Busman’s Holiday: noun. A vacation or form of recreation that involves doing the same thing that one does at work.
So, a few books before this one, Lord Peter saved a lady named Harriet from a murder charge. I haven’t read that book yet, so I have no idea what happened. But during the investigation, apparently they developed feelings. Of the lovey kind. So, now, however many books later, they are married. The newlyweds decide to rent a house in the country, and have some quiet time together.
They get out to the country, and the house isn’t ready. A neighbor lets them in, and they spend the wedding night at the rustic old farmhouse. In the morning, however, there is a nasty surprise. The man they bought the house from, dead at the bottom of the cellar stairs. Next thing they know, the house is full of coppers, reporters, people wanting to snag the old guy’s stuff, and a host of potential murderers. They may as well have not left London.
Not the most auspicious start to a marriage, but I’m guessing there are others that have started even worse. Of course because this is a mystery novel, the newlyweds find a way to solve the crime, get used to being married, and fall in love with each other all over again.
The Wimsey novels are yet more between the wars English cozies (although some take place in London, so they’re not super cozy, I suppose) that I love so much. Not sure what I’m going to do when I’ve read them all.