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John Pickett Mystery #5
Too Hot to Handel: Another John Pickett Mystery
When a rash of jewel thefts strikes London, magistrate Patrick Colquhoun deploys his Bow Street Runners to put a stop to the crimes. The Russian Princess Olga Fyodorovna is to attend a production of Handel’s Esther at Drury Lane Theatre, where she will wear a magnificent diamond necklace. The entire Bow Street force will be stationed at various locations around the theatre—including John Pickett, who will occupy a box directly across from the princess.
In order to preserve his incognito, Pickett must appear to be a private gentleman attending the theatre. Mr. Colquhoun recommends that he have a female companion—a lady, in fact, who might prevent him from making any glaring faux pas. But the only lady of Pickett’s acquaintance is Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, to whom he accidentally contracted a Scottish irregular marriage several months earlier, and with whom he is seeking an annulment against his own inclinations—and for whom he recklessly declared his love, secure in the belief he would never see her again.
The inevitable awkwardness of their reunion is forgotten when the theatre catches fire. In the confusion, the Russian diamonds are stolen, and Pickett is struck in the head and rendered unconscious. Suddenly it is up to Julia not only to nurse him back to health, but to discover his attacker and bring the culprit—and the jewel thief—to justice.
In order to preserve his incognito, Pickett must appear to be a private gentleman attending the theatre. Mr. Colquhoun recommends that he have a female companion—a lady, in fact, who might prevent him from making any glaring faux pas. But the only lady of Pickett’s acquaintance is Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, to whom he accidentally contracted a Scottish irregular marriage several months earlier, and with whom he is seeking an annulment against his own inclinations—and for whom he recklessly declared his love, secure in the belief he would never see her again.
The inevitable awkwardness of their reunion is forgotten when the theatre catches fire. In the confusion, the Russian diamonds are stolen, and Pickett is struck in the head and rendered unconscious. Suddenly it is up to Julia not only to nurse him back to health, but to discover his attacker and bring the culprit—and the jewel thief—to justice.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2019
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June 30, 2024
Review from 2018
I've given this an A for narration and a B for content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars
This fifth John Pickett mystery is a bit of a departure from the other books in the series in that our hero spends a rather large part of it unconscious, leaving his lady-love, Lady Julia Fieldhurst to the bulk of the sleuthing when it comes to solving the mystery of some missing diamonds. That said though, John is nonetheless a major presence in Too Hot to Handel , and Joel Froomkin’s hugely entertaining narration kept me engaged throughout, so I didn’t feel the slightest bit short-changed.
Note: There will be spoilers for earlier books in the series in this review.
It’s three months since Bow Street Runner John Pickett said farewell to the woman he fell in love with almost a year earlier, and a matter of weeks before the case for the annulment of the “irregular marriage” they inadvertently contracted in Scotland comes before the ecclesiastical court. At the end of the previous book, Dinner Most Deadly, he declared his love for Lady Julia Fieldhurst, but also said that they should not meet again; he has always known that the huge gulf in their stations makes any relationship between them impossible, and it’s become too painful for him to keep spending time with her while knowing she can never be his. For Julia it’s been three long, colourless months and none of her usual activities hold much interest for her any more. Even a night out at the theatre is dull until, on the way out, she hears a distressed older lady claiming that her jewels have been stolen. Recalling that the Duchess of Mallen’s rubies had also disappeared while that lady was at the theatre, and that they had been recovered by the Bow Street force, Julia suggests sending for a Runner, and for a few brief minutes, is excited at the prospect of seeing John again – only to come crashing down when someone else appears in his stead.
Bow Street magistrate Patrick Colquhoun has decided it’s time to put a stop to the current spate of jewel thefts, and is going to set a trap for the thief. The Russian Princess Olga Fyodorovna is known to possess some of the most valuable diamonds in existence, and she will shortly be a guest of some of the British royals at the Drury Lane theatre. With the permission of the royals and the Russian delegation, Colquhoun devises a scheme to apprehend the thief, and assigns each of his runners a specific duty on the night of the theatre visit.
At the same time, he indulges in a bit of last-minute matchmaking, allocating John a position inside the theatre in the box opposite the royal party. Suggesting he will stick out like a sore thumb sitting there alone, Colquhoun coyly suggests that perhaps John has a female acquaintance of sufficient rank and breeding who could accompany him to the theatre. With mixed feelings, but unable to resist the temptation of seeing her one last time, John writes to Julia asking for her help and she, just as excited at the thought of seeing John again, agrees, signing herself “Julia Fieldhurst Pickett” in her acceptance letter.
The would-be lovers are reunited for the evening, each trying to ignore all that lies between them when John notices something amiss in the royal box. He is about to investigate further when a commotion erupts below. The theatre is on fire, and when he and Julia attempt to exit their box, they find the door locked and have to effect a daring escape by climbing down three stories using a rope made out of curtains. Arrived safely outside, they witness the roof of the theatre crashing in and then John is knocked down and rendered unconscious by flying debris. Julia manages to summon help and gets him back to his lodgings in Drury Lane, where she refuses to allow anyone but herself to care for him. The prospect of losing her nominal husband at last forces Julia to admit the truth she’s known for some time – she loves John and wants to stay with him… but first she has to keep him alive.
The mystery of the stolen jewels is woven through the larger story of Julia’s coming into her own and the resolution of the irregular marriage storyline. As a widow, she’s had a degree of independence, but until now, hasn’t been ready to face the censure of society for falling in love a man so far below her socially. John’s injury – which, it turns out, may not have been accidental at all – finally brings home to her what is most important in her life, and she is at last ready to fight for him however she has to. Her previously frosty relationship with Colquhoun takes a turn for the better as they bond over their love for John, and I was cheering for Julia in the scene where she stands up to her stuck-up cousin, George, whose disapproval was what sent her into Scotland (and her irregular marriage) in the first place.
Joel Froomkin has quickly become a favourite narrator and he’s someone whose name on the cover of an audiobook will always make me stop for a second look. His narration in Too Hot to Handel is well-paced and skilfully differentiated, and his vocal depictions are perfectly suited to each character in the story. From Colquhoun’s broad Scottish brogue to George’s blustery drawl and Lucy’s cockney twang, each character is easily identifiable and Mr. Froomkin performs the recurring cast consistently from book to book. In terms of new characters, he gets to give his Russian accent a work-out when portraying the crusty Princess Olga and her companion. I can’t vouch for its authenticity as it’s not an accent I’ve come across often in real life, but to my ears, it sounded pretty good and isn’t so heavy as to be unintelligible. Once again, his version of John Pickett is charming – even when barely conscious! – and his portrayal of Julia is simply marvellous.
The mystery takes a bit of a back seat in Too Hot to Handel, but I’m not complaining because for me, this series has always been about John and Julia, and the mysteries the method of bringing together two people from opposite ends of the social spectrum. Listeners waiting for the resolution of their complicated relationship will be pleased, and Joel Froomkin’s excellent narration is also sure to delight.
I've given this an A for narration and a B for content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars
This fifth John Pickett mystery is a bit of a departure from the other books in the series in that our hero spends a rather large part of it unconscious, leaving his lady-love, Lady Julia Fieldhurst to the bulk of the sleuthing when it comes to solving the mystery of some missing diamonds. That said though, John is nonetheless a major presence in Too Hot to Handel , and Joel Froomkin’s hugely entertaining narration kept me engaged throughout, so I didn’t feel the slightest bit short-changed.
Note: There will be spoilers for earlier books in the series in this review.
It’s three months since Bow Street Runner John Pickett said farewell to the woman he fell in love with almost a year earlier, and a matter of weeks before the case for the annulment of the “irregular marriage” they inadvertently contracted in Scotland comes before the ecclesiastical court. At the end of the previous book, Dinner Most Deadly, he declared his love for Lady Julia Fieldhurst, but also said that they should not meet again; he has always known that the huge gulf in their stations makes any relationship between them impossible, and it’s become too painful for him to keep spending time with her while knowing she can never be his. For Julia it’s been three long, colourless months and none of her usual activities hold much interest for her any more. Even a night out at the theatre is dull until, on the way out, she hears a distressed older lady claiming that her jewels have been stolen. Recalling that the Duchess of Mallen’s rubies had also disappeared while that lady was at the theatre, and that they had been recovered by the Bow Street force, Julia suggests sending for a Runner, and for a few brief minutes, is excited at the prospect of seeing John again – only to come crashing down when someone else appears in his stead.
Bow Street magistrate Patrick Colquhoun has decided it’s time to put a stop to the current spate of jewel thefts, and is going to set a trap for the thief. The Russian Princess Olga Fyodorovna is known to possess some of the most valuable diamonds in existence, and she will shortly be a guest of some of the British royals at the Drury Lane theatre. With the permission of the royals and the Russian delegation, Colquhoun devises a scheme to apprehend the thief, and assigns each of his runners a specific duty on the night of the theatre visit.
At the same time, he indulges in a bit of last-minute matchmaking, allocating John a position inside the theatre in the box opposite the royal party. Suggesting he will stick out like a sore thumb sitting there alone, Colquhoun coyly suggests that perhaps John has a female acquaintance of sufficient rank and breeding who could accompany him to the theatre. With mixed feelings, but unable to resist the temptation of seeing her one last time, John writes to Julia asking for her help and she, just as excited at the thought of seeing John again, agrees, signing herself “Julia Fieldhurst Pickett” in her acceptance letter.
The would-be lovers are reunited for the evening, each trying to ignore all that lies between them when John notices something amiss in the royal box. He is about to investigate further when a commotion erupts below. The theatre is on fire, and when he and Julia attempt to exit their box, they find the door locked and have to effect a daring escape by climbing down three stories using a rope made out of curtains. Arrived safely outside, they witness the roof of the theatre crashing in and then John is knocked down and rendered unconscious by flying debris. Julia manages to summon help and gets him back to his lodgings in Drury Lane, where she refuses to allow anyone but herself to care for him. The prospect of losing her nominal husband at last forces Julia to admit the truth she’s known for some time – she loves John and wants to stay with him… but first she has to keep him alive.
The mystery of the stolen jewels is woven through the larger story of Julia’s coming into her own and the resolution of the irregular marriage storyline. As a widow, she’s had a degree of independence, but until now, hasn’t been ready to face the censure of society for falling in love a man so far below her socially. John’s injury – which, it turns out, may not have been accidental at all – finally brings home to her what is most important in her life, and she is at last ready to fight for him however she has to. Her previously frosty relationship with Colquhoun takes a turn for the better as they bond over their love for John, and I was cheering for Julia in the scene where she stands up to her stuck-up cousin, George, whose disapproval was what sent her into Scotland (and her irregular marriage) in the first place.
Joel Froomkin has quickly become a favourite narrator and he’s someone whose name on the cover of an audiobook will always make me stop for a second look. His narration in Too Hot to Handel is well-paced and skilfully differentiated, and his vocal depictions are perfectly suited to each character in the story. From Colquhoun’s broad Scottish brogue to George’s blustery drawl and Lucy’s cockney twang, each character is easily identifiable and Mr. Froomkin performs the recurring cast consistently from book to book. In terms of new characters, he gets to give his Russian accent a work-out when portraying the crusty Princess Olga and her companion. I can’t vouch for its authenticity as it’s not an accent I’ve come across often in real life, but to my ears, it sounded pretty good and isn’t so heavy as to be unintelligible. Once again, his version of John Pickett is charming – even when barely conscious! – and his portrayal of Julia is simply marvellous.
The mystery takes a bit of a back seat in Too Hot to Handel, but I’m not complaining because for me, this series has always been about John and Julia, and the mysteries the method of bringing together two people from opposite ends of the social spectrum. Listeners waiting for the resolution of their complicated relationship will be pleased, and Joel Froomkin’s excellent narration is also sure to delight.
March 29, 2018
Lady Julia is moping. Her best friend Emily is newly reconciled with her husband and rusticating with him, it's Lent and entertainments and scarce, but if she's honest with herself she knows the real reason is because her annulment will soon go before the Ecclesiastical Court and she'll no longer be Mrs. John Pickett. That's what would be best for everyone given the differences in their station. John Pickett's duties have been light lately. He asked not to be sent to Mayfair and a fellow Runner, Mr. Foote, is on the case of missing jewels. As luck would have it, John and Julia are about to be thrust together to help solve the mystery of the missing jewels. All the Runners are needed on hand at a Handel concert at the Theater Royal while a delegation of Russian aristocrats are visiting with the royal family. John and Julia take a box where they can observe the royals unseen but when a fire breaks out in the theater, everyone is forced to evacuate. In the chaos, John and Julia must escape. Unluckily for John, he is hit in the head during the escape and rendered unconscious. Julia must confront her feelings and channel her inner aristocrat to keep John alive and try to solve the mystery of the missing Russian diamonds.
This is a much better story than the previous one, more like the book I was expecting. I LOVED the relationship aspect of this novel. At first I wanted to bang John and Julia's heads together but I realize that in their time and place it's more complicated than what their hearts want. As the story progressed, I gasped, cheered and clapped at the end. It makes a nice conclusion if you can't get the rest of the series. There are other non-romantic relationships in the story too and I liked seeing how John has affected those around him. The downfall of this novel is the mystery. It is SO painfully obvious! Mr. Colquhoun should have figured it out. John seemed to be on the verge of it when he was hit. Lady Fieldhurst also has some relationship drama to work out with her in-laws and I loved seeing how that played out. The historical details are great, especially the medial treatments. UGH! Thank goodness for modern medicine.
John is such a great character but I do feel he is too naive and innocent for a man raised in the worst neighborhood in London! At 13 or however old he was when he was rescued, he would have been hardened already and more jaded than he is. His naivety makes him sweet and appealing. He's sharp though and can figure out things his more experienced colleagues can not. Lady Julia has been kind of wishy washy-alternating between strong and whiny. Here she rises to the occasion and figures out what she wants. I loved the way she dealt with her adversaries. I was cheering as I read the story.
Other characters include Mr. Colquhoun who clearly loves John like a son. He recognizes John's excellent qualities. He also discovers first impressions can be wrong. I really like him and I'm curious about his Mrs. and what she's like. I also really liked John's landlady Mrs. Catchpole who also loves John like a son. She's very kind. John's friend Lucy is not so kind but she's had a rough life and loves John in her own way.
Not so enjoyable characters are Lady Julia's in-laws. I like only one of them. The Dowager is snobby and the cousin is annoying. Mr. Foote is more like how I would expect John to be. He is not a kind man. The doctors are not appealing but they can't help it given the limited medical knowledge at the time.
This book was a great conclusion but since the library purchased an e-book of the next book in the series for me I will be reading on. I will probably stop there, however. If you liked the rest of the series so far you will enjoy this one even more.
Content: I think one D-word, some sensuality and
This is a much better story than the previous one, more like the book I was expecting. I LOVED the relationship aspect of this novel. At first I wanted to bang John and Julia's heads together but I realize that in their time and place it's more complicated than what their hearts want. As the story progressed, I gasped, cheered and clapped at the end. It makes a nice conclusion if you can't get the rest of the series. There are other non-romantic relationships in the story too and I liked seeing how John has affected those around him. The downfall of this novel is the mystery. It is SO painfully obvious! Mr. Colquhoun should have figured it out. John seemed to be on the verge of it when he was hit. Lady Fieldhurst also has some relationship drama to work out with her in-laws and I loved seeing how that played out. The historical details are great, especially the medial treatments. UGH! Thank goodness for modern medicine.
John is such a great character but I do feel he is too naive and innocent for a man raised in the worst neighborhood in London! At 13 or however old he was when he was rescued, he would have been hardened already and more jaded than he is. His naivety makes him sweet and appealing. He's sharp though and can figure out things his more experienced colleagues can not. Lady Julia has been kind of wishy washy-alternating between strong and whiny. Here she rises to the occasion and figures out what she wants. I loved the way she dealt with her adversaries. I was cheering as I read the story.
Other characters include Mr. Colquhoun who clearly loves John like a son. He recognizes John's excellent qualities. He also discovers first impressions can be wrong. I really like him and I'm curious about his Mrs. and what she's like. I also really liked John's landlady Mrs. Catchpole who also loves John like a son. She's very kind. John's friend Lucy is not so kind but she's had a rough life and loves John in her own way.
Not so enjoyable characters are Lady Julia's in-laws. I like only one of them. The Dowager is snobby and the cousin is annoying. Mr. Foote is more like how I would expect John to be. He is not a kind man. The doctors are not appealing but they can't help it given the limited medical knowledge at the time.
This book was a great conclusion but since the library purchased an e-book of the next book in the series for me I will be reading on. I will probably stop there, however. If you liked the rest of the series so far you will enjoy this one even more.
Content: I think one D-word, some sensuality and
March 11, 2018
Absolutely delightful! In re-doing part of our house, some of my books have been temporarily moved, and I have misplaced John Pickett or I should say The John Pickett Mysteries. As all is slowly getting back to normal, I found Sheri Cobb South’s Too Hot To Handle, Another John Pickett Mystery
#5, opened it, started reading, and as it is said, the rest is history. Congratulations, Ms. Cobb South! Now I hope to locate For Deader or Worse, John Pickett’s next mystery - yesterday!
#5, opened it, started reading, and as it is said, the rest is history. Congratulations, Ms. Cobb South! Now I hope to locate For Deader or Worse, John Pickett’s next mystery - yesterday!
November 11, 2017
This book was outstanding. In "Too Hot to Handel" John is injured when he is sent to work undercover as Lady Julia's escort to the opera following a rash of jewelry robberies at the Drury theatre. While John is the hero of the first order, he literally carries Julia on his back while scaling a rope from a burning balcony, it's Julia who steps up and nurtures a comatose John and makes a momentous decision about their relationship and accidental marriage.
Though I wish that John's first time wouldn't have been when he was still abed, medicated with laudanum due to a head injury and retained no memory of consummating his marriage with Jane. I appreciate so much that these are clean stories with fade to black love scenes. But for poor John to have no memory of finally losing his virginity to his beloved wife was a let-down.
Still, I loved how many mysteries...the who, what, and why, lead up to the theatre being burnt down. The author is a superb storyteller an she does an excellent job of creating a realistic Regency timeframe while bringing a wonderful balance of mystery and romance between the main characters. The John Picket mysteries are an excellent way to spend time with wonderful characters and delve into a good mystery.
Though I wish that John's first time wouldn't have been when he was still abed, medicated with laudanum due to a head injury and retained no memory of consummating his marriage with Jane. I appreciate so much that these are clean stories with fade to black love scenes. But for poor John to have no memory of finally losing his virginity to his beloved wife was a let-down.
Still, I loved how many mysteries...the who, what, and why, lead up to the theatre being burnt down. The author is a superb storyteller an she does an excellent job of creating a realistic Regency timeframe while bringing a wonderful balance of mystery and romance between the main characters. The John Picket mysteries are an excellent way to spend time with wonderful characters and delve into a good mystery.
April 4, 2018
I love John Pickett & Julia
May 6, 2018
At last, our John Pickett is no longer a virgin! In the last book, he and Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, learned they were inadvertently married under Scottish law because they presented themselves as husband and wife. Such a marriage is impossible due to the differences in their stations.
Mr. Colquhoun loves John like a son and he sees that John truly loves Julia, so when laying a trap to catch some jewel thieves, he suggests that John bring Julia as his guest at the theatre. He arranges for proper formal clothes for John.
Julia has admitted to herself that she has missed John dreadfully and is thrilled when she receives his invitation. She refuses to wear black and instead , wears a blue satin dress. John is speechless when he sees her.
They go to the theatre but the plan goes awry when the building catches fire. The door to their box is jammed and when John finally gets it open, the corridor is filled with smoke and flames. John contrives a makeshift rope from the velvet curtains and with Julia clinging to his back, they reach the theatre floor. They push and shove their way out, but when the roof caves in, John is struck very hard on the head, losing consciousness.
Julia manages to hire a sedan chair and gets them to John’s rooms on Drury Lance. It soon is apparent that he is badly injured. She removes his clothes, soddened by the water used to fight the fire. Removing his coat, she discovers the diamond necklace belonging to the Russian princess who attended the theatre.
Julia is determined to nurse John herself and to discover how the necklace ended up in John’s pocket. The mystery is fairly obvious, if highly satisfactory to fans of John Pickett; however, the romance really takes over this story. As I said in the opening sentence, the ending is very romantic and what we fans of the series have wanted and expected for quite a while.
It will be interesting to see how they make their very unequal marriage work!
Mr. Colquhoun loves John like a son and he sees that John truly loves Julia, so when laying a trap to catch some jewel thieves, he suggests that John bring Julia as his guest at the theatre. He arranges for proper formal clothes for John.
Julia has admitted to herself that she has missed John dreadfully and is thrilled when she receives his invitation. She refuses to wear black and instead , wears a blue satin dress. John is speechless when he sees her.
They go to the theatre but the plan goes awry when the building catches fire. The door to their box is jammed and when John finally gets it open, the corridor is filled with smoke and flames. John contrives a makeshift rope from the velvet curtains and with Julia clinging to his back, they reach the theatre floor. They push and shove their way out, but when the roof caves in, John is struck very hard on the head, losing consciousness.
Julia manages to hire a sedan chair and gets them to John’s rooms on Drury Lance. It soon is apparent that he is badly injured. She removes his clothes, soddened by the water used to fight the fire. Removing his coat, she discovers the diamond necklace belonging to the Russian princess who attended the theatre.
Julia is determined to nurse John herself and to discover how the necklace ended up in John’s pocket. The mystery is fairly obvious, if highly satisfactory to fans of John Pickett; however, the romance really takes over this story. As I said in the opening sentence, the ending is very romantic and what we fans of the series have wanted and expected for quite a while.
It will be interesting to see how they make their very unequal marriage work!
January 16, 2021
This fifth installment of Sheri Cobb South's popular John Pickett mystery series focuses as much or more on the relationship between Pickett and Lady Julia Fieldhurst as it does on the mystery. That's not a bad thing, just an observation. What makes it more interesting is that for a large part of the book, John Pickett is at best semi-conscious after being injured fleeing from a theater fire. After 4 books where this mismatched couple dance around each other, Julia finally examines her heart while watching over John as he fights for his life.
Things I enjoyed in this book include Julia finally growing a spine, and getting to know Mr. Colquhoun better. The mystery is a little weak, and I had it figured out almost from the beginning. The book includes a "villain's monologue" which I admit was a little cliched, but somewhat satisfying at the same time.
While To Hot to Handel isn't the strongest book in the series, it's definitely satisfying for what it does do, which is further the relationship between John and Julia.
Things I enjoyed in this book include Julia finally growing a spine, and getting to know Mr. Colquhoun better. The mystery is a little weak, and I had it figured out almost from the beginning. The book includes a "villain's monologue" which I admit was a little cliched, but somewhat satisfying at the same time.
While To Hot to Handel isn't the strongest book in the series, it's definitely satisfying for what it does do, which is further the relationship between John and Julia.
March 21, 2020
Audible version with narrator Joel Froomkin
Another great addition to the John Pickett mysteries. Enjoy the audio versions a lot.
Another great addition to the John Pickett mysteries. Enjoy the audio versions a lot.
March 5, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
I am such a fan of this series. This is the fifth book in the John Pickett Mysteries series. It is a standalone story and can be read without having read the prior books in this series. The author does kindly do quick summaries of events which occurred in prior books to catch you up [or remind you, if it's been a while.]. However, I would recommend that you start with the first book in the series [In Milady's Chamber] to really get a feel for the MCs John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst.
Here, John is assigned to attend the theater to surreptitiously watch for a thief after the Russian royal jewels and he is encouraged to take Lady Fieldhurst along as part of his disguise. At the theater a fire breaks out and John rescues Lady Fieldhurst. But, he receives a blow to the head. In a change from the previous books in the series, John is unconscious for most of the book while Lady Fieldhurst cares for him and conducts her own investigation into John's injuries and the missing jewels.
This is probably the book most fans of the series have been waiting for -- will they/won't they is finally answered. I really liked the exploration of Lady Fieldhurt's character in this book and her assertiveness. It was also fun to see her have to learn to do things for herself [without servants]. Equally fun, was learning how the other characters felt about John, through their care for his wellbeing as he was nursed back to health.
I listened to this book -- the narrator, Joel Froomkin, is absolutely a perfect compliment to this series.
I am such a fan of this series. This is the fifth book in the John Pickett Mysteries series. It is a standalone story and can be read without having read the prior books in this series. The author does kindly do quick summaries of events which occurred in prior books to catch you up [or remind you, if it's been a while.]. However, I would recommend that you start with the first book in the series [In Milady's Chamber] to really get a feel for the MCs John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst.
Here, John is assigned to attend the theater to surreptitiously watch for a thief after the Russian royal jewels and he is encouraged to take Lady Fieldhurst along as part of his disguise. At the theater a fire breaks out and John rescues Lady Fieldhurst. But, he receives a blow to the head. In a change from the previous books in the series, John is unconscious for most of the book while Lady Fieldhurst cares for him and conducts her own investigation into John's injuries and the missing jewels.
This is probably the book most fans of the series have been waiting for -- will they/won't they is finally answered. I really liked the exploration of Lady Fieldhurt's character in this book and her assertiveness. It was also fun to see her have to learn to do things for herself [without servants]. Equally fun, was learning how the other characters felt about John, through their care for his wellbeing as he was nursed back to health.
I listened to this book -- the narrator, Joel Froomkin, is absolutely a perfect compliment to this series.
March 3, 2017
Delightful.
April 3, 2016
The more additions there are to this series the richer the characters and their stories become. I don't know how SCS will top this installment but I can't wait to find out.
SCS resolves many of the conflicts she so deftly set up earlier in the series but leaves plenty of room for new ones to naturally evolve. Supporting players like Lucy put in appearances in ways that move the story and never feel forced. It was great fun to read the exchanges between Lucy and Julia.
However, the main focus is on Bow Street business and the future ...or not... of Julia and John's marriage.
Everything about this installment seems designed for ultimate reader satisfaction. You couldn't ask for dialogue that is more engaging. SCS gives the reader characters whose flaws make them all the more endearing. The story itself contains enough hints at who done it, along with some great twists and turns, so that even if you are the reader that indulges in this series purely for the mystery, you won't be disappointed.
If you are a John and Julia fan, you may find yourself returning to more than one passage just relive some of the best scenes they have had so far in the series.
It's a great read with plenty of room left at the end for many more installments.
SCS resolves many of the conflicts she so deftly set up earlier in the series but leaves plenty of room for new ones to naturally evolve. Supporting players like Lucy put in appearances in ways that move the story and never feel forced. It was great fun to read the exchanges between Lucy and Julia.
However, the main focus is on Bow Street business and the future ...or not... of Julia and John's marriage.
Everything about this installment seems designed for ultimate reader satisfaction. You couldn't ask for dialogue that is more engaging. SCS gives the reader characters whose flaws make them all the more endearing. The story itself contains enough hints at who done it, along with some great twists and turns, so that even if you are the reader that indulges in this series purely for the mystery, you won't be disappointed.
If you are a John and Julia fan, you may find yourself returning to more than one passage just relive some of the best scenes they have had so far in the series.
It's a great read with plenty of room left at the end for many more installments.
March 5, 2018
Audiobook review:
"Best One Yet!"
Too Hot to Handel is a bit different than the first few, because John has gotten injured and is unconscious for most of the story.
This means that Julia takes it upon herself to solve the mystery.
We also get to see a bit more of Mr. Calhoun than we usually do, he is very concerned for Mr. Pickett's well being.
All of Sheri Cobb South's books are very good with a nice mix of sweet, mystery and humor.
Joel Leslie Froomkin's performance is, as always, outstanding. His narrations are always a delight to listen to.
I would definitely recommend listening to this series.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request and this is my voluntary review.
"Best One Yet!"
Too Hot to Handel is a bit different than the first few, because John has gotten injured and is unconscious for most of the story.
This means that Julia takes it upon herself to solve the mystery.
We also get to see a bit more of Mr. Calhoun than we usually do, he is very concerned for Mr. Pickett's well being.
All of Sheri Cobb South's books are very good with a nice mix of sweet, mystery and humor.
Joel Leslie Froomkin's performance is, as always, outstanding. His narrations are always a delight to listen to.
I would definitely recommend listening to this series.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request and this is my voluntary review.
November 16, 2019
2019 bk 361. It starts with a theft, and then another and another. Expensive jewelry stolen in the midst of society parties and events. The head of the Bow Street Runners is concerned that the next jewel will be a set belonging to a Russian princess who insists on wearing the lovely sparkles to a performance at the theater. This is the dullest part of this fifth book of John Pickett mysteries. Anything I say from this point would be a spoiler - For me this was the best book of the series.
February 6, 2018
I'm going to consolidate (repeat myself) reviews of this series, numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5 and 5 because I had to get through all of those to resolve the romantic story begun in the the first book. I supposed most women like a touch of romance and these have it, albeit full of angst that is drawn out over a time period of about 10 months. I got impatient with the progress of the romance taking so long. I would characterize these stories as Romance with only a touch of Mystery rather than the other way around. At least there were mysteries to be solved by the Bow Street Runner, John Pickett and he was good enough to figure it out. I figured them out pretty easily myself.
I very much liked John Pickett. In my mind I pictured Colin Firth (as seen in Pride and Prejudice, except with longer hair). I could not quite get a visual image of the Lady Fieldhurst in my mind. I felt a little jolted every time it referred to her as a golden-haired blonde, so I suppose I thought she ought to be a dark-haired beauty.
The audiobook narrator, Joel Froomkin was pretty amazing. You'd swear it was another reader doing the female voices, as they sounded so naturally female. I did have a little problem, as a listener, with the heavy Scottish accents he used in Book 3, Family Plot, but felt that he probably did those fairly true to dialect and my ear was just not tuned in for the accents. (I was a bit curious to know if the print version had the dialect written out or if Mr. Froomkin just knew how to do them.)
There is a Book 6, but I might be satisfied to imagine that the romantic couple will live happily every after.
I very much liked John Pickett. In my mind I pictured Colin Firth (as seen in Pride and Prejudice, except with longer hair). I could not quite get a visual image of the Lady Fieldhurst in my mind. I felt a little jolted every time it referred to her as a golden-haired blonde, so I suppose I thought she ought to be a dark-haired beauty.
The audiobook narrator, Joel Froomkin was pretty amazing. You'd swear it was another reader doing the female voices, as they sounded so naturally female. I did have a little problem, as a listener, with the heavy Scottish accents he used in Book 3, Family Plot, but felt that he probably did those fairly true to dialect and my ear was just not tuned in for the accents. (I was a bit curious to know if the print version had the dialect written out or if Mr. Froomkin just knew how to do them.)
There is a Book 6, but I might be satisfied to imagine that the romantic couple will live happily every after.
March 10, 2018
I came into this series cold not having read the previous bshe hadooks. I can honestly say there was enough information for me to get the gist of what had happened between John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst previously, although I am quite intrigued as to how it happened so I will be getting books 1-4.
This book seems to be where Lady Fieldhurst comes into her own (how apt I finished it on international women’s day) John Pickett lies injured whilst on duty and after saving Lady Fieldhurst. He rouses briefly to give a huge clue that we the reader can pick up on but is misinterpreted in the story. I loved this ruse. I liked having the knowledge and being the observer as things went awry. All the while confident that the story will have a happy ending. Wonderful to listen to.
I am a fan of Joel Froomkin’s work. I think he is immensely talented. The range of voices he has is astounding. He completely did justice to Lady Fieldhurst in this story. The timbre of the voices he used sounded so right and appropriate, the verve and determination to support John came across so clearly in the narration. Not to miss out the side characters, everyone is given the same attention as they were the main character. Overall his narration is the perfect soundtrack to the images created by Sheri Cobb South’s excellent writing.
I was given a copy of this audiobook book in exchange for an honest review
This book seems to be where Lady Fieldhurst comes into her own (how apt I finished it on international women’s day) John Pickett lies injured whilst on duty and after saving Lady Fieldhurst. He rouses briefly to give a huge clue that we the reader can pick up on but is misinterpreted in the story. I loved this ruse. I liked having the knowledge and being the observer as things went awry. All the while confident that the story will have a happy ending. Wonderful to listen to.
I am a fan of Joel Froomkin’s work. I think he is immensely talented. The range of voices he has is astounding. He completely did justice to Lady Fieldhurst in this story. The timbre of the voices he used sounded so right and appropriate, the verve and determination to support John came across so clearly in the narration. Not to miss out the side characters, everyone is given the same attention as they were the main character. Overall his narration is the perfect soundtrack to the images created by Sheri Cobb South’s excellent writing.
I was given a copy of this audiobook book in exchange for an honest review
March 2, 2018
This is an interesting, charming book with fantastic narration.
it is no secret that Joel Leslie Froomkin is one of my favorite narrators, though I usually read M/M books narrated by him. His amazing talent in portraying characters, accents and emotions shines in this book, especially when most of it is lead by a female. His narration of Julia is so accurate, the magistrate, Patrick Colquhoun is also a delightful character. John is a rather sweet fallow, and he compliments Julia’s activeness and level-headed personality well.
the plot is rather interesting, but I would say it was a bit boring at times and I wished it to be more fast paced. Also, I felt a big clue was revealed about half way through and the reader is left with the knowledge until the characters figure it out towards the end. The depiction of the time is fantastic, the life they lead, written in a flowing fashion I enjoyed. There was also an interesting touch of reality when John faces his injury in the short story at the ending I found refreshing to period books.
this was a sweet interesting book I enjoyed greatly.
it is no secret that Joel Leslie Froomkin is one of my favorite narrators, though I usually read M/M books narrated by him. His amazing talent in portraying characters, accents and emotions shines in this book, especially when most of it is lead by a female. His narration of Julia is so accurate, the magistrate, Patrick Colquhoun is also a delightful character. John is a rather sweet fallow, and he compliments Julia’s activeness and level-headed personality well.
the plot is rather interesting, but I would say it was a bit boring at times and I wished it to be more fast paced. Also, I felt a big clue was revealed about half way through and the reader is left with the knowledge until the characters figure it out towards the end. The depiction of the time is fantastic, the life they lead, written in a flowing fashion I enjoyed. There was also an interesting touch of reality when John faces his injury in the short story at the ending I found refreshing to period books.
this was a sweet interesting book I enjoyed greatly.
August 21, 2023
Finaly! As romance goes we see the end of Mr.Pickett's sufferings. The mystery though... was not very mysterious but at this point I was reading for the sake of the relationship and Hooray!
I disliked lady Fieldhurst in this book - it took her too long to see the truth about her feelings, it took her too long to act on them, and finaly she was plain usless in the sick room. Why she is always without any feemale help\attendant\servant is the greatest mystery of all.
Having said that I must add that I read 5 books in two days - I was hooked, they are easy, sweet and the destinction between the classes is well formed, well written, believable.
Its a treat to read a book where the regency poor and rich don't just marry, but have to go through something to be together.
One thing though... the scene with the fire was a total fantasy as textile goes. One can't make a rope of the velvet\brocade\hevy theater curtains in a hasty moment - they just wouldn't easyly rip into stripes, not at all, ask Mr.Brundy.
clean, kisses, implied behind the scene married couple lovemaking
I disliked lady Fieldhurst in this book - it took her too long to see the truth about her feelings, it took her too long to act on them, and finaly she was plain usless in the sick room. Why she is always without any feemale help\attendant\servant is the greatest mystery of all.
Having said that I must add that I read 5 books in two days - I was hooked, they are easy, sweet and the destinction between the classes is well formed, well written, believable.
Its a treat to read a book where the regency poor and rich don't just marry, but have to go through something to be together.
One thing though... the scene with the fire was a total fantasy as textile goes. One can't make a rope of the velvet\brocade\hevy theater curtains in a hasty moment - they just wouldn't easyly rip into stripes, not at all, ask Mr.Brundy.
clean, kisses, implied behind the scene married couple lovemaking
February 20, 2018
Having accidentally gotten himself irregularly married to the widowed Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, Bow Street Runner John Pickett works to fight a jewel thief in Sheri Cobb South’s Too Hot to Handel. Mr. Pickett earlier declared his love for Lady Fieldhurst and then announced that he would never see the lady of a much higher station again. However, he resorts to asking Lady Fieldhurst to join him at a performance of Handel’s oratorio of Esther. There the Bow Street Runners are holding a sting to catch the jewel thieves, and Mr. Pickett needs the help of Lady Fieldhurst to help him go undercover at the theater. As the final act begins, Mr. Pickett is surprised to see the royals start to leave, long before scheduled, and soon the word spreads that the Drury Lane Theater is on fire. Mr. Pickett performs some acts of heroism and saves Lady Fieldhurst, but he ends up seriously injured himself.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
May 29, 2025
As with all of this author's books, it is recommended to read them in order, as the plot continues and expands across the different stories. This is a different type of story because John Pickett is seriously injured while executing his duties as a Bow Street Runner. He is investigating jewel thefts at the theatre. He is dressed as a gentleman, and Lady Fieldhurst accompanies him to keep him from making mistakes. Unfortunately, the theatre catches fire, and John is hurt while trying to rescue Lady Fieldhurst from the flaming inferno.
Lady Fieldhurst takes him back to his lodgings on Drury Lane and helps him recover. She makes a momentous decision about her future.
John Pickett Total of 10
0.5. Pickpocket's Apprentice (2015)
1. In Milady's Chamber (2006)
2. A Dead Bore(2008)
3. Family Plot (2014)
4. Dinner Most Deadly (2015)
4.5. Waiting Game (2016)
** 5. Too Hot to Handel (2016)
6. For Deader or Worse (2017)
Lady Fieldhurst takes him back to his lodgings on Drury Lane and helps him recover. She makes a momentous decision about her future.
John Pickett Total of 10
0.5. Pickpocket's Apprentice (2015)
1. In Milady's Chamber (2006)
2. A Dead Bore(2008)
3. Family Plot (2014)
4. Dinner Most Deadly (2015)
4.5. Waiting Game (2016)
** 5. Too Hot to Handel (2016)
6. For Deader or Worse (2017)
February 3, 2022
It's Soooo Good- Romance & Some Mystery
I have read all of this series (originally a bit out of order) and it's definitely one of my favorites! I'm in the process of re-reading the series in order and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. This book is really the turning point in their relationship so it's more in line with a clean romance with a little side mystery. It was a fun switch to see Julia doing the sleuthing and more from Mr. Colquhoun.
I absolutely love the narrator, he has such great differentiation with the voices, accents, and his overall acting is great.
Parents: PG13 rating on content. These are mostly clean but this one does have a little more in the intimate scenes side with a skimmed over bedroom scenes and discussions. Beyond that it's really pretty clean, there's no bad language and the violence/murder scenes are not overly graphic.
I have read all of this series (originally a bit out of order) and it's definitely one of my favorites! I'm in the process of re-reading the series in order and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. This book is really the turning point in their relationship so it's more in line with a clean romance with a little side mystery. It was a fun switch to see Julia doing the sleuthing and more from Mr. Colquhoun.
I absolutely love the narrator, he has such great differentiation with the voices, accents, and his overall acting is great.
Parents: PG13 rating on content. These are mostly clean but this one does have a little more in the intimate scenes side with a skimmed over bedroom scenes and discussions. Beyond that it's really pretty clean, there's no bad language and the violence/murder scenes are not overly graphic.
March 19, 2018
What a great story line, I could not put this down, it held me captive.
I haven't read the other John Pickett books and I could tell that I was missing things, but not enough to affect my enjoyment of the book, it has however left me wanting to go back and get the earlier books.
The characters in this book are really vivid and I enjoyed getting to know a bit about them. I was quite impressed with Julia, she's rather remarkable for the era that she lives in, very determined.
The narration is well done, I enjoyed the character voices and the delivery was smooth and emotive.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
I haven't read the other John Pickett books and I could tell that I was missing things, but not enough to affect my enjoyment of the book, it has however left me wanting to go back and get the earlier books.
The characters in this book are really vivid and I enjoyed getting to know a bit about them. I was quite impressed with Julia, she's rather remarkable for the era that she lives in, very determined.
The narration is well done, I enjoyed the character voices and the delivery was smooth and emotive.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
July 3, 2017
I must say the story of John the low born, once a pickpocket, now a Bow Street Runner and the aristocrat Julia, stayed consistent and true right to this point and no doubt will carry through to Book 6 where Sheri rightly explore such union.
I was quite impatient to point of stomping my feet when John's telling of what he knew kept getting stymied by those deliberate little convenient inconveniences Sheri saw fit to thrust into the 'works'.
So with dear John out of commission, dear Julia has to carry the torch of investigation starting with an ad no less -Lord Julia girl, you make any respectable detective squirm in shame.
Excellent writing and story telling.
I was quite impatient to point of stomping my feet when John's telling of what he knew kept getting stymied by those deliberate little convenient inconveniences Sheri saw fit to thrust into the 'works'.
So with dear John out of commission, dear Julia has to carry the torch of investigation starting with an ad no less -Lord Julia girl, you make any respectable detective squirm in shame.
Excellent writing and story telling.
December 30, 2024
Not jarringly anachronistic, which is as much as I dare expect from a Georgette Heyer read-alike.
Go in expecting Heyer and you'll be disappointed, but Sheri Cobb South gives a serviceable historic flavour (which is wisely a bit minimalist) and an engaging story which stands alone, rather than being merely Heyer pastiche.
I can highly recommend another book by Cobb South, "A Pickpocket's Apprentice" which is a John Pickett prequel novella. I was less impressed by "The Weaver Takes A Wife", but would read anything she writes.
Go in expecting Heyer and you'll be disappointed, but Sheri Cobb South gives a serviceable historic flavour (which is wisely a bit minimalist) and an engaging story which stands alone, rather than being merely Heyer pastiche.
I can highly recommend another book by Cobb South, "A Pickpocket's Apprentice" which is a John Pickett prequel novella. I was less impressed by "The Weaver Takes A Wife", but would read anything she writes.
March 3, 2018
I love this series. Shari Cobb South has done a wonderful job of creating a cast of characters who you want to get to know and then fall in love with. I do have to say that Joel Froomkin is amazing as the narrator of this fun series. He brings great depth to this series. I finish one and just want to go to the next. This is my honest opinion, I was gifted this by the author.
March 4, 2018
If you enjoy period detective stories and romances, you should get a kick out of Too Hot to Handel! The story features a strong female lead in the feisty viscountess who assists detective John Pickett in his case.
The narrator in this audiobook is very good (though I suspect there are actually two narrators as the female voice sounds rather distinctly female).
The narrator in this audiobook is very good (though I suspect there are actually two narrators as the female voice sounds rather distinctly female).
February 11, 2021
1809 Due to a series of jewel thefts at the Drury Lane Theatre, Bow Street Runners are sent to prevent another, this includes Pickett who accompanies Julia, Lady Fieldhurst.
This is another in the series which is a romance (somewhat tiresome by now) with a bit of mystery.
And unfortunately it was very obvious who the guilty party was from the beginning.
This is another in the series which is a romance (somewhat tiresome by now) with a bit of mystery.
And unfortunately it was very obvious who the guilty party was from the beginning.
November 19, 2017
Don’t get me wrong, I love the John Pickett series, and I enjoy her writing, but this particular book was just TOOOOO PREDICABLE. Ms. South can do better than this. I enjoyed it enough; we all have bad days. I do, however, know her to be a good writer. Therefore, on to book #6!
May 5, 2018
Sheri Cobb South does it again with this lovely fresh yet clean historical fiction. Exploring the relationship between a Bow Street Runner and a Lady and how the dynamics work as their relationship buds into possibly something more. I cannot wait to start the next in the series
May 17, 2020
Still a great series
Oftentimes once a series gets this far it begins to seen a bit long in the tooth. But Ms South continues to provide us with great stories, believable plots and a mystery to keep me coming back for more. Bravo!
Oftentimes once a series gets this far it begins to seen a bit long in the tooth. But Ms South continues to provide us with great stories, believable plots and a mystery to keep me coming back for more. Bravo!
January 13, 2021
These are easy to read, they're humorous, light-hearted, intriguing, and sweetly romantic. I love the writing style of the author and I love how quickly I can get through these highly entertaining stories!
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