Murder Most English

Lady Jane and Mrs Forbes #1

by B.D. Churston

Imagine Agatha Christie crossed with Murder, She Wrote...

In this light-hearted cozy mystery, Kate Forbes and her niece, Lady Jane Scott are about to become amateur sleuths.

England, December 1927

Having been close companions during Jane’s childhood, especially after Jane’s mother died, aunt and niece grew apart when Jane went off to university and began a new life.

In this first story of the series, their relationship has a chance to begin again with an invitation to a society birthday party at Linton Hall. But with Jane now an independent, academically minded 26-year-old, does unassuming widow, Aunt Kate still have a meaningful role in her niece’s life?

At the hall, Lord Linton’s heir, Edward, has returned from years of living in Paris. Unfortunately, he’s failed to change his arrogant ways, which upsets many of the guests.

For Kate and Lady Jane, looking forward to celebrating over canapes and champagne, the last thing they expect is to become amateur sleuths pitting their wits against Inspector Ridley of Scotland Yard to prevent the wrong person being hanged for murder.

Faced with an ensemble of social climbers, eccentrics and schemers, aunt and niece must work together to untangle a web of secrets, lies and deceit if they're to discover whodunnit.

Join Kate and Lady Jane in the first of their entertaining 1920s cozy mysteries. Perfect for fans of T. E. Kinsey, Verity Bright, and Lee Strauss.

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

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2022

Reviews

[nicola wright · Rating 1 out of 5]

So repetitive

Very thin plot, no real twists or action. Repeated dialogues that never really changed and a lack of red herrings to keep your interest.

[Lois · Rating 2 out of 5]

Country House Murder

Not a bad effort for a first book, I certainly couldn't write one, but it was very two dimensional. The characters were flat with little back story and the plot lacked depth, the dialogue was clunky and there was a lot of repetition. Some have given this 4 or 5 stars, but I believe there are much better examples of the genre out there

[Linniegayl · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this first entry in a historical mystery series set in post WWI England, Kate (whose husband recently died) and her beloved niece (and budding archaeologist/historian) Lady Jane, are off to a house party with some of Kate's longtime friends. When they arrive, they learn that the owner of the house has died. Soon after, another member of the household is murdered.

There was a lot of repetition of conversations between Kate and her niece Lady Jane, as well as repeated conversations with various members of the house party. However, for the most part I enjoyed this mystery, and will pick up the second in the series, and hope for a bit less repetition.

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book and well worth reading

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder Most English is book one of the Lady Jane and Mrs Forbes series by B. D. Churston. In December 2027, Lord Linton's heir, Edward, was returning from Paris. Lord Linton decided to organise a returning party at Linton Hall, and Lady Jand and Mrs Forbes chose to use the invitation as a fantastic way to reunite with each other. However, on arrival, a young woman was killed, causing Lady Jane and Mrs Forbes to investigate to help Scotland Yard. The readers of Murder Most English will continue to follow Lady Jane and Mrs Forbes to discover what happens.

Murder Most English is an enjoyable, historical, cozy mystery and the first book I have read by B. D. Churston. It was a delightful book, and I engaged with the characters and the plot. I enjoy B. D. Churston's portrayal of the characters and their interactions. Murder Most English is well-written and researched. I also like B. D. Churston's description of the settings of Murder Most English, which complemented the book's plot.

The readers of Murder Most English will learn about living in 1927 England, English high society and the consequences of blackmail.

I recommend this book.

[Marianne Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable cozy mystery. These old-fashioned ones are a nice break.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just okay. There was nothing special or unique about it. It felt like the author found a list of tropes in English House Party books and just went down it adding everything into a fairly bland story.

I also never warmed up to either of the main characters. Lady Jane was just vanilla, but I actually found Kate very annoying.

I got this audio book from my library so for something I did not have to pay for it was fine, but I would not read future installments in the series.

[Mary Dietrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been reading a lot of mysteries set in England, in periods from the 1870s to 1930s. This is by far the worst one I've read. Confusing number of characters; ridiculous solution discovered by the character intended to carry the upcoming sequels. I'll find something better to read.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very repetitive.

[Ана Хелс · Rating 5 out of 5]

Оригиналните детективски дуота тип баба и внуче, дете и куче или върколак и вампир винаги някак успяват да влязат под кожата на читателя, карайки го да се зачете малко по-усилно от обикновеното в поредната криминална поредица. Така че леля Кейт и племеницата ѝ лейди Джейн буквално са една стъпка пред повечето случайни разследващи персонажи, които в други условия биха могли просто да бъдат наречени пъхащи си носа в чуждите работи досадници. Двете дами се опитват да релаксират из красивите селца и паланки на британската провинция, едната лекуваща разбито сърце, а другата опитваща се да заживее малко по-смислено, но някак все около тях престъпността рязко се увеличава, а интелектът на полицейските сили все удря дъното.

Та кой ще спаси деня освен две благородни дами в умерено зряла възраст, които освен някоя и друга случайна криминална книжка от нов и непознат автор като Агата Кристи например, друг досег с разследвания на убийства очевидно нямат. Но носовренето и душенето около чуждите работи са си направо професионални дисциплини и за двете ни благородни героини, така че с малко повече наглост, безразсъдна смелост и признавам – добри логически заключения и интересни мисловни връзки, няма да има нито един престъпник, бил той случайно отдал се на яростта си нещастник, или изрод с черно минало, който да се измъкне от всезнаещия им взор.

Леки и уютни, сладичко абсурдни, с щипчица хумор, но и със задължителния минимум достоверност, историите на семейния писателски отбор Б Д Чърстън са чаровно развлечение за почитателите на дамската криминална проза, неотличаващи се с нищо уникално или животопроменящо, но въпреки това запълващи времето по почти смислен начин. Всички паралели с Мис Марпъл са вероятно напълно неслучайни, и добавят още чар, щото дамите над определена зряла възраст имат какво да кажат на света и никак не се свенят да преследват злото, независимо с колко малко активи и хладни оръжия са екипирани. Да, думата е точно очарователно.

[Anam Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful mystery and first in a series.

Katherine Forbes and Lady Jane Scott go to Linton Hall to celebrate the birthday of Oliver Linton, younger son of George Linton the 7th baron, Sadly, when they arrived they discover that George has died and now Edward, the older son, is the 8th baron.

Edward is not a likable person and no one is surprised when he is discovered murdered, clearly by one of the members of the house party originally for Oliver's party but who all stayed for the funeral.

The detective from Scotland Yard is not happy to be dragged from London, but is more patient with Lady Jane and Kate's amatuer sleuthing than most professional detectives are when faced with women who try to solve crimes.

The only bad thing about the book is that there are several chapters where everything is rehashed over and over again. I got tired of reading where everyone was at the time of Edward's death and it began to feel like the author just needed more words/pages to fulfill a contract with a publisher. I am attributing that to a new author's learning curve.

It was, other than that, an enjoyable book and I look forward to more in the series.

[Carmen Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in England in December 1927, this cozy mystery novel follows Lady Jane Scott and her aunt, Mrs. Kate Forbes, who unexpectedly become amateur detectives during a country estate gathering at Linton Hall. When Edward Linton, the arrogant heir recently returned from Paris, is found murdered, the pair must uncover the truth amid a crowd of social climbers and schemers. Lady Jane, a twenty-six-year-old independent academic, and her kind but unassuming aunt rekindle their bond as they pursue justice. Together, they pit their intelligence against Inspector Leonard Ridley of Scotland Yard. The story blends wit, charm, and suspense. Themes of social hierarchy, deceit, and the role of women in a changing society are central. The aunt–niece duo must untangle a web of lies to prevent Bartholomew Grantley, an innocent person, from being wrongly accused. Their investigation reveals that everyone at Linton Hall has something to hide. The novel explores family ties, moral courage, and resilience in the face of societal expectations. It is the first installment in the Lady Jane and Mrs. Forbes Mysteries series. I give it 4.5 stars out of five.

[Chulandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe the author started the book with one of the main characters wondering what it would be like to freeze to death. That was definitely an attention-getter.
The deaths in this book didn’t stop coming, which made it very entertaining. First, we hear of the death of George, whom Aunt Kate and her niece Jane have come to visit. The next death we learn about is the death of Edward, who we learn has many enemies in the house.
Then next we learn that the cook's son was in the war with Edward and eventually was killed because Edward sent him out to buy more alcohol for him.
I also imagine Sir Charles as an older short man with barely any hair who always has the knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Lastly, I can’t believe that Victoria was the killer and that she almost killed Oliver in the end however I do kind of feel sorry for her that she thought that Oliver was planning to announce their engagement when he was planning on announcing he was going to marry Margaret. I honestly can’t wait to read more books from this author.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate and Jane arrive at Lord Linton's abode, and discover he is dead. Then there's a second death, an obvious murder. Readers view the case from Kate's and Jane's perspectives, so whatever they know and hear are known. This means solving the case alongside them as amateurs. They have one suspect that seems like the likely murderer, digging deep into secrets.

There are a lot of characters introduced at the beginning, which is good since names can be remembered from the start, but it can be overwhelming to learn the characters and connect with them. The story is dialogue-heavy and concentrates predominantly on small talk over Linton's death and status within the household. After the murder of the second Lord Linton, the story becomes a good whodunnit mystery.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.

[Rebecca Gregory-Chifos · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just Plain Preposterous!

I didn't make it past Chapter 5 of this book before giving up and consigning it to my "Delete From Kindle" folder. Leaving entirely aside smaller, unlikely behaviors such as guests arriving at a manor for a house party being left to find their own ways to their rooms (in 1927? With servants everywhere? Really?!), there was the wholly ridiculous premise of said guests arriving for the house party only to find that their host has just died, and the entire group, family and guests, going about their business of wining, dining, shooting, fishing, etc., with barely a nod to the deceased. No mention of, "We can't intrude on the family at a time like this; we'll stay the night and return home, and be back later for the funeral." I can only suspend my disbelief so far!

[John Beaderstadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminiscent of Golden Age Mysteries

Lady Jane and her aunt Mrs Forbes have been invited to attend a Christmas house party with an old friend. But when they arrive at the manor house, they discover the baron is dead. Shortly thereafter, his dissolute eldest son and heir is murdered.

Virtually everyone had reason to loathe the new baron and the local police have to tread carefully around the aristocracy. Lady Jane and her aunt lend a hand by sorting through motives for a large cast of characters, including both guests and staff.

The clues are subtle and carefully concealed until the stunning reveal. The ladies are due back for further adventures and I look forward to watching their sleuthing prowess grow.

[Janice Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Jane and her aunt Kate are modern women, not satisfied with the societal edict that women of their class should seek only to marry well (for wealth, of course), produce a few heirs, and otherwise fade into the woodwork, occupying themselves with knitting, flower arranging, playing the piano, and such ladylike pursuits. Kate, a widow, has already done the marriage bit. Both ladies are sufficiently wealthy that they can afford to follow their own interests.

Jane is an archeologist, not just a pretty girl playing at it but a true scientist with keen powers of observation and deductive reasoning. Kate's no slouch in the brains department either. Both are willing to take risks. Together they make a formidable team when they determine to save an innocent companion from the gallows.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosy mystery

Kate and her niece Jane are invited to a celebration at Linton Hall . 1927. Close to Christmas. Unfortunately a murder takes place . Kate and Jane decide to involve themselves in hopes of uncovering the identity of the murderer before an innocent man is hanged. A decent enjoyable mystery. Plenty of suspects, all of whom are accusing each other. No Miss Marple but interesting . One annoyance was that Kate seems to think that her late husband being a judge gives her some sort of sleuthing power. It is Jane however who I think is the brains of this duo.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to be able to give this a 3star, but simply couldn't and almost resorted to a 1. It came close to being a DNF, but I ploughed ahead. At first I thought it was the narration, which was, sadly, poor. But as I listened, trying to imagine reading the words, I realized that wasn't its only problem. The characters were cardboard and predictable, as though they were drawn out of a "cozy murder mystery stuck in a manor house hat". I am afraid I need something with much more depth to it, even for a cozy. Sad when you feel a a mystery is boring and obviously contrived. :-(

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

1920's English country house setting for a Christmas murder right on the heels of another death. This is light reading with some irksome timelines and conversations, but entertaining enough to read over Christmas holidays. There is enough charm in some of the characters to maintain interest in this whodunit. A couple of them may call the reader to continue on to the next book to discover their fates.

Kindle Unlimited

[Mark Beer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was very easy to read and ideal for evenings and despite a murder mystery, something quite light. For me, there isn’t a great deal of substance and it does get fairly repetitive around some of the conversations but the twist was fairly well executed and so it kept my interest until the end.

A couple more in the series coming out this year and I will certainly try the next one.

[Patty Guerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this author and I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the series. An independent and educated young woman and her aunt plan on visiting friends of the aunt over the upcoming Christmas holiday, but what awaits them is a house full of people and a dead lord. And so it begins, mayhem and mystery abounds as the plots thicken, which will keep you guessing until the final chapter. Looking forward to the next entry in this new series.

[DANELLE · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sorry to say that this mystery is dull and repetitive. The sleuthing consists of questioning the suspects clumsily to no avail; wash, rinse, repeat. The same tactic is used by the Scotland Yard inspector. Too many of the side characters are flat and could be interchangeable. I'm three quarters of the way through the story and the only clue Kate and Jane managed to find was by browbeating the cook. I won't be finishing this one, or trying any of the others in the series.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Murder Most English. I can’t imagine how some readers came up with complaints that the plot was predictable and others complained that the plot was impossible to solve! Just goes to show that you can’t please everyone. 🤦‍♀️
I found the characters interesting (especially Kate, Lady Jane, & Oliver), the plot logical (even though I couldn’t solve it), and the story very entertaining. AND the editing was impeccable.

[Sarah Clapp-Work · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK - I am not fan of murder mysteries. This book is what I would call murder mystery *lite.* It felt like a very long game of Clue - was it: the butler, the cook, the sister, the brother, the ex-military man, the business associate, or one of the 5 other women who are visiting for the holidays. My favorite part was the conclusion - when all is revealed, and not only the victim, but the book has met it's end.

[Di Worley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

This was the first in what I believe will be a great series. I enjoyed the book immensely, although the sustainability of Edward signalled to me that he would be the murder victim. Lots of plausible murderers, but the real murderer was down my list of suspects, as was the well hidden motive! I look forward to the next in the series. Recommended.

[Lisa T. Ungerer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pace improves later in the book

A pleasant read, but, as a mystery, this book suffers from repetition and rehashing of means, motives, and opportunities. On the other hand, it is a first novel and has the benefit of decent characters. Also the pace picks up toward the end. I will give the next book a try.

[Susan O. Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good soporific.

Very slow, read 27% of the book and nothing had happened just a lot of descriptions of clothes, rooms, hair, faces and totally unreal dialogue. While scene unreal on how a house and delivery freshly in mourning a natural death would behave and dress. Put me to sleep. I won't be finishing it.

[Terry Karch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love period pieces. I cut my teeth on Agatha Christie and Rex Stout. It was a pretty predictable plot. I spotted the probable killer pretty early. Most of the characters were underdeveloped and not particularly likable. If you are looking for a pleasant mystery set in the 1920s, this might fit the bill.

[Sandy Curran · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mediocre and disappointing. The dialogue was so repetitive that I had to back up and listen again and then realized that the reason I got lost was because it was all the same. The characters were flat and not engaging. I read this because of the description on goodreads and I must say that I think comparing this monotonous writing to Agatha Christie is unfortunate at best.