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Doyle & Acton #22
Murder in All Patience
They were going to hold a charity-gala at Trestles, but Acton wasn't one to want a passel of strangers tromping around his ancestral estate and so Doyle was rightfully suspicious; he must have some plan afoot—something to do with the Song case, which had gone cold even though there was a mighty fortune hanging in the balance.
Stranger still, the charities were going to put-on that famous Sherlock Holmes story—the one with the horror-hound—and Doyle couldn't help but notice there seemed to be a lot of parallels to current events, what with unknown heirs, and a tightening web of unnatural goings-on. . .
Stranger still, the charities were going to put-on that famous Sherlock Holmes story—the one with the horror-hound—and Doyle couldn't help but notice there seemed to be a lot of parallels to current events, what with unknown heirs, and a tightening web of unnatural goings-on. . .
- GenresMysteryContemporary
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
About the author
Anne Cleeland
39 books479 followersAnne Cleeland writes a contemporary Scotland Yard mystery series that is featured in the Amazon top 100 best sellers. She also writes a historical series of stand-alone books set in the Regency period. A member of International Thriller Writers, The Historical Novel Society, and Mystery Writers of America, she lives in California and has four children. www.annecleeland.com; @annecleeland.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 9, 2025
I’ve been reading this series for over a decade and I’m absolutely incredulous that Murder in All Patience is the 20th book in the outstanding Acton and Doyle series. This story is as strong, exciting, and engaging as its predecessors, with Kathleen Doyle and Lord Michael Acton as the flagship leads supported by awesome secondary characters as Reynolds, Thomas, Lizzie, and Hudson.
Doyle, currently pregnant with her third child, is still on the job albeit this time not investigating a murder. With her fae truth-hearing skills and visits from ghosts bearing warnings, Doyle is a great source in interviewing suspects and survivors. In an unusual turn this time the ghost is not readily known to Kathleen but warns of a patient murder angle.
The action and murder suspense keeps the story crisp and exciting as well as shocking turns and motivations of deadly villains whose motivation are old as time, money and greed.
Another fantastic read from Anne Cleeland and high recommended reading.
Doyle, currently pregnant with her third child, is still on the job albeit this time not investigating a murder. With her fae truth-hearing skills and visits from ghosts bearing warnings, Doyle is a great source in interviewing suspects and survivors. In an unusual turn this time the ghost is not readily known to Kathleen but warns of a patient murder angle.
The action and murder suspense keeps the story crisp and exciting as well as shocking turns and motivations of deadly villains whose motivation are old as time, money and greed.
Another fantastic read from Anne Cleeland and high recommended reading.
October 21, 2025
Another good visit with one of my favorite series. Looking forward to the continuing story.
October 6, 2025
Barbara’s rating: 3.8 out of 5 Stars
Series: Doyle & Acton #22
Publication Date: 10/2/25
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 210
OMGoodness!!! Acton is master-minding and plotting again in this wonderfully written, excellently paced contemporary mystery set in London. Of course, Acton can plot all he likes, but the quirky, human lie detector, Doyle, is going to throw a spanner in the works. I have read and loved every book in the series, and this one is no exception. Although this is part of an excellent series, it can be read as a standalone. However, to get a true feel for the character dynamic between Doyle & Acton, you should probably read at least the first couple of books. Besides, it is a great series, so why not read them all?
One of Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle’s first clues that her aristocratic husband, Chief Inspector Michael Acton, was plotting something was his decision to hold a charitable gala at his ancestral home, Trestles. Acton doesn’t like visitors to Trestles, and he certainly never hosts events there. So, what is he up to? Is it something that goes back to the black market art theft ring? Perhaps it has to do with Lestrade trying to blackmail him – or something even more sinister.
I loved that part of the plot involved putting on a skit based on The Hound of the Baskervilles, featuring Sherlock Holmes, because Acton is very similar to Sherlock in many ways. Very eccentric and very, very smart. The author has cleverly woven in many similarities to the Sherlock story while keeping this story uniquely Doyle and Acton.
If you are looking for a quick, entertaining, yet interesting mystery, I suggest you might enjoy this one. It is filled with quirky, unique characters you’ll love, and the mystery is well written, interesting, and keeps you guessing about Acton’s plot until the very end! Happy Reading!
Series: Doyle & Acton #22
Publication Date: 10/2/25
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 210
OMGoodness!!! Acton is master-minding and plotting again in this wonderfully written, excellently paced contemporary mystery set in London. Of course, Acton can plot all he likes, but the quirky, human lie detector, Doyle, is going to throw a spanner in the works. I have read and loved every book in the series, and this one is no exception. Although this is part of an excellent series, it can be read as a standalone. However, to get a true feel for the character dynamic between Doyle & Acton, you should probably read at least the first couple of books. Besides, it is a great series, so why not read them all?
One of Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle’s first clues that her aristocratic husband, Chief Inspector Michael Acton, was plotting something was his decision to hold a charitable gala at his ancestral home, Trestles. Acton doesn’t like visitors to Trestles, and he certainly never hosts events there. So, what is he up to? Is it something that goes back to the black market art theft ring? Perhaps it has to do with Lestrade trying to blackmail him – or something even more sinister.
I loved that part of the plot involved putting on a skit based on The Hound of the Baskervilles, featuring Sherlock Holmes, because Acton is very similar to Sherlock in many ways. Very eccentric and very, very smart. The author has cleverly woven in many similarities to the Sherlock story while keeping this story uniquely Doyle and Acton.
If you are looking for a quick, entertaining, yet interesting mystery, I suggest you might enjoy this one. It is filled with quirky, unique characters you’ll love, and the mystery is well written, interesting, and keeps you guessing about Acton’s plot until the very end! Happy Reading!
February 23, 2026
The 22nd book in this enjoyable series, about a poor Irish lass who heads to London to become a police officer and the aristocratic superior officer who becomes her husband.
As Doyle is counting down to the delivery date of her daughter and is on limited duty until she starts maternity leave. Meanwhile, her husband is uncharacteristically opening his estate for a fund raiser for various charities. Acton is verry protective of his estate, so Doyle finds the circumstances very suspicious.
Certain circumstances regarding a past homicide are influencing the present, as the husband of a murder victim has disappeared and the question has been raised whether he and his heirs can inherit her estate, since the husband had tried to kill her. Now one of the husband's heirs has been murdered, Doyle's being visited by a ghost, another heir is in danger (as only Doyle with her special gifts could know) and Acton by way of a slight-of-hand (or mouth) asks Doyle to have ghosts confirm the existence of a tunnel within the storeroom (formerly the dungeon) of Trestles (the Acton ancestral home).
As Doyle is counting down to the delivery date of her daughter and is on limited duty until she starts maternity leave. Meanwhile, her husband is uncharacteristically opening his estate for a fund raiser for various charities. Acton is verry protective of his estate, so Doyle finds the circumstances very suspicious.
Certain circumstances regarding a past homicide are influencing the present, as the husband of a murder victim has disappeared and the question has been raised whether he and his heirs can inherit her estate, since the husband had tried to kill her. Now one of the husband's heirs has been murdered, Doyle's being visited by a ghost, another heir is in danger (as only Doyle with her special gifts could know) and Acton by way of a slight-of-hand (or mouth) asks Doyle to have ghosts confirm the existence of a tunnel within the storeroom (formerly the dungeon) of Trestles (the Acton ancestral home).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2025
A patient killer of a thriller!
I am a huge fan of this series! Truly, one of my favorites. The dynamic duo of Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle and her enigmatic husband, Chief Inspector Michael Acton, returns with their signature blend of sharp wit, simmering romance, and great intrigue.
Cleeland's prose is crisp and clever, laced with Doyle's irreverent Irish charm and Acton's brooding intensity. The plot weaves an aristocrat’s tapestry of corruption, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, where patience is a survival tactic. What elevates this story is Cleeland's masterful pacing: a slow-burn mystery that erupts into pulse-pounding revelations. It will keep one hooked.
I am a huge fan of this series! Truly, one of my favorites. The dynamic duo of Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle and her enigmatic husband, Chief Inspector Michael Acton, returns with their signature blend of sharp wit, simmering romance, and great intrigue.
Cleeland's prose is crisp and clever, laced with Doyle's irreverent Irish charm and Acton's brooding intensity. The plot weaves an aristocrat’s tapestry of corruption, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, where patience is a survival tactic. What elevates this story is Cleeland's masterful pacing: a slow-burn mystery that erupts into pulse-pounding revelations. It will keep one hooked.
March 8, 2026
Wonder of wonders. Lord Acton (who is extremely allergic to company, whether known or unknown) is holding a charity gala at Trestles, the Actons' ancestral home, and apparently he is gathering some of the most crooked Players of the artwork cum money laundering scam as participants in a modernized version of The Hound of the Baskervilles written for the occasion by their butler Reynolds. A man of many talents, is Reynolds. Meanwhile the hunt is still on for the heirs of the late Mrs. Song who was poisoned. With villains, ghosts and guests (also known would~be victims) as well as Trestles' residents... the situation was rife for a murder. And sure enough there was one.
January 8, 2026
Doyle and Acton never disappoint
The continuing story of Doyle and Acton is addicting. these mysteries are well written, and the characters are perfect. Book after book are engaging and hard to put down until the end. I have all books from the beginning, and can't wait for the next one. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes a good mystery. Please, Ms. Cleeland, keep writing this wonderful series.
The continuing story of Doyle and Acton is addicting. these mysteries are well written, and the characters are perfect. Book after book are engaging and hard to put down until the end. I have all books from the beginning, and can't wait for the next one. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes a good mystery. Please, Ms. Cleeland, keep writing this wonderful series.
January 9, 2026
Terrific!
Another outstanding adventure! Many characters from previous books are involved! Doyle is close to birthing their third child, a daughter . She really should not be involved in an investigation. This situation is very personal and involves earlier events that are now being investigated ----- things Acton and Doyle want to remain buried in the past! Quick, fast, thrilling reading experience!
Another outstanding adventure! Many characters from previous books are involved! Doyle is close to birthing their third child, a daughter . She really should not be involved in an investigation. This situation is very personal and involves earlier events that are now being investigated ----- things Acton and Doyle want to remain buried in the past! Quick, fast, thrilling reading experience!
October 11, 2025
a good entry to the series
I enjoy reading these books they are a nice escape. Over the summer I reread a few in the beginning of the series and the repetitiveness became apparent. But this was still enjoyable
I enjoy reading these books they are a nice escape. Over the summer I reread a few in the beginning of the series and the repetitiveness became apparent. But this was still enjoyable
October 28, 2025
can’t help myself
These nobs entertain me no end. Convoluted plot with twists and turns are just the beginning. I’ve seen some other reviewers criticize the set up of these characters as patriarchal and patronizing but I think more along the lines of supremely well crafted farce.
These nobs entertain me no end. Convoluted plot with twists and turns are just the beginning. I’ve seen some other reviewers criticize the set up of these characters as patriarchal and patronizing but I think more along the lines of supremely well crafted farce.
November 18, 2025
Such a good series. I love how Doyle(she makes me laugh) always figures out what Acton is up to, how Acton always tries to steer her out of harms way-- they make quite the pair when it comes to solving mysteries and putting away the baddies.
January 2, 2026
As always, a crackin’ good read!
Most of the admiration I have for this series stems from my enjoyment of the plot twists. The characters resemble no others in the mystery genre, and the growing family offers a sweet touch of reality to the macabre tale.
Most of the admiration I have for this series stems from my enjoyment of the plot twists. The characters resemble no others in the mystery genre, and the growing family offers a sweet touch of reality to the macabre tale.
April 9, 2026
Great Reading
I'm a big fan of the Acton and Doyle mysteries and this one is no exception. It's hard to put down and kept me up tonight to see how it ended. And it was a great ending.
I'm a big fan of the Acton and Doyle mysteries and this one is no exception. It's hard to put down and kept me up tonight to see how it ended. And it was a great ending.
October 24, 2025
4 ***
Read
October 27, 202510/7/2025
January 31, 2026
Love these books! Kathleen and Acton are such a pair.
June 27, 2026
Love this series, can't wait for the next one.
March 11, 2026
Such a twisting plot!
I've read and thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series. And have been amazed at the outcome. This story is even convoluted than the others. Acton is Machiavellian in his plots and Doyle tries to keep him honest. What a great series!
I've read and thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series. And have been amazed at the outcome. This story is even convoluted than the others. Acton is Machiavellian in his plots and Doyle tries to keep him honest. What a great series!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews