What do you think?
Rate this book
John Pickett Mystery #6
For Deader or Worse
John Pickett and his bride Julia depart London for a wedding trip to Somersetshire, where Pickett faces his greatest challenge yet: meeting his in-laws. Sir Thaddeus and Lady Runyon are unimpressed with their new son-in-law, but the squire asks for his help nevertheless. Lady Runyon believes the house is haunted by the ghost of her elder daughter Claudia, who disappeared thirteen years earlier and whose body was never found. When Sir Thaddeus’s groom is discovered dead, Pickett asks the Justice of the Peace (who happens to be Claudia’s widower) for permission to investigate. When Claudia’s childhood sweetheart takes a hand, it appears the distant past is not so distant, after all. It may not even be past ...
"Winning." --Publishers Weekly
"Winning." --Publishers Weekly
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2017
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 14, 2017
This was simply splendid! It is probably my favorite in the whole series. John and Julia are on honeymoon and it's a fun "meet the parents" situation and (of course!) there's murder to solve.
There's a few things that really make this series great and all those elements are in this book.
*The "spark" between John and Julia. Sometimes when our hero and lady get together it's gone but here they still have that certain something that makes it so much fun to read.
*Secondary characters. Our favorite London secondary characters only have a brief appearance in this book but Julia's parents are great. I loved Jamie - hope he shows up in more books. Even ... well, I don't want to give too much away.
*The whole book is fast paced and witty. I couldn't put it down.
To new readers of the series I recommend starting with the first book in the series. I suppose you could read them out of order but there is so much great backstory that would be missed. Start with Book 1 and don't start it when you've got a tax deadline or anything because you'll want to read the whole series.
There's a few things that really make this series great and all those elements are in this book.
*The "spark" between John and Julia. Sometimes when our hero and lady get together it's gone but here they still have that certain something that makes it so much fun to read.
*Secondary characters. Our favorite London secondary characters only have a brief appearance in this book but Julia's parents are great. I loved Jamie - hope he shows up in more books. Even ... well, I don't want to give too much away.
*The whole book is fast paced and witty. I couldn't put it down.
To new readers of the series I recommend starting with the first book in the series. I suppose you could read them out of order but there is so much great backstory that would be missed. Start with Book 1 and don't start it when you've got a tax deadline or anything because you'll want to read the whole series.
March 30, 2018
In 1796, a young woman is married to an abusive husband. Her only salvation is her childhood friend Jamie. When Jamie discovers a shocking secret, he takes matters into his own hands. In present day 1809, John and Julia have arrived at their wedding day (at last)! Julia plans a honeymoon trip to Somersetshire where John will face his greatest challenge-meeting the in-laws! Julia's parents are not pleased with what they see is an unequal match, nevermind how happy John makes Julia. His lack of breeding/title, lack of knowledge about etiquette and his family history all make him unacceptable. John manages to charm some of the neighbors, including Major James Pennington. John tries to bond with the new and very young Lady Buckleigh who is also a fish out of water, without success, but Lady Runyon has a task for him: investigate the ghostly footsteps that haunt the house at night, for Lady Runyon believes the ghost is the spirit of her long lost daughter Claudia. John has his theories but isn't positive. Then Julia and her father stumble across a dead body and John feels obligated to investigate. He hopes to please his new family by solving the mystery but it means poking his nose into long buried secrets and angering his new friend James.
This series keeps getting better. The story is full of historical details woven into the story and help shape character motivation and move the plot forward. I loved seeing John and Julia's wedding (FINALLY) and how much in love they are. I disliked the flashbacks after the first one. The reader can easily figure out what happened based on that one scene. The mystery wasn't very strong. I had the same theory as John and he was willing to stake his professional reputation on his theory. Was he right? It would have been a lot harder to figure out without the flashback sequences. This book shows a darker side of Regency society that many may not be aware of.
Julia has really come into her own. She's mature and intelligent enough to know when to back off and let John do his job. (Unlike another Lady Julia). He is very sweet and caring and I love how hard he tries to please everyone without compromising who he is. They are such an adorable couple and so much in love. They are very much a healthy, loving couple but all love scenes occur off page.
Julia's parents are products of their time and place. I do believe they love Julia as much as they are capable of but they have a hard time thinking outside the narrow box of their familiar world. Love is a foreign concept and has nothing to do with marriage. Lover may be familiar but in love is not and it's something they have a hard time accepting. Some readers may not like them, they're not lovable, but they do want what's best for Julia. Her mother's "poor Fieldhurst" comments are shocking but SO on target for the time (and up to recent times as well). Their neighbors are a little less snooty and more accepting, except for Lord Buckleigh. He is a horrible person. His new Mama in law reminds me of Mrs. Scurrier in Venetia but not as scary. Most certainly a mushroom anyway.
The other major characters are Major Pennington and Claudia. She's a little sappy but a lot like Julia. James is harder and stronger. He knows what he wants and goes after it. I think without his wartime experience he might be a little less trigger happy and more jovial but he needed that experience to mature. Then there's Tom, the stable lad/groom. In spite of his fondness for The Pig and Whistle, he seemed like a good man who genuinely loved his family and wanted to better their situation. My heart goes out to his wife and children.
I was satisfied with the conclusion of the novel and don't feel the need to continue. I just want to know if John and Julia do have children! I'm betting it was Lord F's problem and not Julia's that kept them childless.
This series keeps getting better. The story is full of historical details woven into the story and help shape character motivation and move the plot forward. I loved seeing John and Julia's wedding (FINALLY) and how much in love they are. I disliked the flashbacks after the first one. The reader can easily figure out what happened based on that one scene. The mystery wasn't very strong. I had the same theory as John and he was willing to stake his professional reputation on his theory. Was he right? It would have been a lot harder to figure out without the flashback sequences. This book shows a darker side of Regency society that many may not be aware of.
Julia has really come into her own. She's mature and intelligent enough to know when to back off and let John do his job. (Unlike another Lady Julia). He is very sweet and caring and I love how hard he tries to please everyone without compromising who he is. They are such an adorable couple and so much in love. They are very much a healthy, loving couple but all love scenes occur off page.
Julia's parents are products of their time and place. I do believe they love Julia as much as they are capable of but they have a hard time thinking outside the narrow box of their familiar world. Love is a foreign concept and has nothing to do with marriage. Lover may be familiar but in love is not and it's something they have a hard time accepting. Some readers may not like them, they're not lovable, but they do want what's best for Julia. Her mother's "poor Fieldhurst" comments are shocking but SO on target for the time (and up to recent times as well). Their neighbors are a little less snooty and more accepting, except for Lord Buckleigh. He is a horrible person. His new Mama in law reminds me of Mrs. Scurrier in Venetia but not as scary. Most certainly a mushroom anyway.
The other major characters are Major Pennington and Claudia. She's a little sappy but a lot like Julia. James is harder and stronger. He knows what he wants and goes after it. I think without his wartime experience he might be a little less trigger happy and more jovial but he needed that experience to mature. Then there's Tom, the stable lad/groom. In spite of his fondness for The Pig and Whistle, he seemed like a good man who genuinely loved his family and wanted to better their situation. My heart goes out to his wife and children.
I was satisfied with the conclusion of the novel and don't feel the need to continue. I just want to know if John and Julia do have children! I'm betting it was Lord F's problem and not Julia's that kept them childless.
May 29, 2017
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars.
For Deader or Worse is the sixth full-length novel in Sheri Cobb South’s series of historical mysteries featuring the young Bow Street Runner, John Pickett who was first introduced in In Milady’s Chamber. In that book, the newly appointed runner encountered Lady Julia Fieldhurst, a beautiful young viscountess who was accused of murdering her older, abusive husband. John was immediately smitten with his prime suspect, which naturally led to a conflict of interests as he raced against time to prove her innocence in the face of the mounting evidence against her.
Through the ensuing books, readers have watched the couple become closer, even though the huge gap in their social stations would seem to make any relationship other than casual acquaintance impossible – until finally, the previous book – Too Hot to Handel – saw them thrust into a situation that meant they could no longer deny their feelings for each other. At the beginning of For Deader or Worse, John and Julia are married and on their way into Somerset, where John faces the prospect of meeting his in-laws, Sir Thaddeus and Lady Runyon.
As well as the development of the relationship between John and his lady, each book is also a self-contained mystery, so they can be read as standalones, although readers will undoubtedly gain more of an understanding of the ongoing romantic relationship if they have read the others. And in fact, this is undoubtedly the most interesting thing in the book, because the mystery is weak and easily solved by the end of the first chapter or so. Oh, there is a bit of a twist before the end, but it’s not exactly surprising or particularly suspenseful, and the ending is so rushed that it’s almost of the ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ variety.
On arrival at Runyon Hall, John is dismayed to realise that while Julia had written ahead to inform her parents of her visit, she had made no mention of her remarriage, believing it best to tell them in person. This only adds to John’s apprehension, and he doesn’t make a particularly good impression on first meeting. Both Julia’s parents are aghast that she has married so far beneath her and her father even offers John money to disappear – but the couple is stronger than that, and Julia makes it clear that she married John for love and that what is done is staying done.
Interspersed with these earlier chapters is the story, dating from some thirteen years earlier, of the young Viscountess of Buckleigh, who, at just seventeen, was married off to an unpleasant, older man. She is about to receive a visitor – her neighbour and the son of the local vicar, Jamie Pennington – when the viscount accuses her of cuckolding him with Jamie and beats her badly. When Jamie appears, he is horrified and furious – and takes Claudia away with him, refusing to leave her to the mercy of such a brute.
Back to 1809, and Jamie – now Major – Pennington has recently returned to England following the death of his aunt to survey the property she has bequeathed him in her will. For years, there have been rumours to the effect that he had something to do with the death of the late viscountess; the smashed tea-things in her parlour, the discovery of a bloodied shawl in a ditch and the fact that Jamie disappeared the day afterwards and joined the army … none of them things in his favour, but were not enough to warrant an arrest. All these old memories and rumours are stirred up again when Sir Thaddeus’ head groom – previously employed by Buckleigh – is found in the woods with his throat slit – and John decides to investigate. After all, this murder is clearly connected to his wife’s family and it’s the least he can do. Plus, he hopes it might help to improve his in-laws’ opinions of him.
The first thing that might surprise readers – as it is a surprise to John – is learning that Julia has (or had) an older sister, Claudia. One day thirteen years ago, her horse returned to its stables without a rider, she was never found and was presumed dead. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that it’s obvious that she isn’t dead; John is pretty much ahead of the game in working out the truth of the matter, but the reader is ahead of him by several chapters. Given that what is actually going on is very clear from early on, I suppose one could term this a whydunnit rather than a whodunnit, but that doesn’t really help to inject any element of tension or suspense into the mystery.
The best thing about the book is the still-evolving relationship between John and Julia, which is clearly headed down some rocky paths considering they don’t appear to have really discussed their future as a couple. John isn’t rich; he works for a living and has a man’s pride in that he wants to support his wife to the best of his ability. But Julia is the daughter of a baronet, was married to a viscount, has a good income of her own and clearly intends to pick up the threads of her former lifestyle when she and John return to London. This portrait of an unequal marriage with all its issues and pitfalls is far more interesting than the lukewarm mystery, and if I do pick up the next book, it’ll be purely to find out what happens to John and Julia and how they navigate their differences.
John Pickett is a particularly likeable and unusual central character. He’s not darkly brooding or rakishly handsome, he’s just a normal young man who has risen above difficult family circumstances (his father was transported to Botany Bay for thievery) doing his best to make his way in the world. He’s young (not quite twenty-five) and his inexperience sometimes shows, but he’s determined and learns quickly, so that by the time we meet him here, he’s quite confident in his investigative abilities, and able to hold his own with Julia’s father, Buckleigh and Pennington, with whom he strikes up an – at first – uneasy friendship. The secondary characters – Julia’s mother, Buckleigh, the new Lady Buckleigh and her mother – are fairly one-note, although Sir Thaddeus is a little more rounded-out. The difficult relationship between Julia and Lady Runyon is nicely done, and there’s no question that Ms. Cobb South really knows her stuff when it comes to the attitudes and conventions of the time.
If you’re a fan of the series, then I’m sure that For Deader or Worse will appeal, but as far as I’m concerned the mystery is far too un-mysterious and lacks any element of real suspense. If you’re reading primarily for John and Julia, then I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, but if you’re looking for a complex and satisfying historical mystery, I’d suggest you look elsewhere.
For Deader or Worse is the sixth full-length novel in Sheri Cobb South’s series of historical mysteries featuring the young Bow Street Runner, John Pickett who was first introduced in In Milady’s Chamber. In that book, the newly appointed runner encountered Lady Julia Fieldhurst, a beautiful young viscountess who was accused of murdering her older, abusive husband. John was immediately smitten with his prime suspect, which naturally led to a conflict of interests as he raced against time to prove her innocence in the face of the mounting evidence against her.
Through the ensuing books, readers have watched the couple become closer, even though the huge gap in their social stations would seem to make any relationship other than casual acquaintance impossible – until finally, the previous book – Too Hot to Handel – saw them thrust into a situation that meant they could no longer deny their feelings for each other. At the beginning of For Deader or Worse, John and Julia are married and on their way into Somerset, where John faces the prospect of meeting his in-laws, Sir Thaddeus and Lady Runyon.
As well as the development of the relationship between John and his lady, each book is also a self-contained mystery, so they can be read as standalones, although readers will undoubtedly gain more of an understanding of the ongoing romantic relationship if they have read the others. And in fact, this is undoubtedly the most interesting thing in the book, because the mystery is weak and easily solved by the end of the first chapter or so. Oh, there is a bit of a twist before the end, but it’s not exactly surprising or particularly suspenseful, and the ending is so rushed that it’s almost of the ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ variety.
On arrival at Runyon Hall, John is dismayed to realise that while Julia had written ahead to inform her parents of her visit, she had made no mention of her remarriage, believing it best to tell them in person. This only adds to John’s apprehension, and he doesn’t make a particularly good impression on first meeting. Both Julia’s parents are aghast that she has married so far beneath her and her father even offers John money to disappear – but the couple is stronger than that, and Julia makes it clear that she married John for love and that what is done is staying done.
Interspersed with these earlier chapters is the story, dating from some thirteen years earlier, of the young Viscountess of Buckleigh, who, at just seventeen, was married off to an unpleasant, older man. She is about to receive a visitor – her neighbour and the son of the local vicar, Jamie Pennington – when the viscount accuses her of cuckolding him with Jamie and beats her badly. When Jamie appears, he is horrified and furious – and takes Claudia away with him, refusing to leave her to the mercy of such a brute.
Back to 1809, and Jamie – now Major – Pennington has recently returned to England following the death of his aunt to survey the property she has bequeathed him in her will. For years, there have been rumours to the effect that he had something to do with the death of the late viscountess; the smashed tea-things in her parlour, the discovery of a bloodied shawl in a ditch and the fact that Jamie disappeared the day afterwards and joined the army … none of them things in his favour, but were not enough to warrant an arrest. All these old memories and rumours are stirred up again when Sir Thaddeus’ head groom – previously employed by Buckleigh – is found in the woods with his throat slit – and John decides to investigate. After all, this murder is clearly connected to his wife’s family and it’s the least he can do. Plus, he hopes it might help to improve his in-laws’ opinions of him.
The first thing that might surprise readers – as it is a surprise to John – is learning that Julia has (or had) an older sister, Claudia. One day thirteen years ago, her horse returned to its stables without a rider, she was never found and was presumed dead. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that it’s obvious that she isn’t dead; John is pretty much ahead of the game in working out the truth of the matter, but the reader is ahead of him by several chapters. Given that what is actually going on is very clear from early on, I suppose one could term this a whydunnit rather than a whodunnit, but that doesn’t really help to inject any element of tension or suspense into the mystery.
The best thing about the book is the still-evolving relationship between John and Julia, which is clearly headed down some rocky paths considering they don’t appear to have really discussed their future as a couple. John isn’t rich; he works for a living and has a man’s pride in that he wants to support his wife to the best of his ability. But Julia is the daughter of a baronet, was married to a viscount, has a good income of her own and clearly intends to pick up the threads of her former lifestyle when she and John return to London. This portrait of an unequal marriage with all its issues and pitfalls is far more interesting than the lukewarm mystery, and if I do pick up the next book, it’ll be purely to find out what happens to John and Julia and how they navigate their differences.
John Pickett is a particularly likeable and unusual central character. He’s not darkly brooding or rakishly handsome, he’s just a normal young man who has risen above difficult family circumstances (his father was transported to Botany Bay for thievery) doing his best to make his way in the world. He’s young (not quite twenty-five) and his inexperience sometimes shows, but he’s determined and learns quickly, so that by the time we meet him here, he’s quite confident in his investigative abilities, and able to hold his own with Julia’s father, Buckleigh and Pennington, with whom he strikes up an – at first – uneasy friendship. The secondary characters – Julia’s mother, Buckleigh, the new Lady Buckleigh and her mother – are fairly one-note, although Sir Thaddeus is a little more rounded-out. The difficult relationship between Julia and Lady Runyon is nicely done, and there’s no question that Ms. Cobb South really knows her stuff when it comes to the attitudes and conventions of the time.
If you’re a fan of the series, then I’m sure that For Deader or Worse will appeal, but as far as I’m concerned the mystery is far too un-mysterious and lacks any element of real suspense. If you’re reading primarily for John and Julia, then I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, but if you’re looking for a complex and satisfying historical mystery, I’d suggest you look elsewhere.
June 9, 2020
Audiobook reviewIt's been ages since I've really read historical romances, well I did read one a couple of weeks back, but before that it's been years and years. This book tells me I should pick them up more often because I have been missing out.
John Pickett and Julia are on their honeymoon and travelling to her parents to let them in on the good news. *cough* And introduce John into the family. Tensions are high and Julia's parents are far from happy with the union. Things get even tenser when a body is found and the evidence starts to point to events taking place 13 years in the past when Julia's sister Claudia disappeared...
For Deader or Worse was my first book by this author. I've never read any of her other books before. I dare say my reason for picking up this book was because I love the narrator of it. And I have no regrets. While it is at the end of the John Picket series it book can be read as a standalone without feeling lost in any way. Of course there were references to past events in the lives of John and Julia, but in a good way. They made me want to go back to the beginning and get to know their whole story.
Joel Froomkin is an amazing narrator. I love listening to books he's narrated. Though he narrating a historical romance was new to me I will say it worked out splendidly. Froomkin always gives his all to his books, the feelings he adds to the books he narrates truly makes you a part of ig. He has such a wide range of voices and accents that it makes following along the story effortless.
For Deader or Worse was a light hearted historical romance with a mystery twist. I had a great time meeting John and Julia and dare say I might just need to go back to the beginning and find out more of their story - it seems to be an interesting one!
A copy of this audiobook was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
June 19, 2021
Prologue: May 1796. Lord and Lady Buckleigh. Tea is set, but it is not what you think! London March 1809. Sheri Cobb South’s For Deader or Worse ( John Pickett Mysteries #6 ) begins with the wedding of Lady Fieldhurst and Bow Street Runner John Pickett which takes place at Mr. Colquhoun’s, John’s Magistrate at their Bow Street office, residence where a small wedding breakfast will be given after the quiet ceremony is completed. Then it is off to the West Country of Somersetshire for the wedding trip and to meet his new aristocratic in-laws, Sir Thaddeus and Lady Runyon. John is extremely apprehensive as he has married ‘above his station’. What kind of reception will he receive? John had received injuries from the previous case, and the trip with the state of the roads is grueling, but Julia, his wife whom he refers to as ‘My Lady’ has written to her parents to smooth the way. Upon arrival at Runyon Hall, John discovers that ‘My Lady’ decided to surprise her parents with her new husband, and thus, the situation allows John to compare it to a ship caught out at see in a violent storm. Julia’s father confides in John after the women have left the men to enjoy their port that Lady Runyon believes Runyon Hall to be haunted. Thirteen years earlier Julia’s older sister disappeared. ( My Lady never mentioned a sister to John!) John offers to use his investigative skills to to put this ‘ghost’ to rest. This pleases his father-in-law, but John uncovers a whole lot more. The author has a brilliant nack that keeps the story ‘fast paced’ and the characters realistic. I hated to put the book down as I wanted to read what crisis would happen next, and how ‘below station ‘ John would handle it. There are a few social faux pas that John commits, but that only added to the story. This is a grand series! 5 stars.
February 8, 2020
Review of the audiobook.
I’ve become a big fan of this series. The author has convincingly pulled off a romance between a widowed viscountess and a Bow Street runner. They are both delightful.
The mystery here was not too hard to figure out early on, but then there’s a second mystery that is disposed of so quickly that you’ll miss it if you blink. Nevertheless, the interplay between John and Julia and her family is so interesting that it kept me entertained. In part, that’s because Joel Froomkin is such an excellent narrator. His repertoire of voices and accents is immense.
Thank you Sheri Cobb South for granting my request for a complimentary copy.
I’ve become a big fan of this series. The author has convincingly pulled off a romance between a widowed viscountess and a Bow Street runner. They are both delightful.
The mystery here was not too hard to figure out early on, but then there’s a second mystery that is disposed of so quickly that you’ll miss it if you blink. Nevertheless, the interplay between John and Julia and her family is so interesting that it kept me entertained. In part, that’s because Joel Froomkin is such an excellent narrator. His repertoire of voices and accents is immense.
Thank you Sheri Cobb South for granting my request for a complimentary copy.
April 30, 2017
John Pickett is so adorably in love with his wife. And Julia Pickett relishes the love of her husband I think especially because she had such a widely contrasting experience with her first spouse. She in turn adores her John. There are so many sweet moments between them in which to revel! (At one point I did have to stop reading and do the happy dance.)
Concerning the mystery, the emotional stakes are very high. And there are some rather intense and unexpected moments in this story. My relaxed reading posture would suddenly change to bolt upright, shoulders tense, and pulse speeding. I knew what I wanted to happen, but would it? Arrrgh! You'll have to read it to know for yourself. You'll be glad you did.
Another successful and tantalizing John Pickett novel! More, more, more!
Concerning the mystery, the emotional stakes are very high. And there are some rather intense and unexpected moments in this story. My relaxed reading posture would suddenly change to bolt upright, shoulders tense, and pulse speeding. I knew what I wanted to happen, but would it? Arrrgh! You'll have to read it to know for yourself. You'll be glad you did.
Another successful and tantalizing John Pickett novel! More, more, more!
June 18, 2017
I was going to give it 4 stars, but the conclusion to the mystery was so irritating and unbelievable I just couldn't do it. Still, other than that I think this is the best Julia & John book to date!
November 14, 2017
This is book number six wherein John Picket and Lady Julia and John Pickett are properly married at Magistrate Colquhoun's home and they have finally consummated their marriage. But they have only just begun...now it's time to meet Julia's formidable parents and they are off to Julia's parents country estate. It is not a welcoming wedding trip for John to meet his new in-laws.
However, following a murder of a groom on the estate, (which ties into an even older mystery involving the disappearance of Julia's older sister thirteen years ago) may be the way for John to prove himself with his new in-laws.
Unquestionably, the author's book, "The Weaver takes a Wife" is my favorite Regency book of all time; however, this John Picket mystery series is a close second. John and Julia are warm, intelligent, charming characters who come alive in the story. The author has created believable characters and plot that are clean and heartwarming. Ms. Cobb South does not rely on gratuitous sexual encounters or grisly murders or manufactured angst to flesh out her stories. It's just imaginative storytelling that keep the reader enthralled by good writing.
I am so glad to know that the author will be continuing the series. There are many more stories to tell regarding the road ahead for John and Julia as they return to London. I can't wait to pre-order the next John Pickett book due out in 2018.
However, following a murder of a groom on the estate, (which ties into an even older mystery involving the disappearance of Julia's older sister thirteen years ago) may be the way for John to prove himself with his new in-laws.
Unquestionably, the author's book, "The Weaver takes a Wife" is my favorite Regency book of all time; however, this John Picket mystery series is a close second. John and Julia are warm, intelligent, charming characters who come alive in the story. The author has created believable characters and plot that are clean and heartwarming. Ms. Cobb South does not rely on gratuitous sexual encounters or grisly murders or manufactured angst to flesh out her stories. It's just imaginative storytelling that keep the reader enthralled by good writing.
I am so glad to know that the author will be continuing the series. There are many more stories to tell regarding the road ahead for John and Julia as they return to London. I can't wait to pre-order the next John Pickett book due out in 2018.
May 9, 2018
So, John and Julia are married now, not by accident because of a quirk in Scottish law, but by special license, before a Church of England clergyman. They are blissfully happy; however, they now face the daunting task of informing Julia’s parents that their daughter, previously married to a Viscount, has now married a Bow Street Runner and the son of a transported felon.
It goes about like you would expect. Sir Thaddeus, Julia’s father, has met John before and is more accepting of him as a son-in-law. Lady Runyon is not so forgiving, but there isn’t anything that she can do about it. Julia tells her mother how unhappy she was with Fieldhurst, and how John is a much kinder husband. Lady Runyon still frets over what their neighbors and the villagers will say.
It isn’t long, though, before there is more to occupy the Runyons and all their neighbors - Sir Thaddeus’s stablemaster is found murdered, his throat cut from ear to ear. John, of course, takes the responsibility of investigating the crime.
Interspersed along with the current storyline is the story of Julia’s older sister, Claudia, who went missing 13 years ago and has been assumed dead.
As usual, the mysteries are fairly easy to solve. It’s the characters - and the settings - that keep me reading the series.
It goes about like you would expect. Sir Thaddeus, Julia’s father, has met John before and is more accepting of him as a son-in-law. Lady Runyon is not so forgiving, but there isn’t anything that she can do about it. Julia tells her mother how unhappy she was with Fieldhurst, and how John is a much kinder husband. Lady Runyon still frets over what their neighbors and the villagers will say.
It isn’t long, though, before there is more to occupy the Runyons and all their neighbors - Sir Thaddeus’s stablemaster is found murdered, his throat cut from ear to ear. John, of course, takes the responsibility of investigating the crime.
Interspersed along with the current storyline is the story of Julia’s older sister, Claudia, who went missing 13 years ago and has been assumed dead.
As usual, the mysteries are fairly easy to solve. It’s the characters - and the settings - that keep me reading the series.
March 19, 2021
2 stars - Disappointing! There wasn’t really a mystery to speak of... and the long lost relative thing was so bad... it really seemed tacked on. Seems I should’ve stopped when the couple got together! Oh, well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
I am really enjoying this series.
April 5, 2018
Absolutely delightful!
October 30, 2020
One of the better of a decent series of chick-lit mysteries.
July 18, 2020
Picture yourself a 'Pride and Prejudice' setting. Julia's parents live on a modest country estate but their neighbour is the most important landowner in the area. He used to be married to the older sister of Julia but that woman disappeared years ago and is thought to be dead.
Instead of some big shot the country squire now seems to have gotten himself a son-in-law from quite humble origins. That alone make for some fun reading.
But then people start to die around the place and John has to play detective again.
The plot is quite a good one. With a lot of historical background painting.
Instead of some big shot the country squire now seems to have gotten himself a son-in-law from quite humble origins. That alone make for some fun reading.
But then people start to die around the place and John has to play detective again.
The plot is quite a good one. With a lot of historical background painting.
March 13, 2017
Loved seeing John and Julia again. I do wish the author would have John get over his feelings of inadequacy and be the man we all know him to be!
April 19, 2024
I'm very sad about this one. I wanted to love this book. But alas it has taken me years to get through this one. For context, I love John Pickett. This is the series that got me back into reading after years of being away during the middle of my life. I connected with the characters, and I enjoyed the mysteries too. They weren't amazing, but they hooked me from the start and I read the first five books very quickly. The author mentioned how she never planned to write beyond book five, which I felt was pretty evident here. This is part of why I struggled for years to get through it. It wasn't bad per se, but I felt complete after book five. I've been reading a lot of fantasy recently, and wanted something like this as a palette cleanser. It felt time to finally make it through this one. Sadly, I was let down.
Most of this book felt like a 3 star book. The writing is of the same quality as the other books, which is good. The characters felt like their usual selves (except the ending, more on that later), and it was interesting getting to see Pickett and Julia balance their honeymoon as they got pulled into another crime. This is where the book started to dip for me. Many of the side characters felt like one note archetypes with little depth or redeeming qualities. This led to the mystery and it's resolution being far too obvious, and resulting in an absolute mind boggling ending that feels completely out of character and the antithesis of all the development up to this point.
The mystery being obvious, as well as the characters being just mediocre would have been acceptable. But I can't get over my frustration at the ending. It never ceases to amaze me when we have characters against their character development (or traits we're lead to believe are very important) just for another plot point. It's difficult enough that there was far too many obvious moments, but I felt cheapened even further by the end. We get the stereotypical reunion, with characters getting away with decisions they should have no right to. This isn't to say things can wrap up cleanly. But there has to be consequences for actions. If there isn't, why bother? It destroys the sense of immersion and realism. When stories feel real, when you feel there (like I did with the other books), that's when you've hit the nail on the head.
As you can see, a lot of mixed feelings. I wanted to love this, I love John Pickett. Without this story, I don't know if I will have gotten back into reading like I have. But I just didn't enjoy this enough, and I can't in good conscious give this more than 2 stars. The story is okay, the characters aren't very good besides John and Julia, and the resolution with ending were far too obvious and mind bogglingly frustrating. If you like Pickett, it's worth giving a shot, but if you've never read before, read 1-5. I'll probably try book 7 after a bit of a break.
Quick hits:
+ John and Julia are still great.
+ The pacing and writing are good.
- The characters are too archetypal and not very interesting.
- The mystery was far too obvious.
- The ending was very frustrating to me.
Sometimes these things happens, and it hurts me to write this one. But we're on to the next!
Most of this book felt like a 3 star book. The writing is of the same quality as the other books, which is good. The characters felt like their usual selves (except the ending, more on that later), and it was interesting getting to see Pickett and Julia balance their honeymoon as they got pulled into another crime. This is where the book started to dip for me. Many of the side characters felt like one note archetypes with little depth or redeeming qualities. This led to the mystery and it's resolution being far too obvious, and resulting in an absolute mind boggling ending that feels completely out of character and the antithesis of all the development up to this point.
The mystery being obvious, as well as the characters being just mediocre would have been acceptable. But I can't get over my frustration at the ending. It never ceases to amaze me when we have characters against their character development (or traits we're lead to believe are very important) just for another plot point. It's difficult enough that there was far too many obvious moments, but I felt cheapened even further by the end. We get the stereotypical reunion, with characters getting away with decisions they should have no right to. This isn't to say things can wrap up cleanly. But there has to be consequences for actions. If there isn't, why bother? It destroys the sense of immersion and realism. When stories feel real, when you feel there (like I did with the other books), that's when you've hit the nail on the head.
As you can see, a lot of mixed feelings. I wanted to love this, I love John Pickett. Without this story, I don't know if I will have gotten back into reading like I have. But I just didn't enjoy this enough, and I can't in good conscious give this more than 2 stars. The story is okay, the characters aren't very good besides John and Julia, and the resolution with ending were far too obvious and mind bogglingly frustrating. If you like Pickett, it's worth giving a shot, but if you've never read before, read 1-5. I'll probably try book 7 after a bit of a break.
Quick hits:
+ John and Julia are still great.
+ The pacing and writing are good.
- The characters are too archetypal and not very interesting.
- The mystery was far too obvious.
- The ending was very frustrating to me.
Sometimes these things happens, and it hurts me to write this one. But we're on to the next!
May 25, 2018
I am thoroughly enamored of John Pickett, erstwhile pickpocket and now Bow Street Runner, and his lady-love, Julia. Like May-December weddings in which it is perfectly proper for an aging lothario to wed a nubile young thing (an example or two of which can be found within these virtual covers, randy puns left entirely to your imagination and certainly not due to suggestive . . . language . . . herein--and, in fact, this Regency novel is utterly proper and circumspect) and a blind eye is turned, but should tables be reversed, the woman is reviled as a "cougar"; so with Prince and Pauper weddings where marriage requires appropriate mating of Rank, unless the family estates teeter on bankruptcy, and the bride rises--or falls! to her husband's rank but his does not commensurately drop nor improve. And yet in his own realm of acquired learning and inborn abilities to ferret out evil and solve crime, Mr. Pickett, lowest of low, is equal to any man and ultimately accorded due respect by all who know him.
Remember your high school literature classes and being told what was motivating the author and what themes and parallels we are to draw from the classics? Meanwhile, when asked, the author proclaims he or she just wanted to tell a good yarn. So although the fine points of the social niceties of the early 19th century become ideal targets to be skewered on modern sensibilities, what we have here is a rip-roaring good detective story with an accompanying romance or two framed exquisitely in its time and with a delicate touch allowing for humor and extreme enjoyment.
Adding to that enjoyment was the excellent narration [AUDIO] by Joel Froomkin who created extremely believable voices for each of the characters including especially pleasing female renderings. And BONUS! (at least in the audio version) there is a short story added to the end which provides an additional insight into the character of our hero and his innate understanding of character and human nature.
Remember your high school literature classes and being told what was motivating the author and what themes and parallels we are to draw from the classics? Meanwhile, when asked, the author proclaims he or she just wanted to tell a good yarn. So although the fine points of the social niceties of the early 19th century become ideal targets to be skewered on modern sensibilities, what we have here is a rip-roaring good detective story with an accompanying romance or two framed exquisitely in its time and with a delicate touch allowing for humor and extreme enjoyment.
Adding to that enjoyment was the excellent narration [AUDIO] by Joel Froomkin who created extremely believable voices for each of the characters including especially pleasing female renderings. And BONUS! (at least in the audio version) there is a short story added to the end which provides an additional insight into the character of our hero and his innate understanding of character and human nature.
June 14, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Not a gentleman born but he had his own code."
When John Pickett, Bow Street runner and son of a deported convict, first travels with Julia to the West Country to be introduced to her parents as her new husband, Lord and Lady Runyan are less than overjoyed. He had been there before in his official capacity and had saved Lady Julia from the accusation of murdering her first husband. .But the audaciy of so lowly a man without wealth or lineage marrying into their aristocratic family was shaming to the couple until John not only solves the mystery of the ghostly footfalls in the house, but also unravels the murder of their groom and the disappearance, presumed death, of Julia's older sister Claudia thirteen years before.
This engaging and well crafted tale set in early nineteenth century England, highlights even more than the earlier stories the disparity between the societal levels of the time and the ease with which crime can be perpetrated without consequence by men in higher ranking circles. Easy to read and always charming, if predictable.
Joel Froomkin again narrated, his clear English accented voice well intoned and delivered, each character given distinctive and appropriate voicing to enhance their personalities. It was a pleasure to listen.
My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of For Deader or Worse, via Audiobook Boom. Although part six of a series, this book can be read as a stand alone although, obviously, the reader's familiarity with the two main protagonists, Lady Julia and John Pickett himself, deepens with each successive story. An enjoyable, undemanding historical detective story. Recommended.
"Not a gentleman born but he had his own code."
When John Pickett, Bow Street runner and son of a deported convict, first travels with Julia to the West Country to be introduced to her parents as her new husband, Lord and Lady Runyan are less than overjoyed. He had been there before in his official capacity and had saved Lady Julia from the accusation of murdering her first husband. .But the audaciy of so lowly a man without wealth or lineage marrying into their aristocratic family was shaming to the couple until John not only solves the mystery of the ghostly footfalls in the house, but also unravels the murder of their groom and the disappearance, presumed death, of Julia's older sister Claudia thirteen years before.
This engaging and well crafted tale set in early nineteenth century England, highlights even more than the earlier stories the disparity between the societal levels of the time and the ease with which crime can be perpetrated without consequence by men in higher ranking circles. Easy to read and always charming, if predictable.
Joel Froomkin again narrated, his clear English accented voice well intoned and delivered, each character given distinctive and appropriate voicing to enhance their personalities. It was a pleasure to listen.
My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of For Deader or Worse, via Audiobook Boom. Although part six of a series, this book can be read as a stand alone although, obviously, the reader's familiarity with the two main protagonists, Lady Julia and John Pickett himself, deepens with each successive story. An enjoyable, undemanding historical detective story. Recommended.
June 8, 2018
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
I've had two of the books in the John Pickett Mysteries series waiting on my Kindle for some time now, but somehow I haven't yet got to read them - a big mistake, judging from what I have just finished listening to...:)
"For Deader or Worse" turned out to be one of those books I listened to almost in one sitting (as usual, I started too late at night and had to finish it the next day)... It has an intriguing plot with some really good twists - just when you think you have already worked everything out Ms South has yet another surprise for you... And the book is so well written that even when you think you know how the situation is going to be solved, you still listen on just to see how John and his sidekicks will manage with all this...
All the characters in the book are very well drawn and evoke strong emotions; some of them we like from the start, some we don't know what to think about, and some are just downright awful people - like in real life. There is also quite a lot of humor there, and social observations of the way of life in the 19th century England only add some flavour to the whole.
Narration by Mr Froomkin is very good. You definitely hear differences between aristocrats and those from the lower classes, and each "voice" perfectly mirrors the personality of a given character. Also, Mr Froomkin doesn't try to sound very feminine, which is good as it makes the female characters sound quite natural, too. All in all, this interpretation is perfect for the book.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I've had two of the books in the John Pickett Mysteries series waiting on my Kindle for some time now, but somehow I haven't yet got to read them - a big mistake, judging from what I have just finished listening to...:)
"For Deader or Worse" turned out to be one of those books I listened to almost in one sitting (as usual, I started too late at night and had to finish it the next day)... It has an intriguing plot with some really good twists - just when you think you have already worked everything out Ms South has yet another surprise for you... And the book is so well written that even when you think you know how the situation is going to be solved, you still listen on just to see how John and his sidekicks will manage with all this...
All the characters in the book are very well drawn and evoke strong emotions; some of them we like from the start, some we don't know what to think about, and some are just downright awful people - like in real life. There is also quite a lot of humor there, and social observations of the way of life in the 19th century England only add some flavour to the whole.
Narration by Mr Froomkin is very good. You definitely hear differences between aristocrats and those from the lower classes, and each "voice" perfectly mirrors the personality of a given character. Also, Mr Froomkin doesn't try to sound very feminine, which is good as it makes the female characters sound quite natural, too. All in all, this interpretation is perfect for the book.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 13, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are mine.
This is the sixth book in the John Pickett Mysteries. It is a standalone book [no cliffhanger ending]. While you can certainly start with this book - if given a choice I would start with the first book in the series [In Milady's Chamber] so that you can enjoy the character development of John and Julia, as well as their developing relationship. The series will have you hooked!
Here, John and Julia get married again [to be sure that it's official] and then travel to meet Julia's parents, who are not incredibly excited about the nuptials. John learns that Julia has a sister Claudia, who has been missing for about a decade and presumed to be dead. Julia's mother believes Claudia's ghost is haunting the house. Claudia's husband has recently remarried. On top of that, Julia and her father discover the murdered body of his groom. John, hoping to curry favor with Julia's parents, begins to investigate.
The mysteries of Claudia's disappearance and murder of the groom are deftly woven together. This series is so enjoyable. It's a delight to see how in love John and Julia have become and the growth/maturity in both their characters. This series is so well-written, witty, well-developed and realistic characters along with the historical observances of life in 19th century England.
I listened to this book - Joel Froomkin is amazing. He has many different voices and accents [from aristocrats to the lowly gentry] to bring all the characters to life - all of which enhance the story and make it very hard to stop listening.
This is the sixth book in the John Pickett Mysteries. It is a standalone book [no cliffhanger ending]. While you can certainly start with this book - if given a choice I would start with the first book in the series [In Milady's Chamber] so that you can enjoy the character development of John and Julia, as well as their developing relationship. The series will have you hooked!
Here, John and Julia get married again [to be sure that it's official] and then travel to meet Julia's parents, who are not incredibly excited about the nuptials. John learns that Julia has a sister Claudia, who has been missing for about a decade and presumed to be dead. Julia's mother believes Claudia's ghost is haunting the house. Claudia's husband has recently remarried. On top of that, Julia and her father discover the murdered body of his groom. John, hoping to curry favor with Julia's parents, begins to investigate.
The mysteries of Claudia's disappearance and murder of the groom are deftly woven together. This series is so enjoyable. It's a delight to see how in love John and Julia have become and the growth/maturity in both their characters. This series is so well-written, witty, well-developed and realistic characters along with the historical observances of life in 19th century England.
I listened to this book - Joel Froomkin is amazing. He has many different voices and accents [from aristocrats to the lowly gentry] to bring all the characters to life - all of which enhance the story and make it very hard to stop listening.
February 3, 2022
Mystery on the Honeymoon
This was a fantastic book and I love this series. This book is one of my favorites out of the series, there's lots of romance and heat as they are on their honeymoon, but then you add the fun mystery element of this one with the flashbacks and the insights to Julia's family made it perfect. I did figure it out fairly early but that in no way did it take away from the fun of this story.
The narrator is perfect for Mr. Pickett and has such great differentiation with the other voices, accents, and his overall acting is top notch.
Parents: PG13 rating on content, probably older high school and up. These are mostly clean but this one does have a little more in the intimate scenes side with a skimmed over bedroom scenes, it is their honeymoon so keep that in mind. There is one potentially triggering abuse scene, a beaten pregnant wife. Beyond that it's really pretty clean, there's no bad language and the violence/murder scenes are not overly graphic.
This was a fantastic book and I love this series. This book is one of my favorites out of the series, there's lots of romance and heat as they are on their honeymoon, but then you add the fun mystery element of this one with the flashbacks and the insights to Julia's family made it perfect. I did figure it out fairly early but that in no way did it take away from the fun of this story.
The narrator is perfect for Mr. Pickett and has such great differentiation with the other voices, accents, and his overall acting is top notch.
Parents: PG13 rating on content, probably older high school and up. These are mostly clean but this one does have a little more in the intimate scenes side with a skimmed over bedroom scenes, it is their honeymoon so keep that in mind. There is one potentially triggering abuse scene, a beaten pregnant wife. Beyond that it's really pretty clean, there's no bad language and the violence/murder scenes are not overly graphic.
May 30, 2025
This series should be read in order, as the plot unfolds in each subsequent novel. John and Julia decide to have a small wedding ceremony, for fear the Fieldhursts will try to annul the marriage. Then, the couple travels to Julia's home to meet her parents. Julia's family was underwhelmed with their new son-in-law. While there, John learns that Julia had an older sister, Claudia. However, she had married Lord Buckleigh and disappeared thirteen years ago. The only remainder was a blood-soaked shawl.
When Sir Thaddeus' groom is found with a slit throat, John decides to investigate. This is a unique story with many memorable characters. I could not read it fast enough.
John Pickett -- Total of 10
0.5. Pickpocket's Apprentice (2015)
1. In Milady's Chamber (2006)
2. A Dead Bore (2008)
3. Family Plot (2014)
4. Dinner Most Deadly (2015)
4.5. Waiting Game (2016)
5. Too Hot to Handel (2016)
** 6. For Deader or Worse (2017)
When Sir Thaddeus' groom is found with a slit throat, John decides to investigate. This is a unique story with many memorable characters. I could not read it fast enough.
John Pickett -- Total of 10
0.5. Pickpocket's Apprentice (2015)
1. In Milady's Chamber (2006)
2. A Dead Bore (2008)
3. Family Plot (2014)
4. Dinner Most Deadly (2015)
4.5. Waiting Game (2016)
5. Too Hot to Handel (2016)
** 6. For Deader or Worse (2017)
July 4, 2017
. . . and so was it in the beginning, so is it in the end. . .?
John Pickett adventures began with bigamy and murder and ended in bigamy and murder -at least until Jan 2018 when Mystery Loves Company may point to something else. In the meantime Finders Weepers, a small interlude will tide us over?
In any case, what gives?
In chapter 13, did not John go to the vicarage to see Jamie and Mr. and Mrs. Pennington were there? How come in chapter 14, the Vicar was introducing John to Jamie as if he doesn't know they already knew each other-what gives? Was I reading too fast and missed something?
Regardless, I did enjoy For Deader or Worse. Sheri leaves no stone unturned in exposing the hypocrisy of classism of the era, not only that but she shows where bridges can be built, maintained and sustained -given the right incentives on both sides.
John Pickett adventures began with bigamy and murder and ended in bigamy and murder -at least until Jan 2018 when Mystery Loves Company may point to something else. In the meantime Finders Weepers, a small interlude will tide us over?
In any case, what gives?
In chapter 13, did not John go to the vicarage to see Jamie and Mr. and Mrs. Pennington were there? How come in chapter 14, the Vicar was introducing John to Jamie as if he doesn't know they already knew each other-what gives? Was I reading too fast and missed something?
Regardless, I did enjoy For Deader or Worse. Sheri leaves no stone unturned in exposing the hypocrisy of classism of the era, not only that but she shows where bridges can be built, maintained and sustained -given the right incentives on both sides.
May 24, 2018
Book 6 in this wonderful series and this maybe my favorite one yet. We find John and Julia off to meet Julia's parents. Of course a murder has to take place and no it's not one of the family. This series is fun, sweet, romantic and a mystery too. Joel Froomkin once again does an outstanding job of narrating the book. I found myself not wanting to stop listening. Joel has a way of reading this series that just gets you hooked. Sheri Cobb South is amazing in her writing of the story is placed in the past but it seems so today. Also the book has a little extra at the end "Finders Weepers" book 6.5 in the series.
"I was given this free audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
"I was given this free audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
November 5, 2018
A solid entry into the series. Not as enjoyable for me since John and Julia's relationship is only hinting at potential issues coming up. Neither is really talking about what living together will mean when they return back to London. I am expecting more post wedding trip relationship building in the next book. Maybe a little avoidance on John's part and Julia is unaware there is even a potential issue brewing. The mystery was fun but somewhat predictable. I liked Jamie and John's relationship as well. I am also looking forward to the London cast of characters returning. This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I would recommend to anyone who likes historical cozy mysteries.
May 15, 2018
For Deader or Worse
: Sheri Cobb South
This is book six in the series, but it is the first I have listened to. I liked the premise, but I felt like I was five books behind. It would probably flowed better if I had the whole backstory. It was entertaining. I will have to back track and start the series from the beginning.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. I loved the many voices of Joel Froomkin.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Sheri Cobb South
This is book six in the series, but it is the first I have listened to. I liked the premise, but I felt like I was five books behind. It would probably flowed better if I had the whole backstory. It was entertaining. I will have to back track and start the series from the beginning.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. I loved the many voices of Joel Froomkin.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 15, 2018
In For Deader or Worse by Sheri Cobb South, John Pickett prepares to take his wedding trip with Julia, the former Lady Fieldhurst. They plan to go to Norwood Green, Summersetshire, where Julia grew up, so she can introduce him to her parents. He doesn’t face a very welcome greeting and struggles to fit in socially. Another who has trouble socially is the new Lady Buckleigh, a young bride who has replaced Claudia, Julia’s older sister who disappeared 13 years earlier, with just her bloody shawl’s being found. Lady Runyon, Julia’s mother, who always favored Claudia, has come to see her older daughter in an idolized manner. However, she thinks she may be haunting their house, so Sir Thaddeus, Julia’s father, asks John to get to the bottom of the situation.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
November 16, 2019
2019 bk 362. The honeymoon trip from... Julia was hoping for acceptance of her new husband by her parents and her home village. The magistrate was hoping that John Pickett would heal and come to accept that his wife had more money than he. The parents were expecting a nice visit from their youngest daughter - the one who had not yet told them that she had married again, before her year of mourning was over. Every got a little of what they hoped for, in addition to the resolution of what had happened to Julia's oldest sister, Claudia. Well plotted, well written, and of course Ms South has created characters that are 3-d and never quite totally evil or angels.
January 6, 2022
Another great story
John and Julia begin their life together by visiting her parents st their country estate. Things go about as well as expected for John, who is most definitely not considered a catch by Julia's parents. Then John learns the story of Julia's older sister, Claudia, and combined with the recent murder of a groom, thinks of a way he may rise in his in-laws estimation, if he can solve the case.
John and Julia begin their life together by visiting her parents st their country estate. Things go about as well as expected for John, who is most definitely not considered a catch by Julia's parents. Then John learns the story of Julia's older sister, Claudia, and combined with the recent murder of a groom, thinks of a way he may rise in his in-laws estimation, if he can solve the case.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews