July Book Club: The Case at Barton Manor by Emily Quee
The Case at Barton Manor by Emily Queen (Miss Lilywhite Investigates Book 1)
Set in the glittering (and occasionally deadly) world of 1920s England, The Case at Barton Manor has all the ingredients for a classic cozy mystery: a grand manor house, a murder at a fancy party, and a reluctant sleuth who’s way too good at investigating to stay in mourning forever.
Rosemary Lillywhite is a recent widow who would very much like to be left alone with her gin and her grief. But when a woman connected to her past comes knocking, asking for help, Rosemary is pulled back into society and straight into a murder mystery.
The 1920s atmosphere is rich with detail, from the decor and attire to the undercurrents of class and family expectations. I did figure out who the killer was fairly early, but I kept reading to find out how and why, which is just as satisfying.
The whole thing has a lovely locked-room vibe, with a manor house full of suspicious guests and a brooding inspector who just happens to be her late husband’s best friend.
I really liked the bond between Rosemary and her best friend Vera. There’s wit, heart, and some very insightful commentary on complicated mother-daughter relationships and social rules.
There are also a couple of potential beaus quietly lining up in the background, should Rosemary ever decide she’s ready to swap her widow’s weeds for something a little more romantic.
If you’re in the mood for sharp heroines, vintage vibes, and a cast of characters who are all just suspicious enough to keep you guessing, this one’s for you. And if you love a good binge, you’re in luck. There are 13 books in the series, so once you’re hooked, you’ve got a whole bookshelf of 1920s intrigue, murder, and martinis waiting for you.
Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 17 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.
In 2025, two of her children’s books were selected for the CBC Favorites Award Lists, honored by teachers and librarians nationwide for excellence in children’s literature. Parents, kids, and educators love the Duke the Deaf Dog books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through engaging stories.
And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project thrown together the night before it’s due.
A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.