Arlette Montrose was the envy of London society when she
married handsome and wealthy Lewis Banfield. Banfield's
marriage to a former artist's model created quite a stir
among London's upper class. How could a Banfield marry into
a family of artists? The marriage was condemned by many,
but unfortunately for those who enjoyed the gossip, the
marriage was short lived because Arlette was murdered
during a ball in her own home.
Inspector Witherspoon was getting ready to retire for the
evening when he received an urgent message to appear at the
Banfield home because a murder had been committed. The
inspector was infamous for his ability to solve the most
mysterious
murders. In fact, he was a legend among London police. But
Inspector Witherspoon had no idea that his prestigious
reputation was not due to his astute skills as an
inspector, but instead to the help of his staff of
servants, especially his housekeeper, Mrs. Jeffries.
Mrs. Jeffries is not only Inspector Witherspoon's
housekeeper, but she is also the leader of her amateur
sleuths, also known as the cook, the footman, and the maid.
Mrs. Jeffries also enlists the help of other individuals,
such as the police physician, who helps her gather clues to
solve Witherspoon's murders. When the death of Arlette
Montrose Banfield is announced, Mrs. Jeffries and her
sleuths are ready to get to work.
Arlette was murdered during a ball at her home. Due to the
nature of her last minutes alive, it was assumed and later
confirmed that she was poisoned. Now Inspector and Mrs.
Jeffries must piece together the pieces of the puzzle. Who
would want to poison the young mistress of a house who was
so well loved by even the servants?
What seems like an impossible murder case to solve soon
begins to reveal ample suspects who might have wanted
Arlette dead. Her husband's aunt, Mrs. Geraldine Banfield,
made no mystery of her feelings towards her nephew's
marriage to an artist's model. Arlette and Geraldine also
had differences on how to run the household. Their
relationship was so strained that Arlette and Lewis
Banfield planned to ask the former mistress of the house to
leave. But Mrs. Banfield is not the only suspect in the murder.
As an avid reader of Victorian mysteries, I was especially
thrilled to read MRS. JEFFRIES FORGES AHEAD. It was
refreshing to see the author did not attempt to recreate a
Hercule Poirot or a Miss Marple. Instead, Inspector
Witherspoon earned his stellar reputation from his staff of
servants. Charming and delightful, MRS. JEFFRIES FORGES
AHEAD is the perfect book to curl up with when you are in the
mood for a good old fashioned mystery.
Synopsis
Arlette Montrose Banfield angered many marriageable women
when she snagged the handsome Lewis Banfield-but were they
angry enough to poison her? Mrs. Jeffries doesn't mind
getting her hands dirty to uncover the greed behind her
murder.
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