T. E. Kinsey

Lady Emily Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong solve another edge-of-your-seat, breath-holding mystery on behalf of the Secret Service Bureau (SSB). While they enjoy rusticating in the bucolic setting of their little village, they often wish for a bit more excitement. They definitely find excitement – along with danger, murder, assassination attempts, treachery, and treason in some unexpected places. It always amazes me how this writer can cover such serious subjects and still make me chuckle, and often laugh out loud.

There has been a murder in Brighton and since they live close by, Lady Hardcastle and Flo are dispatched there by the SSB. Not to solve the murder – No, they are to take over the investigation and keep the local police from identifying the body. Luckily, they are personal friends with both the coroner and the lead police inspector. But . . . They end up with two bodies and a murderer who has to be the worst shot on the planet, or he is trying to muddy the waters.

The next stop is London where the powerful men in a trade organization try to sidestep Lady Hardcastle and Flo. We all know how well that is going to work, don’t we? They try shutting Lady Hardcastle and Flo out of the information flow so they cannot do their jobs, but where there is a will, there is a way. The red herrings and misdirections don’t work at all and Flo and Emily are off to the races. Not only do they outwit, out-think, and outmaneuver that slick bunch of old men, they solve two murders and save the country from the brink of war. I’d say that was a nice day’s work.

This was a fun, interesting, light-hearted read with a great mystery. If you have never read a Lady Hardcastle, then you should definitely give one a try – and – if you have (or haven’t) read Lady Hardcastle, you will love this one. Happy Reading!… (more)

I've been having so much fun with this series that it's hard to believe that An Assassination on the Agenda is already the eleventh Lady Hardcastle mystery.

The mysteries are always good and deeply rooted in the time period (don't miss the Author's Notes for this one!), but the highlight for me has always been the repartee between Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence Armstrong. Their banter stems from a long and loving relationship that has carried them through thick and thin-- and many countries. The dialogue sparkles even more brightly this time due to all the bureaucrats they must deal with.

An Assassination on the Agenda is another enjoyable entry in this series, and if I have to complain about anything, it's the fact that T.E. Kinsey has warped my mind. I used to be able to see the surname Featherstonehaugh and pronounce it correctly immediately (Fanshaw). But now, with the war of words between Florence and Lady Hardcastle's brother Harry, I stumble each and every time. Shame on you, Mr. Kinsey!

(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)… (more)