Synopsis
In post–World War I England, Lady
Phoebe Renshaw and her lady’s maid, Eva Huntford, step outside of their
social roles and put their lives at risk to apprehend a vicious killer…
December 1918: As a difficult year draws to a close, there is much to
celebrate for nineteen-year-old Phoebe Renshaw and her three siblings at
their beloved family estate of Foxwood Hall. The dreadful war is
finally over; eldest daughter Julia’s engagement to their houseguest,
the Marquis of Allerton, appears imminent; and all have gathered to
enjoy peace on earth, good will toward men.
But the peace of Foxwood Hall is
shattered on the morning of Boxing Day, when the Marquis goes missing.
Not entirely missing, however, as macabre evidence of foul play turns up
in gift boxes given to lady’s maid Eva Huntford and a handful of
others. Having overheard her sister and the Marquis in a heated exchange
the night before, Lady Phoebe takes a personal interest in solving the
mystery.
As the local constable suspects a
footman at Foxwood Hall, Phoebe and Eva follow the clues to a different
conclusion. But both young women will need to think outside the box to
wrap up this case—before a cornered killer lashes out with ill will
toward them…
My Review
I had high hopes for Murder Most Malicious and was delighted to find that this historical mystery not only met, but exceeded, my expectations.
This novel is a wonderful read for anyone who loves Downton Abbey or Upstairs, Downstairs. It has a great cast of characters both upstairs and down. The story takes place after the end of World War II. The period details are perfect, and sure to delight fans of historical fiction.
Murder Most Malicious is also a cozy mystery. I loved the way that Lady Phoebe and her lady's maid Eva became involved in the mystery and worked together to solve it. I found the mystery kept me guessing until the end.
The characters are well drawn, and the dialogue moves both characterization and plot along. I especially enjoyed all the scenes with Phoebe and Eva.
This is a lovely, leisurely read for a winter weekend ... perfect to enjoy with a pot of tea. Very highly recommended!
About The Author
Alyssa Maxwell has
worked in publishing as an assistant editor and a ghost writer, but knew
from an early age that being a novelist was what she wanted most.
Growing up in New England and traveling to Great Britain fueled a
passion for history, while a love of puzzles of all kinds drew her to
the mystery genre. She lives in South Florida in the current year, but
confesses to spending most of her time in the Victorian, Edwardian, and
post WWI eras. In addition to fantasizing about wearing Worth gowns
while strolling manor house gardens, she loves to watch BBC and other
period productions and sip tea in the afternoons.
Author Links
Webpage – www.alyssamaxwell.com
Twitter – @Alyssa__Maxwell
GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7163135.Alyssa_Maxwell
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AlyssaMaxwellauthor/
Purchase Links
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Most-Malicious-Ladys-Mystery/dp/1617738301/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446575133&sr=8-1&keywords=Murder+Most+Malicious
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25387762-murder-most-malicious
B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-most-malicious-alyssa-maxwell/1121697428?ean=9781617738302
IndieBound – http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781617738302
Giveaway
(1) Print Book Copy along with A Cozy Grab Bag of Books inside of a Kensington Mystery tote. (Ends 1/18).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tours and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
