It is surprising that I somehow missed reading the previous book in the series. The only one that I’ve skipped since I first started listening to the books. I have not gone back and checked but I think almost all of the previous books I listened to instead of actually read them. I am glad I have had that experience because, as I read this one I could hear the conversation in the same jaunty performance that I’m accustomed to.

I enjoy the author’s historical notes at the end which puts the time and place into context. The contents of this story and the twists felt new and unexpected. This deep into a series it is extremely rewarding to feel like I’m still gaining more with the read.

Lady Hardcastle and Flo are discussing party plans when they are called to their duty serving their country. By now, most readers of this book would have known about at least a few of their previous exploits, so the author makes fewer references to past escapades. The times that recollections are brought out, it is in more detail and to be a part of the current adventure.

This time, a man was found dead but it is not the death itself that needs investigating. There are so many people who stand in our dashing duo’s way, and most of them do it in an annoying manner. Which is why when the ladies triumph( obviously not a spoiler), it is even more fun than it should be.

I highly recommend this series to fans of the genre. This is not the book I would recommend starting with if one is unfamiliar with Lady Hardcastle and her adventures with Flo.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this book and the previous ones in the series.

Lady Hardcastle and Miss Armstrong are back in action! I have read (and re-read) every Lady Hardcastle Mystery and am pleased to say An Assassination On The Agenda doesn’t disappoint. I, personally, found the book’s global espionage plot intriguing (especially considering what happened to Archduke two years later). And, of course, Emily and Flo’s banter is hilarious.

If you’re looking for an entertaining cozy mystery that isn’t violent or laced with profanity, you ought to give this series a try.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting read this book for free. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next one!

T E Kinsey did it again and I had a lot of fun in reading this light and well plotted solid mystery.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I love the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries and once again I was not disappointed. An Assassination On The agenda is the eleventh book in the series and released earlier this year.
Once again, the pairing of Lad Hardcastle and her partner in solving crime, her maid Florence “Flo” Armstrong was the breeding ground for early 1900s humor and entertainment.
In this installment we see the two women, already known to be spies and operatives for the British government in the past sent on yet another mission. This time they are summoned from their country home to Bristol and their goal is to find out about a group of men who may be trying to commit an assassination that will start a war.
We see Lady Hardcastle’s brother Harry and sister-in-law Lavinia (nicknamed Jake) again in this book and as usual I love the bantering between the siblings, which fits in nicely with the bantering between employee and employer, though Lady Hardcastle always treats Flo as her equal.
I read this one on my Kindle but when I had to do dishes or drive somewhere I listened to it on Audible with amazing narration by Elizabeth Knowelden, who is the narrator for most, if not all the other Lady Hardcastle books on Audible.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book but was not asked to give anything other than my honest opinion. Let’s be honest, I was going to read this book even if a complimentary copy had not been provided to me.

Lady Hardcastle and Florence are at again, this time involved in a murder that takes them into the shadowy recesses of warehouses by the docks, hiding in abandoned shanties, and dealing with the Secret Service Bureau. The usual fun banter between the two ladies and flashbacks of their prior escapades. A fun romp!

T.E. Kinsey’s writing is always top-notch and this is no exception. Back with the lovely Lady Hardcastle and her friend and lady’s maid Flo, the book is full of witty repartee and fun moments.

The mystery in this one is of global espionage so the story’s location and format are different from the usual which I enjoyed. Fans of history will spot a number of ominous foreshadowings of the war to come which Kinsey has elegantly worked in. Lady H and Flo are in fine form both in detecting and in succeeding in a male dominated society!

It was a lovely time spent with wonderful characters and a fantastic tale. It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.

Sent to keep a government espionage agent’s murder off the local radar, Emily and Flo’s investigation takes them to London, the dark shadows of the east end, and straight back into the international spy scene they retired from as they work to prevent a plot with global ramifications. TE Kinsey’s Lady Hardcastle series continues to sparkle and amuse as the lady and her maid bring their unique talents to bear when on the case.

An Assassination on the Agenda is the eleventh of the series of mostly standalone mystery books. This, too, could standalone, though many of the side characters are familiar from earlier books.

In the latest, Emily and Flo are visiting their friends at The Grange and speculating how to help them find replacement musicians for their party when Emily’s brother Harry requires them to head off to take over a local murder investigation. Next thing they know, the pair are right back into the Great Game of their earlier years. Since the beginning, readers know that Lady Hardcastle and Florence were not simply two women retiring to life in a country village after a sedate career as a minor diplomat’s widow. No, this pair were British spies abroad and good at it, too. Therefore, seeing them move from solving rural murder mysteries to the big stage of a political intrigue in London involving foreign powers was rather exciting.

The powers that be are all men and they are all derogatory about Emily and Flo’s ability to work the case. Harry is their only champion, but not their only allies. How fun to meet a few unusual east end contacts who dish the tea so the ladies can crack the case. This is still a cozy historical mystery, but it does have a slightly darker theme with this being 1912 and WWI looming not so distant especially with the plot the ladies have to thwart in this one.

In summary, another fantastic outing with an intrepid pair of Edwardian Era lady sleuths whose lively banter had me giggling and sleuthing antics were highly entertaining. A good blend of historical background and clever mystery plot that I can recommend to other readers

Harry Featherstonehaugh has once again pulled his sister, Lady Hardcastle, and her lady's maid, Florence, into the affairs of the British Government. A gentleman has been killed and he needs them to step in and figure out why. But that is just the beginning of a mystery that will have them racing around London, trying to stop an assassination. As they try to prevent this from happening, they will have to deal with bureaucrats as well as men who don't believe they should be doing this job.
An okay addition to the series but I can't pinpoint why this one didn't flow as well. I think it felt like there were some storylines just talked on to bulk up the book.

Three and a half stars
This book came out May 21, 2024
Follows A Fire at the Exhibition
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
Opinions are my own

Lady Hardcastle's brother, Harry interrupts a social gathering and dispatched Em and Flo off to Bristol to solve a murder. Once there, they find a possible connection to an impending Austrian trade delegation visit and the intrepid duo set out to foil an internationally significant threat.
This is another solid fun addition to the series. I continue to love the chemistry between the principle characters and it is an author that I look forward to reading.

Another solid entry in this series. I adore these two ladies and will keep on reading the series! I liked the change of location. It was nice having them relocate to London for the whole book and getting to revisit their old haunts/sources. I've read all the previous books and don't know if I could have pinpointed the time period in which they took place, but in this one, you're very well aware that WWI is just around the corner, which was exciting. The case they were trying to solve was on a much broader scale than it typically is for murders that happen in their small town, and I enjoyed learning about all of it. (especially those author's notes at the end!!! absolutely LOVE those) Parts of the mystery were so clever and some I found rather guessable. It was rather irritating to have so much made of the rampant sexism towards Flo & Emily (from the police, from the board, etc etc etc) - but then, I guess sexism is irritating too. Sigh. Thank you and more please!

My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Once again this was a most enjoyable read. I've read it twice. Already. And I'm sure I will be back to read it again.

Lady Hardcastle and Flo are just the most delightful characters. They balance each other so beautifully. The banter has me in stitches at times. Lady Hardcastle is a character who refuses to be ruffled, despite the extreme rudeness of some of her opposite numbers. She's quite the example to us all. And Flo, always ready for a tussle. There is so much more than a cozy murder mystery here!

This time, we are in full-on-agent mode which means the entire story is set away from the village. I can find a change in setting a challenge ( I often enjoy the broader ensemble of characters) but as Lady H's brother (and family) are now a key part of the story, I didn't feel that loss as greatly. It was also a clever plot. Chuffed to say I got quite a lot of this one right, but that did not reduce the enjoyment one iota. Well done indeed T E!!

I can't recommend this one enough, Its five out of five on the enjoyment scale for me

With thanks to Thomas & Mercer, #Netgalley and the author for my advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

It was mid 1912 when Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong were summoned to Bristol by Lady H's brother Harry. There had been a murder and Harry didn't want the local police to find who the dead man was. He was an "important man" to the Secret Service Bureau so Lady H and Flo had to take over the investigation. That went down like a lead balloon to the local powers that be, until Harry set them right. Then Harry told Lady H and Flo to pack for two weeks and make their way, as fast as possible, to London...

London, and the flat that Harry had secured for them, felt familiar and good. Dressing to mix, the pair wandered the streets, catching up with a brothel madam, an under world criminal, and more. But it was the sighting of distinctive hats that had Lady H and Flo certain they knew what was going on. Would they be able to keep the Austrian delegate safe? The significant threats needed to be knocked on the head, but could it be done?

An Assassination on the Agenda is another delightful, fun and entertaining episode in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries - #11 - by T.E. Kinsey which I adored! I laughed out loud on many occasions as the two MCs bickered, argued, teased, and generally got themselves into all sorts of trouble. But their talents haven't changed - if anything, they've improved. And what an outcome! I'm really loving this series and already looking forward to the next. Highly recommended.

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

Book Review: An Assassination on the Agenda by T E Kinsey
T E Kinsey’s An Assassination on the Agenda is a delightful blend of mystery, wit, and historical charm. This latest installment in the series continues to enchant readers with its intriguing plot, memorable characters, and vivid depiction of early 20th-century England.
The story follows Lady Hardcastle and her loyal maid, Florence Armstrong, as they unravel a complex conspiracy involving a high-profile assassination plot. The dynamic duo's sharp wit and keen investigative skills are as engaging as ever, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Kinsey’s writing is crisp and engaging, effortlessly drawing readers into the world of Edwardian society. The meticulous attention to historical detail adds depth and authenticity to the setting, making it easy to visualize the quaint villages, grand estates, and bustling cityscapes where the story unfolds.
Lady Hardcastle and Flo are a formidable team, and their banter is one of the highlights of the book. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and camaraderie, providing both humor and heart to the narrative. The secondary characters are also well-developed, adding layers of intrigue and providing plenty of red herrings to keep readers guessing.
The plot is expertly crafted, with just the right balance of suspense and humor. The twists and turns keep the reader engaged, and the pacing is spot on, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Kinsey has a knack for creating clever and intricate mysteries that challenge readers without overwhelming them.
What stands out in An Assassination on the Agenda is the seamless integration of historical events and fictional storytelling. Kinsey weaves real-world political tensions and societal issues of the time into the narrative, adding a layer of sophistication and relevance to the mystery.
If I were to imagine your thoughts on this book, I would say you found it a delightful escape into a bygone era, appreciating the witty dialogue and the strong female leads. The balance of mystery and humor likely kept you thoroughly entertained, and the historical context added an extra layer of enjoyment. You might have particularly enjoyed the clever plot twists and the way Kinsey kept you guessing until the very end.
Overall, An Assassination on the Agenda is a thoroughly enjoyable read, perfect for fans of historical mysteries with a touch of humor. I would rate this book 4.5 stars for its engaging storyline, well-drawn characters, and the perfect blend of suspense and wit.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨

A charming addition to the Lady Hardcastle series. As always, Lady Hardcastle and her maid Flo are an excellent team who always manage to find a way. I highly recommend this series and book!

I've been having so much fun with this series that it's hard to believe that An Assassination on the Agenda is already the eleventh Lady Hardcastle mystery.

The mysteries are always good and deeply rooted in the time period (don't miss the Author's Notes for this one!), but the highlight for me has always been the repartee between Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence Armstrong. Their banter stems from a long and loving relationship that has carried them through thick and thin-- and many countries. The dialogue sparkles even more brightly due to all the bureaucrats they must deal with.

An Assassination on the Agenda is another enjoyable entry in this series, and if I have to complain about anything, it's the fact that T.E. Kinsey has warped my mind. I used to be able to see the surname Featherstonehaugh and pronounce it correctly immediately. But now, with the war of words between Florence and Lady Hardcastle's brother Harry, I stumble each and every time. Shame on you, Mr. Kinsey!

I was provided a copy of this book by Net Galley in exchange for a review.
Lady Hard castle and Florence are requested by the Government to help out with a murder. Lady H has to put on her best manners to convince the police to let her step in. Dealing with men from an Austrian trade commission, who don’t want their help makes things more difficult. But they prevail. I prefer the more low key local investigations in previous books.

Once again Lady Hardcastle and Flo are butting heads with the locos constabulary. Of course Lady H will prevail. The best part of the adventures is the interaction between Lady H and Flo. Their chemistry evolved from previous adventures for the Crown make each new book a joy to read.

An Assassination on the Agenda by T E Kinsey continues the adventures of Lady Hardcastle and her maid Florence Armstrong. The pair has been given an assignment to try to solve a murder and ultimately prevent a war from starting. The dialogue between the two and their interaction with Lady Hardcastle's brother and his family make for a delightful read while learning some history along the way.

It's always an exciting time where there's a new Lady Hardcastle and Flo mystery to follow. All the books are fun and delightful but this felt like one of the more serious books in the series, in tone and content. This story is set in 1912, so we're fast catching up to the start of WWI and since Lady H and Flo work for a British intelligence group it makes sense that the plot would revolve around the tension and the events that lead up to the war.

This story starts with Lady Hardcastle and Flo being called to look into a murder and to try and encourage local law enforcement to not look too closely at the case in the name of national security. They're then asked to report to London to help Lady H's brother, Harry, for a few weeks while the Austrian delegation is in the city for talks with a trade commission. There are conspiracies, secret societies, espionage, and many stops for tea and cakes along the way to solving the mystery.

While there is the classic banter and wit between Lady H and Flo, this book showed a more serious and genuinely focused side of Lady Hardcastle. She's always been sharp and on top of things but she really steps up in this story. And I loved how much she showed her care and worry for Flo when things were dangerous. A great addition to the series, can't wait for more!

Also, while the audiobooks are incredible, I highly recommend trying to get your hands on a copy of the book. The author's notes of these are so good and TE Kinsey puts a lot of work into research and talks about how he's changed or shifted historical things around to work for the narrative. They're worth reading at the end of every book.

This was an enjoyable read. I liked the historical elements as well as the mystery. While one knows they will catch the bad guys or stop the assassination, it was fun reading how they did so.

Thank you to the author, publisher, NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. - I love the main characters!