I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

The irrepressible Lady Eleanor Swift is back with another fun mystery that is brilliantly witty, captivating and absolutely delightful: Murder at the Fair.

Lady Eleanor Swift has gained quite a reputation as one of the county’s best sleuths. When she is asked to give out prizes at the local summer fair, she is tickled pink, but Eleanor should know by now that where she goes, murder tends to follow – and the fair proves to be no exception. When the local undertaker, Solemn Jon, turns up dead, everybody is naturally shocked to their very core. Despite of his profession, Jon was an amiable chap loved and respected by everybody in the village. Nobody had a bad word to say about him, so everybody is convinced that this must have been an unfortunate accident – until a spiteful obituary is printed in the local paper that convinces Eleanor that the undertaker has been murdered!

Handsome Detective Seldon might have told Eleanor to leave the investigating to the police, but with her partner in crime Gladstone the bulldog by her side, she vows to leave no stone unturned to find out the truth about Solemn Joe’s death. As she begins digging for clues, Eleanor realises that not everybody shared her high opinion of the villager’s undertaker and when another body turns up, she realizes that there is a dangerous killer on the loose waiting for just the right time to strike again.

Eleanor has got quite a challenge on her hands with this latest case, but things take a far more sinister turn when another obituary is printed – her own! Can Eleanor track down this ruthless murderer in time? Or will she end up being the next victim?

Verity Bright’s Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries are so much fun and Murder at the Fair is the sixth terrific installment of this fantastic series. Full of nail-biting twists and turns and mind-boggling red herrings, Murder at the Fair sees the redoubtable Lady Eleanor Swift on her toughest case yet as she uses all her skills, intelligence and style to find out whodunnit.

As always, Verity Bright has written a terrific historical cozy that will make readers laugh out loud and have them galloping through the book in a matter of hours. Addictive, charming and absolutely fantastic, cozy fans will not want to miss Verity Bright’s Murder at the Fair.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I really enjoyed reading it the plot was interesting and the characters made me want to know more about them. I highly recommend.

This is book 6 in the Lady Eleanor Swift series and it has helped me enjoy historic fiction. This series is set in England between WWI and WWII and gives a wonderful look into the British way of life. Eleanor has been chosen to start the boat parade at the annual summer fair. She will also be handing out the prizes at the end but one boat never makes it and they discover the local undertaker has died. Detective Seldon makes has appearance as Lady Eleanor has to solve another murder. Gladstone the dog is at her side and the pair narrow down the suspect list. The book can be read as a stand alone but you won't want to miss the previous books. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Murder at the Fair is the 6th Lady Eleanor Swift cozy mystery by Verity Bright. Released 15th June 2021 by Bookouture, it's 338 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (and the rest of the series) are currently included in the KU library to borrow and read for free.

This is a light & fun British cozy which is an homage to earlier golden age inter-war mysteries. There are flashes of Agatha Christie and Margery Allingham to be found (although lighter and more humorously written than either). It's irreverent, with an appealing ensemble cast of oddball characters including protagonist Lady Eleanor and her butler/dogsbody Clifford whom she inherited along with her title from her late uncle as well as assorted society friends and servants, a spoiled bulldog, and a deceased undertaker.

It's a fast and undemanding cozy read; the language is clean, the murders are not written violently or explicitly and the denouement is satisfying and well written. For readers looking for verisimilitude in dialogue and action, be warned, this series is full of modern vernacular and sensibilities. Eleanor fraternizes with the servants and runs a shockingly lax estate. This entry sees her having jettisoned her sometimes beau, Lancelot, and trying to explore a more stable relationship with DCI Seldon.

Four stars, an exuberant and whimsical romp.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Verity Bright never disappoints. This continues to be my absolute favorite historical mystery series.

This time around, the lovable Lady Swift and her loyal butler Clifford are investigating a murder at the fair.

The mystery itself is a good one, as they always are in this series, and though there is less historical content in this one, there are some fun aspects of the fair that come into play that are reflective of tradition. One of my favorite parts of Verity Bright books are the historical notes at the end, and they were excellent as usual in this installment.

The humor, history, and terrific cast of recurring characters makes this series such a delight. Especially fun for me, an all things Oxford enthusiast, was Lady Swift’s brief trip there early in this book. But it left me wanting…When will get an entire novel and murder mystery set in Oxford? I hope sooner than later.

Lady Eleanor Swift is invited to start and finish the raft race at the May Fair. But the lighthearted tone of the day is shattered by the tragic death of the local undertaker Solemn Jon. The following day the newspaper prints a scathing obituary which claims the death was murder. Solemn Jon's widow begs Eleanor to investigate...
Murder at the Fair is the sixth book to feature Lady Eleanor Swift and her gently despairing butler Clifford. It is a cosy murder mystery set in the 1920s. There are mentions of events in previous books but no major spoilers if you read them out of order.
Eleanor finds herself investigating another death despite her reluctance to get involved which would undermine her love interest Inspector Seldon. However, she can't resist helping Jon's grieving widow and soon begins investigating. She is also pursued in the book by an arrogant noble who wishes to marry her but dismisses her capabilities and throughly underestimates her!
Eleanor once again has to challenge the social norms of the 1920s as she repeatedly defies convention. Gender and class roles again form an important theme within the book. The relationship between Eleanor and Clifford remains magical, alive with fun and humour.
Murder at the Fair is a great addition to this cosy murder mystery series. There is danger for our protagonists along the way but the light hearted writing style makes it gentle entertainment.

I have already read and reviewed another book in this series this year. I was lucky enough to pick up the next two, which got significantly better in terms of storytelling.
I will discuss the two books individually. When I first started the series I had an issue with the lead protagonist. For someone who is purported to have travelled the world alone and survived, she was slow on the uptake and needed quite a few reminders from her butler to see her way through. With every passing book though, she is coming into her own. She may still be chaotic and the punchline at times by her butler, Jeeves style, but she puts in the grunt work and identifies the clues that crack the case(s).
The fair is a big deal in the town. Just like the mega winter celebrations Lady Swift planned, her role as the resident peer means a lot of ceremonial flag waving at odd events. This event is marred by a seemingly straightforward misadventure, but the widow thinks otherwise, and after a point, so does Eleanor. This is a very investigation heavy narrative with clues being painstakingly picked up and examined and witnesses rounded up. The next character to meet his end was a little abrupt in arrival and departure, but it was a minor point that I could ignore.
The conversations between the people at Henley Hall and the antics of the aged dog are littered amongst the investigation to lighten the mood and make it easier to read and enjoy!
Although there are only a few facts carried forward from previous instalments I would not recommend starting the series at this point without the feel for the characters and their backstories.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my reading experience of this book and the others in the series.

It's the summer of 1921 and once again Lady Eleanor and Clifford are knee deep in a murder investigation. I really love this series. Lady Eleanor and her servants are some of my favorite cozy characters. The book is fast paced and well written and the perfect afternoon read. I can't wait for book 7!

Murder At The Fair is the sixth book in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series and with each passing book the series keeps getting more charming, more witty, more exciting and a bit more dangerous too.

It's May Fair at the village of Little Buckford and Eleanor Swift as  the Lady of Henley Hall is excited to serve as a chief guest to oversee and give out prizes during the May Fair celebrations which includes the homemade raft race, the most important event of the local May Fair. But the race takes a tragic turn when Solemn Jon, the local undertaker and one of the most loved citizens of the village is found dead after his raft fails to reach the finishing line. At first his death is termed a tragic accident... until an obituary appears in the local newspaper stating otherwise. Solemn Jon's widow hints to Eleanor as well that she thinks her husband was killed and wants Eleanor to look into the mystery. Chief Inspector Seldon too thinks it is a case of accidental drowning and does not want Eleanor pursuing the case further. However, Eleanor being the independent, free spirited woman that she is, decides to pursue the mystery with the assistance of her brilliant and witty butler Clifford and her mischief causing bulldog Gladstone.

Alongside this May Fair murder mystery, Eleanor also has to survive her first ever annual spring cleaning activities in Henley Hall which sees her loyal and supportive household staff tackle the different spring cleaning rituals with modern inventions like the vacuum cleaner with disastrous and hilarious results! With her down to earth attitude Eleanor completely gets along with all her household staff (whom she considers family) and almost the entire village and we see further proof of her compassionate and helping nature towards both her staff and villagers at the end of this book.

This has become one of my favourite cosy mystery series and I look forward to reading the next installment. Also, the cover designs are just eye catching fabulous 😍! My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Verity Bright for the e-Arc of the book.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Lady Eleanor Swift is asked by his widow to solve the murder of the undertaker in the Murder at the Fair. Verity Bright gives us a sparkling historical mystery in rural England.. lots of local colour and skuldugery. Can Lady Eleanor avoid possible scandal about her deceased uncle and find out what shenanigans are going on in the village and among the local gentry.

Thank you, Bookouture, for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

You can find my review on my blog www.healthybodymindandsoul.net/healthy-mind-blog. If you are one of those who hate clicking on links to read a review, let me give you a brief comment: One of my favorite books in the series and also one of my favorite cozy mystery over all!

My darling darling Ellie. You are surely becoming one of my best book friends, along side The Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher. I'd love to see you on small or big screen some day. I truly do.

Murder at the Fair is the 6th installment in Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery and we find ourselves, once again, immersed in the village life, the life of the hall, witty, charming and very warm and friendly relationship between heiress and her staff and... Gladstone, who can forget the clumsy, slippers-stealing, sausage-hawking bulldog.

This time around the murder does not look like a murder until Lady Eleanor starts digging. What pushes her even more than the innate sense of justice is the fact that when the person dies, obituary appears in the local paper claiming it was a murder. Then another. Then... obituary appears for... Lady Eleanor herself.

No matter how much Detective Seldon is asking, telling, ordering Ellie not to get involved, she'd risk life, limb, silk stockings and lunch, my oh my, even the budding relationship with said detective, to uncover culprit. And she does it brilliantly, assisted by her trusted, perfect beyond perfect, long-suffering and endlessly patient butler Clifford.

I love these series: love characters and banter between Ellie and Clifford, love her rebelliousness and kindness and red hair, Murder at the Fair is yet another witty, funny, exciting and light read. Enjoy.

I so enjoy this series and it’s motley crew of characters. I thought this edition was particularly emotional and a nice jump in sophistication. Very much looking forward to the next.

Another cosy mystery featuring Lady Eleanor Swift and her faithful butler Clifford, Eleanor still learning about life in the village is asked to be a judge at the annual Mayday river raft race, what she does not expect to find is to find herself looking into what could be a murder and not a tragic accident

May Day mayhem as Lady Eleanor Swift finds herself caught up in yet more murder! When the local undertaker dies during the annual raft race it is declared an accident, but Ellie is persuaded by the man's widow to investigate - especially when an obituary in the local paper announces that it was indeed murder. A second death and obituary follows, and as Ellie and her trusted butler Clifford delve into the murky financial dealings of those involved it comes closer to home than is comfortable. Can Ellie solve the case and save her dear late Uncle's memory? Or does the appearance of her obituary in the paper mean that it's one case too far for our sleuth....?

Just a pure delight from start to finish. Ellie is a feisty, independent woman in a stuffy pre-war England, and her constant efforts to improve the lives of those around her are admirable and compelling. Throw in Clifford, Gladstone the dog, and a household staff battling with the arrival of their first ever vacuum cleaner (with the inevitable results!) - all of this and it's the perfect way to while away a lazy afternoon. 4.5 stars.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

4.5 Stars

This is the sixth book in the Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series by Verity Bright.

This is a very interesting book. Lady Eleanor has gotten herself a car and is now learning how to drive it since she dislikes making Clifford drive her around everywhere. She is looking for independence and does get it but it comes at a price when she ends up crashing her new shiny vehicle at some point during the book. I mean, you knew it would happen so that is not too spoiler-ish.

This book is about the death of a man during a summer fair where they are having a boating race. Lady Eleanor has gained more of the attention of Detective Seldon and I figure this relationship will only grow stronger as the books progress. He is a much better fit romantically than the man who was her significant flame in previous books.

This book is very layered and motivations of m0re than one person tie into the death of this man and then later the death of another fellow. Great mystery to follow. Love the vibe of these stories. Not too gruesome, very light hearted and just a fun mysterious romp into the 1920’s!

Great series to follow. Must read series for me!

If you love a historical cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great new must read book great series too!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.

I love Lady Eleanor & her butler. The trouble she gets into and his so calm attitude in helping her out of it. The mystery kept me guessing and I love old England.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. - I hope we get many more in this series.

Another fantastic read! In the 6th installment of the Lady Swift series, another death occurs in the village, but was it an accident or murder?

Verity Bright writes a wonderful story of a local fair and all the intricate drama that comes along with a small town. While it could be confusing with so many characters, Verity does a wonderful job of keeping the reader engaged and the story line moving through her lively and memorable characters. I can't wait for the next one!

There were chuckles from the start at the opening of this latest Lady Eleanor (Ellie) Swift mystery. Two of my favourite characters are involved immediately. Well, three if you count Ellie.

At Little Buckford's May fair, Ellie upsets a grumpy farmer when she mistakes for his lunch the pig food parcel that the gluttonous bulldog, Gladstone, has stolen. Clifford, the butler, impeccably groomed as usual and carrying a struggling piglet, an entrant in the pig derby, arrives to calm the situation. The pig derby is one of the highlights of the fair, the description of which conjures up more hilarious images.

The story then moves on to another popular event at the fair, the homemade raft race. Solemn Jon, the cheerful undertaker of Little Buckford, and his raft fail to arrive at the finish line where Ellie is waiting to present him with the wooden spoon for coming in last. A search is organized and his body is discovered in the river. Accidental death is deemed the cause, but an obituary in the local paper claims it is murder.

Ellie is faced with a dilemma when Detective Inspector Hugh Seldon advises her not to pursue the matter: to risk his displeasure when their relationship was going so well or keep the promise made to Solemn Jon's widow to find out what happened. Of course, Ellie can't leave it alone and is drawn into a deadly investigation, a marriage proposal and blackmail before she and Clifford track down the culprit.

Murder at the Fair is another delightful and charming installment of this series, which is so much fun and never disappoints. Ellie and Clifford's repartee is once again very entertaining. Mrs. Butters, Mrs. Trotman and young Polly (the housekeeper, the cook and the maid) are as hilarious as ever. While Ellie and Clifford are out investigating, they are engaged in the annual spring clean of Henly Hall, with Mrs. Butters especially enamoured of a new time saving domestic appliance, which terrifies Polly.

As to the mystery - it wasn't obvious who the murderer was as there were a number of suspects. However, who it turned out to be was a total surprise, but cleverly worked out by our sleuths.

I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Ellie, Clifford and all the other characters that make this series so lovable. The next book will be out later this year, a treat I'm looking forward to!