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The Violet Carlyle Mysteries #6
Murder in the Shallows: A Violet Carlyle Historical Mystery
July 1924.Violet and Jack go for a simple day on the water. They little expect their day of sun and fun to end with finding a body in the water. The mystery of what happened to the young man in the shallows posses them both, and they unite in their desire to find out more. Will they be able to discover why Jack's one-time friend was killed? Who would have done this and why?Book SIX in The Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? For a spunky young woman determined to craft her own life? If so, you'll love Vi, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. You might even find your imagination caught by her love, Jack Wakefield. 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 Mysteries 1- Murder & The Heir2- Kennington House Murder3- Murder at the Folly 4- A Merry Little Murder*5- Murder Among the Roses6- Murder in the Shallows 7- Gin & Murder 8- Obsidian Murder 9- Murder at the Ladies Club 10- Wedding Vows & Murder11- A Jazzy Little Murder12- Murder by Chocolate *There are two short stories that fall between A Merry Little Murder and Murder Among the Roses. They are: New Year's Madness and Valentine's Madness.
186 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2019
897 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 15, 2019
Oh dear.. it's not getting better..
So many errors, poorly written, a good idea but a lack of knowledge and ability to write at a higher level than a schoolgirl means that the story barely develops.
I really don't like it when authors beg for reviews, however I can only give an honest opinion and I don't suppose for a moment that it will be appreciated by the author. Perhaps if she stopped churning out novels at the rate of one a month and truly put time and research into them they would be better. I highly suspect that the "editors" are friends not qualified professionals. How else could they not correct the poorly written sections and suggest honest, unbiased reviews?
Violet and Victor COULD be so much more, they could actually investigate a crime but instead they stumble upon the conclusion. As always I remain hopeful that these improve because she has a nice set of characters although Gwennie has vanished and we don't have enough about Isolde and Tomas other than vague references to travels. Come on and fill in the background with interesting stuff not pointless bits about how they stayed somewhere because.. or elaborate descriptions of every item Violet wears.. paint the place so it's visible to the reader; difficult I know when you haven't seen it but perhaps it would be prudent to follow the advice of many a great novelist "write about what you know", it's quite obvious that Byers doesn't know enough about her settings, and arrogant and lazy to fail to use English for a novel set in England.
So many errors, poorly written, a good idea but a lack of knowledge and ability to write at a higher level than a schoolgirl means that the story barely develops.
I really don't like it when authors beg for reviews, however I can only give an honest opinion and I don't suppose for a moment that it will be appreciated by the author. Perhaps if she stopped churning out novels at the rate of one a month and truly put time and research into them they would be better. I highly suspect that the "editors" are friends not qualified professionals. How else could they not correct the poorly written sections and suggest honest, unbiased reviews?
Violet and Victor COULD be so much more, they could actually investigate a crime but instead they stumble upon the conclusion. As always I remain hopeful that these improve because she has a nice set of characters although Gwennie has vanished and we don't have enough about Isolde and Tomas other than vague references to travels. Come on and fill in the background with interesting stuff not pointless bits about how they stayed somewhere because.. or elaborate descriptions of every item Violet wears.. paint the place so it's visible to the reader; difficult I know when you haven't seen it but perhaps it would be prudent to follow the advice of many a great novelist "write about what you know", it's quite obvious that Byers doesn't know enough about her settings, and arrogant and lazy to fail to use English for a novel set in England.
August 25, 2021
I think these books are fun to read. The time period is fun, and the mysteries are good. I only give three stars, though, because there’s too much sappiness in the books.
January 13, 2019
Another great addition to the series.
Violet Carlyle Mysteries are always on my must buy list. I pre-order before they are released, so they appear in my inbox like magic.
Murder in the Shallows is a great addition to the series. I highly recommend both the book and the series. I love the way a by-gone era is brought to life. Even though it is about murder, it is frothy and fabulous and always a good time.
Violet Carlyle Mysteries are always on my must buy list. I pre-order before they are released, so they appear in my inbox like magic.
Murder in the Shallows is a great addition to the series. I highly recommend both the book and the series. I love the way a by-gone era is brought to life. Even though it is about murder, it is frothy and fabulous and always a good time.
August 18, 2019
The viper hidden in plain sight
A good storyline. Greed, arrogance and the desire to have control and obedience from those around you. Loved the proposals and although they might not have been as romantic as some they fit the personalities of the characters well. Plus Ginny is a delight, a future Vi in the making.
The journey to Oxford started with a rush after an episode with Ginny (who is suffering from bullying not only from her classmates but also teachers) but meeting Ham with Jack makes up for it. Although running into the viperous former fiance sends shock waves through her system. The girl's younger brother is brutally murdered and Vi and Jack are unfortunately on the scene quickly. A punt down the river, after a proposal that was interrupted by the discovery of the body. Now the hunt is on. Her friends and brother descend to assist. Was the young man right in some of his wild theories, even though they made him unpopular with the other students? Did his death have anything to do with the death of the niece of the lecturer that organised Ham's lecture and also an old friend of both men? Will they clear it up and will Jack finish his proposal or will his old fiance win him back?
A good storyline. Greed, arrogance and the desire to have control and obedience from those around you. Loved the proposals and although they might not have been as romantic as some they fit the personalities of the characters well. Plus Ginny is a delight, a future Vi in the making.
The journey to Oxford started with a rush after an episode with Ginny (who is suffering from bullying not only from her classmates but also teachers) but meeting Ham with Jack makes up for it. Although running into the viperous former fiance sends shock waves through her system. The girl's younger brother is brutally murdered and Vi and Jack are unfortunately on the scene quickly. A punt down the river, after a proposal that was interrupted by the discovery of the body. Now the hunt is on. Her friends and brother descend to assist. Was the young man right in some of his wild theories, even though they made him unpopular with the other students? Did his death have anything to do with the death of the niece of the lecturer that organised Ham's lecture and also an old friend of both men? Will they clear it up and will Jack finish his proposal or will his old fiance win him back?
December 12, 2020
The entire Violet Carlyle series is light, fun reading. Because these are “cozy” mysteries, there are no nightmare causing horrors graphically depicted, and in these troubled times, that is a real relief - knowing that I can trust this author not to make my life even worse to endure just now.
The characters and personalities are appealing, and the author enriches her fictional universe by allowing them to grow and change as time and experiences dictate.
Since the novels are set in 1920s Great Britain, we Americans get the vicarious thrill of a experiencing a time and place old enough and different enough to be intriguing without having to feel tense about it.
Each story is short - novella length - and easily consumed like popping a nice Belgian chocolate into your mouth and letting it melt away to extend the pleasure.
The characters and personalities are appealing, and the author enriches her fictional universe by allowing them to grow and change as time and experiences dictate.
Since the novels are set in 1920s Great Britain, we Americans get the vicarious thrill of a experiencing a time and place old enough and different enough to be intriguing without having to feel tense about it.
Each story is short - novella length - and easily consumed like popping a nice Belgian chocolate into your mouth and letting it melt away to extend the pleasure.
June 25, 2020
I had just read Severine DuNoir - Mystery at the Edge of Madness by this author and thought the heroine was quite interesting. I then remembered I used to think Violet was interesting before the author decided that being a woman meant she couldn't function without a man.
What I hoped for when I started this series is that Violet would develop into an independent woman who would take charge of situations and become a force to be reckoned with. The potential is still there, but it only appears very occasionally. She would be so much better without Jack.
As for this mystery, it wasn’t particularly interesting, but it wasn't awful, hence two stars. However I won't be coming back to this series again.
What I hoped for when I started this series is that Violet would develop into an independent woman who would take charge of situations and become a force to be reckoned with. The potential is still there, but it only appears very occasionally. She would be so much better without Jack.
As for this mystery, it wasn’t particularly interesting, but it wasn't awful, hence two stars. However I won't be coming back to this series again.
February 14, 2021
A fun series!
The Violet Carlyle books are a whole series of fun books. Perfect for cold winter mornings in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea. Or a summer day on the beach. Yes there are murders, and murders truly are terrible. But the solving of them...ah the solving of them. Violet, Victor (her twin brother), Jack, and all of her fun loving friends are characters to be enjoyed. There is witty dialogue, quirky characters, drinking, partying, touches of romance, and the solving of murders. I was caught unawares this time and didn’t guess who was the evil doer doing the evil deeds, but that adds to the enjoyment.
The Violet Carlyle books are a whole series of fun books. Perfect for cold winter mornings in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea. Or a summer day on the beach. Yes there are murders, and murders truly are terrible. But the solving of them...ah the solving of them. Violet, Victor (her twin brother), Jack, and all of her fun loving friends are characters to be enjoyed. There is witty dialogue, quirky characters, drinking, partying, touches of romance, and the solving of murders. I was caught unawares this time and didn’t guess who was the evil doer doing the evil deeds, but that adds to the enjoyment.
December 28, 2023
Simply brilliant.
I would, however, have enjoyed this one even more without the poor formatting and occasional typo. Excellent story crafting and world building! I love the core characters, who really are delightfully charming, affectionately familiar, and utterly faithful to each other's happiness. These stories are more than solving mysterious murders. They're a funny, adventurous, heartwarming journal of the slow, progressive growth of a group of friends who have chosen to form a forever, everlasting love affair amongst their electric family formed around the nucleus of our two adorably fabulous, lovable, quick witted twins.
I would, however, have enjoyed this one even more without the poor formatting and occasional typo. Excellent story crafting and world building! I love the core characters, who really are delightfully charming, affectionately familiar, and utterly faithful to each other's happiness. These stories are more than solving mysterious murders. They're a funny, adventurous, heartwarming journal of the slow, progressive growth of a group of friends who have chosen to form a forever, everlasting love affair amongst their electric family formed around the nucleus of our two adorably fabulous, lovable, quick witted twins.
October 2, 2022
Another excellent book about wonderful characters
When an author can surprise you into a guffaw or sneak up on you and induce tears in your eyes you have found someone who can reach your soul. Treasure that person and let them know they are much appreciated. I very much appreciate you, Ms. Byers! The plot is easily followed, the characters are more beloved to the reader with each book read, and the story is beautiful, despite the rotten piece of murder in the apple of the story. I definitely highly recommend this book and all the ones before it.
When an author can surprise you into a guffaw or sneak up on you and induce tears in your eyes you have found someone who can reach your soul. Treasure that person and let them know they are much appreciated. I very much appreciate you, Ms. Byers! The plot is easily followed, the characters are more beloved to the reader with each book read, and the story is beautiful, despite the rotten piece of murder in the apple of the story. I definitely highly recommend this book and all the ones before it.
January 22, 2019
A blindside to the murderer
Off to Oxford for Violet & Jack! With Hamelton giving a lecture, but when shows up on the train there? Only Jack's Ex fiance! And she's out to get him back, while finding out Violets & Victor's secret, and she plans to use it! Then the murder happens and the whole gang has to go to Oxford to help figure out the culprit who did the deed. A great cozy with a big twist at the end & maybe a marriage proposal!
Off to Oxford for Violet & Jack! With Hamelton giving a lecture, but when shows up on the train there? Only Jack's Ex fiance! And she's out to get him back, while finding out Violets & Victor's secret, and she plans to use it! Then the murder happens and the whole gang has to go to Oxford to help figure out the culprit who did the deed. A great cozy with a big twist at the end & maybe a marriage proposal!
April 1, 2019
Violet is off to a gathering with her beau and his old mentor. He neglected to mention that he had a former fiance and that she is a journalist and covering this event honoring an old friend. Vi accidentally reveals too much in her flustered state on discovering this information. Other plans were afoot so when a dead body shows up on a nice trip to the water things don't go quite to plan but the whole gang is ready at a moment's notice to pitch in. Ridiculous and fun as usual
January 14, 2019
It's 4:30 am
And I started reading this book when I crawled in bed, so technically, yesterday. Denny gets more and more priceless as the series progresses. About 2 am, I stopped caring about who the murderer was but kept reading to find out what that bone idle man-child would say next!
And I started reading this book when I crawled in bed, so technically, yesterday. Denny gets more and more priceless as the series progresses. About 2 am, I stopped caring about who the murderer was but kept reading to find out what that bone idle man-child would say next!
January 26, 2019
Murder in the Shallows
I have always looked forward to reading the stories of Violet Carlyle Mysteries...so, I was really disappointed when I started this book...it was boring and moved like a snail!..the setting was disappointing also...it was like being in a jail cell with no windows😫
I have always looked forward to reading the stories of Violet Carlyle Mysteries...so, I was really disappointed when I started this book...it was boring and moved like a snail!..the setting was disappointing also...it was like being in a jail cell with no windows😫
March 7, 2019
Great read.....set in Oxford!
Jack and Violet visit Jack’s great friend in Oxford. Students/professors/love/intrigue......Violet & her posse solve two murders with wit/great detective work and cocktails. Jack’s former fiancée adds some additional spice. Jack asks Violet to marry him but a murder gets in the way of her answer. Will it be yes or no??
Jack and Violet visit Jack’s great friend in Oxford. Students/professors/love/intrigue......Violet & her posse solve two murders with wit/great detective work and cocktails. Jack’s former fiancée adds some additional spice. Jack asks Violet to marry him but a murder gets in the way of her answer. Will it be yes or no??
June 29, 2020
Another murder???
Friends, chocolate, romance and murder - maybe two. Lady Violet Carlyle finds herself at Oxford with Jack to attend a lecture by Jack's friend, Hamilton. While there a murder takes place and leaves overtones of a previous murder being committed. Violet gets out her chalkboard and with the help of her friends, tries to catch a murderer.
Friends, chocolate, romance and murder - maybe two. Lady Violet Carlyle finds herself at Oxford with Jack to attend a lecture by Jack's friend, Hamilton. While there a murder takes place and leaves overtones of a previous murder being committed. Violet gets out her chalkboard and with the help of her friends, tries to catch a murderer.
March 6, 2021
Bravo
Finally got the payoff of Violet and Jack. Very well done but I don't want to spoil anything by giving it away. The actual mystery as to who was the killer and why was the most interesting yet. Loved the character of Jack's former fiance Emily. What a piece of work she is!! Can't wait to read the next in this series.
Finally got the payoff of Violet and Jack. Very well done but I don't want to spoil anything by giving it away. The actual mystery as to who was the killer and why was the most interesting yet. Loved the character of Jack's former fiance Emily. What a piece of work she is!! Can't wait to read the next in this series.
January 17, 2019
Delightful!
Love this series! Characters are funny, irrepressible, clever, and determined. They blunder into a mystery and do not cease until the culprit is determined and, hopefully, punished!
Love this series! Characters are funny, irrepressible, clever, and determined. They blunder into a mystery and do not cease until the culprit is determined and, hopefully, punished!
January 18, 2019
While there was some drama and progress on the romance front, I didn't think the mystery was up to par, and Violet's and Jack's research was haphazard with a rushed denouement. If it wasn't part of this series that I already love, I would have only given it 2 stars.
June 2, 2019
GOOD CHARACTERS, GOOD MYSTERY GOOD FUN!
Having become addicted to Vic and Violet, my summer reading seems to be set. But then I'll get to start on the other books by my new favorite author. Sweet!
Having become addicted to Vic and Violet, my summer reading seems to be set. But then I'll get to start on the other books by my new favorite author. Sweet!
August 7, 2019
The author needs an editor, not just a spell check program.
$4.99 is ridiculous for a book that has never been seen by an editor. Doesn't the author even have any educated beta readers?
$4.99 is ridiculous for a book that has never been seen by an editor. Doesn't the author even have any educated beta readers?
January 25, 2020
Well it was quick. And while I have read shorter and worse but this was not a terribly rewarding read. I am waiting for the next book to be Violet having a dream of a murder and solving it before she even wakes up. No details--
June 22, 2020
Great series
Each book I have read so far is exactly what I wanted to read to keep me entertained. I can't wait for the next book. This series will be one I keep and reread over the years.
Each book I have read so far is exactly what I wanted to read to keep me entertained. I can't wait for the next book. This series will be one I keep and reread over the years.
September 22, 2020
Very addictive
The roaring 20's, a cosy murder to work out, extremely rich frivolous Lords & Ladies, but instead of being annoyed, these books are fun and full of humanity, read the 1st now hooked.
The roaring 20's, a cosy murder to work out, extremely rich frivolous Lords & Ladies, but instead of being annoyed, these books are fun and full of humanity, read the 1st now hooked.
November 25, 2021
Good story line changes
Interesting settings, nice changes from book to book. Great imagery, if I closed my eyes I could have pictures the scenes. I do plan on reading more of your books.
Interesting settings, nice changes from book to book. Great imagery, if I closed my eyes I could have pictures the scenes. I do plan on reading more of your books.
December 26, 2021
Whew. She is back in blazes.
This episode has the lovely magic of the (growing) group of true friends intertwined with a clever, well-developed plot. A joy to read. To devour. Which I did in one sitting. Most satisfying.
This episode has the lovely magic of the (growing) group of true friends intertwined with a clever, well-developed plot. A joy to read. To devour. Which I did in one sitting. Most satisfying.
March 19, 2022
Is the motive always money
I imagine money is the motive more often than we think. Makes me glad I’m poor. Now I just have to work on my personality to keep from being killed.
Now they will have to help get Tomas and Isolde engaged.
I imagine money is the motive more often than we think. Makes me glad I’m poor. Now I just have to work on my personality to keep from being killed.
Now they will have to help get Tomas and Isolde engaged.
March 28, 2022
Good story, but too many people!
I do pay attention when I read, really. But sooo many indistinguishable characters caused me to back track repeatedly. There isn’t much fun in that. Truly, this was a good read, but it turned out quite bitter sweet.
I do pay attention when I read, really. But sooo many indistinguishable characters caused me to back track repeatedly. There isn’t much fun in that. Truly, this was a good read, but it turned out quite bitter sweet.
May 3, 2022
Loving these books!
Loveable characters and fun. Easy cosy mysteries to read. I am so pleased there are still lots more to go. Enjoying how the characters from previous stories are still referred to.
Loveable characters and fun. Easy cosy mysteries to read. I am so pleased there are still lots more to go. Enjoying how the characters from previous stories are still referred to.
May 24, 2022
Fun British Mystery Series
I love the language and the characters. They really fit the image of the Bright Young Things in 1920’s Britain. The mysteries are so-so, but the characters make it worth the read.
I love the language and the characters. They really fit the image of the Bright Young Things in 1920’s Britain. The mysteries are so-so, but the characters make it worth the read.
November 1, 2022
Great summer read, although its November!
Very well written, even though it is just a ' cozy book.'. The witty humor makes this book fun; the exchanges reminds me of Katherine Hepburn. I love these books set in the days of the flappers.
Very well written, even though it is just a ' cozy book.'. The witty humor makes this book fun; the exchanges reminds me of Katherine Hepburn. I love these books set in the days of the flappers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews