Death in the Crypt is the fifth book in the Cressida Fawcett Mystery series by Fliss Chester. This latest story continues the charming historical cozy mystery is set in the UK featuring socialite Cressida Fawcett.
Title: Death in the Crypt
Author: Fliss Chester
Series: Cressida Fawcett #5
First Published: April 26, 2024
Publisher: Bookouture
Genres: Mystery
Acquired: from the publisher
*** Thank you to the publisher, Bookouture, for providing me with an e-copy of this book for review purposes. ***
Winchester, 1925. When heiress and amateur sleuth Cressida Fawcett is invited to her aunt’s mansion on Cloister Close, she is looking forward to a quiet stay in the historic town. The views of the cathedral are heavenly – and her aunt’s maid, Nancy, makes devilishly good ginger biscuits! But it seems Cressy and her pug Ruby won’t be allowed to rest in peace… On a tour of the crypt, they are shocked to stumble across the body of Anthony, the gentle, devoted verger. And a wild-eyed Nancy is standing over him, bloodied candlestick in hand…
Since Nancy was caught red-handed and the only other suspect is the Silent Friar, the legendary local ghost, Detective Andrewsof Scotland Yard thinks the case is closed. But Nancy swears she would never have killed Anthony; they were in love. And while Cressy may not believe in ghosts, she does believe Nancy. So, whose soul is full of murder most foul? And will they strike again?
As she digs through parishioner gossip, Cressy discovers that for a man of the cloth, the verger had a surprising number of enemies. Was a local antiques dealer driven to murder over an illegal trade in holy relics? Would the head bellringer kill to achieve his musical ambitions? Or is the saintly Dean, whose black-cloaked figure resembles the Silent Friar and whose wife recently drowned, hiding a deadly sin?
The cathedral conceals many secrets, and it seems Cressy will need a miracle to uncover the truth. But then Cressy finds a hidden passageway to the crypt. Is this how the murderer escaped? The sceptical police lack faith in her theories, but can she catch the killer and save Nancy from the hangman’s noose? Or will she be too late to prevent another funeral march?
Cressida is back at it!
Even when she’s hoping for a quiet holiday, Cressida can’t help but stumble a murder, and in a crypt of all places!
Cressida (and her adorable and smart pug, Ruby) are visiting Cressida’s Aunt Mary when they get embroiled in another murder investigation. Since Nancy, Mary’s maid is the prime suspect, Mary encourages Cressida to use her detecting skills to help.
With support from DCI Andrew, Sgt Kirby, Cressida’s best friend, Lady Dorothy Chatterton (Dotty) and Dotty’s brother, Lord Alfred, Cressida should have all the help she needs to solve this case. But there are a few surprising twists and turns that tangle up this case. It’s almost more than Cressida can handle since she has to clear Nancy’s name, catch a killer, AND now she has to help Alfred too, who has managed to land himself in a serious spot of trouble.
This is book 5 in the Cressida Fawcett series and each one has been entertaining in its own way. I’m really enjoying the way that Cressida’s character has developed (although she does sometimes still take some reckless risks) and the relationships and friendships between the various characters is always engaging. Plus, Ruby gets her moment to shine (smart little dog!)
I highly recommend this series for anyone looking for a charming, smart historical mystery and I personally can’t wait for more adventures with Cressida and Ruby!
About the Author, Fliss Chester
Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.
You can connect with Fliss Chester online here:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | BOOKOUTURE PAGE
Purchase your own copy of Death in the Crypt here.
