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The Violet Carlyle Mysteries #20
A Zestful Little Murder
May 1926
Violet and Jack have gone to the country with their friends. They’ve decided to dive into the joys of a country life for the summer. Swimming, fishing with a large dose of napping.
While they’re enjoying the spring, Vi gets pulled into helping to plan and pull off a May Day celebration. She anticipates organizing games and possibly judging scones or flower bouquets. What she doesn’t envision is to stumble over a body and be pulled into the most unexpected of murder investigations.
Book TWENTY in the Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? You’ll love Vi, her patient husband Jack, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, and Lee Strauss. A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
The Violet Carlyle Series
Murder & the Heir
Murder at Kennington House
Murder at the Folly
A Merry Little Murder
New Year’s Madness: A Short Story Anthology
Valentine’s Madness: A Short Story Anthology
Murder Among the Roses
Murder in the Shallows
Gin & Murder
Obsidian Murder
Murder at the Ladies Club
Weddings Vows & Murder
A Jazzy Little Murder
Murder by Chocolate
A Friendly Little Murder
Murder by the Sea
Murder On All Hallows
Murder in the Shadows
A Jolly Little Murder
Christmas Madness: A Short Story Anthology
Hijinks & Murder
Love & Murder
A Zestful Little Murder
Murder Most Odd (coming soon)
Nearly A Murder (coming soon)
Violet and Jack have gone to the country with their friends. They’ve decided to dive into the joys of a country life for the summer. Swimming, fishing with a large dose of napping.
While they’re enjoying the spring, Vi gets pulled into helping to plan and pull off a May Day celebration. She anticipates organizing games and possibly judging scones or flower bouquets. What she doesn’t envision is to stumble over a body and be pulled into the most unexpected of murder investigations.
Book TWENTY in the Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? You’ll love Vi, her patient husband Jack, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, and Lee Strauss. A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
The Violet Carlyle Series
Murder & the Heir
Murder at Kennington House
Murder at the Folly
A Merry Little Murder
New Year’s Madness: A Short Story Anthology
Valentine’s Madness: A Short Story Anthology
Murder Among the Roses
Murder in the Shallows
Gin & Murder
Obsidian Murder
Murder at the Ladies Club
Weddings Vows & Murder
A Jazzy Little Murder
Murder by Chocolate
A Friendly Little Murder
Murder by the Sea
Murder On All Hallows
Murder in the Shadows
A Jolly Little Murder
Christmas Madness: A Short Story Anthology
Hijinks & Murder
Love & Murder
A Zestful Little Murder
Murder Most Odd (coming soon)
Nearly A Murder (coming soon)
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2020
667 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 3, 2021
This series is up to 27 as I write this. They seem a light little read at first glance but there is a depth to the characters and their interaction which belies first impressions. Love, birth, death, relationships are dealt with in very real manner despite the bright and breezy wealthy life style these characters lead in the 1920s. And of course there is a murder mystery thrown in. The reads are relatively short, around 50,000 words. I haven't quite reached the end of those already published (27 and counting) but I hope there will be more to come. Recommended.
April 5, 2020
While I enjoyed the storyline, I found (and have been for the past couple of books) that as they're getting shorter, the character development is suffering. These are more like short stories now, rather than the full novel as they used to be.
The ending was rather disappointing also. Not in terms of who-dunnit, but it seemed rushed, as if Violet had another event to attend and just wanted to announce the guilty person before rushing off.
My other pet peeve is there seems to be a 'word of the book' which is over-used. In this book it was 'wince'. Every character 'winced' at some point, often several in the same paragraph and often rather pointlessly. Perhaps Violet would wince, but I feel Jack might suppress a shudder, Denny might roll his eyes, Lila would lazily flap her hand at it...but no, every character has to 'wince'.
The ending was rather disappointing also. Not in terms of who-dunnit, but it seemed rushed, as if Violet had another event to attend and just wanted to announce the guilty person before rushing off.
My other pet peeve is there seems to be a 'word of the book' which is over-used. In this book it was 'wince'. Every character 'winced' at some point, often several in the same paragraph and often rather pointlessly. Perhaps Violet would wince, but I feel Jack might suppress a shudder, Denny might roll his eyes, Lila would lazily flap her hand at it...but no, every character has to 'wince'.
March 15, 2022
cute book, but…
Vi not much earlier solved a murder wherein the victim was stabbed with a knitting needle. In this case, when the weapon was determined to be long and thin, no one had a clue. Perhaps brain damage from too many cocktails?
I do enjoy reading these silly little books, but part of the fun is catching the slip-ups.
Vi not much earlier solved a murder wherein the victim was stabbed with a knitting needle. In this case, when the weapon was determined to be long and thin, no one had a clue. Perhaps brain damage from too many cocktails?
I do enjoy reading these silly little books, but part of the fun is catching the slip-ups.
March 30, 2020
I have read every Violet Carlyle Mystery and I love the series. I love all the characters especially Denny and of course would love my own Jack. My biggest problem is how short these books are getting. Not even 17 chapters this time only 15. Really wish they were longer.
January 1, 2024
I'm confused about how no one gets punished for Brantley's murder.
Even given all the conditions and safeguards they will take to keep watch over the abused sister-in-law, I think it's a stretch to guarantee she'll never be a danger to another ever again. She wasn't really a complete idiot, just not observant or very sharp about people taking advantage. I suppose they'll (the brother who'll take over managing the trust funds and law enforcement) keep an eye on her the rest of her life; however, it's more than she deserves for killing a man. No matter how you color inside the lines, the sense of justice doesn't seem genuine. The victim was a horrible excuse of a man who cheated on his wife, was dishonest, abusive, rude, and his list of vices is endless. Still, there's a branch of government set up to uphold laws, and the case that just concluded did not allow justice to prevail. She should've served or paid somehow. Along with heavy abuse, Mina was taken care of after her husband's death, albeit unethically. There had to have been a legal way the good brother could've take steps to stop the oldest jerk. Three stars.
Even given all the conditions and safeguards they will take to keep watch over the abused sister-in-law, I think it's a stretch to guarantee she'll never be a danger to another ever again. She wasn't really a complete idiot, just not observant or very sharp about people taking advantage. I suppose they'll (the brother who'll take over managing the trust funds and law enforcement) keep an eye on her the rest of her life; however, it's more than she deserves for killing a man. No matter how you color inside the lines, the sense of justice doesn't seem genuine. The victim was a horrible excuse of a man who cheated on his wife, was dishonest, abusive, rude, and his list of vices is endless. Still, there's a branch of government set up to uphold laws, and the case that just concluded did not allow justice to prevail. She should've served or paid somehow. Along with heavy abuse, Mina was taken care of after her husband's death, albeit unethically. There had to have been a legal way the good brother could've take steps to stop the oldest jerk. Three stars.
December 22, 2020
I generally find these books to be easy and fun to read, but this was barely a mystery.
August 21, 2021
Spell check
Does nobody edit books anymore? So many misspelled words and wrong names and pronouns. Sloppy and lazy editing. Just relying on spell check is ridiculous.
Does nobody edit books anymore? So many misspelled words and wrong names and pronouns. Sloppy and lazy editing. Just relying on spell check is ridiculous.
November 18, 2022
I have grown to enjoy and admire this group of characters very much. The camaraderie, the gentle teasing, and the blunt honesty of true friends with Violet and Jack Wakefield at the head. The controlled chaos of figuring out the how and why of a murder, and the continual internal watchfulness Violet has over herself. "What would Aunt Agatha do?" is hers and her twin Victor's watch words along with the eternal sorrow of losing her to murder. You would think my words are telling you these books are chock full of sorrow, but that is most certainly not what I am telling you. The books are stuffed with kindness, determination to do what is right, loyalty to the family of friends, and the honor of gentle souls who will stop evil where they are able. I highly recommend this book and all the others of this series. Although some are better than others, the theme is always, "Do what is right for you and others".
March 18, 2021
Another Winner
I gave the previous installment 5*'s and this story is also a great read. Jack is at loose ends having left Scotland Yard with his best friend and boss Ham. Vi is of course sympathetic so off they go to their country home for some fun and relaxation. Of course friends and family come along. Jack agrees to letting the village use their estate for the annual spring fete. Baking and flower contests, three legged races, archery and arm wrestling, what could possibly go wrong? Oh did I forget to mention the guests from hell ? And so it begins... A surprising twist at the end . A very enjoyable read. (P.S. the author really does need a better proof reader so many errors in her books).
I gave the previous installment 5*'s and this story is also a great read. Jack is at loose ends having left Scotland Yard with his best friend and boss Ham. Vi is of course sympathetic so off they go to their country home for some fun and relaxation. Of course friends and family come along. Jack agrees to letting the village use their estate for the annual spring fete. Baking and flower contests, three legged races, archery and arm wrestling, what could possibly go wrong? Oh did I forget to mention the guests from hell ? And so it begins... A surprising twist at the end . A very enjoyable read. (P.S. the author really does need a better proof reader so many errors in her books).
March 29, 2020
Unusual!
Violet and Jack are hosting village May Day fete and murder intrudes! Murdered man has been hurtful and obnoxious to everyone so there are plenty of suspects. Jack and Ham are no longer associated with Scotland Yard so they must work around the local policemen. Usual fun and mayhem!
Violet and Jack are hosting village May Day fete and murder intrudes! Murdered man has been hurtful and obnoxious to everyone so there are plenty of suspects. Jack and Ham are no longer associated with Scotland Yard so they must work around the local policemen. Usual fun and mayhem!
April 7, 2020
Fantastic
I absolutely love the Violet Carlyle mysteries. You must start from the beginning to get to know all the characters. The roaring twenties is at their best for a historical mystery. Jump right into the life of wealthy friends, their loved ones and their heart. Great reading.
I absolutely love the Violet Carlyle mysteries. You must start from the beginning to get to know all the characters. The roaring twenties is at their best for a historical mystery. Jump right into the life of wealthy friends, their loved ones and their heart. Great reading.
July 23, 2020
Murder, yes. Interesting storyline
Getting talked into hosting the annual fete at their country home, Vi, Jack and the gang are asked to entertain some very obnoxious friends of Mr Russell, Rita's father. After hosting a very unfriendly dinner, they find themselves trying to solve a murder How do they prove how the victim was killed and by whom?
Getting talked into hosting the annual fete at their country home, Vi, Jack and the gang are asked to entertain some very obnoxious friends of Mr Russell, Rita's father. After hosting a very unfriendly dinner, they find themselves trying to solve a murder How do they prove how the victim was killed and by whom?
September 25, 2021
Murder, mayhem, and mystery….All the ingredients to a Violet Carlyle book. A village fete, a nasty man who’s own family can’t stand him, and a long list of potential suspects. Vi and “company” have a tough choice. I love this series and can’t wait to read the next book. Get it and curl up with some background music, a cup of tea, maybe a cat or dog for company and enjoy.
June 12, 2024
Ok
Since this is my first book I read by the author, and being in the middle of the series, I was a little lost on the characters and the relationship between them. The story was all right, but I got lost a few times regarding the plot. Since there are so many books in this series, I should've started with book one.
Since this is my first book I read by the author, and being in the middle of the series, I was a little lost on the characters and the relationship between them. The story was all right, but I got lost a few times regarding the plot. Since there are so many books in this series, I should've started with book one.
April 6, 2020
Unique characters
Use of character's deep values make this band of friends cross the generational class boundaries and make the reader envious of their close and extended family. The sleuthing is a fun byproduct.
Use of character's deep values make this band of friends cross the generational class boundaries and make the reader envious of their close and extended family. The sleuthing is a fun byproduct.
April 11, 2020
2.5 stars. Not much happens here and some characters get short shrift. Will only entertain those already invested in the characters. Quite a short book. Bonus points for the interaction between Jack and Violet.
April 19, 2020
Wonderful
These books are a cracking good read,the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read, you get involved with the characters and want to see how the characters develop, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
These books are a cracking good read,the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read, you get involved with the characters and want to see how the characters develop, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
April 27, 2020
A very surprising ending
Ms. Byers writes books that keep you wanting more besides enjoying the descriptive dresses of the 1920's I have yet been able to figure out who the murderer is
Ms. Byers writes books that keep you wanting more besides enjoying the descriptive dresses of the 1920's I have yet been able to figure out who the murderer is
May 2, 2020
Ahh Violet and crew are at it again BUT while the victim is vile and deserves to be killed this story seems to end abruptly as though author Byers tired of it. The man is mysteriously killed with what? The why is easier but never fully developed and bing, bang boom it is over.
June 4, 2020
The plots are failing in the 20th book. The cure for voilet's depression was rather childish. repeating english mantras? meh. and a rather poor mystery and murder. May pick ip the next book, I always forgive one bad book for a series.
August 16, 2021
??
I have questions. I am reading the series in order according to Amazon. Beatrice and Smith are suddenly together. Did they marry? Why was the subject introduced as them being together. Every other detail in the series has been flogged to death.
I have questions. I am reading the series in order according to Amazon. Beatrice and Smith are suddenly together. Did they marry? Why was the subject introduced as them being together. Every other detail in the series has been flogged to death.
March 27, 2022
quiet in the country
Everyone is in the country for the village fete. You can guess what happens. A brutal man arrives with his family and he is promptly murdered. Vi and gang to the rescue.
Everyone is in the country for the village fete. You can guess what happens. A brutal man arrives with his family and he is promptly murdered. Vi and gang to the rescue.
March 10, 2023
It always bothers me that in bk 1 Jack introduced himself to a police officer as Chief Inspector and yet in later books that disappeared. The histories and backgrounds for characters are retconned in ways that doesn't make sense in the whole. Since I am reading the entire series back to back in about 2 weeks, the errors are glaring.
October 8, 2023
I love these books!
I love these books and I don't know why... the characters seem real to me. They aren't all good and they aren't all bad, they are just people. I thought the stories would get old but they haven't, they are still fresh and interesting.
I love these books and I don't know why... the characters seem real to me. They aren't all good and they aren't all bad, they are just people. I thought the stories would get old but they haven't, they are still fresh and interesting.
March 29, 2020
Endearing
i love the Lady Vi novels. This one, especially, has the relationships and deep love of the characters for one another shining through.
i love the Lady Vi novels. This one, especially, has the relationships and deep love of the characters for one another shining through.
April 2, 2020
I doubt I will ever get enough of Vi and Victor and their family!
April 3, 2020
My favorite this far.
As a Mum and an ardent admirer of the Violet Carlyle Mysteries, A Zestful Little Murder is one of my favorites. What wouldn't a mother do to protect her child?
As a Mum and an ardent admirer of the Violet Carlyle Mysteries, A Zestful Little Murder is one of my favorites. What wouldn't a mother do to protect her child?
April 15, 2020
I really like these books but they are getting shortEr all the time .what is up with that.I noticed that other people said the same thing.
December 1, 2020
See Amazon
May 6, 2024
3.25* - fine, safe edition in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews