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Casebook of Barnaby Adair #2
I diamanti di Finsbury
Nonostante la gravidanza, Penelope, moglie dell'investigatore privato Barnaby Adair, non sa rassegnarsi: da quando Scotland Yard ha convocato il marito per assistere alle indagini sull'omicidio di Peter Mitchell a Finsbury Court, cerca in tutti i modi di ottenere un resoconto dettagliato sui fatti. Perché la vittima aveva in tasca una favolosa collana di diamanti? E soprattutto: che ruolo hanno nella vicenda Gwendolyn, figlia di lord Finsbury, e Frederick Culver, vicino di casa da poco rientrato dall'Africa? Passione, intrigo, desiderio, vecchie ruggini… Un caso da risolvere; due cuori che battono costanti e forti.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2014
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
215 books5,624 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 5, 2014
★★★★☆ to ★★★★½ - I can't make up my mind. A nice, short little novella that had a twist or two that kept me wondering why...
November 6, 2014
At long last, we recommence our buddy reads! I've missed having my reading buddies to discuss these books with. Should be fun :)
Finished! This was a very quick read, but it was enjoyable. The mystery had me guessing, I didn't even suspect the culprit until right toward the end. Penelope's way of dealing with the late stages of her pregnancy had me laughing in a couple of places as well. I of course liked seeing Stokes and Griselda again as well. The little mini-romance between Gwen Finsbury and Frederick Culver was cute, and sweet. Almost too cute and sweet, lol. I liked it though, and how everything worked out for everyone in the end. I also enjoyed the end, when little Oliver is born, and Barnaby's parents came on the scene. I like the relationship between Barnaby and his father, the respect and understanding between them, and how he knew to come and distract Barnaby from his worries over the birth. A nice little addition to the series, but I'm interested in seeing what Montague's story will hold.
Finished! This was a very quick read, but it was enjoyable. The mystery had me guessing, I didn't even suspect the culprit until right toward the end. Penelope's way of dealing with the late stages of her pregnancy had me laughing in a couple of places as well. I of course liked seeing Stokes and Griselda again as well. The little mini-romance between Gwen Finsbury and Frederick Culver was cute, and sweet. Almost too cute and sweet, lol. I liked it though, and how everything worked out for everyone in the end. I also enjoyed the end, when little Oliver is born, and Barnaby's parents came on the scene. I like the relationship between Barnaby and his father, the respect and understanding between them, and how he knew to come and distract Barnaby from his worries over the birth. A nice little addition to the series, but I'm interested in seeing what Montague's story will hold.
August 25, 2017
4.5 stars
Will you laugh at me if I say I loved this book so much because it was short and it didn't have any sex scenes ???
Will you laugh at me if I say I loved this book so much because it was short and it didn't have any sex scenes ???
October 21, 2018
Short novella featuring a tonnish murder at a house party in 1936 England.
It's fun to go back and see old characters, but the ladies of the mystery team were waylaid by advanced pregnancy though their input is instrumental to figuring out the case.
It's fun to go back and see old characters, but the ladies of the mystery team were waylaid by advanced pregnancy though their input is instrumental to figuring out the case.
April 18, 2017
3 e 1/2
"La donna si girò e corse di nuovo verso il letto, gettandosi letteralmente su Barnaby.
Ridendo, il marito la serrò a sé, gli occhi fissi in quelli scuri di lei. — Felice?
Il volto della giovane s’illuminò in un sorriso, quel nuovo sorriso così carico di gioia che non mancava mai di colpirlo dritto al cuore. Sostenendo lo sguardo di Barnaby, le mani poggiate sulle spalle del marito, Penelope rispose: — Non avrei mai creduto che si potesse essere così felici."
Incredibile ma vero, nonostante la brevità questo racconto mi è piaciuto molto più del primo della serie XD Merito senza dubbio sia del caso, costruito molto bene e in un lento crescendo; sia del fatto che Penelope per una volta non infila il naso dappertutto (anche se ci prova, seppur dal divano di casa XD); sia del nuovo status di quasi neo genitori dei nostri protagonisti, uno stato che li rende assai sentimentali ed espansivi come mai prima d'ora! XD Il caso è interessante e fino alla fine non sono riuscita a capire chi fosse l'assassino, ho seguito passo passo le indagini con facilità ed interesse e alla fine sono arrivata ad un "ovvio!" come Barnaby e Stokes... che tanto ovvio non era XD Molto dolce e passionale la coppietta Gwen&Frederick, seppur confusa all'inizio dal tanto spazio che l'autrice aveva riservato a questi personaggi secondari e alle loro vicende alla fine mi sono abituata ad averli tra i POV e non guasta il fatto che, seppur con discrezione, si rivelino utili anche ai fini delle indagini ;D L'epilogo è molto dolce e ben definito come piace a me ;D
"La donna si girò e corse di nuovo verso il letto, gettandosi letteralmente su Barnaby.
Ridendo, il marito la serrò a sé, gli occhi fissi in quelli scuri di lei. — Felice?
Il volto della giovane s’illuminò in un sorriso, quel nuovo sorriso così carico di gioia che non mancava mai di colpirlo dritto al cuore. Sostenendo lo sguardo di Barnaby, le mani poggiate sulle spalle del marito, Penelope rispose: — Non avrei mai creduto che si potesse essere così felici."
Incredibile ma vero, nonostante la brevità questo racconto mi è piaciuto molto più del primo della serie XD Merito senza dubbio sia del caso, costruito molto bene e in un lento crescendo; sia del fatto che Penelope per una volta non infila il naso dappertutto (anche se ci prova, seppur dal divano di casa XD); sia del nuovo status di quasi neo genitori dei nostri protagonisti, uno stato che li rende assai sentimentali ed espansivi come mai prima d'ora! XD Il caso è interessante e fino alla fine non sono riuscita a capire chi fosse l'assassino, ho seguito passo passo le indagini con facilità ed interesse e alla fine sono arrivata ad un "ovvio!" come Barnaby e Stokes... che tanto ovvio non era XD Molto dolce e passionale la coppietta Gwen&Frederick, seppur confusa all'inizio dal tanto spazio che l'autrice aveva riservato a questi personaggi secondari e alle loro vicende alla fine mi sono abituata ad averli tra i POV e non guasta il fatto che, seppur con discrezione, si rivelino utili anche ai fini delle indagini ;D L'epilogo è molto dolce e ben definito come piace a me ;D
July 3, 2021
I've read most of the Cynster novel series and this being a spin off of one of the related books in that series - plus its a bit shorter than a normal novel so it was easy to fit in while I've been working a bunch! It was an interesting novel and was a good little mystery novel. I enjoyed it but it was a short story so it wasn't overly developed. It was still a good plot though and I would recommend it! I will say there was only a small piece in terms of romance sub-plot but was still good!
January 24, 2014
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
The Peculiar Case of Lord Finsbury's Diamonds is a novella featuring Barnaby Adair and his wife Penelope (nee Ashford) and Inspector Stokes and his wife Griselda, all characters from 2008's Where the Heart Leads. Laurens has long planned a series of historical mystery-cum-romances involving Barnaby and Stokes, and the second novel in the series is due to release in late April (The Masterful Mr. Montague, featuring the oft-mentioned but rarely seen "man of business" who deals with the Cynsters' financial affairs.)
Lord Finsbury's Diamonds falls between the first and second novels, and it's far more of a mystery than a romance. A man has been found dead on a path leading to Lord Finsbury's estate during a house party. As the man's face has been bludgeoned in by a sledgehammer, and the famous Finsbury diamonds were found in his pocket, his death clearly calls for an investigation. If the victim, who had been asked to leave the house party several days previously, was a thief, why was he returning to the house with the diamonds when he was killed? And why did he first send a letter requesting to meet with the daughter of the house - the same daughter on whom he had attempted to press his unwelcome attentions?
As chief investigator, Barnaby is the novella's central character, but the point of view shifts frequently from Barnaby to the very pregnant Penelope, Stokes, and even Lord Finsbury's daughter and her suitor -- the romantic leads, though oddly not the main characters. Frankly, there are more POV characters than a novella of this length should really have, and I couldn't help thinking that it might have been better to tell the story as a straight mystery. . . except that of course, Laurens is known for writing historical romance, so her readers would of course expect it. (A note for those familiar with Laurens' usually steamy, explicit style: there's not much of that here, and what there is doesn't really fit the mood of the overall story. Frankly, I'd have been just as happy without it.)
I was a little disappointed in the mystery, which felt a little flat and seemed almost lifted from a Christie short story. It isn't, as far as I can remember, and I'm pretty familiar with the Christie canon. But it certainly has that feel without ever achieving a Christie-esque suspense, as though Laurens had cobbled together several familiar elements. I solved more than half of the mystery pretty quickly, although I didn't deduce the extent of an accomplice's involvement nor the murderer's motive.
Die-hard Laurens fans will probably buy the novella, but they may be disappointed. It's interesting that although Avon is publishing the full-length novels in the series, Stephanie Laurens's own company is producing the e-novellas. That may account for some of the flatness and the unfocused feeling of the multiple POVs; I don't know if Ms. Laurens worked with an editor or just with a copyeditor/proofreader. Technically, the ebook is as professional as anything I've seen from a major publishing house: clean and mostly well-formatted, although the cover looks more like a classic Christie or Sayers cover than the typical Avon romance. The $3.99 cover price seems a bit high for a short novella, especially when many of her other short stories and novellas have been available for $1.99 in the past.
I'll probably still read The Masterful Mr. Montague (although seriously, who came up with that title?), both because I'm curious about Montague and because I think the flaws in Lord Finsbury's Diamonds are an aberration. But given that I was also a little disappointed in Laurens's last romance, I'll be heading into it with as much wariness as enthusiasm.
FTC disclosure: I purchased this book. All opinions are entirely my own.
The Peculiar Case of Lord Finsbury's Diamonds is a novella featuring Barnaby Adair and his wife Penelope (nee Ashford) and Inspector Stokes and his wife Griselda, all characters from 2008's Where the Heart Leads. Laurens has long planned a series of historical mystery-cum-romances involving Barnaby and Stokes, and the second novel in the series is due to release in late April (The Masterful Mr. Montague, featuring the oft-mentioned but rarely seen "man of business" who deals with the Cynsters' financial affairs.)
Lord Finsbury's Diamonds falls between the first and second novels, and it's far more of a mystery than a romance. A man has been found dead on a path leading to Lord Finsbury's estate during a house party. As the man's face has been bludgeoned in by a sledgehammer, and the famous Finsbury diamonds were found in his pocket, his death clearly calls for an investigation. If the victim, who had been asked to leave the house party several days previously, was a thief, why was he returning to the house with the diamonds when he was killed? And why did he first send a letter requesting to meet with the daughter of the house - the same daughter on whom he had attempted to press his unwelcome attentions?
As chief investigator, Barnaby is the novella's central character, but the point of view shifts frequently from Barnaby to the very pregnant Penelope, Stokes, and even Lord Finsbury's daughter and her suitor -- the romantic leads, though oddly not the main characters. Frankly, there are more POV characters than a novella of this length should really have, and I couldn't help thinking that it might have been better to tell the story as a straight mystery. . . except that of course, Laurens is known for writing historical romance, so her readers would of course expect it. (A note for those familiar with Laurens' usually steamy, explicit style: there's not much of that here, and what there is doesn't really fit the mood of the overall story. Frankly, I'd have been just as happy without it.)
I was a little disappointed in the mystery, which felt a little flat and seemed almost lifted from a Christie short story. It isn't, as far as I can remember, and I'm pretty familiar with the Christie canon. But it certainly has that feel without ever achieving a Christie-esque suspense, as though Laurens had cobbled together several familiar elements. I solved more than half of the mystery pretty quickly, although I didn't deduce the extent of an accomplice's involvement nor the murderer's motive.
Die-hard Laurens fans will probably buy the novella, but they may be disappointed. It's interesting that although Avon is publishing the full-length novels in the series, Stephanie Laurens's own company is producing the e-novellas. That may account for some of the flatness and the unfocused feeling of the multiple POVs; I don't know if Ms. Laurens worked with an editor or just with a copyeditor/proofreader. Technically, the ebook is as professional as anything I've seen from a major publishing house: clean and mostly well-formatted, although the cover looks more like a classic Christie or Sayers cover than the typical Avon romance. The $3.99 cover price seems a bit high for a short novella, especially when many of her other short stories and novellas have been available for $1.99 in the past.
I'll probably still read The Masterful Mr. Montague (although seriously, who came up with that title?), both because I'm curious about Montague and because I think the flaws in Lord Finsbury's Diamonds are an aberration. But given that I was also a little disappointed in Laurens's last romance, I'll be heading into it with as much wariness as enthusiasm.
FTC disclosure: I purchased this book. All opinions are entirely my own.
Read
January 22, 2014Oh how I love ms Laurens books
Love Barnaby and Penelope also the mystery this is what I like very who done it or who didn't do it all around good read
Love Barnaby and Penelope also the mystery this is what I like very who done it or who didn't do it all around good read
October 11, 2016
3 stelline e mezzo
February 23, 2020
Review - I love the Barnaby Adair series, because I love the relationships between Barnaby, Penelope, Basil and Griselda. Although this was a novella rather than a full-length story and so there was less time to get used to the characters and the mystery it was still engaging and I wish it went on longer because I felt it wasn't such a strong story without the time to build tension and get to know the characters. Laurens's writing was descriptive and she managed to build up tension even within such a short story.
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Barnaby Adair / Penelope Adair / Inspector Basil Stokes / Griselda Stokes / Lord Finsbury / Gwendolyn Finsbury
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Casebook of Barnaby Adair #1.5
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 15/20
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Barnaby Adair / Penelope Adair / Inspector Basil Stokes / Griselda Stokes / Lord Finsbury / Gwendolyn Finsbury
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Casebook of Barnaby Adair #1.5
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 15/20
April 1, 2021
A fun novella - Barnaby and Penelope Adair are expecting their first child very soon when Inspector Stokes asks for Barnaby's help with a murder in an aristocratic family. I should have guessed whodunnit but was distracted by the red herrings, though what was supposed to be the twist was easy enough to guess at very early in the story. My actual rating is 3.5 stars, but I'll round up because I like the characters.
May 16, 2020
Delightful
If you like mysteries set during a house party this novella is for you. Barnaby and Basil leave their very pregnant wives at home to investigate who murdered a guest at a country estate. It was a delightfully convoluted investigation. There is also an incidental romance and the birth of Barnaby's heir. Fun to read and well plotted I enjoyed it immensely.
If you like mysteries set during a house party this novella is for you. Barnaby and Basil leave their very pregnant wives at home to investigate who murdered a guest at a country estate. It was a delightfully convoluted investigation. There is also an incidental romance and the birth of Barnaby's heir. Fun to read and well plotted I enjoyed it immensely.
February 19, 2023
Another case for Inspector Stokes, Barnaby Adair and their wives. I’m really enjoying these intriguing cases. Interesting to read how some members of the upper classes thought they were above the constraints of the law. Barnaby well respected son of an Earl smooths they way and the super sleuths solve they mysteries.
February 20, 2023
Good read
Book 2 has mystery, murder, a little bit of romance, pregnancy and birth, and no sex. Hook 2 deals more with our 2 heroes and the murder case because both heroines are very pregnant and staying home. There is a small romantic side story within the murder story, but doesn't affect our 2 heroes and heroines. But the murder mystery is pretty entertaining. Recommend.
Book 2 has mystery, murder, a little bit of romance, pregnancy and birth, and no sex. Hook 2 deals more with our 2 heroes and the murder case because both heroines are very pregnant and staying home. There is a small romantic side story within the murder story, but doesn't affect our 2 heroes and heroines. But the murder mystery is pretty entertaining. Recommend.
August 20, 2026
What can I say about this book and not give away the plot. It is the typical murder mystery of the time. There is much running around trying to figure out who the killer is and why there was a murder. There is also the birth of Barnaby's son at the end.
It is an enjoyable read that is quickly read.
It is an enjoyable read that is quickly read.
December 19, 2018
A mystery as only Laurens can tell it.
The plot is a masterpiece you won't know till the end who the killer is. The weaving of a plot is Ms Laurens' forte. You never know how her stories will end. Such a delight to read.
The plot is a masterpiece you won't know till the end who the killer is. The weaving of a plot is Ms Laurens' forte. You never know how her stories will end. Such a delight to read.
February 4, 2019
Diamonds are forever
Barnaby Stokes are on a mystifying murder case involving a diamond necklace. Penelope is about to have their baby and cannot help investigate and neither can Stokes wife. I really enjoy this series with Barnaby and hi investigations.
Barnaby Stokes are on a mystifying murder case involving a diamond necklace. Penelope is about to have their baby and cannot help investigate and neither can Stokes wife. I really enjoy this series with Barnaby and hi investigations.
March 3, 2021
Good book. I like this series.
I love the characters.
Barnaby and Penelope work together as a couple to solve the murder cases.
They work with Stokes to figure out what is going on.
They find clues and then work to solve the mystery.
I really like this series and will read more.
I love the characters.
Barnaby and Penelope work together as a couple to solve the murder cases.
They work with Stokes to figure out what is going on.
They find clues and then work to solve the mystery.
I really like this series and will read more.
March 2, 2026
This book had an interesting twist. Penelope is close to giving birth so Barnaby must bring details of the case home for her to ponder. An unexpected ending to the murder made this difficult to guess.
June 2, 2026
Rounded up.
Barnaby Adair and Stokes are called to deal with the murder of a former house guest. Both of their wives are pregnant and demand to be kept up to date on the investigation. It will take all four heads to solve the baffling case.
Barnaby Adair and Stokes are called to deal with the murder of a former house guest. Both of their wives are pregnant and demand to be kept up to date on the investigation. It will take all four heads to solve the baffling case.
June 18, 2018
Another great story! Loved it!
November 13, 2018
Short, simple, and finished over lunch break...
December 29, 2018
Falls short
Well short of the rest of this mystery series in character development and obvious missed clues. Very disappointed in this short filler story.
Well short of the rest of this mystery series in character development and obvious missed clues. Very disappointed in this short filler story.
February 4, 2019
Entertaining read.
September 30, 2019
Good mystery. The mush was just filler to me.
July 10, 2020
3.5 stars
October 1, 2020
Another fabulous read
Thank you Mrs Laurens for always providing an intriguing story with some of my favorite characters. I love meeting them over and over again
Thank you Mrs Laurens for always providing an intriguing story with some of my favorite characters. I love meeting them over and over again
February 3, 2023
My second Barnaby Adair book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book it kept me transfixed well into the night, always moving, no slow bits, loved it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book it kept me transfixed well into the night, always moving, no slow bits, loved it.
August 19, 2024
It’s as exciting and delightful as the first book, lots of intriguing things happening n the case and in Barnaby and Penelope‘s lives. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
September 20, 2021
The Butler did it…original 🤣
Not much to say about this one except I enjoyed it. I was curious to check out this series of novels as I really like Where the Heart Leads and all four of the main characters.
This was a quick, easy read with a non taxing little mystery, cute little side romance and the best part was seeing the characters moving forward with their lives. I’ll definitely check out the next one in the series.
The best part was undoubtedly the final chapter in which (spoiler) Penelope gives birth and Barnaby is just too cute about it all! 😍
Not much to say about this one except I enjoyed it. I was curious to check out this series of novels as I really like Where the Heart Leads and all four of the main characters.
This was a quick, easy read with a non taxing little mystery, cute little side romance and the best part was seeing the characters moving forward with their lives. I’ll definitely check out the next one in the series.
The best part was undoubtedly the final chapter in which (spoiler) Penelope gives birth and Barnaby is just too cute about it all! 😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews