Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and author Verity Bright for the advanced reader copy of this book. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.

Recently, I picked up new books in a few “cozy mystery” series. For the most part, I found them pretty accessible, even without having read the books that preceded them. While I enjoyed A Midwinter Murder, I didn’t find it quite as accessible as the other series.

Lady Eleanor Swift is en route to the residence of the Duke of Auldwyke for Christmas in 1924. No, he’s not a relative or friend. In fact, she’s never made his acquaintance. She was invited to his annual shooting party gathering and was guilted into attending after her RSVP declining the invite was lost in the mail. Her fiancee, Scotland Yard Detective Hugh Seldon, will be arriving after her, thanks to his job.

Along with her staff, Lady Eleanor is picked up at the train station by the Duke’s secretary, Porritt, and brought to Auldwyke Hall. She has barely settled in when she finds Porritt’s dead body in a shed. He’s been strangled.

The Duke has been a recluse since the death of his wife ten years earlier and doesn’t like having people around. With his position, he’s also used to getting what he wants, which is why Hugh ends up on the murder investigation with little help except for Eleanor, her staff, and an inexperienced local constable. A winter storm cuts Auldwyke Hall off from the rest of the world, so there’s no way to call for help, even if the Duke would allow it.

The mystery was interesting. I did figure it out when one clue was dropped, but I wasn’t certain until the end when all was revealed. The mystery is rather complicated but also rather simple in the end. Where the book faltered a bit was making it accessible to someone new to the series. There are a lot of hints about the background of Hugh and Eleanor’s relationship but not enough details that I felt like I knew why they were engaged and yet still having to work through some things before getting married. It was brought up several times without dropping more information and I didn’t feel I understood enough there.

My other criticism is that the writing is very repetitive. The same information is presented over and over again at different times in various ways. Whether it’s Eleanor and Hugh talking about their relationship, talking about the impediments the Duke puts on the investigation, or the investigation itself, there are minor details which are repeated over and over again.

Still, I enjoyed A Midwinter Murder overall. The characters were interesting, and the setting of a Christmas shooting competition was interesting. I would go back and check out the rest of this series after reading this. Lady Eleanor and Hugh are interesting characters, and this book intrigued me about how they got to this point. Eleanor is an unconventional woman who is defying social norms, much to the chagrin of the “old guard,” such as The Duke. She has what would be considered an overly-friendly relationship with her staff. In actuality, she is on the correct side of the social revolution that’s about to happen, but that’s easy to see looking at it from the perspective of 100 years later. Marrying Hugh is also considered to be beneath her, which is one of the problems they seem to be struggling with, at least from his perspective.

I think if you’ve already read some of this series, you’ll like A Midwinter Murder quite a bit. If you haven’t, I think it would be easier to pick up earlier books in the series before this one. However, it feels like it’s a series worth getting invested in. I enjoyed the mystery and the setting quite a bit. The characters are also interesting. I think it could have been edited a bit better, but I’d likely overlook that if I were already invested in the characters already.

What can I say - Lady Eleanor is up to her old tricks, only this time she is in the middle of a snowstorm, in Yorkshire.
As usual her staff and the inimitable Clifford are there to support her and this time Chief Inspector Seldon has a more starring role.
Why is the reclusive Duke' secretary dead on the 10th anniversary of his wife's accident?
And why are the guests exactly the same as they were a decade ago?
Cleverly plotted with just the right amount of derring do and intuition but a good plot that made sense but was not obvious

This is the 20th book by about Lady Eleanor but the first I've read. I loved it! Lady Eleanor, her loveable butler Clifford, her fiance, their pets a bulldog and a cat and their maids all visit a recluse over Christmas. When the person who invited her ends up dead, Lady Eleanor and her crew stop at nothing to find the killer. I love it when I can imagine myself there solving the crime along with the protagonist and this was a great "trip" to Yorkshire. I highly recommend it and I can't wait to read the other books in the series.

I can't tell you enough how much I love reading the books in this series and this one was as good if not better than the others. Lady Eleanor Swift is back and at her sleuthing ways again. The the Golden Age Era of the story and all the twists and turns as you turn each page. It is a book that keeps you guessing and has you on the edge of your seat and I just couldn't put it down.

Another well written and fun book to read but this much accomplished author. Loved it!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I always look forward to engaging with this extensive cast of characters! So I recommend this series.

This book didn't quite work for me. Perhaps Ellie going to spend Christmas with a complete stranger. Perhaps just a little too formulaic (all stuck in place because of a blizzard etc). Perhap Ellie taking her entire staff once again. Hmmm
.
Clifford, Ellie and Gladstone (the bulldog) are always interesting

I wonder what we can look forward to in the next one?

It's 3 out of 5 for me!

With thanks to Bookouture, Netgalley and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review

Lady Eleanor Swift is invited to a winter get together at the Duke of Auldwyke's estate, an invitation that she did not remember, and has to forgo Christmas time with her fiance. Lady Swift's staff go along, including her butler Clifford. She knows no one there and the Duke is in seclusion. Then the manager of the estate is murdered. Lady Swift involves her fiance, Detective Chief Inspector Seldon who is expected as her partner, in solving the murder. The others attending the event have dubious alibis and the plot becomes convoluted as someone tries to murder the Duke. As Seldon and Lady Swift start untangling things another guest is murdered. Delightful dialogue and setting. The ending is somewhat unfair as the perpetrator arrives unveiled only at the end.

I love this series and all the main recurring characters, so I was delighted to read this 20th adventure. Always glad to read the banter between Eleanor and Clifford, and I was glad to read a bit more from Hugh. The setting was intriguing, and even though I guessed some parts, the plot was very clever and full of twists and turns, I didn't expect the ending.

Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a good cosy mystery.

Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of Verity Bright's 'A Midwinter Murder' in exchange for my review.

This cozy murder mystery ticked all the right boxes for me. The main cast of characters are dynamic, realistic, and relatable. I really loved the background cast of Lady Swift's maids and the young police officer who finds himself knee deep in his first murder case. They brought light and humour to the novel and grounded the main characters in the world outside of the murder. I had a great time reading this book and would definitely recommend it as a cozy weekend read.

A Midwinter Murder is the 20th book in A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery, but it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read them all and still enjoyed each one I have read. It's 1924 and Lady Eleanor has been invited to a hunting party at the manor house of the Duke of Auldwyke. She sends her regrets, but then gets a call from the Duke's secretary, Mr. Porritt. They did not receive her response and are expecting her. She, her butler Clifford, her ladies, her pets and Hugh are all going to attend. Shortly after arriving, Ellie stumbles over a body, Mr. Porritt. Gone are her plans to spend a romantic holiday with her fiancé, Detective Hugh Seldon. For whatever reason, the Duke is not very cooperative. He wants no police besides one local constable and Hugh to investigate. The only thing they have to go on is the necklace found in his hand. Between the shooting contest and the investigation, Ellie and Hugh are kept extremely busy. When another body is found, it is even more imperative to solve this case quickly before someone else ends up dead.

This was a very interesting mystery with a lot of characters, suspects and possible motives. The shooting contest was interesting and to see Ellie do so well, was fun. The other guests all seemed to have secrets, but did they have anything to do with the death. Why had Mr. Porritt wanted Ellie there so badly? I had a lot of suspicions of who the culprit might have been, but as the story continued, I changed my mind. The setting of a secluded manor with a blizzard raging gave it an ominous feel. I always enjoy Ellie and her warm and caring ways. She is also a bit impulsive and outspoken, which sometimes causes problems. She admits that she has no idea how a Lady should behave. Clifford was around, but didn't play as much of a part in the investigation this time, as Hugh was there. I also missed her pets getting in on the act, they were pretty quiet in this one. Overall, this was an excellent mystery, with a lot of suspects, several red herrings and some interesting twists. I wasn't sure if Ellie was going to figure this one out. If you enjoy a good historical mystery, then I recommend you pick up this book and/or start at the beginning of this series. Lady Eleanor is a wonderful protagonist, smart and observant, one you will enjoy.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this one. I am not sure that this author is for me or if it's because I didn't read these books in order but I was kind of bored? It felt like a cozy mystery for sure and I don't think those are the types of books I love. 3 stars.

This is the 20th book in this series and having reached this point I’m tempted to go back and read the first few again. Especially to see Hugh and Eleanor first meetings because he has changed so much since those earlier books. I wasn’t keen on him to start with but he’s definitely grown on me since, especially in the last few books as he seems much more relaxed.

I enjoyed this book and it was especially good reading it now when it’s cold and frosty outside, which is the closest I’ll get to snow for a while. I like the drama and intrigue of stories where the suspects are stuck because of the weather, everything still works but you can’t leave and you don’t know who to trust. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book, and plenty of red herrings too which kept it moving along nicely.

As usual, I enjoyed spending time with the main characters but the star for me this time was Danby, the local constable who was fabulous, observant and knowledgeable. Hopefully we’ll see him again in later books. It was nice having the household staff staying in a nearby cottage, and I liked the contrast between the drama and frustrations in Auldwyke Hall and the cosiness in the cottage. It definitely helped ease the tension at times and felt like a breather when Eleanor, Hugh and Clifford popped in there.

This was a really good, very cosy read, between the atmosphere and the food and drinks made by both Clifford and the household staff. This book is ideal for reading in the winter, you can cosy up wherever you are with a warm drink and a blanket and enjoy watching it all untangle.

3.5⭐️
Thank you #netgalley for proving me with an #arc of this book. This was indeed a very cozy mystery and gave me all the wintery vibes. The writing style wasn’t always for me and it took some getting used to, but I liked the story overall. I’m open to reading more books in this series.

My goodness! How have I missed this delightful cozy mystery series? This is already the 20th book within it. It had me in stitches and smiling at precious moments throughout the story. Just the sledding scenes alone are worth the price of admission.

Lady Eleanor Swift had hoped to spend a quiet cozy Christmas with her dishy fiancé, Detective Hugh Seldon. Alas, the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke does not suffer rejection blithely. His secretary, Mr. Porritt presses upon Lady Eleanor to attend, claiming that her R.S.V.P. was not received and that she and her fiancé are still expected. After all, how does one say, "No" to a duke? So off she goes, with Hugh to follow shortly thereafter. No sooner does she arrive when she happens upon a dead body - that of the poor secretary. The local young constable is called for and he's in over his head. It's apparent that Hugh will need to lead the investigation, if his grace will allow it.

What a fun and charming "closed room" murder mystery, as the characters are all snowed in at Auldwyke Hall. Lady Eleanor is not your usual member of the Ton. Her staff's esprit de corps is strong and they're a playful, yet loving bunch into which Lady Eleanor is ever welcomed.

Author Verity Bright is a husband and wife writing team of twenty-five years. Together, they have written this most engaging murder mystery with a number of red herrings and plentiful surprises. The writing is solid and clever. The banter among well-developed characters is amusing and often playful. The mise en scène is cinematic and atmospheric in scope as one easily imagines Auldwyke Hall situated within the Scottish moors. Although perhaps a bit predictable to the seasoned cozy mystery reader, it is still a clever and entertaining read. I gladly recommend it to all my fellow cozy readers.

I am grateful to publisher Bookouture for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: ‎Bookouture
Publication Date:‎ November 29, 2024
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN:‎ 978-1835256305

Lady Eleanor Swift can’t even enjoy the festive season without stumbling upon a dead body – much to the delight of readers of this fabulous historical cosy crime series by Verity Bright. The 20th installment, A Midwinter Murder, is a fun and exciting whodunnit readers will devour in a single sitting.

Eleanor and her dashing fiancé, Detective Hugh Seddon, are determined to enjoy the Christmas season. Finding themselves guests of the reclusive Duke of Auldwycke at his sprawling manor house, Eleanor and Hugh’s plans for a cosy end to the year are dashed when the Duke’s secretary, Mr Porfitt, is found dead in the storeroom clasping a golden pendant in the shape of a rose. The Duke is adamant that he’s never seen the necklace before, but Eleanor is convinced that he’s lying through his teeth. Could it have belonged to the Duke’s absent wife? Just what secrets are hidden in the majestic corridors of Auldwycke Hall?

As Eleanor and Hugh begin interviewing the guests at the manor, they find no shortage of suspects who all have dangerous secrets of their own. Trapped at the hall by a blizzard, could the death of Mr Porfitt be linked to the duke’s wife? Does the answer to this murder lie with ghosts from Christmases past? Can Eleanor and Hugh untangle this twisted mystery? Or will their sleuthing end up placing them both firmly in the line of fire?

I cannot get enough of Verity Bright’s Lady Eleanor Swift series. Stylish, spellbinding and always superb, these mysteries just keep getting better and better and I couldn’t turn the pages of A Midwinter Murder fast enough. Unpredictable, atmospheric and full of twists and turns that will leave readers with their jaws on the floor, A Midwinter Murder is a stellar crime novel from Verity Bright readers are going to love!

A Midwinter Murder by Verity Bright is a charming cozy mystery that brings Lady Eleanor Swift back for another thrilling adventure. Set against the backdrop of a festive yet chilling winter season, the story combines intriguing twists, witty dialogue, and the delightful camaraderie between Eleanor and her butler, Clifford. Bright’s vivid descriptions and engaging plot make this a perfect read for fans of historical mysteries and holiday whodunits. A wonderfully entertaining addition to the series!

A country house at Christmas, snow and festive cheer... and dead bodies. Of course, it's (astonishingly) book number 20 in the Eleanor Swift series. Once again Ellie and her household decamp somewhere else (seriously, how much money must it cost to remove the entire staff around the country??) as an initially refused invite somehow becomes a chore to accept. It doesn't take too long for the first body to appear, and when Hugh is roped in to lead the investigation, suspects abound and motives are complicated.

This is another excellent book in the series. As ever, the murders and solving thereof are the heart of the book, but equally as ever the characters of the Swift household are a joy to spend time with. And wedding bells seem to be more on the horizon than they have been, as Hugh and Ellie realise that the time has come. Will this be the next book? And what are the odds on a dead body turning up on their wedding day? Fairly good, I would imagine.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

Christmas 1924 is rapidly approaching and Lady Eleanor Swift and her fiance are looking forward to a quiet romantic festive period to plan their future together. But plans go awry when they are summoned to a shooting party by the Duke of Auldwyke and their host's secretary is murdered within minutes of their arrival...
A Midwinter Murder is the 20th book in the Lady Swift series of cosy historical murder mysteries. Her redoubtable butler, Clifford, and long suffering fiance, Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, assist her in trying to catch the killer and save Christmas!
Ellie turned down the invite to attend the duke's annual shooting party but her RSVP was lost and now she feels honour bound to uproot herself and her staff in order to attend. Her host is the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke who hasn't been seen in public since the death of his wife. The prize for winning the shooting competition is an audience with His Grace and the granting of a wish. But the only thing Ellie wants is to bring a murderer to justice.
There are a range of suspects among the guests and staff. Ellie, Hugh and Clifford have various motives to explore and their investigation reveals many alibis are not true. I was kept guessing until the reveal at the end, although I did deduce part of the direction the case was heading in.
Ellie brings her entourage along with her which offers some light hearted relief, especially Gladstone and Tomkins (the pets). I loved the festivities and jollity of the ladies which brought a real warmth to their parts of the narrative. There are some big conversations with her fiance Hugh as they plan their future together.
A Midwinter Murder is an enjoyable murder mystery and I enjoyed the historical details.

This is the 20th book in the series but I started it without reading the others and I never felt like I was missing key information. It works perfectly as a standalone.
I had a good time reading this book. The characters are relatable and the overall story was far from predictable.

This was my first book from Verity Bright and a fun introduction to Lady Eleanor Swift! She’s wiley and bright, and her personality and wit remind me of a demure Phryne Fisher!

The plot, and subplots, are full of twists and turns, with plenty of intrigue to keep you turning the pages. The pacing is just right, allowing the tension to build naturally, while the warm relationships between characters add a layer of heart to the narrative. It’s so refreshing to see writing where character aren’t going through unnecessary tension and drama.

The mysteries themselves are clever and engaging, and Lady Eleanor’s sharp wit and investigative skills make her a joy to follow. Whether she’s unraveling a dark conspiracy or solving a more personal case, her intelligence and determination shine through, making her a standout in the cozy mystery genre.

This series is the definition of a cosy read, and I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a new binge read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my arc! I look forward to starting the series from book 1 to follow the growth and development of each character to this one.

If you know me, you know I love a good, historical mystery, and this series with Lady Eleanor is so fun to read. It reminds me of an Agatha Christie – lots of good suspects and everyone is gathering on estates and such in England in the past. Plus Lady Eleanor has a sweet doggo – what’s there not to like?

It’s hard to believe that this title is number 20 in the series. I have read them in order as they came out, but you can read them as stand alones, too. This one had a Christmas theme — fun reading!

Thank you for my copy and for having me as part of the tour!