This time I’ll be discussing a delightful period piece mystery series set in England during the 1920s, the Daisy Dalrymple Mystery Series by Carola Dunn. Daisy Dalrymple is a young upper-class woman who could be living in her family’s estate supported by relatives. Instead she works for a living, as a journalist >>> at least partially because she doesn’t want to be taking money from said relatives.
Still, she isn’t too proud to trade on her family name to help ensure at least a moderate amount of success >>> as she does in the first book in the series, Death at Wentwater Court, where she uses her family name to arrange an opportunity to begin a series of articles on country manor houses, beginning with a Christmas visit to Wentwater.
Of course, she isn’t the only guest for the holidays – the thoroughly unpleasant Lord Stephen Astwick also makes a surprise visit, half-invited by one of the sons of the household. As with any unlikable guest in a Cozy Mystery, it quickly develops that almost everyone in the house has a reason to dislike Lord Astwick >>> so it’s no surprise when he turns up dead in a tragic early morning skating accident. Of course, not all is as it seems, and when young Chief Inspector Alec Fletching turns up, Daisy is quick to point out that this just might not have been an accident at all.
One thing I particularly like about this series (beyond the setting – I’m partial to British Cozies, regardless of their time period) is that the relationship doesn’t seem particularly forced between Daisy and Alec. Death at Wentwater Court in particular does a fairly good job of working Daisy and Alec into a somewhat believable relationship, where Daisy’s involvement in the case seems to develop almost organically, without her necessarily pushing forward. Instead, pressed by a lack of manpower due to the holiday season and presented with a fellow “outsider” who seems reliable, the pair are forced to work together in a relatively natural fashion.
Since Carola Dunn’s Daisy Dalrymple Mystery Series is one of the most recommended Cozies in our monthly recommendations, I know there are lots of other Daisy Dalrymple-readers. If you’d like to add something to this entry, please post a comment. (I know it’s difficult to not add spoilers, but since some people will be starting the series, please try to not give away any of the future books’ action.) Thanks!
P.S. If you’re interested in other entries about some highly recommended Cozy Mystery series, you can see them on the Most Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my site.
Billie says
I enjoy this series. Have even read some of the historical romances by the same author. Carola Dunn is one of the authors I recommend to others.
Ruth says
I really enjoy this series and also like her Cornish one too.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Billie, I haven’t read any of Carola Dunn’s historical romances but I’m guessing they are well-written since she seems to be a very good writer.
Hanna says
There are certainly many of them. I, too, am partial to British mysteries, so will have to get started. Soon.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hanna, I hope you enjoy this series as much as I have. I know there are lots of Cozy Mystery readers who enjoy it a lot.
Val says
I discovered Daisy Dalrymple last year and I just love them. As an avid English visitor to your website, I would recommend them to all my American “cosy” friends out there!
Beth says
i would love to know if Val has any other British/English cozies she would recommend?
Val says
I don’t know if Beth, or other American readers can get Ann Granger’s books in the States, but they are excellent, especially the Mitchell and Marksby series. Hope this helps!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Val, I absolutely love Ann Granger’s Markby & Mitchell Village Whodunit Mystery Series! What a great series to recommend. The absolutely only problem with the series is that it ended after 15 books. I wish Ann Granger had kept writing these wonderful Cozies!
Carole M. says
I’m so grateful for new recommendations in the British cozy mystery genre!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Val, I read the first one several years ago when I was in a Cozy Mystery reading group. I’ve been a fan ever since, and always look forward to seeing new Daisy Dalrymple releases. I’m not all caught-up with the current one, but I’m always happy to see there will be one more for me to read.
CuppaCozy says
As an added bonus, these books are available in audiobook format. I like the time period and the humor in this series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
CuppaCozy, and it is an “added bonus”! I love listening to Cozies in the car…
Sheila in CT says
I love the Daisy Dalrymple series. I discovered Carola Dunn series about 16 years ago. My great niece is named Daisy and I was pulled to the series because of her name. But I guess it turned out well because the series was excellent. Time for a reread. Wouldn’t the Daisy Dalrymple series be great for Hallmark Mystery Channel?
CuppaCozy says
Yes! That’s an excellent idea!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sheila in CT, I think I discovered Daisy at about the same time as you did. I know it was after Carola Dunn started the series, so I was able to read a few of them before I caught up. (However, I have since then fallen behind again!) I agree with you and CuppaCozy about Daisy being an ideal candidate for a Hallmark Mystery channel sleuth. What fun that would be!
Barbara says
I, too love the Daisy Dalrymple series.They are well written with no sex or foul language…..it amuses me when Alec says “Great Scott Daisy”. I love books set in Great Britain.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Barbara, I love the name “Daisy” and truly think Daisy Dalrymple is a great example of what I love about that name. (I hope this makes sense!)
Angela says
I love this series as well! Not only are the main characters a delight but the cast of support characters are fun also. I find that as some series approach the 20 book mark they lose a little something of their original luster but I can honestly say I haven’t seen that yet with the DD series, the latest book was just as good as the first in my opinion.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Angela, I totally agree with you about all of the characters in the Daisy Dalrymple series. (And, I also totally agree about some series needing to wrap-up after so many books!)
Cindy M says
Well, I just reserved the only Dalyrmple mystery book my local library carries and appreciate all the positive comments submitted by everybody here. I just discovered this website and can’t believe how thorough you’ve been in comprising these lists! Thank you much. I know I will enjoy being able to find and read so many cozy mysteries.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cindy M, welcome to the Cozy-Mystery site! I’m glad you found us over here. Also, I hope you enjoy your Daisy Dalrymple mystery.
Linda H says
I just discovered this series and already think it will be among my favorites. I also enjoy the British books.
Berneice D says
Have not seen any new books from Ms Dunn, is she planning on releasing a new Daisy Dalrymle any time soon
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Berneice, I haven’t heard about anything new by Carola Dunn either – she is about 75, so it wouldn’t be surprising if she was more or less retired at this point.
Mary L says
I was recently introduced to Daisy by a friend. I bought all the books at Thrift books and have devoured them in delight as if they were candy. I’m so sad to leave Daisy’s world, family and friends. Guess I’ll just have to start over and re-read them all. It’s what I did with my Phryne Fisher books. I hated leaving Melbourne and her adventures, too.