Book Review - Dead In The Morning by Margaret Yorke

Mrs.Ludlow is the matriarch of the Ludlow family. Confined to a wheel-chair, she runs the household and keeps everyone in the family under her control - her daughter Phyllis, her sons Gerald and Derek and her grand-children from these two. There is also her caretaker Mrs.Mackenzie who is an invaluable asset not just in the kitchen but in also keeping the family intact. 

But one fine morning, Mrs.Mackenzie doesn't wake up from her sleep. 

Was it a stroke? A heart-attack? Or was it an external force, or someone? 

Dr.Patrick Grant is the dean of the school where the Ludlow kids study and he has a curious mind that seeks out mysteries even in the ordinary. And Mrs.Mackenzie's case is anything but plain. As he interacts with the Ludlows, new insights emerge and the case takes a shocking turn. Did Mrs.Mackenzie indeed die of natural causes, or was there a sinister twist to the plot?

The story has been written in English literature style, complete with Edwardian customs and traditions that bring a certain coziness to the tale. The characters are well-placed and everyone has earned their role in the story. Dr.Patrick as the curious wanna-be detective is quite charming. The family dynamic portrayed amongst the Ludlows is quite interesting. Mrs.Ludlow with her sternness and stubborn pride, her daughter Phyllis who has the same rebellious streak but tries hard to curtail it, the sons of Mrs.Ludlow dealing with their own issues and both fearing and respecting their mother - every character adds to the story and has performed a memorable role.

There are more books in this series, and while I haven't read the others, I believe every book deals with a new mystery and can be read as a stand-alone. 

I enjoyed this book and I am recommending this to all those interested in cozy, old-fashioned British-style mysteries.