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The Northminster Mysteries #9
Moonshine and Mercury
In summer of 1842, the spa town of Stanegate is booming, thanks to the vision of Captain Carrington, the enterprising proprietor of the Hydropathic Institute.
Fashionable visitors can take the latest cures, luxuriate in the opulent Roman Baths and buy all the newest frivolities from the glamorous shops in the Parade before an evening’s entertainment at the newly built Opera House.
But when the remains of a man are discovered in an animal cage at Askham’s Menagerie, the darkness under the glittering surface of the town is exposed. It is the task of Major Giles Vernon and Felix Carswell to determine who he is and how he came to such a terrible end.
Was he killed by Moonshine and Mercury, a pair of beautiful and celebrated leopards, or is there something far more sinister at work in the resort? When a disaffected French chef commits suicide in the arms of his employer, Madame Jacquot – the alluring manager of The White Hart Hotel – it seems so.
As they hunt for the killer, Giles and Felix must cut through a dangerous tangle of bewildering clues, encountering old friends and new enemies, before the truth is finally laid bare.
Fashionable visitors can take the latest cures, luxuriate in the opulent Roman Baths and buy all the newest frivolities from the glamorous shops in the Parade before an evening’s entertainment at the newly built Opera House.
But when the remains of a man are discovered in an animal cage at Askham’s Menagerie, the darkness under the glittering surface of the town is exposed. It is the task of Major Giles Vernon and Felix Carswell to determine who he is and how he came to such a terrible end.
Was he killed by Moonshine and Mercury, a pair of beautiful and celebrated leopards, or is there something far more sinister at work in the resort? When a disaffected French chef commits suicide in the arms of his employer, Madame Jacquot – the alluring manager of The White Hart Hotel – it seems so.
As they hunt for the killer, Giles and Felix must cut through a dangerous tangle of bewildering clues, encountering old friends and new enemies, before the truth is finally laid bare.
- GenresHistorical Mystery
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2020
193 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 23, 2020
Another good addition to this historical mystery series. Not so much about Felix's wife, who I find childish and annoying. :) Good mystery.
December 23, 2020
Just love this series set in the 1800's showing a great and detailed picture of life in England during those times. The characters are developing, showing their strengths and human characteristics as the story rolls on. There are a lot of the same characters that repeat in each installment, but always new people to add depth and mystery to the plotline. I already have reserved the 10th in this series to will be able to read it as soon as it is released.
December 19, 2020
All the Northmister series are very entertaining!
November 30, 2020
Excellent series
Thanks to the author for an excellent series! Her writing style is both informative and descriptive. It was a pleasure to read and to become involved with the characters and their trials and triumphs.
Thanks to the author for an excellent series! Her writing style is both informative and descriptive. It was a pleasure to read and to become involved with the characters and their trials and triumphs.
October 7, 2020
Delightful in every way
The characters, the setting, the plot were all completely engaging. I never much liked the self-absorbed Eleanor who can get away with anything just because she is beautiful, so it is interesting to see how her little sub-plot develops. It is easy to become involved with most of the characters because the author makes you care about them. And it was a really good mystery, too!
The characters, the setting, the plot were all completely engaging. I never much liked the self-absorbed Eleanor who can get away with anything just because she is beautiful, so it is interesting to see how her little sub-plot develops. It is easy to become involved with most of the characters because the author makes you care about them. And it was a really good mystery, too!
October 25, 2020
Excellent!
This is a terrific, exciting murder mystery that Giles and Felix investigate! There are lots of other events, some connected and some not, that hinder the investigation. All the main characters and extended friends and family are interesting characters, except Eleanor, Felix's wife -----she is spoiled, petulant, and selfish! Enjoy----- wild adventure!
This is a terrific, exciting murder mystery that Giles and Felix investigate! There are lots of other events, some connected and some not, that hinder the investigation. All the main characters and extended friends and family are interesting characters, except Eleanor, Felix's wife -----she is spoiled, petulant, and selfish! Enjoy----- wild adventure!
October 2, 2023
Back to normal
Normal in this case being excellent. You realise, on reading books set in the mid 19th century just how far we have come. In technology, in science, in crime solving and in every day life, we have made so many leaps forward. It's amazing to think back then that operations like the one carried out on Lord Rothborough, were so rare and so dangerous! Life with these people isn't dull.
Normal in this case being excellent. You realise, on reading books set in the mid 19th century just how far we have come. In technology, in science, in crime solving and in every day life, we have made so many leaps forward. It's amazing to think back then that operations like the one carried out on Lord Rothborough, were so rare and so dangerous! Life with these people isn't dull.
January 18, 2021
Engrossing!
I read this book the fastest out of all her others in this series. I simply couldn’t put it down. Harriet has succeeded in making me emotionally attached to the main characters and I fought crying on a few occasions in this one. I eagerly await a tenth book and more in this intriguing, incredible series!
I read this book the fastest out of all her others in this series. I simply couldn’t put it down. Harriet has succeeded in making me emotionally attached to the main characters and I fought crying on a few occasions in this one. I eagerly await a tenth book and more in this intriguing, incredible series!
September 8, 2021
Great series!!!!!
I cannot say enough about this series. From the first book I was so taken with them that I ordered the whole series. I have done nothing but read them all. They were fabulous. I have she will write more in this series,I couldn't put them down.
I cannot say enough about this series. From the first book I was so taken with them that I ordered the whole series. I have done nothing but read them all. They were fabulous. I have she will write more in this series,I couldn't put them down.
July 4, 2021
Great historical ficton series, wonderful well-developed characters, plot, one of my favorite new series
November 3, 2025
September 1842 The remains of Captain Carrington, owner of the Hydropathic Institute in Stanegate, is discovered dead in the leopards cage in the Askham Menagerie. Captain Vernon and Dr Carwell are sent to investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery
An enjoyable historical mystery
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews