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Butterworth Mystery #1-4
Butterworth Mysteries - Box Set 1
4 short mystery stories
Playing At Murder
It’s always been a dream of Connie Butterworth’s to be a private investigator. Now that she’s retired, she makes that dream a reality and sets herself up as an investigator.
With reluctant help from her sister-in-law, Sable, Connie takes on her first client.
What starts out as a simple case of tracking down a missing person soon turns into an intriguing case of deception, phone hacking and murder.
Curiosity Killed Dolly Kendall
Retired widows, Connie and Sable Butterworth have set up a private investigating business. Their second case involves the suspicious death of Dolly Kendall.
Dolly is found dead at her home, supposedly from an overdose of sleeping tablets. Connie had spoken to Dolly the previous day and knew something wasn’t quite right with her. Dolly had been despondent, and it was obvious to Connie that something was bothering her.
Connie and Sable’s investigation leads them to a devious plot involving missing cats and poisonous letters.
A Deadly Service
Jocelyn Kent contacts Connie and Sable and asks them to look into strange occurrences which happen nightly in her office. Every morning, when Jocelyn returns to her office, she discovers items have been moved despite the office being secure.
Not happy with scaring Jocelyn, the intruder has now started to make attempts on Jocelyn’s life by sabotaging the drinking water and furniture.
Connie and Sable are soon on the case and set up a night-time vigil. But there is something about Jocelyn’s office that bothers Connie. As the case proceeds, she remembers what it is, and the case takes a surprising turn.
Time To Get Even
Steven Stevens is the presenter of a consumer rights programme. He is known for his persistence and dedication as he tracks down wrongdoers who have been tricking the public. His work has gained him many fans - and many enemies.
Steven asks Connie and Sable to help him with his own problem. He is being blackmailed. Someone knows about his hidden past, and are threatening to expose him. The threats have become more sinister, and now Steven’s life is at risk.
Connie and Sable begin their investigation and soon discover there is more than one suspect.
Playing At Murder
It’s always been a dream of Connie Butterworth’s to be a private investigator. Now that she’s retired, she makes that dream a reality and sets herself up as an investigator.
With reluctant help from her sister-in-law, Sable, Connie takes on her first client.
What starts out as a simple case of tracking down a missing person soon turns into an intriguing case of deception, phone hacking and murder.
Curiosity Killed Dolly Kendall
Retired widows, Connie and Sable Butterworth have set up a private investigating business. Their second case involves the suspicious death of Dolly Kendall.
Dolly is found dead at her home, supposedly from an overdose of sleeping tablets. Connie had spoken to Dolly the previous day and knew something wasn’t quite right with her. Dolly had been despondent, and it was obvious to Connie that something was bothering her.
Connie and Sable’s investigation leads them to a devious plot involving missing cats and poisonous letters.
A Deadly Service
Jocelyn Kent contacts Connie and Sable and asks them to look into strange occurrences which happen nightly in her office. Every morning, when Jocelyn returns to her office, she discovers items have been moved despite the office being secure.
Not happy with scaring Jocelyn, the intruder has now started to make attempts on Jocelyn’s life by sabotaging the drinking water and furniture.
Connie and Sable are soon on the case and set up a night-time vigil. But there is something about Jocelyn’s office that bothers Connie. As the case proceeds, she remembers what it is, and the case takes a surprising turn.
Time To Get Even
Steven Stevens is the presenter of a consumer rights programme. He is known for his persistence and dedication as he tracks down wrongdoers who have been tricking the public. His work has gained him many fans - and many enemies.
Steven asks Connie and Sable to help him with his own problem. He is being blackmailed. Someone knows about his hidden past, and are threatening to expose him. The threats have become more sinister, and now Steven’s life is at risk.
Connie and Sable begin their investigation and soon discover there is more than one suspect.
- GenresMystery
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2017
104 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Larkin
273 books110 followersI'm an avid fan of mystery stories. I started reading Agatha Christie novels at an early age. My favourite fiction detective is Poirot, I love his fussy ways and his attention to small details. I love the TV series, 'Murder She Wrote' and have watched every episode. I like working out who the killer is, and what the clues are.
I live near Leeds, Yorkshire, which is in the north of England. My two daughters live with me and they are understanding about my passion for mystery shows! I've now discovered 'Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries'.
I've been wanting to write my own mystery stories for years - and now I finally have.
You can visit my website, and connect with me. To get a free pdf copy of 'A Different Shade of Death', sign up to my newsletter.
You can also follow me at my Amazon author page.
I live near Leeds, Yorkshire, which is in the north of England. My two daughters live with me and they are understanding about my passion for mystery shows! I've now discovered 'Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries'.
I've been wanting to write my own mystery stories for years - and now I finally have.
You can visit my website, and connect with me. To get a free pdf copy of 'A Different Shade of Death', sign up to my newsletter.
You can also follow me at my Amazon author page.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 3, 2017
Butterworth Mysteries - Box Set 1 by Gillian Larkin has the first four short story mysteries of the series together in this set. The Butterworth Mysteries are two elderly women who now decide they need something to do to occupy their lonely days and being a PI is their answer. Without any experience or training, they get jobs and start making a name for themselves. A good name. They do well and these are some of the cases. These have great plots, lots of humor, fun, short and enjoyable reads with twists and turns of a full novel. I love to read her books right before bed. They are just the right length. The books are never boring and always satisfying. Great books and great author!
March 8, 2020
Wonderfully delightful read. The Butterworth women walk out of the pages and into your kitchen for a cup of tea. These are the women you would love to meet in person. Witty, smart, and deceivingly bright, they don't miss a clue for long in these charming mysteries.
December 8, 2019
I have read several stories which were "Scary Stories, Past Life, Young Woman with Flowers, Voices in the Dark"
The summary of reading those parts as below.
The first thing is, this story involves some mystical things. Although the story is fictional, especially to the end, the story became very interesting and I took pleasure with reading. Now, I am gonna tell you about the story's content. The story tells, as known by its name, the mysterious event in a town called Pendle Lee. This town has supernatural stories from the past. For example, "witches, ghosts etc.". During the reading, you think these events are not ridiculous, they are real but you will see that not actually like that. Anyway, we have one main character named officer "Michael Rose". He is a policeman in Lancashire Police Station. One day, during his duty some burglary crimes start in art gallery named Oswald. He starts to search for the criminal and the story begins.
The summary of reading those parts as below.
The first thing is, this story involves some mystical things. Although the story is fictional, especially to the end, the story became very interesting and I took pleasure with reading. Now, I am gonna tell you about the story's content. The story tells, as known by its name, the mysterious event in a town called Pendle Lee. This town has supernatural stories from the past. For example, "witches, ghosts etc.". During the reading, you think these events are not ridiculous, they are real but you will see that not actually like that. Anyway, we have one main character named officer "Michael Rose". He is a policeman in Lancashire Police Station. One day, during his duty some burglary crimes start in art gallery named Oswald. He starts to search for the criminal and the story begins.
November 19, 2017
Two stars feels... mean. Sable and Connie are sweet and endearing, and I don't want to be mean to them or their creator. And that makes me want to change this to a three star rating, but I just don't feel like these were solid enough stories for three stars. In each mystery, there were some things that didn't quite tie up neatly at the end, and a lot of the dialogue felt like... narration with quotes around it so there'd be more dialogue and less narration. But the characters are lovable "Rosemary and Thyme"-ish retired ladies, which I enjoyed.
February 26, 2017
We've got gray cells working wonders here
Two new sleuths with time on their hands and their gray cells fitting clues altogether. Their sense of right and wrong and first impressions may not be spot on but they get there in the end. Not afraid to try something new with spy gadgets galore they are lovable quirky ladies with humour, family, friends and good support. Thoroughly enjoyed these books. Well done and keep them coming.
Two new sleuths with time on their hands and their gray cells fitting clues altogether. Their sense of right and wrong and first impressions may not be spot on but they get there in the end. Not afraid to try something new with spy gadgets galore they are lovable quirky ladies with humour, family, friends and good support. Thoroughly enjoyed these books. Well done and keep them coming.
March 4, 2017
Interesting mystery collection with a great couple of main characters. I love how the series starts with sisters-in-law Connie and Sable decide to set up as private investigators and then takes them through the process of setting up their business and then solving mysteries including murders.
Light and entertaining stories that I highly recommend if you're looking for stories that aren't too violent and easy to read.
Light and entertaining stories that I highly recommend if you're looking for stories that aren't too violent and easy to read.
May 18, 2017
Yes, the ladies are detectives!
How it all began, developed and continues to grow - the experience of 2 lifetimes helping to solve crimes.
These books are easy to read, easy to like, there is nothing I would want done differently.
How it all began, developed and continues to grow - the experience of 2 lifetimes helping to solve crimes.
These books are easy to read, easy to like, there is nothing I would want done differently.
May 19, 2017
Absolutely Enchanting
These books are absolutely enchanting and wonderful. They are kind of a different kind of cozy and I quite like them. I definitely recommend them.
These books are absolutely enchanting and wonderful. They are kind of a different kind of cozy and I quite like them. I definitely recommend them.
August 29, 2017
Entertaining reading. I'll look for more in this series.
July 29, 2018
Funny and pleasant stories.
Connie and Sable are funny and assertive. Ms. Larkin makes the situations work and provide us with resolutions that were not expected.
Connie and Sable are funny and assertive. Ms. Larkin makes the situations work and provide us with resolutions that were not expected.
May 4, 2019
Retirement
Retirement and boredom is not fun. These sisters in law are funny and love adventure. They are my favorite characters so far.
Retirement and boredom is not fun. These sisters in law are funny and love adventure. They are my favorite characters so far.
April 24, 2023
fast reads
Enjoyed the story lines, very different yet interesting. Would recommend to others that enjoy solving short and sweet mysteries too.
Enjoyed the story lines, very different yet interesting. Would recommend to others that enjoy solving short and sweet mysteries too.
March 4, 2017
Another good one !
Really enjoyed this book . Hope you do too. Bet you can't figure out who did it. Enjoy!
Really enjoyed this book . Hope you do too. Bet you can't figure out who did it. Enjoy!
March 10, 2017
Most if not all available Kindle Unlimited, join her mailing list for freebies/updates
Butterworth Mysteries - Box Set 1
Playing At Murder (A Butterworth Mystery Book 1)
Curiosity Killed Dolly Kendall (A Butterworth Mystery Book 2
A Deadly Service (A Butterworth Mystery Book 3)
Time To Get Even (A Butterworth Mystery Book 4)
also available
Mr Ridgeway's Last Case (A Butterworth Mystery Book 5)
as available as 5 book set at one time
Butterworth Mysteries, Storage Ghost Murder, Ghost Storage Mysteries, Julia Blake Murder Mysteries, Second Hand Ghosts, A Pearl and Derek Mystery, Ruby and Nessa Ghost Hunters, A Ray and Cain Mystery, Cara Daniels Cozy Mystery, others
*there are some procedural and/or other errors such as continuity here and there which while aggravating and means watch way too much CSI etc myself don't overall affect the book{s}
Butterworth Mysteries - Box Set 1
Playing At Murder (A Butterworth Mystery Book 1)
Curiosity Killed Dolly Kendall (A Butterworth Mystery Book 2
A Deadly Service (A Butterworth Mystery Book 3)
Time To Get Even (A Butterworth Mystery Book 4)
also available
Mr Ridgeway's Last Case (A Butterworth Mystery Book 5)
as available as 5 book set at one time
Butterworth Mysteries, Storage Ghost Murder, Ghost Storage Mysteries, Julia Blake Murder Mysteries, Second Hand Ghosts, A Pearl and Derek Mystery, Ruby and Nessa Ghost Hunters, A Ray and Cain Mystery, Cara Daniels Cozy Mystery, others
*there are some procedural and/or other errors such as continuity here and there which while aggravating and means watch way too much CSI etc myself don't overall affect the book{s}
March 9, 2017
Heartfelt
Love these two ladies! Their are inspiring and adventurous. Ms. Callaghan has a very good imagination for mysteries. Thanks again!
Love these two ladies! Their are inspiring and adventurous. Ms. Callaghan has a very good imagination for mysteries. Thanks again!
February 27, 2017
Four excellent starter stories for this new series from Gillian Larkin. The first story finds widow, Connie Butterworth wanting to start a PI business. At first, Connie's sister-in-law, Sable who is also a widow, doesn't want to help, but she is slowly sucked in...
These are entertaining and fun with strong female OAPs as the leads. Fantastic reads!
These are entertaining and fun with strong female OAPs as the leads. Fantastic reads!
February 28, 2017
Brilliant
Another fabulous series. Great storylines and characters. Loved it. I highly recommend this series and hope there is more. X xx.
Another fabulous series. Great storylines and characters. Loved it. I highly recommend this series and hope there is more. X xx.
February 23, 2017
Senior Sleuthing Widows
Senior widows,Connie and Sage, have started a detective agency to fill their empty hours. Their love of puzzles and solving mysteries and their friendship with police officer give them i
Senior widows,Connie and Sage, have started a detective agency to fill their empty hours. Their love of puzzles and solving mysteries and their friendship with police officer give them i
February 25, 2017
Butterworth Mysteries
Love these ladies
Love these ladies
March 29, 2017
Sweet
Simply sweet.
No real meat, but nice change from the violence and mayhem.
Can be read in one easy sitting.
Simply sweet.
No real meat, but nice change from the violence and mayhem.
Can be read in one easy sitting.
April 4, 2017
What a great little box of books! Well laid-out stories with good characters, quite funny at times - really enjoyed them. Would love to read some more by this author.
April 28, 2017
Four stories in one box set follow two OAP widows' foray into PI work:
Playing At Murder, Curiosity Killed Dolly Kendall, A Deadly Service, and Time To Get Even.
Playing At Murder starts at the beginning, of course, before their PI agency is even established, never mind a glimmer in Sable's eye, though Connie seems to have been thinking about it awhile. This one starts out easy enough: a missing person...but then it evolves into phone/social media hacking, deception, and even murder.
Curiosity Killed Dolly Kendall follows Connie and Sable as they try to solve the mysterious death of Dolly Kendall, who appears to have committed suicide, but who in fact was murdered. Disappearing cats come into play, and Connie and Sable cement their interest in the PI world...sink or swim.
A Deadly Service shows Connie and Sable investigating mysterious occurrences in the office of Jocelyn Kent. She leaves her office all locked up at night, but papers are moved around and there's something off when she comes in each morning. The Butterworths employ "spy tech," including lightbulb cameras, spy pens, and more.
Time To Get Even involves a TV personality who's being blackmailed, but can Connie and Sable figure out who's behind it before the threats come to fruition?
Overall, a neat concept....OAP PIs who don't expect to know everything. It's a new take on the cozy, where the amateur sleuth doesn't want to be a detective per se, but s/he just pretends to be. These two want to be, though why they're avoiding their self-defense and other credentialing, I'm not sure. Short stories, so they're quick reads, whether you read them all at once or one at a time. 2.5 stars?
Playing At Murder, Curiosity Killed Dolly Kendall, A Deadly Service, and Time To Get Even.
Playing At Murder starts at the beginning, of course, before their PI agency is even established, never mind a glimmer in Sable's eye, though Connie seems to have been thinking about it awhile. This one starts out easy enough: a missing person...but then it evolves into phone/social media hacking, deception, and even murder.
Curiosity Killed Dolly Kendall follows Connie and Sable as they try to solve the mysterious death of Dolly Kendall, who appears to have committed suicide, but who in fact was murdered. Disappearing cats come into play, and Connie and Sable cement their interest in the PI world...sink or swim.
A Deadly Service shows Connie and Sable investigating mysterious occurrences in the office of Jocelyn Kent. She leaves her office all locked up at night, but papers are moved around and there's something off when she comes in each morning. The Butterworths employ "spy tech," including lightbulb cameras, spy pens, and more.
Time To Get Even involves a TV personality who's being blackmailed, but can Connie and Sable figure out who's behind it before the threats come to fruition?
Overall, a neat concept....OAP PIs who don't expect to know everything. It's a new take on the cozy, where the amateur sleuth doesn't want to be a detective per se, but s/he just pretends to be. These two want to be, though why they're avoiding their self-defense and other credentialing, I'm not sure. Short stories, so they're quick reads, whether you read them all at once or one at a time. 2.5 stars?
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews