. He is unexpectedly sympathetic and genuinely funny, and he has the ability to pop up in Addie's life at the most awkward of moments for her.
Addie is trying hard to build a life for herself at the start of the novel when she hosts her very own weekend party. Unfortunately, one of the guests is murdered and the list of suspects is long, mostly because the murder victim had managed to enrage so many people before her death. Rupert's insights into the questionable lives of each guest is essential to solving the mystery. Dev Hunter, the handsome Anglo-Indian homicide detective, however, is the other essential ingredient to this book. Dev walks a fine line in upper crust British society, well aware that his ability to solve crimes often hinges on whether he can appease stuffy aristocrats suspicious of his Indian heritage. Addie welcomes Dev into her world and immediately places firm trust in his abilities. Likewise, Dev trusts his policing instincts and absolves her of guilt very early in the novel, which conveniently supports their budding romance.
I found this book sweet and absorbing, especially for its depiction of a romance that explores interracial and class tensions. Addie is an appealing heroine with a good heart, and I want to see how she develops as a single woman now that Rupert appears to be gone for good. The mystery itself was fun to try to solve though not particularly riveting. As far as mysteries go, this is pretty tame. For characterization though, the book offers some really intriguing and complex ones that I look forward to following.
January 19, 2022
It's 1924 and the Great war has ended. A murder(s) has been committed. A detective of Indian and English descent is investigating. Lady Adelaide's cheating (dead) husband has to do Earthly penance to move on. I absolutely enjoyed the entire book. The twists and turns of the plot were fun. The writing was humorous and portrayal of the roaring 20's was sad at times. Nice writing about people not always being who we think they are. 4.5*
March 12, 2019
3 1/2 stars on this one. Lady Adelaide is a charming heroine. Good start to what I think will be an interesting series. Set in the 1920s in England. One of the reviewers said it was "frothy fun" and I'd pretty much agree with that. nothing earth-shattering, but enjoyable as a cozy mystery-type.
February 13, 2024
Lady Addie's husband has died, but he won't stay away. A rogue in life, he is now hanging around trying to do a good deed to move on, so to speak. Lady Addie is having her first house party after her rotten husband died. Unfortunately, two murders has occurred and her dead husband is haunting her. A fun twist on an English house country mystery.
September 16, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advanced digital copy of Nobody’s Sweetheart Now by Maggie Robinson. The book is introduced as the first in a new cozy series featuring Lady Adelaide Compton. If the book leads to a series, this reader hopes the future books will include some of the more interesting secondary characters as well and an opportunity to see how relationships develop. The book is well written and offers an enjoyable opportunity to spend time with some of the wealthy and titled in England during the roaring twenties.
Lady Adelaide is a kind-hearted, innocent woman of impeccable breeding who has recently been widowed. Her philandering husband was killed in a fatal automobile wreck while driving with his latest mistress. The accident and resulting death is how Lady Adelaide learns her husband is and has often been unfaithful. Her response has been to gather her thoughts, remodel the country home she inherited along with the flat in London, and begin to move forward with her new life. She was aware the marriage was less than happy, but clueless as to the extent of his philandering, which combine to prevent her experiencing any deep grief at her new status as widow.
With her desire to move forward and begin to enjoy life again, she plans a weekend party at her country estate, inviting a number of her long-time friends. The guest she didn’t invite, but who shows up anyway, is the ghost of her now dead husband. Throughout the book the reader gets the opportunity to eavesdrop as Addie moves from believing he is a figment of her imagination to accepting that she is now being visited by a ghost.
The weekend party is barely underway when the discovery of a dead body is found on the grounds of Addie’s estate. Not long after, a second body is found and Addie begins learning that most of her friends have lives both secret lives and activities far darker than she would have believed. She is truly an innocent who is kind-hearted toward friends and servants alike, and it comes as somewhat of a shock when she learns not everyone is the same.
Because the local constabulary bungles the initial interviews and angers many of Addie’s upper class guests, Devenand Hunter an Anglo-Indian detective from Scotland Yard is called in to take over the investigation. He is a few years older than Addie, single and incredibly handsome as well as intelligent. While there are hints at an attraction between Addie and Dev, as well as another male character who has known Addie for most of her life, these are very much background stories and serve to add character and depth to Addie and others instead of pushing the book over into a romance novel.
While the ending is satisfying, it was not as tight as I might like for it to have been. The solution to this mystery is given toward the end of the novel without many clues and red herrings leading up to the conclusion, so the reader isn’t afforded the opportunity to solve the mystery on their own much before the denouement. Still, with many likeable characters and an intriguing look into the period, the story remains enjoyable and I would definitely consider reading a second book in the series.
Lady Adelaide is a kind-hearted, innocent woman of impeccable breeding who has recently been widowed. Her philandering husband was killed in a fatal automobile wreck while driving with his latest mistress. The accident and resulting death is how Lady Adelaide learns her husband is and has often been unfaithful. Her response has been to gather her thoughts, remodel the country home she inherited along with the flat in London, and begin to move forward with her new life. She was aware the marriage was less than happy, but clueless as to the extent of his philandering, which combine to prevent her experiencing any deep grief at her new status as widow.
With her desire to move forward and begin to enjoy life again, she plans a weekend party at her country estate, inviting a number of her long-time friends. The guest she didn’t invite, but who shows up anyway, is the ghost of her now dead husband. Throughout the book the reader gets the opportunity to eavesdrop as Addie moves from believing he is a figment of her imagination to accepting that she is now being visited by a ghost.
The weekend party is barely underway when the discovery of a dead body is found on the grounds of Addie’s estate. Not long after, a second body is found and Addie begins learning that most of her friends have lives both secret lives and activities far darker than she would have believed. She is truly an innocent who is kind-hearted toward friends and servants alike, and it comes as somewhat of a shock when she learns not everyone is the same.
Because the local constabulary bungles the initial interviews and angers many of Addie’s upper class guests, Devenand Hunter an Anglo-Indian detective from Scotland Yard is called in to take over the investigation. He is a few years older than Addie, single and incredibly handsome as well as intelligent. While there are hints at an attraction between Addie and Dev, as well as another male character who has known Addie for most of her life, these are very much background stories and serve to add character and depth to Addie and others instead of pushing the book over into a romance novel.
While the ending is satisfying, it was not as tight as I might like for it to have been. The solution to this mystery is given toward the end of the novel without many clues and red herrings leading up to the conclusion, so the reader isn’t afforded the opportunity to solve the mystery on their own much before the denouement. Still, with many likeable characters and an intriguing look into the period, the story remains enjoyable and I would definitely consider reading a second book in the series.
November 5, 2020
I picked this up on a whim, and was thoroughly entertained. Lady Adelaide Compton, or Addie, is surprisingly funny, despite the situation (dead body in her barn, ghost of her repeatedly unfaithful husband appearing and disappearing repeatedly during the course of the murder investigation, shocks due to the revelations about the behaviour of her supposed friends). The inspector from London was a nice surprise: a biracial man (his dad served in India and married a forthright Indian woman there) who is intelligent and is remarkably unflappable at the suspects’ antics. He treats people with respect, and is intelligent. The interest and attraction between Addie and Devanand Hunter (Dev) is immediate, but low key, which I liked. Dev also didn’t feel like a caricature, which I appreciated.
Will I be reading the next book? Definitely, as I found myself laughing out loud while reading this one, and hope book two is as frothy and fun as book one.
Will I be reading the next book? Definitely, as I found myself laughing out loud while reading this one, and hope book two is as frothy and fun as book one.
September 27, 2021
Gosh, I loved this well-done English cozy with Lady Adelaide Compton as the star and Rupert her dead husband. WHO wouldn't love a dead husband that has a sense of humor?
I saw this on Goodreads and loved the review, so got it from the library and read it. This was funny, entertaining, and just a ton of fun to read! We have a young widow of an unfaithful, but adorable husband who was killed in a car wreck but hasn't moved on to the other side, despite the several others that died that don't stop by to say hello.
Addie and Dev, the Police Inspector take up the case of the woman found dead in the barn on Addie's property. Devanand Hunter (Dev) is a great character and I hope he is in the rest of the series. He is just so level-headed and respectful of everyone. This only serves to upset Rupert who arrives and disappears at will (his will). Of course, there were trials and tribulations in the solving of the murders but we got there.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
I saw this on Goodreads and loved the review, so got it from the library and read it. This was funny, entertaining, and just a ton of fun to read! We have a young widow of an unfaithful, but adorable husband who was killed in a car wreck but hasn't moved on to the other side, despite the several others that died that don't stop by to say hello.
Addie and Dev, the Police Inspector take up the case of the woman found dead in the barn on Addie's property. Devanand Hunter (Dev) is a great character and I hope he is in the rest of the series. He is just so level-headed and respectful of everyone. This only serves to upset Rupert who arrives and disappears at will (his will). Of course, there were trials and tribulations in the solving of the murders but we got there.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
August 16, 2024
I listened to this as an audiobook during a long drive. The story was very engaging. The mystery kept me guessing and I enjoyed the budding romance.
Adelaide’s husband died in a car crash with his mistress in the passenger seat. He was never faithful. He comes back as some sort of penance. He proves to be mildly helpful. But he’s a terrible reminder of what a torture her marriage was and I didn’t like him. He’s written as a cad and is there for some humor. But his entitlement and lack of remorse for being such a DICK got on my nerves.
Adelaide’s husband died in a car crash with his mistress in the passenger seat. He was never faithful. He comes back as some sort of penance. He proves to be mildly helpful. But he’s a terrible reminder of what a torture her marriage was and I didn’t like him. He’s written as a cad and is there for some humor. But his entitlement and lack of remorse for being such a DICK got on my nerves.
August 28, 2025
2.5 Stars
Nobody’s Sweetheart Now really doesn’t look like a “Laura” read. BUT it has one ingredient that I adore. A ghost! Yup, I’m a sucker for that only-you-can-see-me spirit. And we get a ghost like no other here.
It’s a very hot August in 1924. Lady Adelaide (Addie) is throwing her first dinner party since the death of her husband, Rupert. A party with a mixture of guests, staff, trays of tea, murder, and more. The body in the barn certainly put a damper on the weekend, but seeing her dead husband again was truly the shock of the party! Her lying, cheating husband is back. Is Addie going insane or is Rupert back for a reason? Most likely he’s back to annoy her. :)
I loved Rupert. He’s a total cad! But an oh-so charming one. Every single one of his appearances provides a jolt of energy. Addie and Rupert are magic! Their chemistry is full of love and resentment and regret. Their snappy back and forth is a joy to watch and created the best scenes of the book.
Sadly, Inspector Dev, who is brought in to solve the crime, could not compete with Rupert. The mystery bored me about half way through anyway. It was all talk. That’s all anyone did to try to solve the murder. No tension or action in sight. Just tea and talk.
I’m glad I gave this book a try, but I’m going to leave everyone right here. Oh, I will miss the words though. Just to name a few of my favorites… peccadilloes, snizzling, twaddle, and squiffy.
Pick this one up if you’re looking for a cozy, easy to read, murder mystery.
Nobody’s Sweetheart Now really doesn’t look like a “Laura” read. BUT it has one ingredient that I adore. A ghost! Yup, I’m a sucker for that only-you-can-see-me spirit. And we get a ghost like no other here.
It’s a very hot August in 1924. Lady Adelaide (Addie) is throwing her first dinner party since the death of her husband, Rupert. A party with a mixture of guests, staff, trays of tea, murder, and more. The body in the barn certainly put a damper on the weekend, but seeing her dead husband again was truly the shock of the party! Her lying, cheating husband is back. Is Addie going insane or is Rupert back for a reason? Most likely he’s back to annoy her. :)
I loved Rupert. He’s a total cad! But an oh-so charming one. Every single one of his appearances provides a jolt of energy. Addie and Rupert are magic! Their chemistry is full of love and resentment and regret. Their snappy back and forth is a joy to watch and created the best scenes of the book.
Sadly, Inspector Dev, who is brought in to solve the crime, could not compete with Rupert. The mystery bored me about half way through anyway. It was all talk. That’s all anyone did to try to solve the murder. No tension or action in sight. Just tea and talk.
I’m glad I gave this book a try, but I’m going to leave everyone right here. Oh, I will miss the words though. Just to name a few of my favorites… peccadilloes, snizzling, twaddle, and squiffy.
Pick this one up if you’re looking for a cozy, easy to read, murder mystery.
February 6, 2022
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited; I don't usually mention this in reviews but for this book I think it's important.
I loved this book about a young, widowed, post ww1, titled woman of means in England. Lady Adelaide is independent and trying to find her way as a new widow, a person who was raised Edwardian in the age of Flappers and as the owner of a now haunted house. You see her dead husband has been sent to her to atone for his his shortcomings in life; he was a cad and a philanderer.
At her first attempt at entertaining following his death; while she is straddling two eras, more people are dead around her. And her ghostly hubby wants to help but makes poor Addy feel like she is losing her mind.
i really enjoyed the book and I would recommend it and couldn't wait to read the next one in the series. Until I learned it wasn't KU and it was inexpensive and that lead me to some introspection.
What would I have rated this book is I had paid for it rather than borrowed it? I mean it's cute but it isn't the sort of book I would read over and over. it kept my attention and didn't have any glaring errors so probably 3 1/2 stars at full price
I loved this book about a young, widowed, post ww1, titled woman of means in England. Lady Adelaide is independent and trying to find her way as a new widow, a person who was raised Edwardian in the age of Flappers and as the owner of a now haunted house. You see her dead husband has been sent to her to atone for his his shortcomings in life; he was a cad and a philanderer.
At her first attempt at entertaining following his death; while she is straddling two eras, more people are dead around her. And her ghostly hubby wants to help but makes poor Addy feel like she is losing her mind.
i really enjoyed the book and I would recommend it and couldn't wait to read the next one in the series. Until I learned it wasn't KU and it was inexpensive and that lead me to some introspection.
What would I have rated this book is I had paid for it rather than borrowed it? I mean it's cute but it isn't the sort of book I would read over and over. it kept my attention and didn't have any glaring errors so probably 3 1/2 stars at full price
September 1, 2018
This review can also be found on my blog
This was delightful. I loved every single character; they are quirky but don’t turn into annoying caricatures. This made me especially happy because many of the more light-hearted mysteries overdo the quirkiness. Especially the main character’s family members are often more exhausting than amusing. Here Addies’s mother (and to an extent also Devenand’s parents) are meddling – in the time-honoured tradition of parents in cozy mysteries – but it never goes so far that I wanted to yell at them for interfering so much.
Rupert’s ghost was a fun addition to the story in the sense that I enjoyed his interactions with Addie and how his past serial cheating was dealt with. He now regrets it and explains it with the fact that after fighting in the war he couldn’t cope with the quietness of a peaceful life and was looking for new excitement. The book treads a fine line between explaining his actions without completely excusing his behaviour. However, for most of the book, his presence had very little influence on the plot. He does help with finding one clue but it wouldn’t have taken them that long to find that out without him*. Then, at the end of the book, it seems as if the author remembered that she should perhaps do something more with that ghost and he finally gets to do something – after everybody acted quite idiotic so that a situation could be created in which he had to act heroically.
The victim is a woman who is also a serial cheater and while at first, it seems as if nobody liked her and that she was an unlikeable character all-around, she also gets more depth over the course of the investigation. Similarly to Rupert, her actions aren’t excused but we are shown that there were people who cared about her.
I am very curious about how this series will continue. Will Rupert return or will Addie meet a new ghost?
*Well and he helps Addie to hide her dildo. No, really. Did I mention that I enjoyed this book a lot?
This was delightful. I loved every single character; they are quirky but don’t turn into annoying caricatures. This made me especially happy because many of the more light-hearted mysteries overdo the quirkiness. Especially the main character’s family members are often more exhausting than amusing. Here Addies’s mother (and to an extent also Devenand’s parents) are meddling – in the time-honoured tradition of parents in cozy mysteries – but it never goes so far that I wanted to yell at them for interfering so much.
Rupert’s ghost was a fun addition to the story in the sense that I enjoyed his interactions with Addie and how his past serial cheating was dealt with. He now regrets it and explains it with the fact that after fighting in the war he couldn’t cope with the quietness of a peaceful life and was looking for new excitement. The book treads a fine line between explaining his actions without completely excusing his behaviour. However, for most of the book, his presence had very little influence on the plot. He does help with finding one clue but it wouldn’t have taken them that long to find that out without him*. Then, at the end of the book, it seems as if the author remembered that she should perhaps do something more with that ghost and he finally gets to do something – after everybody acted quite idiotic so that a situation could be created in which he had to act heroically.
The victim is a woman who is also a serial cheater and while at first, it seems as if nobody liked her and that she was an unlikeable character all-around, she also gets more depth over the course of the investigation. Similarly to Rupert, her actions aren’t excused but we are shown that there were people who cared about her.
I am very curious about how this series will continue. Will Rupert return or will Addie meet a new ghost?
*Well and he helps Addie to hide her dildo. No, really. Did I mention that I enjoyed this book a lot?
November 19, 2018
Oh what a delightful froth of a mystery. I read the whole book with a smile on my face. I loved Lady Adelaide! And her late husband Rupert, who has so inconsiderately returned as a spirit--what a charming cad. Watching Addie trying to deal with him is a hoot.
This is a classic house-party murder mystery at its core. Limited numbers of suspects, most of whom had reason to dislike victim 1--Lady Kathleen. But who could have had anything against victim 2, Mr McGrath, the aged gardener? Or did McGrath witness Kath's death and was then killed to insure his silence?
Luckily for all, the young Scotland Yard detective is as bright as he is handsome. Do we see a small spark of attraction between Addie and Inspector Hunter? You betcha!
I had a great time with this and I hope the author is feverishly working away on the second book. Please, Ms Robinson, I want some more!
This is a classic house-party murder mystery at its core. Limited numbers of suspects, most of whom had reason to dislike victim 1--Lady Kathleen. But who could have had anything against victim 2, Mr McGrath, the aged gardener? Or did McGrath witness Kath's death and was then killed to insure his silence?
Luckily for all, the young Scotland Yard detective is as bright as he is handsome. Do we see a small spark of attraction between Addie and Inspector Hunter? You betcha!
I had a great time with this and I hope the author is feverishly working away on the second book. Please, Ms Robinson, I want some more!
June 9, 2020
This was a fun cozy mystery which threatened every now and then to spill into romance territory. A light enjoyable read.
December 19, 2021
Exactly the kind of murder mystery I like. I would not mind listening to more of the series. It is more serious than Her Royal Spyness, but set at a similar time. I did not mind the ghost at all ;-)
March 15, 2024
A widowed marchioness solves a murder with the ghost of her unfaithful husband by her side. Set in the 1920, with lots of drugs around her (she doesn’t partake, but her friends do). Another aristocrat and a police detective are potential love interests. It was fine…might give the second book a try to see if the friends become more likable.
November 7, 2018
The first in a new cozy mystery series. 1920s England, and Lady Adelaide is done mourning her unfaithful husband, who died 6 months prior in a car crash and decides to hold a small house party. As the guests arrive, she has her doubts and then a dead body shows up in her barn. Plus she thinks she is losing her mind as her husband seems to have come back as a ghost.
I really enjoyed this, it was perfect after some more involved books. A book like cotton candy and I do like me some of that.
I really enjoyed this, it was perfect after some more involved books. A book like cotton candy and I do like me some of that.
September 23, 2020
Si vous aimez Agatha Christie, les Roaring Twenties, et les fantômes un peu casse-pieds...ce livre va vous plaire.
November 10, 2018
There's a lot to recommend this first Lady Adelaide mystery set in 1924 England. Robinson gives readers a good sense of the time period: so many women "left on the shelf" because of the hundreds of thousands of men killed in the war, people wanting to throw off gloom and misery and have fun. Anglo-Indian Inspector Devenand Hunter also shows people's attitudes toward someone of mixed race.
The cast of characters is an interesting mix. The secondary characters who arrive at Compton Court seem to be pulled from the Entitled and Obnoxious bin at Harrod's, but the first string more than held my interest. I liked Addie, her voice and her spirit. I also liked the fact that she rebelled against her mother's conformity as often as possible. For example, she wears her glasses. The women of her family have weak eyesight, but Addie's the only one who'd rather see where she's going than be vain and constantly walk into the furniture. Another point in her favor? She truly cares about her servants and purchases things to make their lives more comfortable.
The only way she worked my nerves was by her inability to keep her mouth shut when her husband's spirit would show up to talk at her when she's in a room with other people. Over and over again, it looked as though she was talking to thin air, and it's a wonder no one had her committed to the nearest mental health facility. Moreover, since the inspector from Scotland Yard came across her "talking to herself" most often it's surprising he believed a word she said. Speaking of the inspector, I liked his character most of all-- he has a different perspective from his time in the trenches as well as from dealing with the prejudices of others, and his parents are a constant source of amusement.
The author is known for her historical romances, which made me a bit nervous, but she kept the hearts and flowers to a minimum, and the story never bogged down with too many hormone-filled longings and ponderings. The one drawback to Nobody's Sweetheart Now is the fact that I really think the story could be just as good, if not better, by leaving the spirit of Addie's husband out completely. Other than making her look as though she's lost her mind, he has very little to do with the action. How do I feel about continuing with the series? I'll have to think about it. Addie's ghostly husband is almost a deal breaker.
The cast of characters is an interesting mix. The secondary characters who arrive at Compton Court seem to be pulled from the Entitled and Obnoxious bin at Harrod's, but the first string more than held my interest. I liked Addie, her voice and her spirit. I also liked the fact that she rebelled against her mother's conformity as often as possible. For example, she wears her glasses. The women of her family have weak eyesight, but Addie's the only one who'd rather see where she's going than be vain and constantly walk into the furniture. Another point in her favor? She truly cares about her servants and purchases things to make their lives more comfortable.
The only way she worked my nerves was by her inability to keep her mouth shut when her husband's spirit would show up to talk at her when she's in a room with other people. Over and over again, it looked as though she was talking to thin air, and it's a wonder no one had her committed to the nearest mental health facility. Moreover, since the inspector from Scotland Yard came across her "talking to herself" most often it's surprising he believed a word she said. Speaking of the inspector, I liked his character most of all-- he has a different perspective from his time in the trenches as well as from dealing with the prejudices of others, and his parents are a constant source of amusement.
The author is known for her historical romances, which made me a bit nervous, but she kept the hearts and flowers to a minimum, and the story never bogged down with too many hormone-filled longings and ponderings. The one drawback to Nobody's Sweetheart Now is the fact that I really think the story could be just as good, if not better, by leaving the spirit of Addie's husband out completely. Other than making her look as though she's lost her mind, he has very little to do with the action. How do I feel about continuing with the series? I'll have to think about it. Addie's ghostly husband is almost a deal breaker.
December 13, 2021
Rating: 2.1 / 5
Although officially I'm categorizing it as a cozy mystery since clearly it wants to be regarded as such, believe it or not, the writing of this book almost forbids it from being a cozy mystery. And what, prey tell, is the reason for this? Well, two things:
1. a ghost is present...like what? Um...and he's pretty much more of an annoyance than any real help, especially since we as the readers know that he's a no-good cheater, so...why do we need him? If he wasn't maybe, he'd be a charming addition, but as it is...yeah, he's just a prick that we're happy died.
2. there are also way too many sexual innuendos and references. Like...cozy mysteries sometimes have romance in them as well, but usually it's toned down, clean, and subtle, with the main focus being on solving the mysteries rather than getting the characters together in marriage or (in this story) in the bedroom. That's kind of what I like about the genre, actually: its wholesomeness. Even if things like cheaters and sex is alluded to, it usually is treated either as evidence/clues or as something that's distant from the main characters, in any case. I did not like having it mentioned so much in the story. Like...Addie has a dildo in her closet? WTF?!
Anyway, that's the writing problems, but there's also a major plot problem; and, unfortunately, this one is one that a lot of writers fall into. Namely that: the victim of the murder (or at least one of them) is completely unlikeable with no redeeming qualities whatsoever, so...why should we feel sorry for them because they were murdered? In this case, the victim is a two-bit whore who willfully cheated on her husband countless times and was open about it, as well as showing off. She was literally found naked in a barn with the door open, clearly not caring who found her there or whatever. Um....okay, and I should care...why?
The short answer is that I shouldn't and I don't, ergo this book was a waste of time to read and I couldn't get through it all and just skipped to the end to see what happens.
Not that I cared that much even then.
Although officially I'm categorizing it as a cozy mystery since clearly it wants to be regarded as such, believe it or not, the writing of this book almost forbids it from being a cozy mystery. And what, prey tell, is the reason for this? Well, two things:
1. a ghost is present...like what? Um...and he's pretty much more of an annoyance than any real help, especially since we as the readers know that he's a no-good cheater, so...why do we need him? If he wasn't maybe, he'd be a charming addition, but as it is...yeah, he's just a prick that we're happy died.
2. there are also way too many sexual innuendos and references. Like...cozy mysteries sometimes have romance in them as well, but usually it's toned down, clean, and subtle, with the main focus being on solving the mysteries rather than getting the characters together in marriage or (in this story) in the bedroom. That's kind of what I like about the genre, actually: its wholesomeness. Even if things like cheaters and sex is alluded to, it usually is treated either as evidence/clues or as something that's distant from the main characters, in any case. I did not like having it mentioned so much in the story. Like...Addie has a dildo in her closet? WTF?!
Anyway, that's the writing problems, but there's also a major plot problem; and, unfortunately, this one is one that a lot of writers fall into. Namely that: the victim of the murder (or at least one of them) is completely unlikeable with no redeeming qualities whatsoever, so...why should we feel sorry for them because they were murdered? In this case, the victim is a two-bit whore who willfully cheated on her husband countless times and was open about it, as well as showing off. She was literally found naked in a barn with the door open, clearly not caring who found her there or whatever. Um....okay, and I should care...why?
The short answer is that I shouldn't and I don't, ergo this book was a waste of time to read and I couldn't get through it all and just skipped to the end to see what happens.
Not that I cared that much even then.
August 31, 2021
A charming and light-hearted debut cozy. Proper Lady Adelaide is trying to recover from the death six months earlier of her philandering husband (and his mistress) by giving a little house party. But two shocks await her: a dead (and naked) body discovered in her shed, and the bizarre appearance of the evident ghost of her late hubby Rupert.
Only Addie can see him, and she can't tell if the specter is real or if she is losing her mind. Soon handsome young detective Dev Hunter from Scotland Yard arrives to take charge of the investigation and Addie becomes even more confused.
Addie is a very appealing character and her interactions with the late unlamented Rupert are comedic. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I would happily read another Lady Adelaide adventure.
Only Addie can see him, and she can't tell if the specter is real or if she is losing her mind. Soon handsome young detective Dev Hunter from Scotland Yard arrives to take charge of the investigation and Addie becomes even more confused.
Addie is a very appealing character and her interactions with the late unlamented Rupert are comedic. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I would happily read another Lady Adelaide adventure.
June 28, 2020
2020 bk 221. This book was both more and less than I wanted in a 1920's mystery. There were parts (the plot) that I really enjoyed following. I enjoyed the characters of the police detective and Lady Adelaide. I felt the characters of the murder victims were much more strongly created than that of the suspects - to the point that I had a hard time remembering or caring which of the married couples was who/where/when. The plot, however, was really well done as was the growth of Lady Adelaide as she becomes more aware and self-aware. I hope to see more of the detective and Lady Adelaide in the future and to see continued growth in the writer's abilities.
January 13, 2019
I have to agree with Rhys Bowen that I do not normally care for ghost stories. Lady Adelaide and this Twenties era series are off to a great start in Nobody's Sweetheart Now. Lady Addie's charming serial philanderer deceased husband Rupert was not the most obtrusive ghost. The potential for romance with the handsome Scotland Yard Inspector is something to look forward to in upcoming outings.
January 13, 2019
What a delightful, fun mystery! Lady Addie is an enjoyable heroine, her dead husband was a hoot, and the mystery wasn't so easy that I could guess it halfway through. I look forward to the next in the series.
February 24, 2022
I had a few laughs while listening to this book. The premise was quite entertaining and the narrator did a fabulous job.
August 28, 2018
What is more embarrassing than a cheating husband who dies while speeding along with his mistress? - one who comes back as a ghost, showing up at inopportune times providing irritating commentary and making you look quite mad. Not only does Lady Adelaide Compton have to deal with a corpse that inconveniently appears in her barn during a weekend dinner party, she also has to cope with the appearance of her charming ne’er do well husband’s ghost. Who amongst her guests (all with links to the victim) committed the crime? Scotland Yard sends Inspector Dev Hunter to investigate. Half Indian, all English and entirely handsome, Dev knows he has challenges ahead, including keeping his mind off the beautiful, if slightly peculiar Lady Adelaide.
Nobody’s Sweetheart Now is a charming throwback to the screwball mysteries popular in the 1930s. The dialogue is funny and comes across as natural, without the stilted formal feel that some historicals have. Situations are absurd at times but believably so. The chemistry between Dev and Adelaide is palpable, as is the lingering attachment between Adelaide and the ghostly Rupert. He’s definitely a cad but a charming one. I truly enjoyed this funny, fast paced cozy mystery and look forward to seeing what life and Maggie Robinson have in store for Lady Adelaide.
5 / 5
I received a copy of Nobody’s Sweetheart Now from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
Nobody’s Sweetheart Now is a charming throwback to the screwball mysteries popular in the 1930s. The dialogue is funny and comes across as natural, without the stilted formal feel that some historicals have. Situations are absurd at times but believably so. The chemistry between Dev and Adelaide is palpable, as is the lingering attachment between Adelaide and the ghostly Rupert. He’s definitely a cad but a charming one. I truly enjoyed this funny, fast paced cozy mystery and look forward to seeing what life and Maggie Robinson have in store for Lady Adelaide.
5 / 5
I received a copy of Nobody’s Sweetheart Now from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
November 19, 2018
I have recently read two books which were quite heavy going so decided to treat myself to a little light reading entertainment. The stylish cover of this book suggested just that and it was such a good choice as it was exactly what I needed. It was fun, humorous and has a cozy, non-graphic murder mystery to boot.
To read my full review please follow the link to my blog: https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
To read my full review please follow the link to my blog: https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
August 28, 2018
Nobody's Sweetheart Now by Maggie Robinson was an enjoyable beginning to a new historical mystery series.
Ms. Robinson's writing allowed the reader to see clearly the surrounding English countryside where the houseparty was given. The characters were well established but there is more to them I am sure as the series continues. I liked Addie and found her to be extremely naive regarding her friends. However, this didn't distract from her inherent kindness towards them. The mystery was smoothly paced with several suspects, and the clues, twists and turns kept me completely baffled until the reveal. The touch of paranormal with the ghost of Addie's husband provided many humorous moments throughout the story with their banter. Poor Addie was quite sure that she was becoming totally unhinged. I look forward to more adventures with Addie.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Ms. Robinson's writing allowed the reader to see clearly the surrounding English countryside where the houseparty was given. The characters were well established but there is more to them I am sure as the series continues. I liked Addie and found her to be extremely naive regarding her friends. However, this didn't distract from her inherent kindness towards them. The mystery was smoothly paced with several suspects, and the clues, twists and turns kept me completely baffled until the reveal. The touch of paranormal with the ghost of Addie's husband provided many humorous moments throughout the story with their banter. Poor Addie was quite sure that she was becoming totally unhinged. I look forward to more adventures with Addie.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
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