I really like this series and jumped at the chance to read the newest installment. The mystery in this book has a bit of a keystone-cops flavor: lots of running up and down staircases, looking for missing suspects, murdered bodies, and a mysterious strongbox; and the story does get bogged down in one or two places. But the ongoing relationship between Hardcastle and Armstrong, their witty, idiosyncratic dialogue, and their deft (and sometime dubious) management of everyone and everything around them remain as delightful and clever as ever. I love their complete refusal to take themselves, or anyone else or any situation too seriously, while at the same time time maintaining an absolutely authentic friendship, and dedication to the cause. The author remains mostly true to the strictly proscribed, but changing roles of women in early 20th century England, but the characters exploit those external proscriptions to their own wickedly successful advantage. They also use those stereotypes to hide the unusual skills and experience they posses that make them so successful at solving mysteries and outwitting criminals—and sometimes, even their own, plodding, proper (male) police and British forces.
I highly recommend this fun series, but do yourself a favor: start at the beginning and read all six (so far) in order to really enjoy the full effect.

Thank you Net Galley. Another enjoyable book in the Hardcastle and Armstrong series. A fun and relaxing read for the commute/ bedtime or the weekend.

Great read, light, humorous, an adventure that just keeps on giving.
I just could not put it down, a real joy to read.
Stories within story with lost of twists, characters are such fun, period in time captured in writing style and the banter just adds a special touch to the story
Loved the book, another great read from TE Kinsey.

4 stars

Lady Emily Hardcastle and her trusty sidekick Flo are on the trail of some disappearances in this the latest entry into the cozy amatuer detective stories.

When they go on a long awaited vacation to the seaside, they stay in a charming little hotel. Over dinner the first night, they meet a charming, if rather bumbling, scientist named Dr. Goddard. He is attending a conference, but can't give them the details of this top secret meeting.

The next day, he goes missing from his room. A strongbox that was under his bed is also missing. The manager of the hotel is anxious to avoid the police and the press and asks Lady Hardcastle and Flo to investigate.

They begin their search by interviewing the staff and other guests at the hotel. The Lady and Flo come up with a potential suspect and they look good for the crime. But lo and behold, to their dismay, the person is killed! More guests disappear. What is going on? Is it connected to this “secret” conference that Dr. Goddard was supposed to have attended? The Lady appeals to her brother Harry to assist. He works for one of those shadowy intelligence agencies.

Flo narrates these stories in a factual and humorous way. I especially like the way that Lady Emily and Flo tease each other. Their lighthearted ramblings brighten my day. The story is written in Mr. Kinsey's usual style, that it to say well and linear. The gentle manner in which the story is told is easy to follow and relaxing to read. I strongly recommend the Lady Hardcastle and Flo series to anyone who likes cozy mysteries, historical cozies or just fun reading.

I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for forwarding to me a copy of this nice little book for me to read, enjoy and review.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
In July 1910 Lady Hardcastle and Flo, her 'tiny assistant' are heading to the seaside for a week of donkey rides and promenades on the boardwalk. They're staying at a 'boutique' hotel' where they are served exquisitely by waiters who appear and disappear as out of thin air. Their enjoyment is marred by the disappearance of one of the guests. Murders follow and the poor hotel manager is beside himself. There's nothing for it but for Lady Hardcastle and Flo to do some sleuthing.
I loved the 2 characters, they have a great relationship and made me smile often. The mystery itself was ok, it was the 2 women's interactions that were the highlight for me. All in all a pleasant read for lovers of Golden Age mysteries.