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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I love Celina Grace novels. Easy read that keeps you turning the pages.
Quick read if you want to pass some time with an ok murder mystery.
Refreshing story and a good read. I recommend it.
I really enjoyed this mystery.
Enjoyable fast read
A delightful mystery, where the characters acted true-to-form.
Like the historical perspective with the characters fitting the period
This is a new series by Celina Grace. I will look forward to reading the next volume.
A fun read with great characters.
Realistic and clear
Wonderful historical mystery. Looking forward to more of the series
Fun to read
I LOVE love love this book, and the whole series! Detailed, interesting look into the world of hired help as the world makes way for the industrial age and the many innovations of it. I really liked the characters, and the writing, the story line. Very, very engrossing.
This is set in the 1930s. It was a joy to read!
nice window to the beginning of last century society, while adding a very good thriller story.
Slow and plodding. I had a hard time finishing this book and can not understand the high ratings it has received. As a mystery, it was extremely slow in developing and provided very few clues for the reader to sort through and ponder before the case is miraculously solved by the main character at the end of the book. There was also a pervasive undercurrent of general animosity towards the English upperclass that tainted the whole book and took it out of the cozy genre for me. The main character has taken a position as an under-cook at a large English country manor house. Her best friend is a lady’s maid to the daughter of the lord of the manor. A murder occurs at the manor house and the girls set themselves the task of solving the crime. The majority of the book is focused on how exhausting their work in-service is, how demanding, self centered and dismissive their employer and his family are (as were all their previous employers), and how their lives are controlled to the point that they can not even share a brief conversation during the day. The main message here is wealth and privilege are “bad” and the murder mystery part of the story seemed like just a vehicle to get the message across. It was a disappointing read for me with not much happening to hold my interest.
Miss Hart and Miss Hunter, both raised in an orphanage, now work in a House of Lords and Ladies. The Lady of the manor is killed and they work together to solve the case and see who killed her and her son. This is an interesting mystery set in the 1930s where the bored servants see though their master’s lives. I enjoyed reading this book.
my sister and my new best author. greatbritish cop mysteries.
This book puts an unusual twist in the period cozy in that the main characters are “below stairs”.
Fresh characters in an unusual mystery plot. Will look forward to more from this author.