Get Me To The Grave On Time

An Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins Mystery #3

by D.E. Ireland

Although Eliza still refuses to marry Freddy Eynsford Hill, everyone around her seems headed for the altar. Not only is her cousin Inspector Jack Shaw about to wed his sweetheart, but Freddy's younger sister Clara is engaged, along with the niece of Henry Higgins. Another blushing bride is the sixty-year-old Duchess of Carbrey, who plans to marry a handsome fellow half her age. But when the groom is found dead, a jealous mistress is blamed for the murder. However, the death may also be connected to the stolen treasure of an Indian temple.

Disaster strikes next at Jack and Sybil's wedding. Soon after, the wedding reception of Higgins's niece takes a lethal turn. Someone is targeting bridegrooms, and the wedding of Freddy's sister is next. Before another bridal bouquet is tossed, Higgins and Eliza must track down the killer. Otherwise, Clara's bridegroom - and perhaps the bride herself - may be murdered before they can get to the church on time.

"D.E. Ireland takes Four Weddings and a Funeral and does it one better by adding murder!" - Victoria Thompson, bestselling author of Murder in Morningside Heights

"Pull out the stopper! D.E. Ireland once again uncorks a charming and high-spirited mystery, with the enchanting Eliza Doolittle and delightfully grumpy Henry Higgins on the case. An enjoyable and amusing read!" - Susanna Calkins, Macavity Award winner for The Masque of a Murderer

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, British Literature, Historical, Cozy

330 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

D.E. Ireland is the pseudonym of authors Meg Mims and Sharon Pisacreta.

Reviews

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry Higgins is not looking forward to four weddings in four weeks, but things turn interesting at the first wedding when the groom is murdered. Despite their success solving two murders, Eliza Doolittle and Henry don’t plan to get involved – until an incident at the next wedding hits too close to home. Can they find the connection?

It was absolutely wonderful to jump back into this world inspired by My Fair Lady. The characters are strong, and I love how the authors have grown them. Fans will recognize them, but they are changing, and it feels like the logical next step. The plot starts strong and never lets up until the fantastic climax. Throw in a look at life in 1913 London and some great laughs, and you’ll start looking forward to the next as soon as you finish this one.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Daniella Bernett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rollicking, fun adventure. Murder at four weddings! It's simply shocking and deliciously wicked. Prof. Higgins and Eliza make a delightful sleuthing team. Hats off to D.E. Ireland! I can't wait for the next book.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Love this series and am so happy the authors have found a way to continue it.

Eliza Doolittle is not heading to the alter with Freddy Eynsford Hill, but she and Henry Higgins will be attanding several weddings throughout the story. Sadly all of the nuptuals have disaster hit them in some way. Someone seems to be targeting these weddings and Eliza and Higgins are doing their best to find out why and still get to the church on time.

The wonderful thing about this story is that if you are familiar with the George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion or the movie My Fair Lady, you know these characters and can jump into this series anywhere. Of course, I believe you should start at the beginning

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgin Mystery series.

Eliza is looking forward to getting dressed up in her new togs for four society weddings, one of which she is a bridesmaid and another is her cousin Inspector Jack Shaw's wedding.

For Henry Higgins, weddings are a dull affair and he could do without them, even his nieces wedding...until the deaths start to occur.

With missing Indian temple treasures, an American lady sharp shooter and a dangerous visit to London's East End. Can Eliza and Henry untangle the maze of clues to uncover the murderer...before they become the next victims?

This was my first taste of the Doolittle and Higgins mysteries, and I must admit that I found it delightful and amusing. It is well packed with twists and turns, a good set of characters, well plotted and written.

I will be looking to read the earlier books and future books in this series.

D.E. Ireland is the pseudonym of authors Meg Mims and Sharon Pisacreta

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Grainger Press and downloaded via NetGalley.

If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.

[Argum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza is back. It is wedding season and she and the Professor have 4 to attend in short order. The first is her race horse co owner a wealthy Scottish widow marrying a young American. He jilts her and is shortly found dead. His mistress is the prime suspect. Next, Jack is marrying when another attempt is made. Is it open season on grooms? Then, Higgins niece is to marry a total boor and finally Freddy's sister is marrying a baron. After Jack gets involved Eliza swings into action. An Indian treasure is also floating around partially stolen, partially removed for its own 'good' and given to the museum. Lots of good suspects and fun flights of fancy, but the real killer seemed pretty obvious in the whys and such.

[Kristie Dilcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of this author and series. This book is so much fun and entertaining. It's well written and witty. The characters themselves are fun and very likeable. It's just as good as the first two books if not better. I highly recommend this book!

[nikkia neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Grainger Press and netgalley for this ARC.

This series makes me so happy! I love Eliza and Higgins cranky, odd, and cuckoo adventures. One of kind!

[Sarah Zama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the setting, it’s quite vivid and it sounds accurate, if a bit too much upper-class for me. The authors spend a great deal of time describing all the wonderful things these characters have access to, especially considering that most of them are very rich and often nobles. But apart from this (which is totally just me), the cast of characters is very nice. Everybody is likable - expect the ones you’re not supposed to like – and I really enjoyed the dialogues - fresh, natural and witty -which I find to be the authors’ strong spot. The banters between characters is the element that I enjoyed the most.

The mystery, instead, was quite disappointing. Yes, it is exciting while reading because something is happening all the time, but once the story ceases relying on action and must come to explanations… well, things fall apart quite apparently.
First, events become not as logical as they should be, and I felt this happened because the authors needed to force a few elements into the plot so to move it the direction they needed. There are a couple of chapters clearly falling into this categry. Secondly, the characters’ reasons – and I mean the reasons of the characters who act the mystery – are never very clear. I found the murder’s reasons particularly lame, certainly not strong enough to push a person to kill another person… let alone more than one.

This gave me the impression that while the authors are very comfortable telling about the cosy side of the story, when they come to the mystery side they proceed more haltingly. And because the murder’s reason aren’t strong enough, it’s quite difficult to follow the way the sleuth discovers the culprit, even when they come to the explanation. Personally, after the array of red herrings, I felt Eliza found the culprit more by chance than by deduction.

Quite a shame, because this is a very enjoyable read, with great characters and a rich setting. The mystery just wasn’t satisfying enough for me.

[Katreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

GET ME TO THE GRAVE ON TIME by D.E. Ireland
The Third Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins Mystery

'Tis the season for weddings and Henry Higgins is fit to be tied! Considering matrimony a most unwelcome state, Higgins is forced to attend four weddings, starting with that of an old family friend. The wedding is not the dull affair he expected when the groom, instead of saying "I do" says he can't marry Minerva...who proceeds to pummel him with her bouquet. Sequestering him for his own safety didn't save the beleaguered groom, however. Instead he's found dead, poisoned by the bridal cog-a special drink meant for the bride and her groom. The groom's mistress is the obvious suspect and Eliza's cousin Jack, an inspector with Scotland Yard, is brought in on the case, even though his own wedding is about to occur. Jack's wedding is brought to a shocking conclusion as he is shot, along with Colonel Pickering, immediately following the nuptials. As they recover from their wounds, Eliza and Henry once again take up pursuit of a murderer. Will they solve the crime before the killer strikes again?

I love traveling back in time, especially when I get to visit with old friends and the main characters of GET ME TO THE GRAVE ON TIME are certainly old friends. Eliza, with her love of sweets and shopping, the curmudgeonly Higgins, and the beneficent Colonel Pickering bring me back to the days of my youth when I played Eliza in PYGMALION. I so enjoy seeing these characters evolve and the dynamics between them and others are also intriguing. With Freddy getting more annoying and Eliza more fed up with his endless proposals we meet a new romantic possibility in Detective Ramsey. At least Professor Higgins and I see that possibility. Another dashing hero enters the series in the character of Percy. I love him and can only hope to read even more of him in books to come.

D.E. Ireland convey the richness of the period with historical accuracy. Detailed descriptions of the weddings, from the Scottish traditions to suffragette colors and foods I wish I could take off of the page (chilled white grapes and candied violets, anyone?) transport readers to the hot summer days of 1913.

Fascinating characters, a thrilling mystery, and a possible Indian curse are only some of the reasons to read GET ME TO THE GRAVE ON TIME. D.E. Ireland continues the lives of these memorable characters in a fresh new mystery filled with laughter as well as danger.

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mayhem, mystery, and hilarity ensue when you mix four weddings, a couple of murders, and an old Indian curse together under the English sun. Get Me to the Grave on Time is just delightful!

The storyline moves along quite quickly, though it’s not so fast that you get lost with what’s going on. I didn’t figure out who the villain was until just before it was revealed which I really enjoy. It makes a book seem rather lackluster when I’m able to figure out ahead of time “whodunit”.

It’s wonderful to see Eliza and Henry interacting on more of an equal’s level. I’ve always enjoyed the storyline of Pygmalion, though I can never tolerate Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Eliza long enough to watch the whole movie. This provides more of the illustrious Eliza and Henry without the horrible voice! In this book, Eliza & Henry’s banter is engaging and pleasing. They are definitely more suited for each other than Eliza and Freddy. Freddy is simply a bore and life is far better in the story when he’s not around! Thankfully, in this new installment in the series, we meet up with the possibility of a new suitor for Eliza in Detective Ramsey. Here’s hoping Eliza will dump Freddy or vice versa and we can see if it works out for Eliza and Detective Ramsey.

The side characters that we meet in this book are also enchanting and entertaining. I really enjoyed the couple from India and Clara’s husband-to-be, the Baron. They were all very well-rounded for only being “side” characters and were a pleasure to read about.

All in all, if you like cozy mysteries, if you like Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins, and/or if you like historical mysteries set in the early 1900s, you’ll like this book. It was witty, entertaining and utterly delightful! Go buy it/borrow it and read it today!

** I received a free ARC from NetGalley. All opinions and conclusions are my own. **

Originally posted on: Valerie's Musings

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is derived from the film My Fair Lady. The characters are more closely based on the film than the original George Bernard Shaw play. Which means Professor Higgins is more of a human being, Colonel Pickering is a warm and caring character and Eliza is a very up to date young woman.

The characters are interesting and entertaining. There are many secondary characters and each of them provide a great deal to the plot. Each of the secondary characters appear to be complete people. If the reader pays close attention they can follow the clues.

There are weddings galore. Every couple includes someone who is either friends or family of either Professor Higgins or Eliza. Other than getting married, at least one half of each couple is connected directly or indirectly with a temple in India which was looted by the British. Some of the treasure is in the British Museum, some is in the hands of private owners and some of the treasure has been stolen.

Another fact, at least one half of each married couple is either murdered or close to being murdered on their wedding day.

There is action throughout the book. As the story progresses, Eliza and Higgins follow clues in order to find a murderer. Eliza is the one who interviews people and asks very pertinent questions. She and Higgins are both very good at putting facts together and arriving at conclusions.

This story is a good one. There is mystery and humor and characters who populate the story as though they belong there. And they do.

This is the first book in the series I have read, but it worked fine as a stand alone. This is a good mystery with humor and characters that draw you in.

This is a fun read.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stellar installment in an amazingly brilliant series!

I knew I was going to be in for a wonderful adventure of reading when I heard of the first book in this series, WOULDN’T IT BE DEADLY. Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins solving mysteries? Yes, please! What could be better? The Phantom of the Opera (Erik) and Christine turning sleuths? (Are you reading this, D.E.? Erik and Christine? Huh? ;-) )

This book in one word? Perfect! Weddings and murders and glorious mayhem are in store for readers of GET ME TO THE GRAVE ON TIME. There was so much going on in this tale, I couldn’t . . . okay, wouldn’t put the book down! The story sailed across the pages at a delightful pace, and was penned with skilled writing, filling every chapter with mystery, intelligence, and humor.

When reading the books in the Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins Mysteries, I am transported to the very homes and streets I saw in the charming musical. I hear the voices of Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison clearly in my head. And I love the situations D.E. Ireland gets these two timeless characters into. Watching the characters from the musical (I admit to never having read the play, PYGMALION) change and grow in book one of this series, through to GET ME TO THE GRAVE ON TIME, has been some of the best and most entertaining hours of reading I have ever spent!

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun cozy! Besides the fact that Eliza and Henry feel like they walked right off the screen and into this story, the weddings and traditions were a pleasure to read about. Even though murder at a wedding might not be an Edwardian tradition, everything else felt completely authentic. I have to admit, I was not able to guess who did it before Eliza did. This story had me hooked right from the beginning, and I read it in a single sitting. I’m already looking forward to Eliza’s next adventure.

NOTE: I voluntarily read/reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four weddings and how many will end up with funerals? Someone seems to be targeting the happy couples! Can Eliza and Henry figure it out before things come even closer to home?

If you appreciate opulent weddings plus both customs and a bit of political tampering, some treasure hunting and dysfunctional family get-togethers, you'll have a blast with this series.
Might we find a partridge in a Christmas pear tree?

You can read this book as a stand alone but you'll find yourself wanting to follow the adventures of these remarkable characters.

[M.K. Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Higgins snd Eliza triumph again!

Charmingly told with the cast if My.fair Lady as characters, weddings are the thing in season. Despite being dragged to them, Higgins agrees he snd Eliza must search for spa killer when the groom at the first wedding dies and the bride narrowly escapes the same fate. There will be shootings, stabbings, and more dress details than an Edwardian girl could want! Charming~

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I voluntarily reviewed this ARC**

Murder and mayhem in high society. I absolutely adored this book! I love books set in early 1900's England, so this was a perfect book for me. Although I've never seen My Fair Lady or read any other books in the series, I had no problem following along. I loved the mystery and the humor, and I can't wait to read more of this series.

[Martha Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this charming book. I was hooked from the start. In fact, I read right through my lunch time and continued to read through dinner time. D. E. Ireland used such great detail describing her characters that I felt that I knew them. An absolute must read!
Martha Jackson

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really love Eliza and Higgins and Col Pickering. Really interesting read good fast pace. Had lots of false leads that were believable. Read in one sitting.

[Marisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to give this more stars but I just couldn’t. The only good thing about it were some memorable lines from Eliza, the fact that two of my favorite characters got married, and the ending when Freddy is horrified by the sight of Eliza in a Sari. Otherwise, it was just annoying. First, I hate when an author recycles a plot especially as this is only the third book of the series not the thirteenth! Once again the Duchess of Carbery is marrying someone who is way too young for her and once again he ends up dead, paving the way for the rest of the murders. Second, I hate when authors confuse details about characters. All throughout the first half of the story, Higgins refers to his niece Beatrice as being the daughter of his oldest brother Charles. However, when speaking to his mother, Henry keeps referring to her as his mother’s great niece or grand niece. If someone is the daughter of YOUR child she is your GRANDDAUGHTER not your niece and not your great niece! I don’t know if the authors weren’t on the same page (don’t pardon the pun) or if one of them forgot how Beatrice was supposed to be related to Henry but it was an annoying inconsistency. Lastly, Colonel Pickering was hardly in the book which was disappointing because he is one of my favorite characters. Definitely not my favorite book of the series.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weddings, murders and curses all stirred in a cocktail prepared for you to enjoy. Ready?
Having 4 weddings could seem a lot of fun, if you does not count the money you have to spend with dresses and shoes; or the time you have to loose listening boring stories that other guests try to share with you... But when after every wedding there's a victim something seems really awful, even if you don't like weddings very much like me!
This is the new case of Higgins and Eliza, they will share with you their new story with a little bit of humor and some original friends to make this killing weddings more pleasant! And you will feel like one more guest... but be careful to not being the next victim!
This is the first book I´ve read of Eliza Doolitle and Henry Higgins, it's the third book of the series, but if you want you can read it as standalone.
I liked how the writer transported us to the 1913 where the Lords, the servants, the money and the war were moving the world, and I have to confess that even if I don't like very much history books I liked how D. E. Ireland makes the reader enter to their world so easily and ready to enjoy a killer wedding.
If you are planning your wedding in the next few months don't read this book, because you never know the real intentions of your guests, maybe you are the next victim!
Ready for the altar?

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's August 1913 and friends of Professor Huggins and Eliza Doolittle have planned 4 weddings. The first is sixty-year-old Duchess of Carbrey who intends to marry an American half her age. Unfortunately a body is found in the vestry, and it is not the last. Is there a connection to the discovery of a ancient Indian temple years previously.
Sometimes I felt there was too much description of clothes the characters were wearing, not particularly interesting to me.
This is the first of the series that I have read and the mystery was an interesting one, and the characters were a likeable bunch so I expect I shall see about reading the first one.
A NetGalley Book

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2hy00nU

Get Me to the Grave on Time is part of the Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins mysteries, a cozy mystery series that is unusual, delightful, and refreshing. I grew up during the years where musicals were popular and never tire of watching them. My Fair Lady was my introduction to Eliza Doolittle, but I understand this series is based more on George Bernard Shaw’s play, Pygmalion.

No matter the version, however, you’ll still find the beloved characters of Eliza, Higgins, Pickering, and Freddy. Time has passed, and now Eliza and Higgins are much involved in the solving of murder mysteries that come their way. Get Me to the Grave on Time (gotta love that title!) is intelligent, vivid in historical detail, setting, and fashion – and is delightfully funny.

The narrative flows smoothly and is filled with witty dialogue. It’s fun to reconnect with the two main characters and see how they have developed. Higgins is still the charming curmudgeon who “found Eliza a delightful companion, but he’d swallow a tuning fork before admitting it.” And Eliza has become a woman of independent means … “Not only did she give elocution lessons at 27-A Wimpole Street, she recently became part owner of a victorious racehorse.”

There’s a lot of detail about customs and fashions of the time, which sometimes slows the plot down, but I enjoyed these elements overall. The mystery itself – involving weddings, murders or attempted murders, and a connection to India – was well plotted and entertaining.

Get Me to the Grave on Time is a fun story that fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy. Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Lisa Millett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a contest on Facebook and was thrilled to read it. I loved the movie My Fair Lady so was thrilled that Miss Eliza Doolittle and Mr. Henry Higgins were the main characters. The book is set in 1o13 London and it involves a four weddings and a funeral type of plot. Eliza and Henry have been invited to 4 weddings and Henry is not happy as he hates weddings. At the first wedding the groom does not show up and when they search for him, he is found dead having been murdered. Henry and Eliza become intrigued as they love to solve mysteries. Before they are able to accomplish too much, they attend another wedding with another incident that hits closer to home. The plot thickens and it takes Eliza and Henry on a wild case thru the bad sections of London putting them in danger. They race to the finish to solve the case with a very surprising conclusion that will keep you turning pages. I loved this book and the wonderful setting of 1913 London. The author makes you feel as if you are a part of the book and you cheer for Eliza and Henry to catch the killer.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one more than the others. Fun and interesting. 2 things did bother me though. One is I've had enough of Freddy's laziness and nagging. Hope he's on his way out. Two, it was mentioned a few times that Henry Higgin's mother was Beatrice's Great Aunt. Since Mrs. Higgin's is Beatrice's father's mother that would make her the Grandmother, not Great Aunt so I kept thinking I was getting the people confused or there is an error.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are getting further away from My Fair Lady now, and I kind of like it. Eliza is becoming more of a person on her own, she's not romantically involved with Higgins (that was the movie, the authors state the play is more ambiguous about that), and the mysteries, while more preposterous, are also hitting on more of the history of the times. The ending of this one (not the mystery ending, but the after ending) was fantastic and made me laugh out loud. I'm excited to read the next one!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Fair Lady is one of my favourite Hepburn movies. I adore Eliza and the Professor, so when I stumbled across this series I was thrilled. Getting lost in a book set in another time period only works when the author has done their research and gotten it right down to the smallest details. I can't wait to read the next one.....

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a mystery set in London in 1913 featuring the characters from My Fair Lady. Everyone is attending four weddings set one each week for four weeks and havoc happens at every wedding. Eliza and the Professor need to figure out what is happening, why it is happening and who is causing all the murders. The book was a quick easy read.

[Liz V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four weddings in a month have the antisocial Higgins grumbling, until the groom at the first wedding dies and Colonel Pickering is injured saving the groom, Eliza's cousin Jack, at the second. Then Higgins and Eliza turn their sleuthing experience to preventing more carnage.

Nit: p 239 line 2: substitute "from" for "to".

[Linda Millard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series! These books have improved with each outing. Positively Ripping as Freddy would say.

[Terri Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

for those who like a good who-done-it this book is for you. it will keep you guessing till the surprising end.