Death at the Abbey

A Lady of Ashes Mystery

By: Christine Trent

Narrated by: Polly Lee

While on a much-needed respite with her husband, Sam, in Nottinghamshire, undertaker Violet Harper is summoned to Welbeck Abbey by the Fifth Duke of Portland to prepare a body. His Grace is known as the "mad duke", and Violet has more than an inkling of why when she arrives at the grand estate and discovers that the corpse in question is that of the duke's favorite raven, Aristotle. Many of the duke's servants believe a dead raven is a harbinger of doom, and the peculiar peer hopes to allay their superstitious fears with an elaborate funeral for his feathered friend. But Aristotle's demise is soon followed by the violent murder of one of the young workers on the estate. Wishing to avoid any whisper of scandal, the reclusive duke implores Violet to conduct her own discreet investigation. In her hunt for evidence, Violet wonders if the manner of the raven's death might provide a crucial clue in solving the crime...before someone else - including herself - risks an untimely fate.

©2015 Christine Trent (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Good as always

Like an old friend bringing in some down home cooking just when I need comfort food, Trent never disappoints.

Victorian splendor

This book and author were recommended by a good friend and didn't fail to entertain and educate. A wonderful story as well as richly detailed and descriptive characters. I found Victorian funeral practices very fascinating. I'm so happy to know there are many books in this series for my enjoyment.

The narrator was sub par.

The story was ridiculous, based on a historical conjecture about ravens ache Tower of London. The heroine/main character was very hard to believe that she was allowed that date & time in Great Britain to even be a coroner let alone would have agreed to be kept at a Lir's mansion without her husband. The Kord himself was very hard to believe was that eccentric & malicious to his staff of towers.