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The Versipellis Mysteries #1
A Portrait Of Death
A Portrait of Death: The Versipellis Mysteries, Book One, is the first in a series of paranormal Victorian murder mysteries, following the supernatural investigations of Elliott Caine, and his associate Abernathy Thorne.
In the quiet English village of Marmis Parva, a weekend house party is organised by a society hostess…but this is no ordinary soiree.
Renowned Contralto Giselle Du’Lac, society nerve specialist Mr Weatherly Draycott, and young socialite Lady Bunny Ellerbeck are amongst the guests who have been invited to make it the social event of the season, but the weekend ends in horror when two men are savagely murdered during the course of the evening and a young man, presumed dead, returns home after two years’ imprisonment in South Africa, bringing with him proof of treason.
Detective Chief Inspector Elliott Caine’s long-awaited holiday in the Lake District is cancelled as he is brought in to investigate the peculiar nature of the murders. More bodies are discovered and Elliott has to manoeuvre between high society, Government protocols and the sickening nature of the crimes if he and his old friend, Detective Sergeant Abernathy Thorne, are to catch this sadistic killer, and the traitor lurking amongst the honoured guests.
When Caine’s mysterious past comes back to haunt him, will his judgement be too clouded to focus on solving the crime?
Will the Boer spy’s identity be uncovered before they can flee?
How are these murders connected to another in New York?
***** Jack the Ripper meets Highlander.
In the quiet English village of Marmis Parva, a weekend house party is organised by a society hostess…but this is no ordinary soiree.
Renowned Contralto Giselle Du’Lac, society nerve specialist Mr Weatherly Draycott, and young socialite Lady Bunny Ellerbeck are amongst the guests who have been invited to make it the social event of the season, but the weekend ends in horror when two men are savagely murdered during the course of the evening and a young man, presumed dead, returns home after two years’ imprisonment in South Africa, bringing with him proof of treason.
Detective Chief Inspector Elliott Caine’s long-awaited holiday in the Lake District is cancelled as he is brought in to investigate the peculiar nature of the murders. More bodies are discovered and Elliott has to manoeuvre between high society, Government protocols and the sickening nature of the crimes if he and his old friend, Detective Sergeant Abernathy Thorne, are to catch this sadistic killer, and the traitor lurking amongst the honoured guests.
When Caine’s mysterious past comes back to haunt him, will his judgement be too clouded to focus on solving the crime?
Will the Boer spy’s identity be uncovered before they can flee?
How are these murders connected to another in New York?
***** Jack the Ripper meets Highlander.
334 pages, Paperback
Published July 13, 2021
About the author
Rhen Garland
5 books51 followersRhen Garland is the author of The Versipellis Mysteries; Gaslamp Fantasy Mysteries set in the late Victorian era that follow the exploits of immortal detectives Elliott Caine and Abernathy Thorne as they search through time for the reincarnations of their murdered wives...and solve a few mysteries along the way.
If you enjoy murders with a touch of humour, elements of fantasy, a spoilt Labrador, and a bit of a mess, read on...
Book one, A Portrait of Death, takes its readers from New York City to the genteel English countryside in a mystery readers are describing as "An excellent debut from a talented new author".
Book two, Death in the Sound, sweeps readers into the green heart of New Zealand where a murder committed on a private paddle steamer is the least of Caine and Thorne's problems.
Book three, The Shadow of Death, settles its readers into the cosy stone walls of Cove Castle for a family Christmas...where murder, mayhem, sinister cultists, and the reappearance of an ancient enemy lead to Caine and Thorne's darkest investigation yet....
If you enjoy murders with a touch of humour, elements of fantasy, a spoilt Labrador, and a bit of a mess, read on...
Book one, A Portrait of Death, takes its readers from New York City to the genteel English countryside in a mystery readers are describing as "An excellent debut from a talented new author".
Book two, Death in the Sound, sweeps readers into the green heart of New Zealand where a murder committed on a private paddle steamer is the least of Caine and Thorne's problems.
Book three, The Shadow of Death, settles its readers into the cosy stone walls of Cove Castle for a family Christmas...where murder, mayhem, sinister cultists, and the reappearance of an ancient enemy lead to Caine and Thorne's darkest investigation yet....
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 29, 2021
I had this book with me for a while before I picked it up. Once I started, though, it was a surprisingly quick read. I say surprisingly because it is a historical mystery with heavy tones of espionage and treason mixed in.
It begins with a very dramatic murder but quickly moves on to a sedate house party in England. This select group of people are going to be shaken up plenty before the party is disbanded. We are introduced to all the people in the house, and for once, I have come across a book with strained relations between the downstairs staff (the ones I have read usually shows them as a team against the upstairs). There are harsh words exchanged, and many people show their ugly side before the actual incident(s) occur.
The detectives come into the picture quite late in the narrative and then move quickly to safeguard the people involved and wrap it all up in a day or two! The logical analysis and the characters introduced seemed very fleshed out and unique (from each other) given the short introductions we had to them all. Once the investigation began, I found it hard to find a point to set it aside and ended up reading it in longer sittings. There is a more subtle love story sort of thing in the background that seemed a little off for the theme here, but I think it would have been better brought into focus in the second book.
I must warn the reader that it is more graphic than others I have read based on that time (almost akin to the more contemporary thrillers) but other than that made for interesting reading. I wavered between making the right guess and the wrong but never settled on the culprit till the revelation.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley, the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this book.
It begins with a very dramatic murder but quickly moves on to a sedate house party in England. This select group of people are going to be shaken up plenty before the party is disbanded. We are introduced to all the people in the house, and for once, I have come across a book with strained relations between the downstairs staff (the ones I have read usually shows them as a team against the upstairs). There are harsh words exchanged, and many people show their ugly side before the actual incident(s) occur.
The detectives come into the picture quite late in the narrative and then move quickly to safeguard the people involved and wrap it all up in a day or two! The logical analysis and the characters introduced seemed very fleshed out and unique (from each other) given the short introductions we had to them all. Once the investigation began, I found it hard to find a point to set it aside and ended up reading it in longer sittings. There is a more subtle love story sort of thing in the background that seemed a little off for the theme here, but I think it would have been better brought into focus in the second book.
I must warn the reader that it is more graphic than others I have read based on that time (almost akin to the more contemporary thrillers) but other than that made for interesting reading. I wavered between making the right guess and the wrong but never settled on the culprit till the revelation.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley, the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this book.
July 26, 2023
This is a paranormal murder mystery with something of a Victorian steampunk aesthetic and hints of Agatha Christie elements at times (for example, the missing government documents à la The Incredible Theft).
There is, however, a strong underlying supernatural aspect to the whole case and to certain characters, that isn’t fully explored or explained, only hinted at throughout (flashing eyes, changing faces, long life spans). I felt a little like there was a previous, background-setting story that I might have missed, with more of the worldbuilding details and character histories? But perhaps the author is building the world and characters through this slow, gradual reveal and I’m just too impatient to know what’s going on!
Main characters Caine and Thorne take on the investigation of some exceptionally grisly and brutal murders related to Boer War espionage, with the reader given sneaky insights into the killer’s methods and motivations along the way. I did manage to guess the cryptic hidden identities before they were all revealed, but it was such a fun clue and I really enjoyed solving it. Plus, without that we would have struggled to guess the killer via picking at alibis or any other usual techniques, as we knew from the prologue that they could be literally anybody.
The twist at the end confirms that this book is a series starter and I would definitely be interested in reading more – for one thing, I need to know Caine and Thorne’s backstories and work out how the magical elements of the story work!
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
There is, however, a strong underlying supernatural aspect to the whole case and to certain characters, that isn’t fully explored or explained, only hinted at throughout (flashing eyes, changing faces, long life spans). I felt a little like there was a previous, background-setting story that I might have missed, with more of the worldbuilding details and character histories? But perhaps the author is building the world and characters through this slow, gradual reveal and I’m just too impatient to know what’s going on!
Main characters Caine and Thorne take on the investigation of some exceptionally grisly and brutal murders related to Boer War espionage, with the reader given sneaky insights into the killer’s methods and motivations along the way. I did manage to guess the cryptic hidden identities before they were all revealed, but it was such a fun clue and I really enjoyed solving it. Plus, without that we would have struggled to guess the killer via picking at alibis or any other usual techniques, as we knew from the prologue that they could be literally anybody.
The twist at the end confirms that this book is a series starter and I would definitely be interested in reading more – for one thing, I need to know Caine and Thorne’s backstories and work out how the magical elements of the story work!
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
May 23, 2026
A Portrait of Death is the first book in The Versipellis Mysteries, a Victorian Gaslight fantasy with a thread of paranormal and a hint of Steampunk.
Set in a stately home where a weekend party is being held. Public figures and government officials are gathered for the social event of the season. When the mutilated remains of two men are discovered, Detectives Elliott Caine and Abernathy Thorne are asked to investigate.
I did enjoy this. It's fast-paced and full of intriguing twists. I thought I'd worked out who the killer was but was never sure until the final reveal. I did like
Caine and Thorne's characters, I would have liked more of their back story as it's only ever hinted at. Hopefully, this will be covered in the next books.
Set in a stately home where a weekend party is being held. Public figures and government officials are gathered for the social event of the season. When the mutilated remains of two men are discovered, Detectives Elliott Caine and Abernathy Thorne are asked to investigate.
I did enjoy this. It's fast-paced and full of intriguing twists. I thought I'd worked out who the killer was but was never sure until the final reveal. I did like
Caine and Thorne's characters, I would have liked more of their back story as it's only ever hinted at. Hopefully, this will be covered in the next books.
November 30, 2025
I laboured with this one - supernatural mysteries are not really my genre, though I decided to give this one a go as it had hints of "Gosford Park". As I said, I laboured through it and will not be pursuing the rest of the series.
I think others who like this genre will enjoy it and continue with the series.
I think others who like this genre will enjoy it and continue with the series.
June 17, 2022
The characters, the settings, the what ifs, and who done-its...ALL come together, you think to yourself, "yep, that's what I thought too" THEN you turn the page, YOU. Were. Wrong. Really?
This series is beyond clever and intriguing. The writing is outstanding. Every little thing is needed to play out the twist and turns that will keep the reader guessing...guess wrong....then be shocked.
This series checks so many boxes for me. Unique. Historical. Thriller/ Mystery.
Picture if you will the board game Clue (or the awesome movie) and now picture British Characters such as the Sherlock Holmes Characters. If that doesn't entertain you, then I don't know what will.
This series is beyond clever and intriguing. The writing is outstanding. Every little thing is needed to play out the twist and turns that will keep the reader guessing...guess wrong....then be shocked.
This series checks so many boxes for me. Unique. Historical. Thriller/ Mystery.
Picture if you will the board game Clue (or the awesome movie) and now picture British Characters such as the Sherlock Holmes Characters. If that doesn't entertain you, then I don't know what will.
October 9, 2020
1889, in the city of New York, a young girl is savagely murdered in her home. 1891, in Constantinople a murder victim is placed into an ornate iron bound chest. And in 1899, at the country estate of Lord Foster Marmis, two savage murders bring a weekend gathering to a horrifying end. Are the incidents tied in some way? It will be up to Detective Chief Inspector Elliot Caine and Detective Sergeant Thorne to investigate and determine the answers.
With its hints of international intrigue and the supernatural, this is so not the typical style of mystery that I read. But with its traditional country house setting and the Victorian era I was willing to give it a try. I’m very glad that I did because this book drew me in from the start.
Garland has created a complex plot with a number of elements. In addition to the murder, there is the return of individuals thought long dead, complicated relationships, treachery, and treason, just to name a few. But there is logic to it, and no one element overwhelms the story. And, it all dovetails quite nicely in the end.
The characters are a diverse, complex group. Garland introduces us to Lords and Ladies, politicians, butlers, maids, and an enigmatic, yet very personably detective team. And all have an important part to play in the story. I will say that there are so many characters introduced at the beginning that it was at first confusing. But the significant characters establish themselves, and all becomes clear fairly soon.
The atmosphere that Garland creates is suitably dark and intense. She quite deftly inserts a faceless murderer who comes and goes, seemingly at will. And with imagery alone creates a feeling of unease and imagined horror that permeates the entire story.
I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book. With a mix of several mystery genres, and a bit of the paranormal, Garland has written a sharp, complex mystery that I enjoyed. Very much recommend.
With its hints of international intrigue and the supernatural, this is so not the typical style of mystery that I read. But with its traditional country house setting and the Victorian era I was willing to give it a try. I’m very glad that I did because this book drew me in from the start.
Garland has created a complex plot with a number of elements. In addition to the murder, there is the return of individuals thought long dead, complicated relationships, treachery, and treason, just to name a few. But there is logic to it, and no one element overwhelms the story. And, it all dovetails quite nicely in the end.
The characters are a diverse, complex group. Garland introduces us to Lords and Ladies, politicians, butlers, maids, and an enigmatic, yet very personably detective team. And all have an important part to play in the story. I will say that there are so many characters introduced at the beginning that it was at first confusing. But the significant characters establish themselves, and all becomes clear fairly soon.
The atmosphere that Garland creates is suitably dark and intense. She quite deftly inserts a faceless murderer who comes and goes, seemingly at will. And with imagery alone creates a feeling of unease and imagined horror that permeates the entire story.
I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book. With a mix of several mystery genres, and a bit of the paranormal, Garland has written a sharp, complex mystery that I enjoyed. Very much recommend.
May 13, 2020
What a visceral punch in your gut, a completely over the top murder mystery! I adored it and I'm not normally drawn to murder mysteries like this, when guests show up for an ordinary weekend party and a double homicide is the very last thing they expect to have. Instead of getting his promised for vacation, Detective Chief Inspector Elliot Caine gets called in to investigate gruesome murders. As suspicions and grotesque murders begin to count up, they have a murderer and a past that connect. There's a slight bit of the supernatural in this book, but not enough that would turn away those that don't like that in their novels.
The writing was superior! The novel is set in the late 1800s, and throughout the book, the author keeps us totally captivated and set firmly in the Victorian era, specifically, 1899. The writing is top notch, extremely descriptive and I felt like I was there in those settings and the situations that were so eloquently described by the author. The clothing, the servants, the dinner parties, even the murder. What more can a murder mystery enthusiast want?
I felt that Rhen Garland created an entire ensemble cast of enthralling characters. While I wasn't able to relate to each and every one of them, I enjoyed all of them. They were true to their era and I felt submerged in the book. This book would make a splendid movie. The murders are gruesome, but the author is good about keeping the details not so graphic as to turn anything gory. Bravo to Rhen Garland! I look forward to reading more from you.
I would like to thank Rhen Garland, her publisher and Netgalley for an exceptionally well written novel that I had the privilege to read in return for a fair and honest review.
The writing was superior! The novel is set in the late 1800s, and throughout the book, the author keeps us totally captivated and set firmly in the Victorian era, specifically, 1899. The writing is top notch, extremely descriptive and I felt like I was there in those settings and the situations that were so eloquently described by the author. The clothing, the servants, the dinner parties, even the murder. What more can a murder mystery enthusiast want?
I felt that Rhen Garland created an entire ensemble cast of enthralling characters. While I wasn't able to relate to each and every one of them, I enjoyed all of them. They were true to their era and I felt submerged in the book. This book would make a splendid movie. The murders are gruesome, but the author is good about keeping the details not so graphic as to turn anything gory. Bravo to Rhen Garland! I look forward to reading more from you.
I would like to thank Rhen Garland, her publisher and Netgalley for an exceptionally well written novel that I had the privilege to read in return for a fair and honest review.
May 15, 2020
Two deaths, one in 1889 and 1891. But what could be the link to 1899. Now there is a weekend house party in Marmis Hall, in south-west England, home to Lord Foster and Lady Rebecca Marmis. The party is being held to disguise a covert government meeting on the South African situation.
But when another two murders occur one, of the guests, Lord Vivian Lapotaire calls in distant cousin DCI Elliott Caine, and DS Abernathy Thorne to investigate. These two men seem to have a mysterious past but we are told very little concerning this.
An enjoyable and well-written Victorian murder mystery with just a touch (thankfully) of the paranormal. With a selection of interesting characters. A good solid start to the series.
A NetGalley Book
But when another two murders occur one, of the guests, Lord Vivian Lapotaire calls in distant cousin DCI Elliott Caine, and DS Abernathy Thorne to investigate. These two men seem to have a mysterious past but we are told very little concerning this.
An enjoyable and well-written Victorian murder mystery with just a touch (thankfully) of the paranormal. With a selection of interesting characters. A good solid start to the series.
A NetGalley Book
May 18, 2020
It's very gritty and violent but it's also an engrossing and entertaining historical mystery.
I liked the historical background, the characters, and the solid mystery.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the historical background, the characters, and the solid mystery.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
April 19, 2022
Amazing
A fascinating read, this book captured my attention from the start and drew me into the plot all the way to the end. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
A fascinating read, this book captured my attention from the start and drew me into the plot all the way to the end. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
December 15, 2019
Mysteries, messy murder and treachery abound in this deft combination of murder mystery and adventure. Set in a country house, a weekend party provides the background for an investigation into an international crisis through events in the establishment of a Lord Marmis in 1899.Two murders are described in a Prologue that spares little in detail of setting, yet are not at first sight linked to the events of the major part of the book. This is not just a standard murder mystery of a historical nature, and this is apparently the first book in “The Versipellis Mysteries” series. In this book the mysterious Detective Chief Inspector Elliot Caine and his associate Detective Sergeant Thorne are introduced, though they evidently have a mysterious past which is carefully guarded. So many characters appear quickly that it is at first a little puzzling as to who is which, and who will be significant. When this settles and the relationships are established, I soon got into the swing of this intense and well written novel. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book.
Whatever happens in the novel, and there is certainly a lot of dramatic events in a very short time, each point is tied up carefully and satisfactorily, though not without many surprises, twists and turns. There are quite brutal murders, but we are not given gratuitous details, though many details are implied. As the book opens we encounter Lord Foster Marmis and a fellow cabinet member having a serious discussion over maps and papers, a discussion which is to be the basis of a later meeting with two other men who will soon arrive. Unfortunately the odious and ill intentioned butler, Gregory, is eager to overhear what is being said, and he is greatly offended when more people appear at the door. Whatever else Gregory is, he is soon shown to be an attacker of women, deeply dangerous and offensive to all the servants, both resident and visiting. As members of the house party assemble and indulge their taste for cards, drink and other amusements, it seems that this will settle into a standard murder mystery. However, as two deaths occur, it becomes obvious that this is no cosy mystery with a standard guilty party. Much is quickly revealed about the victims, and it quickly appears that there is more to it than the standard motives of money or jealousy.
The introduction of Elliott and Thorne adds a whole new dimension to the novel, as they bring their quick wits and excellent analysis of character to the shocked household. They bring an element of comedy to the proceedings and a level of logic and understanding to what needs to be done. Under their influence they discover the secrets of the landlady, after a satisfactory incident involving the odious High Constable Rigsby - Boothe and a dubious substance. There are some characters who reveal their true colours, and this is one of the most attractive things about this well written book.
This book is an excellent novel which really drew me in, and was a great reading experience. There are all sorts of things to enjoy, and was extremely well researched as demonstrated so well in the gradual revelation of all aspects of a grand Victorian house. There are some suggestions of the supernatural within this books which were perhaps less expected, but certainly this is something which has become an element in other historical mysteries that I have encountered. I recommend this book for all fans of historical mysteries as an enjoyable read with extra elements.
Whatever happens in the novel, and there is certainly a lot of dramatic events in a very short time, each point is tied up carefully and satisfactorily, though not without many surprises, twists and turns. There are quite brutal murders, but we are not given gratuitous details, though many details are implied. As the book opens we encounter Lord Foster Marmis and a fellow cabinet member having a serious discussion over maps and papers, a discussion which is to be the basis of a later meeting with two other men who will soon arrive. Unfortunately the odious and ill intentioned butler, Gregory, is eager to overhear what is being said, and he is greatly offended when more people appear at the door. Whatever else Gregory is, he is soon shown to be an attacker of women, deeply dangerous and offensive to all the servants, both resident and visiting. As members of the house party assemble and indulge their taste for cards, drink and other amusements, it seems that this will settle into a standard murder mystery. However, as two deaths occur, it becomes obvious that this is no cosy mystery with a standard guilty party. Much is quickly revealed about the victims, and it quickly appears that there is more to it than the standard motives of money or jealousy.
The introduction of Elliott and Thorne adds a whole new dimension to the novel, as they bring their quick wits and excellent analysis of character to the shocked household. They bring an element of comedy to the proceedings and a level of logic and understanding to what needs to be done. Under their influence they discover the secrets of the landlady, after a satisfactory incident involving the odious High Constable Rigsby - Boothe and a dubious substance. There are some characters who reveal their true colours, and this is one of the most attractive things about this well written book.
This book is an excellent novel which really drew me in, and was a great reading experience. There are all sorts of things to enjoy, and was extremely well researched as demonstrated so well in the gradual revelation of all aspects of a grand Victorian house. There are some suggestions of the supernatural within this books which were perhaps less expected, but certainly this is something which has become an element in other historical mysteries that I have encountered. I recommend this book for all fans of historical mysteries as an enjoyable read with extra elements.
December 15, 2019
When guests show up for an ordinary weekend party, a double murder is the last thing they expect. Instead of getting his promised vacation Detective Chief Inspector Elliott Caine gets called in to investigate the gruesome murders. As the bodies start to pile up Caine must work with Detective Sergeant Abernathy Thorne to keep the body count as low as possible while they catch the murderer and keep the past in the past. With a dip into the supernatural A Portrait of Death is a murder mystery that will keep you hooked until the end.
What I loved most about this book was the writing. A Portrait Of Death is set in the 1800's. Throughout the book the author keeps us totally captivated in the Victorian era. It was like stepping out of 2019 and jumping back into 1899. The writing was very descriptive and it was easy to envision the settings and situations that were described. I really enjoy books set in the Victorian era. There's something about the overall feel of that time that draws me in completely and this book captured it so well and I was just hooked. Ball gowns, servants, a dinner party that ends with murder, what more could you ask for?
I found Rhen Garland was able to create an entire cast of interesting characters. While I can't say I was able to "relate" to them, I had a great time sitting back and reading about them. They were entertaining, charming and true to era. This is one of those books that creates a movie inside your head, where the details are so splendid that reading it feels like watching a movie.
If you're looking for something to take you back in time while still fulfilling your need for a suspenseful murder mystery this book will most likely be for you. The murders are gruesome but the details aren't so graphic as to turn off any individuals who aren't into the gore.
You can find this and all my other reviews at
Https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com/...
What I loved most about this book was the writing. A Portrait Of Death is set in the 1800's. Throughout the book the author keeps us totally captivated in the Victorian era. It was like stepping out of 2019 and jumping back into 1899. The writing was very descriptive and it was easy to envision the settings and situations that were described. I really enjoy books set in the Victorian era. There's something about the overall feel of that time that draws me in completely and this book captured it so well and I was just hooked. Ball gowns, servants, a dinner party that ends with murder, what more could you ask for?
I found Rhen Garland was able to create an entire cast of interesting characters. While I can't say I was able to "relate" to them, I had a great time sitting back and reading about them. They were entertaining, charming and true to era. This is one of those books that creates a movie inside your head, where the details are so splendid that reading it feels like watching a movie.
If you're looking for something to take you back in time while still fulfilling your need for a suspenseful murder mystery this book will most likely be for you. The murders are gruesome but the details aren't so graphic as to turn off any individuals who aren't into the gore.
You can find this and all my other reviews at
Https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com/...
December 12, 2019
I love the way this Victorian murder mystery is set out. Two prologues, one detailing an event in New York, one with distinctly supernatural overtones, and then the story is divided into parts. The story has a timeline, which is often used in contemporary police procedurals and murder mysteries, and this device is cleverly used here to introduce suspects and false clues.
The murders are gruesome and the atmosphere is menacing. This is also a political thriller, with hints of treason. The traditional country house setting lulls the reader into believing that nothing exciting is happening here, but two murders and a host of political intrigue belie that assumption by the end of the book's opening chapters.
The characters are complex, in keeping with the Victorian setting, but many have reasons to kill, but the question is would they murder in such a macabre way? The detective team are enigmatic and easy to like, clever, eccentric and full of flair, they are a match for the murderer, but will their humanity be their undoing?
An atmospheric setting, believable historical characters and twisty plot make this story stand out, and the reader looks forward to the next one in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
December 15, 2019
An intriguing murder mystery with paranormal overtones (Oh my goodness! That ending!). Set in the Victorian era; the upstairs-downstairs culture of the seemingly typical country house in which most of the story plays out fascinating in more ways than one.
Gruesome murders; the killer all the more menacing in that they are a shadow, a faceless entity who comes and goes leaving behind not a trace, political intrigue, twists and turns and plenty ... and Oh my goodness! That ending (Have I mentioned before how good the ending is? I have? Oh well, its worth mentioning again.)
Fascinating characters; the detective team wonderfully eccentric (I love that along with some Holmes like logic they lend what I felt was an inspired comical air to the story), quick witted ... A match for any murderer or are they?
There really is so much to recommend A Portrait Of Death and not just to readers of one genre but many.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry
Disclaimer ... A Book Tour review organised by Rachel's Random Resources, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
Gruesome murders; the killer all the more menacing in that they are a shadow, a faceless entity who comes and goes leaving behind not a trace, political intrigue, twists and turns and plenty ... and Oh my goodness! That ending (Have I mentioned before how good the ending is? I have? Oh well, its worth mentioning again.)
Fascinating characters; the detective team wonderfully eccentric (I love that along with some Holmes like logic they lend what I felt was an inspired comical air to the story), quick witted ... A match for any murderer or are they?
There really is so much to recommend A Portrait Of Death and not just to readers of one genre but many.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry
Disclaimer ... A Book Tour review organised by Rachel's Random Resources, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
December 15, 2019
Thank you to Rachel at Rachael's Random Resources for my invitation to the tour and my copy of the book in return for a fair and honest review.
I was captivated by this book as soon as I started,as the characters were really interesting and others really odious.
The setting at the home of Lord and Lady Marmis, Marmis Hall was really great and I quickly felt that there was an atmosphere that something untoward was going to occur.
I liked the above and below stairs dynamic as it showed the whole picture of the mystery. I also really enjoyed how the staff all looked out for each other.
Shocking events happen and the police are called and due to the highly sensitive nature of the weekend. Caine and Elliott are ordered to attend Marmis Hall.
I really enjoyed this book and delving into the pasts of the characters and I love a murder set in a big house. It was a little more gruesome than I had expected but I don't have a problem with this.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
I was captivated by this book as soon as I started,as the characters were really interesting and others really odious.
The setting at the home of Lord and Lady Marmis, Marmis Hall was really great and I quickly felt that there was an atmosphere that something untoward was going to occur.
I liked the above and below stairs dynamic as it showed the whole picture of the mystery. I also really enjoyed how the staff all looked out for each other.
Shocking events happen and the police are called and due to the highly sensitive nature of the weekend. Caine and Elliott are ordered to attend Marmis Hall.
I really enjoyed this book and delving into the pasts of the characters and I love a murder set in a big house. It was a little more gruesome than I had expected but I don't have a problem with this.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
January 3, 2020
A Portrait of Death is a wonderful mystery. It’s a very unique story that was different from anything I’ve read. It’s a Victorian mystery with a bit of paranormal mixed in.
Rhen Garland’s writing is very intriguing. He writes about murder and torture set in the environment of a worsening political situation in South Africa. The writing is captivating. I had trouble setting it down.
Rhen Garland’s writing is very promising and I am very excited to read more from her. This is the first novel and I’m looking forward to the next. Complex characters and a brilliant plot. I definitely recommend this one!
*Received & reviewed for blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Rhen Garland’s writing is very intriguing. He writes about murder and torture set in the environment of a worsening political situation in South Africa. The writing is captivating. I had trouble setting it down.
Rhen Garland’s writing is very promising and I am very excited to read more from her. This is the first novel and I’m looking forward to the next. Complex characters and a brilliant plot. I definitely recommend this one!
*Received & reviewed for blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
January 1, 2020
This is an excellent read. I like books set in the Victorian era and this book ticks all the right boxes.
After two people are brutally murdered at a dinner party policeman Elliott Caine and Abernathy Thorne are set the immense task of finding the killer. A lot of twists and turns follow as they battle as they encounter society’s elite.
This is the first in a new series and I can not wait to read the second one.
After two people are brutally murdered at a dinner party policeman Elliott Caine and Abernathy Thorne are set the immense task of finding the killer. A lot of twists and turns follow as they battle as they encounter society’s elite.
This is the first in a new series and I can not wait to read the second one.
June 18, 2020
Murder unlikely
A murder mystery across many years. This book is intriguing and will hold you hostage for the next clue. Just when you think you have it solved you find out maybe not!
A murder mystery across many years. This book is intriguing and will hold you hostage for the next clue. Just when you think you have it solved you find out maybe not!
April 9, 2023
Dnf After first chapter.
first chapter and we are starting out with grotesquely fridging... well stoving, really..., a woman who was seemingly introduced solely for that purpose.
no thanks
first chapter and we are starting out with grotesquely fridging... well stoving, really..., a woman who was seemingly introduced solely for that purpose.
no thanks
March 20, 2025
The author masterfully created a suspenseful atmosphere. I loved the twists and turns of the investigation.
June 25, 2025
A classic -- rather brutal -- tale of murder in a grand English country house.
April 18, 2026
Probably more 3 1/2.
Garland is a talented author, and I think she could have done better with this, so I'm a bit disappointed.
Garland is a talented author, and I think she could have done better with this, so I'm a bit disappointed.
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