Mrs. Jeffries and the Silent Knight (A Victorian Mystery)

When Sir George Braxton is found lying face down in a fountain with the back of his skull smashed in, no one mourns the murder victim. His three daughters certainly don't: Lucinda, the oldest, is free now to marry the man she loves; Nina had lost a lot of money in bad investments and fears her father's wrath; and Charlotte, the youngest, was trying to hide a serious gambling problem. There are plenty of other suspects, including two houseguests; a cousin who lives permanently at the house; the gardener, who has a criminal past; and the servants, whom Sir George has been less than kind to. Home Security calls in Inspector Gerald Witherspoon to solve the case with one catch - they want the murder solved by Christmas, which is a week away! Good thing the Inspector has Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of his household staff working behind the scenes to help him!This is another excellent entry in a wonderful series. Emily Brightwell equally shows Witherspoon's investigation and the servant's efforts, which gives insight into all the characters. I like the fact that, while the servants to help Witherspoon, he does turn up important evidence and grows more confident in every book. These books give a good insight into what life was like for servants in the Victorian Age, comparing Witherspoon's treatment of his servants to the way Braxton treated his. As much as I enjoy the series, I can't help but wonder how the dynamic of the books will change when Smythe and Betsy finally do marry.The mystery itself is well written and well plotted. Seemingly innocent conversations about things like missing chicken livers turn out to be important clues. And the revelation of what the murder weapon was is a surprise and well done.This series keeps getting better and better. I've read the entire series and there's not a bad book among them. Highly recommended!

I've grown very attached to Mrs. Jeffries and her motley crew, who provide sub rosa crime-solving assistance to their master, Inspector Witherspoon. These are delightful books, even if highly improbable with respect to the warm & mutually respectful relationship between the "upstairs" and "downstairs" characters. But if you can get past your compulsion for historical accuracy in that regard, you'll enjoy the stories, which relate the adventures of the Inspector's household staff as they assist him in solving crimes--totally unbeknownst to him.Mrs. Jeffries is a wonderful character; her nightly conversations with the Inspector over a glass of port are highly entertaining, since she uses these opportunities to gently implant in his head all the investigative strategies he probably wouldn't think of on his own. You'd think that this would make the Inspector a ridiculous character, but it doesn't. He is a man of such good will, innocence and charity that you can't help but like and admire him, if for no other reason than the egalitarian & open way in which he interacts with his help. The plots are simple but not excessively so, and the cast of clue-chasing, mystery-solving cooks, footmen, housemaids, neighbors and working class associates makes for a fun and enjoyable read every time.

I love the Mrs. Jeffries series and I have read them all more than once. I have never been disappointed in any of the books, and this one is just as good as the others. The series takes place in Victorian England. Mrs. Jeffries is the housekeeper to a homicide Inspector. Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of the household help their Inspector (unbeknownst to him) solve homicides. Very well written. I look forward to new books coming in the series. This is probably my very favorite book series.

Perfect

I cannot recommend this series enough! I read and collect 53 adult mystery series, and this one has become my favorite. The mysteries are intriguing, the characters well-rounded, and the descriptions of Victorian London spot on! Brightwell is a superb mystery author and queen of Victorian mysteries! This series is a must read if you love British cozies &/or all things British!

I enjoyed this 20th story in the Mrs. Jeffries series. It kept my interest throughout. I "skip over the information about the characters as I know them already, but I understand the necessity of this for anyone who hasn't read previous stories. Noew reading #21 - "Mrs. JeffriesAppeals the Verdict".

This is the second Mrs. Jeffries' title I've read and I feel as though I've met a new household of interesting people. Although there's not a whole lot of "mystery" as to "who done it", the means of gathering the clues and coming to the conclusion are charming and give insights into Victorian England. Reading this book was like sitting down with old friends to share a pot of tea.

Enjoyed this book as much as I have enjoyed all the others in the Mrs. Jeffries series! They are very entertaining and haven't disappointed. Sometimes you can guess who the murderer is but not how they did it- and sometimes you can't "finger" him/her!!!

I always enjoy reading these books,it's light entertainment,and sometimes makes you smile. I like that it is set in Victorian times...the only down side to all these books,is the sometime used American language,it certainly was NOT spoken in Victorian London!!!!

I don't know how the author keeps thinking up new plots but this one in particular was very good. Have become quite addicted to this Victorian series of books

A very good mystery book

Interesting,comfortable, easy read.

Great summer holiday reading.