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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2017/10/2017-book-186.html
The third book in the Kurland St Mary series picks up shortly after the last left off, and finds our intrepid duo trying to solve the murder of a blackmailing woman who everyone had reason to dislike. The resolution is fairly obvious, though I admit there were a couple of twists I didn't expect. The dude is a little bit more heavy-handed/slightly sexist in this one which I didn't LOVE but it was fine. I'm still going to go ahead and read the next one. B/B+.
The third book in the Kurland St Mary series picks up shortly after the last left off, and finds our intrepid duo trying to solve the murder of a blackmailing woman who everyone had reason to dislike. The resolution is fairly obvious, though I admit there were a couple of twists I didn't expect. The dude is a little bit more heavy-handed/slightly sexist in this one which I didn't LOVE but it was fine. I'm still going to go ahead and read the next one. B/B+.
Another fabulous installment of Catherine Lloyd's Kurland St. Mary Mysteries. Lucy and Robert find themselves in the middle of another murder when a disagreeable woman is pushed down the stairs after a wedding at Kurland Manor. The Chingsford ladies can be recalled (most unfavorable from the last book) and it's no wonder that one of them is disposed of! Without giving too much away, I will say the ending was a surprise in more ways than one! I'm looking forward to the next Kurland St. Mary book!
After the less-than-romantic proposal at the end of the last book, Lucy Harrington is ready to be home. Especially since her best friend is getting married to a man that is perfect for her. Too bad his best friend is Major Robert Kurland, a man Lucy would be perfectly happy to avoid.
She'd also love to avoid Robert's former fiancee, Miss Penelope Chingford, and her family. Too bad the three women have not only been invited to the wedding, they're staying at the vicarage with Lucy and her father. And, unfortunately, Mrs. Chingford hasn't gotten any more pleasant, still spreading venom hidden behind sugared words.
It's even more unfortunate that Mrs. Chingford gets engaged to Lucy's father. And then ends up dead. Was her fall down the stairs an accident? Or murder? It's up to Lucy and Robert (only recently reconciled to each other) to figure out exactly what is going on.
I fell in love with the first book and enjoyed this one as well, though not quite as much. The patter between Lucy and Robert wasn't as fresh. Though I did enjoy seeing Penelope Chingford become almost likable.
She'd also love to avoid Robert's former fiancee, Miss Penelope Chingford, and her family. Too bad the three women have not only been invited to the wedding, they're staying at the vicarage with Lucy and her father. And, unfortunately, Mrs. Chingford hasn't gotten any more pleasant, still spreading venom hidden behind sugared words.
It's even more unfortunate that Mrs. Chingford gets engaged to Lucy's father. And then ends up dead. Was her fall down the stairs an accident? Or murder? It's up to Lucy and Robert (only recently reconciled to each other) to figure out exactly what is going on.
I fell in love with the first book and enjoyed this one as well, though not quite as much. The patter between Lucy and Robert wasn't as fresh. Though I did enjoy seeing Penelope Chingford become almost likable.
Why does a woman who is intelligent, keenly observant, and perceptive called meddling and “managing?” It’s annoying that everyone ignores Lucy’s intelligence and acts like she’s some nosy gossip. Ugh.
Also, why doesn’t Lucy get a real, heartfelt proposal? She doesn’t even get a proper first kiss. Poor thing.
And why are these friends-since-childhood still refraining from using first names?
The mystery was good. I’m just sad for Lucy.
Also, why doesn’t Lucy get a real, heartfelt proposal? She doesn’t even get a proper first kiss. Poor thing.
And why are these friends-since-childhood still refraining from using first names?
The mystery was good. I’m just sad for Lucy.
Enjoyed the romance between Robert and Lucy much more than the mystery. Found the reveal at the end unbelievable and convoluted. Not sure if I will seek out the next book in the series.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Death Comes to Kurland Hall is the third of Lloyd’s historical mystery series featuring amateur sleuthing duo, Major Robert Kurland and Miss Lucy Harrington. Having enjoyed both the first and the second book, I was anxiously awaiting this third installment - and I was not disappointed. In this outing the murder investigation is rather closer to home. That is, the murder occurs in the Major’s home just after a friend’s marriage. Of course, Robert and Lucy must investigate, if only they could agree on how to proceed.
At the end of the previous book, Death Comes to London, Robert made a less than appealing offer of marriage to Lucy (spoiler alert: she refused). From the start of Death Comes to Kurland Hall, this residual tension colours their interactions, which makes from some great and snappy dialogue. However, personal matters must be set aside because of the murder of the unlikable Mrs. Chingsford (the mother of Robert’s ex-fiancé). Is Mrs. Chingsford’s death really an accident? It seems unlikely when another guest also meets an untimely demise…
In the previous two books Robert and Lucy have made a great team. Their verbal sparring is delightful and reminiscent of a traditional Regency romance. That is no different in Death Comes to Kurland Hall. What is different is their relationship dynamic. Robert and Lucy aren’t “just friends” any more. That marriage proposal has changed the dynamic between these two, forcing them both to acknowledge that they just might have feelings for one another. Yes, this is Regency England, restraint is key, so of course neither can speak of such delicate matters in frank terms (much to my chagrin). Complicating matters further is Robert’s lack of enthusiasm for Lucy’s participation in the investigation. He misses her company when they argue, but she might be in danger if she’s back on the case! Thankfully, Lucy’s spunky enough not to let Robert’s attitude railroad her; she’s going to investigate whether Robert helps her or not.
Death Comes to Kurland Hall is another light, charming and witty addition to this traditional series. While the mystery does involve murder, it’s not particularly violent or overly complex. The murders themselves are motivated by gossip and inheritance and investigated by complete amateurs. If you like procedural mysteries, it’s likely that this is not the book for you. But if you like cozy mysterious filled with quirky characters, witty dialogue with a dash or romance, you’re likely to enjoy this just as much as I did. Death Comes to Kurland Hall is a lovely litter departure from reality and I will be back for the next book especially because it is a charming and diverting read. Robert and his grumpy ways are no match for Lucy and her headstrong personality, and I can't wait to see where they go from here.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
At the end of the previous book, Death Comes to London, Robert made a less than appealing offer of marriage to Lucy (spoiler alert: she refused). From the start of Death Comes to Kurland Hall, this residual tension colours their interactions, which makes from some great and snappy dialogue. However, personal matters must be set aside because of the murder of the unlikable Mrs. Chingsford (the mother of Robert’s ex-fiancé). Is Mrs. Chingsford’s death really an accident? It seems unlikely when another guest also meets an untimely demise…
In the previous two books Robert and Lucy have made a great team. Their verbal sparring is delightful and reminiscent of a traditional Regency romance. That is no different in Death Comes to Kurland Hall. What is different is their relationship dynamic. Robert and Lucy aren’t “just friends” any more. That marriage proposal has changed the dynamic between these two, forcing them both to acknowledge that they just might have feelings for one another. Yes, this is Regency England, restraint is key, so of course neither can speak of such delicate matters in frank terms (much to my chagrin). Complicating matters further is Robert’s lack of enthusiasm for Lucy’s participation in the investigation. He misses her company when they argue, but she might be in danger if she’s back on the case! Thankfully, Lucy’s spunky enough not to let Robert’s attitude railroad her; she’s going to investigate whether Robert helps her or not.
Death Comes to Kurland Hall is another light, charming and witty addition to this traditional series. While the mystery does involve murder, it’s not particularly violent or overly complex. The murders themselves are motivated by gossip and inheritance and investigated by complete amateurs. If you like procedural mysteries, it’s likely that this is not the book for you. But if you like cozy mysterious filled with quirky characters, witty dialogue with a dash or romance, you’re likely to enjoy this just as much as I did. Death Comes to Kurland Hall is a lovely litter departure from reality and I will be back for the next book especially because it is a charming and diverting read. Robert and his grumpy ways are no match for Lucy and her headstrong personality, and I can't wait to see where they go from here.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
This is a really fun series if you can handle romance with your historical mysteries. I found the romance plot much more intriguing than the mystery plot. Will read the next one.
Death Comes To Kurland Hall, the third in the Kurland St Mary series, is a superb story blending a fine mystery a charming village setting, light romance, Victorian customs and contemporary feminist themes.
Lucy finds herself again at Kurland Hall for the marriage of Sophia to Andrew, cousin of the lord of Kurland hall, Major Robert Kurland. The Major and Lucy find themselves investigating another death when, during the wedding reception, a guest is found dead at the bottom of a stairwell. The woman, an unlikable gossip, has no shortage of people who want her dead.
A riveting plot that was full of so many twists and turns that I was fooled many times One of the things I enjoy about this book (and the whole series) is that there are such strong female characters, no shrinking violets here. I've seen too many times in books when the female characters faint or cry whenever there's the slightest hint of action; to me, that's never been realistic. While social customs may have been different 200 years ago, I've always doubted that all women were the fragile blossoms typically depicted in books of this period.
I felt at times that the tone of the dialogue didn't always match the time period and location in which the book is set. At some points, I thought it sounded almost Gone With The Wind era southern American rather than Victorian English. I didn't find it objectionable, it's just that this impression distracted me somewhat from the story.
Overall, a truly enjoyable read and I will recommend this and the rest of the series to others.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Lucy finds herself again at Kurland Hall for the marriage of Sophia to Andrew, cousin of the lord of Kurland hall, Major Robert Kurland. The Major and Lucy find themselves investigating another death when, during the wedding reception, a guest is found dead at the bottom of a stairwell. The woman, an unlikable gossip, has no shortage of people who want her dead.
A riveting plot that was full of so many twists and turns that I was fooled many times One of the things I enjoy about this book (and the whole series) is that there are such strong female characters, no shrinking violets here. I've seen too many times in books when the female characters faint or cry whenever there's the slightest hint of action; to me, that's never been realistic. While social customs may have been different 200 years ago, I've always doubted that all women were the fragile blossoms typically depicted in books of this period.
I felt at times that the tone of the dialogue didn't always match the time period and location in which the book is set. At some points, I thought it sounded almost Gone With The Wind era southern American rather than Victorian English. I didn't find it objectionable, it's just that this impression distracted me somewhat from the story.
Overall, a truly enjoyable read and I will recommend this and the rest of the series to others.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Another re-read before the next unread book in the series. It is now May 1917 and there is to be a wedding in Kurland St. Mary - Lucy Harrington's friend Sophia is remarrying. As the wedding takes place an accident happens or so it seems. With plenty of enemies to choose from, the tasks of finding the guilty party may be difficult for Lucy and the Major.
Love the characters in this series and an enjoyable mystery.
Love the characters in this series and an enjoyable mystery.