Book Review: Murder At Rudhall Manor (A Humorous Murder Mystery) by Anya Wylde

This story tells the madcap crazy antics of Miss Lucy Anne Trotter trying to prove she is not a murderer or thief.

Murder At Rudhall Manor (A Humorous Murder Mystery)
by Anya Wylde

• File Size: 904 KB
• Print Length: 224 pages
• Publication Date: June 15, 2014
• ASIN: B00L1HYMJQ

Genre: Humor, Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

A murder and a theft have been committed at Rudhall Manor. A box of jewels has vanished and Lord Sedley, a lusty old aristocrat, has been stabbed six times in the chest.
It is all very mysterious, and the Sedley family and the servants have decided that Miss Lucy Anne Trotter, a recently employed governess, is to blame for the unfortunate events.
The legendary and wickedly handsome Marquis, Lord William Adair, learns of the matter and decides to uncover the truth.
Lucy, however, has little faith in blue blooded creatures—even if they possess dashing good looks— and, accompanied by two naughty pugs and a moody raven, decides to investigate and unmask the killer herself.
But the hunt for the killer turns out to be far more complicated than she anticipates—what with snooty servants, warts in odd places, mixed up love affairs, agitated chickens and dreadful disguises ruining her plans.
Soon she begins to wonder if, for once, she is in over her head….

Review:
Lucy Anne’s headmistress at the orphanage knows that Lucy has a big heart and has been a diligent student. She would make a good addition to the orphanage staff, even if her exuberant behavior sometimes gets the best of her. But Lucy was insistent on taking a position as a governess for two young wards of an aristocratic Lord. Lucy didn’t realize the type of household she was getting into. There was the stingy, lusty master whom Lucy rebuked, the bitter, demanding wife, an older son who has a menagerie of animals, another son who is out incurring debt, a snippy daughter who wants a season in London and Lucy’s two lively charges, a niece and nephew. Oh - and let's not forget the ghost of Aunt Sedley!

Lucy, as the newest employee, is the easiest suspect for a jewel theft that occurs the same day that Lord Sedley is murdered. The family and the servants are quick to presume her guilt even though they are more concerned about the missing jewelry than the murder.

The eccentric, legendary Lord Adair floats into town and is asked to investigate the crimes. Lucy has to crawl through the crowd to see him face to face. He is beautiful, just as the legends say, and although Lucy appreciates his handsome features she doesn’t trust him, as an aristocrat, to prove the innocence of a servant such as herself. Lucy determines that she will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth herself.

It is clear from the outset that this story is not your usual conservative (or even racy) regency historical. The characters are quirky enough, but the household becomes even more zany with a baboon, pug puppies, a raven that likes to sit on Lucy’s bonnet and more. Lucy’s attempts at spying are absolutely outrageous, including a misguided, ridiculous disguise and a hunt in the hen house. The whole effect is very quickly seen as a madcap romp. There were a few scattered clues to the identity of the murderer but I didn’t get it until just before it was revealed.

If you are a reader looking for a sexy historical romance - look elsewhere. But if you want to take a break from serious reading and enjoy laughter and an entertaining mystery, do try this cute story - it’s a hoot! I would be glad to read more of Miss Lucy's madcap adventures.

I received this from the author for an honest review. Thank you Anya for a very fun interlude.