Lady Eleanor Swift, her butler and partner in crime-solving, Clifford, and the Henley Hall staff are headed to Brighton to enjoy her 30th birthday celebration along with a much deserved holiday. Upon arrival at the Grand Hotel where Eleanor is meant to stay, they find the police carrying out a dead body on a stretcher. When the coverlet falls away, Lady Eleanor is shocked to see the face of her dead husband! The first incongruity is that Hilary Montgomery Eden died 6 years ago after abandoning Ellie shortly after their whirlwind courtship and wedding. The second mystery is to find out who murdered him. With the Grand almost deserted in the off season, Eleanor and Clifford know that the killer must be among the staff and guests of the beautiful seaside hotel. While the ladies on staff enjoy their vacation entertainment, Eleanor and Clifford start their investigation. Eleanor has unresolved issues surrounding her relationship with Hilary and she wants to find those answers along with the homicide. NO SPOILERS.
How I love these characters and am always happy to return to their stories having read this series from the beginning. I love the interaction that Eleanor has with Clifford and her staff as well as her personality and determination. The setting is Brighton, 1921, and I really enjoy all the historical detail and description the author provides as a backdrop to the plot and story line. The narrative provides plenty of red herrings for suspects and the revelations were quite surprising at the end. This kept me guessing and was great entertainment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. I can't wait for the next installment.
This is the 5th in a series that should be read from the beginning in order.
Genre - cozy mystery, historical
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