Lady Swift is back…at school! It seems like it was yesterday we met Ellie for the first time and we’re already at book 7!

Eleanor is invited to her old school as a guest speaker but when she’s about to give her speech, tragedy strikes with the discovery of her favorite teacher’s body. Although it looks like an accident, Ellie, Clifford and DI Seldon believe it’s murder, so Ellie infiltrates the school staff to investigate.

This was such a fun read! I’m a huge fan of the series and its characters and the change of scenery was very refreshing, although I missed some of the regulars as the ladies of Henley Hall or the Langhams. I loved how thanks to this new setting we got some glimpses of young Ellie and all the mischief she left in her wake.

The boarding school introduces a whole pool of suspects and, as Ellie did, I had to write a list of characters to keep track of who taught what. Ellie’s relationship with the girls she had under her care was the perfect balance between a responsible adult and a young kid at heart.

Once again her banter with Clifford was a pleasure to read. I love how he can always predict her needs even before she does. It was also nice seeing her relationship with Seldon move forward and can’t wait to see where that last conversation leads them.

The murder mystery was fun and I did not guess the murderer this time. The motive was a bit hard to believe but still was entertaining.

Special mention to the historical notes at the end that clarified a lot of the historical info and details provided throughout the plot.

Another great installment in an absolutely recommended series for fans of historical cozy mysteries.

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

A Lesson in Murder is the 7th instalment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, set in the 1920s. Amateur sleuth Lady Eleanor is invited to St Mary's Boarding School for Young Ladies, the school she attended from the age of nine which is now headed by Miss Lonsdale. She will talk about her travels on their Speech Day and is looking forward to seeing her English teacher, Mrs Wadsworth, but is trying to conquer her nerves as she looks out over the girls in their navy pinafores. Before she gets to deliver her talk, she hears the bell ring three times, then there's a flurry of activity among a few of the teachers. The elderly teacher, Mrs Wadsworth has been found dead in the library...

A Lesson in Murder had me so engrossed from the first chapter until the final page. It was a treat that saw me very much immersed in the era and I really enjoyed all the detail and description Verity Bright provided as a backdrop to the plot and storyline. The author's portrayal of Ellie delights me with every book and I love that Ellie's strong-willed, down-to-earth, intelligent, and possesses a wicked sense of humour. Her relationship with Clifford really complements the story and they make a great team. Ellie gets to oversee a group of nine-year-olds in Holly House (Ellie's former dormitory). The mystery itself was pretty good and the perpetrator was kept under wraps, aided by the clever twists. A Lesson in Murder was a comfortably paced, compulsive and charming crime novel and once again, Verity Bright's highly addictive storytelling really worked for me. I am eager to read the next book in the series and I highly recommend this one. A super, refreshing tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

This was my favourite book of the series, and the reason has something to do with the storyline itself and a lot more to do with my partiality towards Malory Towers books by Enid Blyton when I was in school. As is obvious from my previous statement, we have Lady Swift talking on Speech day to the current students of her old school. There is a significant amount of baggage that Eleanor carries about the reason she was there and the way she acted out. This trip helps her identify the source of her past hangups and move forward. She also sees some of her time there in a new light.
There is murder (or so only a few people think) at the school and Lady Swift, in her role as an amateur detective and an 'Old Girl', spends more time than she intends in her old dormitory. The school atmosphere, the good and the bad of having posh families, is explored in the background while the actual investigation takes place in full force.
Detective Seldon is unexpectedly on the scene, and Eleanor's feelings have ramped up quite a lot in the last few books, to the extent that I think the next book might be focussing on a lot more than just a murder. The plot twist was unexpected, and although my entire focus was on enjoying the rapport between the girls and Eleanor, I appreciated the events that led to the eventual revelation.
This book definitely has me looking forward to the next in the series.
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.

As I’ve already said I’ve loved this series since book 1 but I have to admit I think this might be the best book so far, it’s certainly my favourite of the series to date. In this book we see Eleanor returning to the boarding school she was first sent to aged 9 after her parents disappeared. Returning as an adult brings mixed feelings and a few surprises.

In this book I felt we got to see a lot more of Eleanor, more of her character and personality as well as more of her past. We also get to see more of a working relationship between her and Inspector Sheldon. In addition we also continue to have the joy of the fabulous Clifford, who further surprises. The relationship between Ellie and Clifford is what makes these books work.

While investigations are never straight forward, this one is tricky because of its setting. However, this made it all the more interesting because it meant the characters had to use different methods for the investigation. Also with it being a school there were interactions with the children which gave the story a different feel from the previous ones.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a brilliant read and one which kept me immersed and reading later than I normally would. Much as I enjoyed finding out how it ended I was also disappointed that it did end, which is not something I say often.

"I've learned that a wrongdoer never gives one reason to mistrust them until they seize the opportunity they've been waiting for."

A Lesson in Murder is another entertaining adventure in the Lady Eleanor Swift series. This time the ameteur sleuth finds herself embroiled in the hunt for a killer after a body is found in the Library of St Mary's Boarding School for Young Ladies, Eleanor’s former school. Originally there to deliver an inspirational speech to the students, she is asked to investigate when the police determine that Mrs. Wadsworth’s death was not merely a tragic accident. Officials don’t want it publically known that there’s a murder investigation, so it is decided she will poses as Boarding mistress for Holly House, stepping into the late Mrs. Wadsworth’s shoes and secretly investigating while she does so.

This series has become a real comfort read for me this year. I was late to start, beginning with book five back in March, but Verity Bright is adept at succinctly catching you up on any important information throughout the books so that you never feel lost. It means you can start this series at any time, or read just one as a standalone. But I have found myself so fond of these fun historical cosy mysteries, that every book is now an auto-read for me. In fact, I’ve already signed up for the blog tour for the next book in December.

Lady Eleanor Swift is an unorthodox woman for her time. It is unusual enough to be thirty and unmarried, but add to the fact she has travelled the world and is a part-time ameteur sleuth, and you have an unusual lady indeed. But I love her. She is a breath of fresh air; strong, feisty, determined and impetuous. I love watching her do all the things she isn’t supposed to but I did like the glimpse into her more vulnerable side in this installment. Her time at St. Mary’s was lonely and painful, and she finds all these difficult memories and emotions assail her when she’s back in its halls. But she once again has her trusty butler, Clifford, on hand to assist her. Their great dynamic and witty banter are always the highlight of these books for me.

Lively, refreshing, humorous and authentic, this quick read was just the tonic I needed between darker mysteries.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley, too,
For my copy of this book, here's my honest review:

Having thoroughly enjoyed several books in this series before
I really couldn't wait to escape into some more!
The stories are set back in the 1920s and star
Lady Eleanor Swift who is more used to travelling afar!

She has inherited a title she hadn't expected
And learning to be a lady she initially rejected
But now, with the help of her butler and Gladstone
She's learning to live a new life that isn't so alone.

However, murders and mysteries keep coming her way
And she's unable to avoid involvement, despite what others say.
This time she's gone to present prizes at her old school
Something she's now regretting, another dead body isn't cool.

When memories come flooding back of her time spent there
Mrs Wadsworth is the teacher she remembers really taking care.
So when this lady's body is discovered on the ground,
Eleanor is determined that if there's a killer they'll be found!

With schoolgirls, teachers and memories, too,
Eleanor is determined her best to support Hugh.
With her working undercover in the school
Will she be able to resist breaking any rule?

Get ready for another fascinating mystery and burgeoning romance, too
In this fascinating story with great characters who
Always keep you guessing and hoping for the best
I hope you read it for yourself and discover all the rest!

This is the 7th book in the Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series, but the first I read, so I want to catch up with the others.
This time the lady visits her old school, St. Mary´s as a guest of honour. Before she can deliver her speech though, a favourite teacher of hers is found dead in the library - supposedly an accident, but Ellie suspects there´s more behind it. She and her butler Clifford try to help Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon in his work, while getting in touch with the students there. Will they find out the truth, when things take a turn?
I liked this book, and the characters are described well and sometimes funny. Ellie seems a bit naive for her age, but she´ s trying to break the rules and also helping the school girls. Clifford is more of a humorous figure, and there are others whose secrets are revealed in the course of the story.
Somehow the figures seem to be concocted from several other mysteries, so this doesn´t necessarily appear new. The setting in the 1920s contains the new role of women and other modern topics. I want to read others in the series.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

A Lesson in Murder by Verity Bright brings us back to Lady Eleanor and her butler, Clifford. Ellie is at St Mary's, her old boarding school: the one her uncle had sent her to after her parents died. it is not invoking good memories, as she sits on the state waiting for her turn to speak. She can't imagine that the parents sitting her would want their lovely young daughters to turn out like she had. This was a place that taught decorum and obedience not tow of her stronger qualities. The all of a sudden, there was a lot of movement and the head mistress was announcing that the proceedings would be postponed. What in heaven's name? It turns out an elderly teacher had died, been murdered, possibly. Of course, she and Clifford were right there, and who should appear from London, but Detective Chief Inspector Selden, Hugh. He agrees it is suspicious. Shortly, however, he is commanded by his superiors, to keep the investigation low key, and later, not at all. It turns out the father of the head girl is secretary to His Majesty, and want no notoriety. Ellie convinces Hugh to let she and Clifford investigate, off the record. Knowing this was a bad decision, Hugh agreed.

Ellie and Clifford are a laugh riot together. Throw in the dog, and it is a surefire recipe for entertainment. She did, however, catch, the killer. She also was appointed housemother for the last few days of school, taking over for the deceased teacher. Her charges were the 6-9 year old girls and she was able to instill some creativity and independence in them. Surprisingly she was very successful liked. This is a brilliant series and Ellie and Clifford grow as individuals and as a team with each book. Things are also looking up (or down) for Ellie and Hugh's relationship. I totally enjoyed this book.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Lesson in Murder by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #bookoutre #alessoninmurder

“…and surely that’s not a body?”


Recently, I have become quite invested in several different series of ‘Golden Age’ mysteries, with Lady Eleanor Swift, her butler Clifford and trusty canine companion Gladstone, right up there amongst my favourite amateur sleuthing partnerships.

When I open the first page, to greet my new found friends, I just know that it is going to be like putting on a warm fluffy dressing gown and comfy slippers, curling up in front of a real roaring fire, with a warming drink, some delicious snacks, and lovely company (once you have read this delightful story you’ll see exactly why, for yourself).

Whilst during the course of previous investigations, I have been made privy to certain personal facts about Eleanor and her life before she inherited her title and family property following the death of her uncle, this case takes things to a whole new level as Eleanor is taken back to a period of her childhood she had thought she would much rather have forgotten about. However, as events unfold and from necessity, she finds herself becoming more deeply involved in day to day life at her old boarding school, where she uncovers new and hitherto unknown to her information about her family, which is bittersweet, very poignant and has the power to change her entire perspective about her past.

The book also comes with an additional, very thoughtful little mini guide of historical notes, which elaborates on many quirky aspects of the story which are alluded to briefly, but which adds some interesting detailed facts to back up the general narrative.

This well structured, multi-layered storyline, is totally immersive, beautifully textured and rich in detail and atmosphere. The narrative is assured, observational and visually descriptive. The dialogue is easy-going and conversational. In amongst the growing body count, there are a few lighter, compassionate moments, which helps to release the tension for both teachers and pupils alike, and are a testament to the authors’ confidence in the imagery their words can conjure up. Eleanor also has a habit of talking and reasoning with herself, although unlike myself, someone who tends to verbalise my conversations, Eleanor keeps them very much inside her own head, resulting in some lovely imaginary ‘speech bubbles’ as she sets about her various undercover investigations.

There is no unnecessary preamble with this storyline, the action kicks in from the word go, when the body of Eleanor’s favourite teacher is discovered. The chapters are short and punchy, keeping the dialogue fluid and the narrative seamless and easy to follow. The ending is brought to a satisfying conclusion for almost everyone involved, with no annoying little loose ends left tantalisingly hanging. Even Eleanor’s rather on-off, foundling relationship with DI Hugh Seldon, seems to finally be heading in the right direction, despite her own and Clifford’s involvement in yet another of his investigations, which has always hitherto, been a sticking point in any future they might have together as a couple. On this occasion however, Hugh has no choice but to call on ‘inside help’ from the intrepid duo, even though he tries to fool himself into thinking that he is in control of the situation – as if!

Eleanor has had to learn the lesson the hard way, about the protocols and accepted behaviours which come with the title of ‘Her Ladyship’. Meanwhile Clifford has well and truly had his eyes and mind opened to the responsibilities of being both butler and confidante to a young woman who is far ahead of her times, is often unorthodox and downright unladylike in her behaviour, and is far from confident or happy with adhering to the traditional social mores and class structure, which her newly appointed station in life demands. However as time has inexorably moved on, there has definitely been an unspoken shifting and meeting of minds between them. Decorum and protocol remain very much the watchwords when circumstances dictate, whilst in more private and intimate moments, or whilst they are in consultation over yet anther murder investigation, a more easy relaxed atmosphere ensues.

The authors have created a core cast of wonderfully developed, authentic characters, who will more than ably stand the test of time, combining high style and murder in an altogether unique way. They are generally easy to connect with and invest in, with a dynamism and synergy which only comes from having been given a free hand and strong voice with which to tell their own stories, with merely the gentlest of guiding hands from their creators. The extra characters added to compliment each investigation are all equally well defined and know the part they have to play, and whilst not all might be as amenable as Eleanor and Clifford, they are just as addictive and genuinely believable.

This is pure enjoyment, entertainment and escapism – what better motives for reading can there possibly be!

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. A Lesson in Murder is the 7th title featuring Lady Eleanor Swift. Although part of a series, this book could work as a stand-alone, but I would recommend starting at book one as it is a blast getting to see Eleanor and Clifford, her loyal butler, build their relationship. This outing finds Eleanor as the featured speaker at Speech Day at her old boarding school. Eleanor attended after moving back to England to live with her uncle following the disappearance of her parents. For the most part, she didn't enjoy much of her time at the school, but she retains a soft spot for one of her old teachers, Mrs. Wadsworth and agrees to attend to speak.

Eleanor never gets to deliver her remarks when Mrs. Wadsworth is discovered dead in the library. Although it appears that she just fell of a ladder, Eleanor is sees signs that foul play may be involved. She agrees to help out the headmistress by filling in as the house mother for her old house. In between keeping an eye on young ladies of Holly House, Clifford and Eleanor assist Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon investigate the various staff members.

Overall, I think this is one of my favorite titles in the series, although I did miss the rest of Eleanor's devoted staff back at Henley Hall. The mystery was interesting and had a few twists, but as always, I keep coming back for the characters. There is a bit of development in Eleanor's romantic life and there is a nice bit of story related to Eleanor's mother and an unexpected connection to her that Eleanor discovers. I'm looking forward to additional entries in this charming series.

Seventh book in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries is like a catch up with an old friend.

Lady Swift and her gang (butler Clifford and dog Garfield) are sharing their story of yet another adventure into sleuthing. This time the stage set at Eleanor's old school. A teacher is found dead as a result of what looks like an accident... But Ellie and Clifford think otherwise. Along comes inspector and investigation begins. Ellie is even asked for help, off the records, of course.

What transpires is a very picturesque, fun and suspenseful story of uncovering culprits. Reader gets a treat along the way of different tidbits into the lives of Ellie, Clifford, students and teachers of the school and surrounding villages.

This book, like all the others in the series, made me ache for England again and again. I'd love to be able to go and explore all those places...

A Lesson in Murder is a fun, easy, cozy, lovely and kind murder mystery that leaves you waiting for more.

A Lesson in Murder is the seventh instalment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries, and it's an absorbing and entertaining addition to the series. It's June 1921, and Lady Eleanor Swift has agreed to deliver a motivational speech to students and present prizes as a Guest of Honour at her old all-girls boarding school, St Mary’s. She is extremely nervous about her role, so she is more than a little relieved when a bell rings, interrupting her speech before it can even get started, and the Headteacher, Mrs Lonsdale, states that it must be postponed due to an emergency. Unfortunately, though, it's due to the death of Ellie’s favourite teacher Mrs Wadsworth, who has been discovered dead on the floor of the library. It has been made to look like an accident but Clifford, who was at the scene prior to Ellie, believes it has been staged, and Ellie feels similar suspicions after taking a look.

The police are called to investigate, and a short time later Ellie’s friend Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon arrives; he is immediately under pressure from his superiors and those at Whitehall to deem the death an accident to clear the case up quickly due to many pupils of the school being the offspring of prominent figures. As Seldon is not authorised to stay long at the scene due to the possibility of upsetting the students, one of whom is the daughter of the King’s Private Secretary, he agrees to have Ellie and her faithful butler Clifford do some covert investigating as they are not as conspicuous, and they must keep Seldon informed of their progress. So to make it look less suspicious and obvious something is amiss, Ellie is temporarily appointed the Housemistress of Holly House allowing her to fill Mrs Wadsworth’s position while getting closer to the girls residing there.

Clifford stays on as groundskeeper and to keep Ellie safe. While there she uncovers many insidious secrets and another death occurs which the police deem to also be an accident. Can they solve this complicated case? This is a compelling and engrossing historical murder mystery with the lightheartedness of a great cosy. It's told solely from Ellie’s perspective making it highly immersive and the story is so beautifully plotted that I was failing with my guesses as to where it was heading every single time. There are plenty of possible suspects, lots of drama, wicked twists and dizzying misdirection throughout, providing many unexpected surprises, developments and reveals. However, the characters are what really make this series superb as Ellie is likeable and determined to achieve justice, Clifford is loyal to his core and Master Gladstone, Ellie’s pooch, is her ever-faithful best friend. A riveting, charming and highly recommended read.

Guest of honour at St Mary’s boarding school, Lady Eleanor Swift was startled at the ringing of the school bell just as she’d been going to make her speech. The chaos that ensued with the cancellation of Speech Day, the finding of Mrs Wadsworth’s body in the library, and the arrival of Inspector Hugh Seldon and his team, started a baffling case for Ellie, Clifford (her butler) and the Inspector. As the headmistress wanted to keep it all quiet, finding answers immediately, Ellie and Clifford remained at St Mary’s – Ellie as a fill in housemistress and Clifford to help on the grounds.

Ellie’s girls from Holly House were a delightful group of nine to eleven year olds, and Ellie found her time was reminiscent of when she herself was nine years old at this very school. Mrs Wadsworth was also Ellie’s teacher which made it personal for her to find the culprit. But could they? It was when a second teacher’s body was discovered that they knew the clock was ticking and they needed to solve the mystery quickly…

A Lesson in Murder is the 7th in A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series by Verity Bright and I loved it! Delightful, laugh out loud funny at times, with the resplendent Galahad keeping both Ellie and Clifford on their toes, the entertainment factor is high. I thoroughly enjoy this series and am already looking forward to #8. Highly recommended.

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

‘ALesson in Murder’ by Verity Bright is Part of a series, but there’s no need to have read them in advance as this works as a stand-alone too.

Lady Eleanor Swift is back at her old school, St Mary’s, to give a speech. Her memories were not all good by any means, so being back stirs up some difficult feelings.

She’s a very independent woman for the time and not everyone appreciates that. When the death occurs of her favourite old teacher, Eleanor is pulled into the mystery, by virtue of being there, and because of her association with Chief Inspector Seldon in previous adventures. When he turns up to deal with the situation he asks her to go undercover as a house mistress. Will they be able to find out the identity of the killer in time? Eleanor will have to use all of her know-how about the school to solve the mystery before it’s too late.

I liked the references to her time there and to previous mysteries. The book had a comfortable, cosy vibe, and the reader is made to feel part of it all. Being set in the Golden Age of Crime in the 1920s makes it all the more exciting. I also liked the dynamic between Eleanor , Clifford her butler, and Chief Inspector Seldon. They make a great team. But most of all, I loved the boarding school setting, partly because I read so many books set in them when I was a child. It felt familiar. Verity Bright succeeded in bringing back those memories and adding her own twist with an engrossing mystery.

I was given this ARC to review.

Autumn, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift is invited to her old school, St Mary’s, as a guest speaker at the Speech Day. Her favourite teacher, Mrs Wadsworth, has asked that Eleanor talk about her intrepid travels around the globe. Then Mrs Wadsworth has been murdered. Eleanor is utterly devastated but she owes it to her dearest teacher to find out who killed her and why. So, alongside Gladstone the bulldog, it’s best paw forward to track down a villain & of course the intrepid Clifford. Hugh Seldon is called in to lok at the case but they’ve to keep it hush, hush so Eleanor goes undercover as House Matron for Holly house, which happens to be her old house.
This is Eleanor’s seventh outing, it could be easily read on its own but as with all series I prefer to read from the beginning. I love Eleanor who is wonderfully disorganised, food loving & an absolute delight. She’s ably aided by Clifford her butler & I love how the pair work together, how their relationship has grown has been a highlight of the series. I also love Hugh, the hard working policeman, their relationship has also grown & changed & maybe it’s about to change again! There are plenty of red herrings as well as twists & turns before the culprit is revealed. A well written, engrossing read, which I read in a couple of sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Lady Eleanor Swift is to give a talk and hand out prizes on Speech Day at her old school. While she is being introduced, three bells ring, and most of the faculty leave. The head of school, Miss Lonsdale, announces that there has been an accident and Speech Day will be rescheduled. Miss Lonsdale leads Eleanor to the Library, where Clifford is waiting. She sees her favorite teacher, Miss Wadsworth, lying on the floor by the rolling library steps. Then the policeman, Hugh Seldon, arrives. Seldon will not be allowed to stay long because there are too many girls in the school who are children of important people. Eleanor and Clifford agree to investigate and keep Seldon informed. Eleanor is appointed the temporary housemistress of Holly House where Miss Wadsworth had presided.

Eleanor quickly makes friends with the girls of Holly House, and she and Clifford gradually learn more about what happened. Then the art teacher is found dead. While working with the girls of Holly House on their play for the annual House Competition, she learns about the Holly House Book of Secrets which was written by her mother when she was in Holly House. This gives Eleanor the crucial clue. However, can she corner the killer without getting in trouble herself?

This book is fun to read with humorous parts, suspense, and lively characters.

From a pre-arranged Speech Day to an unexpected death. Lady Eleanor Swift is at the boarding school where she went as a child to deliver a motivating speech to young students. However, even before she can begin, Mrs. Wadsworth, her favorite teacher when from those years ago, was found dead. No clear evidence proves that it was murder. The police have been called, most notably Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon. However, due to the privacy of the students, inquiries from him could be rather upsetting. So, it has been determined that Eleanor would stay on at the school as Mrs. Wadsworth temporary replacement while secretly trying to determine the cause of her death.

Eleanor is not alone. Her butler Clifford is staying nearby on the premises while caring for her ever present bulldog Gladstone. Eleanor has a lot of memories of her time at the school. She was not the easiest student by far. But there is more that she will learn about her history there. Eleanor is a titled peer who has enjoyed quite an independent life of adventure. Well traveled with amazing experiences, Eleanor now has a whole new challenge facing her acting as housemother to preteens.

I really enjoyed this installment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series. The time she spends with her new young charges proves rather touching. However, there is the nasty business of finding out about possible foul play. Will Eleanor be able to ask enough questions, even if it means uncovering well-hidden secrets to find the person responsible for Mrs. Wadsworth's death? I love the early 1900s time frame, as well as Eleanor's age at around thirty with not giving into convention, as her independent spirit has shown. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series from the beginning, but this one has proven to be my favorite.

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

Another delightful episode in the lives of Lady Eleanor, Clifford and Gladstone. There was also a lot more about Hugh than usual which was nice.

This series relies very much on the charm of its main characters and their interactions. Scanning the reviews I noticed that nearly everyone who had read the earlier books gave this one five stars. People who were just joining the series at book 7 were more likely to give it three. There is a lot to be said for reading some series in order!

In A Lesson in Murder Ellie goes back to her old boarding school supposedly to give an 'old girl's' lecture. The discovery of a body in the library has her staying on for several days and linking up with DCI Hugh Seldon to solve the case. She also finds out a little more about her own history regarding her parents and her uncle which is interesting.

I enjoyed it enormously as I have done all the previous books. The setting was good, the mystery intriguing and the characters their usual delightful selves. I hope the author keeps them coming.

I adore Lady Eleanor Swift and A Lesson in Murder was delightful! This time, Eleanor is at her old boarding school to give a speech when her favorite former teacher is found deceased. Was she murdered or is it natural causes. The board wants the investigation to be hush hush, leaving DCI Seldon with no choice but to enlist Eleanor and Clifford as his assistants. A second death means it is murder, right? The coroner says natural causes in both cases but luckily Eleanor and Clifford stay on the case and discover the culprit. Along the way, Eleanor learns a few family secrets and puts to rest some old ghosts. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters are fun and the story interesting. The involvement of current students added a lot to my enjoyment. I look forward to the next one. Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #ALessoninMurder.

So while I was completely aware that this was book 7 of a series, I took it that this could be a stand alone read. I don’t think so. It was cute and a good read but I really need to go back and read the entire series. I gave it 3 stars because it was hard to follow without knowing the back story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.