The Cryptic Cold Case

Dora and Rex 1920s Mysteries #6

by Lynn Morrison

Can Dora and Rex solve this cold case without ending up in hot water?

London, 1923. In a Mayfair dining room, Theodora Laurent and Lord Rex Bankes-Fernsby make an incredible discovery. Rex's sister Caledonia is a naturally gifted codebreaker.

Upon hearing this news, Lord Audley, London's spy master, asks for their help with a most unusual mission.

Twenty-five years earlier, his wife died in a terrible accident. Now, he has uncovered evidence that her death may have been murder. The answer to what happened to her lies in the coded messages he discovered in her old things.

With Caledonia's help, Dora and Rex delve into the mysterious case of Lady Audley. Each decoded message reveals a tantalising clue. But, in the excitement of the chase, they forget one fact.

They aren't the only ones who know what those messages say.

The closer they get to the truth, the harder the killer will work to keep their misdeeds buried in the past.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Historical

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2024

About the author

Lynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England along with her husband, two daughters and two cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.

You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.

Reviews

[A.J. Fotheringham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit

Binge-read this latest Rex and Dora and thoroughly enjoyed it. It hooked me and kept me guessing until the end. Recommended read.

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this series. It was quite interesting to have the team deal with a cold case. And one that was so personal. It gave the author an opportunity to explore both character development and team expansion. And they all developed into more rounded characters. It should make for an interesting stepping off point for the next book.

The plot/storyline was not really my cup of tea. A little too sad. But that's just one of those things. Hopefully, the next story will resonate more strongly.

Its 3 out of 5 on the enjoyment scale

[Starfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading through the Crown Jewels Mysteries books in their Regency setting, it was nice to be back with Dora and Rex again in this instalment. What I didn't realise was that this is the book where you first meet Grace and Roland (albeit only through Grace's journals, over a century later).

So I'm sort of enjoying the fact that all of Lynn Morrison's mystery books take place in the same world, but at different points in history. We have the Oxford Key mysteries, which are contemporary paranormal cozy mysteries set in the 2020s, about Natalie and her friends. Later in the series, we meet Dora and Rex as ghosts, and we get their series, set in the 1920s. And then, in Dora and Rex's series, we meet Grace and Roland through her journals, and get their series, set in the 1810s.

And somehow, this realisation made more of an impression on me than the actual storyline (although I did enjoy that as well). Plus, I really enjoyed seeing Dora and Rex expand their 'found family' to Caledonia, Clark and Prudence, and I find myself wondering if we might perhaps end up seeing a spin-off 1920s series for the three of them (or possibly, some combination of the three) in the same way we have a spin-off series starting up for Charity and Peregrine.

Regardless, I suspect that as long as Ms Morrison keeps writing these books and making them available in KU, I'll continue to read them.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do so love a Lynn Morrison book. They’re always a charm to read . Easy flowing and she lulls you along with the main characters leading the way….It’s 1923 London Dora and Rex are on a cold case . This one is very close to home as Lord Audley , London’s Spymaster needs their help in deciphering old letters that were his long dead wife’s . When the Lord receives a note hinting at his wife’s demise being by other means than her death a terrible road traffic accident , it being time sensitive to 25 years past. They must act fast and follow a list of other parties around at the time. Rex’s sister Caledonia has been keeping secrets that turn out to be just the ticket to help out with their case….Very intriguing read with the usual storytelling prowess of the author shining off the page. An uber immersive story with of the time witticisms and charm, the characters and their traits well crafted. It’s atmospheric storytelling with sublime prose and on the nose descriptors. An highly entertaining read indeed.could not put it down.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest case hits closer to home for Dora and Rex, which leads to some uncomfortable moments for them, particularly for Dora. But nothing fazes our fabulous feisty fmc for long 😁 Even a case that’s 25 years old! I found this really interesting and was wondering how it was all going to pan out, but after some stops and starts, with a few frustrating dead ends, our intrepid investigators revealed all! I love how the characters, their interactions and the stories are growing and expanding organically as this wonderful series progresses. Talking of expanding, I also loved that the team grew in this book, to include Clarke and Caledonia, who both exposed hidden depths, in different ways. The descriptions and details of the places, scenery etc are on point and as always with Lynn’s writing, I find myself fully immersed in the story. I thoroughly enjoy every moment living it along with the characters 😊 We’re a few books in now, yet Ms Morrison keeps them feeling fresh and keeps the intrigue, well, intriguing!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent addition to the series!
I would give this series ten stars if there was space! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With each new mystery the cadre of friends and fellow spies has increased to weave a vibrant and diverse cast of characters! Loved the addition of Lord Clarke whose antics are carefree and hilarious! The solid team of Rex, Dora, Inga, and Harris are complemented with these new additions thus allowing them to shine both in their individual and collective skills but also as mentors. This particular volume was poignant as it delved into the personal life of the stoic and mysterious Lord Audley. I love this series! The historical notes at the end of the books always are most welcome!

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Lord Audley asks Dora and Rex to investigate the death of his wife from years ago when he received an anonymous letter suggesting that her death wasn't an accident. The case required Dora and Rex to delve into Lady Audley's life and what was happening just before her death.

Clark and Prudence, with Rex and Dora's endorsement to Audley, are being recruited into their little circle. So too is Rex's younger sister, Caledonia, because of her interest in solving cryptic puzzles, when they found a packet of encrypted letters from Lady Audley.

This was an interesting case but I'm wondering with so many people now in the know, when will Dora and Rex's secret identities be exposed?

[J Gear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, Dora & Rex, and this latest installement does anything but disappoint.

The characters are wonderful, and as always the case with Lynn Morrison, the book is very well written. The style is lively, the descriptions more than good.

The 25 year old cose makes for a very interesting plot line (we are far before of course DNA allowing that to happen today!).

I also really enjoyed some previously minor characters starting to move forward and take a bigger role - they add interest of what was already, again, a wonderful series.

All in all, a wonderful addition to the series!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dora is a leading lady that you cannot help but love: she is strong, feisty, witty, intelligent and has found the perfect partner in Rex. With the help of their usual team, (and some increasingly valuable additions) Dora and Rex have a cold case to tackle that provides plenty of challenges, aside from being a death of some years past. As usual, the storyline keeps you guessing and entertains as much as it intrigues.

I have loved this series from the start and hope the adventures will continue to delight for many more stories in the future.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with every book in this series, I have reached the end with a satisfied air, yet eager to read the next one in line. This was an outstanding story with new people being added, new secrets being discovered, and a truly evil person who saw no blame in what that person did. The characters are fascinating, even the bad one, the plot is straightforward, and the premise is finding out if Lord Audley's wife died 25 years ago by accident or by design. I highly recommend this book and the entire series, and I am waiting with bated breath for the next one.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant story in the Dora and Rex series. This time around we have a cold case, the death of Lord Audley’s wife 25 years previously. I lover that Dora’s little team keeps growing with new and interesting people who add to the richness of the tale. Once again, I did not guess the who for a while and the why did not figure into any of the reasons I came up with. Now I wait with baited breath for the next book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal accident, case closed, 25 years ago but someone is determined to re-open it, with an ugly whisper that it was actually murder. But 25 years is a very long time and some of those involved are no longer alive and yet, Lord Audley needed to know, desperately.

What a brilliant read. Love the team but even more so when Dora and Rex have decided that Lord Clark, Prudence and Caledonia should be allowed to help as well, with their special skills. Can hardly wait until their next mission!

[Peggy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Lots of mystery. It's interesting to do a cold case for a change. I enjoyed getting to know Lord Audley better and learning some back history about him and his wife. I love the intriguing hunt to find out what happened Lady Audley. Is there a murder to solve? What about using Rex's sister in this case. And the criptic letters are a nice touch. Nice to have more characters added to the storyline. I liked Clark being involved too.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read hundreds of books each year, and most quickly fade into the background. Lynn Morrison is one author whose books always stand out as exceptionally good and worth the wait. The Cryptic Cold Case is an excellent example of this. The words flow smoothly, the plot draws the reader in, and every action has meaning. Her characters are well-developed and interesting. I highly recommend everything she writes, but this series, in particular, is my favorite. Read it. You'll be glad that you did!

[Janice Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The international spy couple and their cohorts have taken on a domestic spy job, following the tip-off that the death of their mentor's wife wasn't really an accident. There's lots of patient investigation, a few intriguing encrypted messages, and a mystery man who may prove dangerous. Dora mostly behaves herself, rather than taking wild risks and acting like a cat burglar, so this is a bit tamer than earlier adventures. Still fun.

[KathleenWH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful

Yet another great volume in the Dora and Rex saga.

This book is a delight, and the future looks bright for those who enjoy the writing
of Lynn Morrison.

I find it hard to review this book, as I’m wary of including anything that could
be interpreted as a spoiler.

So I’ll just urge those who have followed Dora and Rex and also those new to the series to enjoy the mystery.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won’t want to miss this Dora and Rex case!

When Lord Audley receives a note claiming his wife’s death twenty-five years ago was no accident, it prompts him to brave his grief and look through the trunks holding her belongs. When he discovers letters written in code, he calls upon Dora and Rex to investigate.

The author did a wonderful job of weaving the past and present in this story. I highly recommend this book and the series!

[Paula Withrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait for each new book

Lynn Morrison provides not only well written and plotted mysteries set in a fascinating era, she also writes additional items available on her web.
It makes Dora, Rex and the growing group of heroes more fleshed out.
As I said, I can’t wait for each new book, but I also can’t wait to finish it in one sitting. I also love the details she meticulously furnishes her readers about society, fashion and the aristocracy.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this series was adapted into a BBC series. I love Dora and Rex. They find themselves trying to solve a cold case. There are a lot of twists and turns and other characters show their strength as well. There is a satisfying conclusion and makes me hope for a spin off. This book can be read as a standalone.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good 1920s mystery series. I've loved seeing how the characters evolve and how the group of spies keeps growing. This mystery is a domestic mystery reaching back in time making solving it quite challenging for Dora, Rex and their gang of helpers.

I highly recommend the entire series.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Audley asks Dora and Rex to take on a very cold case - of a personal nature to him. Can they succeed where the police and a private investigator have failed, or will they get in over their heads? An excellent read (like the others), with old leads and dead ends - and a bit of danger into the bargain. A wonderful series! - I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Bruce Nesset · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heated cold case.

Dora, Rex and the crew with three new members join forces to aid their boss Lord Audry solve the mystery around the death of his wife. The case is twenty years past, however someone wants it to remain there. From the files of a retired columnist, the archives of Parliament, not tormenting a wild scavenger hunt all over London, the search goes on.

[Kathleen Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dora and Rex

These books are all different and intriguing. I hold my breath when I start a new series. There usually somewhat the same, but Dora and Rex have adventures that are all unique and I applaud Lynn Morrison for her ability to change every episode. Bravo!! I can’t put the book down once I start reading it!

[Belinda Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting twists and turns make this story nearly impossible to put down.

Rex and Dora bring another great personality on board. Prudence has many personal secrets of which Rex and Dora are privy to. Clark is back in this very intriguing story. Rex's sister is told of his and Dora's service to the crown. A delightful tale!

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mystery From Long Ago, A Death..

When their help is needed Dora & Rex rise to the challenge to untangle coded letters - with help from a few old friends. They find it is not an easy task; but they never give up. They keep searching..,

[Fred Masek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an author! I loved this book and the entire series. We have a possible murder of the wife of Dora’s boss, secret messages to decode, and a new spy –Dora’s sister. I truly enjoyed this book- a real page turner. Needless to say, I recommend this book.

[Stephanie Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive!

This is definitely one of my top 7 favorites of the series…yes, I know there are only 7. Every time I read one, I am convinced it is my favorite. The characters are fantastic, the mystery complex, and the history fascinating.

[Jane Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

another Dora and Rex

Seventh in the series, Dora and Rex help Lord Audley discover the mystery surrounding his wife’s death many years before. The usual cast of characters with a move to bring Clark and Penelope into the fold.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Nice

Lord Audley is human! When he receives a letter regarding his late wife, his life is turned upside down. So much so that Dora and Rex are worried. When Audley enlists their help, things really become interesting.

[Ordean Zora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book