An entertaining combination of mystery and romance! Lucy Harrington and Major Kurland have definitely resolved their differences to the point of a long-awaited (for readers, anyway) wedding. Of course, first we have to solve a murder -- or two. Nothing is every simple, in Kurland St. Mary.

As in earlier books in the series, the moral necessities and societal conventions of the time require some getting around, for our betrothed couple. The author handles situations with a deft hand, never straying too far from what would be acceptable to what's needed to create a plausible mystery. There's even a touch of witchcraft... just something to whet the appetite.

Past fans and new readers should find this comfortable reading, and be happy to spend an afternoon (or two) in following the fortunes of Lucy, Robert, and the other denizens of a not-so-quiet English village.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.

I was delighted to read the 4th book in Kurland St. Mary Mystery. The setting is charming and the mystery was well planned and engaging! I always enjoy reading about Jane and the other characters in this quaint English village and the discussion of her upcoming wedding to Major Kurland was exciting! There was a twist at the end that I didn't see coming and it made for a very satisfying conclusion! I am hoping to read more books in this series!

A great read. title that is very easy to recommend to others

This is the first book in the Kurland St. Mary Mystery series I have read. I did not have a problem following the story, but I believe that the development of the characters that I missed in the prior books might have made this one more interesting to me. I did not really get to know the characters in this book, it seemed like they were supposed to be old friends that I really didn't know well. Not the author's fault, just a warning if you have not read the others in the series.

Miss Lucy Harrington is betrothed to Sir Major Robert Kurland and they are the main characters in the story. Lucy is the rector's daughter and has to be careful not to be seen with her betrothed without a chaperone. Unfortunately, she is also a very strong woman and puts herself into that situation often during the story, causing some gossip. When the verger (an official in a church who acts as a caretaker and attendant), Ezekeal Thurrock, of St. Mary's church is found dead after winning several prizes at the local fair, Lucy and Sir Robert become convinced that the death was not an accident. They begin to uncover evidence that the Thurrock family has some skeletons in their closet as well as many enemies. As some strange occurences come to light and more evidence emerges, Lucy and Robert uncover a centuries old vendetta that may have caused the deaths in present day.

This series is very character driven. The dialogue and the relationship between Lucy and Robert carry much of the book. The secondary characters such as Lucy's father, the staff as well as the sisters acting as chaperones also add to the story and the background. When the verger was first found dead, the story was a bit slow, but as the investigation moved forward, I found myself much more vested in what was going to happen. I did not figure out who the murderer was as was a bit perturbed at one point as there was mention of the characters but not many clues or motivation given, but as the story unfolded, it cleared up the issues, but not to my satisfaction. I am going to go back and read the previous books and see how I feel then. A good read for cozy mystery lovers with a Victorian setting.

Well done.
A good slice of history with believable people.
I particularly enjoyed the dynamics of the challenges of the couple who want to marry but seem to constantly hitting delays.

In the year 1817, Major Sir Robert Kurland and his fiancée, Lucy Harrington, the rector's daughter are trying to plan their wedding. If he has his way, it will be a small affair, but Lucy's aunt, who lives in London, has other ideas.
Talk of the wedding is put on hold after Lucy finds Ezekiel Thurrock dead in the church. It first appears to be an accident, but Lucy believes he was murdered. She and Robert find themselves involved in a 200-year-old mystery that concerns four longtime families.

Another fabulous read from one of my favorite mystery sleuths. I love the historical context and the characters, I think each book in the series gets better and better! Love the sparks between the main characters and it is fun watching their relationship grow and develop.
Very enjoyable, keep them coming!

I haven't read the earlier books in this series, but I was able to follow along quite well. I enjoyed the characters and the setting very much and look forward to more!

Another fun mystery from Catherine Lloyd. I've enjoyed all four of the Kurland St. Mary series, though this one was perhaps the weakest entry to me from a character/relationship angle. The majority of the characters in these books are so... disagreeable. I assume that's a necessary evil in order to populate the books with plenty of potential suspects for the murder(s) being investigated, but it also makes everyone a little tiresome. The mystery was nicely set up with even more the usual amount of red herrings (in comparison to earlier books). The relationship between Lucy and Robert was a little dry - not much verbal sparring (since they're engaged now!) but not romantic either. They never even call each other by their first names, which is probably in keeping with the times, but still. But overall, I enjoyed this latest, and will look for more from this author.

Death Comes to the Fair is the second installment in the Kurland St. Mary mystery series. And I loved it.
Sir Robert Kurland is impatiently waiting for a wedding date to be fixed. His soon to be wife Lucy Harrington isn’t willing to oblige. Between trying to ward off her rich London relatives who want a big wedding, and trying to put out fires at home, Lucy is just frustrated. She does want to tie the knot soon, but how and in what manner?

The village fair kicks off a wave of discontent in the village, thanks to Major Kurland’s ‘fair’ judging. Old resentments are fired up, and everyone begins to look and act malevolent. The verger is found dead in the church, and his brother sticks on until the funeral, partaking of the hospitality of the rector and the Major.
Lucy does not sit tight. She finds the death suspicious and starts making inquiries. old family feuds come to light, witchcraft is involved. The Major and Lucy try to make sense of it all.
I love retro mysteries. This one, set in the Regency era, is like a breath of fresh air. There are plenty of clues and red herrings, Gothic style excitement that will give you goose bumps, and many chances to exercise your gray cells as you follow in Lucy’s footsteps. The Major and Lucy are polite inspite of being betrothed, calling each other ‘Major’ and ‘Miss Harrington’.

Although Death Comes to Kurland Hall was slightly more exciting, Death Comes to the Fair will manage to keep you riveted and turning the pages. I finished the book in almost one sitting and it is definitely a must read for cozy mystery lovers.

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