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Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries #1
Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker
Set in Gilded Age Spokane, Archie Prescot has traveled across the country to design the now-iconic Spokane clock tower for the new Great Northern Railroad Depot. When his talent for creating unique clock chimes connects him with a local patroness, he is thrilled, until she is discovered dead in the workshop of his new colleague.
Her grand home on the South Hill provides ample suspects as Archie works with his lodgers, Detective Carew and his twin brother, to prove his fellow inventor and himself innocent of the crime. While on the hunt for the murderer, romance crops up when a young lady crosses his path with a mysterious past of her own. Six intersecting storylines create a cohesive look at a convoluted murder that will require all points of view to discover the truth.
Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker is the first in the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries.
Her grand home on the South Hill provides ample suspects as Archie works with his lodgers, Detective Carew and his twin brother, to prove his fellow inventor and himself innocent of the crime. While on the hunt for the murderer, romance crops up when a young lady crosses his path with a mysterious past of her own. Six intersecting storylines create a cohesive look at a convoluted murder that will require all points of view to discover the truth.
Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker is the first in the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2021
23 people are currently reading
1325 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Meredith
13 books94 followerslinktr.ee/pmeredithauthor
Patricia Meredith is an author of historical and cozy mysteries. When she’s not writing, she’s playing board games with her husband, creating imaginary worlds with her two children, or out in the garden reading a good book with a cup of tea. Patricia's first series, the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries, is the product of uncovering fascinating local history circa 1901, making it the first historical mystery series set in Spokane, Washington. Her second series about Anna Katharine Green is the first and only historical fiction featuring the Mother of Detective Fiction. Her mysteries are clean, cozy reads known for their quirky yet believable characters.
Before taking the dive into mystery, Patricia Meredith was the fiction editor of over 20 novels and miscellaneous publications, working with magazines, businesses, and publishers on a variety of projects from art books (such as The Art of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire) to fantasy novels (such as Rising Sun, Falling Shadows, winner of the 2013 Scribe Award for Best Original Novel). Her specialty is science-fiction and fantasy novels. She has worked with such names as George R.R. Martin, Tracy Hickman, and Graham McNeill. She launched the novel department for Fantasy Flight Games, so she also has experience in the behind-the-scenes of publication.
Patricia Meredith is an author of historical and cozy mysteries. When she’s not writing, she’s playing board games with her husband, creating imaginary worlds with her two children, or out in the garden reading a good book with a cup of tea. Patricia's first series, the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries, is the product of uncovering fascinating local history circa 1901, making it the first historical mystery series set in Spokane, Washington. Her second series about Anna Katharine Green is the first and only historical fiction featuring the Mother of Detective Fiction. Her mysteries are clean, cozy reads known for their quirky yet believable characters.
Before taking the dive into mystery, Patricia Meredith was the fiction editor of over 20 novels and miscellaneous publications, working with magazines, businesses, and publishers on a variety of projects from art books (such as The Art of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire) to fantasy novels (such as Rising Sun, Falling Shadows, winner of the 2013 Scribe Award for Best Original Novel). Her specialty is science-fiction and fantasy novels. She has worked with such names as George R.R. Martin, Tracy Hickman, and Graham McNeill. She launched the novel department for Fantasy Flight Games, so she also has experience in the behind-the-scenes of publication.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 23, 2023
I bought this whole series by Patricia Meredith as a gift for my mom for Mothers Day. Since she does not have a Goodreads account, I wanted to share how much she enjoyed this book on her behalf. My mom loves a good historical mystery novel. Patricia Meredith delivers an exceptionally well written tale full of intrigue. She kept my mom guessing till the very end. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable experience. My mom highly recommends this series for historical mystery fans.
February 7, 2023
I’m still stunned by the conclusion of this book!!! ITS SO GOOD!
The way this mystery unfolds is so compelling. I did not see the end of this book coming. Also foodies be warned the book describes food in a way that makes my stomach grumble.
A mystery worthy of Agatha Christie. I had to pace myself to stop myself from reading the book in one go.
Pacing 5/5
Mystery 4.5/5
Food descriptions 5/5 I’m still hungry
Characters 4/5
Ending/ the reveal 5/5
Prose 4/5
Structure 5/5
Overall 5/5 such a fantastic book.
The way this mystery unfolds is so compelling. I did not see the end of this book coming. Also foodies be warned the book describes food in a way that makes my stomach grumble.
A mystery worthy of Agatha Christie. I had to pace myself to stop myself from reading the book in one go.
Pacing 5/5
Mystery 4.5/5
Food descriptions 5/5 I’m still hungry
Characters 4/5
Ending/ the reveal 5/5
Prose 4/5
Structure 5/5
Overall 5/5 such a fantastic book.
August 21, 2023
As much as I may love the classic tropes and formulas associated with murder mysteries, I found this more character-focused approach combined with the historical aspects to be such a fun and refreshing take on the genre.
CHARACTERS
In most detective fiction, the crime and the mystery around it take center stage, but in BUTCHER, BAKER, CANDLESTICK TAKER, the character work is what really steals the show. The story is told from multiple perspectives, shifting between Detective Bernard Carew, Officer Thomas Carew, Mariam, Archie, and Eleanor, while also giving us little glimpses into the thieving pursuits of the "Red Rogue." Although the twins, Bernard and Thomas, are the only characters officially "working" the murder case, all of the other POV characters play an important part in solving it. Patricia Meredith's approach to the cast is rather unique for this type of mystery story in that we get to spend a good amount of time with the characters as they simply go about their day. While that may not sound as exciting as having everything and everyone revolve around the core mystery with a singular focus, I will just say that nothing here is done without purpose. Little details you may not think are important will come back later and through spending so much more time with so many of the characters I ultimately found myself much more invested in the mystery itself and also found that the resolution felt quite believable.
PLOT/TONE
At the core of any detective mystery is the crime that has been committed and the process of figuring out who the guilty party or parties are. It's usually pretty hard to talk about this aspect without spoiling anything, but I can say that I really liked how Meredith laid things out in this regard. Having the police/detective characters be more focused on solving the mystery made sense and I enjoyed the dynamic between the Carew Twins. I also liked the more grounded approach to how they were represented as identical twins, since most fictional portrayals of twin siblings tend to be a bit off, almost like the author/writer has never actually met a set of twins and is just captivated by how similar they are in appearance. The way that other types of people are represented was also refreshingly done with particular standouts being a blind blacksmith and Detective Carew's wife. It's clear that the author has a great deal of empathy and understanding for people of all cultures, walks of life, and physical abilities. I also appreciated that we got to know the victim of the grizzly crime a bit before it actually happens. While this did lend itself to the opening chapter (or first ~25% of the book) feeling a little slower, the remaining 3/4 of the book ended up being much better off for that initial setup. I also found myself feeling just as invested in Marian's subplot of grieving her late grandmother or Archie's clockwork projects as I was in the actual murder that took place and I think that speaks highly to how much the character work influenced my enjoyment of the overall plot. I also felt like both the plot and the characters fit very well with the time period that this story takes place in.
SETTING/WORLD
Set during the early 1900s, in Spokane, Washington (USA), this is one of the select few pieces of historical fiction that I have read in the past few years. While I don't really know that part of the country well, nor would I consider myself a history buff, I really liked both the location and time period in which this was set. I especially appreciated the author's notes at the end of the book on what was accurate to the place and time as well as where she took some liberties for the sake of the story. I was also really interested to find out which of the characters were from recorded history and which ones were original creations. I enjoyed learning a bit about this time period and location and thought that it fit the story really nicely. It was also a ton of fun that the story explores a time where electricity exists, but it's just starting to be adopted and where only the very wealthy can afford to have an automobile. It's a really interesting point in time to set a story as it is both so recognizable and yet also so different from the one we live in today. I wasn't really expecting to be all that enamored with the historical aspects of this story, but it ended up being one of my favorite parts and I find myself wanting to journey back into 1900s Spokane without too much delay.
THE EBOOK
I wouldn't say there was anything in the packaging that really blew me away here. The cover and interior formatting are perfectly serviceable, but I feel pretty neutral on the trappings. It's really the story within that makes this one worth a buy/read and I have to say that the way that it is told is immaculately polished and meticulously crafted.
CONCLUSION
If you even have passing enjoyment of whodunnit-style murder mysteries, then you absolutely need to check out BUTCHER, BAKER, CANDLESTICK TAKER. Even if you are not generally a fan of the genre, you may very well appreciate how this circumvents genre norms and gives a high priority toward developing the characters as living, breathing people with their own goals and struggles (both related to and separate from the main case).
(+) Absolutely brilliant character work with loving and respectful representations of different types of people
(+) Meeting the victim before their death made me feel more invested in the mystery that unfolded after the deed had been done.
(+) Subplots that I felt just as invested in as the main mystery (though many of them may not be quite as disconnected from it as they initially seem)
(+) A compelling mystery that continuously unfolds and kept me guessing
(+) Some fun twists that will likely have lasting effects on the series as a whole
(+) A thoughtfully crafted rendition of early 1900s Spokane Washington that captured my imagination
( ) Things do wrap up rather quickly, which isn't unusual for this type of fiction, but I am also glad that there are more books to read in this series.
CHARACTERS
In most detective fiction, the crime and the mystery around it take center stage, but in BUTCHER, BAKER, CANDLESTICK TAKER, the character work is what really steals the show. The story is told from multiple perspectives, shifting between Detective Bernard Carew, Officer Thomas Carew, Mariam, Archie, and Eleanor, while also giving us little glimpses into the thieving pursuits of the "Red Rogue." Although the twins, Bernard and Thomas, are the only characters officially "working" the murder case, all of the other POV characters play an important part in solving it. Patricia Meredith's approach to the cast is rather unique for this type of mystery story in that we get to spend a good amount of time with the characters as they simply go about their day. While that may not sound as exciting as having everything and everyone revolve around the core mystery with a singular focus, I will just say that nothing here is done without purpose. Little details you may not think are important will come back later and through spending so much more time with so many of the characters I ultimately found myself much more invested in the mystery itself and also found that the resolution felt quite believable.
PLOT/TONE
At the core of any detective mystery is the crime that has been committed and the process of figuring out who the guilty party or parties are. It's usually pretty hard to talk about this aspect without spoiling anything, but I can say that I really liked how Meredith laid things out in this regard. Having the police/detective characters be more focused on solving the mystery made sense and I enjoyed the dynamic between the Carew Twins. I also liked the more grounded approach to how they were represented as identical twins, since most fictional portrayals of twin siblings tend to be a bit off, almost like the author/writer has never actually met a set of twins and is just captivated by how similar they are in appearance. The way that other types of people are represented was also refreshingly done with particular standouts being a blind blacksmith and Detective Carew's wife. It's clear that the author has a great deal of empathy and understanding for people of all cultures, walks of life, and physical abilities. I also appreciated that we got to know the victim of the grizzly crime a bit before it actually happens. While this did lend itself to the opening chapter (or first ~25% of the book) feeling a little slower, the remaining 3/4 of the book ended up being much better off for that initial setup. I also found myself feeling just as invested in Marian's subplot of grieving her late grandmother or Archie's clockwork projects as I was in the actual murder that took place and I think that speaks highly to how much the character work influenced my enjoyment of the overall plot. I also felt like both the plot and the characters fit very well with the time period that this story takes place in.
SETTING/WORLD
Set during the early 1900s, in Spokane, Washington (USA), this is one of the select few pieces of historical fiction that I have read in the past few years. While I don't really know that part of the country well, nor would I consider myself a history buff, I really liked both the location and time period in which this was set. I especially appreciated the author's notes at the end of the book on what was accurate to the place and time as well as where she took some liberties for the sake of the story. I was also really interested to find out which of the characters were from recorded history and which ones were original creations. I enjoyed learning a bit about this time period and location and thought that it fit the story really nicely. It was also a ton of fun that the story explores a time where electricity exists, but it's just starting to be adopted and where only the very wealthy can afford to have an automobile. It's a really interesting point in time to set a story as it is both so recognizable and yet also so different from the one we live in today. I wasn't really expecting to be all that enamored with the historical aspects of this story, but it ended up being one of my favorite parts and I find myself wanting to journey back into 1900s Spokane without too much delay.
THE EBOOK
I wouldn't say there was anything in the packaging that really blew me away here. The cover and interior formatting are perfectly serviceable, but I feel pretty neutral on the trappings. It's really the story within that makes this one worth a buy/read and I have to say that the way that it is told is immaculately polished and meticulously crafted.
CONCLUSION
If you even have passing enjoyment of whodunnit-style murder mysteries, then you absolutely need to check out BUTCHER, BAKER, CANDLESTICK TAKER. Even if you are not generally a fan of the genre, you may very well appreciate how this circumvents genre norms and gives a high priority toward developing the characters as living, breathing people with their own goals and struggles (both related to and separate from the main case).
(+) Absolutely brilliant character work with loving and respectful representations of different types of people
(+) Meeting the victim before their death made me feel more invested in the mystery that unfolded after the deed had been done.
(+) Subplots that I felt just as invested in as the main mystery (though many of them may not be quite as disconnected from it as they initially seem)
(+) A compelling mystery that continuously unfolds and kept me guessing
(+) Some fun twists that will likely have lasting effects on the series as a whole
(+) A thoughtfully crafted rendition of early 1900s Spokane Washington that captured my imagination
( ) Things do wrap up rather quickly, which isn't unusual for this type of fiction, but I am also glad that there are more books to read in this series.
February 19, 2023
4.5 stars (rounded up)
Nothing quite beats the wonderful feeling of getting completely sucked into a good historical mystery! Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker is charming, amusing, intriguing, immersive, exciting, surprising and, most importantly of all, full of heart!
I can enjoy (historical) mysteries from time to time, but I don’t often find myself getting fully emotionally invested. However, this story sunk its claws into me on the very first page and it didn’t let me go until the very final page was flipped. What made it so compelling? Well, lots of things, but I think it was largely the fantastic cast of characters that carries this story!
We follow 6 POV characters who are all tied into the mystery in some way or another. This is not a particularly long book, so I think it was quite a bold decision to introduce such a large cast of characters to follow, but Meredith pulled it off brilliantly! These characters have so much personality and they are all quite endearing in their own way, so I couldn’t stop reading about all of their escapades.
The character interactions are also just outstanding. Most of the time they were utterly delightful and amusing, but there were also a couple of very heartfelt and emotional moments that really added depth to the characters and their relationships.
This story includes heavier topics such as grief, loss, disability, abuse and mental illness, but they are all handled with a lot of tact and care, which I really appreciated.
As for the mystery itself, that was absolutely captivating from start to finish! I suspected many of the characters here at one point or another… except the actual culprit. I guess I will just leave the detective work up to the Carew twins, haha. I was so satisfied with how the whole mystery played out and the final reveal was executed magnificently! This story definitely took some really dark twists and turns, yet it somehow never lost its charming and feel-good touch.
Also, I would be remiss not to remark upon the excellent sense of atmosphere that Meredith was able to evoke in this novel. I was fully transported back to 1901 Spokane and this town just came to life through all the immersive and vivid descriptions. You can just sense that Meredith put a lot of time, care, passion and love into the crafting of this book. The actual historical tidbits and the intriguing details about clockwork and blacksmithing are all woven seamlessly into the narrative and really added that lovely extra touch of authenticity to the story. This book truly feels like a labour of love for the author and I adore that!
And now it’s time for me to wrap this up and get back to reading book 2, which I may or may not have started immediately after finishing this first book. Yes, that should tell you enough about how incredibly addictive and engaging these stories are, I just can’t get enough!
I honestly can’t recommend this book highly enough, even if it might not be your usual genre. I promise you won’t regret giving this wonderful story a shot, it’s simply way too intriguing, engaging and delightful!
Nothing quite beats the wonderful feeling of getting completely sucked into a good historical mystery! Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker is charming, amusing, intriguing, immersive, exciting, surprising and, most importantly of all, full of heart!
I can enjoy (historical) mysteries from time to time, but I don’t often find myself getting fully emotionally invested. However, this story sunk its claws into me on the very first page and it didn’t let me go until the very final page was flipped. What made it so compelling? Well, lots of things, but I think it was largely the fantastic cast of characters that carries this story!
We follow 6 POV characters who are all tied into the mystery in some way or another. This is not a particularly long book, so I think it was quite a bold decision to introduce such a large cast of characters to follow, but Meredith pulled it off brilliantly! These characters have so much personality and they are all quite endearing in their own way, so I couldn’t stop reading about all of their escapades.
The character interactions are also just outstanding. Most of the time they were utterly delightful and amusing, but there were also a couple of very heartfelt and emotional moments that really added depth to the characters and their relationships.
This story includes heavier topics such as grief, loss, disability, abuse and mental illness, but they are all handled with a lot of tact and care, which I really appreciated.
As for the mystery itself, that was absolutely captivating from start to finish! I suspected many of the characters here at one point or another… except the actual culprit. I guess I will just leave the detective work up to the Carew twins, haha. I was so satisfied with how the whole mystery played out and the final reveal was executed magnificently! This story definitely took some really dark twists and turns, yet it somehow never lost its charming and feel-good touch.
Also, I would be remiss not to remark upon the excellent sense of atmosphere that Meredith was able to evoke in this novel. I was fully transported back to 1901 Spokane and this town just came to life through all the immersive and vivid descriptions. You can just sense that Meredith put a lot of time, care, passion and love into the crafting of this book. The actual historical tidbits and the intriguing details about clockwork and blacksmithing are all woven seamlessly into the narrative and really added that lovely extra touch of authenticity to the story. This book truly feels like a labour of love for the author and I adore that!
And now it’s time for me to wrap this up and get back to reading book 2, which I may or may not have started immediately after finishing this first book. Yes, that should tell you enough about how incredibly addictive and engaging these stories are, I just can’t get enough!
I honestly can’t recommend this book highly enough, even if it might not be your usual genre. I promise you won’t regret giving this wonderful story a shot, it’s simply way too intriguing, engaging and delightful!
March 20, 2023
I was sent the audiobook by the author.
This was great. I didn’t know really what to expect from this book other than that it was a mystery. But that was good enough for me. I don’t read as many mysteries as I do other genres, but I definitely enjoy them now and again.
This was very much a “cozy” mystery, with interesting and eccentric characters. But they all felt like real people. You could hear the conversations happening in real life just as easily as in the story.
There are some cool mathematical and scientific concepts being played with in this book. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more, but perhaps that will come in subsequent books.
I think (and I find this to be the case with most mysteries) the book maybe wraps up a bit too abruptly. I think I would have liked just a bit more at the ending regarding certain storylines, but again, maybe those will be continue in later books.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, and the narration was fantastic.
This was great. I didn’t know really what to expect from this book other than that it was a mystery. But that was good enough for me. I don’t read as many mysteries as I do other genres, but I definitely enjoy them now and again.
This was very much a “cozy” mystery, with interesting and eccentric characters. But they all felt like real people. You could hear the conversations happening in real life just as easily as in the story.
There are some cool mathematical and scientific concepts being played with in this book. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more, but perhaps that will come in subsequent books.
I think (and I find this to be the case with most mysteries) the book maybe wraps up a bit too abruptly. I think I would have liked just a bit more at the ending regarding certain storylines, but again, maybe those will be continue in later books.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, and the narration was fantastic.
April 4, 2023
Such a fantastic historical mystery with it's vivid setting, quirky characters and compelling story. Humour and food descriptions are added bonus.
While I loved the complexity of all characters, setting is what grabbed my attention. It felt like I was in Spokane 1901 with its railroad, mirror lake and Japanese garden. I guessed who was the culprit but it didn't reduce my enjoyment. The reveal was still gripping. I can't wait to continue with the rest of the series.
While I loved the complexity of all characters, setting is what grabbed my attention. It felt like I was in Spokane 1901 with its railroad, mirror lake and Japanese garden. I guessed who was the culprit but it didn't reduce my enjoyment. The reveal was still gripping. I can't wait to continue with the rest of the series.
February 9, 2023
5/5 Stars
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
A heart stopping mystery you won’t want to put down. Set in 1901 this self-published historical thriller will keep you on your toes down to the last page.
In the quaint town of Spokane we meet Archie, a clock maker sent to the city to design the new clock tower. Lodging with Detective Carew, and his twin brother, Archie quickly finds himself a suspect in the murder of his recent acquaintance Miss. Mitchell, a local patroness. As her grand home provides ample suspects, Archie works with Detective Carew to clear his name and the name of his colleague.
Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker is the first book in what I am predicting will be a binge-worthy trilogy. I flew through this in 2 days and felt compelled to keep reading. Patricia Meredith’s writing is easy to get lost in while creating charming characters, and an immersive story.
The pacing was spot on and seeing the story through multiple POV’s, of well written characters, was a delight.
It was clear that there was a lot of heart and research put into this. At the end of the book, there is a section called “Historical Notes” giving readers a detailed outline of the historical facts versus fiction throughout the story.
I read the physical book along with the audiobook. I have to say the narrator, Rebecca Cook, did a wonderful job of bringing this story to life.
As this is a mystery best experienced by reading it, I will keep this review short. However, I highly recommend this for anyone interested in getting swept away to 1901 for their next immersive read.
This is the kind of book that will be even better on a reread. I can’t wait to continue with books two and three to see what else Patricia Meredith has in store.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
A heart stopping mystery you won’t want to put down. Set in 1901 this self-published historical thriller will keep you on your toes down to the last page.
In the quaint town of Spokane we meet Archie, a clock maker sent to the city to design the new clock tower. Lodging with Detective Carew, and his twin brother, Archie quickly finds himself a suspect in the murder of his recent acquaintance Miss. Mitchell, a local patroness. As her grand home provides ample suspects, Archie works with Detective Carew to clear his name and the name of his colleague.
Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker is the first book in what I am predicting will be a binge-worthy trilogy. I flew through this in 2 days and felt compelled to keep reading. Patricia Meredith’s writing is easy to get lost in while creating charming characters, and an immersive story.
The pacing was spot on and seeing the story through multiple POV’s, of well written characters, was a delight.
It was clear that there was a lot of heart and research put into this. At the end of the book, there is a section called “Historical Notes” giving readers a detailed outline of the historical facts versus fiction throughout the story.
I read the physical book along with the audiobook. I have to say the narrator, Rebecca Cook, did a wonderful job of bringing this story to life.
As this is a mystery best experienced by reading it, I will keep this review short. However, I highly recommend this for anyone interested in getting swept away to 1901 for their next immersive read.
This is the kind of book that will be even better on a reread. I can’t wait to continue with books two and three to see what else Patricia Meredith has in store.
August 3, 2023
4/5
Patricia is an excellent writer. There are good characters, and then there are characters that come off the page and step into reality. Patricia's storytelling is authentic, comforting, and warm, despite the murder mystery bringing tension to the pages.
The characters each have their own motives, quirks and interests, and the role they each play in the unfolding mystery was well planned and intriguing. I also appreciated how this motley crew had a chance to tell their own stories as they searched for the truth behind the horrible murder that drew them all together.
If you're looking for a murder mystery that is easily immersive, with endearing characters and thoughtful attention to historical details, this is absolutely a book you should pick up.
I do want to make a comment about the ending.
Patricia is an excellent writer. There are good characters, and then there are characters that come off the page and step into reality. Patricia's storytelling is authentic, comforting, and warm, despite the murder mystery bringing tension to the pages.
The characters each have their own motives, quirks and interests, and the role they each play in the unfolding mystery was well planned and intriguing. I also appreciated how this motley crew had a chance to tell their own stories as they searched for the truth behind the horrible murder that drew them all together.
If you're looking for a murder mystery that is easily immersive, with endearing characters and thoughtful attention to historical details, this is absolutely a book you should pick up.
I do want to make a comment about the ending.
December 23, 2021
Dear Readers, Thank you for reading my book and taking the time to add it, review it, and follow me here on Goodreads. Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker is now available in any format! It has been a labor of love and research. I hope you will find the story intriguing, the characters interesting, and the historical tidbits woven throughout engaging. If you’d like to learn more about the research that went into the historical side of this historical mystery, please visit the link in my bio. You won’t have to wait long for the next book in the series. The sequel is coming May 2022: Cupboards All Bared. To be the first to get updates, see cover reveals, view videos, and more, please sign up for my newsletter at Patricia-Meredith.com and follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and/or here on Goodreads as @pmeredithauthor. Thank you for reading and supporting authors!
February 5, 2023
Very well done historical murder mystery! There are quite a few characters, and I suspected many of them, except the actual culprit. I loved the setting in Spokan, Washington. I also love how bits of faith are weaved throughout:)
October 10, 2021
From her ingenious title to the well-formed characters with quirks, Patricia Meredith has crafted a mystery that is unique and entertaining. I was never quite sure where this story was taking me, but I was glad to be along for the ride as the Carew brothers embarked on the investigation into a theft followed the next day by a grisly murder at the same house. Meredith’s historical knowledge of Spokane shines, as does her mastery of blacksmithing and clocks. I would have liked to have had more from the point of view of Bernard Carew, the lead investigator on the case who will be returning, I assume, in the next Spokane Clock Tower Mystery. Nevertheless, there was a lot to like-- plenty of red herrings, and twists I didn’t see coming. Overall, a strong beginning to a new mystery series!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
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July 24, 2023Thank you, Dear Readers, for over 100 reviews on Goodreads! You’re amazing!! ❤️❤️❤️
May 17, 2023
Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Tacker is the best kind of murder mystery; succinct, humorous, well-plotted, and with a little dash of cosiness on the side. Patricia Meredith clearly wrote this book from a place of passion, not just for the craft of writing, but for Spokane’s history and the people who’ve lived there. There’s simply no substitute for an author that writes with purpose and care like Patricia does here, and for that alone I’d consider this worth recommending.
One of the first things that jumped out to me about Butcher, Baker was the sense of humour, given that the opening line of the book is a very cheeky and well-appreciated joke. “Bernard Carew’s face was melting”…as he sits in a warm bathtub, “Bernard found Mrs.Curry with her head in the oven”…as she’s pulling out some freshly cooked rolls. It reminded me a lot of the British comedy Hot Fuzz, which is always a favourable comparison to make, because that film more than any other understood how to cleverly play with the genre. Patricia captures the essence of that here, and it made the book a delight to read.
I appreciated that while the story being told was small-scale, Meredith doesn’t try to overwrite it, instead adding length to the book by indulging in strong character writing that gives everything a warm and fuzzy charm. I think it’s to her credit that I was just as invested in finding out the answers to the mystery as I was in adorableness of characters like Archie & Marian, whom I now love dearly. And again, all of this was achieved without having to draw the pages out unnecessarily. Just masterful.
One of my few problems with the book is that it’s quite hard to pick up and put down in short bursts, especially if any length of time will pass between reading sessions. Because there are multiple different perspectives, and a lot of names to keep track of, and that you’re then bounced around a lot before you ever really get settled in; I feel like it presents a challenge to the reading experience that can be difficult for some to get past.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed how everything played out. And without spoiling anything, the ending comes together with a beautiful and satisfying sense of realization. Murder mysteries are not my main genre of reading, and I think for that reason Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker won’t ever be one of my absolute favourites. But the fact that it won me over so thoroughly despite that, is a clear sign that you should be giving it a try.
One of the first things that jumped out to me about Butcher, Baker was the sense of humour, given that the opening line of the book is a very cheeky and well-appreciated joke. “Bernard Carew’s face was melting”…as he sits in a warm bathtub, “Bernard found Mrs.Curry with her head in the oven”…as she’s pulling out some freshly cooked rolls. It reminded me a lot of the British comedy Hot Fuzz, which is always a favourable comparison to make, because that film more than any other understood how to cleverly play with the genre. Patricia captures the essence of that here, and it made the book a delight to read.
I appreciated that while the story being told was small-scale, Meredith doesn’t try to overwrite it, instead adding length to the book by indulging in strong character writing that gives everything a warm and fuzzy charm. I think it’s to her credit that I was just as invested in finding out the answers to the mystery as I was in adorableness of characters like Archie & Marian, whom I now love dearly. And again, all of this was achieved without having to draw the pages out unnecessarily. Just masterful.
One of my few problems with the book is that it’s quite hard to pick up and put down in short bursts, especially if any length of time will pass between reading sessions. Because there are multiple different perspectives, and a lot of names to keep track of, and that you’re then bounced around a lot before you ever really get settled in; I feel like it presents a challenge to the reading experience that can be difficult for some to get past.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed how everything played out. And without spoiling anything, the ending comes together with a beautiful and satisfying sense of realization. Murder mysteries are not my main genre of reading, and I think for that reason Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker won’t ever be one of my absolute favourites. But the fact that it won me over so thoroughly despite that, is a clear sign that you should be giving it a try.
December 26, 2021
I really loved the historical part of the book, since I'm familiar with Spokane and the author set the story there. It wasn't necessarily a formulaic mystery so I enjoyed being surprised, and I look forward to reading book 2 when it comes out!!
Side note: I also appreciated that it didn't have any explicit love scenes, so I would be totally comfortable handing the book over to one of my teens.
Side note: I also appreciated that it didn't have any explicit love scenes, so I would be totally comfortable handing the book over to one of my teens.
July 28, 2023
This was a fantastic historical fiction! When the author asked me to read it, I had no idea it was set in the PNW which is where I’ve resided for most of my life.
The first 50 pages felt slow at first, but then the excitement happened with a murder! A nice decapitation, which is perfect for this spooky time of the year.
I found this historical fiction murder mystery to be fantastic and I highly recommend you grab your copy!
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Per the back of the book
“Archie Prescot has traveled across the country to design the now-iconic Spokane clock tower for the new Great Northern Railroad Depot. When his taken for creating unique clock chimes connects him with a local patroness, he is thrilled, until she is discovered dead in the workshop of his new colleague.
Her grand home on the South Hill provides ample suspects. as Archie works with his lodgers, detective Carew and his twin brother, to prove his fellow inventor and himself innocent of the crime.
While on the hunt for the murderer romance crops up when a young lady crosses his with a mysterious past of her own. Six intersecting storylines create a cohesive look at a convoluted murder that will require all points of view to discover the truth.”
The first 50 pages felt slow at first, but then the excitement happened with a murder! A nice decapitation, which is perfect for this spooky time of the year.
I found this historical fiction murder mystery to be fantastic and I highly recommend you grab your copy!
-
Per the back of the book
“Archie Prescot has traveled across the country to design the now-iconic Spokane clock tower for the new Great Northern Railroad Depot. When his taken for creating unique clock chimes connects him with a local patroness, he is thrilled, until she is discovered dead in the workshop of his new colleague.
Her grand home on the South Hill provides ample suspects. as Archie works with his lodgers, detective Carew and his twin brother, to prove his fellow inventor and himself innocent of the crime.
While on the hunt for the murderer romance crops up when a young lady crosses his with a mysterious past of her own. Six intersecting storylines create a cohesive look at a convoluted murder that will require all points of view to discover the truth.”
June 16, 2021
Find a comfy spot to read this and don’t be surprised if you can’t put it down! The story and characters will have you locked in to find out what happens next and you will not be disappointed. The ending is so unpredictable and exciting you will be on the edge of your seat to solve this mystery! If anyone loves historical fiction, you’ll be delighted as she includes so many accurate details of the time in a place that really exists! Even some of her characters were real people in that time as well as the settings and houses that are still around today. She has a series coming...keep your eyes out for them. You will be addicted. I laughed so much as her characters have such a sense of humor. There’s charm, wit, mystery, irony.... The love story that’s woven throughout is delightful because it’s unpredictable. You will love these characters!
September 9, 2024
Fantastic!
October 28, 2022
This mystery is set in Spokane, WA in the early 1900s. It was fun and I enjoyed it as I am familiar with Spokane. I was a little disappointed when the Candlestick Taker was revealed in an abrupt way halfway through the book. But it was enjoyable just the same for light reading.
December 9, 2021
If you like Agatha Christie mysteries, real historic events, and daring thieves in red capes, this a book for you.
This book is a cozy mystery with all the Agatha Christie vibes anyone could want. It incorporates real historic events about Spokane, Washington around the turn-of-the-century. The dialogue makes me want the characters to be my neighbor and the details of the time period are spot on.
Pair this book with a cup of earl grey, a scone or gingersnaps, and a favorite blanket.
Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker
https://www.amazon.com/Butcher-Baker-...
This book is a cozy mystery with all the Agatha Christie vibes anyone could want. It incorporates real historic events about Spokane, Washington around the turn-of-the-century. The dialogue makes me want the characters to be my neighbor and the details of the time period are spot on.
Pair this book with a cup of earl grey, a scone or gingersnaps, and a favorite blanket.
Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker
https://www.amazon.com/Butcher-Baker-...
November 6, 2021
This is a mystery that takes place in Spokane, WA. around 1901. It is fun to read about a town I live in and it seemed pretty historically accurate. The story itself is a pretty good mystery but pretty average.
This is not historical fiction, at least to me, since all the characters are fictional and the events are fictional. Mostly just the streets and buildings are real.
This is not historical fiction, at least to me, since all the characters are fictional and the events are fictional. Mostly just the streets and buildings are real.
September 17, 2022
I’m a mystery fan. Many authors of mysteries have disappointed me but not Na Meredith. The story is well-written. All the clues you need are there but I didn’t see the ending coming. Read this. You won’t be disappointed.
January 2, 2022
This book is a great mystery and also reveals to you just what it would have been like to live in Spokane in the early 1900's. For someone who loves historical fiction, this book has it all. The authors descriptions make you feel like you are walking in the characters shoes. And she has a lovely gift for a play on words. Through all the twists and turns (but not too many to make the ending unreasonable) I was not able to figure out "who done it" until the end. I look forward to the authors next book in this series.
February 7, 2022
This is a new author for me and one whose books I will be looking forward to reading in the future.
I loved this crackerjack of an historical/mystery novel with touches of humor. Kept me guessing until almost the very last. If you enjoy mysteries, you won't want to put this one down, even for a minute.
I loved this crackerjack of an historical/mystery novel with touches of humor. Kept me guessing until almost the very last. If you enjoy mysteries, you won't want to put this one down, even for a minute.
October 27, 2023
Amazing. Beautifully written. Thrilling historical references. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
August 8, 2022
I love browsing through a good antique store or touring a historic home. Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker, by Patricia Meredith, is like both of these rolled into one, but even better because it includes a twisty mystery.
If you like learning about the past while you play armchair detective (from your vintage wingback) you'll enjoy the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries.
If you like learning about the past while you play armchair detective (from your vintage wingback) you'll enjoy the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries.
March 14, 2023
A delightful read with a cast of interesting and quirky characters. This mystery takes place in a very real Spokane early in the 1900's and the growing city is just as much a character as the humans that populate this story. The writing and tone work so well together to make this book so enjoyable while the mystery takes many twists and turns along the way.
I have to say though, that my favorite aspect of this particular book is how the author writes her blind character. As a blind person myself, it is quite rare to encounter disabled characters in general, much less, blind characters that are written so accurately. He is not a weak, side character which I very much appreciate. In fact, he is a very capable, intelligent inventor whose blindness is just a part of who is is, not all of who he is. There were several things that this character said and did that resonated with me and I am very thankful to the author for how she wrote this character in particular.
OVerall, a fun read and a series that I plan to continue.
I have to say though, that my favorite aspect of this particular book is how the author writes her blind character. As a blind person myself, it is quite rare to encounter disabled characters in general, much less, blind characters that are written so accurately. He is not a weak, side character which I very much appreciate. In fact, he is a very capable, intelligent inventor whose blindness is just a part of who is is, not all of who he is. There were several things that this character said and did that resonated with me and I am very thankful to the author for how she wrote this character in particular.
OVerall, a fun read and a series that I plan to continue.
June 8, 2022
This classic whodunnit gave me Agatha Christie vibes. I loved the way the author blended historical facts with fictional characters and events. I appreciated how well-researched the novel was I really felt like I was living in Spokane in 1901.
The novel had a slow build at the beginning setting the scene and the characters- and what interesting characters they were! The pace picked up after the murder and had me guessing the whole way. I certainly didn’t pick the ending! A very atmospheric novel and I enjoyed touches of humor. This is first in a series and I can’t wait to read more.
I received an ebook copy for free from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The novel had a slow build at the beginning setting the scene and the characters- and what interesting characters they were! The pace picked up after the murder and had me guessing the whole way. I certainly didn’t pick the ending! A very atmospheric novel and I enjoyed touches of humor. This is first in a series and I can’t wait to read more.
I received an ebook copy for free from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 18, 2023
I'm not really sure how to rate this one. It's very different to what I normally read, so I have very little to compare it to.
I liked the story telling, the interwoven story threads between characters felt 'natural', making their interactions believable, and the characters themselves were well written. The mystery at the heart of things though, swayed between the fine details of a Sherlock Holmes story and stereotypical pulp fiction tropes. With such an abrupt ending however, despite having all the details clarified, I'm finding the story feels unresolved.
I don't know that my review is helpful at all to those who actively prefer mysteries, but that's my two cents worth.
I liked the story telling, the interwoven story threads between characters felt 'natural', making their interactions believable, and the characters themselves were well written. The mystery at the heart of things though, swayed between the fine details of a Sherlock Holmes story and stereotypical pulp fiction tropes. With such an abrupt ending however, despite having all the details clarified, I'm finding the story feels unresolved.
I don't know that my review is helpful at all to those who actively prefer mysteries, but that's my two cents worth.
June 17, 2023
Really 3.5
It's a fun historical fiction mystery.
So many characters are introduced in the first pages that it took a bit to keep them all straight. Once I got them sorted, the book was a delightful read that kept me guessing. I grew up in Spokane, so the history and settings were fun. I also appreciate the author's attention to historical details.
I look forward to reading the next one in the series to see what the Carew brothers, Prescott and Marian do next.
It's a fun historical fiction mystery.
So many characters are introduced in the first pages that it took a bit to keep them all straight. Once I got them sorted, the book was a delightful read that kept me guessing. I grew up in Spokane, so the history and settings were fun. I also appreciate the author's attention to historical details.
I look forward to reading the next one in the series to see what the Carew brothers, Prescott and Marian do next.
May 7, 2023
Archibald Prescot is sent by his employer on the East Coast to design a clock tower in Spokane, Washington in the early 1900's. Shortly after his arrival, he finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation.
A marvelously crafted mystery. The author leads you into clues and suspects, but there are still some surprises.
The historical setting failed to captivate my attention. However, I would be interested in reading the other books in this series.
A marvelously crafted mystery. The author leads you into clues and suspects, but there are still some surprises.
The historical setting failed to captivate my attention. However, I would be interested in reading the other books in this series.
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