A cozy classic who-done-it with a clever mystery and a dash of humor.To stop a high-society killer, she’ll have to play matchmaker one last time… again, she’ll win her dowry and her independence in the process…
One look through the exclusive Northbrooke estate house party doubles her suspect list. With the help of her trusty maid and her precocious pug, Katherine risks it all to unmask the killer. But is winning her freedom worth putting another debutante in mortal danger?
An Invitation to Murder is the first book in a charming cozy mystery series set in the Regency era. If you like high-society parties, rich historical details, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love this unique mystery from USA Today bestselling author Leighann Dobbs and Harmony Williams.
Buy An Invitation to Murder to RSVP for a delightful Regency whodunnit!
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A very entertaining read… an interesting look at the culture and mores of the period….well developed characters in a credible story line
Thank you for this enjoyable story. I couldn’t figure out the perpetrator until almost the last chapter. I had my suspicions, but then they got undermined with more clues. A real page turner. I didn’t want to put it down!!!
I didn’t like any of the characters, including the awful dog. I found Lady Katherine to be particularly obtuse. Apparently the author is unfamiliar with the use of “your grace” when referring to a duke or duchess. I managed to finish it, even though I knew whodunnit early on.
It was an interesting take on a woman being the detective to solve 2 murders. Being set in the past where women were seen and not heard, I loved how the heroine was able to work her way into the middle of the crime scene. Very entertaining.
Really enjoyed this book.
For a heroine who has her heart set on being a detective, she had less sense than most “accidental” murder-mystery solvers. Her “method” definitely could use some work. Ultimately, I lost interest and moved on to another book.
Couldn’t get into it. Didn’t finish.
Because the author brings certian themes, conventions, and inventions into the story it losses some impact due to believability.
Loved the book
Interesting book. Good plot and interesting view of how important some women are or are not to society. A good study of society
What a girl has to do to solve a murder! Great story about a girl who just DOESN’T want to get married but has to find a reason to be at the ball so she could play detective.
I love all her books. This was great, never disappointed. I have read quite a few of her books, one of my favorite, Authors. I am sure you will love it.
Very entertaining! I look forward to learning more about Lady Katherine!
Didn’t care for it.
Well developed plot and characters. Enjoyable read!
Katherine hopes to solve the Pink Ribbon Murders before her twenty-fifth birthday in nine days. If she succeeds, her father will give Katherine her dowry money to do with as she will. Posing as a matchmaker, Katherine and her dog Emma accompany Annie to Lord Northbrook’s estate for a weekend party. While Katherine is pursuing clues and suspects, a young woman named Miss Young almost becomes the third victim. With the help of bow street runner Lyle, and despite the friendly competition from Lord Wayland, Katherine does solve the murder. A book with no surprises, An Invitation to Murder is still an enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed reading this book!
Historical fiction in a time when independent women were a rarity
AN INVITATION TO MURDER: Leighann Dobbs
Sometimes an English manor house mystery is an engaging way to pass time.
In 1816 England, crime detection is something new. Such detectives as work in the field are stigmatized by earlier corrupt police practices. This novel invents a Royal Society of Investigative Techniques, a fictional underground association which seeks to improve police practices, and become adjuncts to Sir John Fielding’s Men who attempt to keep the peace.
Lady Katherine, daughter of an earl who enjoys detection, herself follows crime cases, making copious notes on her observations and analysis. Both are members of the Royal Society of Investigative Techniques. Katherine has a skill at matchmaking, which she can use as a cover for her efforts at crime detection. This provides her with a reason to be invited to society events, and to ask probing questions.
She makes a wager with her father that she can solve the so-called “Pink-Ribbon Murders” of two debutantes at separate house parties before her 25th birthday ten days hence, hopefully before a third murder is committed. The earl agrees that he will free up her dowry for her independent use if she is able to solve the case. She will then not require the services of a matchmaker herself: she will not need to find a suitable husband to take over her finances and rule her life.
When a desperate mother seeks Katherine’s services at matchmaking for her unsophisticated daughter, Katherine wants to decline, until she learns that the job will require her to attend a house party attended by some of those who would have been present during the Pink-Ribbon Murders.
Katherine’s friend Lyle is a policeman who practices the scientific side of detection. He assists Katherine as she gathers clues, searches the house-party venue, questions witnesses, and inadvertently makes her client a worthy match.
The story is lively; the descriptions are well-done; the characters are entertaining.
Great historical mystery!