The Painted Lady A Christopher Redmayne Mystery

Christopher Redmayne #6

by Edward Marston

Araminta Jewell is one of the beauties of her day; a witty, resourceful, dazzling young lady who manages to resist all the blandishments that come her way. Even her marriage to the staid and ugly Sir Martin Culthorpe has not discouraged the rakes of London; for them she has assumed an almost iconic status. Before she wed, a special club had been set upâthe Society for the Capture of Aramintaâs Maidenhoodâwith the first man to bed her standing to win a sizeable wager. Though she is now a wife, she is still pursued with unflagging zeal. It is during her first sitting for a portrait painted by the fashionable French artist Jean-Paul Villemot that the architect Christopher Redmayne meets the lovely Lady Culthorpe, although he has heard much about her through his dissipated brother Henry, one of her most ardent pursuers. Before the portrait can be finished and revealed, however, Sir Martin is murdered. Joining forces with Henry and his good friend the puritan Constable Jonathan Bale, Christopher embarks on a quest to discover the killerâs identity. But with each new day bringing a fresh batch of suspects, and the matter of whether Sir Martin was killed because of his shady business dealings or for the exquisite prize of his wife still unclear, Christopher knows this will be far from an easy case to crack.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Crime, Historical Mystery, British Literature

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston

Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.


Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal

Reviews

[Jazzy Lemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Araminta Jewell is considered a true jewell by her suitors who have even formed a society around her, so when she marries an ugly man no one had considered in the running for her chastity, her fans aren't ready to give up so easily. So when her husband is murdered, Christopher Redmayne must sift through the many suspects to find the killer.

[Sportyrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book and found the historical element quite fascinating. I also enjoyed trying to solve the mystery (unsuccessfully) throughout the book. I couldn't quite relate to the motivation behind some of the characters and thought the detectives could have unravelled some things earlier. Overall, I was glad I read the book and would read more of Marston's books.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Araminta Jewell is the idol of a group of restoration rakes with their eyes on her virginity. She scuppers their plans by marrying. One of them, however, is not standing for this, and when her husband is murdered it is up to Christopher Redmayne and Jonathan Bale to find the culprit before an innocent man is executed for a crime he didn't commit.

The sixth, and sadly, last of the Christopher Redmayne novels by Edward Marston. He switched to doing only his railway crime novels after this one. Which is a massive disappointment as Christopher Redmayne and Jonathan Bale are the most delightful and unlikely crime fighting duo since Randall and Hopkirk (deceased).

Full of glorious restoration period detail and wonderfully colourful characters, including Christopher's dissolute brother Henry. "The Painted Lady" is a glorious high note to the series.

I still want more. :(

[Stefania · Rating 2 out of 5]

L'idea di un poliziesco storico mi ha intrigata ma c'è molto poco di storico. La lettura è scorrevole ma non accattivante, l'intrigo ha poco spessore. Insomma, anche se la lettura resta piacevole, non mi sento proprio di consigliarlo.

[☆Ruth☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much of the enjoyment with an audio book depends on the narration and although on the whole this book was well-narrated, for me it was just a little bit OTT regarding the audio characterisation. However, once I got used to the narrator's interpretation, I found it reasonably entertaining.

[laninaki · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I can't decide if I like Christopher Redmayne or not....and given that he's a pretty big part of the Christopher Redmayne books, that could be a problem.

The mystery was predictable, the dialog horrendous (comprised of clipped, short sentences throughout), the character development non-existent (everybody is either pure of thought, or a sinner of the worst kind) and yet, I read the full book and don't feel it was a complete waste of time. I may even give Christopher another try.

[Zosia Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read the previous 5 novels and sadly felt that there was something missing from this last one.
The book & plot is well written but I wonder why if this was the last book Edward Marston was going to write in the series that he didn't give Christopher a happier ending. In that I mean let him marry his love Susan Cheevers instead of writing her out of the book (he sends her home to Northamptonshire, her father's estate) and we hear of no correspondence between the two.
I also found the character of Henry particularly irritating in this book. I also found Christopher rather bland too. There hasn't really been any development of the characters or growth. Both Johnathan & Christopher sort of stay the same.
However, saying that, I did enjoy the previous books in the series. And before finding these books, I have already enjoyed E.M. The Railway Detective.

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being the last book in the Christopher Redmayne - Restoration series I had anticipated something very special and a lasting tribute to all of the books that preceded it. What I actualy got was a story that was similar to all the others. Not much excitement and a plot that went at methodical pace. While the ending was interesting it was not one that rounded off the series with any great flurry or finalé. Being disappointed I wont be shouting encore

[Robert Hepple · Rating 3 out of 5]

First published in 2007, The Painted Lady is the sixth in the Christopher Redmayne series of murder mysteries set in post-restoration London. The Painted Lady of the title is the subject of the latest work by a portrait painter. In the usual style of others in the series, the plot is simplistic and predictable, but the story is made readable by the eccentric characterisations throughout.

[AlegnaB † · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 -- I liked the series a lot. I like Christopher and Jonathan working together, and I wish there were more books about them. I won't miss Henry, though. I'm disappointed that we didn't get a conclusion to one relationship that ran through the first five books in the series.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book as always with Edward Marston. Last in Restoration series but I feel there could have been more to tie up some loose ends for example Christopher Redmaynes relationship with Susan Cheever. The series was very good.

[Mary Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this book up at a library sale. Didn't realize it was in a series. Liked the historical information given about the time period. Storyline was ok.

[Andrew Macfarlane · Rating 3 out of 5]

E

[Tomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Silly.

[[ J o ]]

[ read the third book in the series, 'The Repentant Rake' and did not enjoy so will not be continuing with the series ]

[Hollylovesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a sweet little book. A cozy whodunitt. The brother of the protagonist stole the show half way through the book. Recommended to the normal crew

[Anne Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Painted Lady by Edward Marston

I gave this book 4.75 out of 5 stars.

I really loved this book, The story is based on an architect and a local constable set in 1671 they have come together and formed a friendship which included working on crime solving together.

The story is about Araminta Jewell and the 4 men who have formed a passionate attachment to her, a great beauty who wants nothing to do with them. They send her gifts and notes and poems and she wants nothing to do with them. She marries, Sir Martin Culthorpe who loves her more than anything in life and she loves him. It is not a marriage of convenience by a love match.

Sir Martin Culthorpe arranges for a wonderful French artist to paint his wifes portrait. Once he starts to paint her he starts to realise he has feelings for her. Not sure what these feelings are he goes to her home one afternoon to see here one more time.

The 4 rakes in the meantime have a bet with each other, who can win the Affection of Araminta Jewell, they do not feel the marriage has been consummated so they carry on trying to get her in to their bed. But one of them wants more, he wants to possess her.



Unfortunatly our 4 rakes do not believe they are out of the picture, they believe that she is still chaste and they want her maidenhood.

The 4 rakes today would be called stalkers and the courts would be involved in trying to keep the men away from the woman. The way they continually send her notes and gifts they bombard her with their attention they believe they have the right to be the one to get this woman into bed and that she would fall in love with them she only has to fall for their blandishments.

On of the men who has feeling for Araminta takes steps to get rid of the one person standing in the way of Araminta being his. Murder

A Very clever look at the way the 17th century looked on women as objects to be owned. The men where the ones to make all the decisions and women would just fall at their feet and do as they where told. I know that even into our enlightened times there are still some men who feel that it is their right to own the woman. But fortunately they few and far between, but here the book is based in an era where a woman has little or no say over her life. Even our happily married Constable and his wife, If she oversteps the bounds set by her husband he knocks her back, maybe not in a really nasty way but she is still to stay within the bounds set for the woman in the 17th Century.

We also look at the murder with a police force that is very hit and miss, some of the constables being very dedicated to the job and like our constable able to look at the case and clues and follow them to the truth, and the others who patrol only to the nearest pub and go in.

I really enjoyed the book and look fwd to the next one

[Anne Patkau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Older lady and molly are painted, so? Henry is at his worst and best, helping architect brother Chris and Const. Jon free artist client from jail. Husband of portrait beauty is stabbed when her suspect admirers dined together.
Typos: 9.49 ride IS rid
6.46 you reason IS your reason

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murder mystery set in restored London after the London Fire, about 1670 called the Parliament House by Edward Marston. This was a quick reead (my favorite) with little bits of historical information spattered here and there, without forcing the history down your throat, and thus admirably able to draw you into the story of Christopher and Susan, how their courting will be effected by the attempt on her father's life and Christopher's brother and his life of hedonistic stupidity.

I love historic London, and if I am ever lucky enough to go there, I am sure I will fall in love with the place and have a hard time pulling myself away from it's amazing twisting and turning streets. So this was an easy place for me to fall into and really dig into the story. Now, I am a sucker for a love story, and this story had one in addition to the murder and the attempt on Susan's father. The story moved along at a good pace, had a good number of twists and turns, all the villains got their due coming, and in the end Christopher was able to secure a relationship with the one woman for him. So all in all, a decent book, perhaps not the best I have ever read, and nothing life changing here, but still a worthwhile and enduring story. I definitely recommend this book to lovers of a good historical mystery.

[Bettie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Narrator..................Glen McCready
Abr/Unabr...............Unabridged
Genre.......................Crime Mystery

About The Book - Araminta Jewell is a beauty; a dazzling young lady who manages to resist all the blandishments that come her way. But even her marriage to Sir Martin Culthorpe has not discouraged the rakes of London and she is still pursued with unflagging zeal. It is during her first sitting for a portrait that Christopher Redmayne meets the lovely Lady Culthorpe, although he has heard much about her. Before the portrait can be finished, however, Sir Martin is murdered.
Christopher embarks on a quest to discover the killer's identity, but with each new day bringing a fresh batch of suspects, and the matter of whether Sir Martin was killed because of his shady business dealings or for the exquisite prize of his wife still unclear, Christopher knows this will be far from an easy case to crack...

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

#6 in the Christopher Redmayne, London architect, mystery series. Set around 1670 after the Great London fire of 1666. Redmayne has been commission to design and build a home for an increasing popular portrait painter who has settled in London from Paris. The painter is arrested for the murder of the husband of the woman he has been commissioned to paint and Redmayne, with the help of his friend Constable Jonathan Bale, sets out to prove the painter innocent and find the real murderer.

It is light on historical setting, but great in providing an interesting mystery. Supporting characters are interesting particular recurring Redmayne's brother and Bale, a Puritan who fought with Cromwell and who is at odds with the Restoration.

[Hessah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Before I rate This Book, I have to mention that this is the First book of this series, that I have read so I can not judge this book as a part of a series but it will be judged on it's own.

As a stand alone book, it is readable, although in some chapters, I felt that I ve been reading the same sentences 3 times or more which I did not appreciate. No Clifthangers and no surprises. Unfortunately, The Story is interesting but it was not excuted wisely.

Good Effort but not very inspiring, taking into account that the characters are vey shallow with no substance.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A first time reading an Edward Marston book and found it to be entertaining. Although Marston does not give lengthy descriptions and conversations, which I enjoy, the storyline moves along quickly and holds ones interest. It also was the first "mystery" I have read in some time....I did not solve the mystery. I probably would read another if one were available through our library system. I will be eternally grateful that I did not live during that time period.

[Wayne Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The usual enjoyable, fast read that I have come to expect from Edward Marston with some great bits of historical info, for instance, this time we get a little background on Molly Houses...
I still like all the supporting characters, such as Christopher's brother Henry, and Constable Bale, but I am getting a little weary of Henry always being at the centre of the mystery as to almost always be a suspect - it's getting to be a coincidence too far.

[Rachel Nowakowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The dastardly brother was a nice counterpoint to the two main protagonists. I haven't read any of this series before but I think I will try some of the others. The story was engaging and I found the twist at the end when the murderer was revealed was a neat tying up of the story.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of rakes have determined to debauch society beauty Araminta Jewell. One of the advantages to marrying her beloved husband is that she will now have protection against the rakes. But her husband dies, and (for some reason) there is no one left to protect her but Christopher Redmayne. I found THE PAINTED LADY an enjoyable, very fast read written in Marston's usual smooth style.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and this was one of my favorites. I wish the author would write more books featuring Christopher Redmayne. My only complaint is that the author left the Christopher / Susan Cheever relationship hanging. Why can't authors ever have a "everyone lived happily ever after" ending any more?

[Inge Van Delft · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun historic whodunit, but that was all it was. I just noticed that it's one in a series of whodunits all featuring the same sleuth. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook while driving, but the story line was a bit silly. I might pick up another one in the series, but I'm not going to look for them.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical mystery takes place in London after the Great Fire of 1666. Our sleuth is an architect, Christopher Redmayne.
I've read many books by this author, but this is the first I've read in this series.

I read the hard copy--a problem with Goodreads