This was def a fun edition to the series. I really liked the element of this book and def really enjoyed the story as well. This book is always a fun read!! and i just enjoy these characters, i really iked the plot and the characters, sad i have to wait for more in this series ( )

Another good entry in this very enjoyable series. Lots of mysteries for the ladies to unravel. Who stole the Shakespeare Folio, who killed the biker, how to save the neighbor's country estate, and finally; is there a treasure and if so where is it? All to be done, while relearning how to ride their new bicycles. ( )

Oh! I do love this series! Lady Emily Hardcastle and her lady’s maid Florence Armstrong are former spies who have retired to the country – but cannot help themselves when a mystery or murder presents itself in the area. They just have to help. Their witty banter is very entertaining and will keep you smiling, if not laughing out loud, throughout the book. While they take their investigations very seriously, they don’t take themselves seriously at all, and that is what makes the combination of humor and murder investigation work so well.

The quiet, picturesque village of Littleton Cotterel is holding its May Day celebration with a festival and art show. The art show features artistic endeavors from local artists as well as art loaned from a museum, a bound book of the complete works of Shakespeare (with jewels and gold leaf, and…), and a painting by a famous artist, loaned by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud. The entire village and surrounding areas are all looking forward to participating in the events – even the bicycle race.

Even in the best-planned events – things seem to go astray, which is certainly the case with their festival. As soon as the opening ceremonies were over and the doors opened to the exhibition building, everyone rushed inside to see the exhibits – only to rush right out again because the building was on fire. OOPS! However, the fire wasn’t really a fire – but there was plenty of smoke – and when it cleared, the book along with Sir Farley-Stroud’s painting was missing. How in the world did anyone manage to get outside with that huge book and not be seen? Then, a few days later there is a murder connected to the festival. What is going on?

So many crimes to investigate! However, Lady Hardcastle and Flo decide not to be involved – except maybe to help find the painting for their dear friends, the Farley-Strouds. Let the insurance investigator handle the book, the police handle the murder, and they can help the police with the painting. Right, we know how that will go.

There are lots of red herrings for each of the crimes and you’ll have lots of fun evaluating those and tossing them aside before you finally realize what has been going on and why. Oh! Did I mention there is also a treasure hunt? Yes, Indeed. There MIGHT be buried treasure on the Farley-Stroud property. If there is, and they find it, it would save them from financial ruin.

You’ll smile yourself silly as Emily and Flo banter themselves through the investigation and fling the red herrings aside before they finally reveal all. It really is an excellent, entertaining read with several mysteries to keep you guessing before the final reveal. I highly recommend it and hope you will love it as much as I did. Happy reading!

I read and listened to the book and I can say I thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth Knowelden’s narration. She captures Lady Hardcastle and Flo perfectly. You can hear the humor in their voices as you listen. She’s perfect for this narration role. ( )

England, historical-novel, historical-research, historical-setting, cozy-mystery, laugh-out-loud, laugh-riot, situational-humor, verbal-humor, punny, women-sleuths, 1910s, investigation, small-town, local-law-enforcement, theft, class-consciousness, friends, friendship, light-hearted, ex-spy, bicycles*****

This CANNOT be an unbiased review because I LOVE the Lady Hardcastle series!
This time Lady Hardcastle (ex-spy) and lady's maid Florence are helping friends find their stolen painting that went missing when a faux fire happened at a village event. They also met a young pair of treasure hunters and joined a race at the cycling club. Good sleuthing and a cast of zany characters!
The best part of every book in series is the great fun and giggles!
I requested and received a free EARC from Amazon Publishing UK/Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley. Thank you! ( )

May 1912 and it's the Little Cotterell Augural Art Exhibition. During a fire several items are stolen but why and by whom. Is the death of a cyclist connected or not. Then a pair of treasure hunters appear at The Grange. Can Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong solve these mysteries while Inspector Sunderland also investigates.
An entertaining cozy historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series. ( )