This is another enjoyable addition to the The Lady Eleanor Swift novels - if you are a fan of the series anyway, you will love this!

This book sees Ellie and Clifford assisting Inspector Seldon with a murder investigation and possible blackmail.

The rapport between Eleanor and Clifford is the best thing about this story, and the slow burning romance between Ellie and Hugh is lovely, though I must admit I miss reading about her former beau Lance, who was definitely more fun and affectionate!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

Favorite Quotes:

Brice spun around. ‘Lady Swift.’ He whipped off his policeman’s helmet and scratched his head, making his thick moustache quiver. ‘You? Really? Again, m’lady?’ ‘Yes, Sergeant Brice,’ she said resignedly. ‘Again, sadly.’ He peeped over her shoulder, blanching at the sight of the woman’s body. ‘Beg pardon for saying, but ’tisn’t it a bit rummy how bodies seem to turn up so often when you’re around?’

Money tastes good, Mr Clifford, wherever it comes from.

Tain’t easy being given the looks of a whipped horse left out in the frost.


My Review:

I adore this series so much that even the thought of picking up one of these books puts a smile on my kisser. This installment, just like every other well-contrived tale in this delightfully clever series, contained engaging storylines which were laced together with observant wry humor, smartly textured detailing, and shrewd pacing. The murders and crimes were plentiful and brilliantly plotted with a largely unpredictable villain buried among an interesting and uniquely authentic and oddly compellingly if not amusing cast of characters. I am totally enamored with Ellie, despite her tardiness, she is an independent woman ahead of her time.

Verity Bright brings her protagonist Lady Elanor Swift back to England for her eleventh story, Death Down the Aisle just in time to be a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding and to help organize a petition and march to allow women to serve on the police force. This installment sees Eleanor's friend Constance asking Eleanor to investigate first a breech of promise lawsuit that has been brought against Constance's fiance and then the subsequent murder of the plaintiff in the breech of promise suit.

Although the two events that Eleanor is undertaking in this installment appear to be significantly different and involve two very diverse groups of people, the author does an excellent job of intertwining them when a young boy goes missing while the police force is already stretched thin with the murder investigation and manhunt for the killer proving why and how the force would benefit from the additional power by including women. Through very clever plot twists and inclusion of historical events the author has created diverse characters that the reader quickly becomes invested in. This book like all the rest of this series definitely takes up residence in the OMC (One More Chapter) club and I highly recommend that readers start them when they don't have anything else planned.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Bookouture and am leaving this review voluntarily.

“The society wedding of the decade has everything: the blushing bride, beautiful flowers… and the groom arrested before he can walk down the aisle?”


When I saw the title of this, the eleventh Lady Eleanor Swift, Golden Age Cozy Murder/ Mystery, I must admit to doing a small ‘double take’, almost convinced that the storyline had already appeared before. Trawling back through all my recent reviews finally calmed my fears, when I discovered that in fact a similar title had appeared in another Cozy Mystery series, by a different author. Having now read this intriguing storyline, I also realise that the idea of a story is all they have in common, as Eleanor could never manage to get caught up in a straightforward case, which doesn’t involve a complicated suspect list, a veritable shopping list of crimes, and an all but inevitable brush with both the law and near death!

In fact, this incident also made much of an old law of the land, known as “Breach Of Promise”, whereby a man could be sued if he broke off an engagement to be married (good job that one doesn’t still apply today!). There was obviously much more to this law than those few simple words and my potted explanation, so I strongly suggest you to read the short ‘history’ section at the end of the book, which explains this and other historical facts alluded to within the book’s narrative, although I always tend to seek out those additional sections and brush up on the facts, before I begin reading, but that’s just personal preference and choice.

...

Death, and more particularly murder, seems to follow Eleanor around, on this occasion, even as her best friend is getting married and Eleanor finds herself being trussed up in all manor of finery and frippery for the day, as one of the bridesmaids. Unfortunately, at the eleventh hour the bridegroom finds himself charged with the murder of a young lady he was once acquainted with, and without the help of Eleanor and Clifford, he looks all set to miss his own wedding. Yes, the Honourable Peregrine Davenport, may be hapless, naive and not without some blame in the overall situation; however no one, not even Eleanor’s beau, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, really believes him to be capable of the crime of which he is accused and to be honest, looks so guilty of.

Hugh, who usually deplores the danger Eleanor constantly manages to court, has however, found it necessary to hold his counsel on this occasion, as he is desperately short of boots on the ground to cope with the ever-growing complexities surrounding Peregrine’s arrest and needs all the help he can get, especially as it transpires, with some female questioning techniques when dealing with certain witnesses and suspects. Unwittingly and conveniently, Hugh has played right into Eleanor’s hands, as she has recently joined her local branch of the WI, in a vain attempt to up her game in the aristocracy stakes. Their current struggle, protest, petition, and impending march on authority, revolves around the notion that there should be more women on the police force, their argument being that women were good enough to take on those responsibilities during WWI, whilst the men were off fighting on the front line, but now that peace has been re-established, teams of female police officers have been largely disbanded and mothballed.

These are the two separate strands of the storyline, which become inextricably woven together as the case progresses and becomes evermore complicated. The suspect list just keeps on growing, with a wide spectrum of both male and female candidates from all walks of life, finding themselves well and truly ‘in the frame’. Even Clifford’s razor sharp intellect and cunning mind is having difficulty untangling this web of lies and deceit. They do say that ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!’ so eventually it takes a bruised and battered Eleanor to work out the bare bones of the vengeful act which began this chain of interconnected events. Although the final proof of guilt and missing piece of vital evidence, was actually spotted by a very unexpected and reliable source ‘out of the mouths of babes’, so to speak.

Clifford is having his most difficult time yet, as he finds himself worrying more than he has ever found necessary before, for both Eleanor’s mental and physical wellbeing and unusually for him, begins to allow his emotions and feelings to bubble away very close to the surface. A very grateful and relieved Hugh, finally manages to untangle the mess which Peregrine managed to place himself front and centre of; commends the ladies of the WI for their invaluable help and vows to assist them all he can in their cause for female police equality; and is rewarded by the spectacle of seeing a delightfully bedecked, though far from demur Eleanor, following the bride down the aisle.

...

Well structured, multi-layered and highly textured, this storyline is fluently written in short, easy to navigate chapters, which keep the pace of the action non-stop and ever evolving, although I was never able to spot the real villain of the piece. In this story, revenge is definitely a dish best served cold, although past traumas do have to be allowed for, as no one really understands the fragility of the human mind, or the consequences of war, despite the outward show of bluff and bravado.

Well, once again Eleanor starts out with all good intentions of carrying out her late Uncle’s dying wish, by becoming ‘Lady Of The Manor’. She has so far inherited both the title of Lady and the stately manor to go with it, however taming her indomitable spirit and lust for adventure and thrills, into something more dignified and ladylike, is proving just one step too far for Eleanor, even with the unswerving devotion to duty by Clifford, her Uncle’s butler / valet, who was given a deathbed promise of his own to fulfil. In fact, it often appears that Eleanor’s rather bad habits are rubbing off on Clifford, rather than the other way round, as he is definitely beginning to enjoy some of the lighter, more unscripted moments of life, apart from when he is trying to stop Eleanor from getting herself killed that is, although I suspect he rather enjoys his role as an amateur sleuthing partner! In fact his ability to multi-task on all levels is truly outstanding, and his knack of knowing what Eleanor is thinking long before the notion has ever crossed her mind at all, is astounding. However perhaps not quite so surprising when Eleanor begins to wheedle small snippets of information from him, about his life before Henley Hall and how he is the self-made man she sees before her now. Regardless, all I know is that every woman needs a Clifford in her life, even if she doesn’t realise it yet!

Having secured from Hugh the reasons behind his seeming reticence to fully commit to a relationship with her, discussed the situation and reached a mutual agreement for a way forwards, things seem to be progressing at a slightly faster pace now, which suits Eleanor’s nature and makes her far more comfortable with the situation. In fact, Hugh has now taken the monumental decision to show Eleanor his own home, the house he had shared with his late wife, so I suspect it won’t be too long before the relationship comes out into the open and becomes public knowledge – please!

As ever, Eleanor’s ever faithful dog Gladstone, manages to get in on the act and joins the protest march full throttle, albeit a more unsuitable police dog you might ever have the privilege of meeting. As usual though, he can often be more of a hindrance than a help when his mistress is crime solving and trying to be as inconspicuous as possible!

As usual, Verity has created a multi-faceted, well drawn and defined cast of secondary characters, who I could clearly visualise in my minds eye, especially Lady Davenport (Peregrine’s formidable mother). Whether they are on the side of good or bad, all are authentically realistic and genuinely believable in the individual roles which have been created for them. Theirs is collectively a strong voice, with which they tell their own story, although some are more reliable witnesses, easy to connect with and relate to than others.

Whilst I could always feel quite comfortable dipping in and out of the series, as there are generally enough background story clues to bring a reader up to speed, reading book #1 would always offer that slightly more detailed insight into the history between the main protagonists, so that you can see how the synergy between them is growing and becoming stronger over time.

I read to relax, be entertained and enjoy a few hours of delicious escapism from the real world and a Lady Eleanor Swift story always sets me up, although I am always sad to see this dream team close a case and go off to get on with their own lives, leaving me to return to my own – but only until next time!

Wedding bells are ringing in this, the eleventh installment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Series but, wait, what’s that? Yes, the groom arrested for the murder of his former fiancée! Thank goodness Lady Swift is a bridesmaid and will do everything in her power for her best friend’s wedding to go forward.

This series keeps being great entertainment. It has fast become one of my favorite historical cozy mystery series thanks to a cast of wonderful characters you can’t help but love and some engaging mysteries that, do not only put your brains to work, but offer lots of interesting historical details I can’t have enough of (the breach of promise thing was so shocking!), so don’t miss the author’s note at the end.

If you’re already read some of the books in the series you know what to expect. Ellie is as lovable, fierce and funny as always, especially when dealing with her dear butler Clifford. The love and respect they have for each other is palpable in each and every interaction.

In the prior book of the series I complained about the lack of screen time for Inspector Hugh Seldon, Ellie’s beau, and this time my wish came true as their relationship is finally moving forward (talk about a slow burn!). They’re so cute together and I love how Hugh’s slowly learning to love and respect Ellie for who she is, not trying to make her change to conform with the times.

The whodunit got me this time and I could not guess the culprit, though in fairness I think it was quite difficult to do it this time.

If you’re in the mood for some light, cozy mystery, with a heroine that defies convention, some witty banter and a fun mystery to try to solve, don’t look further, Death Down The Aisle is the one for you!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Eleanor Swift is back at Henley Hall and getting involved in village life as a member of the Women's Insitute. Typically, titled ladies are allowed but seeing as she does so much for the village (and doesn't really act the part of Lady of the Manor) they made an exception. They want her to organize the rally to reinstate females as police officers. They worked as police officers when the men were off fighting during the Great War but were removed when the war ended. In addition to the rally, Ellie is also serving as a bridesmaid for friend Constance. Eleanor is plenty busy but when a murder threatens the wedding, she steps up to help find the real killer.

Death Down the Aisle is the 11th book in Verity Bright's Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries series. Each book can be read on its own with only a few references to previous activities in earlier books.

Long-time fans may have thought there was going to be a whirlwind romance between Eleanor and DCI Hugh Seldon with that title, but while they are making progress they are nowhere near the alter. There is still plenty of Hugh in this novel and they are both really trying to get along which is cute and really endearing.

Eleanor doesn't have too many friends - the last time we saw her with a gal pal things didn't go too well. Perhaps Constance made an appearance in one of the first two books in the series that I haven't read (I started with book 3), but I wasn't sure if this was going to be a similar situation as it was with Tipsy Fitzroy. It's not.

I always enjoy the books were she gets to interact with the village residents. While I'm glad that she does travel to other places so that all the murders don't take place in the village, I like the characters and it is fun to see Eleanor try to navigate her new role as Lady of the Manor.

We didn't get to see much of Hugh in the last book so I was glad that he has a pretty prominent role in this book. And he is really trying to find some semblance of a work-life balance (thought that was probably a pretty foreign concept in the 1920s). We also get to know him on a more personal level as well as he invites Eleanor to his home for a meal.

It's a fun novel and if you like historical cozy mysteries then it is definitely a good series to add to your reading list.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Tuesday, Sept. 6 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2022/09/death-down-aisle-by-verity-bright-review.html

Death Down the Aisle is the eleventh book in the thoroughly entertaining Lady Eleanor Swift cozy mystery series. Eleanor‘s good friend, Constance Granger, is getting married in just a week‘s time to Lord Peregrine Davencourt. As wedding preparations are underway, Peregrine is not only being charged with breach of contract, but woman that he was supposedly t previously engaged to, Daisy Granger, turns up dead, and he is arrested for her murder. Constance pleads with Eleanor to prove Peregrine’s innocence while desperately hoping that the wedding can take place as planned.

Eleanor, along with her faithful butler Clifford, and her trusty bulldog Gladstone are on the case. She is determined to prove Peregrine’s innocence. But shockingly, there is yet another murder. In this delightful read, not only do we have Eleanor and the rapport that she has with Clifford, there’s also a growing attraction that she has for DCI Hugh Seldon. Hugh is happy that Eleanor can step in where needed in this investigation and knows how adept she is at asking just the right questions.

This is a fun and witty historical cozy mystery for readers who enjoy the exploits of talented amateur sleuths. Eleanor is a true pleasure, and I love how she defies convention, all while Clifford constantly tries to remind her of her role as a proper Lady. It is also quite enjoyable to see how sometimes Clifford is one step ahead of Eleanor and how the pair make a good team when it comes to solving the most difficult of crimes. This wonderful series gets better as each book is released, and I am already eager for book twelve, Murder in an Irish Castle, set to release in November.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/fD9XEgRWiFU

‘Death Down the Aisle’ was a marvellous return to the world of Lady Swift! This is the 11th book in the series and I always look forward to reading them as I know I am going to utterly enjoy it. This time we see Eleanor more involved in the local community which highlighted the wealth divide after the first world war. This was a compelling story which draws you in and I read it in one sitting.

Lady Eleanor Swift is looking forward to her friend Constance Grainger marrying Lord Peregrine Davencour! Eleanor is a bridesmaid and Gladstone, her bulldog is her plus one. But when Peregrine is accused of a broken engagement and then the ex-fiance, Daisy, is found murdered and Peregrine is arrested, Eleanor is asked to solve the case. Detective Seldon has his doubts that Peregrine is the killer but his hands are tied so he asks Eleanor to make some discrete enquiries. With Clifford to help what could go wrong…

Eleanor is such a unique character, a titled lady, but with an independent and free spirit, a novel approach to her staff, a rather brilliant relationship with Clifford her butler and a horrible hand on her love life! You can't help but love her! As much as I love a slow burn of a romance I am now shouting, albeit silently in my head, get with it guys, you clearly love one another!

I loved the plot of this book as it went into quite a bit of historical detail with the ‘broken engagement’ situation, the attempt for women to rejoin the police and showing the lives of the poor after the first world war. As a social historian, I enjoyed reading all these fascinating titbits. However, the detail which I will always remember from this book had me actually laughing out loud, which is rare for me, and it of course involves Gladstone!

Once again this was a joy of a book to read and roll on the next chapter of Lady Swift’s adventures!

This is another brilliant cosy mystery,
Set in the 1920s period of history,
An Agatha Christie type of thriller
With Lady Eleanor Swift searching for the killer!

A visit to the local inn
A scream - what's happening?
A rush only to discover
Her friend's groom kneeling over another!

Lady Eleanor is asked to help to find out who
This dastardly dead would actually do.
The bride to be is certain it is not her groom
Who brought his blackmailing ex to her doom.

An intriguing read with twists galore
Kept me reading more and more!
This time Eleanor is working with her beau
What it'll lead to - read it to know!

With Clifford and Gladstone involved in the case
And a five year old boy getting out of place.
There's a growing sense of potential romance
I really hope Eleanor and Hugh with give love a chance!

I really enjoyed this historical thriller
And suspected many of being the killer.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
It is a fascinating cosy mystery and this is my honest review.

Lady Eleanor (Ellie) Swift is dismayed to hear that the wedding of her best friend, Constance Grainger, is in danger of being cancelled when the groom, Lord Peregrine Davenport, is sued for breach of promise. A distressed Constance seeks Ellie's help to prove his innocence. When Ellie and Clifford, her butler, arrive at the Eagle Hotel to meet with Peregrine, they find the place in an uproar and Peregrine kneeling over the dead body of a young woman, who turns out to be his ex-fiancée. And just like that, Ellie is once more embroiled in a murder investigation.

This time, however, she is authorised to be involved as the very busy Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, hampered by the lack of manpower and time, and realising this particular case needs a woman's input, reluctantly asks for her help. With no women on the police force and acknowledging the need for someone of the same social standing as the aristocrats he is uncomfortable interviewing, Ellie is the ideal person for the job. There is one proviso. Ellie mustn't put herself in danger. And to ensure that she doesn't, Hugh directs Clifford to keep her safe. Of course, knowing Ellie, they are both aware this is an impossible task.

Unbeknown to Hugh, Ellie has become involved in a campaign to address the lack of women in the police force, a campaign which she assumes Hugh will not support and so keeps her involvement a secret.

Those who were disappointed by the tiny part Hugh Seldon had in the previous book (The French for Murder) will be pleased that the dishy Inspector plays a far greater role this time. There is much more interaction between Ellie and Hugh and although their romance is still on a slow burn, it is moving in a positive direction. They are still embarrassed at letting their feelings for one another show and try to hide their budding romance from others, but those closest to them are very much aware of the attraction. In particular, Clifford contrives to bring them together at every opportunity, with Gladstone reserving his own special greeting for the Inspector.

The female staff of Henley Hall again provide food and a touch of silliness, but rise to the occasion when Ellie needs their help for the women on the police force campaign. Even Gladstone gets involved, although Hugh isn't initially amused by the role the dog plays.

As for the mystery, there are lots of suspects and more than one body to confound our sleuths. Once again, the motive and identity of the murderer are brilliantly hidden until the reveal. Only after a thrilling confrontation is the murderer finally apprehended.

This has been another entertaining instalment of this very captivating series. It's always a pleasure to spend time with these lovable characters and I can't wait for Ellie and Clifford's next investigation.

Bravo, Verity Bright! You have once again charmed me with the adventures of Lady Eleanor and her (so much more than just a) butler, Clifford. Bonus points for Gladstone the bulldog wearing a bow tie. I am smitten!

Here we find Eleanor trying to help clear the good name of Lord Peregrine Davencourt, her best friend Constance Grainger’s fiancé. It seems he was previously engaged and hadn’t mentioned this to Constance. Now Daisy, his former fiancée, has brought a breach of contract action against him. But before Eleanor can solve that matter, Lord Davencourt finds himself the focus of a murder charge when he’s found kneeling over Daisy’s dead body.

There is so much to be delighted by in this book! Eleanor is looking into matters with her usual flair and disregard for personal safety and decorum, and Clifford is doing his best to keep her out of trouble. I think she’s wearing down his expectation that she will ever conform to proper “lady of the manor” behavior. I love their relationship, their banter, the fact that Clifford is often exasperated by his mistress’ non-conformity but still supports her in her endeavors.

And in this instance, Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon actually asks for Eleanor’s help. He’s still nervous as a long-tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs that she will heedlessly put herself in harm’s way, but the force is short-handed, and he’s grateful for her assistance, even if he’s anxious about her safety. We get to see their relationship progress a little further, although still very much at a slow-burn pace, and we learn a little more about Hugh’s background and personal life. I love that!

The historical detail that Bright provides is, as always, spot on and well researched. I didn’t know about the Women’s Institute, and it was an interesting topic to learn about. The notes at the end of the book are a nice touch – don’t miss them!

Death Down the Aisle is another five-star read from Verity Bright. If you love a good cozy mystery with a little romance and some history to boot, you need to read this book!

4.5*

I love this series!! I love the character of Ellie. She is kind and funny and adventurous and courageous. I love the relationship she has with the staff at Henley Hall, particularly with Clifford, the Butler. Their banter is fantastic!

Death Down the Aisle is the 11th book in the Lady Swift historical mystery series. Ellie is asked by the bride to look into allegations of breach of promise by the groom with a previous fiance. And then, that previous fiance ends up dead.

I loved the historical aspects of this mystery - women in the police force; the Women's Institute; hypnosis; and the Zeppelin raids of WW1.

The mystery was interesting and well-paced. I liked that I was able to figure out some of it but not all of it. I hope there is more to come from Ellie and the gang!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Death Down the Aisle’ by Verity Bright. I also was invited to take part in their publication week blog tour.

This is Book 11 in the delightful Lady Eleanor Swift series of historical cosy mysteries set in the early 1920s. I complemented my reading with its unabridged audiobook, narrated by Karen Cass.

I have been enchanted by this series since Book 1, ‘A Very English Murder’, in April 2020. Each book can be read as a standalone as background is always provided.

September 1923 Lady Eleanor (Ellie) Swift is attending a meeting of the Chipstone and Little Buckford’s Women’s Institute. They are discussing plans to campaign for women to be allowed back into the local police force. Her inspiring speech leads to the Chairwoman appointing her to organise and lead a protest march. Oh dear! Then she realises that she is late for a bridesmaid’s dress fitting and dashes off.

Her friend Constance Grainger is preparing for her upcoming lavish wedding to Lord Peregrine Davenport (what a superb name for a toff!). Then news comes that he has received a summons for breach of promise on behalf of a woman named Daisy Balforth.

Constance is shocked as she had no idea that Peregrine had been previously engaged. If the suit is successful he could be ruined and Constance’s father is already demanding that the wedding be called off. In desperation Constance asks Ellie for help.

Well at least this isn’t another murder… Yet before long there is a dead body and Peregrine is arrested. Lady Eleanor accompanied by her faithful butler, Clifford, is quickly on the case. Gladstone, her bulldog, also assists in his usual doggy manner.

I was pleased that DCI Hugh Seldon had a larger role in this book. As Peregrine and his set are upper class, Lady Eleanor’s position in society proves an asset to Hugh during his investigation.

Aside from the current murder case Verity Bright does include social issues relevant to the period setting such as class and women’s rights. Here it is noted that during the Great War women had new opportunities open to them that were then revoked when the men returned home. The authors’ historical notes covers this as well as providing background on cases of ‘breach of promise’ and other aspects mentioned in the text.

Overall, I found ‘Death Down the Aisle’ another engaging whodunnit that was great fun. This is my favourite historical cosy and I am happy to recommend this novel and the entire series.

The Christmas themed Book 12, ‘Murder in an Irish Castle’ will be released in late November. Hurrah!

Death Down the Aisle is the 11th instalment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, set in the 1920s. This time, it's September and Ellie is preparing to be a bridesmaid for her friend, Constance Grainger marrying Lord Peregrine Davencourt. Her butler will be going with her as well as Gladstone the bulldog. But before the happy couple gets to say "I do" Lord Davencourt is arrested for murder.

The author's portrayal of Ellie delights me with every book and I love that Ellie's down-to-earth, intelligent, and possesses a wicked sense of humour. Again, a real draw of these tales book for me is the wonderful relationship between Ellie and Clifford and their delightful, occasionally sarcastic repartée. After ten books (I missed book 2 for some weird reason) the characters are like real friends and it is a huge pleasure to spend time with them. The mystery itself was pretty good and the perpetrator was kept under wraps aided by clever twists. Death Down the Aisle was comfortably paced, compulsive and once again, Verity Bright's highly addictive storytelling really worked for me. I cannot wait for the next Lady Swift adventure and I highly recommend this one. A super, refreshing and effervescent tale as ever.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Lady Eleanor Swift is back. Mind you, she isn’t your proper English lady – she is stubborn, not afraid to voice her opinions, and she is frequently hungry!

In this book, Eleanor is a bridesmaid at her friend’s upcoming wedding. Constance Grainger is marrying dashing Peregrine Davencourt, however, he is accused of two things. Firstly, of a ‘breach of promise’ by his former fiancée, Miss Daisy Balforth. Secondly, when Daisy is found dead with Peregine next to her body, he becomes number one suspect.

Constance is devastated, but she firmly believes in Peregrine’s innocence. She asks Eleanor for help and when it appears that police aren’t interested in pursuing other suspects, it is up to Lady Swift to uncover the truth behind Daisy’s murder.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery.

Eleanor keeps growing on me more and more with each book that I read (I have read books 8, 9, and 10 in this series – I can recommend them all). She is a truly remarkable character with a sharp mind and inner strength.

I loved that another layer had been added to Eleanor’s relationship with Detective Chief Inspector Seldon – she has finally been invited to his house!

I say it each time, and I will say it again: I love the unusual relationship between Clifford and Eleanor. He is her butler, but to me, he is more like a father figure. He is, by far, my favourite character in the series.

Overall, another great murder mystery by Verity Bright.

I enjoyed all the novels in this series, had a lot of fun and I love the cast of this series. I don’t think I’ve ever rated one of this story less than 4*.
Each novel is better than the previous but this time it was like the author jumped higher and delivered a novel that much better than the previous (which was excellent).
It’s one of those book that I start and end in one sitting. I was going to check how it was and couldn’t stop reading.
A book with a very high rating on the entertainment and plot side.
It’s fast paced, full of surprising twists and I had a lot of fun in following the antics of Eleanor and Gladstone. Clifford and the ladies are as lovely as usual.
I liked how Eleanor is a bit more frail and I love her more because she’s also facing her past and her traumas.
The author did an excellent job in developing the plot and adding details to the character stories.
A very entertaining and gripping read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Lady Eleanore Swift is so happy that her old friend, Constance Grainger, is getting married to Lord Peregrine Davencourt. Lady Eleanor is attending the wedding even though she isn’t a fan of large social events. As a bridesmaid in the wedding, this is the one social event that she is looking forward to. The wedding doesn’t go as planned when the groom is arrested for murder instead of meeting his new bride at the alter. Constance pleads with Eleanor for help in clearing the groom’s name. Lady Eleanor teams up with Detective Seldon to solve the case. Eleanore thinks she knows who the culprit is until Constance’s father, Sir Grainger is attacked. Another man is murdered and Lady Eleanor and Detective Seldon are running out of time and suspects.

This story was so much fun, extremely captivating, and a rapid page turner. The characters are absolutely delightful especially Lady Eleanor’s bull dog, Gladstone. It was such a great part of the story to make Gladstone the plus one for Eleanor at the wedding. It made me laugh out loud. I loved the plot twists and turns as it definitely keeps you guessing until the very end. This cozy mystery series is one of the best. I find this series to be completely addictive and I look forward to the next book in the series. Wonderful and enjoyable characters that feel like friends old and new. I definitely recommend this book.

Thank you Verity Bright for such a wonderful addition to the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery Series. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery series and I highly recommend it.

Having waited for this book to be released i was looking forward to sitting down to enjoy,

The drama surrounding the wedding and the inclusion of murder mystery made for an enjoyable read

As I’ve already stated, and probably most people know, I love this series. I’ve read all of the previous books (and reviewed them) and the series keeps improving with each book. There’s been a few recently set in locations that are not Eleanor’s home of Henley Hall or the surrounding area, so it was nice to be back there again for this book. This one starts a little differently, in that it isn’t a murder that Eleanor first starts investigating, but that soon changes and we get into the more familiar routine of her investigating, the fabulous Clifford assisting, and Seldon being involved in an official capacity.

It was lovely to be back in familiar locations, although I think being elsewhere for the previous few books has made the return all the sweeter. There’s a lot that takes place in locations other than Henley Hall so we get the perfect mixture of being there for meals and discussions (and a few other things) and being elsewhere for the murders and investigations. Seldon seems to be mellowing a little which I rather enjoyed seeing, and the rest of the regular characters don’t appear to have changed a bit which is perfect.

This is one of those series where I know the chances of me enjoying a new book are quite high (nothing is ever guaranteed!), and I know if I enjoy it I’m going to be swept up in an intriguing investigation with peril and excitement, not to mention lots of fabulous meals. Because of this, these books are like comfort reads to me. I know when I pick one up to get a drink and snacks organised first because I’m unlikely to move for a while.

If you love historical cosy crime and haven’t tried this series yet, what are you waiting for?

Lady Eleanor Swift isn’t normally one for grand social occasions, but her best friend, Constance Grainger, marrying the most eligible bachelor in town, Lord Peregrine Davencourt. The big day is rapidly approaching when the groom is arrested for murder. In a baffling twist, it turns out he was already engaged to the lovely Daisy Balforth, who has been found dead at the local inn with Lord Davencourt kneeling over her. The distraught bride-to-be asks Eleanor to clear her fiancé’s name, as she’s certain he wouldn’t hurt a fly. With help from handsome Detective Hugh Seldon, Eleanor examines the evidence. But she’s barely had time to write down her suspect list before Constance’s father is set upon by a stranger on the golf course. Then the hotel manager is killed.
I can’t believe this is the eleventh book in this wonderful series & I'm still wanting more. It could be read as a stand alone but if you love series then I’d recommend reading Ellie’s adventures from the start. I love how the characters have developed throughout the series & there is now quite a cast of regulars. I love Ellie who is abetted by Gladstone her trusty canine & aided by the ever suave & all knowing Clifford. At last Ellie & Hugh’s relationship is moving forward & she actually visits his home. There are plenty of suspects as well as twists & turns before the villain is finally apprehended. I thoroughly enjoyed this engrossing read & devoured it in a couple of sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read