Today I welcome Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours back to the blog with an historical fiction mystery. I invite you to read my review and enter to win your own copy of the book (US only).
My Review:
Set at the turn of the 20th Century, just before the Great War, this mystery takes place on the lavish estate of Lord and Lady Montfort after their annual summertime ball. I have read many reviews that have compared the setting of this book with that of Downton Abbey and I would say that is a very accurate assessment. The narrative jumps back and forth between Lord and Lady Montfort and their privileged class, and the servants which include maids, footmen, cooks, and butlers, who are “below stairs.”
After the traditional summer costume ball, Lord Montfort’s reprobate nephew, Teddy, is found murdered and everyone who is at the ball becomes a suspect. All of the guests are required to stay on the estate while the authorities conduct their investigation. As the story unfolds, it seems that many people had a reason to want Teddy out of the way.
The author spends a lot of time describing the British upper class and their insistence on observing traditional roles and divisions of class that have existed in that country for centures. When the Lady of the house and her housekeeper, Mrs. Jackson, team up together to solve the murder mystery, they are both uncomfortable with breaking of the traditional servant-master relationship.
The strongest part of the book was the last quarter of it in which Mrs. Jackson is actively conducting her investigation and more details are revealed about the last hours of Teddy’s life. Is it one of the nobility that could have pulled off such a heinous crime, or could one of the servants have had a grudge against this dishonorable man?
About The Author:
Tessa Arlen, the daughter of a British diplomat, had lived in or visited her parents in Singapore, Cairo, Berlin, the Persian Gulf, Beijing, Delhi and Warsaw by the time she was sixteen. She came to the U.S. in 1980 and worked as an H.R. recruiter for the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for the 1984 Olympic Games, where she interviewed her future husband for a job. DEATH OF A DISHONORABLE GENTLEMAN is Tessa’s first novel. She lives in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Giveaway:
Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends 2/6
– Must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
-To enter, leave a comment below and let me know you want to win! The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond.
The Winner of the Giveaway is: Carl S.
Click on the tour banner below to visit all of the stops on the tour.
The Book Binder's Daughter 
This one looks great! Yes, I want to win, but will purchase this book if I don’t 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for this intriguing and fascinating novel. Great review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Anne!
LikeLike
I would like to win this book because I enjoy historical mysteries—and ones set in England are always good. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
LikeLike
Thanks to you as well for stopping by and entering!
LikeLike
This books sounds perfect for me.
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by and entering!
LikeLike
This sounds so good. I love mysteries set during this time period! It would be so great to win a copy of this. Thanks for offering this great giveaway!
LikeLike
Thanks for entering!
LikeLike
I am so excited to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway! raquel36m(at)gmail(dot)com
LikeLike
I am very glad! Thanks for entering!
LikeLike
Thanks for entering!
LikeLike
I definitely want to win this one, thanks!
LikeLike
I enjoy reading historical mysteries. Thank you for the chance to win
griperang at embarqmail dot com
LikeLike
Thanks for entering!!
LikeLike
Such a fun-sounding story. I’m sure my wife and I would both enjoy it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
LikeLike
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and entering!
LikeLike
Dear Melissa, historical fiction is my favorite genre. This book sounds very interesting. I plan to read it whether I win it or not. Thank you for bringing it to my attention
LikeLike
Thanks so much for stopping by, Danielle!
LikeLike
From cover to content, this book looks and sounds all charm! Thanks for another great giveaway opportunity and another great featured title,
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love English historical novels — this one sounds like one of the better ones. I really want to read it (win it).
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by and entering!
LikeLike
i would love to win, thanks for the chance 🙂
jslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com
LikeLike
Love to read and this looks great
mrsrodjac3@gmail.com
LikeLike