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The Discreet Investigations of Lord and Lady Calaway #4
The Earl's Mortal Enemy
The Victorian era is an age of excursions. And for every hopeful holidaymaker, there are dozens of businesses hoping to sell them the trip of their dreams.
Four such men, eager to make money, come together to offer fossil-hunting expeditions along the south coast of England. But ambition and greed soon rip the venture apart and it ends in violent murder.
Unfortunately, the victim is an unwelcome figure from Lady Calaway’s past. She has not seen him for over thirty years, but his death causes new cracks to form in her marriage. And when Lord Calaway’s investigations bring him to the attention of the police those secrets make him a suspect himself.
Lady Calaway is used to fixing other peoples’ relationships. But if she can’t solve this murder, she might lose her marriage too…
This is the fourth book in The Discreet Investigations of Lord and Lady Calaway. It is written in British English, which may use unfamiliar spellings, vocabulary and grammatical structures. Enjoy with a nice cup of Earl Grey tea and perhaps a biscuit.
Four such men, eager to make money, come together to offer fossil-hunting expeditions along the south coast of England. But ambition and greed soon rip the venture apart and it ends in violent murder.
Unfortunately, the victim is an unwelcome figure from Lady Calaway’s past. She has not seen him for over thirty years, but his death causes new cracks to form in her marriage. And when Lord Calaway’s investigations bring him to the attention of the police those secrets make him a suspect himself.
Lady Calaway is used to fixing other peoples’ relationships. But if she can’t solve this murder, she might lose her marriage too…
This is the fourth book in The Discreet Investigations of Lord and Lady Calaway. It is written in British English, which may use unfamiliar spellings, vocabulary and grammatical structures. Enjoy with a nice cup of Earl Grey tea and perhaps a biscuit.
- GenresMystery
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2020
140 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 24, 2020
Cozy Whodunit
No sex
No gory details
No memorable harsh language
Good plot twists
Criticisms: One more proofreader after the book seemed finished could have caught the odd misplaced words in the occasional sentence as well as a few pronoun usage errors.
Also, I found it odd that Theodore's training as a doctor was ignored when that knowledge could have been used.
Plot no spoilers:
Theodore and Adelia open their home to some men of their acquaintance who are starting a new business nearby but have complained of a flea infestation in their hotel.
It quickly becomes apparent that the men are not friends, and are, in fact, probably unsuited to be in business together. Clearly they do not trust one another. As happens in cozy mysteries, there's a murder. One of the men is guilty, but which one and why?
Theodore and Adelia, a good friend, and one of their daughters become involved in helping the police.
Good light reading. I enjoy the humor in the relationships among friends and family. They get along but exasperate each other at times.
I think the book could be enjoyed without reading previous books in the series.
Recommended for teen - adult
No sex
No gory details
No memorable harsh language
Good plot twists
Criticisms: One more proofreader after the book seemed finished could have caught the odd misplaced words in the occasional sentence as well as a few pronoun usage errors.
Also, I found it odd that Theodore's training as a doctor was ignored when that knowledge could have been used.
Plot no spoilers:
Theodore and Adelia open their home to some men of their acquaintance who are starting a new business nearby but have complained of a flea infestation in their hotel.
It quickly becomes apparent that the men are not friends, and are, in fact, probably unsuited to be in business together. Clearly they do not trust one another. As happens in cozy mysteries, there's a murder. One of the men is guilty, but which one and why?
Theodore and Adelia, a good friend, and one of their daughters become involved in helping the police.
Good light reading. I enjoy the humor in the relationships among friends and family. They get along but exasperate each other at times.
I think the book could be enjoyed without reading previous books in the series.
Recommended for teen - adult
December 12, 2020
Delightful and charming are the two words that pop to mind when I think about this story. That's the short and sweet description but there's so much more that could be said.
I have read the earlier novels and find that I have to 'binge' on this series. The narrative in all the stories thus far cascades like a bubbling brook down a steep hill, weaving this way and that as it seeks stillness in a meadow below.
Adelia and Theodore are the crime solving Victorians. The parents of seven daughters, years of marriage, and full fledged members of the 'ton' (fashionable society), the depth of their understanding of the many facets of human behavior and psychology are utilized and applied to solving crimes. It's something of a hobby to them both, each bringing their special insights to finding solutions. Even their daughters are impressed into aiding them on occasion.
I particularly enjoy the dialog and interplay between this husband and wife team. Often comical, always insightful these two are not always simpatico and occasionally at odds, primarily because of the differences in their approach to facts and feelings.
Looking forward the the next in the series!
I have read the earlier novels and find that I have to 'binge' on this series. The narrative in all the stories thus far cascades like a bubbling brook down a steep hill, weaving this way and that as it seeks stillness in a meadow below.
Adelia and Theodore are the crime solving Victorians. The parents of seven daughters, years of marriage, and full fledged members of the 'ton' (fashionable society), the depth of their understanding of the many facets of human behavior and psychology are utilized and applied to solving crimes. It's something of a hobby to them both, each bringing their special insights to finding solutions. Even their daughters are impressed into aiding them on occasion.
I particularly enjoy the dialog and interplay between this husband and wife team. Often comical, always insightful these two are not always simpatico and occasionally at odds, primarily because of the differences in their approach to facts and feelings.
Looking forward the the next in the series!
December 24, 2020
Very enjoyable
It's a wonderful series. It is very Victorian, so you have to bear with a great deal of "women being treated as chattel", which they were.
The characters are excellent. The mystery is interesting. I would recommend that you start with Book 1 and work your way through them.
It's a wonderful series. It is very Victorian, so you have to bear with a great deal of "women being treated as chattel", which they were.
The characters are excellent. The mystery is interesting. I would recommend that you start with Book 1 and work your way through them.
July 7, 2020
Review
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and well thought out. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a Victorian cozy mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and well thought out. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a Victorian cozy mystery.
November 18, 2020
3.5 stars really
July 3, 2021
A bit of a slow start but it perked up nicely. Be sure to read this series in order.
August 17, 2024
I really like this series. I laugh out loud at some of the main characters and their antics. The way they bumble along cracks me up.
August 29, 2020
The Earl 's Mortal Enemy..Book 4
This was an incredible book...every page was filled with adventure and mystery!..you will not be able to put it down until the last chapter is read..so stock up on TV dinners,because you won't be cooking,only reading!
This was an incredible book...every page was filled with adventure and mystery!..you will not be able to put it down until the last chapter is read..so stock up on TV dinners,because you won't be cooking,only reading!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews