A Most Efficient Murder: A 1920s Country House Mystery

“I do not wish to disturb you, your lordship, but there is a body in the garden…”

England, 1925. When a strange young woman is found murdered on the grounds of Unsworth Castle, the Earl and his family are astounded at first, but quickly become enraged when the police begin asking all sorts of impertinent questions.

And when suspicions dare to fall on one of their own, it is up to Mr. Quayle, Lord Unsworth’s exceedingly efficient secretary, to find the true culprit and save the House of Unsworth from scandal and ruin.

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Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Benedict Brown, Karen Baugh Menuhin, or Dorothy L Sayers.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT A MOST EFFICIENT MURDER:

"Thanks to vivid writing, lively characters, and quietly snarky humor...this entertaining mystery hits all the right genre buttons in a fresh way. An English country house mystery infused with humor, verve, and plenty of surprises." - Kirkus Reviews

"Reminiscent of the tone of classic mysteries which deliver suspects, clues, and questions around each corner...A Most Efficient Murder is clever, enjoyable, charming, and a must-read for all historical mystery lovers." - Reader's Favorite (Five Star Review)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I recommend A Most Efficient Murder - especially to those who enjoy taking a step back in time and reading an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery!" , Valleri M., NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “As an aficionado of the Golden Age of Crime, this did not disappoint but amply rewarded in droves. Billed as the first in the Mr. Quayle mysteries, the second is now eagerly awaited.” –Ruth G., NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I absolutely loved the book. It’s a murder mystery house party à la Agatha Christie style…and it kept me interested the entire book. As a bonus I absolutely did not know who the killer was.” –Lynn B., NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A lovely and intriguing read. Twists, turns and red herrings abound!” –Lorna M., NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐ "I quite enjoyed this book...it is well written and the characters work well. Highly recommended." –Laura F., NetGalley

THE DETECTIVE

Quiet, methodical, and eminently efficient, Mr. Quayle has been Lord Unsworth’s personal secretary for almost a year now, but their connection runs far deeper and has its origins in the horror and trenches of France.

Serving in the same regiment as Theodore Statham, Lord Unsworth’s only son-and-heir, Mr. Quayle wrote to the family when Teddy was killed on the Western Front.

Unable to protect His Lordship’s son, Mr. Quayle is determined to save Lord Unsworth’s remaining family—from themselves, if necessary.

THE SETTING

Unsworth Castle, nestled on the outskirts of Hartchester County, was once widely considered to be amongst England’s oldest and grandest stately homes, but is now a crumbling ruin of its former self. Burnt down twice in the past century alone, the castle has been built and rebuilt countless times, leaving a labyrinth of hidden passages, forgotten rooms, and crumbling halls.

Previous attempts to restore the castle to its former glory have all but bankrupted the family, and the current Earl of Unsworth has been largely content to allow his estate to fade back into picturesque ruin.

ALSO BY ANTHONY SLAYTON

THE MR. QUAYLE MYSTERIES

Book 1: A MOST EFFICIENT MURDER