Taking place in the 1930s Midwest, newlyweds Henrietta von Harmon and Clive Harmon cut their honeymoon short to return home due to the sudden death of Clive’s father. Clive is to take over the estate and the family business.

Clive, a former police inspector, begins to feel the death of his father was deliberate murder and not an accident. A feeling that becomes more so when Clive is going through his father’s papers and finds his father has been being blackmailed.

Meanwhile, Henrietta’s sister, Elsie, finds out the man she has fallen for is a cad and his the potential to ruin her reputation and social standing. Her family expects her to make a good match in marriage, which would never happen if word got out. Elsie wants no further contact with men or the social scene. To distract Elsie from her woes, Henrietta enrolls Elsie in a women’s college with the idea of Elsie becoming a teacher.

While Elsie finds that she does enjoy the education scene, her family pushes her to attend various social events in hopes she will land a husband, which Elsie could care less about.

Along with Clive’s sleuthing, there are good doses of romance with the newlyweds. Elsie also finds a little romance peaking in with she meets the German caretaker at the school. He is a bit mysterious about his past, but he encourages Elsie to get her education and start thinking for herself.

This was an up-and-down read for me. I found some of the characters and their plots interesting and some not so. A cozy read with a strong romantic slant. ( )

This series has enraptured me from reading the first novel, A Girl Like You. Each novel can be read as a stand-alone but to become completely immersed in the characters' lives that author Michelle Cox has created for readers and how each evolves; I highly recommend reading this series in order.

Henrietta and Clive Howard remain the lead characters and of course have a mystery to solve and this time within Clive's own family after the newlyweds are called home unexpectedly from their honeymoon in England due to the untimely death of Clive's father, Alcott. I particularly enjoyed more focus on Henrietta's sister, Elsie. As I thought about Elsie I was reminded a little of Lady Edith Crawley in Downton Abbey whose love life did not initially bring the romance and more importantly the love that she had always envisioned.

This series has continued to be a cherished delight with each new release and I now eagerly await A Child Lost (A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel # 5) with anticipated publication in late April 2020.
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When A Promise Given left off Henrietta and Inspector Howard(Clive) had just been married and were heading off to England to celebrate their honeymoon where of course they bumped up against a mystery because that is what happens to them. With this latest volume we find them trying to get back home as quickly as possible because Clive’s father has died. It’s been called an accident but something doesn’t ring right about that for Clive.

What he doesn’t know is that his father had been keeping things from him; the estate and business had not been running as smoothly and as profitably as Clive thought and his father turned to some unsavory types to help. As Clive starts digging into his father’s business he realizes that his father’s death was indeed a murder.

Also playing out while Clive is trying to sort out his father’s murder, Henrietta is concerned about her sister who has attached herself to a most unsuitable young man. Now that their lineage has been outed and they find themselves part of a wealthy family the fortune hunters and other less than gentlemanly types are taking advantage. It leaves Henrietta’s sister feeling vulnerable and exposed.

As Clive gets closer to answers he and Henrietta find themselves facing a familiar foe. Not to mention dealing with some issues as to knowing who they can trust. It leaves them wondering if life will ever be calm and peaceful.

This is my third book in the series and I do hope it is not my last. These two are a delight as an investigative duo. They work well together and their banter is delightful. Clive is a bit dry and by the book – although he is changing – and Henrietta is all instinct and heart. They both have so much to teach each other as long as the other learns to listen.

Their family members are a great addition to the story as Henrietta’s family reminds upper crust Clive what the world is really like. His family adds gravitas to hers. See, a match made in heaven. If you are looking for a clever series to read this will be for you but don’t worry – each book stands alone just fine as a good book to read for its own sake. ( )

The prior novel took a little bit of a downslide for me. Yet, this book picked me up again. I just love Clive and Henrietta. They have grown stronger with each book and work very well together. Not just because they are married but because of how they work a case. Clive is more of the level headed one whereas; Henrietta uses her instincts. Together they are ying and yang.

Additionally, what I liked about this book is the fact that I felt like I got to know Clive better. I got a good glimpse into what his family life was like before Henrietta. After this I felt even more connected with Clive.

As far as the mystery went; I was feeling it this time. There was a twist or two as well that I didn't really see coming. I love when this happens. A quick read. If you have not checked out this series yet, you have to. Fans of this series will enjoy this latest offering from author, Michelle Cox. ( )