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Kathryn Ardleigh #12
Death on the Lizard
Lizard Village, 1903. It’s the dawn of a new century, and telegraph companies around the world are scrambling to be the first to send a wireless signal across the Atlantic. But Italian prodigy Guglielmo Marconi beats them to the punch. Naturally, his feat has bruised some egos, but no one expects sabotage—much less murder. . .
After two apparently accidental deaths at the Marconi station, Charles, Lord Sheridan, an amateur forensic detective and wireless enthusiast, is asked to head an investigation. Meanwhile, his wife, Kate Sheridan, looks into the drowning of a local girl. Soon it becomes clear that the drowning and some dirty tricks at the station are not only connected, but also involve foreign espionage, malicious intrigue, and inexplicable messages sent out of the blue. . .
After two apparently accidental deaths at the Marconi station, Charles, Lord Sheridan, an amateur forensic detective and wireless enthusiast, is asked to head an investigation. Meanwhile, his wife, Kate Sheridan, looks into the drowning of a local girl. Soon it becomes clear that the drowning and some dirty tricks at the station are not only connected, but also involve foreign espionage, malicious intrigue, and inexplicable messages sent out of the blue. . .
328 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 24, 2006
About the author
Robin Paige
26 books191 followersRobin Paige is the pen-name of husband and wife team Bill and Susan Wittig Albert.
The Robin Paige Victorian/Edwardian mystery series was written by Bill and Susan Albert from 1994-2006. There are a dozen books in the series (now completed), beginning in the mid 1890s and continuing through 1903.
The series, beginning with Death at Bishop's Keep, features two amateur sleuths: Kate Ardleigh Sheridan and Sir Charles Sheridan, later Lord Sheridan , Baron of Somersworth. Kate is an Irish-American woman who writes under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell.
She comes to England and inherits a small fortune and the estate of Bishops Keep, located in East Anglia, near the village of Dedham, Essex. Sir Charles is a landed peer and amateur scientist with a special interest in new forensic techniques, such as fingerprinting, ballistics, toxicology, and photography.
In each of the 12 books in the series, Kate and Charles meet notable figures of their time as they set about solving the relevant mystery.
The Robin Paige Victorian/Edwardian mystery series was written by Bill and Susan Albert from 1994-2006. There are a dozen books in the series (now completed), beginning in the mid 1890s and continuing through 1903.
The series, beginning with Death at Bishop's Keep, features two amateur sleuths: Kate Ardleigh Sheridan and Sir Charles Sheridan, later Lord Sheridan , Baron of Somersworth. Kate is an Irish-American woman who writes under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell.
She comes to England and inherits a small fortune and the estate of Bishops Keep, located in East Anglia, near the village of Dedham, Essex. Sir Charles is a landed peer and amateur scientist with a special interest in new forensic techniques, such as fingerprinting, ballistics, toxicology, and photography.
In each of the 12 books in the series, Kate and Charles meet notable figures of their time as they set about solving the relevant mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
February 4, 2018
Once again amateur sleuths Charles, Lord Sheridan, and his Lady wife Kate are involved in dramatic investigations into unexplained deaths, this time on The Lizard where Guglielmo Marconi is conducting experiments with his new wireless equipment.
In addition to the two deaths, both of which were of people who were associated with the Marconi project, there is a longer standing enquiry into the death of a little girl, and while Charles spends most of his time on the former, Kate looks more deeply into the latter so their paths often take different courses.
There are plenty of locals who object to Marconi working in the area and some of them, quite naturally come under suspicion, but in addition there are various visitors and seemingly shady characters in the wings who also arouse much interest. One of the visitors is Sir Oliver Lodge, who, in addition to having an interest in a rival wireless development, is also there to see if, in his role of physic investigator, he can throw any light on the death of the young girl, whose mother is involved in an affair with a mysterious stranger who is supposedly sailing in the area.
The local constabulary get involved but Constable Tom Deane appears not very bright and he is ever willing to be led by Charles, who flits about The Lizard peninsula, which is admirably described, both in his motor car, which attracts local criticism for despoiling the local beauty, and by horse and cart. And when a royal visit is announced, it becomes critical for the matter to be sorted out before the Prince and Princess of Wales arrive.
Fortunately Charles manages to do just that, with the splendid help of his wife. And as the issues unravel, it becomes clear that the two mysteries are interlinked so that the conclusion of the tale is satisfactory to everyone.
'Death on the Lizard' is a worthy addition to 'The Victorian Mystery Series' but, alas, it is the final one of 12 ... fortunately I have a number of others yet to read - and to acquire!
In addition to the two deaths, both of which were of people who were associated with the Marconi project, there is a longer standing enquiry into the death of a little girl, and while Charles spends most of his time on the former, Kate looks more deeply into the latter so their paths often take different courses.
There are plenty of locals who object to Marconi working in the area and some of them, quite naturally come under suspicion, but in addition there are various visitors and seemingly shady characters in the wings who also arouse much interest. One of the visitors is Sir Oliver Lodge, who, in addition to having an interest in a rival wireless development, is also there to see if, in his role of physic investigator, he can throw any light on the death of the young girl, whose mother is involved in an affair with a mysterious stranger who is supposedly sailing in the area.
The local constabulary get involved but Constable Tom Deane appears not very bright and he is ever willing to be led by Charles, who flits about The Lizard peninsula, which is admirably described, both in his motor car, which attracts local criticism for despoiling the local beauty, and by horse and cart. And when a royal visit is announced, it becomes critical for the matter to be sorted out before the Prince and Princess of Wales arrive.
Fortunately Charles manages to do just that, with the splendid help of his wife. And as the issues unravel, it becomes clear that the two mysteries are interlinked so that the conclusion of the tale is satisfactory to everyone.
'Death on the Lizard' is a worthy addition to 'The Victorian Mystery Series' but, alas, it is the final one of 12 ... fortunately I have a number of others yet to read - and to acquire!
August 24, 2017
Charles and Kate are visiting Cornwall to take a tour of Marconi's wireless telegraph station. There are spies and saboteurs who want to steal the latest wireless technology, and Charles is asked to look into the mysterious deaths of two of Marconi's employees. Meanwhile, Kate is trying to comfort a friend whose daughter drowned months before, and she finds out that the child's death may have some connection to the spies sneaking around the countryside.
The plot is slow in the beginning, but picks up with a little more action towards the end. I wanted more character development in this one, but I did enjoy some of the character arcs. It just felt like there could have been a deeper story there, and it wasn't as thoughtful as it might have been.
Charles and Kate are barely together for the entire book. Just one tea together, one dinner, and one hurried letter, and for the rest of the book they are apart doing their sleuthing with other people. Boo! One of the main things that has kept me reading through this entire series is that I love Charles and Kate TOGETHER. So this one was a dud in that respect.
I was surprised that the characters participate in a seance. It was certainly a fad at the time, but I never expected these characters to take that sort of thing seriously. The seance scene seemed out of character in some ways, although I think Kate would only be interested in order to glean material for her writing. At least Charles thought it was humbug and refused to participate.
I liked reading about the historical aspects of the story, the beginning of the Marconi company, and the importance of wireless for ships at sea, etc... But even that got a little boring, because they kept repeating the same facts again and again.
Overall, a fun little read, but nothing special.
The plot is slow in the beginning, but picks up with a little more action towards the end. I wanted more character development in this one, but I did enjoy some of the character arcs. It just felt like there could have been a deeper story there, and it wasn't as thoughtful as it might have been.
Charles and Kate are barely together for the entire book. Just one tea together, one dinner, and one hurried letter, and for the rest of the book they are apart doing their sleuthing with other people. Boo! One of the main things that has kept me reading through this entire series is that I love Charles and Kate TOGETHER. So this one was a dud in that respect.
I was surprised that the characters participate in a seance. It was certainly a fad at the time, but I never expected these characters to take that sort of thing seriously. The seance scene seemed out of character in some ways, although I think Kate would only be interested in order to glean material for her writing. At least Charles thought it was humbug and refused to participate.
I liked reading about the historical aspects of the story, the beginning of the Marconi company, and the importance of wireless for ships at sea, etc... But even that got a little boring, because they kept repeating the same facts again and again.
Overall, a fun little read, but nothing special.
September 19, 2020
2020 bk 306. This is the last of the Edwardian Mysteries. I love the two main characters and have loved their stories set in and around England. This last is not set in a great house, but rather in an area involving 2 hotels, inns, the home of an acquaintance and boats, or and of course, Marconi's telegraph operations in England. This book was a little jarring. It didn't follow the normal style of the other books. While I think it was as probably well researched as the other books, and one half of the authors was doing it in tribute to his father's love of ham radios - I just didn't feel that the author's hearts were in writing this one. I realized that I had completely forgotten the plot of this novel since the last time I read - something I had not completely done with the other novels in the series.
September 27, 2011
Another rollicking ride through history and murder with my favorite sleuths Lady Kathryn and Sir Charles. Don't be put off by their titles. And if you don't know them, don't start here. (Oh, my, too many negatives for such a fabulous book.) You will want to get to know the main characters Kate and Charles in "Death at Bishop's Keep" by Robin Paige (pseudonym for wife and husband writing team Susan Wittig Alert and Bill Albert.) This is book number 12. I do wish they'd publish the series number beneath the title. I am chronologically addicted to the unfolding of characters and time lines.
I won't tell you the plot except to say: 1903, Lizard Village. I always think of King Arthur when I consider Cornwall and now I will also add this book and the feisty, arrogant Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi. New technology will always be a place for competition, suspicion, doubt, greed, secrecy and in this case murder.
The authors historical research seems impeccable. And the character development authentic.
This was the perfect book to read after "Great Expectations" and before "Tinkers".
Happy reading!!!
**** I should qualify all my 4 stars as being 5 stars. I'm saving up stars for that once (or twice) in a lifetime, that deserves appreciation beyond all numbers. Perhaps I shall be more generous in the future and just let you know when a stellar book comes along.
I won't tell you the plot except to say: 1903, Lizard Village. I always think of King Arthur when I consider Cornwall and now I will also add this book and the feisty, arrogant Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi. New technology will always be a place for competition, suspicion, doubt, greed, secrecy and in this case murder.
The authors historical research seems impeccable. And the character development authentic.
This was the perfect book to read after "Great Expectations" and before "Tinkers".
Happy reading!!!
**** I should qualify all my 4 stars as being 5 stars. I'm saving up stars for that once (or twice) in a lifetime, that deserves appreciation beyond all numbers. Perhaps I shall be more generous in the future and just let you know when a stellar book comes along.
February 5, 2017
The series goes out, not with a bang, but with a whimper.
The plot is weak and unengaging. Three people end up dead and you don't care about any of them, not even the drowned little girl or her grieving mother. That's how low the level of intensity has sunk here. Which is strange really. A book on this theme ought to be crackling with "electricity" surely, but no. Not even a philandering Marconi manages to bring any greater excitement to the table. (A good old spooky séance and Bradford Marsden going head to head with a brass bosomed ex are just a couple of short lived sparks I'm afraid.) So...
All things considered? Was this series a complete waste of time and money?
Not at all! The first four installments were just great; full of fun, warmth and historical detail. But after that started a rocky, downhill journey. The humour dwindled and the cozy factor too. Occasionally the authors managed to perk up and almost peak again (Dartmoor and Blenheim Palace), but the original magic never really returned. It was as if married life didn't suit our darling Kate. She grew old and staid so quickly. Pity that. A real pity!
The plot is weak and unengaging. Three people end up dead and you don't care about any of them, not even the drowned little girl or her grieving mother. That's how low the level of intensity has sunk here. Which is strange really. A book on this theme ought to be crackling with "electricity" surely, but no. Not even a philandering Marconi manages to bring any greater excitement to the table. (A good old spooky séance and Bradford Marsden going head to head with a brass bosomed ex are just a couple of short lived sparks I'm afraid.) So...
All things considered? Was this series a complete waste of time and money?
Not at all! The first four installments were just great; full of fun, warmth and historical detail. But after that started a rocky, downhill journey. The humour dwindled and the cozy factor too. Occasionally the authors managed to perk up and almost peak again (Dartmoor and Blenheim Palace), but the original magic never really returned. It was as if married life didn't suit our darling Kate. She grew old and staid so quickly. Pity that. A real pity!
July 20, 2026
I'm sad that this is the last book in the series. I thought it was much better than the previous two, so I couldn't help but give it five stars as a fond farewell. This series is backed by a lot of historical research, and there are always of list of references and author's notes. The last couple of books shifted from Victorian to Edwardian mysteries. The prominent historical figure in this book is Guglielmo Marconi who invented the wireless telegraph and was head of the Marconi Wireless Telegraphy Co. Two other real characters are John Nevil Maskelyne who was a well-known magician and amateur wireless inventor and Sir Oliver Lodge who was a physicist and physic investigator. The fictional and real characters are woven seamlessly into the plot. The descriptions of the Cornwell scenery is quite descriptive and places you in place and the time of 1903.
The prologue takes place in Lizard Village, Cornwell at the Bass Point Station. It's the site chosen by Marconi to send his 1st transatlantic wireless signal. The broken body of Jack Gordon, Operator at the station, is found by a fisherman sprawled face down on rocks at the foot of a cliff. Was it an accident or murder? Charles, Lord Sheridan, Baron Somersworth, is meeting his good friend, Bradford Marsden, who is now director of the Marconi Wireless Telegraphy Co. Marsden is always thinking of new ways to make money and owns an investment firm. Charles also gets to meet Marconi and they both want him to investigate some "dirty tricks" that have taken place recently and the "accident" of Jack Gordon. He has a time limit because the Prince & Princess of Wales will be visiting the Poldhu Station soon and the matter must be resolved before they arrive. Charles is more interested in fingerprints, ballistics, toxicology, forensic photography and the science of criminal investigation and not catching criminals and bringing them to justice. He is a wireless enthusiast, thou, so takes the case. Then Daniel Gerard, chief assistant at the Poldhu station, is found electrocuted. He had been working on a secret project involving tuners that would reduce interference and secure messages from interception. Both the prototype tuner and diary is missing. Could the murders be linked to foreign espionage or sabotage from competing companies?
Lady Kathryn Ardleigh Sheridan (Charles wife) is visited by Patsy Marsden (Bradford's sister) who would like Kate to accompany her to Cornwall to visit Lady Jenna Loveday whose 10-year-old child died recently. Patsy thinks Kate would be sympathetic and a comfort to Jenna, because Kate has also lost a child. Harriet had drowned, but was it an accident or something else? Beryl Bardwell, Kate's pseudonym, goes along to do research for a new book. Her asides to Kate can become annoying at times.
Some other observations include:
- Marconi is infatuated with Miss Pauline Chase. When Marsden meets her, he knows her by two other names. He found her seductive, deceptive, and deadly? What is she doing dating Marconi?
-At a lecture, Marconi is lecturing on "Resonance and Tuning in Wireless Technology" with a demonstration when some disturbing messages, which could compromise his new tuner, come thru unchecked. John Nevil Maskelyne (real historical person) is a well-known magician, who dabbles in wireless, threatens to go to the press and tell the public Marconi's tuner doesn't work.
- Who is Jenna meeting on his yacht. He says his name is Niels Andersson and a sailor and adventurer. Supposedly they are in love, but who is he really? What did Harriet see before she drowned?
- Andrew Kirk-Smythe (who was in two previous books) is in Military Intelligence and Kate spots him on the beach, recognizes him, but he says his name is John Northrup and she's mistaken.
- Jenna is excited and apprehensive about a visit from Sir Oliver Lodge, another real historical figure, who is a physicist and physic investigator. Jenna wants to know why Harriet died and Sir Oliver wants to put her in a trance with pen in hand writing words that come from a supernatural source. It called automatic writing. What does she discover?
- When Andrew tells Charles why he is here spying on a man called "Wolf", they decide to participate in some counter-espionage.
- And much more...
These books always have some name dropping. Here we have Nicola Tesla, the Wright brothers, and Bram Stoker. These last books have Charles and Kate investigating separately instead of together as in the first books. It's what brought them together in the first place. Besides the usual Cast of Characters and Map of Cornwall in the front of the book, there are the Author's Notes and References in the back of the book. At the beginning of each chapter, there are excerpts from books, writings, plays, newspapers, etc. that indicate something that will be revealed in the chapter. One unresolved plot issue is that Kate was expecting a visit from an American cousin, Meg O'Malley. She hoped Meg and her adopted son would get along. Now we'll never know what happened. Highly recommended series.
The prologue takes place in Lizard Village, Cornwell at the Bass Point Station. It's the site chosen by Marconi to send his 1st transatlantic wireless signal. The broken body of Jack Gordon, Operator at the station, is found by a fisherman sprawled face down on rocks at the foot of a cliff. Was it an accident or murder? Charles, Lord Sheridan, Baron Somersworth, is meeting his good friend, Bradford Marsden, who is now director of the Marconi Wireless Telegraphy Co. Marsden is always thinking of new ways to make money and owns an investment firm. Charles also gets to meet Marconi and they both want him to investigate some "dirty tricks" that have taken place recently and the "accident" of Jack Gordon. He has a time limit because the Prince & Princess of Wales will be visiting the Poldhu Station soon and the matter must be resolved before they arrive. Charles is more interested in fingerprints, ballistics, toxicology, forensic photography and the science of criminal investigation and not catching criminals and bringing them to justice. He is a wireless enthusiast, thou, so takes the case. Then Daniel Gerard, chief assistant at the Poldhu station, is found electrocuted. He had been working on a secret project involving tuners that would reduce interference and secure messages from interception. Both the prototype tuner and diary is missing. Could the murders be linked to foreign espionage or sabotage from competing companies?
Lady Kathryn Ardleigh Sheridan (Charles wife) is visited by Patsy Marsden (Bradford's sister) who would like Kate to accompany her to Cornwall to visit Lady Jenna Loveday whose 10-year-old child died recently. Patsy thinks Kate would be sympathetic and a comfort to Jenna, because Kate has also lost a child. Harriet had drowned, but was it an accident or something else? Beryl Bardwell, Kate's pseudonym, goes along to do research for a new book. Her asides to Kate can become annoying at times.
Some other observations include:
- Marconi is infatuated with Miss Pauline Chase. When Marsden meets her, he knows her by two other names. He found her seductive, deceptive, and deadly? What is she doing dating Marconi?
-At a lecture, Marconi is lecturing on "Resonance and Tuning in Wireless Technology" with a demonstration when some disturbing messages, which could compromise his new tuner, come thru unchecked. John Nevil Maskelyne (real historical person) is a well-known magician, who dabbles in wireless, threatens to go to the press and tell the public Marconi's tuner doesn't work.
- Who is Jenna meeting on his yacht. He says his name is Niels Andersson and a sailor and adventurer. Supposedly they are in love, but who is he really? What did Harriet see before she drowned?
- Andrew Kirk-Smythe (who was in two previous books) is in Military Intelligence and Kate spots him on the beach, recognizes him, but he says his name is John Northrup and she's mistaken.
- Jenna is excited and apprehensive about a visit from Sir Oliver Lodge, another real historical figure, who is a physicist and physic investigator. Jenna wants to know why Harriet died and Sir Oliver wants to put her in a trance with pen in hand writing words that come from a supernatural source. It called automatic writing. What does she discover?
- When Andrew tells Charles why he is here spying on a man called "Wolf", they decide to participate in some counter-espionage.
- And much more...
These books always have some name dropping. Here we have Nicola Tesla, the Wright brothers, and Bram Stoker. These last books have Charles and Kate investigating separately instead of together as in the first books. It's what brought them together in the first place. Besides the usual Cast of Characters and Map of Cornwall in the front of the book, there are the Author's Notes and References in the back of the book. At the beginning of each chapter, there are excerpts from books, writings, plays, newspapers, etc. that indicate something that will be revealed in the chapter. One unresolved plot issue is that Kate was expecting a visit from an American cousin, Meg O'Malley. She hoped Meg and her adopted son would get along. Now we'll never know what happened. Highly recommended series.
June 28, 2017
'Death on the Lizard' by the husband and wife writing team under the pseudonym of 'Robin Paige,' is #12 in the series that began in the late British Victorian period and culminates in the Edwardian period. First, I should say that my wife had been given #6, 'Death at Whitechapel,' some years ago. It sat around on a 'too read' pile for years. Not long ago, I was in desperate need of something different to read and my wife suggested giving #6 a try. At first, I waffled … maybe I'll read it … but I can wait to get something … Okay, I'll give it a try. It was the right decision! I found that all the titles were in reprint and decided to try some. #1 got me definitely 'hooked' especially since it starts out in lower Manhattan, my home town, with a fascinating main character. It did not take long to acquire and get to #5. #7 through #12 were soon to follow.
Some would classify the series as 'cozy mystery (historical fiction),' but if so, at the high end of that genre which I have seen too often be overly simplistic at best and often not concerned with historical accuracy. That is not true for this series! It is intelligently written with plausible stories woven into the given historical setting. The main characters, who become husband and wife, are most compelling and work well together at common goals. They both recognize each others value (multileveled) and solve mysteries well … and actually love and respect one another at a time when that was not always the case.
I am afraid of giving too much away and don't want to include 'spoilers' that might detract from others reading pleasure. I will just say that you might consider the main characters people you might like to know in the period setting or today. I had so much fun, and hours of reading enjoyment, that I would recommend these titles, 1 – 12, without reservation.
The sad note is that #12, an excellent read, is the last in the series. It would seem that publishers of the time, when written, wanted the authors to take a different path. I, in my opinion, think that they made a mistake. I would love to see a #13 … and more if a publisher would realize the value of the series that could have realistically gone on for at least a few more titles. That said, I have no regrets in having obtained the 12 titles but sad that I will likely not see more. I can wish though!
Some would classify the series as 'cozy mystery (historical fiction),' but if so, at the high end of that genre which I have seen too often be overly simplistic at best and often not concerned with historical accuracy. That is not true for this series! It is intelligently written with plausible stories woven into the given historical setting. The main characters, who become husband and wife, are most compelling and work well together at common goals. They both recognize each others value (multileveled) and solve mysteries well … and actually love and respect one another at a time when that was not always the case.
I am afraid of giving too much away and don't want to include 'spoilers' that might detract from others reading pleasure. I will just say that you might consider the main characters people you might like to know in the period setting or today. I had so much fun, and hours of reading enjoyment, that I would recommend these titles, 1 – 12, without reservation.
The sad note is that #12, an excellent read, is the last in the series. It would seem that publishers of the time, when written, wanted the authors to take a different path. I, in my opinion, think that they made a mistake. I would love to see a #13 … and more if a publisher would realize the value of the series that could have realistically gone on for at least a few more titles. That said, I have no regrets in having obtained the 12 titles but sad that I will likely not see more. I can wish though!
November 24, 2021
Death on the Lizard by Robin Paige is the 12th and final book of the Kathryn Ardleigh cozy mystery series set in Edwardian England. In July 1903, Lord Charles Sheridan and his wife Kate hope to enjoy quiet time at their country estate. But due to friendship and professional courtesy, they go to the Lizard peninsula of Cornwall: Kate to help her friend Patsy Marsden comfort bereaved Jenna Loveday, Charles to help Bradford Marsden (Patsy's brother) solve a series of crimes against the Marconi wireless station.
Marsden is heavily invested in Guglielmo Marconi's invention. He's desperately concerned about an upcoming royal visit to the Lizard station, as well as industrial espionage. Sir Oliver Lodge is a wireless rival to Marconi, but his visit to the Lizard is due to an interest in the paranormal. Andrew Kirk-Smythe, undercover as John Northrup to tail a spy, gets to enjoy plenty of sailing.
Of course, Charles and Kate solve all the mysteries, not only the wireless sabotage crimes, but an earlier drowning. And along the way, the reader is treated to lovely descriptions of the Cornwall coastline, country estates and moors.
Marsden is heavily invested in Guglielmo Marconi's invention. He's desperately concerned about an upcoming royal visit to the Lizard station, as well as industrial espionage. Sir Oliver Lodge is a wireless rival to Marconi, but his visit to the Lizard is due to an interest in the paranormal. Andrew Kirk-Smythe, undercover as John Northrup to tail a spy, gets to enjoy plenty of sailing.
Of course, Charles and Kate solve all the mysteries, not only the wireless sabotage crimes, but an earlier drowning. And along the way, the reader is treated to lovely descriptions of the Cornwall coastline, country estates and moors.
February 13, 2024
We find ourselves in a world where a physicist can also be a spiritualist; where waves traveling through the atmosphere might be radio or might be messages from beyond the grave; where women can be daring and adventurous as long as they have family fortunes to fall back upon; and where it's still a surprise that England and France can be on the same side and England and Germany can actually be enemies. In short, the opening years of the twentieth century.
As this summary indicates, the murder mystery in this book is really a pretext for a historical novel and for a continuation of the saga of romantic, passionate nerds Charles and Kate Sheridan. What a pity they spend so little time together in this, the final book of their story!
Now I've read this whole series, although I did not realize I had read every previous entry. There are plenty of other authors whose works I haven't completed (including one half of the Robin Paige team, Susan Wittig Albert), and I must recommend these books if for no other reason than I found myself returning to them over and over and enjoying each one.
As this summary indicates, the murder mystery in this book is really a pretext for a historical novel and for a continuation of the saga of romantic, passionate nerds Charles and Kate Sheridan. What a pity they spend so little time together in this, the final book of their story!
Now I've read this whole series, although I did not realize I had read every previous entry. There are plenty of other authors whose works I haven't completed (including one half of the Robin Paige team, Susan Wittig Albert), and I must recommend these books if for no other reason than I found myself returning to them over and over and enjoying each one.
February 10, 2017
Picked this book up from the library, and after reading it I'm not sure that I would want to buy more books in the series. So far I've only read the first three books, plus book 9, so I'm sure all the jumping around in the series timeline hasn't done me any favours, but I really did not enjoy this book.
I found the crash course I had to discover regarding Kate and Charles recent life quite frustrating, and the fact that it has been years since the first books were set annoying. Now Kate's friend has committed her to comforting an acquaintance who recently lost her daughter, something which Kate really does not want to do as it's brought up memories from her past (with Charles), and yet Charles swans in, sides with the bossy friend, without evening giving any thoughts to Kate's feelings on the subject. Then, once the two of them arrive. Charles buggers off to another mystery (one he'd been heading too all along, but needed the cover for) and poor Kate has to muddle through mostly by herself. Poorly done, Charles :-{
2.75 ★
I found the crash course I had to discover regarding Kate and Charles recent life quite frustrating, and the fact that it has been years since the first books were set annoying. Now Kate's friend has committed her to comforting an acquaintance who recently lost her daughter, something which Kate really does not want to do as it's brought up memories from her past (with Charles), and yet Charles swans in, sides with the bossy friend, without evening giving any thoughts to Kate's feelings on the subject. Then, once the two of them arrive. Charles buggers off to another mystery (one he'd been heading too all along, but needed the cover for) and poor Kate has to muddle through mostly by herself. Poorly done, Charles :-{
2.75 ★
March 17, 2018
Review - I felt that this one was a bit of a letdown but I was still disappointed that this is the last in the series. I love Charles and Kate together and this book disappoints in that respect - they spend time pursuing their own separate investigations. The best ones in this series for me were definitely 'Death at Whitechapel' and 'Death at Glamis Castle', because I love royal conspiracies and real life events. I didn't enjoy this one as much perhaps because I knew it was the last one, and wanted there to be more.
Genre? - Historical / Crime / Mystery
Characters? - Kathryn Ardleigh Sheridan / Charles Sheridan / Guglielmo Marconi / Oliver Lodge / Tom Deane / Bradford Marsden
Setting? - Lizard Peninsula (England)
Series? - Kathryn Ardleigh #12
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 16/20
Genre? - Historical / Crime / Mystery
Characters? - Kathryn Ardleigh Sheridan / Charles Sheridan / Guglielmo Marconi / Oliver Lodge / Tom Deane / Bradford Marsden
Setting? - Lizard Peninsula (England)
Series? - Kathryn Ardleigh #12
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 16/20
May 30, 2025
Sadly the last in this series of twelve books but I also felt it was one of the weaker books. This one was all about the race to get the first wireless up and running, especially transatlantic and ship to ship without people being able to listen into your messages.
An interesting plot and again some true facts in the book but I found the characters far less believable as if the authors had run out of steam.
Kate was very wishy washy and quite frankly needn't have been in this book as Charles did all the leg work. I didn't like the smaltzy ending either.
I've enjoyed the series however and learnt quite a lot about the history in the early 1900's.
An interesting plot and again some true facts in the book but I found the characters far less believable as if the authors had run out of steam.
Kate was very wishy washy and quite frankly needn't have been in this book as Charles did all the leg work. I didn't like the smaltzy ending either.
I've enjoyed the series however and learnt quite a lot about the history in the early 1900's.
June 26, 2017
This is one of my favorite series. It's as much the history as the story and mystery to be solved. Or seeing the relationships of the time and watching the development of the strength of women or the different classes of rich and working class.
And the historical characters. This time it's Guglielmo Marconi, one of the pioneers of wireless communication. Subterfuge and mysterious deaths abound and Charles and Kate are asked to investigate.
I am so glad I have this series on Mt Git'r'Read. I have enjoyed each one I've read so far, but there are more to go. YAY!
Definitely recommend.
And the historical characters. This time it's Guglielmo Marconi, one of the pioneers of wireless communication. Subterfuge and mysterious deaths abound and Charles and Kate are asked to investigate.
I am so glad I have this series on Mt Git'r'Read. I have enjoyed each one I've read so far, but there are more to go. YAY!
Definitely recommend.
July 8, 2023
This is the last in the 12 book series featuring Charles and Kate Sheridan and their adventures in Victorian and Edwardian England.
It is 1903 and this last offering finds amateur sleuths, Charles and Kate, in Cornwall on the Lizard Peninsular. Charles is helping his friend Bradford Marsden investigate some mysterious goings on at the Marconi wireless station whilst Kate is visiting a friend who has recently lost her child in distressing circumstances.
I enjoyed this book but it was slow and not particularly eventful. The entire series has been good with the addition of historical figures blended into the stories making them particularly interesting.
It is 1903 and this last offering finds amateur sleuths, Charles and Kate, in Cornwall on the Lizard Peninsular. Charles is helping his friend Bradford Marsden investigate some mysterious goings on at the Marconi wireless station whilst Kate is visiting a friend who has recently lost her child in distressing circumstances.
I enjoyed this book but it was slow and not particularly eventful. The entire series has been good with the addition of historical figures blended into the stories making them particularly interesting.
April 6, 2024
Lizard Village is not happy with the noise of the wireless telegraph in their area.
Marconi is busy raising money to build more towers and for more supplies for inventing.
Kate is invited by Patsy to go and visit a friend, who just recently lost her daughter to a drowning.
Charles is asked by Marsden to go and investigate some troubling happenings ( including death) on the hush hush for Marconi.
Kate and Charles travel together as they are both going to be staying a few miles apart.
Marconi is busy raising money to build more towers and for more supplies for inventing.
Kate is invited by Patsy to go and visit a friend, who just recently lost her daughter to a drowning.
Charles is asked by Marsden to go and investigate some troubling happenings ( including death) on the hush hush for Marconi.
Kate and Charles travel together as they are both going to be staying a few miles apart.
September 2, 2025
I am finally done with this series, and I think I will keep them on the bookshelf for now. The historical details always take precedence over the mystery plot. Also there are times in these books where the reader is reading about an event twice because two characters have to discuss it over tea the next day. That gets annoying fast.
I don’t know when or if I will ever reread these books, but I do say check them out to fans of historical fiction.
I don’t know when or if I will ever reread these books, but I do say check them out to fans of historical fiction.
February 13, 2019
I love this series! I started reading it many years ago and didn't think I would get to read the rest, because I don't have the finances to buy books anymore. I was happy to see the library had this one. The cover art is beautiful. The story is intriguing, though I agree with most of the locals, I don't think a wireless system was progress.
January 20, 2024
This was such a fun, fascinating read! Not only was there a great murder mystery to unravel, but there was also business and political intrigue, romance, real historical events and people, and even some spiritualism (all in good fun, of course). The intricate plot was perfectly executed. I’ll be mulling over this one for a while!
July 15, 2026
I found this outing with Kathryn and her husband, Charles, fascinating, as they uncovered the thefts around Guglielmo Marconi's new wireless equipment and identified who was trying to steal it. Found it fascinating reading about how the new technology of cameras, automobiles, and telegraphs changed travel, communication and even spy technology.
October 23, 2021
Although Kate and Charles both go to Cornwall, their paths diverge when they get there which makes the story a bit disjointed. It is so much more enjoyable when they work together. It appears this is the last book in the series. It was, however, enjoyable and I would recommend the series.
May 2, 2022
I learned a bit about Marconi, and the wireless. It’s well researched and sort of interesting. Not really my thing. I don’t think I’d read another. They have written several. I especially liked the map. Love maps
January 1, 2024
Nice ending to the Kathryn Ardleigh Sheridan series. There were some slow books throughout and there were some slow parts within this book, but I'm very glad that I pushed through and finished this series.
July 17, 2024
I finished this Victorian Mystery series by Robin Paige. They are well written and full of historical characters that I enjoy doing some fact checking on the fictional situations!! A fun series even if a little predictable.😀
June 10, 2017
I had no idea. Loved the story and the history.
October 9, 2017
To many ghosts and real people for my taste.
October 16, 2017
Fascinating detail about the history of the wireless (more the history of its commercial viability) and characters with complex emotions puts this one a cut above most historical mysteries.
March 24, 2018
Love these books!!!
May 26, 2018
Last of this Series to date - Pity. Modern Cosy but I liked the Characters and the History and has a good sense of place. Great Holiday reading
November 3, 2018
This was another excellent book in this series. I really hate that it is last one.
August 1, 2019
Loved it! Can't wait to read more by this author.
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