The writer has a style and sense of humor I enjoy. The characters have doubts and foibles. An interesting mystery and sweet romance with a lovely HEA. Very enjoyable.
A Death, A Duke, And Miss Mifford
by Claudia Stone
After an unsuccessful season in London, Miss Mary Mifford has returned to the village of Plumpton determined to be the most upstanding spinster the Cotswolds have ever seen. Not even the arrival of the elusive Duke of Northcott can distract Mary from her plan; until the local rector is found bludgeoned to death and Mary is named as the prime suspect. When Northcott offers to assist Mary in finding the culprit, she does not think for a second that his motives have anything to do with marriage - but as the list of suspects grows longer, Mary and the duke grow closer and closer, and she begins to wonder if she is not such a determined spinster after all.Henry William Lockheart, Sixth Duke of Northcott, has returned to his ducal seat, determined to attend to the estate he has neglected since his father's death. Nothing shall distract him from his plan, he thinks, until something - or rather someone- does.Miss Mary Mifford is hardly the ideal candidate to be his duchess - given her lack of wealth and connections, along with the bothersome fact that she is the prime suspect in a murder - but Henry is smitten. Determined to help the young lady, Henry throws himself into investigating the death of the rector, Mr Parsims, hoping to clear her name.With a long list of suspects, Henry suspects that the task might be difficult; though it might prove easier to solve a murder than to convince an earnest spinster that she should be his bride...A Death, A Duke, And Miss Mifford is the first book in the Regency Murder and Marriage Series, by Claudia Stone. A light, witty, and fun read this story is sure to delight fans of Regency Romance and Cozy Mysteries alike.
Reviews
Sweet and fun
too much romance
the mystery was well done. but the instant love gets annoying. and all the holding of hands. and the female lead foolishly confronting the killer. can’t it just be a great mystery?
Just Fun
I read a wide variety of books, some intense and complex. Before this i read The Night Manager, its always nice to have a light clever book to read, this covad year they have been most definitely in order. This is your typical light English murder mystery with a Duke and a independent young female sleuth. There are thousands. There is very light romance and eventual marriage and of course the case is solved. The book is well written, on the charming side and fun and easy to read. The mystery part pretty darn good, i didnt know who did it till close to the end and for me thats unusual!
I wish the author had followed The female protagonist to London or where ever after her marriage where she would continue her sleuthing but the next book takes up with her sister instead. I have not read it but I sense a missed literary opportunity. Overall a pleasant read but would have benefited with a bit more volume and grit in the writing, it just could have been more detailed more complex with out much trouble and so a better book. Also the romance is on the boring side. I realize a bodice ripper is another audience and genre and turns certain conservative women off but a bit more was in order here to keep the yawning at bay!!!
good book certainly for the price.
A Fun, But Serious Regency Murder
Since she's 22 years old, and has not made a match in three seasons, Mary Mifford is determined to be a spinster. Henry, Duke of Northcott is determined to help Mary escape the charge of murder. Together they work to find out who murdered the rector who is hated by so many people. Author Stone has written a charming Regency novel. Well written.
A nice start to a new series
This is the first book I’ve read by Claudia Stone and I enjoyed it very much. This story mixes my two favorite genres, romance and cozy mystery, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The story is written with a dual POV, from Henry, our hero and Mary, our heroine. I appreciated that Henry was portrayed, not as a perfect duke, but as a man with imperfections, regrets and dreams. He knows he is blessed by his birthright, yet he sometimes forgets just how lucky he is. Mary is delightful. One failed season in London and she is determined! to be the best spinster there ever was. Until she meets Henry, and then her goal becomes much harder to achieve. One cannot be a spinster, if one does not abhor men and The Duke of Northcott is making that pursuit quite difficult.
After a dubious (and hilarious) meet-cute, Mary finds herself the lead suspect in a murder. Henry, equally smitten with Mary, vows to help her find the true murderer. The mystery is quaint, with several suspects that lead to dead ends but of course, Mary and Henry eventually get their man. A sweet romance between the two, plays out under the guise of romantic thoughts, tender what-ifs and longing.
I’m looking forward to sister Jane’s story. Highly recommend to readers who enjoy sweet regency romances with a side of mystery.
Delightful
The author has an absolutely charming way with words. At times the story reminded me of a Wodehouse novel, but written by a kinder, gentler narrator. Lines that made me giggle, even in the midst of drama and tragedy.
Honestly it feels wrong to call a murder mystery warm and delightful, but it truly is.
Charming story
Charming story. Also a quick and easy read. I look forward to reading about the next sister, but I hope tje author has learned the difference between blackmail and bribery by the next book. Bribery - paying someone for favors. Blackmail - making someone pay you so you keep their secrets.
3 1/2 stars
A cute story wherein the heroine decides to be a spinster - and wears a too-large mobcap. The Duke of the area has finally come to his primary seat and falls for the heroine. Murder and sleuthing ensues, and I had fun reading this story and getting to know the characters - including the second oldest sister. I'll look forward to her book!
