Murder Most Melancholy

Penrose & Pyke Mysteries #2

by Rose Pascoe

Penrose & Pyke venture to the edge of madness when they reunite to investigate two tragic deaths and an old mystery.

The last words of a frightened woman may be a vital clue to the disappearance of an old friend, if they aren’t the ravings of delusional lunatic. Detective Constable Charlie Pyke is desperate to find out. But is he desperate enough to risk the life of his sleuthing partner, medical student Grace Penrose? More to the point, can he stop her?

The answers lie behind the locked doors of an asylum for wealthy young women of delicate sensibilities, where high walls and dark corridors conceal more than one shocking secret.

The ‘Penrose & Pyke Mysteries’ are a series of heart-warming, pulse-racing historical mysteries, set during a remarkable period of social upheaval in 1890s New Zealand. The fight for women’s rights has never been such deadly fun.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery, Mystery Thriller

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2022

About the author

Rose 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.

Reviews

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful. The writing is witty and funny but the plot is dark and suspenseful. I'm quite enjoying this series.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this second entry in the Penrose and Pyke mystery series. Lots of twists and turns made for an exciting and frequently unexpected story. As in the first book, all the clues are there which gave the reader a fair chance to solve the puzzle prior to the reveal at the end. I was able to figure out one thing but it was more of a fleeting thought at the time the clue was presented. I wasn't sure I wanted to read a horror story about a Victorian era "lunatic asylum" but the author provided a different take that I really enjoyed. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I just hope there are plenty more entries to come.

[Kelly A. Foth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong characters, involved and believable plots, and excellent prose. . .this series is a MUST read

The quirky, intelligent characters are so well developed in a carefully-described time period that you feel a part of their lives. Certainly the intricate plots make you keep reading well into the night. Bravo to the writer! Thank you for giving us such rich literary treats.

[Helen Goltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The brave, fiery and obstinate doctor, Grace Penrose, and her police friend, Charlie Pyke, (who wants more than a friendship) make for a great crime-fighting pair. I am really enjoying the historic detail and having it set in beautiful New Zealand!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so refreshing! This one deals with a vanished childhood friend and the depth at which people would go to hide loved ones away, that didn't have the same views or were considered 'crazy'. There are great pops of history here and there, but the interaction between the main characters as well as supporting characters is fantastic. Now to book 3

[George Yore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read with interesting chaeracters

Penrose and pike are very pleasant characters to spend time with . The stories are interesting and the cast of characters are colorful enough to keep want to spend time with

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Read #1 and love the characters and the series. Set in New Zealand and Pyke a constable respects Ms Penrose. She is studying to become a doctor. She spends her vacation time investigating at an insane asylum where most of them are not insane but this is the late 1800’s…

[Stephen Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

resurrection

I disliked nothing. The story was well told with the plot taking twists and turns. I look forward to reading her next novel.

[Karen M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable series

Penrose & Pyke Mysteries is an enjoyable series. It takes place in New Zealand and shares how women fought for equality. Very interesting.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the 1st. A true murder mystery with a shake your head ending.

[Vicki]

Wonderful series with well-written characters and plot, just needs a proofreader.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars

Nice second outing...I'm officially a Rose Pascoe fan. :)