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Mrs. Jeffries #40
Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders
Mrs. Jeffries and Inspector Witherspoon should be checking off their Christmas present list but instead they're listing murder suspects in this latest entry of the beloved Victorian Mystery series.
Harriet Andover had no intention of dying young like her silly siblings had. She intended to outlive them and outdo them as she always had. But Harriet discovers that the best intentions can lead to murder when she is strangled inside her mansion with a house full of holiday guests.
As much as Inspector Witherspoon enjoys his job delivering justice, the last thing he wanted was a complicated murder case just a week before Christmas. He soon discovers that Harriet's own husband and grown stepchildren are not overcome with grief and neither are most of her friends. And to put the icing on the Christmas cookies, the room where Harriet's body was found was locked from the inside and she had the only key in her pocket.
Mrs. Jeffries and the household have no intention of letting their inspector down and learn that Harriet's sister may have died from foul play as well. As the clues mount, this dedicated band of merry sleuths will not rest until they've delivered a stocking full of coal to a crafty killer.
Harriet Andover had no intention of dying young like her silly siblings had. She intended to outlive them and outdo them as she always had. But Harriet discovers that the best intentions can lead to murder when she is strangled inside her mansion with a house full of holiday guests.
As much as Inspector Witherspoon enjoys his job delivering justice, the last thing he wanted was a complicated murder case just a week before Christmas. He soon discovers that Harriet's own husband and grown stepchildren are not overcome with grief and neither are most of her friends. And to put the icing on the Christmas cookies, the room where Harriet's body was found was locked from the inside and she had the only key in her pocket.
Mrs. Jeffries and the household have no intention of letting their inspector down and learn that Harriet's sister may have died from foul play as well. As the clues mount, this dedicated band of merry sleuths will not rest until they've delivered a stocking full of coal to a crafty killer.
Audio CD
First published November 16, 2021
85 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Emily Brightwell
68 books536 followersCheryl Lanham was born on 11 October 1948 in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia, USA. Her family moved to Southern California in 1959 and she grew up in Pasadena. After graduating from California State University, she decided to work her way around the world and took off for England. She didn’t get much further because she met Richard James Arguile, the Englishman who became her husband, got married on May 1976, and had two children, Matthew and Amanda. While working in international shipping, she decided to pursue her dream and become a writer – which, of course, is the best job ever. She has written romance novels as Sarah Temple, and Young Adult novels as Cheryl Lanham. As Emily Brightwell, she is the author of the “Mrs. Jeffries” mysteries.
Cheryl Lanham Arguile returned to California, where she lives with her husband and a cranky old cat named Kiwi.
Cheryl Lanham Arguile returned to California, where she lives with her husband and a cranky old cat named Kiwi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
November 30, 2021
I have been reading these books since forever and have not yet been disappointed.
Cozy mysteries set in Victorian England with an engaging cast of characters led by Inspector Witherspoon’s housekeeper Mrs. Jeffries.
As light and fun as these stories are the mysteries are usually quite clever.
This is #40 in the series but a new reader would have no trouble catching on to the characters.
Easy reading. Interesting characters. Clever whodunit.
Cozy mysteries set in Victorian England with an engaging cast of characters led by Inspector Witherspoon’s housekeeper Mrs. Jeffries.
As light and fun as these stories are the mysteries are usually quite clever.
This is #40 in the series but a new reader would have no trouble catching on to the characters.
Easy reading. Interesting characters. Clever whodunit.
November 17, 2021
Don’t let the number of this episode keep you from picking it up! One doesn’t have to start at the beginning to enjoy them. I loved this Mrs. Jeffries mystery! I enjoy Victorian era historical fiction, and this series adds to that enjoyment as I learn more about London through Mrs. Jeffries, the household staff, and their friends. Descriptions of the homes sound so elegant, and watching the interactions of Hepzibah Jeffries with the “group”, and between her and Inspector Gerald Witherspoon, for whom they work, are intriguing. She encourages Gerald when his confidence wavers. They are friends as well as employer and housekeeper. Gerald and Hepzibah enjoy their evening sherry and discussion when he gets home. She gleans details they can use when getting information. It helps him see clearly what he has heard and seen that day.
Gerald has solved more homicides than anyone else at Ladbroke Road Station in London. He doesn’t know it, but Hepzibah and her group is his secret weapon! They have a network of friends and acquaintances who are more likely to talk with them than with constables. Hepzibah considers anything they learn and passes it to Constable Barnes, his preferred partner when investigating homicides, who can best determine how to follow up on it. Witherspoon is well-liked by many people, co-workers and household staff alike.
Gerald is called out on a new murder, unfortunately only a week before Christmas. Knowing they will not enjoy the festivities with an open case hanging over them, Mrs. Jeffries and the group are eager to help solve it quickly.
Harriet, the second wife of Jacob Andover and stepmother of Percy and Ellen, came into their marriage with thriving business investments and finances and manages them completely by herself. Percy and Ellen approach middle age but see their social status as too high for them to work. Even if Jacob had run out of money by the time he and Harriet were wed, and she paid for major house repairs.
It was Harriet’s usual day to lock herself into the conservatory to work on her accounts. She is late joining the family for dinner. Appetites waned after Harriet was found choked to death with the belt from the dressing gown belonging to Jacob. When Witherspoon arrived, he interviewed each family member and houseguest while a constable questioned the staff, who seemed to be the only ones who liked the woman other than her nephew, Daniel. Daniel was the only child of her sister in California, and Marcella, Harriet’s best friend, are houseguests.
Over the next few days, a couple things were clear to the police. One, her husband and stepchildren don’t have a lot of respect or love for her. Two, most other people liked Harriet, including her staff. One of the family resentments stems from Harriet being the one with the purse strings. They depended on her for everything. And she was one day away from changing her will, of which they greatly benefited.
It was a challenge to unravel this locked-room crime that started out looking straightforward but was one of the more complex they had solved. No murderer can get one over on Witherspoon … or Mrs. Jeffries and her helpers. When Witherspoon went to arrest whodunit, there were laugh-out-loud moments that will be remembered for a while! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys well written cozy mysteries set in late Victorian Era London, and mature sleuths.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Gerald has solved more homicides than anyone else at Ladbroke Road Station in London. He doesn’t know it, but Hepzibah and her group is his secret weapon! They have a network of friends and acquaintances who are more likely to talk with them than with constables. Hepzibah considers anything they learn and passes it to Constable Barnes, his preferred partner when investigating homicides, who can best determine how to follow up on it. Witherspoon is well-liked by many people, co-workers and household staff alike.
Gerald is called out on a new murder, unfortunately only a week before Christmas. Knowing they will not enjoy the festivities with an open case hanging over them, Mrs. Jeffries and the group are eager to help solve it quickly.
Harriet, the second wife of Jacob Andover and stepmother of Percy and Ellen, came into their marriage with thriving business investments and finances and manages them completely by herself. Percy and Ellen approach middle age but see their social status as too high for them to work. Even if Jacob had run out of money by the time he and Harriet were wed, and she paid for major house repairs.
It was Harriet’s usual day to lock herself into the conservatory to work on her accounts. She is late joining the family for dinner. Appetites waned after Harriet was found choked to death with the belt from the dressing gown belonging to Jacob. When Witherspoon arrived, he interviewed each family member and houseguest while a constable questioned the staff, who seemed to be the only ones who liked the woman other than her nephew, Daniel. Daniel was the only child of her sister in California, and Marcella, Harriet’s best friend, are houseguests.
Over the next few days, a couple things were clear to the police. One, her husband and stepchildren don’t have a lot of respect or love for her. Two, most other people liked Harriet, including her staff. One of the family resentments stems from Harriet being the one with the purse strings. They depended on her for everything. And she was one day away from changing her will, of which they greatly benefited.
It was a challenge to unravel this locked-room crime that started out looking straightforward but was one of the more complex they had solved. No murderer can get one over on Witherspoon … or Mrs. Jeffries and her helpers. When Witherspoon went to arrest whodunit, there were laugh-out-loud moments that will be remembered for a while! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys well written cozy mysteries set in late Victorian Era London, and mature sleuths.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
November 8, 2021
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: Mrs. Jeffries #40
Publication Date: 11/16/21
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 304
Who can believe that this fun, entertaining, and well-written series now has forty books? It is amazing to realize how far our very naïve, backward, and unworldly Inspector has come since that first book. It is also amazing to see how his unknown crew of helpers has grown and matured in their means and methods of helping THEIR Inspector solve crimes – especially without letting him know he is being helped.
Christmas is rapidly approaching and everyone at Inspector Witherspoon’s is hoping their Inspector won’t catch any cases before the holiday because they are all looking forward to the celebrations. Sadly, that isn’t to be the case. Inspector Witherspoon is filling in for someone else when he is called to the scene of the murder of very wealthy Harriet Andover.
Harriet certainly had no intention of dying and spoiling anyone’s Christmas, but it seems that is just what happened when she is found in a locked room with the plaid belt to her husband’s robe wrapped tightly around her neck. Her husband seems grief-stricken – but is he really? Her step-children don’t even pretend they liked her, but the servants were all fond of her and appreciate her. She was a pleasant woman who treated the servants with respect and definitely improved their lives when she saw that they had proper food to eat and proper wages. It seems nobody really loved her though. At the same time, nobody seemed to hate her either.
There is, as always, much more to the inner workings of the family than is visible at first. While Inspector Witherspoon is quickly sure the servants aren’t involved in the death, there are five other residents in the household who could possibly have a motive. Mr. Jacob Andover, the husband, says he loved his wife - but did he? Her step-son, Percy Andover, was angry with her because she refused to keep supporting him and made him get a job. Mrs. Ellen Swineburn, Harriet’s step-daughter, felt Harriet was common and beneath the Andover’s social status – even though it was Harriet’s money that saved them all. Harriet’s best friend, Marcella Blakstone, is staying with the Andovers while her own home is having renovations done. There is also Harriet’s nephew from the United States, Reverend Daniel Wheeler, who has only just met his aunt for the first time. Is the murderer one of the house residents or guests? Or, is it someone from one of Harriet’s many and varied business dealings?
Inspector Gerald Witherspoon, Constable Griffiths, Constable Reed, and Constable Barnes will have their work cut out for them if they want to solve the case before Christmas. Of course, none of them other than Constable Barnes knows that they are also getting a massive dose of behind-the-scene help from the people who consider Inspector Witherspoon THEIR inspector and always want him to succeed. Mrs. Jeffries is the housekeeper and ring-leader of the group whose other members are: Luty Belle Crookshank – a wealthy American who loves bright colors; Hatchett, Luty Belle’s butler with benefits; Lady Ruby Cannonberry, widow of a peer; Smythe, the secretly very wealthy groom; Betsy, Smythe’s wife; Mrs. Goodge, the cook; Phyllis, the parlor maid; and Wiggins, the footman. With their wide set of skills, knowledge, social strata, and acquaintances – both home and abroad – they’ll fan out and gather clues they can surreptitiously pass along to the Inspector – especially through Constable Barnes.
This was a fun locked-room mystery and it took all of the skills and resources of our intrepid crew to solve the case and put the culprit where they belonged. We also get some good news and some upsetting news for our characters and we’ll just have to read the next books to see where it all goes.
I can definitely recommend this if you want an interesting mystery and some fun interactions with some lovely people. Now, I have to wait for the next one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Mrs. Jeffries #40
Publication Date: 11/16/21
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 304
Who can believe that this fun, entertaining, and well-written series now has forty books? It is amazing to realize how far our very naïve, backward, and unworldly Inspector has come since that first book. It is also amazing to see how his unknown crew of helpers has grown and matured in their means and methods of helping THEIR Inspector solve crimes – especially without letting him know he is being helped.
Christmas is rapidly approaching and everyone at Inspector Witherspoon’s is hoping their Inspector won’t catch any cases before the holiday because they are all looking forward to the celebrations. Sadly, that isn’t to be the case. Inspector Witherspoon is filling in for someone else when he is called to the scene of the murder of very wealthy Harriet Andover.
Harriet certainly had no intention of dying and spoiling anyone’s Christmas, but it seems that is just what happened when she is found in a locked room with the plaid belt to her husband’s robe wrapped tightly around her neck. Her husband seems grief-stricken – but is he really? Her step-children don’t even pretend they liked her, but the servants were all fond of her and appreciate her. She was a pleasant woman who treated the servants with respect and definitely improved their lives when she saw that they had proper food to eat and proper wages. It seems nobody really loved her though. At the same time, nobody seemed to hate her either.
There is, as always, much more to the inner workings of the family than is visible at first. While Inspector Witherspoon is quickly sure the servants aren’t involved in the death, there are five other residents in the household who could possibly have a motive. Mr. Jacob Andover, the husband, says he loved his wife - but did he? Her step-son, Percy Andover, was angry with her because she refused to keep supporting him and made him get a job. Mrs. Ellen Swineburn, Harriet’s step-daughter, felt Harriet was common and beneath the Andover’s social status – even though it was Harriet’s money that saved them all. Harriet’s best friend, Marcella Blakstone, is staying with the Andovers while her own home is having renovations done. There is also Harriet’s nephew from the United States, Reverend Daniel Wheeler, who has only just met his aunt for the first time. Is the murderer one of the house residents or guests? Or, is it someone from one of Harriet’s many and varied business dealings?
Inspector Gerald Witherspoon, Constable Griffiths, Constable Reed, and Constable Barnes will have their work cut out for them if they want to solve the case before Christmas. Of course, none of them other than Constable Barnes knows that they are also getting a massive dose of behind-the-scene help from the people who consider Inspector Witherspoon THEIR inspector and always want him to succeed. Mrs. Jeffries is the housekeeper and ring-leader of the group whose other members are: Luty Belle Crookshank – a wealthy American who loves bright colors; Hatchett, Luty Belle’s butler with benefits; Lady Ruby Cannonberry, widow of a peer; Smythe, the secretly very wealthy groom; Betsy, Smythe’s wife; Mrs. Goodge, the cook; Phyllis, the parlor maid; and Wiggins, the footman. With their wide set of skills, knowledge, social strata, and acquaintances – both home and abroad – they’ll fan out and gather clues they can surreptitiously pass along to the Inspector – especially through Constable Barnes.
This was a fun locked-room mystery and it took all of the skills and resources of our intrepid crew to solve the case and put the culprit where they belonged. We also get some good news and some upsetting news for our characters and we’ll just have to read the next books to see where it all goes.
I can definitely recommend this if you want an interesting mystery and some fun interactions with some lovely people. Now, I have to wait for the next one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 11, 2023
3.75/5 So fun!
January 10, 2024
It’s my first time reading this series and starting at book 41 it is not too bad! There were some back story but nothing too complicated as Mrs Jeffries and the rest of the household worked together and helped the Inspector to solve the closed door mystery before Christmas.
I managed to guess the culprit and I am keen to read the series in 2024.
I managed to guess the culprit and I am keen to read the series in 2024.
November 24, 2021
This is a delightful series. I've read it from the first book and I really like how the characters have developed and grown over the course of events. In this novel, a family's holiday celebrations are cut short by the death of Harriet Andover, wife and step-mother. Inspector Witherspoon soon realizes that there wasn't much love lost between the grown step-children and Harriet but is that enough of a motive for murder? Or is the seeds of this murder buried in the past? Soon, the Inspector's household servants are once again involved in trying to help him solve the murder . . . of course, they must do this in a way that the Inspector doesn't realize he's being helped!
April 13, 2022
Another good story.
November 20, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
I always look forward to new books in the Victorian-era Mrs. Jeffries series, and this one is excellent! It can be read as a standalone, as there is sufficient backstory included. Scenes are described in such a picturesque way, I felt as if I were there. The characters that I most enjoy seeing again are defined well through conversations and behaviors.
Christmas is only a week away, and Inspector Gerald Witherspoon and his household staff are preparing to celebrate. There is almost always a murder before Christmas, so they hope this year will be different. When Witherspoon fills in for an evening shift inspector, however, he ends up catching a new case.
Witherspoon is well respected and liked by the staff at his home, which he inherited from his late aunt. He has the highest homicide solve rate in London, and unbeknownst to him, his staff contributes to each investigation. Mrs. Jeffries, the housekeeper, is skilled at organizing staff and friends with a knack for getting information from people who won’t talk to the police. She then puts all the dribs and drabs of data together. She either shares findings with Constable Barnes, who usually assists Witherspoon, or poses questions to Witherspoon that leads him to the bad guys. Yes, he can solve the murders himself, it would just take longer.
Harriet Andover was an astute businesswoman who spent Monday afternoons in the conservatory of the home she, her husband Jacob, and his adult children share. She handles all her own business and finances, working on them behind closed, locked doors to keep Jacob, Ellen, and Percy out of her business. When Harriet was late coming to dinner, Jacob sent for the extra key in his housekeeper’s alcove. They found Harriet in the conservatory, strangled with the sash from Jacob’s dressing gown.
Everybody seemed shocked when Witherspoon arrived, but few were broken up about it. Even her best friend and holiday houseguest, Marcella, didn’t seem very sad. The one exception might be her nephew Daniel, a priest from California, doing research in London. He had been a houseguest for a few weeks and getting to know his aunt.
The staff is dismayed at the loss of Harriet. While she expected them to work hard, she was fair and made sure their working conditions and compensation were more than adequate. Daniel and Harriet were growing fond of each other, and she trusted him with concerns she didn’t trust Jacob or her stepchildren with. The Andovers quickly tired of Witherspoon’s questions and visits as he was there daily to ask more questions or search for any clues.
As Mrs. Jeffries, the staff, and their friends began to talk with their sources and chat up neighbors, they found out some remarkable things about the Andover family members and Marcella. Some things were funny, such as Percy’s attitude about working! Some things were sad, while others were irritating.
Mrs. Jeffries and her group are as well defined as necessary for their roles, right down to the little daughter of Betsy and Smythe. We learn new tidbits about most of the regulars. I did enjoy the emotions Witherspoon displays at times, especially regarding a certain hobby and his nightly sherry with Mrs. Jeffries. The Andovers and Marcella are not people I would care to know, but Daniel seemed to have potential. People can be surprising, however, and I had a change of heart about some of the characters by the end.
Mrs. Jeffries is a whiz! I was astonished when she figured out who the killer was, as we see the same clues that she does. I was barely beginning to consider the person when Mrs. Jeffries sought proof. Time suddenly sped to fast forward, and the takedown had some of the funniest moments I’ve seen for a while! The Witherspoon household was ready to celebrate Christmas on time. Almost all loose ends were tied up except for a storm that was brewing throughout. Inspector Nigel Nivens, Witherspoon’s nemesis, is coming to Scotland Yard, and he’s determined to prove Gerald is a fraud. I am SO looking forward to seeing Mrs. Jeffries take him on again! I highly recommend this and the rest of the series.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
I always look forward to new books in the Victorian-era Mrs. Jeffries series, and this one is excellent! It can be read as a standalone, as there is sufficient backstory included. Scenes are described in such a picturesque way, I felt as if I were there. The characters that I most enjoy seeing again are defined well through conversations and behaviors.
Christmas is only a week away, and Inspector Gerald Witherspoon and his household staff are preparing to celebrate. There is almost always a murder before Christmas, so they hope this year will be different. When Witherspoon fills in for an evening shift inspector, however, he ends up catching a new case.
Witherspoon is well respected and liked by the staff at his home, which he inherited from his late aunt. He has the highest homicide solve rate in London, and unbeknownst to him, his staff contributes to each investigation. Mrs. Jeffries, the housekeeper, is skilled at organizing staff and friends with a knack for getting information from people who won’t talk to the police. She then puts all the dribs and drabs of data together. She either shares findings with Constable Barnes, who usually assists Witherspoon, or poses questions to Witherspoon that leads him to the bad guys. Yes, he can solve the murders himself, it would just take longer.
Harriet Andover was an astute businesswoman who spent Monday afternoons in the conservatory of the home she, her husband Jacob, and his adult children share. She handles all her own business and finances, working on them behind closed, locked doors to keep Jacob, Ellen, and Percy out of her business. When Harriet was late coming to dinner, Jacob sent for the extra key in his housekeeper’s alcove. They found Harriet in the conservatory, strangled with the sash from Jacob’s dressing gown.
Everybody seemed shocked when Witherspoon arrived, but few were broken up about it. Even her best friend and holiday houseguest, Marcella, didn’t seem very sad. The one exception might be her nephew Daniel, a priest from California, doing research in London. He had been a houseguest for a few weeks and getting to know his aunt.
The staff is dismayed at the loss of Harriet. While she expected them to work hard, she was fair and made sure their working conditions and compensation were more than adequate. Daniel and Harriet were growing fond of each other, and she trusted him with concerns she didn’t trust Jacob or her stepchildren with. The Andovers quickly tired of Witherspoon’s questions and visits as he was there daily to ask more questions or search for any clues.
As Mrs. Jeffries, the staff, and their friends began to talk with their sources and chat up neighbors, they found out some remarkable things about the Andover family members and Marcella. Some things were funny, such as Percy’s attitude about working! Some things were sad, while others were irritating.
Mrs. Jeffries and her group are as well defined as necessary for their roles, right down to the little daughter of Betsy and Smythe. We learn new tidbits about most of the regulars. I did enjoy the emotions Witherspoon displays at times, especially regarding a certain hobby and his nightly sherry with Mrs. Jeffries. The Andovers and Marcella are not people I would care to know, but Daniel seemed to have potential. People can be surprising, however, and I had a change of heart about some of the characters by the end.
Mrs. Jeffries is a whiz! I was astonished when she figured out who the killer was, as we see the same clues that she does. I was barely beginning to consider the person when Mrs. Jeffries sought proof. Time suddenly sped to fast forward, and the takedown had some of the funniest moments I’ve seen for a while! The Witherspoon household was ready to celebrate Christmas on time. Almost all loose ends were tied up except for a storm that was brewing throughout. Inspector Nigel Nivens, Witherspoon’s nemesis, is coming to Scotland Yard, and he’s determined to prove Gerald is a fraud. I am SO looking forward to seeing Mrs. Jeffries take him on again! I highly recommend this and the rest of the series.
November 29, 2021
6/10.It gets a bit tiring to be reminded of each character's backstory in each book.
January 20, 2022
Another successful mystery
January 16, 2023
It’s always fun to listen as Mrs Jeffries and her household help the inspector solve another case.
January 12, 2023
Enjoyable during my commute. Had an idea of who did it, but not all the details. Can't understand why it's mid-winter when it takes place before Christmas (I was specifically looking for a book that took place in winter after Christmas).
October 2, 2021
"Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders" is a historical mystery set in England in the 1890's. It's the 40th book in a series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous books. This was a clue-based puzzle mystery, and there were enough clues for a reader to figure out whodunit. The story wasn't heavily historical, though there were enough details to provide a historical feel.
This wasn't one of the best in the series. We got a lot of filler, from repetition when Mrs. Jeffries thinks over the clues each night to the author giving extensive biographies on each character and telling us about them rather than showing their personalities in their interactions. Not surprisingly, whodunit was pretty easy to figure out. There was no sex. There were a few uses of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
This wasn't one of the best in the series. We got a lot of filler, from repetition when Mrs. Jeffries thinks over the clues each night to the author giving extensive biographies on each character and telling us about them rather than showing their personalities in their interactions. Not surprisingly, whodunit was pretty easy to figure out. There was no sex. There were a few uses of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 29, 2021
It has been a good 20 years since I last picked up a Mrs. Jeffries book, so I thought it would be a lot of fun to see what I thought of the series now. Thanks to @this_is_edelweiss and @berkleypub, I was able to read an advance copy. For those who haven't read the series, the premise is that the staff of a Victorian police Inspector's household investigate and eventually solve his cases, completely unbeknownst to him. The series has a Downton Abbey feel and is full of likable characters.
It was easy to jump right back into the series, even after my long hiatus. At this point, the staff has solved so many mysteries that their process is a well-oiled machine. They each investigate different leads and then report back during group meetings. Meanwhile, each night the housekeeper, Mrs. Jeffries, has a glass of sherry with the Inspector and he discusses the case with her. These routines allow the plot structure to be organized and easy to follow. I had a lot of fun returning to these characters too. Back in my youth, I loved the romance between Betsy and Smythe, so seeing where they are now was a delight. Many more characters have joined the crew, but I didn't have a problem keeping them straight.
Some aspects of this series strike me differently now, especially since I've read a lot more Victorian Literature than I had when I was a teenager. For one thing, the dialogue isn't historically accurate or at least not consistently so. However, I did appreciate that different realities of the time period are brought up as we learn about the hardships the characters have faced. I liked that the book didn't try to completely idealize Victorian life but was still pleasant and positive in tone.
This particular book offers a locked room mystery, a cast of shady suspects, and some pre-Christmas cheer. As for the mystery itself, I guessed the solution pretty quickly. A remark early on clued me in to the how, and my years of mystery reading gave me a gut feeling for the who. But I don't think anyone who reads these books is really looking to be stumped. We are looking for a cozy, comfortable read that will engage us and make us smile. This series delivers all of this with sweetness and charm.
It was easy to jump right back into the series, even after my long hiatus. At this point, the staff has solved so many mysteries that their process is a well-oiled machine. They each investigate different leads and then report back during group meetings. Meanwhile, each night the housekeeper, Mrs. Jeffries, has a glass of sherry with the Inspector and he discusses the case with her. These routines allow the plot structure to be organized and easy to follow. I had a lot of fun returning to these characters too. Back in my youth, I loved the romance between Betsy and Smythe, so seeing where they are now was a delight. Many more characters have joined the crew, but I didn't have a problem keeping them straight.
Some aspects of this series strike me differently now, especially since I've read a lot more Victorian Literature than I had when I was a teenager. For one thing, the dialogue isn't historically accurate or at least not consistently so. However, I did appreciate that different realities of the time period are brought up as we learn about the hardships the characters have faced. I liked that the book didn't try to completely idealize Victorian life but was still pleasant and positive in tone.
This particular book offers a locked room mystery, a cast of shady suspects, and some pre-Christmas cheer. As for the mystery itself, I guessed the solution pretty quickly. A remark early on clued me in to the how, and my years of mystery reading gave me a gut feeling for the who. But I don't think anyone who reads these books is really looking to be stumped. We are looking for a cozy, comfortable read that will engage us and make us smile. This series delivers all of this with sweetness and charm.
December 27, 2021
3.5 stars
Harriet Andover, an astute businesswoman, always retires to her conservatory to do business each day but she always appears promptly for dinner. When she fails to come to the dinner table one evening before Christmas, her family assumes he's somewhere in the house working. However, the servants can not find Mrs. Andover and the conservatory is locked from the inside. Soon, the extra key unlocks the conservatory to the shocking scene of Mrs. Andover's lifeless body. While her husband believes she's passed out and will recover, there's no denying the cord wrapped around her neck. Oh dear! The police are called and with the regular inspector out of work due to illness, Inspector Witherspoon is on the case. Mrs. Andover was a very wealthy woman and thanks to the new second married women's property act, the wealth was all hers, giving her husband and stepchildren every reason to want her dead but how could someone kill Harriet in a locked room and escape? It's a puzzle Inspector Witherspoon isn't sure he can solve. Luckily, his staff are on the job too and determined to solve this one before Christmas. Meanwhile, rumor has it Inspector Nivens is returning to the force! How could this be? That gives everyone extra motive for solving this one quickly.
This mystery was very good. A classic locked room mystery Victorian style, it was difficult to figure out whodunit. I was starting to put the clues together but not entirely when it was time for light's out. I skipped ahead to read the wrap-up and I was kind of surprised but not entirely. However, I miss the cozy charm of the downstairs story. There's a minor subplot about Betsy and Smythe that's resolved easily and not much else going on. Amanda appears briefly. She's getting older now and able to pick up on the undercurrents in the room. There's a bit of rivalry between Mrs. Goodge and Luty Belle but they stop when they realize Amanda is upset by their joking. Wiggins and Phillis are still a bit compeitive but even that is toned down a lot. Unlike the others, the historical details provide a specific year and the story revolves around the change from Britain's agricultural society to an industrialized society where money is more important than family name.
Inspector Witherspoon does most of the investigating without help for a change. The servants do their own sleuthing and find clues, some of which the Inspector already learned on his own. He's come a long way since his first murder and has learned to trust his own instincts and not to discount anyone because of their gender or social status. Mrs. Jeffries isn't as sharp as she once was and clues keep escaping her. Even Luty Belle misses something initially. Smythe is still a sweetheart, devoted to Betsy and doesn't want to upset her when he learns some upsetting news about her family. Betsy is as practical as ever. After what she experienced in her past, she isn't phased by anything and just accepts that bad things happen to poor people and that's that.
The Andover household is a very unpleasant lot of people. Harriet Andover was an intelligent, wealthy spinster when she invested her money wisely the first time. She made millions and has kept it up. Then she married Jacob Andover. He is from an old family and flat broke. Harriet wasn't the most pleasant person in the world. It sounds like she did truly care about the welfare of her servants and didn't care what the neighbors thought. To Harriet, her family of origin was most important and her sisters were everything to her. They died tragically too soon and all she has left is a nephew. Jacob Andover is annoying. He doesn't care about anyone except himself and his own desires. He's whiny because his wife chose the decor for the house and overruled his taste. She stated her objections and they made sense to me. Jacob was content to let the house crumble around him and half starved the servants. His children are spoiled and annoying. They hate their stepmother because she's common and forced her stepson to get a job! GASP! Mrs. Swineburn, Jacob Andover's daughter, is a young widow living under her stepmother's thumb. She objects to everything her stepmother does merely because her stepmother is new money and not from an old family. Harriet is "common." Ellen is a huge snob, rude and all around dreadful. I think she has a very good reason for killing her stepmother-resentment. Percy Andover is the stupid one. He's also lazy and unused to and unable to do hard work. Even an office job is too much for him. Percy doesn't have a solid alibi for the proposed time of the murder. The information they find out about him is rather shocking and gives him a very good motive for murder. I think he's probably too stupid and lazy to have done it though. I can see his sister or father commiting murder but not Percy. Also living in the house is Rev. Daniel Wheeler, an Episcopal priest from America and Harriet's nephew. He's the only living relative she has left to remind her of her childhood with her sisters. Rev. Wheeler is a good man who looks after the servants and spends his days researching in the British Library. He can't be a murderer, obviously but he is fairly calm about losing his aunt. probably because he didn't know her for very long or very well. Finally, the household is rounded out by Mrs. Marcella Blakstone. She is a widow in the process of renovating her home. Marcella and Harriet were best friends so Harriet allowed her friend to move in while the house is renovated. Marcella is more like Ellen than Harriet. She's snobby, awful, and certainly suspicious. Both of them think nothing of listening behind closed doors or to private conversations that don't concern them. I certainly suspect Marcella of hiding something and I think she has a strong motive for murder. I kind of figured that out right away but did she do it?
There's also some servants in the Andover household that may hold the literal key to the mystery. Mrs. Barnard, the housekeeper, runs a tight ship. She's no nonsense and makes sure her maids are working when they should be. She insists the key to the conservatory was never out of sight so did one of the maids kill their mistress? Angela seems to know more than she tells the police. Colleen Murphy is suspicious in scheming to better herself. She seems flirtatious and has latched on to the kind reverend in hopes he will notice her. Perhaps Mrs. Andover found out and was about to sack the maid and she retaliated by murdering her mistress? Colleen was also spotted snooping where she shouldn't be. Could she hold the final clue needed to solve this case?
I liked the mystery but the cozy was missing so this isn't my favorite in the series. I look forward to next year's installment to find out what's happening with Betsy and Smythe and catch up with everyone else. I hope!
Harriet Andover, an astute businesswoman, always retires to her conservatory to do business each day but she always appears promptly for dinner. When she fails to come to the dinner table one evening before Christmas, her family assumes he's somewhere in the house working. However, the servants can not find Mrs. Andover and the conservatory is locked from the inside. Soon, the extra key unlocks the conservatory to the shocking scene of Mrs. Andover's lifeless body. While her husband believes she's passed out and will recover, there's no denying the cord wrapped around her neck. Oh dear! The police are called and with the regular inspector out of work due to illness, Inspector Witherspoon is on the case. Mrs. Andover was a very wealthy woman and thanks to the new second married women's property act, the wealth was all hers, giving her husband and stepchildren every reason to want her dead but how could someone kill Harriet in a locked room and escape? It's a puzzle Inspector Witherspoon isn't sure he can solve. Luckily, his staff are on the job too and determined to solve this one before Christmas. Meanwhile, rumor has it Inspector Nivens is returning to the force! How could this be? That gives everyone extra motive for solving this one quickly.
This mystery was very good. A classic locked room mystery Victorian style, it was difficult to figure out whodunit. I was starting to put the clues together but not entirely when it was time for light's out. I skipped ahead to read the wrap-up and I was kind of surprised but not entirely. However, I miss the cozy charm of the downstairs story. There's a minor subplot about Betsy and Smythe that's resolved easily and not much else going on. Amanda appears briefly. She's getting older now and able to pick up on the undercurrents in the room. There's a bit of rivalry between Mrs. Goodge and Luty Belle but they stop when they realize Amanda is upset by their joking. Wiggins and Phillis are still a bit compeitive but even that is toned down a lot. Unlike the others, the historical details provide a specific year and the story revolves around the change from Britain's agricultural society to an industrialized society where money is more important than family name.
Inspector Witherspoon does most of the investigating without help for a change. The servants do their own sleuthing and find clues, some of which the Inspector already learned on his own. He's come a long way since his first murder and has learned to trust his own instincts and not to discount anyone because of their gender or social status. Mrs. Jeffries isn't as sharp as she once was and clues keep escaping her. Even Luty Belle misses something initially. Smythe is still a sweetheart, devoted to Betsy and doesn't want to upset her when he learns some upsetting news about her family. Betsy is as practical as ever. After what she experienced in her past, she isn't phased by anything and just accepts that bad things happen to poor people and that's that.
The Andover household is a very unpleasant lot of people. Harriet Andover was an intelligent, wealthy spinster when she invested her money wisely the first time. She made millions and has kept it up. Then she married Jacob Andover. He is from an old family and flat broke. Harriet wasn't the most pleasant person in the world. It sounds like she did truly care about the welfare of her servants and didn't care what the neighbors thought. To Harriet, her family of origin was most important and her sisters were everything to her. They died tragically too soon and all she has left is a nephew. Jacob Andover is annoying. He doesn't care about anyone except himself and his own desires. He's whiny because his wife chose the decor for the house and overruled his taste. She stated her objections and they made sense to me. Jacob was content to let the house crumble around him and half starved the servants. His children are spoiled and annoying. They hate their stepmother because she's common and forced her stepson to get a job! GASP! Mrs. Swineburn, Jacob Andover's daughter, is a young widow living under her stepmother's thumb. She objects to everything her stepmother does merely because her stepmother is new money and not from an old family. Harriet is "common." Ellen is a huge snob, rude and all around dreadful. I think she has a very good reason for killing her stepmother-resentment. Percy Andover is the stupid one. He's also lazy and unused to and unable to do hard work. Even an office job is too much for him. Percy doesn't have a solid alibi for the proposed time of the murder. The information they find out about him is rather shocking and gives him a very good motive for murder. I think he's probably too stupid and lazy to have done it though. I can see his sister or father commiting murder but not Percy. Also living in the house is Rev. Daniel Wheeler, an Episcopal priest from America and Harriet's nephew. He's the only living relative she has left to remind her of her childhood with her sisters. Rev. Wheeler is a good man who looks after the servants and spends his days researching in the British Library. He can't be a murderer, obviously but he is fairly calm about losing his aunt. probably because he didn't know her for very long or very well. Finally, the household is rounded out by Mrs. Marcella Blakstone. She is a widow in the process of renovating her home. Marcella and Harriet were best friends so Harriet allowed her friend to move in while the house is renovated. Marcella is more like Ellen than Harriet. She's snobby, awful, and certainly suspicious. Both of them think nothing of listening behind closed doors or to private conversations that don't concern them. I certainly suspect Marcella of hiding something and I think she has a strong motive for murder. I kind of figured that out right away but did she do it?
There's also some servants in the Andover household that may hold the literal key to the mystery. Mrs. Barnard, the housekeeper, runs a tight ship. She's no nonsense and makes sure her maids are working when they should be. She insists the key to the conservatory was never out of sight so did one of the maids kill their mistress? Angela seems to know more than she tells the police. Colleen Murphy is suspicious in scheming to better herself. She seems flirtatious and has latched on to the kind reverend in hopes he will notice her. Perhaps Mrs. Andover found out and was about to sack the maid and she retaliated by murdering her mistress? Colleen was also spotted snooping where she shouldn't be. Could she hold the final clue needed to solve this case?
I liked the mystery but the cozy was missing so this isn't my favorite in the series. I look forward to next year's installment to find out what's happening with Betsy and Smythe and catch up with everyone else. I hope!
November 18, 2021
It’s almost Christmas when Inspector Witherspoon is called to the scene of his latest murder case. Wealthy businesswoman Harriet Andover is found strangled in her locked study. It seems it must be a member of her household and uncovering motives is easy, but proving who committed this terrible crime turns out to be much harder. Fortunately, Witherspoon has the hard-working Constable Barnes working alongside him at the crime scene. In addition, although he is unaware of this, his household staff and a couple of close friends help him gather clues. Mrs. Jeffries, his housekeeper, is the leader of these unofficial investigations and is able to put all the evidence together to identify the killer and find ways to make sure Witherspoon has all the information needed to get justice for the victim.
This book is part of a long-running series, but the author does a good job of including the necessary information about the main characters to bring readers who are new to the series up to speed. The reader is given the clues right along with Mrs. Jeffries and the Inspector, and will be able to figure out some, but probably not all, of the details of the case. I was pleased that all of the members of the household contribute equally to the case, without any one character dominating the book. Less satisfying is the fact that there seems to be less scenes showing the actual investigation. Things start coming together for Mrs. Jeffries and for Witherspoon, and the conclusion of the case makes sense with the clues that are given throughout the book.
The book takes place in Victorian England around Christmastime. However, except for a few passages about some of the decorations in the victim’s house, I was disappointed that there weren’t more details about holiday preparations and customs of the times. I think for a book coming out this time of year, this is a missed opportunity. There are two major developments not related to the case, that take place right at the end of the book. Without giving anything away, one is related to the personal life of a main character, and I look forward to seeing how it plays out in future books. The other is the return of Witherspoon’s nemesis Inspector Nigel Nivens. This is rumored at the very beginning of the book, but more about this is revealed at the very end. After the events of the prior book, I thought we had seen the last of him, but unfortunately it looks like he’ll be back to cause more trouble in the next book. In spite of this, I enjoyed the book and think fans of the series as well as fans of Victoria Thompson or of Anne Perry’s holiday mysteries will like it as well.
~ Christine
This book is part of a long-running series, but the author does a good job of including the necessary information about the main characters to bring readers who are new to the series up to speed. The reader is given the clues right along with Mrs. Jeffries and the Inspector, and will be able to figure out some, but probably not all, of the details of the case. I was pleased that all of the members of the household contribute equally to the case, without any one character dominating the book. Less satisfying is the fact that there seems to be less scenes showing the actual investigation. Things start coming together for Mrs. Jeffries and for Witherspoon, and the conclusion of the case makes sense with the clues that are given throughout the book.
The book takes place in Victorian England around Christmastime. However, except for a few passages about some of the decorations in the victim’s house, I was disappointed that there weren’t more details about holiday preparations and customs of the times. I think for a book coming out this time of year, this is a missed opportunity. There are two major developments not related to the case, that take place right at the end of the book. Without giving anything away, one is related to the personal life of a main character, and I look forward to seeing how it plays out in future books. The other is the return of Witherspoon’s nemesis Inspector Nigel Nivens. This is rumored at the very beginning of the book, but more about this is revealed at the very end. After the events of the prior book, I thought we had seen the last of him, but unfortunately it looks like he’ll be back to cause more trouble in the next book. In spite of this, I enjoyed the book and think fans of the series as well as fans of Victoria Thompson or of Anne Perry’s holiday mysteries will like it as well.
~ Christine
November 10, 2025
When Victorian Christmas comes to mind, you picture the magic Prince Albert gifted Britain and Charles Dickens immortalized: street vendors roasting chestnuts through the fog, fresh-cut fir trees glowing with real candles, carolers bundled against the cold. Murder rarely crashes that party—unless you happen to live at Upper Edmonton Gardens with Inspector Gerald Witherspoon.
Days before Christmas, someone strangles Harriet Andover in her own glass-walled conservatory. A self-made businesswoman in a man’s world, Harriet commanded headlines in life and even more in death. Naturally, Scotland Yard hands the case to Witherspoon, the sweetest, most clueless genius on the force.
Andover’s household staff adored her. Her family? Not so much. Stepchildren seethed with hatred; her husband cheated shamelessly, and Harriet knew every detail. She scheduled a meeting with her solicitor to rewrite her will the day after she died. Someone clearly moved faster than the ink could dry.
The subplots sparkle like tinsel on a tree. That loathsome toad Inspector Nivens worms his way back onto the force, eyes glittering with fresh plans to bury Witherspoon for good. Meanwhile, we peek deeper into Smythe and Betsy’s hearts than ever before. The coachman—secretly loaded—tracks down the pauper’s grave where Betsy’s mother and sister lie stacked with strangers. When he returns with every forgotten name, Betsy commissions a proper headstone listing them all. No amount of silk gowns or silver spoons will ever erase the hunger of her childhood, and she refuses to let the world forget those people either.
Four twinkling stars. Yes, the rhythm feels comfortingly predictable—eleven chapters, each roughly the same cozy length, like opening a new door on an Advent calendar. Predictable here means reliable joy, not stale. I never guessed the killer (Emily Brightwell still has tricks up her Victorian sleeve), and the Christmas wrapping around the mystery left me grinning ear to ear.
If you crave snow-dusted London streets, scheming villains, and a household staff who out-detect the detective every time, pour the cocoa, grab the blanket, and dive in. Book 40 feels as fresh and festive as the very first.
Days before Christmas, someone strangles Harriet Andover in her own glass-walled conservatory. A self-made businesswoman in a man’s world, Harriet commanded headlines in life and even more in death. Naturally, Scotland Yard hands the case to Witherspoon, the sweetest, most clueless genius on the force.
Andover’s household staff adored her. Her family? Not so much. Stepchildren seethed with hatred; her husband cheated shamelessly, and Harriet knew every detail. She scheduled a meeting with her solicitor to rewrite her will the day after she died. Someone clearly moved faster than the ink could dry.
The subplots sparkle like tinsel on a tree. That loathsome toad Inspector Nivens worms his way back onto the force, eyes glittering with fresh plans to bury Witherspoon for good. Meanwhile, we peek deeper into Smythe and Betsy’s hearts than ever before. The coachman—secretly loaded—tracks down the pauper’s grave where Betsy’s mother and sister lie stacked with strangers. When he returns with every forgotten name, Betsy commissions a proper headstone listing them all. No amount of silk gowns or silver spoons will ever erase the hunger of her childhood, and she refuses to let the world forget those people either.
Four twinkling stars. Yes, the rhythm feels comfortingly predictable—eleven chapters, each roughly the same cozy length, like opening a new door on an Advent calendar. Predictable here means reliable joy, not stale. I never guessed the killer (Emily Brightwell still has tricks up her Victorian sleeve), and the Christmas wrapping around the mystery left me grinning ear to ear.
If you crave snow-dusted London streets, scheming villains, and a household staff who out-detect the detective every time, pour the cocoa, grab the blanket, and dive in. Book 40 feels as fresh and festive as the very first.
December 24, 2021
Inspector Witherspoon always seems to have a murder to investigate just before Christmas. This year, wealthy Mrs. Harriet Andover is found strangled in a room that is locked from within, with the key in her pocket. The servants and the neighbors are upset because Mrs Andover was a fair and caring woman. Inspector Witherspoon soon discovers the woman's husband and grown step-children are not grief-stricken; they seem relieved. It was her money that restored her husband's house and she insisted on controlling the purse strings. This arrangement angers her husband, stepson, and stepdaughter, all of whom are in need of money to keep up their lavish lifestyles, money Harriet was loathe to provide. If there is ever a motive for murder, the Inspector thought this was it! But there are other guests staying the Andover home for Christmas, Harriet's best friend Marcela Blakstone and a nephew, a clergyman from America, she met only the month before.
Inspector Witherspoon is never alone in investigating his murders. His housekeeper Mrs Jeffries and the rest of his servants are sleuths who uncover information without the Inspector knowing their role. Very subtlely, Mrs Jeffries and the Inspector's right-hand man Constable Barnes pass along the information to him. They learned the Christmas before, Mrs. Andover's sister committed suicide by shooting herself in the head, very odd for a Quaker who did not own guns. Marcela Blackstone was staying with the Andovers while her house was being renovated; that's not what Mrs Jeffries sleuths discovered! Who was the old man standing outside the Andovers house several days, observed by one of the neighbors? His servants had eyes, ears, and contacts that they used to help their Inspector find the murderer.
I figured out the murderer early on, but it was intriguing to find out how and why the murder was done. The last two pages of the book are more an introduction to the next book; they will totally confuse anyone who has not read the most recent earlier books.
Inspector Witherspoon is never alone in investigating his murders. His housekeeper Mrs Jeffries and the rest of his servants are sleuths who uncover information without the Inspector knowing their role. Very subtlely, Mrs Jeffries and the Inspector's right-hand man Constable Barnes pass along the information to him. They learned the Christmas before, Mrs. Andover's sister committed suicide by shooting herself in the head, very odd for a Quaker who did not own guns. Marcela Blackstone was staying with the Andovers while her house was being renovated; that's not what Mrs Jeffries sleuths discovered! Who was the old man standing outside the Andovers house several days, observed by one of the neighbors? His servants had eyes, ears, and contacts that they used to help their Inspector find the murderer.
I figured out the murderer early on, but it was intriguing to find out how and why the murder was done. The last two pages of the book are more an introduction to the next book; they will totally confuse anyone who has not read the most recent earlier books.
December 24, 2022
This is a "cosy" in the real sense of the genre term: a highly unbelievable domesticated premise, a large cast of two dimensional stereotypes. Wiggins's repeated "cor blimey" was especially irritating raising the spectre of VanDyke's hideous accent in Disney's "Mary Poppins"...good lord. The plot here becomes so complicated you'd need algorithms or charts to follow the many unnecessary details only to discover that 90% is just there to obscure a fairly plain solution. Finally all this is wrapped up in a singularly undistinguished but adequate style.
And that, it would seem, is enough for the author's publisher to encourage dozens of these tales to satisfy an adoring public. Well so be it. For my part I find that Brightwell (as her nom de plume in this series) plays the obfuscation card heavily and repeatedly with little nuance or clever diversion. A 'magician' who simply floods a room with the noise of hundreds of circling speakers at the same time before the magic trick's reveal is not terribly entertaining to me.
For light reading to pass the holidays along, this latest "Jeffries" only surprised me in that it was a bit of a slog and not all that rewarding in the end considering the reader has to plough through so much minutiae not once but twice: during some staff meetings and then also via the sherry-filled conversations this 'housekeeper' conducts with the Witherspoon wimp ...who apparently on an inspector's Victorian salary can keep a staff of four or more in his household.
As another reviewer of the first in this series put it: "This is not literature." Consequently, as I primarily value the quality of any writing style, its uniqueness, vividness, succinctness, flair and so its entertainment quotient ... for me the Mrs Jeffries series simply doesn't cut it.
And that, it would seem, is enough for the author's publisher to encourage dozens of these tales to satisfy an adoring public. Well so be it. For my part I find that Brightwell (as her nom de plume in this series) plays the obfuscation card heavily and repeatedly with little nuance or clever diversion. A 'magician' who simply floods a room with the noise of hundreds of circling speakers at the same time before the magic trick's reveal is not terribly entertaining to me.
For light reading to pass the holidays along, this latest "Jeffries" only surprised me in that it was a bit of a slog and not all that rewarding in the end considering the reader has to plough through so much minutiae not once but twice: during some staff meetings and then also via the sherry-filled conversations this 'housekeeper' conducts with the Witherspoon wimp ...who apparently on an inspector's Victorian salary can keep a staff of four or more in his household.
As another reviewer of the first in this series put it: "This is not literature." Consequently, as I primarily value the quality of any writing style, its uniqueness, vividness, succinctness, flair and so its entertainment quotient ... for me the Mrs Jeffries series simply doesn't cut it.
March 12, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders is the 40th historical cozy mystery in this series by Emily Brightwell. Released 16th Nov 2021 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a whimsical and easy to read locked room Victorian cozy mystery featuring Inspector Witherspoon and his intrepid ensemble of domestic servants. These books are consistent and enjoyable - mystery "comfort food" and especially in uncertain and fraught times, being able to unplug and escape the real world for a few hours is a blessing. Despite being the 40th (!!) book in the series, it works well as a standalone and the plot is self contained and resolved in this book. There are some very light spoilers contained in this book for character developments which happened in previous books, but there's nothing egregious if the books are read out of order.
Four stars. The language is squeaky clean, there's no gore, and the violence occurs off-page. This is one for readers who enjoy very light cozy mysteries. It's not realistic but it is full of whimsy and fun.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders is the 40th historical cozy mystery in this series by Emily Brightwell. Released 16th Nov 2021 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a whimsical and easy to read locked room Victorian cozy mystery featuring Inspector Witherspoon and his intrepid ensemble of domestic servants. These books are consistent and enjoyable - mystery "comfort food" and especially in uncertain and fraught times, being able to unplug and escape the real world for a few hours is a blessing. Despite being the 40th (!!) book in the series, it works well as a standalone and the plot is self contained and resolved in this book. There are some very light spoilers contained in this book for character developments which happened in previous books, but there's nothing egregious if the books are read out of order.
Four stars. The language is squeaky clean, there's no gore, and the violence occurs off-page. This is one for readers who enjoy very light cozy mysteries. It's not realistic but it is full of whimsy and fun.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 29, 2021
Harriet Andover is ahead of her time – a shrewd businesswoman who controls the money in her house. While she is well liked by her servants, her family is not so happy about her controlling money so when she is murdered there are plenty of suspects including her husband, two step children, a newly discovered cousin, and a close friend who all benefit from her death. Even with plenty of suspects, Inspector Gerald Witherspoon will have a hard time solving this murder, including how the body ended up in a locked room! Lucky for him, he has his loyal servants and friends working behind the scenes to help him solve the murder – even if he doesn’t know it.
Set in Victorian England at Christmas time, “Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders” is the well done 40th book in the Mrs. Jeffries cozy mystery series by Emily Brightwell. The fact that the series has lasted so long is a testament to how wonderful this series is. By now all the characters – Inspector Witherspoon, Constable Barnes, Mrs. Jeffries, Luty Belle, Hatchett, Ruth, Smythe, Betsy, Mrs. Goodge, Phyllis, and Wiggins all feel like old friends and I love visiting with them again. The setup for each book is the same – Witherspoon and Barnes question the suspects while Mrs. Jeffries and friends talk to servants, shopkeepers, etc. to get clues that Mrs. Jeffries puts together to solve the murder but Brightwell manages to keep the series fresh with each book. This book has plenty of suspects which allows the reader to try and solve the mystery alongside Mrs. Jeffries. There are also plenty of twists and turns and a few red herrings – I thought for sure I knew who the killer was but I was totally wrong. Finally, the book ends with a couple of cliffhangers that make me eagerly await the next book in the series.
“Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders” is another well done cozy mystery by Emily Brightwell.
Set in Victorian England at Christmas time, “Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders” is the well done 40th book in the Mrs. Jeffries cozy mystery series by Emily Brightwell. The fact that the series has lasted so long is a testament to how wonderful this series is. By now all the characters – Inspector Witherspoon, Constable Barnes, Mrs. Jeffries, Luty Belle, Hatchett, Ruth, Smythe, Betsy, Mrs. Goodge, Phyllis, and Wiggins all feel like old friends and I love visiting with them again. The setup for each book is the same – Witherspoon and Barnes question the suspects while Mrs. Jeffries and friends talk to servants, shopkeepers, etc. to get clues that Mrs. Jeffries puts together to solve the murder but Brightwell manages to keep the series fresh with each book. This book has plenty of suspects which allows the reader to try and solve the mystery alongside Mrs. Jeffries. There are also plenty of twists and turns and a few red herrings – I thought for sure I knew who the killer was but I was totally wrong. Finally, the book ends with a couple of cliffhangers that make me eagerly await the next book in the series.
“Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders” is another well done cozy mystery by Emily Brightwell.
May 10, 2022
I accidentally picked up what turns out to be book #40 in this series! Who knew any series had so many volumes? MRS. JEFFRIES AND THE MIDWINTER MURDERS by Emily Brightwell is billed as something readers will enjoy if they like Downton Abbey, a cozy British murder mystery with more "downstairs" involvement than usual. Mrs. Jeffries is the housekeeper of Inspector Witherspoon who, at this point in the Victorian-era series, has the best record of solving murders in all of Scotland Yard, thanks in large part to his dedicated household staff. We learn about the various servants and their friends, and Brightwell does give enough background that new readers won't be lost, which is nice. Clearly she's spent time developing the downstairs set and their relationships and particular areas of investigative expertise. In this case, Mrs. Jeffries and crew must help Inspector Witherspoon solve the murder of the wealthy second wife of a penniless aristocrat. There are disaffected stepchildren, a mysterious relative from America, and plenty of possible motives and red herrings. It's a well-crafted mystery, but I don't know how well I buy the "we need to preserve the pride of poor Inspector Witherspoon who just doesn't seem to understand how knowledge and evidence just keeps falling into his lap" bit. It's entertaining, but possibly not enough for me to read all of them. Overall a light, enjoyable mystery series.
November 13, 2021
I love Mrs. Jeffries! I've read over half of this series and have loved all of them. Inspector Witherspoon has come a long way since his first cases'. That's due in a large part to the encouragement Mrs. Jeffries gives him during his murder cases. What the inspector doesn't know is that Mrs. Jeffries and the household staff play a big part in solving the murders. But throughout the cases, the inspector has gained experience and confidence. Though the staff doesn't play as large a part in gathering the clues, what they do find out is always helpful.
Even if you've never read a book in this series, you can still enjoy it very much. The cases are wrapped up by the end of each book, so you won't get any spoilers for prior cases. In Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders, the inspector is called upon to solve the murder of a wealthy woman. This is a particularly baffling mystery since the murder happened in a locked room and the keys to the room have been accounted for. Of course with the clues he (and his staff) discover, the case is solved.
If you're a cozy mystery lover (especially historical cozies!), you will really enjoy Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders. And if you've got time, check out the rest of the series. You'll love experiencing the character development throughout the series along with solving the mysteries.
Even if you've never read a book in this series, you can still enjoy it very much. The cases are wrapped up by the end of each book, so you won't get any spoilers for prior cases. In Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders, the inspector is called upon to solve the murder of a wealthy woman. This is a particularly baffling mystery since the murder happened in a locked room and the keys to the room have been accounted for. Of course with the clues he (and his staff) discover, the case is solved.
If you're a cozy mystery lover (especially historical cozies!), you will really enjoy Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders. And if you've got time, check out the rest of the series. You'll love experiencing the character development throughout the series along with solving the mysteries.
March 13, 2022
When wealthy businesswoman Harriet Andover was found murdered in a locked room, Inspector Witherspoon has a houseful of suspects. Was it her loving husband, who did not share a room with her and who was not allowed to know about her business dealings? Was it one of her grown stepchildren, who had moved back in and were both in need of money? Was it her best friend, who had also moved in while her own house was being remodeled? Was it her newly-met American nephew, an episcopal priest who had also moved in while he did some research at the British Museum? And how could any of them have done it? Although it's a difficult case, Witherspoon has help he doesn't suspect; his household staff and their friends are on the case, too, as always. Will they get it solved before Christmas? Oh, the suspense...
Another lighthearted Victorian-era found-family mystery, with an interesting victim--was she the tough-but-fair employer and friend that so many claimed? Or the domineering, clutch-fisted miser her close family claimed? Lots of good period detail, and I was particularly enamored of one suspect's secretly wholesome hobby. But, ugh, did we REALLY have to have bloody Inspector Nivens returning? His only purpose is to cause trouble, and aren't murders enough trouble? Otherwise, an enjoyable read.
Another lighthearted Victorian-era found-family mystery, with an interesting victim--was she the tough-but-fair employer and friend that so many claimed? Or the domineering, clutch-fisted miser her close family claimed? Lots of good period detail, and I was particularly enamored of one suspect's secretly wholesome hobby. But, ugh, did we REALLY have to have bloody Inspector Nivens returning? His only purpose is to cause trouble, and aren't murders enough trouble? Otherwise, an enjoyable read.
January 6, 2025
Harriet Andover is found murdered in her locked conservatory one evening when the household is full: there’s her husband, her stepdaughter and stepson, her best friend, and her newly discovered nephew, a preacher from America. And that doesn’t include the servants. In addition, Harriet was a good businesswoman and had obtained a fortune from her investments, a fortune that more than a few of her friends and relatives badly need. Inspector Witherspoon has an ample cast of characters from whom to sort out the culprit, but the problem is there are so many different directions in which to look that it’s hard to get clarity on the real motives of the possible suspects. And to cap it all off, rumour has it that Inspector Nigel Nivens is returning to the police force despite his disgraceful conduct. What a Christmas season this is set to be! …. This is the 40th novel in the series, and the penultimate (so far). We again find Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of Inspector Witherspoon’s staff, along with several of the household’s close friends, doing what they can to uncover clues and get the information to the Inspector discreetly so that he does not realize what work they are doing behind the scenes; but this time, the situation is very thorny indeed. Still fresh 40 books into the series, which is saying quite a lot; recommended!
December 15, 2021
Harriet Andover had no intention of dying young like her silly siblings had. She intended to outlive them and outdo them as she always had. But Harriet discovers that the best intentions can lead to murder when she is strangled inside her mansion with a house full of holiday guests. As much as Inspector Witherspoon enjoys his job delivering justice, the last thing he wanted was a complicated murder case just a week before Christmas.
I love the Mrs. Jeffries Mysteries. I think I have read all 40 of them and eagerly wait for the next one to be published. I marvel at Ms. Brightwell's ability to create stories that feel new and fresh and don't disappoint. I work as hard as I can to try to solve the mystery before I get to the end. But, alas, that does not frequently happen. Over time you get to love the characters in the books and get so entangled in their lives. I do think it is time for something new to happen beside the solving of the crime. Maybe a wedding of the Inspector.
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of the book. The comments are all mine.
I love the Mrs. Jeffries Mysteries. I think I have read all 40 of them and eagerly wait for the next one to be published. I marvel at Ms. Brightwell's ability to create stories that feel new and fresh and don't disappoint. I work as hard as I can to try to solve the mystery before I get to the end. But, alas, that does not frequently happen. Over time you get to love the characters in the books and get so entangled in their lives. I do think it is time for something new to happen beside the solving of the crime. Maybe a wedding of the Inspector.
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of the book. The comments are all mine.
January 8, 2022
there are 39 ?! books before this ?! why?@?
are they all as mind numbingly boring v as this one
guess there's many humans who like dull chatter that drags
read the begining
rifled the middle
read the ending
all just stuffy boring. not witty not clever
thee are way better Victorian era mystery series than this one
boggles the mind that this made it to book 40. I'm sure they're all pretty much the same cliched formula. Just bemused how the inspector is still too dumb to realize his staff is the meddling buggers
maybe an earlier book might be interesting..but not wasting my precious time to find out .
ps Also quite bemused how every book has almost the same exact rating with almost the same exact break down of likes ... which is 1 hysterical 2 why I never EVER goon the 4 ior 5 star ratings on books here .people hire people or get their friends to keave comments in those ranks elsewhere and I'm sure they do the same here as well .
are they all as mind numbingly boring v as this one
guess there's many humans who like dull chatter that drags
read the begining
rifled the middle
read the ending
all just stuffy boring. not witty not clever
thee are way better Victorian era mystery series than this one
boggles the mind that this made it to book 40. I'm sure they're all pretty much the same cliched formula. Just bemused how the inspector is still too dumb to realize his staff is the meddling buggers
maybe an earlier book might be interesting..but not wasting my precious time to find out .
ps Also quite bemused how every book has almost the same exact rating with almost the same exact break down of likes ... which is 1 hysterical 2 why I never EVER goon the 4 ior 5 star ratings on books here .people hire people or get their friends to keave comments in those ranks elsewhere and I'm sure they do the same here as well .
January 24, 2024
I was gifted this book on Christmas 2022. I'm not really a mystery reader, so that was probably my biggest problem with getting into it. However, some of the blame has to go to the book itself. It just felt like a lot of sitting around and talking. Mrs. Jefferies really doesn't do much at all, so I can't understand why she is the one who is supposedly solving the cases. There are also reviews saying that it doesn't matter that this is Book #40, but I disagree. It was very difficult to keep track of the characters or to care about them at this point. There is also a secondary (I guess overarching) plot or two running through the book that, of course, I was confused by.
In conclusion, I don't recommend that this be your first introduction to the series. There is a chance that I could have liked it at least a little bit more if I'd been reading from earlier on, but this book by itself does not entice me to go back and start the series from the beginning.
In conclusion, I don't recommend that this be your first introduction to the series. There is a chance that I could have liked it at least a little bit more if I'd been reading from earlier on, but this book by itself does not entice me to go back and start the series from the beginning.
January 10, 2022
Great cozy mystery.
40 books? I know why. She has this genre down to a science. Crisp writing. Complex cases. Three dimensional characters. INE simply loves to read about them as they continue to solve the mysteries. The secondary characters are also well developed and she sets up the next book so beautifully you cannot wait for it to come. Haven't read alk of them, jyst enough over the years to go back and read more! I highly beacon end these books for a fast and satisfying read for cozy mystery lovers and others who need a satisfying vacation from the trials of the world as it is and from more challenging reading. Love these books. This case was intriguing. Not wonder what happens to the remaining suspects proved innocent of the murder, in the future! They do not deserve the inheritance they WILL certainly receive! Ah, well...
40 books? I know why. She has this genre down to a science. Crisp writing. Complex cases. Three dimensional characters. INE simply loves to read about them as they continue to solve the mysteries. The secondary characters are also well developed and she sets up the next book so beautifully you cannot wait for it to come. Haven't read alk of them, jyst enough over the years to go back and read more! I highly beacon end these books for a fast and satisfying read for cozy mystery lovers and others who need a satisfying vacation from the trials of the world as it is and from more challenging reading. Love these books. This case was intriguing. Not wonder what happens to the remaining suspects proved innocent of the murder, in the future! They do not deserve the inheritance they WILL certainly receive! Ah, well...
January 9, 2022
Mrs. Jeffries must have super powers. Clues that led her to the culprit in "Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders" were entirely too vague for this little armchair detective.
Don't misunderstand me. I knew very early on who the murderer would end up being. However, Emily Brightwell filled the novel with enough red herrings that I figured there was a chance I would be wrong. Mrs. Jeffries' "eureka" clues left me muddled.
Longtime fans of the Mrs. Jeffries book series should not be disappointed in this latest installment. All of our favorites are back and helping Inspector Witherspoon to discover the culprit. We don't get much character advancement, except in a couple of notable cases that will become more evident in the next book.
Don't misunderstand me. I knew very early on who the murderer would end up being. However, Emily Brightwell filled the novel with enough red herrings that I figured there was a chance I would be wrong. Mrs. Jeffries' "eureka" clues left me muddled.
Longtime fans of the Mrs. Jeffries book series should not be disappointed in this latest installment. All of our favorites are back and helping Inspector Witherspoon to discover the culprit. We don't get much character advancement, except in a couple of notable cases that will become more evident in the next book.
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