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John Pickett Mystery #8
Peril by Post
Honeymoon from Hades . . .
The eighth book in the series finds John Pickett bound for England’s scenic Lake District, where an unsigned letter has summoned him for an unspecified reason. Posing as a honeymoon couple, Pickett and his wife Julia, the former Lady Fieldhurst, take a room at the Hart and Hound as the letter instructs him. Once installed there, however, Pickett can do nothing but wait for the anonymous contact to identify himself. A midnight search of the inn’s register seems to identify the innkeeper, Ned Hawkins, as his man, but before Pickett can discover the reason for his summons, Hawkins is pushed from a cliff—surviving the fall only long enough to call Pickett’s attention to the letter in his pocket.
With his contact dead and his only clue a letter containing nothing more than a rambling account of family news, Pickett knows he’s on his own. But that isn’t the worst of his problems: Julia saw the crime being committed, and although she can’t identify the murderer, there is every indication that the killer knows he was seen—and intends to eliminate any possible witnesses.
Amidst a quirky cast of characters including a host of holiday-makers, a bucolic love triangle, an aspiring poet in the Romantic vein, and an old friend of his magistrate, Mr. Colquhoun, Pickett must discover the secret behind that urgent summons before a second, and far more personal, murder is committed.
The eighth book in the series finds John Pickett bound for England’s scenic Lake District, where an unsigned letter has summoned him for an unspecified reason. Posing as a honeymoon couple, Pickett and his wife Julia, the former Lady Fieldhurst, take a room at the Hart and Hound as the letter instructs him. Once installed there, however, Pickett can do nothing but wait for the anonymous contact to identify himself. A midnight search of the inn’s register seems to identify the innkeeper, Ned Hawkins, as his man, but before Pickett can discover the reason for his summons, Hawkins is pushed from a cliff—surviving the fall only long enough to call Pickett’s attention to the letter in his pocket.
With his contact dead and his only clue a letter containing nothing more than a rambling account of family news, Pickett knows he’s on his own. But that isn’t the worst of his problems: Julia saw the crime being committed, and although she can’t identify the murderer, there is every indication that the killer knows he was seen—and intends to eliminate any possible witnesses.
Amidst a quirky cast of characters including a host of holiday-makers, a bucolic love triangle, an aspiring poet in the Romantic vein, and an old friend of his magistrate, Mr. Colquhoun, Pickett must discover the secret behind that urgent summons before a second, and far more personal, murder is committed.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2018
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October 15, 2018
Series: John Pickett Mysteries #8
Publication Date: 10/15/18
I absolutely adore John Pickett. He is a great character who has overcome so many obstacles in his life. He’s handsome, smart, self-deprecating, honorable, honest, honorable (yes, twice) and loyal. Are Julia and John a very unlikely match? Yes, they certainly are, but the author deals with it wonderfully. She didn’t sugar coat the ramifications of two such different classes marrying. She shows them living as social outcasts and dealing with what happens. She shows John’s mortification when someone snubs Julia because of her marriage to him and his guilt and mortification when income is discussed since Julia’s income is so much more than his. She also shows John's worry about their children (Julia is expecting) and how it will affect them. What she also shows is the great love between Julia and John. I love how they care for each other and I love the way they have each grown and matured over the eight books in the series.
John is just a smidgen late reporting for work (because, after all, he is a newlywed) and he’s expecting a bit of a set-down from his Magistrate, Mr. Colquhoun. However, what he got was a new assignment and a honeymoon in the Lake District. Mr. Colquhoun received a very short unsigned letter asking for a Runner to be sent to the village of Banfell in Cumberland. It doesn’t say why the sender needs a runner nor does it give any indication at all about who sent the letter. The Runner is simply directed to stay at the Hart and Hound in Banfell.
John and Julia head for Banfell with a letter of introduction from Mr. Colquhoun to a Mr. Hetherington, an acquaintance that Mr. Colquhoun thinks can help introduce John and Julia to the area and provide information on the area when needed. They check into the inn, make sure that everyone knows they are from Bow Street without actually saying John is a Runner, and wait for the letter sender to make himself known. When he doesn’t appear, John decides to compare the letter with the signatures in the inn’s register and is convinced that the sender is actually Mr. Ned Hawkins, the innkeeper.
When Julia witnesses Mr. Hawkins being murdered, but cannot recognize the murderer, the case begins in earnest. We have lots of suspects and some sub-plots going on. Just enough to keep it all really interesting without losing sight of the main case. Poor John is a bit distracted and frazzled because he is constantly worrying about the danger Julia is now in because of her witnessing the murder. The villain will surprise you and the reasons will pain you.
I learned something interesting in this read as well. Whoo-hoo – who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. In the Regency period, when you went to the post office, you were NOT going to mail a letter. The post office was where you went to arrange for a rented post-chaise (think rental car). If you wanted to mail a letter, you went to the receiving office.
The villain makes a bit of a threat at the end – and it was left unanswered – so I can only wonder if it might crop up in some future story. I’m not sure how or why, but it was sort of left hanging. Actually, all of the mysteries, other than the murder, were sort of still hanging and had others investigating at the end. It was nothing to do with John and Julia, just folks with different fish to fry. I did wonder how the villain came by the information that he had – I couldn’t see anything in the story that pointed to him being in a position to obtain that sort of information, but – evidently, he did.
This is a great addition to the series and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. Actually, if you haven’t read the other books in the series – I recommend ALL of them.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 10/15/18
I absolutely adore John Pickett. He is a great character who has overcome so many obstacles in his life. He’s handsome, smart, self-deprecating, honorable, honest, honorable (yes, twice) and loyal. Are Julia and John a very unlikely match? Yes, they certainly are, but the author deals with it wonderfully. She didn’t sugar coat the ramifications of two such different classes marrying. She shows them living as social outcasts and dealing with what happens. She shows John’s mortification when someone snubs Julia because of her marriage to him and his guilt and mortification when income is discussed since Julia’s income is so much more than his. She also shows John's worry about their children (Julia is expecting) and how it will affect them. What she also shows is the great love between Julia and John. I love how they care for each other and I love the way they have each grown and matured over the eight books in the series.
John is just a smidgen late reporting for work (because, after all, he is a newlywed) and he’s expecting a bit of a set-down from his Magistrate, Mr. Colquhoun. However, what he got was a new assignment and a honeymoon in the Lake District. Mr. Colquhoun received a very short unsigned letter asking for a Runner to be sent to the village of Banfell in Cumberland. It doesn’t say why the sender needs a runner nor does it give any indication at all about who sent the letter. The Runner is simply directed to stay at the Hart and Hound in Banfell.
John and Julia head for Banfell with a letter of introduction from Mr. Colquhoun to a Mr. Hetherington, an acquaintance that Mr. Colquhoun thinks can help introduce John and Julia to the area and provide information on the area when needed. They check into the inn, make sure that everyone knows they are from Bow Street without actually saying John is a Runner, and wait for the letter sender to make himself known. When he doesn’t appear, John decides to compare the letter with the signatures in the inn’s register and is convinced that the sender is actually Mr. Ned Hawkins, the innkeeper.
When Julia witnesses Mr. Hawkins being murdered, but cannot recognize the murderer, the case begins in earnest. We have lots of suspects and some sub-plots going on. Just enough to keep it all really interesting without losing sight of the main case. Poor John is a bit distracted and frazzled because he is constantly worrying about the danger Julia is now in because of her witnessing the murder. The villain will surprise you and the reasons will pain you.
I learned something interesting in this read as well. Whoo-hoo – who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. In the Regency period, when you went to the post office, you were NOT going to mail a letter. The post office was where you went to arrange for a rented post-chaise (think rental car). If you wanted to mail a letter, you went to the receiving office.
The villain makes a bit of a threat at the end – and it was left unanswered – so I can only wonder if it might crop up in some future story. I’m not sure how or why, but it was sort of left hanging. Actually, all of the mysteries, other than the murder, were sort of still hanging and had others investigating at the end. It was nothing to do with John and Julia, just folks with different fish to fry. I did wonder how the villain came by the information that he had – I couldn’t see anything in the story that pointed to him being in a position to obtain that sort of information, but – evidently, he did.
This is a great addition to the series and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. Actually, if you haven’t read the other books in the series – I recommend ALL of them.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
October 18, 2018
This is #8 in Cobb South's John Pickett mystery series. It's maybe too short at 219 pages, but that is my only complaint. I would have liked to read more. What's on the 219 pages is delightful. John continues to mature and become less of a boy and more of a man, and, in addition, John and Julia's marriage is growing stronger and more lovely by the day (by the book?).
In this entry, a mysterious letter from the Lake District arrives in London for Mr. Colquhoun, John's boss and mentor at Bow Street. Since it's unclear what exactly is the problem or who has sent the letter, Colquhoun sends John to investigate, undercover, with him and Julia posing as a honeymooning couple.
Installed in the Hart and Hound inn in the Lake District, John and Julia have little trouble pretending to be honeymooners. After all, they pretty much are very recently wed. So, while John waits for the anonymous letter writer to reveal himself/herself and the reason he/she wanted a Bow Street runner to come and investigate something (unknown as yet), he and Julia take hikes, go on picnics, and do other "honeymooning" activities.
I won't tell you what the mystery is. It's more fun to discover it as you read, but I will tell you that Julia becomes the witness to a murder and that makes everything even more serious and nerve wracking, as John fears for her life.
But this story is not just about the mystery to be solved. There is a great cast of secondary characters to enjoy. The most entertaining of these may be a fellow guest at the inn, a budding, very mediocre young poet, totally full of himself and also set on seducing the lovely young daughter of the innkeeper. This courting with seduction in mind does not sit well with the lovely girl's local farmer suitor, who has had marriage with her in mind for quite some time.
The innkeeper's wife also looks upon this poet with scepticism. "Percival wants me to be his Muse!" exclaims the lovely young daughter. "I suppose that's one word for it, but I could give you another," says the stepmother. There's some fun writing here with understated humor that I enjoyed. Another favorite of mine is when a man is found dead and his loved one cries out, "Speak to me." Our pompous poet replies, "Alas, those lips will never speak again," and then counts the number of syllables of his sentence, "pleased to discover that he had spoken in perfect iambic pentameter without even trying."
Altogether, this is a good read. There are some interesting historical tidbits integrated into the plot, a relatively interesting mystery, lots of sweet love between John and Julia, and some witty and fun writing.
Let's hope there'll be many more John and Julia adventures. After all, Julia is now three months pregnant. Romance lovers will want to see how becoming parents will change their lives.
In this entry, a mysterious letter from the Lake District arrives in London for Mr. Colquhoun, John's boss and mentor at Bow Street. Since it's unclear what exactly is the problem or who has sent the letter, Colquhoun sends John to investigate, undercover, with him and Julia posing as a honeymooning couple.
Installed in the Hart and Hound inn in the Lake District, John and Julia have little trouble pretending to be honeymooners. After all, they pretty much are very recently wed. So, while John waits for the anonymous letter writer to reveal himself/herself and the reason he/she wanted a Bow Street runner to come and investigate something (unknown as yet), he and Julia take hikes, go on picnics, and do other "honeymooning" activities.
I won't tell you what the mystery is. It's more fun to discover it as you read, but I will tell you that Julia becomes the witness to a murder and that makes everything even more serious and nerve wracking, as John fears for her life.
But this story is not just about the mystery to be solved. There is a great cast of secondary characters to enjoy. The most entertaining of these may be a fellow guest at the inn, a budding, very mediocre young poet, totally full of himself and also set on seducing the lovely young daughter of the innkeeper. This courting with seduction in mind does not sit well with the lovely girl's local farmer suitor, who has had marriage with her in mind for quite some time.
The innkeeper's wife also looks upon this poet with scepticism. "Percival wants me to be his Muse!" exclaims the lovely young daughter. "I suppose that's one word for it, but I could give you another," says the stepmother. There's some fun writing here with understated humor that I enjoyed. Another favorite of mine is when a man is found dead and his loved one cries out, "Speak to me." Our pompous poet replies, "Alas, those lips will never speak again," and then counts the number of syllables of his sentence, "pleased to discover that he had spoken in perfect iambic pentameter without even trying."
Altogether, this is a good read. There are some interesting historical tidbits integrated into the plot, a relatively interesting mystery, lots of sweet love between John and Julia, and some witty and fun writing.
Let's hope there'll be many more John and Julia adventures. After all, Julia is now three months pregnant. Romance lovers will want to see how becoming parents will change their lives.
February 5, 2022
London to Lake District, England. Regency Period. Sheri Cobb South’s Peril by Post (John Pickett Mysteries #8) has Bow Street Runner, John Pickett, and his new bride, the former Lady Fieldhurst, Julia, headed to the Lake District for their ‘honeymoon’. Mr. Colquhoun, John’s magistrate, decides to answer an unsigned request for a man from Bow Street from the village of Banfell in Cumberland, Lake District in NE England by sending John and his new wife where John will attempt to discover why this request was sent. Upon arrival in Banfell and lodged at the Hart and Hound, John begins to investigate. While also having some free time, the Picketts go on a picnic, and while Julia is sketching, she ‘sees’ a murder, but she is unable to identify the murderer, but does the murderer realize he cannot be identified? John is worried for his wife, but they call on Mr. Colquhoun’s acquaintance, ending with an invitation to dinner. This man appears to be an important man. As the story continues, the reader learns about various things such as domestic mail smuggling which did take place as well as local activities and English/Irish relations which continued to be acrimonious. The author certainly did her research as seen in the description of the Lake District and through certain characters’ actions.
Enjoyable and quite informative. 4.25 stars.
Enjoyable and quite informative. 4.25 stars.
June 9, 2020
Audiobook reviewI'm in love with this series and these characters, this era. I started this series only a couple of books ago, and only because I love the narrator. Joel Froomkin is amazingly talented and I just had to know how he'd handle a historical romance.
Like I said now I'm addicted and can't listen to them fast enough. This adventure starts with an unsigned letter arriving at Bow Street asking for help. It sends John and Julia to the English Lake District in what appears to be their honeymoon, when in fact John is sent there to investigate. A picnic takes a turn for the deadly when they witness a man, their contact, being thrown off a cliff and into the river. They find him a while later, barely hanging on, but hearing his last words letter spoken over again. In a pocket they find a hidden letter, a letter they suspect hides a code. But with no way of knowing what the code is, who sent it or the intended recipient, they scrambles for answers.
I love how John and Julia are growing together. They are great as individuals, but even better still as a couple. Sure, they still have issues, but they are still a strong unit - growing ever stronger still. Every interaction is filled with love - even when they don't understand or agree with each other. They are a wonderful couple and will always have a special place in my heart.
I might have mentioned this a time or two (or ten) earlier, but Joel Froomkin is a wonderful narrator. I love all his wide range of voices, voices that never fails - he keeps them up throughout the entire book. He nails all of them, they fit with the character/s he's portraying to a T. The best part? Froomkin isn't only narrating the book, he performs it, he takes you to the English Lake District, walking alongside John and Julia, and investigating with them.
I loved this book, it was a wonderful addition to the series and I can't wait for more books to be released, something tells me there are more adventures to be had.
A copy of this audiobook was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
April 2, 2022
Mr. Colquhoun of Bow Street has receieved a curious letter from the Lakes District. It's unsigned and he doesn't know what to make of it. Since John Pickett has had trouble getting to work on time since his recent marriage, Mr. Colquhon decides to send John and his bride on a honeymoon trip. John can do a little snooping and see if the letter means anything. If not, he has a paid honeymoon at Bow Street's expense. Julia is eager to go along and participate in her husband's case. At first it doesn't seem like much is happening in the village inn where they are staying. Mainly they encounter the lovesick daughter of the innkeeper and the poet who claims he's in love with her and a rivalry between two innkeepers. Then when John and Julia are on a romantic picnic for two, she accidentially witnesses a murder! When the murderer realizes he's been seen, he reacts and Julia nearly pays with her life. John discovers the victim is none other than their innkeeper! Who killed him and why? John finds a mysterious letter in the innkeeper's pocket he struggles to make heads or tails of. It's signed EGB and if they can figure out who that is, they might be able to find the murderer. John is determined to get to the bottom of this one way or another but one thing he know is that he will NOT put his beloved wife in danger. Back to London she does! Not so fast. Julia is determined to stay with John and make sure he returns home alive and well.
It's been a long time since I read the previous books in the series. It was good to catch up with John and Julia once again. The plot was slow at first, most John and Julia on their honeymoon and setting the scene. I found myself skimming the extreaneous details explaining the Regency world. I know all that. Then once the murder occured it picked up a bit more. It was impossible to guess what the motive for murder was but when it was revealed, I wasn't surprised. I either read this book before or there's another book with the same exact motive. There were some twists I didn't see coming and I stayed up late to finish. The historical details were OK but I already knew about the romantic poets, assemblies, literaracy and the mail system and They were mostly woven into the story but sometimes needed to be explained. That would work if Julia was explaining things to John.
John is a real three-dimensional person. He's not your typical Regency hero or even your average Bow Street Runner. He's shy-sometimes painfully so and scarred by his childhood. The virginial hero is a new trope for me and it's interesting but John seems to be making up for lost time now he's finally married to Julia. John also makes mistakes and those mistakes are eating at him. His boss's comments are wise and thoughtful. Julia is delightful. Free at last from the strictures of Society, she seems to be enjoying married life. I wondered how she would adjust to living in reduced circumstances but apparently she has access to her widow's jointure from her first husband and can spend it as she wishes. She's lively, loving and intelligent. I liked how she figured out how to obtain handwriting samples from everyone at the inn. I also love how Julia's anecdote from her childhood shows she was always one to chafe against the restrictions of being a young lady of the ton.
In the Lake District John and Julia encounter a motley crew of villagers and tourists alike. Mr. Hawkins, the innkeeper, appears to be a simple man. He does what he can to keep his inn afloat but he has a rivalry with a less scruplous inkeeper across the street. Jedidiah Tyson of the Golden Feather has room to host assemblies on Wednesday evenings. He also has a few rooms set aside for those who partake of his excellent cellar a little too much. That makes John suspicious. Could the rivalry have ended in murder? Could Hawkins have threatened Tyson with revealing Tyson's possibly unscruplous business practice to gain guests? At first it seems Tyson is arrogant and puffed up but then I wasn't sure if he was honestly sincerely in lamenting the death of his rival or smart enough to stay out of trouble.
Mrs. Hawkins, a second wife, is busy in the kitchen. She tries to guide her stepdaughter, Lizzie, to adulthood but Lizzie is stubborn. Think teenager girl with a crush on a bad boy. Their relationship is complicated because Mrs. Hawkins is not Lizzie's mother so Lizzie doesn't get along with her stepmother just because. Lizzie is very silly. Her love interest, Percival Hartsong is a poet in the Byronic fashion. I recognized his floppy cravat and tossled locks. I thought to myself "poet"! Percy is a narcissist. No one likes him or his poetry but he can't see it. He only thinks of himself. He is incredibly tactless when they return the late Mr. Hawkins home. The poet is an idiot, a bounder and a cad. He may also be a murderer. Money is a powerful motive and if Percy's father found out how he was behaving, would his father cut him off? Would Mr. Hawkins threaten to inform Percy's father that Percy was about to give Lizzie a slip on the shoulder? Or did Mr. Hawkins WANT Lizzie to marry the wealthy poet? Lizzie would do better to marry the yeoman farmer Ben Wilson. He's kind, thoughtful and a decent catch for the daughter of a country innkeeper. However, a scary incident occurs leading John to believe Ben may not be so innocent.
The only person of Julia's class they meet is Mr. Robert Heatherington, a friend of Mr. C's. Mr. H is an older gentleman and one of the major landowners in the area. He seems nice enough but asks a lot of questions. His wife is lovely. She's gentle and kind. Sadly her hands are cripped with arthritis making her unable to do simple tasks like cutting her own meat. Catherine befriends Julia and gives Julia some female friendship. Julia briefly dances with the Duke of Ramsdale. He is a suspect in a peculiar crime and Julia thinks she can charm him into confessing. He seems nice. He's at ease with simple country people and gentry alike. He is charmed by Julia but doesn't attempt anything improper or make rude comments about her remarriage.
In the meantime since I first read this series, other writers have come out with similar series I like more. The writing in this one is fine but it doesn't quite sing. This series is too male-centered and too Bow Street. The crimes John investigtes are getting darker. It's a sort of hybrid cozy/traditional mystery. This one ends on a cliffhanger though and I am eager to read the next one.
Content:
Murder (obviously)
gunshots
mention of improper proposals/taking a mistress
sex (off page but there is one scene where Julia
It's been a long time since I read the previous books in the series. It was good to catch up with John and Julia once again. The plot was slow at first, most John and Julia on their honeymoon and setting the scene. I found myself skimming the extreaneous details explaining the Regency world. I know all that. Then once the murder occured it picked up a bit more. It was impossible to guess what the motive for murder was but when it was revealed, I wasn't surprised. I either read this book before or there's another book with the same exact motive. There were some twists I didn't see coming and I stayed up late to finish. The historical details were OK but I already knew about the romantic poets, assemblies, literaracy and the mail system and They were mostly woven into the story but sometimes needed to be explained. That would work if Julia was explaining things to John.
John is a real three-dimensional person. He's not your typical Regency hero or even your average Bow Street Runner. He's shy-sometimes painfully so and scarred by his childhood. The virginial hero is a new trope for me and it's interesting but John seems to be making up for lost time now he's finally married to Julia. John also makes mistakes and those mistakes are eating at him. His boss's comments are wise and thoughtful. Julia is delightful. Free at last from the strictures of Society, she seems to be enjoying married life. I wondered how she would adjust to living in reduced circumstances but apparently she has access to her widow's jointure from her first husband and can spend it as she wishes. She's lively, loving and intelligent. I liked how she figured out how to obtain handwriting samples from everyone at the inn. I also love how Julia's anecdote from her childhood shows she was always one to chafe against the restrictions of being a young lady of the ton.
In the Lake District John and Julia encounter a motley crew of villagers and tourists alike. Mr. Hawkins, the innkeeper, appears to be a simple man. He does what he can to keep his inn afloat but he has a rivalry with a less scruplous inkeeper across the street. Jedidiah Tyson of the Golden Feather has room to host assemblies on Wednesday evenings. He also has a few rooms set aside for those who partake of his excellent cellar a little too much. That makes John suspicious. Could the rivalry have ended in murder? Could Hawkins have threatened Tyson with revealing Tyson's possibly unscruplous business practice to gain guests? At first it seems Tyson is arrogant and puffed up but then I wasn't sure if he was honestly sincerely in lamenting the death of his rival or smart enough to stay out of trouble.
Mrs. Hawkins, a second wife, is busy in the kitchen. She tries to guide her stepdaughter, Lizzie, to adulthood but Lizzie is stubborn. Think teenager girl with a crush on a bad boy. Their relationship is complicated because Mrs. Hawkins is not Lizzie's mother so Lizzie doesn't get along with her stepmother just because. Lizzie is very silly. Her love interest, Percival Hartsong is a poet in the Byronic fashion. I recognized his floppy cravat and tossled locks. I thought to myself "poet"! Percy is a narcissist. No one likes him or his poetry but he can't see it. He only thinks of himself. He is incredibly tactless when they return the late Mr. Hawkins home. The poet is an idiot, a bounder and a cad. He may also be a murderer. Money is a powerful motive and if Percy's father found out how he was behaving, would his father cut him off? Would Mr. Hawkins threaten to inform Percy's father that Percy was about to give Lizzie a slip on the shoulder? Or did Mr. Hawkins WANT Lizzie to marry the wealthy poet? Lizzie would do better to marry the yeoman farmer Ben Wilson. He's kind, thoughtful and a decent catch for the daughter of a country innkeeper. However, a scary incident occurs leading John to believe Ben may not be so innocent.
The only person of Julia's class they meet is Mr. Robert Heatherington, a friend of Mr. C's. Mr. H is an older gentleman and one of the major landowners in the area. He seems nice enough but asks a lot of questions. His wife is lovely. She's gentle and kind. Sadly her hands are cripped with arthritis making her unable to do simple tasks like cutting her own meat. Catherine befriends Julia and gives Julia some female friendship. Julia briefly dances with the Duke of Ramsdale. He is a suspect in a peculiar crime and Julia thinks she can charm him into confessing. He seems nice. He's at ease with simple country people and gentry alike. He is charmed by Julia but doesn't attempt anything improper or make rude comments about her remarriage.
In the meantime since I first read this series, other writers have come out with similar series I like more. The writing in this one is fine but it doesn't quite sing. This series is too male-centered and too Bow Street. The crimes John investigtes are getting darker. It's a sort of hybrid cozy/traditional mystery. This one ends on a cliffhanger though and I am eager to read the next one.
Content:
Murder (obviously)
gunshots
mention of improper proposals/taking a mistress
sex (off page but there is one scene where Julia
October 7, 2019
This is a favorite series but I do admit this one is not my favorite of the series. It didn't seem to have as much humor for me but still I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to the next book.
September 23, 2019
4.5 stars
April 8, 2020
2020 bk 127: It has been awhile since I read John Pickett #7. I'm please to report that it was easy to pick up the series and fall back into regency England and the environment inhabited by John Pickett and his wife. This time the couple is sent to the Lake Country, in the guise of honeymooners. They are there to ferret out the sender of a mysterious message - only Mrs. Pickett watches in horror as their quary is pushed to his death. Reaching him shortly before he passes away, John Pickett comes away with another mysterious message - and a letter. Join our duo as they aid in the course of young love, keep their own love aflame, and seek out the evil doers.
July 16, 2018
Continuing the unbroken series of John Pickett Mysteries, is Sheri Cobb South's 8th entry PERIL BY POST. AKA the Honeymoon Book.
John and Julia Pickett travel to the Lake District after Bow Street receives an unsigned letter requesting an investigator. The couple go as newly weds on their honeymoon which is not a stretch. Their obvious affection and growing familiarity with each other, almost distracts from the mystery. John's worry for Julia. Julia's worrying, needless perhaps, for her unborn child. But in the end, it actually begins to enhance the mystery.
Julia is lovely as usual, blossoming with John's love. John is maturing, growing before our eyes into the man he will become. And when the mystery becomes even more urgent to solve, they come together to solve it. As Mr Colquhoun remarks “Do you and Mrs. Pickett intend to make a habit of this? Taking it in turns saving each other's lives?” I for one certainly hope so.
This is a very satisfying story, except the conclusion leaves a few loose ends. I hope this promises for many more John Pickett mysteries. I do recommend it.
One thought, Sheri. If you have time (don't laugh), I would love to read the story of Mr. Colquhoun. I should think it would make an interesting series.
I received this book as a prize and have given a true and honest review.
John and Julia Pickett travel to the Lake District after Bow Street receives an unsigned letter requesting an investigator. The couple go as newly weds on their honeymoon which is not a stretch. Their obvious affection and growing familiarity with each other, almost distracts from the mystery. John's worry for Julia. Julia's worrying, needless perhaps, for her unborn child. But in the end, it actually begins to enhance the mystery.
Julia is lovely as usual, blossoming with John's love. John is maturing, growing before our eyes into the man he will become. And when the mystery becomes even more urgent to solve, they come together to solve it. As Mr Colquhoun remarks “Do you and Mrs. Pickett intend to make a habit of this? Taking it in turns saving each other's lives?” I for one certainly hope so.
This is a very satisfying story, except the conclusion leaves a few loose ends. I hope this promises for many more John Pickett mysteries. I do recommend it.
One thought, Sheri. If you have time (don't laugh), I would love to read the story of Mr. Colquhoun. I should think it would make an interesting series.
I received this book as a prize and have given a true and honest review.
June 9, 2019
reviewed for AudioGals.
https://www.audiogals.net/2019/05/per...
https://www.audiogals.net/2019/05/per...
December 30, 2018
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
This is the second book in the John Pickett series that I've listened to and I love it as well as the first one:)
John Pickett and his wife Julia make a very amiable couple, their relationship is full of warmth, love and tenderness - you just feel it listening to their conversations, which makes them so much more relatable. But besides being wonderful human beings they are also very intelligent, bright sleuths, complementing each other in their investigations, which makes listening to their adventures so much more engaging:)
As protagonists they stand out in a whole crowd of colourful characters that people the pages of the book, and all of them feel real; some are funny, some irritating, some ominous... but all are unforgettable.
The plot is intriguing; it starts with an anonymous letter, so the first puzzle to solve is the identity of the sender... Soon the investigations turns into a murder case and then... no,no, no spoilers here:) Anyway, the story has a fast pace, turns and twists along the way and doesn't let you guess too early what the solution is going to be... well, to be honest, it actually finally surprises you - as a good crime story should:) But the best recommendation for it? I listened to it in one sitting, and that's over 8 hours of listening time, mind you:)
The narration by Mr Froomkin is great. He does really well male voices and is good with females, too, and he is great when it comes to delivering different accents (not only with respect to regional differences but social classes, too). I may not have liked Julia's voice so much, but her personality did shine through his words, so no star deduction for it:) Generally it's a very good interpretation of the book, with some good acting and an unexpected song on the way:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is the second book in the John Pickett series that I've listened to and I love it as well as the first one:)
John Pickett and his wife Julia make a very amiable couple, their relationship is full of warmth, love and tenderness - you just feel it listening to their conversations, which makes them so much more relatable. But besides being wonderful human beings they are also very intelligent, bright sleuths, complementing each other in their investigations, which makes listening to their adventures so much more engaging:)
As protagonists they stand out in a whole crowd of colourful characters that people the pages of the book, and all of them feel real; some are funny, some irritating, some ominous... but all are unforgettable.
The plot is intriguing; it starts with an anonymous letter, so the first puzzle to solve is the identity of the sender... Soon the investigations turns into a murder case and then... no,no, no spoilers here:) Anyway, the story has a fast pace, turns and twists along the way and doesn't let you guess too early what the solution is going to be... well, to be honest, it actually finally surprises you - as a good crime story should:) But the best recommendation for it? I listened to it in one sitting, and that's over 8 hours of listening time, mind you:)
The narration by Mr Froomkin is great. He does really well male voices and is good with females, too, and he is great when it comes to delivering different accents (not only with respect to regional differences but social classes, too). I may not have liked Julia's voice so much, but her personality did shine through his words, so no star deduction for it:) Generally it's a very good interpretation of the book, with some good acting and an unexpected song on the way:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 28, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"I'm a Bow Street Runner. I attract funerals."
When Lady Julia and John Pickett married three months ago, their honeymoon was plagued by the meeting of new in-laws and an inconvenient job. So when a mysterious letter asking for help arrived from the scenic Lake District, John's magistrate suggests John and his now pregnant wife spend a few weeks at the hotel named in the letter, combining an investigation with a relaxed time together. The only dutifully being that neither the name of the sender nor the nature of the help needed is known.
As with the other stories in the John Pickett series, Sheri Cobb South combines a delightful peek into the life and atmosphere of bygone days with an intriguing mystery. As John and Julia become more accustomed to and relaxed with each other's foibles and the unwanted barriers of class, their relationship deepens, especially as Julia's life seemed endangered.
Joel L.Froomkin again narrates, becoming the still insecure Runner who married above his station with perfect aplomb. He also carries the story well and individually voices each of the other protagonists, including Julia, with delicacy and appropriate style. A very nice performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of Peril by Post, who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. Although number right in the series, this book can be read entirely as a stand alone although some of the nuances of John and Julia's relationship might be missed. This is a delicious series and highly recommended.
"I'm a Bow Street Runner. I attract funerals."
When Lady Julia and John Pickett married three months ago, their honeymoon was plagued by the meeting of new in-laws and an inconvenient job. So when a mysterious letter asking for help arrived from the scenic Lake District, John's magistrate suggests John and his now pregnant wife spend a few weeks at the hotel named in the letter, combining an investigation with a relaxed time together. The only dutifully being that neither the name of the sender nor the nature of the help needed is known.
As with the other stories in the John Pickett series, Sheri Cobb South combines a delightful peek into the life and atmosphere of bygone days with an intriguing mystery. As John and Julia become more accustomed to and relaxed with each other's foibles and the unwanted barriers of class, their relationship deepens, especially as Julia's life seemed endangered.
Joel L.Froomkin again narrates, becoming the still insecure Runner who married above his station with perfect aplomb. He also carries the story well and individually voices each of the other protagonists, including Julia, with delicacy and appropriate style. A very nice performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of Peril by Post, who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. Although number right in the series, this book can be read entirely as a stand alone although some of the nuances of John and Julia's relationship might be missed. This is a delicious series and highly recommended.
May 31, 2025
This series of books builds upon one another; therefore, reading them in order is recommended. This story begins with the thinnest of hints. An unsigned letter arrives at Bow Street, requesting assistance. John Pickett, along with his wife, is sent to the Lake District to pose as a honeymoon couple (which they are). They have no idea who sent the message or whom to contact when they arrive. John figures out that the innkeeper, Ned Hawkins, sent the unsigned letter. But before he can find out why, someone pushes the innkeeper off the cliff. The only clue is the letter in the man's pocket.
This story features a love triangle involving a friend of the magistrate, Mr. Colquhoun, and a Lake District poet. The plot was thin, but the lively banter between the newlyweds was entertaining.
John Pickett -- Total of 10
0.5. Pickpocket's Apprentice (2015)
1. In Milady's Chamber (2006)
2. A Dead Bore (2008)
3. Family Plot (2014)
4. Dinner Most Deadly (2015)
4.5. Waiting Game (2016)
5. Too Hot to Handel (2016)
6. For Deader or Worse (2017)
7. Mystery Loves Company (2018) --
** 8. Peril by Post (2018)
9. Into Thin Eire (2019)
This story features a love triangle involving a friend of the magistrate, Mr. Colquhoun, and a Lake District poet. The plot was thin, but the lively banter between the newlyweds was entertaining.
John Pickett -- Total of 10
0.5. Pickpocket's Apprentice (2015)
1. In Milady's Chamber (2006)
2. A Dead Bore (2008)
3. Family Plot (2014)
4. Dinner Most Deadly (2015)
4.5. Waiting Game (2016)
5. Too Hot to Handel (2016)
6. For Deader or Worse (2017)
7. Mystery Loves Company (2018) --
** 8. Peril by Post (2018)
9. Into Thin Eire (2019)
December 11, 2018
Another Honeymoon
I came into this series in the middle and now consider myself richer by far for the three novels plus short story I've enjoyed to date. Our mudlark hero (the term is explained in this tale), son of a transported convict and former pickpocket, has been recognized for his intelligence and potential by several worthy men and has grown into a noted Bow Street Runner. His lady wife both loves and values him and has proven valuable herself in helping him solve several of his cases. Thus John's Magistrate, having received an anonymous missive requesting Bow Street's aid, sends John and Julia to the Lake District on a belated honeymoon to try to determine what's amiss. Warm wit, clever plotting, and goodness pervade each of the individual books, all of which can stand alone, with sufficient background filled in to provide context; and as narrated by Joel L. Froomkin, the stories come alive with the richness of the varied accents of town and country, Count and commoner. I LOVE these books!
I came into this series in the middle and now consider myself richer by far for the three novels plus short story I've enjoyed to date. Our mudlark hero (the term is explained in this tale), son of a transported convict and former pickpocket, has been recognized for his intelligence and potential by several worthy men and has grown into a noted Bow Street Runner. His lady wife both loves and values him and has proven valuable herself in helping him solve several of his cases. Thus John's Magistrate, having received an anonymous missive requesting Bow Street's aid, sends John and Julia to the Lake District on a belated honeymoon to try to determine what's amiss. Warm wit, clever plotting, and goodness pervade each of the individual books, all of which can stand alone, with sufficient background filled in to provide context; and as narrated by Joel L. Froomkin, the stories come alive with the richness of the varied accents of town and country, Count and commoner. I LOVE these books!
December 24, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is an absolutely delightful series. I love the way the relationship between John and Julia has grown and many of the issues related to their status in society, money, and Julia's pregnancy [and the fact that women during that era frequently died as a result of childbirth] are addressed. There also some historical information included that I found interesting related to mailing and receiving letters. Most of all, I really enjoy it when John and Julia work a case together - I find their interactions to be very interesting and often quite amusing. There is good humor in this series. I highly recommend this entire series!
The narrator, Joel Froomkin, is the narrator for the entire series. Enough cannot be said as to how enjoyable he is as a narrator. He does distinctive voices for the characters, narrates at a good pace and delivers the humor effortlessly.
This is an absolutely delightful series. I love the way the relationship between John and Julia has grown and many of the issues related to their status in society, money, and Julia's pregnancy [and the fact that women during that era frequently died as a result of childbirth] are addressed. There also some historical information included that I found interesting related to mailing and receiving letters. Most of all, I really enjoy it when John and Julia work a case together - I find their interactions to be very interesting and often quite amusing. There is good humor in this series. I highly recommend this entire series!
The narrator, Joel Froomkin, is the narrator for the entire series. Enough cannot be said as to how enjoyable he is as a narrator. He does distinctive voices for the characters, narrates at a good pace and delivers the humor effortlessly.
April 30, 2019
Audio book review
This is #8 in Cobb South's John Pickett mystery series. This is my second listen by both the narrator and author . This is a mystery story that you wonder what is going to happen next .
A mystery letter shows up at Bow Street in London to Mr. Colquhoun, Johns boss . The letter came from the Lake District. John’s boss doesn’t know why he got the letter . He decides to send John and a woman Julie to pose as a married couple to the district.... he also will be going . Grab it and see what John and Julie discover .
Joel as a narrator was great as he always is . He made this mystery listen great . His voice is strong , clear and smooth
This is #8 in Cobb South's John Pickett mystery series. This is my second listen by both the narrator and author . This is a mystery story that you wonder what is going to happen next .
A mystery letter shows up at Bow Street in London to Mr. Colquhoun, Johns boss . The letter came from the Lake District. John’s boss doesn’t know why he got the letter . He decides to send John and a woman Julie to pose as a married couple to the district.... he also will be going . Grab it and see what John and Julie discover .
Joel as a narrator was great as he always is . He made this mystery listen great . His voice is strong , clear and smooth
December 14, 2018
I am in love with this series by Sheri Cobb South. John Pickett and his lovely wife Julia just keep getting better and better. This is book 8 in the John Pickett Mystery series. I listened to this book almost in one day, then I was so sad because it was over. Joel L. Froomkin does a wonderful job of narrating this series and this book is no different. I was lucky enough to be gifted this audiobook this is my honest review. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
May 8, 2019
I really love this series! They can all stand alone as individual books they way they are written but are a lot of fun read together too. Without giving the story away the mystery is well written, has enough twists to keep you guessing and entertained. I great cozy mystery and clean enough that middle school aged and up can read it too.
I was gifted a free copy of this audiobook from the author. My review is offered voluntarily.
I was gifted a free copy of this audiobook from the author. My review is offered voluntarily.
September 13, 2020
I totally enjoyed this book,though I came into the series near the last book.It is well written and very witty.Mr Picket is a detective,I assume.He is sent a letter to investigate a matter and he and his new wife take a working honeymoon and almost do not make it home! Joel L. Froomkin was a wonderful narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
September 5, 2021
Another superb story in this outstanding series. Not only are the characters and the development of the central relationship always compelling, but I thoroughly enjoyed the extra historical details in this one.
The distant background of Irish rebellion was inferred with great sympathy and the Lake District setting as a tourist destination was both entertaining and interesting. A wonderful read!
The distant background of Irish rebellion was inferred with great sympathy and the Lake District setting as a tourist destination was both entertaining and interesting. A wonderful read!
November 5, 2018
Another wonderful installment
It's amazing to me that even after 8 books, the romance between John Pickett and his lady continues to shine. The magic sometimes diminishes after a few installments of a beloved series, but not so with this one. Looking forward to the next chapter of this couple's unique love story...
It's amazing to me that even after 8 books, the romance between John Pickett and his lady continues to shine. The magic sometimes diminishes after a few installments of a beloved series, but not so with this one. Looking forward to the next chapter of this couple's unique love story...
December 16, 2018
Just discovered this author and book by accident. They've both turned out to be pretty good. A nice tale with humor, intrigue and likeable characters from start to finish. Held your attention with the intriguing plotline and was a really good story. If you get the audio version you'll enjoy the voice performance. They were very good.
May 1, 2019
Well, including the short stories, I've read 18 of Sheri's books so far -the historical ones- some noted on GR, some not. Anyway I've yet to be disappointed.
Peril by Post is a must read in the Pickett series.
I do hope to read about Little Pickett's shenanigans and John being a papa, dealing with it all.
What fun that will be!
Peril by Post is a must read in the Pickett series.
I do hope to read about Little Pickett's shenanigans and John being a papa, dealing with it all.
What fun that will be!
January 8, 2022
Good story
John and Julia take a second honeymoon to the Lake District go investigate a mysterious letter. I really enjoy reading about the developing relationship between John and Julia as they learn go live together as a married couple. This book sees them really developing a partnership, which is fun to watch. There are plenty if twists and turns in this one.
John and Julia take a second honeymoon to the Lake District go investigate a mysterious letter. I really enjoy reading about the developing relationship between John and Julia as they learn go live together as a married couple. This book sees them really developing a partnership, which is fun to watch. There are plenty if twists and turns in this one.
November 2, 2018
Great romantic mystery
Pickett and Julia are so cute as newlyweds-learning to understand each other, falling into bed at the wink of an eye, working through class differences. The mystery was vague until the end.
Pickett and Julia are so cute as newlyweds-learning to understand each other, falling into bed at the wink of an eye, working through class differences. The mystery was vague until the end.
February 1, 2019
this was a 3.5 more than a 3 rating. There was just more "information" in this story than I was used to in Cobbs other books in this series. I could have done without the details that I skipped over.
October 1, 2019
Over too soon
Once again Julia and John get involved in a mysterious murder but there's more to the story than that. While honeymooning clues and other shady activities are revealed . Of course there's plenty of romance in this secluded town. Enjoy!
Once again Julia and John get involved in a mysterious murder but there's more to the story than that. While honeymooning clues and other shady activities are revealed . Of course there's plenty of romance in this secluded town. Enjoy!
March 10, 2020
Love this series. This is book eight and the character development and historical details set in Victorian England make this a great read. I personally love the balance of mystery and relationships. Mr. Pickett has become an endearing part of my reading life.
January 13, 2021
These are easy to read, they're humorous, light-hearted, intriguing, and sweetly romantic. I love the writing style of the author and I love how quickly I can get through these highly entertaining stories!
April 13, 2021
Where is the smart John Pickett from Pickpocket’s Apprentice? He seems to becoming less clever as the series moves on. He’s really obtuse in this story. Perhaps he’s too distracted by Julia. Whatever the case may be, I’m disappointed, as the reader can see what’s coming from a mile away.
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