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.

Book Summary

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.