I have no idea how I got behind on this series, but what a treat to get to read 2 books back to back! Book #39 in this fantastic series, Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice, was just as delightful as all of the other books in the series. How does Emily Brightwell do it? I have no idea, but I hope she continues.
Inspector Nigel Nivens and Inspector Gerald Witherspoon are both policemen, but they are polar opposites in every respect. Inspector Witherspoon is conscientious, dedicated, honest, and hardworking. Inspector Nigel Nivens is none of those. Yet, Nivens’s jealousy of Witherspoon’s success has led him to do everything in his power to thwart Witherspoon in the execution of his job, even if it meant hindering justice. His antics would have gotten anyone else fired, but Nivens has connections in high places that have kept him from safe…until he is accused of murder. Scotland Yard is now in between a rock and a hard place. The department wants to be thorough to ensure there are no mistakes, but each day that Nivens walks free appears like the police are covering up for one of their own. Due to Inspector Gerald Witherspoon’s impeccable record and reputation for integrity, he is assigned the case.
What Inspector Gerald Witherspoon doesn’t realize, is that he has been receiving a lot of help solving his cases. His housekeeper, Mrs. Jeffries, and the other household staff along with some close friends, use their ingenuity and connections to track down clues which they funnel to Constable Barnes, who makes sure that Inspector Witherspoon stays on the right path. Despite their dislike for Nivens, the household doesn’t believe he’s a cold-blooded killer. Can Inspector Witherspoon, Mrs. Jeffries, and the household staff put their feelings aside and work to find the real killer?
I have enjoyed this series. I have especially enjoyed seeing the characters evolve over the course of the books. Gerald Witherspoon has gone from being relatively clueless to becoming a competent investigator. Characters have gotten married, had children, and new characters have joined the group. After 39 books, you might not think there were more new things to learn about the characters. You’d be wrong. Throughout the series, we’ve heard of Nivens’s powerful connections, but until now, readers haven’t learned much about Nivens’s personal life. This changes in Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice. Brightwell gives us a glimpse into Nivens’ life and reveals the extent of his connections. What a treat.
Mrs. Jeffries always keeps her friends close and now must keep an enemy even closer if she is going to catch a killer. . . .
Inspector Nigel Nivens is not a nice man or a good investigator. In fact, he’s terrible at his job and has always done everything he can to make life difficult for Inspector Witherspoon. But even his powerful family can’t help him after he maliciously tried to hobble Witherspoon’s last homicide investigation. He’s been sent to a particularly difficult precinct in the East End of London as penance.
When a paid informant is found shot in an alley, Nivens thinks that if he can crack the case, he’ll redeem himself and have a much-needed chance at impressing his superiors. But there’s one big problem with his plan—Niven’s distinct antique pistol is found at the scene of the crime and even more evidence is uncovered that links the Inspector to the murder.
Despite their mutual dislike for Nivens, Mrs. Jeffries and Inspector Witherspoon know the man isn’t a cold-blooded killer. Now they’ll just have to prove it. . . .