In this series of historical mysteries, set in the early 1900's, Lady Hardcastle (Emily) and her maid Florence Armstrong solve mysteries while living in the English countryside. I was attracted by the idea of a lady and her maid solving mysteries, but I was not sure how that would work given the class differences in England at that time. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are more friends than mistress and servant, and each has skills that complement the other.
Cath at Read-Warbler recommended this series. Cath has read several books in the series, and praised them highly. I wasn't sure if the books were too much on the cozy side for me, but I am so glad I gave it a shot. This is a series with interesting plots, wonderful characters, and a lot of humor.
Once they have settled into their new home, Emily and Flo go for a walk in the countryside and discover a body. In the course of the investigation, they meet Inspector Sunderland of Scotland Yard and are able to provide useful help in solving the case. This relationship continues in later books.
I read the first book in June, and moved on to the second book in the series, In the Market for Murder, in July. In that story, Lady Hardcastle and Flo work on two cases, one a local case of theft, the other the murder of a disagreeable farmer in the area. In August I read the third book in the series, and I enjoyed all three books.
In Death Around the Bend, Lady Hardcastle has just recently purchased an automobile, and she and Flo take turns driving it. Emily (and her maid of course) is invited to a country estate for a week of motor racing and parties. The old friend that Lady Hardcastle is visiting has promised that both women will be able to do some racing while visiting. But during the first race, one of the drivers is killed in a crash, which puts a damper on things. Emily and Flo thinks it was murder, but the local inspector does not.
Another interesting element of this book was that one of the women visiting at the same time is an amateur photographer who would love to do more serious work in that area. Lady Hardcastle is very supportive of that, of course. And it is in this book, more details about the early adventures of the main characters are supplied, which I had been waiting for.
My favorite character is Flo. She tells the stories in first person, so we mainly get her point of view. Lady Hardcastle walks a fine line between including Flo in her activities, especially when visiting other Lords and Ladies, and using Flo's ability to blend in with other servants when it benefits the situation. At times it stretches disbelief, but not any more than many other mystery novels.
10 comments:
Thanks for the mention. I'm glad you're enjoying this series. I think they probably would be classified as cosies, but are saved by the humour and the way they touch on real issues of the day, women's emancipation etc. I'm not a great cosy fan, preferring mysteries that occupy the middle ground between cosy and hard-hitting, but these I make an exception for. Plus, they really are quite well written.
Cath, I am having a lot of fun reading this series, however it is classified. So I am glad I saw your reviews on the books. I also find I am enjoying a wide range of reading nowadays and that is a good thing also.
I read about this series on Cath's website, too, Tracy, and, like you, I was tempted. I'm glad you liked this entry. It's good to know, too, that a second person I trust has enjoyed 'meeting' the characters. I may have to try one of the books, myself...
These books do sound like fun, and if both you and Cath like them, then I probably will, too. And hey, my library actually has most of them. Yay. :D
Margot, I think you would enjoy the books and appreciate the writing. They remind me of some other books I have read that have similar friendly, supportive relationships. And good intelligent strong female characters are also a plus.
Lark, I agree, I think this series would work for you. And if you can get them from the library, even better.
I've been thinking about trying this series. Did you ever read Iona Whishaw's series? Those are set in Canada but I wonder how they would compare.
Constance, you should give this series a try, if not now then later.
Now you have me motivated to read that first (400 page) novel in the series by Whishaw. I have been reading mysteries set in Canada lately, and I can see how that series would compare. I was assuming that it was a bit more serious than the Lady Hardcastle series, but we will see. I have read other books set in British Columbia, and it is a nice setting. I just started reading Anna Karenina a couple of days ago, but I had planned to read other books at the same time anyway, so maybe I can start reading it soon.
Sometimes it is very nice to read a book where nothing too horrific happens and a good sense of place and time stand in for it.
Patti, I have been thinking about why I keep getting drawn back into this series, and a great deal of it is the characters. The two main characters share a trust and friendship which has grown over time and continued regardless of their diverse backgrounds, ages, and place in society. It is comparable to the relationship Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin have, where each have their own gifts and skills. Quite different writing and story telling in the two series, of course, but I think it is those relationships that drawn me in.
Post a Comment