Robert and Lucy Kurland have returned home after their latest murder mystery adventure in Bath, but the quiet at home is broken when a devastatingly gorgeous woman arrives to take the place of their baby son's nursery maid and sets all the local male population in an uproar. Then there is a murder and Robert and Lucy are once again determined to get to the truth of the matter.
Death Comes to the Nursery is the seventh in the series that progresses along through the life of the Kurland family, their household and village. Each book builds on the last even with a new mystery so do not make good standalones or out of order.
This is the third book in the series I picked up after enjoying book one and then leaping forward to book six when it was a new release. I was struck by a cozy mystery series set in Regency era England and accompanied by ongoing series plot threads for recurring series characters, romance, and family.
The characters are vividly drawn with strengths, flaws and the opportunity to grow individually and, in Lucy and Robert's case, as a couple. I find Robert's physical and mental struggles after coming back from the war a heartfelt element along with Lucy's flourishing now that she has her own home and not stuck taking care of a father with a great deal of self-interest. With the addition of little Ned, its interesting to see them as parents.
The historical backdrop of life in the Regency period is given some attention with descriptions of daily life on the estate and in the village as well as London though it is not in the forefront nor does it take over the story.
The mystery came after some time of setting up the situation, introducing the new characters, and catching up with the Kurlands at home. The murder was not unexpected for me and neither were a few of the bigger reveals. I even worked out who did it. I have to admit that knowing these things as I went did take away a deal of the story's shine and had me impatient for it to get moving at times.
That said, I was glad to be back with Robert and Lucy on a case and to see Anna back with them and helping where she was always fearful to be in the past. And, old Foley the butler, I'll be sad to see him retire especially after the part he played in this latest.
Cat Gould continues to narrate the series and I really do love her work. She does great for male and female voices, different ages, and different classes. I find her narration style easy to listen to and she enhances my experience with the book.
All in all, I found it moderately engaging. Death Comes to the Nursery won't be my favorite story of the series, but it's still a fabulous series that those who enjoy historical cozies should definitely give a try.
