I enjoyed reading this. I like the author's writing style; writes in a brisk, engaging way with warmth and wit. It doesn't have overly descriptive sentences that cause the story to drag. I liked all the characters; particularly the chauffer and his dog held intrigue and charm. Contrary to what others thought, I didn't find the MC a terrible harridan. She's a bit of a stiff and has a high opinion of herself but it's written in such a comical way you don't take offense and reminds one of Poirot. And I enjoyed the banter between her and the chauffer, you know for all that that they're attracted to each other they just don't want to admit it. I look forward to how their relationship will progress.

However, it all fell apart at the end. I figured out some of the mystery but what annoyed me the most was the overly convoluted resolution where parts of it didn't make sense and had holes in the logic. Something the author didn't adequately address. It was a let down. Too bad because up until then, it was quite good. ( )

Interesting concept. But I was distracted by language. For example, the author used the word "infamous" when she meant, based on context, "famous". ( )

Phylida Bright is her no-nonsense self as head housekeeper at Mallowan Hall, home to old friend, the famed Agatha Christie. Other golden age authors are descending to help fundraise and assist the local detection club in their writing contest. A local vicar keels over after drinking a poisoned cocktail meant for the head of the local writers' group. The publishing prize seems to bring out the worst in someone. There is a bit less of the upstairs/downstairs vibe, since so much of the action takes place out of the Hall, but Phylida, butler Mr. Dobble and chauffeur Bradford have plenty of time to sigh and spar. ( )

Phillidia’s boss Agatha Christie is hosting an amateur writers contest for the benefit of the local orphanage and has invited her famous writer friends to stay at her home for the weekend fete. Phillidia busy with overseeing all the details overhears a strange conversation but things that it’s a plot of a storyline that is being discuss until there’s a murder. The local priest has been poisoned and it looks like he was not the intended victim. Phillidia springs into detective mode with the help of Bradford, the chauffeur, the cook, the maid, Molly and Rita from the rectory they gather clues and solve the case in an ending that was very much like Hercule Poirot gathering all the suspects together in explaining what happened. ( )

A Trace Of Poison is the second book in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series by Collen Cambridge.

The village of Listleigh is hosting a Murder Fete to raise funds to repair the roof of St. Wendreda’s orphanage. Agatha Christie has arranged for members of the Detection Club, Dorothy L. Sayers, G. K. Chesterton, and Anthony Berkeley, to attend. Aspiring writers have been encouraged to submit a short story, and the winner will receive a publishing contract. Phyllida Bright, the housekeeper for Agatha Christy and her husband Max, will oversee the activity at the Murder Fete.

The first event for the fete is a cocktail party. Everything is going just nicely until Father Tooley goes to the bar to get a drink and soon falls to the floor, dead. Phyllida immediately heads to check over Fr. Tooley and quickly retrieves parts of the broken glass, and Phyllida smells the scent of nicotine. When Phyllida informs Agatha of what she found at the scene, Agatha asks her to investigate the death of Fr. Tooley.

As Inspector Cork is interviewing the guest of the cocktail party, Phyllida tries to be inconspicuously listening in to gather her own clues to aid in her own investigation. It would appear to Phyllida that maybe Fr. Tooley was an innocent victim and that the drink was intended for Mr. Whittlesby. Mr. Whittlesby is one of the writers vying for the publishing contract and has made it known that he will win the contest. Phyllida will call on the maids and housekeepers of the village in her investigation. Phyllida will find that Whittlesby is not well-liked in the village. Phyllida needs to learn if Whittlesby was the intended victim and why Fr. Tooley’s cat died the next day after eating some cake laced with arsenic. Phyllida knows she must be getting close when she is attacked.

This series is a delightful historical cozy series and is well-written and plotted. And has a well-developed and interesting cast of characters. I particularly enjoy Phyllida's interaction with Mr. Dobble, the butler, and Mr. Bradforn, the chauffeur. There were plenty of red herrings that I kept guessing until the end of the book as to the killer's identity.

A recipe for a cocktail is also included in the book.

I am looking forward to the next book in this delightful series. ( )