The Herring-Seller's Apprentice

The Herring-Seller's Apprentice (Ethelred & Elsie #1) by L.C. Tyler 207 pp.

Ethelred Tressider is a hack mystery writer. He authors three different series, none of which sell very well. His agent, Elsie Thirkettle is his busybody, nagging, chocoholic, literary agent who has no interest in Ethelred's novels. The story is told from both points of view with (mostly) alternating chapters. When Ethelred's ex-wife, Geraldine, is murdered not too far from where he is currently living, Elsie jumps on the chance investigate. In spite of her prodding, Ethelred is not interested in pursuing the investigation since he's also been saddled with the job of executor of Geraldine's estate. Soon the police decide she was "done in" by a local serial killer and the case seems closed. The ending twist is unexpected and leaves the story open for the next book.

Herring on the Nile

 

Herring on the Nile: An Ethelred and Elsie Mystery by L.C. Tyler  240 pp.

In this tribute? spoof? of Agatha Christie author Ethelred Tressider and his agent, Elsie Thirkettle set off on an Egyptian cruise. Ethelred is trying to rejuvenate his mystery writing career by setting his next book in Egypt and plans to do research. However, as soon as their trip embarks threats begin. It seems that a number of the passengers on the boat are not what they seem including a couple of undercover policemen / terrorists. Everything is complicated by an actual murder and then the kidnapping of Ethelred by the police/terrorists. Ethelred is one of the suspects in the murder although he believes he was the intended target with his ex-fiancée the killer. The story is very convoluted and the ending is possibly a non-ending. This mystery series is mediocre at best. 

The Herring in the Library

The Herring in the Library by L.C. Tyler  225 pp. 

Apparently this is the third book in the Ethelred and Elsie mystery series. Ethelred is a mediocre mystery author and Elsie is his nosy and annoying agent. After an invitation to the local manor, owned by Ethelred's college pal "Shagger" Muntham and his aristocratic wife. Sticking with the usual manor house mystery trope, Shagger is found murdered in his locked study/library. Ethelred and Elsie use their sleuthing talents to solve the mystery of Lord Muntham's death. This book is a send-up of the stereotypical British country house mysteries with the "locked room" detail added. Not great literature but an amusing, light-hearted take on the genre. And it was only $1.99 on Kindle.