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Lord and Lady Hetheridge #1
Ice Blue
Anthony Hetheridge, ninth Baron of Wellegrave, Chief Superintendent for New Scotland Yard, never married, no children, no pets, no hobbies, and not even an interesting vice, will turn sixty in three weeks. With the exception of his chosen career, too sordid for his blue-blooded family to condone, his life has been safe and predictable. But then he meets Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield — beautiful, willful, and nearly half his age. When Hetheridge saves the outspoken, impetuous young detective from getting the sack, siding with her against Scotland Yard's powerful male hierarchy, his cold, elegantly balanced world spins out of control. Summoned to London's fashionable Belgravia to investigate the brutal murder of a financier, Hetheridge must catch the killer while coping with his growing attraction to Kate, the reappearance of an old flame, and the secret that emerges from his own past.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 830 reviews
September 25, 2025
What a wild ride. I have never read this author before and I do plan to continue reading the series. The dialogue is witty and funny with great main characters, and the side characters add a lot to the plot (at times they steal the show). A bit too much a procedural for me and I found this slowed the rhythm of the storyline at times. The romance was another issue that seemed to happen a bit too fast for me, but this is a book, so I just went with it. I enjoyed the twist at the end and look forward to book 2. So, I rate the book 3.5*
February 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this rather unusual detective mystery.
Ice Blue claims to be contemporary yet there is an old fashioned appeal to it as well, maybe because the age gap between the main characters is so big it felt like living with the characteristics of two different generations. Plus I am not sure the aristocracy actually warrant specific police attention these days.
Regardless, I quickly adapted to the age gap, I loved the characters and I floated past any parts which seemed out of place. This was made easy by the author's excellent writing which meant it was easy to like the main characters and to want to see them happy. How this can be made to actually happen is beyond me but the subtitle of the series indicates it will.
I am looking forward to finding out!
Ice Blue claims to be contemporary yet there is an old fashioned appeal to it as well, maybe because the age gap between the main characters is so big it felt like living with the characteristics of two different generations. Plus I am not sure the aristocracy actually warrant specific police attention these days.
Regardless, I quickly adapted to the age gap, I loved the characters and I floated past any parts which seemed out of place. This was made easy by the author's excellent writing which meant it was easy to like the main characters and to want to see them happy. How this can be made to actually happen is beyond me but the subtitle of the series indicates it will.
I am looking forward to finding out!
April 2, 2020
I picked this up because a friend mentioned liking it and that it was free on Amazon (it still is, as of this writing). And I'm really glad that I did. It's a bit light for a mystery and a bit investigation/plot focused for a romance but the cast of characters are engaging and it was really fun seeing Tony and Kate dance around each other, earning and giving mutual respect.
And I don't have a lot more to say about it, really. The romance doesn't conclude here, and Tony falls a bit fast for my liking. I'm not sure why Kate's emotional attachment makes more sense, but she does. Maybe because we know that she has been open to relationships so it isn't the lifestyle turn-around it would be with Tony? I don't know. Anyway, it was fun and hit the right mood and I'm definitely interested in the next. I may pick up a bundle if I can find one priced well-enough...
A note about Chaste: There's no shenanigans and only a very light, perfunctory kiss in this story. Which was about right for the progression we have so far.
And I don't have a lot more to say about it, really. The romance doesn't conclude here, and Tony falls a bit fast for my liking. I'm not sure why Kate's emotional attachment makes more sense, but she does. Maybe because we know that she has been open to relationships so it isn't the lifestyle turn-around it would be with Tony? I don't know. Anyway, it was fun and hit the right mood and I'm definitely interested in the next. I may pick up a bundle if I can find one priced well-enough...
A note about Chaste: There's no shenanigans and only a very light, perfunctory kiss in this story. Which was about right for the progression we have so far.
November 8, 2020
New Scotland Yard’s Chief Superintendent, Anthony Hetheridge was three weeks shy of his sixtieth birthday when Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield joined him as his new partner. The gruesome death of Malcolm Comfrey was their first case together, and along with Detective Paul Bahl, the three of them investigated, interrogated and generally made nuisances of themselves all in the name of finding a killer. The Chief was upper class, blue blooded as well as calm and predictable. But Kate’s openness and honesty put him on the back foot more than once. With another murder occurring within the same circle, Kate, Paul and the Chief could well have their work cut out for them…
Ice Blue is the first in the Lord and Lady Hetheridge series and I quite enjoyed it. There is plenty of action, many red herrings, as well as some humour on the side. With the big boss wanting the case solved without delay and another boss who was anti Hetheridge doing his utmost to derail the investigation, it was a wonder a conclusion was reached. But when it arrived, it was a most satisfactory one. Recommended.
Ice Blue is the first in the Lord and Lady Hetheridge series and I quite enjoyed it. There is plenty of action, many red herrings, as well as some humour on the side. With the big boss wanting the case solved without delay and another boss who was anti Hetheridge doing his utmost to derail the investigation, it was a wonder a conclusion was reached. But when it arrived, it was a most satisfactory one. Recommended.
September 18, 2025
A murder mystery with wonderful characters and a whiff of romance… so good!
Quick. Short. Satisfying.
I’d forgotten what a five star read felt like. It’s beyond print and paper. A mind meld happens.
There were surprises, including who the killer was, but nothing unreasonable (no skeptical McFussy eyebrows were raised while reading). Even the title which at first seemed blah, had a meaning that gave me mild goosebumps.
Subjectively, because of the blood spatter, I wouldn’t call it a cozy mystery, but YMMV.
Tally ho! Onto #2!
Quick. Short. Satisfying.
I’d forgotten what a five star read felt like. It’s beyond print and paper. A mind meld happens.
There were surprises, including who the killer was, but nothing unreasonable (no skeptical McFussy eyebrows were raised while reading). Even the title which at first seemed blah, had a meaning that gave me mild goosebumps.
Subjectively, because of the blood spatter, I wouldn’t call it a cozy mystery, but YMMV.
Tally ho! Onto #2!
March 8, 2017
Review written March 8, 2017
3.6 Stars - Nice serial opener and I'm absolutely hooked
Book #1
• • •
I truly enjoyed the first in the (cozy) mystery series (Marriage Can Be Murder (3.8 stars) – set in wartime 1939 England) by Emma Jameson. Then when this Ice Blue was available to get free (to add $2 WSfV for a perfect length 6 hours audiobook also narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davies), I couldn't resist and downloaded immediately. Very glad I did.
**********************************************
Ice Blue is the #1 part in the Lord and Lady Hetheridge series. — Procedural mystery / crime fiction, with some added romantic in the office sparkles, set in a contemporary London UK.
Intriguing book blurb: — « Anthony Hetheridge, ninth Baron of Wellegrave, Chief Superintendent for New Scotland Yard, never married, no children, no pets, no hobbies, and not even an interesting vice, will turn sixty in three weeks. With the exception of his chosen career, too sordid for his blue-blooded family to condone, his life has been safe and predictable. But then he meets Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield – beautiful, willful, and nearly half his age. »
**********************************************
Superintendent Hetheridge is the well behaved "lord-kind"
The kind of older hero we loves to meet in books like this (think a light version of Elizabeth George's popular main characters). I'm so much looking forward to see the "thing" between him and the much younger Kate (with a difficult working class background) develop in the next book part (#2 - Blue Murder).
It isn't just Kate Wakefield who is a interesting character partner in Hetheridge's small team, here is also another unforgettable Detective Sergeant in Deepal "Paul" Bhar's funny shape and form (a lovely witty character). We also has this classic oldish perfect female superintendent secretary taking care of them all. ~ Sorry to say but here are also all those usual disgusting oppressive male bullies and rude police colleagues. ~
Ice Blue is told with a procedure solving style with a few suspects in a small upper class social circle. We get to know a little about them all and are left in the "whodunnit" cloud to the end. Add some fun jokes, eye rolling moments, chuckling banters and a nice light oldfashioned feel.
There are four Lord and Lady Hetheridge mysteries (so far) and this was a very promising start. A mix of British crime, these allways intriguing class issues and some tender romantic element is very appealing to this lady. A quite young woman versus an older, both bachelor and her boss, is of course also always quite titillating ... and a bit naughty mischievous. Or?
Audiobook and narrator...
My only small complain is maybe that this excellent narrator, in all other ways, Matthew Lloyd Davies didn't manage to do a better voice for our heroine Kate. I'm sure she wasn't supposed to sound so silly childish, with this pretty horrible shrill voice, in the authors mind.
**********************************************
I LIKE - to be back with more crime fiction in my booklife
3.6 Stars - Nice serial opener and I'm absolutely hooked
Book #1
• • • I truly enjoyed the first in the (cozy) mystery series (Marriage Can Be Murder (3.8 stars) – set in wartime 1939 England) by Emma Jameson. Then when this Ice Blue was available to get free (to add $2 WSfV for a perfect length 6 hours audiobook also narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davies), I couldn't resist and downloaded immediately. Very glad I did.
**********************************************
Ice Blue is the #1 part in the Lord and Lady Hetheridge series. — Procedural mystery / crime fiction, with some added romantic in the office sparkles, set in a contemporary London UK.
Intriguing book blurb: — « Anthony Hetheridge, ninth Baron of Wellegrave, Chief Superintendent for New Scotland Yard, never married, no children, no pets, no hobbies, and not even an interesting vice, will turn sixty in three weeks. With the exception of his chosen career, too sordid for his blue-blooded family to condone, his life has been safe and predictable. But then he meets Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield – beautiful, willful, and nearly half his age. »
**********************************************
Superintendent Hetheridge is the well behaved "lord-kind"
The kind of older hero we loves to meet in books like this (think a light version of Elizabeth George's popular main characters). I'm so much looking forward to see the "thing" between him and the much younger Kate (with a difficult working class background) develop in the next book part (#2 - Blue Murder).
“But one advantage of turning sixty was the realization that still being alive was the point.”
It isn't just Kate Wakefield who is a interesting character partner in Hetheridge's small team, here is also another unforgettable Detective Sergeant in Deepal "Paul" Bhar's funny shape and form (a lovely witty character). We also has this classic oldish perfect female superintendent secretary taking care of them all. ~ Sorry to say but here are also all those usual disgusting oppressive male bullies and rude police colleagues. ~
Ice Blue is told with a procedure solving style with a few suspects in a small upper class social circle. We get to know a little about them all and are left in the "whodunnit" cloud to the end. Add some fun jokes, eye rolling moments, chuckling banters and a nice light oldfashioned feel.
There are four Lord and Lady Hetheridge mysteries (so far) and this was a very promising start. A mix of British crime, these allways intriguing class issues and some tender romantic element is very appealing to this lady. A quite young woman versus an older, both bachelor and her boss, is of course also always quite titillating ... and a bit naughty mischievous. Or?
Audiobook and narrator...
My only small complain is maybe that this excellent narrator, in all other ways, Matthew Lloyd Davies didn't manage to do a better voice for our heroine Kate. I'm sure she wasn't supposed to sound so silly childish, with this pretty horrible shrill voice, in the authors mind.
**********************************************
I LIKE - to be back with more crime fiction in my booklife
September 5, 2020
I really enjoyed reading Ice Blue - after ploughing through a couple of heavier, grittier titles recently, it was exactly the foil I needed.
While not exactly parody, my feeling was that Ice Blue is to the police procedural genre what Jane Austen's wonderful Northanger Abbey is to gothic novels - a sort of gentle satire, executed with a superbly light touch. The subtlety is such that many readers seem to have mistaken the result, in the case of both books, as a poorly-executed attempt at the "real thing".
Following a very public dispute with a senior officer, smart but chippy DS Kate Wakefield - rather than facing demotion or disciplinary action, is taken under the wing of DCS Tony Hetheridge, who also happens to be Lord Hetheridge, ninth Baron of Wellegrave. Together with the witty DS Deepal "Paul" Bhar, they investigate the rather gruesome death of nasty financier Malcolm Comfrey in his plush Belgravia family home. The widowed Mrs. Comfrey turns out to be a former fiancée of DCS Hetheridge, but in the (satirical) fictional universe, why on earth should that prevent him from investigating her husband's murder?
Emma Jameson draws on the long and distinguished history of aristocratic investigators - Dorothy L Sayers's Lord Peter Wimsey, Elizabeth George's DI Tommy Lynley (aka the Earl of Asherton) and P.D. James's DI John Massingham, to name a few. In Ice Blue, Hetheridge's elite squad are allocated those cases involving members of society's upper echelons, not only because they're more likely to accept a Baron into their midst, but also because he's prepared to be tough on them when necessary (as we observe on several occasions in Ice Blue).
Concurrent with the investigation of Comfrey's murder, we also observe the growing mutual attraction between Hetheridge and D.S. Wakefield, despite the significant discrepancy in their ages (he is approaching 60, she is 31). This is also handled by Emma Jameson in a gloriously overblown manner, with nervy inner dialogues, furtive glances and wrestling on a fencing mat! The character of acerbic society matriarch, Lady Margaret Knolls, is an inspired inclusion, not only as a source of society gossip, but as an omniscient observer of Hetheridge and Wakefield's attraction, and I hope she'll also feature in future instalments.
The resolution of the mystery, while not particularly unexpected, was suitably dramatic and satisfying to the reader.
A very enjoyable, while undemanding, read. Highly recommended for those who appreciate some subtle parody and several laugh-out-loud moments of camp drama.
While not exactly parody, my feeling was that Ice Blue is to the police procedural genre what Jane Austen's wonderful Northanger Abbey is to gothic novels - a sort of gentle satire, executed with a superbly light touch. The subtlety is such that many readers seem to have mistaken the result, in the case of both books, as a poorly-executed attempt at the "real thing".
Following a very public dispute with a senior officer, smart but chippy DS Kate Wakefield - rather than facing demotion or disciplinary action, is taken under the wing of DCS Tony Hetheridge, who also happens to be Lord Hetheridge, ninth Baron of Wellegrave. Together with the witty DS Deepal "Paul" Bhar, they investigate the rather gruesome death of nasty financier Malcolm Comfrey in his plush Belgravia family home. The widowed Mrs. Comfrey turns out to be a former fiancée of DCS Hetheridge, but in the (satirical) fictional universe, why on earth should that prevent him from investigating her husband's murder?
Emma Jameson draws on the long and distinguished history of aristocratic investigators - Dorothy L Sayers's Lord Peter Wimsey, Elizabeth George's DI Tommy Lynley (aka the Earl of Asherton) and P.D. James's DI John Massingham, to name a few. In Ice Blue, Hetheridge's elite squad are allocated those cases involving members of society's upper echelons, not only because they're more likely to accept a Baron into their midst, but also because he's prepared to be tough on them when necessary (as we observe on several occasions in Ice Blue).
Concurrent with the investigation of Comfrey's murder, we also observe the growing mutual attraction between Hetheridge and D.S. Wakefield, despite the significant discrepancy in their ages (he is approaching 60, she is 31). This is also handled by Emma Jameson in a gloriously overblown manner, with nervy inner dialogues, furtive glances and wrestling on a fencing mat! The character of acerbic society matriarch, Lady Margaret Knolls, is an inspired inclusion, not only as a source of society gossip, but as an omniscient observer of Hetheridge and Wakefield's attraction, and I hope she'll also feature in future instalments.
The resolution of the mystery, while not particularly unexpected, was suitably dramatic and satisfying to the reader.
A very enjoyable, while undemanding, read. Highly recommended for those who appreciate some subtle parody and several laugh-out-loud moments of camp drama.
March 26, 2021
OK, I'm defintely addicted to mystery/crime/suspance novels this year! LOL
This is another very good book in that line!
I liked the MCs and enjoyed the crime-solving! Also the secondary character, Paul Bahl, was really good!
I admit that I had some problems with the language, because I was not able to tell how they differred from each other, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment! That's because English is not my first language and that's not the book's fault! LOL
I also liked the age difference between Kate and Hetheridge! It was endearing to see a 60 years old man fall so sweetly in love (and lust! hahaha!) with a 29 years old woman! :)
This is another very good book in that line!
I liked the MCs and enjoyed the crime-solving! Also the secondary character, Paul Bahl, was really good!
I admit that I had some problems with the language, because I was not able to tell how they differred from each other, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment! That's because English is not my first language and that's not the book's fault! LOL
I also liked the age difference between Kate and Hetheridge! It was endearing to see a 60 years old man fall so sweetly in love (and lust! hahaha!) with a 29 years old woman! :)
October 15, 2018
3.55* If that’s all you need to know, read no further because I can’t help but spoil a bit of the plot in this review.
This is structured as a contemporary London police procedural that has three leading characters and a lot of suspects.
The characters are:
Anthony Hetheridge, ninth Baron of Wellegrave and chief superintendent for New Scotland Yard;
Detective Sergeant Paul Bhar who is a member of Hetheridge’s investigative team; and,
Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield who soon after the story begins becomes a member of the team.
The basic plot:
After a raucous dinner party, the host is found murdered in his library by his wife. As the investigation continues, the list of suspects increases and we find out many things about them that may relate to the murder.
The set-up follows most of the conventions for London police procedurals:
"But the case isn’t closed yet. There are loose ends to be wrapped up, and we need your help.”
“What sort of loose ends?”
“May I come in?” Kate’s tone was polite.
“I’d prefer not.”
“Very well.” Kate removed her smart phone’s stylus. “I’m not sure what your neighbors will make of me interviewing you on your doorstep, but let’s hope they keep their speculations to themselves, rather than call the media.”
Opening the door wide, she indicated the foyer. “Do come in.”
The stink of lemon furniture polish hung in the air."
What kept me reading was a faint touch of Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vain chemistry combined with a Brooklyn Nine-Nine vibe. There is plenty of police/comedic banter and some intentionally endearing characters. The mystery is a good one but my biggest complaint is with the publishers not the author. When you put on the cover and title page “Lord & Lady Hetheridge Book #1,” You have given away a key bit of the dramatic tension. It is even worse that at the end of this book Lord Anthony Hetheridge is still a bachelor and not even engaged. Yet, we know what will happen even if we don’t know exactly how.
This is structured as a contemporary London police procedural that has three leading characters and a lot of suspects.
The characters are:
Anthony Hetheridge, ninth Baron of Wellegrave and chief superintendent for New Scotland Yard;
Detective Sergeant Paul Bhar who is a member of Hetheridge’s investigative team; and,
Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield who soon after the story begins becomes a member of the team.
The basic plot:
After a raucous dinner party, the host is found murdered in his library by his wife. As the investigation continues, the list of suspects increases and we find out many things about them that may relate to the murder.
The set-up follows most of the conventions for London police procedurals:
"But the case isn’t closed yet. There are loose ends to be wrapped up, and we need your help.”
“What sort of loose ends?”
“May I come in?” Kate’s tone was polite.
“I’d prefer not.”
“Very well.” Kate removed her smart phone’s stylus. “I’m not sure what your neighbors will make of me interviewing you on your doorstep, but let’s hope they keep their speculations to themselves, rather than call the media.”
Opening the door wide, she indicated the foyer. “Do come in.”
The stink of lemon furniture polish hung in the air."
What kept me reading was a faint touch of Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vain chemistry combined with a Brooklyn Nine-Nine vibe. There is plenty of police/comedic banter and some intentionally endearing characters. The mystery is a good one but my biggest complaint is with the publishers not the author. When you put on the cover and title page “Lord & Lady Hetheridge Book #1,” You have given away a key bit of the dramatic tension. It is even worse that at the end of this book Lord Anthony Hetheridge is still a bachelor and not even engaged. Yet, we know what will happen even if we don’t know exactly how.
July 15, 2012
I like to buy cheap mysteries for my Kindle that I can read at night before I go to sleep. You know, brain candy that won't make me think or keep me up wondering what's going to happen. I happened upon this book by Emma Jameson and it fulfilled all the requirements plus it was an entertaining read. The characters were fairly diverse and interesting, albeit a little farfetched. That an East-ender in the Met can catch the eye - and hold it - of a titled Superintendent twice her age does seem a little bit much. After all, if DI Lynley feels an itch, he doesn't scratch it with another copper unless she is equal to his rank, if not in the peerage, then at least in the Met.
I suspended my preconceptions, however, and found ICE BLUE entertaining to the point that I bought the second book in the series. Maybe Jameson will address some of those hanging plotlines in the second book. If not, I'll sleep well anyway.
I suspended my preconceptions, however, and found ICE BLUE entertaining to the point that I bought the second book in the series. Maybe Jameson will address some of those hanging plotlines in the second book. If not, I'll sleep well anyway.
February 19, 2021
Oh dear lord. Where do I start? I guess with the age gap. 30+ years is just too huge a difference for me to get behind it. She's literally young enough to be his daughter. Ick. Also, what is that series name? You're not even trying for a "will-they-won't-they" dynamic. Just spoil it all right there. Or perhaps I should consider it fair warning and be grateful.
Anyway, casual misogyny and racism aside, the characters are just so...predictable and the story is something out of a daytime soap. The noble older gentleman, the feisty younger woman,
I couldn't even care enough about the mystery to pay attention to the clues or formulate a theory because I pretty much wanted all of the suspects to get locked up. How many tropes and clichés can you cram into one story? About the only thing this was missing was the evil twin with amnesia who disappeared during a boating accident, but I wouldn't be surprised if one shows up eventually.
There are not enough eye rolls for this nonsense.
The narrator was decent enough but wouldn't inspire me to listen to more of these even if I did like the story.
Anyway, casual misogyny and racism aside, the characters are just so...predictable and the story is something out of a daytime soap. The noble older gentleman, the feisty younger woman,
I couldn't even care enough about the mystery to pay attention to the clues or formulate a theory because I pretty much wanted all of the suspects to get locked up. How many tropes and clichés can you cram into one story? About the only thing this was missing was the evil twin with amnesia who disappeared during a boating accident, but I wouldn't be surprised if one shows up eventually.
There are not enough eye rolls for this nonsense.
The narrator was decent enough but wouldn't inspire me to listen to more of these even if I did like the story.
April 23, 2017
It is a relief to discover that I am actually still capable of loving good books, and my problem is just that I get to read so much dreary shice these days.
Lovely quirky and typically "step aside" book by Emma Jameson.
Lovely quirky and typically "step aside" book by Emma Jameson.
April 23, 2017
This is a contemporary New Scotland Yard procedural mystery in London with some quite gruesome murders and gritty details making this not what I would call a cozy mystery. Involving the elite class, which I didn't realize was still so... elite these days, the mystery was interesting with some good misdirection and a satisfying reveal.
For those who like a bit of romance in their mystery, there is the start of a romance between the 60 year old chief and a detective half his age, which surprisingly didn't seem too weird. There was some insta-love there, and not enough explanation of why the chief is suddenly in love with his subordinate. The romance took a back seat to the mystery, so it didn't take over the entire plot, but it could still be too much for some readers - there was more than a trace of it.
I enjoyed the mystery in spite of the blood and guts, so I'll be checking out the next book in the series for sure.
For those who like a bit of romance in their mystery, there is the start of a romance between the 60 year old chief and a detective half his age, which surprisingly didn't seem too weird. There was some insta-love there, and not enough explanation of why the chief is suddenly in love with his subordinate. The romance took a back seat to the mystery, so it didn't take over the entire plot, but it could still be too much for some readers - there was more than a trace of it.
I enjoyed the mystery in spite of the blood and guts, so I'll be checking out the next book in the series for sure.
July 6, 2020
Very interesting mystery.
The characters - Kate and Anthony were especially very good. The host of a dinner turns up dead and the lead pair try to solve the mystery.
The dialogue was humourous and the characters were very well brought it.
Overall, enjoyable read.
The characters - Kate and Anthony were especially very good. The host of a dinner turns up dead and the lead pair try to solve the mystery.
The dialogue was humourous and the characters were very well brought it.
Overall, enjoyable read.
February 19, 2021
A bit of an oddity.
The good points:
* It's fluently written with some unusual turns of phrase, and acute observations.
* I didn't guess the identity of the murderer.
* The 30-year age gap between the MCs was unusual.
And on the "Well That Was Weird" side:
* This isn't (in spite of the murder and the cops) a detective story. We follow the characters, not a collection of solvable clues.
* There's insta-lust / love. NOT my favourite trope.
* The 30-year age gap is sort of...air-brushed? out. Both MCs behave as if it's maybe a 15 year gap: a little unusual perhaps, but nothing impossible. But it's 30 years! AND he's her boss. He's about to collect his pension and she's faffing around with deadbeat exes. There is NO WAY they are in the same place, and Emma Jameson does nothing to convince me they are.
* There are life-changing revelations for both MCs and... remember that air-brushing thing? EJ's at it again. In terms of convincing characterisation, I felt it was impossible that either MC could possibly undergo what they did, and then–almost–let it roll off their backs. OK, this is the first book in a long series, but if the MCs remain this emotionally teflon-coated, the "hook" value of the revelations becomes non-existent.
* One of the MCs (a CS in the Met) is a baron, in a post-Wimsey-ish way. So lots of potential conflict in the workplace, yes? Well, not really, m'lud––air-brushed away. Also the trappings of his position feel like ordered-from-a-catalogue badges of aristocracy: the car, the house, the suits. Sayers made Wimsey's position into a source of tension, but here Hetheridge's title comes close to being little more than, say, fancy dress.
I will, I think, read the next in the series–I enjoyed the style–to see whether the niggles avoid growing into deal-breakers.
The good points:
* It's fluently written with some unusual turns of phrase, and acute observations.
* I didn't guess the identity of the murderer.
* The 30-year age gap between the MCs was unusual.
And on the "Well That Was Weird" side:
* This isn't (in spite of the murder and the cops) a detective story. We follow the characters, not a collection of solvable clues.
* There's insta-lust / love. NOT my favourite trope.
* The 30-year age gap is sort of...air-brushed? out. Both MCs behave as if it's maybe a 15 year gap: a little unusual perhaps, but nothing impossible. But it's 30 years! AND he's her boss. He's about to collect his pension and she's faffing around with deadbeat exes. There is NO WAY they are in the same place, and Emma Jameson does nothing to convince me they are.
* There are life-changing revelations for both MCs and... remember that air-brushing thing? EJ's at it again. In terms of convincing characterisation, I felt it was impossible that either MC could possibly undergo what they did, and then–almost–let it roll off their backs. OK, this is the first book in a long series, but if the MCs remain this emotionally teflon-coated, the "hook" value of the revelations becomes non-existent.
* One of the MCs (a CS in the Met) is a baron, in a post-Wimsey-ish way. So lots of potential conflict in the workplace, yes? Well, not really, m'lud––air-brushed away. Also the trappings of his position feel like ordered-from-a-catalogue badges of aristocracy: the car, the house, the suits. Sayers made Wimsey's position into a source of tension, but here Hetheridge's title comes close to being little more than, say, fancy dress.
I will, I think, read the next in the series–I enjoyed the style–to see whether the niggles avoid growing into deal-breakers.
February 19, 2013
OK, I feel a bit hoodwinked. The kindle store recommended this mystery to me and I snapped it up (I'm a marketer's dream!). It had all of the ingredients of a good series, but the dialogue just wasn't believable and the cast of characters never really came together. Then, it ended abruptly on about page 160. Seriously? Such a slim volume never would have grabbed me in a brick and mortar store.
August 23, 2017
I read this book as it was one of my GR groups August value book read.
Ice Blue is the first book in the Lord and Lady Hetheridge series. I have mixed feelings about this book, in fact I nearly gave up before the end of the first chapter.
First of all this is supposed to a cosy mystery so I did not like the racism towards Muslim DS Bhar or the fact he joked about being in The Taliban.
Secondly, Although this book is supposed to be set in London I think it was written to appeal to an American audience. The first couple of chapters was littered with American phrases not used in the UK such as home invasion, homicide, janitors and car lot. The most cringy was when Kate Wakefield called her boss a plonker - I have never heard that word outside of Only Fools and Horses.
However, the mystery was good fun and I loved the characters in this book. Lord Anthony 'Tony' an officer with an unblemished career who enjoys fencing in his spare time. Mrs Snell who serves Lord Hetheridge a cooked breakfast on a silver platter at work everyday. Feisty DS Kate Wakefield who is single but is bringing up her young nephew Henry and carer for her brother Ritchie who has learning disabilities. I also liked DS Darinder 'Paul' Bhar who is intelligent with a dry sense of humour.
Although this is not my usual type of book it was a fun, fast read with likable characters. I have book 4 in my TBR, I look forward to reading what happens next.
Ice Blue is the first book in the Lord and Lady Hetheridge series. I have mixed feelings about this book, in fact I nearly gave up before the end of the first chapter.
First of all this is supposed to a cosy mystery so I did not like the racism towards Muslim DS Bhar or the fact he joked about being in The Taliban.
Secondly, Although this book is supposed to be set in London I think it was written to appeal to an American audience. The first couple of chapters was littered with American phrases not used in the UK such as home invasion, homicide, janitors and car lot. The most cringy was when Kate Wakefield called her boss a plonker - I have never heard that word outside of Only Fools and Horses.
However, the mystery was good fun and I loved the characters in this book. Lord Anthony 'Tony' an officer with an unblemished career who enjoys fencing in his spare time. Mrs Snell who serves Lord Hetheridge a cooked breakfast on a silver platter at work everyday. Feisty DS Kate Wakefield who is single but is bringing up her young nephew Henry and carer for her brother Ritchie who has learning disabilities. I also liked DS Darinder 'Paul' Bhar who is intelligent with a dry sense of humour.
Although this is not my usual type of book it was a fun, fast read with likable characters. I have book 4 in my TBR, I look forward to reading what happens next.
May 22, 2024
When we first meet Lord Anthony Hetheridge, peer of the realm and a Chief Superintendent at Scotland Yard, he's mulling over the fact he will turn sixty in just a few weeks. He's never married or had any children. He begins to wonder if he's made a mistake by having no emotional ties throughout his life. When Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield joins his team, he soon realizes his life will never be the same.
This book is one of the very oldest on my TBR and I had forgotten about it. To be honest, I thought it was going to be a historical mystery and was surprised when I realized it took place in modern times. Perhaps because I had no expectations I was pleasantly surprised. It reminded me a bit of Elizabeth George's Lynley mysteries but not quite as serious. The characters were witty and smart and the secondary characters, especially DS Deepal “Paul” Behar were really fun to see in action. The mystery was well done and I'm going to have to read the next one to see how the relationship between Tony and Kate is progressing.
This book is one of the very oldest on my TBR and I had forgotten about it. To be honest, I thought it was going to be a historical mystery and was surprised when I realized it took place in modern times. Perhaps because I had no expectations I was pleasantly surprised. It reminded me a bit of Elizabeth George's Lynley mysteries but not quite as serious. The characters were witty and smart and the secondary characters, especially DS Deepal “Paul” Behar were really fun to see in action. The mystery was well done and I'm going to have to read the next one to see how the relationship between Tony and Kate is progressing.
March 31, 2020
Picked this up because it sounded interesting and is currently free on at least the US version of Amazon. And it was very enjoyable! Nice cast of characters, nice set up to the series. I was able to get the next two from the library, so, onward!
December 29, 2017
Ice Blue is the first book in the British mystery series, Lord and lady Hertheridge, albeit not quite accurate since the main characters are not yet married, they only meet in this book. It's a familiar premise from a romance standpoint, an elderly, wealthy male who is a member of the peerage and a much younger female who is a commoner. Said older male take younger, rough-edged younger female under his tutelage to learn police procedural, dress professionally, become his replacement at the Yard. This plotline, a standard in the romance genre, has been superimposed over a mystery/police procedure format.
The main characters are Chief Superintendent Anthony Hetheridge (Lord Hetheridge) of Scotland Yard and his subordinate and recent team member, Detective Sargent Kate Wakefield. Lord Hetheridge, never married, no children, and about to turn sixty, seems to be reflecting on his six decades alone and nearing the end of his career. He is an interesting character...elegant, thoughtful, dedicated to his work. Thirty-two year old Kate Wakefield has worked her way up from a dismal upbringing to DS. She has a boatload of family and personal drama...pregnant by her loser ex-boyfriend, responsible for a mentally challenged older brother and her eight year nephew whose mother, Kate's sister, is as a drug addict and a schizophrenic. Enter dashing older, wealthy, lonely baron. Tony gallantly proposes marriage to a distraught Kate when her ex-boyfriend and baby-daddy disappears.
Kate Wakefield is a thoroughly likable and ordinary character but there was nothing particularly special about her that would have made her remotely attractive to a man of Lord Hetheridge's caliber. She brings very little to the potential partnership but stands to gain a great deal from her besottted, geriatric suitor. He is obviously Kate's vehicle out of obscurity to peerage, wealth, and promotion.
The mystery was well-conceived and quite a few surprises were revealed about the murderer and the consequences of Tony's past actions. I wished more of the plot had centered on the murder and solving the case than Kate's messy family life. The secondary characters were bland but realistic. I liked Henry, Kate's bookish and overweight nephew. I loved the hilarious Lady Margaret. However, DS Deepal Bhar, the third member of Hedridges's team, came across as the stereotypical bungling, jokester minority character. His constant wise-cracking started to grate on my nerves. DS Vic Jackson was the typical, misogynist racist cop. It was a loud, heated public argument between Vic and Kate that brought her to Tony's attention.
Although this is marketed as a "British" mystery, the author is not British and many American social issues seep into the story. However, I found Ice Blue to be light, easy ready and since Kate's pregnancy drama was resolved, I was interested enough to want to find out how Kate and Tony develop as a couple and finally make it to the altar. I plan to read the next book in the series; hopefully, there will be more focus on the murder mystery and less on relationship/family drama.
The main characters are Chief Superintendent Anthony Hetheridge (Lord Hetheridge) of Scotland Yard and his subordinate and recent team member, Detective Sargent Kate Wakefield. Lord Hetheridge, never married, no children, and about to turn sixty, seems to be reflecting on his six decades alone and nearing the end of his career. He is an interesting character...elegant, thoughtful, dedicated to his work. Thirty-two year old Kate Wakefield has worked her way up from a dismal upbringing to DS. She has a boatload of family and personal drama...pregnant by her loser ex-boyfriend, responsible for a mentally challenged older brother and her eight year nephew whose mother, Kate's sister, is as a drug addict and a schizophrenic. Enter dashing older, wealthy, lonely baron. Tony gallantly proposes marriage to a distraught Kate when her ex-boyfriend and baby-daddy disappears.
Kate Wakefield is a thoroughly likable and ordinary character but there was nothing particularly special about her that would have made her remotely attractive to a man of Lord Hetheridge's caliber. She brings very little to the potential partnership but stands to gain a great deal from her besottted, geriatric suitor. He is obviously Kate's vehicle out of obscurity to peerage, wealth, and promotion.
The mystery was well-conceived and quite a few surprises were revealed about the murderer and the consequences of Tony's past actions. I wished more of the plot had centered on the murder and solving the case than Kate's messy family life. The secondary characters were bland but realistic. I liked Henry, Kate's bookish and overweight nephew. I loved the hilarious Lady Margaret. However, DS Deepal Bhar, the third member of Hedridges's team, came across as the stereotypical bungling, jokester minority character. His constant wise-cracking started to grate on my nerves. DS Vic Jackson was the typical, misogynist racist cop. It was a loud, heated public argument between Vic and Kate that brought her to Tony's attention.
Although this is marketed as a "British" mystery, the author is not British and many American social issues seep into the story. However, I found Ice Blue to be light, easy ready and since Kate's pregnancy drama was resolved, I was interested enough to want to find out how Kate and Tony develop as a couple and finally make it to the altar. I plan to read the next book in the series; hopefully, there will be more focus on the murder mystery and less on relationship/family drama.
April 28, 2011
I was immediately intrigued by Anthony Hetheridge, although the opening is a bit distant and takes a while to settling into Hetheridge's present POV. The character voice pulled me into the story as I learned a few important facts about the man. Once the story settled into his POV it moved smoothly, there were a lot of wonderful little character details.
And then I met Kate. The interaction between these two characters--all the characters, really--would have kept me reading just about anything. They're funny, flawed, realistically drawn and very well written. The budding romance between Kate and Tony was absolutely adorable, and the real person feel of the characters made me cheer and fear for them. The dialogue was wonderful and had me laughing out loud more than once. I always think that the sign of good dialogue when I just have to tell someone else about it, and my fiancé heard quite a bit while I was reading.
There were some issues with the story, of course. I thought there could have been more separation and character development between scenes like the taking of people's statements, for instance. These recountings sometimes occurred in large blocks of dialogue and I think it could have been broken down and livened up a little. Toward the end, the story slowed down for me. I felt the mystery elements--although well researched--needed some fine tuning. They could have been more energetic, and at times they felt more like background than plot.
Kate also seemed more like the main character than I'd expected, since the summary is all about Tony, and I would have liked to get more into Tony's head. I didn't understand him as well as I understood Kate, but since this is the first book in a series, I expect to get to know him better as the story progresses.
Ms. Jameson engineered a few surprises that I never saw coming, and I enjoyed the twists that situations took. While I wasn't entirely surprised by the killer, I liked the way the situation was handled. It was different, provided interesting new bits of characterization and story for later in the series, and showed that Ms. Jameson does not need her heroes to be perfect, cardboard cutouts. She continued to make them feel like people, all the way through.
A Good Book Alert Review by Marion Sipe
And then I met Kate. The interaction between these two characters--all the characters, really--would have kept me reading just about anything. They're funny, flawed, realistically drawn and very well written. The budding romance between Kate and Tony was absolutely adorable, and the real person feel of the characters made me cheer and fear for them. The dialogue was wonderful and had me laughing out loud more than once. I always think that the sign of good dialogue when I just have to tell someone else about it, and my fiancé heard quite a bit while I was reading.
There were some issues with the story, of course. I thought there could have been more separation and character development between scenes like the taking of people's statements, for instance. These recountings sometimes occurred in large blocks of dialogue and I think it could have been broken down and livened up a little. Toward the end, the story slowed down for me. I felt the mystery elements--although well researched--needed some fine tuning. They could have been more energetic, and at times they felt more like background than plot.
Kate also seemed more like the main character than I'd expected, since the summary is all about Tony, and I would have liked to get more into Tony's head. I didn't understand him as well as I understood Kate, but since this is the first book in a series, I expect to get to know him better as the story progresses.
Ms. Jameson engineered a few surprises that I never saw coming, and I enjoyed the twists that situations took. While I wasn't entirely surprised by the killer, I liked the way the situation was handled. It was different, provided interesting new bits of characterization and story for later in the series, and showed that Ms. Jameson does not need her heroes to be perfect, cardboard cutouts. She continued to make them feel like people, all the way through.
A Good Book Alert Review by Marion Sipe
April 29, 2015
Ice Blue
By Emma Jameson
Narrated by Jack Wallen
This is the worst book I have read in a long time. The narration sounds like the performer cannot catch his breath. At first I thought that was the problem, so I switched over to reading on the Kindle. To have the main character’s trip to the toilet being described in way to much detail. Comparing this to Sweet Valley High or Harlequin Romance books is insulting to Sweet Valley High and Harlequin books.
As far as being a police procedural, the ranks of superior officers are not kept straight. I am a fan of Deborah Crombie Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series and Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley series. Which is why this piece of dreck came up in my recommendations I think. It looks like the writer heard about these series and took major plot points from both series and crams them all in one book.
1. Aristocrat who is slumming being a cop
2. Subordinate who
a. Lacks social skills
b. Has no sense of style
c. History of telling off superiors
d. Is rescued by aristocrat
e. Has huge litany of family problems that can interfere with their work
(Kate’s Mother is on the game, sister is mentally ill, father abandoned
them, brother is cognitively disabled, and is raising her sister’s
child, who is being bullied at school)
f. Left by lover/husband
3. Boss finds out he has child he didn’t know about
4. Romance between boss and subordinate
This book reads like a high school kid’s version of a write a novel in 1 month.
By Emma Jameson
Narrated by Jack Wallen
This is the worst book I have read in a long time. The narration sounds like the performer cannot catch his breath. At first I thought that was the problem, so I switched over to reading on the Kindle. To have the main character’s trip to the toilet being described in way to much detail. Comparing this to Sweet Valley High or Harlequin Romance books is insulting to Sweet Valley High and Harlequin books.
As far as being a police procedural, the ranks of superior officers are not kept straight. I am a fan of Deborah Crombie Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series and Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley series. Which is why this piece of dreck came up in my recommendations I think. It looks like the writer heard about these series and took major plot points from both series and crams them all in one book.
1. Aristocrat who is slumming being a cop
2. Subordinate who
a. Lacks social skills
b. Has no sense of style
c. History of telling off superiors
d. Is rescued by aristocrat
e. Has huge litany of family problems that can interfere with their work
(Kate’s Mother is on the game, sister is mentally ill, father abandoned
them, brother is cognitively disabled, and is raising her sister’s
child, who is being bullied at school)
f. Left by lover/husband
3. Boss finds out he has child he didn’t know about
4. Romance between boss and subordinate
This book reads like a high school kid’s version of a write a novel in 1 month.
May 26, 2020
Rereading the first books to catch up on the series. I enjoyed the second time around even though I noticed a couple of [minor] errors.
For example, Ms. Jameson has Kate tell Paul Bhar to have his mum iron his slacks for a date — I think in British English slacks is used only to refer to women’s wear, but trousers is the normal term used for both women’s and men’s. At least, I’ve never heard or read where slacks was used as a synonym for men’s trousers.
Am I being pedantic? Probably.
Also, one of the characters, named Kevin, was once referred to as Keith.
I know, pedantic.
And the old chestnut of a problem pregnancy conveniently being eradicated by a miscarriage. Ugh. Why have her get pregnant in the first place? It didn’t really add any drama to the story. Except when she threw up on Jackson’s shoes — 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😂
Ok, that’s all the negative. On the positive, Ms. Jameson did a good job on the characterizations, even for secondary characters; well fleshed out, consistent in personality, and the characters evoke emotions in the reader, both positive and negative.
*********
I downloaded this from amazon for $.99. I have hundreds of similar books on my Kindle that I've never read and probably never will. This one, however, was different. I was hooked right away.
The male lead is Anthony Hetheridge, 9th Baron Wellegrave, aka Chief Superintendent at New Scotland Yard. He is 60, never married and still handsome.
The female lead is 31-year old Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield, single, guardian of a mentally challenged brother, Ritchie, as well as her 8 year old nephew, Henry.
I'm definitely reading more in the series.
For example, Ms. Jameson has Kate tell Paul Bhar to have his mum iron his slacks for a date — I think in British English slacks is used only to refer to women’s wear, but trousers is the normal term used for both women’s and men’s. At least, I’ve never heard or read where slacks was used as a synonym for men’s trousers.
Am I being pedantic? Probably.
Also, one of the characters, named Kevin, was once referred to as Keith.
I know, pedantic.
And the old chestnut of a problem pregnancy conveniently being eradicated by a miscarriage. Ugh. Why have her get pregnant in the first place? It didn’t really add any drama to the story. Except when she threw up on Jackson’s shoes — 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😂
Ok, that’s all the negative. On the positive, Ms. Jameson did a good job on the characterizations, even for secondary characters; well fleshed out, consistent in personality, and the characters evoke emotions in the reader, both positive and negative.
*********
I downloaded this from amazon for $.99. I have hundreds of similar books on my Kindle that I've never read and probably never will. This one, however, was different. I was hooked right away.
The male lead is Anthony Hetheridge, 9th Baron Wellegrave, aka Chief Superintendent at New Scotland Yard. He is 60, never married and still handsome.
The female lead is 31-year old Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield, single, guardian of a mentally challenged brother, Ritchie, as well as her 8 year old nephew, Henry.
I'm definitely reading more in the series.
April 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this first book of a series. No risk of expense in trying it since Book 1 is free on Amazon. The following books in series are $5 each, and I will likely purchase one or two since my library does not carry this author's work.
She managed to write a compelling modern-day New Scotland Yard murder investigation with interesting and colorful characters rather unlike the usual Scotland Yard books. Aristo Chief Superintendent (still single at 60) meets brash young DS Kate who speaks her mind with East End slang, and they click. That's why you have to read on, eh? Potential.
The murders that start off the action present a personal challenge for Lord Hetheridge (the Chief) as he has history with the wife of the brutally murdered businessman. He assigns Kate and DS Bhar to the case. Bhar volunteers to drive to the site in his new car.
"This vehicle will remain clean. Each time we exit, you will collect any blond hairs clinging to the headrest. Before each reentry, your shoes will pass visual inspection." Despite this start, they forge a good partnership and do well together in interviews as well as reporting back to the Chief.
This is a crime book, people are murdered, life gets messy, but it is injected with unsophisticated fun.
She managed to write a compelling modern-day New Scotland Yard murder investigation with interesting and colorful characters rather unlike the usual Scotland Yard books. Aristo Chief Superintendent (still single at 60) meets brash young DS Kate who speaks her mind with East End slang, and they click. That's why you have to read on, eh? Potential.
The murders that start off the action present a personal challenge for Lord Hetheridge (the Chief) as he has history with the wife of the brutally murdered businessman. He assigns Kate and DS Bhar to the case. Bhar volunteers to drive to the site in his new car.
"This vehicle will remain clean. Each time we exit, you will collect any blond hairs clinging to the headrest. Before each reentry, your shoes will pass visual inspection." Despite this start, they forge a good partnership and do well together in interviews as well as reporting back to the Chief.
This is a crime book, people are murdered, life gets messy, but it is injected with unsophisticated fun.
July 25, 2015
3 1/2
Fun, and maybe a little bit fluffy, but it's pure entertainment :)
Kudos for the age of the MC.
Fun, and maybe a little bit fluffy, but it's pure entertainment :)
Kudos for the age of the MC.
September 5, 2018
Could put this one down, and I've gone on to read the rest of the series. A lovely May to November romance and memorable characters made the crime parts of the story almost unnecessary.
August 28, 2021
My spouse read this novel and here's her review:
This novel is a police procedural with a few interesting twists. Anthony is a Chief Superintendent at New Scotland Yard. He is also the ninth Baron of Wellegrave. Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield comes from a distinctly different background but is determined to make a good career in the Police Service despite rampant discrimination from her boss and colleagues. Thrown together on a high profile case, they learn more about each others worlds.
This review was edited and written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
This novel is a police procedural with a few interesting twists. Anthony is a Chief Superintendent at New Scotland Yard. He is also the ninth Baron of Wellegrave. Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield comes from a distinctly different background but is determined to make a good career in the Police Service despite rampant discrimination from her boss and colleagues. Thrown together on a high profile case, they learn more about each others worlds.
This review was edited and written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
October 21, 2025
Very much enjoyed this first book in the series, mostly due to the main characters. Look forward to reading more—once I get through my large pile of library books! Free ebook from the library. (Thanks Merry for making me aware of the series.)
January 9, 2021
A book with delightful characters. Kate is great, Paul is fun, smart and hilarious, and somehow, Tony manages to pull off being smart, cool, valiant and human, complete with weaknesses, not something every writer can pull off with a character.
The crime was handled in true Brit fashion for this type of murder mystery.
A good read.
Now the weird part. i loathe romances because ugggh. Never realistic and although we have the start of a relationship between a man in his 60’s and a woman in her 30’ except for one very important line...its more of a dance, with only one chaste cheek kiss.
The crime was handled in true Brit fashion for this type of murder mystery.
A good read.
Now the weird part. i loathe romances because ugggh. Never realistic and although we have the start of a relationship between a man in his 60’s and a woman in her 30’ except for one very important line...its more of a dance, with only one chaste cheek kiss.
August 6, 2017
This was an easy read, I enjoyed the actual murder mystery. I liked the characters for most of the book but Kate began to seem facile and privileged about halfway through. The barron, Hethridge seemed pretty stupid by the end of the book. He should have run the other way when Kate was in the hospital five minutes after a miscarriage flirting with him and drawing him into her family. That was just strange and tasteless. The many disparaging remarks to and about the Pakistani detective also wore thin and I could not figure out why these remarks were even in the story.
Ok, so I liked the murder solving part of this book, did not like the detectives and would not recommend this book to anyone really. There are just too many better books out there to waste time on this one.
I apologize to my fellow members of the Kindle English Mystery Club for nominating this book. LOL
Ok, so I liked the murder solving part of this book, did not like the detectives and would not recommend this book to anyone really. There are just too many better books out there to waste time on this one.
I apologize to my fellow members of the Kindle English Mystery Club for nominating this book. LOL
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