Oh, how this book made me giggle! The wit is just unreal, as it is in the Lady Hardcastle series by this author. Locked room mystery elements in an isolated manor house, puzzles, passages, quirky characters, raucous shenanigans and peppy music adds up to tremendous fun. It practically induced me to frolic around the garden!

Set in Oxfordshire in 1925, a kaleidoscope of a band called Dizzy Heights travels to Bilverton House to play for an eccentric family and guests. Murder interrupts the jocularity and the band members and their two helpers/followers inveigle and search the house and the family's brains. I just love the buildup to the murder. In fact, following the thoughts and conversations of the characters is as as delightful as figuring out the guilty party. The wound-coloured hole, "Regency Ghastly" and the Hamlet bits are brilliant...and the wit is all over the place, yet not over the top. The characters are just...well, you'll find out.

Don't miss reading the author's notes about his inspiration and touches of history. Historical Fiction, Mystery and General Fiction readers, especially those hankering for smart and snappy writing really should read this. I'm now going to read everything by this author I can get my hands on.

My sincere thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the pleasure of reading this charming book. Pure joy.