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The Phantom Murder: A 1920s Mystery
Sleepy English villages are so quaint... but close-knit communities breed tensions.
Nine years ago, in March 1919, those tensions spilled over in Castlebury Magna.
And a woman died.
Now her ghost is back, and making local resident and reluctant psychic Lucas Rathbone's life hell.
But the only way to get justice for her is to send one of his neighbours to the gallows.
Faced with a list of suspects that includes his own mother, this is one mystery Lucas would rather leave unsolved...
Nine years ago, in March 1919, those tensions spilled over in Castlebury Magna.
And a woman died.
Now her ghost is back, and making local resident and reluctant psychic Lucas Rathbone's life hell.
But the only way to get justice for her is to send one of his neighbours to the gallows.
Faced with a list of suspects that includes his own mother, this is one mystery Lucas would rather leave unsolved...
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2023
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Saffron Amatti
37 books24 followersSaffron Amatti is the author of the Lucas Rathbone Mysteries, a series of historical cozy mysteries with a ghostly twist set in 1920s England.
She lives in a rather pretty village in Derbyshire, UK, where she spends an unhealthy amount of time thinking about how to kill people and (nearly) get away with it.
This is almost entirely in relation to her writing, but she keeps her family on their toes by throwing a little doubt in occasionally.
She lives in a rather pretty village in Derbyshire, UK, where she spends an unhealthy amount of time thinking about how to kill people and (nearly) get away with it.
This is almost entirely in relation to her writing, but she keeps her family on their toes by throwing a little doubt in occasionally.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 31, 2023
Could this be my favorite Lucas Rathbone Mystery so far? Maybe. Is it because a certain Vicar stole my heart? Possibly. Is it because Amatti writes such delightful characters and passages that you don't even realize you are reading a book, but instead watching a fun and exciting mystery television series with your fingers? Perhaps. But in any case, you should read this book, the latest in "I see dead people" newspaper reporter Lucas Rathbone's mysteries. This is a classic whodunnit, but with charm and wit I've really never seen in any other series.
Amatti has such a delightful style to her writing, it's a joy to read about a murder! Lines like "You just tell me what this mission is. That's how exchanging information works, you know. Has done since the dawn of time." - are so signature to the series and I just eat them up!
Lucas, Clara and Tommy are back in fine form with such fun banter and snark without missing a beat, but it never takes away from the story. There is so much personality to this book!
When the entire sleepy town of Castlebury Magna is under suspicion for murder of the town's ultimate busybody (and dare I say blackmailer??) no one is safe - not even your favorite characters, none of whom might not be as innocent as you think.
In "The Ghost Who Wasn't Dead," readers were briefly introduced to a possible romantic interest to Lucas' mother, Hettie, (who after the last installment, really deserves this!!!), and this book gives us an insight into this new character's past that will just pull your heart out.
Again, though, no one is safe from their dirty secrets getting spilled. And I'll only spill one - this book is fabulous! Go get it!
Amatti has such a delightful style to her writing, it's a joy to read about a murder! Lines like "You just tell me what this mission is. That's how exchanging information works, you know. Has done since the dawn of time." - are so signature to the series and I just eat them up!
Lucas, Clara and Tommy are back in fine form with such fun banter and snark without missing a beat, but it never takes away from the story. There is so much personality to this book!
When the entire sleepy town of Castlebury Magna is under suspicion for murder of the town's ultimate busybody (and dare I say blackmailer??) no one is safe - not even your favorite characters, none of whom might not be as innocent as you think.
In "The Ghost Who Wasn't Dead," readers were briefly introduced to a possible romantic interest to Lucas' mother, Hettie, (who after the last installment, really deserves this!!!), and this book gives us an insight into this new character's past that will just pull your heart out.
Again, though, no one is safe from their dirty secrets getting spilled. And I'll only spill one - this book is fabulous! Go get it!
July 5, 2023
Need an Agatha Christie fix, but you’ve read her catalogue? Look no further! This book is shockingly good. Set in sleepy Castlebury Magna in the 1920s, a former resident reappears, but no one is glad to see her.
Charity Murphy had some unsavoury habits that riled the villagers. Perhaps one of them murdered her, for the good of Castlebury Magna?
Motives abound and one hits too close to home. Poor Lucas Rathbone, still recovering from daddy issues, is compelled to investigate. Thank goodness Clara, the voice of reason, is there to keep Lucas and their friend Tommy, on track.
As the investigation deepens, new suspects appear around every corner. Under a less deft hand, this would be confusing, but author Saffron Amatti has written a mystery that is nuanced, fun, and has a satisfying conclusion you won’t see coming.
One of the best mysteries ever. Don’t miss it.
Charity Murphy had some unsavoury habits that riled the villagers. Perhaps one of them murdered her, for the good of Castlebury Magna?
Motives abound and one hits too close to home. Poor Lucas Rathbone, still recovering from daddy issues, is compelled to investigate. Thank goodness Clara, the voice of reason, is there to keep Lucas and their friend Tommy, on track.
As the investigation deepens, new suspects appear around every corner. Under a less deft hand, this would be confusing, but author Saffron Amatti has written a mystery that is nuanced, fun, and has a satisfying conclusion you won’t see coming.
One of the best mysteries ever. Don’t miss it.
August 16, 2023
This generation's Agatha Christie.
Take a trip down to the Cotswolds and back to the 1920s and find yourself standing in the middle of a cosy mystery drama that will steal your concentration and your entire night as you stay up late reading to finish it. Amatti style and voice are superb and truly unique. The only comparison I can make is that of Agatha Christie, the queen herself. Well, there's a new queen in town.
I don't do spoilers in reviews so all I will say is that 1) her characters are 3D and well-crafted. They're believable and ultimately likeable, even Tommy who is cheeky and causes eye rolls only occasionally as you grin to yourself at each of his scenes. Clara is the type of person I would call a friend in real life and I have adored getting to know her more throughout the course of this series. Then there's Tommy, who is my grumpy spirit animal. His absolute exasperation with this skill or perhaps he might call it a curse, has me in stitches. He's had a rough time lately and I'm pleased to say that he's not going to let any of this affect him. Beyond Amatti's characters, she has masterfully created mysteries that leave me, a veteran Midsomer Murder watcher, stomped and going "ahhhhhh!" when all is revealed. It's like every episode of Poirot and I . Am. Here. For. That.
I'd say if you're looking for a mystery series that you can lose yourself in, where every book feels like a cosy autumn day, and you're like a touch of the paranormal, then this is the book and the series for you. My rainy day go-to and late night binge read!
Take a trip down to the Cotswolds and back to the 1920s and find yourself standing in the middle of a cosy mystery drama that will steal your concentration and your entire night as you stay up late reading to finish it. Amatti style and voice are superb and truly unique. The only comparison I can make is that of Agatha Christie, the queen herself. Well, there's a new queen in town.
I don't do spoilers in reviews so all I will say is that 1) her characters are 3D and well-crafted. They're believable and ultimately likeable, even Tommy who is cheeky and causes eye rolls only occasionally as you grin to yourself at each of his scenes. Clara is the type of person I would call a friend in real life and I have adored getting to know her more throughout the course of this series. Then there's Tommy, who is my grumpy spirit animal. His absolute exasperation with this skill or perhaps he might call it a curse, has me in stitches. He's had a rough time lately and I'm pleased to say that he's not going to let any of this affect him. Beyond Amatti's characters, she has masterfully created mysteries that leave me, a veteran Midsomer Murder watcher, stomped and going "ahhhhhh!" when all is revealed. It's like every episode of Poirot and I . Am. Here. For. That.
I'd say if you're looking for a mystery series that you can lose yourself in, where every book feels like a cosy autumn day, and you're like a touch of the paranormal, then this is the book and the series for you. My rainy day go-to and late night binge read!
September 17, 2023
Lucas, Clara and Tommy are back, but this time the murder victim is from their own village, meaning that one of their friends/neighbours must be the murderer, right? Read The Phantom Murder to find out!
I always enjoy Saffron's writing, you feel like she could be sitting on the sofa with you telling you the story. That said, The Phanton Murder isn't my favourite book in the Lucas Rathbone series; it lacked a little pace for me, but it was still a wonderfully easy read and it was good to catch up with Lucas, Clara and that scallywag, Tommy.
I always enjoy Saffron's writing, you feel like she could be sitting on the sofa with you telling you the story. That said, The Phanton Murder isn't my favourite book in the Lucas Rathbone series; it lacked a little pace for me, but it was still a wonderfully easy read and it was good to catch up with Lucas, Clara and that scallywag, Tommy.
March 8, 2025
I love this series! It's become the one I go to when I need a book I know I'll enjoy.
Mrs Murphy was a lady who inspired a lot of hatred. So, almost everyone had a motive to kill her. But who actually did it?
This book is a lot of fun.
Tommy starts to bloom as one of the good guys.
And Rev. Robin is all kinds of gorgeous.
Plus, Lucas and Clara are as sweet as ever.
A ripping good yarn!
Mrs Murphy was a lady who inspired a lot of hatred. So, almost everyone had a motive to kill her. But who actually did it?
This book is a lot of fun.
Tommy starts to bloom as one of the good guys.
And Rev. Robin is all kinds of gorgeous.
Plus, Lucas and Clara are as sweet as ever.
A ripping good yarn!
June 29, 2024
Love this series!
I love returning to the world of The Lucas Rathbone Mysteries! I think this mystery was extra special, but won't say anything so I don't spoil the book! You need to go read it for yourself!
I love returning to the world of The Lucas Rathbone Mysteries! I think this mystery was extra special, but won't say anything so I don't spoil the book! You need to go read it for yourself!
May 10, 2024
I have enjoyed this book. Lucas is such a great character and Clara is great as his offsider. I love how Mrs B (the ghost) is always popping up with a confidence boost when Lucas needs it
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews