The Case of the Dotty Dowager (WISE Enquiries Agency)

By Cathy Ace

Rating: 5/5 Stairs

The ladies of the WISE Enquiries Agency (named after the four members nationalities: Welsh, Irish, Scottish, and English) have realized that if business doesn’t pick up, they may find the Agency unable to continue. Luckily, they receive a case from Henry Twyst, the Eighteenth Earl of Chellingworth in Wales to help keep the business running – for now. Three of them go undercover to Chellingworth and the nearby village, while the fourth remains in London serving as their technical researcher.

While the ladies are busy trying to determine if Henry’s mother did see a dead body in the dining room (and if so, what happened to it?), the larger goal of this book seemed to be setting up the series itself. It is a charming British cozy with four ladies of varying backgrounds and ages. Although they are all experiencing different stages of life, they enjoy each other’s company and work well together.

The book introduces several other interesting characters outside of the WISE four, which I hope will continue to be a part of the series. I especially enjoyed Henry’s mother, the Dowager.  As a fan of the television show Downton Abbey, I found myself picturing her as Dame Maggie Smith.

The first in the WISE Enquiries Agency series, this book sets the stage for the ladies future endeavors. The book ends with several cliff hangers for the Agency. I am looking forward to find out what the next book has in store.

Staying true to the cozy genre, this is a quick, fun read with enjoyable characters. The alert armchair detective will be able to piece the clues together as the ladies gather them to solve the mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.