This is truly the perfect series for those who love quiet, intelligent, period mysteries with a strong female protagonist. Lloyd's series, the Kurland St. Mary mysteries, are set in Jane Austen's era and feature perfectly rendered stories of a strong-minded, rather plain, rector's daughter, Lucy, and her life in this small English village. Naturally, there is a titled man in the picture, and the series brings together these stubborn, misfit intellectuals who clash and meld while solving local murders. It's fascinating reading to see how Lloyd develops these stories, always keeping the tone and action accurate to the period. Very well written and intriguing series. Perfect for those who love their mysteries English, historical, and intellectual. Jane Austen fans will adore Lucy! Pick up the first one and then relish the next two. Lloyd keeps the plot steady, building on each one. This third one continues the superb work. Enjoyable!

'Death Comes to the School' is another expert offering by Catherine Lloyd in her Kurland St. Mary Mystery series. Robert and Lucy are experiencing a distance from each other after suffering the grave disappointment of miscarriages. This is complicated by a vicious letter Lucy receives which accuses her of witchcraft due to her accepting help of the local healer. When the newly hired school teacher ends up murdered the feeling around the village is very dark, with suspects abounding. The suspense is taut, the depth of feeling in interpersonal relationships is heart wrenching and the mystery is a stunning surprise. I can't recommend this, along with the whole series, highly enough.

Thank you Net Galley. I loved the latest instalment of the Kurland series. It is the perfect read anytime. The book is as fresh and interesting as the first in the series. I like the way the characters are changing, evolving and growing. Highly recommended.

I am a big fan of this little gem of a historical cozy, so I was anxious to read the latest installment, set three years after the marriage of Lady Lucy (the Rector's daughter) and Sir Robert Kurland (local gentry and injured war hero). Part of the charm of the series has been the evolving relationship of the pair, each of whom in the past has had no trouble expressing an opinion.

This entry finds them mourning significant loss that had led to uncertainty and misunderstandings in their marriage. Despite health issues and against her husband's wishes, Lucy begins investigating the death of the new schoolmistress, who had no fans among the village children or their parents. It also appears that Miss Broomfield possessed a fabulous jewel collection. So why was she working as a teacher? Who disliked her enough to kill her? And was she responsible for writing poison pen letters to the residents of Kurland St. Mary, including Lucy?

While I enjoyed my Christmastime visit with this now familiar cast of characters and found the mystery to be multilayered and well done, I was disappointed regarding the depiction of the relationship between Lucy and Sir Robert. Their misunderstandings, which threaten the very essence of their marriage, could have been cleared up in a couple of pages of dialogue at the beginning of the book; instead the process drags on until book's end. Given the frankness of both characters in previous books, this plot point did not ring true and felt forced. Hence, four stars instead of five.

Nevertheless, I will be looking forward to seeing more of one of my favorite cozy couples in future books, hoping they will return a bit more true to form.

Full Disclosure--Net Gallery and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

Excellent! Atmospheric,entertaining,hugely enjoyable.