Book Review: Death at Wentwater Court by Carola Dunn

Death at Wentwater Court is the first book in The Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries.

It’s the 2nd of January 1923.  The weather is frightfully cold.  It’s been snowing and the ground is covered in ice and frost.  And Daisy Dalrymple is on her way to Hampshire, to Wentwater Court, to tackle her first assignment for Town and Country magazine.

The Honorable Daisy Dalrymple, a twenty-five year old aspiring journalist and is fiercely independent.  She could, if she chose, decide to stay at home with her mother until she marries, but she would rather work for a living, something that some find commendable but others utterly ghastly.

Daisy is not the only guest staying at Wentwater.  Her childhood friend, Philip Petrie and his sister Fenella are in residence, Fenella being engaged to Lord Wentwater’s eldest son, James.  And then there is Lord Stephen Astwick, a suave, yet slimy creature whose purpose in being there seems to lie in tormenting Lady Wentwater, the young, beautiful second wife of the earl.

All is not as it seems at Wentwater Court, and Daisy’s friendly face and personality means she soon becomes everyone’s trusty confidante.

Yet, when Lord Astwick turns up dead, Daisy decides to investigate, and as she discovers, a number of the residents had a motive for murder.  When the detectives from Scotland Yard show up, she becomes an integral part of the team as together they try to determine the truth.

The language is so charming, and the story so readable.  The historical detail is accurate easily bringing the period to life.  The characters are likeable and engaging; the dialogue flows with ease.  A wonderful cosy mystery and a great start to a series.  I am looking forward to reading the next instalment.

To anyone who has an interest in the 1920s, I recommend The Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries…they’re simply spiffing!

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