What do you think?
Rate this book
Kathryn Ardleigh #5
Death at Rottingdean
For Kathryn Ardleigh and her newly Lorded husband Charles, a seaside holiday in Rottingdean is a needed rest. The cozy hamlet is built on a labyrinth of hundred-year-old tunnels that once were used by smugglers. But when a coast guard's body is found on the beach, the town is suspected to plying its illicit trades of the past. And with the help of a young writer named Rudyard Kipling, they're about to discover something rotten in Rottingdean...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1999
65 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Robin Paige
42 books187 followersRobin Paige is the pen-name of husband and wife team Bill and Susan Wittig Albert.
The Robin Paige Victorian/Edwardian mystery series was written by Bill and Susan Albert from 1994-2006. There are a dozen books in the series (now completed), beginning in the mid 1890s and continuing through 1903.
The series, beginning with Death at Bishop's Keep, features two amateur sleuths: Kate Ardleigh Sheridan and Sir Charles Sheridan, later Lord Sheridan , Baron of Somersworth. Kate is an Irish-American woman who writes under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell.
She comes to England and inherits a small fortune and the estate of Bishops Keep, located in East Anglia, near the village of Dedham, Essex. Sir Charles is a landed peer and amateur scientist with a special interest in new forensic techniques, such as fingerprinting, ballistics, toxicology, and photography.
In each of the 12 books in the series, Kate and Charles meet notable figures of their time as they set about solving the relevant mystery.
The Robin Paige Victorian/Edwardian mystery series was written by Bill and Susan Albert from 1994-2006. There are a dozen books in the series (now completed), beginning in the mid 1890s and continuing through 1903.
The series, beginning with Death at Bishop's Keep, features two amateur sleuths: Kate Ardleigh Sheridan and Sir Charles Sheridan, later Lord Sheridan , Baron of Somersworth. Kate is an Irish-American woman who writes under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell.
She comes to England and inherits a small fortune and the estate of Bishops Keep, located in East Anglia, near the village of Dedham, Essex. Sir Charles is a landed peer and amateur scientist with a special interest in new forensic techniques, such as fingerprinting, ballistics, toxicology, and photography.
In each of the 12 books in the series, Kate and Charles meet notable figures of their time as they set about solving the relevant mystery.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 18, 2020
The superb setting of the South Downs brings 'Death at Rottingdean' very much to life with the lively characters adding to the entertainment.
Lord Charles Sheridan and his wife Lady Kathryn Ardleigh Sheridan decide to take a short break at Rottingdean. Little do they know that it is not to be a break but a full scale investigation into a couple of deaths and other mysterious happenings in the town.
It all begins when an 11-year-old boy named Patrick spots a skiff rowing out into the Channel with something in tow. Later, when a body is washed up, he wonders if that is what he has seen sometime earlier when looking out to sea. The body is of one of the coastguards who patrol the south coast and it is initially thought that he has committed suicide.
However, there is suspicion about his death so Lord Charles and his wife, who have previously been involved in various investigations of that nature, are asked to look into the matter. And as smuggling on this part of the coast has previously played a large part in the life of the community and the dead man is a coastguard, there definitely is a suspicion of foul play.
The author Rudyard Kipling is a resident of Rottingdean and he joins Sir Charles in looking into the matter, which becomes more serious when another coastguard, the boss of the organisation on the south coast, turns up dead. And to make matters worse, the Prince of Wales is paying a visit to the town and he hears of the matter when in the company of the town's dignitaries plus Lord Charles, his wife and Kipling. He immediately commissions Lord Charles to officially undertake the investigation on behalf of the Crown for his argument is that the coastguards are 'Her Majesty's Coastguards'.
And it is a dangerous assignment as the more Lord Charles looks into the matter, the more serious it seems to become. Fortunately young Patrick knows the system of tunnels that were in days gone by used by the smugglers so he is a great help in the matter. It becomes apparent that illicit dealings still seem to be ongoing in the town and it is difficult to get information from the townsfolk, many of whom seem to be in on the trade.This makes it more difficult for Lord Charles to get a concise picture of what is happening.
However, his diligence pays off and he eventually unravels the situation, discovers who is involved and saves young Patrick from a possible nasty death.
'Death in Rottingdean' is an enjoyable and thrilling adventure and is a worthy addition to Robin Paige's Victorian Mystery Series.
Lord Charles Sheridan and his wife Lady Kathryn Ardleigh Sheridan decide to take a short break at Rottingdean. Little do they know that it is not to be a break but a full scale investigation into a couple of deaths and other mysterious happenings in the town.
It all begins when an 11-year-old boy named Patrick spots a skiff rowing out into the Channel with something in tow. Later, when a body is washed up, he wonders if that is what he has seen sometime earlier when looking out to sea. The body is of one of the coastguards who patrol the south coast and it is initially thought that he has committed suicide.
However, there is suspicion about his death so Lord Charles and his wife, who have previously been involved in various investigations of that nature, are asked to look into the matter. And as smuggling on this part of the coast has previously played a large part in the life of the community and the dead man is a coastguard, there definitely is a suspicion of foul play.
The author Rudyard Kipling is a resident of Rottingdean and he joins Sir Charles in looking into the matter, which becomes more serious when another coastguard, the boss of the organisation on the south coast, turns up dead. And to make matters worse, the Prince of Wales is paying a visit to the town and he hears of the matter when in the company of the town's dignitaries plus Lord Charles, his wife and Kipling. He immediately commissions Lord Charles to officially undertake the investigation on behalf of the Crown for his argument is that the coastguards are 'Her Majesty's Coastguards'.
And it is a dangerous assignment as the more Lord Charles looks into the matter, the more serious it seems to become. Fortunately young Patrick knows the system of tunnels that were in days gone by used by the smugglers so he is a great help in the matter. It becomes apparent that illicit dealings still seem to be ongoing in the town and it is difficult to get information from the townsfolk, many of whom seem to be in on the trade.This makes it more difficult for Lord Charles to get a concise picture of what is happening.
However, his diligence pays off and he eventually unravels the situation, discovers who is involved and saves young Patrick from a possible nasty death.
'Death in Rottingdean' is an enjoyable and thrilling adventure and is a worthy addition to Robin Paige's Victorian Mystery Series.
October 11, 2011
Seems this author (well, authors) puts out a consistent product. None of the titles are great, but all are a bit more than OK. Kinda like a good television series - as long as you don't expect too much, you'll have an enjoyable time. Still wish the two main characters had a little more... character though. They're just too flat to ever make the books more than 3-star-worthy.
May 12, 2019
This is the fifth book in this historical mystery series featuring the married couple Charles Sheridan and his wife Kate who solve mysteries together. I enjoy these books as much for the history as for the mystery. They always include real historical characters. This one has Rudyard Kipling and his family. I would recommend this book and the whole series. I really enjoy Charles and Kate together.
March 22, 2009
Having taken a little time off from reading this series, I'd forgotten just how enjoyable these books are. I love the rapport between Lord and Lady Sheridan, and the historical-figures-as-characters plot device still works for me. (This time it's Rudyard Kipling and his aunt, Lady Georgiana Burne-Jones, wife of the artist Edward Burne-Jones.)
I found this book to be a bit slow to get going, but once it did, I couldn't read it fast enough. I think the author(s) struck just the right balance between the actual mystery and the personal relationship of the two leads. There was one issue between the two that I wish had been resolved a little sooner than it was, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book at all.
I found this book to be a bit slow to get going, but once it did, I couldn't read it fast enough. I think the author(s) struck just the right balance between the actual mystery and the personal relationship of the two leads. There was one issue between the two that I wish had been resolved a little sooner than it was, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book at all.
August 12, 2022
Consistently fun books that aren't exactly deserving of awards, but are worth a go if you're keen on historical fiction or murder mysteries
September 8, 2020
2020 bk 295. Kate and Charles are in mourning for Kate had lost the child she was carrying and after a season in which Charles was busy with his Parliamentary duties he felt guilty for ignoring Kate for politics. The two take a break from their homes, relatives, and friends to rent a home in the small village of Rottingdean. The village is a little too close to Brighton as Charles in summoned to play cards with the Prince of Wales their first night of attempting to be alone. The village has its own adventure when a coast guardsman is found dead, then another, and it is slowly revealed that the small town has revived the old ways of smuggling. Incensed by the murder of HIS coastguardsmen, the Crown Prince orders Sir Charles to investigate. A small boy endears himself to both Charles and kate with his knowledge of the community and the things he knows he knows and those he doesn't realize until it is almost too late. Oh - and if you ever loved the poem "If" or the "Kim" stories - Kipling makes more than a minor appearance in this title.
December 29, 2019
I’m not sure if the Kipling character is accurate. I don’t like it when authors use famous people as characters in their stories. But overall all this was an interesting and exciting story.
May 13, 2023
An interesting plot for this story.
February 5, 2022
I would classify this series as a cozy 1890's Victorian/ historical mystery. Each book features one or more historical figures and events which are seamlessly interwoven with fictional people and events. These stories are period detailed, well written, and well researched. At the beginning of each chapter is a short excerpt from the writing of famous authors or reference books used in the research. If you read them carefully, you can deduce what's going to occur in the chapter. The historical people the reader encounters in this book are Rudyard Kipling, his wife and children and his famous aunt Lady Georgiana Burne-Jones who was the wife of painter Edward Burne-Jones. The hamlet of Rottingdean by the sea was built atop a labyrinth of 100-year-old tunnels once used by smugglers when punitive excise taxes made smuggling very profitable.
Independent and free-thinking Irish American Kathryn Ardleigh, and Lord Charles Sheridan were newly married in #4. A whole year has passed between #4 and #5. An important tragic event has transpired in that time when Kate becomes pregnant, then becomes seriously ill, and then loses the baby. The doctor told Charles and Kate that she would never have any more children, and they have never talked about their feelings. This also means that Charles will have no heirs which distresses Kate. Also, Charles's brother Robert has died making him the new Baron of Somersworth, he has inherited the family estates in England and Ireland, and the House of Lords duties. They have moved to London and their new duties and exhaustion have kept them from being close. So, they decide to go on holiday to Rottingdean, have some alone time together (Ha!), and discuss some important things. They take along Amelia and Lawrence Quibbley, their favorite servants.
Eleven-year-old Patrick is out walking one night when he sees a figure dragging something heavy across the beach and loading it into a skiff. Then the skiff was rowed out to sea. Patrick thinks it might have been a body; and later, when the body of George Radford of the coast guard washes up on the shore, he can't think of anyone safe to tell his tale to. He decides to tell his story to a fishing friend, Rudyard Kipling. It turns out that Kipling and Charles are old friends. Patrick finds another dead body at a windmill on top of a hill overlooking the Channel. It's Captain Reynold Smith of the coast guard. Kipling and Charles are attending a card game when they hear the news. It just so happens that HRH The Prince of Wales is attending and authorizes Charles, who has a fascination with the new science of forensics and photography and helped solve a case in book #3, to conduct an investigation on behalf of the crown. Sir Robert Pinckney, Chief Constable, Brighton is to assist him. Well, there goes the holiday with Kate! That doesn't stop them from enjoying the investigation.
Kate and Charles discover that smuggling may once again be a thriving business in Rottingdean, that more tunnels have been excavated, and that most of the villagers may be involved. There is a plethora of suspects, including the stablemaster, the village chemist, the owner of bathing machines and fishing skiffs, the proprietress of Ladies' Fashions for Fashionable Ladies, the tobacconist, the pub owner, etc. Charles discovers an interesting detail about the ammunition that killed the 2nd coast guard, and he gets to consult a gun shop proprietor who tells him it indicates a gun nobody has seen before.
Then Patrick disappears from a picnic with Kate and Aunt Georgiana. Kate has advanced from penny dreadfuls to writing books under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell, and she is looking for new material for her next book. Kate persuades Lawrence to accompany her in searching the tunnels for Patrick which is a likely hiding place if he's still alive. Taking along a camera to take pictures in the tunnels for research has her prominently saving the day in the climax on the beach. There is also a surprise for Patrick after Charles and Kate finally have a chance to talk over their feelings about the miscarriage. In the back of the book is a chapter on Historical Notes and Authors' Reflections which details a little more on the life of the real figures and events. Recommended reading and reading in order.
Independent and free-thinking Irish American Kathryn Ardleigh, and Lord Charles Sheridan were newly married in #4. A whole year has passed between #4 and #5. An important tragic event has transpired in that time when Kate becomes pregnant, then becomes seriously ill, and then loses the baby. The doctor told Charles and Kate that she would never have any more children, and they have never talked about their feelings. This also means that Charles will have no heirs which distresses Kate. Also, Charles's brother Robert has died making him the new Baron of Somersworth, he has inherited the family estates in England and Ireland, and the House of Lords duties. They have moved to London and their new duties and exhaustion have kept them from being close. So, they decide to go on holiday to Rottingdean, have some alone time together (Ha!), and discuss some important things. They take along Amelia and Lawrence Quibbley, their favorite servants.
Eleven-year-old Patrick is out walking one night when he sees a figure dragging something heavy across the beach and loading it into a skiff. Then the skiff was rowed out to sea. Patrick thinks it might have been a body; and later, when the body of George Radford of the coast guard washes up on the shore, he can't think of anyone safe to tell his tale to. He decides to tell his story to a fishing friend, Rudyard Kipling. It turns out that Kipling and Charles are old friends. Patrick finds another dead body at a windmill on top of a hill overlooking the Channel. It's Captain Reynold Smith of the coast guard. Kipling and Charles are attending a card game when they hear the news. It just so happens that HRH The Prince of Wales is attending and authorizes Charles, who has a fascination with the new science of forensics and photography and helped solve a case in book #3, to conduct an investigation on behalf of the crown. Sir Robert Pinckney, Chief Constable, Brighton is to assist him. Well, there goes the holiday with Kate! That doesn't stop them from enjoying the investigation.
Kate and Charles discover that smuggling may once again be a thriving business in Rottingdean, that more tunnels have been excavated, and that most of the villagers may be involved. There is a plethora of suspects, including the stablemaster, the village chemist, the owner of bathing machines and fishing skiffs, the proprietress of Ladies' Fashions for Fashionable Ladies, the tobacconist, the pub owner, etc. Charles discovers an interesting detail about the ammunition that killed the 2nd coast guard, and he gets to consult a gun shop proprietor who tells him it indicates a gun nobody has seen before.
Then Patrick disappears from a picnic with Kate and Aunt Georgiana. Kate has advanced from penny dreadfuls to writing books under the pseudonym of Beryl Bardwell, and she is looking for new material for her next book. Kate persuades Lawrence to accompany her in searching the tunnels for Patrick which is a likely hiding place if he's still alive. Taking along a camera to take pictures in the tunnels for research has her prominently saving the day in the climax on the beach. There is also a surprise for Patrick after Charles and Kate finally have a chance to talk over their feelings about the miscarriage. In the back of the book is a chapter on Historical Notes and Authors' Reflections which details a little more on the life of the real figures and events. Recommended reading and reading in order.
September 2, 2008
Quoted from my review @ http://misscz.wordpress.com
A year has passed since the events of the previous book. Charles’s older brother has fininally passed away and he is now the 5th Baron Somersworth. This new role has taken him to London to fulfill his obligations in Parliament. Kate, believing it to be her duty, has moved from Bishop’s Keep to be with him. Not long after coming to London, Kate became very ill. The trip to Rottingdean is supposed to be a chance for them to relax and recuperate. The Sheridan’s are barely there a day before they find themselves drawn into the investigation of a dead coast guard.
An eleven-year-old boy, Patrick, may know more than his is willing to tell. He confides in Rudyard Kipling, who is visiting his favorite aunt. When the less-than helpful local constable shows no signs of investigating the death as a murder, Kipling asks for Charles’s help. Charles is reluctant — after all, he came to Rottingdean to spend time with Kate. But a second death is revealed to him while in the presence of the Prince of Wales and Charles’s involvement becomes official by royal decree.
Kate, or I should say, Beryl wasn’t very prominent in this one. It made the book feel as if it lacked something. I felt that Kate was side-lined and I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the others.
A year has passed since the events of the previous book. Charles’s older brother has fininally passed away and he is now the 5th Baron Somersworth. This new role has taken him to London to fulfill his obligations in Parliament. Kate, believing it to be her duty, has moved from Bishop’s Keep to be with him. Not long after coming to London, Kate became very ill. The trip to Rottingdean is supposed to be a chance for them to relax and recuperate. The Sheridan’s are barely there a day before they find themselves drawn into the investigation of a dead coast guard.
An eleven-year-old boy, Patrick, may know more than his is willing to tell. He confides in Rudyard Kipling, who is visiting his favorite aunt. When the less-than helpful local constable shows no signs of investigating the death as a murder, Kipling asks for Charles’s help. Charles is reluctant — after all, he came to Rottingdean to spend time with Kate. But a second death is revealed to him while in the presence of the Prince of Wales and Charles’s involvement becomes official by royal decree.
Kate, or I should say, Beryl wasn’t very prominent in this one. It made the book feel as if it lacked something. I felt that Kate was side-lined and I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the others.
September 10, 2019
This mystery seems tailored around research about Kipling, Rottingdean as "Smuggler's Village," and the buildup of Queen Victoria's grandson Willie's war machine.
As, reading the authors' notes at the end, it probably was. Gone by the wayside are consistent details.
For example, in its first two appearances the motorcar has three flats of its pneumatic tires within a few miles, both times. Hereafter it can be driven for distances without insident. Except for shocking villagers on its second, not first, appearance in the village.
Similarly, the young man around whom the plot turns, works 9 hours a day at a stables, hauls water for his caregiver, runs errands for smugglers after midnight, was recently attending school, works in a garden, and yet has leisure to go on a picnic on the downs to provide opportunity for him to be kidnapped.
The phrase "smoked glass eye protectors", apparently sunglasses, was used 5 times but also the word "Kidnapped" which I understand was invented at the time of the Lindberg baby kidnapping.
I don't regret spending the time reading mostly for such details as learning that frequent flats were caused by "hundreds of years" of horse shoe nails being dropped along roads. And having to look up dog cart (originally had a box to carry hunting dogs) and bathing machine.
As, reading the authors' notes at the end, it probably was. Gone by the wayside are consistent details.
For example, in its first two appearances the motorcar has three flats of its pneumatic tires within a few miles, both times. Hereafter it can be driven for distances without insident. Except for shocking villagers on its second, not first, appearance in the village.
Similarly, the young man around whom the plot turns, works 9 hours a day at a stables, hauls water for his caregiver, runs errands for smugglers after midnight, was recently attending school, works in a garden, and yet has leisure to go on a picnic on the downs to provide opportunity for him to be kidnapped.
The phrase "smoked glass eye protectors", apparently sunglasses, was used 5 times but also the word "Kidnapped" which I understand was invented at the time of the Lindberg baby kidnapping.
I don't regret spending the time reading mostly for such details as learning that frequent flats were caused by "hundreds of years" of horse shoe nails being dropped along roads. And having to look up dog cart (originally had a box to carry hunting dogs) and bathing machine.
February 6, 2017
Hm... Not bad I guess, but still a disappointment. Our intrepid sleuthing-duo is not as perky as usual. They've been through a personal tragedy and are down in the dumps. Not that a couple of murders don't cheer them up some, but all the same. It's not as fun and feel good as expected, and let me tell you... If this is what's called "character development " I sure could learn to live without it!
Unfortunately the sidekicks aren't all that fascinating either. Patrick is a cute kid but not much more - he takes up far too much time than is good for him, or for the reader - and Mr. Kipling is likable but very well behaved and unexciting. (Our old friend Bertie, prince of Wales, on the other hand passes by far to quickly, just a cameo really, and the singing pathologist was a short lived hoot as well.)
More complaints? Well... Rottingdean, the smugglers village, seems to have more of a Regency feel to it than Victorian. Something is out of whack there, while the resolution goes the other way and smells to much of WW1. Or maybe I was just to darn cranky by then. Who knows...
3 solid but sadly unsatisfying stars.
Unfortunately the sidekicks aren't all that fascinating either. Patrick is a cute kid but not much more - he takes up far too much time than is good for him, or for the reader - and Mr. Kipling is likable but very well behaved and unexciting. (Our old friend Bertie, prince of Wales, on the other hand passes by far to quickly, just a cameo really, and the singing pathologist was a short lived hoot as well.)
More complaints? Well... Rottingdean, the smugglers village, seems to have more of a Regency feel to it than Victorian. Something is out of whack there, while the resolution goes the other way and smells to much of WW1. Or maybe I was just to darn cranky by then. Who knows...
3 solid but sadly unsatisfying stars.
December 20, 2017
Review -For some reason I haven't been able to enjoy this one and the last one as much as the first three in the series. It feels a little forced in places with new characters, but I'm hoping it's a blip because I enjoyed the first three so much. I loved the undertones in this one about Charles and Kate and their marriage and future. You just get hints of it running through the story and it was very cleverly done.
Genre? - Crime / Mystery / Historical
Characters? - Kathryn Ardleigh Sheridan / Charles Sheridan / Rudyard Kipling / Patrick / Trunky Thomas / Amelia Quibbley / Lawrence Quibbley
Setting? - Rottingdean (England)
Series? - Kathryn Ardleigh #5
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 16/20
Genre? - Crime / Mystery / Historical
Characters? - Kathryn Ardleigh Sheridan / Charles Sheridan / Rudyard Kipling / Patrick / Trunky Thomas / Amelia Quibbley / Lawrence Quibbley
Setting? - Rottingdean (England)
Series? - Kathryn Ardleigh #5
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 16/20
February 26, 2021
Took me a while to get through this, but through no fault of the book. Still, it didn't keep my attention like some of the others.
March 7, 2021
3.75 stars
October 29, 2023
3.5. This is a satisfying series and building a real life character is fun. This wasn't my favorite of the series and I feel that the main characters need a bit more depth but a generally good read.
March 10, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 3.5-4 Stars. I enjoyed DEATH AT ROTTINGDEAN which dealt more with the secret patterns of a small sea coast village than the dalliances at the highest levels of English Society (as featured in a previous book). This series features a newly married and likable husband - wife team as MCs with various mysteries to solve, interesting historical details, and famous people from this particular era. The overall tone is upbeat and somewhat Cozy. I enjoyed my 5th book from this author pair.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Rottingdean village, just east of Brighton, England, Autumn, Late 1896? (a number of months following the previous bk) ~
18mos into their marriage, Sir Charles Sheridan and his independent-minded bride, Kathryn Ardleigh, have been attempting to adjust to the sudden changes thrust upon them. Charles’ older brother has died, passing the title, the Baron of Somersworth, to Charles while increasing his (extended) family responsibilities and duties in Parliament. Kate and Charles moved from the tranquility of the country estate into London and Charles’ many responsibilities have drawn him away from the home and from Kate. Kate, in turn, has kept herself busy working with the poor and with other needful charities, while struggling with her writing and her health.
Kate and Charles’ stay in the quiet coastal village of Rottingdean is meant as a retreat for them to reconnect as a couple; to provide Kate time away from Charles’ domineering mother, the dowager; and for Kate to regain her health from exhaustion. They seek quiet but instead discover buried secrets, whispered intrigue and death.
Comments ~
1) DEATH AT ROTTINGDEAN is bk5 in Robin Paige’s (a husband/wife writing team) 12 book Victorian Mystery series. DAR can be read as a standalone novel although certain supportive secondary characters, especially since this title includes few characters from previous books. But I prefer beginning with bk1.
2) I enjoy the MCs in this series. Although the writing style and tone varies, the setting and period of this series reminds me somewhat of Dorothy Sayers’ Lord Peter Whimsey series (this being a slightly earlier period than Whimsey). Paige’s Sir Charles and Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey share few characteristics but Robin Paige’s female character, Kate, is a self-supporting and independent woman similar to Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey’s wife, Harriet Vane, a successful author. Both are independent, assured, creative (authors) & intelligent women.
3) Paige’s novels contain interesting facts and historical details that that never fail to prod my interest (the early days of modern household conveniences, ie., lighting, cooking stoves, heating), the new concept of “rational dress” for woman (less layers, no corset, split skirts with raised hems for ease in walking), photography, the beginning of X-rays for scientific and medical reasons, new automatic firing weapons and hot air balloons and the era of the automobile industry. Each book also includes 1 or more a person from history. DAR included poet/author Rudyard Kipling and a painter I was unfamiliar with, Edward Burne-Jones, with his social-concerns minded wife, Georginia. I appreciate the author notes added at the end of each book. They help differentiate actual history from fiction in each book. I look forward to reading the next title in this series soon.
4) I prefer Mysteries which aren’t particularly dark or graphic and I have been enjoying this series. I look forward to reading the next book and recommend this series to readers of:
> Edwardian & Victorian fiction
> Cozy Mysteries
> British Mysteries
> Historical Mysteries and fiction
> Character driven Mysteries
> Seasoned character series
> Joint male/strong female lead character series
READER CAUTION ~ Minimal.
Rare or no use of strong language; murders occur off scene.
POSSIBLE TRIGGER -
Brief mention of miscarriage and unlikihood of future children.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Rottingdean village, just east of Brighton, England, Autumn, Late 1896? (a number of months following the previous bk) ~
18mos into their marriage, Sir Charles Sheridan and his independent-minded bride, Kathryn Ardleigh, have been attempting to adjust to the sudden changes thrust upon them. Charles’ older brother has died, passing the title, the Baron of Somersworth, to Charles while increasing his (extended) family responsibilities and duties in Parliament. Kate and Charles moved from the tranquility of the country estate into London and Charles’ many responsibilities have drawn him away from the home and from Kate. Kate, in turn, has kept herself busy working with the poor and with other needful charities, while struggling with her writing and her health.
Kate and Charles’ stay in the quiet coastal village of Rottingdean is meant as a retreat for them to reconnect as a couple; to provide Kate time away from Charles’ domineering mother, the dowager; and for Kate to regain her health from exhaustion. They seek quiet but instead discover buried secrets, whispered intrigue and death.
Comments ~
1) DEATH AT ROTTINGDEAN is bk5 in Robin Paige’s (a husband/wife writing team) 12 book Victorian Mystery series. DAR can be read as a standalone novel although certain supportive secondary characters, especially since this title includes few characters from previous books. But I prefer beginning with bk1.
2) I enjoy the MCs in this series. Although the writing style and tone varies, the setting and period of this series reminds me somewhat of Dorothy Sayers’ Lord Peter Whimsey series (this being a slightly earlier period than Whimsey). Paige’s Sir Charles and Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey share few characteristics but Robin Paige’s female character, Kate, is a self-supporting and independent woman similar to Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey’s wife, Harriet Vane, a successful author. Both are independent, assured, creative (authors) & intelligent women.
3) Paige’s novels contain interesting facts and historical details that that never fail to prod my interest (the early days of modern household conveniences, ie., lighting, cooking stoves, heating), the new concept of “rational dress” for woman (less layers, no corset, split skirts with raised hems for ease in walking), photography, the beginning of X-rays for scientific and medical reasons, new automatic firing weapons and hot air balloons and the era of the automobile industry. Each book also includes 1 or more a person from history. DAR included poet/author Rudyard Kipling and a painter I was unfamiliar with, Edward Burne-Jones, with his social-concerns minded wife, Georginia. I appreciate the author notes added at the end of each book. They help differentiate actual history from fiction in each book. I look forward to reading the next title in this series soon.
4) I prefer Mysteries which aren’t particularly dark or graphic and I have been enjoying this series. I look forward to reading the next book and recommend this series to readers of:
> Edwardian & Victorian fiction
> Cozy Mysteries
> British Mysteries
> Historical Mysteries and fiction
> Character driven Mysteries
> Seasoned character series
> Joint male/strong female lead character series
READER CAUTION ~ Minimal.
Rare or no use of strong language; murders occur off scene.
POSSIBLE TRIGGER -
Brief mention of miscarriage and unlikihood of future children.
December 13, 2025
This was a corker! This is the 5th in the Kathryn Ardleigh mystery series, and the fifth I have listened to. Like the others, this story is set in an actual English village (Rottingdean) around the beginning of the 20th century. (It is a bit vague about the specific year.) And like the others, the characters in the story include actual people from history, in this case the author Rudyard Kipling and his American wife, Caroline, as well as the Prince of Wales (who had been a character in one of the earlier books as well). The (notorious?) history of the village of Rottingdean as a base for smuggling also seems to be rooted in history. The story's setting mentions several buildings and other sites that still exist or did at the time, all of which makes the story more enjoyable -- I enjoy a bit of historical fiction!
The plot kept my attention, and builds up the tension nicely as the conclusion approaches. I developed a strong affection and concern for the boy Patrick as well as for Lady Kathryn, of course, so the tension around their fates was effective.
[SPOILER ALERT!] I did not attempt to see if there was any German espionage of the sort portrayed in this story, but I am certainly aware of the international tensions around the build-up of German military might in the run-up to World War I. So the specific role of the German character did not seem unrealistic.
One tantalizing detail was the mention of the book "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History" by Alfred Thayer Mahan, supposedly having influenced the German Kaiser, because I had read that book myself in a course in naval history that I was required to take as a Navy ROTC student in college. That shows the depth of the author's research, I think, and such details help to make the book seem more accurate (even though I suspect that few readers would recognize the book today).
All in all, a very enjoyable story, populated with interesting and believable characters.
The plot kept my attention, and builds up the tension nicely as the conclusion approaches. I developed a strong affection and concern for the boy Patrick as well as for Lady Kathryn, of course, so the tension around their fates was effective.
[SPOILER ALERT!] I did not attempt to see if there was any German espionage of the sort portrayed in this story, but I am certainly aware of the international tensions around the build-up of German military might in the run-up to World War I. So the specific role of the German character did not seem unrealistic.
One tantalizing detail was the mention of the book "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History" by Alfred Thayer Mahan, supposedly having influenced the German Kaiser, because I had read that book myself in a course in naval history that I was required to take as a Navy ROTC student in college. That shows the depth of the author's research, I think, and such details help to make the book seem more accurate (even though I suspect that few readers would recognize the book today).
All in all, a very enjoyable story, populated with interesting and believable characters.
October 27, 2025
I started this series when I learned that Robin Paige is the pen name used by Susan Wittig Albert and her husband, Bill. Since I like Albert's other series, I had high expectations for this one. Fortunately, the books so far have lived up to those expectations.
Kathryn is a strong, independent woman, an American living in England who writes serials under a pen name, so her identity is a secret - although a few have learned the secret, so how much longer she can keep it under wraps is anyone's guess. Kathryn's new husband is newly Lorded following the death of his brother, but he supports her independence, an oddity at this time.
There were two murders in this book, and although were both coast guardsmen, it was hard to find suspects who would want them both dead. The entire village is heavily involved in a major smuggling operation, and it seems that both dead men were involved, despite their occupation. With the help of visiting poet Rudyard Kipling and an 11-year-old boy, Charles and Kathryn put the clues together and figure out what's going on, but I wasn't able to solve it until it became obvious in the book.
The next book in this series is in my audio library, and I hope to listen to it sometime in 2026.
Kathryn is a strong, independent woman, an American living in England who writes serials under a pen name, so her identity is a secret - although a few have learned the secret, so how much longer she can keep it under wraps is anyone's guess. Kathryn's new husband is newly Lorded following the death of his brother, but he supports her independence, an oddity at this time.
There were two murders in this book, and although were both coast guardsmen, it was hard to find suspects who would want them both dead. The entire village is heavily involved in a major smuggling operation, and it seems that both dead men were involved, despite their occupation. With the help of visiting poet Rudyard Kipling and an 11-year-old boy, Charles and Kathryn put the clues together and figure out what's going on, but I wasn't able to solve it until it became obvious in the book.
The next book in this series is in my audio library, and I hope to listen to it sometime in 2026.
November 8, 2019
This is my favorite in the series so far! I gave books 1-4 a 3-star. This one gets a 4. I do love me a good smuggling yarn! And I enjoyed the inclusion of Rudyard Kipling in the story. Well researched and atmospheric.
And I was delighted and moved to find this excerpt from Kipling's poem, "Sussex", in the author's historical notes. I immediately recognized my feelings for my beloved Baker in his words. (That is the power of poetry!)
So to the land our hearts we give
Till the sure magic strike,
And Memory, Use and Love make live
Us and our fields alike---
That deeper than our speech and thought,
Beyond our reason's sway,
Clay of the pit whence we were wrought
Yearns to its fellow-clay
God gives all men all earth to love
But, since man's heart is small,
Ordains for each one spot shall prove
Beloved over all.
Each to his choice, and I rejoice
The lot has fallen to me
In a fair ground -- in a fair ground---
Yea, Sussex by the sea!
And I was delighted and moved to find this excerpt from Kipling's poem, "Sussex", in the author's historical notes. I immediately recognized my feelings for my beloved Baker in his words. (That is the power of poetry!)
So to the land our hearts we give
Till the sure magic strike,
And Memory, Use and Love make live
Us and our fields alike---
That deeper than our speech and thought,
Beyond our reason's sway,
Clay of the pit whence we were wrought
Yearns to its fellow-clay
God gives all men all earth to love
But, since man's heart is small,
Ordains for each one spot shall prove
Beloved over all.
Each to his choice, and I rejoice
The lot has fallen to me
In a fair ground -- in a fair ground---
Yea, Sussex by the sea!
December 18, 2020
With each installment of Robin Paige's "A Victorian Mystery" series, an historic person is introduced as one of the main characters. In "Death at Rottingdean," Rudyard Kipling helps Lady Kate Ardleigh Sheridan and Sir Charles Sheridan solve a case of 2 murders in the picturesque coastal town of Rottingdean. It is a town with a colored past in which smuggling was a major lifeblood of the economy. Can it be that the town and townspeople have once again involved themselves in illegal trade? The crown prince has nominated Sir Charles to investigate.
Of course, I learned quite a few things about Rudyard Kipling and about the southern coast of England. And the story really brought both to life. A very enjoyable read.
Of course, I learned quite a few things about Rudyard Kipling and about the southern coast of England. And the story really brought both to life. A very enjoyable read.
January 21, 2024
3.25 stars.
Again, the reason for the murders of the coast guards seems very obvious to me. I was more interested in all the famous people that the author inserts into these stories. This time we have Rudyard Kipling in Rottingdean, giving a helping hand to Charles and Kate as they are tasked by the Prince of Wales again to discover the killer.
I did find the travails Kate went through were too easily grossed over? But it will be interesting to see how Patrick will change the dynamics in the future books.
Again, the reason for the murders of the coast guards seems very obvious to me. I was more interested in all the famous people that the author inserts into these stories. This time we have Rudyard Kipling in Rottingdean, giving a helping hand to Charles and Kate as they are tasked by the Prince of Wales again to discover the killer.
I did find the travails Kate went through were too easily grossed over? But it will be interesting to see how Patrick will change the dynamics in the future books.
April 7, 2024
An enjoyable read, and including real historical figures (in this book, it's Rudyard Kipling) adds a rich element to this cozy historical mystery series.
My main complaint, for this book and others in the series, is that there is often SO much emphasis on the historical character, and/or other supporting characters and their adventures, that the main plot and the main characters/detectives often seem like a subplot. I sometimes lose track of the mystery or murder they're supposed to be investigating because of all the side plots and side characters. Everything ties together well in the end, though, and it's overall an interesting read with interesting characters - so still deserving of a high star rating.
My main complaint, for this book and others in the series, is that there is often SO much emphasis on the historical character, and/or other supporting characters and their adventures, that the main plot and the main characters/detectives often seem like a subplot. I sometimes lose track of the mystery or murder they're supposed to be investigating because of all the side plots and side characters. Everything ties together well in the end, though, and it's overall an interesting read with interesting characters - so still deserving of a high star rating.
March 30, 2019
Charles and Kathryn have taken a seaside house with the hope of recovering from the months spent in London as Charles participated in his first session as a member of the House of Lords. More importantly, they hope to bridge the distance resulting from the dashed hopes for parenthood. Charles has vowed that nothing will intrude on the quiet interlude in a sleepy coastal town. Those best laid plans, however, weren't envisioned with two of the Crown's coast guards murdered, and the Prince of Wales insisting that Charles find the murderer. Aided by an old friend, Rudyard Kipling, Charles and Kathryn once again piece together the disparate clues.
May 27, 2021
Another enjoyable romp with Katherine and Charles. This time they are on holiday in the town of Rottingdean. But it is not long before they embroiled in a mystery when a body is washed up on the beach. With tales of smugglers and spies and a colourful cast of characters this is yet another very good offering. Once again interweaving fictional characters with historical figures this time we encounter Rudyard Kipling and once again meet up with the Prince of Wales who appeared in the earlier book Daisy's Folly. The location of Rottingdean has a colourful history of smuggling in days gone by which is the basis of this tale.
February 1, 2024
I like this book because we are introduced to Rudyard Kipling. We also meet a young boy named Patrick, who is turning out to be one of my favorite characters thus far. What I don’t like is that this one reads a bit too much like a history lesson and not enough like a story. I suppose that is bound to happen when two very academic people who love historical research get together to write novels. Don’t get me wrong, the writing is superb. It is just a tad too “informative” in style. However, if you want to learn about a town with secret tunnels and an illegal smuggling legacy, you will love this one!
February 7, 2024
A pleasant, non gory murder mystery set in Victorian England. It's not particularly gripping (I found myself able to put it down quite easily) but it's an enjoyable and easy read as long as you can overlook the occasional Americanism.
I did appreciate the way in which the heroine, Kate Sheridan, played a key role in the denouement instead of either hanging around passively on the sidelines or getting in the way and needing rescuing. Always good to see a heroine who actually does something instead of being a distracting nuisance!
I did appreciate the way in which the heroine, Kate Sheridan, played a key role in the denouement instead of either hanging around passively on the sidelines or getting in the way and needing rescuing. Always good to see a heroine who actually does something instead of being a distracting nuisance!
September 1, 2018
Here Charles and Kate try to take a holiday near the sea in Rottingdean. Rudyard Kippling is also staying in the community.
Shortly after arrival to the seaside village one of the coast guard turns up dead. Shortly after the Sheridan's are in the midst of a murder investigation that brings up the smuggling lore of years past and the very real threat of treason.
This story really brings some new ideas into the Victorian series with a great stretch of the truth for a very interesting read.
Shortly after arrival to the seaside village one of the coast guard turns up dead. Shortly after the Sheridan's are in the midst of a murder investigation that brings up the smuggling lore of years past and the very real threat of treason.
This story really brings some new ideas into the Victorian series with a great stretch of the truth for a very interesting read.
June 2, 2021
I did not enjoy this book as much as the previous one. It seemed a little disjointed. In one part it was said that if Kate could see 34 years in the future ...well, whatever it was, that seemed weird. At another point it said if she had looked through the window she would have an answer to her questions. Whatever, would have, should have, it was weird.
I do like the way they put historical facts and characters in their stories. This is a fairly complicated mystery.
I do like the way they put historical facts and characters in their stories. This is a fairly complicated mystery.
May 27, 2023
'Death at Rottingdean' by Robin Paige.
This is the second book by this author that I've read and I enjoyed this one.
This one is set in the little village of Rottingdean, which from the outside looks like a little sleepy village but it holds lots of secrets including a massive smuggling ring and murder.
It's a classic cosy murder mystery.
I would recommend this to fans of murder mysteries and cosy crime.
This is the second book by this author that I've read and I enjoyed this one.
This one is set in the little village of Rottingdean, which from the outside looks like a little sleepy village but it holds lots of secrets including a massive smuggling ring and murder.
It's a classic cosy murder mystery.
I would recommend this to fans of murder mysteries and cosy crime.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews