THE CORPSE AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE by Carola Dunn is another (23rd!) wonderful cozy mystery in the Daisy Dalrymple series. This time it is the Spring of 1928 and Daisy, her children and their nanny and nursemaid, plus some visiting relatives are off to see the sights at The Crystal Palace, a huge and innovative exhibition hall in London. Built in 1851, it was ultimately destroyed by fire in 1936 – and saw tragedy during Daisy's fictional visit when looking for her own nanny, she discovers the body of another person dressed as a nanny. Of course, her husband Alec Fletcher of Scotland Yard is called to the case and the hunt begins. There’s much teasing between the two as they trade theories and just manage to successfully thwart another attempt at murder. This series is pure fun and perfect for a quick summer read if you prefer mysteries on the lighter side.

This is my third Carola Dunn historical mystery and I am afraid it is my last.

I love a light historical novel,, but Dunn's books promise but don't deliver for me. They purport to be historical novels, but the period detail is so light that with minimal editing the books could be set in almost any era. And, for me, a big part of any mystery is the character of the protagonist---and Ms Dunn's amateur detective is not a particularly compelling character in my estimation.

The other irritant for me in this book was the very extensive cast of red herrings. Some elements of the plot felt very contrived, and in the end I felt cheated that the "teasers" were really just filler. I am an avid mystery reader, but one who reads for character, not plot. I don't try to solve the mystery as I read, I just let it unfold. So, it takes quite a bit for a plotting device to capture my attention enough to annoy me.

This is the 23rd Daisy Dalrymple and it earns its two thumbs up rating from me. I have enjoyed every one of them. Now we are in London, Spring 1928 and Daisy is planning an outing to the famed Crystal Palace for her young cousins and her own children along with the nanny. What starts out as a lovely day at the Crystal Palace ends up with a corpse in the lady's room. The first nanny (of Daisy's children) fails to return from the lady's room but the corpse is an unknown woman wearing a nanny uniform. Then the missing nanny is seen chasing after still another nanny. Too bad the original nanny is found unconscious and, when she comes to, has no recollection of the other nanny or is that two nannies? Daisy is always up to solving murderous puzzles, whether or not her Detective Chief Inspector approves. Balancing her own family needs with running her household and solving a murder - Daisy gets it done.
These mysteries are not just very well crafted puzzles but are like a time machine taking the reader to Daisy's time in wonderfully balanced detail. Some authors try to throw in every little detail they can think of and it ruins the balance of the story. Carola Dunn paints Daisy's world with a deft stroke - pitch perfect.
It isn't necessary to have read all of the previous 22 titles to enjoy this entry but, be warned, if this is your introduction to the wonderful world of Daisy Dalrymple, you will want to go find book #1 and play catch up. For myself, I have read them all and must wait for my next visit with Daisy. I know it will be worth it.
My thanks to the publisher St. Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

What a delightful read, filled with characters you enjoy put in interesting places. The period of the piece is evident throughout the book, however it doesn’t bludgeon you with the facts. The characters are well drawn from the first page, making it easy for you to engage with them as well as keep them separate. Each one has a voice that is unique, and that is evident with a few well written words and situations. The writing itself is well executed and easy to follow. Pacing is good, allowing you to move through the book at your own speed.

I enjoyed this book, even though it was the first time I had encountered this series. There are some light references to previous books, however I was not limited in my acquaintance with the characters as they exist within these pages. While some solutions in previous books are alluded to, they do not interfere with this book which is a complete story within itself. They also are not so specific as to create spoilers should I go back and read books from the beginning of this series.

This is a great, light read filled with people whose presence I enjoyed. They are so well drawn I had no trouble picturing them throughout the book. The places and time period are also well written, so I had no problem stepping back in time. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light, fun read, especially someone who might be looking to step back in time in a very light way.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this advance copy of The Corpse at the Crystal Palace by Carola Dunn.

Daisy Dalrymple is back for the 23rd book April 1928: Daisy Dalrymple Fletcher is being visited in London by her young cousins who are desperate to see the Crystal Palace. On discovering that her children's nanny, Nanny Gilpin, has never seen the Palace, Daisy decides to make a day of it with the family. Yet what should be an ordinary outing starts going wrong when Nanny Gilpin goes to the ladies' room and fails to return. When Daisy goes looking for her, she doesn't find her nanny but instead the dead body of another woman dressed in a nanny's uniform.
Meanwhile, the rest of Daisy's party spot Nanny Gilpin chasing after yet another nanny. Intrigued, they trail the two into the park and, after briefly losing sight of their quarry, stumble across Mrs Gilpin lying unconscious. When she comes to, she has no recollection of what happened after leaving the twins in the nurserymaid's care.
Daisy's husband, Detective Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher of Scotland Yard, soon finds himself embroiled in the murder investigation. Worried about her children's own injured nanny, There are suspects everywhere and Alec is certainly busy with his investigation into the murder, while Daisy is doing her own sleuthing and caring for a busy household.
I haven’t read all 22 previous books but whenever I read a new book I want to go & read the series from the beginning. This was a fun read which I thoroughly enjoyed, there were lots of children & I though I’d never recall their names. The characters were well fleshed & the story flowed seamlessly. I hope there are more books to come as Daisy & Alec are so likeable & I enjoy their antics

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I first discovered this series when I joined my local elibrary and was looking for a series to get my teeth into. I read all the available books pretty much back to back, in order, until I caught up. Silly really as then I had to start playing the waiting game for the next one! Not too painful until this book which it seems I have been waiting on for ages! Anyway, my patience was rewarded as I once again immersed myself into Daisy's world.
The action here mostly takes place at the Crystal Palace where Daisy is taking a party of family and friends for a day out. The children discover their Nanny knocked unconscious. Meanwhile, another Nanny is found dead in a toilet cubicle. Obviously Daisy is on hand to shepherd people around in Detective-husband Alec's absence, swiftly aided by Tom Tring. Not one to shy away from such matters, Daisy continues her investigations, within and without her husband's knowledge and approval. But has she met her match this time as she soon uncovers all sorts of shenanigans and goings on surrounding the corpse?
This being the 23rd book in the series, it is helpful to have read all the others first, especially with respect to the characters, which there are quite a lot of. Most of the connections between family and friends are explained satisfactorily however in this book so, at a push, if could be read standalone as the main story is self contained.
One of the things I really love about this author and indeed this series is the attention to detail she gives the time and place in which she sets the books. But, not only that, she also sets the atmosphere well, incorporating all the values and politics of the era perfectly. It's almost like stepping back in time when I start reading one of her books.
I already said that I've been waiting for this book for ages and I have lost count of the books I have read in the mean time but I found it so easy to jump back into Daisy's world and, by the end of the book, I felt like I had reconnected with some really good friends and I was quite sorry to have to say goodbye to them at the end. The gang is all here in this book and there were so many familiar faces that I was so happy to see that I was actually quite bereft at the end. Not that the story wasn't satisfying, on the contrary, it was of equal standard to those that had gone before and the main thread was tidies up very well indeed. But, things go on and people evolve and, with how the book ended, I really can't wait to see what the author has in store for them all next time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

“The Corpse at the Crystal Palace” by Carola Dunn is the 23rd book in the Daisy Dalrymple series; it does not seem possible, but it is. I have not read all twenty-three books, but a reader does not have to have read them to enjoy this one. It is entertaining to read about Daisy, her family, and her friends from close by and far away, and new readers are bound to become “addicted” to Daisy and go back to read the previous books .
Readers now find Daisy in April 1928, in London with her young cousins. The group plans an outing to visit the Crystal Palace. Of course, this is a mystery after all, so something goes wrong. The nanny does not return from the restroom, and when Daisy goes to look for her, she does not find the nanny but does find the body of another woman dressed in a nanny's uniform.
Daisy is a pleasant and enjoyable character, and the supporting cast adds dimension and entertainment. There is a mystery to keep readers engaged but without nail-biting drama or blood and guts everywhere. Little historical references help develop a strong sense of place and add dimension to the character-driven story.
I received a copy of “The Corpse at the Crystal Palace” from Carola Dunn, St Martin’s Press, and NetGalley. I loved reading this fun, casual, but mysterious book. It was a quick, enjoyable book, and a perfect pause from reading thrillers.

"A casual outing to the Crystal Palace in London takes a mysterious and murderous turn in The Corpse at the Crystal Palace, the latest mystery in Carola Dunn’s beloved Daisy Dalrymple series.

April 1928: Daisy Dalrymple Fletcher is visited in London by her young cousins. On the list of must-see sites is the Crystal Palace. Discovering that her children's nanny, Nanny Gilpin, has never seen the Palace, Daisy decides to make a day of it―bringing her cousins, her 3-year-old twins, her step-daughter Belinda, the nurserymaid, and Nanny Gilpin. Yet this ordinary outing goes wrong when Mrs. Gilpin goes off to the ladies’ room and fails to return. When Daisy goes to look for her, she doesn't find her nanny but instead the body of another woman dressed in a nanny's uniform.

Meanwhile, Belinda and the cousins spot Mrs. Gilpin chasing after yet another nanny. Intrigued, they trail the two through the vast Crystal Palace and into the park. After briefly losing sight of their quarry, they stumble across Mrs. Gilpin lying unconscious in a small lake inhabited by huge concrete dinosaurs.

When she comes to, Mrs. Gilpin can't remember what happened after leaving the twins in the nurserymaid's care. Daisy's husband, Detective Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher of Scotland Yard, finds himself embroiled in the investigation of the murdered nanny. Worried about her children's own injured nanny, Daisy is determined to help. First she has to discover the identity of the third nanny, the presumed murderer, and to do so, Daisy must uncover why the amnesic Mrs. Gilpin deserted her charges to follow the missing third nanny."

Favorite author, Carola Dunn, check, favorite sleuth, Daisy Dalrymple, check, favorite location, the Crystal Palace, check, check, and check!

Carola Dunn has written another wonderful Daisy Dalrymple Fletcher cozy.

Daisy has 2 boys visiting her family. And being a wonderful mother and hostess, she has plans for entertaining the 2 boys. First, there will be an expedition to the Crystal Palace. The party will be a large one. There are toddlers, older children and several adults. It is exciting and entertaining and most of all fun.

The fun ends immediately when a dead body is found. At the same time, Daisy's young twins' nanny is attacked and almost drowned. Everything is connected but it takes some clues to put everything together.

This is the 28th book in the series. I hate to admit it, but I have not read all of them and I have missed the most recent few. I was still able to follow the story easily.

Daisy is married to a detective inspector for Scotland Yard. She has inserted herself in investigations in the past and Alex, her husband, loses patience with her about investigating.
But, she has opportunities that the police would not have available. She is from a family with friendships in the “upper” classes.

Daisy's friends, as well as some strangers, have information that slowly but surely lead to the murderer. At the same time, the clues lead to a viable motive for murder. The victim is someone who has created many motives for his murder. He treated people as though their feelings and goals were jokes. He went out of his way to humiliate people. He took pleasure in punishing anyone who chose to disagree with him. The more we learn about the victim the more we realize, he was a terrible human being.

Carola Dunn is a writer who knows her characters and allows the reader to get to know them as well. Daisy and her family and friends are all very real human beings. They are humorous, intelligent, and charming. Both the upper classes and those people who are not from such elevated birth are wonderful examples of the British in the early part of the 20th century.

There is strong evidence that the class system is alive and well. Examples of women being put in their place are frequent. Daisy, and all women, have just been given the vote, in 1928. The entire story is filled with references to life at the end of the Roaring Twenties.

The plot is filled with many possible murderers. Gradually, each suspect is examined and then proven to be not guilty. But, each of the various suspects are fascinating people.

I have enjoyed this book very much. I do not recall ever not enjoying a Daisy Dalrymple book.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review. All opinions are my own.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. What a character Daisy Dalrymple is, what a great cosy mystery book that whiles away a couple of hours. Very enjoyable.

Thanks St. Martin's Press and netgalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Carola Dunn will have your attention and loyalty forever with each new book. Love the witty, fun, and always sprightly Daisy. What would her husband do without her? Seeing the Crystal Palace thru this series eye will have you researching pictures and history.

It's so good to see a new Daisy Dalrymple mystery! Daisy is such a delightful character and I have missed reading about her adventures. In this case, Daisy finds a dead nanny in the loo at the Crystal Palace and the children find their nanny with a serious head injury in the Palace gardens. Obviously the two are connected, but how? Join Daisy, her husband Alec and friends as they search for the who and why.
My only criticism is that there are few clues as to the murderer throughout the story so it's pretty impossible to guess until the end.

3.5 stars

The Daisy Dalrymple series offers reliably entertaining and nicely written cozies. We have followed Daisy from the early days through marriage and motherhood while she continues her writing career and dips her toe into looking into the dozens of bodies she has stumbled across over the years.

In this outing, Daisy and friends and family are visiting the Crystal Palace, an actual historical building in London, when a body is discovered. And the scene has a somewhat farcical element: Daisy's nanny is injured, the victim is dressed as a nanny, and there is yet a third nanny who escapes the scene.

Daisy has always been an appealing character. This one had a more superficial than usual feel to it, but we have become fond of her clan and always like spending time with them.

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books for a digital galley of this novel.

Daisy Dalrymple #23 and what a crowded character list there is. I was a little concerned when I saw how young some of the children are who would be involved in the investigation but they were kept away from the action surrounding the dead body so it all worked out fine. Detective Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher of Scotland Yard and Daisy have been married nearly five years when this story takes place and Alec knows he will have no luck keeping Daisy completely away from the crime. After all, the victim is someone from Daisy's social class so she has sources of investigation which would be harder for him to pursue. As unlikeable as this murder victim is it's no wonder so many people had a motive for murder.

This was another enjoyable read in the Daisy Dalrymple series. Even though a lot of history and backstory has taken place in the previous books someone new to the series could read this story and pick up the general ideas of what had come before. The series has worked it's way into 1928 so there is information about this time period with several references to Daisy exercising her newly won right for women to vote. These stories tend to be more character driven than focusing on historical events so the domestic situations are covered quite naturally. Recommended for readers who have an interest in historical settings for crime solving.

Once again, this author does not disappoint with this latest installment in the Daisy Dalrymple mysteries, set in England between the world wars. It gives an accurate portrayal of peoples' way of thinking, their dress, attitudes towards race and religion, that seem a bit odd for today's readers, but nonetheless, offer a true insight into that particular time and attitudes in the world. Daisy once again saves the day and helps solve a murder, with the aid of her trusty BFF, Sakira, and family, including her long-suffering husband Alec who is an inspector with the police and always tells her NOT to get involved in any more crimes! All in all, it is a great cozy mystery read for a long, hot summer day, and continues the series in a rousing way! So many series, after a dozen or so books, get repetitive and make one wish for that particular author to WIND THEM UP! NOT this author and series, however; they are still interesting and fresh.

BTW, I was lent an ARC of this book by NetGalley in return for an honest review!

A welcomed new story in the delightful Daisy Dalrymple series. This time the action centers around the historic Crystal Palace in London. Interesting domestic activities and relatives take the stage here.

This is a lovely cozy mystery, with a truly likable heroine, a wide cast of engaging supporting characters, and enough of a mystery to keep one interested. Like all good cozies, there is no overt violence or sex, making this suitable for a wide audience, and, unlike many current cozy series, there is no heavy-handed attempt to stick to a theme (cooking, home renovation, etc.). I recommend beginning at the start of the series, but this could be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone.

This is the 23rd book in the Daisy Dalrymple series. Daisy Fletcher is entertaining the current Lord and Lady Dalrymple's recently adopted children, Ben and Charlie, so she decides to entertain them and her own children with a trip to the Crystal Palace. Sakari and the Trings come along with Daisy, Miranda, Oliver, and Belinda and all the assorted servants. Of course, Daisy stumbles upon a body while the children chase after Nanny Gilpin, who is in hot pursuit of another nanny before ending up unconcious in a pond with no memory of her attack. Shortly Daisy and the Metropolitan Police begin to unravel a connection to people in her circle of titled acquaintances. Naturally, Chief Inspector Fletcher is assigned the case.

Daisy's investigations are always fun, and I enjoyed that she ended up sniffing around the bohemian neighborhood where she used to live with Lucy when they were poor and single and trying to make careers for themselves as a journalist and a photographer, respectively. Some old favorite characters are back, and Phillip Petrie visits from England which was fun. Overall, this is a fun, enjoyable read, and once again Carola Dunn takes us to another historical site in London. I always enjoy learning a little about that.

One thing I like about these books is that there isn't a ton of backstory/exposition about the characters in each book, but new readers might find that a little confusing. If you haven't read the series from the beginning, you won't know enough about Lucy to really understand why she and Daisy are best friends, as they're so different even though both were born into the titled class. I always recommend starting with the beginning of a series, but new readers will probably enjoy this if they're fans of early-20th C. English murder mysteries.

This series is still going strong after 23 titles. In 1927, Daisy takes her children, her visiting cousins, and some family friends on on outing to the Crystal Palace. When the older children see the little one's nurse pursuing someone through the gardens, they follow, arriving just in time to pull Nurse Gilpin from a pond where she is drowning. A young man in a nurse's costume is then found dead in the ladies' convenience. Although Scotland Yard is called in, Daisy naturally can't leave it there. Her contacts in high society come in handy in solving a very puzzling crime.

Recommended.

#TheCorpseAtTheCrystalPalace #NetGalley
Wow Daisy Dalrymple #23, thanks NetGalley& St. Martin's Press for the read. I have not read all Carola Dunn's books, but enough to know this one was a very fun read. Daisy's family life is quite entertaining, with cousins from other countries, friends from near and far and the twins and Belinda.

Alec ( who ends the book at Superintendent of his unit at Scotland Yard) , tries very hard to keep Daisy from being immersed in his cases to no avail. His subordinates and colleagues are also sort of their extended family.

The school holidays have started and stepdaughter Belinda arrives at home, where Daisy has arranged many exciting day trips, as well as houseguests. The first one, which included visiting cousins, close friends,Nanny Gilpin and her young assistant, was via several chauffeured vehicles to the Crystal Place

Before lunchtime, Nanny Gilpin ends up floating in a pond and rescued by the older cousins Ben and Charlie, Belinda and others were in the ladies room where another Nanny appears to be deceased. A closer look at the deceased reveals the corpse is male, and a third Nanny was seen fleeing the scene after being pursued by Nanny G. Daisy feels she knows this man and it ends up he is a cousin of Lucy, her best friend and heir to a Baronet.
A complicated plot including Russian jewelers as well as a huge amount of possible murderers ensure. Teddy, the victim has made himself universally disliked in many social circles. The ending was enjoyable, as was another look at Daisy's world.