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Coming Home to Maple Lodge by Alison Sherlock #Review

  I am delighted to feature the first in Alison Sherlock's new series set in the Corswolds. Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge was published by Boldwood Books on June 20th. A family and hotel in desperate need of help… Maple Tree Lodge has been the home of the Jackson family for over a century. But the hotel has never been a success and, following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson soon discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin. Ben has to make some tough decisions if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads. With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister calls on the talents of her best friend, interior designer Lily Watson. Cash strapped Lily needs a successful project to prove to herself and her high-achieving parents that she can carve a successful career and Maple Tree Lodge sounds like just the place for Lily to showcase her talents. However, Lily’s vision for a cosy, country Cotswolds hotel is the com...
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The Golden Hour (Lady Evelyn Mysteries #4) by Malia Zaidi #TheGoldenHour #LadyEvelynMysteries #damppebblesblogtours


    

 Welcome to the blog tour to celebrate the 4th Lady Evelyn Mystery, The Golden Hour.
 
 London 1927

    Lady Evelyn Carlisle has barely arrived in London when familial duty calls her away again. Her cousin Gemma is desperate for help with her ailing mother before her imminent wedding, which Evelyn knew nothing about! Aunt Agnes in tow, she journeys to Scotland, expecting to find Malmo Manor in turmoil. To her surprise, her Scottish family has been keeping far more secrets than the troubled state of their matriarch. Adding to the tension in the house a neighbour has opened his home, Elderbrooke Park, as a retreat for artistic veterans of the Great War. This development does not sit well with everyone in the community. Is the suspicion towards the residents a catalyst for murder? A tragedy at Elderbrooke Park’s May Day celebration awakens Evelyn’s sleuthing instinct, which is strengthened when the story of another unsolved death emerges, connected to her own family. What she uncovers on her quest to expose the truth will change several lives forever, including her own.

    With the shadow of history looming over her, Evelyn must trust in her instinct and ability to comb through the past to understand the present, before the murderer can stop her and tragedy strikes again.

My Thoughts

The Golden Hour finds Lady Evelyn now out of University and starting out, initially hoping to establish herself as an independent woman. She is such a refreshing character and we see the story through her eyes. Her natural curiosity spurs her on and I love the little detail that she is an Agatha Christie fan. I read the predecessor to this book, The Study of Silence (you can read my review here) but I would say it can be read as a standalone. 

    There are plenty of supporting characters who are well drawn. Aunt Agnes adds a touch of humour and I loved her relationship with Lady Evelyn. In addition, the effects of the First World War on the soldiers who fought are highlighted, and the merits of art therapy, without sugar coating. The pace of the story is slow but nevertheless, it is an enjoyable unravelling of a mystery.

In short: A 1920's murder mystery with a touch of class.
     
About the Author


 Malia Zaidi is the author of the Lady Evelyn Mysteries. She studied at the University of Pittsburgh and at the University of Oxford. Having grown up in Germany, she currently lives in Washington DC, though through her love of reading, she resides vicariously (if temporarily) in countries around the world. 

You can read my interview with Malia here.


You can follow Malia here: Facebook   |  Goodreads   |  Twitter 
|  Instagram   | Website   |  Blog

Book links: Amazon UK   |  Amazon US  

Thanks to Malia and Emma Welton of damppebbles blog tours for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Check out the rest of the tour!
 
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