They do all right but when their uncle Horatio deeds them his house out in the quaint Hudson River community of Voorburg they feel like they have a reprieve. Robert discovers his uncle’s Deusenberg and makes that his life’s work -- polishing and washing -- while Lily finds that she can socialize again.

As part of the package, the elderly lawyer for Uncle Horatio and his wife also live in the “cottage” -- actually a great sprawling mansion. Mrs. Prinney is a wonderful cook and Mr. Prinney handles the business matters. There is enough money for fixing up the place -- called “Grace and Favor Cottage” by Lily -- but not for trivialities. The siblings must live there for ten years and then Horatio’s fortune will really be theirs.

Lily finds that the main order of business is to discover more about Uncle Horatio. In so doing, there seems to be some mystery in the manner of his death. Lily sets out to find out how and why her uncle was killed in the boat accident and no one else was hurt. When the maid’s abusive husband is discovered dead in the kitchen, the mystery steams.

Lily and Robert are delightful characters, with many of the attributes of the times, yet loyal and honest. The Prinneys add a touch of realism. The setting is most important to this mystery -- the first in the Grace and Favor series. The 1930’s and all the happenings of that time are extremely tied to the plot.

Lily is the sleuth. Robert is just along for the ride -- as long as it is in the Deusey, that is. This is a great new series for Jill Churchill. I look forward to the next installment.

--Kay Black