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Lancashire Detective #4
Sitting Murder
With a myriad of motives, the question is who?
Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan of the Wigan Borough Police has no time for tales of ghosts and the afterlife, or of the dead contacting the living.
So, when he finds himself investigating the case of a recently widowed young woman, Alice Goodway, who has suddenly developed ‘the Gift’ of mediumship and has received a threatening letter, he embarks on the inquiry with no small degree of scepticism.
But just as Brennan and his burly colleague, Constable Jaggery, consider how to proceed with the case, something much more sinister takes place… a murder, in Alice’s own home.
Who would commit such a crime?
Could it be one of the seven ‘visitors’ who had been to sittings with Alice and not liked what they had heard?
Or the interfering and sanctimonious Inspector of Nuisances who strongly disapproved of the séances?
There are a lot of old wounds opened and painful memories shared with Brennan and Jaggery as they meticulously gather the information they need to solve the case. The challenge will be narrowing down the suspects, using clues from both the living and the dead…
This devilishly plotted Victorian whodunnit keeps the reader guessing right to the end, with red herrings aplenty scattered along the way.
Praise for A.J. Wright
‘This is an absolute gem of a historical crime novel – cleverly and intricately plotted, very well-written and convincingly evoking all the social problems of a late-Victorian industrial town’ – Crime Review
'Excellently plotted, with some breathtaking moments, as pieces of the dark past come into the light' - Chris Nickson, best-selling author of the Richard Nottingham Mysteries
'A.J. Wright has composed a clever tale indeed in his novel, "Sitting Murder". The grey and gloomy place that was Victorian Britain is wonderfully rendered by the author in this fast-moving mystery novel' - L.J. Shea, bestselling author of The Raven's Augury
'A network of loves, hates, intrigue and suspense' - Roger Silverwood (best-selling author of DI Angel Mystery Series)
‘…the book vividly depicts the tensions and ramifications of the miners’ strike. The mystery is equally strong: the plot is fast-paced and cleverly strewn with red herrings and subtle clues. Highly recommended’ – Historical Novel Society
In 2009 A. J. Wright won the 2010 Dundee International Fiction Prize for his Victorian murder mystery Act of Murder. His writing is inspired by his two major interests: all things Victorian and classic works from the Golden Age of crime fiction. He lives near Wigan.
Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan of the Wigan Borough Police has no time for tales of ghosts and the afterlife, or of the dead contacting the living.
So, when he finds himself investigating the case of a recently widowed young woman, Alice Goodway, who has suddenly developed ‘the Gift’ of mediumship and has received a threatening letter, he embarks on the inquiry with no small degree of scepticism.
But just as Brennan and his burly colleague, Constable Jaggery, consider how to proceed with the case, something much more sinister takes place… a murder, in Alice’s own home.
Who would commit such a crime?
Could it be one of the seven ‘visitors’ who had been to sittings with Alice and not liked what they had heard?
Or the interfering and sanctimonious Inspector of Nuisances who strongly disapproved of the séances?
There are a lot of old wounds opened and painful memories shared with Brennan and Jaggery as they meticulously gather the information they need to solve the case. The challenge will be narrowing down the suspects, using clues from both the living and the dead…
This devilishly plotted Victorian whodunnit keeps the reader guessing right to the end, with red herrings aplenty scattered along the way.
Praise for A.J. Wright
‘This is an absolute gem of a historical crime novel – cleverly and intricately plotted, very well-written and convincingly evoking all the social problems of a late-Victorian industrial town’ – Crime Review
'Excellently plotted, with some breathtaking moments, as pieces of the dark past come into the light' - Chris Nickson, best-selling author of the Richard Nottingham Mysteries
'A.J. Wright has composed a clever tale indeed in his novel, "Sitting Murder". The grey and gloomy place that was Victorian Britain is wonderfully rendered by the author in this fast-moving mystery novel' - L.J. Shea, bestselling author of The Raven's Augury
'A network of loves, hates, intrigue and suspense' - Roger Silverwood (best-selling author of DI Angel Mystery Series)
‘…the book vividly depicts the tensions and ramifications of the miners’ strike. The mystery is equally strong: the plot is fast-paced and cleverly strewn with red herrings and subtle clues. Highly recommended’ – Historical Novel Society
In 2009 A. J. Wright won the 2010 Dundee International Fiction Prize for his Victorian murder mystery Act of Murder. His writing is inspired by his two major interests: all things Victorian and classic works from the Golden Age of crime fiction. He lives near Wigan.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2017
64 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Wright
17 books11 followersAka Alan Wright
In 2009 A. J. Wright won the 2010 Dundee International Fiction Prize for his Victorian murder mystery Act of Murder. His writing is inspired by his two major interests: all things Victorian and classic works from the Golden Age of crime fiction. He lives near Wigan.
In 2009 A. J. Wright won the 2010 Dundee International Fiction Prize for his Victorian murder mystery Act of Murder. His writing is inspired by his two major interests: all things Victorian and classic works from the Golden Age of crime fiction. He lives near Wigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 28, 2022
I received this book from NetGalley over three years ago. Every time I planned to read it something would come up, I'd run out of time, and put it aside for another day. I considered marking it as one that I would not review because it had been so long, but when I would revisit the synopsis I still wanted to read the book... eventually. Well, that day finally came and I am so glad that I decided to keep it on my TBR.
This book is the fourth in a series. I did not know that when I requested it, but decided to go ahead and read it without reading the first three books. It works fine as a standalone. I may go back and read the previous books (at this rate it should only take me about 10 years) to gain more background on our main characters, Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan and Constable Jaggery.
This story was well-written and reminded me of the classic storytelling of Agatha Christie. There were many characters and you consider each as a possible suspect until all is revealed at the end. I enjoyed the capable Brennan as our investigator and the Victorian setting, though the expectations of women in this time period are always a little difficult to stomach. In addition, there were a few times when I laughed out loud by a surprising moment or witty comment.
Overall, an interesting mystery and enjoyable story. If you enjoy Christie's work, you may want to give this series a try. 3.5★
#SittingMurder #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Endeavour Press for providing me with a free electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the fourth in a series. I did not know that when I requested it, but decided to go ahead and read it without reading the first three books. It works fine as a standalone. I may go back and read the previous books (at this rate it should only take me about 10 years) to gain more background on our main characters, Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan and Constable Jaggery.
This story was well-written and reminded me of the classic storytelling of Agatha Christie. There were many characters and you consider each as a possible suspect until all is revealed at the end. I enjoyed the capable Brennan as our investigator and the Victorian setting, though the expectations of women in this time period are always a little difficult to stomach. In addition, there were a few times when I laughed out loud by a surprising moment or witty comment.
Overall, an interesting mystery and enjoyable story. If you enjoy Christie's work, you may want to give this series a try. 3.5★
#SittingMurder #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Endeavour Press for providing me with a free electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2021
Sitting Murder, the fourth installment of the Lancashire Detective series, brought all the gothic atmosphere I love.
Set in a small, Victorian village, I could feel the cold streets, the flickering candlelight and the hardships of the characters.
There are mediums, seances and murder.
The mystery followed a classic format, complete with smart, determined detectives cracking the case.
I did wish there had been a bit more character development for some of the main characters, particularly Brennan and Jaggery.
Perhaps that was taken care of in the earlier books?
I wasn't aware of that when I started this one that it actually was the 4th-book in a series. I believe like most adult mystery series, however, you could read this as a standalone.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Endeavor Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review! I certainly appreciate it.
Set in a small, Victorian village, I could feel the cold streets, the flickering candlelight and the hardships of the characters.
There are mediums, seances and murder.
The mystery followed a classic format, complete with smart, determined detectives cracking the case.
I did wish there had been a bit more character development for some of the main characters, particularly Brennan and Jaggery.
Perhaps that was taken care of in the earlier books?
I wasn't aware of that when I started this one that it actually was the 4th-book in a series. I believe like most adult mystery series, however, you could read this as a standalone.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Endeavor Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review! I certainly appreciate it.
November 9, 2017
"They see things," said Alice. "You can't hide anythin' from the spirits."
A tricky and ghostly murder-mystery, Sitting Murder provided me with a difficult crime to solve, as it has a group of living and dead people as its suspects.
In this historical mystery-novel taking place in the Victorian era (1894), we follow Detective Brennan and Constable Jaggery as they have to solve the case of Alice Goodway, a recently widowed woman who suddenly developed the ‘gift’ of connecting with the death. Attracting believers and enemies as a medium, Alice’s life gets shaken up by a murder taking place in her own home. Who would want the Goodway woman dead? What secret is so scandalous that the living - or the dead - are even willing to kill to keep it hidden?
This novel is the fourth book in a series, but can be easily read as a standalone because the book reads fast and, despite the old English, the dialogues aren’t difficult to follow. We do get introduced to way too many people in the beginning - making it hard to keep track who-is-who - but once the murder happens and the interesting suspects are lined up, the story get easy to follow.
We get thrown plenty of red herrings to keep us guessing whodunnit, although I do wish the author would use more of Show, don’t Tell. He doesn’t constantly have to write “Brennan suspected […] was lying” or “the statement made no sense”: I GET IT! The text already makes such things clear Mr. Wright, you don’t need to spell it all out!
Still, the ending came as a surprise - which is a good thing :) - but I don’t think the author brought all the story-lines together in a fitting way. I think he could have done more with certain characters (*cough* Betty Bennet *cough*) and their motive, but he kept things simple; maybe a bit too much, to my taste.
All in all, this book was a fun historical murder-mystery with a nice paranormal touch. Nothing too deep or stunning, but a great entertaining novel until the end. 3 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I want to thank Endeavour Press for sending me this, however, all my thoughts and opinions are my own.
A tricky and ghostly murder-mystery, Sitting Murder provided me with a difficult crime to solve, as it has a group of living and dead people as its suspects.
In this historical mystery-novel taking place in the Victorian era (1894), we follow Detective Brennan and Constable Jaggery as they have to solve the case of Alice Goodway, a recently widowed woman who suddenly developed the ‘gift’ of connecting with the death. Attracting believers and enemies as a medium, Alice’s life gets shaken up by a murder taking place in her own home. Who would want the Goodway woman dead? What secret is so scandalous that the living - or the dead - are even willing to kill to keep it hidden?
This novel is the fourth book in a series, but can be easily read as a standalone because the book reads fast and, despite the old English, the dialogues aren’t difficult to follow. We do get introduced to way too many people in the beginning - making it hard to keep track who-is-who - but once the murder happens and the interesting suspects are lined up, the story get easy to follow.
We get thrown plenty of red herrings to keep us guessing whodunnit, although I do wish the author would use more of Show, don’t Tell. He doesn’t constantly have to write “Brennan suspected […] was lying” or “the statement made no sense”: I GET IT! The text already makes such things clear Mr. Wright, you don’t need to spell it all out!
Still, the ending came as a surprise - which is a good thing :) - but I don’t think the author brought all the story-lines together in a fitting way. I think he could have done more with certain characters (*cough* Betty Bennet *cough*) and their motive, but he kept things simple; maybe a bit too much, to my taste.
All in all, this book was a fun historical murder-mystery with a nice paranormal touch. Nothing too deep or stunning, but a great entertaining novel until the end. 3 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I want to thank Endeavour Press for sending me this, however, all my thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 8, 2018
Before I start sharing my thoughts, can we all just take a minute to admire that absolutely stunning cover! I can tell you, it fits the story perfectly! Now, don’t be put off by the fact it says this is the fourth instalment in a series. It reads perfectly well as a stand-alone and at no point did I feel I was missing out on anything.
Recently widowed Alice Goodway receives a threatening letter. Alice seems to have the gift to communicate with the dearly departed and has been having “sittings” with various of her neighbours. Then someone turns up dead in Alice’s house. Is it a case of mistaken identity? Was Alice the intended victim? DS Brennan is convinced the murderer is one of the seven people that visited Alice. But who and why?
That is indeed the question and I couldn’t figure it out at all. I zeroed in on a particular character quite early on but was completely proven wrong. There is a rather long list of potential suspects and all of them have truly heartbreaking reasons for why they visit Alice and wish to connect once again with someone they’ve lost. That sense of loss and grief really came across and almost brought a lump to my throat.
Set in Victorian times, this whodunnit oozes atmosphere. It’s aptly gloomy, fabulously depicting the way people lived during that era, the treatment of women and the stigma that followed some around for the rest of their lives. From the proximity of neighbours and gas lamp lighters, to mining pits and mills, an Inspector of Nuisances (really?! 😄) and the inclusion of the local dialect, I had no problems whatsoever with feeling I was transported right back to the 1890’s.
Sitting Murder has a brilliant and clever plot. With red herrings all over the place, it left me guessing until the end. This is a thoroughly enjoyable historical cosy mystery with intriguing characters, wonderful descriptions and a captivating murder investigation. It has reminded me of how much I enjoy novels set in the Victorian era and I hope to one day have the time to catch up on the rest of this series.
Recently widowed Alice Goodway receives a threatening letter. Alice seems to have the gift to communicate with the dearly departed and has been having “sittings” with various of her neighbours. Then someone turns up dead in Alice’s house. Is it a case of mistaken identity? Was Alice the intended victim? DS Brennan is convinced the murderer is one of the seven people that visited Alice. But who and why?
That is indeed the question and I couldn’t figure it out at all. I zeroed in on a particular character quite early on but was completely proven wrong. There is a rather long list of potential suspects and all of them have truly heartbreaking reasons for why they visit Alice and wish to connect once again with someone they’ve lost. That sense of loss and grief really came across and almost brought a lump to my throat.
Set in Victorian times, this whodunnit oozes atmosphere. It’s aptly gloomy, fabulously depicting the way people lived during that era, the treatment of women and the stigma that followed some around for the rest of their lives. From the proximity of neighbours and gas lamp lighters, to mining pits and mills, an Inspector of Nuisances (really?! 😄) and the inclusion of the local dialect, I had no problems whatsoever with feeling I was transported right back to the 1890’s.
Sitting Murder has a brilliant and clever plot. With red herrings all over the place, it left me guessing until the end. This is a thoroughly enjoyable historical cosy mystery with intriguing characters, wonderful descriptions and a captivating murder investigation. It has reminded me of how much I enjoy novels set in the Victorian era and I hope to one day have the time to catch up on the rest of this series.
November 20, 2017
Sitting Murder is book #4 in the Lancashire Detective series. The book is set in Wigan, Lancashire in 1894, and features DS Brennan and his sidekick Constable Jaggery investigating another murder. We still don't really find out much more about Brennan and Jaggery's personal lives.
There are quite a few characters in this novel, some living and some dead, but there is no confusion as to who they all are. Some of the characters are red herrings and Wright keeps you guessing until the end with the twists he puts into the story. I've previously read Elementary Murder in this series, which I rated 5*. However, I am going to rate Sitting Murder 4* as I felt it was a bit drawn out in the middle, but nevertheless still a great read.
Brief blurb:
Alice Goodway, recently widowed, decides to become a spiritual medium and her aunt assists her. Neighbours in the area, who have not moved on from the loss of their loved ones, visit Alice for a reading. Alice manages to get 'messages' from the neighbour's dearly departed, via her late husband. DS Brennan and Constable Jaggery are called in when a threatening letter is received. There is a subsequent murder, then a case of poisoning to be investigated. Brennan thinks that spiritualism is a load of codswallop, but Jaggery is far more open minded on the subject. Together they eventually discover who is responsible for causing all the mayhem.
This series of books are excellent and well worth checking out. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley......many thanks to all concerned.
There are quite a few characters in this novel, some living and some dead, but there is no confusion as to who they all are. Some of the characters are red herrings and Wright keeps you guessing until the end with the twists he puts into the story. I've previously read Elementary Murder in this series, which I rated 5*. However, I am going to rate Sitting Murder 4* as I felt it was a bit drawn out in the middle, but nevertheless still a great read.
Brief blurb:
Alice Goodway, recently widowed, decides to become a spiritual medium and her aunt assists her. Neighbours in the area, who have not moved on from the loss of their loved ones, visit Alice for a reading. Alice manages to get 'messages' from the neighbour's dearly departed, via her late husband. DS Brennan and Constable Jaggery are called in when a threatening letter is received. There is a subsequent murder, then a case of poisoning to be investigated. Brennan thinks that spiritualism is a load of codswallop, but Jaggery is far more open minded on the subject. Together they eventually discover who is responsible for causing all the mayhem.
This series of books are excellent and well worth checking out. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley......many thanks to all concerned.
November 2, 2017
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and Endeavour Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
After Alice Goodway's husband is killed in an accident she suddenly gains the ability to speak with spirts. She performs sittings for those who wish to speak to lost loved ones for a small price. When she receives a threatening letter accusing her of lies, Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan is sent to investigate. He dismisses the letter as nothing more than a disgruntled client letting off steam until someone is murdered in Alice's home. With Alice thought to be the intended target Detective Brennan must investigate her recent clients and solve the case before the killer strikes again.
This book was a fantastic historical murder mystery. This was such a great whodunit with lots of red herrings and connected plot points. This is the first novel I have read by A.J. Wright but it will not be my last. I did not want to put this one down and would highly recommend it for anyone who loves a good mystery.
After Alice Goodway's husband is killed in an accident she suddenly gains the ability to speak with spirts. She performs sittings for those who wish to speak to lost loved ones for a small price. When she receives a threatening letter accusing her of lies, Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan is sent to investigate. He dismisses the letter as nothing more than a disgruntled client letting off steam until someone is murdered in Alice's home. With Alice thought to be the intended target Detective Brennan must investigate her recent clients and solve the case before the killer strikes again.
This book was a fantastic historical murder mystery. This was such a great whodunit with lots of red herrings and connected plot points. This is the first novel I have read by A.J. Wright but it will not be my last. I did not want to put this one down and would highly recommend it for anyone who loves a good mystery.
July 9, 2018
A fantastic murder mystery with all the right feels! I lived the plot, characters and twist!😍❤📚
November 5, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Endeavour Press for a review copy of Sitting Murder, the fourth novel in the Lancashire Mystery series and the third to feature DS Michael Brennan of the Wigan Police.
In 1890s Wigan Alice Goodway has just lost her husband, Jack, in a mining accident and discovered psychic powers. She has been holding individual sittings for a few of the local bereaved with her Aunty Doris by marriage taking charge of the "administration". When they receive an anonymous poison pen letter Doris calls the police.. DS Brennan doesn't know what to think of it but he's sure her psychic powers are fake, Constable Jaggery isn't so sure. Things get more complicated when Doris is found suffocated in her bed.
I enjoyed Sitting Murder which is an old fashioned murder mystery jazzed up with the fad of the day, spiritualism. Never having read the series before it was difficult to know initially if it would have a supernatural element and this made deciding what was important and what wasn't difficult to fathom. Looking back all the clues were there but I didn't have an inkling until shortly before the dénouement. It is very well done.
The plot is deceptively simple as there is a limited number of suspects, a victim with far more enemies than is immediately apparent and a straightforward method but it soon gets complicated when grief gets involved. Some of these points were laboured and the novel sagged a bit in the middle with repetition but I loved the solution which is elegant, fitting and very well done.
As befits a period detective novel the reader doesn't learn much about Sergeant Brennan except he has a wife and son and is an able detective with a dislike of his boss. He is there to move the plot along which he does well. I like the period detail which has more to do with attitudes than everyday life.
Sitting Murder is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
In 1890s Wigan Alice Goodway has just lost her husband, Jack, in a mining accident and discovered psychic powers. She has been holding individual sittings for a few of the local bereaved with her Aunty Doris by marriage taking charge of the "administration". When they receive an anonymous poison pen letter Doris calls the police.. DS Brennan doesn't know what to think of it but he's sure her psychic powers are fake, Constable Jaggery isn't so sure. Things get more complicated when Doris is found suffocated in her bed.
I enjoyed Sitting Murder which is an old fashioned murder mystery jazzed up with the fad of the day, spiritualism. Never having read the series before it was difficult to know initially if it would have a supernatural element and this made deciding what was important and what wasn't difficult to fathom. Looking back all the clues were there but I didn't have an inkling until shortly before the dénouement. It is very well done.
The plot is deceptively simple as there is a limited number of suspects, a victim with far more enemies than is immediately apparent and a straightforward method but it soon gets complicated when grief gets involved. Some of these points were laboured and the novel sagged a bit in the middle with repetition but I loved the solution which is elegant, fitting and very well done.
As befits a period detective novel the reader doesn't learn much about Sergeant Brennan except he has a wife and son and is an able detective with a dislike of his boss. He is there to move the plot along which he does well. I like the period detail which has more to do with attitudes than everyday life.
Sitting Murder is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 10, 2018
Whoo, what a ride! Loved, loved, LOVED this, I was swept up in this deftly written mystery from the very first page. Combining the Victorian fascination with mediums and spirits with a classic whodunit,I loved the simple yet complex plot that takes twist after turn and by the time the surprise ending was unfolding, I was just holding on for dear life! The tragic stories from the suspects made it hard to single one out, and although you think you know who did it, you'll be wrong.
Sitting Murder was a fantastic mystery and one I will be thinking out for a long time. I've not read any of the earlier books in the series (you can bet I will now!) so this book can easily be read as a standalone or as an entry into the series.
Sitting Murder was a fantastic mystery and one I will be thinking out for a long time. I've not read any of the earlier books in the series (you can bet I will now!) so this book can easily be read as a standalone or as an entry into the series.
October 24, 2017
I received this book free from the publisher for an honest review.
This is a historical mystery that has a hint of the Victorian times, along with some of the social intricacies of the day. The mystery contains many suspects, along with subtle hints and red herrings. The reading was easy and the mystery kept me going right up to the end. I plan on trying more of this authors books.
This is a historical mystery that has a hint of the Victorian times, along with some of the social intricacies of the day. The mystery contains many suspects, along with subtle hints and red herrings. The reading was easy and the mystery kept me going right up to the end. I plan on trying more of this authors books.
December 1, 2017
Set in a North-Western English town during the late 19th century, this murder/mystery whodunnit brings the history of the era to life with the terraces of houses, local dialect and a community living in close proximity to one another. The main source of work were the cotton mills and the mines. Alice Goodway, only married a year, has lost her husband, Jack, in a mining accident, which also took the life of her friend’s husband. Since her husband’s death, Alice has become a medium, offering comfort to those who have lost loved ones, through her spiritual contact with Jack.
Jack’s obnoxious aunt Doris has moved in with Alice, supervising the séances and taking payments. When Alice receives a threatening note and her aunt is murdered in her bed, Detective Sergeant Brennan of the Wigan Borough Police Department and his side kick Constable Jaggery are tasked with the investigation.
Although this is the fourth book in the Lancashire Detectives series it works perfectly well as a stand alone and it’s such an enjoyable tale. DS Brennan thinks perhaps Doris wasn’t the intended victim as she was sleeping in the main bedroom. There are several suspects to choose from, including the self-righteous Inspector of Nuisances, who is forcibly against Alice’s séances. As Alice’s notoriety spreads, there are secrets and old wounds to be uncovered in the close knit town, as we follow Brennan’s investigation. Brennan and Jaggery must sift through the clues, information and traumatic memories as they begin to eliminate the suspects one by one.
The writing is accomplished and easy to read, in keeping with the area and time, descriptive and detailed enough to give a real sense of place. The story has the feel of a vintage whodunit with a host of possible culprits and several unexpected twists. A well paced and plotted story line, with believable, diverse and quite rounded characters, although I’ve perhaps missed the greater depth of Brennan and Jaggery from not having read the previous books. Nevertheless, they are both likeable and engaging characters, making me want to go back and find out more.
I enjoyed Sitting Murder very much and was kept guessing until the surprise ending tied everything together nicely.
I chose to read and review Sitting Murder for Rosie Amber’s book review team, based on a digital copy received from Endeavour Press.
Jack’s obnoxious aunt Doris has moved in with Alice, supervising the séances and taking payments. When Alice receives a threatening note and her aunt is murdered in her bed, Detective Sergeant Brennan of the Wigan Borough Police Department and his side kick Constable Jaggery are tasked with the investigation.
Although this is the fourth book in the Lancashire Detectives series it works perfectly well as a stand alone and it’s such an enjoyable tale. DS Brennan thinks perhaps Doris wasn’t the intended victim as she was sleeping in the main bedroom. There are several suspects to choose from, including the self-righteous Inspector of Nuisances, who is forcibly against Alice’s séances. As Alice’s notoriety spreads, there are secrets and old wounds to be uncovered in the close knit town, as we follow Brennan’s investigation. Brennan and Jaggery must sift through the clues, information and traumatic memories as they begin to eliminate the suspects one by one.
The writing is accomplished and easy to read, in keeping with the area and time, descriptive and detailed enough to give a real sense of place. The story has the feel of a vintage whodunit with a host of possible culprits and several unexpected twists. A well paced and plotted story line, with believable, diverse and quite rounded characters, although I’ve perhaps missed the greater depth of Brennan and Jaggery from not having read the previous books. Nevertheless, they are both likeable and engaging characters, making me want to go back and find out more.
I enjoyed Sitting Murder very much and was kept guessing until the surprise ending tied everything together nicely.
I chose to read and review Sitting Murder for Rosie Amber’s book review team, based on a digital copy received from Endeavour Press.
December 13, 2017
This was a different, tricky and great historical mystery where both the living and the dead are suspects. Very refreshing!
Recently widowed Alice Goodway developed the ability to speak to spirits. She decides to become a medium with the help of her aunt and helps those who wish to speak with their loved ones. Her life is turned upside down when she receives a threatening letter quickly followed by a dead body in her home. The sceptic Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan and open-minded Constable Jaggery are sent to investigate and catch a killer before they reach their price: Alice herself.
The first book I read by A.J. Wright and I loved it. I’m curious to read the first story and how it all began. Even though I felt like I was missing something with the relationship between the characters, I would say it can still be read as a stand-alone.
The plot is brilliant created and developed. The plot takes place in the Victorian Age, Lancashire 1894 which gives a very English taste and a very nice setting for a murder. Everything about the crime makes sense and slowly the reader is taken on a trip through several people, ghosts and clues that entangle the story and make it hard to guess the identity of the killer. The fun part is that it can be both the living and the dead which were for me, a treat to read. The best part is that no strings are left loose and the complex case is beautifully solved. It was a tricky, evolving murder mystery full of twists and turns that leave the reader glued to the pages to see what the next page has in store.
The style of writing is simple, compelling and it has the appropriate tone and vocabulary from the 19th century. The reader doesn’t get lost in the story and the tone of the narrative runs as smoothly as the story itself. Wright doesn’t make it easy though. The tone of which he writes is suspicious and even though he doesn’t full out blame someone, he installs doubt in the mind of his readers, in a very skilful way indeed.
The characters are quite colourful since there are many of them. The author throws all sorts of clues but the reader will not be 100% sure if it’s a real clue or a distraction attempt. Even so, all the characters play their part and each one has a certain depth to them. The dead characters add spice to the story and I don’t think I would have enjoyed the book like I did without them. In the beginning, however, it was a bit difficult for me to remember all the characters, their names and identities since they all get introduced in the beginning. But, as the story goes on, everything becomes easy to follow.
A great historical mystery that can also be considered a cosy-mystery to be enjoyed by all the fans of the genres.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Endeavour Press and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
Recently widowed Alice Goodway developed the ability to speak to spirits. She decides to become a medium with the help of her aunt and helps those who wish to speak with their loved ones. Her life is turned upside down when she receives a threatening letter quickly followed by a dead body in her home. The sceptic Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan and open-minded Constable Jaggery are sent to investigate and catch a killer before they reach their price: Alice herself.
The first book I read by A.J. Wright and I loved it. I’m curious to read the first story and how it all began. Even though I felt like I was missing something with the relationship between the characters, I would say it can still be read as a stand-alone.
The plot is brilliant created and developed. The plot takes place in the Victorian Age, Lancashire 1894 which gives a very English taste and a very nice setting for a murder. Everything about the crime makes sense and slowly the reader is taken on a trip through several people, ghosts and clues that entangle the story and make it hard to guess the identity of the killer. The fun part is that it can be both the living and the dead which were for me, a treat to read. The best part is that no strings are left loose and the complex case is beautifully solved. It was a tricky, evolving murder mystery full of twists and turns that leave the reader glued to the pages to see what the next page has in store.
The style of writing is simple, compelling and it has the appropriate tone and vocabulary from the 19th century. The reader doesn’t get lost in the story and the tone of the narrative runs as smoothly as the story itself. Wright doesn’t make it easy though. The tone of which he writes is suspicious and even though he doesn’t full out blame someone, he installs doubt in the mind of his readers, in a very skilful way indeed.
The characters are quite colourful since there are many of them. The author throws all sorts of clues but the reader will not be 100% sure if it’s a real clue or a distraction attempt. Even so, all the characters play their part and each one has a certain depth to them. The dead characters add spice to the story and I don’t think I would have enjoyed the book like I did without them. In the beginning, however, it was a bit difficult for me to remember all the characters, their names and identities since they all get introduced in the beginning. But, as the story goes on, everything becomes easy to follow.
A great historical mystery that can also be considered a cosy-mystery to be enjoyed by all the fans of the genres.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Endeavour Press and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
October 28, 2017
Sitting Murder by A. J. Wright is the fourth book in the Lancashire Detective series. I have not read any of the previous books, but this one works perfectly as a stand-alone.
Sitting Murder is set during the late Victorian period in Wigan, a town known for its cotton mills and coal mines. When a mine accident takes the life of Alice Goodway's husband Jack, Alice's grief and sense of abandonment is intense.
But then it seems that Jack is able to communicate with Alice from beyond the grave, acting as a spirit guide. Word spreads and a number of people want Alice to contact their loved ones. Jack's abrasive aunt, moves in with Alice and persuades her to do a limited number of "sittings."
Alice views these sittings as a way to comfort those who are grieving, and along with the pat phrases offered by most purported mediums, Alice reveals information she should have no way of knowing.
Although the thoroughly detestable aunt makes sure the privilege is paid for, Alice only responds to a few of the people who are eager to commune with the dead, and most of these petitioners are comforted to feel that their loved ones are content.
Then the first threatening letter arrives, and DS Michael Brennan and Constable Jaggery are consulted. Brennan, while seriously skeptical of the whole mediumship-and-communication-with-the-dead scenario, is definitely concerned about the implied threat and tone of the letter.
Before Brennan and Jaggery can prove who wrote the letter, Alice's aunt is murdered, and Brennan suspects that the real target was Alice. As the investigation delves into the secrets of most of the those who requested sittings, Brennan and Jaggery try to keep Alice safe while narrowing down the list of suspects.
Sitting Murder was a fun historical mystery with complications that kept me guessing--and that is precisely what I want from this genre. It fit the mood of the season with the psychic/medium element, provided a solid mystery in a favorite time period, and introduced two likable characters in DS Brennan and Constable Jaggery.
NetGalley/Endeavor Ink
Historical Mystery. Oct. 12, 2017. Print length: 282 pages.
Sitting Murder is set during the late Victorian period in Wigan, a town known for its cotton mills and coal mines. When a mine accident takes the life of Alice Goodway's husband Jack, Alice's grief and sense of abandonment is intense.
But then it seems that Jack is able to communicate with Alice from beyond the grave, acting as a spirit guide. Word spreads and a number of people want Alice to contact their loved ones. Jack's abrasive aunt, moves in with Alice and persuades her to do a limited number of "sittings."
Alice views these sittings as a way to comfort those who are grieving, and along with the pat phrases offered by most purported mediums, Alice reveals information she should have no way of knowing.
Although the thoroughly detestable aunt makes sure the privilege is paid for, Alice only responds to a few of the people who are eager to commune with the dead, and most of these petitioners are comforted to feel that their loved ones are content.
Then the first threatening letter arrives, and DS Michael Brennan and Constable Jaggery are consulted. Brennan, while seriously skeptical of the whole mediumship-and-communication-with-the-dead scenario, is definitely concerned about the implied threat and tone of the letter.
Before Brennan and Jaggery can prove who wrote the letter, Alice's aunt is murdered, and Brennan suspects that the real target was Alice. As the investigation delves into the secrets of most of the those who requested sittings, Brennan and Jaggery try to keep Alice safe while narrowing down the list of suspects.
Sitting Murder was a fun historical mystery with complications that kept me guessing--and that is precisely what I want from this genre. It fit the mood of the season with the psychic/medium element, provided a solid mystery in a favorite time period, and introduced two likable characters in DS Brennan and Constable Jaggery.
NetGalley/Endeavor Ink
Historical Mystery. Oct. 12, 2017. Print length: 282 pages.
January 18, 2018
A wonderful period mystery which combines a classic whodunit with spiritualism. The terraced houses, the close-knit community in which the characters dwell brought to life. Secrets abound, old wounds opened as DS Brennan and his sidekick, Jaggery, eliminate the suspects one by one.
From the archetypal detective and his faithful constable through to the quirky, no-nonsense women, from the living to the dead, from those who had an actual part to play in the unfolding events to those who served mainly as a red herring, I adored the myriad of characters. The main protagonist, the bereaved Alice, seeking to comfort those who, like herself, are grieving, her late husband's aunt, her motives for hosting the seances, not so much a means of comforting those who have also lost loved ones as a way to make financial gains.
The fourth novel in the series (the third to feature Detective Brennan) but reads perfectly well as a self contained murder mystery. Am I inspired to read the other books? You bet I am.
Copyright: Tracy terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer: Thanks to Endeavour Press for supplying a paper copy, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
From the archetypal detective and his faithful constable through to the quirky, no-nonsense women, from the living to the dead, from those who had an actual part to play in the unfolding events to those who served mainly as a red herring, I adored the myriad of characters. The main protagonist, the bereaved Alice, seeking to comfort those who, like herself, are grieving, her late husband's aunt, her motives for hosting the seances, not so much a means of comforting those who have also lost loved ones as a way to make financial gains.
The fourth novel in the series (the third to feature Detective Brennan) but reads perfectly well as a self contained murder mystery. Am I inspired to read the other books? You bet I am.
Copyright: Tracy terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer: Thanks to Endeavour Press for supplying a paper copy, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
June 2, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and Endeavour Press for a review copy of Sitting Murder.
This was a really enjoyable murder mystery set in Victorian England. It was really atmospheric and the writing is very descriptive and gives a real sense of the time and place it was set. The characters are brilliant. They really reminded me of Dickens characters, quirky and no nonsense. Although there are quite a few characters I had no trouble remembering who everyone was. The plot moves along nicely and the ending tied everything up together neatly.
Although this book is part of a series I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone and would highly recommend it.
This was a really enjoyable murder mystery set in Victorian England. It was really atmospheric and the writing is very descriptive and gives a real sense of the time and place it was set. The characters are brilliant. They really reminded me of Dickens characters, quirky and no nonsense. Although there are quite a few characters I had no trouble remembering who everyone was. The plot moves along nicely and the ending tied everything up together neatly.
Although this book is part of a series I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone and would highly recommend it.
February 12, 2018
Most of the crime novels I read are set in the present day or at least within living memory so it was a real treat to settle down with a book by a contemporary author who has set his plot in Victorian times, particularly as historical fiction is my other preferred genre.
The prologue immediately recalls the hard lives of the working class back then as a young woman sits by her dying husband's bedside. A victim of another mining disaster, Jack Goodway at least manages to say his last words to his wife, Alice and to seek his peace from his priest before passing away. Shortly after his death, Alice starts holding sittings as she brings messages from beyond the grave to her friends and neighbours who are desperate to find some peace following losses of their own.
Although set far from the country houses of Agatha Christie's books, Sitting Murder bears many similarities to her books albeit with a layer of coal dust and the chill of cold, foggy Lancashire nights. The cast of characters are introduced before the murder takes place so we already know our suspects. While not a closed room mystery as such, it's immediately apparent that the perpetrator is most likely one of the attendees of Alice Goodway's sittings. As with Christie's novels, the detectives investigating the case are also already involved - Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan and Constable Jaggery have been called to Alice's house after she is sent a threatening letter. So the scene is set for a thoroughly enjoyable old-fashioned whodunnit which may be slower paced that many modern crime novels but which rewards its readers by the way of the stories within a story as each of the suspects reveal their reasons for needing to seek Alice's help.
Each of these stories are absorbing in their own right and expanded would make wonderful books of their own. Obviously I'm not going to give anything away but examples of the tales within include one character obsessed by a figure from their past, another whose daughter was lost long before her death, and the whole novel is teeming with dark secrets and desperate guilt. There are some delicious touches of humour here too, not least from Brennan's chief constable, Captain Bell. The exchanges between the two men are frequently a sheer delight. The relationship between Brennan and Constable Jaggery is the real highlight though; Brennan, the sceptic who frequently bears an air of irritation at the susceptibility of others but whose rather gruff exterior belies a sensitive, intuitive man, and Jaggery the more hot-headed of the pair who wears his heart on his sleeve, is more inclined to believe the dead can contact the living and would far rather sit by the fire with a slice of cake than tramp the bitterly cold streets. They are a rather disparate pair, frequently annoyed by what they see as the other's shortcomings but there is a sense of respect and loyalty between them that is perhaps best illustrated in the rather touching epilogue.
Sitting Murder actually the fourth book in A.J. Wright's Lancashire Detective Mystery series but each is written as a standalone book. This is the first I have read but I will definitely be reading the previous novels now. Snowy days and foggy nights evoke an atmospheric sense of place as Victorian Wigan is vividly brought to life, the cast of characters are clearly described with each having their own distinct voice and the mystery itself is a real puzzle with plenty of twists and red herrings to enjoy before the killer is finally revealed. Sitting Murder is an absolute joy of a book which combines an intriguing plot with sterling characterisation and real charm, I thoroughly recommend it.
The prologue immediately recalls the hard lives of the working class back then as a young woman sits by her dying husband's bedside. A victim of another mining disaster, Jack Goodway at least manages to say his last words to his wife, Alice and to seek his peace from his priest before passing away. Shortly after his death, Alice starts holding sittings as she brings messages from beyond the grave to her friends and neighbours who are desperate to find some peace following losses of their own.
Although set far from the country houses of Agatha Christie's books, Sitting Murder bears many similarities to her books albeit with a layer of coal dust and the chill of cold, foggy Lancashire nights. The cast of characters are introduced before the murder takes place so we already know our suspects. While not a closed room mystery as such, it's immediately apparent that the perpetrator is most likely one of the attendees of Alice Goodway's sittings. As with Christie's novels, the detectives investigating the case are also already involved - Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan and Constable Jaggery have been called to Alice's house after she is sent a threatening letter. So the scene is set for a thoroughly enjoyable old-fashioned whodunnit which may be slower paced that many modern crime novels but which rewards its readers by the way of the stories within a story as each of the suspects reveal their reasons for needing to seek Alice's help.
Each of these stories are absorbing in their own right and expanded would make wonderful books of their own. Obviously I'm not going to give anything away but examples of the tales within include one character obsessed by a figure from their past, another whose daughter was lost long before her death, and the whole novel is teeming with dark secrets and desperate guilt. There are some delicious touches of humour here too, not least from Brennan's chief constable, Captain Bell. The exchanges between the two men are frequently a sheer delight. The relationship between Brennan and Constable Jaggery is the real highlight though; Brennan, the sceptic who frequently bears an air of irritation at the susceptibility of others but whose rather gruff exterior belies a sensitive, intuitive man, and Jaggery the more hot-headed of the pair who wears his heart on his sleeve, is more inclined to believe the dead can contact the living and would far rather sit by the fire with a slice of cake than tramp the bitterly cold streets. They are a rather disparate pair, frequently annoyed by what they see as the other's shortcomings but there is a sense of respect and loyalty between them that is perhaps best illustrated in the rather touching epilogue.
Sitting Murder actually the fourth book in A.J. Wright's Lancashire Detective Mystery series but each is written as a standalone book. This is the first I have read but I will definitely be reading the previous novels now. Snowy days and foggy nights evoke an atmospheric sense of place as Victorian Wigan is vividly brought to life, the cast of characters are clearly described with each having their own distinct voice and the mystery itself is a real puzzle with plenty of twists and red herrings to enjoy before the killer is finally revealed. Sitting Murder is an absolute joy of a book which combines an intriguing plot with sterling characterisation and real charm, I thoroughly recommend it.
January 19, 2018
Another belter from A.J.Wright. This is the third book I have read in the Lancashire detective series, set in my hometown of Wigan in the 1890's.
It is winter and a recently widowed girl, Alice Goodway is holding sittings in her home for some of her neighbours claiming she can contact their dead relatives. When there is a murder in her house and some threatening letters arrive Sargeant Brennan with the help of his sidekick Constable Jaggery, must unravel the clues quickly before another murder is commited.
The atmosphere of the book is superb, fittingly for the case Wigan is gripped in the midst of a cold Winter, the Victorian streets shrouded in fog and as in the other books of the series, the poverty and hardships of life in the town is very well portrayed. Also the sometimes dark humour of the Wiganers is present here and comes through in the dialogue, much of it written as you would expect in the distinctive dialect of the town. It is also enjoyable for me to take a tour through the town all those years back and see what it was like. It really is very welll researched.
All the characters are well written, Brennan is a good solid detective, but it is I feel Constable Jaggery who steals the show and is becoming my favourite character of the series, not always the brightest, but a strong and decent man. In classic crime novel style, all the characters have motive and it was unclear right to the end who had done it and why, indeed I changed my mind a few times throughout the book.
The book itself has a good, easy pace to it and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical crime fiction and indeed those who live in or around, or have an interest in the area.
Even though it is part of a series the book can be read fine as a standalone.
Copy provided by the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.
It is winter and a recently widowed girl, Alice Goodway is holding sittings in her home for some of her neighbours claiming she can contact their dead relatives. When there is a murder in her house and some threatening letters arrive Sargeant Brennan with the help of his sidekick Constable Jaggery, must unravel the clues quickly before another murder is commited.
The atmosphere of the book is superb, fittingly for the case Wigan is gripped in the midst of a cold Winter, the Victorian streets shrouded in fog and as in the other books of the series, the poverty and hardships of life in the town is very well portrayed. Also the sometimes dark humour of the Wiganers is present here and comes through in the dialogue, much of it written as you would expect in the distinctive dialect of the town. It is also enjoyable for me to take a tour through the town all those years back and see what it was like. It really is very welll researched.
All the characters are well written, Brennan is a good solid detective, but it is I feel Constable Jaggery who steals the show and is becoming my favourite character of the series, not always the brightest, but a strong and decent man. In classic crime novel style, all the characters have motive and it was unclear right to the end who had done it and why, indeed I changed my mind a few times throughout the book.
The book itself has a good, easy pace to it and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical crime fiction and indeed those who live in or around, or have an interest in the area.
Even though it is part of a series the book can be read fine as a standalone.
Copy provided by the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.
January 28, 2018
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review, which follows.
I was contacted by the publisher because I am a fan of another mystery author and one of his series and was asked if I would be willing to try this book, which was similar. I applaud that kind of forward marketing, but I think it was a mistake targeting fans of that particular series because they are not actually similar. I approached this book with ideas and expectations that had to be changed midway, and thus began with a little bit of disappointment. This book's appeal hinges on its plot and the suspense and toys with the mystery and sensationalism of the spirit world. It also takes place in Victorian England, and makes use of specific lingo and jargon, and paints quite a vivid setting. However, I had been expecting a character-driven (instead of plot-driven), mid-century, American detective story, and while I enjoy books of both genre, it can be a bit jarring to expect one and find it's the other. In the end, I did like this book, but it never got to a point that wow-ed me and I never really cared for many of the characters. The mystery itself was fairly straight forward and I figured out one or two of the plot points toward the end, although I didn't foresee the big "whodunnit." However, although I did enjoy the book, I did not love it, and I did not particularly enjoy reading the digital version. I understand that is not the author/publisher's fault, but it also did detract from my overall enjoyment.
I was contacted by the publisher because I am a fan of another mystery author and one of his series and was asked if I would be willing to try this book, which was similar. I applaud that kind of forward marketing, but I think it was a mistake targeting fans of that particular series because they are not actually similar. I approached this book with ideas and expectations that had to be changed midway, and thus began with a little bit of disappointment. This book's appeal hinges on its plot and the suspense and toys with the mystery and sensationalism of the spirit world. It also takes place in Victorian England, and makes use of specific lingo and jargon, and paints quite a vivid setting. However, I had been expecting a character-driven (instead of plot-driven), mid-century, American detective story, and while I enjoy books of both genre, it can be a bit jarring to expect one and find it's the other. In the end, I did like this book, but it never got to a point that wow-ed me and I never really cared for many of the characters. The mystery itself was fairly straight forward and I figured out one or two of the plot points toward the end, although I didn't foresee the big "whodunnit." However, although I did enjoy the book, I did not love it, and I did not particularly enjoy reading the digital version. I understand that is not the author/publisher's fault, but it also did detract from my overall enjoyment.
December 5, 2017
This was an enjoyable book.
I like to occasionally dive into this victorian world, these old ways of investigations and different perceptions. The motives however never really change much.
Sittings, threatening letters and a dead body. That was an interesting combination, especially that there was no shortage of suspects. Practically characters involved in these settings had a very good motive for killing Doris Goodways and threatening her niece, Alice Goodways, the one in contact with the spirits.
The end kind of surprised me, i didn't really expect that. But what i liked most about the story is that it seemed like a study of various characters. Everyone of them had a story, a reason to seek this kind of contact with the spirits, and it was interesting the way these stories were told.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for this book in exchange of an honest review.
I like to occasionally dive into this victorian world, these old ways of investigations and different perceptions. The motives however never really change much.
Sittings, threatening letters and a dead body. That was an interesting combination, especially that there was no shortage of suspects. Practically characters involved in these settings had a very good motive for killing Doris Goodways and threatening her niece, Alice Goodways, the one in contact with the spirits.
The end kind of surprised me, i didn't really expect that. But what i liked most about the story is that it seemed like a study of various characters. Everyone of them had a story, a reason to seek this kind of contact with the spirits, and it was interesting the way these stories were told.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for this book in exchange of an honest review.
January 14, 2018
Sitting Murder is a competently written but somewhat lacklustre Victorian mystery. From the start you know that not all is kosher with Alice Goodway and her seances. She knows more than she otherwise should, but DS Michael Brennan does not believe in ghosts. When Goodway’s husband’s Aunt is murdered, he must unravel the threads of the past to find a clever and determined killer.
Conceptually the plot is acceptable. The problem is that the characters are difficult to empathize with. There is no one that is remotely interesting or in the least likable. Brennan seems to simply plod along. As an investigator he isn’t a compelling or unique figure. When you don’t care about the characters, you don’t care what happens.
On the whole, I can’t recommend Sitting Murder. There are many far better historical mysteries.
2 / 5
I received a copy of Sitting Murder from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
—Crittermom
Conceptually the plot is acceptable. The problem is that the characters are difficult to empathize with. There is no one that is remotely interesting or in the least likable. Brennan seems to simply plod along. As an investigator he isn’t a compelling or unique figure. When you don’t care about the characters, you don’t care what happens.
On the whole, I can’t recommend Sitting Murder. There are many far better historical mysteries.
2 / 5
I received a copy of Sitting Murder from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
—Crittermom
May 27, 2019
Firstly a special thank you to A.J. Wright, Netgalley and Endeavour Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
An enjoyable who-dun-it murder mystery set in Victorian England with a plot that was quite simple. I have not read any of the other books in the series, I did not have to worry as it worked as a standalone.
A young bereaved widow, Alice Goodway claims she can contact the spirits since her husband was killed in a pit explosion, several people have seen her to talk to there dear departed but when threatening letters start arriving and then her Aunt is found murdered in Alice's bed, but was she the intended victim or Alice, Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan has to work out who is the murderer before more people die.Although this is the forth book in a series and I haven't read any off the others but I thought it worked fine as a standalone novel.
An enjoyable who-dun-it murder mystery set in Victorian England with a plot that was quite simple. I have not read any of the other books in the series, I did not have to worry as it worked as a standalone.
A young bereaved widow, Alice Goodway claims she can contact the spirits since her husband was killed in a pit explosion, several people have seen her to talk to there dear departed but when threatening letters start arriving and then her Aunt is found murdered in Alice's bed, but was she the intended victim or Alice, Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan has to work out who is the murderer before more people die.Although this is the forth book in a series and I haven't read any off the others but I thought it worked fine as a standalone novel.
November 26, 2017
I'm always a sucker for a book with Spiritualism or mediums in it, which was the reason that I applied for and received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley (in exchange for an honest review.)
This book was pretty good, but not great. I haven't read any of the other books in this series. However, I would read them (the first in the series looks particularly interesting.)
The characters in this book were the best part of the book for me. The author seemed to put most of his energy in creating memorable personalities. I did like the detective, Sergeant Brennan, and also Constable Jaggery. The various inhabitants of the village in Wigan were interesting.
The plot was good, with many different suspects. The actual murderer was a little surprising. I did guess part of the culprits, but not all.
A lot of the book is dialogue in a Lancashire dialect, which was a little grating to my Californian ear. The vernacular use of the word "anyroad" instead of "anyhow" was used too much for my liking.
A fun read, if not one of the best books I've read this year.
This book was pretty good, but not great. I haven't read any of the other books in this series. However, I would read them (the first in the series looks particularly interesting.)
The characters in this book were the best part of the book for me. The author seemed to put most of his energy in creating memorable personalities. I did like the detective, Sergeant Brennan, and also Constable Jaggery. The various inhabitants of the village in Wigan were interesting.
The plot was good, with many different suspects. The actual murderer was a little surprising. I did guess part of the culprits, but not all.
A lot of the book is dialogue in a Lancashire dialect, which was a little grating to my Californian ear. The vernacular use of the word "anyroad" instead of "anyhow" was used too much for my liking.
A fun read, if not one of the best books I've read this year.
November 8, 2017
Alice Goodway has gained the gift to talk to the dead following her husband's death. She offers sittings to friends with the help of her husband's aunt who is then murdered. Sergeant Brennan is called in to find out who killed her. Threatening notes sent to Alice make it seem she's the next victim can the murderer be found before someone else dies.
This was a really good read and I didn't figure out who it was until right before the end. There are lots of brilliant twists that you don't see coming and Brennan is an interesting character. I loved constable Jaggery too.
The setting was brilliant and The attention to detail in descriptions of the surroundings was so well done. A Brilliant mystery.
This was a really good read and I didn't figure out who it was until right before the end. There are lots of brilliant twists that you don't see coming and Brennan is an interesting character. I loved constable Jaggery too.
The setting was brilliant and The attention to detail in descriptions of the surroundings was so well done. A Brilliant mystery.
September 14, 2018
Sitting Murder has been one of the best quick reads I've read this year. I loved everything about this story. It takes you back to the late 1800's England. It's a story of loss and how some deal with the fact of loss. Whether right or wrong we all have to deal with loss at one time in our lives.
This is a story of a young widowed woman and how she deals with the loss of her husband in a mining accident. After her husband is taken from her she starts being able to communicate with the dead. All of a sudden a person is murdered. And it's up to Detective Michael Brennan to figure out who could have done it.
This story has twists and turns throughout. Very well written.
This eBook was given to me by Netgalley for review.
This is a story of a young widowed woman and how she deals with the loss of her husband in a mining accident. After her husband is taken from her she starts being able to communicate with the dead. All of a sudden a person is murdered. And it's up to Detective Michael Brennan to figure out who could have done it.
This story has twists and turns throughout. Very well written.
This eBook was given to me by Netgalley for review.
September 23, 2019
Sitting Murder has been one of the best quick reads I've read this year. I loved everything about this story. It takes you back to the late 1800's England. It's a story of loss and how some deal with the fact of loss. Whether right or wrong we all have to deal with loss at one time in our lives.
This is a story of a young widowed woman and how she deals with the loss of her husband in a mining accident. After her husband is taken from her she starts being able to communicate with the dead. All of a sudden a person is murdered. And it's up to Detective Michael Brennan to figure out who could have done it.
This story has twists and turns throughout. Very well written.
This eBook was given to me by Netgalley for review.
This is a story of a young widowed woman and how she deals with the loss of her husband in a mining accident. After her husband is taken from her she starts being able to communicate with the dead. All of a sudden a person is murdered. And it's up to Detective Michael Brennan to figure out who could have done it.
This story has twists and turns throughout. Very well written.
This eBook was given to me by Netgalley for review.
December 14, 2017
An enjoyable whodunit murder mystery set in Victorian England, the plot was quite simple, A young bereaved widow, Alice Goodway claims she can contact the spirits since her husband was killed in a pit explosion, several people have seen her to talk to there dear departed but when threatening letters start arriving and then her Aunt is found murdered in Alice's bed, but was she the intended victim or Alice, Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan has to work out who is the murderer before more people die.Although this is the forth book in a series and I haven't read any off the others but I thought it worked fine as a standalone novel.
December 18, 2017
If Wilkie Collins and Agatha Christie had a literary baby it would be A.J. Wright. Sitting murder is a moody Victorian mystery steeped in intrigue, that leads the reader on a twisting trip the the foggy world of spiritualism, literally and figuratively. Just when you think you've figured it out, another layer is added to confuse the issue. While being a first rate mystery, it also give the reader a look at the world for women in Victorian times-which was harsh and left them with few options. I also would like to point out how much I enjoyed the character of Jaggerly-so not who you think he is at first meeting.
January 30, 2018
Sitting Murder was the first in the Lancashire Detective series that I have read. Usually, it ruffles my feathers to read a series out of order but I saw a copy of it on Netgalley and decided to give it a whirl. I have to say, I rather enjoyed it. The characters were well written and the vernacular was interesting. I saw the twist coming at the end, but still enjoyed the final reveal. I did take the star rating down from 4 to 3 because the story dragged in the middle. Over all I would recommend this book and will have to go back and start the series from book 1.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed.
September 3, 2018
I so love Victorian crime novels. And Sitting Murder is definitely one of my favourites. I realized this is the fourth book ín the series after I've started reading it but I thought I give it a try anyway. And I'm glad I did. The plot was interesting enough. Kept me guessing. DS Brennan is a capable police officer, hé has his wits about hím. Oh and I truly liked hís loyal constable, Constable Jaggery. The dialogues were believeble, easly to follow. I never would have guessed who the killer was. I will read
the other books by A.J. Write.
I received this Copy front Netgalley ín exchange for Anna honest rewiev.
the other books by A.J. Write.
I received this Copy front Netgalley ín exchange for Anna honest rewiev.
August 5, 2018
What an intriguing book about spiritualism and murder, set in Victorian Wigan, Detective Michael Brennan and the burly Constable Jaggery try to get to the truth of a recently widowed young women who receives psychic gifts, and holds sittings for a select few people, who are all suspects when she receives threatening letters and her aunt is murdered, this is a really enjoyable book set in 1894, which is so well written you can smell the fog and feel the poverty from the time of coal pits and cotton mills.
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