By now, the downstairs groups of Mallowan Hall and neighboring estates know of Phyllida's penchant for solving murders. When the new neighbors host a Murder party, Phyllida attends in the Mallowan's stead and is on site when the host, who is playing the body, turns out to actually be dead. Like any good mystery, the clues are all out in plain sight, but Phylllida is methodical in her discoveries. I liked the continued movement of her story and new details about Bradford. ( )

Murder by Invitation Only is the third book in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series by Colleen Cambridge.

Phyllida is anxiously awaiting the arrival of a vacuum for Mallowan Hall. But first, an invitation arrives for a murder game that says, A Murder will Occur Tonight, Beecham House. The Christie’s are currently in London, so Phyllida phones them to inform them of the invitation. Agatha asks that Phyllida attend in her place, hoping that Phyllida might gather information that she might turn into a future book. Phyllida heads for Beecham Hall, and when the game begins, it turns from a game to an actual murder when the host, Clifton Wokesley, is found dead in his role as the corpse.

Due to a bad storm, Inspector Cork is late arriving at Beecham Hall, so Constable Greensticks begins the investigation, but soon, he seems happy for Phyllida to handle the inquiries. Phyllida will be busy as she soon discovers that everyone seems to be a suspect.

I love this series. It is well-written, plotted, and historically accurate. The cast of characters are all enjoyable and well-developed. The staff at Mallowan Hall are all delightful and provide humorous times. The household’s staff reaction to the new vacuum was quite funny and enjoyable. There were many twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end as to the identity of the murderer.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series. ( )

1930s. Villagers in the neighbourhood receive an invitation from the new residents of Beecham House, the Wokesleys, to witness a murder at 7.00pm that evening. The game involves five actors but when the 'corpse' is found to be really dead can Phyllida Bright, housekeeper to Agatha Christie, solve the murder before Inspector Cork arrives to mess up the investigation. Thankfully there can only be a limited number of suspects.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery with its cast of likeable and diverse characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series. ( )

4.5 Stars
This novel is the 3rd installment of the Phyllida Bright Mystery series set in 1930s England (she's Agatha Christie's housekeeper and friend). Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I'd strongly suggest reading the entire series in order to achieve the best reading experience. The MC's personality is like the female version of the butler from Downton Abbey. There's plenty of endearing supporting characters that have returned as well as potential love interests (team chauffeur all the way). The story includes plenty of Christie references and style for fans too. This author is one of my newly discovered favorites for 2023 and I look forward to her future works!! If you enjoy cozy historical murder mysteries, give this one a chance.

Net Galley Feedback ( )

Colleen Cambridge is probably my biggest discovery among new authors this year. With this book, I've now read all three of the books in her Phyllida Bright series, along with the first American in Paris series book. I've absolutely adored all of them, among my favorite mysteries of the year. Each one seems better than what came before.

In this one, Mrs. Bright, Agatha Christie's head housekeeper, accepts an invitation to a murder drama at a new neighbor's home and, of course, becomes embroiled in solving a real murder.

I love the characters, especially Mrs. Bright, as well as the chauffeur, Bradford, and his dog. Great characters, great plot (especially as to how Mrs Bright talks about the case with Agatha and gives her plot ideas).

It's a fun historical series. I hope there are many, many more to come (and, at the end of this one, there's a big clue at what might be next).

Highly recommended to fans of cozies and/or historical mysteries!!

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.) ( )