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Markham Sisters #16
The Patrone Case
Janet is happy to help William Chalmers, the owner of Doveby Dale’s antique shop, interview a few potential employees. She and William are friends, although William often hints that he has romantic intentions. Regardless, it makes a nice change for Janet from the day-to-day running of the bed and breakfast that she shares with her sister, Joan.The three candidates for the part-time job are less than stellar, though. When a brick gets thrown through William’s window the day after the interviews, Janet can’t help but wonder if one of the three was involved.Robert Parsons, Doveby Dale’s police constable, begins an investigation. Meanwhile, Janet and Joan are dealing with fighting couples in both guest rooms; Edward Bennett, the handsome man who may or may not be a spy, rings to ask for a favour; and more windows get broken.Can Janet help Robert work out who is behind the vandalism? Can she help William find a suitable new employee? And can she help their guests get along, at least until they leave Doveby House?
- GenresMystery
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2019
240 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Diana Xarissa
226 books262 followersDiana started self-publishing in 2013 and over a decade later she now has over a hundred books available for readers. Writing remains her passion and she has no plans to stop writing in the foreseeable future.
Diana grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and earned a history degree from Allegheny College. She met her husband, an Englishman, while living and working in Washington, DC. Following their marriage, she moved to Derbyshire. A short while later, the happy couple moved to the Isle of Man.
During their years on the island, Diana and her husband welcomed two children, and Diana completed a master’s degree in the history of the island. In 2008, the family made the decision to move to the US. Now empty-nesters, Diana and her husband are living in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, and contemplating moving somewhere that doesn’t get snow.
Diana also writes mystery/thrillers set in the not-too-distant future as Diana X. Dunn and Young Adult fiction as D.X. Dunn.
Diana grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and earned a history degree from Allegheny College. She met her husband, an Englishman, while living and working in Washington, DC. Following their marriage, she moved to Derbyshire. A short while later, the happy couple moved to the Isle of Man.
During their years on the island, Diana and her husband welcomed two children, and Diana completed a master’s degree in the history of the island. In 2008, the family made the decision to move to the US. Now empty-nesters, Diana and her husband are living in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, and contemplating moving somewhere that doesn’t get snow.
Diana also writes mystery/thrillers set in the not-too-distant future as Diana X. Dunn and Young Adult fiction as D.X. Dunn.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 5, 2020
I just love Diana Xarissa and the Markham series. I love a super good mystery/thriller, but I also love a good little cozy mystery and this series is perfect for a quick cozy read. Take a lazy summer day, a cool night by the fireside, or a quick read before bed (I hate reading in bed).
I have grown to really love the Markham sisters and their adventures with their B&B guests. I always love small town settings, so that helps me enjoy this one (and the series) as well. Being a book people watcher is fun and with this series you get the chance to "watch" people be themselves. I don't want to give away spoilers because it's easy to do with such a short novella (105 pages), so suffice it to say that it's just a fun story to read.
I have grown to really love the Markham sisters and their adventures with their B&B guests. I always love small town settings, so that helps me enjoy this one (and the series) as well. Being a book people watcher is fun and with this series you get the chance to "watch" people be themselves. I don't want to give away spoilers because it's easy to do with such a short novella (105 pages), so suffice it to say that it's just a fun story to read.
March 16, 2019
Another lovely visit with Janet and Joan and a small mystery to solve as well!
March 16, 2019
Unfinished.
I love these Markham Sisters stories. This one is abrupt. A good story but ended with a feeling it needed another chapter or two. It needed more development about the picture and bracelet found in the carriage house and the two couples in for the weekend. It just felt unfinished to me.
I love these Markham Sisters stories. This one is abrupt. A good story but ended with a feeling it needed another chapter or two. It needed more development about the picture and bracelet found in the carriage house and the two couples in for the weekend. It just felt unfinished to me.
July 16, 2020
PROTRACTED. At least the book title was more appropriate this time than abstract.
In increasingly typical fashion for books in this series, the topic in this story is no greater than the teaspoon of essence added into a standard cake mix. Once again the reader is subjected to considerable amounts of repeated details presented in previous books and as on other occasions, treated to extensive expressions of verbal thought (a.k.a. chit chat).
Summed up, the story involves “horrible” interviewees, one who inevitably becomes the villain, and more bad guests that leaves the reader wondering what the Markham sisters find attractive about running a B&B.
Inserted into the story are numerous side-tracks which undoubtedly will become subject matter for later stories, allowing for more repetition top be added as padding.
Historically the reader may soon be presented with a good book, or alternatively be asked to endure at least another ten books of the same ilk.
In increasingly typical fashion for books in this series, the topic in this story is no greater than the teaspoon of essence added into a standard cake mix. Once again the reader is subjected to considerable amounts of repeated details presented in previous books and as on other occasions, treated to extensive expressions of verbal thought (a.k.a. chit chat).
Summed up, the story involves “horrible” interviewees, one who inevitably becomes the villain, and more bad guests that leaves the reader wondering what the Markham sisters find attractive about running a B&B.
Inserted into the story are numerous side-tracks which undoubtedly will become subject matter for later stories, allowing for more repetition top be added as padding.
Historically the reader may soon be presented with a good book, or alternatively be asked to endure at least another ten books of the same ilk.
May 22, 2019
Running a B&B can be a challenge!
First, let me say I love everything Diana Xarissa writes. Her characters seem like people you know - or wish you knew. Of course, there are always a few you are glad you don't know. Her stories are easy to follow and complicated enough to keep you turning pages. The Markham Sisters series is always interesting either due to their B&B customer's behaviors or the odd things that can happen in any small community. Janet and Joan are living a very interesting retirement for sure.
Always nice clean mysteries so you are always in for a treat!
First, let me say I love everything Diana Xarissa writes. Her characters seem like people you know - or wish you knew. Of course, there are always a few you are glad you don't know. Her stories are easy to follow and complicated enough to keep you turning pages. The Markham Sisters series is always interesting either due to their B&B customer's behaviors or the odd things that can happen in any small community. Janet and Joan are living a very interesting retirement for sure.
Always nice clean mysteries so you are always in for a treat!
March 16, 2019
Book 16 read in order they are more fun that way
I have read every book Dianna has written, they are all fun and I cant wait to read more. The Bessie books are my favorites, followed by the ghost series and then the sisters but they are all great. She brings the area to life. We plan on a holiday in the uk so I can visit the Isle if Man! All because of these great books
I have read every book Dianna has written, they are all fun and I cant wait to read more. The Bessie books are my favorites, followed by the ghost series and then the sisters but they are all great. She brings the area to life. We plan on a holiday in the uk so I can visit the Isle if Man! All because of these great books
April 17, 2019
Great read
I always enjoy this series and the developing relationships, as well as the well-written mysteries. I’m looking forward to the next one and hope to have Edward back in the story again.
I always enjoy this series and the developing relationships, as well as the well-written mysteries. I’m looking forward to the next one and hope to have Edward back in the story again.
May 22, 2019
Another successful chapter
I always enjoy reading about the Markham Sisters, and this novella was no exception. I am hoping there will be a story line involving the recently found photo and bracelet. No matter what I am looking forward to the next installment.
I always enjoy reading about the Markham Sisters, and this novella was no exception. I am hoping there will be a story line involving the recently found photo and bracelet. No matter what I am looking forward to the next installment.
May 28, 2020
Ugh
Not sure it's really actually "a case" what it is is dull and dragging.. it would be great if there was more than just repetitive chunks making up the word count.. also if the author actually understood British meals.. especially as she uses them as padding constantly.
Not sure it's really actually "a case" what it is is dull and dragging.. it would be great if there was more than just repetitive chunks making up the word count.. also if the author actually understood British meals.. especially as she uses them as padding constantly.
January 27, 2024
An entertaining novella with cases of vandalism happening in Doveby Dale and Little Burton. All very readable and enjoyable. A continuity problem though, as when Aggie the kitten first arrived she was grey, and now she is mostly black!
March 16, 2019
I have loved all the Markam sisters stories but this one finished so abruptly. I turned the page only to find it had finished! Too many loose ends. What about the photo and the bracelet?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2019
loved my latest visit with the Markham sisters...
March 19, 2019
Delightful fun
I really enjoyed the characters in this novella. I am hoping to learn more about the mysterious carriage house in future books.
I really enjoyed the characters in this novella. I am hoping to learn more about the mysterious carriage house in future books.
March 21, 2019
A cracking good read
I love this series of books they are really enjoyable to read , the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read
I love this series of books they are really enjoyable to read , the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read
November 14, 2019
Maybe I was just ready to visit the Markham sisters but I thoroughly enjoyed this little episode. I want to go spend a week at Doveby House.
April 24, 2020
Another fun read
I seem to be flying through this series. Don't know what I will do when I'm done. I will definitely miss the Markham sisters and Doveby Dale.
I seem to be flying through this series. Don't know what I will do when I'm done. I will definitely miss the Markham sisters and Doveby Dale.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews