Murder by Invitation Only by Colleen Cambridge

Murder by Invitation Only
by Colleen Cambridge

ISBN-13: 9781496742568
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Released: September 26, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Agatha Christie’s ever-capable housekeeper, Phyllida Bright, not only keeps the celebrated author’s English country home in tip-top shape, she excels as an amateur sleuth.

“A murder will occur tonight at Beecham House . . .” Who could resist such a compelling invitation? Of course, the murder is probably a party game, but Phyllida goes to find out. The hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Wokesley, are new to the area, and Phyllida gladly offers their own overwhelmed housekeeper some guidance while events get underway. Family friends have been enlisted to play the suspects, and Mr. Wokesley excels in his role of dead body. Unfortunately, the participants discover that life has imitated art. Mr. Wokesley really is dead!

In the absence of Inspector Cork, Phyllida takes temporary charge of the investigation, guiding the local constable through interviews with the Murder Game actors. Phyllida begins to connect each of the suspects with the roles they played and the motives assigned to them. It soon becomes clear that everyone had a reason to murder their host—both in the game and in real life. Before long, Phyllida is embroiled in a fiendishly puzzling case.


My Review:
Murder by Invitation Only is a mystery set in 1930 in England. This is the 3rd book in the series. You don't need to read the previous novel to understand this one. Phyllida has many of the characteristics of Poirot, including a love of order and logic. She's also proud and arrogant, and the killer used this against her. I felt like this was fitting as I don't particularly like her, but she was more tolerable this time. I read these books because I enjoy complex historical mysteries that focus on the investigation.

Because the detective was unable to be present for the investigation and the local constable was willing to follow Phyllida's lead in the investigation, she freely searched the rooms and questioned everyone. She was eventually able to puzzle out whodunit. I guessed whodunit before the actual murder was even discovered and soon had a good idea of the motive. Phyllida claimed she also suspected that person but seemed unable to put the relevant clues together until the final clue, which worried her. Oddly, instead of being annoyed that she apparently missed the obvious, I wondered if she'd be a tad more humble in the future.

Historical details were woven into the story without slowing the pacing. There was some bad language (most of it was British bad language). There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting mystery.


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.


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