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Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive…

For the first time since her engagement came to an unhappy end, catering manager and amateur sleuth Sophie Lockwood returns to London from Derbyshire to run the café for an art exhibition hosted by her employers, the Duke and Duchess of Ravensbury, in their splendid city home. On her first evening in the capital, while Sophie is listening to renowned botanist Dr Ambrose Pitkin praising the artwork of the Duke’s ancestor, a lethally sharp souvenir letter opener falls into the possession of someone with murder, not mail, on their mind.

When Dr Pitkin is found the next morning stabbed to death in Green Park, Sophie is determined to see justice prevail, but it seems as though everyone who visited the Duke and Duchess the previous night had reason to want him out of the way. With so many questions to answer and a hostile detective inspector to deal with, Sophie wonders if this will be the first case to defeat her. And in the midst of her confusion, the last thing she needs is ex-fiancé Adam back on the scene.

A moment of enlightenment over coffee with one of Dr Pitkin’s colleagues at the Natural History Museum leads Sophie to the truth. And it’s a truth that will have devastating consequences not only for her personally, but also for her noble employers.

Mystery fans, grab your snacks and board the train. We’re heading to the capital…

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2021

68 people are currently reading
44 people want to read

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Kate P. Adams

14 books90 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
676 reviews15 followers
August 25, 2021
Sophie, Mark, and Joyce are in London for a special showing of some of Charleton House's most well-known art pieces at the Duke's London home, Ravensbury House. They expect a lot of high profile people to attend the opening and there will be several prominent speakers. The Duke is also looking forward to spending more time with his youngest son, Oliver. Unfortunately, Oliver turned out to be the black sheep of the family and has had more than his share of problems. When Sophie sees her ex-fiance, Adam, talking with Oliver, she is concerned that there may be more problems ahead.

Two of the speakers, Dr. Caleb Orne and Dr. Ambrose Pitkin, are seen arguing a couple of times during the evening. Some of their issues were related to who actually made certain botanical discoveries. Dr. Pitkin was scheduled to meet with the Duke the next day, but was killed sometime during the night.

Who killed Dr. Pitkin? Why was he killed? Will Sophie and her friends be able to get any information from the police? How will the murder be solved? What is Adam up to? How does it involve Oliver? Can Sophie get to the bottom of the mysteries?

Kate Adams has another wonderful mystery in this story. The story has great characters and very realistic situations, along with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing clear to the end.
Profile Image for Roxx Tarantini.
575 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2021
Can London survive our sleuthing trio?

Book Seven in this outstanding series finds our intrepid sleuths in London for the inaugural of the art exhibition the Ravensbury's city home. But it's not all about arranging the works that will be on display when a renowned botanist is murdered on the grounds!

Much as Sophie is determined not to be involved, the murder - and her friends - quite literally challenge her to find the murderer. Entangled in that mystery, is an encounter - for the first time - with her now released from jail ex! This is quite possibly the only time when I would happily have throttled Sophie for what seemed like her willingness to barrel right back into some sort of involvement with Adam. I was so disappointed, as I'm sure you will be too. But take heart, all is redeemed.

Adams is no slouch when it comes to intrigue and deceit, and Capital Crime is the perfect example. I literally stayed up reading it deep into the night. Capital Crimes - like all the other books in this series - makes a great stand-alone read, but don't miss out on getting to know these wonderful characters, you will consider them friends.

[I was fortunate to receive an Advance Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinion expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Profile Image for Short, Sweet and Cozy.
1,518 reviews
August 27, 2021
A Capital Crime is book 7 in the Charleton House Mystery series and it is wonderful. The characters are likable, interesting and have a sense of humor. The cozy mystery is intriguing with some twists and turns to keep the reader guessing right to the end. Sophie is the Cafe Manager at Charleton House and her friend Joyce is the Gift Shop Manager and Mark is a Tour Guide. In this book, the 3 friends go to London with their employers, the Duke and Duchess Fitzwilliam-Scott who are hosting an art exhibit at their London home. The Duke and Duchess' adult children, Annabelle and Oliver, are helping with the exhibit. Sophie has a friend, Zannah, who lives in London and Sophie is staying with her. Sophie's ex-fiance, Adam, works in London and is trying to win her back. After the opening of the art exhibit, a friend of the Duke's is found dead nearby. Sophie and friends are curious and Sophie has helped solve some other cases so they get involved. There are a couple of suspects with the people who attended the art event and were at the house. The book has a good pace for the most part. The only odd thing was how the person died but it is minor. This book was hard to put down and is very enjoyable. I can't wait for the next book! I received an advance copy from Kate P Adams but the review is my own opinion and not influenced in any way.
2,130 reviews46 followers
September 8, 2021
When Sophie Lockwood returns to London with Joyce and Mark to help with an exhibition for the Duke and Duchess of Ravensbury, she is looking forward to seeing old friends and visiting favorite places. What she doesn't expect is a murder on their doorstep. Doctor Pitkin had just been at the palace as the Duke's guest. The police are focusing their attention on people who attended an advance showing plus others who had palace access. Sophie and her two friends very carefully start looking into his murder. I knew that their help would not be appreciated by the local authorities. Sophie doesn't want to cause trouble and lose her position. Joyce and Mark are great partners. They each have their own skills which adds to the story. Joyce is a force of nature. She make me laugh. I must say that I like all the characters and the setting. This story was well done and complex. The Duke's black sheep son was an interesting especially when it involved Sophie's ex. As usual there are many unexpected twists that kept me on my toes. I was glad that she put her cheating ex-fiancé behind her and embraced her new life. I can't get enough of Sophie and her cohorts. I can't wait to see what's in store.
Profile Image for Carlin.
1,773 reviews19 followers
December 4, 2021
London is the new setting for murder in this remarkable series.

Sophie and her partners in (solving) crime have moved to London for this adventure. The Duke and Duchess have brought many art pieces from Charleton House to their pied à terre, turning it into a gallery. Sophie, Mark and Joyce join them as Sophie is charged with setting up a small restaurant on the premises, Joyce with the gift shop, and Mark to lead tours. At the preview before the official opening the Duke and Duchess have invited a number of friends and acquaintances to the festities and included the staff.

A professor of Botany and friend of the Duke was found murdered outside of the home the morning after the party. The Duke asked Sophie to keep her ears open since he didn't trust the Metropolitan Police to track down the murderer. Oh my, the story was so good, I read it straight through! There were so many suspects with motives. Sophie's ex-fiancé even made an appearance as one of the the Duke's son Oliver's connections. The City was almost another character in the book, as we got to join Sophie and the others enjoying pubs, famous landmarks, and even the London Eye. It brought back so many memories of my visits there while every clue was explored and suspect interrogated. I loved it!
Profile Image for Irene Sauman.
Author 13 books39 followers
August 27, 2021
Sophie, Mark and Joyce are in London for the Ravensbury House exhibition, complete with café, shop and tours for visitors. When a well respected botanist is murdered nearby after visiting the House, Sophie and her friends get involved with investigating his death. They need to keep a lower profile in London, not having the same rapport with the police there that they do in their home village. To complicate matters, Sophie’s ex-fiance and the Fitzwilliam-Scott’s younger son are also up to something.
Mark digs into history while Joyce, as flamboyant as ever, tries to hook a titled man. Between Ravensbury House staff, botanists, lost family fortunes, jealousy, a mountaineer, and a married man with serial girlfriends, Sophie has her work cut out fingering the killer.
Kate Adam’s knowledge of her settings is one of the great drawcards in the Charleton House mysteries and this one is no exception. I always enjoy the dialogue and the banter, which are natural and entertaining and draw the reader along. While Pumpkin is back home in the care of Bill, Sophie’s friend Zannah has a pretty Persian that even takes to Mark. Add in a baffling mystery, and I think this is one of Kate’s best, hence the 5* rating.
8 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2021
Another great read from Kate. This time we find Sophie, Mark and Joyce at the London residence of the Duke and Duchess. A botanist is killed and the Duke asks Sophie to discreetly find out what she can. The story leads us in many interesting directions, unearthing long kept secrets along the way. Sophie meets up with her ex fiancé and puts that part of her life behind although could he possibly still be causing problems? She also catches up with her old friends. The two Met officers are far less friendly than her local ones and are not impressed to find her wherever they go! This story goes along at a pace and Joyce is on top form along with the one liners between her and Mark. Their banter always has me laughing. As usual we get a few red herrings to keep us on our toes. I have loved this series, although you can read this story without the others, but I do think this one is the best so far. In tracking down the murderer Sophie has to deal with things that will hurt the Duke and Duchess. I didn’t work out who the murderer was until the very end. I would recommend this book it’s great. I received an ARC for my honest review. Looking forward to the next one.
281 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2021
When Sophie and her "crime solving team" of Mark and Joyce travel to London to oversee the exhibition that the Duke and Duchess of Ravensbury put on display at their house there nobody thinks that it will be anything but an interesting affair with interesting people in the field of botany.

That assumption changes when after a private viewing renowned botanist Dr Ambrose Pitkin, a speaker at the event, is found dead in the park close to Ravensbury house - killed with a letter opener which is sold at the giftshop during the exhibition but only a handful of people had access to before the official opening.

Of course Sophie and her "team" can't stay away even so they don't have any encouragement (to say the least) from the local investigation police department nor is Sopie's life made easier by the fact that her ex-fiance contacts her and seems to be a close acquaintance of the Dukes and Duchess youngest son.

The plot thickens and will Sophie and her friends come out unscathed?

I received an ARC and that is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,634 reviews25 followers
August 25, 2021
Another fantastic episode of the Charleton House Mysteries. This time, the Duke and Duchess, Sophie's employer at Charleton House where she is in charge of the cafes there, asks her, Joyce the gift shop manager and Mark, the tour guide to travel to their London House, Ravensbury to prepare it for an exhibition of art and artifacts to bring in more tourists. A friend of the Duke's who came to Ravensburg early to see the exhibit and the Duke. When he leaves, he is murdered with one of the pieces from the exhibit Sophie, Mark and Joyce get involved, especially since the Duke asked Sophie to look into it since he didn't like the way the Metro Constabulary was handling things. So, the trio get involved much to the chagrin of the London police. With lots of twists and turns, with lots of humor interspersed we are taken down the road to solving the murder. Love the descriptions and the smooth flow of the entire piece. This is a fun series that keeps you guessing and you will love the surprise ending. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Patt.
466 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2021
Terrific book! Different from the others because it doesn’t take place at Charleton House, but rather at the London home of the Duke and Duchess. The descriptions of some of the museums in London make me really wish I could get on a plane and visit right now.
The duke and duchess are having a showing of paintings done by a deceased relative. They will then be put in one of London’s museums.
Sophie, Mark, and Joyce have been asked to come and handle their specialties, the food, the gift shop, and the tours. While there, Ambrose, a friend of the dukes is killed after visiting.
Sophie, of course, gets involved in the investigation in spite of being warned by the constables not to interfere.
This was one of the best so far of the Charleton House mysteries. It kept me guessing with lots of twists and turns and I couldn’t figure out the guilty person till the very end.
*I received a free copy of this book . I have given an honest review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,436 reviews36 followers
August 25, 2021
This time we get to go to London! Sophie, Joyce and Mark are going to Ravensbury House which is the Duke and Duchess's second home for an exhibition. The exhibition is showcasing art etc. from Charleton House trying to drum up more visitors. They will all be doing their usual jobs and for Sophie that includes trying to solve a murder. Days before the exhibition is to open a botanist and friend of the Duke's is murdered after leaving the House. The Duke asks Sophie to look into it as the Met police are not as forthcoming as their local constabulary. Really enjoyed seeing London through their eyes and as usual, the banter between them is very entertaining. Good mystery and interesting seeing how Sophie's mind works. Jolly good time!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Roberta.
1,220 reviews18 followers
August 28, 2021
A Captial Crime is the seventh book in the Charleston House Mysteries series, and once again, I hugely enjoyed returning to this world.

I really enjoyed the change in location, not only was it interesting to see Sophie out of her usual setting, but we got to visit some great places, such as the Natural History Museum.

The characters, as always, were well written and interesting to read about. I missed Pumpkin, but there’s another cat. The writing flows well, and it’s easy to get lost in the story.

The plot was interesting and entertaining. It was fun to learn a little more of Sophie’s past, and meet friends from before she moved to Derbyshire.

If you’re looking for a fun and interesting cozy crime, I recommend this one. In fact, I recommend the whole series!

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
293 reviews4 followers
August 26, 2021
Sophie, Joyce and Mark are coming from Derbyshire to London to the London home of the Duke and Duchess of Ravensbury. They will be there a week overseeing the start of an art exhibit belonging to the family of the Duke and Duchess. The night of the private showing to several people involved in the showing as well as friends of the Duke and Duchess, one of the guests is murdered after leaving the showing. Sophie and Mark find out the next morning when the body is discovered. Soon, Sophie, Mark and Joyce are looking for the killer. Unlike in Derbyshire, they are unknown to the London police and have no one to talk with about the murder. They continue their sleuthing and soon have a list of suspects. Who killed the professor, can Sophie figure this one out before someone else dies?
231 reviews
August 28, 2021
Once again my ARC did not disappoint. Full of knowledge gathered from her previous career, Ms. Adams always manages to make a murder mystery interesting from historical, artistic and domestic points of view. This time we see the action moved to the Duke of Ravensbury’s London home where he is holding an exhibition of art and artefacts from Charleton House in Derbyshire. Once again, Sophie and her cohorts get involved in finding out who killed Dr. Pitkin, the famous botanist. The banter between the characters left me tittering as usual. A downright good storyline and a mystery where I couldn’t work out “who dunnit” at all. Another stand alone book in the series so you don’t have to read them in order. My honest opinion? Dive in and enjoy Mr. Adams work. You won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Loretta.
386 reviews
August 25, 2021
An ARC Book- Sophia Lookwood, manager of the cafes at Charleton House and Gardens along with Mark the tour guide and Julia the manager of the gift shops were called to London and arrange for the opening of Ravensbury House for the Duke and Duchess. This time Sophia didn't know about the body found in the park until later. Since the victim was a guest before the opening the house the Duke asked Sophia to check around as to why the murder occurred because the London Police was not letting him know what happened. Sophia and her friends talked to everyone of interest even though the London Police told her to stay out of the investigation. As usual a surprise ending!
Profile Image for Suzan.
1,672 reviews18 followers
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August 25, 2021
Kate P Adams book # 7 in the Charleton House Mysteries is wonderful. I have enjoyed each book 1-6. I love that Kate has written these books so you don't need to read them in any order. Each book has the same cast and mutely crew but the stories are written so that they can be a stand-alone book too.
In this book Sophie, Mark and Joyce are away from Derbyshire and Charleton House. The Fitzwilliam family has an ancestral home in London and that is where this story takes place. We see a little more of Sophie's life before she came to Derbyshire too. I received an ARC from the author but this review is strictly mine.
887 reviews12 followers
August 31, 2021
The Duke and Duchess of Ravensbury are at their London home for art exhibition. Sophie, Mark and Joyce are also there for the festivities. When a murder occurs, the Duke asked Sophie to use her skills to find the murderer. Sophie is without her police contacts but she has a long list of suspects. This book is filled with awesome descriptions of London! Kate gives you all the feels of being there. The ending was a surprise. I would have never guessed! This is a must read!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
4 reviews
September 1, 2021
Another success for Sophie

Sophie, Mark and Joyce have temporarily relocated from their beloved Derbyshire to London to help with an event the Duke and Duchess are hosting in their London property.
There’s a good deal of wandering around the inner workings of the Natural History Museum and of course there’s a murder.
With the help of her two colleagues Sophie puts her mind to solving the murder with loads of twists and turns on the way.
As a member of the advance reader team I always look forward to a new book from Kate and this one doesn’t disappoint. Highly recommended and can’t wait for the next.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,819 reviews23 followers
January 13, 2022
Suspects in high places

For this book we are not at Charleton House, but we do get to meet some friends of Sophie’s from her previous life. It is interesting to see her in a new environment. I didn’t feel like a visitor to London. It felt like you lived there.
I liked the suspects that we had. There were lots of suspects with a lot to lose. You feel how much they have to lose. I appreciate the way Sophie interacts with the police as she is not in her home area in that one.
I was able to figure out who the murderer was about 2/3 through, but I was totally wrong as to why. So I was still surprised.
Another great book in the Charleton House series!
1,435 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2021
Sophie, Mark, and Joyce are sent to London to set-up for a long term event in the Duke & Dutchess’s Ravensbury House. On the first night, one of their guests is found murdered in the park. Sophie as usual tries to solve the mystery. She is hampered by not knowing most of the people involved as well as the London detectives are not as forthcoming as her local police.

Wonderful characters and a nice change of setting. It was good to learn about the London house. I look forward to returning to Charleton.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,598 reviews48 followers
August 25, 2021
Kindle Copy for Review

Sophie is back in London to run a café hosted by her employers the Duke and Duchess of Ravensbury. One her first night back she hears an acclaimed botanist praising the artwork of the ancestor of the duke a sharp souvenir letter opener.

The next day will see the acclaimed doctor being stabbed to death by the letter opener. Sophie will find herself into another deadly situation which will include the reoccurrence of her ex-fiance.

Another delightful read in the series.
4,595 reviews38 followers
August 26, 2021
A Capital Crime is another great Charleton House mystery, but this one is set in London! The Duke asks Sophie to investigate. Sophie wants to help but she is without her usual police contacts which makes it that much more challenging. With Mark and Joyce plus some friends and contacts from her days in London, Sophie attempts to discover who killed Dr. Pitkin. Come along as Sophie unravels the twists and turns of this well written mystery. I was awake far too long because I could not put it down!
1,018 reviews9 followers
August 27, 2021
This time Sophie, Mark & Joyce are at the London home of the Duke & Duchess. There is to be an exhibition of paintings from the Derbyshire house there. Sophie to oversee the temporary cafe, Mark to do tours & Joyce to set the temporary souvenir shop. So, naturally there is a murder & the London police are not happy to keep finding Sophie where they don’t think she should be! Another nuisance is that her ex fiancé is friends with the youngest child of the Duke & Duchess & he also is “a bit of a wrong ‘un”. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Kestrelmorn Geiger.
132 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2021
Another wonderful story from Kate P. Adams. The crew from Derbyshire are all in London - even the Duke & Duchess. Before you know it, there's a murder and Sophie is up to her old tricks - trying to find out what happened without ticking off the jaded London coppers. Is it all about Botony? Or maybe a usually sensible woman having an affair with a married man? Or is it something else altogether. As usual, Sophie figures it out before the police, but is it really a win if people you care about get hurt? You'll have to read it to find out!
Profile Image for Carol.
1,093 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2021
This is book 7 in the Charleton House Mystery series and I think it's brilliant. We get to travel to London in this book and the change of scenery was delightful. As always, Sophie, Mark and Joyce are knee deep into a murder investigation. This is a fast paced, well written cozy that has become one of my go to series to read. I received an ARC of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily providing an honest review.
329 reviews
August 25, 2021
Very interesting plot, like all the books written by Kate P Adams
The detailed description of the places made me feel like having a virtual tour of the buildings
The permanent banter between Joice and Mark and the description of Joice’s choice of clothes gives the book a humorous touch and the suspense of finding the killer makes the book un- putdownable
In one word excellent read
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,349 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2021
Ha! I am going to start saying that for pictures! No. I won’t tell you…you need to read and find out. I enjoyed this mystery since it was near impossible to solve since Sophie didn’t have her ins with the police. However, she has an extraordinary mind and tends to solve mysteries from a different angle. I loved reading this book and can’t wait for the next adventure of Sophie, Joyce, and Mark!
1,311 reviews16 followers
August 25, 2021
Our favorite characters hit the Big Time in London. Sensible Sophie, Witty Mark and Flamboyant Joyce, gather together to find a killer of a highly regarded botanist. Happy times and sad occasions meld into a journey we are fortunate to take. Ms. Adams always excels at her craft and A Capital Crime proves she has done so once again. Very Highly Recommended.
51 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2021
Another intriguing Charleton House mystery.

Kate P Adams not only provides information about London both historically and current, she also provides many red herrings to keep me guessing until the end.
I thoroughly enjoy the interaction between Mark and Joyce.
Hopefully the next book will be released soon.
Profile Image for Sharon Laughlin.
59 reviews
September 5, 2021
Another great mystery!

Kate Adams has written a another murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end of the story. Sophie's skill of solving murders is put to test in London when she and her friends start looking into the death of a friend of the duke. The trail leads them in many directions, but you need to read the book to see where the final lead takes them.
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