A Quite Deadly Affair: A 1920s Mystery Novella

Mr. Quayle Mysteries #0.5

by Anthony Slayton

Mr. Quayle's First Case, a novella.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Ebooks

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2022

About the author

Anthony Slayton is a self-confessed Anglophile, at least when it comes to murder and death. Author of the Mr. Quayle Mysteries, he is a life-long mystery aficionado—the more bodies, the better! In his spare time, he can probably be found walking in the park or binge-watching one mystery series or another (possibly just rewatching Poirot and Midsomer Murders for the umpteenth time). You can follow him on BookBub for the latest on sales https://bit.ly/BookBubslayton

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a prequel to A Most Efficient Murder and introduces us to Mr. Quayle. Mr. Quayle is a ministry secretary to Lord Ferrier and they are both under suspicion for treason as there are important ministry papers missing. And then there is the added issue of a murder to solve when Lord Ferrier's presumed mistress is found stabbed to death. As Mr. Finch investigates the missing documents, the police investigate the murder and immediately suspect Lady Ferrier. But she is innocent because Lord Ferrier wasn't having an affair with the woman, he was giving her ministry documents disguised as love letters. But his sister in law didn't know that and really believed that he was having an affair so she killed the woman. I'm glad that I read the full length novel first as short stories often frustrate me with their lack of detail and full character development.

[Saltygalreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novella, about 60 pages, is an introduction to British ministry civil servant, Mr. Quayle, in his first adventure. It sets the stage for the novel to follow, A Most Efficient Murder, providing the history on how he comes to work as a private secretary for Lord Unsworth and unwittingly embark on a career as an amateur detective.

I completely enjoyed this novella, as I did with the novel mentioned earlier. As a reader fixated on British murder mysteries and detectives from all eras, it shines through that Mr. Slayton is a connoisseur of the British detective story. He gets all the subtle details right, down to the Poirot-esque unveiling of the culprit!

Sincere thanks to the author for providing me with a copy to enjoy. I will be looking for more stories about Mr. Quayle.

[JXR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nah this was disappointing. No character depth

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in the reverse order. After I finished the first in the series, at the end of the book, I was offered access to the prequel, which I immediately took up and, since it was a novella, finished it in one sitting.
I will obviously talk about the prequel first.
Anthony Quayle is a government servant. He is happy with his job but has had suspicions that people are looking at him strangely. To quell possible rumours he has heard, he decides to find the actual culprit for the treason that he is suspected of. That is how we meet our lead protagonist first. He bumps into a dead body during this search, and he is now embroiled in a whole other mystery.
It was not hard to find the right suspect in this narrative. All the clues point directly to it, but it is the way the story unfolds that is the main draw. The writing, the people's introduction, and the investigation are quite entertaining.
It is a short story (as previously mentioned) and lays all the appropriate groundwork for what happens next (or, in my case, what happened first). I would recommend reading this first since the next is more complex and feels more concrete. This is a good start, but the next is even better. I would also recommend actually reading this and not skipping it because it gives us an introduction to why Anthony Quayle might be in the awkward position that he is in later on.
I received a copy because I signed up for the newsletter by the author, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sir Edmund Ferrier’s suspected mistress is found stabbed to death in his study by his ever efficient secretary Mr. Quayle.

Quayle sets out to solve the murder amid accusations of infidelity and treason under the watchful gaze of government ‘fixer’ Mr Finch.

This novella introduces the reader to Mr Quayle ahead of the full-sized novel series which begins with ‘A Most Efficient Murder’

A nice introduction to our amateur sleuth, which has all the hallmarks of an Agatha Christie style 1920’s murder mystery.

Because of the short nature of this title the plot doesn’t really have room to develop as it would as a novel but it perfectly serves its purpose of whetting your appetite for further adventures with Mr Quayle.

I’ve since read ‘A Most Efficient Murder’ and with the longer format the author shows his flair for the genre and gives us a storming start to the series proper

[Linda (The Arizona Bookstagrammer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Quite Deadly Affair” (Mr. Quayle Mysteries #0.5) by Anthony Slayton ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery Novella. Location: London, England. Time: 1928.

THE SERIES: A 1920s-era English cozy mystery series full of clues, plot twists, and questions. Main character: Mr. Quayle, a young private secretary with a skill for solving mysteries.

THIS BOOK: Mr. Quayle is a British ministry private secretary working for Sir Edmund Ferrier, Member of Parliament and Junior Foreign Minister. When Mr. Quayle finds Mrs. Pulver (Sir Edmund’s ex-lover) dead at Sir Edmund’s Christmas party, it puts both of them at risk. Sir Edmund has high hopes he will be elected prime minister one day. And a treason scandal is brewing that centers on Sir Edmund and Mr. Quayle.

When Mr Finch arrives along with the police, Mr. Quayle recognizes him as the secret government agency detective known as the Great Inquisitor. Although Mr. Finch suspects Mr. Quayle of wrongdoing, they collaborate to investigate the murder. And then another vicious attack occurs.

Author Slayton has written a charmingly clever historical mystery. His main character is intriguing in a young Sherlock or young Endeavor way. The premise of a private secretary sleuth is quite unique. An ending twist leaves one wanting to read the next book right away. With thanks to Prolific Works and Anthony Slayton, it’s 4 stars from me.🌵📚💁🏼‍♀️

[Alison C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir Edmund Ferrier, MP and junior foreign minister, is giving a Christmas party, which is interrupted by the discovery of Mrs. Pulver’s body, found murdered in his study. She was widely rumoured to be Sir Edmund’s mistress, although his wife Lucy saw her in a friendlier light. Detective Inspector Harcourt of Scotland Yard is brought in to investigate, and he is immediately suspicious of everyone, especially Mr. Quayle, a civil servant who has worked for the junior foreign minister for some three years (he is at pains to point out that he works for the ministry, not the specific minister). Unfortunately for him, it was Mr. Quayle who found the body, while he was searching for possible proof that Sir Edmund was stealing valuable documents, a treasonable offense of which Mr. Finch, a shadowy civil servant, believes Mr. Quayle himself might be guilty…. This novella first introduces us to Mr. Quayle, a very efficient secretary in 1920s England and an almost accidental amateur detective. It is short, witty and full of Golden Age hommages, from the aristocracy right down to the various servants and underlings. I received a copy of this story for free from the author, and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Gabrielle (belle.bookcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short prequel novella gives us a peek into Mr. Quayle’s life before he worked for Lord Unsworth (who you’ll meet in the first full-length book).
Here, we follow his very first murder mystery investigation — and I have to say, I was impressed by his sharp thinking and the clever way he set a trap for the culprit.

For such a quick read, it packs in plenty of thrills. If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, not-too-complicated mystery with a few twists, this one’s perfect to pick up.
There are clues sprinkled throughout if you like piecing things together, but even if you don’t catch them, the final reveal is satisfying and neatly explained by Mr. Quayle himself at the end.

After finishing, I’m certain you’ll be itching for more.
Luckily for you, the first and second books in the Mr. Quayle Mysteries series are already out — both excellent reads — and I’m eagerly waiting for book three to drop soon!

I received a review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining introduction to a new series. Mr. Qualye is the main character and works as a private secretary for Sir Edmund Ferrier. There are suspicions of treason and Quayle himself is a suspect. There is a murder mystery to solve and the appearance of an enigmatic character called Mr Finch. I look forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Narelle Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a freebie in return for an honest review.
This was a quite enjoyable introduction to Mr Quayle, who works for a Government Minister. It follows the story of a murder and a serious attack that happened at the Ministers home during a party. It follows the investigation and sets scene for the series. It was an enjoyable read and I think the rest of the series will be even better.
Looking forward to reading more.

[Shandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read. I really liked the first book, which I happened to read before this one (.5). I liked the first book better, but I believe it was because the story was longer and we got to know the characters more. I think this book was much shorter than that book, understandably so. This was enjoyable and I did like hearing some of Quayle's background.

[Dora T. Laredo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Slightly Tainted End

Mr. Quayle, gifted with intricate skills and knowledge, proves himself beyond a doubt. As the mystery deepens his deductive skills rise to the surface and allow him to test his theory. A very good beginning for Mr. Quayle. I look forward to the fourth book and strongly recommend this series.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good murder mystery. The characters are filled in quite nicely, the plot is easily followed, and the premise is finding the murderer, before the wrong person is hung. I have never liked politics, and this story only reinforces my feelings on the matter. There always has to be a scapegoat, and even the innocent are not spared. I most definitely recommend this book.

[Kim Campbell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I obtained this book from an Historical Mysteries giveaway, and I'm really glad I didn't pay for it. I found the characters completely characterless with nothing of note about anyone. I'm certainly not moved to read another. Quite honestly I couldn't care less about Mr Quayle or what he does next.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

An introduction to Mr. Quayle.
Mr. Quayle, Sir Edmund Ferrier's private secretary, was invited to the Ferrier Christmas party. Much to his dismay he comes upon a body in Sir Edmund's study. The body of a woman said to be having an affair with Sir Edmund. It all gets a little out of hand when Sir Edmund is attacked.

[Sharon Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella reads like an homage to authors like M. Allingham, D. Sayers. If the Downton Abbey craze has whetted your appetite for the 1920s period and you want to indulge in a mystery, this is your book. The prequel if you like to a series. Comfortable, because it hits all the right notes of the period and not too heavy in tone. Looking forward to the first full length book.

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Novella that helped me better understand Mr Quayle. You see it gives you the backstory as to how he ends up in the employ of Lord Unsworth and gives you insights into his skill sets. Well worth the read.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was a quick, engrossing read, set in one location that kept to the storyline without extra fluff. All of the characters had a purpose in the story, leading to a great mystery solve. Mr. Quayle is going to quite busy and successful in his new role.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

By accident I read “A most efficient murder” before this prequel about Mr. Quayle. I quite enjoyed this snippet into his past actions. Especially since I already know how he operates and the consequences of this incident.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful backdrop to the series, and to the beginning of Mr. Quayle's "career" as an amateur sleuth. Anthony Slayton has a wonderful way with characters. Always a pleasure to catch up with his writing.

[Taco Beta · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A very neat little mystery in golden age style. The pacing is good and I think I like mr Quayle, although you don't get to know him very well in this short story. I will definitely move on to the novels featuring mr. Quayle.

[Brian Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this light murder mystery which introduces readers to Mr. Quayle. He's a saucy irreverent character who will likely become engaged in some interesting adventures. This is a short read that sets the stage for his future endeavours.

[Elina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"--and I dare say things will be much quieter in the country—fewer bodies, at least."

I laughed too loud.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simply superb historical mystery! 😍

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this murder & spy mystery. Deviousness by devious people! Wonderful. Easily read in an evening.

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book & the dry wit!

[Jennifer Rosenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

[Celeste Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 a perfect rainy sunday plot-boiler. hah, tea anyone?

[Gail Krisman · Rating 3 out of 5]

story and writing ok

Maybe since this was a prequel there just wasn’t very much going on. The characters were a little dry. Quite English.

[Miss · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short novella to introduce you to Mr Quayle and provide his history. An enjoyable but simple read.