Customer Reviews

Mrs. Jeffries Learns the Trade (Victorian Mysteries)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Please note: This is not a new book in the series but a collection of previously published books. So if you already have (1) The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries (2) Mrs. Jeffries Dusts for Clues and (3) The Ghost and Mrs. Jeffries don't buy Mrs. Jeffries Learns the Trade.

I was so very disappointed to receive this, only to find that it is only a collection of the first 3 books in the series!

I love this series, and I was so happy to see a new title that I ordered this as soon as it came out. I should have waited for a review to see what was really happening. I'll do that with the Brightwell books from now on.

Other authors publish collections, but you always know from the titles that they are collections. I was tricked into thinking this was a new story because of the title.

Don't order this book unless you really want the collection of her first 3 books! I'd give 0 stars if I could - because of the misleading title.

This collection of three Mrs. Jeffries mysteries is a sheer delight! Watch Mrs. Jeffries and her quirky staff grow in confidence and expertise as they track down the guilty parties. (Is Smythe sweet on Betsy?) Settle down in your comfy chair and enjoy!

Another triumph for Emily Brightwell and Mrs. Jefferies! Mrs. Jefferies sifts through detailed characters and motives and takes us right with her. Fun, interesting, no foul language or vulgarity...kept my attention.

This book is what I call "easy reading". Being the first book of the series, it sets the stage for the rest. All the characters are interesting - even the minor ones. Mrs. Jeffries is, of course, the most developed and the "real detective". I am looking forward to the the rest of the series.

This title is a compilation of the three first books in the Mrs. Jeffries' series: The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries, Mrs. Jeffries Dusts for Clues, and The Ghost and Mrs. Jeffries. This series is set in the Victorian era, and there are currently twenty-six titles in this series.
Mrs. Jeffries is a 57 year old housekeeper for Scotland Yard Inspector Witherspoon. She is a very clever woman who quietly learns about the Inspector's new cases and, using the other household helpers, she assembles clues quietly which she makes sure the Inspector learns--in other words, she is the brains behind the man. Since the household help feel fondness for the Inspector, they don't mind being used in this way. Of course, there is always a nemesis, and he is another Scotland Yard Inspector who can't believe Witherspoon has the talent or skills for case solving, and believes this happens through sheer luck.
Once I figured out the premise for the first book, I lost interest in reading further. I like a bit more depth in my mysteries.
However, if you like this time period and are looking for a light cozy, you might enjoy this series.

Being the first in the Mrs. Jeffries series, I think that the character development is a little lacking in this collection, but improves dramatically after the first couple books. The series overall I adore. I think they are fun, quick reads and just good mysteries. They are very creative and cheerful, with nothing that makes me nervous to have a younger daughter read. Love it!

I love all the Mrs. Jeffries books and this one is no different. Keep them coming!

Mrs. Jeffries Learns the Trade is a compilation of the first three novels in this series. For those of us just discovering Mrs. Jeffries this is absolutely great! The price is very reasonable for three novels, but even if were higher, just try to find copies of the early books in this series.

I sincerely hope the publisher decides to either republish, or create compilations, of the early...now out of print...stories. I know I would be extremely happy if they did!

Although the first book in this compilation was not my favorite start into a new series, the other two proved to do the trick. The characters are so likeable and fun, and the story isn't too dark or somber to bring down the tone of the book. I highly recommend this series for mystery lovers who want a light read that won't give them nightmares but thrill nevertheless.