Death at the Manor (Book No 3 in the Lily Adler series) Katharine Schellman

The mix of Regency and a female detective are very attractive. Lily Adler has been a favourite of mine since I read one book of her exploits. I was so glad when Netgalley sent me this one too. Lily is pragmatic and she is looking forward to a quiet companionship with her aunts in Hampshire. She is accompanied by her friends and is looking forward to meeting Mathew Spencer whom she has a fondness for. Arriving in this small village, her interest and the interests of her companions is aroused by the stories surrounding a ghost in a manor bordering the village. The story takes off from there. Visiting this manor house, Lily is not met just by stories of a ghost who has been seen by many in the house, but also by the death of the mistress of the house - supposedly at the hands of the ghost. Unfortunately the local magistrate is not willing to deal with a proper investigation but is willing to pass it off as a death by an unknown party. Not attributing it to a ghost or to a human being either. Lily sets in motion an enquiry with Bow Street and uncovers a story of intrigue. The obvious suspects are taken into custody but with no real proof - only suspicion and the actual villain of the piece gets away almost scotfree. Very lovely setting - the English countryside and the English countryside way of life adds piquancy to the story. Sent by Crooked Lane Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.