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 light read with good characters and unusual plot. Great for a mini mind vacation!
Like any mysteries, taking place in united kingdom.
Very nice entertaining book to read.
I enjoyed the character development in this book. Plus it has a murder mystery! Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.
Still reading it.
I loved this book!
Great book. Fun! I didn’t put it down until the last page.
An enjoyable read.
I plan on reading other books by this author.
Moderately interesting, but nothing to write home about.
Kept me guessing.
I liked the book, it was what I needed after reading a gruesome, mad killers gone crazy one. Hard to believe that the rich in England had to have help with everything – servants everywhere. No wonder they got in trouble with nothing else to do. Since my ancestory goes back to England, I really like reading the British mysteries. These two smart young girls are more than maid and cook, they have curious minds and they inspector does not take them for granted. Loved it!!
Thoroughly enjoyed. Plan on buying next one.
A good choice for those who wish Agatha Christie was still writing.
Good mystery, loved the characters and will read this author again.
At times this was funny and fun to read good chatacters
Just a light fun read. I always enjoy a Downton Abbey like setting with a good murder mystery thrown in. Good writing makes you see the story in your mind-almost like watching a movie.
Quite an enjoyable read, with believable characters and settings. Though a bit Julian Fellowes derivative (housemaids sharing bathwater, for example) the story moves along well with a reasonable ending, and blissfully few grammatical errors or editing bloopers. I will buy other books by this author.
Delightful characters
Couldn’t put it down!!!