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Florence Nightingale Comedy Mystery #1
The Giggling Corpse
A trailblazing figure in nursing, Florence Nightingale faces a series of bizarre mysteries for which she must use her nimble deductive powers while aided by her little pocket owl, Athena, and her sweet but snarky sidekick, Poppy Throckmorten.
In this first book in the series, the ladies journey to Greece on a mission for young Queen Victoria, the successful completion of which will fund the Nightingale School for Lady Nurses—the first of its kind in England.
Armed only with her quick wit and a rock-hard India rubber ball, Poppy is determined to assist Florence in securing the donation promised by a wealthy Greek philanthropist. But before they can return to England, the gift is stolen and one member of their British contingent is dead—was it murder?
Can Florence and Poppy find a possible killer and recover the endowment before they must answer to the Queen? And what’s with the giggling corpse?
Join me as I start my latest series of tongue-in-cheek, fast-paced mysteries that see Poppy Throckmorten chronicle the adventures of the brilliant but eccentric sleuth, Miss Florence Nightingale.
In this first book in the series, the ladies journey to Greece on a mission for young Queen Victoria, the successful completion of which will fund the Nightingale School for Lady Nurses—the first of its kind in England.
Armed only with her quick wit and a rock-hard India rubber ball, Poppy is determined to assist Florence in securing the donation promised by a wealthy Greek philanthropist. But before they can return to England, the gift is stolen and one member of their British contingent is dead—was it murder?
Can Florence and Poppy find a possible killer and recover the endowment before they must answer to the Queen? And what’s with the giggling corpse?
Join me as I start my latest series of tongue-in-cheek, fast-paced mysteries that see Poppy Throckmorten chronicle the adventures of the brilliant but eccentric sleuth, Miss Florence Nightingale.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2018
91 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Silkstone
63 books312 followersBarbara Silkstone is the best-selling author of the Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider series that includes: Wendy and the Lost Boys, London Broil, Cairo Caper, Miami Mummies, Vulgarian Vamp, Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider Boxed Set. Her Criminally Funny Fables Romantic Suspense series includes: The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters; Wendy and the Lost Boys; Zo White and the Seven Morphs. For a squirt of paranormal comedy try: Cold Case Morphs. True fiction fan? Try: The Adventures of a Love Investigator.
New: Mister Darcy Series
Book One: Mister Darcy's Dogs
Book Two: Mister Darcy's Christmas
Book Three: Mister Darcy's Secret
Silkstone’s writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
New: Mister Darcy Series
Book One: Mister Darcy's Dogs
Book Two: Mister Darcy's Christmas
Book Three: Mister Darcy's Secret
Silkstone’s writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 15, 2019
I will admit that one of the things that drew me to obtain this book was the inclusion of an owl on the front cover. I love owls! And as one turns up as Florence Nightingale's pet I was further interested to know if this was a true fact or a made-up detail. The author does add notes about people and various facts at the end of the book so I was satisfied.
Written from the viewpoint of a friend, Poppy, we learn much about Florence but the story focuses on her desire to found a school to train lady nurses. The Queen calls both to the palace and informs them that she has been contacted by a man in Greece who wishes to endow Florence with enough money to set up her school. The various people who accompany the twosome (and Poppy's chaperone/
grandmother) are described for us and reasons are given as to why they are included: a doctor & his wife, a reporter, the Prime Minister, etc. Even some of the servant class are brought to our attention as Poppy pays mind to them. Ironically a man shows up as part of the retinue who claims to be her fiancé.
I am not going to go into all the details of the story as they blend together to come up with our "mystery". They are many and it is interesting to read of how clues are collected or how they turn up. I will add that it took a while for my interest to be engaged in this story. Pages were dedicated to laying the groundwork and history of the company. But it was interesting enough to keep me reading. There are further books in this series and, thus, it is no surprise that every thing was not brought to a conclusion.
This particular mystery was solved but there was a relationship which was left hanging as well as a question as to Poppy's future plans: will she become a nurse or marry as her parents insist?
Written from the viewpoint of a friend, Poppy, we learn much about Florence but the story focuses on her desire to found a school to train lady nurses. The Queen calls both to the palace and informs them that she has been contacted by a man in Greece who wishes to endow Florence with enough money to set up her school. The various people who accompany the twosome (and Poppy's chaperone/
grandmother) are described for us and reasons are given as to why they are included: a doctor & his wife, a reporter, the Prime Minister, etc. Even some of the servant class are brought to our attention as Poppy pays mind to them. Ironically a man shows up as part of the retinue who claims to be her fiancé.
I am not going to go into all the details of the story as they blend together to come up with our "mystery". They are many and it is interesting to read of how clues are collected or how they turn up. I will add that it took a while for my interest to be engaged in this story. Pages were dedicated to laying the groundwork and history of the company. But it was interesting enough to keep me reading. There are further books in this series and, thus, it is no surprise that every thing was not brought to a conclusion.
This particular mystery was solved but there was a relationship which was left hanging as well as a question as to Poppy's future plans: will she become a nurse or marry as her parents insist?
September 12, 2021
Miss Poppy Throckmorton first met Florence Nightingale, a girl a year older than herself, when the future nurse treated Poppy's younger brother's broken arm. Since then, Poppy has hero worshipped Florence and become an ally and friend to the budding nurse in spite of opposition from both their families. Poppy dreams of some day becoming a writer, writing a biography of her one day famous friend. She also dreams of life beyond marriage and babies with her awful neighbor (NO NO NEVER! to babies! EWW!!!) Her chance comes sooner than she thinks when Florence is summoned by the new young Queen Victoria. The two young women, along with Poppy's grandmother, are invited by the young queen to be a part of a special mission. The queen has found a way around the male prohibition of using official funds to found a nursing school for young ladies. She's sending Florence with Prime Minister Lord Melbourne to accept a huge donation from a philanthropist in Greece and Poppy and Granny are invited to tag along! Poppy feels awkward at court but attention from a handsome footman makes the visit worthwhile and then there's the journey to look forward to! Unfortunately the ladies are accompanied by a male chauvinist doctor and his wife and joined by a nosy tabloid journalist and - the horrors-Poppy's NOT NO NEVER NOT intended husband! While in Greece, they're treated to a lavish meal and a wild tale which brings about a donation they never expected. This surprising donation causes murder and mayhem! Can the observant nurse-in-training and her friend solve the mysteries and make Miss Nightingale's dream come true?
This is a fun, light mystery. It's historical in the sense that it's set in the early days of Queen Victoria's reign and deals with the sexism women who sought careers over marriage faced. While the story is populated by real people, they are used fictitiously. I can be nitpicky and I am. Some of Poppy's references are anachronistic- bicycles don't even exist yet let alone one with breaks, the first penguin seen in Britain was on display at the London Zoo some decades later and I don't think Poppy, who has never left Derbyshire until now, would know what a walking walrus looks like. I did enjoy the story very much though because none of those details impact the story. The only big thing I noted was the Duke of Cumberland's machinations against his niece. Yes he's used in the TV show Victoria in the same way but he went off to Hanover and didn't often visit England. He did give his niece a hard time when he did visit. Whatever. It's obvious all the real people are just fictional characters given the names and basic backgrounds of real people. I can accept that because the story was intended to be light and fun.
The writing style is decent. The plot moves quickly even though the mystery doesn't start until late in the story. I got caught up in the mystery and never guessed the villain's identity. I was really surprised by all the revelations. There really weren't any clues that led up to that. I did guess where the missing object was, however. I liked the way the author incorporated the sexist attitudes of the day and how she shows how ignorant girls were about their reproductive health (even the queen! Hence 9 children). Poppy learns on the sly and vows never ever to have babies. That's insanely hard to do unless she remains unwed and chaste and doesn't yield to her mother's pressure. It keeps the story from being too light and absurd.
I love Poppy! I agree with her thoughts on marriage and motherhood, especially to rotten boys one has known all one's life. She's smart, spunky and eager to learn. Poppy wants a CAREER and I can relate to that. Poppy isn't perfect. She's klutzy and often awkward. She says whatever pops into her head and it's often awkward, making her cringe. She has a big heart though and is very loyal to her friends. Florence Nightingale, as she exists here, is still a very young lady. She comes from a good but eccentric family near Poppy's father's estate. The latest eccentric of an already eccentric family, Florence Nightingale knows what she wants even though she's in her teens. She dreams of becoming a nurse and helping heal people. I'd say shoot for the stars and become a doctor but in England that wasn't possible yet. Florence is dedicated to healing the natural way with calming words, hands and natural relief. No opiates or heroin or cocaine for her. (Yes those things were legal in the Victorian era but I'm not sure they existed just yet). She's serious about her vocation and a serious person in general. She's very poised and confident for someone so young. Her compassion extends to animals as well as humans and I appreciate that a lot. Poppy's Granny is a hoot. She's lively, energetic and flirtatious. Granny is game for an adventure, especially one involving the handsome Lord Melbourne.
Queen Victoria is still just an unmarried girl here, new to the throne. She's smart enough to know how to deal with the men in parliament and find workarounds to her problems. I love that about her and I think she gets a bad reputation because everyone knows her as the dour dowager. Here she's kind, friendly and enjoys the companionship of girls her own age. She feels confined by the stuff court rules and sends the other ladies on an adventure she isn't able to take. Lord Melbourne is the kindly uncle figure to Poppy and Florence. I think this author has seen Victoria though.
One member of their entourage is Dr. Carbuncle. A quack if I've ever seen one. Granted, medical science wasn't all that scientific in the 183os but still, he believes in MESMERMISM which sounds shady to me. He does not believe in women's rights or equality and treats his wife horrendously. She becomes ill on the journey and he isn't kind or sympathetic. The two are constantly fighting with one another. Their marriage is clearly not a good one. There's also Roger Broadribbs, Poppy's neighbor in Derbyshire. Roger is AWFUL! He thinks Poppy belongs to him because their mothers hope for a match. He's actually Mrs. T's backup plan in case Poppy fails to find a suitable husband on her own. Roger is revolting. He acts more like a spoiled boy whose favorite toy is going away. He has no interest in getting to know Poppy, discover her hopes and dreams or support her in any way. He's just there to be proprietary and lied to get there. UGH! Then there's the handsome footman, Moon. He's super flirtatious and amorous towards Poppy. I don't like this. A good servant knows his or her place and would never do such a thing, especially not a servant of the Queen. I don't trust Moon. Then there's James Olsen, a reporter for the London Times. He's a tabloid journalist eager for a good story. He tries underhanded methods to get what he wants but the young ladies are too smart for him!
The young ladies are off to see Mr. George Averoff of Greece who has promised to provide funding for a school of nursing for women. When they finally meet him, he's kind, an incredible host and fun loving. However, his eagerness to please may be his downfall! By the end of the book I had serious misgivings about him. Like Poppy, I liked him so much and hoped he wasn't a villain. If he changed his mind, why wouldn't he just say so?
This story was so much fun I already downloaded the next one!
This is a fun, light mystery. It's historical in the sense that it's set in the early days of Queen Victoria's reign and deals with the sexism women who sought careers over marriage faced. While the story is populated by real people, they are used fictitiously. I can be nitpicky and I am. Some of Poppy's references are anachronistic- bicycles don't even exist yet let alone one with breaks, the first penguin seen in Britain was on display at the London Zoo some decades later and I don't think Poppy, who has never left Derbyshire until now, would know what a walking walrus looks like. I did enjoy the story very much though because none of those details impact the story. The only big thing I noted was the Duke of Cumberland's machinations against his niece. Yes he's used in the TV show Victoria in the same way but he went off to Hanover and didn't often visit England. He did give his niece a hard time when he did visit. Whatever. It's obvious all the real people are just fictional characters given the names and basic backgrounds of real people. I can accept that because the story was intended to be light and fun.
The writing style is decent. The plot moves quickly even though the mystery doesn't start until late in the story. I got caught up in the mystery and never guessed the villain's identity. I was really surprised by all the revelations. There really weren't any clues that led up to that. I did guess where the missing object was, however. I liked the way the author incorporated the sexist attitudes of the day and how she shows how ignorant girls were about their reproductive health (even the queen! Hence 9 children). Poppy learns on the sly and vows never ever to have babies. That's insanely hard to do unless she remains unwed and chaste and doesn't yield to her mother's pressure. It keeps the story from being too light and absurd.
I love Poppy! I agree with her thoughts on marriage and motherhood, especially to rotten boys one has known all one's life. She's smart, spunky and eager to learn. Poppy wants a CAREER and I can relate to that. Poppy isn't perfect. She's klutzy and often awkward. She says whatever pops into her head and it's often awkward, making her cringe. She has a big heart though and is very loyal to her friends. Florence Nightingale, as she exists here, is still a very young lady. She comes from a good but eccentric family near Poppy's father's estate. The latest eccentric of an already eccentric family, Florence Nightingale knows what she wants even though she's in her teens. She dreams of becoming a nurse and helping heal people. I'd say shoot for the stars and become a doctor but in England that wasn't possible yet. Florence is dedicated to healing the natural way with calming words, hands and natural relief. No opiates or heroin or cocaine for her. (Yes those things were legal in the Victorian era but I'm not sure they existed just yet). She's serious about her vocation and a serious person in general. She's very poised and confident for someone so young. Her compassion extends to animals as well as humans and I appreciate that a lot. Poppy's Granny is a hoot. She's lively, energetic and flirtatious. Granny is game for an adventure, especially one involving the handsome Lord Melbourne.
Queen Victoria is still just an unmarried girl here, new to the throne. She's smart enough to know how to deal with the men in parliament and find workarounds to her problems. I love that about her and I think she gets a bad reputation because everyone knows her as the dour dowager. Here she's kind, friendly and enjoys the companionship of girls her own age. She feels confined by the stuff court rules and sends the other ladies on an adventure she isn't able to take. Lord Melbourne is the kindly uncle figure to Poppy and Florence. I think this author has seen Victoria though.
One member of their entourage is Dr. Carbuncle. A quack if I've ever seen one. Granted, medical science wasn't all that scientific in the 183os but still, he believes in MESMERMISM which sounds shady to me. He does not believe in women's rights or equality and treats his wife horrendously. She becomes ill on the journey and he isn't kind or sympathetic. The two are constantly fighting with one another. Their marriage is clearly not a good one. There's also Roger Broadribbs, Poppy's neighbor in Derbyshire. Roger is AWFUL! He thinks Poppy belongs to him because their mothers hope for a match. He's actually Mrs. T's backup plan in case Poppy fails to find a suitable husband on her own. Roger is revolting. He acts more like a spoiled boy whose favorite toy is going away. He has no interest in getting to know Poppy, discover her hopes and dreams or support her in any way. He's just there to be proprietary and lied to get there. UGH! Then there's the handsome footman, Moon. He's super flirtatious and amorous towards Poppy. I don't like this. A good servant knows his or her place and would never do such a thing, especially not a servant of the Queen. I don't trust Moon. Then there's James Olsen, a reporter for the London Times. He's a tabloid journalist eager for a good story. He tries underhanded methods to get what he wants but the young ladies are too smart for him!
The young ladies are off to see Mr. George Averoff of Greece who has promised to provide funding for a school of nursing for women. When they finally meet him, he's kind, an incredible host and fun loving. However, his eagerness to please may be his downfall! By the end of the book I had serious misgivings about him. Like Poppy, I liked him so much and hoped he wasn't a villain. If he changed his mind, why wouldn't he just say so?
This story was so much fun I already downloaded the next one!
June 7, 2018
The Giggling Corpse by Barbara Silkstone
Florence Nightingale is a mere nineteen-years-old when she is summoned for attendance with Queen Victoria. This story is told through Poppy Throckmorten, a friend/attendant who has aspirations of being a writer. She has been keeping a journal of Florence’s ministrations with the sick and injured since the day they met. Poppy is sixteen, she admires Florence’s independence, straight-forwardness, and self-confidence. She aspires to have the same qualities, however, she’s snarky and says things before thinking. She is also a bit of a klutz when she gets nervous. Florence chooses Poppy to go with her to see the Queen. Poppy’s mother insists that grandmother, Alice Throckmorten, chaperone the young ladies.
The story is well researched and planned out with fully developed characters. As the adventure begins several secondary characters are introduced and Florence shows off some of her deductive reasoning skills. There is a nice pace and it doesn’t take long for twists in the plot to start and they just keep coming. The evening they reach their destination the mystery materializes or dematerializes in this case. Can Florence use her analytical and deductive powers to solve the mystery and can Poppy keep up with her without tripping? Or falling in lust/love with a certain queen’s footman? Because baby-making is eeewwww and not in her future!
I think “The Giggling Corpse” is a perfect start for this new series. Florence and Poppy make a good pair, and play off each other well. I seriously don’t think this will be the last we see of Roger Broadribbs, Poppy’s self-appointed bodyguard from back home. I can’t wait to see where Ms. Silkstone takes Florence and Poppy next. This is a nice cozy mystery with tongue-in-cheek humor. I also want to mention the historical notations after the story where the author got inspiration for some of her characters.
FYI: “The Giggling Corpse” is book 1 of Barbara Silkstone’s, Florence Nightingale Comedy Mystery Series. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. May 25, 2018
Format/Typo Issues: No significant proofing issues.
Florence Nightingale is a mere nineteen-years-old when she is summoned for attendance with Queen Victoria. This story is told through Poppy Throckmorten, a friend/attendant who has aspirations of being a writer. She has been keeping a journal of Florence’s ministrations with the sick and injured since the day they met. Poppy is sixteen, she admires Florence’s independence, straight-forwardness, and self-confidence. She aspires to have the same qualities, however, she’s snarky and says things before thinking. She is also a bit of a klutz when she gets nervous. Florence chooses Poppy to go with her to see the Queen. Poppy’s mother insists that grandmother, Alice Throckmorten, chaperone the young ladies.
The story is well researched and planned out with fully developed characters. As the adventure begins several secondary characters are introduced and Florence shows off some of her deductive reasoning skills. There is a nice pace and it doesn’t take long for twists in the plot to start and they just keep coming. The evening they reach their destination the mystery materializes or dematerializes in this case. Can Florence use her analytical and deductive powers to solve the mystery and can Poppy keep up with her without tripping? Or falling in lust/love with a certain queen’s footman? Because baby-making is eeewwww and not in her future!
I think “The Giggling Corpse” is a perfect start for this new series. Florence and Poppy make a good pair, and play off each other well. I seriously don’t think this will be the last we see of Roger Broadribbs, Poppy’s self-appointed bodyguard from back home. I can’t wait to see where Ms. Silkstone takes Florence and Poppy next. This is a nice cozy mystery with tongue-in-cheek humor. I also want to mention the historical notations after the story where the author got inspiration for some of her characters.
FYI: “The Giggling Corpse” is book 1 of Barbara Silkstone’s, Florence Nightingale Comedy Mystery Series. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. May 25, 2018
Format/Typo Issues: No significant proofing issues.
July 7, 2020
What a wonderful, sweet, clean, humorous, well-written and fast-paced story! I absolutely loved every page and hope to read the next in the series.
In 1939 Derbyshire, little 16-year-old Poppy accompanies 19-year-old Florence Nightingale to London after a summons from young Queen Victoria. The Queen sends the two young ladies (with an entourage) to Greece to receive a gift from a philanthropic businessman who wants to help Florence establish a school for nurses. In Athens, they encounter a theft and a murder.
Roger and I had been playmates since we were in nappies, and it was no secret we had been considered potential second choice mates—if we failed to marry up, we could always marry sideways. Throckmorten to Broadribbs. Bishop takes rook. Marriage to Roger held an appeal on the same level as eating worms, which was something he delighted in taunting me with. “When we are married, you shall have to obey me,” he would say, dangling a worm in front of my nose. “And as your husband, I shall command you to eat a worm every day.”
Truth to tell, I was a piece of fluff trying to become a quilt.
My stomach churned at the sounds and smells; I had not learned to control myself in the presence of vomit. My dear mentor had vowed to give me lessons in the management of sympathetic whoopsies—another reason I had gravitated towards being a writer rather than a nurse.
In 1939 Derbyshire, little 16-year-old Poppy accompanies 19-year-old Florence Nightingale to London after a summons from young Queen Victoria. The Queen sends the two young ladies (with an entourage) to Greece to receive a gift from a philanthropic businessman who wants to help Florence establish a school for nurses. In Athens, they encounter a theft and a murder.
Roger and I had been playmates since we were in nappies, and it was no secret we had been considered potential second choice mates—if we failed to marry up, we could always marry sideways. Throckmorten to Broadribbs. Bishop takes rook. Marriage to Roger held an appeal on the same level as eating worms, which was something he delighted in taunting me with. “When we are married, you shall have to obey me,” he would say, dangling a worm in front of my nose. “And as your husband, I shall command you to eat a worm every day.”
Truth to tell, I was a piece of fluff trying to become a quilt.
My stomach churned at the sounds and smells; I had not learned to control myself in the presence of vomit. My dear mentor had vowed to give me lessons in the management of sympathetic whoopsies—another reason I had gravitated towards being a writer rather than a nurse.
June 8, 2018
What a fun read! When I first heard the premise - Florence Nightingale as sleuth - I just had to read it and the author kindly gifted me an advance reader copy. I was not disappointed. The plucky narrator Poppy Throckmorten is delightful, very much a young rebellious woman of her day, enamored with her heroine, Miss Nightingale. Her efforts to thwart the attentions of her would-be-suitor Roger Broadribbs are hilarious, as are her clumsiness and silliness, which make her an endearing character. Their travels to Greece are fascinating, well written and descriptive, and I felt like I traveled alongside them. The characters are diverse and full of life, especially the Carbuncles, and of course Florence, who is portrayed as a genius, a woman trapped by her gender and its norms, who refuses to remain boxed. It was an interesting who-done-it. Highly recommended. Looking forward to Books 2 and 3.
October 8, 2024
I searched high and low for a copy of Barbara Silkstone’s “The Giggling Corpse,” and it was worth every bit of the hunt! Initially drawn by the burrowing owl on the cover, I was less concerned about what awaited within; however, I am pleased to report the inside delighted me just as much as the outside! (Take that, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” stans.)
I am not a frequent consumer of whodunits but easily devoured this mystery in one day—constantly turning pages as Silkstone masterfully orchestrated a quirky mystery. I very much enjoyed the protagonist’s wit and relatable mannerisms as well as the involvement of Athena the Owl.
Despite being out of print, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries that still deliver a satisfying puzzle. Now, I’m on the lookout for the two sequels—hit me up if you know where to find them!
I am not a frequent consumer of whodunits but easily devoured this mystery in one day—constantly turning pages as Silkstone masterfully orchestrated a quirky mystery. I very much enjoyed the protagonist’s wit and relatable mannerisms as well as the involvement of Athena the Owl.
Despite being out of print, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries that still deliver a satisfying puzzle. Now, I’m on the lookout for the two sequels—hit me up if you know where to find them!
May 9, 2018
The Giggling Corpse is the first book in the Florence Nightingale Comedy Mystery series by Barbara Silkstone. It takes place in England 1839. At the center of this story is, of course, Florence Nightingale. Her side kick/assistant is Poppy Throckmorten. Florence and Poppy travel to Buckingham Palace to see Queen Victoria. She sends them to Greece to see a Mr. Averoff and receive an endowment to be used to build a school for nurses. And thus the adventure begins. At 181 pages long, this book can easily be read in one sitting. I like reading mysteries and I enjoyed this one. It had interesting characters any of whom could "have done it".
July 11, 2020
Florence Nightingale
I enjoyed this novel. It moved along quickly and was easy to read. Poppy was a pleasant addition as well as her grandmother....I'm thinking this was more about Poppy with a dash of Nightingale thrown into the mix. A good, light clean read. The only complaint I have is the narration, which has absolutely nothing to do with the content of the book. I read about 60% and then decided to turn the Audible on while I was doing my nails. The narration sounded like a robocall robot. But this is not the author's fault. I will read/listen to more in the series.
I enjoyed this novel. It moved along quickly and was easy to read. Poppy was a pleasant addition as well as her grandmother....I'm thinking this was more about Poppy with a dash of Nightingale thrown into the mix. A good, light clean read. The only complaint I have is the narration, which has absolutely nothing to do with the content of the book. I read about 60% and then decided to turn the Audible on while I was doing my nails. The narration sounded like a robocall robot. But this is not the author's fault. I will read/listen to more in the series.
April 5, 2019
I got so interested in the characters and the events, I wound up looking them up to find out more about them. The author did a great job of researching the times and characters and I got so hooked I needed to know more. I liked the idea of Poppy keeping notes while also being Florence’s assistant. Great adventures in this book and ahead for these two. Good mystery with some twists I didn’t see coming. Fun addition of Athena. She’s in for some interesting adventures.
July 25, 2018
A Very Fun Read
I have to admit that it took me a bit to get into this book.thankfully, I continued reading after the first third was complete, as the set up wasn’t as fun as the last two thirds. Outstanding who done it.
I have to admit that it took me a bit to get into this book.thankfully, I continued reading after the first third was complete, as the set up wasn’t as fun as the last two thirds. Outstanding who done it.
April 6, 2019
A young Florence Nightingale with her friend Poppy Throckmorten are sent by Queen Victoria to collect a gift from a Mr Averoff in Athens which will fund a nursing school in England.
An enjoyable quick read
An enjoyable quick read
April 20, 2019
Florence Nightingale as a Detective
Fun mystery with Florence N as the sleuth! Great role model for women! Not sure if her personality is similar to the real FN but interesting anyways. Easy but suspenseful read.
Fun mystery with Florence N as the sleuth! Great role model for women! Not sure if her personality is similar to the real FN but interesting anyways. Easy but suspenseful read.
May 8, 2019
A fun take on history
There are enough suspects to keep you guessing, and enough history to make you want to read about the actual people and events, which the author does for you. Thanks
There are enough suspects to keep you guessing, and enough history to make you want to read about the actual people and events, which the author does for you. Thanks
July 7, 2020
I never would have guessed!
This book was very well written. It held my interest throughout as I was truly interested in the beginnings of the nursing world. I will follow the series. I know this isn’t much but you gotta read it for yourselves!!
This book was very well written. It held my interest throughout as I was truly interested in the beginnings of the nursing world. I will follow the series. I know this isn’t much but you gotta read it for yourselves!!
July 28, 2020
A great mix.....
....of fact and fiction. When the characters are real historic figures, it is always fun to imagine how they could be developed, and how they might react in fictionalized situations. A satisfying read.
....of fact and fiction. When the characters are real historic figures, it is always fun to imagine how they could be developed, and how they might react in fictionalized situations. A satisfying read.
September 10, 2018
Funny and with clever wit.
Keeps your attention with fast scene changes that keep you informed and guessing. Love the blending of humour and suspense.
Keeps your attention with fast scene changes that keep you informed and guessing. Love the blending of humour and suspense.
May 3, 2019
I had never read a historical cozy, now I’m hooked. Awesome characters and the story just drew me in! Don’t pass this up !
June 26, 2020
Promising
Whilst the tale was a little implausible, that was unimportant the characters carried the narrative which was gentle but we'll paced.
Will read more in the series.
Whilst the tale was a little implausible, that was unimportant the characters carried the narrative which was gentle but we'll paced.
Will read more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews