A Most Agreeable Murder: A Novel

When a wealthy bachelor dies suddenly at a ball, a young woman takes on the unconventional role of detective in this debut comedy of manners and murder. Beatrice Steele has never conformed to the strict standards of ladylike behavior expected in Swampshire, her small English township. She lacks skill at needlework and music, and her artwork is notably poor. Yet she lives contentedly—except for one secret: she is obsessed with true crime. Discovery would ruin her reputation and damage her family's standing. As an eligible bachelor prepares to attend the autumnal ball, Beatrice's family hopes he will court her younger sister Louisa. Beatrice commits to proper conduct, but a disgraced detective unexpectedly arrives at the event. When the bachelor collapses during a minuet, the guests realize they are trapped with a murderer as a storm rages outside. Panic, fear, and betrayal spread through the gathering. Beatrice must abandon propriety to investigate, navigating competitive card games, suspicious tonics, and Swampshire's notorious squelch holes. She pursues both justice and her own desires before another guest is killed.