The tenth book in this marvelous series and long may it continue!!!

It is now May 1912. There is a fire at the village Art Exhibition and several precious articles are stolen. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are on the case, happily assisting the police and using all their special skills. There is even a hunt for lost treasure which leads to a very suspenseful and dangerous conclusion.

This is such a good series - I look forward to reading each one as it is published. The author is very well informed and writes extremely well with many entertaining comments, and clever dialogue between her ladyship and her 'tiny servant'.

There are hints at the end of this story that the daring duo are about to return to their espionage days in the next book. I can't wait.

A good continuation of the series, with a couple of mysteries that we try to solve; plenty of red herrings and lots of clues for us to sort through. The friendly side characters are fun as always.

May 1912 and it's the Little Cotterell Augural Art Exhibition. During a fire several items are stolen but why and by whom. Is the death of a cyclist connected or not. Then a pair of treasure hunters appear at The Grange. Can Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong solve these mysteries while Inspector Sunderland also investigates.
An entertaining cozy historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Theft. Treasure. Murder. In this outing Flo and Lady H have three mysteries to solve in their hometown of Littleton Cottrell. I was very glad to discover that this tenth book is set largley in the village as opposed to some of the recent books wherein much of the action happened in Bristol (etc) as the city setting doesn't have the same quirky country charm. All the wonderful and eccentric villagers make an appearance (or at least rate a mention) as well as a number of possibly nefarious newcomers. All the charm, witty banter, bicycles, historic detail and red herrings you could ask for. This is probably me favourite in the series so far.

I do have one worry about the future. It's 1912 and war is drawing ever closer. It seems clear that Lady H and Flo will be called on to resume their spying careers when the war starts, if not sooner, but I don't want to read about that. I'd rather they stay in their quaint village and stick to mysteries that only have high stakes for the people immediately involved in them rather than working for king and country. Yes, I'll probably still read them and like them, but I don't think I'd enjoy them as utterly as I have this book.

I received an ARC from Netgalley

Thank you so much to NetGalley and TE Kinsey for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Fire at the Exhibition coming out September 5, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

May 1912. After last year’s horrible heatwave, it’s been an uneventful spring in Littleton Cotterell. For Lady Hardcastle and her devoted lady’s maid Flo, at least there are delights of the village’s inaugural art exhibition and bicycle race.

But at the exhibition opening, there’s a shout of ‘Fire!’ In the confusion, the main display—an extremely expensive book—is stolen as is an invaluable painting lent by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud. Then the race ends in a shocking death. To top it all off, the Farley-Strouds reveal they’re in debt and might lose their property.

The sleuthing team soon find themselves torn between a murder investigation, an art theft mystery, and trying to help their friends. Will they be able to solve the cases and restore order to their town?

This is actually the first book I’ve read by this author. I have other books in this series. I thought it was a fun and cozy read. I love English village stories where everyone seems to know each other. I think it was pretty light on the murder investigation and seemed to be more about what was going on with the bicycle race and Lady Hardcastle and Flo. I probably would’ve liked to see a little more with the fire and investigation, but I really enjoyed it otherwise.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys small village mysteries set in the past!

It is the titular exhibition rather than the fire that is the crux of this 10th entry in this entertaining series featuring Emily, Lady Hardcastle, and her sassy maid and sidekick Florence Armstrong. A local moneybag, Basil Westbury, has commissioned a one-of-a-kind book of the complete works of Shakespeare, a book literally encrusted in jewels and gold. When Westbury kindly agrees to its being shown off at the first annual Littleon Cotterell Art Exhibition, thieves set a fire as a distraction and make off with the book and two other artworks. Just the kind of case that’s up Emily and Flo’s alley!

That’s just the first of three mysteries in A Fire at the Exhibition. Author T.E. Kinsey never disappoints; I had so much fun meeting up with Lady Hardcastle and all of her friends. Lots of quips, humor and twists and turns make this a five-star read.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK in exchange for an honest review.

Littleton Cotterell's inaugural art exhibition was something the village was looking forward to, with the drawcard being a very expensive book, which would have a security detail, plus a painting and bust lent by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud of the Grange. Lady Hardcastle and Flo were there, along with the whole village it seemed, and when a shout of "Fire" rippled through the crowd, panic saw everyone rushing to the entrance to escape. Flo and Lady H went back inside once all were out, as they couldn't see flames. What they found was a missing book, plus Sir Hector's two items also gone, and no evidence of how it happened. Lady H and Flo were immediately on the case.

The bicycle race which was to take place the following day - Sunday - saw many competitors, as well as Lady H and Flo who joined the gentile part of the ride. But one of the main competitors was missing at the end of the race. Where was he and why hadn't he checked in on completion? The discovery of his body two days later saw Inspector Sunderland join the local police plus Flo and Lady H. But would they be able to spread their talents over all that was happening? They needed, rather desperately, to solve and locate Sir Hector's losses...

A Fire at the Exhibition is #10 in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by author T.E. Kinsey and once again, I loved it. Laughing out loud on multiple occasions, the interaction between Lady H and her devoted maid, Flo, gets me every time! So well written, the series is a delight to read, and I hope there are many more to come. Highly recommended.

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

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “A Fire at the Exhibition.” All opinions and comments are my own.

Lady Hardcastle and Flo are their usual bantering selves, but readers get a chance to discover more about neighbors the Farley-Strouds, Sir Hector and Lady Farley-Stroud (Gertie by name), as family heirlooms go a’missing in “A Fire at the Exhibition,” the latest in the historical mystery series by T.E. Kinsey. A series that never fails to entertain while providing a chance for mystery readers to exercise their brain cells in puzzle-solving. And this one is a puzzle to the end.

A fire at the village hall concealing the theft of an unusual book is mystery enough, but when valued artwork that belongs to the Farley-Strouds disappear at the same time, well, Lady H and Flo, her “tiny servant,“ will do all they can to help their friends, especially if it will keep them from losing their home, “The Grange.”

This quest is one thing, but then there’s the bicycle race that was part of the festivities; and a dead bicyclist. You didn’t think that we’d get by without a dead body, did you? And treasure hunters, looking for “war spoils” left behind on the Farley-Strouds’ estate by a long-forgotten owner of the property. There’s enough suspicious goings-on in this one to fill a book… oh! Good thing author Kinsey’s been busy in that regard. Do try to keep up, gentle reader.

In a mini drawing room scene, Lady H explains it all. Just another example of T.E. Kinsey’s ingenious way of bringing all the little bits of plotting together, to a satisfactory conclusion. And thanks to the old and new saviours of “The Grange,” Sir Hector will be able to continue to give his beloved wife a new pet name every time he talks to her. Life will go on at Littleton Cotterell, for the vast amusement and entertainment of us all.

An Author’s Note explains the real-life underpinnings of the story. Including what Rolls-Royce would have you know about their motor cars, and slang terms for money, among much else. You’ll enjoy reading it as much as the rest of “The Fire at the Exhibition.”

It is May of 1912, and the small village of Littleton Cotterell is welcoming the summer season with various activities, featuring an art exhibition followed by a community bicycle ride through the countryside. We meet Lady Emily Hardcastle and her maid, Flo Armstrong, as they join their fellow villagers in the discussion of the upcoming activities. Life in the village is upended when there is a fire at the exhibition on the opening day and its main attraction is stolen. Things get worse when the bicycle ride ends in the shocking death of one of the villagers.

Lady Hardcastle and Flo throw themselves into the investigation of the events, as they try to save an aging couple from imminent ruin. In the process, they meet a mysterious person from Flo’s past, a couple of treasure hunters, and an unpleasant insurance investigator. As they advance in the investigation, the situation turns more dangerous when the guilty party zeroes in on their ultimate objective.
Thoughts
This is a delightful, entertaining cozy mystery featuring two strong, intelligent female main characters who complement each other. Lady Hardcastle is brilliant in her eccentricity and her quick mind. Her use of elaborate words reminds me of Moira Rose. Flo’s sarcasm and practicality is refreshing and provides the perfect balance to Lady Hardcastle’s flamboyance. The setting is interesting and can be easily imagined, as the author conveys the slow, tranquil life of the village and the quiet opulence of Emily’s life. The pace of the novel is on the slow side but appropriate to the story and the setting.
I loved the feminist tone of these two women in unconventional roles, the verbal humor and clever dialogue. I loved the sense of friendship and the care for neighbors. I also enjoyed that most secondary female characters are strong as well. The ending is satisfying and left me wanting to know more about the main protagonists’ upcoming adventures.
This is the tenth book in a series, but I did not need to read any of the previous novels to follow the story. If you are a fan of historical cozy mysteries, fun characters and dialogue, small village settings, and clever female characters, this book is surely for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in return for an honest review.
#NetGalley#bookstagram#AFireattheExhibition#booklover#netgalleyreviewer#bookstagrammer#bookreviews#goodreads#netgalleyreviews#bookstagram#booktrovert#booklover

Right after the May Day Celebration, Littleton Cotterell starts the summer season with an art exhibit. The Farley-Strouts submit a painting of the Grange from the eighteenth century by Summerhays, and an alabaster bust of the man who owned previously owned the Grange. The wealthy Mr. Westbury was showing a special edition of Shakespeare's works, and hired two guards to stand by it through the show. When the show opens, it is jam packed, and suddenly someone shouts there is a fire. Everyone rushes out the front and side doors. Later, the fire company determines there was a fire in a bucket in the office. However, the valuable Shakespeare, and the Summerhays painting and bust belonging to the Farley-Strouts have disappeared.

Shortly thereafter is the big Woodworthy and Littleton Cotterell Bicycle race put on by the Bicycle Club. Lady Hardcastle and Flo participated in the Convivial Ride which followed the intense racers. However, one of the Bicycle Club's leaders, who was near the front of the racers never registered his return. Later he is found dead just off the race route. Flo and Lady Hardcastle have their work cut out to help Detective Sunderland find a murderer and a thief. A young brother and sister, the Freeds, are staying at the pub, and trying to find a treasure at the Grange. Hopefully, either they will find a hidden treasure and help out the Farley-Strouds, or the painting will be found and can be sold before the Farley-Strouds lose the Grange.

I thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for the ARC.

A Fire at the Exhibition felt like a cozy visit with old friends! Lady Hardcastle and her maid Florence Armstrong find themselves—once again—in the thick of village goings-on. Except, this time, there's a fire and a theft with few clues.

The pace of this tale felt more relaxed than some of their adventures. I didn't even think there was going to be a murder, at first! There are bicycle rides and picnics and many a tea with friends and neighbors. And this time, Lady Hardcastle seems to keep her ideas about the case a bit more close to her chest, in a very Sherlock or Poirot style. But in the end, we find out what was in her brain all along. And there's even a scene or two dangerous enough for Flo to pull out her tricks.

You'll appreciate this tale best if you've read the other Lady Hardcastle adventures, but it could be read on its own.

The latest in the Lady Hardcastle series sees the intrepid duo tackling a theft at exhibition in the village to try and help their friends the Farley Strouds, but getting somewhat distracted by the murder of a cyclist. T E Kinsey has created a charming world to drop into and is making the most of the changes that were happening in society around this time to help with the plots. This has gentry struggling to make ends meet as well as the rise of new forms of transportation - and the changes it started to have on society. It's also got an old university rival of Lady Hardcastle's to provide some interest and a bit more of Flo's background and family history. All in all an enjoyable way to spent an afternoon. You don't have to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this, but it will help.

A cute cozy mystery for when you really don’t want to think much. I have read the first in the series previously and enjoyed it so I knew I would enjoy this one.. because it’s set in a village it does kinda drag because the limit of places which is why the 4 stars. But overall a great mystery

England, historical-novel, historical-research, historical-setting, cozy-mystery, laugh-out-loud, laugh-riot, situational-humor, verbal-humor, punny, women-sleuths, 1910s, investigation, small-town, local-law-enforcement, theft, class-consciousness, friends, friendship, light-hearted, ex-spy, bicycles*****

This CANNOT be an unbiased review because I LOVE the Lady Hardcastle series!
This time Lady Hardcastle (ex-spy) and lady's maid Florence are helping friends find their stolen painting that went missing when a faux fire happened at a village event. They also met a young pair of treasure hunters and joined a race at the cycling club. Good sleuthing and a cast of zany characters!
The best part of every book in series is the great fun and giggles!
I requested and received a free EARC from Amazon Publishing UK/Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley. Thank you!

This series is a delight, and A Fire at the Exhibition is a great tenth addition. Lady Hardcastle and Flo are back. An art exhibition is being staged in the Littleton Cottrell village hall. A valuable book is stolen, as well as a painting owned by the Farley-Strouds. Emily and Flo have even more reason than usual to investigate, as the Farley-Strouds will lose their home unless the painting is found, so it can be sold with its counterpart.

There's also a bicycle race. New cyclists Emily and Flo join the race, only to be landed with a second mystery when one of the organizers goes missing and is later found dead.

Why you should read it: it's a great slice-of-life in a pre-WWI village in England. The characters are so much fun, and the mysteries are interesting. Emily and Flo are friends more than servant and employer, and their interactions with each other, and other village inhabitants are thoroughly enjoyable. There's a good amount of humor without devolving into silliness. Not quite Wodehouse, mostly because both of our protagonists are far and away smarter than Bertie Wooster, but there's a feel of it.

Why you shouldn't read it: I have no idea, really, unless you don't like cozy and/or historical mysteries. There's nothing to dislike and a whole lot to enjoy.

4 out of 5 stars. Recommended.

I received an advance copy from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Having read all the prior Lady Hardcastle mysteries, I knew I was in for a very enjoyable read.

What I enjoy most about the books in this series is the relationship between Emily and her maid Florence. They make the perfect sleuthing duo and they are jolly good chums rather than just a lady and her maid. TE Kinsey captures the atmosphere of the era so well in both speech and description.

Fire at the Exhibition is another roaring success, (pardon the pun) where are the two former spies are once again asked to help to solve a mystery. This time, they have theft, treasure and murder to deal with and my only reservation is that the ending seems a bit rushed when the culprits are finally revealed.

I was particularly pleased that the Farley-Strouds play a large part in this book, as I’m particularly fond of Hector’s many culinary nicknames for his wife!

Great fun to read as always, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. 5*

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest

Another in the delightfully tongue-in-cheek Flo and Lady H mysteries. Set in pre World War 1 England, featuring two ex secret operatives who also happen to be a titled lady and her actual but also pseudo maid. They both have quite interesting skill sets having to do with breaking and entering and self defense.

There is a local art exhibition in the village featuring a few things of value. During the opening day, a fire breaks out, and in the confusion an expensive book and a valuable portrait are stolen. There are a number of sub-plots featuring a bicycling club, friends in financial peril, and a mysterious woman who was part of Flo's circus past.

These books are quite charming and Flo and Lady H are formidable although they always underplay that. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really wanted to like this book but just couldn't get on with the writing style and use of English from yesteryear so gave up before the end of chapter one.

Another Hardcastle and Armstrong mystery this one was a lot of fun with missing art, a bicycle race,
the hunt for a missing treasure and of course a murder. The dialogue is as fun and clever as in all the books and a few new characters make the story more interesting.

Emily, Lady Hardcastle and her ladies maid, Florence are looking forward to the art exhibition at the village hall, including a jewel encrusted Shakespear folio and one of a pair of paintings lent by their pals at the grange Harold and Gertie, otherwise known as Lord and Lady Farley-Stroud. It is especially important that they find the painting because the Farley-Strouds will lose the Grange if they don't. Then there is the bicycle race they intend to ride in. All is going well until a fire sends everyone racing out of the hall in a panic. When the smoke clears, the painting and a plaster bust are missing as well as the jeweled folio. Things take a worse turn when one of the bicycle racers fails to check in and he is later found dead just off the race route.
Then there are the brother and sister treasure hunters who are just SURE there is a lost treasure of a previous owner ate the Grange.
As Emily and Flo chase down leads and dead ends, the culprit is nearer than they think. Of course they always get their man (or woman) and it really helps that the evildoers underestimate them. Just a little danger and turning the tables and all is revealed and the Grange is safe!
I would give it 10 stars if I could.