Review of 'Death at Darrington Manor' by Nancy Warren

Review of 'Death at Darrington Manor' by Nancy Warren

Release date: June 27th, 2024

Publisher: Storm Publishing

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REVIEW

This is my first experience with Nancy Warren’s books and now that I have entered Abigail Dixon’s world, I am dying to visit it again! In fact, I want to head back into this reporter’s past to book one and see how it all started. Even though it would have been a bonus to have read the first one of the series, the author gives us plenty of background info to get us up to speed. There are a number of snapshot references of the main character’s past experiences and of persons with whom she interacted. I warmed very quickly to reporter Abby and delighted in this cosy mystery that drew me in quickly and held me firm to the last page. There were lots of great puzzles to solve that kept me interested and mentally active.

In Death at Darrington Manor, Abby is a compelling protagonist determined to solve more than one crime that may or may not have been connected. There are lots of clues, red-herrings, and an intriguing cast of characters that kept me engaged from start to finish! Guessing the killer was not easy so Ms Warren has delivered well and provided lots of maze pathways, some which lead to dead ends while others unveil valuable information that help solve the crime(s).

Abby, who lives in Paris, is a reporter for a Chicago newspaper. Much to her annoyance she is called to cover a high society wedding at Darrington Manor in England. She is frustrated at being assigned articles for women’s pages when she is chomping at the bit to do more. And although she tries to make the best of her situation, and longs to cast her net farther, her dream to cover hard news stories seems to remain dampened by her boss who won’t give her the opportunities. She knows she is more than capable in accomplishing such a task but this the 1920’s when men were given those challenging assignments. Will fate intervene and deal her a main player’s hand in crime reporting? It seems so, because once she gets to the Manor and meets some fascinating characters, a murder occurs and she is in the thick of it with the advantage of first-hand accounts.

There are some famous persons like Coco Chanel present at the Manor so fashion is part of this story’s fabric—especially for the wedding. Vivien, Abby’s best friend is a great side-kick and comes as her maid in charge of her Cotour-designed clothes (we are provided information of her past connection to a designer from the first book of the series). French Det Henri Deschamps, her past arch-rival, from the previous novel is there to support the bride’s father—an old war comrade. Abby tip toes around him for a while until they put their heads together to analyse the crimes. Potential bride and groom Reggie (son of American car design-producer) and Cressida (daughter of high society parents) are an interesting pair. Money and society come together to offer each other support but do they mix well or are they more like water and oil?

It was a pleasure to watch Abby move through the mine fields, investigate and report. She is someone you’d love to meet and listen to while she questions the suspects. The full cast played their parts well, including Lord and Lady Wimborne, their family, staff and acquaintances. It has a satisfying ending with lots of surprises. Fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey will truly enjoy this cosy mystery that is fun, smoothly written and deliciously rich in its approach. Ms Warren’s books are now on my list as must reads—with instalment two of this series shining as a worthy winner! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️