"Death at Darrington Manor" was a cozy mystery set in 1920's England. "Plucky" journalist Abigail Dixon is sent to cover an aristocrat wedding between British nobility and American industrial royalty when all of a sudden she finds herself in the midst of another suspected murder. Abigail's simply assignment suddenly turns into a much more nefarious story as she finds herself surrounded by possible murderers.

Overall, I thought that this was a fun, quick read. The mystery itself was interesting and I thought that the author did a nice job of creating a plot that was potentially solvable, yet not obvious. As a character, Abigail is quite charming and I am interested in reading the first book in the series as well. However, I did find certain scenes or pieces of dialogue to become quite repetitive and I found that there were a few too many side characters that distracted from the plot. For example, I found the inclusion of Coco Chanel's character to be quite unnecessary.

Nevertheless, Nancy Warren knows how to craft an enjoyable cozy mystery and if you are a fan of the genre, then it is highly likely that you will enjoy being whisked away to rural England with Abigail Dixon and her crew.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.

An intrepid reporter, an idyllic setting, and an eclectic cast of characters; prime ingredients for a fun cozy mystery. Abigail Dixon is a reporter in Paris in the mid 1920's, and she's trying to find her footing in a male-dominated profession. So she's not very happy when her editor sends her off to Somerset England to cover a society wedding rather than reporting on the more "important" stories she'd like to be on. However, things get a lot more interesting when she arrives to find out that a local woman has recently been murdered and then one of the wedding guest dies during a fishing trip. Abigail will have to use all her investigative skills to figure out what's going on in this quaint village before anyone else gets hurt.

This is the second installment in the Abigail Dixon series, and one thing I like about it is that there is a lot of room for growth. Abigail's career is at the edge of taking off, and her reporting has the potential to take her off to many different adventures. Even in this book, we start to see the international aspects this series could take, and I think that could take a fun little cozy into something even better. The characters are likable and interesting, and the addition of some real-life, famous historical figures is a plus. I *was* able to guess the ending in this one, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's nice to get one right every once in a while. Over all, I found this to be a quick, fun read with lots of potential for future books in the series.

Nancy Warren’s Death at Darrington Manor, the second book in the Abigail Dixon Mystery series, is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and historical intrigue that promises to captivate readers from the first page. Set against the elegant backdrop of a 1925 English manor, this novel masterfully combines high society drama with the sharp investigative skills of its intrepid heroine.

The story follows Abigail Dixon, a reporter who trades the bustling streets of Paris for the picturesque, yet secretive, Darrington Manor in Somerset. Abigail’s assignment to cover the high-society wedding of an American tycoon’s son to an English aristocrat’s daughter takes an unexpected turn when a man is found murdered during a trout-fishing expedition. The situation becomes even more complex with the discovery of a local woman strangled in London, creating a web of intrigue that Abigail is determined to unravel.

Warren excels in crafting a plot that is both engaging and meticulously paced. The narrative is rich with twists and turns as Abigail delves into the secrets of Darrington Manor, uncovering connections between the two murders. The suspense builds steadily, keeping readers guessing and thoroughly entertained. The author’s attention to historical detail vividly brings the era to life, from the social customs of the time to the atmospheric setting of the manor and its surroundings.

Character development is a standout feature of Death at Darrington Manor. Abigail Dixon is a formidable protagonist, characterized by her keen intellect, journalistic tenacity, and independent spirit. Her interactions with the manor’s eclectic inhabitants, from the lovelorn estate manager to the tight-lipped butler and the local mechanic with a grudge, are skillfully depicted, adding depth and complexity to the story. Each character is well-drawn, with their own secrets and motives, enhancing the mystery and adding layers to the investigation.

Fans of cozy mysteries will find much to love in this novel. Warren’s writing is charming and accessible, capturing the essence of the genre with its blend of light-hearted moments and darker undertones. The historical setting adds a unique flavor, transporting readers to a time of elegance and societal expectations while weaving in the thrill of a whodunit. The interplay between Abigail’s modern sensibilities and the traditional backdrop of Darrington Manor creates a dynamic and engaging narrative.

Moreover, Death at Darrington Manor explores themes of class, ambition, and the hidden lives behind society’s polished façade. Abigail’s role as an outsider allows her to navigate these themes with a critical eye, uncovering the discrepancies between appearance and reality. Her determination to seek justice and uncover the truth, despite the dangers, adds a compelling layer to her character and the story.

Death at Darrington Manor is a captivating addition to the Abigail Dixon Mystery series. Nancy Warren has crafted a cozy historical mystery that is both intellectually stimulating and thoroughly entertaining. With its well-developed characters, intricate plot, and evocative setting, this novel is sure to delight fans of the genre and leave them eagerly awaiting Abigail Dixon’s next adventure. Warren’s ability to blend historical detail with a gripping mystery makes this book a standout read, perfect for those who enjoy a good puzzle set against a charmingly old-fashioned backdrop.

3.75 stars

This number two entry in the Abigail Dixon historical cozy series is entertaining. Set in the 1920s in Paris, it features journalist Abigail who has reluctantly agreed to cover a society wedding in England uniting a rich American bridegroom with a poor but titled English bride. Abigail itches to cover real news stories but her crusty editor ignores her. The fact that the American is a major newspaper advertiser clinches the deal.

But a near fatal accident and then an actual murder thrust Abigail into a news story and she takes advantage of her proximity without sensationalizing it. Her old adversary French detective Henri just adds spice to the mix. Even the dashing inspector grudgingly admits Abigail has a talent for detecting.

The country house upper crust setting and the nicely drawn characterizations make this a pleasurable read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of Nancy Warren's 'Death at Darrington Manor'.

Reporter Abigail Dixon is looking to make her name as a hard news journalist in Paris but instead she find herself assigned to cover a society wedding in an English country manor. Hiring her friend Vivian as her maid for the week the girls get more than they bargained for when the groom is involved in a suspicious accident and a body is discovered. Blessed with the good fortune of being the first and only reporter on the scene, Abigail must tread carefully as Inspector Henri Deschamps and an Inspector from Scotland Yard warn her off investigation the mysterious circumstances unfolding at Darrington Manor.

A fun and easy weekend read.

I think I would have loved to have lived in the 1920’s of England. The courting, beautiful gowns and small village life all sound wonderful for at least a little while. But for Abigail Dixon being suppressed as a society reporter is not her idea of being a hard news reporter. Having once again been assigned a fluff piece, Abigail must report on the wedding of Cressida Wimborne to Reginald Mitchell. But family drama, vandalism and murder mars the festivities of this delightful book and Abigail is in the thick of it whether her Editor wants her to report in it or not.

4.5 stars

Warren keeps the reader on their toes in this second book of the series. Abby is champing at the bit to write some 'real news' but her editor determines that she must continue to write 'women's news.' All the more so as she is requested by the "car king" of America to be the only invited journalist to his son's wedding.

While en route, Abby reads of a murder connected to the house she's traveling to for the wedding. Once there, in between fashionable outfit changes, sabotage begins happening to the happy couple... and I won't reveal any more, as that might be cheating.

The story keeps you on your toes and mulling over the different pieces of evidence sprinkled throughout the book. Personally, I liked this installment better than the first.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

A wonderful follow up the first book in the series. Abigail gets sent off to England to cover a society wedding - horror of horrors! As much as she wants to write 'hard news' she keeps being relegated to writing for the womens pages. But the 'hard news' story follows her to England and while at Darrington Estate a murder occurs and she's right in the thick of things once again. The investigation takes numerous twists and turns and keeps you guessing. Abigail is a marvellous character. It was also nice to have Paul Joubert put in a short appearance and the enigmatic Inspector Deschamps plays a big role again. Thouroughly enjoyable and I look forward to another of Abigail's adventures.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Nancy Warren for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun book. Fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey will love this. The story was easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. I couldn't put it down. A brilliant novel that I highly recommend.
💓 Thank you to netgalley and the author/ publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Very much a romp through the privileged world of the 1920s. A society wedding. Fabulous fashion and afternoons fo country men shooting and fishing and then Coco Channel joining everyone for dinner. This has a real whiff of Agatha Christie although has a lighter hearted feel about it, almost a little tongue in cheek. Some lovely character development, and touches of the 1920s world that bring the book to life and make it real fun to read.

This is book 2 of the Abigail Dixon Mystery series and it was just as good, if not better, than the first book, which I also gave 5 stars! In book 2 we find Abby headed to England to cover a high-society wedding at the request of an American car tycoon, whose son is set to marry an English aristocrats daughter. On the way from Paris to England there is news that a local girl, who worked at the manor where Abby is staying, was murdered. Abby is once again relegated to only covering “puff pieces” and not the hard hitting news that she prefers, but when a second murder takes place she can’t resist some sleuthing of her own!

A few friends from the first book also appear in the second book and these characters are so incredibly enjoyable! The story was fast paced and I finished it in a day! I am really hoping we get more of this series, I’d love to see where these characters go!

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for approving this ARC for me to enjoy! .

Abigail Dixon is in Paris in 1925 working at newspaper and trying to prove that she can be an investigative reporter. However, her editor assigns her to a societal wedding at Darrington Manor in England. Abigail takes the assignment with the hope that she will find something more to her liking. Abigail is in the midst of English society with her friend acting as her dresser wearing the designs of a well-known French designer. She is indeed a bit peeved with her editor, when an accident happens at the manor, followed by a death. Abigail begins investigating and finds that perhaps the bride is not in love with the son of the American automobile tycoon. The cozy is filled with historic details of dinners, hunts, and small village gossip as well as a strong female protagonist. An entertaining entry in this series. Thanks to Net Galley for the arc.

Abigal Dixon, a reporter for the Chicago International Post in Paris, travels to Darrington Manor in Somerset to cover a high-society wedding. The groom is the son of an American tycoon, and the bride is the daughter of the English aristocrat owner of Darrington Manor.
The joy surrounding the pre-wedding celebrations—afternoon teas and drinks in the drawing room is soon dampened by tragedy. During a trout-fishing trip, a young man is found dead. A young woman employee of the Manor was recently found murdered in London, setting everyone on edge.
When Abigail starts looking into the manor in search of a story, she quickly learns that there are many sinister, dark secrets surrounding it. Her list of suspects includes the manor estate manager, who is secretly in love with the bride-to-be, a butler, and a local mechanic who has several grievances against the manor's owner.
Abigal delves into her investigation, despite the dangerous environment. Will she be able to expose the killer and save the wedding?

Book Title: Death at Darrington Manor
Series: Abigail Dixon Mystery #2
Author: Nancy Warren
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction
Pub Date: June 27, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages 285

Spring 1925. Abigail Dixon is a reporter and assigned a wedding to cover. She considers this another fluff assignment for the women’s page. But she is willing to cover it hopeful her work will merit something more In the future.
She leaves the glamor of Paris and goes to London to what is regarded by high society as the ‘wedding of the year”. Reginald Mitchell the son of American car tycoon and Cressida Wimborne the daughter of an English aristocrat!
Abigail is expects posh afternoon having tea and later cocktails Certainly not reporting on the two deaths one of a man on a fishing trip and a woman strangled by her own silk stockings.

As she investigates, Abigail is able to find some very interesting as well as dark secrets lurking within Darrington Manor.

I love a good cozy and Nancy Warren didn’t disappoint. She has written more than 100 novels –
how is this only my first???
Well it certainly won’t be my last!

Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 27, 2024.

When Abby is forced to go to English Manor house to cover a wedding of a son of a wealthy American auto maker and a daughter of an English Lord little does she know that she will have to solve not one, but two murders that at first don't seem to be linked. Together with her friend Vivian who is pretending to be her maid and her frenemy inspector Henri she has to save a man who was wrongly accused and solve the murders of the Darrington maid and the groom's best friend. I didn't see the end coming and was a bit surprised. GThe ending was quite satisfactory. The beginning was a bit slow and the murder didn't happen until the second part of the book but i enjoyed reading about the life in the English manor.

I do love a cosy English country manor murder mystery! It had everything you would expect, including a satisfying conclusion.
I found that setting the scene took longer than I would have liked, and the main murder came later than I expected, but apart from that, I enjoyed the tale. It held my interest, so that I looked forward to picking up my book, and that’s a good reason to give it 4 stars.

My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Nancy Warren, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for June 27, 2024.

The fascination of shooting as a sport depends almost wholly on whether you are at the right or the wrong end of the gun.
— P.G. Wodehouse

In the first book, journalist, Miss Abigail Dixon was despatched to report on the latest in women's fashion from renown couturier, Monsieur Paul Joubert. In book #2, Death at Darrington Manor, Abigail's editor, Walter Strutt, has her travelling to Somerset to report on the high society wedding of the year, between The Honourable Cressida Wimborne, daughter of Viscount and Viscountess Wimborne, to American Industrialist Heir Reginald Mitchell Esquire, the son of an incredibly wealthy automobile manufacturer, Charles Mitchell.

To say that our Miss Dixon is less than happy about this latest assignment is an understatement. She tries to debate her reasoning with Walter Strutt - she more than managed to make headlines with her reporting of the murder at the fashion house; but as her editor points out - you were there when it happened, and the victim happened to be your stepmother. Strutt is old school, and his opinions are not about to be swayed by a woman. Women report on fashion and create stories for the society pages - who's attending which parties and what were they wearing - end of story. Abby, together with her roommate and best friend Vivian head off for Darrington Manor in Somerset for a week of festivities prior to the wedding.

After arriving, Abby soon realises that the Manor needs a serious injection of funds and thoughts begin to form whether this is a marriage of 'convenience', as from her observations the bride-to-be doesn't seem to share her beau's affections. Things then take a darker turn when the groom, in a car gifted by his father to his future in-laws, veers off the road and crashes into a tree. The groom, luckily, walks away with only minor injuries. The luxury car, however, was not so lucky. When the car is brought back to the Manor it becomes clear that this was no 'accident' - the cars brake lines had been cut. Was someone out to murder Reginald Mitchell? The was the first of many red herrings and I must admit to falling for all of them.

But it's not until, during a planned fishing activity for the wedding guests that death got real, and the best man, Oliver Platt is found face down floating in the river, dead. Fortunately for Abigail, Inspector Henri Deschamps (a close friend of the Viscount) was also attending the wedding festivities and stayed with the body while Abigail alerted the local constabulary. Was this intentional or an accident? It turns out that Oliver was wearing Reggie's coat, and at first glance, it looked as though it was Reggie that was face down in the water.

Warren has given us another well-written story, one with lots of family dramas and secrets. There's even an appearance by French fashion designer and businesswoman, Coco Chanel - ooh la la, fancy! I enjoyed the interactions between Miss Dixon and the Inspector in solving this mystery, and Vivian is just a ray of sunshine and brings joy and humour into the story.

I wonder if book #3 will have Miss Dixon finally getting her wish to cover a hard-hitting news story? Can't wait to find out!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

#DeathatDarringtonManor #NetGalley

An aspiring and spirited journalist gets caught up in a murder mystery while reporting on a society wedding.

Cosy crime/ murder mystery is a genre that I generally read and enjoy. This was not exception to that. It was easy to read, not entirely predictable but gave some clues and had a good mixture of characters.

The one thing I felt uncomfortable with was the use of the word 'invalid' to describe a person or state of being. It was most likely acceptable in the time period the book was set but it seems inappropriate for use in a book written in current times.

Thank you Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#DeathatDarringtonManor #NetGalley

Thank you netgally for the ARC.
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me. I loved the writing, and the characters are great, but the beginning is a bit too slow for me.
Fukk review comes later

Paris 1925: Intrepid Reporter Abigail Dixon yearns to be reporting on major news items but seem to be forever relegated to the women's pages. When she is assigned to report on a society wedding in Somerset, England, Abigail sets out for a week of festivities prior to the wedding of a society debutant to an American millionaire at Darrington Manor. On her way to her assignment with her 'maid', best friend Viv, Abby learns of the death of a woman in London strangled by her own silk stockings. While in Somerset, a man is murdered on a trout=fishing expedition. The quaint village of Darrington is very quickly abuzz with gossip about the dead woman and Abby finds herself in the midst of murder and scandal. It also appears that Darrington Manor is not the place of peace and harmony as it seems.

There have been many stories written in the theme of this one and I found this story by Nancy Warren to be a most enjoyable read. Put together Paris and a society wedding in England in 1925 and one would not be surprised to discover the talent of the famous couturier Coco Chanel who designed the bride's dress. Together with French Detective Henri Deschamps, the American family, the estate manager and other interesting characters, Death at Darrington Manor is an interesting and fascinating read.

I loved this story and look forward to reading more of the series. And, I have discovered this is Book #2 in The Abigail Dixon mysteries so now I'm going back to Book #1 Murder at the Paris Fashion House! Thank you Nancy Warren for a delight read and thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy prior to publication.