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Miss Seeton #14

Miss Seeton Goes to Bat

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It’s summertime in Plummergen and cricket madness has overtaken Miss Emily Seeton’s pretty village. The pavilion urgently needs repairs, but there’s a needle match coming up against arch rivals Murreystone. Miss S’s chums Sir George Colveston and his son Nigel talk of little else, especially as the opposition’s demon bowler wrought havoc at last year’s game, while their own star, the village blacksmith, has a broken arm after a dispute with a mysteriously tipsy Shire horse.

Miss S’s artistic talents are required to sketch the players and raise money for the pavilion – she knows little of cricket, but her uncanny depictions point the way to a burglarious gang who’ve been robbing local villages.

Serene amidst every kind of skulduggery, this eccentric English spinster steps in where Scotland Yard stumbles, armed with nothing more than her sketchpad and umbrella!

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1993

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About the author

Hamilton Crane

24 books50 followers
Hamilton Crane is the pseudonym adopted by Sarah J. Mason when she was invited to continue the Miss Seeton series originally created by Heron Carvic, who died in 1980. “Hamilton” after her hall of residence at St Andrews University (the big red building behind the 18th green on the Old Course) and “Crane” to continue the bird theme – a crane has a similar form to a heron.

Series:
* Miss Seeton

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5 stars
109 (36%)
4 stars
91 (30%)
3 stars
77 (25%)
2 stars
17 (5%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Jody McGrath.
383 reviews58 followers
November 15, 2016
This is the second Miss Seeton. Story I have read and it was a delight. The village is having its cricket match with longtime rivals, the village of Murreystone. Scotland Yard expects trouble, so they come on the day of the match to attempt to stop any brawls before they start. A new man has also came to the village, and gossip says he is a wizard. Of course he is linked with Miss Sutton, the favorite target of Plummergen gossip mongers.

Another thread has Scotland Yard tracking counterfeit coin makers and investigating a rash of burglaries. Could the two be connected? How is Miss Seeton bound to get involved?

This book is charming and humorous. It follows the quirky characters of the village, but can easily be read as a stand alone book. Miss Seeton is her normal oblivious self, even though she sees things others do not. She does her mystery drawings and they always end up making sense. This was a fantastic read and a quick read. I highly recommend it!
* I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and have given an honest review *
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 24 books819 followers
Read
April 4, 2017
One negative about this being a series continued by secondary writers is I think there's a reluctance to change the status quo. They're good, light enjoyment for me at the moment (when I don't want distraction from writing Snug Ship) but although a few new characters have been introduced, most of those we met during Heron Carvic's original set of books haven't really changed, merely aged.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,349 reviews43 followers
November 8, 2016
A Miss Seeton novel is a bit like an old-fashioned "blond joke" or "elephant joke" ---- often silly; quite simplistic; but always fun, and I always want more.

This is quintessential Miss Seaton: lots of interaction with the Village and Scotland Yard, plenty of unaccountable adventure for Miss Seaton; and a satisfactory resolution (although totally predictable) to the current crime wave.

It wasn't my favorite of the Miss Seeton stories because it was a very sport-centric story, but it was diverting and enjoyable.
1 review
March 6, 2018
Disappointing number 15

Have thoroughly enjoyed Miss Seeton Brooks until this one. Long and tedious description of cricket but muddled story line. Crime and capture details omitted. Hope next one better. Not ready to give up on Emily yet.
Profile Image for Annette.
1,768 reviews10 followers
November 2, 2016
This is another interesting story about Miss Seeton. All the action takes place in the village of Plummergen. It is summer and everyone is immersed in preparations for the upcoming cricket match with their natural enemies, men from the village of Murreystone.

All Miss Seeton's friends are involved. In fact, some of the men from Scotland Yard even arrive in the village the day of the match. They are there to observe the match but also to prevent mayhem and violence.

In the days leading up to the match, Nigel a terrific young man, meets his latest one true love. Her name is Annabelle Leigh and she is a traveling artist. A new man moves into the village. He is a retired Admiral who has naturally drawn the curiosity of everyone in the village. The gossip is going around is that he is a warlock, connected to Miss Seeton and probably has buried bodies in his garden.

Other than the few new people, the characters are the regular citizens of the village. Living in this village makes people become completely immersed in the lives of their neighbors.

In the background there are worries from Scotland Yard. Some people have been creating counterfeit coins. Another group has been burglarizing different counties in the area of Plummergen and it is pretty certain that those same burglars will be in Plummergen shortly.

As always, there is a great deal of humor in this story. There is laughter but never at the expense of the characters. No one is made to look silly unless they are naturally silly or they are criminals. Everyone is entertaining.

Miss Seeton is her own oblivious self. She sees things which others do not notice. And her drawings show scenes which make her friends at Scotland Yard get new ideas about crime. Of course she also draws people, not as they appear to the world, but as they truly are in their soul.

Although this is part of a series, it is readable as a stand alone. The background naturally unfolds, and characters are introduced and explained as the story progresses.

Though the Miss Seeton series has had several authors, but for a few exceptions, each book has been true to the original creation. I have enjoyed all but those few exceptions. This book is one of the wonderful ones in the series.

The plots are interesting and filled with fascinating information. In this book, we learn about cricket. Each of the characters are wonderful people who have human foibles and vivid personalities.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in the hope that I would write a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

3,216 reviews69 followers
October 30, 2016
3/11/16 Miss Seeton Goes To Bat

****

I would like to thank Netgalley and Farrago for an advance copy of Miss Seeton Goes To Bat, the 14th novel in Heron Carvic's Miss Seeton series and the 6th written by Hamilton Crane, the pseudonym of Sarah J. Mason.

Miss Seeton is still in Scotland (Miss Seeton Rocks The Cradle) and half of Plummergen is miffed that she has grabbed headlines elsewhere, the other half is glad but their attention is soon diverted to new resident, former admiral "Buzzard" Leighton. He is acting suspiciously according the Nuts and must be a criminal in league with Miss Seeton. The rest of the village is gearing up for the annual grudge cricket match against Murreystone, a neighbouring village. In the meantime Superintendent Brinton and DC Foxon are investigating a series of burglaries in the local area.

Miss Seeton Goes To Bat is another light, funny read and a good addition to the series. As usual Miss Seeton goes through life trying to do the right thing and causing havoc. How, on a day trip to London, she exposes a forgery ring which has had Scotland Yard baffled for months is priceless and very inventive.

I must admit that I find the Nuts, two local gossips who can put and two together and get 99 on a mild day of speculation, extremely tedious and I feel Ms Mason's deft touch deserts her when it comes to them. The rest of the characters, however, are well drawn from My personal favourite, Superintendent Brinton's muttering of doom and suspicion of Miss Seeton's actions, to Nigel Colvedon's propensity to fall in love.

Miss Seeton Goes To Bat is an easy way to pass a few hours. It is light, frothy and funny so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
240 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2017
Always on the ball!

I love this series! MissESS as the computer of Scotland yard knowns her is on top as always. Whether it's catching a purse napper, rounding up a mouse in the house, or counterfeiters of coins, or thieves! No matter who they are they can't escape her second sight of their true intentions or character! Usually it takes a Keen eye & knowledge of what she's trying to say. Even at the Cricket match between two rival villages she's sketching. Always on the lookout, Chief Super Deilfick keeps his eye on the quick sketches she's making, but can they catch the thieves before they make a clean get away? These are such fun to read & laugh with! Hope the series is as enjoyable for everyone as they are for me!
6 reviews
September 27, 2017
Fun twist

I enjoyed this book immensely. Having to decipher what she was trying to say kept me motivated to pay attention. She is a fun character and I enjoy how the whole village interacts.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,485 reviews
March 1, 2021
Another paperback to pick up now and then when I don't want to deal with e-reader. Hamilton Crane (Sarah Mason) is probably the best of the authors who have continued Heron Carvic's Miss Seeton stories.
This one is filled with cricket - the lead-in to the annual match with Plummergen's arch rival Murreystone, and the match itself. Another arc deals with the thieves the police are trying to catch, while a third concerns a beautiful young woman artist with whom Nigel Colvedon immediately falls in love. Miss Seeton actually has a relatively small role in this one, but her innocent bumbling of course sets everything off. A fun read, even if you don't understand the rules of cricket!
Profile Image for DelAnne Frazee.
2,027 reviews25 followers
December 18, 2016
Title: Miss Seeton Goes to Bat - Miss Seeton Mysteries Book 14
Author: Hamilton Crane & Heron Carvic
Published: 11-3-2016
Publisher: Farrago
Pages: 386
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: British Cozy Mystery; Humor; Paranormal; Psychics; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 13-978-1911440048
ASIN: B01LXPR3IJ
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
My Rating: 4.25 Stars



I receive a copy of Miss Seeton Goes to Bat from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.




Miss Seeton is back home in Plummergen and the entire village seems to be wrapped up in the upcoming Cricket match against arch rivals Murreystone. Apparently no one has forgotten or forgiven last years incident following their match. We also get to see a few of Scotland Yars finest as the arrive at the match to help keep the peace betwwen the teams and their supporters, but also to look for any clues to lead them those responsible for the recent thefts in the surrounding villages. Miss Seeton is using her sketches and paintings to raise money for a village pavillion, but the Yard uses some clues in them to track down the thieves.




As always Miss Seeton brings a smile to my face and laughter to my heart. The way she seems oblivious to the bad things that happen all around us and lives a life of the prim and proper retired teacher is amazing. Although most of us knows at least one person that can only see the good in the world, we can always add one more. You will love the villagers, Miss Seeton and her friends at Scotland Yard. There are a few new faces around Plummergen to meet. A village that will remind many of us of the small towns we grew up in and look to find today to raise our families in. The plot is very interesting and you don't have to be a cricket expert to enjoy Miss Seeton Goes to Bat which can be read as a stand alone. I do recommend readingthe series in order to get a better handle on the history of Miss Seeton and a few of the references to prior events. My rating is 4.25 out of 5 stars. Pick up a copy for yourself to see how great the Miss Seeton Mysteries are.




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Profile Image for Elissa.
Author 39 books109 followers
January 15, 2017
While writing this episode of the Miss Seeton chronicles, the author must have had a bee in her bonnet and elected to write as if inside Miss Seeton's brain. One feels the weight of an earlier, more formal style of writing compounded by the rapid changes in thought asserted as parentheses and addenda in the Miss Seeton manner. A little of this can go a long way, but is useful in defining the background and bringing one up to date, especially for those who are new to the series. Yes, yes you can start with this book and pick up other titles at your leisure. Obviously, read in order one is better able to grasp some of the nuances of references to earlier episodes and adventures, but one is unaware of the loss as a tyro.

The pace of this story is relatively sedate until, all of a sudden, in the center of London and about midway through the book, there is a scene to rival anything Monty Python ever thought of. In fact it may well have stood as inspiration for some of their skits. But while it did resolve a few issues for Scotland Yard, this action was not the nexus of the plot. Read on Fair Reader!

I, myself, read fairly widely and frequently come across words which either I don't know, or about which I would like more information. Enter Google. Or the dictionary or Wikipedia. For instance, in this novel the national sport of Britain, cricket, is highlighted. As a "damn Yankee," I know "bugger-all" about cricket. (And while my last phrase might be amusing in the States, it's rather rude in Britain.) But I did, using my phone Kindle app's built-in resources, look up "googlies" which are a particular style of pitching.

I was very tempted to say that I had Googled googlies, but I didn't want to confound you with my wit; I merely wish to confound you (full stop) and suggest if you want to know how it all comes out you pick up a copy for yourself and enjoy it thoroughly, as I did. No knowledge of cricket required!

Disclaimer: "I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed at my own." Please note, however, that I SELECT the books I want to read, much as you do, with an expectation of enjoyment. Should the book fail to live up to my expectations I'll so warn you! This one did not fail.
Profile Image for Justkeepreading.
1,871 reviews5 followers
November 3, 2016
Another book in the Miss Seeton series. There have been a lot of hits with this series but a few misses too. I am happy to report this is one of the hits. So I am happy to welcome this lovely book to the series and praise Hamilton Crane and Heron Catvix for the wonderful story telling.

It was lovely to catch up with all the characters from the past books that we have all come to know and love. This books k does however see in two new characters.

Please welcome Annabelle Leigh who becomes Nigel's next love. Annabelle Leigh is a travelling artist and a wonderful addition to the books.

There is also another new character whose name escapes me at the moment. Who
Has come to the villiage. There is rumours that he is a warlock and he is a friend of Miss Seatons.

Miss Seeton is her wonderful self again. Who has the wonderful ability to draw caricatures of people but not as we see them at face value but as their soul truely is. Which is a wonderful gift.

Miss Seeton has been asked to draw the faces of the cricket guests as players as there is a big match going on in the villiage that everyone is involved in.

We welcome the police of Scotland Yard who are there to catch any criminals that may turn up. There has been a spat of criminal activity. In one instance counterfeit coins have been made and used and in another people's houses have been broken into. Scotland Yards finest arnt really all that great buy have no fear as Miss Seeton is there to save the day.

A lovely fun read with lots of humour. If you have not read the rest of the series have no fear this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone as the characters ect all get explained in the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, publisher farrago and authors Hamilton Crane and Heron Carbon for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review

Happy reading everyone
Profile Image for Betty.
2,004 reviews75 followers
October 27, 2016
Miss Seeton has returned from Scotland and Plummeregon is excited as the annual cricket match against Murreystone is coming up. Miss Seeton will draw a picture to auction at the Fund-raise for the church's roof. of course, the crooks have been busy with robberies and creating false coins. There is an explanation of the game of cricket. Will Miss Seeton's drawings help catch the "bad guys" in time to prevent a riot between the towns.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Farrago through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
622 reviews9 followers
December 13, 2016
Much more a glimpse into village life than a mystery story really - there's some vague hand waving around a burglary ring and counterfeiting that comes to not much - and an excuse, apparently, for the author to indulge in his love of describing the game of cricket. It's a solid middle C entry in the series which I'd only recommend for completists.

I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for VerJean.
680 reviews7 followers
January 17, 2013
Typical British mystery - that I just adore reading.
Easy reading, good twists and no gory brutality.
Read iin 2009.
1,566 reviews
August 26, 2015
Miss Seeton and the rest of the inhabitants of Plummergen are at their eccentric best.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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