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quinnster's review
3.0
Phyllida is a little too snooty for me I think! But I liked the premise and the inclusion of other mystery authors.
lizzicampdux's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Since solving her first murder in the previous book, Phyllida has become insufferable in this one. Never acknowledging any insight she has not specifically requested from others and not graciously accepting help even in the most extreme situations. The denouement was a good reveal and, true to quality detective writing, all the clues were laid out for the reader if they only took the time to look.
bargainsleuth's review
5.0
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I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Trace of Poison is actually the second book in a series, but I didn’t realize that going in. However, you do not need to read the first book, Murder at Mallowan Hall, to understand everything (although I did go back and read it after finishing this and thoroughly enjoyed it.) There’s mention of Phyllida previously solving a case, but nothing that makes you feel like you missed out by not reading the first book in the series.
Instead of just writing an Agatha Christie-type mystery, Colleen Cambridge has put Agatha in a murder mystery as a character. This historical cozy mystery has Christie’s housemaid, Phyllida, solving a murder that happens at a mystery writers weekend gathering called The Detection Club. It really was a club, and in real life and in this mystery, the writers help each other with their stories. Real-life authors Dorothy L. Sayers and G.K. Chesterton are just some of the familiar writers written into the story.
There’s a Murder Fete, where money is being raised for an orphanage, when the murder occurs. Agatha asks Phyllida to help investigate the murder, and she’s got her work cut out for her. After all, all the suspects are mystery writers, who are constantly devising ways of murdering people on the page. Phyllida is bright and clever, using her “little gray cells” the way Poirot does. She does come off a bit as unlikeable because she’s so exacting, but that’s what you need in this type of mystery.
The pacing of the story is good. I never felt bored, the narrative moved along nicely. There are many references to Christie’s and the other authors’ works, which was lovely. There are clues and red herrings and even another murder along the way. One of the most satisfying things is that Phyllida actually figures out the murderer with her wits, instead of just stumbling upon the murderer in action.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Trace of Poison is actually the second book in a series, but I didn’t realize that going in. However, you do not need to read the first book, Murder at Mallowan Hall, to understand everything (although I did go back and read it after finishing this and thoroughly enjoyed it.) There’s mention of Phyllida previously solving a case, but nothing that makes you feel like you missed out by not reading the first book in the series.
Instead of just writing an Agatha Christie-type mystery, Colleen Cambridge has put Agatha in a murder mystery as a character. This historical cozy mystery has Christie’s housemaid, Phyllida, solving a murder that happens at a mystery writers weekend gathering called The Detection Club. It really was a club, and in real life and in this mystery, the writers help each other with their stories. Real-life authors Dorothy L. Sayers and G.K. Chesterton are just some of the familiar writers written into the story.
There’s a Murder Fete, where money is being raised for an orphanage, when the murder occurs. Agatha asks Phyllida to help investigate the murder, and she’s got her work cut out for her. After all, all the suspects are mystery writers, who are constantly devising ways of murdering people on the page. Phyllida is bright and clever, using her “little gray cells” the way Poirot does. She does come off a bit as unlikeable because she’s so exacting, but that’s what you need in this type of mystery.
The pacing of the story is good. I never felt bored, the narrative moved along nicely. There are many references to Christie’s and the other authors’ works, which was lovely. There are clues and red herrings and even another murder along the way. One of the most satisfying things is that Phyllida actually figures out the murderer with her wits, instead of just stumbling upon the murderer in action.
nerdyholler's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
j_lynn_a80's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
narunii's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
anaidelawless's review against another edition
3.0
Quite clever indeed. I did fell for the killer's scheme. I do get the killer, I would have wanted to kill the person too. Also Bradford and the inspector just annoyed me quite a bit. I feel like B. is supposed to be the love interest in the future and I just cannot see it.
aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
suvata's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
4.0
• Historical • Cozy Mystery • Christie adjacent • 2nd in Phyllida Bright series • 4-Stars
“A Trace of Poison” is the second novel in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series. The story revolves around a Murder Festival hosted by the village of Listleigh to raise funds for the repair of St. Wendreda’s orphanage. The event is attended by members of the Detection Club, including Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, G. K. Chesterton, and Anthony Berkeley. Aspiring writers have been encouraged to submit a short story, and the winner will receive a publishing contract. The first event of the fete is a cocktail party, but things take a dark turn when someone dies. It’s a mystery too intriguing for Phyllida Bright, housekeeper for Agatha Christy and her husband Max, to resist. It’s a daunting task considering that every guest is an expert in murder—and how to get away with it. . .
#ATraceOfPoison #PhyllidaBright #ColleenCambridge #Bookstagram
“A Trace of Poison” is the second novel in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series. The story revolves around a Murder Festival hosted by the village of Listleigh to raise funds for the repair of St. Wendreda’s orphanage. The event is attended by members of the Detection Club, including Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, G. K. Chesterton, and Anthony Berkeley. Aspiring writers have been encouraged to submit a short story, and the winner will receive a publishing contract. The first event of the fete is a cocktail party, but things take a dark turn when someone dies. It’s a mystery too intriguing for Phyllida Bright, housekeeper for Agatha Christy and her husband Max, to resist. It’s a daunting task considering that every guest is an expert in murder—and how to get away with it. . .
#ATraceOfPoison #PhyllidaBright #ColleenCambridge #Bookstagram