Murder Through The English Post is the sixth book in the Beryl And Edwina Mystery series by Jessica Ellicott.

I enjoy visiting Walmsley Parva, and this visit is no exception. Edwina has recently been appointed magistrate for Walmsley Parva. While Beryl is getting used to a quieter life, she is also learning not to try and help their housekeeper.

Edwina’s first case as the magistrate involves two young men who got into a fight. One got an anonymous letter saying the other had made terrible accusations about him, thus leading to a brawl. Soon many other residents begin receiving these “poison pen letters”. Like Beryl, most who received a letter chose to ignore them. Beryl’s letter questions the living arrangement with Edwina and Mr. Simpkins. One lady has attempted suicide, and another lady’s death has been attributed to an asthma attack. Beryl and Edwina begin to wonder if the letter she received could have caused her asthma attack.

Surprisingly, Constable Doris Gibbs is starting to mellow a bit and asks Beryl and Edwina to help investigate who might be sending the poison pen letters. Beryl and Edwina will discreetly ask residents if they had received a letter and what it said, hoping that something will direct them to the writer.

Also, Mr. Simpkins, through his condiments company, will be introducing convenient foods for the working woman. Simpkins would like Beryl and Edwins to provide recommendations for his new line of food products and allow their images to be on the tins. Beryl is all for it but thinks it might take some convincing Edwina.

I love this series. The books are well-written, plotted, and the author skillfully describes Walmsley Parva. The book has a wonderful cast of characters. I would consider them my friend.

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this enjoyable series. ( )

1920s, England, friendship, private-investigators, investigation, law-enforcement, sly-humor, cosy-mystery, relationships, lies, small-town, small-business*****

Why are there so many vile lying poisoned pen letters about? Is it only about malicious mischief or is one of them hiding the writer's murder of one of the victims?
Beryl is a peripatetic American and Edwina is a proper Britisher, but they were at finishing school together and became good friends. Several months ago, Beryl moved in with Edwina and they set up a private enquiry agency with the help of the resourceful gardener (who has since inherited a prolific condiment business) and the more than helpful housekeeper. The publisher's blurb caught my attention AGAIN, but the story reeled me in right to the astonishing end!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )