On My Radar: T.E. Kinsey's A Fire at the Exhibition!

 

Sometimes, one of the best ways to feel how quickly time flies is by reading series books. I could swear that I've only been reading (and laughing through) T.E. Kinsey's Lady Hardcastle historical mystery series for a couple of years at most, but when I received word of the latest installment, I was stunned to see that it's already on the tenth book. Wow! (Time also flies when you're having fun.)

Yes, readers learn interesting things about Edwardian England, and, yes, there are some good mysteries to solve, but the reason why I love this series so much has everything to do with the two main characters: Lady Hardcastle and her trusty and tiny maid, Florence Armstrong. Their witty dialogue absolutely sparkles, and I think I've smiled and laughed my way through the first nine books, so it should be no surprise that I did a little Happy Dance when I learned of the tenth book. Let me tell you more!

Available September 5, 2023!

 

Synopsis: 

 

"May 1912. After the previous year’s deadly heatwave, it’s been an uneventful spring in Littleton Cotterell. Though for Lady Hardcastle and her fiercely loyal lady’s maid Flo, at least there are the provincial delights of the village’s inaugural art exhibition—and bicycle race—to look forward to.

But at the exhibition opening, there’s a panicked shout of ‘Fire!’ In the confusion, the main attraction—an extremely expensive book—is stolen from under everyone’s nose, as is a valuable painting lent by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud. Then the race, which starts as a charming day out, ends in a shocking death. And to top it all off, the Farley-Strouds reveal they’re in debt and might lose their house.

The sleuthing duo soon find themselves torn between a murder investigation, an art theft mystery, and trying to help their pals. All with a suspicious figure from Flo’s past, a supercilious insurance investigator, and a pair of rather bizarre treasure hunters on the loose…" 

 

 

I'm certainly looking forward to A Fire at the Exhibition, and if you've never had the pleasure of meeting Lady Hardcastle and Flo, I urge you to give them a try-- especially if you're in the mood for something light-hearted and fun.