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Detective Lavender Mysteries #7
The Resurrection Mystery
A corpse rises from the dead in the morgue at Guy's Hospital, and his missing pantaloons appear to be cursed as they roam the city, causing consternation and death wherever they go. What possible connection can this have to a gang of female jewel thieves and a pot of raspberry jam?There's a new man in charge at Bow Street Magistrates' Court and all is not well. His ambition is to split up Lavender and Woods - and to add to Lavender's woes, someone is leaking exaggerated stories about his investigations to The Times. Lavender is tasked with solving the theft of an aristocrat's precious jewels, while Woods is instructed to track down a libeller. But after a series of vicious murders and surprising coincidences, they discover that these apparently unconnected crimes have more in common than they could ever have imagined. They disobey orders and work together to track down the killers.Faced with some of the most bizarre mysteries of their career, Lavender and Woods need all their cunning and guile to expose the devious secrecy of their suspects, solve these deadly crimes - and prove to Magistrate Conant that as a team, they are so much greater than the sum of its parts.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published May 28, 2024
251 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Karen Charlton
27 books472 followersKaren Charlton is an international best-selling author of historical crime fiction.
Her Detective Lavender Mysteries are based on the fictional adventures of Stephen Lavender, a real-life detective with the Bow Street Police Office in London.
Her brand new series, The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries, feature a couple of enterprising young women, Jemma and Bobbie, who launch a private inquiry agency in York during WW2.
Her standalone, debut novel Catching the Eagle is the true story of her notorious ancestor, Jamie Charlton, who was convicted of Northumberland's biggest robbery.
Find out more about Karen's work at http://www.karencharlton.com
Her Detective Lavender Mysteries are based on the fictional adventures of Stephen Lavender, a real-life detective with the Bow Street Police Office in London.
Her brand new series, The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries, feature a couple of enterprising young women, Jemma and Bobbie, who launch a private inquiry agency in York during WW2.
Her standalone, debut novel Catching the Eagle is the true story of her notorious ancestor, Jamie Charlton, who was convicted of Northumberland's biggest robbery.
Find out more about Karen's work at http://www.karencharlton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 26, 2025
This exciting historical novel is the 7th volume of the "Detective Lavender Mystery" series.
At the end of the book you'll find within the Author's Notes some very useful historical info concerning this tale.
Storytelling is brilliant, all characters come vividly to life, while the atmosphere of early 19th Century London and surroundings are wonderfully pictured and described, although in my opinion the story as a whole is a bit short and some developments a bit too convenient to my liking.
This mystery is set in April, AD1814, and with Magistrate James Read gone and replaced by Magistrate Conant, a new man with something to prove and with new methods, this new methods Lavender and Woods will soon discover will be that they are being separated and working on a separate case.
At first a supposed corpse rises from the dead in the morgue at Guy's hospital, Sir Humphrey Poppleton, while around the same time the jewels of the Beverley household are stolen from their mansion in the city of London.
While investigating separate cases, Lavender and Woods will soon discover that these cases somehow connect with each other, and while gathering and collecting as much evidence as they can, they will discover the truth about these misdeeds and the culprits behind them all.
What is to follow is very satisfying historical mystery, although a bit rushed and short to my liking, with plenty of suspects to catch, until these suspects will be linked and caught by a determined Lavender and Woods, with Conant in tow, and so solve these mysterious thefts and certain deaths in the end.
Very much recommended, for this another very likeable addition, although not as great as its predecessors, to this great series, and what this episode is concerned I like to call it: "A Very Enjoyable Lavender Mystery"!
At the end of the book you'll find within the Author's Notes some very useful historical info concerning this tale.
Storytelling is brilliant, all characters come vividly to life, while the atmosphere of early 19th Century London and surroundings are wonderfully pictured and described, although in my opinion the story as a whole is a bit short and some developments a bit too convenient to my liking.
This mystery is set in April, AD1814, and with Magistrate James Read gone and replaced by Magistrate Conant, a new man with something to prove and with new methods, this new methods Lavender and Woods will soon discover will be that they are being separated and working on a separate case.
At first a supposed corpse rises from the dead in the morgue at Guy's hospital, Sir Humphrey Poppleton, while around the same time the jewels of the Beverley household are stolen from their mansion in the city of London.
While investigating separate cases, Lavender and Woods will soon discover that these cases somehow connect with each other, and while gathering and collecting as much evidence as they can, they will discover the truth about these misdeeds and the culprits behind them all.
What is to follow is very satisfying historical mystery, although a bit rushed and short to my liking, with plenty of suspects to catch, until these suspects will be linked and caught by a determined Lavender and Woods, with Conant in tow, and so solve these mysterious thefts and certain deaths in the end.
Very much recommended, for this another very likeable addition, although not as great as its predecessors, to this great series, and what this episode is concerned I like to call it: "A Very Enjoyable Lavender Mystery"!
July 15, 2024
3.5 stars
Another good instalment in the series, but I could have been without the antics surrounding the new boss, to be perfectly honest. I'm just a smudge sick of Brits and their "crappy bosses" trope in 98% of every police procedural ever written - even if this one did work out alright in the end.
The mystery was very elaborate, but not all that difficult to guess - something that might be a "me problem" and not something "normal" people are bothered by. I honestly can't say which.
I seem to be in a mystery binge sort of mood at the moment. I've lost count of how many mystery novels I've consumed this summer, or last couple of years. 😆
Either way, I feel like this book might have blown some well needed new life into the series. For a while I felt like it was losing traction and spark, but this one was back to fine form.
Having Magdalena take less part in the books has sort of helped, I think.
Which kind of is a shame, in one way - her ending up as a, more or less, simple housewife, I mean - but there never was a good role for her to fill within the framework of the series.
Lavender and Woods together are what makes or breaks these books. Everyone else are just side characters - and that's how it should be, if you ask me.
Another good instalment in the series, but I could have been without the antics surrounding the new boss, to be perfectly honest. I'm just a smudge sick of Brits and their "crappy bosses" trope in 98% of every police procedural ever written - even if this one did work out alright in the end.
The mystery was very elaborate, but not all that difficult to guess - something that might be a "me problem" and not something "normal" people are bothered by. I honestly can't say which.
I seem to be in a mystery binge sort of mood at the moment. I've lost count of how many mystery novels I've consumed this summer, or last couple of years. 😆
Either way, I feel like this book might have blown some well needed new life into the series. For a while I felt like it was losing traction and spark, but this one was back to fine form.
Having Magdalena take less part in the books has sort of helped, I think.
Which kind of is a shame, in one way - her ending up as a, more or less, simple housewife, I mean - but there never was a good role for her to fill within the framework of the series.
Lavender and Woods together are what makes or breaks these books. Everyone else are just side characters - and that's how it should be, if you ask me.
March 22, 2024
Always happy to get educated in my historical mysteries, and The Resurrection Mystery is no exception. The method of murder is especially clever -- Sherlock Holmes would be proud. (And since Lavender was actually a real person, perhaps "Mr. Holmes" read of his exploits later in the newspapers that Lavender despairs of in this book LOL.)
The plot twists and turns -- twists especially. And luckily, the new Magistrate realizes that our favorite policemen Lavender and Woods make a very, very good team.
Author Karen Charlton doesn't neglect the home front, either. Characterization is a hallmark of the series, and we get fully realized "people" in The Resurrection Mystery.
An Author's Note will fill you in on the research and references used in the story, which I always find fascinating. This seventh book in the series will keep you intrigued until the last page.
The plot twists and turns -- twists especially. And luckily, the new Magistrate realizes that our favorite policemen Lavender and Woods make a very, very good team.
Author Karen Charlton doesn't neglect the home front, either. Characterization is a hallmark of the series, and we get fully realized "people" in The Resurrection Mystery.
An Author's Note will fill you in on the research and references used in the story, which I always find fascinating. This seventh book in the series will keep you intrigued until the last page.
February 8, 2026
It's always a pleasure to visit with Detective Lavender and Constable Woods. This story had a lot of twists and turns, making it an attention grabber. The story begins with a corpse about to undergo dissection rising from the table very much alive. Throw in poisoned pantaloons, stolen jewels, and a new man in charge of Bow Street Magistrates Court, and you have a mixed bag of excitement and intrigue. Lavender and Woods will need all of their detecting skills to wade through this muddle of twists and turns. A very good read, in deed.
August 31, 2024
1814. Baron Humphery Poppleton lies dead in the morgue for two days, then he wakes up. Has he been poisoned, if so, why, how, and by whom. Meanwhile there would seem to be a gang of female thiefs acting in London. Lavender and Woods have their cases to solve plus the case of libel actioned by Richard Garbutt on three men. But then several bodies are discovered.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters.
March 28, 2024
Named my daughter Alice for love of this series
This is such a lovely series and this last book was spot on - the dialogue between detective lavender and Ned as they solve the mystery is just so civil and entertaining. Mysteries are not my normal genre at all but both my husband and I loved this series so much we named our daughter Alice.
This is such a lovely series and this last book was spot on - the dialogue between detective lavender and Ned as they solve the mystery is just so civil and entertaining. Mysteries are not my normal genre at all but both my husband and I loved this series so much we named our daughter Alice.
February 8, 2026
THE RESURRECTION MYSTERY is a murder mystery is multi-faceted and kept revealing new surprises. The characters, details, intrigue and Gothic atmosphere pulled me into the story as I worked to figure out ‘Who dunnit?’ This was another very satisfying read by Charlton.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Stars (rounded up).
1=DNF/What was that?; 2=Not for me; 3=Ok; 3.5=I enjoyed this; 4=I really liked; 5=I really loved this! (5 is rare for me).
London, April 1814 ~
Much to Principal Lavender’s & his partner Constable Woods’ great disappoint, their former boss and good friend Chief Magistrate James Read has retired from Bow Street. Their new boss of 3wks Magistrate Conant, 69, is demanding and looking to make changes. Conant separates Principal Lavender & Constable Woods as a team, sending them off on different cases. The Earl of Beverly’s London home has been robbed of precious and priceless family heirlooms. Principal Lavender is sent to investigate. Constable Woods is sent to track down 3 libelous issues elsewhere in London.
Meanwhile a deceased, unidentified ‘well-to-do’ young man ends up on Sir Richard Ellinson’s pathology class autopsy table. Just before the first cut, the man suddenly awakens, jumps off Ellinson’s autopsy gurney & yells, ‘I’ll sue you for this!’ Two days earlier the young man had been delivered to the morgue’s back door by a Resurrection Man. He supposedly had no pulse at the time and had been kept naked in the morgue cooler ever since! Sir Richard now believes the man had been immobilized by some unknown (in England) poisonous substance and Sir Richard wants Lavender to investigate: 1) Locate any evidence of questionable substances in the man’s home and among his friends and acquaintances; 2) Discover who and why someone would have reason to poison a viscount. Sir Richard is hoping these answers will clear his name of any censure in the matter. Lavender and Woods are kept busy and on a short leash with their new boss, Magistrate Conant.
Comments ~
1) THE RESURRECTION MYSTERY (1814) is bk7 of 8 (currently) in Karen Charlton’s Detective Lavender and Constable Woods Bow Street Runner Regency Mystery series. I prefer reading these books in order as the characters and relationships continue to develop as the series progresses but each book contains mysteries/cases which stand alone.
2) The Lavender - Woods series is set in 1810+ England and features 2 Bow Street runners. The slight Gothic tone (dark alleys, frequent rain, smog and dirty, dark alleys), details and period differ from most other mysteries I read providing a slightly new perspective of this period in England’s history.
3) I purchased my first Lavender-Woods Mystery about 2yrs ago and have been reading and listening my way through the series. In THE RESURRECTION MYSTERY, I both read and listened to the audiobook (whichever was most convenient). Narrator Michael Page is wonderful depicting the various earthy characters and the overall tone for the various characters (in the audiobook version). The main character of Detective Lavender and his superior, Magistrate Read, are both based on real individuals from this period. The author states many ideas for her stories originate from Lavender’s actual case work.
4) Karen Charlton ends each book with an author note providing clarification of certain aspects of the period, setting, particular cases researched for the book and additional details (ie., Cambridge College actually did close temporarily in 1815 due to a Typhus fever epidemic. Charlton merely nudged the date by a year to fit the timeline in the book. Also Cross Bones Cemetery in London was a location body snatching did occur by so-called ‘Resurrection Men’).
5) The sad plight of the poor, women and the lower classes (including many Bow Street families, laborers, servants, immigrants, street urchins, beggars, etc) resonates in this series as well as the widely prevalent unsanitary living conditions. This aspect is quite thought provoking. Yet the characters’ dry (cynical?) humor lightens the tone preventing this series from becoming too angst-filled or depressing. I often find myself reflecting over certain elements in the stories.
6) I recommend Charlton’s mysteries to readers who enjoy:
> Character-driven series.
> Seasoned characters.
> Classic, Historical, British &/or (very) slightly Gothic Mysteries.
> Regency, Victorian novels with interesting facts and details from those periods.
> History. (MCs are Bow Street runners, mysteries gathered from actual cases).
> Police Procedural novels.
> and enjoy/can tolerate a certain amount of earthy humor. ;)
READER CAUTION ~ Sensitive readers please note the following:
PROFANITY - PG-13. Limited strong language is used with occasional off-color jokes & earthy humor.
VIOLENCE - PG. This is a murder mystery with related details not particularly dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - No on-scene intimacy. Illegitimate affairs and prostitutes are mentioned in passing.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Stars (rounded up).
1=DNF/What was that?; 2=Not for me; 3=Ok; 3.5=I enjoyed this; 4=I really liked; 5=I really loved this! (5 is rare for me).
London, April 1814 ~
Much to Principal Lavender’s & his partner Constable Woods’ great disappoint, their former boss and good friend Chief Magistrate James Read has retired from Bow Street. Their new boss of 3wks Magistrate Conant, 69, is demanding and looking to make changes. Conant separates Principal Lavender & Constable Woods as a team, sending them off on different cases. The Earl of Beverly’s London home has been robbed of precious and priceless family heirlooms. Principal Lavender is sent to investigate. Constable Woods is sent to track down 3 libelous issues elsewhere in London.
Meanwhile a deceased, unidentified ‘well-to-do’ young man ends up on Sir Richard Ellinson’s pathology class autopsy table. Just before the first cut, the man suddenly awakens, jumps off Ellinson’s autopsy gurney & yells, ‘I’ll sue you for this!’ Two days earlier the young man had been delivered to the morgue’s back door by a Resurrection Man. He supposedly had no pulse at the time and had been kept naked in the morgue cooler ever since! Sir Richard now believes the man had been immobilized by some unknown (in England) poisonous substance and Sir Richard wants Lavender to investigate: 1) Locate any evidence of questionable substances in the man’s home and among his friends and acquaintances; 2) Discover who and why someone would have reason to poison a viscount. Sir Richard is hoping these answers will clear his name of any censure in the matter. Lavender and Woods are kept busy and on a short leash with their new boss, Magistrate Conant.
Comments ~
1) THE RESURRECTION MYSTERY (1814) is bk7 of 8 (currently) in Karen Charlton’s Detective Lavender and Constable Woods Bow Street Runner Regency Mystery series. I prefer reading these books in order as the characters and relationships continue to develop as the series progresses but each book contains mysteries/cases which stand alone.
2) The Lavender - Woods series is set in 1810+ England and features 2 Bow Street runners. The slight Gothic tone (dark alleys, frequent rain, smog and dirty, dark alleys), details and period differ from most other mysteries I read providing a slightly new perspective of this period in England’s history.
3) I purchased my first Lavender-Woods Mystery about 2yrs ago and have been reading and listening my way through the series. In THE RESURRECTION MYSTERY, I both read and listened to the audiobook (whichever was most convenient). Narrator Michael Page is wonderful depicting the various earthy characters and the overall tone for the various characters (in the audiobook version). The main character of Detective Lavender and his superior, Magistrate Read, are both based on real individuals from this period. The author states many ideas for her stories originate from Lavender’s actual case work.
4) Karen Charlton ends each book with an author note providing clarification of certain aspects of the period, setting, particular cases researched for the book and additional details (ie., Cambridge College actually did close temporarily in 1815 due to a Typhus fever epidemic. Charlton merely nudged the date by a year to fit the timeline in the book. Also Cross Bones Cemetery in London was a location body snatching did occur by so-called ‘Resurrection Men’).
5) The sad plight of the poor, women and the lower classes (including many Bow Street families, laborers, servants, immigrants, street urchins, beggars, etc) resonates in this series as well as the widely prevalent unsanitary living conditions. This aspect is quite thought provoking. Yet the characters’ dry (cynical?) humor lightens the tone preventing this series from becoming too angst-filled or depressing. I often find myself reflecting over certain elements in the stories.
6) I recommend Charlton’s mysteries to readers who enjoy:
> Character-driven series.
> Seasoned characters.
> Classic, Historical, British &/or (very) slightly Gothic Mysteries.
> Regency, Victorian novels with interesting facts and details from those periods.
> History. (MCs are Bow Street runners, mysteries gathered from actual cases).
> Police Procedural novels.
> and enjoy/can tolerate a certain amount of earthy humor. ;)
READER CAUTION ~ Sensitive readers please note the following:
PROFANITY - PG-13. Limited strong language is used with occasional off-color jokes & earthy humor.
VIOLENCE - PG. This is a murder mystery with related details not particularly dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - No on-scene intimacy. Illegitimate affairs and prostitutes are mentioned in passing.
March 13, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Detective Lavender Mysteries #7
Publication Date: 3/7/2024
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 383
I had begun to despair of ever getting another Detective Lavender mystery because it has been four long years since the last one was published in February 2020. I was afraid I would have forgotten some of the finer nuances of the relationships, etc. but – no, I hadn’t. It was an interesting and exciting book that takes Lavender, Woods, Bow Street, and Woods grown sons in a new direction that I think will be so much fun! One of the things I love about this series is that there really was a Detective Lavender in Bow Street at that time and the author is giving us a fictionalized version of his cases. He was quite a celebrity in his day and a number of the details in the stories really happened. Is that cool or what?
Beloved Magistrate Read has retired and the new magistrate, Conant, wants to make his mark on Bow Street. So far, nobody cares for him or his changes. Especially the changes he’s made to their working relationships – as in – he splits up the dynamic duo of Lavender and Woods. Or – at least he thinks he does.
We begin with a very strange and history-making autopsy performed (or not) by esteemed surgeon Sir Richard Allison at Guy’s Hospital and then, we go on to robberies, murders, grave robbers, imposters, usurers, you name it. Before all is said and done, you’ll think there can’t possibly be any more criminals left in London because Bow Street has arrested all of them.
This was a breath-holding, fun read with Lavender and Woods solving cases separately and together while managing Magistrate Conant at the same time. I recommend this book and hope you will love it as much as I did. Happy Reading!
Series: Detective Lavender Mysteries #7
Publication Date: 3/7/2024
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 383
I had begun to despair of ever getting another Detective Lavender mystery because it has been four long years since the last one was published in February 2020. I was afraid I would have forgotten some of the finer nuances of the relationships, etc. but – no, I hadn’t. It was an interesting and exciting book that takes Lavender, Woods, Bow Street, and Woods grown sons in a new direction that I think will be so much fun! One of the things I love about this series is that there really was a Detective Lavender in Bow Street at that time and the author is giving us a fictionalized version of his cases. He was quite a celebrity in his day and a number of the details in the stories really happened. Is that cool or what?
Beloved Magistrate Read has retired and the new magistrate, Conant, wants to make his mark on Bow Street. So far, nobody cares for him or his changes. Especially the changes he’s made to their working relationships – as in – he splits up the dynamic duo of Lavender and Woods. Or – at least he thinks he does.
We begin with a very strange and history-making autopsy performed (or not) by esteemed surgeon Sir Richard Allison at Guy’s Hospital and then, we go on to robberies, murders, grave robbers, imposters, usurers, you name it. Before all is said and done, you’ll think there can’t possibly be any more criminals left in London because Bow Street has arrested all of them.
This was a breath-holding, fun read with Lavender and Woods solving cases separately and together while managing Magistrate Conant at the same time. I recommend this book and hope you will love it as much as I did. Happy Reading!
Currently reading
October 13, 2024I started this book right after I finished The Willow Marsh Murder. That was the intent after all: remind myself of the backstory and read the new book. The mysteries are good in these books, but the descriptions of the smells, especially, get to be a bit much. The smells are closely followed by descriptions of people wearing rags. I was also put off by the description of the story. I needed to take a break, so I started the The Darkest Evening, which was a prep book for reading The Dark Wives. I got lost in a sea of different books before I finally came back to this one. It was good to take a break, because I really enjoyed it.
James Reed is gone and Magistrate Conant has taken over. He is looking to make his mark without really understanding the job. He makes Stephen and Ned's jobs difficult, but also enables them to work together while seeming to work apart.
Of course, the various puzzles are all linked, but Stephen and Ned can't figure out why. They do in the end, of course, and the reasoning made sense.
I was interested in the amount of slang used. Kicksies (for pants) was used a lot by all different types of people.
The plot is very intricate and there were a lot of characters. I definitely want to read this again.
James Reed is gone and Magistrate Conant has taken over. He is looking to make his mark without really understanding the job. He makes Stephen and Ned's jobs difficult, but also enables them to work together while seeming to work apart.
Of course, the various puzzles are all linked, but Stephen and Ned can't figure out why. They do in the end, of course, and the reasoning made sense.
I was interested in the amount of slang used. Kicksies (for pants) was used a lot by all different types of people.
The plot is very intricate and there were a lot of characters. I definitely want to read this again.
April 5, 2024
I thought that book #6 of this series was the last book. I was pleasantly surprised when book #7 popped up on Amazon. I really love this book series and I am happy that there was one more book (not on Kindle - thank you) to read. I waited 4 years for this book.
As in all of these books, there were lots of things going on, and many mysteries to solve.
Lavender and Ned were separated and then were together again. I loved how each chapter told of Lavender's adventures in solving the crimes, and then Ned's adventures in solving what he thought was a different crime but was actually the same crime as Lavender.
Lavender and Ned are friends and co-workers. They are what we would call in modern time - work-brothers. Their relationship has had its ups and downs in past books, but they always made up in the end. This book shows the strength of their friendship - even when they are working apart. British mores in the Regency becomes part of the solving of the crime.
Love this book and all the books that came before!!
BEST USE OF: Grief, love of family
ALPHA MALE: More then one - all are 10s
SPUNKY HEROINE: Only Betsy a 10, very little Magdalena
CUTE CHILDREN: Lots of children, all 10's!!!
SEX: 0 - none
HEA: For everyone but the criminals
PROLOGUE/EPILOGUE: Neither - the last chapter was somewhat of an epilogue
Rating:
10 - with a hope for future books
Heat:
0 - only the fireplaces
COVER COVERS IT: With each book the covers were more beautiful
HOLLYWOOD CALLING: These books should be made into a TV series.
As in all of these books, there were lots of things going on, and many mysteries to solve.
Lavender and Ned were separated and then were together again. I loved how each chapter told of Lavender's adventures in solving the crimes, and then Ned's adventures in solving what he thought was a different crime but was actually the same crime as Lavender.
Lavender and Ned are friends and co-workers. They are what we would call in modern time - work-brothers. Their relationship has had its ups and downs in past books, but they always made up in the end. This book shows the strength of their friendship - even when they are working apart. British mores in the Regency becomes part of the solving of the crime.
Love this book and all the books that came before!!
BEST USE OF: Grief, love of family
ALPHA MALE: More then one - all are 10s
SPUNKY HEROINE: Only Betsy a 10, very little Magdalena
CUTE CHILDREN: Lots of children, all 10's!!!
SEX: 0 - none
HEA: For everyone but the criminals
PROLOGUE/EPILOGUE: Neither - the last chapter was somewhat of an epilogue
Rating:
10 - with a hope for future books
Heat:
0 - only the fireplaces
COVER COVERS IT: With each book the covers were more beautiful
HOLLYWOOD CALLING: These books should be made into a TV series.
July 6, 2024
London, England. Regency Era. Monday 11th April, 1815. Karen Charlton’s The Resurrection Mystery
(Detective Lavender Mysteries, #7) finds Stephen Lavender and his “loyal” constable, Ned Woods, walking into Magistrate’s office, but then Detective Lavender recalls that there is a new man in this office, Sir Nathaniel Conant, as Lavender’s “friend and employer” had retired. This new man has everyone at Bow Street in difficulty. On top of that, the new man separates Lavender and Woods. Really?! This mystery is a complicated one, but Lavender and Woods, on different paths, are determined to solve it. It is as a spider web with many threads, each reaching away from the other. At least that appears to be the case. This mystery is detailed with the author writing clearly and cleverly. It thoroughly kept my interest with a ‘dead body’, a well-known surgeon, the new Bow Street ‘boss’, Lavender and Woods. An additional interest is The Times, a London newspaper, keeps printing details about Detective Lavender which infuriates him with exaggerated untruths, but one item printed this time referring to the ‘pantaloons’ of the ‘dead body’ catches Lavender’s eye. “..those accursed trousers are still at large and roaming the city.”. Instills quite a picture, does it not? It also tells a tale.
5 stars.
(Detective Lavender Mysteries, #7) finds Stephen Lavender and his “loyal” constable, Ned Woods, walking into Magistrate’s office, but then Detective Lavender recalls that there is a new man in this office, Sir Nathaniel Conant, as Lavender’s “friend and employer” had retired. This new man has everyone at Bow Street in difficulty. On top of that, the new man separates Lavender and Woods. Really?! This mystery is a complicated one, but Lavender and Woods, on different paths, are determined to solve it. It is as a spider web with many threads, each reaching away from the other. At least that appears to be the case. This mystery is detailed with the author writing clearly and cleverly. It thoroughly kept my interest with a ‘dead body’, a well-known surgeon, the new Bow Street ‘boss’, Lavender and Woods. An additional interest is The Times, a London newspaper, keeps printing details about Detective Lavender which infuriates him with exaggerated untruths, but one item printed this time referring to the ‘pantaloons’ of the ‘dead body’ catches Lavender’s eye. “..those accursed trousers are still at large and roaming the city.”. Instills quite a picture, does it not? It also tells a tale.
5 stars.
February 15, 2026
The Resurrection Mystery is book 7 in Karen Charlton's Detective Lavender Mysteries series. Things are not going well for Detective Lavender and Constable Ned Wood at Bow Street Magistrates' Court because of the new Magistrate, who wants to separate them. On top of the issues at Bow Street, someone at the local paper is reporting false stories about him. Detective Lavender was investigating three cases when he realised they overlapped with the Constable Ned Wood case, and they joined forces to close them all. Readers of The Resurrection Mystery will continue to follow Constable Ned Wood and Detective Lavender as they discover what happens.
I love books in this series, and The Resurrection Mystery did not disappoint. I do like the way Karen Charlton highlighted life in London during 1814. I engaged with the story and the characters from the start, and that engagement continued to the end. Karen Charlton sometimes made me laugh with the way she portrays her characters.
Readers of The Resurrection Mystery will love how Karen Charlton brings her two main characters together, ensuring you become engaged with them. The Resurrection Mystery is well written and well researched by Karen Charlton. I like Karen Charlton's descriptions of the settings of The Resurrection Mystery, which helped me imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
I love books in this series, and The Resurrection Mystery did not disappoint. I do like the way Karen Charlton highlighted life in London during 1814. I engaged with the story and the characters from the start, and that engagement continued to the end. Karen Charlton sometimes made me laugh with the way she portrays her characters.
Readers of The Resurrection Mystery will love how Karen Charlton brings her two main characters together, ensuring you become engaged with them. The Resurrection Mystery is well written and well researched by Karen Charlton. I like Karen Charlton's descriptions of the settings of The Resurrection Mystery, which helped me imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
October 1, 2024
Nicely written...all the cases solved...wonderful main characters... Enjoyable read.
Not too many deaths...A bit of violence.
Love the Woods character and all his family...want to read more about them all and their new members George and the dog with the silly name!
Stephen Lavender and Magdelena and their children will also be folks to read and learn more about.
Will look forward to more stories in this series, should there be any, this one was worth the read.
The cases were well plotted and well thought out and well solved...kept one's interest til they were all wound up and solved.
The autopsies and their conclusions were a bit graphic and yet intriguing. Hope the next books contain this element like all current day dramas seem to contain. Science proceeds slowly and it is nice to know the history of some of the advancements we now take for granted. The characters, doctors, who do this work in the books also Could use more exploration... They are intriguing characters as well.
Well written. Cannot wait to try her WWII series.
Not too many deaths...A bit of violence.
Love the Woods character and all his family...want to read more about them all and their new members George and the dog with the silly name!
Stephen Lavender and Magdelena and their children will also be folks to read and learn more about.
Will look forward to more stories in this series, should there be any, this one was worth the read.
The cases were well plotted and well thought out and well solved...kept one's interest til they were all wound up and solved.
The autopsies and their conclusions were a bit graphic and yet intriguing. Hope the next books contain this element like all current day dramas seem to contain. Science proceeds slowly and it is nice to know the history of some of the advancements we now take for granted. The characters, doctors, who do this work in the books also Could use more exploration... They are intriguing characters as well.
Well written. Cannot wait to try her WWII series.
May 25, 2024
An un-putdownable whodunit
What can I say? Karen Charlton has done it again! I lost a whole night's sleep reading this novel-- and it was worth it! Of course, I was like a zombie the next day, but who cares? I just HAD TO find out how everything would be resolved. I'm pleased to say that I figured out 3 of the mysteries on my own, but not the exact motives behind them. Both the journey and conclusion were satisfying. There were some typos and mixed up names. For example, towards the end, Dan is called Eddie, and near the beginning, Lavender's daughter is called Sofia, then Alice. It turns out Alice is actually her name. All in all, you MUST reas this novel. You won't regret it!!!
What can I say? Karen Charlton has done it again! I lost a whole night's sleep reading this novel-- and it was worth it! Of course, I was like a zombie the next day, but who cares? I just HAD TO find out how everything would be resolved. I'm pleased to say that I figured out 3 of the mysteries on my own, but not the exact motives behind them. Both the journey and conclusion were satisfying. There were some typos and mixed up names. For example, towards the end, Dan is called Eddie, and near the beginning, Lavender's daughter is called Sofia, then Alice. It turns out Alice is actually her name. All in all, you MUST reas this novel. You won't regret it!!!
June 5, 2024
I grabbed the first Detective Lavender mystery a year ago on Kindle Unlimited, and by the end of the summer I’d read all six books and the several novellas - they were cozy mysteries with an intriguing cast of characters and breezy but detailed writing that truly made you feel transported to 1810 London.
So I was thrilled to grab the latest entry to the series - and here we see Lavender & Woods facing a new set of mysteries and a magistrate not as open to their methods or partnership as Magistrate Reed.
Throughout the story we see Lavender and Woods employing their skills to get to the core of this sprawling set of mysteries, and the twists and turns will keep you guessing through to the very end!
Love these characters and statues - and feel like this might be the best one yet!
So I was thrilled to grab the latest entry to the series - and here we see Lavender & Woods facing a new set of mysteries and a magistrate not as open to their methods or partnership as Magistrate Reed.
Throughout the story we see Lavender and Woods employing their skills to get to the core of this sprawling set of mysteries, and the twists and turns will keep you guessing through to the very end!
Love these characters and statues - and feel like this might be the best one yet!
August 25, 2024
Another great read in a cozy series. I’m listening to the audiobook narrated by Michael Page and his voice and narration skills. It gives so much warmth to an already great read.
Now I have to be honest, this isn’t my favorite book in this series. It just didn’t have the same level of coziness as the previous couple books.
There were also a lot of characters. So many that I had to go back in chapters a couple times to refresh myself and gain context as to who was who.
I really enjoyed the sweet moments with Ned and his family, Georgie, and the dog; however, Magdalena did seem to get lost in this book.
That aside, of course I enjoyed myself and hope the series does not come to an end anytime soon. I love it very much and I think I’ll do a reread of all the books shortly.
Now I have to be honest, this isn’t my favorite book in this series. It just didn’t have the same level of coziness as the previous couple books.
There were also a lot of characters. So many that I had to go back in chapters a couple times to refresh myself and gain context as to who was who.
I really enjoyed the sweet moments with Ned and his family, Georgie, and the dog; however, Magdalena did seem to get lost in this book.
That aside, of course I enjoyed myself and hope the series does not come to an end anytime soon. I love it very much and I think I’ll do a reread of all the books shortly.
March 25, 2024
Avid Reader
I stayed up until the wee hours of w morning to finish this novel. Halfway through, I guessed the names of two of the criminals. The rest were a total surprise. There's so much intrigue and deceit in three cases that Lavender and Does had between them. Guessing what had happened to Poppers was easy. Those pants were designed to murder. If you've read "Romeo and Juliet" it's easy to guess the second attempt on his life. Two additional murders and a jewelry heist in an Earls home kept our favorite detectives on their toes! Then uncovering a newspaper informant ended the story since Lavender and Woods were exhausted.
I stayed up until the wee hours of w morning to finish this novel. Halfway through, I guessed the names of two of the criminals. The rest were a total surprise. There's so much intrigue and deceit in three cases that Lavender and Does had between them. Guessing what had happened to Poppers was easy. Those pants were designed to murder. If you've read "Romeo and Juliet" it's easy to guess the second attempt on his life. Two additional murders and a jewelry heist in an Earls home kept our favorite detectives on their toes! Then uncovering a newspaper informant ended the story since Lavender and Woods were exhausted.
May 14, 2024
Worth waiting for
Seemed like a long time before this most satisfying book in the Lavender & Woods universe came out, but it was well worth waiting for. I love how this author wove multiple mysteries together to a satisfying conclusion. Knowing Stephen Lavender was a real person is fascinating. The families of Stephen and Ned have grown up through the books and it's fun to see how their story arcs intersect with the two main characters. I hope there will be another book in this series, but if not, this one is a most satisfying conclusion.
Seemed like a long time before this most satisfying book in the Lavender & Woods universe came out, but it was well worth waiting for. I love how this author wove multiple mysteries together to a satisfying conclusion. Knowing Stephen Lavender was a real person is fascinating. The families of Stephen and Ned have grown up through the books and it's fun to see how their story arcs intersect with the two main characters. I hope there will be another book in this series, but if not, this one is a most satisfying conclusion.
May 24, 2024
A Mystery on all levels
After reading the last book, I read somewhere that this series was ending. I was very pleased to see it continues. This novel gives deeper insight into the two principals, Lavendar and Woods. To me, the storyline was a bit jumbled in the beginning and the mystery a bit bizarre. However, all pieces of the myriad of puzzles came together very seamlessly. The action was exactly at the level needed; nothing rushed or exaggerated. The ending wast8ed up a bit too smugly, but I enjoyed it. I hope there are more coming. A 4.7out of 5 rating.
After reading the last book, I read somewhere that this series was ending. I was very pleased to see it continues. This novel gives deeper insight into the two principals, Lavendar and Woods. To me, the storyline was a bit jumbled in the beginning and the mystery a bit bizarre. However, all pieces of the myriad of puzzles came together very seamlessly. The action was exactly at the level needed; nothing rushed or exaggerated. The ending wast8ed up a bit too smugly, but I enjoyed it. I hope there are more coming. A 4.7out of 5 rating.
June 15, 2024
Great book
I love this series. Detective Lavender and Officer Woods have quite a few busy days ahead of them. There is a home burglary with missing jewelry, an attempted poisoning and someone defaming persons in print. How all this is solved makes for an ingenious story of deceit, greed and murder. Ms. Charlton characters come to life with her sharp and witty dialogue. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
I love this series. Detective Lavender and Officer Woods have quite a few busy days ahead of them. There is a home burglary with missing jewelry, an attempted poisoning and someone defaming persons in print. How all this is solved makes for an ingenious story of deceit, greed and murder. Ms. Charlton characters come to life with her sharp and witty dialogue. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
July 3, 2024
At the end of the book, the author states that Lavender almost went to Spain for his next adventure had it not been for 21st century Covid here! I am so glad he didn't as I do love this author's attention to detail when it comes to her historical settings. Also it is interesting to follow the development of the "police" back then and what they had to deal with. There is plenty to keep the reader guessing about the theft, attempted murder and murder. Great page turner as usual.
January 5, 2025
For 8 weeks I've experienced a readers block. Only the publication of Karen Charlton's latest novel, some 4 years after the last 'Lavender' mystery tempted me back. A mystery with a Myriad of Characters, an interesting number of cases and with a new Magistrate, this book has everything one requires in an historical police procedural novel. With a very pleasing ending this pleasant story has left me invigorated and looking forward to my next read
March 21, 2024
Well worth the wait for the return of another book in the lavender and woods historical crime series.
Full of the unexpected twists and turns of crime solving. I am amazed at the research and time the author takes in writing these books. I hope Karen can find time and inspiration to write a few more stories in the lavender and woods series. As I totally enjoyed the series so far.
Full of the unexpected twists and turns of crime solving. I am amazed at the research and time the author takes in writing these books. I hope Karen can find time and inspiration to write a few more stories in the lavender and woods series. As I totally enjoyed the series so far.
April 8, 2024
Yet another brilliant story of the crime busting duo. The whole series has been fantastic.
I love Karen's thorough research through the archives. The language, the events both truth and fiction. From start to finish it had me hooked and it didn't disappoint. The characters come to life, as well as the streets of London.
I love Karen's thorough research through the archives. The language, the events both truth and fiction. From start to finish it had me hooked and it didn't disappoint. The characters come to life, as well as the streets of London.
May 28, 2024
This is one of the series where I just can't wait until the next book comes out. I love all the characters and the mysteries, not to mention what the policemen of the time went through to catch criminals, nor the daily life of the richer and poorer. Wonderful descriptions and atmosphere - and an addictive series.
November 19, 2024
A truly GOOD story. Well~written and funny, also Eddie and Dan have grown up so fast. Good to know that they are maturing into normal yet responsible young men. As to their father and their Uncle Stephen, both their careers are taking new turns and pioneering concepts into relevant actions in accordance to the needs of their Profession. An adventure that never disappoints, as always.
January 3, 2025
brilliant story i loved these books
every story has a great story plot and well rounded characters. i love the way the author describes each scene it makes the story come to life. There is a lot of good research in each book which intrigue me I hope there is another story but i noted how a lot of loose ends were completed.
every story has a great story plot and well rounded characters. i love the way the author describes each scene it makes the story come to life. There is a lot of good research in each book which intrigue me I hope there is another story but i noted how a lot of loose ends were completed.
March 11, 2024
4.5 *
I have been waiting a little impatiently for this new book. This episode was read in one sitting. I enjoy how the story line seems to flow. The historical notes at the end of the book are always interesting.
I have been waiting a little impatiently for this new book. This episode was read in one sitting. I enjoy how the story line seems to flow. The historical notes at the end of the book are always interesting.
March 18, 2024
A trifle farsical
There were times when I thought this was getting silly, but then Karen Charlton pulled it back. Towards the end it became a much more recognisable Detective Lavender book.
There were times when I thought this was getting silly, but then Karen Charlton pulled it back. Towards the end it became a much more recognisable Detective Lavender book.
March 22, 2024
Another great mystery! I absolutely love this mystery series. Karen does a great job of building the mystery and bringing its conclusion to a fitting end while also staying as true to the historical time as she can. Well done!
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