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The Violet Carlyle Mysteries #3
Murder at the Folly
September 1923.
When Violet and Victor run into an old friend in Belgium, they have an idea of what to expect. What they don’t expect is to be followed back to England, persuaded to spend an additional weekend away from home, or to have their group experience another murder.
This time, the suspect is their long-time friend Tomas St. Marks—-a shell-shocked former soldier. The race is on to discover the real killer before someone they know to be gentle and kind is taken in for a crime he didn’t commit.
Book THREE in The Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? If so, you’ll love Vi, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. You might even find your interest 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 at the Folly
Book 4: A Christmas Murder
When Violet and Victor run into an old friend in Belgium, they have an idea of what to expect. What they don’t expect is to be followed back to England, persuaded to spend an additional weekend away from home, or to have their group experience another murder.
This time, the suspect is their long-time friend Tomas St. Marks—-a shell-shocked former soldier. The race is on to discover the real killer before someone they know to be gentle and kind is taken in for a crime he didn’t commit.
Book THREE in The Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? If so, you’ll love Vi, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. You might even find your interest 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 at the Folly
Book 4: A Christmas Murder
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2018
1140 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 13, 2020
Violet, Victor, their older brother Gerald and younger sister Isolde have been vacationing in Bruges to forget the events of the last few months. While Violet is having a blast shopping with her sister, she longs to return home to England. Home, to see if a big, strong sometimes detective is still interested in her. She's reluctant to admit she's lost her heart. When the twins run into their friend Tomas, Violet knows that he's going to propose again and this time, she'll have to break his heart by revealing the truth about her own. Tomas is beset by an entourage of hangers-on, including the twins' cousin Algie and his friend Theo, that follow him back to England. Tomas is plagued by the ghosts of his past and only Violet can help him. When Tomas decides to throw a grand party, Violet worries Tomas's demons will return and make him worse. He feels that the loud noise and commotion will make him feel less worse than if he was alone. Unfortunately, that proves not to be the case. Tomas wanders off alone to walk off his demons and many of the party guests disperse as well. Then Tomas returns, covered in blood. His would-be girlfriend, Bettina, was stabbed in the chest. Tomas claims he tried to help and succumbs to his painful past. As Violet tries to help Tomas, Jack becomes jealous and suspicious. Vic is positive Tomas would never harm anyone, even while in such a state. Vi knows Tomas would never intentionally hurt anyone but she has reason to believe he COULD hurt someone without knowing it. Even so, she's convinced he is not the murderer. What will it take to convince Jack to leave Tomas alone and find the real killer?
This is the third book in this series I've read and the darkest so far. Each of these books has a subplot dealing with sexual harassment/sexual assault/lack of rights for women in the 1920s. This one adds on "shell shock" and a mild case of PTSD for Violet. I don't like to read about that stuff for entertainment. I'm also not a fan of the frivolous lifestyles of the bright young people. I appreciate the twins are still writing pulp fiction but mainly because it's fun for them and not because they really have to. The identity of the murderer is one or more of three people so it isn't difficult to come up with a suspect list. I really didn't think Tomas did it. I objected to the loud, obnoxious, buxom Italian woman stereotype. The French are a bit typecast as well.
I really love Violet's big heart and her passion for helping women and girls. Her aunt was a remarkable woman a good influence. In addition to Vi and Vic and their friends, Jack is back to party with the twins and he becomes involved with the investigation. I recognize that as a policeman, however part-time, he has to suspect everyone but I do think he let his jealousy of Tomas overcome his usual good sense. He's known Violet awhile now and knows she has good instincts and is trustworthy. I don't like how much he let her get involved in the denouement but Violet does what Violet wants. Poor Tomas! How utterly heartbreaking! It's even worse for him that Vi is the only one who can calm him down and that he's convinced she's the only woman he loves. I do like her solution and I thought of it first. He deserves love and happiness.
Cousin Algie shows up again in trouble. He's not too bright and stumbles into trouble a lot. He brings along his despicable friend Theo. Theo hasn't changed since Victor had it out with him and doesn't seem to have learned a lesson. He's absolutely disgusting. I hated that he caused Violet to be so scared. How many other women has he preyed on? I don't think Algie is a murderer. He's not passionate or bright enough. Perhaps Theo did it and we can be rid of him once and for all.
The new guests are Bettina Marino, a buxom Italian woman who wants to be Tomas's girlfriend- or more. She's clingy, rude and pushy. Bettina also sets her sights on Charles Stroud, an old school friend of Tomas's. Charles is the silent, brooding type. I don't think he's friendly or all that pleasant to be with but he isn't in the story much. Juliette and François Boutet, a brother and sister team of dancers, don't get in much dancing. They argue a lot and don't have the close bond the twins do. They seem to be in need of Tomas's patronage but they don't do anything to help him back. One of them is a murderer. Which one? Can it be all of them?
I think I may skip ahead in this series a bit more to see if I like any of the others better. I only started it because Violet and Ginger Gold team up in Mystery on Valentine's Day: a Ginger Gold & Violet Carlyle Mystery short story and I wanted to get to know Violet.
Content:
May be mild swearing
Blood
mild violence
sexual harassment
PTSD- horrors of WWI
This is the third book in this series I've read and the darkest so far. Each of these books has a subplot dealing with sexual harassment/sexual assault/lack of rights for women in the 1920s. This one adds on "shell shock" and a mild case of PTSD for Violet. I don't like to read about that stuff for entertainment. I'm also not a fan of the frivolous lifestyles of the bright young people. I appreciate the twins are still writing pulp fiction but mainly because it's fun for them and not because they really have to. The identity of the murderer is one or more of three people so it isn't difficult to come up with a suspect list. I really didn't think Tomas did it. I objected to the loud, obnoxious, buxom Italian woman stereotype. The French are a bit typecast as well.
I really love Violet's big heart and her passion for helping women and girls. Her aunt was a remarkable woman a good influence. In addition to Vi and Vic and their friends, Jack is back to party with the twins and he becomes involved with the investigation. I recognize that as a policeman, however part-time, he has to suspect everyone but I do think he let his jealousy of Tomas overcome his usual good sense. He's known Violet awhile now and knows she has good instincts and is trustworthy. I don't like how much he let her get involved in the denouement but Violet does what Violet wants. Poor Tomas! How utterly heartbreaking! It's even worse for him that Vi is the only one who can calm him down and that he's convinced she's the only woman he loves. I do like her solution and I thought of it first. He deserves love and happiness.
Cousin Algie shows up again in trouble. He's not too bright and stumbles into trouble a lot. He brings along his despicable friend Theo. Theo hasn't changed since Victor had it out with him and doesn't seem to have learned a lesson. He's absolutely disgusting. I hated that he caused Violet to be so scared. How many other women has he preyed on? I don't think Algie is a murderer. He's not passionate or bright enough. Perhaps Theo did it and we can be rid of him once and for all.
The new guests are Bettina Marino, a buxom Italian woman who wants to be Tomas's girlfriend- or more. She's clingy, rude and pushy. Bettina also sets her sights on Charles Stroud, an old school friend of Tomas's. Charles is the silent, brooding type. I don't think he's friendly or all that pleasant to be with but he isn't in the story much. Juliette and François Boutet, a brother and sister team of dancers, don't get in much dancing. They argue a lot and don't have the close bond the twins do. They seem to be in need of Tomas's patronage but they don't do anything to help him back. One of them is a murderer. Which one? Can it be all of them?
I think I may skip ahead in this series a bit more to see if I like any of the others better. I only started it because Violet and Ginger Gold team up in Mystery on Valentine's Day: a Ginger Gold & Violet Carlyle Mystery short story and I wanted to get to know Violet.
Content:
May be mild swearing
Blood
mild violence
sexual harassment
PTSD- horrors of WWI
January 5, 2019
Entertaining and an easy read. The dialogue and plot simple. As long as these biijs are in my kindle unlimited I'll read them.
July 21, 2019
a better mystery
interesting if horrible characters. violet saving the world because she has money still. she relies on men thinking women are profoundly stupid a lot. was it really that bad in the 1920s?
interesting if horrible characters. violet saving the world because she has money still. she relies on men thinking women are profoundly stupid a lot. was it really that bad in the 1920s?
September 9, 2020
A solid mystery. This book deals a lot with Violet's romantic life and is filled with emotional ups and down. That might not be for everyone's taste but I enjoy the character and this is part and parcel of the series. Kudos for the writer to deal with a character who suffers with shell shock which is not usually done in light mysteries set in the 1920s that focus more on the fashions and good time vibes happening.
December 26, 2018
I really wanted to like this series, but why, when an author has created a independent female heroine, do they feel the need to tie them to an arrogant, pompous man? I find it even more annoying when the author is also female! I was already fed up with Jack by the end of chapter three and he didn’t actually appear until chapter eight.
Unfortunately the story didn’t start too well with a ridiculous plan to get rid of ‘Bettina’ and friends; why not just tell them to go? The story did improve, but in the end the mystery wasn’t really resolved by anybody’s efforts, the solution just sort of appeared.
Unfortunately the story didn’t start too well with a ridiculous plan to get rid of ‘Bettina’ and friends; why not just tell them to go? The story did improve, but in the end the mystery wasn’t really resolved by anybody’s efforts, the solution just sort of appeared.
August 14, 2019
Frustrating
It could be a good book.. but.. the Americanisms are really beginning to grate.. it should be obvious to the author that to retain historical context you write in the correct format for the story setting.. if you're British and set your tale in America with an American cast you use the American spelling and vernacular for all except any British characters.. the reversed situation you use British vernacular and spelling.. she has one American character yet they are speaking as if they all are.
I am assuming that the remaining books will follow this course which disappoints despite the apology in the first novel.
I hate the over detailed summaries/blurbs.. it wipes out the need for anything except the resolution.. if you can tell that much of the tale in a few pages why bother with the remainder.. keep your summaries short and don't give so much away.. the idea is to tease and tempt not tell the entire plot.
Editing has not improved, proof reader would also help avoid the errors.. stop using "luv" spelt like they're a bunch of cockney urchins. Love. Darling. Dearest. Do better research on the era in Britain.. learn the value of currency for the period.. avoid using the vernacular unless you are sure it's British and in the correct period.
I like the idea.. I quite like Violet and Victor.. I am glad these are unlimited books.. I wouldn't be prepared to pay for them but I will continue whilst they are free in the hopes that they improve.. I am not convinced that they will but here's hoping..
It could be a good book.. but.. the Americanisms are really beginning to grate.. it should be obvious to the author that to retain historical context you write in the correct format for the story setting.. if you're British and set your tale in America with an American cast you use the American spelling and vernacular for all except any British characters.. the reversed situation you use British vernacular and spelling.. she has one American character yet they are speaking as if they all are.
I am assuming that the remaining books will follow this course which disappoints despite the apology in the first novel.
I hate the over detailed summaries/blurbs.. it wipes out the need for anything except the resolution.. if you can tell that much of the tale in a few pages why bother with the remainder.. keep your summaries short and don't give so much away.. the idea is to tease and tempt not tell the entire plot.
Editing has not improved, proof reader would also help avoid the errors.. stop using "luv" spelt like they're a bunch of cockney urchins. Love. Darling. Dearest. Do better research on the era in Britain.. learn the value of currency for the period.. avoid using the vernacular unless you are sure it's British and in the correct period.
I like the idea.. I quite like Violet and Victor.. I am glad these are unlimited books.. I wouldn't be prepared to pay for them but I will continue whilst they are free in the hopes that they improve.. I am not convinced that they will but here's hoping..
January 25, 2020
This book ended rather abruptly, and there was a bit too much chit-chat between the characters that didn't add anything to the book. There were three main characters in this book, including the murderer, that didn't get much more than a passing glance from the author when it came to development, which surprised me. I thought the murderer would at least be a two dimensional character rather than someone in the (far, far away) background. As it was, there was virtually nothing said about them and they only showed up in the story from time to time, and even then I don't recall any dialogue from them.
This book was ok for a quick read on a rainy day.
This book was ok for a quick read on a rainy day.
January 1, 2021
This one was a bit of a jumble. There were many references to previously introduced characters and events, which I sometimes had to reach to remember. I can't imagine how someone could follow it if they hadn't read the previous two books. Most of the plot concerned romantic relationships with just a smidgeon of mystery. Frankly, it read like a book scribbled down in a few weeks with a minimum of craft.
June 29, 2021
This series continues to surprise me. How can something be so light and easy to read while dealing with such serious topics? I love the fact that the twins are still grieving the death of their aunt from book 1. I love that Violet is committed to using her money for good to help characters from book 2. I love that they dealt seriously with shell shock in this book. They also deal with men’s expectations of women, and the difference between platonic love and romantic love. I love that Violet will ALWAYS do what she thinks is right, even if it puts her at odds with the person she’s coming to love. I love that Victor and Violet actually have a fight in this one, and that she doesn’t attempt to hide her anger, but nor does she ignore that she loves Victor more than anything and that he loves her and they need each other, even when they have to work to agree. I love how this series is showing us different types of relationships - sibling, friend, lover, even supporter and supported. I love that Violet still feels fear of a certain character from Book 1 because of something that happened to her, and that Victor is ready to cause bodily injury to people who try to hurt her. This is rapidly becoming my favorite cozy series. Each book takes about three hours to read, and you’re left feeling like you’re getting some substance right alongside the young and carefree parts. I can say that I highly recommend this series.
January 18, 2019
Violet and gang visit the home of the man who has been pining for her, Tomas St. Marks. He has accumulated a league of hangers-on, all unscrupulous, and one of them is murdered. Violet's love interest, Jack Wakefield, ends up on scene and he and Violet and friends outwit the killer.
This wasn't my favorite of the series so far but I liked a lot of things about it. Violet continues to champion and enable oppressed women of all kind. She sacrifices her own interests and comfort to help those she cares about. Her brother and friends are loyal, bright and protective. PTSD wasn't dealt with well at all during these times, despite the number of men who must have been afflicted. I liked the way this little band loves and protects their friend, who is suffering from it, but I'm guessing that someone on a lower economic rung would not receive the same patience and privileges. The love between Jack and Violet grows...
This wasn't my favorite of the series so far but I liked a lot of things about it. Violet continues to champion and enable oppressed women of all kind. She sacrifices her own interests and comfort to help those she cares about. Her brother and friends are loyal, bright and protective. PTSD wasn't dealt with well at all during these times, despite the number of men who must have been afflicted. I liked the way this little band loves and protects their friend, who is suffering from it, but I'm guessing that someone on a lower economic rung would not receive the same patience and privileges. The love between Jack and Violet grows...
August 17, 2019
Marta Hari meets her match
A good read. Involving their childhood friend who has nightmares and PTSD from the horrors he experienced in the war. A meeting with him whilst on the trip abroad with their young sister has them agreeing to stay at his estate for a couple of weeks. With him and the hangers-on he has picked up. A gold digger, a dancing brother and sister, her cousin and his louse of a friend plus another old acquaintance. Things do not run smoothly as there seems to be a fair swapping of partners, more proposals and a murder. Luckily she had already called her closest friends as reinforcements but the tables looked stacked against their childhood friend. Did he turn into a killer whilst reliving his nightmares? Was it the swapping of partners that was to blame? Or was it something else? Will they clear their childhood friend?
A good read. Involving their childhood friend who has nightmares and PTSD from the horrors he experienced in the war. A meeting with him whilst on the trip abroad with their young sister has them agreeing to stay at his estate for a couple of weeks. With him and the hangers-on he has picked up. A gold digger, a dancing brother and sister, her cousin and his louse of a friend plus another old acquaintance. Things do not run smoothly as there seems to be a fair swapping of partners, more proposals and a murder. Luckily she had already called her closest friends as reinforcements but the tables looked stacked against their childhood friend. Did he turn into a killer whilst reliving his nightmares? Was it the swapping of partners that was to blame? Or was it something else? Will they clear their childhood friend?
March 4, 2021
Not Jolly;Just Fabulous!
For those of you interested in cozy historical mysteries this one is fabulous! Ok this is the best so far in the series. I laughed, cried. Finally the author has successfully integrated Violets friends and family into the story arc. You have to read these books in order to appreciate the story and characters. Admittedly I found it somewhat challenging to get thru the first few books. However my perseverance has been rewarded. I care about all these characters, faults and all especially faults. Take the time to read the books in order an you will be rewarded. Hope the next book doesn't disappoint. Looking forward to it.
For those of you interested in cozy historical mysteries this one is fabulous! Ok this is the best so far in the series. I laughed, cried. Finally the author has successfully integrated Violets friends and family into the story arc. You have to read these books in order to appreciate the story and characters. Admittedly I found it somewhat challenging to get thru the first few books. However my perseverance has been rewarded. I care about all these characters, faults and all especially faults. Take the time to read the books in order an you will be rewarded. Hope the next book doesn't disappoint. Looking forward to it.
December 8, 2022
This is a series review as I am up to book #8 of The Violet Carlyle Mysteries, and the books are about a 4 hours listen on my Kindle app.
From book one the story line has been tight, the main characters consistent, and scenery interesting.
Have found this series light hearted fun. ( book two character’s description of life in the WWI trenches was heartrending to anyone old who lost love ones ).
The stories are fluffy and filling with a great script for all characters especially The Earl of Carlyle who delights in reminding those who irk, that on his property… a body can be successfully dispatched never to be found… should he so desire.
All in all terrific fun, thank you Beth Byers, much appreciated. :-)
From book one the story line has been tight, the main characters consistent, and scenery interesting.
Have found this series light hearted fun. ( book two character’s description of life in the WWI trenches was heartrending to anyone old who lost love ones ).
The stories are fluffy and filling with a great script for all characters especially The Earl of Carlyle who delights in reminding those who irk, that on his property… a body can be successfully dispatched never to be found… should he so desire.
All in all terrific fun, thank you Beth Byers, much appreciated. :-)
January 7, 2019
Wonderful Distraction
It’s January 2019 and I have been in bed for almost three weeks with pneumonia and the flu. To tired to do anything. To my joy I have found these wonderful stores from Beth. This is my third book and they have been a life saver!
I love our two twins so much. Frivolous but kind and always end up with typical spoiled drama. They care about their friends and VI always ends up helping some poor female with her money and wisdom. Can’t wait to move on to number 4. Thank you!
It’s January 2019 and I have been in bed for almost three weeks with pneumonia and the flu. To tired to do anything. To my joy I have found these wonderful stores from Beth. This is my third book and they have been a life saver!
I love our two twins so much. Frivolous but kind and always end up with typical spoiled drama. They care about their friends and VI always ends up helping some poor female with her money and wisdom. Can’t wait to move on to number 4. Thank you!
November 3, 2021
A series of 32 books with 33 out soon. I enjoyed these books and raced through them.
Very gentle stories of Lady Carlyle and her friends solving murders wherever they go along with her twin, Victor.
I enjoyed this series BUT they were littered with Americanisms throughout which were sometimes SO American that they just spoilt the book. I understand the author is American BUT this book is about English characters in England so you NEED to drop all the American spellings AND the American terminology within. Not a complete turn-off but it was definitely extremely annoying for an English reader to hear sidewalk instead of pavement, boardwalk instead of promenade, mom instead of mum, smashed peas instead of mushy peas and so they go on. Even stranger is that she gets a lot of English terminology correct but then she messes up by adding an American term then goes back to English again! Very odd and uneven. It throws the reader and takes the shine off what is otherwise a nice cosy read.
There are “sloppy” bits in the book especially in the series when she marries Jake Wakefield and they are also typically “over the top” American slush that makes you cringe. I do like the characters though,mainly, but what the heck is the point in Lila and Denny???? Complete waste of time and no substance. Neither bring anything to the stories or solving the mysteries and Denny is someone who you would just like to slap! He’s lazy, immature, weak and has nothing to add to these books at all. Scrap Lila and Denny then the books would be more enjoyable!
All in All these books were enjoyable but annoying, cosy but uncomfortable (in places) and got me through the week.
Very gentle stories of Lady Carlyle and her friends solving murders wherever they go along with her twin, Victor.
I enjoyed this series BUT they were littered with Americanisms throughout which were sometimes SO American that they just spoilt the book. I understand the author is American BUT this book is about English characters in England so you NEED to drop all the American spellings AND the American terminology within. Not a complete turn-off but it was definitely extremely annoying for an English reader to hear sidewalk instead of pavement, boardwalk instead of promenade, mom instead of mum, smashed peas instead of mushy peas and so they go on. Even stranger is that she gets a lot of English terminology correct but then she messes up by adding an American term then goes back to English again! Very odd and uneven. It throws the reader and takes the shine off what is otherwise a nice cosy read.
There are “sloppy” bits in the book especially in the series when she marries Jake Wakefield and they are also typically “over the top” American slush that makes you cringe. I do like the characters though,mainly, but what the heck is the point in Lila and Denny???? Complete waste of time and no substance. Neither bring anything to the stories or solving the mysteries and Denny is someone who you would just like to slap! He’s lazy, immature, weak and has nothing to add to these books at all. Scrap Lila and Denny then the books would be more enjoyable!
All in All these books were enjoyable but annoying, cosy but uncomfortable (in places) and got me through the week.
June 25, 2020
Very enjoyable read
This book sees old friends as well as new enemies coming together for parties, romance and murder. Violet is at another crime scene and is paired again with Jack Wakefield of Scotland Yard. This murder involved Vic and Vi's friend , Tomas. It's got some weird twists and finger pointing but Violet solved another one and is able to help those less fortunate to start anew. I enjoyed it to the end.
This book sees old friends as well as new enemies coming together for parties, romance and murder. Violet is at another crime scene and is paired again with Jack Wakefield of Scotland Yard. This murder involved Vic and Vi's friend , Tomas. It's got some weird twists and finger pointing but Violet solved another one and is able to help those less fortunate to start anew. I enjoyed it to the end.
May 2, 2024
Murder at the Folly
Another great adventure for the Carlyle twins. Victor and Violet enjoy parties with their friends and dealing with PTSD of a friend Tomas who seems to think he's in love with Violet. Violet is realizing that she is falling in love with Jac A money hungry associate is stabbed and Tomas is found holding her. Did he do this or did he come up after someone else did. Follow the twins as they find the truth.
Another great adventure for the Carlyle twins. Victor and Violet enjoy parties with their friends and dealing with PTSD of a friend Tomas who seems to think he's in love with Violet. Violet is realizing that she is falling in love with Jac A money hungry associate is stabbed and Tomas is found holding her. Did he do this or did he come up after someone else did. Follow the twins as they find the truth.
May 5, 2024
Third story / novella in this still enjoyable mystery series featuring aristocratic twins in roaring 20s England. Each story gives you enough to keep wanting to know what happens next in these characters’ lives. There is nothing fancy about these books, and they could use some professional editing, but I’m having a good time reading them. I needed a little lightness after my last book - it was a heavy one!
November 10, 2024
We spent so much of the book on Vi internal monologue about being her own person, not needing a men to approve or dissaprove what she does her life, and then she falls for a guy who still thinks like that, and she gives so many excuses for shit
at one point she does think hey why am i doing this, but its for another issue
and NOTHING gets resolved, the murder may aswell not happened since it was glanced over most of the time
at one point she does think hey why am i doing this, but its for another issue
and NOTHING gets resolved, the murder may aswell not happened since it was glanced over most of the time
May 31, 2019
THIS FOLLY IS ONE JOLLY READ
If you need to get away from the boring, the stressful, or general hubbub of life, this is a great book for taking you out of whatever it is that's a bother. Likeable characters, humor and a good mystery are all here, courtesy of an excellent writer. Just curl up with a good cuppa, sweets and this book.
If you need to get away from the boring, the stressful, or general hubbub of life, this is a great book for taking you out of whatever it is that's a bother. Likeable characters, humor and a good mystery are all here, courtesy of an excellent writer. Just curl up with a good cuppa, sweets and this book.
July 4, 2021
Not at all cozy
This is supposed to be a cozy mystery series but this one was anything but cozy. Themes of PTSD, sexual assault, spousal abuse, and women’s rights played heavily. The violence was also fairly graphic even if the murder occurred off “screen.”
Read this if you want to continue with the series but don’t mistake it for cozy.
This is supposed to be a cozy mystery series but this one was anything but cozy. Themes of PTSD, sexual assault, spousal abuse, and women’s rights played heavily. The violence was also fairly graphic even if the murder occurred off “screen.”
Read this if you want to continue with the series but don’t mistake it for cozy.
July 12, 2021
True Friends
The 5-Star for this story was due to the better cohesiveness of the writing. Although there was overlap in each chapter it was much less which made it easier to follow the plot. It was delightful to be reminded how being blessed with "true" friends life is a gift from God.
The 5-Star for this story was due to the better cohesiveness of the writing. Although there was overlap in each chapter it was much less which made it easier to follow the plot. It was delightful to be reminded how being blessed with "true" friends life is a gift from God.
December 23, 2021
happily hooked
Oh, to have been a part of this group that I truly wish really did exist in those days…the anger, the desire, the iron-clad fortitude and the love for one another is palpable. And entertaining. The plots are not as wickedly twisted as those of Rex Stout (Nero Wolfe) or Agatha Christie. But the cast is…scrumptious. A thoroughly captivating and enjoyable read.
Oh, to have been a part of this group that I truly wish really did exist in those days…the anger, the desire, the iron-clad fortitude and the love for one another is palpable. And entertaining. The plots are not as wickedly twisted as those of Rex Stout (Nero Wolfe) or Agatha Christie. But the cast is…scrumptious. A thoroughly captivating and enjoyable read.
October 22, 2018
Love this series! I even find myself looking up info on the 20's, like popular songs and dances. Violet and Victor are wonderful and the epitome of bright, young things but with caring hearts and open pockets. Long may this series thrive!
January 28, 2019
Another great book, I would like to see going forward in the series perhaps not dragging it out as much, I tend to find it looses me sometimes, but I love the characters, and look forward to the ongoing twist and turns of the Violet and Jack's relationship and see what transpires next.
April 11, 2019
Historical Cozy Mystery
I am enjoying this series of post World War 1 historical fiction cozy. A nice change from bloody and twisted crime drama. An easy light read that entertains.
I am enjoying this series of post World War 1 historical fiction cozy. A nice change from bloody and twisted crime drama. An easy light read that entertains.
February 2, 2020
Continued enjoyment.
Once again, the exploits of Violet Carlyle and her compatriots keep the reader intrigued and coming back for more. Readers develop a distinct sympathy for Ms. Byers’ characters throughout the series, and don’t want to let them go.
Once again, the exploits of Violet Carlyle and her compatriots keep the reader intrigued and coming back for more. Readers develop a distinct sympathy for Ms. Byers’ characters throughout the series, and don’t want to let them go.
December 29, 2020
Such fun!
These Violet Carlyle Mysteries are SUCH fun! Witty dialogue, evil doers doing evil deeds, a touch of romance, and 1920’s “bright young things” having fun solving mysteries in between partying. Start at the first one so you know all the backstory and just carry on. I already have the next one in my Kindle ready to go.
These Violet Carlyle Mysteries are SUCH fun! Witty dialogue, evil doers doing evil deeds, a touch of romance, and 1920’s “bright young things” having fun solving mysteries in between partying. Start at the first one so you know all the backstory and just carry on. I already have the next one in my Kindle ready to go.
February 17, 2021
Love a good Murder mystery
I read a lot of historical murder mysteries with female PIs or investigators as the leads. The stories are similar, but I really enjoy how this series unravels itself.
I read a lot of historical murder mysteries with female PIs or investigators as the leads. The stories are similar, but I really enjoy how this series unravels itself.
July 10, 2021
Celebration to die for
What starts as time with a dear friend turns to murder, and Violet is determined to find the killer -- unless they find her first. This series is just the thing to lift your spirits, and I highly recommend it.
What starts as time with a dear friend turns to murder, and Violet is determined to find the killer -- unless they find her first. This series is just the thing to lift your spirits, and I highly recommend it.
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