In at the Death by Judith Cutler

In at the Death
by Judith Cutler

ISBN-13: 9781448313471
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: January 7, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
October 1861, England. Harriet and Matthew Rowsley, the housekeeper and estate manager of Thorncroft House in Shropshire, have to cut short their successful trip to Oxford when they receive word a decapitated and mutilated body has been found on the estate.

While trying to help the strangely slow police investigation, the couple face an unsettling threat to their after years of searching, a legitimate heir of Thorncroft estate has been found! They find themselves hosting an American gentleman whose charm doesn't quite conceal his alarming plans for the future of the estate and all its inhabitants.

Harriet has to confront her past but also share a secret of her own that could change her and her loved ones' lives forever...


My Review:
In at the Death is a historical set in 1861 in England. As it's more about wrapping up the series (with an epilogue explaining the futures of all the favorite characters), you'll probably enjoy this story more if you've read at least a few of the previous books. A murdered man's found near the estate, and they struggled to find someone willing to photograph or sketch the head so they can identify the man. They all agreed that it was pretty obvious why he was killed, who (in general) did it, and that the killer's likely long gone. And the police discouraged anyone from even talking about the murder. This was one case where I didn't mind that the killer was never found.

The Trustees have to deal with the American heir, a Southern slave owner looking to raise money since the American Civil War is starting. He's determined to find a way to inherit earlier rather than later, or at least sneak some expensive items away. The whole household's on edge as he schemed against them, specifically targeting Harriet. This prompted her to look for a missing will that could change who inherits, which was apparently discussed in a previous book. And, of course, there's a happy ending to wrap everything up.

There was some bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this story to fans of the series.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.