Scan barcode
simoneclark's review against another edition
5.0
The author duo are "serial killers." They kill it with each book lol. Another great book in the series.
ewil6681's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
annieb123's review
4.0
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Royal Murder is the 9th Lady Eleanor Swift cozy mystery by pseudonymous writing duo Verity Bright. Released 28th Feb 2022, it's 290 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (and the rest of the series) are currently included in the KU library to borrow and read for free.
This is such a fun historical cozy series, set in the roaring 20s and featuring amateur society sleuth Lady Eleanor, her faithful manservant Clifford, and elderly (only slightly smelly) bulldog Gladstone. This time sees an untimely death at the royal regatta, lots of murky goings-on, some international espionage, and high (and low) society. The plotting is well rendered and moves along at a good clip. The dialogue is entertaining (if not really period accurate) and the characters are well written and witty.
It's a fast and undemanding read; the language is clean, the crimes are not written violently or explicitly and the denouement is satisfying and well written. For readers looking for verisimilitude in dialogue and action, be warned, this series is full of modern vernacular and sensibilities. Eleanor fraternizes with the servants and runs a shockingly lax estate. However, fans of classic golden age interwar British mysteries will find a lot to appeal here.
Four stars, a decidedly exuberant and whimsical romp. There are now 12 books in the series. This is a prime candidate for a long weekend binge read. Although each of the books is self contained, I recommend reading them in order (though it's not absolutely necessary).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Royal Murder is the 9th Lady Eleanor Swift cozy mystery by pseudonymous writing duo Verity Bright. Released 28th Feb 2022, it's 290 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (and the rest of the series) are currently included in the KU library to borrow and read for free.
This is such a fun historical cozy series, set in the roaring 20s and featuring amateur society sleuth Lady Eleanor, her faithful manservant Clifford, and elderly (only slightly smelly) bulldog Gladstone. This time sees an untimely death at the royal regatta, lots of murky goings-on, some international espionage, and high (and low) society. The plotting is well rendered and moves along at a good clip. The dialogue is entertaining (if not really period accurate) and the characters are well written and witty.
It's a fast and undemanding read; the language is clean, the crimes are not written violently or explicitly and the denouement is satisfying and well written. For readers looking for verisimilitude in dialogue and action, be warned, this series is full of modern vernacular and sensibilities. Eleanor fraternizes with the servants and runs a shockingly lax estate. However, fans of classic golden age interwar British mysteries will find a lot to appeal here.
Four stars, a decidedly exuberant and whimsical romp. There are now 12 books in the series. This is a prime candidate for a long weekend binge read. Although each of the books is self contained, I recommend reading them in order (though it's not absolutely necessary).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐
First off, Netflix, PBS,...someone needs to take note of this series and make it into a tv (mini) series!
nordseestrand's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
jmpres's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bamboopanda's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The stakes are much higher than the other Lady Swift books I’ve read thus far. ( Mind you I’m not reading them in order)
I did not see the ending coming so that’s fun.
I did not see the ending coming so that’s fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Police brutality, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Torture, Stalking, and War
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
4,5* upped to 5
This is another gripping and highly entertaining instalment in this excellent series. The title could "Eleanor vs the Bright Young Thing" as we meet her dealing with a new friend who belongs the BYT set and she's trying to turn Eleanor into a fashionable and silly lady.
Things do not work as expected and Eleanor is involved into another investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story even if I found it a bit slow at the beginning. The investigation was exciting and I was happy to catch with the usual characters, Gladstone and Clifford above all.
The mystery is solid and full of surprises. The solution is unexpected and I appreciated how it work.
i cannot wait to read the next story and look forward to the evolution in the life of these beloved characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is another gripping and highly entertaining instalment in this excellent series. The title could "Eleanor vs the Bright Young Thing" as we meet her dealing with a new friend who belongs the BYT set and she's trying to turn Eleanor into a fashionable and silly lady.
Things do not work as expected and Eleanor is involved into another investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story even if I found it a bit slow at the beginning. The investigation was exciting and I was happy to catch with the usual characters, Gladstone and Clifford above all.
The mystery is solid and full of surprises. The solution is unexpected and I appreciated how it work.
i cannot wait to read the next story and look forward to the evolution in the life of these beloved characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
robinlovesreading's review against another edition
5.0
As a former war nurse, death is something that Lady Eleanor Swift has seen in passing more than she would like to remember. However, Ellie has become more than adept as an amateur sleuth and she gets that very same opportunity yet again. She is attending a royal regatta, with a stunning new dress. Her friend Tipsy Fitzroy provided her input as to an apparent makeover and depending on how Ellie does at the event, she just might prove she can now be a proper lady.
Considering Ellie had spent most of her life doing as she wished, conforming to her proper station in life has definitely proved a challenge. She has the very special Clifford at her side, butler turned guardian turned confidante - and more. The pair get the opportunity to do what they do best when the host at the regatta drops dead immediately upon drinking champagne. Poison seems very likely the culprit and Ellie intends on finding out who could be responsible.
Sworn to secrecy by Sir Percival Westlake of the royal police, Ellie is brought into the investigation of which was quickly determined to be murder. She was actively agrees to cooperate but she definitely has her own idea on how to proceed.
What a fabulous read! This book is part of a delightful series and each story is nice and fresh, thoroughly entertaining with the perfect mix of drama and intrigue, with just the right dose of danger. Also, don’t miss the extremely informative Historical Notes at the end of the book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Considering Ellie had spent most of her life doing as she wished, conforming to her proper station in life has definitely proved a challenge. She has the very special Clifford at her side, butler turned guardian turned confidante - and more. The pair get the opportunity to do what they do best when the host at the regatta drops dead immediately upon drinking champagne. Poison seems very likely the culprit and Ellie intends on finding out who could be responsible.
Sworn to secrecy by Sir Percival Westlake of the royal police, Ellie is brought into the investigation of which was quickly determined to be murder. She was actively agrees to cooperate but she definitely has her own idea on how to proceed.
What a fabulous read! This book is part of a delightful series and each story is nice and fresh, thoroughly entertaining with the perfect mix of drama and intrigue, with just the right dose of danger. Also, don’t miss the extremely informative Historical Notes at the end of the book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.