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Lord and Lady Hetheridge #6
Blue Christmas
When miserly millionaire Barnaby Galen is found dead in his dilapidated mansion, there are two corpses on the scene—the murder victim and the murder weapon. Staring into the skeleton face of a horror prop called Granny, Galen dies of fright, leaving only enemies and suspects behind. With echoes of Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, BLUE CHRISTMAS is a witty, heartfelt romantic mystery that will make fans of Emma Jameson’s bestselling series want to stand up and cheer.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2019
1783 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
About the author
Emma Jameson
34 books501 followersEmma started writing around age seven but didn't find success as a novelist until her early forties. Before the runaway success of ICE BLUE made her a full-time writer, she worked in the Ophthalmology department of a major medical center. Though she was born in Florida and currently lives in Tennessee, she's a lifelong Anglophile who never stops learning about England. In her spare time, she is Head Servant to three cats: Howard the fat tabby, Zahara the imperious purebred grand dame, and Bobby the savvy ex-street cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
May 13, 2022
This cosy series is a great favourite of mine, partly because it is so nicely written, but mostly because of the delightful characters. In Blue Christmas we spend most of the time with just three of them, Tony, Kate and Paul, as they try to recover from the traumas of the previous book.
Each of our three main characters has problems although of them all Tony seems to have recovered the fastest. He and Kate have retreated to the country house to rehabilitate but Kate seems to have become afraid of life and is unable to make that return to work and normality. Tony persuades her to try a week's visit to London and with Paul's help they tempt her into being involved in a case.
Appropriately for a book set at Christmas the case has Scrooge like implications. The dead man is a miser, the murderer is a ghostly skeleton and there is even a nod to Tiny Tim. Kate really wants to work this but has to try and face her demons in order to do so.
It is a great story with several misty eyed moments especially at the end when Kate, Tony and devoted readers of the series get a real Christmas treat. I will be reading book 7 very soon!
Each of our three main characters has problems although of them all Tony seems to have recovered the fastest. He and Kate have retreated to the country house to rehabilitate but Kate seems to have become afraid of life and is unable to make that return to work and normality. Tony persuades her to try a week's visit to London and with Paul's help they tempt her into being involved in a case.
Appropriately for a book set at Christmas the case has Scrooge like implications. The dead man is a miser, the murderer is a ghostly skeleton and there is even a nod to Tiny Tim. Kate really wants to work this but has to try and face her demons in order to do so.
It is a great story with several misty eyed moments especially at the end when Kate, Tony and devoted readers of the series get a real Christmas treat. I will be reading book 7 very soon!
October 5, 2025
2.5⭐️ Discontinuing the series. Too many elements rubbed me the wrong way.
Felt more like a Halloween 👻 than a Christmas🎄story. Sure, there was a resemblance to A Christmas Carol, which, ICYMI, Paul spelled out to Kate and Tony.
What Did Not Work
➛ Retconning Kate and Paul’s friendship. By my reckoning, they’ve known each other for 15 months, yet they consider themselves best buds. Meanwhile, Kate didn’t know what Paul was up to for the last 6 months while she was on leave.
➛ Kate is ridiculously oblivious about 🤫
➛ No mention of Sharada’s boyfriend, Buck.
➛ Henry and Ritchie aren’t in London with Tony and Kate. No messages, no FaceTime.
➛ Another loosey goosey murder.
a) Read in a review how detectives never interview suspects in a group setting. Of course they wouldn’t. Shame on me for not noticing it in three books. 😔
b) While there was no question regarding who did it, as to why… I had to reread. Um, lame.
c) There’s a good possibility a barrister could get the perp off on a lesser charge.
Felt more like a Halloween 👻 than a Christmas🎄story. Sure, there was a resemblance to A Christmas Carol, which, ICYMI, Paul spelled out to Kate and Tony.
What Did Not Work
➛ Retconning Kate and Paul’s friendship. By my reckoning, they’ve known each other for 15 months, yet they consider themselves best buds. Meanwhile, Kate didn’t know what Paul was up to for the last 6 months while she was on leave.
➛ Kate is ridiculously oblivious about 🤫
➛ No mention of Sharada’s boyfriend, Buck.
➛ Henry and Ritchie aren’t in London with Tony and Kate. No messages, no FaceTime.
➛ Another loosey goosey murder.
a) Read in a review how detectives never interview suspects in a group setting. Of course they wouldn’t. Shame on me for not noticing it in three books. 😔
b) While there was no question regarding who did it, as to why… I had to reread. Um, lame.
c) There’s a good possibility a barrister could get the perp off on a lesser charge.
December 19, 2021
This is a 4.5 star read.
This has not happened in such a long, long time; I started this book late last night and couldn't bring myself to stop. I read on throughout the night finishing it by breakfast this morning.
Even though I have only read the first book in this series it felt like coming home again. I just love the characters, they feel like old friends, and though I'm generally a Christmas grinch and abhor anything schmaltzy, I couldn't help coming away feeling a little uplifted at the story's conclusion. The fact that there was an intriguing murder to solve was the icing on the cake.
This has not happened in such a long, long time; I started this book late last night and couldn't bring myself to stop. I read on throughout the night finishing it by breakfast this morning.
Even though I have only read the first book in this series it felt like coming home again. I just love the characters, they feel like old friends, and though I'm generally a Christmas grinch and abhor anything schmaltzy, I couldn't help coming away feeling a little uplifted at the story's conclusion. The fact that there was an intriguing murder to solve was the icing on the cake.
January 2, 2020
Another great installment to one of my favorite mystery series. Set in modern-day London, the characters are complicated and messy, and I absolutely love them. Sometimes humorous, always romantic, and thrilling, these books run the gamut of emotion.
In book #5 Kate and Tony faced off with a psychopath (a story arc that had been building for a few books), and now in Blue Christmas, they're left to deal with the aftermath of the traumatic showdown while investigating a surprising murder with elements similar to Dickens' A Christmas Carol. I really liked that the author didn't shy away from the topic of PTSD. Too many mystery novels fail to address the consequences of surviving a traumatic event and tend to just skim over a detective's recovery and emotional trauma. While the series handles some tough subjects, the books always leave me with a positive feeling. Highly recommend the series!
In book #5 Kate and Tony faced off with a psychopath (a story arc that had been building for a few books), and now in Blue Christmas, they're left to deal with the aftermath of the traumatic showdown while investigating a surprising murder with elements similar to Dickens' A Christmas Carol. I really liked that the author didn't shy away from the topic of PTSD. Too many mystery novels fail to address the consequences of surviving a traumatic event and tend to just skim over a detective's recovery and emotional trauma. While the series handles some tough subjects, the books always leave me with a positive feeling. Highly recommend the series!
May 5, 2020
This Christmas offering in the Lord and Lady Hetheridge series is considerably brighter and more fun than earlier books. Personally, I PREFER the absence of a super villain. I enjoy the relationships in these novels more than plots, which are often rather grizzly. I hope further books in the series are not so dark as the first five novels. Mind you, I have stuck with the series, and rated it highly. Well, it is good writing. And thoroughly British. And the people you love manage to live through the perils and dangers of many dark nights. I think I can count on that, at least.
October 5, 2021
Okay, I’m guessing this is the end of this series. The mystery was okay. I figured out the big ending early in the book. I was bummed we didn’t get a goodbye to Henry but I’ll assume all will be good. It felt like Jameson wanted a neat little bow on the series.
February 3, 2021
With the supervillain gone, this series took a turn for the better.
A weird murder, PTSD, kids, and a little romance ( not too much )
Made this book and enjoyable read. I hope the series continues.
A weird murder, PTSD, kids, and a little romance ( not too much )
Made this book and enjoyable read. I hope the series continues.
April 20, 2020
I have binge read Lord and Lady Hetheridge Books 1-6 in the last week. And now I have to wait for Book 7 and I am sad about that. This has been an easy and fun way to spend time while "sheltering in place" in our apartment in Princeton, New Jersey. I have loved the romance between Tony and Kate, aka Lord and Lady, and I have enjoyed many of the secondary characters, particularly Kate's brother Ritchie who has mental and emotioanal challenges and Kate's nephew Henry who has lived with her for several years. Somewhere I read that these are cozy mysteries. No. The murders are quite gruesome and Book 5 had a very frightening climax. But they do have a cozy British charm with lots of tea drinking and London scenes. Tony and Kate are affiliated with Scotland Yard and I have enjoyed the police procedural aspects of tracking down the suspects--through forensic work, internet research, and interviews.
I downloaded the first of the series Blue Ice for 99 cents or less and then followed up with one more each day at a reasonable price from Amazon Kindle's store. Highly recommended!
I downloaded the first of the series Blue Ice for 99 cents or less and then followed up with one more each day at a reasonable price from Amazon Kindle's store. Highly recommended!
February 10, 2026
I’ve commented before that often in a mystery series, when the “master criminal” has been finally put away after being the focus over several books, the next book sometimes falls flat. I’m happy to say that doesn’t happen here. Along with our old friends, this installment has some clever bad guys along with one new family that I would love to see more of.
And as the name implies, the book is set at Christmas and holiday cheer is always in the background and wraps up with not one, but two extra-special presents.
And as the name implies, the book is set at Christmas and holiday cheer is always in the background and wraps up with not one, but two extra-special presents.
December 15, 2021
Shame about the Americanisms
The plot was interesting but as I continued to read I just became more and more irritated by the use of American phrases. The author seemed to have no understanding that the American police system is different from ours and that we. have police stations not precincts.
The plot was interesting but as I continued to read I just became more and more irritated by the use of American phrases. The author seemed to have no understanding that the American police system is different from ours and that we. have police stations not precincts.
May 27, 2021
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.
The murder mystery plots are well constructed and the process of detection is credible. Also, there are no egregious faux pas apart from the persistent misspelling of “whisky.” “Whisky” = Scotch whisky; “Whiskey” = Irish whiskey or bourbon. We all know that Tony Hetheridge does not drink whiskey. One wonders what editors do for their money.
However, in Blue Christmas, I resent being treated like an idiot. [Spoiler alert for anyone with more than two brain cells] The BIG SECRET was guessed by this 72-year-old-male at the very first clue. The parade of subsequent clues became simply irritating. It is hard to believe that Kate could have been that clueless – or Tony, for that matter.
And this leads me to a broader point. Kate – and other professional females in fiction and film – never seem to escape the damsel in distress syndrome. They want to be all independent, smart and in control, but – without fail – will go downstairs in the dark rather than call 911 (or, 999, for Kate). While restricted by fear in this volume, Kate is still prone to going into dangerous situations without backup or alerting her partner.
Is this where women’s lib has led? In every book, at least once, Kate reverts to being a dumb blonde. It’s not fair on readers looking for murder with charm but still with veracity, and it is unfair on women. Is Kate not ready to play with the boys? She can’t have it both ways.
The murder mystery plots are well constructed and the process of detection is credible. Also, there are no egregious faux pas apart from the persistent misspelling of “whisky.” “Whisky” = Scotch whisky; “Whiskey” = Irish whiskey or bourbon. We all know that Tony Hetheridge does not drink whiskey. One wonders what editors do for their money.
However, in Blue Christmas, I resent being treated like an idiot. [Spoiler alert for anyone with more than two brain cells] The BIG SECRET was guessed by this 72-year-old-male at the very first clue. The parade of subsequent clues became simply irritating. It is hard to believe that Kate could have been that clueless – or Tony, for that matter.
And this leads me to a broader point. Kate – and other professional females in fiction and film – never seem to escape the damsel in distress syndrome. They want to be all independent, smart and in control, but – without fail – will go downstairs in the dark rather than call 911 (or, 999, for Kate). While restricted by fear in this volume, Kate is still prone to going into dangerous situations without backup or alerting her partner.
Is this where women’s lib has led? In every book, at least once, Kate reverts to being a dumb blonde. It’s not fair on readers looking for murder with charm but still with veracity, and it is unfair on women. Is Kate not ready to play with the boys? She can’t have it both ways.
January 6, 2021
“Mr. Galen had nothing but enemies.”
“I think the killer was probably a psychopath. One of those sick people who commits crimes for no reason.”
“We’re not just talking about murder. We’re talking about sadism. And obsession.”
A stunningly good murder mystery!
Blue Christmas is a delightful novel that captures the mood of winter and makes the readers plunge into the world of case investigation alongside with love story and psychological factors recurring in the novel itself.
Even though the story involves a gory description of murder weapon, still it consists a plenty of festive Christmas decorations, subtly delineating an emotional feeling of love.
I will definitely proceed with reading this series!
“Though it was only the sixth of December, the old city was already bedecked in the usual way: fairy lights, wreaths, shiny tinsel, and a towering Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.”
“That yearly festival of outdoor Christmas lights, food, drink, and music was the sort of thing newlyweds did, but he and Kate had never experienced.”
“As in years past, there was a huge outdoor market, strings of white lights, and a Christmas tree resplendent with blue fairy lights.”
“I think the killer was probably a psychopath. One of those sick people who commits crimes for no reason.”
“We’re not just talking about murder. We’re talking about sadism. And obsession.”
A stunningly good murder mystery!
Blue Christmas is a delightful novel that captures the mood of winter and makes the readers plunge into the world of case investigation alongside with love story and psychological factors recurring in the novel itself.
Even though the story involves a gory description of murder weapon, still it consists a plenty of festive Christmas decorations, subtly delineating an emotional feeling of love.
I will definitely proceed with reading this series!
“Though it was only the sixth of December, the old city was already bedecked in the usual way: fairy lights, wreaths, shiny tinsel, and a towering Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.”
“That yearly festival of outdoor Christmas lights, food, drink, and music was the sort of thing newlyweds did, but he and Kate had never experienced.”
“As in years past, there was a huge outdoor market, strings of white lights, and a Christmas tree resplendent with blue fairy lights.”
December 27, 2019
The 6th book
It finally arrived today and I have already finished it. It had all the right ingredients...humor, angst, mystery, clever people, and a great ending.
It finally arrived today and I have already finished it. It had all the right ingredients...humor, angst, mystery, clever people, and a great ending.
January 26, 2020
A nice continuation of the Lord & Lady Hetheridge series, one of my favorite active series at the moment, the action picks up a few months after the traumatic events of Blue Blooded. Kate is still suffering from PTSD, while Tony is raring to get back to London and Paul Bhar has made some important changes to his life. A Christmas trip to London involves the Hetheridges in a bizarre murder case with a line-up of predictably whacky suspects.
I have only knocked a star off this one because the first third or so suffers from too much the-story-so-far retelling, totally unnecessary as we're deep into a series and the fans know the story. Otherwise I loved it, particularly since the action really focuses on the Tony-Kate-Paul investigating trio with minimal intrusions by the second tier characters. It's the dynamics of that relationship that keeps this series so interesting, and I love the fact that the three principals grow and change in completely believable ways.
This was a more polished, less rushed novel compared to Blue Blooded, with far fewer bloopers. I think Jameson has been reading her reviews . . . and the result is worth the wait. By the end of Blue Christmas the series arc has taken an interesting direction that I look forward to seeing played out--but do take your time, Ms. Jameson. This is such a fun series that I'll jump on the next installment even if it doesn't show up for years.
I have only knocked a star off this one because the first third or so suffers from too much the-story-so-far retelling, totally unnecessary as we're deep into a series and the fans know the story. Otherwise I loved it, particularly since the action really focuses on the Tony-Kate-Paul investigating trio with minimal intrusions by the second tier characters. It's the dynamics of that relationship that keeps this series so interesting, and I love the fact that the three principals grow and change in completely believable ways.
This was a more polished, less rushed novel compared to Blue Blooded, with far fewer bloopers. I think Jameson has been reading her reviews . . . and the result is worth the wait. By the end of Blue Christmas the series arc has taken an interesting direction that I look forward to seeing played out--but do take your time, Ms. Jameson. This is such a fun series that I'll jump on the next installment even if it doesn't show up for years.
September 23, 2022
What a fantastic novel! In this story, Tony and Kate are drawn into an investigation where the murder weapon is decidedly unusual and something that they have never before seen in all their years of police work. As they both, but especially Kate, come to terms with the injuries they received in their last case, they are trying to get their lives back to some sort of normal. There are many subtexts in this story that are as interesting as the murder thread of the plot. This is definitely a good read, and Emma James' books just keep getting better and better, even when you think they are as good as they can be already!
December 27, 2019
Excellent!
A lovely Christmas gift of a story from Emma Jameson. Lord and Lady Hetheridge have been recovering from their most recent and most dreadful case. This story marks their return to London and the work world. There are several interesting plot twists which make this a much more positive story than Blue Blooded was (although I loved Blue Blooded too!). I love seeing Paul, Sharada, Henry, Richard, etc again. I’m already looking forward to reading the next exciting chapter in the Hetheridge’s story together.
A lovely Christmas gift of a story from Emma Jameson. Lord and Lady Hetheridge have been recovering from their most recent and most dreadful case. This story marks their return to London and the work world. There are several interesting plot twists which make this a much more positive story than Blue Blooded was (although I loved Blue Blooded too!). I love seeing Paul, Sharada, Henry, Richard, etc again. I’m already looking forward to reading the next exciting chapter in the Hetheridge’s story together.
January 3, 2021
Delightful characters, good mystery, witty writing.
I think that if I had read the previous 5 books, this would have received 5 stars - but as much as I enjoyed this story, it struggled at the beginning to stand on its own - seemingly unable to decide whether to assume that the reader is familiar with previous books or to provide some type of synopsis.
I think that if I had read the previous 5 books, this would have received 5 stars - but as much as I enjoyed this story, it struggled at the beginning to stand on its own - seemingly unable to decide whether to assume that the reader is familiar with previous books or to provide some type of synopsis.
February 8, 2020
I was buzzing my way through this latest installment of the Lord and Lady Hetheridge series, patting myself smugly on the back for picking up on the various clues along the way, so certain I knew who the murderer was three chapters in but enjoying the ride... only to be WRONG. Wrong, wrong, wrong! As usual, Emma Jameson delivers a tight mystery along with a perceptive character-driven story, and I can't praise it enough. Just read it!
December 23, 2020
I don't want to say too much in this review for fear of spoiling both this book and the previous one, but believe me - I am
bouncing
up and down. This was a spectacular Christmas read that had everything from an inventive murder weapon to a phenomenal conclusion. With complete honesty, I can say that I adore this series and this book in particular. Well done!
January 5, 2020
AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL BEAUTIFUL STORY!!!😁
Once again Emma Jameson has hit it out of the ball park... Way out!!! Every time a new book comes out in this series I take the time to read all the previous books in the series so I can reunite with all my favorite cast of characters and be reminded of what has gone on in their lives before. I love Tony, Kate, Paul, Henry, etc. They are like family and in this book, which I consider the best one yet in the series, every single word is a treat!!! The mysterious murder is superb!!! It is unique, humorous, fascinating and intriguing!!! After just a few pages I could feel myself relaxing into a pleasurable feeling of contentment and happiness that I was in for a fabulous reading experience!!!!
The relationship between Tony and Kate is so refreshingly portrayed... No long drawn out fights and emotional drama like so many authors feel necessary to pepper their books with. Emma Jameson is such a good author she doesn't need that kind of filler to make her books as top notch and readable as they are!! The friendship, loyalty, and affection between Paul, Tony, and Kate is so heartwarming and lovely to read about .... This book was perfection in that regard... The bantering, the sly teasing, the support, the trust in each other made this a truly amazing, wonderfully satisfying, endearing, yet suspenseful story! The last chapter and the epilogue were so beautiful... I had tears in my eyes... Both were so moving!!!! This book was a lovely Christmas present to Emma's Tony and Kate fans and I highly recommend it!!! I don't know if Emma can top this book it was that excellent and I can't wait for the next book!!!!!!😁
Once again Emma Jameson has hit it out of the ball park... Way out!!! Every time a new book comes out in this series I take the time to read all the previous books in the series so I can reunite with all my favorite cast of characters and be reminded of what has gone on in their lives before. I love Tony, Kate, Paul, Henry, etc. They are like family and in this book, which I consider the best one yet in the series, every single word is a treat!!! The mysterious murder is superb!!! It is unique, humorous, fascinating and intriguing!!! After just a few pages I could feel myself relaxing into a pleasurable feeling of contentment and happiness that I was in for a fabulous reading experience!!!!
The relationship between Tony and Kate is so refreshingly portrayed... No long drawn out fights and emotional drama like so many authors feel necessary to pepper their books with. Emma Jameson is such a good author she doesn't need that kind of filler to make her books as top notch and readable as they are!! The friendship, loyalty, and affection between Paul, Tony, and Kate is so heartwarming and lovely to read about .... This book was perfection in that regard... The bantering, the sly teasing, the support, the trust in each other made this a truly amazing, wonderfully satisfying, endearing, yet suspenseful story! The last chapter and the epilogue were so beautiful... I had tears in my eyes... Both were so moving!!!! This book was a lovely Christmas present to Emma's Tony and Kate fans and I highly recommend it!!! I don't know if Emma can top this book it was that excellent and I can't wait for the next book!!!!!!😁
February 21, 2021
I like these books. They’re just enough different from many mysteries set in England to be fresh.
Like the prior book in the series, this one doesn’t have much happening until the final chapters. Before then, Tony, Kate, and Paul just sort of amble along, making little progress in solving the murder of a miserable old man. Then, in the climax, all hell breaks loose, followed by a couple wrap-up chapters of characters ambling along again.
On the good side, those final chapters are nowhere near as violent as in the prior book. Then the one wrap-up chapter reveals something I suspected from about halfway through the story.
I’ll be back for the next Lord and Lady Hetheridge book as soon as Jameson writes it.
Like the prior book in the series, this one doesn’t have much happening until the final chapters. Before then, Tony, Kate, and Paul just sort of amble along, making little progress in solving the murder of a miserable old man. Then, in the climax, all hell breaks loose, followed by a couple wrap-up chapters of characters ambling along again.
On the good side, those final chapters are nowhere near as violent as in the prior book. Then the one wrap-up chapter reveals something I suspected from about halfway through the story.
I’ll be back for the next Lord and Lady Hetheridge book as soon as Jameson writes it.
March 8, 2025
Delightful murder mystery
I have loved this series. Reading this last one on Christmas was just perfect. I suggest starting at the beginning. I would describe the series as a touch of romance, a plucky heroine, a complicated family, and a prince charming, all tied up with mysteries. I especially appreciated the sensitive and insightful treatment of ptsd in this book. Suggest for anyone who enjoys light mysteries.
I have loved this series. Reading this last one on Christmas was just perfect. I suggest starting at the beginning. I would describe the series as a touch of romance, a plucky heroine, a complicated family, and a prince charming, all tied up with mysteries. I especially appreciated the sensitive and insightful treatment of ptsd in this book. Suggest for anyone who enjoys light mysteries.
December 31, 2021
I bought the audio version for those middle-of-the-night wide awake nights. It did help me fall asleep as any audio book will do but I found some of the reading really jarring although the main characters were well done. I ended up 'skimming' and didn't give the book my full attention. This is probably an excellent series but just not the type I enjoy best. Or perhaps I'm ready for a more serious read again.
June 15, 2024
3.5 stars
This was a significantly gentler story than the previous book of the series. Kate is suffering from PTSD after the events of book #5, but her friends are rallying around her. The mystery is less convoluted, and the villain not nearly as frightening. And there are jolly Christmas references all over the text. Overall, very nice, almost restful.
This was a significantly gentler story than the previous book of the series. Kate is suffering from PTSD after the events of book #5, but her friends are rallying around her. The mystery is less convoluted, and the villain not nearly as frightening. And there are jolly Christmas references all over the text. Overall, very nice, almost restful.
December 31, 2019
Special Book
The continuation of the series with this special seasonal implication is very special. We see and could have guessed that Kate is providing Tony with an heir; wonderful news. The wait now is for book 7 of the series as we learn of the next adventure.
The continuation of the series with this special seasonal implication is very special. We see and could have guessed that Kate is providing Tony with an heir; wonderful news. The wait now is for book 7 of the series as we learn of the next adventure.
September 6, 2025
The h has retreated from all police work, focussed on on building relationships with her family. The H is concerned and unsure what to do, as he doesn't believe she's recovered. He arranges a house in London Christmas and suddenly they are called to an horrific murder. Great ending to this story.
September 4, 2025
I thought that this was an okay light read. The author seemed to focus more on the back story and the protagonist's life than the actual mystery, but it still made for an entertaining enough read.
August 22, 2021
Wasn’t up to author’s usual standard for this series - plot was fine but, although pretty clean, not as cozy as others. Wasn’t off-putting but surprise isn’t always as pleasant as one thinks…
August 15, 2021
4.5 Stars
I really don't know why it takes me this long to sit myself with one of Emma's mystery novels. I struggle to find the "right time" but in the end, once I start I'm immersed in the story and the pages almost turn themselves. It's been awhile since I've read this series and though there are some things I had to scratch my head a bit to remember it was great revisiting Tony and Kate (as well as Paul!).
The previous installment ending was quite devastating. Both Tony and Kate were injured which let to them leaving London for Tony's ancestral home in Devon - Briarshaw. Truth being told, Tony had enough. He is ready to get back to work (as a PI / Consultant to the Scotland Yard) but Kate is still struggling mentally. Tony tries to be as supportive as he can while also lightly directing Kate to seek help. That's how they find themselves spending a week in London.
Naturally them arriving in London "just for a light vacation" means someone is going to get murdered and these two are going to be swept into the center of it all. They could have said no when Paul Bahr (Kate's partner) called with the news, and yet they didn't. As they say the curiosity got the cat(s). It helps that the whole murder scene almost looked like a prank. Yet Galen Barnaby was dead, there was no doubt about that.
I won't say more about the murder case as I wouldn't know where to start and how to even try and explain it all so I just suggest you enjoy it yourself as it is. I will say this book would be almost useless without the previous 5 novels as much has happened in the previous ones not just romantically but also professionally. That's without mentioning the horrific events of the previous one I feel would be crucial to understand where all characters are currently.
While the story does give pretty big hints to who might be behind the murder, it was still a really interesting read, as it was far more complex than I initially thought. The three of them - Tony, Kate and Paul are great together. I love the interaction between them not just about the case, but also the silent conversations, the way they know and understand each other. While Kate and Tony were away Paul also had his own struggles and now that his friends are there it's time to confess and try to work out a few things. Naturally, back in London it's also time for Tony and Kate to deal with their own.
My only issue with this book was the way Emma dealt - or rather didn't - with the emotional struggles of all three characters (four with Emmeline Wardle - Paul's previously on/off girlfriend). Things happened, all of them had their own "final resolve" which was either totally off-page or sort of "fade to black" which is truly a shame, especially with Tony and Kate. These two have a really unique way of communicating. They give each other space, yet they don't ignore what the other is feeling / experiencing. I just wish Emma gave that part of the relationship more page time.
That being said this was a truly engaging, interesting, fun and at times sweet and heart felt novel. There is a lot more to explore in Tony and Kate's lives (and not only because of the surprise 'ending'). I hope Emma will keep on writing these characters.
More Reviews HERE
I really don't know why it takes me this long to sit myself with one of Emma's mystery novels. I struggle to find the "right time" but in the end, once I start I'm immersed in the story and the pages almost turn themselves. It's been awhile since I've read this series and though there are some things I had to scratch my head a bit to remember it was great revisiting Tony and Kate (as well as Paul!).
The previous installment ending was quite devastating. Both Tony and Kate were injured which let to them leaving London for Tony's ancestral home in Devon - Briarshaw. Truth being told, Tony had enough. He is ready to get back to work (as a PI / Consultant to the Scotland Yard) but Kate is still struggling mentally. Tony tries to be as supportive as he can while also lightly directing Kate to seek help. That's how they find themselves spending a week in London.
Naturally them arriving in London "just for a light vacation" means someone is going to get murdered and these two are going to be swept into the center of it all. They could have said no when Paul Bahr (Kate's partner) called with the news, and yet they didn't. As they say the curiosity got the cat(s). It helps that the whole murder scene almost looked like a prank. Yet Galen Barnaby was dead, there was no doubt about that.
I won't say more about the murder case as I wouldn't know where to start and how to even try and explain it all so I just suggest you enjoy it yourself as it is. I will say this book would be almost useless without the previous 5 novels as much has happened in the previous ones not just romantically but also professionally. That's without mentioning the horrific events of the previous one I feel would be crucial to understand where all characters are currently.
While the story does give pretty big hints to who might be behind the murder, it was still a really interesting read, as it was far more complex than I initially thought. The three of them - Tony, Kate and Paul are great together. I love the interaction between them not just about the case, but also the silent conversations, the way they know and understand each other. While Kate and Tony were away Paul also had his own struggles and now that his friends are there it's time to confess and try to work out a few things. Naturally, back in London it's also time for Tony and Kate to deal with their own.
My only issue with this book was the way Emma dealt - or rather didn't - with the emotional struggles of all three characters (four with Emmeline Wardle - Paul's previously on/off girlfriend). Things happened, all of them had their own "final resolve" which was either totally off-page or sort of "fade to black" which is truly a shame, especially with Tony and Kate. These two have a really unique way of communicating. They give each other space, yet they don't ignore what the other is feeling / experiencing. I just wish Emma gave that part of the relationship more page time.
That being said this was a truly engaging, interesting, fun and at times sweet and heart felt novel. There is a lot more to explore in Tony and Kate's lives (and not only because of the surprise 'ending'). I hope Emma will keep on writing these characters.
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December 23, 2025
A time for healing and revenge
The country is a good place for healing after Tony and Kate’s near death ordeal with Lord Duncan in the last book. Until the healing becomes hiding, that is, which slides too easily into a kind of trauma paralysis as it does with Kate. Her new titanium knee and shortened leg after surgery are the least of her recovery challenges. It’s the crippling anxiety that won’t leave her in peace and makes her keep New Scotland Yard at arms length that threatens to do her in.
Desirous of helping Kate move past her trauma, and feeling itchy for the stimulus of the city and his work, Tony gets her to agree to a week in London. Just a week, he promises. She reluctantly agrees.
Bit by bit, she gets pulled into a murder case led by (now) DI Paul Bhar. How could she resist? Galen, a miserly millionaire is murdered in bed in his run down mansion. The murderer? A pop up skeleton with a raging scream and the mechanical ability to grab the man’s ankle.
Hated by all, virtually the entire neighborhood, his Assistant Ollie and Ollie’s friend Jacinda are all viable suspects. So are all who’ve ever had any business dealings with the man. Payback is hell and Galen put enough bad in the world to make even the mildest of people want to seek revenge.
The team is back in action, albeit with different dynamics. Paul has risen in his game in the months Kate has been gone. Tony is right back in form as consultant to the case and actually enjoys the power hierarchy shift to Paul being the lead Detective. It’s Kate who moves in fits and starts as she stumbles her way into a new beginning for herself. With some sage words from her therapist to guide her, Tony by her side, and Paul eager to have his partner back in the game, Kate makes her much needed progress forward into a new chapter with her new body configuration.
This is a great transition story of recuperation and new beginnings. Well done!
The country is a good place for healing after Tony and Kate’s near death ordeal with Lord Duncan in the last book. Until the healing becomes hiding, that is, which slides too easily into a kind of trauma paralysis as it does with Kate. Her new titanium knee and shortened leg after surgery are the least of her recovery challenges. It’s the crippling anxiety that won’t leave her in peace and makes her keep New Scotland Yard at arms length that threatens to do her in.
Desirous of helping Kate move past her trauma, and feeling itchy for the stimulus of the city and his work, Tony gets her to agree to a week in London. Just a week, he promises. She reluctantly agrees.
Bit by bit, she gets pulled into a murder case led by (now) DI Paul Bhar. How could she resist? Galen, a miserly millionaire is murdered in bed in his run down mansion. The murderer? A pop up skeleton with a raging scream and the mechanical ability to grab the man’s ankle.
Hated by all, virtually the entire neighborhood, his Assistant Ollie and Ollie’s friend Jacinda are all viable suspects. So are all who’ve ever had any business dealings with the man. Payback is hell and Galen put enough bad in the world to make even the mildest of people want to seek revenge.
The team is back in action, albeit with different dynamics. Paul has risen in his game in the months Kate has been gone. Tony is right back in form as consultant to the case and actually enjoys the power hierarchy shift to Paul being the lead Detective. It’s Kate who moves in fits and starts as she stumbles her way into a new beginning for herself. With some sage words from her therapist to guide her, Tony by her side, and Paul eager to have his partner back in the game, Kate makes her much needed progress forward into a new chapter with her new body configuration.
This is a great transition story of recuperation and new beginnings. Well done!
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