A Pattern of Death

The Dickinson Sisters Mysteries #2

by Blythe Baker

The other sister has a secret...

Danger descends from above when the Dickinson sisters hire a chimney sweep who is not what he appears. With a sudden death throwing the village into turmoil, Lily vows to see justice done, even if her younger sister is too blinded by romance to be of much help.

But with the killer closing in, will Lily's preoccupation with murder expose a hidden truth she has long concealed from Iris?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2020

About the author

Blythe Baker is a thirty-something bottle redhead from the South Central part of the country. When she’s not slinging words and creating new worlds and characters, she’s acting as chauffeur to her children and head groomer to her household of beloved pets.

Blythe enjoys long walks with her dog on sweaty days, grubbing in her flower garden, cooking, and ruthlessly de-cluttering her overcrowded home. She also likes binge-watching mystery shows on TV and burying herself in books about murder.

Reviews

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grangehurst, Yorkshire, England. Blythe Baker’s A Pattern of Death (Dickinson Sisters Mystery #2) a bat flies from the chimney into Lily and Iris’ shop scaring a rather important customer (at least the customer thought she was rather important) and brings the realization to the sisters that they need a chimney sweep to clear their chimney. Later, when walking and ‘window shopping’ the other stalls, Lily notices Iris’ growing pale. Lily looks around and sees who is causing Iris’ behavior to change. Nash Greenwood, chief of the fire brigade, and Iris’ is showing interest which Lily has not seen in a long while. Nash explains that he knows a chimney sweep, Mr. Nelson Burrows, who had done some chimney sweeping for him. Offer is made and accepted. Mr. Burrows climbs to the roof to inspect the situation. When Nash & Lily warm themselves in the kitchen, Lily sees ‘a shadow’ “pass(ed)by the window”, and then hears a scream from outside. Lily felt a “sickening chill” and quickly walked out of the shop thinking “Where is he? Where is he? Where is he?”. Mr. Burrows had slipped off the roof, but is fairly well. A chimney sweep falls from the roof? Rather odd. The sisters provide as much help as they can, but Mr. Burrows insists on returning home. As the sisters discuss the recent happenings, Iris takes note that their grandmother’s crystal cat is missing. They look all around, but the crystal cat is gone.

“Mr. Burrows,” exclaimed Lily while certain memories ran through her mind. And off she went to relate the theft to Constable Brown. He would leave the next morning for Mr. Burrows house, and Lily shall be with him. Upon arrival, they discover that Mr. Burrows is dead - a knife right to the heart. The crystal cat is not important now. Mrs. Burrows and her children are. Lily is determined to find justice for this poverty-stricken family. How? Who will help? What is the plan? Is there one? The author showed a side of Lily of which this reader was totally unaware. What memories keep returning to Lily which she hopes Iris never recalls. Lily has become a real character and not a just a cut and dry spinster. On to #3 - A Fraying of Schemes. 4 stars.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed both book 1 and 2 so I am giving it 5 stars, no matter what anyone else says!! This time is is Lily's story. The book itself is extremely readable and draws you in straight away. A dodgy chimney sweep who ends up dead.

I love the way that Baker sets the scene and describes the backdrop; I feel that I could almost be there. And I can totally empathise with Lily - being a single woman at that time, it really does matter what people think of you and how your reputation has to be above reproach, so I am not surprised that this is her first thought. I can also understand just how it must feel to not be attractive enough or pretty enough to be of interest. Unlike young women of today, ladies at that time did not have the opportunity to show how just how interesting a personality they have as there were so many unwritten codes of conduct, so most had to rely on their looks. All in all 5 stars and looking forward to the next one.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from BookSprout; this is my honest review
-This book is so much better than the first in so many ways, editing included!
-This is Lily's story as book #1 was Iris' story. It's one POV, Lily's.
-I was really surprised when that they took the time to close the door to the shop when they were running to get to Mr. Burrows who had fallen from the rooftop, possibly dead.
-I still find Lily out of this world. She's worried people will think less of her and her sister when someone falls down the roof. Or when Mr. Burrows decides to go home without seeing the doctor that it will be their fault, when clearly it isn't. Or when she said "he was inconsiderate enough to fall off it and down to the ground below". I was ready and thinking "for Pete's sake" "Are you for real?" "My God". I couldn't believe what I was reading.
-Twice, almost word for word, Lily "never considered myself to be a wealthy woman but as I stared at the poverty around me...".
-But again, I find either sister stupid enough to put pride and stubbornness up front instead of taking the life line given to them, such as when the Constable didn't want Lily to see the dead body.
-Simple and predictable, it was still a fun ride except when people think they know better than a Constable and that's unforgiving because you're putting your life in danger and someone has to save you.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A PATTERN OF DEATH..
....Blythe Baker
...Dickinson.Sisters
All must remain quiet in Grangehurst, Iris was having enough with the worry the nightmares were causing her. With Christmas coming that will cheer her up Lily though. A lady of importance was demanding to have a gown made for an upcoming ball, until a object was seen scurrying across the room, she left. Having the chimney cleaned out now was a necessary. A man Nash brought was Mr Burrows, was he really a chimney sweeper, for he didn’t bring a ladder. What was his connection to Brunsworth that caused two deaths.
Words she remembered from Brunsworth were secrets she was keeping from Iris. Were they a sin, she still couldn’t dwell on it yet.
An interesting mystery, and how one doesn’t really know someone, or the secrets that they hold. Well written plot, and enjoyed another segment into the Dickinson sisters lives.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

[Disney14604 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story that draws you in from the beginning. Makes you feel like you are right there.

I love reading this series. I feel for Lily! Beautiful flower, name, and not having heads turned. What a shame that all are blind to what is in front of them!!

I really love that the story has drawn me in so much that I forget to look for clues, if there are any, and never see the who done it till the reveal.

I still want to know what the secret is!!!! Need more clues !!! My mind is creating trails that I do not know which way to go!..The dream from the first book, now what Lily is not sharing and what it is. What will be in the next book?

Fast, easy to read, guaranteed to suck you in mystery. Can be read as a standalone but highly recommend that you read previous book to get character development.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.

[Catherine Stratman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sticky fingered chimney sweep.

The sisters appear to loss out on a potential, rather difficult client and find themselves in need of a chimney sweep. What could go wrong? The chimney sweep falls off the roof before he can get any work done. He's is carried into the sisters rooms and the doctor is called. Before the doctor can arrive, the sweep decides to leave. After he is gone, the sisters find an item missing. Has it fallen on the floor and rolled under something or was is stolen? Things go from bad to worse when the sweep is found murdered. Can the sisters and the constable solve the crime before anyone else is hurt? Another great addition to the series!

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[J Shu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seemed to be better than the first, but it's still frustrating to see such a strange relationship between the two sisters, Lily and Iris. A bat appears in the sisters' shop, frightening away a potential client. A chimney sweep is hired to clean the chimney, but before the task is barely begun, the man falls from the roof. After tending to him in their rooms, the man leaves, and the sisters find a valued piece of crystal missing. The sweep is later found slain. Lily, the older sister, assists Constable Brown with solving the mystery.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Burrows, a chimney sweep who comes to Lily and Iris's home to work, is shortly thereafter revealed as a thief. When Lily accompanies Constable Brown to confront him, they find that Burrows has been murdered. Lily becomes involved in solving the case and no longer prefers to stay away from things disagreeable. She comes to understand why Iris was so determined to see justice done in the previous mystery when Mr. Morton was killed. Iris has a very minor part in this mystery, and Lily has an important role throughout.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a good historical read and when you throw in mystery and intrigue that is a plus. Wonderful characters to follow as they try to figure out the mystery. These sisters are fun to follow as they try to figure out the mystery. There will be some bumps along the way. Page-turner that will keep you guessing until the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mererid Evanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusually, the narrator switches in this second book of the series. The older sister, Lily, is an unlikely but effective investigator. Her unyielding character displays itself in a dogged courage and resolve. The investigation was, perhaps appropriately for the time period, somewhat rudimentary. Really the characters were more interesting. And I was certainly moved to wonder what secret Lily could be hiding.

[Brangela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho Hum

Much like Book 1 but less. This time around the story revolves around the older sister Lily and is told from her perspective. It took me a little time to get used to that as I was accustomed to younger sister's Iris 'voice'. Lily is less interesting to me. The mystery is basically used as a backdrop to give the reader hints of the sisters backstory. I sure hope that tale is more riveting than the present one.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and captivating mystery that keeps you turning the pages. The characters are well developed and engaging and the story pulls you in making it hard to put the book down. Twists and turns keep you engaged and sitting on the edge of your seat as you wait to find out what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liza Lehman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent Mystery

The switch from the younger sister's viewpoint in the first book to the older sister's in this one took some getting use to, especially since she is less likeable. Several unrealistic scenes result in a murderer being brought to justice, and the story made for a light, pleasant read.

[Dennis R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars!

Enjoy this much more than the first book! Not nearly as improbable as the first one was. Plus this one is told from the other sister's point of view. And she isn't so completely insecure like the other sister was that I found very annoying! This was very fast paced and suspenseful with a satisfying ending.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are quick reads and rather predictable, but I find them good reads when I just need something easy. This was book 2 in the series about 2 sisters who keep getting tangled up in murders in their town.

[Kathy Holm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pattern of Death

Wow! This is quite the story...the characters are wonderful, and full of life. You will see the
Courage of women come full circle in this drama...the author has caught the life of the 1800's💓

[cherry malcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pattern of death

This book was enjoyable. It is told from the other sister ,Lily. It is a fast read, the characters are well defined and the conclusion is some what of a surprise.

[Charlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Women

Are so cool, you can easily imagine they are dressed like the cover. But are not just the ladies next store, they solve murders. If you are into murder mysteries, you have to read this.

[Shannon Janson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dickinson Sisters are intriguing

ThIS IS A WE



This is a well written story, with interesting characters. The first book is from Iris perspective and this second from Lily, this makes the stories very different. I liked it so we could know both of the main characters.

[Debbie Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

The sisters continue to get better with their PI work. But, what is the secret the older one is keeping. Looking forward to finding out. These are short novels that are interesting. Can't wait to read next in series.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe The Stage?

I wonder if this novel would be better as a play. Easy holiday reading, it can stand alone, as some time has elapsed since I read the first. There is no depth to the characters, its all about the storyline.

[Janet Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Easy read. Good twist. I like female hero's. Enjoy a series so the characters have more depth. Looking forward to the next book

[Dora Suasnavar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story, with a mystery within a mystery that continues

[Carol]

On to the next. Thank you, I enjoyed.

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed books one and two of this series, but the plot pacing and family history reveal are a bit slow for this reader. Just a personal thing!

[Sheelagh Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the fact it was told from the older sister point of view each book gives you a little bit more history of each the main characters and hints of things to come

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd book in this series. Enjoying it so far. This is not my usual type of story line (or time line) but I am enjoying it. Look forward to rest of the series.

[Ivana Howcroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting mystery, not trivial and avoided all cliches associated with amateur sleuth/ single sisters.
Will read next book for sure

[Carol Perreault · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sisters hire a chimney sweep who steals from them. Then he is found murdered, and the sisters try to figure out who killed him.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series

I’m really enjoying this series. The Dickinson sisters are two busy women. I look forward to finishing the series. Fun read.