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In this seventh book of the series, Clive and Henrietta return to England to find Castle Linley in financial ruin. When Clive’s cousin, Wallace, invites an estate agent in to assess the home’s value, the agent is later found poisoned, throwing all of the Castle’s guests into suspicion. Clive and Henrietta are soon drawn into an investigation, which is slowed by an incompetent local inspector and several unexplained phenomena—the cause of which many, especially the frail Lady Linley, believe to be the workings of the ghost of a hanged maid.

Meanwhile, Gunther and Elsie have begun  life on a farm in Omaha. Circumstances are difficult, but they are content—until Oldrich Exely appears, proposing an option Elsie finds difficult to ignore. Melody Merriweather, still masquerading as a nun to aid Elsie’s escape, likewise finds it difficult to ignore a letter with tragic news from home, while Julia, on the other hand, receives a very different sort of letter from Glenn Forbes.

Back in England, Clive is called away to London on suspicious business, leaving Henrietta to carry on with the investigation alone. When she is mysteriously locked in the study one night, however, things take on a more deadly, supernatural feel, leaving her to fear that  Lady Linley's “ghost” might just be real after all…

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2023

10 people are currently reading
2169 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Cox

11 books1,955 followers
Michelle Cox has always been obsessed with stories of the past and has spent a lifetime collecting them. She is the award-winning author of historical fiction, including the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, The Fallen Woman’s Daughter, and The Merriweather Novels. Cox also pens the wildly popular, “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog chronicling the lives of Chicago’s forgotten residents.

She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, an assortment of children who continually leave and then come back, and one naughty Goldendoodle. Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, in love with both Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Likewise, she is happily addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.


Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader.
1,696 reviews208 followers
October 19, 2023
I have really enjoyed this series. Cox can write a mystery to keep you turning pages all night. Her characters are some of the best.
I recommend this whole series to all my mystery lovers.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Profile Image for Mande.
75 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2023
Loved seeing Henrietta really shine in the conclusion of this series! I also loved reading about Elsie, Julia, and Melody. I hope to read more of all of their stories someday.
Profile Image for Debbie Rozier.
1,358 reviews88 followers
October 24, 2023
I’ve enjoyed each of the books I’ve read in this historical mystery series. This final in the series book is one of my favorites. It can be read as a stand alone so don’t be intimidated that you need to start at book one. I do think once you read this one, you’ll definitely want to go back and read more about Henrietta and Clive.

This book is set in 1936 with Henrietta and her husband, Clive, in England at Castle Linley.
Clive’s uncle has died and Castle Linley may need to be sold in order to pay taxes which causes everyone living in the house quite a stir.

When an estate agent is found dead at his home poisoned, suspicions turn to someone in Castle Linley because the agent had been at the castle with a prospective buyer earlier in the day.

Or could it have been the Castle’s mysterious ghost of a female servant dead many years?

It’s Henrietta who leads the charge in this mystery as her husband is called away to London during part of the investigation.

Even though the victim dies away from the castle, this felt very locked room mystery which I loved.

The main mystery takes place at Castle Linley, but there are chapters devoted to what’s going on with other characters in the US that have been associated with this series.

I was also glad to read in the Author’s Note what she has planned in the future for books.
Profile Image for Susan.
787 reviews82 followers
September 25, 2023
Wonderful conclusion(for now) to the series. I really enjoyed reading how Henrietta came into her own, solving the mystery with a nod to Hercule Poirot's grand reveal. I love the expert way the author parcels out clues slowly, delivering an interesting plot twist towards the end. This is a perfect blend of an intriguing mystery with a murderer on the loose, a possible haunting and excellent plot pacing. The developing character arc of Henrietta and her relationship with Clive is fundamental to the series. Because of this, I would highly recommend reading the books in order.

I love the fact that the author alternates chapters between Henrietta and Clive's adventures with the storylines of family members at home. Ms. Cox skillfully pens a fitting conclusion for both Elsie and Julia, with a hint of what might come next for Melody.

I felt a bit of sadness as I read the last few pages, realizing that Henrietta and Clive's adventures are over. At least for now. But I am eagerly looking forward to the next series that will be coming in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Lou Kemp.
Author 15 books306 followers
October 24, 2024
Lord Lindley and Henrietta arrive too late before his father passed away. This was an early hint of how things are all connected and made things more difficult to resolve.
Everyone loves a good ghost story. The author displays the feeling of dread in Castle Lindley artfully, especially for Henrietta’s late night walk up the stairs the night they arrived. Throughout, the undercurrent of happiness always came with a nervous feeling the characters couldn't shed, and the slow sense of dread makes great reading. Because of the author's skill, the clues, the process, the red herrings, and above all the setting never let a reader down.
The classes (servants and nobility) are illustrated in detailed actions and dialog. Without this, the book is still wonderful, but with it, A Haunting at Linley rises above similar books to a highly recommended level.
Profile Image for Paula Williams .
952 reviews28 followers
November 1, 2023
I enjoyed getting to revisit the characters in this award winning #HenriettaandInspectorHowardseries.
This is a great series to read in order, but this one can be read as a stand alone.

While sadly, this is the last of this series, it seems we may see Henrietta & Clive again in maybe a spin-off and novellas!

#MichelleCox is a master at writing historical mysteries.

Thank you so much, Michelle Cox, She Writes Press & Netgalley & Suzy Approved Book Tours for my #gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
Profile Image for Paula Williams .
952 reviews28 followers
November 1, 2023
I enjoyed getting to revisit the characters in this award winning #HenriettaandInspectorHowardseries.
This is a great series to read in order, but this one can be read as a stand alone.

While sadly, this is the last of this series, it seems we may see Henrietta & Clive again in maybe a spin-off and novellas!

#MichelleCox is a master at writing historical mysteries.

Thank you so much, Michelle Cox, She Writes Press & Netgalley for my #gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
990 reviews36 followers
August 22, 2023
In my opinion, it’s only when an author writes a series that they are able to develop a depth of character and back story that really allows the reader to become immersed in the story. This is the case of Michelle Cox and her Henrietta and Clive series. It’s been so much fun following them from one exploit to the next. The stories are packed with historical details and unforgettable characters.

Sadly ‘A Haunting at Linley’ is the last in this series, but the author has promised that we will be seeing them pop up occasionally in her spin-off series. This series has been a whirlwind of fun. I liked the way Cox wrapped up all the loose ends in the story. Her ability to take the strands of a tale and weave them into a satisfying conclusion is remarkable.

I find myself comparing this author’s works with that of Tasha Alexander and her Lady Emily series. I love both their writing styles and their attention to historical detail. Their books whisk me away to a bygone era. And, of course, I love their strong female characters.
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.2k reviews167 followers
November 6, 2023
I always enjoyed the stories in this series and this one was no exception. It kept me reading and guessing.
Good character development, vivid background.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Profile Image for SARAH TAYLOR.
297 reviews62 followers
January 23, 2024
A Haunting at Linley by Michelle Cox! This was another great story to this series! It was one that always keeps you reading and turning the pages to the end! Such wonderful characters and one that I highly recommend! This is my own honest opinion!
18 reviews
August 19, 2023
OMG! Just when i thought she couldnt get any better -- I was wrong!! This book is fantastic!! I always loved Henrietta and Clive and this book truly shows why...It is fun,mysterious,great characters. I am so very sorry to see this is the end of their adventures.. They truly are fun/exciting characters... I truly look fwd to their return..I look fwd to seeing what Ms Merriweather gets into. I have read every book in this series and each one is as exciting as the previous..they each leave you wondering what will happen next. Kind of like a cliffhanger.. You truly look fwd to the next book. Michelle is an extremely talented writer. Her books catch your attention from the very beginning and hold you straight thru until the end. And then you look fwd to more. If you like hystorical heroines,romance, intrigue you'll love reading this series. Kudos Michelle Cox for another amazing read. It is a real joy and pleasure to read your books. I look foward to what you write next. Congratulations on another real winner!!!!
69 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much I had a hard time putting it down. Henrietta and Clive are still in England and have now become involved in investigating strange reports of ghosts as well as murder. Both the primary and secondary characters are given realistic depth which made them and the book involving. Aside from Henrietta and Clive's story there are the developments in the side stories of Clive's sister Julia, Henrietta's sister Elsie, her family and her friend Melody all of which maintain the overall pace and involvement in the book. This is #7 in the series and the books do need to be read in order.
Profile Image for Virginia Winfield.
2,918 reviews14 followers
November 8, 2023
I always love how well Clive and Henrietta work together in these stories. I love that Henrietta is a force of nature and she can get almost anyone to talk to her. I love that there are really four stories going on in this book. I enjoyed finding out how Elsie and Gunther faired and how Melody kept up her ruse as a nun. It was also nice knowing how Julia is getting by. I could not put the book down. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Profile Image for booksy.tx.ana.
778 reviews8 followers
January 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I would recommend reading from the beginning of the series, which I did not. While everything was semi-easy to follow, the relationships and relations between the characters would have been easier for me to understand if I had read from the beginning. While Henrietta and Clive seem to have the main story, there are side stories going along at the same time. At first, I was taken aback by this because I wasn’t sure what it had to do with the main story. However, I quickly became invested in what was happening in their lives too. I think the addition of the side stories is what made me like this book even more. While Henrietta and Clive have a murder mystery going on, the others are going about their own lives, bringing you into their own worlds. I loved it. Going to start from book 1.

I received an arc from the author for my honest review!

Come read with me https://instagram.com/booksy.tx.ana?i...
808 reviews19 followers
May 22, 2023
This book ties up all the loose ends in the Clive and Henrietta mystery series. In order to not give away the plot, this review will be vague. It was my favorite in the series. Henrietta is successful in solving a mystery all by herself, without Clive’s help. Elise finds happiness with Gunther. Antonia finds happiness with…. Julia finds happiness with…
Melody is the only one who appears to be left hanging. We do not know exactly what is in the future for her. However, she may be part of a sequel series, which I eagerly look forward to reading!
Profile Image for Sara Reads.
15 reviews
September 3, 2023
A Haunting at Linley - Book 7 and the final book of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard Series (insert crying emoji here). I fell in love with this series after finishing Book 1 (A Girl Like You). Of course, I immediately bought the next 5 books in the series - Book 2 (A Ring of Truth) - Book 3 (A Promise Given) - Book 4 (A Veil Removed) - Book 5 (A Child Lost) - Book 6 (A Spying Eye). Go out now and get them, you will fall in love with this series too!

This final book was the "Cherry" on top of a perfectly constructed sundae! The "Big Red Bow" placed on top of the new car in the Christmas commercials! Michelle Cox again has delivered a masterfully written novel that gives her readers an escape into the world of Clive and Henrietta. We are drawn into their lives as if stepping into a chalk side walk scene through Michelle's vivid and entrancing storyline. We get to be a part of the best and worst of their lives with family love and tragedy. We uncover true heirs, family secrets, hearts that learn and grow - who says you can't teach an "old dog" new tricks. In the lowest of times an almost untimely death shocks us to the core!

We join our mystery duo sleuths, Clive and Henrietta, back at Linley Castle where they are called to by Wallace after the passing of Lord Linley. Strange goings on and rumors of ghostly specters fill the thick air of Linley Castle. After a murder is reported of a local resident who has recently been a visitor at Linley Castle, the whole household is turned upside down, with sightings of ghostly specters, an intruder on the grounds, a fire and cryptic messages. After a riding accident, that both scares us into a panic and leaves us with the news we have all been wanting and waiting to hear, it is our Henrietta that steals the show, Hercule Poirot would have been proud of you Henrietta. Chalk one up for the Mrs. Inspector Howard! Well done Henrietta!!

Back in the states, Julia is dealing with the most severe level of violence at the hands of the brute she is married to, but yet deep down still aching for love and freedom to be more like her old self. Will Julia allow herself to live happily and find love again? With some help from Sidney Bennett and a "spirit" of her own encounter Julia finds the strength to shoot for the "star" - one lone star!

Happily ever after never rang more true than with our Elsie, Gunther and Anna. After a rough start together in their new lives together, a terrifying surprise visitor shows up on Elsie's door step and plays a part in causing Anna to have another seizure and Elsie is forced to rely on this visitor to help out when Anna is injured during her seizure which causes Anna to be taken to the hospital. It is little Anna that melts the heart of the visitor and makes it clear that this little family needs to be given a chance to be together and not torn apart. A true Rags to Riches story!

Melody Merriweather off to play her own little prank finds out all to soon it is not something to laugh at and is no longer fun but becomes harder and harder to continue with. Oh what will come of her rash last minute decision and how will it affect Elsie? When Melody is on the verge of coming clean a visitor shows up to help but ends up making a life changing request of Melody. With her family dynamics changing and a new life being forced upon her how will Melody ever cope?

Clive and Henrietta throw us all one final twist, when they decide to stay in London and live there after Clive buys the London House that was part of the Linley Estate. After all, Lord Linley, the "true heir" should reside on the grounds of English soil with his Lady Linley and his "heir".
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 30 books162 followers
October 24, 2023
A Haunting at Linley
A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Mystery #7
By Michelle Cox

So first off this is the first book in the series that I have read. I will say that reading the previous books would have been a good first step as there are backstories that would have more fully explained the current situations of the various characters. That being said this book can still be enjoyed on its own if one doesn't mind a bit of a mystery about the backstory, which is kind of like meeting new people. I know I don't quiz people to tedium just to learn their whole life story upon meeting them, so I was good reading this book as a standalone title.

Clive and Henrietta Howard are drawn to mysteries and there is a bit of a mystery at the home of Clive's cousin. Wallace has invited Clive to Linley Castle, which is facing an inheritance tax (two as it was left to his mother). Yes, Linley Castle doesn't have the financial resources to sustain itself for much longer.

But when they arrive Henrietta feels as though something is off about the home. Could Lady Linley, Aunt Margaret be right, could a ghost be haunting the castle. Being who she is Henrietta can't leave things as they are and soon she and Clive are caught up in another mystery.

Now there are other parallel stories taking place (this is where I regretted not reading the previous books). Though intriguing I found myself more drawn to Henrietta and Clive's portion of the story. I liked the mystery and the various characters and their reactions to the event s around them just added to the draw, in my opinion. Are there nefarious deeds taking place at Linley? Or does a ghost (or two) indeed walk the grounds?

And the cover alone should be a draw when deciding to at least give this book a perusal. I mean look at it - a mysterious woman dressed so she can't be totally identified. Is she dressed as a bride with her wedding veil? Is it her ghostly disguise? There is only one way to know. Read the book and discover the answers you seek.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

This would be a PG-13+ read in my opinion.
Profile Image for Sasha.
430 reviews4 followers
October 11, 2023
When Clive and Henrietta arrive in England they discover that Castle Linley is in serious financial trouble, so much so that the family may need to sell some, or all, of the property. It seems that someone wants Castle Linley to remain the property of the family, so much so that they are willing to do anything, including poisoning an estate agent. As the investigation progresses strange things begin to happen on the property, things so strange that some believe that the ghost of a hanged maid is responsible. Is it really the ghost, or is something more sinister at work within Castle Linley?
On a farm in Omaha Gunther and Elsie, along with little Anna, are starting their new lives as husband and wife, and while things aren’t always easy for them they are happy in the path they have chosen. They soon face a roadblock in the form of a surprise visitor, Oldrich Exely, who makes an offer that will be hard to refuse.
Julia is herself facing a tough decision. Does she stay with her husband, for better and for worse, even with the brutality he inflicts upon her and the threats he makes, or does she leave, regardless of the consequences such a decision can create?

A Haunting at Linley is the seventh novel in the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, a series that builds upon the previous novels. I myself have only read this one and the novel preceding it–A Spying Eye–and while it is obvious that the plot builds upon the previous novels, I did not feel totally lost; in fact, I was less lost having read the previous novel than I was when actually reading A Spying Eye. I liked revisiting the characters, sharing in their triumphs and rooting for them when they faced their respective obstacles. The characters are extremely endearing and I love how a majority of the women are treated as equals, more so than was typical during that time, within most of the relationships. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Clive and Henrietta, Gunther and Elise, Julia, and many others in the next novel.

Available October 24th, A Haunting at Linley is a book I highly recommend, especially if y9ou have read other novels in the series. Thank you to Michelle Cox for allowing me to be a part of her street team and for gifting to me an electronic copy of A Haunting at Linley, given in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,163 reviews61 followers
October 4, 2023
Thanks to author Michelle Cox and publisher She Writes Press for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This is the seventh and concluding book in the series. I’ve only read one other in the series and think you could easily read this as a stand-alone but you’ll probably want to go back and read the rest later after getting to know these characters. This novel features three related women: Henrietta, Elsie, and Julia. The story alternates each chapter from one woman to the other, until they all interconnect with a satisfying conclusion. Some parts of the story are serious, some are more humorous, and the women are all likeable and earnest.

The novel takes place in 1937. Henrietta fancies herself a detective, influenced by the contemporary mystery novelist Agatha Christie. She and her husband, Clive, who is an actual former inspector, partner to solve mystery cases. They are visiting Castle Linley in England, where someone is found poisoned, ghosts appear, and there are several suspicious characters.

This plot alternates with Elsie’s storyline. She has eloped with a German immigrant named Gunther and a little girl who has health issues. They are trying to make a life together on a farm in Omaha. Elsie’s friend Melody has offered to temporarily join a convent in Elsie’s place – hijinks ensue.

The third alternating character is Julia, the mother of two young boys. She is trapped in an abusive marriage. Content warning – physical spousal abuse.

I appreciated following each character’s story and enjoyed trying to solve the mystery along with Henrietta. Cox is a skillful writer, whether describing the clothing, culture, and conventions of the period, or portraying a realistic and respectful intimacy between Henrietta and Clive. I found it entertaining when Cox playfully incorporated the style of carrying over words and actions from one chapter to the next. “I think we’ve done enough for today” says Henrietta at the end of Chapter 15. “That’s enough for today, I think,” says Elsie at the beginning of Chapter 16, in a totally different setting, to a totally different character.

This is an engrossing historical mystery featuring several strong women from various strata of society.
Profile Image for Laura Hundley.
839 reviews46 followers
October 17, 2023
A Haunting at Linley
Written By Michelle Cox
Published By She Writes Press
Release Date October 24, 2023


“Mixing Romance and Mystery in a Fizzy 1930s Cocktail!”

I have to say that I had no idea that this was part of a series and felt as though this definitely can be read as a stand-alone novel.

A real estate agent has been called to assess the value of Castle Linley as it is in financial ruins just as Clive and Henrietta return to the mansion due to the death of Montague Linley. His widow Lady Margaret is grieving but still in her right mind to want to stop the sale of the mansion. Her son Wallace is hoping to change his mother mind as he is flat broke. However, the agent that came to value the mansion was poisoned and is found dead. Everyone there now becomes a suspect. Secrets come out and it is at this point that the frail Lady Linley shares she believes the murderer is the ghost of a maid that hung herself there.

We then return to Gunther and Elsie who have made their life on a farm in Omaha. Due to their financial situation, Oldrich Exely has an offer that Elise finds difficult to ignore. Elsie wants to escape and Melody Merriweather has been pretending to be a nun as to not cause any suspicions. Yet Melody soon receives a letter herself that contains tragic news from home.

The author does a brilliant job of mixing several stories without missing a beat and intertwining them perfectly. Cox has a way of telling a story that keeps the reader engaged and entertained. The characters are developed well, believable and the build up of the story helps the reader get to know them. So reading the other books in the series is not needed but I am going to bet you may really want to. This is a fast paced and intense book that will keep you questioning even yourself as the killer because of the lack of predictability. Haunting, mysterious, and engrossing, this book is a great read for those who enjoy a great thriller.

4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
Profile Image for Dorothy Minor.
829 reviews17 followers
October 28, 2023
A Haunting at Linley by Michelle Cox is the seventh and last book featuring Henrietta and Inspector Howard. Like many other readers, I enjoy a series because the author continues to develop the characters. Readers come to know the characters as fully-rounded people. One could read A Haunting at Linley as a standalone mystery. On the other hand, those who become involved with the characters in this last installment will most likely wish to return to the beginning.

The story begins in England where Clive and Henrietta have gone to Castle Linley. They discover the estate is financially insolvent. Clive and Henrietta along with Clive’s cousin Wallace bring in an estate agent to give a valuation on the home. The story quickly moves forward when the agent is poisoned. When Clive must leave unexpectedly, Henrietta must solve the mystery alone. Is a ghost involved as Lady Linley believes? If not the ghost causing trouble, then who?

The story is told through three women: Henrietta, Elsie, and Julia. Readers may first wonder how these women are connected and how the stories will come together. Henrietta has been teaming up with Clive, her husband, to solve murders; this time, she is on her own. Elsie lives on a farm in Omaha, NE. Julia has two young sons and is locked into an abusive marriage.

While there are very serious elements to each of the stories, readers will also discover some humor. The suspense will keep readers turning pages to discover each woman’s story and to learn of the connections.

For book clubs, mysteries often do not produce satisfying discussions. Such is not the case with A Haunting at Linley, however. The dots that connect the women, a murder mystery, domestic violence, problems with health, and day-to-day living will all be topics of conversation for book club members. A satisfying read!
Profile Image for Carolyn Breckinridge.
Author 3 books46 followers
October 2, 2023
Oh no! A Haunting at Linley marks the end of author Michelle Cox’s superb historical romance/mystery series. It is difficult to accept there will not be a book eight to anticipate, despite her suggestion she might do some spin-offs from this series. Beginning with the novel, A Girl Like You, these seven books are set in 1930s Chicago and Europe. They have won more than sixty international awards and have received prestigious editorial attention. Throughout, the main characters, Henrietta and Clive, share their pages with numerous others whose lives further engage the reader, such that these books have been compared to the television series, Downton Abbey. A Haunting at Linley brings a murder to Castle Linley which is basically solved by Henrietta alone, at great danger to herself along the way. Her handling of this case demonstrates the growth in her character and in Clive’s, who has always tried to protect her and has perhaps had some trouble sharing the spotlight. This novel also brings significant growth to others, such as Henrietta’s sister (Elsie) and grandfather and Clive’s sister (Julia) and mother. And then, there is Elsie’s best friend, Melody, who is up to some pretty sneaky pranks. A Haunting at Linley is a remarkable series conclusion, written with the skill, strong characterization, and knowledge of history that have been trademarks of this author’s writing. If I could give this final novel ten stars, I would. It is that good. Anticipated release date: October 24th, 2023.

921 reviews31 followers
October 26, 2023
This is, apparently, the last book in the Clive and Henrietta series. Their will be more books written in this universe, but they’ll focus on other characters. I’ve really enjoyed the whole series, and I have no complaints about the ending.

This book picks up where the last book left off, with Clive and Henrietta returning to England from the Continent. They’re still on their second honeymoon, but they’re not having much more luck on this one than they did on the first. Crime seems to follow them. They’re staying at Castle Linley, with Wallace and Amelie. There, they come upon murder, sabotage, what appears to be a haunting of Lady Linley. As usual, it will fall to Clive and Henrietta to sort everything out. In addition to the above, this book also includes instances of spousal abuse and marital infidelity.

As the author moves forward, I hope she’ll offer more about Julia and Glenn. While all the threads are tied up for all the characters, I’d love to see more of those two.

This book will keep you turning pages and trying to outguess what’s going to happen next. There are more than enough possible suspects to keep you speculating. There's a lot going on in this book, covering a full array of interesting characters.

I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it.. I look forward to whatever the author writes next.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Profile Image for Kristine Hall.
946 reviews74 followers
December 20, 2023
What a fabulous finale to the Henrietta & Inspector Howard series! I love the way the author left the readers -- like me -- who've been invested in these characters from the very beginning of the series. Not just Henrietta and Clive, but also Elsie and Gunther and Julia and Glenn (the Texan). We're left content and satisfied with just enough information to see where their paths will be taking them. The ending is the perfect picture of the HEAs we need.

As is the case for every book in this series, this one stands alone just fine, but read them all anyhow, and read them in order. Just saying. A HAUNTING AT LINLEY has all the things I love: eclectic characters, suspense, twisty/turny mysteries (ghosts, maybe?), and loose ends neatly tied up. It also has something that I usually don't tolerate well: romance; but the weird thing is that in this series, I adore the sparks and passion that Henrietta and Clive share. Author Michelle Cox provides the perfect balance of their relationship and all the other elements. (Their romance is still hot but a little less sizzling in this one, which is perfectly fine with me. Because romance.)

Henrietta is sassy as ever and watching her grow and become more confident has been a pleasure. And Clive thrives as a result of his marriage to Hen, who makes his heart happy and is healing his wounds.

I will miss these characters so much, but I hold out hope that some of them may show up in brand new adventures...(in Texas would be a bonus!).
Profile Image for Sarah Zama.
Author 9 books49 followers
June 16, 2024
This is the final instalment in the *Henrietta and Inspector Howard* series. I understand the series was meant to go on for longer when the author decided to wrap it up early and I think this accounts for my main issues with this story. It's a bit disconnected: the main plot is continuously interrupted by other three subplots and everything wraps up a little too neatly for me.

But I see why it was necessary. Important events were happening in those other subplots that also needed wrapping up, and the author had to make do with the space she had. Also, she wanted to end those subplots in a positive way.

It made for a lot of bad things turning out surprisingly well very quickly and a lot of happy endings clustered together. But as I said, I see why this needed to be.

Characters are always Michelle Cox's strong suit. I especially loved the dialogue; they sound so natural and real, which also filters into the everyday life situation, which also feels very real and believable.

The historical setting is spot-on, both in terms of time and space. 1930s England feels a lot different to 1930s Utha.

The mystery is fun, and I was very intrigued (Hey, after all, it's me!) by the story of the ghost. I really, really enjoy the episode where the ghost has a central part - though I'm not totally sure how I should take it.

I'm not totally convinced with the Porot-like ending, but it was, after all, a nice way to conclude the series.

It was very enjoyable, like the entire series. Give it a go!
Profile Image for Linda Zagon.
1,703 reviews213 followers
October 24, 2023
Michelle Cox, the Author of “A Haunting at Linley,” has written a suspenseful and mysterious novel. This is the seventh book in the “Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel” series and can be read as a stand-alone, but I feel it would be a better experience to read the other books. The location for this novel is set mostly in Castle Linley in England and the United States, and the timeline is the 1930’s. The Genres for this novel are Mystery, Suspense, Historical Fiction, and Amateur Sleuth. In this well-written novel, Michelle Cox is an amazing storyteller. She vividly describes the scenery, landscape, style and dress, and her dramatic and colorful characters.

Henrietta and Clive have returned to England to help his cousin Wallace sort out the financial matters of the estate regarding Castle Linly. Not only is the Castle in financial ruin but there is a rumor and feel of ghosts. Lady Linly is not well; she has relatives and a suspicious new friend. There is a concern about what will happen to the estate when Lady Linly dies. There are twists and turns, secrets, surprises, betrayals and deaths. Henrietta and Clive start investigating, and Clive is called away on business. Henrietta is still investigating, and there are some suspicious characters. There is also danger. I would highly recommend this captivating and intense novel.
Profile Image for Chelsie.
1,476 reviews
October 17, 2023
This was such a good wrap up story to the Howard's series! Clive and Henrietta are back across the pond when they get involved up in their next case, and this one is quite close to home. Castle Linley is on the brink of no longer being in the Linley family due to financial burden but someone is not yet ready to let this place go. Poison, murder, fake charity and ghosts all comes out of the woodwork on the grounds of Linley and Clive has his work cutout trying to get to the bottom of which family member is sabotaging cousin Wallace trying to do what he feels is best with potential buyers. Meanwhile Elsie and Gunther are given an offer they can hardly refuse, Melody Merriweather has quite the situation to get herself out of trying to cover for her friend, and Julia has some big decisions to make regarding her and hers sons futures. I really loved how the author wrapped things up in this series with the families. I would love to read more about Melody and her debacle as well as Julia and the choices she has made. Looking forward to see what other novels Michelle has planned for the future. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
1,788 reviews34 followers
September 20, 2023
What a concluding story featuring married couple Clive and Henrietta! This is the seventh and concluding episode to a terrific series.
Set in England in the 1930's the couple is at the ancestral home of Clive after the death of Clive's uncle. Someone is creating havoc and Clive and Henrietta are drawn into the middle of it. The estate is in financial trouble so the heir apparent is trying to sell some of the property to salvage what they can. An estate agent comes to the property to assess the value and to offer buyers. But before anything can be completed the agent is poisoned and dies. This draws the couple into an investigation as they feel the local inspector is incompetent.
Also two other threads from the series has Elsie and Gunther eloping to Nebraska to escape the evil intents of Elsie's grandfather. They are nearly destitute and find work on a sugar beet farm. The other thread finds Julia beaten by her husband and she seeks refuge in her family home.
The author, Michelle Cox pulls all these threads into a masterful novel. I have thoroughly enjoyed this engrossing series and hope there are followup books in the future.
Profile Image for Cassie’s Reviews.
1,579 reviews29 followers
October 25, 2023
I have truly enjoyed this series and I always look forward to one of the new books being released! This series has the perfect mix of historical fiction and mystery!
It’s 1936 and Henrietta and her husband Clive are in England at Castle Linley. Clive’s uncle has died and it’s looking like they will have to sell Castle Linley to pay taxes. This causes quite a bit of family drama. The series takes a turn when the estate agent is found dead and cause of death is poisoning, the suspicions soon turn to someone at Castle Linley, this is because the agent had been at the castle with a prospective buyer earlier that day. But the true question is , could it be the ghost of a female servant from Castle Linley that died many years ago stopping the sale. When Clive is called away Henrietta takes charge of the investigation she’s determined to uncover the mystery that surround the castle. The author alternates between chapters of Henrietta and Clive's adventures with the some of the storylines of family members at home. I had hard time putting the book down it’s perfect for spooky season!!
Profile Image for Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff).
2,585 reviews97 followers
November 2, 2023
This is book #7, and I believe the conclusion to the 𝐻𝑒𝑛𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝐻𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠. I’ve only read one other in the series, but that was enough for me to adore this sleuthing couple.

This final mystery had the perfect atmosphere and feel for the spooky season. As Henrietta and Clive are back in England and find they must sell Castle Linley upon Clive’s uncle’s passing. But then the real estate agent they are using is found poisoned. Suspicions arise, but some think the castle could be haunted.

Clive is called away to London so Henrietta takes the lead on much of this one. It gets to feel very much like a “locked-room” mystery at times, with an eerie chill.

For fans of this series, there are alternating stories seamlessly woven in about Gunther and Elise and her nun-playing friend Melody, plus an update on Clive’s dear sister, Julia.

Set in the 1930s, this is a historical mystery series you don’t want to miss. The writing is smart, detailed, but not verbose, and these detectives are fun - even a little sexy, too. They’ll keep you on your toes.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @michellecoxwrites
for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

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