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DS Billings Victorian Mysteries #2
Something Sinister
On the 21st November 1890, Julius Dunne-Smythe – a wealthy coffee manufacturer – his wife, his sister in law and his butler creep quietly out of their home in the middle of the night, sneak into a carriage and drive off, never to be seen again.
When a few weeks later Dunne-Smythe’s business partner discovers some discrepancies in the company’s book keeping, Dunne-Smythe is suspected of embezzling the company and running away. The case is swiftly handed over to Detective Sergeant John Billings of Scotland Yard.
As Billings delves deeper into the case, he finds that all the clues to the mysterious disappearance lead back to one man; the enigmatic German butler who had recently been employed by Dunne-Smythe. The butler appears to have had a disproportionate amount of influence on the family. After looking into the butler’s past, Billings discovers a dark and disturbing secret which may well put the lives of Dunne-Smythe and his relatives in danger. What initially seemed like a simple case of theft, now looks like something far more sinister.
When a few weeks later Dunne-Smythe’s business partner discovers some discrepancies in the company’s book keeping, Dunne-Smythe is suspected of embezzling the company and running away. The case is swiftly handed over to Detective Sergeant John Billings of Scotland Yard.
As Billings delves deeper into the case, he finds that all the clues to the mysterious disappearance lead back to one man; the enigmatic German butler who had recently been employed by Dunne-Smythe. The butler appears to have had a disproportionate amount of influence on the family. After looking into the butler’s past, Billings discovers a dark and disturbing secret which may well put the lives of Dunne-Smythe and his relatives in danger. What initially seemed like a simple case of theft, now looks like something far more sinister.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2017
About the author
Olivier Bosman
16 books33 followersBorn to Dutch parents and raised in Colombia and England, I am a rootless wanderer with itchy feet. I've spent the last few years living and working in The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Sudan and Bulgaria, but I have every confidence that I will now finally be able to settle down among the olive groves of Andalucia.
I'm an avid reader and film fan and I have an MA in creative writing for film and television.
I'm an avid reader and film fan and I have an MA in creative writing for film and television.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 9, 2017
I'm very much in love with this series, and the third book was probably my favorite. It is fast-paced, the mystery is an interesting one and the secret revealed is very creepy, again, showing how thin is the line between obsession and madness.
And the main character, Billings, is even more likable, sweet, sad, awkward and suffering than before. I'll be so glad if there're more books about him in future. And maybe some happier personal life for him :) Poor guy is always getting caught when he even doesn't do anything. He should do something for a change and not get caught.
I loved the ending; it nearly broke my heart, and then oh, that glimpse of hope. Beautiful.
And the main character, Billings, is even more likable, sweet, sad, awkward and suffering than before. I'll be so glad if there're more books about him in future. And maybe some happier personal life for him :) Poor guy is always getting caught when he even doesn't do anything. He should do something for a change and not get caught.
I loved the ending; it nearly broke my heart, and then oh, that glimpse of hope. Beautiful.
Want to Read
July 3, 20187/3/18: The second full length novel in the D.S Billings Victorian Mysteries Series Something Sinister will be available for just 0.99 from July 2 to July 5 via Amazon US and UK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072Q8L2K3/...
June 12, 2017
On his way to Scotland Yard, Detective Sergeant John Billings, rescues a stray dog that’s being abused. As the dog is not accepted kindly at the office, Billings has a young helper take her to his rented room at Mrs. Appleby’s. It seems that Billings and the dog have made a connection, something he doesn’t do very well with people.
Billings and his working partner, Samuel Clarkson, become entangled in a case of the missing Dunne-Smythes of Dundsley Manor. Julius Dunne-Smythe, his wife, sister-in-law Emily Carew, and butler Willy Guntz all went missing at the same time. Billings has his work cut out for him, and myriad witnesses: Rachel Kemp, former housekeeper who was dismissed when Guntz came to the manor; Flora Jenkins and Rose, maids still at the deserted manor; Madam Bovlatska, a medium who was summoned by the Dunne-Smythes; Victor McAllister, business partner of Julius Dunne-Smythe; Clarence McAllister, who has an ominous connection to the deceased Alexander Dunne-Smythe; Eugene Dunne-Smythe, a son who was thrown out of the manor for gambling debts; and Alice Dunne-Smythe, who was supposedly sent to France.
As Billings is pulled deeper into the case with every minute clue, he also has to deal with Chief Inspector Flynt, who is a complete doofus and constantly berates Billings. Jeremiah Rook from the Illustrated Police News, who Billings is uncomfortable being around, knows too much about Billings personal life. Even Mrs. Appleby becomes problematic for her constant nagging and hatred of the dog, Tilly. But the most difficult realization Billings has to face is the facts about Samuel Clarkson, the partner he has worked with for years and who, on a personal level, makes Billings feel pathetic at times. He discovers that Clarkson knows about his addiction but has not betrayed him. When Billings begins to realize he has feelings for Clarkson–and that just can’t happen–he does things Clarkson doesn’t like to try to distance himself.
With the help of D.C. Phillips, Billings, Clarkson and Flynt find themselves confronting one of the most horrific crimes and criminals they have ever faced. They’ve headed to the swamps of Burton Mere where their lives are in danger from the swamp alone. When the case comes to a close, Billings is still fighting his feelings for Clarkson. He braves going to Clarkson’s home to see him and be sure he is doing well, but is not welcomed by Clarkson’s wife, and Clarkson is oblivious to what Billings feels. Confusion and hurt follow Billings back to his room, where he has to face the problem that is Tilly.
Olivier Bosman has created another amazing installment in the DS Billings Victorian Mysteries series. He really captures the feel of England in the late 1800s. I liked the use of the language and the take on words such as rib, clocked, renter. This mystery has everything: missing family members, a suicide pact, loss, neglect of children, manipulation, embezzlement, murder, danger, heartbreak, and intricate details of the investigation. What really brought this story to life for me, though, was Billings himself; the author opened up and gave us an in-depth look at his character. Billings is a good detective and a very good person, but he struggles with his emotions which he keeps inside. His worst fear is not knowing how to handle his sexuality; when he begins to feel it’s right to be himself, shame sets in. And on top of that, he has so much to deal with—his job, his boss, Clarkson, Mrs. Appleby and her sister, and the chaos of so many emotions that are difficult to deal with. People don’t understand him, and take his seriousness, shyness and uncertainty for being rude. In trying to get a handle on his emotions, he uses morphine as a crutch to hide more than just physical pain.
I so want another story, and I hope Billings will find some type of happiness. With Something Sinister, Olivier Bosman took this series to a whole new level.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
Billings and his working partner, Samuel Clarkson, become entangled in a case of the missing Dunne-Smythes of Dundsley Manor. Julius Dunne-Smythe, his wife, sister-in-law Emily Carew, and butler Willy Guntz all went missing at the same time. Billings has his work cut out for him, and myriad witnesses: Rachel Kemp, former housekeeper who was dismissed when Guntz came to the manor; Flora Jenkins and Rose, maids still at the deserted manor; Madam Bovlatska, a medium who was summoned by the Dunne-Smythes; Victor McAllister, business partner of Julius Dunne-Smythe; Clarence McAllister, who has an ominous connection to the deceased Alexander Dunne-Smythe; Eugene Dunne-Smythe, a son who was thrown out of the manor for gambling debts; and Alice Dunne-Smythe, who was supposedly sent to France.
As Billings is pulled deeper into the case with every minute clue, he also has to deal with Chief Inspector Flynt, who is a complete doofus and constantly berates Billings. Jeremiah Rook from the Illustrated Police News, who Billings is uncomfortable being around, knows too much about Billings personal life. Even Mrs. Appleby becomes problematic for her constant nagging and hatred of the dog, Tilly. But the most difficult realization Billings has to face is the facts about Samuel Clarkson, the partner he has worked with for years and who, on a personal level, makes Billings feel pathetic at times. He discovers that Clarkson knows about his addiction but has not betrayed him. When Billings begins to realize he has feelings for Clarkson–and that just can’t happen–he does things Clarkson doesn’t like to try to distance himself.
With the help of D.C. Phillips, Billings, Clarkson and Flynt find themselves confronting one of the most horrific crimes and criminals they have ever faced. They’ve headed to the swamps of Burton Mere where their lives are in danger from the swamp alone. When the case comes to a close, Billings is still fighting his feelings for Clarkson. He braves going to Clarkson’s home to see him and be sure he is doing well, but is not welcomed by Clarkson’s wife, and Clarkson is oblivious to what Billings feels. Confusion and hurt follow Billings back to his room, where he has to face the problem that is Tilly.
Olivier Bosman has created another amazing installment in the DS Billings Victorian Mysteries series. He really captures the feel of England in the late 1800s. I liked the use of the language and the take on words such as rib, clocked, renter. This mystery has everything: missing family members, a suicide pact, loss, neglect of children, manipulation, embezzlement, murder, danger, heartbreak, and intricate details of the investigation. What really brought this story to life for me, though, was Billings himself; the author opened up and gave us an in-depth look at his character. Billings is a good detective and a very good person, but he struggles with his emotions which he keeps inside. His worst fear is not knowing how to handle his sexuality; when he begins to feel it’s right to be himself, shame sets in. And on top of that, he has so much to deal with—his job, his boss, Clarkson, Mrs. Appleby and her sister, and the chaos of so many emotions that are difficult to deal with. People don’t understand him, and take his seriousness, shyness and uncertainty for being rude. In trying to get a handle on his emotions, he uses morphine as a crutch to hide more than just physical pain.
I so want another story, and I hope Billings will find some type of happiness. With Something Sinister, Olivier Bosman took this series to a whole new level.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
June 19, 2017
** 4.5 Stars **
Dark and twisted mystery, engaging writing with multi-layered plots woven deftly around with great characters. M. Bosman has yet to disappoint!
Dark and twisted mystery, engaging writing with multi-layered plots woven deftly around with great characters. M. Bosman has yet to disappoint!
August 25, 2017
I really enjoy Victorian mysteries, so I was pleased to accept a copy of this book from the author. I should note first off that this is the third book in the D.S. Billings Victorian Mystery series, and I much prefer to read a series in order, but I was willing to read Book 3 on the assertion of the author that these can fairly stand alone. The book begins with the mysterious disappearance of coffee merchant Julius Dunne-Smythe and his family. Evidence of embezzlement leads to the case to Scotland Yard.
I think Bosman’s development of his main character is the strength of this novel (and probably the series, though I can’t speak for the other two books). Billings is depicted as a lonely character who is struggling with morphine addiction and has not accepted his homosexuality. He’s living in a time when being gay will not be acceptable at work or in society; and yet it’s his emotional struggle with the issue that I found most compelling. I found him interesting and sympathetic, though terribly sad. I especially liked the way he develops some insights about friendship as the story progresses. I also really enjoyed Bosman’s depiction of Scotland Yard, and the fact that the detectives travel to various places to resolve the mystery, including Belgium. There isn’t a lot of historical information but the book is very atmospheric. The morphine addiction is interesting and I wanted to know more about how it was perceived at that time.
The mystery is pretty straightforward, but takes a gruesome turn late in the story that I found a bit upsetting. There's always death and violence in a mystery novel, but in this book I just wasn’t prepared for it and therefore found jarring in terms of the story. Although if you want your mysteries to be creepy (and that's kind of the point, I suppose) this one definitely is.
The issues presented in the novel are serious and clearly cannot be resolved easily. I left this book interested to know more about Billings’ growth in the first two books, and I will be quite interested to see how he grows in the next book.
I received a copy of this book from author Olivier Bosman. The book was published by Rocket Man Press on June 11, 2017. My full review can be found at http://thebookstop.wordpress.com.
I think Bosman’s development of his main character is the strength of this novel (and probably the series, though I can’t speak for the other two books). Billings is depicted as a lonely character who is struggling with morphine addiction and has not accepted his homosexuality. He’s living in a time when being gay will not be acceptable at work or in society; and yet it’s his emotional struggle with the issue that I found most compelling. I found him interesting and sympathetic, though terribly sad. I especially liked the way he develops some insights about friendship as the story progresses. I also really enjoyed Bosman’s depiction of Scotland Yard, and the fact that the detectives travel to various places to resolve the mystery, including Belgium. There isn’t a lot of historical information but the book is very atmospheric. The morphine addiction is interesting and I wanted to know more about how it was perceived at that time.
The mystery is pretty straightforward, but takes a gruesome turn late in the story that I found a bit upsetting. There's always death and violence in a mystery novel, but in this book I just wasn’t prepared for it and therefore found jarring in terms of the story. Although if you want your mysteries to be creepy (and that's kind of the point, I suppose) this one definitely is.
The issues presented in the novel are serious and clearly cannot be resolved easily. I left this book interested to know more about Billings’ growth in the first two books, and I will be quite interested to see how he grows in the next book.
I received a copy of this book from author Olivier Bosman. The book was published by Rocket Man Press on June 11, 2017. My full review can be found at http://thebookstop.wordpress.com.
September 2, 2017
I am going to jump right out of the gate and start by saying as much as I enjoyed the first two entries in this series, Something Sinister is mystery at its finest and knocking on the door of 1940s style noir with a little present day creepiness factor added, so basically if you love suspense then this is the one for you. Will the missing Dunne-Smythe family be found? Do they want to be found?
I always have a hard time when it comes to doing reviews of mysteries because even though I don't ever do spoilers, so often in a mystery even the little things can be a plot giveaway. So lets focus on Billings himself. He still hasn't accepted himself and when he does verge on giving into his desires fate has other plans, but even that may lead to answers he wasn't aware of so perhaps fate knows what she is doing after all. His determination and passion to solve the mystery his way is inspiring but if there is one wish I have for him it would be to find some true happiness in his personal life using that same determination and passion.
There are so many factors that will keep you on your toes trying to figure out what each new page will bring, if you love mystery then Something Sinister is one you do not want to miss. It may be the third installment in the series but it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the first two if only to get a little insight into Billings mind and job.
I always have a hard time when it comes to doing reviews of mysteries because even though I don't ever do spoilers, so often in a mystery even the little things can be a plot giveaway. So lets focus on Billings himself. He still hasn't accepted himself and when he does verge on giving into his desires fate has other plans, but even that may lead to answers he wasn't aware of so perhaps fate knows what she is doing after all. His determination and passion to solve the mystery his way is inspiring but if there is one wish I have for him it would be to find some true happiness in his personal life using that same determination and passion.
There are so many factors that will keep you on your toes trying to figure out what each new page will bring, if you love mystery then Something Sinister is one you do not want to miss. It may be the third installment in the series but it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the first two if only to get a little insight into Billings mind and job.
June 13, 2019
Strong 3.5*
John Billings continues to struggle in acknowledging his desires in late Victorian London. He nearly succumbs to temptation whilst on the more tolerant continent but to nought and he keeps alienating those who do show him any kindness.
On the work front, he also continues to knock heads with old school policeman and his boss, Flynt. Flynt likes to follow the clues laid out before him and doesnt appreciate clues and intuition whilst Billings is more intuitive in his investigations -. I also thought Billings didn’t rush into dangerous situations as much in this one
Suitably villainous criminal with a macabre penchant though we only see him through the eyes of others.
Entertaining once again.
John Billings continues to struggle in acknowledging his desires in late Victorian London. He nearly succumbs to temptation whilst on the more tolerant continent but to nought and he keeps alienating those who do show him any kindness.
On the work front, he also continues to knock heads with old school policeman and his boss, Flynt. Flynt likes to follow the clues laid out before him and doesnt appreciate clues and intuition whilst Billings is more intuitive in his investigations -. I also thought Billings didn’t rush into dangerous situations as much in this one
Suitably villainous criminal with a macabre penchant though we only see him through the eyes of others.
Entertaining once again.
June 26, 2017
Great mystery
Great story but I felt the mystery could have been fleshed out a bit more. I love the main character of Billings and can't wait to see how he develops.
Great story but I felt the mystery could have been fleshed out a bit more. I love the main character of Billings and can't wait to see how he develops.
September 18, 2017
Aw that ending, so sweet. Billings is adorable!!!
March 10, 2018
Disappointed! Didn't even finish it!
I'm not against gays, I have a good friend who is gay. I don't want to read about a police officer who wants to be gay.
Sorry!😡😡
I'm not against gays, I have a good friend who is gay. I don't want to read about a police officer who wants to be gay.
Sorry!😡😡
May 30, 2018
Did not finish
Great story line but I was very disappointed to learn that Billings was such a weak character. I could not finish.
Great story line but I was very disappointed to learn that Billings was such a weak character. I could not finish.
October 6, 2019
The series is quite dark and there are still moments of jarring head hopping, but I couldn't put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews