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The Northminster Mysteries #3
The Shadowcutter
Police surgeon Felix Carswell has joined Major Giles Vernon and his convalescent wife, Laura, for a few days in the elegant spa town of Stanegate – it’s a welcome holiday from the summer stench of Northminster. But no sooner has he arrived than a Spanish colonial gentleman, dying of consumption, requires his urgent care, while Major Vernon is called away to Lord Rothborough’s country house, where a lady’s maid has been found drowned in a secluded pool.
Major Vernon investigates above and below stairs in the great house, assisted by Lord Rothborough’s eldest daughter, Lady Charlotte. When a quantity of valuable jewellery is found missing, the cause of the dead maid’s death only becomes more mysterious.
Meanwhile, when his patient dies in his arms after confiding a secret, Carswell is drawn into baffling intrigues involving the government-in-exile of the dead man’s homeland, the Caribbean island of Santa Magdalena. And strangest of all, Dona Blanca, the widow of the president, seems to know exactly who Felix is.
Over the course of the summer, Vernon and Carswell together doggedly search for the truth behind these troubling events, but their determination leads to a shocking personal tragedy for both of them, one which that will force them to reassess their lives and their careers, and leave them changed forever.
From the grand hotels of a fashionable spa town to a sordid illegal dog fight; from back-stair intrigues in a great country house to political conspiracies and fencing matches, The Shadowcutter sees the welcome return of early Victorian detectives, Major Giles Vernon and Felix Carswell.
Major Vernon investigates above and below stairs in the great house, assisted by Lord Rothborough’s eldest daughter, Lady Charlotte. When a quantity of valuable jewellery is found missing, the cause of the dead maid’s death only becomes more mysterious.
Meanwhile, when his patient dies in his arms after confiding a secret, Carswell is drawn into baffling intrigues involving the government-in-exile of the dead man’s homeland, the Caribbean island of Santa Magdalena. And strangest of all, Dona Blanca, the widow of the president, seems to know exactly who Felix is.
Over the course of the summer, Vernon and Carswell together doggedly search for the truth behind these troubling events, but their determination leads to a shocking personal tragedy for both of them, one which that will force them to reassess their lives and their careers, and leave them changed forever.
From the grand hotels of a fashionable spa town to a sordid illegal dog fight; from back-stair intrigues in a great country house to political conspiracies and fencing matches, The Shadowcutter sees the welcome return of early Victorian detectives, Major Giles Vernon and Felix Carswell.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2015
254 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 7, 2021
OK this is the third of the trilogy of books I got on Kindle, covering mid 1800s Scottish detectives. Each book has moved the story along a bit, roughly two years as near as I can figure. The chief of detectives for Northminster and his sidekick the medico are the main characters.
Somewhere along the way, the author lost the concept of "what was it like to build a police force and learn how to do serious investigation in the 19th century" and slid into historical romance with a mystery background.
The mysteries aren't bad but the handling of the men lost a bit each book until they went from pretty well-rounded and crafted men into somewhat dull figures led by their gonads into stupid moves and constantly chased by every woman in Scotland.
This book was mostly about fancy dinner parties, romantic entanglements, and various manor doings that made it a page flipper for me more than a pleasant read. For all that its pretty well done still, and the characterization is fairly good but it wasn't very difficult this time to figure out what was going on or why, and things wrapped up a bit too neatly.
Having both main characters find a new true overpowering love each book wore a bit as time went on, and the most interesting part of the premise was lost which is disappointing. If you're into romantical entanglements with ladies and servants and fancy dinners and wealthy people and such, this will be more along your lines. If you're interested in mysteries, investigation, historical depth, and fresh, unique storytelling, its probably not.
Somewhere along the way, the author lost the concept of "what was it like to build a police force and learn how to do serious investigation in the 19th century" and slid into historical romance with a mystery background.
The mysteries aren't bad but the handling of the men lost a bit each book until they went from pretty well-rounded and crafted men into somewhat dull figures led by their gonads into stupid moves and constantly chased by every woman in Scotland.
This book was mostly about fancy dinner parties, romantic entanglements, and various manor doings that made it a page flipper for me more than a pleasant read. For all that its pretty well done still, and the characterization is fairly good but it wasn't very difficult this time to figure out what was going on or why, and things wrapped up a bit too neatly.
Having both main characters find a new true overpowering love each book wore a bit as time went on, and the most interesting part of the premise was lost which is disappointing. If you're into romantical entanglements with ladies and servants and fancy dinners and wealthy people and such, this will be more along your lines. If you're interested in mysteries, investigation, historical depth, and fresh, unique storytelling, its probably not.
April 20, 2019
Third in the series. Our intrepid Regency-era investigators, Giles Vernon (chief constable) and Felix Carswell (police surgeon) have multiple deaths and a robbery to explore on Lord Rothborough's estate. Vernon and Carswell both have significant personal issues at hand, which I can't describe because they'd be spoilers.
May 19, 2019
Whew! I have finally read all three books I got for free on my Kindle. I can finally put this series aside and move on to better things. I think 2 stars is generous. Ms. Smith seems more adept at writing romance than mysteries and should probably forego the mysteries entirely she does such a poor job with them. Once again both of our protagonists are faced with a hopeless love. For every 10-20 pages spent on the hopeless romances, 1 is devoted to the mystery. It becomes so obvious so soon one can only become frustrated at the inability of the mystery plot to advance while we wallow around in lovely English gardens getting nowhere fast with the love stories.
December 3, 2024
Felix is introduced to his father's wife and sisters - accepted politely but the wife is understandbly not happy. The Duke encourages the H to move his lover into his house. Meanwhile Giles's wife is improving in the right direction. Loved this book.
April 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book in the Northminster Mysteries. It was less about the murders and more developing these wonderful main characters!
February 6, 2017
Having spent considerable leisure time reading the first three books of this series, it is time I noted a few features that appealed and kept me reading. These books are available through Kindle Unlimited, so that helps me justify the subscription fee since it is challenging to find books I can like in that program. The time period: Victorian Era - The location: Northminster and environs, setting it apart from other Victorian murder mystery series and adding interest.
The first, The Butchered Man, introduces us to Felix the surgeon, the young bastard son of Lord Rothborough as he arrives from Scotland to serve in the newly formed position of police surgeon in Northminster Constabulary under the direction of Major Vernon. The cooperation between these three central characters sets the foundation for the pursuit, investigation and analysis that leads to resolution and sometimes capture of those who commit murder. We learn more about the background and family members of each of the three men as the series continues through the second, The Dead Songbird, and now the third, The Shadowcutter. The murders in each book present interesting challenges as the talents of each become essential and evolve to where we now find Major Vernon launching into a new role as Superintendent of the Northern Counties Criminal Intelligence Office. "To have found, at the age of forty, what he had been put on Earth to do. He was not to be a soldier, nor an administrator, but this strange beast: a man who hunted murderers."
The first, The Butchered Man, introduces us to Felix the surgeon, the young bastard son of Lord Rothborough as he arrives from Scotland to serve in the newly formed position of police surgeon in Northminster Constabulary under the direction of Major Vernon. The cooperation between these three central characters sets the foundation for the pursuit, investigation and analysis that leads to resolution and sometimes capture of those who commit murder. We learn more about the background and family members of each of the three men as the series continues through the second, The Dead Songbird, and now the third, The Shadowcutter. The murders in each book present interesting challenges as the talents of each become essential and evolve to where we now find Major Vernon launching into a new role as Superintendent of the Northern Counties Criminal Intelligence Office. "To have found, at the age of forty, what he had been put on Earth to do. He was not to be a soldier, nor an administrator, but this strange beast: a man who hunted murderers."
May 23, 2015
Another excellent Northminster Mystery.
The pace of this one was slower than the two earlier novels in the series and the main plot less sensational. Overall this novel spent more time fleshing out further the characters of Giles and Felix and some of the more minor regular characters. I enjoyed the novel for that reason. This is not really a standalone novel. It needs to be read as part of a series.
As before, Harriet Smart creates a believable mid nineteenth century world set in provincial and rural Northern England. She is one of few writers not to annoy me with anachronisms. She clearly researches her subject matter well and has a real feel for the period in which she sets her novels. In this novel it became clear that she also does not fear doing heart-breaking things to her characters. You have been warned.
The pace of this one was slower than the two earlier novels in the series and the main plot less sensational. Overall this novel spent more time fleshing out further the characters of Giles and Felix and some of the more minor regular characters. I enjoyed the novel for that reason. This is not really a standalone novel. It needs to be read as part of a series.
As before, Harriet Smart creates a believable mid nineteenth century world set in provincial and rural Northern England. She is one of few writers not to annoy me with anachronisms. She clearly researches her subject matter well and has a real feel for the period in which she sets her novels. In this novel it became clear that she also does not fear doing heart-breaking things to her characters. You have been warned.
October 29, 2019
Harriet Smart does it again! Another well-written page-turner. The Northminster Mysteries is a delightful series set in Victorian England. Layered into the basic whodunnit, the author manages to underpaint the story with a sense of optimism in modernization felt during the era. From medical advances to hints of social progress to the dizzying speed of travel by rail, the reader experiences these novelties through the characters. I had a wonderful time visiting the Victorian Era while I read the story.
July 8, 2016
A rather rambling plot to this one, though I was heartily glad to see the back of one character. I agree with another reviewer that I find Felix's relationship with Sukey a bit unbelievable, and the intervention and connexions of the 'Spanish' party were unlikely, too. However, at the centre of these books is the relationship between Felix and Giles, and that is well written and interesting enough to keep me going, that and the setting.
January 30, 2020
I have to say this was the best of the three I've read so far. I still don't get why she has to put so much on about how badly these guys need a woman. Stick to a mystery, forget about the horny men. I'm over that.
October 23, 2020
Good mystery, but too much love story intertwined with it.
August 18, 2017
This is the third book in this series that I have read, and I continue to enjoy the characters and the setting. Although the name of the series is the Northminster Mysteries, the action in this one takes place away from Northminster, as Giles and Felix are ostensibly on vacation at a spa town helping Giles's wife continue her recovery from depression. However, vacation or not, they can't help jumping in when an exiled noble from a Caribbean island collapses during a fencing match with Giles, and subsequently dies under Felix's care. In addition, they are called in to Lord Rothborough's estate when not one, but two bodies are found there. It's a fairly convoluted plot with some interesting revelations about the private lives of the characters, which made it another page turner for me. On to number 4!
August 1, 2017
Strongest of the series, so far...
Harriet Smart has outdone herself with this addition to her Northminster Mysteries. The plot was more engaging and the mystery more complex than those of its predecessors. And, as before, the characterisations were deeper.
Readers are offered fuller pictures of both both Vernon and Carswell as Smart not only showed more of who each is inherently but also allowed each to grow through their experiences.
The mystery harkened back to -- and exceeded -- that of the first novel. It was a welcome change from the second book, where my chief pleasure lay in getting a better idea of who our protagonists were and are.
Harriet Smart has outdone herself with this addition to her Northminster Mysteries. The plot was more engaging and the mystery more complex than those of its predecessors. And, as before, the characterisations were deeper.
Readers are offered fuller pictures of both both Vernon and Carswell as Smart not only showed more of who each is inherently but also allowed each to grow through their experiences.
The mystery harkened back to -- and exceeded -- that of the first novel. It was a welcome change from the second book, where my chief pleasure lay in getting a better idea of who our protagonists were and are.
May 13, 2023
3.5 stars
Still enjoyable and so far I've enjoyed the criminal element in all these stories. The characters have grown on me too, although I still sometimes get confused when they switch between using their first names and surnames. There was more of an "unrequited love" spin in this one, which was a little less to my taste. Also, some of the "coincidences" relating to Felix's family history were perhaps a little unrealistic. Will definitely continue with the series should the next book cross my path: unfortunately book 3 marks the end of the Kindle box set I own.
Still enjoyable and so far I've enjoyed the criminal element in all these stories. The characters have grown on me too, although I still sometimes get confused when they switch between using their first names and surnames. There was more of an "unrequited love" spin in this one, which was a little less to my taste. Also, some of the "coincidences" relating to Felix's family history were perhaps a little unrealistic. Will definitely continue with the series should the next book cross my path: unfortunately book 3 marks the end of the Kindle box set I own.
April 2, 2018
The summer of 1840 and Major Vernon with his wife, along with Dr Carswell, are visiting the town of Stanegate. While Carswell is taking care of a Spanish colonial gentleman suffering from consumption, Major Vernon is called to Lord Rothborough’s country house, where a maid has been found dead.
Another enjoyable story in this series where we found out more about the central characters while they are trying to solve some of the mysteries that surround them.
Another enjoyable story in this series where we found out more about the central characters while they are trying to solve some of the mysteries that surround them.
May 12, 2022
A third book in the series and this on with the most complicated plot and more murders. I love the creation of the mood of the period and the social interactions within the “rules” of society at the time. Too much attention is paid in all three books to the romantic inclinations and actions of the major and the police surgeon. An interesting series but Indefinitely need a break before picking up book four…if I ever do.
May 21, 2022
A good read
This is a series of 10 books. I recommend they be read in sequence, since the stories and characters need this. The main characters are a policeman and a surgeon, with others added along the way. Another character who is throughout the series is Lord Rothborough, he is the father of the surgeon who is illegetimate. I hope to complete the series of 10 as I really like the plots and the characters.
This is a series of 10 books. I recommend they be read in sequence, since the stories and characters need this. The main characters are a policeman and a surgeon, with others added along the way. Another character who is throughout the series is Lord Rothborough, he is the father of the surgeon who is illegetimate. I hope to complete the series of 10 as I really like the plots and the characters.
December 29, 2020
A bit fantastical
Solid effort, not as good as the previous books. There were some major stretches to get the majors wife out of the way, solidify Sukey's character and expand Giles territory. Some of it seemed forced. Hopefully the next book will slow down the personal drama and expand on the mystery aspect of the novel.
Solid effort, not as good as the previous books. There were some major stretches to get the majors wife out of the way, solidify Sukey's character and expand Giles territory. Some of it seemed forced. Hopefully the next book will slow down the personal drama and expand on the mystery aspect of the novel.
November 13, 2022
Thought the first book was the best of the three I’ve read so far. As a historical romantic mystery, this book works, but too much time spent on developing and removing the objects of affection in the second and third book for it to be classed as crime for me. What is very good, is the author’s attention to detail about the period, manners and constraints included.
October 1, 2023
Further murders and mysteries for Giles Vernon and Felix Carswell to solve. This time they are summoned to Lord Rothborough's estate to solve the murder to a maid. The pace of this book is slower than the previous two, but non the less entertaining for that. The books improve as the characters develop and we get to know them. I shall certainly keep reading through the series.
June 4, 2017
Excellent
Wonderfully executed plot, characters are believable and representative of the time period. I would highly recommend this book. I would say start at book one and read in order.
Wonderfully executed plot, characters are believable and representative of the time period. I would highly recommend this book. I would say start at book one and read in order.
March 8, 2018
Enjoyable
This series is really outside my norm. I enjoy the deep character development. The dark side of each character is slowly revealed, and the personal tragedies of each are unforeseen and moving.
This series is really outside my norm. I enjoy the deep character development. The dark side of each character is slowly revealed, and the personal tragedies of each are unforeseen and moving.
November 15, 2021
Another great read
I am really enjoying this series of books, especially the two very different heroes. The plots are complex without being tortuous and the historical setting is interesting.
I am really enjoying this series of books, especially the two very different heroes. The plots are complex without being tortuous and the historical setting is interesting.
February 5, 2022
Uncommonly good third book in the series
Significant development and a whole lot of change for the two main characters Vernon and Carswell. Their personal lives flawlessly intermingle with the casework.
Significant development and a whole lot of change for the two main characters Vernon and Carswell. Their personal lives flawlessly intermingle with the casework.
January 7, 2023
I’m really enjoying this series. I’m a little surprised more people haven’t discovered it. There’s always a good mystery and the complicated lives of the characters interests me.
Recommended for those who enjoy historical mysteries.
Recommended for those who enjoy historical mysteries.
June 18, 2023
Maybe 3 1/2. I like the characters well enough, but the plots are somewhat similar book to book, or at least the way the characters handle themselves is. Entertaining for a fast read; nothing too earth shattering.
July 4, 2017
Mr. Carswell and Major Vernon
Make progress personally and processionally while solving the murder of a lady's companion. No spoilers.. I'll just say I cried.
Make progress personally and processionally while solving the murder of a lady's companion. No spoilers.. I'll just say I cried.
April 8, 2019
What a turn of events
May 29, 2019
I liked the first two of this series, but I liked this third book the best. There are three murders in this story, the first leading to the others with some really surprising developments.
August 13, 2019
A lousy harlequin romance pretending to be a mystery.
I won’t be reading this author again.
I won’t be reading this author again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews