Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford, head to the Irish Castle she inherited from her uncle for Christmas. Neither she or her uncle had ever seen it, as he inherited it not too long before he died. She has been invited to come by Miss Winnifred Breen, the village teacher and the head of the Derrydee Village Committee. As they get close to the castle, Clifford suddenly slams on the brakes, as there is a man lying on the road. They manage to get him in the car and go back a short distance to the Ballykieran Abbey. The Mother Superior summons the Priest, Father Quinn, Dr. O'Sullivan, and the village policeman, Constable Doyle. The man dies, and none of those present want to talk. Everyone they have met seems very unfriendly and strange.

When they finally get to the castle, Hennelly Towers, there is no one inside. All the staff has left except for Corcoran who lives in the gatehouse. They go to the pub in the village the next morning to get something to eat, and meet the owner, Murphy who is friendly. When they see two men run away from the Rolls, they quickly find that the car has been disabled. Car parts and mechanics are few and far between, and Eleanor and Clifford soon realize this is not the wonderful vacation Christmas they had imagined.

When the gatehouse is burned down on Christmas Eve, they get help from Murphy and Smithie. By then, they realize there is a real problem in Derrydee, and they are determined to find out who is causing fear in all the residents. Will they be able to figure out the problems and fix them before their Christmas holiday has ended? Will they still be alive on Christmas night?

As Lady Eleanor Swift travelled in their Rolls with Clifford and Gladstone, to Ireland's Derrydee and the castle which she had inherited after her Uncle Byron's death, the discovery of a body on the road saw them stopping to render aid. With only a faint pulse, they headed to the nearby convent in search of a doctor. After the man's death, both Ellie and Clifford were suspicious of how and why the man died. So together they began an investigation which would see them in grave danger on several occasions.

The folk of Derrydee were friendly, inviting them to the Christmas celebrations the town traditionally held. The children of the local school sang sweetly, while the alcohol and laughter ran freely. But the danger was still there, and Ellie and Clifford were frustrated by their lack of answers...

Murder in an Irish Castle is #12 in A Lady Eleanor Swift series by Verity Bright and I loved it, just like the previous eleven! A fabulous, fun and entertaining cozy series with characters that always make me laugh. Gladstone has fans wherever they go, and in this one the castle's cat becomes his best friend. The stiff upper lip of Clifford struggles to remain that way and Ellie's sharp brain keeps up with Clifford's - mostly. I'm looking forward to the next in the series! Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

The Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries are a favourite series, and we’re already on book 12. I have loved every single one, including Murder in an Irish Castle.

This time, Eleanor and Clifford have travelled to Ireland, where they’ve been invited to spend Christmas at the estate she inherited there from her uncle. When they arrive, they discover that all is not as it should be at the estate, and in the village. They obviously then investigate!

This book felt more sinister than any of the previous stories. I think perhaps because Eleanor was cut off from all her usual resources (except for Clifford), and there seemed to be some sort of conspiracy going on. However, there was still plenty of banter between the two, and other funny moments. It was interesting to see them manage both the mystery, and the day to day chores etc, without the usual backup. Luckily they are both very intrepid and resourceful, after all their adventures (both in the book series and before).

The plot was a good one - like Eleanor, I found it difficult to work out who was trying to help them, and who wished to harm them.

Overall, though a little darker, this was another excellent and compelling murder mystery, with humour and much loved characters.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

Lady Eleanor, butler and bulldog head to Ireland for Christmas at her recently inherited pile.. They encounter an almost body which is taken to the local Abbey - suspicious Mother Superior, unpleasant Doctor, odd priest and the body expires. The team set out to find the murdered as well as the story of the dead man; lots of intrigue, fear, ill-feeling and Christmas fun as only the Irish can do before Ellie is heading for home. I love the language which feels very 1930s - precise, formal at times and sometimes convoluted. The Irish characters are just that, Irish. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Lady Eleanor Swift never disappoints when it comes to adventure - this book however was not my favorite in the series.

Lady Swift and her Steadfast loyal Butler along with Master Gladstone - the Bulldog are off to Ireland - at the invitation of the city committee to celebrate Christmas. What can go wrong?

ALOT

First they find an almost dead body on the road on the way to the family seat in Ireland.
Then they stop at an Abbey with Benedictine nuns, who are somewhat standoffish
They meet the local constabulary and doctor and it's less than a welcoming meeting.

There is more to this town than meets the eye, with lots of turns and twists. It takes getting to the end to find out what is going on. The ending, however, is sweet.

These books are fun to read, I wish this one had more of the characters we have come to love in it.

I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Lots of local colour, intelligent application in working out of the mystery - which grew roots and branched out into a satisfyingly complex story. And I love Clifford's precision of language. I received this book as a complimentary review copy from the author via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

"Irish whiskey, rolling green hills, a traditional Christmas feast and...a murder? Lady Swift will need the luck of the Irish to survive this holiday season!

Christmas, 1923. Lady Eleanor Swift has received a rather unexpected invitation to the village Christmas party in the tiny, rural hamlet of Derrydee in the west of Ireland. Eleanor is thrilled about exploring her ancestral roots at her late uncle’s estate and spending the festive season in a castle. Packing Gladstone the bulldog's coziest Christmas jumper, they set off to the Emerald Isle with her butler Clifford in tow.

Arriving late at night, Eleanor and Clifford are shocked when they find a body sprawled in the snow on the winding country lane outside the estate. The local constable is immediately suspicious and all but accuses the pair of murder. This isn’t the warm Irish welcome Eleanor imagined!

Clifford is certain he recognises the poor fellow from the funeral of Eleanor's uncle - but what was their connection? Undeterred by the villagers' lack of gossip on the matter, Eleanor is determined to get justice for the victim. The man's pockets are suspiciously empty of personal effects, but closer inspection reveals an old key hidden in the heel of his boot. Could this unlock more than one mystery for Eleanor?

But when a fire breaks out at the castle on Christmas Eve, an even bigger question looms: is someone out to ensure the family line dies with Lady Swift? And will Eleanor's first Irish Christmas be her last?

An utterly addictive festive whodunnit set in Ireland, brimming with mystery, intrigue and wit. Sure to delight fans of T.E. Kinsey, Agatha Christie and Rhys Bowen."

Another book for my holiday reading this year. Murder and Christmas just go together better than anything else.

This book 12 is the finest foray into the world of murder and mystery for the indomitable lady Eleanor Swift and her incomparable butler. Going to Ireland to spend Christmas in her newly inherited mansion, she encounters her first body before she even arrives. Unable to accept the doctor's verdict of a heart attack, she and her adorable right hand man embark on an epic adventure with plot twists aplenty. Full of Irish charm and warmth to counteract the nefarious goings on. The delightful bulldog Gladstone snuffles and licks his way through the story now with his very own pet cat ,Tomkins ,in attendance, adding humour and smiles . Absolutely love these delightful books from Verity Bright

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Murder in an Irish Castle, the twelfth novel to feature Lady Eleanor Swift, set in 1923.

Lady Eleanor is thrilled to receive an invitation to the Christmas party held by the the village of Derrydee in the west of Ireland. She has inherited an estate there from her late uncle and is excited to see it and explore her Irish roots, but she is shocked, when arriving late at night, to find a body in the road outside the estate. Despite a lack of interest from the villagers she is determined to find out what happened and why, aided naturally by her butler, Clifford who thinks he remembers the man lurking at her uncle’s funeral.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murder in an Irish Castle, which is a fun read with a whoppingly outrageous plot that just adds to the humour. It is told from Eleanor’s point of view and as she attacks life with gusto and a certain naïveté the novel is full of verve and joy.

I don’t even know where to start with the plot as it mostly consists of Eleanor asking questions and not getting any answers from a village unwilling to discuss recent events, especially when it becomes apparent that someone wishes to do her harm or at least drive her out. The denouement is delightfully silly with both perpetrator and motive well disguised and an answer to one unexplained event in her past. Satisfying, if not remotely sensible.

The real core of the novel, however, is the relationship between Eleanor and Clifford. She is the impulsive madcap, he is the one trying to instil decorum and a sense of position and yet he not only indulges her investigations, he ably assists. They always make me laugh. In this novel they are on their own, so the usual supporting cast of the staff at Henley Hall and her beau, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon are missing and missed.

Murder in an Irish Castle is a fun read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Another fabulous book featuring Ellie, Clifford, and Master Gladstone... and this one has the added bonus of having a festive feel to it, albeit it a festive season filled with a number of dead bodies!

With this book being set in Ireland, it was interesting to learn about the different customs and traditions, but also to see that Ellie and Clifford are a formidable detective duo, even when out of their own familiar surroundings.

Filled with humour, as always, I just find myself getting such joy out of this series, and this book is a great addition to it.

This book was pretty intriguing to me. I liked Eleanor’s character and the setting in Ireland. I had a hard time getting into the dialogue and way things are described. I feel like it was trying a little too hard to sound English. I didn’t realize this was a series when I requested, and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had known the background on the characters. I am definitely interested in going back to the beginning to learn more about the characters and make my way through the series.

I have enjoyed this series from the start. This book has Ellie and her butler/friend/advisor traveling to Ireland to investigate some family matters. Ellie finally gets some answers to family mysteries and of course solves another real crime. As always, the mystery itself is well plotted and engaging, and it’s always good to see regular characters. I felt with this one, though, that a few elements started to feel almost formulaic, and I was a little disappointed that there is no Hugh in this book. I’m all for a slow burn romance, but this is dragging on a bit.

A quick, easy and cosy read that is well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters all in a incredible setting. I loved the inclusion of Irish traditions/culture too.

This reminded me so much of the Lady Hardcastle books! Lady Eleanor is invited to spend Christmas in an Irish castle so off she goes along with her butler Clifford and dog. She ends up in a sleepy little village and finds a body right outside the castle grounds. This has got clergy content, lots of Irish flavour and family secrets and the relationship between Lady Eleanor and Clifford is great fun. I'd completely consider reading the rest of the series, this was really enjoyable.

A thousand thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book.

This book is good to read about now at the end of the year. It features murder and a possible ghost for Halloween and plenty of Christmas cheer. Henelley Towers is creepy enough for Halloween. I bet it IS haunted but not by the ghost that caused the servants to flee. Derrydee is a charming village. I really liked all the color color worked into the story and learning about Irish food and Irish Christmas celebrations. It's a huge difference from last Christmas in Scotland!

The characters in this series are so lifelike. I love Ellie and how much she's grown in the last few years. I suspect the villagers are anti-English but if they take the time to get to know her, they'll see she's not the usual sort of English noblewoman. Ellie takes in everything with wide-eyed delight, like a child. The food of rural Ireland is humble peasant food but she loves it. (Granted, Ellie has traveled to the remotest parts of the world and sampled the most unusual of foods, so she's not fussy). Clifford acts like he's suffering but he's devoted to Ellie and not just for Uncle Byron's sake. They truly are friends. Clifford is more than a friend- he's the uncle figure in Ellie's life since Uncle Byron was murdered. He's her bodyguard, her sleuthing partner and devoted servant too. Clifford is so prim and proper at times, it is very amusing. I missed the ladies and his interactions with them. Gladstone comes along for the trip but he doesn't have much to do. He's adorable as always and makes a new friend, Tomkins, the kitten. They're very sweet together. There's a new animal sidekick, a very stubborn mule only Clifford can manage.

At Ballykieran Abbey we meet the Mother Superior who is very tough and devout. She's reluctant to allow men in her abbey, even half dead ones and servants. From her reaction to the man Ellie brings in, I suspect she knows who he is but she won't say! Father Quinn isn't talking either and Ellie finds him a bit suspicious. He's new to the area but he IS a priest so if he knows something, he's not allowed to tell and if he's up to something bad, well, he IS a priest! This series is pretty cozy so I doubt Father Quinn is a bad person. Maybe just crusty. Doctor O'Sullivan is a bit gruff too. He isn't forthcoming about his patient and he is seen skulking around the village. Ellie suspects Dr. O'Sullivan might know a little something about what happened the the dead man. Constable Doyle is irascible, doesn't like women and seems suspicious of Ellie and Clifford. It would be easy to pin a murder charge on them because they're the only people around with a car and they're new. Yet, she's the Lady of Hennelly Towers so I'm not sure he can arrest her easily. Murphy, the publican and undertaker, is lively and welcoming but also not forthcoming about the dead body in his cellar.

At the Towers, there's only Cocoroan, a faithful old servant. He's cheeky and not in a good way. I suspect he's either a leprechaun or a villain. He seems suspicious to me. Ghost stories? Not setting foot in the house? He is not a good servant. Ellie should have brought the ladies!

Miss Breen is a no-nonsense headmistress/teacher. She's tough on the kids but only because they're very poor and need learning to get ahead. She seems a bit confused though and not all together with it. Unless she's lying. Murphy's daughter Kathleen is a lot of fun. She's the cook in the pub and keeps her dad on his toes. They have a close relationship but I don't think so close that he has involved in her whatever he's mixed up in. Mr. Sheeply Walsh is an old school farmer. He's chatty enough but doesn't involve himself in village affairs - or so he says.

I strongly suspect they ALL are involved in SOMETHING up to their necks and I think that something has to do with the "troubles." The villain was kind of obvious but the reveal was a shock. I wasn't expecting that and it was a little too dark for me. The motive was rather lame. Doesn't everyone else have the same motive? The secondary villains are rather cartoonish goons who threaten and laugh meanly but don't have enough brains to do anything on their own. Otherwise, the residents of the village and town are enjoyable, well-drawn characters. I missed the ladies and Hugh though.

Off to Ireland go Ellie and Clifford, accompanied by the ever-faithful Gladstone, to visit the estate that Ellie has inherited from her late father. The welcome is not always as warm as they would have expected, and when they come across a dying man in the road their trip gets them tied up in another murder case. And this time it's very personal, when Ellie's family connections make her the potential next victim...

As ever, this is a wonderful escapist adventure, with enough comedy to offset any drama and peril. The setting means that we have to without the colourful cast of the staff at Henley Hall and, more importantly, Hugh Seldon, but there are plenty going on that keep the pace at a gallop. And a ginger cat called Tomkins who steals the show.

Sit back and enjoy this great series. 4 stars.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

Christmas in Ireland being used as the setting for a cozy mystery. I had to read it! This is the 12th book in the Lady Eleanor Swift series but is the very first one I have read. It won't be my last!!

I had no trouble jumping into the story and it definitely can be read as a standalone. I love the author's descriptive way of telling the story. I can really picture it in my mind and be transported to an Irish castle and village in 1923. I enjoyed the banter between Ellie and Clifford. He may be her butler/companion, but he is also her crime solving partner. It was a refreshing change to see the heroine solving a crime where her police detective beau is not involved or even there for this one.

Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford, are off to Ireland to spend Christmas in the Castle left to her by her Uncle Byron who recently was murdered. First thing they come upon is a man lying the road near death. They are able to get him to a nearby Abby, but he dies. Now who is the man no one claims to know. Ellie and Clifford find themselves with more questions than answers. The village has some interesting folks who are not being honest with our duo. They suffer a car mishap, a fire and some physical threats from the village bullies. This is a story that will keep you reading into late in the night until you finish. I also have a soft spot with stories that have pets in them. Gladstone and Tomkins have captured my heart and I hope to see them again in another edition of this series. I will be anxiously waiting on the next installment.

Christmas feels, old world charms, and the allure of an Irish countryside with some lovely some tough villagers, delicious food, spooky corridors, and ancient buildings. And the cutest lady and her butler - best detective pair. Solving crime happening under the garb of calm. Mysterious chain of events. It was very intriguing as it was cozy. There was ample comic relief, and the murder mystery wasn't heavy. It was such a delightful read. Simple times, simple lives. And a mystery is for the holiday appetite indeed. I loved reading this. Intriguing premise and interesting clues. Much recommended for a cozy lazy day holiday read.

4/5

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the early copy!

Set in a quaint town with a mystery rooted far deeper than what you expect, Eleanor and her butler stumble upon an almost-dead body in the middle of the road, but something about him just seems off, yet Eleanor can't place why.

Being involved with a police officer and also having a sharp mind to see the finer details, Eleanor and her butler, Clifford, start asking questions. But the people in this small Irish town are not cooperating, raising questions of who the actual guilty party is in all of this.

As Eleanor and Clifford dig deeper into this man's mysterious death, they stumble upon a whole array of secrets that are costing their lives.

Let's not forget the mentions of food in this novel that constantly had me reaching for a snack.

Eleanor gives me Sherlock Holmes vibes, and Clifford the trusty Watson.

Although I did suspect the suspect to be who I thought it was, I would never have guessed the turn of events that led to the reveal of the murderer!

This book was outstanding! A perfect cosy and funny mystery novel for Christmas.

The book will be featured on my social media posts soon! There just needs to be some editing done.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "Murder in an Irish Castle" in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 12th book in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series and it was among the most suspenseful ones to date. Of the regulars from the books only Ellie, her butler Clifford and Gladstone the bulldog were in this adventure to Derrydee in West Ireland. The "ladies" of Henley Hall having stayed behind in Little Buckford.

Ellie receives and invitation from a Miss Winifred Breen, the headmistress of the local school and head of the Derrydee Village Committee to visit the Irish estate that she inherited from her late Uncle Byron during the Christmas holiday season. Hennelly Towers also comes with the title of Baronetess Derry of Ross.

DCI Hugh Seldon has often commented that Ellie has a tendency to "attract dead bodies" and this book is no exception. After getting hopelessly lost in the Irish countryside, they happen upon an unconscious man who they then take to Ballykieran Abbey. This is when all manner of subterfuge starts and while getting deeper and deeper into trying to find out what actually happened to the poor man, Ellie and Clifford find themselves in all sorts of trouble. Ellie brings out her famous notebook and starts listing suspects - she has many because almost everyone in the Village is acting strangely.

A new character is introduced - Tomkins the cat, who becomes fast friends with Master Gladstone and insists on travelling back to England with them. Very much looking forward to Ellie's next adventure! Once again this book as all in the series, deserves more than 5 stars.