An old-style murder mystery.

‘Murder At Standing Stone Manor’ is certainly reminiscent of the old-style murder mysteries from many decades ago.

It features newlyweds Donald and Maria, who have moved to Ingoldby- over-Water, a very quintessential English village. They are welcomed by many of the residents who enjoy finding out the business of any newcomers.

Soon Donald and Maria are summoned to the mansion on the hill, Standing Stone Manor. It transpires that Professor Edwin Robertson appoints Donald, an investigator, to investigate a situation of bribery, which then of course leads to murder!

I found the behaviour of many of the characters predictable. As for Nancy, she is irritating, as she behaves and is treated like a child, even though she is twenty!

The book follows the classic style formula of this genre, which will appeal to many readers, but for me, I prefer something grittier and more contemporary.

Galadriel.

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.

his exciting mystery by a very experienced and skilled author is set in the mid 1950's during a very cold and snowy winter. As it was only ten or so many years since the end of the War a lot of the experiences of war-time are still in the memory of most people. It appears that the author has written seven previous books in this series using the protagonists Donald Langham and Maria Dupré. This is the first that I have read but it doesn't matter as it is written in a style that is very accessible to all.

In this one they have moved to this small country village, Ingoldby-over-Water. Because it is so cold and central heating is something for the future the protagonists seem to spend a lot of time warming themselves over log fires!

For the this half of the book, the story concentrates on Donald and Maria establishing their home and meeting their neighbours. It is engaging in terms of creating the world of the novel, but some readers may wonder when, or even if, a murder is going to occur. It is still enjoyable to read and follow the couple as they visit the “mansion on the hill” where they meet retired Professor Robertshaw, his ward, his invalid wife and his son. Other village residents who are introduced and developed during this portion of the book include the farm couple next door and the young man who lives on their property in a caravan.

Donald Langham who is a writer and a private detective has been invited by the owner of Standing Stone Manor to come over as he has something he wishes to discuss. It seems that retired Professor Edwin Robertson the owner of the manor is being blackmailed and has received letters demanding money and does not know what to do.

Robertshaw is a decidedly unlikable man. He is so self-centered it is like no one else exists. He is having feuds with most, if not all of his neighbours. When he turns up dead, it is no surprise. But to determine who committed the murder, Langham teams up with the assigned detective Montgomery.

The story is very atmospheric and deftly plotted. The characters are richly drawn and-the details of the book are fascinating and gives a very vivid picture of life at this time, I was transported every time I picked up this highly imaginative story to the time described. I found the story most enjoyable would strongly recommend it to fans of Agatha Christie and other cozy mysteries. Thanks to Severn House Publishers and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is another enjoyable, well crafted murder mystery from an experienced writer who knows what he’s doing. The setting – a village deep in the English countryside in the mid-1950s in the depths of winter – is perfectly realised. I enjoyed learning about the village characters and possible suspects. One of the entertaining parts of this story, is that it is a while before the actual murder takes place – so I had fun working out who was going to be the eventual victim and who would be the murder suspects.

I liked the fact that World War II is still hanging heavily over the lives of several people who had served – it brought home to me just how much it affected the generation that went through it. Once the murder occurs, the leisurely pace picks up and there are more attempted deaths in quick succession. Donald Langham is given a great deal of licence to go off and do his own thing with the blessing of the local police, which works well for the purposes of the story.

The plot is satisfyingly twisty with plenty of suspects who had strong motives for murdering the initial victim. I enjoyed the well-handled denouement which manages to provide a complete surprise without short-changing the reader. All in all, this is an enjoyable read that provides a solidly written whodunit, complete with a cast of entertaining characters in an attractive, clearly depicted setting. Recommended for fans of historical whodunits, after the style of Agatha Christie. While I obtained an arc of Murder at Standing Stone Manor from Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10

A cozy mystery.

I did enjoy the main characters and the settings in the winterland of Ingoldby, a small town where everybody knows your business, and nobody locks their doors at night.

However, the story felt a bit "longwinded" for my taste... I was halfway through the book before the much-anticipated murder finally happened.
And the whole Standing Stone part of the story does not feel closed.

But looking past these things, it is a really good mystery, and a very classic cozy mystery novel, much like something you would find with the likes of Agatha Christie.

I will come back on the 7th and publish reviews to Goodreads and Instagram.

4-Stars. I liked this book. Reading Murder at Standing Stone Manor felt like cozying up in a fire-lit English pub and hearing a neighborhood tale. I felt the main characters were a little two dimensional, but the supporting characters were varied and interesting. Perhaps knowing the series and characters would have been helpful with this novel. The mystery built in a very satisfying way and I enjoyed the book. I would definitely seek out other books by Eric Brown. Big thanks to the author, publisher and #NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

I really enjoyed this change of setting for Langham and Dupre. The snow is on the ground as they move into Yew Tree Cottage in Ingoldby, Suffolk, and it isn't long before they are involved with some of their neighbours. Professor Robertshaw who owns the local manor invites Donald to visit him. Robertshaw has a problem he needs help with. The book has interesting characters and an authentic 1950s setting which gives it the atmosphere of a vintage crime book, one of my favourite genres.

Newlyweds Donald Langham and Maria Dupre have just moved into Yew Tree Cottage in the village of Ingoldby-over-Water when they are summoned to Standing Stone Manor where the wealthy owner says “something fishy is going on.” Donald begins looking into a case of blackmail for Professor Edwin Robertson and ends up investigating a murder. Maria befriends Edwin’s niece Nancy who is taking care of his wife who is ill, but is having a hard time getting along with her uncle and her cousin Randall, who also lives at the manor. When Donald and Maria work together, no murderer is a match for them!

This is the eighth book in this series, but only the second I’ve read so it is very accessible to new readers. Donald and Maria are a delightful couple and I like spending time with them. Donald is a clever investigator, but Maria is also intelligent and has a way of making people feel comfortable in talking to her. I felt too much of her time in this book was spent “babysitting” the 20-year-old Nancy, serving tea, and preparing meals. When Maria gets involved in the case she gets results, so I wish she had been more active in investigating. In addition to the main characters, I enjoyed the plot, too. The book has an even, leisurely pace, and the case has some unexpected twists before it’s resolved. I enjoyed this charming book and am hoping there will be further books in the series, hopefully with Maria taking a more active role in any future investigations.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Severn House. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Donald and Maria have moved to the country to get away from the hustle and bustle of the City. They love their new home and the friendly neighbors. Some of the neighbors are not so nice but they can stay away from them. Then they find the professor out by the Standing Rock, dead.
Canongate Books and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you).This book will be published September 7th.

As they try to make sense of this murder, it involves two families. Most of them don't get along so well.

Between jealousy, grudges over past indiscretion, and attempted murder, this small town is a hotpot of anxieties. There are ex-wives, unknown fathers, and very selfish people all involved. It's a mess. But somehow they get confessions for the crimes. Just listening, being nice, and encouragement was all the non-cops needed.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. Quite a slow burner, but the characters and the setting are so well developed you feel you really are a part of the story.
Marie and Donald have moved to a small village in Suffolk, everyone in the village is very welcoming. Soon after arriving, Donald is summoned to the Manor house, the resident, a retired professor from Oxford has received a blackmail letter and wants Donald’s help. Initially Donald finds his neighbor quite charming, soon he realizes he is an arrogant sexist bully who is disliked by all of the village. When the professor is found dead, Donald realizes quite a few people have a motive.
Slow paced, but a satisfying read, part of a series, but works well as a stand alone. Many thanks to netgalley and Severn House for an advance copy, I highly recommend.

Donald and Maria have moved to a delightful small village in the country - or is it? They haven't even finished unpacking when Edwin Robertshaw enlists Donald in investigating some bad things and then, of course, he's murdered. This is as much a sort of cozy mystery as it is a look at village life in the 1950s. I'd not read any of the earlier books in the series but that was ok- this was fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A short but satisfying read.

This series is set in Great Britain in the period after World War II. This adventure seems to be in the early 1950's and Brown does an excellent job of making the time and place real for the reader. Even the style of writing seems to come from a slower, more relaxed time. Mystery writer Langham and his new bride have moved to a country cottage and are beginning to get acquainted with their new neighbors. Before they know anyone very well, a curmudgeonly older man no one seems to like very much is murdered. A fun read, almost in the style of Agatha Christy.

1950s Donald Langham and wife Maria Dupre have moved to a cottage in Ingoldby-over-Water. Soon they are meeting their new neighbours including Professor Edwin Robertshaw of Standing Stone Manor who is convinced something is going on in the village. Now a body has been discovered. Langham and Dupre decide to help in the investigation.
A slow-paced well-written entertaining mystery, with its likeable characters. Another good addition to the series. The book can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Newlyweds Donald Langham and Maria Dupré have moved to the country. They're excited about starting a new life in the picturesque village of Ingoldby-over-Water – and about meeting their new neighbours. But they’ve barely moved into Yew Tree Cottage when their new neighbour at Standing Stone Manor, Professor Edwin Robertshaw, invites Donald over to discuss some ‘fishy business’. Shortly after, a body is found by the professor’s precious standing stone in the manor grounds. Donald and Maria discover tensions, disputes and resentment raging below the surface of this idyllic village.
This is the eighth book in the series & another well written well paced book. I felt this book opened a new era in Donald & Maria’s lives with the move to the country & the author took time to introduce us to new locations & new people. It could be read on its own but if like me you love series then I’d recommend reading from the start. I really like Donald & Maria & how their relationship has evolved I disliked Edwin but did like put upon Nancy. The mystery had me guessing & kept me turning the pages. I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

"Donald Langham and Maria Dupr must navigate a rocky road to find a killer when a body is found next to a standing stone.

Newlyweds Donald Langham and Maria Dupr have moved to the country. They're excited about starting a new life in the picturesque village of Ingoldby-over-Water - and about meeting their new neighbours.

But they've barely moved into Yew Tree Cottage when their new neighbour at Standing Stone Manor, Professor Edwin Robertshaw, invites Donald over to discuss some 'fishy business'. Shortly after, a body is found by the professor's precious standing stone in the manor grounds.

Donald and Maria discover tensions, disputes and resentment raging below the surface of this idyllic village, but can they find out which of the villagers is a cold-blooded killer?"

A body near a standing stone!?! Someone has been looking at my notes for books I want to be written again!

When you open Murder at Standing Stone Manor you are transported back to the fifties both because the book takes place in that era and the writing style mirrors the writing style of authors from that time.

The pace is measured, and the writing ensures the reader moves through at a pace that is both relaxed and engaging. The pace is consistent throughout, with an approach that is one of leisure that encourages the reader to relax and enjoy some time with the story. It’s the type of book you can imagine enjoying as you curl up in a comfortable chair, a cup of coffee or tea at your elbow and nothing pressing calling you for a while.

Eric Brown has written eight books in this series, although if you are new to the series, you may not realize there are others. This book easily stands alone and there are no references to earlier events and/or people who have on-going relationships with the detectives. To that end, it’s reminiscent of the Agatha Christie style of series where there is a continuing detective, but none of the stories touch on earlier ones. The character development and the mystery are all complete within the book.

Donald and Maria, the central characters in the series, move to a small English village and set about establishing their life there. As they get to know people in the village, they are befriended by several residents. These characters help establish the atmosphere and complete the world inhabited by the novel. They are well developed, three-dimensional people who nevertheless remain secondary to the overall story. Their welcome to Donal and Maria, along with the information they provide is essential to the development of the book. In addition, they provide potential suspects when the murder occurs.

For the first half of the book, the story concentrates on Donald and Maria establishing their home and meeting their neighbors. It is engaging in terms of creating the world of the novel, but some readers may wonder when, or even if, a murder is going to occur. It is still enjoyable to read and follow the couple as they visit the “mansion on the hill” where they meet Lord Robertshaw, his ward, his invalid wife and his son. Other village residents who are introduced and developed during this portion of the book include the farm couple next door and the young man who lives on their property in a caravan.

The murder of Lord Robertshaw is not a surprise as he is the character who is most disliked among the villagers. When an arrest is made by the police, it is somewhat predictable they arrest the villager who has the most well-known conflict with Robershaw. Donald is convinced of their error, so he starts an investigation to find the real culprit. There are plenty of clues along with some red herrings which offer the reader a chance to solve the murder ahead of or at the same time as Donald. The final solution is satisfying and, while not totally predictable, is also not a surprise.

My thanks to Canongate Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy for review. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

I really enjoy this gentle mystery series set after WW2 with husband and wife team of Donald and Maria. Having just moved to the country they’re getting to know their village neighbors, and some are wonderful, others not. When a neighbor whom everyone dislikes is murdered it’s up to Donald and Maria to find the murderer. Life in the country is definitely not dull.
I’ve only read the last couple of entries in this series and I was happy to realize I didn’t have to start at the beginning to understand the characters and know the lay of the land.
An enjoyable series.

When newlyweds Donald and Maria move to the country they are looking forward to their new life. Donald an author/ private detective is called to a neighbors house to help Professor Edwin Robertshaw with some "fishy business". Then a body is discovered on his land and Donald is asked to help the police with the case since he knows the victim.
I enjoyed this read and the characters of Donald and Maria who I would compare to Tommy and Tuppence. With enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and surprises along the way. I hope to read more by this author and these two characters.

This is the eighth book in this series but the first for me. A cozy British mystery with charming main characters and a charming village with murder afoot. Lots of fun I might try another book in this series.

Set in the late 1950's in rural England, newly married Maria Dupre and Donald Langham have moved out of London to the country and are settling in to their new home and village life. Gradually they are invited to meet some of the more prominent characters in the village, and it's not surprising to learn that bitter rivalries lurk beneath the surface. Rivalries that of course end in death and disaster. But the clues are subtle, the characterisations deft, and it's not necessary to have read the previous adventures of these two to derive quiet enjoyment from an old fashioned detective story. A very strong entry in this series, which does stand up in isolation, and a reminder of the more idyllic post war world sixty years ago that we have lost.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I really liked this book reminded me of the L J Ross DCI Ryan books. I shall certainly be looking out for more from this author