A truly enjoyable historical cozy mystery.

Highly recommended for historical cozy mystery fans looking a light-hearted read.

This is the second book in this cozy historical series. I'm happy to say I did enjoy Lady Eleanor much more in this book than the last one. Clifford the butler is hands down my favorite character. This isn't a fast paced mystery but it's well written and entertaining. I'll be looking forward to the next book.

I absolutely loved this cozy historical mystery. The main heroine, Lady Swift, is quite the character and her accomplice Clifford the butler is just fabulous. The story is fast paced and riveting. The list of suspects provides a variety of characters all of who could’ve done it and you’re not really sure who did it until the very end. I would highly recommend this book to all those that love a good cozy mystery.

1920s English Country Manor Cozy Mystery
This is the second book in the series and can be enjoyed without having read the first book. Our heroine is a newly minted English Lady who has inherited her title along with all of her late uncle's property. Since she has had somewhat of a Bohemian upbringing, she does not exactly fit in well with the aristocracy. This is not your average English cozy. The mystery is excellent and keeps the reader guessing. In fact, the denouement does not exactly go as planned. This is a fun story with many twists and giggles that I could not put down. I am eager to read the next installment. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Book Two in the series is a good standalone. I sometimes enjoy reading in the middle of a series like that. It gives you the option of going back and binge-reading if you weren't quite ready to lose contact with the characters. And that's how I felt about Lady Eleanor and Clifford. Quirky, fun characters, with a knack for getting themselves into the thick of an investigation. After all, adventure is what Clifford had done for years with Lady Eleanor's uncle, his previous employer.

The rapport between these two intrepid investigators is quite something, and the sarcasm that flies - well THAT is right up my alley. Not to mention that I really do love cozies set in this era!

Bright crafts her plot artfully and keeps you hooked - I mean it's such a fun read, why not? I was sad to see the end come - though of course the resolution was brilliant, especially in the face of the police being determined they already had their man. And when are they ever right, really? I'll be reading Book One and waiting to see the further adventures of these two new-to-me sleuths.

[Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture, and the author for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader copy of this book. I was not required to write a review; the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

Death at the Dance by Verity Bright is a quirky, endearing mystery featuring Lady Eleanor Swift and her engaging butler, Clifford. Clifford is the quintessential English butler in every way, except his willingness to participate in Ellie's schemes. She inherited him from her uncle, along with her estate; he is her driver, her protector, and her mentor. He is also brilliantly sarcastic and a master of the eye-roll. Ellie is new at this being-a-lady-thing. She had been abandoned as a child when her parents were killed and her uncle apparently didn't want her. After his death, she discovered from Clifford how dearly she was loved. He did his best for her, when all she wanted was his love. Now she is the lady of the manor and beginning her second murder investigation. This time the accused is Lancelot and in the process she is forced to admit she loves him, making the whole thing more immediate.

I am not usually into quirky but Bright does it so well, and in such an odd context. The novel takes place in the early twentieth century, when women are still pretty sheltered and the system of nobility in England is coming to an end. The huge estates are simply too expensive and modern views and habits are beginning to take their hold. Ellie's past as one who bikes through Africa and The Far East, scouting for a tour company displays both her uncle's penchant to adventure and the changing times, although still somewhat shocking. Clifford, who had been a willing accomplice on many adventures with her uncle, is now faced with a totally different kind of adventure and is more than willing. The staff at the manor adores Ellie after their initial unwillingness to make changes with the introduction of a young mistress. Lancelot, although somewhat of a rake, is besotted, and his parents love her. Reading Death at the Dance is an extremely amusing way to spend an afternoon. I recommend it.

I was invited to read an ARC of Death at the Dance by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #deathatthedance

I dnfed at 30% of the way in. I did not connect with the characters and I found myself being bored because of the slower plot. The writing was also really trying hard to be 'old-timey' which put me off a bit.

That was the most fun I have had reading an historical mystery in a long time! I loved "Death at the Dance." The second in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series (and I will definitely be reading the first as soon as is humanly possible!) set in 1920's England had me laughing out loud before the tenth page!

During a masked ball hosted by the Fenwick-Langham's, Lady Eleanor enters the study to find Lancelot (the son of the hosts) leaning over a body with a candlestick in his hand. The safe is wide open and empty. A minute later, the police burst in and arrest Lancelot for theft and murder.

I loved the characters. Lady Eleanor is fascinating, but my favorite was her butler, Clifford. I loved the dialogue (especially between Ellie and Clifford). The mystery was good. I didn't figure out who the killer was (and I usually do).

I can't recommend this book enough!

I received a copy of this title for an honest review 3 1/3 stars rounded down to 3. Death at the Dance is a charming second entry in the cozy mystery series featuring Lady Eleanor and her butler (and partner in detection) Clifford. Set during the 1920s, this title finds Eleanor attending a ball at her neighbor's estate. After arriving late to the party and falling on her face while dancing, she discovers Lancelot, her sort-of beau and son of her hosts standing over a dead body with a wide open safe. The police burst in and based on the time of death, it appears that there is no way Lancelot isn't guilty, at least to the police. Determined to prove Lance's innocence, Eleanor throws herself into investigating the Bright Young things set that he is part of to try and figure out not only who the killer is, but who has been stealing jewels during parties.

As is typical among cozy mysteries, the characters including the supporting cast, is as much of a draw as the actual mysteries. Eleanor is charming as she tries to find her footing in local English society after having spent much of her life traveling abroad and following much different standards. Her butler, Clifford is an enigma that I look forward to getting to know more about in future titles. Lancelot doesn't get nearly as much attention in this title as I would have liked to get to know him better, but I'm hoping that is rectified in the next title. I enjoyed the look into the Bright Young Things lifestyle that was common after WWI; the mystery did have a nice twist that I didn't see coming.

Overall, I found this to be a good way to spend a few entertaining hours and look forward to the next title in the series. I'm definitely adding this author and series to my list of favorite series.

A murder and burglary takes place at a country masked ball. A man is arrested being found with the murder weapon standing over the body. Our sleuth, Lady Eleanor Swift, has to prove himm innocent before thre trail. This, the second Lady Swift mystery, presents a tricky plot, with the engaging characters & delightful writing of the first book in the series.

The second in this series, [book:Death at the Dance|53208843] is a short, light, historical, cosy mystery. It is also great fun.

Lady Eleanor and her butler, Clifford are again engaged in some private sleuthing to discover a murderer. This time they have an added need to solve the case because the police have Eleanor's love interest, Lancelot, pegged as the culprit.

I think the readability of this series hangs on the delightful characters. Eleanor and Clifford have a beautiful relationship, both caring and very witty. As a duo they work brilliantly and I actually want the Lancelot relationship to fail because he is a bit of an idiot. Come on Eleanor - you can do better! (maybe the Inspector???)

Keep writing Ms Bright - I am looking forward to finding out what happens next!

‘Death at the Dance’ takes readers back to the historical period when people were actually on time to social affairs. There wasn’t much to the characters but their personalities shone through their mannerisms. Eleanor is a privileged, sentimental, unconventional lady. She was easy-going, silly for her age. She is also kind which is portrayed in the way she treats her staff. Gladstone is her loving bulldog. Clifford is Eleanor’s crime-solving butler, who has information about everything necessary. Lancelot seemed cheeky and the book could've used more of him. There is significance to several background characters as well; Eleanor’s staff, Lord Harold Langham and his wife, her theatre acquaintances, and Lancelot’s gang of friends.

This book has a lot to offer in the mystery element. There is a ton of detail and the plot will make readers ponder about all the suspects. Just when they begin to form sensible guesses, their minds will boggle with extra information. This is one of those murder mysteries where the readers have to pay attention to all the descriptions because they will turn out to be quite useful to the overall plot. The diction is suitable for the historical setting but not enough to distract the readers from the plot. The writing is classy and elegant. Eleanor’s disregard for authority will strike a chord with the audience.

The pacing is too slow for the general audience. Eleanor has better chemistry with DCI Sheldon than Lord Lancelot Langham. The book has a well-established premise but it lost its way in between but quickly got on track again. Part of the big reveal is predictable, part of it isn’t. ‘Death at the Dance’ isn’t thrilling but will keep the readers intrigued.

‘Death at the Dance’ is not an edge of seat page-turner but rather a cozy historical mystery just like the summary promised. It is recommended for fans of classic mysteries. ARC is provided by Bookouture publishers and NetGalley. Thank you.

When Lady Eleanor Swift attended the masked ball at the manor of her good friend Lancelot’s parents, she had no idea that within a few hours she’d be embroiled in another murder investigation, with herself as one of the suspects. With Lancelot arrested for burglary and murder, and the Chief Inspector determined they had their man, Eleanor and her stiff-upper-lipped butler, Clifford put their heads together to work through the clues.

Lancelot’s group of young friends - wildly partying, drinking and more – meant Eleanor needed to infiltrate the “gang” to find what they knew, while Clifford went in another direction. Everything seemed to point to Lance’s guilt but with his distraught parents providing encouragement, Eleanor and Clifford were sure they’d get the answers. But the clock was ticking, and time was running out for Lance. Would they discover the culprit? Or was Eleanor putting herself in danger once again?

Death at the Dance is the 2nd in the Lady Eleanor Swift series by Verity Bright and it was light, fun and entertaining. With plenty of suspects and very few clues, it seemed that perhaps Eleanor and Clifford might fail in their quest this time. Recommended for cozy fans.

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

England, 1920. Lady Eleanor Swift, adventurer extraordinaire and reluctant amateur detective, is actually going to a ball. Eleanor has two left feet, nothing to wear and she’s expected at the masked ball at the local manor. Her new beau Lance Langham is the host, so she needs to dazzle.
Surrounded by partygoers with painted faces, pirates, priests and enough feathers to drown an ostrich, Eleanor searches for a familiar face. As she follows a familiar pair of long legs up a grand staircase, she’s sure she’s on Lance’s trail. But she opens the door on a dreadful scene: Lance standing over a dead Colonel Puddifoot, brandishing a silver candlestick, the family safe wide open and empty. Moments later, the police burst in and arrest Lance for murder, diamond theft and a spate of similar burglaries.
Accompanied by her faithful sidekick Gladstone the bulldog, & Clifford the butler she begins with Lance’s friends – a set of fast driving, even faster drinking, high-society types with a taste for mischief.
This is the second book in the series & I found it to be well written with plenty of twists and turns plus lots of red herrings. The characters are well portrayed & on the whole are likeable. I really like Eleanor but love Clifford the ever present butler who often has a twinkle in his eye. The secondary characters are delightful & quintessentially upper British class from the roaring twenties. Whilst I was on the right track for the killer I didn’t manage to fully work it out. I was drawn in from the start & engrossed all the way through. I look forward to more books in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

3.5 stars

Lady Verity Bright is not your usual toff. She was an adventurous world traveler when her uncle died and left her a mansion, money, and the titled entree into a cushy aristocratic life. But she is short on patience and decorum, so it's not easy for her to settle in.

She's helped by a very understanding staff including Clifford, part butler and part kindly mentor. This time out, Verity's heartthrob Lancelot is found standing over a bludgeoned body at a party, the murder weapon in his hands. The investigating police officers don't look far for other suspects, but Verity is convinced of Lancelot's innocence.

This is amusing, diverting, and light. There is a fair amount of humor, especially in Verity's interactions with Clifford. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Death at the Dance was a fun easy read. Based in the 1920’s we follow the newly titled Lady Elenor thrown in the deep end to solve a double murder and robbery to clear the name of a friend.
This ‘whodunnit’ is a light hearted read with laugh out loud moments and a lovable lead character. A strong 4 stars.

Description 🔖

In a small English town in 1920, Lady Eleanor Swift has an invite to a glamorous masked ball. Not only does she arrive late, she’s unable to find her love interest Lance Langham. After embarrassing herself terribly, she spots Lance dashing up the grand staircase and follows after him. She finds him in his parent’s study, hunched over a dead Colonel Puddifoot, a candlestick in hand and an open and very empty safe. Within seconds the police burst in and arrest Lance.

Lady Swift is certain that Lance did not commit the crime and puts everything into solving the mystery with her butler Clifford. The police aren’t following any other lines of investigation and Lady Swift is walking on thin ice with them so she must tread carefully. If Lance did not murder the colonel then someone else that attended the ball must have and Lady Swift won’t stop until she knows who.

General Thoughts 🤔

Lady Eleanor Swift is back! I read and reviewed the first in the Lady Swift series; A Very English Murder earlier this year and I absolutely loved it. So when I found out that the second in the series was being published so soon afterwards I knew I had to read it.

I was not disappointed in this second book and just grew to love Lady Swift even more. The mystery in this book is much closer to her heart and she throws herself into the investigation with more confidence than in the first book. I loved the story, I loved the mystery and I loved that everything that was quaint in the first book just got better in this one.

Characters 👫👭👬

I felt like I got a different version of Eleanor in this one. She was thrown into the life of a Lady in the first book and although she is still learning in Death at the Dance, I feel like she had definitely found her place in the world of the privileged. At the same time, I loved that she was still rough around the edges and determined to get the truth.

Clifford is amazing. I love his character so much in this series. There is a special relationship between Lady and Butler that I am sure some of the elite would frown upon. I felt like Clifford got a lot more credit for his investigative efforts in this book which was lovely.

Writing Style ✍🏽

There is a definite classic mystery feeling to this book and I felt transported to another time reading it. I was sat in my modern Welsh town house reading it, but felt like I was snuggled in an armchair in the drawing room of an English Manor House. To be able to transport a reader like that implies that a lot of research and thought has gone into the writing of this book.

The mystery had me devouring each page. I needed to know where Lady Swift was going to go next. Who she was going to interview next. What would she jot down in her notebook. The story was sewn together in such a way that multiple people had motive meaning there is little given away to the reader.

Conclusion & Scoring 🎖

I adore this series and hope that there will be a third released ASAP. I am head over heels for Lady Swift and her investigative adventures. This book is perfect for Sunday afternoon reading to escape into a fabulously written English mystery story. Cannot wait for more Lady Swift.

Such a great cosy mystery! I haven't read the first book but as a fan of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey, Death at the Dance could only be a hit. And yes it was! I was hooked at the first chapter and fell in love with the characters, especially the witty and charming Eleanor, but also with her butler Clifford and every other secondary character. I loved the dialogues and Eleanor is a very loveable main character.
Lancelot sounds quite superficial so I'm not sure what Eleanor finds in him but his character may have been more developed in the first book or will be in the next one.
I couldn't put this book down and at the same time I slowed down with my reading because I didn't want it to end. I bought the first book to keep me company until book 3 is available ;-)

Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It started off as a fairly interesting read and made me laugh within thr first chapter, so I thought it was going go be good. However reading on, it became apparent to me this book was really over doing it with its script. It was really pushing the "oh yes my lady" and old fashioned talk, and it really put me off. I felt the story went flat for me. Nothing really held my interest. When she was going over the same details as the police, I just thought there was no point. Good try, but not for me

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of Death at the Dance in exchange for an honest review.

This second book in the Lady Eleanor Swift series was worth the wait!! It was an excellent visit once again with people that felt like old friends. Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler Clifford were once again a formidable team. The star of the book once again was Master Gladstone, the bulldog. The household staff consisting of Mrs. Butters the housekeeper, Polly the maid and Mrs. Trotman were all in residence.

The story revolved around Lady Swift's friends Lord and Lady Fenwick-Langham. During a dance held at Langham Manor a curmudgeon of a character Colonel "Pudders" Puddifoot-Barton may have argued with his last opponent. Blame quickly shifts to the Oxfordshire jewel thief who always robbed homes having parties with the same guest lists. Then blame shifts to Lord Lancelot Fenwick-Langham and his Bright Young Things Gang. While Lancelot sits in jail awaiting trial Lady Swift and Clifford are hot on the trail of the thief and murderer. Lady Swift becomes a member of the "gang" and parties with Lady Coco Childs and her sister Lady Millicent Childs, Johnny Seaton, Prince Lucas Singh, and Albert Appleby. Lady Swift is quite certain that one of them did this but she has to prove which one and why. When one of the "gang" also ends up dead, she is certain she is on the right track and once again places herself in great danger. Will Clifford arrive again in time to save her?

I can't wait until the next book in the series is ready to read. Verity Bright has created endearing characters that you want to spend time with again and again.