Lady Eleanor Swift is back and in Paris and who wouldn't want to be in Paris. This is book 22 in a rather long but very good and fun series and this one was quite charming and very cosy. Lady Eleanor and her new husband are on their honeymoon so all should be good. Right? But when a body falls through a glass roof onto their table what should they do but investigate.

This is yet another cosy mystery that brings much fun, mystery and cosiness to my reading routine. I loved the investigation and the relationships between Eleanor, Hugh, and Clifford as they are interesting and have such different characters. I loved this book and never get bored of Lady Swift and her antics and investigations. She always brings light into my. day. A great read.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Follow Lady Swift and her new husband, Detective Hugh Seldon, as they enjoy a honeymoon in Paris.

The newlyweds are living it up in the city of love and have taken Clifford and Gladstone along to ensure the best time. Unfortunately, as luck would have it, their dinner toast is interrupted by the body of a man falling through the glass roof onto their table. Though Eleanor tries her best, the poor guy can’t be saved and he dies pressing a brooch into her hands. Now instead of sight seeing and other delights, Eleanor, Hugh, and Clifford become involved in the investigation into what seems to be theft from a museum and murder.

Now everyone knows that in the cozy mystery genre there’s a dead person in every story. So Eleanor has been quite busy for 22 installments in her story. But that’s the thing about a cozy. Everyone knows that the mystery will be solved and the good guys will come out on top and all the grisly details that many of us enjoy at times are absent. And that’s why we read them — it gives us a break and provides a sense of rightness and comfort. Eleanor and her cohort are just overly wonderful people so you totally know what’s coming but there is a sense of solace that all can be made right in the world.

I enjoy the golden age details with regard to the clothes, food, social customs, and the upper class lifestyle during that period in history. I do wish Eleanor and Hugh would have more to attend to at Henley Hall and I sense a shift in the series as perhaps they will form some sort of detective agency with Clifford. Who knows, but I look forward to whatever comes next for the happy couple and their entourage.

Thank you to Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. It’s a great series that should be read from the beginning for best experience.

Death at a Paris Hotel by Verity Bright chronicles the honeymoon of Lady Eleanor and Hugh Seldon, with of course, Clifford and Gladstone in attendance. They have finally gotten married and as a surprise, Hugh has brought them to Paris. As they are eating dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, Ellie glances up as part of a toast and sees a man hurtling down through the glass dome far above their heads. As only Ellie can, she rushes to help the man, to no avail. As she is holding him, he puts a brooch into her hand. She doesn’t even know his name but she watches a life drains from his eyes. It is a touching moment that begins an enticing mystery surrounding this death and another, as well as a personal discovery for Ellie that makes her sad and nostalgic. It is a charming book.

Ellie has waited a long time for Hugh to decide to marry her and she is in heaven. She is also thrilled at his surprise of Paris for their honeymoon. It it seems odd to have Clifford along, she explains it by calling him her secretary, and even forces him to interact socially with them on occasion, which is difficult for him. Hugh is constantly amazed by both Clifford and Ellie and even bonds more thoroughly with Gladstone. Ellie is a unique personality, but everyone loves her. Seldon and Clifford certainly do. As she investigates, she never forgets the ladies at home, being certain she has gifts for them. The trio find themselves in peculiar circumstances more than once, including spending the night in jail. It is an intriguing mystery, prompted by nothing more than greed. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion when the culprit(s) are brought to justice and Ellie and Hugh contemplate their future.

I was invited to read Death at a Paris Hotel by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #VerityBright #DeathAtAParisHotel

Eleanor and Hugh Seldon are off to Paris to enjoy their honeymoon and along for the ride are Clifford, the butler, and Gladstone, the dog. And unfortunately for them, there is a hanger-on they did not invite, death. A man falls to his death on their table at dinner. Eleanor is sure that she saw the man being pushed. Well, these intrepid foursome can't stay out of an investigation, even on a honeymoon.

This is a very enjoyable long running historical mystery that hasn't run out of steam yet. It has been a joy to see how the characters and relationships have evolved over time. There is a great deal of affection and gentle teasing here. You can easily read it for just the relationships alone but there is also a very twisty mystery that includes the Eiffel Tower, Impressionist art, possible corrupt policemen and a dangerous chase through the French countryside so you get historical information and action as well. What a lot packed into a fast-moving story.

You don't have to read any other books in the series to understand what is going on in this book but it would be a shame to miss the relationships that develop throughout the books. This is definitely a series that deserves a read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Death at a Paris Hotel is my new favorite book in this series. After finally tying the knot after the events of the prior book, Hugh surprises Eleanor with a honeymoon in Paris along with the ever capable Clifford to help everything run smoother. Unfortunately, while enjoying a meal at the hotel restaurant, a man crashes through the roof and lands on their table. Eleanor is unable to save him, but feels a connection to him that compels her to figure out what really happened and why he seem familiar. The mystery was nicely done and the interactions between Eleanor. Hugh, and Clifford are delightful as always. I loved the reveal on why Eleanor felt connected to the victim and the way Hugh and Eleanor still found an opportunity to enjoy Paris. This book felt like an ending and beginning, shifting direction in future books. As I was reading, I was sad to read that the wife in the husband and wife duo who writes the series was killed in an accident.

In DEATH AT A PARIS HOTEL, written by Verity Bright, it is April in Paris. Lady Eleanor is with Hugh Seldon on the third day of their honeymoon. Hugh surprises Lady Eleanor by bringing her butler, Clifford, to Paris. While Lady Eleanor enjoys a celebratory meal with Hugh, shattered glass rains down, along with the body of a man. Who is the man? What is the cause of his death? I’m intrigued and read on.

I am happy Lady Eleanor Swift is now married to Hugh Seldon and that the two of them work together to solve the mystery. The death happens early in the story, which works well in my opinion. The plot progresses at a good pace, and the coziness of the setting is perfect. I am pleased that Lady Eleanor keeps a notebook summarizing facts about the case. I look forward to reading future books in the series. Thank you, Bookouture and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of DEATH AT A PARIS HOTEL.

Death at a Paris Hotel is the latest novel by the husband-and-wife team known as Verity Bright. In the past, I’ve felt that the Lady Eleanor Smith novels set overseas do not work as well as those set in the UK, where Ellie and Clifford are in their accustomed social context. However, this book is a cracker and is my favourite of the overseas-set novels.

Although we have a death early in the novel, readers of detective fiction will still roll their eyes when Ellie asks, later in the book, “What’s the worst that can happen up the Eiffel Tower?” It’s complicit, knowing, touches like this that I love when reading novels by authors who understand their audiences.

Ellie and Seldon are on honeymoon in Paris (and, yes, Ellie insisted that Clifford should join them as a reward for his dedicated service to her) when a man dies. The French police who arrive to investigate state that he was a thief and suggest that Ellie is a fellow conspirator. Even though Ellie was only an observer of the man’s death, she wants to investigate and find out what happened.

When Ellie was cradling the dying man, she felt there was a connection between them. I think the elucidation, later in the book, of why she felt that link is beautiful and quite unexpected. The denouement, with all the suspects gathered together in best Agatha Christie style, is very well done. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am so sorry that Laura, one half of Verity Bright, died shortly before the book was published and I do hope that Mark, her husband and the other half of the authorship, continues the series.

#DeathataParisHotel #NetGalley

This book definitely had my attention by the end of Chapter 2! What a wild start to a murder mystery for Lady Swift and her entourage, a man falling through a glass roof while she was toasting her honeymoon? Say no more.
I loved the protective nature Seldon had for Eleanor, and the way he has accepted her for who she is, knowing she will never change and always be compassionate to the victims. She is also so steadfast in finding the culprit that she will put herself in danger to see justice served.
And boy was it served! I did not figure out the guilty party at all! That's when I know a mystery is well-written.
I also like the small crumbs we got about her parents.
This is definitely at the top as one of my favourites in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for sending me an ARC for my honest review.

Book twenty-two! I can’t believe it! But what a delight it is to be finally following Eleanor and her beau, Hugh on their honeymoon, and to the city of love no less. It’s been quite the journey up to this point. There has been murder, mayhem and many, many close shaves along the way. Each one of the beloved characters have faced their share of peril. As our love birds enjoy a romantic holiday, finally as man and wife, we get the sense that Eleanor may have found her happy ending. For a murder mystery, that would be no fun at all though and it isn’t long before another dead body lands literally in Lady Swift’s lap. But this one unnerves her even more than any of the previous encounters. This time she feels a connection with the victim and a strange sense of déjà vu. As always there are many obstacles to overcome as she, Clifford and now, Hugh try to unmask the killer, the biggest obstacle being that Lady Swift herself is a prime suspect. The deeper she digs the bigger the hole, and Eleanor discovers she is more involved in the dead man’s past that she anticipated. Past memories begin to surface and we, and Eleanor, learn a little more about her past and the link with her parents.

Really enjoyed this instalment in the series, it’s always a joy to be in Eleanor’s company and it was extra special visiting 1920s Paris. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Newlyweds Lady Swift and Detective Hugh Seldon are honeymooning in the most romantic city on earth. Clifford, her butler, has come along for the trip to make sure everything goes to plan for the happy couple. And Gladstone, the mischievous bulldog, to make sure it doesn’t! However the happy couple are shocked when, just as they are toasting their new marriage at the best table in their hotel’s opulent restaurant, a man tumbles through the glass roof. Before he dies, he presses a striking pearl brooch into Eleanor’s hands. She has the strangest feeling of déjà vu. All too quickly, the local police arrive and immediately accuse the new Mr and Mrs of working with the victim – a thief who’d just robbed a nearby museum.
The twenty second outing for Ellie & another engrossing murder mystery. I’ve loved how Ellie & Hugh’s relationship has changed & deepened throughout the series & I love that they are so happy together. This was an intriguing case with plenty of suspects who all have something to hide. A very well written cosy mystery, the characters are well portrayed & some I liked & some I didn’t. There were also twists, turns & surprises. And Ellie has added colours other than green to her wardrobe! I thoroughly enjoyed it & highly recommend it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

DCI Seldon has arranged to take his new wife, (Lady) Eleanor Swift, all-knowing butler, Clifford, and comic relief in the form of her bulldog Master Gladstone, to a fine hotel in Paris for their honeymoon. Even though few of their party speak more than the tiniest bit of French. In the midst of a magnificent dinner a man falls through the glass ceiling and dies in Verity's arms. And it only gets more convoluted from then on!
Another excellent mystery with a very detailed investigation, amazing plot twists (and a lot of laughs, too!). Fascinating addition to this delightful series. Wish it wasn't ending due to the unforeseen pain and sadness of the authors.
I requested and received a temporary digital e-galley of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ***** #Review @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @the.storygraph
#DeathataParisHotel by @BrightVerity #LadyEleanorSwiftMysteriesBk22 @Bookouture #NetGalley
#situationalhumor #witty #mischievouspets #cozymystery @barnesandnoble @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk #cozymystery #family #localcops #foodfest

Lady Eleanor Swift embarks on a new chapter of her life as a married woman. On her honeymoon with her new husband, Hugh, she eagerly anticipates the time they will spend together. This is particularly a blessing for Ellie, as Hugh narrowly escaped a poisoning attempt just two days before their wedding. Thanks to good planning by Hugh, they are accompanied by Ellie’s ever-reliable butler, Clifford, and her beloved bulldog, Gladstone. This is an unexpected surprise to Ellie and she realizes that Hugh knows how special they are to her.

However, their honeymoon takes an unexpected turn when a man falls through a ceiling, literally landing in Ellie’s lap and dies, but not before pressing a valuable object in her hand. When Ellie realizes this, she can sense the value of what turns out to be a silver brooch. Despite Hugh’s status as a senior detective back home, he lacks the authority to act in Paris. Nevertheless, Ellie keeps the information of the pearl brooch secret, determined to solve the murder herself. She is willing to leverage Hugh’s prominence to aid her in her quest.

With a long list of suspects, Ellie and Hugh find themselves entangled in a game of cat and mouse to uncover the truth behind the murder. As they delve deeper into the investigation, clues begin to pile up, as well as both Ellie and Hugh find themselves becoming suspects themselves. Now, they must work doubly hard to clear their names, as the stakes are higher than ever.

Verity Swift’s captivating series enchants readers with its fresh and intriguing plots. Ellie, Hugh, and the ever-clever Clifford form an unstoppable trio when it comes to solving crimes, no matter how perilous the danger. The Paris setting, including a visit to the Eiffel Tower in its early stages, and Hugh’s humorous attempts at French communication, all work together to make this book quite an engaging read.

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

Book Review: Death at a Paris Hotel by Verity Bright

Rating: 5-Star s

I just finished Death at a Paris Hotel, and honestly, it was such a treat! This latest installment in the series takes us on a romantic and suspenseful honeymoon adventure with Lady Eleanor Swift and her new husband, Detective Hugh Seldon. Picture this: champagne breakfasts, scenic strolls along the Eiffel Tower, and then—bam—a mysterious man crashes through the glass roof of their fancy hotel restaurant right as they’re celebrating. Before dying, he presses a unique pearl brooch into Eleanor’s hand, kicking off what quickly becomes their most dangerous case yet.

From there, Eleanor and Hugh find themselves wrongly accused of being linked to the victim, who turns out to be a museum thief. Together, they race against time through iconic Parisian spots—from lively cabarets to the very top of the Eiffel Tower—following clues tied to a tragic love affair. The tension ramps up with a shadowy figure in black tailing them at every turn. It’s a perfect mix of romance, mystery, and that irresistible Parisian charm.

One thing I loved about this book (besides the captivating story) was how beautifully the Paris setting was woven into the narrative. The historical tidbits felt natural and added a lovely layer of depth without ever slowing down the pace. Also, seeing Hugh and Eleanor finally married, sharing their honeymoon with their loyal butler Clifford (and their cheeky bulldog Gladstone!), made their relationships feel so warm and real. There’s something genuinely delightful about how these characters interact—they feel like old friends you want to root for.

On a more personal note, learning about the real-life loss of Laura, half of this husband-and-wife writing partnership, truly saddened me. My heart goes out to her husband during this difficult time.

All in all, Death at a Paris Hotel is an exceptional read that continues to raise the bar for this series. If you love cozy mysteries with a dash of romance set against stunning historical backdrops, this one’s definitely for you!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Lady Swift is unstoppable in her determination to solve the murder of the man who falls onto her romantic first dinner in Paris. Without revealing too much of the story, Ellie, Hugh, and Clifford find themselves in a wide variety of locales in and around Paris while trying to stay ahead of a murderer and solve the unjustified death of an artist.

Layer upon layer of mystery is found in Death at a Paris Hotel and eventually all the threads are connected into a beautifully tragic masterpiece.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

On their Parisian honeymoon, newlyweds Eleanor and Hugh become entangled in a murder investigation involving a stolen brooch and a mysterious man in black, forcing them to race against time to clear their names and solve the case.

This clever and emotional mystery kept me guessing until the end. The Parisian setting added to the intriguing atmosphere of the story. The book can be read as a standalone.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

An excellent addition to this hugely successful cozy crime series sees the honeymoon of Lady Swift and her police detective husband in Paris, along with her trusted butler and bulldog. As is the case with Lady Swift there is murder afoot and soon the party are deeply involved with solving the crime, while putting themselves in danger.

Fabulous characters and a plot who CJ builds to a great ending, gently teasing the reader into the next highly awaited episode.

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

Lady Eleanor Swift and the handsome Hugh Seldon have finally made it to Paris, the city of romance for their honeymoon. Ellie is still wondering at being married and enjoying endless time with Hugh, a real luxury as he was always time strapped in his role with Scotland Yard.
Clifford has accompanied them in the role of Secretary to ensure all goes well and look after Gladstone, who had to come along.
They are raising their glasses for a toast in the luxuriously appointed dining room of the Hotel. Ellie looks up to marvel at the ornately stunning class cupola ceiling and wonders at the shadows she sees. Only moments later a man crashes thought the roof and lands on their table. He hands something to her seconds before he dies.
Who is he and what was he doing on the roof become the central questions both Ellie and Hugh ask each other as the Hotel appear to be lax at setting a proper train of action in place, and in the general confusion Ellie is the one held responsible for the ‘murder’. Interestingly Ellie believes the man looks familiar but has no idea why.
Despite their desire to not become involved in the case, because they are on their much-awaited honeymoon, they are reluctantly drawn into the investigation to the point where their lives are in danger and old history becomes the focal point to a series of terrible crimes.
Once again, the team of Verity Bright bring a well-planned and plotted murder mystery to life under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower as Ellie and Hugh along with Clifford struggle to find answers to Death At A Paris Hotel.
Death at a Paris Hotel is book 22 in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery Series and another fantastically un-put-downable murder mystery, Parisian style.
Vale Laura Tong.

Death at a Paris Hotel was a pleasant read for me. I wasn’t sure if these books were meant to be read in order, or if they could be read as a stand alone. I will say that you could read them out of order or as a stand alone, but I felt I was definitely missing key parts of the story by doing so.
Some of the prose felt a little bit off to me, specifically the dialogue, but it was only something I took note of here and there.
The mystery aspect ties in nicely to the historical setting in the story, and the exploration of Paris felt natural to the story.
I enjoyed the characters, particularly Eleanor, which made it easy to root for her throughout the story.
Overall a very cozy and capturing read!

Having a murder fall into their lap isn't exactly how newly-weds Lady Eleanor Swift and Det. Hugh Seldon planned to start celebrating their honeymoon in romantic Paris. Good thing they brought butler Clifford, not to mention Gladstone their feisty bulldog along. This one is going to need all the help and input they can get, especially since they aren't fluent in French. Long time readers won't be surprised to learn which of them is best, of course. Of course, that doesn't keep them from being arrested and, again no surprise, I'm sure, Eleanor finding herself in danger once again.

Nope, not telling you the plot. It's in the official publisher blurb. What I will say is that it was a real delight to get to see Paris through their eyes. We even get a trip to not just the top of the Eiffel Towel but a peek at the apartment its creator, Gustav Eiffel, made for himself. I'd read about that before, so nice to see it used as one of the settings. Make sure you read the historical notes at the end. t was great to see the easy relationship that has developed between Clifford and Hugh, too, especially recalling the tension in the early relationship between Eleanor and Clifford. As always, Clifford seems to see all and know what is needed before it's needed. While the murder is the focus, it doesn't stop Eleanor and Hugh from enjoying the romance of Paris, either, including romantic river cruising and what I'll obliquely call a remembrance gift. And, hey, this is Paris so art is prominently mentioned and we get a bit of an education on the then not prominent Impressionistic art and artists' lives. Eleanor isn't sure why she feels such a connect with the victim, an artist, so that's a fun question for you to ponder over and beyond the usual whodunit.

Bottom line, an excellent addition to this series. Book #22, in fact, for the Verity Bright husband-wife writing team. The characters are well-rounded, with both lovable and maybe not so lovably traits at times.... Eleanor's inability to let go of a case even on her honeymoon, for instance .... but those traits are what make them seem like genuine humans we might know and consider friends. The Paris setting, of course, was a delight, not to mention it's set in the past, the early days of the Eiffel Tower. Trust me, taking that elevator up to the top might not have happened had I been Eleanor. The mystery is full of twists and turns which, coupled with being off their own British turf, added to the fun of following them along the way. Thanks #Bookouture for allowing me this virtual trip and an early peek at the possibilities to come. "The Three Musketeers" was an apt reading choice for Clifford for this trip to France.

I have been enjoying the Lady Eleanor Swift series since the very beginning, and Death at a Paris Hotel is no exception.

This time around, Eleanor, Hugh, Clifford, and Gladstone are in Paris celebrating. Naturally, people start dying, and our favourite characters start investigating!

I really enjoyed the setting. The different areas of the city, and the Chateau, all had their different atmospheres. It was fun exploring so many places through the characters eyes.

The mystery was most, well mysterious! It’s hard to say very much without any spoilers, but every time I thought I might have some idea what was going on, they found out something else that threw a new light on things.

As always, it was a joy to spend time with some of my favourite characters. I missed the ladies and Tomkins, of course, but I very much enjoyed spending lots of time with Eleanor, Hugh, and Clifford. And seeing them starting to function even better as a team. It was also fun to see Hugh *not* being a policeman!

Overall, this was an excellent mystery, and will certainly keep you entertained. I can’t wait to see what they get up to next.

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