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Kathryn Ardleigh #9
Death at Glamis Castle
Lord Charles Sheridan and his clever American wife, Kate, have been summoned by the king to clear the name of a prince who's been living secretly at Glamis under an assumed name, while keeping his true identity secret.
318 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
32 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Robin Paige
43 books187 followersRobin Paige is the pen-name of husband and wife team Bill and Susan Wittig Albert.
The Robin Paige Victorian/Edwardian mystery series was written by Bill and Susan Albert from 1994-2006. There are a dozen books in the series (now completed), beginning in the mid 1890s and continuing through 1903.
The series, beginning with Death at Bishop's Keep, features two amateur sleuths: Kate Ardleigh Sheridan and Sir Charles Sheridan, later Lord Sheridan , Baron of Somersworth. Kate is an Irish-American woman who writes under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell.
She comes to England and inherits a small fortune and the estate of Bishops Keep, located in East Anglia, near the village of Dedham, Essex. Sir Charles is a landed peer and amateur scientist with a special interest in new forensic techniques, such as fingerprinting, ballistics, toxicology, and photography.
In each of the 12 books in the series, Kate and Charles meet notable figures of their time as they set about solving the relevant mystery.
The Robin Paige Victorian/Edwardian mystery series was written by Bill and Susan Albert from 1994-2006. There are a dozen books in the series (now completed), beginning in the mid 1890s and continuing through 1903.
The series, beginning with Death at Bishop's Keep, features two amateur sleuths: Kate Ardleigh Sheridan and Sir Charles Sheridan, later Lord Sheridan , Baron of Somersworth. Kate is an Irish-American woman who writes under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell.
She comes to England and inherits a small fortune and the estate of Bishops Keep, located in East Anglia, near the village of Dedham, Essex. Sir Charles is a landed peer and amateur scientist with a special interest in new forensic techniques, such as fingerprinting, ballistics, toxicology, and photography.
In each of the 12 books in the series, Kate and Charles meet notable figures of their time as they set about solving the relevant mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 20, 2017
Kate and her husband, Charles, are called up to the mysterious Glamis Castle to covertly search for the missing Prince Eddy, who has been in hiding after his staged death 10 years before. The murder of a local servant-woman, in addition to the disappearance of Prince Eddy, has Kate and Charles scrambling to find out the truth amongst local gossip, rumors, and lying townsfolk.
I enjoyed this mystery, mostly because of the human interest, the little romance woven into it, and the continuing backstory of Charles' bachelor days before he met Kate. Every character we meet has their own little part to play in the mystery, and their own hopes and motivations that propel them into the adventure or keep them out of it.
The writing is very repetitive, going over the same clues and revelations over and over again as each individual character learns more about the mystery. I got really tired of having to read AGAIN who the murderer was, as first Charles, then Kate, then everybody else discovered the clues. It could have been condensed down into a much shorter book, or even a short story!
Not great literature, but a fun and fluffy read. I keep reading this series because I just love Kate and Charles' relationship. They are so adorable together!
I enjoyed this mystery, mostly because of the human interest, the little romance woven into it, and the continuing backstory of Charles' bachelor days before he met Kate. Every character we meet has their own little part to play in the mystery, and their own hopes and motivations that propel them into the adventure or keep them out of it.
The writing is very repetitive, going over the same clues and revelations over and over again as each individual character learns more about the mystery. I got really tired of having to read AGAIN who the murderer was, as first Charles, then Kate, then everybody else discovered the clues. It could have been condensed down into a much shorter book, or even a short story!
Not great literature, but a fun and fluffy read. I keep reading this series because I just love Kate and Charles' relationship. They are so adorable together!
December 30, 2021
I have yet to read a Susan Wittig Albert book I didn't like. Somewhere in the middle of reading the China Bayles (herbalist) mysteries, I discovered her totally different Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter books, and was lamenting having finished everything when I learned that she also wrote a Victorian-Edwardian group under the pseudonym Robin Paige. As in all of her books, her attention to detail and historical events is well researched and makes the story line informative as well as interesting. [The Darling Dahlias series was my least favorite.] Another asset to her writing is that she always writes non-abrasive yet very strong female characters.
Photographer Kate Sheridan and her husband Lord Charles Sheridan, who eschewed his title and his war accolades, were interrupted during an archaeological dig by a summons from King Edward. Charles had resigned from the military but previously had rendered a private investigation on a sensitive matter and uncovered sinister doings that would have presented a huge problem for the king; he was being called once again to do so. They were quickly boarded onto a waiting train for which all other rail services had been detained and the tracks had been cleared. Colonel Paddington, who met them at the train, was aghast, but didn't dare express it, because Charles brought Kate on the mission, because Kate insisted that their Panhard (vehicle) be loaded onto the train, and because Charles allowed Kate to be present for their discussion of the mission. As it turned out, neither Charles nor Colonel Paddington had any idea what it was about or where they were headed.
Photographer Kate Sheridan and her husband Lord Charles Sheridan, who eschewed his title and his war accolades, were interrupted during an archaeological dig by a summons from King Edward. Charles had resigned from the military but previously had rendered a private investigation on a sensitive matter and uncovered sinister doings that would have presented a huge problem for the king; he was being called once again to do so. They were quickly boarded onto a waiting train for which all other rail services had been detained and the tracks had been cleared. Colonel Paddington, who met them at the train, was aghast, but didn't dare express it, because Charles brought Kate on the mission, because Kate insisted that their Panhard (vehicle) be loaded onto the train, and because Charles allowed Kate to be present for their discussion of the mission. As it turned out, neither Charles nor Colonel Paddington had any idea what it was about or where they were headed.
September 13, 2020
2020 bk 302. This tale continues the relationship between our detectives and (now) King Edward. While on vacation, the two are visited by a soldier in mufti, telling them that Sir Charles is needed immediately to serve the king. Luckily the two were packed and are whisked off to a train holding baggage cars and just a few carriages. it whisks them north to Glamis Castle. Sir Charles has been given the temporary rank of Brigador and is command of a unit searching for both a missing man and possible German spies. Kate is more concerned with settling in as a guest of the Castle - and learning who had killed a serving woman the night before her arrival. Of course, both mysteries turn out to be linked and the pair work together to reach a satisfying end.
February 6, 2017
The conspiracy theories of "Death at Whitechapel" gallops on, turning a dead man into the "real life" guest star of this installment. That might explain why the character in question never really lifts off, and instead, drags the story down into incredible silliness at times. The authors simply have to invent the bigger part of this authentic man and his life's story and unfortunately they're making a mess of it.
Apart from learning a bit about the strained relationship between two neighboring countries, there isn't much of a history lesson to be had either. Not like when you got to know about the budding car industry or the working conditions of the servant class or hoarse racing. And since this is usually one of the big perks of this series, getting a lot of interesting information along the way, no extra charge... Well, you're feeling somewhat let down in this department too I'm afraid.
I wavered between 2 and 3 stars. 2 because it was a disappointment both humour and plot wise. (If an overly dramatic story isn't funny it sure isn't funny!) 3 because it could have been even worse I guess. At least it's pretty well written.
Apart from learning a bit about the strained relationship between two neighboring countries, there isn't much of a history lesson to be had either. Not like when you got to know about the budding car industry or the working conditions of the servant class or hoarse racing. And since this is usually one of the big perks of this series, getting a lot of interesting information along the way, no extra charge... Well, you're feeling somewhat let down in this department too I'm afraid.
I wavered between 2 and 3 stars. 2 because it was a disappointment both humour and plot wise. (If an overly dramatic story isn't funny it sure isn't funny!) 3 because it could have been even worse I guess. At least it's pretty well written.
August 6, 2018
Charles and Kate are off to Glamis Castle on another secret mission for the King. This time to locate the mysterious Lord Osbourne (the supposedly late Prince Albert Victor) who has gone missing from his exile in the remote Scottish Castle.
I am all for using historical figures as a backdrop and the whole conspiracy theory aspect of Prince Eddie being alive and well and living in the home of the present Queen's mother is amusing. This is a cosy crime of the cosiest kind and the authors are playing wild and loose with history, which is fun, but does need to be kept in mind in all fiction of this ilk.
On a downside, there are many Americanisms that sneak into the narrative, which UK readers may find irksome and the Scottish accents of the 'local folk' are on a par with the mockney tones of a certain Chimney sweep from a well known musical film.
This is the 9th in the series - and though I read this with wry amusement and enjoyed it as a well-enough written and quirky romp, I am not sure I will read any more. Perhaps, just as the series has slid out of its now inaccurate 'Victorian Mystery' tag , so the exploits of Charles and Kate may have reached their natural end.
I am all for using historical figures as a backdrop and the whole conspiracy theory aspect of Prince Eddie being alive and well and living in the home of the present Queen's mother is amusing. This is a cosy crime of the cosiest kind and the authors are playing wild and loose with history, which is fun, but does need to be kept in mind in all fiction of this ilk.
On a downside, there are many Americanisms that sneak into the narrative, which UK readers may find irksome and the Scottish accents of the 'local folk' are on a par with the mockney tones of a certain Chimney sweep from a well known musical film.
This is the 9th in the series - and though I read this with wry amusement and enjoyed it as a well-enough written and quirky romp, I am not sure I will read any more. Perhaps, just as the series has slid out of its now inaccurate 'Victorian Mystery' tag , so the exploits of Charles and Kate may have reached their natural end.
May 29, 2017
3 stars. This series is getting pretty frustrating in that it's so clearly written by someone who doesn't understand the country in which they're setting their plot; it's full of anachronisms & Americanisms that come from the wrong characters.
June 11, 2025
This book is one of those "what if..." stories in a book I would classify as historical fiction in which historical characters and events are seamlessly interwoven with fictional characters and events. I can tell that the historical part has been well researched and that there is attention to details. The story is rich in Victorian atmosphere and beautiful word pictures of Scotland, the historic and famously haunted Glamis Castle, settings, landscapes, people, etc. At the beginning of each chapter are excerpts from Scottish folk ballads, famous authors like William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Richard Lovelace, history books of the time and area, etc. There are also references back to two previous storylines which include German spies in "Death at Rottingdean" and Jack the Ripper murders in "Death at Whitechapel". As in each book, the reader is introduced to advances in forensic technology as used by one of the two main characters, Charles Sheridan, which includes blood typing and distinguishing between human and animal blood, ballistic - matching bullets to the gun used to fire them, and continuing advancement in fingerprinting.
It is August 1901 and Queen Victoria is dead and King Edward is not yet crowned. Kate and Charles Sheridan are on holiday at an archaeological dig at Hadrian's Wall across the hills from Northumberland. Charles receives a summons from King Edward to perform a "matter of gravest importance". A special train is waiting for him; and when he arrives, he is met by Colonel Paddington who is non the wiser at what is going on. The train contains a troop of hand-picked soldiers, and the tracks have been cleared all the way to Glamis Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Kate refuses to be left behind which irks Paddington. This could be a heaven sent opportunity to gather inspiration for a new Gothic novel under her pseudonym Beryl Bardwell.
At their destination, Charles meets an old friend, Captain Andrew Kirk-Smythe of British Intelligence, who reveals the highly confidential plan. Brigadier Lord Sheridan is to investigate the disappearance of Prince Eddy A.K.A. Prince Albert Victor Christian Edward, the eldest son of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. As heir to the throne, his excesses and mental problems didn't make him a suitable king. In 1892 came the news that Prince Eddy had died of a sudden and completely unexpected death which brought relief to the Royal Family who now consider him a distant and distasteful memory. But, in this version, he was actually exiled to Glamis Castle and has lived there for ten years under the name of a recluse named Lord Osborne. No one at the castle knows who he really is, and he is rarely seen outside the castle. To compound the situation, the servant woman who was in charge of his care, Hilda MacDonald, has been found with her throat slashed in a manner reminiscent of Jack the Ripper. Did Prince Eddy murder her and run away? The Sheridan's need to find Prince Eddy and clear his name, prove he didn't kill Hilda, and keep his true identity a secret.
Kate is given a tour of the castle by the grieving daughter of Hilda MacDonald whose name is Flora. She hurries past the old haunted part of the castle and doesn't let Kate explore. Why? Soon after, she disappears when she learns the Sheridan's want to question her. We learn that Prince Eddy's unstable mind has him thinking sometimes that he is Bonnie Prince Charlie trying to escape the English army in 1746 with the help of a Flora MacDonald. He had come to Scotland in pursuit of the Stuart throne. Prince Eddy is now being helped by the present day Flora MacDonald who is loyal and devoted to him and wants to help him get to Skye where she has relatives. Prince Eddy's sister, Princess Victoria (Toria) shows up at the castle so she can get an update for King Edward.
Charles uses Kate to interview those he wouldn't be able to get information from otherwise. Some suspects include an itinerant tinker hiding in a band of gypsy's named Taiso who's a master of disguise; a couple of German spies; a nephew of Hilda MacDonald's named Herman Memsdorff; Alan Donovan is a visiting collector of Scottish ballads; Simpson is the Glamis estate factor; Douglas Hamilton, assistant gamekeeper, etc. Other characters include: Oliver Graham is the village constable who is love-sick over Flora and wants to marry her., Dr. Henry Ogilvy is the village physician who has known all along who Lord Osborne is and is very helpful to Charles, and Count Ludwig von Hauptmann is German Intelligence who has a scheme in place when Prince Eddy is found. The German Kaiser, Prince Eddy's cousin, wants him found alive and kidnapped so he could present him to the public at an appropriate time to embarrass the British Royal Family and bring them down.
There is some significant character development for Charles. The reader knows from past books that he willingly gave up his title, but now we find out he also gave up his war accolades and why. In the Author's Note are a list of the ghosts of historic people who have haunted Glamis Castle. It also states that there is no evidence that Prince Eddy ever was exiled at Glamis Castle. But as portrayed here, it is written as a plausible alternative to history. We also meet Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) as an infant. Highly recommended series.
It is August 1901 and Queen Victoria is dead and King Edward is not yet crowned. Kate and Charles Sheridan are on holiday at an archaeological dig at Hadrian's Wall across the hills from Northumberland. Charles receives a summons from King Edward to perform a "matter of gravest importance". A special train is waiting for him; and when he arrives, he is met by Colonel Paddington who is non the wiser at what is going on. The train contains a troop of hand-picked soldiers, and the tracks have been cleared all the way to Glamis Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Kate refuses to be left behind which irks Paddington. This could be a heaven sent opportunity to gather inspiration for a new Gothic novel under her pseudonym Beryl Bardwell.
At their destination, Charles meets an old friend, Captain Andrew Kirk-Smythe of British Intelligence, who reveals the highly confidential plan. Brigadier Lord Sheridan is to investigate the disappearance of Prince Eddy A.K.A. Prince Albert Victor Christian Edward, the eldest son of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. As heir to the throne, his excesses and mental problems didn't make him a suitable king. In 1892 came the news that Prince Eddy had died of a sudden and completely unexpected death which brought relief to the Royal Family who now consider him a distant and distasteful memory. But, in this version, he was actually exiled to Glamis Castle and has lived there for ten years under the name of a recluse named Lord Osborne. No one at the castle knows who he really is, and he is rarely seen outside the castle. To compound the situation, the servant woman who was in charge of his care, Hilda MacDonald, has been found with her throat slashed in a manner reminiscent of Jack the Ripper. Did Prince Eddy murder her and run away? The Sheridan's need to find Prince Eddy and clear his name, prove he didn't kill Hilda, and keep his true identity a secret.
Kate is given a tour of the castle by the grieving daughter of Hilda MacDonald whose name is Flora. She hurries past the old haunted part of the castle and doesn't let Kate explore. Why? Soon after, she disappears when she learns the Sheridan's want to question her. We learn that Prince Eddy's unstable mind has him thinking sometimes that he is Bonnie Prince Charlie trying to escape the English army in 1746 with the help of a Flora MacDonald. He had come to Scotland in pursuit of the Stuart throne. Prince Eddy is now being helped by the present day Flora MacDonald who is loyal and devoted to him and wants to help him get to Skye where she has relatives. Prince Eddy's sister, Princess Victoria (Toria) shows up at the castle so she can get an update for King Edward.
Charles uses Kate to interview those he wouldn't be able to get information from otherwise. Some suspects include an itinerant tinker hiding in a band of gypsy's named Taiso who's a master of disguise; a couple of German spies; a nephew of Hilda MacDonald's named Herman Memsdorff; Alan Donovan is a visiting collector of Scottish ballads; Simpson is the Glamis estate factor; Douglas Hamilton, assistant gamekeeper, etc. Other characters include: Oliver Graham is the village constable who is love-sick over Flora and wants to marry her., Dr. Henry Ogilvy is the village physician who has known all along who Lord Osborne is and is very helpful to Charles, and Count Ludwig von Hauptmann is German Intelligence who has a scheme in place when Prince Eddy is found. The German Kaiser, Prince Eddy's cousin, wants him found alive and kidnapped so he could present him to the public at an appropriate time to embarrass the British Royal Family and bring them down.
There is some significant character development for Charles. The reader knows from past books that he willingly gave up his title, but now we find out he also gave up his war accolades and why. In the Author's Note are a list of the ghosts of historic people who have haunted Glamis Castle. It also states that there is no evidence that Prince Eddy ever was exiled at Glamis Castle. But as portrayed here, it is written as a plausible alternative to history. We also meet Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) as an infant. Highly recommended series.
June 3, 2017
Death at Glamis Castle by Robin Paige is the 9th book in the Kathryn Ardleigh / Sir Charles Sheridan historical mystery series. Sir Charles is summoned by the king to urgent (and secret) duty in Scotland, at historic Glamis Castle. Kate is enchanted by a tour of the castle, during which she learns that Scottish visitors always slept under their own plaids, including Bonnie Prince Charlie. Charles is put in charge of a manhunt. Lord Osborne, long-term resident in the castle (actually imprisoned there), has gone missing. A castle servant has been murdered. The victim's body was discovered by her daughter on her way to work in the castle. Obvious to Charles, from his forensic knowledge, is that the body was not killed at the location where it was discovered. He is certain the murder ties in with the missing man. But did the man commit the murder, or was he abducted? Chapters alternate between Kate's and Charles' independent sleuthing, and the loyal servant aiding and abetting the missing man, who thinks he's Bonnie Prince Charlie. Of course her name is Flora MacDonald. Once Charles and Kate pool their knowledge, they are able to solve the mystery, catch the killer and meet the royal fugitive. Light, entertaining, quick read; mostly predictable, but a few surprises included.
July 12, 2018
I love this series, but this book captured my heart inadvertently by the author/s with the poem in the prologue. It's from "Songs of Travel" by Robert Louis Stevenson. If you watch the show Outlander, you will know the words.....I love that show. So the book was off to a very good start.
The main characters of the series, Kate and Charles, are always wonderful. The people they meet and know each outing bring Victorian era history to life for me. It's as much the enjoyment for me as is the mystery they are solving.
I think it must be fairly difficult to get the accents across to the reader each time, but I could absolutely hear the Scots folk speaking in my mind as I read the book. Each time I read one from this series, I think it's my favorite. This one might stay my favorite, not get ousted by the next one I read.
A neat twisting turn of historical license maybe, but I like the what-if aspects each time, especially in this story.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author/s.
The main characters of the series, Kate and Charles, are always wonderful. The people they meet and know each outing bring Victorian era history to life for me. It's as much the enjoyment for me as is the mystery they are solving.
I think it must be fairly difficult to get the accents across to the reader each time, but I could absolutely hear the Scots folk speaking in my mind as I read the book. Each time I read one from this series, I think it's my favorite. This one might stay my favorite, not get ousted by the next one I read.
A neat twisting turn of historical license maybe, but I like the what-if aspects each time, especially in this story.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author/s.
January 1, 2026
This is the first book I’ve read in this series (book #9). This one takes place in 1901, after Queen Victoria has just died and King Edward has not yet been crowned. There are interesting period details, and the history of Glamis Castle, which I had never heard of before. It’s a cozy mystery, although the mystery isn’t too open to many interpretations about its ending. It did manage to surprise me though.
The writing is well done, and the heroin is one of those very independent women in some of the historical mysteries taking place in the late 1800s and early 1900s whose rich husbands support their - for the time truly unlikely - massive independence, in thought, knowledge, language, and behavior. Just suspend your disbelief and enjoy it.
I’ll be looking for earlier books in the series to read.
The writing is well done, and the heroin is one of those very independent women in some of the historical mysteries taking place in the late 1800s and early 1900s whose rich husbands support their - for the time truly unlikely - massive independence, in thought, knowledge, language, and behavior. Just suspend your disbelief and enjoy it.
I’ll be looking for earlier books in the series to read.
May 2, 2022
This is my first book in this series and I found the characters interesting and the story good. I will look for more books in the series.
It is 1901. While on vacation, Lord Charles Sheridan receives an urgent call for help from King Edward. A special train takes Charles and his wife Kate to Glamis Castle in Scotland. There they find out that a servant has been murdered and a long-time guest of the castle, Lord Osborne, is missing. Turns out that Lord Osbourne is really the supposedly dead son of the king. Charles is charged with finding the missing man and solving the murder. There are German spies and local residents with various reasons to be involved.
The mystery is good, not great, but the story was fun to read,
It is 1901. While on vacation, Lord Charles Sheridan receives an urgent call for help from King Edward. A special train takes Charles and his wife Kate to Glamis Castle in Scotland. There they find out that a servant has been murdered and a long-time guest of the castle, Lord Osborne, is missing. Turns out that Lord Osbourne is really the supposedly dead son of the king. Charles is charged with finding the missing man and solving the murder. There are German spies and local residents with various reasons to be involved.
The mystery is good, not great, but the story was fun to read,
May 22, 2025
I picked this book up at the local library for a change in pace of my usual reads and, truthfully, for the cover art. I found myself triple checking that this was not in fact a young adult book or children's then decided upon checking it out.
The book reads innocently enough, so much that it could be considered young adult and without any of the raunch that a lot of YA books do have.
Once half way into the book the mystery really picks up and you find yourself NOT wanting to set the book down in order to figure what happens next.
The imagery is nice in the book. The characters are simple. I started with this book (#9 in the series!) and would be willing to read more from Robin Paiges' series. :)
The book reads innocently enough, so much that it could be considered young adult and without any of the raunch that a lot of YA books do have.
Once half way into the book the mystery really picks up and you find yourself NOT wanting to set the book down in order to figure what happens next.
The imagery is nice in the book. The characters are simple. I started with this book (#9 in the series!) and would be willing to read more from Robin Paiges' series. :)
May 25, 2025
I felt this was one of the best of the books in the series so far.
Now as it's number nine of twelve, although you could read it as a stand alone there are people, places and past stories that are mentioned in this book that you really need to read before this one to get the most out of this.
Our story concerns Prince Albert Victor who was supposed to be dead for the last ten years to get him out of being king. Yes the Prince is true but his death a mystery.
He's been kidnapped and there are German spies popping up everywhere.
The story is really interesting, I'm enjoying these books that have some historical truth about them and then a story woven into it.
As I said one of the better ones of this series.
Now as it's number nine of twelve, although you could read it as a stand alone there are people, places and past stories that are mentioned in this book that you really need to read before this one to get the most out of this.
Our story concerns Prince Albert Victor who was supposed to be dead for the last ten years to get him out of being king. Yes the Prince is true but his death a mystery.
He's been kidnapped and there are German spies popping up everywhere.
The story is really interesting, I'm enjoying these books that have some historical truth about them and then a story woven into it.
As I said one of the better ones of this series.
August 11, 2022
This series is always interesting - blending as it does fact with fictional characters. This instalment is set in 1901 in the real life home of the family of the late Queen Mother and involves a convoluted story of a member of the Royal family presumed dead but actually living in the castle who goes missing. Charles & Kate are called by the King himself to investigate the missing mans disappearance. It was an enjoyable read, though there were several coincidences which stretched credence somewhat.
May 4, 2024
I just finished this book finally!! It took way too long to complete. I had started reading in December? Honestly can't remember, but the fact that it took almost 5 months to want to finish is not my usual. The liberties they took with forensic science and photography kept me from wanting to finish this book, but I soldiered on. I didn't like the way they wrote the Irish speaking. It was hard to get the right accent for it. It was unnecessary, really. I like Susan Wittig Albert's books, but the duo not so much.
February 11, 2024
Robin Paige takes great liberties with the story of Prince Albert Victor (“Eddie”). While history suggests that Prince “Eddie” died at the age of 28 during a flu epidemic, Paige suggests that Eddie lived in exile because he was unsuitable for the throne. This story tells the fictional account of his exile in Scotland’s Glamis Castle. A fun read - especially if you believe that the royals are capable of anything to remain on top.
May 19, 2018
This series is becoming a bit too self-referential for my taste, and the writing in this one was only so-so. Charles gets a serious backstory, which he really should have told Kate a long time ago, and Kate has a German nemesis...but she may have just prevented him from ever entering the British Isles again. Where is the drama to come from in the rest of the series?
June 30, 2019
Always a favorite author and series, my 2nd times reading this one. The author's note always explains that some of these scenarios are, of course, conspiracy theories. This one about Prince Eddy who died young ( or did he? ) is such a one.
The mystery always flows well and the characters are enjoyable to me.
The mystery always flows well and the characters are enjoyable to me.
June 16, 2018
I read this because I really like Susan Wittig Albert’s China Bayles series and because I recently went to England. While the story and characters are just ok, it is fun to explore spots in the UK that this series takes readers to.
July 23, 2018
I liked this.I know glamis castle quite well and enjoyed the Edwardian mystery. Mus t begin reading this series.
February 3, 2020
Beryl really had a time trying to figure out what story that she wanted to write next. It all came together nicely.
June 21, 2020
This series is consistently good. The books continue to include early forensic science techniques, which are very interesting.
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May 2, 2021Read April 2021
September 30, 2022
Continuing to weave threads set in Death at Rottingdean and Death at Whitechapel, this is another Victorian mystery artfully twisting historical facts to produce a convincing fiction.
January 6, 2023
Another fine intrigue with intelligent characters and loads of history thrown in.
January 27, 2023
A great mystery and solution. I love their take on “we don’t have definitive proof that this happened, but it’s a possibility that we explored”.
April 13, 2023
Another interesting mystery. Nice read
February 6, 2024
Another solid, excellent installment
January 23, 2022
A fantastic read, with a great insight into what could have been some of the royal family’s history.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
September 25, 2011
Quick, enjoyable read. A bit troubling, but not altogether surprising about the lengths British royals may go through to insure the monarchy continues. In this book, Queen Victoria is dead and King Edward hasn’t been crowned yet. The mystery centers around his first borne son, presumed death to the world, but in this book takes the stance that Albert Victor did not die, but was put in exile by his family due to his mental instability and the scandalous behavior of most of his life.
Again the emerging field of forensics is featured in this book – fingerprinting and ballistics. Fingerprinting is gaining acceptance finally and Scotland Yard in fingerprinting all incarcerated criminals to start building up a data base. Still not really accepted yet in the court system; neither is ballistics, but Sir Charles, the cutting edge in this series with respect to using forensic science, recognizes that bullets can be used to identify the guns used. Even blood typing is mentioned (O, A, B AB) and even distinguishing between human and animal blood.
Of course the relationship between Sir Charles and his wife, Irish-American Lady Kate is why I am drawn to this series. Both are ahead of their time. Besides loving each other, they also seem to accept, respect and rely on each other. Charles often gets called in by now King Edward to help with problems the royals or their friends are embroiled in and Kate is Charles helpmate not only in life but solving the mysteries.
Certainly I will continue with this series. Hasn’t disappointed, so far.
Again the emerging field of forensics is featured in this book – fingerprinting and ballistics. Fingerprinting is gaining acceptance finally and Scotland Yard in fingerprinting all incarcerated criminals to start building up a data base. Still not really accepted yet in the court system; neither is ballistics, but Sir Charles, the cutting edge in this series with respect to using forensic science, recognizes that bullets can be used to identify the guns used. Even blood typing is mentioned (O, A, B AB) and even distinguishing between human and animal blood.
Of course the relationship between Sir Charles and his wife, Irish-American Lady Kate is why I am drawn to this series. Both are ahead of their time. Besides loving each other, they also seem to accept, respect and rely on each other. Charles often gets called in by now King Edward to help with problems the royals or their friends are embroiled in and Kate is Charles helpmate not only in life but solving the mysteries.
Certainly I will continue with this series. Hasn’t disappointed, so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews