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Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries #2
Bones at the Manor House
An alternative cover edition for this retitled ASIN B01MRYLCGV can be found here.
Two ghosts troubled Dr. Benjamin Bones. One he feared would never release him. Another he worried might slip away, however much he tightened his grip...
So begins the long-awaited second book in Emma Jameson's wartime cozy mystery series. Return to Birdswing, a tiny Cornish village, in the bitter winter of 1939 and revisit old friends as they embark on more amateur sleuthing.
Lady Juliet is vexed by the return of her ne'er-do-well husband, Ethan Bolivar, while Ben's obsession with the Fenton House ghost deepens. When a bloodless, naked corpse is discovered in a great house in the nearby village of Barking, Ben and Juliet uncover lies, theft, illicit affairs, and a butler who just might have done it.
Originally published as Divorce Can Be Deadly
Two ghosts troubled Dr. Benjamin Bones. One he feared would never release him. Another he worried might slip away, however much he tightened his grip...
So begins the long-awaited second book in Emma Jameson's wartime cozy mystery series. Return to Birdswing, a tiny Cornish village, in the bitter winter of 1939 and revisit old friends as they embark on more amateur sleuthing.
Lady Juliet is vexed by the return of her ne'er-do-well husband, Ethan Bolivar, while Ben's obsession with the Fenton House ghost deepens. When a bloodless, naked corpse is discovered in a great house in the nearby village of Barking, Ben and Juliet uncover lies, theft, illicit affairs, and a butler who just might have done it.
Originally published as Divorce Can Be Deadly
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2016
950 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
September 12, 2022
Great murder mystery with H involved in gruesome medical issues and a murder. He's more confident as he has regained movement and is determined to be a better doctor. His friendship with Lady Julia faltered when her wayward husband returned. I really enjoyed this book, the gory reality, angst and wonderful mystery.
February 24, 2018
"Divorce Can Be Deadly" is a page-turning delight. All is not what it appears at first glance. Spies, ancient local lore and murder meld together seamlessly in this engaging second installment of Emma Jameson's Dr. Bones mystery series set in World War II Cornwall. Sparks fly as Ben and Lady Juliet put their heads together to track down a ruthless killer. I eagerly await the next book.
September 12, 2022
Great murder mystery with H involved in gruesome medical issues and a murder. He's more confident as he has regained movement and is determined to be a better doctor. His friendship with Lady Julia faltered when her wayward husband returned. I really enjoyed this book, the gory reality, angst and wonderful mystery.
September 12, 2022
This was billed as a "cozy murder mystery" which always cracks me up. Cozy murders! I needed this lightweight fare as a break from a heavier tome. Dr. Bones is a young, good-looking widower in small-village England at the dawn of WWII. His tag-along in solving murders is a 6 foot tall young woman of the gentry who has a mad crush on him, but she's caught in a marriage to a cad. In this particular case, a laborer from the village is found dead with his throat cut (but no blood) at one of the grand country houses. Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet provide the kind of investigating that the somewhat inept local constable can not. Kind of cute, although it was unnecessary to bring the specter of Bones' murdered wife and a Ouija board into the plot.
I gagged on a couple lines: "Too much time in the company of a female, any female, upset the male equilibrium." and "This is exactly what I need, he thought. To chat up a woman who makes me feel like a man," but that's just the times.
I gagged on a couple lines: "Too much time in the company of a female, any female, upset the male equilibrium." and "This is exactly what I need, he thought. To chat up a woman who makes me feel like a man," but that's just the times.
October 15, 2025
I've definitely fallen for the weird & quirky residents of Birdswing.
Loved the development of Dr Bones and Lady Juliet yet at the same time, fingers crossed the next installment doesn't jump the shark in that regard.
The mysterious murder was a good one. Despite the lightheartedness of the "feel" of the writing, the themes were pretty dark in Divorce Can Be Deadly aka Bones at the Manor House. I'm going to call it a "dark cozy", which are my favorites.
Looking forward to what's next!
Loved the development of Dr Bones and Lady Juliet yet at the same time, fingers crossed the next installment doesn't jump the shark in that regard.
The mysterious murder was a good one. Despite the lightheartedness of the "feel" of the writing, the themes were pretty dark in Divorce Can Be Deadly aka Bones at the Manor House. I'm going to call it a "dark cozy", which are my favorites.
Looking forward to what's next!
April 26, 2019
And the good series continues...
Dr Benjamin Bones continues to facsinate the “birds” of the village of Birdswing in Cornwall. A lot of sleuth works, some medical attention for the villagers from the good doctor and hints of romance.
I am good for the next book..
Dr Benjamin Bones continues to facsinate the “birds” of the village of Birdswing in Cornwall. A lot of sleuth works, some medical attention for the villagers from the good doctor and hints of romance.
I am good for the next book..
June 29, 2022
2022 bk 194. Something was off for me - while it held intriguing possibilities - it didn't seem to follow Edgar Allan Poe's rules for a mystery. The essential clues were not there until much later, there were some plot inconsistencies and character inconsistencies that were jarring to my reading sense. Otherwise, it was okay and furthered the story of Dr. Bones and the villages he serves.
December 20, 2017
I love these characters and this series! A great cozy mystery in every book!
February 24, 2020
Such a good series, set in 1939 Cornwall.
December 28, 2016
How nice it was to return to Birdswing and a new mystery for Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet to solve!
The war is still ongoing, and Dr. Bones (Ben) is making his place in Birdswing with the locals. It is now winter, and Ben is also attempting to learn more from a book called "Revelations of a Reluctant Medium" as he strives to communicate with the spirit of the former owner of his cottage, Lucy McGregor. One morning as he is perusing the book, Lady Juliet busts into his place after getting into a disagreement with Odette Maggart in the neighboring town of Barking. Before the morning is over, the doctor is actually called to Barking, as a dead body has been found there. Of course Lady Juliet insists on going with him to assist.
What follows is a not only a great "whodunit" but also we learn more about Lady Juliet, as her n'er-do-well husband, Ethan Bolivar, returns and announces his intentions to win her over and discourage her from seeking a divorce. A plot twist develops that you do not see coming! Further, Lady Juliet is dealing with the fact that she is indeed falling in love with Ben, while Ben is very confused by how upset he is at Ethan's return.
This book was definitely worth the wait, and so much fun to read. Ben and Lady Juliet are turning into two of my favorite characters and I really cannot wait to read more about them.
NOTE: Personally, for me, it was best to read this book before reading the short story titled Dr. Bones & the Christmas Wish - and trust me, you are going to want to get to it immediately upon finishing this book!
Great work again, Emma! <3
The war is still ongoing, and Dr. Bones (Ben) is making his place in Birdswing with the locals. It is now winter, and Ben is also attempting to learn more from a book called "Revelations of a Reluctant Medium" as he strives to communicate with the spirit of the former owner of his cottage, Lucy McGregor. One morning as he is perusing the book, Lady Juliet busts into his place after getting into a disagreement with Odette Maggart in the neighboring town of Barking. Before the morning is over, the doctor is actually called to Barking, as a dead body has been found there. Of course Lady Juliet insists on going with him to assist.
What follows is a not only a great "whodunit" but also we learn more about Lady Juliet, as her n'er-do-well husband, Ethan Bolivar, returns and announces his intentions to win her over and discourage her from seeking a divorce. A plot twist develops that you do not see coming! Further, Lady Juliet is dealing with the fact that she is indeed falling in love with Ben, while Ben is very confused by how upset he is at Ethan's return.
This book was definitely worth the wait, and so much fun to read. Ben and Lady Juliet are turning into two of my favorite characters and I really cannot wait to read more about them.
NOTE: Personally, for me, it was best to read this book before reading the short story titled Dr. Bones & the Christmas Wish - and trust me, you are going to want to get to it immediately upon finishing this book!
Great work again, Emma! <3
October 6, 2023
I swear I didn't intentionally read a series of books featuring ghosts just because it's Spooky Season. It was purely coincidental.
I have enjoyed both the Benjamin Bones books (despite quite a bit of trepidation based on the name "Benjamin Bones", which sounds like it should belong to a character in a completely different kind of book). Great characters (including a mother I almost rank up there with the Dowager Duchess of Denver), excellent smart writing, twisty mysteries - I thought I had a beautiful line on where this one was going, and I was only partly right. And it's the homefront of England (Cornwall) during WWII.
It's a shame there's only a novella left to this story - the situation between the main characters is at a bit of a cliffhanger. There's a lot more that could be told here, and I'd be happy to read about it.
I have enjoyed both the Benjamin Bones books (despite quite a bit of trepidation based on the name "Benjamin Bones", which sounds like it should belong to a character in a completely different kind of book). Great characters (including a mother I almost rank up there with the Dowager Duchess of Denver), excellent smart writing, twisty mysteries - I thought I had a beautiful line on where this one was going, and I was only partly right. And it's the homefront of England (Cornwall) during WWII.
It's a shame there's only a novella left to this story - the situation between the main characters is at a bit of a cliffhanger. There's a lot more that could be told here, and I'd be happy to read about it.
August 10, 2018
I didn't like it quite as much as the first, but it's still an excellent series. I think it was just missing the humor.
Setting: Cornwall, England at the beginning of World War II
Setting: Cornwall, England at the beginning of World War II
May 26, 2025
Emma Jameson is an excellent author. I have read the series about Lord and Lady Hetheridge and I thought I would purchase her books about Dr Ben Bones. “Bones at the Manor House” was the third book in this series, and I loved it.
Ms. Jameson is a classic writer, and her tales depict the era well, with excellent research about the Second World War years. Her books are easy to read, and the characters are true to life.
This story is about a labourer found dead with his throat cut in an upscale manor house, with no blood to be found. Dr Ben and his friend, a sleuthing companion, Lady Juliet, are on the case. The story involves some mystery about ghosts in the manor and clues to Ben from previous spirits.
The possible budding romance between Dr Ben and Lady Juliet was disappointing when Juliet’s husband returned, and the possible divorce was asked to be postponed.
I would recommend these books to anyone who loves well-written mysteries.
Ms. Jameson is a classic writer, and her tales depict the era well, with excellent research about the Second World War years. Her books are easy to read, and the characters are true to life.
This story is about a labourer found dead with his throat cut in an upscale manor house, with no blood to be found. Dr Ben and his friend, a sleuthing companion, Lady Juliet, are on the case. The story involves some mystery about ghosts in the manor and clues to Ben from previous spirits.
The possible budding romance between Dr Ben and Lady Juliet was disappointing when Juliet’s husband returned, and the possible divorce was asked to be postponed.
I would recommend these books to anyone who loves well-written mysteries.
September 14, 2022
The discovery of a corpse at a stately home in a nearby village guides Dr Bones to the seamier side of upper-crust life.
I absolutely adored the first book (Marriage Can Be Murder aka Bones in the Blackout) and was holding off on the second to leave it as a "treat". The arrival of autumn and the savage changes that entail dictated that I hunt this book out and get to reading immediately.
The setting was, once again, spectacular. The author nails the apprehension at the start of the second World War as well as the preparations that were undertaken preemptively. The characters show growth within themselves as well as their relationships with others, but still remain faithful to who they were at the end of the first book. The mystery had its own kinks until it was brought to a satisfying conclusion.
Recommended. A solid cosy read.
I absolutely adored the first book (Marriage Can Be Murder aka Bones in the Blackout) and was holding off on the second to leave it as a "treat". The arrival of autumn and the savage changes that entail dictated that I hunt this book out and get to reading immediately.
The setting was, once again, spectacular. The author nails the apprehension at the start of the second World War as well as the preparations that were undertaken preemptively. The characters show growth within themselves as well as their relationships with others, but still remain faithful to who they were at the end of the first book. The mystery had its own kinks until it was brought to a satisfying conclusion.
Recommended. A solid cosy read.
January 10, 2023
Mysterious
A very clean mystery with no violence, foul language or graphic sex scenes. Thank you Emma Jameson.
I read about a third of the book and stopped reading. I just couldn't get into the story. I was confused and lost to what was going on for a story. I guess the old English country setting and the English characters added to my confusion.
Thankful, after a few weeks, I went back to the story determined to dig in a see if there was a story being told. I'm glad I did. The crime mystery, romance, strong characters and a brilliant story came to a wonderful conclusion.
The proper English society and various levels of culture was tastefully blended so well you could visualize the settings and character actions.
I'm sure you will enjoy the story but be sure to read the complete tale.
A very clean mystery with no violence, foul language or graphic sex scenes. Thank you Emma Jameson.
I read about a third of the book and stopped reading. I just couldn't get into the story. I was confused and lost to what was going on for a story. I guess the old English country setting and the English characters added to my confusion.
Thankful, after a few weeks, I went back to the story determined to dig in a see if there was a story being told. I'm glad I did. The crime mystery, romance, strong characters and a brilliant story came to a wonderful conclusion.
The proper English society and various levels of culture was tastefully blended so well you could visualize the settings and character actions.
I'm sure you will enjoy the story but be sure to read the complete tale.
December 7, 2019
Highly recommended!
I have until now shied away from anything hinting at a romance novel but the Dr Bones series have hooked me in. I had difficulty putting this down and now I have it is with some disappointment that things haven’t been resolved as I hoped. I particularly enjoy the characterisation of Lady Juliett, a force of nature! There is a lot of humour in this that I enjoyed and moments of sadness as well. I got for the first time a sense of the horror that must have been the bombing of Britain during the Second World War. It was only a very small section of the book that did this but I think it must have been due to the engagement the author elicited from me with her honed skills. Thank you
I have until now shied away from anything hinting at a romance novel but the Dr Bones series have hooked me in. I had difficulty putting this down and now I have it is with some disappointment that things haven’t been resolved as I hoped. I particularly enjoy the characterisation of Lady Juliett, a force of nature! There is a lot of humour in this that I enjoyed and moments of sadness as well. I got for the first time a sense of the horror that must have been the bombing of Britain during the Second World War. It was only a very small section of the book that did this but I think it must have been due to the engagement the author elicited from me with her honed skills. Thank you
September 17, 2022
This one was better than the first, despite the ghosts and I'm not sure how I feel about the spy stuff. Still, as long as I get the witty writing and interesting cases, I'll keep reading.....although apparently all that is available are a couple of short stories. I can't complain too much since she gave us the Blue series, but I've read all of them, and I want more. She does say, though, that more Tony and Kate are coming and that she is currently writing Dr. Bones #3.
So I investigated this author a little more - she also writes fantasy adventure and "adult" romance as S.A. Reid. But neither of those genres appeal to me. I wish she would concentrate full time on the 2 series I like: Blue and Bones. But who am I to tell her what genre to write?
So I investigated this author a little more - she also writes fantasy adventure and "adult" romance as S.A. Reid. But neither of those genres appeal to me. I wish she would concentrate full time on the 2 series I like: Blue and Bones. But who am I to tell her what genre to write?
December 5, 2025
Secrets, subtext, and subterfuge
If you like a good whodunit set in a small Cornwall village during WWII—which means no cell phones and Internet and Instagram influencers spouting their latest dream lifestyle product—this one is for you. There are twists and turns in love, life, and luck as Dr Bones and Lady Juliette try another go at amateur sleuthing when a local philanderer turns up dead in the manor home of the neighboring village.
Inspector Gaston and Mrs Cobblewhite are there along with Juliette’s mother Lady Victoria, her hopefully-soon-to-be-ex-husband Ethan, and other favorites from book one. And, of course, a whole new set of characters to add spice to the question of whodunit and why?
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
If you like a good whodunit set in a small Cornwall village during WWII—which means no cell phones and Internet and Instagram influencers spouting their latest dream lifestyle product—this one is for you. There are twists and turns in love, life, and luck as Dr Bones and Lady Juliette try another go at amateur sleuthing when a local philanderer turns up dead in the manor home of the neighboring village.
Inspector Gaston and Mrs Cobblewhite are there along with Juliette’s mother Lady Victoria, her hopefully-soon-to-be-ex-husband Ethan, and other favorites from book one. And, of course, a whole new set of characters to add spice to the question of whodunit and why?
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
November 30, 2022
Bones at the Manor House written by Emma Jameson. This title is Book #2 in the Dr. Benjamin Bones Mystery series.
“Two ghosts troubled Dr. Benjamin Bones. One he feared would never release him. Another, he worried might slip away, however much he tightened his grip.”
In Book #2 of this series, we return to Birdswing in Cornwall, in the bitter winter of 1939 and revisit old friends (Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet) as they embark on more amateur sleuthing.
Another good mystery by Ms. Jameson with interesting, eccentric characters, good locations, and cultural and historical ‘tidbits’ of the era. Witty and enjoyable. ****
“Two ghosts troubled Dr. Benjamin Bones. One he feared would never release him. Another, he worried might slip away, however much he tightened his grip.”
In Book #2 of this series, we return to Birdswing in Cornwall, in the bitter winter of 1939 and revisit old friends (Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet) as they embark on more amateur sleuthing.
Another good mystery by Ms. Jameson with interesting, eccentric characters, good locations, and cultural and historical ‘tidbits’ of the era. Witty and enjoyable. ****
May 20, 2017
Emma Jameson is an extremely talented mystery writer who doesn't seem to have been fully discovered yet. This is the third series of hers that I have read. They're all good, with interesting, non-stereotypical characters of various races and abilities. This series is the most fleshed out. It features Dr. Benjamin Bones, a doctor during World War II who, much to his disappointment, is assigned to cover several rural towns in England. Jameson's writing is excellent and her characters are dimensional, sympathetic, and interesting.
November 20, 2020
3.5 Stars
I love all the characters in this series.
Dr. Benjamin Bones and Lady Juliet are working together to solve another murder in Cornwall. The murder happens in the house of a woman who doesn't like Juliet at all. Lady Maggart tries to cause trouble for Juliet with the people in the small town of Birdswing. She needs to put her down as often as possible.
The banter between Ben and Juliet is so much fun. They push one another's buttons. Juliet is always teasing Ben about Rose (a potential love interest), and Ben teases Juliet right back. I love how Ben stands up to people who treat Juliet badly. The World War II setting is interesting as we see how the townsfolk are adjusting to rationing, blackouts, and their men going off to war. I loved it.
There are several twists that I didn't see coming. I hope Emma Jameson continues this series in the near future. There is so much more to explore about these characters.
I love all the characters in this series.
Dr. Benjamin Bones and Lady Juliet are working together to solve another murder in Cornwall. The murder happens in the house of a woman who doesn't like Juliet at all. Lady Maggart tries to cause trouble for Juliet with the people in the small town of Birdswing. She needs to put her down as often as possible.
The banter between Ben and Juliet is so much fun. They push one another's buttons. Juliet is always teasing Ben about Rose (a potential love interest), and Ben teases Juliet right back. I love how Ben stands up to people who treat Juliet badly. The World War II setting is interesting as we see how the townsfolk are adjusting to rationing, blackouts, and their men going off to war. I loved it.
There are several twists that I didn't see coming. I hope Emma Jameson continues this series in the near future. There is so much more to explore about these characters.
November 14, 2022
It's a historical cozy mystery! It's a spoof! It's a soap opera! It's a romance!
It's all of that and more!
Definitely character driven (and they certainly are!), and a lot of fun despite the corpse and, well, other things. Even if you haven't read the first in series (I did), I think that this does stand alone just fine. There are some really fun characters. sneaky plot twists, and even a mystifying red herring or three (but no spoilers!). Great cosy read!
Wonderful narration as always by voice actor Matthew Lloyd Davies.
It's all of that and more!
Definitely character driven (and they certainly are!), and a lot of fun despite the corpse and, well, other things. Even if you haven't read the first in series (I did), I think that this does stand alone just fine. There are some really fun characters. sneaky plot twists, and even a mystifying red herring or three (but no spoilers!). Great cosy read!
Wonderful narration as always by voice actor Matthew Lloyd Davies.
June 24, 2017
Good
It's not a classic , but it is well written and entertaining ..
The character development is good for Dr Bones and
lady Juliet and perhaps less good for Mrs Grundy. Regardless , the motivation for murder is believable upon reflection. Everyone knows someone like the hard headed Gaston who epitomizes blind adherence to the rules. The setting is descriptive and atmospheric . I am looking forward to book 3.
It's not a classic , but it is well written and entertaining ..
The character development is good for Dr Bones and
lady Juliet and perhaps less good for Mrs Grundy. Regardless , the motivation for murder is believable upon reflection. Everyone knows someone like the hard headed Gaston who epitomizes blind adherence to the rules. The setting is descriptive and atmospheric . I am looking forward to book 3.
July 12, 2017
They're growing on me...
Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet are divided by her (soon-to-be-ex?) husband, Ethan; murder is afoot one again; and the home front is bracing for attack. Our protagonists are growing on me, and I can't wait for the next one ("Dr. Bones and the Christmas Wish), in which Emma Jameson promises at least one burning question will be answered - without, naturally, saying which question that is!
Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet are divided by her (soon-to-be-ex?) husband, Ethan; murder is afoot one again; and the home front is bracing for attack. Our protagonists are growing on me, and I can't wait for the next one ("Dr. Bones and the Christmas Wish), in which Emma Jameson promises at least one burning question will be answered - without, naturally, saying which question that is!
August 18, 2017
Too Fun
I'm giving this five stars because I thoroughly enjoyed this one as well as the first in the series. It had me settling in with my own cup of tea to sip along with the characters as they plotted and planned, cussed and discussed alternatives to who-done-it. I like the way Jameson handles characters. She lets them develop. However does she work up Lady Juliet's dialogue? Too fun!!
I'm giving this five stars because I thoroughly enjoyed this one as well as the first in the series. It had me settling in with my own cup of tea to sip along with the characters as they plotted and planned, cussed and discussed alternatives to who-done-it. I like the way Jameson handles characters. She lets them develop. However does she work up Lady Juliet's dialogue? Too fun!!
August 2, 2021
Can't believe it took me 4 (!) years to get back to Ben and Juliet. Though I can totally understand why.. I enjoyed this one, I really did. It was smart and funny, with a few interesting mysteries (I was FAR from guessing) and yet it somehow didn't grab me as I hoped it would. Maybe it's me being selfish and wanting something MORE between Ben and Juliet (besides longing from her side and maybe confusion from Ben's). The writing is superb! But it was also a bit difficult at times having to deal with not only the British dialect but also it being dated to 1939.
We've met Dr. Benjamin "Ben" Bones in the first installment - "Marriage Can Be Murder" - coming to live and work in the country is not exactly what he had in mind, by especially during the war, this is where he is needed. Originally he came with his wife Penny, but she was murdered in the first installment making him not just a doctor but an amateur detective. Together with his new found friend Lady Juliet Linton life is far more interesting. Juliet might not behave like a lady (or dress like one..) but she is smart and fun to be around. I think both find something refreshing and challenging (intellectually) in each other's company even when they are not trying to figure out who killed Bobby Archer.
We've met some of the secondary characters, like Ben's house keeper Mrs. Cobblepot who has a real talent in baking and her brother - the rather annoying - Clarence Gaston (the ARP Warden and special constable). There is naturally Juliet's mother - Lady Victoria, as well as some other minor town people. I'd say that though there are quite a few people who are introduced - especially in Fitchley Park where Bobby was found dead - I felt it was manageable and moreover it allowed me to speculate (and get it all wrong) about who did what and why. There is a HUGE plot going on over in Fitchley Park, it was far more complicated than I thought it would be and there isn't just "one" bad guy. I liked the way things progressed with Ben, Juliet and Gaston each sharing their own ideas which were refuted every single time till the very end.
There is another issue Juliet has to deal with - her long lost husband Ethan Bolivar is back. She hopes it means she'll be a divorced woman sooner rather than later now that he is here, but things get even more complicated once he shares his real reasons for returning. The whole thing affect the relationship between Juliet and Ben. I wonder if Emma would write another novel of these two and if they'll get one day their own HEA. I know there are two more novellas - they are next on my list - but I don't have much hope with how short they are.
I feel like this is a rather rambling review with me saying very little about what's actually happening but I don't think I could have it any other way. If you are a fan of Historical novels, British country side and mystery there is NO DOUBT you need to read this one. But even if you aren't I say give it a go. Naturally only AFTER reading the first one or you'll be confused to why Ben and Juliet are so obsessed with ghosts (and a lot more).
More Reviews HERE
We've met Dr. Benjamin "Ben" Bones in the first installment - "Marriage Can Be Murder" - coming to live and work in the country is not exactly what he had in mind, by especially during the war, this is where he is needed. Originally he came with his wife Penny, but she was murdered in the first installment making him not just a doctor but an amateur detective. Together with his new found friend Lady Juliet Linton life is far more interesting. Juliet might not behave like a lady (or dress like one..) but she is smart and fun to be around. I think both find something refreshing and challenging (intellectually) in each other's company even when they are not trying to figure out who killed Bobby Archer.
We've met some of the secondary characters, like Ben's house keeper Mrs. Cobblepot who has a real talent in baking and her brother - the rather annoying - Clarence Gaston (the ARP Warden and special constable). There is naturally Juliet's mother - Lady Victoria, as well as some other minor town people. I'd say that though there are quite a few people who are introduced - especially in Fitchley Park where Bobby was found dead - I felt it was manageable and moreover it allowed me to speculate (and get it all wrong) about who did what and why. There is a HUGE plot going on over in Fitchley Park, it was far more complicated than I thought it would be and there isn't just "one" bad guy. I liked the way things progressed with Ben, Juliet and Gaston each sharing their own ideas which were refuted every single time till the very end.
There is another issue Juliet has to deal with - her long lost husband Ethan Bolivar is back. She hopes it means she'll be a divorced woman sooner rather than later now that he is here, but things get even more complicated once he shares his real reasons for returning. The whole thing affect the relationship between Juliet and Ben. I wonder if Emma would write another novel of these two and if they'll get one day their own HEA. I know there are two more novellas - they are next on my list - but I don't have much hope with how short they are.
I feel like this is a rather rambling review with me saying very little about what's actually happening but I don't think I could have it any other way. If you are a fan of Historical novels, British country side and mystery there is NO DOUBT you need to read this one. But even if you aren't I say give it a go. Naturally only AFTER reading the first one or you'll be confused to why Ben and Juliet are so obsessed with ghosts (and a lot more).
More Reviews HERE
September 13, 2021
What Happened?
I am so disappointed, here I thought that I had found a great new author, one who is still alive and well. No, I have supernatural, Ouija board enthusiasts! Sorry, not really, all of this is too much for me, there is no such thing as ghost, nor do they give you clues! Please let me find a new Hercules Poirot, or a Miss Marple!
I don't recommend! Thank you!
carolintallahassee
I am so disappointed, here I thought that I had found a great new author, one who is still alive and well. No, I have supernatural, Ouija board enthusiasts! Sorry, not really, all of this is too much for me, there is no such thing as ghost, nor do they give you clues! Please let me find a new Hercules Poirot, or a Miss Marple!
I don't recommend! Thank you!
carolintallahassee
December 26, 2022
Country life revisited
I liked Book 2 more than Book 1. The characters were much nicer, the subtle cruelty, much less; humour, much more common place. The fun with the names also continues. The budding romance between Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet is brings up given more time to grow and blossom.
The book reads well, while the mystery is ever present there are many background stories of pre war village life to engage and maintain the reader's interest. A good, entertaining read.
I liked Book 2 more than Book 1. The characters were much nicer, the subtle cruelty, much less; humour, much more common place. The fun with the names also continues. The budding romance between Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet is brings up given more time to grow and blossom.
The book reads well, while the mystery is ever present there are many background stories of pre war village life to engage and maintain the reader's interest. A good, entertaining read.
May 19, 2017
Interesting, but very busy
I think Emma puts a few too many characters in her stories . Possibly, I'm not paying strict enough attention to them. The end of this one seemed much too intent on tying up every characters situation. But I like the time and the place Emma sets her mysteries.
I think Emma puts a few too many characters in her stories . Possibly, I'm not paying strict enough attention to them. The end of this one seemed much too intent on tying up every characters situation. But I like the time and the place Emma sets her mysteries.
August 24, 2017
Divorce Can Be Deadly -Jameson
Audio performance by Matthew Lloyd Davies
4 stars
Another mystery for Dr. Benjamin Bones and the nearly, but not quite divorced, Lady Juliette Linton. Fenton House continues to provide a bit of ghostly intervention when a naked, bloodless body is found in a neighboring manor house. As a murder mystery this book is fairly predictable, but I enjoyed the continuing characters.
The author creates a credible historical context. Dr. Bones has no 21st century prescience in his medical knowledge and the villager’s social attitudes toward divorce and the woman’s place in society seem consistent for the late 1930’s. I liked that Juliette fights the prevailing stereotypes without seeming decades out of place with the times. The book is not about historical or contemporary social commentary, but there are some ongoing themes that make it more interesting. Dr. Bones, 5'8" and ‘bookish’ has some need to defend his masculinity; while Juliette, 6'1" and highly intelligent, is massively insecure in her feminine identity. Added to their individual insecurities, there’s the complicating presence of Juliette’s nearly-ex, Evan Bolivar, and Dr. Bone’s recently dead but ghostly wife, Penny. So, there’s a bit of a stumbling romance along with the amature detecting. A nice, easy-going, read to pass the time.
Audio performance by Matthew Lloyd Davies
4 stars
Another mystery for Dr. Benjamin Bones and the nearly, but not quite divorced, Lady Juliette Linton. Fenton House continues to provide a bit of ghostly intervention when a naked, bloodless body is found in a neighboring manor house. As a murder mystery this book is fairly predictable, but I enjoyed the continuing characters.
The author creates a credible historical context. Dr. Bones has no 21st century prescience in his medical knowledge and the villager’s social attitudes toward divorce and the woman’s place in society seem consistent for the late 1930’s. I liked that Juliette fights the prevailing stereotypes without seeming decades out of place with the times. The book is not about historical or contemporary social commentary, but there are some ongoing themes that make it more interesting. Dr. Bones, 5'8" and ‘bookish’ has some need to defend his masculinity; while Juliette, 6'1" and highly intelligent, is massively insecure in her feminine identity. Added to their individual insecurities, there’s the complicating presence of Juliette’s nearly-ex, Evan Bolivar, and Dr. Bone’s recently dead but ghostly wife, Penny. So, there’s a bit of a stumbling romance along with the amature detecting. A nice, easy-going, read to pass the time.
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