Murder, Rats, and danger run rampant on Rotten Row with a rat-catcher called the Pied Piper terrorizing the town!A woman is found dead in an alley of the bad part of town called Rotten Row. She's thought to have been bludgeoned to death, but as Lady Vivienne Harlowe and Sheriff Zachariah Fitch investigate the crime, it is soon realized that she was poisoned.
Lurking in the shadows of this filthy, disgusting part of town is the murderer, watching their every move. Because of a severe rat infestation on Rotten Row, a rat-catcher has been hired and the townsfolk refer to him as none other than the Pied Piper. With a young lad to assist him, the Pied Piper, a black cat with multi-colored eyes, and two rat-hunting ferrets have managed to terrorize just about everyone, especially the children.
With Lady Vivienne's bloodhound, Grunt, trying to sniff out the murderer's trail, the search is on to find the killer before he strikes again. But with no definite suspects, motives, or clues, the sleuths find it challenging to move forward with the investigation. Then the unthinkable happens one night on Rotten Row, and Vivienne and Zachariah need to take the investigation to a new height when the children of the town end up in grave danger. Every minute that passes by without answers could be the difference between life and death.
A thrilling romp through medieval times, the Harlowe & Fitch Historical Murder Mysteries can be enjoyed by fans of murder mysteries through the ages, such as the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries and Miss Scarlett and the Duke.
Elizabeth Rose is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. While based on romance, her novels have complex plots, action and suspense. She loves writing bad boy tortured heroes and empowered feisty heroines.
Her books have won rave reviews, and been seen on The History Channel as well as Wild Chicago. Elizabeth's books have won and been finalists in many contests. Here is a partial list:
Highland Spirit - Highland Chronicles WINNER of the Raven Award. Bedeviled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER Creme de la Cover Contest Beguiled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER - Creme de la Cover Contest
RONE Award finalists include: Doubting Thomas - Bad Boys of Sweetwater Highland Steel - Highland Chronicles Tristan - Pirate Lords Igniting Andrew - Bad Boys of Sweetwater Highland Secrets - Secrets of the Heart Seductive Secrets - Secrets of the Heart Forgotten Secrets - all Secrets of the Heart Summer's Reign - Seasons of Fortitude
Kindle Book Review Awards finalist and semi-finalist: Highland Secrets Forgotten Secrets
International Digital Award finalist: Highland Spring - Seasons of Fortitude
Golden Palm Finalist: Mary, Mary - Once Upon a Rhyme
Raven Awards Best Cover finalist: May Queen - Holiday Knights
Raven Awards Runner-Up: Lady and the Wolf - Tangled Tales
Books and Benches Reviewer's Choice: Restless Sea Lord - Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Sapphire Award Finalist: Kyros' Secret - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice: Thief of Olympus - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Seen on the History Channel: The Oracle of Delphi - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
And More!
Elizabeth is known for her many series which include:
Below the Salt Series Highland Outcasts Portals of Destiny Legacy of the Blade Daughters of the Dagger Elemental Magick Series Bad Boys of Sweetwater: Tarnished Saints Series Greek Myth Fantasy Series MadMan MacKeefe Series Legendary Bastards of the Crown Seasons of Fortitude Secrets of the Heart Second in Command Pirate Lords Highland Chronicles Barons of the Cinque Ports Tangled Tales Once Upon a Rhyme Holiday Knights Dark Encounters Cowboys of the Old West Working Man Series, and more!
Someday Elizabeth hopes to visit the castles of Scotland and England personally. However, she has been to the jungles of Peru and Machu Picchu which inspired her novels, Curse of the Condor and Bistro Bachelor.
At times I think ideas and mores of today were imposed on this story. In the first book it made sense for Vivienne to be so involved as the crime took place at her home. In this one it’s a bit of a stretch. It could work but there’s times when it’s like she’s the sherif and Zachariah is her assistant and that just doesn’t fly with the setting. I mega it’s 1300’s not 2000’s. Also I think we can dial back the graphic details a bit but that might just be my personal preference. I think the world building is done exceptionally well. The dialogue and narrative done in a mix of modern and time appropriate phrasing. I do like the idea of a lady detective in the Middle Ages and being a noble she has more freedom than most women but it’s a fine line between helping and taking over. I’m interested to know if the hints about Vivienne’s parentage will be explored as a couple of references were made. I’m also loving the ending where she got back a piece of the life she lost seven years ago. All in all a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review: Elizabeth Rose's "Murder on Rotten Row" is the second book in the Harlowe & Fitch Historical Mystery series. I had the opportunity to listen to the expertly narrated audiobook by Kevin E. Green. From the moment I pressed play, I was transported to 1300s England and, eventually, more specifically to the dark and mysterious alleys of Rotten Row, a part of town that lives up to its name with its repulsive atmosphere and nefarious happenings. The story kicks off with the discovery of a woman's body, initially suspected to have been bludgeoned to death, only for Lady Vivienne Harlowe and Sheriff Zachariah Fitch to uncover a more sinister cause. The vivid descriptions of the setting made me feel as though I was walking through the filthy streets alongside the Vivienne, feeling the grime and the tension that lurked in every shadow. The characters in this historical mystery are a delightful mix of complexity and charm. Lady Vivienne is a protagonist with whom I could easily empathize; her personal journey is intertwined with the mystery at hand. Her past, marked by the kidnapping of her son, adds depth to her character, making her relatable and compelling. Sheriff Fitch complements her perfectly, and their evolving relationship, filled with unspoken romantic tension that neither recognizes in the other, adds an extra layer of intrigue. The supporting characters, from Vivienne’s uncle to the enigmatic Rat Catcher, known as the Pied Piper, are equally captivating, each bringing their unique flair to the narrative. I found myself particularly charmed by the young Martin, whose innocence and courage were heartwarming. I can still picture him with his wooden sword. The plot is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue. Elizabeth Rose crafts a mystery that is as challenging as it is engaging. With each twist and turn, I was kept on the edge of my seat, constantly guessing and second-guessing the identity of the murderer. The inclusion of red herrings was particularly strategically clever, adding layers of complexity that made the resolution all the more satisfying. The pacing is impeccable, building tension at just the right moments and allowing for brief respites that let me catch my breath before plunging back into the action. The themes explored in "Murder on Rotten Row" resonate with historical authenticity, yet they are presented in a way that is accessible and engaging. The depiction of social issues and power dynamics of the era, alongside vivid descriptions of fashion and cuisine, enrich the narrative, making the 1300s feel both exotic and relatable.
The subplot of Vivienne's quest for personal justice adds a poignant emotional depth, as she seeks closure for the tragedies that have shaped her life. The emotional impact of the story is profound. Elizabeth Rose's ability to evoke empathy and understanding for her characters is remarkable. I felt Vivienne's struggles and triumphs as if they were my own, and moments of fear and tension were palpable, keeping me riveted and emotionally invested. The conclusion is both satisfying and thought-provoking, tying up subplots while leaving the door open for future adventures in the series - ones I will undoubtedly not be missing out on. Kevin E. Green's narration of the audiobook is outstanding and truly enhances the series. His skills are essential, and it would be great if he continues to be part of the series, as his voice is one I could listen to daily. He speaks clearly and understandably, with perfect pronunciation and articulation, allowing me to fully dive into the story without distractions. Kevin Green's pacing and tone match the story's mood perfectly, making the storytelling smooth and coherent. His ability to express emotions with his voice is impressive, adjusting intensity to fit the narrative and allowing me to deeply engage with the story. Kevin Green's timing and delivery build suspense, using pauses effectively to stir emotions and keep me hooked. The unique character voices and accents add depth and authenticity, enhancing the narrative. Overall, this audiobook is a pleasure to listen to, leaving a lasting impression and captivating me from beginning to end. In summary, "Murder on Rotten Row" is a thrilling historical mystery that combines a gripping plot with rich character development and an authentic sense of time and place. Elizabeth Rose weaves a tale that is not only a mystery to be solved but a story to be felt deeply. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with historical flair. It's a story that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
“Murder on Rotten Row” is the captivating second installment in the Harlowe & Fitch Historical Murder Mysteries. Once again, Lady Vivienne Harlowe and Sheriff Zachariah Fitch are drawn into a chilling investigation, unraveling the threads of a murder that took place on Rotten Row, a notorious and dangerous part of town.
Lady Vivienne and Sheriff Fitch make an unlikely yet compelling pair. Childhood friends, they now find themselves navigating not only the complexities of murder investigations but also the growing tension of their unspoken feelings for each other. Lady Vivienne’s headstrong nature often clashes with Zachariah’s measured approach, adding both charm and friction to their dynamic. I deeply admire Vivienne’s relentless pursuit of justice for her family—her parents, brother, and son—whose murders continue to haunt her.
The town itself becomes a character in this story, overrun by rats and shadowed by the eerie presence of a despicable rat-catcher ominously referred to as the Pied Piper. With the aid of a mysterious young boy, a black cat with multi-colored eyes, and two formidable rat-hunting ferrets, he casts an unsettling pall over the frightened townspeople.
This novel has everything one desires in a medieval murder mystery: richly developed characters, an atmospheric setting, and a plot brimming with intrigue and suspense. The narrative is masterfully woven with unexpected twists that keep readers on edge. Just when you believe you’ve pieced the puzzle together, Rose’s skillful storytelling unveils surprises that make this book an irresistible page-turner.
What I particularly enjoyed is how this story delves deeper into the backgrounds of both Zachariah and Lady Vivienne, revealing secrets that add layers to their characters. As one mystery is solved, a joyous revelation emerges for Lady Vivienne, only to be followed by another chilling case involving the Sheriff’s sister. The stakes continue to rise, and I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for Harlowe and Fitch.
I wholeheartedly recommend this series to fans of historical and medieval mysteries. The intricacies of the plot, the unexpected twists, and the dynamic characters, especially the spirited Lady Vivienne and the steadfast Zachariah, make for a thoroughly engaging read. Surprises abound, ensuring you’ll be turning the pages late into the night. Rose’s masterful storytelling make this series a standout in the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series needs to be read in order, as each book has clues to the past events and happening. The interaction between the sheriff, Zachariah and Lady Vivienne grows with each book. They were childhood friends, who both lost their mates. Vivienne lost both her parents and her brother and newborn baby son to highway men seven years age. Zachariah wife died a year ago leaving him with a young daughter to raise on his own. Zachariah who had just started his new job never could find who attacked and killed Vivienne’s family. He has never forgot or stopped trying to solve the crime. Vivienne shows up late at night at Zachariah home to visit his daughter Starch, she has the page from the castle, Martin with her. A series of events with the dog, Grunt and a black cat named Midnight by Starch. Vivenne & Zachariah found a dead woman in the worse part of town called rotten row. Trying to catch her dog, Grunt. It’s where evil is around every corner, bars, loose women and dirty thin children try to survive. Not the place a noble lady should ever be. The rats have taken over the town and the mayor hired a rat catcher who everyone fears. He is a Hugh man with a skinny lad, Wymond helping him with the cat and two ferrets. He is called the Pied piper by the children. As Vivenne and Zachariah search for clues and try to solve who killed the mayor's wife many secrets will come out. This is a very fast paced story and once you start reading you will not be able to put it down. There are lots of characters who add to the story. The mayor’s daughter, Malerie, Grunt the dog, midnight the cat, Wymond to mention a few. Secrets from Vivenne past and her mother’s dying secret also come up. We get a look into the Sheriff’s past when his sister, Magdalena a nun from the Abby at malt by le march shows up needing his help. There has been a body found in a wall at the Abby! Oh, my. Are couple is on the hunt for a killer again. I can’t wait for the next book. Sounds so good. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my somewhat long, honest opinion and am freely giving it. Grab a copy and get started you will not be sorry.
Set during the 14th Century, Lady Vivienne teams up with her childhood friend, Sheriff Zechariah Fitch, to solve mysteries. Driven by a need to find answers to a traumatic event that left her parents dead and her brother and newborn son missing, Vivienne goes where few dare to tread, despite the Sheriff's discomfort. Chasing after her dog, Grunt, Vivienne & Zechariah discover a dead woman behind the tavern, being eaten by rats, in the worst section of town. Suspicion falls on the terrifying rat-catcher known as the Pied Piper, but without proof, the Sheriff's hands are tied. The further the investigation goes, the more dangerous things become. Another dead body and missing children complicate the case. Can Vivienne find the answers before it's too late?
The Medieval time period is not one that I'm overly familiar with, so my perception of this story may be off. While well written, with descriptive world building, and an interesting premise, I had a hard time seeing Lady Vivienne as a noble woman of that time. At times it felt that her actions were more suited to modern mores, and Zechariah allowed more leeway for her interference than I would expect. Her traumatic backstory make her drive to help others understandable, and the author explains that the overarching mystery of the attack will play out throughout the series. This is my first read by author Elizabeth Rose, and as the second in a series I was missing out on some information. I really enjoyed the character of Nairnie and her backstory is certainly intriguing. I've added the previous series she's featured in to my TBR list, but I'm not sure I'll continue with this one.
Murder ! Mysteries ! Surprises ! Keep You In Suspense ! Murder On Rotten Row : Harlow & Fitch Historical Mystery Book 2 ; Elizabeth Rose Continues In This Series With Another Spellbound Mystery To Solve ! Who Murdered The Mayors Wife ? Just As Intense , Many Clues To Be Solved , Along With Questions FromThe Past That Have Arisen ! So Much Going One It Will Keep Your Head Spinning ! A New Character Added ! The Nanny ! A Quirky Woman With A Past History, Fun Stories , And A Great Attitude That Will Have You Smiling 😊 ! Lady Vivienne Harlow was A Noble Woman The Lived At Mablethorpe Castle. She was Not Your Typical Lady By Any Means ! Always Marching To Her Own Tune ! Her Past Haunting Her ! She Would Stop At Nothing To Get Answers ! Sheriff Zachariah Fitch was A Widower with A Daughter named Starah . He Took His Job Seriously as well As His Responsibilities For His Daughter ! Lady Vivienne and Zachariah Team Up Again To Solve Another Murder ! This Time The Mayors Wife ! It Could Be Anybody ? There Are so Many People and Clues It Will Keep You Guessing ! There Is Much Danger since It Takes Place in Rotten Row ! The Worse Place In London ! The Rat-catcher / Pied Piper Is The Main Suspect ! Not The Nicest of Men ! There Are Many Twists And Turns To Through You Off ! No One Feels Safe ! Danger Hangs ! A Kidnapping Takes Place ! Oh ! A Twist Of All Of All Twists ! To Shock And Delight You ! Amazingly Entertaining ! Emotionally Touching ! Suspenseful ! One You Will LOVE ❤️ ! Can’t Wait For The Next Mystery To Solve. !.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have another nonstop adventure with Lady Vivienne who at times seems more interesting in being right the righting the wrongs! We also have references to some of the authors previous books! It seems when Lady Viviene true parentage is revealed she will have relatives from previous stories!? We have Nairnie the new live in Nanny and cook for Sheriff Zachariah who may have knowledge in her previous life that will help Lady Viviene! She is a great cook and loves little Starah she also looked after other characters in previous books it’s like a mini reunion! When the Mayors wife is brutally murdered in Rotten Row! Sheriff Fitch does not want Lady Viviene near the place! She goes anyone and has nightmares for days about her families murders! Things take another turn when the rat catcher is suspected and makes threats against the mayor! The mayor blows him off and there is another murder! This time the children are kidnapped as well! This goes absolutely left until Lady Viviene makes a life altering discovery! There are times when Zachariah does not believe her but he comes to her aid anyway! Viviene puts her foot in her mouth several times and Zechariah still allows her to assist him! Can these two catch a killer who has killed twice? Put aside their differences to rescue the children and solve one of the seven year mysteries? Bravo well done 4.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Vivienne and Sheriff Fitch work together to solve another murder. The victim of this one is found behind a tavern on Rotten Row, which is exactly what its name implies. It’s the bad side of town. In their investigation, they meet the Pied Piper, the rather ominous rat catcher. His demeanor and the evidence seem to point to the rat catcher, but why would he kill the mayor’s wife? Does someone else have a reason to do away with her? This is a well-done entertaining mystery that keeps you guessing about the murderer and the motive. Vivienne and Fitch have been friends since childhood. They work together well, even though they annoy each other frequently. The children, Martin and Starah, are smart, curious, and absolutely adorable. Grunt, Vivienne’s loyal bloodhound is loveable and helps with the investigation (doing what bloodhounds do, sniff around). A surprise visitor, and temporary nanny for Starah, is the wonderful and mysterious Nairnie. An excellent story, complex and engaging characters, and some interesting surprises make this one hard to put down. I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
A Medieval Murder Mystery Lady Vivienne and Sheriff Zachariah stumble upon a dead body—marking their second murder investigation together. The victim was poisoned, but by whom? Suspicion falls on the eerie rat-catcher known as the Pied Piper. Hired to rid the town of a growing rat infestation, he uses poison freely and has unsettled the townsfolk with his strange ways and unsettling presence. As the trail leads through the grimy alleys of Rotten Row and danger creeps closer to the town’s children, Vivienne and Zachariah must uncover the truth before someone else gets hurt. Packed with mystery, suspense, adventure, and a hint of romance, this medieval whodunit kept me turning the pages. I recommend it to readers who enjoy historical mysteries with just the right touch of charm and intrigue.
This is the second book of a series and should be read in order to understand some of the events and characters. I didn’t like Harlowe as much in this story as the previous one. I felt she was a little too much of a risk taker. I haven’t understood why she is considered a lady or of nobility when her father was a soldier and her uncle by marriage has the title. Fitch is a solid character with a strong sense to protect. The dog continues to help solve mysteries. This time there are a few more animals to help things along. Definitely have some villains to boo. There are a few cliffhangers but the main mystery is solved plus a loose end from Harlowe’s past is taken care of.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Elizabeth Roses Murder on Rotten Row is an absolute delight for anyone who loves a gripping medieval murder mystery. From start to finish, the plot is wonderfully crafted, weaving intrigue and suspense seamlessly through every page. The storyline is not only engaging but packed with unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end.
The characters are vividly drawn, each with distinct personalities that add depth and richness to the narrative. Their development throughout the book made them feel authentic and relatable, enhancing the emotional stakes of the mystery.
What truly sets this novel apart are the delightful surprises sprinkled throughout the plot. Just when you think you've figured it out, Rose masterfully unveils another layer that leaves you eager to read more.
I highly recommend Murder on Rotten Row to fans of historical mysteries. It’s a thrilling journey filled with excellent storytelling, compelling characters, and enough surprises to keep you hooked from cover to cover.
This was another enjoyable entry in the series, once again adding warmth and charm. The mystery itself was engaging, full of the twists you’d hope for in a cozy read.
That said, Vivienne is quite the force of nature—charging ahead with her own instincts and leaving little room for anyone else, especially the poor sheriff, who often felt sidelined. Depending on your taste, that can be either entertaining or a bit overbearing. For me, it didn’t take away from the fun of the story overall, and it was still worth the listen.
Book two of Vivianne and Fitch is great! Murder on Rotten Row has everything you could want in a mystery. Layer upon layer of twists and turns keeps the reader on their toes in this story. The author has an exceptional talent of plying the reader with just enough information to keep them guessing while adding in the chemistry, push/pull of Vivianne and Fitch. Add in a pied Piper and child at risk until you can't put it down.
This was another entertaining read in this series. Lady Vivienne continues to act as she wants not as is expected from her. She has a close connection with Sheriff Fitch, although they continue to annoy each other as well. Vivienne hasn’t given up looking for the men who murdered her parents and for her lost baby son and her younger brother. There is a murder or two to uncover and this takes them into the rougher area of the town near the castle. There they meet an unsavoury character, who is the rat catcher. In this story who should pop up, but Nairnie, a loved character with mysterious ways. I enjoy having previously known characters make an appearance. The reader also gets to learn a little more about Fitch’s siblings and I look forward to learning more in the next book. It wasn’t easy to guess the person responsible, which is always a bonus. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Elizabeth Rose is a new author for me and was pleasantly surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed the book as well as the turns it took that kept me interested. I would definitely check out other books from this author.
I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my review voluntarily.
Lady Vivienne is headstrong and set on doing what she feels is right. Sheriff Zachariah welcomes her assistance in his murder cases but has a hard time doing things the way he feels they should. Childhood friends, there is a spark growing between them that surfaces now and again. Their lives are becoming more entwined the more they investigate and rely on each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! This is book two in the series and takes us a little deeper into the lives of Sheriff Fitch and Lady Vivienne. The story wraps up one mystery, introduces another murder and leaves hanging Lady Vivienne's ongoing backstory. I look forward to book three.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A nice exciting mystery that resolves one of Lady Viviennes' family issues. V and Z make a good team. They have a rapport that's been built over many years of friendship. The mystery was intriguing with lots of danger and suspense that you can expect from this series.
I am new to this series, but the blurb sounded interesting, so why not. It was a quick read with an interesting cast, but I don't think this is for me. It didn't leave me wanting more. The story is well written with good twists & turns. Sometimes you just don't vibe with a story. If the blurb sounds interesting to you, I say go for it. Don't let my review dissuade you.
Murder on Rotten Row, A Harlowe & Fitch Historical Mystery, Book 2, By Elizabeth Rose, This is A gripping follow-up to Murder at Mablethorpe Castle, this 14th-century mystery shifts to the grimy streets of Lincolnshire with strong characters and fast pacing. A great contrast to book one’s grandeur. Kevin E. Green’s narration is once again outstanding.
Absolutely awesome, did not want to put it down. The attraction between Vivienne and Sheriff Zachariah continues to flourish as they investigate the creepy rat catcher named the Pied Piper. A great mystery and investigation, a nice surprise, and some nail biting moments take place.
an interesting medieval mystery, rats, murder and mayhem, lots of twists and turns, complex interesting characters making this fast paced unpredictable story a real page turner and a must read!
Fitch and Harlowe are at their best in this one. They find a dead woman in rotten row. As they investigate lots of secrets come out. strong characters good story.