Rating: Very Good
Source: Publisher
Description: Christopher Gilhaney isn’t a popular man, and he proves why once again when he insults every guest at Abigail Chase’s Guy Fawkes Night dinner party. When Gilhaney is shot dead under the cover of the night’s fireworks, his murder is deemed a robbery gone wrong. But when the case hasn’t been solved six weeks later, Inspector Witherspoon is called upon to find the killer—and quickly!
With Christmas almost here, Inspector Witherspoon and everyone in his household is upset at the possibility of having to cancel their holiday plans—all to solve a case that seems impossible. Only Luty Belle, Ruth, and Mrs. Goodge refuse to give up and let the crime become a cold case. In fact, the American heiress, the charming next-door neighbor, and the formidable cook use all of their persuasive powers to get the others on board, because these three wise women know justice doesn’t take time off for Christmas.
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: I've seen this series around for quite some time but have never tried it. This sounded really fun and like a perfect Christmas read.
My Impression: I really expected to enjoy this. I love historical mysteries and have really been in the mood for them. But I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed it! It was such a fun read and I couldn't help but fly through it.
I've always been a fan of a team when solving a mystery and this has both that as well as a bit of an upstairs/downstairs twist. The mystery was one of my favorite kinds where the history of the victim is just as mysterious as the identity of the murderer. I liked seeing how all the different characters investigated - from the straight forward to police investigation of Inspector Witherspoon and Constable Barnes, to the wealthy American consulting with bankers, to wandering through the local merchants with the footman. The only slight hiccup was that I had trouble a couple of times remembering who was who but it wasn't distracting and given the fairly large cast not surprising.
This was a delightfully old fashioned mystery with fun twists and turns and a mystery solving crew that I want to be part of! This is the first Mrs. Jeffries book I've read but it won't be the last! I'm glad I have 36 more books to read while I wait for the next book!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! I'm looking forward to going back to the beginning of this series to see how it all began.
Would I Recommend this Book? Definitely! If you enjoy a classic mystery I think you'll really enjoy this one.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I've wondered about the Jeffries series too. And what's better than a murder at Christmas? Ha ha well in books anyway! And wow- this is a huge series! Sounds fun and I love the team aspect of it as well.
ReplyDeleteOh murder and Christmas..perfect! I love that you jumped in at #36..that is crazy, but it means I can too!
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds right up my street - I'm particularly drawn to the fact that you joined the fun at Book 36 and still had a blast with it. A great review, Katherine!
ReplyDeleteWhat a very inviting cover to this book, would draw any reader in. I like the historical upstairs/downstairs aspect. Wowee a lot of books in this series.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this series before but it sounds great. I sometimes have a hard time keeping large casts of characters straight but I think that the group investigating would be fun.
ReplyDeleteNew to me but I do like those old fashioned crime stories. The cover is nice too.
ReplyDeleteOh this sounds like a cozy I'd like!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so good! I am glad you enjoyed it, Katherine. There is just something about historical mysteries I find irresistible!
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