Death at the Manor by Katharine Schellman

 

I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Regency widow Lily Adler is looking forward to spending the autumn away from the social whirl of London society. When she arrives in Hampshire with her friends, Lord and Lady Carroway, she doesn’t expect much more than a quiet country visit and the chance to spend time with her charming new acquaintance, Matthew Spencer.

But something odd is afoot in the small country village. A ghost has taken up residence in the Belleford manor, a lady in grey who wanders the halls at night, weeping and wailing. Half the servants have left in terror, but the family is delighted with the notoriety that their ghost provides. Piqued by this spectral guest, Lily and her party immediately make plans to visit Belleford.

They arrive at the manor the next morning ready to be entertained—but tragedy has struck. The matriarch of the family has just been found smothered to death in her bed.

There was no one else in her room, and the door was locked from the inside. The dead woman’s family is convinced that the ghost is responsible. The servants are keeping secrets. The local magistrate is flummoxed. Lily is determined to learn the truth before another victim turns up—but could she be next in line for the Great Beyond? (Goodreads synopsis)

I have not read any novels by Katharine Schellman, so I will have to go back and read the first two Lily Adler mysteries.  

I enjoyed the historical mystery as well as the gothic tones that the author employed. I, especially, was enjoyed by Lily and Ofelia’s straightforward, intelligent outlook to the case. Both women are down to earth, but are not ridiculous enough to put themselves at risk. They also recognize romance when it is staring them in the face, although this does not distract from the main theme.

The mystery was well plotted, and gave more than enough suspects. I found myself thinking one way (due to the amount of mysteries I read), changing my mind, and then returning to the original thought.  

I am worried, though, of the potential love triangle that the author appears to be implying. I really hope that this is not the case, as such a cliche can cause unnecessary drama.

Overall I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.