by Benedict Brown (Author), George Blagden (Narrator), Heathdene Books (Publisher)

An audiobook review.

     I believe I’ve read all of Benedict Brown’s Lord Edgington and Christopher books, set in the 1920s in Jolly Olde England.

I love the unusual pair, the eccentric posh and fumbling schoolboy combination of murder solving. It’s perfect for any kind of mystery. The older, well-known detective knows ALL the rules and sees a criminal in everyone. The barely 19-year-old still believes nice people are innocent and desserts are the best part of meals.  The fun give-and-take and the apparent love between the two are heartwarming and delightful aspects of all these books.

In THE CHRISTMAS BELL MYSTERY, there are crimes–well, murders–but several other nasty deeds emerge as well.  There are many red herrings, which are frequently served by Edgington’s eccentric cook. (haha- just kidding). Some unusual twists and revelations confuse the detectives for a while.  And there are many suspects, but at the same time, almost no suspects could have done the dirty deeds. Everyone is lying (I think) except one young lady.  

Initially, Christopher becomes a “knight rescuing a fair maiden,” urging his grandfather to help him. Lord Edgington gladly jumps at the game, and they barge into a country manor house at Christmas in a snowstorm.  Hilariously, this time, the old gent brings along his family as well as his staff. (Who but the famous Lord Edgington would dare to do that?). No one has been murdered yet, but…. 

I have yet to determine the criminal in any of Lord Edgington’s books before the pair points him or her or them out!  This book is NO exception. 

The narration is always superb, including the singing of old songs that Brown loves to insert.

I look forward eagerly to the lengthy “author notes” at the end of Benedict Brown’s book (especially in the audio version). It is just as fun, fascinating, and well-written.