I’ve enjoyed this cosy mystery series that deliberately harks back to the golden era of this genre – see my review of Murder Takes a Turn.
November, 1956. Lord Elsmere, an old friend of Donald Langham’s literary agent, Charles Elder, is in a pickle – his favourite painting, a Gainsborough, has been stolen from under his nose. What’s more, there’s no evidence of a break-in. The family heirloom was recently re-insured for a hefty price, and Elsmere is struggling financially. Could he have staged the theft, or was it taken by one of the guests? Old Major Rutherford, evasive beauty Rebecca Miles, Dutch war hero Patrick Verlinden, Elsmere’s son Dudley Mariner and his statuesque sculpture fiancée, Esmeralda Bellamy, are all guests at the manor. But who would steal the painting, and why? Private investigators Langham and Ralph Ryland take on the case and soon uncover seething animosities, jealousy, secrets and deception, before events take a shocking turn…
And if this setup seems as comfortingly familiar as a late-night cup of cocoa, then you’re right. This is the classic country-house murder mystery chock-full of likely suspects, with Donald and Ralph slogging through the forest of clues and red herrings to try and make sense of the puzzle, before tracking down the perpetrator. I really enjoyed this one. The murder mystery was intriguing, linked as it was to the theft of the Gainsborough and I particularly liked the denouement as it connected directly with the historical period when this story was set.
Brown’s writing superpower is depicting setting – the landscape he evokes in a future version of Paris in his science fiction adventure Engineman is outstanding and has seeped into my inscape. So having a thoroughly satisfying cosy mystery set in such a strong backdrop, where the social and political issues are taken into account is a real bonus. I’ve found myself thinking about this one several times since I finished it – always a sign of a successful book – and I highly recommend Murder Served Cold to fans of well-written country house murder mysteries.
9/10
I love a classic house party murder and this sounds like a read I need in my life. I love when an author really makes a setting come alive. Adding to my TBR.
Thank you, Katherine:) I hope you manage to get to this one – it’s great fun:)
This sounds like a very entertaining read it makes me think of the old board game Clue, which I always loved.
It is a highly enjoyable read – and yes… I can see why you’d be reminded of Cluedo – and it is every bit as twisty as some of those whodunits:))
Dear Sarah,
Many thanks for your lovely review of Murder Served Cold, and for your kind words re Engineman. Much appreciated!
Eric.
You’re very welcome, Eric – and thank you so much for taking the time to let me know you liked the review!
I like when the setting is familiar. Then I can relax and read how the character’s all come out to play:)
You can certainly relax into this one, Laura – it’s a delight:)
I love this sort of thing and it along with fantasy are my primary historical reading. If you liked it, I’m sure it’s a good one. Thanks for sharing your review.
Thank you, Anne! I certainly enjoyed this one.
Thank you for sharing! I am currently collecting some reading material for my long flights in May 🙂 Will have a look at this book.
Oh, do let me know if you decide to select this book for your flights in May, Inessa:)
I will try to remember 🙂
:))
This sounds like a perfect read for a summer weekend with the in-laws! I need all the help I can get. 😉
Ah… hoping you get the necessary succour between selected covers, Jean!
You and me both! 🙂
I am an absolute sucker for this type of read so I’ll keep this on my list for when I’m in the mood for a cosy murder mystery with lots of suspects and a country mansion setting.
Lynn 😀
Which is exactly what you get:))
dee lite ful book/dee lite ful post!
Thank you, my friendx
Great review Sarah. I am not big on period cozies, but have been trying them more often. I will see if I can find this one, it does sound like I would enjoy it.
Thank you, Carla. Historical cosies are a weakness of mine – and this series are a special treat.