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A review by leandrathetbrzero
Murder at a London Finishing School by Jessica Ellicott
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
3.0
Thank you so much Kensington for the gifted ARC in exchange for this honest review!
When Edwina and Beryl receive a mysterious invitation to return to their alma mater, Miss Dupont's Finishing School, from Miss Dupont herself, the sleuthing duo arrive for business rather than nostalgic purposes. The school is in serious financial trouble after the first world war as less English families are sending their daughters to finishing school. The thefts, bumps in the night, and rumors of a haunting aren't helping matters. Beryl and Edwina are tasked with solving who is behind these strange happenings before Miss Dupont must close her doors for good.
This was a light mystery with an excellent setting. I really liked the school and its sprawling grounds as the narrative's backdrop. Having started the series with this seventh instalment, I was worried I might feel lost in following the two women's trajectory toward performing investigative services. However, their return to the school where they met was actually perfect. I received lots of background not only regarding the series' past adventures but also how the school influenced Beryl and Edwina to become the women they are at present. I especially loved the adventurous, strong-willed Beryl (which shouldn't surprise anyone). Beryl's open disinterest in having children was a particularly refreshing perspective for the time period.
While there are many elements I appreciated, I didn't feel a heavy investment in following the mystery too closely. I also found the ending to be a bit too chaotic and conveniently wrapped up as various characters revealed their true intentions for being at the school. The sudden inclusion of espionage felt forced and out of left field as well.
With that said, I can recommend this to any avid cozy mystery reader, especially those who enjoy a historical setting.
When Edwina and Beryl receive a mysterious invitation to return to their alma mater, Miss Dupont's Finishing School, from Miss Dupont herself, the sleuthing duo arrive for business rather than nostalgic purposes. The school is in serious financial trouble after the first world war as less English families are sending their daughters to finishing school. The thefts, bumps in the night, and rumors of a haunting aren't helping matters. Beryl and Edwina are tasked with solving who is behind these strange happenings before Miss Dupont must close her doors for good.
This was a light mystery with an excellent setting. I really liked the school and its sprawling grounds as the narrative's backdrop. Having started the series with this seventh instalment, I was worried I might feel lost in following the two women's trajectory toward performing investigative services. However, their return to the school where they met was actually perfect. I received lots of background not only regarding the series' past adventures but also how the school influenced Beryl and Edwina to become the women they are at present. I especially loved the adventurous, strong-willed Beryl (which shouldn't surprise anyone). Beryl's open disinterest in having children was a particularly refreshing perspective for the time period.
While there are many elements I appreciated, I didn't feel a heavy investment in following the mystery too closely. I also found the ending to be a bit too chaotic and conveniently wrapped up as various characters revealed their true intentions for being at the school. The sudden inclusion of espionage felt forced and out of left field as well.
With that said, I can recommend this to any avid cozy mystery reader, especially those who enjoy a historical setting.