"delightful "Edwardian murder mystery""
After being wounded while fighting in the Boer War, Captain
Harry Cartwright, the youngest son of Baron Derrington,
returns home to London. His only income is his army
pension and a pittance from the family trust. Through a
mutual friend, Harry is recommended to the Earl of
Hoodshire to investigate Sir Geoffrey Blandon to see if he
is suitable to marry his daughter Rose. Harry's
investigation leads him to discover that Sir Geoffrey's
goal is seduction not marriage and his career as a private
investigator is born. Word of mouth spreads about Harry's discreet inquiries. At
a weekend party given by the Marquis of Hedrey at Telby
Castle, one of the guests dies and the police are called to
investigate. The Marquis hires Harry to make sure the
police rule it a suicide but they do that without his
help. When Rose, a guest at the castle, is pushed off the
roof, Harry jumps into the moat to rescue her. They find
the body of the missing lady's maid who was definitely
murdered. The police return, but this time Rose and Harry
are helping them. Marion Chesney, well known for her historical romances,
also writes the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth mystery
series under the name M.C. Beaton. Her new "Edwardian
murder mystery" series combines history, romance, and
intrigue resulting in a delightful romantic mystery. The
two protagonists, both belonging to the upper class, do not
fit in the polite society very well, and find themselves
drawn to one another. The who-done-it is well developed
and captures reader interest from the outset. SNOBBERY
WITH VIOLENCE gives readers a glimpse into the aristocracy
during the Edwardian era. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted June 16, 2003
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