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Redmond and Haze Mysteries #11
Murder of a Mermaid
The discovery of a young woman’s body drifting down the Thames, her hair adorned with flowers and her legs wrapped in blue silk like a mermaid’s tail, presents Lord Jason Redmond and Inspector Daniel Haze with a puzzling new mystery. Who was she, why was she murdered, and what led the killer to leave her body displayed this way? Was it an act of love, meant to make the victim appear beautiful in death, or was there a more sinister reason?
As Redmond and Haze delve deeper into her life, they learn that the victim harbored shocking secrets and had crossed paths with a feared kingpin of London’s criminal underworld.
Will Redmond and Haze solve the murder before the killer strikes again?
As Redmond and Haze delve deeper into her life, they learn that the victim harbored shocking secrets and had crossed paths with a feared kingpin of London’s criminal underworld.
Will Redmond and Haze solve the murder before the killer strikes again?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2023
458 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
109 books1,193 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 7, 2023
Disappointed
I read this series from the beginning and really liked and cared about the main characters. This book falls into the category of 90% of most authors who use sex and sleaze to sell books, very disappointing. I would love to see Ms. Shapiro return to the innocence of her earlier books. If her next book is a repeat of this one, I'm done.
I read this series from the beginning and really liked and cared about the main characters. This book falls into the category of 90% of most authors who use sex and sleaze to sell books, very disappointing. I would love to see Ms. Shapiro return to the innocence of her earlier books. If her next book is a repeat of this one, I'm done.
June 10, 2023
Avid Reader
I suspected the husband, but just couldn't figure out why he would want his wife dead. No one had a relationship that was real except Jason Redmond and his wife. The epilogue led to the next murder. Will all the women in Daniel's life end up dead? Rebecca decides that she's going to marry an older man, A friend of her father's and move with him to Argentina. By then, Daniel realizes that he really doesn't know Rebecca well enough to marry her. Rebecca realizes that she isn't cut out to be a policeman's wife after Daniel loses a kidney. Charlotte is missing. How long will it take for her to be found in Book 12?
I suspected the husband, but just couldn't figure out why he would want his wife dead. No one had a relationship that was real except Jason Redmond and his wife. The epilogue led to the next murder. Will all the women in Daniel's life end up dead? Rebecca decides that she's going to marry an older man, A friend of her father's and move with him to Argentina. By then, Daniel realizes that he really doesn't know Rebecca well enough to marry her. Rebecca realizes that she isn't cut out to be a policeman's wife after Daniel loses a kidney. Charlotte is missing. How long will it take for her to be found in Book 12?
May 21, 2023
I always enjoy this cracking good series. It's a must purchase when a new installment is released. The procedural aspect during the Victorian era is well researched, and the characters are deeply fleshed out and believable. If you love a good mystery, I highly recommend Redmond and Haze. Semi-spoiler alert: This book leaves us with a startling cliffhanger. Hope Ms. Shapiro hurries up with the next installment.
On a different note: We have a new narrator for this series, Alex Lee. I liked her voice and thought she did a good job with the characters.
On a different note: We have a new narrator for this series, Alex Lee. I liked her voice and thought she did a good job with the characters.
August 24, 2024
3.5 stars.
The victim had such a strange family dynamic. I found this one had some very ugly themes, and again highlighted the narrowness of women's paths in seeking their own destiny in those days. It's all so sad. Things have definitely improved in the last century but there are still so many inequalities to overcome.
I've already read the synopsis of the next book, but I'm not looking forward to it as I can see Daniel is in for another shock.
The victim had such a strange family dynamic. I found this one had some very ugly themes, and again highlighted the narrowness of women's paths in seeking their own destiny in those days. It's all so sad. Things have definitely improved in the last century but there are still so many inequalities to overcome.
I've already read the synopsis of the next book, but I'm not looking forward to it as I can see Daniel is in for another shock.
July 5, 2023
the zip is gone
Maybe churning out a series drains the writers... but the excitement of these two characters is starting to fade.... sadly
Maybe churning out a series drains the writers... but the excitement of these two characters is starting to fade.... sadly
March 31, 2024
February 1869. A body of a young female, half naked, is found in a boat drifting in the River Thames. But why was she dressed to look like a mermaid. Inspector Haze and Lord Redmond investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
June 14, 2023
For Redmond and Haze, nothing is ever easy.
How did a beautiful young woman end up dead, in a boat? How did she end up with a blue shawl carefully wrapped around her lower body that makes her look like a mermaid? There are several suspects, but every time Daniel and Jason think they may be getting close, their lead goes nowhere. Again, (or still) women are the target of society. Women have very few rights. Prostitution is rampant; many women and even young girls, without the protection of a husband or family, can find that the only thing they have to sell is themselves. Women had few rights, so they couldn't complain because no one even cared. All this poor dead woman wanted was to run away to America and start a new life; she needed money to do that. Along the way, she finds enough people who are willing to take advantage of her youth and beauty. At times, this book can become depressing. The time period wasn't the easiest or the most pleasant if you were poor, especially if you were a poor woman. Even for our beautiful mermaid, marriage didn't turn out to be the road to happiness she'd expected and hoped for. Among the "careers" for women, if they had no husband, were taking care of someone else's children, menial work in someone else's household, and prostitution. It did no good to complain because that was just the way things were. The only happy ending is that her murder is solved. Irina Shapiro has written another complex murder mystery. I think what I like best about her books set in this place and time is knowing that things would get better for women in the future (but not perfect by any means). I like Jason and Daniel - they make a great team. And I'm looking forward to book 12.
How did a beautiful young woman end up dead, in a boat? How did she end up with a blue shawl carefully wrapped around her lower body that makes her look like a mermaid? There are several suspects, but every time Daniel and Jason think they may be getting close, their lead goes nowhere. Again, (or still) women are the target of society. Women have very few rights. Prostitution is rampant; many women and even young girls, without the protection of a husband or family, can find that the only thing they have to sell is themselves. Women had few rights, so they couldn't complain because no one even cared. All this poor dead woman wanted was to run away to America and start a new life; she needed money to do that. Along the way, she finds enough people who are willing to take advantage of her youth and beauty. At times, this book can become depressing. The time period wasn't the easiest or the most pleasant if you were poor, especially if you were a poor woman. Even for our beautiful mermaid, marriage didn't turn out to be the road to happiness she'd expected and hoped for. Among the "careers" for women, if they had no husband, were taking care of someone else's children, menial work in someone else's household, and prostitution. It did no good to complain because that was just the way things were. The only happy ending is that her murder is solved. Irina Shapiro has written another complex murder mystery. I think what I like best about her books set in this place and time is knowing that things would get better for women in the future (but not perfect by any means). I like Jason and Daniel - they make a great team. And I'm looking forward to book 12.
July 24, 2025
A woman is found dead in a boat, wrapped in a shawl to look like a mermaid. She was married but had no children and her husband used all of her inheritance on his fledgling bookstore where he seems to do more reading than selling. It isn't long before Daniel and Jason learn that she had been posing for nude photographs, earning her own money. Was she using it to pay off her husband's debts or was she saving it to escape her loveless marriage and move to America as her sister-in-law suggested? There were suspects other than her husband, including her brother who had found out that she was posing for the nude photos, her husband's pregnant mistress and her teenaged son. They seem to be going in circles until they learn that the sister-in-law was being blackmailed by a retired actress who knew that she used to act, a fact that she never told her husband. That was the break in the case that they needed. When they went to interview the retired actress, they found her dead and figured out that the dead woman's husband fed her poisoned chocolates. Was she also blackmailing him? No, in this case the husband and the sister-in-law were in cahoots and they both took care of the other's problem. The sister-in-law killed his wife so that he can marry his pregnant mistress and the husband killed the retired actress so that the sister-in-law would no longer be blackmailed. A clever resolution. In personal news, not much was mentioned about Jason's home life so I'm assuming that it is just the status quo. Daniel, who was ready to propose to his nanny, Rebecca, is shocked when she gives her notice so that she can marry a friend of her father's. But, at the end of the book, she is murdered and Daniel's daughter, Charlette, is missing. A cliffhanger!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
Murder and society’s rules for women
I loved this installment of the historical whodunit series staring Captain Jason Redmond and Inspector Daniel Haze. Like the other books in the series, it had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense. I was equally desperate to read it all at once to solve the mystery and also to savor it and make it last. Jason and Daniel are portrayed as real, relatable and complex people who have flaws and scars, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. Captain Jason Redmond is an American surgeon who inherited his British grandfather’s estate and title. He is living with his wife and infant daughter in London while he teaches, volunteers at the hospital and performs autopsies for the police. Daniel Haze is a detective inspector for Scotland Yard. He is widowed and lives with his young daughter. They are good friends and their different approaches often complement each other while solving cases together. Daniel requests Jason’s help when the body of women laid out to look like a mermaid is found floating in a boat on the river. The investigation leads Daniel and Jason to unlikely places, dead ends, plot twists, and surprising revelations. As always, there are smaller side personal story arcs and social commentary which enrich the main plot line and give the characters greater dimension. I am so happy there are many more books to read in this series.
I loved this installment of the historical whodunit series staring Captain Jason Redmond and Inspector Daniel Haze. Like the other books in the series, it had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense. I was equally desperate to read it all at once to solve the mystery and also to savor it and make it last. Jason and Daniel are portrayed as real, relatable and complex people who have flaws and scars, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. Captain Jason Redmond is an American surgeon who inherited his British grandfather’s estate and title. He is living with his wife and infant daughter in London while he teaches, volunteers at the hospital and performs autopsies for the police. Daniel Haze is a detective inspector for Scotland Yard. He is widowed and lives with his young daughter. They are good friends and their different approaches often complement each other while solving cases together. Daniel requests Jason’s help when the body of women laid out to look like a mermaid is found floating in a boat on the river. The investigation leads Daniel and Jason to unlikely places, dead ends, plot twists, and surprising revelations. As always, there are smaller side personal story arcs and social commentary which enrich the main plot line and give the characters greater dimension. I am so happy there are many more books to read in this series.
June 9, 2023
This story has so many twists and turns! It is my favorite duo Redmond and Haze!
They are called to a crime scene with a beautiful young woman who is murdered but also dressed up like a mermaid.
There are several suspects and it appears that they lead in different directions all at once!
Just when you think it is solved than another clue! Some of the clues is another victim!
Inspector Haze finally feels like at the end of this case he will propose but he too little too late!
Lord Redmond because his wife is a daughter of a vicar and so is the victim has some misgivings! What would force a woman to make the decision she has made and the very unscrupulous people who should have protected her failed miserably!
This story has several emotional elements of exploitation of women which is not dissimilar to now except we have more sophisticated cameras and electronic devices!
There was one scene that drew a tear from me but more towards the end!
What a person who has escaped poverty feel like they owe another just is mind boggling?
The ending leads right into the most riveting mystery yet that hits way to close to home! Bravo
They are called to a crime scene with a beautiful young woman who is murdered but also dressed up like a mermaid.
There are several suspects and it appears that they lead in different directions all at once!
Just when you think it is solved than another clue! Some of the clues is another victim!
Inspector Haze finally feels like at the end of this case he will propose but he too little too late!
Lord Redmond because his wife is a daughter of a vicar and so is the victim has some misgivings! What would force a woman to make the decision she has made and the very unscrupulous people who should have protected her failed miserably!
This story has several emotional elements of exploitation of women which is not dissimilar to now except we have more sophisticated cameras and electronic devices!
There was one scene that drew a tear from me but more towards the end!
What a person who has escaped poverty feel like they owe another just is mind boggling?
The ending leads right into the most riveting mystery yet that hits way to close to home! Bravo
January 5, 2025
During the dark hours of the early morning, a young woman’s body is found drifting down the Thames, her hair adorned with flowers and her legs wrapped in blue silk like a mermaid’s tail. Scotland Yard assigns Inspector Daniel Haze the puzzling case, with Lord Jason Redmond along to lend his expertise. As they start investigating, they discover the victim has taken part is shocking behavior linked to a feared mastermind of London’s criminal underworld. The woman's family and associates seem to be scandalized, except when it hits even closer to home. When another murder occurs, it seems too coincidental to be unrelated, but Redmond and Haze are stumped as to how the killings are connected. I like the Scotland Yard police procedural aspect of this intense murder investigation, and I like the deeper look into Daniel's home life.
July 19, 2025
Oh, the storyline/plot in this one was engaging and thrilling. The twist and turns were amazing. It kept you guessing right up to the end. Only two negatives for me in this one. First of all, I couldn't get use to the new narrator and it distracted me several times from the story. The was no clear distinction between Daniel's and Jason's voice when they were conversing. And second, I wish that the author would give Daniel a bit more backbone and confidence about his abilities as a detective, as he is constantly doubting himself. This was an absolute great read and can hardly wait for the next book because I think it's going to be a "humdinger."
July 29, 2023
I am a reader of this series, now up to eleven books. This one has some rather unexpectedly tawdry sorts of crimes in its plotting and requires a good deal of active investigation on the parts of Redmond and Haze. A doctor and a policeman partner in this series with their differing sets of talents and skills to unearth secrets of the worst kind and stop murders when possible. There is quite a variety of crime and bad actors in this action-filled book and some sad and/or surprising new challenges for Constable Haze as the plot develops.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
May 19, 2023
An excellent addition to the series, with intricate plotting and unexpected twists. I enjoy Redmond and Haze’s relationship although I do wish Haze would begin to develop more self confidence. And that Haze would finally catch a break! Talk about a cliff hanger ending.
I listened to this as an audiobook, which was the first in this series for me. Others have complained about a switch of narrators, but I thought that Alex Lee did an excellent job.
I listened to this as an audiobook, which was the first in this series for me. Others have complained about a switch of narrators, but I thought that Alex Lee did an excellent job.
March 27, 2025
No spoilers-
I like this book series (although I do prefer the other series of hers with the detective and nurse).
This book though- the detective Haze is insufferable in this book. He’s uptight, a judgmental and prude jerk. He is miserable and I found myself really disliking him in this book.
I understand men thought of women and marriage and things like that differently in the 1800s, but good god this guy is so annoying!
I hope that in the next book he’s not such a whiny b*tch.
I like this book series (although I do prefer the other series of hers with the detective and nurse).
This book though- the detective Haze is insufferable in this book. He’s uptight, a judgmental and prude jerk. He is miserable and I found myself really disliking him in this book.
I understand men thought of women and marriage and things like that differently in the 1800s, but good god this guy is so annoying!
I hope that in the next book he’s not such a whiny b*tch.
June 17, 2023
good reading
I always enjoy books by Irina Shapiro. I will admit, however, I am getting a bit tired of that poor police officers never ending unhappiness. After so many books, other than the first few, I would like to see him find some peace. I will certainly read Book #12 but hopefully outside of getting his daughter back, something else good happens to him.
I always enjoy books by Irina Shapiro. I will admit, however, I am getting a bit tired of that poor police officers never ending unhappiness. After so many books, other than the first few, I would like to see him find some peace. I will certainly read Book #12 but hopefully outside of getting his daughter back, something else good happens to him.
June 17, 2023
Another murder well solved. Unfortunately Daniel seems to continue to be unlucky in the "love" department. Hopefully there are happier times for him in the future. This series shows how out of whack the class structure is when the major contributions to society by Lord Redmond in his work are looked down upon.
June 29, 2023
Best of the series to date
This gripping episode in the careers and lives of Redmond and Haze is chilling to the last sentence. As always the historical accuracy of life in old London; class differences, scientific limitations, women’s subjugation, are horrifying. Put on the tea, pull up a cozy chair, open the first page and get set for a thrilling ride.
This gripping episode in the careers and lives of Redmond and Haze is chilling to the last sentence. As always the historical accuracy of life in old London; class differences, scientific limitations, women’s subjugation, are horrifying. Put on the tea, pull up a cozy chair, open the first page and get set for a thrilling ride.
August 15, 2023
2 1/2 stars. A fairly typical mystery set in mid-Victorian London. If you have read others in this series you know what to expect. I have to admit, I think I liked it better when they were in the small village that this was originally set in before they came to London. I miss the characters they came across regularly there.
December 11, 2025
Whoosh...
Bit intense mystery...who murders a woman, then dresses her as a mermaid left on the river? Dark secrets lurk in the past for Redmond and Haze to dig up.
While I really enjoyed the unraveling of this mystery, other things are unraveled. Though nothing happens, little is left for the imagination.
Christa
Bit intense mystery...who murders a woman, then dresses her as a mermaid left on the river? Dark secrets lurk in the past for Redmond and Haze to dig up.
While I really enjoyed the unraveling of this mystery, other things are unraveled. Though nothing happens, little is left for the imagination.
Christa
January 31, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Like the rest of the books in the series that I've read, I found it riveting. I went down many blind alleys along with detectives Redmond and Haze but was still surprised at the end of the book. As usual, I'm looking forward to reading the next book and will definitely be picking it up soon. This series is that good!
June 8, 2023
great character development
I have read all the books in the series and each has been excellent.
Although there is always a mystery the strength of the stories lies with the friendship between the two main American characters - Jason and Daniel
I have read all the books in the series and each has been excellent.
Although there is always a mystery the strength of the stories lies with the friendship between the two main American characters - Jason and Daniel
June 9, 2023
I loved this story…
This was a definite page turner for me. Even if the plot reminded me of Strangers on a Train. I felt sorry for Daniel. He can’t seem to get a break.
I will continue with this series and hope Ms Shapiro doesn’t stop writing them.
This was a definite page turner for me. Even if the plot reminded me of Strangers on a Train. I felt sorry for Daniel. He can’t seem to get a break.
I will continue with this series and hope Ms Shapiro doesn’t stop writing them.
June 17, 2023
Fantastic Series
This has become one of my favourite series. I hope we continue to enjoy the exploits of Redmond and Haze for a very long time. I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book very much. One of my favourites thus far.
This has become one of my favourite series. I hope we continue to enjoy the exploits of Redmond and Haze for a very long time. I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book very much. One of my favourites thus far.
June 19, 2023
Murder of a Mermaid
I love the Remind and Haze series! I felt like this book took the reader to a very dark place in London's under belly. The impact of poverty on people even if they managed to raise themselves up. A well written mystery with unexpected twists at the end.
I love the Remind and Haze series! I felt like this book took the reader to a very dark place in London's under belly. The impact of poverty on people even if they managed to raise themselves up. A well written mystery with unexpected twists at the end.
July 13, 2023
Good…
This was good. I enjoyed the mystery and loved being on the journey with Redmond and Haze as they followed the clues. The author did a great job describing 19th century London. The two main characters work well together and balance the other. I look forward to the next book.
This was good. I enjoyed the mystery and loved being on the journey with Redmond and Haze as they followed the clues. The author did a great job describing 19th century London. The two main characters work well together and balance the other. I look forward to the next book.
August 14, 2023
Wonderful
I really enjoy these mysteries! Irina Shapiro is an excellent author.
She always has you guessing who dun it?. Her characters are very
exciting. Great storyline as always. I will be recommending this author to my friends and family! Read and enjoy!
I really enjoy these mysteries! Irina Shapiro is an excellent author.
She always has you guessing who dun it?. Her characters are very
exciting. Great storyline as always. I will be recommending this author to my friends and family! Read and enjoy!
August 6, 2024
Ah…the Twist!
This was a rather sordid tale about the darkness of crime. Unfortunately, the sinful nature of man hasn’t stopped with the advancement of technology. I enjoy references to such things as DNA in crime fighting of the “future.”
This was a rather sordid tale about the darkness of crime. Unfortunately, the sinful nature of man hasn’t stopped with the advancement of technology. I enjoy references to such things as DNA in crime fighting of the “future.”
August 7, 2024
Very interesting
Jason and Daniel investigating a most unique murder leads them into the underground world of exploitation. Very interesting characters and story make this an enjoyable reading experience.
Jason and Daniel investigating a most unique murder leads them into the underground world of exploitation. Very interesting characters and story make this an enjoyable reading experience.
February 9, 2025
Another great story
Ms. Shapiro has quite an imagination, you don't see what's coming next! I've become so invested in the characters that I'm excited when things go well and sad when they don't. You won't know who did it till you get to the last chapter!
Ms. Shapiro has quite an imagination, you don't see what's coming next! I've become so invested in the characters that I'm excited when things go well and sad when they don't. You won't know who did it till you get to the last chapter!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews