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Historic Homes Mystery, #2
The Turnbull Murders: A Historic Homes Mystery
Movie star Nicky Tallon selects architect Wren Fontaine to renovate Turnbull House, where he'll be filming his next movie. Even to Wren, used to old homes, this one is a 200-year-old federal-style home on a private island in New York harbor, designed by the most celebrated architect of the day. But Turnbull House hides many secrets, such as the disappearance of the sea captain who built it. That's just a historical curiosity, until a studio executive no one likes is killed.
Wren just wants to keep her worksite safe, but then another murder occurs, and she starts noting eerie connections between the mysteries surrounding the Turnbull family and Nicky and his entourage. The handsome star seems to have two girlfriends, a childlike folk singer and a cynical fashion model. Meanwhile, renowned actress Veronica Selwyn renews a friendship with Wren's father, which Wren finds more disturbing than she wants to admit. She concludes it's time she and her girlfriend Hadley take the next step and find a place together, an exciting but stressful change.
As the attacks continue, Wren realizes she will have to solve the mysteries surrounding Captain Turnbull and Nicky Tallon. Turnbull House speaks of order and harmony, and Wren must dig deep to see how the house has affected its owners, old and new. Fortunately for her, the eminently practical Hadley is by her side, pepper spray at the ready—because a frighteningly clever killer is about to find that Wren is getting too close to the horrific truth.
Wren just wants to keep her worksite safe, but then another murder occurs, and she starts noting eerie connections between the mysteries surrounding the Turnbull family and Nicky and his entourage. The handsome star seems to have two girlfriends, a childlike folk singer and a cynical fashion model. Meanwhile, renowned actress Veronica Selwyn renews a friendship with Wren's father, which Wren finds more disturbing than she wants to admit. She concludes it's time she and her girlfriend Hadley take the next step and find a place together, an exciting but stressful change.
As the attacks continue, Wren realizes she will have to solve the mysteries surrounding Captain Turnbull and Nicky Tallon. Turnbull House speaks of order and harmony, and Wren must dig deep to see how the house has affected its owners, old and new. Fortunately for her, the eminently practical Hadley is by her side, pepper spray at the ready—because a frighteningly clever killer is about to find that Wren is getting too close to the horrific truth.
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2023
65 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Koreto
16 books339 followersR.J. Koreto is the author of the Lady Frances Ffolkes mystery series, the Alice Roosevelt mystery series, and the Wren Fontaine Historic Homes series. His short stories have been published in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
In his day job, he works as a business and financial journalist. Over the years, he’s been a magazine writer and editor, website manager, PR consultant, book author, and seaman in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Like his heroine, Lady Frances Ffolkes, he’s a graduate of Vassar College.
With his wife and daughters, he divides his time between Rockland County, N.Y., and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.
In his day job, he works as a business and financial journalist. Over the years, he’s been a magazine writer and editor, website manager, PR consultant, book author, and seaman in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Like his heroine, Lady Frances Ffolkes, he’s a graduate of Vassar College.
With his wife and daughters, he divides his time between Rockland County, N.Y., and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 21, 2023
The Turnbull Murders: A Historic Homes Mystery” is the second book in this series by R. J. Koreto, and I can tell you that it is an excellent story well worth your time. It will not matter whether you are a fan of historical fiction, mystery, or both, this book will grab you at the beginning and will not let you down.
In “The Turnbull Murders,” our favorite architect Wren Fontaine is back, along with her girlfriend Hadley, for a new mystery in an old and historic house sitting on an island in the New York harbor. The Turnbull House, as well as the island itself, has been purchased by movie star Nicky Tallon not only as a setting to film his latest movie, but a place where he and his very young girlfriend Saffron can live in peace afterward away from the people and chaos that is Hollywood.
Nicky turns to Wren to renovate the house and make it the perfect place to live. As she dives into her newest project Wren quickly begins to discover numerous secrets that are a part of the Turnbull House and its past occupants, and they quickly lead to danger and murder at the worksite when an executive that works with Nicky is killed on the group’s first visit to the house. Wren just wants to keep things safe for her employees, her girlfriend, and all the people surrounding her new client, but when another death follows the first, she begins to realize there are connections between the Turnbull family and her client that will have to be investigated.
As Wren begins to delve into the background of the house and the family that lived in it, the reader is given an excellent plot that pulls together the past and the present as well as the links between the old and new owners of this wonderful home. Can Wren solve all the mysteries of this house before another murder occurs? Can she and Hadley move forward in their relationship? Can she make peace with another relationship that begins between an actress in Nicky’s movie and her own father? For these answers and many more, you will just have to read the story and I highly recommend that you do.
With “The Turnbull Murders,” author R. J. Koreto has put together another book in this series that is wonderfully written and gives the reader a perfect balance between the tension and confusion of the past and the fear of the present. The plot is very interesting, and the characters are each fascinating in their own ways. From Wren, a strong woman who knows how good she is at her chosen profession but can still show a lot of vulnerability as she works through her personal life; to Nicky, a mega-star who is not comfortable in his own profession and not at all comfortable around the many people who follow him on a day-to-day basis; to Saffron, a young woman who seems more like a child than an adult, each character brings a very important and different perspective to the story. In addition, the other supporting characters are just as well-written and bring so much to the overall plot.
While the characters, the house, and the backstory are all fictional, there is so much excellent historical background in the story that it makes it very interesting to read. While the Turnbull family and their history may not be real, the depiction of that time in history is spot-on and makes this a real page-turner. Between the background and the architectural details in the story, the reader will feel as though they are really going back and forth in time 200 years from the modern parts of the present to the historical past on a small island.
“The Turnbull Murders: A Historic Homes Mystery” by R.J. Koreto is a captivating story that is well worth the read for everyone. With excellent dialogue, interesting characters, and a fabulous plot, it pulls together every element that makes for an excellent book, and I would happily recommend it to all. I will be anxiously awaiting whatever is next for Wren, Hadley, and everyone else, and I am sure many other readers will be as well. 5 Stars!!
In “The Turnbull Murders,” our favorite architect Wren Fontaine is back, along with her girlfriend Hadley, for a new mystery in an old and historic house sitting on an island in the New York harbor. The Turnbull House, as well as the island itself, has been purchased by movie star Nicky Tallon not only as a setting to film his latest movie, but a place where he and his very young girlfriend Saffron can live in peace afterward away from the people and chaos that is Hollywood.
Nicky turns to Wren to renovate the house and make it the perfect place to live. As she dives into her newest project Wren quickly begins to discover numerous secrets that are a part of the Turnbull House and its past occupants, and they quickly lead to danger and murder at the worksite when an executive that works with Nicky is killed on the group’s first visit to the house. Wren just wants to keep things safe for her employees, her girlfriend, and all the people surrounding her new client, but when another death follows the first, she begins to realize there are connections between the Turnbull family and her client that will have to be investigated.
As Wren begins to delve into the background of the house and the family that lived in it, the reader is given an excellent plot that pulls together the past and the present as well as the links between the old and new owners of this wonderful home. Can Wren solve all the mysteries of this house before another murder occurs? Can she and Hadley move forward in their relationship? Can she make peace with another relationship that begins between an actress in Nicky’s movie and her own father? For these answers and many more, you will just have to read the story and I highly recommend that you do.
With “The Turnbull Murders,” author R. J. Koreto has put together another book in this series that is wonderfully written and gives the reader a perfect balance between the tension and confusion of the past and the fear of the present. The plot is very interesting, and the characters are each fascinating in their own ways. From Wren, a strong woman who knows how good she is at her chosen profession but can still show a lot of vulnerability as she works through her personal life; to Nicky, a mega-star who is not comfortable in his own profession and not at all comfortable around the many people who follow him on a day-to-day basis; to Saffron, a young woman who seems more like a child than an adult, each character brings a very important and different perspective to the story. In addition, the other supporting characters are just as well-written and bring so much to the overall plot.
While the characters, the house, and the backstory are all fictional, there is so much excellent historical background in the story that it makes it very interesting to read. While the Turnbull family and their history may not be real, the depiction of that time in history is spot-on and makes this a real page-turner. Between the background and the architectural details in the story, the reader will feel as though they are really going back and forth in time 200 years from the modern parts of the present to the historical past on a small island.
“The Turnbull Murders: A Historic Homes Mystery” by R.J. Koreto is a captivating story that is well worth the read for everyone. With excellent dialogue, interesting characters, and a fabulous plot, it pulls together every element that makes for an excellent book, and I would happily recommend it to all. I will be anxiously awaiting whatever is next for Wren, Hadley, and everyone else, and I am sure many other readers will be as well. 5 Stars!!
January 11, 2024
Enjoyable cozy mystery revolving around the renovation of a 200 year old house. The past inhabitants are somehow connected to the new owners via murder.
Murder. Secrets. Hollywood stars. Fascinating old houses.
Rounding up from 3.5
Murder. Secrets. Hollywood stars. Fascinating old houses.
Rounding up from 3.5
June 6, 2024
3.5 stars
A bit sharper than the first book, perhaps, but not all that hard to figure out.
I guessed the murderer early on - it's someone hiding in plain sight by simply being too much of everything.
I enjoyed the really weird and over-the-top character gallery immensely. I can believe rich people actually are this absurd - and feel very happy about NOT having to spend time with that sort of individuals.
The house was beautifully described this time around too, but maybe not as much of a character in the book as the house in the first book. The house was more of a backdrop - and an object for obsession and admiration.
I wouldn't mind swinging by for more books in this series in the future.
A bit sharper than the first book, perhaps, but not all that hard to figure out.
I guessed the murderer early on - it's someone hiding in plain sight by simply being too much of everything.
I enjoyed the really weird and over-the-top character gallery immensely. I can believe rich people actually are this absurd - and feel very happy about NOT having to spend time with that sort of individuals.
The house was beautifully described this time around too, but maybe not as much of a character in the book as the house in the first book. The house was more of a backdrop - and an object for obsession and admiration.
I wouldn't mind swinging by for more books in this series in the future.
October 30, 2023
Another wonderful novel by RJ Koreto. I particularly enjoyed the architectural details along with such an interesting mystery from the past. I just love the way Mr. Koreto writes. He really spins an interesting tale divided between the present and the past.
December 12, 2024
I am so completely captivated and thoroughly charmed by Wren and Hadley. Wren may say she is better with houses than people but that isn’t entirely the truth. I love watching her watch people and measure them by the homes they are renovating. Nicki may be a star, but his new home is no match for our plucky heroine. What a cast of characters! This one caught me off guard. I hadn’t 100% figured this one out at the end. I enjoyed it quite a lot and will have to read the next one!
October 18, 2023
This was an absolutely outstanding mystery! I loved the characters, I loved the settings, and though I did figure out the solution early on, I loved the story. Well done!
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December 6, 20242.5
As I threatened to do in my earlier review of The Greenfield Murders, I bought the second book of the series. I won’t buy the third. Read on and you’ll find out why.
First the good parts. Remember how Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple is always able to compare a crime—regardless of where it takes place—to one that once happened in her small home town of St. Mary Mead? It is an endearing trick she uses throughout her adventures. Well, Wren Fontaine sees parallels to human behavior in the houses they lived in. Throughout The Turnbull Murders, people tell her that she understands people—something Wren herself denies—because she understands houses. In other words, people shape the houses they live in and the houses shape them. And these points are repeated over and over and over and over again ad infinitum until you want to scream.
As in the first book, Wren is convinced that a murder that happened in the distant past is connected to murders committed in real time. This is kind of a dicey premise. It might work once (for some people, at least) but when the author tries it a second time it comes off as more than unconvincing. If ever “thou dost insist too much” was really a phrase, it would describe Wren—who tries every possible angle to tie motives to houses—to a T. Sorry. The attempt was kind of interesting, but I simply don’t believe a word of it.
And they there is the writing. Don’t get me wrong, the author knows how to put words together to good advantage but often relies on the repeated use of words that should occur a maximum of two times a novel. Here are a few of my un-favorites: grin (13 times), giggle (10 times), wink (10 times), and chatelaine (31 times). Chatelaine? Well, okay, this words in important to the plot and needs to be repeated a few times, but 31?
Then there is Wren and Hadley’s relationship. Six months have passed since they became a couple and they are planning to move in together. They have an observable friendship, but I see no real passion there. Maybe there is none. If so. that would be a good plot device. The author even makes fun of this by having Wren say that if she and Hadley get overwhelmed at a party they plan to attend, they can go back home, “make some cocoa and play Parchesi.” Oh, is that what they are calling it now?
Despite Hadley’s interesting (but way-too-short) backstory in the first book, she has become a mere ‘yes woman’ to Wren’s musings. Her main way of communicating with Wren—if this book is any indication—is through winking at her giving her a thumb’s up or giggling at her (see above). And, of course, telling Wren how smart she is. But Hadley isn’t alone in this. Just about everybody Wren talks to—her father, her client, the police, famous actors, even the murderer—come away saying that she has just educated them into new ways of thinking. Some readers might not agree.
Still, Wren actually solves very little. Her identification of one of the characters as a relation to another is pure guesswork as is the ultimate story she concocts as to what happened in that old house 200 years earlier. The actual hard facts that shape her theories are uncovered by a history professor she knows and by a pathologist friend.
If I lived in a different house, I might have felt different about this book. As it is, I’m giving it a slightly lower rating than I did the first book.
Final Rating: 2.5
Note: I read the ebook version of this book that was available from Amazon in October, 2024.
Another Note: This review is included in my book The Art of the Lesbian Mystery Novel , along with information on over 1200 other lesbian mysteries by over 375 authors.
As I threatened to do in my earlier review of The Greenfield Murders, I bought the second book of the series. I won’t buy the third. Read on and you’ll find out why.
First the good parts. Remember how Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple is always able to compare a crime—regardless of where it takes place—to one that once happened in her small home town of St. Mary Mead? It is an endearing trick she uses throughout her adventures. Well, Wren Fontaine sees parallels to human behavior in the houses they lived in. Throughout The Turnbull Murders, people tell her that she understands people—something Wren herself denies—because she understands houses. In other words, people shape the houses they live in and the houses shape them. And these points are repeated over and over and over and over again ad infinitum until you want to scream.
As in the first book, Wren is convinced that a murder that happened in the distant past is connected to murders committed in real time. This is kind of a dicey premise. It might work once (for some people, at least) but when the author tries it a second time it comes off as more than unconvincing. If ever “thou dost insist too much” was really a phrase, it would describe Wren—who tries every possible angle to tie motives to houses—to a T. Sorry. The attempt was kind of interesting, but I simply don’t believe a word of it.
And they there is the writing. Don’t get me wrong, the author knows how to put words together to good advantage but often relies on the repeated use of words that should occur a maximum of two times a novel. Here are a few of my un-favorites: grin (13 times), giggle (10 times), wink (10 times), and chatelaine (31 times). Chatelaine? Well, okay, this words in important to the plot and needs to be repeated a few times, but 31?
Then there is Wren and Hadley’s relationship. Six months have passed since they became a couple and they are planning to move in together. They have an observable friendship, but I see no real passion there. Maybe there is none. If so. that would be a good plot device. The author even makes fun of this by having Wren say that if she and Hadley get overwhelmed at a party they plan to attend, they can go back home, “make some cocoa and play Parchesi.” Oh, is that what they are calling it now?
Despite Hadley’s interesting (but way-too-short) backstory in the first book, she has become a mere ‘yes woman’ to Wren’s musings. Her main way of communicating with Wren—if this book is any indication—is through winking at her giving her a thumb’s up or giggling at her (see above). And, of course, telling Wren how smart she is. But Hadley isn’t alone in this. Just about everybody Wren talks to—her father, her client, the police, famous actors, even the murderer—come away saying that she has just educated them into new ways of thinking. Some readers might not agree.
Still, Wren actually solves very little. Her identification of one of the characters as a relation to another is pure guesswork as is the ultimate story she concocts as to what happened in that old house 200 years earlier. The actual hard facts that shape her theories are uncovered by a history professor she knows and by a pathologist friend.
If I lived in a different house, I might have felt different about this book. As it is, I’m giving it a slightly lower rating than I did the first book.
Final Rating: 2.5
Note: I read the ebook version of this book that was available from Amazon in October, 2024.
Another Note: This review is included in my book The Art of the Lesbian Mystery Novel , along with information on over 1200 other lesbian mysteries by over 375 authors.
November 6, 2023
Historical mystery author R.J. Koreto is back with the second installment of his Historic Homes Mystery series entitled The Turnbull Murders. The story follows architect Wren Fontaine as she works to renovate Turnbull House, a 200-year-old house located on a private island in New York harbor.
As the story opens, Wren has just landed a prominent job where she will be renovating Turnbull House, which is special for multiple reasons. First, the house itself is a unique property, situated on a private island in New York harbor with a rich history surrounding its old owners. Secondly, Wren has been selected for this job by a movie star named Nicky Tallon, who is visiting New York from Los Angeles while he films his new movie, which is being shot on location at Turnbull House.
Wren’s one goal throughout the renovation process is to keep her worksite safe and complete the remodel efficiently, but her plans are quickly thwarted when a member of Nicky’s entourage, one of his studio executives, is killed on site at her first visit to the house. As the police investigate, Wren, along with the help of her girlfriend Hadley, begins conducting an investigation of her own, but before long, another murder among Nicky’s entourage occurs. As Wren uncovers more clues, she can’t help but notice the striking similarities between the Turnbull family who occupied the home 200 years ago and Nicky’s family who is trying to make it their own home now. Wren realizes that in order to solve the murders, she must also solve the disappearance of the sea captain who built Turnbull House many years ago. With Hadley by her side and her father’s unwavering support and advice, she embarks upon a tumultuous journey to discover the truth of not only who is behind the murders, but also what happened to the sea captain two centuries ago.
Koreto’s story of Wren trying to solve two mysteries, centuries apart, is a seamless blend of two different genres that a reader might not expect, but that works perfectly. Koreto has weaved a puzzling whodunit present-day mystery along with a historical fiction narrative, complete with references to real architects and real houses they designed. By writing his story in this manner, Koreto has allowed his story to appeal to a broader audience of readers.
One of the most unique aspects of Koreto’s story is the fascinating characters he has developed for this narrative. While there is quite a large supporting cast, Koreto takes care to thoroughly develop all of them to the point that they all play an integral role in the progression of the plot. As the main character, Wren is the epitome of a strong, capable woman, yet she is still human enough to show vulnerabilities when certain situations present themselves to her. And while Nicky is a famous movie star and his fans obsess over him, it is quite clear that he is not comfortable with his stardom. The combination of well-developed and unique characters with varying personalities further benefits the story by making them appear more real and relatable to the reader.
Quill says: With The Turnbull Murders, Koreto takes his readers on a fascinating and thrilling journey to solve two crimes, centuries apart. With both a historical component as well as the murder mysteries, readers across multiple genres will be captivated by this story from start to finish.
As the story opens, Wren has just landed a prominent job where she will be renovating Turnbull House, which is special for multiple reasons. First, the house itself is a unique property, situated on a private island in New York harbor with a rich history surrounding its old owners. Secondly, Wren has been selected for this job by a movie star named Nicky Tallon, who is visiting New York from Los Angeles while he films his new movie, which is being shot on location at Turnbull House.
Wren’s one goal throughout the renovation process is to keep her worksite safe and complete the remodel efficiently, but her plans are quickly thwarted when a member of Nicky’s entourage, one of his studio executives, is killed on site at her first visit to the house. As the police investigate, Wren, along with the help of her girlfriend Hadley, begins conducting an investigation of her own, but before long, another murder among Nicky’s entourage occurs. As Wren uncovers more clues, she can’t help but notice the striking similarities between the Turnbull family who occupied the home 200 years ago and Nicky’s family who is trying to make it their own home now. Wren realizes that in order to solve the murders, she must also solve the disappearance of the sea captain who built Turnbull House many years ago. With Hadley by her side and her father’s unwavering support and advice, she embarks upon a tumultuous journey to discover the truth of not only who is behind the murders, but also what happened to the sea captain two centuries ago.
Koreto’s story of Wren trying to solve two mysteries, centuries apart, is a seamless blend of two different genres that a reader might not expect, but that works perfectly. Koreto has weaved a puzzling whodunit present-day mystery along with a historical fiction narrative, complete with references to real architects and real houses they designed. By writing his story in this manner, Koreto has allowed his story to appeal to a broader audience of readers.
One of the most unique aspects of Koreto’s story is the fascinating characters he has developed for this narrative. While there is quite a large supporting cast, Koreto takes care to thoroughly develop all of them to the point that they all play an integral role in the progression of the plot. As the main character, Wren is the epitome of a strong, capable woman, yet she is still human enough to show vulnerabilities when certain situations present themselves to her. And while Nicky is a famous movie star and his fans obsess over him, it is quite clear that he is not comfortable with his stardom. The combination of well-developed and unique characters with varying personalities further benefits the story by making them appear more real and relatable to the reader.
Quill says: With The Turnbull Murders, Koreto takes his readers on a fascinating and thrilling journey to solve two crimes, centuries apart. With both a historical component as well as the murder mysteries, readers across multiple genres will be captivated by this story from start to finish.
February 9, 2024
Renovations are difficult in the best circumstances, but architect Wren Fontaine thrives by personalizing each home she restores. So, when movie star Nicky Tallon hires her to turn the famous Turnbull House back into the mansion it once was, she was very excited but a bit apprehensive. The historic home is situated on a private island in New York Harbor. Wren knew she could bring the home back to life after years of neglect, but dealing with the entourage of movie star Nicky Tallon’s is a problem.
While Wren begins working on the house, there is an entire film crew working in and about the home and the island. Not to mention temperamental actors and two women that both seem to be very close to Nicky. It is hard to determine the relationships, could he be dating both Saffron (who is very needy and young) and Thalia who seems much more worldly that Saffron.
Out of her element with the movie cast and crew, Wren buckles down to what she is comfortable with, bringing the broken-down house back into a home that will become a showplace. At least Wren’s girlfriend Hadley is there for moral support as well as working as the chef for all of the crew and actors.
But there is a mystery brewing on the island. It seems the original owner of the island, Captain Turnbull mysteriously left the island and never returned. Did he find happiness someplace along his sea travels or was his disappearance something more sinister? Digging into the history might be more than everyone bargained for…who will die before the home and film are finished?
The Turnbull Murders is full of architecture, intrigue and skullduggery. The characters are interesting and more than once I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in the plot. The author kept me guessing until the final pages. And the ending was very satisfying with every loose end tied up. This historical fiction is not to be missed, I loved it.
This is the first book I have read by R. J. Koreto. He has led a life as interesting as his characters. He has been a website manager, a textbook editor, a novelist and my personal favorite occupation, he was a merchant seaman. He has published short stories in some of my favorite magazines, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Wren Fontaine Historic Homes Mysteries, as well as his other books.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publicist and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2024 Laura Hartman
While Wren begins working on the house, there is an entire film crew working in and about the home and the island. Not to mention temperamental actors and two women that both seem to be very close to Nicky. It is hard to determine the relationships, could he be dating both Saffron (who is very needy and young) and Thalia who seems much more worldly that Saffron.
Out of her element with the movie cast and crew, Wren buckles down to what she is comfortable with, bringing the broken-down house back into a home that will become a showplace. At least Wren’s girlfriend Hadley is there for moral support as well as working as the chef for all of the crew and actors.
But there is a mystery brewing on the island. It seems the original owner of the island, Captain Turnbull mysteriously left the island and never returned. Did he find happiness someplace along his sea travels or was his disappearance something more sinister? Digging into the history might be more than everyone bargained for…who will die before the home and film are finished?
The Turnbull Murders is full of architecture, intrigue and skullduggery. The characters are interesting and more than once I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in the plot. The author kept me guessing until the final pages. And the ending was very satisfying with every loose end tied up. This historical fiction is not to be missed, I loved it.
This is the first book I have read by R. J. Koreto. He has led a life as interesting as his characters. He has been a website manager, a textbook editor, a novelist and my personal favorite occupation, he was a merchant seaman. He has published short stories in some of my favorite magazines, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Wren Fontaine Historic Homes Mysteries, as well as his other books.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publicist and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2024 Laura Hartman
February 1, 2024
Wren Fontaine, an architect with a love for historic houses, is thrilled when she's commissioned to restore the Turnbull residence, a Federal jewel on an island in New York Harbor.
Her client is Nicky Tallon, a famous movie star, who plans to shoot a movie on the island and then live with his family in the restored house. As icing on the cake, Tallon has also hired Wren's girlfriend Hadley as a caterer during the film shoot.
On inspection, Wren is charmed by the house which despite years of neglect still has good bones and a storied history. She's intrigued by the history and mystery surrounding the original owner, a sea captain who built it as a home for himself, his wife, and his sister. Wren passes her curiosity about the subject onto Saffron, a strange young girl who is part of Tallon's entourage, though her exact role in the 'family' is also somewhat of a mystery.
During a site inspection of the property, Beebee Jenkins, a studio executive opposed to Tallon's decision to live on the island far from the Hollywood scene, dies after drinking coffee laced with poison. But, was he the target of the deadly dose?
Wren has been living in the family home with her widowed father. As she and Hadley begin the search for a place of their own Wren is upset when Veronica Selwyn, a renowned actress with a series of marriages behind her, begins a relationship with her father. At the same time, Victoria appears to also be casting more than a friendly eye at Nicky Tallon.
When another member of Tallon's 'family' dies under suspicious circumstances Wren fears the new owners are suffering a repeat of the misfortune that dogged the original inhabitants. Is she the only one who sees this as more than mere coincidence?
I identified the murderer before the reveal of who and why, but it didn't prevent me from enjoying the story. In addition to my love of a good mystery, an interest in architecture and history was an added incentive for enjoying this cozy by an author new to me. Koreto is the author of two other mystery series that may bear looking into.
Her client is Nicky Tallon, a famous movie star, who plans to shoot a movie on the island and then live with his family in the restored house. As icing on the cake, Tallon has also hired Wren's girlfriend Hadley as a caterer during the film shoot.
On inspection, Wren is charmed by the house which despite years of neglect still has good bones and a storied history. She's intrigued by the history and mystery surrounding the original owner, a sea captain who built it as a home for himself, his wife, and his sister. Wren passes her curiosity about the subject onto Saffron, a strange young girl who is part of Tallon's entourage, though her exact role in the 'family' is also somewhat of a mystery.
During a site inspection of the property, Beebee Jenkins, a studio executive opposed to Tallon's decision to live on the island far from the Hollywood scene, dies after drinking coffee laced with poison. But, was he the target of the deadly dose?
Wren has been living in the family home with her widowed father. As she and Hadley begin the search for a place of their own Wren is upset when Veronica Selwyn, a renowned actress with a series of marriages behind her, begins a relationship with her father. At the same time, Victoria appears to also be casting more than a friendly eye at Nicky Tallon.
When another member of Tallon's 'family' dies under suspicious circumstances Wren fears the new owners are suffering a repeat of the misfortune that dogged the original inhabitants. Is she the only one who sees this as more than mere coincidence?
I identified the murderer before the reveal of who and why, but it didn't prevent me from enjoying the story. In addition to my love of a good mystery, an interest in architecture and history was an added incentive for enjoying this cozy by an author new to me. Koreto is the author of two other mystery series that may bear looking into.
March 9, 2024
When movie star Nicky Tallon buys Turnbull House, a 200-year-old house isolated on an island in New York harbor, he tags architect Wren Fontaine to handle the restoration. Nicky hopes to make the house a getaway for him and his girlfriend Saffron, a youthful folk singer. Wren is passionate about bringing the residence back to life and making it truly a home for the people who will inhabit it. Since they’ll be filming Nicky’s latest movie on the island during the home restoration, Wren is able to solicit input from him and Saffron on what they envision the house becoming.
Wren will tell you that she understands houses better than people. But when one of the movie executives ends up dead, she has to try to make sense of the people in order to keep herself and her crew safe. Saffron is very interested in the history of the house and the Turnbull family, and Wren finds herself pulled into the lore of the place. It becomes clear that current events are curiously mirroring those of the past, and Wren may have to sort out a past mystery to decipher the present one.
With The Turnbull Murders, R. J. Koreto has given us a sharp, smart mystery with no shortage of suspects and red herrings. He’s clearly done his research, both on Wren’s profession and on the era of the home she’s restoring. I’m no expert, but the details all rang true to me, and I loved learning about home restoration and architecture. This book is the second in the series, but it read well as a standalone, too.
All the characters, both primary and secondary, were well-written, with depth and personality. Wren and her girlfriend Hadley are both resourceful, smart women. Nicky is a nice guy, a good enough actor, but seemingly not really cut out for the cutthroat antics of Hollywood. Saffron is delicate, almost childlike, but tenacious when tracking down tidbits of the house’s backstory.
If you’re a fan of intelligent, engrossing mysteries with connections to past and present, you need to make Wren’s acquaintance and read The Turnbull Murders.
Wren will tell you that she understands houses better than people. But when one of the movie executives ends up dead, she has to try to make sense of the people in order to keep herself and her crew safe. Saffron is very interested in the history of the house and the Turnbull family, and Wren finds herself pulled into the lore of the place. It becomes clear that current events are curiously mirroring those of the past, and Wren may have to sort out a past mystery to decipher the present one.
With The Turnbull Murders, R. J. Koreto has given us a sharp, smart mystery with no shortage of suspects and red herrings. He’s clearly done his research, both on Wren’s profession and on the era of the home she’s restoring. I’m no expert, but the details all rang true to me, and I loved learning about home restoration and architecture. This book is the second in the series, but it read well as a standalone, too.
All the characters, both primary and secondary, were well-written, with depth and personality. Wren and her girlfriend Hadley are both resourceful, smart women. Nicky is a nice guy, a good enough actor, but seemingly not really cut out for the cutthroat antics of Hollywood. Saffron is delicate, almost childlike, but tenacious when tracking down tidbits of the house’s backstory.
If you’re a fan of intelligent, engrossing mysteries with connections to past and present, you need to make Wren’s acquaintance and read The Turnbull Murders.
December 8, 2023
The book description for The Turnbull Murders explains the book perfectly but I'm going to try to give you that little push you may need to convince you to read it.
The Turnbull Murders is the second book in R.J. Koreto's Historic Homes Mystery series and boy does he set the stage beautifully !!! You will become an instant fan as soon as you start reading.
In The Turnbull Murders main character Wren Fontaine is an architect and her firm is hired to renovate the Turnbull Estate which happens to be on it's own island just outside New York City and is a short boat ride to get to. Nicky Tallon, a famous actor, has purchased the house so he can escape the California life and be somewhere away from it all with a few chosen friends.
Luckily Nicky and a crew are going to be on the island filming for a movie so Wren will be able to talk to him whenever she needs to regarding the renovations. Wren and her girlfriend Hadley are also going to be working close together as Hadley has been hired to provide all the food for the movie crew as well as Wren and her crew.
Wren loves to get to know the houses that she works on and the Turnbull history is most interesting as there was someone who was murdered and it doesn't look like the murderer was even brought to justice ... but it is hard to tell as they lived there over 200 years ago. Unfortunately when someone from the movie group ends up dead, Wren becomes more interested as does Saffron who is a young friend of Nicky's.
So Wren, Hadley and Saffron become engrossed in the history of the house as they feel the house is what was the result of the murders, then and now. But before they can figure everything out someone else is murdered ....
Readers will fall in love with this book and everything in it !!! Koreto knows how to draw readers into the story and you will not want to leave until you know everything about both cases.
The Turnbull Murders is the second book in R.J. Koreto's Historic Homes Mystery series and boy does he set the stage beautifully !!! You will become an instant fan as soon as you start reading.
In The Turnbull Murders main character Wren Fontaine is an architect and her firm is hired to renovate the Turnbull Estate which happens to be on it's own island just outside New York City and is a short boat ride to get to. Nicky Tallon, a famous actor, has purchased the house so he can escape the California life and be somewhere away from it all with a few chosen friends.
Luckily Nicky and a crew are going to be on the island filming for a movie so Wren will be able to talk to him whenever she needs to regarding the renovations. Wren and her girlfriend Hadley are also going to be working close together as Hadley has been hired to provide all the food for the movie crew as well as Wren and her crew.
Wren loves to get to know the houses that she works on and the Turnbull history is most interesting as there was someone who was murdered and it doesn't look like the murderer was even brought to justice ... but it is hard to tell as they lived there over 200 years ago. Unfortunately when someone from the movie group ends up dead, Wren becomes more interested as does Saffron who is a young friend of Nicky's.
So Wren, Hadley and Saffron become engrossed in the history of the house as they feel the house is what was the result of the murders, then and now. But before they can figure everything out someone else is murdered ....
Readers will fall in love with this book and everything in it !!! Koreto knows how to draw readers into the story and you will not want to leave until you know everything about both cases.
February 10, 2024
The intriguing characters we meet at the opening of The Turnbull Murders grabbed this reader’s interest right away. R.J. Koreto described this new work as a ‘Historic Homes Mystery,’ and I for one, never imagined what a super backdrop architecture could be for a murder.
Our lead character, Wren, is as you have might have already guessed, an architect- but a special sort, with an interest not only in the history of certain styles of homes, but in the specific homes she is asked to restore. The home she tackles on Turnbull Island is that perfect icon of murder locations: it’s isolated. And, it has this sort of haunting back-story…none of which prepares either our lead, or the reader, for the first murder.
The investigation, while important, still takes a backseat to Wren’s interaction with her employer and his entourage. The world of the theater is another whole interesting part of the setting.
Wren’s girlfriend is incidentally involved at the start, as her job brings her to the same location. There’s a touch of family involvement, new friendships, and suddenly something that seems like another murder attempt. The threat looms and is cleverly tied to a long past mystery on Turnbull Island.
R.J. Koreto is brilliant at keeping the plot turning, all the while, keeping our attention on all these other, totally engaging, details. It’s hard to keep clues in mind while you are being entertained by gossip! To quote one of the characters: “Wow, just wow.”
This is a wonderful read, not only for mystery fans, but for anyone. It’s fast paced, with well-developed characters and an impossible to predict plot. Recommended!
Our lead character, Wren, is as you have might have already guessed, an architect- but a special sort, with an interest not only in the history of certain styles of homes, but in the specific homes she is asked to restore. The home she tackles on Turnbull Island is that perfect icon of murder locations: it’s isolated. And, it has this sort of haunting back-story…none of which prepares either our lead, or the reader, for the first murder.
The investigation, while important, still takes a backseat to Wren’s interaction with her employer and his entourage. The world of the theater is another whole interesting part of the setting.
Wren’s girlfriend is incidentally involved at the start, as her job brings her to the same location. There’s a touch of family involvement, new friendships, and suddenly something that seems like another murder attempt. The threat looms and is cleverly tied to a long past mystery on Turnbull Island.
R.J. Koreto is brilliant at keeping the plot turning, all the while, keeping our attention on all these other, totally engaging, details. It’s hard to keep clues in mind while you are being entertained by gossip! To quote one of the characters: “Wow, just wow.”
This is a wonderful read, not only for mystery fans, but for anyone. It’s fast paced, with well-developed characters and an impossible to predict plot. Recommended!
December 6, 2023
As good as the first, more family details, characters are well developed and the plot keeps you guessing. Well most of the plot. One clue about the two hundred year old murder is very obvious when the story of the crime is presented in detail. But the players all missed it while of course catching other details correctly. Might be Koreto's way to give the reader a jump and then leave us guessing about other clues.
December 9, 2024
Wren and Hadley's relationship is going strong in this one which gives them some stability when Wren's newest architectural job finds murder on her plate again. The wonderful details of the Turnbull estate and its private island make for an intriguing historical background along with the complicated relationships among everyone on the film set. Another great story where the past is still controlling the present.
December 8, 2025
A smart, atmospheric mystery with heart.
The setting of Turnbull House is vivid and eerie, and I loved how the history of the house slowly intertwined with the present-day murders. Wren is a grounded, relatable protagonist, and her relationship with Hadley adds warmth and balance to the suspense. The blending of architectural detail, celebrity drama, and old secrets kept me hooked.
The setting of Turnbull House is vivid and eerie, and I loved how the history of the house slowly intertwined with the present-day murders. Wren is a grounded, relatable protagonist, and her relationship with Hadley adds warmth and balance to the suspense. The blending of architectural detail, celebrity drama, and old secrets kept me hooked.
December 2, 2024
Easy to listen to. I got tired of hearing "she knows the house better than people," but it was cute.
January 24, 2024
The Turnbull Murders was a slow burn. I had a hard time staying invested in the story. The dialogue between the characters seemed unnatural and the pacing of the story was difficult to muddle through. The backstory of the Turnbulls alternating with the current story of Nicky Tallon and his companions seemed disjointed rather than flowing along naturally.
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November 22, 2024"R. J. Koreto has given us a sharp, smart mystery with no shortage of suspects and red herrings." - The Mystery Review Crew
See our full review of The Turnbull Murders: A Historic Homes Mystery on the Mystery Review Crew
See our full review of The Turnbull Murders: A Historic Homes Mystery on the Mystery Review Crew
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