The best compliment that I can give Anselm Audley is that I didn't realize that he had written this novel. The style is so close to Elizabeth Edmonson's previous books, that I had no idea that she had passed away and that he had completed this last volume. It has all the best parts that we've grown to love. Hugo Hawksworth is once again involved in a case of espionage and murder. He knows that there is a mole in their organization, but is not so convinced that it is who everyone thinks. There is also a ton of gossip and all the supporting characters we now know make appearances. The banter between Hugo's sister Georgia and Polly, the Earl of Selchester's daughter made me laugh out loud. The last part was very suspenseful, and I loved the ending - which also closes this series. The mystery is compelling and the culprit surprised me. This novel won't disappoint fans and will make newbies want to go back and read the previous volumes.

Thank you Net galley. Ms. Edmondson's "Very English" series is delightful.. This last book, completed by her son is an unexpected bonus. A must read for er fans and all fans of classic British mysteries.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of A Matter of Loyalty, the third and last novel in the Very English Mystery series.

Hugo Hawksworth has been tasked with finding the leak at The Atomic so when nuclear physicist Bruno Rothesay disappears, presumed to have defected his bosses are satisfied that they have found the leak. Hugo is not so sure and when Bruno's body turns up he is back to the task although not for long as a convenient suspect is quickly found.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Matter of Loyalty. In keeping with the Cold War setting the reader is never sure who to trust or who is lying so there are plenty of twists and turns as Hugo wades through the politics of spying, personal ambitions and the Selchester grapevine. It is essentially a cosy but the authors have a good grasp of the politics and sensibilities of the time. I thought the digs about British amateurism and the venal nature of those on the climb very apt.

The world of Selchester is well drawn with its rampant gossip and odd characters. It may be a bit clichéd but it adds warmth to a read which otherwise could have been full of paranoia and suspicion. Hugo is a great protagonist, smart, decent and caring and he is ably supported by a cast of pleasant characters. The death of Ms Edmondson (my respects to her family) has drawn the series to a close although I would have been interested in reading another author's interpretation of her future plots.

A Matter of Loyalty is a fun read which I have no hesitation in recommending.