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Box Set One: Lucas Rathbone Mysteries Collection 1-5
Get the first five novellas in the Lucas Rathbone Mysteries series in one handy volume (and save over 33% versus buying them all individually!)
Included in the collection are:
#1: The Ghost of a Story
Solving murders is easy when you can speak to the victims.
Easier, anyway.
In the first in the series, Lucas Rathbone - local journalist, reluctant psychic, and even more reluctant amateur sleuth - meets the spirit of a gangster who claims his 'suicide' had nothing to do with him.
Lucas soon learns real detective work is harder (and more dangerous) than it looks, and with the beautiful but off-limits Clara by his side, he finds himself on an adventure that will change their lives in more ways than one.
***
#2: The Ghost of Jazz
When a freak accident kills Marion, singer for The Jamestown Cats - the hottest (all right, only) Jazz band to play the sleepy English village of Castlebury Magna - reluctant psychic Lucas Rathbone thinks he's off the hook for once.
But that won’t last.
Convinced she was murdered, Marion won't rest until she discovers who cut her life short…
Meaning Lucas won't get any peace until he figures out what happened.
And he's already got enough to deal with.
***
#3: The Ghost of Revenge
A day at the seaside was just what Lucas needed.
Pity about the funeral.
And the ghosts.
But when he’s invited to stay with the children of the murder victims, Lucas discovers the case is more complex than he realised.
The ghosts tell Lucas that the man sentenced to death for their murders is innocent, and Lucas reluctantly agrees to investigate - only to discover the truth is something he'd rather not share with the spirits…
***
#4: The Ghost of a Con
Lucas Rathbone can’t even stop for tea without running into a ghost… or two.
At least these ghosts want his help to prevent a third being added to their number – the beautiful, wealthy woman their outwardly charming husband has lined up for his next victim.
Which is all well and good, but fact Lucas was supposed to be on a romantic trip with his girlfriend, Clara.
Despite Clara’s warnings, Lucas gets drawn into an investigation full of twists and turns, where nothing and nobody is truly as it seems...
***
#5 The Ghost of Mercy
Lucas Rathbone has met a lot of ghosts in his time.
But never so many at once, and they usually know why they're lingering between this life and the next.
His girlfriend Clara insists hospitals are bound to haunted and they should leave it at that, and Lucas would agree…
But they’re only there to visit Clara’s friend Tommy, who received a bone-crunching beating from a group of gangsters who’s business he poked his nose into.
And now they’re after Lucas.
At least they’ll be safe if they stay in the hospital… right?
In the fifth instalment of the Lucas Rathbone Mysteries, join Lucas and Clara on a thrilling adventure full of twists and turns, where even those with a sworn duty of care can't be trusted.
***
Each story is a fast-paced quick read perfect for fans of traditional British cosy murder mysteries.
Included in the collection are:
#1: The Ghost of a Story
Solving murders is easy when you can speak to the victims.
Easier, anyway.
In the first in the series, Lucas Rathbone - local journalist, reluctant psychic, and even more reluctant amateur sleuth - meets the spirit of a gangster who claims his 'suicide' had nothing to do with him.
Lucas soon learns real detective work is harder (and more dangerous) than it looks, and with the beautiful but off-limits Clara by his side, he finds himself on an adventure that will change their lives in more ways than one.
***
#2: The Ghost of Jazz
When a freak accident kills Marion, singer for The Jamestown Cats - the hottest (all right, only) Jazz band to play the sleepy English village of Castlebury Magna - reluctant psychic Lucas Rathbone thinks he's off the hook for once.
But that won’t last.
Convinced she was murdered, Marion won't rest until she discovers who cut her life short…
Meaning Lucas won't get any peace until he figures out what happened.
And he's already got enough to deal with.
***
#3: The Ghost of Revenge
A day at the seaside was just what Lucas needed.
Pity about the funeral.
And the ghosts.
But when he’s invited to stay with the children of the murder victims, Lucas discovers the case is more complex than he realised.
The ghosts tell Lucas that the man sentenced to death for their murders is innocent, and Lucas reluctantly agrees to investigate - only to discover the truth is something he'd rather not share with the spirits…
***
#4: The Ghost of a Con
Lucas Rathbone can’t even stop for tea without running into a ghost… or two.
At least these ghosts want his help to prevent a third being added to their number – the beautiful, wealthy woman their outwardly charming husband has lined up for his next victim.
Which is all well and good, but fact Lucas was supposed to be on a romantic trip with his girlfriend, Clara.
Despite Clara’s warnings, Lucas gets drawn into an investigation full of twists and turns, where nothing and nobody is truly as it seems...
***
#5 The Ghost of Mercy
Lucas Rathbone has met a lot of ghosts in his time.
But never so many at once, and they usually know why they're lingering between this life and the next.
His girlfriend Clara insists hospitals are bound to haunted and they should leave it at that, and Lucas would agree…
But they’re only there to visit Clara’s friend Tommy, who received a bone-crunching beating from a group of gangsters who’s business he poked his nose into.
And now they’re after Lucas.
At least they’ll be safe if they stay in the hospital… right?
In the fifth instalment of the Lucas Rathbone Mysteries, join Lucas and Clara on a thrilling adventure full of twists and turns, where even those with a sworn duty of care can't be trusted.
***
Each story is a fast-paced quick read perfect for fans of traditional British cosy murder mysteries.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
Unknown Binding
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About the author
Saffron Amatti
37 books24 followersSaffron Amatti is the author of the Lucas Rathbone Mysteries, a series of historical cozy mysteries with a ghostly twist set in 1920s England.
She lives in a rather pretty village in Derbyshire, UK, where she spends an unhealthy amount of time thinking about how to kill people and (nearly) get away with it.
This is almost entirely in relation to her writing, but she keeps her family on their toes by throwing a little doubt in occasionally.
She lives in a rather pretty village in Derbyshire, UK, where she spends an unhealthy amount of time thinking about how to kill people and (nearly) get away with it.
This is almost entirely in relation to her writing, but she keeps her family on their toes by throwing a little doubt in occasionally.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 6, 2021
This box set has become one of my comfort books. Five cozy mysteries that have kept me company for days and entertained me more than I could have imagined! They have it all:
- fun and lovable characters
- nosy ghosts
- compelling mysteries
- a strong storyline that ties all the stories together
The book ends on a cliffhanger, but by the end of the last novella I was so sad to say goodbye to these characters that the cliffhanger was a relief!
This feels like the beginning of a great journey!
- fun and lovable characters
- nosy ghosts
- compelling mysteries
- a strong storyline that ties all the stories together
The book ends on a cliffhanger, but by the end of the last novella I was so sad to say goodbye to these characters that the cliffhanger was a relief!
This feels like the beginning of a great journey!
May 26, 2021
What a pleasure to read these five novellas from Saffron Amatti! The author’s welcoming writing style effortlessly draws the reader into her stories. Beginning each new passage is like sinking into a relaxing bath at the end of a tough day.
In this series, the author developed a captivating storyline threaded through the five novellas, aligning it with multiple mysteries and two loveable characters, sweethearts Lucas and Clara – although in this reader’s opinion, Clara steals the limelight! Amatti stayed the course (the original threat hanging over Lucas and Clara), but managed to deliver interesting side paths for the characters to navigate, keeping the reader invested in how each would play out.
I often enjoy a dose of the paranormal in the mysteries I read, which is one reason why I purchased Amatti’s series. Lucas’ psychic gift allows him to speak to ghosts – which is also a bit of a curse. The author does a nice job of revealing both friendly and not-so-nice souls. This adds another pain point for the main character (Lucas): helping the victims (ghosts) when they might not have been the best people when alive. Contrast this with some of the villains: a couple might not really be evil at the core but were instead wounded terribly by life and shaped into something more sinister. It’s this circle of questioning (“Is the victim always so innocent? Is the bad guy always so bad?”) that compels the reader to consider the characters more deeply even after the page has been turned.
I would be remiss if I did not include how much I enjoyed the author’s details for the era. For example, in Death of a Songbird, my mind conjured the dance hall – sights, sounds, smells – easily because Amatti takes great care in setting these scenes. I very much was envious of Clara’s red flapper dress! By the time the reader has started novella number two (Death of a Songbird), the commitment is clear: you will keep reading this series because you will have to learn what happens next.
Amatti also delivers some real surprises throughout the course of this series. Revealing them here is not the intention of this review, but be prepared to stop and think: “No kidding? I just did not see that coming.” That’s a nice touch – as fun as it is to ‘figure out’ a whodunit, it’s also nice to be surprised.
Be prepared – the end of novella number five (Angel of Murder) does not wrap up everything nicely in a pretty package for the reader. Luckily, there’s another novella in Amatti’s arsenal called Betrayal – which carries the Lucas and Clara story forward.
In sum, Amatti’s Lucas Rathbone Mysteries Series is a perfect for fans of traditional British mysteries. If you enjoy Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, or even Midsomer Murders (TV) / Caroline Graham’s Inspector Barnaby Mysteries (books), you will enjoy Saffron Amatti’s work.
In this series, the author developed a captivating storyline threaded through the five novellas, aligning it with multiple mysteries and two loveable characters, sweethearts Lucas and Clara – although in this reader’s opinion, Clara steals the limelight! Amatti stayed the course (the original threat hanging over Lucas and Clara), but managed to deliver interesting side paths for the characters to navigate, keeping the reader invested in how each would play out.
I often enjoy a dose of the paranormal in the mysteries I read, which is one reason why I purchased Amatti’s series. Lucas’ psychic gift allows him to speak to ghosts – which is also a bit of a curse. The author does a nice job of revealing both friendly and not-so-nice souls. This adds another pain point for the main character (Lucas): helping the victims (ghosts) when they might not have been the best people when alive. Contrast this with some of the villains: a couple might not really be evil at the core but were instead wounded terribly by life and shaped into something more sinister. It’s this circle of questioning (“Is the victim always so innocent? Is the bad guy always so bad?”) that compels the reader to consider the characters more deeply even after the page has been turned.
I would be remiss if I did not include how much I enjoyed the author’s details for the era. For example, in Death of a Songbird, my mind conjured the dance hall – sights, sounds, smells – easily because Amatti takes great care in setting these scenes. I very much was envious of Clara’s red flapper dress! By the time the reader has started novella number two (Death of a Songbird), the commitment is clear: you will keep reading this series because you will have to learn what happens next.
Amatti also delivers some real surprises throughout the course of this series. Revealing them here is not the intention of this review, but be prepared to stop and think: “No kidding? I just did not see that coming.” That’s a nice touch – as fun as it is to ‘figure out’ a whodunit, it’s also nice to be surprised.
Be prepared – the end of novella number five (Angel of Murder) does not wrap up everything nicely in a pretty package for the reader. Luckily, there’s another novella in Amatti’s arsenal called Betrayal – which carries the Lucas and Clara story forward.
In sum, Amatti’s Lucas Rathbone Mysteries Series is a perfect for fans of traditional British mysteries. If you enjoy Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, or even Midsomer Murders (TV) / Caroline Graham’s Inspector Barnaby Mysteries (books), you will enjoy Saffron Amatti’s work.
August 15, 2021
I love cosy mysteries and this boxset of Lucas Rathbone mysteries, set in the 1920's is perfect for a nice evening of gentle reading.
Beautifully written and capturing the essence of the roaring twenties, this set of five short stories introduces us to Lucas and Clara. What a wonderful couple Amatti has created. I love the fact Lucas is Clara's personal raincloud, whereas Clara is Lucas' sunbeam, sums them both up pretty well. They bounce off each other, all while trying to navigate a newly blossoming romance, if they can get past the misunderstandings and frowning older brother and the rascal Tommy who has taken a shine to Clara much to Lucas' chagrin. A great couple set to solve any mystery Amatti can think of. Add a twist to the mix that Lucas can see and hear ghosts and you'd think it would be pretty simple to solve any murder.
But of course not.
This is a wonderful romp though the twenties, with characters you will grow to love. Saving 40% by purchasing the box set instead of individual stories is an added bonus!
If you like period mysteries in the vein of Agatha Christie or Mary Stewart then Amatti has your next read ready for you.
Beautifully written and capturing the essence of the roaring twenties, this set of five short stories introduces us to Lucas and Clara. What a wonderful couple Amatti has created. I love the fact Lucas is Clara's personal raincloud, whereas Clara is Lucas' sunbeam, sums them both up pretty well. They bounce off each other, all while trying to navigate a newly blossoming romance, if they can get past the misunderstandings and frowning older brother and the rascal Tommy who has taken a shine to Clara much to Lucas' chagrin. A great couple set to solve any mystery Amatti can think of. Add a twist to the mix that Lucas can see and hear ghosts and you'd think it would be pretty simple to solve any murder.
But of course not.
This is a wonderful romp though the twenties, with characters you will grow to love. Saving 40% by purchasing the box set instead of individual stories is an added bonus!
If you like period mysteries in the vein of Agatha Christie or Mary Stewart then Amatti has your next read ready for you.
July 29, 2025
These mysteries aren't just cozies, they are studies in atmosphere and characterization. With a deft hand and an easy wit, Saffron Amatti never stops surprising the reader. Ghosts are employed in a fresh and clever way that adds to the overall sense that these stories are fresh, new, and enchanting. The only criticism I have is that I want to read more!
These novellas are short, self-contained stories that would seamlessly lend themselves to TV adaptation for a series.
**edited July 2025: the new edition of this book is shockingly good! A perfect book, with humour, humanity, compelling characters, and a phenomenal mystery that will keep you guessing!
These novellas are short, self-contained stories that would seamlessly lend themselves to TV adaptation for a series.
**edited July 2025: the new edition of this book is shockingly good! A perfect book, with humour, humanity, compelling characters, and a phenomenal mystery that will keep you guessing!
June 8, 2021
Wow! I absolutely loved this box set. The Lucas Rathbone Mysteries is a collection of five Lucas Rathbone stories, each one focused around a different murder. The twist...? Lucas can see ghosts, but that doesn't exactly help him solve each of the crimes. You'd think it would be easy enough when you can talk to the murder victims, but no!
Each story is beautifully written. I love the interaction between the two main characters, Lucas and Clara, they balance each other perfectly and there are some great comedic moments between the two of them. The stories are all set in the 1920's, which means high fashion and no technology. It made a nice change for me to read something that was set in a different era. Lucas and Clara even have to visit the library because you couldn't simply hit the internet for answers in the 1920's! All of the details add depth to the setting, which really brings the story to life.
I'm glad I didn't buy each book as an individual novella (which is an option) because in essence these five stories are all linked by a common thread. I feel like I've read one book that had five long(ish) chapters in it. Anyway, I loved them so much that I am reading the next book in the series now, which I understand is a full length novel.
Each story is beautifully written. I love the interaction between the two main characters, Lucas and Clara, they balance each other perfectly and there are some great comedic moments between the two of them. The stories are all set in the 1920's, which means high fashion and no technology. It made a nice change for me to read something that was set in a different era. Lucas and Clara even have to visit the library because you couldn't simply hit the internet for answers in the 1920's! All of the details add depth to the setting, which really brings the story to life.
I'm glad I didn't buy each book as an individual novella (which is an option) because in essence these five stories are all linked by a common thread. I feel like I've read one book that had five long(ish) chapters in it. Anyway, I loved them so much that I am reading the next book in the series now, which I understand is a full length novel.
August 28, 2023
Lucas Rathbone and friends are always great company! I loved having the first five books bundled together so I could just keep reading!
October 16, 2024
This book had been on my radar far too long. The problem with this reader is their TBR is extensive!
However, I'm delighted I finally got around to reading it.
I was seeking something different to read. And this was just the ticket.
Set in 1920s England, about 10 years after the war, one gets immersed in that vivid world, still recovering from all that pain.
This book doesn't just contain one murder but several, owing to that it started life as 5 novellas. But I love how they're all in one book. You see, there is a trail of breadcrumbs being laid.
Lucas Rathbone is a reporter for the local rag. Clara, his childhood friend and sweetheart, has moved to London, but comes running any time he needs her assistance. And they're just adorable together. He's all quiet and bumbly, and she's all 'grasp the nettle'. A raincloud/sunbeam relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed following them around England, through the sleepy rural village to the seaside and even a jaunt into the city. Even if there were ghosts demanding assistance at every turn. And a nefarious group threatening them.
The settings were all beautifully created, the people wonderfully portrayed and the plot was riveting.
I will definitely be reading more in this series.
A glorious cosy set of mysteries with a post-war backdrop.
Think Miss Marple meets Ghost Whisperer, and you'll be in the right ballpark.
However, I'm delighted I finally got around to reading it.
I was seeking something different to read. And this was just the ticket.
Set in 1920s England, about 10 years after the war, one gets immersed in that vivid world, still recovering from all that pain.
This book doesn't just contain one murder but several, owing to that it started life as 5 novellas. But I love how they're all in one book. You see, there is a trail of breadcrumbs being laid.
Lucas Rathbone is a reporter for the local rag. Clara, his childhood friend and sweetheart, has moved to London, but comes running any time he needs her assistance. And they're just adorable together. He's all quiet and bumbly, and she's all 'grasp the nettle'. A raincloud/sunbeam relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed following them around England, through the sleepy rural village to the seaside and even a jaunt into the city. Even if there were ghosts demanding assistance at every turn. And a nefarious group threatening them.
The settings were all beautifully created, the people wonderfully portrayed and the plot was riveting.
I will definitely be reading more in this series.
A glorious cosy set of mysteries with a post-war backdrop.
Think Miss Marple meets Ghost Whisperer, and you'll be in the right ballpark.
July 23, 2022
I loved being swept back in time with Lucas and Clara!
The Problem with Dead People is a wonderful introduction to the characters and the series. It's actually a series of five novellas, each of which tie into the next one seamlessly. It was really fun to see the characters in a variety of situations facing some very different problems--by the end, I felt like I really knew them! Plus, the ghosts Lucas encounters are so varied and interesting, I was always looking forward to the next one. (Hmm--perhaps that's not the right thing to say about ghosts? ;) )
And the romance . . . absolutely perfect. <3
Living in the 1920s alongside Lucas and Clara felt like second nature, and I can't wait to dive into the next book!
The Problem with Dead People is a wonderful introduction to the characters and the series. It's actually a series of five novellas, each of which tie into the next one seamlessly. It was really fun to see the characters in a variety of situations facing some very different problems--by the end, I felt like I really knew them! Plus, the ghosts Lucas encounters are so varied and interesting, I was always looking forward to the next one. (Hmm--perhaps that's not the right thing to say about ghosts? ;) )
And the romance . . . absolutely perfect. <3
Living in the 1920s alongside Lucas and Clara felt like second nature, and I can't wait to dive into the next book!
November 18, 2023
The ghosts demand to know who killed them!
This was a fun read. The characters draw you in like a charming early 1930’s British detective movie. Lucas and Clara are in love. Lucas can see ghosts. The ghosts want him to help them find who killed them. It’s very simple, right? Not when the two lovers work together, and certainly not with Tommy, Lucas’ rival, in the mix.
I enjoyed the little humorous bits scattered throughout, the way the author described ghostly goings-on, and the charming characters most of all.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a story set in 1920’s England, ghosts, mystery, and cute relationships.
This was a fun read. The characters draw you in like a charming early 1930’s British detective movie. Lucas and Clara are in love. Lucas can see ghosts. The ghosts want him to help them find who killed them. It’s very simple, right? Not when the two lovers work together, and certainly not with Tommy, Lucas’ rival, in the mix.
I enjoyed the little humorous bits scattered throughout, the way the author described ghostly goings-on, and the charming characters most of all.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a story set in 1920’s England, ghosts, mystery, and cute relationships.
January 10, 2024
Great mystery novel!
I loved reading this book! I grew to love the characters and their relationships, but like Lucas, I'm just not sure of Tommy yet. I completely understand Clara having an overprotective older brother like Henry., but it's Lucas that has my heart. He reminds me of Odd Thomas with his ability to see the ghosts of the dead and his moral compass guides him to help them, even at great personal risk. The overarching mystery of the hanging series group sets the pace as I kept wanting more information on how that will all end. Great job Saffron! You definitely have another fan.
I loved reading this book! I grew to love the characters and their relationships, but like Lucas, I'm just not sure of Tommy yet. I completely understand Clara having an overprotective older brother like Henry., but it's Lucas that has my heart. He reminds me of Odd Thomas with his ability to see the ghosts of the dead and his moral compass guides him to help them, even at great personal risk. The overarching mystery of the hanging series group sets the pace as I kept wanting more information on how that will all end. Great job Saffron! You definitely have another fan.
May 2, 2025
An enjoyable and entertaining read
Having seen this author around on Instagram for a while, I thought I’d give one of her books a try. The Problem with Dead People is a series starter, and introduces us to Lucas Rathbone, a journalist who not only connects with ghosts, but seems to get lumbered with their problems … the main one being to discover who was responsible for their death.
Threats from a notorious criminal gang form a central thread, around which we are cleverly diverted by multiple sub-plots. With engaging characters and gentle humour, it’s an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Having seen this author around on Instagram for a while, I thought I’d give one of her books a try. The Problem with Dead People is a series starter, and introduces us to Lucas Rathbone, a journalist who not only connects with ghosts, but seems to get lumbered with their problems … the main one being to discover who was responsible for their death.
Threats from a notorious criminal gang form a central thread, around which we are cleverly diverted by multiple sub-plots. With engaging characters and gentle humour, it’s an enjoyable and entertaining read.
May 4, 2025
this book is 5 short mysteries connected to one book, but for me, it made this book way too long, I just wanted it to be over halfway through. there are also no chapters within the book it is split into parts, which made it drag. this was very unbelievable as it was set in the 1920s, but a lot of the language used within the book, as well as some parts of the book happening, would not have happened back then. seemed more of a romance by the end of it than a murder mystery
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2023
I loved this book! I purchased a box set, books 1-3. I would have never thought the culprit was who it was (I don't want to tell any spoilers! I think my favorite parts involved the dead people getting on Lucas' nerves; those characters are a hoot!
I highly recommend this book, and series!
I highly recommend this book, and series!
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December 27, 2024All 5 star reviews and I'm happy for the author. But I just don't see it. The characters are wooden, the dialogue stilted and I'm not engaged at all. I gave this an honest try , especially since I love the premise but I don't want to force myself to read on.
March 13, 2025
a breezy mystery
This mystery was a fascinating string of cases, the characters finding one murderer after another as they go about their lives (meaning, they try to keep them after they seem to invoke the wrong bad guy’s ire). Lucas’ and Clara’s mutual devotion was a nice touch.
This mystery was a fascinating string of cases, the characters finding one murderer after another as they go about their lives (meaning, they try to keep them after they seem to invoke the wrong bad guy’s ire). Lucas’ and Clara’s mutual devotion was a nice touch.
October 10, 2023
This was an interesting read. I did like the characters. I’ll see where the author takes them in the next book
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews