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The Northminster Mysteries
The Dolls at Heron’s Reach
In August 1935, a shocking discovery is made at a secluded country house in the north of England: a horrific double murder has been committed in bizarre circumstances.
Detective Chief Inspector Will Fairfax has recently transferred from Scotland Yard to the Northminster Constabulary, but even before the removal men have arrived with his furniture, he is confronted with one of the most disturbing cases of his professional life.
Young medic Dr Magnus McQuarrie is at a crossroads in his career when he is called to the scene of this dark mystery, and he soon finds himself caught up in a tangled investigation.
The hunt for the perpetrators of this brutal crime reveals further strange evidence, and the solution seems ever more elusive.
For Will Fairfax, the challenge set by the fate of the victims cannot be ignored and he will do everything he can to see justice done.
However, for Magnus McQuarrie, the pull of other worlds, particularly his personal life, leads to dangerously conflicting loyalties.
From the author of the acclaimed Northminster Mysteries, The Dolls at Heron’s Reach is an enthralling mystery set in Northminster before the Second World War.
Detective Chief Inspector Will Fairfax has recently transferred from Scotland Yard to the Northminster Constabulary, but even before the removal men have arrived with his furniture, he is confronted with one of the most disturbing cases of his professional life.
Young medic Dr Magnus McQuarrie is at a crossroads in his career when he is called to the scene of this dark mystery, and he soon finds himself caught up in a tangled investigation.
The hunt for the perpetrators of this brutal crime reveals further strange evidence, and the solution seems ever more elusive.
For Will Fairfax, the challenge set by the fate of the victims cannot be ignored and he will do everything he can to see justice done.
However, for Magnus McQuarrie, the pull of other worlds, particularly his personal life, leads to dangerously conflicting loyalties.
From the author of the acclaimed Northminster Mysteries, The Dolls at Heron’s Reach is an enthralling mystery set in Northminster before the Second World War.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 22, 2022
Enthralling
This book was every bit as good as all the others about the North ministry Constabulary. I found myself looking for little hints of characters from the previous books and Ms. Smart did not disappoint. I look forward to more books in this series and the previous series. Thank you.
This book was every bit as good as all the others about the North ministry Constabulary. I found myself looking for little hints of characters from the previous books and Ms. Smart did not disappoint. I look forward to more books in this series and the previous series. Thank you.
November 13, 2022
Surprising
I started reading believing it was a continuation of book 10 in The Northminster Mysteries and was surprised. It was a Northminster Mystery but it had jumped 100 years ahead to 1935. New characters, that I liked a lot, though I missed Major Vernon and Dr.Carswell. But the book was great. As I said great characters and exciting plot with a surprising ending.
I started reading believing it was a continuation of book 10 in The Northminster Mysteries and was surprised. It was a Northminster Mystery but it had jumped 100 years ahead to 1935. New characters, that I liked a lot, though I missed Major Vernon and Dr.Carswell. But the book was great. As I said great characters and exciting plot with a surprising ending.
October 1, 2022
Utterly twisted and fantastic
March 3, 2024
Brilliant, except for the ”said”s
This is another riveting story from Harriet Smart, with believable characters and a well-worked plot, but, with apologies for a negative comment, it would be better if more alternatives were used instead of “said”: replied; chuckled; sighed; wondered….
This is another riveting story from Harriet Smart, with believable characters and a well-worked plot, but, with apologies for a negative comment, it would be better if more alternatives were used instead of “said”: replied; chuckled; sighed; wondered….
January 17, 2025
Great Characters
Very good mystery. The main characters are well established. My only complaint is the lack of a good edit. Many, many errors with wording. Too many areas of incorrect wording, not deleting unnecessary words, and missing words.
Very good mystery. The main characters are well established. My only complaint is the lack of a good edit. Many, many errors with wording. Too many areas of incorrect wording, not deleting unnecessary words, and missing words.
February 16, 2023
Another good start
This author continues to pen work that is detailed and filled with interesting characters. I'm a fan for long as she writes.
This author continues to pen work that is detailed and filled with interesting characters. I'm a fan for long as she writes.
October 15, 2023
Not bad
This was better than I expected. It did become obvious who the killer was and the reasons behind the crime, but I enjoyed reading how Will Fairfax got to the conclusion.
This was better than I expected. It did become obvious who the killer was and the reasons behind the crime, but I enjoyed reading how Will Fairfax got to the conclusion.
April 19, 2024
Amazing Author
I have loved everyone of the Northminster series, old and new. They are must read in my mind and the outcomes are very unpredictable.
I have loved everyone of the Northminster series, old and new. They are must read in my mind and the outcomes are very unpredictable.
December 7, 2025
1935. Two decaying bodies are discovered in the empty house that is Heron's Reach. Newly arrived DCI Will Fairfax, with the aid of Dr Magnus McQuarrie, police surgeon, investigate. But these will not be the only deaths that occur.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews