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The Violet Carlyle Mysteries #7
Gin & Murder
September 1924.
When Violet and Victor are called home to account for their actions, only one course of action is possible. They pack a liberal amount of alcohol and call on their friends to rally round.
They've been outed as writers of sensational fiction! Of falling in love with unapproved individuals! They've bought houses while drunk and had the gall to get sucked into murder investigations! And, it was Violet who was credited with helping to find the killers! The explosion is a story for the ages.
To say that no one expected a body soaked in gin is a stretch after what these friends have been through. The real shocker is when the earl asks Jack, Violet, Victor, and their friends to solve the murder and save what remains of the family's good name.
Book SEVEN in The Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? For a spunky young woman determined to craft her own life? If so, you’ll love Vi, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. You might even find your imagination caught by the detective Jack Wakefield. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, Leighann Dobbs, and Lee Strauss.
A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
The Violet Carlyle Mysteries
Book 1: Murder & the Heir
Book 2: Kennington House Murder
Book 3: Murder & The Folly
Book 4: A Merry Little Murder
Book 5: Murder Among the Roses
Book 6: Murder in the Shallows (coming January 2019)
Book 7: Gin & Murder (coming February 2019)
Book 8: Obsidian Murder (coming March 2019)
When Violet and Victor are called home to account for their actions, only one course of action is possible. They pack a liberal amount of alcohol and call on their friends to rally round.
They've been outed as writers of sensational fiction! Of falling in love with unapproved individuals! They've bought houses while drunk and had the gall to get sucked into murder investigations! And, it was Violet who was credited with helping to find the killers! The explosion is a story for the ages.
To say that no one expected a body soaked in gin is a stretch after what these friends have been through. The real shocker is when the earl asks Jack, Violet, Victor, and their friends to solve the murder and save what remains of the family's good name.
Book SEVEN in The Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? For a spunky young woman determined to craft her own life? If so, you’ll love Vi, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. You might even find your imagination caught by the detective Jack Wakefield. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, Leighann Dobbs, and Lee Strauss.
A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
The Violet Carlyle Mysteries
Book 1: Murder & the Heir
Book 2: Kennington House Murder
Book 3: Murder & The Folly
Book 4: A Merry Little Murder
Book 5: Murder Among the Roses
Book 6: Murder in the Shallows (coming January 2019)
Book 7: Gin & Murder (coming February 2019)
Book 8: Obsidian Murder (coming March 2019)
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2019
936 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 8, 2019
Awwwww.
July 25, 2019
good logic
aristocrats are dumb. so easily trapped into confessing because they think they are immune. though it must be miserable, it is nice to see Vi human. how will it all change when she and james marry?
aristocrats are dumb. so easily trapped into confessing because they think they are immune. though it must be miserable, it is nice to see Vi human. how will it all change when she and james marry?
May 23, 2022
Violet and her cronies all suffer from blepharospasm it's the only logical explanation. 😉
June 6, 2019
Its a nice and easy read as always, however...
Violet is getting on my nerves. If she can’t stand dead people, why is she meddling in murders all the time? Also the way she finds the killer always sounds so random. She’s writing everything down all the time and still just kind of stumbles over the murderer (no pun intended).
Plus why does she have to be protected so much? Why is she more special than any other girl? They should hire a bodyguard if they’re so concerned with her safety. Violet should’ve just kicked a certain character in the balls that first time. If she’s „so tall“ how come she couldn’t defense herself at least a little?
Her „depression“ just sounds like something rich people from the 1920 said they had because they didn’t have anything better to do and just didn’t want to seem lazy.
She is smart enough to manage a business but weak and needs protection? Sounds like a special snowflake and that people are just sucking up to her because she’ll have a tantrum otherwise.
Violet is getting on my nerves. If she can’t stand dead people, why is she meddling in murders all the time? Also the way she finds the killer always sounds so random. She’s writing everything down all the time and still just kind of stumbles over the murderer (no pun intended).
Plus why does she have to be protected so much? Why is she more special than any other girl? They should hire a bodyguard if they’re so concerned with her safety. Violet should’ve just kicked a certain character in the balls that first time. If she’s „so tall“ how come she couldn’t defense herself at least a little?
Her „depression“ just sounds like something rich people from the 1920 said they had because they didn’t have anything better to do and just didn’t want to seem lazy.
She is smart enough to manage a business but weak and needs protection? Sounds like a special snowflake and that people are just sucking up to her because she’ll have a tantrum otherwise.
August 18, 2019
Weak plot, great characters
An okay read. The plot was really too obvious and the put downs on their Stepmother not quite up to the sarcasm and wit that I expect from Vi. In fact it all felt rather watered down.
A house party has been organised by their Stepmother and Vi is being put on display like a prize. The men however are all looking for a heiress and some are positively to lecherous for polite society. The barbs start as soon as they arrive and her youngest step-brother is a weasel. However the death of one of the men throws the house party into uproar. He is one of the brothers who play with young girls affections and have set up a score sheet to number their conquests. The murder weapon is an ice pick but the gin was poisoned. Who killed the man? Was it really a woman? Then there is Kate who suddenly starts being ill. What is the matter with her?
An okay read. The plot was really too obvious and the put downs on their Stepmother not quite up to the sarcasm and wit that I expect from Vi. In fact it all felt rather watered down.
A house party has been organised by their Stepmother and Vi is being put on display like a prize. The men however are all looking for a heiress and some are positively to lecherous for polite society. The barbs start as soon as they arrive and her youngest step-brother is a weasel. However the death of one of the men throws the house party into uproar. He is one of the brothers who play with young girls affections and have set up a score sheet to number their conquests. The murder weapon is an ice pick but the gin was poisoned. Who killed the man? Was it really a woman? Then there is Kate who suddenly starts being ill. What is the matter with her?
February 24, 2019
The mystery suffers
Over the course of this series, Violet's personal life has gradually eclipsed the central mystery. I agree with another reviewer who states the mystery could use a little more development. We barely get anything about the possible suspects and the reveal was abrupt. I couldn't find myself caring about the victim, which was a pity as the mysteries were what drew me in initially.
Do people really wink this much in real life?
A few nice things: The Earl's character was fleshed out. The Cook and Mrs. Jones. A realistic reaction to finding multiple dead bodies and its effect on you.
Over the course of this series, Violet's personal life has gradually eclipsed the central mystery. I agree with another reviewer who states the mystery could use a little more development. We barely get anything about the possible suspects and the reveal was abrupt. I couldn't find myself caring about the victim, which was a pity as the mysteries were what drew me in initially.
Do people really wink this much in real life?
A few nice things: The Earl's character was fleshed out. The Cook and Mrs. Jones. A realistic reaction to finding multiple dead bodies and its effect on you.
December 28, 2023
Good storyline. . .were the British really so very filthy and sordid in the 1920's?
Brilliant, if one doesn't mind inadequate to completely missing transitions. In addition, the poor formatting has disappeared; it also appears the editing (proofreading?) improved in this edition of Beth Byers' delightfully challenging mystery/murder case Violet seems doomed to have following her around. I did honestly believe one of Violet's brothers would have uncovered or sought after a journalist of their own to release and disclose Emily Allen's quite messy, distinctly sordid and absolutely dishonorable, past and dirty secrets. Perhaps we can be pleasantly but wickedly entertained, with no lack of vicious satisfaction, if such an occurrence should appear in a future Violet Carlyle Mysteries installation!
However, the jewel in this book - my favorite scene that made me laugh out loud - would have to be the one between Lady Eleanor and Violet in the hallway, during which Lady Vi tells the witch off. That woman is a viper, and I cannot fathom how Lord Henry stands the two-faced shrew. Was divorce among the nobility so unheard of in 1924/25?
As I stated before, this storyline was brilliantly revealed; I might have appreciated more details about the sudden wedding👰, the conversation⚠ between the twins that surely had to have taken place, and a bit more suggested heat ♨ and implied frustrated longing between Vi and Jack. 💞
The sudden jumps between scenes with inadequate transitions are annoying. Four stars.
Brilliant, if one doesn't mind inadequate to completely missing transitions. In addition, the poor formatting has disappeared; it also appears the editing (proofreading?) improved in this edition of Beth Byers' delightfully challenging mystery/murder case Violet seems doomed to have following her around. I did honestly believe one of Violet's brothers would have uncovered or sought after a journalist of their own to release and disclose Emily Allen's quite messy, distinctly sordid and absolutely dishonorable, past and dirty secrets. Perhaps we can be pleasantly but wickedly entertained, with no lack of vicious satisfaction, if such an occurrence should appear in a future Violet Carlyle Mysteries installation!
However, the jewel in this book - my favorite scene that made me laugh out loud - would have to be the one between Lady Eleanor and Violet in the hallway, during which Lady Vi tells the witch off. That woman is a viper, and I cannot fathom how Lord Henry stands the two-faced shrew. Was divorce among the nobility so unheard of in 1924/25?
As I stated before, this storyline was brilliantly revealed; I might have appreciated more details about the sudden wedding👰, the conversation⚠ between the twins that surely had to have taken place, and a bit more suggested heat ♨ and implied frustrated longing between Vi and Jack. 💞
The sudden jumps between scenes with inadequate transitions are annoying. Four stars.
February 19, 2019
Murder & maybe wedding bells coming?
These are some of my very favorite cozy mysteries. I love the characters, & even tho they are spoiled, and sassy to most, Victor & Violet have hearts of gold, & ally of love to share with other! Plus they, especially Violet, have very smart, and sharp minds! They can also be hurt easily because of the callous way they were treated by a nasty stepmother! Fortunately while figuring out the murder done at their fathers home they find out who the murderer is. I hope you try these fun books, but they are much better by starting at book one!!
These are some of my very favorite cozy mysteries. I love the characters, & even tho they are spoiled, and sassy to most, Victor & Violet have hearts of gold, & ally of love to share with other! Plus they, especially Violet, have very smart, and sharp minds! They can also be hurt easily because of the callous way they were treated by a nasty stepmother! Fortunately while figuring out the murder done at their fathers home they find out who the murderer is. I hope you try these fun books, but they are much better by starting at book one!!
June 30, 2020
Interesting turn of events
Violet is summoned to her father's home by her stepmother in order to be paired with a suitable husband. Violet's engagement to Jack has not been announced yet. Everyone in the family's there including Jack, Kate and Tomas. One of the suitors her stepmother chose is Theo. As is her lot, Vi discovers a dead body in her parents home. The investigation commences and Victor and Violet get a different perspective of their father, the Earl. This book followed the first few in breweries and yet it had a life Of its own.
Violet is summoned to her father's home by her stepmother in order to be paired with a suitable husband. Violet's engagement to Jack has not been announced yet. Everyone in the family's there including Jack, Kate and Tomas. One of the suitors her stepmother chose is Theo. As is her lot, Vi discovers a dead body in her parents home. The investigation commences and Victor and Violet get a different perspective of their father, the Earl. This book followed the first few in breweries and yet it had a life Of its own.
October 3, 2022
Excellent, as always
Each and every book, in this series, has been a treasure. This book was by no means an exception. The love of siblings, the love of twins, and the love between equally suited men and women, all play an important part in each book. I do so admire clever and intelligent women. When they are paired up with equally intelligent and protective partners, it makes the story so much better. The plot is easily followed, the main and supporting characters are very interesting, and the story is a great one. I highly recommend this book.
Each and every book, in this series, has been a treasure. This book was by no means an exception. The love of siblings, the love of twins, and the love between equally suited men and women, all play an important part in each book. I do so admire clever and intelligent women. When they are paired up with equally intelligent and protective partners, it makes the story so much better. The plot is easily followed, the main and supporting characters are very interesting, and the story is a great one. I highly recommend this book.
February 10, 2019
I truly love this series. I like getting a better glimpse into Vi and Victor's father in this book, the introduction of the younger brother, and how so many relationships are getting a boost in this book. Although I suspect the rest of this series has already been written, I do hope that Gerlad finds a girl at some point, and would like to see the twins whip their baby brother into shape.
February 10, 2019
Terrific!
Violet and Victor and friends are called home by their vindictive stepmother for purported misdeeds! The ensuing events involve murder, as usual. Another wonderful, funny, entertaining adventure follows with an exciting, unexpected conclusion! These cozy mysteries are fun to read and I cannot wait for the next one.
Violet and Victor and friends are called home by their vindictive stepmother for purported misdeeds! The ensuing events involve murder, as usual. Another wonderful, funny, entertaining adventure follows with an exciting, unexpected conclusion! These cozy mysteries are fun to read and I cannot wait for the next one.
March 25, 2019
Fantastic
I simply love this series. The characters are awesome, the time set in the 20's is spot on and Beth Byers does a wonderful job of keeping you guessing until the final pages. Start with the first book and I guarantee you won't put it down until you have read the entire series. I am going to save these for a rainy day to read again!
I simply love this series. The characters are awesome, the time set in the 20's is spot on and Beth Byers does a wonderful job of keeping you guessing until the final pages. Start with the first book and I guarantee you won't put it down until you have read the entire series. I am going to save these for a rainy day to read again!
March 28, 2019
Such a fun series and this one draws quite a bit on the history of the series. The twins are outed and the stepmother has called them home to solve the problems by marrying Violet off to a respectable man. Nevermind that all of the kids have other plans in matrimony. The Earl really comes to life in this entry which is a great treat!
February 10, 2020
Quick read that focuses in on the terribly strained relationship between Violet and her step-mother. Of course there is a murder but other than it happening in the Carlye household during a "house party" of sorts (that Lady Evelyn plotted to break up Violet and her betrothed Jack) its solution was fairly quick and easy. All Violet's problems should be that easily solved.
June 12, 2020
Gin & Murder
FINALLY Violet and Jack announce their engagement. Of course it took the wicked stepmother, Lady Eleanor, inviting fortune hunters to ask for Violet's hand to bring out the engagement, but it's out now.
Then Victor and Kate becoming parents is great. Can't wait to see what happens next with that.
Love this series
FINALLY Violet and Jack announce their engagement. Of course it took the wicked stepmother, Lady Eleanor, inviting fortune hunters to ask for Violet's hand to bring out the engagement, but it's out now.
Then Victor and Kate becoming parents is great. Can't wait to see what happens next with that.
Love this series
June 3, 2021
Very very well done
This book was an intriguing combination of a murder and an examination of a detached upper class family. It illustrates more clearly the friction between the heroine and her twin and her step mother and highlights the bond between her and her inspector fiance. Look forward to future volumes..
This book was an intriguing combination of a murder and an examination of a detached upper class family. It illustrates more clearly the friction between the heroine and her twin and her step mother and highlights the bond between her and her inspector fiance. Look forward to future volumes..
December 26, 2021
well and truly worthy of reading
Her plots are like canapés, little, light and delicious. They don’t get in the way of the romping of the group, but rather bring them all a little closer together. Readers get to go along for the ride—or the romp. Interlaced are some realities of life, especially in those times, that can be disturbing. But not unconquerable. Good read.
Her plots are like canapés, little, light and delicious. They don’t get in the way of the romping of the group, but rather bring them all a little closer together. Readers get to go along for the ride—or the romp. Interlaced are some realities of life, especially in those times, that can be disturbing. But not unconquerable. Good read.
March 20, 2022
family can be hell
Violet is ordered home to face the evil stepmother’s choices of husband material. What a bunch of losers and Violet has already made her choice with Jack.
Murder of course happens and all are involved in the investigation.
News from Victor and Kate as they wed. Happy times.
Violet is ordered home to face the evil stepmother’s choices of husband material. What a bunch of losers and Violet has already made her choice with Jack.
Murder of course happens and all are involved in the investigation.
News from Victor and Kate as they wed. Happy times.
January 16, 2023
Delightful, as always
Such fun and surprises! The murder in this installment seems to have taken a back seat to all of the other goings on, which was just fine. It is a very entertaining story and I enjoyed all of the personal interactions. The cast of characters has grown and it was great getting to know the Earl a bit more. Looking forward to what the next book brings.
Such fun and surprises! The murder in this installment seems to have taken a back seat to all of the other goings on, which was just fine. It is a very entertaining story and I enjoyed all of the personal interactions. The cast of characters has grown and it was great getting to know the Earl a bit more. Looking forward to what the next book brings.
March 29, 2023
It's great getting a closer look at Vi and Vic's homelife. Their father is a great character! I'd like to see more from him. However I do wish Vi would stand up to her stepmother though. A little more honestly would go a long way (we love a good telling off!).
Also glad to see Jack stepping in more and more as Vi's counterpart. However, I would like a little more Vic & Vi action.
Also glad to see Jack stepping in more and more as Vi's counterpart. However, I would like a little more Vic & Vi action.
February 14, 2019
Oh Denny!
I had to give this one 5 stars simply because my favorite character, Denny, has the best lines. All of the characters are good, but lazy, chocolate-addicted Denny is just special.
I had to give this one 5 stars simply because my favorite character, Denny, has the best lines. All of the characters are good, but lazy, chocolate-addicted Denny is just special.
February 20, 2019
Another quick one with the gang. I enjoyed seeing the twin's step-mother get what she deserved. (not murdered) I mostly just enjoy the witty banter and period fashion and the relationships. Plus they are short and fun.
March 20, 2019
Fun mystery.
It’s always fun to get together with friends for a 1920’s house party even if it is peopled by Lady Violet’s Stepmother’s pick of suitors, ie, men who have a title but no money.
It’s always fun to get together with friends for a 1920’s house party even if it is peopled by Lady Violet’s Stepmother’s pick of suitors, ie, men who have a title but no money.
March 23, 2019
Gin & Murder
Another great story..it is important that you read all the books in order, to appreciate the wit, mystery and logic of the adventure of the Twins...❤️..three cheers for Ms Byers..great author!
Another great story..it is important that you read all the books in order, to appreciate the wit, mystery and logic of the adventure of the Twins...❤️..three cheers for Ms Byers..great author!
June 3, 2019
A FAMILY REUNION TO DIE FOR
Murder seems almost mundane after the intricacies of marital mis-matching. I loved the humorous maddening meddling in the affairs of others. A fun funny book!
Murder seems almost mundane after the intricacies of marital mis-matching. I loved the humorous maddening meddling in the affairs of others. A fun funny book!
April 13, 2020
so-so
i still enjoyed the characters and whatnot, and the author has a great grasp on the 1920s feel, but the plot on this one just didn't do it for me. Maybe it was the pacing? In any case, it's a fine read, but not exceptional.
i still enjoyed the characters and whatnot, and the author has a great grasp on the 1920s feel, but the plot on this one just didn't do it for me. Maybe it was the pacing? In any case, it's a fine read, but not exceptional.
May 6, 2020
Loads of Fun with Twists and Turns
I've read the first 7 Violet Carlyle books and love them all. Very interesting and funny, too. England between the 2 wars was a fascinating place if you were young, rich, and a Pearl beyond price. Read them all. Such fun!
I've read the first 7 Violet Carlyle books and love them all. Very interesting and funny, too. England between the 2 wars was a fascinating place if you were young, rich, and a Pearl beyond price. Read them all. Such fun!
September 1, 2020
Good series
This is a great series. I love the characters. The settings are fun. And I love the fashion descriptions. My only problem with the series is that each story is getting shorter and the price is going up.
This is a great series. I love the characters. The settings are fun. And I love the fashion descriptions. My only problem with the series is that each story is getting shorter and the price is going up.
July 4, 2021
For the most part I enjoyed this, but there was a certain plot development towards the end that I thoroughly disapproved of. It didn’t make any sense to put it in, and it lessened one of the characters because I feel like he wouldn’t have behaved that way, given what we’ve known of him before.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews