A Very English Murder

A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery, Book 1

By: Verity Bright

Narrated by: Karen Cass

Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

An absolutely gripping cozy murder mystery

Move over Miss Marple, there’s a new sleuth in town! Meet Eleanor Swift: distinguished adventurer, dog lover, dignified lady…daring detective? 

England, 1920. Eleanor Swift has spent the last few years travelling the world: taking tea in China, tasting alligators in Peru, escaping bandits in Persia and she has just arrived in England after a chaotic 45-day flight from South Africa. Chipstone is about the sleepiest town you could have the misfortune to meet. And to add to these indignities - she’s now a Lady. 

Lady Eleanor, as she would prefer not to be known, reluctantly returns to her uncle’s home, Henley Hall. Now Lord Henley is gone, she is the owner of the cold and musty manor. What’s a girl to do? Well, befriend the household dog, Gladstone, for a start, and head straight out for a walk in the English countryside, even though a storm is brewing....

But then, from the edge of a quarry, through the driving rain, Eleanor is shocked to see a man shot and killed in the distance. Before she can climb down to the spot, the villain is gone and the body has vanished. With no victim and the local police convinced she’s stirring up trouble, Eleanor vows to solve this affair by herself. And when her brakes are mysteriously cut, one thing seems sure: someone in this quiet country town has Lady Eleanor Swift in their murderous sights....

If you enjoy witty dialogue, glamorous intrigue, and the very best of Golden Age mysteries, then you will adore Verity Bright’s whodunit, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T E Kinsey, and Downton Abbey!

©2020 Verity Bright (P)2020 Bookouture

I wanted to like this so much.

As a big fan of 1920 murders mysteries, this should be right up my alley. However, I found the main character Eleanor really really frustrating, to the point that sometimes the second-hand embarrassment I experienced while listening was so intense that I had to turn it off. It’s one thing to be take charge and direct, it’s another thing to be childishly impulsive with no plan and just a lot of unfounded smack talk. Illinois did not feel at all like a grown woman who had experienced a lot in her life, she felt like a clueless teenager trying to pretend she was an adult

Not for the purist

The first hour or so of this book is okay-- I listen to historical cozies to relax, not to be challenged, so the setting and typical main character (plucky young woman with a task to take care of) were... fine. But as the story progresses, the book falls apart a bit-- the author makes no attempt to match the dialog to the time period-- "Oh, snap," and "No way," appear in the same paragraph, for example. If the author doesn't bother to evoke the era in which the book is set, there doesn't seem to be much point, and if the book's editors can't correct the misplaced modifiers that pull the book's tone even lower, then it's hardly worth reading. Additionally, the protagonist's feelings for and interactions with the other characters seem forced, sometimes existing with no other reason than to wrestle the plot in the right direction. This story is proof that writing a "cozy" -- even a formulaic one-- isn't as easy as some might think. As for the narrator, she speaks with a sibilant "s," so if you have to turn up your volume to overcome any low-level noise, you might have a hard time with the high-pitched hiss.

Lady Swift made me cringe so often

It was a cute, cozy mystery, but Lady Eleanor was a just a little stupid, running around telling all that she knew when they could have been involved in the crime. get extra credits audibledealsdotkom The story was a true mystery, and kept you guessing throughout. The main character was flighty, immature and yet supposedly very well traveled and wise. It stretched credulity.

Total Tripe

it has always been my intention to finish every book I start. And while I did that with this particular book it was an excruciating experience. it was the first book in a series and the last book I will ever read from this author. it just isn't worth the time going into any detail.

weak

the main character is difficult to like. she acts hastily and unwisely and justifies her actions as some kind of womens lib.

Lady Eleanor is not an appealing heroine

Lady Eleanor, the 29 year old lead character, spent the first four chapters whining about the inheritance of her uncle's estate including his mansion. Boohoo. I have decided I have better ways to spend my time and returned this irritating book.

Hard to like the Main Character

It took me awhile to finish this book, which is unusual for me and a murder mystery, usually it takes a few days, this one took a few months because I just did not like the main character. She came off as entitled and arrogant. It was very difficult to find anything really likeable about her, only pity for certain elements of her life.

However the performance was great and finally at the very end of the book you began to crack through the "superhero feminist" bravado and find an almost relatable person there. So I will listen to the other books in the series. Hopefully they won't be as much of a trial as the first book was.

Mediocre at best

The only positive portion of this audiobook is the performance by the reader. We will not be listening to my more of this author’s work.

A British mystery at it's best

Excellent story. Well read and easy to follow.
Characters are all very entertaining ..hope the next book comes along soon !

Witty mystery with depth

I loved this mystery!! Great characters, witty dialogue and fast moving story. Highly recommended.

Delightful cosy mystery

Sometimes I fancy a gentle old fashioned mystery and this fit the bill perfectly with fun story and engaging characters

Tedious & Monotonous

Oh dear! I tried several times to get into this title, not least as it had some good reviews. I cannot share them. The narrator is semi monotonous; not a spark of interest shines from her delivery. The early chapters show the authors total lack of familiarity with either the subject or even decent grammar. Sadly, it is now being returned. Very disappointing.

Good fun listen

After having a few duds this was a delight to listen to. Unfortunately only one in the series is currently available. Hopefully there will be more.

Excellent first book can't wait for the next

Great story reminiscent of Dorothy L Sayers. If you love murder and romance then definitely read this

So sorry

Started to listen and I’m so sorry but just couldn’t listen to the narration I’m sure she’s great at what she does but i just wasn’t able to listen past the second chapter. She sounded like she was reading a list and for me there wasn’t enough character in the reading for me to get into it and want to hear more - sorry. I’m sure the book is actually very good and I might get a hard copy one day.

Utterly utterly dreadful

A frighteningly bad book with little in the way of redeeming qualities. Clique upon clique, appalling characterisation and, to be honest, groaningly bad in almost every aspect. Awful narration, disjointed and poorly read, with intonation being a particular issue. I skipped forward chapter upon chapter in the hope that things would be improve but it only got worse. I would not wish this book upon my worst enemy and will never ever read anything by this author or narrator. Avoid.

Not worth it.

Poorly thought out plot. Ridiculous main character who is wildly inconsistent throughout the novel. Highly unlikely interactions between all the characters at various junctures. It's a shame, certainly mislabeled as being similar to Agatha Christie. It reads like the authors saw a Phryne Fisher episode and decided to recreate it badly. Regret finishing it.

Enjoyable listen

I enjoying this very much. Nice humour. Voice of reader goes with story line. I was disappointed that the next book isn't available yet.

Bright and breezy...

A lighthearted and entertaining tale - redolent of Girls Own stories. Perfect accompaniment, I found, to sewing, knitting, walking and even ironing! I will accompany Eleanor and her butler through book 2 and beyond!

A Very English Murder

This is a great whodunit, with lots of characters you discover alone the way. With many failed starts Lady Eleanor Swift fumbles until she devised a plan to catch the killer. Read brilliantly with loads fun and character by Karen Cass. 👌👍