Murder at Westminster: A 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery

Kitty Worthington Mysteries #2

by Magda Alexander

Amateur sleuth Kitty Worthington once more jumps into the fray to nab the wily murderer of a high-ranking member of the nobility. Can she catch the killer before her sister's beloved pays the ultimate price? London. 1923 . Much to her consternation, Kitty Worthington's debut season is a resounding success, prompting marriage proposals from lords, rogues, scoundrels, and ne'er do wells. Even as she dodges them, a new intrigue arises, and at Westminster, no less. A high-ranking member of the nobility is murdered, and her sister's beau has been framed to take the fall. With her sister's happiness at stake, Kitty once more sets out to investigate, ably aided by her faithful maid, two noble lords, a titled lady, and Sir Winston, her still flatulent Basset Hound. As they dash about London from the stews of St. Giles to the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair in search of the wily killer, can she convince the maddening Inspector Crawford to aid their quest? For if she fails to find the killer, her sister’s beloved may very well hang from the wrong end of a rope. Murder at Westminster , the second book in The Kitty Worthington Mysteries, is another frolicking, historical cozy mystery filled with dodgy suspects, a wily villain, and an intrepid heroine sure to win your heart. For lovers of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey alike.

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

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2022

Reviews

[Eva Gavilli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ambientato nella Londra dei primi anni '20, è la seconda avventura che vede protagonista Kitty Worthington, figlia di un'agiata famiglia dell'alta borghesia inglese, che – dopo aver brillantemente risolto un crimine di cui era stato accusato un familiare, evitando che l'affascinante ispettore Crawford gli "mettesse un cappio al collo" – spera di sopravvivere alla sua stagione di debutto in società, fatta di balli, tè del pomeriggio e insulse proposte di matrimonio (anche e soprattutto incoraggiate da sua madre, il cui unico desiderio sembra essere quello di vederla finalmente accasata con un memebro della nobiltà britannica).
Ma un delitto è dietro l'angolo e Kitty, anche stavolta, dovrà darsi da fare per scagionare dalle accuse (e dalla forca) un innocente vicino alla sua famiglia. Riunito un gruppo di fidati familiari ed amici, la nostra eroina dirigerà le loro indagini interrogando duchi e maggiordomi, si intrufolerà in pericolose bettole malfamate e arriverà a svelarci il vero colpevole in puro stile Agatha Christie, riunendo investigatori e sospetti in una stanza per la spiegazione finale. Un libro che merita 4 stelle con una scrittura che fin dalle prime pagine ti colpisce per quanto è briosa, spumeggiante ed ironica, una protagonista intelligente e caparbia che si muove sullo sfondo di una Londra che è ancora molto legata alla tradizione (la descrizione di alcune scene, e gli atteggiamenti di certi esponenti della vecchia nobiltà fanno molto Dowton Abbey) ma anche proiettata verso la modernità (si guidano auto, si balla il charleston, si fanno marce per il diritto di voto alle donne). Una menzione speciale per Sir Winston, il bassett hound di famiglia che, tra pasti pantagruelici e flautolenze varie, ci accompagna alla scoperta del colpevole.
***
Set in London in the early 1920s, this is the second adventure starring Kitty Worthington, daughter of a wealthy family of the English upper class, who - after having brilliantly solved a crime of which a family member had been accused, preventing the handsome Inspector Crawford "put a noose around his neck" - hopes to survive her debut season, made of dancing, afternoon tea and silly marriage proposals (also, and above all, encouraged by his mother, whose only wish seems to be to finally see her married to a member of the British aristocracy).
But a crime is around the corner and Kitty, once again, will have to work hard to clear an innocent close to her family from the accusations (and from the gallows). Gathered a group of trusted family and friends, our heroine will direct their investigations by questioning dukes and butlers, sneak into dangerous and infamous taverns and come to reveal the real culprit in pure Agatha Christie's style, gathering investigators and suspects in a room for final explanation. A book that deserves 4 stars with a writing that strikes you from the very first pages for how lively, bubbly and ironic it is, an intelligent and stubborn protagonist who moves against the background of a London that is still very tied to traditions (some scenes's descriptions, and the attitudes of certain exponents of the old aristocracy remind a lot of Dowton Abbey) but also is going towards modernity (you drive cars, you dance the Charleston, you march for the right to vote for women). A special mention for Sir Winston, the family basset hound which, between gargantuan meals and various flatulences, accompanies us to the discovery of the culprit.

[Ema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amateur sleuth Catherine 'Kitty' Worthington once more investigates a murder together with Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Robert Crawford. This is second installment of Kitty Worthington Mystery.

The Duke of Wynchcombe was murdered with a dagger that had the Wynchcombe crest on it. He’d had two crafted and gave one to each son. Lord Percy is in possession of one. The other was inherited by Sebastian Dalrymple upon his father’s death. Since there are only two, Scotland Yard believes it was Sebastian’s dagger that killed the duke.

Sebastian's satellite revolved around Margaret’s sun. He’s working with Margaret on her project regarding women’s suffrage, employment equality, health issues and self-determination. Margaret is Kitty's sister.

Unfortunately,  the Duke of Wynchcombe never formally acknowledged Sebastian as his heir. Kitty and her friends created a committee to investigate the duke’s murder. They fearlessly pursue the truth. For if they fail to find the killer, their dear friend may very well dance one last jig at the end of a rope.

My personal rating 3.9 ⭐

Thanks to @netgalley and publisher for providing an arc inexchange for an honest review.

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#donereading Murder at Westminster by Magda Alexander #readingchallenge2022📚 #igreads
#bookstagram #goodreads #emabaca #murderatwestminster #magdaalexander #malaysiamembaca

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh... Soooo good!! 😂 This mystery really had my brain cells on active duty. Good stuff! Not at and unrealistic, but complex enough to have you wondering how all the pieces for together in a way that actually makes sense. 🙌🏽

And gosh, I just love Kitty and Robert 😍😍 🔥 We're definitely starting book 3 NOW! 😂

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good book in this series. I really like kitty, she’s fierce and doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything or anyone. Except perhaps of the Inspector . It’s a good mystery and I’m looking forward to the next one

[Sally906 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was grabbed on the very first page and did not stop until I reached the very end. I loved my time with Kitty and her friends, was definitely a 5★ read.

Murder at Westminster isthe second book in the ‘Kitty Worthington’ series, when I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy I obtained the first book in the series Murder on the Golden Arrow so I could see how Kitty amateur sleuth all started. That was a 5★ read as well. While you don’t have to have read the first book to enjoy this one, but for sheer enjoyment please do. For those people who are pedantic about reading in order you won’t be disappointed with the first one either.

It is 1923 and Kitty is on the marriage market - her debut season has started and to Kitty’s horror she is a run-away hit and receiving many proposals of marriage every day. Something she personally doesn’t want, but as her older sister has managed to escape a season Kitty’s mother is not going to allow a second daughter to escape. Kitty’s sister is heavily involved in the suffragette movement, and has an lovely admirer, Sebastian, who is destined to inherit the title of Duke of Wynchcombe. Sebastian is estranged from his grandfather, the current Duke, but after an angry public confrontation between the two men during a peaceful suffragette march the Duke is murdered, and it all points to Sebastian to be the murderer.

Kitty and her investigation committee all rally to find the real murderer before Sebastian is hung. This means dealing with Scotland Yard - and this means bumping heads with the delectable but maddening Inspector Crawford who Kitty met in the first book. Despite the prevailing view that a woman’s place is in the home and should be protected, Kitty goes to parts of London that even men fear to go in pursuit of the truth. There are several edge of the seat moments, lots of laughter, a riveting mystery and several red herrings before the culprit is revealed.

Adventure, romance and mystery, Murder at Westminster has it all and I heartily recommend this series.


With thanks to Netgalley, BookBuzz and Hearts Afire Publishing for my copy to review

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitty Worthington is drawn into a murder investigation when someone dear to her and her sister Sebastian - is the suspect in a murder of member of the nobility. His uncle and he did not get on at all, he despised his uncle and vice versa so it did not bode well for him when he could not provide an alibi for his whereabouts. Taken in by London detectives it is upto Kitty and her team assisted by Scotland Yard Inspector Crawford to try to find out what happened to the despicable duke,

Romance, murder, the suffrage movement all highlighted in this story. Women's lib movement at the fore which made for an interesting side story.

The detection hindered by 1920s traditions of women's place but Kitty with the support of her family shoulders on full speed ahead.

Very good reading and an author I will be looking out for.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Murdered the Duke ? . . .

Kitty Worthington is having a very good debut Season with many marriage proposals – which she turns down. Then something far more intriguing occurs to occupy her attention. Sebastian Dalrymple’s grandfather, the Duke of Wynchcombe, is murdered and her sister, Margaret, begs for her help in finding the real killer so they will release the duke’s wrongfully imprisoned heir, Sebastian.

The sisters join with Sebastian’s sister, Lily, and other friends and family members, and of course, Kitty’s Basset Hound, to find the murderer and clear Sebastian. Will she finally convince Inspector Crawford to help them? Or will Sebastian face a terrible deadly punishment for a crime he did not commit?

[K Whatsherface · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 for 2. Was able to guess the murder. Giving this one one because near the end it got me thinking my guess was wrong

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!!

I thought this was a really good story. I like the twist and turns. It was well written. I like the storyline. I enjoyed the characters.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1923, and Kitty Worthington and her sister, Margaret, are taking part in a march for women's right to vote and Margaret's beau Sebastian is helping. The march is interrupted by a gang of thugs and it is learned that they were paid by a high-ranking member of the nobility opposed to its purpose. When the man is found murdered, all evidence point to Sebastian and he is arrested and charged with the murder, Margaret begs Kitty to investigate to prove his innocence to save Sebastian's life and Margaret's happiness. Kitty gathers together a group of friends and together they will solve the case no matter what it takes.

Murder at Westminster: A 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery by Magda Alexander is the second in a series but it works quite well as a stand-alone. It is an entertaining read, perfect for a quiet afternoon. The characters are likeable and the story kept my interest throughout. Overall, a very enjoyable read and one I'd recommend to anyone who is a fan of historical mysteries or cozies.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hearts Afire Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Caley Gredig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1923 in London, England, Murder at Westminster is the second book in the Kitty Worthington series by Magda Alexander. This books opens just weeks after book one closed with Kitty still heavily involved in her debutante season but also helping her sister Margaret with the organization of an upcoming suffrage march. Although the marchers committed to maintaining a peaceful presence, a number of antagonists confront them part way through the march and begin attacking them, which ends up with the marchers and the antagonists all being arrested and taken to jail. The following morning the grandfather of Margaret's boyfriend Sebastian is discovered murdered and due to the strained family relationship the focus is quickly put on him as the culprit.

This series does a good job of enlightening the reader as to the customs and practices of the aristocracy of England as well as the relationships between economic classes and the author has created several multi-dimensional characters whose interactions are completely believable. By showing the friction and opposition that occurred when women in England were lobbying to be allowed to vote, the author has given a platform for educating the reader on the proper ways to effect substantive change in society..

As the clues are unraveled, the reader is also treated to a number of twists and red herrings that point to a variety of suspects and motives but as Kitty and her "investigating committee" pursue the numerous directions, it becomes clear that there are more intricate issues than originally indicated. I was particularly impressed with how the author made the culprit into a somewhat sympathetic character who appeared to be on the side of justices but still took the time to throw suspicion on Sebastian as he committed the crime.

I look forward to reading more from this author and seeing how the characters continue to develop and grow as individuals and a group in future installments of this series.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at Westminster by Magda Alexander is am English mystery taking place in the early 1920s. It has all the charm and many of the customs of The British aristocracy from earlier periods but is beginning to loosen, particularly with regard to appropriate behavior for women. Kitty Worthington is a young woman of the aristocracy who also enjoys solving crime. She has a sister, Margaret, who is an unabashed suffragist and is currently organizing a protest rally. Their mother wants them both married titles preferable. Sebastian is a young man in thrall with Margaret and spends most of his time with her. She is the heir to a dukedom but his grandfather the duke, refuses to see him and gives him a very minimal amount of money on which to live. His primary concern is his sister, who is the ward of the duke, and whom he is unable to see. They communicate by post. Now, his grandfather has betrothed Lily to a man three times her age and Sebastian must find a way to stop it. In the commotion, the duke ends up dead and Sebastian is arrested for his murder. There are any number of complications.

Sebastian is a good young man, but not creative. Creativity is left to Kitty and to her mother, although in different realms. Kitty immediately organizes a "committee" to investigate the murder and the members learn all manner of interesting things along the way. Kitty has a potential beau, Inspector Robert Crawford, of Scotland Yard. He proves to be helpful in the investigation but is taking his time in the romance department. It is a good plot and written formally, as are most traditional English mysteries. The clues are all there; it is a matter of putting them together. It is a very enjoyable read, an early twentieth century cozy. I loved it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Murder at Westminster by Hearts Afire Publishing, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #heartsafirepublishing #magdaalexander #murderatwestminster

[Autumn Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed following the adventures of Miss Kitty Worthington and her gang in Murder at Westminster. I previously read Murder on the Golden Express by Magda Alexander and adored it, so I was anxious to follow their next investigative adventures in the second installment of the series. This time, Kitty and friends must discover who murdered the horrid Duke of Wynchcombe in order to absolve her sister’s beau, Sebastian. The mystery had many twists and turns and kept me guessing at who committed the crime and for what purpose. Perhaps my favorite part of this story was the continuation of the budding romance between Kitty and the handsome Inspector Crawford… I am anxious to see how their romance will play out as the story continues. This story has all the components of a wonderful, historical cozy mystery and fans of the genre will devour this story.

My only two criticisms of this book were: There were a fair number of typos and grammatical errors in the E-book version, as well as misuse of several names (i.e., Kitty was used instead of Lily). Context clues allowed the reader to infer the names the author intended, but these mistakes unnecessarily complicated the story. The relationship of the characters was also complicated at times and a “family tree” or chart demonstrating relationships of the Dalrymples would have been helpful in my opinion. I ended up drawing one out myself to make sure I was clear on everyone’s relationships and histories. There is a character list at the end of the book, but it would have been even more helpful to have a visual of how the cast of characters are related while reading the story because it becomes quite a tangled web at times.

Overall, I relished this story and look forward to the reading the third book as soon as it is released.

I thank the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Gayle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. Set in London in 1923, the story gives a good depiction of life of the wealthy in this time period. Focus is on the young debutantes and making a suitable marriage for the daughters of the elite. Kitty Worthington and her sister Margaret are much more interested in the suffrage movement and are organizing a demonstration. Margaret is also interesting in women's health and teaching women to be in charge of their own bodies. Margaret has a beau, Sebastian, who is always at their house. There father is wondering if he doesn't have a home. (reminds me of any teenager/parent). Turns out he really doesn't. He should be in line to be Duke but his uncle, the current Duke will not acknowledge him. The Duke turns up dead, and Sebastian is arrested for it. The Worthington's are sure he didn't do it and are determined to prove his innocence, with Kitty in the lead of course.
I love how the story written. I felt like I was right in the 1920's London society. It is interesting to read about the social mores of the time. The mystery is solved very gradually, after many layers of investigation are performed. There also is some romances in the air. If you like historical mysteries of this time period and Lady Sherlock types, you will love this book. I am looking forward to book three!.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two picks up shortly after the events from the first book. Kitty is still in the midst of her season and attending events to find a suitable husband, however she turns down all offers much to her mother’s chagrin. Her sister Margaret and her friend Sebastian are visiting on break from Oxford and prepping for a march for women’s suffrage. The march starts a chain of events that involve, jail, wrongful accusations and character assassinations, a murder of a duke and wrongful imprisonment of his heir. As Sebastian is the accused Margaret begs/demands Kitty once again become sleuth and find the real culprit before it’s too late. The sisters form a council of war with the help of Sebastian’s sister Lily, their brother Ned, Kitty’s friend Lady Emma and Lords Marlowe and Newcastle. Together the group use their skills and some direction from Kitty to get to the heart of the matter.
I am loving this series! Kitty is an intelligent, impulsive, intrepid investigator and a sweetheart of a person. The Worthington clan is a generous and welcoming family the kind we all aspire to belong to. The mystery is wonderfully fascinating and suitably enigmatic. And who could complain about a cameo from Sir Winston Churchill? Exceptionally well done, eagerly awaiting book three!

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

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Historical Cozy Mystery!!!

Murder at Westminster is the second book in The Kitty Worthington Mystery Series.

London. 1923, Kitty Worthington's debut season is a success with many marriage proposals much to her consternation. When there is a murder at Westminster and Kitty's sister's boyfriend is a prime suspect, Kitty dives in to investigate to find the killer with help from her sister, friends, and her family.

This book is a wonderful historical cozy mystery, it's a fun, fast page turner full of mystery, action, twist and turn, and romance with delightful characters, the story line is clever and unique. I really enjoyed it, it's a good read, very entertaining. I recommend this book and looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Kitty Worthington series. Set in England during the 1920's, Kitty and her family are involved in the women's suffrage movement. Kitty's sister's friend is accused of murder and they must move quickly to prove he has been framed. With the help of Inspector Crawford, (their friendship is developing nicely) the family and their servants conduct an investigation that makes everyone happy. I'm not a super fan of historical's but every now and then I find them entertaining. It's hard to believe how things have changed in 100 years. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in the world of Kitty Worthington - and I absolutely love it! When the Worthington family takes you into the fold, there’s nothing they won’t do for you. That’s definitely the what happens here with the latest murder for Kitty to solve. Someone in the fold is accused of murder and it takes familial issues to a new He behest of her sister, Kitty is on the case and nothing will stand in her way not even the mysterious Inspector Crawford. He’s a stickler for regulation, but has a soft spot for Kitty and I just truly enjoy their dynamic. HighLy recommend and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Huldie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Kitty Worthington series is as enjoyable as the first. Margaret's friend, Sebastian, is arrested for murder and the entire Worthington family is involved in investigating and proving his innocence. Inspector Crawford, although not on the case initially, is drawn into the investigation by Kitty. I look forward to the next book in the series. The advanced reader copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her debut into society was a roaring success much to her dismay, she has many suitors from all classes. A murder happens at Westminster and her sister beau is being accused of it. She is going to try to find the real murderer. Can she find them? Will she be targeted by them? Can she solve it all? See how she gets

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

[Kimberly Thorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I took a chance on the 2nd installment of this series. I was really good and more believable that the first. Murder at Westminster has a number of interesting twist and turns before getting to the end. Kitty's sister, Margaret, is "friends" with the prime suspect so Kitty sets out to prove his innocents. She enlists her family members and several of her firends to help investigate when the police arrest Margaret friend Sebestain. It was an enjoyable read and I am now looking for to how the series moves forward.

[Marcie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know of this series until a few days ago. Now I will be going back and reading Kitty Worthington's first adventure. Charming and fun, set in London in the early 1920's, this was a quick read that got me hooked on Kittys escapades. It was a bit slow-moving at first but after the characters were introduced and the plot unfolded it glided effortlessly to a Christie worthy finish.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful mystery! For Downtown Abbey & Agatha Christie fans this is the best of both worlds. Good characters, swiftly moving plot & perfectly described scenes that keep you guessing, I thoroughly enjoyed Kitty and her gang of sleuths.
I would have finished sooner if I hadn’t had to stop and work!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Kitty Worthington Mysteries series another good book in this series. Amateur sleuth Kitty Worthington, aided by her faithful maid, Sebastian’s sister Lily, their brother Ned, Kitty’s friend Lady Emma and Lords Marlowe and Newcastle go after the truth of who the murderer is. The story is well written and kept me turning pages. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmen Radtke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high hopes for Kitty Worthington’s second adventures and Murder at Westminster did not disappoint. A charming young heroine, who tries to fulfill her mother’s wishes by attending the season, although she is in no way inclined to marry anyone just because it’s the expected thing, a couple of murders, and more than a sprinkling of romance make this a cozy mystery oozing with period charm. 4.5 stars for a fun read!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Lords Like These, Who Needs Satan

What a mess there was in this version of the aristocracy. Twisted old and young men. Thank goodness for our intrepid Kitty and her "gang." From blackmail to extortion to murder, it's all there. There seems to be a somewhat happy ending. But we shall see. . .

[Marcy Waldenville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

After enjoying the first book of this series, I had great hope for this book. I was not disappointed. Kitty is in rare form, with the help of her committee and handsome Inspector Crawford, she is not on the trail of a killer.

Magda Alexander is a master storyteller.

[Polina Posner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun cozy set in 1920s England high society - dukes and earls and financiers show that crime doesn't take a holiday. The fashions, balls, society, tea, propriety, are all illuminated during the matchmaker season , with a murder to boot. Kitty, the main character, supported by her family and friends, finds herself compelled to solve this crime, since a family friend is wrongly accused.
A fun cozy, with twisty and turny plot.

[T.A. Seitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd book of a series but works well as a standalone. Kitty Worthington is enjoying the London season after solving her first mystery, only to have another mystery land in her lap. Her sister's friend/beau is accused of murdering his grandfather. With the help of her family and friends, Kitty must find answers before Sebastian is hanged.

ARC via Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Kitty in this story. She is funny and entertaining. She is a debutante in London and she is not having a fun time. I liked her interactions with her sister and her sister's friends. I found the narrative highly entertaining. I enjoyed the author's descriptive writing.
I received this as an arc from booksprout and freely left this review.