Death at the Manor

Death at the Manor (2022) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler Mystery #3)

Set in England in 1815

“My aunt and Miss Clarke were at school together as girls. When neither of them had married after a few years, they began to talk of setting up their own household together, rather than remaining with their families in their spinsterhood.”

Eloisa—with a frown of worried concentration on her face and an occasional helpful suggestion from the housekeeper—did the honors of pouring tea and coffee for her guests.

(H)e recovered his easy manner and bowed, holding his arm in Ofelia’s direction. “Shall we go in?”

Eliza was still standing closest to him, and there was a devilish gleam in her eye as she took his arm without hesitation. “Thank you, young man,” she said, turning him toward the house and away from the two younger women. “My eyes are not what they used to be, and you are kind to offer your assistance.”

“Begging your pardons,” Mr. Mears said, speaking up when it became clear that Miss Wright was too occupied with wiping her eyes and catching her breath to say anymore. “She means Isaiah, who you saw. Mrs. Wright always called manservants George, as she found it easier than trying to remember different names.”

When Alice stared at her, looking dumbfounded, Lily swallowed nervously. “What is it?”

“No one ever talks to me, ma’am.” Alice looked embarrassed as soon as the words were out of her mouth. “I mean, not chatty-like. No one even notices if I come into a room or leave it.”

Characters: Lily Adler, Sir Edward Carroway, Lady Ofelia Carroway, Captain Jack Hartley, Mr. Matthew Spencer, Anna, Susan Clarke, Eliza Pierce, Eloisa Spencer, Mr. Thomas Wright, Isaiah, Etta, Selina Wright, Mr. Mears, Dr. Mills, Mr. Powell, Alice, Mr. Dennings, Mr. Samson, Mr. Clive, Mr. Hurst, Lord Walter

Cover design by Nicole Lecht

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Rating: 9/10

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