What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Lavender Mysteries #8
The Poisoned Quill
August 1814
Detective Stephen Lavender’s wife and children are spending a glorious summer in the prosperous and picturesque village of Ealing. When the vicar’s wife is poisoned, Lavender is asked to review the case and joins his family. He soon realises something rotten is festering at the heart of this rural idyll.
Convinced the wrong man has been arrested and the killer is still at large, Lavender is also disturbed to discover someone is sending the local gentry vile letters containing outrageous accusations. Could the same hand that drips such poison from their quill also have administered that fatal dose of arsenic?
Fortunately, Constable Ned Woods and his family are visiting nearby Brentford to solve a perplexing family mystery of their own. When the body of a second woman is found, Lavender seeks Woods’ help to unravel the tangled web of lies and deceit spun by the killer and banish the evil threatening Ealing’s tranquillity.
Distracted by these crimes, the two men are unaware of the sinister danger stalking their own children – until it’s almost too late. But help comes from an unlikely source, bringing with it resolution to a question that has haunted Woods since childhood and reminding Lavender that family must always come first.
Detective Stephen Lavender’s wife and children are spending a glorious summer in the prosperous and picturesque village of Ealing. When the vicar’s wife is poisoned, Lavender is asked to review the case and joins his family. He soon realises something rotten is festering at the heart of this rural idyll.
Convinced the wrong man has been arrested and the killer is still at large, Lavender is also disturbed to discover someone is sending the local gentry vile letters containing outrageous accusations. Could the same hand that drips such poison from their quill also have administered that fatal dose of arsenic?
Fortunately, Constable Ned Woods and his family are visiting nearby Brentford to solve a perplexing family mystery of their own. When the body of a second woman is found, Lavender seeks Woods’ help to unravel the tangled web of lies and deceit spun by the killer and banish the evil threatening Ealing’s tranquillity.
Distracted by these crimes, the two men are unaware of the sinister danger stalking their own children – until it’s almost too late. But help comes from an unlikely source, bringing with it resolution to a question that has haunted Woods since childhood and reminding Lavender that family must always come first.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2025
About the author
Karen Charlton
27 books473 followersKaren Charlton is an international best-selling author of historical crime fiction.
Her Detective Lavender Mysteries are based on the fictional adventures of Stephen Lavender, a real-life detective with the Bow Street Police Office in London.
Her brand new series, The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries, feature a couple of enterprising young women, Jemma and Bobbie, who launch a private inquiry agency in York during WW2.
Her standalone, debut novel Catching the Eagle is the true story of her notorious ancestor, Jamie Charlton, who was convicted of Northumberland's biggest robbery.
Find out more about Karen's work at http://www.karencharlton.com
Her Detective Lavender Mysteries are based on the fictional adventures of Stephen Lavender, a real-life detective with the Bow Street Police Office in London.
Her brand new series, The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries, feature a couple of enterprising young women, Jemma and Bobbie, who launch a private inquiry agency in York during WW2.
Her standalone, debut novel Catching the Eagle is the true story of her notorious ancestor, Jamie Charlton, who was convicted of Northumberland's biggest robbery.
Find out more about Karen's work at http://www.karencharlton.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 28, 2025
**Read 4.5 STARS!**
This entertaining historical novel is the 8th volume of the "Detective Lavender Mystery" series.
At the end of the book you'll find some facts and explanations which are featuring in this mystery.
Storytelling is excellent, all characters come splendidly to life in this tale about deceit and murder, the interaction is lifelike and believable, while the atmosphere of early 19th Century Ealing and Brentford comes very much to the forefront within this story.
The mystery is set in August 1814, and with Detective Lavender and his family heading for Ealing, and soon after arrival to be confronted with the murder of Mrs Clara Langford, wife of Vicar Langford, while Constable Ned Woods and his family are off to Brentford for family purposes.
After feeling helpless and heading in no direction whatsoever with this murder, a chance encounter with Constable Ned Woods will restore Detective Lavender's spirits when they go out together to solve this murder case once and for all, while Constable Woods will also bring to a close a domestic issue of his own in the meantime.
What is to follow is a very likeable murder mystery, one who starts slowly at first but will into its stride when the two friends are working together, and in the end they will solve this case to the satisfaction of everyone.
Highly recommended, fir this is another excellent addition to this very enjoyable mystery series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "An Exciting Poisoned Murder Case"!
This entertaining historical novel is the 8th volume of the "Detective Lavender Mystery" series.
At the end of the book you'll find some facts and explanations which are featuring in this mystery.
Storytelling is excellent, all characters come splendidly to life in this tale about deceit and murder, the interaction is lifelike and believable, while the atmosphere of early 19th Century Ealing and Brentford comes very much to the forefront within this story.
The mystery is set in August 1814, and with Detective Lavender and his family heading for Ealing, and soon after arrival to be confronted with the murder of Mrs Clara Langford, wife of Vicar Langford, while Constable Ned Woods and his family are off to Brentford for family purposes.
After feeling helpless and heading in no direction whatsoever with this murder, a chance encounter with Constable Ned Woods will restore Detective Lavender's spirits when they go out together to solve this murder case once and for all, while Constable Woods will also bring to a close a domestic issue of his own in the meantime.
What is to follow is a very likeable murder mystery, one who starts slowly at first but will into its stride when the two friends are working together, and in the end they will solve this case to the satisfaction of everyone.
Highly recommended, fir this is another excellent addition to this very enjoyable mystery series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "An Exciting Poisoned Murder Case"!
November 7, 2025
1814 Lavender is sent to Ealing when the vicar's wife wealthy Clara Langford is discovered dead, poisoned. Fortunately for him his family is holidaying in the area, not that far from the Woods family. So Ned woods soon joins the investigation.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
March 11, 2026
The theme of this book is - trusting those you love.
Three couples, who have had secrets in the past and now in the present, solve mysteries and find or believe they have found their parents.
The murder involves members of Ned's family (don't they all!). The murder is solved, however the suspect and a person of interest both die.
Ned's father is finally found, only because Ned never believed that he was dead. Sebastian's father appears and Lavender really doesn't know if it is really him. Magdalena tells him that it isn't him which convinces Lavender that he was right about a con man - but then does that end the mystery?!?!
This book also begins the adventures of Sebastian and Rachel Woods. A romance for later books?!?!
BEST USE OF: arsenic, wooden teeth, the practice of pressing in England
ALPHA MALE: 10
SPUNKY HEROINE: three of them and all 10s
CUTE CHILDREN: children have become pre teens and are now in the mystery biz
SEX: 0
HEA: Yes!! (or maybe not)
PROLOGUE/EPILOGUE: Neither, but last chapter could be an epilogue
Rating:
10 - on keeper shelf
Heat:
0 - not even a fireplace
COVER COVERS IT: Always great covers and this one works!!
HOLLYWWOD CALLING: would make a great Masterpiece Mystery series
Three couples, who have had secrets in the past and now in the present, solve mysteries and find or believe they have found their parents.
The murder involves members of Ned's family (don't they all!). The murder is solved, however the suspect and a person of interest both die.
Ned's father is finally found, only because Ned never believed that he was dead. Sebastian's father appears and Lavender really doesn't know if it is really him. Magdalena tells him that it isn't him which convinces Lavender that he was right about a con man - but then does that end the mystery?!?!
This book also begins the adventures of Sebastian and Rachel Woods. A romance for later books?!?!
BEST USE OF: arsenic, wooden teeth, the practice of pressing in England
ALPHA MALE: 10
SPUNKY HEROINE: three of them and all 10s
CUTE CHILDREN: children have become pre teens and are now in the mystery biz
SEX: 0
HEA: Yes!! (or maybe not)
PROLOGUE/EPILOGUE: Neither, but last chapter could be an epilogue
Rating:
10 - on keeper shelf
Heat:
0 - not even a fireplace
COVER COVERS IT: Always great covers and this one works!!
HOLLYWWOD CALLING: would make a great Masterpiece Mystery series
February 17, 2026
Ned Woods and his family were set on a long vacation to Market Harborough but then his fugitive brother arrived and his plans were changed for him. Apparently he and his Family were to Brentford as some Kilby relative have sighted his long lost Father there. And so his brother Bert urged him to be the Detective he is and told him to ask their Da when he finally found him, WHY he left them. As for Lavender, his family was also to Ealing visiting Lady Elizabeth and he was tasked thru' clever manipulation (his own) to follow his family and try to solve a murder. As he was also worried about Magdalena and the letters she received from Spain that appeared to have depressed her. Both families eventually dovetailed together and Lavender's case needed Ned Woods' expert help as the case became complicated and his suspicion of another body became true. The Woods family's long kept secret was now fully explained. As for the Lavenders, Magdalena's inherited lands need a more personal supervision. It seems that Lavender and his step~son, Sebastian were to Spain.
Read
February 19, 2026I actually listened to the audio version, which isn't listed as an option in the editions.
The narrator changed with this book from Michael Page to Russ Williams. Williams didn't do a bad job, but I like Michael Page. Aside from that, I think my interest in this series might be done. I felt impatient the whole time I was reading the book.
Ned and his family go on vacation to Brentford and Magdalena and the children go on vacation to Ealing, staying with Lady Caroline and Captain Sawyer. Stephen is slated to stay in London, but heads to Ealing at the request of the brother of a man accused of murder and languishing in Newgate.
There are a bunch of other mysteries: mysterious Spanish men in the area, a kidnapping, a possible grandfather for the Woods children and the murder of a wet nurse.
This was already a long book, most of which was spent with Stephen and Ned being confused. At least the author didn't spend a lot of time drawing out the kidnapping aspect. I am glad that was resolved quickly.
The narrator changed with this book from Michael Page to Russ Williams. Williams didn't do a bad job, but I like Michael Page. Aside from that, I think my interest in this series might be done. I felt impatient the whole time I was reading the book.
Ned and his family go on vacation to Brentford and Magdalena and the children go on vacation to Ealing, staying with Lady Caroline and Captain Sawyer. Stephen is slated to stay in London, but heads to Ealing at the request of the brother of a man accused of murder and languishing in Newgate.
There are a bunch of other mysteries: mysterious Spanish men in the area, a kidnapping, a possible grandfather for the Woods children and the murder of a wet nurse.
This was already a long book, most of which was spent with Stephen and Ned being confused. At least the author didn't spend a lot of time drawing out the kidnapping aspect. I am glad that was resolved quickly.
April 21, 2026
I have enjoyed all of the books in this series and enjoyed this last one as well - BUT I listened to all of the past books and loved them until the changed the narrator and put in Russ Williams instead of Michael Page. What a huge mistake - unable to listen to it at all! Russ Williams might be good for narrating something but it definitely isn’t this book or future books in the series. Had to read it the old fashioned way which wasn’t nearly as enjoyable as listening to Michael Page read it.
If you like the Detective Lavender books then I’m sure you will also enjoy this one -
If you like the Detective Lavender books then I’m sure you will also enjoy this one -
October 28, 2025
Outstanding
This book was excellent like the books in the beginning of the series. It kept my interest all the way through. I had to stop myself a few times from skipping ahead to see what happens. Of course, if you do that you ruin the story for yourself. My point is that it's an excellent mystery. Getting to know more about Garcia and Rachel was also a great addition. Overall outstanding read.
This book was excellent like the books in the beginning of the series. It kept my interest all the way through. I had to stop myself a few times from skipping ahead to see what happens. Of course, if you do that you ruin the story for yourself. My point is that it's an excellent mystery. Getting to know more about Garcia and Rachel was also a great addition. Overall outstanding read.
November 19, 2025
Exciting and Intriguing
I love this author, Karen Carlton. Her books are very well written and always keeps my interest.
Woods and Lavender are two distinctly different in personality. Very charming and work well together. I like how Karen writes well of family being more important than work. But that their work is always done efficiently. Read this book and enjoy! I will and already have recommended this author to family and friends.
I love this author, Karen Carlton. Her books are very well written and always keeps my interest.
Woods and Lavender are two distinctly different in personality. Very charming and work well together. I like how Karen writes well of family being more important than work. But that their work is always done efficiently. Read this book and enjoy! I will and already have recommended this author to family and friends.
February 9, 2026
Poisoned Quill
This latest installment in this series was much better than the previous one. The author let the storyline develop gradually and didn't hurry along events. Her characters are well done and I have always liked how she ties up loose ends. Even the murders were spaced and paced nicely. I also enjoy how the families of Lavender and Woods are integral pieces to the storyline. A 4.7 out of 5 rating.
This latest installment in this series was much better than the previous one. The author let the storyline develop gradually and didn't hurry along events. Her characters are well done and I have always liked how she ties up loose ends. Even the murders were spaced and paced nicely. I also enjoy how the families of Lavender and Woods are integral pieces to the storyline. A 4.7 out of 5 rating.
February 23, 2026
Even when on holiday Woods becomes caught up in murder with Lavender who is on the hunt for the killer of a vicar's wife. I love the detailed description of what life was like back then especially in and around the poorer areas of London and Karen has a vibrancy to her writing which places the reader with the main characters and their surroundings. Overall 4.5* ( because I kind of guessed the poison source midway !)
April 19, 2026
I absolutely adore this series and every single one of it’s characters! This one is especially fun as Detective Lavendar and Woods solve several mysteries while on family vacations. It was such fun to spend time with their families. The mysteries were twisty as well.
My only complaint is that a new narrator read the audio book. He just didn’t have the amazing voice of the previous narrator which always added another layer of pleasure.
My only complaint is that a new narrator read the audio book. He just didn’t have the amazing voice of the previous narrator which always added another layer of pleasure.
November 1, 2025
Another great mystery book.
If you love historical mysteries as I do, you might want to read the Detective Lavender and Constable Woods series. The stories are so informative and the characters are great. I have enjoyed every book immensely. Thank you Karen for another wonderful mystery.
If you love historical mysteries as I do, you might want to read the Detective Lavender and Constable Woods series. The stories are so informative and the characters are great. I have enjoyed every book immensely. Thank you Karen for another wonderful mystery.
November 4, 2025
Enjoyed…
It was a joy to get another installment of Lavender and Woods adventures. I was engrossed in this mystery from the start. I suspected who the culprit was but enjoyed following the clues along with the main characters.
The personal interactions between the characters and their families are my favorite moments.
It was a joy to get another installment of Lavender and Woods adventures. I was engrossed in this mystery from the start. I suspected who the culprit was but enjoyed following the clues along with the main characters.
The personal interactions between the characters and their families are my favorite moments.
April 24, 2026
Another solid entry in the Detective Lavender series featuring our key characters and their families as they take their sleuthing on the road. Unlike others in the series, this time the main mystery is almost a side show to a crowded set of plots and characters that at times threatens to get out of hand but the author deftly controls. A great reminder of why I love this series!
October 31, 2025
It’s wonderful to catch up again with detectives Lavender and Woods.
Karen has once again woven a clever story. Her attention to detail of the area local to where the novel is set is admirable.
I’m looking forward to the next instalment already.
Karen has once again woven a clever story. Her attention to detail of the area local to where the novel is set is admirable.
I’m looking forward to the next instalment already.
November 2, 2025
Another great read from Karen Charlton.
From page one I was hooked again with the lavender and wood's investigation into the Vickers wife's death. As well how both officers'private lives become entwined into the case . Looking forward to more books in the series.
From page one I was hooked again with the lavender and wood's investigation into the Vickers wife's death. As well how both officers'private lives become entwined into the case . Looking forward to more books in the series.
December 27, 2025
Excellent
I admit that when I read the synopsis I wasn't too sure about this book. But I am so glad I read it. It is a really good story with lots of elements to it. I can heartily recommend it.
I admit that when I read the synopsis I wasn't too sure about this book. But I am so glad I read it. It is a really good story with lots of elements to it. I can heartily recommend it.
February 10, 2026
What a plot!!
The tingling chemistry between these characters unfolds throughout the twists and turns of this excellent series of books, the author never told to entertain the reader , bravo
The tingling chemistry between these characters unfolds throughout the twists and turns of this excellent series of books, the author never told to entertain the reader , bravo
April 9, 2026
Another charming instalment of my second favourite crime fighting duo. Unlike the pair they are based on, Lavender and Woods have developed over the series and have to manage the work/ life balance which ultimately puts their family in danger in this story. It sounds like Lavender will be taking leave to go to abroad which would make for an interesting tale- but how to plausibly get Woods to follow so high jinks can ensure….
May 8, 2026
This is one of my favorite historical fiction series. They are easy, even palate cleanser books, but they never fair to entertain me and inform me. The author researches extensively and wraps a mystery inside the info.
May 23, 2026
A Pity There Is No Next Book
Ms Charlton,
Please continue the series. The characters are well developed. There is mystery, humour and compassion. The books are well-written and make for intelligent and fun reading.
Ms Charlton,
Please continue the series. The characters are well developed. There is mystery, humour and compassion. The books are well-written and make for intelligent and fun reading.
November 5, 2025
I enjoyed how our main characters' families took center stage in this one! A solid if predictable mystery.
November 10, 2025
Addicted to these books
I have to say I loved the twists in these plots as keeps you guessing to the end. I enjoyed this book very much.
I have to say I loved the twists in these plots as keeps you guessing to the end. I enjoyed this book very much.
November 11, 2025
Excellent
I loved the mystery, and it's definitely a book you want to keep reading. As always Karen Charlton has written a gripping and excellent book. Highly recommended
I loved the mystery, and it's definitely a book you want to keep reading. As always Karen Charlton has written a gripping and excellent book. Highly recommended
November 24, 2025
fun. to read
A view into old England. Sadly the feedback needs to be longer so please ignore the last part. Cheers. And enjoy
A view into old England. Sadly the feedback needs to be longer so please ignore the last part. Cheers. And enjoy
November 30, 2025
I love this series, and this book is my favorite!
January 15, 2026
another great mystery.
February 9, 2026
The narrator is so bad I can’t listen to it. Why do authors change narrators on book 8 of a series when the previous narrator was excellent. So disappointed!
February 10, 2026
Such a great writer! I know that I will always enjoy one of her Detective Lavender Mysteries!
February 25, 2026
I have been waiting for the new Detective Lavender book to arrive from Audible but I was a little disappointed when I finally finished it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews