Back in London following his honeymoon (For Deader or Worse), Bow Street Runner John Pickett discovers wedded bliss is not without its pitfalls, as he finds it galling to be financially dependent on Julia, his aristocratic bride. When he is summoned to the home of Lady Washbourn, Pickett finds he has something in common with the young countess: like himself, Lady Washbourn has married above her … her station, and finds herself adrift in a world to which she does not truly belong. Now she believes her husband is trying to kill her¿and when one of her maids dies during her masquerade ball, it appears she may be right.
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marriage, cozy-mystery, regency, relationships
Two couples with the potential for some major resentments. The client is a young woman with pots of money but not the same class as her husband, and the man from Bow Street is a Runner while his new wife is the widow of a viscount. The client hires the runner because she is afraid that her husband is trying to murder her. The plot has lots of twists and not a few red herrings before coming to a positive conclusion. Quite well done!
Joel Froomkin gives his usual fine performance as narrator.
I requested and received a free audio copy from the author via AudioBookBOOM.
Sheri Cobb South has another winner on her hands with this the seventh book in the John Pickett series. I don’t normally read historical mysteries but this series is incredible. I was a little worried that now that John and Julia are married that it would change the interaction between these characters but I should not have given it another thought. Sheri Cobb South has kept the charm and fun between these two and it has enriched the story line. John Pickett is losing a little of the ruffness in his character but that is showing in his becoming a adult and not a young man. I can’t wait for more in this grand series. Joel L Frommkin is once again the narrator for this book and he is also amazing. I love his voice for this series. He is the voice of John Pickett for me. I was gifted this audiobook with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and any opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the seventh book in the John Pickett mysteries. Without any preamble, you cannot start the series with this book. You must start at the beginning as way too much has happened through the series and to the main characters start with the seventh book. Start with “In Milady’s Chamber” [Book 1] or better yet, start with “Pickpocket’s Apprentice” [a short novella prequel relating John Pickett’s upbringing].
I am enjoying how the characters John and Julia are evolving. They have now settled into married life and trying to navigate those fragile waters. I really enjoyed the realistic conflicts which have begun to develop between John and Julia and their different takes on life. Interestingly, the mystery John is called upon to solve echoes, a bit, his own circumstances – marrying above your station and the insecurities involved. This is a well-written, well-researched and thoroughly enjoyable historical mystery/romance series. I highly recommend it.
The narrator, Joel L. Froomkin, is superb. His narration makes this book by bringing the listener back in time. He adds emotion and humor through his narration. His narration, along with the wonderful writing, makes me not want to stop listening. I am a fan!
This is the first book that I’ve listened to in this series, but I had no trouble getting into it. Sheri Cobb South has written a great story… great plot, character development, and details. I’ll certainly be checking out the other books in the series!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.