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    Death Comes to the Fair
    Death Comes to the Fair
    Death Comes to the Fair
    Audiobook8 hours

    Death Comes to the Fair

    Written by Catherine Lloyd

    Narrated by Cat Gould

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    It's harvest time in the village of Kurland St. Mary as Lucy and Robert prepare to wed-but a murderer has taken an unseasonable vow of vengeance . . .

    As Miss Lucy Harrington, daughter of the village rector, and Major Sir Robert Kurland plan their nuptials, the major is beginning to wonder if he'll ever hear wedding bells. He's seen complex military campaigns that involved less strategy, and he's finding Lucy's meddling family maddening.

    When the body of Ezekiel Thurrock, the church verger, is discovered crushed by a gargoyle that has fallen from the bell tower, the wedding is delayed. But the evidence suggests this was no accident, and Lucy wonders if bad blood at the village fair had anything to do with the man's mysterious demise, since there was much bitterness over Ezekiel's prizewinning vegetables.

    As Lucy and Robert uncover long-standing village feuds, the town's dark secrets begin to take their toll and the couple soon finds they too are in grave danger . . .
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateApr 24, 2018
    ISBN9781977381026

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    Reviews for Death Comes to the Fair

    4/5

    52 ratings14 reviews

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    • 4/5
      It’s fall of 1817 In Kurland St. Mary, England. Our heroine, Miss Lucy Harrington, is planning her wedding to Sir Robert Kurland, whom she helped nurse back to health following a serious leg injury at Waterloo. The rectory where Lucy lives with her father is a temporary home to Nathaniel Thurrock, brother of the church’s verger, Ezekiel. Nathaniel is researching the Thurrock family’s history in the area, and is becoming a real nuisance. But it’s Ezekiel, a much-loved character in the village, who’s murdered. Or is it an unfortunate accident? As if she doesn’t have enough on her plate with overseeing the household staff – including the dreadful (in more ways than one) cook, Mrs. Fielding -- and planning a wedding, now Miss Harrington also has a murder to solve. A second murder further complicates things for our heroine and her betrothed. And with the couple’s creeping about at night unchaperoned, both their reputations are in tatters. I found Death Comes to the Fair delightful, enough so that I went to my public library and picked up the first three books in the series. Although I started with book #4, the author included enough background that Death Comes to the Fair stands on its own.
    • 4/5
      After winnning the majority of the vegetable prizes at the local fair the church verger, Ezekiel Thurrock, is found dead.
      As the organisation for the London wedding proceeds Lucy Harrington and Sir Robert are concerned that it was not an accident, and during their investigation uncover long-standing village feuds, bringing danger to themselves.
      Another well-written, enjoyable mystery in this series, with some lovely rounded characters. Can't wait for the next in the series.
    • 4/5
      An intriguing story with the addition of the Turner sisters, wise women in the neighbouring village of Kurland St. Anne. The mystery was more complex and less clumsy in the telling. The dastardly-behaving culprit has his comeuppance and the Kurland romance is moving along satisfactorily. Supporting characters Dr. Fletcher, Miss Chingford and sister Dorthea alternate as either annoying or amusing participants. For once, a likeable character we are teased with as a new staff member at Kurland Hall, remains on good terms with the major.
    • 3/5
      Death Comes to the Fair is the fourth book in the Kurland St. Mary Mystery series. The story is set in the small village of Kurland St. Mary in England, 1817. Major Sir Robert Kurland is engaged to Miss Lucy Harrington, the daughter of the local Rector. After the judging at the local fair awards most of the prizes to Ezekiel Thurrock's vegetables, he is found dead in the local church where he is the verger (an official in a church who acts as a caretaker and attendant). A stone gargoyle has fallen on his head, and although first declared an accident, it soon becomes clear that he was murdered.

      Lucy and Sir Robert become involved in solving the mystery. Things become complicated when Ezekiel's brother, Nathaniel begins investigating old records, trying to determine land ownership in the area. His delving into old events causes problems with the other land owners in the area. There are concerns about witchcraft and rumors of buried treasure.

      The story moves along at a pretty slow pace. I don't know if this is common for other Regency books, because this is not a genre I usually read. The action doesn't really pick up until the last 1/4 of the book. At that point, it becomes pretty exciting. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and a lot of interbreeding between the local families. It felt like everyone was related to everyone else.

      I didn't feel like I was missing much by not reading the first three books. I think they would be important for the back story between Robert and Lucy, to see how they progressed from friends to fiances, but as far as the central mystery goes, not necessary.

      This book was ok, but didn't really resonate with me. The pacing was too slow for my liking. I give this 3 out of 5 stars.

      I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
    • 4/5
      Death Comes to the Fair is the 4th Kurland St. Mary mystery. As in the third book, Death Comes to Kurland Hall, there's a wedding. The last time Major Sir Robert Kurland's best friend married Miss Lucy Harrington's best friend. Now it's time for their wedding. Robert and Lucy would prefer a small wedding in their own village. Lucy is the granddaughter and niece of earls (her father was the younger son). Her family wants her to have the big London wedding they feel is due her family. Lucy keeps putting off going to London to help her aunt with the arrangements.In the meantime, Sir Robert is doing his duty and judging vegetables at the village fair. Sadly, he doesn't listen to Lucy. She knows enough to share the prizes around because the competition is important to the villagers' pride. Sir Robert awards the prizes based on the actual merit of the vegetables. Instead of verger Ezekiel Thurrock winning one prize, he wins them all. The anger and resentment Lucy feared results. Is that why the poor man is soon found dead?
    • 3/5
      This is the first book in the Kurland St. Mary Mystery series I have read. I did not have a problem following the story, but I believe that the development of the characters that I missed in the prior books might have made this one more interesting to me. I did not really get to know the characters in this book, it seemed like they were supposed to be old friends that I really didn't know well. Not the author's fault, just a warning if you have not read the others in the series.

      Miss Lucy Harrington is betrothed to Sir Major Robert Kurland and they are the main characters in the story. Lucy is the vicar's's daughter and has to be careful not to be seen with her betrothed without a chaperone. Unfortunately, she is also a very strong woman and puts herself into that situation often during the story, causing some gossip. When the verger (an official in a church who acts as a caretaker and attendant), Ezekeal Thurrock, of St. Mary's church is found dead after winning several prizes at the local fair, Lucy and Sir Robert become convinced that the death was not an accident. They begin to uncover evidence that the Thurrock family has some skeletons in their closet as well as many enemies. As some strange occurences come to light and more evidence emerges, Lucy and Robert uncover a centuries old vendetta that may have caused the deaths in present day.

      This series is very character driven. The dialogue and the relationship between Lucy and Robert carry much of the book. The secondary characters such as Lucy's father, the staff as well as the sisters acting as chaperones also add to the story and the background. When the verger was first found dead, the story was a bit slow, but as the investigation moved forward, I found myself much more vested in what was going to happen. I did not figure out who the murderer was as was a bit perturbed at one point as there was mention of the characters but not many clues or motivation given, but as the story unfolded, it cleared up the issues, but not to my satisfaction. I am going to go back and read the previous books and see how I feel then. A good read for cozy mystery lovers with a Victorian setting. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
    • 4/5
      Not quite a team yet; Lucy and the Major investigate the death of the parish verger. Lots of ancient history and feuds are at play before the culprits are identified. Interesting characters and a good story make this a good series.
    • 3/5
      Slow start – too much vegetable talk. The verger is murdered after the local fair. His brother is staying at the vicarage and is suspiciously investigating old county records and interviewing local people trying to determine this history of the land. A little pouch was found on the dead man and it is believed that two sisters who live in St. Mary Kurland are witches. Needless to say, Lucy and the Major start investigating and then the verger’s brother is found dead. Penelope Chingford is staying at the rectory and quite cleverly manipulates Lucy into giving her gowns for her cooperation in the investigation.
    • 4/5
      Death Comes to the Fair
      4 Stars

      When the verger of St. Mary's church is found dead after winning several prizes at the local fair, Lucy Harrington and her betrothed, Major Robert Kurland, are not convinced that the death was an accident. As some strange evidence emerges, Lucy and Robert uncover a centuries old vendetta that may have devastating consequences in their own lives.

      Another enchanting installment in Lloyd's cozy-historical series. As with the previous books, it is the characterization rather than the mystery that is most appealing.

      Much of the charm of this series is the witty banter between Lucy and the Major. This has not changed now that the two are engaged and their repartee is as delightful as ever.

      Although the investigation into the verger's death appears trivial at first, it becomes more interesting as the motives for his murder begin to emerge and there are one or two truly suspenseful moments. That said, the ultimate explanation feels somewhat contrived and the identity of the villain is a surprise mainly due to the lack of clues along the way.

      All in all, this is a wonderful series overall and this book is entertaining albeit not as good as the previous three. Looking forward to more of Lucy and Robert in the future.
    • 1/5
      As I didn't like one of the main characters, Major Robert Kurland, I will not read another in this series.The Major & Rector's daughter embark on investigating the murder of a nasty, manipulative, gossiping, blackmailing harridan.... Soon one of the suspects is also found dead from what appears to be an accidental overdose.It was difficult to keep track of the characters as they were referred to back and forth by either their first name or Mr./Miss.... so it took a bit for me to figure this out...There is no lack of rude, stupid, or ugly characters.... and I didn't give a fig what happened to any of them, including the Rector's daughter, whom is suppose to be the heroine of this series.Waste of time.....
    • 5/5
      Death Comes to the Fair by Catherine Lloyd is the fourth book in A Kurland St. Mary Mystery series. It is October in 1817 in Kurland St. Mary (England). Major Sir Robert Kurland is engaged to Miss Lucy Harrington, the rector’s daughter. Sir Robert wants the wedding to be soon, but Lucy is the niece of an earl. Her relative’s want her to have a big wedding in London (which will take time to plan). Sir Robert is not known for his patience. It is time for the village fair (done after the harvest) and, Robert is to judge the vegetables. Robert is new to judging, and he believes in the best should win. Ezekiel Thurrock, the local verger, wins the majority of the prizes for the vegetables. Many of the locals are angry at the outcome (Lucy tried to warn Robert). Lucy goes to arrange the church’s harvest display, and she finds Ezekiel dead. A gargoyle lays nearby, and it is obvious it hit Ezekiel on the head. Upon investigation (Lucy cannot help herself) Lucy discovers that the gargoyle is not part of the church. Robert is the local magistrate and, with Lucy’s help, starts looking into Ezekiel’s background. Ezekiel’s brother, Nathaniel happens to be staying at the rectory. It turns out that Nathaniel is trying to prove that the Kurland family stole land from the Thurrock’s. The more the pair look into the Thurrock family history, the more secrets they uncover. Someone in the village does not like their inquiries and takes action to sideline the pair. Lucy and Robert will need to keep their wits about them to make it out of this situation!Death Comes to the Fair is well-written, engaging, and easy to read. I liked the characters, the historical period, and the setting. Catherine Lloyd certainly captures the historical period. I also liked the side stories that took place in the novel (my favorite was between Dr. Fletcher and Miss Penelope Chingford). I appreciated the author’s descriptions of the Lucy’s clothes (even though Penelope kept spiriting them off). The novel contains just the right amount of humor (it will make you laugh) and romance. I give Death Comes to the Fair 4.5 out of 5 stars (I really liked it). The mystery seems complicated (which I relished), but it can be solved (if you pay careful attention to the details). I was delighted that the mystery was the main focus of the book. Death Comes to the Fair is the fourth book in the series, but it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. I will unequivocally be reading the next book in A Kurland St. Mary Mystery series.
    • 4/5
      Not quite the slump breaker I was hoping for, but not a bad little mystery either. The novelty the main characters had in the first novel has worn off (reasonably enough) and the author is left with the tried and true: killing off the villagers. From the sounds of this village, they may deserve it. This book stumbled for me because a great draw is the chemistry and banter between the two MCs and they were kept apart quite a bit and their adventures when they were together lacked that certain something I enjoyed before. A well known, loathsome villager gets what's coming by the end - which is great! - but there's this giant hole at the end where we miss out on the reaction of at least one significant character whose life is directly affected by the outcome of events. That felt weird to me; the author couldn't spare a few more pages to flesh that out? But there was still a lot I liked about this cozy; I enjoyed it more than most of what I've been reading lately. It held my attention and the setting felt like an old friend. Given my general grumpiness lately, I'll take that and be thankful for it.
    • 4/5
      Set in the village of Kurland St. Mary in 1817, this is the fourth book in the series finds murder hindering the upcoming nuptials of Major Kurland and Lucy Harrington. Authentic to the period, the pace is reminiscence of the slower horse and buggy days. Major Kurland thinks planning for their wedding is taking forever and wants to elope. Lucy is concerned about the ramification on her family if they did elope. The major will not let town gossip, feuds, ruined reputations, and two murders spoil their wedding plan. There are enjoyable moments such as local reactions to the winners of best harvest vegetables. It was a very pleasant read.
    • 5/5
      Murder Comes to the Fair is the fourth book in the Kurland St. Mary Mystery Series by Catherine Lloyd. The story revolves around Lucy Harrington, the daughter of the rector, and her betrothed, the newly made baronet, Sir Robert Kurland. The trouble starts when Sir Robert is asked to judge the vegetables entered into the county fair. Against Lucy’s advice, he gives the majority of the prizes to Ezekiel Thurrock after insisting they are the best. Shortly after, Lucy finds Ezekiel dead. It appears that a gargoyle has fallen from the bell towel during a storm and struck Ezekiel. On the surface it appears to be a case of in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet, something is not right and Lucy and Sir Robert suspect the cause of death is more than a falling gargoyle.Part of Sir Robert’s duty as the baronet was to act as the constable. With Lucy’s help they set out to discover what really happened. At first, they contemplate that the killer was jealous over Ezekiel’s’ prize vegetables. As they slowly unravel the mystery, they discover that jealously is only the tip of the iceberg in a feud that has been going on long before their births. The secrets they uncover put their very lives in danger.The story moves along rather nicely and has lots of twists. The characters are very likable and I loved that Lucy has such a strong personality. I suspect that Sir Robert will have his hands full upon their marriage. All in all, it was very entertaining and I look forward to reading the other books in the series.I received a copy of this book, via NetGalley, for my honest review.