The “Odd Couple” of Beryl and Edwina living in the village of Walmsely Parva after WWI have set themselves up in a private detective business. This time their gardener, living in their potting shed is accused of killing his brother-in-law for stealing his late wife’s engagement ring. While he’s in jail, there’s another suspect was found drunk near the murder and this time their paperboy comes and begs them to prove his father innocent. Another case to solve. Simpkins is released and living back in the potting shed when he’s visited by a lawyer who tells him he’s inherited a fortune from the estate of the owner of the country’s favorite mustard manufacturer. It’s all tied up neatly by Beryl and Edwina after making the rounds and interviewing the locals. ( )

Murder Cuts The Mustard is the third book in the Beryl and Edwina Mystery series.

This is one of my favorite series set shortly after WWI in the quaint little village of Walmsley Parva. Beryl and Edwina have known each other since childhood and have recently met again with Beryl stopping in Walmsley Parva and meets up once again with Edwina. After solving their first murder, Beryl suggests that they start a private inquiry agency. Edwina being a private person has her doubts, but Beryl is finally able to convince her. At first glance, Beryl and Edwina might seem an unlikely duo, Beryl being a free-spirit and Edwina is one to follow the life most women followed during the years following the war. But they end up being a very effective duo.

The story begins with Edwina’s, less than energetic gardener, Simpkins, engaged in an argument with his brother-in-law, Hector Lomax. The disagreement is over Simpkins late wife’s wedding ring that Simpkins claims Lomax has stolen. The next morning the body of Lomax is found in the graveyard next to the church. Simpkins becomes the prime suspect until Constable Gibbs learns that Frank Prentice was found, intoxicated, near where the Lomax body was discovered and who had also had an argument with Lomax the previous evening. Jack Prentice, Frank’s boy, comes to Beryl and Edwina asks to hire them to find evidence to clear his father’s name. Jack is their newspaper boy and runs errands for Edwina and Beryl and they agree to try and find Lomax’s killer.

A subplot to the story centers on Simpkins. Edwina and Beryl become concerned when a solicitor from London arrives in town wanting to speak with Simpkins. Their fears are put to rest when they learn that Simpkins has received a rather large inheritance and is now a man of means. Simpkins has been left the controlling interest in Colonel Kimberly’s Condiment Company by Colonel Kimberly. Simpkins is aware of the company’s product but has no idea as to Colonel Kimberly is.

Ms. Ellicott once again provides us with a well-written and plotted story with enough red herring to have kept me guessing until the end. She also provides us with an interesting cast of supporting characters, in addition to the wonderful Edwina and Beryl.

I very much looking forward to the next book in this very enjoyable series. ( )