4,5* rounded to 5.
I loved this funny, entertaining and enjoyable historical mystery, it made me love and it kept me hooked till the end.
Even if there are some of the issues typical of a first in a series it's a good historical cosy mystery and it is clearly inspired by the books of the Queens of the Golden Age.
Eleanor is an interesting characters, she changes during the book facing the difficulties of a new role and of sleuthing in an unknown environment. She's well developed and it's interesting to read how she changes.
Her relationship with Clifford, the butler, reminded me of Peter Wimsey and Bunter. They are bound by the rules of the society but they are also partner in investigating.
A character I loved is Gladstone the dog, some of the most funny parts involve him and you cannot help loving this dog.
The other characters are well thought and I'm curious to see how the relationship between Eleanor and Lancelot will develop.
The mystery is solid, full of red herrings and twists, and even if it wasn't hard to guess the culprit it was enjoyable and interesting.
I think that all the issues of this first instalment will be solved in the next stories and there is a lot of potential and I can't wait to read them.
It was an entertaining read, recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.