The Scole Confession

Lawrence Hapham Mystery #3

by Jacqueline Beard

Overstrand 1895. Lawrence Harpham and Violet Smith are witnesses to suicide while on holiday. Beneath the body, lies a bible belonging to a murdered man.
Clues lead to the violent death of a bookseller and a chilling confession from the past. From Norfolk to Liverpool, investigations point to the unsolved murder of Fanny Nunn in the town of Diss. But how are the murders connected? Why do the parish registers contain so many unnatural deaths?
As Lawrence and Violet close in on the killer, Lawrence discovers a long-kept secret about his wife’s death. Can he overcome his demons, and will they stop the murders before more lives are lost?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2020

About the author

Jacqueline lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, son & delinquent border terrier.

She spends her free time writing, researching her extensive East Anglian Family History and rambling through Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside with border terrier in tow.

Reviews

[Christopher Taylor]

Five chapters in, there's a dinner party, a walk on the beach and a hanged man. The charactersa re largely interchangable, except the character Violet who comes across as remarkably unpleasant and everyone walks on eggshells around. Not interested in reading any more

[Amanda Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back on form

A vague sense of unease once again has Lawrence and Violet digging into a police case.

A confession in Scole.. a murder in Liverpool.. a series of mysterious deaths in Diss.. are they really tied together as Lawrence believes?

What's more he's receiving anonymous letters. They contain his dead wife's crest and messages hidden in the same way they secretly corresponded while courting, it's triggering memories he thought he had dealt with. Can he avoid another break down?

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter of this book was so well written that I was sure this would be a five star book. The author demonstrated her tremendous talent and ability to write. While the rest of the book was well written it did not seem to live up to the first chapter. Don't get me wrong, this is a well written book. The story itself was good, it was on par with many other books written in the genre. It is a step above a cozy mystery.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1895 Lawrence Harpham and Violet Smith witness the result of a suicide of Edward Bowden. Their suspicions lead to Diss and the unsolved death of a Fanny Dunn. Time reveals more deaths. But no connections or motives.
An enjoyable and well-written Victorian mystery. With its very likeable and well-developed main characters.

[Kimberly-Dawn Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating Historical Mystery

I'm really enjoying that these books have been based off of true historical stories. I've been slightly frustrated at what seemed like a strong beginning for Violet has lost momentum. I will be starting the next book with hope in my heart. The mysteries are solid but I've hung my hat on Violets development as a character.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting Victorian mystery novel which is apparently based on a true murder but now solved by fictional characters. I enjoyed the premise, setting and period but I had a difficult time following the story and the solution. It was almost like I dozed through some vital parts so couldn't connect the dots. I think it was a little long in the tooth so my attention span wasn't abbreviated.

[Ms Sarah E Woodall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great detective mystery.

Combining real unsolved crimes with a pair of fictional detectives makes for a brilliant read. Thoroughly enjoyable and a great conclusion. I look forward to reading the next book.

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much and am looking forward to the next installment

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Purely personal opinion: I did not enjoy this author’s style. You know it’s not a good match when you are hoping the main character will die, after all.

[Catherine Nightlinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

This story has many twists and turns that keep your interest and wondering who the killer is and how he will be caught.

[Maryam J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow to get going.

The story seemed to take forever to let you figure out what was going on. The characters are a little confusing.

[Debbie Lawrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining mystery in this saga. I really liked the way Violet and Lawrence have mutual respect for one another. Really well written and keeps you absorbed until the end.

[Laura Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really exciting, twists and turns