The idea behind this book was great but I did not love the story itself. It didn't leave me wanting to continue as my favorite books do.

Ottilia is in the country visiting her recently widowed brother when her nephews discover a body. Tillie has been inactive due to her pregnancy and so is very happy to take on the investigation. The victim is an obnoxious, vicious man that everyone is happy to see dead, which makes pinpointing a likely suspect difficult. Added to that are the discovery of some (to Ottilia) shocking, adulterous liaisons. Characters new and old enliven the story and the solution is satisfactorily complicated. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one which will hopefully include some of the new chartacters introduced here.

When her sister-in-law dies, Lady Fan visits her brother, planning only a short visit to him and his two sons. But when a body is found hanging in the local woods - and the evidence shows that it wasn't suicide, despite being framed that way - it's clear their visit isn't going to be as short as planned. Fortunately, Lord Francis has come around to the idea of her helping, and is actively supporting her investigation - but all too many people had good reason to hate the dead man. Can Lady Fan find the culprit, or will this be the time she fails?

It was great to see Francis and Ottilia smoothing things out between them again - their relationship has always been good to watch, and while problems are a realistic thing to show, it's great to see them working through them and coming out stronger than ever. In terms of the murder, I can't say I worked any of it out - it kept me guessing right through to the end, but it did work well. And the ending, while unconventional, was definitely satisfying. It was also nice to see more of Ben and Tom. I have fairly mixed feelings about Patrick's side story, but it is at least handled cleanly. All in all, a good read and I look forward to more Lady Fan in future - and finding out the gender of her offspring!

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Another strong effort by Elizabeth Bailey!

Thanks to the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

What follows is my own opinion on the book.

I have read all the books in the Lady Fan series and I have never been disappointed!

This time we find Tillie and Francis at Patrick's house after his wife's death.

Mystery is following Tillie everywhere she goes and the corpse of a universally hated man is found in the woods. Will Tillie find the culprit? The possible perpetrators are many and everyone has a strong motive.

As usual the characters are well written, the plot well thought out and the story always interesting.

Can't wait for the next book!

Why have I never hear of this series before???? I do believe I’ve found my newest obsession.

Book 10 of the Lady Fan mystery series finds the heroine investigating the hanging death of a disliked magistrate. With so many people as suspects how will she ever find the murderer???

Having never read the prior novels I was concerned I would be unable to jump in at this juncture but I found it to be an amazing read. Easily able to be read as a stand alone mystery. I have to say that I will definitely read the prior novels now though.
Wonderfully funny and intriguing with a headstrong and delightful heroine!!

Special thanks to NetGalley, Elizabeth Bailey, and Sapere Books for the chance to read this ARC for my honest review!

Another great entry into what is for me a must read series. Lots of suspects in this one as the victim is the most hated man in the district. This time Lady Fan has 2 able assistants in her nephews so we get to see much more of them and her brother in this latest instalment which moves along at a good pace. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.