Eggs over Arsenic (Agora #7) by Clay Boutwell

Eggs over Arsenic (Agora #7) Reviews

• 
  Cheryl (Takin' It Easy This Year!)

  This is a 3.5 star read.
  
  I have a real love affair with historical whodunnits and this novella doesn't disappoint!
  My first read by this author, I have come in quite a fair way down in the series (book 7) but didn't have any problem delving into the story so I'd say this works well as a standalone read.
  Written in a style similar to Sherlock Holmes but without too flowery a prose, I was left fascinated in trying to work out the culprit. Very well written and paced, the author has created a cast of characters to both love and loathe ..... and really, there wasn't much to like at all about our victim in this tale.
  I'll admit I worked out who our murderer was some time before the end of the novella, but not how our detectives came to that conclusion, nor to the reason why our victim was killed.(which I enjoy just as much as the who)
  I would wholeheartedly recommend this author and series to lovers of historical whodunnits and those that prefer a more genteel murder mystery.
  
  I received an ebook of this novella from the author via Bookfunnel. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
• 
  Sherry McWilliams

  Received a free copy for a review. Really enjoyed this story. Plan to read more by Clay Boutwell.
• 
  Bonnie Dale Keck

  kindle unlimited, another of the sort of Sherlock type mysteries, had to stop to check that the last one {#6} as part of this as goodreads doesn't list it as this, chops the title short}
  
  An art critic is brutally murdered and the subject of his last review is suspected. Did the artist do it or was it one of the family members--all of whom had motive and opportunity? Join Carl Brooke and Captain Barnwell as they uncover the clues and weed through the red herrings to discover the surprising identity of the murderer.
  
  The Agora Mystery Series - 1 Two Tocks before Midnight - 2 The Penitent Thief - 3 The Peace Party Massacre The Curse of the Mad Sheik (The Agora Mystery Series Book 4) The Captain's Play #5
  Available as 3 pack set/4 set I THINK and 5 set {listed below}
  The Agora Letters: 5 Cozy Murder Mysteries
  Murder by Monday: A 19th Century Historical Murder Mystery (The Agora Mystery Series Book 6)
  Eggs over Arsenic: A 19th Century Historical Murder Mystery (The Agora Mystery Series Book 7)
• 
  Aaron Lazar

  Clay Boutwell just keeps them coming...and I'm glad to know that, because I'm truly addicted now to his lyrical Victorian writing style and his delightful characters. Not only are these short stories clever mysteries, but they are just plain fun. Being immersed in an environment much like the good old Sherlock Holmes stories is a welcome respite from life when it's tough, and I love the escape Mr. Boutwell's books provide.
  
  I have to say--without really saying it because I don't want to spoil the story--there was one featured character in this book who really grabbed my attention. I fell in love with him/her, and before we discovered that he/she was the culprit, I had already imagined asking the author to start a whole new series based on him/her. ;o) Yes, this character was that good!
  
  Thank you, Mr. Boutwell, for writing these gems. Hope they continue forever!
• 
  Bob Morton

  Clay Boutwell has done another good job with the interesting mystery in this classic who done it.
  
  An art critic is murder. Only one way to get to the poison to killed him. On top of that a house full of suspects, many who had the motive, others had the means. As Carl Brooke (a Sherlock Holmes type) and Captain Barnwell (policeman investigating) try to find out the person who did the murder, the ones most likely to may not be the one who did it.
  
  Keeps you guessing until the end but go back and read it and the clues are there.
  
  Other than the murder, it is safe to read for all age groups. Even the murder is just talked about not seen.
  
  Recommended for people who want a good quick mystery to read.
• 
  Pete

  This is another great addition to the 'Agora' series, it is written in a very convincing and accurate 'Victorian' style and set in the USA. The plot, which revolves around the murder of an art critic, is very tightly crafted and somewhat like an Agatha Christie story, has several red herrings, and it is very difficult to spot who the real perpetrator is. The writing style however, for me, is reminiscent of Arthur Conan-Doyle's in that is written from the viewpoint of one of the two detectives/investigators. So you get a combination of Christie and Conan-Doyle, which works extremely well.
  
  
• 
  Krystyna

  True to the period and a wonderful puzzle
  
  A delightful read that has vibes of the Golden Age of mystery writing. A critic drops dead after eating dinner. Who and how was he killed? Although the suspects are few it reads like one of Christie's works with the same misleading clues and twists that will have you going in the wrong direction. The characters are all very true to the time period and are full of life. A wonderful old style whodunit.
  I received an ARC copy for a honest review
• 
  Bev

  I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. When an art critic is killed, there is no loss of suspects. The critic wasn't loved by anyone, and deservingly so. The suspects are a bunch of quirky people related to the artist. Did the artist do in the critic or did a family member do it? Carl Brooke and Captain Barnwell have their work cut out for them. I nice short murder mystery story.
• 
  C.

  How lucky can you get that Clay Boutwell keeps writing these delightful stories. I'm always waiting for the next one to come out. Great length to sit poolside or snuggled with my favorite throw and hot chocolate. Oh no, I'm not going to tell you anything about the book. That's for your enjoyment and I wouldn't spoil it for the world. When is the next one, Clay?
• 
  Cheryl

  This is the first time reading this author and it won't be the last. The main characters is Carl and Captain Barnwell. They are called to a murder the Hood home where Carl's cousin works. They are put to the test trying to figure out who did it. I enjoyed figuring out who did with them. Looking forward to more cases.
• 
  Jan

  Another well crafted mystery of The Agora Society. A quick read to exercise the mind as the red herrings pile up. The victim is a despicable man, and everyone under suspicion seemed to have a reason to murder him, but legal proof must be found. Excellent!
• 
  Sandra

  Well written, with the good story. Reminds me of A.Christie's book where truth is found out by talking with the susects and interviewing them. Nice set of characters, vividly described, and it is easy to follow the plot. The book does not drag on. All in all, very nice cosy to enjoy on a rainy day.
• 
  Lynn

  An appealing captivating closed door murder mystery done quite well! The characters were all unique in their own way, the setting a lovely duck dinner in a large comfortable house! And when they all get up the next morning one of them has been killed!
• 
  Rebecca Cochran

  Very Good Novella
  
  I really enjoyed the characters presented. A quirky little murder mystery with many suspects but only one obvious killer.......but still I wasn’t sure.
• 
  Elizabeth

  My review of Eggs over Arsenic
  
  I loved it! What sad tale for Carl’s family. Brilliant written, a total page turner! This a must read series! I look forward to the next book!
• 
  T. Ayn Brockhaus

  Strangely addictive.
• 
  Elissa

  The Art Critic
  
  A drawing room whodunnit with a deserving corpse and some pretty seedy suspects. Narrated with style by the author.
• 
  Rosemary

  Eggs Over Arsenic - a review by Rosemary Kenny
  
  This neatly encapsulated murder-mystery, [ #7 in the Agora Series] includes strong male lead characters, Captain Banwell and Sir Carlton Brooke.
  
  The precisely revealed plot centres on the murder of acid-tongued art critic, Mr Hood by means of the deadly eponymous eggs. Investigating the heinous crime are Nola the cook's cousin, Sir Carlton and fellow Angora member Captain Banwell in true Conan-Doyle-like style. With no less than six suspects to hand, solving the complexities of the case would foil many a lesser sleuth, but not for our intrepid heroes.
  In no time at all the villain is revealed and justice is served.
  
  Clay Boutwell has pulled off another master-stroke, which will be acclaimed as a firm favourite for historic murder-mystery-thriller lovers, that will thrill readers of all ages right to the last page!
• 
  Aaron Lazar

  Clay Boutwell just keeps them coming...and I'm glad to know that, because I'm truly addicted now to his lyrical Victorian writing style and his delightful characters. Not only are these short stories clever mysteries, but they are just plain fun. Being immersed in an environment much like the good old Sherlock Holmes stories is a welcome respite from life when it's tough, and I love the escape Mr. Boutwell's books provide.
  
  I have to say--without really saying it because I don't want to spoil the story--there was one featured character in this book who really grabbed my attention. I fell in love with him/her, and before we discovered that he/she was the culprit, I had already imagined asking the author to start a whole new series based on him/her. ;o) Yes, this character was that good!
  
  Thank you, Mr. Boutwell, for writing these gems. Hope they continue forever!
• 
  alice Tileston

  Recieved free for review:
  This had me guessing all the way to the end!
  Want to read more by this author now!
• 
  Margaret

  👍👍👍👍👍Wow! This well written, suspense drama written in a classic who-done-it style is surpurb.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The author offers the reader a chance to follow along and solve the murder of an acid tongue art critic, Mr Theodore Hood.😱😱 Amoung the six suspects we find unique, colorful, relatabe characters who all seem to be somewhat likeable. Captain Barnwell, investigatior must sort out the clues and disgard the red herrings to bring the guilty one to justice. Look closely for the clues and you can figure it out and why. 👏👏👏👏👏
  Wow! I love these kind of stories. 😘😘😘A fun, quick read. Read and enjoy.