Tag: Karen Charlton

The Resurrection Mystery by Karen Charlton

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

The Resurrection Mystery (The Detective Lavender Mysteries Book 7)Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Detective Lavender Mysteries #7
Publication Date: 3/7/2024
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 383

I had begun to despair of ever getting another Detective Lavender mystery because it has been four long years since the last one was published in February 2020. I was afraid I would have forgotten some of the finer nuances of the relationships, etc. but – no, I hadn’t. It was an interesting and exciting book that takes Lavender, Woods, Bow Street, and Woods grown sons in a new direction that I think will be so much fun! One of the things I love about this series is that there really was a Detective Lavender in Bow Street at that time and the author is giving us a fictionalized version of his cases. He was quite a celebrity in his day and a number of the details in the stories really happened. Is that cool or what?

Beloved Magistrate Read has retired and the new magistrate, Conant, wants to make his mark on Bow Street. So far, nobody cares for him or his changes. Especially the changes he’s made to their working relationships – as in – he splits up the dynamic duo of Lavender and Woods. Or – at least he thinks he does.

We begin with a very strange and history-making autopsy performed (or not) by esteemed surgeon Sir Richard Allison at Guy’s Hospital and then, we go on to robberies, murders, grave robbers, imposters, usurers, you name it. Before all is said and done, you’ll think there can’t possibly be any more criminals left in London because Bow Street has arrested all of them.

This was a breath-holding, fun read with Lavender and Woods solving cases separately and together while managing Magistrate Conant at the same time. I recommend this book and hope you will love it as much as I did. Happy Reading!

View all my reviews

Dancing With Dusty Fossils by Karen Charlton

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, World War II Era (1939-1945)Leave a comment

Dancing With Dusty Fossils (York Ladies' Detective Agency #2)Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: York Ladies’ Detective Agency Mysteries #2
Publication Date: 11/15/22
Period: WWII – 1940 York, England
Number of Pages: 358

What a great mystery! The author has certainly done her research and many of the places and events within the story actually happened. Each book contains more than one mystery because it covers the cases on which the ladies are currently working. In this book, the perpetrator seemed pretty obvious to me, but what was not obvious was the background and circumstances of the murder. The other case had a lovely twist that you didn’t really see coming and it was pretty cool.

The Smoke and Cracked Mirrors detective agency is commissioned by the lawyer for Anthony Gill who has been accused of murdering his colleague at the Castle Museum in York. As they begin their investigation and meet all of the involved characters, they are sure many of those people are not being straightforward with them. As the case progresses, it morphs into something so much bigger- and nastier than the original murder. Many people are in danger – including Bobbie and Tom (Jemma’s step-nephew).

The second case they are working on was brought to them by Mr. King of King’s Private Inquiry Agency based in Leeds. Whenever Mr. King takes on a case that includes anything in York, he contracts with the York Ladies’ Detective Agency to investigate any clues in their area. This case involves a Baron who is married to a famous actress – and he wants to divorce the actress. Baron Stokesley, a wealthy aristocrat, wants the detectives to gather evidence that he can use in court to prove his wife is being unfaithful. However, it turns out that Jodie, his wife, is one very sharp lady who knows exactly what the Baron is up to and thwarts the detectives at every turn. Is she actually having an affair? If so, with whom? Can they catch them together? The possible paramours keep getting eliminated – maybe she isn’t cheating.

This was a lively story filled with characters you love, hate, feel sorry for, identify with, or who break your heart. The only reason I didn’t give the book a 5-star rating is on the personal side of the story – not the mystery side. As with any series, we learn more and more about the recurring characters as we move from book to book. I’d become personally invested in one of the strong, handsome, patriotic, loving, caring male characters – all of those great attributes you’d want in a person. However, it appears his outcome is NOT going to be a good one unless the author creates some miracle. I don’t care for where things seem to be heading for him, his wife, and their relationship. I’ll read the next book to see where it goes, but if the turmoil persists, I’ll probably quit reading the series. I read to escape real-world things, and this situation is much too real-world to suit me. I also get tired of Jemma and her ‘stomach fluttering’ when a certain male character is around. Jemma is married and shouldn’t even be considering or thinking about other men given her personal situation/relationship. Ah – I guess we’ll see where it goes.

I definitely recommend this book and this series for the mystery. If you choose to read it, I hope you’ll enjoy it.

View all my reviews