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Admiral Shackleford Mysteries #1
A Murderous Valentine
Admiral Shackleford, Royal Navy (retired) was bored. Having been instrumental in improving the lives of so many (his words - others might be inclined to call it something slightly different...), he was struggling to reignite the spark in his own love life with the feisty Mabel.
Short on ideas, he decides to gatecrash his much put upon former Master At Arms and best friend Jimmy Noon's Valentine idea and ends up in the middle of a murder mystery weekend... where real murder is on someone else's script.
Stranded in the middle of nowhere with a hotel full of potential murderers, the unstoppable duo embark on a series of blundering escapades in an attempt to uncover the Murderous Valentine...
The Admiral and Jimmy may be more Laurel and Hardy than Holmes and Watson, but can they catch a murderer...?
This humorous cozy mystery short read is the first in The Admiral Shackleford Mysteries.
Short on ideas, he decides to gatecrash his much put upon former Master At Arms and best friend Jimmy Noon's Valentine idea and ends up in the middle of a murder mystery weekend... where real murder is on someone else's script.
Stranded in the middle of nowhere with a hotel full of potential murderers, the unstoppable duo embark on a series of blundering escapades in an attempt to uncover the Murderous Valentine...
The Admiral and Jimmy may be more Laurel and Hardy than Holmes and Watson, but can they catch a murderer...?
This humorous cozy mystery short read is the first in The Admiral Shackleford Mysteries.
- GenresCozy Mystery
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
338 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Beverley Watts
47 books251 followersBeverley spent 8 years teaching English as a Foreign Language to International Military Students in Britannia Royal Naval College, the Royal Navy’s premier officer training establishment in the UK. She says that in the whole 8 years there was never a dull moment and many of her wonderful experiences at the College were not only memorable but were most definitely 'the stuff of fiction.' Her debut novel An Officer And A Gentleman Wanted is very loosely based on her adventures at the College.
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 26, 2017
This was sent to me to review and I am so pleased to tell you how wonderful it was. This cozy short is just over 100 pages and filled with wit, humor and brilliant characters. Some fantastic lines that will stay with you too. The retired Admiral, his somewhat Loyal friend and their partners set off on what was to be a romantic weekend and takes a lovely and yet not overly predictable turn for the worse. This entire storyline was easy to picture, quite plausible and very intriguing to read. It was fun and not easy to put down. I enjoyed this very much.
June 30, 2017
I loved this book! The thing I loved most were the characters. Retired Admiral Charlie Shackleford is lovably oblivious. He blusters his way through this delightful mystery aided by his smaller former man at arms, Jimmy. Jimmy proves to be a top notch investigator with a methodical approach and a dogged determination. Shackleford's forte is shaking things up and calling it like he sees it.
The story takes a little bit to get going mystery-wise, but it's great fun in the meantime, and the mystery is well worth the wait. I didn't figure out who did it until the end! (And that's rare for me.)
Besides such droll things as the tough admiral toting about an elderly spaniel named Pickles, there are a lot of riotous Britishisms. If your an Anglophile like me, you will loooove this book. It has given rise to my new favorite expression, 'cake and arse party.'
I hope there's a sequel because I'd love to see Shackleford, Jimmy, their wives, and of course, Mr. Pickles, solve another crime.
The story takes a little bit to get going mystery-wise, but it's great fun in the meantime, and the mystery is well worth the wait. I didn't figure out who did it until the end! (And that's rare for me.)
Besides such droll things as the tough admiral toting about an elderly spaniel named Pickles, there are a lot of riotous Britishisms. If your an Anglophile like me, you will loooove this book. It has given rise to my new favorite expression, 'cake and arse party.'
I hope there's a sequel because I'd love to see Shackleford, Jimmy, their wives, and of course, Mr. Pickles, solve another crime.
July 26, 2017
A "Murderous Valentine" is a breath of fresh air with kooky characters, lots of British slang (which I love), and a murder within a murder. I'm not going to say more because I don't want to be a spoiler. As a cozy mystery, it's a "killer," no pun intended. I loved the characterizations and the crazy scenes and even the slap-stick humor. And I challenge you to figure out who the murderer is and why! If you want to curl up with a fun bookand lose yourself in all the nuttiness, as well as try to solve the "real" murder mystery, you can't go wrong with "A Murderous Valentine."
A couple of caveats, don't let the head-hopping bog you down, especially at first, and I've never seen yelling in a book in all CAPS. In emails, yes, not in a book. It was somewhat disconcerting, but definitely made the
point.
A couple of caveats, don't let the head-hopping bog you down, especially at first, and I've never seen yelling in a book in all CAPS. In emails, yes, not in a book. It was somewhat disconcerting, but definitely made the
point.
September 16, 2017
A very enjoyable story, combining comedy with sleuthing. A group of retired friends attend a Valentine murder mystery party, and solve a real murder while they're there. Right in the heart of cozy mystery territory.
Some scenes had me laughing out loud (that bath!). The flash of insight moments in solving the crime were clever. The banter was amusing.
I did feel a little like I came into the middle of a play when it came to characters, though. I have a feeling I would have understood the interplay between the main characters a little better if I had read other works including them. The story seemed to assume I already knew who the characters were and something about their backgrounds. Since I didn't, it was occasionally jarring.
Some scenes had me laughing out loud (that bath!). The flash of insight moments in solving the crime were clever. The banter was amusing.
I did feel a little like I came into the middle of a play when it came to characters, though. I have a feeling I would have understood the interplay between the main characters a little better if I had read other works including them. The story seemed to assume I already knew who the characters were and something about their backgrounds. Since I didn't, it was occasionally jarring.
May 3, 2018
Nowhere to Go
Admiral Charles Shackleford and his Master-at-Arms, Jimmy Noon, decided to take their ladies to an inn, Two Bridges, for Valentine's Day. What Charles doesn't realize is that the weekend festivities include a murder/mystery. The murder/mystery is a play put on by six actors and actresses. Unbeknownst to them it turns into the real thing. One of the actresses, Darcy Devine, is murdered. Since the patrons of the inn are snowed in and the police can't get there too morning, Charles and Jimmy take on the investigation because they have a killer in their midst. Decent enough mystery.
Admiral Charles Shackleford and his Master-at-Arms, Jimmy Noon, decided to take their ladies to an inn, Two Bridges, for Valentine's Day. What Charles doesn't realize is that the weekend festivities include a murder/mystery. The murder/mystery is a play put on by six actors and actresses. Unbeknownst to them it turns into the real thing. One of the actresses, Darcy Devine, is murdered. Since the patrons of the inn are snowed in and the police can't get there too morning, Charles and Jimmy take on the investigation because they have a killer in their midst. Decent enough mystery.
March 20, 2024
I found this book for free on Amazon via Freebooksy
Cozy mystery with a touch of humor, mainly because a retired admiral still thinks his staff should report to him at all times (making decisions without first consulting his commanding officer ...), and also thinks the world turns around him. Good job on keeping the mystery, I finally figured it out at ~70%. I'm still confused when one of the women said it was "a little too bloodthirsty" as they never saw the victim and didn't hear the details. Who knew being a fan could lead you to solving a murder?
I took one star off for the editing; it was distracting. Missing words, wrong words, wrong pronoun, singular vs. plural, missing words.
Cozy mystery with a touch of humor, mainly because a retired admiral still thinks his staff should report to him at all times (making decisions without first consulting his commanding officer ...), and also thinks the world turns around him. Good job on keeping the mystery, I finally figured it out at ~70%. I'm still confused when one of the women said it was "a little too bloodthirsty" as they never saw the victim and didn't hear the details. Who knew being a fan could lead you to solving a murder?
I took one star off for the editing; it was distracting. Missing words, wrong words, wrong pronoun, singular vs. plural, missing words.
July 20, 2017
This is a cute story about some retired folks who are going on a murder mystery theater weekend. But in the midst of the fun a real murder takes place and the two who were previously in service to the crown take over the investigation due to a blizzard keeping the police away. Despite themselves they do solve the crime. The book is quite humorous and a fun read. It is British humor so I was lost on a number of occasions not understanding the slang. But that didn't deter from the enjoyment too much.
April 13, 2024
I’m loving these books about Admiral Shackleton
The Admiral is so funny, I’ve laughed so much at this one. I’m looking forward to the next one. I love how no matter which of the Shackleton books you read, you’re immediately immersed in to a story of “what The Admiral does next “ you’re never sure what he’s going to do or say next 😂 This book was particularly funny and a really good storyline. Can’t wait to read more of his escapades.
The Admiral is so funny, I’ve laughed so much at this one. I’m looking forward to the next one. I love how no matter which of the Shackleton books you read, you’re immediately immersed in to a story of “what The Admiral does next “ you’re never sure what he’s going to do or say next 😂 This book was particularly funny and a really good storyline. Can’t wait to read more of his escapades.
April 13, 2022
Is there a panther in the house?
An entertaining, tongue-in-cheek mad cap mystery. The Admiral believes it is his responsibility to run his daughter's life and just about everyone else's. The only problem is that he is terrible at all of it.
You'll love racing along through all the misadventures they all get into and above all, you'll feel very sorry for his grown daughter!
An entertaining, tongue-in-cheek mad cap mystery. The Admiral believes it is his responsibility to run his daughter's life and just about everyone else's. The only problem is that he is terrible at all of it.
You'll love racing along through all the misadventures they all get into and above all, you'll feel very sorry for his grown daughter!
January 5, 2025
I read the sisters first and thought these were descendants of the sisters only to realize the Admiral books were written first. Only thing different is the names of the ppl. Admiral for Augustus and Jimmy for Percival. Same shenanigans.
August 9, 2018
Very fun cozy
I enjoyed the very English Admiral. Shackleford and his assistant Jimmy as they stumble through solving a murder within a Murder Mystery Weekend.
I enjoyed the very English Admiral. Shackleford and his assistant Jimmy as they stumble through solving a murder within a Murder Mystery Weekend.
August 26, 2021
Bloody brilliant
I have read all these books and Victorys as well and never stopped laughing loved them all will carry on reading this author's books
I have read all these books and Victorys as well and never stopped laughing loved them all will carry on reading this author's books
February 26, 2022
Disappointing
Amusing in places but highly implausible. Would also benefit from a thorough proof read. Wasted a complete afternoon reading this.
Amusing in places but highly implausible. Would also benefit from a thorough proof read. Wasted a complete afternoon reading this.
November 13, 2022
Admiral Shackleford is an enigma!
Again another excellent read that keeps you thinking. Hilarious as well as intriguing. Definitely worth reading… enjoyable. Well done Bev.
Again another excellent read that keeps you thinking. Hilarious as well as intriguing. Definitely worth reading… enjoyable. Well done Bev.
February 24, 2024
Beverley humour continues
As usual the admiral is clueless and his sidekick jimmy is great with the addition of their wives this was a greatly funny who dunnit
As usual the admiral is clueless and his sidekick jimmy is great with the addition of their wives this was a greatly funny who dunnit
November 22, 2024
Check out Jimmy!
Sooooo Jimmy held his own with the admiral 😀 loved it as ever can’t wait for them solving other crimes as a new four detective squad
Sooooo Jimmy held his own with the admiral 😀 loved it as ever can’t wait for them solving other crimes as a new four detective squad
Read
May 26, 2025Great! Funny!
February 12, 2017
Another smasher!
Another hilarious tale involving the Admiral and Jimmy with the Admiral up to his usual mischief. Reading Beverley's books are like being with old friends, and lovely when they cheer up you life. If you've not r e ad any of Beverley's books yet, I urge you to read them including the Dartmouth diaries, I promise they are hilarious. Well done (again!) Beverley ......... hurry up with the second !x
Another hilarious tale involving the Admiral and Jimmy with the Admiral up to his usual mischief. Reading Beverley's books are like being with old friends, and lovely when they cheer up you life. If you've not r e ad any of Beverley's books yet, I urge you to read them including the Dartmouth diaries, I promise they are hilarious. Well done (again!) Beverley ......... hurry up with the second !x
April 28, 2017
Hilarious from start to finish..easy lol
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews