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Cragside
From the author of The Erdington Mysteries, a classic 1930s murder mystery house party.Lady Merryweather has had a shocking year. Apprehended for the murder of her husband the year before, and only recently released, she hopes a trip away from London will allow her to grieve. The isolated, but much loved, Cragside Estate in North Northumberland, home of her friends, Lord and Lady Bradbury, holds special memories for her.
But, no sooner has she arrived than the body of one of the guests is found on the estate, and suspicion immediately turns on her. Perhaps, there are no friendships to be found here, after all.
Released, due to a lack of evidence, Lady Ella returns to Cragside only to discover a second murder has taken place in her absence, and one she can’t possibly have committed.
Quickly realising that these new murders must be related to that of her beloved husband, Lady Merryweather sets out to solve the crime, once and for all. But there are many who don’t want her to succeed, and as the number of murder victims increases, the possibility that she might well be the next victim, can’t be ignored.
Journey to the 1930s Cragside Estate, to a period house-party where no one is truly safe, and the estate is just as deadly as the people.Praise for The Erdington Mysteries"a masterful plot full of suspense and twists that kept me up reading late into the night."
But, no sooner has she arrived than the body of one of the guests is found on the estate, and suspicion immediately turns on her. Perhaps, there are no friendships to be found here, after all.
Released, due to a lack of evidence, Lady Ella returns to Cragside only to discover a second murder has taken place in her absence, and one she can’t possibly have committed.
Quickly realising that these new murders must be related to that of her beloved husband, Lady Merryweather sets out to solve the crime, once and for all. But there are many who don’t want her to succeed, and as the number of murder victims increases, the possibility that she might well be the next victim, can’t be ignored.
Journey to the 1930s Cragside Estate, to a period house-party where no one is truly safe, and the estate is just as deadly as the people.Praise for The Erdington Mysteries"a masterful plot full of suspense and twists that kept me up reading late into the night."
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2022
11 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Porter
111 books257 followersI'm an author of historical fiction (Early English (before 1066)/Viking) and now five 20th-century mysteries..
The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles (featuring a young Icel from The Last King series) is now available from Boldwood Books. As is the complete Brunanburh Series and the first two books in the Dark Age Chronicles, my foray to before Saxon England was Saxon England. Enjoy.
The Ninth Century Series (The Last King), are stories of ninth-century England, but not as it's been written before, (featuring an older Icel and some other familiar faces too).
The Erdington Mysteries now has a third book in the series—The Secret Sauce. (Did you know Erdington would have been in Mercia back in the Saxon period? I know, you can't get me away from the place.) The Barrage Body is coming soon.
The Royal Women Who Made England, my first non-fiction book about the royal women of the tenth century, is available now.
I like to write. You've been warned.
Find me at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing!
https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor
https://mjporterauthor.sumupstore.com
You can join my monthly subscriber newsletters and gain access to the restricted page on my blog at the same time.
https://BookHip.com/MGWHLDC (Saxon stories)
https://BookHip.com/THPKCKP (mysteries only)
(I have odd reading tastes - there's no need to notice though!!) I'm also exceedingly anti-social - that you may notice but must accept!
The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles (featuring a young Icel from The Last King series) is now available from Boldwood Books. As is the complete Brunanburh Series and the first two books in the Dark Age Chronicles, my foray to before Saxon England was Saxon England. Enjoy.
The Ninth Century Series (The Last King), are stories of ninth-century England, but not as it's been written before, (featuring an older Icel and some other familiar faces too).
The Erdington Mysteries now has a third book in the series—The Secret Sauce. (Did you know Erdington would have been in Mercia back in the Saxon period? I know, you can't get me away from the place.) The Barrage Body is coming soon.
The Royal Women Who Made England, my first non-fiction book about the royal women of the tenth century, is available now.
I like to write. You've been warned.
Find me at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing!
https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor
https://mjporterauthor.sumupstore.com
You can join my monthly subscriber newsletters and gain access to the restricted page on my blog at the same time.
https://BookHip.com/MGWHLDC (Saxon stories)
https://BookHip.com/THPKCKP (mysteries only)
(I have odd reading tastes - there's no need to notice though!!) I'm also exceedingly anti-social - that you may notice but must accept!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 19, 2022
I loved this audiobook!
This story took me straight into the 1930s and was extremely authentic in its descriptions of the period. The language, the scenes, the 'props' read like an Agatha Christie novel!
The plot was gripping throughout and I was constantly guessing the outcome as different clues were revealed. I did find it difficult to distinguish the characters from each other and as it was an audiobook a cast list wouldn't have helped me here. Perhaps I would have preferred fewer characters? But I loved their connections with each other so in a way I'm glad there were many people!
The narrator was simply superb, her voice fitted her character incredibly well and she acted the part wonderfully.
This story took me straight into the 1930s and was extremely authentic in its descriptions of the period. The language, the scenes, the 'props' read like an Agatha Christie novel!
The plot was gripping throughout and I was constantly guessing the outcome as different clues were revealed. I did find it difficult to distinguish the characters from each other and as it was an audiobook a cast list wouldn't have helped me here. Perhaps I would have preferred fewer characters? But I loved their connections with each other so in a way I'm glad there were many people!
The narrator was simply superb, her voice fitted her character incredibly well and she acted the part wonderfully.
April 15, 2022
Who doesn't love a good game of Cluedo? What will you do if I tell you I've located the real Cluedo House?
Welcome to Cragside House! But not the one you will read about on Wikipedia. Or yes, it is the real physical house with the gorgeous marble fireplace, giant boulders that gave Cragside its name, beautiful gardens and the first house to be illuminated by hydro-electricity. But in this story, William Armstrong is not the owner of this impressive property. Sorry to disappoint you, but it's not Colonel Mustard, Professor Plum or any of the other Clue characters either. It's Lord Edmund Bradbury, who is hosting a weekend party that very quickly turns into a classic game of Clue.
For those of us who love the board game, we don't need an introduction to the characters or any of the background stories. We just want to play and solve a murder. Cragside: A 1930's Murder Mystery, follows the same plot with a murder victim making his appearance (or death) on page one. Lady Ella Merryweather, a lifelong friend of the Bradburries, just return to Cragside house after she was arrested for another murder that happened even before our story began. Not to be confused with the murder of her husband a year earlier.
Still the main suspect and most frowned upon guest at the party, Lady Merriweather is left to her own instincts, support from her driver and the only person who believes in her innocence, is Detective Inspector Aldcroft from Northumberland County Constabulary. Then why would his so-called colleague from Scotland Yard, Detective Inspector Davidson do everything in his power to arrest Lady Merryweather for all crimes committed?
Instead of six characters, we play with twelve and if Detective Inspector Aldcroft doesn't solve the mystery of the first two deaths soon, there might not be any players left on the Cragside board. Also following the classic game and all good whodunnits, our players can only move between certain rooms and it is preferable to have them all gathered together in either the drawing room, the dining room, or the library. To venture out on your own will only result in your death or suspicion to be cast upon you.
Let's play Cluedo!
This is our second novel by M.J. Porter and once again, we have to salute her for her brilliant historical research. For this novel, she did extensive research on Gragside House and reading the Author's Notes at the end of the novel, was a definite highlight of the book for us.
Review was first published @ Elza Reads
Welcome to Cragside House! But not the one you will read about on Wikipedia. Or yes, it is the real physical house with the gorgeous marble fireplace, giant boulders that gave Cragside its name, beautiful gardens and the first house to be illuminated by hydro-electricity. But in this story, William Armstrong is not the owner of this impressive property. Sorry to disappoint you, but it's not Colonel Mustard, Professor Plum or any of the other Clue characters either. It's Lord Edmund Bradbury, who is hosting a weekend party that very quickly turns into a classic game of Clue.
For those of us who love the board game, we don't need an introduction to the characters or any of the background stories. We just want to play and solve a murder. Cragside: A 1930's Murder Mystery, follows the same plot with a murder victim making his appearance (or death) on page one. Lady Ella Merryweather, a lifelong friend of the Bradburries, just return to Cragside house after she was arrested for another murder that happened even before our story began. Not to be confused with the murder of her husband a year earlier.
Still the main suspect and most frowned upon guest at the party, Lady Merriweather is left to her own instincts, support from her driver and the only person who believes in her innocence, is Detective Inspector Aldcroft from Northumberland County Constabulary. Then why would his so-called colleague from Scotland Yard, Detective Inspector Davidson do everything in his power to arrest Lady Merryweather for all crimes committed?
Instead of six characters, we play with twelve and if Detective Inspector Aldcroft doesn't solve the mystery of the first two deaths soon, there might not be any players left on the Cragside board. Also following the classic game and all good whodunnits, our players can only move between certain rooms and it is preferable to have them all gathered together in either the drawing room, the dining room, or the library. To venture out on your own will only result in your death or suspicion to be cast upon you.
Let's play Cluedo!
This is our second novel by M.J. Porter and once again, we have to salute her for her brilliant historical research. For this novel, she did extensive research on Gragside House and reading the Author's Notes at the end of the novel, was a definite highlight of the book for us.
Review was first published @ Elza Reads
August 26, 2024
I had a great time reading this murder mystery. Each character had a distinct personality so I could easily follow along with who was who. I kept changing my mind wondering who the murderer was.
Also many kudos to the narrator.
She was superb!
If you’re looking for a frolicking good time of a murder mystery then this is it!
Also many kudos to the narrator.
She was superb!
If you’re looking for a frolicking good time of a murder mystery then this is it!
April 26, 2022
We have here an Agatha Christie style historical murder mystery, the setting for the story is what drew me to this one, the 1930s period of history is fascinating and I loved the references!
The plot's twists and turns come fast and furiously, perhaps a little too fast, you are dumped into the story head first and right at the deep end.
Once I had worked out who was who and what had happened previously I did enjoy a majority of the book but the plot is nowhere near perfect. There were far too many characters, too much of this lord this and lady that. Some of the characters seemed pointless and I really couldn’t relate to any of them in any way at all.
Perhaps I would have been better off reading a physical copy of this book rather than listening to the audio version, in the audio version the amount of characters makes things confusing.
I’m giving this one 3 stars.
🌟🌟🌟
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Love Books Tours, views and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
The plot's twists and turns come fast and furiously, perhaps a little too fast, you are dumped into the story head first and right at the deep end.
Once I had worked out who was who and what had happened previously I did enjoy a majority of the book but the plot is nowhere near perfect. There were far too many characters, too much of this lord this and lady that. Some of the characters seemed pointless and I really couldn’t relate to any of them in any way at all.
Perhaps I would have been better off reading a physical copy of this book rather than listening to the audio version, in the audio version the amount of characters makes things confusing.
I’m giving this one 3 stars.
🌟🌟🌟
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Love Books Tours, views and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
May 23, 2022
Received this book in exchange for an open and honest review as part of lovebookstours book tour.
This is a classic murder mystery story with feels of an Agatha Christie novel, numerous killings, numerous suspects and a story where it is difficult to figure out who has done it up until the reveal.
I did not really connect with the main protagonist of this story, Lady Merryweather, I think perhaps it is the constant reference to Berty, her previously murdered husband, and not much character building through the story.
I also found the other characters a bit missing with the exception of DI Aldcroft's character whom I did like. I appreciate with so many characters to develop them wasn't really possible but was hard to really grasp each of the characters.
I did like the story in so much as with so many suspects trying to figure out who had committed the various murders was not an easy conclusion to draw and to be honest the reveal was a little of a side swipe as not something that could have been predicted.
Overall was an OK story.
This is a classic murder mystery story with feels of an Agatha Christie novel, numerous killings, numerous suspects and a story where it is difficult to figure out who has done it up until the reveal.
I did not really connect with the main protagonist of this story, Lady Merryweather, I think perhaps it is the constant reference to Berty, her previously murdered husband, and not much character building through the story.
I also found the other characters a bit missing with the exception of DI Aldcroft's character whom I did like. I appreciate with so many characters to develop them wasn't really possible but was hard to really grasp each of the characters.
I did like the story in so much as with so many suspects trying to figure out who had committed the various murders was not an easy conclusion to draw and to be honest the reveal was a little of a side swipe as not something that could have been predicted.
Overall was an OK story.
June 10, 2022
I find that when the book takes place overseas, I enjoy when the audiobook is read by someone with that accent, because then the book comes alive more to me then if I’m trying to read it in my head, and you also get to feel exactly what the author is putting out there.
I would classify this one as a historical fiction cozy mystery. It takes place at Cragside Estate in North Northumberland, which is a real estate, by the way. Our main character, the charming Lady Merryweather has had a fairly shocking year. Her beloved husband was murder prior to the start of this novel, and she was arrested as the main suspect. She hopes that a trip away from London will allow to finally, properly grieve, and relax, especially because the estate, owned by Lord and Lady Bradbury, holds such fond memories for her.
However, she quickly realizes that isn’t go to happen because shortly after she arrives, the body of one of the guests is found on the estate, and she becomes the number one suspect.
Released the next morning, due to lack of evidence, and an alibi mind you, Lady Ella returns to Cragside only to discover that a second murder has taken place in her absence.
As with any good cozy mystery, Lady Ella decides to investigate and try to figure out if these recent murders have anything to do with her beloved husbands death. The case is a tangled maze, with someone out to get her at every turn, and not everyone is going to survive, quite possibly Lady Ella herself.
Journey to 1930’s Cragside Estate, a period house-party where no one is truly safe, and the estate is just as deadly as the people in it.
I absolutely loved this one. You can tell it was very well researched and there is a historical footnote from the author at the end that explains what exactly was pulled from the history of the estate and what she’s created herself. This is a place that she has thoroughly explored and enjoys visiting, and that comes out in the story.
I would classify this one as a historical fiction cozy mystery. It takes place at Cragside Estate in North Northumberland, which is a real estate, by the way. Our main character, the charming Lady Merryweather has had a fairly shocking year. Her beloved husband was murder prior to the start of this novel, and she was arrested as the main suspect. She hopes that a trip away from London will allow to finally, properly grieve, and relax, especially because the estate, owned by Lord and Lady Bradbury, holds such fond memories for her.
However, she quickly realizes that isn’t go to happen because shortly after she arrives, the body of one of the guests is found on the estate, and she becomes the number one suspect.
Released the next morning, due to lack of evidence, and an alibi mind you, Lady Ella returns to Cragside only to discover that a second murder has taken place in her absence.
As with any good cozy mystery, Lady Ella decides to investigate and try to figure out if these recent murders have anything to do with her beloved husbands death. The case is a tangled maze, with someone out to get her at every turn, and not everyone is going to survive, quite possibly Lady Ella herself.
Journey to 1930’s Cragside Estate, a period house-party where no one is truly safe, and the estate is just as deadly as the people in it.
I absolutely loved this one. You can tell it was very well researched and there is a historical footnote from the author at the end that explains what exactly was pulled from the history of the estate and what she’s created herself. This is a place that she has thoroughly explored and enjoys visiting, and that comes out in the story.
June 9, 2022
This 1930’s audio mystery delightfully narrated by Gill Mills arrived just in time - I was desperately in need of a cozy distraction. The period piece serves up Agatha Christie and Clue vibes (with a little Downton Abbey on the side) and keeps the listener on the edge of their seat speculating who might be responsible for the growing list of bodies. I enjoyed listening and learning about the period - and found the historical dialogue so charming I found myself mimicking it.
My only criticisms are the opening chapters were paced a bit slow - and Lady Merryweather might have been more engaging at the start with some insight into her grief over her beloved husband’s sudden death.
That said, I found the tale entertaining and informative - and the expert narration lively and engaging. Am already looking over this author’s catalogue for my next listen.
Highly recommend. 4.5 stars (rounded to 5)
My only criticisms are the opening chapters were paced a bit slow - and Lady Merryweather might have been more engaging at the start with some insight into her grief over her beloved husband’s sudden death.
That said, I found the tale entertaining and informative - and the expert narration lively and engaging. Am already looking over this author’s catalogue for my next listen.
Highly recommend. 4.5 stars (rounded to 5)
June 6, 2022
If you are a fan of Agatha Christie, I highly recommend this novel! I listened to the audiobook and the performance was very well done.
Synopsis:
Set in the magnificent, real-life Cragside House in Rothbury, a town in Northumberland, England. Lady Ella Merryweather, recently released from prison after falsely being accused of murdering her husband, has decided to enjoy a holiday outside of London by accepting an invitation by Lord and Lady Bradbury to join them at their Cragside Estate. Soon upon arriving, another guest is murdered and all suspicion quickly turns to Lady Merryweather, of course. It doesn’t take long for the detective to realize Ella is innocent and she is let go, able to return to Cragside. And what does she find upon her return? Another dead body. As Ella begins working closely with the detective on the case, many dark secrets about those in attendance at Cragside begin coming to light. As the secrets pile up, so do the bodies and Ella is determined to help the detective get to the bottom of things. It’s a classic murder mystery house party where everyone becomes a suspect!
Synopsis:
Set in the magnificent, real-life Cragside House in Rothbury, a town in Northumberland, England. Lady Ella Merryweather, recently released from prison after falsely being accused of murdering her husband, has decided to enjoy a holiday outside of London by accepting an invitation by Lord and Lady Bradbury to join them at their Cragside Estate. Soon upon arriving, another guest is murdered and all suspicion quickly turns to Lady Merryweather, of course. It doesn’t take long for the detective to realize Ella is innocent and she is let go, able to return to Cragside. And what does she find upon her return? Another dead body. As Ella begins working closely with the detective on the case, many dark secrets about those in attendance at Cragside begin coming to light. As the secrets pile up, so do the bodies and Ella is determined to help the detective get to the bottom of things. It’s a classic murder mystery house party where everyone becomes a suspect!
June 15, 2022
I'm so glad I listened to the audio, the narration was great!
Read this if you like Agatha Christie 🕵🏻♀️
This book definitely keeps you guessing because everyone seems to have an alibi!
It was a little tricky keeping up with all the characters though.
Thank you @lovebookstours and @m_j_porter for allowing me to listen to this lovely mystery in exchange for this review.
Read this if you like Agatha Christie 🕵🏻♀️
This book definitely keeps you guessing because everyone seems to have an alibi!
It was a little tricky keeping up with all the characters though.
Thank you @lovebookstours and @m_j_porter for allowing me to listen to this lovely mystery in exchange for this review.
May 2, 2022
I want to start off by saying that I received complimentary audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The narrator did amazing job with this audiobook. At times I felt like I was listening to the show Murder She Wrote. It’s old murder mystery show. Highly recommend. I wasn’t bored or didn’t feel like I was putting this audiobook down. The reason it took me look long to finish. One didn’t want to end and wanted to take my time. When it comes to mystery books love to take my time listening or reading. I loved all the characters and just mystery of this get together and there is a murder that happens. Lady Merryweather is funny and witty lady. I honestly haven’t read/listen to a book like this before. I highly recommend this audiobook. I can see where this book can get confusing with the different characters coming in to this story. All the what and who in this story. I am used to reading or listening to books with a lot of characters or point of views. Historical fiction and mystery are my go too for the most part of my readings. This book is set in 1930’s a time where I would have love to live just to see how they lived compared to now.
I will definitely be checking out this authors previous books and new ones to come out.
About Book:
Lady Merryweather has taken a trip when other people to a remote home in the country. Lady Merryweather was accused of murdering her husband the year before. So when someone is murdered in the home. Everyone of the guests suspect. The someone doesn’t want lady Merryweather looking into who the real suspect is. Again I highly recommend this audiobook
Thank you to the author and lovebooktours for allowing me to listen to this audiobook
I will definitely be checking out this authors previous books and new ones to come out.
About Book:
Lady Merryweather has taken a trip when other people to a remote home in the country. Lady Merryweather was accused of murdering her husband the year before. So when someone is murdered in the home. Everyone of the guests suspect. The someone doesn’t want lady Merryweather looking into who the real suspect is. Again I highly recommend this audiobook
Thank you to the author and lovebooktours for allowing me to listen to this audiobook
May 17, 2022
Thank you to @lovebookstours for my copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the sound of this as soon as I read the synopsis, a 1930’s party at a country estate that ends in murder.
The narrator was great, her accents were really good and she portrayed everyone very well. I did get a bit confused during the book as to who was who as there was quite a bit of description of things that didn’t really add anything to the story and just confused things. There were some very interesting characters throughout, and plenty of murders!
Overall, I enjoyed this but it didn’t always hold my concentration as much as I wanted it to.
I loved the sound of this as soon as I read the synopsis, a 1930’s party at a country estate that ends in murder.
The narrator was great, her accents were really good and she portrayed everyone very well. I did get a bit confused during the book as to who was who as there was quite a bit of description of things that didn’t really add anything to the story and just confused things. There were some very interesting characters throughout, and plenty of murders!
Overall, I enjoyed this but it didn’t always hold my concentration as much as I wanted it to.
May 14, 2022
I received an audiobook edition of this book thanks to Love Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book. It felt like an Agatha Christie, locked room mystery. I also felt like it was like the board game Clue and I love that game!! I loved the time period the book is set in and the cover helped me imagine what Cragside might look like. Some things I wasn't a big fan of was that were thrown into the story right away and then you are introduced to a lot of characters. Since I listened to this one, I got confused on the characters and feel like having a physical book may have helped me with that. Overall it was a fun read (listen) and I enjoyed it!
May 2, 2022
Brilliant murder mystery a group of friends murder & intrigue. Everyone suspects each other , everyone has a secret loved it
October 3, 2023
Had the absolute pleasure of visiting Cragside this week. Sadly can’t say the experience of reading its namesake was the same. It’s the closest book I’ve come to not finishing for a very long time but my tenacity kept me at it so I can honestly say the best bit about it was the concluding words :
“it’s over.
At last.”
For me there were too many characters who lacked any kind of distinguishing element other than their names. Therefore it would have been more helpful to have the character list at the beginning rather than the end. Even when I did manage to remember who was who and how they connected together I couldn’t have cared less about any of them they were the most 2 dimensional of characters. That of course didn’t help me engage with the plot. Visiting Cragside helped enormously with understanding the setting and the layout of the house and before you’ve reached the historical note at the end it’s obvious that the author is more interested in the place than the story. This is the first @m_j_porter book I’ve read and likely to be my last. I understand that is not her usual genre of writing and I think that’s evident in this book. It reads as far more an an indulgence to the author to write about a place she loves than for the reader to consume.
Add to this multiple printing errors which should have been picked up in proofreading and the fact that it’s written in the first person present tense which is my least favourite tense to read in (not the author’s fault just my preference) this was never going to be a four or five star contender but it just fell so dreadfully flat.
Another reviewer on Good Reads said they had listened via audible and the narrator had done an excellent job in presenting this novel. I think that element of being brought alive is what is missing from reading the book.
“it’s over.
At last.”
For me there were too many characters who lacked any kind of distinguishing element other than their names. Therefore it would have been more helpful to have the character list at the beginning rather than the end. Even when I did manage to remember who was who and how they connected together I couldn’t have cared less about any of them they were the most 2 dimensional of characters. That of course didn’t help me engage with the plot. Visiting Cragside helped enormously with understanding the setting and the layout of the house and before you’ve reached the historical note at the end it’s obvious that the author is more interested in the place than the story. This is the first @m_j_porter book I’ve read and likely to be my last. I understand that is not her usual genre of writing and I think that’s evident in this book. It reads as far more an an indulgence to the author to write about a place she loves than for the reader to consume.
Add to this multiple printing errors which should have been picked up in proofreading and the fact that it’s written in the first person present tense which is my least favourite tense to read in (not the author’s fault just my preference) this was never going to be a four or five star contender but it just fell so dreadfully flat.
Another reviewer on Good Reads said they had listened via audible and the narrator had done an excellent job in presenting this novel. I think that element of being brought alive is what is missing from reading the book.
December 25, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a twisty 1930s murder mystery at a house party at an estate in North Northumberland. Lady Merryweather goes the Craigside to get away from London and properly grieve her husband who was murdered. She was initially arrested for the murder, but has just been released and she's hoping the peace at the estate and the solace of good friends will help sooth her.
When a guest on the estate dies, all eyes turn to Lady Merryweather. The police are called and she's arrested, but is quickly released. However, while she was in custody, the body of another guest is found. Lady Ella believes the recent murders are related to her husband's death, and sets out to find the culprit. She just wasn't expected to also be in the killer's cross hairs.
This is a slow burn mystery, with plenty of sketchy characters with deep dark secrets. Over time the reader finds just how interrelated the characters lives, and secrets, are. Everyone had a motive and opportunity, so there are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings.
This is a fun, quick and easy read that can be read in one sitting. I discovered this author by reading his fantastic The Ninth Century Series historical fantasy series, which I highly recommend. The author is a prolific writer with plenty of books and genres to discovery. You should definitely check out all of their work.
I was provided a complimentary audio copy of this book by the author. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a twisty 1930s murder mystery at a house party at an estate in North Northumberland. Lady Merryweather goes the Craigside to get away from London and properly grieve her husband who was murdered. She was initially arrested for the murder, but has just been released and she's hoping the peace at the estate and the solace of good friends will help sooth her.
When a guest on the estate dies, all eyes turn to Lady Merryweather. The police are called and she's arrested, but is quickly released. However, while she was in custody, the body of another guest is found. Lady Ella believes the recent murders are related to her husband's death, and sets out to find the culprit. She just wasn't expected to also be in the killer's cross hairs.
This is a slow burn mystery, with plenty of sketchy characters with deep dark secrets. Over time the reader finds just how interrelated the characters lives, and secrets, are. Everyone had a motive and opportunity, so there are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings.
This is a fun, quick and easy read that can be read in one sitting. I discovered this author by reading his fantastic The Ninth Century Series historical fantasy series, which I highly recommend. The author is a prolific writer with plenty of books and genres to discovery. You should definitely check out all of their work.
I was provided a complimentary audio copy of this book by the author. All opinions are my own.
October 13, 2024
This is a complete change of direction from M J Porter. Usually we find ourselves whisked off to some age and time , which ma y a battle and well developed characters.
Here we find a stately home in the 1930’s and a weekend break for a group of friends.
When the body count rises, we see a body (!!) of characters that we like, hate, support or mistrust as time goes on.
This is an interesting, unchallenging but thoroughly enjoyable read and I was pleasantly surprised by the chance of direction! Recommended if you like a “classic” whodunnit :)
Here we find a stately home in the 1930’s and a weekend break for a group of friends.
When the body count rises, we see a body (!!) of characters that we like, hate, support or mistrust as time goes on.
This is an interesting, unchallenging but thoroughly enjoyable read and I was pleasantly surprised by the chance of direction! Recommended if you like a “classic” whodunnit :)
October 25, 2023
I enjoyed the writing style. It was a bit difficult at times to remember all the characters but it was a good read, overall.
March 31, 2023
I found this book a bit confusing 😕 too many characters. But the cast list at the end helped a bit. Loved the history bit of Cragside at the end too
June 3, 2022
Overall I enjoyed the story - I will say from the off though that whilst audiobooks are my new thing, I absolutely love them, this is one of those occasions where I wish I’d read this book physically. I found the number of characters and fast pacing of a whodunnit difficult to keep up with at times while listening - a total personal preference, but if you’re like me and audiobooks are something you multitask with, a physical would potentially be more worth your while to fully appreciate this one.
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There was lots to like about this one though - the setting is great - if you’re lucky enough to have visited Cragside, you’ll know yourself how stunning the surroundings are and how it really does make the perfect backdrop for this sort of mystery. I loved being able to visualise the various scenes particularly the outdoors and know exactly where the author was talking about.
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It was a mystery full of twists and turns and the plot moved on quickly keeping you on your toes. The cast of characters were wholly untrustworthy and it was difficult to guess who had actually done it. The conclusion was cleverly woven together and I did really enjoy all of the drama and secrets that unravelled.
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Overall a decent mystery for fans of cosy whodunnits and Agatha Christie.
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There was lots to like about this one though - the setting is great - if you’re lucky enough to have visited Cragside, you’ll know yourself how stunning the surroundings are and how it really does make the perfect backdrop for this sort of mystery. I loved being able to visualise the various scenes particularly the outdoors and know exactly where the author was talking about.
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It was a mystery full of twists and turns and the plot moved on quickly keeping you on your toes. The cast of characters were wholly untrustworthy and it was difficult to guess who had actually done it. The conclusion was cleverly woven together and I did really enjoy all of the drama and secrets that unravelled.
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Overall a decent mystery for fans of cosy whodunnits and Agatha Christie.
June 8, 2022
1930's Murder Mystery set in the beautiful Cragside House. I am a huge fan of Clue and anything similar to it and jumped at the chance to listen to this audio.
I was slightly confused in the beginning as all the 'players' were being introduced but I knew it would click for me a few chapters in. Tons of twists and clues dropped throughout the book and I had no chance of figuring out who was murdering people.
I thought the narrator did a great job considering how many characters there were in this book, at times all speaking within a chapter.
I was slightly confused in the beginning as all the 'players' were being introduced but I knew it would click for me a few chapters in. Tons of twists and clues dropped throughout the book and I had no chance of figuring out who was murdering people.
I thought the narrator did a great job considering how many characters there were in this book, at times all speaking within a chapter.
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