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Accomplished #1
Accomplished In Murder
Murder was never so refined.
When her holiday on the coast of Cornwall takes a deadly turn, it is up to Drucilla Winterbourne to uncover the dangerous secrets the inhabitants of Blackridge House will do anything to conceal. But can a proper young lady from London society comprehend the dark motives of a killer?
Accomplished In Murder is part of a series of historical mystery novellas featuring intrepid Victorian heroines up to their bustles in crime. These works are only loosely connected and can be read in any order.
Length: 17,000 word novella
When her holiday on the coast of Cornwall takes a deadly turn, it is up to Drucilla Winterbourne to uncover the dangerous secrets the inhabitants of Blackridge House will do anything to conceal. But can a proper young lady from London society comprehend the dark motives of a killer?
Accomplished In Murder is part of a series of historical mystery novellas featuring intrepid Victorian heroines up to their bustles in crime. These works are only loosely connected and can be read in any order.
Length: 17,000 word novella
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First published March 18, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
December 15, 2025
2.5
A Kindle freebie that languished in my library for more than a decade.
Pretty good start but this novella needed a bit more meat on the bones, so to speak.
Not badly written, just badly plotted! On to the next book!!
(Reviewed 7/6/23)
A Kindle freebie that languished in my library for more than a decade.
Pretty good start but this novella needed a bit more meat on the bones, so to speak.
Not badly written, just badly plotted! On to the next book!!
(Reviewed 7/6/23)
January 20, 2012
The following quote seems fitting when considering how I'd review this story. It was delivered by the villain to the amateur sleuth.
"You can be so clever at times and on other occasions so terribly unimaginative." This is an understatement. Cleverness would imply the sleuth hunted up clues but this is not really the case; she overhears a significant conversation by chance, lucks into finding another clue (which isn't shared with the reader) and then the killer reveals himself to her while she still has no idea he's the guilty party. I might add that while there was no reason for the character to draw some of her conclusions, I had guessed at many of the "reveals" from the moment the other characters appeared. Their characterization was rather heavy-handed and the plot trite and cliched. I also felt like we were missing large chunks of the story - we jumped from point a to d just as the sleuth jumped to conclusions about the murderer. All-in-all I'm very glad this book was a freebie because if I'd paid money for this, I would be quite upset.
"You can be so clever at times and on other occasions so terribly unimaginative." This is an understatement. Cleverness would imply the sleuth hunted up clues but this is not really the case; she overhears a significant conversation by chance, lucks into finding another clue (which isn't shared with the reader) and then the killer reveals himself to her while she still has no idea he's the guilty party. I might add that while there was no reason for the character to draw some of her conclusions, I had guessed at many of the "reveals" from the moment the other characters appeared. Their characterization was rather heavy-handed and the plot trite and cliched. I also felt like we were missing large chunks of the story - we jumped from point a to d just as the sleuth jumped to conclusions about the murderer. All-in-all I'm very glad this book was a freebie because if I'd paid money for this, I would be quite upset.
April 2, 2017
I had some issues with this one. The writing, in terms of putting words together to form coherent sentences, was fine (except for the fact that the victim’s household boasts “a hoard of servants”); the setting was adequate; the storytelling was okay … except for the fact that, as far as I can remember, "heroine" Drucilla showed up at her friend’s door and whoever opened it to her expected her to know the friend had been murdered. Although “The death occurred only this morning, during the early hours”. Which means it would be literally impossible for Dru (or anyone outside the household) to have known.
But I was surprised when I realized that only an hour and change into it I was nearly finished. It felt like the setup for a much longer (i.e., novel-length) story. And in fact the ending did come rather abruptly: so, this happened, and Our Heroine did something rather stupid, and that happened, and the murderer was – through no actions of Our Heroine, and quite to her surprise, if not the reader’s – revealed and taken care of in one fell-ish swoop. And then she went home, after considering a contextually bizarre romantic attraction. Considering the murder victim was Our Heroine’s very bestest friend from wee pigtailed girlhood, to visit whom Dru traveled a pretty fair distance, it was a little odd that ne’er a tear was shed (unless I missed it). There was one rather nice line about her trying on the idea of life without murder victim and erstwhile friend Celeste like tentatively trying on a glove. I like that a lot. Otherwise, she spent a little time wondering what happened, then accidentally met the murderer, and then went home. Clunk.
The blurb describes this as the first of a series of “historical mystery novelettes featuring intrepid Victorian heroines up to their bustles in crime”. It’s a great teaser – I’d read that series, happily. I didn’t feel that was what this was: no bustles, no intrepidity, and none of the implied involvement in crime-solving. It was free on Kindle; it was brief; I doubt I’ll pursue the rest of the series on purpose.
But I was surprised when I realized that only an hour and change into it I was nearly finished. It felt like the setup for a much longer (i.e., novel-length) story. And in fact the ending did come rather abruptly: so, this happened, and Our Heroine did something rather stupid, and that happened, and the murderer was – through no actions of Our Heroine, and quite to her surprise, if not the reader’s – revealed and taken care of in one fell-ish swoop. And then she went home, after considering a contextually bizarre romantic attraction. Considering the murder victim was Our Heroine’s very bestest friend from wee pigtailed girlhood, to visit whom Dru traveled a pretty fair distance, it was a little odd that ne’er a tear was shed (unless I missed it). There was one rather nice line about her trying on the idea of life without murder victim and erstwhile friend Celeste like tentatively trying on a glove. I like that a lot. Otherwise, she spent a little time wondering what happened, then accidentally met the murderer, and then went home. Clunk.
The blurb describes this as the first of a series of “historical mystery novelettes featuring intrepid Victorian heroines up to their bustles in crime”. It’s a great teaser – I’d read that series, happily. I didn’t feel that was what this was: no bustles, no intrepidity, and none of the implied involvement in crime-solving. It was free on Kindle; it was brief; I doubt I’ll pursue the rest of the series on purpose.
December 1, 2017
It's not a bad book. It's entertaining enough, even though the mystery is somewhat obvious.
April 22, 2011
When Drucilla receives a letter from her newly wed friend, Celeste, she is immediately concerned. Celeste asks for Drucilla to come and visit her and the whole tone of the letter has Celeste sounding frightened and worried. Drucilla talks her elderly aunt into chaperoning her voyage and two of them start on a long journey to Cornwall.
Upon arriving at Celeste’s imposing new home, things are stranger and more serious than she had imagined.
This was a very entertaining mystery novelette. I can honestly say I was riveted from the get go. I was invested in this story from page one and wasn’t about to put it down until it ended. The writing really speaks to the reader, I felt like I had a front row seat to the authors imagination.
My only gripe is I felt the beginning and the end of this story were a little rushed. I would have like to have spent more time with Celeste and with her fears. I think the author should have developed that aspect more; it would have upped the chill, the mystery and the wonder. Where the ending fell a little short was the fact that Drucilla wrapped things up way too quickly. There was no logical way she could have possibly have solved everything come to the conclusions she did without an insider tip from a consultant at the Psychic Friends Network. I think with just a couple extra pages at both the beginning and the end, this would have easily have been a 5 star short story.
The writing was solid, the storyline and the characters were equally solid. While the mystery wasn’t perfect, the story as a whole came awful close to perfection. This was an enjoyable afternoon read and definitely an author and story I would recommend to a friend. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Cherise Everhard, April 2011
Upon arriving at Celeste’s imposing new home, things are stranger and more serious than she had imagined.
This was a very entertaining mystery novelette. I can honestly say I was riveted from the get go. I was invested in this story from page one and wasn’t about to put it down until it ended. The writing really speaks to the reader, I felt like I had a front row seat to the authors imagination.
My only gripe is I felt the beginning and the end of this story were a little rushed. I would have like to have spent more time with Celeste and with her fears. I think the author should have developed that aspect more; it would have upped the chill, the mystery and the wonder. Where the ending fell a little short was the fact that Drucilla wrapped things up way too quickly. There was no logical way she could have possibly have solved everything come to the conclusions she did without an insider tip from a consultant at the Psychic Friends Network. I think with just a couple extra pages at both the beginning and the end, this would have easily have been a 5 star short story.
The writing was solid, the storyline and the characters were equally solid. While the mystery wasn’t perfect, the story as a whole came awful close to perfection. This was an enjoyable afternoon read and definitely an author and story I would recommend to a friend. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Cherise Everhard, April 2011
June 13, 2012
Drucilla Winterbourne receives a somewhat worrying missive from her recently married friend, Celeste. Drucilla decides to make an unannounced visit so, with her elderly aunt in tow as chaperone, she heads to Cornwall. However, when they arrive, they discover that Celeste has died. Although the not-so grieving widower claims it was an accident, Drucilla suspects foul play and sets out to unmask the culprit who killed her friend.
Accomplished in murder has all the trappings of a gothic novel: a creepy mansion, suspicious acting lord of the manor, sneaky servants, possibly a ghost or two, a sudden and unexplained death and a plucky heroine who is just a little too obvious in her detecting for her own good.
Author England is clearly a good writer and does a commendable job of creating just the right atmosphere. However, due to its length (it's a novella), the ending seemed a little rushed. Still, if you're a fan of the gothic novel and are looking for a quick, fun read, you could do much worse than this one.
Accomplished in murder has all the trappings of a gothic novel: a creepy mansion, suspicious acting lord of the manor, sneaky servants, possibly a ghost or two, a sudden and unexplained death and a plucky heroine who is just a little too obvious in her detecting for her own good.
Author England is clearly a good writer and does a commendable job of creating just the right atmosphere. However, due to its length (it's a novella), the ending seemed a little rushed. Still, if you're a fan of the gothic novel and are looking for a quick, fun read, you could do much worse than this one.
May 29, 2015
Drucillas has not met her friend whatshername since Before whatshernames wedding when a letter arrives asking her to come.Sensing there is something more than her companionship she requires Drucilla takes her aunt and heads to the countryside.
On arrival she learn that has fallen to her death just hours Before.
Can she solve who did it?
My recap of this is a unengaging as the short story itself.
The mystery in this was very weak. I am not sure how much "skill in detection" was needed for this one,as I swear I knew who the murderer was the moment he appeared in the story.
How am I supposed to find a reason to care for the death of whatshername when her friend takes it so placidly.The murder of a close friend should mean more. Even if she only is fiction.
Then there is the mysterious way "Drucilla" for one instant becomes "Pricilla" Editing here please.
On arrival she learn that has fallen to her death just hours Before.
Can she solve who did it?
My recap of this is a unengaging as the short story itself.
The mystery in this was very weak. I am not sure how much "skill in detection" was needed for this one,as I swear I knew who the murderer was the moment he appeared in the story.
How am I supposed to find a reason to care for the death of whatshername when her friend takes it so placidly.The murder of a close friend should mean more. Even if she only is fiction.
Then there is the mysterious way "Drucilla" for one instant becomes "Pricilla" Editing here please.
March 9, 2013
When Drusilla Winterbourne expects foul play when she arrives in Cornwall and finds her friend dead she will do anything to unmask the perpetrator. With the writing perception of a gothic novel the writer is able to transport the heroine to set the scene. There were no surprising twists and turns but the writing style was done really well.
Note: Won as part of the accomplished mysteries from the LibraryThing Member giveaways.
Note: Won as part of the accomplished mysteries from the LibraryThing Member giveaways.
January 28, 2013
I found this book to be over before I really got to sink my teeth in. It felt rushed and too quick to unmask the murderer. Honestly it didn't need to be so short, there was enough potential here to have had at least another 100 pages or so of more material. The author never took the time to explore any of the other suspects and so it made it too simple. I understand that its a novella but a story such as this deserved to be a full fledged novel.
February 24, 2012
This was a very disappointing book. It was more like a novella and read as if half the book was missing. There was no way to know anything about the characters and no building up of the story.
February 22, 2012
Short and exciting, not surprising however, at all, if you're looking for a who-done-it to keep you guessing this isn't it. But I liked Drusilla a lot, and it was quite enjoyable.
December 29, 2021
Combining a combo of two things I like - a vintage mystery murder and a female sleuth both hard to find in books made this an interesting read for me.
Celeste is a long standing friend of Drucilla and when she gets a letter with underlying tones of her being scared Drucilla sets off on a long, tedious journey to frozen Cornwall ostensibly to see her friend Arriving at the house and being welcomed and then warned by two of Celeste's in laws before being told that their friend was dead is a shock for Drucilla but one mystery she is determined to get to the bottom on.
Uncovering a story which is common for the era of almost a forced marriage, bigamy, and finding a fortune from a rich wife to bolster the family fortune was a very common occurrence at the time. But when it involved murder the story changes.
Intriguing and interesting to read, the backdrop of an aristocratic family - the limitations of the law when dealing with such people protected by their own where even the law backs off for fear of repercussion is sadly prevalent at the time.
Celeste is a long standing friend of Drucilla and when she gets a letter with underlying tones of her being scared Drucilla sets off on a long, tedious journey to frozen Cornwall ostensibly to see her friend Arriving at the house and being welcomed and then warned by two of Celeste's in laws before being told that their friend was dead is a shock for Drucilla but one mystery she is determined to get to the bottom on.
Uncovering a story which is common for the era of almost a forced marriage, bigamy, and finding a fortune from a rich wife to bolster the family fortune was a very common occurrence at the time. But when it involved murder the story changes.
Intriguing and interesting to read, the backdrop of an aristocratic family - the limitations of the law when dealing with such people protected by their own where even the law backs off for fear of repercussion is sadly prevalent at the time.
December 23, 2016
To tell the truth, the book was not that bad. The beginning was intriguing and mysterious. I wish we were not given a clue on who the killer was, because I found out at the third chapter when all the characters were introduced. Drucilla visits the house of her childhood friend only to find out that she was dead. She accidentally overhears a suspicious conversation between her childhood friend's husband and his father, and she believes that her friend has been killed. I wished she did more investigating, and that she was careful. First of all, when she is ashamed, she goes upstairs to the roof, to cool off. That was the place her friend was killed! Why would you go to the crime scene when you don't know who the killer is? Secondly she meets with the men whom she thinks have killed her friend in private. Woman, they can kill you too, you know?
However, I believe that the book was a nice light read.
However, I believe that the book was a nice light read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2017
This is a novelette and the first in the Accomplished Mysteries series. At 55 pages this is a short but interesting little murder mystery. Drucilla Winterbourne travels to Cornwall to visit her recently married friend at Blackridge House. When she arrives she is told that her friend has just died. She spends the next few days unraveling the mystery of her death.
Because of the length there’s not much room for character development, but nevertheless, I liked Drucilla. She’s got spunk and an inquisitive mind. The plot is an interesting one but the story plays out a little too quickly. That being said if you’re looking for something to fill an hour this story is not bad.
Because of the length there’s not much room for character development, but nevertheless, I liked Drucilla. She’s got spunk and an inquisitive mind. The plot is an interesting one but the story plays out a little too quickly. That being said if you’re looking for something to fill an hour this story is not bad.
April 2, 2021
A quick, light read
This short story had enough detail to transport me back to the time when ladies and gentlemen dressed properly even lounging at home, they married for money and titles, and manners were crucial at all times. It's a place I love to visit, but I would never want to stay as I cherish my sweats in winter and my shorts in summer. I enjoyed the setting, but, unfortunately the heroine was a dolt. She made huge assumptions and deductions and accusations based on a poem she found hidden by her now dead friend. However, the nice little twist at the end made me glad I kept going.
This short story had enough detail to transport me back to the time when ladies and gentlemen dressed properly even lounging at home, they married for money and titles, and manners were crucial at all times. It's a place I love to visit, but I would never want to stay as I cherish my sweats in winter and my shorts in summer. I enjoyed the setting, but, unfortunately the heroine was a dolt. She made huge assumptions and deductions and accusations based on a poem she found hidden by her now dead friend. However, the nice little twist at the end made me glad I kept going.
June 27, 2019
Oh what tangled webs
It was a very good mystery for such a short book. Victorian times always lend a romantic air even to murder.
It was a very good mystery for such a short book. Victorian times always lend a romantic air even to murder.
July 22, 2019
A nice quick read. Predictable but fun to read.
December 20, 2023
Good mystery story . in Victorian England. Great period piece.
December 15, 2025
Unfortunately too short to be a compelling mystery. That seems to be a problem in general and not specific to this novelette, mysteries just need to have more too them than what 59 pages can give.
November 7, 2016
Short and Sweet...well maybe not 'sweet' but good.
July 19, 2011
Accomplished in Murder is a charming and well-written historical mystery set in Victorian England. It begins with the recently wed Celeste writing to her friend Druscilla Winterbourne to say that only if Druscilla joins her in Cornwall will Celeste feel safe. However, when Druscilla arrives, her dear friend has died under mysterious circumstances. Druscilla is determined, of course, to unravel the mystery.
I was very taken with Ms. England's writing. It had the right period feel without frills and flourishes so many authors use to try to achieve that.
The author also does very well with giving a period feel without extensive descriptions. You never have that uncomfortable feeling of having to hew your way through the period descriptions with a scythe. Instead, it is well combined with the action and dialogue. Clearly, you are in Victorian England but the author doesn't try to smother the landscape with her research, which I have no doubt at all that she did. I am as picky as you can get on historical accuracy, and this novel passes the historical accuracy test.
The mystery itself is exactly what one would want in a cozy mystery, although I must admit that is not one of my favorite sub-genres. However, for anyone who enjoys the sub-genre, this supplies the mysterious death of a friend, the oddly-behaving characters, and determined non-detective requisite for a cozy. However, that doesn't mean that her plotting is predictable. She had several plot twists I didn't see coming. As a short mystery, it is very satisfying.
However, I must admit there was one important area I did not think was as well done. I am afraid that the characterizations, even of Druscilla, the main character, seemed thin. I admit that in a novella, which this is, might give less scope for extensive characterization, but since it is only 17,000 words, the author could have included substantially more characterization without exceeding novella length. There are a number of other characters who would have been very enjoyable to see more extensively developed. Don't get me wrong. The characters were diverse and interesting, but I never felt I got to know them with any depth.
Now some people don't mind slight character development in cozy mysteries. Christie's strength, for example, was never her character development, so this may or may not be a problem for many of Ms. England's readers. However, for me, it is a pretty large fault. I still enjoyed this novella and would recommend it for a short, light summer read, but not as enthusiastically as I would otherwise.
This review appeared on my blog at http://jeannetomlin.blogspot.com
I was very taken with Ms. England's writing. It had the right period feel without frills and flourishes so many authors use to try to achieve that.
The author also does very well with giving a period feel without extensive descriptions. You never have that uncomfortable feeling of having to hew your way through the period descriptions with a scythe. Instead, it is well combined with the action and dialogue. Clearly, you are in Victorian England but the author doesn't try to smother the landscape with her research, which I have no doubt at all that she did. I am as picky as you can get on historical accuracy, and this novel passes the historical accuracy test.
The mystery itself is exactly what one would want in a cozy mystery, although I must admit that is not one of my favorite sub-genres. However, for anyone who enjoys the sub-genre, this supplies the mysterious death of a friend, the oddly-behaving characters, and determined non-detective requisite for a cozy. However, that doesn't mean that her plotting is predictable. She had several plot twists I didn't see coming. As a short mystery, it is very satisfying.
However, I must admit there was one important area I did not think was as well done. I am afraid that the characterizations, even of Druscilla, the main character, seemed thin. I admit that in a novella, which this is, might give less scope for extensive characterization, but since it is only 17,000 words, the author could have included substantially more characterization without exceeding novella length. There are a number of other characters who would have been very enjoyable to see more extensively developed. Don't get me wrong. The characters were diverse and interesting, but I never felt I got to know them with any depth.
Now some people don't mind slight character development in cozy mysteries. Christie's strength, for example, was never her character development, so this may or may not be a problem for many of Ms. England's readers. However, for me, it is a pretty large fault. I still enjoyed this novella and would recommend it for a short, light summer read, but not as enthusiastically as I would otherwise.
This review appeared on my blog at http://jeannetomlin.blogspot.com
December 27, 2012
Accomplished in Murder
Mystery lurks at the Cornwall estate of Blackridge House, where a young bride has found fear and torment in place of the romance she once believed in. When her body is found at the foot of the cliffs, shortly after she wrote a letter summoning her best friend from London with hints of her unnamed fear, her death is attributed to accident. But was it? When Drucilla, the recipient of her hasty letter, arrives and learns of her death, she isn't convinced. What caused the unspoken distress in her friend's letter? Did it have anything to do with her death? Her uncertainty grows when she discovers the hidden secrets of the manor family. Did they need to protect their past enough to rid the world of her friend? Events certainly lead her to believe so and motivate her to avenge her friend's death by discovering her murderer. Will she succeed before her probing questions lead to her own demise?
Accomplished in Detection
Mariah Featherstone's first meeting with her best friend's lover isn't at all what she expected, for she finds his head cradled in her lap as he takes his final breath, the victim of a murderous blade. All fingers point at the man who "discovered" the victim's body, Edwin Winterbourne, who is also visiting the country estate. Mariah, however, is certain that an innocent man has been accused. She stands alone in her conviction, however, and must resort to subterfuge and subtle probing to get to the heart of the mystery. Will she be able to discover the household member who held a deadly grudge against the victim? Or will an innocent man be hanged for someone else's crime?
Both of these novella-length Victorian mysteries demonstrate the author's skill but are, unfortunately, too short for adequate character development and plot intricacy. Both end rather abruptly when the heroines stumble upon the solution to each mystery, which leads to a feeling of anti-climax at the end of each. However, the narrative is well-written and shows a promise of talent that I hope, in future, will be applied to longer books that will allow greater depth and entertainment. In summary, for a short and entertaining read, these are good choices if you don't expect too much.
Mystery lurks at the Cornwall estate of Blackridge House, where a young bride has found fear and torment in place of the romance she once believed in. When her body is found at the foot of the cliffs, shortly after she wrote a letter summoning her best friend from London with hints of her unnamed fear, her death is attributed to accident. But was it? When Drucilla, the recipient of her hasty letter, arrives and learns of her death, she isn't convinced. What caused the unspoken distress in her friend's letter? Did it have anything to do with her death? Her uncertainty grows when she discovers the hidden secrets of the manor family. Did they need to protect their past enough to rid the world of her friend? Events certainly lead her to believe so and motivate her to avenge her friend's death by discovering her murderer. Will she succeed before her probing questions lead to her own demise?
Accomplished in Detection
Mariah Featherstone's first meeting with her best friend's lover isn't at all what she expected, for she finds his head cradled in her lap as he takes his final breath, the victim of a murderous blade. All fingers point at the man who "discovered" the victim's body, Edwin Winterbourne, who is also visiting the country estate. Mariah, however, is certain that an innocent man has been accused. She stands alone in her conviction, however, and must resort to subterfuge and subtle probing to get to the heart of the mystery. Will she be able to discover the household member who held a deadly grudge against the victim? Or will an innocent man be hanged for someone else's crime?
Both of these novella-length Victorian mysteries demonstrate the author's skill but are, unfortunately, too short for adequate character development and plot intricacy. Both end rather abruptly when the heroines stumble upon the solution to each mystery, which leads to a feeling of anti-climax at the end of each. However, the narrative is well-written and shows a promise of talent that I hope, in future, will be applied to longer books that will allow greater depth and entertainment. In summary, for a short and entertaining read, these are good choices if you don't expect too much.
February 19, 2017
After receiving disquieting letters from her newly married friend Celeste, Drucilla Winterbourne decides to visit her in Cornwall at Blackridge House. On arriving she is told some devastating news.
I felt that the mystery could have been expanded, including the section with Celeste, as there wasn't really any sleuthing on the part of Drucilla.
I felt that the mystery could have been expanded, including the section with Celeste, as there wasn't really any sleuthing on the part of Drucilla.
May 13, 2011
I have mixed feelings about this little historical mystery novella. I didn't dislike it, but it didn't grab me either, so I'm sticking to a firm "It was OK." I don't want my time back, but I don't know if I would read more in this series.
What I liked:
I thought Drucilla had potential, even though due to the length of the book we don't really get to know too much about her. I liked her enough that I wanted to know more.
I loved the idea of it - Victorian heroines solving mysteries. Very fun!
It was technically well-written.
What didn't quite work for me:
I'm not much of a mystery reader, and yet I guessed the villain from the moment he was introduced.
Although the villain's motive is explained at the end, it didn't make sense to me. Unfortunately the only way to explain what didn't make sense to me is a bit spoilery, so if you don't want to be spoiled, stop reading. The way it was presented to the reader, the family in question has a title, but not enough money to keep up their estate, which is why Celeste's husband married her; he needed her dowry money to help keep up the family estate. So, why is the younger son so obsessed with inheriting the place? It's certainly not to be rich and powerful. Or did he only become interested in becoming heir once Celeste's money was added to the pot?
It was too short to do the story justice in mind. Had the backgrounds of all the characters and the events leading up to the murder been more fleshed out, I think the story overall might have made more sense and been a more satisfying read.
Conclusion:
Although this book wasn't really my cup of tea, if you're looking for a quick, light historical mystery read of an hour or two, you may just enjoy this novella.
Note: I received this as a free review copy from the author
What I liked:
I thought Drucilla had potential, even though due to the length of the book we don't really get to know too much about her. I liked her enough that I wanted to know more.
I loved the idea of it - Victorian heroines solving mysteries. Very fun!
It was technically well-written.
What didn't quite work for me:
I'm not much of a mystery reader, and yet I guessed the villain from the moment he was introduced.
Although the villain's motive is explained at the end, it didn't make sense to me. Unfortunately the only way to explain what didn't make sense to me is a bit spoilery, so if you don't want to be spoiled, stop reading. The way it was presented to the reader, the family in question has a title, but not enough money to keep up their estate, which is why Celeste's husband married her; he needed her dowry money to help keep up the family estate. So, why is the younger son so obsessed with inheriting the place? It's certainly not to be rich and powerful. Or did he only become interested in becoming heir once Celeste's money was added to the pot?
It was too short to do the story justice in mind. Had the backgrounds of all the characters and the events leading up to the murder been more fleshed out, I think the story overall might have made more sense and been a more satisfying read.
Conclusion:
Although this book wasn't really my cup of tea, if you're looking for a quick, light historical mystery read of an hour or two, you may just enjoy this novella.
Note: I received this as a free review copy from the author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2016
From the preamble’s opening words, the reader is introduced to a scene of desolation, anguish, and despair and is instantly drawn into its gloomy and murky midst. Lady Celeste Litchfield is suffering from a depression and angst from some unknown source and has the distinct feeling that she is being watched from somewhere in the shadows, invisible to the eye but all too present on the nerves. As a possible release from this quagmire of dark and dangerous tension, she sends a missive to her oldest friend Drucilla Winterbourne with a request for an immediate visit to the Blackridge House in Cornwall. Perceptive Drucilla can read the unnamed fears of her friend between the lines and immediately sets out to comfort and possibly rescue Celeste in this time of need. Accompanied by her aunt, Lady Bridget Ashworth and an entourage of luggage and servants, Drucilla travels from London to the southern seashore. She arrives to discover her dear friend dead and her house in mourning. This begins a story of death and deception that will keep your eyes riveted to the pages, unable to put it down and maybe sometimes forgetting to breathe. After an eerie premonition experienced through a dream, or rather nightmare, Drucilla vows to investigate the untimely death of her friend. What first appears as sibling rivalry soon expands to the entire Litchfield clan and the secrets seem to be locked within the ancient walls of Blackridge House.
Word for word this has the makings of a masterpiece in literary suspense and is sure to please everyone that reads it. It has my solid recommendation.
Word for word this has the makings of a masterpiece in literary suspense and is sure to please everyone that reads it. It has my solid recommendation.
May 6, 2016
Bah! I'm supremely pleased I didn't actually pay for this bit of fluff as well as the fact it only took a very small amount of my time. This started out very promising and the writing itself is rather good. A young wife newly wed, a hint of darkness in the marriage, and a friend off to the rescue. One of my favorite genres is gothic romance and add in that it was a short story, I was quite happy to settle down in the sun with a few stolen moments in an extremely busy day. One does not expect a lot with a short story, but a master can still shape reasonably defined characters around a well crafted plot line. However, neither was in evidence here and by the time the end arrived, the words that were running through my head included contrived, banal, clichéd, and trite. This could have done with better editing, even a thesaurus and a dictionary or two and, of course, the missing chapters that explain how our intrepid heroine actually reached her conclusion. She did not simply gather her information from the aether and it was ridiculous we jumped from her reading a poem that isn't actually shared with us, her erstwhile readers, to a fully fledged conclusion that she then managed to bungle! Where was her stealthy hunt for clues as she moved around the manor and interacted with it's inhabitants? There are just too many bizarre inconsistencies for me to be inclined to waste any more time on this series.
March 29, 2011
A charming Victorian lady-sleuth!
Drucilla Winterbourne (love that name) knows something is off with her newly married friend Celeste. Her friend's letters have become increasingly strange and Drucilla is determined to travel to Cornwall to the little village of Morcastle to find out what's going on. She has to drag her crazy old cat-obsessed auntie with her as a companion but she makes the trip only to find out that her friend has been murdered.
I love the lush descriptions of the setting which gave the story an almost gothic tone. The people Drucilla meets are all suspicious in their own way so I wasn't sure who to suspect as the killer. From Celeste's not-even-pretending-to-be-grieving husband, Lord Absalom, to his strangely cheerful brother Southorn (he was creepily interested in befriending Drucilla), to the super bitchy housekeeper Mrs. Portillo.
There are some serious family undercurrent swirling around Blackridge House and the ending was NOT what I was expecting, that's for sure. This is a novella so things are wrapped up pretty quickly but it was the perfect length for me to read before bed.
I hope there's a second installment because I really liked Drucilla. She was plucky enough to be fun but not in a way that's unrealistic for the time period. Hopefully she'll solve some crimes when she gets back home to London too!
Drucilla Winterbourne (love that name) knows something is off with her newly married friend Celeste. Her friend's letters have become increasingly strange and Drucilla is determined to travel to Cornwall to the little village of Morcastle to find out what's going on. She has to drag her crazy old cat-obsessed auntie with her as a companion but she makes the trip only to find out that her friend has been murdered.
I love the lush descriptions of the setting which gave the story an almost gothic tone. The people Drucilla meets are all suspicious in their own way so I wasn't sure who to suspect as the killer. From Celeste's not-even-pretending-to-be-grieving husband, Lord Absalom, to his strangely cheerful brother Southorn (he was creepily interested in befriending Drucilla), to the super bitchy housekeeper Mrs. Portillo.
There are some serious family undercurrent swirling around Blackridge House and the ending was NOT what I was expecting, that's for sure. This is a novella so things are wrapped up pretty quickly but it was the perfect length for me to read before bed.
I hope there's a second installment because I really liked Drucilla. She was plucky enough to be fun but not in a way that's unrealistic for the time period. Hopefully she'll solve some crimes when she gets back home to London too!
April 28, 2011
Accomplished in Murder, is the first in a series of historical mysteries featuring heroines of the Victorian era. To be clear, this is a novella, not a full length novel, though the story does not seem rushed or lacking in any way for it.
Drucilla is troubled by a letter she receives from her friend Celeste. Celeste has married and moved to a remote area of Cornwall, and she asks Drucilla to come for a visit. But when Drucilla arrives, to her dismay she discovers that Celeste has died under mysterious circumstances. But was the death an accident or murder? Drucilla vows to find out.
While reading this novella, I was first taken by the author's grasp of the language and nuance within the Victorian era. The tone felt very realistic without being overly "flowery" or hard to read. Dara England is truly gifted in this regard. Her plotting was excellent, and a few of the twists I didn't see coming, which is rare for me. Overall, I enjoyed this mystery and I look forward to reading more from England.
The only minor thing I just have to pick at is that I would have liked to have seen more of Celeste before her untimely demise. Grounds for a prequel perhaps, starring Celeste as she solves another mystery?
Drucilla is troubled by a letter she receives from her friend Celeste. Celeste has married and moved to a remote area of Cornwall, and she asks Drucilla to come for a visit. But when Drucilla arrives, to her dismay she discovers that Celeste has died under mysterious circumstances. But was the death an accident or murder? Drucilla vows to find out.
While reading this novella, I was first taken by the author's grasp of the language and nuance within the Victorian era. The tone felt very realistic without being overly "flowery" or hard to read. Dara England is truly gifted in this regard. Her plotting was excellent, and a few of the twists I didn't see coming, which is rare for me. Overall, I enjoyed this mystery and I look forward to reading more from England.
The only minor thing I just have to pick at is that I would have liked to have seen more of Celeste before her untimely demise. Grounds for a prequel perhaps, starring Celeste as she solves another mystery?
June 23, 2013
Drucilla Winterbourne is a real Victorian lady, but also is a pretty good detective. When she received a strange letter from a friend, she sets out to visit her as soon as she can. However, despite her haste, she does not make it there before her friend is found dead. This is one strong lady, who sets out to find out who murdered her friend and why. During the time in which this book is set, showing such strength and intelligence can lead to some difficult situations, and Drucilla encounters them and gets through them all wonderfully. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the strong female lead. There probably were others like Drucilla at that time, but we do not know much about them. This book is a very authentic gothic mystery. The author has described situations and characters with exceptional realism. I found myself wishing the book went on longer, for I really wanted to experience Drucilla more and more. I am waiting for the next book (besides the other one that is part of this two-part mystery). I receive this book free from Library Thing to read and review.
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