MoonglotexasKa’s Review:
I can’t say enough good things about this story and this series. I have had the privilege of reading them all and enjoy going back and revisiting the stories. There is so much more than a cosy mystery here!
This time we are back in the village, in Littleton Cotterell, revisiting all the key characters. This time we have an Art Exhibition and a Bicycle Race to enjoy. Along with the possibility of the Farley-Strouds losing their home. Plenty to keep you reading. So many threads to follow, a lovely dose of red herrings, and a very satisfying end, Well done indeed T E!!
There were times I just couldn’t stop laughing, “I explained to the flowers that it was the risk they took when they accepted free board and lodging in our garden, …” (Flo) … I thought only I was this sort of weird. I could go on.
The relationship between Lady Hardcastle and her lady’s maid, Flo, is reason enough to pick up any of these books as is the dialogue of Emily, whenever someone is intentionally rude or hurtful. Lessons to be learnt here.
I can’t recommend this one enough, it’s a five out of five on the enjoyment scale for me.
Kel’s Review:
T.E. Kinsey’s writing is always top-notch and this is no exception. Back with the lovely Lady Hardcastle and her friend and lady’s maid Flo, the book is full of witty repartee and fun moments.
There are multiple mysteries in this one which ramble across the English countryside taking our leading ladies on many adventures, including bicycling! The Farley-Strouds are in need of help again too so there are plenty of facets to consider.
While an enjoyable read, the mysteries were not quite as intriguing as I had hoped and I rather figured it out too soon. I have enjoyed this series for a long time now and it will remain that way, it just wasn’t my favourite of the collection.
All said and done, a lovely time spent with wonderful characters and a fun tale. It’s a four out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
From the back cover:
May 1912. After the previous year’s deadly heatwave, it’s been an uneventful spring in Littleton Cotterell. Though for Lady Hardcastle and her fiercely loyal lady’s maid Flo, at least there are the provincial delights of the village’s inaugural art exhibition—and bicycle race—to look forward to.
But at the exhibition opening, there’s a panicked shout of ‘Fire!’ In the confusion, the main attraction—an extremely expensive book—is stolen from under everyone’s nose, as is a valuable painting lent by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud. Then the race, which starts as a charming day out, ends in a shocking death. And to top it all off, the Farley-Strouds reveal they’re in debt and might lose their house.
The sleuthing duo soon find themselves torn between a murder investigation, an art theft mystery, and trying to help their pals. All with a suspicious figure from Flo’s past, a supercilious insurance investigator, and a pair of rather bizarre treasure hunters on the loose…
