The Snows of Weston Moor

Lord Edgington Investigates #8

by Benedict Brown

A grand party in a snowbound mansion, a dead body beside the Christmas tree, and a master detective on hand to crack the case.England, 1926. Lord Edgington and his loyal assistant embark on a Christmas holiday only for a blizzard to block their path. Forced to seek shelter, they find a remote manor where a group of famous actors are celebrating the season. But the luxurious house at Weston Moor is not the sanctuary it seems. One of its inhabitants hides a dark past and, when an intruder spoils the party, the first body falls.

Past scandals, a stolen fortune, and hidden secrets come to light as the clock ticks closer to Christmas day and the body count rises. But will the incognito sleuth, his hapless grandson, and their well-fed golden retriever be able to catch the killer before it’s time for Christmas dinner?

A warm and witty golden-age whodunit featuring a unique cast of characters, a cunning conclusion and plenty of Christmas cheer. “The Snows of Weston Moor” is a festive mix of Agatha Christie's “The Sittaford Mystery” and “Hercule Poirot’s Christmas” with a dash of Downton Abbey thrown in.

This is a spoiler-free entry in the bestselling “Lord Edgington Investigates” series. It can be read as a standalone novel and does not give away any secrets from the previous books.

Genres: Mystery, Christmas, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2022

About the author

Writing has always been my passion. It was my favourite hour a week at primary school, and I started on my first, truly abysmal book as a teenager. So it wasn’t a difficult decision to study literature at university which led to an MA in Creative Writing. I spent a long time writing kids’ books, including funny fairy tales, dystopic adventures and serious issue-based YA, before switching to murder mysteries last year.

I grew up in a crime fiction family and spent a long time dreaming up the idea for my detective Izzy Palmer’s debut novel. A Corpse Called Bob is my first full-length book for adults in what is already becoming a long series.

I’m a Welsh-Irish-Englishman originally from South London but now living with my French/Spanish wife and slightly muddled daughter in Burgos, a beautiful city in the north of Spain. I write overlooking the Castilian countryside, trying not to be distracted by the vultures and red kites that fly past my window each day.

Reviews

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a chance this book shouldn't get five stars. But here's the deal. It was just a wonderful, twisty, totally Christmassy mystery. And while I did guess almost right off who did it and even why... I was 100% certain I was wrong. So every time a new twist came in, I was like, "No. You can't be right.

However... as I said, one thing really bothered me. They're playing a game. The lights go out. He's not sure who has him running after her at first, so it is definitely dark. But then there are "electric lights reflecting off the snow" and casting light back on her so he can see her red lips. So... are the lights on or not? Which is it? There were a couple of moments like that. Under a table, in a dark dining room. But he can see an awful lot.

Maybe that means it shouldn't get five stars, but seriously? I had a blast with the story. It was a fun mystery, Christopher is getting better at things and yet is still not a boy wonder (thank goodness!) and even Lord Edgington is kid of um... losing his edge? *whistles

And I like it. So five stars it is and I won't apologize for even a speck of the sparkle. :D

[Grant Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote an email, last year, to the amazing author, Benedict Brown, to tell him how much I loved reading his books, which is something I normally struggle with, with my form of dyslexia. I also said how grateful I was too and briefly explained how, with my mental health, reading his books helped me get through the days and brought me so much joy. In the post I also said how he had written me a beautiful long message back and would I like to be in one of his books as a character?, which of course I instantly said yes please to. His kindness and generosity blew me away. Well fast forward and the book is out now, and I’ve just read it. I absolutely love the 1920’s murder mystery world he creates in his stories, with Lord Edgington and his grandson Chrissy solving the crimes, and to actually be in it, as a character in this wonderful world and story and to read my name in print in the books, well has totally blown my mind. Not only that, Caroline my wife has been written in too and we are Grant and Caroline Wheeler in the book. In this current world where things are tough right now, how wonderful, caring and thoughtful that an incredible man and author, who didn’t know me, listened to me and then asked if I wanted to be in one of his stories to help me feel better and actually did it. Not many would do that. His name is Benedict Brown and I highly recommend his books, inc this one to anyone that loves a good murder mystery. You can’t put them down as the way he writes is….well words don’t do it justice. From Caroline and I, we can’t thank you enough 🙏🙏📕📖📚🥰❤️💙 xxxx

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series as Lord Edgington and his grandson find crimes to solve wherever they roam and whatever the season. In this case it is the Christmas season and young Christopher has grandiose dreams of the perfect Christmas. His grandfather, however, was put off by the staff practicing their carol singing and discovering how many town people had been invited to the Hall. The cook prepared mince pies for five hundred just to give you an idea. Spending Christmas at the home of his brother's girlfriend in Cornwall, however, was not something he embraced. They pack up in separate cars and head off into a winter storm and share different fates. Lord E and Christopher are put to work solving murders in the house where they end up with a group of thespians. Lots of misadventures and food for thought as Christopher continues to learn from his mistakes.

Kindle Unlimited

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much. I think part of that love has to do with the audio. The narration is so fantastic. George Blagden does an incredible job bringing Chrissy and Lord Edgington to life. He captures the humor spot on.

Speaking of humor, Chris and his favorite grandfather stop to see the Cerne Abbas Giant, one of the famous chalk giants in England. I haven't been there in person but I've seen pictures. (All of the chalk drawing are fascinating!) These comments by Lord E and Chris had me giggling and, of course, Blagden got the timing spot on. It was also fun that the author specifically mentioned this in his author's notes at the end.

Hasn't he got an incredibly large...club in his right hand?

And look, isn't that the biggest pair of...legs you've ever seen?

Chris's brother Albert has finally found "the one" and the family is heading to spend Christmas with Albert's beloved's family. On the way Chris and and Lord E get stuck in the snow and manage to make their way to some distant lights. The lights turn out to belong to an isolated manor house that belongs to a famous theater director, Henry Snow. He is hosting a Christmas get together with his wife, Georgie, and his friends, Archie, Bella, Caroline, Grant, David, and Sally.

Chris quickly realizes that who these people are and due to some circumstances wants his grandfather to go incognito. Enter Lord Owl (the "l" is silent). Surprise, surprise, it's not long before someone ends up dead. It's not one of the guests, but another mysterious stranger that shows up looking for succor from the storm. The murder doesn't stop there and some more guests will end up dead by the end.

They are all theater people. David and Snow are partners, Bella, Caroline, and George are actresses, Archie is more of a fanboy but not a great actor, Grant is an investor and he's married to Caroline. Grant's "boring" personality was another one of my favorite running jokes through this book. Brown excels at writing dialogue and bringing characters to life.

Chris is doing his best to keep up with his grandfather and while his detection skills are improving, he's not quite up to par yet.

Chris and Lord Edgington are one of my most favorite crime-solving duos. They're hilarious together. What makes these books so much fun are the little human moments. Chris wanting to confab in cupboards, Lord E bringing his staff everywhere he goes, Chris falling kind of in love with every pretty girl he meets (not in an annoying way), Lord E striding to and fro...I love all of it.

The mysteries are never that tricksy but I love following the journey anyway. I'm so excited that there are still so many more books in this series. I try to spread them out a bit and use them as little treats.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost on the moors on their way to Cornwall, Christopher & Lord Edgington crash a Christmas party and find three dead bodies in their wake.

I was truly befuddled with this one! With this acting troupe, anyone was a suspect. Because when you’re regularly pretending to be someone else, it’s easy to deflect the truth when it matters most.

Lord “Ow” and Christopher “Christopherson” were once against a smashing success!


Content: no language; mentions of affairs; one of the actors is said to have slept with every woman save one in the theatre troupe; an almost kiss

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 8th installment of the Lord Edgington Investigates mystery series. Lord Edgington and Christopher head out to visit family for Christmas, but find themselves in trouble when their car crashes in a blizzard on a barren moor. Seeing a light they find themselves at the remote manor house of Weston Moor, but once there they find themselves in the middle of a murder. Fans of the series will love this latest chapter in the series.

[Swati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book a 5 because
- i am super partial to this series as i absolutely adore it
- It is christmas
- This is a perfect ‘who-done-it’ with stuck in a place plot

The story does get a little dragged for me where i think the plot could have been a little faster but this is me being super picky.

All in all it was a good Christmas mystery read which I completely enjoyed and would highly recommend it.

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas with Chrissy

Another ountry atmosohere heavy with mayhem and murder. I got a bit lost in the characters a few times, but the plot unfolded at a good pace. Christopher is getting better at detecting but has a long way yet to go. It^ fun watching him develop his detecting skills. This is a different and fun series and I'm ready for the next book

[Morticia_is_Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writing and excellent narration, what more could you want?

Lord Edgington and Christopher are separated from the convoy when they take a wrong turning in a snowstorm, trying to catch up with the staff that took the wrong turning initially. They end up stuck in a ditch and have to abandon the car and trudge to the nearest house.

They are given shelter but all is not as it should be and before long, there's a murder. Police can't get out to them, so it's a very unsettled party for the couple of days over Christmas that they're all forced to be together,simply because of the weather.

Trapped by weather is a common "locked room" type of technique but it was also a great way to bring in new characters.

[Bella Rodrigues · Rating 3 out of 5]

That Bella chick was very relatable :)

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from Benedict Brown! I love the Christmas mysteries, and this one really had me confused. Thanks for the adventure!

[Heather Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun , entertaining 1920’ s Christmas murder mystery.

[Dawn Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Manor house mystery

An ok cosy mystery. The internal dialog and teenage insecurity gets old quickly. No plot twists or surprises. Not very satisfying.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good mystery but a little less Christmassy than the last holiday book. Chrissy is driving with his grandfather to spend Christmas with the family of his brother's new fiancé when they get stuck in a snowstorm and have to seek shelter. They end up in a grand estate owned by Lord Henry Snow and his wife, Georgie. They are well-known actors and they are hosting other friends from the theater community including producer David Kingdom and his fiancé, Sally, stagehand Archie and his girlfriend, Bella, and actress Caroline and her financial backer husband, Grant. A mysterious appearance by a shady character, Mr. Black, puts a damper on the evening when he is shot dead. He has a note in his hand asking Georgie to meet him in private. Then Sally is killed while in Georgie's room. Did someone mistake Sally for Georgie? Lord Edgington tries to get Georgie to trust him but it is hopeless because Georgie was the girlfriend of a gangster, Jack, and was suspected of his murder. Was Mr. Black looking for stolen loot from a long ago heist that he did with Jack? Then Archie is killed and in his hand is a piece of the costume jewelry worn by Georgie. Lord Edgington knows what happened. Archie was Mr. Black's partner and they were both after diamonds that Jack stole from their family. Archie killed Mr. Black because he wants the diamonds for himself. He also killed Sally because she knew his past and helped him get in with the theater company to get close to Georgie. But Georgie killed Archie when he confronted her about the diamonds. She swears that it was in self defense and that she has no idea where the diamonds are. Lord Edgington does - they are hidden within the fake jewelry she is always wearing that Jack had made for her.

[Ka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Christmas, another snowbound manor house murder to solve! This time, Christopher's brother Albert has finally got himself a girlfriend (the daughter of a duke, no less!), and her family has invited them all to spend the holidays together. Lord Edgington and Chrissy are on their way when, via a series of bizarre happenings, they end up getting lost in the country, sliding into a ditch, and following a far-off light through a raging blizzard to a lonely country manor where a truly strange Christmas party is underway. Oh and of course they have their dog with them.

Why is it strange? Because it's all crazy theater people. Several actors, actresses, producers, etc have gathered for the holiday. Seeking shelter from the blizzard, Chrissy (who recognizes one of the actresses as both famous for her acting, and notorious because of her deceased gangster ex-boyfriend) convinces Lord Edgington to hide his identity. They pretend to be a DIFFERENT marquis and his grandson. Because they are ridiculous.

Not long after Chrissy and Lord Edgington arrive, a strange dirty lower-class type also seeks shelter from the storm at the manor. He seems to know the actress, but before any more can be found out about him, he ends up dead. Let the murder investigating commence! But also the Christmas festivities, because the author of these books (and therefore, Chrissy) is one of those people who's mad for the holiday, and he's not gonna miss any chance to make the audiobook narrator sing old Christmas songs from the early 1900s.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Christmas fast approaching, Lord Edgington and his family have been invited to spend the holiday with Albert, his girlfriend Cassie, and her family in Cornwall. Unfortunately, their plans are derailed by a combination of Halfpenny taking a wrong turn, a flurry of snow, and the car sliding off the road into a ditch with a pile of snow. After seeing a dim light in the distance, Lord Edgington and Christopher head out in search of shelter.

The occupants of the manor are a group of actors and the residents do not recognize Lord Edgington. When a second unexpected guest who calls himself Mr. Black arrives, chaos soon follows. While playing a game with the house lights out, a shot rings out and the newest guest is found dead. After calling the police, it turns out that the snow is preventing them from doing anything for a few days. Fortunately, Lord Edgington, although incognito, is on the scene and ready to start his investigation.

Who killed Mr. Black? Why was he killed? Can Lord Edgington sort through the lies and unravel the mystery before more people die?

Benedict Brown has created a very intricate mystery with the latest Lord Edgington story. The characters in this story are more complex than normal and spotting lies becomes more difficult. The story has plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader engaged clear to the end.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the series goes on, Christopher matures -- he's now 18 -- and he's clearly much less clueless than he once was, even making good and productive contributions the investigation. And he has a level of knowledge outside his Grandfather's that helps this time.

This one is a fairly standard formula: following a mishap in a snowstorm they end up at a manor house where there's a Christmas house party on going. The guests are all members of a well known acting troupe. Then another stranger shows up and the atmosphere gets tense. When he ends up dead, the detecting pair have to try to figure things out since the police are unable to get there in the storm.

Investigation is hampered by the skill the group have in lying -- they're all actors, after all. But early bets are on an outsider who followed the stranger, killed him, and left, though no one can explain why. Until another member of the party is found dead and the tension escalates when it becomes clear that the killer is someone in the party.

Christopher is still overly interested in food and pretty girls, but, as I say, is clearly maturing and more than usually helpful in the solution -- though, as usual, Lord Edgington has it figured out well ahead. In the end everything hangs together and I look forward to the next in the series. (All are in Kindle Unlimited, by the way.)

[Glenn Younger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masquerades and murder in the Manor on the moors.

Lord Edgington’s fast driving (in snow no less, what was he thinking?) finally catches up with him in book 8 of the series. Stuck in a snow drift, separated from his traveling entourage of family and servants, in the middle of a blizzard and on the moors of England in the dark of night is not the best way to start the Christmas holidays. Fortunately, he has his trusty companions with him and a weak light in the distance that promises some sort of refuge. Grandson Christopher, his detective-in-training protégée, and ever-faithful dog follow him in the dark of night, trudging through rapidly growing snowbanks, only to find a manor filled with a theater-set of party makers and… murders. Three in fact.

With a tangled set of clues from a group who make their livings presenting falsehoods as truths, Christopher manages to follow better than usual as Lord E gets to the bottom of it all. Even with a handy character list at the back of the book, I barely managed to keep up with Christopher much less Lord E who did his own fair share of masquerading.

As usual, it presents great fun with good pacing and excellent self-effacing narration by Christopher.

[Mary Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrissy and Lord Edgington are at it again

I do enjoy a good mystery and Me Brown puts together engaging ones. Lord Edgington, though inheriting the role of Marquees had a long career as a policeman ending as Superintendent of Scotland Yard. But he is now retired and is out of mourning the passing of his beloved wife and take his youngest defendant under his wing to solve mysteries. Chrissy is awkward and slow but is plucky enough to not be too squeamish when facing dead bodies.

This one is a rather wild romp through the English moors at Christmas. They get snowed in at a manor that soon becomes a crime scene. Are one of the guest's the murderer or is there someone else breaking in to do the dastardly deed? You'll just have to read it to find out.

My Brown has some amazing and quirky characters in this series set in England in the 1920s. He does have another series set in the current era and both are well written. I really like that he doesn't write them with spoilers so if you happen to get out of order, you won't have the one you missed given away.

Looking forward to the next to be published sometime in 2023. Happily I will be notified when it comes out.

[SD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series and it is nice to hear Christopher start to come into his own. He is still easily lovestruck which is cute and belies his youth (he is only 18 years old) I was wondering how they would handle his graduation and move into adulthood. They solved this by having him apprentice with his grandfather.

Life moves on while Lord Edgington and Christopher are solving murders. They are snowed in unexpectedly in a house full of actors. Christopher’s keeping up with gossip papers helps shape the backstories, the clues and comic relief..

A stranger arrives, a murder happens, and cops won’t arrive for 3-5 days, yikes!

In a house full of actors, how do you know who is telling the truth? How did the killer escape without making fresh tracks in the snow? Oh, and why… were they killed?

Is not being themselves hindering the investigation? Is this one investigation they won’t solve?

A very fun read and great addition to the series. As always the narration is awesome!

Happy Reading!

[Anne Kavcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Chrissy - I mean Christopher - is really coming into his own! On the way to visiting his brother's girlfriend's family at Christmastime, Lord Edgington and Christopher miss a turn in the increasing snowstorm, go off the road and seek shelter in a nearby manor. In residence are actors and other stage people, a milieu which Christopher is somewhat familiar with, if only through the news, and a party in progress. However, the two notice tensions between various people; being snowbound, and the arrival of an unexpected visitor, add to the sometimes oppressive atmosphere. Of course there is a murder to solve, but Christopher is absolutely charming and funny with the ladies and Lord E. is also in a different position, of sorts. Well, you'll have to read it. I do hope you have read some of the earlier ones, since the stories often build on the previous ones. - I'm leaving this honest review after receiving an advance copy.

[Grey853 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 8th in the Lord Edgington series and takes place in 1926 at Christmas. Heading out to have a family holiday, Lord Edgington and his grandson Christopher take a wrong turn and get caught in a snowbank. They seek shelter at a home on Weston Moor which happens to be filled with some very famous theater people. Not long after their arrival, murders start.

This was a fun mystery loaded with festive details, but also interesting characters as well. It's laced with dry humor and amusing conversations. I love the interaction between Edgington and the grandson.

My favorite quote:
"A victim with no enemies, a killer who won't show his face, and a pack of suspects made up of liars."
"I believe they prefer the term actors, Grandfather."

Highly recommended for classic British fiction readers.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Christmas Mystery

I have always loved cozy, snowbound mysteries especially those set during Christmas so I was excited to read this book. When Lord Edgington and his grandson Christopher find themselves snowbound with a group of strangers they must assume false identities to solve the inevitable murder. Surrounded by a group of theater people, they must figure out if of these eccentric characters is the killer, or is there someone lurking in the storm?
Benedict Brown has surpassed himself with this book. His characters are always so well written and engaging. Christopher is becoming a very good detective and a more confident person. I love these books and cannot wait until the next book.

[peg craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowbound and Incognito


When Christopher and his Grandfather are on the way to a family gathering to meet his brother’s girlfriend’s family, their car is disabled in the snow. They find their way to a house where a party is in full swing , complete with a range of strange guests. For once, Christopher knows more than the great detective. and ensures his Grandfather gives a different name. A strange gatecrasher is murdered and the duo set out to solve the crime. The house party guests seem to have secrets which cause much difficulty. The peculiarities of the host cause friction and when another murder occurs, the duo are unmasked. Readers will thoroughly enjoy pitting their wits against the professionals, in order to beat them to proving the identity of the criminal. Hopefully, their will be many more adventures to keepLord Edgington and his grandson busy solving mysteries .

[Cattie Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas with Lord Edgington

Chrissy and Lord Edgington are about to have a Christmas to remember. After a slight vehicle mishap, Chrissy and Lord Edgington head off in the direction of lights through the heavy snow. They find a house full of interesting theater people having a very merry time...until someone ends up dead. As Lord Edgington and Chrissy work to figure out what is going on (all while being "undercover"), another death happens. Who is the killer and why are they doing it during the merriest time of the year?! Chrissy is advancing in his detective skills and although he still has his moments of silly thoughts, he is getting better at controlling them. Just love these characters and the setting is perfect! Highly recommend!

[Mark Lucas-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Snows Of Weston Moor

Book 8 in the Lord Edgington Investigates series. The latest in the series is just as convoluted and enthralling as all its predecessors. The main character of Chrissy continues to mature and evolve with his Grandfather proving once again that age has not dulled his abilities and perceptions. Fittingly for a Christmas story the characters are an amalgam of assorted pantomime creations, the ingenue, the fool, the mysterious visitor, the ogre, the stepmother type and more.
Once a delightful read and as Henrietta the Cranley cook states, “Well it wouldn’t be a proper Christmas if you didn’t have a murder to investigate”.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Edgington and his grandson, Christopher, are stuck in a snowstorm as Christmas and find refuge in a nearby manor house. Weston Moor is the estate of a highly successful actor/director--ironically named Snow--of the London stage.

As the snowstorm worsens, it's apparent our two intrepid detectives will have to wait out the white stuff and spend Christmas as Snow's guests. That's when people start getting killed. From this point, we have a classic who-done-it, but it's an entertaining read that holds your interest from start to finish.

Excuse me, now, as I have to start reading the Lord Edgington #9.

[Lisa Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Christmas and Chrissy's big brother has finally found THE one. The Prentiss clan is packing up and heading to the potential fiance's house for the holidays. Per usual, Lord Edgington packs up his entourage and heads out. When the car ahead takes a wrong turn, Lord Edgington and Chrissy follow only to find themselves stuck in the increasing snow. Seeing a light, they head off on foot to secure assistance.

When the get to the house, Chrissy recognizes one of the denizens. An actress who was once connected to a criminal. They don't even make it through the night before the first body drops.

I love these. They are fun cozies and make the perfect road trip book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Christmas theme underlying (overlaying?) the entirety of this story. This installment of Lord Edgington Investigates has Lord Edgington and Chrissy going somewhat undercover for a complex series of murders. A fierce blizzard, stuck car, dark stranger, missing servants, and multiple homicides have everyone guessing to the very end. With the exception of Lord Edgington, of course. There were times I found myself snort-laughing due to Chrissy's thought process. Loved the book and can't wait for the next!

[Carola Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

I really enjoyed this series, even though sometimes Christopher's musings were a bit long and muddled. Grandfather is really funny and smart.and eccentric travelling with his staff Iwould have liked Christopher to give one of those stretches kids have at 16 or 17,and not think of himself as fat. Though maybe he did sometimes he surprised himself running or when he noticed his hands were slimmer. I'll be waiting for the next one.