Enjoyable as usual. Christmas is coming so they want to get the murder of Mrs. Starling solved. Her latest behavior doesn't help. ( )

I think that as much as I love this cozy series, it may be time to say goodbye to Mrs. Jeffries and her gang. This little Christmas story should have been delightful like all the other books in this series have been, but I'm afraid that it didn't really get out of the gate for me. I realize that you are going to have some repetition in a series that has run this long. I think this is book #38. But I didn't need to hear all the explanations as to everyone's background by this time. Also, I had figured out who the killer was and the motive by about page 25. If you enjoy your mysteries cozy and if you like them to be set during the Victorian age in England, then you should try this series. It is very entertaining and enjoyable . I truly have enjoyed this series, but it is now time for me to move onto something else. ( )

Poor Witherspoon, yet another Christmas time murder, AND it's not in his district, but rather the one overseen by nemesis Nivens. Still, our favorite inspector knows his duty and goes to find the killer of Margaret Starling. A rich window who, as of late, had several conflicts with friends and colleagues, the inspector has quite a few suspects. Leave it to Mrs. Jeffries to get the whole thing settled before Christmas Eve. If only all murders were resolved with such haste. ( )

Mrs. Jeffries and the Alms of the Angels by Emily Brightwell is a 2019 Berkley publication.

This is my first book in this long running series. I have often wondered about it, but of course the sheer volume of installments gave me pause. However, it was my understanding that this is one of those series which does not require one to read them in exact order. So, I dived right in to this 38th installment, and found the author provided enough background information for me to get the gist of the premise and fill in any necessary blanks. The only drawback was my unfamiliarity with the large cast of recurring characters. Maybe someday, I’ll get to know them better, though.

As it so happens, a murder during the Christmas holiday season is something of a yearly tradition for Mrs. Jeffries and Inspector Winslow. However, it seems as though this year could be an exception- until…

By all accounts Margaret Starling is a pillar of her community. She attends St. Peter’s church and generously serves on the board of the Angel Alms Society. But, as of late, she had not at all been herself. For a woman so charitable, she had recently made a few enemies- and now she’s been found bludgeoned to death outside her home.

When Inspector Winslow is called out of his jurisdiction to investigate, the decision steps on a few toes, a situation that could thwart the investigation. But, never fear- Mrs. Jeffries is on the case with her trusty team to make sure the murder is solved before the holidays are over.

I must say, the story is charming, and the mystery is a solid whodunit. Obviously, one should expect a light, simple, clean mystery going in, which I did. Although the setup is dubious to say the least, due to the time frame- which is Victorian London- some of the improbabilities are easier to overlook. In fact, the mystery was more challenging than I anticipated, and I found myself rather enjoying it. While I will probably never attempt to read these in order, or on a regular basis, I may add one in here and there, from time to time, just for fun.

Overall, I’m glad I finally managed to satisfy my curiosity about the series, and found Mrs. Jeffries, Inspector Winslow and the entire cast enchanting! ( )

Once again Mrs Jeffries & the staff covertly help Inspector Witherspoon bring a murder to justice.

When the neighborhood busybody is found in her garden dead, with her head bashed in there were no lack of suspects... The suspicions fall upon the members of the London Angel Alms Society & the local Vicar all who have secrets....

After some investigation by the staff it is discovered that dead woman was investigating the discrepancies of incoming & reported Alms.

A quick and easy read. ( )