In the Still of the Night (Grace & Favor Mysteries, No. 2)

Jill Churchill's new Grace and Favor Mystery series centers on a brother and sister, former members of New York high society who enjoyed an extravagant lifestyle of polo games and Christmas holidays with British cousins. But since the crash of 1929 when their family lost their fortune, Lily and Robert have had to work to survive. A bequest from their uncle provides them with a mansion, Grace and Favor, and basic necessities, but no income, so in the book IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT Lily and Robert snag a famous author and invite a select group of paying guests to their country home as a way to bring in money. As always, Churchill writes a tight plot with interesting characters, especially the guests. She deftly reveals their personalities in a series of revolving viewpoints as the guests travel to Grace and Favor. An unusual aspect of this series compared to Churchill's Jane Jeffery series, is the historical setting of the Depression year of 1932. Churchill uses Lily's glimpses of everyday life, such as families scavenging in the town dump; the locals' veiled hostility towards the wealthy; and rumors of their neighbor, the optimistic FDR, as a possible presidential candidate to capture the uncertainly, fear, and hope of people at a crucial time in American history. On a strictly personal note, I love this new series. The history is a refreshing change and I'm waiting for the next book!

I had never read any of Jill Churchill's books, as I am usually a fan of British mysteries. However, I was intrigued by the premise of an American series set in what has always been known as the Golden Age of British Mysteries, the late 20's and 30's. I enjoyed ANYTHING GOES and was delighted by IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT. Lily and Robert Brewster, a high society brother and sister who have been wiped out in the Crash have inherited a slightly down at the heels mansion in the Hudson Valley and a huge fortune-if they can live in the house with very few financial resources for ten years. Their solution is to take in paying guests to help keep afloat. This sets up a perfect scenario for the "Country House Murder" so beloved by the golden age writers. It's a great read for fans of Agatha Christie who aren't fond of the modern tendency for graphic detail.

As she did in her first Grace and Favor novel, Anything Goes, Jill Churchill has written another wonderful addition to this mystery series with the publication of In the Still of the Night.Brother and sister, Lily and Robert Brewster, are now living in the mansion they inherited from their Uncle Horatio. Getting used to small town life on the Hudson has proved to be pleasant but these two young people must now begin earning an income. Athough they live as wealthy people in the year 1932, according to the terms of Horatio's will they won't inherit anything for almost ten years. Lily and Robert come up with an idea to provide some income by hosting a weekend of paying guests and a celebrity who will entertain all. The assortment of people who gather for their weekend, though, have links to one another from previous days and suddenly there's been a murder and it seems as though almost everyone has a motive.This book was very charming and evoked an era and style which is now forever gone. And Ms. Churchill also includes just enough historical information about the times to further set the mood. Unfortunately, I gulped down this book much too quickly and now I'm wondering how long I will have to wait for the next book from this author.

Another great story about Lily & Robert Brewster, who are inhabiting the Grace & Favor Cottage in order to inherit their uncles fortune. When they invite paying guests to stay for a weekend to mingle with a famous writer, one is murdered, and they learn plenty about their guests and their pasts. I truly enjoy Jill Churchills Jane Jeffrey series, and this new series is turning out just as good!

Jill Churchill is as always a great read. I've been a fan of Ms. Churchill for years and was so thrilled that she started another series. One book a year is not enough for me. This one set in the 1930's gives it a difference that makes it very fun. You go Jill, keep those books a coming!