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Vicky Bliss #0.5
The Camelot Caper
The Lethal Stuff of Legends
For Jessica Tregarth, an unexpected invitation to visit her grandfather in England is a wonderful surprise--an opportunity to open doors to a family past that have always been closed to her. But sinister acts greet her arrival. A stranger tries to steal her luggage and later accosts her in Salisbury Cathedral. Mysterious villains pursue her through Cornwall, their motive and intentions unknown. Jessica's only clue is an antique heirloom she possesses, an ancient ring that bears the Tregarth family crest. And her only ally is handsome Gothic novelist David Randall--her self-proclaimed protector--who appears from seemingly out of nowhere to help her in her desperate--attempt to solve a five hundred-year-old puzzle. For something from out of the cloudy mists of Arthurian lore has come back to plague a frightened American abroad. And a remarkable truth about a fabled king and a medieval treasure could ultimately make Jess Tregarth very rich...or very dead.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1969
231 people are currently reading
1663 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Peters
178 books3,296 followersElizabeth Peters is a pen name of Barbara Mertz. She also wrote as Barbara Michaels as well as her own name. Born and brought up in Illinois, she earned her Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago. Mertz was named Grand Master at the inaugural Anthony Awards in 1986 and Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America at the Edgar Awards in 1998. She lived in a historic farmhouse in Frederick, western Maryland until her death.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
October 9, 2018
Mainly of interest for the backstory of "Sir John Smythe", one-half of the protagonist duo of the Vicky Bliss tales, which it appears I am doomed to read all of this week. O the suffering.
I should probably look up copyright dates, and assure myself that the chronological order is also the order of composition. It would make all kinds of sense if the character first made his appearance here as a disposable antagonist, who then proceeded to hijack his creator's brain. A master thief, indeed, if here still a journeyman.
Ta, L.
March 9, 2020
I love many of Elizabeth Peters’s archaeological mysteries. “The Camelot Caper” was suspenseful at first; hinting at danger that did not pan out. No aspect of the novel did! It descended into such silliness, then stupidity, that I went from four-star appreciation, to disgust. How do any part of the contents qualify as a mystery? It is nothing but a chase, pointless at that!
Poignant, historical propositions were wasted. Jessica’s Dad separated from his Cornwall relatives and her Grandfather wanted to meet her. The import of her Dad’s ring was emphasized; targeted by thieves. Stories of pursuers following wherever you go are annoying. However, if there were a reunion with the Grandfather, a spectacular feature about the ring, or a fictional discovery of Camelot.... anything to add special interest; the monotonous chase would be forgotten. It spoils nothing the novel does contain, to express outrage and bafflement, that none of the proposed storylines were used!
Jessica and new ally, David, were chased by an always present pair. Once, they chased the pair. Jessica and David always wound up fleeing, injured, or kidnapped. The stupidest part of all, is obvious by merely reading the synopsis on the back of the novel! They should have gone straight to Cornwall to find out what Mr. Tregarth wanted of Jessica and to meet, at the very least: right? Alas, no; Elizabeth did not even construct that straight line logically. Jessica and David convinced themselves that the Grandfather she came from the States to see, might be a villain as well.... and wasted most of this novel avoiding that goal.
The pity is that I have personally felt the thrill of Stonehenge, Bath, Tintagel, and Cornwall! A doctor of archaeology should have been the right person to weave stories with these dynamic wonders especially well.
Poignant, historical propositions were wasted. Jessica’s Dad separated from his Cornwall relatives and her Grandfather wanted to meet her. The import of her Dad’s ring was emphasized; targeted by thieves. Stories of pursuers following wherever you go are annoying. However, if there were a reunion with the Grandfather, a spectacular feature about the ring, or a fictional discovery of Camelot.... anything to add special interest; the monotonous chase would be forgotten. It spoils nothing the novel does contain, to express outrage and bafflement, that none of the proposed storylines were used!
Jessica and new ally, David, were chased by an always present pair. Once, they chased the pair. Jessica and David always wound up fleeing, injured, or kidnapped. The stupidest part of all, is obvious by merely reading the synopsis on the back of the novel! They should have gone straight to Cornwall to find out what Mr. Tregarth wanted of Jessica and to meet, at the very least: right? Alas, no; Elizabeth did not even construct that straight line logically. Jessica and David convinced themselves that the Grandfather she came from the States to see, might be a villain as well.... and wasted most of this novel avoiding that goal.
The pity is that I have personally felt the thrill of Stonehenge, Bath, Tintagel, and Cornwall! A doctor of archaeology should have been the right person to weave stories with these dynamic wonders especially well.
April 18, 2018
Vicky isn’t in this book. This is her friend, Jessica. Her estranged grandfather asks her to fly across the ocean to bring him a ring her father took when he left. The problem begins when she lands in jolly old England. Bad guys want the ring and are fine using violence to get it.
Cute mystery and fun to read.
Cute mystery and fun to read.
June 4, 2009
This book could have been a lot of fun, if Peters had only put in a little effort. It's trying to be the Northanger Abbey of Female Gothic novels (like those of Mary Stewart), but it's just not trying very hard.
The plot is fine for a book of this type, except for a long section in the middle where the story doesn't progress even a little, but the book has nothing to offer except plot and an occasional humorous moment (the scenes on the bus and with the sun-worshipers were gems). The heroine, Jess, complains about the insipidity of the usual Gothic suspense heroines, but at least those women generally have a career, some emotional baggage, and one or two subjects they can talk about. There is nothing here about Jess, and not a single line of dialogue, that doesn't relate directly to the action at hand. If Peters didn't want to bother with characterization she could at least have made a joke of the fact, but instead the book tries to sneer at a genre it's in fact participating in--and weakly.
The plot is fine for a book of this type, except for a long section in the middle where the story doesn't progress even a little, but the book has nothing to offer except plot and an occasional humorous moment (the scenes on the bus and with the sun-worshipers were gems). The heroine, Jess, complains about the insipidity of the usual Gothic suspense heroines, but at least those women generally have a career, some emotional baggage, and one or two subjects they can talk about. There is nothing here about Jess, and not a single line of dialogue, that doesn't relate directly to the action at hand. If Peters didn't want to bother with characterization she could at least have made a joke of the fact, but instead the book tries to sneer at a genre it's in fact participating in--and weakly.
August 2, 2016
"Caper" was an excellent choice for the title: that's exactly what this is: an adventure with a romantic edge, danger around every corner but handled with a light touch, a tale of an unsuspecting female dropped into the midst of intrigue that would have served Alfred Hitchcock well. The writing is quick and clear, smart and fun and funny; the characters are fun and different, with enough depth to make this very enjoyable; the story is fun and improbable and attention-grabbing, and deals intelligently with the Arthurian elements. As always, the author's deep knowledge of archaeology and its surrounds forms a solid base for a frothy story. The short version: the book is great lightweight fun.
August 25, 2017
A rather mad-cap send up of the classic gothic romance by Elizabeth Peters, made even more amusing by the fact that Elizabeth Peters actually wrote classic gothic romance under the pen name Barbara Michaels. This is a very lighthearted book, with a likeable main character, Jess, and her protector/boyfriend David who are being pursued by a pair of moderately incompetent semi-villainous villains. There is lots of Arthurian mockery, tripping over ruins in the moonlit darkness, and tea drinking. Cute.
January 29, 2022
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
The story was cute & ridiculous. I enjoyed the first half more than the last half. The setup was fresh and humorous without trying too hard. The 1st book of the series is also on Audible Plus. I'll have to try it out.
Currently on Audible Plus
The story was cute & ridiculous. I enjoyed the first half more than the last half. The setup was fresh and humorous without trying too hard. The 1st book of the series is also on Audible Plus. I'll have to try it out.
January 28, 2022
I remember loving the Vicky Bliss series many moons ago and when this came up on Audible Plus, I immediately grabbed it up.
Vicky is no where to be found here, but the story is intriguing and the narration is expertly done.
Oh, the good old days, when a mystery did not require a murder.
It was a ton of fun reading this oh so ancient novel where cell phones did not exist. One really would have helped Jessica.
This is a just a fun yarn.
Vicky is no where to be found here, but the story is intriguing and the narration is expertly done.
Oh, the good old days, when a mystery did not require a murder.
It was a ton of fun reading this oh so ancient novel where cell phones did not exist. One really would have helped Jessica.
This is a just a fun yarn.
April 28, 2024
I read this many years ago, but couldn't remember a thing about it. In fact, I never realized the first time that this was a prequel of sorts to the Vicky Bliss series featuring an origin story of sorts for Vicky's charming favorite gentleman thief, Sir John Smythe- who, let's just say was up to his tricks and schemes even in this story.
The Camelot Caper starts off strong with a young American woman coming over to England at the request of her grandfather in Cornwall. There was an estrangement in the family when her dad was younger. The story hits the ground running when she no sooner lands at the airport than a man tries to take her her luggage and then she ends up on the run from him and his friend fearing what she doesn't know. It's all so inexplicable and she can't figure out what they could possibly want with her and the weird old metal ring that was in her dad's things. A literal stranger comes to her aid and helps her figure out what is going on. Meanwhile, the pair of them start to feel a slow burn attraction as they duck and run and investigate together.
Sadly, the latter half of the book gets too far-fetched in plot and Jess and everyone else including the villains do some very stupid actions that heighten the danger and excitement, but in a frustrating way.
Grace Conlin did a wonderful job narrating and I enjoyed her voices for the characters and her storytelling ability.
All in all, not a favorite Elizabeth Peters story, but I did enjoy seeing the Vicky Bliss series connection finally.
The Camelot Caper starts off strong with a young American woman coming over to England at the request of her grandfather in Cornwall. There was an estrangement in the family when her dad was younger. The story hits the ground running when she no sooner lands at the airport than a man tries to take her her luggage and then she ends up on the run from him and his friend fearing what she doesn't know. It's all so inexplicable and she can't figure out what they could possibly want with her and the weird old metal ring that was in her dad's things. A literal stranger comes to her aid and helps her figure out what is going on. Meanwhile, the pair of them start to feel a slow burn attraction as they duck and run and investigate together.
Sadly, the latter half of the book gets too far-fetched in plot and Jess and everyone else including the villains do some very stupid actions that heighten the danger and excitement, but in a frustrating way.
Grace Conlin did a wonderful job narrating and I enjoyed her voices for the characters and her storytelling ability.
All in all, not a favorite Elizabeth Peters story, but I did enjoy seeing the Vicky Bliss series connection finally.
December 23, 2008
Elizabeth Peters' The Camelot Caper was a re-read. It's not one of my favorites of hers, though it does have three distinctions that make it stand out in my mind. One, it features the only appearance of John Tregarth outside the Vicky Bliss novels, which pulls it into the same continuity as that series as well as the Amelia Peabodies. (I have a theory that all of the Elizabeth Peters books might be in the same continuity, but I don't know for sure.) Two, it's almost farcical in tone, which is unusual for Peters' work. Three, it's one of the examples of her habit of making her heroes or heroines not necessarily cookie-cutter beautiful; in fact, in this book she makes a recurring point of mentioning the size of the hero's nose.
Which brings me to why I had to re-read this book immediately after seeing the new King Kong: after I saw the movie, I thought, "Holy crap. Adrien Brody. HE is the hero of that novel!" ;) Re-reading it with that particular casting choice in mind was very entertaining indeed.
Still, there are a few reasons why this doesn't really score high on my radar of favorite Elizabeth Peters books.
Her earlier works, at least those which are supposed to be set in the "current day", have a problem with being dated. Most of the time this doesn't bother me, because her engaging characters and plots help make up for it, and I just flip the mental switch from "set in current-day but badly dated" to "period piece". But in this particular book there are bits and pieces of this that aren't quite smoothly written, just enough to jar. I mean, the heroine actually used the words "cool, man" in dialogue, for example. Even allowing for the time frame in which the book was written, I had a hard time believing anybody could say that without irony. ;)
Also, this particular edition of the book was really badly copyedited. I caught several typos, and more than one occurrence of a place where a properly spelled but clearly wrong word was used instead of the right word. For example, a use of "King Author" when what was clearly meant was "King Arthur". Oops. So that kept throwing me out of the story.
All in all it's a pretty forgettable read; I'd forgotten pretty much the entire plot, and all I had retained about it was that the hero had a big nose and that John from the Vicky Bliss novels was in it. It's not a bad story per se, just pretty forgettable. Elizabeth Peters has done better, both under this name and as Barbara Michaels. And while you do see several familiar traits of John's in this book, he's a lot more entertaining over in the Vicky Bliss stories.
Which brings me to why I had to re-read this book immediately after seeing the new King Kong: after I saw the movie, I thought, "Holy crap. Adrien Brody. HE is the hero of that novel!" ;) Re-reading it with that particular casting choice in mind was very entertaining indeed.
Still, there are a few reasons why this doesn't really score high on my radar of favorite Elizabeth Peters books.
Her earlier works, at least those which are supposed to be set in the "current day", have a problem with being dated. Most of the time this doesn't bother me, because her engaging characters and plots help make up for it, and I just flip the mental switch from "set in current-day but badly dated" to "period piece". But in this particular book there are bits and pieces of this that aren't quite smoothly written, just enough to jar. I mean, the heroine actually used the words "cool, man" in dialogue, for example. Even allowing for the time frame in which the book was written, I had a hard time believing anybody could say that without irony. ;)
Also, this particular edition of the book was really badly copyedited. I caught several typos, and more than one occurrence of a place where a properly spelled but clearly wrong word was used instead of the right word. For example, a use of "King Author" when what was clearly meant was "King Arthur". Oops. So that kept throwing me out of the story.
All in all it's a pretty forgettable read; I'd forgotten pretty much the entire plot, and all I had retained about it was that the hero had a big nose and that John from the Vicky Bliss novels was in it. It's not a bad story per se, just pretty forgettable. Elizabeth Peters has done better, both under this name and as Barbara Michaels. And while you do see several familiar traits of John's in this book, he's a lot more entertaining over in the Vicky Bliss stories.
January 13, 2015
Montana Library2Go |
Like opening the hood of a car you've just bought to find no motor inside, this book is propelled by absolutely nothing. |
I like Elizabeth Peters' work, but the nicest thing I can say about this book is that it's mediocre. More than half the book is pointless, another quarter is a guide for tourists, the rest doesn't make sense with the foundation laid down. The characters vary between completely unrealistic and completely undeveloped. We never learn a damn thing about David except that he's a novelist, drives a Jaguar, what he looks like, and that his jaw gets set when he's determined. Yet he's supposed to be the romantic lead? The heroine is supposed to have fallen for him, though she also never learns anything about him? Jessica is both useless and pretty idiotic, considering that after being robbed, searched, chased, knocked over the head to unconsciousness, kidnapped, bound, gagged, and knowing her partner has been physically assaulted for information on her, everywhere they go she is completely uninterested in the suspects or watching for danger, because she just *has* to see touristy spots and read her guidebook. John here is not the Sir John he grows into later, he's a small and nasty criminal-wannabe. The other criminal is so undeveloped that we don't learn his first name until the book is almost over. The two antagonists' criminal enterprise in no way justifies the actions they took for the first 60% or so of the book, all of which was written to no particular purpose, especially since the protagonists themselves figured out that it was all just a delaying tactic. Even the dialogue was corny and unrealistic, and the interactions even more firmly anchored the book in its time period, and not in a good way.
Final note: I thought I'd read this, because I own a used paperback copy, but I'd gotten it mixed up with a Vicky Bliss novel.
Like opening the hood of a car you've just bought to find no motor inside, this book is propelled by absolutely nothing. |
I like Elizabeth Peters' work, but the nicest thing I can say about this book is that it's mediocre. More than half the book is pointless, another quarter is a guide for tourists, the rest doesn't make sense with the foundation laid down. The characters vary between completely unrealistic and completely undeveloped. We never learn a damn thing about David except that he's a novelist, drives a Jaguar, what he looks like, and that his jaw gets set when he's determined. Yet he's supposed to be the romantic lead? The heroine is supposed to have fallen for him, though she also never learns anything about him? Jessica is both useless and pretty idiotic, considering that after being robbed, searched, chased, knocked over the head to unconsciousness, kidnapped, bound, gagged, and knowing her partner has been physically assaulted for information on her, everywhere they go she is completely uninterested in the suspects or watching for danger, because she just *has* to see touristy spots and read her guidebook. John here is not the Sir John he grows into later, he's a small and nasty criminal-wannabe. The other criminal is so undeveloped that we don't learn his first name until the book is almost over. The two antagonists' criminal enterprise in no way justifies the actions they took for the first 60% or so of the book, all of which was written to no particular purpose, especially since the protagonists themselves figured out that it was all just a delaying tactic. Even the dialogue was corny and unrealistic, and the interactions even more firmly anchored the book in its time period, and not in a good way.
Final note: I thought I'd read this, because I own a used paperback copy, but I'd gotten it mixed up with a Vicky Bliss novel.
April 8, 2023
American Jessica Tregarth is asked by her dying and estranged grandfather to return a certain ring to him at his home in Cornwall. From almost the moment she sets foot in England, Jessica is relentlessly stalked...but why? The ring has been appraised at no special value. On one of her escapes from her stalkers, Jessica is aided by a young man named David who also becomes a target of the mysterious pursuers. Jessica and David realize they have no choice but to flee for their lives.
This book is more adventure than mystery, but that's all right. It is a fun adventure, with two young people on the run throughout historical sites in England. Peters has the pair bicker with each other almost as much as they do with their pursuers, and that dynamic adds a nice spark of levity. I found this book, with its mismatched protagonists, chase scenes and occasional slapstick to be reminiscent of the old television show Moonlighting.
The revelation of the overarching mystery at the end is very clever and provides a motive for all of the madness. The only distraction in my edition of this book is a quite a few glaring typos like "King Author". Egads.
This book is more adventure than mystery, but that's all right. It is a fun adventure, with two young people on the run throughout historical sites in England. Peters has the pair bicker with each other almost as much as they do with their pursuers, and that dynamic adds a nice spark of levity. I found this book, with its mismatched protagonists, chase scenes and occasional slapstick to be reminiscent of the old television show Moonlighting.
The revelation of the overarching mystery at the end is very clever and provides a motive for all of the madness. The only distraction in my edition of this book is a quite a few glaring typos like "King Author". Egads.
July 7, 2021
“That is a shame.” David shook his head. “Even I know that the real Camelot is in Somerset. It’s been in the news lately. What’s the name of the place? Oh, like the chocolates. Cadbury.”
“Nonsene,” Mr. Pendennis exclaimed. “You’ve been taken in by all the sensationalism too. There are solid traditions which place Camelot in Cornwall. No, my dear fellow; I have a much sounder reason for knowing that Arthur would never find Camelot here. You see, Camelot is on my property.”
October 3, 2024
Goodreads is incorrect in calling this a Vicky Bliss book. It’s definitely a stand-alone. I adored it! It was written in 1969 and listening to the narration made me feel like I was in that era. This romantic suspense has it all! Meet-cute romance, Arthurian legends, creepy English mansion and eccentric family. Elizabeth Peters has yet to let me down!😊📚🍩
September 9, 2017
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
A lot goes on in this book, and a lot of it is so nonsensical that I had a hard time keeping up. But that's not to say I didn't have fun, because I DID find the entire situation a bit amusing. Even our main male character, David, eventually points out that the whole fiasco is kind of playing out like some sort of farce.
None of the characters act like some dire situation is going on, which gave the entire story a bit of a comedic flair... even if the attempted humor was a more eye-rolling "I'm not sure what's going on here" type of comedy. Some of it was rather clever, but some of it went over my head.
And while I have a feeling that David constantly calling Jess names like "fool" or "you idiot" or "you mucker" or the like, was supposed to be taken in good humor, I actually got quite annoyed by it. Jess will also lob a few things back at him, like insulting his speed racer driving, but I'm not sure that's enough to put them on equal ground with the insults... though, I suppose it will have to suffice for a book originally written in 1969.
Nonetheless, the entire progression of the book was fairly forward moving, even with all the strange twists and turns we take, as the characters run around small towns in England with no actual destination.
Basically there's just a lot of nonsensical happenings as our main characters try to figure out what's going on: Why Cousin John is after Jess? What's the significance of the ring she has, given to her by her father who walked away with it when he was disowned? Why does her grandfather suddenly want it back?
The two villains are made out to be incompetent, but somehow keep catching up with Jess and David. David spends more time being overly creative about the situation with his writer's mind. Jess spends more time trying to get some sight-seeing in. There are Arthurian tidbits thrown in, and even some snark at romance, specifically Gothic romance, authors and books.
All-in-all, I found this pretty entertaining, even if not the best book in the world. But I will definitely continue reading from Elizabeth Peters when I can get my hands on more books.
On a side note, I'm not entirely sure why this book is marked as part of the Vicky Bliss series, though I suppose I'll find out when I go to read the actual first book of said series?
***
Halloween Bingo 2017
Other squares this book might count for:
-- Amateur Sleuth: Okay, so no murder actually happens in this book, but there's a mystery going on that our protagonists need to solve. I don't know what Jess does for a living, but it definitely isn't crime fighting; David is a writer.
-- Romantic Suspense (?): This might almost fit this category if there was a little more romance, but as it is, the romance scenes feel a bit hidden, and you miss them if you blink... But it's sort of there if you squint hard enough.
-- Gothic (?): This book is not tagged Gothic at GR, but I'm almost inclined to say that it's got some elements of a Gothic novel once our character reach Cornwall--and also, there's some cheek at Gothic romance authors and novels.
A lot goes on in this book, and a lot of it is so nonsensical that I had a hard time keeping up. But that's not to say I didn't have fun, because I DID find the entire situation a bit amusing. Even our main male character, David, eventually points out that the whole fiasco is kind of playing out like some sort of farce.
None of the characters act like some dire situation is going on, which gave the entire story a bit of a comedic flair... even if the attempted humor was a more eye-rolling "I'm not sure what's going on here" type of comedy. Some of it was rather clever, but some of it went over my head.
And while I have a feeling that David constantly calling Jess names like "fool" or "you idiot" or "you mucker" or the like, was supposed to be taken in good humor, I actually got quite annoyed by it. Jess will also lob a few things back at him, like insulting his speed racer driving, but I'm not sure that's enough to put them on equal ground with the insults... though, I suppose it will have to suffice for a book originally written in 1969.
Nonetheless, the entire progression of the book was fairly forward moving, even with all the strange twists and turns we take, as the characters run around small towns in England with no actual destination.
Basically there's just a lot of nonsensical happenings as our main characters try to figure out what's going on: Why Cousin John is after Jess? What's the significance of the ring she has, given to her by her father who walked away with it when he was disowned? Why does her grandfather suddenly want it back?
The two villains are made out to be incompetent, but somehow keep catching up with Jess and David. David spends more time being overly creative about the situation with his writer's mind. Jess spends more time trying to get some sight-seeing in. There are Arthurian tidbits thrown in, and even some snark at romance, specifically Gothic romance, authors and books.
All-in-all, I found this pretty entertaining, even if not the best book in the world. But I will definitely continue reading from Elizabeth Peters when I can get my hands on more books.
On a side note, I'm not entirely sure why this book is marked as part of the Vicky Bliss series, though I suppose I'll find out when I go to read the actual first book of said series?
***
Halloween Bingo 2017
Other squares this book might count for:
-- Amateur Sleuth: Okay, so no murder actually happens in this book, but there's a mystery going on that our protagonists need to solve. I don't know what Jess does for a living, but it definitely isn't crime fighting; David is a writer.
-- Romantic Suspense (?): This might almost fit this category if there was a little more romance, but as it is, the romance scenes feel a bit hidden, and you miss them if you blink... But it's sort of there if you squint hard enough.
-- Gothic (?): This book is not tagged Gothic at GR, but I'm almost inclined to say that it's got some elements of a Gothic novel once our character reach Cornwall--and also, there's some cheek at Gothic romance authors and novels.
May 3, 2012
"The Camelot Caper" by Elizabeth Peters is a confusing bumbling amateur chase sprinkled with ineffectively awesome-ized scenic British landmarks. (The description adds nought to my actual disappointed memories of Stonehenge.) American Jessica Tregarth complies with her Cornwall grandfather's dying request, returning an antique ring to the estate, completely run-down because the old man was obsessed with digging up the land, and proving an Arthurian heritage. But menacing pursuit by an obviously fake mustached stranger with family resemblance, possibly Cousin John, and his cold-eyed armed sidekick (later revealed as Freddie), drive her into the arms of gothic thriller author David Randall, who has the imagination to finally deduce the plot, though not the ability to stifle his own laughter, resulting in gunshot wound, capture, and imminent doom. Ordinary folk caught up with others over their head render the realism scary.
November 16, 2009
Not her greatest book but still better then most of the mysteries out there at the moment. The whole Tolkien exchange was hilarious. "JRR Tolkien, author of the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings, one of the literary masterpieces of this century. I’ll get you a copy. If you don’t like it I probably won’t marry you after all.” ~David. I can just imagine my husband saying the same thing.
“Cousin John does read Tolkien, no man who does that can be wholly evil.” ~David
“Cousin John does read Tolkien, no man who does that can be wholly evil.” ~David
March 16, 2016
This really was a caper - a fun and frivolous mystery, introducing a favourite gentleman crook from the Vicky Bliss series.
April 16, 2019
Jessica has received a letter from her English Grandfather, asking her to come to England to see him and bring the ring that her father had taken with him when he left after a fight with his father. When she gets to England, she starts having all kinds of issues. Someone tries to steal her luggage, her room at the hotel is ransacked and then she is almost kidnapped from a tour of a church. When she is chased while riding a bus into London, the people come together to help her and then she is helped by an author who thinks that she is telling tales until he is attacked at his home. Together with David, the author, they start trying to find out who is after them and then finally figure out it is her own cousin.
The story was fun and full of great information about England churches and ruins and most of all about Arthurian Legends.
The story was fun and full of great information about England churches and ruins and most of all about Arthurian Legends.
January 11, 2024
I’ve been reading Elizabeth Peters’ books since I was in high school, and on into the next several decades. While I adored Peabody and Emerson, I was the biggest fan of her Vicky Bliss series. This book was her first and meant to be a stand-alone, (at least for a time). I remember how deliriously happy I was when I finally read it and discovered that the villain of the book is Vicky Bliss’s love interest throughout most of the series, Dear cousin John. It holds up a little better than most of these sorts of books do from the 60s.
Popsugar24: #13 - A book originally published under a pen name (Barbara Metz is her actual name. Her children were Elizabeth and Peter)
Popsugar24: #13 - A book originally published under a pen name (Barbara Metz is her actual name. Her children were Elizabeth and Peter)
March 28, 2021
I listened to this in audio and enjoyed the narration; the story is another matter. Right from the first we're thrown into some type of caper/adventure in which our heroine, Jess Tregarth, is being chased by unknown "bad guys." She's in England to visit her grandfather, but keeps getting stopped on her way there. I have no idea how many times she -- and her eventual protector David -- are captured, threatened, shot at, etc. I also have no idea how many days (or weeks?) this took place over. It's just nonstop action.
The main reason why this is called Vicky Bliss #0.5 is we're introduced to John Smythe; Vicky never appears. Finally, about 2/3 of the way in, things began to settle down a bit, or perhaps to make sense. Overall I'd give this a C-/C, mainly for the last 1/3, so am giving it three stars.
The main reason why this is called Vicky Bliss #0.5 is we're introduced to John Smythe; Vicky never appears. Finally, about 2/3 of the way in, things began to settle down a bit, or perhaps to make sense. Overall I'd give this a C-/C, mainly for the last 1/3, so am giving it three stars.
January 30, 2023
The Camelot Caper, published in 1969 is obviously dated - but not nearly as much as it could be. Elizabeth Peters (aka Barbara Mertz and Barbara Michaels) didn’t write standard heroines or heroes, for that matter, so I’m able to enjoy her early work as much as her later.
This is a goofy, low key, not quite thriller with mysterious goings on and a lot of English scenery. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is a goofy, low key, not quite thriller with mysterious goings on and a lot of English scenery. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 4, 2023
An excellent book!! It's interesting, funny and exciting. It has romance, mystery and adventure and the heroine isn't some shy, backwards clumsy miss with no brains or courage. An easy read that, for me, was un-put-down-able. I gobbled it up in one sitting. I highly recommend this book.
February 12, 2024
I haven't read a book by Elizabeth Peters (Barbara Mertz) in EONS! Why have I neglected her? Great plots, interesting characters, and hilarious scenes and banter! Oh, I'd forgotten how much I LOVE this author. Plenty of titles to keep me going for a LONG time!
April 16, 2023
So many negative turns! But fun to read at the gym...
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April 25, 2025Snore.
Also cousin John can drop down an oubliette
Also cousin John can drop down an oubliette
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October 15, 2025For some reason, this one was really hard for me to finish... I definitely think I should have started the Vicky Bliss series in publishing order.
November 29, 2025
This book was about a girl that comes to see her grandfather before he dies. She never saw him before, she lives in America and he lives in England. She has a man following her. It's quite the game to see if she can be free of the him. She doesn't know what he wants. Read the book to see what happens.
October 11, 2019
Not sure why this is listed as part of the Vicky Bliss series. If she's in it, I missed her.
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