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Rose Beckingham #5
A Fatal Journey
Perils and plots in British India...
When Rose Beckingham’s pursuit of an international spy leads to the uncovering of an assassination plot, she’ll have to race against time to prevent a crime before it occurs. The dangerous investigation will threaten her relationship with Achilles Prideaux, while leading her from the dusty streets of Morocco to the deep jungles of India.
With the roots of the mystery leading back to the deaths of the real Rose and her parents, the case is personal. Rose is drawn to the site of last summer’s explosion, where a ruthless murderer strikes again. Can she discover the terrible secrets behind the fate of the Beckinghams before it’s too late? Or will a mercenary killer escape and carry the truth away with him?
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2019
824 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Blythe Baker
116 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 51 reviews
July 11, 2020
I know this is the fifth book in a series – of which I have not read the first four – but since it came up free recently… well, what harm in giving it a go?
My first thought is that the series seems to be inspired by Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries – not just because it is set in the 1920s and because it has a female protagonist; but because that protagonist is both rich but has known poverty at the same time. With Phryne Fisher this is because she grows up impoverished until her titled cousin’s passing brings wealth, land, and that title to her own father. With Rose Beckingham, this is because she isn’t Rose Beckingham at all, but a lookalike companion named Nellie Dennet who assumes Rose’s identity after the young lady and her parents are killed in the same explosion that almost kills Nellie. Okay, I can see how this adds interest to the protagonist’s story, personal stakes and the threat of exposure to whatever mystery-of-the-week she’s investigating – but I can also see how some readers don’t like this because it means Rose/Nellie is taking up things that aren’t hers, and, more importantly, potentially hurting surviving friends and family of Rose. Honestly, I don’t really have strong feelings about it either way. I can see how this twist adds story-telling value, but I also think it makes the protagonist less likable.
The book is a nice, easy, smooth read, and quick to finish too, at 188 pages, although that does mean that the mystery is not terribly complex and investigating it is fairly straight forward. I did see through the misdirection at the end when it came down to whodunnit. I will say I do think Miss Fisher is better, with more involved mysteries and a more engaging, bold protagonist. And if I’m continuing the thread of being honest, let’s face it, I’m never going to put this on my personal list of Top 10 Best Books of All Time. But you what? I enjoyed it for what it was. It’s been a demanding time, and even my usual escape – books – has felt like more of a chore lately as I wade through stacks of dry, turgid non-fiction research. My passion has been stressing me out without me even realising it until recently. It was nice to make myself put down those kinds of books, and take this up instead, and read something that washed over me so easily and breezily. It gave me a chance to relax instead of perpetually turning my hobby into my job. I happily give the book a few stars for that.
June 22, 2020
A Fatal Journey earns 5/5 Feathered Boas...Engaging and Fun!
Like a Miss Fisher adventure, Blythe Baker has made this murder mystery series her own with clever writing, intrigue to keep you guessing, and a Wow! ending. From Morocco to India, from international spies to assassination plots, from secrets to murder, our Rose puts herself in harm’s way, of course, not on purpose, it’s part of the job. Brilliant! The heat was stifling, the dress and shoes not meant for sprinting through the market, but she needed to get a closer look at the man and maybe some answers. But his efforts to escape her chase cost him his life, and the wallet she astutely retrieved from his dead body held a disturbing letter that offered more questions than answers...no name, no signature, no address, just “Kill him...” and a reference that concerned her deeply: Simla, the bombing, the death of her employers, and the reason Nellie Dennet answers to Rose Beckingham. Wow! That’s just chapter one!
Like a Miss Fisher adventure, Blythe Baker has made this murder mystery series her own with clever writing, intrigue to keep you guessing, and a Wow! ending. From Morocco to India, from international spies to assassination plots, from secrets to murder, our Rose puts herself in harm’s way, of course, not on purpose, it’s part of the job. Brilliant! The heat was stifling, the dress and shoes not meant for sprinting through the market, but she needed to get a closer look at the man and maybe some answers. But his efforts to escape her chase cost him his life, and the wallet she astutely retrieved from his dead body held a disturbing letter that offered more questions than answers...no name, no signature, no address, just “Kill him...” and a reference that concerned her deeply: Simla, the bombing, the death of her employers, and the reason Nellie Dennet answers to Rose Beckingham. Wow! That’s just chapter one!
August 15, 2023
This was a good read. Rose comes across a body. She believes he was a part of a big assassination plot. She begins to try and figure out who is behind it. However, the killer soon comes after her. Luckily, in the end she solves it, and all is well for now.
April 25, 2019
This series started out well, but it seems like the author was in such a hurry to crank out these books in a few months, she forgot to develop the plot. The whole series has an interesting premise but it isn't fleshed out enough. After the first book, it was easy to see who the baddie was and it was frustrating to watch Rose think of herself as an investigator while being so obtuse and giving so little thought to maintaining her vitally important cover story.
March 27, 2019
Unsympathetic heroine
I found myself losing patience with Rose/ Nellie during this book. I was always a little iffy on her taking Rose's identity but to say that her aunt "encouraged" her to take up the mantle of Rose again was absolute bull. I also found her confidence bordering on arrogance and self-delusion. I skipped to the end to confirm my guess of the assassin was correct.
I did like some of the other characters, but the ones we spent the most time with were mostly one-dimensional. I might stop reading this series because I cannot find myself rooting for Nellie.
I found myself losing patience with Rose/ Nellie during this book. I was always a little iffy on her taking Rose's identity but to say that her aunt "encouraged" her to take up the mantle of Rose again was absolute bull. I also found her confidence bordering on arrogance and self-delusion. I skipped to the end to confirm my guess of the assassin was correct.
I did like some of the other characters, but the ones we spent the most time with were mostly one-dimensional. I might stop reading this series because I cannot find myself rooting for Nellie.
July 2, 2020
I am a sucker for early 20th century mysteries. I love the clothes, the music and everything. The cover was a huge draw for me. I wanted to fall in love with this book.
Bur for me – taking the place of someone and using their inheritance is not a good thing.
I wanted to like Rose/Nellie but she simply did not draw me into her story. And for me to like a book, I need to like the lead character.
The plot was interesting. The premise of returning to the scene of a tragedy to find the villain is intriguing.
I just felt that things bogged down at different times.
This was simply not a good book fit for me.
Bur for me – taking the place of someone and using their inheritance is not a good thing.
I wanted to like Rose/Nellie but she simply did not draw me into her story. And for me to like a book, I need to like the lead character.
The plot was interesting. The premise of returning to the scene of a tragedy to find the villain is intriguing.
I just felt that things bogged down at different times.
This was simply not a good book fit for me.
March 27, 2019
Fabulous
Rose travels to Morocco and India in search of the Assasin who changed her life forever.
Like all the books in this series it was hard to put down.
The author always leaves you thirsty for more and as usual I can't wait for the next book.
Rose travels to Morocco and India in search of the Assasin who changed her life forever.
Like all the books in this series it was hard to put down.
The author always leaves you thirsty for more and as usual I can't wait for the next book.
April 9, 2020
i dunno. meh.
i get it is necessary to advance the conspiracy of the long range story. but i want murder mysteries. sure, there was a murdered in this book. sure, rose figured it out. but really it was an assassin in a big conspiracy not a simple, clever murder. next book?
i get it is necessary to advance the conspiracy of the long range story. but i want murder mysteries. sure, there was a murdered in this book. sure, rose figured it out. but really it was an assassin in a big conspiracy not a simple, clever murder. next book?
December 17, 2021
Well, this is the end of my time with Rose Beckingham, although not the end of her journey. She returned to India, where her life as Rose started. Achilles Prideaux traveled with her to Morocco, chasing a spy in the British administration of their colony. An assassin killed their employer before he could send the paperwork to headquarters, so Achilles goes back to England. Since they are so close, and documents recovered from the assassin indicated a network of assassins, Rose went on to India to find the cog in the assassin network that killed the Buckinghams.
The character of Rose is changing. She is growing a little more discerning. She is starting to understand how lucky she is. She still jumps to conclusions, to her detriment. With time, and if she doesn't get herself killed in the process, she might make a passable detective.
I have been enjoying the growth of Rose. She started out as a very lucky but scattered seeker of facts. She's turning into an interesting person. I wouldn't mind spending more time with her.
The character of Rose is changing. She is growing a little more discerning. She is starting to understand how lucky she is. She still jumps to conclusions, to her detriment. With time, and if she doesn't get herself killed in the process, she might make a passable detective.
I have been enjoying the growth of Rose. She started out as a very lucky but scattered seeker of facts. She's turning into an interesting person. I wouldn't mind spending more time with her.
April 4, 2019
Rose goes to India by herself. Achilles is going to London. Things are not going well between them. A mother and her son and his secatary are also going to Inda. The mother wants Rose to ride the train with them. She says Rose should not travel alone. When they arrive in Simla she is asked to share a bungalow. Rose wants to find out who killed her parents. Will she suceed? Will she be safe living with these people? Will she be safe always wandering off by herself? Get a copy and come along. Find out what happens when she comes face to face with a dangerous man. Good plot and well written. my own. I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
May 1, 2019
Chasing a Killler
PG teen - adult
No sex
No strong language
Determined to discover who was behind the killings of the Beckingham family, Rose returns to India and far more personal danger than she could have imagined.
Entertaining sequel to previous adventures. Sometimes, though, I wanted to give Rose a good shake. Really, her sense of self preservation is more than a little lacking. But, so what? This is light reading, and what I expected when I started it.
I'll definitely read the next in the series.
PG teen - adult
No sex
No strong language
Determined to discover who was behind the killings of the Beckingham family, Rose returns to India and far more personal danger than she could have imagined.
Entertaining sequel to previous adventures. Sometimes, though, I wanted to give Rose a good shake. Really, her sense of self preservation is more than a little lacking. But, so what? This is light reading, and what I expected when I started it.
I'll definitely read the next in the series.
July 4, 2020
The theme of the aristocratic British representation in the form of army personnel in India & other mysterious countries such as Morocco & Egypt continues to hold up a frivolous "murder mystery" as the heroine has adopted the personna of her former rich employer's daughter. Entertaining & light read & a nice rest for me from my usual dysyopian Sci-fi novels! One must have a small rest from such dramatic & awe inspiring junk! But like all these novels in series so many pages are wasted with previous information Quite unnecessary
June 26, 2021
Reckless
Really Rose. You have a tiff with Prideaux in Tangles because you were again being reckless, and off you ho to India. Not just to India but to the town where the Beckingham's were assassinated. Now you're on a mission, by yourself, to find a killer who is a part of an international ring. Really? Who does that? Are you naive or arrogant? Then thru no effort on your part other than being nosy the killer comes to you. And the final result? Now you want to find the head of the international assassin ring. Sheesh.
Really Rose. You have a tiff with Prideaux in Tangles because you were again being reckless, and off you ho to India. Not just to India but to the town where the Beckingham's were assassinated. Now you're on a mission, by yourself, to find a killer who is a part of an international ring. Really? Who does that? Are you naive or arrogant? Then thru no effort on your part other than being nosy the killer comes to you. And the final result? Now you want to find the head of the international assassin ring. Sheesh.
July 31, 2019
What a fantastic story!
What a fantastic story! Looking for some sort of closer she says to everyone, Rose is actually looking for an assassin. Will she find him before he finds her? Maybe all her instincts fall on the wrong person? Each one of these books about Rose is better than the last. Also leaving you wanting more of the story to come. As I'm doing now for the next one in Rose Bellinghams future.
What a fantastic story! Looking for some sort of closer she says to everyone, Rose is actually looking for an assassin. Will she find him before he finds her? Maybe all her instincts fall on the wrong person? Each one of these books about Rose is better than the last. Also leaving you wanting more of the story to come. As I'm doing now for the next one in Rose Bellinghams future.
June 26, 2020
Rose seems revenge!
Rose had been in a terrifying auto bombing almost a year ago in India. After eight months she returns to India to find closure. She meets a friend of the family and they take her in as a guest. She meets a handsome lieutenant and begins to investigate the death of the Beckingham family which leads to more uncovered secrets and a whole network of assassins. Other surprises happen even about Rose.
Rose had been in a terrifying auto bombing almost a year ago in India. After eight months she returns to India to find closure. She meets a friend of the family and they take her in as a guest. She meets a handsome lieutenant and begins to investigate the death of the Beckingham family which leads to more uncovered secrets and a whole network of assassins. Other surprises happen even about Rose.
July 19, 2020
A Personal Mission to Discover the Truth
I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Fatal Journey by Blythe Baker, an outstanding murder mystery in the style of Agatha Christie. A young woman, “Rose”, is on a personal mission to discover who killed members of the Beckingham family and why. Unfortunately, a few other bodies accumulate over the course of her inquiry before she discovers the truth. Excellent story, plot, and characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Fatal Journey by Blythe Baker, an outstanding murder mystery in the style of Agatha Christie. A young woman, “Rose”, is on a personal mission to discover who killed members of the Beckingham family and why. Unfortunately, a few other bodies accumulate over the course of her inquiry before she discovers the truth. Excellent story, plot, and characters.
September 14, 2020
Morocco. The story starts with Rose Beckingham aka Nellie Dennet, former companion, chasing a murderer. When he is killed a letter he is carrying directs her back to India and Simla, scene of the death of her friend, and employers, the Beckinghams. Where she goes to find closure and solve an international assassin mystery.
Not much of an investigation and the guilty party owns up to a not very intelligent Rose.
Not much of an investigation and the guilty party owns up to a not very intelligent Rose.
June 28, 2020
There is no believable story or plot. Rose or Nellie is completely unbelievable. I haven't read the previous book where she apparently takes on the name of her employer and everyone believes this!!!. She happily lets the family give her money which she in not entitled to!! She doesn't speak the language but thinks she can solve murders!!!The writing is stilted. The characters weak.
Read
July 3, 2020A Unique Protagonist
The author has created a unusual protagonist who takes on an assassin who almost killed her in a previous encounter. As a servant who has assumed the identity of a wealthy young woman who was killed in that assault, she seems to find answers about the assassin in the exotic country of india. I look forward to reading her next adventure!
The author has created a unusual protagonist who takes on an assassin who almost killed her in a previous encounter. As a servant who has assumed the identity of a wealthy young woman who was killed in that assault, she seems to find answers about the assassin in the exotic country of india. I look forward to reading her next adventure!
August 8, 2020
A good read
Very well written and entertaining. A quick read. The kurki was dropped. The gun wasn't loaded....quick thinking from childhood games gave a strategy for avoiding sure death. I would recommend A Fatal Journey to anyone who likes a good murder mystery. I will need to read more by Blythe Baker to learn the identity of 'the American'. !
Very well written and entertaining. A quick read. The kurki was dropped. The gun wasn't loaded....quick thinking from childhood games gave a strategy for avoiding sure death. I would recommend A Fatal Journey to anyone who likes a good murder mystery. I will need to read more by Blythe Baker to learn the identity of 'the American'. !
Read
January 8, 2021This is the first of the series I've read. Wasn't necessary to read the previous books, but it would have been helpful. Good local color, some interesting characters, and a plot that mostly moves along briskly. I guessed whodunnit, which is always a disappointment. Would read another in the series, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2019
Follow the continuing saga of rose as she sounds another part of the mystery
This book definitely deserves to be read. The writing is good and the characters very easily relatable. Enjoy this Continuing story.
This book definitely deserves to be read. The writing is good and the characters very easily relatable. Enjoy this Continuing story.
July 9, 2019
Go Rose Go!!
Rose never gives up. One adventure leads to another & another in her quest to pursue the murderer of her family the year before it India. New friends & adversaries keep popping up.
Rose never gives up. One adventure leads to another & another in her quest to pursue the murderer of her family the year before it India. New friends & adversaries keep popping up.
Read
June 26, 2020I actually can't give this book a rating because I quit a few pages in. I quit because this is the fifth book in the series and I could quickly tell that this is one of those books that needs to be read after the first four (or at least one of the first).
June 30, 2020
Pristine English!
Rosy Beckhingham travels from Morocco to Simla to unreveal the real story behind the bombing incident that had consumed the lives of her parents. Will she be able to find out the truth? Read the novel to find out.
Rosy Beckhingham travels from Morocco to Simla to unreveal the real story behind the bombing incident that had consumed the lives of her parents. Will she be able to find out the truth? Read the novel to find out.
July 4, 2020
A Rose isn't a Rose
Although I suspected the culprit early on, I enjoyed the story development and the strong main character. This is book 5 in a series and I intend to start from book 1 to get a better sense of who the heroine is and to enjoy her whole story.
Although I suspected the culprit early on, I enjoyed the story development and the strong main character. This is book 5 in a series and I intend to start from book 1 to get a better sense of who the heroine is and to enjoy her whole story.
July 14, 2020
Historical mystery
This book is the 5th in a series, but the first I have read. It worked fine as a stand alone. Intriguing enough to make me want to continue reading of this historical mystery set in British India. It has a quick pace and an intelligent heroine.
This book is the 5th in a series, but the first I have read. It worked fine as a stand alone. Intriguing enough to make me want to continue reading of this historical mystery set in British India. It has a quick pace and an intelligent heroine.
July 20, 2020
Rose Knows Or Does She?
While the book kept you, along with Rose, guessing "who done it, there were too many flat spots to hold one's interest. Perhaps the cast of characters were so diverse causing distraction from the main characters. I waited a few days before writing this and had to go to read last page to refresh my memory. This is definitely not my norm on a very good or bad book.
While the book kept you, along with Rose, guessing "who done it, there were too many flat spots to hold one's interest. Perhaps the cast of characters were so diverse causing distraction from the main characters. I waited a few days before writing this and had to go to read last page to refresh my memory. This is definitely not my norm on a very good or bad book.
January 29, 2021
Great story
Well written historical fiction. Gives a good picture of India at the turn of the 20th century and a spunky girl detective who uses what she has to make the world a little better
Well written historical fiction. Gives a good picture of India at the turn of the 20th century and a spunky girl detective who uses what she has to make the world a little better
September 26, 2023
A Fatal Journey
This is the first Rose Beckingham mystery that I have read, but the writing was so good that I marvel it was not written by Agatha Christie herself. This won’t be the last mystery of Rose that I read.
This is the first Rose Beckingham mystery that I have read, but the writing was so good that I marvel it was not written by Agatha Christie herself. This won’t be the last mystery of Rose that I read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews