by Mary
Not bad for a little shack out in the middle of nowhere, eh?
I adore Downton Abbey. I learned this day before yesterday, thanks to streaming Netflix. They only have season one available at the moment but that was fine. Before the first episode was over, I knew I was going to be a hardcore fan.
Goodness gracious, the writing, the incredible cast, the scenery, and most of all,
... the dresses! Oh, what beautiful outfits!
It may be that two historical mystery series I've been reading lately have made watching Downton Abbey so enjoyable. If you're a fan of the show, you might enjoy these, too.
Rhys Bowen's "Royal Spyness" series stars Lady Georgiana, a young woman who happens to be Queen Victoria's great-granddaughter and 37th in line to the throne. Sounds great, but her title is more a problem than help. She's young, unmarried and trying to make it on her own in pre-WWII London. Her grandmother, Queen Mary, sends Georgie on a mission, to spy on the Prince of Wales and "that American woman" with whom he keeps company. Georgie's adventures are a delight, and the friends and family members who help her are lovable, wonderful characters.
Marion Chesney's "Poor Relations" series is set earlier, around the turn of the century, in London. Like Lady Georgiana, Lady Fortescue is near penniless in spite of her title and lineage. She meets a gentleman in the same situation, and the two decide to pool their resources in order to survive. They enlist a few ladies and gentlemen, also in dire circumstances, to join the household.
Though not strictly mysteries, these are most enjoyable time pieces. And, since the author has some experience in mystery writing under the pseudonym M.C. Beaton, I'm sure these books will satisfy mystery readers with their wit and interesting situations.
Next up is a Marion Chesney book that has such a great title, it must be good.
Sounds like another one for Downton Abbey fans. :)
I'm sure there are other good series set in the early 1900s. Do you have any to recommend that are set near that time?
By the way, I have a particular favorite character on Downton Abbey.
All the characters are fantastic, really, but Carson has a certain downplayed flair I love. :)
Now for Season Two!!!!
Mary,
I too discovered my love of Downton Abbey via Netflix. I couldn't wait for the second season, so I had to get this discs and am not watching season 3 live on PBS.
Charles Todd's books are great for Downton Abbey fans. Particularly their recent holiday book, The Walnut Tree.
Can't wait to see other recommendations so I can add to my reading pile. I love Lady Georgiana and will have to check out Marion Chesney
Posted by: Kristopher | January 09, 2013 at 06:09 AM
Lady Georgie is a favorite! As is Downton Abbey. What a boon for PBS that series has become.
Two other wonderful series from that era: Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy books, and Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series. The Maisie Dobbs books are darker then the others, but they are one of the most evocative of a time before the World Wars in England that was very rough on the lower classes, in particular.
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | January 09, 2013 at 06:27 AM
Kristopher, I may have to follow your lead and buy season two. After all, I'll want to watch the whole thing again some day, right? :)
Yes, love the Charles Todd books. Don't know how I missed The Walnut Tree. Thanks for the heads up!
Posted by: Mary | January 09, 2013 at 02:48 PM
Karen, yes, the Molly Murphy books are so good. And I'm crazy about Jacqueline Winspear's books, too. So far, I haven't been able to read Elegy For Eddie. Ack! Such a sad title! :) But her books are so solid, I'm sure I'll love it.
Posted by: Mary | January 09, 2013 at 02:54 PM
Oh Mary - you are lucky! Season 2, Xmas spesh and season 3 to go.
My favourite is Violet, the dowager Countess Grantham followed by Miss O'Brien. As for books people might enjoy - I couldn't possibly comment.
Posted by: Catriona | January 09, 2013 at 03:17 PM
HAHA!!
A-hem. In that case :) - it just so happens that I found a couple of goodies on your Dandy Gilver series:
'A subtle detonation of the cosy genre... an acute sense of period, sharp observation of the mores of the day (both above and below stairs), a nicely-judged infusion of humour and a winning heroine.' -- The Independent, 'Dan Brown meets Barbara Pym ... Dandy is brisk, baffled, heroic, kindly, scandalised and - above all - very funny' -- The Guardian
Wow, not that's what I call good recommendations.
I love the title of your new one, "Dandy Gilver and the Proper Treatment of Blood Stains." :)
Posted by: Mary | January 09, 2013 at 04:06 PM