Cover Image: Mortmain Hall

Mortmain Hall

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Member Reviews

This is the second in a series but can be read as a standalone.
The plot is complex and needs some level of concentration.
The narrative is both engaging and well paced.
A great historical crime book

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Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

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Accomplished Whodunnit…
An accomplished whodunnit in true Golden Age style from a master in the field. Written in traditional vein with a perfect sense of time and place, a deftly drawn cast and a twisting plotline littered with red herrings. A satisfying and compelling read.

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In this entertaining, sprightly novel, Martin Edwards pays homage to his specialist subject without being merely derivative or resorting to pastiche. His respect for the ‘Golden Age’ of fiction is self evident, but this wholly original novel has a pace that never lets up.. The twists are satisfying- and the detective work first class.

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When Rachel Savernake fails to prevent the death of a man on a train she is frustrated. As a rich young woman she can afford to indulge her passion for crime detection and her curiosity is piqued by a group of cases that have left questions in her mind. Rachel is invited to Mortmain Hall, the home of an eccentric criminologist, where the rest of the guests are all connected by murder.
As a homage to the Golden Age of crime writing, this novel fits the brief brilliantly. All the cliched characters are there, the single-minded detective of independent means, the class divide, the glamourous femme fatale, old army men, etc. As a crime novel in the 21st century, it feels dated but that is the point. As someone who grew up devouring Christie I have a nostalgic pull for the genre and that's why this story works.

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Until recently I had only known Martin Edwards as the editor of the British Library Crime Classics anthologies, but he has also written a large number of crime novels of his own. This one, Mortmain Hall, is the second in a new series set in the 1930s and featuring Rachel Savernake, an amateur detective and daughter of a notorious judge. I hadn’t read the first book, Gallows Court, but I hoped that wouldn’t matter too much.

Beginning with an epilogue (not a prologue), and then a first chapter with the opening line “The ghost climbed out of a hackney carriage”, the novel was off to an intriguing start. As Rachel follows the ‘ghost’ into a station and onboard a train, a story begins to unfold of an author – Gilbert Payne – who faked his own death and escaped to Tangiers.

Just as I was becoming interested in Gilbert’s story, however, we leave him behind and join journalist Jacob Flint, who is in court watching a trial – a case of a possible miscarriage of justice. Also watching in court that day is Leonora Dobell, Britain’s leading criminologist who has an obsession with murder to equal Rachel’s own. Mrs Dobell has a particular interest in injustices, last minute acquittals and people who have narrowly escaped hanging. Descriptions of some of these trials follow, but we won’t find out how they are connected until the second half of the book, where Mrs Dobell invites a group of guests – including Rachel – to a house party at Mortmain Hall, her remote Gothic estate on the North Yorkshire court. But before the truth is revealed, another murder will take place…

Mortmain Hall is a fascinating murder mystery, but I do think it was a mistake to read it without having read Gallows Court first; I felt as though there must have been a lot of backstory for Rachel and the other characters that I didn’t understand. Add this to the number of different storylines introduced in the first few chapters of the book and the descriptions of various criminal trials, each with their own set of murderers, victims and witnesses, and I quickly found myself becoming confused. Eventually, though, all the threads of the novel began to come together and I could appreciate the cleverness and complexity of the plot.

The book ends with a ‘Cluefinder’ (a tradition in Golden Age detective novels), in which all of the clues that appeared throughout the story are listed and explained. I have to confess, I missed most of them, but I’m sure other readers will have been much more observant than I was!

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I love classic crime but tend to steer away from modern authors writing in that ‘style’. On this occasion I made an exception(!) as the author is the editor for, and writes the introductions to the fantastic British Library Crime Classics series – who better to write a convincing Golden Age novel?

I had the opportunity to read the first novel in this ‘Rachel Savernake’ series but for one reason or another never did. Now I really wish I had!
Mortmain Hall is the second in this series and is an excellent modern crime novel set in the ‘Golden Age’ and written very convincingly in the style of that time. But again, this shouldn’t really have come as much of a surprise.

This novel is not only convincingly composed but is also a cleverly constructed whodunit that keeps the reader on their toes all the way through, attempting to solve an interesting and unusual murder that develops into something much more complex.
The setting and locations used in the book are believable and well researched and the plotting is clever and well-structured with a couple of episodes that (in a very Golden Age way) are close enough to improbable as to be entertaining; this isn’t a book that takes itself too seriously and is all the better for that. The characterization is sufficiently detailed to make the characters feel real but without getting bogged down in description and slowing the narrative. This is a very enjoyable book to read.

All this, coupled with the book commencing with the epilogue (which we return to at the end…), and a ‘cluefinder’ appendix giving explanation and highlighting the clues that you probably missed on the way through the novel make this an unusual, entertaining and satisfying modern Golden Age mystery.
Now I’m going to have to go back and read the first Rachel Savernake novel.

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An intriguing mystery story that starts quite randomly but stay with it and the story blossoms before your eyes. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale, especially as I thought that I had it nailed but Mr Edwards threw in suprises right to the end. Well worth a few hours of your time!

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“Mortmain Hall” is the second in established author Martin Edwards’ mysterious Rachel Savernake series. Rachel is the daughter of a notorious hanging judge and is an enigmatic, ruthless but attractive, elegant and intelligent female amateur crime sleuth based in London during the 1930’s. This book is one of those stories that definitely benefit from reading the first in the series -“Gallows Court” - which I’ve just read and loved. By reading this first, you become fully immersed in Rachel’s back story, which to me is imperative to understanding her dark character, her ‘team’ of servants, her connection to crime reporter Jacob Flint and the reasons she does what she does. I too was recommended to do this and I’m very pleased I did, as it certainly made my enjoyment of the story so much more entertaining.
“Mortmain Hall” may seem to have a quite complex storyline to it, with another cast of well portrayed characters to get your head around but it does all come to a satisfying (and exciting) denouement. I like the way Rachel attempted to explain what may have happened with the murders and crimes committed, in a typical Agatha Christie style fashion and it was a very clever addition by the author to include a distinctive 1930’s attribute to books of the day, by detailing ‘Clue Finders’, which to my dismay, I missed spotting them completely throughout the story.
This time Rachel sets out to uncover the labyrinthine secrets of the remote Mortmain Hall situated on the North East Yorkshire Coast beside crumbling cliffs and pointing out to the North Sea. We also visit the atmospheric Clandestine Club in London with its musical, sultry and evocative ambience. The author has a very talented way of transporting the reader to the golden age of suspense and I for one felt I was personally with Jacob and Rachel every step of the way throughout the story.
I do hope we see all of these characters again in the future. Each one is unique and endearing and I’d love to read more of Martin’s convincing and wholly entertaining thrillers following Miss Savernake et al.

4.5 stars

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My thanks to Head of Zeus for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Mortmain Hall’ by Martin Edwards in exchange for an honest review. It was published on 2 April.

I wasn’t aware until partway through reading this novel that it is the second in Edwards’ Rachel Savernake Golden Age Mysteries. Still, I felt it worked fine as a stand-alone though intend to read the first one as I enjoyed this very much.

1930, Rachel Savernake recently arrived in London having inherited her late father’s considerable estate. He had been notorious as a hanging judge and Rachel grew up on the tiny island of Guant off the coast of Cumberland. She still lives a quiet, reclusive life even in London. She loves music and collects surrealist art. Rachel also is an amateur sleuth.

Jacob Flint is a newspaperman, who had met Rachel in the first novel, ‘Gallows Court’, and he also becomes involved in her latest adventure.

Mortmain Hall of the title is the country home of the eccentric Mrs Leonora Dobells, the country’s leading criminologist. She has invited Rachel and a select group of people for a weekend house party at this Gothic pile on the North Yorkshire coast and of course there is a murder. The local Chief Constable calls in Scotland Yard and Jacob also arrives to join in the sleuthing.

Even before the house party there is murder, mayhem, and plenty of mysteries. It was a complex story that did demand attention but I love mysteries that are intelligent and intricately plotted.

It was also an affectionate homage to the golden age of detective fiction. It has a Gothic ambiance about it with touches like the Necropolis Railway. Edwards evokes his period setting well and I adored Rachel as a character.

I also appreciated the inclusion of the Cluefinder, which apparently was a tradition in detective novels from the late 1920s.

As noted above, I plan to read ‘Gallows Court’ and will be keeping an eye out for future adventures for Rachel and companions. I am also quite keen to read his nonfiction work, ‘The Golden Age of Murder’, which clearly influenced this series.

This had everything that I look for in a historical murder mystery and I will be recommending it widely.

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Mortmain Hall follows chief crime reporter Jacob Flint on an investigation of past crimes where the main suspect has been acquitted of murder. But are they truly as innocent as the court has determined? With the case put towards him by troublesome Judge’s daughter, Rachel Savernake, they must find out the secrets of these cases in the past and just why Mortmain Hall is so important.

Martin Edwards writing was interesting and engaging. The descriptions were simple and to the point. Most importantly, they were vital to the solving of the case - even if it didn’t feel like it at the time. So many little clues were hinted throughout the book that slipped past me or piqued my interest but was unable to quite piece everything together. This could be a cause of success at duping the reader or failure at not being obvious enough with the clues. That depends on the reader, and I did enjoy the small, seemingly insignificant pieces coming together.

The characters were engaging enough. The main characters definitely held the story well. Rachel is wildly intelligent and it was fun to watch her being the smartest person in the room. Jacob is a little hapless at times but a good egg and ultimately, it’s through his eyes that we are able to piece the story together. The supposed murderers were cartoonish and amazing to read about. I like the Truemans, the family that support Rachel in every endeavour, and I have a great soft spot for Martha. Leonora Dobells was one of the biggest mysteries and it was fun to try and piece together what was going on with her and why she was calling this meeting at Mortmain Hall.

A criticism I would raise is the number of characters. They all serve a purpose, one way or another, but the vastness of the number meant that characters would appear and disappear within moments. A large majority were introduced specifically for the set up to what happens at Mortmain Hall. Necessary but as this build up takes up more than half of the book, it slows the story and pushes the pay off (the mystery of Mortmain Hall) further into the story. This means all the action of the ending happens very quickly.

I adored the ending. It was very Agatha Christie - pull all the suspects into a room and weave a tale of death and descent to this moment. I very much enjoyed the emulation of that murder mystery trope.

Overall, Mortmain Hall is an incredibly interesting and well thought out mystery book. Edwards’ writing is solid all the way through. The characters are engaging. I enjoyed the reveal at the end, although as mentioned before, it would have been nice to have a shorter build up and longer Act 3.

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It was a really fun historical murder mystery. I loved it as well as the first one.
It's very well written, with beautiful details of the period. Good plot and characters. Definitely recommend.
Thanks a lot to NG and the publisher for this copy.

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Set in the 1930’s, this is a classic style murder mystery. It tells of Rachel Savernake, a wealthy, semi reclusive woman who lives in a large home with a staff of the Truelove family, who she is close to. Rachel is also an amateur sleuth.

Staying at Mortmain Hall with a group of people, a murder is committed and Rachel begins to investigate and find a killer. What links these guests?

Beautifully written with a real sense of time and place, this is a twisty, glamourous and thoroughly entertaining classic whodunnit. A marvellously fun read.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this for free.. This is my honest and unbiased review.

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I really enjoyed the sequel to Gallow's Court and thought that this was a great follow up. Rachel Savernake is well written and the drama was thrilling. The whole book had an urge of intrigue and mystery throughout it and it did not disappoint in the slightest!

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An excellent read, gripping and entertaining.
I loved the well researched historical background, the character development and the plot.
I can't wait to read the next book by this author.
I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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Thankyou to NetGalley, Head of Zeus and the author, Martin Edwards, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of Mortmain Hall in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Such a beautifully descriptive story. I thought it provided an enjoyable read.
Worth a read.

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Rachel Savernake is drawn into a web of lies at a gathering of people who have literally gotten away with murder. Held at the mysterious Mortmain Hall, events quickly take a sinister turn when their host, amateur criminologist Leonora Dobell, seemingly disappears. Can Rachel bring the guilty to justice before more people die?

Set in the 1930s, I think you really need to have read the previous book in order to fully enjoy this one, otherwise things may be a little confusing. I thought it was a much better book than the first one, and Rachel was definitely a more relatable character here. The reporter, Jacob also appears in this one but to a lesser degree. The final chapters were almost reminiscent of the final scenes of Poirot, where the clever detective reveals how the murder(s) were carried out. Very enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher, Head of Zeus, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

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Thanks to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An absolute triumph. Having been a huge fan of Nicola Upson's Josephine Tey series I was eager to get my hands on this book. I am pleased to say that this novel, like Upson's meticulously plotted and evocative stories that celebrate the Golden-era of Crime, is a wonderful addition to the burgeoning sub-genre of historical crime fiction. There are hints of Agatha Christie here, too. Matched with the ingenuity of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's enduring meta-character of Sherlock Holmes. Giving the 1930s setting, this book is also surprisingly modern, dispensing with the cardboard characters and sometimes ridiculously unfeasible plots of contemporary novels of the age. Indeed, Martin Edwards has proved a master craftsmen in his distillation of wonderfully realised characters, a twisty plot and an impeccable atmospheric resonance of the era, all in one book. Though the plot is a little too convoluted to be summarised in a book review, I can safely say that there are some gloriously original touches in the book, with Edwards deploying old tropes of the genre in new ways. We have a female 1930s criminologist, an eccentric female crime aficionado in the guise of the fascinating figure of Rachel Savernake. Then there is the truth-seeking reporter for the Clarion, Jacob Flint. All are enmeshed in plot that could be the downfall of the British establishment. Not everyone is who they seem, some may have committed the perfect murder, whilst others have narrowly escaped the gallows - the result of a fortuitous piece of evidence that exonerates the seemingly guilty defendant. Mortmain Hall is at the centre of these mysteries; a place where truth and falsehoods collide to devastating effect. Motives are unpicked, identities revealed and hidden motives are unravelled in the smoke and mirrors atmosphere of the Hall. With every page oozing suspense, this cerebral thriller had me hooked from the get-go. Atmospheric, tautly-plotted and with more twists than a slalom run, this is a first-class crime novel of the old school. No gimmicks just great storytelling.

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In Martin Edwards’ new 1930s-set thriller, Mortmain Hall, Gilbert Payne, who faked his own death years previously, dies for real after reappearing for his mother’s funeral. Men who knew too much about him start meeting with unfortunate accidents. Meanwhile, criminologist Leonora Dobell organises a get-together at her home, the remote and imposing Mortmain Hall, for a group of people who have narrowly escaped being convicted of murder.

What is the purpose of the gathering at Mortmain? What ties these disparate-seeming events together? Who is, and isn’t, guilty of murder? Amateur detective Rachel Savernake investigates with the help and support of her informal household staff, the Truemans, and young journalist Jacob Flint.

This is a clever yarn with fully fleshed-out major and minor storylines. I particularly enjoyed the stories of the three characters who may have ‘got away with the perfect murder’: a woman whose elderly husband died at the hands of her lover, a man whose pregnant lover died in mysterious circumstances, and a man whose burnt-out car was found containing the body of a tramp. They add extra layers of suspense and intrigue, and I wouldn’t have been surprised if you’d told me they had been real-life cases.

While Rachel and Leonora are both women of means (Rachel through inheritance, Leonora through marrying into money) who do as they please and share a special interest in crime, that doesn’t mean they get along or have anything else in common, which is also very realistic. In fact, it turns out Leonora has a historical reason to dislike Rachel, ramping up the tension and danger for the amateur detective.

Rachel is an interesting and unusual character I’d have liked to have seen more of. She’s the brains behind the operation rather than constantly hands-on herself, so there were chunks of the book where I felt like I lost sight of her. I’ve borrowed the previous book in the series, Gallows Court with a view to finding out a bit more about her motivations and capabilities.

Jacob Flint in particular does a lot of the legwork, simultaneously gathering information that will solve the mysteries and seeking out the story that will make his career as a crime reporter. I really enjoyed following him on fact-finding missions, even though he did (hilariously) mess up on occasion, and things didn’t always go according to plan. It was very satisfying how he pieced the puzzle together by asking questions and making observations - classic detective work, in other words!

Mortmain Hall is a smart and intriguing Golden Age mystery that has inspired me to add more of Martin Edwards’ other books to my TBR, and maybe finally get round to giving some of the original Golden Age detective books a whirl.

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I'll admit that I did not know this book was the second in a series, which might explain why I felt both disconnected and confused with the characters and the plot.

As a fan of Agatha Christie, I thought I would love this book, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case, as it failed to grab my interest.

Regardless, thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

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