A Deadly Endowment by Alyssa Maxwell
The reason why I wanted to read this book is because of past works by the author based in Newport, RI where I live near.
This book starts out with other works by the author, dedication page and acknowledges pages.
Story starts in 1921 Cotswolds, England in a mansion and the sisters live there with their grandparents. Julia has her own baby and she has money enough to live on.
The girls come up with a scheme to make money from things others have done-allowing a tour of the house.
They have the plan in place and their grandfather wants to give them a chance. The grandmother is not so open to the idea but sets rules-no one upstairs.
The very first tour starts off with a busload of kids and their teacher. One woman gives the tour and answers questions and she often has to ask another sister to go find one who wandered off. That happens often and I enjoy learning about the history of the mansion during the tour. Like how they interact with the guests, most from the local historic society.
A missing woman is found.... Miles is one of the local cops that has been dating one of them. Everybody is questioned and the girls take it upon themselves to also accumulate clues.
Man in question is actually the murdered mothers son, he's got a lot to gain monetarily and the estate. Others who attended were quite suspicious also, magazine reporters and authors and they wanted to wander into other rooms not on the tour.
A break in and only a photo was stolen...A hidden treasure and another murder...
Love the politeness and manners.
Some visit the suspects at their house and even have tea and sweets. The women compare notes and also have warned others that the one the cops were holding has been released so real killer is on the loose.
Very detailed descriptions of not only the houses but the gardens and the clothes they wear.
Never thought that it was the person who murdered others. Also treasure, wow where it was found.
Can't wait to read more from this author. Lots of action, adventure, mysteries, murders, clues home life and travel.
I received this review book from Kensington Books via Net Galley and this is my honest opinion.
#ADeadlyEndowment #NetGalley.

I am a great fan of period mysteries and have enjoyed other novels by this author. But, i felt something was missing from this title.

The period setting was just that.. . A backdrop for the story and characters, but I never felt truly transported into a grand estate in post WW1 Great Britain. And, our intrepid heroine had plenty of pluck, but never really came to life for me. I felt like this book had all the elements laid out for a fun, light read, but somehow just ended up too formulaic to be interesting.

Netgalley provided me a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for a candid review.

This book starts off with Phoebe’s grandparents opening their home for visitors to bring in some money to help the estate (similar to a plot in one episode of Downton Abbey). During the first tour, of course things go badly when there’s a visitor who was killed, by strangulation with a drapery cord.

The story takes off from there, with plenty of suspects, stories of a hidden treasure, and the usual team of Phoebe and Eva being smarter than just about everyone else since they’re able to solve this murder.

I’m still not sure how on earth Phoebe is Lady Phoebe, since she’s the granddaughter of an earl, her brother is a viscount who will be the earl someday, so I’m assuming Phoebe’s father was a viscount which means she absolutely would not be Lady Phoebe. But other than that pesky, kind of annoying detail, I thought the author did pretty well with historical details about the changes the 1920s are brining to the British upper crust.

Well written mystery with well developed characters. This installment continues the excellent series. Plot moves smoothly and keeps the reader engaged. Love this series! Thanks #netgalley and #Keningston for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

I love this series and it is one of my must reads This time Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady's maid Eva are hosting tours of the family home to raise funds. Of course, someone is murdered on the first tour! There are plenty of motives and an old rumor of a treasure hidden by her great-grandfather. What is the true motive - an unfinished manuscript, a case of embezzlement at the local historical society, or the rumor? As always, Alyssa Maxwell weaves a fascinating story and her characters are well done. I don't want to leave any spoilers, but I have to wonder how the ending will impact the Renshaw family going forward. Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #ADeadlyEndowment.

A truly excellent historical mystery novel. It’s expertly written with vivid descriptions and great character development. The story and mystery itself flows from chapter to chapter keeping the reader interested and wanting to read more. It’s a wonderful addition to one of my fave series, highly recommend!!!!