Stevie‘s review of Death at the Crystal Palace (Below Stairs, Book 5) by Jennifer Ashley
Historical Mystery published by Berkley 06 Jul 21
My love for Kat Holloway’s adventures continues unabated. I adore the way we see equal amounts of both her twin lives as a cook and as a solver of mysteries, both bringing their own issues, but each also contributing to her ability at carrying out the other. This time Kat is on a visit to the Crystal Palace with her friends, the new employer of one of them, and that employer’s relatives, when one of the new members of the group, the widow of an aristocrat, confides in Kat that she believes one of her household is plotting to kill her. Lady Covington’s London home is not far from that of Kat’s employers, and so Kat contrives a scheme to visit on a work-related errand to find out more about the potential suspects. She soon realises that there’s a good number of them.
Lady Covington is a widow twice over. Her first husband was the business partner of the second, and she has two grown-up stepchildren, in addition to the two children of her earlier marriage, all of whom are, to some extent, dependent on her. In addition, the new Lord Covington – her stepson – resents the fact that so many of his father’s acquired family are still living in what he feels should be his exclusive residence. On her visit, Kat befriends a fellow cook, as well as one of the gardeners, who quickly develops a crush on her. Kat’s feelings are still firmly fixed on Daniel McAdam, of course, even if he is too busy with an investigation of his own to spend much time with Kat.
As Kat investigates, it becomes clear that either Lady Covington is not the only potential victim or her killer is unconcerned who else dies in their attempt to get Lady Covington out of the way. Meanwhile, Daniel’s investigation reaches a point where he needs Kat’s help, and he asks her to pose as a wealthy foreigner at a society gathering. Although she is terrified of being found out, Kat appreciates the quality of the clothes she has found to wear for her disguise, and the whole adventure gives us further insights into the world inhabited by Kat’s employers.
This was a thoroughly excellent romp, gruesome deaths not withstanding, and it was good to see more of both Kat’s daughter and Daniel’s son – now almost an adult – as well as Daniel’s adopted brother. All have their own ways of aiding Kat and Daniel, and each has valuable inputs into how Kat should respond to the various situations she finds herself in. I hope this series can keep up its momentum for many adventures yet to come.
Grade: A
Summary:
While attending an exhibition at the Crystal Palace, young cook Kat Holloway is approached by a woman in distress. Lady Covington is a wealthy widow convinced that her entire family is trying to kill her. Kat feels compelled to help, and she escorts the lady home to discover whether she is delusional or in true danger.
It is quickly apparent that the threat is all too real, and Kat promises aid. Her charming confidant Daniel McAdam is busy infiltrating a plot against the Crown, and she worries he will not have time to lend his sleuthing expertise. This might be for the best, as Kat fears her growing emotional entanglement with Daniel can only lead to disaster. But soon, Kat faces a more serious threat when her involvement in both investigations plunges her into peril.
Read an excerpt.
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