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LOVE this series!!! Lady Eleanor is ready to celebrate Christmas with her finance. Oh course nothing goes smoothly and Lady Eleanor soon finds a dead body. Eleanor and Hugh are trapped in a manor house while a blizzard is outside. Can they figure out who did it before someone else dies?
I can’t believe this is the twentieth book in the series! They keep getting better as the series goes on. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

READ THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE…
Closed door mysteries
Sweet holiday romance
Nonstop action

#AMidwinterMurder #VerityBright #Bookouture #LadyEleanor #Mystery #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks

Number 20 in this delightful series and still each new story is as delightful as all the ones before it.

A Midwinter Murder takes Lady Eleanor and her entire household, including pets, to spend Christmas at the home of a reclusive Duke. Unfortunately they have barely arrived when Elly discovers a dead body. The good part of this is that Hugh is put in charge of the investigation so our team of sleuths are soon in action.

The mystery is involved, there are many suspects. and the eventual culprit is a surprise. Best of all Hugh is really discovering his romantic side and it seems the wedding may soon become reality. I can't wait to see what Gladstone will wear!

Lady Eleanor Swift has been invited to visit the Duke of Auldwyke for Christmas. She and Clifford are being driven by the Duke's secretary Mr. Porritt, and her staff by the first foootman Mr. Lofthouse. Her fiance Hugh Seldon will be coming the next day to be with them. The ladies (Ellie's female help) will be staying in the game keeper's cottage. The main house has very strict rules that no one is allowed further than the 2nd floor, and no one can talk with their host who lives in a locked room on the upper floor. All guests are required to shoot in a competition with guns provided by the host. They soon realize that most of the guests were also there ten years before when a stray shot killed the Duke's wife. The Duke has not been seen by any guests since then.

However, shortly after they arrive, Ellie finds Mr. Porritt strangled in a storage room. A local young constable arrives to investigate the murder, but he needs help. Ellie volunteers Seldon and herself to help. Soon, a blizzard locks them all in, and there is an attack on the Duke when small glass pellets filled with cyanide are shot through the 3rd floor windows. Ellie manages to get the Duke out of the way and to nurse him a little.

The book becomes quite exciting, and in spite of all the interviewing of suspects, we don't find the real culprit until practically the end. I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC so I could read the book before publication.

This series has been amazing and very popular as this is the 20th installment!

Lady Swift is excited about Christmas and sets about making it fun for everyone. She is a guest at the Duke of A's manor home and awaiting the arrival of her fiance Hugh

When murder turns up, it is all hands on deck to find the culprit. Love the characters and the setting and can only look forward to more in this series!

In A MIDWINTER MURDER by Verity Bright it is the winter of 1924. Lady Eleanor Swift attends a shoot at the Duke of Auldwyke’s manor house in Yorkshire Moors. The Duke’s secretary, Mr. Porritt, is found dead by Lady Swift. How and why is Mr. Porritt dead? I read on to find out.

The setting resembles Downton Abbey with entitled characters like the protagonist, Lady Eleanor Swift, and the staff like the chauffeur, Mr. Lofthouse. The description of Christmastime draws the reader into the cozy comfort of the holiday setting. The description of Mr. Porritt's death brings the main mystery into focus. Who killed Mr. Porritt? While this book is a good read, I think it is too long. I still look forward to reading the next Lady Eleanor Swift book. The backstory has certainly piqued my interest. Thank you, Bookouture and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of A MIDWINTER MURDER.

Lady Eleanor Swift has been dreaming of a romantic Christmas with her fiancé DCI Hugh Seldon and her beloved staff at home. Hugh is finally going to take some vacation time and spend the holidays with Ellie at Henley Hall. Instead of the holiday she has been dreaming of, she finds herself traveling to the Yorkshire estate of the reclusive Duke of Auldwyk, with Hugh to join her a day later. Ellie was sure she declined the invitation, but the Duke's Secretary, Mr. Porritt, tells her they did not receive her regrets to the Christmas shooting party and that he fears for his position if Ellie and Hugh do not attend. She agrees only if her staff and pets can be accommodated as well. Ellie and Clifford are picked up by Mr. Porritt and are taken to the estate. Ellie soon finds herself stumbling across the body of Mr. Porritt shortly after getting settled. Ellie, Clifford, Hugh and the ladies find themselves embroiled in a mystery that is tied to a event that occurred 10 years prior. There is no shortage of possible suspects among her fellow guests and the estate's staff.

The story started a little slow but picked up and I was hooked till the end. It was a cleverly plotted mystery with lots of twists and turns. I did not guess the identify of our perpetrator until the author revealed it. I was happy to get to see more of Ellie and Hugh's relationship. I also love that we are seeing Ellie's "chosen family" and getting to see more of them interreacting with each other. (the sledding scene was a hoot) Also, how can you not love the canine/feline antics of Gladstone and Tompkins!

This book will definitely give you white Christmas vibes and leave you with a satisfied smile on your face! Thank you, Verity Bright, for this special Christmas gift!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me the chance to read this ARC.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Verity Bright for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Midwinter Murder coming out December 4, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this series! It’s one of my favorite cozy historical mysteries series. I love Eleanor and Hugh working together, solving murders. This was a fun setting. I love the Christmastime fun. The writing is always good. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy mysteries!

A Midwinter Murder – A Cozy Mystery Delight!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with A Midwinter Murder by Verity Bright? I’m practically bursting to tell you how much I absolutely loved this book! Picture this: it’s winter 1924, and Lady Eleanor Swift finds herself at the grand but mysterious Auldwyke Hall, hosted by the reclusive Duke. She has her heart set on a cozy, festive celebration with her fiancé, the charming detective Hugh Seldon, complete with homemade baubles and reindeer-shaped cookies. But, of course, things take a dramatic turn when a body is discovered!

The unfortunate Mr. Porritt, the Duke’s secretary, is found dead in a storeroom clutching a golden rose pendant that sends Eleanor's curiosity—and her detective instincts—into overdrive. As she and Hugh navigate through a blizzard and a house full of suspicious guests, each with their own secrets, the tension builds. The stakes are raised even higher when an attempt is made on the Duke’s life. Seriously, the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat!

What really made this read special for me was seeing Hugh play such a significant role throughout the story. Finally! I’ve been waiting for this! And of course, it’s always a joy to reunite with our beloved characters who feel like old friends at this point. The atmosphere of Auldwyke Hall was so vivid; I could practically feel the chill of the moors and the warmth of the fireside.

Verity Bright has crafted a delightful mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. I can’t rave enough about how well everything was tied together—every little detail felt perfectly placed. Honestly, I can’t wait for the next adventure with Eleanor, Hugh, Clifford, and the rest of this fabulous crew!

If you’re looking for a cozy mystery to curl up with this winter, look no further than A Midwinter Murder. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Lady Eleanor Swift, her butler Clifford, the ladies plus Gladstone & Tomkins all arrived at Auldwyke Hall, owned by a reclusive Duke, reported not to have left his third floor apartment in ten years. Eleanor had received the puzzling invitation, to which she'd declined, but with a phone call by the Duke's secretary, to say he hadn't received her response, and could she please come at the Duke's request, what could Ellie do? The plans for a special Christmas with Hugh, her fiancé - Detective Inspector Hugh Seldon - were messed up, so Hugh was joining the party the following day. But within minutes of Ellie's arrival, she found a body. Clifford swiftly joined her and together they planned what would follow.

Hugh's arrival saw him take over the search for the killer; the Duke would not allow any other police in Auldwyke Hall, and the Christmas clay shoot must go on! Ellie, Hugh and Clifford had their work cut out for them and with snow deeply on the countryside around them, and stormy weather bringing more, there was no leaving, or arriving at the Hall. The phone was out - they were truly isolated. Interviewing the Duke's guests, plus the staff, proved nigh on impossible; they all held secrets; they all told lies. As danger crept closer, with an attempt on the Duke's life, and another murder, Hugh was as frustrated as he'd ever been - and it was Christmas Eve...

A Midwinter Murder is the 20th in the Lady Eleanor Swift series by Verity Bright and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Fun and entertaining, each episode fresh and new - I love the antics of the two animals, and Ellie's ladies - the aprons, they call themselves - are wonderful. As is Clifford - basically the whole cast of regular characters make the books pretty much perfect. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

A Midwinter Murder is such a fun, festive read. Even with a murder, it put me in the Christmas mood. While it is unlikely that I will have a white Christmas (I live in the south), reading this book had me craving a snowstorm and a fireplace (I have the cocoa and cookies).

This is book 20 in the series, but it isn't absolutely necessary to read the previous books. (If you are snowed in during the holidays, this would be a great series to binge-read.)

I loved all the fun scenes with Eleanor and Hugh and her staff. Since they weren't at Hendley Hall, the ladies on her staff didn't have their normal chores so they were much more relaxed, and the little cottage they were staying in on the estate felt so homey. I wanted to be sitting around the kitchen table with them (and enjoying the treats, except maybe the Yorkshire pudding - there is a recipe for the traditional Yorkshire pudding, and reading the recipe turned my stomach with all the game bird stuffed into it).

The mystery is a good one too and kind of apt for the season. The Duke is a bit of a curmudgeon as well as a recluse. The invited guests are not exactly who would expect to be invited to a shooting party at the estate of a Duke. So everything is a little odd at Auldwyke Hall.

If you love Hugh and Eleanor together, then we get a lot of them together in this book and they are such a cute couple. We also get some hints at what the future holds for them as they attempt to discuss their upcoming nuptials and life together.

If you are looking for a light-hearted read with plenty of winter festivities, you should definitely get this book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Thursday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2024/12/a-midwinter-murder-by-verity-bright.html

Another very entertaining book in this enjoyable series, this time with the added joy of a Christmas setting. Clifford is developing into a brilliant character, his acerbic remarks are a highlight for me. I found the pace a bit slower for the first part of the book so only4 stars but I’m already looking forward to the next investigation by this great team.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for sending me an ARC for my honest review.

Reading a Lady Eleanor Swift book is always such a fun time. What made this one more special is that we get a whole book about her spending time with Hugh. This has always been something I would have liked to see. Although I haven't read this series from the start, I can tell the two had a great start to their relationship and I can't wait to see how it develops further.

I also have to admit that the mystery was a head-scratcher for me. I only guessed the motive behind the murder, never the guilty party. I tend to enjoy the book more when I cannot say who I think is behind the killings.

Hopefully the next adventure will contain more of Hugh! (and might we finally hear the wedding bells?)

I’ve been a huge fan of the Lady Eleanor Swift series since book 1, and now we’re on book 20! So I was thrilled to receive a copy of A Midwinter Murder to review.

This time around, Eleanor and Co have been invited to a mysterious Christmas house party in Yorkshire. No sooner has she arrived, than she’s tripping over a dead body!

I so enjoyed this story. I loved the setting of the moors in Yorkshire, and the wintriness of the weather. It made a background that was festive, in spite of the murder(s?).

I loved the fact that Seldon and the ladies were there with Eleanor, as well as Clifford. I really enjoyed the little interludes with the ladies in their cottage, and the way they support Eleanor and Seldon. I also loved the fact that Eleanor and Seldon are finally making some progress in discussing what their life will be like after they marry. I really hope we’ll see more progress in their relationship soon. I’d really love to see them continuing to solve murders post marriage.

Now I will finally mention the murder mystery part of the story! I loved this one, it took several unexpected twists, and I was baffled for most of the book! I definitely couldn’t wait to find out who was really behind it all. A most satisfactory plot in all respects.

Overall, this was a festive delight of a murder mystery. I loved spending more time with this favourite group of characters, who are also old friends. I can’t wait to see what they get up to next!

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

A 1920s Christmas is tainted by murder.

Lady Eleanor Swift and her entourage are bound to the wild Yorkshire Moors to spend Christmas at Auldwyke Hall as guests of the Duke. The only saving grace making this venture pleasant is that Eleanor’s fiancé, Hugh Seldon, is actually going to attend with them. They hope to find some quiet time alone to discuss their future plans. Alas, almost immediately after arrival, Eleanor stumbles upon the dead body of the Duke’s secretary. Mr. Porritt has been strangled and left for dead in a storeroom.
Their holiday is near ruined now as Eleanor, Hugh, and butler Clifford spend their time trying to suss out a killer.

As always, the characters make this such a fun and satisfying cozy mystery. It’s definitely a series that should be read in order from the beginning in order to develop a relationship with each of them. Eleanor is definitely unconventional, compassionate, and clever as she helps investigate nasty crimes and find justice. I enjoy all the period details and a particularly interesting aspect is that the book includes a recipe for genuine Yorkshire Christmas Pie (circa 1747) and some historical notes on rural policing, clay pigeon shooting, Prussic acid, inheritance laws, miniature books, and Edwardian Christmas trees. All of which feature in the story.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC — both provided by the publisher. The narrator, Karen Cass, did a fabulous job of voicing all the different characters and bringing them to life with appropriate dramatic flair. This excellent production definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

If you are looking for a great cozy mystery series set in the UK in the 1920s, I can highly recommend this one. I’m already looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "A Midwinter Murder" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the 20th book in the Lady Eleanor Swift series and it just keeps getting better and better. This time Ellie and her staff are invited to a shoot at Auldwyke Hall in the Yorkshire Moors 3 days before Christmas. Mr. Porritt the secretary to the Duke of Auldwyke has picked them up. Ellie while a titled Lady is very much down to earth and it can be said that her education is lacking in decorum, etiquette and the ability to make small talk. But she has one of the kindest hearts of any character written.

Ellie is certain that she received an invitation for herself and Hugh to attend the clay shoot but she is also certain that she declined the invitation. Neither of them know the Duke and easily said no.

They had barely arrived when Gladstone finds a body in the storehouse between rows of crates...it is quite obvious that murder has once again found Ellie. Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon is on his way to the Hall to spend a quiet Christmas with Ellie and finds that he has been volunteered to lead the investigation because the Duke won't allow other police on the grounds.

There are 5 other guests at the Hall and none seem to know the Duke either. The staff all seem to be afraid of him as he is a known recluse since the death of his wife 10 years prior. People have even suggested that he is a figment of people's imaginations. It is said that the Duke of Auldwyke answers to no one. He feels he is above the law. Hugh feels that this is the most absurd murder case of his career. Everyone has a different story to tell, everyone was somewhere other than where they said they were.

My favourite character has always been Master Gladstone and he is terribly bullied by Finbarr. We learn a lot about Hugh's childhood and his backstory. Everyone is quite horrified to learn that a titled Lady is engaged to a policeman because it was unheard of. When there is an attempt on the Duke's life, it is quick thinking Ellie that saves him. While everyone is out sledging, they happen upon yet another body. There are many red herrings in this story and the conclusion is very exciting as it an ending you could not see coming.

Will there be a wedding in the near future for Ellie and Hugh?

One of my favourite features of the Lady Eleanor Swift series are the Historical Notes at the end of the story. I enjoy learning more about some of the interesting things mentioned in the story. Like Rural Policing - Constable Danby is very clever and clearly wasted in his role. Perhaps he will appear in future stories working alongside Hugh? We also learn about Clay Pigeon Shooting, Prussic Acid, Inheritance Laws among other interesting bits of history - it rounds out the story to have the background.

I adored the most recent installment of the Lady Swift mysteries. It was as deeply layered and the intermittent heavy snowfalls at Auldwyke Hall. Not only was the mystery convoluted and full of suspicious characters, it was full of celebratory dishes that made me super hungry while reading. Hugh and Ellie's romance continues to blossom and grow, even as they are still waiting for a 'date' to walk down the aisle in front of family and friends. This book explores not only the bonds of family and commitment, but also what happens when things are twisted out of jealousy and bitterness. I really enjoyed A Midwinter Murder for its atmosphere and wonderful characters.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

This is the 20th book in the "Lady Eleanor Swift" series. I have read several of the earlier books, loved them all, but this is the first one I am reviewing.

I really enjoyed and was intrigued by this wintry tale, even though much of the Christmas festivities were interrupted by murder (and mayhem). The plot was original and interesting, the description of the snow, the manor and especially the cozy cottage made me feel like I was there. The various plot twists kept me guessing, and I learned a bit about glass pigeon shooting tournaments.

I highly recommend the entire series. I love all the characters: Lady Swift, her butler Clifford, and all the women working for her. And I'm starting to warm up to her fiancé, the Scotland Yard Chief Inspector, who it seems would be lost (in more ways than one) without Eleanor!

Another fun and witty Lady Swift Mystery, this time bringing them all to Auldwyke Hall just days before Christmas.

Having initially declining the invitation by the Duke of Auldwyke, Eleanor finds herself, along with Clifford, the ladies and eventually Hugh, arriving to a blizzard and a murder all before even unpacking!

A investigation begins with Hugh as the lead and with the help of Lady Swift and Clifford . Who will be found responsible, staff or the other invited guests with maybe a score to settle.

Book 20 will not disappoint!

This was a cosy mystery novel, in the tradition of golden age crime fiction. A Midwinter Murder is the 20th book to feature Lady Eleanor Swift, a newly-aristocratic woman who seems to just accidentally be around when murders occur. With her fiancé, a Scotland Yard Detective Inspector, and her butler Clifford, Ellie sets out to solve the mystery of who killed the Duke of Aldwych’s private secretary on the first day of a Christmas shooting party that she is invited to.

I loved Clifford as a character, his dry humour, love of decorum and ability to gently tease Ellie for her lack of it were entertaining throughout. The story keeps readers guessing as to ‘whodunnit’ right to the end, with several plausible suspects and a few red herrings. I enjoyed this and would go back and read more in the series.

Thanks to Bookouture and Net Galley for an advanced reading copy of this book.

Ooh! This is a twisty mystery! It was a little dark for a holiday story but also very charming. I never guessed who but in hindsight I DID pick up on the clue Ellie missed! This story also has much more romance than any of the previous stories! Ellie and Hugh manage to carve out time to spend alone together and discuss their future plans - or not. It's all very sweet and innocent even though they've both been married before. My big quibble is with the author's note where they refer to the 1920s as Edwardian when the Edwardian era ended before World War I/with WWI depending on who you ask. My minor quibble is some of the language sounds too modern. According to the internet, "Faffing" became common around the 1940s and 50s. Errors like that take me out of the story. My big pet peeve is that no one knows how to spell all right. All right. Two words, not one. Two ls not one. Please? Thank you.

As always, Ellie's warmth and heart make her an appealing heroine. The way she treats her staff as if they were family is very unusual for the time. She's not "to the manor born" and still, after all this time, not comfortable living that lifestyle. The ladies and Clifford are like family. She's like a proud mom to young Polly who is growing up and more self-aware. Lizzie is growing up too and there's a male friend in her life who makes her blush. Trotters and Butters are a hoot as they usually are but they tone it down a bit because there's a man staying in their cottage. Ellie and Clifford's easy banter and their close relationship is so touching. They've come a long way since she suspected him of trying to kill her! Clifford stands in for Uncle Byron but he seems to be getting younger and has more tricks up his sleeve in each passing book. Also growing younger and more spry is Gladstone. If memory serves, initially he was elderly and spent his time sleeping on the sofa and drooling on slippers. Now he's playing with Hugh and his feline buddy and acting like a puppy again. Maybe he just needed more stimulation. Hugh is sweet and romantic-finally. He's thawing out and has learned to trust Ellie's "intuition" (intelligence?) and trying not to freak out about her investigations. He knows they need to discuss their future but SHE is the one putting it off. Hugh finally has the courage to speak his dreams out loud. I wasn't crazy about him at first but he's grown and adapted to Ellie's way of life. This cast of characters is one of my favorites. There isn't a one I don't love and at this point they feel like MY family too!

The new characters, aside from two, are not at all likable. Mr. Pruitt, the Duke's secretary, is young. He's very kind and charming but he may not be the most efficient secretary because he swears Lady Eleanor Swift RSPVD to the invitation. I find it weird that he's the only one who ever sees the Duke. Mr. Pruitt may have had secrets - secrets he could have been killed for. Did he have a lady friend? Was she from a higher social class? A secret wife? An affair? How else to explain the jewelry he was clutching when he died? I think our young secretary had some hidden depths and dark secrets in the closet. I don't know why else anyone would kill him - unless ... maybe he saw something... Knew something... Learned something, that got him killed?

The Duke of Auldwyke is very weird. He's reportedly reclusive, no one sees him except his secretary and his orders are to be obeyed. Does this guy even exist? I'm thinking he doesn't. I think he died long ago and the staff are running the house according to his wishes. I think this guy doesn't exist in the first place. The whole situation is weird. The Duke - if he exists- is cranky, autocratic, demanding and rude. Who is he- Blackbeard? The Beast? I don't like the sound of him and if they weren't snowed in, if I were Ellie, I would turn around and go home! Clifford would find a way. What happened to Lancelot and his plane? SOS Lance! Get us out of here!

Mr. Lofthouse takes over secretarial duties when Mr. Pruitt is killed. He also has his regular duties as first (only) footman and chauffeur. He's lower class, less educated than Mr. Pruitt and seems kind of lazy too. He doesn't like doing the secretary's job, he seems gloomy and creepy too. I don't trust him. I hope Mr. Bowes, the gardener, didn't do it. He seems humble and proud but clues do point to him. What about the Duke's former secretary, Derek Taylor, turned off after an argument? Could he have returned for revenge?

The guests include Mr. Wilfred Willoughby Taylor "soon to be Sir". ick. Is this guy for real? Who introduces themself like that? He's sleazy and probably a womanizer. Julius Huish is an artist with a large, scary, untrained dog who terrorizes poor Gladstone. Barnabus Musgrave, ESQ. is a blowhard businessman. He's the type that always has to be right and always portrays himself as larger than life. His wife Viola is along for the shooting contest too. These two don't seem to have a happy, loving relationship. They seem to be hiding something including the cracks in their relationship. Maybe this party is making things worse but I think the richer this guy gets, the worse he's going to be. She's not so nice herself and they both want something. Pearl Whitwell, the only other single woman, is super competitive. She's the man eating type and the type who sees all other women as competition. She comes across as catty and witchy. Ellie doesn't seem to like Pearl very much either. None of these people are sincere, they're all lying and they all want something. Which one killed Mr. Pruitt? Maybe they all did it?

Constable Danby is young and untried but he's up for the challenge of assisting in the murder investigation. He has no qualms about Scotland Yard OR a woman doing the bulk of the investigating. In fact, he seems to be excited to be in the presence of real detectives. He's a lovely young man.

I really enjoying spending the holidays (early) with Ellie and the gang. I hope to visit with them again soon! This series has gotten better and better as it has gone along.