A Death in the Family — Caroline Dunford

A witty upstairs downstairs murder mystery Christmas 1909 and the Very Rev Joshia Martins inconsiderately expires in a dish of mutton and onions, leaving his family on the verge of destitution. Abandoned by her aristocratic grandfather (who never forgave her mother for marrying into the clergy) eighteen year old Euphemia girds her loins and takes a position as a maid in the notorious Stapleford Household. Then on the first day she discovers a dead body. Worse than that she ends up dragging it , by the leg, across the floor at the behest of the daughter of the house. Needless to say the police are not impressed. Concerned that she will damage her mother's last treasure, her reputation, Euphemia gives a false name and sets about investigating the murder before the police can investigate her. Blessed with an innate sense of justice and a highly inappropriate level of intelligence, Euphemia unearths secrets both upstairs and down, frequently putting herself into situations of moral and earthly peril. What people are saying about A Death in the Family... ‘A Sparkling and witty crime debut with a female protagonist to challenge Miss Marple.' Lin Anderson, best selling Scottish Crime Writer. ‘She shares Austen's quick wit and intelligence and her acid humour provides nothing less than at least one chuckle a page' Amazon Five star review ‘Highly enjoyable classic murder mystery with a new heroine who is wise and witty. Looking forward to reading more of Dunford's works.' Goodreads 5 star review ‘a rattlingly good dose of Edwardian country house intrigue with plenty of twist and turns and clues to puzzle through along with the heroine of the book, Euphemia Martins.' Booklore.co.uk