Murder at Everham Hall

Book Review: A Captivating Cozy Mystery for the Festive Season

Rating: ★★★★☆ Stars

Murder at Everham Hall by Benedict Brown is a delightful historical cozy mystery that will captivate readers from start to finish. With its suitably festive setting, well-paced plot, and engaging characters, it is a book that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

Set in December 1927, the story follows Marius Quin, a mystery writer grappling with writer's block and mounting financial pressures. When he receives an invitation to an intimate New Year's Eve party hosted by a self-absorbed actor and his childhood friend, Lady Isabella Montague, Marius jumps at the chance for distraction. Joined by his perpetually glum Basset hound, he makes his way through the snowy lanes to the opulent Everham Hall. Little does he know that the celebration will take an unexpected turn when the host is found murdered, leaving the partygoers snowed in and stranded.

Unable to rely on the police due to the isolation, Marius finds himself thrust into the role of detective as he is nominated by the panicked group to uncover the killer. With Bella by his side and a host of conniving suspects to choose from, Marius must navigate through a web of deception to solve the mystery before he becomes the next target.

One of the standout features of Murder at Everham Hall is Benedict Brown's excellent writing. The prose is engaging, witty, and filled with humor. Brown's ability to create a festive atmosphere adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience. The snowy backdrop and the opulence of Everham Hall enhance the sense of mystery and intrigue, making it the perfect read for the holiday season.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, allowing the suspense to build gradually as Marius delves deeper into the investigation. The author skillfully weaves together clues and red herrings, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal. The plot is cleverly crafted, ensuring that the mystery remains unpredictable yet plausible throughout.

The characters in Murder at Everham Hall are another highlight of the book. Marius Quin, with his wit and charm, is a relatable protagonist who carries the story with ease. His interactions with Lady Isabella Montague add depth to their friendship and provide a touch of romance to the narrative. The supporting cast of suspects is diverse and intriguing, each with their own motives and secrets that keep readers guessing until the very end.

In conclusion, Murder at Everham Hall is a highly enjoyable cozy mystery that will appeal to fans of the genre. Benedict Brown has crafted a compelling story filled with humor, wit, and suspense. With its festive setting and engaging characters, this book is a perfect choice for those looking for a captivating read during the holiday season. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this promising series.

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

Merged review:

Book Review: A Captivating Cozy Mystery for the Festive Season

Rating: ★★★★☆ Stars

Murder at Everham Hall by Benedict Brown is a delightful historical cozy mystery that will captivate readers from start to finish. With its suitably festive setting, well-paced plot, and engaging characters, it is a book that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

Set in December 1927, the story follows Marius Quin, a mystery writer grappling with writer's block and mounting financial pressures. When he receives an invitation to an intimate New Year's Eve party hosted by a self-absorbed actor and his childhood friend, Lady Isabella Montague, Marius jumps at the chance for distraction. Joined by his perpetually glum Basset hound, he makes his way through the snowy lanes to the opulent Everham Hall. Little does he know that the celebration will take an unexpected turn when the host is found murdered, leaving the partygoers snowed in and stranded.

Unable to rely on the police due to the isolation, Marius finds himself thrust into the role of detective as he is nominated by the panicked group to uncover the killer. With Bella by his side and a host of conniving suspects to choose from, Marius must navigate through a web of deception to solve the mystery before he becomes the next target.

One of the standout features of Murder at Everham Hall is Benedict Brown's excellent writing. The prose is engaging, witty, and filled with humor. Brown's ability to create a festive atmosphere adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience. The snowy backdrop and the opulence of Everham Hall enhance the sense of mystery and intrigue, making it the perfect read for the holiday season.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, allowing the suspense to build gradually as Marius delves deeper into the investigation. The author skillfully weaves together clues and red herrings, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal. The plot is cleverly crafted, ensuring that the mystery remains unpredictable yet plausible throughout.

The characters in Murder at Everham Hall are another highlight of the book. Marius Quin, with his wit and charm, is a relatable protagonist who carries the story with ease. His interactions with Lady Isabella Montague add depth to their friendship and provide a touch of romance to the narrative. The supporting cast of suspects is diverse and intriguing, each with their own motives and secrets that keep readers guessing until the very end.

In conclusion, Murder at Everham Hall is a highly enjoyable cozy mystery that will appeal to fans of the genre. Benedict Brown has crafted a compelling story filled with humor, wit, and suspense. With its festive setting and engaging characters, this book is a perfect choice for those looking for a captivating read during the holiday season. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this promising series.

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

My first Netgalley read.
Set in one of my favorite time and place, 1920's England. I have read the first book in the Lord Edgington series and if you like that one, you'll probably like this one as well.
It's the first book in a new series so there's some back story at first but I would have loved to get to the mystery sooner.
It reads a little on the juvenile side, main focus on interviews and not physical clues to puzzle together.
Didn't really take to the main character.

Favorite character: Percy (the dog)
Did I solve it: Nope