Member Reviews
1934. Kitty Underhay steps out of the battered Rolls Royce and onto the gravelled driveway of Thurscomb Castle in deepest Yorkshire. She’s honoured to be a bridesmaid at her cousin Lucy’s wedding to the reluctant Lord Rupert Woodcomb, but as family and friends gather for welcome drinks, Kitty dodges intrusive questions about her own marital status by taking a stroll about the castle grounds. As she passes through the manicured gardens, a fatal shot rings out…the valet, Evans, is dead. And Kitty can’t help but notice how rattled the man standing next to him seems. Could Rupert’s best man, The Right Honourable Alexander ‘Sandy’ Galsworthy, believe the speeding bullet was meant for him? This series is so much fun! Love the main character, Kitty, and everyone of these stories just seems to outdo the last one! I recommend starting with the first in the series because they are so good but this could be read as a standalone. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.
I love this series and this latest adventure is absolutely fantastic! I cosied up with a blanket and read it in one sitting on a rainy Sunday. The plot is perfect and gave me all the Agatha Christie vibes that I love.
The story is set in Yorkshire and I must say I almost expected the Crawleys to be invited to the wedding ;-) I love the setting, the characters, the political aspect is on point and I was excited to see the "background plot" about Kitty's mother evolve as well. There's also a bit of romance with a very satisfying teaser.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly and highly recommend it to fans of Agatha Christie.
Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kitty Underhay is excited to be traveling to Thurscomb Castle to perform her role as bridesmaid at her cousin Lucy's wedding. Wanting all attention pointed at the bride, Kitty is disconcerted with well-meaning comments regarding her marital status. This is especially so because she has often been seen in close company with ex-army captain Matthew Bryant. Not only do the pair have an affinity for one another, they often work together to solve murders that have taken place at certain locations.
They get another chance to do this very thing when a bullet practically whizzes right by her. She is not struck, but the valet, Evans, is. Dead on the spot is shocking enough. However, the best man, Sandy Galsworthy has strong reasons for believing that the bullet was meant for him. So there are two questions right at the outset. Who shot the gun and why?
Kitty cannot help herself. Rather adept with her skills of deduction she feels she is the perfect one to answer those very questions. Asking for Matt's assistance in this endeavor comes naturally to her and the two do what they can to prove who the killer is.
Despite the murder, the wedding does indeed take place. During the reception, Sandy steps out for a smoke and before Matt can go after to him in order to question him, Sandy is killed. Before Sandy's death Kitty and Matt were made aware of threatening notes that he was receiving, so his sudden death comes as no surprise.
Despite the bleakness shrouding over the wedding guests in this story, there are moments of levity, especially when it comes to a delightful character who makes a brief appearance in this book, Matt's aunt Euphemia. Characters such as hers provide brief respite in stories where death is a major player.
Murder at the Wedding is the seventh book in the truly enjoyable Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon. I love the time frame, mid 1930s, and how strong a character that Kitty is. Not only does she defy convention, but she proves the perfect amateur detective in a successful and delightful series. I love how her relationship with Matt has bloomed over the course of the stories, which provides a nice layer to an often amusing series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
I absolutely love this series, and this latest book is just as wonderful. This book has a mystery, some action, few twists and turns, and a sprinkle of romance. Great combination for any cozy mystery.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series. While each book can be read as a stand alone, some of the character's relationships will make more sense reading the books in order.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "Murder at the Wedding" in exchange for my honest review.
This is the seventh book in the Miss Underhay series and it just get better and better with each book. The story begins in Torbay in May 1934 where the police are still on the hunt for Ezekiel Hammett who is wanted for the murder of Denzil Hammett. Catching him could possibly bring answers to Kitty regarding the historic murder of her mother Elowed in June of 1916.
Kitty is attending the wedding of her cousin Lucy Medford to Lord Rupert Woodcomb. Readers will be familiar with Lord and Lady Medford, Lucy and her adorable dog Muffy from Kitty's previous visits to Enderley Hall. Also along on the trip is Alice from the the Dolphin Hotel who often accompanies Kitty on her trips as her maid but more importantly her friend. Captain Matthew Bryant whom Kitty has been walking out with also joins them.
As the title suggests there is a murder as is expected when Kitty is around it seems. Was the victim the actual target? The story is very well woven and it involves ideas that were introduced in previous books. Once again Kitty places herself in danger to protect someone precious. There are 2 brilliant revelations at the end of this story which makes me extra eager for the next story involving Kitty and her family and friends.
I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review; 3.75 stars rounded up to 4. Murder at the Wedding is the the seventh title to feature Miss Kitty Underhay; it could be read as a stand-alone, but readers would miss watching her relationship with beau Matt. This outing finds Kitty traveling to her cousin Lucy's wedding with young Alice along to act as maid. The plan is for Matt to follow a day or so later once he is done testifying at a trial related to his work at a private detective. Upon arrival, Lucy confides in Kitty that she may have seen a ghost that is a local legend. In addition to Kitty and Matt, several other wedding guests are in attendance.
Before Matt can even arrive, there is a murder and the suspects are Kitty's fellow guests. Although the local constable isn't thrilled, Kitty's uncle pulls some strings so that Matt and Kitty can investigate. The other wedding guests are an interesting mix of characters. This book probably featured one of the strongest mysteries in the series as well as some substantial developments in Matt and Kitty's relationship. The very end features a new development in the mystery surrounding Kitty's mother that has me very excited for the next title in the series.
1934, Yorkshire, law-enforcement, family, family-dynamics, friendship, country-house, cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth, private-investigators, murder, murder-investigation, relatives, unpleasant-guests, situational-humor, historical-fiction*****
First, this is not an unbiased review because I love the characters and plots in this series. For those who haven't read any of the others, this can stand alone, but why? Despite being part of a series, you can't feel like you're out of the loop because the author keeps inserting useful tidbits. Kitty (who runs her grandmother's hotel), and her partner in solving crimes, Matthew (ex-army now a private eye), as well as her maid, Alice (who is more friend than servant), are faced with a murder now while staying with Kitty's friends who are getting married. There is a drama queen or two, irascible grumps of both genders, a mother-in-law who keeps appropriating things, a pesky puppy, and a very grumpy policeman. And plot twists, red herrings, a possible ghost, and some good sleuthing. Loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!
The Miss Underhay mystery series has been a favourite ever since I discovered it, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of Murder at the Wedding.
I honestly enjoyed this book so much. I love Kitty and Matt, they are both great characters. I love their slowly developing relationship, and the fact that it’s progressing over the course of so many wonderful stories. It’s so much more rewarding than a whirlwind romance.
Murder at the Wedding takes place at Thurscomb Castle, where friends and family are gathered for Kitty’s cousin Lucy’s wedding. The setting is atmospheric and a great place for a murder mystery. It was fun to spend more time with Lucy, who is another character that I really like.
The mystery was a good one, it kept me guessing until the end. With so many people who were suspicious, or not very likeable, for one reason or another, there was a excellent pool of suspects.
And what an ending! I can’t say more without spoilers, but it was really excellent. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Overall, this was a wonderful story, with a great murder mystery, and a continuing romance. I recommend it, and the whole series.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
Kitty Underhay and beau Matt Bryant are back in this English historical cozy series set post WWI. Kitty is a bridesmaid at her cousin Lucy's wedding at an old and slightly sketchy English castle. It seems several of the groom's former friends have become not so wonderful -- scandalous personal behavior and discredited political views. But wedding plans roll on.
Several days before the wedding, the servant of one of the groomsmen is shot dead by a sniper. Was he the target -- or was it his employer? Before the week is out, there is another dead body. The local constabulary is not up to snuff in their investigative prowess so Matt and Kitty are called upon to help.
Kitty and Matt are very appealing characters, smart, forthright and modern in their viewpoints. It's always enjoyable to spend time with them. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
One minor gritch: I enjoy this series and always look forward to the next one. It's not necessary, in fact it's annoying, that the author feels she has to end with a teaser for the next in line.
This is the first book that I have read in this series by Helena Dixon and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were references to events in the previous books but they did not detract from the actual story.
Kitty Underhay is attending the wedding of her cousin Lucy at a castle in Yorkshire. During a walk, one of the guest’s valets is shot dead. It’s assumed that the murderer shot him accidentally instead of one of the guests, a junior cabinet minister who has received death threats. Kitty’s boyfriend, Matt is a private investigator and between they begin to carry out their own investigation into the murder.
The period, 1934, is conveyed well with political details as well as the normal details of clothing etc that bring the period to life. Mystery novels written about this period are in quite a crowded market and there are some very good authors writing about amateur detectives in the 1920s and 30s. However, this book carried me along nicely and I was interested in both the plot and the characters. Kitty and Matt are a likeable pairing and the supporting characters were well written. The mystery is cleverly plotted with some interesting twists and turns and an exciting climax. Definitely one to read for anyone who enjoys this type of murder mystery.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Murder at the wedding by Helena Dixon
This is my first book by this author. Kitty has been invited to a wedding of Captain Matthew Bryan by her cousin which is been held in yoirkshire. The captain has been delayed to join the ladies on their trip. This is the 7th book in the series and is set in 1934 I wouod recommend reading the others before this one so you get to know Kitty better. If course there's a murder till death do is part or is there more. Fantastic book.
I felt like this book took me to another place whereas I was watching a movie that's never been seen before. I had heart palpitations whislt reading as I needed to know what was happening next I read this whole book in a day.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. This one sees Kitty and Matt attend cousin Lucy’s wedding, and try to solve two murders. Enjoyable as always, with loved characters. This one wasn’t set in Dartmoor, which I missed, but a change can be good. And I was happy with the ending... 😉❤️
Kitty Underhay is a favorite series and I loved Murder at the Wedding! Cousin Lucy is getting married at her fiancé's family home, which is falling down around them. As every old English estate should have, there are rumors of a ghost and if it is seen, is a harbinger for a death in the family. Lucy has seen the ghost and worried that it means Rupert's impending doom, asks Kitty to investigate. But he is not the victim. Kitty and Matt investigate and come up with plenty of suspects among the wedding guests, I love the way Matt and Kitty's relationship has evolved and the characters have developed. An interesting plot with a few good twists a surprise at the end, and you have a good mystery! Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #MurderattheWedding.
Thoroughly enjoyed the 7th Miss Underhay instalment and wish i had the next one to read
Not set in the usual Devon and the Dolphin Hotel instead we head to Yorkshire to witness the wedding between Kitty's cousin Lucy and her fiancee. however its not long before a murder happens
Advanced read from Netgalley
Fabulous murder mystery
Till death do us part may come sooner than they thought…
1934. Kitty Underhay steps out of the battered Rolls Royce and onto the gravelled driveway of Thurscomb Castle in deepest Yorkshire. She’s honoured to be a bridesmaid at her cousin Lucy’s wedding to the reluctant Lord Rupert Woodcomb, but as family and friends gather for welcome drinks, Kitty dodges intrusive questions about her own marital status by taking a stroll about the castle grounds. As she passes through the manicured gardens, a fatal shot rings out…
The valet, Evans, is dead. And Kitty can’t help but notice how rattled the man standing next to him seems. Could Rupert’s best man, The Right Honourable Alexander ‘Sandy’ Galsworthy, believe the speeding bullet was meant for him?
When she discovers that Sandy has been receiving blackmail notes, Kitty suspects that one of the assembled guests has plans to make good on their threats. The local constabulary won’t act on Kitty’s hunch, so, busy with her bridesmaid’s duties, she asks her beau, ex-army captain Matthew Bryant, to help.
The ceremony passes without a hitch. But when an anxious Sandy slips away during the dancing, Matt follows, only to make a hideous discovery: Sandy is dead, flattened on the terrace by some falling masonry.
Now the duo are sure that there is a murderer within the castle walls. But can they untangle Sandy’s final hours and catch this killer before they strike again, or will the wedding bells be replaced by a death knell for Kitty herself.
If you are wanting a great escape this is exactly the book you will want to read. You will be so glad you did – I know I was glad I got to read it.
Castle Bound….
The seventh in this enjoyable series finds our intrepid, yet entirely accidental amateur sleuth, Kitty in deepest Yorkshire about to be bridesmaid for cousin Lucy at her forthcoming nuptials and bound for Thurscomb Castle. As to be expected not everything goes according to plan. With a new backdrop and some new cast members the story works equally well and turns an entertaining mystery with a satisfying country house feel.
A wedding is a time for meeting friends and family, buying new outfits, having fun and eating cake, at least Kitty Underhay is hoping that is how her cousin Lucy's forthcoming nuptials will pan out. Unfortunately, as they are unable to marry in Devon, everyone is heading to her fiancé, Lord Rupert Woodcomb's castle in Yorkshire and, even in May, it is cold and a little neglected.
With her maid and friend, Alice, Kitty is determined to enjoy herself even if her beau, Captain Matt Bryant, has been delayed and is unable to travel with them. The newly assembled guests are a mix of friends and strangers and not all of them are planning to enter into the spirit of the festivities. When a member of one of the guest's party is killed Kitty and the newly arrived Matt realise they can no longer be just guests. Beginning their investigation they have to decide whether the deceased was in fact the murderer's intended target or if everyone is still in considerable danger.
This is the seventh in the Kitty Underhay series and once again most of the now familiar group of characters are present. Although not set in Devon and without the familiarity of the Dolphin Hotel, or the willingness of Inspector Greville to include Kitty and Matt in his investigations, Yorkshire is an altered but no less successful working environment for our main protagonists. The opportunity to hint how the storyline in the forthcoming eighth book will concentrate on things which were left tantalisingly unresolved here has definitely been realised and is an exciting prospect!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this easy-going, cosy crime adventure which is a great addition to this series.
There are some books that you cannot put down and you read really fast, I got this one the afternoon of day X. Day X at midnight I was at 60% and, after some mundane things like working/sleeping/eating, I finished it.
It was a very satisfying reading experience, I thoroughly enjoyed it and had a lot fun as it's engrossing and highly entertaining.
This is the best in this excellent series so far but I can only assume that the next one will even be better (and can't wait to read it)
It's a complex story, full of twists and red herrings. The author did an excellent job in using some of the Golden Age tropes: the country house, the possible haunting, the limited number of suspects, the secrets.
I couldn't put it down as I wanted to know who-did-it and why. The solution was not totally unexpected but I would have never guessed the motive.
I was happy to catch up with Kitty and Matt. They're clever people able to put together the clues.
Ms Dixon is a very good storyteller, the historical background is vivid and the characters are fleshed out.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine