"Shrouds of Holly"  By Kate Kingsbury
A Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery set in pre-World War I rural England

2011 Book Review #89

                Publishers Weekly Review

In Kingsbury's charming third holiday-themed Pennyfoot Hotel mystery, hotel proprietor Cecily Sinclair Baxter is supervising the final details of the decorations in the ballroom while her husband and the stable master head into the woods to gather holly. All too quickly, the horse-and-carriage return driverless, bearing only the corpse of a stranger.

Frantic and dissatisfied with the Badger's End constabulary, Cecily takes it upon herself to find the missing men and identify a murderer.

The Edwardian England setting is emphasized by the romances and adventures of numerous stereotypical characters, from Colonel Fortescue with his brandy-soaked tales of exploits in the Boer War to the downstairs crew of stout housekeeper, high-strung French cook and several gossipy maids.

Bright, engaging Cecily doggedly seeks the truth in this fast-paced cozy that will provide warm holiday entertainment for Kingsbury's many fans.

My Thoughts:  This is a delightful book filled with real “characters”.  It is well written and keeps your interest throughout the adventure.  It is a light mystery without the blood and gore of the usual murder plot.  I loved it!