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saucydoorhandles's review against another edition
3.0
This is a review about the series as a whole, rather than a specific book review about each book.
I am enjoying this series somewhat. I do find somethings rather frustrating at times, but overall, I like how things are developing through the whole series and I do want answers to certain questions that still have to be answered. It's a pleasant, not taxing on brain way to spend a couple of hours.
Eleanor. Right. She does not read as a 28 something woman, who eventually hits her 30's as the series progresses. Her character background doesn't fit the character we are presented with. I know she has been somewhat spoiled and is pampered, but she reads as a teenager to me, especially as all her exploring should've made her more mature. She has been travelling the world for 10 years alone. I repeat, travelling alone as a woman in the 1920's. That wouldn't have been easy and you'd need your wits about you. It's not like she's been locked in a manor for 15 years and is finally being released into the world alas Rapunzel. I also find her general horniness, both hilarious and frustrating, especially when she's falling for people she's just met and having romancey moments at the most worst times when she should be focusing on something much more serious. Though I do know it's part of her character that she falls hard over nothing and has a habit of rushing into romances with people she barely knows. She knows this about herself, yet does it anyway, she never really grows in this respect througout the story. I also didn't like that she turned into blushing, awkward giggling girl around males she finds attractive. It's stereotypical and once again, it's reminisce of a teenager. You'd think at 28, you can be around an attractive male and be fine. Most woman I know can. She just doesn't come across as a 28-30 year woman to me. I do sigh when she's like a bull in a china shop where a delicate hand was needed. She sometimes makes life hard for herself though once again, I know that's one huge part of her character traits, but she can come across quite rude at times. But I don't dislike her and I don't mind having her as the main character, I do wish we would have some more character growth within the story though.
Also, I know talk of food is a somewhat part of the cozy genre, but it gets tiring that Eleanor eats six heavily calorie meals a day, yet always keeps her figure. It's unrealistic and is a pet peeve of mine, as it's a mythical dream that is used as a stick to beat woman with when they can't achieve it.
I really like Clifford (despite the grating chivalry misogyny and being all proper which can get tiring. And I dislike how he's always reminding the ladies that because Eleanor has a title, that means she's better, worth more and special than them. All people are equal on the whole. A title doesn't mean much in this day and age. I know it's somewhat suitable/normal for the time period, but I think the authors can easily not focus and push this specific idea as much as they do. I know Clifford truly believes that she's better but it's getting old, especially when he pushes it on the staff several times a book.) and the rest of the staff though Clifford should be a bit easier on them, haha. I mean, they're doing several peoples worth of work a day by themselves. And one of them is 15 and started working at 11. (Imagine having an 11 year old as a maid/cleaner/everything else.) Dude doesn't know how to relax and chill. And Gladstone is my favourite. He's a cutie and I love his addition to the story. He makes a cute, fun aspect to the books with his charming personality of constantly stealing shoes and his penchant for digging.
General Discussions about the series as a whole, including my thoughts on Hugh so probable minor spoilers;
While I think Hugh is a step up from the other guy (He had no substance and was always about just having a good time), I can't help but feel that he wants to change Eleanor, rather than accept her as she is. I know it's partly down the classic chivalry misogyny of the time period, but it is frustrating. He just needs to accept that she won't stand for injustice and stop ordering her about. For her to be like "Someone has been murdered. Oh well, not my problem." is asking her to be someone else. I know he worries about her safety, but that is in Eleanor's control, rather than his. Also, Eleanor has been right on the mark about murders happening. He says no. She says yes. She is proved right. It has happened what like seven times? I can accept that after the first or second one, he might still disregard her opinion. But after the third one, he still does it. Which I don't get. He should trust her instincts as she has yet to be proved wrong, unlike Hugh. She has proved him wrong every single book when he's declared "natural causes" yet he still doesn't trust her instincts and knowledge. Infact, Hugh should trust Eleanor opinion more than his own, considering he's been wrong on the mark so many times. It makes him come across as an idiot when he dismisses Eleanor so easily, especially as the reader knows he is in the wrong. So as a reader, I find that aspect frustrating as it feels like time wasting as we know Eleanor is right and doesn't make me warm to him. As we know Eleanor is right, he kinda comes across as incompetent when he could help but chooses not to do so. It's acceptable when higher ups are blocking him etc, but not when he's not helping due to free will. So I find that aspect really frustrating. And despite me reading 10 books with the character, we still know very little about him as a whole. So I hope the future books will stop him having a moan every book about Eleanor choosing to find answers to a murder as it's getting old. I want him to accept Eleanor as she is, she won't let things go when she could help and he needs to accept that. The chivalry disguised as misogyny is getting old and not making me like him all that much, and I believe as a reader, I'm supposed to do so, as I think he's the main romance aspect of this series. I can't see Eleanor swerving back to Lance and unless a new guy moves to the village, we don't have many other romance options. Also, it's hypocritical that he spends most of his time at work, so justice is important to him, yet he can't accept that justice and answers is just as important to Eleanor. It's one of the things they have in common.
I didn't like Lance, he was shallow, vapid and had no real substance so I was glad he was binned off as a romance option quite quickly. He was more childish than Eleanor. He has no respect for anyone. And is very dismissive to the things that matter to Eleanor.
Also, it gets a bit boring when everyone fancies the main character. It's just a small annoying tidbit.
And it is a bit tiring when everyone else is either an serious idiot or is being evil for no reason. Like come on!
Also, I understand why the author keeps the staff at the manor down to 6-7 people as it would be hard to have 30 staff members popping up and being background characters. It allows the 6-7 staff to have their own personality without overwhelming. But I can't help think they must work to the bone, as it impossible they could do everything they do. There is no way that 6-7 people can keep a 40 something room manor clean, make food, do all chores, helping their lady etc. There are two, then three, ladies whose job it is to clean and help Eleanor amongst other jobs, no way two people can keep a manor in pristine condition. And Eleanor makes their life harder and easier at the same time, she'll buy them a vaccum but she won't keep her clothes tidy, thus making them clean up her twenty outfits that she's tried on and discarded on the floor. And I know it's stated that Eleanor offers more staff and they turn her own. But that's just silly. I mean, average people in a 3 bed can easily get behind with chores, especially with those tasks that should be done every month, but end up being done every three, e.g. spring cleaning, the fridge, cleaning the skirting boards, taking everything out of the cabinet and dusting/washing it all. But they simply could not realistically keep this manor to high standards, they would legit never be able to sleep. But I can let go and accept this part is pure fantasy.
I am enjoying this series somewhat. I do find somethings rather frustrating at times, but overall, I like how things are developing through the whole series and I do want answers to certain questions that still have to be answered. It's a pleasant, not taxing on brain way to spend a couple of hours.
Eleanor. Right. She does not read as a 28 something woman, who eventually hits her 30's as the series progresses. Her character background doesn't fit the character we are presented with. I know she has been somewhat spoiled and is pampered, but she reads as a teenager to me, especially as all her exploring should've made her more mature. She has been travelling the world for 10 years alone. I repeat, travelling alone as a woman in the 1920's. That wouldn't have been easy and you'd need your wits about you. It's not like she's been locked in a manor for 15 years and is finally being released into the world alas Rapunzel. I also find her general horniness, both hilarious and frustrating, especially when she's falling for people she's just met and having romancey moments at the most worst times when she should be focusing on something much more serious. Though I do know it's part of her character that she falls hard over nothing and has a habit of rushing into romances with people she barely knows. She knows this about herself, yet does it anyway, she never really grows in this respect througout the story. I also didn't like that she turned into blushing, awkward giggling girl around males she finds attractive. It's stereotypical and once again, it's reminisce of a teenager. You'd think at 28, you can be around an attractive male and be fine. Most woman I know can. She just doesn't come across as a 28-30 year woman to me. I do sigh when she's like a bull in a china shop where a delicate hand was needed. She sometimes makes life hard for herself though once again, I know that's one huge part of her character traits, but she can come across quite rude at times. But I don't dislike her and I don't mind having her as the main character, I do wish we would have some more character growth within the story though.
Also, I know talk of food is a somewhat part of the cozy genre, but it gets tiring that Eleanor eats six heavily calorie meals a day, yet always keeps her figure. It's unrealistic and is a pet peeve of mine, as it's a mythical dream that is used as a stick to beat woman with when they can't achieve it.
I really like Clifford (despite the grating chivalry misogyny and being all proper which can get tiring. And I dislike how he's always reminding the ladies that because Eleanor has a title, that means she's better, worth more and special than them. All people are equal on the whole. A title doesn't mean much in this day and age. I know it's somewhat suitable/normal for the time period, but I think the authors can easily not focus and push this specific idea as much as they do. I know Clifford truly believes that she's better but it's getting old, especially when he pushes it on the staff several times a book.) and the rest of the staff though Clifford should be a bit easier on them, haha. I mean, they're doing several peoples worth of work a day by themselves. And one of them is 15 and started working at 11. (Imagine having an 11 year old as a maid/cleaner/everything else.) Dude doesn't know how to relax and chill. And Gladstone is my favourite. He's a cutie and I love his addition to the story. He makes a cute, fun aspect to the books with his charming personality of constantly stealing shoes and his penchant for digging.
General Discussions about the series as a whole, including my thoughts on Hugh so probable minor spoilers;
Spoiler
While I think Hugh is a step up from the other guy (He had no substance and was always about just having a good time), I can't help but feel that he wants to change Eleanor, rather than accept her as she is. I know it's partly down the classic chivalry misogyny of the time period, but it is frustrating. He just needs to accept that she won't stand for injustice and stop ordering her about. For her to be like "Someone has been murdered. Oh well, not my problem." is asking her to be someone else. I know he worries about her safety, but that is in Eleanor's control, rather than his. Also, Eleanor has been right on the mark about murders happening. He says no. She says yes. She is proved right. It has happened what like seven times? I can accept that after the first or second one, he might still disregard her opinion. But after the third one, he still does it. Which I don't get. He should trust her instincts as she has yet to be proved wrong, unlike Hugh. She has proved him wrong every single book when he's declared "natural causes" yet he still doesn't trust her instincts and knowledge. Infact, Hugh should trust Eleanor opinion more than his own, considering he's been wrong on the mark so many times. It makes him come across as an idiot when he dismisses Eleanor so easily, especially as the reader knows he is in the wrong. So as a reader, I find that aspect frustrating as it feels like time wasting as we know Eleanor is right and doesn't make me warm to him. As we know Eleanor is right, he kinda comes across as incompetent when he could help but chooses not to do so. It's acceptable when higher ups are blocking him etc, but not when he's not helping due to free will. So I find that aspect really frustrating. And despite me reading 10 books with the character, we still know very little about him as a whole. So I hope the future books will stop him having a moan every book about Eleanor choosing to find answers to a murder as it's getting old. I want him to accept Eleanor as she is, she won't let things go when she could help and he needs to accept that. The chivalry disguised as misogyny is getting old and not making me like him all that much, and I believe as a reader, I'm supposed to do so, as I think he's the main romance aspect of this series. I can't see Eleanor swerving back to Lance and unless a new guy moves to the village, we don't have many other romance options. Also, it's hypocritical that he spends most of his time at work, so justice is important to him, yet he can't accept that justice and answers is just as important to Eleanor. It's one of the things they have in common.
I didn't like Lance, he was shallow, vapid and had no real substance so I was glad he was binned off as a romance option quite quickly. He was more childish than Eleanor. He has no respect for anyone. And is very dismissive to the things that matter to Eleanor.
Also, it gets a bit boring when everyone fancies the main character. It's just a small annoying tidbit.
And it is a bit tiring when everyone else is either an serious idiot or is being evil for no reason. Like come on!
Also, I understand why the author keeps the staff at the manor down to 6-7 people as it would be hard to have 30 staff members popping up and being background characters. It allows the 6-7 staff to have their own personality without overwhelming. But I can't help think they must work to the bone, as it impossible they could do everything they do. There is no way that 6-7 people can keep a 40 something room manor clean, make food, do all chores, helping their lady etc. There are two, then three, ladies whose job it is to clean and help Eleanor amongst other jobs, no way two people can keep a manor in pristine condition. And Eleanor makes their life harder and easier at the same time, she'll buy them a vaccum but she won't keep her clothes tidy, thus making them clean up her twenty outfits that she's tried on and discarded on the floor. And I know it's stated that Eleanor offers more staff and they turn her own. But that's just silly. I mean, average people in a 3 bed can easily get behind with chores, especially with those tasks that should be done every month, but end up being done every three, e.g. spring cleaning, the fridge, cleaning the skirting boards, taking everything out of the cabinet and dusting/washing it all. But they simply could not realistically keep this manor to high standards, they would legit never be able to sleep. But I can let go and accept this part is pure fantasy.
puddlejumper's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.75
Leftover from December this was a solid cosy murder mystery.
cheer4und1's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Eleanor and Clifford are back at solving murder. I didn’t guess the culprit until the very end. It started well, dragged a bit in the idle, and picked up pace again in the third act. There’s lots of red herrings. I still don’t like Lancelot. I appreciated the apology she gave the Inspector. Overall, a good installment in the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
robinlovesreading's review against another edition
4.0
In typical fashion for a cozy mystery, Lady Eleanor Swift gets yet another chance to prove her excellent skills when it comes to proving that a man's recent death is due to more than natural causes. It is a busy time during the Christmas season during the winter of 1920. One of the activities at play is a race that seemingly went off without a hitch However, as the runners approach the finish line, one of them suddenly falls to the ground.
Resuscitation efforts prove futile as it immediately proves that the man that fell is indeed dead. A heart attack perhaps? Ellie highly doubts it and becomes quite determined to find the cause of death. When the local vicar falls ill with a case of apparent poison, Ellie feels that both situations are linked. Ellie refuses to back down and begins to recognize clues that prove her suspicions are correct. Time proves to be of the essence when she herself comes into the line of blame.
I loved this fourth story in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series. Between her faithful butler Clifford and her perfect canine companion Gladstone, Ellie proves more than adept at turning over clues when it comes to getting to the truth behind the events that have taken place. With a bevy of suspects, her efforts prove rather difficult, but the skills Ellie has learned when it comes to solving crimes work well when it comes to finding the killer, keeping her name clear and staying safe.
The Christmas season is soon to be among us, so why not grab this delightful story and settle down for what proves to be quite a cozy read. I enjoyed the twists and turns that this story took and found myself devouring this book in a single reading session. This delightful story is a great accompaniment to a wonderful series and I look forward to seeing what is next in store for Ellie, Clifford and Gladstone.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Resuscitation efforts prove futile as it immediately proves that the man that fell is indeed dead. A heart attack perhaps? Ellie highly doubts it and becomes quite determined to find the cause of death. When the local vicar falls ill with a case of apparent poison, Ellie feels that both situations are linked. Ellie refuses to back down and begins to recognize clues that prove her suspicions are correct. Time proves to be of the essence when she herself comes into the line of blame.
I loved this fourth story in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series. Between her faithful butler Clifford and her perfect canine companion Gladstone, Ellie proves more than adept at turning over clues when it comes to getting to the truth behind the events that have taken place. With a bevy of suspects, her efforts prove rather difficult, but the skills Ellie has learned when it comes to solving crimes work well when it comes to finding the killer, keeping her name clear and staying safe.
The Christmas season is soon to be among us, so why not grab this delightful story and settle down for what proves to be quite a cozy read. I enjoyed the twists and turns that this story took and found myself devouring this book in a single reading session. This delightful story is a great accompaniment to a wonderful series and I look forward to seeing what is next in store for Ellie, Clifford and Gladstone.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
inkcubus's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
5.0
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I’m familiar with the newest Lady Eleanor Swift books, so I’m making my way through the back catalog and catching up with all her mysteries.
It’s Eleanor’s first year as lady of Henley Hall, and hosts the entire town for Christmas Eve celebrations. Naturally, one of her guests winds up dead, and it’s up to Eleanor and her ever-faithful butler, Clifford to find the killer.
I really enjoy seeing the growth of Eleanor as a character from the first volume to now. At first a duck out of water, by this volume Eleanor has pretty much gotten used to being a Lady and knows how to behave, yet still retains her plucky independent streak and modern views. She’s still just as charming and intelligent and spunky as ever.
As always, the time period is reflected just as it should be, yet Eleanor breaks the upstairs/downstairs convention. More is offered in this story about her mysterious uncle, and she’s starting to sort out her love life, although I still find both her choices lacking. Detective Seldon has got to up his game in order to be worthy of a woman like Lady Eleanor.
On to volume 5!
I’m familiar with the newest Lady Eleanor Swift books, so I’m making my way through the back catalog and catching up with all her mysteries.
It’s Eleanor’s first year as lady of Henley Hall, and hosts the entire town for Christmas Eve celebrations. Naturally, one of her guests winds up dead, and it’s up to Eleanor and her ever-faithful butler, Clifford to find the killer.
I really enjoy seeing the growth of Eleanor as a character from the first volume to now. At first a duck out of water, by this volume Eleanor has pretty much gotten used to being a Lady and knows how to behave, yet still retains her plucky independent streak and modern views. She’s still just as charming and intelligent and spunky as ever.
As always, the time period is reflected just as it should be, yet Eleanor breaks the upstairs/downstairs convention. More is offered in this story about her mysterious uncle, and she’s starting to sort out her love life, although I still find both her choices lacking. Detective Seldon has got to up his game in order to be worthy of a woman like Lady Eleanor.
On to volume 5!