Carola Dunn

Daisy Dalrymple is heading to Wentwater Court. She will stay there while writing about the estate for Town and Country magazine. She doesn’t expect to walk into a death. At first glance, it appears to be an accident, but several things don’t seem right. This leads to an investigation. Upon further investigation, it turns out to be much more serious.

The murder mystery failed to gain traction as it relied on confession, not investigation, to reveal the solution. It was also disappointing that the author let everyone off so easily in the end. Or maybe I just prefer murder mysteries that are darker.

It would have been nice if some characters were less clichéd cutouts and added more to the story.

While the author's use of aristocratic slang can be ridiculous, it shows she did her research. Although I enjoyed this book, I'm unsure if I'll read the rest of the series..

Conclusion: This may suit cosy mystery readers, but I find it lacking in inspiration.… (més)

The Winter Garden Mystery is the second book in the Daisy Dalrymple Mystery series. Set in the 1920s, this series is along the lines of the Royal Flush series by Rhys Bowen or the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood, mysteries being solved by young women who want more out of life than living at home with Mummy until getting married and becoming a housekeeper. In this case Daisy wants to be a writer and is currently writing articles for the Town and Country Magazine.

Her most recent assignment is to write about the stately home of Occles Hall. But when she is photographing the grounds she stops to investigate a recent digging. She uncovers the dead body of Grace Moss, a missing parlour maid. This solid mystery is delivered with charm and style as Daisy once again works with Scotland Yard’s Detective Inspector Alex Fletcher and together they explore alibis, feuds and secrets as they uncover the identity of the murderer.

While I am usually in the mood for darker mysteries this lighter version is packed with charm and engaging characters. Witty dialogue helps to make The Winter Garden Mystery an enjoyable and easy read when one is looking for something on the light side.… (més)