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The Samuel Pepys Mysteries #3
The Coffee House Murders
“A brilliant mix of history and fiction – I loved every minute” – What You Tolkien About
Who would kill for a bowl of coffee in Pepys’s London?
September 1666. Samuel Pepys’s prized pocket watch is stolen in Rose’s Coffee House on The Strand. Hours later, Eustace Blount, notorious wit and agitator, is found dead there.
Amid tobacco smoke and the aroma of the roasted bean, Pepys’s inquisitors, Abigail Harcourt and Jacob Standish, find themselves caught between Royalist MPs and republican firebrands. With the King’s favour at stake, every loose tongue is a potential motive, every smile a possible lie.
The hunt for the killer will lead far beyond the coffee-house chatter...
Into Westminster’s guarded halls, where discovery means certain death.
The Coffee House Murders continues the Samuel Pepys Mysteries, a historical mystery series steeped in period detail and brimming with fiendish whodunits. Click Read Now or Buy Now and step into Pepys’s London – once you do, you won’t want to leave.
Who would kill for a bowl of coffee in Pepys’s London?
September 1666. Samuel Pepys’s prized pocket watch is stolen in Rose’s Coffee House on The Strand. Hours later, Eustace Blount, notorious wit and agitator, is found dead there.
Amid tobacco smoke and the aroma of the roasted bean, Pepys’s inquisitors, Abigail Harcourt and Jacob Standish, find themselves caught between Royalist MPs and republican firebrands. With the King’s favour at stake, every loose tongue is a potential motive, every smile a possible lie.
The hunt for the killer will lead far beyond the coffee-house chatter...
Into Westminster’s guarded halls, where discovery means certain death.
The Coffee House Murders continues the Samuel Pepys Mysteries, a historical mystery series steeped in period detail and brimming with fiendish whodunits. Click Read Now or Buy Now and step into Pepys’s London – once you do, you won’t want to leave.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2024
About the author
Ellis Blackwood
11 books24 followersEllis Blackwood fell in love with the writings of Samuel Pepys, and the 17th-century England he inhabited, through the great man's published diaries. The Samuel Pepys Mysteries are the result of that literary love affair.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 24, 2024
(3.75 stars)
The Coffee House Murders will plunge you into life in London in September 1666, immediately following the great fire which destroyed much of the city. It was also a time following the Black Death and a few years into the Restoration (of the monarchy after the Oliver Cromwell years), and quite a few years after the failed Gunpowder Plot. All this to say that if you’re not familiar with English history, you’ll need to look up some information to best enjoy this story. Otherwise, the background of the royalists versus the parliamentarians/republicans will leave you a bit baffled.
That being said, it was an enjoyable read. We don’t see very much of the famous Samuel Pepys (you may recall reading or reading about his diary); we spend most of our time with two of his young employees, Jacob and Abby, who he refers to as his “inquisitors.” We would think of them as private investigators. I had no trouble reading this as my first foray into the series (other than the aforementioned lack of detailed historical knowledge). Abby has been promoted from his housemaid, apparently. She is very smart - smarter than Jacob, in my opinion - but is at a disadvantage being female. In fact, when she walks into a coffee shop with Jacob, she is at first yelled at and told to get out.
The story starts with what seems like an easy task: to find Mr. Pepys’ lost pocket watch, which he is sure he left at a coffee shop run by a woman (so Abby has no trouble entering that establishment). Or was it stolen? Things get way more complicated and involve the royalists against the parliamentarians.
The main story is interspersed with information about a nephew of the famous Guy Fawkes. The relevance of these side trips becomes clear later on in the story.
Recommended for those who enjoy historical mysteries.
Thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Vintage Mystery Press for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Coffee House Murders will plunge you into life in London in September 1666, immediately following the great fire which destroyed much of the city. It was also a time following the Black Death and a few years into the Restoration (of the monarchy after the Oliver Cromwell years), and quite a few years after the failed Gunpowder Plot. All this to say that if you’re not familiar with English history, you’ll need to look up some information to best enjoy this story. Otherwise, the background of the royalists versus the parliamentarians/republicans will leave you a bit baffled.
That being said, it was an enjoyable read. We don’t see very much of the famous Samuel Pepys (you may recall reading or reading about his diary); we spend most of our time with two of his young employees, Jacob and Abby, who he refers to as his “inquisitors.” We would think of them as private investigators. I had no trouble reading this as my first foray into the series (other than the aforementioned lack of detailed historical knowledge). Abby has been promoted from his housemaid, apparently. She is very smart - smarter than Jacob, in my opinion - but is at a disadvantage being female. In fact, when she walks into a coffee shop with Jacob, she is at first yelled at and told to get out.
The story starts with what seems like an easy task: to find Mr. Pepys’ lost pocket watch, which he is sure he left at a coffee shop run by a woman (so Abby has no trouble entering that establishment). Or was it stolen? Things get way more complicated and involve the royalists against the parliamentarians.
The main story is interspersed with information about a nephew of the famous Guy Fawkes. The relevance of these side trips becomes clear later on in the story.
Recommended for those who enjoy historical mysteries.
Thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Vintage Mystery Press for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 12, 2024
Definitely enjoy the combination of historical background and mystery plot in The Samuel Pepys Mysteries, and The Coffee House Murders is no exception. Jacob Standish and Abigail Harcourt make a great team, as Jacob continues to grow a bit more of a backbone, and Abby realizes that her lower-class background shouldn't keep her from speaking up when necessary (they are both getting more comfortable in their roles).
Characterization is one of author Ellis Blackwood's strong points, and there are plenty of interesting characters in this story. I wonder if we'll see more of the elusive Mr. Quigley in future books; he'd make an interesting addition to the team.
Characterization is one of author Ellis Blackwood's strong points, and there are plenty of interesting characters in this story. I wonder if we'll see more of the elusive Mr. Quigley in future books; he'd make an interesting addition to the team.
Read
January 7, 2026My paper and step all for lose a knot about mystry
all went to that coffy bot
and clock
many death was near
to trap door i write
to oppsit hestory i lesstin
at that age i run to mystry coffee house
i wii may thowgh drink that vew
run around and tink by one dive
we will reamin at search until solve the dark
with clear our enime we will win
go to know mean of history of death
solved even we wake to down
we want head of murder
the top of mountin still want more care
at the end we solved and break knot
and make the pain went by
all went to that coffy bot
and clock
many death was near
to trap door i write
to oppsit hestory i lesstin
at that age i run to mystry coffee house
i wii may thowgh drink that vew
run around and tink by one dive
we will reamin at search until solve the dark
with clear our enime we will win
go to know mean of history of death
solved even we wake to down
we want head of murder
the top of mountin still want more care
at the end we solved and break knot
and make the pain went by
November 29, 2024
This is the third book in The Samuel Pepys Mystery series and having read the first 2 books over the last few weeks, and loving them, I couldn't wait to dive into this new mystery.
I have to say that I'm loving the historical aspect of these mysteries as well as the cases themselves.
I've never been a huge history fan, but I'm really loving learning all about this period, as I'm reading about these mysteries.
The information is never boring or bogs me down making the story slow - these are brilliantly woven into the books doing atmosphere and perspective to already great storylines.
In this case, what started off as a simple missing watch - turned into a life and death situation for Abby and Jacob, Pepys' inquisitors.
Following the coffee house murders, they're dragged into a dangerous political plot.
It was great to see how the pair have developed over the course of the 3 books and the working dynamic is coming along nicely.
We do meet a few new characters here too - some of whom I hope we do see again in future books.
This was an intriguing plot and one I was immersed in from the start.
I find these pretty quick reads and have raced through them all so far.
I'm really looking forward to seeing more from this series and look forward to the next exciting case.
I have to say that I'm loving the historical aspect of these mysteries as well as the cases themselves.
I've never been a huge history fan, but I'm really loving learning all about this period, as I'm reading about these mysteries.
The information is never boring or bogs me down making the story slow - these are brilliantly woven into the books doing atmosphere and perspective to already great storylines.
In this case, what started off as a simple missing watch - turned into a life and death situation for Abby and Jacob, Pepys' inquisitors.
Following the coffee house murders, they're dragged into a dangerous political plot.
It was great to see how the pair have developed over the course of the 3 books and the working dynamic is coming along nicely.
We do meet a few new characters here too - some of whom I hope we do see again in future books.
This was an intriguing plot and one I was immersed in from the start.
I find these pretty quick reads and have raced through them all so far.
I'm really looking forward to seeing more from this series and look forward to the next exciting case.
November 29, 2024
The Samuel Pepys Mystery series is one of my favourite series and I'm always excited to go on another adventure through history with Jacob and Abigail.
Pepys and our two 'inquisitors' are such likeable characters and it's always great to catch up and tag along with them on a new adventure.
It's funny because I absolutely hated history lessons at school, but now I can't get enough and find it fascinating. So to be able to relive some of our pivotal moments in time through Blackwood's mysteries is so much fun.
It's a great series and each book is always eagerly anticipated. The stories are captivating and so enjoyable.
Definitely a series to recommend.
Pepys and our two 'inquisitors' are such likeable characters and it's always great to catch up and tag along with them on a new adventure.
It's funny because I absolutely hated history lessons at school, but now I can't get enough and find it fascinating. So to be able to relive some of our pivotal moments in time through Blackwood's mysteries is so much fun.
It's a great series and each book is always eagerly anticipated. The stories are captivating and so enjoyable.
Definitely a series to recommend.
November 25, 2024
This is the third in the Samuel Pepys Mysteries and the third I’ve read and I have to say they keep getting better. There’s a brilliant mix of history and fictionalisation that let’s Blackwood create a wonderfully cosy crime novel.
I loved every minute again. The writing is brilliant, Abby and Jacob are once again fantastic and the mystery keeps you guessing till the end. If you love a cosy history mystery this series is definitely going to be one to enjoy.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
I loved every minute again. The writing is brilliant, Abby and Jacob are once again fantastic and the mystery keeps you guessing till the end. If you love a cosy history mystery this series is definitely going to be one to enjoy.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
November 25, 2024
Having loved the other books in this series I couldn’t wait to dive into this one and it was very much worth the wait to read it. It felt like rejoining old friends when joining Abby and Jacob for their next mystery. This one really stepped it up and the tension really came through! Another excellently written instalment which really brings the era to life on the page. Very much recommend this and the last two in the series too.
November 29, 2024
Here is my review for The Coffee House Murders by Ellis Blackwood
I loved this story from the beginning and got into it straight away right from the start. Whilst awaiting their next case, it would appear that Samuel Pepys has lost his silver pocket watch in Rose’s Coffee House on The Strand. He got conned by a man. He sends his inquisitors after it but it soon escalates to murder when Eustace Blount is found dead in Rose’s coffee house one morning. The pair find a secret back room by the privy that contains a printing press as well. Suspicious handbills have been printed and distributed from there. Rose knows about it. Jacob and Abby move their investigation to the Gilded Bean coffee house which is next door and a bit more upmarket. It is frequented by royalist members of Parliament and at first Abby is made to feel very unwelcome. Then they take a vote and the vote says she can stay! They meet Culpepper and Davenport who support the King but things are not all that they seem. This is Abby and Jacob’s hardest case yet and they are up against it.
Blurb :
In London, 1666, drinking coffee can get you killed…
The case of Samuel Pepys’s missing pocket watch escalates rapidly when Eustace Blount, writer and wit, is found murdered in Rose’s Coffee House on The Strand.
Blount was a prig, a poseur and a parliamentarian – nobody liked him, not even his friends – and Pepys’s intrepid personal inquisitors, Abby Harcourt and Jacob Standish, find themselves with a suspect list as unwieldy as it is perplexing.
When their investigation leads to the nearby Gilded Bean coffee house, frequented by fervently royalist members of parliament, it becomes clear that a dangerous political game is afoot. Abby and Jacob face their most audacious challenge yet:
To break into Westminster Palace, at the very heart of English politics. The penalty, if discovered – is death.
The Samuel Pepys Mysteries bring 17th century England vividly to life, in the company of the celebrated diarist himself, and his personal inquisitors, Abby and Jacob. If you love a murder mystery wrapped in history, this series is for you.
I loved this story from the beginning and got into it straight away right from the start. Whilst awaiting their next case, it would appear that Samuel Pepys has lost his silver pocket watch in Rose’s Coffee House on The Strand. He got conned by a man. He sends his inquisitors after it but it soon escalates to murder when Eustace Blount is found dead in Rose’s coffee house one morning. The pair find a secret back room by the privy that contains a printing press as well. Suspicious handbills have been printed and distributed from there. Rose knows about it. Jacob and Abby move their investigation to the Gilded Bean coffee house which is next door and a bit more upmarket. It is frequented by royalist members of Parliament and at first Abby is made to feel very unwelcome. Then they take a vote and the vote says she can stay! They meet Culpepper and Davenport who support the King but things are not all that they seem. This is Abby and Jacob’s hardest case yet and they are up against it.
Blurb :
In London, 1666, drinking coffee can get you killed…
The case of Samuel Pepys’s missing pocket watch escalates rapidly when Eustace Blount, writer and wit, is found murdered in Rose’s Coffee House on The Strand.
Blount was a prig, a poseur and a parliamentarian – nobody liked him, not even his friends – and Pepys’s intrepid personal inquisitors, Abby Harcourt and Jacob Standish, find themselves with a suspect list as unwieldy as it is perplexing.
When their investigation leads to the nearby Gilded Bean coffee house, frequented by fervently royalist members of parliament, it becomes clear that a dangerous political game is afoot. Abby and Jacob face their most audacious challenge yet:
To break into Westminster Palace, at the very heart of English politics. The penalty, if discovered – is death.
The Samuel Pepys Mysteries bring 17th century England vividly to life, in the company of the celebrated diarist himself, and his personal inquisitors, Abby and Jacob. If you love a murder mystery wrapped in history, this series is for you.
November 13, 2024
Not My Cup of Coffee
While I found the story hard to follow, it was due to the fact that this was the third book in a series but the first I have read. That is not to say I didn’t enjoyed the story. I also enjoyed the spies, the mystery surrounding the pocket watch and the assorted secondary characters. The two main characters appeared to be bumbling gumshoes, especially Jacob. I found that they didn’t have any dimension. I never could grasp who the main characters were working for and why. In truth, I am not familiar with 17th century English history so that may play a part in my confusion.
The storyline follows Abby and Jacob, two sleuhthounds who are in London after the fire of 1660. The two are in the employ of a high ranking official, who has misplaced a sentimental pocket watch and he a requested their help in finding it. The trail of clues lead them to a coffee house which is owned by a mysterious woman named Rosie. The coffee house is frequented by Wits and parliamentarians or those who opposed the king. The simple task of recovering the pocket watch leads to finding a secret room, a trap door that won’t open and a murder. This clues in this murder lead them to the Gilded Bean a coffee house which is favored by the more prestigious and loyal members of Parliament. After they find a second body, who is in possession of the pocket watch, they find themselves unwittingly a part of something bigger. They eventually find themselves breaking into Westminster, where the parliamentary offices are located. If the two are caught breaking in, it will surely lead to their death and if they don’t, the consequences are unfathomable. Can these two triumph over the evil that lurks in London or do they perish?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While I found the story hard to follow, it was due to the fact that this was the third book in a series but the first I have read. That is not to say I didn’t enjoyed the story. I also enjoyed the spies, the mystery surrounding the pocket watch and the assorted secondary characters. The two main characters appeared to be bumbling gumshoes, especially Jacob. I found that they didn’t have any dimension. I never could grasp who the main characters were working for and why. In truth, I am not familiar with 17th century English history so that may play a part in my confusion.
The storyline follows Abby and Jacob, two sleuhthounds who are in London after the fire of 1660. The two are in the employ of a high ranking official, who has misplaced a sentimental pocket watch and he a requested their help in finding it. The trail of clues lead them to a coffee house which is owned by a mysterious woman named Rosie. The coffee house is frequented by Wits and parliamentarians or those who opposed the king. The simple task of recovering the pocket watch leads to finding a secret room, a trap door that won’t open and a murder. This clues in this murder lead them to the Gilded Bean a coffee house which is favored by the more prestigious and loyal members of Parliament. After they find a second body, who is in possession of the pocket watch, they find themselves unwittingly a part of something bigger. They eventually find themselves breaking into Westminster, where the parliamentary offices are located. If the two are caught breaking in, it will surely lead to their death and if they don’t, the consequences are unfathomable. Can these two triumph over the evil that lurks in London or do they perish?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2024
In The Coffee House Murders, masterful storyteller Ellis Blackwood, sets Abigail Harcourt and Jacob Standish on another captivating adventure bringing the post-Great Fire 1660’s London to life.
This third installment of the Samuel Pepys Mysteries finds the famed diarist, the Clerk of the Acts to the Navy Board and adviser to King Charles II, for whom the series is named, charging his young inquisitors with another mission – to find his missing pocket watch.
The seemingly innocuous task soon takes a dangerous turn when the pair put their sleuthing abilities to work upon discovering the murder of a wit and parliamentarian, which they had met in Rose’s Coffee House on the Strand, the very coffee house the two had frequented the previous night.
After the investigation leads to an adjacent royalist-clientele coffee house, the Gilded Bean, it becomes clear treachery is afoot. In order to protect the crown and Pepys, who has no idea of his inquisitors activities, they must break into Westminster. If caught, the consequences are deadly. If they do not break in, the consequences are the same, save for who will die.
I love the way Abby and Jacob’s confidence and skills continue to grow and though not yet romantic, how they’ve come to rely on each other.
In this third installment in as many months, Blackwood continues to impress with his ingenious plotting, characterization, and richly detailed setting, painting another brilliant whodunit. I highly recommend The Coffee House Murders to fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries and British mysteries.
I received an advance reader’s copy of The Coffee House Murders, courtesy of the author and Vintage Mystery Press.
This third installment of the Samuel Pepys Mysteries finds the famed diarist, the Clerk of the Acts to the Navy Board and adviser to King Charles II, for whom the series is named, charging his young inquisitors with another mission – to find his missing pocket watch.
The seemingly innocuous task soon takes a dangerous turn when the pair put their sleuthing abilities to work upon discovering the murder of a wit and parliamentarian, which they had met in Rose’s Coffee House on the Strand, the very coffee house the two had frequented the previous night.
After the investigation leads to an adjacent royalist-clientele coffee house, the Gilded Bean, it becomes clear treachery is afoot. In order to protect the crown and Pepys, who has no idea of his inquisitors activities, they must break into Westminster. If caught, the consequences are deadly. If they do not break in, the consequences are the same, save for who will die.
I love the way Abby and Jacob’s confidence and skills continue to grow and though not yet romantic, how they’ve come to rely on each other.
In this third installment in as many months, Blackwood continues to impress with his ingenious plotting, characterization, and richly detailed setting, painting another brilliant whodunit. I highly recommend The Coffee House Murders to fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries and British mysteries.
I received an advance reader’s copy of The Coffee House Murders, courtesy of the author and Vintage Mystery Press.
December 9, 2024
The Coffee House Murders is the third book in the Samuel Pepys Mystery series by Ellis Blackwood. Although part of a series, it could easily be read as a stand-alone mystery novel. The author does a nice job setting the stage right from the start, and I had no trouble jumping into the series despite not having read the first and second books (yet).
The book hooks you immediately with a solid opening that introduces you to the three main characters (diarist Samuel Pepys and his inquisitors, Abby and Jacob) and gives you a feel for the 1666 London setting.
The mystery begins with a lost pocket watch and quickly escalates into something bigger. The inquisitors end up in the midst of a dangerous political game while trying to solve a puzzling mystery.
There is a lot to like about The Coffee House Murders. The writing is superb. It is very engaging and accessible. The mystery is engrossing, the characters are the kind of people you want to spend time with, and the historical details are quite fascinating. The history is interwoven into the story in a pleasing way, making the facts informative and entertaining.
I really enjoyed reading The Coffee House Murders and highly recommend it to people who like historical and traditional mysteries. I am looking forward to reading the first two books in the series and any others that come out in the future. This is definitely a series (and a writer) to stick with.
The book hooks you immediately with a solid opening that introduces you to the three main characters (diarist Samuel Pepys and his inquisitors, Abby and Jacob) and gives you a feel for the 1666 London setting.
The mystery begins with a lost pocket watch and quickly escalates into something bigger. The inquisitors end up in the midst of a dangerous political game while trying to solve a puzzling mystery.
There is a lot to like about The Coffee House Murders. The writing is superb. It is very engaging and accessible. The mystery is engrossing, the characters are the kind of people you want to spend time with, and the historical details are quite fascinating. The history is interwoven into the story in a pleasing way, making the facts informative and entertaining.
I really enjoyed reading The Coffee House Murders and highly recommend it to people who like historical and traditional mysteries. I am looking forward to reading the first two books in the series and any others that come out in the future. This is definitely a series (and a writer) to stick with.
September 4, 2025
I can't say enough about this series! I absolutely love this historical mystery series it is so funny and Abigail Harcourt is clearly the powerhouse. This is an EXCELLENT series!
In this 3rd book Abigail Harcourt and Jacob Standish are tasked by their boss Samuel Pepys to find his pocket watch that he thinks he may have lost in a local coffeehouse (it was stolen). The two inquisitors set off, reluctantly on Abby's part, to a local coffeehouse to find the pocket watch. They find the pocket watch and then loose it again and in the process stumble upon a murder. The two find themselves investigating the murder of the wit Eustace Blount even though they have not been asked to do so by Mr. Pepys. While Abby and Jacob are investigating they realize there is something much darker happening in London.
I love how the mystery is connected to the English Civil War regarding royalist vs. parliamentarians and Guy Fawkes (if you know you know). Plus is wonderful to see Abby steadily growing in confidence in her new role as an inquisitor and struggling to adjust to not being a maid in Samuel Pepys household anymore. Jacob is still bumbling and a bit of a lovable oaf but with Abby's sharp mind and Jacob's amazing observation skills they compliment each other but can the inquisitors find the killer and stop a sinister plot that will bring about the downfall of the English monarch?
In this 3rd book Abigail Harcourt and Jacob Standish are tasked by their boss Samuel Pepys to find his pocket watch that he thinks he may have lost in a local coffeehouse (it was stolen). The two inquisitors set off, reluctantly on Abby's part, to a local coffeehouse to find the pocket watch. They find the pocket watch and then loose it again and in the process stumble upon a murder. The two find themselves investigating the murder of the wit Eustace Blount even though they have not been asked to do so by Mr. Pepys. While Abby and Jacob are investigating they realize there is something much darker happening in London.
I love how the mystery is connected to the English Civil War regarding royalist vs. parliamentarians and Guy Fawkes (if you know you know). Plus is wonderful to see Abby steadily growing in confidence in her new role as an inquisitor and struggling to adjust to not being a maid in Samuel Pepys household anymore. Jacob is still bumbling and a bit of a lovable oaf but with Abby's sharp mind and Jacob's amazing observation skills they compliment each other but can the inquisitors find the killer and stop a sinister plot that will bring about the downfall of the English monarch?
November 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this read, historical fiction is one of my favourite genres to read especially historical mysteries and so this sounded like it would be right up my street and I wasn't disappointed.
It is set in 17th century London just after the Great Fire of London and I am ashamed to say that this isn't a period of history that i know a great deal about or one of my favourite periods of history but it definitely sparked my interest and made me want to know more.
It is well written with a compelling and mysterious story line which has obviously been very well researched without ever feeling I was being overloaded with information. The characters were well developed and I really liked them especially Abby and Jacob.
There is a good amount of mystery in the book too and that definitely doesn't get lost in the history with a good amount of suspense and the atmosphere really made this book.
I would definitely recommend especially if like me you love historical mysteries
It is set in 17th century London just after the Great Fire of London and I am ashamed to say that this isn't a period of history that i know a great deal about or one of my favourite periods of history but it definitely sparked my interest and made me want to know more.
It is well written with a compelling and mysterious story line which has obviously been very well researched without ever feeling I was being overloaded with information. The characters were well developed and I really liked them especially Abby and Jacob.
There is a good amount of mystery in the book too and that definitely doesn't get lost in the history with a good amount of suspense and the atmosphere really made this book.
I would definitely recommend especially if like me you love historical mysteries
November 27, 2024
I love this series which only gets better with each book.
What seems like an easy mission set by Samuel Pepys, his inquisitors, Abby Harcourt and Jacob Standish are tasked with finding his missing pocket watch, leading them to the coffee houses of the Gilded Bean and Rose’s. But when a murder is uncovered they find themselves embroiled in dark secrets and treachery. As ever, Abby and Jacob are a brilliant pairing with their own personal skills complimenting each other. I loved finding out more about Jacob’s past life and how Abby is slowly coming to terms with her promotion from housemaid. There are plenty of suspects to choose from, action, drama and some wonderful comedy moments.
The Coffee House Murders is another wonderful story from Ellis, showcasing her love of the era and I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what she has in store for our intrepid inquisitors.
What seems like an easy mission set by Samuel Pepys, his inquisitors, Abby Harcourt and Jacob Standish are tasked with finding his missing pocket watch, leading them to the coffee houses of the Gilded Bean and Rose’s. But when a murder is uncovered they find themselves embroiled in dark secrets and treachery. As ever, Abby and Jacob are a brilliant pairing with their own personal skills complimenting each other. I loved finding out more about Jacob’s past life and how Abby is slowly coming to terms with her promotion from housemaid. There are plenty of suspects to choose from, action, drama and some wonderful comedy moments.
The Coffee House Murders is another wonderful story from Ellis, showcasing her love of the era and I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what she has in store for our intrepid inquisitors.
October 15, 2024
It`s delightful to follow Jacob Standish and Abigail Harcourt, personal inquisitors to Samuel Pepys, Clerk of the Acts of the Naval Board, growing in confidence, in their astonishingly meteoric rise in solving murderous crimes in the third suspensful novel of the Samuel Pepys mystery series. This time, innocuously, their employer`s watch has gone missing, leading the pair to Rose`s Coffee House in Westminster, where soon not only the coffee is heating up, but tempers and resentments, as well, in light of the prize offered in the King`s Art Challenge. Murder is afoot – who will be left standing? Pick up Ellis Blackwood`s latest to find out . You won`t be sorry.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving a review voluntarily.
November 15, 2024
This is a Samuel Pepys mystery, and I've read one of these before. I really enjoyed reading about these characters again; Abby and Jacob, as well as Samuel himself. These characters are fun to read about, and I enjoy how the author brings them to life. Once again, this was also really interesting to read in a historical context. I'll be looking out for the next in the series.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2024
Blackwood continues to impress. Book three of The Samuel Pepys Mysteries series is just as good as books one and two if not even better. I recommend The Coffee House Murders to fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries, murder mysteries and/or British mysteries. I hope Blackwood doesn't run out of steam anytime soon.
February 18, 2025
Excellent Read with a Cup of Coffee!
This did not disappoint on historical facts and introduced me to the nature of the Coffee Houses from which many a newspaper and pamphlet was born. Good intricate plotting that did keep you guessing and a bit of daring do thrown in
Enjoyed it immensely .
This did not disappoint on historical facts and introduced me to the nature of the Coffee Houses from which many a newspaper and pamphlet was born. Good intricate plotting that did keep you guessing and a bit of daring do thrown in
Enjoyed it immensely .
July 21, 2025
I was pleased to see the next book in the series was finally available at my library. Unfortunately, the series is starting to grate on my nerves. The woman "inquisitor" is smart and sassy in private but meek and spineless among "her betters" when she has clearly proved her worth. The man character is opposite, bluster and credit-taking in public but a useless wet rag in private.
The way the stories are integrated into historical London is still interesting, but I need a break before the next one.
The way the stories are integrated into historical London is still interesting, but I need a break before the next one.
November 16, 2024
It all started with a missing watch and ended up with a lot more than the inquisitors bargained for!
Excellent backdrop of 17th century coffee houses with a sprinkling of new colourful characters; I do like Quigley! and a good solid mystery to boot. Well recommended!
Excellent backdrop of 17th century coffee houses with a sprinkling of new colourful characters; I do like Quigley! and a good solid mystery to boot. Well recommended!
November 17, 2024
Loved every detail of this book! I recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2024
I love The Samuel Pepys Mysteries. These are the best books to cozy up with! I am not a fan of rereading books but I could reread these with no hesitation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2024
Another well written historical mystery in the series. I liked the setting of the book, the characters and how gripping the mystery is.
Looking forward to next in the series.
Looking forward to next in the series.
August 27, 2025
Book 3 in this series. Set in London soon after the great fire, Abigail and Jacob start investigating the loss of Mr Pepys watch in a local coffee shop and soon find themselves embroiled in murder.
November 5, 2025
Another brilliant story, clever who done it with a little history thrown in. On a par with Miss Marple, found it hard to put down.
December 28, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It was a well written book. It is the first book I read from this author. I hope to read more books from this author.
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