Paternoster

Eden Grey #1

by Kim Fleet

A heart-pounding timeshift thriller! Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Dan Brown, Kate Mosse and Tom Harper.

Who is Eden running from…?


England, 1795

Kept woman Rachel Lovett is forced onto the streets when her benefactor loses all his money.

Forced into stealing jewellery to survive, Rachel finds herself running from a thief taker – and must do all she can to keep her neck from the hangman’s noose.

She is forced to join a brothel and soon finds herself introduced to the ruthless Paternoster Club…


Cheltenham, 2013

Over two hundred years later a pair of skeletons are found in the grounds of a prestigious school, and local Private Investigator Eden Grey is called to the scene.

It becomes clear that these are not recent murders – the bodies have lain there for centuries.

Eden does all she can to unravel the historic mystery – but she has dangerous secrets of her own.

As Eden’s past – and her true identity – starts to close in on her, and more strange cases land in her lap, Eden finds herself in a race against time to solve the mysteries.

But who is Eden Grey? And what is she hiding from?

Can she unravel the secrets of the past?

PATERNOSTER is the first book in the Eden Grey Mystery Series, dual timeline conspiracy thrillers with a strong female lead.

‘Cheltenham will soon rival Oxford as a murder-mystery hot spot’ - Historical Novel Society

‘A vibrant voice from the dark heart of the past’ – Alison Bruce, author of the DC Goodhew novels

‘Fleet has found a tough, determined and likeable new heroine and if this is to be the start of a series, it’s well worth waiting for Eden Grey’s next case’ – Crime Review

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, British Literature

341 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2015

About the author

Kim Fleet has an MA and PhD in Anthropology, an MA in English Literature, and is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute. She lived and worked with Aboriginal people in Australia for a number of years, doing temporary jobs as a tour guide, bus cleaner, store keeper and dental nurse in remote communities, before working as an anthropologist researching land claims cases for Aboriginal people. Her experiences in the outback have informed her murder mystery novels 'Featherfoot' and 'Sacred Site', both of which are set in the Australian outback and feature Aboriginal characters.

Since returning to the UK, she has turned to crime closer to home, writing a crime series set in Cheltenham and featuring PI Eden Grey. The first of these novels, 'Paternoster' was nominated for a Golden Dagger Award. The second, 'Holy Blood' draws on her fascination with religious relics.

Kim has published over 50 short stories in magazines in the UK and abroad, and has won or been shortlisted in over 30 short story competitions. She was interviewed about 'Paternoster' before a sell-out audience at the Cheltenham Literature Festival in 2015. She returned to the Cheltenham Literature Festival in 2018 as prose judge for the Gloucestershire Writers' Network writing competition, and has also presented talks at the Cheltenham Poetry Festival and at Bristol Crime Fest.

She welcomes visitors to her website www.kimfleet.com.

Reviews

[Hannah Mc · Rating 3 out of 5]

So Jackie is an undercover cop, infiltrating a gang smuggling weapons, she is outed and severely hurt. We start our story with the trial and subsequent problems that follow.

Jackie reinvents herself as Eden, as a way to restart her life and hide herself from those in her past.

From the past we follow Rachel who after being a kept woman finds herself down on her luck when her keeper loses all of his money. She joins a brothel. They move to Cheltenham for a better life and end up getting involved in some obscure cult/club called the Hellfire Club.

I liked Rachel’s spirit, she is tough and blunt in a world where females faced much sexism and abuse. She is down on her luck and faces a lot of hurdles to find her way in life again.

Eden finds working as a PI difficult as she is constantly drawn back into police matters, she obviously feels a duty to the people and helps others in need wherever she can.


As much I enjoyed the characters, this novel confused me, there are several different stories going on at once and none of them really connect to each other until nearer the end of the book.

Thankyou to Sapere books for this novel in exchange for a honest review 😃

[Rachel Sargeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was more gruesome than my useful fare, I found it an absorbing story. The author did a great job of weaving several plotlines - new identity compromise, art fraud, town planning, human trafficking, eighteenth century flashbacks and modern-day murder - into a satisfying conclusion. Private detective Eden Grey was a well-developed central character and there was a great sense of place with the Cheltenham setting.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a well written story. It had dual timelines and each one was really good! The main characters were all likable and I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
It was a page turner, I thought it was really good!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Paternoster” takes place during two different periods in time. Part of the book is set in Regency England in 1795 where a prostitute named Rachel Lovett is forced to work in Greville House in Cheltenham and take part in the vile activities at the Hellfire Club meetings. The other part of the book takes place in 2013 where former undercover officer turned private investigator Eden Grey is working on several different seemingly unrelated cases. One of Eden’s clients is murdered and a mother contacts her to find her missing daughter. Eden is also intrigued by a case of bones discovered on the grounds of an exclusive school that her boyfriend is working on. This, along with stolen paintings, gives Eden a full plate even before she realizes the dangers from her old undercover life have followed her.

The way the story is told with the two timelines works well and both plots are intriguing. Much of Rachel’s story is hard to read because of the way she and the other women are treated. The scenarios are disturbing but I’m glad the author doesn’t include graphic descriptions of the Hellfire Club’s events. Rachel’s story is sad and there is a sense of foreboding in each of these chapters. Her story is cleverly tied to Eden’s story hundreds of years later.

Eden is intelligent and street-smart and I liked getting to know her. She is a good investigator who cares about her clients, although I was surprised a few times that she didn’t run basic online searches to get at least some basic facts on a few things she was looking into. Eden’s story is also tense as she lives in fear from people from her old life who may be trying to kill her. I have mixed feelings about her boyfriend Aidan. He can be so supportive and loving at times, but then thoughtless at others. When things are going well, they make a great team both personally and in piecing together the clues from the various cases. The book is suspenseful and Eden faces much drama before things come together for a satisfactory resolution. A couple things seemed to be a little pat based on previous events. However, I like the character and hope Eden’s adventures continue in future books.

I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Sapere Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
England, 1795
Kept woman Rachel Lovett is forced onto the streets when her benefactor Darcy loses all his money.
Forced into stealing jewellery to survive, Rachel finds herself running from a thief taker after stealing some gloves and is forced to join a brothel and soon finds herself introduced to the ruthless Paternoster Club.
Cheltenham, 2013
Over two hundred years later a pair of skeletons are found in the grounds of a prestigious school, and local Private Investigator Eden Grey is called to the scene. It becomes clear that these are not recent murders, the bodies have lain there for maybe two hundred years.
As Eden’s past – and her true identity – starts to close in on her, and more strange cases land in her lap, Eden finds herself in a race against time to solve the mysteries.
I was drawn into the book from the first page when an undercover agent is outed & I was engrossed until the end. A well written page turning read. Strong characters added to the book. I liked both Eden & Aidan who were different in many ways but the chemistry between them was very good & believable. I particularly liked the two time frames & how they meshed together. There were a couple of loose ends that weren’t tied up but as I hope there will be more books in the series I can see that these threads could easily continue through
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts out with a bit of a wild ride and I wasn't sure how it would all get tied together, but it certainly did. I loved the dual timeline and found both Rachel and Eden/Jackie to be engaging characters that you immediately connected with. The whole concept of the Paternoster Club was a little disturbing but not so graphic that it made me want to stop reading. This was a great mystery along with a little historical fiction thrown in for good measure. I look forward to more books in this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Read it and immediately downloaded the next 2 books in the series and read them too.
Thought the dual timeline was interesting and enjoyed both stories.
Really interesting characters and locations, love the archaeological aspects too and the relationships between the characters kept me gripped too.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a thriller/crime novel with a dark and evil part to it. There are lots of very sick people in the book.

Eden Gray is a PI who used to be someone else. She was an undercover police officer who testified against some evil weapons dealers. She disappeared and started life over. She is a damaged but good character - strong, brave, independent. She is in a relationship with Aiden, also a good character. After a client dies, perhaps poisoned, she gets involved in solving the mystery of his death as well as a few other murders and missing people.

Darker than I usually like, but I enjoyed this book.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Sapere books for the ARC.

I am going to preface this by saying I am a stingy five star rater....but I gave this book 5 stars. It was really a great read. I was so engrossed in the book I hadn't realized that I was 90% done with the book - it was such a page turner. After I finished, I immediately downloaded the second book in the series.

A interesting story switching between England in 2013 and 1795. A couple of interesting mysteries tied in between the stories that wove it all together.

There were no great surprises or twists, but just an intriguing story that kept you interesting and wanting to find out what happens next.

[Katy Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has it all- a pseudo-Hellfire Club, elite single parties, ex-undercover cops, PIs, archaeological digs, corrupt institutions, fraudulent private schools and the ubiquitous missing schoolgirls.

Follow Eden Grey as she tries to work out where a missing girl is located, why there is a dead body in building site and why is the school so odd. Welcome to the world of the elite!

This is an absolutely phenomenal story, the best I have read in a long time. It is stunningly written and shows the true cost of crime, punishment and justice on our key workers in the judicial system.

Next please!

[Colm Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and not an obvious who dunnit

This was a really good read. It moved at a good pace, well written, good characters and some interesting twists and turns. If you are looking for a short, easy read and like mysteries then this should appeal. I enjoyed it enough that I will be reading the next in the series.

[Rose Bell]

I really like dual timeline novels. This was really interesting. I like the characters and the writing. I got the second of the series from BookBub and am really grateful that I bought the first one of the series and read it first.

[Betty Torma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable cozy mystery. The characters are well drawn out and the ending is surprising. I will definitely read more of this author's books.

[Peg Albrets · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, will read the next one

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable, fast paced read.

[Pat Welte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and was drawn into every move in this book. I could hardly wait for the next book in this series.

[Mr Robin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had very recently come across Kim Fleet and her Cheltenham based private detective Eden Gray in a book of short stories by different authors set around Christmas; this full-length novel enabled me to get a much better grip on the character of Eden Gray and her troubled past. Originally based in London “Jackie”, in her previous persona, had been a Customs & Excise officer who had gone undercover in a violent gang of gun and drug smugglers. When her cover was blown, she was almost killed by the gang and after their arrest was set up with a new identity in Cheltenham, to avoid any repercussions from the gang members. In Cheltenham Eden Gray is now a PI and is involved in mostly domestic issues, such as missing people and gathering evidence in divorce cases. However, one such case turns nasty when her client suddenly falls ill and claims to Eden that someone is trying to kill him. When he soon dies in hospital, and she finds he has been poisoned, Eden has a serious case on her hands. At the same time, her recently acquired man friend, Aidan, an archaeologist, is asked to help the police with an examination of two skeletons found during excavations for a new science block at the local and exclusive private school. Soon it is clear that the skeletons are from the eighteenth century but have also died violently. With a clever twist to the tale the author takes us back to 1795 where we meet a further interesting character in Rachell Lovett whose parents had died when she was young and who ended up as a lady of the oldest profession. Rachel’s “madame” Mrs Bedwin shortly moves her girls from London to Cheltenham and the two stories start to merge with the two sets of characters visiting the same locations, including the site of the Cheltenham school. In 1795 the school had been a private house used by local members of the Hellfire Club who invited Mrs Bedwin’s “girls” to join in the parties at the house and “entertain” the club members during their initiation ceremonies. It soon becomes clear that two of the characters from 1795 are going to end up as the skeletons found in modern day Cheltenham; but there is a lot more of the story to unfold, in both time lines, before the mystery of the death of Eden’s client is unravelled. Eden finds herself plunged into a very dangerous situation with some very unpleasant people in Cheltenham and the possibility that a recently released gang member from her previous life may have tracked her down. All in all, a very entertaining novel with very believable characters and a very clever plot, linking the murderous events in modern day Cheltenham to the lascivious events and characters of 1795. Thanks goes to Sabre books for providing a copy of this book for review.

[Jane Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has two stories running side by side – one set in the late 18th century, where prostitute Rachel Lovett is trying to secure a better life for herself, and one set in the early 21st century where private eye Eden Grey, a former undercover detective who has assumed a new identity for her own safety, is working on several cases that appear to be unconnected with each other.

Eden’s boyfriend Aidan is called to help the police inspect and identify some bones that are uncovered in an excavation at a local school, and Eden goes along to accompany him. She realises that this school is one that one of her clients has mentioned in connection with a possibly stolen painting, and starts to delve deeper.

Next day her client is taken ill and dies in circumstances that Eden believes to be suspicious, and while investigating his death and also the disappearance of a local schoolgirl, begins to see threads in all of her cases are entwined – with the school, Greville House, being linked to them all.

Meanwhile back in the 1790s, Rachel has been forced by her madam to leave London to work in Cheltenham, where she and her fellow prostitutes are often sent to Greville House to entertain the gentlemen of the Paternoster club, a branch of the Hellfire club, where she witnesses some terrible goings on.

The old and new stories entwine perfectly and are very cleverly interwoven so that as a reader you realise what is happening, and have a general idea who and what is involved, and yet there are still plenty surprises when the full reveal, in both stories, takes place.

A very cleverly constructed and enjoyable read.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: Eden Grey is many things. She is a smart, capable investigator. Eden Grey did not exist until after she went into witness protection to hide her from the dangerous kingpin whose gang she infiltrated and helped bring down but not before it almost cost her her life. She is now living in Cheltenham where she has built a career and has a personal life but it is all built on a lie. And if the wrong people figure it out, she is a dead woman.
When a client dies of poisoning before her eyes and his last words are “Paternoster” she feels obligated to find out who killed him and why. Her boyfriend Aiden has been called to an excavation site where ancient bones are discovered. Is there a common thread between the murders centuries apart? Eden has to find out but in doing so, does she open up the secret of her whereabouts to those who still want her dead. The signs seem to indicate she is in the cross hairs once again.
This is the first of a new series and it has oodles of potential. Both Eden and Aiden are interesting characters. They are attractive yet quirky with just enough demons to make the reader root for them. The two mysteries of the bones and the murders are each told in their separate time capsules. It is only at the end when the connections occur and help bring the modern villains to task. Of course you also have the suspense of the bad guys from her past catching up with her. Overall, it is a cracking good story.
Five purrs and two paws up.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paternoster is a split novel set in two different time frames. The central theme is a kind of secret society, loosely based on the Hellfire Club that really did exist in the England in the 18th century.

Eden Grey, or "Jackie" as she was called in a former life, is a former police officer who became a Private Investigator after she had to change identities in a witness protection plan.
When one of her clients suddenly dies of a very rare poison she becomes involved with a strange secret society.
Her lover Aiden gets tied in with this plot from a different angle when, as an archaeologist, he is called in to exhume two 200 year old skeletons.
While trying to find out what really happened to her client Eden takes on another assignment to find an 18 year old that has disappeared.

In the past, Rachel is a prostitute fallen on hard times, who flees the "thief taker" from London to end up in Cheltenham where one night she is sent to Greville house to participate in an initiation rite of the Paternoster society.

After some nail-biting developments it turns out that all the stories tie-in together and Eden and Aiden solve multiple crimes.

I really liked this book, it was well written, suspenseful and I think the author did a good job checking the historical facts and context.
Almost 5 stars, well maybe more 4,5*

I want to thank Sapere Books and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in the Eden Grey dual timeline conspiracy thriller series which I found hugely enjoyable. Paternoster is set in London and Cheltenham during the 18th and 21st centuries. In 2013 two skeletons dating back to the 1700s are unearthed in the grounds of a prestigious school, the deaths appearing to be by foul play. Two further murders then occur seemingly linked to the past. In 1795 a prostitute gets involved with an unwholesome group known as the “Paternoster Club” with tragic results. There is also the mystery of Eden’s past which runs along in the background, so you have to be on your toes when reading this one.

Paternoster is a gripping story, very much a page turner. There is so much going on, it’s action packed, full of twists and turns plus the odd red herring. It’s brilliantly constructed and the two timelines link together seamlessly. I love the characters, they seem well defined and realistic. Eden and her boyfriend, Adrian, make a fantastic duo. It’s a Bertie Bassett type of a mystery, a bit of all sorts! Human trafficking, prostitution, fraudulent paintings, murder and debauchery to name but a few!

It’s edge of your seat stuff, taking you on a rollercoaster of an entertaining ride. I loved it from beginning to end and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie is an undercover police detective who goes after a drug dealer. During the operation, she is discovered and almost killed. When she recovers from the violent attack, she is unable and unwilling to continue working as a police officer. She turns to Private Investigator and takes on a new life as Eden Grey.
This time shifting book takes place between 1795 and 2013 with the connection being the Paternoster Club. This exclusive gentleman’s club involves prostitutes, violence and greed. The club is located within Grenville House in 1795 or the exclusive private school in 2013.
The author weaves these time periods together and interchanges the characters and the plot.
The main character of Eden Grey is a strong and intelligent woman who is works with Aiden, an archaeologist. Together this unlikely pair figure out the murders of numerous characters and the reasoning behind these murders.
When a burial plot is unearthed on the grounds of the exclusive school, and a client of Eden’s dies suddenly and unexpectedly, the story takes off.
This was a good read. Once you begin, you cannot put it down. The writing is smart, and realistic. The story line and plot were believable and interesting.
I am looking forward to reading more stories with Eden and Aiden.

[Mystica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it has been done a myriad times, stories told in two time lines are fascinating for me. Invariably the first one is ancient, so there is history involved. Then the present time line brings in a modern twist to the mystery that has to be unfolded.

This is what happens here. England 1795 Rachel has lost her benefactor. She has gone back to being a prostitute and sees her future prospects dwindling. In the brothel, she is forced to join the Paternoster Club and this is the beginning of the end for Rachel.

This part of the story was harsh, and showed the hopelessness of women in Rachel's position sans family there was no protection of any kind.

Cheltenham 2013 and the discovery of two skeletons halts construction at a very posh school. Much to the irritation of the Management, it becomes a crime scene though the crime was committed 200 years before. Eden Grey is called upon to sort the mystery out, but she has secrets of her own and when they start to unravel Eden herself is in grave danger.

Paternoster was an edge of the seat thriller. Combing the best of historical fiction, mystery murders and a beautiful setting with excellent and unusual characters the book had everything going for it.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book in a new series and if it is anything to go by, then I am certainly looking forward to the next ones! It has a dual timeline of the late 18th century and early 21st featuring Eden Grey - an ex cop who is now a private eye. It is whilst doing work for one of her clients, Paul, that she is alerted to the remains of two dead bodies found in the grounds of a nearby elite school, who are building an extension. It happens to be the same school which her client's children attend and so when Paul dies suddenly and suspiciously too, Eden has to seek out what is going on here.
Then we are taken back to Regency London/Cheltenham and are introduced to Rachel Lovett, a'kept' prostitute who becomes destitute and finds herself attending evenings at a private house in Cheltenham ( now the school) where women are constantly going missing from. What is the connection between the centuries? And is the Paternoster referred to by Paul in his dying breath, anything to do with the 18th century Hellfire Club?
The stories all come together neatly in the subterranean tunnels of the house however the story also highlights that certain abuses still exist, if only in a different format. Overall Iwould give the story 4.5*.
Thanks to Sapere books for the ARC to review.

[Rose Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie is an undercover police detective who goes after a drug dealer. During the operation, she is discovered and almost killed. After recovering from the violent attack , Jackie becomes Eden Grey private investigator.
The book takes place between two time periods 1795 and 2013. When construction on an exclusive school uncovers Skelton remains the story shifts between when this school was Grenville house and the life of Rachel a prostitute and the Paternoster Club, an exclusive
men’s club with a violent and perverted twist.
Eden teams up with Aiden an archaeologist to solve the murder of these bones as well as a wrap other murders.
This team works very well and the relationship between the pair is interesting and enjoyable.
This book is an easy read and involves adult topics and situations. If you like to read mysteries with a strong, intelligent women characters this is a good one.
I look forward to joining up with these characters again in future books
Good reading.

[Di Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Crime thriller and historical thriller rolled into one, it covers two of my favourite genres. The two timelines have parallels, while also being totally different stories. I like the characters in both timelines, and found Rachel to be an interesting heroine: not exactly an empathetic protagonist, but a realist who is ready to make the best of the hand life had dealt her. Eden, who I hope will develop more in the future books, is more empathetic, but also a realist, and I can only hope that she has a slightly easier time of it in her next adventures. The premise is interesting, and The Hellfire Club is popular as a setting/theme for many Regency novels, and always adds a dash of spice without becoming prosaic.

My thanks to Sapere Publishing for the review copy.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to Sapere Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, I try to avoid a summary of the plot and any spoilers.

I was intrigued from the time I read the back cover blurb. The novel takes place over two time periods and both time periods are tightly woven with well-developed characters and plots that move. I wanted to know what happened to Rachel and Eden, both living under pseudonyms, curiously!

There's a little romance and a lot of suspense. I did not see the plot twists coming and I read a lot of these books. Kudos to the author for maintaining the suspense.

This is the first in a series by Kim Fleet and I look forward to reading more.

[Bob Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in the Eden Grey series from Kim Fleet. Kim is ex police now working as a PI. Not through choice but a case going wrong when she was undercover and discovered by her criminal boss!! Story is split across two times, late 1700’s and today. A discovery of two skeleton’s at a school brings in Aiden who happens to be Eden’s current beau. The skeletons turn out to be “old” but how they got there influences both the old story and today’s. Well written with a smooth switch between the two timelines makes this a very enjoyable read. More to come from Eden Grey and I look forward to reading her adventures.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in Cheltenham I was interested to see how this book shaped up and I was pleasantly surprised, especially as I was reading it abroad at the time. The book has been written with a good pace and the characters are well rounded and interesting. There is an interesting link between the historical element and the present and I am keen to find out how much is factually true.
this is the second book I have read by this author and I feel she has now got the bit between her teeth. I look forward to reading more about Eden Grey.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paternoster is a well written novel, which alternates seamlessly between 1795 and 2013. The characters are well-developed and colourful and while some aspects of both the historical and the modern story-lines are a little predictable, there are enough unexpected twists which keep the reader entertained and engaged. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and would certainly recommend it. I look forward to reading more books in the Eden Grey mystery series. Thanks to the author and Sapere Books for the ARC.