Death at Crookham Hall

Iris Woodmore Mysteries #1

by Michelle Salter

The start of a gripping 1920s cosy crime murder mystery series from author Michelle Salter

A fatal jump. A missing suffragette. An inexplicable murder.

London, 1920.Reporter Iris Woodmore lands a headline story when, for the first time, two women compete against each other in an election to become Britain’s next female MP.

But she’s forced to confront her past as the House of Commons is where her mother, Violet, died during a suffragette attack on Parliament in 1914.

Iris believed her mother died accidentally after falling into the River Thames – until a waterman tells her he witnessed what really happened. Violet Woodmore didn’t fall – she jumped.

Iris searches for the suffragette who was with her mother on that fateful day – only to find she disappeared from Crookham Hall six years earlier.

Desperate to know the truth behind that fatal jump, Iris discovers the ancestral home is hiding secrets and lies that inevitably lead to murder…

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Crime

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2021

About the author

Love a good mystery? You're in the right place!

Michelle Salter is a bestselling author of historical crime fiction and cozy crime novels. Her acclaimed Edwardian and 1920s murder mysteries feature suffragettes, pioneering women, Scotland Yard detectives, and shocking secrets from the First World War.

Each book can be read as a STANDALONE even if it's part of a series.

Michelle has gained a dedicated following of readers who enjoy gripping stories driven by captivating characters and ending with satisfyingly devious plot twists.

When she’s not writing, Michelle enjoys researching history, exploring Britain’s heritage, and sharing fascinating facts from the Edwardian era and Roaring Twenties on her blog and social media.

She lives in Hampshire, England, and loves reading classic crime novels, amateur sleuth mysteries, and Golden Age whodunits.

If you enjoyed reading one of Michelle's books, please take a moment to leave a review or rating.

If you'd like to receive news on competitions, signed copies, latest releases, plus a free Iris Woodmore Mystery short story, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲🔪
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'A fabulous murder mystery with twists and turns that had me turning the pages faster and faster.' Catherine Coles, bestselling author said of Murder at Merewood Hospital.

'If you enjoy 1920s mysteries…I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright, bestselling author of the Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries.

'Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely murder mystery by a gifted writer.' Helena Dixon, bestselling author of the Miss Underhay mysteries.

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison, bestselling author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries.

'Fans of Anna Lee Huber and Downton Abbey will enjoy this engrossing historical crime mystery.' Tantor Media.

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 Stars

One Liner: An entertaining read (despite a few bumps)

1920 London

Two women MPs are competing in the elections for the first time. Reporter Iris Woodmore has her favorites but knows she will keep her reports as unbiased as possible. She is invited to the House of Commons to cover the proceeds. However, the place has painful memories for her. Iris’ mother fell into River Thames during a suffragette protest.

When the Big Ben watchman tells Iris that her mother didn’t fall into the river but jumped of her own accord, Iris decides to dig into the past and find out more. It leads her to the disappearance of a maid at Crookham Hall during the same period. Things get complicated when the past and present seem to be tied to each other. Can Iris get to the bottom of the truth?

The story comes in the first-person POV of Iris.

My Thoughts:

The story has a decent pace despite dealing with an array of themes of topics. It blends social, political, economical, and feminist themes to create a cozy mystery with a splash of courtroom drama. Some of it works well.

Iris is a young journalist. She has an analytical mind but is not without her biases. At times, she comes across as a really naïve person, while at times, she proves she can handle a challenge. I’m hoping her character arc with getting steadier in the next books.

Lady Dauphine and Mrs. Siddons are well-etched and create a stronger impact than Iris. Elijah is another interesting character and a good influence on Iris.

The mystery is easy enough to guess, especially halfway through the book, when certain information is presented. It ties up with everything provided until then. I could guess almost all the revelations. Not an issue for me, though. I’m not that particular about the surprise element in cozies.

I couldn’t help but snort at the ending. It is abrupt and even a little anti-climatic but is perfect for the first book in the series. I’m impressed.

The courtroom scenes aren’t that engrossing compared to the rest of the book. Also, the jump in the timeline at the end is confusing. I read again to guess the missing part.

The depiction of the then society comes out very well. The multiple references to what women wear, their hairstyles, etc., present a clear picture of the times. Here’s a short blog by the author talking about the inspiration for the plot.

To summarize, Death At Crookham Hall is a decent start to a new historical cozy mystery series. I’m intrigued enough to read the next book (the blurb sounds cool).

Thank you, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #DeathAtCrookhamHall

***

P.S.: The book was previously published as The Suffragette’s Daughter.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was easy to follow but I don’t think it met my expectations. Despite the title, I was anticipating a more historical narrative and a focus on the suffragettes. Instead, this becomes a murder mystery with a court case too.

Iris, the protagonist, is a likeable character. She has some of her mother’s rebellious streak because she continues to wear trousers in post-war Britain… causing a few raised eyebrows from the men around her. Furthermore, Iris is a journalist and strives to ensure that she has the same level of respect as her male counterparts. Without realising it, some of what her late mother was fighting for has influenced Iris’s behaviour. Although she lives with her father, little is seen of him in the story and this adds to her streak of independence.

Initially I thought this book would be an exploration into the death of Iris’s mother. There seems to be ambiguity surrounding the circumstances of the death as she is known to have fallen into the Thames. Was she pushed? Did she jump? And if so, why? Based on this, I thought the writer would give more historical background and this was something I was looking forward to when I first started reading. However, what is presented as a mystery for Iris to investigate seems to be over all too quickly. The plot moves to exploring the unexpected, sudden death of a key character.

This plot development was quite disappointing and caused me to disengage with the novel. I did not find the plot twists at all surprising and thought it evolved the story into a novel about class and behaviours. It didn’t seem too different to stories that have been presented before and I think the writer really lost focus of the suffragette theme.

It’s a shame that this historical element was not explored further because I think it would have made for a really interesting narrative. Once it was clear that Iris had the answers behind her mother’s death, I lost interest in the characters and wanted to finish the book quickly. Instead, it felt prolonged as the court explored the circumstances surrounding the mysterious death.

I think this book is more like a mystery than historical fiction. The straight-forward narrative should appeal, particularly if you are after a murder-mystery with few plot complications. In my opinion, however, I don’t think this book delivered on my initial expectations.

With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. The book is well written and easy to follow with likeable characters. This isn't usually the genre I go for, so it was nice to read something a little different. Occasionally Iris appeared more of a detective rather than journalist and once or twice It seemed as if she just knew things and I wasn't clear why or how she'd got there. Despite this the story had me gripped and I couldn't wait to find out how it ended.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris is a journalist writing about upcoming elections when she stumbles upon a missing person's cold case. The victim in the cold case, Rebecca, was a suffragette, and Iris takes up the case in the hopes of learning more about her own mother's mysterious death. There is a lot of intrigue here and a great court case showdown. The pace of the story keeps you guessing who did what and why and there is plenty of artiso family drama. Fans of Downton Abbey will dive right into this one!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is entertaining to read about a young lady, solving a past dealing with her mother a woman she can be proud of. The female character Iris a young woman Journalist in the era of 1920's in England. This book have suspense it rollercoaster ride of twist and turns to find out what about to happen with other wonderful characters in her life.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1920, and three people are competing against each other to become MP for Walden. The candidates are: main character Iris Woodmore’s friend Mrs. Siddons, local Donald Anstey, and Lady Timpson. Interestingly, Mrs. Siddons and Lady Timpson know each other, but had a falling out years earlier.

After receiving surprising information about her now dead suffragette mother’s last moments in 1914 at the House of Commons, budding journalist Iris begins digging into her mother’s past. Interestingly, she inadvertently investigates the disappearance of one of her mother’s friends and a fellow suffragette. Rebecca worked as a maid for the wealthy family in Iris’ town of Walden, the Timpsons, and Rebecca disappeared after Iris’ mother’s death. Iris knows the Timpson's daughter, Constance, and uses this connection to asks after Rebecca with the Timpsons.

A murder does happen, upsetting everything in play, and Lady Timpson is incarcerated, causing Iris to wonder if her investigation had precipitated the situation.

Michelle Salter paints an interesting picture of an England gradually moving forward with women’s rights and recovering fromWWI, and some of the actions and sacrifices women underwent to agitate for voting rights.

Iris is a mix of grief and anger at the book’s outset, coupled with a frustration with women’s roles in society, and a large dose of naïveté about the world. Over the course of the book, she begins to open her eyes to things around her, and even challenge her beliefs. She’s also a good person, so really considers how her actions have affected those around her. But despite Iris' seriousness, she looks forward to dancing with a young man she met during the course of her investigation.

The case had enough revelations to keep me engaged, and I’m intrigued to find out what else Iris gets up to in her next outing.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a typical historical, cozy mystery and that is what is seemed to be at first, but this went in directions I was really not expecting. The ultimate solution was not really that surprising, but the way the story got there and the emotions it evoked were.

[Lona Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris Woodmore is a junior reporter in a quiet country village where the inhabitants are slowly recovering from the hardships and devastation of the Great War. Iris also struggles with her unresolved grief and anger over her mother's death. Her mother was a suffragette, a follower of Emmeline Pankhurst, who had a reputation for radical tactics. A chance encounter with a Thames waterman causes Iris to question if she knows the truth about the accident that killed her mother, and she becomes obsessed with tracking down her mother's comrades from her suffragette days to learn the truth. But her enquiries rake up some dangerous secrets. Meanwhile, back in Walden, there is a hotly contested by-election which Iris has to cover for the local paper, featuring not one but two female candidates who, to use a modern term, appear to be frenemies.
Michelle Salter makes intelligent use of the historical setting in a story that includes women's rights, the class system, post-war economic chaos, and political corruption. The exposition of historical detail seems accurate to me, and is not excessively heavy-handed.
Although it took several chapters for me to get a feel for who the protagonist was, and what she was like, by the end of the book, Iris Woodmore is established as an intelligent amateur detective. She single-handedly uncovers the vital clues in a murder case in which, for much of the story, you are kept guessing about who is the villain, and you can't even be sure about who is a victim. Iris also has a supporting cast of interesting characters, such as the wealthy and confident Mrs. Siddons, and an endearingly irrepressible young man named Percy Baverstock. The surprising conclusion of the story neatly sets us up for the next episode in Iris's adventures.
I received an advance copy of this novel with no expectation of a review.

[Grace J Reviewerlady]

Mysteries, politics, landed gentry, women's suffrage and one determined trainee journalist all make for an exciting read!

In post-WWI Britain, young wannabee journalist Iris Woodmore gets the chance to attend a debate in the House of Commons courtesy of Mrs Isobel Siddons, long time friend and only the third woman to stand for parliament. It's a bittersweet occasion for Iris as her mother died there in her capacity as a suffragette in 1914. During the visit, Iris is told that her mother didn't fall into the Thames - she jumped. Determined to get to the truth, Iris begins to search for the other woman who accompanied her mother only to find that she disappeared six years ago, but her investigation uncovers far more than she bargained for.

I really wasn't entirely sure what I was letting myself in for with this one, but it is an original, gripping read. One mystery wrapped up in another sit alongside every day life and even a touch of romance slips in. The story plays out beautifully; then, just as you think you have it all worked out, along comes a twist or three to mess with your head. A clever idea turned into a riveting read by dint of excellent writing makes this an excellent read and one I'm happy to recommend. 4.5 stars.

[Liz T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the historical setting of this novel and like other reviewers I was reading it on International Women's Day which was very apt.
It was such an interesting time in history and getting to know the book's main character Iris, it brought home how much women's lives have changed over the last century. There are so many freedoms that we take for granted so it was good to be reminded that even when women did get the vote in 1918, to qualify they had to be thirty years old. This historical backdrop made for a really interesting story and brought to life the struggles of the women in the story. It deals with the sad death of Iris's mother and the events surrounding her protest at the House of Commons and Iris's search for the truth.

Alongside this is the story of the three people running for parliament in a by election, two of them women. One of them is Lady Timpson but when her husband is found dead in the grounds of his country estate the story becomes more about the past and its secrets. There are many strands to this story and it is an impressive debut novel. I was privileged to be given an ARC of this book and the review is my own opinion.

[Ea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up.

This was a good cosy mystery up until the last third-ish. The writing isn’t the best and the characters are kinda dull, but the story itself is pretty good - even if it very quickly weers off the suffragette theme it was initially sold as and goes straight into being about a little bit of everything.

Set around 1920 the story initially centers Iris, a young journalist who learns that her suffragette mother’s death may not be as simple as Iris has always thought. This is followed by an election, some attempts at journalism and romance and a bunch of sleuthing. There is also a new death and a very, very lengthy trial that ends very, very suddenly, at which point I had pretty much disconnected from the story.

I didn’t hate it. I also didn’t love it.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[N HANCOCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lead character in this historic novel, Iris, is a plucky and inquisitive (if somewhat naïve) trainee journalist trying to come to terms with her mother's death years earlier. Along her journey of discovery she encounters anomalies in the story she'd grown up believing. Caught up in the politics of a local election in which two female and one male candidate are standing, Iris is faced with the realisation that her mother may have been involved in unsavoury activities. As the story progresses Iris is launched into adulthood, and handles her many discoveries with a wisdom that belies her age.

A most enjoyable book which sensitively handles issues of class, law and discrimination. I was really disappointed to reach the end of this novel, which I fittingly read on Mother's Day.

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit slow for me at first, and i wasn't certain I would continue. But soon I was caught up in the story and the mysteries. While I didn't take to iris -- our lead character -- as much as I do to many other leads, she is interesting. In addition to a murder at the present (soon after WWI), there's Iris' mother's death immediately after a sufragette demonstration years earlier. There's also the case of a woman who went missing soon after Iris' mother's death. Are they all connected? And exactly who did it.

As the mysteries unwound, I became more and more interested in the story, and expect I will read the next in the series. Overall, I would give this a C+/B-, so rounding to four stars here.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Suffragette's Daughter was an enjoyable read set in England during the 1920s. Overall it was an enjoyable read, but I did find it odd that Iris set out to find out why her mother died from a tragic event that took place from a suffragette protest in 1914; however, the book didn't end with the discovery of her mother's death but another death completely unrelated. The book took an odd turn for me, but I enjoyed the book through to the end regardless. The Suffragette's Daughter is a book that you want to keep reading to find out what happens next and for that reason, I gave it 4 stars.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why did Iris's mother drown six years ago?
What happened to the young servant who disappeared about that same time?
In the aftermath of The Great War, the world and England experienced some astounding changes. Iris works with a newsman and also investigates the questions surrounding her mother's death and the disappearance of a fellow suffragette. All of the characters are clear and relatable, the story moves along well complete with surprising twists and some very odd red herrings. Very interesting!
I requested and received an EARC from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you

[Faye Ridpath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully written historical fiction mystery.

It is also a commentary on how times have changed. I've been appalled by things in the present lately, but this book helped me realize we really have come a long way.

The book was very gripping and I stayed up much later than I should have because I couldn't stop turning the pages.

It appears this is going to be a series and I am excited to read more.

Thank you, Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable novel telling the story from a daughters perspective in post First World War Britain. It highlighted the restrictions women used to face and the battles and sacrifices they went through to give us the freedom we enjoy today. Well written and informative whilst telling a poignant story. Even more so as I finished it on Ladies Day.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Suffragettes daughter by Michelle Salter. I really enjoyed this book. Iris was my favourite character. I liked how she wouldn't give up. Amazing how much has changed for women in 100 years. 5*.

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Death at Crookham Hall’ is the start of what I think will be a great new series. Set in the interwar period with a strong female protagonist who investigates crime means it falls into my favourite niche crime subgenre. It's an area of history which I studied, gender divisions, suffrage and women’s development and leisure habits so combined with crime it makes it my favourite kind of book! I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Death at Crookham Hall’ and reading about Iris and her life.

The book was previously titled ‘The Suffragettes Daughter’ and I believe the change of name represented the story far better! Yes, I was most certainly interested in finding out what happened to Iris’s mother but this story is really about Iris finding her feet as an intuitive investigator herself. What type of reporter she is and actually learning to love life after the shadow of the war and her mother’s death. Plus, the bulk of the story is looking into a local mystery centred round Crookham Hall. This series has been promoted as a cosy crime one but the revelations and background are far from cosy. I would say it takes a dark turn for the motivations behind the crime. Plus, some of the images which the author manages to project to the reader are quite violent and cruel. I am not bothered by this as although I enjoy cosy crime I do like a bit of darkness as well. Basically, this is a great piece of historical fiction, as it covers the era but also makes assumptions that the reader knows the basic history of the era and therefore doesn't need to explain every single historical reference or historical figure.

Iris was a character who resonated with me - she is able to straddle both worlds easily, first with her job working for the local paper and also with her class. Therefore, we find a character that can converse with the upper classes and those in poverty - very handy for an investigation! She has a lot of empathy and kindness but is also quite astute and able to tie together clues etc.

I will be keeping a look out for the next instalment in this series and I can't wait to read it!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like cosy mysteries and historical mysteries, so I was hoping that this would be my sort of book.

This was a very charming cosy murder mysteries set in the 1920s. The protagonist's name is Iris Woodmore, and I believe this is the first book that features her as a protagonist. I found her intelligent, sensitive, and very likeable,

I was drawn into the story from the start. Iris Woodmore had questions that she wanted answered, and I wanted to know the answers as much as she did.

I appreciated the historical and political context - for example, there are references to the suffragette movement. That added to my interest while reading the story. I would probably be interested in reading some more books in this series in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

[Roxy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written and suspenseful mystery.

Set in 1920s England, it is a perfect blend of historical fiction, crime, and suspense.

There were numerous plot twists and I never saw any of them coming.

A great read for historical fiction and mystery fans alike!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book didn’t really turn out like I was expecting. It’s listed as a cozy mystery. It doesn’t really compare to others that I’ve read in the same category. It has a more political type feel to it and it just happens to have a mystery attached to it. Overall I was a bit bored with the book and struggled to read it. Others may like it but I could have walked away less than half way through.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

[Ellyreynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1920, this historical mystery is the beginning of a brand new series. A brand new series is always great, and one that's set in the past is even better.

Iris is our main character, a young reporter for the local newspaper. She is an inquisitive and brave young woman who is also still struggling to come to terms with her mothers death when she was younger. I loved how she wore trousers and raised eyebrows as we went. We need women like that, and we needed them then. Iris discovers

The fact her mother was a Suffragette kind of put the cherry on top for me. Iris discovers her mum jumped into the River Thames and didn't fall during one of the Suffragette protests of the time. This has her doubting everything, especially when she also discovers one of her mums friends disappeared at the same time. With the help of her workmates and some of the former suffragettes, Ivy investigates.

Michelle Slater brings the 1920s alive in this cosy mystery. I felt like I belonged with Iris. It was written that well. Death At Crookham Hall doesn't just follow one mystery, Iris and her cohorts are kept busy!

As the story unfolds, we meet plenty of characters that aren't what I expected. In fact, Michelle Slater does a great job in surprising the reader with the actual murderer and their reasons. The suspense builds fabulously alongside the interesting characters and the even more intriguing time this book is set in.

The saddest part was the issues Michelle Slater includes in her book are ones that are still prevalent today and I felt that rather keenly. All together a historical cosy mystery whose pages almost turned themselves. I was ensconced in the 1920s, with Iris and surrounded by times I have been taught but now I almost felt I was living them.

Well, Michelle Slater, I am a new fan of your work! Watch out there's a stalker about!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a little different book for me but I really enjoyed it from beginning to end. The characters are relateable and really brought the story to life for me. The twists and turns kept me turning pages just to find out what would happen next. This is a well developed story that made me feel as if I was a part of the story. This is a story about Iris and her journey to find out what really happened to her mother. It was worth the pick up and I highly recommend it.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good mystery, and I love a good period mystery even more, and if there's a feminist theme running through it so much the better. Death at Crookham Hall is all three of these, and I enjoyed the author's crisp prose and 1920s London setting very much. As an American, my only real reference to the women's suffrage movement in England is limited to fictional media like Mary Poppins and Downton Abbey, so I can't speak to whether the history depicted was accurate, but the emotional truths of the story rang true.

This book is marketed as the first Iris Woodmore mystery. Like many protagonists in cozy mysteries, Iris plays amateur detective throughout the novel, but it's a conceit of the genre, and far more plausible for a journalist covering politics than, say, a cafe owner or bookseller (referencing two of my favorite contemporary cozy series). I liked that we saw her on the job first, and diving into the mystery - one with very personal connections, as it revolved around the apparent suicide of her own mother several years before.

I really appreciated that the titual Crookham Hall was almost a character in its own right, as old buildings tend to be, especially when they serve as a focal point for a story. Author Michelle Salter's eye for details really sang in the descriptions of this and other locations. At one point I had to remind myself that smoking was common behavior in the 1920s, and that even today Europeans smoke far more than Americans seems to. (At least in my experience.)

I also liked that we got a glimpse into what it was like to be one of those trailblazing women who were among the first in Parliament. Specifically, the commentary about how what they wore often got more attention than that they said really struck me. (Sadly, the way media portrays women in politics has not changed appreciably in either of our countries since then. )

Part mystery, part courtroom drama, part period study, part cultural commentary, this novel was a rich and rewarding read. I hope to follow Iris Woodmore as her life and career develop. I'll definitely read more of Michelle Salter's work.

Goes well with: a glass of perfectly chilled champagne.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put down Michelle Salter’s hugely enjoyable cozy mystery, Death at Crookham Hall, the first title in her Iris Woodmore series.

London, 1920 and when reporter Iris Woodmore gets wind of a breaking news story, she rushes to the House of Commons, hoping to get the scoop. Although Iris is excited about getting an exclusive, she cannot help but feel apprehensive as the House of Commons is a place that is full of painful memories for her. It’s where her suffragette mother in 1914 had died and Iris knows that on arrival, she is going to be assailed by heart-breaking sorrow and anguish. However, not even Iris could have possibly foreseen the jaw-dropping revelation she uncovers: according to a waterman, Iris’ mother hadn’t fallen, but she had jumped.

Determined to uncover the secrets of what happened during that fateful day, Iris begins to dig deep and discovers that the suffragette who was with her mother that day has been missing for six years after mysteriously disappearing after the protest. Could this missing woman hold the key to unravelling the secrets of the past? When her investigation leads Iris to Crookham Hall, she vows to leave no stone unturned. But is she ready for what she’s about to discover? Or will Iris soon have another mystery to solve?

Agatha Christie fans will not be able to resist Michelle Salter’s highly entertaining 1920s mystery, Death at Crookham Hall. A delightful cozy that sparkles with wit, humour, tension and suspense, Death at Crookham Hall is an intricate tale of ruthless lies, long-buried secrets and dangerous deceptions that will keep readers gripped from beginning to end.

Iris Woodmore is a sleuth who gives Phryne Fisher a run for her money and readers will love her strength, intelligence and courageous quest for justice.

Having devoured Death at Crookham Hall, I find myself impatient to read further titles in the Iris Woodmore series – roll on Book 2!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death at Crookham Hall is an intriguing mystery with a clever and witty heroine, and plenty of twists and turns.

When young reporter Iris discovers that her mother's death was no accident – she apparently jumped to her death in the murky waters of the river Thames in 1914 – she digs deeper, and finds that the two women who were with her mother that day had gone missing. One of them disappeared from Crookham Hall, home of the Timpson family – and the home of one of three candidates vying for a place in parliament.

Iris doesn't warm to Lady Timpson, standing for the Conservatives. Her own sympathies lie with Mrs Siddons, of the Liberal Party – a woman whose causes she supports.

When murder strikes close by, Iris follows the ensuing investigation with great interest, and discovers that not everyone is who they seemed.

All the while, Iris keeps on the trail of her mother's death, and finds links to Crookham Hall through one of her mother's suffragette companions who'd disappeared. She has to delve into the past, to help solve the riddle in the present. But will she endanger her life – and the lives of others – in the process?

Death at Crookham Hall is an engaging murder mystery, which goes into the at times brutal past of the different suffragette movements. I found this background fascinating, as it shapes who Iris has become – a modern woman in 1920. But not too modern to spoil the story. Iris remains a character of her own times, immensely likeable but also flawed.

Various plot twists keep you glued to the (virtual) pages in this clever whodunit, and whilst you can see some twists coming, others surprise you as the light is shone on the Timpson family's dark past.

A highly recommended murder mystery. I can't wait for the second in the series...

My thanks to the publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sarah Zama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the feeling that the author, Michelle Salter, tried to cram a bit too much serious stuff in this book that is, after all, a cosy mystery.
The issues she touches on merit attention - domestic violence and civil rights are at the forefront of the narration but also are also environmental and social issues. If you add to this the very prominent suffragettes' plot and a very gentle LGBT subplot, you might see what I mean when I say that it feels like there's a bit too much in a single cosy mystery.
I did have the feeling that the author was more interested in talking about these different issues than on the character's stories. In fact, I felt that many characters were there only to present the issue, which may be why I had a hard time connecting with them.

But having said this, the mystery itself was clever, complex enough to entertain, but also quite solid and realistic. Which is always a bonus for me.
I did like the twist that occurred after the murder, though I might have been more invested in it if more attention had been given to the characters' psychology.
This is one of my major complaints: the psychology was kind of there, but also it wasn't there if you know what I mean. The characters' motives and reactions were realistic, but they were there, and that was all. There was not much empathy, and therefore I had a hard time caring, though I felt I should.

Another issue for me was something I often see in this kind f historical cosy mysteries. The characters' attitudes and behaviours were too modern.
Personally, I very much doubt that in the 1920s, a woman - and even the jury and the court - would have been willing to talk about her being raped in these very terms. These were still things that were alluded to rather than talked about. That a character spoke in front of a crowd about having been raped multiple times, really felt unauthentic to me.
But hey, it might just be me.

But these personal issues apart, it was an enjoyable read.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Questo romanzo, di cui non esiste un’edizione italiana, è parte di una serie che conta a oggi quattro volumi.
Trama: Walden, 1920.La giovane giornalista Iris Woodmore è intenzionata a scoprire cosa si cela dietro la morte della madre avvenuta sei anni prima. Le sue indagini, però, portano alla luce altri segreti e scatenano conseguenze imprevedibili.
Cosa mi è piaciuto?
Innanzitutto l’impianto tradizionale con delitti compiuti per motivi “razionali” (denaro, amore, vendetta ecc). Sinceramente sono stanca di storie di serial killer con traumi infantili irrisolti.
I personaggi di spalla sono ben costruiti e penso di proseguire con la lettura dei volumi successivi solo per scoprire cosa succederà a questi.
Cosa non mi è piaciuto?
La protagonista è davvero antipatica: fintamente moralista (si rammarica che alcuni crimini non vengano puniti, ma non esita a nasconderne altri per il bene di persone a cui lei tiene), si rifiuta ostinatamente di capire come va il mondo, pur non essendo più una ragazzina. È convinta di essere sempre nel giusto e non accetta che gli altri possano non condividere le sue idee.
La storia si trascina per la prima metà del libro e prende un po’ di ritmo solo nella seconda, ma il tutto risulta comunque troppo tirato per le lunghe, quasi che l’obiettivo fosse raggiungere un certo numero di pagine.
La verità che si nasconde dietro al delitto è abbastanza banale e vista più volte. Non posso dire di più per non svelare elementi fondamentali ma, insomma, alla fin fine la tematica principale cavalca un po’ l’onda di tanti romanzi pubblicati in questo periodo.
Consiglierei questo romanzo?
Ni: va bene se si vuole una lettura per nulla angosciante e non troppo complessa. Non penso che diventerà mai un bestseller.