Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie in this fun, historical mystery.

On the day of her wedding, Lady Julia admits to her sisters that she is marrying for money and expects she will far outlive her husband who is forty years her senior. That night, her new husband disappears. He reappears the next morning—as a corpse. Naturally, the police think Julia is the culprit, but her sister Phoebe and Phoebe’s reliable maid Eva are certain the murderer is still out there and seek to do all they can to clear Julia’s name.

This book was a delight from start to finish. It was truly one of the most satisfying books I’ve read in a long time. I absolutely adored Phoebe and Eva and appreciated the way the story proceeded by alternating between their perspectives. The secondary characters were interesting and well-developed too. The entire Renshaw family won my heart—the grandfather in particular.

Having lived in the New Forest and spent much time in the Isle of Wight, I found the setting to be familiar and comforting. There was mention of seeing the New Forest from the Isle of Wight, and I, of course, had the opposite experience of spying the Isle of Wight from a hilltop in my New Forest village.

Finally, the early 1920s era is one of my favorites to read about. The author’s attention to historical detail without getting carried away and detracting from the mystery was perfect.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the other books in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.

A successful hit in my eyes from Alyssa Maxwell. It was a delightful mystery and so fun to read. I couldn’t put it down

Alyssa Maxwell gives us another Lady and Lady's Maid mystery in a Murderous Marriage. Lady Julia marries a wealthy industrialist Lord Townsend. who goes overboard from their yacht on the honeymoon. Lady Julia is arrested for his murder. Her sister Lady Phoebe and their maid Eva get to work to find the real murderer. Fast moving romp; good 1920's cozy.

This is the 4th book in the Lady & Lady's Maid Mystery series. I really like this series, they are entertaining cozies and the plots are interesting. This book was no exception, I enjoyed it.

Lady Julia Renshaw is getting married, but for the wrong reasons and not to the man she really loves. The groom is considerably older than she is but she goes ahead with the wedding anyway. When he is found dead on their honeymoon yacht, Julia is the obvious suspect. Her sister Phoebe and their maid Eva need to solve the murder to clear her name.

I really like the details of the post-WWI era and the plot is well-written and interesting. I recommend this book.

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Princess Fuzzypants here: I do like Lady Phoebe. She is a modern woman trapped in a world that still devalues intelligence in a woman. Being highly born is not a plus for her either as Society tends to frown upon her amateur sleuthing. Thankfullly she is more than ably abetted by her Lady’s Maid, and assorted others who do not hold such antiquated views. After all, it is 1920!
She will need all her wits when her elder sister enters into a loveless marriage only to be made a widow on her wedding night. Naturally, she is considered the prime suspect and the circumstantial evidence is quite impressive. Her husband has mistreated many people in his business and social life so there is no shortage of other candidates but the local constabulary believe they have their woman. It is up to Phoebe to convince them otherwise.
As always it is an enjoyable journey as Phoebe unlocks the mystery and reveals the true culprit. There were so many good possibilities that the murderer and the reason behind the murder came as a surprise.
Four purrs and two paws up.

I am a fan of all of Alyssa Maxwell's series and highly recommend them both. Phoebe Renshaw and her maid, Eva Huntford, are about to attend the wedding of Phoebe's sister, Julia. Julia is not marrying for love but to save her families finances, albeit reluctantly. Gilbert Townsend, a wealthy and much order man plans the wedding on his yacht. Julia's honeymoon is to be a cruise, but all of Gils' worker bees are coming as well. The next morning Gil has been murdered. Julia came to Phoebe and Eva's room the evening of the wedding to tell them that she has a huge fight with Gil and had a large gash on her hand. Phoebe and Eva set off to find the killer.
This is a race to the finish to determine the killer. The pacing is great, and its very difficult to eliminate anyone as a suspect. Subplot and family tangles make this quite an intriguing mystery. Lives and reputations are at stake. Make this the next one on your "to read" list. This book was given to me in return for a unbiased review from
Net Galley.

“A Murderous Marriage” earns 5/5 Soggy Nuptials…Clever and Engaging!

When I need a “Downton Abbey” fix, I know exactly where to go…A Lady and Lady’s Maid Mystery by Alyssa Maxwell. And the newest book…Wow! I'll have my tea in the library, Carson! Oops, I was channeling my inner Lady of the Manor…

I was totally engaged…Lady Phoebe Renshaw’s sister Julia is preparing to go down the aisle and marry the much older viscount Gilbert Townsend. Grams is demanding, younger sister Amelia is excited, Julia’s impatient, and Phoebe…made one last move to shake some sense into Julia. She loves Theo, he loves her, Grams objections be damned when a life a happiness is at stake. But, Julia knows Gil’s age may work against him, and then she'd be able to do what she pleases…ok, she’ll regret saying that. After the “I do-s,” photographs, and reception marked with family tensions and a seemingly impatient groom, Phoebe finds her sister with an injured hand and her new husband in the water dead! Perfect set up for an entertaining murder mystery with lots of suspects who themselves need a bite from Karma, dysfunction galore, and navigating upper class mores and rules. I'm not a fan of the third-person narrative, but Alyssa does well leading me through the drama along with sharing thoughts, vivid descriptions, and entertaining banter. I love the relationship between Lady Phoebe and her lady’s maid Eva. From different classes, each has a close connection. Completely thrilled!

Not having read any of the previous books in this series, I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to be immersed in the post World War I era. From the customs and clothing to the attitudes and actions, the story felt authentic and true.

The lead characters in this story, Phoebe and Eva, are spunky and believable. There was a good deal of rumination for both characters, which was at times a bit much, but it did not feel excessive. Their actions were consistent with their characters, i.e., that of Lady and her maid.

The mystery itself was well-planned and there are sufficient twists to keep the reader guessing. A good read, especially for cozy mystery fans who love history.

Although I haven't read the previous three books in this series, I found I was able to read A Murderous Marriage without any problem. I enjoyed Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her faithful maid, Eva Huntford, as both represent strong women characters. Historical fiction, especially those set in England/Ireland fascinate me and Alyssa Maxwell did a fantastic job in creating a background that fits within this storyline.

A Murderous Marriage doesn’t feature connubial bliss, but it does explore many other facets of love. Like a daughter’s sacrificial love for her family’s wellbeing, sisters’ loyal affection toward their sibling, and a more-than-a-maid’s fierce, protective love for the women she serves.

Lady Julia Renshaw, the eldest grand-daughter of an earl, is about to marry decades older “Gilbert Townsend, a viscount and a wealthy industrialist.” Her formidable gramma tells her, “I had hoped for an earl at the least, perhaps a marquess. But, of course, Gil is a very wealthy viscount. You’ll have a good life, my dear.” They’re to wed in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, April 1920. Much has changed for the daughters of the aristocracy since the end of the Great War. There are fewer men to marry since many perished on European battlefields. The vicissitudes and aftermath of war have an impact on aristocratic fortunes. The family seat, “Foxwood Hall doesn’t support itself any longer and hasn’t for some time now.” Julia knows it is her duty to marry well.

Her younger sisters don’t hold out high hopes for the success of the impending union. Sixteen-year-old Lady Amelia blurts out to Julia that in a perfect world, Gil, being so much older, will die soon so that Julia can marry the love of her life, Theo, the wounded and disfigured Marquess of Allerton. Eva Huntford, Lady Phoebe’s lady’s maid (and partner in criminal investigation), watches over the sisters, her protective instincts heightened. She snaps at an eavesdropping waitress to forget anything she might have heard: “If you value your position here or anywhere, you’ll not go telling tales,” and finishes with it is “none of your business.”

Indeed not, and one might argue it was none of Eva’s business, either. But her ladies, her girls, mattered more to her than anything else—more than her own affairs, at least for the present. They needed her, even Julia, the eldest. Sometimes especially Julia. And Eva needed them . . . to be happy.

But happiness proves elusive. After the ceremony, a motor launch transfers the wedding guests to the wedding reception on Gil’s gleaming, magnificent yacht, the Georgiana. The waters of the Solent are choppy and the spring winds are blustery. The Georgiana will also serve as a floating honeymoon hotel. Shockingly, later that night, “Julia pounds on her sister’s door, brandishing a bandaged hand and reporting a hot-tempered outburst on her new husband’s part.” She tells her sisters and Eva that Gil even accused her of being a gold digger.

“So what? Am I the first woman to do such a thing? It would have not have been an empty arrangement. I have—or had—every intention of being a good wife to Gil, of making him happy for as long as . . . well, for the rest of his life.” She treated them all to a defiant look. “I would have given him no cause for complaint.”

As it happens, the quarrel occurred after the nascent marriage was consummated so an annulment isn’t in the cards. Julia pulls herself together: “I made my bed. I must return and lie in it,” and returns to the yacht. Her sisters are so worried that they get up early to say farewell once more before she departs on her honeymoon. The yacht in an uproar: Gil is nowhere to be found. The police are summoned, they search the harbor, and find Lord Annondale.

“Thank heavens for that,” Julia came eagerly to her feet. “Where is he?”

“He was found drifting against the pilings of the main pier at the Royal Yacht Squadron, my lady. Drowned.”

Due to a powerful amount of circumstantial evidence, Julia is arrested for her husband’s murder. It’s time for a lady and her lady’s maid—Lady Phoebe and Eva—to rectify the situation. This is the fourth time they’ve worked together for justice. Not only Julia’s freedom but their noble family’s reputation is on the line. They visit a despondent Julia in jail.

“Oh, Phoebe, you’re always on the alert—you and Eva.” She shook her head sadly. “I don’t deserve your efforts. I’ve been positively swinish toward you these past several years.”

“That doesn’t matter.”

To the two not-so amateur detectives, it doesn’t matter a whit. They know Julia is nobody’s murderer and they are “all too eager to clear Lady Julia’s name.” They’ll follow the road map they’ve used before, thinks Eva.

She and Lady Phoebe had worked well together in the past, with Lady Phoebe poking around among her set—the toffs, as Eva’s father called them—and Eva probing belowstairs.

The real murderer doesn’t stand a chance in face of this indomitable, experienced pair of detectives. “Circumstances call for logic and cool heads,” and that’s exactly what they bring to the sordid, sad mess.

A MURDEROUS MARRIAGE by Alyssa Maxwell
The Fourth Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery

A wedding should be a happy event, but that's not the case in the Isle of Wight. Everyone knows it's not a love match between Lady Julia Renshaw and the viscount forty years her senior. Despite her sisters protestations that she can and should walk away, Julia marries Gil Townsend to ensure the coffers of the family home are full. The nuptials seem a hasty occasion with the reception on board the yacht named after the groom's first wife. An overly familiar secretary, an angry sister of the groom, a concerned best man, and unpleasant weather add to the dismal affair. When the groom goes missing the following morning and is soon found drowned, suspicions fall on the new bride. When her sister, Julia, is taken to the police station, Phoebe knows she can't just stand idly by. It's up to Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady's maid, Eva, to prove Julia's innocence and find the real murderer.

A MURDEROUS MARRIAGE looks at familial obligation and its ramifications. Julia marries to help her family and nearly destroys it as well as herself.

I really enjoyed this historical mystery which also serves as a reminder that single women didn't have the freedom I presently enjoy. I love the relationship between Eva and, not only Phoebe, but Julia as well. While Eva is a maid, her standing is much closer to one of the family and her thoughts and assistance looked to and depended upon. The characters here are a wonderful mix, with many suspects evidencing nasty behavior. While I admire Phoebe's independence and Eva's intelligence, my favorite character in this fourth Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery is Hetta, Lady Julia's new maid. There's more than meets the eye with this Swiss woman with limited English skills and I find her a fun and delightful new character.

A MURDEROUS MARRIAGE is an engaging historical mystery that illustrates the importance of family and duty by both the upper and working classes in 1920 England.

A MURDEROUS MARRIGE, the fourth book in the lovely Lady and Lady’s Maid series, is the best yet in the series. Great period detail, authentic characters, and a solid mystery come together to make a really enjoyable read.

This installment finds Lady Phoebe’s sister Julia in the hot seat after her husband of one day is found dead. Sure that she is innocent, Phoebe and her maid Eva set out to find the real culprit and clear Julia’s name. There are plenty of suspects to choose from, all with good motives. I suspected each one at one point or another. I did figure out whodunit, but his/her motive came as a surprise.

I like Phoebe and think she is a realistic, intelligent amateur sleuth. Eva is my favorite character, brave and smart. The Renshaw family is well represented within these pages, and I enjoyed Phoebe’s grandfather.

Author Alyssa Maxwell has created a wonderful historical mystery series, and I adored A MURDEROUS MARRIAGE. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

A Murderous Marriage is the fourth book in the A Lady and Lady’s Maid Mystery series.

Lady Julia Renshaw is getting married to Viscount Annondale and her sister, Lady Phoebe, doesn’t feel that this is going to be a marriage made in heaven, as the Viscount is several years older than Lady Julia and most likely not in love in him. The marriage is more of a marriage of convenience, the Renshaw’s have had difficulties making ends meet and Lady Julia has agreed to the marriage to help her family.

The wedding will take place aboard the Viscount’s yacht with family members and a few close friends. After the wedding and reception, everyone has retired to their cabin. A few hours later Lady Julia arrives at her sister’s room in the hotel where she’s staying with a nasty cut on her hand. She says a picture had fallen and the glass broke and she got a got picking up the glass. They return to the yacht and the Viscount is nowhere to be found. Soon, he is found floating near his yacht. The constables soon look to Lady Julia as the murderer and arrest her. The way Lady Phoebe sees it is that there is no shortage of suspects. The Viscount sister, his personal secretary, the best man and his estate’s vet. Since the police don’t seem to be interested in taking their blinder off, Lady Phoebe and her Lady’s Maid Eva set off to clear Lady Julia’s name.

Another well told and plotted story from Ms. Maxwell and an interesting cast of characters.

I am looking forward to the next book in this interesting series.

I am an avid fan of Ms. Maxwell's The Gilded Newport Mysteries, so I was excited to read a book from her other series as well. It did not disappoint! I can't wait to go back and read the series from the beginning.

4+ stars
The eldest daughter, Julia, of the Renshaw family is marrying a much older, wealthy viscount industrialist, Gilbert Townsend. Julia’s younger sister, Phoebe is afraid Julia is marrying to help the family’s financial troubles instead of for love.
The morning after the wedding, Gil can not be found anywhere on his yacht which was to be used for their honeymoon. After further searching, Gil’s body is found downstream from the yacht and Julia is arrested by the police on suspicion of killing her new husband after an argument on that first night of their honeymoon.
Phoebe decides she must clear her sister and enlists the help of their lady’s maid, Eva. There are plenty of suspicious characters for them to pursue, including Gil’s younger, female secretary with unclear intentions, the best man who has been receiving threatening letters along with Gil, the sister who is ill-treated by the groom and a mysterious photographer who takes an avid interesting in Julia as a primary focus of the bridal party pictures.
This is the second in the series and I thoroughly enjoy the relationships the author has built between her characters. Even though the Eva might seem too close at time’s to the ladies she works for, it still feels appropriate for the timeframe when the old system is changing after World War I.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Kensington Books, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I'm happy I discovered this series, it's engaging and entertaining.
The book is well written and well researched, with interesting characters and a well researched setting.
Even if the book requires a bit of suspension of belief it was a lot of fun to read and I liked it.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC

Julia, the eldest Renshaw, is marrying Gilbert, a wealthy viscount who is much older and has an insufferable personality. When Gil was found dead by being drowned, Julia ends up as the prime suspect.

I thought that for a historical cozy mystery, the story was very informative, but somehow lacked the warmth of other titles. I am fascinated with the details presented to make this authentic for the time period it's supposed to be set in, but for me, the details of the settings overpower what is supposed to be a tightly woven storytelling and well-developed mystery. 

The only saving grace in this story was the dynamics of the Renshaw family. Julia treats Phoebe differently - they're aloof and somewhat reserved with each other. With Amelia, Julia is much more open and accepting of the latter's affections. The burden of losing their family estate, which has been their home for their entire lives, is affecting their decisions, their feelings, and their dreams. Eva is very protective of her charges. But as individual characters, though, they felt unreal, which is a strange and new experience for me. I've read other historical cozies, but they have more interesting characters that everyone can empathize with. I hope the next books in this series would flesh out their characters more than be more detailed.

I really have enjoyed this series immensely - the amount of research that the author must do to write these stories is amazing and really fills the book with stories that are believable and characters that you wish that you could know in person. In my opinion though, this was the best of the series so far.

Even though most stories have an air of unbelivability to them, I find that these don't - I find that I believe that these three sisters to get themselves embroiled in the escapades that they get into and find themselves struggling to get out of, just like any other human being. And their relationship with each other, that love-hate thing that most sisters have - well, if you are a sister, you know exactly what I mean! And the family bond is strong and really adds to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lives and times for everyone are changing in England after the Great War. Lady Phoebe and her lady's maid Eva have to figure out who killed Lady Phoebe's new brother-in-law who was murdered after the wedding to Lady Julia. These changing times and Phoebe and Eva's previous success with solving mysteries means the family trusts them to figure things out even as the local police hold the new bride as the main suspect. Good mystery, lovely characters, and an interesting time period. You do not need to have read others in the series.

Lady Phoebe Renshaw is concerned her sister Julia has caved to pressure to restore the family fortune by marrying where she does not love. When tragedy strikes and Julia is arrested for murder, Phoebe and her maid Eva get to work to prove Julia's innocence and find the true murderer.

Though I've read other books by this author, this was my first introduction to the Lady and Lady's Maid series. It is the fourth book in the series, but as a new reader, it was easy to catch up.

The story alternates between Lady Phoebe and Eva, with both doing their part to follow clues and work out what really happened. Phoebe is an independent young woman and uses her position to ask questions. Eva does the same, ingratiating herself with those who see her as an invisible servant.

it was a bit of a surprise how close Eva was to the Renshaw family. Perhaps the previous books make this more clear, but this detail did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. Beyond that, the characters are all delightful. The mystery kept me guessing, and the plot moved at an excellent pace.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy post world war 1 novels and historical mysteries.