This cozy mystery was so good. I love Eleanor and her little puppy dog, Gladstone. Eleanor sees a murder but when she tries to investigate there is no body. A few days later a body is found somewhere completely different from where she saw the murder. No one believes her. They think she was seeing things. Of course she is sure and cannot let this go. We get to read the story of what she will go through to get to the truth. I love the twists. I cannot wait to read the next in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

3 out of 5 Stars

A great first entry to a what could a be long running mystery series with a great deal of potential.

This was a fun little cozy mystery. I liked the shenanigans the mc got herself into and found the mystery fun. The love interests were cute but not my favorite part.

I did this as an audio. I found the narrator engaging and easy to listen to. I'd definitely keep reading this series. It's light and cute and definitely cozy.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Thank you to Verity Bright, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to what was supposed to be a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bookouture did not notify me of their approving my request, however, so I failed to download the ARC before it was archived a few days later. I had to buy a copy in order to review it and stop it counting against my NetGalley feedback ratio. Publishers aren't required to notify reviewers of approval, but in all my years using NetGalley, this was the first time one didn't.

To their credit, Bookouture has sent notifications since, so I forgive them. Also, I can't be too mad when they're the reason this wonderful book came into my life.

I adored this story. I adored Ellie, I adored Clifford, I adored Gladstone, I adored the other staff, I adored Ellie's similarities to Veronica Speedwell, I adored the mystery. Even Lancelot--I didn't want to like him, because he seems like a jackass, but he's sweet and kind, too . . . his help at the end sealed the deal. That was awesome. I'm not convinced he and Ellie will end up together--their chemistry strikes me as more fraternal--but I understand her crush on him.

Inspector Whatshisname has love interest potential as well. But she had the most chemistry with Clifford. I had to keep reminding myself that he's as old as if not older than her parents' generation and is likely just meant to be a mentor, good friend, and parental figure. I loved their relationship most.

I guessed whodunit as soon as we met them--not sure how; they were just too ready to agree with Ellie, I guess, came off as super insincere, like a politician making promises they have no intention of keeping--but I didn't care, I just looked forward to watching Ellie investigate on her own. The story was well paced and well written.

I'm SUPER bummed to find out that this series isn't available at my library--isn't available to even request via Libby. I'll have to wait until I've stocked up some credits on Audible. Spent my last two on this and another book when I shouldn't have needed to. >_< You can bet I'm checking my NetGalley shelves more frequently now.

Narrated by Karen Cass ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Story by Verity Bright ⭐⭐⭐

I really enjoyed Lady Swift and this is definitely a series I would happily continue with.

This is my first time hearing or trying this author and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books. I love this Agatha Christie genre.

A Very English Murder is the first installment of the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series. Eleanor Swift is a woman of nobility that has pretty much circumnavigated the globe through various adventures. It's 1920, when she returns to England from South Africa when her uncle dies and collects her inheritance. Eleanor's uncle brought her in as a young girl, after her parents disappeared. On one of her first nights back in England, Eleanor is walking her dog and witnesses a murder. Because of rain, she can't tell much about the events. Eleanor dives into investigating the murder herself, when the authorities don't take her serious because the body went missing. Throughout the novel, the reader is introduced to a cast of characters from the local village. Verity Bright keeps the reader guessing the circumstances of the murder and who the culprit may be.

***This review, expressing my honest opinion, is voluntary, and I extend my gratitude to Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley for providing the Audio ARC***

Lady Eleanor Swift, having returned from her globe-trotting adventures, now assumes ownership of Henley Hall, her ancestral estate, following the passing of her uncle, Lord Henley. Despite being under her uncle's guardianship since the disappearance of her parents, their relationship remained distant, with him dispatching her off to boarding school.

On her inaugural night at Henley Hall, Eleanor, accompanied by her uncle's bulldog, Gladstone, takes a stroll and witnesses a man through the window of a workman's hut. To her horror, moments later, the man is murdered. However, when the police arrive the next day, the quarry gates are locked, and the body is nowhere to be found. Feeling disregarded by the authorities, Eleanor compiles a list of suspects and takes it upon herself to unravel the mystery.

Set against the backdrop of the 1920s, this cozy mystery unfolds as a delightful tale. Lady Eleanor Swift emerges as a modern and independent investigator, bringing a refreshing dynamic to the narrative. Clifford, her uncle's butler, assumes the role of her aide and confidant, revealing hidden depths that hint at a more intricate past involving her uncle. The story, written with a light and humorous touch, serves as an engaging introduction to what promises to be an intriguing series. There's a sense that the enigma surrounding Eleanor's uncle and parents holds more revelations to be unveiled in subsequent installments.

I have so far read and enjoyed eight Lady Eleanor Swift's crime solving adventures (books 3- 10) and have been meaning to catch up with her earlier and further adventures. Thanks to Bookouture, I got to listen to the audiobook of the very first book in the series when it popped up as a 'Listen Now' ALC on NetGalley a month ago. This is the first time I have listened to a book in this series and Karen Cass did an amazing job bringing the characters (that I have come to adore) to life!

Once again, a big thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio and the author Verity Bright for the ALC.

Ok this is one of my favorite styles of cozy mysteries! Set in the early 1900s with a badass woman who doesn’t like gender roles. The narrator brought the story to life and I could not stop listening!! I did hate the amount of men trying to stop the main character but the ending twist was incredible!!
And just in case the publisher wants someone to listen to all of the audio books in this series I would happily volunteer :)

In 1920, after years of great adventures traveling to exotic locations in China, Africa, South America (just to name a few,) Eleanor Swift has arrived at one of the most remote and isolated areas of the world - the small village in England when was home to her uncle, Lord Henley. It is here, that her next adventure begins.

Eleanor's parents died when she was young and her uncle became her guardian, She spent very little time with him, however, as he thought it best to send her off to boarding schools. Now, Lord Henley has passed on and Eleanor is the new Lady of Henley Hall. While she does enjoy being called "Lady Swift", she does not fancy being tied down to a place she feels no real connection or with people with whom she feels even less affiliation.

It is when Eleanor tries to escape the manor and the especially her uncle's overbearing and critical butler, Clifford, that she goes for walk with Gladstone, her late uncle's dog. A storm kicks up and as she searches for shelter, she witnesses a man being shot in the field. She manages to get back to Henley Hall and to tell the police what she has witnessed, but when she takes them to the scene, there is no body.

The good Lady Swift is no village girl who can be convinced that she did not truly see the things she believes, She is woman who has had many adventures and will not simply sit back and let the local men pat her on her head, With the unlikely partnership of Clifford, she begins to investigate who was killed, how and why. This puts her in danger and she is uncertain of who she can trust.

The husband and wife writing team of Verity Bright have created the first of a wonderful series of escapades for Lady Eleanor Swift. Those who love Phryne Fischer will find this first book of the series a delight! I listened to the audio book and found narrator Karen Cass gave a incredible performance in fleshing out the characters on the page of this cozy mystery

My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the US ALC of this book. I look forward to reading more as they become available!

The first in this now prolific cozy mystery series in audio form! This is the first Eleanor Swift mystery and it finds her going back to her newly inherited estate. When she is out for a walk one evening, she sees a murder. However, when she goes back with the police, there is no body and few people believe her. However, the body does eventually turn up, and Eleanor is determined to find the culprit.

I think this one started a little slow but then about halfway through I was really into the mystery! I think part of the first half was having to set up Eleanor's new life. I love Gladstone too, her trusty bulldog.

I absolutely adore the Lady Eleanor books, and though this is a re-read for me, it was such a delight to revisit the first book in the series, this time in audiobook form.

I hope this is a sign that the rest of the series will finally be available in audiobook format in the US. The narrator for this book does a wonderful job, and I would love to revisit the rest of the series on audiobook, and would also hope that an additional format might help this extremely underrated historical mystery series gain a boost in readership.

Easily the best historical murder mystery story I've ever read! The characters were realistic and engaging, the plot was interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat, and the narrator herself did a fantastic job!

I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment in the Lady Eleanor Swift cozy mystery series. From the start I was interested in the characters and the mystery. The action starts right away, and we continue to meet characters throughout the story. The plot was fairly predictable, but that is to be expected with a cozy, and sometimes that's exactly what I want to read.

The narrator did a great job as well.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for a free copy of #AVeryEnglishMurder by Verity Bright. All opinions are my own.

What a cute story. I like Lady Eleanor and interesting mystery she accidently got involved in. The love interests could prove interesting. Betting she goes with the bad boy. I would definitely read more from this series.

Book Title: A Very English Murder
Series: A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #1
Author: Verity Bright
Narrator: Karen Cass
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Copy Mystery
Audiobook Pub Date was April 7, 2020
My Rating: 4.5 rounded up
Pages: 302


Story setting is, of course England and the time period is 1920.
Young Eleanor Swift has suddenly become Lady Swift upon the death of her uncle, Lord Henley; additionally inherited his estate.
It has been sixteen years since she lived at Henley Hall and it is now her home.
She is greeted by Clifford the butler and smiles as he appears to be exactly the same.
She was convinced that all butlers were born a certain age at which they stayed until they disappeared
in a puff of discreet smoke. For a good servant would never die on his employer, that would be just too
inconvenient.
I totally pictured the staff from Downton Abby lining up, when Clifford was doing these introductions!
Before meeting the staff, Eleanor first meets and make a connection with Gladstone, her uncle’s bulldog; they both are pleased to be friends. While taking Gladstone for a walk in the countryside she gets lost in the rain and looking for shelter she spots a hut on the estate. Before entering the hut she witnesses a man being shot; then sees someone quickly leave on a motorcycle. When she finally gets in the hut, there is no body. She quickly notifies the Police only they are of no help without a body;
Eleanor decided to take the manner into her hands.

With the help of Clifford and the staff, they discover that Mr. Atkins a neighbor was found dead in his bed with - what is believed to be a fatal self-inflected gunshot wound.
Clifford soon becomes a lot of help. One of the advantages of being a servant is that other servants are willing to talk to one another and share information that they may not share if anyone else. He becomes a great as well as calming sleuthing sidekick.
I just loved this and am ready to put another Lady Swift’s Book my TBR shelf. Wait a minute the series is now up to #17 – where have I been???
I enjoyed the story and love the characters – move over Stephanie Plum.
Audiobook narrator Karen Cass is awesome in performing all the characters. She made a fun story even more enjoyable.
I love the language and the way they explain simple things was either beautifully said or had me laughing out loud!
. I read a lot of thriller and today’s characters use one word- a f-bomb to explaining/describe every all emotions. Totally annoying.
About the author ~ Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humor, before embarking on their first historical mystery.

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this audiobook..
Publishing Release Date was April 7, 2020

I do love a feisty protagonist, keen to push against the boundaries of their situation, and Lady Swift, who has no intention of being at all Ladyish, is just such. Delightful but a tad too impetuous this a great start for a new golden age sleuth, who I look forward to hearing about again..

I can't be alone in enjoying 'cosy' crime novels with an art deco cover and 1920s setting - there are plenty of novels around that fit that brief so people must buy them. 'A Very English Murder' is an example of sub-Christie detective fiction, and first in a long series. The protagonist is Lady Eleanor Swift, a young aristocrat who has spent her twenties travelling the world on a bicycle, and has just returned to the stately pile she's inherited from her uncle. The home comes complete with jolly servants, an inscrutable butler, and a bulldog named Gladstone. And she's barely been back an hour before witnessing an apparent murder in a nearby quarry, which she takes it upon herself to investigate when the police don't seem interested.

Eleanor is a likeable enough character, and I enjoyed Clifford the butler despite his being a cliche. The bulldog is cute as well. The plot is acceptable - it's not particularly hard to guess whodunnit, and you have to suspend your disbelief as is usual in the genre. It's not remarkable in any way but it's pleasant and enjoyable enough.

It makes a good audiobook and is easy listening. I enjoyed having it on whilst I did chores and in the evening as it was undemanding and mildly entertaining. Sometimes that's exactly what you need from a book. I'd happily read or listen to another in the series, although I don't feel it's essential to do so. If you are looking for something along these lines, then it's a good choice. I would say it delivers exactly what you would expect when choosing it - a harmless diversion with some mild peril and a Christie-esque setting.

Anyone who is a fan of English mysteries will definitely want to pick up the first installment in bestselling author, Verity Bright’s (actually a husband/wife team) Lady Eleanor Swift series, A Very English Murder. I chose to listen to the audio version, and it made the book especially “English” due to the excellent narration by Karen Cass, who has a proper English accent and sets the tone for the book. Lady Eleanor (Ellie) has just inherited her late uncle’s estate, and while she has just returned from a long adventure, isn’t excited to move into Henley Hall, which is located in the boring town of Chipstone, and is nonplussed over the happenings there compared to her worldwide adventures. However, while taking a walk in the evening, she witnesses a murder in the nearby quarry, and when she contacts the police, finds they aren’t interested and refuse to investigate since the body has disappeared. When she finds that one of her uncle’s closest friends and someone she knew from childhood has been murdered, she takes on the role of an amateur sleuth to find the murderer.

Bright does an excellent job of introducing her characters; Ellie, the protagonist, is delightful, and is joined by sub-characters such as the staff of the manor, a soon-to-be Lord who may end up being a romantic interest, and an elderly dog, Gladstone. Set in the 1920s, the story flows – Bright is an excellent storyteller – and keeps her readers on the edge. While this is a cozy, it has plenty of suspense building scenarios, as well as a bit of humor. It is historically correct as to the era and the mores of the day regarding royalty.

I highly recommend the audio version, since hearing it makes you feel you are actually in the UK with the characters. However, the kindle version is also very fun to read. Both versions are suitable for all ages. This is a series that will make readers take note and read each subsequent installment of the series.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

I loved this book! Lady Eleanor Swift and Clifford, her butler, are delightful characters and had me in stitches as Clifford educates headstrong Ellie on how to be Lady of the House, the importance of Elevenses, Cockney Rhyming Slang and the lack of turbans in Madagascar!

I loved the anecdotes Clifford told Ellie about her late uncle, from whom she has inherited the house, the staff and the only creature Ellie can really trust, Gladstone the dog.

Of course, there is a serious side to this story, as Ellie witnesses a murder that the police are very keen to cover up. Super-sleuth Ellie refuses to let it drop. As the body count goes up, Ellie finds herself in danger and has to question whether she can trust Clifford, local heartthrob, Lancelot Fenwick-Langham, or the police themselves.

I enjoyed every minute of this audiobook, which was brilliantly narrated by Karen Cass and will definitely watch out for more in this series.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Verity Bright and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.