A mansion, a title and marriage to a wealthy Lord – Lady Eveline Cartwright has it all. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to prevent her being bludgeoned to death one night in the study of Merisham Lodge, the family’s country estate in Derbyshire. Suspicion quickly falls on her ne’er-do-well son, Peter, but not everyone in the household is convinced of his guilt. Head kitchen maid Joan Hart and … Hart and lady’s maid, Verity Hunter, know that when it comes to a crime, all is not always as it seems.
With suspicions and motives thick on the ground, Joan and Verity must use all the wit and courage they possess to expose a deadly murderer who will stop at nothing to achieve their aim…
Murder at Merisham Lodge is the first in a new series of historical mysteries, Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate, set in the 1930s. The author, Celina Grace, is the creator of the bestselling The Kate Redman Mysteries and The Asharton Manor Mysteries, as well as several standalone thrillers.
Praise for Celina Grace by Amazon and Goodreads reviewers:
“Thoroughly enjoyed this read. I’ve been waiting for this story since the first of the Asharton novellas was published and I am very glad to see more of Joan and Verity. I think they are a great mystery team. Smart and active, but in a believable way. You don’t ever wonder how they could do what they do within the confines of their social roles and their “real” jobs are never thrown to the side.”
“Celina makes her characters someone you care about. I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes mysteries, especially period mysteries.”
” I love her writing style. This book does not disappoint. A great mix of mystery, humor and wonderful characters. All in a beautiful Manor. Very enjoyable read.”
“I have read the four Asharton Manor books and enjoyed them all, but the first story that introduced Joan and Verity was my favorite and I am so glad the author wrote another story with the two of them. This time period is very interesting to me and then to throw in a couple murders to solve makes it extra interesting. I hope to read more about Joan, Verity and ( maybe Inspector Marks ?) in future books.”
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A brilliant, fun foray into the past a la Agatha Christie. Highly entertaining and satisfying. Can’t wait to read the next!
A quick read about English servants stepping out of character and searching for the true murder(s) of members of the upper class they serve.
Loved the characters and the setting. Good look back at the way life used to be
A real who dunnit. Enjoyed this book thourouly. Funny and suspenceful.
kind of predictable
I thought this was a weak book, not a grab you from page one. However, I’d like to read the sequel, to see if the writing has improved, as I suspect it might
This book is a pleasant cozy mystery. What sets his apart from other cozies is the picture it paints of day to day life of servants. It’s a good look at the “downstairs ” life.
What great characters — and a wonderful setting!!!! would make a great movie!!!
Really enjoyed like upstairs/ downstairs stories, how the intertwine.
Thought I would give this a try, but not a fan of the time period this was written in. Good for someone who likes Victorian Times
Couldn’t get in to it
This book was slow to start, but once I got into it I couldn’t put it down. Fantastic characters and a great plot. Lots of twists and turns. A surprise ending.
Very good story but it’s best to read them in order to follow the characters.
This is a good period piece that should appeal to Downton Abbey fans since it does deal with the downstairs staff of a wealthy family. The women servants are the sleuths aided by their inside knowledge of the family.
Keeps you guessing until end
I enjoyed the book. I had to learn some new words but that was okay. It kept my interest.
The bond between characters was charming.
Enjoyed this book as the two main characters were not daunted by the lifestyle that is portrayed and were determined to find the connection of persons to the mystery. Unexpected ending for me.
I loved everything about this book!