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charlottesometimes's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
dreichler's review
5.0
I'll tell you up front I'm not going to give a plot summary, there are enough of those out there. This book doesn't take itself too seriously but has a complex murder mystery and believable likeable characters. There are three loosely related books in this trilogy. They all take place in a British Earl's country mansion: Adlderly, between the world wars and within a few months of each other. I read the third one first but the order doesn't really matter. The house, family and detective are the same in each but it is really the visitors who are different in each book that provide the entertainment and the mystery. Witty dialogue, misdirection and misunderstanding are the order of the day. I stumbled upon the third book in this series by accident. I don't understand why they are not more well known. And, of course, I did not guess "who dunnit", but then I [practically] never do! I was going to write that my favorite character was Lady Geraldine, the daughter of the Earl, but then the Earl himself, Lord Burford is quite entertaining and his wife, Lady Burford is a formidable character. And of course the detective, Inspector Wilkins, is sharp as a tack while appearing slightly bumbling and confused, and the butler, Merryweather, has some extremely funny tongue in cheek retorts up his sleeve. Very enjoyable!
samanthawattam's review
4.0
We all know that murder can be and often is a messy, violent and sordid affair but if you're like me you read books for escapism and enjoyment so sometimes it is nice to read a mystery novel that doesn't indulge in any unnecessary graphic descriptions but is just a good old fashioned mystery Agatha Christie style and this fits the bill nicely. And since I like the Daisy Dalrymple series I thought I might like this and I was right.
Set in the late 1930s, the UK Government set up a meeting with foreign dignitaries to discuss urgent talks at a quiet country house Alderley, the seat of Lord and Lady Burford, masked by a civilised country weekend party. But things don't go as planned.
A thoroughly good ripping story, interesting characters in a refined setting. And I did find it quite convoluted at times with all the comings and goings in the corridors and yes the ending was a surprise even to the last page. And if you are good sleuth (unlike me!) I think you could work out who did it but you'd have to have a good memory for all the facts and fitting them together.
PS: I thought it was a very smooth move having Algy Fotheringay in a coma for so long! A character who could have been just plain annoying becomes interesting.
I will definitely be reading the other 2 books in the series.
Set in the late 1930s, the UK Government set up a meeting with foreign dignitaries to discuss urgent talks at a quiet country house Alderley, the seat of Lord and Lady Burford, masked by a civilised country weekend party. But things don't go as planned.
A thoroughly good ripping story, interesting characters in a refined setting. And I did find it quite convoluted at times with all the comings and goings in the corridors and yes the ending was a surprise even to the last page. And if you are good sleuth (unlike me!) I think you could work out who did it but you'd have to have a good memory for all the facts and fitting them together.
PS: I thought it was a very smooth move having Algy Fotheringay in a coma for so long! A character who could have been just plain annoying becomes interesting.
I will definitely be reading the other 2 books in the series.
unsweettea's review
4.0
Very amusing and entertaining! With very complicated plots and amusing characters.
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