Death at Daisy's Folly

I got started in the series with one of the later books, Death at Blenheim Palace, and was totally taken by the historical detail and the quality of the characters, so I purchased several more in the series. As with the other works, the husband-wife authors have worked magic with their thorough research of the period in which they have set their action. Susan Wittig Albert is a former professor of literature--I assume it is she who is primarily responsible for the writing--and this is abundantly apparent from the skillful use of the English language and the principles of composition; this is very readable literature, not just a "who-dunnit." Also evident is the extent to which there is attention to the details of the period. The research has to have been pretty immersive, since little that creates an authentic ambiance has been neglected. I presume, although I could find out very little about him, that Bill Albert is responsible for the research, and I suspect a degree of at least some level in history. Whatever the case, it seems to be quite thorough, which makes the books the two write together very authentic. In this case the murder is set in an actual country estate and involves the historic individuals that owned it. The heavily structured lifestyle of the upper class English nobility, here that of the Earl and Countess of Warwick--Francis and Frances Brooke--and Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales at the Time (later Edward VII) is realistically portrayed; more so, as the authors have allowed the central historic figure to give voice to her own feelings about her circumstances, feelings that might not have been obvious to her contemporaries or even to those studying and writing about her and her contributions to society postmortem. Interesting too is the sense of political and cultural change going on at this time. Europe and Great Britain have yet to go through the turmoil that brought about the modern era. Especially in this particular book, socialism as it was viewed by the establishment is just beginning to threaten the status quo; being privileged to the knowledge of WWI and WWII and the changes that these wars introduced, the reader can almost sense how close to the edge the characters are. These are the last of the fabulously wealthy 19th century aristocrats, and the authors make it evident that they are an endangered species. Even the characters seem to be aware of it. By this period, roughly 1880-1900, they are barely hanging on to what their ancestors fully enjoyed and left to them. Marriages between American heiresses and the upper nobility were being arranged to salvage what could be of the historic prerogatives and wasteful lifestyles of these families as conditions and society were changing forever. The elements of the murder are not unlike another of the series, although the motives for murder are very real, but it is the opportunity to "see" the country house of an aristocratic family as vaunted as the

Kate Ardleigh and Charles Sheridan are back. Clever Kate and nerdy but ahead-of-his-time Charles are a wondeful sleuthing team. Robyn Paige is wonderfully adept at including real historical figures in her books, and this installment is no exception. Aside from the mystery, which is excellent, this book provides a fascinating look at the slightly disturbing lifestyles of the aristocracy and royalty in Victorian England.

As usual in the Victorian Mystery series by Robin Paige, the authors mix in historical people into their fictions. In Death at Daisy's Folly, we spend a country weekend with the Prince of Wales (Bertie) and his mistress the Countess of Warwick (Daisy) along with 20 other guests. The death of the prince's new groom under mysterious circumstances and the definite homicide of a nobleman prompts Bertie to enlist the detecting powers of Sir Charles Sheridan and Kate Ardleigh, both guests for the weekend. The life of Daisy plays a significant role in the story, and the authors have done thorough research into this real person, and they bring her to life so that we can see the charm she must have had to attract the prince. The morals and mores of the Marlborough Set, as the friends of the prince are called, drive the action of the story and provide unexpected motives. The relationship of Charles and Kate deepens, and Charles' responses are particularily delightful. All in all, another winner from Robin Paige.

The era of the 'Great House' and the lavish parties held in them are unfortunately, in the past. Thanks to Robin Paige, however, we can relive them vicariously, while being afforded the opportunity to solve a crime or two along the way. This is the third of a delightful series, set in an exciting time -- the last few years of the previous century. Cameras have already proven their merits, soon it will be motor cars and after that, who knows? Kate Ardleigh, an Irish-American orphan, has struggled to support herself writing 'penny-dreadful's' under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell. When she discovered to her great surprise that she had an aunt -- in England -- she set off for a visit. While she is there, her aunt dies, and suddenly, Kate is an heiress. As an independent woman, however, she refuses to give up her writing. It is while searching for background for her novels, that she first meets Sir Charles Sheridan in her first adventure, Death at Gallow's Green. Charles is a scientist and photographer who won his knighthood for a celebratory photograph of Queen Victoria, and at first, he indulges Kate's curiosity as a novelty. It doesn't take long for either of them to realize the feelings go much deeper than expected. Now, when he is invited to Easton Grange, home of the Earl and Countess of Warwick along with the Prince of Wales and his entourage, Charles discovers that his older brother -- the heir -- is dying, childless. His plan to propose to Kate is thrown into disarray by a murder. Bertie instructs Charles to investigate, eliminating the necessity to call in the local police, which will certainly dismay Bertie's Mama - the Queen. Historically accurate, this is an enjoyable deductive mystery, which will keep you guessing until the last moment. You won't want to miss the final author's notes about the 'Darling Daisy' of the title (in reality, the Countess) and you'll probably want to investigate the books in the bibliography. I did.

I enjoyed all of the books in this series but this was the best one. The romance between Charles Sheridan and Kate Ardleigh moved along nicely and the mystery was interesting and well thought out. I especially enjoy the historical tidbits of life in Victorian England.