Between writing, work, the pandemic, and life in general, I’ve gotten behind on reading for pleasure. A recent vacation (socially distanced, masked, and full of safety precautions) has renewed my energy. One of the first books I reached for was Mrs. Jeffries and the Alms of the Angel by Emily Brightwell. I love British historic mysteries, but I’m not really a fan of the Victorian era. However, there is an exception to every rule, and the Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries series is that exception for me. When the series starts, Inspector Gerald Witherspoon is over the records room at Scotland Yard when his Aunt dies and he inherits her fortune. He becomes a wealthy man with a house and servants including a housekeeper, Mrs. Jeffries, whose late husband was a country constable. Inspector Witherspoon would have been perfectly content to continue in Scotland Yard’s Record Room until Mrs. Jeffries nudges him to “follow his inner voice” and take a more active role in investigating. Not leaving anything to chance, Mrs. Jeffries and the other servants, realize that they too can help serve the cause of justice, and set out to help the inspector by talking to shop keepers, servants, and using their vast network of sources to gain information and funnel the information to Inspector Witherspoon in such a way, that he doesn’t realize that he is getting help.
After 38 books, Inspector Gerald Witherspoon has learned a lot about solving murders. In fact, he has solved more murders than anyone else in Scotland Yard, which has made him highly sought after, even when the murders take place outside of his district. So, when Margaret Starling, a wealthy upper-class widow, is murdered, it’s not surprising that Inspector Witherspoon is assigned to the case. Margaret Starling is well-loved by her servants, but not everyone felt the same. In fact, it doesn’t take long for Inspector Witherspoon to learn that there are a host of suspects who had quarreled with Margaret Starling. Inspector Witherspoon’s list of suspects includes the rector of St. Andrew’s Church, Reverend Reginald Pontefract; her next-door neighbor, Mrs. Huxton; her nephew, Edgar Redstone; the head of the Angel Alms Society, Graham McConnell; and Angel Alms Society Board Member, Merton Nesbitt. Inspector Witherspoon and Constable Barnes have their hands’ full sorting through the clues with so many suspects. And, their job isn’t made any easier, when the inspector’s rival, Inspector, Nigel Nivens, takes offense at having Inspector Witherspoon assigned a murder in his district, and attempts to “hobble” the investigation by withholding information and resources.
Despite the various obstacles, Inspector Witherspoon, with the help of Mrs. Jeffries, his servants, friends, and the rank and file on the police force who appreciate Witherspoon’s honesty and integrity, once again solves the murder and catches the killer. Not only does Inspector Witherspoon bring a killer to justice, but he makes a move to ensure that justice prevails on more than one front. No spoilers. If you want to know what happens, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this excellently crafted, long-running series. While each book can be read (and enjoyed) as a stand-alone, I highly recommend that you pick up the first book, THE INSPECTOR AND MRS. JEFFRIES, and follow the evolution of these characters. 
The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries
Mrs. Jeffries and the Alms of the Angel