Housekeeper Harriet and steward Matthew Rowsley, trustees of the legacy of Thorncroft House, are away in Oxford, overseeing the donation of precious artifacts to the Bodleian, when they receive a telegram advising that a decapitated body has been found on the estate. Hurrying home to the Shropshire countryside, they find the man’s body in custody of the police and the head in Thorncroft’s ice house, from which the incompetent sergeant in charge won’t remove it or even look at it. Eventually, after numerous refusals by Matthew to view the evidence, he invites a young man he knows to make sketches. Those same sketches are forwarded to various law enforcement officials but do nothing to prompt the removal of the decomposing item, which infuriates long-standing housekeeper, Harriet, to the point of frustrated anger and some poignant reflections on her past.

This successful series, set in the 1860s, has a winding story which draws together many strands which weave through all six books—Thorncroft’s very ill and unstable young lord, who is cared for in the Family Wing hospital; the trustees’ long search for an heir; a lost will perhaps hidden by a vindictive guest of the house; and now a gypsy curse which has all the staff on edge. Readers cannot help but be reminded of Downton’s stoic and forthright Mrs Hughes in the character of Harriet, so considerate to the estate staff. However, this isn’t the place for new readers to start because of questions which might arise. Why are the ‘staff’ considered ‘colleagues’? Why do Harriet and Matthew have so much freedom over the sixty-room mansion? Why are the household cook and a local innkeeper among the trustees of the estate? Sadly, this series might be concluding but would be marvellous read in order.

In at the Death is a richly atmospheric historical mystery that pulls readers straight into the fog-draped countryside of 1860s England, where secrets lurk behind every elegant facade. Harriet and Matthew Rowsley make a compelling investigative duo — practical, sharp-witted, and fiercely loyal — as they navigate not only the grisly discovery of a mutilated body but also the unsettling arrival of a charming yet calculating American heir determined to upend their way of life.

The tension builds masterfully as Harriet finds herself imprisoned and silenced, forced to grapple with haunting memories and a long-buried secret that threatens to upend everything she holds dear. The period details are lush without being overwhelming — you can practically hear the clatter of carriage wheels, feel the damp chill seeping through Thorncroft’s stone walls, and see the wary glances exchanged over candlelit dinners.

Though the pacing occasionally slows to linger on intricate estate politics, the stakes remain deeply personal, making every twist and revelation hit home. Harriet’s inner strength, paired with Matthew’s steady support, adds a warm, emotional core to the dark intrigue swirling around them.

This is book 7 of a series but the first I have read and I do feel they are best read in order as it did feel like I was coming in as things were finishing. It’s written in first person, dual POV and was a little confusing to get used to. There’s a lot of information about the relationships between the characters to get used to and it did feel like it overshadows the mystery plot a bit but is well enough written. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In At The Death by Judith Cutler. I don’t know if I’m missing about three books before this one. Harriet and Matthew are housekeepers but seem to know everyone and are in Oxford to look at a headless body? It’s sold as downtown abbey but with murder but also maybe this acid? It’s fun and lighthearted for murder and I did enjoy it but it’s all a bit mad. *Given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

This is the first book by this author that I have read. If I read the books before, I may have found it easier to get into. There was too much going on and I found my self getting lost. Sadly I did not finish this book. I received this as an ARC from netgalley and freely give my review.

I'm sorry only to enter this series at book 6, which means, I know something that would likely take away from the earlier books in the series. Still, Harriet and Matthew Rowsley are a delightful egalitarian couple in an aristocratic setting. She, the former housekeeper for a lord and lady, now gone. They are two of the trustees for the estate they left behind, which also houses the "mad" lord, kept comfortably but securely in the "family wing," a sort of infirmary for retired servants requiring care and others in the village. Since there is not going to be another heir in light of the current lord's condition, the family solicitor has spent several years looking for the heir to the title. It seems he is found in Mr. Baker, a southern slaveholder from the United States, which is in the midst of a war. It is 1861 and Mr. and Mrs. Baker are arrived at the property to check out what will all come to them.

Meanwhile, just before they arrive there is a murder and the victim was beheaded. The head is in the ice house and the police are acting strange and it's likely that gypsys killed the man because he sexually assaulted a young girl. Throw in a visit from young Jeremy who is a skilled artist and who, to the officers' dismay, creates a perfect sketch of the dead man's head. And why is no one removing the head? There is humor. There is snobbery but not from our duo, and there is an entertaining story that makes me want to go back and read more. Recommend.

I have not read any other book in the series so I was a little lost, but this still works as a standalone. The Rowlsey couple are thrown into a tizzy when a new heir is found, and Is a complete rotter. To top it all off his lordship is ill, there may be a new will to find, a headless corpse some thefts and lots of romances. As a grand finale, this book served as one grand hurrah for the couple and also had a great epilogue that tied all the lose ends nicely.

#netgalley #InattheDeath

1861 While the Rowsleys are visiting Oxford, a decapitated and multilated body of a male is discovered at the Thorncroft estate. The non-local police seem to be incapable of an investigation. Why and what are they covering up. Meanwhile the legitimate heir of the Estate has been finally found, and unfortunately the American man and wife are visiting them. But what are his motives. Hopefully all will be revealed.
An entertaining historical mystery which would seem to be the last in this enjoyable series with its vast cast of likeable and interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This series was okay at the begining, but is becoming a tad tedious as time goes on. Firstly, it is overly sentimental, and it's cloying 'benevolence' is becoming wearing. It's not that one wants meanness bad behavioiur from the characters and story, but the overt saccarine sweetness that pervades the central household is not only completely unrealistic, but it has also become a bit much to take, in terms of reading a book. I like 'cozy' as well as the next man, but this is becoming way too much, and each book takes this element further than the one before.

That said, it is a perfectly good book and in line with the previous stories although once again, the double first-person narrative causes confusion at times, especially at the beginning of each new chapter. However, witht this latest development, I can see the end of the series, as the premise has now changed beyond the scope of the current series of books. It was bound to happen and one could see it coming, but now that it has, this is clearly the end of the series - and possibly a good thing too.

It seems as though the author is becoming sloppy about certain aspects of the historical setting, so that purists such as myself can
clearly see anachronistic errors permeating the text. This was not apparent in the other stories but it certainly was in this one. For example, it is stated that Matthewe Rowsley took a cold shower. In rural England, in the Victorian era? An impossibility! People hardly took regular baths back then and a shower was unknown at that time. The constant coffee instead of tea also strikes a discordant note, and marks the writer as more transatlantic than British. The role of a butler is also portrayed incorrectly. The author has the butler witdraw from the dining room between courses at a formal dinner. This is/was never done as the butler would need to supervise the service of the other servants, and he would also need to be on hand in case anything was needed (such as another bottle of wine, etc.)

To sum up, a creditable book, but the latest in a series that perhaps has run its course and has nowhere else to go.

"In at the Death" is a historical set in 1861 in England. As it's more about wrapping up the series (with an epilogue explaining the futures of all the favorite characters), you'll probably enjoy this story more if you've read at least a few of the previous books. A murdered man's found near the estate, and they struggled to find someone willing to photograph or sketch the head so they can identify the man. They all agreed that it was pretty obvious why he was killed, who (in general) did it, and that the killer's likely long gone. And the police discouraged anyone from even talking about the murder. This was one case where I didn't mind that the killer was never found.

The Trustees have to deal with the American heir, a Southern slave owner looking to raise money since the American Civil War is starting. He's determined to find a way to inherit earlier rather than later, or at least sneak some expensive items away. The whole household's on edge as he schemed against them, specifically targeting Harriet. This prompted her to look for a missing will that could change who inherits, which was apparently discussed in a previous book. And, of course, there's a happy ending to wrap everything up.

There was some bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this story to fans of the series.

I actually really liked this book!! It was well written and kept my attention. I ended up reading it in 2 sittings and would love to read more by this author!

This is book 7 of a series best read in order. It’s written in first person, dual POV, without an indication of who’s POV you’re in when it shifts. It’s maddening. Jumping into the middle of the series, I had no idea what was going on. There’s a lot of information about the relationships between the characters, which overshadows the mystery plot. I never had any idea what was going on. DNF.

Set in Victorian Shropshire. In at the Death is the sixth and last installment in A Harriet & Matthew Rowsley Victorian Mystery series. Reading the previous five is preferable, of course, but they are easy to immerse yourself in on their own. Secrets and deceit abound in spades with tidbits of juicy gossip. I could practically hear the whispers and murmurs and swish of skirts.

This upstairs/downstairs story is engaging, witty, whip smart and chock full of atmosphere. Refreshingly, the protagonists Harriet and Matthew are Housekeeper and Estate Manager of Thorncroft House so they know the ins and outs of both the staff and upper class. While enjoying a week in Oxford meeting new and old acquaintances, they receive disturbing news of a decapitation so decide to rush back home. Harriet holds a secret close to her chest. She is eventually arrested but has certain connections. Meanwhile, American heir to the house throws spanners into the works. Claude Baker isn't exactly beloved but adds a fascinating layer to the story. The ending is gratifying, as are the surprises sprinkled throughout.

My favourite aspect is bustling life downstairs in the incomparable Victorian era. The writing is engaging and easy to follow. I enjoyed the comfy vibes in front of a roaring fire with hot chocolate on a chilly day.

My sincere thank you to Severn and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this enchanting novel.

Harriet has a secret but she's not telling, even though she's been wrongly arrested for murder. It's 1861 and Harriet, along with her husband Matthew have to deal with an heir-at long last-to Thorncroft House, which they manage. But murder upsets it all. These two are a delight; I will mis them. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Cutler has kept the series fresh. the mysteries not too twisty and the storytelling engaging throughout the series and best of all- this can be read as a standalone.

A fun mystery read- kept me engaged and excited to know what was going to happen next! Not at all what I expected but in the best way. I didn’t read any of the other stories in the series first and was still able to really enjoy this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

Thorncraft House, October 1861, England.

Harriet and Matthew are in Oxford when they receive news of a body found on the estate. Rushing back to Shropshire, things get confusing.

The police are not exactly on the job. A new heir may have been found for the house, and he is a piece of work. Before you know it Harriet is in jail and must do some explaining for her own past and secrets will come out.

This is the final installment of the lovely couple from Shropshire. It has been a pleasure!


NetGalley/ Severn House January 07, 2025

An intriguing Victorian murder mystery. Truly a suspenseful page-turner. Special thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This talented author has written a page turner.
Realistic characters…red herrings and secrets…thanks Netgalley