Murder At The Dolphin Hotel

A room with a view... to murder June 1933. Independent young Kitty Underhay has been left in charge of her family's hotel, The Dolphin, on the tranquil English coast. She's expecting her days at the bustling resort to be filled with comfortable chatter with chambermaids as they polish the mahogany desk and glittering candelabras of the elegant foyer. Everything must be perfect for the arrival of a glamourous jazz singer from Chicago and a masked ball that will be the cultural highlight of the season. But when several rooms are broken into and searched, including Kitty's own, she quickly realises that something out of the ordinary is afoot at the hotel. Soon rumours are flying in the cozy town that someone is on the hunt for a stolen ruby. A ruby that Kitty's mother may well have possessed when she herself went missing during the Great War. And when the break-ins are followed by a series of attacks and murders, including of the town's former mayoress, it seems the perpetrator will stop at nothing to find it. Aided by ex-army captain Matthew Bryant, the Dolphin's new security officer, Kitty is determined to decipher this mystery and preserve not only the reputation of her hotel, but also the lives of her guests. Is there a cold-blooded killer under her own roof? And what connects the missing jewel to the mystery from Kitty's own past? A classic page-turning murder mystery! Fans of Agatha Christie, Elizabeth Edmondson and T.E. Kinsey will love this unputdownable whodunnit. Readers love Murder at the Dolphin Hotel! 'Gripping from the very first page. It was difficult to put the book down as I wanted to know more about the story and the characters... Very deserving of 5 stars and more.' NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars 'Fantastic... well-paced. I'll look forward to the next book in the series!' Goodreads reviewer 'From the first page you can dive deep into the storyline... keeps the tension until the end.' NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars 'Smoothly paced with quite a few twists, several suspects and a diverse cast of characters... The finale was intense and... I look forward to more books in this series.' Goodreads reviewer

An escape to the country... ends in death. Summer 1933. Fresh from the discovery that she has family living nearby, Kitty Underhay has packed her carpet bag, commandeered a chambermaid and set off on a visit to stately Enderley Hall. She's looking forward to getting to know her relatives, as well as the assembled group of house guests. But when elderly Nanny Thoms is found dead at the bottom of the stairs after papers of national importance are stolen, Kitty quickly learns that Muffy the dog's muddy paws on her hemline are the least of her problems. Calling on ex-army captain Matthew Bryant for assistance, Kitty begins to puzzle out the mystery. And when more shocking murders follow, the stakes are raised for the daring duo as never before. Which of the guests stand to gain from the theft of the documents? And which, as the week progresses, stand to lose their lives? A charming cozy historical murder mystery that fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss won't be able to put down! Readers love the Miss Underhay mysteries: 'Endearing, engaging characters; and a fast-moving plot line filled with unexpected twists and turns. This is a whodunit that you will not want to put down till it's done!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'I loved this cosy mystery. There were many twists and turns and I couldn't wait to find out the identity of the perpetrator behind the crimes. I look forward to reading more in this series.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Gripping from the very first page. It was quite difficult to put the book down... Very deserving of 5 stars and more.' NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars 'I read it as fast as I could... I was engrossed in the plot and wanted to know what was going to happen. I loved the fleshed out and likeable characters... The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and the solution came as a surprise.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'The pace was fast, my interest nonstop and there was plenty of action - an excellent whodunit that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend highly.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'This is a lovely read! I could visualise the hotel so well, the town, the hustle and bustle of life in the 1930's... I thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling, the little clues, the way the mysteries developed. It definitely got the little grey cells working!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'A beautifully written cosy mystery whodunnit in the vein of Agatha Christie and Josephine Tey. Charming, atmospheric and thoroughly entertaining.' Goodreads reviewer 'I couldn't put this book down... a a very fun read that kept me engaged the entire way through.' India Reads 'This isn't a book you want to put off, I kept coming back and picking it right back up to continue reading!' Goodreads reviewer

Christmas is murder-- when you're stranded in East Sussex with a killer. When guests at a secluded Victorian hotel start dying, all hopes for a jolly holiday are dashed.

‘Oooh I loved this book… I wanted a book which would be absolutely soothing to read with a murder in it and this was it. The book was everything I wanted in these troubling times. I loved it.’ Book Reviews by Shalini Move over Miss Marple, there’s a new sleuth in town! Meet Eleanor Swift: distinguished adventurer, dog lover, dignified lady… daring detective? England, 1920. Eleanor Swift has spent the last few years travelling the world: taking tea in China, tasting alligators in Peru, escaping bandits in Persia and she has just arrived in England after a chaotic forty-five-day flight from South Africa. Chipstone is about the sleepiest town you could have the misfortune to meet. And to add to these indignities – she’s now a Lady. Lady Eleanor, as she would prefer not to be known, reluctantly returns to her uncle’s home, Henley Hall. Now Lord Henley is gone, she is the owner of the cold and musty manor. What’s a girl to do? Well, befriend the household dog, Gladstone, for a start, and head straight out for a walk in the English countryside, even though a storm is brewing… But then, from the edge of a quarry, through the driving rain, Eleanor is shocked to see a man shot and killed in the distance. Before she can climb down to the spot, the villain is gone and the body has vanished. With no victim and the local police convinced she’s stirring up trouble, Eleanor vows to solve this affair by herself. And when her brakes are mysteriously cut, one thing seems sure: someone in this quiet country town has Lady Eleanor Swift in their murderous sights… If you enjoy witty dialogue, glamorous intrigue and the very best of Golden Age mysteries, then you will adore Verity Bright’s unputdownable whodunnit, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Downton Abbey! Readers love A Very English Murder! ‘I fell in love immediately! Agatha Christie eat your heart out… I was instantly swept away in the drama of it all and fell in love with everything about the book… Lady Swift is my new idol. I absolutely adored her… Plenty of twists, turns and deterrents to put the reader off the scent.’ Sarah in Readerland ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Wow, we have a feisty new heroine taking command in the historic cozy mystery genre! What a fun new character, she is… Totally digging this series so far!’ Beauty Sleuth Book Diva ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘What a great cozy mystery! I am hooked! This is the best book, bar none that I have read this year… An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery… I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress… I want to live at Henley Hall, I love Gladstone, the very funny bulldog, too cute! A most enjoyable read!’ Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘So engaging. I loved reading this book it was so easy to read and absolutely captivating. I cannot wait to read of the further adventures of Lady Eleanor and her beloved bulldog Gladstone. Highly recommended.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I liked Eleanor a lot, she’s feisty and sweet… The ending had me a little teary, because she’s finally come home… The best part of the book was that it made me feel cozy and warm. Looking forward to the next book! Highly recommended.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I LOVE British mysteries! I knew without a doubt Eleanor was going to take me on a fantastic journey and that she did!... Makes you feel like you are there with her sleuthing through the quaint villages and countryside. I like a book that leaves me wanting more and this book definitely did that!’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘So fun! I really enjoyed the adventurous Ellie and the lovable cast of supporting characters at Henley Hall… I was kept guessing until the very end.’ Goodreads Reviewer

The scene is set for murder... and Kitty Underhay's partner has been cast as the killer. Late Summer, 1933. After a quarrel with too-plucky-for-her-own-good amateur sleuth Kitty Underhay, dashing ex-army captain Matthew Bryant is nursing his wounds, and a tumbler of brandy, when there's a heavy knock at the door and he finds himself arrested for murder. The body of aspiring actress Pearl Bright has been found, strangled with one of Matt's own bootlaces, and the evidence seems to be stacked against him. The local constabulary might have locked Matt up, but before they can throw away the key, Kitty hears the news and hies to his aid, determined to prove his innocence. And when her investigations lead her to the home of retired theatre impresario Stanley Davenport, and the local amateur dramatics society, Kitty uncovers a web of deceit that stretches far beyond the stage make-up. But Kitty's digging is bringing her to the attention of the killer. Without her partner in crime-fighting, can Kitty expose them and clear Matt's name? Or will it be curtains for them both? A gripping Golden Age cozy murder mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T E Kinsey and Lee Strauss. Readers love the Miss Underhay mysteries: 'This murder mystery is perfect... This story has it all. An absolute page-turner with characters to care about.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Excellent cosy mystery! The story was gripping... I loved the character development with the little hint of romance and cannot wait for the next book.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Another adventure for Kitty Underhay!... A page-turner that will keep you guessing.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'A wonderful book, I loved it.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Excellent read! I really enjoyed both Kitty and Matt and found that the combination of them working together was wonderful!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Loved this book! Great storyline, an interesting and believable main character and a great location... I can't wait for more adventures of Kitty in the near future!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'I felt right at home the moment I started reading. Helena Dixon is one of those writers who writes so well that I immediately feel comfortable and relaxed, and the story just flows... They are complex, believable characters who seem very real... In conclusion, it was a joy.' Goodreads reviewer 'It was an excellent novel, with a strong cast of characters. I enjoyed the storyline very much and would definitely recommend this book.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'The characters are relatable, the storyline is exciting, and the author kept me guessing about the ending.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

Kitty Underhay feels the touch... of death. 1934. Accidental amateur sleuth Kitty Underhay is being escorted by ex-army captain Matthew Bryant on an errand of mercy, as she takes a basket of grapes to her nemesis Mrs Craven, who is recuperating from a recent operation. But their arrival at Elm House Nursing Home coincides with the mysterious death of Lady Wellings, a long-term resident. The woman was known to be ill, so when the police turn a disinterested ear to Mrs Craven's suspicion that Lady Wellings was poisoned, Kitty decides to look into the case herself. And when another invalid, the gentle Mrs Pearson, collapses fatally in the breakfast room, it seems her suspicions are well-founded. For an institution promising health and rejuvenation, there seems to be a very low survival rate amongst the guests! When the nurse Eloise Hibbert hints at sinister goings on among the staff, Kitty arranges to meet her away from the home to uncover how deep the treachery lies. However, before she can make the rendezvous, Eloise meets an unfortunate end falling from the top of the building. Was she pushed by the hand of fate, or a cold-blooded killer? Meanwhile, Matt has been following an entirely different trail of evidence, and what he finds out chills him to the bone. When Kitty fails to return from her unsuccessful meeting, it is clear she has stumbled onto a plot far more devious than they could have imagined, and into a trap laid by an unscrupulous killer... An utterly sensational and addictive Golden Age murder mystery. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss. Readers love the Miss Underhay mysteries: 'This was excellent and I read it in one sitting, a page-turner I couldn't put down.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Fast, fun and utterly unputdownable... perfect for fans of Agatha Christie.' Robin Loves Reading 'What can I say? I loved it.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Oh how I love this series!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Excellent cosy mystery! The story was gripping... I loved the character development with the little hint of romance and cannot wait for the next book.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'I love this series... The murder mystery itself was engrossing... It kept me guessing right until the final scene, which is unusual for me.' Roberta Reads, 5 stars 'I felt right at home the moment I started reading... It was a joy.' Goodreads reviewer 'This murder mystery is perfect... This story has it all. An absolute page-turner with characters to care about.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'One of my favourite cosy mystery series.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'A page-turner that will keep you guessing.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Do yourself a favour, cozy up with a blanket, a cup of something warm and dig into this cozy mystery.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

Kitty Underhay's hymn book is open... at murder. Winter, 1933. Kitty Underhay is enjoying a restorative break from sleuthing on a visit to her family at Enderley Hall. The only thing marring her peace - aside from the uncomfortable sensation she has of being watched - is the obvious history between her beau, ex-army captain Matthew Bryant and another guest, the beautiful Juliet Vanderstafen. So, when the parish clerk is found dead on her front doorstep, Kitty leaps at the chance of distraction. The police are happy to conclude that Miss Plenderleith met her unfortunate end on a patch of ice, but Kitty isn't convinced this was a case of bad weather and worse luck. And when the Reverend Crabtree fails to show for tea the next day, she heads to the church to speak to him. But she arrives to find the clergyman hanging from the bell rope, dead. With Matt seemingly wrapped up with his alluring Austrian, Kitty must solve the case on her own. But as she snoops into parish affairs, she makes some less-than-saintly discoveries. Just who has broken the sixth commandment? Meanwhile the killer is preparing a churchyard grave for Kitty, and she'll have to use all her wits to avoid falling in... An addictive, absorbing and completely unputdownable Golden Age cozy murder mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss. Readers love the Miss Underhay mysteries: 'This murder mystery is perfect... This story has it all. An absolute page-turner with characters to care about.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'This was excellent and I read it in one sitting, a page-turner I couldn't put down.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Excellent cosy mystery! The story was gripping... I loved the character development with the little hint of romance and cannot wait for the next book.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars