Beth's Story, 1914

April 28, 2014
Set in 1914 in a Downton Abbey–like estate, this first book in the Secrets of the Manor series covers the upstairs goings-on of a titled British family while giving insight to life among the help, as well. Beth can’t wait for her 12th birthday, when she will have a grand party and receive a family heirloom necklace. Her lady’s maid has quit, and Beth has her replaced with young housemaid Shannon, which causes resentment from the other housemaids. Meanwhile, a locket goes missing, and Shannon appears guilty; Beth investigates to find the real culprit and save her friend. Whitby peppers this lively story with engaging details about the estate, including a hidden tunnel that reveals a former governess’s long-lost diary whose pages appear throughout the story and help Beth solve the mystery. Beth’s lavish lifestyle and intriguing family history are also covered thoroughly, offering seeds for future books (Kate’s Story, 1914 is available simultaneously, and a pair of books set in 1848 are due later this year). Despite her privilege, Beth is down-to-earth and relatable, and she will have readers on her side from the start. Ages 8–12.

May 1, 2014
When her 16-year-old lady's maid is unjustly accused of stealing a piece of jewelry, a highborn English girl defies the strict hierarchical rules of her household by investigating both above- and below-stairs to find the true culprit.Lady Beth is about to turn 12. To mark this auspicious occasion, a grand party has been planned at Chatswood Manor, her beloved 15-year-old cousin Gabby is coming to visit, and she comes into the Elizabeth necklace, a family heirloom. But all does not go smoothly for the high-spirited, fair-minded and good-hearted heroine. Cousin Gabby, who now insists on the more mature moniker of Gabrielle, has become a demanding spoiled snob and is clearly no longer interested in young Beth. And of course, adult readers and young historians know something the characters are blind to: World War I is about to erupt, marking the beginning of the end of the era of the great English houses. The mystery itself is rather mild, yet Whitby generates a goodly amount of page-turning suspense. Despite the fact that Beth comes across an old diary that, coupled with hints from addled Great-Grandmother Cecily, is the setup for more mysterious secrets to come, the book provides solid closure and ends on a gratifying note.Entertaining mystery lite set in a Downton Abbey world. (Historical mystery. 8-12)

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April 1, 2014

Gr 4-7-This historical mystery series takes place in England in the pivotal year of 1914. The story centers around Lady Beth, who lives in the stately Chatswood Manor, on the eve of her 12th birthday. It is a family tradition that each Elizabeth upon turning 12 inherits the gorgeous sapphire jewelry known as the Elizabeth necklace. Not only will Beth receive this precious family heirloom, but a grand birthday ball is also being thrown in her honor. When Uncle Claude and his family arrive from France for the festivities, he brings doomsday predictions about an ever expanding Germany and an impending war. In addition, her favorite older cousin Gabrielle has become patronizing and belittling to Beth. When the necklace goes missing and a beloved servant is accused of the crime, Lady Beth decides to solve the mystery herself. Secret passageways, an old diary and family secrets are all in this delightful first entry in the series. Beth is a likable heroine who is plucky and determined and readers will be sure to sympathize with her. Replete with historical facts, fashion details and customs of the times, this novel is destined to be a hit with fans of the "American Girl Mysteries" (American Girl) and "Dear America" series (Scholastic).-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, St. Joseph, MI

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