The Beast of Littleton Woods

A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 12

By: T E Kinsey

Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden

They’re used to solving murders. But until now the killer has always been human…

October 1912. The inhabitants of Littleton Cotterell emerge from their homes after a week of torrential storms to the gruesome news that one of Sid Hyde’s prized sheep has been mauled to death. As rumours abound of a vicious beast stalking the Gloucestershire countryside in search of prey, Lady Hardcastle and her fearless lady’s maid, Florence Armstrong, set out to find what is surely a rational explanation.

Then Hyde himself is brutally killed in a similar attack, and the villagers go from curious to terrified. Littleton Cotterell isn’t exactly unaccustomed to murderers—but a ferocious animal capable of tearing a man to shreds? That’s entirely different.

When another man dies and a third is injured, it’s clear that whatever is behind the attacks needs to be caught, and fast. But are the villagers really seeing what they think they are? Is there actually a beast on the loose? Or is what’s out there something more sinister—and much more human?

©2025 by T E Kinsey. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Mensgerie Murders

Another entertaining, intelligent , and fun story of Lady Hardcastle & her lady’s maid. I highly recommend this. Hope they’ll be more.

Love these characters

The 12th book in the series and so much fun. I love these characters and the way they interact with each other and the village life.

great!

I love these characters and this series! Hardcastle and Flo do it again. unpredictable and compelling.

Another fun adventure!

I love this series of books. The characters are lively and fun. My favorite part of all, is the witty banter between Flo and Lady Hardcastle. I cannot wait until their next adventure!

Witty, Entertaining, Great Characters

I always know I’m going to have an entertaining read with each new release in the Lady Hardcastle series. This book has a great mystery (as always) as well as an entertaining cast of characters who are witty, intelligent, and endearing.

I listened to the audiobook because I enjoy the narrator, Elizabeth Knowelden, who has nailed the personalities and bantering style of Lady Hardcastle and Flo. Her pacing is excellent, and you can hear the smile in her voice when she narrates the humorous, witty portions.

Lions, tigers, panthers, bears, or at least something is loose in the Littleton Cotterel woods – and they are using the human population for dinner!! Every sighting of the varmint brings a different description and identification. Most agree it is a panther, but maybe not. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are adept at hunting down murderers, but is a predatory animal a murderer? However, one of those bodies had similar wounds, but not the same. Was that murder made to seem like an animal attack? Goodness!

Lady Hardcastle and Flo find themselves enmeshed in more than a murder investigation, and the villains will do whatever it takes to keep from getting caught. When they are caught among the animals, will they survive?

This is a lively, entertaining book that will keep your interest from the first page to the last. The mystery will keep you guessing, and the witty banter will keep you smiling throughout the entire read. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Best cozy series, give us more

Love the empowering Lady H and Flo — it’s smart, and fun, and silly. Usually the themes have a bit of bit of good historical fiction that this one tad strange in theme (and sad cause animals were involved )

Great Series

I have enjoyed every one of these books. I love the lighthearted banter between Lady Hardcastle and Flo, and I enjoy the author’s humor! I highly recommend this book - and the series.

Perfect balance of levity & mystery

This deftly plotted mystery was full of fun & surprises, as well as unusual new characters. Our favorite amateur sleuths need to solve several conundrums with the help of beloved barmaid Daisy Spratt & other familiar characters.

Elizabeth Knowelden is the best in the business & masterfully brings to life T.E. Kinsey's colorful cast. I savor each new title & this one is fabulous!

Story ending was good

Loved the book. As good as always. Lady H is very entaining. The progression of the books is satisfing.

Such a great series!

This is one of the most fun and entertaining series I read. The characters are vibrant, hilarious, and oh so clever. What more could you want?