This series continues to be an absolute delight and among the best in the Historical Mystery subgenre.

I find that this series does its best work when Eleanor and the gang are at a new location, and thus I was pleased to see a trip to Ireland in the works for this book.

I’m particularly fond of the Christmas books in this series, and this one too doesn’t disappoint. The authors are terrific at creating atmosphere in general, but especially that of the festive sort, and I really appreciate that there’s always a little historical nugget or two mixed in. I’m pretty familiar with this time period historically speaking, so I’m impressed that I still always end up learning something new and interesting from these books.

The mystery itself is fun and clever, and of course, the cast of characters remains exceptionally charming.

It is hard to review a consistently good series. It almost feels like its enough to say that thanks to previous experience and continued good work by the authors, it was a pleasure to visit with lady Swift again
In this instalment, we have a completely different feel to that of the previous works. Eleanor is visiting a remote Irish property that she inherited from her uncle but had not looked into earlier.
Their arrival was not in appropriate weather, and it was not helped by the randomness of the people they encountered. There are things that are happening in the village that outsiders are not privy to. It is only Eleanor's spirit and friendliness, as well as her un-ladylikeness endears her to the locals, and they start to open up. The mystery is not one that can be solved by us as passing readers. It has too much of a background that we are unaware of.
The supporting cast in this story has a lot of characters. All of them entertaining in their own way. The mystery of why Lady Swift was 'invited' to town in the first place is the basis of the rest of the investigation.
It has some nail-biting moments, and it did nothing to put me off continuing with the series. This is high praise for a twelfth book!.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

Story of the book-

In the little, rural hamlet of Derrydee in the west of Ireland, Lady Eleanor Swift received an invitation to the village Christmas celebration that was very unexpected. Eleanor is excited about discovering her ancestry at the estate of her late uncle and celebrating the holidays at a castle. They go for the Emerald Isle with her butler Clifford in tow, packing Gladstone the bulldog’s coziest Christmas sweater. Eleanor and Clifford are surprised to see a body lying in the snow on the winding rural drive outside the estate when they arrive late at night. The neighborhood constable becomes instantly suspicious and almost charges the murderous duo. Eleanor didn’t expect the kind Irish reception she received.

Clifford is confident that he saw the poor man at Eleanor’s uncle’s burial, but what was their relationship? Eleanor is adamant about obtaining justice for the victim despite the absence of rumors in the hamlet. Despite the man’s strangely empty pockets of personal items, a closer look shows an ancient key tucked away in the heel of his boot. Might Eleanor discover more than one secret with this? A deeper concern arises, though, on Christmas Eve when a fire breaks out at the castle: Is someone determined to guarantee Lady Swift is the last in the family line to pass away? Would Eleanor’s first Christmas in Ireland also be her last?

My review-

Every time I read one of the author’s books, Ellie is portrayed in a way that makes me smile. I adore how real, smart, and funny she is. Clifford nearly running over a body on the road as the novel opens sets the tension in motion. When they discover the estate empty but for an elderly retainer in the gatehouse, the story continues. Once again, the author does a fantastic job of capturing the deep bonds that help these three get through some trying times and their resolve to achieve the best they can despite difficult circumstances.

A fantastic, enjoyable, and funny cozy series with hilarious characters. The narrative was well-developed as always, and it was especially lovely to have the satisfying ending I’ve been waiting for ever since I began the series. I usually look forward to seeing these characters when I get home since I find them to be extremely amusing and often humorous. The writing style and all the historical details—which are crucial in any historical fiction—are appealing to me. Short, simple-to-read chapters are skillfully crafted to effectively convey this well-structured, multi-layered, and richly textured plot. This keeps the action moving along at a constant, ever-evolving pace. Just as well considering that despite all the twists and turns and red herrings, I was never able to identify the true villain of the story or determine the importance of the unidentified body.

I enjoy this series because the murder mysteries it has featured have had twists and turns that my little pea-brain has never predicted. This puzzle was cleverly timed, absolutely unsolvable, and masterfully designed. I’m already prepared for their next misadventure. To spend more time with Lady Eleanor and Clifford in the future, I’ll be looking for other volumes in this series.

Lady Eleanor Swift cannot even celebrate Christmas without stumbling on a dead body! In her latest adventure, Murder in an Irish Castle, this fabulous detective is at the top of her game in an enjoyable and enthralling mystery that kept me guessing till the end.

When she receives an unusual invitation to the village Christmas party of Derrydee in Ireland, Eleanor is absolutely delighted. She cannot wait to travel to the Emerald Isle and explore her ancestral roots at her late uncle’s estate. However, no sooner has she set foot in Ireland that she finds a body sprawled in the snow just outside the estate! Worse, the local constabulary seems to think that Eleanor and her butler, Clifford could somehow be responsible! Eleanor is certainly not standing for this and decides to try and get to the bottom of this case with her customary flair, style and panache.

With Clifford positive that the victim was an acquaintance of Eleanor’s late uncle, the determined Lady Swift vows to do whatever it takes to ensure that justice is served. Could the old key hidden in the heel of his boot be the clue that could lead her to a solution? What was the victim’s connection to her uncle? And could this connection have cost the man his life?

When a fire breaks out at the castle, Eleanor realises that there isn’t much time left. She must find out whodunnit or else her first Irish Christmas could end up being her last!

I cannot get enough of Verity Bright’s Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries and Murder in an Irish Castle is another fabulous read that has got winner written all over it. A fun historical cozy full of exquisite period details, mind-boggling twists and turns and red herrings that pull the rug out from under your feet, Murder in an Irish Castle is a nail-biting mystery I devoured in one sitting – roll on the next installment in the Lady Eleanor Swift series.

I love Lady Eleanor and this is book 12 in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series. Eleanor, her dog Gladstone and her butler Clifford are invited to the Irish Village of Derrydee to inspect the castle left to her by her dead uncle. Set in 1924 it's fun to see how different life has changed, especially for women. It's Christmas and a murder has the entire village upset but they still try to show Lady Eleanor a happy holiday. Can be read as a stand alone but don't miss out on the previous books.

I'm probably biased because I read this one on a recent trip to Paris but I thought it was the strongest addition yet.

Comedy meets suspense in Murder in an Irish Castle! The novel has an interesting setting near a remote "castle," that lends itself well to mystery and murder. Somewhat predictable, but a quick read perfect for the holidays!

In this latest instalment in this series, Eleanor travels to Ireland for Christmas, wanting to learn more about the Irish side of her family. Unsurprisingly things do not go as planned, not only do Eleanor and Clifford discover a body within minutes of arriving, but many of the locals are far from friendly. Some of the unfriendliness is clearly due to recent historical events in Ireland, but that doesn’t account for all of it and Eleanor and Clifford feel the need to investigate, again.

Once again we have a story that’s descriptive enough to transport the reader, without getting bogged down in too much detail. Unlike in the stories set near Eleanor’s home of Henley Hall there are few friendly faces here, so it really is Eleanor and Clifford versus everyone else, and that adds to the tension from the beginning. They don’t get any respite in the castle itself, because even there not is as it seems, and their Christmas plans are looking precarious.

This is another excellent read, and brilliant addition to the series. I enjoyed spending time with Eleanor and Clifford, the situation they were in was unlike all the previous books and providing a refreshing change, as does the setting of the next book in the series which will be out in March, and I can’t wait to read it.

Love this cosy series and this the 12th instalment into the life of Lady Eleanor , her fearsome butler Clifford and Gladstone her faithful dog sees her invited to spend Christmas on her other estate in Ireland

This instalment does feature more action and less romance and is just as good as ever

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc

If you read all the Agatha Christie’s novels and you want some more, than this is a book for you. Great mystery with adorable dog character.

This is book number 12 in the series and whilst I havent read all of the books I have read enough to not need a summary and think others could pick it up too even if they hadn't read others . Overall I enjoyed this book and found it a fun read however I did miss the reoccurring characters.

Thank you for the arc.

Deciding to visit her Irish castle for the first time, Eleanor hasn’t even made it to the doors before finding a body! “Murder in an Irish Castle” by Verity Bright is a continuation of a series I thoroughly enjoy! Set at Christmas, I was sad we don’t get to enjoy the full cast of characters as only Eleanor, bulldog Gladstone and butler Clifford make the trip.

The townsfolk add colour and mystery as Eleanor tries to unravel what is really going on whilst enduring “accidents” which feel more like attacks and danger is never far from our leading lady.

I didn’t find this mystery quite as hard to fathom as previous ones but I read murder mysteries non-stop so am perhaps a little too able to spot a troupe. Still, well-written, it is a four out of five on the enJOYment scale.

Lots of intrigue and red herrings to boot.

We're in yet another new environment, with Eleanor, her inimitable Clifford and delightful bulldog, Gladstone, responding to an invitation to visit her estate (in a small village) in Ireland! Their arrival causes quite a stir and their accommodation is not quite what they had in mind. . Things are not what they seem. Once again we see how past behaviours have a direct impact on their present.

The authior, once again, portrays the close relationships that get this trio through some tight situations and their determination to do the best they can, despite challenging circumstances, beautifully. Howver, I find I am missing the broader cast of characters and hope for a cozy mystery closer to home with Seldon making more of an appearance and the village folk! The broader cast adds a great deal to the pleasure of the read, for me.

Having said that I find this series most enjoyable and highly recommend this book and the series. It's 4 out of 5 for me!

With thanks to Bookouture, Netgalley and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review

Here we find Lady Eleanor and Clifford venturing to Ireland to get in touch with Ellie’s roots. Her inheritance included not only Henley Hall, but also another estate, Hennelly Towers in the west of Ireland, and the title of Baronetess Derry of Ross. Uncle Byron had never actually gone there, but had maintained the staff and sent funds for them to keep up the estate. When Ellie receives an invitation to celebrate Christmas with the small village of Derrydee, not far from this newly realized portion of her inheritance, she jumps at the chance.

The mystery begins before they even reach the castle when they find a man clinging to life in the middle of the road. They seek help at a nearby abbey, and the Mother Superior reluctantly takes them in and phones for assistance. Sadly, the man dies, and no one – the Mother Superior, the priest, the police, the doctor – seems particularly concerned about the man’s identity, nor do they seem to mourn his passing. Constable Doyle, in fact, seems almost to hold Lady Eleanor and Clifford responsible for the man’s death, since they’re the only folks around with a car and must have run him over.

There may be no love lost between the Irish and the English as a whole, but the villagers seem to be generally welcoming to Ellie. It probably helps that she’s a most unconventional noblewoman! Still, though, no one wants to talk about the dead man, and indeed, they almost seem afraid to do so. And more curious, the school headmistress who supposedly extended the holiday invitation vehemently denies having done so. Something isn’t right, and Ellie and Clifford start nosing around, placing themselves in danger in the process.

This story takes place entirely in the west of Ireland, so events unfold without the usual presence of DCI Hugh Seldon, Eleanor’s beau, and the ladies of Henley Hall. There are still plenty of characters to love, though! Murphy, the keeper of the local pub, his daughter Kathleen, Doctor Sullivan O’Sullivan, Headmistress Breen, and so many more. And let’s not forget Tompkins, the cat at Hennelly Towers – he and Gladstone the bulldog soon become fast friends, and I do love a story with a cat!

Clifford has always been most concerned for his mistress’s propriety and a stickler for doing things by the book. Here, though, we see him loosen up just a little more. I think Clifford is one of my favorite characters. He’s Ellie’s butler, sure. But he’s so much more than that to her. Differences in status aside, I think she sees him as a friend and an honorary uncle standing in her Uncle Byron’s stead. I think she is much more than an employer to him, too, and it’s fun seeing their relationship grow.

The setting is charming, if impoverished, and Bright does a good job of giving the reader a sense of place and time. I’m not a big student of history, but it seems that they’ve done their research. I really loved the descriptions of the food. I might not fix much of it myself, but I think I’d try making some farls.

Murder in an Irish Castle is a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas-themed cozy. There is action and suspense. There is humor and affection. There is plenty of Irish charm, and a satisfactory resolution when the killer is brought to justice. (I cheered when we finally learned what had kept the villagers quiet and that situation was resolved!) I missed seeing Hugh and Ellie together, but the descriptions of the Christmas celebrations in Derrydee were delightful just about made up for Hugh’s absence. I hope we’ll see a bit more progress on the relationship front for them in the next book!

It’s another five-star read from Verity Bright for me!

What a lovely series this is and the new book is an excellent addition to the collection.

Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler and partner in crime Clifford have travelled to Ireland following an invitation to stay at a Manor House which is part of her inheritance. On arrival nothing is as it seems and no one seems to remember issuing the invitation. On the journey the two come across a dying man and this begins the case for the two to investigate.

Beautiful cover design, lovely story and the characters are like old friends. I really enjoy this series and can’t wait to read the next instalment of this historical cozy crime.

Thank to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Perfect holiday read! Easily puts you in the mood for Christmas and engages the reader from the opening chapter. I loved the wit and humor in this book and the cleverly plotted mystery.

Murder in an Irish Castle is the 12th instalment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, set in the 1920s. This time, it's December and Ellie is in Derrydee in the west of Ireland on her way to her late Uncle's castle. Her butler is travelling with with her as well as Gladstone the bulldog. But just after they arrive they find a body on the road in the drizzle.

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 eleven 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 is pretty good though a little convuluted, and there's danger lurking. Murder in an Irish Castle is comfortably paced, compulsive and once again, Verity Bright's highly addictive storytelling really works 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.

Verity Bright indulges in the 12th Lady Eleanor Swift historical cozy mystery Mystery in an Irish Castle. Lady Swift has received an invitation to her late uncle's Irish castle; she and Clifford her butler discover an unknown injured man in the road close by the castle. The unknown dies and no one identifies him. The villagers did not invite her and the staff has fled the castle. What else could go wrong? Read and find out in this delightful cozy from 1924 Ireland.

It warms my heart to know that this series has become so endearing to me. Here we are at book 12) and it is still such a treat to return to Eleanor and Clifford’s side as they untangle yet another murder mystery. As always danger is never far behind for Lady Swift herself.

On this occasion the story begins late at night on a cold, lonely Irish road with Eleanor and Clifford driving to a remote castle for Christmas, a castle that apparently belonged to her late uncle. Events soon take a sinister turn and the cosy Irish Christmas Eleanor imagined begins to disappear as suspicion, danger, secrets – and of course a dead body – emerge like frosted breath in the cold air.

As well as the mystery aspect of these stories I also enjoy delving a little deeper into our central characters with each book that I read. We even get a little more backstory to our favourite butler (and bodyguard) and a few more questions about Eleanor’s past are answered.. The small historical facts weaved within the text, the wonderful characterisation and that genuine warmth the exudes from both Eleanor and Clifford. Their relationship is as deep as family rather than employer and employee. It really is a joy to return again and I look forward to (I hope) many more adventures with them yet.

Things I liked:
*The setting - Christmas in a small Irish village - lovely!
*The ending - The twist was one I didn't see coming, but also wasn't so totally out there as to be unbelievable.
*Lady Swift - I love that she refuses to behave as a lady "should."
*Gladstone - he's like a grumpy old man in dog form :)

Things that didn't resonate with me:
*The relationship between Lady Swift and Clifford - It's book 13 and they still behave as if they're just getting to know one another half the time. It's just a weird servant/master vibe I don't understand.
*Gladstone - She takes that damn dog everywhere! How does it not get in the way?? :)