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Markham Sisters #8
The Hampton Case
Janet Markham is excited that Edward Bennett is coming to stay at Doveby House, the bed and breakfast that she owns with her sister, Joan. Edward may or may not be a secret government agent, but he is definitely attractive and interesting, at least as far as Janet is concerned. When a fire in Doveby Dale turns out to have been arson, both Janet and Edward want to learn more.
Joan doesn’t approve of their getting involved, but Janet can’t resist a bit of snooping, especially when Edward is as eager as she is to investigate.
Can Janet and Edward work out who started the fire? Is Edward really interested in Janet or does he have some other motive for visiting? And what will Aggie, Janet’s kitten, think of the visitor?
Joan doesn’t approve of their getting involved, but Janet can’t resist a bit of snooping, especially when Edward is as eager as she is to investigate.
Can Janet and Edward work out who started the fire? Is Edward really interested in Janet or does he have some other motive for visiting? And what will Aggie, Janet’s kitten, think of the visitor?
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2017
167 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Diana Xarissa
223 books262 followersDiana started self-publishing in 2013 and over a decade later she now has over a hundred books available for readers. Writing remains her passion and she has no plans to stop writing in the foreseeable future.
Diana grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and earned a history degree from Allegheny College. She met her husband, an Englishman, while living and working in Washington, DC. Following their marriage, she moved to Derbyshire. A short while later, the happy couple moved to the Isle of Man.
During their years on the island, Diana and her husband welcomed two children, and Diana completed a master’s degree in the history of the island. In 2008, the family made the decision to move to the US. Now empty-nesters, Diana and her husband are living in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, and contemplating moving somewhere that doesn’t get snow.
Diana also writes mystery/thrillers set in the not-too-distant future as Diana X. Dunn and Young Adult fiction as D.X. Dunn.
Diana grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and earned a history degree from Allegheny College. She met her husband, an Englishman, while living and working in Washington, DC. Following their marriage, she moved to Derbyshire. A short while later, the happy couple moved to the Isle of Man.
During their years on the island, Diana and her husband welcomed two children, and Diana completed a master’s degree in the history of the island. In 2008, the family made the decision to move to the US. Now empty-nesters, Diana and her husband are living in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, and contemplating moving somewhere that doesn’t get snow.
Diana also writes mystery/thrillers set in the not-too-distant future as Diana X. Dunn and Young Adult fiction as D.X. Dunn.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 5, 2018
I'm amazed at this series, which packs a full mystery into barely more than 100 pages, all with no murders. Janet is a real hoot and I always look forward to spending a little time in Doveby Dale. In The Hampton Case, the local supermarket is destroyed by a fire, and Janet can't help but be suspicious. With the mysterious Edward Bennett in town, they decide to do a little poking around. Very enjoyable and quick read, with a sprinkle of romance and a few giggles.
June 3, 2020
HOORAY. Every now and again the author breaks from the repetition template and delivers a great cozy mystery. Happily, such is the case for the Hampton Case.
A well-paced story that maintains the readers interest and attention, that retains reality. Laced with intrigue and romance. A good read.
A well-paced story that maintains the readers interest and attention, that retains reality. Laced with intrigue and romance. A good read.
November 14, 2020
I just adore the Markham sisters and I love this cozy mystery series. With so many books and so short and quick to read, I feel like I really know Joan and Janet. I have jumped around in this series because I only began reading them because they were short and useful for challenges, but then I fell for the sisters and their mystery cases. lol The mystery in this book has to do with a supermarket being destroyed by arson, a rather scary thought for a small town like Doveby Dale. While I have probably rated all (or most) of these books 5 stars, I think if I go back through and read them in order and if I'm a little more thoughtful in my ratings, I might rate them a wee bit differently.
March 25, 2021
While Janet Markham's beau, Edward Bennett, is visiting Doveby House, part of a local grocery store is consumed by fire. The police investigators suspect arson. Since Edward is a semi-retired secret agent and Janet has an insatiable curiosity, they are soon investigating the fire on their own.
The suspects are: 1. Simon Hampton, the owner. Did he want the insurance money to expand the location? 2. Cynthia Hampton, Simon's wife, who is secretly planning to divorce him. Does she expect to get part of Simon's insurance settlement after the fire? 3. Clifton Price, Simon's assistant and Cynthia's special "friend." Does he just want to hurt Simon's business? 4. Someone unknown, hired by one or more of the suspects above.
The suspects are: 1. Simon Hampton, the owner. Did he want the insurance money to expand the location? 2. Cynthia Hampton, Simon's wife, who is secretly planning to divorce him. Does she expect to get part of Simon's insurance settlement after the fire? 3. Clifton Price, Simon's assistant and Cynthia's special "friend." Does he just want to hurt Simon's business? 4. Someone unknown, hired by one or more of the suspects above.
April 17, 2020
Good story
I am having a great time reading this series. I can't stop myself from moving on to the next one each time. I love the settings of this book and also the characters. The mysteries are light and fun and the small discoveries the Markham sisters keep making in their new home make me want to learn more about the Covent house.
I am having a great time reading this series. I can't stop myself from moving on to the next one each time. I love the settings of this book and also the characters. The mysteries are light and fun and the small discoveries the Markham sisters keep making in their new home make me want to learn more about the Covent house.
September 26, 2017
Another good read from Diana Xarissa.
I have enjoyed every installment of the Markham Sisters series. I believe I am soon coming to the end and I
Will really miss reading about these two amazing ladies.
I have enjoyed every installment of the Markham Sisters series. I believe I am soon coming to the end and I
Will really miss reading about these two amazing ladies.
May 25, 2020
Same old
Same old.. the stories are slightly better but the issues are consistent.. beta readers need to be able to constructively critique.. I suspect that they are not able to do this.. fix it please
Same old.. the stories are slightly better but the issues are consistent.. beta readers need to be able to constructively critique.. I suspect that they are not able to do this.. fix it please
March 26, 2017
Great review
I loved the book. Very clean but totally funny. Seemed to short. Ended way before I was ready. Will definitely be reading more books by Diana Xarissa.
I loved the book. Very clean but totally funny. Seemed to short. Ended way before I was ready. Will definitely be reading more books by Diana Xarissa.
August 27, 2017
More mystery fun with the Janet & Joan. 😊
Oh, and also Aggie the kitten. 😊
Oh, and also Aggie the kitten. 😊
August 12, 2018
Fun gentle cozy mystery!
March 31, 2021
I did not want to go to sleep last night. As soon as I finish one, I want to start the next. Truly like all the main characters. On to book I!
January 24, 2024
A terrific short story with a case of arson to be solved. Nice to have Edward back!
March 22, 2017
Always enjoy a visit with the Markham sisters, can't wait to see what will happen next.
March 18, 2017
Pleasant characters. Not much of a plot. The Markham Sisters books are novellas and this one feels more like a chapter than a standalone.
April 7, 2023
Of all the "cases" in this series, this gets my vote for least favorite.
Actually, I've enjoyed the whole series so much that I've started reading them all for the second time. The first two in this book, cases E & F, were quite good. I found The Green Case rather average with a mild mystery, but it was okay. The Hampton "case" I didn't care much for, especially the personality of older sister Joan.
The writer depicts Joan as overly bossy and rude, not only to her sister, Janet, but also to Janet's love interest, Edward Bennett. Joan scolds them for taking an interest in the fire -- likely arson -- at the local supermarket. I've read the whole series and find that Joan mellows and becomes a nicer person in the later books.
Also, the mystery is solved so easily. Janet & Edward jump to an easy conclusion who's responsible for the fire, and Edward passes the culprit's name to the local constable. It just seems not a lot of thought or plotting went into this one. I'm thankful the series improves with age and am looking forward to the soon-to-be-released next case.
Actually, I've enjoyed the whole series so much that I've started reading them all for the second time. The first two in this book, cases E & F, were quite good. I found The Green Case rather average with a mild mystery, but it was okay. The Hampton "case" I didn't care much for, especially the personality of older sister Joan.
The writer depicts Joan as overly bossy and rude, not only to her sister, Janet, but also to Janet's love interest, Edward Bennett. Joan scolds them for taking an interest in the fire -- likely arson -- at the local supermarket. I've read the whole series and find that Joan mellows and becomes a nicer person in the later books.
Also, the mystery is solved so easily. Janet & Edward jump to an easy conclusion who's responsible for the fire, and Edward passes the culprit's name to the local constable. It just seems not a lot of thought or plotting went into this one. I'm thankful the series improves with age and am looking forward to the soon-to-be-released next case.
April 23, 2017
Good read
Each Markham sister book reveals good insights into human nature. The addition of Aggie the cat add another charming character to the storyline.
Each Markham sister book reveals good insights into human nature. The addition of Aggie the cat add another charming character to the storyline.
May 2, 2017
This is a short cozy mystery. I like the Markham sisters, particularly Janet. She and Edward are just cute together. The story is simple, but enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews