I love this series and all the main recurring characters, so I was delighted to read this 20th adventure. Always glad to read the banter between Eleanor and Clifford, and I was glad to read a bit more from Hugh. The setting was intriguing, and even though I guessed some parts, the plot was very clever and full of twists and turns, I didn't expect the ending.

Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a good cosy mystery.

Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of Verity Bright's 'A Midwinter Murder' in exchange for my review.

This cozy murder mystery ticked all the right boxes for me. The main cast of characters are dynamic, realistic, and relatable. I really loved the background cast of Lady Swift's maids and the young police officer who finds himself knee deep in his first murder case. They brought light and humour to the novel and grounded the main characters in the world outside of the murder. I had a great time reading this book and would definitely recommend it as a cozy weekend read.

A Midwinter Murder is the 20th book in A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery, but it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read them all and still enjoyed each one I have read. It's 1924 and Lady Eleanor has been invited to a hunting party at the manor house of the Duke of Auldwyke. She sends her regrets, but then gets a call from the Duke's secretary, Mr. Porritt. They did not receive her response and are expecting her. She, her butler Clifford, her ladies, her pets and Hugh are all going to attend. Shortly after arriving, Ellie stumbles over a body, Mr. Porritt. Gone are her plans to spend a romantic holiday with her fiancé, Detective Hugh Seldon. For whatever reason, the Duke is not very cooperative. He wants no police besides one local constable and Hugh to investigate. The only thing they have to go on is the necklace found in his hand. Between the shooting contest and the investigation, Ellie and Hugh are kept extremely busy. When another body is found, it is even more imperative to solve this case quickly before someone else ends up dead.

This was a very interesting mystery with a lot of characters, suspects and possible motives. The shooting contest was interesting and to see Ellie do so well, was fun. The other guests all seemed to have secrets, but did they have anything to do with the death. Why had Mr. Porritt wanted Ellie there so badly? I had a lot of suspicions of who the culprit might have been, but as the story continued, I changed my mind. The setting of a secluded manor with a blizzard raging gave it an ominous feel. I always enjoy Ellie and her warm and caring ways. She is also a bit impulsive and outspoken, which sometimes causes problems. She admits that she has no idea how a Lady should behave. Clifford was around, but didn't play as much of a part in the investigation this time, as Hugh was there. I also missed her pets getting in on the act, they were pretty quiet in this one. Overall, this was an excellent mystery, with a lot of suspects, several red herrings and some interesting twists. I wasn't sure if Ellie was going to figure this one out. If you enjoy a good historical mystery, then I recommend you pick up this book and/or start at the beginning of this series. Lady Eleanor is a wonderful protagonist, smart and observant, one you will enjoy.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this one. I am not sure that this author is for me or if it's because I didn't read these books in order but I was kind of bored? It felt like a cozy mystery for sure and I don't think those are the types of books I love. 3 stars.

This is the 20th book in this series and having reached this point I’m tempted to go back and read the first few again. Especially to see Hugh and Eleanor first meetings because he has changed so much since those earlier books. I wasn’t keen on him to start with but he’s definitely grown on me since, especially in the last few books as he seems much more relaxed.

I enjoyed this book and it was especially good reading it now when it’s cold and frosty outside, which is the closest I’ll get to snow for a while. I like the drama and intrigue of stories where the suspects are stuck because of the weather, everything still works but you can’t leave and you don’t know who to trust. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book, and plenty of red herrings too which kept it moving along nicely.

As usual, I enjoyed spending time with the main characters but the star for me this time was Danby, the local constable who was fabulous, observant and knowledgeable. Hopefully we’ll see him again in later books. It was nice having the household staff staying in a nearby cottage, and I liked the contrast between the drama and frustrations in Auldwyke Hall and the cosiness in the cottage. It definitely helped ease the tension at times and felt like a breather when Eleanor, Hugh and Clifford popped in there.

This was a really good, very cosy read, between the atmosphere and the food and drinks made by both Clifford and the household staff. This book is ideal for reading in the winter, you can cosy up wherever you are with a warm drink and a blanket and enjoy watching it all untangle.

3.5⭐️
Thank you #netgalley for proving me with an #arc of this book. This was indeed a very cozy mystery and gave me all the wintery vibes. The writing style wasn’t always for me and it took some getting used to, but I liked the story overall. I’m open to reading more books in this series.

My goodness! How have I missed this delightful cozy mystery series? This is already the 20th book within it. It had me in stitches and smiling at precious moments throughout the story. Just the sledding scenes alone are worth the price of admission.

Lady Eleanor Swift had hoped to spend a quiet cozy Christmas with her dishy fiancé, Detective Hugh Seldon. Alas, the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke does not suffer rejection blithely. His secretary, Mr. Porritt presses upon Lady Eleanor to attend, claiming that her R.S.V.P. was not received and that she and her fiancé are still expected. After all, how does one say, "No" to a duke? So off she goes, with Hugh to follow shortly thereafter. No sooner does she arrive when she happens upon a dead body - that of the poor secretary. The local young constable is called for and he's in over his head. It's apparent that Hugh will need to lead the investigation, if his grace will allow it.

What a fun and charming "closed room" murder mystery, as the characters are all snowed in at Auldwyke Hall. Lady Eleanor is not your usual member of the Ton. Her staff's esprit de corps is strong and they're a playful, yet loving bunch into which Lady Eleanor is ever welcomed.

Author Verity Bright is a husband and wife writing team of twenty-five years. Together, they have written this most engaging murder mystery with a number of red herrings and plentiful surprises. The writing is solid and clever. The banter among well-developed characters is amusing and often playful. The mise en scène is cinematic and atmospheric in scope as one easily imagines Auldwyke Hall situated within the Scottish moors. Although perhaps a bit predictable to the seasoned cozy mystery reader, it is still a clever and entertaining read. I gladly recommend it to all my fellow cozy readers.

I am grateful to publisher Bookouture for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: ‎Bookouture
Publication Date:‎ November 29, 2024
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN:‎ 978-1835256305

Lady Eleanor Swift can’t even enjoy the festive season without stumbling upon a dead body – much to the delight of readers of this fabulous historical cosy crime series by Verity Bright. The 20th installment, A Midwinter Murder, is a fun and exciting whodunnit readers will devour in a single sitting.

Eleanor and her dashing fiancé, Detective Hugh Seddon, are determined to enjoy the Christmas season. Finding themselves guests of the reclusive Duke of Auldwycke at his sprawling manor house, Eleanor and Hugh’s plans for a cosy end to the year are dashed when the Duke’s secretary, Mr Porfitt, is found dead in the storeroom clasping a golden pendant in the shape of a rose. The Duke is adamant that he’s never seen the necklace before, but Eleanor is convinced that he’s lying through his teeth. Could it have belonged to the Duke’s absent wife? Just what secrets are hidden in the majestic corridors of Auldwycke Hall?

As Eleanor and Hugh begin interviewing the guests at the manor, they find no shortage of suspects who all have dangerous secrets of their own. Trapped at the hall by a blizzard, could the death of Mr Porfitt be linked to the duke’s wife? Does the answer to this murder lie with ghosts from Christmases past? Can Eleanor and Hugh untangle this twisted mystery? Or will their sleuthing end up placing them both firmly in the line of fire?

I cannot get enough of Verity Bright’s Lady Eleanor Swift series. Stylish, spellbinding and always superb, these mysteries just keep getting better and better and I couldn’t turn the pages of A Midwinter Murder fast enough. Unpredictable, atmospheric and full of twists and turns that will leave readers with their jaws on the floor, A Midwinter Murder is a stellar crime novel from Verity Bright readers are going to love!

A Midwinter Murder by Verity Bright is a charming cozy mystery that brings Lady Eleanor Swift back for another thrilling adventure. Set against the backdrop of a festive yet chilling winter season, the story combines intriguing twists, witty dialogue, and the delightful camaraderie between Eleanor and her butler, Clifford. Bright’s vivid descriptions and engaging plot make this a perfect read for fans of historical mysteries and holiday whodunits. A wonderfully entertaining addition to the series!

A country house at Christmas, snow and festive cheer... and dead bodies. Of course, it's (astonishingly) book number 20 in the Eleanor Swift series. Once again Ellie and her household decamp somewhere else (seriously, how much money must it cost to remove the entire staff around the country??) as an initially refused invite somehow becomes a chore to accept. It doesn't take too long for the first body to appear, and when Hugh is roped in to lead the investigation, suspects abound and motives are complicated.

This is another excellent book in the series. As ever, the murders and solving thereof are the heart of the book, but equally as ever the characters of the Swift household are a joy to spend time with. And wedding bells seem to be more on the horizon than they have been, as Hugh and Ellie realise that the time has come. Will this be the next book? And what are the odds on a dead body turning up on their wedding day? Fairly good, I would imagine.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

Christmas 1924 is rapidly approaching and Lady Eleanor Swift and her fiance are looking forward to a quiet romantic festive period to plan their future together. But plans go awry when they are summoned to a shooting party by the Duke of Auldwyke and their host's secretary is murdered within minutes of their arrival...
A Midwinter Murder is the 20th book in the Lady Swift series of cosy historical murder mysteries. Her redoubtable butler, Clifford, and long suffering fiance, Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, assist her in trying to catch the killer and save Christmas!
Ellie turned down the invite to attend the duke's annual shooting party but her RSVP was lost and now she feels honour bound to uproot herself and her staff in order to attend. Her host is the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke who hasn't been seen in public since the death of his wife. The prize for winning the shooting competition is an audience with His Grace and the granting of a wish. But the only thing Ellie wants is to bring a murderer to justice.
There are a range of suspects among the guests and staff. Ellie, Hugh and Clifford have various motives to explore and their investigation reveals many alibis are not true. I was kept guessing until the reveal at the end, although I did deduce part of the direction the case was heading in.
Ellie brings her entourage along with her which offers some light hearted relief, especially Gladstone and Tomkins (the pets). I loved the festivities and jollity of the ladies which brought a real warmth to their parts of the narrative. There are some big conversations with her fiance Hugh as they plan their future together.
A Midwinter Murder is an enjoyable murder mystery and I enjoyed the historical details.

This is the 20th book in the series but I started it without reading the others and I never felt like I was missing key information. It works perfectly as a standalone.
I had a good time reading this book. The characters are relatable and the overall story was far from predictable.

This was my first book from Verity Bright and a fun introduction to Lady Eleanor Swift! She’s wiley and bright, and her personality and wit remind me of a demure Phryne Fisher!

The plot, and subplots, are full of twists and turns, with plenty of intrigue to keep you turning the pages. The pacing is just right, allowing the tension to build naturally, while the warm relationships between characters add a layer of heart to the narrative. It’s so refreshing to see writing where character aren’t going through unnecessary tension and drama.

The mysteries themselves are clever and engaging, and Lady Eleanor’s sharp wit and investigative skills make her a joy to follow. Whether she’s unraveling a dark conspiracy or solving a more personal case, her intelligence and determination shine through, making her a standout in the cozy mystery genre.

This series is the definition of a cosy read, and I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a new binge read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my arc! I look forward to starting the series from book 1 to follow the growth and development of each character to this one.

If you know me, you know I love a good, historical mystery, and this series with Lady Eleanor is so fun to read. It reminds me of an Agatha Christie – lots of good suspects and everyone is gathering on estates and such in England in the past. Plus Lady Eleanor has a sweet doggo – what’s there not to like?

It’s hard to believe that this title is number 20 in the series. I have read them in order as they came out, but you can read them as stand alones, too. This one had a Christmas theme — fun reading!

Thank you for my copy and for having me as part of the tour!

Ho Ho Ho - not so very much. What Lady Eleanor’s Swift hopes to be a Merry Holiday turns into murder and intrigue. Suffice it to say that all my favorite characters make an appearance in one guise or another and the plot is ever so clever. Clues are left as tiny breadcrumbs and if you pay careful attention you may suss out the bad guy.

I have said it so many times before, but allowing from my thrall with the writing team of Verity Bright, I have to admit to being delighted with every single installment of the Lady Eleanor Swift series . Each one is the ultimate definition of a cozy murder mystery with the most likable cast of core characters. I want to thank Bookoutre and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy.

As always the writing, the mystery and the plot is great.

I like Eleanor's character, specifically that she is not totally ladylike, and eats as much as she wants and how she treats her staff.

I also enjoyed her relationship with Clifford as well as Hugh, though Hugh did not come across as smart as he was portrayed. He seemed more like a figurehead with a notepad where Eleanor used her intuition.

Looking forward to the next one in the series.

This was the perfect cozy mystery for the holiday season. I have read Verity Bright’s work several times, and most of her books in the series mention her fiancé, Hugh, the detective chief inspector who hovers in the background of Lady Eleanor Swift’s other tales. I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the banter and romance between them as I read.

This story planted Hugh’s character firmly in my mind, pulling me deeper into Lady Eleanor and Hugh’s world. The characters are believable, sometimes predictable, but that is true when reading stories in a large, cozy mystery series. The plot kept me up all night, finishing in the wee hours. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Hugh. The story captivated me from the first page as Lady Eleanor attempted to solve another murder. With plenty of likely culprits, the tale kept me guessing.

Although I am reading the series out of order, A Midwinter Murder is perfect as a standalone novel. It’s five stars all around! Verity Bright has done it again.

I want to thank Bookouture, the author, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this as a free ARC. This review is voluntary and mine alone.

As always, it’s such a delight to spend time with Eleanor and Clifford and the rest of the cast as they celebrate the holidays and solve another mystery.

This series has remained lively and fun, and while I do miss the greater effort toward historical detail that we got in the earlier installments in the series, the concept doesn’t feel tired and the characters remain loads of fun as they embark on their latest adventure.

The mystery itself is fine, and the setting is lovely and well-rendered. I always wish for more holiday detail, there’s enough that you can treat this one as a holiday read if you’re so inclined.

I love wellcrafted cozy SF like Becky Chambers Wayfarers series. I also enjoy cozy mysteries with good puzzles and diverse characters. For me, this historical cozy, the twentieth in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, didn't really hit the mark.

I imagine that people who've stuck with earlier books in the series will be happy to re-acquaint themselves with Lady Eleanor's butler and her troupe of servants, and even her dog and cat. They were all just too jolly for me, and there were too many of them. Readers who enjoy the prospect of an English countryside hunting party at a ducal estate, with jolly good food and Christmas cheer may enjoy this bit of escapism.

On the other hand I found the suspects and other characters too shallow and the story lacking grit or reality. They weren't fleshed out enough to engage me. I found the dialogue twee and the murder(s) and motivations bland.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As I was new to this series and wasn‘t previously attached to the characters, I found it very difficult to get into this book. I read about 30% when I decided to dnf it. If you‘re a fan of this mystery series I‘m sure you‘ll love it. The writing style is very mature und flows nicely and the characters all get their quality time. Since I‘m no such fan the story couldn‘t appeal to me and I ended up being bored by the murder investigation being dragged out so much. If it had been more fast paced I think it would’ve made a great difference.