Two Truths and a Murder - A Review

 Review

TWO TRUTHS AND A MURDER by Colleen Cambridge
The Fifth Phyllida Bright Mystery

Phyllida Bright is an exceptional housekeeper competently running Mallowan Hall, the home of Agatha Christie and her husband, Max Mallowan. She's also become quite adept at detecting, recently solving several murders. It's her investigatory prowess that lands her at The Rollingbroke's dinner table, not as a servant, but as a guest. Vera Rollingbroke believes that her husband is having an affair and is certain that Miss Genevra Blastwick is the other woman and she wants Phyllida to prove she's correct. After dinner the brash Generva coyly suggests that she has witnessed a murder, only she didn't realize it was a murder at first. The other guests, Phyllida included, believes she is just trying to be the center of attention and no one takes her seriously. But the next morning Generva's sister, Ethel, is dead, run over while walking home from the party. And it wasn't an accident. Someone must have mistaken her for her sister, meaning that there actually was a murder and someone from the dinner party must be the killer. Between running her household staff and dealing with her feelings for a certain chauffeur Phyllida Bright will have to solve two murders - that of Ethel Blastwick and the original murder that led to Ethel's demise. 

I absolutely love the Phyllida Bright Mystery series and this latest addition is a standout. With word getting out that Phyllida is a better investigator than the local constabulary, it's no wonder people look to her for help. But as she investigates possible infidelity, then murder, she discovers truths about Bradford, Myrtle, and her own feelings. She also discovers horrible truths she can barely comprehend.

I especially enjoy how Phyllida continues her duties as a housekeeper and how the staff know more than she thinks they do! They all work together, even helping Mr. Dobble. Intelligent writing, wonderful characters, and more than once surprise kept me reading long into the night.

TWO TRUTHS AND A MURDER is a twisty mystery filled with psychological angst. Yet there's also a lot of humor and love. In all a fantastic addition to a wonderful series.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Two Truths and a Murder by Colleen Cambridge. This is the fifth book in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series and was released October 28, 2025.

Phyllida Bright is an exceptional housekeeper competently running Mallowan Hall, the home of Agatha Christie and her husband, Max Mallowan. She's also become quite adept at detecting, recently solving several murders. It's her investigatory prowess that lands her at  The Rollingbroke's dinner table, not as a servant, but as a guest. Vera Rollingbroke believes that her husband is having an affair and is certain that Miss Genevra Blastwick is the other woman and she wants Phyllida to prove she's correct. After dinner the brash Generva coyly suggests that she has witnessed a murder, only she didn't realize it was a murder at first. The other guests, Phyllida included, believes she is just trying to be the center of attention and no one takes her seriously. But the next morning Generva's sister, Ethel, is dead, run over while walking home from the party. And it wasn't an accident. Someone must have mistaken her for her sister, meaning that there actually was a murder and someone from the dinner party must be the killer. Between running her household staff and dealing with her feelings for a certain chauffeur Phyllida Bright will have to solve two murders - that of Ethel Blastwick and the original murder that led to Ethel's demise.

Murder Takes the Stage - A Review

 Review

MURDER TAKES THE STAGE by Colleen Cambridge
The Fourth Phyllida Bright Mystery

While she'd rather stay in the countryside at Mallowan Hall, housekeeper Phyllida Bright has journeyed to London with a small staff. The Christies are staying in the city while one of Agatha's plays is being considered for production. It's not just the small staff and rude chef, it's Phyllida's past that's causing the unflappable housekeeper concern. When an actor is found dead at the theatre, Agatha Christie's first call is to Phyllida. Although murder was Agatha's first thought, it appears the death was natural. But not so much the second death...or the third. Will Phyllida be able to stop the killer before her own past catches up to her?

The Phyllida Bright Mystery series is one of my most favorites, with crisp wit, deft characterization, and exquisitely plotted mysteries. This fourth book in the series takes us away from Mallowan Hall to the bustle of London. I was delighted to learn more about Phyllida's past, especially the way Bradford dealt with the knowledge. I love seeing their relationship grow, looking on with a quiet grin, just like Agatha Christie herself. As always I love the dynamics within the staff...and the London chef adds quite a bit of drama...and fun. The mystery itself was compelling with twists and turns and the theatrical setting was an added bonus.

MURDER TAKES THE STAGE is a delightful historical mystery filled with wry humor, a smidge of reluctant romance, and a beautifully crafted mystery.

A Murder Most French - A Review

 Review

A MURDER MOST FRENCH by Colleen Cambridge
The Second American in Paris Mystery

Tabitha Knight is a horrible cook, but with her good friend and neighbor Julia Child teaching her, she’s slowly improving. To further Tabitha’s culinary knowledge Julia insists she accompanies her to her school where the Chef Beauchȇne is giving a demonstration. The demonstration turns disastrous, however, when the chef opens a rare bottle of wine, sips, and keels over dead. When a second chef is killed in the same manner the following day, right in front of Tabitha and Julia again, the pair can’t help but be intrigued. Who would want to kill these chefs? And why? Does it have anything to do with the vandalism at the markets? 

Tabitha makes such a great protagonist. She's smart, ingenious, and capable. She's also devoted to her friends and family. I love the relationships found in this series, Julia and her husband (and I love that this relationship mirrors their real life one), Julia and Tabs, Grandpère and Oncle Rafe, Tabitha and her messieurs, and Tabitha and Merveille. I can't wait to see what develops.

I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and how excited both Tabitha and Julia were at the possibility of solving another murder. Although I had a good inkling on who the killer was, I didn't know the motive. I loved seeing how everything all came together.

One of my favorite things about the American in Paris Mystery series is how Julia Child joyously describes food and cooking. Her enthusiasm is catchy and makes me feel happy. I still picture the dancing chicken breasts!

A MURDER MOST FRENCH is a scrumptious postwar mystery that will have you wanting to cook, but maybe passing on any rare wine.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading A Murder Most French by Colleen Cambridge. This book is the second in the American in Paris Mystery series. 

Tabitha Knight is a horrible cook, but with her good friend and neighbor Julia Child teaching her, she’s slowly improving. To further Tabitha’s culinary knowledge Julia insists she accompanies her to her school where the Chef Beauchȇne is giving a demonstration. The demonstration turns disastrous, however, when the chef opens a rare bottle of wine, sips, and keels over dead. When a second chef is killed in the same manner the following day, right in front of Tabitha and Julia again, the pair can’t help but be intrigued. Who would want to kill these chefs? And why? Does it have anything to do with the vandalism at the markets?

Murder By Invitation Only - A Review

Review

MURDER BY INVITATION ONLY by Colleen Cambridge
The Third Phyllida Bright Mystery

An invitation arrives at Mallowan Hall stating that a murder will occur that very night at neighboring Beecham House. A clever way to get the attention of Agatha Christie, but with the novelist in London it is housekeeper Phyllida Bright who attends the event, representing Agatha and her husband. A dynamic couple, Mr. and Mrs. Wokesley have designed a murder mystery game as a way to meet their neighbors, with Mr. Wokesley playing the part of the victim. As guests mingle and question the "suspects", Mrs. Bright feels it's time to leave, after all she's had enough of murder after recently solving two real ones. A scream stops her egress-Mr. Wokesley has taken method acting too far-he is indeed dead!  

With a flair for the dramatic and a love of the theatre Mr. Wokesley's introduction to Listleigh, with a special attempt to garner the attention of Agatha Christie, seems perfect. Scads of neighbors walking about investigating the "murder" when they've got an actually dead body in front of them, what a perfect setting for the third Phyllida Bright Mystery!

Though not quite a locked room mystery, it is a closed circle one in that only people with entry to the stage could have committed the crime. Even with a small number of suspects Phyllida has her work cut out for her as it seems almost all of the actors had a motive. I love how she scrambles to detect all she can before the inspector arrives, questioning and snooping, all while basically taking over the running of Beecham House when she finds it not up to her exacting standards.

Phyllida Bright is capable and efficient. She's not warm, or even terribly sympathetic, but her attitude is not off putting. Never one to suffer fools, Phyllida has nonetheless has garnered the admiration of servants far and wide. We're given a few clues as to her mysterious backstory and I can't wait to learn more. We also get to learn more about Bradford, and I had to smile at Agatha's sly way of getting Phyllida to learn more about him as well. I may have a bit of a thing for Bradford, but Dr. Bhatt is no slouch either. I'm also thankful that the recipe for his most excellent cold remedy is included.

MURDER BY INVITATION ONLY is a clever historical mystery filled with intriguing characters, subtle humor, and a delightful premise. I look forward to seeing what happens next!

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Murder by Invitation Only by Colleen Cambridge. This book is the third in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series and will be released next week.

An invitation arrives at Mallowan Hall stating that a murder will occur that very night at neighboring Beecham House. A clever way to get the attention of Agatha Christie, but with the novelist in London it is housekeeper Phyllida Bright who attends the event, representing the Christies. A dynamic couple, Mr. and Mrs. Wokesley have designed a murder mystery play as a way to meet their neighbors, with Mr. Wokesley playing the part of the victim. As guests mingle and question the "suspects", Mrs. Bright feels it's time to leave, after all she's had enough of murder after recently solving two real ones. A scream stops her egress-Mr. Wokesley has taken method acting too far-he is indeed dead!

Mastering the Art of French Murder - A Review

 Review

MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER by Colleen Cambridge
The First American in Paris Mystery

 

At loose ends in Detroit Tabitha Knight accepts her grandfather's invitation to stay with him and Oncle Rafe in Paris. This former Rosie the Riveter is skilled with a screwdriver, but less adept with a spatula. Wanting to please her messieurs, Tabs is keen to improve her nonexistent cooking skills. Fortunately, her new friend, Julia, the larger than life American across the street, has happily agreed to help her. The pair soon become embroiled in a murder when a body is found in Julia Child's building...and her knife is discovered to be the murder weapon.

 

MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER totally captivated me. I loved everything about it from the distinctive characters to the finely crafted mystery. Colleen Cambridge has exquisitely captured the feeling of a Paris recently freed from occupation. A certain resoluteness, determination, and joy suffuses the work along with the ambiance that is uniquely Parisian. 

Tabitha Knight is a delightful protagonist. She's clever and caring, yet has her own foibles. It's wonderful to have Julia Child as a major character. Her lively and outgoing personality radiates from the page and I can see and hear her as she gets involved in murder, though cooking, and friendship, remain her priorities. Tabitha's grandpère and Oncle Rafe are an absolute delight, as are their pets, Oscar Wilde and Madame X. Inspecteur Merveille personifies the phrase "still waters run deep" and I know we'll get to know him more intimately as the series progresses; at least, if Julia and I have interpreted the writing on the wall correctly.

This crisply written mystery is well executed with suspense, thrills, and clever detection on the part of several of the characters. I was captivated from start to finish. MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER is simply post-war Paris perfection.

A Trace of Poison - A Review

 Review

A TRACE OF POISON by Colleen Cambridge
The Second Phyllida Bright Mystery 

In order to help St. Wendreda's orphanage raise funds for a new roof Agatha Christie and fellow members of the Detection Club are holding a Murder Fête in the village of Listleigh. Eminently competent housekeeper Mrs. Phyllida Bright is there to make sure everything is just so and everything is running smoothly, that is until Father Tooley drops dead. It seems the good Father was poisoned. But was he the intended victim? With all of the suspects well versed in murder, finding the killer will be a challenge. Will Phyllida be able to guide the local constabulary to the correct suspect?

An actual murder at a murder fête? A fête filled with not only aspiring mystery novelists, but some of the greatest minds of crime fiction? What a fantastic concept, and one actualized brilliantly in A TRACE OF POISON. Who would know better how to plot an actual murder than a murder mystery author? And who better to solve it? While most members of the Detection Club are keen to solve the crime, Agatha Christie knows her friend and housekeeper, Phyllida Bright, is the woman who can puzzle it out, while keeping the press at bay.

I love how Mrs. Bright investigates, though she says she's merely guiding the police to the correct path. Listening to the servants, most of whom are in awe of her and keen to impress, following leads, and using her own little grey cells lead Phyllida on a path with plenty of twists and turns. I thought I had solved the thing only to discover I fell into one of the killer's traps. I also love how other real people from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction were brought in. Like some members of the fictional local writing club, I was also fangirling G. K. Chesterton and Dorothy Sayers. As a fan of Father Brown, I loved reading references about him as well. The combination of real historical people with fictional characters is handled with aplomb and adds something special to the story.

With an incredible cast of characters and a puzzling murder in a bucolic setting A TRACE OF POISON is a captivating read reminiscent of the novels from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading A Trace of Poison by Colleen Cambridge. This book is the second in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series.

In order to help St. Wendreda's orphanage raise funds for a new roof Agatha Christie and fellow members of the Detection Club are holding a Murder Fête in the village of Listleigh. Eminently competent housekeeper Mrs. Phyllida Bright is there to make sure everything is just so and everything is running smoothly, that is until Father Tooley drops dead. It seems the good Father was poisoned. But was he the intended victim? With all of the suspects well versed in murder, finding the killer will be a challenge. Will Phyllida be able to guide the local constabulary to the correct suspect?

Murder at Mallowan Hall - A Review

 Review

MURDER AT MALLOWAN HALL by Colleen Cambridge
The First Phyllida Bright Mystery 

 

Phyllida Bright runs an orderly household. Having served as a nurse on the front lines of the Great War not much can shock the housekeeper. Still, she is taken aback when she discovers a dead body in the library. A dead body in Agatha Christie's library. Surprised that Agatha Christie is not going to investigate the murder herself, Phyllida decides that she will take matters into her own hands, summoning her inner Hercule Poirot to find a killer.

A dead body in a library is a classic mystery stereotype. A dead body in Agatha Christie's library is genius! Agatha, like most sensible mystery writers, shows no inclination to solve the murder, after all she pens fiction. That leaves the snooping then to her more than capable housekeeper. I love Phyllida Bright! She's not your average amateur sleuth. She's wryly observant, has a keen sensibility, and holds many, many secrets. I am so intrigued about her past, I hope that we slowly get to learn more about her. The rest of the household staff is also endearing, even the fussbudgety Mr. Dobble. I love the possibility of romance with not one, but two possible suitors. One is brusque and annoying, the other cultured and complimentary. What I love even more is that she is fully capable of taking care of herself!

The mystery is complex, a veritable labyrinth filled with red herrings and guests acting guiltily. Phyllida's approach to solving the crime is smart, fun, and a joy to read. 

At times funny, at times touching, MURDER AT MALLOWAN HALL is a smart creative start to a new series. I can't wait to see what happens next.