Mrs. Jeffries & the Mistletoe Mix-up
In Brightwell’s latest in her series of Victorian mysteries, Mrs. Jeffries, housekeeper to Inspector Witherspoon, and the gang at Upper Edmonton Gardens are preparing for Christmas festivities. Tragically, moments before high tea is served, fire breaks out… and then the body of a well-known art collector is discovered beneath the mistletoe, with the sword that killed him resting beside him. Does the murder have anything to do with the terrible argument the man had with his wife over dismissing their maid when she chipped one of his Ming plates? Technically, it’s up to the inspector to solve the murder, but how can he possibly without the encouragement and insight of the estimable Mrs. Jeffries?
This charming and popular series has stood up well and continues to deliver, with this holiday story as its 29th title. Fans of cozies will not be disappointed. This is a little jewel of a novel, just right for curling up in front of a crackling fire to while away a few hours with old friends in more refined times. Gentle though the tale may be, there are plenty of tense moments, adventures, and comic touches to keep us turning pages and trying to guess whodunit.
