Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this book. I am so glad I kept this book to read whilst on holiday as I devoured it in one day. This is the usual outrageous romp involving the usual suspects but this time is set around the suffragettes period and the general election at the time. There is also a bit of a good robbery going on and as usual only Lady Hardcastle and Flo can save the day. Even though you know it will all end ok these books are compulsive reading. Highly recommended

Another delightful entry in the Lady Hardcastle series - this time we find Flo and Emily knee deep in arson, murder, large scale thievery, and the women's suffrage movement. The period-ness of the series is definitely coming into focus as we move forward and I hope the author has intentions of integrating more historical keystones into the mysteries. As readers have come to expect, the dialogue is snappy, the characterization sharp, and the pacing is fantastic - there's maybe a scene or two that could be pared down, but that's a small quibble in an otherwise very satisfying novel. A strong, strong recommend.

The Burning Issue Of The Day is the fifth book in the A Lady Hardcastle Mystery series.

It’s Friday morning and Lady Hardcastle and her ladies maid, Florence Hamilton, are reading the Bristol News while partaking of their breakfast they start to discuss an article about arson on Thomas St where a tenant dies and the arrest of a woman, charging her with murder. Later that morning as Lady Hardcastle and Flo are about to head out for lunch at the Dog and Duck the post arrives and Lady H finds a letter written on fine stationery and takes time to read it. The letter is from a Lady Bickle who says she got Lady H’s name from her friend, Dr. Simeon Gosling. She states in her letter that she has learned from Gosling Lady H’s investigative skills and would like to meet with Lady H to see if Lady would look into the arson. Lady Bickle is a leader of a local suffragette group, who are part of the WSPU, and they adhere to a non-violence way of getting women’s rights. The young lady arrested for the arson, Lizzie Worell, is a member of Lady Bickle’s group. Lady Bickle feels certain that Worell is innocent.

Lady H decides to take on the investigation and with the victim of fire, a Christian Brookfield, being a reporter with the Bristol News, reluctantly decides to call a truce with reporter Dinah Caudle, who they had a run-in with in the previous book. Soon, Caudle brings a notebook of Brookfield’s to Lady H and Flo that are notes on stories that he had been working on. The notes are written in code and some are easy to decipher and it appears that he was working on the corruption of some high placed businessmen. Some are more difficult to break and these will be the ones to get the investigation to head in the right direction.

I love this series. The stories are all well told and well plotted the characters are well developed very enjoyable. I particularly enjoy Lady Hardcastle and Flo. Even though they Lady and Lady’s Maid they are more than less on an even footing. The dialogue between them is often humorous.

I’m looking forward to reading many more books in this very enjoyable series.

Another exciting escapade for the ex-spy, Lady Hardcastle and her maid. This time they are caught up in plot to discredit the suffragettes in Bristol and when one of their number is arrested for the murder of a reporter, she has to help. I particularly enjoyed this title because of its descriptions of the City of Bristol, mainly because I worked in the City for 20 years and I could mentally visualize so many of the scenes. This series is a particularly well written and researched one and I don't get those little niggles about accuracy that I find with some other authors.

Solid new entry in this series. I adore Flo + Lady Hardcastle. The author's writing is always entertaining - fun and lighthearted mysteries, witty banter, enjoyable characters. It was interesting learning about the suffragette movement from that time period, and I enjoyed the historical note at the end. (Side note - is it just me, or does every mystery from this time period written in the last few years include a Vigenere code?? so trendy)

Two minor nits: 1) Given that the inspector kept semi-inviting the women over to meet his wife for so long without ever extending an actual invitation (enough so that they comment on it in the last book), I thought there might be a bit of a story there re: his wife. Instead, they meet her at a dinner party the end of this book with zero fanfare and nothing to comment on. Very minor nit and only cared about by readers who have followed the whole series. :) 2) Out of nowhere, the author dropped in a tiny tidbit about the German Lady Hardcastle killed or thought she killed years ago. He surfaced in the last book - surprise, he's maybe alive?? - then was mentioned for a hot second in this book and promptly dropped again. The ladies promise to be extra careful given the news and nothing happens. Maybe the author was just laying more groundwork for the future, but it felt more like a dropped thread to me. These nits did not detract from my enjoyment of the story though. I thoroughly enjoy these stories and always look forward to reading the next one!

My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

“The Burning Issue of the Day” by T.E. Kinsey is the fifth in the Emily, Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong mystery series. One of the burning issues of the day (it’s 1910) is the fight to get women the vote – and it was a hard-fought one, finally won in 1918 when women over the age of 30 could vote (with property caveats). That would be changed to equal voting rights in 1928). Until that point, suffragettes (as opposed to suffragists, the difference being explained by the author in a note at the end) engaged in many acts of civil disobedience including property damage. In “The Burning Issue of the Day” arson is one of those acts. Unfortunately, a man’s body is discovered in the burned building, and a suffragette is blamed for murder from the beginning pages.

It’s a major frame, it is, of course. Lady H and Flo are asked to help find Lizzie Worrel innocent by Georgina, Lady Bickle, one of the leaders of the local suffragettes. Well. No problems here. Inspector Sunderland will help in an unofficial capacity; the evidence is basically nonexistent -- it’s just a rush to justice because of the anti-suffragette sentiment. They also have help from another newspaper reporter that has clashed with Lady Hardcastle in the past. She’s a strong character who seems to be joining the team.

The dead man, Christian Brookfield, is a reporter. My first thought was, who did Mr. Brookfield anger? Because of course Lizzie Worrel can’t be guilty. T.E. Kinsey does a good job of casting a little bit of doubt here and there, that maybe Lizzie might have had her reasons, but ultimately, my supposition proves correct. And our erstwhile heroines proceed from this basis. He’s even provided a coded notebook that will help Lady H and Flo find his killer – and provide some information for another blockbuster in the plot. They crisscross the town, seeking clues, interviewing suspects, keeping one step ahead of the men who are trying to keep them from finding out anything. Remember that big plot point I mentioned earlier? That wraps up satisfactorily because of what our ladies discover. Clever clogs, these ladies are.

The zingers and one liners that are a hallmark of the series are well in evidence. However, to my mind the book is a little too cutesy in spots, a little too "oh we have special skills but don't ask what they are." Their backgrounds are hinted at as in the earlier books in the series, so each one can almost be a standalone. This one just seemed to be a little too over the top in talking about their “special skills.”

Also -- it's time to meet the German. We're five books in, already. I assume he exists or hopefully we'd know that by now. Get on with it, already.

There’s an author’s note at the end of the book with information about the history behind the story, along with the chance to do some decoding. Have fun!

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for a copy of the book, in exchange for this review.

I really look forward to each of these books as they come out, so that I can enjoy a few more pleasant hours in the company of the amazing Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence. The two of them make a remarkable team and in this book we hear a lot more of their past times together when Lady Hardcastle was a spy and Florence learned martial arts, among many other things.

The burning issue of the day of the title is the Suffragette movement and the author has done his research. It is amazing to look back and realise that many people really believed that women did not have the right kind of brain to cope with such serious issues as voting for their government. At least we have come a long way from that!

Of course our intrepid pair become involved in arson, murder, break and enter, and even gold theft and fraud, ably assisted by their good friend Inspector Sunderland. All very silly but absolutely delightful and an excellent read.

Lady Hardcastle and her faithful sidekick Flo are back in another Edwardian mystery, this one centered around the suffragette movement. A fire breaks out on Thomas street just before midnight and all clues point towards Lizzie Worrell, a young woman active in the suffragette movement. Unfortunately for Lizzie, the body of a journalist is found among the wreckage, which escalates the charge to murder. The other members of the suffragette are certain of her innocence and call upon Lady Hardcastle for assistance. Lady Hardcastle and Flo, former spies for the British government turned amateur sleuths, set off immediately to investigate, teaming up with Dinah Caudle, a co-worker of the deceased and a reporter with the skills to decode a notebook filled with potential clues. As each piece is decoded, clues start to appear pointing towards prominent members of the anti-suffragette movement. Lady Hardcastle and Flo must tread carefully as they face resistance each step of the way towards uncovering the real culprit.
Although this is the fifth in the series, it was the first I have read and I found it easy to follow. The characters, both primary and secondary are well developed and come with intriguing backstories that allow the reader to really enjoy the atmosphere of the novel overall. There is a constant comical banter between our two amateur sleuths that I found both endearing and witty. There were quite a bit of period details, especially pertaining to the suffragette movement that were enlightening and well researched. Overall this was a lighthearted English cozy that I would highly recommend for those looking for a fast paced historical romp.

This is the fifth book in the Lady Hardcastle series, though it works as a stand alone. The book is the perfect blend of history, mystery, and humor. After thoroughly enjoying this book I will be reading the others in the series. Great for fans of Elizabeth Peters, Rhys Bowen, and Carola Dunn.

I read other books in this series and I think they're all lovely and entertaining.
This one is fun to read and engaging, the characters are well written, and the mystery keep you guessing till the end.
As usual I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Flo and Lady Hardcastle are asked to look into an arson/murder case. A local reporter has been killed and the suffragettes have bee blamed for the crime. Yes, there was a signed note from one of them admitting her guilt but it was pretty flimsy evidence with nothing otherwise proving wrongdoing. The local leader believes it may be someone trying to make the suffragettes look bad.
During the course of the case, Flo and Lady Hardcastle are beset numerous times and come out ahead, though not always unscathed.
A lovely story that was pretty easy to figure out who the baddies were but if you don't mind that, you will not have any problems with.

Four stars
This book comes out May 15th
ARC kindl provided by publisher and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

The fire which started just before midnight and burned the shop to the ground was blamed on the suffragettes – the young lady who was immediately arrested and thrown in jail proclaimed her innocence. But the police declared it an open and shut case. It was when a man’s body – that of a prominent journalist – was found in the wreckage that it was declared murder.

When Lady Hardcastle received a letter from a friend in Bristol requesting her urgent help, she and her maid and fellow sleuth, Florence Armstrong, immediately set off in their motor to meet with the suffragettes and see what could be done. But the evidence seemed to fit the crime – this one would be a challenge to Flo and Lady Hardcastle. As they began their investigations, there were dark and sinister secrets linked to the fire. Would the two determined sleuths find the answers before it was too late?

The Burning Issue of the Day is the 5th in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by TE Kinsey and another excellent addition to the series. I love the laugh out loud wit and humour that always peppers these stories – light, entertaining and loads of fun. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are two really brilliant characters and I’m already looking forward to #6. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Hardcastle and her lady's maid Flo have a new detecting job. The plot is well done. As with the earlier books, they are somewhat unorthodox in their methods, and the book is both clever and amusing. Lady Bickle, an active suffragette has asked them to look into an arson case in which an up and journalist for the Bristol News, Brookfield, has died. The fire happened late at night and the owners of the shop were out. Someone left lots of suffragette notices around and a "signed" block printed confession was posted supposedly by Lizzie Worrel, who is now in prison. Lizzie claims her innocence.

Lady Hardcastle and Flo talk with Inspector Sunderland with whom they have worked before. He has been told the case is solved, but agrees to help. Another Bristol News Journalist, Dinah Caudle, also offers to help. Dinah has found a notebook belonging to Brookfield which is written in shorthand and ciphers. Lady Hardcastle manages to break the code and show Dinah how to read it. Meanwhile, they have found a misspelling in the suffragette notices. They soon figure out that one of the women working at the Suffragette store must be telling the suspects about their findings. Then, as Brookfield's notebook gradually gets decoded, they figure out who is responsible for the arson as well as discovering a big criminal plot involving some of their suspects.

What a great book! One of the best historical mysteries I’ve read in a long time. The characters are very well crafted; believable but entertainingly quirky. I love the relationship between Lady Hardcastle and Flo. You know that even though they exasperate each other, they’d take a bullet for each other too. (And just may have at some point in time.) The mystery is intelligent and had enough twists and turns to keep you involved. Mr. Kinsey’s historical research is spot on. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and hope there are many more Lady Hardcastle mysteries to come!
I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is a delightful and smart romp, the 1910 version of a buddy movie, only featuring a titled Lady and her resourceful maid.

Lady Hardcastle and Florence have been through many adventures together as agents for the British Empire and in this book we find out a bit about their colorful and entertaining history. They become embroiled in their latest mystery when they are approached about investigating an arson death which resulted in the arrest for murder of a young suffragette. Her friends and co-workers believed she is innocent, but the anti-women's suffrage police force isn't interested in conducting any further investigation.

The great conversational give-and-take between Lady H and Florence is very much fun, and these unconventional and intelligent books are always a treat. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Have been lavish in my praise for this series since book 1 and this book certainly gives me no reason to alter my opinion. It just immerses you in the period, the atmosphere and above all, the characters. Just the thought that all that is required for some serious breaking and entering is a pair of black plimsolls and a little welsh“ladies maid” (Flo is so much more than that) is captivating enough but when added into a story line of bribery, corruption, suffragettes and a plan to steal gold, well it’s gold dust. Can’t wait for the next one.

I love this series! I own the others and I can’t get enough of them! They are hilarious while also having interesting mysteries. The relationship and witty back and forth between Flo and Lady Hardcastle are what makes the books for me! I love the characters and Lady Hardcastles child like enthusiasm and sense of fun I will forever love these characters and I hope their are many more books written about them

The Burning Issue of the Day is book 5 in the Lady Hardcastle mystery series.
I’ll let you know now that I have not read the first 4 books but I was able to follow along with the plot and characters without many questions.

I thought this was going to be a slow read at first but I was eventually pulled into solving the mystery with Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong.

It starts with Lady Hardcastle reading the Bristol News to catch up on important issues of the day. She comes across an article about a fire and a murder on Thomas Street. A suffragette at the time, named Lizzie Worel, is now being accused of starting this fire .
Lady Hardcastle and Florence-two fierce and humorous women- come to the aide of WSPU leader, Lady Bickles, to try to prove Lizzie’s innocence.

Such a light, fun read. It’s totally different from any other books I’ve read set in this time period.

I received a free copy of this ebook through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you Goodreads, Netgalley, and the publishers for this free book in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge fan for this series. Clever and fun. The team of lady Hardcastke and Flo is wonderful. Such humor and creative dialogue. Another great installment.

The Lady Hardcastle series is becoming a mainstay on my mystery shelves. The newest installment does not disappoint. A tight plot with plenty of twists, the cozy feel brightened with snappy wit, at this point Kinsey can do no wrong.