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Lady Evelyn Mystery #5
The Quality of Mercy
After years spent away, Lady Evelyn is at long last back in her home city of London and she has returned with a rather controversial plan. The Carlisle Detective Agency is born, and it does not take long for the bodies… ahem, cases, to start piling up. With her friend and assistant Hugh, Evelyn embarks on the quest to solve the crimes. Yet the London she encounters is not the London of her coddled youth, and she is forced to learn that there is more to discover than the identity of a murderer. It isn't only her city which reveals it is not what she always believed it to be, but the people she encounters as well. Secrets are revealed that have her thinking twice about everything she thought she knew about the society in which she grew up.
Evelyn's love for her hard-won independence confronts her with yet another mystery, whether she is ready or willing to give up any of it for marriage. And then there is the arrival of rather a familiar face in London, one Daniel is none to pleased to see. Evelyn must find not one but two murderers, as well as make a decision that could determine her future. From the mansions of Mayfair to the dark alleys of Whitechapel, can Evelyn catch the killers before another life is taken?
Evelyn's love for her hard-won independence confronts her with yet another mystery, whether she is ready or willing to give up any of it for marriage. And then there is the arrival of rather a familiar face in London, one Daniel is none to pleased to see. Evelyn must find not one but two murderers, as well as make a decision that could determine her future. From the mansions of Mayfair to the dark alleys of Whitechapel, can Evelyn catch the killers before another life is taken?
- GenresCozy Mystery
416 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2020
About the author
Malia Zaidi
7 books631 followersHello and thanks for stopping by!
I am the author of the Lady Evelyn Mystery series and an avid reader, always happy to discover new books to add to my toppling pile:-)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 30, 2020
The Quality of Mercy is the fifth book in the Lady Evelyn Mystery series written by Malia Zaidi. This a historical mystery collection that follows all the typical cozy guidelines, yet it's much more complex and clever with the fully developed atmosphere of 1920s Europe. The early books hopped back and forth from Greece and other parts of the continent before returning home to England, where the main character, Lady Evelyn Carlisle, Evie to some, has decided to open her own detective agency. What a wonderful new plan... how in opposition to the norm for the time period... and how wonderful for us readers who gain the promise of many more investigations and hours of excellent stories.
Having reached my one-thousandth book review recently, I finally had to limit my TBR to only those series I must read and those authors I need to follow in order to catch the latest books written. Zaidi's Lady Evelyn series is one of those that I actively look for new releases, and when the opportunity arises to get an early copy, I'm at the front of the line. I lucked out this time with an advanced copy, and I must say... the book was amazing, but now I'm disappointed because I might have to wait another year before getting to read the next one.
In The Quality of Mercy, Evie attempts to solve two mysteries, both of which have a personal connection. One of her fiance's employees is accused of a murder he claims didn't commit. One of her best friends, whom she hasn't seen in a while, has been named the prime suspect in his own father's death too. Lady Evelyn and her colleague, Hugh, scour the city from Whitechapel to the outskirts of London searching for clues. Our amateur sleuth turned professional is very smart, and she knows she lacks experience; however, she relies on her connections and intuition, often asking all the right questions to discover the missing clues.
Watching her grow and bond with the rest of the cast is also an enjoyable piece of reading this series. Though she's engaged, and we see the romance happening from time to time, it's not the central point of her life. Daniel even steps aside to let her investigate, even if at times he expresses his concern. He's supportive and protective, yet he understands she is a force not to be reckoned with. At the same time, he's masculine and attractive, and we see that they are a formidable match. I like their relationship, and it's just one piece of story behind the mystery of Lady Evelyn Carlisle. Her parents are long dead, and her aunt thinks of her as a daughter, but that relationship is fraught with problems too. Evie is not one-dimensional; she constantly thinks through her actions to decide if she's been fair or needs to change her style and mind.
As a mystery, this one is quite good. We see the upper echelon of London society thrust into a murder, all the while the servant class suffers from one too. There are easy comparisons, among the differences, that clearly show us the emotions behind a person's decision to kill. The police leave one alone, yet they fight to find the murderer in another. Is there bias? Are they ignoring the potential innocence of the poor man because it does them no good to find the real killer? So much culture is written into this book, it's hard not to see it as a learning experience too.
Zaidi's book is a little longer than a traditional mystery in these genres, but the tone rightfully drops you into the time period, when things took longer and lasted longer than they do now. She takes paragraphs to fully set a scene, and while at times I want to skip ahead to the action, it also becomes clear that the descriptions are what help me feel like I'm really in 1920s London... so I end up wanting to slow my pace and embrace all that is being thrown at me. I'm always glad to pick up a new one in this series, and I'm excited to share the review on this one with others. Thanks for the opportunity to check out life just under a century ago.
Having reached my one-thousandth book review recently, I finally had to limit my TBR to only those series I must read and those authors I need to follow in order to catch the latest books written. Zaidi's Lady Evelyn series is one of those that I actively look for new releases, and when the opportunity arises to get an early copy, I'm at the front of the line. I lucked out this time with an advanced copy, and I must say... the book was amazing, but now I'm disappointed because I might have to wait another year before getting to read the next one.
In The Quality of Mercy, Evie attempts to solve two mysteries, both of which have a personal connection. One of her fiance's employees is accused of a murder he claims didn't commit. One of her best friends, whom she hasn't seen in a while, has been named the prime suspect in his own father's death too. Lady Evelyn and her colleague, Hugh, scour the city from Whitechapel to the outskirts of London searching for clues. Our amateur sleuth turned professional is very smart, and she knows she lacks experience; however, she relies on her connections and intuition, often asking all the right questions to discover the missing clues.
Watching her grow and bond with the rest of the cast is also an enjoyable piece of reading this series. Though she's engaged, and we see the romance happening from time to time, it's not the central point of her life. Daniel even steps aside to let her investigate, even if at times he expresses his concern. He's supportive and protective, yet he understands she is a force not to be reckoned with. At the same time, he's masculine and attractive, and we see that they are a formidable match. I like their relationship, and it's just one piece of story behind the mystery of Lady Evelyn Carlisle. Her parents are long dead, and her aunt thinks of her as a daughter, but that relationship is fraught with problems too. Evie is not one-dimensional; she constantly thinks through her actions to decide if she's been fair or needs to change her style and mind.
As a mystery, this one is quite good. We see the upper echelon of London society thrust into a murder, all the while the servant class suffers from one too. There are easy comparisons, among the differences, that clearly show us the emotions behind a person's decision to kill. The police leave one alone, yet they fight to find the murderer in another. Is there bias? Are they ignoring the potential innocence of the poor man because it does them no good to find the real killer? So much culture is written into this book, it's hard not to see it as a learning experience too.
Zaidi's book is a little longer than a traditional mystery in these genres, but the tone rightfully drops you into the time period, when things took longer and lasted longer than they do now. She takes paragraphs to fully set a scene, and while at times I want to skip ahead to the action, it also becomes clear that the descriptions are what help me feel like I'm really in 1920s London... so I end up wanting to slow my pace and embrace all that is being thrown at me. I'm always glad to pick up a new one in this series, and I'm excited to share the review on this one with others. Thanks for the opportunity to check out life just under a century ago.
December 13, 2021
Definite bias at play here...
January 5, 2023
The latest Lady Evie book has our titular sleuth setting up her own detective agency in London and making herself an official detective rather than just a nosy busybody with the bad habit of stumbling across corpses.
This one’s a lot of fun, with all the characters we’ve grown to love (or at least tolerate, in Briony’s case) and some genuinely exciting scenes.
One thing I found slightly odd was that there seems to be an epidemic of people biting their bottom lips in Evie’s London. Not sure what that was all about…
This one’s a lot of fun, with all the characters we’ve grown to love (or at least tolerate, in Briony’s case) and some genuinely exciting scenes.
One thing I found slightly odd was that there seems to be an epidemic of people biting their bottom lips in Evie’s London. Not sure what that was all about…
September 5, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and to Emma Welton of damppebbles blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Whilst this is book five in the Lady Evelyn Mystery series, I am going to break my usual mould and state that this book stands perfectly well alone and can hook in a new reader as easily as it will delight a regular fan. That’s no reason not to go ahead and read the whole series anyway though… you won’t regret it!
To say that this series harks back to the cosy mysteries of the golden age of crime is actually to undersell what Malia Zaidi has created here.
The bones of the murder mystery itself – the murder, the victim, the suspects – all do fall into that pattern of a ‘nice little puzzle’ for the grey cells of both sleuth and reader to unravel, however that skeletal outline has been fully fleshed out and clothed in some incredibly well-written historical fiction that encompasses touches of romance and humour, along with deeper commentaries on the social and political issues of England in the 1920s.
Lady Evelyn Carlisle is an endlessly fascinating main character, as she is constantly evolving, not just from book to book, but from chapter to chapter. It is her curiosity and sense of justice that lead her to get involved in murder investigations in the first place, but also that lead her to look at the social injustices around her and attempt to learn and adjust her attitudes and behaviours accordingly. She is also perfectly poised between the old and new, as her modern sensibilities and ambitions war with her familiarity with the more traditional mores and morals of upper-class society.
This is particularly noticeable here as there are actually two murder mysteries to solve: one, a wealthy factory owner who has made himself generally disliked; the other, a poor man, broken by war, debt, pride and addiction. The parallel cases, with their similarities and differences, allow Zaidi to explore the class system of the period, and her characters’ reactions to the results.
Not that the author forces a morality tale! Entertainment is certainly not forgotten either, as Evelyn attempts to get her new detective agency venture up and running, dodge a double-wedding with her formidable aunt, juggle various admirers, help her friends and employees, plan her own wedding, and somehow fit in solving two murder cases as well. And all with her delightful blend of quick wits and kindness.
The Quality of Mercy is a slow-paced mystery – thoughtful and well-mannered – which immerses the reader thoroughly in the place and period, and unfolds a story that is as much about deeper issues and character relationships as it is about a detective plot. I hope this series runs on and on, and continues to go from strength to strength. I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Turning away from Pall Mall, I head north to King Street. It is a quiet area and I wonder whether I’ve made a mistake, looking for a place here. The Carlisle Detective Agency will have to build its base by word of mouth, I think, rather than bold-faced advertisement. I trust many clients will be soothed by these lovely surroundings and if I am being entirely honest with myself, I must acknowledge that only those with some means will think to contact a detective agency in the first place. I am not so naïve as to believe I will be solving the secrets of the East End gangs – nor do I wish to, I might add!
– Malia Zaidi, The Quality of Mercy
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Whilst this is book five in the Lady Evelyn Mystery series, I am going to break my usual mould and state that this book stands perfectly well alone and can hook in a new reader as easily as it will delight a regular fan. That’s no reason not to go ahead and read the whole series anyway though… you won’t regret it!
To say that this series harks back to the cosy mysteries of the golden age of crime is actually to undersell what Malia Zaidi has created here.
The bones of the murder mystery itself – the murder, the victim, the suspects – all do fall into that pattern of a ‘nice little puzzle’ for the grey cells of both sleuth and reader to unravel, however that skeletal outline has been fully fleshed out and clothed in some incredibly well-written historical fiction that encompasses touches of romance and humour, along with deeper commentaries on the social and political issues of England in the 1920s.
Lady Evelyn Carlisle is an endlessly fascinating main character, as she is constantly evolving, not just from book to book, but from chapter to chapter. It is her curiosity and sense of justice that lead her to get involved in murder investigations in the first place, but also that lead her to look at the social injustices around her and attempt to learn and adjust her attitudes and behaviours accordingly. She is also perfectly poised between the old and new, as her modern sensibilities and ambitions war with her familiarity with the more traditional mores and morals of upper-class society.
This is particularly noticeable here as there are actually two murder mysteries to solve: one, a wealthy factory owner who has made himself generally disliked; the other, a poor man, broken by war, debt, pride and addiction. The parallel cases, with their similarities and differences, allow Zaidi to explore the class system of the period, and her characters’ reactions to the results.
Not that the author forces a morality tale! Entertainment is certainly not forgotten either, as Evelyn attempts to get her new detective agency venture up and running, dodge a double-wedding with her formidable aunt, juggle various admirers, help her friends and employees, plan her own wedding, and somehow fit in solving two murder cases as well. And all with her delightful blend of quick wits and kindness.
The Quality of Mercy is a slow-paced mystery – thoughtful and well-mannered – which immerses the reader thoroughly in the place and period, and unfolds a story that is as much about deeper issues and character relationships as it is about a detective plot. I hope this series runs on and on, and continues to go from strength to strength. I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Turning away from Pall Mall, I head north to King Street. It is a quiet area and I wonder whether I’ve made a mistake, looking for a place here. The Carlisle Detective Agency will have to build its base by word of mouth, I think, rather than bold-faced advertisement. I trust many clients will be soothed by these lovely surroundings and if I am being entirely honest with myself, I must acknowledge that only those with some means will think to contact a detective agency in the first place. I am not so naïve as to believe I will be solving the secrets of the East End gangs – nor do I wish to, I might add!
– Malia Zaidi, The Quality of Mercy
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
August 31, 2020
A beautifully detailed, well written with simple words conveying powerful visual imagery and complex plotline keeping me gripped to the story. My first experience with author Malia Zaidi’s work, it reminded me of the books I started out with and the enthusiasm I had on those days.
Two murders captured Lady Evelyn’s attention, one from the mansion where her childhood friend was accused to killing his father. The second from the lanes of poverty where her fiancé’s butler was charged with murder of his brother-in-law. Set in the backdrop of war and its repercussions, it was up to Evelyn and her creator Malia to traverse the complex lanes and find the real killers.
The characters were all different. But Lady Evelyn stood out. She was bold and determined. Opening up a Detective Agency in those times was no joke, but she stood up for what she believed in. Daniel, her fiancé, was her constant support. With colleague Hugh and Inspector Staton, she got about investigating both the murders.
Not the one for historical fiction, I found myself constantly pulled into Lady Evelyn’s world through the writing. The investigation was conducted with pure intelligence and analysis.
In the 1920s, there were class differences but no forensics. So cops too were biased, especially when the murder occurred in the working class. The upper echelon got their complete attention. I loved how Malia showed me this world without judgment. It was the way it was.
For me, the story was tad long as I am used to fast thrillers, yet captivating. The book flowed through various genre, historical fiction with the world building, cozy with the writing, but its core was a murder mystery which excited me.
Overall, this was a fun read with great twists. I read for the pure joy of solving the murders.
Two murders captured Lady Evelyn’s attention, one from the mansion where her childhood friend was accused to killing his father. The second from the lanes of poverty where her fiancé’s butler was charged with murder of his brother-in-law. Set in the backdrop of war and its repercussions, it was up to Evelyn and her creator Malia to traverse the complex lanes and find the real killers.
The characters were all different. But Lady Evelyn stood out. She was bold and determined. Opening up a Detective Agency in those times was no joke, but she stood up for what she believed in. Daniel, her fiancé, was her constant support. With colleague Hugh and Inspector Staton, she got about investigating both the murders.
Not the one for historical fiction, I found myself constantly pulled into Lady Evelyn’s world through the writing. The investigation was conducted with pure intelligence and analysis.
In the 1920s, there were class differences but no forensics. So cops too were biased, especially when the murder occurred in the working class. The upper echelon got their complete attention. I loved how Malia showed me this world without judgment. It was the way it was.
For me, the story was tad long as I am used to fast thrillers, yet captivating. The book flowed through various genre, historical fiction with the world building, cozy with the writing, but its core was a murder mystery which excited me.
Overall, this was a fun read with great twists. I read for the pure joy of solving the murders.
August 29, 2020
Set in the 1920s, Lady Evelyn has now moved to London and has decided to open her own detective agency. She very quickly finds her first two cases. In the first, her fianceé's butler is accused of murdering his sister's husband. In the second, her old school friend is accused of killing his father. With the help of her assistant Hugh and her old friend Lucas Stanton (now a police detective), Lady Evelyn sets out to solve both crimes.
The Quality of Mercy is the fifth book in the Lady Evelyn series. I have read the first book in the series (A Poisonous Journey) and I will certainly be catching up with the rest after reading this latest instalment!
I really liked Lady Evelyn, or Evie to her friends. The story is told from her perspective (first person POV). As well as discussing the murders and events of the story, she also has many interesting insights about the world too. She has a very modern attitude, wanting her own independence. I liked that in this book, she begins to realise how much privilege she has — particularly after visiting Whitechapel and seeing the poverty others face. I also liked her relationship with her fiancee, Daniel. They are a great couple, and he is also very modern — respecting Evie's headstrong nature and her choice to have her own career (even if he doesn't quite understand it!).
I also love the setting of these books! I find the 1920s to be a very interesting period of history, shortly after WWI and all the change that this caused. There are mentions of the war throughout the story, with many of the male characters having served. The impact that the Great War would have had on these men is not shied away from, either.
The story itself moves at a good pace — a mix of social engagements with Evie's friends and aunt, as well as solving the murder, which I enjoyed. Her friends and the society she mixes with are all interesting characters!
The Quality of Mercy is well-written, with lots of vivid descriptions of society and I was whisked away into Evie's world from the start. It is a fantastic read — I really enjoyed it, and I will be reading the rest of the series. It's the perfect escapism, with its glamorous 1920s setting!
The Quality of Mercy is the fifth book in the Lady Evelyn series. I have read the first book in the series (A Poisonous Journey) and I will certainly be catching up with the rest after reading this latest instalment!
I really liked Lady Evelyn, or Evie to her friends. The story is told from her perspective (first person POV). As well as discussing the murders and events of the story, she also has many interesting insights about the world too. She has a very modern attitude, wanting her own independence. I liked that in this book, she begins to realise how much privilege she has — particularly after visiting Whitechapel and seeing the poverty others face. I also liked her relationship with her fiancee, Daniel. They are a great couple, and he is also very modern — respecting Evie's headstrong nature and her choice to have her own career (even if he doesn't quite understand it!).
I also love the setting of these books! I find the 1920s to be a very interesting period of history, shortly after WWI and all the change that this caused. There are mentions of the war throughout the story, with many of the male characters having served. The impact that the Great War would have had on these men is not shied away from, either.
The story itself moves at a good pace — a mix of social engagements with Evie's friends and aunt, as well as solving the murder, which I enjoyed. Her friends and the society she mixes with are all interesting characters!
The Quality of Mercy is well-written, with lots of vivid descriptions of society and I was whisked away into Evie's world from the start. It is a fantastic read — I really enjoyed it, and I will be reading the rest of the series. It's the perfect escapism, with its glamorous 1920s setting!
August 24, 2020
The Quality of Mercy is the fifth novel in the Lady Evelyn Carlisle Mystery series. Set in London in 1920s, this series follows young Evelyn as she finds herself involved in murder cases, usually by discovering the dead body and then by conducting her own investigation. It is her propensity to find dead bodies that leads her to open her own investigative agency in this fifth book.
In The Quality of Mercy, Evelyn has just opened her investigative agency together with her friend Hugh. Of course, her first case is a murder case, a murder that she has discovered herself. The victim is the father of a childhood friend and the list of suspects is very long. As she investigates, another murder catches her attention and she finds herself investigating two cases. On the personal side, she is soon going to be married to Daniel, but she is trying to avoid the double wedding that her aunt Agnes has proposed.
I really like the character of Lady Evelyn. She is ahead of her time, looking for independence and freedom to do whatever she wants. She has bought her own flat, but she spends most of her nights at her fiancé’s mansion, even though they are not married yet, she has a degree and she works, even though that is not something that a lady of her class would do. She is smart, funny, and brave and I am already looking forward to her next adventure.
The characters are engaging and mostly likable, the story is well-written and historically accurate, and the plot is twisty, entertaining, and engrossing. If you love cozy mysteries, this is a series to follow. In The Quality of Mercy the author uses two different murders to address the differences between the upper class and the servant class while the effects of World War I still loom. This is an highly enjoyable and thrilling story to not miss.
In The Quality of Mercy, Evelyn has just opened her investigative agency together with her friend Hugh. Of course, her first case is a murder case, a murder that she has discovered herself. The victim is the father of a childhood friend and the list of suspects is very long. As she investigates, another murder catches her attention and she finds herself investigating two cases. On the personal side, she is soon going to be married to Daniel, but she is trying to avoid the double wedding that her aunt Agnes has proposed.
I really like the character of Lady Evelyn. She is ahead of her time, looking for independence and freedom to do whatever she wants. She has bought her own flat, but she spends most of her nights at her fiancé’s mansion, even though they are not married yet, she has a degree and she works, even though that is not something that a lady of her class would do. She is smart, funny, and brave and I am already looking forward to her next adventure.
The characters are engaging and mostly likable, the story is well-written and historically accurate, and the plot is twisty, entertaining, and engrossing. If you love cozy mysteries, this is a series to follow. In The Quality of Mercy the author uses two different murders to address the differences between the upper class and the servant class while the effects of World War I still loom. This is an highly enjoyable and thrilling story to not miss.
September 9, 2020
Note : I received e-copy of this book as part of blog tour, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Emma @damppebbles blog tours and author for providing review copy.
* 4.5 Stars *
The Quality of Mercy was intriguing cozy mystery, set in 1920s London, revolved around two murder cases that Evelyn’s new detective agency solved. It was about dysfunctional family, secrets and scandals, fallibility of humans and their complex nature, friendship, and love.
There were layers along with them main theme about impact of war on people and businesses, how it changed them, class differences, unemployment, upper class drama, fault in justice system and Christianity. Streets of London, difference of East and South and West London was as important as everything else in the book.
The twist and turns were brilliant. In case of Devlin’s case, I thought the prologue gave the idea why Devlin was murdered and I was sure I know the name of the culprit at 50% of the book but I was totally wrong about it. As for West case, it was clear Wilkin was innocent but I couldn’t figure out what he was hiding and who the real culprit was until it was revealed. Climax was surprising. I couldn’t guess what happened in last 20% of the book. The end, after harrowing revelations and encounter, was sweet with a wedding and announcement of upcoming wedding. I can say this won’t be the end of the series so I hope author don’t prove me wrong in that case.
Overall, it was fun and compelling cozy mystery that captured 1920s London and culture aptly with fascinating characters and mysteries to solve.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link - https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
* 4.5 Stars *
The Quality of Mercy was intriguing cozy mystery, set in 1920s London, revolved around two murder cases that Evelyn’s new detective agency solved. It was about dysfunctional family, secrets and scandals, fallibility of humans and their complex nature, friendship, and love.
There were layers along with them main theme about impact of war on people and businesses, how it changed them, class differences, unemployment, upper class drama, fault in justice system and Christianity. Streets of London, difference of East and South and West London was as important as everything else in the book.
The twist and turns were brilliant. In case of Devlin’s case, I thought the prologue gave the idea why Devlin was murdered and I was sure I know the name of the culprit at 50% of the book but I was totally wrong about it. As for West case, it was clear Wilkin was innocent but I couldn’t figure out what he was hiding and who the real culprit was until it was revealed. Climax was surprising. I couldn’t guess what happened in last 20% of the book. The end, after harrowing revelations and encounter, was sweet with a wedding and announcement of upcoming wedding. I can say this won’t be the end of the series so I hope author don’t prove me wrong in that case.
Overall, it was fun and compelling cozy mystery that captured 1920s London and culture aptly with fascinating characters and mysteries to solve.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link - https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
August 30, 2020
A 1920’s historical mystery that has everything you could possibly want from a book of this genre; a fabulous detective, a deep plot and a collection of characters you always second guess! Historical fiction is usually not for me, but murder mysteries are my favourite – combined, these two genres created the perfect story.
This book completely shocked me with how great it was, and as someone who isn’t usually that interested in historical works of fiction, this blew me away. From start to finish, I was hooked, and loved following Evelyn’s journey as she works to solve the mystery of murder. The whole plot has been perfected unlike anything you’ve ever seen, each character with incredible personality traits. The language used is very 1920’s and works so well in bringing the reader into this era.
Definitely want to catch up with the rest of the series after reading this! Amazing!
You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/08...
This book completely shocked me with how great it was, and as someone who isn’t usually that interested in historical works of fiction, this blew me away. From start to finish, I was hooked, and loved following Evelyn’s journey as she works to solve the mystery of murder. The whole plot has been perfected unlike anything you’ve ever seen, each character with incredible personality traits. The language used is very 1920’s and works so well in bringing the reader into this era.
Definitely want to catch up with the rest of the series after reading this! Amazing!
You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/08...
August 31, 2020
I had been looking forward to find out how life goes on for Evelyn and what adventures await her and I have not been disappointed with this new installment of the series. Evelyn grows as a person, her relationships develop in an interesting way and the mystery is gripping and, while set in the 1920s, still feels current.
October 5, 2020
This is your a stereotypical cosy mystery, I do have a soft spot or an old fashioned mystery especially from this era which was one of the reason’s I was so looking forward to reading this. I especially love that the investigator is a woman. It’s fun and clever with an edge of danger, the lead character; Evie is a brilliant woman and living her living well before her time, she had fought hard for her independence and doesn’t intend of relinquishing it for anyone. I loved that she went against the grain and set up her own detective agency, she is a clever and resourceful woman who refuses to be the ‘little lady’ stuck at home.
This is the fifth book in the Lady Evelyn Carlisle Mysteries, and actually my first and I do think that by starting at this point in the series I have missed out on something. Which is all my fault and nothing at all to do with the book or the author, I broke my own rule and decided to start a series from the middle, but I loved the sound of this so much I couldn’t say no.
There is this feel of continuity that plays at the edges of the story, which you get from a series which is linked together in one way or another, I do think to appreciate the relation between Evie and Daniel you really have to read the previous books – again this was my own fault that I felt out of the loop as I started the series in the middle.
Set during the 1920’s, which is a favourite era of mine this follows Lady Evelyn Carlisle who after many years aboard is now back in London and decides to set up her own detective agency, and her first case ends being two cases, her investigation starts and it take hers into the bowels of Whitechapel to find the answers
I really enjoyed getting to know Evie, she is a smart woman, she isn’t hugely experienced but what she lacks in mystery/detective solving experience she makes up for in the fact that she is very connected, which doesn’t get me wondering if she wasn’t in such a position, being a ‘Lady’ would a female detective series work if the heroine was just a normal working class woman? Now that is a series I would love to read…or maybe write one day.
Hmmm, I strayed a little off topic there…so our Evie teams up with her sidekick; Hugh and they set out to solve the two murder mysteries she has now taken on. What I really like is that the murders are at both scale of the social spectrum, working class and upper-crust, that’s a really great touch and can connect so many people, bringing into the stories a wide range of beautifully crafted and engaging character’s.
Malia Zaidi is an amazing author, even though this is my first of her books, it won’t be my last I will be loading my kindle with more from this fine author. Malia certainly has a way with words which captures your imagination and transports your to another time and place with her vivid and richly detailed historical research.
Overall, this is a fabulous ‘who-dunnit’ it has a feel of Miss Fischer about it that I thoroughly enjoyed, highly recommend for anyone who loves a good mystery.
This is the fifth book in the Lady Evelyn Carlisle Mysteries, and actually my first and I do think that by starting at this point in the series I have missed out on something. Which is all my fault and nothing at all to do with the book or the author, I broke my own rule and decided to start a series from the middle, but I loved the sound of this so much I couldn’t say no.
There is this feel of continuity that plays at the edges of the story, which you get from a series which is linked together in one way or another, I do think to appreciate the relation between Evie and Daniel you really have to read the previous books – again this was my own fault that I felt out of the loop as I started the series in the middle.
Set during the 1920’s, which is a favourite era of mine this follows Lady Evelyn Carlisle who after many years aboard is now back in London and decides to set up her own detective agency, and her first case ends being two cases, her investigation starts and it take hers into the bowels of Whitechapel to find the answers
I really enjoyed getting to know Evie, she is a smart woman, she isn’t hugely experienced but what she lacks in mystery/detective solving experience she makes up for in the fact that she is very connected, which doesn’t get me wondering if she wasn’t in such a position, being a ‘Lady’ would a female detective series work if the heroine was just a normal working class woman? Now that is a series I would love to read…or maybe write one day.
Hmmm, I strayed a little off topic there…so our Evie teams up with her sidekick; Hugh and they set out to solve the two murder mysteries she has now taken on. What I really like is that the murders are at both scale of the social spectrum, working class and upper-crust, that’s a really great touch and can connect so many people, bringing into the stories a wide range of beautifully crafted and engaging character’s.
Malia Zaidi is an amazing author, even though this is my first of her books, it won’t be my last I will be loading my kindle with more from this fine author. Malia certainly has a way with words which captures your imagination and transports your to another time and place with her vivid and richly detailed historical research.
Overall, this is a fabulous ‘who-dunnit’ it has a feel of Miss Fischer about it that I thoroughly enjoyed, highly recommend for anyone who loves a good mystery.
August 29, 2020
The Quality of Mercy certainly isn’t your run-of-the-mill cosy crime novel. Its high page-count gives the author (and therefore Evelyn!) the opportunity to really explore what life was like for the haves and have-nots of London in the 1920s.
Through two very different cases - the deaths of an upper-class, tyrannical patriarch, and a working-class WWI veteran up to his ears in gambling debts - Evelyn discovers both the secrets and unhappiness that can fester in even the most privileged of families, and the reality of life for men, women and children in the capital’s poorest districts. I really enjoyed this juxtaposition, as well as the mysteries themselves: clues, gossip and facts come to light at a measured pace and I didn’t guess the outcome of either case!
I loved Evelyn as a character; she fully acknowledges her privilege, is genuinely moved by the situations she encounters when she visits the East End, and is kind, sympathetic and generous towards those who are worse off than herself. She does a lot of soul-searching as she despairs for the future of Whitechapel’s children as well as that of unemployed, traumatised ex-soldiers like the deceased Terry West. In fact, the legacy of the Great War is a theme that runs throughout the book, affecting characters of all social classes, including Evelyn’s fiancé, Daniel, her super-competent assistant, Hugh, and her friendly older neighbour, Dulcie.
There’s also a sense that the war has been a real watershed moment for Evelyn and many others of her class. Evelyn fights against social expectations by buying her own apartment, setting up her detective agency, planning to keep both once she’s married, and consciously questioning whether she wants to have children. Her refusal to conform leads to some great scenes with her hilariously snobbish and blunt Aunt Agnes. Other characters anger their parents by failing to share their values and interests, causing tensions and even suspicions to arise.
However, Evelyn’s social position also gives The Quality of Mercy a degree of escapism. We get to follow her to fancy restaurants, garden parties, afternoon teas and picnics, go on a fact-finding mission in the disreputable but glamorous world of the theatre, and read a bit about her previous travels abroad (I’ll have to read the other Lady Evelyn novels to find out more about them!). Her home, car, clothes and the food she eats all sound absolutely heavenly - you really can’t blame her for wanting to retain her independence.
The Quality of Mercy successfully combines mystery, gritty historical realism and escapism.
Through two very different cases - the deaths of an upper-class, tyrannical patriarch, and a working-class WWI veteran up to his ears in gambling debts - Evelyn discovers both the secrets and unhappiness that can fester in even the most privileged of families, and the reality of life for men, women and children in the capital’s poorest districts. I really enjoyed this juxtaposition, as well as the mysteries themselves: clues, gossip and facts come to light at a measured pace and I didn’t guess the outcome of either case!
I loved Evelyn as a character; she fully acknowledges her privilege, is genuinely moved by the situations she encounters when she visits the East End, and is kind, sympathetic and generous towards those who are worse off than herself. She does a lot of soul-searching as she despairs for the future of Whitechapel’s children as well as that of unemployed, traumatised ex-soldiers like the deceased Terry West. In fact, the legacy of the Great War is a theme that runs throughout the book, affecting characters of all social classes, including Evelyn’s fiancé, Daniel, her super-competent assistant, Hugh, and her friendly older neighbour, Dulcie.
There’s also a sense that the war has been a real watershed moment for Evelyn and many others of her class. Evelyn fights against social expectations by buying her own apartment, setting up her detective agency, planning to keep both once she’s married, and consciously questioning whether she wants to have children. Her refusal to conform leads to some great scenes with her hilariously snobbish and blunt Aunt Agnes. Other characters anger their parents by failing to share their values and interests, causing tensions and even suspicions to arise.
However, Evelyn’s social position also gives The Quality of Mercy a degree of escapism. We get to follow her to fancy restaurants, garden parties, afternoon teas and picnics, go on a fact-finding mission in the disreputable but glamorous world of the theatre, and read a bit about her previous travels abroad (I’ll have to read the other Lady Evelyn novels to find out more about them!). Her home, car, clothes and the food she eats all sound absolutely heavenly - you really can’t blame her for wanting to retain her independence.
The Quality of Mercy successfully combines mystery, gritty historical realism and escapism.
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November 19, 2020Please see blog for [K]'s review:
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December 2, 2020
Too long
The storyline is quite good on the whole but is is heavily padded out. It takes way to long to get to the point.It
The storyline is quite good on the whole but is is heavily padded out. It takes way to long to get to the point.It
November 20, 2020
Lady Evelyn Carlisle is not your average aristocratic lady, even for the 1920s. She's bold and independent, and with several solved mysteries under her belt, she's decided to open a detective agency. Things are slow to start, but Evelyn has her hands full with moving into her own flat, away from her Aunt Agnes's scrutiny; and planning both her own and her aunt's upcoming weddings. The lull in cases doesn't last long when her fiancé's butler Wilkins is arrested for the murder of his brother-in-law after weeks of acting oddly, and Evelyn stumbles upon the body of her childhood friend Percy's father.
I can't say much more without spilling the entire beautifully crafted plot! I can say that Malia Zaidi has woven an absolutely intricate tapestry of a plot, paying homage to both Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. I had never read any of the Lady Evelyn series before this and found myself hooked! I had to add the previous four books to my bookish wishlist.
Evelyn is a wonderful character, full of verve and enthusiasm. She acknowledges her flaws and the inherent prejudices of her class and actively tries to better herself and friends. I found myself thinking of her as a mix of Phryne Fisher(Miss Fisher's Murder sMysteries), Penelope "Bunty" Windermere(Father Brown) and Nancy Drew.
Note:This book contains mentions of domestic abuse and suicide. Also, this book takes place in 1927. While most of the characters are downright modern in their thinking, there is still misogyny.
I can't say much more without spilling the entire beautifully crafted plot! I can say that Malia Zaidi has woven an absolutely intricate tapestry of a plot, paying homage to both Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. I had never read any of the Lady Evelyn series before this and found myself hooked! I had to add the previous four books to my bookish wishlist.
Evelyn is a wonderful character, full of verve and enthusiasm. She acknowledges her flaws and the inherent prejudices of her class and actively tries to better herself and friends. I found myself thinking of her as a mix of Phryne Fisher(Miss Fisher's Murder sMysteries), Penelope "Bunty" Windermere(Father Brown) and Nancy Drew.
Note:This book contains mentions of domestic abuse and suicide. Also, this book takes place in 1927. While most of the characters are downright modern in their thinking, there is still misogyny.
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