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Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries #1
Marriage Can Be Murder
On the eve of World War II, Dr. Benjamin Bones is at war with himself. While most young men are being sent away to fight the Germans, Ben is chosen to serve on English soil. Ordered to move to wild, beautiful Cornwall, he must trade his posh London office and stylish city life for the tiny village of Birdswing, population 1,221 souls. But leaving his home and shelving his career ambitions aren't the only sacrifices facing Ben. His unfaithful wife, Penny, is accompanying him to Cornwall in a last-ditch effort to save their marriage. But moments after their arrival, Penny is run down in the street, and Ben is almost fatally injured. And while the villagers assume Penny's death to be an accident, Ben quickly deduces it was murder.
As he convalesces in Fenton House, which the locals call haunted, Ben meets Birdswing's eccentric inhabitants. Mr. Gaston, the volunteer air warden, obsessed with defending his remote village against Nazi spies; Mrs. Cobblepot, a thoroughly practical housekeeper who believes in fairies; and Lady Juliet Linton, a prickly, headstrong aristocrat who won't take no for an answer. While adapting to life during Britain's "War at Home," a time of ration books, victory gardens, bomb shelters, and the Blackout, Ben sets about solving the mystery of Penny's murder--with a little help from Lady Juliet and the Fenton House ghost.
MARRIAGE CAN BE MURDER (Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries #1) is the new cozy mystery series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Emma Jameson.
As he convalesces in Fenton House, which the locals call haunted, Ben meets Birdswing's eccentric inhabitants. Mr. Gaston, the volunteer air warden, obsessed with defending his remote village against Nazi spies; Mrs. Cobblepot, a thoroughly practical housekeeper who believes in fairies; and Lady Juliet Linton, a prickly, headstrong aristocrat who won't take no for an answer. While adapting to life during Britain's "War at Home," a time of ration books, victory gardens, bomb shelters, and the Blackout, Ben sets about solving the mystery of Penny's murder--with a little help from Lady Juliet and the Fenton House ghost.
MARRIAGE CAN BE MURDER (Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries #1) is the new cozy mystery series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Emma Jameson.
291 pages, ebook
First published November 2, 2014
1180 people are currently reading
1322 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
January 8, 2016
Review written January 3, 2016
3.8 Stars - Okeydokey and jolly good. My "new" audiobook love is maybe cozy mystery (crimance) novels. This was another very amusing treat
Yay, I might have found my new book craving
Marriage Can Be Murder is yet again an historical cozy mystery audiobook in my taste. This time a 8 hours early World War II set and nicely developed adventure in a small Cornwall village. Very pleasant narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davies (who I recognize from some M/M romances).
Just mystery joy and a touch of grand romance.
**********************************************
September 1939
Our main character, the young Dr. Benjamin Bones, is on his way for a new position as provincial doctor in the tiny village of Birdswing , Cornwall UK. Then the very worst happens. — It is a dark evening and his wife, Penny (accompanying in a last-ditch effort to save their poor unhappy marriage after her unfaithfulness), is moments after their arrival run down in the street. Ben is almost fatally injured with two broken legs but luckily he survive.
~ A few days later are they all in war and part of WWII. ~
With no other options than to stay in the Birdswing village (and leave his posh London office and stylish city life) is the now widowed (but not to sadly mourning) Dr. Bones more and more convinced that it was murder not an accident that killed Penny.
**********************************************
There is a good mystery to be solved here in Marriage Can Be Murder but even better; this is a small-village-story told with a warm heart and a lot of amusing characters. I loved and cared for them all.
As a pretty tall girl myself (you know "Swedish" !!!), non-petit woman, can't I help but feel some extra for this tall, always in "wrong" clothes and a bit clumsy —not at all stunning beautiful— heroine, Lady Juliet Linton. “A headstrong aristocrat who won't take no for an answer.” I was heartbroken and nearly started to cry for that brave and awesome woman. (Please, please Juliet, don't give up.. one day is it your turn.)
I just need more of this kind of likeable, heartwarming believable, not Princess like, heroines in my reads. (Or should I write we?) — Lady Juliet Linton us a memorable new favorite.
Here are also some sweet second characters as the hilarious; Mr. Gaston, the local (not super clever) policeman, his sister, the widow Mrs. Cobblepot, later to be Dr. Bones' perfect caring housekeeper. Cross my fingers I will meet them and a another bunch of Birdswing citizens again.
The crime case was a solid whodunnit and it took a while before we had any real clues. To be honest; I have a embarrassing 'Midsomer Murders' life style addiction. ...and a since years admiration for crime ficton. It is even better when moved to a charming Cornwall tiny village set in late 30s. — Simply Splendid! — Add a good and well done audio edition, with a perfect male narrator voice, and you get it all. My liking.
**********************************************
Marriage Can Be Murder isn't a romance but there are a lot about love and feelings. I'm satisfied and just wish and hope it will be a second book soon. — I want more (that's always my best raiting).
I LIKE - a good start (#2) on my new audiobook year
3.8 Stars - Okeydokey and jolly good. My "new" audiobook love is maybe cozy mystery (crimance) novels. This was another very amusing treat
Yay, I might have found my new book craving
Marriage Can Be Murder is yet again an historical cozy mystery audiobook in my taste. This time a 8 hours early World War II set and nicely developed adventure in a small Cornwall village. Very pleasant narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davies (who I recognize from some M/M romances).
Just mystery joy and a touch of grand romance.
**********************************************
September 1939
Our main character, the young Dr. Benjamin Bones, is on his way for a new position as provincial doctor in the tiny village of Birdswing , Cornwall UK. Then the very worst happens. — It is a dark evening and his wife, Penny (accompanying in a last-ditch effort to save their poor unhappy marriage after her unfaithfulness), is moments after their arrival run down in the street. Ben is almost fatally injured with two broken legs but luckily he survive.
~ A few days later are they all in war and part of WWII. ~
With no other options than to stay in the Birdswing village (and leave his posh London office and stylish city life) is the now widowed (but not to sadly mourning) Dr. Bones more and more convinced that it was murder not an accident that killed Penny.
‘...six foot two if she stood an inch, clad in what looked like waterproof trousers, a man's green Macintosh, and galoshes. Dull brown hair was scraped back in a bun, exposing what seemed like too much face: a vast expanse of forehead and chin and cheeks, all of it sunburned.’
**********************************************
There is a good mystery to be solved here in Marriage Can Be Murder but even better; this is a small-village-story told with a warm heart and a lot of amusing characters. I loved and cared for them all.
As a pretty tall girl myself (you know "Swedish" !!!), non-petit woman, can't I help but feel some extra for this tall, always in "wrong" clothes and a bit clumsy —not at all stunning beautiful— heroine, Lady Juliet Linton. “A headstrong aristocrat who won't take no for an answer.” I was heartbroken and nearly started to cry for that brave and awesome woman. (Please, please Juliet, don't give up.. one day is it your turn.)
‘... Juliet berated herself. For not canceling due to threat of rain; for choosing that hat; for blundering into the greenhouse and revealing how ridiculous she felt to the two people she'd never wanted to know. (....) Most of all, for forgetting her vow to never again fall for a beautiful man.’
I just need more of this kind of likeable, heartwarming believable, not Princess like, heroines in my reads. (Or should I write we?) — Lady Juliet Linton us a memorable new favorite.
Here are also some sweet second characters as the hilarious; Mr. Gaston, the local (not super clever) policeman, his sister, the widow Mrs. Cobblepot, later to be Dr. Bones' perfect caring housekeeper. Cross my fingers I will meet them and a another bunch of Birdswing citizens again.
"Because I can't not try," was all he'd been able to say. Perhaps the same was true of tracking down Penny's killer. Getting on with his own life was probably the best course, yet when it came down to it, he couldn't help but try.’
The crime case was a solid whodunnit and it took a while before we had any real clues. To be honest; I have a embarrassing 'Midsomer Murders' life style addiction. ...and a since years admiration for crime ficton. It is even better when moved to a charming Cornwall tiny village set in late 30s. — Simply Splendid! — Add a good and well done audio edition, with a perfect male narrator voice, and you get it all. My liking.
**********************************************
Marriage Can Be Murder isn't a romance but there are a lot about love and feelings. I'm satisfied and just wish and hope it will be a second book soon. — I want more (that's always my best raiting).
I LIKE - a good start (#2) on my new audiobook year
April 25, 2017
Quite enchanting historical cozy.
November 22, 2014
I found this Mystery book better than Sherlock Holmes. A lot of twists and turns and keeps you guessing, love it!
April 25, 2017
I liked this, but sadly not as much as I hoped I would. For some reason I didn't get the 'feel' of it being early wartime - even though there were all the wartime 'bits' - the ARP Warden the blackouts, etc
And the annoying thing is that I don't quite know why !
The writing is lovely and some of the characters are really detailed and engaging but somehow it didn't 'gel' with me.
I will put it aside and give it another go later on - maybe it's just me. (probably is, as this has some wonderful reviews and I have read other books by this author and been utterly enthralled and delighted)
(a small niggle though - I do wish US writers would have their 'British' stories checked for Americanisms. I don't mean spellings - eg: colored/coloured. theatre/theater. Those mean exactly the same thing. The one that really bugs me is whiskey. It's whisky. Without an 'e'. There is a distinct difference in the drinks, and in 1940s, in England they would be drinking whisky - the Irish whiskey business had more or less collapsed.)
And the annoying thing is that I don't quite know why !
The writing is lovely and some of the characters are really detailed and engaging but somehow it didn't 'gel' with me.
I will put it aside and give it another go later on - maybe it's just me. (probably is, as this has some wonderful reviews and I have read other books by this author and been utterly enthralled and delighted)
(a small niggle though - I do wish US writers would have their 'British' stories checked for Americanisms. I don't mean spellings - eg: colored/coloured. theatre/theater. Those mean exactly the same thing. The one that really bugs me is whiskey. It's whisky. Without an 'e'. There is a distinct difference in the drinks, and in 1940s, in England they would be drinking whisky - the Irish whiskey business had more or less collapsed.)
January 15, 2018
Can you say that a charming cozy mystery is still a good read? Because Emma Jameson has created one such with "Marriage Can Be Murder."
Call me a sucker for historical stories but this one was set on the eve of World War II as Dr. Benjamin Bones travels to a small village where he will serve as physician. Traveling with him his wife, who he has found to not be suited to being the wife of a country doctor. I brief stop during the notorious blackouts of that period ends badly for the wife — who is killed — and the doctor who is injured.
Bones finds himself recovering in the town among people who are not too broken up about his wife's death. He's not particularly happy to be there but when duty calls, he serves and gains the support and admiration of the community. But his wife's death continues to bother him ...
As an amateur sleuth, Benjamin Bones is pretty sharp and level-headed; as a character in a book, he is a winner and I found myself enjoying the tale of the village citizens, their lives and the mystery. Yes, its a cozy, but its a winning tale. Can't wait to read the net adventure of Dr. Bones.
Call me a sucker for historical stories but this one was set on the eve of World War II as Dr. Benjamin Bones travels to a small village where he will serve as physician. Traveling with him his wife, who he has found to not be suited to being the wife of a country doctor. I brief stop during the notorious blackouts of that period ends badly for the wife — who is killed — and the doctor who is injured.
Bones finds himself recovering in the town among people who are not too broken up about his wife's death. He's not particularly happy to be there but when duty calls, he serves and gains the support and admiration of the community. But his wife's death continues to bother him ...
As an amateur sleuth, Benjamin Bones is pretty sharp and level-headed; as a character in a book, he is a winner and I found myself enjoying the tale of the village citizens, their lives and the mystery. Yes, its a cozy, but its a winning tale. Can't wait to read the net adventure of Dr. Bones.
August 6, 2018
Right up my alley! A solid historical mystery with realistic, intelligent main characters and a few good doses of humor. I'll be reading the other series by Emma Jameson, as well. The first of her other series, has been waiting in my kindle for at least a year. I didn't know what I was missing.
August 18, 2015
I was gifted a copy of 'Marriage can be Murder' by Emma Jameson, in exchange for an honest review.
I started reading 'Marriage can be Murder' unsure with what I'll be getting, as this was my first book from Emma Jameson. I couldn't put the book down, wanting... NEEDING to know.... This story was filled with suspense, leaving me guessing until the very end... There were times when I thought I'd figured out the WHO & WHY, but boy was I wrong, I never would have guessed even with all the details given throughout.
Thank you Emma, for a captivating mystery, filled with twists, turns, a true Sherlock Holmes style book. The lead characters were fun to read, fumbling as they did, trying to solve the mystery & oddly complimenting one-another. I look forward to reading the next book in the "Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries".
I started reading 'Marriage can be Murder' unsure with what I'll be getting, as this was my first book from Emma Jameson. I couldn't put the book down, wanting... NEEDING to know.... This story was filled with suspense, leaving me guessing until the very end... There were times when I thought I'd figured out the WHO & WHY, but boy was I wrong, I never would have guessed even with all the details given throughout.
Thank you Emma, for a captivating mystery, filled with twists, turns, a true Sherlock Holmes style book. The lead characters were fun to read, fumbling as they did, trying to solve the mystery & oddly complimenting one-another. I look forward to reading the next book in the "Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries".
May 8, 2024
Well written murder mystery with intriguing characters. The H is lost at first and the kind h helps him, but as he starts to recover he sees her unhappiness. They solve a terrible crime - great plot.
August 12, 2017
Took me long enough to read this book. It's not my "go-to" genre, so I guess it has a lot to do with this fact. I"m not "used" to reading Mysteries, especially not Historical ones. I enjoyed it. Both MC - Dr Ben Bones and Lady Juliet Linton were smart and entertaining. I really wished for something to happen between them but it only shows how many romance novels I've been reading, trying to "hook up" any couple I can find :) I gotta say the Mystery was much more complex than I thought would be. But I wish we had more clues along the way before the "big reveal".
Dr. Benjamin Bones and his unfaithful wife Penny are driving up from London to the village Penny grew up in - Birdswing. It's the eve of WWII, and though many men are wanted at the front, Ben is needed in the country, as a new doctor to help take care of the small community in this village and the ones near it if needed. He isn't sure how to deal with his wife, it seems divorce is the only way to go, and yet it seems other people have a different solution in mind as he and Penny is run over when they arrive at the village. Ben is severely injured while Penny dies on the spot. It COULD be an accident but Ben thinks otherwise, but since the only law officer is consumed by the war and what it will bring, he has to do his own sleuthing to try and uncover why someone would want to kill his wife. The task isn't that easy considering Penny was hated at the village..
As Ben is getting better, he starts to build a life in the small village, getting to know the people who live there, their quirks and pains. There was something endearing in the way we get to meet so many of the people who live in this small place and know everything there is to know about each other.
Our second constant (and POV) is Lady Juliet Lindon. She is very influential in this small village though not for her looks or her grace which she apparently lacks. She is smart, strong and VERY capable on her own, and yet she falls for Ben and his smart, caring and considerate character even if the LAST thing she needs now is a man (interested in her or not..) she is still dealing with enough rumors about her missing husband whom she doesn't miss one bit! Juliet was refreshing! She was a lot of fun, not only when she is sure of herself, but mostly when she isn't trying to act rationally when she feels is losing her mind over a man she shouldn't covet. I loved that we had so many strong women in this book, it's something I could expect Emma but maybe less in that timing or maybe BECAUSE of the timing which left so many women to fend for themselves while the men were "playing war".
The mystery was always there at the back of our minds, but the book mostly centers around Ben healing and finding his place in the village he is going to call his own. There are a lot of colorful characters, even a busy and a bit helpful ghost, a few witches and a beautiful school teacher who catches Ben's interest. Nearing the end things get messy quickly until the big reveal of who the culprit is. I wish like in Emma's other series ("Lord and Lady Hetheridge") the Mystery would have taken a bigger role. I DID enjoy the setting of the story, and the relationship buildup between Ben and the other residents of Birdswing yet I felt I needed MORE to keep me on my toes.
This series continues with another novel focusing more about Juliet's marital issues called "Divorce Can Be Deadly". I planned on reading it right after this one, but I'm going to give it a little break and return to my go-to reads for a little bit.
I enjoyed this one. If you're into Mysteries and Historical novels you MUST give it a go. if your usual go-to is more like my usual reads, I still suggest you give it a go, it's charming and witty, but prepared for no real romance angle and a more dramatic vibe with a mystery sprinkled on top.
More Reviews HERE
Dr. Benjamin Bones and his unfaithful wife Penny are driving up from London to the village Penny grew up in - Birdswing. It's the eve of WWII, and though many men are wanted at the front, Ben is needed in the country, as a new doctor to help take care of the small community in this village and the ones near it if needed. He isn't sure how to deal with his wife, it seems divorce is the only way to go, and yet it seems other people have a different solution in mind as he and Penny is run over when they arrive at the village. Ben is severely injured while Penny dies on the spot. It COULD be an accident but Ben thinks otherwise, but since the only law officer is consumed by the war and what it will bring, he has to do his own sleuthing to try and uncover why someone would want to kill his wife. The task isn't that easy considering Penny was hated at the village..
As Ben is getting better, he starts to build a life in the small village, getting to know the people who live there, their quirks and pains. There was something endearing in the way we get to meet so many of the people who live in this small place and know everything there is to know about each other.
Our second constant (and POV) is Lady Juliet Lindon. She is very influential in this small village though not for her looks or her grace which she apparently lacks. She is smart, strong and VERY capable on her own, and yet she falls for Ben and his smart, caring and considerate character even if the LAST thing she needs now is a man (interested in her or not..) she is still dealing with enough rumors about her missing husband whom she doesn't miss one bit! Juliet was refreshing! She was a lot of fun, not only when she is sure of herself, but mostly when she isn't trying to act rationally when she feels is losing her mind over a man she shouldn't covet. I loved that we had so many strong women in this book, it's something I could expect Emma but maybe less in that timing or maybe BECAUSE of the timing which left so many women to fend for themselves while the men were "playing war".
The mystery was always there at the back of our minds, but the book mostly centers around Ben healing and finding his place in the village he is going to call his own. There are a lot of colorful characters, even a busy and a bit helpful ghost, a few witches and a beautiful school teacher who catches Ben's interest. Nearing the end things get messy quickly until the big reveal of who the culprit is. I wish like in Emma's other series ("Lord and Lady Hetheridge") the Mystery would have taken a bigger role. I DID enjoy the setting of the story, and the relationship buildup between Ben and the other residents of Birdswing yet I felt I needed MORE to keep me on my toes.
This series continues with another novel focusing more about Juliet's marital issues called "Divorce Can Be Deadly". I planned on reading it right after this one, but I'm going to give it a little break and return to my go-to reads for a little bit.
I enjoyed this one. If you're into Mysteries and Historical novels you MUST give it a go. if your usual go-to is more like my usual reads, I still suggest you give it a go, it's charming and witty, but prepared for no real romance angle and a more dramatic vibe with a mystery sprinkled on top.
More Reviews HERE
November 24, 2014
I'm a big fan of mysteries, and this one did not disappoint.
The book is set in England in 1939 during WWII. Dr. Benjamin Bones and his wife, Penny, who are on the verge of divorce, are being sent to her hometown of Birdswing due to the war, and how the government is working to have doctors in practical locations so no town goes without.
Penny feels that this will help their marriage, but Ben is thinking on the drive there that nothing can save it. Their car breaks down and again, due to the war, they are in pitch black dark because it is lights off to avoid the enemy from seeing the town. While they walk to get help, they are run over by another vehicle, and Penny is killed. Dr. Bones is injured.
Dr. Bones is forced from his depression of feeling helpless by local town member Lady Juliet. Lady Juliet is a no-nonsense, giant of a woman. She is estranged from her husband, who married her for her money. She (in a way) browbeats and manipulates Dr. Bones until he feels forced to get up and recover in order to do his job.
Soon, he mysteriously receives a note that says, "Sorry, it was supposed to be her, you weren't meant to be hurt."
What follows is Ben and Juliet's attempts to solve Penny's murder, while being surrounded by many wonderful colorful supporting characters. The local air warden also serves as a constable. His job as air warden is more important to him, and he is bumbling. His sister, anxious to get away from him, moves in with Dr. Bones to help with the office work as well as being a housekeeper/cook.
The interaction between Ben and Juliet is the highlight of this story. They fumble, they snipe, they laugh. I should mention that Juliet feels like a bit of an outcast; a woman who stands 6 feet tall and feels as if she towers over all men that surround her. She has been teased about this throughout her life, which is why she is so headstrong.
A great whodunit, wonderfully written, that kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't want to put it down because I was dying to know whodunit!!
The book is set in England in 1939 during WWII. Dr. Benjamin Bones and his wife, Penny, who are on the verge of divorce, are being sent to her hometown of Birdswing due to the war, and how the government is working to have doctors in practical locations so no town goes without.
Penny feels that this will help their marriage, but Ben is thinking on the drive there that nothing can save it. Their car breaks down and again, due to the war, they are in pitch black dark because it is lights off to avoid the enemy from seeing the town. While they walk to get help, they are run over by another vehicle, and Penny is killed. Dr. Bones is injured.
Dr. Bones is forced from his depression of feeling helpless by local town member Lady Juliet. Lady Juliet is a no-nonsense, giant of a woman. She is estranged from her husband, who married her for her money. She (in a way) browbeats and manipulates Dr. Bones until he feels forced to get up and recover in order to do his job.
Soon, he mysteriously receives a note that says, "Sorry, it was supposed to be her, you weren't meant to be hurt."
What follows is Ben and Juliet's attempts to solve Penny's murder, while being surrounded by many wonderful colorful supporting characters. The local air warden also serves as a constable. His job as air warden is more important to him, and he is bumbling. His sister, anxious to get away from him, moves in with Dr. Bones to help with the office work as well as being a housekeeper/cook.
The interaction between Ben and Juliet is the highlight of this story. They fumble, they snipe, they laugh. I should mention that Juliet feels like a bit of an outcast; a woman who stands 6 feet tall and feels as if she towers over all men that surround her. She has been teased about this throughout her life, which is why she is so headstrong.
A great whodunit, wonderfully written, that kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't want to put it down because I was dying to know whodunit!!
April 1, 2022
At the start of World War II, Dr Benjamin Bones is doing his bit for England as a country doctor in a tiny Cornish village. He and his unfaithful wife have only just arrived from London when they are brutally mowed down by a truck during the hours of blackout. While she is outright killed, he is left maimed and unable to take up his work. It's up to Lady Juliet to re-energise the doctor and nudge him into uncovering the identity of the person who wanted his wife dead. If only she hadn't caused the entire village to hate her.
This review is the result of my second reading of Marriage Can Be Murder. While I very much enjoyed the story the first time I read it, I didn't leave a written review - just 4 stars.
To start, I love the characters of Dr Bones and Lady Juliet. They spark against each other so well and I can picture them striding (Juliet) and hobbling (Dr Bones) around the village as they tackle their investigation. At first, I wasn't so fond of the trope of the incompetent policeman in the personage of a self-important air warden, but as the author continued the tale, he became more sympathetic and fathomable.
I also loved the setting both in time and place. One of the reasons I read is to discover worlds that are beyond reach. Emma Jameson's Cornwall feels very credible, especially the village of Birdswing at the tail end of the 1930s.
The playful tone of the novel belies many serious subjects in the story, but not so much that it dismisses them or makes light. Rather the dry humour feels appropriate as it provides a gentle "in" when opening discussions about the topics of racism, bullying, cruelty and other things that I won't mention as the plot would be spoilt.
I'm so glad I came back for what was at first a quick look-over for a long-overdue review and rapidly became a complete re-reading. If anything, a second viewing enhanced my pleasance and re-introduced me to a wonderful series.
This review is the result of my second reading of Marriage Can Be Murder. While I very much enjoyed the story the first time I read it, I didn't leave a written review - just 4 stars.
To start, I love the characters of Dr Bones and Lady Juliet. They spark against each other so well and I can picture them striding (Juliet) and hobbling (Dr Bones) around the village as they tackle their investigation. At first, I wasn't so fond of the trope of the incompetent policeman in the personage of a self-important air warden, but as the author continued the tale, he became more sympathetic and fathomable.
I also loved the setting both in time and place. One of the reasons I read is to discover worlds that are beyond reach. Emma Jameson's Cornwall feels very credible, especially the village of Birdswing at the tail end of the 1930s.
The playful tone of the novel belies many serious subjects in the story, but not so much that it dismisses them or makes light. Rather the dry humour feels appropriate as it provides a gentle "in" when opening discussions about the topics of racism, bullying, cruelty and other things that I won't mention as the plot would be spoilt.
I'm so glad I came back for what was at first a quick look-over for a long-overdue review and rapidly became a complete re-reading. If anything, a second viewing enhanced my pleasance and re-introduced me to a wonderful series.
March 16, 2015
I have read a couple of Emma Jameson's Lord Hetheridge mystery series and liked them well enough, but this new book of hers is head and shoulders above her detective series.
Dr. Benjamin Bones and his wife, Penny - who is not a very nice person - are sent to a small village in Cornwall for the duration of WWII. The very night they arrive, a truck deliberately runs them both down, killing Penny and breaking both of Ben's legs.
Welcome to Cornwall.
Dr. Bones recovers with the help of the villagers - who desperately need a doctor - and the local aristocrat, an unlikely, ungainly giantess - Lady Juliet Linton. Together, they solve the mystery of who killed Penny and why.
It was a good plot, but most of all, the characters in the village - along with Ben and Juliet - are engagingly appealing.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series, so start writing, Emma!
Dr. Benjamin Bones and his wife, Penny - who is not a very nice person - are sent to a small village in Cornwall for the duration of WWII. The very night they arrive, a truck deliberately runs them both down, killing Penny and breaking both of Ben's legs.
Welcome to Cornwall.
Dr. Bones recovers with the help of the villagers - who desperately need a doctor - and the local aristocrat, an unlikely, ungainly giantess - Lady Juliet Linton. Together, they solve the mystery of who killed Penny and why.
It was a good plot, but most of all, the characters in the village - along with Ben and Juliet - are engagingly appealing.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series, so start writing, Emma!
June 24, 2015
I didn't really know what to expect from this book when I first started. In the end, I'm super glad that I read this book because it was absolutely amazing. it was real page-turner and the plot kept me hooked until the very end. I haven't read that many mysteries lately but I have to say, this has to be one of the best ones I've ever read. I also liked the characters a lot, especially Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet. They were just speaking to me. But I recommend this book to everybody whole-heartedly.
October 18, 2019
Hmmm Emma Jameson, never heard of her but now have and truly loved this first in the series "Marriage Can Be Murder". This was quite a surprise for me as I thought it was going to be headed in another direction, however fooled me and had me wanting to finish the story.
This author is on my list and I look forward to reading other books in this series and from this author.
4-Stars
This author is on my list and I look forward to reading other books in this series and from this author.
4-Stars
September 26, 2025
Quirky, English village cozy mystery with the usual cast of eccentric small town characters.
Our MMC is a Dr who has been sent "to the country" to serve the residents during WW2. The village/region he has been assigned to just happens to be his estranged wife's hometown. Upon arriving in the tiny village of Birdswing in Cornwell, his wife is promptly murdered. And so begins the murder mystery.
I fully enjoyed this listen and am intrigued by the friendship developing between our FMC, the awkward aristocrat Lady Juliet Linton and main character, Dr. Bones. The residents of the town are so eccentric that Dr Bones almost fades into the woodwork in the first 50% but hang in there, because his competence, his dry sense of humor and his compassion will slowly you win you over to seeing him as a worthy lead character.
If you love a good mystery with quirky characters, Dr Bones will not disappoint. The audio was well performed and I will be continuing the series.
Our MMC is a Dr who has been sent "to the country" to serve the residents during WW2. The village/region he has been assigned to just happens to be his estranged wife's hometown. Upon arriving in the tiny village of Birdswing in Cornwell, his wife is promptly murdered. And so begins the murder mystery.
I fully enjoyed this listen and am intrigued by the friendship developing between our FMC, the awkward aristocrat Lady Juliet Linton and main character, Dr. Bones. The residents of the town are so eccentric that Dr Bones almost fades into the woodwork in the first 50% but hang in there, because his competence, his dry sense of humor and his compassion will slowly you win you over to seeing him as a worthy lead character.
If you love a good mystery with quirky characters, Dr Bones will not disappoint. The audio was well performed and I will be continuing the series.
June 19, 2017
A delightful new mystery series from the talented Emma Jameson set in a small Cornish village. Dr. Ben Bones is a likable character and his interactions with Lady Juliet are entertaining. Their differences, as well as their intelligent repartee, propel the story forward. The village's other colorful characters only serve to enhance the story. I'm looking forward to "Divorce Can Be Deadly," the second book.
June 20, 2022
2o22 bk 187. Reads like a very traditional British mystery set during the start of WWII when so many lives were disrupted - except for the rare appearances of a helpful ghost. I can see how it could have been written without the ghost but then, it wouldn't have been able to be sold as both mystery and paranormal to meet the current 'craze'. The characters were fairly well fleshed out and I did not have a clue as to who did it until very near the end. On to the next in the series.
December 29, 2017
An entertaining beginning to a series in the early days of WWII. Some of the characters are feisty and memorable while others are just a tad strange. As soon as the term "Chain Home" was mentioned, I knew what the secret was, but since that came nearly at the end, it didn't matter. Will be interested in reading other stories in the series.
September 23, 2019
Good Read
The author's mechanics were good, especially in descriptions of people in their comings and goings. The author created some spectacular characters. The main male character was 5'8" while the lead female was 6'3", and there was a definite spark between them. This whodunit was mildly entertaining, but I did not really care about the murder victims or their killers. The book was set in England in 1939, but the war had little to do with the storyline.
Thank you, Ms. Jameson, for the read.
The author's mechanics were good, especially in descriptions of people in their comings and goings. The author created some spectacular characters. The main male character was 5'8" while the lead female was 6'3", and there was a definite spark between them. This whodunit was mildly entertaining, but I did not really care about the murder victims or their killers. The book was set in England in 1939, but the war had little to do with the storyline.
Thank you, Ms. Jameson, for the read.
July 9, 2024
A standard cozy murder mystery in a small town, this novel was a decent read. But it is not my genre. I didn't bond with any of the characters, and in general, I didn't enjoy it much. I won't be reading more of this series.
September 12, 2019
This was a good one! A few minor editing blips, but otherwise an easy read with a very good mystery. 4.5*
July 13, 2017
Interesting, likable characters, decent plot. I'm going on to the 2nd book.
September 28, 2015
A solid 4-star book.
Instead of heading off to fight in World War II, young doctor Benjamin Bones has been ordered to move to a sleepy Cornish town whose last doctor recently died. The town is also coincidentally where his wife, Penny, was born and raised, and they've barely set foot in town before the pair of them are brutally run down by a lorry in the dark. Penny is killed - Ben is essentially crippled with both legs broken. And now he needs to not only recover in this sleepy little town, but also treat the local townspeople and attempt to discover who murdered his wife...
Doctor Benjamin Bones is a quite refreshing detective, and I think that was because he was first and foremost a doctor, and a betrayed husband. It's made very clear at the beginning of the book and his and Penny's marriage is on the rocks, . I was a little wary when reading the blurb for this book - I didn't want the relationship between the two of them to be treated in a cavalier way, and I wasn't disappointed. The author does a very good job of establishing Ben and Penny's crumbling relationship - how it started, where it went from there, what caused it to dissolve. Ben's motivation to find his wife's killer are clear and well-thought out, which I liked. Her death doesn't cause him to fall into guilt (or at least, not too much guilt), but it does galvanise him into action.
The other half of the detective equation in this book is Lady Juliet Linton, who was a breath of fresh air. She's a complicated character herself and is going through her own marriage breakdown. I liked that she was ungainly and plain, and that she was bright and independent.
The mystery of this book was decent. I formed a suspicion about who it was about halfway through, and I was pretty impressed with myself when it turned out to be true. I think this book really rests on the strength of the various characters. Ben is a great character - he's calm, decisive, and can think in a crisis, and Lady Juliet is pragmatic, speaks her mind and doesn't stray from who she is set out to be at the beginning of the novel. The pair of them have great chemistry together, and there's heaps of enjoyable banter thrown about between the two of them as they play detective. There are a few other memorable characters: Mr. Gaston, the local air warden who provides a lot of comic relief, his sister Mrs. Cobblepot, who comes to live with Ben as his housekeeper, as well as the occasional appearance of the house ghost, who provides help once in a while to get Ben on the right track. I'm not sure how this supernatural element will fare in future books - the ghost was helpful, yes, but there wasn't really any reason given for her existence, other than the fact that apparently an element of the old religions still exist in Cornwall.
There is the teensy tiniest hint of romance in this book - Lady Juliet discovers relatively early on that she has feelings for Ben, while Ben has his head turned by the local school teacher. Both of them are off the market - Lady Juliet is technically still married, and Ben is supposed to be grieving for the loss of his wife. I don't want to say I can see where this is headed... but I can see where this is headed.
I am definitely keeping further books on my radar. This book was a solid cozy mystery with some great characters and a lot of room to grow in future books.
Instead of heading off to fight in World War II, young doctor Benjamin Bones has been ordered to move to a sleepy Cornish town whose last doctor recently died. The town is also coincidentally where his wife, Penny, was born and raised, and they've barely set foot in town before the pair of them are brutally run down by a lorry in the dark. Penny is killed - Ben is essentially crippled with both legs broken. And now he needs to not only recover in this sleepy little town, but also treat the local townspeople and attempt to discover who murdered his wife...
Doctor Benjamin Bones is a quite refreshing detective, and I think that was because he was first and foremost a doctor, and a betrayed husband. It's made very clear at the beginning of the book and his and Penny's marriage is on the rocks, . I was a little wary when reading the blurb for this book - I didn't want the relationship between the two of them to be treated in a cavalier way, and I wasn't disappointed. The author does a very good job of establishing Ben and Penny's crumbling relationship - how it started, where it went from there, what caused it to dissolve. Ben's motivation to find his wife's killer are clear and well-thought out, which I liked. Her death doesn't cause him to fall into guilt (or at least, not too much guilt), but it does galvanise him into action.
The other half of the detective equation in this book is Lady Juliet Linton, who was a breath of fresh air. She's a complicated character herself and is going through her own marriage breakdown. I liked that she was ungainly and plain, and that she was bright and independent.
The mystery of this book was decent. I formed a suspicion about who it was about halfway through, and I was pretty impressed with myself when it turned out to be true. I think this book really rests on the strength of the various characters. Ben is a great character - he's calm, decisive, and can think in a crisis, and Lady Juliet is pragmatic, speaks her mind and doesn't stray from who she is set out to be at the beginning of the novel. The pair of them have great chemistry together, and there's heaps of enjoyable banter thrown about between the two of them as they play detective. There are a few other memorable characters: Mr. Gaston, the local air warden who provides a lot of comic relief, his sister Mrs. Cobblepot, who comes to live with Ben as his housekeeper, as well as the occasional appearance of the house ghost, who provides help once in a while to get Ben on the right track. I'm not sure how this supernatural element will fare in future books - the ghost was helpful, yes, but there wasn't really any reason given for her existence, other than the fact that apparently an element of the old religions still exist in Cornwall.
There is the teensy tiniest hint of romance in this book - Lady Juliet discovers relatively early on that she has feelings for Ben, while Ben has his head turned by the local school teacher. Both of them are off the market - Lady Juliet is technically still married, and Ben is supposed to be grieving for the loss of his wife. I don't want to say I can see where this is headed... but I can see where this is headed.
I am definitely keeping further books on my radar. This book was a solid cozy mystery with some great characters and a lot of room to grow in future books.
August 23, 2017
A great read, and an interesting collection of characters. I particularly liked the very unstereotypical heroine Lady Juliet and am looking forward to reading more about her in subsequent novels. There was a (small) supernatural element which I found unnecessary and kind of jarring with the style of the rest of the novel, but overall it's very much a cozy mystery with likeable characters and a charming setting.
December 22, 2019
2,5 stars.
It was an ok read, the crime plot was ok, but not exactly earth-shaking. It was more or less clear from a certain point on, at least partly who was responsible.
What I didn't like was the mystic element - it felt forced and obsolete, it didn't add to the story at all.
Ben is an ok protag, but a bit pale and uninteresting. A little too good. There could have been much more depth to him, but the story didn't really give him much colour.
The other characters were a mixed lot.
I have to say, yes, there were some inconsistencies in the writing (e.g. the Lady Juliet title - not something that would exist in English society), meaning the author didn't really research properly.
It was a bit distracting, but wasn't the novel's biggest problem inho.
I didn't fully dig the dynamic between the protags to be honest. It would have been better for "Lady" Juliet not to be infatuated so quickly, and Ben to be oblivious. I would have preferred some more antagonism, then maybe grudging respect followed by friendship...and maybe romantic interest early on. I didn't like that Juliet fell for a pretty face.
I am not sure if I will pick up the following novels.
It was an ok read, the crime plot was ok, but not exactly earth-shaking. It was more or less clear from a certain point on, at least partly who was responsible.
What I didn't like was the mystic element - it felt forced and obsolete, it didn't add to the story at all.
Ben is an ok protag, but a bit pale and uninteresting. A little too good. There could have been much more depth to him, but the story didn't really give him much colour.
The other characters were a mixed lot.
I have to say, yes, there were some inconsistencies in the writing (e.g. the Lady Juliet title - not something that would exist in English society), meaning the author didn't really research properly.
It was a bit distracting, but wasn't the novel's biggest problem inho.
I didn't fully dig the dynamic between the protags to be honest. It would have been better for "Lady" Juliet not to be infatuated so quickly, and Ben to be oblivious. I would have preferred some more antagonism, then maybe grudging respect followed by friendship...and maybe romantic interest early on. I didn't like that Juliet fell for a pretty face.
I am not sure if I will pick up the following novels.
March 5, 2022
I do wish authors would get things correct. The British Library did not move to Euston Road until 1998. It didn't even properly exist until 1973 due to an act of Parliament with the idea of bringing it all under one roof covering science, technology, business and the arts. Prior to that there was reading room at the the British Museum housing many manuscripts and periodicals from Britain and around the world. Probably not of great interest to most readers but I am coming across much sloppy research or editorial input these days.
May 15, 2016
This book is a terrific English 1939 cozy. I laughed out loud in places, rooted for the townspeople, loved Dr Bones and Lady Juliet and cannot wait for the second book in this new series. For a minute there, I was afraid it was going to go off in the wacky direction of ghosts and mysticism, which I normally am ok with, but HERE it just didn't seem right. It stopped short of kooky. Still, I loved the setting, the characters ( definitely) and anxiously await Book 2.
July 29, 2017
It's 1939 England and Dr. Benjamin Bones has been assigned as the doctor to the village of Birdswing and its surrounding area. But for his wife, Penny, it is a return to her old life, a return she doesn't welcome.
But moments after arriving she is killed and the Doctor seriously injured.
Once recovered he joins with Lady Juliet to find the guilty party.
I enjoyed this well-written mystery with some well-rounded characters, and look forward to reading the next in the series.
But moments after arriving she is killed and the Doctor seriously injured.
Once recovered he joins with Lady Juliet to find the guilty party.
I enjoyed this well-written mystery with some well-rounded characters, and look forward to reading the next in the series.
November 29, 2014
4 stars for plot, 5 for dialogue + characters
This series is quite different from Jameson's other English mystery set, though I enjoy it too. I think it's the period setting that allows her to write so much witty dialogue and create characters like Lady Julia (whom I kept picturing looking like Chummy from "Call the Midwife"). I look forward to book two.
This series is quite different from Jameson's other English mystery set, though I enjoy it too. I think it's the period setting that allows her to write so much witty dialogue and create characters like Lady Julia (whom I kept picturing looking like Chummy from "Call the Midwife"). I look forward to book two.
December 31, 2014
1930s fun mystery
Reading this reminded me of seeing old comedy/romantic mystery movies of the 30s and 40s.lcanpictureLady Juliet played by Rosalind Russell and Dr. Bones by someone like John Mills. I look forward to the next adventure.
Reading this reminded me of seeing old comedy/romantic mystery movies of the 30s and 40s.lcanpictureLady Juliet played by Rosalind Russell and Dr. Bones by someone like John Mills. I look forward to the next adventure.
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