Solving A MURDER IN ASHWOOD
A tense courtroom drama, and a web of intrigue and obsession ...
Welcome to the pages here on All That Glitters that talk about my novels! You’re here with me for A Murder in Ashwood.
A Murder in Ashwood: Scandals and Secrets in the Gilded Age
New Year’s Day, 1902: Ashwood awakens to a foul murder.
Buffalo, New York . . . as the remains of the great Pan-American Exposition are swept away, and the bitter memories of William McKinley’s assassination at last dwindle away . . . the city reels again after the sensational murder of successful businessman Edward Miller, bludgeoned to death in his cozy den, in one of the city’s most fashionable enclaves: Ashwood.
But for all its glamor, Ashwood guards the dark secrets of many of its young, up-and-coming residents, including those of Edward’s estranged wife Alicia, her lover Arthur Pendle, and would-be detective Sarah Payne. Soon, they will all face a hurricane of courtroom drama, public outrage, and the behind-the-scenes scheming of cold and corrupt District Attorney Terence Penrose.
Meanwhile those caught up in the most scandalous crime of a new century have reputations to protect, skeletons best kept hidden away in the tidy closets of fashionable Ashwood, and plenty of reasons to prevent the truth behind Edward Miller’s murder from ever seeing the light of day—the truth that only Edward Miller, it seems, knew.
Can justice be done, and the truth uncovered by Sarah’s fledgling Avenging Angel Detective Agency, before the killer strikes again?
The Setting and Its Significance
Although you do not need to read my books in order – each story stands on its own — Ashwood picks up where The Unsealing leaves off, with the botched investigation into Ed Miller’s brutal murder and the circus-like Police Court inquest (and public shaming of Alicia Miller).
But that’s where the stories diverge, and after a tense courtroom battle of wits between Alicia and the District Attorney’s minions (who are desperate to sweep the whole damn thing under the rug!), fledgling detective Sarah Payne resolves to seek justice for Ed another way.
It’s quite a tale . . . complete with everything from cloak-and-dagger detective intrigue to bed-wrecking sex.
“Robert Brighton's A Murder in Ashwood is a meticulously crafted mystery notable for its well-crafted narrative. While it serves as a sequel, it functions seamlessly as a standalone novel, requiring no prior knowledge of the series. The story eschews unnecessary filler, placing a heavy emphasis on natural and engaging dialogue. Characters behave convincingly and realistically, reflecting Brighton's thorough research into the societal norms and behaviors of the chosen period. The result is a remarkable historical mystery that defies conventional expectations.
The heart of the mystery in this novel…shifts the focus onto the journey rather than the destination. How did the murderer execute their plan? How many allies were involved? Can truth and justice prevail against an orchestrated web of corruption and oppressive authority? These are the mysteries that our protagonists must unravel, and their ultimate triumph remains uncertain. As they inch closer to the truth, they begin to question the very values that initially drove them to seek justice, leaving readers to ponder their fate with bated breath.” — Literary Titan
Reviews and Reception
Here’s a sampling of industry and reader reviews for A Murder in Ashwood:
“… Setting this series apart from other historical mysteries is Brighton’s deft hand at capturing dishy lives of long ago, as his Ashwood residents gossip, scheme, preen, and love…has the feel of a great cocktail party…a polished, rewarding page-turner …” - BookLife Reviews - Editor's Pick
“… The author is a talented storyteller, and it is hard to resist the very detailed and authentic world he creates … [Alicia] and Sarah [Payne, founder of the Avenging Angel Detective Agency] are wonderful complements and effectively drive the plot…Time and place are fully realized in this murder story … a fascinating period piece.” - Kirkus Reviews
“A Murder in Ashwood is … a captivating novel of betrayal, deception, power, conscience, crime, and love … dynamic and thought-provoking … a beautiful and engaging story written by a talented writer … Five Stars …” - Readers’ Favorite
"Brighton weaves a scandalous story full of murder, infidelity, and a web of lies. Spectacularly naughty, A Murder in Ashwood paints a picture of revenge with characters that are seductive and sly. Readers who enjoy mysteries set in the Gilded Age era will delight in this novel." - Seattle Book Review
“Absolutely wonderful book - an absolute must read! This has it all - it is a well-paced and intriguing mystery that unfolds so smartly, while also delving into the psychology of what is happening, with thoroughly developed characters and inventive scenes and plotlines throughout. Plus, this book is so credible with historically correct details, courtroom scenes that unfold better than any drama you’d imagine, detective drama, interpersonal relationships that are complex and respectfully developed and portrayed by the author, and more.“ - Goodreads Reviewer
Book Club Resources for A Murder in Ashwood
For your book club, download the Book Club Kit, complete with discussion questions, recipes, and resources.
About The Avenging Angel Detective Agency
1901 . . . in the shadow of the great Pan-American Exposition, a heinous crime claims the life of someone near and dear to beautiful Sarah Payne, and when the powerful in the city of Buffalo close ranks to prevent justice from being done, Sarah takes matters into her own hands.
In a series of novels set in the late Gilded Age, you'll follow Sarah and her other Avenging Angels as they tackle the cases that no one else will touch ... and become enmeshed in the loves, lusts, and secret intrigues of the fashionable but naughty social scene.
Each Avenging Angel Detective Agency Mystery - while allowing you to build a long-term relationship with recurring characters - is an independent story that invites you to glimpse a facet of a glittering time long ago, one both strange and mysterious and yet eerily familiar . . . while you’re invited to join the collection from the start, you can start anywhere and read these books in any order!
Pick up your copy of A Murder in Ashwood
A Murder in Ashwood is available everywhere your favorite books are sold, in limited edition collectible hardcover, paperback, and e-book.
On Robert’s online shop, you can get a signed and inscribed hardcover along with fun companion items from the author’s collection.
You’ll also find A Murder in Ashwood at your local independent bookstores, and libraries. Enjoy!
You can read The Avenging Angel Detective Agency™ Mysteries in any order!
