Even though the evide In Book 26, Inspector Witherspoon investigates a deceptive Yuletide murder case amidst wedding preparations. Lies, intrigue, and long-buried secrets emerge as he unravels the truth amidst uncooperative witnesses and sulking relatives. Mrs. Jeffries Speaks Her Mind

Mary Frances Jeffries (1819 – 1891) was a madam and procuror in London's underworld during the late 19th century.

Witherspoon doesn’t like Nivens, but he doesn’t believe he is capable of murder. However, the evidence is pretty clear. In Witherspoon’s view, the only way to conduct the investigation is to be unbiased and to start fresh and look at ALL of the clues, not just the obvious ones. As he investigates, he learns that there are many, many, many people who have reasons to want the victim dead. What I love about these books most of all is the feeling that this staff, as well as their neighbors who help "solve" the crimes, are family. They may not be related by blood, but they care for each other. They care for their employer so much that they risk their own safety at times to gather clues.

So while living at Long Beach California, and despite being preoccupied with a full time job and the task of having to take care of two children, she began writing. She actually started by writing romances, an exercise that even saw her become a member of the Romance writers of America. Within no time Cheryl became a renowned and an accomplished American writer under the name Cheryl Lanham or simply under pseudonyms Sarah Temple and as Emily Brightwell that she used in a number of her writings. Actually, she has since written a number or romance novels as Sarah Temple, together with some young Adult novels under the name Cheryl Lanham, not to mention writing a number of series and books using the name Emily Brightwell, the author of the Mrs Jeffries mysteries. I can definitely recommend this if you want an interesting mystery and some fun interactions with some lovely people. Now, I have to wait for the next one. The timid inspector Witherspoon knows he is in dire need of help when Dr. Bartholomew Slocum gets murdered at his surgery. He hasn't got a clue how to proceed. Though someone is thrilled at the misery of the good inspector. Michael Provost lived a quiet life, yet this successful owner of a medical supply company was spotted floating facedown off the Chelsea Vestry Wharf. His servants adored him, and he had no greedy relatives or business rivals - who'd ever want him dead?In “ Mrs. Jeffries and the Missing Alibi”, Inspector Witherspoon is wrongly accused of murder and banned from an investigation by Scotland Yard. But, with his housekeeper and partner in crime, Mrs. Jeffries, by his side, they defy expectations and work tirelessly to clear his name. Mrs. Jeffries Stands Corrected