The Woman with Golden Hair

Phoebe's Mysteries #3

by Sydney Tooman Betts

“Is she dead?”

While celebrating his birthday, Phoebe’s father discovers a golden-haired stranger unconscious on the parsonage doorstep. None of his guests know who she is, but the friends who provide her a place to live soon suspect her of hiding a secret. Mix in a wealthy industrialist looking for a wife, an English earl masquerading as a commoner, and top with a room full of Jane Austen’s readers, and what do you get? Murder.

Join Phoebe, a young woman with a knack for eliciting confidences, as she sifts clues to keep a friend from becoming the next victim.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

Sydney Tooman Betts and her protagonist-inspiring husband currently reside in the Shenandoah Valley near the extensive cavern system that inspired the setting for several early chapters of her second book.

While single, Ms. Betts (B.S. Bible/Missiology, M.Ed) was involved in a variety of cross-cultural adventures in North and Central America. After marrying, she and her husband lived in Europe and the Middle East where he served in various mission-support capacities. Her teaching experiences span preschool to guest lecturing at the graduate level and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Director, or Women’s Ministries facilitator in several evangelical denominations.

Before penning her first novel, she ghost-wrote several stories for an adult literacy program.

Reviews

[Nadine Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how Phoebe continues to grow in character with each book in this historical ChristFic mystery series. Phoebe's spark of chemistry with a certain detective here is fun to watch, and the story's climax is particularly exciting.

If you're new to the series, I'd recommend starting with Book One, Phoebe's Secret. That way, it'll be easier to keep the plethora of returning characters sorted and to fully appreciate how/why they matter.
_________
I received an advance reading copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Emilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cozy mystery with a fun historical setting! I'm enjoying this series and look forward to the next book!

[Joanne]

Another enjoyable read by Sydney Tooman Betts. Regardless if your preferred genre is Mystery, Romance, Christian or Historical, you will like this book. It has the best of all worlds. The characters are believable for the mid 1800s setting, and Mrs. Betts weaves fiction with real events from that timeframe. You will be intrigued and find yourself anticipating the surprise ending. I recommend this book and the author's other series.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series!

Another delightful installment of Phoebe's Mysteries! I love how Author Sydney Tooman Betts keeps her readers turning pages and guessing who the murderer is until the very end. I highly recommend reading Phoebe's Secret and Phoebe's Christmas first, to give you a back story on many of the characters in The Woman with Golden Hair. I would be so happy if this series continued forever!

This series takes place in the Shenandoah Valley in the mid 1840's where Phoebe's family recently moved to from the north. Phoebe's father is a pastor. There are issues of slavery, underground railroad, murder, marrying for various reasons, friendship, and forgiveness. Phoebe is back with her observation skills and it's really enjoyable to go along for the ride. At one point I suspected just about everyone. I love it when I cannot guess who the guilty party is until the very end! Well done Sydney Tooman Betts!

Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading book 3 of Pheobe’s Mysteries, The Woman With Golden Hair.

The characters in these books are realistic and heartwarming. Set in the late 1800’s in VA, northerners moving south have found the practice of slavery disturbing. Once again, as in book 1 & 2, Pheobe’s observant mind is compelled to help solve a mystery. Who is the mysterious woman? Who is guilty of murder? I love how Sydney Tooman Bett’s stories engage not only the mind but also the heart. Read the story looking for clues beneath the surface, and you will also find little gems of truth sprinkled in.
Read all three mysteries to get to know Pheobe and her family and friends.

[Beth King · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Woman with Golden Hair” is another great installment in the Phoebe mysteries. It is full of mystery, suspense, and interesting characters. I always enjoy a good mystery, but this book stands head and shoulders above many others because of the faith elements so eloquently sprinkled throughout the storyline and in conversations. I highly recommend this book and the other Phoebe mysteries to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction, mystery, and even a little romance. I hope there will be many more books to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna Splawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the third Phoebe mystery I've read by Sydney Betts and she just keeps getting better! Sydney, that is! Phoebe's character continues to charm and disarm those around her. This plot is tangled and I was caught up in trying to figure out who was responsible for the crime. Her characters continue to step off the page, and become more real with every sequel. The sweet tension of the potential suitors in Phoebe's world, and where her heart rests with each of them is ongoing and leaves us wondering who will be "the one". Sydney's writing is a delight and I look forward with anticipation to the next Phoebe mystery!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series of Phoebe’s Cozy Mysteries. An enjoyable book with a mystery that I could not figure out until the very end. I hope a fourth book will follow!
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author but the review is my own.

[Cinnabug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the third book in this series, this is the first one I have read. Certain things about the previous books were implied or referred, but that only created an interest in reading them; it didn't make me feel as if I were missing any pieces--this book was able to stand on its own.

I felt a true sense of village life, community, friendship, and family as I read this book. When I began the story I was concerned by the large number of characters, thinking I would never keep track of them all, but once I started to "get to know" the families and their relationships to each other, I had no problems keeping up. I enjoyed all the little side stories, especially regarding the Underground Railroad and the work being done to free slaves. I was able to feel a connection to the characters.

As far as the mystery, I found it enticing. I wanted to know more about the mysterious girl. I tossed suspects and their motives back and forth in my mind. I felt there were enough clues to figure it out, but just leave a hint of doubt. I enjoyed the ending very much. It was exactly as I had wanted it to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cozy mystery where Phoebe is trying to help solve the murder. The Phoebe mysteries are always interesting with plenty of things happening. I did not figure out “whodunnit” till the end. I kept guessing knowing I was probably wrong. I have enjoyed all of Phoebe’s mysteries and I’m already wondering what will happen next.
I’m just going throw this in too. I’m also interested in Phoebe’s job and some things that she’s found out that very few people know. Now study on that! You won’t find that out unless you read her stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook but was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue and mystery a bound. There are several twists and turns that keep you turning the page. Complex and interesting characters in this story. Hard to put down. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through no fault of her own, Phoebe once again finds herself embroiled in a mystery when a stranger is found unconscious at the entrance of their home. When it turns out the lovely lady has no memory of how she came to be at the Farrell’s doorstep, nor even who she is, Phoebe is determined to help her restore her memory. But all too soon disturbing events and conversations result in murder, and once again Phoebe’s investigative skills are brought to bear. Set in Virginia in the 1800’s, this charming mystery offers plenty of intrigue and enough romance to satisfy lovers of mysteries and romance alike. Mystery #3 in the Phoebe series is a stand-alone, but reading the preceding books will enrich your enjoyment of this third installment.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this new installment in the Phoebe’s Mysteries series! Phoebe is one of my favorite female detectives! She feels like the kind of character that I would like to be friends with. This story kept me guessing until the final reveal! I would love to read more in this series!



I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Elli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading this author’s books! The book is well written, and the storyline is wonderful. The main character, Phoebe, once again has a chance at marrying, but it isn’t meant to be, not right now anyway. A “must read!” (I received an advanced copy from the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.)

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to read this latest Phoebe mystery than I recommend reading the first two books in the series to get a better understanding of all the main characters that surround Phoebe. I was very glad that there was a list of the main characters and how they were related to Phoebe and her family and friends. I enjoyed the mystery and all the interaction between the characters. I enjoy this time period of the mid 1840s in the south. I liked the bit of romance that is throw in also. I received a copy of this book from Tooman Tales for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Carolyn Neinas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and easy story to read. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I’m hoping for another book to follow.

[Teresa Nasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. References to Jane Austen's novels, especially Pride and Prejudice, was most welcomed entertainment.