Lady Eleanor Swift is planning her wedding to her chief inspector in a few days when the village suffers food poison and one lady dies. A Recipe for Murder is a perfect cozy mystery with Lady Eleanor's cute cat and dog getting into trouble and rivalries between two parts of the village. As she and the chief inspector are tracking down the murderer another victim is killed. Chief Inspector Hugh Selden is threatened by poisoned cake. Read how they track down the murderer and the wedding goes ahead with village involvement. Great read. I hope you enjoy the clever storytelling and the historical period.

This was such a delightful and twisty installment in the Lady Eleanor Swift series!

In this book, Eleanor is just days away from marrying Hugh, but instead of finalizing the seating chart or obsessing over her wedding dress, she’s knee-deep in poison, secrets, and chaos. The mystery unfolds at a brisk pace, with just the right amount of tension and charm, and the stakes feel especially high this time with Hugh himself in danger.

The village setting is perfectly cozy (despite all the murder), and I loved how food, cream cakes, cucumber sandwiches, and of course, the wedding cake, was woven into the heart of the plot.

If you love historical cozy mysteries with clever twists and a plucky heroine, this one is a treat. I can’t wait to see what married life has in store for Eleanor… if she and Hugh make it to the altar in one piece!

I do love this series and I love how Lady Eleanor is always bumping into mysteries and murder. It is a fun historical cozy series and I loved this one because she was also planning her wedding. I didn’t figure this one out, but I did enjoy it! Thank you for my copy and for making me part of the tour. I’m always impressed when I can read a series and the stories never grow stale!

In this installment of the Lady Eleanor Swift series, Eleanor is immersed in wedding preparations when everything starts going sideways. The village is struck by a mysterious wave of food poisoning after the Spring Dinner, and Eleanor’s wedding chef tragically dies. As if that isn’t bad enough, a poisoned cake is delivered to her fiancé. As suspicion falls on local establishments, Eleanor must navigate village gossip, uncover hidden motives, and race against time to prevent further tragedy. With her ever-reliable butler, Clifford, by her side, Eleanor delves into a mystery that intertwines her past and present.

This was a delightful read that served as a perfect palate cleanser. The 1920s setting added charm, and Eleanor’s wit kept me engaged. While the mystery wasn’t overly complex, the character dynamics and period details made it enjoyable. It’s one of those books that feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon, comforting and satisfying.

If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted mystery with endearing characters and a touch of vintage flair, A Recipe for Murder is a great choice. Ideal for fans of cozy mysteries and those looking for a gentle escape into a bygone era.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It’s time for another highly entertaining Eleanor Swift cozy murder mystery, and this book was extra special. Why? Those of us that have been following the series since its inception have been anticipating Eleanor’s marriage to Hugh. Of course, in the weeks leading up to the wedding, there’s a mystery to solve.

I don’t want to rehash the synopsis that you just read, so I’ll concentrate on the writing. The husband-wife team that is Verity Bright has really outdone themselves with this volume in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series. All the books can be read as standalone novels, which I love, but if you read the entire series, Eleanor’s past has slowly been revealed in conversations and in Eleanor’s thoughts. This time around, her past has a direct correlation to her present, and it’s up to her to find the culprit.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read that is also good on audio!

I really enjoyed A Recipe for Murder, I read all the previous books and it's one of my favourite from the series. Great plot, very well-written, good pace, it's always a pleasure to follow Eleanor, Clifford, Hugh, the ladies and the pets in all their adventures. I can't wait for the next installment!

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

Favorite Quotes:

The woman’s curiosity was sparked as fiercely as if he’d held a burning torch to it. She leaned in conspiratorially, so much so that she tripped over her own slippered foot.

...rumours have been streakin’ round the village like hornets with their tails afire.

I love you, Eleanor. With all my heart. And I always will. Grow old with me, my love. In my arms, forever.

My Review:

I continue my ongoing love affair with the smooth and vastly enticing word skills of the author combo of Verity Bright. I adore their amusing and brain-tickling murder mysteries and every one of their endearing and cleverly constructed characters. I would never have guessed that the cranky and uptight police detective introduced in the first installment would become such an adorable and swoony romantic.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“A Recipe for Murder” is the latest in The Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery Series. This book is special because Lady Eleanor is getting ready to marry Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon. The wedding plans get sidetracked when Ellie’s caterer is found murdered. This is a great mystery with lots of twists and turns. I didn’t see the ending coming!
This is one of my favorite mystery series. The characters are delightful and the stories are cleverly written. I look forward to more books about Lady Eleanor. 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.
#ARecipeforMurder #VerityBright #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInEngland #CozyMystery

A Recipe for Murder is Verity Bright’s twenty-first Lady Eleanor Swift mystery. The book opens with nine days to go before Ellie’s wedding to her fiancé, Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon. Unfortunately, most of the village is taken ill after the traditional village Spring Supper where all the villagers open their doors and offer food to all-comers, with everyone wandering around the village and dropping in to eat and chat wherever they fancy. Although most victims are very ill, the food-poisoning proves fatal for Ellie’s caterer, Annie Tibbetts. Suspicion falls upon the dozens of newcomers who have been brought in to work at a factory on the other side of the river and tensions between the two parts of the village rise rapidly.

The author takes the various plot threads (Ellie’s wedding and her urgent need to find a new caterer; her guilt at having neglected her obligations to the new villagers as the lady of the manor; and the suspicious death of Annie) and skilfully brings them together. I was wondering if the series was becoming a little formulaic but this book is definitely fresh and lively. The characters are progressing: Polly, the young maid, has a male admirer and Clifford admits “Polly is fast approaching the age when she may make her own decisions.”

I enjoyed A Recipe for Murder. The plot moves briskly; there are no superfluous characters but several red herrings; and no need to suspend belief. I do recommend it.

#ARecipeforMurder #NetGalley

Weddings are supposed to be something joyous. It seems that it would be anything but for Lady Eleanor Swift and her dashing fiancé, Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon. With her faithful butler Clifford and staff, Eleanor’s wedding plans were coming along smoothly, but a series of poisonings and the death of their chef just might derail things.

Eleanor, accustomed to the support of everyone around her, becomes increasingly concerned when a few townspeople start to harbor suspicion. Especially with Hugh’s role as a policeman, Eleanor is worried about both their safety and the future of their relationship. Determined to uncover the truth and regain their trust, Eleanor is determined to find the person behind the poisonings.

I absolutely adore this series, particularly Eleanor’s compassionate nature. It’s only fitting that this newly entitled Lady find all the happiness she deserves. Clifford, as always, holds a special place in my heart. This intriguing cozy mystery had so much promise, and I was not disappointed. I eagerly anticipate the next book in the series and can already picture the captivating setting.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

A Recipe for Murder is the 21st book in A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, and I think it is my favourite. Eleanor's and Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon's wedding is only a week or so away and things are down to the wire. Hugh is out of town working, and Eleanor has to take time to attend The Spring Supper in Little Buckford, a welcoming in of spring and wishes for a wonderful harvest. Each house prepares something to eat and drink and residents go house to house to eat, recite poetry and chat. The evening goes well, but the next day, many residents, including Eleanor are ill. It seems they all have food poisoning and one resident Annie Tibetts dies. It doesn't take long to realize it was intentional and now it is murder. As Eleanor tries to get to the bottom of it, she heads over the river to the other side of Little Buckford, where the abandoned mill has been purchased and reopened. The workers want nothing to do with her and the manager chases her off. When they end up poisoned and one of them dies, both sides of the village are accusing each other. Who is poisoning the residents and why?

This mystery kept me guessing right up to the point where Eleanor figures out what is going on. There are plenty of suspects and I changed my mind as often as Eleanor did. How was she supposed to finish planning her wedding with the town at each other's throats. When it becomes personal, Eleanor gets angry and with the help of her ladies, Clifford, Hugh and others in her household, she is able to put the clues together to narrow it down to two people. As usual, there is humor where her bulldog and cat are involved. They make everyone smile and are two spoiled animals. The banter between Eleanor and Clifford, her butler, is always fun and their relationship is wonderful. He is a surrogate father to her, even though he would never admit it. This was a complicated mystery, and the investigation kept everyone on their toes. This was an emotional story, which is a bit different for this series, but I loved how it all turned out. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Lady Eleanor Swift-Seldon, and yes, they do get married. A wonderful historical cozy mystery that I highly recommend. You can read this as a standalone story, but why would you want to miss out on all the other great adventures that Eleanor, Clifford, her ladies, her pets and Hugh have.

Lady Eleanor Swift is back in her 21st adventure from author Verity Bright. Having travelled around the country and indeed across the world, the newest mystery takes place closer to home.

Partaking in the village’s Spring open doors event, sampling foods from different homes, a number of people are subsequently struck down with a bad case of food poisoning. Unfortunately, there’s a fatality, and it appears the poisoning may not have been accidental.
Weighed down by planning her upcoming nuptials, Ellie is reluctant to get involved, but things start to get political when there’s a further death and the two sides of the village are pitted against each other.
On the one hand there is the old traditional village, the way it’s always been, and on the other is the new factory and workers. Industrialisation is coming and bringing with it a change to the way of life the villagers have always known. Can Lady Swift bring them together and solve the case?
Overall, an enjoyable entry into the series, as everything seems to be against Ellie reaching the altar. As usual, she is ably supported by her butler and her larger than life staff members at Henley Hall, and it’s nice to catch up with everyone.

Another fantastic murder mystery with Lady Swift, along with her amazing staff. Spring supper, wedding planning and all while trying to catch the murderer, the shocking twist at the end is one that leaves me speechless. I was thinking it would be someone completely different.

Every one of these books has the ability to make you smile! The ensemble 'cast' epitomise an extended family who rub along and pull together to get things done; whether it's preparing for a wedding or bringing a murderer to book.

It was great to be back in the village again, rather than having the household globe trotting - and it was evident that, even there, changes are afoot with an influx of residents from further north and a factory set up so close. Somehow I missed Clifford a little in this one as High takes on a bigger role.. It was an interesting storyline- a little different - and I learnt something about the language of flowers.

This was an enjoyable read.. Now that Hugh is part of the family, t will be interesting to see just how the dynamic changes in the next book in this very popular series

It's 4 out of 5 for me!

With thanks to Bookouture, Netgalley and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'A Recipe For Murder' by Verity Bright.

Wow!! 21st book by this amazing author in this incredible series and still going strong!!! How can an author bring so many books out in a series with each book having a unique storyline with amazing characters that are more like friends!! Verity Bright manages it each and every time!!!

YET ANOTHER HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO VERITY ON YET ANOTHER PAGE TURNING SUCCESS!! THIS HAS GOT TO BE MY FAVOURITE BOOK IN ONE OF MY FAVOURITE COSY MYSTERY SERIES AND IS DEFINITELY THE TASTIEST!!

Another successful unputdownable cosy mystery by the very talented Verity Bright. I'm always a bit dubious with books based historically as I worry about not being able to 'deal' with the language used but I absolutely love how Verity has written her books. The language used is perfectly suited to the era whilst being easy to read and making it quite humorous on several occasions. The atmosphere and descriptions were perfect. The synopsis and cover also suit the storyline.

I have absolutely loved this series ever since I first got hooked on to them!! I genuinely lost count of the amount of times I genuinely laughed out loud while reading this book!! I would not normally recommend anyone reads books out of order but if you have not read the previous books then it does not make a difference and there is a silver lining in that when you have finished you can go back and read all the previous books in this fabulous series while waiting for the next book to come out which is called 'Death At A Paris Hotel' and is out on the 30th June. One thing I will warn you off is that you need to make sure you have s full stomach reading this book as it will have you smelling and tasting the gorgeous cakes and goodies throughout making your stomach rumble if you haven't eaten, well even if you have actually!! The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Eleanor and Clifford go about their detective work. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. It was filled with suspense, celebrations, wedding planning, food, mystery, laughter, murder, clues, deceit. tension, suspense and so much more!! It is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. Regardless of where you pick up this brilliant cosy crime book Verity will transport you to Little Buckford and Henley Hall at the turn of a page! I absolutely devoured this brilliant read in one sitting as I just could not put it down and gave up on lying to myself saying just one more chapter as that never happened!! I never did work out who the killer was and was completely shocked when they were discovered. A great achievement as I am a huge crime fan and tend to work out who did what quite early on, especially considering I have read so many of Verity's books yet she manages to get me every time. The atmosphere was perfectly suited to the mystery. I love the fact that this book takes us on a holiday back to Little Buckford and Henley Hall as well as transporting the reader into the past to the 1920's. Verity's gorgeous evocative writing skills and descriptions whisked me off to Henley Hall and even with the murder and mayhem I was gutted when I came to the end and had to leave behind some amazing friends!!! However, as always it leaves me looking forward to seeing what they get up to in the next book in this absolutely fantastic series which is actually called 'Death At A Paris Hotel' and is out on the 30th June but is available to preorder on Amazon now!! What I also love about each book in this fantastic series is the fact that although they are cosy mysteries they always end up having me in stitches of laughter on so many occasions which makes it the perfect light hearted read!! Verity's books always send me back to the past and I become so immersed in each of her fantastic books that I always feel a bit lost when I finally look up from my book and land back in 2025!!! One of the things I absolutely love and would, again, like to thank Verity for his her absolutely fantastic historical notes that she includes at the end of each one of her amazing books which always fascinate me and I always end up learning at least one new thing about!! At the end of this brilliant book Verity includes historical notes about Spring Supper, Edwardian Weddings, Elijah Edwards and The County Herald and The Edwardian Public House so make sure you read all of the way to the end of this book to learn more about those as well as enjoying an absolutely fantastic read!! In this book Verity has also included the 'Recipe For Eleanor's Wedding Cake (As Made By Mrs Trotman) which I absolutely love the fact that she has included!!! If you are looking for a dog with a huge personality, a wedding , a Lady with an attitude, a politely sarcastic butler and a light-hearted cosy murder mystery then look no further!! I am absolutely landed that Eleanor and Hugh have finally tied the knot!! I have been waiting years for this and Verity has done it perfectly!! Congratulations to Eleanor and Hugh and I cannot wait for your next adventures as husband and wife, also good luck to Hugh lol!!!

Although this is the twenty first book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

The characters are all larger than life, realistic and a complete breathe of fresh air. Eleanor is an amazing character, very bubbly and certainly not your typical 'Lady', she is absolutely unique as well as a very strong female lead which is a great bonus for myself being female. I absolutely adore her relationship with Clifford along with the rest of her "staff" that she treats more like friends. The only downfall is that herself, Clifford and the rest of the absolutely amazing gang are fictional as these are all absolutely amazing and larger than life characters I would absolutely LOVE to meet in real life!! Clifford is absolutely fantastic and I really enjoy how he makes me laugh with his diplomatic skills while being extremely sarcastic at times. It is so sweet how he has taken Eleanor under his wing and admonishes her in several occasions in his humorous ways. They are like the perfect comedy duo but don't tell Clifford!! I also love Hugh who is completely overworked but still such a gentleman who is constantly on edge with Eleanor's adventures!! I am so landed that they have finally got married as it is something I have been longing for and eagerly awaiting for for a long time! I adore that their love for each other shines through the pages in this book I loved meeting them all again including the Henley Hall ladies Butters, Trotters, Polly and Lizzie in this book. The gang are all larger than life with their own exceptional personalities and I love meeting each and every one of them in each and every book in this fantastic series. I can't forget the absolutely adorable Gladstone along with Tomkins who are adventures in themselves! Every single one of the characters play their parts perfectly as always in Verity's books and I cannot wait to meet Eleanor, Clifford, Hugh, Gladstone and Tomkins along with the Henley Hall ladies again in the next book in this fantastic series which is called 'Death At A Paris Hotel' and is out on the 30th June but is available to preorder on Amazon now!!

A huge congratulations on yet another fantastic success Verity!!! Here's to looking forward to your next book 🥂 If you are looking for a cosy mystery that has everything that you could ask for in a book and more then look no further!!! This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors and this is one of my favourite 'series' Verity! Yet another page turning and unputdownable success!

Overall a fun and easy to read page turning cosy murder mystery with the perfect amount of crime and humour that will keep you hooked throughout.

#ARecipeForMurder #ALadyEleanorSwiftMystery #VerityBright #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous

@VerityBright @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous

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Another entertaining installment in this fun cozy mystery series.

With their wedding just days away, and plans creating a frenzy of activity, Lady Eleanor Swift and Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon are anticipating the most wonderful time. Then, the people in Little Buckford are attacked by a villain with terrible intentions. Someone has used poison. Many in the village are ill and, worst of all, Eleanor's chosen caterer has died. Who is responsible for this nefarious deed and can Lady Swift and her handsome fiancé find the perpetrator in time to save their wedding and reception?

Everyone at Henley Hall from the aprons to the gardener is involved in the hunt for the evildoer. Eleanor and Hugh are determined to find out why. So amidst their continued work to get all of their tasks completed in time for the ceremony, they join forces with local police to investigate on both sides of their town bridge. And then there’s another death.

Fast and fun mystery with lots of suspects and skullduggery. I like the characters in this long running series and enjoy their interactions. The relationship between Eleanor and her butler, Clifford, is always laced with good natured ribbing. I’m really curious to see where this series is going to go next and look forward to the next installment. I’ve read all the books in order from the beginning and suggest any new readers do the same. It’s one of the really good cozy historicals with lots of period details that make it even more interesting.

So we return again to another Lady Swift Murder Mystery. It is like meeting up with an old friend, except on this occasion you may want to avoid the delectable looking cakes and sandwiches as there is deadly mischief afoot in the run up to what should be the most wonderful day in Eleanor’s life as she finally marries her beau, the dashing Chief Inspector Sheldon. Someone from the darker days of Eleanor’s past is lurking in the shadows and they are determined that she doesn’t get her happy ever after.

Book 21 and I have never tired of these novels. They are gentle escapism and I have now read and reviewed each and every one (except the very first). It has never been a chore and I have to say that many of the characters are like old friends and I admit that there were occasions in this novel that I felt rather moved, especially towards the end. I am not going to say too much as I wouldn’t want to spoil even a moment of reading it but if you have been with the series from the start then you won’t be disappointed. If you haven’t, then why not go back to the beginning and enjoy it for yourself. The Lady Swift series is a lovely antidote to the sad and difficult times we are facing in the world at the moment. Step back into history and enjoy journeying alongside Eleanor Swift as she hilariously attempts to be Lady of the Manor whilst also being a dab hand at solving a murder… or 21. 🙂

Will there be any more? I cannot say at this time but there is always more room for adventures. If, however, this is the final novel, I can honestly say I will look back at my time with Lady Swift and her every faithful butler/bodyguard Clifford, with nothing but fondness.

Thank you to Sarah at Bookouture for inviting me to continue to be a part of this journey. It has been an absolute pleasure. Thank you also to Verity Bright for bringing us these novels so full of adventure, loveable characters, delicious (when not poisoned!) food and interesting historical details along the way.

The day Lady Eleanor Swift has been dreaming of is almost here...her wedding to the dashing Scotland Yard Detective Hugh Seldon. After attending the traditional Spring celebration of Little Buckford, Ellie becomes sick with food poisoning as does most of the village. Worse yet, the local woman who was going to be doing the catering ends up dead and it appears that the food poisoning was intentional. Can Ellie find the person responsible in time for her Wedding and before she is next on the killer's list?

This series has become one of my favorites and I always look forward to the next installment. I want to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me the chance to read this book and give my opinion.

I enjoyed this 21st book as much as the first one. Ellie and her posse; Clifford, her staff of Ladies, Hugh and of course, the mischievous two (Tomkins and Gladstone) have become old friends who I can't wait to visit. The mystery was good and kept me guessing. I am so glad the author brought us along as guests at Hugh and Ellie's wedding. This series while being a very good cozy mystery, also has a lot of heart and will always leaving you smiling and wanting more of these great characters.

This book keeps as its tone a very jolly hockey stick approach to storytelling and it continues to work well. Eleanor Swift is in the final throes of planning for her wedding being pushed along to take decisions by her marvellous Butler. As per usual with lady Eleanor, the road is not smooth and between murder and mayhem in the village and fighting in anguish amongst the villages, she tries to remain calm and figure out what is going on. The tongue and cheek tone remains enchanting and makes this a lovely read.

Oh, this was such a fun read! I always love stepping back into Lady Eleanor Swift’s world, and this book had everything I wanted—charm, mystery, and, of course, a bit of chaos. With her wedding to Hugh just around the corner, you’d think Eleanor would be busy with cake tastings and seating plans. But nope—murder had other ideas. When their sweet chef, Annie, dies from poisoning, things take a dark turn, and before long, more people are getting sick. And just when you think it couldn’t get worse a poisoned slice of wedding cake is sent to Hugh.

One of the things I love most about this series is the mix of humor, heart, and mystery, and this book absolutely delivered. The wedding planning moments were adorable (and occasionally disastrous), and Clifford trying to keep Eleanor out of trouble was, as always, hilarious. Their banter is such a highlight for me! The mystery itself was well-paced with some great twists, and while I figured out a couple of things early, there were still plenty of surprises.

I also really enjoyed learning more about Eleanor’s past during the war—it added a whole new layer to her character that made me love her even more. I was so happy to see more of Hugh in this one. I really hope they keep solving mysteries together because their dynamic is just perfect.

This was such a cozy, twisty, and fun read. If you love historical mysteries with a great cast of characters, this series is a must! You could totally jump in with this book, but honestly, I’d recommend starting from the beginning because Eleanor’s adventures are just too good to miss. Can’t wait for the next one!

My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Bookouture for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.