Murder by Invitation

A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery, Book 15

By: Verity Bright

Narrated by: Karen Cass

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Lady Swift has been cordially invited to a huge royal celebration in Little Buckford to toast the king’s birthday...but wait, is that a body in the village hall?

Lady Eleanor Swift and her loyal butler Clifford are busy lending a hand with preparations for the big day. The grand dining room at Henley Hall is overflowing with home-sewn flags, paint, and royal rosettes. Even Gladstone the bulldog and his new friend Tomkins the ginger cat are invited!

But just days before the event, Mr. Prestwick-Peterson, the chairman of the celebrations committee, is found dead in the village hall: strangled with handmade red, white, and royal blue bunting.

With the village hall in total disarray and a key part of the decorations missing, Eleanor wonders if someone dastardly is sabotaging the king’s birthday celebrations? Teaming up with her handsome beau Detective Hugh Seldon to question the local butcher, baker, and pub landlord, it becomes clear that the meddlesome busybody Mr. Prestwick-Peterson was not universally liked in charming Little Buckford. Indeed, the only mystery is why he wasn’t murdered before....

Searching Mr. Prestwick-Peterson’s pristinely organized rooms, Eleanor is surprised to find a faded photograph of a beautiful young woman hidden within the pages of a novel. Could this be the key to untangling this very village murder? And can Eleanor catch the killer before the party is over for her, too?

A totally charming, binge-worthy Golden Age murder mystery with characters whom listeners will adore. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey, and Lee Strauss.

©2023 Verity Bright (P)2023 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

The best one so far

I’ve listen to them all but this one had the best story line. Narration was great The characters took on more personality.

Best one yet!

I’ve read every one of this series in order. They are fun, light, and also a decent mystery. The reader is one of the very best on Audible. Without question. Her accents are spot on. I wish Brandon Sanderson would have hired her! Oh well. This book however is the best so far! Excellent storyline. Don’t miss this one!

Absolutely Delightful Historical Mystery

I read/listen to A LOT of historical mysteries, cozy and traditional, and this is one of the best I have had the good fortune to find. Set in 1920s England, it is well researched with engaging mysteries that always keep me guessing, and to say the characters are well developed is a gross understatement. Lady Swift's intriguing past bicycling through exotic locations around the world may have prepared her well for the mysteries with which she is faced in England if not for her position as a member of the aristocracy, a Lady no less. Nonetheless, she is one of the most intelligent and delightful lead characters I have come across, and together she, her very (or mostly) proper butler, her household staff, and of course the dog, Gladstone, make the most captivating cast of characters you could ever want. The witty conversation and interactions between Lady Swift and her butler, Clifford, often have me chuckling, if not laughing out loud, and, yes, there is a perfect slow-burn romance with a delectable detective. I read one review that said the author team known as Verity Bright cannot write these books quickly enough, and I agree.

Another wonderful story!

What a wonderful continuation of Lady Swift’s story! Verity Bright never ceases to keep me guessing, and Karen Cass’s capacity to bring the characters to life keeps me going back to listen again. I can’t wait for the next installment!

I can’t get enough of this series!

Another great book in a beautiful written witty and historical yet entertaining series. I love the dialogue and the relationship dynamics of the main characters.

Delightful

This series is wonderfully and thoughtfully written, and this latest story is no exception. The story was clever and intriguing all the way through and the performance is fabulous, as always. Can’t wait for the next story!

Mandatory reviews are useless

People just end wtiting so they can give stars. Like this one. Feble decisions at work...

Excellent

I truly enjoy the depth of knowledge and the characters. I learn so much, and it is challenging to stop listening.

So Much Enjoyment

I love listening to this series. They can’t write the stories fast enough. I also like the actual history that is added at the end. The romance is a plus. Karen Cass’ voice makes the stories come alive for me. Thank you for all the pleasure.

They Always End too Quickly

The Lady Swift series always surprises with all the historical tidbits and facts and they simply end too quickly. “Murder by Invitation” is no different, an intriguing read from start to finish with an unexpected twist. Thank you Ms. Bright for keeping all of us on the edge of our sits.