Tarleton’s Coffer

The Northminster Mysteries #10

by Harriet Smart

When Northminster’s most prominent bookseller, Arthur Tarleton, is found crushed under a marble column in his extraordinary library, Major Giles Vernon and Felix Carswell are called to investigate.

Their chief suspect is Tarleton’s adopted son, but he vanished three years ago. The discovery of a stash of valuable books, stolen from other libraries, only makes the affair more puzzling. Did Tarleton’s passion for collecting rare titles lead to his downfall?

Matters are complicated by the curious behaviour of heiress, Serena Wyvern, who has spurned her fiancé, Colonel Ashcombe, and has alarmed her family with her change in character. When another respectable young woman steals a baby, Giles and Felix discover that a malign movement is at work in the heart of Northminster society, one that threatens to end in a terrible tragedy.

As he grapples with these intricate affairs, Giles faces a personal battle: to retain custody of his niece and nephews when their father returns to claim them. Meanwhile, Felix is thrown into torment in the aftermath of the birth of his child, when fate deals the bitterest blow of all.

Set in a bleak Adventide of 1842, Tarleton’s Coffer is the tenth Northminster Mystery featuring intrepid early-Victorian detectives, Major Giles Vernon and Felix Carswell.

476 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2021

Reviews

[Juliet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong addition to the Northminster series of historical mysteries. The series has a strong cast of central characters, whose personal stories link the books together, while each book has its stand-alone mystery plot. The historical research, including scientific and medical details, is extremely good, and the writing is always flawless. A really enjoyable read. (This is a series that should be read in order!)

[Emily Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine early Victorian era story featuring Major Vernon and Mr. Carswell. I enjoy the period atmosphere and most characters. A few typos such as the wrong word used and at times it's hard to tell to whom a pronoun is referring. Spoiler alert: as in earlier books in the series, some instances of inconvenient or unlikable characters dying.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this is the 6th book of the Northminster Mysteries series I have read but it was after a rather long break so I had forgotten much about the main characters. Mid 1800s Scotland represented with good detail and quite a corker of a mystery that needed solving. This episode featured quite a despicable couple who took advantage of young women of substance to chain them to a "religious" theme that robbed them of more than money. I truthfully do not recall reading the other books as it has been a space of time. I may proceed further.

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[Dorothy R. Till · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darn good book!

I have been immersed in the Northminster Mysteries so long I feel as if all the characters are people I actually know. As they live their lives and handle their problems they somehow manage to solve the crimes they encounter. I'm actually dreading reaching the end of the series. Hopefully Harriet Smart will keep writing more of their adventures. I highly recommend this book and all the ones that preseded it. Can't wait to start the next one.

[Patricia Vroman · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting mystery set in nineteenth century small town England, involving the lives of the Chief Superintendent of Police and his good friend, the consultant surgeon/doctor. It concerns criminal behavior amongst bookselling businesses and a second plot involving gullible young women. It also involves traumas within the families of the two main characters. I enjoyed it but felt the ending, the way the author treats some of the characters, was rather contrived.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

Terrific historic series with excellent main characters and interesting supportive individuals. Many events in addition to the main murder. Several family situations that have occurred over several of the previous books are settled. Outstanding writing, plot, and development in every book in this wonderful series!

[Marie Shirley Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant series

Don't know all the history of England? Don't worry, this series will get you stuck in! I am an American who has read this series from the beginning and just love it!

[Amy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally engrossing and another page-turner

Good heavens! Do NOT stop writing this series! Its just about the best I've ever read. Giles and Felix are my good friends and I want to keep following their interesting and enlightening lives!! Such entertaining books!

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent story

Reading about the lives of Major Vernon and Dr Carswell is as good as reading about the crimes they solve. They are like old friends and following their lives is a bit like being a fly on the wall.

[Lee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please!

I hope we will soon see many more stories about Felix and Major Giles! I will read Emma’s ghost stories until then!

[Fred Grigor · Rating 5 out of 5]

a huge hit

I love this series of books. I adore the characters and the age they are set in. Harriet Smart is an excellent author.

[Margaret Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be very sorry when this series ends. I love the characters.

[Michael Wojciehoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Koresh-esque. Fate of death. Family.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

December 1842. Carswell and Vernon investigate the death of bookseller Arthur Tarleton. The main suspects seems to be the mjssing adopted son, Martin Scoles, but where is he. Where did the very expensive and ancient books come from. But Martin is not the only missing person.
An entertaining historical mystery

[Kerry Ellen campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

The best series! I have read them all in a month. I could not stop! I recommend these books highly!