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Charles Dickens & Superintendent Sam Jones #7
The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires
Charles Dickens and Superintendent Jones must unravel two eerie mysteries! Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Victorian crime mysteries, A Christmas Carol and David Copperfield…
Dickens faces a decades-old disappearance, a brutal murder and a missing link…
London, 1851
On his deathbed, the sinister Sir Gerald Hawke asks a distant cousin — Reverend Meredith Case — to find Sapphire, his long-lost ward and heir to the Hawke family jewels.
Concerned for her welfare, Meredith vows to discover where Sapphire disappeared to.
Meanwhile, Felix Gresham — a young man with literary ambitions — is found murdered on the steps of a bookshop. As an acquaintance of the Gresham family, novelist Charles Dickens once again teams up with Superintendent Sam Jones to investigate the murder.
But in his quest for the truth, Dickens finds that those associated with Felix are reluctant to talk.
And when he is called on to assist with the search for the Hawke heir, he begins to wonder whether the two cases could be connected…
What became of Sapphire Hawke? What secrets did Felix take to his grave?
And can Dickens find the link between the two mysteries…?
The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires is the seventh urban mystery in J. C. Briggs’ literary historical series, the Charles Dickens investigations, a traditional British detective series set in Victorian London.
‘ Brilliantly crafted , with authentic (and uniquely named) characters, The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires brings Dickensian London richly to life . Real evil lurks in the Hawke legacy, in contrast to the fragile humanity which shines through. Peppered throughout with understated humour, this superbly written murder mystery engrosses the reader in an ambiguous, but auspicious unravelling of truths’ — Coirle Mooney, author of My Lady’s Shadow
The Charles Dickens Investigations
BOOK The Murder of Patience Brooke
BOOK Death at Hungerford Stairs
BOOK Murder by Ghostlight
BOOK The Quickening and the Dead
BOOK At Midnight In Venice
BOOK The Redemption Murders
BOOK The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires
BOOK The Chinese Puzzle
BOOK Summons to Murder
BOOK The Jaggard Case
Dickens faces a decades-old disappearance, a brutal murder and a missing link…
London, 1851
On his deathbed, the sinister Sir Gerald Hawke asks a distant cousin — Reverend Meredith Case — to find Sapphire, his long-lost ward and heir to the Hawke family jewels.
Concerned for her welfare, Meredith vows to discover where Sapphire disappeared to.
Meanwhile, Felix Gresham — a young man with literary ambitions — is found murdered on the steps of a bookshop. As an acquaintance of the Gresham family, novelist Charles Dickens once again teams up with Superintendent Sam Jones to investigate the murder.
But in his quest for the truth, Dickens finds that those associated with Felix are reluctant to talk.
And when he is called on to assist with the search for the Hawke heir, he begins to wonder whether the two cases could be connected…
What became of Sapphire Hawke? What secrets did Felix take to his grave?
And can Dickens find the link between the two mysteries…?
The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires is the seventh urban mystery in J. C. Briggs’ literary historical series, the Charles Dickens investigations, a traditional British detective series set in Victorian London.
‘ Brilliantly crafted , with authentic (and uniquely named) characters, The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires brings Dickensian London richly to life . Real evil lurks in the Hawke legacy, in contrast to the fragile humanity which shines through. Peppered throughout with understated humour, this superbly written murder mystery engrosses the reader in an ambiguous, but auspicious unravelling of truths’ — Coirle Mooney, author of My Lady’s Shadow
The Charles Dickens Investigations
BOOK The Murder of Patience Brooke
BOOK Death at Hungerford Stairs
BOOK Murder by Ghostlight
BOOK The Quickening and the Dead
BOOK At Midnight In Venice
BOOK The Redemption Murders
BOOK The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires
BOOK The Chinese Puzzle
BOOK Summons to Murder
BOOK The Jaggard Case
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2021
About the author
J.C. Briggs
18 books60 followersJean Briggs taught English for many years in schools in Cheshire, Hong Kong and Lancashire. She now lives in a cottage in Cumbria, a non-metropolitan county in North West England.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 30, 2021
‘Where are you? Dy’d in the blood of recent murder …’
London, 1851.
Sir Gerald Hawke (an odious man) is on his deathbed when he asks a distant cousin, the Reverend Meredith Case, to find Sapphire. She is his long-lost ward, and the heir to the Hawke sapphires. Reverend Case resolves to find her. He starts by asking Sir Gerald’s long-term housekeeper, but she claims that Sapphire disappeared ‘before her time’.
Felix Gresham (a young man with literary ambitions) is found murdered on the steps of a bookshop. Charles Dickens is an acquaintance of the Gresham family, and becomes involved in this investigation with Superintendent Sam Jones.
Dickens also becomes involved in the search for Sapphire (how he loves a mystery) and begins to wonder if there could be a connection between the missing woman and the murdered man.
This is a marvellous novel, full of Dickensian twists. There are two involved mysteries to solve, terrific characters (meet the Screeches – Ebenzer and Bella, Miss Jane Gauntlett, and (of course) the resourceful young man known as Scrap).
If you enjoy mysteries set in the Victorian era, then I recommend this series. They do not need to be read in order because each case is self-contained, but you’ll miss some terrific character development.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
London, 1851.
Sir Gerald Hawke (an odious man) is on his deathbed when he asks a distant cousin, the Reverend Meredith Case, to find Sapphire. She is his long-lost ward, and the heir to the Hawke sapphires. Reverend Case resolves to find her. He starts by asking Sir Gerald’s long-term housekeeper, but she claims that Sapphire disappeared ‘before her time’.
Felix Gresham (a young man with literary ambitions) is found murdered on the steps of a bookshop. Charles Dickens is an acquaintance of the Gresham family, and becomes involved in this investigation with Superintendent Sam Jones.
Dickens also becomes involved in the search for Sapphire (how he loves a mystery) and begins to wonder if there could be a connection between the missing woman and the murdered man.
This is a marvellous novel, full of Dickensian twists. There are two involved mysteries to solve, terrific characters (meet the Screeches – Ebenzer and Bella, Miss Jane Gauntlett, and (of course) the resourceful young man known as Scrap).
If you enjoy mysteries set in the Victorian era, then I recommend this series. They do not need to be read in order because each case is self-contained, but you’ll miss some terrific character development.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
February 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. The writing truly captured the feel of Dickens' London. And the plot was quite intricate... it took a while for the various threads to merge but everything tied up well at the end.
I am not a great fan of prologues... most often they reveal too much and point the reader in the direction to solve the mystery themselves which in my mind detracts from the whole point of reading a mystery novel? You don't want the answer too early? Of course in this sense it was the identity of Ms. Sapphire Hawke that was hinted at but still... I would have preferred it without the prologue.
I loved the emotional ending - I honestly had tears in my eyes as Sapphire and Beth Screech's lives changed for the better at the end - very well written.
I also appreciated the depth of research that had gone into the creation of this novel.
It was a good read. And I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series!
I am not a great fan of prologues... most often they reveal too much and point the reader in the direction to solve the mystery themselves which in my mind detracts from the whole point of reading a mystery novel? You don't want the answer too early? Of course in this sense it was the identity of Ms. Sapphire Hawke that was hinted at but still... I would have preferred it without the prologue.
I loved the emotional ending - I honestly had tears in my eyes as Sapphire and Beth Screech's lives changed for the better at the end - very well written.
I also appreciated the depth of research that had gone into the creation of this novel.
It was a good read. And I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series!
January 25, 2021
1851 Sees the death of Sir Gerald Hawke at Hawke Court, the last of his line, his heir is clergyman Meridith Case. But there is a ward, Sapphire Hawke, who inherits jewellery in the will but she disappeared twenty years ago. Can she be found.
Meanwhile in London Felix Graham has been murdered, his father was known to Dickens, and so he feels obliged to investigate. But what secrets will be discovered, and how many deaths will occur before the answer is revealed.
Another enjoyable well-written historical mystery with its very likeable characters. A good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Meanwhile in London Felix Graham has been murdered, his father was known to Dickens, and so he feels obliged to investigate. But what secrets will be discovered, and how many deaths will occur before the answer is revealed.
Another enjoyable well-written historical mystery with its very likeable characters. A good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2022
I'm hoping that the series does not end because I am enjoying these books so very much. Its not just the story complicated and devious as it is, but it is the setting of London I like, the juxtaposition of rich and absolute poor together and how they seem to co-exist seamlessly the rich either unaware of their neighbours and the poor just accepting their fate. How come a rebellion never happened?
To get to our story, we have a horrible man Sir Gerald Hawke on his deathbed ordering Meredith Chase a mild man if ever there was on to find Sapphire Hawke his ward, who has disappeared into thin air not heard of for decades. The search starts from the convent where she was sent in Belgium, moves back to the village to which she came back to where no one has seen or heard of her and then disappears into thin air.
Presumed dead, Meredith Chase appeals to Dickens who somehow gets embroiled in the case in the midst of a pawnbroker, a murder and more devious dealings - they set to find the missing girl.
The solving of the mystery and the murders is part of the novel but finding why Sapphire Hawke disappeared and was found again is hinted at the very opening and you do know that the beginning and end are linked. A different way of writing a story certainly.
This was a free download from Amazon. Unfortunately I am not allowed to permit publication of my reviews on Amazon!
To get to our story, we have a horrible man Sir Gerald Hawke on his deathbed ordering Meredith Chase a mild man if ever there was on to find Sapphire Hawke his ward, who has disappeared into thin air not heard of for decades. The search starts from the convent where she was sent in Belgium, moves back to the village to which she came back to where no one has seen or heard of her and then disappears into thin air.
Presumed dead, Meredith Chase appeals to Dickens who somehow gets embroiled in the case in the midst of a pawnbroker, a murder and more devious dealings - they set to find the missing girl.
The solving of the mystery and the murders is part of the novel but finding why Sapphire Hawke disappeared and was found again is hinted at the very opening and you do know that the beginning and end are linked. A different way of writing a story certainly.
This was a free download from Amazon. Unfortunately I am not allowed to permit publication of my reviews on Amazon!
March 19, 2021
Part of a series that would be well worth searching out. In Victorian London Charles Dickens will help Superintendent Sam Jones with a young man found murdered in a bookshop doorway. This investigation started at the deathbed of depraved Sir Gerald Hawke whose last words are to “find Sapphire Hawke”. More murders and plenty of twists and turns will lead you through the alleyways of Victorian London. You will be page turning to find the conclusion to this engrossing mystery. Charles Dickens is a beloved character in this Victorian London who references his books with the characters who form the basis of the mysteries he helps solve.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Sapere Books for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires. All opinions are my own.
“Is it only when I’m with Charles Dickens that I meet such odd people?” Superintendent Sam Jones asks himself this question in the course of The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires, and readers will be echoing these sentiments as they scratch their heads at the goings-on in this, the seventh in the series of “Charles Dickens, detective.”
There are plenty of evil men in this book, and we meet one at the beginning. (Following that prologue, which will clue you in to a BIG plot point for later, if you’re paying attention). The dead Sir Gerald Hawke’s legacy captures the entire book, a deadly presence that colors what everyone seems to do throughout; our characters (there’s a list at the back of the book) merely marionettes.
There’s a murder at the start, as Mr. Dickens and Superintendent Jones search for a missing young girl and why people are being killed. And how these beautiful sapphires, worth so much, are connected with it all.
Be prepared; this is a book of multiple narrators. That’s not always to everyone’s taste. Their use can move the story along, since Mr. Dickens can’t be everywhere, but it can also be confusing at times. Although such chapters do lend themselves to concealing secrets.
There are many deaths throughout this investigation, from anger, from rage and from desperation. And envy. “Envy’s a deadly poison,” says Mr. Dickens, in The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires. But by who and why, it takes a whole book to discover. And in between we, along with Dickens and Jones, are shown London and its environs, every dark inch of it. As in earlier books, this is a hallmark of the series, the ability of the author to use setting and description to place readers at the scene.
Again, such secrets! But secrets have a way of revealing themselves when Charles Dickens is on the case. A murderer is called to justice. And Mr. Dickens’ magical way with words brings solace at last.
A Note to the Reader gives us insight into how the author choose different character names. Also included is Historical Notes, which explains a bit more about the possibility of woman bookbinders in London at the time. And how research conjures up curiosity shops, and the facts of vaccinations. Appropriate to our times.
“Is it only when I’m with Charles Dickens that I meet such odd people?” Superintendent Sam Jones asks himself this question in the course of The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires, and readers will be echoing these sentiments as they scratch their heads at the goings-on in this, the seventh in the series of “Charles Dickens, detective.”
There are plenty of evil men in this book, and we meet one at the beginning. (Following that prologue, which will clue you in to a BIG plot point for later, if you’re paying attention). The dead Sir Gerald Hawke’s legacy captures the entire book, a deadly presence that colors what everyone seems to do throughout; our characters (there’s a list at the back of the book) merely marionettes.
There’s a murder at the start, as Mr. Dickens and Superintendent Jones search for a missing young girl and why people are being killed. And how these beautiful sapphires, worth so much, are connected with it all.
Be prepared; this is a book of multiple narrators. That’s not always to everyone’s taste. Their use can move the story along, since Mr. Dickens can’t be everywhere, but it can also be confusing at times. Although such chapters do lend themselves to concealing secrets.
There are many deaths throughout this investigation, from anger, from rage and from desperation. And envy. “Envy’s a deadly poison,” says Mr. Dickens, in The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires. But by who and why, it takes a whole book to discover. And in between we, along with Dickens and Jones, are shown London and its environs, every dark inch of it. As in earlier books, this is a hallmark of the series, the ability of the author to use setting and description to place readers at the scene.
Again, such secrets! But secrets have a way of revealing themselves when Charles Dickens is on the case. A murderer is called to justice. And Mr. Dickens’ magical way with words brings solace at last.
A Note to the Reader gives us insight into how the author choose different character names. Also included is Historical Notes, which explains a bit more about the possibility of woman bookbinders in London at the time. And how research conjures up curiosity shops, and the facts of vaccinations. Appropriate to our times.
February 6, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires is the 7th Charles Dickens investigation by J.C. Briggs. Released 26th Jan 2021 by Sapere Books, it's 336 pages (print edition) and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (and the rest of the series) is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
This is a very well written and plotted historical mystery series with believable characters and a Dickensian vibe. I've really enjoyed these historical mysteries set in the middle of the 19th century in London and environs. Charles Dickens is clever, loyal, dogged, and practical and his friendship and cooperative investigation with superintendent Sam Jones makes for engaging and entertaining reading. The plots are always convoluted and well engineered, full of twists and surprises. The story itself is written around a framework of real historical events and people and so well entwined that it's not always apparent where reality shades over into fiction.
Whilst an entertaining read, I did find myself struggling sometimes with the plethora of secondary characters and keeping all the lawyers, clergy, hostlers, drudges, shopkeepers, and servants straight was taxing. I found myself having to check back in the story to remember which family was which. It's a relatively minor problem though, and considering the high quality of the writing, worth the occasional confusion.
The dramatic arc, climax, and denouement are well controlled and immersive.
Overall, it's a good read and a quality example of the historical-person-as-amateur-sleuth sub-genre. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires is the 7th Charles Dickens investigation by J.C. Briggs. Released 26th Jan 2021 by Sapere Books, it's 336 pages (print edition) and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (and the rest of the series) is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
This is a very well written and plotted historical mystery series with believable characters and a Dickensian vibe. I've really enjoyed these historical mysteries set in the middle of the 19th century in London and environs. Charles Dickens is clever, loyal, dogged, and practical and his friendship and cooperative investigation with superintendent Sam Jones makes for engaging and entertaining reading. The plots are always convoluted and well engineered, full of twists and surprises. The story itself is written around a framework of real historical events and people and so well entwined that it's not always apparent where reality shades over into fiction.
Whilst an entertaining read, I did find myself struggling sometimes with the plethora of secondary characters and keeping all the lawyers, clergy, hostlers, drudges, shopkeepers, and servants straight was taxing. I found myself having to check back in the story to remember which family was which. It's a relatively minor problem though, and considering the high quality of the writing, worth the occasional confusion.
The dramatic arc, climax, and denouement are well controlled and immersive.
Overall, it's a good read and a quality example of the historical-person-as-amateur-sleuth sub-genre. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 24, 2021
Set in 1851 London, dripping with atmosphere, murder and mayhem, marvelous descriptions, stellar Victorian vernacular, eccentric characters and historical bits, this book is utterly immersive and wildly enjoyable. J. C. Briggs has such a way with words, humour and wit...absolute perfection.
On his deathbed, hideous Sir Gerald Hawke demands that his missing heir Sapphire be found to claim the inheritance. Rev. Meredith Case can hardly even look at this cadaverous creature but vows to himself he will locate the heir. This book is about the journey to Sapphire with mishaps and adventures of all sorts along the way, including more death, deception and secrets galore. Dickens and Superintendent Sam Jones investigate by inveigling and listening and help from other characters. I just love the witticisms and language en route! And oh, what characters! The descriptions of Miss Gauntlett, Screech and Gerald Hawke (read the enlightening notes at the back discussing names and history in the back) are amongst my favourites. Brilliant.
In addition to the fabulous plots and subplots I learned more about bookbinding of the times. Though the book is a mystery, the characters and writing are what stood out most for me. But then I am fanatical about the Victorian era. The literary references were great fun!
Those intrigued by Dickens, the Victorian era and mysteries ought to read this. It is THAT good.
My sincere thank you to Sapere Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this delightfully riveting book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
On his deathbed, hideous Sir Gerald Hawke demands that his missing heir Sapphire be found to claim the inheritance. Rev. Meredith Case can hardly even look at this cadaverous creature but vows to himself he will locate the heir. This book is about the journey to Sapphire with mishaps and adventures of all sorts along the way, including more death, deception and secrets galore. Dickens and Superintendent Sam Jones investigate by inveigling and listening and help from other characters. I just love the witticisms and language en route! And oh, what characters! The descriptions of Miss Gauntlett, Screech and Gerald Hawke (read the enlightening notes at the back discussing names and history in the back) are amongst my favourites. Brilliant.
In addition to the fabulous plots and subplots I learned more about bookbinding of the times. Though the book is a mystery, the characters and writing are what stood out most for me. But then I am fanatical about the Victorian era. The literary references were great fun!
Those intrigued by Dickens, the Victorian era and mysteries ought to read this. It is THAT good.
My sincere thank you to Sapere Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this delightfully riveting book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
March 21, 2023
Volume 7 in the series does not disappoint, with two mysteries: one for Jones to investigate and one for Dickens though it wasn't surprising that the two eventually dovetailed. There were a number of villains in this one, to keep things moving along, and the dead hand of the worst of all, Sir Gerald Hawke, extended from the grave to continue the malice he exercised in life. Also the foreshadowing regarding Dicken's youngest child is a sombre note when you know what happened to her.
I did wonder whether Scrap would appear, when he hadn't done so in the first half, but eventually he did arrive and the sequence when he and Dickens visit Hawke Hall under cover was great fun. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and am awarding 5 stars, not something I do often!
I did wonder whether Scrap would appear, when he hadn't done so in the first half, but eventually he did arrive and the sequence when he and Dickens visit Hawke Hall under cover was great fun. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and am awarding 5 stars, not something I do often!
February 6, 2021
I received a copy of this novel through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I could not put this book down. This is my first Briggs novel and I literally loved every second of it. The story was flawless, the characters rich and deeply researched, and the way the words really made my imagination run was amazing.
The way the author portrays Dickens draws the reader in. I have read other works by authors telling stories of Dickens sleuthing, and Briggs brings him to life and makes him jump off the page.
I absolutely loved this novel, and will be reading the other novels in the series.
Highly recommend
I could not put this book down. This is my first Briggs novel and I literally loved every second of it. The story was flawless, the characters rich and deeply researched, and the way the words really made my imagination run was amazing.
The way the author portrays Dickens draws the reader in. I have read other works by authors telling stories of Dickens sleuthing, and Briggs brings him to life and makes him jump off the page.
I absolutely loved this novel, and will be reading the other novels in the series.
Highly recommend
March 1, 2021
Once again J C Briggs has given us a magnificent literary gift with The mystery of the Hawke Sapphires, the 7th installment in the Charles Dickens Series. Charles & Superintendent Sam Jones are back together trying to untangle a very complex murder mystery dripping with dread, violent deaths, twists, suspense & surprises.... Full of unforgettable characters, language & images of mid 19th century London, this delightful Dickensian treat is unputdownable from start to finish! Many thanks to Netgalley and Sapere Books for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful novel prior to its release date
January 27, 2021
Excellent!
This is a wonderful series! Read in order because of developing characters and relationships. This is historically accurate, both current and past events! Charles Dickens, helping Superintendent Jones, with a murder investigation, is also involved in the search for a missing heiress, whereabouts unknown for a long time. Both situations are enthralling, exciting, and complicated! Exciting adventure!
This is a wonderful series! Read in order because of developing characters and relationships. This is historically accurate, both current and past events! Charles Dickens, helping Superintendent Jones, with a murder investigation, is also involved in the search for a missing heiress, whereabouts unknown for a long time. Both situations are enthralling, exciting, and complicated! Exciting adventure!
February 20, 2021
I loved this book - loved it, loved it, loved it! It's been a while since I have enjoyed a book as much (and the last one was thanks to Netgalley also, incidentally). It had everything one could ask for from a historical mystery novel, and the prose style, character names and convoluted character connections woven into the story were worthy of the great Dickens himself. The pacing was faultless and the suspense built up to a satisfyingly knuckle-whitening crescendo towards the final chapters.
If the story had a fault, it was possibly that the matter of Sydney Trent/Sapphire Hawke was left somewhat vague, and a little less mealy-mouthedness regarding the explanation of this would perhaps have clarified things for those of less agile minds. Also, although this is very much a Charles Dickens investigation, and Superintendent Sam Jones took very much a back seat, considering the fact that he is the actual policeman. One sees this often with detective fiction, and it always rankles. Only in detective fiction is the amateur always better at the professional's job than the professional himself.
Nevertheless, this was an outstanding read and my first experience of Dickens and Jones. I shall definitely be reading the earlier books in the series, and any that come after.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley in return for a fair, unbiased review.
If the story had a fault, it was possibly that the matter of Sydney Trent/Sapphire Hawke was left somewhat vague, and a little less mealy-mouthedness regarding the explanation of this would perhaps have clarified things for those of less agile minds. Also, although this is very much a Charles Dickens investigation, and Superintendent Sam Jones took very much a back seat, considering the fact that he is the actual policeman. One sees this often with detective fiction, and it always rankles. Only in detective fiction is the amateur always better at the professional's job than the professional himself.
Nevertheless, this was an outstanding read and my first experience of Dickens and Jones. I shall definitely be reading the earlier books in the series, and any that come after.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley in return for a fair, unbiased review.
May 3, 2021
The next episode in the Dickens and Jones investigations series and another splendid read from J.C. Briggs. Scholarly researched and beautifully written the author conjures up the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian London to use as the backdrop of a thrilling murder mystery. The pace is fast and there are more than enough clues and red herrings to keep the reader gripped until the very end.
I thoroughly recommend this excellent book.
I thoroughly recommend this excellent book.
May 5, 2021
Another baffling case.
Another masterpiece of crime fiction from one of the most gifted author's in the genre. Delightful dialogue and scene setting with memorable characters and plenty of twists and turns in the plot. An page turning gem of a book.
Another masterpiece of crime fiction from one of the most gifted author's in the genre. Delightful dialogue and scene setting with memorable characters and plenty of twists and turns in the plot. An page turning gem of a book.
June 9, 2021
Another cracking read from J C Briggs. Though part of a series, you don’t have to have read the rest to enjoy them. So well researched and plotted, I positively romped through this one..
August 2, 2021
Very Good!
Enjoyed this book, the storyline had a clever twist to it! So true to London Victorian every day life! Brilliant!
Enjoyed this book, the storyline had a clever twist to it! So true to London Victorian every day life! Brilliant!
December 26, 2021
I have a weak spot for mysteries featuring authors and other historical figures as investigators, so I wanted to read this title as soon as I found out about it. The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires, featuring Dickens, was Dickensian, which made it a fun read. Character names were striking, connections among characters were complex.
If you enjoy reading historical mysteries, you'll find The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires and engaging, entertaining read.
If you enjoy reading historical mysteries, you'll find The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires and engaging, entertaining read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews