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Tommy & Evelyn Christie #9
Murder at Docere House: A 1920s cozy mystery
A 1920s cozy mystery
Beneath the refined surface of Docere House lies a tale of espionage, betrayal, and murder
When the body of science master Ralph Gower is discovered, it’s clear that there’s much more to the esteemed private school than just academic excellence. Tommy and Evelyn Christie find themselves on a treacherous journey to uncover the truth.
The intrepid sleuths are no strangers to mysteries, but this case is unlike any they’ve encountered. Ralph Gower’s death is originally thought to be an accident, but a cryptic message and a series of strange occurrences suggest something far more sinister. As they dig deeper, they uncover a tangled web of deceit that reaches back to the war—a time when loyalty was tested, and betrayals were fatal.
The Christies unravel a series of coded clues that lead them to a hidden passage, wartime espionage, and a scandal that will forever tarnish the legacy of Docere House. But as they close in on the truth, they realise that someone will stop at nothing to protect the secrets buried within the school’s walls.
Evelyn and Tommy must confront not only the shadows of the past but also their own family’s ties to the school. As the danger intensifies, can they unmask the culprit before Docere House’s dark history claims another victim?
Perfect for readers of Lynn Morrison, Benedict Brown, and Kelly Mason.
Beneath the refined surface of Docere House lies a tale of espionage, betrayal, and murder
When the body of science master Ralph Gower is discovered, it’s clear that there’s much more to the esteemed private school than just academic excellence. Tommy and Evelyn Christie find themselves on a treacherous journey to uncover the truth.
The intrepid sleuths are no strangers to mysteries, but this case is unlike any they’ve encountered. Ralph Gower’s death is originally thought to be an accident, but a cryptic message and a series of strange occurrences suggest something far more sinister. As they dig deeper, they uncover a tangled web of deceit that reaches back to the war—a time when loyalty was tested, and betrayals were fatal.
The Christies unravel a series of coded clues that lead them to a hidden passage, wartime espionage, and a scandal that will forever tarnish the legacy of Docere House. But as they close in on the truth, they realise that someone will stop at nothing to protect the secrets buried within the school’s walls.
Evelyn and Tommy must confront not only the shadows of the past but also their own family’s ties to the school. As the danger intensifies, can they unmask the culprit before Docere House’s dark history claims another victim?
Perfect for readers of Lynn Morrison, Benedict Brown, and Kelly Mason.
254 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2024
153 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Coles
38 books302 followersThe daughter of a military father, Catherine was born in Germany and lived most of the first 14 years of her life abroad. She spent her school years devouring everything her school library had to offer!
Her favourites were romance and mysteries. Her love for the Nancy Drew books led Catherine to check out every mystery story she could find. She soon found Agatha Christie who quickly became Catherine's favourite author.
Catherine writes cosy mysteries that take place in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie mysteries are set in 1920s North Yorkshire. Her new series, the Martha Miller cosy mysteries, are set in the years following the Second World War in Berkshire.
Catherine lives in northeast England with her two spoiled dogs who have no idea they are not human!
You can connect with Catherine on her website - www.catherinecoles.com
Her favourites were romance and mysteries. Her love for the Nancy Drew books led Catherine to check out every mystery story she could find. She soon found Agatha Christie who quickly became Catherine's favourite author.
Catherine writes cosy mysteries that take place in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie mysteries are set in 1920s North Yorkshire. Her new series, the Martha Miller cosy mysteries, are set in the years following the Second World War in Berkshire.
Catherine lives in northeast England with her two spoiled dogs who have no idea they are not human!
You can connect with Catherine on her website - www.catherinecoles.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 5, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2024
The Evelyn and Tommy mysteries are a joy to read and this one is the best to date! I have so enjoyed the series as it progresses and now we find our hero couple are new parents. As they travel to a school they plan for their daughter to attend once she reaches school age, they encounter everything from cute kittens in a barn to the murder of one of Tommy’s fellow soldiers and so much more. The plot has a number of twists and turns and kept me engaged until the very end. Plus as always, there was the indomitable Aunt Em to lend a little sass to the mix which is always appreciated. The tie in to the first book and the totally unforeseen outcome made for a delightful read. While it can be read as a standalone book, I was glad I had read the series as it made the follow up storyline even more engaging. I look forward to seeing more in the series!
The Evelyn and Tommy mysteries are a joy to read and this one is the best to date! I have so enjoyed the series as it progresses and now we find our hero couple are new parents. As they travel to a school they plan for their daughter to attend once she reaches school age, they encounter everything from cute kittens in a barn to the murder of one of Tommy’s fellow soldiers and so much more. The plot has a number of twists and turns and kept me engaged until the very end. Plus as always, there was the indomitable Aunt Em to lend a little sass to the mix which is always appreciated. The tie in to the first book and the totally unforeseen outcome made for a delightful read. While it can be read as a standalone book, I was glad I had read the series as it made the follow up storyline even more engaging. I look forward to seeing more in the series!
September 8, 2024
Murder at Docere House: A 1920s Cozy Mystery
Author Catherine Coles has delivered another delightful cozy mystery set in 1920's England! The cast of characters is lead by Tommy and Evelyn Christie who are members of the English nobility and who aleady have a reputation as successful detectives. The story is set at Dorcere House, an elite private school that Tommy attended and the school that Tommy and Evelyn want their daughter to attend. They go to the school to get their child's name on the list and Tommy also plans to visit an old friend from his days in the military who now teaches science at Dorcere House. Upon arrival they are informed that the friend has been taken ill, and sadly when Tommy arrives at his friends bedside it's obvious the man has died. They refuse to believe the death was natural and the detective work begins.
Figuring out how and why the murder was carried out, and then finally by who, was a challenge to their sleuthing skills, but clues left by the victim and tidbits of information gleaned from others at the school enabled them to uncover deep secrets, one of which had also been uncovered by the victim.
If you enjoy reading Agatha Christie I would recommend this book (and others by Catherine Coles).
Author Catherine Coles has delivered another delightful cozy mystery set in 1920's England! The cast of characters is lead by Tommy and Evelyn Christie who are members of the English nobility and who aleady have a reputation as successful detectives. The story is set at Dorcere House, an elite private school that Tommy attended and the school that Tommy and Evelyn want their daughter to attend. They go to the school to get their child's name on the list and Tommy also plans to visit an old friend from his days in the military who now teaches science at Dorcere House. Upon arrival they are informed that the friend has been taken ill, and sadly when Tommy arrives at his friends bedside it's obvious the man has died. They refuse to believe the death was natural and the detective work begins.
Figuring out how and why the murder was carried out, and then finally by who, was a challenge to their sleuthing skills, but clues left by the victim and tidbits of information gleaned from others at the school enabled them to uncover deep secrets, one of which had also been uncovered by the victim.
If you enjoy reading Agatha Christie I would recommend this book (and others by Catherine Coles).
September 18, 2024
Tommy and Evelyn are off to Docere House to enroll their daughter for school when she is old enough and meet Tommy’s friend Ralph Gower. However, when they arrive Ralph has taken ill. Tommy goes to his room, only to find him dead. Initially thinking his death an accident, they discover he was murdered. Now Tommy and Evelyn must uncover the truth, and save themselves, as somebody is out to keep secrets hidden at all costs. There is much more to the case than just a single murder, as Tommy and Evelyn investigate and uncover secret passages and connections going back to the war. Will they be the next victims or will they unravel the case and reveal who is behind it. Another fine mystery set in the 1920’s.
September 8, 2024
I love the Tommy and Evelyn mysteries. We finally see that they are settling in as new parents of a sweet baby girl. They decide they will travel to Docere House, a private school, to register their daughter for future attendance later on. They arrive there, only to discover a former Army friend of Tommy’s, who is a science master at the school, has been murdered. Ralph Gower has left clues to help them discover not only an underground spy network but also Ralph’s murderer. Appearances by Tommy’s lovely Aunt Em and his sisters keep the mystery full of unexpected surprises, keeping you enthralled until the very end.
September 9, 2024
I picked up this book after I read the first in the series but to my pleasant surprise, it didn't feel that I had missed anything, maybe because the school and Julia were also part of the first book.
The book is a well written, fast paced mystery, and I didn't want to keep the book down for a second. I liked how the characters are sensible and understand each other so well.
I particularly liked how well rounded the mystery was and that it was not dragged on unnecessarily.
Looking forward to the next in series.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is a well written, fast paced mystery, and I didn't want to keep the book down for a second. I liked how the characters are sensible and understand each other so well.
I particularly liked how well rounded the mystery was and that it was not dragged on unnecessarily.
Looking forward to the next in series.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 19, 2024
I think this is Catherine's best book so far in this series. I tried to read slowly as I was supposed to be reading with a friend and failed spectacularly. Tommy and Evelyn has visited Tommy's old school to register their newborn daughter and to visit Tommy's old army friend who is now a master there. There is murder and intrigue, code breaking and espionage. I had a lot of fun trying to break the code before it was revealed - it wasn't hard tbh and that's why this is only 4.5 stars instead of 5. Characters wondering what the code could possible mean, when it was so obvious. On the other hand, there were so many people with a motive, I did not figure it out until almost the end.
September 7, 2024
As the story begins, we get a glimpse into Evelyn as a new mother. Very protective of her daughter and not interested in registering her at Dorcere House. They head there to see Tommy’s friend from the war. The mystery appears when Ralph dies before they arrive. I love the clues Catherine Coles sprinkles throughout the book. This time I actually figured out the who, but certainly not the why or the background behind it. Lady Em and Evelyn’s sisters-in-law become involved and help solve the riddle. I look forward to Tommy and Evelyn’s next adventure.
September 16, 2024
Tommy and Evelyn have a new baby daughter and they want to go check out the Docere house to see if it will be a good fit for their daughter later on. Tommy’s old friend Ralph had just died before they arrive to see him. So unfortunately they are on an investigation to that leads them to all kinds of trouble. This is the ninth book in this series and they just keep getting better and better. She writes to where you just keep wanting more. Hard to put down.
I received this ARC from author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received this ARC from author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 19, 2024
I have loved this Tommy & Evelyn series, and think THIS is the best book yet! Aunt Em continues to put in her two pence, and now young Grace shows us that she has some sleuthing smarts of her own. I love the setting of an English private school, and the theme of patriotism that is woven through this murder mystery. The coded clues were intriguing (perfect leads from the victim’s service as a code breaker in WWI), and I liked the element of Biblical faith in this case. As always, Coles leaves us with a satisfying epilogue and a yen for her next book.
September 4, 2024
Great story. I love how Catherine keeps coming up with ideas for her murder mysteries. And she has such knowledge of how life was in the 1920s. Of course Tommy and Evelyn are on top of things when a friend of Tommy's dies. And Tommy is sure it was not of natural causes. And the search is on for the killer and the why.
Twists and turns all throughout the story with a very suprise ending. Can't wait for the next book.
Twists and turns all throughout the story with a very suprise ending. Can't wait for the next book.
September 4, 2024
Excellent!
A trip to ensure their young daughter's future education at Docere House and visit an old Army friend of Tommy's embroils Tommy and Evelyn in a murder case. The list of suspects grows longer as clues are revealed and danger mounts.
Catherine Coles had knocked it out of the park with this latest book in the series. The way she weaves the trail of clues through the story kept me mesmerized. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
A trip to ensure their young daughter's future education at Docere House and visit an old Army friend of Tommy's embroils Tommy and Evelyn in a murder case. The list of suspects grows longer as clues are revealed and danger mounts.
Catherine Coles had knocked it out of the park with this latest book in the series. The way she weaves the trail of clues through the story kept me mesmerized. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
September 6, 2024
1923 North Yorkshire. An old army friend of Christie's Ralph Gower is a teacher at Docere House but on visiting the school he is discovered dead. Christie is convinced that Gower was murdered, and on finding a clue he and Evelyn investigate as they follow the clues that Gower left. But what will they discover.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2024
Tommy and Evelyn arrive at Docere House to enrole their daughter at the esteemed private school. While there Tommyis excited to meet up with one of the teachers who he served with in the armed forces. But to their horror they find he's fallen ill and were too late and he passed away. It all unfolds and suspicions arrises by a cryptic message suggesting that all is not as it seems!
Just couldn't put it down, loved it
P,s, Aunt Em... you slay! ❤️
Just couldn't put it down, loved it
P,s, Aunt Em... you slay! ❤️
September 18, 2024
the Christie family is afoot once again
I finished the book in two days! Although it is set in the 1920’s, I love the women of the Christie family and how intuitive they are.
The plot returns to the Docere House that we learned about in the first Tommy and Evelyn book. It ties together key story lines of England, World War 1, and secrets. I highly recommend this book.
If you haven’t read the series, I urge you to read the books in order!
I finished the book in two days! Although it is set in the 1920’s, I love the women of the Christie family and how intuitive they are.
The plot returns to the Docere House that we learned about in the first Tommy and Evelyn book. It ties together key story lines of England, World War 1, and secrets. I highly recommend this book.
If you haven’t read the series, I urge you to read the books in order!
September 28, 2024
It was meant to be a visit to check out Docere House for their young daughter Isabella but somehow things were not quite what they seemed. Another exciting mystery for the Christies, who sort of vowed that since they are now parents, they will no longer get involved in them! But the universe has other plans.
Clever plot, lots of clues that just left me guessing all the more!, enjoyable read as always
Clever plot, lots of clues that just left me guessing all the more!, enjoyable read as always
September 18, 2024
Murder at Docere House is the ninth book in the Tommy & Evelyn Christie Mystery series and is a great addition to this series.
I really enjoyed this historical cozy mystery. The characters are interesting and the story has drama, deceit, and murder. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I really enjoyed this historical cozy mystery. The characters are interesting and the story has drama, deceit, and murder. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 20, 2024
They just keep on getting better. Murder at Docere House has to be the best in the series. Another great thing about this series is that each book stands along altho I would advise starting with book #1. Tommy and Evelyn not only make a great couple, they’re also excellent detectives. Kudos to a fabulous author.
October 9, 2024
Love this series and really enjoyed this book. Great characters and story line.
I’ve given only 4 stars because of the errors. It really needs to be proofread properly to pick up unwanted extra words and errors. The most glaring error was when Tommy questioned whether somebody knew about the secret tunnel in the library - but Tommy wasn’t told about it till later!
I’ve given only 4 stars because of the errors. It really needs to be proofread properly to pick up unwanted extra words and errors. The most glaring error was when Tommy questioned whether somebody knew about the secret tunnel in the library - but Tommy wasn’t told about it till later!
January 20, 2025
Spies and murder get wrapped up in a messy outcome.
Evelyn and Tommy go to Docere House to register babe Isabelle for private school. An army buddy of Tommy works there as a science teacher. Before Tommy gets to see him, Ralph is murdered. Tommy and Evelyn immediately know he was murdered and help the police sort out the clues. The best book yet in this series.
Evelyn and Tommy go to Docere House to register babe Isabelle for private school. An army buddy of Tommy works there as a science teacher. Before Tommy gets to see him, Ralph is murdered. Tommy and Evelyn immediately know he was murdered and help the police sort out the clues. The best book yet in this series.
September 6, 2024
I love it when an author twists the story line so much that it is hard to figure out who did what. I also love a very researched plot line and especially since it was a great read. So I really enjoyed this book!!
December 26, 2024
Scavenger hunt
If you like being in on the hunt while reading a mystery, this is for you. Arm yourself with a King James Version Bible and race along with the characters. Good luck.
If you like being in on the hunt while reading a mystery, this is for you. Arm yourself with a King James Version Bible and race along with the characters. Good luck.
June 4, 2025
Wow
Another cracking good read the characters are really well written and the description of the places are wonderful I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
Another cracking good read the characters are really well written and the description of the places are wonderful I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
September 9, 2024
I love this series and I think this was my favorite one yet. The characters are so well developed and the story kept my guessing almost to the very end.
September 16, 2024
What a suspenseful story. Tommy and Evelyn have to solve a case that has a lot of mystery surrounding it. Why was the crime committed. Well written as always.
September 29, 2024
Yet another brilliant mystery for Tommy and Evelyn Christie to solve! I thought I had this one worked out, but the twists and turns proved me wrong!
October 20, 2024
Another brilliant read.
I really
enjoy these books. I love how they work together and apart to get the clues and then piece it all back together again.
I really
enjoy these books. I love how they work together and apart to get the clues and then piece it all back together again.
January 7, 2025
Tommy and Evelyn do again!
This time, with a little help from their family. I really enjoy this series. Great characters, good storylines, and wonderful writing.
This time, with a little help from their family. I really enjoy this series. Great characters, good storylines, and wonderful writing.
March 29, 2025
Simply the best!
Full of intrigue and a great cast of the family we have come to love this is one of the best in the series.
Full of intrigue and a great cast of the family we have come to love this is one of the best in the series.
July 14, 2025
Tommy seemed way too emotional this time. Not really like himself and not pleasant to read.
September 17, 2024
Evelyn and Tommy were going to the school to enroll their daughter in the exclusive private school. While the Tommy wants to catch up with an Army buddy Master Ralph Grower, the headmistress tells him his friend is ill. Tommy insist on seeing him only to find he is too late. Accidental or murder, the clues point to the latter. Tommy and Evelyn decide to call the police and assist with the investigation. A mystery will unravel and keep you turning the pages.
Each book in the series enhances the characters and makes them come to life.
I received an ARC with the understanding I would leave an honest review.
Each book in the series enhances the characters and makes them come to life.
I received an ARC with the understanding I would leave an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews