Set in the nineteen-thirties, famed barrister Arthur Skelton had been tasked with defending Mary Dutton; The Collingford Poisoner. With the aid of his trusted assistant, Skelton delves into the secrets that lay deep in the Dutton family to try and prove Mary’s innocence.

I went into this book expecting a detective style story, but that's not really what I got. The thing that really makes it not a detective story is an overall lack of suspense, to the point that I didn't feel entirely invested in the mystery. Without spoiling anything, I will say the book ended without a climax for me. That isn't to say it was an anti-climax, as it didn't really feel like it was building to a climax at any point.

With that out of the way, I think if you go into this novel with the right mindset, it has a lot going for it. Firstly, the best thing about this books was its characters. They were all really unique with distinct voices and I honestly loved spending time with them. And, if the author is reading, I would love a full novel all about Rose. I also really liked the questions if raised around the politicising of crime. While its something we talk about a lot today, it was interesting to see the perspective in a historical setting. However, when it comes to this book as a historical fiction, I found the atmosphere lacking a little. There were plenty of references to ground it in itself historical context, but even so I didn't really feel like I was transported to another time. I think this is because at times, the novel suffered from white room syndrome, with sometimes pages of dialogue passing by with little else to break it up.

So essentially, if you're looking for gripping mystery novel, this probably isn't for you. But, if you're looking for a quick and relatively easy read with interesting characters and witty dialogue then I'd say give it a go.

Thank you to Allison & Busby and NetGalley for this ARC...I appreciate it.

Skelton, a nerdy barrister and his assistant Edgar take on a case of murder in 1929 England in which Mary Dutton is accused of killing her abusive husband. Many twists followers in a slow moving and meandering story not only about murder but also relationships including that between Skelton and his wife, Mila as well as between Skelton and his cousins who keep a watchful eye on their end.

The amusing cousin spies were entertaining...their findings in the letters to Skelton were brilliantly funny and witty. I chuckled several times throughout as the author really has a way with words and describing incidents!

Though a mystery, this novel was unique in the slower pace and investigating methods.

I recommend this charming and fun book to those interested in the Golden Era and mysteries in general. Just don't expect an action packed suspenseful page turner. Get to know the characters.

A delightful book that kept me smiling .Skelton is a great character,He defends a woman accused of Poisoning her husband.Add in suffragettes and many other characters Ibenjoed this charming read.#netgalley #alisonbusby

Skelton
The opening was really promising but unfortunately it became a meandering mess. The book could have been half the length. The writing was no doubt witty but the unwanted plot points and details made it difficult for me to enjoy it. I was not interested in the political aspects of the book, the characters were bland and uninteresting, the mystery not so compelling. I could tell how the mystery was going to end. Overall a very disappointing read.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. I'll be posting my review on Goodreads and Amazon

Brilliant! Not a racy, page-turner but the plot was satisfactory and really felt like a period, regional detective story. Loved the characterisations and would read more in a series about Skelton, especially if it included his cousins. Loved the way that they were informers/spies for him. The ending was satisfactory too.

Since I recently joined NetGalley I have either been very lucky or very astute in reviewing a succession of very good books. This is the best of them all so far. Very highly recommended. The author explains that after a long career of writing plays and celebrity biographies, he wrote some radio plays about the famous 1930s barrister Norman Birkett. These inspired him to write this novel with Arthur Skelton as an adaption of Birkett. It’s a great shame the author did not start writing novels till he was 70. His style is excellent. I notice some other reviewers were bored by all the details and digressions. I thought they were wonderful and am delighted there will be a sequel in 2021. No swearing or explicit violence. There are some very subtle sex content but nothing to scare anyone. I’m not fond of sad books - this has some sad incidents of tough times in the 1930s but nothing to scar the memory.

Arthur Skelton, was a quiet, unassuming Yorkshire Barrister, but after winning a rather scandalous case, he is now a celebrity and much in demand. As the 1920’s come to an end, he is offered a case to defend a working class women who is charged with poisoning her husband. If found guilty of murder, she will hang. Set against the back drop of political change and a rising suffragette movement, the upcoming election of 1929 will be the first time all women over 21 can vote, the case becomes a focus for the plight of women and domestic violence.

The political context is juxtaposed with the personal journey of Arthur Skelton. He is coming to terms with the growing freedom and independence of women such as his wife and he hold on to traditions and old fashioned ways. However, in taking the case he shows himself to be a man on the right side of history. At times charming and meandering, and other times more pacey and hard hitting. It’s a novel that doesn’t quite know where to pitch itself. But, it is an engaging read and Skelton a character that holds your attention.

I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle 1920’s murder mystery, where barrister Arthur Skelton investigates farmer Ted Dutton’s death in order to exonerate his widow Mary Dutton of a charge of murder by poisoning.

Part of the investigation was carried out by Arthur’s evangelical cousins Alan and Norah who helped solving the crime while spreading the joy of Jesus in a camper van. I really enjoyed their letters sprinkled throughout the story.

All the characters were well drawn and the ending was satisfying. I’d love to read more Arthur Skelton mysteries!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.

What It's About: Arthur Skelton is one of the land's most celebrated barristers and he agrees to take the case of Mary Dutton, who is also known as "The Collingford Poisoner". Mary is accused of poisoning her husband after years of abuse. As Skelton, and his assistant, Edgar, investigates the case, the more they discover secrets and lies that want to remain buried.

My thoughts: I liked the premise of the story and the first page itself was intense. I enjoyed the friendship between Skelton and Edgar, which is akin to Sherlock and Watson. This story has a great and in-depth character development which would appeal to readers who enjoy character driven story.

But I find the backstories and other stories which appear to be irrelevant to be overwhelming. It was like when you are in theater, you watched a bunch of movie trailers to a point you forgot what movie you are actually watching. That is how I felt about this book! There were way too much of that and I lost my interest after reading 50% of the book. The main plot (Mary Dutton's case) seems to fade into obscurity. I have no interest to find out what happens to her anymore. The investigations element by Skelton and Edgar, while intriguing, but was bogged down with A LOT of unnecessary details.

I've tried, but this book was not for me unfortunately.

Pub. Date: Sep 17, 2020

***Thank you Allison & Busby and NetGalley for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.***

I mostly enjoyed this, but it won't be everyone largely due to it's laid back pace. It does include fun characters and some good humor. It's a bit of an old fashion story both in style and setting. 3.5 Stars.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!

This was an intriguing book! I love a good murder mystery, and this one kept me guessing while still leaving enough clues for it to be satisfying.

Assumed it was non-fiction until I started reading. Reminded me a bit of 'Malice Aforethought'. Did not connect with all the radio drama he writes with his wife, Caroline until the end. Excellent! Thanks to Netgalley for the early read.

Really enjoyed this - classic murder mystery style.

Skelton is a lawyer, and has been assigned the case of Mary Dutton, accused of poisoning her violent husband. Can he find the truth and get justice for Mary?

Packed full of schemes, interesting characters - I loved Edgar, Skelton's ever car-sick sidekick - and a twisty-turny narrative. Perfect for a quick not-too-taxing read.

Witty, charming and engaging in equal measure. Can see this might not be everyone's cup of teas as it doesn't fit the general murder mystery type, but it worked for me as I found the characters often entertaining and sometimes infuriating, just like real life folk! Enjoyed the plot and the back stories of different characters and it as refreshing to have a Northern flavour to the book. Maybe a little clunky in places, hence only four stars but nevertheless a great read

**THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER FOR AN ARC COPY OF THIS TITLE IN EXCHANGE FOR A FAIR AND HONEST REVIEW**
I enjoyed this book. The lead character was quietly charming and just the right amount of flawed to make him very believable. I really liked his wife who was extremely forward-thinking for her time. It's a shame we didn't have more of her!
I'll definitely look out for any more titles in this series.

Delightful from that cheeky cover to the denouement! Boasts wit for miles, murder by poison, a famed Yorkshire barrister who takes on a hopeless case, gutsy suffragettes, and a lively 1920s England. If you love historical mysteries that keep you laughing out loud, this one’s for you. Cheers!

4 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 17 Sep 2020

Thanks to the author, Allison & Busby, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#SkeltonsGuidetoDomesticPoisons #NetGalley

I enjoyed Skelton's Guide to Domestic Poisons. The character of Skelton was well written and believable. I did skip through bits of the letters from the cousins but I enjoyed the rest of it and would definitely read a sequel.

Charming, amusing, sometimes-cynical - I very much enjoyed Skelton's Guide to Domestic Poisons. Arthur Skelton is a Leeds-born barrister, taking on a case that seems almost impossible to prove.

I adored the snippets of humour; the very first page had me laughing possibly too hard. I also very much adored how, for lack of a better word, Northern, Skelton was. As a Northerner, the mentions of Vimto, and his accent-caused struggles were oddly relatable, and endeared him to me.

I will admit, I found the pacing a little off. It took a while to get into the main plot, and it seemed stretched out more than it needed to be, but I also found that I didn't mind - I liked reading about Skelton and the cast of characters enough to continue.

I also enjoyed the angle of a barrister throughout this mystery; it was a welcome change to a genre often dominated by police detectives, with little to no variance.

I would recommend this book to fans of mysteries and comedies alike (and probably my fellow Northern-Englishmen). Thank you to Netgalley, and Allison & Busby for the opportunity to read this, in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers Allison & Busby for the e-copy to review.

This is a charming romp of homage to the golden age poisoning mysteries.
Although this is a debut novel, the author has a long history of script writing, and this shows, along with his knowledge of the period and setting (1920s England).

Arthur Skelton’s legal reputation is growing but his recent cases aren’t inspiring him. He suspects his marriage may be in trouble but he can’t bring himself to find out more.

He is persuaded to take on the defence of a woman accused of killing her husband. Public opinion has decreed the man was odious, and the woman justified in her action. She simply asserts her innocence.

On a background of increasing women’s suffrage and the run up to a general election that may shake up the status quo, Skelton is under pressure to deliver the ‘right’ result, aided by his motion sick clerk, a trainee solicitor Girl Guide, and an evangelist cousin with and eye for details.

The plot, is of course, twisting and almost inconsequential- stick your head out of the window of a vintage vehicle and enjoy the ride!