"Another wonderful entry in this Victorian-set mystery series."

Mrs. Jeffries and her household crew of amateur detectives are at it again when a recently engaged titled scoundrel is shot close to home and everyone is a suspect. As usual, they are helping their beloved Inspector Witherspoon, but this time it seems he is starting to use some of the detecting gifts long attributed to him. Now that Inspector Witherspoon's partner is aware of the crew's contributions, Mrs. Jeffries is better able to "pass the word" when they learn something. This time, however, they learn so many odds and ends, even Mrs. Jeffries isn't sure of the "feel" of the case. With the household's mixed bag of informants, Mrs. Jeffries gets frustrated with the case and begins to doubt herself. Will they catch the killer? Well, of course! Who is the killer? Read the book!

Brightwell has again done a wonderful job maintaining reality in her Mrs. Jeffries mysteries. The characters are caring, each with fun eccentricities and quirks in their relationships. Be warned, however, to always be drinking something when reading the book because this is England: Every five pages someone is having multiple cups of tea!

Reviewed by Vicky Gilpin
Posted September 20, 2004

Summary

Sir Edmund Leggett is flattered to be stalked by a young lady--who makes herself scarce after he's murdered in cold blood. The police hold the young woman to blame. But Inspector Witherspoon has other ideas and consults his housekeeper, Mrs. Jeffries--who always gets to the heart of the matter.