Verity Bright

Wrapping presents and singing at midnight mass on a frosty night... Lady Swift is determined to enjoy Christmas at home this year, until another body turns up Winter 1925. Eleanor and Hugh are decking the halls for their first married Christmas together when butler Clifford arrives with a mysterious telegram. A lucrative case awaits their new detective agency... but in the most remote county in England. The note insists they must be there by midnight to accept the job. After a snowy journey, they arrive at the tiny hamlet of Yorelow to find their client, Osmund Unwin, dead in the churchyard as midnight mass ends. They realise they are now in the absurd situation of having to solve the murder of their client - who they never met - to solve a case they know nothing about and officially never accepted There is very little festive goodwill to go around, as it seems half the village had a grudge against the rich man. Was it one of the Frisham sisters, owners of the tavern and rumoured to be in a love triangle with Unwin? Or perhaps his maid, who never had a nice thing to say about him? When another body is found in the ruins of the castle overlooking the town, Eleanor is baffled. Clearly there's more to this nightmare before Christmas than the gang first thought... A totally unputdownable historical murder mystery set in an English village at Christmas, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Catherine Coles Readers love Verity Bright: 'MY FAVOURITE BOOK... Had me hooked... I absolutely devoured this brilliant read in one sitting as I just could not put it down... I was gutted when I came to the end... Amazing ' bookwormwhitlock86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I absolutely LOVED this ... Had me hooked from the beginning and I kept flipping through the pages because I could not put it down ' @bookishbri_, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Unputdownable... Had me hooked immediately... Filled with suspense, mystery, laughter... Absolutely perfect... I devoured it in one sitting as I just could not put it down and gave up on lying to myself saying just one more chapter as that never happened ' Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'LOVE... I finished this book in one day ' DianeLikesToRead, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Fabulous... Charming... A nail-biting page-turner... Fabulous... I gobbled it up in a single sitting.' Bookish Jottings, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The most fun I have had reading a historical mystery I loved... had me laughing out loud before the tenth page ... I can't recommend this book enough ' Too Fond of Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Fabulous ... I absolutely adored this ... If you are a fan of Poirot, Miss Marple and Downton Abbey then this book is definitely for you... Kept me guessing right up to the very end.' my_reading_narnia, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cream cakes, cucumber sandwiches, apple tarts and... poison? Lady Swift is trying to plan the menu for her wedding, until murder strikes in kitchens across the village Lady Eleanor Swift's marriage to dashing Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon is just days away. There's a lot to organise from the dress to the catering, including, of course, the all-important wedding cake.But Eleanor is heartbroken when their chef, apple-cheeked Annie Tibetts, dies of poisoning. And as the doctor confirms her death wasn't an accident, accusations fly around the whole community.With more of the village struck down by the poison, Eleanor must unmask a killer who seems intent on spreading chaos amongst her nearest and dearest. Everyone is accusing their neighbour... and Eleanor is in a pickle as the seating plans for the wedding fall apart. But she soon has bigger fish to fry when the source of the poison is traced to a trusted establishment in town. Eleanor is certain they are being framed and that sabotage is afoot...And when a sample of poisoned wedding cake is delivered anonymously to Hugh working at his station miles away in Oxford, Eleanor realises that while she has been planning for the future, her past has been catching up with her. Eleanor must race across the countryside to save her love from certain death. Can Eleanor find the proof in the pudding and save Hugh in time? And will the poisoner finally get their just desserts?A gripping and totally twisty historical cozy mystery set in an English village. Fans of T.E. Kinsey, Catherine Coles and L.B. Hathaway won't be able to put this down.Readers love Verity Bright 'MY FAVOURITE BOOK... Had me hooked... I absolutely devoured this brilliant read in one sitting as I just could not put it down... I was gutted when I came to the end... Amazing ' bookwormwhitlock86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I absolutely LOVED this ... Had me hooked from the beginning and I kept flipping through the pages because I could not put it down ' @bookishbri_, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Unputdownable... Had me hooked immediately... Filled with suspense, mystery, laughter... Absolutely perfect... I devoured it in one sitting as I just could not put it down and gave up on lying to myself saying just one more chapter as that never happened ' Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'LOVE... I finished this book in one day ' DianeLikesToRead, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Fabulous... Charming... A nail-biting page-turner... Fabulous... I gobbled it up in a single sitting.' Bookish Jottings, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The most fun I have had reading a historical mystery I loved... had me laughing out loud before the tenth page ... I can't recommend this book enough ' Too Fond of Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Homemade baubles, reindeer-shaped cookies and snowy walks across the rolling moors... but Lady Swift's festive plans are ruined when a body turns up Winter 1924. When Lady Eleanor Swift unexpectedly finds herself a guest of the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke, she's determined to enjoy Christmas with all the trimmings at his sprawling manor house. And that includes kisses under the mistletoe and cozying up by the fire with her fianc , dashing detective Hugh Seldon.Instead, the season of goodwill turns frosty as she finds the Duke's studious secretary, Mr Porritt, dead in the storeroom. Clasped in his chilly hand is a golden pendant in the shape of a rose. The Duke denies ever having seen the necklace before. But Eleanor can see the lies in his eyes... Did it belong to his mysteriously absent wife?Hugh and Eleanor must ditch relaxing with hot cocoa in favour of interviewing the Duke's holiday guests. Every suspect has a secret they'd kill to keep: the socialite with the false name, the Sir with a questionable inheritance and the husband hiding a crack in his marriage.As the blizzard outside rages, Auldwyke Hall becomes cut off. Trapped by the snow, Eleanor and Hugh must skate around the increasingly secretive Duke to unwrap the identity of the killer. But does the answer to the secretary's murder lie with a ghost of Christmas past? And when an attempt is made on the Duke's life too, they realise the killer is closer than they think...A gripping and twisty Golden Age murder mystery set in a country house on the Yorkshire moors, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss Readers adore Verity Bright: 'Unputdownable... Had me hooked immediately... Filled with suspense... Will have you laughing until you're crying... A page-turning and unputdownable success ' Bookworm 86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I am hooked This is the best book that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'OMG What an incredible read ... When I devour a book this quickly it only means one thing: I was so enraptured that I couldn't put it down ' Celebrating Authors ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page trying to figure out the mystery. It's an adorable, captivating book.' Washington Life Magazine'I absolutely LOVED this ... Had me hooked... and I kept flipping through the pages because I could not put it down ' bookishbri_, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Oh my goodness... Amazing... Wow, what a phenomenal addition to this fantastic series... fabulous read... exactly what I needed. It made me laugh out loud... Captivating... So good I may have to go back and read it again.' Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A cruise down the Nile, a camel ride around the pyramids, lunch in the shadow of the Sphinx... And a very dead body 1924. Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler Clifford are touring the great, ancient sights of Egypt on a much-anticipated extended vacation. But when the pair arrive at the docks in Cairo expecting to board the luxurious paddle steamer advertised in their brochure, they are baffled by the crumbling old cruiser waiting for them. And things only go from bad to worse as death stalks the decks of the SS Cleopatra...Two days into the trip one of their fellow passengers, Lieutenant Baxter, is found shot dead in his locked cabin. Immediately suspicious and desperate to see justice done, Eleanor discovers a half-finished note addressed to her hidden in Baxter's travelling trunk. In it he asks her to deliver a vitally important letter to the authorities at their next stop down river: a priceless treasure worthy of a king has been stolen and an innocent man's life hangs in the balance.But before the sands of time wipe away all evidence on board, Eleanor must uncover who among the other travellers wanted Baxter dead. Was it the anxious archaeologist who doesn't have an alibi, the reptile expert with a passion for the murderous Nile crocodile or the art dealer with a devious secret?With the killer readying to strike again much closer to home, can Eleanor dig up the truth before she's trapped in a tomb under the pyramids forever?A gripping and twisty 1920s murder mystery set in Egypt, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss Readers adore Verity Bright: 'Unputdownable... Had me hooked immediately... Filled with suspense... Will have you laughing until you're crying... A page-turning and unputdownable success ' Bookworm 86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I am hooked This is the best book that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'OMG What an incredible read ... When I devour a book this quickly it only means one thing: I was so enraptured that I couldn't put it down ' Celebrating Authors, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page trying to figure out the mystery. It's an adorable, captivating book.' Washington Life Magazine'I absolutely LOVED this ... Had me hooked... and I kept flipping through the pages because I could not put it down ' bookishbri_, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Oh my goodness... Amazing... Wow, what a phenomenal addition to this fantastic series... fabulous read... exactly what I needed. It made me laugh out loud... Captivating... So good I may have to go back and read it again.' Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tea and cake at The Ritz, a stolen pearl necklace and a missing dead body... Lady Swift is back on the case Lady Eleanor Swift has been eagerly awaiting her trip in a hot air balloon to take in London's amazing sights. But what she witnesses instead is a murder From way up high she sees man in a dark coat shoot another man dead, but by the time she arrives back on the ground, Eleanor can find no trace of the body. Just the broken piece of a pearl necklace clasp, trodden into the dirt.Back at The Ritz hotel, over afternoon tea, Eleanor's old friend Lady Philomena Chadwick confides in her about a scandalous theft. Lady Chadwick is certain someone on her staff has stolen her priceless pink pearl necklace. Eleanor is immediately suspicious when the description matches the jewellery she spotted at the crime scene.Much to her butler Clifford's amusement, Eleanor goes undercover as a governess in the Chadwick's sparkling Mayfair mansion. As she sets about questioning the disgruntled staff, she uncovers a treasure trove of gossip. But how do a secret love affair, a flirty footman with a fondness for spying, and a housemaid hiding a nightly visitor connect to the murder? And when Eleanor's beau, Detective Hugh Seldon, is brought in to investigate a string of further robberies in Park Lane, Eleanor is certain that Chadwick House is hiding the unlikeliest gang of jewel thieves below stairs... Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but will this necklace get Eleanor killed before she uncovers the hidden gem she needs to crack the case?Murder in Mayfair is a totally gripping and twisty Golden Age whodunnit set in London, perfect for fans of T.E. Kinsey, Agatha Christie and Catherine Coles Readers adore Verity Bright: 'I am hooked This is the best book that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stunning views across the Grand Canal and a hotel suite fit for royalty... Lady Eleanor Swift is having a jolly good time on her Italian vacation, until a gondola ride is cut murderously short 1924. Lady Eleanor Swift has been on a grand tour around Italy for a month with her butler Clifford. Finally arriving in Venice, she's thrilled to be attending the famous carnival: all that's needed is the perfect bejewelled costume for her faithful bulldog, Gladstone. But on her first gondola ride to take in the sights, a passenger collapses into the canal with a knife sticking out of his back. Eleanor saw an argument break out between the gondolier and the victim, Councillor Benetto Vendelini, and it turns out they're rivals from the city's two great families. Vendelini's murder is sure to reignite their centuries-long feud. While attending a glitzy ball that night, Eleanor learns of a plot to steal a precious family heirloom from the Vendelini household. Is the stolen item the key to solving this baffling murder? In this floating city of tiny winding alleyways, Eleanor traces the missing heirloom to an antiques dealer in a far-flung corner of town. But when her handbag is snatched by a cloaked thief, she realises the murderer is dangerously close. Can Eleanor unmask this most cunning of killers, before she joins the other victims at the bottom of the Grand Canal? An utterly gripping historical murder mystery set in Italy, full of intrigue and charming characters. Fans of T.E. Kinsey, Agatha Christie and Catherine Coles will be totally hooked by A Death in Venice Readers adore Verity Bright: 'I am hooked This is the best book that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Can I give it six stars please?... Pretty much perfect... Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'What a wild ride it is ... Gripping... This book is what would happen if Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie had a baby. Fun, fast-paced read with lots of charm ' The Literary Wife 'I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page trying to figure out the mystery. It's an adorable, captivating book.' Washington Life Magazine 'OMG What an incredible read ... When I devour a book this quickly it only means one thing: I was so enraptured that I couldn't put it down ' Celebrating Authors ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A fabulous cosy read ... I absolutely adored this book ... Kept me guessing right up to the very end.' @my_reading_narnia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A festive invitation from an old family friend, the promise of gingerbread at the village inn, snowy walks on the Cornish coast with Gladstone the bulldog... But wait, is that a body on the beach? Winter, 1923. It's nearly Christmas and Lady Eleanor Swift has received a rather strange letter from an old friend of her uncle. Mr Godfrey Cunliffe has asked her to stay in Cornwall for the holidays - but only because he believes his gardener is trying to poison him With not a moment to waste Eleanor hurries down to his picturesque manor house with her butler Clifford and handsome beau Detective Hugh Seldon. But they arrive too late to stop the crime... Lying dead at the bottom of the steep cliffs, however, is not Mr Cunliffe, but the gardener himself. And his plans for restoring the gardens to their former glory are missing. Jerome St Clair has gone from suspect to victim. This certainly puts a twist in the tinsel As snow begins to fall, Eleanor quizzes the family. Mr Cunliffe's alibi is as fragile as the glass baubles hanging from his towering Christmas tree. Eleanor quickly realises everyone from the handyman to the housekeeper is keeping secrets, and she's convinced that Mr Cunliffe is still scared for his life. When Gladstone the bulldog pulls a charred corner of the missing garden plans from a fireplace festooned with a gold-ribboned garland, Eleanor thinks the clue she needs is hiding out in the grounds. But when someone tries to run her over with the huge lawnmower, she knows she must wrap up the mystery fast before her Christmas is cancelled for good... Murder on the Cornish Cliffs is a fun, twisty and absolutely gripping historical English cozy mystery, perfect for fans of T.E. Kinsey, Catherine Coles and Agatha Christie. Readers adore Verity Bright: 'I am hooked This is the best book that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Can I give it six stars please?... Pretty much perfect... Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'What a wild ride it is ... Gripping... This book is what would happen if Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie had a baby. Fun, fast-paced read with lots of charm ' The Literary Wife 'I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page trying to figure out the mystery. It's an adorable, captivating book.' Washington Life Magazine 'OMG What an incredible read ... When I devour a book this quickly it only means one thing: I was so enraptured that I couldn't put it down ' Celebrating Authors ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A fabulous cosy read ... I absolutely adored this book ... Kept me guessing right up to the very end.' @my_reading_narnia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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 organised 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, unputdownable Golden Age murder mystery with characters readers will adore. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss. Readers love Verity Bright 'Unputdownable... Had me hooked immediately... Filled with suspense... Will have you laughing until you're crying... A page-turning and unputdownable success ' Bookworm 86 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Absolutely loved this ... I read the book in a day, I couldn't put it down ' NetGalley reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I am hooked The best book, bar none, that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Can I give it six stars please?... Pretty much perfect... Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'OMG What an incredible read ... When I devour a book this quickly it only means one thing: I was so enraptured that I couldn't put it down ' Celebrating Authors ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ein altes Anwesen, eine Leiche und verd chtiger Schokoladen-Fudge? Lady Swift zur Hilfe Herbst, 1920: Lady Eleanor Swift, zuf llige Amateurdetektivin und ehemalige Abenteuerin, ist fest entschlossen, eine Pause von Mordermittlungen einzulegen. Und als ein Politiker bei einer Dinnerparty auf Farrington Manor pl tzlich stirbt, versucht sie, nicht auf die Ger chte im Dorf zu h ren, dass er vergiftet worden sein k nnte. Es ist der Jahrestag des Verschwindens ihrer geliebten Eltern und Eleanor hat sich geschworen, sich nicht in weitere Unannehmlichkeiten zu verwickeln. Doch als sie erf hrt, dass Mrs Pitkin, die freundliche K chin von Farrington Manor, ohne Lohn und Verweis entlassen wurde, weil die Polizei sie f r eine Verd chtige h lt, wei Eleanor, dass sie handeln muss. In Begleitung ihres treuen Partners, der Bulldogge Gladstone, macht sich Eleanor auf die Suche nach dem M rder. Und nachdem eine weitere Leiche auftaucht und sie im Haus des Opfers vergifteten Fudge findet, wei Eleanor, dass sie auf der richtigen Spur ist. Aber kann sie die Wahrheit herausfinden, bevor sie Zeugin eines weiteren Mordes wird - dieses Mal ganz in ihrer N he? Ein u erst charmanter Cosy-Krimi, perfekt f r Fans von Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey und Ellen Barksdale Leser: innen lieben Ein Zeuge f r den M rder: Ich habe wirklich bis zur letzten Seite mitgefiebert und versucht, den Fall zu l sen. Es ist ein bezauberndes, spannendes Buch. Washington Life Magazin Ich war von Anfang bis Ende gefesselt. Ellie ist eine starke und liebenswerte Figur, das Buch ist so gut geschrieben, dass es eine Freude ist, es zu lesen. Tolle Serie Goodreads Rezensentin Fesselnd ... Dieses Buch ist die perfekte Mischung von Downton Abbey und Agatha Christie. Eine unterhaltsame, spannende Lekt re mit viel Charme The Literary Wife Ich war von Anfang an begeistert von den soliden Charakteren, dem gro artigen Schreibstil und dem wunderbaren Fall, den selbst den eifrigsten Sesseldetektiv zufrieden stellt ... Ich kann diesen humorvollen, leichten Cosy-Krimi nur empfehlen. Brianne's Book Reviews, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Eine ausgezeichnete Lekt re. Sehr zu empfehlen ... Es fesselt einen bis zum Ende, von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite. NetGalley Rezensentin ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ich liebe diese Serie ... Eine gut durchdachte Handlung, ein rasantes Tempo und ich habe jede Minute genossen Too Fond Books, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ich habe jede Minute dieses Buches geliebt. Von den ersten Seiten an habe ich mich verliebt. Girl Who Reads, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Glitzy parties, sightseeing at the Statue of Liberty and strolls through Central Park with Gladstone the bulldog... Lady Eleanor Swift is loving her first trip to the city that never sleeps, until she witnesses a murder After crossing from England on the SS Celestiana, Lady Eleanor Swift sets up her home-away-from-home in a lavish apartment in New York City. She is soon the toast of the town, with no high-class soir e complete without her presence. Of course, she drags her butler Clifford and Gladstone the bulldog along to every party too. But when she witnesses the charming doorman of her building, Marty, knocked down and killed in a hit-and-run, she finds fashionable society suddenly closes rank. The only local detective interested in helping her find the culprit is street-smart beat cop, Officer Balowski. Resolved to get justice for Marty and his family, Eleanor searches Marty's tiny apartment: and is shocked to find five rolls of banknotes tucked under the floorboards. Money talks, but Marty was struggling to make ends meet, so where did the cash come from? The next day wealthy entrepreneur and flashy philanderer Ogden P. Dellaney - a man Marty used to work for - is found dead downtown, miles away from his swanky Upper East Side mansion. Eleanor and Balowski are sure the deaths are connected, but not even Dellaney's wife is willing to answer their questions. Then Eleanor is served with an eviction notice and Balowski is fired from the NYPD. It becomes clear that something is rotten in the Big Apple and Eleanor is determined to get to the core of the mystery before the murderer strikes again... Murder in Manhattan is a fun, fast-paced and twisty Golden Age cozy mystery set in New York. Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss will be glued to the pages. Readers cannot get enough of Verity Bright 'Unputdownable... Had me hooked immediately... Filled with suspense... Will have you laughing until you're crying... A page-turning and unputdownable success ' Bookworm 86 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Absolutely loved this ... I read the book in a day, I couldn't put it down ' NetGalley reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I am hooked The best book, bar none, that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Can I give it six stars please?... Pretty much perfect... Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ein Maskenball, eine Leiche, eine verschwundene Diamantenkette und ein verd chtiger silberner Kerzenst nder? Klingt nach einem Fall f r Lady Eleanor Swift England, 1920: Lady Eleanor Swift, Abenteurerin und Ermittlerin wider Willen, g nnt sich eine Pause von der Detektivarbeit. Sie hat viel gr ere Probleme: Eleanor hat zwei linke F e, nichts zum Anziehen, und sie wird auf einem Maskenball erwartet. Ihr neuer Verehrer Lance Langham ist der Gastgeber, also muss sie sich von ihrer besten Seite zeigen.Umgeben von Partyg sten in aufwendigen Kost men und Make-up sucht Eleanor nach einem bekannten Gesicht. Doch nachdem sie einem vertrauten Paar langer Beine die Treppe hinauf folgt, bietet sich ihr ein schrecklicher Anblick: Lance steht ber dem toten Colonel Puddifoot - daneben der Safe der Familie weit ge ffnet und leer.Augenblicke sp ter st rmt die Polizei herein und verhaftet Lance wegen Mordes, Diamantendiebstahls und einer Reihe hnlicher Einbr che. Eleanor ist berzeugt, dass ihr Liebster unschuldig ist. Und da er im Gef ngnis sitzt, liegt es an ihr, dies zu beweisen.Begleitet von ihrer treuen Bulldogge Gladstone beginnt Eleanor ihre Ermittlungen bei Lances Freunden, einer Gruppe wagemutiger High-Society-M nner, die gerne Unruhe stiften. Doch als diese nacheinander unter verd chtigen Umst nden zu Tode kommen, beginnt f r Eleanor ein Wettlauf mit der Zeit, um Lances Unschuld zu beweisen und weitere Tote zu vermeiden ...Fans von Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey und Ellen Barksdale werden diesen klassischen 20er-Jahre-Krimi voller Geheimnisse, Mord und Intrigen lieben Leser: innen ber Der Tote im Ballsall: Ich habe diesen Cosy-Krimi geliebt. Die Figuren waren wunderbar. Das Buch war spannend, aber trotzdem so gem tlich und charmant. The Heartland Chronicle ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Es war wieder wie ein gro artiger Besuch bei Menschen, die mir wie alte Freunde vorkamen. Ich kann es kaum erwarten, bis ich das n chste Buch der Reihe lesen kann. Verity Bright hat liebenswerte Figuren geschaffen, mit denen man immer wieder Zeit verbringen m chte. NetGalley Rezensentin, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Ich bin Lady Swift und ihren Abenteuer Hals ber Kopf verfallen. Dieses Buch ist perfekt, um an einem Sonntagnachmittag in einen fabelhaft geschriebenen englischen Krimi abzutauchen. Ich kann es kaum erwarten, mehr von Lady Swift zu lesen. Sarah in Readerland ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Lady Swift embarks upon her first luxury cruise she imagines a gilded ballroom, afternoons on deck taking tea and all the delectable food she can eat. But she can't seem to escape from murder... Lady Eleanor Swift is all set to spend her birthday with her beau, dashing Detective Hugh Seldon, until he calls to cancel on her again at the last minute. What's a girl to do? Pack up her staff and her faithful old bulldog, Gladstone, and head off on a cruise to New York, that's what On the stunningly opulent ocean liner Celestiana, Eleanor tries to forget her worries and make the most of her trip. That is, until she sees a man being shot and falling overboard. On closer inspection of the scene, Eleanor literally stumbles over the likely murder weapon. And the nick in the barrel is unmistakeable: this gun belongs to Detective Seldon... With some discreet digging, Clifford discovers Detective Seldon is aboard the ship on an undercover mission. Eleanor doesn't want to make waves but she's sure that something fishy is going on and he's being framed. To get Seldon off the hook, Eleanor casts her net wide and searches for the real murderer among a sea of suspects including European nobility, Italian opera stars and American nouveau riche. But does the victim's expensive gold ring point to a lavish lifestyle or is it a red herring? When another passenger is found dead in his first-class cabin, a poisoned whisky glass clutched in his hand, Eleanor realises they are really in hot water. Will the killer be Eleanor's catch of the day, or will she spend her birthday at the bottom of the sea? A totally charming, unputdownable Golden Age mystery with characters readers will adore. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss. Readers cannot get enough of Verity Bright 'Unputdownable... Had me hooked immediately... Filled with suspense... Will have you laughing until you're crying... A page-turning and unputdownable success ' Bookworm 86 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Absolutely loved this ... I read the book in a day, I couldn't put it down ' Netgalley reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I am hooked The best book, bar none, that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Can I give it six stars please?... Pretty much perfect... Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Irish whiskey, rolling green hills, a traditional Christmas feast and... a murder? Lady Swift will need the luck of the Irish to survive this holiday season Christmas, 1924. Lady Eleanor Swift has received a rather unexpected invitation to the village Christmas party in the tiny, rural hamlet of Derrydee in the west of Ireland. Eleanor is thrilled about exploring her ancestral roots at her late uncle's estate and spending the festive season in a castle. Packing Gladstone the bulldog's coziest Christmas jumper, they set off to the Emerald Isle with her butler Clifford in tow. Arriving late at night, Eleanor and Clifford are shocked when they find a body sprawled in the snow on the winding country lane outside the estate. The local constable is immediately suspicious and all but accuses the pair of murder. This isn't the warm Irish welcome Eleanor imagined Clifford is certain he recognises the poor fellow from the funeral of Eleanor's uncle - but what was their connection? Undeterred by the villagers' lack of gossip on the matter, Eleanor is determined to get justice for the victim. The man's pockets are suspiciously empty of personal effects, but closer inspection reveals an old key hidden in the heel of his boot. Could this unlock more than one mystery for Eleanor? But when a fire breaks out at the castle on Christmas Eve, an even bigger question looms: is someone out to ensure the family line dies with Lady Swift? And will Eleanor's first Irish Christmas be her last? An utterly addictive festive whodunnit set in Ireland, brimming with mystery, intrigue and wit. Sure to delight fans of T E Kinsey, Agatha Christie and Rhys Bowen. Readers adore Verity Bright 'I am hooked This is the best book, bar none, that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Can I give it six stars please?... Pretty much perfect... Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'What a wild ride it is ... Gripping... This book is what would happen if Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie had a baby. Fun, fast-paced read with lots of charm ' The Literary Wife 'I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page trying to figure out the mystery. It's an adorable, captivating book.' Washington Life Magazine 'OMG What an incredible read ... When I devour a book this quickly it only means one thing: I was so enraptured that I couldn't put it down ' Celebrating Authors ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A fabulous cosy read ... I absolutely adored this book ... If you are a fan of Poirot, Miss Marple and Downton Abbey then this book is definitely for you... Kept me guessing right up to the very end.' @my_reading_narnia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The society wedding of the decade has everything: the blushing bride, beautiful flowers... and the groom arrested before he can walk down the aisle? Thank goodness Lady Swift is on the guest list Lady Eleanor Swift isn't normally one for grand social occasions, but who can resist a wedding? Especially when it's her old friend, Constance Grainger, marrying the most eligible bachelor in town, Lord Peregrine Davencourt. Eleanor is taking Gladstone the bulldog as her plus one, with a smart new bowtie to match her bridesmaid's dress. But the big day is ruined when the groom is arrested for murder before he makes it to the altar. In a baffling twist, it turns out he was already engaged to the lovely Daisy Balforth, who has been found dead at the local inn with Lord Davencourt kneeling over her. The gossip pages will have a field day The distraught bride-to-be asks Eleanor to clear her fianc 's name, as she's certain he wouldn't hurt a fly. With help from handsome Detective Seldon, Eleanor examines the evidence. But she's barely had time to write down her suspect list before Constance's father is set upon by a bearded stranger on the golf course. Clearly there is more to this story than Eleanor first thought, but can she catch the real killer before the wedding turns into her wake? A delightfully gripping historical cozy whodunnit full of intrigue and wit. Fans of T E Kinsey, Agatha Christie and Lee Strauss will be totally charmed. Readers adore Verity Bright 'I am hooked This is the best book, bar none, that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Can I give it six stars please?... Pretty much perfect... Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'What a wild ride it is ... Gripping... This book is what would happen if Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie had a baby. Fun, fast-paced read with lots of charm ' The Literary Wife 'I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page trying to figure out the mystery. It's an adorable, captivating book.' Washington Life Magazine 'OMG What an incredible read ... When I devour a book this quickly it only means one thing: I was so enraptured that I couldn't put it down ' Celebrating Authors ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A fabulous cosy read ... I absolutely adored this book ... If you are a fan of Poirot, Miss Marple and Downton Abbey then this book is definitely for you... Kept me guessing right up to the very end.' @my_reading_narnia, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Christmas at the castle with holly, handmade gifts, snowflakes and... is that a body under the tree? Someone call Lady Swift Winter, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift, amateur sleuth and reluctant lady of the manor, has been invited to spend Christmas in Scotland, at the beautiful castle of her dear friends Baron and Baroness Ashley. Even her favourite companion, master of mischief Gladstone the bulldog, is coming along to share a slice of turkey. As snow begins to fall outside, the rather mismatched group are cozy by the roaring fire, sharing a tipple over a plate of Mrs Trotman's famous mince pies. But after what was supposed to be a fun party game, Mr Eugene Randall is found dead at the feast. A somewhat unpopular business associate of the Baron's from across the pond, it seems Mr Randall has certainly upset somebody. Was it what he said about Scottish whisky? The killer must be in the castle... and when the Baron is arrested, Baroness Ashley begs Eleanor to investigate. Determined not to let her friend down, Eleanor sets about questioning the remaining partygoers. All too swiftly, someone else is found dead, having apparently fallen from a high balcony. As if one murder wasn't enough to put a twist in the tinsel Eleanor knows she's skating on thin ice now. And when she discovers a hidden document that points the finger of suspicion at the unlikeliest of suspects, she realises there's more to the story. Can Eleanor catch the killer before it's time for Christmas dinner? The perfect cozy mystery to curl up with this winter Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss are in for a festive treat. Readers are utterly addicted to Verity Bright 'What a great cozy mystery I am hooked This is the best book, bar none, that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read ' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'Can I give it six stars please?... Pretty much perfect... Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'What a wild ride it is ... Gripping... This book is what would happen if Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie had a baby. Fun, fast-paced read with lots of charm ' The Literary Wife 'I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page trying to figure out the mystery. It's an adorable, captivating book.' Washington Life Magazine 'OMG What an incredible read ... When I devour a book this quickly it only means one thing: I was so enraptured that I couldn't put it down ' Celebrating Authors ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️