A ghost in a manor? Count me in!
I expected an atmospheric gothic - just the way I love, but that wasn't quite it.
I knew I was getting into a 3rd book in a series, but it looked episodic, so I thought I could just hop on in.
Sadly, I read the whole clues wrong. This is much more of a cozy mystery, fast-paced cute historical mystery with sweet characters. I'm ok with cozy, but I guess I wasn't in the mood for that, so I was a little disappointed. Second problem, the books starts off assuming that you already like every character and care about them - so I found it hard to even get a sense of what kind of people they were at first. And there was nothing to make you care about them much in the begining. I feel like you miss out if you haven't read the first two books because you didn't get to see the relationships build. So if you like the series, I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself, but don't start with that one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this digital ARC.

This is the third book in the series.

The main character is Lily Adler, an amateur sleuth.

The book started off slow but it was a decent read.

#DeathattheManor #NetGalley Thank you to the publisher and @NetGalley for the E-ARC copy of this book. The rating of this book is entirely of my own opinion.

Lily Adler is my new favourite female sleuth! This is the third in the series but I jumped straight into this story and loved every second of it! This is a brilliant gothic, locked door, ghostly, murder mystery. One to look out for in August when it's published - thank you @NetGalley and @crookedlanebks

"Apparently, it wanders the halls of Belleford at night. Half their servants have quit in fear..." - Matthew Spencer.

Ghosts and murder. The latest book in the Lily Adler series turns slightly gothic when visiting her aunt in Hampshire. While there she learns that Belleford manor is haunted. Members of the family and staff having seen the vision of a "Grey Lady". Rather than the family attempting to distance themselves from these rumors, they instead are promoting it and enjoying the notoriety. Mr. Thomas Wright, the son of the house, talks of giving tours. Thinking a tour might be a bit of fun, Lily and her friend Ofelia decide to visit Belleford and figure out the mystery. But while there the unexpected and unexplained death of Mrs. Wright, Thomas's mother, occurs. Everyone, but Lily, believes it is the Grey Lady who has killed her.

What I liked about the book is how it felt like a traditional mystery to solve. The murder or death appears to be within a locked room with an old, rundown manor with limited servants. So while Lily and her gang attempt to get to know all the circumstances of who and why someone might want to kill Mrs. Wright, there is also the struggle of how it occurred at all.

I also appreciated how the story used multiple individuals to dig into the circumstances and find clues. Even though it is a Lily Adler mystery, it really a group effort and it helps give the story a more well-rounded feel. No one person can do it all, and although Lily is capable, the narrative uses everyone's strengths to help find answers.

Death at the Manor clearly glides into a gothic direction with a potential haunting of Belleford. But while the story goes in that direction, it never feels truly gothic. Gothic stories generally have a ghostly or haunting type of presence, but they also build an atmosphere within the storytelling that leads credibility to the presence. Even though Belleford has a reported ghost, the atmosphere of the book continues to feel more traditional/cozy-mystery instead of gothic mystery. Still, a potential ghost is always a win for me and I appreciated the addition because of how it added to the overall mystery.

Rating: 3.75 stars

I received an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for my honest review.

Lily Adler is an amateur sleuth who feels compelled to solve the mysterious, seemingly supernatural, murder of an elderly woman. With the help of her friends, she eventually untangles the complicated mystery.

Overall, I liked the book, though it started out very slowly. The first 25% was sluggish, making me unsure that I would even finish it. Once it picked up, though, I couldn't put it down. It's an intriguing mystery, much like an Agatha Christie novel, minus the gratuitous sex scene.

Things I liked: character development, writing style, red herrings, and a surprising reveal

Things I didn't like: the spelling of Ofelia, the sluggish start, gratuitous sex

It is the third in a series, but, for the most part, that didn't affect the story. I was a bit confused by the inclusion of Jack, but I figured it out toward the end.

Really good book with interesting characters. A good murder mystery that kept me guessing that had a dash of romance included which mixed it up a bit. For me it was a little slow in paces but nonetheless still a good book. Was worried as it`s the third book that I would have needed to read the first 2 in order to understand what happens in this one but not at all! I love books like that , there`s hints of things that happened in past books which intrigues you and makes you want to read the others but the references aren`t too huge that you don`t understand what`s going on.
No chance that I would have guessed who the murderer was which is great and keep you guessing throughout the book.

Another Lily Adler mystery! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read an arc version before it’s release. I think this novel had pros and cons in comparison to the first two books. I immensely enjoyed the setting, rural town setting outside of London, which helped add to the gothic atmosphere within the novel. The theme and writing style is definitely what keeps me interested in these books. The con I have with the 3rd instalment was my lack of connection with the main character. It wasn’t non existent but just not as strong as the previous books. Still an amazing read and I will still be recommending this to other Lily Adler fans!

Lily Adler returns in her third mystery

This time she is looking forward to spending a quiet few days in the country with her aunt and a couple friends. When she hears of a ‘ghost’ haunting a local manor house, she is game to try and solve the mystery. However, when someone is found dead at the ‘haunted’ manor, Lily finds herself investigating a murder.

A unique aspect of this story was the somewhat gothic tone to the actual mystery. It made for a more suspenseful feel, which I enjoyed. However, other aspects feel similar to many other historical ‘cozy’ mysteries. Such as a young widow protagonist who defies conventions to seek justice. There also is the obligatory love triangle.

On a side note, a choice the main character has made in her relationship with one of the men (while not explicitly described) is more risqué than I personally am comfortable with. As a result, I’m on the fence whether I will continue the series.

thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

This was my first time reading this author and the series. You can read this as a stand alone. I find no trouble reading a book out of order in a series without having read the previous ones and not feel lost and this one was no different.

So what worked for me, was that it was an enjoyable story. The mystery was good and nicely developed, and it was a fairly quick read.

What did not work for me - the dialogue. The whole Mrs. Adler and Lily and who was at times speaking (I found myself blinking and rereading a sentence a few times). This detracted from the story. I did like how Lady Ofelia helped, but It does leave you wondering who the true sleuth is as the book is progressing (and honestly in 1800s England - I don't see how a stranger (Lady Ofelia from the West Indies) can come in and investigate in a strangers home.

There is also a love triangle, but it appears our heroine is oblivious to one of her suitors.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! It’s very intriguing and I usual don’t read mystery but this one was a good read👀 Thank you so much for granting my request on this book!

Death at the Manor is the third in the Lidy Adler Mystery series. The plot and the book cover gave me some Agatha Christie vibe, and I enjoyed reading it.

It was an interesting murder mystery read with some Downton Abbey feeling. I didn’t read the first two books but even without them, I could get into this one. It’s a well-written novel that can be a hit for anyone.

A much different vibe than the first two books in the series. This one takes place outside London and one of the main characters is missing. Without him I didn't seem to connect with the main character - apparently he kept her grounded and most importantly, I think, reminded her to keep a sense of humor. But as in the first two in this series, the mystery and writing were both great. I also thought this third book had some great representation without it feeling forced.

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here expressed are my own.

Bridgerton meets Miss Marple - never was twisted murder more charming!

When Lily Adler visits her aunts in the countryside, she is fascinated by the rumour of a ghost hounting a nearby house. But when the house's owner is murdered in her bed and the ghost blamed as the unlikely culprit, Lily must investigate before more people die.

I have not read the first two titles in the series, but this works very well as a standalone - just enough detail about earlier events is given to make the reader understand the necessary background without giving too much away, so you can still enjoy the earlier titles after reading this one. There is a story sub-arc that develops over the course of the series, however; and if you don't want to be spoiled for that, I'd recommend going in sequence.

Lily investigates the death with the help of her relatives and friends; and while she may be a little hindered by the conventions for women of her time, she never lets propriety get into her way if there is something she wants to ferret out. As Agatha Christie knew very well, even small communities have the ingredients for a deliciously twisted tale; perhaps none more so.
In spite of being a seasoned mystery-reader and inveterate guesser of endings, I did not spot the culprit in this one.

I like to group historical fiction into two different varieties: the one that aims for maximum historical accuracy, and the other that has a thoroughly modern cast with thoroughly modern values and opinions in pretty frocks. Death at the Manor falls into the latter category, so if historical accuracy is important to you, this book is not for you (I'd like to point out that the author has definitely done her research, as becomes clear from the afterword; and this is a deliberate stylistic choice on her part.).
If, however, you are looking for a fun, cozy mystery with a historical background, not too much gore and a smattering of romance, definitely check this one out!

This review was published on Goodreads, Storygraph and Instagram on February 11th.

“The lady in grey killed our mother”
“No one wishes to admit they might be living with a murderer”
This was great !!!!
This book was a Miss Murple in the 19th century and I loved it !!!
Not only the mystery, the gothic themes, the investigations and the small romantic vibes … it has a great POC representation with an amazing character married to an amazing man, both being an amazing couple !!!
Lily is great, sweet, witty and intelligent and her background plus the possibility of an interesting future with a certain male character ??
I’m in love!!
And don’t let me even start on her aunt and her aunt’s best friend … which may be more than they seems !!!
This story, this plot, these characters were just unique and beautiful and so easy to love and cherish !!!
You don’t even have to read the first two books to understand what happens in this one … but you absolutely should !!!
I really hope I’ll have the chance to experience something else. To follow Lily’s journey through murder and mystery as it develops in the future !!!
“I am intrigued to see not only what you uncover but how you uncover it”
“We assumed - and we kept assuming. Once again”

Another fantastic Lily Adler mystery! I love the Gothic twist on this one. The village setting is wonderfully rendered, with all sorts of delightful new characters, and the twists and turns of the dastardly deeds remain thrilling as ever.

The third book of the series. There will be some characters from the first books that are not here. Lily and Ofelia make a good team, and I am fond of their relationship. Though I do miss the trio, some new characters were thrown in the mix. Hmmm, I have seen a lot of reviews wanting Jack for Lily. However, Matthew seems like a steady guy to me. He looks pretty dependable, and I would like to see future developments in their relationship. Also, I do love hearing the POV of Ofelia and seeing how observant she is.

The mystery had a bit of a “gothic” style, and I had some suspicions of who “dunnit.” Although, there were some instances where Lily seemed a bit distracted and unsure. I am glad she was surrounded by people who encouraged and supported her. I cannot wait for the next mystery Lily has to solve with her friends.

I give this book 3 stars and recommend this to anyone interested in Regency-era cozy mysteries. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book and the writing is well done. The characters are so very likable. . I look forward to reading any additional books in the series.

I loved the first two books in this series, so when I saw the third one on Netgalley I knew I had to request it. And I was lucky enough to receive it 😀

In this series we follow Lily Adler, semi-recently widowed lady in Regency London as she keeps stumbling into murder mysteries. In this book she travels to the country to visit her aunt. When going on a ghost-hunt the lady of the house is found dead in her bed, and seeing as the room was locked from the inside, only the ghost could have done it. Right?

The mystery in here is quite good. Locked room mysteries usually bring a bit more puzzlement which I do love, and this one was no exception. I did figure out who did it before the characters did, but that was more due to the writing than to my cleverness… not that the writing was bad. The characters start making certain assumptions, ones that us readers don’t necessarily make. It becomes obvious what the author wants us to think… therefore it must be different. This didn’t make the conclusion any less enjoyable for me though.

If representation is important to you than you’ll be happy to know that this book has disabled, queer and characters of colour. I know make it sound like boxes that were ticked, but it never feels like that. All these characters are major side characters and are important to the story… and also happen to be coloured/wounded in war/… It all feels very natural and not forced at all (though still appropriately addressed regarding the time period).

My only irk with this book is that it feels quite different in tone. The author also acknowledges this at the end of the book. So for a part it was intentional. I cannot help feeling though that it was also in part because Captain Jack isn’t really in this book. He brings out the best in Lily, and without him the book is lacking the wit and humour I so much loved in the first two books. I hope we get to see him back soon…

For anyone who is worried that with Jack the romance in these books also leaves, I’ve got some good news. Mr Spencer happens to live very close to Lily’s aunt… so there is romantic potential galore. I do still prefer Jack though…

This book only comes out in August (I received this very early and was going to wait, but just couldn’t), so I’m sorry if I now got you all excited for this… the wait is quite long still. Which means I still have to wait even longer for book 4!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC. This is the third in the series about the lovely Lily Adler. Lily is a widower that hails from London. She has found herself in the middle of a few murders since moving to London. Her deceased husband's friend, Captain Jack, has been a good friend to her and has assisted in her impromptu investigations. But in this book, the dashing Captain is called to port and we do not get to see their friendship grow other than a few exchanged letters.

Lily travels to Hampshire with her friends the Carroways to visit her aunt's and then another friend after. What she hopes will be a series of restful visits is not the case. A neighbor who is rumored to have a ghost haunting their halls let's them stop in for a visit. Simply trying to find amusement to pass the time, while at the manor, the lady of the house is discovered dead in her bedchamber. Everyone, including the servants, believes it to be the work of the ghost. Lily and her friend Ofelia Carroway, along with various other people, go about solving this mysterious rumor of a ghost and who committed the murder. Lily reconnects romantically with a previous acquaintance. I found myself missing London and the Captain instead of the dark, brooding manor with its "ghost". Not my favorite of the series but still entertaining.