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Miss Seeton #5
Odds on Miss Seeton
At the roulette table an elderly, ludicrously made-up woman in dazzling diamonds is making a killing. Who would guess the bejewelled high roller is actually retired art teacher Miss Emily Seeton, in disguise to help capture a mysterious crime boss? Miss S. must get a good look at the crook’s face to produce a sketch for the police, a simple task surely. It’s not her fault things escalate, and after half-blinding one baddie with the tail of her mink stole and whacking another with her handbag, she’s soon gambling for the very highest stakes – her own life. Serene amidst every kind of skullduggery, this eccentric English spinster steps in where Scotland Yard stumbles, armed with nothing more than her sketchpad and umbrella! “Miss Seeton is a hoot! I was torn between laughter and eye rolling with each page turn. The characters are loveable and thoroughly British. This is a perfect specimen of classic British mystery .“ “ What a joy Miss Seeton is. Why did I wait so long to read them? Splashy characters, lovely setting, and just plain funny.” “I've become a Miss Ess addict. Great characters that get better with each book . A must for anyone who loves a good British cozy with a twist, and surprising revelations of what a good brollie can do in a pinch.” “What a great series. This is one of the best in English light reading mysteries .” “Miss Seeton is a delightful sendup of the amateur sleuth. If your doctor has prescribed laughter as the best medicine , run and buy the entire series as fast as you can.” “A most beguiling protagonist! ” New York Times “Miss Seeton gets into wild drama with fine touches of farce . . . This is a lovely mixture of the funny and the exciting .” San Francisco Chronicle “This is not so much black comedy as black-currant comedy . . . You can’t stop reading. Or laughing .” The Sun “ Depth of description and lively characters bring this English village to life.” Publishers Weekly “Fun to be had with a full cast of endearingly zany villagers . . . and the ever gently intuitive Miss Seeton.” Kirkus Reviews “Miss Seeton is the most delightfully satisfactory character since Miss Marple .” Ogden Nash “I think, on the whole, Miss Seeton is the most loveable and entertaining of any of today’s fiction detectives. May she live forever .” London Mystery Selection
204 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
132 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Heron Carvic
45 books43 followersHeron Carvic (21 January 1913-9 February 1980) was a British actor and writer who provided the voice for Gandalf in the BBC Radio version of The Hobbit, and played Caiphas the High Priest every time the play cycle The Man Born To Be King was broadcast.
As a writer he created the characters and wrote the first five books featuring retired art teacher Miss Emily D. Seeton, a gentle parody of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.
Further books nominally in the Miss Seeton series were then written under two other pseudonyms. Roy Peter Martin as "Hampton Charles" wrote three novels which were all released in 1990. Sarah J. Mason, writing under the name of Hamilton Crane, then took up the series writing 14 books in all, some of which are still in print.
As a writer he created the characters and wrote the first five books featuring retired art teacher Miss Emily D. Seeton, a gentle parody of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.
Further books nominally in the Miss Seeton series were then written under two other pseudonyms. Roy Peter Martin as "Hampton Charles" wrote three novels which were all released in 1990. Sarah J. Mason, writing under the name of Hamilton Crane, then took up the series writing 14 books in all, some of which are still in print.
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February 27, 2017The last of the series by the original author. Miss Seeton actually got a bit cross in this one - I'll be interested to see whether she changes at all during the long series of books by additional authors. It's remarkable how many people the woman has killed without even realising it.
February 21, 2023
it was alright. the plot was eh but i really liked the character of Miss Seeton and her funny way of explaining things
June 27, 2016
Miss Emily Seeton is a retired drawing teacher with a gift and a whole new career. She has been enlisted by Scotland Yard to make drawings of the faces of possible criminals in places that cameras are not feasible. This time she has been sent into a London casino, quite garishly made up and dripping with jewels. She manages to capture the crime boss' face (and win quite a lot of money), unwittingly setting off a series of events including robbery, kidnapping, attempted murder, visits to the racetrack, car chases and the vicissitudes of young lovers. Miss Seeton wanders through all of this, the perfect innocent who sets off momentous events and solves crimes, all unaware.
Odds on Miss Seeton is the fifth and last book written by Heron Carvic in this long-running series which was resumed by several other authors. Even though I had not read any of the Miss Seeton books it was easy to pick this one up. The series was meant as a parody of the books of Agatha Christie, Miss Marple in particular. However, Miss Marple was extremely shrewd; Miss Seeton is decidedly not. Even though Odds on Miss Seeton was written in the mid-1970's, I saw more resemblance to the Keystone Kops and the Ealing Studio comedies of the 1940's and 1950's. Ealing could have done a lot with the material, with it's non-stop action and innocent protagonist.
The Miss Seeton series was written as pure entertainment and greatly succeeds This is pure escape reading. I did, however, find the extensive vernacular use a little difficult at first. I thought I had a decent command of British slang but when it comes to the criminal variety I was lost at times and decided to roll with it. Thanks to Farrago and NetGalley for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
RATING- 3 Stars
Odds on Miss Seeton is the fifth and last book written by Heron Carvic in this long-running series which was resumed by several other authors. Even though I had not read any of the Miss Seeton books it was easy to pick this one up. The series was meant as a parody of the books of Agatha Christie, Miss Marple in particular. However, Miss Marple was extremely shrewd; Miss Seeton is decidedly not. Even though Odds on Miss Seeton was written in the mid-1970's, I saw more resemblance to the Keystone Kops and the Ealing Studio comedies of the 1940's and 1950's. Ealing could have done a lot with the material, with it's non-stop action and innocent protagonist.
The Miss Seeton series was written as pure entertainment and greatly succeeds This is pure escape reading. I did, however, find the extensive vernacular use a little difficult at first. I thought I had a decent command of British slang but when it comes to the criminal variety I was lost at times and decided to roll with it. Thanks to Farrago and NetGalley for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
RATING- 3 Stars
October 19, 2016
It's been a while since I tried a Miss Seeton, and for some reason I never read more than one or two. It's a very cute idea: Miss Seeton is a vague and bumbling elderly lady who is perceived by everyone around her, friend and foe, as a sort of Sherlock Holmes presenting this fuzzy front. And of course it all accidentally leads to the solution of whatever crime is in the offing. It's ridiculous – and it's fun. I'm impressed by the author's ability to pull it off.
She looked at Tom Haley for guidance, but he appeared to be immersed. In thought. What an unpleasant man. Mr. Thatcher, she meant.
I'm not sure the gimmick would be conducive to reading too many back to back, so maybe the way I seem to be reading the series is best: one every great while is more enjoyable than a binge.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
She looked at Tom Haley for guidance, but he appeared to be immersed. In thought. What an unpleasant man. Mr. Thatcher, she meant.
I'm not sure the gimmick would be conducive to reading too many back to back, so maybe the way I seem to be reading the series is best: one every great while is more enjoyable than a binge.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
April 20, 2019
Improbable. Wacky. Great fun!
June 20, 2016
What can possibly go wrong if Scotland Yard send Miss Seeton into a casino to get a look at a criminal Mr Big so that she can draw a picture of him? To those who know Miss Seeton's previous exploits it might seem like a recipe for disaster which is what it almost proves to be.
Casinos are being burned down if their owners refuse to co-operate with the protection racket and the Gold Fish is the latest target. After the mess has been dealt with following Miss Seeton's visit she moves on to a country weekend with a new friend who wants her help. But the weekend includes a visit to the races and Miss S is getting a taste for gambling.
This is a fast paced story of Miss Seeton's trademark chaos where the most innocent intentions result in criminals meeting someone who is more than a match for them with no more weapons at her disposal than a brolly, a handbag and an old-fashioned hat pin. This is a well written entertaining and light hearted story of how innocence can overcome sophistication and a knowledge of human nature gained through a lifetime of teaching beats a criminal mastermind. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
Casinos are being burned down if their owners refuse to co-operate with the protection racket and the Gold Fish is the latest target. After the mess has been dealt with following Miss Seeton's visit she moves on to a country weekend with a new friend who wants her help. But the weekend includes a visit to the races and Miss S is getting a taste for gambling.
This is a fast paced story of Miss Seeton's trademark chaos where the most innocent intentions result in criminals meeting someone who is more than a match for them with no more weapons at her disposal than a brolly, a handbag and an old-fashioned hat pin. This is a well written entertaining and light hearted story of how innocence can overcome sophistication and a knowledge of human nature gained through a lifetime of teaching beats a criminal mastermind. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
August 13, 2022
There are times when the right book manages to rescue you. That's what ODDS ON MISS SEETON did for me this week.
It is 110-120 in the desert. My car's central computer system literally melted from the heat. I was called to jury duty and assigned to a 5 week murder trial. Don't you think some salvation is in order??
Yes, Miss Seeton came to the rescue with her "what, me?" naivety, her dueling brolly and her cadre of police department admirers. Just what a girl needed to pull herself out of herself.
Heron Carvic's zany series is not for everyone, but I am seriously in love with these books. They are filled with absolute nonsense, but they are fun and diverting beyond belief. If you are a hard-core mystery fan, read something else. If you are home in bed with the flu; sitting in an airport lounge; or taking a break from your routine---Miss Seeton may be your cup of tea.
I have been binging on Miss Seeton this week and wish I had four or five more of these books sitting on my bedstead. NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Note: i just re-read this book and it was every bit as enjoyable the second time around.
It is 110-120 in the desert. My car's central computer system literally melted from the heat. I was called to jury duty and assigned to a 5 week murder trial. Don't you think some salvation is in order??
Yes, Miss Seeton came to the rescue with her "what, me?" naivety, her dueling brolly and her cadre of police department admirers. Just what a girl needed to pull herself out of herself.
Heron Carvic's zany series is not for everyone, but I am seriously in love with these books. They are filled with absolute nonsense, but they are fun and diverting beyond belief. If you are a hard-core mystery fan, read something else. If you are home in bed with the flu; sitting in an airport lounge; or taking a break from your routine---Miss Seeton may be your cup of tea.
I have been binging on Miss Seeton this week and wish I had four or five more of these books sitting on my bedstead. NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Note: i just re-read this book and it was every bit as enjoyable the second time around.
June 30, 2016
The fraud squad is unable to get a picture of the owner of a nightclub. They dress Miss Seeton as a wealthy patron and send her into the nightclub to draw a picture of the owner. Miss Seeton wins at the casino's tables to everyone's surprise. Miss Seeton has a bodyguard.The daughter of a lord invites Miss Seeton home for the weekend. Meanwhile, the casino owner makes plans to do way with Miss Seeton, of course, all his attempts to do away with Miss Seeton are not successful as Miss Seeton doesn't react like a normal person. The book will have you smiling or laughing. Miss Seeton goes merrily on her way without releasing that the attacks are aimed her way. It has been a pleasure reading about her adventures. I highly recommend this series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Farrago through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Farrago through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 15, 2023
Fifth in the Heron Carvic's Miss Seeton mystery series revolving a retired drawing instructor now living in a sometimes quiet village in Kent in the mid-1960s.
My Take
Cute, but not one of my favorites in this series. There are a few things that just don't hang together. The biggest hole is Tom Haley's lack of professional behavior from the start at the casino and later at the Abbey.
The tension is worrying at the start for Miss Seeton is without her umbrella and, with the Syndicate's plans in place, she and young Haley are in trouble. But, then, that's reckoning without MissEss...snicker… Then there's Lord Kenharding's interpretation of Miss Seeton's behavior at the track; it does bring a bit of tension to the race.
I do rather wonder if Carvic stopped writing this series because he couldn't believe that Miss Seeton could possibly maintain this ability to rationalize away the odd accidents that always seem to happen around her. Admittedly, she's had decades of practice, but working with the police must be increasing the incidents. A hard spot to be in as it's those unconscious actions of hers that seem most successful.
For all the help Miss Seeton has been providing the Yard, you'd think that by now the nutjobs in the village would leap to that conclusion first. Don't get me wrong, she does have her allies and, boy, do they leap when her new alarm system goes off.
A couple of new romances as well… Oh, oh, oh, then the very last bit...that MissEss is a caution!
The Story
Oh yeah, it's Miss Seeton undercover on the case and Mr. Thatcher might just as well roll it up. The Yard is desperate for an image of the boss and cameras just don't work so it's Mrs. Amos B. Herrington-Casey, a.k.a., Miss Seeton, bedecked in satin and diamonds and gambling at The Gold Fish casino, to the rescue. Fraud is desperate to shut the Syndicate down---they're taking over the race tracks, arcades, casinos, and on. And the cops can't act without some kind of proof. It's too bad for Fraud that MissEss is a bit too notorious.
But, the Oracle knows how things just seem to happen around Miss Seeton and he feels careful of her safety. He'll simply feel better if he just hangs around The Gold Fish's entrance. A good thing, too, when it provides several breaks in the case.
The plan had been that getting Miss Seeton home in all her glory so very late would avoid her being seen...too bad they reckoned without the Harvest Dance. Not so bad for the Nuts as it simply provides more grist for their mill. They really need to start writing their fiction down and publishing it, probably under fantasy fiction.
It's the next day that the action really takes off when the Honorable Dierdre shows up at Miss Seeton's to demand her help by coming to stay for a long weekend at Kenharding Abbey. After that, it's ghosts and a lack of experience at the track that continues to skew the roll of the Syndicate's dice.
The Characters
Miss Emily Seeton is a most unexpected, occasional policewoman. Retained by Scotland Yard to be available to draw when needed; MissEss believes she's been hired to do a sort of Identi-Kit upon demand. Martha Bloomer has stayed on as Miss Seeton's cleaning lady and is very protective of her. Her husband Stan takes care of the garden and the chickens. And is quite handy with odd errands and the odd threat.
Superintendent Delphick, a.k.a., the Oracle, is considered her handler by Scotland Yard. Well, he does seem to have the most experience with her while his Detective Sergeant Bob Ranger (recently married to Anne Knight) sees her as more of a troublesome aunt (see Witch Miss Seeton ). Detective Constable Tom Haley from Fraud is undercover on this assignment that Inspector Borden, his boss, has set up. Sir Hubert Everleigh is the Assistant Commissioner and understands that "Miss Seeton and the untoward go hand in hand". Poor Chief Superintendent Brinton...when Thrudd calls the station to request help, it takes mentioning Miss Seeton to put the cat among the pigeons. Detective Constable Foxon does his best to escort MissEss home from the track.
Mel Forby is writing a comic strip based on MissEss and Plummergen and is good friends with Miss Seeton. The incident outside the club sends her hotfoot down to the village. Thrudd Brunner is a free-lance foreign correspondent who became acquainted with MissEss in Miss Seeton Sings . Seems he also knows Mel. Quite well.
Dierdre Kenharding is Lord Kenharding's daughter and she is determined to do something about the danger threatening her family. A danger that her brother Derrick seems determined to jump into with both feet. (There's an interesting picture gallery tour of a sad genetic heritage.) Her father Mark is one of the directors at the casino and the threats are mounting. Hélène and her husband Timson have stayed on at the Abbey past their retirement to continue caring for the household; quite the resourceful pair. You'll like the Timsons and Lord and Lady (Penny) Kenharding...insightful with a sense of reality and humor. Mr. Thatcher is the syndicate's man at The Gold Fish. Not a nice man. Frank the Fingers unexpectedly turned into a butterfingers.
The inhabitants of Plummergen include:
You'll love it! The Nuts present a petition to Major General Sir George (and the local JP) and Lady Colvedon against Miss Seeton; their son Nigel adds his own bit of steam. It's a momentous occasion for "Eric" Nuttel and Norah "Bunny" Blaine when Miss Seeton comes home from her undercover assignment---they're actually dumbstruck. Too bad it doesn't last! Most of the village has cameos. PC Potter is the village constable and has been granted a car to replace his motor scooter. I do wonder if having MissEss in the neighborhood had any bearing on this! Good thing he's a young man with his head on his shoulders.
The Title
Well, it's certainly Odds on Miss Seeton that she'll stir things up at the casino and in the Kenharding household.
My Take
Cute, but not one of my favorites in this series. There are a few things that just don't hang together. The biggest hole is Tom Haley's lack of professional behavior from the start at the casino and later at the Abbey.
The tension is worrying at the start for Miss Seeton is without her umbrella and, with the Syndicate's plans in place, she and young Haley are in trouble. But, then, that's reckoning without MissEss...snicker… Then there's Lord Kenharding's interpretation of Miss Seeton's behavior at the track; it does bring a bit of tension to the race.
I do rather wonder if Carvic stopped writing this series because he couldn't believe that Miss Seeton could possibly maintain this ability to rationalize away the odd accidents that always seem to happen around her. Admittedly, she's had decades of practice, but working with the police must be increasing the incidents. A hard spot to be in as it's those unconscious actions of hers that seem most successful.
For all the help Miss Seeton has been providing the Yard, you'd think that by now the nutjobs in the village would leap to that conclusion first. Don't get me wrong, she does have her allies and, boy, do they leap when her new alarm system goes off.
A couple of new romances as well… Oh, oh, oh, then the very last bit...that MissEss is a caution!
The Story
Oh yeah, it's Miss Seeton undercover on the case and Mr. Thatcher might just as well roll it up. The Yard is desperate for an image of the boss and cameras just don't work so it's Mrs. Amos B. Herrington-Casey, a.k.a., Miss Seeton, bedecked in satin and diamonds and gambling at The Gold Fish casino, to the rescue. Fraud is desperate to shut the Syndicate down---they're taking over the race tracks, arcades, casinos, and on. And the cops can't act without some kind of proof. It's too bad for Fraud that MissEss is a bit too notorious.
But, the Oracle knows how things just seem to happen around Miss Seeton and he feels careful of her safety. He'll simply feel better if he just hangs around The Gold Fish's entrance. A good thing, too, when it provides several breaks in the case.
The plan had been that getting Miss Seeton home in all her glory so very late would avoid her being seen...too bad they reckoned without the Harvest Dance. Not so bad for the Nuts as it simply provides more grist for their mill. They really need to start writing their fiction down and publishing it, probably under fantasy fiction.
It's the next day that the action really takes off when the Honorable Dierdre shows up at Miss Seeton's to demand her help by coming to stay for a long weekend at Kenharding Abbey. After that, it's ghosts and a lack of experience at the track that continues to skew the roll of the Syndicate's dice.
The Characters
Miss Emily Seeton is a most unexpected, occasional policewoman. Retained by Scotland Yard to be available to draw when needed; MissEss believes she's been hired to do a sort of Identi-Kit upon demand. Martha Bloomer has stayed on as Miss Seeton's cleaning lady and is very protective of her. Her husband Stan takes care of the garden and the chickens. And is quite handy with odd errands and the odd threat.
Superintendent Delphick, a.k.a., the Oracle, is considered her handler by Scotland Yard. Well, he does seem to have the most experience with her while his Detective Sergeant Bob Ranger (recently married to Anne Knight) sees her as more of a troublesome aunt (see Witch Miss Seeton ). Detective Constable Tom Haley from Fraud is undercover on this assignment that Inspector Borden, his boss, has set up. Sir Hubert Everleigh is the Assistant Commissioner and understands that "Miss Seeton and the untoward go hand in hand". Poor Chief Superintendent Brinton...when Thrudd calls the station to request help, it takes mentioning Miss Seeton to put the cat among the pigeons. Detective Constable Foxon does his best to escort MissEss home from the track.
Mel Forby is writing a comic strip based on MissEss and Plummergen and is good friends with Miss Seeton. The incident outside the club sends her hotfoot down to the village. Thrudd Brunner is a free-lance foreign correspondent who became acquainted with MissEss in Miss Seeton Sings . Seems he also knows Mel. Quite well.
Dierdre Kenharding is Lord Kenharding's daughter and she is determined to do something about the danger threatening her family. A danger that her brother Derrick seems determined to jump into with both feet. (There's an interesting picture gallery tour of a sad genetic heritage.) Her father Mark is one of the directors at the casino and the threats are mounting. Hélène and her husband Timson have stayed on at the Abbey past their retirement to continue caring for the household; quite the resourceful pair. You'll like the Timsons and Lord and Lady (Penny) Kenharding...insightful with a sense of reality and humor. Mr. Thatcher is the syndicate's man at The Gold Fish. Not a nice man. Frank the Fingers unexpectedly turned into a butterfingers.
The inhabitants of Plummergen include:
You'll love it! The Nuts present a petition to Major General Sir George (and the local JP) and Lady Colvedon against Miss Seeton; their son Nigel adds his own bit of steam. It's a momentous occasion for "Eric" Nuttel and Norah "Bunny" Blaine when Miss Seeton comes home from her undercover assignment---they're actually dumbstruck. Too bad it doesn't last! Most of the village has cameos. PC Potter is the village constable and has been granted a car to replace his motor scooter. I do wonder if having MissEss in the neighborhood had any bearing on this! Good thing he's a young man with his head on his shoulders.
The Title
Well, it's certainly Odds on Miss Seeton that she'll stir things up at the casino and in the Kenharding household.
May 12, 2020
The Fraud Division put Miss Seeton undercover at the Gold Fish Casino as the well~known eccentric very wealthy and 'fond of gambling' Mrs. Herrington~Casey... be decked her with diamonds and rings... be~furred and tarted~up the old girl for the part. Of course, she was also given funds to play with and a satellite~operative named Haley. Instead of losing, Miss Seeton won and his bodyguard was drunk yet both stirred up interest as was the norm with out lovable spinster... both also made the acquaintance of Deirde Kenharding, the daughter of Lord Kenharding and the foremost oppositor (as he was also a board director of the casino) of a syndicated take~over. The 'Manager' approached the trio... made veiled threats and reminders to Dierde and made them realize that their cover was blown, so Miss Seeton with her 'bulging with cash' bag and Haley with his bulging pockets, prepared to leave... at a signal from the doorman, the villain's plan was to kidnap the old girl and rob her. An umbrella~less Miss Seeton, unused to using a mink stole with weights on either side, flung one end of it and hit the doorman's eye somewhat negating the signal yet the 2 thugs attacked them outside and a melee ensued with 10's and 20's scattered like confetti as the bulging bag was also used as a defensive weapon... The Oracle upon arrival at the scene concluded that Miss Seeton did not need her brolly, any item on hand was a deadly weapon.
August 14, 2017
Love these books
I waiting for a long time before I read these books, and I'm not sure why. I'm so delighted I broke down and read the first one! They are both a delight and a mystery. The mystery part sometimes is up front and telling. I do like not know the who of a mystery till the ending or I figure it out. This book was more of a telling, but still a fun and interesting book. Things just happen to the wonderful Miss Seeton! She definitely has an active guardian angel on her shoulder! She seems at time a bit daft, but she isn't, she's just an artist with a broad imagination, and an innocence of the horrors that people really do. She also has a deferent way of explaining that for some is hard to follow, mostly I think it's men. They find it very hard to believe that anyone is that naive, but there is a lot of people that are! I know because I have a sister that is totally naive, except at 71 she's kind of grown out of it somewhat. This is a wonderful, fun book! Just what the Dr ordered to keep me laughing, and interested. Thanks to the author for these wonderful books, Gail.
I waiting for a long time before I read these books, and I'm not sure why. I'm so delighted I broke down and read the first one! They are both a delight and a mystery. The mystery part sometimes is up front and telling. I do like not know the who of a mystery till the ending or I figure it out. This book was more of a telling, but still a fun and interesting book. Things just happen to the wonderful Miss Seeton! She definitely has an active guardian angel on her shoulder! She seems at time a bit daft, but she isn't, she's just an artist with a broad imagination, and an innocence of the horrors that people really do. She also has a deferent way of explaining that for some is hard to follow, mostly I think it's men. They find it very hard to believe that anyone is that naive, but there is a lot of people that are! I know because I have a sister that is totally naive, except at 71 she's kind of grown out of it somewhat. This is a wonderful, fun book! Just what the Dr ordered to keep me laughing, and interested. Thanks to the author for these wonderful books, Gail.
October 21, 2023
The fifth and last of the Miss Seton mysteries written by Heron Carvic, and it’s every bit as entertaining as the first four! Will definitely try the 3 authored by Hampton Charles (pseudonym for James Melville, a very good mystery writer himself), and then move on to those dozen or more penned by Hamilton Crane; it’s difficult to think they’ll be quite as charming as this!
Desperate to break up the mafia’s attempts to gain control of the casinos in London, the police finally resort to sending in Miss Seeton as an “undercover” (and out-of-control!) agent, with the usual unexpected and hilarious results. By the end of it all, the miscreants are brought to justice, the innocent have been rescued, and the nebulously clairvoyant Miss Seeton manages to win a fair good pile of lucre at the gaming tables…joyous reading.
Desperate to break up the mafia’s attempts to gain control of the casinos in London, the police finally resort to sending in Miss Seeton as an “undercover” (and out-of-control!) agent, with the usual unexpected and hilarious results. By the end of it all, the miscreants are brought to justice, the innocent have been rescued, and the nebulously clairvoyant Miss Seeton manages to win a fair good pile of lucre at the gaming tables…joyous reading.
October 5, 2017
Scotland Yard has disguised Miss Seeton as a high roller to get a police sketch of a mysterious crime boss.
Miss Seeton goes to the casino to sketch the manager as the Yard hasn’t been able to get his photo and they think is a crime boss,. As she leaves the casino she is accosted but her brolly comes to her aid and Superintendent Delphick is there keeping an eye on her and takes her home. Then Miss Seeton goes to the horse races. She bets on a horse, her brolly gets loose, and she is attacked by thugs. Attacked without her brolly well her next best weapon is her purse.
This series makes me smile.
Miss Seeton goes to the casino to sketch the manager as the Yard hasn’t been able to get his photo and they think is a crime boss,. As she leaves the casino she is accosted but her brolly comes to her aid and Superintendent Delphick is there keeping an eye on her and takes her home. Then Miss Seeton goes to the horse races. She bets on a horse, her brolly gets loose, and she is attacked by thugs. Attacked without her brolly well her next best weapon is her purse.
This series makes me smile.
August 16, 2020
I enjoyed this book and it made me laugh. I've enjoyed the books in this series very much, but as the series continues, I did not find the books to be as well written.
Now I understand that the original author wrote the first five, another author wrote the next three, and from 1991 on, a third writer took over. It is in the work of the third author where I found the plots incomprehensible. At that point, I felt that Miss Seeton became more of a caricature, the humor fell flat, and the books lost their flair.
Now I understand that the original author wrote the first five, another author wrote the next three, and from 1991 on, a third writer took over. It is in the work of the third author where I found the plots incomprehensible. At that point, I felt that Miss Seeton became more of a caricature, the humor fell flat, and the books lost their flair.
December 31, 2017
Miss Seeton does it again. Read the whole series!
Miss Seeton is marvelous....... her escapades are unexpected. The regular cast of characters that show up in every book are "family" by the time you read book #2. This is book 5 and I have just ordered #6. Light reading ........ no great morales or messages. Just fun
Miss Seeton is marvelous....... her escapades are unexpected. The regular cast of characters that show up in every book are "family" by the time you read book #2. This is book 5 and I have just ordered #6. Light reading ........ no great morales or messages. Just fun
August 23, 2020
This one is quite a fun! I would like to have a more consistent internal logic, yet the charm of the oldschool movies is quite catchy. Enriched by a British humour, young love/s and some dark crime, this cozy mystery novel offer a nice (if one-time) entertainment for your lazy afternoon. Get a cuppa of tea to it!
May 28, 2017
Great romp!
Miss Ess is the best character in such a long time. Her escapades with the crooks, Scotland Yard and the village folk are what make me come back for more. Can't wait to jump into the next adventure!
Miss Ess is the best character in such a long time. Her escapades with the crooks, Scotland Yard and the village folk are what make me come back for more. Can't wait to jump into the next adventure!
November 7, 2017
Fun to read
Loved reading this book again. Miss Seeton is entertaining and enthralling. The supporting characters are believable and help round out her world. I would have loved being taught art with a teacher like Miss Seeton.
Loved reading this book again. Miss Seeton is entertaining and enthralling. The supporting characters are believable and help round out her world. I would have loved being taught art with a teacher like Miss Seeton.
February 25, 2018
An old friend returns
It is over 60 years since I first met Miss Seaton at our local library. I read every book I could find, so it was with great pleasure that I came across my old friend again. If you have only just come across the series, be kind to yourself, read them all!
It is over 60 years since I first met Miss Seaton at our local library. I read every book I could find, so it was with great pleasure that I came across my old friend again. If you have only just come across the series, be kind to yourself, read them all!
July 15, 2018
The best so far
Since discovering Miss Seeton 2 weeks ago I've read the first 5 in the series. Not only is she adorable, but the characters surrounding her have definite personalities and speak with hilarious dialog.
Since discovering Miss Seeton 2 weeks ago I've read the first 5 in the series. Not only is she adorable, but the characters surrounding her have definite personalities and speak with hilarious dialog.
December 17, 2019
Miss Seeton carries an umbrella and, since she is a retired teacher, when she sees anyone doing something wrong, she is quite likely to poke them with it. We now learn she may not be totally dependent on the umbrella, especially when a young person she likes may be in danger.
January 23, 2022
Never bet against her
Miss Seeton is one of those characters that would be quite frustrating but also very scintillating. I would never have a dull moment and my neurons would definitely get tons of exercise. Carvic did a great job with the settings and the characters.
Miss Seeton is one of those characters that would be quite frustrating but also very scintillating. I would never have a dull moment and my neurons would definitely get tons of exercise. Carvic did a great job with the settings and the characters.
March 28, 2022
This was my favorite Miss Seeton so far but I'm not sure if the author is writing better or I just got used to the style. Lots of interesting characters and funny descriptions. Miss Seeton herself is unique!
July 5, 2022
Fun, although highly implausible. The mini romances are sweet - less drama and angst than seems like the norm in current fiction. Even though there isn’t any reference to Christianity, it seems like Miss Seeton has a powerful guardian angel; things work out in His “mysterious ways”.
May 29, 2017
Charming and charmed
What a charmed life and how well written the situations that occur to facilitate the progression of the life of this charming lady.
What a charmed life and how well written the situations that occur to facilitate the progression of the life of this charming lady.
July 9, 2017
Another Winner in the series
This book was just the thing for reading during lunch hour. Light mystery and a touch of romance are always good.
This book was just the thing for reading during lunch hour. Light mystery and a touch of romance are always good.
September 20, 2017
Love is Seeton
In the crazy damaged world we live in Miss Seaton adds a note of gentle sanity. A good read on a cold autumn night. Relax and enjoy the ride.
In the crazy damaged world we live in Miss Seaton adds a note of gentle sanity. A good read on a cold autumn night. Relax and enjoy the ride.
October 9, 2017
Delightful as always, Miss Seeton continues on her path to capturing crooks and criminals without quite recognizing what she is doing. Love this woman!!
May 6, 2018
When you need to laugh....
Light and very silly but still a fun read, MissEss is the way to go and never disappoints. Disengage your brain and enjoy.
Light and very silly but still a fun read, MissEss is the way to go and never disappoints. Disengage your brain and enjoy.
May 28, 2019
Another great tale of mischief and mayhem; amusing and full of action.
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