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Janet Markham Bennett Cozy #1
The Armstrong Assignment
Janet Markham’s wedding day is perfect in every way, and she can’t imagine anything better than spending two weeks in Paris and two weeks in Venice on her honeymoon. Less than twenty-four hours later, though, her husband, Edward Bennett, has gone missing.
The last thing Janet is going to do is sit around and wait for him to come back. It isn’t long before she’s managed to get herself tangled up in Edward’s assignment, whether he wants her there or not.
Can Janet help Edward protect Bobby Armstrong from whoever is trying to kill him? Can they both keep up the pretense that they’ve never met before? Or will Edward’s handler, Mr. Jones, get Janet sent back to Doveby Dale before she can do anything at all?
The last thing Janet is going to do is sit around and wait for him to come back. It isn’t long before she’s managed to get herself tangled up in Edward’s assignment, whether he wants her there or not.
Can Janet help Edward protect Bobby Armstrong from whoever is trying to kill him? Can they both keep up the pretense that they’ve never met before? Or will Edward’s handler, Mr. Jones, get Janet sent back to Doveby Dale before she can do anything at all?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2021
360 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Diana Xarissa
222 books262 followersDiana started self-publishing in 2013 and over a decade later she now has over a hundred books available for readers. Writing remains her passion and she has no plans to stop writing in the foreseeable future.
Diana grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and earned a history degree from Allegheny College. She met her husband, an Englishman, while living and working in Washington, DC. Following their marriage, she moved to Derbyshire. A short while later, the happy couple moved to the Isle of Man.
During their years on the island, Diana and her husband welcomed two children, and Diana completed a master’s degree in the history of the island. In 2008, the family made the decision to move to the US. Now empty-nesters, Diana and her husband are living in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, and contemplating moving somewhere that doesn’t get snow.
Diana also writes mystery/thrillers set in the not-too-distant future as Diana X. Dunn and Young Adult fiction as D.X. Dunn.
Diana grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and earned a history degree from Allegheny College. She met her husband, an Englishman, while living and working in Washington, DC. Following their marriage, she moved to Derbyshire. A short while later, the happy couple moved to the Isle of Man.
During their years on the island, Diana and her husband welcomed two children, and Diana completed a master’s degree in the history of the island. In 2008, the family made the decision to move to the US. Now empty-nesters, Diana and her husband are living in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, and contemplating moving somewhere that doesn’t get snow.
Diana also writes mystery/thrillers set in the not-too-distant future as Diana X. Dunn and Young Adult fiction as D.X. Dunn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 22, 2021
I was a big fan of the Markham Sisters series (and bummed when it was over) and I was looking forward to this new series with Janet Markham and new husband Edward Bennett. I miss the quick, easy non-murder reads of the Markham Sisters series, but I did like how the author evolved it into this new series. It's more cozy than thriller, but definitely more action than in the original series and I enjoyed seeing Janet get involved with the job Edward was on (and his reluctant participation didn't make a lot of sense, but then again, how else would the plot be set up? Not going to quibble about it) and how she "got the job done" was exciting and a lot of fun. I'm definitely looking forward to more of Janet and Edward's adventures!
May 8, 2021
Enjoyable
An enjoyable and light read but it stretched belief a few too many times.
The central premise... in terms of why the honeymoon was interrupted... really didn't make much sense (a "retired" Englishman was the only option... for an American citizen in France?).
An enjoyable and light read but it stretched belief a few too many times.
The central premise... in terms of why the honeymoon was interrupted... really didn't make much sense (a "retired" Englishman was the only option... for an American citizen in France?).
March 26, 2021
Typical of this author, the first book of a new series shows great potential for an interesting theme, and it is a good story (hence the rating). It is however more of a fictional caricature rather than a typical realistic fiction with which a reader could become absorbed or relate with. For example, Janet’s husband disappears on the first night of their honeymoon, without a word of explanation, having been apparently mysteriously summoned to work after retiring, and then later says (to Janet) “you’re much more important to me than this job”. REALLY! Edward’s actions would suggest the exact opposite, let alone the incredible insensitivity of his actions. Of course, if his work were not more important than his relationship to Janet, the author would have little else to write about. Then there is the necessity to get to the top floor of a supposedly secure building that requires the use of pass keys. Yet, access can also be easily gained by simply walking up the stairs. REALLY! Fictional license once again becomes more fictional fantasy.
There are also indications of the of the old habit used by this author of regurgitating the same details of the story between different characters, which serves simply serves to add unnecessary and tiresome volume to the book. Blessedly, perhaps because it is the first book of a new series, the reader is not again provided with a repetitive description of each character and their history. Hopefully (although I reserve my trust), this will not again become a trademark for this series.
There are also indications of the of the old habit used by this author of regurgitating the same details of the story between different characters, which serves simply serves to add unnecessary and tiresome volume to the book. Blessedly, perhaps because it is the first book of a new series, the reader is not again provided with a repetitive description of each character and their history. Hopefully (although I reserve my trust), this will not again become a trademark for this series.
December 31, 2020
Janet Markham and Edward Bennett get married and fly to Paris for their honeymoon. The next morning, Edward is missing from their hotel room. Janet alerts the Paris police, but when they check with the hotel manager, the evidence seems to suggest that Janet checked in alone.
Things get even more confusing when Janet accidentally sees Edward while she's walking along the Paris streets. He's part of the security force guarding a Texas billionaire, Bobby Armstrong. The next day, Janet meets Booby Armstrong as he's sneaking out of his private hotel, and she helps him converse with a French couple and then accompanies him to a cafe for breakfast. Bobby is impressed with Janet's mastery of French and impulsively hires her as his personal interpreter.
While this reunites Janet and Edward (though Bobby isn't aware they're married), Mr. Jones, the head of the security force, is not pleased to have a "civilian" butting in. It seems Bobby has been the target of several life-threatening attacks, including one on his private jet. Can Janet and Edward together figure out who wants Bobby dead before somebody ELSE gets hurt?
Things get even more confusing when Janet accidentally sees Edward while she's walking along the Paris streets. He's part of the security force guarding a Texas billionaire, Bobby Armstrong. The next day, Janet meets Booby Armstrong as he's sneaking out of his private hotel, and she helps him converse with a French couple and then accompanies him to a cafe for breakfast. Bobby is impressed with Janet's mastery of French and impulsively hires her as his personal interpreter.
While this reunites Janet and Edward (though Bobby isn't aware they're married), Mr. Jones, the head of the security force, is not pleased to have a "civilian" butting in. It seems Bobby has been the target of several life-threatening attacks, including one on his private jet. Can Janet and Edward together figure out who wants Bobby dead before somebody ELSE gets hurt?
September 13, 2024
One of my Facebook followers recommended this author, and I'm so glad she did. I loved Janet and Edward, the newly married couple who are the main characters. There were a few indicators that they're a "mature" couple. She retired from teaching and opened a B&B with her sister, and he's retired from a government job.
On their honeymoon in Paris, he suddenly disappears, called back to an assignment in his old world. Before you know it, they're both involved in trying to prevent a murder. The dialogue is witty and the mystery requires understanding all of the likely suspects and what their likely motives could be.
I'm delighted to know that this is #1 in a 12-book series and that there's a series that precedes this one--involving Janet and her sister opening their B&B. I may have to find that one and read it before proceeding to book #2 in this one.
On their honeymoon in Paris, he suddenly disappears, called back to an assignment in his old world. Before you know it, they're both involved in trying to prevent a murder. The dialogue is witty and the mystery requires understanding all of the likely suspects and what their likely motives could be.
I'm delighted to know that this is #1 in a 12-book series and that there's a series that precedes this one--involving Janet and her sister opening their B&B. I may have to find that one and read it before proceeding to book #2 in this one.
July 19, 2022
Finally A Longer Story!
I've read the entire Markham Sisters series of 26 novellas. I loved them, but they were too short for as wonderful as the characters and stories were. Not at all incomplete, just short. Somewhere along the way, I read the 3rd book in this series. I absolutely loved it, and I couldn't wait to get to the full series.
Finally, I am here, and it was well worth the wait. Familiar characters in a new type of story, kind of the flip side of the novellas. Those were almost tangential to the actual crimes, but here, the characters are intimately involved, right in the middle of things. And it is glorious! I have zero complaints in this. And it's a great length to really immerse oneself into the story.
Take the plunge. You won't be sorry.
I've read the entire Markham Sisters series of 26 novellas. I loved them, but they were too short for as wonderful as the characters and stories were. Not at all incomplete, just short. Somewhere along the way, I read the 3rd book in this series. I absolutely loved it, and I couldn't wait to get to the full series.
Finally, I am here, and it was well worth the wait. Familiar characters in a new type of story, kind of the flip side of the novellas. Those were almost tangential to the actual crimes, but here, the characters are intimately involved, right in the middle of things. And it is glorious! I have zero complaints in this. And it's a great length to really immerse oneself into the story.
Take the plunge. You won't be sorry.
March 24, 2021
Edward ❤️ Janet
FINALLY! This series starts off with Edward Bennett and Janet Markham getting married and off to Paris for their honeymoon. Janet wakes up the next morning without any presence of Edward. He has disappeared. His name has been removed from the hotel register as well as Janet’s married last name. So she decides to go ahead with their honeymoon as planned and hope that Edward will show up eventually.
Edward is supposed to be retired from his job as a secret agent but Janet accidentally finds him doing bodyguard work. It is a very exciting and suspenseful read from here on. Murder attempts and a cast of characters have Janet and Edward figuring until the end.
FINALLY! This series starts off with Edward Bennett and Janet Markham getting married and off to Paris for their honeymoon. Janet wakes up the next morning without any presence of Edward. He has disappeared. His name has been removed from the hotel register as well as Janet’s married last name. So she decides to go ahead with their honeymoon as planned and hope that Edward will show up eventually.
Edward is supposed to be retired from his job as a secret agent but Janet accidentally finds him doing bodyguard work. It is a very exciting and suspenseful read from here on. Murder attempts and a cast of characters have Janet and Edward figuring until the end.
May 30, 2021
Wonderful New Series
What a fun first in series! Edward and Janet are in Paris on their honeymoon, when Edward gets pulled into guarding a rich Texan, who has had several attempts made on his life. Janet gets hired as the rich guy's translator and helps with figuring out who is doing it. It all ends in a hostage situation in which Janet uses the self defense that Edward taught her to save the innocent and get the bad guys hauled off to jail. Then the newly married couple continue their honeymoon.
The book is a fun, entertaining, fast read. I can't wait for the next case!
What a fun first in series! Edward and Janet are in Paris on their honeymoon, when Edward gets pulled into guarding a rich Texan, who has had several attempts made on his life. Janet gets hired as the rich guy's translator and helps with figuring out who is doing it. It all ends in a hostage situation in which Janet uses the self defense that Edward taught her to save the innocent and get the bad guys hauled off to jail. Then the newly married couple continue their honeymoon.
The book is a fun, entertaining, fast read. I can't wait for the next case!
April 7, 2021
An amazing story! Well plotted, fast paced, intriguing, and an action-packed ending. I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. I've read all the Markham Sister s series, now this is a great opener for the new Edward & Janet Bennett series.
However, you do have to go light on credibility to accept that the British and French govts would concern themselves so much, much less go all James Bond, for a dime-a-dozen Texas business tycoon, unless he's into supplying secret missles.
However, you do have to go light on credibility to accept that the British and French govts would concern themselves so much, much less go all James Bond, for a dime-a-dozen Texas business tycoon, unless he's into supplying secret missles.
January 19, 2022
Having married a retired spy/security protection officer Janet is looking forward to a honeymoon in Paris. But then Edward disappears, the hotel deny he was ever there and Janet gets a job offer she can't refuse to use her talents and translate from French into English for a wealthy Texan.
A great story and one I enjoyed from the very first page. I will definitely be reading the previous books as well as an new books in the series.
A great story and one I enjoyed from the very first page. I will definitely be reading the previous books as well as an new books in the series.
October 1, 2023
A fabulous start
Janet is now married to Edward but their honeymoon is interrupted with an assignment for Edward.
Janet somehow manages to be in the centre of everything.
It was wonderful seeing some of the Markham Sisters series characters and having an interesting and quite different story to start this series with.
It has intrigue, strange characters and a thrilling ending. I am looking forward to the next instalment.
Janet is now married to Edward but their honeymoon is interrupted with an assignment for Edward.
Janet somehow manages to be in the centre of everything.
It was wonderful seeing some of the Markham Sisters series characters and having an interesting and quite different story to start this series with.
It has intrigue, strange characters and a thrilling ending. I am looking forward to the next instalment.
March 30, 2021
A very exciting and time stopping read
Diana Marissa is a wonderful story teller and this book was a time stoked. I could not put it down. Each page had me going to the next. A must read. Diana is a very good writer. I've read every one of her books and always look forward to the next one. Never disappointed. A must read.
Diana Marissa is a wonderful story teller and this book was a time stoked. I could not put it down. Each page had me going to the next. A must read. Diana is a very good writer. I've read every one of her books and always look forward to the next one. Never disappointed. A must read.
April 8, 2021
I was so sad to finish the Markham sisters series, which I binge read in a week, as I had grown to adore the sisters, Edward, Michael, Stuart, Parsons, etc. I was excited to see this new series. I read the first one in a single sitting. I adore the way Edward and Janet feed off eachothers energy. I hope the rest of the series is released soon, as I am looking forward to them all!
January 16, 2022
Like a mystery memory from childhood
When I was a kid, we watched THE THIN MAN; this read and felt much the same. In both the movie and THE ARMSTRONG ASSIGNMENT, the humor was light and sophisticated, the method of solving the mystery was collaborative and cooperative, and Agatha Christie and Asta have a lot in common. We done, Diana Xarissa.
When I was a kid, we watched THE THIN MAN; this read and felt much the same. In both the movie and THE ARMSTRONG ASSIGNMENT, the humor was light and sophisticated, the method of solving the mystery was collaborative and cooperative, and Agatha Christie and Asta have a lot in common. We done, Diana Xarissa.
March 10, 2022
I really enjoyed seeing how Janet showed that she will be a great partner with Edward. She could have spent her time crying. Instead, she got ourside, used her knowledge of French to help others, and used the self defense moves taught by Edward. I expect that she will have an important part in solving future mysteries. I am looking forward to reading the next books!
April 28, 2022
Favorite
I have loved everything that I’ve read by Diana Xarissa but everything else seems bland compared to this book. I haven’t read all of her books to be fair but this is the 47th book I have read. The set up is remarkable. The book is timeless you would have no idea if it was set in the 1940s or years from now. I absolutely loved everything thing about it.
I have loved everything that I’ve read by Diana Xarissa but everything else seems bland compared to this book. I haven’t read all of her books to be fair but this is the 47th book I have read. The set up is remarkable. The book is timeless you would have no idea if it was set in the 1940s or years from now. I absolutely loved everything thing about it.
June 11, 2022
Continued
I am so glad the author continued with the Markhams. She. I read the last of the series I was disappointed to be done with the adventures. Then I was directed to the Janet Markham Bennett series and I was delighted to continue. I love the connection with Janet and Edward. I hope for another 26 episodes.
I am so glad the author continued with the Markhams. She. I read the last of the series I was disappointed to be done with the adventures. Then I was directed to the Janet Markham Bennett series and I was delighted to continue. I love the connection with Janet and Edward. I hope for another 26 episodes.
May 6, 2024
I really can't rate this any higher than I did. The action picked up very slowly, but more than that, I just found the main characters to be very grating, Janet especially, who seemed to get told something surprising or shocking and just says okay and moves on. The final reveal was not a shock, and neither was the motive, sadly. I don't feel the need to continue with this series at all
July 3, 2021
Diana Xarissa has another hit. I loved Janet and her sister's series and was not looking forward to it ending. But Diana has graced us with a continuation that is even more exciting. I am looking forward to this complete series.
October 18, 2021
Captiving
The e changes Texas, MI6, newly weds who are retired leads to a quick reading and a surprise ending. All in a well written English cozy mystery.
The one fault is the repeating phraze, "when he lifted his head,""
The e changes Texas, MI6, newly weds who are retired leads to a quick reading and a surprise ending. All in a well written English cozy mystery.
The one fault is the repeating phraze, "when he lifted his head,""
September 13, 2022
The best i cozy myste
I can’t get enough of these characters.
Please keep writing. From Bessie To Janet the characters are just perfect. Recommend all these connected series to everyone.
I can’t get enough of these characters.
Please keep writing. From Bessie To Janet the characters are just perfect. Recommend all these connected series to everyone.
January 29, 2023
Cozy thriller, nicely written
I was looking for a cozy thriller and this series came up. It relies heavily on dialog and very long discussions about suspects. I wanted to see more action. Still the premise is fun, and I enjoyed the characters
I was looking for a cozy thriller and this series came up. It relies heavily on dialog and very long discussions about suspects. I wanted to see more action. Still the premise is fun, and I enjoyed the characters
August 15, 2024
Wonderful
A cracking good read the characters are really well written and the description of the places are wonderful I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
A cracking good read the characters are really well written and the description of the places are wonderful I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
March 21, 2021
Good off shoot
Really enjoyed hearing about Janet and Edward after their marriage. It's a great follow on to the Markham sisters books.
Really enjoyed hearing about Janet and Edward after their marriage. It's a great follow on to the Markham sisters books.
March 22, 2021
really good mystery, totally enjoyed it, looking forward to the next...
March 23, 2021
Great read
I'm so excited for this "new"/continuing series with Janet and Edward. This was a great, and sneaky beginning, to their working together on cases!
I'm so excited for this "new"/continuing series with Janet and Edward. This was a great, and sneaky beginning, to their working together on cases!
March 27, 2021
Fun read
I love that I will not have to find new "friends" to follow on adventures. I'm happy that Diana is continuing with both Janet Markham and Aunt Bessie.
I love that I will not have to find new "friends" to follow on adventures. I'm happy that Diana is continuing with both Janet Markham and Aunt Bessie.
June 1, 2021
Fun new series
I enjoyed the new series and found the storyline to be believable. Looking forward to the next novella in the series.
I enjoyed the new series and found the storyline to be believable. Looking forward to the next novella in the series.
June 6, 2021
Very enjoyable
I find this new series even better than the one of originated in The Markham sister. It is more complex and gripping and has lots of potential future stories
I find this new series even better than the one of originated in The Markham sister. It is more complex and gripping and has lots of potential future stories
February 3, 2022
Thoughly enjoyed reading was sad when I finished reading wanted more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews