The Mystery of the Skelton Diamonds

Detective Lavender Mysteries #1.5

by Karen Charlton

London 1808: The famous Skelton Diamonds have disappeared, and Detective Stephen Lavender is asked to investigate the crime.

But why should he feel so uneasy, so reluctant to accept this case? Can he trust the wealthy, powerful politician who's summoned him?

In this short story, Lavender and his loyal assistant, Constable Woods, plunge into the seedy backstreets of Regency London and steer a tricky path through the opulent drawing rooms of aristocratic suspects in pursuit of the missing diamonds.

Welcome to the world of Stephen Lavender, a Principal Officer with the Bow Street Runners, whose further adventures can be followed in 'The Heiress of Linn Hagh.'

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Novella, Short Stories

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2014

About the author

Karen Charlton is an international best-selling author of historical crime fiction.

Her Detective Lavender Mysteries are based on the fictional adventures of Stephen Lavender, a real-life detective with the Bow Street Police Office in London.

Her brand new series, The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries, feature a couple of enterprising young women, Jemma and Bobbie, who launch a private inquiry agency in York during WW2.

​​Her standalone, debut novel Catching the Eagle is the true story of her notorious ancestor, Jamie Charlton, who was convicted of Northumberland's biggest robbery.

Find out more about Karen's work at http://www.karencharlton.com

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Stephen Lavender is asked to solve a case involving stolen diamonds. He uses the help of Constable Woods (Stephen’s loyal assistant). This was a short and enjoyable mystery, set in London, 1808. I liked the setting. It’s the first story I’ve read from the series “Detective Lavender Mysteries”. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Merry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good short story that ties up all the threads and this is hard to do in just 40 pages. I have read the first book and plan to continue reading the second short story between the main books starting today I have enjoyed this more than the full-length books in the series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this Regency based short story Lady Skelton while travelling in her coach finds that her diamonds have been stolen. A box which she has the only key. Detective Lavender and Constable Woods are asked to solve the case.
An enjoyable and quick read with likeable characters.

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A splendid historical mystery by Karen Charlton! I loved the historical setting, language, and sleuths detective Stephen Lavender and Constable Ned.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery of the Skelton Diamonds is book 1.5 in the Detective Lavender Mysteries series by Karen Charlton. Detective Lavender caught a case of the disappearances of the Skelton Diamonds from the Earl of Skelton. From the start, Detective Lavender thought something was wrong with the information the Earl had provided him and Constable Woods. The readers of The Mystery of the Skelton Diamonds will continue to follow Detective Lavender to discover the truth.

The Mystery of the Skelton Diamonds is an enjoyable short story to complement this excellent series by Karen Charlton. I had a bad day at work when I started reading this book, allowing me to forget my problems briefly. I love Karen Charlton's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other. The Mystery of the Skelton Diamonds is well-written and researched by Karen Charlton. I like Karen Charlton's description of The Mystery of the Skelton Diamond settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of The Mystery of the Skelton Diamond will learn about living in London in 1808. Also, the readers of The Mystery of the Skelton Diamond will see the consequences of fraud.

I recommend this book.

[Amanda Meggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well executed short story

I'm not a fan of short stories generally, however this was well told and plausible if not difficult to anticipate. Lavender and Woods are a good duo and this was no exception.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story and the other four as well. I am impressed with the main characters, Detective Lavender and Constable Woods. The plot is easily followed and the story is a good one. I definitely recommend this short story.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's nearly impossible for a short story to get 4 or more stars out of me. Just because it is emphatically not my preference. But this is good. And it continues to be dreadful that politicians most certainly still stymie justice.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. An enjoyable Short Mystery. I recently discovered this Regency Mystery series and am enjoying my journey, as I discover more about Bow Street Runner Steven Lavender and his partner Constable Ned Woods.

1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I ENJOYED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).

Regency Period, London ~
Principal Officer Bow Street Runner Steven Lavender and Constable Edward/Ned Woods are called to the London house of the Honorable Joseph Wharton, a member Parliament, by his special request. It seems valuable Wharton family jewelry has been stolen and the servants are blamed. But did they actually do it? Lavender and Woods investigate.

Comments ~
1) The author mentions at the end of this mystery that Steven Lavender, a Principal Officer Bow Street Runner in London, actually existed during the Regency period. He served first as a Principal Officer Runner (before or by 1809) and then continued to serve with the police force as a respected Deputy Chief Constable through 1833. I find the background information and details in this series fascinating.
2) I recommend this series to Cozy Mystery fans, readers of Classic and British Mysteries, and those who enjoy Historical novels with interesting facts and information from another time.

READER CAUTION ~ IMO, this is suitable for YA readers and those who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - None.
VIOLENCE - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A neat short story with a Dickensian view of 19th Century London. The villains are rather obvious and stereotyped while the author invokes a smelly, crowded and unattractive life outside of a manor house. Inspector Lavender, well drawn and interesting is the reason to keep reading.

[Fatima · Rating 3 out of 5]

corto, predecible. Pero esta bien.

[jerry Cursons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great short story of lavender mystery set in Dickinson's time frame

[Gail Gassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful short story!

This was a wonderful short story of the devious, and manipulations of the upper class in England at the regency time. It was basically set up and run by the aristocracy when something unlawful happened. Its hard to believe, but it did change eventually. This was a Wonder written story showing how a dark side of needing money happened, I'm sure more times than not. With Detective Lavender and constable woods it didn't sit well at all. They were against any crime done from servant to master. To them it made no difference of class, a crime was a crime. These are great books that only get better as they go! This short story only wets your pallet for whats to come. The only problem is they don't come fast enough, but I'm sure we'd rather have them that way than written to fast and not as good. I hope you enjoy these books as much as i have and more!! I really recommend this author and all her books.

[Apurva Khadye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received it free on Kindle. I read The heiress of linn hagh first and I had high hopes from this one. While it is always a pleasure to read detective Stephen Lavender but this one really disappointed me. It started out as really intriguing missing diamonds and all but I was as disinterested as detective himself.
It is a short story which gives us glimpses of Dickensian view of London. predictive plot, fails to engross us. only good thing is reading no nonsense detective Lavender

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is a mystery set in 1808 London. The detective was clever, and his assistant constable had skills that complemented the detective's. They quickly figure out how the crime was committed and who was involved, but they didn't come out and say it until nearly the end. Still, it was simple enough to figure out myself, partly because it was short and only pertinent clues were given. There was no sex and only a couple uses of bad language. It's a quick and enjoyable read.

[Mystic Miraflores · Rating 4 out of 5]

I already have read many Lavender and Woods historical police procedures and loved them all. I enjoy the characters of Lavender and Woods. I am intrigued by the author's historical research into the real police officers on whom her characters are based. The character of Wharton was not completely understandable. Why did he call in such a brilliant detective such as Lavender? Nevertheless, I hope the author will keep on writing more L and W stories, both short and long.

[Melanie Macleod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insight to characters

I felt that I had missed something and that I was the last to know as these characters existed in another series of books but I wasn't aware of that. I'm not sure how to read forward or backwards. Likeable characters and a predictable plot but was meant to be short and sweet to introduce you to the characters

[Abigail Grebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Detective Lavender short story follows the same feel as all the other stories. A short, enjoyable read, although I was disappointed by the ending. It felt like Lavender was giving up a part of himself that he values and respects, a piece of his integrity that he would have rather held on to. Probably my least favorite of the series.

[David C. Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Short Story

Not unlike the author, Lavender and Woods have grown on me. I like their camaraderie. The crimes are well planned in terms of logical beginnings and endings. I think these are good mysteries. I also like the time period; however, I do wish it had all been a little tidier. 😊 Jeanne

[Eileen R. Avrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detective Lavendar

Love this series. Personally this story was not as intriguing as his other books, but having said that, I still enjoyed Lavender and Woods engaging team of investigators.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's diverting, short and predictable. I received it free through Kindle and it was handy to read while I waited for an appointment with a veterinarian - just enough to be distracting but not engrossing.

[Butch Byers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry, this one didn't really do it for me. Telegraphed the miscreant, too short, none of the detectives Spanish girlfriend, the sidekick's wife, or the local London or UK colour which made the first full length book, and to lesser extent the following two, so much fun to read.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

A short story about the real life character Det. Lavender and his fictional sidekick Constable Woods. Lavender and Woods are called in to solve the case of missing diamonds. What they find is a case of insurance fraud. Brilliantly written and totally enjoyable.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Sometimes you are in the mood for a mystery but not a murder. This one fills the order. Clever and filled with historical period atmosphere this is nice read right before going to sleep.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 4 out of 5]

a bit simple to solve.

but well written. a good statement on the reality and evilness of the “landed gentry” structure. but it has always been like that. looking forward to the next book.

[Kathy Holm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery of the Skelton Diamonds

Excellent as always but too,short for my taste❤️.... You his writer is amazing...the way she puts together the words and the story..you will love it!

[Joann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice short story

I liked the main characters. The solution of the mystery seemed obvious. I really enjoy historical mysteries, but I felt like I had read this before but with different character names.

[Susan Kinnevy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically a long short story, but written after the first two novels, which is kind of strange. They introduce characters, but don't give any real backstory, which you get only if you read the novels. Kind of interesting, though, and it's easy to see where the novels the follow come from.

[MRS A HARDY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book

I think I have read all of the Detective Lavender books to date and have enjoyed everyone.I never tire of the exploits of Lavender and Woods and love also enjoy reading about their respective families also

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one a lot, so much history of London. I really like the way she pulls you in and how the characters mature......I get so lost in her story when I read her books.
Such enjoyment.
Sue B