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Kurland St. Mary Mystery #7
Death Comes to the Nursery
Delighted by the quiet uproar of raising their newborn, Lady Lucy and Major Sir Robert Kurland could not be more pleased at the prospect of welcoming another into their home. But their preparations are soon overshadowed by a baffling case of murder . . .
Once known to all in her village as the rector’s daughter, Lucy is now a mother herself—to a wonderful eighteen-month-old son, Ned. Upon discovering that she is expecting a second child, Lucy and Robert are delighted. In anticipation of the new arrival, Lucy is set on expanding her nursery staff. When Agnes, her current nurse, recommends her cousin, it seems like the perfect solution.
But trouble arrives along with the new nursery maid from London. Polly’s flirtations provoke fisticuffs in the servants’ hall and tumult in the village tavern, and on her afternoon off, she fails to return to the Kurland Estate. When a farmer finds her lifeless body in a drainage ditch, Lucy and Robert fear foul play.
To their consternation, they learn their new nursery maid was not who they thought. As Lucy’s sister Anna leaves the rectory and moves in to watch over Ned, the couple’s search for the truth leads them to the London theater world, where aristocrats purchase their mistresses, and into danger. But the real threat strikes all too close to home . . .
Once known to all in her village as the rector’s daughter, Lucy is now a mother herself—to a wonderful eighteen-month-old son, Ned. Upon discovering that she is expecting a second child, Lucy and Robert are delighted. In anticipation of the new arrival, Lucy is set on expanding her nursery staff. When Agnes, her current nurse, recommends her cousin, it seems like the perfect solution.
But trouble arrives along with the new nursery maid from London. Polly’s flirtations provoke fisticuffs in the servants’ hall and tumult in the village tavern, and on her afternoon off, she fails to return to the Kurland Estate. When a farmer finds her lifeless body in a drainage ditch, Lucy and Robert fear foul play.
To their consternation, they learn their new nursery maid was not who they thought. As Lucy’s sister Anna leaves the rectory and moves in to watch over Ned, the couple’s search for the truth leads them to the London theater world, where aristocrats purchase their mistresses, and into danger. But the real threat strikes all too close to home . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2020
About the author
Catherine Lloyd
18 books455 followersCatherine Lloyd was born just outside London, England, into a large family of dreamers, artists, and history lovers. She completed her education with a master’s degree in history at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and uses the skills she gained there to research and write her historical mysteries. Catherine currently lives in Hawaii with her husband and youngest daughter..
Please note only the Kurland St. Mary mysteries are written by this Catherine Lloyd, not the romances.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Please note only the Kurland St. Mary mysteries are written by this Catherine Lloyd, not the romances.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
September 18, 2023
Three and a half stars.
Although this is book seven in a series this was my first introduction to Lucy and Robert Kurland, parents to two year old Ned. When Agnes, Ned’s current nursery staff suggests her cousin Polly, Lucy is happy to accommodate this suggestion, since she is expecting again. The beautiful young woman who arrives from London, provokes jealousy and passion among some of the male servants. Then one day she fails to return to the estate. Later a body is found. Suddenly it appears trouble, murder and a case of false identity has arrived at Kurland Estate. Local magistrate Sir Robert Kurland is determined to get to the bottom of the situation ad apprehend the culprit. Danger is lurking close by. Lies and deception abound. More than one person will lose their lives and others close to home will be threatened.
Unaware that this was book seven I easily settled in with the main characters. I liked the way the relationship was portrayed between Lucy and Robert, especially given the Regency period in which it is set. Their interactions work well and I liked how Lucy is prepared to not have her thoughts or wishes dismissed or ignored. The story moves at a good steady pace and there are deceptions, lies and twists that keep the interest. Despite some red herrings I thought the murderer was apparent but it didn’t take away enjoyment. I did think there was a little repetition that could have been done away with, especially in regard to Robert and his reticence with horses after an earlier accident. And sometimes it seemed Robert jumped too quickly to conclusions about who was responsible, but those quibbles aside I enjoyed this cosy mystery.
My first book by this author I’d be interested to read another. As well as the main characters there are some interesting minor characters. An entertaining read with likeable characters, except of course of those who are not meant to be likable. Told with a dash of humour, and an engaging plot, I enjoyed this book.
Although this is book seven in a series this was my first introduction to Lucy and Robert Kurland, parents to two year old Ned. When Agnes, Ned’s current nursery staff suggests her cousin Polly, Lucy is happy to accommodate this suggestion, since she is expecting again. The beautiful young woman who arrives from London, provokes jealousy and passion among some of the male servants. Then one day she fails to return to the estate. Later a body is found. Suddenly it appears trouble, murder and a case of false identity has arrived at Kurland Estate. Local magistrate Sir Robert Kurland is determined to get to the bottom of the situation ad apprehend the culprit. Danger is lurking close by. Lies and deception abound. More than one person will lose their lives and others close to home will be threatened.
Unaware that this was book seven I easily settled in with the main characters. I liked the way the relationship was portrayed between Lucy and Robert, especially given the Regency period in which it is set. Their interactions work well and I liked how Lucy is prepared to not have her thoughts or wishes dismissed or ignored. The story moves at a good steady pace and there are deceptions, lies and twists that keep the interest. Despite some red herrings I thought the murderer was apparent but it didn’t take away enjoyment. I did think there was a little repetition that could have been done away with, especially in regard to Robert and his reticence with horses after an earlier accident. And sometimes it seemed Robert jumped too quickly to conclusions about who was responsible, but those quibbles aside I enjoyed this cosy mystery.
My first book by this author I’d be interested to read another. As well as the main characters there are some interesting minor characters. An entertaining read with likeable characters, except of course of those who are not meant to be likable. Told with a dash of humour, and an engaging plot, I enjoyed this book.
February 24, 2020
I enjoyed reading this seventh book in this cozy historical mystery series. Robert and Lucy are well developed now and I love that Robert has begun to soften around the edges. The plot is smoothly paced and the mystery surrounding the murder becomes quite complex as Robert and Lucy search for the killer.
I received this book from my public library.
I received this book from my public library.
January 15, 2020
Series: Kurland St. Mary Mystery #7
Publication Date: 1/28/2018
Number of Pages: 304
It has been a little over a year since the last book in this series, Death Comes To Bath, and I was beginning to suffer from anxiety pangs waiting for this one. This is an absolutely delightful series and this book was a terrific addition. It has been wonderful watching Robert and Lucy’s relationship grow and mature. Robert has mellowed – at least a tad – from the taciturn curmudgeon we first met and Lucy has settled a bit as well. At the end of the last book, Lucy was expecting their first child after suffering two miscarriages. In this book, we meet the captivating Ned who is now almost three years old. NOTE: The book blurb says eighteen-month-old, but the ARC I read said he was nearly three.
Robert never thought he wanted children – those noisome small creatures who would be constantly underfoot. Then Lucy came into his life – and then there was the wondrous addition of Ned to the family. Robert is now totally besotted with both his wife and his son. How could life get any better? He quickly finds out when Lucy tells him that she is now expecting their second child in a few months. Their calm, peaceful routine quickly gets turned on its head when Lucy hires another maid for the nursery. Lucy is tiring quicker and can’t do as much and with a new baby in the nursery, they’ll need more staff. Luckily, their current nursery maid, Agnes, has a cousin who is looking for a position. Lucy is delighted when Agnes recommends Polly because she is very well pleased with Agnes.
The chaos sets in almost immediately. Polly excels in the nursery and Ned quickly comes to love her – as do all of the single males within the household and the village. While Polly does nothing to encourage the men – actually she does quite the opposite – they still come to fisticuffs on a regular basis. Robert is at the point of firing all of them – and then Polly comes up missing. When her lifeless body is found, Robert and Lucy quickly set out to find the murderer.
This book has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. Is Polly more than she seems? Is she even who she says she is? Polly is Agnes’ cousin but … Agnes is plain and Polly is breathtakingly beautiful. Who is the hostler who began working at the Inn at the same time Polly arrived in Kurland St. Mary?
Lucy and Robert end up making a trip to London in order to discover more about Polly and how she came to be in their household – and who she really is. As they learn her real identity, they have to find out what happened to the real Polly – and what caused the girl they know as Polly to run away from London. Of whom or what was she afraid?
I highly recommend this book. It is very well-written, fast-paced, well-plotted, and filled with characters you’ll love. Well, except for the villains of course – and I was very happy that they got their punishment! You will probably figure out who the murderer is before the end of the story, but, even if you do, it doesn’t detract from the story at all.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 1/28/2018
Number of Pages: 304
It has been a little over a year since the last book in this series, Death Comes To Bath, and I was beginning to suffer from anxiety pangs waiting for this one. This is an absolutely delightful series and this book was a terrific addition. It has been wonderful watching Robert and Lucy’s relationship grow and mature. Robert has mellowed – at least a tad – from the taciturn curmudgeon we first met and Lucy has settled a bit as well. At the end of the last book, Lucy was expecting their first child after suffering two miscarriages. In this book, we meet the captivating Ned who is now almost three years old. NOTE: The book blurb says eighteen-month-old, but the ARC I read said he was nearly three.
Robert never thought he wanted children – those noisome small creatures who would be constantly underfoot. Then Lucy came into his life – and then there was the wondrous addition of Ned to the family. Robert is now totally besotted with both his wife and his son. How could life get any better? He quickly finds out when Lucy tells him that she is now expecting their second child in a few months. Their calm, peaceful routine quickly gets turned on its head when Lucy hires another maid for the nursery. Lucy is tiring quicker and can’t do as much and with a new baby in the nursery, they’ll need more staff. Luckily, their current nursery maid, Agnes, has a cousin who is looking for a position. Lucy is delighted when Agnes recommends Polly because she is very well pleased with Agnes.
The chaos sets in almost immediately. Polly excels in the nursery and Ned quickly comes to love her – as do all of the single males within the household and the village. While Polly does nothing to encourage the men – actually she does quite the opposite – they still come to fisticuffs on a regular basis. Robert is at the point of firing all of them – and then Polly comes up missing. When her lifeless body is found, Robert and Lucy quickly set out to find the murderer.
This book has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. Is Polly more than she seems? Is she even who she says she is? Polly is Agnes’ cousin but … Agnes is plain and Polly is breathtakingly beautiful. Who is the hostler who began working at the Inn at the same time Polly arrived in Kurland St. Mary?
Lucy and Robert end up making a trip to London in order to discover more about Polly and how she came to be in their household – and who she really is. As they learn her real identity, they have to find out what happened to the real Polly – and what caused the girl they know as Polly to run away from London. Of whom or what was she afraid?
I highly recommend this book. It is very well-written, fast-paced, well-plotted, and filled with characters you’ll love. Well, except for the villains of course – and I was very happy that they got their punishment! You will probably figure out who the murderer is before the end of the story, but, even if you do, it doesn’t detract from the story at all.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 19, 2020
Audiobook Review
Robert and Lucy Kurland have returned home after their latest murder mystery adventure in Bath, but the quiet at home is broken when a devastatingly gorgeous woman arrives to take the place of their baby son's nursery maid and sets all the local male population in an uproar. Then there is a murder and Robert and Lucy are once again determined to get to the truth of the matter.
Death Comes to the Nursery is the seventh in the series that progresses along through the life of the Kurland family, their household and village. Each book builds on the last even with a new mystery so do not make good standalones or out of order.
This is the third book in the series I picked up after enjoying book one and then leaping forward to book six when it was a new release. I was struck by a cozy mystery series set in Regency era England and accompanied by ongoing series plot threads for recurring series characters, romance, and family.
The characters are vividly drawn with strengths, flaws and the opportunity to grow individually and, in Lucy and Robert's case, as a couple. I find Robert's physical and mental struggles after coming back from the war a heartfelt element along with Lucy's flourishing now that she has her own home and not stuck taking care of a father with a great deal of self-interest. With the addition of little Ned, its interesting to see them as parents.
The historical backdrop of life in the Regency period is given some attention with descriptions of daily life on the estate and in the village as well as London though it is not in the forefront nor does it take over the story.
The mystery came after some time of setting up the situation, introducing the new characters, and catching up with the Kurlands at home. The murder was not unexpected for me and neither were a few of the bigger reveals. I even worked out who did it. I have to admit that knowing these things as I went did take away a deal of the story's shine and had me impatient for it to get moving at times.
That said, I was glad to be back with Robert and Lucy on a case and to see Anna back with them and helping where she was always fearful to be in the past. And, old Foley the butler, I'll be sad to see him retire especially after the part he played in this latest.
Cat Gould continues to narrate the series and I really do love her work. She does great for male and female voices, different ages, and different classes. I find her narration style easy to listen to and she enhances my experience with the book.
All in all, I found it moderately engaging. Death Comes to the Nursery won't be my favorite story of the series, but it's still a fabulous series that those who enjoy historical cozies should definitely give a try.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Robert and Lucy Kurland have returned home after their latest murder mystery adventure in Bath, but the quiet at home is broken when a devastatingly gorgeous woman arrives to take the place of their baby son's nursery maid and sets all the local male population in an uproar. Then there is a murder and Robert and Lucy are once again determined to get to the truth of the matter.
Death Comes to the Nursery is the seventh in the series that progresses along through the life of the Kurland family, their household and village. Each book builds on the last even with a new mystery so do not make good standalones or out of order.
This is the third book in the series I picked up after enjoying book one and then leaping forward to book six when it was a new release. I was struck by a cozy mystery series set in Regency era England and accompanied by ongoing series plot threads for recurring series characters, romance, and family.
The characters are vividly drawn with strengths, flaws and the opportunity to grow individually and, in Lucy and Robert's case, as a couple. I find Robert's physical and mental struggles after coming back from the war a heartfelt element along with Lucy's flourishing now that she has her own home and not stuck taking care of a father with a great deal of self-interest. With the addition of little Ned, its interesting to see them as parents.
The historical backdrop of life in the Regency period is given some attention with descriptions of daily life on the estate and in the village as well as London though it is not in the forefront nor does it take over the story.
The mystery came after some time of setting up the situation, introducing the new characters, and catching up with the Kurlands at home. The murder was not unexpected for me and neither were a few of the bigger reveals. I even worked out who did it. I have to admit that knowing these things as I went did take away a deal of the story's shine and had me impatient for it to get moving at times.
That said, I was glad to be back with Robert and Lucy on a case and to see Anna back with them and helping where she was always fearful to be in the past. And, old Foley the butler, I'll be sad to see him retire especially after the part he played in this latest.
Cat Gould continues to narrate the series and I really do love her work. She does great for male and female voices, different ages, and different classes. I find her narration style easy to listen to and she enhances my experience with the book.
All in all, I found it moderately engaging. Death Comes to the Nursery won't be my favorite story of the series, but it's still a fabulous series that those who enjoy historical cozies should definitely give a try.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2020
3.5 stars
Lucy and Robert are finally parents. Their two-year-old son Ned is a delight, in spite of his fearless fascination with horses. (Poor Robert!) They are delighted to be expecting again around Christmastime and eager to fill the nursery with more staff before the happy event occurs. Ned's nursemaid Agnes recommends her cousin Polly for the job. Unfortunately Polly's looks make her a regular Helen of Troy and all the men of the staff fight over her. They also fight with the ostler at the inn, Bert Squeers, who is seen bothering Polly. When Polly fails to return from her half day out and the footman, James, is also missing, Robert fears the youngsters have eloped. When James is found safe but less than sound at his parents' farm, the search for Polly continues until her body is discovered. Robert and Lucy are determined to find justice for Polly but little do they understand what a tangled knot that will become. Polly's secrets lead Robert and Lucy to London from the seedy slums to the theaters and townhouses of the wealthy then back again to Kurland St. Mary where they must hope to catch a killer.
This plot defies the formula of the first 4 books and continues the original plot ideas of the last, yet I still found it easy to figure out who the killer was. I was close to being right. I knew it couldn't be someone obvious. I didn't like the plot so much as some of the others. I disliked how Robert kept bullying Bert and insisting Bert was a murderer. He never let Bert speak or even considered that Bert could tell the truth. Robert behaved exactly as a working class person would expect a "toff" to behave. I was gravely disappointed in Robert for unleashing his temper. I understand he needs to protect his family but he went overboard this time. There isn't enough of Lucy's sensible guidance to balance him out. More of the story is from Robert's point-of-view. I also didn't care for the introduction of the child. I was happy they were finally able to have children after their heartbreaking losses but the story lost some of it's charm for me. I still stayed up later than I intended and woke up early to see how it all played out.
The minor characters I've come to know and love are hardly in the story. Penelope is still awful and luckily her dialogue is minimal on page. I feel sorry for Lucy being shut up in a closed carriage with that woman though. Dr. Fletcher is absent for a large chunk of the novel and appears mostly in a silent capacity. Anna appears briefly, as sweet and loving as ever. Marriage seems to agree with Rector Harrington. He's softened and is actually likable for a change. I love Rose and she seems to be a good influence on Lucy's father. Foley the butler is aging and thinking about retiring. While he doesn't appear in many scenes, he plays an important role in the story. I'll be sad if he retires.
The minor characters here are mostly of the working class and some from the nobility. James, the footman, seems like a capable lad but still immature. His head is turned by a beautiful face and he behaves badly. Even Mr. Fletcher is not immune. I didn't like him much in this novel. He comes across as cranky and kind of mean. Robert suspects one may be a murderer, if only accidentally. Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis from the inn are major players in the story. (I can see Mrs. Jarvis preening at my statement). Their new employee, Bert Squeers, a rough Londoner, is accused of murdering Polly. He certainly was seen arguing with her and seemed to be infatuated with her to the point of obsession. Bert is a nasty man and does seem capable of murder but I believe Robert should give him a fair chance to explain himself and not assume he's guilty. The stories about his relationship with Polly change depending on who you ask. That implies all may not be as it seems.
Polly's family lives in St. Giles yet they live in a house with curtains on the windows. They seem to be better off than most people in the neighborhood. Her mother is timid and weepy. I dislike timid and weepy women. Her father is a massive bully who hides behind his Bible as an excuse to turn a blind eye to what is actually going on. He believes the murder victim deserved what she got because she led men on. He made me so mad. I thought for SURE he was the murderer and really wanted him to be. He sounds like he would murder a girl for being "immoral." Poor Polly! She was just trying to survive in a cruel world. She couldn't help being beautiful. The MEN that constantly harassed her and threatened her are the problem but sadly, that's not the way men think in the 1820s or 2020s (sometimes). I disliked Polly for a minute when she gave a saucy smile to Robert when she was first introduced to him but she was a good nursemaid and Ned liked her. Robert was a bit too harsh on her too. She couldn't help it if the men choose to fight over her. Why not fire them instead of her?
In London, Lucy's uncle the Earl of Harrington and his wife play host to Lucy and Robert. I don't like her how uncle tries to involve Robert in crooked politics. Shouldn't he know his niece's husband by now? He clearly hasn't made much of an effort to get to know Robert but he seems to mean well and be kind enough in his own arrogant nobleman way. The Gravely family are a bunch of creepy men who think nothing of using and abusing women and tossing those women aside. Viscount Gravely spent most of his adult life in India. He seems to be a nabob because he is wealthy and because he's a nobleman, he's well-connected. His two sons aren't much better. One becomes infatuated with women a little too often and a little too much and the other will do anything to protect his brother. The Gravelys illustrate the darker side of Regency life, how men could and often did abuse their power and get away with it.
I found a couple of historical things that bothered me. Orphanages as we think of them didn't exist in Georgian London. Babies could be dropped off at London's Foundling Hospital but kids wouldn't grow up in an orphanage. Kids old enough to work would be working, IF they survived that long. Most likely, the orphans in this story would have been in the workhouse, working or indentured. The word orphanage just wasn't used at the time the characters would have been living at such a place. It doesn't really effect the plot TOO much but enough to really bug me. Pretty Polly may have been sent to an an asylum for female orphans (I know... I shouldn't be reading historical FICTION as a historian. It's difficult to separate that side of me from the side that reads for pleasure).
https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victo...
https://www.history.org/Foundation/jo...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/...
I also found Ned to be too well-spoken for a toddler but perhaps since the story is from Robert and Lucy's points-of-view, they're translating toddler speech into adult speech.
I still really enjoy the characters and their stories and would read more about them.
Lucy and Robert are finally parents. Their two-year-old son Ned is a delight, in spite of his fearless fascination with horses. (Poor Robert!) They are delighted to be expecting again around Christmastime and eager to fill the nursery with more staff before the happy event occurs. Ned's nursemaid Agnes recommends her cousin Polly for the job. Unfortunately Polly's looks make her a regular Helen of Troy and all the men of the staff fight over her. They also fight with the ostler at the inn, Bert Squeers, who is seen bothering Polly. When Polly fails to return from her half day out and the footman, James, is also missing, Robert fears the youngsters have eloped. When James is found safe but less than sound at his parents' farm, the search for Polly continues until her body is discovered. Robert and Lucy are determined to find justice for Polly but little do they understand what a tangled knot that will become. Polly's secrets lead Robert and Lucy to London from the seedy slums to the theaters and townhouses of the wealthy then back again to Kurland St. Mary where they must hope to catch a killer.
This plot defies the formula of the first 4 books and continues the original plot ideas of the last, yet I still found it easy to figure out who the killer was. I was close to being right. I knew it couldn't be someone obvious. I didn't like the plot so much as some of the others. I disliked how Robert kept bullying Bert and insisting Bert was a murderer. He never let Bert speak or even considered that Bert could tell the truth. Robert behaved exactly as a working class person would expect a "toff" to behave. I was gravely disappointed in Robert for unleashing his temper. I understand he needs to protect his family but he went overboard this time. There isn't enough of Lucy's sensible guidance to balance him out. More of the story is from Robert's point-of-view. I also didn't care for the introduction of the child. I was happy they were finally able to have children after their heartbreaking losses but the story lost some of it's charm for me. I still stayed up later than I intended and woke up early to see how it all played out.
The minor characters I've come to know and love are hardly in the story. Penelope is still awful and luckily her dialogue is minimal on page. I feel sorry for Lucy being shut up in a closed carriage with that woman though. Dr. Fletcher is absent for a large chunk of the novel and appears mostly in a silent capacity. Anna appears briefly, as sweet and loving as ever. Marriage seems to agree with Rector Harrington. He's softened and is actually likable for a change. I love Rose and she seems to be a good influence on Lucy's father. Foley the butler is aging and thinking about retiring. While he doesn't appear in many scenes, he plays an important role in the story. I'll be sad if he retires.
The minor characters here are mostly of the working class and some from the nobility. James, the footman, seems like a capable lad but still immature. His head is turned by a beautiful face and he behaves badly. Even Mr. Fletcher is not immune. I didn't like him much in this novel. He comes across as cranky and kind of mean. Robert suspects one may be a murderer, if only accidentally. Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis from the inn are major players in the story. (I can see Mrs. Jarvis preening at my statement). Their new employee, Bert Squeers, a rough Londoner, is accused of murdering Polly. He certainly was seen arguing with her and seemed to be infatuated with her to the point of obsession. Bert is a nasty man and does seem capable of murder but I believe Robert should give him a fair chance to explain himself and not assume he's guilty. The stories about his relationship with Polly change depending on who you ask. That implies all may not be as it seems.
Polly's family lives in St. Giles yet they live in a house with curtains on the windows. They seem to be better off than most people in the neighborhood. Her mother is timid and weepy. I dislike timid and weepy women. Her father is a massive bully who hides behind his Bible as an excuse to turn a blind eye to what is actually going on. He believes the murder victim deserved what she got because she led men on. He made me so mad. I thought for SURE he was the murderer and really wanted him to be. He sounds like he would murder a girl for being "immoral." Poor Polly! She was just trying to survive in a cruel world. She couldn't help being beautiful. The MEN that constantly harassed her and threatened her are the problem but sadly, that's not the way men think in the 1820s or 2020s (sometimes). I disliked Polly for a minute when she gave a saucy smile to Robert when she was first introduced to him but she was a good nursemaid and Ned liked her. Robert was a bit too harsh on her too. She couldn't help it if the men choose to fight over her. Why not fire them instead of her?
In London, Lucy's uncle the Earl of Harrington and his wife play host to Lucy and Robert. I don't like her how uncle tries to involve Robert in crooked politics. Shouldn't he know his niece's husband by now? He clearly hasn't made much of an effort to get to know Robert but he seems to mean well and be kind enough in his own arrogant nobleman way. The Gravely family are a bunch of creepy men who think nothing of using and abusing women and tossing those women aside. Viscount Gravely spent most of his adult life in India. He seems to be a nabob because he is wealthy and because he's a nobleman, he's well-connected. His two sons aren't much better. One becomes infatuated with women a little too often and a little too much and the other will do anything to protect his brother. The Gravelys illustrate the darker side of Regency life, how men could and often did abuse their power and get away with it.
I found a couple of historical things that bothered me. Orphanages as we think of them didn't exist in Georgian London. Babies could be dropped off at London's Foundling Hospital but kids wouldn't grow up in an orphanage. Kids old enough to work would be working, IF they survived that long. Most likely, the orphans in this story would have been in the workhouse, working or indentured. The word orphanage just wasn't used at the time the characters would have been living at such a place. It doesn't really effect the plot TOO much but enough to really bug me. Pretty Polly may have been sent to an an asylum for female orphans (I know... I shouldn't be reading historical FICTION as a historian. It's difficult to separate that side of me from the side that reads for pleasure).
https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victo...
https://www.history.org/Foundation/jo...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/...
I also found Ned to be too well-spoken for a toddler but perhaps since the story is from Robert and Lucy's points-of-view, they're translating toddler speech into adult speech.
I still really enjoy the characters and their stories and would read more about them.
July 25, 2021
YUCK, YUCK, YUCK! Again I started a series in the middle (book 7) and didn't know it. I really need to start doing a bit more research on some of the books that I am reading! But that said after I caught up (it took about 10 pages) I was fine. So if you want to read this first, I don't think you are going to be lost.
I adored Lucy and Robert Kurland, and their very advanced two-year-old son, Ned. Lucy is the head of this duo and Robert is a great stiff-lipped magistrate. Besides Ned, there is a new baby on the way and Lucy expands her nursery staff by hiring dear Agnes' cousin, Polly. Polly arrives from London and everyone is jealous of her attention as she is a beauty! While having a good time flirting with the male staff at the manor, she falls victim to murder! (HOLY CRAP!)
The rest of the book involves hunting down and identifying the scallywag who killed her. I loved this part of the book with Lucy and Robert working together to solve the crime.... and then... DANGER!!!!! There is a second murder, lots of action, and some scary parts for Lucy and Agnes. It is a cozy mystery and is for enjoyment and entertainment, and it was both. I thought it moved quite well, had some good twist and flips and a tad of humor.
My first book by Catherine Lloyd, but it won't be my last. I found the series well worth the read.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Happy Reading!
I adored Lucy and Robert Kurland, and their very advanced two-year-old son, Ned. Lucy is the head of this duo and Robert is a great stiff-lipped magistrate. Besides Ned, there is a new baby on the way and Lucy expands her nursery staff by hiring dear Agnes' cousin, Polly. Polly arrives from London and everyone is jealous of her attention as she is a beauty! While having a good time flirting with the male staff at the manor, she falls victim to murder! (HOLY CRAP!)
The rest of the book involves hunting down and identifying the scallywag who killed her. I loved this part of the book with Lucy and Robert working together to solve the crime.... and then... DANGER!!!!! There is a second murder, lots of action, and some scary parts for Lucy and Agnes. It is a cozy mystery and is for enjoyment and entertainment, and it was both. I thought it moved quite well, had some good twist and flips and a tad of humor.
My first book by Catherine Lloyd, but it won't be my last. I found the series well worth the read.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Happy Reading!
May 26, 2020
Death Comes to the Nursery
4 Stars
When the body of their new nursemaid is discovered brutally murdered in a local farmer's field, Lady Lucy Kurland and her husband, Sir Robert, are determined to catch the culprit even if the killer is someone closer to home . . .
The mystery is rather straightforward with a number of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. That said, a seasoned mystery reader might be able to figure it all out as the killer does fit a common stereotype.
Once again, the relationship between Lucy and her husband as well as the other secondary characters is the real highlight of the book. The manner in which Lucy and Robert bounce theories off one another in engaging particularly as the series is set in Regency times. The depth of their love and trust in one another is delightful.
All in all, another light and charming addition to the series and I see that the next book is in the works.
4 Stars
When the body of their new nursemaid is discovered brutally murdered in a local farmer's field, Lady Lucy Kurland and her husband, Sir Robert, are determined to catch the culprit even if the killer is someone closer to home . . .
The mystery is rather straightforward with a number of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. That said, a seasoned mystery reader might be able to figure it all out as the killer does fit a common stereotype.
Once again, the relationship between Lucy and her husband as well as the other secondary characters is the real highlight of the book. The manner in which Lucy and Robert bounce theories off one another in engaging particularly as the series is set in Regency times. The depth of their love and trust in one another is delightful.
All in all, another light and charming addition to the series and I see that the next book is in the works.
February 4, 2020
The plot is pretty good but I cannot say the same about the story. The characters are just okay. I wish Lucy-Robert were better at sleuthing - I did not like the fact that they were bent on proving the 'accused' guilty rather than looking for more suspects.
Also, their findings and talk gets repetitive at times and this could have been avoided. The story starts on a good note, falls flat in the middle and ends well. I didn't find the characters captivating nor did I like their sleuthing style.
Also, their findings and talk gets repetitive at times and this could have been avoided. The story starts on a good note, falls flat in the middle and ends well. I didn't find the characters captivating nor did I like their sleuthing style.
February 1, 2020
The crime was a bit weird and far-stretched IMO in this book. I guess I prefer when the mystery is within the community rather than introducing a bunch of strangers from London. However, the plot twists were done right and I couldn't guess who the culprit or the culrpits are.
I hope the author will continue with the series because the main couple is just so cute! <3
I hope the author will continue with the series because the main couple is just so cute! <3
June 4, 2023
I refuse to believe anyone can be that stupid.
January 23, 2020
Delighted by the quiet uproar of raising their newborn, Lady Lucy and Major Sir Robert Kurland could not be more pleased at the prospect of welcoming another into their home. But their preparations are soon overshadowed by a baffling case of murder.
Once known to all in her village as the rector’s daughter, Lucy is now a mother herself—to a wonderful eighteen-month-old son, Ned. Upon discovering that she is expecting a second child, Lucy and Robert are delighted. In anticipation of the new arrival, Lucy is set on expanding her nursery staff. When Agnes, her current nurse, recommends her cousin, it seems like the perfect solution.
But trouble arrives along with the new nursery maid from London. Polly’s flirtations provoke fisticuffs in the servants’ hall and tumult in the village tavern, and on her afternoon off, she fails to return to the Kurland Estate. When a farmer finds her lifeless body in a drainage ditch, Lucy and Robert fear foul play.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & it certainly won’t be the last. This is the seventh book in the series & whilst I found no difficulty with the characters it did make me want to go & read all of the earlier books, so yet again my to be read list grows. A very well written book with strong characters & very well paced. I was gripped from the start & read it in two sittings as I couldn’t put it down. I loved everything about it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Once known to all in her village as the rector’s daughter, Lucy is now a mother herself—to a wonderful eighteen-month-old son, Ned. Upon discovering that she is expecting a second child, Lucy and Robert are delighted. In anticipation of the new arrival, Lucy is set on expanding her nursery staff. When Agnes, her current nurse, recommends her cousin, it seems like the perfect solution.
But trouble arrives along with the new nursery maid from London. Polly’s flirtations provoke fisticuffs in the servants’ hall and tumult in the village tavern, and on her afternoon off, she fails to return to the Kurland Estate. When a farmer finds her lifeless body in a drainage ditch, Lucy and Robert fear foul play.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & it certainly won’t be the last. This is the seventh book in the series & whilst I found no difficulty with the characters it did make me want to go & read all of the earlier books, so yet again my to be read list grows. A very well written book with strong characters & very well paced. I was gripped from the start & read it in two sittings as I couldn’t put it down. I loved everything about it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 12, 2020
After loving the previous book, I was frustrated at how disappointed I was with this story. Once again, we’ve jumped into the characters future. I’m upset that we didn’t get to see Lucy’s pregnancy (well, not past when Robert found out in Bath), or perhaps the time surrounding the birth, nor do we get any resolution with Lucy’s sister Anna as she tries to reconcile her want for love and a family with being terrified of childbirth, etc.
What we do get is a murder mystery that results with our mc, Robert and Lucy, rushing off to London to unearth clues as to the imposter nanny’s identity and what lead up to the circumstances surrounding her murder. All this, mind you, while being stuck, once again, with Penelope being a bossy thorn in Lucy’s side. Plus Anna has married and seems content with her choice... what the hell!?
3 stars ⭐️ because it’s well written and the plot wasn’t boring, just a far fetched and completely unrealistic narrative (what titled couple would schlepp off to London for this reason?) and the time skipped over prior to the story was what I would have rather read about.
What we do get is a murder mystery that results with our mc, Robert and Lucy, rushing off to London to unearth clues as to the imposter nanny’s identity and what lead up to the circumstances surrounding her murder. All this, mind you, while being stuck, once again, with Penelope being a bossy thorn in Lucy’s side. Plus Anna has married and seems content with her choice... what the hell!?
3 stars ⭐️ because it’s well written and the plot wasn’t boring, just a far fetched and completely unrealistic narrative (what titled couple would schlepp off to London for this reason?) and the time skipped over prior to the story was what I would have rather read about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2020
This entry was ok, I’ve read every book in the series and enjoyed some more than others. I think my pleasure was marred somewhat by listening to the audiobook; the narrator wasn’t terrible, she did most characters quite well, but she made Sir Robert just sound like such a rigid bore!
I mean, granted, he’s a former cavalry officer, and a great deal of the pleasure I’ve found in the series has been the uptight Darcy/strong-willed Lizzie vibe from Robert and Lucy, now married and expecting their second child, but something just seemed off. I thought the puzzle was pretty straightforward and obvious (too few suspects), but she did deliver a great surprise ending - well done! It just seemed rather tedious getting there this time.
I continue to enjoy Lucy and Robert and the recurring characters in Kurland St. Mary, their small village - maybe next book, I’ll read and not listen!
I mean, granted, he’s a former cavalry officer, and a great deal of the pleasure I’ve found in the series has been the uptight Darcy/strong-willed Lizzie vibe from Robert and Lucy, now married and expecting their second child, but something just seemed off. I thought the puzzle was pretty straightforward and obvious (too few suspects), but she did deliver a great surprise ending - well done! It just seemed rather tedious getting there this time.
I continue to enjoy Lucy and Robert and the recurring characters in Kurland St. Mary, their small village - maybe next book, I’ll read and not listen!
September 16, 2024
The penultimate book in the Kurland St. Mary mystery series and I'm not ready to let this series go! This time the new nanny gets murdered and every guy within a ten mile radius is a suspect because she was so insanely hot that she made them all lose their minds! I saw the ending coming but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of these wonderful characters and Lloyd's rich storytelling. One more to go!
April 7, 2023
Death Comes to the Nursery was near perfection. I couldn’t guess the true murderer and the reveal was a shocking twist. I felt so bad for “Polly” with all the males nearly coming to fisticuffs over her when she just wanted to be left in peace. This book as a great read.
January 13, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is the seventh book in the Kurland St. Mary mystery series by Catherine Lloyd.
Just when I think I have heard of every cozy mystery series in existence, another great one pops up and lands at my feet.
This is a historical cozy set in what I believe is Victorian England. You probably need to go into this knowing that particular fact since not everyone is a historical cozy lover.
I can’t believe they have gotten to book seven before I’ve ever even heard of this series. What a little gem this is. It wasn’t just the main characters that capture your attention in this; it is the whole community of people.
Basic premise is that a young woman comes to town to work in Lucy’s nursery staff. She isn’t all that she appears, unfortunately. She is quite a beauty and the men are falling all over themselves to gain her favor but she ignores them. Then she ends up dead in a ditch and one of the men of the manor is bludgeoned and dumped at his family’s estate. Lucy and her husband investigate who exactly this woman was and why she would end up dead.
Based on the title, I feared the dead body might have been found in the nursery and I was happy to see that misconception was wrong.
I think I was entranced by the setting just as much as the mystery in this one. Great story that keeps you guessing until the very end.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the seventh book in the Kurland St. Mary mystery series by Catherine Lloyd.
Just when I think I have heard of every cozy mystery series in existence, another great one pops up and lands at my feet.
This is a historical cozy set in what I believe is Victorian England. You probably need to go into this knowing that particular fact since not everyone is a historical cozy lover.
I can’t believe they have gotten to book seven before I’ve ever even heard of this series. What a little gem this is. It wasn’t just the main characters that capture your attention in this; it is the whole community of people.
Basic premise is that a young woman comes to town to work in Lucy’s nursery staff. She isn’t all that she appears, unfortunately. She is quite a beauty and the men are falling all over themselves to gain her favor but she ignores them. Then she ends up dead in a ditch and one of the men of the manor is bludgeoned and dumped at his family’s estate. Lucy and her husband investigate who exactly this woman was and why she would end up dead.
Based on the title, I feared the dead body might have been found in the nursery and I was happy to see that misconception was wrong.
I think I was entranced by the setting just as much as the mystery in this one. Great story that keeps you guessing until the very end.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
July 9, 2020
This series is so hit or miss for me. I think I keep coming back because I like the main characters. But the writing felt sloppy. Certain things just don't make any sense. At one point, they discover the dead body, and show them going to see Dr. Fletcher, interviewing some servants, going through the deceased's belongings, and being called back to town. Once they're there, they say that it's been three days since the death, but each one of those previous events are portrayed as being directly after the previous. At another point, Robert suddenly says that he doesn't know how Bert knew Polly was dead. But he told her! And at no point in that scene did he say that he felt Bert's reaction was inauthentic or that he wasn't surprised. At another point he says that maybe the reason the deceased fled London was because she saw another character being murdered and was scared. But earlier the same day they heard that the other character had been seen by her parents as recently as a few days' previous, and they had no reason to believe that wasn't true. So it's not likely she had been murdered over a month before.
It's just this sort of thing that bothers me. There are random cognitive leaps that just aren't supported by the text, and that's the crux of what makes a good mystery novel is laying the foundation for the solution.
It's just this sort of thing that bothers me. There are random cognitive leaps that just aren't supported by the text, and that's the crux of what makes a good mystery novel is laying the foundation for the solution.
April 9, 2021
Wonderful!
One of the best in this terrific series! Young Ned is almost 2 years old and Lucy is expecting another baby! Then, a new beautiful young nursemaid is violently murdered! The Major and Lucy feel they must investigate as this is very close to home and child. Adventure, travel, too many suspects, no clear evidence, and continuing bad events make it more important to find the guilty person! Very scary, exciting conclusion! Definitely read series in order!
One of the best in this terrific series! Young Ned is almost 2 years old and Lucy is expecting another baby! Then, a new beautiful young nursemaid is violently murdered! The Major and Lucy feel they must investigate as this is very close to home and child. Adventure, travel, too many suspects, no clear evidence, and continuing bad events make it more important to find the guilty person! Very scary, exciting conclusion! Definitely read series in order!
April 20, 2024
A nice relaxing read. Not too much filler. Good to see Robert and Lucy happy in their routines.
February 5, 2020
I've repeatedly said I'm going to give up on this series, and then the next book comes out...
To be fair, this is a much better entry than several of the previous ones. That being said, I suspected the killer from their first appearance. There are few viable suspects, so it's not that hard. I'm also really getting sick books about men killing off beautiful women they can't have. The mystery was the main focus, which was good, but it wasn't that complicated of a mystery either, given the culprit and their reasons are easy to guess.
But my overall main issue--which I've mentioned multiple times in previous reviews for this story--is that Sir Robert is irritating. Lucy is almost always right, but he still acts like she's being silly over her more outlandish theories--even though they usually are at least partially correct. I've never been able to warm up to him over it. I also don't like either him or Lucy as main characters. They don't have enough personality to carry a story so we're reliant on a good mystery and a fun supporting cast. This series is light on the first and decent on the second, so this series is only middling overall.
To be fair, this is a much better entry than several of the previous ones. That being said, I suspected the killer from their first appearance. There are few viable suspects, so it's not that hard. I'm also really getting sick books about men killing off beautiful women they can't have. The mystery was the main focus, which was good, but it wasn't that complicated of a mystery either, given the culprit and their reasons are easy to guess.
But my overall main issue--which I've mentioned multiple times in previous reviews for this story--is that Sir Robert is irritating. Lucy is almost always right, but he still acts like she's being silly over her more outlandish theories--even though they usually are at least partially correct. I've never been able to warm up to him over it. I also don't like either him or Lucy as main characters. They don't have enough personality to carry a story so we're reliant on a good mystery and a fun supporting cast. This series is light on the first and decent on the second, so this series is only middling overall.
May 29, 2021
Lady Lucy Kurland decides to hire an additional nursery maid, as there will soon be a new baby in the house. She agrees to hire Polly, cousin to her present maid, only to find that all the men in the area are distracted by Polly's beauty. When the girl is found dead, Lucy and her husband Sir Robert, the local magistrate, feel that they must find the murderer. A trip to London is in the cards, when they find that the dead woman is not really a maid, their maid's cousin, or even named Polly. Instead, she was an actress under the protection of a nobleman, who was nonetheless fleeing from some danger.
Here's the thing about series: I really liked this, but I wonder if I would have liked it as much if I had not tremendously enjoyed the earlier episodes of this series. If someone is new to the series, this would not be the volume to start with.
Here's the thing about series: I really liked this, but I wonder if I would have liked it as much if I had not tremendously enjoyed the earlier episodes of this series. If someone is new to the series, this would not be the volume to start with.
March 23, 2020
Not my usual style of cozy. Enjoyed how story was told. Lucy and Robert investigate the missing nanny and find that other women have been murdered to cover up the identity of the killer. Lucy is an excellent partner for Robert to solve this mystery and together they solve this and bring a family secret into the open.
July 28, 2020
2020 bk 254 Lloyd keeps getting better and better. I love reading and watching her characters grow into themselves and their relationships with each other. The mystery elements are well designed and keep my interest going as I try to figure out who dunit ahead of the ending. I only succeed in about 1/3 of the books so far. Excellent author and read.
August 9, 2020
This is one of my favorite mystery series. In 1825 England, Sir Robert and Lady Lucy Kurland are now the proud parents of 2-year-old Ned. When Ned's beautiful nursemaid is found murdered on their property, Robert & Lucy investigate. The young woman was not who she seemed to be, and the mystery leads to London. The mystery in this book wasn't quite as strong as some others, but the real pleasure for me is spending time with these characters. I look forward to the next installment.
December 13, 2020
The nursery was filled with cute baby animals!
May 21, 2022
Oh dear
It's a completely unbelievable tale, I'm afraid. The author completely abandoned any effort to make diction or behavior true to time and place. Characters are inconsistent, people walk out of a room but then are in the same room again--it is all a jumble. I do not recommend.
It's a completely unbelievable tale, I'm afraid. The author completely abandoned any effort to make diction or behavior true to time and place. Characters are inconsistent, people walk out of a room but then are in the same room again--it is all a jumble. I do not recommend.
March 27, 2020
Number 7 in the Kurland St. Mary Mysteries, one of my favorite series! This did not disappoint!
July 11, 2020
3.5 out of 5 stars
April 30, 2023
I totally love this series!
January 11, 2020
This husband and wife team seems to be way over their heads when it comes to investigating a crime on their own watch. They bumbled their way through every search for clues until their naiveness almost did them a fatal blow. The murderer was a step ahead of them all the time and they hadn’t a clue. The story was well written, with characters that did justice to the storyline. This husband and wife sleuthing team were just not captivating enough me.
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