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Doyle & Acton #18
Murder in Protocol
It seemed as though Doyle was slated to have a busman’s holiday, here in Dublin, and wasn’t it just her luck to stumble across a corpse in the St. Brigid’s School orchard. Stranger still, it looked to be a ritualistic revenge-murder, which—come to think of it—was exactly what they’d stumbled across the last time they’d visited Doyle’s home town. Who would have guessed that nasty revenge-murders were thick on the ground, here—save Acton, of course, since such a thing was usually his specialty. . .
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2023
43 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Anne Cleeland
36 books473 followersAnne Cleeland writes a contemporary Scotland Yard mystery series that is featured in the Amazon top 100 best sellers. She also writes a historical series of stand-alone books set in the Regency period. A member of International Thriller Writers, The Historical Novel Society, and Mystery Writers of America, she lives in California and has four children. www.annecleeland.com; @annecleeland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 30, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Doyle & Acton Mystery #17
Publication Date: 9/24/23
Period: Contemporary - Dublin
Number of Pages: 218
I am totally bewitched by this quirky series with such flawed, yet endearing characters. The strait-laced, fey, Irish Roman Catholic, Doyle is tasked with keeping her brilliant, scorched-earth, vigilante husband, Acton, under control by tempering his edges and keeping him on the straight-and-narrow. You’ll never meet a more mismatched pair, yet they work perfectly together.
Acton, Doyle, the children, their security, and staff are all in Dublin for the groundbreaking ceremony of a science lab they are donating to the school Doyle attended when growing up – St. Brigid’s School for Girls. This was all Acton’s idea and Doyle knows he’s up to something – she just has to figure out what that is – and put a stop to it. Whatever it is surely won’t be good – donating the science lab is good, but the ulterior motive won’t be.
At first, Doyle is sure Acton’s plot must have something to do with Sir Stephen, Acton’s distant cousin. Acton knows Sir Stephen plotted the death of a priest in order to gain control of the man’s family money – but – Acton is steering well away from all of that and allowing justice to take its course properly. That is so unlike him! Yet, while she’s sure there is a plot, she absolutely cannot find any evidence of one. She even employs her fey powers of being able to tell when someone is lying – and he’s not lying. So – what can he be up to?
When they discover a body beneath a tree where Doyle is giving her speech during the groundbreaking ceremony, Doyle wonders if this relates to whatever Acton is up to. No, he’s as surprised as everyone else is – and the body turns out to have been in the ground for a really long time.
If not Sir Stephen, and not the dead body, then what is Acton up to? Perhaps he really isn’t up to anything at all other than trying to give back to a place that means a lot to his wife. Perhaps it relates to their last ill-fated trip to Dublin. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. You’ll just have to read this very entertaining fast-paced story to find out if Acton is up to something – and if he is, can Doyle put a wrench in the works?
I can recommend this book, this series, and this author, and I hope you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did should you choose to read it. Happy Reading!
Series: A Doyle & Acton Mystery #17
Publication Date: 9/24/23
Period: Contemporary - Dublin
Number of Pages: 218
I am totally bewitched by this quirky series with such flawed, yet endearing characters. The strait-laced, fey, Irish Roman Catholic, Doyle is tasked with keeping her brilliant, scorched-earth, vigilante husband, Acton, under control by tempering his edges and keeping him on the straight-and-narrow. You’ll never meet a more mismatched pair, yet they work perfectly together.
Acton, Doyle, the children, their security, and staff are all in Dublin for the groundbreaking ceremony of a science lab they are donating to the school Doyle attended when growing up – St. Brigid’s School for Girls. This was all Acton’s idea and Doyle knows he’s up to something – she just has to figure out what that is – and put a stop to it. Whatever it is surely won’t be good – donating the science lab is good, but the ulterior motive won’t be.
At first, Doyle is sure Acton’s plot must have something to do with Sir Stephen, Acton’s distant cousin. Acton knows Sir Stephen plotted the death of a priest in order to gain control of the man’s family money – but – Acton is steering well away from all of that and allowing justice to take its course properly. That is so unlike him! Yet, while she’s sure there is a plot, she absolutely cannot find any evidence of one. She even employs her fey powers of being able to tell when someone is lying – and he’s not lying. So – what can he be up to?
When they discover a body beneath a tree where Doyle is giving her speech during the groundbreaking ceremony, Doyle wonders if this relates to whatever Acton is up to. No, he’s as surprised as everyone else is – and the body turns out to have been in the ground for a really long time.
If not Sir Stephen, and not the dead body, then what is Acton up to? Perhaps he really isn’t up to anything at all other than trying to give back to a place that means a lot to his wife. Perhaps it relates to their last ill-fated trip to Dublin. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. You’ll just have to read this very entertaining fast-paced story to find out if Acton is up to something – and if he is, can Doyle put a wrench in the works?
I can recommend this book, this series, and this author, and I hope you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did should you choose to read it. Happy Reading!
October 21, 2023
More Than One Way to Skin a Cat
Lord Acton is smoking, so Lady Acton is worrying when they return to Dublin to present St Bridget's school with the money for a science lab. By turns funny, wise, romantic, and twisty, Murder in Protocol is almost a classic case of Spy vs Spy. Classic opposite husband and wife/ Scotland Yard co-workers face off; with Acton planning his revenge against a murderous cousin and his wife trying to keep him within the bounds of morality and legality. Terrific, fun story telling, while also having a great Viking ghost, to provide the perfect ending.
Lord Acton is smoking, so Lady Acton is worrying when they return to Dublin to present St Bridget's school with the money for a science lab. By turns funny, wise, romantic, and twisty, Murder in Protocol is almost a classic case of Spy vs Spy. Classic opposite husband and wife/ Scotland Yard co-workers face off; with Acton planning his revenge against a murderous cousin and his wife trying to keep him within the bounds of morality and legality. Terrific, fun story telling, while also having a great Viking ghost, to provide the perfect ending.
September 30, 2023
Back to Dublin
Anne Cleeland has done it again! Acton and Doyle are back in Dublin to break ground at St. Brigid's for the new science lab, when what to their wondering eyes should appear,as Doyle turns her spade, but a skeleton that was definitely a murder victim. There are ancient vikings, crooked lawyers, and devious relatives. Acton is at his mastermind best and Doyle has her work cut out to keep him in check, but should she? Unbelievable twists in this one! I read it in one night. I love this series!!!
Anne Cleeland has done it again! Acton and Doyle are back in Dublin to break ground at St. Brigid's for the new science lab, when what to their wondering eyes should appear,as Doyle turns her spade, but a skeleton that was definitely a murder victim. There are ancient vikings, crooked lawyers, and devious relatives. Acton is at his mastermind best and Doyle has her work cut out to keep him in check, but should she? Unbelievable twists in this one! I read it in one night. I love this series!!!
October 1, 2023
I love this series
Acton and Doyle are in Ireland again, creating impossible schemes which go according to his plans. But Doyle’s ancestors show up this time! Ahh, Vikings, the original terrorists… well, no there are ancient histories full of terrorists. I’m hoping the Viking horde was actually found too. I have always loved the book of Kells, and have not quite recovered from the book of kelps….
Lovely story, fast read, latest installment. Good to read in order and every book a gem. Character development with all the favourites.
Acton and Doyle are in Ireland again, creating impossible schemes which go according to his plans. But Doyle’s ancestors show up this time! Ahh, Vikings, the original terrorists… well, no there are ancient histories full of terrorists. I’m hoping the Viking horde was actually found too. I have always loved the book of Kells, and have not quite recovered from the book of kelps….
Lovely story, fast read, latest installment. Good to read in order and every book a gem. Character development with all the favourites.
November 7, 2023
Not one of the better ones. I love this series and have read all of them, but I didn't feel this one went anywhere. No great murders to solve; no wonderful Acton/Doyle collaboration or sleuthing. It was more of the sometimes tiresome Doyle trying to get Acton to own up to whatever he was planning and then trying to convince him not to do it. She didn't seem as sharp as she usually is, and as much as I love the character, I get tired of her telling Acton to play by the rules when she knows he never will.
I did like it being set in Ireland, and I liked seeing Acton act more like a father rather than an uninvolved dad. The main problem for me was that there was no danger or suspense in this mystery, and in truth, not much mystery either. And please, will somebody please proofread these books before publishing them? Every time I see a typo, it takes me out of the story as I try to figure out what the author means vs what she has written. That being said, I look forward to the next book in the series, which I hope is set back in London, with the diverse characters and intricate storylines I expect from this unique crime-fighting duo.
I did like it being set in Ireland, and I liked seeing Acton act more like a father rather than an uninvolved dad. The main problem for me was that there was no danger or suspense in this mystery, and in truth, not much mystery either. And please, will somebody please proofread these books before publishing them? Every time I see a typo, it takes me out of the story as I try to figure out what the author means vs what she has written. That being said, I look forward to the next book in the series, which I hope is set back in London, with the diverse characters and intricate storylines I expect from this unique crime-fighting duo.
September 27, 2023
Twisty!
Doyle and Acton are back in Dublin. With then are old and new friends and enemies. Acton plots, Doyle puzzles out his plots, then a new twist upsets everything . It's a wild ride. I loved every moment.
Doyle and Acton are back in Dublin. With then are old and new friends and enemies. Acton plots, Doyle puzzles out his plots, then a new twist upsets everything . It's a wild ride. I loved every moment.
September 28, 2023
So enjoyable
There is nothing like a new Acton and Doyle book to make my day. This time they are in Ireland where they are at St. Brigid's school where Kathleen is giving a speech, in her own sweet way, due to Acton giving a science lab to the school.
Kathleen is visited by a Viking... dead of course, and we get to learn some Norse words.
As usual the book is really good and full of mystery and murder.
I enjoy these books so much. With today's world it is always nice to sit back and get lost in Acton and Kathleen's world.
Thank you Ms. Cleeland for a wonderful book.
P.S. an added bonus at the end.
There is nothing like a new Acton and Doyle book to make my day. This time they are in Ireland where they are at St. Brigid's school where Kathleen is giving a speech, in her own sweet way, due to Acton giving a science lab to the school.
Kathleen is visited by a Viking... dead of course, and we get to learn some Norse words.
As usual the book is really good and full of mystery and murder.
I enjoy these books so much. With today's world it is always nice to sit back and get lost in Acton and Kathleen's world.
Thank you Ms. Cleeland for a wonderful book.
P.S. an added bonus at the end.
September 28, 2023
Another great Acton and Doyle story
I have read every single one of the Acton and Doyle series and they just get better.
Anne Cleveland is a brilliant writer who keeps you guessing on what will happen next.
I envy anyone who is just starting to read them for the first time.
I have read every single one of the Acton and Doyle series and they just get better.
Anne Cleveland is a brilliant writer who keeps you guessing on what will happen next.
I envy anyone who is just starting to read them for the first time.
October 13, 2023
I'd give Murder in Protocol 4.5 stars but liked it enough to round it up to 5. Set entirely in Dublin this time around, Acton and Doyle organise a holiday in order to dedicate a new Science building to St Brigid's, Doyle's old school. Just as they're about to break ground at the official opening, Doyle is hit with a premonition and low and behold, a body is found. With a suspect that seemed to vanish into thin air and Acton out of his jurisdiction, the pair are put on high alert as trouble related to the Father Clarence murder seems to have followed them to Ireland. Just as I was reaching my limit with the constant rehashing of the same story arcs across this series with nothing ever being truly resolved (I'm looking at you, Public Accounts case and high level corruption), the author finally gave readers a break by tying up a loose end or two. While there was still a lot of carry over (this story focusses on Acton's evil cousin and his mother's murder of the aforementioned priest) and the usual repetition, setting the story in Ireland gave this series a much needed breath of fresh air even as some elements from their last visit to Doyle's country of birth are rehashed again.
As per usual, Doyle was visited by a ghost, although not as heavily as past books. Acton has started smoking in secret again which never bodes well and generally means he's plotting something nefarious that Doyle is always at least one step behind on. There was the usual two-step where she's either floundering or thinks she's had a revelation but Acton's plan still unfolds as intended as he sets several schemes in place. I felt that this book portrayed Doyle as a bit of a clueless clod and not in the charming way that readers normally see - the author had her stumbling about scratching her head and I must admit, I didn't like it. While trying to get to the bottom of Acton's plots while being left in the dark is normal, she normally has a good show of intuition and to me, it felt as though this was missing here. She was more self-deprecating than usual and spent a lot of the time being awkward, out of the loop and seeming completely out of her depth with her lack of finesse being laid on super thick. I liked that the case in question this time, along with the Father Clarence case, was the main focus of the story. Generally, the books in this series can have plot threads traipsing about all over the place, creating confusion and often going nowhere. This book felt like it had a conclusion for once and while I missed a couple of my favourite characters such as Savoie, the change in scenery was much appreciated. And although I expected some reference to the events of the previous book, there wasn't really any.
The book had several typos as per usual and once again, the author has thrown commas around like they're confetti - does anyone actually proofread/edit these? The usual turns of phrase that the author favours make further appearances in this book (the phrase of the day seems to be 'busman's holiday') and if it's been a minute since you've read a book in this series, there's a couple of recaps to help fill in the gaps (if you haven't read the series at all, I wouldn't start here - you really need to begin from Book 1 in my opinion). The story was pretty predictable but there was still a decent twist or two. Some parts the story were over the top but I liked the Viking element that was added and overall, it was a really enjoyable read. I'm dreading our favourite couple's return to London in case it means readers are going to be forced back to Groundhog Day and I once again struggle with what rating to give because I'm torn between a fondness for the series and the main characters and the fact that the story's gone nowhere. I'll still be grabbing the next book when it comes out. The cover on this one is a cracker, by the way.
As per usual, Doyle was visited by a ghost, although not as heavily as past books. Acton has started smoking in secret again which never bodes well and generally means he's plotting something nefarious that Doyle is always at least one step behind on. There was the usual two-step where she's either floundering or thinks she's had a revelation but Acton's plan still unfolds as intended as he sets several schemes in place. I felt that this book portrayed Doyle as a bit of a clueless clod and not in the charming way that readers normally see - the author had her stumbling about scratching her head and I must admit, I didn't like it. While trying to get to the bottom of Acton's plots while being left in the dark is normal, she normally has a good show of intuition and to me, it felt as though this was missing here. She was more self-deprecating than usual and spent a lot of the time being awkward, out of the loop and seeming completely out of her depth with her lack of finesse being laid on super thick. I liked that the case in question this time, along with the Father Clarence case, was the main focus of the story. Generally, the books in this series can have plot threads traipsing about all over the place, creating confusion and often going nowhere. This book felt like it had a conclusion for once and while I missed a couple of my favourite characters such as Savoie, the change in scenery was much appreciated. And although I expected some reference to the events of the previous book, there wasn't really any.
The book had several typos as per usual and once again, the author has thrown commas around like they're confetti - does anyone actually proofread/edit these? The usual turns of phrase that the author favours make further appearances in this book (the phrase of the day seems to be 'busman's holiday') and if it's been a minute since you've read a book in this series, there's a couple of recaps to help fill in the gaps (if you haven't read the series at all, I wouldn't start here - you really need to begin from Book 1 in my opinion). The story was pretty predictable but there was still a decent twist or two. Some parts the story were over the top but I liked the Viking element that was added and overall, it was a really enjoyable read. I'm dreading our favourite couple's return to London in case it means readers are going to be forced back to Groundhog Day and I once again struggle with what rating to give because I'm torn between a fondness for the series and the main characters and the fact that the story's gone nowhere. I'll still be grabbing the next book when it comes out. The cover on this one is a cracker, by the way.
June 30, 2025
Another enjoyable read from this husband-and-wife mystery series. While you could probably enjoy this book as a standalone, the lives of Doyle and Acton progress through the series and references are made to previous events.
Doyle and Acton have returned to Dublin to commemorate the groundbreaking for a science lab at Doyle's former school St. Brigid’s. While making her speech Doyle notices a man out of place walking beneath the trees in the orchard and then when the actual groundbreaking is occurring, she realizes there is a body in the ground where she stands. These events start of an investigation and Doyle receives a visitation by a new ghost.
And it comes to Doyle's attention that Acton has a plot up his sleeve, a plot to have his cousin Sir Stephen removed from their lives, once and for all.
Doyle and Acton have returned to Dublin to commemorate the groundbreaking for a science lab at Doyle's former school St. Brigid’s. While making her speech Doyle notices a man out of place walking beneath the trees in the orchard and then when the actual groundbreaking is occurring, she realizes there is a body in the ground where she stands. These events start of an investigation and Doyle receives a visitation by a new ghost.
And it comes to Doyle's attention that Acton has a plot up his sleeve, a plot to have his cousin Sir Stephen removed from their lives, once and for all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2024
This is Book 18 of the Doyle/Acton series. I think as long as you have read Books 1-3 and a couple of the more recent books in the series, you would enjoy this. Not sure it works as a standalone book -- there's simply too much background to the main characters that you need to have in order to enjoy it. I give this one 4 stars, it's a good quick read and as usual, they keep you guessing along the way. I like this series because of the differences between Doyle and Acton and a lot of their dialogue is really funny. They do have a few steamy scenes but the author more hints at the "action" than describing it in detail. As with some of her books, I sometimes feel like a few loose ends in the book were. not tied up at the end but still a good read.
September 5, 2024
I do love the Doyle and Acton series of mysteries with only a couple of reservations; the editing, for such a popular author, needs to be on pointe. While it has improved throughout the 18 books , this time, there were five distracting errors, and it is those hiccups that I find troublesome. The relationships amongst the central cast are beautifully and realistically created and sustained. The plot requires a mental review of the previous episodes (a good exercise). The issues of loyalty, love, and law all step into the fore. This eighteenth mystery is good fun, and I shall overcome my editorial snarkiness and promise to read the next.
October 13, 2024
Excellent!
Another terrific story ! This one is better understood, however, if the reader has read the prior books in this series! The situation involves the investigation into the murder of the priest in an earlier book and the lawsuit between Melinda and Lady Madeline, the mother of the priest! This has many parts and high anxiety levels as the situation becomes more involved! Murder, St Brigid's school's new science wing and Viking skeleton in the orchard are a few of the issues ! I love this series! This is my second reading of it and I can read more leisurely this time and enjoy all the details!
Another terrific story ! This one is better understood, however, if the reader has read the prior books in this series! The situation involves the investigation into the murder of the priest in an earlier book and the lawsuit between Melinda and Lady Madeline, the mother of the priest! This has many parts and high anxiety levels as the situation becomes more involved! Murder, St Brigid's school's new science wing and Viking skeleton in the orchard are a few of the issues ! I love this series! This is my second reading of it and I can read more leisurely this time and enjoy all the details!
March 4, 2024
3.75 stars.
Another fun read!
However I was really annoyed with Kathleen this time.
Usually her preaching minds make me amused, but in this book away too much, like nag nag nag on your brains! Gosh 😳😣🙄.
Also, that foreign medieval ghost, 🙄.
Couldn’t even communicate with him, what’s the point he was there and Kathleen couldn’t tell the difference between ghost and normal people anymore? That’s very scary 😱😱😱.
Anyway, still an interesting read, especially the last 30% 😜🫣😂.
Aaaand number #3 is coming up 😝😂🤣
These two really productives in that department! 🤣🤣🤣
Another fun read!
However I was really annoyed with Kathleen this time.
Usually her preaching minds make me amused, but in this book away too much, like nag nag nag on your brains! Gosh 😳😣🙄.
Also, that foreign medieval ghost, 🙄.
Couldn’t even communicate with him, what’s the point he was there and Kathleen couldn’t tell the difference between ghost and normal people anymore? That’s very scary 😱😱😱.
Anyway, still an interesting read, especially the last 30% 😜🫣😂.
Aaaand number #3 is coming up 😝😂🤣
These two really productives in that department! 🤣🤣🤣
July 6, 2024
I do enjoy this series! In this time out the family is in Ireland dedicating a science lab to the school Doyle attended in her youth. The school realizes how lucky they are that Doyle married Lord Acton and that he is so generous but also they are amazed. At the dedication Doyle 'feels' a dead body and the ground is dug up revealing a Viking from 1000 years ago. The lab is put on hold as Heritage Ireland has to check the site. Meanwhile Acton is showing signs of one of his manipulations and his wife is ON it. A really fun read.
October 16, 2023
another engaging installment in the Acton and Doyle adventures.
Some other reviewers criticized these stories as having cartoonish and unflattering stereotypes but I think the whole set up is clever and the stereotypes are truly tongue-in-cheek and effective tools for moving the action forward. Read them with that in mind and laugh at the “mackerel-snapper” references instead of getting offended.
Some other reviewers criticized these stories as having cartoonish and unflattering stereotypes but I think the whole set up is clever and the stereotypes are truly tongue-in-cheek and effective tools for moving the action forward. Read them with that in mind and laugh at the “mackerel-snapper” references instead of getting offended.
October 22, 2023
Follow Up on Previous Book in Series
Murder in Protocol takes up where the previous book in the series leaves off tying up loose ends as it goes along. It's short, more like a novella than a novel. It's worth reading if you've already read the previous books in the series but if you haven't it will be puzzling. So start at the beginning with Book 1 which is free I believe. You'll enjoy all the books in the series I expect. I have, even reading a lot of them twice!
Murder in Protocol takes up where the previous book in the series leaves off tying up loose ends as it goes along. It's short, more like a novella than a novel. It's worth reading if you've already read the previous books in the series but if you haven't it will be puzzling. So start at the beginning with Book 1 which is free I believe. You'll enjoy all the books in the series I expect. I have, even reading a lot of them twice!
January 1, 2024
Another Twist
I've read the entire Acton and Doyle series and enjoyed all the books. Acton is a formidable adversary with a scorched earth philosophy. Doyle is a true Christian who tries to prevent Acton from acting on his worst impulses. Together they work to investigate and solve crimes. I enjoy Doyle's efforts at trying to interpret the messages from ghosts who appear in her dreams, and use that information to thwart Acton's plans.
I've read the entire Acton and Doyle series and enjoyed all the books. Acton is a formidable adversary with a scorched earth philosophy. Doyle is a true Christian who tries to prevent Acton from acting on his worst impulses. Together they work to investigate and solve crimes. I enjoy Doyle's efforts at trying to interpret the messages from ghosts who appear in her dreams, and use that information to thwart Acton's plans.
October 13, 2023
Another outstanding saga of Doyle and Acton's triumph over 'the bad guys' or in this instance
'the bad gal'. Always enjoy the twists and turns of Acton's manipulations to achieve justice.
And, thank you Ms Cleeland, for the addition or a girl to the menagerie!
'the bad gal'. Always enjoy the twists and turns of Acton's manipulations to achieve justice.
And, thank you Ms Cleeland, for the addition or a girl to the menagerie!
October 15, 2023
Doyle is problematic
It’s ironic that this book takes place at Kathleen’s old school because her ignorance is grating. Cleeland seems to be making her dumber with every book.
The story is fine.
It’s ironic that this book takes place at Kathleen’s old school because her ignorance is grating. Cleeland seems to be making her dumber with every book.
The story is fine.
December 2, 2023
A different Sort of Mystery
Interesting mystery Almost too complicated
Last few pages present different conclusion to the mystery than expected Worth the read because of the final conclusion
Interesting mystery Almost too complicated
Last few pages present different conclusion to the mystery than expected Worth the read because of the final conclusion
Read
September 30, 20239/27/2023
October 13, 2023
solid 4***
October 15, 2023
Love this series. Please keep them coming.
November 11, 2023
The main cast of characters never fail to intrigue. The plots are complex and interesting requiring planning and intuition with a bit of humour thrown in.
November 12, 2023
Acton and Doyle Books
I really enjoy these books. Not only are the mysteries good, but the little bit of fey is fun too
I really enjoy these books. Not only are the mysteries good, but the little bit of fey is fun too
December 25, 2023
slow start to this installment, for me. Got better by halfway. Of course, will wait patiently for the next one.
January 26, 2024
With so many five and four stars I thought this was going to be a good read but I didn’t care for it a’tall. Some of the words Doyle says a lot annoyed me and so did the storyline.
April 1, 2024
4.25 I enjoy this series. Light and fun.
March 17, 2025
Love this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews