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Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #4
A Picture of Murder
Late October 1909, and the season of ghouls and things that go bump in the night has descended on the village of Littleton Cotterell.
Lady Hardcastle and her trusted lady’s maid, Florence, find themselves hosting a colourful cast of actors whose spooky moving picture, The Witch’s Downfall, is being shown to mark Halloween. But things take a macabre turn when the first night’s screening ends with a mysterious murder, and the second night with another…One by one the actors turn up dead in ways that eerily echo their film.
With the police left scratching their heads, Lady Hardcastle calls upon her amateur sleuthing skills to launch an investigation, with Flo’s able assistance. Surrounded by suspects both human and supernatural, Lady Hardcastle must use a little trickery of her own to unmask the murderer.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 572 reviews
August 26, 2019
An intriguing cozy, full of wonderful, whimsical characters. Lady Hardcastle has been asked a favour of from a friend. The friend's kitchen has burned down, just when she was playing hostess to a visiting film troupe. Lady Hardcastle instantly obliges, and with the help of her capable ladies maid Florence Armstrong, she makes the visitors welcome. Until one by one they are murdered. In the same way that their onscreen characters are killed. Our amateur sleuths then spring into action, but are perplexed by the murders. Nothing here is as it seems, everyone can kind of account for their whereabouts during the murders, or can they?
This is a delightful book, the first of this authors that I have read. It is the fourth book in the series and while the reader would benefit from reading the other books first, to get a bit more background of the characters, it's not really necessary. I recommend this book to all lovers of lighthearted crime novels.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a delightful book, the first of this authors that I have read. It is the fourth book in the series and while the reader would benefit from reading the other books first, to get a bit more background of the characters, it's not really necessary. I recommend this book to all lovers of lighthearted crime novels.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2019
Book 4 in this excellent series. Even Lady Hardcastle and Florence, her maid, comment in this one about how many people seem to die within their general vicinity. Luckily just for once the murders may not be quite what they seem.
Our two leading ladies are as entertaining as ever and we find out quite a lot about their past lives when they were spying for King and country. Lady Hardcastle calls Flo "tiny servant" and Flo is equally rude back and it is all very funny. I also enjoy the fact that the police acknowledge that the pair have detecting skills and bring them in to the enquiries rather than resenting their presence. It is a refreshing change from many other cosies.
This is a really enjoyable series and I hope it continues!
Our two leading ladies are as entertaining as ever and we find out quite a lot about their past lives when they were spying for King and country. Lady Hardcastle calls Flo "tiny servant" and Flo is equally rude back and it is all very funny. I also enjoy the fact that the police acknowledge that the pair have detecting skills and bring them in to the enquiries rather than resenting their presence. It is a refreshing change from many other cosies.
This is a really enjoyable series and I hope it continues!
September 21, 2022
3.5 stars
November 3, 2018
Littleton Cotterell was about to host a screening of one of the first moving pictures and as it was nearing Halloween, the picture was appropriately named The Witch’s Downfall. Lady Hardcastle found herself with the four actors in her home, as her good friend and original host’s kitchen caught alight, and of course they would need to be fed. It was 1909 and the chill was definitely making itself felt across the countryside, but that didn’t stop Lady Hardcastle and her trusted lady’s maid, Florence, from venturing out.
The success of the first night was heartwarming � apart from the protesters with their banners � but when the frosty morning gave light to a body under the large old rowan tree, everyone was shocked to find one of the actors � dead, in a spooky copy of the entertainment of the night before.
Amateur sleuth, Lady Hardcastle and her side-kick Flo set their skills to work. The police were puzzled and had experience of Lady Hardcastle’s past successes, so they were grateful for the assistance. But could she find the killer this time? It seemed whoever it was, was one step ahead�
A Picture of Murder is the 4th in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by TE Kinsey, and I thoroughly enjoyed it � as I have all the others! A historical cosy mystery with a humerous touch � I laughed out loud many times. The interaction between Lady Hardcastle and Flo is brilliantly done! Dry and hugely entertaining. The twists are also well done, and I certainly didn’t pick the culprit! Highly recommended � can’t wait for #5!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The success of the first night was heartwarming � apart from the protesters with their banners � but when the frosty morning gave light to a body under the large old rowan tree, everyone was shocked to find one of the actors � dead, in a spooky copy of the entertainment of the night before.
Amateur sleuth, Lady Hardcastle and her side-kick Flo set their skills to work. The police were puzzled and had experience of Lady Hardcastle’s past successes, so they were grateful for the assistance. But could she find the killer this time? It seemed whoever it was, was one step ahead�
A Picture of Murder is the 4th in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by TE Kinsey, and I thoroughly enjoyed it � as I have all the others! A historical cosy mystery with a humerous touch � I laughed out loud many times. The interaction between Lady Hardcastle and Flo is brilliantly done! Dry and hugely entertaining. The twists are also well done, and I certainly didn’t pick the culprit! Highly recommended � can’t wait for #5!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2018
In Late October 1909 the inhabitants of Littleton Cottrell are gearing up for Halloween and Bonfire Night. While Lady Hardcastle poo-poos the superstitions of the villagers, her ladies' maid, Florence Armstrong, has a more open mind. When a kitchen fire at The Grange leaves a filmmaker and his actors stranded, Lady Hardcastle steps up to host. She is eager to see their kinematograph (moving picture), The Witch’s Downfall, and show off her own amateur efforts. Not everyone is thrilled about this new fad and believe moving pictures are evil. When real life starts to imitate art, Lady Hardcastle and Flo are disturbed and some of the villagers think the moving picture has put a curse on the village. With Inspector Sunderland busy elsewhere and the local police not up to the task, it's up to Lady Hardcastle and Miss Armstrong to solve the mystery before it's too late.
Wow! This was a very complicated mystery that not even Lady Hardcastle could solve until the very end. I was starting to suspect something was not quite right before she did and I was frustrated because some of the clues were glaringly obvious and Lady Hardcastle chose to ignore them. This story isn't for everyone. I was disturbed by how dark it was but enjoyed trying to figure out what was going on.
In this novel Lady Hardcastle and Flo finally share their life stories. I felt that all that information at once was too much but at the time time, I was eager to learn what really happened. I was a bit confused because Lady Hardcastle keeps saying her husband was killed by Chinese bandits. Is that the official story? I am very eager to see how the subplot about Lady Hardcastle's past plays out. I also could have used a brief explanation of what the Boxer Rebellion was. I couldn't remember the details. I was pleased to see this novel contains an author's note explaining his minor tweaks to the history of early film and the moonrise. I would have liked more information about the film industry in Great Britain in the early 1900s. The details included in the story are excellent though and if readers are that interested I suppose they can look it up.
My favorite scene is a lighthearted one. It involves Hamlet, a Great Dane who doesn't know his own size or strength. Hamlet is such a silly puppy! I loved him so much but wouldn't want him jumping and drooling on me, as much as I am a crazy dog lady.
There are 6 new characters here, 5 from the film industry and 1 journalist. There's also the protestors. Nolan Cheetham is a charismatic showman and filmmaker whose star is on the wane. He has come to the village to show his new film, The Witch's Downfall. He is friendly and charming but he is a promoter and could be performing dastardly deeds to promote his film. I was impressed by his professional filmmaking and special effects artistry. Zelda Drayton is another star on the wane. She's an excellent actress and seems nice enough. Miss Euphemia Sellwood is the new leading lady. She's a bit too aware of her beauty and star power. Basil is the old theater actor turned moving picture actor. He is VERY self-aware and a jovial chap. I think he's a bit phony. Aaron Orum, screenwriter and frenemy of Nolan Cheetham is a whiny, self-pitying, wannabe aesthete. If his side of the story is true, he does have reason to be angry but it didn't sound as if he had pursued legal action. Could you sue someone in Edwardian England? Orum's latest girlfriend is a sensational journalist who is a very unpleasant woman. Any one of them would do anything to further their own careers.
Mr. Hughes is the leader of the Westboro Baptist Church-type group that comes to the village to protest the film. He's too self-righteous and lacks an understanding of village culture. He reminded me of the nay-sayers who decried Harry Potter when the books were first published. I detest those who try to tell other people what to do and how to live their lives and detest those who would censor art to suit their own ends. Needless to say, Hughes is not a likable character. Yet, he is slightly sympathetic in a way. The world is changing too fast for him.
We are also reunited with "Skins" the drummer and his fellow percussionist Barty. They're fun characters and bring more of a sense of the time period to the story. However, I feel they were inserted into the story for no good reason except to introduce the subplot and get Lady Hardcastle and Flo to tell their stories. Perhaps that would have been best saved for another novel.
Wow! This was a very complicated mystery that not even Lady Hardcastle could solve until the very end. I was starting to suspect something was not quite right before she did and I was frustrated because some of the clues were glaringly obvious and Lady Hardcastle chose to ignore them. This story isn't for everyone. I was disturbed by how dark it was but enjoyed trying to figure out what was going on.
In this novel Lady Hardcastle and Flo finally share their life stories. I felt that all that information at once was too much but at the time time, I was eager to learn what really happened. I was a bit confused because Lady Hardcastle keeps saying her husband was killed by Chinese bandits. Is that the official story? I am very eager to see how the subplot about Lady Hardcastle's past plays out. I also could have used a brief explanation of what the Boxer Rebellion was. I couldn't remember the details. I was pleased to see this novel contains an author's note explaining his minor tweaks to the history of early film and the moonrise. I would have liked more information about the film industry in Great Britain in the early 1900s. The details included in the story are excellent though and if readers are that interested I suppose they can look it up.
My favorite scene is a lighthearted one. It involves Hamlet, a Great Dane who doesn't know his own size or strength. Hamlet is such a silly puppy! I loved him so much but wouldn't want him jumping and drooling on me, as much as I am a crazy dog lady.
There are 6 new characters here, 5 from the film industry and 1 journalist. There's also the protestors. Nolan Cheetham is a charismatic showman and filmmaker whose star is on the wane. He has come to the village to show his new film, The Witch's Downfall. He is friendly and charming but he is a promoter and could be performing dastardly deeds to promote his film. I was impressed by his professional filmmaking and special effects artistry. Zelda Drayton is another star on the wane. She's an excellent actress and seems nice enough. Miss Euphemia Sellwood is the new leading lady. She's a bit too aware of her beauty and star power. Basil is the old theater actor turned moving picture actor. He is VERY self-aware and a jovial chap. I think he's a bit phony. Aaron Orum, screenwriter and frenemy of Nolan Cheetham is a whiny, self-pitying, wannabe aesthete. If his side of the story is true, he does have reason to be angry but it didn't sound as if he had pursued legal action. Could you sue someone in Edwardian England? Orum's latest girlfriend is a sensational journalist who is a very unpleasant woman. Any one of them would do anything to further their own careers.
Mr. Hughes is the leader of the Westboro Baptist Church-type group that comes to the village to protest the film. He's too self-righteous and lacks an understanding of village culture. He reminded me of the nay-sayers who decried Harry Potter when the books were first published. I detest those who try to tell other people what to do and how to live their lives and detest those who would censor art to suit their own ends. Needless to say, Hughes is not a likable character. Yet, he is slightly sympathetic in a way. The world is changing too fast for him.
We are also reunited with "Skins" the drummer and his fellow percussionist Barty. They're fun characters and bring more of a sense of the time period to the story. However, I feel they were inserted into the story for no good reason except to introduce the subplot and get Lady Hardcastle and Flo to tell their stories. Perhaps that would have been best saved for another novel.
January 3, 2019
4.5 Stars for another fun cozy mystery. I love listening the audiobooks of this series. I tried reading it myself after I started the audiobook and I ended up returning to the audiobook. The narrator Elizabeth Knowelden does a wonderful job. She really makes it entertaining.
This is the latest cozy mystery featuring Lady Emily Hardcastle and her lady's maid & partner in investigation, Florence Armstrong. The time is October 1909 in the village of Littleton Cotterell, England. On Halloween, the village hosts a new form of entertainment - a showing of a motion picture, The Witch’s Downfall. The director and actors are staying at Lady Hardcastle's estate. But one by one the actors meet their deaths in a similar manner as in their film. Its up to Lady Hardcastle and Florence to find and stop the murderer.
It maybe one of the better mysteries of this series. But to tell you the truth, I just enjoy visiting the characters, Lady Hardcastle and Florence, not to mention the villagers and Inspector Sunderland. We even meet up again with the musicians, Barty and Skins from book #1, . Which may be the best part of the book when Lady Hardcastle and Florence tell Barty and Skins their history together - how they met and ended up spying for the British government. In the previous books, only snippets of their exciting and unusual pasts are told. Lady Hardcastle is no ordinary "Lady". We also learn that Lady Hardcastle is 42 years old. Younger than I assumed as Flo often refers to her ladyship as "The old girl" and the like.
If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries, small village life and a wonderful friendship between a Lady and her maid, check this series out. I suggest starting from the beginning.
This is the latest cozy mystery featuring Lady Emily Hardcastle and her lady's maid & partner in investigation, Florence Armstrong. The time is October 1909 in the village of Littleton Cotterell, England. On Halloween, the village hosts a new form of entertainment - a showing of a motion picture, The Witch’s Downfall. The director and actors are staying at Lady Hardcastle's estate. But one by one the actors meet their deaths in a similar manner as in their film. Its up to Lady Hardcastle and Florence to find and stop the murderer.
It maybe one of the better mysteries of this series. But to tell you the truth, I just enjoy visiting the characters, Lady Hardcastle and Florence, not to mention the villagers and Inspector Sunderland. We even meet up again with the musicians, Barty and Skins from book #1, . Which may be the best part of the book when Lady Hardcastle and Florence tell Barty and Skins their history together - how they met and ended up spying for the British government. In the previous books, only snippets of their exciting and unusual pasts are told. Lady Hardcastle is no ordinary "Lady". We also learn that Lady Hardcastle is 42 years old. Younger than I assumed as Flo often refers to her ladyship as "The old girl" and the like.
If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries, small village life and a wonderful friendship between a Lady and her maid, check this series out. I suggest starting from the beginning.
May 14, 2024
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
November 27, 2021
Another fun mystery with Emily Hardcastle and her maid Florence Armstrong. Others have recapped the plot. No spoilers here. The audio book is again top notch.
October 30, 2020
Really enjoyed this book from the Lady Hardcastle series, especially as the story was set round Halloween time (pure coincidence I listened to it in October) ! One of the better books from the much loved murder mystery series - 4 stars ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 31, 2021
Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #4
Publication Date: 10/22/18
Period: Edwardian � October 1909 - Littleton Cotterell, England
Number of Pages: 320
After all of the excitement of the last book, Lady Hardcastle and Flo are back home in Littleton Cotterell and they are looking forward to attending the village’s presentation of one of the first kinematographs (moving pictures). How exciting! Especially when Lady Hardcastle has been dabbling in making kinematographs herself. As a matter of fact, one of her little creations will be shown along with the major attraction � The Witch’s Downfall. What a perfect kinematograph to draw attention to the village’s Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations.
The filmmaker and his actors were to stay at the Grange, but a kitchen fire made it necessary to relocate. Lady Hardcastle was happy to host the troupe at her home and looked forward to having technical discussions with them. Not everyone is thrilled with the showing and the village is quickly bombarded with zealot protestors. When real life begins to imitate The Witch’s Downfall, Lady Hardcastle sets out to solve the murders of the cast. The superstitious villagers believe it is supernatural � and Lady Hardcastle and Flo are very sure it isn’t. Will they be able to find the murderer before every member of the cast is murdered?
This quirky, witty, and fun series is quite addicting, but, for some reason, I couldn’t work up any affinity for the storyline or victims in this one. Don’t get me wrong � I absolutely adored Lady Hardcastle, Flo, Inspector Sunderland, the local deputies, and other locals. I just never cared for the victims and the supernatural aspects. There are suspects aplenty, mysteries aplenty, and twists you won’t see coming.
I hope you’ll enjoy the story as much as I did.
Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #4
Publication Date: 10/22/18
Period: Edwardian � October 1909 - Littleton Cotterell, England
Number of Pages: 320
After all of the excitement of the last book, Lady Hardcastle and Flo are back home in Littleton Cotterell and they are looking forward to attending the village’s presentation of one of the first kinematographs (moving pictures). How exciting! Especially when Lady Hardcastle has been dabbling in making kinematographs herself. As a matter of fact, one of her little creations will be shown along with the major attraction � The Witch’s Downfall. What a perfect kinematograph to draw attention to the village’s Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations.
The filmmaker and his actors were to stay at the Grange, but a kitchen fire made it necessary to relocate. Lady Hardcastle was happy to host the troupe at her home and looked forward to having technical discussions with them. Not everyone is thrilled with the showing and the village is quickly bombarded with zealot protestors. When real life begins to imitate The Witch’s Downfall, Lady Hardcastle sets out to solve the murders of the cast. The superstitious villagers believe it is supernatural � and Lady Hardcastle and Flo are very sure it isn’t. Will they be able to find the murderer before every member of the cast is murdered?
This quirky, witty, and fun series is quite addicting, but, for some reason, I couldn’t work up any affinity for the storyline or victims in this one. Don’t get me wrong � I absolutely adored Lady Hardcastle, Flo, Inspector Sunderland, the local deputies, and other locals. I just never cared for the victims and the supernatural aspects. There are suspects aplenty, mysteries aplenty, and twists you won’t see coming.
I hope you’ll enjoy the story as much as I did.
November 23, 2024
I loved the twist! So clever!
September 3, 2023
This was a great installment in the series! One of the best so far.
I absolutely love these characters and the cozy vibes of these mysteries. These books are always so funny, and can always lighten my mood!
I absolutely love these characters and the cozy vibes of these mysteries. These books are always so funny, and can always lighten my mood!
September 29, 2018
4 stars
It is late in 1909 and the moving pictures are coming to Littleton Cotterell! It’s Halloween and the choice of films to be shown is timely. Mr. Nolan Cheatham is the director/producer and with him he has brought the three stars of his latest production, The Witches� Downfall. After a fire in Lady Farley-Stroud’s kitchen, the four movie people are staying with Lady Emily Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong’s home. In spite of the Hughes� protestors outside the church hall, there is a crowd for the viewing and it is a great success, as is Lady Hardcastle’s own Town Mouse and Country Mouse production.
On the morning following the entertainment, Sergeant Dobson shows up at the door of Emily and Florence’s home. He has bad news. Mr. Basil Newhouse, one of the actors staying at their home, was found murdered in the churchyard. The murder was staged to look like the murder of his character in the short film viewed the night before. The list of potential suspects is rather long. Inspector Suderland has come from Bristol to investigate the case. Emily and Flo know him from cases past and he appreciates their help.
Then actress Euphemia Selwood is found dead in the kitchen at Emily and Flo’s home. In her hand is a partially eaten apple, just like the character in the moving picture. Could it have been poisoned like in the film?
More deaths occur and the puzzling aspects of the case grow.
In a thoroughly surprising ending, the case is resolved by Emily and Flo.
I was excited to read more about Emily and Flo’s past adventures. This time it was how Emily was recruited and her and Roddy (her husband), adventuring in Shanghai and environs � with Flo’s assistance, of course. I find the characters of Emily and Flo entertaining with their banter and gently kidding one another. The book is well written with a few misspellings and minor typos. It is linearly plotted. The characters are interesting and engaging. I look forward to the next Lady Hardcastle and Flo adventure.
I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful novel for me to read, enjoy and review.
It is late in 1909 and the moving pictures are coming to Littleton Cotterell! It’s Halloween and the choice of films to be shown is timely. Mr. Nolan Cheatham is the director/producer and with him he has brought the three stars of his latest production, The Witches� Downfall. After a fire in Lady Farley-Stroud’s kitchen, the four movie people are staying with Lady Emily Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong’s home. In spite of the Hughes� protestors outside the church hall, there is a crowd for the viewing and it is a great success, as is Lady Hardcastle’s own Town Mouse and Country Mouse production.
On the morning following the entertainment, Sergeant Dobson shows up at the door of Emily and Florence’s home. He has bad news. Mr. Basil Newhouse, one of the actors staying at their home, was found murdered in the churchyard. The murder was staged to look like the murder of his character in the short film viewed the night before. The list of potential suspects is rather long. Inspector Suderland has come from Bristol to investigate the case. Emily and Flo know him from cases past and he appreciates their help.
Then actress Euphemia Selwood is found dead in the kitchen at Emily and Flo’s home. In her hand is a partially eaten apple, just like the character in the moving picture. Could it have been poisoned like in the film?
More deaths occur and the puzzling aspects of the case grow.
In a thoroughly surprising ending, the case is resolved by Emily and Flo.
I was excited to read more about Emily and Flo’s past adventures. This time it was how Emily was recruited and her and Roddy (her husband), adventuring in Shanghai and environs � with Flo’s assistance, of course. I find the characters of Emily and Flo entertaining with their banter and gently kidding one another. The book is well written with a few misspellings and minor typos. It is linearly plotted. The characters are interesting and engaging. I look forward to the next Lady Hardcastle and Flo adventure.
I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful novel for me to read, enjoy and review.
January 5, 2019
I adore this series and always come back to it what I want to feel charmed and cozy with the intrigue 🤨 of a careful but quick who-done-it. These books are a vacation for me!!! AND I get to spend time with two ladies who are a real hoot and inspiration. It feels like I’m hanging out with Lady Mary and Anna from Downton Abbey. (I also argue these books are feminist in nature as they are always challenging the system they’re in)
The story, as always, was curious and captivating (can’t put it down!) AND I find I learn a good bit about the time period in the process. Historical cozy mystery fiction at its best!
This is a female duo version of Sherlock Holmes 🕵️♀� the narrator is fantastic and the accents were extra rich in this installation. (They can be read separately and out of order imho)
I’m soooo thankful I decided to “expand my horizons� and try book 1 on sale 2 years ago (Audible daily deal) It was never a genre I thought I’d like but oh how I do!
The story, as always, was curious and captivating (can’t put it down!) AND I find I learn a good bit about the time period in the process. Historical cozy mystery fiction at its best!
This is a female duo version of Sherlock Holmes 🕵️♀� the narrator is fantastic and the accents were extra rich in this installation. (They can be read separately and out of order imho)
I’m soooo thankful I decided to “expand my horizons� and try book 1 on sale 2 years ago (Audible daily deal) It was never a genre I thought I’d like but oh how I do!
April 21, 2022
This is the third Lady Hardcastle book I have read, somehow skipping over the third. These books are good hearted fun and provide comic relief in times of upsetting world events. We do learn quite a bit about the early life of the two women who seem to be required for murder investigations on a more than frequent basis. At one point in this book I was reminded of Lucy and Ethel at the chocolate factory trying to keep up with chocolates on a conveyor belt. Murder followed murder and on it went. Lady Hardcastle had invited more than one group of interesting houseguests, the first being a group of film producers. The village had its complement of protestors who found "moving pictures" to be more than sinful.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
October 20, 2018
A Picture of Murder
By: T. E. Kinsey
Amazon Publishing UK
4 stars
Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong are back and better than ever. This is the fourth book in the Lady Hardcastle Mystery series. The novel opens up on All Hallows� Eve. Ghosts and ghouls are abound in Littleton, Cotterell. A film producer, Mr. Cheetham, and his film crew arrive at town, at the perfect time, to show their moving picture, The Witch’s Downfall. Things go awry though when one of the film’s actors is found dead and killed in the same manner as his character. Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong put their skills to use to try and solve the murders. But, are they looking for a supernatural being or a living person?
This novel is fun from start to finish. It is my favorite book in the Lady Hardcastle series. We meet old and new characters and each character is distinctive and unique. Ultimately, however, it is the repertoire between the characters that makes this novel so great. The interactions between Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong are particularly memorable. We also get a small glance at some of Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong’s secret past. This past seems to have prepared them for the sleuthing they do in the present. Their skills are sharp enough to captivate the police, who not only inform them on the progress on the case, but also encourage their help. Not only is the mystery solved at the end of the book, but we get a hint of a relationship in the making. Something fun to look forward to in the next book. I really enjoyed this book, and it was a entertaining October read.
Thanks to Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #APictureOfMurder
By: T. E. Kinsey
Amazon Publishing UK
4 stars
Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong are back and better than ever. This is the fourth book in the Lady Hardcastle Mystery series. The novel opens up on All Hallows� Eve. Ghosts and ghouls are abound in Littleton, Cotterell. A film producer, Mr. Cheetham, and his film crew arrive at town, at the perfect time, to show their moving picture, The Witch’s Downfall. Things go awry though when one of the film’s actors is found dead and killed in the same manner as his character. Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong put their skills to use to try and solve the murders. But, are they looking for a supernatural being or a living person?
This novel is fun from start to finish. It is my favorite book in the Lady Hardcastle series. We meet old and new characters and each character is distinctive and unique. Ultimately, however, it is the repertoire between the characters that makes this novel so great. The interactions between Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong are particularly memorable. We also get a small glance at some of Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong’s secret past. This past seems to have prepared them for the sleuthing they do in the present. Their skills are sharp enough to captivate the police, who not only inform them on the progress on the case, but also encourage their help. Not only is the mystery solved at the end of the book, but we get a hint of a relationship in the making. Something fun to look forward to in the next book. I really enjoyed this book, and it was a entertaining October read.
Thanks to Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #APictureOfMurder
May 8, 2019
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this 4th book in the cosy mystery series featuring Lady Hardcastle and her Ladie's maid Flo Armstrong in 1907, set in the English countryside.
The series is just getting better and better! This is my favourite installment so far; I love it because it's funny, historically viable, personable, engaging and super fun!
Our two main protagonists are brilliant! And we get a little bit more of their back story. I just love them and the narration from Flo is excellent. It is very tongue in cheek and it works so well in this story - hilarious and brilliant!
Highly recommended for cosy mystery fans - you don't need to read these books in order although it does give you a better character connection if you've read the preceding sagas but its really not essential.
I really can't wait for the next book!
I really enjoyed this 4th book in the cosy mystery series featuring Lady Hardcastle and her Ladie's maid Flo Armstrong in 1907, set in the English countryside.
The series is just getting better and better! This is my favourite installment so far; I love it because it's funny, historically viable, personable, engaging and super fun!
Our two main protagonists are brilliant! And we get a little bit more of their back story. I just love them and the narration from Flo is excellent. It is very tongue in cheek and it works so well in this story - hilarious and brilliant!
Highly recommended for cosy mystery fans - you don't need to read these books in order although it does give you a better character connection if you've read the preceding sagas but its really not essential.
I really can't wait for the next book!
August 29, 2020
This was another good outing with Lady Hardcastle and Flo Armstrong. It involved a complicated plot centering on the emerging moving pictures technology. There wasn't as much of the witty zingers between Emily Hardcastle and her maid Flo than in previous books. Therefore it was just a smidge less enjoyable than earlier books.
But I'm looking forward to starting book 5 in the series soon.
But I'm looking forward to starting book 5 in the series soon.
April 21, 2019
Another great installment in the Lady Hardcastle series. It didn't seem to have as much humor, so 4.5*
July 15, 2024
loved their interactions and learning a bit more about their history.
October 8, 2024
3.75 stars
January 1, 2019
This fourth book in the Lady Hardcastle series didn't have quite as much of the humor I adore, but was still a good addition to the series.
England, 1909
England, 1909
October 7, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of A Picture of Murder, the fourth novel set in 1909 to feature amateur sleuth Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence Armstrong.
Littleton Cotterill is gearing up for its first moving picture festival and through an unfortunate accident Lady Hardcastle is hosting the "film folk", director Nolan Cheetham and three of his cast. The film, The Witch's Downfall is mostly well received wih several notable exceptions so when a cast member is found dead in a manner echoing the film Lady Hardcastle and Flo are drafted in to help the hard pressed Inspector Sunderland.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Picture of Murder which is a light, frothy tale with a genuine mystery attached. It is narrated by Flo Armstrong so the reader sees everything through her eyes. She is a most unusual ladies maid so her tone is sardonic and amusing. I found myself caught up in both her narrative and the plot which held my interest from start to finish. I loved the period detail and the information about the fledgling movie industry is fascinating from the attitudes towards it to the mechanics of filming. I also admired Mr Kinsey's ingenuity in his plotting. It maybe requires a stretch of credulity but it fits the tone of the novel and made my jaw drop at its cleverness.
As I said Flo Armstrong is a very unusual ladies maid being more of a friend and confederate to Lady Hardcastle than a servant. I was interested to see Mr Kinsey expanding on some of their adventurous past which he has hinted at in previous novels. It adds to the fun of the read.
A Picture of Murder is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Littleton Cotterill is gearing up for its first moving picture festival and through an unfortunate accident Lady Hardcastle is hosting the "film folk", director Nolan Cheetham and three of his cast. The film, The Witch's Downfall is mostly well received wih several notable exceptions so when a cast member is found dead in a manner echoing the film Lady Hardcastle and Flo are drafted in to help the hard pressed Inspector Sunderland.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Picture of Murder which is a light, frothy tale with a genuine mystery attached. It is narrated by Flo Armstrong so the reader sees everything through her eyes. She is a most unusual ladies maid so her tone is sardonic and amusing. I found myself caught up in both her narrative and the plot which held my interest from start to finish. I loved the period detail and the information about the fledgling movie industry is fascinating from the attitudes towards it to the mechanics of filming. I also admired Mr Kinsey's ingenuity in his plotting. It maybe requires a stretch of credulity but it fits the tone of the novel and made my jaw drop at its cleverness.
As I said Flo Armstrong is a very unusual ladies maid being more of a friend and confederate to Lady Hardcastle than a servant. I was interested to see Mr Kinsey expanding on some of their adventurous past which he has hinted at in previous novels. It adds to the fun of the read.
A Picture of Murder is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
October 30, 2018
It’s the fall of 1909, and the kinematograph (known as the movies to us) has come to the Gloucestershire village of Littleton Cotterell. Colonel Nolan Cheetham and three of his actors are showing their film The Witch’s Downfall, a melodramatic work sure to appeal to unsophisticated and superstitious villagers. Of course, the showing is a great success, but then one of the actors is killed in exactly the same way as his character was in the movie. Needless to say, retired spy Emily, Lady Hardcastle, and her sassy maid Florence Armstrong do their part to help the Bristol CID crack the case. But not before there are several more deaths.
I always enjoy another chance to become reacquainted with Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong, both of whom are clever and witty. Additionally, I learned quite a bit about the early days of the cinema. Littleton Cotterell’s villagers provide the right touch of satire and true human nature to keep me thoroughly entertained. I never guessed the incredibly clever ending, but, even if I had, it would not have reduced my enjoyment a whit. This fourth installment measures up to the rest of the novels in this humorous and captivating series.
I always enjoy another chance to become reacquainted with Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong, both of whom are clever and witty. Additionally, I learned quite a bit about the early days of the cinema. Littleton Cotterell’s villagers provide the right touch of satire and true human nature to keep me thoroughly entertained. I never guessed the incredibly clever ending, but, even if I had, it would not have reduced my enjoyment a whit. This fourth installment measures up to the rest of the novels in this humorous and captivating series.
January 14, 2024
I have been really enjoying getting into this series. I do not want to read them to fast because then I will be all caught up on the series but it is very tempting to do it anyway. In Book4, Lady Hardcastle and her maid Flo find themselves hosting several actors who are in town. They are showing their new Halloween movie in town and everyone is abuzz with exeitement. When one of them is found dead, Lady Hardcastle and Flo immediately become suspicious. Along with the police they set out to figure out who is the guilty party. I look forward to reading more in the series probably sooner than later. If you are interested in the series start at book 1 and try the audio it is very well done and will put in England with them.
May 15, 2019
I’m a total sucker for these two women. Their verbal exchanges dance with wit. They’re intelligent, competent and wily.
The rest of the cast, as well as the mystery, is well conceived.
And I await more.
The rest of the cast, as well as the mystery, is well conceived.
And I await more.
July 16, 2022
2.5 �
January 5, 2025
This is my favorite so far! This gives a lot of insight into the background of Lady Hardcastle and her lady's maid Armstrong.
June 1, 2019
Actors beware! This is probably my favorite out of the series so far! Loved the authors note on moving pictures too!
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