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Crime & Passion #4.6
Ghostly Lover
Is the ghost of a Jacobite bride the clue to murder?Duke’s daughter Lady Grizelda and her gorgeous revolutionary husband Dragan are not in perfect charity with each other when he goes haring off from a family reunion to help a friend. But when he calls, Griz still rushes off to join him, taking their baby son with her.At Cathlinn House and its old castle ruin, she finds jealousy, mystery, murder and a tragic ghost that no one else can see. Despite the hostility of the uncooperative family, Griz and Dragan set out to discover how a young woman died.And on All Hallows’ Eve, in the haunted castle ruins, they face dangers from the living and the dead…Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!Crime & PassionMysterious LoverLetters to a LoverDangerous LoverLost Lover( This story was first published as part of the Dragonblade Publishing Anthology, A Midnight Requiem, October 2022)
76 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2023
171 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lancaster
141 books519 followersMary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.
Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.
Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...
Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.
Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 7, 2024
Real rating : 2.5 rounded up to 3.
A short story, included in the Passion & Crime series (of which I really liked books #1 and #2 and I will soon also read #3 + the short Christmas story) written by the author exclusively for Halloween.
The protagonist couple is the common thread throughout the series, Griz and Dragan in fact met in book #1 and after falling in love and getting married they continue to be present as a couple of amateur detectives.
In this short story they will have to shed light on a suicide that they suspect to be a murder and put a ghost to rest.
--PLOT IN SHORT---
Late 1800s, England.
Dragan finds himself a guest with an aristocratic friend, whose stately home is built right next to an old ruined castle (belonging to the friend's family), which is said to be haunted by a female ghost.
The reason why Dragan was invited is to shed light on the death of his friend's girlfriend, but the only suspects are the family and the servants.
Unable to unravel the mystery on his own, Dragan invites his wife Grizelda to join him and she also brings their recently born child with her.
To complicate matters, the presence of the ghost in love with Dragan.
---------*******----------
The premises for a good Halloween story are all there but for many reasons the story didn't engage me and I didn't like the Dragan and Griz couple as much as in past books.
Since it is a short story I will be concise and essential in my personal opinion on the story:
1) I usually like the Dragan and Griz couple both as a romantic couple and as characters considered individually: both do not like conventions, they are in love and used to sharing everything but without being nauseatingly saccharine or ridiculous.
Unfortunately in this story the writer has transformed Griz into a clingy, petulant, jealous wife and in my opinion also rude in her manners and in asking investigative questions.
I didn't like it at all.
2) The plot is weak and this is obviously also due to the fact that it is a short story and not a novel, so there is no time to delve into situations, characters and investigations.
But the problem isn't just this, there are many things that don't make sense at all:
- Dragan is called to investigate and then once on site, the whole family is hostile to him and everyone insists that it was a suicide or an accident (BUT THEN WHY DID YOU CALL HIM?????)
- There is no investigation except a couple of questions asked rudely by Griz.
- The ghost seems to be included in the story only to make a connection with the Halloween holiday but seems to have nothing to do with everything else in the plot.
The ghost is seen at the beginning of the story, then at the end and is sent away in the blink of an eye in a very simple, easy and ridiculous way for a story.
The motivation for the murder doesn't make much sense, the motive and the culprit are ridiculous.
It's all very hasty, full of contradictions and not at all engaging.
All the supporting characters are unlikable and don't even seem to be part of the story itself.
They are extras who are given dialogue without content and without meaning.
The only reason why I gave 2.5 rounded to 3 stars (which for me means passable but not among those I would reread or recommend) is that I like the Dragan and Griz couple in the novels and the novels in the series are well written and very satisfying underneath all points of view (mystery, romance, ending).
If I had read this story without first reading the other books, my actual rating would have been 2 stars.
I 100% recommend the novels in the series, but don't waste your time with this short story.
Thanks for reading my opinion and please forgive my English since it's not my language.
A short story, included in the Passion & Crime series (of which I really liked books #1 and #2 and I will soon also read #3 + the short Christmas story) written by the author exclusively for Halloween.
The protagonist couple is the common thread throughout the series, Griz and Dragan in fact met in book #1 and after falling in love and getting married they continue to be present as a couple of amateur detectives.
In this short story they will have to shed light on a suicide that they suspect to be a murder and put a ghost to rest.
--PLOT IN SHORT---
Late 1800s, England.
Dragan finds himself a guest with an aristocratic friend, whose stately home is built right next to an old ruined castle (belonging to the friend's family), which is said to be haunted by a female ghost.
The reason why Dragan was invited is to shed light on the death of his friend's girlfriend, but the only suspects are the family and the servants.
Unable to unravel the mystery on his own, Dragan invites his wife Grizelda to join him and she also brings their recently born child with her.
To complicate matters, the presence of the ghost in love with Dragan.
---------*******----------
The premises for a good Halloween story are all there but for many reasons the story didn't engage me and I didn't like the Dragan and Griz couple as much as in past books.
Since it is a short story I will be concise and essential in my personal opinion on the story:
1) I usually like the Dragan and Griz couple both as a romantic couple and as characters considered individually: both do not like conventions, they are in love and used to sharing everything but without being nauseatingly saccharine or ridiculous.
Unfortunately in this story the writer has transformed Griz into a clingy, petulant, jealous wife and in my opinion also rude in her manners and in asking investigative questions.
I didn't like it at all.
2) The plot is weak and this is obviously also due to the fact that it is a short story and not a novel, so there is no time to delve into situations, characters and investigations.
But the problem isn't just this, there are many things that don't make sense at all:
- Dragan is called to investigate and then once on site, the whole family is hostile to him and everyone insists that it was a suicide or an accident (BUT THEN WHY DID YOU CALL HIM?????)
- There is no investigation except a couple of questions asked rudely by Griz.
- The ghost seems to be included in the story only to make a connection with the Halloween holiday but seems to have nothing to do with everything else in the plot.
The ghost is seen at the beginning of the story, then at the end and is sent away in the blink of an eye in a very simple, easy and ridiculous way for a story.
The motivation for the murder doesn't make much sense, the motive and the culprit are ridiculous.
It's all very hasty, full of contradictions and not at all engaging.
All the supporting characters are unlikable and don't even seem to be part of the story itself.
They are extras who are given dialogue without content and without meaning.
The only reason why I gave 2.5 rounded to 3 stars (which for me means passable but not among those I would reread or recommend) is that I like the Dragan and Griz couple in the novels and the novels in the series are well written and very satisfying underneath all points of view (mystery, romance, ending).
If I had read this story without first reading the other books, my actual rating would have been 2 stars.
I 100% recommend the novels in the series, but don't waste your time with this short story.
Thanks for reading my opinion and please forgive my English since it's not my language.
November 5, 2023
the perfect Halloween novella
Dragan, Griz and baby assist in solving a murder. In this adventure, they are potential victims and the adventure is a bit scary!
Dragan, Griz and baby assist in solving a murder. In this adventure, they are potential victims and the adventure is a bit scary!
October 16, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 4/5 Stars
Series: Crime and Passion #3.5?
Publication Date: 10/14/23
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 76 (Novella)
I love this series, but I’m unsure which number in the series this one is. It was initially published as a part of the Dragonblade Publishing Anthology, A Midnight Requiem, in October 2022, and is now being published as a standalone novella. I hate that authors/publishers seem to be avoiding listing the series and the number within the series on their books. It makes it downright difficult for readers to find the next book in a series.
Ghosties, goblins, and things that go bump in the night! Oh! My! Pragmatic and level-headed Lady Grizelda Tizsa does not believe in ghosts, but there is something very strange at the castle ruins on the Cathlinn House estate. Everyone claims the ghost of Aileen Cathlinn, who died a hundred years ago, haunts the ruins. Does she? Is she malevolent? Did she lure April Weir to the ruins where she would die? April was the betrothed of Richard Cathlinn and died at the ruins under mysterious circumstances. Yet, everyone seems to want to claim it was natural causes.
Lady Grizelda and her husband Dragan Tizsa were attending a family reunion at Grizelda’s father’s country estate when Dragan received a request from a close acquaintance asking him to come to Cathlinn House to investigate the death of his betrothed, April. Lady Grizelda refused to go because of the fretful baby, but Dragan went anyway. That didn’t go over very well. However, when Dragan wrote asking her to come help, she relented.
Grizelda sees what she believes to be a person at the ruins – after all, she doesn’t believe in ghosts. Yet, when she tries to show the person to others, there is no one there. Even on her arrival at Cathlinn House, Grizelda sees someone – and that someone is embracing her husband!
With an autopsy proving the death was neither natural nor otherworldly, can Dragan and Lady Grizelda identify the murderer before he/she strikes again? There are more suspects than you can count between the residents and servants who live in the house. Will they be able to lure the murderer out without being harmed themselves? You’ll have to read this delightfully ghoulish, ghostie, goblin-infested tome to see!
One additional thing delighted me about the book - I discovered the author can't keep the spelling of Tizsa's name straight either. :) It was only a couple of times, but she did what I frequently do - she spelled it Tisza. :) I loved it - I am not alone.
Series: Crime and Passion #3.5?
Publication Date: 10/14/23
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 76 (Novella)
I love this series, but I’m unsure which number in the series this one is. It was initially published as a part of the Dragonblade Publishing Anthology, A Midnight Requiem, in October 2022, and is now being published as a standalone novella. I hate that authors/publishers seem to be avoiding listing the series and the number within the series on their books. It makes it downright difficult for readers to find the next book in a series.
Ghosties, goblins, and things that go bump in the night! Oh! My! Pragmatic and level-headed Lady Grizelda Tizsa does not believe in ghosts, but there is something very strange at the castle ruins on the Cathlinn House estate. Everyone claims the ghost of Aileen Cathlinn, who died a hundred years ago, haunts the ruins. Does she? Is she malevolent? Did she lure April Weir to the ruins where she would die? April was the betrothed of Richard Cathlinn and died at the ruins under mysterious circumstances. Yet, everyone seems to want to claim it was natural causes.
Lady Grizelda and her husband Dragan Tizsa were attending a family reunion at Grizelda’s father’s country estate when Dragan received a request from a close acquaintance asking him to come to Cathlinn House to investigate the death of his betrothed, April. Lady Grizelda refused to go because of the fretful baby, but Dragan went anyway. That didn’t go over very well. However, when Dragan wrote asking her to come help, she relented.
Grizelda sees what she believes to be a person at the ruins – after all, she doesn’t believe in ghosts. Yet, when she tries to show the person to others, there is no one there. Even on her arrival at Cathlinn House, Grizelda sees someone – and that someone is embracing her husband!
With an autopsy proving the death was neither natural nor otherworldly, can Dragan and Lady Grizelda identify the murderer before he/she strikes again? There are more suspects than you can count between the residents and servants who live in the house. Will they be able to lure the murderer out without being harmed themselves? You’ll have to read this delightfully ghoulish, ghostie, goblin-infested tome to see!
One additional thing delighted me about the book - I discovered the author can't keep the spelling of Tizsa's name straight either. :) It was only a couple of times, but she did what I frequently do - she spelled it Tisza. :) I loved it - I am not alone.
December 17, 2023
What is actually seen
Grizelda is now a mother and feeling lonely since Dragan rushes off to help his Richard solve his fiance murder! Everyone says its suicide but definitely not! Dragan realizes things are definitely wrong and she and her young son run off to solve the mystery!
Lady Grizelda can see a ghostly figure no one else can and there is something off with the food and drink served to them! When Dragan devises a risky p!an to catch the killer!
There are more suspects then ever! There is a huge thunderstorm and Dragan freezes up during those! When this happens Grizelda is in deep trouble as she wrestles with the killer!
Is this mystery worth their lives can Dragan rescue her in time?
This one is definitely fast paced and non-stop! Bravo!
Grizelda is now a mother and feeling lonely since Dragan rushes off to help his Richard solve his fiance murder! Everyone says its suicide but definitely not! Dragan realizes things are definitely wrong and she and her young son run off to solve the mystery!
Lady Grizelda can see a ghostly figure no one else can and there is something off with the food and drink served to them! When Dragan devises a risky p!an to catch the killer!
There are more suspects then ever! There is a huge thunderstorm and Dragan freezes up during those! When this happens Grizelda is in deep trouble as she wrestles with the killer!
Is this mystery worth their lives can Dragan rescue her in time?
This one is definitely fast paced and non-stop! Bravo!
November 5, 2024
Wow, what a great short story. This is part of the series Crime and Passion which is on my TBR list. I will read then soon for sure now. This story has a lot going on and all add up to a read you can't put down. Dragon goes to help a friend after his fiance is found dead in Castle ruins on his property. Dragon sends for his wife Grizelda as he can't understand the strange household and Griz is use to a strange family. This is a perfect gothic story for Halloween or a spooky rainy night. I don't usually read short stories but this was offered for free and am very happy I got it. If you like mystery, old ruin castles, spirits and odd going on this is the book for you. You will not be able to put it down!
December 29, 2023
Helping her war hero and physician husband solve puzzles was Griz's joy. She had worked using herbs and salves to heal returning soldiers broken spirits. Her husband worked on broken bodies. Together they put shattered men as together as they possibly could. This story was about a young man who had lost his fiance tragically when she died at a castle ruin near his home. He was asked to come and solve the mystery. The autopsy showed poison.
October 17, 2024
A mystery/ghost story for Halloween. Dragan helps a friend whose fiancée died mysteriously. Lady Grizelda arrives with their baby to help her husband. Upon arrival, she sees him in an embrace with a ghostly woman and finds him later, unconscious in the ruins of a castle. They must use a ruse to ferret out the killer. This is the only time I was able to guess who committed the murder.
October 29, 2024
A murder mystery and ghost story all wrapped into one. Loved seeing Dragan and Griz again and this time they're trying to find out who killed Dragan's friend's fiancée. A houseful of suspects with interesting characters and a baby to protect, as well as a ghost that only Griz seems to see, this short story kept me spellbound.
A perfect read with Halloween right around the corner!!
A perfect read with Halloween right around the corner!!
December 29, 2025
unexpected
For a book to be good, it has to be surprising. Preferably in a good way. I knew about the kids carving turnips for us Halloween but I didn’t know if anybody else did. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the best possible use for turnips. I can’t stand them mashed or boiled or fried. It’s just too weird a taste.
For a book to be good, it has to be surprising. Preferably in a good way. I knew about the kids carving turnips for us Halloween but I didn’t know if anybody else did. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the best possible use for turnips. I can’t stand them mashed or boiled or fried. It’s just too weird a taste.
October 21, 2023
Ghosts??
Amazing what people can do in the name of love, whether it be for a lover, a friend or employer. All these scenarios are included in this story when Dragen and Griz solve a murder . Mary Lancaster has penned a great story as always
Amazing what people can do in the name of love, whether it be for a lover, a friend or employer. All these scenarios are included in this story when Dragen and Griz solve a murder . Mary Lancaster has penned a great story as always
December 12, 2023
Excellent short story!
Ghostly Lover, by Mary Lancaster, is a short story (about an hour and a half of reading time) which is both a murder mystery and a ghost story. A bit impressionistic in style, it is a very good read.
Ghostly Lover, by Mary Lancaster, is a short story (about an hour and a half of reading time) which is both a murder mystery and a ghost story. A bit impressionistic in style, it is a very good read.
July 4, 2024
I guessed wrong
I was so sure who the murderer was, but I was wrong. Nice spooky Halloween story. Also pleasant to see Griz and her husband again. Looking forward to the next in this series.
I was so sure who the murderer was, but I was wrong. Nice spooky Halloween story. Also pleasant to see Griz and her husband again. Looking forward to the next in this series.
January 25, 2025
Ghostly Lover
A good short mystery! I thoroughly enjoy Mary 's writing and have been reading her books for several years. This story wet my appetite for more about Lady Grizelda and Dragan's adventures.
A good short mystery! I thoroughly enjoy Mary 's writing and have been reading her books for several years. This story wet my appetite for more about Lady Grizelda and Dragan's adventures.
October 23, 2023
Woefully short.
Practically novella. Very short with little 'meat on the bones. Could have been expanded. Almost as if this story is a post script to this series of stories.
Practically novella. Very short with little 'meat on the bones. Could have been expanded. Almost as if this story is a post script to this series of stories.
November 11, 2023
Great short story with couple working so well together to resolve a mystery. And, their baby plays a part in the story. He's a relaxed baby, well loved by all. A very sweet insight into their lives.
November 22, 2023
very short,but interesting
I enjoyed it. A fantasy story with a bit of suspense. I like this author and I plan to buy the next book in the series.
I enjoyed it. A fantasy story with a bit of suspense. I like this author and I plan to buy the next book in the series.
June 24, 2024
short but sweet
Fine story that draws you in to another time and place. Have a fine time . I certainly enjoyed myself.
Fine story that draws you in to another time and place. Have a fine time . I certainly enjoyed myself.
July 7, 2024
Great short read.
September 24, 2024
It was different. A good different.
The journey continues. This was a good “intermittent” story. I hope there are more and let the “Crime & Passion sagas continue!
The journey continues. This was a good “intermittent” story. I hope there are more and let the “Crime & Passion sagas continue!
January 5, 2024
Interesting read with a ghost
I really enjoyed the characters of Griz and Dragon. Working together they solved a murder with a very unexpected outcome. I definitely recommend you read this book.
I really enjoyed the characters of Griz and Dragon. Working together they solved a murder with a very unexpected outcome. I definitely recommend you read this book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews