“. . . characters are colorful, their world engaging, and Dr. Harry is especially charming. Details of food and fashion give a lush touch to the well-painted period settings–Oxford is evoked especially well–and the portrayal of factions, competition, and power plays within the scholarly world lend amusement and intrigue. Ongoing references to poetic theory, the Bloomsbury group, and the dark … the dark shadow of Hitler add to the textured sense of place. Those who aren’t yet fans of Vandagriff will be hooked.” –Historical Novel Review
“. . . the well-educated, literary characters . . . are enjoyable, and the plot is nicely balanced between tense action and the love triangle. . . an entertaining historical mystery.” –Kirkus Reviews
Fans of Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane will love this tale! A stylish mystery is set in Oxford in the 1930’s with loveable characters and a cast of eccentric suspects.
After Miss Catherine Tregowyn, poet, and Dr. Harry Bascombe, her bête noire, discover a body in the Somerville College chapel, they are declared suspects in a murder inquiry. How can they prove their innocence? The pair decide they must launch their own investigation into the strangling of Oxford don, Agatha Chenowith. But working as a team will not be easy. Their relations are anything but cordial.
It is not long before they uncover motives aplenty. Apparently, Dr. Chenowith was not at all what she seemed. As the surprises about the victim’s secret life multiply, they are awash in a sea of suspects.
Into this scenario sails the former love of Catherine’s life as he returns from Kenya. Is she going to give Rafe another chance to break her heart? He convinces her to give him a six-month trial, and eager to show his worth, he joins in the investigation. Rafe offers to fly Catherine and Harry in his de Havilland six-seater to the Isle of Man where they must pursue a lead. Inevitably, Rafe and Harry square off in a battle for Catherine’s affections.
Meanwhile, playing detectives proves to be a dangerous pursuit. Catherine and Harry shortly embroil themselves in a plot much larger than mere murder. No one wants to hear their theory, however. It contains truths too painful to contemplate. And it makes Catherine and Harry’s lives expendable.
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A good murder mystery that takes place in an era I find very exciting. The 1930’s. Full of twists and turns and suspects with secrets. Very enjoyable read!
Didn’t finish – too British.
If you like 1930s era mystery stories, this is a good choice.
Interesting characters. Will definitely read more!
Cute little murder mystery set in 1930’s Oxford, England. A couple of academics who found the body decide to investigate (in ways that might be considered obstruction of justice in 2020 America). Lots of wealthy British titled-types with personal servants. They throw money at hotels and food and travel without a thought. Every time they eat, we get a list of what was served. Not great literature, but it was entertaining.
History and mystery, great read.
Not quite a cozy mystery and not quite a thriller. Good entertainment.
I do love a good murder mystery and this one did not disappoint.
Set mainly in Oxford and London during the 1930s.
Catherine returns to Oxford to farewell a former tutor and discovers a body.
Not satisfied with the police investigation, she, a friend and old collegue decide to become amateur sleuths.
Plenty of twists and turns to keep me turning the pages.
True to time period, but character development wasn’t as strong as it could have been. A main character was suddenly given a vice to support plot. Ending was a bit weak, felt rushed.
I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to reading more by this author!
I thought this book was charming. I would read more in the series.
A peek into life at Oxford, England in the 1930s, and the life of the rich. Throw in a few murders and follow the trail. Intriguing.
Enjoyed the mystery and learning some about Oxford College. A couple of twists keeps you wondering who the culprit is.
Realistic view of upper crust English life in the 1930’s.
Clean
A little hard to get used to the old British vocabulary that was used between World Wars I and II but definitely worth it to stick with it. Great historical mystery with informative and descriptive settings that lend understanding to the social and political feelings of that era.
Really enjoyed all the beautiful clothes described as well as the peek into British politics on the verge of WWII.
Good read, light mystery & easy page-turner
I did not enjoy this book it was neither a good mystery nor romance, it was very lukewarm at best. I think the author should have done more research relevant to the times she was writing about, the museum guide book 50 pence, this currency was only introduced in 1971, the cost quoted would have been extortionate if related to today’s currency, I am quite surprised about the food consumed so much pub food and takeaway sandwiches I was born in 1957 and to my knowledge as a child I do not remember pub food and food to go, not wishing to sound sexist but most Women cooked and made sandwiches in those times, I suppose the rich ate in restaurants. Perhaps as an American writer the American way of life in regard to food etc was the beginning of the takeaway era.
A great story with wonderful historical content for the 1930’s. Catherine and Dr. Harry are well matched with great chemistry. The mystery kept you guessing to the end. I plan to read the rest of the stories in this series.