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DI Beatrice Stubbs #13
True Colours
No more detective work, she said. The trouble is, Beatrice Stubbs just can’t help herself. Especially when she can help someone else.
Christmas in Sweden – the home of reindeer, Northern Lights and polar nights – seems like the best way to celebrate with her loved ones. The invitation to a New Year’s Eve black metal gig in the Arctic Circle is more of a worry. But there’s a first time for everything.
In London, Catinca is living the dream. Her design career is thriving and the love of her life has moved into her apartment. Theo, on the other hand, is still dreaming. His ex-girlfriend offers him a job and to Catinca’s horror, he accepts. Maybe the perfect couple are not quite as perfect as she thought.
When precious jewellery goes missing from a Swedish family home, everyone suspects the same person of stealing. The question is, why? Beatrice and Will, detectives to their bones, have no option but to investigate. With sleeper trains and lies, snowscapes, blackmail and spies, this is no ordinary Christmas story.
The gap between who people pretend to be and their real selves can be dangerous. Under pressure, everyone shows their true colours.
An encore for fans of the series!
Gripping, suspenseful and witty - Beatrice Stubbs and her extended
1. Behind Closed Doors (Switzerland)
2. Raw Material (England/Wales)
3. Tread Softly (Basque County, Spain)
4. Cold Pressed (The Greek Islands)
5. Human Rites (Germany)
6. Bad Apples (Portugal)
7. Snow Angel (England)
8. Honey Trap (Italy)
9. Black Widow (France)
10. White Night (Finland)
11. The Woman in the Frame (Mallorca)
12. All Souls' Day (Belgium)
13. True Colours (Sweden)
14. Siren Song (Spain)
Plus the exclusive free prequel for newsletter Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies (London)
Christmas in Sweden – the home of reindeer, Northern Lights and polar nights – seems like the best way to celebrate with her loved ones. The invitation to a New Year’s Eve black metal gig in the Arctic Circle is more of a worry. But there’s a first time for everything.
In London, Catinca is living the dream. Her design career is thriving and the love of her life has moved into her apartment. Theo, on the other hand, is still dreaming. His ex-girlfriend offers him a job and to Catinca’s horror, he accepts. Maybe the perfect couple are not quite as perfect as she thought.
When precious jewellery goes missing from a Swedish family home, everyone suspects the same person of stealing. The question is, why? Beatrice and Will, detectives to their bones, have no option but to investigate. With sleeper trains and lies, snowscapes, blackmail and spies, this is no ordinary Christmas story.
The gap between who people pretend to be and their real selves can be dangerous. Under pressure, everyone shows their true colours.
An encore for fans of the series!
Gripping, suspenseful and witty - Beatrice Stubbs and her extended
1. Behind Closed Doors (Switzerland)
2. Raw Material (England/Wales)
3. Tread Softly (Basque County, Spain)
4. Cold Pressed (The Greek Islands)
5. Human Rites (Germany)
6. Bad Apples (Portugal)
7. Snow Angel (England)
8. Honey Trap (Italy)
9. Black Widow (France)
10. White Night (Finland)
11. The Woman in the Frame (Mallorca)
12. All Souls' Day (Belgium)
13. True Colours (Sweden)
14. Siren Song (Spain)
Plus the exclusive free prequel for newsletter Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies (London)
- GenresCrime
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2021
36 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Marsh
35 books179 followersAs a child, Jill read so obsessively she got kicked out of the school library. But her passion for words continued. She graduated in English Literature and Theatre Studies from the University of Wales and set up a theatre company. Since then, as an actor, director, teacher, writer and journalist, she’s worked in fifteen countries. She learnt something from each one.
Now, with her husband and three dogs, Jill lives in Switzerland, a country with four languages and mountains of new words.
She works as a language trainer all over Europe, collaborates with Nuance Words and Triskele Books, and contributes regularly to Words with JAM magazine. But most of the time, she writes. And reads.
Behind Closed Doors is the first Beatrice Stubbs novel, a European crime series set in compelling locations all over the Continent.
Now, with her husband and three dogs, Jill lives in Switzerland, a country with four languages and mountains of new words.
She works as a language trainer all over Europe, collaborates with Nuance Words and Triskele Books, and contributes regularly to Words with JAM magazine. But most of the time, she writes. And reads.
Behind Closed Doors is the first Beatrice Stubbs novel, a European crime series set in compelling locations all over the Continent.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 6, 2022
Love this series and JJ Marsh letting us read them for free
The characters are instantly likeable, and their evolution in each novel keeps them fresh. Their adventures and escapades are entertaining. I appreciate the lack of overt violence while keeping the story line full of action. The editing of these books only has one foible for me, which is the use of "Me and ...". I'm old school and adhere to the Oxford comma and putting oneself last in a list of people. Since the use of "me" first is consistant throughout the novels, I have to accept it as author's license. I greatly appreciate JJ Marsh keeping the ebooks on the Kindle Unlimited list, as I couldn't afford to read them elsewise. That said, these works are well worth paying full price for them.
The characters are instantly likeable, and their evolution in each novel keeps them fresh. Their adventures and escapades are entertaining. I appreciate the lack of overt violence while keeping the story line full of action. The editing of these books only has one foible for me, which is the use of "Me and ...". I'm old school and adhere to the Oxford comma and putting oneself last in a list of people. Since the use of "me" first is consistant throughout the novels, I have to accept it as author's license. I greatly appreciate JJ Marsh keeping the ebooks on the Kindle Unlimited list, as I couldn't afford to read them elsewise. That said, these works are well worth paying full price for them.
December 19, 2021
TRUE COLOURS by JJ Marsh is Book #13 in the popular Beatrice Stubbs series.
Publication date was December 2021.
I have read all 13 books in the series and have enjoyed every one. I like the focus on locations and sense of place - we have traveled to Switzerland, Wales, Basque Country in Spain, The Greek Islands, Germany, Portugal, England (of course), Italy, France, Finland, Mallorca, Belgium and, presently, Sweden. I like the growth of the characters, both personally and professionally. Theo, Catinca, Will, Adrian, Matthew and Beatrice, herself - are interesting, likable, quirky and intelligent. I like the presence of Beatrice’s analyst - he is a rock, an anchor for Beatrice. The story lines are interesting and keep my attention. The underlying feeling of friendship stands out and is important to me.
TRUE COLOURS is a bit of a Christmas story in that it involves a trip to Sweden with reindeer, snowy landscapes, Northern Lights and holidays. (It also involves lies and blackmail,)
Rumor has it (and I hope I am mistaken) that this is the last book in the series. If so, it ended on a contemplative, positive note. If there are additional titles, I will be first in line to continue Beatrice’s life and adventures.
TRUE COLOURS - a great read. *****
Publication date was December 2021.
I have read all 13 books in the series and have enjoyed every one. I like the focus on locations and sense of place - we have traveled to Switzerland, Wales, Basque Country in Spain, The Greek Islands, Germany, Portugal, England (of course), Italy, France, Finland, Mallorca, Belgium and, presently, Sweden. I like the growth of the characters, both personally and professionally. Theo, Catinca, Will, Adrian, Matthew and Beatrice, herself - are interesting, likable, quirky and intelligent. I like the presence of Beatrice’s analyst - he is a rock, an anchor for Beatrice. The story lines are interesting and keep my attention. The underlying feeling of friendship stands out and is important to me.
TRUE COLOURS is a bit of a Christmas story in that it involves a trip to Sweden with reindeer, snowy landscapes, Northern Lights and holidays. (It also involves lies and blackmail,)
Rumor has it (and I hope I am mistaken) that this is the last book in the series. If so, it ended on a contemplative, positive note. If there are additional titles, I will be first in line to continue Beatrice’s life and adventures.
TRUE COLOURS - a great read. *****
December 28, 2021
The perfect holiday escape
Beatrice Stubbs flies to Sweden for a Christmas holiday, but as usual, she cannot but get entwined in local wrongdoings. Set against the backdrop of the Northern Lights, a local Swedish rock star is in trouble, but luckily for her, Beatrice and her capable friends are at hand to save the day.
Perfect for fans of classical mysteries by Agatha Christie, or modern works such as ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman or ‘Apples Never Fall’ by Liane Moriarty. Luckily this is number 13 in the series, so if you are new to JJ Marsh’s intrepid female sleuth, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the pragmatic, straight-speaking, food-loving Beatrice Stubbs and her colorful friends.
Beatrice Stubbs flies to Sweden for a Christmas holiday, but as usual, she cannot but get entwined in local wrongdoings. Set against the backdrop of the Northern Lights, a local Swedish rock star is in trouble, but luckily for her, Beatrice and her capable friends are at hand to save the day.
Perfect for fans of classical mysteries by Agatha Christie, or modern works such as ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman or ‘Apples Never Fall’ by Liane Moriarty. Luckily this is number 13 in the series, so if you are new to JJ Marsh’s intrepid female sleuth, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the pragmatic, straight-speaking, food-loving Beatrice Stubbs and her colorful friends.
January 16, 2022
gothic music and Northern lights illuminate an investigation
Gabriel and Tanya agreed to take care of Huggie Bear while Beatrice travelled to Sweden with Adrian and his husband Will and Marianne and her fiancé Axel. Axel’s parents live in Sweden and his sister, Tove, is the lead singer in a black metal hard-core feminist band named Apate. Theo, Beatrice’s former partner in a detective agency, is in Sweden trying to form his own agency. When Tove becomes over burdened with her personal problems she turns to Beatrice to help deal with her problems and Beatrice starts working with her entourage to solve the problem. As always I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
Gabriel and Tanya agreed to take care of Huggie Bear while Beatrice travelled to Sweden with Adrian and his husband Will and Marianne and her fiancé Axel. Axel’s parents live in Sweden and his sister, Tove, is the lead singer in a black metal hard-core feminist band named Apate. Theo, Beatrice’s former partner in a detective agency, is in Sweden trying to form his own agency. When Tove becomes over burdened with her personal problems she turns to Beatrice to help deal with her problems and Beatrice starts working with her entourage to solve the problem. As always I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
December 9, 2021
Wonderful Book
This was a most enjoyable book featuring Beatrice, her adopted family and friends. Always a delight to see what all these characters are up to as each book in series takes you to a new country. I love hearing about the Sweden & Lapland traditions, including great food and sites Beatrice and friends visit. Beatrice is such a down to life character, and the author makes you want to meet everyone in person and spend your holidays with all of them. I hope the author continues to write more Beatrice books now and then so we can see what is going on in everyone’s life’s! Thank you, JJ Marsh for giving your readers a delightful holiday story!
This was a most enjoyable book featuring Beatrice, her adopted family and friends. Always a delight to see what all these characters are up to as each book in series takes you to a new country. I love hearing about the Sweden & Lapland traditions, including great food and sites Beatrice and friends visit. Beatrice is such a down to life character, and the author makes you want to meet everyone in person and spend your holidays with all of them. I hope the author continues to write more Beatrice books now and then so we can see what is going on in everyone’s life’s! Thank you, JJ Marsh for giving your readers a delightful holiday story!
April 13, 2022
review
As with all of the Beatrice Stubbs books, I never want them to end. You get to feel as though each of these characters are your best friends. The sad thing is, this might be her last book with these characters. Her books are fun,entertaining and well written. If they are new to you, you might want to start with the first. The characters are continuous and it makes them easier to read.
As with all of the Beatrice Stubbs books, I never want them to end. You get to feel as though each of these characters are your best friends. The sad thing is, this might be her last book with these characters. Her books are fun,entertaining and well written. If they are new to you, you might want to start with the first. The characters are continuous and it makes them easier to read.
January 18, 2022
So happy Beatrice is back. This was a lovely book in the series, her mourning her loss, not having it glossed it over. Nice leap in character development for most characters - though odd that Will wants to move - that is unusual for a member of law enforcement and he does not speak the language Why does Amazon says this will be the last in the series I feel like she has a fresh start
January 26, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this presumably last book in the Beatrice Stubbs series. Although each book is a stand alone I recommend reading them in order to fully appreciate the character development, and save this book for last. Beatrice is a detective who, at times, struggles with her mood disorder. I will miss her and her somewhat quirky "family."
June 16, 2022
The end of the series?
It sounds like this may be the end of the Beatrice Stubbs series. I understand writers wanting to get away from writing about the same characters but I enjoy settling down with old friends for a cozy visit. But all life is a journey and I have enjoyed this part.
It sounds like this may be the end of the Beatrice Stubbs series. I understand writers wanting to get away from writing about the same characters but I enjoy settling down with old friends for a cozy visit. But all life is a journey and I have enjoyed this part.
September 5, 2022
I’m definitely going to miss Beatrice Stubbs. She had woven her way into my heart. This little book was entertaining and a little different. The crew is in Sweden and hanging with a heavy metal band. As always, Beatrice and her trusty sidekicks are I. The thick of it. I most likely will read this whole series again. That’s how much I love these people.
March 24, 2024
Entertaining. Interesting to spot some poetic licence, such as mountains gleaming with snow when the plane is approaching Arlanda airport right next to Stockholm. And there is a one hour difference in time between Sweden and the UK. Also, just wondering how realistic it is for a DI of the Met to contemplate a move to the Swedish policeforce? But hey, it's fiction. And entertaining.
February 25, 2022
This one was good but sad. Lots of changes in the characters’ lives, some unhappy. The mystery of the blackmailing plot was okay. At least it was local, manageable, and believable. The travel in Sweden and Lapland sounded incredible. This had the tenor of a final book, but I don’t know for sure.
November 13, 2025
This book contains many challenges for Beatrice, Catinca, Theo, Adrian and Will on New Year's holiday in Sweden but is mostly a feelgood Christmas story which regular series followers will enjoy. This installment is not full of murders, instead is an unusual psychological thriller.
December 6, 2021
A great finish to a wonderful series.
January 5, 2022
I have enjoyed this series very much, but it’s time to let her go.
January 12, 2022
True Colors, loved it.
Makes me want to get out and travel.
Reading how cold and dark it was, made me enjoy my day in the sun😉
Makes me want to get out and travel.
Reading how cold and dark it was, made me enjoy my day in the sun😉
February 12, 2022
Brilliant
Another great book in this series. Can not wait for the next book to continue following their lives and adventures.
Another great book in this series. Can not wait for the next book to continue following their lives and adventures.
February 23, 2022
thoroughly enjoyable
First time I have read a Beatrice Stubbs story and was quite annoyed I had read ant before. Love the characters
First time I have read a Beatrice Stubbs story and was quite annoyed I had read ant before. Love the characters
May 23, 2022
Ties up the series but not a necessary read since the last book pretty much did the same.
September 7, 2022
Rated 4.5 out of 10. DI Beatrice Stubbs. Meh 🫤
September 9, 2022
Love Beatrice!
Love, love these books…the stories, the people, the geography. I always feel like I have been Included in the whole scenario.
Love, love these books…the stories, the people, the geography. I always feel like I have been Included in the whole scenario.
December 13, 2022
Crime was definitely a sidebar in this ongoing ‘family’ of characters. It feels like the end of the series…… but what do I know?
March 15, 2023
Have enjoyed this series and sorry to see it come to an end.
December 26, 2021
I'm a huge fan of JJ Marsh's writing - it's always beautiful but totally approachable. True Colours was no exception. I had saved the book as a special treat to read once I'd finished work for Christmas, and was in tears quite early on, (no spoilers, but this was dealt with particularly sensitively) but the realism of the plot and the emotions of the characters - all of whom I feel I know after reading 13 of the novels was excellent.
As always completing a Beatrice Stubbs leaves me feeling as though I've read something wonderful - I'm content as everything is resolved, but always keen to look forward to the next. I hadn't expected another novel, so this was a total joy, despite the underlying sadness.
As always completing a Beatrice Stubbs leaves me feeling as though I've read something wonderful - I'm content as everything is resolved, but always keen to look forward to the next. I hadn't expected another novel, so this was a total joy, despite the underlying sadness.
December 29, 2021
Yes!!!
My first thought when I heard Beatrice Stubbs was making a reappearance: yes!!! It was so good to reconnect with them all in Sweden at Christmas. Especially Adrian and Catinka who are my favourites along with Dolly and Huggy Bear. I loved the story and marvelled at how things unfolded. Loved it!
My first thought when I heard Beatrice Stubbs was making a reappearance: yes!!! It was so good to reconnect with them all in Sweden at Christmas. Especially Adrian and Catinka who are my favourites along with Dolly and Huggy Bear. I loved the story and marvelled at how things unfolded. Loved it!
April 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this book - No. 13 in the series. JJ Marsh has a great way of developing the characters and building their stories. Beatrice was somewhat maudlin through much of the book though it was understandable because she missed Matthew so much. I was disappointed at the end when Theo and Catinca went their separate ways. I look forward to the next (and last) book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews