Pub Date: January 6, 2015 | Minotaur Books | Hardcover; 320p
Genre: Historical Fiction
Lady Montfort has been planning her annual summer costume ball for months, and with scrupulous care. Pulling together the food, flowers and a thousand other details for one of the most significant social occasions of the year is her happily accepted responsibility. But when her husband’s degenerate nephew is found murdered, it's more than the ball that is ruined. In fact, Lady Montfort fears that the official police enquiry, driven by petty snobbery and class prejudice, is pointing towards her son as a potential suspect.
Taking matters into her own hands, the rather over-imaginative countess enlists the help of her pragmatic housekeeper, Mrs. Jackson, to investigate the case, track down the women that vanished the night of the murder, and clear her son’s name. As the two women search for a runaway housemaid and a headstrong young woman, they unearth the hidden lives of Lady Montfort’s close friends, servants and family and discover the identity of a murderer hiding in plain sight.
In this enchanting debut sure to appeal to fans of Downton Abbey, Tessa Arlen draws readers into a world exclusively enjoyed by the rich, privileged classes and suffered by the men and women who serve them. Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman is an elegant mystery filled with intriguing characters and fascinating descriptions of Edwardian life—a superb treat for those who love British novels.
OMG - that is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it, Heather?! I love the colors and I wouldn't mind living there!
ReplyDeleteThis looks good, I would love to read this one
ReplyDeleteCovers just seem to get better and better these days.
ReplyDeleteThis novel is definitely going on my Wish List. I love British mystery novels and have lots of favorite authors. Rhys Bowen's, A royal Spyness Mystery novels are always wonderful. This novel really grabbed me not only because of the breathtaking estate on the front of the novel, but the synopsis of the plot sounds great. It rather reminded me of a novel I read recently entitled, "Murder at the Breakers" by Alyssa Maxwell. It was really good and might be one that other readers anticipating this novel would like to read to get them ready for "Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman." Thanks for letting us know about it, Amy!
ReplyDeleteSomething to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's a stunning cover, I'd love to live/visit there.
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