Murder at the Fair by Verity Bright brings us back to England in the 20's and to Lady Eleanor and her intrepid butler, Clifford. Ellie aghast to find out that Lord Rankin intends to marry her, moreover, gives her no choice as he has documents which would destroy the reputation of her beloved uncle. When she returns home, Clifford assures her it is true, although it is not what it seems. The whole question is rendered moot when shortly after, someone arrives at the door to tell them Lord Rankin has had an accident and has expired. This is the second accidental death in just days and Ellie isn't buying it. Both had had obituaries published, accusing them of being murderers and signed by William Green. These coincidences are startling but don't become frightening until one is published about Ellie. She, thankfully hadn't died, but someone had tried: At Lord Rankin's funeral gathering no less when a gargoyle had fallen from the roof, nearly on top of her. The place was in poor repair, but really . . .

Ellie is risking her relationship with the Inspector, known to her as Hugh, by investigating because he believes the deaths accidental and by investigating she is making him look foolish. But her promise tot he wife, of Solemn Jon, the first death, must mean something, too. And her gut feeling that something is wrong here. She and Clifford put their noses to the grindstone and do some serious investigating. Clifford, as always, is impeccable, both in his appearance and his demeanor, although occasionally Ellie's behavior brings a slight smile to his lips. They are a clever team, and solve murders on a regular basis. The two murders have morphed into three and one near miss. They must be taken seriously. And Willie Green must be vindicated. A terrific book; a good mystery. Love Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Murder at the Fair by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #murderatthefair

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed other books in the series and I was really looking forward to Murder at the Fair. I was not disappointed, this is as well written, engaging and entertaining as the other book. I think I’m becoming a bit of a fan of cosy mystery. I really must read the books I’ve missed in the series. Cosy mysteries are by definition a lighter read than a thriller but there are some dark moments. I got to know Lady Eleanor a little better and how she and operates. This is well written and very enjoyabl

3,5⭐️

Lady Eleanor Swift is back and, as per usual, her butler Clifford and Master Gladstone, her bulldog, accompany her while she tries to solve the death of Solemn Jon, the village undertaker. Although ruled an accidental death, Ellie is convinced something smells fishy (pun intended) and sets to prove them all wrong.

I just love Ellie and Clifford so much! They make such a great couple of detectives and after six books in the series their dynamics are such a pleasure to read. In fact, every regular character in the series is a delight. The women in Ellie’s household, the Langhams, DI Seldon… I can’t wait to see where their budding romance takes them.

This time the murder investigation took a while to take off and didn’t manage to grab me as much as some of the other books. I started to enjoy the mystery more in the last quarter when some of the pieces started falling into place. It was a bit difficult this time for us readers to play detective along Ellie and Clifford cause the resolution came a little bit out of the blue. Also, some of the side plots were closed a bit too quickly.

However, it’s always a joy coming back to these characters so I’m anxiously waiting Ellie’s next adventure.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series! Lady Eleanor Swift with her faithful butler Clifford once again set out to investigate a murder, after Solemn Jon, the undertaker, died on May day, when the raft race took a tragic turn. The local police declared it to be an accident, but his wife Maggie didn’t believe it was. When a horrid obituary was placed in the local paper, Ellie and Clifford were sure it was more than an accident, but Detective Seldon, after checking the site, also declared it an accident – as well as demanding Ellie not put herself in danger, as she was wont to do.

A second death, which also seemed no accident and Clifford and Ellie were up to their eyeballs in confusion. Would they eventually work out what was going on? After a near-miss by Ellie, and her own obituary in the paper, they were fully aware of the need to reach a swift conclusion…

Murder at the Fair is the 6th in A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series by Verity Bright and once again the author has nailed it! Brilliant characters, plenty of twists and turns, endearing dogs with both Gladstone and Patrick this time, and the staff of Henley Hall completely take the cake! I’m already looking forward to the next installment in this great series. Highly recommended.

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

The Lady Swift series of books are a wonderful form of escapism. They take us back to a time where women were not expected to be as strong as Ellie and I just love her personality and forthright manner - so ahead of her time.

Her relationship with Clifford seems so special and makes for a formidable crime-fighting team, with the help of Gladstone, of course! I know I certainly wouldn’t commit murder in Little Buckford if they were on the case!

I have loved following Ellie, Clifford, and the ladies at Henley House and look forward to joining them in many more stories.

Also, looking forward to seeing more of Hugh 💕

This is quickly turning into one of my favourite book series.

May day celebrations are in full swing and everything is going swimmingly…. Until the raft race. One of the rafts doesn’t finish the race. After a thorough search, the body of much loved undertaker solemn John is discovered and although Ellie promised she wouldn’t get involved in any more police business she couldn’t ignore the plea for her help from his distraught widower.
Another five star read from one of the cosiest mystery series around. I adore everything about these books, from the loveable characters to the fabulous descriptions of a time gone by. A plot that builds and builds so that you feel like you are on the case with them every step of the way! An unputdownable story to lose yourself in!

Lady Swift has been asked to judge the May Fair raft race, a tradition from her late uncle. But when a raft doesn't reach the finish line and the occupant is found dead in the reeds, is this really an accident?

But, the obituary of the dead man accusing his death as more than what it seems; and the widow asking for Lady Swifts help, it seems herself and Clifford must upset the constabulary once again, to solve the case.

But when things become personal and Lady Swift is involved in blackmail, and her life at risk, she must work quickly.

How can you not love every character in this series!!!

Lady Swift stands her own when it comes to the class of high society and the circle she has to associate with; but, her respect for those of the lower class system tells us soo much about her.

Gladstone the bulldog, her furry companion who is always expecting a little foodie treat; the description of him sneakily crawling towards the pastries is delightful!

Hugh Seldon, inspector and love interest, has me melt a little, being stern but loving and caring.

But Clifford, the Butler and all-around friend, lock picker, and schemer is my absolute favourite character. He is sly, heroic and authoritative, and you could not like him anymore! I would love to know more about his background.

This is a series of books, and I am reading number 6. However, I am really happy to read the other 5 and continue the series when they are out. There is a couple of mentions in the novel of previous events however, it is not distracting or gives too much away that you feel you missed out.

What a great read from Bright, and I look forward to finding out what is next for Lady Swift and Clifford.

This is another great murder mystery set in 1921 with Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford, as the investigating pair, aided by Gladstone – the bulldog. It is a story in which her relationship with Detective Seldon is put under even more strain as he tells her to stay out of the investigation into the untimely death of the local undertaker, Solemn John. There are plenty of potential suspects, some red herrings, together with spiteful obituaries appearing in the local paper – including one for herself!

I really enjoy the authors’ style of writing, which takes you straight back to the era and into the thick of things. Lady Eleanor is a feisty, independent young lady – well, she’s trying to act like a lady most of the time! Mind you, Clifford certainly seems to be somewhat psychic as he usually has just what Lady Eleanor needs, even before she knows she needs it, and his sense of humour really adds to the story. The community, its characters and activities are brought to life in the story, making you feel part of it all. There are snippets bringing key events from the era – such as the introduction of new devices like a vacuum cleaner and their impact on regular events like the annual spring cleaning.

There are dilemmas to be faced, blackmailers to be thwarted and someone’s good name to be made in this engaging page turner, which is a great addition to the series and a fun mystery, too, with a murderer to be identified before there are more victims….

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

Murder at the Fair is the sixth instalment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series set in the fictional village of Little Buckford, Buckinghamshire. Eleanor Swift has been invited to be the Guest of Honour at the 1921 Little Buckford May Fair and her tasks include starting the raft race, declaring the victor of the best-dressed raft and the last raft over the line. But one of the race participants, Solemn Jon, a popular man and the local undertaker, fails to finish the race and after a search is mounted an empty raft is located and he is found amongst the bulrushes by the side of the river and had seemingly hit his head when he fell from his raft. When his obituary is published in the County Herald it takes everyone, including Lady Eleanor, aback. It's not exactly nice about him and was signed off by his assistant who claims he was murdered, which is in direct conflict with the official police report stating it to be an accidental drowning. It gets Ellie thinking and she resolves to get to the bottom of what really happened to Solemn Jon that fine May afternoon. She and trusty butler and sleuthing sidekick, Clifford, begin to investigate but don't get very far. So she calls in a favour from Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, on whom Ellie has a crush, but when he backs up the official narrative of an accident, Ellie realises she must continue to seek the truth alone in a clandestine fashion.

Ellie is invited to Langham Manor to visit friends Lord and Lady Fenwick-Langham with whose son, Lancelot, Ellie used to step out with. Also at the luncheon is the esteemed Lord Evander Rankin who she joins on a horse ride. The Rankin Hall resident tries to blackmail Ellie into marrying him and threatens to release documents that would ruin her Uncle Byron’s reputation if such papers were released. The following day she learns Rankin died of an apparent accident once she had left him and another vengeful obituary appears. Can Ellie establish who murdered both men before the killer strikes once more? This is another charming, compulsive and engrossing cosy mystery featuring the same wonderful cast of characters - Ellie, her loyal butler, Clifford, and curious bulldog Gladstone - as they aim to solve this captivating mystery. Interspersed throughout is witty banter between Clifford and Ellie that'll appeal to anyone with a dry sense of humour. Told solely from Ellie’s perspective, this lighthearted historical cosy afforded me some much-needed escapism and the budding romance between Ellie and Seldon will be interesting to see develop. It's comfort reading at its finest and there is never a dull moment between the crimes and Ellie’s personal life, both of which are absorbing. A whimsical, fun and thoroughly entertaining read. Highly recommended.

The more I read this series the more I love it as it gets better with each new story.
Each story is more complex and mature than the previous and this one was a rollercoaster of twists, turns, red herring and possible culprits.
Eleanor and Clifford are the perfect amateur detective team: they are able to work together and find solutions and clues.
I wasn't able to guess the culprit but I had a lot of fun in reading the solid mystery.
I love how the characters evolve and they get more interesting. I liked Solemn Jon in the previous instalment and i am happy to read the development in Eleanor's story.
There's a sort of "fil rouge" that binds together this story and I'm curious to read the next one and see where it will bring us.
Gladstone is become one is my favorite fictional dog.
I had a lot of fun and read this story quite fast as it's a page turner.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I really enjoyed the previous books in this series and so was just a little nervous as to what I should expect this time round. It didn't disappoint.

The more complicated storyline kept me intrigued throughout. Yes, I said to myself you got that part right. Then it was, "Oh no, really," when I just didn't see that bit coming! Well done indeed.

For me the spring cleaning of Henley Hall added a lovely down-to-earth aspect! Who knew owing a vacuum cleaner could create such excitement. It's so easy to forget the difference these household appliances made to so many people's lives, We take for granted just how much easier many of us have it these days. I too name many of the important objects in my life.. Heaven help me if I meet a Victor. I laughed out load in certain places, as the author related this aspect of the story.

Unsurprisingly, the well intentioned investigation of a number of murders, results in some of the locals getting just a little hot under the collar and even brings her into conflict with the romantic interest. But Ellie, and her trusty butler persevere and, in the end the reward is worth their effort

Its Book 6, and I hope we continue onward and upward.

PS: Perhaps just a little more progress in the romance department, please! I love that its not front and centre but even I have to admit it needs chivying along just a little!

My thanks to Bookouture, #Netgalley and the author for my Advance Reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Summer, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift, the best amateur sleuth in the country, is delighted to be in charge of the prize-giving at her village summer fair. But the traditional homemade raft race takes a tragic turn when the local undertaker, Solemn Jon, turns up dead amongst the reeds. Jon was loved by the entire village. When a spiteful obituary is printed in the local paper, Eleanor realises there may be more to Jon’s death than first thought & then she's asked by Maggie Jon's widow to investigate. Despite handsome Detective Seldon giving her strict instructions not to interfere, Eleanor owes it to Jon’s good name to root out the truth. So with her partners in crime, Clifford her butler & Gladstone the bulldog, Eleanor starts digging for clues. When another local dies in a riding accident, the police refuse to believe he was murdered. But a second vindictive death notice convinces Eleanor of foul play.
This is the sixth book in the series & is easily read on its own. I’m loving the series Ellie is the unconventional Lady, I love her. Clifford is the quintessential English butler seemingly able to read Ellie’s mind , font of all local knowledge with a wry sense of humour. The pace is good & there plenty of red herrings also some twists & turns that were a surprise. Hugh Seldon takes a bit of a back seat in this book but I’m sure their budding romance, which has stalled will move forward in future books. I love the humour in he books & Gladstone running off with the bag from Victor had me laughing out loud. I hope there are plenty more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Lady Eleanor Swift, her trusty butler Clifford and loyal dog Gladstone are at it again. Eleanor is in charge of a village May Day race. As the race is nearly finishing, one of the crafts in the raft race has not returned to the finish line. It is soon discovered that it was manned by Solemn Jon, a local undertaker who is well loved in the village. After a while, a search is underway, and sadly, Solemn Jon's body was discovered.

At first Solemn Jon's death was deemed an accident, but when the obituary is published, Eleanor cannot help do what she does best. She is determined to discover what happened to him. Eleanor is a well-traveled woman, one who has experienced many exciting things. She has since returned home to Henley Hall and should be living the life of a Lady, complete with servants and much more. However, she consistently eschews convention and is quite adept as an amateur detective. Besides the obituary, Solemn Jon's wife appeals to Eleanor to look into her husband's death.

Eleanor knocks heads with Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon (to whom she finds more than attractive) and he tells her to back off. However, after another death occurs, and another odd obituary having been published, Eleanor determinedly looks for clues. This creates problems for Eleanor, as she finds herself in danger yet again.

Not only do we have Eleanor, whom I have come to love as I have read the five previous books in this series, I am enjoying Clifford's role as well. He proves a fine partner for Eleanor. His banter with Eleanor is quite refreshing. I also enjoyed seeing Eleanor's maid Polly in this story as well.

Murder at the Fair is a truly enjoyable addition to this wonderful cozy mystery series. I am really looking forward to the next book, especially as it seems there is a budding romance between Eleanor and DCI Seldon. I would love to see where that goes. But, more importantly, I cannot wait to see what other crimes fall into Eleanor's purview and how she manages to keep herself safe.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinon.

Murder at the Fair by Verity Bright is book six in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series. I have loved every one of Lady Elenor Swift's stories and, this latest installment was just as captivating. Set in the summer of 1921, Lady Swift is caught up in solving another murder which has happened at the village fair. While the police believe it is an accident, Lady Swift and others are convinced it was a murder.

Author Verity Bright has delivered another wonderful historical cozy mystery. I always appreciate the attention to historically accurate details, witty dialogue, and well-defined characters. Plus, I never guess who the murder is before it is revealed. My favorite characters are Lady Elorn Swift and her relationship with her grumpy old bulldog, Gladstone. I found myself laughing out loud at a few of his antics in this novel.

I cannot recommend Murder at the Fair, by Verity Bright, or any of their other books more, you will truly be in for a delightful and com[elling cozy mystery read.

I very much enjoyed the previous book in this series (Mystery by the Sea), so I was pleased to receive an ARC of Murder at the Fair.

This is yet another excellent story in this series. This time Lady Swift is the guest of honour at the May Fair, and recovers the body of one of the competitors in the raft race. Everyone thinks it’s an accident, but she’s not so sure.

It was a lot of fun to return to this world, and spend time with Lady Swift, Clifford, Gladstone, and of course the rest of the cast. The plot was interesting, and it was not easy trying to figure out who the culprit was!

If you’re looking for a fun historical mystery, I recommend this one. You don’t need to have read the previous books in the series, though it does increase the enjoyment.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

Another stunning cover to attract the reader in and discover the joys of reading about Lady Eleanor Swift and her trusty English butler, Clifford. I consider this series to be at the top of the genre of cosy mysteries, always telling a good story with a background of delightful characters and a touch of Upstairs/Downstairs.

The story is told from the point of view of Eleanor or Ellie as she calls herself. However it is Clifford who steals the show with his sense of humour, his astuteness and the way he cares for Eleanor. One other character needs a mention also for scene stealing - Gladstone the chubby, aging English Bulldog. The part where he attacks the vacuum cleaner bag is hilarious, as is his constant need for food, something he shares with his mistress.

The author writes well with genuinely funny repartee between her two main characters. The mystery is suitably mysterious and I had no idea of whodunnit until I was told! The ending was charming and tied up all the loose ends. I am looking forward to the next book already.

This is the sixth book in the series however I had only read the first book. It didn't matter as context was given and you were told about previous books. This might be a bit annoying if you'd already read them but as a reminder for me was useful!

I liked the main characters and the world building and will look out for further books in this series.

Thank you for the arc

Sixth book in this cozy mystery series wasn’t a disappointment. Clever, cute and enjoyable fun yet uniquely challenging to come up with ideas for characters in a series. It was all accomplished no problem here!

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. This title is another charming addition to the Lady Eleanor Swift series in which Eleanor finds herself in charge of kicking off a race at the local May Day fair. As readers of the series would expect, she quickly finds a body and a mystery that she feels compelled to solve. The deceased is Solemn Jon, the local undertaker who was much beloved by everyone. Although it looks like he drown during the race, Eleanor feels that there is more to it than that and once she talks to the widow who confides that Solemn Jon had been agitated in recent months, she knows she can't let this go.

As always, Eleanor is helped by her faithful butler, Clifford. The mystery is charming and I love the supporting characters including the staff at the hall, her bulldog Gladstone, and Lord and Lady Langham. Verity Bright does a great job balancing the mystery aspect with humorous elements including Clifford's very dry sense of humor. Reading a book in this series is always a little bit of comfort; this time of year, it would be the perfect book to take for an afternoon at the beach. I'm hoping future books see more movement in the romance department for our Lady Swift, but that is a minor quibble in an otherwise fun series.

cosy-mystery, law-enforcement, murder, murder-investigation, amateur-sleuth, family, family-dynamics, friendship, relationships, relationship-issues, extortion, greed, justice, England, rural, small-business, small-town*****

The series began as a farce: presumed orphan from South Africa (and world traveler on the cheap) comes to rural England and finds that she has inherited the title and all that from uncle who is recently deceased. She has little idea of how people are expected to behave in this milieu and is a klutz, to boot. The best part of it all is The Butler Who Knows Everything who helps her with anything, and never treats her like a ninny. I missed the last episode and I will go back and read it, not because the info is not referenced in this one but because I really enjoy all the ongoing (as well as new) characters, but because the mysteries are so well done. The publisher's blurb is a really good hook and I loved this read!
I requested and received a temporary digital ARC of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!