This was quite a story! Apparently it is #20 in the series, but it is the first for me!
Lady Eleanor Swift is quite the catch! In addition to being a Titled Lady, she is smart, beautiful, and pretty much…unstoppable!

It starts with an exclusive invite from the Duke of Aldwyke, which Eleanor declines. She does NOT want to spend her holidays with a stuffy Duke. Instead she plans on being home with her handsome fiancé, Detective Hugh Seldon…and of course, her staff!

BUT, when she receives word that she is expected at a certain time and place, she realizes that her reply must’ve been lost in transit. And so, she…and her staff…head to the mansion. Her fiancé will arrive shortly after them.

And then, upon arrival, she stumble upon a dead man. One she’d been speaking to only moments earlier…

Did I mention there’s a huge storm brewing?
Did I also mention that the Duke is a recluse who is barely EVER seen?

And so, instead of sending the police to the home/mansion, Eleanor is basically told that her fiancé is to head up the investigation…once he arrives. And, no outside help will be permitted…by the Duke!
Wait! What???

I should also note that the Main Highlight of the stay is the Shooting Competition that is going to take place. And the winner receives a private meeting with the reclusive Duke!

There were so many intricate layers woven in this story! It’s a treasure! And when you finally get to the whodunnit? Well, safe to say for me, mind blown!🤯

4 solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#AMidwinterMurder (Lady Eleanor Swift #20) by #VerityBright and narrated nicely by #KarenCass.
Of note: Apparently there are several books by this name, so please note the author as Verity Bright!!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook.
***** RELEASE DATE IS SET FOR 12/4/24, so look 👀 for it on shelves then! *****

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4.5 Stars
Winter 1924 & Lady Eleanor Swift is looking forward to a romantic Christmas at Henley Hall with fiancé Hugh but unexpectedly finds herself a guest of the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke, she’s determined to enjoy Christmas with all the trimmings at his sprawling manor house. Instead, the season of goodwill turns frosty as she finds the Duke’s studious secretary, Mr Porritt, dead in the storeroom. Clasped in his chilly hand is a golden pendant in the shape of a rose. As the blizzard outside rages, Auldwyke Hall becomes cut off. Trapped by the snow, Eleanor and Hugh must skate around to unwrap the identity of the killer as well as taking part in a shooting competition with the other guests. Then an attempt is made on the Duke’s life too, they realise the killer is closer than they think
The twentieth book in the series & another absolute delight, I also listened to the audio book & loved how the narrator brought the story to life, I loved going between reading & listening. I love Ellie & Hugh & whilst this book could be read on its own I’ve loved how relationships have developed throughout the series not only Elli’s with Hugh & Clifford but also ‘the Aprons’, who are an absolute joy. I was drawn into this cost mystery from the start & loved the twists & turns, the rest of the Duke’s guests were an unlikeable bunch. I loved how gradually clues were dropped but I wasn’t expecting the outcome. I loved the ending & look forward to more in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own