The Blake Assignment

Janet Markham Bennett Cozy #2

by Diana Xarissa

Getting a man from London to Edinburgh doesn’t sound as if it’s going to be a very difficult assignment for Janet and Edward Bennett, not even if the man is somewhat particular about how he gets from one place to another. They are surprised and not happy when the man in question invites his new girlfriend to come along on the journey.

As the assignment gets both more convoluted and increasingly dangerous, Janet starts to wonder if anyone can be trusted. Edward doesn’t wonder. He simply stops sharing their plans with everyone until he can make some plans of his own.

Can Janet and Edward get Maxwell Blake and his laptop to Edinburgh safely? Is Maxwell’s new girlfriend, Cressida, working for the enemy or is she truly just crazy in love with Maxwell? And who is the mysterious American stranger who seems to be following them wherever they go?

Genres: Mystery

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2021

About the author

Diana 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.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
I expected something more from this book. I found it to be silly, and unbelievable. A group of mentally challenged adults have the starring roles in this incredibly daft construction of how and why intelligence agencies exist and function. Getting one dumbo with a laptop from point a to point b, oy vey.
I must admit I have enjoyed the Aunt Bessie series written by this author featuring Isle of Man.

Kindle Unlimited

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet and Edward Bennett, alias Janet and Edward Blake, are assigned the job of escorting their "son," Maxwell Blake, from London to Edinburgh, Scotland. Maxwell is a computer whiz who is working on a top-secret project for the government, and never lets his laptop leave his side.

When the Bennetts meet Maxwell in London, they discover there is already an added complication : Max has picked up a girl named Cressida, and insists on bringing her along to Edinburgh with them.

Because Max is scared of flying and doesn't like trains, the Agency has hired a car to drive the "Blakes" to Scotland, in short stages each day, to give the appearance of a family vacation.

It isn't long before Edward realizes that they are being followed, and Maxwell is the target of a possible abduction.

Who is after Maxwell and his work? Is it the mysterious American who seems to know Cressida? Cressida herself? Fred, their hired driver? Or someone in the Agency?

Janet and Edward must figure it out before Max reaches his destination...

[A G A VAN DEN BOS · Rating 2 out of 5]

An apparent typical trademark of this author. A strong and interesting start at the beginning of the series that rapidly deteriorates as the mission to work through the alphabet becomes more necessary than providing a good story.
As supposed adult literature, it is infantile in narration. As a genre, it could be best likened to the disastrous spoof movie era of the early 1980’s.
Absolutely farcical to present an alcoholic as being a person of essential worth to a nations future who must not only be protected, but also be permitted to indulge in consuming as much alcohol as wished for. Hypocrisy reigns yet again.

[Eleanor B Torrisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book by Diane Xarissa

Any book by Diane Xarissa is a journey into a time spent page turning into another world full of intrigue and adventure, especially with the Markham Sisters. When I receive one of Diane's books give a sigh of joy knowing that there's a very good story waiting for me to enter. I highly recommend any book that she creates. You have a time where you will lose yourself for a time in a world most interesting and enjoyable. Enjoy!

[Kay Stern]

Throughly enjoyed Janet’s new life. Ms Xarissa has two parallel series with great “older “ women asking the insightful question, using observations and solving mysteries and life situations. When I get a new book in the series, I put my current book down in order to read her new book as I cannot wait to visit Darby for a few hours.

[Elainebowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Another brilliant story 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.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting case, enjoyed the book...

[Lizabeth Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I loved it! I am so glad that this series followed the two sisters and their mystery solving/romances. Janet and Edward make a great team!

[Gail C.]

Haven't read this one. Don't know why Goodreads thought I did

[Christine Goodnough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing, compelling, believable, sympathetic characters. Kept me up for hours to find out how it ends. One of the best cozy mysteries I've read in awhile.

[Carolee DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next book!!!!

[Mrs Mary Curd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bit of fluffy fun

[Alayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinarily twisty tale! Wheels within wheels and not knowing who to trust made for a very exciting story. Loved it!

[Susan Slaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good story. A tad predictable.