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Doyle & Acton #14
Murder in Material Gain
The holidays had come and gone, and Doyle was chafing to get back home to London, so as to start being productive, again. Acton’s hereditary estate was grand indeed, but there was something a bit off-putting about the grandeur, and all that tiresome peacefulness. After all, Trestles hadn’t always been a peaceful sort of place; for hundreds of years, it had housed generation after generation who were consumed with ruthless ambition, and who were willing to sail very close to the wind, in their quest for material gain. Best to whisk Acton away, before this troublesome atmosphere seeped into his very bones. . . .
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2021
43 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Anne Cleeland
36 books473 followersAnne Cleeland writes a contemporary Scotland Yard mystery series that is featured in the Amazon top 100 best sellers. She also writes a historical series of stand-alone books set in the Regency period. A member of International Thriller Writers, The Historical Novel Society, and Mystery Writers of America, she lives in California and has four children. www.annecleeland.com; @annecleeland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 29, 2021
Why I like this series is a mystery to me! LOL
I find Doyle so much naive and trusting that I should hate her, but I don't! I like her very much! It's a mystery!
She's aware of the money's worth, but she doesn't know what a Ming vase is or how much it's worth? No way!!!!
She also assumes (mostly worngly), but in the end she's (mostly) right! That's a mystery too!
Acton is, as usual, trying to hide things from her. Why? Didn't he already learned that's the worse way to about things with Doyle? Another mystery here!
As you see there're many mysteries here! But I sitll love this series! Honestly! LOL
I find Doyle so much naive and trusting that I should hate her, but I don't! I like her very much! It's a mystery!
She's aware of the money's worth, but she doesn't know what a Ming vase is or how much it's worth? No way!!!!
She also assumes (mostly worngly), but in the end she's (mostly) right! That's a mystery too!
Acton is, as usual, trying to hide things from her. Why? Didn't he already learned that's the worse way to about things with Doyle? Another mystery here!
As you see there're many mysteries here! But I sitll love this series! Honestly! LOL
October 6, 2021
Phew! This is a good one 😅
If you read my review of book #13, and ranted regarding the epilogue, Miss Cleeland answer it nicely here 😘😍.
I love the twist about that young woman and I hope we would have got more of her because I like her ☺️.
Acton and Doyle still going strong, and Edward is absolutely fabulous! 😂.
Will write more in the weekend, perhaps 😘😂.
Btw, would you please write another series for Philippe, Ms. Cleeland?
He deserves his HEA too, don’t you think 😘☺️.
❤️❤️❤️
If you read my review of book #13, and ranted regarding the epilogue, Miss Cleeland answer it nicely here 😘😍.
I love the twist about that young woman and I hope we would have got more of her because I like her ☺️.
Acton and Doyle still going strong, and Edward is absolutely fabulous! 😂.
Will write more in the weekend, perhaps 😘😂.
Btw, would you please write another series for Philippe, Ms. Cleeland?
He deserves his HEA too, don’t you think 😘☺️.
❤️❤️❤️
September 30, 2021
Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Doyle and Acton #14
Publication Date: 9/26/21
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 255
I have read and loved every book in this delightfully quirky series. I love that the happy, open, honest, straight-forward Doyle always manages to throw a wrench into whatever plot the secretive Acton has in the works. Yes, the delightful duo of Doyle and Acton are here again, and it is wonderfully entertaining. The writing is always good and the mysteries are well-plotted and delivered. You could jump into the series at this point and enjoy the read, but I believe you really need to read at least the first couple of books to get a foundation for the characters – especially Acton and Doyle and their relationship. As I mentioned, the characters are quirky, and to understand them, you will probably want more background.
Doyle has never been comfortable at Trestles, Acton’s estate outside London, so she is anxious to return to their home in London. The overprotective Acton has had her cooped up so she can rest and recover from their last case. Acton knows he has to keep her occupied so she’ll stay and rest as long as possible, so he gets her to volunteer to teach a bible studies class at the local prison. Doyle is grateful but is very surprised by the action because Acton usually wouldn’t want her anywhere near the place.
While she’s sure Acton is up to something, she cannot figure out what it might be. Then, one of the inmates in the class mentions something that sets Doyle’s curiosity off. When she starts questioning it she learns there is a lot going on inside the prison – and she suspects Acton might know what it is, but he won’t share with her. Is he protecting someone? She knows he isn’t involved in it – but – he knows – he knows. Some of the people in that prison – and even in her bible class – are there because of her and Acton. Are they planning something? Is Acton’s life in danger?
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Series: Doyle and Acton #14
Publication Date: 9/26/21
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 255
I have read and loved every book in this delightfully quirky series. I love that the happy, open, honest, straight-forward Doyle always manages to throw a wrench into whatever plot the secretive Acton has in the works. Yes, the delightful duo of Doyle and Acton are here again, and it is wonderfully entertaining. The writing is always good and the mysteries are well-plotted and delivered. You could jump into the series at this point and enjoy the read, but I believe you really need to read at least the first couple of books to get a foundation for the characters – especially Acton and Doyle and their relationship. As I mentioned, the characters are quirky, and to understand them, you will probably want more background.
Doyle has never been comfortable at Trestles, Acton’s estate outside London, so she is anxious to return to their home in London. The overprotective Acton has had her cooped up so she can rest and recover from their last case. Acton knows he has to keep her occupied so she’ll stay and rest as long as possible, so he gets her to volunteer to teach a bible studies class at the local prison. Doyle is grateful but is very surprised by the action because Acton usually wouldn’t want her anywhere near the place.
While she’s sure Acton is up to something, she cannot figure out what it might be. Then, one of the inmates in the class mentions something that sets Doyle’s curiosity off. When she starts questioning it she learns there is a lot going on inside the prison – and she suspects Acton might know what it is, but he won’t share with her. Is he protecting someone? She knows he isn’t involved in it – but – he knows – he knows. Some of the people in that prison – and even in her bible class – are there because of her and Acton. Are they planning something? Is Acton’s life in danger?
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 3, 2021
The most stunning revelation in the entire series (I'd keep this super cool spoiler from your eyes ~ sorry ~ ) left me wordless and ecstatic for what to come in the future books! A little hopeful hint ~ the Antihero Lord Acton, might have to welcome a reformed underworld kingpin into the family, legally, if my speculation was on track!
The mystery was engaging and I was going crazy trying to complete a ten-thousand-piece puzzle in an hour! I had the most fun realizing that Lord Acton and Kathleen didn't have all the pieces either! He was honor-bound to keep a secret from her while she went all out on a war path believing she had to save him from walking blindly into a trap! Fortunately, they had the home court advantage since it all resolved at Acton’s hereditary estate, Trestles! What a heart-stopping outcome!
As always ~ what I loved most about the series was that Kathleen was Lord Acton's center of his universe. Second to that fact, I loved how she would do anything to save him from himself.
Looking forward to Book 15 ➡️ Murder in Immunity ~ Coming Spring 2022!
Sharing two of my favorite scenes:
The mystery was engaging and I was going crazy trying to complete a ten-thousand-piece puzzle in an hour! I had the most fun realizing that Lord Acton and Kathleen didn't have all the pieces either! He was honor-bound to keep a secret from her while she went all out on a war path believing she had to save him from walking blindly into a trap! Fortunately, they had the home court advantage since it all resolved at Acton’s hereditary estate, Trestles! What a heart-stopping outcome!
As always ~ what I loved most about the series was that Kathleen was Lord Acton's center of his universe. Second to that fact, I loved how she would do anything to save him from himself.
Looking forward to Book 15 ➡️ Murder in Immunity ~ Coming Spring 2022!
Sharing two of my favorite scenes:
97%
Reynolds was in the process of setting up a demi-tea service, because Acton had said—in no uncertain terms—that no refreshments were to be served.
99%
I can't muster up any disapproval, Doyle thought; even though the racking-up of riches is frowned upon. I only hope Melinda can find a measure of solace, in her new-found wealth.
Into the tense, incredulous silence, Acton said, "Let me call for refreshments."
December 18, 2021
This book was great entertainment with just the right measure of danger, career and family challenges and quirky unpredictability of what Doyle will uncover next with her "super powers" of analysis, truth detection and ghostly assists along the way.
November 2, 2021
I’m always delighted to have a new Doyle and Acton book to read. The unlikely pairing of DCI Michael Sinclair, Lord Acton, who is English aristocracy, with DS Doyle, who is an Irish plain-spoken red-head with a touch of the fey, keeps the action both expectedly exciting and thrillingly unpredictable. Murder in Material Gain is Anne Cleeland’s fourteenth book in this series, and it’s as twisty and full of crisscrossing plots as all of the ones that have come before. Doyle may continually be trying to curtail Acton’s less than legal proclivities, but their unique relationship and ability to foil the villains keeps readers glued to the page.
Sir Acton/DCI Acton and Lady Acton/DS Kathleen Doyle have spent their Christmas holidays at Trestles, Acton’s ancestral estate in the country and are still there on an extended holiday stay. Acton thinks it will be good for Doyle, who had needed a pause due to her hand injury, and, in addition, he does love his family home. Doyle would rather be back in London in their flat and back at work, but she’s resigned herself to a longer stay than she preferred. She is keeping in touch with the criminal world through her volunteering in Wexton Prison’s ministry program, where she is teaching a Bible study class to women. Kathleen’s friend Dr. Okafur is in charge of the program, along with the former Detective Chief Superintendent, a prisoner now. Also at the prison, or rather in prison, is Martina Betancourt, who brought chaos and murder to the flat where Acton and Doyle live with their toddler son Edward. Murdering has landed Martina in prison, but due to her quasi-friendship with Kathleen, the sentence is a lighter one than Martina deserves. Doyle admires Martina’s religious dedication but recognizes that it too often crosses the line into dangerous zealotry.
Fans of this series will vividly recall the ordeal that Doyle experienced at Wexford Prison, and yet, Acton is willing to go along with Doyle’s volunteerism there. In fact, he drives her there and waits in the car outside until she finishes. Even with Doyle pregnant with their second child, Acton seems okay with this arrangement. Doyle calls it “a shrine worthy miracle that her husband had acquiesced in this plan.” Of course, Acton is never one to be cavalier about his wife’s well-being, so there is purpose and care behind his ease. Idle action is not something in Acton’s vernacular. Doyle soon realizes that it is the prison’s ministry itself that is under Acton’s watchful eye and plotting.
Trestles, while at this time, seems like a peaceful respite, has seen plenty of violence and turmoil in its history, and there are ghosts, especially the Knight, still roaming around who know all about it. It’s Doyle’s unfortunate gift to be able to see the ghosts and hear their complaining. And, plots and betrayals are still whispered behind closed doors, as Acton’s mother lives in the Dowager house on the estate, and she is keen on seeing her son unseated from his head of the family. Never on good terms, mother and son have been completely at odds since Acton married his Irish bride. Acton brooks no disrespect for his wife, and his mother does nothing but disrespect Kathleen. Sir Stephen, Acton’s cousin, is in league with Acton’s mother against her son. So, there is this undercurrent of trouble in the story, too, that could rear its ugly head at any time. At present, the Dowager seems to be courting the local priest, who is only too happy to eat meals at the Dowager’s table. It is a curious relationship, but before we can ascertain if Acton’s plotting mother means to use the priest in her schemes, the poor man is found murdered on the grounds of the estate. Yet, the priest has his secrets, too, which are discovered after his death.
The problem in Murder in Material Goods is a good thing gone sideways. Donations to Wexford Prison’s ministry program are at a healthy level, and nowhere better than prison for money to corrupt. Doyle catches on rather quickly that there is skimming going on from the ministry’s coffers, and Acton knows about it. But who are the blacklegs in this scheme? As usual, there are twists and turn that lead Doyle and readers astray, but Doyle is nothing if not persistent. Uncovering the truth and uncovering Acton’s behind-the-scenes dealings may take her on a twisty road, but she always stays the course and arrives at her destination. She once again has a pesky ghost in her dreams, this one is an artist from the earlier years of Trestles, urging her to discover what Acton is up to. The ghost tells Doyle that Acton is moving the chess pieces furiously, but he is moving them around her, once again trying to shield his lovely wife from some sort of ugly crime. This artist ghost keeps lamenting about a green axe he buried but is now lost to him, but Doyle doesn’t know where to look for it. These ghostly dreams are vague, but they eventually help Doyle to get to the bottom of it all, as usual.
I am so fond of the characters in this series. Doyle and Acton really need no further accolades from me, but the supporting cast is fascinating, too. Readers can easily find themselves caught up in the daily lives of these characters, as well as their parts in the bigger dramas. Reynolds, Acton’s butler, is one of my favorite characters in the series, besides Acton and Doyle, and Doyle does something wonderfully magnanimous for him in this book. Reynolds seems to get caught quite often between his orders from Acton and the pleadings of Doyle. Savoie, the French master criminal, is another character I always enjoy encountering in the stories. His life has changed immensely since this series began. With his adopting a rival criminal’s young son when said rival ends up dead, Savoie has shown great depths of responsibility. I did miss seeing DC Thomas Williams in this book. His life has taken a sharp turn, too, from being smitten with Doyle to becoming Acton’s right-hand man and now newly married. I can’t wait to see where that marriage goes, as he is married to a woman who is also loyal to Acton. DS Isabel Munoz, who seems forever annoyed with Doyle but whom Doyle meets head-on admirably, is MIA in this book, too, but I suspect both she and Williams will be back soon. There is never a lack of interesting characters moving in and out of Lord and Lady Acton’s lives.
Once again, Anne Cleeland has given readers, especially we insatiable fans, an Acton and Doyle story that checks all the boxes. And, the last box checked is an eager anticipation for book fifteen, as the chilling epilogue leaves much for speculation. I can’t wait!
Sir Acton/DCI Acton and Lady Acton/DS Kathleen Doyle have spent their Christmas holidays at Trestles, Acton’s ancestral estate in the country and are still there on an extended holiday stay. Acton thinks it will be good for Doyle, who had needed a pause due to her hand injury, and, in addition, he does love his family home. Doyle would rather be back in London in their flat and back at work, but she’s resigned herself to a longer stay than she preferred. She is keeping in touch with the criminal world through her volunteering in Wexton Prison’s ministry program, where she is teaching a Bible study class to women. Kathleen’s friend Dr. Okafur is in charge of the program, along with the former Detective Chief Superintendent, a prisoner now. Also at the prison, or rather in prison, is Martina Betancourt, who brought chaos and murder to the flat where Acton and Doyle live with their toddler son Edward. Murdering has landed Martina in prison, but due to her quasi-friendship with Kathleen, the sentence is a lighter one than Martina deserves. Doyle admires Martina’s religious dedication but recognizes that it too often crosses the line into dangerous zealotry.
Fans of this series will vividly recall the ordeal that Doyle experienced at Wexford Prison, and yet, Acton is willing to go along with Doyle’s volunteerism there. In fact, he drives her there and waits in the car outside until she finishes. Even with Doyle pregnant with their second child, Acton seems okay with this arrangement. Doyle calls it “a shrine worthy miracle that her husband had acquiesced in this plan.” Of course, Acton is never one to be cavalier about his wife’s well-being, so there is purpose and care behind his ease. Idle action is not something in Acton’s vernacular. Doyle soon realizes that it is the prison’s ministry itself that is under Acton’s watchful eye and plotting.
Trestles, while at this time, seems like a peaceful respite, has seen plenty of violence and turmoil in its history, and there are ghosts, especially the Knight, still roaming around who know all about it. It’s Doyle’s unfortunate gift to be able to see the ghosts and hear their complaining. And, plots and betrayals are still whispered behind closed doors, as Acton’s mother lives in the Dowager house on the estate, and she is keen on seeing her son unseated from his head of the family. Never on good terms, mother and son have been completely at odds since Acton married his Irish bride. Acton brooks no disrespect for his wife, and his mother does nothing but disrespect Kathleen. Sir Stephen, Acton’s cousin, is in league with Acton’s mother against her son. So, there is this undercurrent of trouble in the story, too, that could rear its ugly head at any time. At present, the Dowager seems to be courting the local priest, who is only too happy to eat meals at the Dowager’s table. It is a curious relationship, but before we can ascertain if Acton’s plotting mother means to use the priest in her schemes, the poor man is found murdered on the grounds of the estate. Yet, the priest has his secrets, too, which are discovered after his death.
The problem in Murder in Material Goods is a good thing gone sideways. Donations to Wexford Prison’s ministry program are at a healthy level, and nowhere better than prison for money to corrupt. Doyle catches on rather quickly that there is skimming going on from the ministry’s coffers, and Acton knows about it. But who are the blacklegs in this scheme? As usual, there are twists and turn that lead Doyle and readers astray, but Doyle is nothing if not persistent. Uncovering the truth and uncovering Acton’s behind-the-scenes dealings may take her on a twisty road, but she always stays the course and arrives at her destination. She once again has a pesky ghost in her dreams, this one is an artist from the earlier years of Trestles, urging her to discover what Acton is up to. The ghost tells Doyle that Acton is moving the chess pieces furiously, but he is moving them around her, once again trying to shield his lovely wife from some sort of ugly crime. This artist ghost keeps lamenting about a green axe he buried but is now lost to him, but Doyle doesn’t know where to look for it. These ghostly dreams are vague, but they eventually help Doyle to get to the bottom of it all, as usual.
I am so fond of the characters in this series. Doyle and Acton really need no further accolades from me, but the supporting cast is fascinating, too. Readers can easily find themselves caught up in the daily lives of these characters, as well as their parts in the bigger dramas. Reynolds, Acton’s butler, is one of my favorite characters in the series, besides Acton and Doyle, and Doyle does something wonderfully magnanimous for him in this book. Reynolds seems to get caught quite often between his orders from Acton and the pleadings of Doyle. Savoie, the French master criminal, is another character I always enjoy encountering in the stories. His life has changed immensely since this series began. With his adopting a rival criminal’s young son when said rival ends up dead, Savoie has shown great depths of responsibility. I did miss seeing DC Thomas Williams in this book. His life has taken a sharp turn, too, from being smitten with Doyle to becoming Acton’s right-hand man and now newly married. I can’t wait to see where that marriage goes, as he is married to a woman who is also loyal to Acton. DS Isabel Munoz, who seems forever annoyed with Doyle but whom Doyle meets head-on admirably, is MIA in this book, too, but I suspect both she and Williams will be back soon. There is never a lack of interesting characters moving in and out of Lord and Lady Acton’s lives.
Once again, Anne Cleeland has given readers, especially we insatiable fans, an Acton and Doyle story that checks all the boxes. And, the last box checked is an eager anticipation for book fifteen, as the chilling epilogue leaves much for speculation. I can’t wait!
November 28, 2021
I absolutely love this series.
October 22, 2021
We are 14 books into this series and I still love Doyle and Acton.
They are resting at Trestles, Acton's ancestral estate while Doyle recovers from the events of the last book. She is pregnant with their second son, whom they have decided to name Tommy. She is in her second trimester.
It turns out someone is skimming money from the prison ministry that the imprisoned corrupt former DCS of the police is running. He is actually religious now and not involved.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S.
Mary, Doyle's nanny gives birth to her son. The substitute nanny, Callie, is actually Acton's half sister.
Melinda, Acton's former lover as a teenager, was raped by Acton's father and had a bastard child, Callie, who is Acton's half sister. Callie was adopted by a couple in the village and does not know any of this.
Melinda secretly gets married to the Roman Catholic priest who has a massive trust fund. So Melinda is the beneficiary of all that money. Because Acton's mom and cousin Sir Stephen set up a charitable foundation, the Trestles Foundation and the priest made the charity the beneficiary of his trust when he died. So Acton's Mom and cousin murdered the priest by feeding him poisonous chocolate. But Melinda double crossed them and gets all the money instead as she is his wife.
Doyle hides the DCS and Dr. Okafor at Trestles to protect them from the corrupt warden. The DCS and Dr. Okafor are in love. She tells Savoie he has to come as Charbonneau a criminal information is planning to murder Acton and Savoie that day.
Savoie at first thinks Doyle is double crossing him but then realizes she was trying to save him. Martina (the bad guy from a previous book who shot her husband in Doyle's house) is the person who was skimming money from the prison ministry. Martina is shot in the head in the Trestles driveway and dies.
Savoie is still in love with Mary, the married nanny who just gave birth. He was planning to kill her husband and then make Mary fall in love with him. Callie (the new nanny) and unknowing she is Acton's half sister, tells Savoie he should pick her instead. She is learning French and Emile, Savoie's son likes her already. She tells Savoie Mary won't love him and killing her husband would destroy him. Savoie has been waiting for Gemma's adoption to go through before he kills her husband.
Edward, Doyle and Acton's first son, also makes some cute appearances.
My favorite part of the book is when Doyle finds the buried treasure, the jade axe that was stolen by an ancestor. She cleans it and gives the jade axe to Reynolds, her loyal servant. She says throughout the ages the jade axes were given to servants who had gone and above and beyond. The previous owner of the axe held off an invading army at the gates of Trestles and wanted Reynolds to have it. Reynolds is very touched.
They are resting at Trestles, Acton's ancestral estate while Doyle recovers from the events of the last book. She is pregnant with their second son, whom they have decided to name Tommy. She is in her second trimester.
It turns out someone is skimming money from the prison ministry that the imprisoned corrupt former DCS of the police is running. He is actually religious now and not involved.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S.
Mary, Doyle's nanny gives birth to her son. The substitute nanny, Callie, is actually Acton's half sister.
Melinda, Acton's former lover as a teenager, was raped by Acton's father and had a bastard child, Callie, who is Acton's half sister. Callie was adopted by a couple in the village and does not know any of this.
Melinda secretly gets married to the Roman Catholic priest who has a massive trust fund. So Melinda is the beneficiary of all that money. Because Acton's mom and cousin Sir Stephen set up a charitable foundation, the Trestles Foundation and the priest made the charity the beneficiary of his trust when he died. So Acton's Mom and cousin murdered the priest by feeding him poisonous chocolate. But Melinda double crossed them and gets all the money instead as she is his wife.
Doyle hides the DCS and Dr. Okafor at Trestles to protect them from the corrupt warden. The DCS and Dr. Okafor are in love. She tells Savoie he has to come as Charbonneau a criminal information is planning to murder Acton and Savoie that day.
Savoie at first thinks Doyle is double crossing him but then realizes she was trying to save him. Martina (the bad guy from a previous book who shot her husband in Doyle's house) is the person who was skimming money from the prison ministry. Martina is shot in the head in the Trestles driveway and dies.
Savoie is still in love with Mary, the married nanny who just gave birth. He was planning to kill her husband and then make Mary fall in love with him. Callie (the new nanny) and unknowing she is Acton's half sister, tells Savoie he should pick her instead. She is learning French and Emile, Savoie's son likes her already. She tells Savoie Mary won't love him and killing her husband would destroy him. Savoie has been waiting for Gemma's adoption to go through before he kills her husband.
Edward, Doyle and Acton's first son, also makes some cute appearances.
My favorite part of the book is when Doyle finds the buried treasure, the jade axe that was stolen by an ancestor. She cleans it and gives the jade axe to Reynolds, her loyal servant. She says throughout the ages the jade axes were given to servants who had gone and above and beyond. The previous owner of the axe held off an invading army at the gates of Trestles and wanted Reynolds to have it. Reynolds is very touched.
September 30, 2021
Love These Mysteries
I love the Acton and Doyle mysteries because they build one upon another and the characters are so complex with many layers, each one following their own character arc, which are very often quite surprising. The interactions and relationships between the characters make for interesting stories within the main story. The mysteries are excellent with twists and surprises that keep you on the edge of your seat. I usually read them in a day because I cannot find a stopping place, I have to keep reading!
I love the Acton and Doyle mysteries because they build one upon another and the characters are so complex with many layers, each one following their own character arc, which are very often quite surprising. The interactions and relationships between the characters make for interesting stories within the main story. The mysteries are excellent with twists and surprises that keep you on the edge of your seat. I usually read them in a day because I cannot find a stopping place, I have to keep reading!
October 4, 2021
4.5 - 5.0 ***
The best of the series. Finally Kathleen starts paying attention to her tingling scalp! It took her quite awhile to work out the mystery but she did it.
The best of the series. Finally Kathleen starts paying attention to her tingling scalp! It took her quite awhile to work out the mystery but she did it.
January 13, 2022
The phenomenal success (including large monetary donations) of the Prison Ministry headed by Acton's and Doyle's former boss whom they took down for corruption attracted others with their own personal agendas. It must be mentioned here though, that the former police commissioner's repentance and reform was truly genuine. The others' motivations would be greed and racketeering involving prison purchases of supplies, drugs allegedly for the Prison Infirmary... and from the Women's side of Wexton Prison, Martina Betancourt ostensibly helping with the Ministry and given her strong Roman Catholic obdurate zealotry for her Order had a different plan for all that lovely money from Heretics... thus, stealing from them would be Justifiable? She did not bargain for Acton's unforgiving nature as well as his vengeful streak for her past transgressions in putting his family's lives in peril just so she could kill her adulterous husband in a state of 'grace' by securing his repentance first before putting a bullet through his heart at Edward's nursery of the Sinclairs' penthouse flat... Murder in Revelation ~ Book 12 could attest to how that plan panned out. The shoot~out at Trestles was a result of Doyle trying to save Acton from an ambush by taking Savoie with her, never crediting her husband with having the foresight of a double~cross from the CI. It ended well despite the bloody mess yet clean kill by Acton's faithful retainers. That CI should watch out for Acton, though.
October 28, 2021
Out of the more recent books in this series, Murder in Material Gain was a clear winner. Pretty much all of the book was set in Acton's ancestral home, Trestles', which gave this series a bit of a breath of fresh air that I think it needed, stopping some of the relentless repetition that was steadily seeping in more strongly recently. While there were still some of the old themes (ones that have been done excessively, may I add), this book had a fresher feel and seemed as though it travelled more closely to the original roots that made this series shine for me. Being set in the country, the Scotland Yard crew were noticeably absent (e.g. Munoz and Williams). While I enjoy the secondary characters in this series, their absence actually made the book more enjoyable for me because a lot of the repetition of scenes, crimes and character traits gave this novel less of a 'same old, same old' feel which was much needed and, for me, had prevented some of the former books from being five star reads for me.
Alas, there is some repetition, however, with the crime pointing all fingers towards a corrupt system at Wexford Prison. If you're thinking to yourself, hold on a minute, hasn't this been done in the past? A resounding YES is the answer and it's kind of disappointing that the author keeps relying on past crimes, themes and characters to carry the plot. The slight twist seen in this book, however, stopped me from wanting to poke out my eyes with a fork and I really enjoyed it. Doctor Okafer, Martina, the prison wardens, the servants at Trestles, the former commissioner and Savoie (which I'm always super happy about because I love his character) are the key players. Be warned, however: the plot comes awfully close to that of other books in the series. Think corruption, skimming of money, nefarious, underhanded plotting and a scheme that Doyle manages to trip over and solve when she's underestimated and everything just clicks. There's also the usual ghost and delve into the past, this time focussing around Trestles - I enjoyed this plot device this time. Maybe because it was set in Trestles? Who knows, but it made better reading than those in the more recent novels. The murder wasn't really a massive focus, either, but more the plot device that kicked off the criminal actions of a few. Then there was Acton keeping his cards close to his chest, being emotionally withdrawn and having more secrets than the Nixon administration as he moves his chess pieces all over the place. I still love him, though :)
While I mentioned the repetition of the plot and characters above, one of the things that does continue to irk me about this series is some of the American vocabulary that's tries to be passed off as British vernacular. Some of the terms aren't common terminology so I've got no idea why they keep cropping up in what's supposed to be a thoroughly English novel. And while you're dragging out the proof reader, please have them run their eye over the grammar and editing in the book again. As per usual, there are grammatical errors, missing punctuation and a plethora of commas that are thrown around like confetti. If my novice eyes can spot it, surely an editor can, too?
As I said above, while I really enjoyed this book more than some of the others in the series (and it's definitely towards the top of the list) and it had a couple of solid twists, the over-reliance on the same plot themes of corruption and the prison is quickly wearing out it's welcome. England is a big place. It's unreal that the same people and places continue to be the backdrop of the key elements of each book. To be honest, while I'll buy the next book, I'm not overly optimistic as to it being great as it was made clear in this story that, once again, the corruption scandal goes further than the prison. Well, colour me shocked. And I'm sure I'll be blown over even more to find out that it's corrupt officials, ministers, government organisations, etc. In the words of my favourite character, Savoie: Le sigh.
Alas, there is some repetition, however, with the crime pointing all fingers towards a corrupt system at Wexford Prison. If you're thinking to yourself, hold on a minute, hasn't this been done in the past? A resounding YES is the answer and it's kind of disappointing that the author keeps relying on past crimes, themes and characters to carry the plot. The slight twist seen in this book, however, stopped me from wanting to poke out my eyes with a fork and I really enjoyed it. Doctor Okafer, Martina, the prison wardens, the servants at Trestles, the former commissioner and Savoie (which I'm always super happy about because I love his character) are the key players. Be warned, however: the plot comes awfully close to that of other books in the series. Think corruption, skimming of money, nefarious, underhanded plotting and a scheme that Doyle manages to trip over and solve when she's underestimated and everything just clicks. There's also the usual ghost and delve into the past, this time focussing around Trestles - I enjoyed this plot device this time. Maybe because it was set in Trestles? Who knows, but it made better reading than those in the more recent novels. The murder wasn't really a massive focus, either, but more the plot device that kicked off the criminal actions of a few. Then there was Acton keeping his cards close to his chest, being emotionally withdrawn and having more secrets than the Nixon administration as he moves his chess pieces all over the place. I still love him, though :)
While I mentioned the repetition of the plot and characters above, one of the things that does continue to irk me about this series is some of the American vocabulary that's tries to be passed off as British vernacular. Some of the terms aren't common terminology so I've got no idea why they keep cropping up in what's supposed to be a thoroughly English novel. And while you're dragging out the proof reader, please have them run their eye over the grammar and editing in the book again. As per usual, there are grammatical errors, missing punctuation and a plethora of commas that are thrown around like confetti. If my novice eyes can spot it, surely an editor can, too?
As I said above, while I really enjoyed this book more than some of the others in the series (and it's definitely towards the top of the list) and it had a couple of solid twists, the over-reliance on the same plot themes of corruption and the prison is quickly wearing out it's welcome. England is a big place. It's unreal that the same people and places continue to be the backdrop of the key elements of each book. To be honest, while I'll buy the next book, I'm not overly optimistic as to it being great as it was made clear in this story that, once again, the corruption scandal goes further than the prison. Well, colour me shocked. And I'm sure I'll be blown over even more to find out that it's corrupt officials, ministers, government organisations, etc. In the words of my favourite character, Savoie: Le sigh.
December 2, 2021
Doyle has had enough peaceful time in Trestles, considering it's never peaceful there with all those ghosts running around especially for her. Acton however, takes on the whole "Lord of the Manor" persona and she thinks it's high time to vie it back off to London.
Mary's baby is due any minute and rumour has it there's a new Irishwoman for her to check out as Timothy McGonigal may have a love interest, thank god fastin'.
Currently though, she's filling some of her free time doing good works teaching bible study classes in the women's side of Wexton Prison. Not like she hasn't seen enough of that place, in recent history but as a suggestion of her friend of sorts Dr. Okafor Doyle is conflicted that she's the right person for the job. A raucous bunch these women are to be sure, and interestingly enough amoungst them the notorious Martina Betancourt. Banter between the inmates on the subject of greed sets Doyle's intuition in motion and not long after, she has fears something is afoot in the prison and her husband may be part of it. Of course, the visiting ghost that haunts her dreams this time can't keep focus to long enough for the fair Doyle to make any sense of the clues she needs. Acton as usual isn't giving up anything, although the fact that he's even allowing her to venture into the prison in the first place gives her pause as he doesn't do anything half way so there's something here she needs to delve into and more than likely save him from. The past years of the House of Acton we already know was fraught with greed, and current day is no different, a mysterious murder closer to home leaves Doyle trying to determine if unsurprisingly her prime suspects are family.
Mary's baby is due any minute and rumour has it there's a new Irishwoman for her to check out as Timothy McGonigal may have a love interest, thank god fastin'.
Currently though, she's filling some of her free time doing good works teaching bible study classes in the women's side of Wexton Prison. Not like she hasn't seen enough of that place, in recent history but as a suggestion of her friend of sorts Dr. Okafor Doyle is conflicted that she's the right person for the job. A raucous bunch these women are to be sure, and interestingly enough amoungst them the notorious Martina Betancourt. Banter between the inmates on the subject of greed sets Doyle's intuition in motion and not long after, she has fears something is afoot in the prison and her husband may be part of it. Of course, the visiting ghost that haunts her dreams this time can't keep focus to long enough for the fair Doyle to make any sense of the clues she needs. Acton as usual isn't giving up anything, although the fact that he's even allowing her to venture into the prison in the first place gives her pause as he doesn't do anything half way so there's something here she needs to delve into and more than likely save him from. The past years of the House of Acton we already know was fraught with greed, and current day is no different, a mysterious murder closer to home leaves Doyle trying to determine if unsurprisingly her prime suspects are family.
October 4, 2021
A tentative 4 stars.
I have delighted in this series since I first discovered it just over 2 years ago. It’s had it’s ups and downs as Doyle and Acton learn to mesh their stressful professional and personal lives (as well as dealing with Doyle’s fey gifts and Acton’s Machiavellian level scheming), but lately I’ve been left feeling frustrated with their relationship.
An example. Doyle is not as well educated as Acton. It’s a fact. They both acknowledge this, but sometimes it borders on the extreme. Um… Doyle had no clue as to what Waterloo was?! She says it’s the train station, but for the love of God, can she actually not seem that dense in future books. It’s just one of a plethora of references that Doyle just doesn’t get, or cared to learn about. Ok, semi rant over. But it illustrates one of the long term character development issues that just aren’t so cute this many books in.
For this particular story, it’s honestly more of the same. However, Cleeland does it so well that even when an outlandish plot should be unbelievable and/or completely nuts, it works with these characters. I’m definitely going to be picking up future books, but I was completely frustrated with the complex scheming both Acton and Doyle got up to (this time) that I was almost going to rate it lower. However it was saved by Edward, the two ghosts and a barking dog.
4 stars ⭐️
I have delighted in this series since I first discovered it just over 2 years ago. It’s had it’s ups and downs as Doyle and Acton learn to mesh their stressful professional and personal lives (as well as dealing with Doyle’s fey gifts and Acton’s Machiavellian level scheming), but lately I’ve been left feeling frustrated with their relationship.
An example. Doyle is not as well educated as Acton. It’s a fact. They both acknowledge this, but sometimes it borders on the extreme. Um… Doyle had no clue as to what Waterloo was?! She says it’s the train station, but for the love of God, can she actually not seem that dense in future books. It’s just one of a plethora of references that Doyle just doesn’t get, or cared to learn about. Ok, semi rant over. But it illustrates one of the long term character development issues that just aren’t so cute this many books in.
For this particular story, it’s honestly more of the same. However, Cleeland does it so well that even when an outlandish plot should be unbelievable and/or completely nuts, it works with these characters. I’m definitely going to be picking up future books, but I was completely frustrated with the complex scheming both Acton and Doyle got up to (this time) that I was almost going to rate it lower. However it was saved by Edward, the two ghosts and a barking dog.
4 stars ⭐️
October 31, 2025
SPOILER ALERT
Lady/DS Kathleen Doyle Acton, with her husband Lord Michael Acton are at the family estate Trestles. She is bored and is ready to return to London. She has volunteered at the women's prison, teaching Bible parables. She observes and is made aware by her fey abilities and her dreams, this time with a by-blow of a former ancestor of the family, Benedict, who is warning danger.
She will realize that Michael is on the scene to watch and set right the thefts of the donations created by the prison Ministry, that the former DCS who has turned to religion and regularly preaches. Money is begin skimmed off, and Phnilippe Savoie is involved, Lord Acton is not. Acton does not want to create a scandal. Doyle realizes that several comments by those attending the classes gives her some clues. By the end of the story Martina Betancourt will be dead and Michael's mother, the Dowager, and his cousin Sir Stephen will be caught trying to get their hands on the estate of the wealthy priest that is also on the estate.
Always a hoot reading the exploits of Kathleen as she attempts to rein in her husband and solve yet another case for the police.
Lady/DS Kathleen Doyle Acton, with her husband Lord Michael Acton are at the family estate Trestles. She is bored and is ready to return to London. She has volunteered at the women's prison, teaching Bible parables. She observes and is made aware by her fey abilities and her dreams, this time with a by-blow of a former ancestor of the family, Benedict, who is warning danger.
She will realize that Michael is on the scene to watch and set right the thefts of the donations created by the prison Ministry, that the former DCS who has turned to religion and regularly preaches. Money is begin skimmed off, and Phnilippe Savoie is involved, Lord Acton is not. Acton does not want to create a scandal. Doyle realizes that several comments by those attending the classes gives her some clues. By the end of the story Martina Betancourt will be dead and Michael's mother, the Dowager, and his cousin Sir Stephen will be caught trying to get their hands on the estate of the wealthy priest that is also on the estate.
Always a hoot reading the exploits of Kathleen as she attempts to rein in her husband and solve yet another case for the police.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2021
When this book came out, I reread the whole series. As usual I was pulled into Cleeland's world. Which I love. This book was just as good as the previous thirteen. Much of it took place at Trestles, Acton's beloved home. I've always wanted to learn more about it. Want is satisfied, for now.
I don't want to spoil anything. These books are so well plotted that any mention of an event can do that. I will say that both Doyle and Acton are in top form, that various characters from past books plot and plan and that there's a satisfying loss and a surprise win.
May this series flourish for a long, long time.
I don't want to spoil anything. These books are so well plotted that any mention of an event can do that. I will say that both Doyle and Acton are in top form, that various characters from past books plot and plan and that there's a satisfying loss and a surprise win.
May this series flourish for a long, long time.
January 7, 2022
Another good addition to this series.
The holidays have come and gone and Acton still has them rusticating at Trestles, so rather than twiddling her thumbs Doyle has volunteered to give Bible studies at Wexton's Woman's Prison (as if everything has gone so well at the prison in the past). Meanwhile, an ex of Acton's, Melinda, has been visiting Acton's mother and taking Catholic lessons from Catholic priest, Father Clarence, that Acton's mother has befriended.
And Doyle is seeing the ghost of a shy black boy, being visited by a former Trestles' dependent and her scalp is itching (a sign that something is going on, which she needs to figure out) during her Bible study classes.
The holidays have come and gone and Acton still has them rusticating at Trestles, so rather than twiddling her thumbs Doyle has volunteered to give Bible studies at Wexton's Woman's Prison (as if everything has gone so well at the prison in the past). Meanwhile, an ex of Acton's, Melinda, has been visiting Acton's mother and taking Catholic lessons from Catholic priest, Father Clarence, that Acton's mother has befriended.
And Doyle is seeing the ghost of a shy black boy, being visited by a former Trestles' dependent and her scalp is itching (a sign that something is going on, which she needs to figure out) during her Bible study classes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2021
I love this series, I read the next book as soon as it comes out and usually in a day or two.Acton and Doyle are a great couple, I have read reviews that people find their relationship creepy. I think they have matured as they have gone along and love the relationship they have. It amazes me how the author introduces characters and then kills them off in a book or two. Some of my favorite side characters are not always in the books(Williams) and I really wish Acton’s Mom would get her due!
Great series that keeps you guessing, always a twist you don’t see coming,.
Great series that keeps you guessing, always a twist you don’t see coming,.
Read
July 9, 2024This one in the series was less interesting than the earlier ones. I have been reading this series for years but often only once or twice a year. There's something about the Doyle-Acton whole relationship that I find totally unrealistic. That having been said, I do enjoy the plots, action and suspense and character interactions that Ms Cleeland creates with each new novel. I have the next 4 on my iPad but won't be delving into them any time soon. I have read other series that she has created and found them more interesting
October 15, 2021
As someone who has been following the Doyle and Acton series for quite sometime, this book is perfect!! Acton is one of the most interesting characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading and Doyle serves as the perfect foil to Acton. The mystery plots rival even Agatha Christie's and Doyle and Acton, the extremely compelling lead couple, ensure that this is a book you will return to again and again!!
October 17, 2021
Anne Cleeland seems to be my kind of writer. I thoroughly enjoy this series, plus her stand-alones.
The characters are wonderfully quirky, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.
The mystery is always multi-sided with the reader trying to figure out what is going on along with Doyle.
Each person has a unique voice and agenda.
Once it is all wrapped up, I'm left smiling at how it all played out.
The characters are wonderfully quirky, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.
The mystery is always multi-sided with the reader trying to figure out what is going on along with Doyle.
Each person has a unique voice and agenda.
Once it is all wrapped up, I'm left smiling at how it all played out.
April 24, 2022
I love this series! Doyle and Acton are at Trestles, extending their time from the Christmas holidays so Doyle can continue to heal. She is getting antsy with nothing to do but Acton is standing firm. That is until he 'allows' her to teach a Bible class at the nearby prison. With her Irish 'insight' and the help of ghosts, Doyle one more time, intuits corruption but must dig to find out the extent of it. A fun read.
July 15, 2022
Better than the other recent books in the series. Less annoying, less repetitive, less outlandish. Acton is still so condescending to his wife though. I wish he'd show some growth and stop keeping everything secret from her.
Each time I start a new book in this series I think it might be my last - but I keep reading. :) I quite liked the ending of this one.
Each time I start a new book in this series I think it might be my last - but I keep reading. :) I quite liked the ending of this one.
August 26, 2022
This plot felt hasty to me; a pellmell run through possible nefariousness by Acton, with Doyle making every effort to save him from himself. I confess that I love the characters and the surprising twists of their interconnected pasts. Nonetheless, this 14th in the series left me a bit disappointed.
October 11, 2021
Love
Oh my goodness I love Acton and Doyle. I needed a lift of my spirits today and as usual I got it😁 love sweet little Edward and you know when they are at Trestles things always happen....
Oh my goodness I love Acton and Doyle. I needed a lift of my spirits today and as usual I got it😁 love sweet little Edward and you know when they are at Trestles things always happen....
November 7, 2021
more, more, more, please
It gets a bit wordy now and then, but it is the usual well-woven tapestry that Anne Cleeland always delivers. Charming, witty, abashing, joyful. Oh, just read it, for goodness sakes, if you are at all a Doyle-Acton aficionado.
It gets a bit wordy now and then, but it is the usual well-woven tapestry that Anne Cleeland always delivers. Charming, witty, abashing, joyful. Oh, just read it, for goodness sakes, if you are at all a Doyle-Acton aficionado.
November 16, 2021
Another Joyful Adventure
Well written Good plot Easy read
Ending tied up and answered questions
about the mystery. Enjoy the cadence as
always Kathleen is surely a complicated
Interesting character Looking forward
to next adventure
Well written Good plot Easy read
Ending tied up and answered questions
about the mystery. Enjoy the cadence as
always Kathleen is surely a complicated
Interesting character Looking forward
to next adventure
November 24, 2021
Another good read
In the Doyle and Acton series. I like how the author is bringing in the secondary characters more and more. I usually can’t really follow all the machinations and plotting but enjoy the series anyway.
In the Doyle and Acton series. I like how the author is bringing in the secondary characters more and more. I usually can’t really follow all the machinations and plotting but enjoy the series anyway.
November 27, 2021
Love Acton and Doyle
These books should be read in order. It's like running into an old friend. Looking forward to the next murder, mystery and romance. Hoping for many more books in this series.
These books should be read in order. It's like running into an old friend. Looking forward to the next murder, mystery and romance. Hoping for many more books in this series.
January 6, 2023
Still fun to follow Doyle & Acton
I have been following this series faithfully this year. Although the plots vary little, the characters continue to delight. Doyle's personality and humor draw you through the story as she uncovers the story behind the story.
I have been following this series faithfully this year. Although the plots vary little, the characters continue to delight. Doyle's personality and humor draw you through the story as she uncovers the story behind the story.
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