Right from the start, I felt like I was reading a movie.
Let me explain.
I’m a big fan of the screwball comedies of the early talkies. “It Happened One Night” with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert is one of my favorites.
As soon as I started reading this book, I felt like I was dropped right into the middle of one of those. From the character and clothing descriptions to the dialogue, it all was true to the time. In a strange way, there were also times that I was reminded of Downton Abbey (another favorite).
Honestly, this book had everything that makes a cozy mystery so much fun. The colorful characters, the rich detail, and (of course) the murder and ensuing investigation all made for a delightfully light and breezy read.
I liked Lady Eleanor as the sleuth because she was feisty but shrewd at times. I also really enjoyed Clifford. He was a butler, but so much more. In some ways, it felt like he was the Watson to Eleanor’s Sherlock. I’m not going to give away the plot of the mystery, but it’s a good (and fitting) one.
I mentioned detail, and I think this where the author really succeeded. From the descriptions of the fabrics and settings to the names of the characters, there was no part of the book that didn’t fit perfectly in the time period.
I think that’s what I liked most. The world created by the author enabled me to escape and enjoy a mystery romp in the 20s.
In times like these, that kind of talent is invaluable. I can’t wait to visit with Lady Eleanor on her next venture.
Author Bio:
Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery. They are the authors of the fabulous Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, set in the 1920s.
Thanks so much for this lovely review – it really made my day !!! And I am a huge fan of screwball comedies as well!