An Inelegant Death

Jane Pemberton #1

by Blythe Baker

When Miss Jane Pemberton joins her uncle’s household as a companion to her invalid cousin, she does not realize what a dangerous world she is stepping into.

From the moment she enters the house, Jane senses secrets and unresolved tensions hanging like a shadow over the Pemberton family. Worse, citizens of the sleepy, seaside town of Ebonport do not lead the peaceful lives Jane expected. They seem to hide beneath shadows of their own, motivated by avarice and revenge.

When a shocking murder rocks this uneasy society, Jane vows to protect her uncle’s family—whether they deserve it or not.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Amazon

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 27, 2021

About the author

Blythe Baker is a thirty-something bottle redhead from the South Central part of the country. When she’s not slinging words and creating new worlds and characters, she’s acting as chauffeur to her children and head groomer to her household of beloved pets.

Blythe enjoys long walks with her dog on sweaty days, grubbing in her flower garden, cooking, and ruthlessly de-cluttering her overcrowded home. She also likes binge-watching mystery shows on TV and burying herself in books about murder.

Reviews

[Vintage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane is as dry as James Bond's shaken not stirred martinis so good thing she's very British.

The book is more novella than standalone.

Orphaned heroine has to be companion to a disabled cousin in a family that is less than welcoming. They act superior but only because they have more money as they certainly don't come across as superior in manner or manners.

Disabled cousin holds secrets and likes to manipulate. (I'm kind of hoping she's faking not walking and can walk but I doubt it.)

Other female cousin is over-emotional and doesn't know when to stop dancing at parties.

Male cousin is a snob for no good reason as his friends are evidence to.

Uncle could be nicer.

Heroine's sister is a dark house as suspicious minds want to know why she callously left before their mother died and hasn't taken her in.

Jane solves a murder that would inconvenience her new family but only open up questions for the next book.

[Caryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Jane Pemberton becomes a companion to her invalid cousin. Miss Jane soon discovers that all within this household is not as it seems.

Miss Jane has keen observation skills that are tested shortly after her arrival when a murder occurs. She is quickly able to identify the guilty person.

I enjoyed this Jane Austen inspired mystery. It's a quick and clean read.

Recommend to readers who enjoy historical mysteries.

I borrowed a copy from Kindle Unlimited. I've expressed my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this Jane Austen inspired mystery. It's a quick and clean read.

Recommend to readers who enjoy historical mysteries.

I borrowed a copy from Kindle Unlimited. I've expressed my honest opinion.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too simple

The solutions to Ms Baker’s books are too simple. The “detective” generally gets the murder to admit it. And they are always “conveniently” in the right (or wrong if you see it that way) place and the right (or wrong) time. It is all too easy.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

After the death of both her parents Jane Pemberton goes to stay at her uncle's home as a companion to her invalided cousin. Soon a family friend is murdered.
A cozy historical mystery, but really not much of a mystery, the solution was too easy, and with not very likeable characters.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two-three stars

I hope the rest of the series improves on this debut first story. The beginning is promising but it unfortunately does not bear fruit.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jane's mother dies her father tells her she will have to move out. He can't afford to take care of her. Her uncle is going to take her in to be a companion for his daughter. When she arrives she isn't welcomed. And she doesn't have a good feeling about the place. She and Cecilia become friends. Then a murder takes place, Felton's friend has been killed. He is a wreck and his dad almost accuses him of being the killer. Jane believes some really bad things are going to happen. There are many secrets. I enjoyed reading this story and am looking forward to the next book. Great cast of characters, and a good plot.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely intriguing- one can almost sense the tension in this book from the first page. It’s not just learning of unknown relatives and a new town that puts Jane on alert when she enters this baronial household as an companion to her invalid cousin but the suspicions that Jane feels when a murder has been committed to a friend of another cousin in this household. Yet Jane is compelled to help this family and, if necessary, uncover the murderer. With this great start to a new murder mysteries series by Blythe Baker, I feel there are many more psychological tales to be read and I can’t wait to read the next. Thanks to the author for an ARC; this is my honest review.

[J Shu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Pemberton's mother dies, leaving her with no real means of support. Her sister wants Jane to find a husband, but, instead, Jane takes a job with her father's brother who, years previous, had apparently cheated Jane's father in a business deal. Jane is to be a companion to her invalid cousin. She arrives at the home, getting the feeling that secrets live with the family. A friend of another of Jane's is murdered and the cousin feels he is a prime subject. Can Jane find out what happened? Short, fun read.

[Dew · Rating 2 out of 5]

all the death

I don’t enjoy books that end on cliffhangers. Otherwise, the AU and characters are fairly good. One of the main problem with the Machiavellian sociopath plotting the multitudes of homicides that plague the Pemberton’s is the question: how many violent murders does one family have to experience before they realise that there is a problem? I mean, seriously.

[Saundra]

I feel this was just “okay.” Very few likable characters, no real explanation of the reason for Jane’s situation, predictable personalities and outcomes. There’s a mystery brought up at the end that continues into the next installment. I’m afraid I won’t find out the answer because this 1st book wasn’t enough to peak my curiosity.

[Sarah A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book or novella is a lovely little mystery set in a Austen/Eyre like style and era.
Jane Pemberton has accepted an offer to be a companion to her invalid cousin despite never having met the cousin or the rest of the family due to some sort of family feud that she doesn’t know the details of. However as the unmarried lady of limited means after her parents deaths, she is left with few choices. Meeting her uncle and cousins now will give her more family connections but will it also result in more details of the family history.
Before Jane can find anything out, the whole family is involved in the local murder of a gambling man.

Well written with interesting twists, the characters are fascinating, the story with nice surprises.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unmarried Jane choses to live with her estranged uncle

At 25, Kane has lost both parents. Unmarried and without money, she has 2 choices. Marry a much older undesirable man or become a companion to her invalid cousin.

Her uncle is a hard man and has no affection towards his niece. There has been bad business and bad blood between her father and his brother. But, Jane decides to persevere.

The moment she arrives, Jane realizes her uncle, his secretary, her cousins are all carrying secrets. Her invalid cousin, Celia appears sweet and eager for friendship. Her older spoiled brother and sister want little to do with either of them.

A murder occurs and more suspicion and buried secrets swirl about and Celia seems to morbidly thrive on the tensions around her. It make Jane very uneasy.

The story sets itself up into an obvious sequel.

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished the book on Thursday. When I went to write the review on Monday, I had to return to the synopsis to remind myself what I was rating. That is not a good sign.

Jane is not a memorable character. Her family of uncle and cousins is somewhat stereotypical, but superficial as well, though one gets the impression Cecelia has untapped depths that may prove diabolical, mischievous, or simply contrarian. I won't be reading further to find out.

The story is a simple retelling of what happened, with no depth or nuance, and with convenient staging. Were I told the author was a first-time author fresh from school, I could believe it. Were I told she creates bedtime stories for her children - stories with no real depth or emotion to keep them awake, I could believe it.

[Catherine Stratman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder and family secrets

This is the start to a new series from Ms Baker. Our main character has lost both her parents and is taken in by her uncle as a companion for his invalid daughter. As Jane tries to settle in to her new home, a local man and friend to her cousin is murdered. Evidence points to her cousin as the guilty party. Can Jane solve the murder and keep her new family intact? This was a quick, satisfying read. There is a lot of room for growth of the characters and a lot of underlying tension for Jane to try to figure out. I look forward to reading the next entry in the series.

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Celia Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Inelegant Death by Blythe Baker is a well done historical mystery set around the main character, Jane Pemberton. Jane is in her mid twenties and her parents have died. She is offered a position as a companion to her cousin Celia who is wheelchair bound. Other members of the family are cool and contemptuous, but when a friend of the Pemberton son is found dead, and the son is being accused of the murder, Jane sets out to find the real murderer. But at what risk? The characters are well rounded and visual. And the rise and fall of tension is good. I am now reading the second book in the series, An Inevitable Murder, and it is moving right along. Looks to be a good series.

Celia Martin

[Pamela]

I am not sure I will continue with this series. First book was somewhat dry and didn’t seem to hold my interest. I really didn’t like the characters as they didn’t seem to be very lively or memorable including the heroine. I’ll hold onto this and maybe try Book 2 at a later date. Sorry, I don’t like giving a review that isn’t glowing, but i read a lot of cozy mysteries and this one didn’t hold my interest. I have to be honest. If i read Book 2 and feel a big improvement i will be sure to report back.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane's parents have both died and she is without a place to live. Her brother has joined the army. Her sister has married and there is not room for Jane in her home. Jane is invited to come to the home of her uncle, her deceased father's brother who has shunned Jane's family for years. Her uncle wants her to be a companion for his invalid daughter. Jane meets two other cousins and her uncle's secretary, none of whom are very friendly. In fact, the atmosphere in the home is one of disrespect, anger, suspicion, mistrust, rudeness and criticism, to each other and to Jane. How will she live here?

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Start to the New Series !!!

An Inelegant Death is the first book in the Jane Pemberton Murder Mysteries Series, it is fun, full of suspense and twists and turns that will keep you glued to your seat while you're trying to figure out the murder and mystery. I would recommend this book to any cozy mystery fan, can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Polina Posner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brand new series is off to a suspenseful start, as Jane faces a life changing decision - accept a marriage arrangement or become a companion to her invalid cousin - a branch of her family that she knows very little about. As the story unfolds, Jane is faced with intrigue, murder, and family secrets not yet revealed. Enjoyable!

[Roxane Twisdale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ends kinda weird

I liked this book even tho it ends suddenly, I didn't pay attention to the pages it had. I loved the characters and the book kept me guessing . It was enjoyable and I plan to read the rest in this series. I would recommend this book but I would tell them it's not a long book some ppl like that tho, I don't mind them either

[Tina Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series and the first one I’ve read by this author. It was somewhat diverting for a quick afternoon read.
I would’ve preferred a more complex plot with characters who have many payers to them. Being a fan of writers like Anne Perry, Ngaio Marsh, etc I just didn’t find this book to be my cup of tea. I’m sure many readers would enjoy this as a light mystery.

[Julia Hebner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Big disappointment

The first pages of this book describe, at great length, the home of the protagonist, the home she is leaving behind and the reader never sees again. If the major characters had been allowed to develop as fully as this abandoned setting, the book might have made sense.

[*_honesty_* · Rating 1 out of 5]

Intensely irritating

The author kept the suspense to the end of the book and dropped it, story unfinished. More than a cliffhanger, but a demand to buy the next book. This book was free. I don't appreciate being forced, manipulated, to read the next book if I wish to find out who did it. Obviously, a decent read. I would give a 3 or 4 if not for my irritation.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane’s life takes an unexpected turn. Her Mom dies, she has to move in with her Uncle and his daughter. You get caught up in the things that happen and hope it will change. An amazing beginning to a worthwhile mystery series.

[JudyAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery within mystery.

A pleasant read. Clean, historic and I liked it. Let your imagination go and don't pick ⛏️ too much apart. Difficult to get depth in so few pages. Just enjoy the read.

[Miss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly short unexciting crime novel. Jane seems a little too naive. Celia comes across as nice on the surface but conniving and untrustworthy underneath. The rest of the characters are one dimensional. The crimes is too simple and the conclusion abrupt.

[Marla · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started out slow, then everything happened in the last fourth of the book. The main character fretted a lot, understandable given the circumstances, but still, it got tiresome very quickly. The relative's house was the most interesting part of the book.

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book did not become a murder mystery until the last two chapters of the book. The rest was rather inelegant like the title.

[Patricia Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meh

The author did a good job with historical details. The character development was a tad heavy handed. They were described instead of introduced and emerging.

[Sanderella · Rating 2 out of 5]

One good thing about this book is that it was short and a quick read.
My opinion of it is that it was dryer than a popcorn fart.
I won't be reading any more of this series.