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The Case of the Dotty Dowager

Book 1 in the series:WISE Enquiries Agency Mystery

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"The Case of the Dotty Dowager" by Cathy Ace follows the WISE Enquiries Agency, comprised of four women from Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and England, who work together to solve cases. The plot involves a mystery surrounding the disappearance of a body in a Duke's home, with the women detectives using their unique skills and backgrounds to uncover the truth. The writing style is described as full of promise, with a fun plot that introduces readers to interesting historical facts like Waterloo teeth. However, some readers found the delivery method lacking immersion as the story was mostly told rather than shown.

Characters:

The characters are a diverse and complementary group of women, though some may not resonate well with all readers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is accessible but can sometimes feel cliched and overly expository.

Plot/Storyline:

The mystery centers on the disappearance of a body, featuring intriguing twists and turns.

Setting:

The setting enriches the cozy atmosphere, situated in a British countryside home.

Pacing:

The pacing is enjoyable, although it may start slow before picking up.

Notes:

The Case of The Dotty Dowager is the first book in the WISE Enquiries Agency Mystery series.
Henry Devereaux Twyst is the 18th Duke of Chellingworth and was not raised to be the Duke.
Althea, the Dowager Duchess, believes she saw a dead man in her dining room but the body is missing when Henry arrives.
The WISE Enquiries Agency is made up of four women: Annie Parker, Mavis MacDonald, Carol Hill, and Christine Wilson Smythe.
Each member of the WISE agency has unique skills that help in the investigation.
The mystery involves the disappearance of a body and clues like a bobble hat and valuable antique dentures.
Characters in the book include a pregnant member who stays at the command center and one who poses as the Duke's girlfriend.
The humor and writing style have been praised, yet some readers felt the characters and language could be improved.
The book features strong themes of friendship and teamwork among the diverse cast of women.
Reviews highlight that the book is entertaining and a cozy British mystery, despite some initial challenges in the narrative style.
The author, Cathy Ace, includes aspects of British history, including the concept of 'Waterloo teeth' in the plot.

From The Publisher:

"A gratifying contemporary series in the traditional British manner with hilarious repercussions. Cozy fans will anticipate learning more about these WISE ladies" - Library Journal Starred Review

Meet the Women of the WISE Enquiries Agency. The first in a new series.

Henry Twyst, eighteenth Duke of Chellingworth, is convinced his mother is losing her marbles. She claims to have seen a corpse on the dining-room floor, but all she has to prove it is a bloodied bobble hat.

Worried enough to retain the women of the WISE Enquiries Agency - one is Welsh, one Irish, one Scottish and one English - Henry wants the strange matter explained away. But the truth of what happened at the Chellingworth Estate, set in the rolling Welsh countryside near the quaint village of Anwen by Wye, is more complex, dangerous, and deadly, than anyone could have foreseen . . .

 
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