Category: Mystery

Murder In All Patience by Anne Cleeland

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Contemporary, Mystery, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

Murder in All Patience

Barbara’s rating: 3.8 out of 5 Stars
Series: Doyle & Acton #22
Publication Date: 10/2/25
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 210

OMGoodness!!! Acton is master-minding and plotting again in this wonderfully written, excellently paced contemporary mystery set in London. Of course, Acton can plot all he likes, but the quirky, human lie detector, Doyle, is going to throw a spanner in the works. I have read and loved every book in the series, and this one is no exception. Although this is part of an excellent series, it can be read as a standalone. However, to get a true feel for the character dynamic between Doyle & Acton, you should probably read at least the first couple of books. Besides, it is a great series, so why not read them all?

One of Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle’s first clues that her aristocratic husband, Chief Inspector Michael Acton, was plotting something was his decision to hold a charitable gala at his ancestral home, Trestles. Acton doesn’t like visitors to Trestles, and he certainly never hosts events there. So, what is he up to? Is it something that goes back to the black market art theft ring? Perhaps it has to do with Lestrade trying to blackmail him – or something even more sinister.

I loved that part of the plot involved putting on a skit based on The Hound of the Baskervilles, featuring Sherlock Holmes, because Acton is very similar to Sherlock in many ways. Very eccentric and very, very smart. The author has cleverly woven in many similarities to the Sherlock story while keeping this story uniquely Doyle and Acton.

If you are looking for a quick, entertaining, yet interesting mystery, I suggest you might enjoy this one. It is filled with quirky, unique characters you’ll love, and the mystery is well written, interesting, and keeps you guessing about Acton’s plot until the very end! Happy Reading!

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Framed in Death by J.D. Robb

On By BarbaraIn Audiobook, Barb's Reviews, Futuristic, Mystery, Part of a Series2 Comments

Framed in Death: In Death, Book 61

Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: In Death #61
Publication Date: 9/2/25
Period: Future New York – 2061
Number of Pages: 368

Sixty-one books and this series is still as fresh, new, and interesting as it was in the beginning. I continue to marvel at this author’s skill and ingenuity in creating exciting, interesting characters along with suspenseful mysteries. Thank goodness she gives us two books per year because I don’t think I could wait an entire year between books!

He was born to wealth, privilege, and an exceptional creative talent for painting. So, why do all of the gallery owners decline to feature his works? Why do they say his works are pedestrian? Well, he’ll just show them – he’ll outpaint the Old Masters and see how quickly those galleries change their minds. He’d begin tonight . . .

For a change, Eve is up and dressed when she gets the call from dispatch. She’d get all of her paperwork cleaned up before she started her day . . . but, dispatch and a vicious killer have other plans for her. When she gets a new body the next day, and the next, Eve knows she has to find the murderer before he kills again.

It’s all-hands-on-deck for Eve and her homicide squad, Roarke, PA Cher Reo, McNab, Feeny, and reporter Nadine Furst. The chase is on, and Eve and her crew always win, but this time, even if they find him, he might slip out of their hands.

I have read every book in the series, and I have also listened to the audiobook for each. The narrator, Susan Ericksen, has narrated the complete series, and she has done an outstanding job. Her characterizations are distinct for each character, and her voice conveys the emotion of the scene. You smile with her; you feel the anger; you hold your breath in suspense; you sigh with her during those softer scenes. Yes, this narrator is the perfect one for the In Death series.

Sometimes, when every work in a series is outstanding, you have to love some a bit less than others. So, while I loved this book, it isn’t one of my favorites because it has less action, less excitement, less suspense, and a slower pace than usual. As always, there is plenty of wit to cut the grim details, and we get a nice visit with Mavis, Leonardo, Bella, Peabody, and McNab in their new home. Now, I have to wait for February to get the next book.

I recommend this book, this series, and this author. If you are new to the series, I strongly recommend going back and reading at least the first few books in the series to get a feel for the characters and their development. Actually, after you read book one, you’ll be hooked and will want to read all of them!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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