Dame Serena Levante is an aging opera star, overcome with drinking, and her latest husband, Collin Harrison, is determined to leave her. Shortly after he leaves the house, Dame Serena is murdered. When her daughter Floria tells Daisy Thorne, her best friend, the news, Daisy rushes to Floria to comfort her. Also rushing to her side is her father, Sir Ranulf. But things are not what they seem. Dame Serena did not fall, she was murdered. And before the will is read, Floria discovers secrets that Serena has kept hidden all her life.

Floria knows her mother wasn't the best, pawning her off on nannies and au pairs -- but who hated her enough to kill her? And why keep secrets from her daughter? Now, Daisy, who is studying to become a forensic psychologist when she's not working at her salon -- at first becomes irritating to Detective Inspector Paul McGuinness, until he realizes he needs her help in figuring out which person had the most to gain. But when another tragedy occurs just after the memorial service, the stakes are raised and the killer needs to be pinned down -- and fast...

This is the first book in a new series, and while I am tardy in reading it (recovering from an operation gone wrong) I have to say that I am glad I was finally able to get to it. (My TBR file is large and constantly growing!).

Daisy is an admirable character: she's full of inquiry, more than curiosity, I think; she's intelligent, attractive, and knows what she's doing. Floria is very sweet, giving and generous; the DI is just as what you would expect - gruff and blunt, but fair and willing to listen. This is a perfect combination for a new series that I hope will go far.

The mystery itself is done extremely well; with writing that is both very good and very descriptive, giving us an insight into the characters and their lives without going overboard; and the death of Dame Serena at the beginning lures us into the story, as we learn more about her throughout. Saying that, we now have a plethora of suspects who many might have had a motive for her killing, but leaving room for us to decipher the clues on our own.

When we finally do come to the end and it gets to the point that the killer is revealed, we are both surprised and saddened by the reasons for the death. I do like the fact that I had to search for the clues, and discovered the murderer much as the same time as Daisy. It left me with a feeling of satisfaction and a want to read the next in the series to see where it takes her. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next. Highly recommended.

I received a copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review. ( )

By participation in “Spreading the Love” Valentine's Mystery Book Hop on Facebook, I learned of “A Daisy Thorne Mystery Series” and that the pre-quel, “Death at the Seaside” was available as a free download on the author’s website. The novella was a charming way to meet Daisy Thorne and her best friend Floria Levanté.

It was very surprising to learn the victim as I can’t recall another cozy that has this relationship devastated by murder but as the investigation continues it adds unanticipated twists and turns that heightened the possibilities of suspects after the brevity of the initial suspect list. I tried to decode the clues and although I guessed the final suspect and means I missed the motive and opportunity. Thankfully, Detective Inspector Paul McGuinness has Daisy’s assistance.

I love the character of Daisy Thorne not least of all due to our shared taste in television shows as I learned that she was watching “Midsomer Murders.” However at the time of Daisy’s personal activities on the night of a local murder, I doubt she ever thought the mystery series would be a part of her alibi. Owner of a hair salon and employer of several stylists she easily befriends everyone regardless of how he/she meets Daisy for the first time. One wonders if Daisy named her hair salon, “Ooh La La” for the amazing hair creations by the entire team or for the village news and gossip shared during each client’s appointment although Daisy does know when to get everyone back on a professional track.

I found the descriptive writing by the author to often bring a smile during my reading and share two (2) of my favorite examples:

“The pesky invaders (weeds) seemed to have taken root in the spring, thanks to the unseasonably warm weather, and had multiplied at a speed to rival that of a time-lapse camera.”

“… only pausing to wash her hands and run a comb through her blond hair, which currently looked like it could rival the bird’s nest in the elm tree outside.”

I’m looking forward to continuing to read this series as with Daisy’s studies via correspondence for a forensic psychology degree there are even more possibilities ahead. ( )

This was a fun start to the exciting new "Daisy Thorne" cozy mystery series. Someone has done in the diva and a precious Modigliani painting has gone AWOL! There's way too many people with motive for silencing opera sensation, Dame Serena Levanté, not the least of which is her cadre of ex-husbands. Her diva-ness is more than skin deep as she uses and discards people left and right. In walks hair salon owner, Daisy Thorne, as comforting best friend to the Diva's daughter, Floria Levanté. Daisy is also working on procuring her forensic psychology degree through a correspondence course. This comes in handy as she assists Detective Inspector, Paul McGuinness, of Surrey CID, in working out the clues of this mind-boggling mystery. There also appears to be a bit of a spark igniting between these two. Only time will tell.

Author Louise R. Innes spins a fun and at times humorous yarn. The writing flows evenly through the bulk of the story, ramping up to a fierce climax and quickly tapering off. For some, the ending may feel a bit rushed. Yet, it does quickly tie up the loose ends in a pretty little bow. I can't wait to see what Ms. Innes as in store next for Miss Daisy.

I am grateful to Kensington Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone. ( )

Death At A Country Mansion is the first book in the A Daisy Thorne Mystery series by Louise R. Innes.

Daisy Thorne lives in the rural village of Edgemeade, Surrey, England. Daisy owns the Ooh La La salon. The perfect place to get the ideal hairstyle and catch up on the latest village gossip. One day Daisy receives a call from her close friend, Fiona, asking her to come to her house as Fiona’s mother has been found dead at the foot of the mansion’s staircase. Fiona’s mother is Dame Serena Lavantae, a renowned opera singer. Fiona has never been close to her mother as her mother seemed to be always on tour, and she was cared for by the family’s housekeeper and numerous nannies. Her death is first considered an accident, what with Serena being intoxicated. When a priceless painting is missing, Detective Inspector Paul MacGuinness begins to suspect that her death might have been a robbery that had gone wrong.

Daisy will share with MacGuinness that she is studying forensic psychology, and he feels that she might be valuable to his investigation. Daisy is willing to help so that Fiona can get closure for this tragic event.

The book is well-written and plotted and has exciting and believable characters. I particularly liked how well Daisy and Paul worked together. Neither seems to have romance on their minds but wants to work with each other to find the murderer. There may be romance blooming in the future. ( )

I really liked Daisy, a hairdresser turned detective in her small village where everyone knew your business. Her best friend asked her to come as her mom was dead. The evidence had piled up, but she teamed up with a certain detective to gather clues. Daisy is is force to be reckoned with as she tries to help her friend. As the clues pile up and another murder occurs, she has her work cut out for her. Death in a Country Mansion is my first introduction to Daisy, but surely not my last as the author had me stumped! ( )