I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. Eliza's father has invested int a racehorse synicate and at the first race, another member of the synicate is murdered. It's not long after there is another member murdered. Eliza is worried about her father and Henry promises her that he won't let anything happen to him and of course he gets poisoned and hospitalized. Her cousin Jack is handling the investigation for Scotland Yard and there's plenty of suspects and attempt is made on Eliza before the conclusion. ( )

With a dedication that simply states "To Rex, Julie, and Audrey" it's easy to see that I'm not the only one who thinks of these actors when coming in contact with George Bernard Shaw's immortal characters. As a newcomer to this series, I didn't know what to expect. What I found was a wonderful blend of the Edwardian world and "My Fair Lady." The authors spoonfed just enough of the plot of the first book (Wouldn't It Be Deadly) to whet my appetite for it and to keep me from being confused.

The writing team known as D.E. Ireland have created a lovely evocation of time and place. In Move Your Blooming Corpse, it's June 1913-- those last halcyon days before Europe shatters into World War I. The authors treat us not only to Royal Ascot Week, we also are able to attend the Henley Regatta. We move among the wealthy, the titled, the privileged-- and some of those wanting a few more privileges. With Eliza as an enthusiastic partner, we are treated to all the marvelous fashions, and we go deep into the heart of the organizations of women who are fighting for the right to vote. We also attend the races, walk the paddock area, take a look back at the stables, and learn about racing syndicates, bloodlines, and kidnapping. If that last part bothers you, don't worry. Although horse racing does play an important role in the book, it doesn't overwhelm the story. No need to bring out the feedbag or curry comb!

Once all the characters were properly introduced, I didn't have a difficult time in identifying the killer, but as in all good examples of the art, whodunnit isn't the sole aim of crime fiction. I luxuriated in the setting and was delighted by the interplay between the characters-- especially Eliza and Henry, and Eliza and her father. I can't say that I was much enamored of Madame Lafarge, but she certainly did add to the wit and humor in the book.

This writing team is doing a marvelous job of taking well-known characters, making them their own, and placing them in a jewel box of a setting. Eliza, Henry, and the others are showing us facets of themselves that they've never had the opportunity to before. I suppose solving murders does have a tendency to do that.... ( )