A Medal for Murder (Kate Shackleton Mysteries)

 Not since Jacqueline Winspear has a writer captured the traditional British mystery as wonderfully as Frances Brody in her Kate Shackleton novels.  A winning combination of both intricate plotting and nostalgic post-WWI English country setting, A Medal for Murder will appeal to fans of both classic murder mysteries in the vein of Agatha Christie as well as readers of historical mystery series set in 1920s England, two popular subgenres.

As the novel opens, it's no rest for the wicked when Kate Shackleton picks up her second professional sleuthing case. But exposing the culprit of a pawn-shop robbery turns sinister when her investigation takes her to the wealthy neighborhoods of Harrogate—and murder is only one step behind.  A night at the theater should have been just what the doctor ordered, until Kate stumbles across a body in the doorway. The knife sticking out of its chest definitely suggests a killer in the theatre's midst. Kate likes nothing better than a mystery—except solving it. So when a ransom note demands GBP1,000 for the safe return of the play's leading lady, Kate must piece together clues—and lure criminals out of their lairs.

Praise for A Medal for Murder

“Brody again displays her prodigious talent for misdirection, tempered by her fair play with clues that render the possibility that the reader will not be fooled. But dont bet on it…. Steeped in period color, A Medal for Murder again showcases a winning heroine and a clever plot, a combination reminiscent of the genres golden age but one made fresh and gripping by an author who melds murder with mercy.” -Richmond Times-Dispatch

“Brodys excellent second offers a morally conflicted sleuth, historically detailed flashbacks to the Boer War and a clever mystery indeed.” --Kirkus

“This lusciously written historical cozy is an excellent addition to the crowded 1920s market, and Brodys second series entry (after Dying in the Wool) positions her for deserved attention. Her gentle and traditional structure (noteworthy use of flashbacks) pairs nicely with Kerry Greenwood (see review above) and Jacqueline Winspear titles.” -Library Journal

“These gentle crime novels, that have you guessing at every turn… are a pure joy.  Refreshing and highly entertaining, especially for the winter nights.” - Yorkshire Gazette and Herald

"A Medal for Murder contains all the elements of crime fiction - theft, kidnap, murder, a feisty private detective, a handsome Detective Inspector, a (sometimes) dour sidekick, plenty of suspects and all the twists and turns we expect from our genre…. A work of extraordinary depth, lightness of touch and strength of characterization." --Mystery Women

Praise for Dying in the Wool

"The first in a planned series introduces a refreshingly complex heroine and adds a fine feeling for the postwar period." -Kirkus

"Brody, who has written historical fiction, presents a carefully researched setting, with accurate references to the popular culture of the day and clear explanations of the dyeing and weaving processes at the mill." --Booklist

“Reminiscent of Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie with a thoroughly likeable protagonist and a plot that held me to the end.” --Mignon F. Ballard, author of the Miss Dimple Kilpatrick Mystery Series

“This well-plotted and atmospheric tale is enriched by technical expertise and a vividly imagined Yorkshire setting.  Kate Shackleton joins Jacqueline Winspears

Maisie Dobbs in a sub-group of young female amateur detectives who survived and were matured by their wartime experiences…. They make excellent heroines.” --Literary Review

“Kate Shackleton joins Jacqueline Winspears Maisie Dobbs… They make excellent heroines.”  --Literary Review

Frances Brody's "refreshingly complex heroine" (Kirkus Reviews), picks up a case that takes her to the refined streets of 1920s Harrogate in A Medal for Murder

A pawn-shop robbery

It's no rest for the wicked as Kate Shackleton picks up her second professional sleuthing case. But exposing the culprit of a pawn-shop robbery turns sinister when her investigation takes her to Harrogate in Yorkshire, England - and murder is only one step behind ...

A fatal stabbing

A night at the theatre should have been just what the doctor ordered, until Kate stumbles across a body in the doorway. The knife sticking out of its chest definitely suggests a killer in the theatre's midst.

A ransom demand

Kate likes nothing better than a mystery - and nothing better than solving them. So when a ransom note demands £1,000 for the safe return of the play's leading lady, the refined streets of Harrogate play host to Kate's skills in piecing together clues - and luring criminals out of their lairs…

FRANCES BRODY is the author of Dying in the Wool, A Medal for Murder, and Murder in the Afternoon. She lives in the North of England, where she was born and grew up. Frances started her writing life in radio, with many plays and short stories broadcast by the BBC. She has also written for television and theatre. Before turning to crime, she wrote sagas, winning the HarperCollins Elizabeth Elgin award for most regionally evocative debut saga of the millennium.