Murder at Wedgefield Manor by Erica Ruth Neubauer

First Line: England, 1926. One wheel of the biplane slammed into the ground, the wings tipping precariously, before the second wheel made contact and the little plane righted itself, hustling along the soft dirt track before coming to an untidy stop.

 

Wedgefield Manor, deep in the tranquil English countryside, is the perfect respite for Jane Wunderly and her Aunt Millie before their return to the United States. Aunt Millie is enjoying the company of her long-lost daughter, Lillian, and their host, Lord Hughes. Jane, on the other hand, finds her flying lessons exhilarating. 

Yes indeed, it's all fun and games until one of the estate mechanics dies in an automobile crash. To everyone's shock, the young man's death is no accident: the brake lines on the car were cut. But was the intended victim actually Simon? The country house is filled with suspects and targets.  Thankfully, Mr. Redvers, who helped Jane solve a mystery in Egypt, is on hand to help her because, with all the visiting relatives, secretive servants, and strangers who wander about the property at night, Jane has her hands full in bringing a killer to justice.

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This is another light, fun read from Erica Ruth Neubauer. The mystery is filled with misdirection, and I loved the fact that Jane was learning to fly, which reminded me of several events and people from that time period. The only thing that slightly bothered me was Jane's romantic waffling about Mr. Redvers. The reason why her indecision didn't make me roll my eyes was that, with the experiences she had in her own marriage (she's a widow), she would be extremely hesitant to put herself in another relationship.

If you love reading light, fun country house mysteries set in the 1920s when women were beginning to enjoy more independent lives, Murder at Wedgefield Manor should certainly be your perfect cup of tea.

 

Murder at Wedgefield Manor by Erica Ruth Neubauer

eISBN: 9781496725905

Kensington Books © 2021

eBook, 304 pages

 

Historical Mystery, #2 Jane Wunderly mystery

Rating: B+

Source: Net Galley

Murder at the Mena House by Erica Ruth Neubauer

First Line: When selecting an exotic location for travel, it's advisable to choose one where the air isn't trying to kill you.

Egypt, 1926. Traveling with her Aunt Millie means constantly fending off her well-meaning relative's attempts at matchmaking. Ensconced in the luxurious Mena House Hotel in the heart of Cairo, American Jane Wunderly would rather gaze longingly at the Great Pyramids of Giza than into the eyes of a dashing stranger. However, when she meets Mr. Redvers, her opinion slowly begins to change.

There are lots of interesting guests at the Mena House, but socialite Anna Stainton takes the cake as the most infuriating one. When Jane is found standing over Anna's dead body, she becomes the prime suspect. Jane has no time to lose; she must learn who she can trust and who had the motive to commit murder. Somewhere amongst all those staying at the Mena House is a person with too many secrets, a person willing to commit as many murders as it takes to keep them.

There is some great period detail in Murder at the Mena House that puts readers right in the middle of the action, and life without air conditioning in the desert is just one of those fascinating facts.

Jane Wunderly is a strong, interesting character with a backstory that makes it clear why she's not in the market for a husband, although I do wish she could afford to travel without the disagreeable Aunt Millie (who has her own little secrets).

How's the story? It's a good'un, with excellent misdirection and some exciting action scenes. Am I willing to take another trip with Jane? You bet! Just let me finish packing my bags.

Murder at the Mena House by Erica Ruth Neubauer

eISBN: 9781496725875

Kensington Books © 2020

eBook, 304 pages

Historical Mystery, #1 Jane Wunderly mystery

Rating: B+

Source: Net Galley