Old Philip Haynes was never happier than when his family were at each other’s throats. Even after his death the terms of his will ensured they would keep on feuding. But now three people are dead and the accusations are flying. Can there really be a murderer in the family? Torn between friendship and duty, Angela Marchmont must find out the truth before the killer can strike again.
The Mystery at … Mystery at Underwood House is the latest exciting 1920s whodunit featuring reluctant ‘lady detective’ Angela Marchmont.
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Mystery at Underwood House has everything a good 1920s historical mystery should have: a dysfunctional family being maliciously manipulated by a deranged but nonetheless dead patriarch, a will that forces his offspring to meet twice annually even though or maybe because most of them don’t like each other (with good reason in some cases); the death of key survivors at the first three such meetings, and a reluctant sleuth–Mrs. Angela Marchmont–who prefers her quiet, elegant lifestyle after serving her country well during wartime.
Clara Benson is an author who has mastered the art of balance. In the hands of a less skilled writer, all of the characters at Underwood House would be confusing instead of enlightening. Benson also is a tease. She emphasizes certain routine events–such as ivy overgrowing a window of Underwood House–that cause the reader to take note. Like Angela Marchmont, the reader knows these events are important, but initially not how or why they are. The author also gives the reader several characters inside and outside the Underwood House family who surely are capable of bumping off the competition for the demented patriarch’s money. But which one of them would do that and shove the elegant Mrs. Marchmont in front of a large van, only to steal her purse, but only take a piece a faded old picture she found on Underwood land?
So many possible killers, so few pages to sort it all out. And yet, in an exciting climax during which readers gain more insight into Mrs. Marchmont’s skills, all the pieces fall together and everything becomes clear.
Better than the first one.
I love this series!
Do you like traditional British novels, such as those written by Agatha Christie? If so, you may enjot the Angela Marchmont novels. Set in England after The Great War, the story develops in a staid and measured way, in increments based in logic and from careful detection. The characters were rather stuffy and traditional, even as four people were murdered. As is often the case, the murders were the result of a dysfunctional family.
Well worth the time! Hard to put down, I read it all in one sitting, it was very well written.
Good read. The author builds a strong lead, then another, then another. It was one of those books you want to finish so you know what happened!
boring
I appreciated a good mystery without the need to add offensive language.
I like what I’ve read so far, relaxing read. I’ll look out for more from this author.
I found it confusing. There was no background given in the book as to who was who.
I enjoyed the book’s characters
Well written, excellent characters, engaging plot.
Details of English life at that time made it even more interesting
I never would have guessed the ending. What a novel, hidden legal catch.
I loved this book. It was very good to the last page. I told my sister to buy it.
I enjoyed reading it and would read more. That said, I had to open it again to be reminded of it. Pleasant but not terribly memorable.
An unofficial detective finds herself in the midst of a dangerous situation with unexpected turns and twists. Reminiscent of Agatha Christy’s style and setting but this lady is no Jane Marple! A fun read. I r ecommend it.
Easy to read and makes you want to read the next one.