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Kathryn Ardleigh #2
Ein Sommernachtsmord
Kathryn Ardleigh is everything the Victoria English gentlewoman is not -- outspoken, free-thinking, American.. and a writer of the frowned upon "penny-dreadfuls." She shocked her ancestral home at Bishop's Keep -- and captured the interest of detective Sir Charles Sheridan as they solved their first case together.
Now the brutal demise of a local constable and the mysterious disappearance of a child have the sleuthing couple on the trail of deadly greed and criminal mischief once again. And with the help of a shy young woman who calls herself Beatrix Potter, Kate intends to uncover the sinister secrets of Gallows Green....
351 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1995
127 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
About the author
Robin Paige
43 books187 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 192 reviews
August 22, 2024
A most enjoyable lightweight "cozy"!
Kathryn Ardleigh is a pretty interesting compilation - secret author of mystery "penny dreadfuls" written under the pseudonym "Beryl Bardwell"; heiress and now mistress of Bishop's Keep, the Ardleigh estate, after the death of her Aunts; a rather independent, outspoken, (dare I say?) feminist American who has oftentimes attracted the disdainful, scandalized sniffs of the local elderly dowagers with her free-wheeling dress and behaviour; and an attractive, intelligent, very feminine young lady who has turned the eye of her acquaintance, Sir Charles Sheridan, a devotee of the burgeoning science of forensic criminology and a skilled amateur photographer.
When Sergeant Arthur Oliver is murdered and the body is discovered in the field of a local gameskeeper, all the evidence points towards Oliver's involvement in a nefarious poaching ring. But the local constable, Edward Laken, (who holds an unrequited fondness for Oliver's widow in his heart) and Sheridan (Oliver's long time friend) feel the evidence points elsewhere. Ardleigh, of course, manages to involve herself in the investigation up to her proverbial bloomers and the hunt for the killer is on.
Paige succeeds with this novel on any number of different fronts!
Let's label DEATH AT GALLOWS GREEN as a cozy mystery in which "cozy" means "cozy" - that is to say, the nature of the mystery is entirely local in nature, completely credible, realistic to the time, somewhat narrow and low key in scope and interest and all of the characters stay well within themselves and their abilities. Ardleigh, for instance, despite her obvious sleuthing skills and deductive ability retains a firmly rooted understanding of the fact that she is, after all is said and done, a Victorian lady. The warm fuzzies seem natural and ... well, warm and fuzzy ... Sheridan's hesitant romantic overtures towards Ardleigh and her cautious, measured response in light of her desire to retain a degree of feminine independence; Laken's head-over-heels love for Oliver's widow and the realization that Oliver's death has given him a second opportunity at the love that he lost out on as a younger man; and the compelling, stomach churning urgency of the manhunt for Oliver's daughter, Betsy, who has been kidnapped and potentially drowned. Beatrix Potter's amazingly realistic introduction into the novel as Kathryn Ardleigh's close friend has a charm all its own and serves as an interesting historical biographical sidebar of Potter's intensely sheltered real life.
The flavour of this novel definitely leans toward Agatha Christie but there is also a strong hint of the realism of Anne Perry's or Bruce Alexander's somewhat grittier mysteries. Paige has provided us with a most interesting look at the local politics of the constabulary and a glimpse into that day's use of the as yet unproven tools of forensics and photography.
No doubt about it ... I'd happily recommend DEATH AT GALLOWS GREEN to other readers as I step out the door to seek out my copy of DEATH AT DAISY'S FOLLY.
Paul Weiss
Kathryn Ardleigh is a pretty interesting compilation - secret author of mystery "penny dreadfuls" written under the pseudonym "Beryl Bardwell"; heiress and now mistress of Bishop's Keep, the Ardleigh estate, after the death of her Aunts; a rather independent, outspoken, (dare I say?) feminist American who has oftentimes attracted the disdainful, scandalized sniffs of the local elderly dowagers with her free-wheeling dress and behaviour; and an attractive, intelligent, very feminine young lady who has turned the eye of her acquaintance, Sir Charles Sheridan, a devotee of the burgeoning science of forensic criminology and a skilled amateur photographer.
When Sergeant Arthur Oliver is murdered and the body is discovered in the field of a local gameskeeper, all the evidence points towards Oliver's involvement in a nefarious poaching ring. But the local constable, Edward Laken, (who holds an unrequited fondness for Oliver's widow in his heart) and Sheridan (Oliver's long time friend) feel the evidence points elsewhere. Ardleigh, of course, manages to involve herself in the investigation up to her proverbial bloomers and the hunt for the killer is on.
Paige succeeds with this novel on any number of different fronts!
Let's label DEATH AT GALLOWS GREEN as a cozy mystery in which "cozy" means "cozy" - that is to say, the nature of the mystery is entirely local in nature, completely credible, realistic to the time, somewhat narrow and low key in scope and interest and all of the characters stay well within themselves and their abilities. Ardleigh, for instance, despite her obvious sleuthing skills and deductive ability retains a firmly rooted understanding of the fact that she is, after all is said and done, a Victorian lady. The warm fuzzies seem natural and ... well, warm and fuzzy ... Sheridan's hesitant romantic overtures towards Ardleigh and her cautious, measured response in light of her desire to retain a degree of feminine independence; Laken's head-over-heels love for Oliver's widow and the realization that Oliver's death has given him a second opportunity at the love that he lost out on as a younger man; and the compelling, stomach churning urgency of the manhunt for Oliver's daughter, Betsy, who has been kidnapped and potentially drowned. Beatrix Potter's amazingly realistic introduction into the novel as Kathryn Ardleigh's close friend has a charm all its own and serves as an interesting historical biographical sidebar of Potter's intensely sheltered real life.
The flavour of this novel definitely leans toward Agatha Christie but there is also a strong hint of the realism of Anne Perry's or Bruce Alexander's somewhat grittier mysteries. Paige has provided us with a most interesting look at the local politics of the constabulary and a glimpse into that day's use of the as yet unproven tools of forensics and photography.
No doubt about it ... I'd happily recommend DEATH AT GALLOWS GREEN to other readers as I step out the door to seek out my copy of DEATH AT DAISY'S FOLLY.
Paul Weiss
December 30, 2016
It's not in the murder mystery. That part is kind of... conventional. Or a bit complicated. Or just sheer unexciting. Or all of the above. Nothing to write home about. But the characters...
The characters are extremely charming, delightful even (well, the duck is anyway). Spending time with them is like popping an opiate. Whatever your pain is, it smooths it out, leaving you with a smile on your face and a warm and cuddly feeling in your gut. Add some interesting and highly educational historical detail and you really can't complain.
Whether hardcover or paperback (or library book) you're getting your money's worth. And best of all... It's prescription free!
The characters are extremely charming, delightful even (well, the duck is anyway). Spending time with them is like popping an opiate. Whatever your pain is, it smooths it out, leaving you with a smile on your face and a warm and cuddly feeling in your gut. Add some interesting and highly educational historical detail and you really can't complain.
Whether hardcover or paperback (or library book) you're getting your money's worth. And best of all... It's prescription free!
July 12, 2025
Utterly cozy, likeable, intelligent Victorian murder mystery. The world feels very lived-in, and the author (actually a husband and wife author team!) writes about people at different levels of 1890s society without flattening differences or being condescending. The subject of police and policing in this episode was nicely handled.
I continue to find the epigraph style a tad distracting, but the epigraphs do often contain very interesting historical information!
I can see myself continuing this long series as a regular comfort read, and I’m happy to have discovered it. I’m also enjoying the barely-there romance subplot, which brings just the right balance of through-line for the series.
I continue to find the epigraph style a tad distracting, but the epigraphs do often contain very interesting historical information!
I can see myself continuing this long series as a regular comfort read, and I’m happy to have discovered it. I’m also enjoying the barely-there romance subplot, which brings just the right balance of through-line for the series.
December 30, 2008
These books really are great fun to read. The mysteries--even if a bit predictable at times--are engaging, and the characters are delightful. I like the rate at which the relationship between Kate and Sir Charles is developing; not too fast, yet not at a snail's pace either.
One thing I wasn't quite sure about regarding this series is the insertion of famous historical persons into the stories--both Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde had small roles in the first book, and Beatrix Potter in this one--but, I've been pleased to discover that thus far the device has worked quite well.
I understand that Susan Wittig Albert (one half of the husband and wife team who are Robin Paige) also writes a series of mysteries in which Beatrix Potter herself is the main character. I may look into those at some point in the future.
One thing I wasn't quite sure about regarding this series is the insertion of famous historical persons into the stories--both Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde had small roles in the first book, and Beatrix Potter in this one--but, I've been pleased to discover that thus far the device has worked quite well.
I understand that Susan Wittig Albert (one half of the husband and wife team who are Robin Paige) also writes a series of mysteries in which Beatrix Potter herself is the main character. I may look into those at some point in the future.
January 24, 2017
This was solid. 3.5 stars.
I really like Beatrice Potter as a side character, and I wasn't sure if I would. I hope she sticks around.
Mostly, I liked this. I could have done without the subplot of everyone being (or appearing to be) in love with the heroine. It was a bit of a weird love pentangle, of sorts. Except not really, because it was breathtakingly obvious all along exactly how it would go down, so it was just a bit weird.
I really like Beatrice Potter as a side character, and I wasn't sure if I would. I hope she sticks around.
Mostly, I liked this. I could have done without the subplot of everyone being (or appearing to be) in love with the heroine. It was a bit of a weird love pentangle, of sorts. Except not really, because it was breathtakingly obvious all along exactly how it would go down, so it was just a bit weird.
April 25, 2021
Set in a time and a place. If you like the time and the place, you will like the book. Think small town cozy mystery meets Jane Austin meets early feminism. As a woman of independent means, Kate doesn’t need a man, yet everyone else seems free to judge her on not having marriage as her first priority. At the same time, sparks are flying and she may just fancy that man who takes her intellect seriously. Add to that, Bea Potter is starting her children’s stories and finding a way to see them published.
And then there is murder and a child missing...
And then there is murder and a child missing...
February 16, 2020
3.5 stars. There were at least a dozen typos and a missing sentence that made the protagonist the obvious killer- of all the worst sentences to be missing. She was told that "a man" has been killed and she responds with concern for his wife , Agnes. Oops.
A decent series, which I will continue.
England- Victorian era
A decent series, which I will continue.
England- Victorian era
September 8, 2024
This author(s) uses foreshadowing that is not so subtle. Sometimes they even just tell you outright what's going to happen. I really enjoy it. I find that it increases the suspense as you wait to find out how the characters are going to get there.
Kate gets a new friend and the friend is/was a famous author IRL. It is another instance of strong foreshadowing so you will be able to figure out who it is as you read but I still loved it when the full name was finally announced. It seems some of the background was based on research and I thought that was neat. There was a couple minutes at the end of the audiobook that gave a little bio.
The love triangle, or love quadrangle depending on point of view, was also lots of fun and even produced a little angst. It is apparent what the result will eventually be but it is still unresolved in this book.
TRIGGER WARNING: There is a kidnapping of a child. The child has a strong constitution and there is only one chapter of details. Still, it was enough to cause me to rate this book lower than I might have otherwise. I'm just not interested in reading about any kind of child abuse in books.
I will probably listen to the next book eventually but I'm not in a hurry.
Kate gets a new friend and the friend is/was a famous author IRL. It is another instance of strong foreshadowing so you will be able to figure out who it is as you read but I still loved it when the full name was finally announced. It seems some of the background was based on research and I thought that was neat. There was a couple minutes at the end of the audiobook that gave a little bio.
The love triangle, or love quadrangle depending on point of view, was also lots of fun and even produced a little angst. It is apparent what the result will eventually be but it is still unresolved in this book.
TRIGGER WARNING: There is a kidnapping of a child. The child has a strong constitution and there is only one chapter of details. Still, it was enough to cause me to rate this book lower than I might have otherwise. I'm just not interested in reading about any kind of child abuse in books.
I will probably listen to the next book eventually but I'm not in a hurry.
June 8, 2023
I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book, but it was still enjoyable. I really liked the budding relationship with Kate and Charles, and I found Charles' assumptions about Kate's romantic leadings and subsequent angst charming. I felt like it humanized him a way that I hadn't seen in the previous book. I found the court proceedings incredibly boring, and I skimmed past them as it had already been described in the previous chapters. Beatrice Potter was a wonderful addition. I wonder who the celebrity insertion will be in the third book.
September 5, 2020
2020 bk 288. First - the cover of this first edition paperback is stunning and the thumbnail does not do it justice. I loved this second of the stories. Kate, our intrepid heroine, is seemingly unaware that there are men interested in marrying her. She is focused on the murder of a local constable and concerned for the welfare of his wife and daughter. Her suitors and she are drawn into a plot that involves, well that would be a spoiler, but a topic that is very current. I will leave you with this clue - grains are not just simply the basis of our daily bread. An excellent read.
April 6, 2017
This was surprisingly slow to get going. Not entirely sure why. Although I was amused at the first appearance of Beatrix Potter in a book by Susan Wittig Albert - I guess this was the foundation of the The Tale of Hill Top Farm series.
October 6, 2019
I usually don’t like stories with the main characters meet a famous author. But this story where they meet Beatrix Potter was fun and exciting.
January 10, 2023
Review of audiobook narrated by Helen Johns.
I enjoyed this book, although I'm not too sure how I feel about the author working a young Beatrix Potter into the cast of characters.
I enjoyed this book, although I'm not too sure how I feel about the author working a young Beatrix Potter into the cast of characters.
April 17, 2020
Read the Audible version. Rating 4.5 stars. As before excellent narration. Great story. On to the next one.
April 19, 2020
3.5*
I didn't enjoy this storyline as much as the first book. Since I've read and thoroughly enjoyed Susan Wittig's series on Beatrix Potter having the author/s decide to have Beatrix Potter feature so much in this book too, for me, detracted from the story of Kathryn.
I didn't enjoy this storyline as much as the first book. Since I've read and thoroughly enjoyed Susan Wittig's series on Beatrix Potter having the author/s decide to have Beatrix Potter feature so much in this book too, for me, detracted from the story of Kathryn.
January 7, 2019
It's interesting to see what real-life people that fictional character Kate Ardleigh meets in her sleuthing adventures. In this 2nd cozy Victorian mystery, she meets Beatrix Potter while she's away at a house party near Long Melford. Kate invites shy young Bea and her menagerie of small animals to return with her and stay awhile at Bishop's Keep. Thus Beatrix Potter fits seamlessly into the story line and aids Kate in her sleuthing. Kathryn is an outspoken, independent, free-thinking, non-traditional Irish American who is still writing penny dreadfuls under the name of Beryl Bardwell. She inherits her ancestral home, Bishop's Keep, after her aunt is murdered (see book #1).
Amelia, a servant at Bishop's Keep and Lawrence, a footman at Marsden Manor find the body of murdered Sergeant Arthur Oliver of the hamlet of Gallows Green in Mr. McGregor's garden. Mr. McGregor is the local gameskeeper. Police Constable Edward Laken and Oliver were childhood friends. Laken calls upon his friend, Sir Charles Sheridan who is an amateur photographer, to take pictures of the scene of the crime. Later, Sir Charles uses his burgeoning expertise in forensic criminology to make plaster casts of some footprints that help identify the killer. Laken is prevented from investigating his friend's murder when Superintendent Hacking gives the case over to Chief Constable Pell who gives it to inexperienced and young P.C. Bradley.
Oliver's wife Agnes and young daughter Betsy are to get a police pension, but it is jeopardized when P.C. Bradley discovers poaching equipment found (planted?) in a shed near his house. Laken is a sentimental man who has loved Agnes for years, but was too slow to show his feelings and Oliver married her instead. Does he have a chance now to reveal his love for her? Kate is also friends with Agnes and begins her sleuthing in order to clear Oliver's name so Agnes's pension can be protected. Bea is also taken with Betsy as they share a love of small animals. It also turns out that Bea has met Sir Charles before where they had passionate discussions on their mutual interest in lichens and mushrooms.
After it is discovered that there are different types of grains found in the pockets of Oliver's jacket, Betsy disappears and is presumed drowned in a nearby river. Unfortunately, Bea can't be in on the climax as she has developed a terrible cold. Subplots include:
- Eleanor Marsden's mother loans her an emerald necklace, earrings, bracelet and two rings for a ball. She discovers the jewels are missing from the safe when she returns one of the rings which she had forgotten to give her mother. She enlists Kate's help in findng them. Is the theft associated with Oliver's murder?
- Constable Laken is teaching Kate to ride a bicycle. She does so while wearing bloomers which scandalizes the villagers who think she is in love with someone beneath her station. The bloomers are also quite an issue as women are not to show a leg even when covered by tights!
- Lawrence and Amelia are in love but it's highly inappropriate for servants of neighboring estates to see each other. The cook is furious over this matter.
- Bradford Marsden, who has money woes, decides he will marry Kate for her money. Sir Charles is devastated because he fancies her. He also believes that she likes Laken. Sir Charles is still too timid to show his feelings for Kate.
- Some "pirates" by the name of Russell Tod and Tommy Brock are operating in the vicinity. Are they implicated in Oliver's murder?
Once again, there are quotes from famous authors at the beginning of each chapter. If you pay attention, you can glean something from them that will occur in the chapter. There are lots of compelling characters and an intriguing mystery which is skillfully unraveled. It also looks like there won't be long drawn-out misunderstandings that will keep Sir Charles and Kate from becoming a couple. This is a series well worth reading.
Amelia, a servant at Bishop's Keep and Lawrence, a footman at Marsden Manor find the body of murdered Sergeant Arthur Oliver of the hamlet of Gallows Green in Mr. McGregor's garden. Mr. McGregor is the local gameskeeper. Police Constable Edward Laken and Oliver were childhood friends. Laken calls upon his friend, Sir Charles Sheridan who is an amateur photographer, to take pictures of the scene of the crime. Later, Sir Charles uses his burgeoning expertise in forensic criminology to make plaster casts of some footprints that help identify the killer. Laken is prevented from investigating his friend's murder when Superintendent Hacking gives the case over to Chief Constable Pell who gives it to inexperienced and young P.C. Bradley.
Oliver's wife Agnes and young daughter Betsy are to get a police pension, but it is jeopardized when P.C. Bradley discovers poaching equipment found (planted?) in a shed near his house. Laken is a sentimental man who has loved Agnes for years, but was too slow to show his feelings and Oliver married her instead. Does he have a chance now to reveal his love for her? Kate is also friends with Agnes and begins her sleuthing in order to clear Oliver's name so Agnes's pension can be protected. Bea is also taken with Betsy as they share a love of small animals. It also turns out that Bea has met Sir Charles before where they had passionate discussions on their mutual interest in lichens and mushrooms.
After it is discovered that there are different types of grains found in the pockets of Oliver's jacket, Betsy disappears and is presumed drowned in a nearby river. Unfortunately, Bea can't be in on the climax as she has developed a terrible cold. Subplots include:
- Eleanor Marsden's mother loans her an emerald necklace, earrings, bracelet and two rings for a ball. She discovers the jewels are missing from the safe when she returns one of the rings which she had forgotten to give her mother. She enlists Kate's help in findng them. Is the theft associated with Oliver's murder?
- Constable Laken is teaching Kate to ride a bicycle. She does so while wearing bloomers which scandalizes the villagers who think she is in love with someone beneath her station. The bloomers are also quite an issue as women are not to show a leg even when covered by tights!
- Lawrence and Amelia are in love but it's highly inappropriate for servants of neighboring estates to see each other. The cook is furious over this matter.
- Bradford Marsden, who has money woes, decides he will marry Kate for her money. Sir Charles is devastated because he fancies her. He also believes that she likes Laken. Sir Charles is still too timid to show his feelings for Kate.
- Some "pirates" by the name of Russell Tod and Tommy Brock are operating in the vicinity. Are they implicated in Oliver's murder?
Once again, there are quotes from famous authors at the beginning of each chapter. If you pay attention, you can glean something from them that will occur in the chapter. There are lots of compelling characters and an intriguing mystery which is skillfully unraveled. It also looks like there won't be long drawn-out misunderstandings that will keep Sir Charles and Kate from becoming a couple. This is a series well worth reading.
December 17, 2009
I was interested in reading this cozy mystery because Beatrix Potter was supposed to be a significant character (and the cover shows a drawing of her rabbit and hedgehog.) It was disappointing that when the mystery got going, Beatrix catches a cold and has to stay out of the action. I can't imagine what excuse the author could come up with for leaving her out. So many books in this genre do the same thing. The plot is supposed to have an angle: the sleuth is an antique dealer/bookseller/chef . . . but the topic is written about only superficially. The writing was quite good however, and it was comforting to read passages such as "an island of pastoral peace and placidity amid the tumultuous sea of modern civilization."
August 2, 2018
Absolutely, one of my favorite books. I bought this in a flea market so I didn't realize I was reading part of a series out of sequence.It didn't matter... I quickly bought the first one & started it immediately. Beautifully written with literary characters we all know. It's whimsical, charming, mysterious, romantic...And all while reading, I can see, feel & smell the lush forests, streams & gardens...and almost hear the sounds of all Miss Potter's feathered & furry friends. All the while I can hardly stand to put the book down because the suspense is killing me..& I have no idea who could have committed this murder. But even without the murder..I want to jump into this book & be a part of it! Now, THAT'S what I call, "my kind of book"!!!!
May 3, 2020
Lightweight but entertaining fluff. The book is set in the late Victorian period and makes many references to this. It also makes far too many allusions to Beatrix potter . Both her and her stories.
The culprit is telegraphed very early on but the reasoning behind his guilt are sketchy.
All in all, it passed a few hours and if I found any more by this author in a public library (I.e. not having to pay good money) then I would read some more in the series.
The culprit is telegraphed very early on but the reasoning behind his guilt are sketchy.
All in all, it passed a few hours and if I found any more by this author in a public library (I.e. not having to pay good money) then I would read some more in the series.
September 22, 2015
Great series by author team who are writing and plotting pros. Strong female lead, interesting romance and fun to read. I look forward to working my way through the series.
January 20, 2018
Did not like this book as much as the first book in the series. The whole Beatrix Potter storyline was somewhat overplayed and unnecessary.
April 24, 2024
MY RATING GUIDE: 5 Stars. This is a new-to-me author that I am finding delightful to read, mysteries very rich with details! (Check out the authors bio!)
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVED THIS! IT WAS GREAT. (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Gallows Green, England, mid 1890’s ~
American-transplant Kate Ardleigh is an independent woman and (unknown to many) a published penny dreadful author. Seven months ago she moved to England and shortly thereafter inherited her aunts’ manor, servants and a large piece of property in Essex, England.
Kate hears that a heirloom emerald necklace set (belonging to a new friends’ family) has disappeared and a local policeman has been murdered in Gallows Green during the same week. Kate believes that the theft and the murder must be connected but she has been informed that the murder of the policeman will not be investigated by the most worthy investigator. Rather, an inept man in a high supervisory position has been assigned to the case. Furthermore, someone has been spreading rumors that the deceased policeman might have been corrupt which ultimately caused his death through bad association.
Because Kate’s maid discovered the dead policeman and the man was actually known by her friends to have been an honest man, Kate’s interest is lite. When it appears that there is no hope of relocating the stolen heirloom necklace set, Kate decides to investigate both mysteries. Perhaps Sir Charles Sheridan, a new acquaintance of hers who recently returned to the area, will assist her investigations as he did in a previous mystery 6mos earlier (in bk1).
At this same time, Kate meets a woman, Beatrice Potter, about her own age (mid 20’s). The woman is very knowledgeable about botany and fauna. Batrice draws with incredible detail and has dreams of writing both scientific articles and children books of her own some day.
Quotes ~
> “If spinsterhood were the price to pay for her independence, she was more than willing to pay it.” Kate.
> “Singleness was a gift she would not readily relinquish unless . . .”
Kate
Comments ~
1) DEATH AT GALLOWS GREEN is bk2 in Robin Paige’s (a husband/wife writing team) Victorian 12 book Mystery series. DAGG could be read as a standalone novel but the growing connections between various characters (MCs, police force, friends) would be missed.
2) The gentle Children’s author Beatrice Potter and her inclusion in this story brightened the tone for me. I found myself savoring each chapter as I read.
3) I appreciated the historical details added to DAGG. I found myself referencing elsewhere for additional information (the police force of the Victorian era, the date cameras and bicycles were invented, the life of Beatrice Potter, the history of 1890-1900 bicycle bloomers, blue tit birds, etc). Such details seem to enrich Robin Paige’s mysteries and increase my enjoyment in reading them. I look forward to reading the next book in this series soon.
4) I never read Beatrice Potter books as a child. I felt as if I were meeting someone I could have called friend, the more I read DEATH AT GALLOWS GREEN. It sounds as if her young life was limited by Society standards of the time.
READER CAUTION ~ None.
Rare use of slang strong language; murders occur off scene; no sexuality.
Notes of interest ~ Lacking a publisher’s interest, Beatrice Potter (1966-1943) was forced to self-publish her first story, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. In 1902, her Children’s stories were finally published commercially, of which she wrote 23. Beatrice didn’t marry until age 47 upon which (living in the country with her husband, farm and varied animals) apparently never wrote again.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVED THIS! IT WAS GREAT. (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Gallows Green, England, mid 1890’s ~
American-transplant Kate Ardleigh is an independent woman and (unknown to many) a published penny dreadful author. Seven months ago she moved to England and shortly thereafter inherited her aunts’ manor, servants and a large piece of property in Essex, England.
Kate hears that a heirloom emerald necklace set (belonging to a new friends’ family) has disappeared and a local policeman has been murdered in Gallows Green during the same week. Kate believes that the theft and the murder must be connected but she has been informed that the murder of the policeman will not be investigated by the most worthy investigator. Rather, an inept man in a high supervisory position has been assigned to the case. Furthermore, someone has been spreading rumors that the deceased policeman might have been corrupt which ultimately caused his death through bad association.
Because Kate’s maid discovered the dead policeman and the man was actually known by her friends to have been an honest man, Kate’s interest is lite. When it appears that there is no hope of relocating the stolen heirloom necklace set, Kate decides to investigate both mysteries. Perhaps Sir Charles Sheridan, a new acquaintance of hers who recently returned to the area, will assist her investigations as he did in a previous mystery 6mos earlier (in bk1).
At this same time, Kate meets a woman, Beatrice Potter, about her own age (mid 20’s). The woman is very knowledgeable about botany and fauna. Batrice draws with incredible detail and has dreams of writing both scientific articles and children books of her own some day.
Quotes ~
> “If spinsterhood were the price to pay for her independence, she was more than willing to pay it.” Kate.
> “Singleness was a gift she would not readily relinquish unless . . .”
Kate
Comments ~
1) DEATH AT GALLOWS GREEN is bk2 in Robin Paige’s (a husband/wife writing team) Victorian 12 book Mystery series. DAGG could be read as a standalone novel but the growing connections between various characters (MCs, police force, friends) would be missed.
2) The gentle Children’s author Beatrice Potter and her inclusion in this story brightened the tone for me. I found myself savoring each chapter as I read.
3) I appreciated the historical details added to DAGG. I found myself referencing elsewhere for additional information (the police force of the Victorian era, the date cameras and bicycles were invented, the life of Beatrice Potter, the history of 1890-1900 bicycle bloomers, blue tit birds, etc). Such details seem to enrich Robin Paige’s mysteries and increase my enjoyment in reading them. I look forward to reading the next book in this series soon.
4) I never read Beatrice Potter books as a child. I felt as if I were meeting someone I could have called friend, the more I read DEATH AT GALLOWS GREEN. It sounds as if her young life was limited by Society standards of the time.
READER CAUTION ~ None.
Rare use of slang strong language; murders occur off scene; no sexuality.
Notes of interest ~ Lacking a publisher’s interest, Beatrice Potter (1966-1943) was forced to self-publish her first story, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. In 1902, her Children’s stories were finally published commercially, of which she wrote 23. Beatrice didn’t marry until age 47 upon which (living in the country with her husband, farm and varied animals) apparently never wrote again.
April 9, 2023
I added this series to my list when I learned that the author, Robin Paige, is actually Susan Wittig Albert and her husband, Bill, writing together. I love SWA’s China Bayles and Darling Dahlias series, so I wanted to check out this series too.
Kathryn, the MC of this series, is an American currently living in her ancestral home of Bishop’s Keep, England. (Read the first book in the series to learn how this came to be.) Her being American is only part of the “problem” – she doesn’t keep her thoughts to herself or worry about what others think, she’s not searching for a husband to give her life purpose, and probably worst of all, she’s an author of “penny-dreadfuls” that are rather successful. I like her because of all of this, and the friends she has made in the short time she’s been in England.
There is a murder almost on page one of the book, but other problems come up as Kathryn and the authorities conduct their investigations. Of course they’re all connected, but figuring out how was a complicated trail, with plenty of possible villains in the mix. I suspected one person from the moment the character was introduced, simply because I didn’t like the character 😊, but I wasn’t sure who else might be involved. The motive became clear as the story progressed and the identities of the other culprits was revealed.
I was happy to discover that there are a dozen books in this series, and look forward to reading the next one soon.
Kathryn, the MC of this series, is an American currently living in her ancestral home of Bishop’s Keep, England. (Read the first book in the series to learn how this came to be.) Her being American is only part of the “problem” – she doesn’t keep her thoughts to herself or worry about what others think, she’s not searching for a husband to give her life purpose, and probably worst of all, she’s an author of “penny-dreadfuls” that are rather successful. I like her because of all of this, and the friends she has made in the short time she’s been in England.
There is a murder almost on page one of the book, but other problems come up as Kathryn and the authorities conduct their investigations. Of course they’re all connected, but figuring out how was a complicated trail, with plenty of possible villains in the mix. I suspected one person from the moment the character was introduced, simply because I didn’t like the character 😊, but I wasn’t sure who else might be involved. The motive became clear as the story progressed and the identities of the other culprits was revealed.
I was happy to discover that there are a dozen books in this series, and look forward to reading the next one soon.
August 28, 2024
Death at Gallows Green by Robin Paige - Good
Once again in need of a light easy read.
I'm still not sure if I liked the conceit of including Beatrix Potter in the story. She's introduced when she comes to stay with Kate Ardleigh, our American in Essex. All the characters and creatures from her books appear in this book as if this visit inspired Ms Potter's stories.
Anyway, the local policeman is found dead and soon Kate and Sir Charles Sheridan are once again investigating.
The chapters are short and snappy. There's nothing too difficult or gruesome to tax the brain. Nice little story....but....once again I found it difficult to ignore all the Americanisms. I know the authors are American and so is the heroine but it is set in England and seeing them drink seltzer rather than soda water etc. jars with me. I'm also not convinced that poor people in Victorian England had bowls of oranges or ate pineapple.
All in all, when I suspended disbelief, I enjoyed the story and it was a quick easy read just when I needed one. I do have a couple more of the series so will read them at some point but I'm not sure I will acquire any more in the meantime. Will see how things go as to whether I continue further.
#review
Once again in need of a light easy read.
I'm still not sure if I liked the conceit of including Beatrix Potter in the story. She's introduced when she comes to stay with Kate Ardleigh, our American in Essex. All the characters and creatures from her books appear in this book as if this visit inspired Ms Potter's stories.
Anyway, the local policeman is found dead and soon Kate and Sir Charles Sheridan are once again investigating.
The chapters are short and snappy. There's nothing too difficult or gruesome to tax the brain. Nice little story....but....once again I found it difficult to ignore all the Americanisms. I know the authors are American and so is the heroine but it is set in England and seeing them drink seltzer rather than soda water etc. jars with me. I'm also not convinced that poor people in Victorian England had bowls of oranges or ate pineapple.
All in all, when I suspended disbelief, I enjoyed the story and it was a quick easy read just when I needed one. I do have a couple more of the series so will read them at some point but I'm not sure I will acquire any more in the meantime. Will see how things go as to whether I continue further.
#review
July 3, 2018
This is an amazing series. What I like about it is the characterizations. The characters in the book are normal and well-adjusted. They are not written as super beings or incompetents. Also, the atmosphere created in the series is well researched. I've not found modern outlooks being introduced taking me out of the Victorian setting of the books.
In Death at Gallows Green, we are introduced to Beatrix Potter. That in itself is delightful. But, the manner in which she fits into the story is reasonable and not at all awkward. The mystery concerns a family torn apart by a death. Police corruption hampers the investigation. But, this is when the wonderful characters Ms. Paige creates come into play. Their sense of duty and eye towards progress allows them to rise above those aspects of daily life that hold back others from achieving their full potential.
Death at Gallows Green is a wonderful story that is excellently written. Tightly plotted, the ending came as a surprise to me but it made perfect sense. I cannot praise this book and the Victorian series enough.
In Death at Gallows Green, we are introduced to Beatrix Potter. That in itself is delightful. But, the manner in which she fits into the story is reasonable and not at all awkward. The mystery concerns a family torn apart by a death. Police corruption hampers the investigation. But, this is when the wonderful characters Ms. Paige creates come into play. Their sense of duty and eye towards progress allows them to rise above those aspects of daily life that hold back others from achieving their full potential.
Death at Gallows Green is a wonderful story that is excellently written. Tightly plotted, the ending came as a surprise to me but it made perfect sense. I cannot praise this book and the Victorian series enough.
May 12, 2021
Started giving this a five star review but then changed it to four stars as, although I love the characters and the plots, there are several “Americanisms” in these books which spoils it for an English reader. Things like “odor” instead of “odour” or “color” instead of “colour” and “fender” instead of “bumper” and the list goes on!
Also there are areas of the book where the author gets a bit of verbal diarrhoea and puts in big chunks of dialogue that actually are unnecessary to the plot that you have to just skim through to rejoin the action.
Aside from these negative things though, the books are a good enjoyable read with characters you can really like and become very fond of like the scruffy Sir Charles who marries the lead character, Kathryn, and the matriarchal cook, Mrs Pratt who you can’t help but love.
I am racing through these books and there are 12 books in the series (so far!)
Give them a go, skip through the paragraphs of “word salad” and you will uncover a jewel of a book. Not quite up there with Arrowood (Mick Finlay) or Ashmole Foxe (William Savage) but they are still enjoyable.
Also there are areas of the book where the author gets a bit of verbal diarrhoea and puts in big chunks of dialogue that actually are unnecessary to the plot that you have to just skim through to rejoin the action.
Aside from these negative things though, the books are a good enjoyable read with characters you can really like and become very fond of like the scruffy Sir Charles who marries the lead character, Kathryn, and the matriarchal cook, Mrs Pratt who you can’t help but love.
I am racing through these books and there are 12 books in the series (so far!)
Give them a go, skip through the paragraphs of “word salad” and you will uncover a jewel of a book. Not quite up there with Arrowood (Mick Finlay) or Ashmole Foxe (William Savage) but they are still enjoyable.
May 30, 2019
Happily rereading this fine series starting from book #1 (on kindle). 4.5 stars rounded up, and I have the next one too and pondering getting the whole lot of them. A favorite series that I enjoyed and it is long enough ago that I have mostly forgotten what will happen ( a few little glimmers surface).
Book 2 starts with Kate Ardleigh moving forward from the unfortunate deaths of her two aunts, one beloved to her but both were family. She is now a heiress, although raised in New York by an uncle after she was orphaned. Sir Charles Sheridan, a connection of the neighboring manor, plays a prominent role in her current life.
The Gallows Green death of the local constable and boyhood friend of Sir Charles sets a chain of events forward. Enter Beatrix Potter as a new friend of Kate,and we have a child gone missing along with a Jemima Puddleduck and Mr. Browne the owl.( where is that taking us? ) Great reading!!
Book 2 starts with Kate Ardleigh moving forward from the unfortunate deaths of her two aunts, one beloved to her but both were family. She is now a heiress, although raised in New York by an uncle after she was orphaned. Sir Charles Sheridan, a connection of the neighboring manor, plays a prominent role in her current life.
The Gallows Green death of the local constable and boyhood friend of Sir Charles sets a chain of events forward. Enter Beatrix Potter as a new friend of Kate,and we have a child gone missing along with a Jemima Puddleduck and Mr. Browne the owl.( where is that taking us? ) Great reading!!
November 22, 2025
Quite entertaining, especially because of the new character -- a real-life well-known author!
And I enjoyed the unfolding sub-plot of the potential or actual romantic affairs of the leading characters continued from the first book in the series. Kate's turmoil about whether or not she should allow herself to become romantically involved with anyone is quite interesting to see.
And I enjoy the continuing revelation of how Kate's American cultural practices and beliefs influence her behavior, how she is perceived, and how she thinks about British practices, especially among the aristocracy.
I listened to the audio version. As I said about the first book, the narrator is OK but not the best. But at least in this book, there seemed to be fewer moments when the working class characters were impossible for me to understand (but there were a couple of cases).
I look forward to more books in this series.
And I enjoyed the unfolding sub-plot of the potential or actual romantic affairs of the leading characters continued from the first book in the series. Kate's turmoil about whether or not she should allow herself to become romantically involved with anyone is quite interesting to see.
And I enjoy the continuing revelation of how Kate's American cultural practices and beliefs influence her behavior, how she is perceived, and how she thinks about British practices, especially among the aristocracy.
I listened to the audio version. As I said about the first book, the narrator is OK but not the best. But at least in this book, there seemed to be fewer moments when the working class characters were impossible for me to understand (but there were a couple of cases).
I look forward to more books in this series.
August 16, 2024
The second in this series and I am quite enjoying reading them. The authors, a husband and wife team, have done a lot of research to get their facts right. They include noteable people of the day and also document how hard it is for a woman , our heroine, to operate independently in 1894. She comes up against all sorts of prejudices, for example, riding a bike or wearing, heavens forbid, bloomers! I find it fascinating.
It's also a slow burn of her attraction to Sit Charles, who will become out lead male.
I'm enjoying reading about the lives of our secondary characters as well and what they get up to according to the customs of the time.
This book has Beatrice potter as a great character and the authors manage to introduce the names of the characters that she wrote about.
I'll be reading book three soon.
It's also a slow burn of her attraction to Sit Charles, who will become out lead male.
I'm enjoying reading about the lives of our secondary characters as well and what they get up to according to the customs of the time.
This book has Beatrice potter as a great character and the authors manage to introduce the names of the characters that she wrote about.
I'll be reading book three soon.
September 24, 2025
Interesting tale, with multiple mysteries and the surprise of the delightful Beatrix Potter, before she started publishing her books. Kathryn is now the owner of the Bishop's Keep estate, which means cash-poor English titled men are interested in her.
I loved how Kate is bringing modern customs to the neighborhood — slowly! She rides a bicycle, wears pants, drives her own horse-drawn gig, and eats meals at American times, except for afternoon tea, which she loves. She also writes penny-dreadful mysteries with a woman heroine--SHOCKING!
This second book is just as much about her personal life, both at the estate and with men who want to form a relationship with her, as it is about the murders happening in the area. Befriending Beatrix Potter and encouraging her to publish her whimsical stories is an added bonus.
I loved how Kate is bringing modern customs to the neighborhood — slowly! She rides a bicycle, wears pants, drives her own horse-drawn gig, and eats meals at American times, except for afternoon tea, which she loves. She also writes penny-dreadful mysteries with a woman heroine--SHOCKING!
This second book is just as much about her personal life, both at the estate and with men who want to form a relationship with her, as it is about the murders happening in the area. Befriending Beatrix Potter and encouraging her to publish her whimsical stories is an added bonus.
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