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Kathryn Ardleigh #7
Death at Epsom Downs
Lord Charles Sheridan has launched an investigation into a jockey's recent (and mysterious) death-while his wife, Kate, puzzles over the long-ago theft of an actress's jewels. But soon the Sheridans can't help wondering if the two strange events are, somehow, connected.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
About the author
Robin Paige
26 books192 followersRobin Paige is the pen-name of husband and wife team Bill and Susan Wittig Albert.
The Robin Paige Victorian/Edwardian mystery series was written by Bill and Susan Albert from 1994-2006. There are a dozen books in the series (now completed), beginning in the mid 1890s and continuing through 1903.
The series, beginning with Death at Bishop's Keep, features two amateur sleuths: Kate Ardleigh Sheridan and Sir Charles Sheridan, later Lord Sheridan , Baron of Somersworth. Kate is an Irish-American woman who writes under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell.
She comes to England and inherits a small fortune and the estate of Bishops Keep, located in East Anglia, near the village of Dedham, Essex. Sir Charles is a landed peer and amateur scientist with a special interest in new forensic techniques, such as fingerprinting, ballistics, toxicology, and photography.
In each of the 12 books in the series, Kate and Charles meet notable figures of their time as they set about solving the relevant mystery.
The Robin Paige Victorian/Edwardian mystery series was written by Bill and Susan Albert from 1994-2006. There are a dozen books in the series (now completed), beginning in the mid 1890s and continuing through 1903.
The series, beginning with Death at Bishop's Keep, features two amateur sleuths: Kate Ardleigh Sheridan and Sir Charles Sheridan, later Lord Sheridan , Baron of Somersworth. Kate is an Irish-American woman who writes under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell.
She comes to England and inherits a small fortune and the estate of Bishops Keep, located in East Anglia, near the village of Dedham, Essex. Sir Charles is a landed peer and amateur scientist with a special interest in new forensic techniques, such as fingerprinting, ballistics, toxicology, and photography.
In each of the 12 books in the series, Kate and Charles meet notable figures of their time as they set about solving the relevant mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 28, 2019
When I began reading titles in this series I thoroughly enjoyed them but the last couple I have read, including this one, have not been quite as good. 'Death at Epsom Downs' is a yawn of a read, it is the sort of book that sends you to sleep and if not it encourages you to stop reading, put the book down and don't pick it up again.
The storyline is convoluted, the subsidiary characters are colourless and, perhaps only to be expected by the title, the racing element is centre stage. Of course any reader will expect an element of horse racing because of the title but it is all-embracing and thus gets rather boring. The only slightly interesting element of the book is the involvement of Lillie Langtry but exactly how much of her lifestyle is accurate is perhaps open to debate. But one could argue that it is not too important, for after all it is fiction.
The summing up of the plot of the novel is captured in a sentence by one of the main protagonists, Kate Sheridan, on page 297 (of 318) when she remarks, 'Charles, I am very confused.' As she is one of the main investigators of whatever it is that is going on, I wonder where that leaves the reader, once removed from the action? For me it was that I was left pondering!
A jockey dies in a race at Epsom, American doping is suspected as taking place to ensure riches for some and losses for others, the body of a bookmaker turns up in an alleyway, who committed the murder is a little unclear, and there is plenty of chat about it all but not too much action.
It was indeed a very disappointing read and I am left wondering why I persevered to the end, I feel sure I would have been better putting it down and moving on to something else … but, there we are!
The storyline is convoluted, the subsidiary characters are colourless and, perhaps only to be expected by the title, the racing element is centre stage. Of course any reader will expect an element of horse racing because of the title but it is all-embracing and thus gets rather boring. The only slightly interesting element of the book is the involvement of Lillie Langtry but exactly how much of her lifestyle is accurate is perhaps open to debate. But one could argue that it is not too important, for after all it is fiction.
The summing up of the plot of the novel is captured in a sentence by one of the main protagonists, Kate Sheridan, on page 297 (of 318) when she remarks, 'Charles, I am very confused.' As she is one of the main investigators of whatever it is that is going on, I wonder where that leaves the reader, once removed from the action? For me it was that I was left pondering!
A jockey dies in a race at Epsom, American doping is suspected as taking place to ensure riches for some and losses for others, the body of a bookmaker turns up in an alleyway, who committed the murder is a little unclear, and there is plenty of chat about it all but not too much action.
It was indeed a very disappointing read and I am left wondering why I persevered to the end, I feel sure I would have been better putting it down and moving on to something else … but, there we are!
April 16, 2014
I have never been interested in the glamour and behind-the-scenes intrigues of horseracing, and it turns out this lack of interest is not lessened when there is murder involved. I skipped every paragraph (and a few chapters) after page 50 that had the word horse or jockey or racing.
August 14, 2011
Really enjoying this series. Not intellectually taxing; not overly complicated; not especially deep, but still more thought provoking than most mysteries these days and enjoyable as you read through. I am still enjoying the mix of real life people of the late Victorian Era with the main characters of this book. In this case the character is Lilly Langtry, an actress and the former mistress of the heir to the throne, Edward, Queen Victoria's son.
Lilly doesn't come across as very sympathetic character in this book. I really don't know much about her, except she was the mistress of the heir to England's throne, but this did surprise and intrigue me a bit.
The book centers on racing and the deplorable and criminal influence (at least in view of the horses and the innocent jockeys) that the incoming Americans have on the sport - basically the doping of horses to win or lose races. I really have hard time reading about abuse of animals. Thank god it was not graphic in this book. It was effective enough (at least for me) to get the point across.
As always, the evolving science of forensics is a bit of a let down in a way (maybe because we are so used to this, now; at least if you watch any crime shows) but at the same, kind of exciting to be there as it gains importance and momentum.
I will continue with this series. I look forward to the next book.
Lilly doesn't come across as very sympathetic character in this book. I really don't know much about her, except she was the mistress of the heir to England's throne, but this did surprise and intrigue me a bit.
The book centers on racing and the deplorable and criminal influence (at least in view of the horses and the innocent jockeys) that the incoming Americans have on the sport - basically the doping of horses to win or lose races. I really have hard time reading about abuse of animals. Thank god it was not graphic in this book. It was effective enough (at least for me) to get the point across.
As always, the evolving science of forensics is a bit of a let down in a way (maybe because we are so used to this, now; at least if you watch any crime shows) but at the same, kind of exciting to be there as it gains importance and momentum.
I will continue with this series. I look forward to the next book.
June 14, 2012
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2019
Not very interesting. I was expecting much more from Susan Wittig Albert. The scholarship was good, but the mystery was lackluster.
September 9, 2020
2020 bk 298. I live 9 miles from Churchill Downs - where the other derby is run. While I'm not a big fan of racing, just growing up in the area has given me a knowledge of horses/trainers/racing/betting than the average reader. I found this mystery to be very accurate, and complete as to regards to the world of racing and the history of the English Derby. They are terrific researchers. While I really liked this one, there is a pause. I think the authors tried to do too much, had too many different plot threads, and then tied them up all too quickly. Still - it is so incredibly well researched that it stays among the top number of stars in my book.
June 3, 2017
Who killed the bookie? That's the least interesting secret revealed in this book. Learning about Lillie Langtry gave me more insight into the birth of celebrity culture, and Robin Paige does better than Dick Francis at making horse racing a topic worth reading about. I have to say, though, that having the Prince of Wales wave his hand and make embarrassing problems disappear is not sporting.
October 11, 2026
Once I realized this book was about horse racing and drugging the horses, I almost didn't keep reading it. I did want to catch up with Kate and Charles. I'm here for their relationship, their state of the art hobbies and interests, and name - dropping famous people that they run into.
Hopefully the next book will be better. Oh, it's about a prison?? Ah. Well, then.
Hopefully the next book will be better. Oh, it's about a prison?? Ah. Well, then.
January 4, 2022
Charles and Kathryn head for the races in the latest outing from this enjoyable series. Charles is asked by the Jockey club to investigate horse doping whilst his wife heads off to stay with the Prince of Wales favourite Lillie Langtry, in order to write a piece about her for a publication of the day. Murder and mystery soon ensue and Kathryn and Charles find themselves embroiled in a case involving the murder of a bookmaker who is linked both to the original case Charles was investigating and the fascinating Lillie Langtry.
This is a really enjoyable well written series set in the late 1800's
This is a really enjoyable well written series set in the late 1800's
November 7, 2021
Ok a bit slow
January 9, 2017
I liked this mystery and it kept my attention, but it wasn't anything super special. A great book to read on a wintery night curled up in bed, but not amazing literature.
Kathryn and Charles are solving mysteries again, this time at the Epsom horse races. A conspiracy to dope the horses has resulted in a bookie being murdered, and of course, Charles is called in to investigate with Kate making her own inquiries in the background.
As always, I love the perfect understanding and love between Charles and Kate. Those two are a delight to read about!
The mystery itself kept me interested, but there were too many supporting characters for me to really feel invested in them all.
I enjoyed reading this book, and of course, I will be reading the rest of the series!
Kathryn and Charles are solving mysteries again, this time at the Epsom horse races. A conspiracy to dope the horses has resulted in a bookie being murdered, and of course, Charles is called in to investigate with Kate making her own inquiries in the background.
As always, I love the perfect understanding and love between Charles and Kate. Those two are a delight to read about!
The mystery itself kept me interested, but there were too many supporting characters for me to really feel invested in them all.
I enjoyed reading this book, and of course, I will be reading the rest of the series!
November 18, 2017
Review - I really enjoyed this book, but not as much as Death at Whitechapel. I love how we saw Timothy again, and we saw Kate and Charles pursuing independent investigations, more like the first few books which was enjoyable to see. I look forward with great anticipation to reading the rest of the books in this series as I love both Kate and Charles as characters, and the mysteries are all thoroughly engaging.
Genre? - Historical / Crime / Mystery
Characters? - Kate Ardleigh Sheridan / Charles Sheridan / Timothy / Edward Prince of Wales
Setting? - Epsom (England)
Series? - Kathryn Ardleigh #7
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 18/20
Genre? - Historical / Crime / Mystery
Characters? - Kate Ardleigh Sheridan / Charles Sheridan / Timothy / Edward Prince of Wales
Setting? - Epsom (England)
Series? - Kathryn Ardleigh #7
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 18/20
September 26, 2017
Despite my usual liking for mysteries with historical English settings, little things about this book irritated me from the start. While the history of the major characters was well researched, other things, like the titles of the British aristocracy were not.
I'm prepared to try one more in the series, as the racing theme of this one was not really interesting to me either.
Another annoyance was the very small print in the paperback version, making it a nuisance for my usual bedtime reading. The overlong quotes in italics at the beginning of each chapter were even worse.
I'm prepared to try one more in the series, as the racing theme of this one was not really interesting to me either.
Another annoyance was the very small print in the paperback version, making it a nuisance for my usual bedtime reading. The overlong quotes in italics at the beginning of each chapter were even worse.
October 14, 2011
My first foray into this series of Victorian mysteries. The authors have woven historical figures into the mix, which enhances the interest for me. A good mystery, well-written, with interesting characters and a glimpse into 1895 English society. Wow, that Lillie Langtry was really something else!
May 10, 2024
I enjoy this series of English Victorian mysteries featuring Lady Kathryn Ardleigh Sheridan and her husband Lord Charles Sheridan. Each book features one or more historical figures and/or events that are seamlessly woven together with fictional characters and events. There are always plenty of descriptions of picturesque scenery, clothing, customs, people, etc. The theme of this particular book is horse racing, betting, and doping. The main historical figure is actress/mistress/horse owner Lillie Langtry - also a mention of Oscar Wilde and Sarah Bernhardt. There is usually an introduction to some new invention or method of detecting involved - this time it's the photo finish camera. And, as always, at the beginning of each chapter are short excerpts from letters, writings, books, newspapers, etc. that give the reader a clue to what the chapter will reveal plot-wise.
Since Derby Day at Epsom Downs was as much a national holiday as a race, Kate and Charles were there. Kate was there to gather ideas and material for her next writing project which she was writing under the pen name of Beryl Bardwell, and Charles had been invited by the Jockey Club stewards to set up a camera that would automatically photograph the finish of the race. Jennie Churchill introduces Kate to Mrs. Lillie Langtry who was once the mistress of the Prince of Wales but is now just a friend and sponsor. When Lillie finds out that Kate writes under the name of Beryl Bardwell, she excitedly tells Kate she would like to adapt her story of "The Duchess's Dilemma" into a stage play and, of course, she will play the main character of Diana Radcliffe, Duchess of Wallingford. Kate is not happy about that as she envisions endless trials and frustrations.
Near the finish of the race tragedy strikes at a corner and a horse named Gladiator jumped the rail and bolted into the crowd and his jockey was killed. Another horse broke a fetlock and had to be destroyed. There is talk of a lawsuit and that's the last thing the Jockey Club wants to happen. There is also talk about three Americans - trainer Jesse Clark, jockey Todhunter Sloan, and horse owner Enoch Wishard who is being financed by a Chicago hotel magnate - are introducing doping and some illegal betting practices into English horse racing. Since the Jockey Club doesn't want a public scandal, H.R.H., the Duke of Wales, asks Charles do some secret investigating so that these practices can be kept out of English stables. The story becomes somewhat convoluted at this point and it's hard to keep track of who is who.
Meanwhile, Kate gets an invitation to stay at Lillie Langtry's home Regal Lodge at Kentford, near Newmarket, so she can persuade Kate to let her do a stage adaptation of Kate's book. Lillie has agreed to be the subject of an article Kate has been asked to write for The Strand so Kate takes her maid Amelia along and asks her to help by doing some spying on what goes on by unobtrusively interviewing the staff. Kate needs some insights on what Lillie is really like. Charles asks his best friend Bradford Marsden to help him investigate at Granger House Stables; and they also team up with Jack Murray, Jockey Club investigator and a retired Scotland Yard policeman.
An honest bookmaker named Alfred Day A.K.A. Badger is found dead. He wanted to organize the bookies to not accept bets on horses from stables that dope them. A coalition of bookmakers might stop the practice of doping. The Jockey Club thinks there is a connection between the murder and the doping of horses. They want Charles to investigate further and take the police off the case. There are a plethora of suspects including Lillie Langtry. She owed Badger big money betting on horses. Charles asks for her gun but it's missing!
Subplots include:
- Kate has set up a school to teach women about agriculture and useful arts.
- Lillie's daughter Jeanne-Marie, whom Lillie has always called niece, finds out Lillie is really her mother and rejects her.
- Patrick, who disappeared in book six, is reunited with Kate and Charles. He ran away from school and is now apprenticing as a jockey.
This book is well researched, and I like how the characters develop and evolve. There are lots of minor characters to keep track of. It's best to read the series from the beginning. There are also author's notes in the back of the book giving more information on racing and Lillie Langtry. Highly recommended.
Since Derby Day at Epsom Downs was as much a national holiday as a race, Kate and Charles were there. Kate was there to gather ideas and material for her next writing project which she was writing under the pen name of Beryl Bardwell, and Charles had been invited by the Jockey Club stewards to set up a camera that would automatically photograph the finish of the race. Jennie Churchill introduces Kate to Mrs. Lillie Langtry who was once the mistress of the Prince of Wales but is now just a friend and sponsor. When Lillie finds out that Kate writes under the name of Beryl Bardwell, she excitedly tells Kate she would like to adapt her story of "The Duchess's Dilemma" into a stage play and, of course, she will play the main character of Diana Radcliffe, Duchess of Wallingford. Kate is not happy about that as she envisions endless trials and frustrations.
Near the finish of the race tragedy strikes at a corner and a horse named Gladiator jumped the rail and bolted into the crowd and his jockey was killed. Another horse broke a fetlock and had to be destroyed. There is talk of a lawsuit and that's the last thing the Jockey Club wants to happen. There is also talk about three Americans - trainer Jesse Clark, jockey Todhunter Sloan, and horse owner Enoch Wishard who is being financed by a Chicago hotel magnate - are introducing doping and some illegal betting practices into English horse racing. Since the Jockey Club doesn't want a public scandal, H.R.H., the Duke of Wales, asks Charles do some secret investigating so that these practices can be kept out of English stables. The story becomes somewhat convoluted at this point and it's hard to keep track of who is who.
Meanwhile, Kate gets an invitation to stay at Lillie Langtry's home Regal Lodge at Kentford, near Newmarket, so she can persuade Kate to let her do a stage adaptation of Kate's book. Lillie has agreed to be the subject of an article Kate has been asked to write for The Strand so Kate takes her maid Amelia along and asks her to help by doing some spying on what goes on by unobtrusively interviewing the staff. Kate needs some insights on what Lillie is really like. Charles asks his best friend Bradford Marsden to help him investigate at Granger House Stables; and they also team up with Jack Murray, Jockey Club investigator and a retired Scotland Yard policeman.
An honest bookmaker named Alfred Day A.K.A. Badger is found dead. He wanted to organize the bookies to not accept bets on horses from stables that dope them. A coalition of bookmakers might stop the practice of doping. The Jockey Club thinks there is a connection between the murder and the doping of horses. They want Charles to investigate further and take the police off the case. There are a plethora of suspects including Lillie Langtry. She owed Badger big money betting on horses. Charles asks for her gun but it's missing!
Subplots include:
- Kate has set up a school to teach women about agriculture and useful arts.
- Lillie's daughter Jeanne-Marie, whom Lillie has always called niece, finds out Lillie is really her mother and rejects her.
- Patrick, who disappeared in book six, is reunited with Kate and Charles. He ran away from school and is now apprenticing as a jockey.
This book is well researched, and I like how the characters develop and evolve. There are lots of minor characters to keep track of. It's best to read the series from the beginning. There are also author's notes in the back of the book giving more information on racing and Lillie Langtry. Highly recommended.
May 17, 2026
Newmarket, England, May 1899 ~
MMC Charles Sheridan (recent baronet, Sir Somersworth) is asked to investigate questionable practices at Newmarket racing stables involving the death of a jockey & suspected horse doping. As His Royal Highness’s stables and race horses also operate in the area, discretion is mandatory. Meanwhile, Sheridan’s author/writer wife, Irish American Kate Ardleigh Sheridan, will be residing in Newmarket as well. She has obtained permission to interview & write a Society article featuring celebrity actress (& occasional lover of HRH) Mrs Lillie Lantry. Kate and Sheridan’s independent questioning quickly expose unsavory secrets both high and low.
Comments ~
1) DEATH AT EPSOM DOWNS is bk7 in a 12 bk (currently) Victorian Mystery series by Robin Paige (a husband/wife writing team). DAED can be read as a standalone novel although certain supportive secondary characters develop over time & reappear in each book. I prefer beginning with bk1. I both read and listened to the audiobook nicely performed by Helen Johns.
2) I enjoy the MCs in this series. Sir Charles was born a second son with unique scientific interests and friendships already established before gaining the title by default when his older brother died. As the ‘second’ son, Charles has an understanding of how English society operates. Sheridan’s recent wife, Kate, is an independent Irish American woman who moved to England, shortly thereafter inheriting a country estate, land and funds from English aunts. Kate is (secretly) a writer and author of books and a mystery series when she meets Sheridan. Single until her late 20’s (married just before bk4), Kate has tenacity, her own opinions and enjoys working cases with Charles.
3) Each Paige novel includes certain interesting facts and/or historical details which ignite my interest (the living conditions and privileges in upper vs lower classes, modern conveniences in the wealthier homes, ie., upgrades in lighting, cooking stoves, heating, plumbing), the concept of “rational dress” for woman (less layers, no corsets, split skirts, raised hems with ‘exposed ankles!’ for ease in walking), photography, ballistics & finger printing used in investigations, the beginning of X-rays for scientific and medical reasons, the practice of ‘doping’ horses in racing, and the development of the automobile industry & operation of hot air balloons. Each book includes one or more persons from history (Celebrity actress & occasional mistress of HRH, Mrs Lantry in DAED). Robin Paige’s author notes at the end of each book helps differentiate actual historical facts from fiction. (Apparently ‘politics at the highest level’ wasn’t unknown to thwart justice. STNC). I enjoy reading Paige’s Victorian Mystery series for the historical insights as well as the mystery and entertainment.
4) My preference is for mysteries which aren’t particularly dark, graphic or political. I enjoy this series and look forward to the next book. Recommended to readers who prefer:
> Edwardian & Victorian fiction
> Cozy Mysteries
> British Mysteries
> Historical Mysteries and fiction
> Character driven Mysteries
> Seasoned character series
> Joint male/strong female lead character series
READER CAUTION ~ Minimal.
Rare or no use of strong language; any murders occur off scene, no intimacy scenes.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4. Well researched and performed.
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).
MMC Charles Sheridan (recent baronet, Sir Somersworth) is asked to investigate questionable practices at Newmarket racing stables involving the death of a jockey & suspected horse doping. As His Royal Highness’s stables and race horses also operate in the area, discretion is mandatory. Meanwhile, Sheridan’s author/writer wife, Irish American Kate Ardleigh Sheridan, will be residing in Newmarket as well. She has obtained permission to interview & write a Society article featuring celebrity actress (& occasional lover of HRH) Mrs Lillie Lantry. Kate and Sheridan’s independent questioning quickly expose unsavory secrets both high and low.
Comments ~
1) DEATH AT EPSOM DOWNS is bk7 in a 12 bk (currently) Victorian Mystery series by Robin Paige (a husband/wife writing team). DAED can be read as a standalone novel although certain supportive secondary characters develop over time & reappear in each book. I prefer beginning with bk1. I both read and listened to the audiobook nicely performed by Helen Johns.
2) I enjoy the MCs in this series. Sir Charles was born a second son with unique scientific interests and friendships already established before gaining the title by default when his older brother died. As the ‘second’ son, Charles has an understanding of how English society operates. Sheridan’s recent wife, Kate, is an independent Irish American woman who moved to England, shortly thereafter inheriting a country estate, land and funds from English aunts. Kate is (secretly) a writer and author of books and a mystery series when she meets Sheridan. Single until her late 20’s (married just before bk4), Kate has tenacity, her own opinions and enjoys working cases with Charles.
3) Each Paige novel includes certain interesting facts and/or historical details which ignite my interest (the living conditions and privileges in upper vs lower classes, modern conveniences in the wealthier homes, ie., upgrades in lighting, cooking stoves, heating, plumbing), the concept of “rational dress” for woman (less layers, no corsets, split skirts, raised hems with ‘exposed ankles!’ for ease in walking), photography, ballistics & finger printing used in investigations, the beginning of X-rays for scientific and medical reasons, the practice of ‘doping’ horses in racing, and the development of the automobile industry & operation of hot air balloons. Each book includes one or more persons from history (Celebrity actress & occasional mistress of HRH, Mrs Lantry in DAED). Robin Paige’s author notes at the end of each book helps differentiate actual historical facts from fiction. (Apparently ‘politics at the highest level’ wasn’t unknown to thwart justice. STNC). I enjoy reading Paige’s Victorian Mystery series for the historical insights as well as the mystery and entertainment.
4) My preference is for mysteries which aren’t particularly dark, graphic or political. I enjoy this series and look forward to the next book. Recommended to readers who prefer:
> Edwardian & Victorian fiction
> Cozy Mysteries
> British Mysteries
> Historical Mysteries and fiction
> Character driven Mysteries
> Seasoned character series
> Joint male/strong female lead character series
READER CAUTION ~ Minimal.
Rare or no use of strong language; any murders occur off scene, no intimacy scenes.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4. Well researched and performed.
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).
January 31, 2024
3 stars.
At least now I discovered what happened to Patrick, the boy Charles and Kate took an interest in Death at Rottingdean and wasn't mentioned in Death at Whitechapel. This time around, we are looking at the Sport of Kings: Horse Racing and the American invasion into the British Horse racing scene and the early practice of horse doping.
We are also introduced to Lillie Langtry who was the Marilyn Monroe of the day and on whom Kate was asked to write an article for a newspaper. Whilst I'm not sure how accurate the portrayal of Langtry was, I can understand Kate not liking the woman.
We learned a lot about the inner workings of horse racing but I have to admit I'm not much of a fan of the sport, except for watching the Melbourne Cup every year since it's a public holiday for me. :)
As for the murder that Charles was asked to solve by the Prince of Wales, once you batted away all the red herrings, it turned out to be quite mundane.
At least now I discovered what happened to Patrick, the boy Charles and Kate took an interest in Death at Rottingdean and wasn't mentioned in Death at Whitechapel. This time around, we are looking at the Sport of Kings: Horse Racing and the American invasion into the British Horse racing scene and the early practice of horse doping.
We are also introduced to Lillie Langtry who was the Marilyn Monroe of the day and on whom Kate was asked to write an article for a newspaper. Whilst I'm not sure how accurate the portrayal of Langtry was, I can understand Kate not liking the woman.
We learned a lot about the inner workings of horse racing but I have to admit I'm not much of a fan of the sport, except for watching the Melbourne Cup every year since it's a public holiday for me. :)
As for the murder that Charles was asked to solve by the Prince of Wales, once you batted away all the red herrings, it turned out to be quite mundane.
August 12, 2021
I had never hear of this author, Robin Paige (nor the actual authors, Susan Wittig Albert and her husband), and very much enjoyed the book, story and style of their writing. Couched in a novel written after the actual events, I assumed this book to be of the era ie late 1800s however I was out by over a century, this being a very modern book written in 2001!
Very well researched and laid out, using quotes from contemporary literature to add realism to the work, it was clearly well researched. The characters are quite well drawn and the dialogue in many different voices, easy to follow and interesting. Not too over-explanatory, more like proper conversation. Each chapter is of a different “scene” in the story ie at a different building or house, following a different strand of the investigation.
Very impressed that this was a modern work but so in the style of period writing! Really enjoyed. Am keen to read more in the series. Have one more available to me.
A good mystery and a good quick read.
Very well researched and laid out, using quotes from contemporary literature to add realism to the work, it was clearly well researched. The characters are quite well drawn and the dialogue in many different voices, easy to follow and interesting. Not too over-explanatory, more like proper conversation. Each chapter is of a different “scene” in the story ie at a different building or house, following a different strand of the investigation.
Very impressed that this was a modern work but so in the style of period writing! Really enjoyed. Am keen to read more in the series. Have one more available to me.
A good mystery and a good quick read.
January 24, 2018
I love this series. Each time I read an adventure with Lady Charles and her husband, I learn something from the past. Each one has an actual person from history, this time it's Lillie Langtry, the stage actress. What a piece of work she was.
The majority of the book is about the world of horse racing. This was a world of rich and poor, bookies and lenders, and those that roamed the outskirts. Doping was considered an irritant rather than illegal. Those that condoned it had money to make. Those that didn't want it as part of the racing world had money to make.
The mystery involves a murder and all of the above. It takes place in an area where I used to be stationed so I could identify with a lot of the vicinity.
Rich characters and excellent historical tidbits throughout. I always feel like I'm reading a really cool history book with people I'd like to know.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author. [Robin Paige is aka Susan Wittig Albert and her husband Bill]
The majority of the book is about the world of horse racing. This was a world of rich and poor, bookies and lenders, and those that roamed the outskirts. Doping was considered an irritant rather than illegal. Those that condoned it had money to make. Those that didn't want it as part of the racing world had money to make.
The mystery involves a murder and all of the above. It takes place in an area where I used to be stationed so I could identify with a lot of the vicinity.
Rich characters and excellent historical tidbits throughout. I always feel like I'm reading a really cool history book with people I'd like to know.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author. [Robin Paige is aka Susan Wittig Albert and her husband Bill]
January 26, 2025
Book seven in the series and I am still going strong although I have to admit that I have read many books between the last one of this series and this one.
Again very enjoyable, mixing real life people, crimes and history with fiction. There are a lot more threads in this particular story and what initially seems like a lot more characters. However once you get your head around the storylines it's a good read but dare I say it bit lacklustre in places.
I've still enjoyed it though and it's made me look up a few of the threads of this book to see what really happened.
I look forward to book eight.
I think the authors do a wonderful job mixing real life with fiction.
Again very enjoyable, mixing real life people, crimes and history with fiction. There are a lot more threads in this particular story and what initially seems like a lot more characters. However once you get your head around the storylines it's a good read but dare I say it bit lacklustre in places.
I've still enjoyed it though and it's made me look up a few of the threads of this book to see what really happened.
I look forward to book eight.
I think the authors do a wonderful job mixing real life with fiction.
August 25, 2018
First one I have read in this series, by author Susan Wittig Albert and her husband Bill Albert, under the name of Robin Paige. Susan Wittig Albert is the author of the China Bayles series which I have been enjoying for years.
It was slow getting interested in this book, perhaps partly due to it being the 7th, and there is history in previous adventures. I probably read at least 50 pages before it really caught my attention.
It was slow getting interested in this book, perhaps partly due to it being the 7th, and there is history in previous adventures. I probably read at least 50 pages before it really caught my attention.
August 18, 2022
Historical fiction.
This entire book is based around the world of gentry and their horses.
A selfish Edwardian HRH who loves his racing and his women.
And the introduction to the world of the word "doping", the use of harmful drugs like cocaine, administered to beautiful creatures to enhance their performance at the cost of their health and lives.
Betting is rampant and the landed are losing hand over fist to moneylenders.
This entire book is based around the world of gentry and their horses.
A selfish Edwardian HRH who loves his racing and his women.
And the introduction to the world of the word "doping", the use of harmful drugs like cocaine, administered to beautiful creatures to enhance their performance at the cost of their health and lives.
Betting is rampant and the landed are losing hand over fist to moneylenders.
March 19, 2018
Great history of racing in England as well as some about Lillie Langtry. This is the first of this series I've read and I found it light on the main protagonists, characters I would have gotten to know in earlier books. The mystery was relatively simple and straightforwardly solved. I do love that there's authors' notes and references as bout the history.
September 26, 2022
I greatly admire the amount of research that must go on in preparation for these Victorian mysteries, each featuring prominent real-life characters of the time albeit it in a pseudo fictional setting. I’m convinced many a true word is woven into the fabric of the story which only adds to their allure.
June 18, 2023
'Death at Epsom Downs' by Robin Paige.
I've read a few by this author now and if you enjoy a good cozy crime book then give these books a go.
It's set in Victorian times and this one is based around horse racing and all the dodgy dealings that happen within the industry. There's murder, blackmail and scandal, what more could you want.
Will definitely read more by the author.
I've read a few by this author now and if you enjoy a good cozy crime book then give these books a go.
It's set in Victorian times and this one is based around horse racing and all the dodgy dealings that happen within the industry. There's murder, blackmail and scandal, what more could you want.
Will definitely read more by the author.
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October 19, 2025Nefarious doings at the race track -- doping, cheating, etc. Well-known to those in charge, but too scandalous to allow to become public knowledge. So better to dispose as quietly as possible of the troublesome malcontents not willing to let the misdeeds, particularly by those insufferable American interlopers, go unpunished.
September 1, 2018
Immediately forgettable but fast, fun read for fans of Victorian mysteries! Sleuthing out the whodunit will be a breeze for anyone, but the story is peopled with real historical figures and the characters are interesting.
July 9, 2019
Love this whole series which is why I am rereading it. This one was especially entertaining as Lilly Langtry and her escapades were in it. Kate and Charles solve several connected mysteries and then go home with Patrick their "protege" foster son.
January 14, 2017
After two weak installments (one bland and one right out bad) the series is back on track again, the hoarse track to be exact.
The historical details are well researched as usual, but little did I know that hoarse racing could be so interesting, the doping, the fraudulent creativity and the massive and reckless betting habits especially.
And the "real life" special guest star? This time it's Lillie Langtry. A well known actress or a high priced prostitute, I couldn't say. But she's multifaceted enough to capture your attention (just as she captured audiences and wealthy men alike, Bertie, the Prince of Wales, included).
4 strong legged stars to a story that gallops along just nicely with the all the humour and likable characters that we've come to expect - although the odds have been against it lately.
The historical details are well researched as usual, but little did I know that hoarse racing could be so interesting, the doping, the fraudulent creativity and the massive and reckless betting habits especially.
And the "real life" special guest star? This time it's Lillie Langtry. A well known actress or a high priced prostitute, I couldn't say. But she's multifaceted enough to capture your attention (just as she captured audiences and wealthy men alike, Bertie, the Prince of Wales, included).
4 strong legged stars to a story that gallops along just nicely with the all the humour and likable characters that we've come to expect - although the odds have been against it lately.
March 17, 2017
Wasn't as thrilled with this as I am with her southwestern detective. I like historical novels but perhaps it's because I entered into the series on book 7
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