4.5 of 5. I'm sad to see this series end - I love the family and village setting, I loved seeing the characters develop and 'grow up'. This is a good solid series to recommend for people who like light historical puzzle mysteries. I always liked that the author writes imperfect and sometimes aggravating characters, it makes the stories more realistic for me. I'll be interested to see where the author goes next! thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc

This is a wonderful ending to the Kurland St Mary series. Robert and Lucy have one last mystery to solve which involves both of their families. The obnoxious husband of his obnoxious cousin has been murdered while the families are gathered for a christening. There are numerous people with motives at hand but circumstantial evidence is pointing toward Lucy's father. Lucy is appalled as Robert, in his role as magistrate, has to interview family and friends to prove or disprove their innocence. Temper, disappointment, anger, and love bounce between Robert and Lucy in their quest for the truth.

This final book in the Kurland St. Mary series will be a bittersweet read for fans of the series because the writing, plotting and character development are all so good. I did not even come close to working out who had committed the murder at the rectory so my compliments to Catherine Lloyd for a very good puzzle. All the clues were there but I just whizzed right by them.

Family and friends are gathering at Kurland Hall for the christening of baby Elizabeth. It should have been such a joyous occasion but murder intruded when a body was discovered in the rectory soon after the baptism ceremony was over. As it turned out there were plenty of people in the vicinity who didn't mind seeing the victim dead, but who actually did the murder? As the local magistrate Sir Robert has to investigate a crime when he should have been playing host to the guests visiting Kurland St. Mary for his daughter's special day. No matter where the evidence takes him Sir Robert must try to bring someone to justice.

I enjoyed this story very much and I think fans will be quite satisfied with the quality of this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-galley of this novel.

This is another excellent entry in the Kurland-St. Mary series, featuring Lucy, the “taken for granted” spinster daughter of the local rector, and Sir Robert Kurland, who returned from military service with an injury to his leg, and a rather sour outlook on life. He and Lucy met in the book one of the series and eventually fell in love and married. Sadly, this book, in which their baby daughter is christened is the last book in this delightful series.

The christening, which should have been an occasion of peace and joy is marred by family squabbles, unwelcome house guests, and ultimately a murder. Sir Robert and Lady Lucy are anxious to solve this one, because Lucy’s father is implicated. Never the less, there are a great many potential suspects, because the murder victim was disliked and quite a few people would have liked to see him dead. Clues and red herrings abound, and yet another death occurs, but the Kurlands are up to the task, despite some strain in their relationship.

I very much enjoyed this series and I am sorry to see it come to an end. Highly recommended,, not only is it a good mystery, but it is also a picture of class and society in Regency England.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington Book for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “Death Comes to the Rectory.” All opinions are my own.

Alas, this is the last book in the Kurland St. Mary series, so ‘tis sure all ends will be tidied and our two protagonists, Robert and Lucy Kurland, will find themselves at a satisfactory (happy) end for followers of the series. First, of course, they have one final mystery to solve.

Everyone has gathered for the christening of the Kurland’s baby daughter. It’s quickly established that not everyone likes each other. There’s the daughter and son-in-law of Lucy’s stepmother, for instance, who antagonizes everybody. And it doesn’t help that Lucy’s father the vicar and his wife announce that they are “expecting a blessed event.” Well, that means less money for the greedy pair, and they’re incensed. Then the husband, Lord Northam, turns up dead, and his widow immediately accuses her father in law of the dirty deed, to get her mother’s money completely. It’s up to Robert as the local magistrate to investigate. It’s rather a sticky situation, but since “police” are rather thin on the ground, it being only 1826, he’s the only one around that can do the job.

And there are other matters happening in this book. Broken engagements, unhappy heirs, money troubles all around. We think we’ve got problems. Pity these poor English gentry as they wade through all their troubles. But such matters could mean ostracism from society; and the murdered man had involved others in some very dubious and illegal schemes. Certainly, enough to be killed over. Defrauding people does tend to make them angry.

Another suspect is looked at, but it’s obvious that Robert’s uncle the earl thinks they will get away with murder, if need be. The author makes it clear that society’s rules meant that the rich are indeed different. She has a firm grasp on her understanding of time and place in her writing.

And then a man from London dies – one that our first dead man owed a lot of money to. Things are getting complicated, indeed. Everyone is doubting Robert, even his wife. Catherine Lloyd is certainly giving us a lot to work with here, emotion-wise, stringing us along.

Finally, we have a drawing room scene, but that’s how you get someone to confess, and since we have a lot of characters, it’s the easiest way. We also find out just how despicable a figure our Lord Northam really was. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

I’m sorry to see the last of Robert and Lucy, and their family and friends, but the series ends on a high note. Catherine Lloyd has always captured her Georgian world very well, especially in dialog and setting, and “Death Comes to the Rectory” is no exception.

This is the fabulous ending of a truly engrossing series. For Austen lovers, historical mystery aficionados, or pure mystery enthusiasts, Lloyd has consistently delivered the best of reading in this series. Readers have thoroughly enjoyed the tale of bright, plain spinster Lucy and the handsome, sharp Lord Robert, who came together to solve a mystery and ended up with a touching life together. All things must end, and it is too sad that we have to say goodbye to this great couple, their intriguing investigations, and their sweet, hard-won family life. Lloyd has given fans a great finale! Murder has happened at Lucy's childhood home, the rectory, and her lazy, disdainful father is accused of the grisly deed. This story is all about family, and most of the beloved or hated characters from the past are all in play here. Lloyd again delivers a puzzle of a plot, plenty of action, and a satisfying ending. Readers will find great pleasure touched with sadness at this last story of this literate, entertaining series. Well done!

Death comes to Kurland St. Mary for the final time in "Death Comes to the Rectory".

As Robert and Lucy Kurland prepare for their infant daughter's christening, they receive two unexpected surprises, one welcome and the other decidedly not. Robert's Aunt Rose and Lucy's rector father are expecting a baby--a welcome surprise though most definitely unexpected given their ages. The other unexpected surprise? Rose's daughter from her first marriage and her terrible husband, Lord Northam--and they are furious to learn that Rose is having another child, one that will take money away from them.

But no one expected that such a joyous occasion would be marred when Lord Northam is found murdered in the rector's study--and Lucy's father quickly becomes suspect number one. But plenty members of the party has means and motivation to want the philandering Lord Northam dead--especially when it comes to light that he was the instigator of a fraudulent shipping scheme that has made quite a lot of people considerably poorer. With all fingers pointing at the rector, will Robert and Lucy be able to find the real killer?

In the last "Kurland St. Mary" mystery, Lloyd pulls out all the punches. Multiple suspects, missing money, scams, wayward sons, and Robert and Lucy divided between facts and morals as they face their toughest case yet. Readers will bid a fond farewell to the familiar characters and charming country village as they interview suspects, search for clues, and formulate their own suspicions as to who-dunnit that will keep them guessing until the very end!

Family and friends are gathering in Kurland St. Mary to observe the christening of Sir Robert Kurland and Lady Lucy's daughter Elizabeth. But the celebration is marred when Robert’s cousin Henrietta, and her reprobate husband, Lord Basil Northam arrive. They goal, to challenge Henrietta mother, Rose over changes she has made to her will. Rose has married Lucy’s father, the rector, and has just revealed that she is with child, potentially leaving Henrietta cut out of a fortune. So, when Northam is found murdered in the rector’s study, Lucy’s father becomes the prime suspect. As the local magistrate, it is Robert’s obligation to investigate—no matter where the evidence leads.

I began reading the Kurland St. Mary Mysteries beginning with the very first one Death Comes to the Village, and have enjoyed each and every one—including this—the last in the series. As usual, Lloyd has written a well plotted story filled with family secrets, all of which impact the mystery and threaten Robert and Lucy’s relationship. There are quite a number of suspects, as well as some very well-placed red herrings, for the reader to grapple with before the solution is revealed. To complicate matters it is snowing and the guests are beginning to become restless.

An engaging read and a marvelous end to one of my favorite historical mystery series. I look forward to seeing what Lloyd has in store for us next.

#DeathComestotheRectory #NetGalley Thanks to Kensington Books and the author. A fine job and I am really hoping that the series goes on, having read and reviewed all eight of them now!

"In Catherine Lloyd's eighth Regency-set Kurland St. Mary Mystery, murder casts a dark shadow over the christening of Major Sir Robert Kurland and Lady Lucy's daughter Elizabeth--even more so when Lucy's own father, the rector, falls under suspicion for the crime..." Publisher's blog-

The list of suspects ebbed and flowed about who killed Lord Northam, a man that many felt they would LIKE to have done that deed. In fact suspicion fell on several members of Lucy and Robert's combined families. It was a surprising turn of events and a fun ending.

Death Comes to the Rectory was the first Kurland St. Mary Mystery I had read and I enjoyed it very much. The characters are well done, the story was interesting and I admit I had the wrong person pegged as the murderer throughout the entire book. I could feel Robert's frustration through the pages and sympathize and no one seemed to be telling the truth. I will definitely be checking out the earlier books in the series.

In Catherine Lloyd's eighth Regency-set Kurland St. Mary Mystery, murder casts a dark shadow over the christening of Major Sir Robert Kurland and Lady Lucy's daughter Elizabeth--even more so when Lucy's own father, the rector, falls under suspicion for the crime. I love this historic mystery series and each outing has just gotten better and better. This time around the murder and the crime solving are very personal for Lucy and Robert but as always they manage to solve the mystery and keep their family safe and intact. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

When the body of a hated relative is discovered in the vicar's study, Lucy's father becomes the prime suspect in his murder.
While I am sad that this is the last entry in what has been a charming series, this is not my favorite book in the series. I found the mystery to be extremely basic with Robert latching on to Mr. Harrington as his prime suspect from the beginning and really never changing his mind, which makes it feel like a very uneventful murder investigation. While Robert does successfully uncover lies being told to him by his friends and family, none of the lies lead to larger clues or motivations. Still a charming book, as is the whole series, but not the strongest entry.

Death Comes to the Rectory by Catherine Lloyd brings the Kurland St. Mary cozy series to close. I'm sorry that I will have no more adventures with Sir Robert and Lady Lucy.

The story moved smoothly with the murder of a despicable nobleman in the Kurland St. Mary rectory. The suspects are numerous and all staying at Kurland Hall. To complicate matters it is snowing and the guests are beginning to become restless. There are family secrets both in Lucy's family and in Robert's and there is tension between Robert and Lucy during the investigation. A captivating read that kept me turning the pages.

Once again, Lady Lucy and Sir Robert Kurland find themselves embroiled in a murder on their very own doorstep ... Lucy’s childhood home, the rectory, to be precise. But who amongst their family and friends, gathered in Kurland St. Mary for the christening of their infant daughter, murdered this thoroughly despicable character? Will Lucy be able to save her father from being accused of the crime? Snowstorms keep the guests ‘captive’ in Kurland Hall as the couple try to wade through the handful of opportunities and motives to find out the truth.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

I saw on the opening pages that this is the last in the series. While I’ve enjoyed it, and I do hate to leave a lukewarm rating, this book felt tired to me. The plot seemed like a re-adaptation of previous ones in many ways, and I was thoroughly sick of Lucy letting Henrietta treat her horribly, while still politely coming back for more without standing up to her bullying, She’s done this with nasty characters in other books. And a glaring error to me: where in the world was Anna? There was only one mention of her name, with no indication what had happened to her and why she wasn’t at her niece’s christening.

Overall, sadly, a lackluster story to me. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and give my unbiased review, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

I have been a huge fan of this series since the beginning and was disappointed to see that this will be the last book in the series. I will miss my adventures with Sir Robert and Lucy and their supporting cast of friends and family.

Death Comes to the Rectory revolves around the stabbing murder of a scoundrel whom many have reason to kill, including Lucy's father and other assorted relatives. This investigation brings tension between Lucy and Sir Robert as his duties as the justice of the peace come up against her desire to protect her family.

The investigation is nicely paced and deftly plotted, and, as details of the investigation emerge, the finger of suspicion is pointed to a number of likely suspects.

Verdict: An enjoyable and absorbing read--Here's hoping this is not truly the end of Lucy and Sir Robert's story.

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

Back to Kurland St. Mary to see Robert and Lucy.
This one opens with their daughters christening.
I enjoy this series especially the protagonist Lucy and Robert.
There were many suspects from which to choose .
Have read the whole series and enjoyed them all.
4.25

I discovered this series about a month ago and have read all seven of the previous volumes of the series in that time frame. I was so excited to see the latest book was available for review via NetGalley.

The series features Sir Robert Kurland and his wife Lucy. They are celebrating the christening of their new daughter and all are happy until Robert's cousin Henrietta and her loathsome husband Basil, Lord Northam show up. Robert's aunt, Rose, Henrietta's mother is now married to Lucy's father who is the rector of the village of Kurland St. Mary. Rose made her fortune in trade and has been disdained by Lord and Lady Northam unless they need funds. When Rose announces her late in life pregnancy, they are outraged and obnoxious as they believe they will lose out on her fortune.

Lord Northam is found dead in the rector's study, stabbed by the rector's letter opener. Henrietta accuses the rector of murder, and Robert as magistrate must investigate and do so impartially. Other evidence points to the rector and things don't look good.

But as Robert and Lucy investigate, they discover a web of secrets and withheld information that involves many other members of the christening party as well as strangers at the nearby inn-all with potential motives.

The mystery has lots of twists and turns and kept me puzzled along with Robert and Lucy. I won't go any further at the risk of providing a spoiler.

Highly recommend especially if you are a fan on historical mysteries set around the regency period.


The dedication mentions that this is the last book in the series and I am very bummed about that.

I voluntarily and happily reviewed an ARC of the book, however, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Robert and Lucy are excited to have their family come for her babies christening. One of the family members was found murdered the next day. This book kept me in interested from start to finish.

Another amazing entry into a top-notch series! If you're into mysteries or regency romances or Jane Austen, I've been recommending this series for years now and the latest is the high quality story I've come to expect from Lloyd. I was especially interested that she decided to center her latest in Kurland St. Mary which let her focus on many of the characters we have come to know and love.

Definitely worth reading, but for the maximum impact, start with Death Comes to the Village .

On a crisp winter day, family and friends met to celebrate the christening of Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Lucy. As was customary in Regency times guests stayed in hosts' homes, though some may be unwelcome. One such guest, diabolical Basil Northam, was found quite dead days later in the rectory. Accusations flew and mostly settled on Lucy's father. Robert, the justice of the peace, had to remain unbiased as he and Lucy investigated the murder. An inheritance is also involved, adding more twists to the story. Deep snow prevents escape.

I sat back with a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy this wintry murder and suggest you do the same if you enjoy cozy mysteries set in Regency England. A range of characters from despicable to doting to determined make up the cast in this whodunit. The first line got my attention and it was held until the murderer was unveiled. Well written, fun and charming!

Though the last book in the series, it can be read by itself.

My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.