I love a mystery series debut. Death at a Country Mansion by Louise R. Innes introduces a socially savvy, intelligent amateur sleuth in Daisy Thorne. As the hair stylist/owner of Ooh La La hair salon in Edgemead, England, she knows all the villagers, and has the right connections to find answers.
She certainly knows Dame Serena Levante and her reputation. Serena is an opera star who has traveled the world. She’s on her fourth husband, has a devoted daughter, Floria, who is Daisy’s best friend, and owns a beautiful mansion. But, once she turned fifty, her voice started to go, she drinks too much, and takes too many lovers. It’s too much for her fourth husband who leaves her for another woman. Serena’s final fall from grace is over the banister in her home. When Floria calls in distress, Daisy heads out to support her friend. But, there’s one thing standing in the way, gruff, handsome Detective Inspector Paul McGuinness.
Daisy can provide all kinds of family and local background to McGuinness. She knows all four of Serena’s husbands. But, McGuinness has a few surprises. First, Serena was murdered. Daisy can accept that. She’s still willing to help. Her grandfather was a Detective Chief Inspector and she’s studying forensic psychology, hoping she can help the police someday. Like, right now. But, Daisy and Floria are both stunned to learn that Serena was planning to change her will. And, she has three illegitimate daughters who are flying in from all over the world for the memorial service.
Daisy has ideal qualifications for an amateur sleuth and assistant to the police. Although McGuinness warns her not to get involved, he finally concedes and asks what she’s learned. People are much more likely to talk to the sympathetic hair stylist who listens than to an intimidating police officer.
Death at a Country Mansion is an enjoyable launch for a new cozy mystery series. I’m looking forward to Daisy’s return.
Louise R. Innes’ website is https://louiseroseinnes.com
Death at a Country Mansion by Louise R. Innes. Kensington, 2020. ISBN 9781496729804 (paperback), 288p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a .pdf to review for a journal.
My library has this on order so I put a hold on it.
It took me a little bit to get into it, Sandy. I had to get used to the sleuth’s voice. But, I liked it.
My library has it only in PB, so I’ll have to pass for now.
I’m afraid it only came out in paperback, Gram.