Honestly, this book broke my heart a little. I knew from the end of the last book how this book would begin, but it was still quite a shock. Still, kudos to this book for doing something difficult and exploring loss and grief, in addition to the regular exploits and murder investigations. These two ladies continue to be riveting, can't wait for the next installment.

grief, grieving, class-consciousness, ex-spy, historical-mystery, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, cozy-fiction, mental-health-issues, London, post-WW2, series, snarky, verbal-humor, amateur-sleuth, dancers, narrow-boats, blended-family, business-partners, relationships, relatives, romantic, tv-film-industry, 1947, local-law-enforcement*****

The owners of the Right Sort Marriage Bureau are (Duchess) Gwen Bainbridge and Iris Sparks (who is a former operative for a secret wartime agency). Murder seems to stalk the business and a client or seven, all in astounding circumstances. This time the victim is a member of a French dance troupe who seemed to have been confused about her need for a husband. Lots of things to learn in this one about early British TV. I like the characters (who certainly are) and the banter/interplay. Good story but better having read the previous one.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected e-file from Severn House via NetGalley. Thank you!
#AnExcellentThingInAWoman #SparksAndBainbridgeMysteriesBk7 by Allison Montclair
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I was really excited to read the next installment of Sparks and Bainbridge and actually wanted the book to be longer so I could spend more time with them! The book starts off quickly with some major developments but then felt a little slow in the middle. This felt like a bit of a transition book with less complexity than some of the other books, but I loved it all the same. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I always enjoy another entry in the Sparks & Bainbridge series; it’s like ordering a favorite scone at the local bakery-the fillings change but the sweet biscuity pastry retains its trustworthy crust. And yet Author Allison Montclair is especially adept at scrambling all our assumptions in the opening lines of a new book. This one is especially jolting, but the plot lines created by the impact hurl the story into some interesting directions. Circumstances alluded to in earlier books have profoundly altered the lives of Iris and Gwen and another client, this one a ravishing French beauty, a dancer, has turned up at the marriage bureau wishing to meet and marry any man within a week’s time. And in less than a week’s time another body has turned up. This time the investigation takes them to their friend Sally’s workplace at the BBC and into the dawn of television broadcasts. History and technology are emphasized here , and at times the author’s enthusiasm for the technical and staging aspects of this innovation, almost overwhelms the flow of the plot. Still, the growing intimacy of Sally and Gwen is delicately and movingly portrayed, as the traumas of their pasts becomes another being in their deepening relationship. How they work through this and the subtext of grief, acceptance and healing is a skillful thematic thread running through the series. And Iris has her own reckoning with the past to face. The mystery is clever and engaging, especially with Sally as a prime suspect, surrounded by a chanteuse, a master puppeteer, can-can dancers, and the very recent memory of occupied France with its spies, and sabotage. Still, as in the earlier books, the character development is what superglues my interest. I am quite curious to read the next installment which is another way of saying I think this book was cracking.

This is one of the best series going at the moment. Even though it’s in it’s seventh installment, the book still has the freshness and originality of the first book. The series follows Gwen Bainbridge (a widowed socialite) and Iris Sparks (a former WWII spy), and together the two of them run The Right Sort, a marriage bureau in central London. It’s 1947, and London is still recovering from the war, but there are new things to celebrate like the birth of television. Gwen’s beau Sally, a giant sometime playwright, works at the BBC, and he’s willing to take Gwen, Iris and Gwen’s son and his cousin on a tour of the studio.

In this way Montclair gets the reader into the BBC and the setting for the crime with a very deft hand. Montclair has also introduced one of the players in an early scene at the marriage bureau when one of the French dancers, at the BBC for a couple of weeks for a broadcast, comes in wanting an instant husband. The ladies attempt to oblige, but when this is the very woman discovered dead as they take their tour of the BBC, things become a little more complicated.

Worse, the case is being investigated by Iris’ former beau, Mike, a police detective. Mike has a hard time working with Iris and she with him, but when Sally appears to be the main suspect, it’s all hands on deck. Iris is also suffering as she’s lost Archie (this is not a spoiler as it’s the first sentence of the book) and is drinking far too much. She’s living alone on a narrowboat in the Thames and grieving as she works her way through Archie’s glorious wine stash.

This book has a typical Montclair set up. The plot is a complex affair of intersecting characters and coincidences, brought to life by a look at the nascent BBC. The BBC’s home was the Alexandra Palace – called by all the “Ally Pally” – one of my favorite characters is trying to reassemble the Palace rose window, shattered by a wartime bomb. He’s working methodically through his buckets of colored glass shards. While this book isn’t set during the actual war, there are so many reminders – emotional and otherwise – keeping the war front and center. Like many other things about this series, it’s a different approach.

While Iris is suffering, Gwen has at last established her own household, and she’s reveling in both her independence from her in-laws and from the lunacy court as well as in her new relationship with Sally. The yin and yang of Iris and Gwen’s friendship binds the series together in a really delightful way.

The plot, which takes on Nazis, the resistance, undercover work, French can-can dancers and puppets, is all I’ve come to hope for in this wonderful series. The denouement, orchestrated by Gwen, is a bravura as well as an emotional turn. This series is firing on all cylinders.

This was a DNF for me. I threw in the towel at the 33% mark. The novel kicks off with a brief recap that feels a bit like “If you didn't read Murder at the White Palace, good luck catching up,” followed by a quick dive into the current happenings with Gwen and Sparks. Sadly, the narrative is derailed by numerous tangents that detract from the central characters and, quite frankly, bore the reader.

These distractions continue until, finally, a body makes an appearance. By then, it's too little, too late. This is where I decided to put the book down.

What started as a promising series has now found its way to my “that was fun while it lasted, but I won’t be reading any more from this author” shelf. The initial spark that made the series engaging seems to have fizzled out, replaced by unfocused storytelling and an overload of irrelevant details. If the aim was to keep readers hooked, it missed the mark by a long shot.

The seventh Sparks & Bainbridge mystery has Iris and Gwen surrounded by the new art of television in order to help their friend Sally when he is accused of murdering a French dancer.

JeanneMarie Duplessis had come to the Right Sort Marriage Agency with an urgent request to find her a husband to keep her in England when her dance troupe goes back to France. The request, and the client's urgency, come as a surprise to the women. Even more surprising is finding her body when they along with Gwen's young son Ronny and his friend John are given a tour of the television studio.

They soon come to realize that the murder and the murder of the marionettist who has also come from France connect to some things Iris experienced in her previous career as an Intelligence agent during World War II.

Dealing with her grief at the loss of her fiancé Archie, Iris is spirally into depression and self-medicating with alcohol. It is only investigating the two murders that draw her out even though she will have to work with her ex-fiancé Mike Kinsey who is now with Scotland Yard.

This was another excellent entry in the series. I especially enjoyed seeing the early days of television from both the production side and the viewer's side as Gwen gets her first television. I also enjoyed seeing how well Gwen has adjusted from the losses of World War II.

Can there be a more beguiling series than the Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery series? This is the seventh instalment and it's another winner. Author Allison Montclair has a skill with the written word and her characters are so captivating I could swear they're real people. They practically make me effervescent with gladness. Many authors dumb down books but that doesn't happen here. They are loaded with sharp-as-a-tack cleverness and wit and are as bright as fluorescent bulbs. All I need is to see the author's name and voila. An automatic read for me.

The Right Sort Marriage Bureau is operated by two dear friends, Miss Iris Sparks and Mrs. Gwen Bainbridge. Set in London in 1947, the ladies warily yet hopefully embark on their post-war lives with new perspectives after crippling sorrow. Iris has lost her beloved and Gwen is now dating Sally, one of my favourite men in the series. Ronnie, Gwen's endearing young son, continues to make me smile with his charm and boyishness. In addition to making suitable matches for clients, a date goes wrong and murder later enters the picture. The women are no strangers to death and use their knowledge, wherewithal and common sense to investigate. According to the police, Sally is a suspect. He does have secrets...who doesn't?...but the recent war meant the Official Secrets Act is still important unless released from it. Though the female friendship is strong and deep, there are secrets associated with emotions simmering at the surface. But the women do not push each other. War changes everything.

The marionette and TV connections are fascinating. I adored how Sally tried to explain technicalities to the boys. Though the whodunit is compelling, what hits my heart the most is the gorgeous characterization and prose. Human nature is thoughtfully and sensitively written with a keen understanding. I could read and read and read this author's rich writing for days on end without tiring of it. It is THAT good and like a delectable meal, must be savored.

My sincere thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this wondrous, wondrous book. I eagerly await the eighth (and hopefully many more!) in the series.

Another satisfying entry in one of my favorite historical mystery series.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

The ladies are back in action in An Excellent Thing in a Woman.
Iris is reeling from the death of Archie. She is drinking too much and living on a boat. Gwendolyn is in the early stages of a relationship with Sally and is opening herself back up to the idea of being with someone.
They get drawn into a murder investigation when Sally is accused of murdering a french dancer, who had come to the right sort seeking a husband immediately. The plot is more intricate than initially thought though, when another client of theirs recognizes the voice of a man who betrayed a spy ring in the war.
The ladies work to clear Sally and solve an older mystery in another entertaining installment of the right sort series.

*An Excellent Thing in a Woman* is a captivating addition to its series, presenting a compelling whodunnit set against the backdrop of post-WWII London. Although I came into this book without having read the others in the series, the mystery stood strong on its own, delivering just the right amount of intrigue and tension. That said, I can see how reading the earlier books would add an extra layer of depth to the overall experience, particularly with the recurring characters and storylines that are likely more fully fleshed out in previous installments.

The author expertly uses the post-WWII London setting to enhance both the mystery and the atmosphere. The time period feels effortlessly integrated into the plot, enriching the story with its historical context. From the lingering effects of the war to the changing social dynamics, the historical elements make the mystery even more engaging and nuanced.

The mystery itself is well-paced and full of twists, with just enough suspense to keep you hooked without overwhelming you. What stood out to me as a fan of historical fiction is how the author balances the intrigue with a hint of romance, providing depth to the characters without veering into anything too dark or unsettling. The writing is clear, concise, and engaging—making it a quick but satisfying read that lingers with you after you’ve turned the final page.

This book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy historical mysteries but prefer a lighter tone—more focused on intrigue and romance than on fear or horror. Overall, *An Excellent Thing in a Woman* is a captivating read that I highly recommend to fans of historical fiction and whodunnits. It’s definitely motivated me to go back and explore the earlier books in the series.

I received a free eARC from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

Every Sparks and Bainbridge is better than the last! In a series it can easy for the books to become repetitive or outlandish. Iris and Gwen's storylines continue to develop in a way that builds the characters and moves their stories forward. It's a concise mystery, but still creates detail image of post WWII England. Great for fans of Maisie Dobbs or Maggie Hope.

Iris and Gwen continue their adventures in this 7th Sparks and Bainbridge mystery, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them, as always. The novel had a rough start, both in plot and writing, and I was left wondering if somehow the editor had just accidentally skipped over chapter one entirely. Soon enough I settled in, and either the writing improved or the story sucked me in enough to no longer notice - it's certainly not anything I've had issues with in previous books in the series. I think I understand why Montclair chose to do what they did with the plot "twist" right in the first sentence (when a male author has a female pen name, what pronouns does one use?), but it was still a rough start to the book, and I felt a little resentful of the decision (I'm trying to avoid spoilers!). In this entry, a French dancer is murdered at the BBC studios, and Iris and Gwen need to clear Sallie of suspicion. I'm loving Gwen's growth now that she's finally been cleared by the court system to have full custody of her son. Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for a digital review copy.

This is one of my favorite series. Terrific characters and ongoing character development, lots of banter, complex but not obscure plotting and a marvelous setting.

1947 London after the war. Our two female main characters, aristocratic Gwen Bainbridge and gutsy Iris Sparks, are running a matrimonial agency but dabbling in solving murders on the side. Both women have been scarred, mentally and physically, from the war: Iris by her dangerous and searing secret operative escapades, and Gwen by the loss of her husband and subsequent breakdown. Watching these two resilient people claw their way back is fascinating reading.

They are doing their matchmaking thing when, once again, a dead body intrudes. Because Gwen's new boyfriend is a suspect, they have no choice but to get involved. And this case also involves a client of theirs. If this all sounds angsty, it's not, as the two women have a strong friendship and a lot of humor binding their partnership. I can't recommend these books highly enough. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love this very evocative and well written mystery series. This one filled in some of the holes regarding Sparks’ WWII work and, since Sparks is my very favorite, I enjoyed that. It also had a lot of fascinating detail about early television which was fun to read about.

This series continues to deliver an engaging journey, making each book a compelling read. Iris and Gwen have shown incredible growth since their first adventure, developing not only their friendship but also their individual personalities. At the beginning of the latest installment, my heart was truly broken as we faced the emotional fallout surrounding Archie. His absence will surely be felt, and I can't help but hope that Iris finds someone who can fill that space in her heart. The mystery element, as always, is rich with interesting twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the plot takes a surprising turn that adds depth to the story. Furthermore, readers are treated to the fascinating inception of broadcasting, which adds a new layer of intrigue to the narrative. The author skillfully intertwines these elements, creating a captivating tale that resonates with themes of friendship, love, and personal growth. Overall, this installment not only progresses the overarching story but also leaves us eager for what is to come, proving that the series knows how to keep its audience invested.

Another winning installment of Sparks and Bainbridge adventures. Full of laughs and poignant moments. I love that each book reveals a little more of the main characters personalities and how I strengthens the bond between the two women. I feel the characters have grown with each book. The stories are always intriguing and full of detail about the 1940s. I love reading these books. Ms. Montclair doesn’t disappoint.

An Excellent Thing in a Woman is the latest Sparks and Bainbridge mystery by Allison Montclair. I really enjoy this series that is set in London in the years right after World War II. It has been fascinating to watch the characters recover from WWII and try to build lives in what remains of post war London. Both main characters have really come into their own as strong independent women who can take care of themselves and still help others including the police. This book’s mystery was focused on Sally and involves elements of the French resistance, Sparks’ previous career and really shines a light on the emotional scars of WWII. I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery and really hope this series continues for a long time. It is great fun to read, but watch out for the first sentence in the book! It's a heartbreaker.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

Sparks & Bainbridge are back and in fine form in An Excellent Thing in a Woman. The arena has shifted from organized crime (though the rat-a-tat banter is still in full force) to the resurfaced sins of Nazi sympathizers, with the action largely set within the BBC’s Alexandra Palace (aka “Ally Pally”). While Bainbridge continues to make progress in her now fully self-determined life, Sparks is pulled back into her past, with more revealed about her role during the war. As always, there is much artfully applied texture of historical fact and context, this time primarily about the BBC, the primitive early days of television, and the restoration of Alexandra Palace after the war, including the painstaking attempt to reconstruct its Rose Window, ultimately abandoned for a new design, but not before providing an essential vantage point to observe a key moment in the crime at hand. There was one seemingly unlikely twist at the end related to the Official Secrets Act, but presumably it is fully in service to future plots. As always, I was very happy to encounter these old friends again and very sorry to see them go when the last page was turned.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher.

This series is sticking to a very short time span - this is #7 and we are in 1947, so the events and aftereffects of WWII are still very much remembered and felt. Iris is struggling to get over Archie but Gwen is happily dating Sally, at least until he is suspected of murder and she and Iris must swing into action to prove his innocence. The story is set at Alexandra Palace where Sally works in the very early days of broadcast television - Gwen is an early adopter and once scene features her aerial being put up on the roof. The marriage bureau is going strong, although the date they set up for a colleague of Sally's is a disaster.

I thought this was one of the stronger instalments, all the better for Gwen's troubles being behind her. Very entertaining.