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John Pickett Mystery #1
In Milady's Chamber
Estranged from her husband through her failure to produce an heir, Lady Fieldhurst resolves to repay his neglect by taking a lover. Fate takes a hand when she and her paramour enter her bedroom and find Lord Fieldhurst lying on the floor--with her nail scissors protruding from his neck.
Idealistic young Bow Street Runner John Pickett has spent most of his brief career chasing petty pickpockets. Nothing in his experience has prepared him for low dealings in high society--or for the beautiful widow who is the chief suspect.
The popular press sees the case as a classic lovers' triangle and expects a quick arrest, while back in Bow Street, the magistrate questions Pickett's handling of the case in the light of his unprofessional interest in Lady Fieldhurst. Under increasing pressure from without and within, Pickett must uncover the true murderer if he is to save an innocent woman from the gallows.
Idealistic young Bow Street Runner John Pickett has spent most of his brief career chasing petty pickpockets. Nothing in his experience has prepared him for low dealings in high society--or for the beautiful widow who is the chief suspect.
The popular press sees the case as a classic lovers' triangle and expects a quick arrest, while back in Bow Street, the magistrate questions Pickett's handling of the case in the light of his unprofessional interest in Lady Fieldhurst. Under increasing pressure from without and within, Pickett must uncover the true murderer if he is to save an innocent woman from the gallows.
243 pages, Hardcover
First published January 2, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
August 6, 2023
I read the prequel to the book and enjoyed it and looked forward to reading book #1. Not the usual murder mystery in that John, a Bow Street Runner, becomes infatuated with the main suspect and sets out to prove her innocent. I did not find many clues pointing to the murderer and that Lady Fieldhurst was the main suspect a bit of a stretch. The book was written in 2006 and I think I may try a book later in the series to read next.
November 2, 2017
"In Milady's Chamber" is the first book in the John Pickett Mysteries. Now it's ten years after "Pickpocket's Apprentice" and the protagonist is now a 24 year old Bow Street runner and he has been called to a crime scene of Lady Julia Fieldhurst's home and is thrust into a major murder investigation. John is immediately smitten with the beautiful Lady Julia, whose husband has been found murdered in her bedroom and Julia is standing over the body with her would-be lover. John is very young as an investigator but he is intelligent and astute, he is determined to turn over every clue to clear lady Julia form being charged, tried, and hanged for her husbands murder. The pressure is on for him to arrest Julia and wrap up the case.
I adored John Pickett, he is sweet, charming, and unassuming but has great instincts needed for investigative work. Lady Julia Fieldhurst is very likeable and the Regency setting feels real and accurate. I do wonder how two people from very different social classes will be able to bridge such a gaping divide. If any author can make this work, I have faith that Cobb South can work some magic in a realistic way.
This book is a well-written and entertaining historical mystery. It has the right balance of mystery, humor, and intrigue, with the romance being miniscule, the attraction was purely one-sided and from John's perspective. The author does a fantastic job of keeping to historical accuracy in plot and character development. I look forward to reading more in this wonderful series.
I adored John Pickett, he is sweet, charming, and unassuming but has great instincts needed for investigative work. Lady Julia Fieldhurst is very likeable and the Regency setting feels real and accurate. I do wonder how two people from very different social classes will be able to bridge such a gaping divide. If any author can make this work, I have faith that Cobb South can work some magic in a realistic way.
This book is a well-written and entertaining historical mystery. It has the right balance of mystery, humor, and intrigue, with the romance being miniscule, the attraction was purely one-sided and from John's perspective. The author does a fantastic job of keeping to historical accuracy in plot and character development. I look forward to reading more in this wonderful series.
February 16, 2022
Though I usually enjoy this time period and Bow Street Runners I did not care for this book, so will stop with just the first volume.
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July 6, 2024
Review from 2016
B for narration; B- for content .
Sheri Cobb South’s The Weaver Takes a Wife is one of my favourite traditional Regencies, and while I know it’s available in audio, I didn’t like the narrator based on the sample available at Audible, so chose not to listen further. But when the first of the author’s John Pickett Mysteries, In Milady’s Chamber (using a different narrator) came up for review, I decided to give it a go; I enjoy historical mysteries, and have heard good things about this series.
John Pickett made his first appearance in the novella, Pickpocket's Apprentice, which told the story of how fourteen-year-old John was taken under the wing of magistrate Patrick Colquhoun and, five years later, became involved in a criminal investigation that brought him to the attention of Bow Street. Now twenty-four, John is the youngest runner on the Bow Street force, and spends his days dealing mostly with petty crimes. But an accident which sees him in the right place at the right time catapults him into a murder investigation and into the rarefied world of the ton, a world outside his experience and which he is ill-equipped to deal with.
After years locked into a loveless marriage, Lady Julia Fieldhurst finally decides that perhaps it is time to follow the pattern of so many other society marriages and look for happiness outside it. Lord Rupert Latham, a friend of long-standing has made it clear that he would welcome a relationship beyond friendship with Julia, and she is finally at the point of agreeing to have an affair with him. Rupert escorts Julia home from a ball one evening, fully expecting to go to bed with her, when the discovery of her husband’s dead body on her bedroom floor, with a pair of needlework scissors sticking out of his neck, puts an end to all thoughts of an amorously satisfying evening.
When John Pickett arrives on the scene he is stunned by Lady Julia’s beauty and is instantly smitten by her, even though his rational mind tells him that a lady of her standing is well above the touch of a man such as he. John quickly realises that as the estranged wife, Lady Julia must be the prime suspect in her husband’s murder, but his instinct tells him otherwise, and he is determined to prove her innocent of the crime. But the eagerness of the scandal sheets to paint her as the Jezebel in a love triangle, and the pressure being exerted by John’s superiors turn his investigation into a race against time, and with all his lines of enquiry leading to dead ends, it seems John’s final act of the case will be to arrest the lady and commit her for trial.
In Milady’s Chamber is the first full-length novel (albeit a fairly short one – the audio comes in at just under seven hours) in a series which so far comprises five novels and a couple of novellas. It’s an easy listen, the plot isn’t overly complex and we’re introduced to a number of amiable characters – magistrate Patrick Colquhoun, tart-with-a-heart Lucy, and John’s landlady – who I suspect will recur in other books, all of whom are nicely drawn. Ms. Cobb South writes intelligently and with a nice dash of humour and while the idea of a viscountess interacting so freely with a Bow Street Runner isn’t strictly historically accurate, it’s no less so than the sorts of unequal relationships that form the basis of many an historical romance, so that wasn’t really an issue for me.
John is a sweet character; a kind and loyal young man who has come a long way from his life on the streets of London, and who has a talent for making people feel comfortable talking to him. He struggles to balance his infatuation with Lady Julia against his desire to do the right thing and to prove himself to his mentor, Mr. Colquhoun. But overall, the mystery is a little weak. The possibility that the late viscount was involved in espionage is raised but then mostly forgotten, and John’s arrival at the final solution is rather too convenient, as the thing turns on the correct interpretation of a French phrase which he stumbles upon pretty much by accident at just the right time. I should also point out that there isn’t a romance in this story, although I understand that will develop in future books.
Joel Froomkin is a new-to-me narrator and he acquits himself very well here. He does a good job in portraying John’s youth and idealism by adopting a light tone and less-than-perfectly-polished accent, and Lord Rupert, to whom he gives an ennui-laden drawl, sounds every inch the arrogant aristocrat. The Scottish accent employed for Mr. Colquhoun is perhaps a little thick in places, but not horribly so, although the same can’t be said of the French accent used for Camille, which is a bit over-the-top. His female voices are generally good overall; he raises his pitch a little but doesn’t resort to falsetto, and I had to smile at his portrayal of Lucy, the cockney lady-of-the-night who is John’s friend and would like to be more. I did notice a number of mispronunciations throughout, though, mostly of French terms that crop up now and again. One example I noted was the word “déshabille”, which he pronounced “deshabillay” (the “sh” and final “e” are not sounded) and I couldn’t understand why he pronounced the word “roof” as though it rhymed with “woof!” – the “oo” should be pronounced as in “soon” and not as in “look”. Overall, however, it’s a more than decent narration, and I’d certainly consider listening to Mr. Froomkin again.
I admit that I wavered a bit over the content grade for In Milady’s Chamber. There is nothing actually wrong with the writing or with the storytelling – the mystery is just a little tame for my taste. Mr. Froomkin’s narration enhances the story and while this isn’t an audiobook that will set the world alight, it might suit fans of “cozy” mysteries or anyone looking for a fairly short, undemanding listen.
B for narration; B- for content .
Sheri Cobb South’s The Weaver Takes a Wife is one of my favourite traditional Regencies, and while I know it’s available in audio, I didn’t like the narrator based on the sample available at Audible, so chose not to listen further. But when the first of the author’s John Pickett Mysteries, In Milady’s Chamber (using a different narrator) came up for review, I decided to give it a go; I enjoy historical mysteries, and have heard good things about this series.
John Pickett made his first appearance in the novella, Pickpocket's Apprentice, which told the story of how fourteen-year-old John was taken under the wing of magistrate Patrick Colquhoun and, five years later, became involved in a criminal investigation that brought him to the attention of Bow Street. Now twenty-four, John is the youngest runner on the Bow Street force, and spends his days dealing mostly with petty crimes. But an accident which sees him in the right place at the right time catapults him into a murder investigation and into the rarefied world of the ton, a world outside his experience and which he is ill-equipped to deal with.
After years locked into a loveless marriage, Lady Julia Fieldhurst finally decides that perhaps it is time to follow the pattern of so many other society marriages and look for happiness outside it. Lord Rupert Latham, a friend of long-standing has made it clear that he would welcome a relationship beyond friendship with Julia, and she is finally at the point of agreeing to have an affair with him. Rupert escorts Julia home from a ball one evening, fully expecting to go to bed with her, when the discovery of her husband’s dead body on her bedroom floor, with a pair of needlework scissors sticking out of his neck, puts an end to all thoughts of an amorously satisfying evening.
When John Pickett arrives on the scene he is stunned by Lady Julia’s beauty and is instantly smitten by her, even though his rational mind tells him that a lady of her standing is well above the touch of a man such as he. John quickly realises that as the estranged wife, Lady Julia must be the prime suspect in her husband’s murder, but his instinct tells him otherwise, and he is determined to prove her innocent of the crime. But the eagerness of the scandal sheets to paint her as the Jezebel in a love triangle, and the pressure being exerted by John’s superiors turn his investigation into a race against time, and with all his lines of enquiry leading to dead ends, it seems John’s final act of the case will be to arrest the lady and commit her for trial.
In Milady’s Chamber is the first full-length novel (albeit a fairly short one – the audio comes in at just under seven hours) in a series which so far comprises five novels and a couple of novellas. It’s an easy listen, the plot isn’t overly complex and we’re introduced to a number of amiable characters – magistrate Patrick Colquhoun, tart-with-a-heart Lucy, and John’s landlady – who I suspect will recur in other books, all of whom are nicely drawn. Ms. Cobb South writes intelligently and with a nice dash of humour and while the idea of a viscountess interacting so freely with a Bow Street Runner isn’t strictly historically accurate, it’s no less so than the sorts of unequal relationships that form the basis of many an historical romance, so that wasn’t really an issue for me.
John is a sweet character; a kind and loyal young man who has come a long way from his life on the streets of London, and who has a talent for making people feel comfortable talking to him. He struggles to balance his infatuation with Lady Julia against his desire to do the right thing and to prove himself to his mentor, Mr. Colquhoun. But overall, the mystery is a little weak. The possibility that the late viscount was involved in espionage is raised but then mostly forgotten, and John’s arrival at the final solution is rather too convenient, as the thing turns on the correct interpretation of a French phrase which he stumbles upon pretty much by accident at just the right time. I should also point out that there isn’t a romance in this story, although I understand that will develop in future books.
Joel Froomkin is a new-to-me narrator and he acquits himself very well here. He does a good job in portraying John’s youth and idealism by adopting a light tone and less-than-perfectly-polished accent, and Lord Rupert, to whom he gives an ennui-laden drawl, sounds every inch the arrogant aristocrat. The Scottish accent employed for Mr. Colquhoun is perhaps a little thick in places, but not horribly so, although the same can’t be said of the French accent used for Camille, which is a bit over-the-top. His female voices are generally good overall; he raises his pitch a little but doesn’t resort to falsetto, and I had to smile at his portrayal of Lucy, the cockney lady-of-the-night who is John’s friend and would like to be more. I did notice a number of mispronunciations throughout, though, mostly of French terms that crop up now and again. One example I noted was the word “déshabille”, which he pronounced “deshabillay” (the “sh” and final “e” are not sounded) and I couldn’t understand why he pronounced the word “roof” as though it rhymed with “woof!” – the “oo” should be pronounced as in “soon” and not as in “look”. Overall, however, it’s a more than decent narration, and I’d certainly consider listening to Mr. Froomkin again.
I admit that I wavered a bit over the content grade for In Milady’s Chamber. There is nothing actually wrong with the writing or with the storytelling – the mystery is just a little tame for my taste. Mr. Froomkin’s narration enhances the story and while this isn’t an audiobook that will set the world alight, it might suit fans of “cozy” mysteries or anyone looking for a fairly short, undemanding listen.
January 2, 2021
I love this story. Thanks so much again to Joan, for the rec 🤗 I'm planning to continue the series in 2021 🚨
Compared to my other Heroes in mysteries like 💞Sebastian St Cyr in Sebastian St Cyr series, 💞DCI Ryan in DCI Ryan Series , 💞 Lord Acton in Doyle and Acton series, or 💞 Captain Lacey in Captain Lacey series . . . John Pickett was too innocent (only 24 years old), too poor, still needing too much room to grow and more. He didn't blow me away like the above Heroes. But it was absolutely a wonderful, light, and humorous series 💝
As for the heroine, the widow Julia (only 26 years old) was wonderful. Her murdered cheater of a husband left her £5,000 annually plus a house & property for life. While John only earned rewards when he solved cases. Maybe he'd end up a lost Heir in the future? So he could properly court the former Viscountess? Maybe in the next seven or eight books.
Sharing my favorite hilarious scene: Grinning big while posting this 😂
Compared to my other Heroes in mysteries like 💞Sebastian St Cyr in Sebastian St Cyr series, 💞DCI Ryan in DCI Ryan Series , 💞 Lord Acton in Doyle and Acton series, or 💞 Captain Lacey in Captain Lacey series . . . John Pickett was too innocent (only 24 years old), too poor, still needing too much room to grow and more. He didn't blow me away like the above Heroes. But it was absolutely a wonderful, light, and humorous series 💝
As for the heroine, the widow Julia (only 26 years old) was wonderful. Her murdered cheater of a husband left her £5,000 annually plus a house & property for life. While John only earned rewards when he solved cases. Maybe he'd end up a lost Heir in the future? So he could properly court the former Viscountess? Maybe in the next seven or eight books.
Sharing my favorite hilarious scene: Grinning big while posting this 😂
April 12, 2020
Now that I have read John Pickett Mysteries #1, I am able to read this series with the correct knowledge of who is whom. Sheri Cobb South’s In Milady’s Chamber (John Pickett Mystery #1) the author introduces her main characters - Lady Julia Fieldhurst, a viscountess, her husband, Viscount Frederick Fieldhurst, Lord Rupert Latham, Camille, lady’s maid to Lady Fieldhurst, Rogers, the butler, Thomas, the footman, and from Bow Street - the Magistrate, Mr. Colquhoun and the delightful John Pickett. Upon returning from a ball, Lady Fieldhurst and her escort, Lord Rupert practically trip over a dead body. Lord Rupert suggests ringing Bow Street which is done, and Bow Street Runner John Pickett arrives to begin the investigation. One look at Lady Fieldhurst, and Mr. Pickett knows that she is innocent, but is she? John Pickett is determined to prove that Lady Fieldhurst is innocent. Other characters appear in this fun mystery, and with some guidance from Mr. Colquhoun, Mr. John Pickett solves his first case almost without realizing it. 4.25 stars.
October 6, 2017
I liked this more than A Dead Bore, which I had picked up out of order. Pickett is a more-likeable character in this, and I do believe I might have liked *Bore* better if I'd read this first. Worth reading, if you've run out of Georgette Heyer....
April 13, 2018
Ooh, a fun, new historical detective series!!! In this installment, the newbie Bow Street Runner, John Pickett gets called to investigate a murder in Mayfair, in one of the big houses on Berkeley Square. Viscount Fieldhurst has been murdered with his wife’s nail scissors. Of course, Lady Fieldhurst is the most likely suspect, but Pickett is convinced she is innocent. Mr. Colquhoun, the magistrate, thinks Pickett’s belief in her innocence is a result of his obvious infatuation, but he allows Pickett to continue to investigate.
It’s a pretty straightforward plot, with some interesting side plots, and a satisfying denouement. If you love Anne Perry’s Victorian mysteries, you’ll enjoy this slightly lighter in tone Regency series.
It’s a pretty straightforward plot, with some interesting side plots, and a satisfying denouement. If you love Anne Perry’s Victorian mysteries, you’ll enjoy this slightly lighter in tone Regency series.
July 8, 2019
This book was great fun. It’s very much an Agatha Christie style murder mystery (in the bedchamber with the nail scissors…). The sleuth isn’t exactly an amateur (he’s a Bow Street Runner, a forerunner of the police), but techniques were so under-developed in those days that he might as well be one.
Here’s the premise: Lady Fieldhurst is a failure. Having been married to her viscount husband for six years, she’s failed at the one thing expected of her - the production of an heir. Or any child, really. With the marriage already rocky, she resolves to revenge herself on her unfaithful husband by taking a lover. But there’s a surprise awaiting the would-be lovers when they reach her bedroom - the body of her husband, stabbed in the neck with a pair of her ladyship’s own nail scissors.
Naturally the two fall under suspicion, but the Bow Street Runner sent to investigate the crime, John Pickett, is not exactly unbiased, for he falls instantly under the spell of the beautiful widow. And so begins a very determined search for the real murderer, to ensure that his adored viscountess isn’t wrongfully hanged.
I liked John Pickett very much. He’s rather a gauche, inept fellow, constantly blushing and tripping over things, which is all rather endearing. Despite having some prejudice against the widow’s putative lover, and rich toffs in general, he’s very aware of his biases and tries very hard to compensate for them (not always successfully!). Apparently there’s a prequel that gives his background, but I haven’t read it and didn’t feel I’d missed anything vital. The widow is a less sympathetic character initially, although she unbent somewhat later on, but I never found her particularly likable. She wasn’t unlikable, either, being more of a blank slate for Pickett’s much stronger personality to draw on. But it seems these two will have a whole series together, so I daresay she will blossom into a more rounded character later.
The historical research is (as far as I can tell) absolutely spot on. I know nothing about the Bow Street Runners, but that aspect of the book seems very convincing to me. The only moment that gave me pause is when the dead viscount’s cousin (I think) turns up to claim the title, with a wife who’s already planning to dig up the heroine’s rose garden. I know the widow is acknowledged as barren, and the couple are described as ‘estranged’ but they were still living in the same house, and a pregnancy wasn’t outside the bounds of possibility. It’s crass in the extreme not to give the widow the opportunity to say one way or the other before ordering the new curtains. And even if the couple themselves are that vulgar, others should question their rudeness. However, that was the only (slightly) off note.
The story follows the formula of all such murder mysteries, with a full complement of red herrings and a moment when even our sturdy hero is forced to admit that his lady love might be guilty, before seeing the light just in the nick of time. So no surprises in that direction, but plenty of twists and turns along the way. I didn’t guess the murderer, but then I never do. A nice, gentle story with plenty of humour, always a bonus, and a very entertaining detective. Five stars.
Here’s the premise: Lady Fieldhurst is a failure. Having been married to her viscount husband for six years, she’s failed at the one thing expected of her - the production of an heir. Or any child, really. With the marriage already rocky, she resolves to revenge herself on her unfaithful husband by taking a lover. But there’s a surprise awaiting the would-be lovers when they reach her bedroom - the body of her husband, stabbed in the neck with a pair of her ladyship’s own nail scissors.
Naturally the two fall under suspicion, but the Bow Street Runner sent to investigate the crime, John Pickett, is not exactly unbiased, for he falls instantly under the spell of the beautiful widow. And so begins a very determined search for the real murderer, to ensure that his adored viscountess isn’t wrongfully hanged.
I liked John Pickett very much. He’s rather a gauche, inept fellow, constantly blushing and tripping over things, which is all rather endearing. Despite having some prejudice against the widow’s putative lover, and rich toffs in general, he’s very aware of his biases and tries very hard to compensate for them (not always successfully!). Apparently there’s a prequel that gives his background, but I haven’t read it and didn’t feel I’d missed anything vital. The widow is a less sympathetic character initially, although she unbent somewhat later on, but I never found her particularly likable. She wasn’t unlikable, either, being more of a blank slate for Pickett’s much stronger personality to draw on. But it seems these two will have a whole series together, so I daresay she will blossom into a more rounded character later.
The historical research is (as far as I can tell) absolutely spot on. I know nothing about the Bow Street Runners, but that aspect of the book seems very convincing to me. The only moment that gave me pause is when the dead viscount’s cousin (I think) turns up to claim the title, with a wife who’s already planning to dig up the heroine’s rose garden. I know the widow is acknowledged as barren, and the couple are described as ‘estranged’ but they were still living in the same house, and a pregnancy wasn’t outside the bounds of possibility. It’s crass in the extreme not to give the widow the opportunity to say one way or the other before ordering the new curtains. And even if the couple themselves are that vulgar, others should question their rudeness. However, that was the only (slightly) off note.
The story follows the formula of all such murder mysteries, with a full complement of red herrings and a moment when even our sturdy hero is forced to admit that his lady love might be guilty, before seeing the light just in the nick of time. So no surprises in that direction, but plenty of twists and turns along the way. I didn’t guess the murderer, but then I never do. A nice, gentle story with plenty of humour, always a bonus, and a very entertaining detective. Five stars.
April 2, 2018
John Pickett, at 24 the youngest detective in the Bow Street Runners, gets called to a murder in In Milady’s Chamber by Sheri Cobb South. But it is not just any murder, but the murder of Viscount Fieldhurst. He was discovered by his wife, Lady Julia Fieldhurst, and the man she was considering giving into, since her husband turned to other women when his wife has failed to give him an heir. The viscount lay in front of the door from the inside of his wife’s bedroom and was stabbed to death with Lady Fieldhurst’s nail scissors. She looks very guilty to all but Mr. Pickett, who is deeply taken with the woman. He determines to prove the innocence of Lady Fieldhurst, but it will probably require him to find the real culprit to keep her out of Newgate Prison and possible hanging.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
3.5 stars
January 17, 2018
Having read several reviews of the latest installments of this series, it got me intrigued enough to pick up book 1. I found it very enjoyable, the characters are a bit different that your typical mystery. While, John is a Bow Street Runner, he still has some naiveté that I find a bit refreshing. Julia is a bit more jaded. I am interested in seeing how they grow together. I am looking forward to book 2.
November 25, 2019
Julia’s deduction made more sense.
i am still not sure how pickett made the leap to the murderer’s identity. julia’s mental connections make sense. will she continue as a character? the series title doesn’t mention her.
i am still not sure how pickett made the leap to the murderer’s identity. julia’s mental connections make sense. will she continue as a character? the series title doesn’t mention her.
September 7, 2020
This is a mystery set in the Napoleonic Wars, in England (the "regency" period). Although this time has been mined thousands of times by authors, I generally enjoy the setting.
In this book a "bow street runner" is brought to a manor house to investigate a murder, and the resourceful, intelligent lady helps him out as the seeds of romance are sown. The tale weaves through all layers of society in England, from rural to aristocracy, seven dials to the finest districts of London and even into the government.
Lady Fieldhurst is an interesting character, and much of the book is from her perspective. Shes not an anachronism jammed into the past, but is very much a woman of her time, but an intelligent, strong woman nevetheless. Most of the other characters are fairly typical of Regency novels, but are well rendered and interesting.
There are some weak points; bow street runners was considered derogatory, and wouldn't have been appreciated by the group. The investigation is kind of shoddy and the main character Pickett comes across as kind of dull and fumbling (although this is very early in the art of investigation and it was very disorganized and not at all systematic). There is no followup or reasoning behind why one of the witnesses is so unwilling to testify and (evidently) flees the country to avoid speaking to the magistrate. And finally Pickett's sudden realization of who the murderer is doesn't follow any logical or linguistic pattern.
The actual mystery its self is pretty simple to work out long before the characters get it, but its an enjoyable read anyway, and thankfully is mostly devoid of sex and violence. Overall a pleasant book that I want to read more of in the series.
In this book a "bow street runner" is brought to a manor house to investigate a murder, and the resourceful, intelligent lady helps him out as the seeds of romance are sown. The tale weaves through all layers of society in England, from rural to aristocracy, seven dials to the finest districts of London and even into the government.
Lady Fieldhurst is an interesting character, and much of the book is from her perspective. Shes not an anachronism jammed into the past, but is very much a woman of her time, but an intelligent, strong woman nevetheless. Most of the other characters are fairly typical of Regency novels, but are well rendered and interesting.
There are some weak points; bow street runners was considered derogatory, and wouldn't have been appreciated by the group. The investigation is kind of shoddy and the main character Pickett comes across as kind of dull and fumbling (although this is very early in the art of investigation and it was very disorganized and not at all systematic). There is no followup or reasoning behind why one of the witnesses is so unwilling to testify and (evidently) flees the country to avoid speaking to the magistrate. And finally Pickett's sudden realization of who the murderer is doesn't follow any logical or linguistic pattern.
The actual mystery its self is pretty simple to work out long before the characters get it, but its an enjoyable read anyway, and thankfully is mostly devoid of sex and violence. Overall a pleasant book that I want to read more of in the series.
December 3, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"He was a man unlike other men."
Having very much enjoyed several of the later books in the John Pickett series, this reader was delighted to see that book one, In Milady's Chamber, was available in audio, and immediately looked forward to discovering the beginnings of the relationship of Bow Street Runner Pckett and the Vicountess, Lady Julia Fieldhurst.
This proved to be another delightful and well written murder mystery who-dun-it? with the additional pleasures of watching a juggling of niceties of a bygone era, all nicely narrated by Joel Froomkin,. His reading is well paced and modulated, and suitably English accented, everything delivered with the lightest of touches, emphasising the comedic content but never simply playing it for laughs. His different character voices are limitted, but very good, and used with great effect.
In Milady's Chamber is a pleasurable, Regency set murder mystery which combines the niceties of the past with the easy reading of present day, a skill often missing in historical novels and, as such, recommended to all who enjoy this genre. Although it is the interplay between the characters and their circumstances which dominates, the investigation of the crime and the imposed obstructions of the period is also fun for crime solving sleuths. I was very fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy, at my request, from the rights holder via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. It was a real pleasure to be reacquainted with the awkward 24 years old Bow Street Runner and his aquaintances.
"He was a man unlike other men."
Having very much enjoyed several of the later books in the John Pickett series, this reader was delighted to see that book one, In Milady's Chamber, was available in audio, and immediately looked forward to discovering the beginnings of the relationship of Bow Street Runner Pckett and the Vicountess, Lady Julia Fieldhurst.
This proved to be another delightful and well written murder mystery who-dun-it? with the additional pleasures of watching a juggling of niceties of a bygone era, all nicely narrated by Joel Froomkin,. His reading is well paced and modulated, and suitably English accented, everything delivered with the lightest of touches, emphasising the comedic content but never simply playing it for laughs. His different character voices are limitted, but very good, and used with great effect.
In Milady's Chamber is a pleasurable, Regency set murder mystery which combines the niceties of the past with the easy reading of present day, a skill often missing in historical novels and, as such, recommended to all who enjoy this genre. Although it is the interplay between the characters and their circumstances which dominates, the investigation of the crime and the imposed obstructions of the period is also fun for crime solving sleuths. I was very fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy, at my request, from the rights holder via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. It was a real pleasure to be reacquainted with the awkward 24 years old Bow Street Runner and his aquaintances.
August 2, 2022
All the hallmarks I like. Regency style background, lords and ladies and high society galore, and to cap it all a murder.
Discovering that her husband has been murdered whilst bringing her to be lover into the home was not something Lady Fieldhurst had envisaged, and now she becomes the chief suspect despite all the efforts of the Bow Street runner John Pickett who has earlier on decided that the Lady could not be the murderer. Despite the skepticism of everyone around him Pickett is determined to find the person responsible for the murder.
Pickett is the star of this book - though he dreams of Lady Fieldhurst he knows that it has to remain a dream. However he is unassuming, sharp and works on his instincts. Despite the highhanded ness of the aristocracy towards this humble man, he pursues his ideas and comes up trumps.
This was a free download from Amazon.
Discovering that her husband has been murdered whilst bringing her to be lover into the home was not something Lady Fieldhurst had envisaged, and now she becomes the chief suspect despite all the efforts of the Bow Street runner John Pickett who has earlier on decided that the Lady could not be the murderer. Despite the skepticism of everyone around him Pickett is determined to find the person responsible for the murder.
Pickett is the star of this book - though he dreams of Lady Fieldhurst he knows that it has to remain a dream. However he is unassuming, sharp and works on his instincts. Despite the highhanded ness of the aristocracy towards this humble man, he pursues his ideas and comes up trumps.
This was a free download from Amazon.
December 27, 2018
The stodgy manners and formal dialogue I encountered in the first chapter of “In Mylady’s Chamber” almost made me quit this Regency-era mystery by Sheri Cobb South. But I’m glad I didn’t.
This tale is engaging and well-written, populated by memorable characters—even the minor ones. We’re made to feel equal sympathy for Lady Fieldhurst, a beautiful woman suspected of stabbing her powerful husband (a Viscount), and John Pickett, a 24-year-old rookie officer charged with investigating the puzzling murder. Of course the cop falls for the lady, setting up an upstairs/downstairs dynamic that plays well here and, I suspect, in subsequent books. A quick and very entertaining read.
This tale is engaging and well-written, populated by memorable characters—even the minor ones. We’re made to feel equal sympathy for Lady Fieldhurst, a beautiful woman suspected of stabbing her powerful husband (a Viscount), and John Pickett, a 24-year-old rookie officer charged with investigating the puzzling murder. Of course the cop falls for the lady, setting up an upstairs/downstairs dynamic that plays well here and, I suspect, in subsequent books. A quick and very entertaining read.
December 29, 2018
Having read (listened to) the prequel, "Pickpocket's Apprentice", I was curious to follow up with book #1 now that John Pickett has become a bow street runner. The narrator, Joel Froomkin does a great job and I really enjoyed this light, regency era mystery. Nothing too gory or frightening here...just an opportunity to get to know young, handsome and clever John Pickett a little bit better and try to solve the mystery along with him. I will be sure to try to follow this up with the second John Pickett mystery, "A Dead Bore". Here's hoping John gets to spend more time with his infatuation, Lady Fieldhurst.
September 5, 2020
An enjoyable but somewhat frustrating mystery, since Pickett spends over half the book pursuing a red herring so obvious I felt embarrassed for him.
January 16, 2022
Sorry, but cosy mysteries are not for me. Entertaining as this book was, I felt you had to suspend belief at times. When butlers, ladies maids and footmen go missing, shouldn't you first check with the other before you go around the city looking for them? How come a very young bow street runner with a crush on the main suspect be allowed to handle such an important case and is allowed to even question people at the Foreign Office? Shouldn't Pickett's boss made a better job of doing the latter? The romance part -at least on the side of Lady Julia -seems pretty forced. I could go on. Even allowing for the fact that this is a cosy mystery I think it could have tried to be a little more realistic. I don't doubt these mysteries will appeal to lovers of historical, cosy mysteries though. I am fairly certain though that I will not read another from this series.
October 24, 2018
Charming, Easy Reading
I have often looked at these books, but for some reason, never bothered to buy any of them. I saw them mentioned recently, so decided to have another look. This one was free, so I had nothing to lose if it turned out to be terrible, right?
But this story is anything but terrible. It is a delightful Regency mystery with a hint of romance that may lead to something more definite in coming books.
Pickett is accidentally given this case, the murder of a Viscount, when the Runner who should have got it, got side-tracked by a rather lovely “lady of the night”. Pickett is described as a tall young man (24), rather gangly, very good-looking and anxious to do his best for his boss and mentor. When he arrives at the scene of the murder (in Lady Fieldhurst’s bedchamber), he is struck momentarily speechless by the vision of loveliness he sees before him, and when he realises this is the widow of the dead Viscount, he is determined to save her from the gallows that seem to be her fate.
The Regency era is captured well, the characters are real and mostly likeable, and the prose and dialogue are very well done. The way Pickett works seems to be true to the period (although painstaking police work is still much the same today, apart from the convenience of modern inventions) as I have read other series that deal with Bow Street Runners. I pretty much guessed the identity of the guilty one early in the story, but there was enough ambiguity that it could have been one of at least two people.
There is at least one surprise in the story involving another character that I didn’t see coming, which adds rather a comedic touch.
I have often looked at these books, but for some reason, never bothered to buy any of them. I saw them mentioned recently, so decided to have another look. This one was free, so I had nothing to lose if it turned out to be terrible, right?
But this story is anything but terrible. It is a delightful Regency mystery with a hint of romance that may lead to something more definite in coming books.
Pickett is accidentally given this case, the murder of a Viscount, when the Runner who should have got it, got side-tracked by a rather lovely “lady of the night”. Pickett is described as a tall young man (24), rather gangly, very good-looking and anxious to do his best for his boss and mentor. When he arrives at the scene of the murder (in Lady Fieldhurst’s bedchamber), he is struck momentarily speechless by the vision of loveliness he sees before him, and when he realises this is the widow of the dead Viscount, he is determined to save her from the gallows that seem to be her fate.
The Regency era is captured well, the characters are real and mostly likeable, and the prose and dialogue are very well done. The way Pickett works seems to be true to the period (although painstaking police work is still much the same today, apart from the convenience of modern inventions) as I have read other series that deal with Bow Street Runners. I pretty much guessed the identity of the guilty one early in the story, but there was enough ambiguity that it could have been one of at least two people.
There is at least one surprise in the story involving another character that I didn’t see coming, which adds rather a comedic touch.
May 29, 2020
#1 in the twenty-four year old London (around 1808) Bow Street Runner John Pickett mystery series. He has spent most of his 6 month career chasing petty pickpockets and prostitutes. Nothing in this experience has prepared him for dealing with members of London's high society or the beautiful widow who is the chief suspect.
Twenty-six year old Lady Fieldhurst who married Lord Fieldhurst , an important Foreign Office figure, six years ago is estranged from him because of her failure to produce an heir which he uses to mentally harass her. Returning from large society dinner dance, she and her escort discover her husband's dead body. While he doesn't, Pickett's superior view her as the prime suspect. Under increasing pressure from without, he must uncover the true murderer if he is to save an innocent woman from the gallows.
Twenty-six year old Lady Fieldhurst who married Lord Fieldhurst , an important Foreign Office figure, six years ago is estranged from him because of her failure to produce an heir which he uses to mentally harass her. Returning from large society dinner dance, she and her escort discover her husband's dead body. While he doesn't, Pickett's superior view her as the prime suspect. Under increasing pressure from without, he must uncover the true murderer if he is to save an innocent woman from the gallows.
January 13, 2018
Great beginning for the John Pickett mysteries.
March 27, 2018
The main characters were pretty interesting especially Pickett. The mystery was underwhelming. I liked that there were red herrings but those didn't lead anywhere with the obvious choice being the culprit all along. It was also frustrating that the other characters didn't suspect the guilty party at all even though there could have been no better choice. The secondary characters were also more like caricatures.
I am definitely going to read the next book but only because I'm interested in the romance, not because the sleuthing was any good.
I am definitely going to read the next book but only because I'm interested in the romance, not because the sleuthing was any good.
January 21, 2021
Interesting young H is tasked to investigate the murder of a gentleman. His main suspect is the young widow, and he is aware of his fatal attraction. He's poor, a commoner and she's completely out of reach, yet she treats him kindly. He's being pushed o arrest her for the murder, so he does he can to prove her innocence. I liked it a lot, great pace and well developed characters. Sadly, all innuendo and no action.
November 11, 2011
Cute story... Not a ton of character development so the story seemed a little shallow. And it was over quick- only 240 or so pages. Kinda seemed like a beach read... I wish I was at the beach! Great, now that's all I can think about... Lol. Anyway, three stars. It seems like this might be a series; I'd read the followup to see what happens with Mr. Pickett.
June 24, 2017
-nice to feast on a well written, well edited book for a change.
John Pickett, a Bow Street Runner trying to solve a murder but fell in love instead with the prime suspect. How the poor sod try to prove her innocent- up to the nth hour to the gallows.
Very engaging.
In Milady's Chamber is book 1 but Pickpocket's Apprentice, the prequel is a good place to start John's story.
John Pickett, a Bow Street Runner trying to solve a murder but fell in love instead with the prime suspect. How the poor sod try to prove her innocent- up to the nth hour to the gallows.
Very engaging.
In Milady's Chamber is book 1 but Pickpocket's Apprentice, the prequel is a good place to start John's story.
September 4, 2017
It's 1800s and Bow Street Runner, John Pickett is called in when a body is discovered at the home of Viscount Fieldhurst, by Lady Fieldhurst and her soon to be lover Lord Rupert Latham. It seems that there are plenty of suspects for Pickett to clear or not.
A good start to the series, I look forward to see how the characters develop.
A good start to the series, I look forward to see how the characters develop.
March 9, 2020
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. And while I guessed early on how the matter would be resolved, I didn't put it all together before (actually completely after) John Pickett did. The true mystery is: how on earth did this wonderful series escape my attention until now?
March 1, 2010
A charming regency mystery you would not blush to recommend to the vicar.
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