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Sisters of Woodside Mysteries #5
Woodside
The dramatic conclusion to the series!
Ten years have passed since the last of the sisters of Woodside found happiness. Their grief for their young brother, Jeremy, tragically drowned at the age of twelve, has faded. The sadness of losing their home, Woodside, to strangers is but a memory. They no longer wonder just what became of their mother’s fabulous jewels, which should have guaranteed their dowries. They are looking forwards, not back into the past.
But the past is not always willing to be left behind. In the industrial north of England, a young man can only step into his own future if he revisits the past. And so he begins a journey that will change everything the sisters thought they knew, and reveal the darkest secrets of the Winterton family of Woodside.
The final book of the Sisters of Woodside Mysteries series. This is a complete story with a HEA, but is best read after the earlier books. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
Ten years have passed since the last of the sisters of Woodside found happiness. Their grief for their young brother, Jeremy, tragically drowned at the age of twelve, has faded. The sadness of losing their home, Woodside, to strangers is but a memory. They no longer wonder just what became of their mother’s fabulous jewels, which should have guaranteed their dowries. They are looking forwards, not back into the past.
But the past is not always willing to be left behind. In the industrial north of England, a young man can only step into his own future if he revisits the past. And so he begins a journey that will change everything the sisters thought they knew, and reveal the darkest secrets of the Winterton family of Woodside.
The final book of the Sisters of Woodside Mysteries series. This is a complete story with a HEA, but is best read after the earlier books. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
Audible Audio
First published March 8, 2019
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About the author
Mary Kingswood
68 books479 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
June 4, 2021
some good - some bad. 2.5* somewhat reluctantly rounded up.
This final book in the series answers the question "what happened to the brother". Unfortunately the answer is not interesting or a surprise. Just like Fanny figured out inn book 1 Jeremy switched places with his friend John and is alive and living with John's uncle. He has zero good reason for having stayed away for 15 years. He only comes back as he wants to make sure he gets the house when his father dies. He is utterly shocked to find out his dad died 10 years ago and that the house has been sold. He is clearly more upset about the house than his father. He barely seems to care that his sisters mourned him for 15 years. There is really no meaningful consequence to his dishonesty and thoughtlessness. The other family doesn't care and neither does the woman he was planning to marry.
The woman he does end up with is a clever but rude bitch. She was a bit too rude for me but otherwise I quite liked her. I even liked them together. Their fake betrothal fooled no one which I liked even more.
I still hated Margaret.
This final book in the series answers the question "what happened to the brother". Unfortunately the answer is not interesting or a surprise. Just like Fanny figured out inn book 1 Jeremy switched places with his friend John and is alive and living with John's uncle. He has zero good reason for having stayed away for 15 years. He only comes back as he wants to make sure he gets the house when his father dies. He is utterly shocked to find out his dad died 10 years ago and that the house has been sold. He is clearly more upset about the house than his father. He barely seems to care that his sisters mourned him for 15 years. There is really no meaningful consequence to his dishonesty and thoughtlessness. The other family doesn't care and neither does the woman he was planning to marry.
The woman he does end up with is a clever but rude bitch. She was a bit too rude for me but otherwise I quite liked her. I even liked them together. Their fake betrothal fooled no one which I liked even more.
I still hated Margaret.
June 1, 2019
Having subscribed again to Kindle Unlimited, I took this opportunity to finish off the Woodside series as this final installment was not available when last I had this benefit. Everything all tied up now, neat and tidy.
Regency Romance, emphasis on the romance - yes, some pretty silly stuff. Of course Jeremy turns out to be alive and makes his return.
Regency Romance, emphasis on the romance - yes, some pretty silly stuff. Of course Jeremy turns out to be alive and makes his return.
August 8, 2022
4 STARS
I enjoyed this last book in the series even more than expected. The mystery wasn't quite as compelling in this episode, but the characters were so likeable that you couldn't help being pulled into the story to see how it would all turn out. An agreeable ending to the series. Excellent narration also by Joanna Stephens. (Audiobook). I will definitely look into more books by this author.
I enjoyed this last book in the series even more than expected. The mystery wasn't quite as compelling in this episode, but the characters were so likeable that you couldn't help being pulled into the story to see how it would all turn out. An agreeable ending to the series. Excellent narration also by Joanna Stephens. (Audiobook). I will definitely look into more books by this author.
January 16, 2025
What a wonderful end to this family saga! The hints were dropped throughout the series that Anne Winterton's jewels were hidden at Woodside, waiting to be found, and that Jeremy didn't die at sea. This last story addresses both of those storylines, but also explores what really happened to Anne and it ties into Margaret's selective mutism. All this, and we have the main plotline, a romance between Jeremy and Jane, the daughter of the man who bought Woodside from the Winterton sisters ten years prior.
All the characters from the series appear in this book. Rosamond lives in the neighboring estate, but all the sisters arrive when they hear that Jeremy has come home. Margaret has a larger role than anyone because her mutism is related to something she saw years ago on the night her mother died.
The romance here is sweet, but also funny. To search for the jewels, Jeremy and Jane decide to have a fake engagement so they can spend time together. They grow closer during the investigation and Jeremy starts questioning whether he wants to go back to the life he built elsewhere. Jane dreads the end of the her time with Jeremy and is disappointed when she believes Jeremy has rebuffed her hint that she wants more.
As always, this was a fun, beautiful story. I'm on a Mary Kingswood marathon and I hope these characters show up in other series!
All the characters from the series appear in this book. Rosamond lives in the neighboring estate, but all the sisters arrive when they hear that Jeremy has come home. Margaret has a larger role than anyone because her mutism is related to something she saw years ago on the night her mother died.
The romance here is sweet, but also funny. To search for the jewels, Jeremy and Jane decide to have a fake engagement so they can spend time together. They grow closer during the investigation and Jeremy starts questioning whether he wants to go back to the life he built elsewhere. Jane dreads the end of the her time with Jeremy and is disappointed when she believes Jeremy has rebuffed her hint that she wants more.
As always, this was a fun, beautiful story. I'm on a Mary Kingswood marathon and I hope these characters show up in other series!
September 3, 2019
Jeremy Winterton has spent the last fifteen years as Jon Moreton, the competent and successful manager of his "uncle's" mill. Having finally decided to settle down and marry the beautiful, if a little reserved, Ellen Ridwell, he decides to journey back to Brinshire to claim his inheritance—Woodside manor. Unfortunately for him, Woodside was sold almost ten years ago, and the act of claiming his inheritance is a little more complicated than first anticipated. The house is currently owned by Mr. Tyrell, and his prickly, outspoken daughter, Jane. Because Jeremy has limited funds, Mr. Tyrell offers up the house as a dowry for marrying Jane--a plan despised by both the hero and heroine. Instead, Jeremy chooses to look for his mother’s long lost jewelry, which includes the priceless Tilford diamonds. Jane, who detests the idea of marriage and living under a husband's thumb, agrees to help him look in exchange for a percentage of the proceeds, which she plans to use to secure her independence once her father dies. Teaming up, they enter into a fake betrothal, and scour the countryside for the jewels. But they find much more than jewelry--including the secret of his mother's death and the reason for his sister, Margaret's, silence.
I was pretty disappointed by this novel. I had a hard time connecting with our hero and heroine. At the beginning of the novel, Jeremy is shown as entitled, self-centered and in my opinion, a complete ass. He thinks little of the grief and suffering endured by his family over his supposed death nor how his sudden reappearance will affect and disrupt their lives. Even after having thrown away his previous identity for ten years, he believes that he can still waltz into Brinshire and reclaim what is “rightfully his”, ignoring the fact that he forfeited any claim to it when he gave up the name Jeremy Winterton. Although he acknowledges the callousness of his thoughts by the end of the novel, we see very little of the gradual changes in mindset and behavior that must have led to this realization. Because the author chose not to include these scenes, it felt like there were two Jeremys: Jeremy before and Jeremy after. I felt Jane's character to be equally inconsistent—through the first half of the novel she is caustic and hostile towards Jeremy, then her personality does a complete 180, becoming flirtatious and encouraging.
In many ways, this book is very different from the previous novels in the series. As another viewer mentioned, there’s a little more adult content, involving a naughty clock. Other than this scene, the book is probably rated PG (due to a bit of kissing). Among the Sisters of Woodside series, I felt this book had the most in common with your typical Regency romance. The character development of the hero and heroine is abrupt and unnatural; a lot of time is spent being distracted by the romantic interest’s body parts (in this case ankles); the hero and heroine move to a first name basis far quicker than appropriate; there is an excess of drama which includes a deception between or perpetuated by the hero or heroine; and at the end of the story they say “I love you” (which I don’t think is natural language for that era. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong). The rest of the family introduced in the previous novels make an appearance; however almost nothing is added to their stories (with the exception of Margaret), and the characters are almost interchangeable due to how little they affect the plot or dialogue.
Although Woodside isn’t as bad as The Chaperon or The Companion, it is by no means Mary Kingwood’s finest work. I highly recommend you check out the other two stories in the series: The Seamstress and The Governess.
I was pretty disappointed by this novel. I had a hard time connecting with our hero and heroine. At the beginning of the novel, Jeremy is shown as entitled, self-centered and in my opinion, a complete ass. He thinks little of the grief and suffering endured by his family over his supposed death nor how his sudden reappearance will affect and disrupt their lives. Even after having thrown away his previous identity for ten years, he believes that he can still waltz into Brinshire and reclaim what is “rightfully his”, ignoring the fact that he forfeited any claim to it when he gave up the name Jeremy Winterton. Although he acknowledges the callousness of his thoughts by the end of the novel, we see very little of the gradual changes in mindset and behavior that must have led to this realization. Because the author chose not to include these scenes, it felt like there were two Jeremys: Jeremy before and Jeremy after. I felt Jane's character to be equally inconsistent—through the first half of the novel she is caustic and hostile towards Jeremy, then her personality does a complete 180, becoming flirtatious and encouraging.
In many ways, this book is very different from the previous novels in the series. As another viewer mentioned, there’s a little more adult content, involving a naughty clock. Other than this scene, the book is probably rated PG (due to a bit of kissing). Among the Sisters of Woodside series, I felt this book had the most in common with your typical Regency romance. The character development of the hero and heroine is abrupt and unnatural; a lot of time is spent being distracted by the romantic interest’s body parts (in this case ankles); the hero and heroine move to a first name basis far quicker than appropriate; there is an excess of drama which includes a deception between or perpetuated by the hero or heroine; and at the end of the story they say “I love you” (which I don’t think is natural language for that era. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong). The rest of the family introduced in the previous novels make an appearance; however almost nothing is added to their stories (with the exception of Margaret), and the characters are almost interchangeable due to how little they affect the plot or dialogue.
Although Woodside isn’t as bad as The Chaperon or The Companion, it is by no means Mary Kingwood’s finest work. I highly recommend you check out the other two stories in the series: The Seamstress and The Governess.
April 8, 2021
Favorite heroine, not so much the hero
So lots of trailing threads wrapped up in this one. Buuuut I found it less than believable. Although the murder was one of the more believable ones, in a way. Anyhow, I didn’t find Jeremy particularly interesting, nor the timing of his return quite necessary. Jane I love. She is excellent, and I did love the nickname he gave her. I’m not a puzzle person, and I always fail at escape rooms...so all that stuff just felt like noise. The repentance of Percival was uninspired and ridiculous. I do like the idea of a blue automaton in the bed!
Margaret keeping quiet might have been handled with a bit more specifics, related to traumatic memories and such.
So lots of trailing threads wrapped up in this one. Buuuut I found it less than believable. Although the murder was one of the more believable ones, in a way. Anyhow, I didn’t find Jeremy particularly interesting, nor the timing of his return quite necessary. Jane I love. She is excellent, and I did love the nickname he gave her. I’m not a puzzle person, and I always fail at escape rooms...so all that stuff just felt like noise. The repentance of Percival was uninspired and ridiculous. I do like the idea of a blue automaton in the bed!
Margaret keeping quiet might have been handled with a bit more specifics, related to traumatic memories and such.
March 9, 2019
4.5 Stars
Ten years have passed since the sisters of Woodside found happiness. Their grief for their young brother, Jeremy, tragically drowned at the age of twelve, has faded. The sadness of losing their home, Woodside, to strangers is but a memory. They no longer wonder just what became of their mother’s fabulous jewels, which should have guaranteed their dowries. They are looking forwards, not back into the past. The past is not always willing to be left behind. In the industrial north of England, a young man can only step into his own future if he revisits the past.
A very good ending to the series & all loose ends were tied up, secrets revealed & mysteries solved. This is of course the final novel in the series & at a push it could be read on its own but I feel that to fully appreciate it you need to read this engrossing series from the start. The characters are well portrayed & on the whole are likeable. I’ve loved the Winterton siblings & their journeys to their HEA. The pace is good & held my interest from start to finish, it's not a bodice riper but a well written historical romance with a very good story & I felt I was transported back to the nineteenth century.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Ten years have passed since the sisters of Woodside found happiness. Their grief for their young brother, Jeremy, tragically drowned at the age of twelve, has faded. The sadness of losing their home, Woodside, to strangers is but a memory. They no longer wonder just what became of their mother’s fabulous jewels, which should have guaranteed their dowries. They are looking forwards, not back into the past. The past is not always willing to be left behind. In the industrial north of England, a young man can only step into his own future if he revisits the past.
A very good ending to the series & all loose ends were tied up, secrets revealed & mysteries solved. This is of course the final novel in the series & at a push it could be read on its own but I feel that to fully appreciate it you need to read this engrossing series from the start. The characters are well portrayed & on the whole are likeable. I’ve loved the Winterton siblings & their journeys to their HEA. The pace is good & held my interest from start to finish, it's not a bodice riper but a well written historical romance with a very good story & I felt I was transported back to the nineteenth century.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 5, 2019
Wow!! What a journey this stand alone but a series takes you on. Its full of doubt, mystery, tons of banter and a puzzles to solve. I loved the secrets of the puzzle and how it brought Jane and Jeremy together. This is the last story of the series I'm sad to see it end. My free opinion. Thanks.
December 14, 2022
If you've read the first 4 you'll probably figure out a lot of the plot, but it still makes for a fun read and, of course, for a happy ending.
March 6, 2019
Good End to the series. Learned what happened to Jeremy, reconnected with all the sisters and their husbands. New characters and the answers to many questions. Only put down the story when my Kindle battery died. I plan to go back and read the series again.
Read as an ARC reader with a pre-release copy. Looking forward to the next series.
Read as an ARC reader with a pre-release copy. Looking forward to the next series.
December 11, 2019
Having subscribed to Kindle Unlimited, I took this opportunity to read the last book of the Woodside series. Nearly everything is all tied up now, the lost son returned upsetting his family, the Tyrells, and the local gentry.
But - there are some points still puzzling me:
What happened to the written clues they found along with the jewellery and the coins? Did they serve any purpose?
What happened to .
What about Lady...? I already forgot her name. She is said to be an earl's daughter, but we learn nothing about a husband. When she was pregnant with her daughter she would have been shunned by society, earl's daughter or not. So why could she dominate the village?
It was a nice read, I didn't like the hero's attitude "claiming what is rightfully his", but enjoyed the prickly heroine. Suddenly both characters change, and so does Ellen Ridwell when she makes a decision
But - there are some points still puzzling me:
What happened to the written clues they found along with the jewellery and the coins? Did they serve any purpose?
What happened to .
What about Lady...? I already forgot her name. She is said to be an earl's daughter, but we learn nothing about a husband. When she was pregnant with her daughter she would have been shunned by society, earl's daughter or not. So why could she dominate the village?
It was a nice read, I didn't like the hero's attitude "claiming what is rightfully his", but enjoyed the prickly heroine. Suddenly both characters change, and so does Ellen Ridwell when she makes a decision
April 13, 2023
Thank you for thourghly engaging stories with a beautiful ending!
I so enjoyed the story of each sister and each story was woven in such a way that there is never a dull moment. I really enjoyed this last chapter of this series. I felt the sisters so needed their family to be complete.
I so enjoyed the story of each sister and each story was woven in such a way that there is never a dull moment. I really enjoyed this last chapter of this series. I felt the sisters so needed their family to be complete.
July 18, 2019
NOTE ~ if you are just starting with the Woodside Mysteries series this is going to be a SPOILER so please start with the other books first as this was meant to be the 5th and LAST one to round off this particular series.
There have been hints on the previous books that Jeremy Winterton, the heir to Woodside, was not the one who drowned at sea 15 years ago but somebody else, judging by the description given by Captain Hunt plus the evasive answers given to Ferdy when he did a cursory investigation in the vain hope that reports of Jeremy's death were false after all. This is Jeremy Winterton's story... since he did not in fact spend all those years communing with the fishes at the bottom of the Irish sea. There are puzzles to solve as well as mysteries here because of what Jeremy's Gift was. He had always been inclined towards mechanical automata specially clocks and most definitely not about the common gentlemanly sports and show of brawn... plus the solving of puzzles require more of a mechanical turn of mind than of physical strength... for Jeremy was hunting for his Mama's jewels believed to be almost that of a king's ransom cleverly hidden in the furnitures found in her bedroom (some were sold~off after her death and in the possession of their neighbors) in order to buy back Woodside from the Tyrells... thus enabling him to live his life as a gentleman (not just a mill owner smelling of trade) as he was meant to be and be worthy of a wife as befitting his rank. Also, the issue of his sister Margaret's temporary affliction and his being sent to sea would be answered as well as that concerning their beloved mother's death and a truly suitable wife for him (for this is also a Romance) would be found... so as to wrap~up this wondrous engrossing Woodside adventure to a very satisfactory end.
There have been hints on the previous books that Jeremy Winterton, the heir to Woodside, was not the one who drowned at sea 15 years ago but somebody else, judging by the description given by Captain Hunt plus the evasive answers given to Ferdy when he did a cursory investigation in the vain hope that reports of Jeremy's death were false after all. This is Jeremy Winterton's story... since he did not in fact spend all those years communing with the fishes at the bottom of the Irish sea. There are puzzles to solve as well as mysteries here because of what Jeremy's Gift was. He had always been inclined towards mechanical automata specially clocks and most definitely not about the common gentlemanly sports and show of brawn... plus the solving of puzzles require more of a mechanical turn of mind than of physical strength... for Jeremy was hunting for his Mama's jewels believed to be almost that of a king's ransom cleverly hidden in the furnitures found in her bedroom (some were sold~off after her death and in the possession of their neighbors) in order to buy back Woodside from the Tyrells... thus enabling him to live his life as a gentleman (not just a mill owner smelling of trade) as he was meant to be and be worthy of a wife as befitting his rank. Also, the issue of his sister Margaret's temporary affliction and his being sent to sea would be answered as well as that concerning their beloved mother's death and a truly suitable wife for him (for this is also a Romance) would be found... so as to wrap~up this wondrous engrossing Woodside adventure to a very satisfactory end.
March 13, 2019
What has been hidden must now be exposed.
Woodside by Mary Kingswood is the final book in the series. All of the sisters are happily married, but there still remains one piece of their life-puzzle that has not been resolved....until now.
Their brother Jeremy, was thought by all to be lost at sea. Wrong. He is alive and ready to reveal himself to his family. What he expects and what actually happens is the basis of this well written period mystery/romance.
The plot was original and complicated, but well explained. I appreciated the author starting this tale with “The story so far...” highlights of the last four books. Since most all of the characters were also in the previous books, I will only concentrate on Jeremy. I actually didn't really like him through much of the story. He was stuffy, narrow minded and selfish – until Jane straightened him out. I did like his heroine, Jane Tyrrell. Her sharp tongue was attached to a woman with backbone and heart. Both of their characters were well described and continue to develop throughout the story. I had to get accustomed to the slower pace, but with it came deliberate thought and tightness of plot.
All in all this is a clean and sweet stand-alone read. It is suitable for any age reader.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
FYI: I also posted my review with Amazon (as Rural Reader).
Woodside by Mary Kingswood is the final book in the series. All of the sisters are happily married, but there still remains one piece of their life-puzzle that has not been resolved....until now.
Their brother Jeremy, was thought by all to be lost at sea. Wrong. He is alive and ready to reveal himself to his family. What he expects and what actually happens is the basis of this well written period mystery/romance.
The plot was original and complicated, but well explained. I appreciated the author starting this tale with “The story so far...” highlights of the last four books. Since most all of the characters were also in the previous books, I will only concentrate on Jeremy. I actually didn't really like him through much of the story. He was stuffy, narrow minded and selfish – until Jane straightened him out. I did like his heroine, Jane Tyrrell. Her sharp tongue was attached to a woman with backbone and heart. Both of their characters were well described and continue to develop throughout the story. I had to get accustomed to the slower pace, but with it came deliberate thought and tightness of plot.
All in all this is a clean and sweet stand-alone read. It is suitable for any age reader.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
FYI: I also posted my review with Amazon (as Rural Reader).
February 19, 2020
I was putting Woodside off for some time, simply because I hadn't finished the penultimate book of the series. I was still curious if the brother, Jeremy had really survived by swapping places with another boy and thus escaped death at sea.
Fast forward 10 years since the sisters found out about their father's debt and the need to sell Woodside, their home to settle those debts. The house has been bought by another gentleman and he and his daughter live quietly there when a young ambitious mill manager, John Moreton arrives. Except John Moreton is actually Jeremy and it took him that long to find and own up to his family.
It wasn't a bad book, but I find many of the characters, including the hero too mercantile, too preoccupied with being a gentleman/lady and not being in trade.
What saves the book is the mystery to find the jewels their mother left to her son, now that all the sisters are married well it's decided Jeremy will receive the jewels so he can buy back his childhood home. The mystery is fun, the underlying implication as to what happened between Jeremy's parents and the involvement of his father's former love affecting the events even 15 years after Jeremy was shipped off to sea. This also includes the reason for the silence into which Margaret sunk into all those years ago.
Jane, the unlikely heroine is a woman that knows her own mind and at first, is not attracted to Jeremy, but it's through their interaction that both begin to appreciate one another.
All in all, a decent ending to a good series.
Fast forward 10 years since the sisters found out about their father's debt and the need to sell Woodside, their home to settle those debts. The house has been bought by another gentleman and he and his daughter live quietly there when a young ambitious mill manager, John Moreton arrives. Except John Moreton is actually Jeremy and it took him that long to find and own up to his family.
It wasn't a bad book, but I find many of the characters, including the hero too mercantile, too preoccupied with being a gentleman/lady and not being in trade.
What saves the book is the mystery to find the jewels their mother left to her son, now that all the sisters are married well it's decided Jeremy will receive the jewels so he can buy back his childhood home. The mystery is fun, the underlying implication as to what happened between Jeremy's parents and the involvement of his father's former love affecting the events even 15 years after Jeremy was shipped off to sea. This also includes the reason for the silence into which Margaret sunk into all those years ago.
Jane, the unlikely heroine is a woman that knows her own mind and at first, is not attracted to Jeremy, but it's through their interaction that both begin to appreciate one another.
All in all, a decent ending to a good series.
April 16, 2023
SPOILERS
A wonderful conclusion to the Sisters of Woodside series, in which Jeremy Winterton returns to Woodside to claim his inheritance, only to find that his father had been dead for 10 years, and another family was living in the house. His sisters were well-married and scattered about the country, but they came flying home to see him as soon as they heard he was still alive. For 15 years they believed he had drowned in the sinking of the Brig Minerva. In reality, he had been living and working in the Lancashire mills, posing as the nephew of Giles Moreland.
Jeremy wants to buy Woodside and establish himself as a gentleman, but he hasn't the funds to do so. There are two mysteries to solve. Who and why is someone trying to kill him? And where are the jewels his mother left? His father had torn up her room trying to find them with no success. Jeremy is helped in the search by Jane Tyrrell, the daughter of the man who bought the estate, as they follow clues left by his mother. He is expected to marry a girl in Lancashire, where he has been living all these years with his "uncle", but there is a slow burn between him and Jane, and Ellen, the Lancashire lovely, takes a different route in London.
Mary Kingswood's books are riveting. It's difficult for most other books to be as satisfying to read as hers are. Thank goodness she's prolific!
A wonderful conclusion to the Sisters of Woodside series, in which Jeremy Winterton returns to Woodside to claim his inheritance, only to find that his father had been dead for 10 years, and another family was living in the house. His sisters were well-married and scattered about the country, but they came flying home to see him as soon as they heard he was still alive. For 15 years they believed he had drowned in the sinking of the Brig Minerva. In reality, he had been living and working in the Lancashire mills, posing as the nephew of Giles Moreland.
Jeremy wants to buy Woodside and establish himself as a gentleman, but he hasn't the funds to do so. There are two mysteries to solve. Who and why is someone trying to kill him? And where are the jewels his mother left? His father had torn up her room trying to find them with no success. Jeremy is helped in the search by Jane Tyrrell, the daughter of the man who bought the estate, as they follow clues left by his mother. He is expected to marry a girl in Lancashire, where he has been living all these years with his "uncle", but there is a slow burn between him and Jane, and Ellen, the Lancashire lovely, takes a different route in London.
Mary Kingswood's books are riveting. It's difficult for most other books to be as satisfying to read as hers are. Thank goodness she's prolific!
March 6, 2019
I received an advanced copy from the author, but I have bought most of the others in this and other series by Ms. Kingswood.
This one is sweet, mysterious, romantic, and highly entertaining. I enjoyed learning what had happened to Jeremy (spoiler alert) although I never could swallow that nothing was said for 15 years....
At first I didn't like "John" or Jane, but they grew on me and their banter and nicknames made me smile.
I also enjoyed the return of the other sisters and husbands...with a large part for Margaret who was my favorite. These "old friends" didn't make the novel sickenly sweet as so often happens in last of series (Oh, Mary Balogh, how I hate to say that).
I did think the ending dragged after the puzzle was solved. I think the "chase" could have been omitted as it was a bit tedious.
At any rate, it was a lovely ending to the series. Loved the automaton info and the puzzle to solve.
I'll look forward to the next in series
This one is sweet, mysterious, romantic, and highly entertaining. I enjoyed learning what had happened to Jeremy (spoiler alert) although I never could swallow that nothing was said for 15 years....
At first I didn't like "John" or Jane, but they grew on me and their banter and nicknames made me smile.
I also enjoyed the return of the other sisters and husbands...with a large part for Margaret who was my favorite. These "old friends" didn't make the novel sickenly sweet as so often happens in last of series (Oh, Mary Balogh, how I hate to say that).
I did think the ending dragged after the puzzle was solved. I think the "chase" could have been omitted as it was a bit tedious.
At any rate, it was a lovely ending to the series. Loved the automaton info and the puzzle to solve.
I'll look forward to the next in series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2019
Exciting Finale!
This is a story about the reacquisition of a family property with the name of Woodside and the hunt for a mother's lost jewels.
It also tells the budding romance of the younger brother, Jeremy, who was presumed drowned at sea.
We meet Jane, a young lady with a rather waspish tongue, who never intends to wed and it was truly delightful to see how her attitude towards falling in love and getting married changes.
We also catch glimpses of Jeremy's sisters and their spouses from time to time.
There are many mysteries whose answers are unravelled and presented and this ties all the previous books in the series together rather neatly.
The story is very well written, easy to read and captured my imagination and rapt attention and for these reasons I am happy to recommend it.
I requested and read an Advance Reader's Copy of the ebook and my unbiased review above is given voluntarily.
This is a story about the reacquisition of a family property with the name of Woodside and the hunt for a mother's lost jewels.
It also tells the budding romance of the younger brother, Jeremy, who was presumed drowned at sea.
We meet Jane, a young lady with a rather waspish tongue, who never intends to wed and it was truly delightful to see how her attitude towards falling in love and getting married changes.
We also catch glimpses of Jeremy's sisters and their spouses from time to time.
There are many mysteries whose answers are unravelled and presented and this ties all the previous books in the series together rather neatly.
The story is very well written, easy to read and captured my imagination and rapt attention and for these reasons I am happy to recommend it.
I requested and read an Advance Reader's Copy of the ebook and my unbiased review above is given voluntarily.
March 12, 2019
This is the final part in the Winterton Sisters series. It resolves the mysteries that remained, such as what happened to their mother's jewellery, why did Margaret find it difficult to talk, and did their brother Jeremy really die in the shipwreck. The book not only resolves them but does so in a very believable manner. It can be read as a stand-alone but would be better to read it after some of the earlier books to get the full impact of how well the author has woven the story. Similar to Ms Heyer's books this author too uses dialogue, and a good story line as opposed to sex to keep the reader absorbed and wishing for more at the end. It was good to see the use of an Epilogue to close-off the story. To the best of my knowledge, the book depicts the era it is based on accurately. It is well written and a easy read. I received a pre-release copy for a honest review.
March 18, 2019
I must first confess that I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but Woodside works as a ‘stand-alone’. I was enjoying it so much, & was certainly going to remedy that....until a totally unnecessary ‘off-colour’ page. This was very disappointing, as until then I would have been highly recommending the book – now I’m not so sure I want to read any more of this writer, which is a pity as apart from that it was most enjoyable. The description does say “drawing room rather than bedroom” - which does not apply at all, also the author is described as writing in the style of Georgette Heyer – which is partly true, but she would not have included the page mentioned above, or the equally ‘off’ plot twist at the end. This was a pre-release copy : I have very mixed feelings about it, & am unsure how much to let that affect my rating.
March 13, 2019
I am somewhat obsessed with all of Mary Kingswood's series (I devoured Sons of the Marquess & Daughters of Allamont Hall) and this final book in the Sisters of Woodside series did not disappoint! I find her books are some of the few Regency period romance/mysteries that aren't super cheesy, are well-written, intriguing, and absolute page-turners! And she never disappoints with her HEA, even if there are lots of exciting twists and turns to get there.
If you enjoyed the first few books in this series you will love this conclusion to Sisters of Woodside!!
I received an ARC because I didn't want to wait for it to be released :D
If you enjoyed the first few books in this series you will love this conclusion to Sisters of Woodside!!
I received an ARC because I didn't want to wait for it to be released :D
March 15, 2019
A very good ending to the Woodside Mysteries series. This book answered many of the questions from the other books in the series. It is a book full of puzzles, where are the jewels, what happened to the little brother, why sister Margaret refuses to talk, how can a working man regain his gentleman's status and still marry the woman of his dreams and can an independent, strong minded, no nonsense woman find true love with a selfish, business driven, ladder climber. Lots and lots of puzzles, twists and turns! A truly delightful book for readers of all ages. I received a pre-released copy of the book fo
March 16, 2019
I enjoyed reading the 4 sisters' stories so I was glad to finally have Jeremy's story. Needless to say, it was worth the wait. We had a hero and a very prickly heroine. We had a mystery and a bad person in addition to the various helpers and gossips and interesting bystanders. We also got to catch up with the Winterton sisters of Woodside 10 years after their stories took place and see where they are in their HEAs.
Besides the storyline, I greatly enjoyed the sly bits of humorous asides, i.e. after he climbed out the window, "she didn't have the heart to tell him the doors were unlocked."
Besides the storyline, I greatly enjoyed the sly bits of humorous asides, i.e. after he climbed out the window, "she didn't have the heart to tell him the doors were unlocked."
May 11, 2022
Grab a glass of Madeira, it's the finale of Woodside!
A murder or three, a love found and lost and then love possibly found in someone else, in every book.
Very low errors in punctuation and spelling. (Amazing actually. I only made one report for a "1" and "I" mix up for the whole series. Superb editing shown here.)
Complexly delicious word choice and descriptions.
Subtle foreshadowing, blink and you'll miss it, collect the clues and avoid the red herrings.
Did not see the true villain coming until very late in the series, excellent delay that kept you guessing with series wide hints. Very pleased with Margaret's full circle in the finale.
A murder or three, a love found and lost and then love possibly found in someone else, in every book.
Very low errors in punctuation and spelling. (Amazing actually. I only made one report for a "1" and "I" mix up for the whole series. Superb editing shown here.)
Complexly delicious word choice and descriptions.
Subtle foreshadowing, blink and you'll miss it, collect the clues and avoid the red herrings.
Did not see the true villain coming until very late in the series, excellent delay that kept you guessing with series wide hints. Very pleased with Margaret's full circle in the finale.
October 15, 2022
I would have sworn that this volume, the fifth of the series, wasn't even written by the same author as the others. Perhaps it was an afterthought to tie up the plot of the missing brother.
The male MC is dishonest and let his family believe he was dead for years, and not even for any good reason. When he shows up alive, he apparently doesn't feel remorse or guilt. Who is this guy? I really didn't like this character.
The female MC is more interesting, and the romance is slow to develop. Lots of misinterpretations and manners get in the way.
Joanna Stephens does her usual superb narration of the audiobook.
The male MC is dishonest and let his family believe he was dead for years, and not even for any good reason. When he shows up alive, he apparently doesn't feel remorse or guilt. Who is this guy? I really didn't like this character.
The female MC is more interesting, and the romance is slow to develop. Lots of misinterpretations and manners get in the way.
Joanna Stephens does her usual superb narration of the audiobook.
September 13, 2024
I usually love Mary Kingwood's little tales as afternoon delights, but this one fell short. The dead come back to life who had not been dead at all but switched places with someone else. They died. Now Jeremy comes home to find Woodside sold and if he wants the place he has to marry the daughter of the man who owns it. He's in quite a fix, because he already has someone else in mind to marry. Good thing he is not in love with the woman! The plot went exactly as I thought it would and their were no surprises. I think the last book in any series should be exciting with at least one good plot twit. I didn't happen here.
March 14, 2019
The Mystery is a Puzzle; Good Company with this Family
I enjoyed this whole series. I found this series interesting and not as demanding as suspense thrillers. Note: I received a pre-release copy for review. There are no spoilers in this review.
The hero is light-hearted. The heroine is a prickly hedgehog. This combination seems to be compatible. It was delightful to have all five sisters and their husbands reunite at Woodside. I enjoyed reading about the puzzle that needs solving.
I enjoyed this whole series. I found this series interesting and not as demanding as suspense thrillers. Note: I received a pre-release copy for review. There are no spoilers in this review.
The hero is light-hearted. The heroine is a prickly hedgehog. This combination seems to be compatible. It was delightful to have all five sisters and their husbands reunite at Woodside. I enjoyed reading about the puzzle that needs solving.
February 28, 2019
As always an excellent book. Sadly the final book in the series but very clever plot, likeable (mostly) characters and a sound historical background.
I'm lucky enough to receive an advance copy but I'd happily pay to read all of Mary's books. This one I just couldn't put down and read straight though till 1 a.m! Thoroughly recommend this whole series and everything that Mary writes.
No waiting for the new series to be published!
I'm lucky enough to receive an advance copy but I'd happily pay to read all of Mary's books. This one I just couldn't put down and read straight though till 1 a.m! Thoroughly recommend this whole series and everything that Mary writes.
No waiting for the new series to be published!
March 15, 2019
Woodside
First, I need to say that I received a free pre-release copy of this book, which is good because the suspense of anticipating release day was really getting to me. I loved this book, perhaps the best of the series. Tightly written and edited, well developed characters, and a strong story, "Woodside" is the last book in the series, where the lost heir and brother Jeremy is found, and at last puts the remaining pieces of the puzzle together.
First, I need to say that I received a free pre-release copy of this book, which is good because the suspense of anticipating release day was really getting to me. I loved this book, perhaps the best of the series. Tightly written and edited, well developed characters, and a strong story, "Woodside" is the last book in the series, where the lost heir and brother Jeremy is found, and at last puts the remaining pieces of the puzzle together.
March 25, 2019
I received a pre-release copy of this grand finale in the Woodside Sisters series and once again Mary Kingswood delivered!
From all the sisters weve grown to love, to Jonny/Jeremy and Ellen and "Miss Hedgehog" you can just picture them coming to tea. They are so vivid, i will be missing them for some time.
Thank you Mary, for introducing me to these fine people, their love of puzzles, books and many other great hobbies. I look forward to your next series.
From all the sisters weve grown to love, to Jonny/Jeremy and Ellen and "Miss Hedgehog" you can just picture them coming to tea. They are so vivid, i will be missing them for some time.
Thank you Mary, for introducing me to these fine people, their love of puzzles, books and many other great hobbies. I look forward to your next series.
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