Murder Ignited

Penrose & Pyke Mysteries #6

by Rose Pascoe

Penrose and Pyke’s wedding dream turns to ashes when the local women’s refuge goes up in flames.

Grace Penrose is used to protesters at Lavender House, but she never expected them to set the refuge on fire, especially not on her wedding day. Watching Charlie Pyke disappear into the inferno was definitely not on her mother’s carefully orchestrated wedding plan.

The discovery of a woman’s body in the smouldering ruins rouses Grace and Charlie’s detective instincts. With marital bliss on their minds, an investigation is the last thing they need. But how can they ignore a possible murder?

The ‘Penrose & Pyke Mysteries’ are a series of heart-warming, pulse-racing historical mysteries, set during a remarkable period of social upheaval in 1890s New Zealand.

Genres: Historical Mystery, Mystery

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2024

About the author

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

Reviews

[Sara Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose Pascoe is a new author I was trying out when I began her Penrose & Pyke mysteries. I have thoroughly enjoyed all 10 books. Rose writes in a way that allows you to picture what is going on and to really love the two main characters. Her story line is not obvious which I enjoyed snd there are a lot of strong women featured like Anne D, Jasmine, Lily and the redoubtable Mrs Brown. The police officers were also melded with the story and the combination was remarkable. Thank you Rose. I look forward to trying other books from you.
Sara Dickerson

[Michigan Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Innovative Mystery

in Murder Ignited, Charlie and Grace's wedding day arrives only to be delayed by a friend in labor then news that Lavender House is on fire!

This fast-paced story is filled with murders, plot twists, red herrings and a baffling locked room crime.

Suffice it to say, the Penrose Pike clans are more than up to solving the crimes. A great story and a pages turned mystery that I couldn't put down. Can't wait for the next book in Decembe.

[Marilyn Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very engaging book in this continuing series. Just one nitpick... I may have missed it but I'm not sure how the killer knew which window to aim for. LOL, if anyone sees that answer, maybe let me know. Otherwise, this was great fun with enough 'threat' to be suspenceful and enough of our favourite characters to be delightful. The mystery was sufficiently challenging to remain intriguing until the end.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly good story. A lot of twists and turns. A lot of possible suspects to wade through. Sometimes it feels like Pyke is a little unsure of himself and a little dependent on Grace. Still, it was a good read.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the intertwining of romance, murder and history. Great read.

[Gary and Sandra Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Very interesting story with wonderfully drawn characters and plot. A real page turner that has some duzy red herrings to contend with.A very fun read.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable mystery. It was well plotted and paced, although I did manage to figure out whodunit, kind of. Loved the New Zealand setting and am already looking forward to learning more about the country in future books. Recommended.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the characters and the mystery, but the author needs a good proofreader