Death by Diamond

Lady Ellen Investigates, Book 5

By: Kelly Mason

Narrated by: Frances Butt

Lady Ellen settles back into life at Ashcombe Hall and eagerly awaits the return of Captain Ernest Hamilton from Cairo. But her peace is shattered when a notorious thief is found dead on the neighbouring Worthington estate. Heading over to console Lady Jane Worthington, Ellen’s day takes an unexpected turn—a plane crashes on her land, piloted by flame-haired Alex, the Duke of Loxborough, who is once again masquerading under a pseudonym. As charming as he is, Ellen is unnerved by his presence—she does not trust him.

Ellen discovers that the dead thief had been attempting to steal a pair of rare pink diamonds, recently acquired by Lord Worthington and rumoured to be cursed. Though Ellen would prefer to leave the matter to the police, Jane’s pleas—and Alex’s insistence on staying in Ashcombe until the case is solved—draw her reluctantly into the investigation. She wants the mystery and Alex gone before Hamilton returns!

©2025 Kelly Mason (P)2025 Kelly Mason

So Many Twists and Turns

If asked, I would be hard-pressed to say whether this book was more character or plot driven. Certainly, the characters, both those we know and love and those we don't, play integral roles in the development of the story, and it is not lacking in character development. However, the multiple plot lines are intertwined and seem to carry the characters with them through surprise after surprise. Regardless, this book checks all the boxes for me. It brings closure, opens up new possibilities, and leaves me wanting more.

As always, the narrator does an outstanding job voicing these characters.

Confusing!

I’ve loved the first four books but this one confused me with too many characters/“sub” characters and too many current and past story lines converging and involved in one book.

Don like narrator

The stories are fine but the narrator’s style is boring and Mae’s it difficult to listen to .