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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Absolutely fun journey into another era and a couple of sleuths who just happen to the “the help” for their murderous upper class society.
Fun manor-house mystery; good depiction of serving class life; spunky heroine.
A who done it type book. The difference was it shows ordinary everyday people doing extraordinary things. It was a glimpse of life below stairs . I enjoyed it very much.
I found it to be entertaining – I enjoyed seeing the mystery be solved by the girls “below stairs.”
Joan and Verity are servants with abilities beyond their time. In an English countryside mansion, they are to be neither seen or heard, but when murder in the family begins, they are on the case.
Interesting, attention keeping enjoyable.
Very engaging. As a fan of Celina Grace i enjoyed this book set in a different time that what i have read from her before. i recommend this book.
A little twist on the typical murder mystery. Really liked the domestic investigators. Didn’t see the ending but it made sense.
I loved the time period aspect of it
I love books set back in the heyday of English royalty. Reading about old manor houses and manses and scads of servants is quite enjoyable and this one had very appealing characters with enough unpredictable twists to keep me entertained!
An enjoyable murder mystery. I wasn’t able to figure out who did it. I very much liked the main characters. The story moved along at a good pace. It was worth reading.
Really good! The dialogue and the characters stay true to the time period. The plot has twists and turns. I look forward to reading the entire series!
I liked the characters and felt they were probably true to the time period. I finished the book but felt it was a little slow.
Very good read. The History is interesting. Kept me involved?
Liked the supportive nature of the the two girls in the book. Interesting how non-descript the servants felt as part of the household by most of the people they serve and encounter. Interesting insight to the limitations of young female orphans. Historically, the book brought the separation of the classes to forefront. Sort of a surprise at the end.
I liked the heroine. She made an engaging character. There was definitely plot twist on who the murderer was. I enjoyed it & would read another book in the series.
I enjoyed reading about the treatment of servants back in that time.
This was an entertaining light book. While not a cliffhanger it was totally engrossing. I loved it! The reader was excellent.
Enjoy reading of times past with the upstairs and downstairs in rich households
Times are on the cusp of change in society for women especially after the war.
I enjoyed this book. I also enjoyed the other books I read by this author.