Murder in the Moonlight

Penrose & Pyke Mysteries #4

by Rose Pascoe

Whispers of misconduct swirl around Grace Penrose, when a prominent surgeon has a fatal seizure on their moonlit stroll together.

Grace and the victim are on opposing sides of a feud over hospital services for women. How could she refuse his invitation to resolve their differences in private? When he dies despite her attempts to save him, and his unusual symptoms further implicate her, it’s not only her personal and professional reputation at risk.

As the case becomes ever more baffling, the only thing Grace needs more than Charlie Pyke’s sleuthing skills is his uncanny knack of appearing when she needs him most.

The ‘Penrose & Pyke Mysteries’ are a series of heart-warming, pulse-racing historical mysteries, set during a remarkable period of social upheaval in 1890s New Zealand. The fight for women’s rights has never been such deadly fun.

Genres: Historical Mystery, Mystery, Mystery Thriller

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2023

About the author

Rose Pascoe writes historical mysteries with a dash of romance, when she isn’t plotting real-life adventures. She lives in beautiful New Zealand, land of beaches and mountains, where long walks provide the perfect conditions for dreaming up plots and fickle weather provides the incentive to sit down and actually write the darn things. After a career in health, justice and social research, her passion is for stories set against a backdrop of social revolution. Her heroines are ordinary women, who meet the challenges thrown at them with determination, ingenuity, courage, and humour.

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, another in a great series. Grace is particularly good in this one. She is always respected and all of the characters know of her intelligence and abilities as she studies to become a doctor in the late 1800’s. She is the first woman admitted to the school of medicine. She tries to save a man in the throws of a seizure but is unable to and so the murder investigation begins….. Charlie Pyke is in love with Grace and shows her all the respect she deserves. He is a former police officer. The mutual respect is what sets this series apart from others where the woman although competent is seen as a nuisance rather than assisting in other series of this time period. The other series are good but this one is refreshing in this way.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is debate in Dunedin regarding the construction of a new wing at the hospital—should there be another operating theatre, or a new women’s wing? Grace and her family, found and biological, are obviously coming down on the side of the latter. Unfortunately, one of the chief proponents of the former dies suddenly while Grace is speaking to him at a party.

The investigation of this also has the backdrop of the preparation for Lily and Duncan’s wedding, with Charlie and his parents arriving to assist and attend. The latest easy resolution to the seemingly impossible that has separated Charlie and Grace in the last book is to have Charlie form a private investigation agency, Southern Investigations, with various members of the circle contributing. This group of people, which continues to grow, is definitely one of the highlights of the series.

The solution to the mystery itself was, disappointingly, unsatisfying to me. I found the motive thin, and, though the casting of the character was probably meant to be shocking, it landed more as unbelievable and inconsistent. I also just plain didn’t want it to be this person. In spite of this, I still enjoyed the book and have pre-ordered the next title.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is intersting the way the author exhibits the prejudices and the limitations put on women and races by the norms of 19th c society. What is the delightful is how the main characters move beyond these strictures. These developments are woven within the recognition of life changing events and the solution of murder.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this is my favorite book of the series! I thought for certain; I figured it out, but there was an interesting twist! The book is very character driven and it's really pleasant to see the characters grow, find their place in society, change for the better. Plus, the banter is great and there were several laugh out loud moments. Read the series. You won't regret it!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars

Another great addition to this series that has become a new favorite of mine. It's the characters here that make this a favorite...Grace and Charlie are just so lovable (both individually and as a new couple), and I always look forward to spending time with them on their next adventure.

[Marilyn Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series! The characters are well drawn and engaging, the setting in the late 19th century Dunedin, NZ, interesting, and the challenges of being the first woman in medical school in NZ realistic. The mysteries are all well crafted with interesting twists to keep the reader guessing. I couldn't put this most recent book down and I've already bought all the next books in this delightful series.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Rose Pascoe. The mystery was definitely convoluted and had me guessing (wrongly) thru a lot of the book. Love the characters. Love the setting. Love the mystery. These are simply great books. More, please!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful series with well-written characters and plot, just needs a proofreader.