The Case at Barton Manor

Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates, Book 1

By: Emily Queen

Narrated by: Caren Naess

Not all widows are elderly...and not all ladies are proper.

If one more person gives Rosemary Lillywhite unwanted advice on when to stop mourning the loss of her beloved husband, she fears she will lose control of her sensibilities.

All she wants is to be left alone to drown her misery in a glass of gin and tonic, but when Grace Barton knocks on the door of her dead husband’s investigative office, Rosemary faces a choice: come out of hiding, or turn away someone in need of help.

As Grace recounts her tale of intrigue, Rosemary discovers a shared connection with the woman that has her accepting an invitation she'd just as soon turn down.

With her best friend—bright young thing Vera Blackburn—by her side, Rosemary trades her widow weeds for a party dress and heads to a fancy do at Barton Manor.

The drinks flow freely, but there’s an undercurrent of unease until finally, the night ends in murder—one in which Rosemary's brother becomes the prime suspect!

What’s worse, the handsome chief inspector on the case is a man she knows well: he was her husband’s best mate, and he takes a dim view of lady detectives—or perhaps just of Rosemary becoming one.

What will it take for Rosemary to solve the crime before her brother hangs for a murder he didn’t commit?

Book one in The Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates series.

Are you ready to escape to the roaring twenties? For fans of Beth Byers, Leighann Dobbs, Lee Strauss, and cozy historical murder mysteries.

A light, cozy mystery with no swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.

©2019 Emily Queen (P)2023 Emily Queen

A Four 1/2 star read

The Case at Barton Manor: Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates, Book 1, my second read from author Emily Queen. An enjoyable well-written, 5-hour 17-minute/428-page historical mystery, the first book in the Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates Series. “I received a complementary Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. My next read in the series, The Murder Next Door: Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates, Book 2. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

Engaging Cozy Mystery

This was my first experience with Emily Queen's work, and it was delightful. Grace Barton knocked on the door of Lillywhite Investigations to ask for help as someone had sent a threatening letter to her father. Although Andrew Lillywhite had passed on and Lillywhite Investigations was closed, Rosemary Lillywhite was moved by Grace's plight and agreed to help her. The setting was charming. The characters were personable. I enjoyed the air of sophistication that resonated throughout the tale. I'm looking forward to the next story in the series. Caren Naess' narration was good, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

Enjoyable performance

I love listening to audiobooks. They are convenient! I can just carry around my phone and put my ear buds in. I can take a walk or be cooking in the kitchen.

I love this time period for the setting. This is a new character for me to get to know. Also, the author is new for me as well. The writing is easy to understand with a plot that moves along smoothly. The mystery was very interesting. I was surprised at the end! I hope to continue on with the series. I was given a free copy of the audiobook by the author. I am writing a review that is of my own opinion.

DNF for me

At first, it seemed to hold promise, but I had increasing difficulty getting into the story. Stock characters ran together, until I had to bail entirely at around 2/3 finished.