Synopsis
After the excitement of her recent adventures in Paris, Mrs Hudson goes to stay with her married daughter Eleanor in Bilbourne, a little village in Kent, the Garden of England. It is September, and the hop-harvest is in full swing at the nearby plantation belonging to Thomas Brakefield.
But if Mrs Hudson was hoping for some peace and quiet away from the city, she is to be disappointed, soon caught up in dark passions that culminate in a brutal murder.
At great risk to herself, Mrs Hudson goes in pursuit of the perpetrator.
With a rich cast of characters that include the tyrannical Thomas himself, his beautiful and aloof wife Lydia and neglected daughter Eve, his arch-enemy the bluff Squire Simister and his dandified son Freddie, as well as disgruntled hop pickers and the poor work-house boy, Timothy, that Mrs Hudson takes under her wing, the stage is set for a tense and thrilling drama.
The story is set in the idyllic countryside of Kent, England, where the wealthy and powerful gather for a weekend of hunting and socializing. Mrs. Hudson, the former housekeeper of Sherlock Holmes, is the protagonist of the novel and is invited to the event as a guest. However, things take a dark turn when a guest is found murdered in the garden, and Mrs. Hudson finds herself in the middle of the investigation.
The novel is well-written and engaging, with a cast of characters that are all intriguing and mysterious. Mrs. Hudson is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind and take charge of the situation. The plot is filled with twists and turns, and the reader is constantly left guessing who the killer could be.
One of the best things about "Death in the Garden of England" is the vivid descriptions of the English countryside. Jakeman does an excellent job of bringing the setting to life and making the reader feel like they are right there in the middle of the action. The dialogue is also well-crafted, with each character having their own distinct voice and personality.
Overall, "Death in the Garden of England" is a fantastic mystery novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is a perfect blend of suspense, intrigue, and humor, with a well-developed cast of characters and a cleverly crafted plot. Fans of classic English mysteries and cozy mysteries alike will enjoy this book and will be eagerly anticipating the next Mrs. Hudson mystery.
Another strength of "Death in the Garden of England" is the way the author weaves in historical details and social commentary. The novel is set in the early 20th century, and Jakeman does an excellent job of depicting the class and gender dynamics of the time. Mrs. Hudson, as a former servant, is acutely aware of the power dynamics at play among the guests, and her observations provide insight into the social mores of the era.
In addition to the social commentary, the book also has a strong sense of humor. Mrs. Hudson is a witty and clever protagonist, and her interactions with the other characters are often laced with sarcasm and dry humor. This light-hearted tone helps to balance out the more serious aspects of the plot, and makes for an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Overall, "Death in the Garden of England" is a well-crafted and engaging mystery novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Jakeman's writing is sharp and witty, and her characters are well-developed and intriguing. The historical details and social commentary add depth to the story, while the humor keeps things light and entertaining. If you are looking for a fun and engaging mystery novel set in the English countryside, "Death in the Garden of England" is definitely worth checking out.
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