The Maid and the Mansion: An Impossible Heist (The Maid and the Mansion Cozy Mystery—Book 5)

By Fiona Grace

In post-World War II England, a clever, young woman named Mary Adams finds herself thrust into a world of privilege and secrets as she transitions from being a wartime factory worker to a maid in the grand estates. When a distant relative hires Mary, she finally feels at home—until an unexpected death shatters the calm….

"Very entertaining. I highly recommend this book to the permanent library of any reader that appreciates a very well written mystery, with some twists and an intelligent plot. You will not be disappointed. Excellent way to spend a cold weekend!"
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (regarding Murder in the Manor)
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THE MAID AND THE MANSION: AN IMPOSSIBLE HEIST is book #5 in a charming historical cozy mystery series by Fiona Grace, #1 bestselling author of Murder in the Manor, which has over 10,000 five star reviews!

As Mary navigates the delicate intricacies of high society, she also finds herself privy to their darkest secrets. As a maid, Mary moves through mansions unnoticed and unheeded, allowing her to overhear tales of jilted lovers, gossip from fellow maids, and secrets straight from the mouths of the rich and elite.

As Mary delves deeper into the intricate web of secrets within the stately manor, she encounters a cast of eccentric and intriguing characters, each with their own secrets—and their own motives for murder.

Will Mary uncover their secrets in time? Or become just another story whispered about in the grand halls?

A charming historical cozy mystery series that transports readers back in time, THE MAID AND THE MANSION is mystery at its finest: spellbinding, atmospheric and impossible to put down. A page-turner packed with shocking twists, turns and a mystery that’s hard to solve, it will leave you reading late into the night, all while you fall in love with its unforgettable heroine.

Future books in the series are now available!

“The story line wasn't just a who done it, but had a story about her life and romance, including village life. Very entertaining.”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“It has endearing and sometimes quirky characters, a plot that keeps you reading and the right amount of romance. I can’t wait to start book two!”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)
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“What a great story of murder, romance, new beginnings, love, friend ships and a wonderful cascade of mystery.”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)
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“This is a clean contemporary romance that you will find hard to put down!”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Always, Forever)
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“A bit of romance and a very determined woman! I have read many of Fiona Grace's novels and loved every one of them—this was no exception. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this new series!”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Always, With You)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fiona Grace
• Release date: Apr 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9781094383576

Book preview

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THE MAID AND THE MANSION:

AN IMPOSSIBLE HEIST

(The Maid and the Mansion Cozy Mystery—Book Five)

FIONA GRACE

Fiona Grace

Fiona Grace is author of the LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY series, comprising nine books; of the TUSCAN VINEYARD COZY MYSTERY series, comprising seven books; of the DUBIOUS WITCH COZY MYSTERY series, comprising three books; of the BEACHFRONT BAKERY COZY MYSTERY series, comprising six books; of the CATS AND DOGS COZY MYSTERY series, comprising nine books; of the ELIZA MONTAGU COZY MYSTERY series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the ENDLESS HARBOR ROMANTIC COMEDY series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the INN AT DUNE ISLAND ROMANTIC COMEDY series, comprising five books (and counting); of the INN BY THE SEA ROMANTIC COMEDY series, comprising five books (and counting); of the MAID AND THE MANSION COZY MYSTERY series, comprising five books (and counting); of the ALICE BLOOM COZY MYSTERY series, comprising five books (and counting).

Fiona would love to hear from you, so please visit www.fionagraceauthor.com to receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.

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Copyright © 2024 by Fiona Grace. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the author. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally.

BOOKS BY FIONA GRACE

THE MAID AND THE MANSION COZY MYSTERY

A MYSTERIOUS MURDER (Book #1)

A SCANDALOUS DEATH (Book #2)

A MISSING GUEST (Book #3)

AN UNSOLVABLE CRIME (Book #4)

AN IMPOSSIBLE HEIST (Book #5)

INN BY THE SEA ROMANTIC COMEDY

A NEW LOVE (Book #1)

A NEW CHANCE (Book #2)

A NEW HOME (Book #3)

A NEW LIFE (Book #4)

A NEW ME (Book #5)

THE INN AT DUNE ISLAND ROMANTIC COMEDY

A CHANCE LOVE (Book #1)

A CHANCE FALL (Book #2)

A CHANCE ROMANCE (Book #3)

A CHANCE CHRISTMAS (Book #4)

A CHANCE ENGAGEMENT (Book #5)

ENDLESS HARBOR ROMANTIC COMEDY

ALWAYS, WITH YOU (Book #1)

ALWAYS, FOREVER (Book #2)

ALWAYS, PLUS ONE (Book #3)

ALWAYS, TOGETHER (Book #4)

ALWAYS, LIKE THIS (Book #5)

ALWAYS, FATED (Book #6)

ALWAYS, FOR LOVE (Book #7)

ALWAYS, JUST US (Book #8)

ALWAYS, IN LOVE (Book #9)

ELIZA MONTAGU COZY MYSTERY

MURDER AT THE HEDGEROW (Book #1)

A DALLOP OF DEATH (Book #2)

CALAMITY AT THE BALL (Book #3)

A SPEAKEASY DEMISE (Book #4)

A FLAPPER FATALITY (Book #5)

BUMPED BY A DAME (Book #6)

A DOLL’S DEBACLE (Book #7)

A FELLA’S RUIN (Book #8)

A GAL’S OFFING (Book #9)

LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY

MURDER IN THE MANOR (Book#1)

DEATH AND A DOG (Book #2)

CRIME IN THE CAFE (Book #3)

VEXED ON A VISIT (Book #4)

KILLED WITH A KISS (Book #5)

PERISHED BY A PAINTING (Book #6)

SILENCED BY A SPELL (Book #7)

FRAMED BY A FORGERY (Book #8)

CATASTROPHE IN A CLOISTER (Book #9)

TUSCAN VINEYARD COZY MYSTERY

AGED FOR MURDER (Book #1)

AGED FOR DEATH (Book #2)

AGED FOR MAYHEM (Book #3)

AGED FOR SEDUCTION (Book #4)

AGED FOR VENGEANCE (Book #5)

AGED FOR ACRIMONY (Book #6)

AGED FOR MALICE (Book #7)

DUBIOUS WITCH COZY MYSTERY

SKEPTIC IN SALEM: AN EPISODE OF MURDER (Book #1)

SKEPTIC IN SALEM: AN EPISODE OF CRIME (Book #2)

SKEPTIC IN SALEM: AN EPISODE OF DEATH (Book #3)

BEACHFRONT BAKERY COZY MYSTERY

BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A KILLER CUPCAKE (Book #1)

BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A MURDEROUS MACARON (Book #2)

BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A PERILOUS CAKE POP (Book #3)

BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A DEADLY DANISH (Book #4)

BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A TREACHEROUS TART (Book #5)

BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A CALAMITOUS COOKIE (Book #6)

CATS AND DOGS COZY MYSTERY

A VILLA IN SICILY: OLIVE OIL AND MURDER (Book #1)

A VILLA IN SICILY: FIGS AND A CADAVER (Book #2)

A VILLA IN SICILY: VINO AND DEATH (Book #3)

A VILLA IN SICILY: CAPERS AND CALAMITY (Book #4)

A VILLA IN SICILY: ORANGE GROVES AND VENGEANCE (Book #5)

A VILLA IN SICILY: CANNOLI AND A CASUALTY (Book #6)

ALICE BLOOM COZY MYSTERY

MURDER IN THE MARIGOLDS (Book #1)

RUIN IN THE ROSES (Book #2)

DECEIT IN THE DAFFODILS (Book #3)

SCANDAL IN THE SAFFRON (Book #4)

CATASTROPHE IN THE CARNATIONS (Book #5)

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER ONE

The sweet smell of rich, sugary berry jam on the boil wafted outside, from the big kitchen window, to where Mary Adams was sweeping the courtyard. The courtyard contained several large pots of herbs and had a panoramic view of the berry orchards on the hillside.

Seven weeks ago, when she started work at Beaumont Place, working for the wealthy, but kindly-natured, Lady Beaumont, Mary would have associated this smell and sight with the lighthearted freedom of summer.

But now, as she breathed in the aroma and stared out over the neat rows of berry bushes, she couldn’t prevent a frisson of nervousness.

This was no ordinary jam. It represented the pinnacle of Lady Beaumont’s tireless work and talent, as well as the entire estate’s hopes and dreams.

Over the past weeks, Mary had watched the berries ripen on the lovingly tended vines, planted in neat rows on the sunniest slopes of the hillside, in fertile yet well drained soil. Then, she had watched the regal, gray-haired widow herself head out with a basket in her hand, in the evening just before sundown, and hand pick the choicest of the crop, carefully washing each berry in the large sink outside the kitchen.

Now, the finishing touches were being made to what would hopefully be the prizewinning jam at the Oaktree Village Summer Gathering. But the problem was that Lady Beaumont seemed uncharacteristically nervous. Over the past few days, she’d been brittle, tense and snappish. In fact, she’d turned into a completely different person from the one who’d welcomed Mary and Hannah to the estate in late spring, in a calm and friendly way, while explaining their duties as the stand-in housemaids for two employees who were taking eight weeks of long leave.

Then, the household had seemed like a calm, happy place. Now, Mary was feeling more and more frequently as if she were walking on eggshells.

Was Lady Beaumont always like this when the pressure intensified, Mary wondered. Perhaps it was due to pre-competition nerves.

Or was there a problem with the jam this time around – one which might cost the estate this prestigious title?

If you could fetch me the butter? The lady’s sharp, clear voice rang out, causing Mary to turn her head in the other direction, this time toward the kitchen window.

Was she talking to Mary?

Deciding it was better to be sure, because the timing might be critical, Mary propped her broom against the white-painted wall. Eager to help, she rushed through the kitchen door, smoothing down her gray apron and tucking back a lock of her butter-blond hair that had been blown loose by the summer breeze.

Hurrying through the scullery, which was neat and clean, with a pile of dried dishes on the side table ready to put back into the cupboard, she headed into the spacious and modern kitchen, where the aroma of the jam simmering on the big electric stove was intense, almost overpowering.

Wielding a long spoon, with her hair tied back and covered by a silken headscarf, the tall, rangy widow was lightly caressing the surface of the jam with the tip of the spoon.

Almost ready, she muttered, without even looking up. Her attention was entirely focused on her sweet, fruity creation.

And her instruction hadn’t been for Mary. In fact, Mary’s best friend Hannah was already returning from the pantry, with the block of butter on a tray.

Hannah gave Mary an excited glance, her brown eyes sparkling.

Doesn’t it smell delicious? she said in encouraging tones, putting the butter down within easy reach of Lady Beaumont, on the counter beside the stove.

It smells mouthwatering, Mary agreed supportively.

I’m not sure about the consistency, Lady Beaumont muttered to herself, shaking her head, still keeping her gaze fixed on the pot. It might cool perfectly, but it might be a touch too runny. At least the butter will make the consistency glossy. But now – do I boil it again or not?

Sighing, she stared down. Her shoulders looked tense. She was gripping the spoon – hard.

This meant everything to her, Mary realized, with a twist of her stomach. It was far more than just bringing home a trophy.

To add to the pressure, Mary knew this was the last batch that she’d have time to make before the fair, which was tomorrow. Although the three previous batches had seemed perfect to her, Lady Beaumont had found minor flaws with them. But there wasn’t time to make any more. The limiting factor seemed to be the berries themselves, which had taken longer than usual to ripen, thanks to a rainy spell and some unseasonably cold weather in early June.

Lady Beaumont spooned a tablespoon of the jam into a saucer. This was the fourth saucer she’d used so far. She waited, peering down at the saucer, prodding it with her spoon.

Should it go through one more boil? the lady asked. "What do I need to do to make it perfect? How do I retain my title this year? What will he like?"

That last question was uttered in stressed, brittle tones.

Does the temperature of the kitchen make a difference to the jam? Mary asked. She had no idea if this was a factor or not. All she was trying to do was to offer some constructive input. However, to her shock, Lady Beaumont reacted in a most uncharacteristic way.

She turned – ripping her gaze from the jam for the first time in hours – and glared at Mary.

Do you have any practical experience of jam making?

Shocked, Mary took a step back. She hadn’t expected an attack, and the tone in Lady Beaumont’s voice was vitriolic.

This was showing a new side of her, one that Mary had never known existed.

No, ma’am, I don’t have any experience at all of jam making. I was just hoping to learn more about it, she said humbly.

Ah. Lady Beaumont nodded, breathing out, grimacing as if she was forcing herself back into a better temper. Well, the ambient temperature shouldn't make a difference at this stage. If the jam was being made in a freezing kitchen or in a massive heat wave, then it might be a factor when doing the saucer test. But since jam is made in summer, freezing temperatures are never likely. And berries are best not picked in a heat wave in any case.

Her voice was warmer now, and Mary breathed a sigh of relief as she nodded, smiling at her employer.

That’s so interesting. I must say, good jam is such a delight to eat. One of my favorite foods. So simple and yet so versatile, she enthused.

Bread, toast, scones, pastries, jam makes them all, Hannah added.

Mary knew that her friend had sensed that flare-up and was also working hard to improve the lady’s mood.

I’m not an expert, but to me, your jam is the best I’ve ever tasted. It’s not only the flavor, but the consistency, and the amount of fruit. I’ve had a whole new appreciation for it since working here.

Lady Beaumont turned to Mary with an approving smile at those words of praise, before refocusing once more on her test saucer, glancing indecisively at the butter as if wondering whether it was the right time to commit to adding it.

Feeling as if she could contribute no more, Mary headed back outside to finish her sweeping.

But the scathing tone in Lady Beaumont’s voice as she’d lashed out at her still rankled, and as she picked up her broom again, she realized Lady Beaumont was definitely bitter at times.

Perhaps that was because she had lost the love of her life, Lord Beaumont, during the war. Since she’d been working at Beaumont Place, Mary had learned that Lord Beaumont had been a general, and had died in an aerial attack while leading an invasion in Germany. That had been just two and a half years ago.

It made her feel deeply troubled to think of this tragedy. After twenty-five years of marriage, Lady Beaumont was now alone, apart from one son.

Mary had no idea what it must feel like to lose such a loved partner. The idea filled her with horror, all the more so because until recently, she hadn’t known what it was like to have a loved partner.

But after the holiday she’d had before starting work here, she thought she understood what love was. Gilbert MacLeod, the man she’d met by chance while working at her first housemaid’s job, had taken her and Hannah away for a few days by the seaside, and what an experience it had been.

For Mary, the swishing of the waves and the smell of the sea, the misting of the spray on her face and the soft squish of sand under her toes, would be forever linked with the memories of Gilbert. His smile, his sense of fun, the time they’d raced each other down the stretch of beach, the times they’d kissed.

Over those blissful three days of holiday, it had become very clear to her that Gilbert was the man for her, but the situation wasn’t so simple. Life didn’t seem to be allowing them to spend time together. Summer was the busiest time for Gilbert, who had started a business selling hybrid seeds to farmers, and he was currently traveling to a different part of the country every week. Even exchanging fond letters, which had saved her sanity, was not easy when the object of the fondness was in a different place every couple of days.

Thankfully, he was now based at a hotel about a hundred miles south of where she was now, for a few days. She planned to write to him first thing tomorrow, and would definitely include the story of the jam making.

Finishing her sweeping, Mary tapped the broom on the edge of the stair to clean it, before heading back inside. The smell of the jam reminded her of the pressure Lady Beaumont was under.

She hoped that nothing