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Penrose & Pyke Mysteries #1
Murder in the Devil's Half Acre
Penrose and Pyke go together like fire and kerosene in this Victorian-era mystery with heart.
Trouble’s brewing in the Devil’s Half Acre. A death in an alleyway, a tragic accident in a factory, rumours of a murderer loose on the streets. It’s enough to give a genteel lady a fit of the vapours.
Fortunately, Grace Penrose isn’t one to swoon at the sight of blood. All she wants is the chance to become the first woman doctor in the colony. Instead, she is plunged into the harsh reality of the city’s worst sweatshop, where tensions are running as hot as a steam engine.
When the police prove reluctant to investigate the deaths, she turns to a constable who is already up to his neck in trouble. As the clock ticks, Grace Penrose and Constable Charlie Pyke must figure out which deaths are accidents and which are murders, because the next victim might well be one of their own.
The Penrose & Pyke Mysteries are a new series of historical mysteries, for fans of authors like Andrea Penrose and Laurie R. King. The fight for women’s rights has never been such deadly fun.
Trouble’s brewing in the Devil’s Half Acre. A death in an alleyway, a tragic accident in a factory, rumours of a murderer loose on the streets. It’s enough to give a genteel lady a fit of the vapours.
Fortunately, Grace Penrose isn’t one to swoon at the sight of blood. All she wants is the chance to become the first woman doctor in the colony. Instead, she is plunged into the harsh reality of the city’s worst sweatshop, where tensions are running as hot as a steam engine.
When the police prove reluctant to investigate the deaths, she turns to a constable who is already up to his neck in trouble. As the clock ticks, Grace Penrose and Constable Charlie Pyke must figure out which deaths are accidents and which are murders, because the next victim might well be one of their own.
The Penrose & Pyke Mysteries are a new series of historical mysteries, for fans of authors like Andrea Penrose and Laurie R. King. The fight for women’s rights has never been such deadly fun.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2022
693 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Rose Pascoe
18 books38 followersRose Pascoe writes historical mysteries with a dash of romance, when she isn’t plotting real-life adventures. She lives in beautiful New Zealand, land of beaches and mountains, where long walks provide the perfect conditions for dreaming up plots and fickle weather provides the incentive to sit down and actually write the darn things. After a career in health, justice and social research, her passion is for stories set against a backdrop of social revolution. Her heroines are ordinary women, who meet the challenges thrown at them with determination, ingenuity, courage, and humour.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 2, 2025
A fantastic beginning to a Victorian mystery series set in New Zealand and first published in 2022.
This work of historic fiction contains characters that I grew to enjoy and a wonderful pace for reading.
This work of historic fiction contains characters that I grew to enjoy and a wonderful pace for reading.
February 19, 2024
This is a very enjoyable police mystery that I rate 3.75* I found the writing engaging the characters likable and smart. The action takes place in the late 1800's in New Zealand (one of the reasons I picked this book) where working conditions in mills are poor and woman are fighting for the right to go to medical school. This is Very light on romance (but it is there). Why not a full 4*....it is a rather solid police procedural that breaks no new ground. The "bad" guy comes from a small pool of suspects. The first in a series that I may continue.
Currently reading
February 3, 2024You have to read this series. The characters are so amazing and they work together to solve the mysteries in the series, and there is romance to go along. I love the Weasels…and the fun sarcastic remarks between the main characters make you smile. Have read the complete series once and working on going through it again. I’m listening to the audio books this time. I listen when I go to bed and the books will eventually make me drop off to sleep and i usually have to pick up a chapter or two the next night…One of my favorites.
September 30, 2022
Murder in the Devil’s Half Acre
The storyline was good but I was distracted by so many grammatical errors and extra words in the wrong places. It seems as no one proof read the manuscript. Perhaps future books will be proof read better?
The storyline was good but I was distracted by so many grammatical errors and extra words in the wrong places. It seems as no one proof read the manuscript. Perhaps future books will be proof read better?
March 16, 2025
Eh. It was okay. 2.5 or 2.75 out of 5 stars. I liked the story revolving around working conditions of the lower class and the travesties that can result from it - it's not something I see very often in stories set within this time period. Also enjoyed that it was set in New Zealand, which is a setting I don't come across often. I do wish the author had included more...New Zealandness?...in the story as it really felt like it could have been set anywhere, including somewhere in England. I would have liked using the setting as character a bit more. How does this story taking place in New Zealand set it apart from any other Victorian Age story that usually takes place in London?
Also, part of the title is "Devil's Half Acre." What was that about? How did it come to be called that? I would have loved a bit more exploration around this. A half acre isn't a very big place but the story took place all over the town. I couldn't get a good grasp of what the town (city?) looked like, and I think the author could have expounded on this a bit more. Not so much that it slowed down the plot, but more details would have put me more into the town and its people.
The main characters of Grace and Charlie were just...fine. I wish we learned a bit more about them, got deeper into their thoughts and personalities. Perhaps the books after explore them a bit more. Grace is your typical Victorian Age woman who desires to break out of social norms; Charlie, your constable who is above bribery and corruption (which I'm not saying that's a bad thing!)
Once we find out who the bad guy is, I rolled my eyes the rest of the book. They just become way too cartoony and over the top. I could almost imagine twirling of mustaches, tapping of fingertips a la Mr. Burns, and maniacal laughing.
I might pick up the next book at some point, but I'm moving on to something different for now.
Also, part of the title is "Devil's Half Acre." What was that about? How did it come to be called that? I would have loved a bit more exploration around this. A half acre isn't a very big place but the story took place all over the town. I couldn't get a good grasp of what the town (city?) looked like, and I think the author could have expounded on this a bit more. Not so much that it slowed down the plot, but more details would have put me more into the town and its people.
The main characters of Grace and Charlie were just...fine. I wish we learned a bit more about them, got deeper into their thoughts and personalities. Perhaps the books after explore them a bit more. Grace is your typical Victorian Age woman who desires to break out of social norms; Charlie, your constable who is above bribery and corruption (which I'm not saying that's a bad thing!)
Once we find out who the bad guy is, I rolled my eyes the rest of the book. They just become way too cartoony and over the top. I could almost imagine twirling of mustaches, tapping of fingertips a la Mr. Burns, and maniacal laughing.
I might pick up the next book at some point, but I'm moving on to something different for now.
October 7, 2022
A fun and unique historical mystery that was mostly enjoyable. Most historical mysteries set during the 1800s are set in England. I really appreciate a new location with it's own society structure and piece of history. Of course there are similarities, but they're things common of the time and not the place. The characters are fun and this definitely falls more on the cozy side, but I would definitely recommend if you're looking for something fun and relatively short.
Quick hits:
+ The characters are fun and engaging. It makes it feel like a filled out world.
+ The setting is unique and comes with it own's interesting pieces (for example what those of Chinese descent experienced in this time period).
+ The story is mostly engaging, there are definitely conveniences but it didn't detract from my enjoyment much.
+ The pace is relatively fast, not much bumbling around.
- The mystery ended up being relatively simple and quite obvious when you really think about it.
- Parts of the story felt almost like it was going in one direction and then didn't. Maybe they were meant to be red herrings but it almost felt more jarring. It's possible this was me though (I've been reading a bunch of Christie and Sherlock).
Overall, this was fun and I enjoyed my time with it. I really think this is 3.25-3.5/5 stars but would recommend for someone looking for a quick and enjoyable read. I'll be continuing with the series for sure.
Quick hits:
+ The characters are fun and engaging. It makes it feel like a filled out world.
+ The setting is unique and comes with it own's interesting pieces (for example what those of Chinese descent experienced in this time period).
+ The story is mostly engaging, there are definitely conveniences but it didn't detract from my enjoyment much.
+ The pace is relatively fast, not much bumbling around.
- The mystery ended up being relatively simple and quite obvious when you really think about it.
- Parts of the story felt almost like it was going in one direction and then didn't. Maybe they were meant to be red herrings but it almost felt more jarring. It's possible this was me though (I've been reading a bunch of Christie and Sherlock).
Overall, this was fun and I enjoyed my time with it. I really think this is 3.25-3.5/5 stars but would recommend for someone looking for a quick and enjoyable read. I'll be continuing with the series for sure.
April 2, 2024
DNF: the writing just wasn’t for me. Felt kind of juvenile and overly simplistic. The characters seemed more like caricatures and not historically accurate. I’m okay with suspending reality in fiction but I only like it when it’s clear the author knows it’s ridiculous and over the top funny. Not like this which just felt like modern, liberal characters plopped in another era. Not my cup of tea but others may like it.
April 28, 2025
Great intro into a new series set in turn-of-the-century New Zealand, which was a new world to me, though recognizable due to it feeling similar to England/London. The characters were likable and had entertaining banter. The romantic feelings developed a bit fast, but didn't take away from the overall story. Definitely an author I'll be reading more of.
July 28, 2025
2.5 stars. It was okay in the beginning, but got worse and worse,
May 31, 2025
I have been meaning to get to this historical mystery series for quite some time, and I'm pleased to say that it was worth the wait. As historical mysteries are one of my favorite genres, I'm happy to have discovered a well-written, entertaining, character-driven new series to sink my teeth into.
Looking forward to continuing forward with Grace and Charlie.
Looking forward to continuing forward with Grace and Charlie.
October 4, 2025
1890 New Zealand. Deaths in various sweatshops led aspiring doctor Grace Penrose and DC Charlie Pyke to investigate aided by Inspector Stewart.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to the series
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to the series
September 22, 2023
This was my first book by this author and I was impressed by the story.
This book takes place in New Zealand and features Grace Penrose who dreams of becoming the first medical student at the university and constable Charlie Pykes who wants to become a detective.
The plot, though convoluted at time was very well written and nothing seemed out of place. My only peeve being the shallowness of one of the secondary characters.
This book takes place in New Zealand and features Grace Penrose who dreams of becoming the first medical student at the university and constable Charlie Pykes who wants to become a detective.
The plot, though convoluted at time was very well written and nothing seemed out of place. My only peeve being the shallowness of one of the secondary characters.
February 11, 2023
Good, but Slow
The story in this book is good. However, it gets lost in the social overtones from that era. Although the poor conditions for factory workers played a role in the book, the author went too far into the weeds with that background and the plot got lost.
This isn’t a bad book. I just feel it would have been better if the author had stayed focused on the story.
The story in this book is good. However, it gets lost in the social overtones from that era. Although the poor conditions for factory workers played a role in the book, the author went too far into the weeds with that background and the plot got lost.
This isn’t a bad book. I just feel it would have been better if the author had stayed focused on the story.
August 18, 2023
A great start
Shows great promise. But characters a bit stereotypical or even wooden. More drama, even melodrama, than is strictly necessary. With plot twists that are forced rather than organic. However, even with all that, there is a sweetness that draws you in and keeps you interested through to the last page.
Shows great promise. But characters a bit stereotypical or even wooden. More drama, even melodrama, than is strictly necessary. With plot twists that are forced rather than organic. However, even with all that, there is a sweetness that draws you in and keeps you interested through to the last page.
September 25, 2023
I found this a good introduction to another mystery series I look forward to reading. The characters are engaging and the history imbedded in the story is fascinating.
March 20, 2023
I am around 2.5 - 3 stars for this one.
It was a fine enough read.
I liked the main characters and the fact that they are to solve two deaths, that has happened.
I liked the overall feeling throughout and how it was filled with themes like prejudices and working conditions (the latter being a theme which is not usually used).
It sometimes was a bit slow for me, however other times I enjoyed the pace. There are some spelling mistakes sprinkled about and sometimes the dialogue and behaviour felt too modern.
Grace Penrose, the female protagonist, is curious, stubborn and wants to make herself a prober career in a man dominating world. She is not very different from all the other female protagonists out there and doesn't really bring anything new to the table. However, I did like her though.
Charlie Pyke, the male protagonist, is a constable. He is righteous and wants to show his worth.
What I liked about him is that he carries no trauma, is not gloomy, no rumours about him, not a scientist in his free time and who is not a drunk, a rake or someone with a somewhat bad temper and foul mood - which seems to characteristics mostly used on male protagonists these days. No, he is indeed a very kind man.
This novel has a teasing romance going on between the characters, which is sweet enough.
As first stated - It was indeed a fine enough read. It was just lacking Something ..
However, I am not against reading the others to come. I will look forward to see what else the characters will find themself entangled in and how their relationship develops.
It was a fine enough read.
I liked the main characters and the fact that they are to solve two deaths, that has happened.
I liked the overall feeling throughout and how it was filled with themes like prejudices and working conditions (the latter being a theme which is not usually used).
It sometimes was a bit slow for me, however other times I enjoyed the pace. There are some spelling mistakes sprinkled about and sometimes the dialogue and behaviour felt too modern.
Grace Penrose, the female protagonist, is curious, stubborn and wants to make herself a prober career in a man dominating world. She is not very different from all the other female protagonists out there and doesn't really bring anything new to the table. However, I did like her though.
Charlie Pyke, the male protagonist, is a constable. He is righteous and wants to show his worth.
What I liked about him is that he carries no trauma, is not gloomy, no rumours about him, not a scientist in his free time and who is not a drunk, a rake or someone with a somewhat bad temper and foul mood - which seems to characteristics mostly used on male protagonists these days. No, he is indeed a very kind man.
This novel has a teasing romance going on between the characters, which is sweet enough.
As first stated - It was indeed a fine enough read. It was just lacking Something ..
However, I am not against reading the others to come. I will look forward to see what else the characters will find themself entangled in and how their relationship develops.
July 12, 2025
Trouble’s brewing in the Devil’s Half Acre. A death in an alleyway, a tragic accident in a factory, rumours of a murderer loose on the streets. It’s enough to give a genteel lady a fit of the vapours. Fortunately, Grace Penrose isn’t one to swoon at the sight of blood.
Many believed that Grace’s passion/calling in life/ her pursuits was ‘unladylike’; it was her insatiable curiosity that got her into trouble because she knew too much and in the end put her in great danger; locked up in this manse with no means for escaping but in time she did; helped came along and she survived…outwitting the killer…who loved and adored Penrose’s belief and her sharp tongue…she did not want to be a wife (certainly no to this killer) and her dream was to become a doctor…arguing with this insane man, the killer was not to be wined; in the end, it was Charlie to the rescue.
An example of others helping to save her before the ending was when she was being attacked. She screamed for help and surely, it arrived in the form of this big man who took her assailant aside by the throat: "Put a hand on our Miss Bones again and you'll be singing soprano for the rest of your natural."
This man saw her as one of their own since she had helped to save his young son during his wife's labor, and she had given some medicinal tonic to the sickly; so in Dunedin, she was one of their own. They protected her or tried to.
There was humor and relentlessness, as well as fear, in this heroine, who spoke her mind, or knew not how to hold her tongue.
Many believed that Grace’s passion/calling in life/ her pursuits was ‘unladylike’; it was her insatiable curiosity that got her into trouble because she knew too much and in the end put her in great danger; locked up in this manse with no means for escaping but in time she did; helped came along and she survived…outwitting the killer…who loved and adored Penrose’s belief and her sharp tongue…she did not want to be a wife (certainly no to this killer) and her dream was to become a doctor…arguing with this insane man, the killer was not to be wined; in the end, it was Charlie to the rescue.
An example of others helping to save her before the ending was when she was being attacked. She screamed for help and surely, it arrived in the form of this big man who took her assailant aside by the throat: "Put a hand on our Miss Bones again and you'll be singing soprano for the rest of your natural."
This man saw her as one of their own since she had helped to save his young son during his wife's labor, and she had given some medicinal tonic to the sickly; so in Dunedin, she was one of their own. They protected her or tried to.
There was humor and relentlessness, as well as fear, in this heroine, who spoke her mind, or knew not how to hold her tongue.
August 14, 2024
I believe I was destined to love this book. Set in the town where I went to Uni, and in a period of New Zealand history I studied while I was there, I hoped I wasn't going to be disappointed with the story—and I wasn't
The book starts with a death in an alleyway, a tragic accident in a factory, rumours of a murderer loose on the streets. The story follow want-to-be doctor, Grace Penrose, and Constable Charlie Pyke as they follow the clues to find out what these things have in common.
The mystery is complex, but intriguing, the setting is brilliantly rendered, but it is the characters that make this a great read. Grace is the right mix of independent and feminine and Charlie has a soft side I love, but it's the two aunts who make this story.
The story moves along at a fast pace, and does include some social and political commentary relevant to the time, but this is added deftly in the context of the story.
If you enjoy an historic read, or a bit of mystery, then you'll love this series.!
The book starts with a death in an alleyway, a tragic accident in a factory, rumours of a murderer loose on the streets. The story follow want-to-be doctor, Grace Penrose, and Constable Charlie Pyke as they follow the clues to find out what these things have in common.
The mystery is complex, but intriguing, the setting is brilliantly rendered, but it is the characters that make this a great read. Grace is the right mix of independent and feminine and Charlie has a soft side I love, but it's the two aunts who make this story.
The story moves along at a fast pace, and does include some social and political commentary relevant to the time, but this is added deftly in the context of the story.
If you enjoy an historic read, or a bit of mystery, then you'll love this series.!
October 29, 2024
I enjoyed this story far more than I had anticipated. The main characters Penrose the soon to be female doctor, and Pyke, the intelligent and sensitive police officer, soon to be detective make a formidable team in detection. Reminds me of another two formidable teams. Seems I have a new favorite author. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed a supposed vagrant and why. Both Penrose and Pyke are extremely sensitive and observant people and I am impressed by the easy flowing writing of this author. I most certainly recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
March 5, 2025
Murder in New Zealand
I love the Victorian/Regency era mysteries. And it seems that alot of them a a male police officer and a strong female character. This one was part of that. However, most of what I have read are based in England or the US. This is only the second based in New Zealand. First, the storyline was well developed and the characters fresh, especially the secondary ones. The mystery was easily solved about 80% through, but enough twists were present in the last 20%, that the novel ended very smoothly. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
I love the Victorian/Regency era mysteries. And it seems that alot of them a a male police officer and a strong female character. This one was part of that. However, most of what I have read are based in England or the US. This is only the second based in New Zealand. First, the storyline was well developed and the characters fresh, especially the secondary ones. The mystery was easily solved about 80% through, but enough twists were present in the last 20%, that the novel ended very smoothly. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
August 15, 2025
What an interesting story! Grace is looking to help women and children working in weaving factories with unsafe and unrepaired looms. One young boy has already been killed. Then there are the Chelmsford’s—Sterling (the father) and Edmund his son. Edmund wants to get all the money he can, but uses cocaine, drinks gin, and gambles on race horses. Will Grace and Charlie be able to figure out all the details and plots to help their friends?
August 17, 2025
DNF
The blurb suggests this is a crime novel. Although there is crime happening the main focus is ladies helping the poor with their medical needs. Over a third of the way into the book there's a suspicious death which the main characters are not investigating and a work accident which they've reported. There's a lot of kind heartedness and things working out. It needs more grit and focus on investigation to keep me interested so I'm not going to continue reading.
The blurb suggests this is a crime novel. Although there is crime happening the main focus is ladies helping the poor with their medical needs. Over a third of the way into the book there's a suspicious death which the main characters are not investigating and a work accident which they've reported. There's a lot of kind heartedness and things working out. It needs more grit and focus on investigation to keep me interested so I'm not going to continue reading.
October 12, 2023
Enjoyed this book, but had some problems.
I enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting. Learning about a period in New Zealand's history was fascinating. However, it needs editing re: missing words, extra words, mispellings, and misused words. These irritants caused me to have to stop and adjust my attention which negatively affected my enjoyment of the book.
I enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting. Learning about a period in New Zealand's history was fascinating. However, it needs editing re: missing words, extra words, mispellings, and misused words. These irritants caused me to have to stop and adjust my attention which negatively affected my enjoyment of the book.
November 12, 2024
A new and refreshing series start - in 1895 New Zealand - women's rights including the right to vote and admission to medical school were early issues there. Two different protagonists whose mutual attraction will likely last across cast, education and distance. I will continue with this series. I thought the conclusion was a bit forced so could not give this book a 5 - but I wanted to!
January 20, 2025
A very dark, but refreshingly, sweet mystery series. The banter between the two main characters is quite amusing as they follow the clues to a terrible murder, police cover up and unfit work conditions. It's set in New Zealand and has very interesting snippets of history to that area also. On to the second in the series!
July 3, 2025
Great first book in the Series
Love the characters and that the guy in this mid 1800’s story is not inept or think too much of himself to listen to the women who turns out to be his partner in this investigation. They respect each other. She would like to go to medical school in New Zealand. He is a lowly constable but both have good instincts for investigation.
Love the characters and that the guy in this mid 1800’s story is not inept or think too much of himself to listen to the women who turns out to be his partner in this investigation. They respect each other. She would like to go to medical school in New Zealand. He is a lowly constable but both have good instincts for investigation.
August 9, 2025
Excellent story written about Dunedin, a town in New Zealand's Otago district.
Very enjoyable detective story. I was interested to see in the author's notes that she visited the Otago Settlers Museum, as I visited it myself many years ago and was fascinated by it. I certainly will want to read the next book!
Very enjoyable detective story. I was interested to see in the author's notes that she visited the Otago Settlers Museum, as I visited it myself many years ago and was fascinated by it. I certainly will want to read the next book!
January 27, 2023
I enjoyed this book at first, but then about 1/3 of the way through I started to skim it. There were too many cute moments and clever dialogue for me to accept it. The characters seemed too modern, although the situations were believable.
April 6, 2023
So well plotted, such good pacing from beginning to end! Great characters, fascinating historical setting. Of course I love anything about Woolen Mills in history but the author's research was excellent and she conjured up a fascinating world from the past! I strongly recommend!
May 14, 2024
A great read
Thought I would give this author a try and thoroughly enjoyed her book. The characters and unusual surroundings made for an extremely entertaining read.
Loved it.
Looking forward to reading more of Rose Pascoes books,
Thought I would give this author a try and thoroughly enjoyed her book. The characters and unusual surroundings made for an extremely entertaining read.
Loved it.
Looking forward to reading more of Rose Pascoes books,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews