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Cambridge Fellows #10
Lessons for Suspicious Minds
An invitation to stay at a friend of the Stewart family’s stately home can only mean one thing for Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith — a new case for the amateur sleuths. And with two apparently unrelated suicides, a double chase is on...
But things never run smoothly for the Cambridge fellows. In an era when their love dare not speak its name, the chance of discovery (and disgrace) is ever present—how do you explain yourself when a servant discovers you doing the midnight run along the corridor?
The chase stops being a game for Orlando when the case brings back memories of his father’s suicide and the search for the identity of his grandfather. And the solution presents them with one of the most difficult moral decisions they’ve had to make...
But things never run smoothly for the Cambridge fellows. In an era when their love dare not speak its name, the chance of discovery (and disgrace) is ever present—how do you explain yourself when a servant discovers you doing the midnight run along the corridor?
The chase stops being a game for Orlando when the case brings back memories of his father’s suicide and the search for the identity of his grandfather. And the solution presents them with one of the most difficult moral decisions they’ve had to make...
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2013
29 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Cochrane
86 books373 followersBecause Charlie Cochrane couldn't be trusted to do any of her jobs of choice—like managing a rugby team—she writes. Her mystery novels include the Edwardian era Cambridge Fellows series, series, and the contemporary Best Corpse for the Job. Multi-published, she has titles with Carina, Samhain, Riptide and Bold Strokes, among others.
A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Mystery People and International Thriller Writers Inc, Charlie regularly appears at literary festivals and at reader and author conferences with The Deadly Dames.
A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Mystery People and International Thriller Writers Inc, Charlie regularly appears at literary festivals and at reader and author conferences with The Deadly Dames.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 6, 2021
3.5 stars
Ha pasado un año desde que Orlando descubrió algo del misterio de su abuela; es 1909. Las dos grandes mentes de Cambridge son convocadas por la madrina de la madre de Jonty, la duquesa Alexandra Temple a pasar unos días en su casa, lo que en el fondo no es más que una excusa para indagar acerca de sus sospechas por una muerte en su casa. Un suicidio.
La propiedad se llama Fyfield (que en más de una ocasión me hace recordar a Downtown Abbey, por más de una cosa), y fue el lugar de juegos de la familia Stewart. Sin embargo esta vez su investigacion acerca de si fue un suicidio o no, con todos los problemas que esto representa para Orlando, viene a remover viejos dolores y recuerdos en ambas familias.
La trama da vueltas y vueltas interrogando a personajes que estuvieron alli ese dia, y que pareciera tal vez que esconden algo, ¿qué?, ahi esta la cosa. Además se encuentran investigando otro suicidio más de un joven que se ahogó y llevaba hasta una carta de suicidio consigo, pero alguien más encuentra extraño.
Asi que si teneis problemas con este tema, mejor alejarse.
Jonty y Orlando por su parte tratan de alivianar el asunto con bromas tontas y colocando a todos los Stewart a seguir pistas, cosa que les encanta a sus padres, poniendo de relevancia la formidable persona que es la sra Helena Stewart, título o no. Cualquiera quisiera esa familia como suya.
Mrs. Stewart puffed up with maternal pride. “Two of the most eminent private consulting detectives in Britain, for whom I am working in a delegated capacity. So we’ll have no nonsense, and just the truth. All the things you didn’t tell the coroner,” she added, in a stroke of what turned out to be genius.
“How on earth did you know?”
Mrs. Stewart didn’t answer, just inclined her head as if to say, How could we not know? We are Stewarts. Or, perhaps more accurately, How could I not know? I have three sons and can spot a lie a mile off. And in dense fog.
El libro termina con un regusto amargo, por cosas que se descubren .
Orlando slipped into his room, thinking there might just be some light at the end of the family history tunnel, after all. Not the light of a puzzle solved, but of peace found. At last.
Por otra parte espero que Orlando deje de sentir esos celos tontos ;)
“Will there be whales in heaven?”
(Jonty:)“I sincerely hope so. Why would God create something so magnificent and then not make the most of it through eternity? I’ll be expecting glyptodonts too.”
Ha pasado un año desde que Orlando descubrió algo del misterio de su abuela; es 1909. Las dos grandes mentes de Cambridge son convocadas por la madrina de la madre de Jonty, la duquesa Alexandra Temple a pasar unos días en su casa, lo que en el fondo no es más que una excusa para indagar acerca de sus sospechas por una muerte en su casa. Un suicidio.
La propiedad se llama Fyfield (que en más de una ocasión me hace recordar a Downtown Abbey, por más de una cosa), y fue el lugar de juegos de la familia Stewart. Sin embargo esta vez su investigacion acerca de si fue un suicidio o no, con todos los problemas que esto representa para Orlando, viene a remover viejos dolores y recuerdos en ambas familias.
La trama da vueltas y vueltas interrogando a personajes que estuvieron alli ese dia, y que pareciera tal vez que esconden algo, ¿qué?, ahi esta la cosa. Además se encuentran investigando otro suicidio más de un joven que se ahogó y llevaba hasta una carta de suicidio consigo, pero alguien más encuentra extraño.
Asi que si teneis problemas con este tema, mejor alejarse.
Jonty y Orlando por su parte tratan de alivianar el asunto con bromas tontas y colocando a todos los Stewart a seguir pistas, cosa que les encanta a sus padres, poniendo de relevancia la formidable persona que es la sra Helena Stewart, título o no. Cualquiera quisiera esa familia como suya.
Mrs. Stewart puffed up with maternal pride. “Two of the most eminent private consulting detectives in Britain, for whom I am working in a delegated capacity. So we’ll have no nonsense, and just the truth. All the things you didn’t tell the coroner,” she added, in a stroke of what turned out to be genius.
“How on earth did you know?”
Mrs. Stewart didn’t answer, just inclined her head as if to say, How could we not know? We are Stewarts. Or, perhaps more accurately, How could I not know? I have three sons and can spot a lie a mile off. And in dense fog.
El libro termina con un regusto amargo, por cosas que se descubren .
Orlando slipped into his room, thinking there might just be some light at the end of the family history tunnel, after all. Not the light of a puzzle solved, but of peace found. At last.
Por otra parte espero que Orlando deje de sentir esos celos tontos ;)
“Will there be whales in heaven?”
(Jonty:)“I sincerely hope so. Why would God create something so magnificent and then not make the most of it through eternity? I’ll be expecting glyptodonts too.”
maybe
January 21, 2019Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Lessons-Susp...
October 29, 2021
Lessons for Suspicious Minds (Cambridge Fellows, 10)
By Charlie Cochrane
First published 2013, this edition 2018 by Lume Books
Five stars
I’ve been reading Charlie Cochrane’s books for years—but I started out with her unforgettable Cambridge Fellows series long before I was posting reviews of everything I read. Then I apparently lost track of that series—lured away by her other books, as well as the increasing volume of reading I was doing (even when I worked full time).
To revisit the Cambridge Fellows, Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith, as they think and banter their way through another mystery, is like slipping on an old, soft sweater and settling into a comfy chair after a long hiatus.
Oddly enough, the setting of this book is back in the days before the Great War. Orlando and Jonty receive notice of a command performance from Jonty’s loving parents, Richard and Helena Stewart. Apparently Helena Stewart’s godmother, a dowager duchess, has questions about a distressing death at Fyfield, the sprawling ducal manor in Berkshire. Making the journey into a holiday of sorts, Jonty and Orlando are introduced quite by chance to a second mysterious death, thus arriving at Fyfield doubly curious about these similar puzzles of detection.
Like any good visit to the country (at least, as our century imagines them to have been), the pace of this book is leisurely, and the action is mostly cerebral and emotional. These are not thrillers, and our professorial duo are not James Bond. We get a lot of family interaction with the Stewarts, and we also learn quite a bit about unseemly behavior among OxBridge undergraduates a generation earlier.
What is gradually revealed, as Jonty and Orlando probe ever more deeply into the mystery, is something more sinister than anyone might have expected. What the reader also gets from Cochrane’s carefully rendered narrative is some thoughtful insight into British class behavior, filtered through the eyes of two young men who, because of their outlaw relationship, see the world differently.
I’m so glad I rediscovered the Cambridge Fellows and picked up the most recent three books in the series. It’s always nice to have something to look forward to.
By Charlie Cochrane
First published 2013, this edition 2018 by Lume Books
Five stars
I’ve been reading Charlie Cochrane’s books for years—but I started out with her unforgettable Cambridge Fellows series long before I was posting reviews of everything I read. Then I apparently lost track of that series—lured away by her other books, as well as the increasing volume of reading I was doing (even when I worked full time).
To revisit the Cambridge Fellows, Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith, as they think and banter their way through another mystery, is like slipping on an old, soft sweater and settling into a comfy chair after a long hiatus.
Oddly enough, the setting of this book is back in the days before the Great War. Orlando and Jonty receive notice of a command performance from Jonty’s loving parents, Richard and Helena Stewart. Apparently Helena Stewart’s godmother, a dowager duchess, has questions about a distressing death at Fyfield, the sprawling ducal manor in Berkshire. Making the journey into a holiday of sorts, Jonty and Orlando are introduced quite by chance to a second mysterious death, thus arriving at Fyfield doubly curious about these similar puzzles of detection.
Like any good visit to the country (at least, as our century imagines them to have been), the pace of this book is leisurely, and the action is mostly cerebral and emotional. These are not thrillers, and our professorial duo are not James Bond. We get a lot of family interaction with the Stewarts, and we also learn quite a bit about unseemly behavior among OxBridge undergraduates a generation earlier.
What is gradually revealed, as Jonty and Orlando probe ever more deeply into the mystery, is something more sinister than anyone might have expected. What the reader also gets from Cochrane’s carefully rendered narrative is some thoughtful insight into British class behavior, filtered through the eyes of two young men who, because of their outlaw relationship, see the world differently.
I’m so glad I rediscovered the Cambridge Fellows and picked up the most recent three books in the series. It’s always nice to have something to look forward to.
June 16, 2015
This is the tenth book in an ongoing series, but can be read as a standalone.
Orlando Coppersmith and Jonty Stewart are Cambridge professors with a knack for solving crimes. In this case, they are entreated by Jonty's mother's godmother to investigate a peculiar suicide that occurred at her familial estate. With Jonty's parents in tow for an extended visit to Fyfield--all four seek to discover if foul play was involved.
Along the way they meet attractive footmen, obstructive relations and a plot of murder most convoluted. The sleuths are requested to consider another case of suspicious suicide, and find there might be a connection. Especially when they get testimony from outsiders to corroborate the mental states of the "murdered" men.
As it turned out, I was more than twisted regarding the outcome. Orlando needed to come to terms with his broken family tree, and how to handle investigating two suspected suicides, while suppressing his memories of his father's untimely and gory end. Jonty is by his side continually, though not in the sexual way he wishes--on account of Fyfield's servants being attentive and observant.
I enjoyed the story, but would have enjoyed a bit more loving. Lots of Lamentations of missed opportunities and wishing for affection, but when they had the chance to sate their desires it was all, sadly, fade-to-black. I received a review copy if this book via NetGalley.
Orlando Coppersmith and Jonty Stewart are Cambridge professors with a knack for solving crimes. In this case, they are entreated by Jonty's mother's godmother to investigate a peculiar suicide that occurred at her familial estate. With Jonty's parents in tow for an extended visit to Fyfield--all four seek to discover if foul play was involved.
Along the way they meet attractive footmen, obstructive relations and a plot of murder most convoluted. The sleuths are requested to consider another case of suspicious suicide, and find there might be a connection. Especially when they get testimony from outsiders to corroborate the mental states of the "murdered" men.
As it turned out, I was more than twisted regarding the outcome. Orlando needed to come to terms with his broken family tree, and how to handle investigating two suspected suicides, while suppressing his memories of his father's untimely and gory end. Jonty is by his side continually, though not in the sexual way he wishes--on account of Fyfield's servants being attentive and observant.
I enjoyed the story, but would have enjoyed a bit more loving. Lots of Lamentations of missed opportunities and wishing for affection, but when they had the chance to sate their desires it was all, sadly, fade-to-black. I received a review copy if this book via NetGalley.
April 20, 2015
Lessons for Suspicious Minds, Charlie Cochrane
Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance, Mystery
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Saw this and it reminded me a bit of a non paranormal Magpie Lord series read. Same gentile, subtle humour. Not in your face, overt stuff, but the more subtle humour, where a nuance of tone or facial expression can make all the difference. Anyway I was astonished to see this was book ten in a series I’ve somehow completely missed – so many books so little time!! Still, book one is still free on amazon, and gave me a great insight into the two characters and the writing style used, and I soon fell in love with the duo. So opposite and yet so perfect together. What a terrible time it must have been when homosexuality carried a prison term...I read that Queen Victoria refused to sign the first Bill her minsters brought before her, not because she was a liberal minded person but because she simply could not believe that ladies would enter same sex relationships. Whether that’s simply an urban myth I don’t know..it does seem that focus of the time was on male homosexuality. Sadly there are days when I feel although the law has progressed I'm not sure mental attitudes have...One of the saddest things I read in recent years was the petition for a pardon for Alan Turing, regarded as the Father for Computing Science, and a pivotal member of the code breaking team in WW2, who was convicted in 1952 of homosexual acts and subjected to chemical castration! He died two years later just 41 years old. He finally got his pardon in 2013, and has been widely recognized for his work since, but how odd, how ignorant, to lay a mans sexuality ahead of all the great things he did. Look it up - it’s heart breaking...
Anyway, back on track...The book. Loved it, love Jonty’s puppy like ebullience, his way of turning the most innocent of looks or words into something salacious, against Orlando’s more phlegmatic, pragmatic, logical, approach. They counter each other wonderfully, and make a superb team. We see more of Jonty’s parents here – and they are perfect. When homosexuality is such a crime they have a difficult line – they want their son to be happy, and know that for him its Orlando. They genuinely love Orlando too and have taken steps to make him their ward, so that the two can have a public friendship that won’t be looked at as unnatural!! Sad that even then, with so many problems around people focussed on that. Somehow the duo and Jonty’s parents have found a somewhat precarious way through the maze.
The pair have gained a reputation over past years ( and books) as being good at solving odd cases, and now get requests for their detective services. This time is a family affair with Jonty’s parents being roped in, once the duo discover there are not one but two possible murders. I love the way they set about questioning, Jonty and Orlando having their own ways of obtaining evidence and asking questions, while the parents – well, his mother is so perfect. She just kind of very politely bulldozes her way past all the gentile objections and reservations of what isn’t seemly....Between the four they somehow find the answers, though its a convoluted tale, and took me along all sorts of false trails! I didn’t see the end, and thoroughly enjoyed this read. Its not heart stopping danger, and overt, in your face, graphic sex, but lots of double entendres, alliterations, and subtle touches that make the men’s relationship so tender and romantic, and the dangers are there, but in a more subdued way, not edge of seat gripping theatrics, but as things that have to be considered and the relevant precautions taken.
Stars: Five, a fabulous read transporting me to times past.
ARC provided by Netgalley and publishers
April 16, 2015
I struggle to find words to describe this story that aren't 'cute' or 'sweet'. Not in an exaggerated diabetes-inducing way that involved the main-couple telling each other how much they love the other every five pages, simply in the sense of 'this is a sweet story about good, nice and (mostly) happy people'. The case did require a bit of suspension of disbelief but not too much (especially as it is basically a cozy where I don't require as much adherence to reality as in 'serious' crime-novels') .
The characters and their relations with each other are where the book really shines. You can easily feel how much Jonty, Orlando and Jonty's family care about each other and everybody also seems like a really nice person you'd love to meet.
However, I would very much recommend to read this series in order. Having jumped right in the middle I have now been spoiled for several events that happened in the previous books. Not the solutions to any cases but events happening in the development of the personal relationship between the two. Not major things and no exact details but I'd definitely preferred to have learned about them a different way.
I did think the narration overused the phrase 'his lover' a bit (as in 'Jonty looked at his lover'/'Orlando went over to his lover'). I am a big fan of just calling people by their names or simply using pronouns (and yes, if just two men are in the room and it says 'Jonty looked at him' I am mentally capable of decoding that him refers to Orlando and not Jonty...) If it had been done just occasionally and to stress it for some reason I'd have been fine with it but here it threw me off.
I am also not sure about how much like sea-battles as metaphor for sex but it was at least a fascinating experience.
ARC provided by NetGalley
The characters and their relations with each other are where the book really shines. You can easily feel how much Jonty, Orlando and Jonty's family care about each other and everybody also seems like a really nice person you'd love to meet.
However, I would very much recommend to read this series in order. Having jumped right in the middle I have now been spoiled for several events that happened in the previous books. Not the solutions to any cases but events happening in the development of the personal relationship between the two. Not major things and no exact details but I'd definitely preferred to have learned about them a different way.
I did think the narration overused the phrase 'his lover' a bit (as in 'Jonty looked at his lover'/'Orlando went over to his lover'). I am a big fan of just calling people by their names or simply using pronouns (and yes, if just two men are in the room and it says 'Jonty looked at him' I am mentally capable of decoding that him refers to Orlando and not Jonty...) If it had been done just occasionally and to stress it for some reason I'd have been fine with it but here it threw me off.
I am also not sure about how much like sea-battles as metaphor for sex but it was at least a fascinating experience.
ARC provided by NetGalley
April 22, 2015
I like this series, and reading about Orlando and Jonty is always like soaking in a hot tub. Relaxing and comfortable.
This story takes place before the war, so if you prefer to read chronologically, read this before All Lessons Learned and Lessons for Survivors.
This story takes place before the war, so if you prefer to read chronologically, read this before All Lessons Learned and Lessons for Survivors.
February 26, 2015
Absolutely love this series, really hope there's more to come :)
February 15, 2017
Not a bad book but it never got me hooked. Full review over here: https://rickusbookshelf.wordpress.com...
November 13, 2019
This one is difficult to rate. On one hand it has a much better mystery than the previous books, and a surprisingly easy to follow one too. Really, the book in itself was really one of the best in the series.
But, the lack of warning in the description kind of puts me off. Yeah, I knew I would be reading about a suicide case turning out to be a murder but it is much more than that, and at times the whole discussion about the case had me feeling uncomfortable. It was all a bit too morbid and gruesome.
Some warning tags to hit it home that things are going to get dark would have been much appreciated.
Normally, the mysteries in this series don't go into that depth or aren't that serious for me, but this one had that cold cruelty running through it with a sensitive topic which is very serious and not a joke, and though it makes for an interesting book, I would warn anyone to not go into this read lightly.
So if talks of suicide makes you uncomfortable, skip this one.
But, the lack of warning in the description kind of puts me off. Yeah, I knew I would be reading about a suicide case turning out to be a murder but it is much more than that, and at times the whole discussion about the case had me feeling uncomfortable. It was all a bit too morbid and gruesome.
Some warning tags to hit it home that things are going to get dark would have been much appreciated.
Normally, the mysteries in this series don't go into that depth or aren't that serious for me, but this one had that cold cruelty running through it with a sensitive topic which is very serious and not a joke, and though it makes for an interesting book, I would warn anyone to not go into this read lightly.
So if talks of suicide makes you uncomfortable, skip this one.
January 26, 2019
I had looked at the series before and decided to try this one when it was free on Amazon.
I thought it was one of the most tedious books I have read in a long time. Interminable conversations and no real detection, interspersed with the detectives carefully and repeatedly not showing too much affection for each other in case of scandal, did not add up to a diverting story. Despite some Edwardian trappings, it was also oddly lacking in historical feeling.
Orlando and Jonty are colourless and not very interesting. I admire the author's decision not to stereotype, but the very ordinariness of their relationship should not consign them to terminal dullness. The coy and cloying terms in which their physical relationship was cloaked, quickly palled.
Maybe 2.5 stars.
I thought it was one of the most tedious books I have read in a long time. Interminable conversations and no real detection, interspersed with the detectives carefully and repeatedly not showing too much affection for each other in case of scandal, did not add up to a diverting story. Despite some Edwardian trappings, it was also oddly lacking in historical feeling.
Orlando and Jonty are colourless and not very interesting. I admire the author's decision not to stereotype, but the very ordinariness of their relationship should not consign them to terminal dullness. The coy and cloying terms in which their physical relationship was cloaked, quickly palled.
Maybe 2.5 stars.
September 19, 2022
Jonty and Orlando tackle another mystery. Two apparent suicides that appear to be related. This time they are called upon by a Stewart family friend to assist. As usual, it seems obstacles are readily thrown in their way and even the witnesses appear to be reluctant to talk. I am now quite smitten with this series after what I deem a not so great start. I do caution to check the author's website and read the series in the order she suggests. The Amazon order got it all wrong and I ended up reading two books a good decade ahead of this one recently which threw me off quite a bit. I wish they would get that fixed. It's my only pet peeve.
August 20, 2019
June 1909. Dowager Duchess Alexandra Temple is suspicious of a death by suicide at her home Fyfield. She asks that the son of her god-daughter. Jonty Stewart, and his friend Orlando Coppersmith visit, with Jonty's parents, and investigate. On the way the family stop at Monkey Island and uncover another death by suicide.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery
An interesting and enjoyable mystery
November 6, 2022
Another terrific instalment of this glorious series. The dark, increasingly labyrinthine Agatha Christie-esque plot was the perfect counterpoint to Jonty's lovely parents and of course, his loving relationship with Orlando. I so enjoy that as these two develop as sleuths, so does their more personal storyline. Beautifully observed and written, as always.
May 17, 2022
We have gone back in time for these later books. To a pre war time and a time where Ma and Pa Stewart are still with us. In fact they feature quite heavily in this book. The mystery was good. Looks of 'what if's' that kept me guessing to the end.
August 14, 2019
The actual mysteries aren't the point, it's all about the interaction between Jonty and Orlando.
October 13, 2019
So sad, to read about so many suicides. I'm glad that Orlando wasn't overwhelmed by all of them, and that he has support from all the lovely Stewarts in his life!
April 30, 2020
2.5 stars rounded up
July 21, 2020
A well researched historical romantic mystery. Set in the early 20th century this series is well written with likable characters.
April 13, 2015
I have praised this series to the heavens with each new installment and I have said so much about each intricate bit because I love the depth and quality to these stories. I held my breath after All Lessons Learned just hoping that it wouldn't be the end and thankfully the author has seen fit to give me more. This particular story ended up being poignant for the simple fact that it dips back in time before the events of the last few books to happier, simpler times. I loved that Orlando and Jonty are out sleuthing in the company of the incomparable Stewarts.
I suppose in theory some of these books can be read out of order, but seriously, if you have the choice, don't. Some suspense series have mild series story arcs that run through them. In my opinion, this one isn't one of those. These tell a romance story and develop the characters along the way. Even some of the cases have connections and there are references to previous cases laced throughout. It would be like spending time with a group of people with you being the only one who is new. Haha, yes, my fan-dom is showing. Sorry- okay, I'm not.
The story opens when Jonty and Orlando finish the term with their students at university and are invited to join Jonty's parents to spend time at the country estate of Helena Steward's godmother. Jonty and Orlando figure out quickly that this is no innocent country house party and that they have been hooked in to solve what might be a murder. Both enjoy amateur detecting so willingly go along, but then another suspicious death lands in their laps and the host family are reluctant to have the tidy suicide of a friend teased at. Detective fever is high, but that doesn't stop Orlando from getting jealous of the handsome footman, Jonty from 'fessing up to a little project he started on Orlando's behalf, or the very real fun of the two spending time with Jonty's eccentric parents.
The mystery is an interesting one that kept me guessing a little though I figured out some of it. It was one that left a bad taste in my mouth as it did the two fellows. Interesting shades of gray solution. I enjoy that side of the plot of course, but what is always my favorite is just spending time with the two lovers. The witty dialogue and heartwarming passion that is consistent with the historical times and setting are the heart of the story. The tie to suicide is particularly hard on Orlando because of his own father's death in that manner and Jonty is as sensitive to this as Orlando himself. They also mull around the possibility of solving the remaining mystery of Orlando's roots though Jonty is fearful that opening that can of worms might send Orlando off the deep end again.
All in all, it was a pleasure to return to a favorite series and spend time on the detecting trail with two engaging guys in this Edwardian era romantic suspense. Any one who enjoys the idea of m/m, historical fiction and romantic suspense all blended together into something good should try the series.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
I suppose in theory some of these books can be read out of order, but seriously, if you have the choice, don't. Some suspense series have mild series story arcs that run through them. In my opinion, this one isn't one of those. These tell a romance story and develop the characters along the way. Even some of the cases have connections and there are references to previous cases laced throughout. It would be like spending time with a group of people with you being the only one who is new. Haha, yes, my fan-dom is showing. Sorry- okay, I'm not.
The story opens when Jonty and Orlando finish the term with their students at university and are invited to join Jonty's parents to spend time at the country estate of Helena Steward's godmother. Jonty and Orlando figure out quickly that this is no innocent country house party and that they have been hooked in to solve what might be a murder. Both enjoy amateur detecting so willingly go along, but then another suspicious death lands in their laps and the host family are reluctant to have the tidy suicide of a friend teased at. Detective fever is high, but that doesn't stop Orlando from getting jealous of the handsome footman, Jonty from 'fessing up to a little project he started on Orlando's behalf, or the very real fun of the two spending time with Jonty's eccentric parents.
The mystery is an interesting one that kept me guessing a little though I figured out some of it. It was one that left a bad taste in my mouth as it did the two fellows. Interesting shades of gray solution. I enjoy that side of the plot of course, but what is always my favorite is just spending time with the two lovers. The witty dialogue and heartwarming passion that is consistent with the historical times and setting are the heart of the story. The tie to suicide is particularly hard on Orlando because of his own father's death in that manner and Jonty is as sensitive to this as Orlando himself. They also mull around the possibility of solving the remaining mystery of Orlando's roots though Jonty is fearful that opening that can of worms might send Orlando off the deep end again.
All in all, it was a pleasure to return to a favorite series and spend time on the detecting trail with two engaging guys in this Edwardian era romantic suspense. Any one who enjoys the idea of m/m, historical fiction and romantic suspense all blended together into something good should try the series.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 25, 2015
Received free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (which is the only kind of review I know how to give)
Lessons for Suspicious Minds is the 10th book in the Cambridge Fellows Mysteries series by Charlie Cochrane. While this isn't the first book I have read by this author (see my review of Second Helpings), this is the first book I have read in this series. I am alway hesitant to read books from a series out of order because often you need those prior books to really understand what the heck is going on. I know a lot of other readers feel the same so I decided to give this book a try so I could let others know who haven't read the series, if this is a book they can enjoy. I can honestly say that you need not read the first 9 books to enjoy Lessons for Suspicious Minds.
It is clear while reading that you are in the middle of an established world but you are given enough details and explainations that you can enjoy the book on its own. I was left at the end, hungry for more of Jonty and Orlando and cannot wait to start the series from the beginning. If you enjoy this book, you will likely end up reading the whole series so it is really up to you where you start; I'm pretty sure you will end up in the same place either way.
This particular book follow Jonty and Orlando as they try to determine if two supposed suicides were truly suicides or if they were murders and if the two are connected. This could have been a very dark and morose tale but the author has a talent for treating these matters seriously while keeping the overall tone of the book on the lighter side of things. The rich characters and humour laced throughout keep you eager for more even if there were a few slow spots here and there. As far as the mystery goes, I didn't have things figured out until the very end and was kept guessing which is necessary for any good whodunit.
Like Ms. Cochrane's other novel that I read, this romanace is fully on the sweet side of things and perfect for those wanting a great story without explicit content.
All in all, I highly recommend Lessons for Suspicious Minds.
10-star rating: *******(7)
Lessons for Suspicious Minds is published by Riptide Publishing
Lessons for Suspicious Minds is the 10th book in the Cambridge Fellows Mysteries series by Charlie Cochrane. While this isn't the first book I have read by this author (see my review of Second Helpings), this is the first book I have read in this series. I am alway hesitant to read books from a series out of order because often you need those prior books to really understand what the heck is going on. I know a lot of other readers feel the same so I decided to give this book a try so I could let others know who haven't read the series, if this is a book they can enjoy. I can honestly say that you need not read the first 9 books to enjoy Lessons for Suspicious Minds.
It is clear while reading that you are in the middle of an established world but you are given enough details and explainations that you can enjoy the book on its own. I was left at the end, hungry for more of Jonty and Orlando and cannot wait to start the series from the beginning. If you enjoy this book, you will likely end up reading the whole series so it is really up to you where you start; I'm pretty sure you will end up in the same place either way.
This particular book follow Jonty and Orlando as they try to determine if two supposed suicides were truly suicides or if they were murders and if the two are connected. This could have been a very dark and morose tale but the author has a talent for treating these matters seriously while keeping the overall tone of the book on the lighter side of things. The rich characters and humour laced throughout keep you eager for more even if there were a few slow spots here and there. As far as the mystery goes, I didn't have things figured out until the very end and was kept guessing which is necessary for any good whodunit.
Like Ms. Cochrane's other novel that I read, this romanace is fully on the sweet side of things and perfect for those wanting a great story without explicit content.
All in all, I highly recommend Lessons for Suspicious Minds.
10-star rating: *******(7)
Lessons for Suspicious Minds is published by Riptide Publishing
June 13, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
4.5 stars
I seem to be on a mystery and detective kick lately and I’m actually delighted. Getting back to my reading “roots” is fun and I’m finding some new authors to put on my reading lists–and Charlie Cochrane is definitely one of them. Her detective couple, Orlando and Jonty, come with their own issues as well–which bring an unusual perspective to the investigations and enhance the setting and delivery of the conclusion in a way I’ve never experienced before. Exceptional writing skills make these period-piece mysteries delectable to read and immerse me into a culture I adore–even if at time the sentiment grows maudlin. Life isn’t perfect, and detective mysteries often underline the sour with the sweet in a way romances can’t–or at least in a very different way.
Jonty and Orlando travel to Fyfield in July 1909 along with Jonty’s parents, the Stewarts. They’ve been “invited” for a visit, but are really undercover, called to investigate a suspicious suicide by Jonty’s mother’s godmother, Alexandra Temple. Apparently it’s catching in the area, because while they’re on the way, they stop at the infamous Monkey Island for a meal and pick up another case–from Young Covington, the gardener there. He entreats them to look into the mysterious February suicide of Charles Livingstone, who’d drowned himself there. How unlikely to have two such suspicious suicides in the same area within the last year?
As the Cambridge Fellows delve into solving the puzzle, coincidences turn into suspicions and links between the two cases become unmistakable. Having two additional hands to aide in the interrogations of suspects helps speed the time involved but doesn’t help the negative turn the investigation is taking. For as astute as the investigators are, sometimes clues don’t come in neat packages labeled as such, and the secrets in a man’s mind are hard to get out into the light of day. Until you can get someone to crack, it’s only supposition.
With the case turning in an unfortunate direction, the Stewarts and Orlando become most uncomfortable. At the same time, Orlando’s memories of his father’s suicide are coloring his mood, bringing not only the tone of the investigation to a somber one but making everyone involved want to finish the case quickly.
But what if what you think happened is unconscionable? Who is the final judge? Not every case is as clear-cut, black and white, and sometimes, it’s better to hide in the grey.
Wonderful setting with a tantalizing, psychological puzzle inside. For those who enjoy Sayers and Christie, behold another to stand in their stead. I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to both reading her backlist and enjoying the new! Thanks CC!
4.5 stars
I seem to be on a mystery and detective kick lately and I’m actually delighted. Getting back to my reading “roots” is fun and I’m finding some new authors to put on my reading lists–and Charlie Cochrane is definitely one of them. Her detective couple, Orlando and Jonty, come with their own issues as well–which bring an unusual perspective to the investigations and enhance the setting and delivery of the conclusion in a way I’ve never experienced before. Exceptional writing skills make these period-piece mysteries delectable to read and immerse me into a culture I adore–even if at time the sentiment grows maudlin. Life isn’t perfect, and detective mysteries often underline the sour with the sweet in a way romances can’t–or at least in a very different way.
Jonty and Orlando travel to Fyfield in July 1909 along with Jonty’s parents, the Stewarts. They’ve been “invited” for a visit, but are really undercover, called to investigate a suspicious suicide by Jonty’s mother’s godmother, Alexandra Temple. Apparently it’s catching in the area, because while they’re on the way, they stop at the infamous Monkey Island for a meal and pick up another case–from Young Covington, the gardener there. He entreats them to look into the mysterious February suicide of Charles Livingstone, who’d drowned himself there. How unlikely to have two such suspicious suicides in the same area within the last year?
As the Cambridge Fellows delve into solving the puzzle, coincidences turn into suspicions and links between the two cases become unmistakable. Having two additional hands to aide in the interrogations of suspects helps speed the time involved but doesn’t help the negative turn the investigation is taking. For as astute as the investigators are, sometimes clues don’t come in neat packages labeled as such, and the secrets in a man’s mind are hard to get out into the light of day. Until you can get someone to crack, it’s only supposition.
With the case turning in an unfortunate direction, the Stewarts and Orlando become most uncomfortable. At the same time, Orlando’s memories of his father’s suicide are coloring his mood, bringing not only the tone of the investigation to a somber one but making everyone involved want to finish the case quickly.
But what if what you think happened is unconscionable? Who is the final judge? Not every case is as clear-cut, black and white, and sometimes, it’s better to hide in the grey.
Wonderful setting with a tantalizing, psychological puzzle inside. For those who enjoy Sayers and Christie, behold another to stand in their stead. I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to both reading her backlist and enjoying the new! Thanks CC!
August 18, 2015
4 highly eloquent stars for this well done Edwardian period style whodunit with real feel of the era
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the tenth part of the Cambridge Fellow Mysteries and the first book of the series and the first I had the pleasure to read. Now I'm definitely hungry for more "Lessons".
The authentic way of speech Cochrane uses was at first a bit hard getting used to because honestly how many historical fiction novels can you think of that actually employ the correct form of speech from the time they play in? I can't think of many and this book really reads like something that was written quite a few decades ago. But certainly not in a bad way. The language and writing are just so smooth, plus, I'm a sucker for speech from the 19th and Early 20th century. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the writing.
Jonty's and Orlando's hobby and passion is solving crimes, the more difficult a mystery the better. This time they are given a case at the Fyfield estate, which belongs to Jonty's godmother (or was it his mother's godmother?). Almost everyone else thinks is obvious suicide but the more the two investigate with the support of Mr. and Mrs. Steward the more they are convinced that there is more to the suicide than meets the eye, especially when they stumble upon another one that seems to be strangely related to the first one.
The outcome of the case was one I did not anticipate and while the mystery in itself wasn't very action packed or anything it was still highly entertaining and the two main characters are just so compatible and cute together.
This book is not for impatient people because time and time again their inquiries leads the lads to a dead end and they have to reconsider the solutions they found possible up to that point. It's not action packed and it my opinion this fits the language, writing style and characters really well and makes for a believeable mystery whodunit.
Check out my Blog 'Left is right if you just walk far enough' if you wanna read more reviews
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the tenth part of the Cambridge Fellow Mysteries and the first book of the series and the first I had the pleasure to read. Now I'm definitely hungry for more "Lessons".
The authentic way of speech Cochrane uses was at first a bit hard getting used to because honestly how many historical fiction novels can you think of that actually employ the correct form of speech from the time they play in? I can't think of many and this book really reads like something that was written quite a few decades ago. But certainly not in a bad way. The language and writing are just so smooth, plus, I'm a sucker for speech from the 19th and Early 20th century. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the writing.
Jonty's and Orlando's hobby and passion is solving crimes, the more difficult a mystery the better. This time they are given a case at the Fyfield estate, which belongs to Jonty's godmother (or was it his mother's godmother?). Almost everyone else thinks is obvious suicide but the more the two investigate with the support of Mr. and Mrs. Steward the more they are convinced that there is more to the suicide than meets the eye, especially when they stumble upon another one that seems to be strangely related to the first one.
The outcome of the case was one I did not anticipate and while the mystery in itself wasn't very action packed or anything it was still highly entertaining and the two main characters are just so compatible and cute together.
This book is not for impatient people because time and time again their inquiries leads the lads to a dead end and they have to reconsider the solutions they found possible up to that point. It's not action packed and it my opinion this fits the language, writing style and characters really well and makes for a believeable mystery whodunit.
Check out my Blog 'Left is right if you just walk far enough' if you wanna read more reviews
April 22, 2015
Apparently Jonty and Orlando can’t even go on Holiday without bodies starting to pile up. While staying with a family friend, two people commit suicide, or do they? The case not only piques their interest, but brings back long buried emotions in relation to Orlando’s own father’s suicide. While Jonty and Orlando investigate the deaths they also try to find some alone time together and deal with their individual personal demons.
When you live in an era where your sexuality could leave you disgraced, or worse, institutionalized or even put to death, secrecy is of the utmost importance. But as someone once said, the maids know everything!
There was a little bit of a requirement to suspend your belief in reality in this story and that threw me, as there hasn’t been anything like that in previous books. There was this repetitiveness as well that I hadn’t notice before, the term ‘his lover’ was definitely worn out about midway through. And the story drug in a few places for me, but picked back up right about the time I was ready to set the book down.
I do continue to love the character development between Jonty and Orlando. I can’t even imagine having to hide your true nature to the extent they have to go to. Their interactions and constant growth really made reading the book worthwhile. And didn’t you just love Jonty’s parents? Oh, the wording is very accurate to the era and class of people, the phrasing used and tone of voice you can associate with the writing.
Overall, this was just an okay read for me. Fans of Jonty and Orlando will definitely want to see what shenanigans these two are up to now. If you like historical romance, I think this is a safe bet.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
When you live in an era where your sexuality could leave you disgraced, or worse, institutionalized or even put to death, secrecy is of the utmost importance. But as someone once said, the maids know everything!
There was a little bit of a requirement to suspend your belief in reality in this story and that threw me, as there hasn’t been anything like that in previous books. There was this repetitiveness as well that I hadn’t notice before, the term ‘his lover’ was definitely worn out about midway through. And the story drug in a few places for me, but picked back up right about the time I was ready to set the book down.
I do continue to love the character development between Jonty and Orlando. I can’t even imagine having to hide your true nature to the extent they have to go to. Their interactions and constant growth really made reading the book worthwhile. And didn’t you just love Jonty’s parents? Oh, the wording is very accurate to the era and class of people, the phrasing used and tone of voice you can associate with the writing.
Overall, this was just an okay read for me. Fans of Jonty and Orlando will definitely want to see what shenanigans these two are up to now. If you like historical romance, I think this is a safe bet.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
May 17, 2015
So, I read Lessons in Trust (#7) first, and I mentioned in my review of it that I probably should have started reading them in order. This (#10) was my second read in the series. I was familiar enough with the characters and series this time that I didn't feel as out of place as the first time, but I still suggest reading this series in order because there are several mentions of past events and cases the guys have worked on which would have more meaning if I had that background.
Be that as it may, this is another entertaining historical mystery read. The guys are working on two suicide cases this time, one they come across by chance on their way to the one they were originally summoned (albeit politely) for. Both hit a bit too close to home for Orlando because of his past, but he makes do with Jonty's help.
More family secrets come out in this one, but this time they're not directly related to Jonty or Orlando. Something is definitely amiss at Fyfield, the home of the dowager duchess Alexandra Temple, Jonty's mother's godmother. She summons the amateur sleuths to seek out the truth.
They have so much going on this time, between the two cases, they need to enlist the help of Jonty's parents. I must confess that the scenes of his parents' investigations are some of my favorite because they're quite enthusiastic, in their own refined ways. The dowager duchess herself can also be quite forthright.
So, definitely worth the read. I really should pick up the series from the beginning at some point.
Be that as it may, this is another entertaining historical mystery read. The guys are working on two suicide cases this time, one they come across by chance on their way to the one they were originally summoned (albeit politely) for. Both hit a bit too close to home for Orlando because of his past, but he makes do with Jonty's help.
More family secrets come out in this one, but this time they're not directly related to Jonty or Orlando. Something is definitely amiss at Fyfield, the home of the dowager duchess Alexandra Temple, Jonty's mother's godmother. She summons the amateur sleuths to seek out the truth.
They have so much going on this time, between the two cases, they need to enlist the help of Jonty's parents. I must confess that the scenes of his parents' investigations are some of my favorite because they're quite enthusiastic, in their own refined ways. The dowager duchess herself can also be quite forthright.
So, definitely worth the read. I really should pick up the series from the beginning at some point.
April 22, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Lessons for Suspicious Minds is the 10th volume in the Cambridge Fellows Mysteries series. This far into the story, we have a very comfortable rapport between the two leads and a warm group of characters that readers want to follow. With this novel, we get more of Jonty's family as well as two distinct mysteries.Jonty and Orlando are enjoying a sweet, if still very forbidden, relationship. A reputation for solving mysteries has earned them some reputation - and an invitation to a country estate coincides with a mystery around a suicide. Add in an unrelated suicide, Orlando's history is going to come to haunt the couple.
The writing is smooth and one really does love the characters in the story. Their verbal sparring is very Edwardian and enjoyable, feeling suitable to the era.
The murders are a tad contrived but really, this is an enjoyable read for the wonderful cast of characters and their sweet relationships. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
October 23, 2013
I loved this book. The two heroes, Jonty and Orlando, are on top form as they investigate two cases of apparent suicide that may be something a lot more sinister. The two investigations bring back cruel memories for both detectives, especially for Orlando, whose own father committed suicide, and the link between the two deaths leads them to a conclusion that shocks them both.
The action is set in a magnificent country house and Jonty and Orlando struggle to visit each other at night whilst keeping their relationship discreet. This was an era when official discovery of a love such as theirs would lead not merely to disgrace but to penal servitude. The interaction between the two heroes was great and the inclusion of Jonty's delightful parents as detectives for this case made it even livelier.
The book is set in 1909 and the language and setting were totally convincing, as were the social attitudes. It was a very enjoyable and lively read.
The action is set in a magnificent country house and Jonty and Orlando struggle to visit each other at night whilst keeping their relationship discreet. This was an era when official discovery of a love such as theirs would lead not merely to disgrace but to penal servitude. The interaction between the two heroes was great and the inclusion of Jonty's delightful parents as detectives for this case made it even livelier.
The book is set in 1909 and the language and setting were totally convincing, as were the social attitudes. It was a very enjoyable and lively read.
February 8, 2017
Another great investigation for Jonty and Orlando, with additional input from not only Mr Stewart but Mrs S also gets in on the action.
On the way to an acquaintance's house to investigate an apparent suicide, they also discover another unconnected apparent suicide where there are doubts in some minds.
I liked the development of the investigation and all the plot twists, leading us all gradually to the awful truth.
I found it interesting that the nobility were the bad guys and the working class men, Hayes and Covington were acknowledged to have pertinent ideas and be listened too. All very of the age but enlightened probably for that time. Though the solution to the dilemma at the end was probably guided by those class rules
They only problem I have with these time travel additions is knowing what comes after but it is good to see Mr and Mrs S anytime.
On the way to an acquaintance's house to investigate an apparent suicide, they also discover another unconnected apparent suicide where there are doubts in some minds.
I liked the development of the investigation and all the plot twists, leading us all gradually to the awful truth.
I found it interesting that the nobility were the bad guys and the working class men, Hayes and Covington were acknowledged to have pertinent ideas and be listened too. All very of the age but enlightened probably for that time. Though the solution to the dilemma at the end was probably guided by those class rules
They only problem I have with these time travel additions is knowing what comes after but it is good to see Mr and Mrs S anytime.
February 10, 2021
Suspcious Minds finds us back in 1909. It's nice to see the parental Stewarts back and sinking their teeth into Jonty and Orlando's investigations again. I think Papa Stewart is more eager to join in the hunt but Mama Stewart, once given an assignment is actually even more determined to assist her boys find the truth, even if it might reach a little too close to treasured loved ones. The mystery of suicide or not is intriguing and seeing how both Jonty and Orlando deal with the personal memories the subject conjures up is well written. I very much enjoyed the non-mystery related subplot of Jonty and Orlando having to deal with not being able to "do their duty" because of their location. Added some much appreciated humor when the investigation begins to way down both, our favorite couple and the reader's hearts.
April 30, 2015
Cambridge professors Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith have quite a reputation for sleuthing. And their relationship makes them a rather formidable pair. When an invitation to stay with a friend of the Stewart family uncovers two suspicious apparent suicides, the two simply can't help trying to solve the case. But there are aspects of this one that hit a personal nerve and uncovering the truth may be a bit more challenging than they expect.
A rather enjoyable read. It's one part Sherlock Holmes, one part Poirot, and one part romance. The mystery is really what drives the plot, but the setting and characters really bring it to life. I definitely foresee myself reading more of these two in the future.
A rather enjoyable read. It's one part Sherlock Holmes, one part Poirot, and one part romance. The mystery is really what drives the plot, but the setting and characters really bring it to life. I definitely foresee myself reading more of these two in the future.
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