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The Violet Carlyle Mysteries #1
Murder & The Heir
Christmas 1922.
Violet Carlyle--along with a slew of relatives--is called to spend the holidays with their aunt, Agatha Davies. The intransigent woman has spent the majority of her life squirreling away money and alienating her family.
It's hardly the first time Vi has spent the holidays with her aunt. She and her twin intend to do what they always do. Enjoy Aunt Aggie’s luxuries while ignoring the histrionics of the family trying to worm their way into the will.
Only this time, Aunt Aggie claims someone is trying to kill her. But how can that be true? Before Vi can find the killer, Aunt Aggie dies. Since Agatha never named an heir, why would anyone want to kill her?
To her shock, Vi finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation where she and her family are the suspects. Just who murdered Aunt Agatha? And why? Will they be able to find the killer before someone else dies?
Book ONE in The Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? For a spunky young woman determined to craft her own life? If so, you’ll love Vi, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. You might even find your imagination caught by Chief Inspector Jack Wakefield. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, and Lee Strauss.
A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
The Violet Carlyle Mysteries
Book 1: Murder & the Heir
Book 2: Kennington House Murder
Book 3: Murder & The Folly
Book 4: A Merry Little Murder (coming November 2018)
Book 5: Murder Among the Roses (coming December 2018)
Book 6: Murder in the Shallows (coming January 2019)
Violet Carlyle--along with a slew of relatives--is called to spend the holidays with their aunt, Agatha Davies. The intransigent woman has spent the majority of her life squirreling away money and alienating her family.
It's hardly the first time Vi has spent the holidays with her aunt. She and her twin intend to do what they always do. Enjoy Aunt Aggie’s luxuries while ignoring the histrionics of the family trying to worm their way into the will.
Only this time, Aunt Aggie claims someone is trying to kill her. But how can that be true? Before Vi can find the killer, Aunt Aggie dies. Since Agatha never named an heir, why would anyone want to kill her?
To her shock, Vi finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation where she and her family are the suspects. Just who murdered Aunt Agatha? And why? Will they be able to find the killer before someone else dies?
Book ONE in The Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? For a spunky young woman determined to craft her own life? If so, you’ll love Vi, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. You might even find your imagination caught by Chief Inspector Jack Wakefield. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, and Lee Strauss.
A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
The Violet Carlyle Mysteries
Book 1: Murder & the Heir
Book 2: Kennington House Murder
Book 3: Murder & The Folly
Book 4: A Merry Little Murder (coming November 2018)
Book 5: Murder Among the Roses (coming December 2018)
Book 6: Murder in the Shallows (coming January 2019)
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2018
2091 people are currently reading
1488 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
June 21, 2023
It would be easy to dismiss this book as a cliché storm, but I had a great time reading it. The characters were lively and practically jumped off the page and the atmosphere was stylish and glamorous, definitely befitting the time period. Besides, it’s always nice when the main character is also the scene-stealer.
She's got big thoughts, big dreams
And a big brown Mercedes sedan
She's got big thoughts, big dreams
And a big brown Mercedes sedan
January 22, 2020
The plot itself is nothing special, but it might be useable if not for the completely unedited writing style, which appears to have been thrashed onto the page as quickly as possible. There are constant repetitions, particularly of "I-" (mysteriously, the heroine's friends and twin constantly understand her inability to express herself), the word "green" to refer to money, which is an Americanism and thus meaningless in the quaint English countryside, where the money was not, in fact, green. Also, the heroine constantly harps on n her asides about how the hulking great police inspector makes her feel tiny and feminine, which rather negates a vital plot point that she is supposedly a modern woman with little interest in matrimony.
The language was very jarring and it's obvious it is written by an American with no logical grasp of British-isms. No titled aristocrat would be referred to without their title by a maid. Also, "luv" would not even be used ironically by anyone with a title.
It appears the author began writing and just made things up as they went along, so I presume not even the author knew who the killer was until they (thankfully) needed to end the book.
At first I was deeply concerned this book was published in it's current form, but a little poking reveals that these books are likely self published. Perhaps the author should look into making acquaintance with a proof reader familiar with British language at the very least, if they aren't willing to do historical research themselves. Or just quit "historical" mysteries and write about something they know.
The language was very jarring and it's obvious it is written by an American with no logical grasp of British-isms. No titled aristocrat would be referred to without their title by a maid. Also, "luv" would not even be used ironically by anyone with a title.
It appears the author began writing and just made things up as they went along, so I presume not even the author knew who the killer was until they (thankfully) needed to end the book.
At first I was deeply concerned this book was published in it's current form, but a little poking reveals that these books are likely self published. Perhaps the author should look into making acquaintance with a proof reader familiar with British language at the very least, if they aren't willing to do historical research themselves. Or just quit "historical" mysteries and write about something they know.
November 15, 2020
I found Murder & The Heir by Beth Byers to be an enjoyable escape for a few hours. I like Violet, Victor, Lila, Denny and Jack. All but Jack are what were called "bright young things" in this era with too much money and too little to occupy their time. Violet is so much more than that but she plays the part well. Her aunt's death brings Violet into a world of grief and she is determined to solve the murder.
March 15, 2022
This book was a miss for me. The premise was pretty basic and unfortunately so was the writing. It was all a bit melodramatic, and I didn't find the characters all that interesting or developed. Lots of editing mistakes and repetition of phrases, information, etc. Also, so many of the "British-isms" were cringey or not even British-isms at all...
The last 20% or so of the book was definitely better as they were trying to actually solve the murder, but I can't say I'll be continuing with this series.
The last 20% or so of the book was definitely better as they were trying to actually solve the murder, but I can't say I'll be continuing with this series.
flipped-to-the-end
November 18, 2018Didn't work for me. Murderer was telegraphed a little too clearly at their introduction. Main character a little too virtuous compared to everyone else. Love interest off-putting.
Also some odd uses of language. Never encountered "her gaze widened" before. Occasionally tripping up on stuff like that took me out of the story.
Also some odd uses of language. Never encountered "her gaze widened" before. Occasionally tripping up on stuff like that took me out of the story.
April 5, 2022
3.5 Stars
rounded up to 4 Stars.
May 27, 2020
Violet and Victor Carlyle have been summoned to visit their Aunt Agatha, along with a host of cousins they haven't seen in ages or want to see. While they always spend Christmas with Aunt Agatha and have been happy to since their mother died when they were five, this time is different. They bring along friendly reinforcements to deal with their ghastly cousins and their friends. The visit turns out to be in honor of the reading of Aunt Agatha's new will. Who will inherit? It seems someone doesn't want the will read. Aunt Agatha is convinced someone is trying to murder her. Vi and Vic turn out to be the chief suspects because they possibly stand to inherit the most. The irony is that neither wants the money nor needs it. Vi is especially horrified that someone is trying to kill her beloved mother-figure for money. She's determined to clear their names and find out which one of the other cousins wants Aunt Agatha dead. First she has to deal with her cousin Algie's unpleasant friend Theo, then she has to tangle with a handsome Scotland Yard detective, son of one of Aunt Agatha's old friends. He suspects Vi is willing to lie for Vic because they're twins but Vi knows in her heart her brother would NEVER do such a thing! How can she prove to Jack Wakefield the Carlyle twins are not murderers?
I really enjoyed this mystery and the characters. The plot is fast paced and the writing is really good. The author captures the voice of the bright young things of the 1920s without being over-the-top obnoxious about it. It's enough to know these people are young, rich and silly. I didn't guess which one did it until just about the same moment Vi did. I didn't want it to be any of them except Algernon and/or Uncle Kingsley. Algernon grew on me. He's not too intelligent and he's bullied by his father so he's never made a decision for himself. Algie doesn't have an original thought in his head. His friend Theodophilus was my top choice for murderer. With friends like that who needs enemies? He is supremely nasty.
I could really relate to Vi and her feelings of not wanting to be stuck in a traditionally feminine role. I like how she's willing to get a job (and has one, as a secret writer of gothic adventure stories) to support her lifestyle if she has to. Even though she has a standing offer of marriage from her brother's wealthy friend Tomas, Vi would rather be an independent spinster than marry without true affection. To her, Aunt Agatha is more important. I really felt her anguish at being a suspect. I could feel her love and admiration for her aunt coming through. I did not like the romance subplot. It's almost instalove which I do not like and I can't believe that a smart, independent woman would go weak in the knees over a man who makes her feel small and womanly. Yuck. I, too, liked Aunt Agatha enormously. As a widow, as a woman, she spent What about her adventures? What about how she’d married, lost her husband, and spent the forty years investing and growing her late husband's respectable income into a fortune! This was in a time when women were brought up to be ornaments to society. She was intelligent, feisty and loving. I was as gutted as Vi at the events that transpire.
Vic is a little less likable. He's handsome, charming, not too bright, not too stupid. He enjoys drinking and smoking cigars. He writes stories with his sister but that's about the extent he rouses himself to do anything other than party unless his family is threatened. He truly loves his twin sister and is happy to share his life with her. He's generous to his friends and dangerous to his enemies. Coming to blows with Theo is justified, in my opinion, in this instance. How else to make that "blighter" understand he can't get away with what he did? It's not like Violet can go to the police. They'd say he didn't do anything and she was fine. They'd side with Theo.
The other cousins include Meredith, a young widow without a home or money of her own. I had a lot of sympathy for her. I could be her. I will be her. Yes, as a child, I would side with Vi and Vic that she was a horrible goody-goody but they should be kinder and have more empathy for her now. I think Vi does but she doesn't understand Meredith's reluctance to get a job. I understand why Meredith doesn't want to but it's better than her current situation, which to me, would be a fate worse than death. The other cousin visiting is not really a cousin but Aunt Agatha's late husband's nephew, John Davies. He keeps himself to himself. He's not rich, not poor, is a war veteran and very enigmatic. I don't want him to be a murderer though because he seems nice enough.
Vi's old school chums Lila and Gwennie come along as moral support. I could seriously do without Gwennie's travel sickness. I also am not crazy about her batting her eyelashes and having men fall at her feet. Still, she's very sweet, kind and open. Lila doesn't have much personality. She's madly in love with her husband Denny and that's about it. Finally, we have the Wakefields. James Wakefield is an old friend of Aunt Agatha's. No one's ever heard of him but he seems to know her well and cares for her. He's a very nice gentleman. His son, Jack, is tough. He's an Inspector and as a policeman, he trusts evidence and facts, not feelings and pleas from pretty girls. I think he's too hard on Vi. It's obvious she loves Aunt Agatha very much. He's too hard for my personal tastes. I don't see Vi falling in love with him that fast and really wish there wasn't a romance plot.
I already started the second book in the series! I am eager to see Vi team up with Ginger Gold but that may have to wait a bit.
I really enjoyed this mystery and the characters. The plot is fast paced and the writing is really good. The author captures the voice of the bright young things of the 1920s without being over-the-top obnoxious about it. It's enough to know these people are young, rich and silly. I didn't guess which one did it until just about the same moment Vi did. I didn't want it to be any of them except Algernon and/or Uncle Kingsley. Algernon grew on me. He's not too intelligent and he's bullied by his father so he's never made a decision for himself. Algie doesn't have an original thought in his head. His friend Theodophilus was my top choice for murderer. With friends like that who needs enemies? He is supremely nasty.
I could really relate to Vi and her feelings of not wanting to be stuck in a traditionally feminine role. I like how she's willing to get a job (and has one, as a secret writer of gothic adventure stories) to support her lifestyle if she has to. Even though she has a standing offer of marriage from her brother's wealthy friend Tomas, Vi would rather be an independent spinster than marry without true affection. To her, Aunt Agatha is more important. I really felt her anguish at being a suspect. I could feel her love and admiration for her aunt coming through. I did not like the romance subplot. It's almost instalove which I do not like and I can't believe that a smart, independent woman would go weak in the knees over a man who makes her feel small and womanly. Yuck. I, too, liked Aunt Agatha enormously. As a widow, as a woman, she spent What about her adventures? What about how she’d married, lost her husband, and spent the forty years investing and growing her late husband's respectable income into a fortune! This was in a time when women were brought up to be ornaments to society. She was intelligent, feisty and loving. I was as gutted as Vi at the events that transpire.
Vic is a little less likable. He's handsome, charming, not too bright, not too stupid. He enjoys drinking and smoking cigars. He writes stories with his sister but that's about the extent he rouses himself to do anything other than party unless his family is threatened. He truly loves his twin sister and is happy to share his life with her. He's generous to his friends and dangerous to his enemies. Coming to blows with Theo is justified, in my opinion, in this instance. How else to make that "blighter" understand he can't get away with what he did? It's not like Violet can go to the police. They'd say he didn't do anything and she was fine. They'd side with Theo.
The other cousins include Meredith, a young widow without a home or money of her own. I had a lot of sympathy for her. I could be her. I will be her. Yes, as a child, I would side with Vi and Vic that she was a horrible goody-goody but they should be kinder and have more empathy for her now. I think Vi does but she doesn't understand Meredith's reluctance to get a job. I understand why Meredith doesn't want to but it's better than her current situation, which to me, would be a fate worse than death. The other cousin visiting is not really a cousin but Aunt Agatha's late husband's nephew, John Davies. He keeps himself to himself. He's not rich, not poor, is a war veteran and very enigmatic. I don't want him to be a murderer though because he seems nice enough.
Vi's old school chums Lila and Gwennie come along as moral support. I could seriously do without Gwennie's travel sickness. I also am not crazy about her batting her eyelashes and having men fall at her feet. Still, she's very sweet, kind and open. Lila doesn't have much personality. She's madly in love with her husband Denny and that's about it. Finally, we have the Wakefields. James Wakefield is an old friend of Aunt Agatha's. No one's ever heard of him but he seems to know her well and cares for her. He's a very nice gentleman. His son, Jack, is tough. He's an Inspector and as a policeman, he trusts evidence and facts, not feelings and pleas from pretty girls. I think he's too hard on Vi. It's obvious she loves Aunt Agatha very much. He's too hard for my personal tastes. I don't see Vi falling in love with him that fast and really wish there wasn't a romance plot.
I already started the second book in the series! I am eager to see Vi team up with Ginger Gold but that may have to wait a bit.
November 19, 2023
DNF at 10 pages cause of the terrible and cringey writing.
*proceeds to remove every Beth Byers book from my to-read list, officially OFF this author*
*proceeds to remove every Beth Byers book from my to-read list, officially OFF this author*
December 16, 2020
So good!
I loved this book. Very well written. I loved the suspense and all the family drama. I can't wait for the next one!
I loved this book. Very well written. I loved the suspense and all the family drama. I can't wait for the next one!
December 15, 2019
This is the first book for this series and though I am not sure, I think perhaps for the author as well. There were a few glairing mistakes that the editor should have caught, the story was very short on atmosphere and ambiance and though it was suppose to take place at Christmas there was nothing mentioned about it being Christmas except to establish the fact. Also, some of the characters were a bit one-dimensional and predictable/typical, set just to be a(n) obvious red-herring suspect.
On the plus side, the murderer wasn't obvious, but the suspicions that led to the murderer were very flimsy.
I have to say, I actually wanted it to be the butler and didn't once consider the character that it turned out to be.
All in all, it was a decent first attempt. I am going to read the second book in the series and hope the author gets better with practice.
On the plus side, the murderer wasn't obvious, but the suspicions that led to the murderer were very flimsy.
I have to say, I actually wanted it to be the butler and didn't once consider the character that it turned out to be.
All in all, it was a decent first attempt. I am going to read the second book in the series and hope the author gets better with practice.
January 8, 2020
Cozies come in varieties. Some of complicated and deep, some lean more in the direction of entertainment, and some are simply light reading. Violet Carlyle and company fall under the latter heading. It was a nice little story with a plot and murder thrown in. Violet is a competent and interesting heroine and the maid who comes to her aid is equally likeable. I can see where the story line is going but so far I don't mind riding along.
August 13, 2018
Awful editing!
Unfortunately this novel was spoiled for me by appalling editing. The story wasn't too bad but a bit rushed at the end.
Unfortunately this novel was spoiled for me by appalling editing. The story wasn't too bad but a bit rushed at the end.
July 12, 2020
I really like this series! Yes it is a bit fluffy, but it's basically the British Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries, it even has a Inspector called Jack!
July 15, 2021
Ms Byers is a new to me author. She writes an interesting mystery.
Violet is a twin. Her twin brother, Victor, shares a London apartment with her. The two of them also write fiction stories under an assumed name. Those stories help supply some of their income. Their father is an earl, but that does not mean they are wealthy. In fact, it does not mean much, except their step-mother loves to interfere in their lives. It is all for their own good.
Aunt Agatha is the woman who raised them since they were very young. She paid for their university educations. She also has tried to train a group of 5 cousins in how to manage money, investments and properties. Normally, Violet and Victor spend Christmas with Aunt Agatha. This time, she has asked that they arrive earlier than what is usual. It turns out that the twins and their 3 cousins are all invited to arrive at the same time.
Someone is trying to kill Aunt Agatha and it must be one of the cousins. They are the only people who are eligible to inherit her considerable wealth.
When everyone arrives, it is evident that Aunt Agatha is in actual danger. In fact, there is a detective from Scotland Yard who is there in order to protect Agatha and find the person who is attempting murder.
Violet and Victor are typical of wealthy young people who have survived the Great War. England lost nearly an entire generation of young men. And the men who survived have come home with injuries, both physical and emotional. Many of the people in this young generation are almost manic in their need to live a life of frivolity and self indulgence.
Although the twins appear to be superficial and shallow young people, in reality they are not. But, they are also not ready to settle down in any way.
Agatha has always been the person in their lives who loved them and comforted them. And in return, both Violet and Victor love her as though she were their mother. Agatha is the person who has provided the love and affection all children need.
This is a story not only about a mystery, but also about family relationships.
The reader is allowed to view the family dynamics. Selfishness and avarice are on display for all to see. There is also evidence of true family care and affection. In fact, a good portion of that care and affection comes from the servants who have been with Agatha since before the twins were born.
This is a well written book. The character development is quite well done. I was an admirer of nearly all the characters, both primary and secondary. Violet and Victor are good at problem solving. And Violet works hard to use her intelligence to find the villain.
The mystery is not very difficult to solve, but the journey to the complete solution is a wonderful one
Violet is a twin. Her twin brother, Victor, shares a London apartment with her. The two of them also write fiction stories under an assumed name. Those stories help supply some of their income. Their father is an earl, but that does not mean they are wealthy. In fact, it does not mean much, except their step-mother loves to interfere in their lives. It is all for their own good.
Aunt Agatha is the woman who raised them since they were very young. She paid for their university educations. She also has tried to train a group of 5 cousins in how to manage money, investments and properties. Normally, Violet and Victor spend Christmas with Aunt Agatha. This time, she has asked that they arrive earlier than what is usual. It turns out that the twins and their 3 cousins are all invited to arrive at the same time.
Someone is trying to kill Aunt Agatha and it must be one of the cousins. They are the only people who are eligible to inherit her considerable wealth.
When everyone arrives, it is evident that Aunt Agatha is in actual danger. In fact, there is a detective from Scotland Yard who is there in order to protect Agatha and find the person who is attempting murder.
Violet and Victor are typical of wealthy young people who have survived the Great War. England lost nearly an entire generation of young men. And the men who survived have come home with injuries, both physical and emotional. Many of the people in this young generation are almost manic in their need to live a life of frivolity and self indulgence.
Although the twins appear to be superficial and shallow young people, in reality they are not. But, they are also not ready to settle down in any way.
Agatha has always been the person in their lives who loved them and comforted them. And in return, both Violet and Victor love her as though she were their mother. Agatha is the person who has provided the love and affection all children need.
This is a story not only about a mystery, but also about family relationships.
The reader is allowed to view the family dynamics. Selfishness and avarice are on display for all to see. There is also evidence of true family care and affection. In fact, a good portion of that care and affection comes from the servants who have been with Agatha since before the twins were born.
This is a well written book. The character development is quite well done. I was an admirer of nearly all the characters, both primary and secondary. Violet and Victor are good at problem solving. And Violet works hard to use her intelligence to find the villain.
The mystery is not very difficult to solve, but the journey to the complete solution is a wonderful one
December 7, 2022
A country house party with a group of pretentious no good layabouts. One of them is threatening the lady of the house, aunt Agatha, who has at least worked hard to increase her fortune. Set in 1922 the country has yet to recover from the war and all these can think about is money. Shallow characters are likely to crash when the depression arrives. At least there was an apology at the front of the book about the use of American English. I'm afraid this is not a series for me.
2 stars.
2 stars.
January 11, 2021
Solidly Fun
Wasn't quite sure what to expect from this, and it turned out to be a solid entry. Read on Kindle unlimited, so I could try it without purchasing. All in all, satisfied.
Wasn't quite sure what to expect from this, and it turned out to be a solid entry. Read on Kindle unlimited, so I could try it without purchasing. All in all, satisfied.
October 29, 2018
Cozy
Lots of fun and a way of looking at how the other half lives. Family disputes as well as memories of loss..
Lots of fun and a way of looking at how the other half lives. Family disputes as well as memories of loss..
January 10, 2019
I really enjoyed the story and the characters. This was a very fast, enjoyable read.
However, the book needs major editing!
On several consecutive pages, whole paragraphs are out of order. Throughout, words are missing, wrong words are used, etc.
I would have given this a strong 4 stars, but I can’t with such poor editing. It’s a shame. The book deserves better.
However, the book needs major editing!
On several consecutive pages, whole paragraphs are out of order. Throughout, words are missing, wrong words are used, etc.
I would have given this a strong 4 stars, but I can’t with such poor editing. It’s a shame. The book deserves better.
March 6, 2020
I did find it a little hard to warm up to these characters but the author intrigued me enough that I moved on to number two. I do have to agree with the comments that one more pass at editing would have been a good idea. Thoroughly enjoyable story!
April 1, 2020
I found this harder going than the Poison Ink Mysteries but it was still fun enough that I'll read the next one as it's on KU!
January 1, 2019
A cozy British mystery that caught my fancy more than I would have expected. Is it the independent Violet? The Jazz/flapper era 1920s? The fun cast of supporting characters? Just enough description of the clothes, decor, music, drinks, etc without getting bogged down? I'm not sure but despite these not having any more substance than so many in the same genre, I enjoyed this one more and will pick up the next immediately.
February 26, 2020
I did really enjoy this book for the most part, but it does need some work. Although the author has stated in a note at the beginning of the book that it is written in American English, it does still need to have some words replaced in order to not make British readers wince horribly. This is meant to be 1920's England and the main characters are English aristocrats. This can't simply be ignored.
Firstly, no upper class English person in that time period would ever refer to anyone as luv. There was far too much of this address throughout. There is a moment when Lady Violet calls her maid Doll. This has got to be removed. It is completely American and far too familiar. No English lady would use this term nor would she address her servant in such a familiar way. There were standards that had to be kept, even amongst servants. The reference to money as green also has to go. This is not a term that would have been used and is entirely incorrect.
I would recommend to this author to watch Downton Abbey and British made Agatha Christie movies that would give her a really good idea of how the people in those times would speak and address each other. Downton Abbey is very good for understanding how the servant/family dynamics worked in that time. Either that or find a friend who knows British English and can help iron out the more unacceptable American terms. There are lots of British indie authors who would be happy to help. A lot of American terms can be ignored and forgiven by an English reader, but such strong American only terms shouldn't be in this novel. Doll makes me think of American gangsters! I do understand how hard it is to write about a time and country not your own. This is largely said to help this author improve her final product and up her review stars. I do know how hard it is to be an indie author, since I am one myself.
Despite the wrong use of American terms, I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought there was a lot of emotion in the writing and great ideas. It captured how awful it would be to have a loved one under threat and how it would feel to be one of those under suspicion of wanting to kill her. I am going to read the next book in the series because there was a lot to like here. I liked the romantic interest that sprung up between Jack and Violet. It was a good read and I finished it very quickly. It certainly had me picking the book back up and wanting more. Well done. I truly see a lot of promise for this author.
Firstly, no upper class English person in that time period would ever refer to anyone as luv. There was far too much of this address throughout. There is a moment when Lady Violet calls her maid Doll. This has got to be removed. It is completely American and far too familiar. No English lady would use this term nor would she address her servant in such a familiar way. There were standards that had to be kept, even amongst servants. The reference to money as green also has to go. This is not a term that would have been used and is entirely incorrect.
I would recommend to this author to watch Downton Abbey and British made Agatha Christie movies that would give her a really good idea of how the people in those times would speak and address each other. Downton Abbey is very good for understanding how the servant/family dynamics worked in that time. Either that or find a friend who knows British English and can help iron out the more unacceptable American terms. There are lots of British indie authors who would be happy to help. A lot of American terms can be ignored and forgiven by an English reader, but such strong American only terms shouldn't be in this novel. Doll makes me think of American gangsters! I do understand how hard it is to write about a time and country not your own. This is largely said to help this author improve her final product and up her review stars. I do know how hard it is to be an indie author, since I am one myself.
Despite the wrong use of American terms, I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought there was a lot of emotion in the writing and great ideas. It captured how awful it would be to have a loved one under threat and how it would feel to be one of those under suspicion of wanting to kill her. I am going to read the next book in the series because there was a lot to like here. I liked the romantic interest that sprung up between Jack and Violet. It was a good read and I finished it very quickly. It certainly had me picking the book back up and wanting more. Well done. I truly see a lot of promise for this author.
April 13, 2023
I have been reading these books via Kindle Unlimited, and I would recommend that if you are going to read the series, that is the way to do it. Don't spend the money on the series. Perhaps if enough of us read them that way, the author will earn enough for a proofreader with an eye to noticing details. In addition, please note that these books, although Cozy Mysteries, come with some trigger warnings. HUGE diet culture warnings around a recurring character who is described as fat and lazy, and who is tormented by characters in the book. Oh and he's also not seen as very bright. Sigh. The main characters have some quirky charm that is keeping me reading the series. In addition, there is some violence as one reads into the series that can be hard to deal with.
The author's lack of eye to detail so far (I am on book 17) have included, specifying that they are taking a taxi, but then magically having their car to hand; having a character be handed a lit cigarette only in the next paragraph be described as lighting the cigarette they are handed; a character's name changes partway through one of the books; someone who escapes from jail in one books is then described as dying in a previous book, and someone else is substituted for the escapee.
However, one does become fond of Violet and Victor. The books have funny bits, good clues, and the author has put some thought into the various ways her main characters could stumble over dead bodies. Maybe at some point she'll go back and fix some of this. ****I would add that at about Book 20 there is less diet culture nonsense. And the characters are fascinating. ****
So yes, I would recommend this series, with the reservations listed above.
The author's lack of eye to detail so far (I am on book 17) have included, specifying that they are taking a taxi, but then magically having their car to hand; having a character be handed a lit cigarette only in the next paragraph be described as lighting the cigarette they are handed; a character's name changes partway through one of the books; someone who escapes from jail in one books is then described as dying in a previous book, and someone else is substituted for the escapee.
However, one does become fond of Violet and Victor. The books have funny bits, good clues, and the author has put some thought into the various ways her main characters could stumble over dead bodies. Maybe at some point she'll go back and fix some of this. ****I would add that at about Book 20 there is less diet culture nonsense. And the characters are fascinating. ****
So yes, I would recommend this series, with the reservations listed above.
September 28, 2018
I read a great number of mysteries. A great number of those are historically set mysteries. Most of those are generally set during the regency, the late Victorian era, or the 1920's. This story could potentially be the start of one of my top favorite series of the content and writing style remain this good. The characters are well drawn, very relatable people. There was no unnecessary violence and not a hint of sexual behavior just for the sake selling a book. I would strongly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys.
I read a great number of mysteries. A great number of those are historically set. Most of those seem to be set during the regency, the late Victorian era, and the 1920's. This story has potential to become one of my favorites. The characters are well drawn and very likeable. There is no unnecessary violence or sexual behavior because none is needed. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys the 1920's and strong intelligent female protagonists.
I read a great number of mysteries. A great number of those are historically set. Most of those seem to be set during the regency, the late Victorian era, and the 1920's. This story has potential to become one of my favorites. The characters are well drawn and very likeable. There is no unnecessary violence or sexual behavior because none is needed. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys the 1920's and strong intelligent female protagonists.
August 13, 2019
Not sure
Things I liked and things I didn't.. the American English doesn't bother me it was more about the story itself.
I think she's read/listened to too much Jeeves and Wooster.. don't feel the "luv" fit the characters.. it dragged quite a bit, but this could be the setting of characters for the whole series in one big burst.. rather too many names of relatives who'd died to a point it got rather confusing (how many full and half siblings do Violet and Victor have?) If Victor has no other full male siblings then he would inherit the title from his father yet the author appears to indicate otherwise plus they would be another nephew who would have been considered for inheritance. Irritatingly confusing.
Felt like the whole thing was a big rush at the end to fit it inside a preset word count. Perhaps less waffling about would have meant a "better", so to speak, murder and resolution.
Will give the next one a chance to see if it improves somewhat.
Things I liked and things I didn't.. the American English doesn't bother me it was more about the story itself.
I think she's read/listened to too much Jeeves and Wooster.. don't feel the "luv" fit the characters.. it dragged quite a bit, but this could be the setting of characters for the whole series in one big burst.. rather too many names of relatives who'd died to a point it got rather confusing (how many full and half siblings do Violet and Victor have?) If Victor has no other full male siblings then he would inherit the title from his father yet the author appears to indicate otherwise plus they would be another nephew who would have been considered for inheritance. Irritatingly confusing.
Felt like the whole thing was a big rush at the end to fit it inside a preset word count. Perhaps less waffling about would have meant a "better", so to speak, murder and resolution.
Will give the next one a chance to see if it improves somewhat.
February 26, 2020
Perhaps I have been a bit of a snob about mysteries, and have not "wasted my time" on them much in the past. But, I was travelling and wanted something light and diverting. My daughter recommended that I try the Violet Carlyle Mysteries. They are so much fun! I love the author's choice of language and her delightful descriptions of Violet's wardrobe and make up. I have now read ten Violets in ten days. They are fun, easy, diverting, and just great entertainment. The murders are "off screen," the violence is not graphic, the romance is fun and light. The characters are well drawn and amusing. So, this snob is planning to voraciously read the entire series! Thank you Beth Byers for introducing me to the wonderful world of Violet Carlyle and the 1920's. Keep on writing!
February 14, 2019
Vi and her twin brother Vic are the children of an earl, but in the England after the Great War, that doesn't make them rich. However, they have a very rich aunt. Along with their money-hungry relations, Vi and Vic are summoned to Aunt Agatha's manor for Christmas. Which of the heirs are trying to kill Aunt Agatha?
I was happy to be able to spend time with Aunt Agatha, but didn't really connect with the rest of the characters. I did enjoy the setting in spite of some anachronistic conversation. I will say that this kindle file didn't get a professional editing, but it wasn't bad as some of the earlier reviews said. Maybe some work has since been done on it.
I was happy to be able to spend time with Aunt Agatha, but didn't really connect with the rest of the characters. I did enjoy the setting in spite of some anachronistic conversation. I will say that this kindle file didn't get a professional editing, but it wasn't bad as some of the earlier reviews said. Maybe some work has since been done on it.
February 14, 2022
I loved this one, it was so fun, lots of characters with their own personality, not really flesh out in such a short book but it was still nicely done.
Now I do have to say: there is not a really original murder here, its nothing to blow your mind, BUT i feel like it was super nicely done and had lot of fun just reading about Violet and her family and friends.
Now I do have to say: there is not a really original murder here, its nothing to blow your mind, BUT i feel like it was super nicely done and had lot of fun just reading about Violet and her family and friends.
January 17, 2019
Too twee
Managed to get through 3 chapters but the language is so like a poor 1920s drawing room farce I had to give up.
Managed to get through 3 chapters but the language is so like a poor 1920s drawing room farce I had to give up.
May 19, 2022
ugh!
This book could have been better. The plot was interesting but the writing stilted, awkward. Characterization was inept. This seemed like a book written by a rank amateur.
This book could have been better. The plot was interesting but the writing stilted, awkward. Characterization was inept. This seemed like a book written by a rank amateur.
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