Murder in Mayfair
- 342 pages
- 12 hours of reading
The writing partnership known as Verity Bright has been active for a quarter of a century. Initially focused on high-end travel writing, their work has encompassed genres from self-improvement to humor. They later transitioned to crafting historical mysteries, showcasing a versatile approach to storytelling that draws on a rich and varied career.






Set against the backdrop of a glamorous royal boat race, the story unfolds with vibrant visuals and a festive atmosphere. However, the excitement takes a dark turn when a body is discovered in the water. Lady Swift, a determined and resourceful protagonist, steps in to investigate the mystery, blending elements of intrigue with the charm of royal festivities. This engaging tale promises a mix of suspense and adventure as she navigates the complexities of the case.
Set against a vibrant summer backdrop filled with flowers and festivities, the story follows Lady Swift as she navigates a new and perplexing murder mystery. With the charm of a maypole dance and the warmth of sunshine, the plot thickens as she uncovers clues and delves into the dark undercurrents of seemingly idyllic surroundings. Lady Swift's keen intellect and determination make her the perfect sleuth in this captivating tale of intrigue and deception.
A completely unputdownable 1920s cozy murder mystery
Set against a charming Cornish backdrop, the story unfolds with a festive invitation that leads to cozy moments filled with gingerbread and winter walks alongside a bulldog named Gladstone. However, the atmosphere shifts dramatically when a body is discovered on the beach, turning a delightful getaway into a mystery that must be unraveled.
Amidst the festivities of a royal celebration for the King's birthday in Little Buckford, Lady Swift stumbles upon a shocking discovery: a body in the village hall. As she navigates the celebrations, she must unravel the mystery behind the murder, all while maintaining her composure in high society. With a blend of intrigue and charm, the story promises a captivating mix of suspense and wit as Lady Swift seeks to uncover the truth before the festivities turn deadly.
Set against the festive backdrop of a castle adorned with holly and handmade gifts, a mysterious twist unfolds when a body is discovered under the Christmas tree. Lady Swift is summoned to unravel the chilling mystery, blending holiday cheer with suspense. As the snowflakes fall, the story promises a captivating mix of seasonal charm and thrilling detective work.
"Spring, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift, explorer extraordinaire and accidental sleuth, hasn't had a vacation since she arrived in England a year ago. Being an amateur detective can be a rather tiring business and she is determined to escape any more murder and mysteries. So she books into the Grand Hotel in the fashionable resort of Brighton for some fresh air, fish and chips and, of course, a dip in the ocean. Eleanor is enjoying her view of the waves and trying to find her bathing suit when calamity strikes: a guest has been found dead at her beautiful hotel. The distraught manager, who can't afford a scandal, asks Eleanor to solve the case as swiftly as possible. But when Eleanor enters the dead man's room, she receives a shock big enough to make her forget even the finest ice cream sundae. The body is that of her husband, who supposedly died six years ago on the other side of the world. Has he been alive all these years?"--Page 4 of cover
A nostalgic visit to her old school quickly turns into a chilling mystery for Lady Swift when she discovers a body among the familiar surroundings. As she navigates her memories and the eerie presence of murder, she must apply her knowledge and skills to unravel the truth behind the crime. This intriguing blend of nostalgia and suspense sets the stage for an engaging whodunit filled with unexpected twists.
Christmas, 1924. Lady Eleanor Swift has received a rather unexpected invitation to the village Christmas party in the tiny, rural hamlet of Derrydee in the west of Ireland. Eleanor is thrilled about exploring her ancestral roots at her late uncle’s estate and spending the festive season in a castle. Packing Gladstone the bulldog’s coziest Christmas jumper, they set off to the Emerald Isle with her butler Clifford in tow. Arriving late at night, Eleanor and Clifford are shocked when they find a body sprawled in the snow on the winding country lane outside the estate. The local constable is immediately suspicious and all but accuses the pair of murder. This isn’t the warm Irish welcome Eleanor imagined! Clifford is certain he recognizes the poor fellow from the funeral of Eleanor’s uncle – but what was their connection? Undeterred by the villagers’ lack of gossip on the matter, Eleanor is determined to get justice for the victim. The man’s pockets are suspiciously empty of personal effects, but closer inspection reveals an old key hidden in the heel of his boot. Could this unlock more than one mystery for Eleanor? But when a fire breaks out at the castle on Christmas Eve, an even bigger question looms: is someone out to ensure the family line dies with Lady Swift? And will Eleanor’s first Irish Christmas be her last?--Amazon
Set in a luxurious villa, the story unfolds with a seemingly idyllic breakfast of croissants that takes a dark turn when a body is discovered in the wine cellar. Lady Swift finds herself entangled in yet another murder mystery, blending elements of intrigue and humor as she navigates the complexities of crime amidst the charm of her surroundings.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Grand Canal, Lady Eleanor Swift's Italian vacation takes a dark turn when a gondola ride ends in murder. Amidst the stunning scenery and luxurious accommodations, she must navigate a web of intrigue and danger, blending her vacation with a thrilling mystery that threatens her enjoyment and safety.
Set against a medieval backdrop, the story unfolds with a mysterious death and the peculiar presence of chocolate fudge that raises eyebrows. Lady Swift is summoned to unravel the enigma, blending elements of intrigue and humor as she navigates through the suspicious circumstances surrounding the case. This engaging narrative promises a delightful mix of mystery and wit, as Lady Swift employs her keen detective skills to uncover the truth.
"Winter, 1920. Amateur sleuth Lady Eleanor Swift is feeling festive. She is playing host to the entire village at Henley Hall for gifts, games and gingerbread. She's also purchased perfect presents for each of her household -- not forgetting the biggest bone in the butcher's shop for her partner in crime, Gladstone the bulldog -- and is looking forward to celebrating her first English country Christmas. As snowflakes fall, Eleanor is cheering on contestants in the traditional Christmas fun run in the grounds of the Hall. but tragedy strikes when one of the runners drops dead at the finish line. Dashing Detective Sheldon is convinced it's just a heart attack, but Eleanor isn't so sure. When she finds a rather distinctive key where the man fell, Eleanor knows she'll never rest until she finds out the truth about what happened in her own home. Next the vicar is taken ill with what looks like poison and Eleanor starts to wonder if the two cases are linked. When someone tries to frame her by planting poisoned berries in her own kitchen, she knows speed is of the essence. But the entire village was at Henley Hall for the festivities and Eleanor has enough suspects to stuff a town full of turkeys. Can she nail the true killer and clear her name in time for Christmas?" --Publisher
"England, 1920. Lady Eleanor Swift, adventurer extraordinaire and reluctant amateur detective, is taking a break from sleuthing. She’s got much bigger problems: Eleanor has two left feet, nothing to wear and she’s expected at the masked ball at the local manor. Her new beau Lance Langham is the host, so she needs to dazzle. Surrounded by partygoers with painted faces, pirates, priests and enough feathers to drown an ostrich, Eleanor searches for a familiar face. As she follows a familiar pair of long legs up a grand staircase, she’s sure she’s on Lance’s trail. But she opens the door on a dreadful scene: Lance standing over a dead Colonel Puddifoot, brandishing a silver candlestick, the family safe wide open and empty. Moments later, the police burst in and arrest Lance for murder, diamond theft and a spate of similar burglaries. But Eleanor is convinced her love didn’t do it, and with him locked up in prison, she knows she needs to clear his name. Something Lance lets slip about his pals convinces Eleanor the answer lies close to home. Accompanied by her faithful sidekick Gladstone the bulldog, she begins with Lance’s friends – a set of fast driving, even faster drinking, high-society types with a taste for mischief. But after they start getting picked off in circumstances that look a lot like murder, Eleanor is in a race against time to clear Lance’s name and avoid another brush with death… "--Publisher
"England, 1920. Eleanor Swift has spent the last few years travelling the world: taking tea in China, tasting alligators in Peru, escaping bandits in Persia and she has just arrived in England after a chaotic forty-five-day flight from South Africa. Chipstone is about the sleepiest town you could have the misfortune to meet. And to add to these indignities - she's now a Lady. Lady Eleanor, as she would prefer not to be known, reluctantly returns to her uncle's home, Henley Hall. Now Lord Henley is gone, she is the owner of the cold and musty manor. What's a girl to do? Well, befriend the household dog, Gladstone, for a start, and head straight out for a walk in the English countryside, even though a storm is brewing... But then, from the edge of a quarry, through the driving rain, Eleanor is shocked to see a man shot and killed in the distance. Before she can climb down to the spot, the villain is gone and the body has vanished. With no victim and the local police convinced she's stirring up trouble, Eleanor vows to solve this affair by herself. And when her brakes are mysteriously cut, one thing seems sure: someone in this quiet country town has Lady Eleanor Swift in their murderous sights..."--Publisher description
K anglickým Vianociam patria koláče, veselé koledy, ligotavý stromček… a vražda? Našt’astie, je tu lady Eleanor Swiftová! Zima, rok 1920. Amatérska detektívka lady Eleanor Swiftová má sviatočnú náladu. Na svojom panstve Henley Hall hostí celú dedinu, na ktorú čakajú darčeky, hry a napečené medovníky. Nakúpila darčeky aj pre každého z domácnosti – nezabudla ani na svojho verného partnera pri vyšetrovaní, buldoga Gladstona, pre ktorého má najväčšiu kost’ z mäsiarstva – a teší sa na svoje prvé Vianoce na anglickom vidieku. Vonku padajú snehové vločky a Eleanor povzbudzuje účastníkov tradičného vianočného behu na pozemkoch Henley Hall. Stane sa však tragédia. Jeden z bežcov v cieli skolabuje a zomrie. Šarmantný detektív Seldon je presvedčený, že ide len o infarkt, ale Eleanor má pochybnosti. Ked’ na mieste, kde muž spadol, nájde nápadný kl’úč, vie, že nebude mat’ pokoj, kým nezistí pravdu o tom, čo sa stalo na jej panstve. Vzápätí ochorie miestny farár i jeho domáca a lekár v nemocnici vyhlási, že oboch niekto otrávil. Eleanor začne tušit’, že tieto prípady môžu súvisiet’. Potom sa páchatel’ pokúsi hodit’ vinu na ňu a priamo do jej kuchyne nastraží jedovaté bobule. Lady Swiftová vie, že ak nechce strávit’ sviatky vo väzení, musí rýchlo zistit’ pravdu. Celá dedina však bola v čase záhadnej smrti v Henley Hall a podozrivých je privel’a. Podarí sa Eleanor odhalit’ skutočného vraha a očistit’ svoje meno ešte pred Vianocami?
Okouzlující detektivka ze starých dobrých časů pro fanoušky Agathy Christie. Středověké sídlo, mrtvé tělo a podezřelá čokoláda? Zavolejte Lady Eleanor Swiftovou! Na podzim roku 1920 si lady Eleanor si slíbila, že si od vyšetřování vražd dopřeje pauzu. Když však na večeři ve Farrington Manor náhle zemře místní politik a kuchařka paní Pitkinová je obviněna z jeho otravy, Eleanor ví, že musí zasáhnout. S věrným buldočkem Gladstonem po boku se pouští do pátrání – a když se najde další mrtvé tělo a další sladkost je plná jedu, je jasné, že je vrah není daleko.