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Lady Caroline Murder Mysteries #2
Death in the Garden
Lake Garda, Italy, 1925
Uncle Albert, in relentless pursuit of his hobby, is off to a secluded island on Lake Garda, Italy. Guided by ancestral duty, Lady Caroline, his reluctant secretary, follows in his wake. An exclusive party has gathered to celebrate the coming out of the Queen of the Night with a midnight soiree.
But as the guests prepare to witness the exotic plant’s once-a-year bloom, Uncle Albert is discovered in the villa’s conservatory with a dead body. Worse yet, with the Queen of the Night completely destroyed.
While Lady Caroline is determined to clear her aging relation’s good name, Uncle Albert seems to dig himself further into trouble. When a second body turns up in the manicured gardens, and Uncle Albert again is the most likely culprit, Lady Caroline decides it’s time to put her scavenger hunt skills–the same ones that got her into this “secretary” mess in the first place–to good use and follow the clues to the real killer.
With a closed circle of upper-crust suspects, an elegant historic location, and a puzzling murder mystery without the gore, it’s a golden age country house whodunnit transplanted to Italy.
Uncle Albert, in relentless pursuit of his hobby, is off to a secluded island on Lake Garda, Italy. Guided by ancestral duty, Lady Caroline, his reluctant secretary, follows in his wake. An exclusive party has gathered to celebrate the coming out of the Queen of the Night with a midnight soiree.
But as the guests prepare to witness the exotic plant’s once-a-year bloom, Uncle Albert is discovered in the villa’s conservatory with a dead body. Worse yet, with the Queen of the Night completely destroyed.
While Lady Caroline is determined to clear her aging relation’s good name, Uncle Albert seems to dig himself further into trouble. When a second body turns up in the manicured gardens, and Uncle Albert again is the most likely culprit, Lady Caroline decides it’s time to put her scavenger hunt skills–the same ones that got her into this “secretary” mess in the first place–to good use and follow the clues to the real killer.
With a closed circle of upper-crust suspects, an elegant historic location, and a puzzling murder mystery without the gore, it’s a golden age country house whodunnit transplanted to Italy.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2022
395 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 2, 2024
Another wonderful setting for this series. I loved getting to know more about Caroline and her uncle, Albert, while they were vacationing in Lake Garda, Italy and following along as they worked to prove his innocence in the murders. I am not a fan of the amateur sleuth accusing one person after another until they find the guilty party but otherwise this was a great addition to the series. Looking forward to the next.
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
September 13, 2022
Engaging quirky characters, but a bit of chicanery on the mystery-when, in the summing up, the detective reveals so far unknown-to-the-reader info they needed to solve the crime, and announce they noticed it days ago, then I feel it is sloppy plotting.
October 26, 2024
Rating: 3.5 (rounded down) / 5
A group of strangers and not-so-strangers are stranded on a scenic island in Italy...with a murderer!
Dun dun duuuuuunnnnn!
The setup is just about as perfect as what I should love, but we'll get to that in a bit. There's a scavenger hunt, perhaps treasure, and a whole lot of uncertainty around the motive, especially with whispered conversations and clandestine meetings happening left and right!
Whew, it's practically GOLD what we've got here, and....*winces* Yeah, it if was, say, an Eleanor Swift setup, then it'd get ALL THE STARS and so much more, make no mistake!
But....*sighs* I think I've figured out what's up with this series and why I just can't get into it.
Caroline herself, unfortunately, is a large part of the problem.
She's just...not a good heroine. I mean, she's not bad, per se, but she IS benign and bland, and that's just about the worst thing that a cozy mystery heroine CAN be. She isn't particularly clever, for one thing, and although she keeps reminiscing about all the things she learned at her unconventional finishing school, sorry not sorry, but it just seems rather bland as well as wasted, since these skills are never particularly interesting or show Caroline off to be a badass at any time. (I mean, if she's such a "great spy", then how come she was being followed the whole time and didn't realize it until the person following her literally seized her from behind? Yeeeeeeeap, wasted education, my girl--a wasted education.)
What's even more unfortunate is that because she's not clever and benign and whatnot, the fact that the story is told entirely from her point of view drags it down in my estimation. If not with kick-ass heroines like Eleanor Swift or Penelope Banks, for example, then the least the author can do with a boring heroine is to write in the third person, because at least THEN we wouldn't be dragged down by a bland narrative in what's otherwise an engaging setup!
And, speaking of "intended to be engaging but does NOT quite reach that level", another thing that drags this down for me is how...I GUESS that the relationship between Caroline and James is supposed to be a big selling point and something that we're supposed to be rooting for, but...sorry not sorry, these two do NOT have any chemistry together!!! Like...apart from Caroline thinking that he's good looking and trusting him (because he knew her brother, I guess?), there's not much else between them. James spends as much time avoiding Caroline as not, and while I think the author's trying to hint at some repressed romantic attraction to Caroline on his part, because James is just too bland a character there's nonetheless NO sparks between them, and his interactions with Caroline just seem...casual, at best. Forgettable, ahem, at worst. And the worst of it for the READER is that this makes up the relationship that we're supposed to be invested in as developing from book to book in this series but...sorry not sorry, AGAIN, I just don't see it.
There's no great partnership here like Hugh and Eleanor from the Eleanor Swift series.
There's no mutual trust and dependence like Penelope and Detective Prescott in the Penelope Banks series.
There's no obviously-repressed sparks like Willa and Detective Heath from the Cheese Shop Mystery series.
Heck, even the chemistry and sexual tension like between Cleo and Armitage from the Cleopatra Fox series isn't there!
So...yeah, all in all, if I keep thinking of ways for how this could be made BETTER than it is, then that right there is a pretty good hint that this series has failed to impress.
I am willing to try giving it ONE MORE CHANCE though with Book 3, but let's just say that my expectations are diminished into classifying this as slightly below average in my estimation.
A group of strangers and not-so-strangers are stranded on a scenic island in Italy...with a murderer!
Dun dun duuuuuunnnnn!
The setup is just about as perfect as what I should love, but we'll get to that in a bit. There's a scavenger hunt, perhaps treasure, and a whole lot of uncertainty around the motive, especially with whispered conversations and clandestine meetings happening left and right!
Whew, it's practically GOLD what we've got here, and....*winces* Yeah, it if was, say, an Eleanor Swift setup, then it'd get ALL THE STARS and so much more, make no mistake!
But....*sighs* I think I've figured out what's up with this series and why I just can't get into it.
Caroline herself, unfortunately, is a large part of the problem.
She's just...not a good heroine. I mean, she's not bad, per se, but she IS benign and bland, and that's just about the worst thing that a cozy mystery heroine CAN be. She isn't particularly clever, for one thing, and although she keeps reminiscing about all the things she learned at her unconventional finishing school, sorry not sorry, but it just seems rather bland as well as wasted, since these skills are never particularly interesting or show Caroline off to be a badass at any time. (I mean, if she's such a "great spy", then how come she was being followed the whole time and didn't realize it until the person following her literally seized her from behind? Yeeeeeeeap, wasted education, my girl--a wasted education.)
What's even more unfortunate is that because she's not clever and benign and whatnot, the fact that the story is told entirely from her point of view drags it down in my estimation. If not with kick-ass heroines like Eleanor Swift or Penelope Banks, for example, then the least the author can do with a boring heroine is to write in the third person, because at least THEN we wouldn't be dragged down by a bland narrative in what's otherwise an engaging setup!
And, speaking of "intended to be engaging but does NOT quite reach that level", another thing that drags this down for me is how...I GUESS that the relationship between Caroline and James is supposed to be a big selling point and something that we're supposed to be rooting for, but...sorry not sorry, these two do NOT have any chemistry together!!! Like...apart from Caroline thinking that he's good looking and trusting him (because he knew her brother, I guess?), there's not much else between them. James spends as much time avoiding Caroline as not, and while I think the author's trying to hint at some repressed romantic attraction to Caroline on his part, because James is just too bland a character there's nonetheless NO sparks between them, and his interactions with Caroline just seem...casual, at best. Forgettable, ahem, at worst. And the worst of it for the READER is that this makes up the relationship that we're supposed to be invested in as developing from book to book in this series but...sorry not sorry, AGAIN, I just don't see it.
There's no great partnership here like Hugh and Eleanor from the Eleanor Swift series.
There's no mutual trust and dependence like Penelope and Detective Prescott in the Penelope Banks series.
There's no obviously-repressed sparks like Willa and Detective Heath from the Cheese Shop Mystery series.
Heck, even the chemistry and sexual tension like between Cleo and Armitage from the Cleopatra Fox series isn't there!
So...yeah, all in all, if I keep thinking of ways for how this could be made BETTER than it is, then that right there is a pretty good hint that this series has failed to impress.
I am willing to try giving it ONE MORE CHANCE though with Book 3, but let's just say that my expectations are diminished into classifying this as slightly below average in my estimation.
March 22, 2024
In this second entry in the Lady Caroline historical mystery series, Lady Caroline, along with her Uncle Albert, and the rest of the odd society he belongs to head to an island in Lake Garda in Italy. They're there ostensibly to view a rare flower, while staying at the villa of a couple they know. Of course, there are a number of other mysterious house guests, and soon, there's a murder. But this time, Uncle Albert is the choice for murderer by everyone there, so Lady Caroline hustles to clear his name. There are a lot of mysteries aside from the murder, and everyone seems to have secrets.
I enjoyed the mystery, and liked the role the Golden Platypus plays in it all (the award Uncle Albert won in the first book).
I'm not sure where the next mystery will take place, as this one ended rather abruptly, but I'll definitely read it.
I enjoyed the mystery, and liked the role the Golden Platypus plays in it all (the award Uncle Albert won in the first book).
I'm not sure where the next mystery will take place, as this one ended rather abruptly, but I'll definitely read it.
September 18, 2025
Another good, but not great, book for me.
June 18, 2023
The lightest of Escapist Fare
A thoroughly silly and not terribly well written plotted mystery. It has a Bertie and Jeeves vibe without actually making you laugh out loud. That said, I did smile through the whole thing. If you want to avoid reality for a few hours, this works.
A thoroughly silly and not terribly well written plotted mystery. It has a Bertie and Jeeves vibe without actually making you laugh out loud. That said, I did smile through the whole thing. If you want to avoid reality for a few hours, this works.
February 22, 2025
A clean, pleasant cozy mystery-a couple hours of escapism.
As usual Caroline is attracting dead bodies and solving murders- this series is somewhat better than many of the hastily churned out, heavily AI-written cozy whodunits that have been cropping up. It has a fairly engaging plot, and decent writing No great wit, no lovely descriptions of clothes, or great conversation but it's readable. In books like these, the characters are rather two dimesnional and flat necessarily, for brevity and because the purpose is to entertain not create great literature but the couple of main characters are quite well drawn out. However, more should be added to bring out Caroline's part and character for a satisfying read. I liked that the heroine is not annoyingly brave, nor too stupid, and there is no virtue signaling; she is relatable with a penchant for Tobelrone chocolates and there is some attempt at light humour, though more so in some of the other books in the series.
No major editing errors but someone tell the editor that we don't try to 'reign' in a conversation, we try to rein in a conversation, like controlling horses, steer the conversation, curtail one topic, and move to another.
As usual Caroline is attracting dead bodies and solving murders- this series is somewhat better than many of the hastily churned out, heavily AI-written cozy whodunits that have been cropping up. It has a fairly engaging plot, and decent writing No great wit, no lovely descriptions of clothes, or great conversation but it's readable. In books like these, the characters are rather two dimesnional and flat necessarily, for brevity and because the purpose is to entertain not create great literature but the couple of main characters are quite well drawn out. However, more should be added to bring out Caroline's part and character for a satisfying read. I liked that the heroine is not annoyingly brave, nor too stupid, and there is no virtue signaling; she is relatable with a penchant for Tobelrone chocolates and there is some attempt at light humour, though more so in some of the other books in the series.
No major editing errors but someone tell the editor that we don't try to 'reign' in a conversation, we try to rein in a conversation, like controlling horses, steer the conversation, curtail one topic, and move to another.
August 8, 2025
OMG!!!
I grew up near Lake Garda. I swear this book brings back many happy memories. The western shore, where I grew up is really awash with lemons. There's even a charming little town called Limone (lemon in Italian), so called from her many trees. There are 5 islands in the lake, one of them still privately owned. I guess that's the one where Lady Caroline finds herself entangled in another murder (actually 2, plus assorted other crimes and misdeeds).
I think I'm in love with Uncle Albert. He's so lovably absent-minded. Lady Caroline is even more independent and astute than in the previous book. She seems to be falling for James, who is still a bit meh, for me. Hope he improves along the series
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers
I grew up near Lake Garda. I swear this book brings back many happy memories. The western shore, where I grew up is really awash with lemons. There's even a charming little town called Limone (lemon in Italian), so called from her many trees. There are 5 islands in the lake, one of them still privately owned. I guess that's the one where Lady Caroline finds herself entangled in another murder (actually 2, plus assorted other crimes and misdeeds).
I think I'm in love with Uncle Albert. He's so lovably absent-minded. Lady Caroline is even more independent and astute than in the previous book. She seems to be falling for James, who is still a bit meh, for me. Hope he improves along the series
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers
November 10, 2022
The Lady Caroline murder mystery series are better than Isabella’s series with the Coool Cat.
Tales fillings Caroline’s times are quirky in that we have no idea what went on for the over educated, over financed and helicopter parented back in early 20th century.
My lure was Lady Caroline’s University attendance and skill in Rowing and Scavenger Hunts, both were excellent accomplishments for girls back then, and so far there is no… gratuitous violence, drugs, alcohol abuse or sexual content.
Enjoying this series, thank you Isabella Bassett, much appreciated :-)
Tales fillings Caroline’s times are quirky in that we have no idea what went on for the over educated, over financed and helicopter parented back in early 20th century.
My lure was Lady Caroline’s University attendance and skill in Rowing and Scavenger Hunts, both were excellent accomplishments for girls back then, and so far there is no… gratuitous violence, drugs, alcohol abuse or sexual content.
Enjoying this series, thank you Isabella Bassett, much appreciated :-)
January 20, 2025
Good Story. Terrible Mystery
The first half is filled with endless ramblings by the detective about possible motives and scenarios. The second half is solved with an outsider’s report in the second to last chapter. What the author might have considered clues were blatant half-truths not subtle asides. I enjoyed the setting and the characters but the author would be better off switching to historical fiction. Unfortunately she doubles down by placing murder mystery in the title.
The first half is filled with endless ramblings by the detective about possible motives and scenarios. The second half is solved with an outsider’s report in the second to last chapter. What the author might have considered clues were blatant half-truths not subtle asides. I enjoyed the setting and the characters but the author would be better off switching to historical fiction. Unfortunately she doubles down by placing murder mystery in the title.
June 15, 2023
Another Light Hearted Yet Entertaining Mystery
"Death in the Garden," by Isabella Bassett is the second in an English mystery series featuring clever Lady Caroline and her slightly batty Uncle. With enough twists and turns to keep the reader fully engaged and eager to read more. I look forward to more reading!
"Death in the Garden," by Isabella Bassett is the second in an English mystery series featuring clever Lady Caroline and her slightly batty Uncle. With enough twists and turns to keep the reader fully engaged and eager to read more. I look forward to more reading!
March 26, 2024
Cute story
Stay at a villa on a beautiful lake in northern Italy should be a joy, unless your Lady Caroline who seems to be attracting dead bodies and solving their murders. Using all her skills Caroline must solve these murders to save her beloved but batty uncle from being hanged for the crimes. This fascinating
Stay at a villa on a beautiful lake in northern Italy should be a joy, unless your Lady Caroline who seems to be attracting dead bodies and solving their murders. Using all her skills Caroline must solve these murders to save her beloved but batty uncle from being hanged for the crimes. This fascinating
March 1, 2023
Love Lady Caroline and Co.
Just finished Death in the Garden! #2 is as good as the first. Couldn't put book down. Love the characters! Don't stop! More Lady Caroline and friends please! Can't wait to start next!
Just finished Death in the Garden! #2 is as good as the first. Couldn't put book down. Love the characters! Don't stop! More Lady Caroline and friends please! Can't wait to start next!
March 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book. The story is well written, the characters are interesting, and the premise is well thought out. Lady Caroline is the type of character I admire and one who is clever enough to avoid being chattel in her era. I definitely recommend this book.
September 1, 2023
Death in the garden Book 2 Lady Caroline murder Mystery
Lady Caroline joins her uncle on a trip to an island near Sicily. While there two people are killed and Lady Caroline Is determined to clear her uncle's name who unfortunately has been arrested for their murders.
Lady Caroline joins her uncle on a trip to an island near Sicily. While there two people are killed and Lady Caroline Is determined to clear her uncle's name who unfortunately has been arrested for their murders.
September 21, 2023
Another fun romp—this time in an Italian villa, with Lady Caroline and her daft uncle, his nature society Lords, and some shifty party guests, and, of course, a murderer. A fun cozy mystery, and the second in the series.
January 7, 2024
A really good read
These books are brilliant,they are a wonderful read, the characters are really well written and the description of the places,are really good can't wait for the next one .
These books are brilliant,they are a wonderful read, the characters are really well written and the description of the places,are really good can't wait for the next one .
February 3, 2025
Neat mystery with a bit of everything, a hint of the supernatural, an isolated location, an old mansion with a secret passage, and plenty of misdirection. A bit of a slow start, but gratifying in the end.
July 1, 2025
The heroine gets a bit too carried away in some parts. I was hoping things would calm down in the second book but was wrong. And all the references to her unusual finishing school started to annoy me.
August 6, 2025
once I got past all the ground laying chapters and setting the scene where the main story takes place, which took the first 12 chapters.🤦 Chapter 13 is when the first murder happens and moves on from there. It was an ok story.
November 17, 2022
meh
I love to read and I am especially fond of cozy historical mystery series’. After reading the two books in this series all I can say is meh.
I love to read and I am especially fond of cozy historical mystery series’. After reading the two books in this series all I can say is meh.
January 4, 2023
Very interesting story
A super interesting story, did not see the twists coming! If you like cozy mysteries and female detectives, you'll likely enjoy this one.
A super interesting story, did not see the twists coming! If you like cozy mysteries and female detectives, you'll likely enjoy this one.
February 10, 2023
Interesting about the location's history.
July 27, 2023
Uncle Albert is the best. Wish there was more of him in the book.
February 2, 2024
Death in the Garden
Lovely, interesting, intriguing, Highly recommend as a get a way novel to distress with on that afternoon when you are at the peak of stress.
Lovely, interesting, intriguing, Highly recommend as a get a way novel to distress with on that afternoon when you are at the peak of stress.
April 18, 2024
lighthearted read
While this is a murder mystery the book’s pacing and the author’s levity and historical references make this series very enjoyable, indeed.
While this is a murder mystery the book’s pacing and the author’s levity and historical references make this series very enjoyable, indeed.
July 5, 2024
Good little book,
August 9, 2024
Good second book with fun twists and turns. Good character development and world building
September 29, 2024
I gave the series two tries but there are too many other series that I like better.
December 30, 2024
Too much high pitched stupid screaming. The narrator or the writer, I’m not sure so I’m going to say, both!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews