What do you think?
Rate this book
Kurland St. Mary Mystery #1
Death Comes to the Village
Regency-set historical mystery, first in new series.
A wounded soldier and a rector's daughter discover strange goings-on in the sleepy village of Kurland St. Mary in Catherine Lloyd's charming Regency-set mystery debut.
Major Robert Kurland has returned to the quiet vistas of his village home to recuperate from the horrors of Waterloo. However injured his body may be, his mind is as active as ever. Too active, perhaps. When he glimpses a shadowy figure from his bedroom window struggling with a heavy load, the tranquil façade of the village begins to loom sinister. . .
Unable to forget the incident, Robert confides in his childhood friend, Miss Lucy Harrington. As the dutiful daughter of the widowed rector, following up on the major's suspicions offers a welcome diversion--but soon presents real danger. Someone is intent on stopping their investigation. And in a place where no one locks their doors, a series of thefts and the disappearance of two young serving girls demands explanation. . .
As Robert grapples with his difficult recovery, he and Lucy try to unearth the dark truth lurking within the village shadows, and stop a killer waiting to strike again...
A wounded soldier and a rector's daughter discover strange goings-on in the sleepy village of Kurland St. Mary in Catherine Lloyd's charming Regency-set mystery debut.
Major Robert Kurland has returned to the quiet vistas of his village home to recuperate from the horrors of Waterloo. However injured his body may be, his mind is as active as ever. Too active, perhaps. When he glimpses a shadowy figure from his bedroom window struggling with a heavy load, the tranquil façade of the village begins to loom sinister. . .
Unable to forget the incident, Robert confides in his childhood friend, Miss Lucy Harrington. As the dutiful daughter of the widowed rector, following up on the major's suspicions offers a welcome diversion--but soon presents real danger. Someone is intent on stopping their investigation. And in a place where no one locks their doors, a series of thefts and the disappearance of two young serving girls demands explanation. . .
As Robert grapples with his difficult recovery, he and Lucy try to unearth the dark truth lurking within the village shadows, and stop a killer waiting to strike again...
10 pages, Audio CD
First published November 26, 2013
326 people are currently reading
3328 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Lloyd
20 books522 followersCatherine Lloyd was born just outside London, England, into a large family of dreamers, artists, and history lovers. She completed her education with a master’s degree in history at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and uses the skills she gained there to research and write her historical mysteries. Catherine currently lives in Hawaii with her husband and youngest daughter..
Please note only the Kurland St. Mary mysteries are written by this Catherine Lloyd, not the romances.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Please note only the Kurland St. Mary mysteries are written by this Catherine Lloyd, not the romances.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 506 reviews
June 23, 2025
3.5
I may have finally found a cozy mystery series that fits my style. Set in the Regency era, our crime solving duo consists of a spinster daughter of the local rector and a home from the war, badly wounded and slightly arrogant, Major, who also happens to be the local lord of the manor.
Pro- charming side characters, it’s an easy read (but truth be told the mystery was a little too easy to solve) and I really liked our heroine— competent and independent.
Con— the dialogue is a tad over the top occasionally, but hopefully the next book will show more and say less!
Will definitely check out the next one…
(Reviewed 8/1/21)
I may have finally found a cozy mystery series that fits my style. Set in the Regency era, our crime solving duo consists of a spinster daughter of the local rector and a home from the war, badly wounded and slightly arrogant, Major, who also happens to be the local lord of the manor.
Pro- charming side characters, it’s an easy read (but truth be told the mystery was a little too easy to solve) and I really liked our heroine— competent and independent.
Con— the dialogue is a tad over the top occasionally, but hopefully the next book will show more and say less!
Will definitely check out the next one…
(Reviewed 8/1/21)
July 15, 2022
I really enjoyed the book. More of a returning home story about being gravely wounded in war and what it takes to go on with one's life. The changes that occurred during the war and a mystery in the village. The characters were all well written with a strong H/h and the solving of the mystery was good. I was surprised by the twists and turns. Look forward to the next book. 4.5*
March 9, 2021
I must admit to being pleasantly surprised by this book. I’m not a big fan of cosy mysteries but this one was excellent thanks to the excellently portrayed characters and the dynamics between them. I will be sure to continue the series.
June 27, 2019
In this tale set in 1816, Lucy Harrington is the eldest daughter of the vicar of a small village named Kurland St. Mary, somewhere in Britain. Her mother had died about eight years previously, forcing Lucy at a young age to become her father’s housekeeper and her siblings’ surrogate mother. At twenty-five, she has become basically a useful drudge, serving her father’s needs and laboring in support of the needy in the parish.
As the story opens, she is setting off on a duty visit to the lord of the manor, Colonel Kurland, who is an invalid after suffering a serious injury at Waterloo. The colonel is bedridden and furious at his condition, and he takes out his frustrations on all those around him, including Lucy. Nevertheless, despite their contentious relations, he confides in her that he saw something peculiar through the window the night before.
Upon Lucy’s return home she discovers that one of the parsonage’s maidservants has gone missing, and she wonders whether the disappearance is connected in some way to what the colonel saw. The colonel being unable to leave the house, Lucy begins investigating and reporting her findings to him. Her inquiries draw in many residents of the neighborhood, both high and low, and eventually lead her into danger.
The Regency-era rural setting is very well evoked and I found most of the characters believable. The mystery was multi-faceted and held my interest, and there were some subplots that worked well into the fabric of the whole. Some of the language, even in dialogue, is not particularly “period” or particularly British and the attitudes and behaviors of a few characters, especially Lucy, were not entirely appropriate to the era; but on the whole I found myself immersed in the world created by Lloyd. I felt there were a few inconsistent characters and loose ends, which bothered me at the somewhat hasty end. The emotional payoff readers were set up to expect did not come to fruition—no doubt as a setup for some later volume in the series. But I was happy enough with my visit to Kurland St. Mary and will most likely visit again.
As the story opens, she is setting off on a duty visit to the lord of the manor, Colonel Kurland, who is an invalid after suffering a serious injury at Waterloo. The colonel is bedridden and furious at his condition, and he takes out his frustrations on all those around him, including Lucy. Nevertheless, despite their contentious relations, he confides in her that he saw something peculiar through the window the night before.
Upon Lucy’s return home she discovers that one of the parsonage’s maidservants has gone missing, and she wonders whether the disappearance is connected in some way to what the colonel saw. The colonel being unable to leave the house, Lucy begins investigating and reporting her findings to him. Her inquiries draw in many residents of the neighborhood, both high and low, and eventually lead her into danger.
The Regency-era rural setting is very well evoked and I found most of the characters believable. The mystery was multi-faceted and held my interest, and there were some subplots that worked well into the fabric of the whole. Some of the language, even in dialogue, is not particularly “period” or particularly British and the attitudes and behaviors of a few characters, especially Lucy, were not entirely appropriate to the era; but on the whole I found myself immersed in the world created by Lloyd. I felt there were a few inconsistent characters and loose ends, which bothered me at the somewhat hasty end. The emotional payoff readers were set up to expect did not come to fruition—no doubt as a setup for some later volume in the series. But I was happy enough with my visit to Kurland St. Mary and will most likely visit again.
February 5, 2016
Death Comes to the Village
4 Stars
Confined to bed while recovering from injuries sustained at the Battle of Waterloo, Major Robert Kurkland awakens one night and observes something strange from his window. When a young girl vanishes from the village, Kurkland enlists the aid of the rector’s daughter, Lucy Harrington, who is eager for the diversion from the routine of her daily life. However, as Lucy investigates and gets closer to the truth, a dangerous killer is waiting to strike again…
Lloyd’s characterization is excellent and she successfully captures the social and personal nuances of the time. Nevertheless, the mystery is far too obvious.
Lucy is a very sympathetic heroine and there are moments when once cannot help but wish she were a more modern woman so that she could give her selfish and condescending father what for!
Robert is also very appealing. He is the epitome of a physically active and mentally adroit man who is struggling to cope with the weakness and vulnerability stemming from his injuries.
The case calls to mind one of my all time favorite movies Rear Window with Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly as Robert and Lucy work together to unmask a killer. While the romance is definitely a slow burn, Robert and Lucy’s interactions are very entertaining and it is fun watching them struggle against their mutual attraction.
All in all, a lovely beginning to the series and I’ve already finished book #2.
4 Stars
Confined to bed while recovering from injuries sustained at the Battle of Waterloo, Major Robert Kurkland awakens one night and observes something strange from his window. When a young girl vanishes from the village, Kurkland enlists the aid of the rector’s daughter, Lucy Harrington, who is eager for the diversion from the routine of her daily life. However, as Lucy investigates and gets closer to the truth, a dangerous killer is waiting to strike again…
Lloyd’s characterization is excellent and she successfully captures the social and personal nuances of the time. Nevertheless, the mystery is far too obvious.
Lucy is a very sympathetic heroine and there are moments when once cannot help but wish she were a more modern woman so that she could give her selfish and condescending father what for!
Robert is also very appealing. He is the epitome of a physically active and mentally adroit man who is struggling to cope with the weakness and vulnerability stemming from his injuries.
The case calls to mind one of my all time favorite movies Rear Window with Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly as Robert and Lucy work together to unmask a killer. While the romance is definitely a slow burn, Robert and Lucy’s interactions are very entertaining and it is fun watching them struggle against their mutual attraction.
All in all, a lovely beginning to the series and I’ve already finished book #2.
January 8, 2020
After listening to Death Comes to Bath which I enjoyed immensely for the characters and historical setting, I wanted to go back to the beginning. I was glad to pick this up as my first library read of the year and can't wait to progress through the other books.
Death Comes to the Village begins with Major Kurland in pain from his war wound and unable to sleep spotting a dark form hunched form in the cemetery late at night. But then a few village girls go missing and he is teaming up with the managing vicar's daughter, Miss Harrington who thinks he is irascible and domineering like every other man, in solving the mysteries.
I found the dual storylines of Robert's struggles as he recovers both to heal and to figure out his life now in peace time while he fears he will always be a cripple and disgusting to others like his own stiff fiancee and Lucy's drudge of a life caring for her selfish, indulged father as well as her siblings engaging personal plot threads over and above the mystery that involves thievery and disappearances. It is all so heart-felt and I could feel with them through their struggles, but also see from the start the sizzling spark between them even when they get on each other's nerves. They are both managing types which is very amusing.
I love that this is set in the late Regency period and portrayed village life well. Once or twice a few things poked out as non-period and place, but for the most part, I felt I was there in this manners and mystery story.
All in all, this proved that my enjoyment of the later series book wasn't a fluke and this will be an engaging series to follow.
Death Comes to the Village begins with Major Kurland in pain from his war wound and unable to sleep spotting a dark form hunched form in the cemetery late at night. But then a few village girls go missing and he is teaming up with the managing vicar's daughter, Miss Harrington who thinks he is irascible and domineering like every other man, in solving the mysteries.
I found the dual storylines of Robert's struggles as he recovers both to heal and to figure out his life now in peace time while he fears he will always be a cripple and disgusting to others like his own stiff fiancee and Lucy's drudge of a life caring for her selfish, indulged father as well as her siblings engaging personal plot threads over and above the mystery that involves thievery and disappearances. It is all so heart-felt and I could feel with them through their struggles, but also see from the start the sizzling spark between them even when they get on each other's nerves. They are both managing types which is very amusing.
I love that this is set in the late Regency period and portrayed village life well. Once or twice a few things poked out as non-period and place, but for the most part, I felt I was there in this manners and mystery story.
All in all, this proved that my enjoyment of the later series book wasn't a fluke and this will be an engaging series to follow.
March 18, 2015
Nice cozy mystery but too many anachronisms for me to really enjoy it. The main characters behaved in ways that simply would not have been done during the Regency period. The most glaring examples are Miss Lucy Harrington running directly into Major Kurland's bedroom several times and her curtsying to a carpenter (when she doesn't even curtsy to the Major). There was absolutely no sense of the period at all.
November 28, 2013
The mystery aspect of the story is nice enough, though it was still somewhat obvious to a discerning reader who the culprit is. Characterization had the hero more complex than the heroine, who seemed to be a male-weary person without much else to recommend her than the care she bestows on her family and her perceived intelligence. Overall, the story was nice enough to read over a cup of cake, but it did not suck me in and engage me throughout either the mild romance or the murder mystery. The ending, to my disappointment, was ambiguous and failed to properly (that's the key word here) foreshadow the furthering of relationships between the protagonists, which, as a romantic mystery, I thought it should have.
January 19, 2020
I enjoy a good historical mystery and this is one. Although not all of the proper social requirements of that time period were adhered to in this book, the mystery was well developed and the characters are being deftly fleshed out by the author. I look forward to the next one in this series.
I received a copy of this book from my public library.
I received a copy of this book from my public library.
January 19, 2014
I got this free from Firstreads. here is my honest review.
Serene and cozy village life in early 1800's Kurland St Mary's England? Hardly, as items are going missing in local homes and businesses, and two local girls seemed to have gone missing. Major Robert Kurland has just recently returned to his manor house after being nearly crushed to death by a horse in the Battle of Waterloo. He's spent long days in bed with pain, boredom, and coddling by his man servants. One night, the moonlight through his window was just one annoyance to much. But what he saw from his window got his brain to stirring. Was that somebody carrying something large through the center of the village when everyone should be asleep? His body may be failing him but his mind is as active as ever!
Miss Lucy Harrington is his long time friend and eldest daughter of the local widowed rector. Unfortunately, the rector is more interested in his horses than in his congregation. Lucy is left to manage the household, younger children, and visiting duties for her father's congregation. What she really wants is a "season" in London resulting in a husband and a household of her own. But her father has definitely made clear his ideas on that subject. As the eldest daughter, her duty shall always be to her father.
When Lucy does her duty in visiting the bedridden Major, she hears his concerns about the village and she decides to do the footwork for their investigation into the towns mysteries. Finally, something more interesting than keeping her father's life in order. But she is hindered by everyone's ideas of a " normal" woman's mental state at those times. Major Kurland's apparent use of laudanum isn't helping their discussions of these mysteries either.
For lovers of such stories as Downton Abby and Upstairs Downstairs, this book should definitely draw you into the mysteries of Kurland St Mary! It's a mystery cozy with a few intriguing twists and turns around village life in the early 1800's. Class and the morass of the times add so much to this clever mystery. The characters are superbly written, and I want to read more about them for sure! Hopefully, this is the beginning of a long series to come!
Serene and cozy village life in early 1800's Kurland St Mary's England? Hardly, as items are going missing in local homes and businesses, and two local girls seemed to have gone missing. Major Robert Kurland has just recently returned to his manor house after being nearly crushed to death by a horse in the Battle of Waterloo. He's spent long days in bed with pain, boredom, and coddling by his man servants. One night, the moonlight through his window was just one annoyance to much. But what he saw from his window got his brain to stirring. Was that somebody carrying something large through the center of the village when everyone should be asleep? His body may be failing him but his mind is as active as ever!
Miss Lucy Harrington is his long time friend and eldest daughter of the local widowed rector. Unfortunately, the rector is more interested in his horses than in his congregation. Lucy is left to manage the household, younger children, and visiting duties for her father's congregation. What she really wants is a "season" in London resulting in a husband and a household of her own. But her father has definitely made clear his ideas on that subject. As the eldest daughter, her duty shall always be to her father.
When Lucy does her duty in visiting the bedridden Major, she hears his concerns about the village and she decides to do the footwork for their investigation into the towns mysteries. Finally, something more interesting than keeping her father's life in order. But she is hindered by everyone's ideas of a " normal" woman's mental state at those times. Major Kurland's apparent use of laudanum isn't helping their discussions of these mysteries either.
For lovers of such stories as Downton Abby and Upstairs Downstairs, this book should definitely draw you into the mysteries of Kurland St Mary! It's a mystery cozy with a few intriguing twists and turns around village life in the early 1800's. Class and the morass of the times add so much to this clever mystery. The characters are superbly written, and I want to read more about them for sure! Hopefully, this is the beginning of a long series to come!
April 22, 2023
This is my first book by this author and I’m thrilled that I finally found a wonderful new series’s to savor. I loved this book so much that I purchased all right books in this really well-written cosy mystery.
As one who grew up reading the mystery greats like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, I’m super wary of trying new authors. Catherine Lloyd’s “Murder Comes to the Village” was a very pleasant surprise.
Major Robert Kurland is the owner of the manor house and village as well as the local magistrate. Robert is mostly bed-ridden from injuries sustained while was serving in the prince of Wales Hussars regiment at the battle of Waterloo. Lucy Harrington is the rector’s daughter and she tends her the villagers on behalf of her father inasmuch as her mother died several years prior.
I love that the main characters, Lucy Harrington and Major Robert Kurland were childhood friends and the ease in working out the mystery as a team. I’m looking forward to getting to know more about the regency era English village and the cast of characters.
Thankfully there are only eight books in the series, so no dragging out the plot line with insipid, pretentious plots. I’m looking forward to read the entire series. Highly recommended.
As one who grew up reading the mystery greats like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, I’m super wary of trying new authors. Catherine Lloyd’s “Murder Comes to the Village” was a very pleasant surprise.
Major Robert Kurland is the owner of the manor house and village as well as the local magistrate. Robert is mostly bed-ridden from injuries sustained while was serving in the prince of Wales Hussars regiment at the battle of Waterloo. Lucy Harrington is the rector’s daughter and she tends her the villagers on behalf of her father inasmuch as her mother died several years prior.
I love that the main characters, Lucy Harrington and Major Robert Kurland were childhood friends and the ease in working out the mystery as a team. I’m looking forward to getting to know more about the regency era English village and the cast of characters.
Thankfully there are only eight books in the series, so no dragging out the plot line with insipid, pretentious plots. I’m looking forward to read the entire series. Highly recommended.
December 9, 2019
Reread: Dec '19
I really enjoyed this one! What I loved about it the most is the interaction between the female and male lead - they both get the same amount of attention. Usually, in cozy mysteries there is only one protagonist while the romantic interest is in the background. That is not the case in this one - it appears they'll build a strong relationship through the series which deserves a thumbs up.
Also, the villain of the story might be predictable but the cozy setting of the rectory and manor plus the nice characterization of the leads make up for it.
I really enjoyed this one! What I loved about it the most is the interaction between the female and male lead - they both get the same amount of attention. Usually, in cozy mysteries there is only one protagonist while the romantic interest is in the background. That is not the case in this one - it appears they'll build a strong relationship through the series which deserves a thumbs up.
Also, the villain of the story might be predictable but the cozy setting of the rectory and manor plus the nice characterization of the leads make up for it.
May 25, 2015
Major Robert Kurland was wounded at the Battle of Waterloo and for several months he's been cooped up in his home near the village of Kurland St. Mary attended by his faithful butler and batman. One night he wakes to the moonlight streaming in his window and at the risk of his health, he moves to the window where he thinks he sees a mysterious figure carrying something heavy. He wonders what's going on but knows his servants will think he's crazy if he brings it up. He turns to the only person he can trust with this knowledge, his childhood playmate, the vicar's daughter, Miss Lucy Harrington. Lucy doesn't want for sense and she doesn't treat him like a child. If there's anything mysterious going on in the village, she'll know about it. Lucy Herrington, spinster, has spent half her life caring for her widowed father and younger siblings. Her father spends more money and attention on his horses than on household matters. Lucy also does her duty as vicar's daughter visiting the poor parishioners. She's surprised when the normally taciturn Major asks for her help but when she is eager to help, especially once she discovers a rash of petty thefts in the village and two missing local girls, one of whom is her maid Mary.
The subject matter of this story was rather darker than I expected from a cozy mystery. It's more mystery than cozy mystery despite the country village setting. The story takes place after the Battle of Waterloo and the hero is a wounded soldier. The mystery starts off a little slow but picks up about halfway and then I stayed up too late because I couldn't put it down. There are some red herrings along the way but I figured out whodunnit before the characters did, but only once the final clues were dropped. I didn't really care for the darkness involved in the mystery which made me rate the book lower than I would have if it had been lighter. Also, the writing is good but not spectacular. The language is very modern - Georgette Heyer this is not. There's very little actual humor in this story. It needs some secondary characters to provide comic relief. Aunt Rose is fun but not enough. The ending is so abrupt and vastly unsatisfactory! The period details are very good though. There's enough detail so the author didn't need the 1816 heading in the beginning of the book. I love Merlin's Mechanical Chair - it's very steampunk!
I really liked the heroine, Lucy. She's not your typical milk-and-water Regency miss nor is she a modern woman inserted into a Regency novel. She has ideas about what she wants that are in keeping with gender norms of the time. She's forthright and managing which makes her an appealing character for a modern reader. I felt really bad for her being stuck in such an intolerable situation. Her father is the true villain of the story, being an old-fashioned clergyman who can not empathize with his eldest daughter. My heart truly broke for Lucy.
Robert is an interesting character. He's from the gentry but his mother was from trade and he considers himself a soldier above all things. He's typical of an alpha male who is sick and confined to bed. I really like his character growth in the story. I think he has potential to be a great man.
The subject matter of this story was rather darker than I expected from a cozy mystery. It's more mystery than cozy mystery despite the country village setting. The story takes place after the Battle of Waterloo and the hero is a wounded soldier. The mystery starts off a little slow but picks up about halfway and then I stayed up too late because I couldn't put it down. There are some red herrings along the way but I figured out whodunnit before the characters did, but only once the final clues were dropped. I didn't really care for the darkness involved in the mystery which made me rate the book lower than I would have if it had been lighter. Also, the writing is good but not spectacular. The language is very modern - Georgette Heyer this is not. There's very little actual humor in this story. It needs some secondary characters to provide comic relief. Aunt Rose is fun but not enough. The ending is so abrupt and vastly unsatisfactory! The period details are very good though. There's enough detail so the author didn't need the 1816 heading in the beginning of the book. I love Merlin's Mechanical Chair - it's very steampunk!
I really liked the heroine, Lucy. She's not your typical milk-and-water Regency miss nor is she a modern woman inserted into a Regency novel. She has ideas about what she wants that are in keeping with gender norms of the time. She's forthright and managing which makes her an appealing character for a modern reader. I felt really bad for her being stuck in such an intolerable situation. Her father is the true villain of the story, being an old-fashioned clergyman who can not empathize with his eldest daughter. My heart truly broke for Lucy.
Robert is an interesting character. He's from the gentry but his mother was from trade and he considers himself a soldier above all things. He's typical of an alpha male who is sick and confined to bed. I really like his character growth in the story. I think he has potential to be a great man.
September 27, 2021
I am not really into books that meet the definition of “cozy” that I often find on Reddit - no adult content, no aristocracy, small towns, etc. Perhaps I really enjoyed this because it didn’t totally fit? I literally couldn’t out this down and blazed through it in hours.
The characters were immediately interesting, but perhaps because I have a soft spot for tough heroines who are enduring difficult home lives. We have ex-soldiers dealing with PTSD and injury. Granted, we don’t have a body until the very end, but our main character knows the person is dead and is trying to track them down.
Btw, regarding my “this isn’t cozy” stance, perhaps it is, but some people are super strict about cozy meaning average people in small towns with no violence. We have aristocrats. We know they’re going to London in the next book. There is blood and violence and some mention of s€x (though no scenes). I don’t think it’s a cozy. Maybe cozy-adjacent.
The characters were immediately interesting, but perhaps because I have a soft spot for tough heroines who are enduring difficult home lives. We have ex-soldiers dealing with PTSD and injury. Granted, we don’t have a body until the very end, but our main character knows the person is dead and is trying to track them down.
Btw, regarding my “this isn’t cozy” stance, perhaps it is, but some people are super strict about cozy meaning average people in small towns with no violence. We have aristocrats. We know they’re going to London in the next book. There is blood and violence and some mention of s€x (though no scenes). I don’t think it’s a cozy. Maybe cozy-adjacent.
January 4, 2019
Not bad for a debut, but I have a few quibbles with the historical aspects.
Robert Kurland, the Lord of the Manor, is recovering from being wounded at Waterloo. He's bedridden and finds difficulty in standing for any length of time. Okay. We are not told where his wound is (apart from "his leg"). The story is set in Jan/Feb the following year from Waterloo (which happened in June 1815). So 6/7 months have passed and a) he hasn't had his leg chopped off; b) he's not dead of his wounds; and c) why the f**k is he not standing yet?? We don't get any answers to this at all.
Lucy Harrington is the eldest daughter of the widowed Rector, and is essentially doing everything a wife of a Rector would do. Yes, we get the occasional hmph from Lucy when her father demands something, but he is using her good nature for his own ends.
Well, the mystery happens when Robert can't sleep, takes an unexpected stumble over to a window, and notices a shadowy hump carrying another shadowy hump across his back garden. He and Lucy are long-time neighbours/friends, so he asks her to inquire about any mysterious goings-on. Oh, and one of Lucy's lower maids is absent. The mystery develops from there. Not bad, just gentle musings on what's happening in a know-everything village.
My major disquiet is on the visitations Lucy makes to Robert IN HIS BEDROOM, UNACCOMPANIED. For such a spinster of such a reputable origin as a Rector's daughter to be seen in an unmarried, ex-soldier gentleman's bedroom, when that gentleman is in a state of UNDRESS, is the height of NO-NO in Regency times. She's left alone with him too many times. OK, he's (almost) incapacitated, but that's no excuse for Regency beldames who would jump on this LOUDLY.
I think that if setting one's murder in a specific historical time-period, then one must adhere to the nuances of propriety therein. Hence the 3 stars, when it could have been 4. :)
Robert Kurland, the Lord of the Manor, is recovering from being wounded at Waterloo. He's bedridden and finds difficulty in standing for any length of time. Okay. We are not told where his wound is (apart from "his leg"). The story is set in Jan/Feb the following year from Waterloo (which happened in June 1815). So 6/7 months have passed and a) he hasn't had his leg chopped off; b) he's not dead of his wounds; and c) why the f**k is he not standing yet?? We don't get any answers to this at all.
Lucy Harrington is the eldest daughter of the widowed Rector, and is essentially doing everything a wife of a Rector would do. Yes, we get the occasional hmph from Lucy when her father demands something, but he is using her good nature for his own ends.
Well, the mystery happens when Robert can't sleep, takes an unexpected stumble over to a window, and notices a shadowy hump carrying another shadowy hump across his back garden. He and Lucy are long-time neighbours/friends, so he asks her to inquire about any mysterious goings-on. Oh, and one of Lucy's lower maids is absent. The mystery develops from there. Not bad, just gentle musings on what's happening in a know-everything village.
My major disquiet is on the visitations Lucy makes to Robert IN HIS BEDROOM, UNACCOMPANIED. For such a spinster of such a reputable origin as a Rector's daughter to be seen in an unmarried, ex-soldier gentleman's bedroom, when that gentleman is in a state of UNDRESS, is the height of NO-NO in Regency times. She's left alone with him too many times. OK, he's (almost) incapacitated, but that's no excuse for Regency beldames who would jump on this LOUDLY.
I think that if setting one's murder in a specific historical time-period, then one must adhere to the nuances of propriety therein. Hence the 3 stars, when it could have been 4. :)
July 4, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it quite by accident when I was trying to find something to fill in between books in my favorite series. I'm so glad I found it. This was my first Catherine Lloyd book, but it will definitely not be my last. This is the first book in the series and sadly, the only one of the series my library has!
This is a series of mysteries set in the regency period. Major Robert Kurland has returned from Waterloo badly injured and he just wants the peace and quite of his country estate to heal. The nurse they had employed to care for him turns out to be a drunk and is dismissed. The major is unconscious and needs constant care. Miss Lucy Harrington, daughter of the widowed rector is the one who ends up caring for the major.
One night, the major takes it upon himself to try to get up and at least get to his window. He makes it there and sees something strange as he looks out -- but then the falls and ends up having to spend the night on the floor because he can neither get up or get back to the bed. The next day, he wonders whether he really saw anything or not and mentions it to Lucy so she can investigate for him.
Lucy finds two women are missing from the village and many houses are missing small trinkets. Lucy and the major wonder if these things are all connected and continue to investigate, bringing both Lucy and the major into danger.
This was a suspenseful, well written mystery and I look forward to reading more of the series. I'm sure a relationship will develop between Lucy and the major and it will be lovely to see how it happens. He's a grouchy curmudgeon and she's a managing female -- all you need for an interesting love story -- right . . . .
This is a series of mysteries set in the regency period. Major Robert Kurland has returned from Waterloo badly injured and he just wants the peace and quite of his country estate to heal. The nurse they had employed to care for him turns out to be a drunk and is dismissed. The major is unconscious and needs constant care. Miss Lucy Harrington, daughter of the widowed rector is the one who ends up caring for the major.
One night, the major takes it upon himself to try to get up and at least get to his window. He makes it there and sees something strange as he looks out -- but then the falls and ends up having to spend the night on the floor because he can neither get up or get back to the bed. The next day, he wonders whether he really saw anything or not and mentions it to Lucy so she can investigate for him.
Lucy finds two women are missing from the village and many houses are missing small trinkets. Lucy and the major wonder if these things are all connected and continue to investigate, bringing both Lucy and the major into danger.
This was a suspenseful, well written mystery and I look forward to reading more of the series. I'm sure a relationship will develop between Lucy and the major and it will be lovely to see how it happens. He's a grouchy curmudgeon and she's a managing female -- all you need for an interesting love story -- right . . . .
August 6, 2016
3.5 stars
This cozy historical mystery, set in England, has a little bit of a Regency romance feel.
Lucy, the rector's daughter, and Robert, a magistrate and wounded soldier, notice some thievery and strange goings-on in the village. With a young woman disappearing, and the men of the village not quite acting themselves, Lucy and Robert put their heads together to investigate. That's the main plot. The subplots include Lucy's resistance to spinsterhood and wanting to find a husband, Robert's difficulty coming to terms with his leg injury, and the strong friendship that grows between Lucy and Robert. I enjoyed the various threads and thought they were developed appropriately for a light mystery novel.
I also liked the characters' efforts to maintain propriety and appearances, and Lucy's subtle rebelling against all of it. The whole regency feel made Lucy's visits to Robert seem almost taboo. It was fun to see Lucy doing a lot of things that other young women wouldn't dare do in this setting.
Death Comes to the Village was a light read, with a slow and deliberate start. I totally loved it, from Lucy and Robert's banter to the mental illness and morbidity. I read this book at night, and when I finished it, I was scared to go to sleep! The ending was somewhat of a cliffhanger, and I am eager to know if and when a Book 2 will be released.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This cozy historical mystery, set in England, has a little bit of a Regency romance feel.
Lucy, the rector's daughter, and Robert, a magistrate and wounded soldier, notice some thievery and strange goings-on in the village. With a young woman disappearing, and the men of the village not quite acting themselves, Lucy and Robert put their heads together to investigate. That's the main plot. The subplots include Lucy's resistance to spinsterhood and wanting to find a husband, Robert's difficulty coming to terms with his leg injury, and the strong friendship that grows between Lucy and Robert. I enjoyed the various threads and thought they were developed appropriately for a light mystery novel.
I also liked the characters' efforts to maintain propriety and appearances, and Lucy's subtle rebelling against all of it. The whole regency feel made Lucy's visits to Robert seem almost taboo. It was fun to see Lucy doing a lot of things that other young women wouldn't dare do in this setting.
Death Comes to the Village was a light read, with a slow and deliberate start. I totally loved it, from Lucy and Robert's banter to the mental illness and morbidity. I read this book at night, and when I finished it, I was scared to go to sleep! The ending was somewhat of a cliffhanger, and I am eager to know if and when a Book 2 will be released.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 31, 2014
A very good first historical/cozy with a very well-plotted mystery. If you're the type that wants a dead body ASAP, you're going to be disappointed, but if you enjoy a good mystery regardless of when the body drops, give this one a try.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/894796...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/894796...
March 5, 2015
What a pleasant surprise this was! I can count the number of historical cozies I've read on one hand and certainly don't remember ever having read one set in the Regency period, but after Death Comes to the Village, I'll definitely be interested in checking out more.
Part of the appeal lies in the charming tranquility of the village setting; away from the hustle and bustle of London and Bath that lovers of Jane Austen are familiar with, Kurland St. Mary seems like the kind of village where nothing out of the ordinary ever happens. This is certainly not a fast-paced, thrilling sort of mystery, but I thought the air of gentle serenity that masked something more sinister suited this story well.
The story is as much about the murder mystery as it is about the characters, so we get to know Lucy Harrington and Major Robert Kurland rather well. On the surface, it's hard to see how a dutiful rector's daughter and a surly, wounded war hero could build a strong friendship, but that's exactly what Lucy and Major Kurland does... after a rocky start. She's highly intelligent and determined (though the major would describe her as "nagging," heh) while he appreciates her strong will and pragmatism despite his complaints, so the two made a great team when they put their heads together to solve the village mystery. I loved their banter and the rather strange (for the times) arrangement they had due to Kurland's injury tickled me pink - Lucy did the legwork, while Kurland stayed at home.
The intertwined mysteries of the serial thefts occurring in the village and the shadowy figure that Major Kurland spotted carrying something heavy through the dark one night were intriguing, though the more interesting part - the murder mystery - was very much in the background for most of the story. I did figure out who the thief was rather early, but whether it was because I didn't pay enough attention or otherwise, I enjoyed the fact that the revelation of the murderer's identity came as a bit of a surprise.
It's debatable whether there is a light hint of romance in the air; I certainly thought so and adored the relationship between Lucy and Major Kurland, but the ending was a giant question mark that seemed to contradict everything I had observed up to that point. If anything, that ambiguity's my one complaint with this book, and I'll be interested to see whether the second book in the series will clarify these questions.
Part of the appeal lies in the charming tranquility of the village setting; away from the hustle and bustle of London and Bath that lovers of Jane Austen are familiar with, Kurland St. Mary seems like the kind of village where nothing out of the ordinary ever happens. This is certainly not a fast-paced, thrilling sort of mystery, but I thought the air of gentle serenity that masked something more sinister suited this story well.
The story is as much about the murder mystery as it is about the characters, so we get to know Lucy Harrington and Major Robert Kurland rather well. On the surface, it's hard to see how a dutiful rector's daughter and a surly, wounded war hero could build a strong friendship, but that's exactly what Lucy and Major Kurland does... after a rocky start. She's highly intelligent and determined (though the major would describe her as "nagging," heh) while he appreciates her strong will and pragmatism despite his complaints, so the two made a great team when they put their heads together to solve the village mystery. I loved their banter and the rather strange (for the times) arrangement they had due to Kurland's injury tickled me pink - Lucy did the legwork, while Kurland stayed at home.
The intertwined mysteries of the serial thefts occurring in the village and the shadowy figure that Major Kurland spotted carrying something heavy through the dark one night were intriguing, though the more interesting part - the murder mystery - was very much in the background for most of the story. I did figure out who the thief was rather early, but whether it was because I didn't pay enough attention or otherwise, I enjoyed the fact that the revelation of the murderer's identity came as a bit of a surprise.
It's debatable whether there is a light hint of romance in the air; I certainly thought so and adored the relationship between Lucy and Major Kurland, but the ending was a giant question mark that seemed to contradict everything I had observed up to that point. If anything, that ambiguity's my one complaint with this book, and I'll be interested to see whether the second book in the series will clarify these questions.
May 19, 2015
This was a fun and satisfying introduction to a new series for me, and I look forward to reading future installments. Lucy Harrington, the vicar's daughter in Kurland St. Mary, is smart, efficient, hard-working; her widowed father cares more for hunting and enjoying the comforts of life (and the insolent vicarage cook), leaving the work of the parish and his household to his overworked curate and Lucy. She has all the responsibilities of a vicar's wife with none of the authority and hopes to marry someday and establish her own household; Major Robert Kurland has returned from Waterloo a hero but gravely wounded. He is is bedridden and coddled by his male servants; Lucy nurses him and then visits him out of a sense of duty but the two soon realize something is not right in the village. Robert sees odd movement in the church yard late at night from his bedroom window - is it the laudanum he's dosed with or something more sinister? Servant girls have gone missing and there have been petty thefts - are the two connected? Have the girls run off with men or to London, or is there a more deadly explanation?
Catherine Lloyd delivers with all of the elements I look for in a traditional or cozy (not cloying) historical mystery - realistic period accuracy in the attitudes of characters and pacing of the plot, interesting, multi-layered characters I want to read about again, and a sound mystery. I found the characters of Lucy and Major Kurland very likeable; they are both strong-minded, used to organizing the people around them and usually getting their way, although Lucy of course has to be more diplomatic, being a mere woman in Regency England. I found her to be a very poignant and touching character, reminiscent of other memorable heroines of the period I have read about who had to put up with pig-headed, hypocritical, self-righteous fathers or brothers trying to milk every ounce of devoted service out of them while reminding them that they were the weaker, dumber, less sensible sex! Lucy and Robert really put off an Elizabeth and Darcy vibe for me, always a good thing...
The mystery was realistic and made sense but was secondary to establishing the characters; I'm fine with that, with this kind of cozy mystery I expect there to be a puzzle but it doesn't have to be terribly complex and keep me guessing until the last page. I'm more interested in the characters and whether I want to spend time reading about them again, and in this case I am ready to order the next in the series, "Death Comes to London". Recommended to fans of cozy, traditional English mysteries.
Catherine Lloyd delivers with all of the elements I look for in a traditional or cozy (not cloying) historical mystery - realistic period accuracy in the attitudes of characters and pacing of the plot, interesting, multi-layered characters I want to read about again, and a sound mystery. I found the characters of Lucy and Major Kurland very likeable; they are both strong-minded, used to organizing the people around them and usually getting their way, although Lucy of course has to be more diplomatic, being a mere woman in Regency England. I found her to be a very poignant and touching character, reminiscent of other memorable heroines of the period I have read about who had to put up with pig-headed, hypocritical, self-righteous fathers or brothers trying to milk every ounce of devoted service out of them while reminding them that they were the weaker, dumber, less sensible sex! Lucy and Robert really put off an Elizabeth and Darcy vibe for me, always a good thing...
The mystery was realistic and made sense but was secondary to establishing the characters; I'm fine with that, with this kind of cozy mystery I expect there to be a puzzle but it doesn't have to be terribly complex and keep me guessing until the last page. I'm more interested in the characters and whether I want to spend time reading about them again, and in this case I am ready to order the next in the series, "Death Comes to London". Recommended to fans of cozy, traditional English mysteries.
July 1, 2017
Ye gods. Who was her editor? This is the skimmings of a novel; it's not even a novel. The characters lack depth; the plot lacks timing, pacing, complexity and interest. There are at least 3 more, of which I've read 2. Each is much the same. There are MOMENTS of good plotting, sparkly (not sparkling) dialogue, evocative exposition. These books were recommended to me as being "like Georgette Heyer". They are nothing like GH; the sole common element is their genre, sort of. GH's novels have pointed social satire and accurate period slang/cultural references of Regency England. Lloyd's books feature slight references to the Prince Regent, period. The characters never rise above MarySue level, sadly. Lucy Harrington, the main character, is in charge of her younger sister, brother and much younger twin brothers. Despite their reputation for mischief, these twin boys are almost never mentioned again, even with their existence being the main reason Lucy cannot "escape" into a much desired independence. Her other brother serves merely as a plot point. Her sister doesn't feature at all; I have conflated her out of Death Comes to London, where suddenly she is front and center. I have no memory of Anna even being mentioned in this book. I read it 4 days ago. This should give you an idea of how strong her characters are.
My favorite piece of ridiculousness is when Lloyd proclaims that the bluebells are in bloom... in February. In the Home Counties, in England. There is very little continuity present throughout this book: it's hot; it's cold; night/day...one character lingers over breakfast only to go straight to another character's house and eat lunch etc. The heroine is intellectual but resentful, when she's not being emotional but determined or is it that she's independent but longing for marriage or repressed but sensual? She's everything and nothing. How do you solve a problem like Lucy Harrington? You read Georgette Heyer and don't bother with this pale, faint, failed attempt at Regency romance and/or mystery. Lloyd can write: there are bits and moments scattered like so many false starts. Her work would have benefitted from a massive rewrite and some emotional investment on her part.
My favorite piece of ridiculousness is when Lloyd proclaims that the bluebells are in bloom... in February. In the Home Counties, in England. There is very little continuity present throughout this book: it's hot; it's cold; night/day...one character lingers over breakfast only to go straight to another character's house and eat lunch etc. The heroine is intellectual but resentful, when she's not being emotional but determined or is it that she's independent but longing for marriage or repressed but sensual? She's everything and nothing. How do you solve a problem like Lucy Harrington? You read Georgette Heyer and don't bother with this pale, faint, failed attempt at Regency romance and/or mystery. Lloyd can write: there are bits and moments scattered like so many false starts. Her work would have benefitted from a massive rewrite and some emotional investment on her part.
March 23, 2016
Death Comes To The Village by Catherine Lloyd
Kurkland St, Mary Murder Mystery series Book #1
4★'s
From The Cover:
A wounded soldier and a rector's daughter discover strange goings-on in the sleepy village of Kurland St. Mary in Catherine Lloyd's charming Regency-set mystery debut. Major Robert Kurland has returned to the quiet vistas of his village home to recuperate from the horrors of Waterloo. However injured his body may be, his mind is as active as ever. Too active, perhaps. When he glimpses a shadowy figure from his bedroom window struggling with a heavy load, the tranquil façade of the village begins to loom sinister. Unable to forget the incident, Robert confides in his childhood friend, Miss Lucy Harrington. As the dutiful daughter of the widowed rector, following up on the major's suspicions offers a welcome diversion--but soon presents real danger. Someone is intent on stopping their investigation. And in a place where no one locks their doors, a series of thefts and the disappearance of two young serving girls demands explanation. As Robert grapples with his difficult recovery, he and Lucy try to unearth the dark truth lurking within the village shadows, and stop a killer waiting to strike again.
My Thoughts:
Historical mysteries are usually not my cuppa tea...but this one had that little something going for it...that while I couldn't say exactly what it was...it just wouldn't let me stop reading.
The author successfully captures the social and personal nuances of the time...which makes the modern day woman grind her teeth in annoyance...but that was the way it was THEN, and thank Heaven it isn't the way it is NOW. Nevertheless, the mystery is far too obvious. For all who are drawn to Downton Abbyand Upstairs Downstairs, you should definitely be drawn into the mysteries of Kurland St Mary.
Kurkland St, Mary Murder Mystery series Book #1
4★'s
From The Cover:
A wounded soldier and a rector's daughter discover strange goings-on in the sleepy village of Kurland St. Mary in Catherine Lloyd's charming Regency-set mystery debut. Major Robert Kurland has returned to the quiet vistas of his village home to recuperate from the horrors of Waterloo. However injured his body may be, his mind is as active as ever. Too active, perhaps. When he glimpses a shadowy figure from his bedroom window struggling with a heavy load, the tranquil façade of the village begins to loom sinister. Unable to forget the incident, Robert confides in his childhood friend, Miss Lucy Harrington. As the dutiful daughter of the widowed rector, following up on the major's suspicions offers a welcome diversion--but soon presents real danger. Someone is intent on stopping their investigation. And in a place where no one locks their doors, a series of thefts and the disappearance of two young serving girls demands explanation. As Robert grapples with his difficult recovery, he and Lucy try to unearth the dark truth lurking within the village shadows, and stop a killer waiting to strike again.
My Thoughts:
Historical mysteries are usually not my cuppa tea...but this one had that little something going for it...that while I couldn't say exactly what it was...it just wouldn't let me stop reading.
The author successfully captures the social and personal nuances of the time...which makes the modern day woman grind her teeth in annoyance...but that was the way it was THEN, and thank Heaven it isn't the way it is NOW. Nevertheless, the mystery is far too obvious. For all who are drawn to Downton Abbyand Upstairs Downstairs, you should definitely be drawn into the mysteries of Kurland St Mary.
December 1, 2013
I love a good cozy mystery and I really loved the regency setting. Historical cozies are my my absolute favorite.
It is a shame that this particular mystery just seemed to plod along at a snail's pace. It is the first book is the first book in the Kurland St Mary Mystery series and most of the time seemed to be spent getting to know the two main characters, Lucy Harrington and Major Robert Kurland.
More time seems to be spent on Robert and Lucy and what seems to be a possible romance then the actual mystery and that would be fine, if there ended up being a romance when you hit the last page. Instead, you end up unsatisfied and unsure of whether or not you want to anticipate the next book in the series.
I truly felt bad for Lucy. She wants a Season in London, but her father who is a rather lousy rector in my estimation would rather her be the daughter that cares for him. I think that's why the ending wasn't satisfying to me.
When all is said and done, I wanted Lucy and Robert to be a couple, but maybe that is something for the next book.
The mystery involves, things that go bump in the night, some thefts and finally a murder. Since the Major is unable to get about due to his injury, Lucy is the one that does the poking about. I have to admit, I had no clue who the killer was and when it was revealed I was more than a little bit surprised.
Hopefully when the next book comes around, there will be more mystery, now that we've been introduced to the primary characters. I think Ms Lloyd has created an interesting setting for this series and it should be one worth revisiting.ow
It is a shame that this particular mystery just seemed to plod along at a snail's pace. It is the first book is the first book in the Kurland St Mary Mystery series and most of the time seemed to be spent getting to know the two main characters, Lucy Harrington and Major Robert Kurland.
More time seems to be spent on Robert and Lucy and what seems to be a possible romance then the actual mystery and that would be fine, if there ended up being a romance when you hit the last page. Instead, you end up unsatisfied and unsure of whether or not you want to anticipate the next book in the series.
I truly felt bad for Lucy. She wants a Season in London, but her father who is a rather lousy rector in my estimation would rather her be the daughter that cares for him. I think that's why the ending wasn't satisfying to me.
When all is said and done, I wanted Lucy and Robert to be a couple, but maybe that is something for the next book.
The mystery involves, things that go bump in the night, some thefts and finally a murder. Since the Major is unable to get about due to his injury, Lucy is the one that does the poking about. I have to admit, I had no clue who the killer was and when it was revealed I was more than a little bit surprised.
Hopefully when the next book comes around, there will be more mystery, now that we've been introduced to the primary characters. I think Ms Lloyd has created an interesting setting for this series and it should be one worth revisiting.ow
December 4, 2016
(This is a review of the audiobook.) ★★★★✩ I quiet enjoyed this first in the series, but man-oh-man, did the narrator read this one sllllllowly. I had to speed it up to 1.5 times and it was still slow.
Still, loved this small town mystery and the budding relationship between the hero and heroine.
Thanks for the rec, Lauren! I'll definitely go on with the series; already bought the book.
Still, loved this small town mystery and the budding relationship between the hero and heroine.
Thanks for the rec, Lauren! I'll definitely go on with the series; already bought the book.
October 12, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Can't wait for book two. I listened to this one on audio and recommend that format.
March 9, 2021
Quick, easy, entertaining read. Rated 3 stars.
September 21, 2019
This is an historical - Regency era - mystery story, and part of a series, where it's looking as if the two sleuths are likely to at some point form a romantic couple. But in this first book in the series they are at odds with each other more often than not.
The story opens in 1816, nine months after the Battle of Waterloo. Major Robert Kurland is the local squire and magistrate, but he's been away at war for years, and was badly injured at Waterloo when a horse fell on him, breaking both his legs. One leg was badly shattered and has not healed well, so it is uncertain whether he'll walk on his own again. While he is confined mostly to bed, he sees something in the moonlight out his bedchamber window that looks like a person carrying a large object past the church. But he's reluctant to tell his butler or valet, since he has recently had a problem with overuse of laudanum, and even wonders himself if he could have been seeing things.
Miss Lucy Harrington, oldest daughter of the widowed rector, is a very busy lady indeed, having raised her youngest twin brothers from their infancy, as well as acting as a surrogate mother to her other siblings, running her father's household and visiting people in the parish on his behalf. It was she who helped nurse Major Kurland through the worst part of his recent struggle to survive his injuries, and her father insists she keep visiting the major even though he is the most cantankerous patient she has ever had to deal with. It is Miss Harrington in whom the major confides what he thinks he saw, and she then acts as his legs (and second brain) for him in the investigation that follows. Meanwhile her father treats his perfectly sensible, practical, responsible, hardworking, intelligent daughter as just a silly female. I have to say here the rector was one of my least favorite characters.
This is an intriguing and well-wrought story, a classic mystery, and has genuine, interesting characters. It's a serious mystery with moments of humor, and lots of suspense towards the end. I've already started reading the next in the series, even though I have other books I meant to read next. Highly recommended.
The story opens in 1816, nine months after the Battle of Waterloo. Major Robert Kurland is the local squire and magistrate, but he's been away at war for years, and was badly injured at Waterloo when a horse fell on him, breaking both his legs. One leg was badly shattered and has not healed well, so it is uncertain whether he'll walk on his own again. While he is confined mostly to bed, he sees something in the moonlight out his bedchamber window that looks like a person carrying a large object past the church. But he's reluctant to tell his butler or valet, since he has recently had a problem with overuse of laudanum, and even wonders himself if he could have been seeing things.
Miss Lucy Harrington, oldest daughter of the widowed rector, is a very busy lady indeed, having raised her youngest twin brothers from their infancy, as well as acting as a surrogate mother to her other siblings, running her father's household and visiting people in the parish on his behalf. It was she who helped nurse Major Kurland through the worst part of his recent struggle to survive his injuries, and her father insists she keep visiting the major even though he is the most cantankerous patient she has ever had to deal with. It is Miss Harrington in whom the major confides what he thinks he saw, and she then acts as his legs (and second brain) for him in the investigation that follows. Meanwhile her father treats his perfectly sensible, practical, responsible, hardworking, intelligent daughter as just a silly female. I have to say here the rector was one of my least favorite characters.
This is an intriguing and well-wrought story, a classic mystery, and has genuine, interesting characters. It's a serious mystery with moments of humor, and lots of suspense towards the end. I've already started reading the next in the series, even though I have other books I meant to read next. Highly recommended.
October 16, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up
Before starting this book, I forgot that it's historical fiction, set in the early 1800s. Once that was settled, I enjoyed the book :)
I like Lucy, but her situation frustrated me to no end. The way she was expected to fill her mother's shoes, to be the obedient and loyal daughter, to give up a life of her own... ugh! I know that's the way things were in this time period, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. As the series progresses, I hope she gets out from under at least a little of this so she can start to live her own life.
Major Kurland initially seemed like a cantankerous old man, and the 'old' part stuck in my mind for most of the story. It wasn't until it was mentioned that he and Lucy were friends as children that I realized they must be roughly the same age. Robert had every right to be cranky as the book opened, but Lucy opened up new possibilities for him and he became much more genial by the end of the book. I wonder if there's a potential romance brewing between the two of them?
At first, there wasn't a murder to solve but a disappearance. Lucy wasn't willing to accept the explanations given by most of the villagers and learned a lot during her investigation. Anyone who reads mystery books will be able to figure out what happened, but it took a while to figure out who was responsible. One character seemed off to me, but I didn't make up my mind until shortly before it became obvious in the book. The motive was sad but made sense.
The next book from this series is in my audio library, and I'm eager to see where things go from here.
Before starting this book, I forgot that it's historical fiction, set in the early 1800s. Once that was settled, I enjoyed the book :)
I like Lucy, but her situation frustrated me to no end. The way she was expected to fill her mother's shoes, to be the obedient and loyal daughter, to give up a life of her own... ugh! I know that's the way things were in this time period, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. As the series progresses, I hope she gets out from under at least a little of this so she can start to live her own life.
Major Kurland initially seemed like a cantankerous old man, and the 'old' part stuck in my mind for most of the story. It wasn't until it was mentioned that he and Lucy were friends as children that I realized they must be roughly the same age. Robert had every right to be cranky as the book opened, but Lucy opened up new possibilities for him and he became much more genial by the end of the book. I wonder if there's a potential romance brewing between the two of them?
At first, there wasn't a murder to solve but a disappearance. Lucy wasn't willing to accept the explanations given by most of the villagers and learned a lot during her investigation. Anyone who reads mystery books will be able to figure out what happened, but it took a while to figure out who was responsible. One character seemed off to me, but I didn't make up my mind until shortly before it became obvious in the book. The motive was sad but made sense.
The next book from this series is in my audio library, and I'm eager to see where things go from here.
October 27, 2017
Super into these. Very, very much into these.
I mean, I had a few twinges of supreme annoyance (okay, perhaps surpressed rage) over how her entire family seems to take Lucy to granted, while simultaneously insulting her (particularly her father), but I got over it. This is obviously with the exception of her sister Anna, who is lovely, but also kind of annoyingly perfect.
But mostly, I am here for Lucy and Major Kurland who have a vaguely antagonistic dynamic, while also being one that's not affectionate, but clearly based on a sort of mutual fondness. I just like the way they argue. I also like that they're both super pragmatic, but not particularly self-aware (this is more obvious in the second one). But they're pragmatic in different ways, and in ways that lead them to consistently get in arguments that feel realistic (as opposed to contrived, because that is the dynamic the author wanted).
I dunno, just super into this.
I mean, I had a few twinges of supreme annoyance (okay, perhaps surpressed rage) over how her entire family seems to take Lucy to granted, while simultaneously insulting her (particularly her father), but I got over it. This is obviously with the exception of her sister Anna, who is lovely, but also kind of annoyingly perfect.
But mostly, I am here for Lucy and Major Kurland who have a vaguely antagonistic dynamic, while also being one that's not affectionate, but clearly based on a sort of mutual fondness. I just like the way they argue. I also like that they're both super pragmatic, but not particularly self-aware (this is more obvious in the second one). But they're pragmatic in different ways, and in ways that lead them to consistently get in arguments that feel realistic (as opposed to contrived, because that is the dynamic the author wanted).
I dunno, just super into this.
April 12, 2018
In Death Comes to the Village by Catherine Lloyd, Major Robert Kurland has been lying in bed for months after getting severely injured during the Battle of Waterloo. Dependent upon his butler, Mr. Foley, and valet, Bookman, who served during the war as Robert’s batman (soldier servant to an officer), the major tries to find something to entertain himself out the window. One morning, his regular visitor, Lucy Harrington, the 25-year-old daughter of the rector and childhood playmate of Robert, comes to help entertain him in his lonely sickbed. He tells Lucy that the previous night he saw the figure of someone carrying a big sack and skulking about. Curious about the happenings, he enlists Lucy’s help in trying to solve the riddle, not being physically able to search for himself.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Displaying 1 - 30 of 506 reviews