Murder lurks in the murky heart of the English countryside. A lavish soiree at the opulent Briarwood Manor has been in Veronica's diary for weeks, and she's looking forward to a fun party with her best friend Ruby while catching up with old friends. But her sharp mind is swiftly put to the test when Ruby's brother, the amiable Todd Smythe, finds himself accused of a heinous crime - murdering Bertie St. Claire after the party. As Todd is taken in for questioning, the accusations fly and tensions rise. Veronica and a distraught Ruby must unravel the tangled web of secrets that shroud the sparkling event to ensure Todd isn't charged with a crime he didn't commit. They soon uncover rivalries, hidden motives, and long-buried secrets. With every passing hour, the list of suspects grows, and the duo navigates the labyrinth of gossip and deception to expose the killer. Will Veronica's keen observational skills be enough to clear Todd's name and unmask the culprit? Join Veronica Vale and her indomitable companion Ruby (not forgetting Benji, clue-hunting dog extraordinaire and extremely good boy) in a whirlwind of mystery, where the clinking of champagne flutes conceals dark secrets, and the manicured gardens of the English countryside harbour deadly truths. Death at the Drunken Duck is book two in the Veronica Vale Investigates series. It's a delightful 1920s British historical cozy murder mystery series set in the charms of London, with a dash of countryside manor house, and a swirl of classic whodunnit to tempt every mystery reader.