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John Pickett Mystery #3
Family Plot
The third installment of the John Pickett series of humorous Regency mysteries finds Bow Street Runner Pickett in Scotland investigating a woman found unconscious on the beach — a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the local laird's daughter, a girl missing and presumed dead for the last fifteen years. Pickett is surprised to discover that the woman was found by none other than Lady Fieldhurst and her three young nephews — and gratified to learn that her ladyship has registered at the seaside inn as Mrs. Julia Pickett. When old Angus Kirkbride dies only hours after announcing his intention of changing his will in his daughter's favor, "Mr. and Mrs. Pickett" must join forces to discover the truth about a family reunion suddenly turned deadly.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2014
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June 28, 2024
Review from 2018
I've given this an A for narration and a B for content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars.
Family Plot is book three of Sheri Cobb South’s series of historical mysteries featuring Bow Street Runner John Pickett, a sharply intelligent and quietly charming young man who was rescued from a life of crime by magistrate Patrick Colquhoun, and eventually became the youngest member of the Bow Street force.
In book one, In Milady's Chamber, John was, by the happy accident of being in the right place at the right time, instrumental in proving the innocence of Lady Julia Fieldhurst, who was accused of the murder of her husband. John has been in love with the beautiful young viscountess ever since he first set eyes on her but is well aware that the vast difference in their stations makes any relationship impossible.
By the end of that book, with the mystery solved and Lady Fieldhurst exonerated, John is resigned to never seeing the object of his affections again – until she calls upon him to investigate a murder at a country estate in Yorkshire in A Dead Bore. John – posing as Lady Fieldhurst’s footman – discovers her to be an excellent investigative partner; she’s observant, intelligent and her position in society enables her to go to places and speak to people that John’s does not. And it’s here that we get the first hint that perhaps John is not the only one trying to ignore a very inconvenient attraction. The beginning of Family Plot sees both John and Julia back in London, and back in their very different social circles, where, by rights, their paths should never cross again. Yet neither is able to quite forget the other. This very slow-burning romance is – for me, at any rate – the most enjoyable part of these books, because I generally find the mysteries to be a little simplistic and have often guessed the identity of the villain and/or solved the mystery before John and Julia reach their conclusions.
Lady Julia might have been widowed for eight months, but she is still subject to the carping and disapproval of her late husband’s family, and when she commits the most dreadful faux pas of publicly conversing with a young man well below her station, her mother-in-law and the new viscount decide to pack her off to the family estates in Scotland so she cannot cause any more gossip. This is a bit rich, seeing as it’s just come to light that the viscount’s three sons are illegitimate – but this is a society in which men and woman had to abide by different rules, and it seems Julia’s friendship with a nobody is of far greater concern than the fact that three boys have just been declared bastards. On the long and arduous coach journey with her three restless nephews, the oldest, Harold (who is eighteen and at Oxford) wishes that they could be somewhere nobody knows them or their name; the revelation of his bastardy has caused many of his fellows to turn on him and taunt him – and Julia finds herself in complete sympathy with him. Instead of making their way to Inverbrook, she decides to go to somewhere near the coast where they can holiday incognito – and just to be safe, they will register at the local inn under an assumed name. And it so happens that the only name Julia can think of… is Pickett.
“Mrs. Pickett” and her nephews are walking along the beach one morning not long after their arrival when the two youngest boys come across a woman lying on the shore, apparently washed there by the tide. Fortunately, she isn’t dead, and Julia sends Harold to the house at the top of the cliffs for help. He returns with two gentlemen who introduce themselves as Gavin and Duncan Kirkbride, cousins who are the nephews of the local Laird, Angus Kirkbride. Astonishingly, Gavin recognises the young woman, and insists she is their cousin Elspeth, the laird’s beloved step-daughter, who disappeared fifteen years ago and is believed dead. Duncan isn’t so sure and doesn’t want to get their uncle’s hopes up; the old man is in poor health and he worries that the shock could kill him. In any case, they arrange for the woman to be taken to their home and cared for, and Julia and the boys accompany them to Kirkbride House – where Gavin proceeds to dismiss Duncan’s qualms, and tells their uncle that he believes Elspeth has at last come home. But Duncan isn’t so easily put off and insists that they should find out all they can about the new arrival, suggesting that the best thing would be to send to London for a Runner to investigate.
Back in London, Patrick Colquhoun receives the Kirkbrides’ request and decides it would be good for John to get out of London for a while. He has been thinking of taking a holiday in his homeland, and tells John they will travel together, and that John can make the necessary enquiries while Colquhoun enjoys the excellent fishing to be had. No surprises for guessing where they end up – or the extent of John’s surprise when he finds he has suddenly acquired a wife.
Family rivalries, wished-for inheritances, lost love – all come into play as “Mr. and Mrs. Pickett” learn more about the Kirkbride family history during the course of their investigation into the veracity of Elspeth’s claims to be the laird’s missing daughter. But the sudden death of Angus Kirkbride – which is almost certainly murder – brings things to a head as the killer’s lust for money places members of the family – and Julia – in danger.
I’ve only listened to Joel Froomkin once or twice before, but he’s someone I really should listen to more, because his performance here is excellent. He’s a very experienced narrator (he also records a lot of m/m romances using a different name) and his bio calls him a “UK transplant”, so his English accent is pretty much flawless. The only thing that gives him away are the American pronunciations of certain words, such as leisure and details – which we pronounce as LEH-zhur (not LEE-zhur) and DEE-tails (not de-TAILS), which do stick out a bit. Otherwise, though, he does a fabulous job all-round; his pacing in narrative and dialogue is perfect, his diction is sound, his voice is easy on the ear, and his vocal characterisations – of both principals and secondary cast – are extremely good. Given the Scottish setting, he gets the chance to really show off his repertoire of Scottish accents, which range from the soft lilt he gives to Elspeth to the gruff, strongly accented tone he adopts for Angus, to the broad Billy Connolly-esque boom assigned to the local innkeeper. His portrayal of John Pickett is spot on, too; his light tone and less-than-perfect accent conjure a picture of an intelligent, charming, somewhat shy young man who can nonetheless stand his ground when it comes to his determination to ferret out the truth. Mr. Froomkin’s female voices are very good, too – he’s so good as Julia that I almost forgot I was listening to a man at times – and I also have to give special mention to his portrayal of Julia’s mother-in-law, a fabulous ‘crusty dowager’ for whom he was, surely, channelling Maggie Smith.
While I tend to prefer historical mysteries that are a little more complex, Family Plot is engaging and well-written, the mystery is well-put-together, and the story is peppered with gentle humour and the ever-simmering undercurrent of romantic tension between John and Julia. The bombshell dropped at the end looks set to change the nature of their relationship – and if you’ve followed the series this far, chances are you’ll want to dive into book four, Dinner Most Deadly to find out what happens next.
I've given this an A for narration and a B for content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars.
Family Plot is book three of Sheri Cobb South’s series of historical mysteries featuring Bow Street Runner John Pickett, a sharply intelligent and quietly charming young man who was rescued from a life of crime by magistrate Patrick Colquhoun, and eventually became the youngest member of the Bow Street force.
In book one, In Milady's Chamber, John was, by the happy accident of being in the right place at the right time, instrumental in proving the innocence of Lady Julia Fieldhurst, who was accused of the murder of her husband. John has been in love with the beautiful young viscountess ever since he first set eyes on her but is well aware that the vast difference in their stations makes any relationship impossible.
By the end of that book, with the mystery solved and Lady Fieldhurst exonerated, John is resigned to never seeing the object of his affections again – until she calls upon him to investigate a murder at a country estate in Yorkshire in A Dead Bore. John – posing as Lady Fieldhurst’s footman – discovers her to be an excellent investigative partner; she’s observant, intelligent and her position in society enables her to go to places and speak to people that John’s does not. And it’s here that we get the first hint that perhaps John is not the only one trying to ignore a very inconvenient attraction. The beginning of Family Plot sees both John and Julia back in London, and back in their very different social circles, where, by rights, their paths should never cross again. Yet neither is able to quite forget the other. This very slow-burning romance is – for me, at any rate – the most enjoyable part of these books, because I generally find the mysteries to be a little simplistic and have often guessed the identity of the villain and/or solved the mystery before John and Julia reach their conclusions.
Lady Julia might have been widowed for eight months, but she is still subject to the carping and disapproval of her late husband’s family, and when she commits the most dreadful faux pas of publicly conversing with a young man well below her station, her mother-in-law and the new viscount decide to pack her off to the family estates in Scotland so she cannot cause any more gossip. This is a bit rich, seeing as it’s just come to light that the viscount’s three sons are illegitimate – but this is a society in which men and woman had to abide by different rules, and it seems Julia’s friendship with a nobody is of far greater concern than the fact that three boys have just been declared bastards. On the long and arduous coach journey with her three restless nephews, the oldest, Harold (who is eighteen and at Oxford) wishes that they could be somewhere nobody knows them or their name; the revelation of his bastardy has caused many of his fellows to turn on him and taunt him – and Julia finds herself in complete sympathy with him. Instead of making their way to Inverbrook, she decides to go to somewhere near the coast where they can holiday incognito – and just to be safe, they will register at the local inn under an assumed name. And it so happens that the only name Julia can think of… is Pickett.
“Mrs. Pickett” and her nephews are walking along the beach one morning not long after their arrival when the two youngest boys come across a woman lying on the shore, apparently washed there by the tide. Fortunately, she isn’t dead, and Julia sends Harold to the house at the top of the cliffs for help. He returns with two gentlemen who introduce themselves as Gavin and Duncan Kirkbride, cousins who are the nephews of the local Laird, Angus Kirkbride. Astonishingly, Gavin recognises the young woman, and insists she is their cousin Elspeth, the laird’s beloved step-daughter, who disappeared fifteen years ago and is believed dead. Duncan isn’t so sure and doesn’t want to get their uncle’s hopes up; the old man is in poor health and he worries that the shock could kill him. In any case, they arrange for the woman to be taken to their home and cared for, and Julia and the boys accompany them to Kirkbride House – where Gavin proceeds to dismiss Duncan’s qualms, and tells their uncle that he believes Elspeth has at last come home. But Duncan isn’t so easily put off and insists that they should find out all they can about the new arrival, suggesting that the best thing would be to send to London for a Runner to investigate.
Back in London, Patrick Colquhoun receives the Kirkbrides’ request and decides it would be good for John to get out of London for a while. He has been thinking of taking a holiday in his homeland, and tells John they will travel together, and that John can make the necessary enquiries while Colquhoun enjoys the excellent fishing to be had. No surprises for guessing where they end up – or the extent of John’s surprise when he finds he has suddenly acquired a wife.
Family rivalries, wished-for inheritances, lost love – all come into play as “Mr. and Mrs. Pickett” learn more about the Kirkbride family history during the course of their investigation into the veracity of Elspeth’s claims to be the laird’s missing daughter. But the sudden death of Angus Kirkbride – which is almost certainly murder – brings things to a head as the killer’s lust for money places members of the family – and Julia – in danger.
I’ve only listened to Joel Froomkin once or twice before, but he’s someone I really should listen to more, because his performance here is excellent. He’s a very experienced narrator (he also records a lot of m/m romances using a different name) and his bio calls him a “UK transplant”, so his English accent is pretty much flawless. The only thing that gives him away are the American pronunciations of certain words, such as leisure and details – which we pronounce as LEH-zhur (not LEE-zhur) and DEE-tails (not de-TAILS), which do stick out a bit. Otherwise, though, he does a fabulous job all-round; his pacing in narrative and dialogue is perfect, his diction is sound, his voice is easy on the ear, and his vocal characterisations – of both principals and secondary cast – are extremely good. Given the Scottish setting, he gets the chance to really show off his repertoire of Scottish accents, which range from the soft lilt he gives to Elspeth to the gruff, strongly accented tone he adopts for Angus, to the broad Billy Connolly-esque boom assigned to the local innkeeper. His portrayal of John Pickett is spot on, too; his light tone and less-than-perfect accent conjure a picture of an intelligent, charming, somewhat shy young man who can nonetheless stand his ground when it comes to his determination to ferret out the truth. Mr. Froomkin’s female voices are very good, too – he’s so good as Julia that I almost forgot I was listening to a man at times – and I also have to give special mention to his portrayal of Julia’s mother-in-law, a fabulous ‘crusty dowager’ for whom he was, surely, channelling Maggie Smith.
While I tend to prefer historical mysteries that are a little more complex, Family Plot is engaging and well-written, the mystery is well-put-together, and the story is peppered with gentle humour and the ever-simmering undercurrent of romantic tension between John and Julia. The bombshell dropped at the end looks set to change the nature of their relationship – and if you’ve followed the series this far, chances are you’ll want to dive into book four, Dinner Most Deadly to find out what happens next.
April 28, 2018
Lady Fieldhurst has been a bad widow, at least in the opinion of her late husband’s family. She has declined the dubious honor of living with her mother-in-law and refused the equally dubious privilege of acting as a unpaid governess to her young nephews. But worst of all, she invited John Pickett to visit her in the Bertram family box when she saw him at the theater. For these dire sins, she is sent to Scotland with her brother-in-law’s 3 illegitimate sons, Harold, Robert and Edward.
Harold is 18 and attending Oxford, which he has not found the most genial place since the circumstances of his birth became a scandal. Julia feels sympathy for him; so instead of going to the family estate as they were told, they decide to use assumed names and go to the coast. When Julia decides on their alias surname, she chooses Pickett. Obviously she hasn’t forgot the kiss she shared with John anymore than he has!
They take rooms at a village inn and all is going well until they discover a woman lying insensible on the beach. She isn’t dead, as they first believe, and Harold goes to the nearest house for help. Astoundingly, the two gentlemen who respond recognize the woman as their long-lost cousin.
Or is she? When one of the cousins is suspicious, the elderly Mr. Kirkbride sends for a Bow Street Runner to investigate. Mr. Colquhoun, a native Scotsman, responds to the letter, taking John with him.
There are several humorous scenes between John and Julia, who is forced to confess about borrowing his name. Because she is already known as Mrs. Pickett, they pose as husband and wife. At first there is only the possible fraud to investigate, but that is quickly followed by the murder of the elderly Mr. Kirkbride.
The mysteries in this series are interesting enough, but the real draw for me are John Pickett and Julia, Lady Fieldhurst and the true mystery: “will they or won’t they”?
Harold is 18 and attending Oxford, which he has not found the most genial place since the circumstances of his birth became a scandal. Julia feels sympathy for him; so instead of going to the family estate as they were told, they decide to use assumed names and go to the coast. When Julia decides on their alias surname, she chooses Pickett. Obviously she hasn’t forgot the kiss she shared with John anymore than he has!
They take rooms at a village inn and all is going well until they discover a woman lying insensible on the beach. She isn’t dead, as they first believe, and Harold goes to the nearest house for help. Astoundingly, the two gentlemen who respond recognize the woman as their long-lost cousin.
Or is she? When one of the cousins is suspicious, the elderly Mr. Kirkbride sends for a Bow Street Runner to investigate. Mr. Colquhoun, a native Scotsman, responds to the letter, taking John with him.
There are several humorous scenes between John and Julia, who is forced to confess about borrowing his name. Because she is already known as Mrs. Pickett, they pose as husband and wife. At first there is only the possible fraud to investigate, but that is quickly followed by the murder of the elderly Mr. Kirkbride.
The mysteries in this series are interesting enough, but the real draw for me are John Pickett and Julia, Lady Fieldhurst and the true mystery: “will they or won’t they”?
May 20, 2020
Off to Scotland! Sheri Cobb South’s Family Plot (John Pickett Mystery #3) finds Lady Fieldhurst in trouble with her aristocratic in-laws again. This time LF is drafted to accompany her three nephews on a trip to the Fieldhurst’s ‘pile’ in Scotland. Lady Fieldhurst and her nephews decide to have an adventure instead - a beach adventure. Under an assumed name, LF checks into a seaside inn, and then they all go for a stroll on the beach. With Lady Fieldhurst’s luck, the group find a woman seemingly unconscious or dead on the sand near the water. So begins another ‘situation’ for Lady Fieldhurst. She contacts a Bow Street for assistance, and who arrives but Mr. John Pickett and his magistrate, Patrick Colquhoun (Ca-hoon). Awkward experiences abound with a completely unexpected ending to this investigation. Enjoyable! 4.25 stars.
April 17, 2020
3 1/2 stars. An interesting mystery. It's nice to see some mysteries take place outside of London.
July 7, 2014
I love this John Pickett mystery series! The mysteries are clever and the subtle romance is delightful. The protagonists are such fun to watch. This third installment is just as good as the first two. Okay, so maybe they get better and better.
John Pickett, who comes from dubious origins, is a brilliant, young Bow Street Runner who is imbued with integrity. He is a combination of intelligence and idealism. All of which is tempered by his humility. Somehow, he continues to cross paths with the fair Lady Julia Fieldhurst, the relieved widow of a viscount. She is, of course, well beyond his reach. But, somehow they find ways that they just seem to be drawn to one another. So much so, that when Lady Julia finds herself packed off to Scotland with her husband's young cousins and they want to travel incognito she decides on the pseudonym, Mrs. Pickett. But, the lark takes a different turn when Lady Julia and her charges discover what appears to be the body of a woman on their stroll by the sea. Someone must investigate! Hence, John Pickett to the rescue. There are many details to sift through to determine where the truth lies. But, you'll find a bit of happy distraction in John and Julia as they learn to interact as 'husband and wife'.
I would never give away the ending of a book. But, oh, oh, oh! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!
John Pickett, who comes from dubious origins, is a brilliant, young Bow Street Runner who is imbued with integrity. He is a combination of intelligence and idealism. All of which is tempered by his humility. Somehow, he continues to cross paths with the fair Lady Julia Fieldhurst, the relieved widow of a viscount. She is, of course, well beyond his reach. But, somehow they find ways that they just seem to be drawn to one another. So much so, that when Lady Julia finds herself packed off to Scotland with her husband's young cousins and they want to travel incognito she decides on the pseudonym, Mrs. Pickett. But, the lark takes a different turn when Lady Julia and her charges discover what appears to be the body of a woman on their stroll by the sea. Someone must investigate! Hence, John Pickett to the rescue. There are many details to sift through to determine where the truth lies. But, you'll find a bit of happy distraction in John and Julia as they learn to interact as 'husband and wife'.
I would never give away the ending of a book. But, oh, oh, oh! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!
September 23, 2019
2019 bk 303. The third of the John Pickett mysteries is my favorite so far. Lady Fieldhurst's family wants her out of the gossip's eyesight, along with the three sons who are now illegitimate. To their narrow minds comes a solution, send Lady Fieldhurst as chaperone and the three boys to the Scottish estate - thus getting them out of sight and mind. No outriders on the hired, crestless coach, no additional luggage coach, just the four of them. Lady Fieldhurst, realizes that she is not the only one suffering in the coach, each of the boys has either had ugly encounters or other results from their change in status. When one of them suggests they drop their last name and go pretend to be someone else, Lady Fieldhurst realizes that she too wants to not be herself. Heading to a small town on the coach, the quartet checks into the inn using the first name that comes to mind - Pickett. The group settles in, well almost. Their first evening on the beach the boys find a woman washed up on shore. Getting help from the closeby Manor, they are all surprised to learn that the woman looks like a long lost daughter. A comedy of errors ensues as this new possible heiress to a fortune upsets the cart, resulting in murder, which draws a visit from a Bow Street Runner and his Magistrate (who came for the fishing). Yep - the Bow Street Runner is none other than John Pickett - and the innkeeper puts Mr. John Pickett's luggage in Mrs. John Pickett's bedroom. I'll draw the curtain there with a warning, there is a cliff hanger and I must needs go purchase book number 4 in the series. Inquiring minds want to know ......
November 15, 2019
Another great narration by Joel Froomkin, whose repertoire of voices and accents is vast indeed. The mystery here was slight and did not engage me, but the slow-burn romance takes a very interesting turn.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary Audible credit. On to the next volume to see how (if) John and Julia get out of their surprising predicament.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary Audible credit. On to the next volume to see how (if) John and Julia get out of their surprising predicament.
January 24, 2021
Lady Fieldhurst and her three young cousins are staying at an inn in south west Scotland, when they come across an unconscious female. The nearest house is Ravenscroft Manor, and she may be the missing daughter Elspeth Kirkbride, presumed drowned 15 years ago. John Pickett is sent to investigate.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery
September 16, 2014
It's been a while since I've read a mystery that actually had me baffled! I was able to catch on part way through to some of the ins and outs; however then I could not for the life of me think how it would all be revealed and resolved! Elementary, my dear Sheri!
Family Plot had all the elements I enjoyed in A Dead Bore - mystery, intrigue, comedy, romance, some history, Scottish "scenery", and a fantastic cast of characters! (I loved Robert and his literary antics early on in the book! :D) John Pickett & Lady Julia Fieldhurst were just as hilarious and chummy as they were before- creating some great memories and winding up in so many strange and humorous situations as always!
After a slightly cliff-hanger(no pun intended) ending, I am really looking forward to the next installment in this saga. (Maybe this time our hero and heroine will join long-lasting forces and become an inseparable team. :))
Thanks, Sheri, for this grand and entertaining step-back in time. <3
Family Plot had all the elements I enjoyed in A Dead Bore - mystery, intrigue, comedy, romance, some history, Scottish "scenery", and a fantastic cast of characters! (I loved Robert and his literary antics early on in the book! :D) John Pickett & Lady Julia Fieldhurst were just as hilarious and chummy as they were before- creating some great memories and winding up in so many strange and humorous situations as always!
After a slightly cliff-hanger(no pun intended) ending, I am really looking forward to the next installment in this saga. (Maybe this time our hero and heroine will join long-lasting forces and become an inseparable team. :))
Thanks, Sheri, for this grand and entertaining step-back in time. <3
August 13, 2014
Family Plot was the first of the John Pickett series I have read, but will definitely not be the last! Family Plot drew me in from the very beginning. From the encounter in London and throughout the trip and time in Scotland the descriptive narrative surrounds you with the feeling you are there. The turn of events leaves you longing to read the next chapter. The many twists and turns keep you intrigued until you find out that......can't give away the ending. Elegant, mysterious and exciting, not to mention the blushing encounters of John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst. I will be anxiously awaiting the next John Pickett mystery!
April 21, 2015
I am enjoying this series by Sheri Cobb South. John Pickett is a likable hero. Be sure to start with Pickpocket's Apprentice, the novella which explains how Mr. Pickett became a Bow Street Runner. The mysteries he solves are not convoluted which is a relief, and the growing relationship between Mr. Pickett and his lady makes me impatient for the next installment. The prior two books in the series are In Milady's Chamber and A Dead Bore.
January 25, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions contained herein are my own.
This is the third book in the John Pickett Mysteries series. It is a standalone story [no cliffhanger ending]. The author does provide a few summaries of past events from prior books to get you up-to-date [or remind you of the events if it's been a while since you read the prior books]. If you are thinking of starting the series with this book, it's definitely doable but I would highly recommend that you start with the beginning so that you can enjoy the character development and the stories from those books are good too.
Here, Lady Fieldhurst attends a play with her late husband's relations. She sees John Pickett and her relations are outraged that she would associate with him. Her relations then send Lady Fieldhurst and her two nephews out of town. While traveling, Lady Fieldhurst and her nephews decide to stop at a seaside town. While at the beach, they come upon a woman who looks very similar to the lost, presumed dead daughter, of Angus Kirkbride. An investigation is ordered into the woman. When John arrives to start the investigation, he learns that Lady Fieldhurst has registered as Mrs. Pickett and everyone believes he is her husband. Soon thereafter, Angus Kirkbride dies. Now, it must be determined if Angus was murdered and if his long lost possible daughter had anything to do with his death.
This series keeps getting better with each story. I love the interactions between John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst as they investigate and interact with one another. I like the building romance between John and Lady Fieldhurst. The mystery is interesting and has several twists.
I listened to this book -- the narrator, Joel Froomkin, is pitch perfect for this series.
This is the third book in the John Pickett Mysteries series. It is a standalone story [no cliffhanger ending]. The author does provide a few summaries of past events from prior books to get you up-to-date [or remind you of the events if it's been a while since you read the prior books]. If you are thinking of starting the series with this book, it's definitely doable but I would highly recommend that you start with the beginning so that you can enjoy the character development and the stories from those books are good too.
Here, Lady Fieldhurst attends a play with her late husband's relations. She sees John Pickett and her relations are outraged that she would associate with him. Her relations then send Lady Fieldhurst and her two nephews out of town. While traveling, Lady Fieldhurst and her nephews decide to stop at a seaside town. While at the beach, they come upon a woman who looks very similar to the lost, presumed dead daughter, of Angus Kirkbride. An investigation is ordered into the woman. When John arrives to start the investigation, he learns that Lady Fieldhurst has registered as Mrs. Pickett and everyone believes he is her husband. Soon thereafter, Angus Kirkbride dies. Now, it must be determined if Angus was murdered and if his long lost possible daughter had anything to do with his death.
This series keeps getting better with each story. I love the interactions between John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst as they investigate and interact with one another. I like the building romance between John and Lady Fieldhurst. The mystery is interesting and has several twists.
I listened to this book -- the narrator, Joel Froomkin, is pitch perfect for this series.
February 6, 2018
I'm going to consolidate (repeat myself) reviews of this series, numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5 and 5 because I had to get through all of those to resolve the romantic story begun in the the first book. I supposed most women like a touch of romance and these have it, albeit full of angst that is drawn out over a time period of about 10 months. I got impatient with the progress of the romance taking so long. I would characterize these stories as Romance with only a touch of Mystery rather than the other way around. At least there were mysteries to be solved by the Bow Street Runner, John Pickett and he was good enough to figure it out. I figured them out pretty easily myself.
I very much liked John Pickett. In my mind I pictured Colin Firth (as seen in Pride and Prejudice, except with longer hair). I could not quite get a visual image of the Lady Fieldhurst in my mind. I felt a little jolted every time it referred to her as a golden-haired blonde, so I suppose I thought she ought to be a dark-haired beauty.
The audiobook narrator, Joel Froomkin was pretty amazing. You'd swear it was another reader doing the female voices, as they sounded so naturally female. I did have a little problem, as a listener, with the heavy Scottish accents he used in Book 3, Family Plot, but felt that he probably did those fairly true to dialect and my ear was just not tuned in for the accents. (I was a bit curious to know if the print version had the dialect written out or if Mr. Froomkin just knew how to do them.)
There is a Book 6, but I might be satisfied to imagine that the romantic couple will live happily every after.
I very much liked John Pickett. In my mind I pictured Colin Firth (as seen in Pride and Prejudice, except with longer hair). I could not quite get a visual image of the Lady Fieldhurst in my mind. I felt a little jolted every time it referred to her as a golden-haired blonde, so I suppose I thought she ought to be a dark-haired beauty.
The audiobook narrator, Joel Froomkin was pretty amazing. You'd swear it was another reader doing the female voices, as they sounded so naturally female. I did have a little problem, as a listener, with the heavy Scottish accents he used in Book 3, Family Plot, but felt that he probably did those fairly true to dialect and my ear was just not tuned in for the accents. (I was a bit curious to know if the print version had the dialect written out or if Mr. Froomkin just knew how to do them.)
There is a Book 6, but I might be satisfied to imagine that the romantic couple will live happily every after.
December 13, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"I shall be Mrs.Pickett"
A well written, amusing Regency mystery set in London and Scotland. The young Bow Street Runner, John Pickett, is called to investigate the identity of a woman apparently returning to her family home after being believed dead for fifteen years. To his surprise, he finds a 'Mrs.Pickett' already in residence at the local Inn.
This delightful story has everything: mystery, murder, mistaken identity and burgeoning forbidden romance where status can determine who can be loved. Great dialogue, too.
All is deliciously narrated by Joel Froomkin, whose very pleasant, well paced and articulated English accented reading contrasts with his wonderful Scottish conversations, everything delivered with the lightest of touches, emphasising the comedic content but never simply playing it for laughs. An excellent performance.
In part an historic comedy of manners, wrapped into a really good story of deception and intrigue, with realistic characters and an above usual narration, this is a book to be enjoyed by everyone with a delight in crime thrillers. My thanks to the rights holder of Family Plot, not only for freely gifting me a complementary copy, via Audiobook Boom, but also, in so doing, for introducing me to this John Pickett series.
A real pleasure
"I shall be Mrs.Pickett"
A well written, amusing Regency mystery set in London and Scotland. The young Bow Street Runner, John Pickett, is called to investigate the identity of a woman apparently returning to her family home after being believed dead for fifteen years. To his surprise, he finds a 'Mrs.Pickett' already in residence at the local Inn.
This delightful story has everything: mystery, murder, mistaken identity and burgeoning forbidden romance where status can determine who can be loved. Great dialogue, too.
All is deliciously narrated by Joel Froomkin, whose very pleasant, well paced and articulated English accented reading contrasts with his wonderful Scottish conversations, everything delivered with the lightest of touches, emphasising the comedic content but never simply playing it for laughs. An excellent performance.
In part an historic comedy of manners, wrapped into a really good story of deception and intrigue, with realistic characters and an above usual narration, this is a book to be enjoyed by everyone with a delight in crime thrillers. My thanks to the rights holder of Family Plot, not only for freely gifting me a complementary copy, via Audiobook Boom, but also, in so doing, for introducing me to this John Pickett series.
A real pleasure
December 14, 2021
Scotland Mystery & Get Away
I started this series on book seven, fell in love with it and am in the process of reading and re-reading them all from the beginning to the most recently released - started the prequel (Pickpocket's Apprentice) and with my teenage kids. Each of their these books could be read on their own but are so much richer as a series! The author truly has done her work on the historical side of these adding to that her character and plot building skills and it really makes this a gem of a series. This boom was particularly fun as Lady Feildhurst is sent to Scotland with her nephews to get out of the public eye for a while and they go off route on their own fun adventure to the coast and she goes under the name of Mrs. Pickett to fly under the social radar.... what could possibly go wrong with that?!
The narrator is absolutely perfect for Mr. Pickett's character and he does fantastic job with the rest of the characters. His differentiation between characters and acting skills are top-notch.
These are clean reads with no bad language or graphic violence but the romance side story PG13... I would say teen and above as Bow Street also deals with the "ladies of the night" and there are some insinuations and topics that come up with that and the adulterous habits of the upper class.
I started this series on book seven, fell in love with it and am in the process of reading and re-reading them all from the beginning to the most recently released - started the prequel (Pickpocket's Apprentice) and with my teenage kids. Each of their these books could be read on their own but are so much richer as a series! The author truly has done her work on the historical side of these adding to that her character and plot building skills and it really makes this a gem of a series. This boom was particularly fun as Lady Feildhurst is sent to Scotland with her nephews to get out of the public eye for a while and they go off route on their own fun adventure to the coast and she goes under the name of Mrs. Pickett to fly under the social radar.... what could possibly go wrong with that?!
The narrator is absolutely perfect for Mr. Pickett's character and he does fantastic job with the rest of the characters. His differentiation between characters and acting skills are top-notch.
These are clean reads with no bad language or graphic violence but the romance side story PG13... I would say teen and above as Bow Street also deals with the "ladies of the night" and there are some insinuations and topics that come up with that and the adulterous habits of the upper class.
April 7, 2022
The first of the John Pickett mysteries I had encountered. I had this on my Audible account - I think from a sale long ago or something. I have no actual memory of obtaining it!
Thoroughly enjoyed and let me say that it is really the first time in my audiobook experience that the quality of the narration actually INCREASED my enjoyment by at least a star. Because of the talent of Joel Froomkin, I couldn't wait to hear "the next bit" of the story. His accents, including those of women, are spot on - and in this case he made Scottish accents both believable and understandable. He was a joy to listen to. Cobb South got lucky, or made a wonderful pick, when she got him for a reader.
I figured out part of the mystery before Mr. Pickett did, which is unusual for me. I don't really read mysteries to "figure things out". But I was extraordinarily proud of myself for yelling at the radio in my car when I twigged to what was going on!
It's a good series. While I find it slightly unbelievable from a Regency "what would be allowed" standpoint, I'm not letting it stop me from reading the rest of the series.
Thoroughly enjoyed and let me say that it is really the first time in my audiobook experience that the quality of the narration actually INCREASED my enjoyment by at least a star. Because of the talent of Joel Froomkin, I couldn't wait to hear "the next bit" of the story. His accents, including those of women, are spot on - and in this case he made Scottish accents both believable and understandable. He was a joy to listen to. Cobb South got lucky, or made a wonderful pick, when she got him for a reader.
I figured out part of the mystery before Mr. Pickett did, which is unusual for me. I don't really read mysteries to "figure things out". But I was extraordinarily proud of myself for yelling at the radio in my car when I twigged to what was going on!
It's a good series. While I find it slightly unbelievable from a Regency "what would be allowed" standpoint, I'm not letting it stop me from reading the rest of the series.
May 27, 2025
Perfect; this is the ideal story. A lot is going on with John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst, who meet in Scotland. When Lady Fieldhurst and her three young cousins find a body on the beach, they soon find that the woman washed ashore was the woman lost to the Kirkebride family fifteen years earlier. When old Mr. Kirkebride holds a party and announces he will change his will to give it all to Elsbeth, the newly found daughter, he is killed.
Another wrinkle in this story is that Lady Fieldhurst did not use her name; she claimed to be Mrs. Pickett. She claimed the young men to be her nephews, also named Pickett. This will have ramifications when Mr. Pickett learns that Scotland has a very loose interpretation of marriage; simply referring to oneself as a married person is sufficient.
As with all of Sheri Cobb South's stories, they should be read in order because they build on each other. I could not set this book aside until I'd read it all.
John Pickett -- Total of 10
0.5. Pickpocket's Apprentice (2015)
1. In Milady's Chamber (2006)
2. A Dead Bore (2008)
** 3. Family Plot (2014)
4. Dinner Most Deadly (2015)
Another wrinkle in this story is that Lady Fieldhurst did not use her name; she claimed to be Mrs. Pickett. She claimed the young men to be her nephews, also named Pickett. This will have ramifications when Mr. Pickett learns that Scotland has a very loose interpretation of marriage; simply referring to oneself as a married person is sufficient.
As with all of Sheri Cobb South's stories, they should be read in order because they build on each other. I could not set this book aside until I'd read it all.
John Pickett -- Total of 10
0.5. Pickpocket's Apprentice (2015)
1. In Milady's Chamber (2006)
2. A Dead Bore (2008)
** 3. Family Plot (2014)
4. Dinner Most Deadly (2015)
January 12, 2021
Julia, Lady Fieldhurst is again in her relatives' black books, and is bundled off to chaperone her three nephews on their trip to Scotland. On the way, she and the eldest nephew decide they should detour from the plan to visit the family's estate and have a vacation on the coast. In order to feel really free, they decide to use another name, and Julia decided on the name, Mrs. Pickett, thinking of the young Bow Street Runner that helped clear her name of murder in the first book.
With this rather tenuous set-up, the reader will not be surprised when a murder happens and the man himself is summoned to investigate. What are the odds? In fiction, I'd say just about 100%! Even though the author does have to twist some unlikely events around to make the fake "marriage" situation work, the book is very entertaining. The murder mystery wasn't as complex as the previous ones, but still well done. Lady Fieldhurst and Mr. Pickett's relationship moves forward some, and an interesting revelation at the end means Book 4 should prove interesting for the pair.
With this rather tenuous set-up, the reader will not be surprised when a murder happens and the man himself is summoned to investigate. What are the odds? In fiction, I'd say just about 100%! Even though the author does have to twist some unlikely events around to make the fake "marriage" situation work, the book is very entertaining. The murder mystery wasn't as complex as the previous ones, but still well done. Lady Fieldhurst and Mr. Pickett's relationship moves forward some, and an interesting revelation at the end means Book 4 should prove interesting for the pair.
November 17, 2017
I was given a free copy of this audiobook by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am very grateful for the free audiobook! I have enjoyed this series so much. It is well-plotted, humorous, diverting, engaging, witty, well-written, and overall entertaining. I enjoyed the two books that preceded this installment in the series, and the third one did not disappoint. I love seeing how Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst interact. This book intensified their connection even more -- which made the cliffhanger at the end even more tantalizing! (In all honesty: the romance does not overshadow the mystery, for those who are purists. I am first and foremost a mystery reader ... but I can appreciate a romantic element under the mystery.) I cannot wait to read the next installment, given how this book ended.
I am very grateful for the free audiobook! I have enjoyed this series so much. It is well-plotted, humorous, diverting, engaging, witty, well-written, and overall entertaining. I enjoyed the two books that preceded this installment in the series, and the third one did not disappoint. I love seeing how Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst interact. This book intensified their connection even more -- which made the cliffhanger at the end even more tantalizing! (In all honesty: the romance does not overshadow the mystery, for those who are purists. I am first and foremost a mystery reader ... but I can appreciate a romantic element under the mystery.) I cannot wait to read the next installment, given how this book ended.
November 30, 2017
"A Very Fun Mystery"
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun regency mystery. I especially liked that the whole of the mystery wasn't overly obvious and threw a bit of a twist in there to keep you guessing.
I have not previously listened to the first 2 books in the series but was able to catch up quickly.
There is a good bit of light humor in some of the interactions and antics some of the characters get up to.
I will be eager to see what happens in the next book as this one ended on a bit of a surprise & mild cliffhanger.
Joel Leslie Froomkin did an excellent performance of Family Plot, I always enjoy his voices and accents.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request and am providing this honest unbiased review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun regency mystery. I especially liked that the whole of the mystery wasn't overly obvious and threw a bit of a twist in there to keep you guessing.
I have not previously listened to the first 2 books in the series but was able to catch up quickly.
There is a good bit of light humor in some of the interactions and antics some of the characters get up to.
I will be eager to see what happens in the next book as this one ended on a bit of a surprise & mild cliffhanger.
Joel Leslie Froomkin did an excellent performance of Family Plot, I always enjoy his voices and accents.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request and am providing this honest unbiased review.
July 4, 2018
In Family Plot by Sheri Cobb South, Lady Fieldhurst goes with her late husband’s parents to the Drury Theater to watch Hamlet when she spots Bow Street Runner John Pickett seated in the cheap seats. Summoning him to call on her in her box gets her in big trouble with her in-laws, who decide to send her, along with the three sons of her husband’s cousin, to Scotland. On their way to the relatives in Scotland, Lady Fieldhurst and the boys decide to take their own personal detour and stay incognito at an inn. However, to keep their identities secret, Lady Fieldhurst registers as Mrs. Julia Pickett, with the boys as her nephews.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
January 12, 2019
Sheri Cobb South’s John Pickett mysteries work because of appealing characters entangled by ingenious plots in memorable historical settings. In “Family Plot,” the third book of the series, widowed Lady Fieldhurst finds herself in Scotland chaperoning the recently illegitimated sons of the man who inherited her late husband’s estate.
The boys stumble upon a body on a beach and, not many pages later, the Viscountess’s favorite Bow Street Runner John Pickett is on hand to investigate. The set-up is quick, somewhat predictable, but very entertaining—as is the remainder of the book. Even better, “Family Plot” holds its biggest surprise for the very end, and it’s a doozy.
The boys stumble upon a body on a beach and, not many pages later, the Viscountess’s favorite Bow Street Runner John Pickett is on hand to investigate. The set-up is quick, somewhat predictable, but very entertaining—as is the remainder of the book. Even better, “Family Plot” holds its biggest surprise for the very end, and it’s a doozy.
July 18, 2020
Romance and murder
AFter having done something what her in laws think is rather scandalous, Lady Julia is banished to the Scottish family estate together with the recently revealed as bastards sons of the new heir.
En route they decide to go on an adventure and pretend to be someone else. So she takes her cousins to the sea instead and wades right into a mystery.
Funny, endearing and a good story.
The title might hint at what will be regarded the place where family members are buried. Or it has to do with the play enacted. Or just because it is all about family.
The setting is a bit "Wuthering Heights": an old house, harsh nature and gloomy men.
AFter having done something what her in laws think is rather scandalous, Lady Julia is banished to the Scottish family estate together with the recently revealed as bastards sons of the new heir.
En route they decide to go on an adventure and pretend to be someone else. So she takes her cousins to the sea instead and wades right into a mystery.
Funny, endearing and a good story.
The title might hint at what will be regarded the place where family members are buried. Or it has to do with the play enacted. Or just because it is all about family.
The setting is a bit "Wuthering Heights": an old house, harsh nature and gloomy men.
November 23, 2017
This is book 3 in the John Pickett mystery series. It is the first in the series that I have read. I enjoyed this book . The interaction between Lady Julia and Jon Pickett is fun. Joel Frookin does a wonderful job narrating this book. I will be looking for more books narrated by Joel and more books in this series.
I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
October 24, 2018
Enjoyed it. Love the series
Loved the nephews. Julia's punishment is an escape for her and the boys.. Fast read with a mystery and developing romance. I enjoy how smart John is and how he and Julia complement one another. I like how comparisons are shown between the ton and the working class. Differences are shown between the two and are not as advantageous to the wealthy. Nice surprise at the end.
Loved the nephews. Julia's punishment is an escape for her and the boys.. Fast read with a mystery and developing romance. I enjoy how smart John is and how he and Julia complement one another. I like how comparisons are shown between the ton and the working class. Differences are shown between the two and are not as advantageous to the wealthy. Nice surprise at the end.
December 19, 2021
Good story
Full of false identities and subtle plots that cover a devious plot for murder. Lady Julia innocently wanders into the thick of if with her three nephews when they decide to take a seaside vacation in Scotland. When a case brings Mr Pickett to Scotland, things get awkward when be learns Lady Julia has assumed his name as an alias. Oh, did I mention they're in Scotland?
Full of false identities and subtle plots that cover a devious plot for murder. Lady Julia innocently wanders into the thick of if with her three nephews when they decide to take a seaside vacation in Scotland. When a case brings Mr Pickett to Scotland, things get awkward when be learns Lady Julia has assumed his name as an alias. Oh, did I mention they're in Scotland?
August 21, 2023
That was funn to read - an easy no angst mystery and a lot of slow burn forbidden romance.
Couldn't agree with the fact that lady Fieldhurst traveled without any female to attend to her - that was just not done (appart for propriety try fastening a regency gown by yourself for once and the need for a servant becomes much more clear).
Mr. Pickett is a charm as always. And what a pickle to find onself in!
clean, some mild kissing
Couldn't agree with the fact that lady Fieldhurst traveled without any female to attend to her - that was just not done (appart for propriety try fastening a regency gown by yourself for once and the need for a servant becomes much more clear).
Mr. Pickett is a charm as always. And what a pickle to find onself in!
clean, some mild kissing
January 13, 2018
I love all the John Pickett Mysteries--more for the characters than the mysteries, but the mysteries are still fun. Bow Street Runner, John Pickett, and Lady Fieldhurst are delightful characters with nothing whatsoever in common except--as the series continues--a love for each other that should not be. In most cases. Read them in order if at all possible.
October 30, 2018
Love This Series
John Pickett Mysteries are like double chocolate covered peanuts!! Gobble them up!. I adore this character, and I love how each books sheds more light on John Pickett, his love for Julia and her gradual love and respect for him. Get ready to indulge yourself in murder, mayhem and love!
John Pickett Mysteries are like double chocolate covered peanuts!! Gobble them up!. I adore this character, and I love how each books sheds more light on John Pickett, his love for Julia and her gradual love and respect for him. Get ready to indulge yourself in murder, mayhem and love!
October 28, 2018
Family Plot: Another John Pickett Mystery was another great read by Sheri Cobb South. This is the third book in the John Pickett Series. Pickett is in Scotland investigating a woman that was found unconscious on a beach. She resembles a girl that went missing 15 years ago. I enjoyed reading this book.
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