The Case at Barton Manor: A Cozy 1920s Murder Mystery Series Starter

Emily Queen

Sep 2023 · Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates Book 1 · Willow Hill Books

About this ebook

A cozy historical murder mystery set in the roaring twenties, featuring an amateur sleuth, gentle romance, and classic whodunit charm.

Book 1 of the Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates Mysteries

Where the 1920s aren't just roaring—they're downright deadly…

All widow Rosemary Lillywhite wants is to be left alone to drown her misery in a glass of gin and tonic, but when Grace Barton knocks on the door of her dead husband's investigative office, she faces a choice: come out of hiding or turn away someone in need of help.

As Grace recounts her tale of intrigue, Rosemary discovers a shared connection with the woman that has her accepting an invitation she'd just as soon turn down.

With her best friend, bright young thing Vera Blackburn, by her side, and her resolve as an amateur sleuth returning, Rosemary trades her widow weeds for a party dress and heads to a fancy do at Barton Manor.

The drinks flow freely, but there's an undercurrent of unease until, finally, the night ends in murder—one in which Rosemary's brother becomes the prime suspect.

What's worse, the handsome chief inspector on the case is a man she knows well: he was her husband's best mate, and he takes a dim view of lady detectives—or perhaps just of Rosemary becoming one.

What will it take for Rosemary to solve the crime before her brother hangs for a murder he didn't commit?

“A wonderfully atmospheric 1920s mystery.”

“Rosemary Lillywhite is a heroine you’ll want to follow anywhere.”

“Smart, stylish, and delightfully engaging.”

Ratings and reviews

I'm not sure if it's the time frame the story represents or the fact that it's a real mystery that's readable. I just love them. thanks so much. I sigh happily

grieving for her detective husband, Rosemary agrees to investigate a possible threat to an acquaintance's father, but murder is discovered and her brother accused!

Delightfully & thoroughly enjoyable. A clever female mystery sleuth, a feminine yet powerful suffragette, unafraid of the world ahead, is the heroine I've been looking to find.

About the author

Emily Queen writes cozy historical murder mysteries set in the roaring twenties, where secrets hide behind polite smiles and justice always gets its due.

Her novels feature amateur sleuths, tight-knit friendships, gentle romance, and just enough danger to keep things interesting—without graphic violence or dark themes.

And while Emily firmly believes murder belongs only on the page, if you’re not careful, she might just kill you off in one of her books.

When she’s not plotting fictional crimes, Emily enjoys researching historical details, crafting charming mysteries, and bringing the glamour and intrigue of the 1920s to life for modern cozy mystery readers.