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Rose Beckingham #3
A Cunning Death
Deceit and death in the country...
When Rose Beckingham receives a threatening message from a shadowy figure of the criminal underworld, she’s forced to face her greatest fear--the exposure of all her secrets.
Forced to do the bidding of the man who calls himself the Chess Master, Rose accompanies Lord and Lady Ashton to their country estate and tries to thwart a murder before it happens.
With the Chess Master watching her every move and the brilliant French detective, Achilles Prideaux, dragging the deeds of her past out of the shadows, can Rose capture a killer in time to protect everyone she loves? Or will a weekend at Ridgewick Hall end the same way it began – with bloodshed?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
929 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Blythe Baker
117 books386 followersBlythe Baker is a thirty-something bottle redhead from the South Central part of the country. When she’s not slinging words and creating new worlds and characters, she’s acting as chauffeur to her children and head groomer to her household of beloved pets.
Blythe enjoys long walks with her dog on sweaty days, grubbing in her flower garden, cooking, and ruthlessly de-cluttering her overcrowded home. She also likes binge-watching mystery shows on TV and burying herself in books about murder.
Blythe enjoys long walks with her dog on sweaty days, grubbing in her flower garden, cooking, and ruthlessly de-cluttering her overcrowded home. She also likes binge-watching mystery shows on TV and burying herself in books about murder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 3, 2020
i like who it doesn’t end with the reveal
the murders, and solutions, are a bit simple, but more happens after the reveal. that doesn’t end the book because that isn’t the end. i do not see how Rose will stay Rose, but i enjoy her balance and dedication. she is still 100% deceiving people for her own gain. i think i’d feel guilt a few places she didn’t. but, we all have our goals.
the murders, and solutions, are a bit simple, but more happens after the reveal. that doesn’t end the book because that isn’t the end. i do not see how Rose will stay Rose, but i enjoy her balance and dedication. she is still 100% deceiving people for her own gain. i think i’d feel guilt a few places she didn’t. but, we all have our goals.
April 15, 2019
Book 3
The first book I enjoyed very much. The second book wasn't as interesting and book 3 didn't hold my interest. I can't accept that a clever character could make so many dumb decisions. I have read many cozy mysteries set in England during the roaring because I enjoy that era.
The first book I enjoyed very much. The second book wasn't as interesting and book 3 didn't hold my interest. I can't accept that a clever character could make so many dumb decisions. I have read many cozy mysteries set in England during the roaring because I enjoy that era.
March 2, 2019
I bought all three of the series on amazon recommendation, and, since I bought them, I read all three. They're really not very good--they show zero understanding of the culture of the time. To give just three examples: a woman could walk into a smoking room. She would thereby identify herself as a prostitute and no respectable woman on a ship would speak to her thereafter. People didn't hug in greeting. A woman could not have lived alone by herself--that would have identified her as a kept woman. Again, she would have been shunned.
None of those details is necessary for any of the plot--it's just sloppiness on the part of the author.
None of those details is necessary for any of the plot--it's just sloppiness on the part of the author.
June 10, 2019
Although the opening scene of the book is powerfully written—I wish this had been a scene back in the first book—I am having the same problems with this book as I am the other in the series. The 1920's English setting does not seem well-researched, and the characters act in implausible ways. But I keep coming back to that opening scene: it shows what writing gifts the author possesses.
March 26, 2020
This is the third book in this series I have read. I intend to read the rest BUT they have a sameness about them I want to comment on. First off aside from the first one there is very little character build up. The murders happen usually in the first couple of pages and then for whatever reason the main character decides to investigate on her own. Despite numerous warnings and threats she continues. She does not seem to have any vested interest in the outcome. The books are simply pages of the interrogations of the various witnesses and suspects. Usually there is at least one attempt on the main characters life. There is a tiny back story to her life which is mentioned in passing in each book. She moans and drips about her life. She never ever thinks of telling people the reason she can't remember things is because she suffered a head injury and has partial amnesia which would be a perfect excuse. (you have to read the first one to understand how she suffered this injury)The plot part of the books are good but the fleshing out of the novel is not. Frankly Rose is not a very likable or engaging person. She is again to be frank boring. I wish there was MUCH more about Achilles in this book. He is an obvious copy of Hercules Poirot right down to the name. I would have thought the writer would have tried for a little more originality if she was going to copy Dame Agatha. Like given all her character interesting backstories.
March 21, 2021
Rose receives a message from an unknown person who claims there will be a murder in Sommerset, and if she solves it, he will supply her with information about her missing brother.
While I've enjoyed the books in this series up to this point.
This one took a very dark turn and I'm not sure I'll be continuing with it.
Pro's:
Developed characters, and a solid plot.
Con's:
The person known as "The Chess Master" in this book has information on her that would be impossible for anyone to know. Unless he winds up being her brother?
But he still would not know who she now is. This is the 1920's. He could not possibly know she had survived an attack on the family she was a servant to while in India for over 10 years, and is now claiming to be the sole survivor of said family.
I was very disappointed in Rose in this one as she acted on an overheard conversation, and went to search the bedroom of one of her relatives for information that should have had nothing to do with what she was investigating.
I will really have to think about the next book before I decide to continue with it.
April 11, 2019
A Challenge from a Sinister Source
No Sex
No gory descriptions of violence
No strong language
Some references to previous stories in the series, but not enough to ruin them if a person were to read this out of sequence.
Plot no spoilers:
Shortly after moving out of her cousins' home and into a place of her own, Rose receives a message from a mysterious stranger. The writer reveals that he knows she is impersonating the real Rose Beckingham and why. However, the reason for contacting her is to challenge her to discover who will be guilty of a murder that has not yet been committed. If she is successful, she'll be given a clue about her long-lost brother, which is the only reason she is involved it the dangerous business of impersonation.
Against the advice of a friend, Rose takes the challenge.
Enjoyable reading. I suspected who would be the victim, but was not entirely sure of who would commit the crime or why.
Recommended
No Sex
No gory descriptions of violence
No strong language
Some references to previous stories in the series, but not enough to ruin them if a person were to read this out of sequence.
Plot no spoilers:
Shortly after moving out of her cousins' home and into a place of her own, Rose receives a message from a mysterious stranger. The writer reveals that he knows she is impersonating the real Rose Beckingham and why. However, the reason for contacting her is to challenge her to discover who will be guilty of a murder that has not yet been committed. If she is successful, she'll be given a clue about her long-lost brother, which is the only reason she is involved it the dangerous business of impersonation.
Against the advice of a friend, Rose takes the challenge.
Enjoyable reading. I suspected who would be the victim, but was not entirely sure of who would commit the crime or why.
Recommended
January 8, 2019
Keeps getting more and more interesting. Still keeps that era feel, kudos. Just wondering if she is going to a female Poirot since she seems to attractive or be in the right place when murder happens.
Rose/Nellie growth get more interesting. Will she find Jimmy and rethink her memories of him? So when is the next book?
Even though book can standalone, I recommend reading in order to get the feel for the setting and the character dynamics. There is a bit of subtlety that you might miss.
I am wondering who the The Chess Master is? I have a theory but do not want to influence the characters.
I know that I personally would like to see a book where she and Achilles work together on a murder, maybe he can teach her a few things. Romance ? Just thought.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Rose/Nellie growth get more interesting. Will she find Jimmy and rethink her memories of him? So when is the next book?
Even though book can standalone, I recommend reading in order to get the feel for the setting and the character dynamics. There is a bit of subtlety that you might miss.
I am wondering who the The Chess Master is? I have a theory but do not want to influence the characters.
I know that I personally would like to see a book where she and Achilles work together on a murder, maybe he can teach her a few things. Romance ? Just thought.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
November 21, 2021
The second book I picked up as part of my group, this was another little charmer. Rose has started getting her inheritance, and she's set up her own household. Her relatives would have liked her to stay with them, except for her cousin Edward. She, however, thought that would make finding the rest of Nellie's family difficult. She still gets invited to the family estate at Ridgewood Hall, in Sumerset.
This time the murder is announced to Rose before hand. A person whom she calls The Chess Master has sent her a message, challenging her to discover the murderer or face being exposed as Nellie Dennet. She has a weekend to do it. Of course, she succeeds, but it breaks the people she has come to think of as relatives. And again, she sort of falls into the solution.
These are not quite cozies, but close enough for easy reading. I am enjoying the parts of this series I have read a great deal.
This time the murder is announced to Rose before hand. A person whom she calls The Chess Master has sent her a message, challenging her to discover the murderer or face being exposed as Nellie Dennet. She has a weekend to do it. Of course, she succeeds, but it breaks the people she has come to think of as relatives. And again, she sort of falls into the solution.
These are not quite cozies, but close enough for easy reading. I am enjoying the parts of this series I have read a great deal.
January 7, 2019
Who is the Chess Master? How does he know about Rose's secrets? He leaves a message that a murder will take place at Ridgewick Hall and she must solve the murder. If she doesn't, her secrets will be revealed. If she solves it he will give her info about her brother Jimmy. This story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Well written. Characters are fleshed out. Come along on this roller coaster. See if you can figure out who the killer is.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
May 24, 2020
A weekend in the country with family and friends - what could be better!
Except - Rose received a warning and a puzzle. Someone is going to be murdered that weekend, and if Rose wants to find out information about her brother, she must solve the murder that has yet to happen! Will she succeed in playing the game she is thrust into by a criminal mastermind? Will her secrets be revealed? Will she lose the family she just found?
A lovely cozy with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing!,
Except - Rose received a warning and a puzzle. Someone is going to be murdered that weekend, and if Rose wants to find out information about her brother, she must solve the murder that has yet to happen! Will she succeed in playing the game she is thrust into by a criminal mastermind? Will her secrets be revealed? Will she lose the family she just found?
A lovely cozy with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing!,
April 26, 2021
Rose observes a mysterious person outside her house and then receives a box containing a letter claiming to know her true identity and warning her of a death in Somerset along with a chess pawn. Ironically, the Ashtons invite her to spend the weekend with them and other family friends at their country house in ...Somerset. The stage is set for a murder, but who will be the two main characters involved and how will the truth be discovered? And who keeps leaving strange clues for Rose once she returns to London?
September 7, 2019
Surprise surprise! Just wow. This is the third book in this series. Each
one just gets more into the story line. How it twists and turns. Making me wonder:
Who is XX(If you read the book you will know who I am talking about)?I didn't
want to use the characters' name.. Where is the brother? Did he do it?
And Achilles? There is something about him that is making me wonder.. really wonder..
Can't wait for the next book to come out.
one just gets more into the story line. How it twists and turns. Making me wonder:
Who is XX(If you read the book you will know who I am talking about)?I didn't
want to use the characters' name.. Where is the brother? Did he do it?
And Achilles? There is something about him that is making me wonder.. really wonder..
Can't wait for the next book to come out.
January 9, 2019
Fabulous
I enjoyed this very much and didn't want to put it down. This is the third Rose Beckingham mystery and each book gets better and better. I hope this will be a long running series. The characters develope as the series progresses so it is best to read each book in order. I can't wait for the next book.
I enjoyed this very much and didn't want to put it down. This is the third Rose Beckingham mystery and each book gets better and better. I hope this will be a long running series. The characters develope as the series progresses so it is best to read each book in order. I can't wait for the next book.
February 13, 2019
In her quest to find answers To all of her questions about her past she must solve another murder
Who is the mysterious Chessmaster and how does he know so much? So many things happen and so many twists and turns it’s hard for Rose to keep going. Keep reading to see what’s going on it’s enjoyable
Who is the mysterious Chessmaster and how does he know so much? So many things happen and so many twists and turns it’s hard for Rose to keep going. Keep reading to see what’s going on it’s enjoyable
May 27, 2023
unexpected plot developments
Intriguing character development and surprising plot twists. Rose, the main character continually puts herself in suspicious situations with persons of questionable character. She is the early Nancy Drew. Always enjoy the description of dresses and fashionable clothes of the day.
Intriguing character development and surprising plot twists. Rose, the main character continually puts herself in suspicious situations with persons of questionable character. She is the early Nancy Drew. Always enjoy the description of dresses and fashionable clothes of the day.
November 7, 2024
A Cunning Death Book 3
A weekend with her Beckingham cousins, the Worthington and some neighbors describes the scene for this third adventure. Rose is warned of an upcoming murder and a promise if she solves it another clue will be revealed about her brother. Betrayal, love, family and murder! Another great read in the Rose Beckingham series.
A weekend with her Beckingham cousins, the Worthington and some neighbors describes the scene for this third adventure. Rose is warned of an upcoming murder and a promise if she solves it another clue will be revealed about her brother. Betrayal, love, family and murder! Another great read in the Rose Beckingham series.
April 1, 2019
There are complications from the last investigation and Rose decides to set up her own establishment, but she is forced to do the bidding of a mysterious threatener and stop a murder in the country. THings are worse than they seem and consequences far reaching
August 25, 2019
Another great story in this series. I enjoy reading about Rose and how she solves mysteries. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
June 23, 2021
Nosy Rosie
This mystery was the most interesting so far. I was unable to figure out who the murderer was. When the person was finally revealed I was shocked. I wonder why Rose is so sanctimonious in always having to get to the truth when she is living a lie?
This mystery was the most interesting so far. I was unable to figure out who the murderer was. When the person was finally revealed I was shocked. I wonder why Rose is so sanctimonious in always having to get to the truth when she is living a lie?
March 10, 2022
i did not like this book at all, it took me SO long to read because it simply was not interesting. I guessed almost everything, the writing was repetitive and slow, and it made such a short book last for what seemed like 1000 pages or more.
January 20, 2019
Rose is just wonderful as the main character. She is so loveable and such a strong woman Loved it
February 1, 2019
Entertaining.
May 1, 2019
Excellent
Rose is being played and she needs to find a murderer in order to find out about her brother. Lots of twists and turns in this storyline. Could not put it down
Rose is being played and she needs to find a murderer in order to find out about her brother. Lots of twists and turns in this storyline. Could not put it down
May 25, 2019
Really enjoying this series
I am hooked. I need to know how this character's future turns out. I do want more Achilles P, the private detective in the next stories.
I am hooked. I need to know how this character's future turns out. I do want more Achilles P, the private detective in the next stories.
August 3, 2019
Enjoy this series.
As the third in the Rose Beckingham series, the telling does not lose my interest. The author manages to keep the suspense fresh. I thoroughly enjoy these books.
As the third in the Rose Beckingham series, the telling does not lose my interest. The author manages to keep the suspense fresh. I thoroughly enjoy these books.
March 3, 2020
Rose is not who she appears to be. How long can she keep up her charade??? Heading into book 4 in this series...
July 30, 2020
Surprising Story
Great book. Couldn't believe what happened and who did it! The Chess Master has me hooked. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Great book. Couldn't believe what happened and who did it! The Chess Master has me hooked. Can't wait to see what happens next.
March 18, 2021
Just ok
This is a decent light read but not as intriguing as the previous books. The writing (grammar) is getting better.
This is a decent light read but not as intriguing as the previous books. The writing (grammar) is getting better.
December 21, 2021
Why I enjoyed reading this book
I enjoyed the story plot. Sometimes I like to read something that is a little on the lighter side of things. I like British settings.
I enjoyed the story plot. Sometimes I like to read something that is a little on the lighter side of things. I like British settings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews