I have not read any other book in the series so I was a little lost, but this still works as a standalone. The Rowlsey couple are thrown into a tizzy when a new heir is found, and Is a complete rotter. To top it all off his lordship is ill, there may be a new will to find, a headless corpse some thefts and lots of romances. As a grand finale, this book served as one grand hurrah for the couple and also had a great epilogue that tied all the lose ends nicely.

#netgalley #InattheDeath

1861 While the Rowsleys are visiting Oxford, a decapitated and multilated body of a male is discovered at the Thorncroft estate. The non-local police seem to be incapable of an investigation. Why and what are they covering up. Meanwhile the legitimate heir of the Estate has been finally found, and unfortunately the American man and wife are visiting them. But what are his motives. Hopefully all will be revealed.
An entertaining historical mystery which would seem to be the last in this enjoyable series with its vast cast of likeable and interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This series was okay at the begining, but is becoming a tad tedious as time goes on. Firstly, it is overly sentimental, and it's cloying 'benevolence' is becoming wearing. It's not that one wants meanness bad behavioiur from the characters and story, but the overt saccarine sweetness that pervades the central household is not only completely unrealistic, but it has also become a bit much to take, in terms of reading a book. I like 'cozy' as well as the next man, but this is becoming way too much, and each book takes this element further than the one before.

That said, it is a perfectly good book and in line with the previous stories although once again, the double first-person narrative causes confusion at times, especially at the beginning of each new chapter. However, witht this latest development, I can see the end of the series, as the premise has now changed beyond the scope of the current series of books. It was bound to happen and one could see it coming, but now that it has, this is clearly the end of the series - and possibly a good thing too.

It seems as though the author is becoming sloppy about certain aspects of the historical setting, so that purists such as myself can
clearly see anachronistic errors permeating the text. This was not apparent in the other stories but it certainly was in this one. For example, it is stated that Matthewe Rowsley took a cold shower. In rural England, in the Victorian era? An impossibility! People hardly took regular baths back then and a shower was unknown at that time. The constant coffee instead of tea also strikes a discordant note, and marks the writer as more transatlantic than British. The role of a butler is also portrayed incorrectly. The author has the butler witdraw from the dining room between courses at a formal dinner. This is/was never done as the butler would need to supervise the service of the other servants, and he would also need to be on hand in case anything was needed (such as another bottle of wine, etc.)

To sum up, a creditable book, but the latest in a series that perhaps has run its course and has nowhere else to go.

"In at the Death" is a historical set in 1861 in England. As it's more about wrapping up the series (with an epilogue explaining the futures of all the favorite characters), you'll probably enjoy this story more if you've read at least a few of the previous books. A murdered man's found near the estate, and they struggled to find someone willing to photograph or sketch the head so they can identify the man. They all agreed that it was pretty obvious why he was killed, who (in general) did it, and that the killer's likely long gone. And the police discouraged anyone from even talking about the murder. This was one case where I didn't mind that the killer was never found.

The Trustees have to deal with the American heir, a Southern slave owner looking to raise money since the American Civil War is starting. He's determined to find a way to inherit earlier rather than later, or at least sneak some expensive items away. The whole household's on edge as he schemed against them, specifically targeting Harriet. This prompted her to look for a missing will that could change who inherits, which was apparently discussed in a previous book. And, of course, there's a happy ending to wrap everything up.

There was some bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this story to fans of the series.

I actually really liked this book!! It was well written and kept my attention. I ended up reading it in 2 sittings and would love to read more by this author!

This is book 7 of a series best read in order. It’s written in first person, dual POV, without an indication of who’s POV you’re in when it shifts. It’s maddening. Jumping into the middle of the series, I had no idea what was going on. There’s a lot of information about the relationships between the characters, which overshadows the mystery plot. I never had any idea what was going on. DNF.

Set in Victorian Shropshire. In at the Death is the sixth and last installment in A Harriet & Matthew Rowsley Victorian Mystery series. Reading the previous five is preferable, of course, but they are easy to immerse yourself in on their own. Secrets and deceit abound in spades with tidbits of juicy gossip. I could practically hear the whispers and murmurs and swish of skirts.

This upstairs/downstairs story is engaging, witty, whip smart and chock full of atmosphere. Refreshingly, the protagonists Harriet and Matthew are Housekeeper and Estate Manager of Thorncroft House so they know the ins and outs of both the staff and upper class. While enjoying a week in Oxford meeting new and old acquaintances, they receive disturbing news of a decapitation so decide to rush back home. Harriet holds a secret close to her chest. She is eventually arrested but has certain connections. Meanwhile, American heir to the house throws spanners into the works. Claude Baker isn't exactly beloved but adds a fascinating layer to the story. The ending is gratifying, as are the surprises sprinkled throughout.

My favourite aspect is bustling life downstairs in the incomparable Victorian era. The writing is engaging and easy to follow. I enjoyed the comfy vibes in front of a roaring fire with hot chocolate on a chilly day.

My sincere thank you to Severn and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this enchanting novel.

Harriet has a secret but she's not telling, even though she's been wrongly arrested for murder. It's 1861 and Harriet, along with her husband Matthew have to deal with an heir-at long last-to Thorncroft House, which they manage. But murder upsets it all. These two are a delight; I will mis them. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Cutler has kept the series fresh. the mysteries not too twisty and the storytelling engaging throughout the series and best of all- this can be read as a standalone.

A fun mystery read- kept me engaged and excited to know what was going to happen next! Not at all what I expected but in the best way. I didn’t read any of the other stories in the series first and was still able to really enjoy this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

Thorncraft House, October 1861, England.

Harriet and Matthew are in Oxford when they receive news of a body found on the estate. Rushing back to Shropshire, things get confusing.

The police are not exactly on the job. A new heir may have been found for the house, and he is a piece of work. Before you know it Harriet is in jail and must do some explaining for her own past and secrets will come out.

This is the final installment of the lovely couple from Shropshire. It has been a pleasure!


NetGalley/ Severn House January 07, 2025

An intriguing Victorian murder mystery. Truly a suspenseful page-turner. Special thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This talented author has written a page turner.
Realistic characters…red herrings and secrets…thanks Netgalley