Lady Hardcastle and Florence are at again, this time involved in a murder that takes them into the shadowy recesses of warehouses by the docks, hiding in abandoned shanties, and dealing with the Secret Service Bureau. The usual fun banter between the two ladies and flashbacks of their prior escapades. A fun romp!

T.E. Kinsey’s writing is always top-notch and this is no exception. Back with the lovely Lady Hardcastle and her friend and lady’s maid Flo, the book is full of witty repartee and fun moments.

The mystery in this one is of global espionage so the story’s location and format are different from the usual which I enjoyed. Fans of history will spot a number of ominous foreshadowings of the war to come which Kinsey has elegantly worked in. Lady H and Flo are in fine form both in detecting and in succeeding in a male dominated society!

It was a lovely time spent with wonderful characters and a fantastic tale. It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.

Sent to keep a government espionage agent’s murder off the local radar, Emily and Flo’s investigation takes them to London, the dark shadows of the east end, and straight back into the international spy scene they retired from as they work to prevent a plot with global ramifications. TE Kinsey’s Lady Hardcastle series continues to sparkle and amuse as the lady and her maid bring their unique talents to bear when on the case.

An Assassination on the Agenda is the eleventh of the series of mostly standalone mystery books. This, too, could standalone, though many of the side characters are familiar from earlier books.

In the latest, Emily and Flo are visiting their friends at The Grange and speculating how to help them find replacement musicians for their party when Emily’s brother Harry requires them to head off to take over a local murder investigation. Next thing they know, the pair are right back into the Great Game of their earlier years. Since the beginning, readers know that Lady Hardcastle and Florence were not simply two women retiring to life in a country village after a sedate career as a minor diplomat’s widow. No, this pair were British spies abroad and good at it, too. Therefore, seeing them move from solving rural murder mysteries to the big stage of a political intrigue in London involving foreign powers was rather exciting.

The powers that be are all men and they are all derogatory about Emily and Flo’s ability to work the case. Harry is their only champion, but not their only allies. How fun to meet a few unusual east end contacts who dish the tea so the ladies can crack the case. This is still a cozy historical mystery, but it does have a slightly darker theme with this being 1912 and WWI looming not so distant especially with the plot the ladies have to thwart in this one.

In summary, another fantastic outing with an intrepid pair of Edwardian Era lady sleuths whose lively banter had me giggling and sleuthing antics were highly entertaining. A good blend of historical background and clever mystery plot that I can recommend to other readers

Harry Featherstonehaugh has once again pulled his sister, Lady Hardcastle, and her lady's maid, Florence, into the affairs of the British Government. A gentleman has been killed and he needs them to step in and figure out why. But that is just the beginning of a mystery that will have them racing around London, trying to stop an assassination. As they try to prevent this from happening, they will have to deal with bureaucrats as well as men who don't believe they should be doing this job.
An okay addition to the series but I can't pinpoint why this one didn't flow as well. I think it felt like there were some storylines just talked on to bulk up the book.

Three and a half stars
This book came out May 21, 2024
Follows A Fire at the Exhibition
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
Opinions are my own

Lady Hardcastle's brother, Harry interrupts a social gathering and dispatched Em and Flo off to Bristol to solve a murder. Once there, they find a possible connection to an impending Austrian trade delegation visit and the intrepid duo set out to foil an internationally significant threat.
This is another solid fun addition to the series. I continue to love the chemistry between the principle characters and it is an author that I look forward to reading.

Another solid entry in this series. I adore these two ladies and will keep on reading the series! I liked the change of location. It was nice having them relocate to London for the whole book and getting to revisit their old haunts/sources. I've read all the previous books and don't know if I could have pinpointed the time period in which they took place, but in this one, you're very well aware that WWI is just around the corner, which was exciting. The case they were trying to solve was on a much broader scale than it typically is for murders that happen in their small town, and I enjoyed learning about all of it. (especially those author's notes at the end!!! absolutely LOVE those) Parts of the mystery were so clever and some I found rather guessable. It was rather irritating to have so much made of the rampant sexism towards Flo & Emily (from the police, from the board, etc etc etc) - but then, I guess sexism is irritating too. Sigh. Thank you and more please!

My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Once again this was a most enjoyable read. I've read it twice. Already. And I'm sure I will be back to read it again.

Lady Hardcastle and Flo are just the most delightful characters. They balance each other so beautifully. The banter has me in stitches at times. Lady Hardcastle is a character who refuses to be ruffled, despite the extreme rudeness of some of her opposite numbers. She's quite the example to us all. And Flo, always ready for a tussle. There is so much more than a cozy murder mystery here!

This time, we are in full-on-agent mode which means the entire story is set away from the village. I can find a change in setting a challenge ( I often enjoy the broader ensemble of characters) but as Lady H's brother (and family) are now a key part of the story, I didn't feel that loss as greatly. It was also a clever plot. Chuffed to say I got quite a lot of this one right, but that did not reduce the enjoyment one iota. Well done indeed T E!!

I can't recommend this one enough, Its five out of five on the enjoyment scale for me

With thanks to Thomas & Mercer, #Netgalley and the author for my advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

It was mid 1912 when Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong were summoned to Bristol by Lady H's brother Harry. There had been a murder and Harry didn't want the local police to find who the dead man was. He was an "important man" to the Secret Service Bureau so Lady H and Flo had to take over the investigation. That went down like a lead balloon to the local powers that be, until Harry set them right. Then Harry told Lady H and Flo to pack for two weeks and make their way, as fast as possible, to London...

London, and the flat that Harry had secured for them, felt familiar and good. Dressing to mix, the pair wandered the streets, catching up with a brothel madam, an under world criminal, and more. But it was the sighting of distinctive hats that had Lady H and Flo certain they knew what was going on. Would they be able to keep the Austrian delegate safe? The significant threats needed to be knocked on the head, but could it be done?

An Assassination on the Agenda is another delightful, fun and entertaining episode in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries - #11 - by T.E. Kinsey which I adored! I laughed out loud on many occasions as the two MCs bickered, argued, teased, and generally got themselves into all sorts of trouble. But their talents haven't changed - if anything, they've improved. And what an outcome! I'm really loving this series and already looking forward to the next. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: An Assassination on the Agenda by T E Kinsey
T E Kinsey’s An Assassination on the Agenda is a delightful blend of mystery, wit, and historical charm. This latest installment in the series continues to enchant readers with its intriguing plot, memorable characters, and vivid depiction of early 20th-century England.
The story follows Lady Hardcastle and her loyal maid, Florence Armstrong, as they unravel a complex conspiracy involving a high-profile assassination plot. The dynamic duo's sharp wit and keen investigative skills are as engaging as ever, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Kinsey’s writing is crisp and engaging, effortlessly drawing readers into the world of Edwardian society. The meticulous attention to historical detail adds depth and authenticity to the setting, making it easy to visualize the quaint villages, grand estates, and bustling cityscapes where the story unfolds.
Lady Hardcastle and Flo are a formidable team, and their banter is one of the highlights of the book. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and camaraderie, providing both humor and heart to the narrative. The secondary characters are also well-developed, adding layers of intrigue and providing plenty of red herrings to keep readers guessing.
The plot is expertly crafted, with just the right balance of suspense and humor. The twists and turns keep the reader engaged, and the pacing is spot on, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Kinsey has a knack for creating clever and intricate mysteries that challenge readers without overwhelming them.
What stands out in An Assassination on the Agenda is the seamless integration of historical events and fictional storytelling. Kinsey weaves real-world political tensions and societal issues of the time into the narrative, adding a layer of sophistication and relevance to the mystery.
If I were to imagine your thoughts on this book, I would say you found it a delightful escape into a bygone era, appreciating the witty dialogue and the strong female leads. The balance of mystery and humor likely kept you thoroughly entertained, and the historical context added an extra layer of enjoyment. You might have particularly enjoyed the clever plot twists and the way Kinsey kept you guessing until the very end.
Overall, An Assassination on the Agenda is a thoroughly enjoyable read, perfect for fans of historical mysteries with a touch of humor. I would rate this book 4.5 stars for its engaging storyline, well-drawn characters, and the perfect blend of suspense and wit.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨

A charming addition to the Lady Hardcastle series. As always, Lady Hardcastle and her maid Flo are an excellent team who always manage to find a way. I highly recommend this series and book!

I've been having so much fun with this series that it's hard to believe that An Assassination on the Agenda is already the eleventh Lady Hardcastle mystery.

The mysteries are always good and deeply rooted in the time period (don't miss the Author's Notes for this one!), but the highlight for me has always been the repartee between Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence Armstrong. Their banter stems from a long and loving relationship that has carried them through thick and thin-- and many countries. The dialogue sparkles even more brightly due to all the bureaucrats they must deal with.

An Assassination on the Agenda is another enjoyable entry in this series, and if I have to complain about anything, it's the fact that T.E. Kinsey has warped my mind. I used to be able to see the surname Featherstonehaugh and pronounce it correctly immediately. But now, with the war of words between Florence and Lady Hardcastle's brother Harry, I stumble each and every time. Shame on you, Mr. Kinsey!

I was provided a copy of this book by Net Galley in exchange for a review.
Lady Hard castle and Florence are requested by the Government to help out with a murder. Lady H has to put on her best manners to convince the police to let her step in. Dealing with men from an Austrian trade commission, who don’t want their help makes things more difficult. But they prevail. I prefer the more low key local investigations in previous books.

Once again Lady Hardcastle and Flo are butting heads with the locos constabulary. Of course Lady H will prevail. The best part of the adventures is the interaction between Lady H and Flo. Their chemistry evolved from previous adventures for the Crown make each new book a joy to read.

An Assassination on the Agenda by T E Kinsey continues the adventures of Lady Hardcastle and her maid Florence Armstrong. The pair has been given an assignment to try to solve a murder and ultimately prevent a war from starting. The dialogue between the two and their interaction with Lady Hardcastle's brother and his family make for a delightful read while learning some history along the way.

It's always an exciting time where there's a new Lady Hardcastle and Flo mystery to follow. All the books are fun and delightful but this felt like one of the more serious books in the series, in tone and content. This story is set in 1912, so we're fast catching up to the start of WWI and since Lady H and Flo work for a British intelligence group it makes sense that the plot would revolve around the tension and the events that lead up to the war.

This story starts with Lady Hardcastle and Flo being called to look into a murder and to try and encourage local law enforcement to not look too closely at the case in the name of national security. They're then asked to report to London to help Lady H's brother, Harry, for a few weeks while the Austrian delegation is in the city for talks with a trade commission. There are conspiracies, secret societies, espionage, and many stops for tea and cakes along the way to solving the mystery.

While there is the classic banter and wit between Lady H and Flo, this book showed a more serious and genuinely focused side of Lady Hardcastle. She's always been sharp and on top of things but she really steps up in this story. And I loved how much she showed her care and worry for Flo when things were dangerous. A great addition to the series, can't wait for more!

Also, while the audiobooks are incredible, I highly recommend trying to get your hands on a copy of the book. The author's notes of these are so good and TE Kinsey puts a lot of work into research and talks about how he's changed or shifted historical things around to work for the narrative. They're worth reading at the end of every book.

This was an enjoyable read. I liked the historical elements as well as the mystery. While one knows they will catch the bad guys or stop the assassination, it was fun reading how they did so.

Thank you to the author, publisher, NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. - I love the main characters!

Lady Hardcastle and her maid are at it again tracking down enemies of the British state, this time in pre World War I London. The surface story seems to indicate Serbians are trying to assassinate Austrian royals on a state visit; underneath the threat is more local. Enjoy the antics of the ladies as they upset the police and other authorities on their way to foiling a plot to provoke war. Great read.

This book transports you to a different time period. I found myself motivated to solve the mysetery. The other characters in this book were delightful to get to know. The vocabbulary in this book shines so strongly and provides a whimsical feel to the story. I think anyone who is infatuated with this time period and cozy mysteries would thoroughly enjoy this book.

Such a fun read. I really enjoyed another book in this series. The characters are delightful and warm. I enjoyed the lives of Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong . I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

In this next exciting read Lady Hardcastle and Flo are called upon by Emily's brother Harry, to help investigate a murder, but this time it is for the Secret Service Bureau and must be in strictest confidence.

The Austrian delegation will be arriving soon and when the murder is linked to this important visit, Lady Hardcastle and Flo must find the people behind the preposed assignation and stop them before anyone else is killed.

A most enjoyable fun and mysterious read that will have you intrigued from beginning to end!