ELIZABETH HOBBS
Marigold Manners Mysteries
MARIGOLD MANNERS MYSTERIES
Book 1
PRE-ORDER MISERY HATES COMPANY
"Smart, gutsy, and flawed, Marigold uncovers bodies, gothic humor, and a rich historical atmosphere, making this a must-read." ―Vanessa Riley, Award Winning Author of Island Queen and the Lady Worthing Mysteries.
A young woman is invited to a mysterious relative’s estate and winds up entangled in a murder investigation in this witty historical mystery that pits the gothic eeriness of Crimson Peak against the comic absurdities of Knives Out.
Miss Marigold Manners may be steeped in the etiquette of her old-money, Boston family, but she is also an accomplished, modern woman and an avid student of archaeology who can handle any situation with poise. When the death of her parents leaves her too destitute to pursue her academic career and she receives a letter from a distant relative on Great Misery Island, Marigold decides she must do what any person of superior sense and greater-than-average curiosity would: she mounts her trusty bicycle and heads up the craggy, fog-shrouded coast of New England for a date with fate.
Marigold arrives at Hatchet Farm, a moldering, gothic pile of a house inhabited by relatives so mired in the sins of the past, they have no future. She sets out to modernize the recluses with a brisk, ruthless efficiency, but her well-intentioned plans to manage their lives leads to malice—and murder. Marigold spies a body floating in the stormy waters surrounding the island and her suspicions immediately turn to her hostile, weapon-wielding relatives when one of the local girls turns up missing. And she might not be the only one.
When another dead body is found in the garden of the estate, Marigold finds herself accused. She must enlist the help of an eccentric, colorful cast of friends and found family to save herself—and everything she holds dear. As secrets are uncovered and lies exposed, the question of “who done it” turns into “who didn’t do it?”, and Marigold must face a truth that shatters her steely poise and shakes her very sense of self.
Elizabeth Hobbs also writes historical romance under the name Elizabeth Essex. When you finish MISERY HATES COMPANY, there's plenty more to read!
REVIEWS
MISERY HATES COMPANY hasn't released yet, but here's what readers have said about Elizabeth's other books:
“
Misery Hates Company is a rollicking ride that's part mystery, part comedy of manners, and thoroughly delightful! Full of rich prose and vivid descriptions, it's such fun to follow the charming and determined Marigold Manners on her adventures.
―Kate Belli, author of the Gilded Gotham mystery series
“
A perfect New England storm of family secrets, societal expectations, and murder, MISERY HATES COMPANY is an exciting debut. If Edith Wharton and Agatha Christie decided to team up, we'd get the headstrong and capable Miss Marigold Manners.
―Emily Edwards, author of the Girl Friday, Viviana Valentine Mysteries
“
With Marigold’s magnificently acerbic voice giving life to the mystery, Elizabeth Hobbs transports readers into a tale at once bleakly gothic and dazzling with the gritty decadence of the Gilded Age.
―Kate Khavari, author of the Saffron Everleigh Mysteries
“
Miss Marigold Manners is a joy, an inspiration and a dashing example of a New Woman, out to conquer the world and its limitations. She attacks injustice with positivity and grace and I cannot wait to see where she goes next!
―Deb Marlowe, USA Today bestselling author of the Kier and Levett Mystery Series
“
In "Misery Hates Company," Elizabeth Hobbs introduces Marigold Manners, an unlikely detective who navigates the historical catacombs with intelligence, determination, and grit. Smart, gutsy, and flawed, Marigold uncovers bodies, gothic humor, and a rich historical atmosphere, making this a must-read.
Set against the backdrop of dark family secrets on Great Misery Island off the coast of Salem, Massachusetts, the novel delivers suspense, giggle-worthy moments, and a well-plotted, unique story.
―Vanessa Riley, Award Winning Author of Island Queen and the Lady Worthing Mysteries.
“
Elizabeth Hobbs has created a true delight in Marigold Manners, an intrepid heroine too logical to admit that she's found herself caught up in a classic gothic tangle on Great Misery Island. As Marigold sets out to win over her curse-ridden and potentially murderous relatives, historical mystery fans will be equally charmed by her determination, humor, and roguish spirit. Misery Hates Company is an engrossing read from start to finish, perfect for curling up with on a dark and stormy night.
―Katharine Schellman, author of the acclaimed Nightingale Mysteries
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Hobbs is a New Englander born and bred, who spent her childhood roaming the woods, making up stories about characters who live far more exciting lives than she. It wasn’t always so—long before she ever set pen to paper, Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in classics and art history, and then earned her MA in nautical archaeology from Texas A&M University. While she loved the life of an underwater archaeologist, she has found her true calling writing historical mysteries full of wit, wickedness, and adventure. Elizabeth writes wherever she is and loves to travel from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband, the Indispensable Mr. Hobbs, and her darling dogs, Ghillie and Brogue, in an empty nest of an old house filled to the brim with bicycles and books.
CONTACT
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For cover quote and blurb requests, or rights inquiries, please contact Elizabeth's agent:
Danielle Egan Miller
Browne & Miller Literary Associates
browneandmiller.com
For all requests including charitable contributions, swag, interviews, teaching, and event requests, please contact elizabeth@elizabethessex.com.