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Doyle & Acton #19
Murder in Reproach
This seemed like a cut-and-dried case of suicide to Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle; the decedent—a wealthy theatre patron—must have decided that life without her famous husband was too hard to bear, and so she’d ended it.
Indeed, nothing about the tranquil scene would indicate foul play, save for the housekeeper’s insistence that something was amiss. The girl was certain that her mistress would never take her own life, and equally certain that she would never hold a peacock feather while doing so. After all, everyone in the theatre trade knew that peacock feathers were bad luck. . .
Indeed, nothing about the tranquil scene would indicate foul play, save for the housekeeper’s insistence that something was amiss. The girl was certain that her mistress would never take her own life, and equally certain that she would never hold a peacock feather while doing so. After all, everyone in the theatre trade knew that peacock feathers were bad luck. . .
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2024
45 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Anne Cleeland
36 books470 followersAnne Cleeland writes a contemporary Scotland Yard mystery series that is featured in the Amazon top 100 best sellers. She also writes a historical series of stand-alone books set in the Regency period. A member of International Thriller Writers, The Historical Novel Society, and Mystery Writers of America, she lives in California and has four children. www.annecleeland.com; @annecleeland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 26, 2024
Earth-shattering. That’s as much I can sum up this latest installment (and 16th book) in this stunningly beautiful series. Anne Cleeland sure knows how to build a plot line up, lull the reader with familiar and beloved characters then ramp the action at the end that leaves the reader reeling in shock.
The ghost this time…a unrepentant monster who should be chucked into the darkest depths of Mordor.
My only peeve was the way that milksop Mary is letting Savoie manipulate her into adopting Hannah. Howard plucked Mary from the projects and servitude and his memory is being completely erased from the story. It’s especially troubling since Howard gave his life to save little Gemma and now he is being erased from his only child’s life.
I can’t reveal much more detail without giving away major spoilers. But I pray we won’t have to wait much longer to continue thus plot line. The ending was a total cliffhanger.
The ghost this time…a unrepentant monster who should be chucked into the darkest depths of Mordor.
My only peeve was the way that milksop Mary is letting Savoie manipulate her into adopting Hannah. Howard plucked Mary from the projects and servitude and his memory is being completely erased from the story. It’s especially troubling since Howard gave his life to save little Gemma and now he is being erased from his only child’s life.
I can’t reveal much more detail without giving away major spoilers. But I pray we won’t have to wait much longer to continue thus plot line. The ending was a total cliffhanger.
February 27, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Series: A Doyle & Acton Mystery #19 (I think)
Publication Date: 2/21/24
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 220
I have come to realize that I really like reading books with quirky characters – even when those quirks might not be ‘lovable’ quirks. Go figure. This series is filled with quirky characters – some lovable quirks – some not. If you like quirky adventures, this book and this series might be for you.
Doyle and the newly promoted Munoz have been called to the scene of what would appear to be a cut-and-dried suicide. Except, there is a strange item at the scene and the housekeeper insists the victim would never, ever take her own life. So, is there more to it than meets the eye? Hmmm. They decide to leave it open for the moment and will try to gather a bit more information before they close the case.
With further investigation, they discover another suicide with the same item left at the scene – and that victim had a tie-in with a highly publicized public-servant scandal. Could this new case also have a tie-in? Are there more public-servants left who were involved in the scandal, but didn’t get rooted out? Could it be revenge someone is after?
The tension steps up when there is yet another murder and then more when Doyle, her family, and several friends, including children, are all put in harm's way. How can they all escape – or can they? You’ll just have to read this fun, entertaining book to see what everyone is up to this time.
Series: A Doyle & Acton Mystery #19 (I think)
Publication Date: 2/21/24
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 220
I have come to realize that I really like reading books with quirky characters – even when those quirks might not be ‘lovable’ quirks. Go figure. This series is filled with quirky characters – some lovable quirks – some not. If you like quirky adventures, this book and this series might be for you.
Doyle and the newly promoted Munoz have been called to the scene of what would appear to be a cut-and-dried suicide. Except, there is a strange item at the scene and the housekeeper insists the victim would never, ever take her own life. So, is there more to it than meets the eye? Hmmm. They decide to leave it open for the moment and will try to gather a bit more information before they close the case.
With further investigation, they discover another suicide with the same item left at the scene – and that victim had a tie-in with a highly publicized public-servant scandal. Could this new case also have a tie-in? Are there more public-servants left who were involved in the scandal, but didn’t get rooted out? Could it be revenge someone is after?
The tension steps up when there is yet another murder and then more when Doyle, her family, and several friends, including children, are all put in harm's way. How can they all escape – or can they? You’ll just have to read this fun, entertaining book to see what everyone is up to this time.
March 12, 2024
What a wild ride! I was totally blown away and stunned speechless by such a brilliantly unexpected ending! I was so blindsided by the explosive scene before the final chapter that I didn't even recognize that the book ended in a CLIFFHANGER! I just thought that it needed at least 200+ pages or more to answer all the questions I and all the other readers still had! Ha! In truth?
We Will Have the Conclusion ➡️ Murder in Preemption Coming in Fall 2024!
Avoid revealing the spoilers allowed me to focus on all things beautiful and special about the series.
Loved watching the children together, like when Emile and Gemma watched over Edward and Tommy. Loved more babies for Acton and Doyle, Munoz and Geary, Williams, and Savoie and Mary.
Loved witnessing heroic deeds performed by someone like Rolph Denisovich. Loved more hero who could and might become a value member in the House of Acton, like Seamus Riordan.
Looking forward to see justice for the innocent victims in this book being delivered in the upcoming book Murder in Preemption!
Sharing one of the rarest scenes, when Lord Acton got things wrong:
Avoid revealing the spoilers allowed me to focus on all things beautiful and special about the series.
Loved watching the children together, like when Emile and Gemma watched over Edward and Tommy. Loved more babies for Acton and Doyle, Munoz and Geary, Williams, and Savoie and Mary.
Loved witnessing heroic deeds performed by someone like Rolph Denisovich. Loved more hero who could and might become a value member in the House of Acton, like Seamus Riordan.
Looking forward to see justice for the innocent victims in this book being delivered in the upcoming book Murder in Preemption!
Sharing one of the rarest scenes, when Lord Acton got things wrong:
"It all adds up—the feather was a reproach to those who were aiding-and-abetting evil."
But Acton tilted his head in mild disagreement. "I believe the feather was more along the lines of a message."
Doyle blinked. "A message? To who?"
February 27, 2024
Delightful!
Another wonderful Acton and Doyle! Getting a new book of Ms. Cleeland is like sitting by a warm fire on a cold winters night. It warms you up inside out.
Peacocks are beautiful birds but in this mystery their feathers are found with bodies. Who is doing this?
I really enjoyed this book. I know when I get a new book I am going to be entertained. I have been a fan since the first book and I am always happy when a new one comes out. Kathleen holds a special place. She is such a delightful character. Acton is well Acton...gotta love him!
Another wonderful Acton and Doyle! Getting a new book of Ms. Cleeland is like sitting by a warm fire on a cold winters night. It warms you up inside out.
Peacocks are beautiful birds but in this mystery their feathers are found with bodies. Who is doing this?
I really enjoyed this book. I know when I get a new book I am going to be entertained. I have been a fan since the first book and I am always happy when a new one comes out. Kathleen holds a special place. She is such a delightful character. Acton is well Acton...gotta love him!
February 26, 2024
Shocking
An excellent installment in the Acton and Doyle series! Murder and mayhem as the criminals work hard to feather their nests as usual. Ghosts abound! Don't get lulled into a false sense of security though, as always Anne Cleeland delivers some shocking twists! I for one cannot wait for the next book in the series, which is my FAVORITE SERIES by my absolute FAVORITE AUTHOR! She never fails to amaze!!
An excellent installment in the Acton and Doyle series! Murder and mayhem as the criminals work hard to feather their nests as usual. Ghosts abound! Don't get lulled into a false sense of security though, as always Anne Cleeland delivers some shocking twists! I for one cannot wait for the next book in the series, which is my FAVORITE SERIES by my absolute FAVORITE AUTHOR! She never fails to amaze!!
February 28, 2024
The fascinating saga of Acton and Doyle continues. Returning characters , old villains and new twists keep this series interesting. Hope it continues for many years.!
October 4, 2024
I loved the story, but where is the rest of it?? Cliffhangers are not my favorite, but thankfully we won't have too long to wait since the next book is due out this Fall.
February 29, 2024
fast read. quick ending.
4.5 / 5 because I wanted at least another 100 pages. It is hard to wait a year for more story. True Acton and Doyle action. All the players are working away, even with brief appearances. Old plot lines being expanded, children growing, evil still lurks in both the hearts of men (women) and on the streets of London.
4.5 / 5 because I wanted at least another 100 pages. It is hard to wait a year for more story. True Acton and Doyle action. All the players are working away, even with brief appearances. Old plot lines being expanded, children growing, evil still lurks in both the hearts of men (women) and on the streets of London.
March 22, 2024
A Transition Novel
In this book we have lots of action and several deaths. I enjoyed it but I was left with the sensation that all Acton's family are safe but what's he been up to.
In this book we have lots of action and several deaths. I enjoyed it but I was left with the sensation that all Acton's family are safe but what's he been up to.
March 8, 2024
I tossed up whether to give this book three or four stars and settled on the higher rating since overall I still enjoyed it. However, some extremely repetitive elements are starting to make me stabby. More on that in a bit. The newly promoted Munoz is paired with Doyle on an apparent suicide. When the latter's Spidey sense starts acting up, the team are thrown a curve ball when it appears the murder might actually be staged making it a.... murder in reproach, so once again the readers are given a convenient case so the author can get a new title for her series. Acton is called in and characters from past events crop up as they always do in these books that sometimes feel like Groundhog Day, the Acton and Doyle version. Javid, Sir Vikili, Callie and Rolph show their faces as does a ghost (literally) from the past.
While the plot kept my interest due to a few twists and turns, there was still a heck of a lot of repetition that this author seems to rely on to keep the series going. No case ever seems to be fully solved making these books almost seem as though it's one big never-ending investigation that always goes nowhere because it's never tied off. It's a shame because I really enjoy the setting, characters and grisly murders is these novels and I'm always left scratching my head as to why the author has to rely on repetition instead of just introducing a new case (to be clear, they often feel like new cases but usually aren't). Once again the public accounts case pops its ugly head up because people and events connected to it are thrown in. The Russian mob and their political associations, including past players from other books, are chucked in again as a central theme, just going to show that even if a case seems completely unrelated (and could be for a breath of fresh air), the author is determined to weigh the plot down with deja vu that would rival the Matrix. Take the red pill, Acton and Doyle, for the love of baby Jesus!
The case had parallels to another Doyle had worked on which she noted, which I found pretty amusing since there's heaps of repetition with characters and plot lines in all of the books. Hilariously, even Doyle herself says, "You'd think the blacklegs would try to come up with somethin' new and different." You'd like to think, wouldn't you?! Let's start by putting the public accounts case to rest instead of trying to force it into every book whether it fits or not. Now the reader is having to suffer through this as a well as the newer investigation into fake artwork that manages to tie into everything (although I enjoyed Riordan making another appearance - this is a fun element). There was also the familiar plot line of Acton keeping things to himself while Doyle heavy-handedly falls into the correct answers, although some of the connections she came up with were a bit of a stretch, even with her abilities. While a ghost revealing itself to Doyle is nothing new, I really liked the twist brought into this book from her latest visitation. I won't reveal who it is because even through the author dropped enough hints to make where it was going somewhat predictable, the book had a terrific, fast-paced couple of chapters towards the end that made a solid change from the usual revelations Doyle gets from her apparitions.
The final thing that made me (and some others going by the reviews) want to set things on fire was the ending. After some terrific action, the book abruptly ends. This was such a disappointment after being on the edge of my seat. I actually thought there was an error with how the book had downloaded, it was so terribly done. After such a nail-biter of a scene near the end, there was no explanation, no follow up and no answers as to what had happened and honestly, it was really poor form from the author. It's like she had to hand the book in quickly because she had to be somewhere or there was a page limit or something. I'm really hoping that the next book takes some time finishing this off, including conversations between Doyle and Acton, because if it doesn't, I think it will affect my enjoyment of the series going forward. I can normally handle this author's fast finishes followed by the next book starting somewhere off-topic that doesn't quite do the ending of the previous book justice as readers are expected to just forget about it, but this ending was dreadful and left me pretty dissatisfied and confused as to what had just happened and why I'd been left with an unfinished story. I love the relationship between Acton and Doyle and while there were some solid conversations between the two throughout this book (because I'm here for the romance), the hurried and disappointing ending didn't do these two justice and landed flat.
On a positive note, the editing for Murder in Reproach was much better than this series' norm apart from some unfortunately random hyphen confetti. Sooooo while I enjoyed this book there were definitely some problems, especially with the reliance on old cases and characters to carry the plot over and the ending, which according to my notes, was completely ducked (autocorrect? lol).
While the plot kept my interest due to a few twists and turns, there was still a heck of a lot of repetition that this author seems to rely on to keep the series going. No case ever seems to be fully solved making these books almost seem as though it's one big never-ending investigation that always goes nowhere because it's never tied off. It's a shame because I really enjoy the setting, characters and grisly murders is these novels and I'm always left scratching my head as to why the author has to rely on repetition instead of just introducing a new case (to be clear, they often feel like new cases but usually aren't). Once again the public accounts case pops its ugly head up because people and events connected to it are thrown in. The Russian mob and their political associations, including past players from other books, are chucked in again as a central theme, just going to show that even if a case seems completely unrelated (and could be for a breath of fresh air), the author is determined to weigh the plot down with deja vu that would rival the Matrix. Take the red pill, Acton and Doyle, for the love of baby Jesus!
The case had parallels to another Doyle had worked on which she noted, which I found pretty amusing since there's heaps of repetition with characters and plot lines in all of the books. Hilariously, even Doyle herself says, "You'd think the blacklegs would try to come up with somethin' new and different." You'd like to think, wouldn't you?! Let's start by putting the public accounts case to rest instead of trying to force it into every book whether it fits or not. Now the reader is having to suffer through this as a well as the newer investigation into fake artwork that manages to tie into everything (although I enjoyed Riordan making another appearance - this is a fun element). There was also the familiar plot line of Acton keeping things to himself while Doyle heavy-handedly falls into the correct answers, although some of the connections she came up with were a bit of a stretch, even with her abilities. While a ghost revealing itself to Doyle is nothing new, I really liked the twist brought into this book from her latest visitation. I won't reveal who it is because even through the author dropped enough hints to make where it was going somewhat predictable, the book had a terrific, fast-paced couple of chapters towards the end that made a solid change from the usual revelations Doyle gets from her apparitions.
The final thing that made me (and some others going by the reviews) want to set things on fire was the ending. After some terrific action, the book abruptly ends. This was such a disappointment after being on the edge of my seat. I actually thought there was an error with how the book had downloaded, it was so terribly done. After such a nail-biter of a scene near the end, there was no explanation, no follow up and no answers as to what had happened and honestly, it was really poor form from the author. It's like she had to hand the book in quickly because she had to be somewhere or there was a page limit or something. I'm really hoping that the next book takes some time finishing this off, including conversations between Doyle and Acton, because if it doesn't, I think it will affect my enjoyment of the series going forward. I can normally handle this author's fast finishes followed by the next book starting somewhere off-topic that doesn't quite do the ending of the previous book justice as readers are expected to just forget about it, but this ending was dreadful and left me pretty dissatisfied and confused as to what had just happened and why I'd been left with an unfinished story. I love the relationship between Acton and Doyle and while there were some solid conversations between the two throughout this book (because I'm here for the romance), the hurried and disappointing ending didn't do these two justice and landed flat.
On a positive note, the editing for Murder in Reproach was much better than this series' norm apart from some unfortunately random hyphen confetti. Sooooo while I enjoyed this book there were definitely some problems, especially with the reliance on old cases and characters to carry the plot over and the ending, which according to my notes, was completely ducked (autocorrect? lol).
July 1, 2025
The 19th enjoyable read from this husband-and-wife mystery series. While you could probably enjoy this book as a standalone, the lives of Doyle and Acton progress through the series and references are made to previous events.
Munoz (recently promoted) and Doyle have been called to the scene of an apparent suicide. The victim's housekeeper is sure that it isn't a suicide, as her mistress didn't have the gumption. Additionally, there is a peacock feather with the body and as the victim was once in the theater, she wouldn't have a peacock feather as theater-folk consider them bad luck.
And then Doyle & Acton are made aware of another murder involving a peacock feather and then Munoz and Doyle are called to another scene, where the victim has...a peacock feather.
Old Doyle & Acton cases are brought to the fore as they're reminded of cases and/or come in contact with people involved in those cases. What is going on?
This book ends in a cliffhanger, as the storyline continues in the next book.
Munoz (recently promoted) and Doyle have been called to the scene of an apparent suicide. The victim's housekeeper is sure that it isn't a suicide, as her mistress didn't have the gumption. Additionally, there is a peacock feather with the body and as the victim was once in the theater, she wouldn't have a peacock feather as theater-folk consider them bad luck.
And then Doyle & Acton are made aware of another murder involving a peacock feather and then Munoz and Doyle are called to another scene, where the victim has...a peacock feather.
Old Doyle & Acton cases are brought to the fore as they're reminded of cases and/or come in contact with people involved in those cases. What is going on?
This book ends in a cliffhanger, as the storyline continues in the next book.
February 14, 2025
Spoilers.
.
.
.
.
Doyle is pregnant again, with her 3rd child, a girl. Munoz is pregnant for the first time. Mary, Savoie's wife, is also pregnant.
Riordan, the witness from the art money laundering ring from the library in Dublin, tells Doyle he has the same abilities as her. She tries to deny it.
A bad guy tried to burn them after they were trapped in a building. Doyle was put into a coma. Her baby is ok.
.
.
.
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Doyle is pregnant again, with her 3rd child, a girl. Munoz is pregnant for the first time. Mary, Savoie's wife, is also pregnant.
Riordan, the witness from the art money laundering ring from the library in Dublin, tells Doyle he has the same abilities as her. She tries to deny it.
A bad guy tried to burn them after they were trapped in a building. Doyle was put into a coma. Her baby is ok.
February 29, 2024
Anne Cleeland is my kind of author. I know when I get one of her books I am in for an excellent read.
She crafts intricate plots with familiar characters mixed in with curious new ones.
When I've thought about trying to describe this series, I get stuck. "A police procedural" is too little to cover all that the stories encompass.
Delightful.
She crafts intricate plots with familiar characters mixed in with curious new ones.
When I've thought about trying to describe this series, I get stuck. "A police procedural" is too little to cover all that the stories encompass.
Delightful.
March 25, 2024
Can't wait for the next one - this ended on a cliffhanger, and I had too many questions left unanswered. Unfortunately, I can't say what they are because of spoilers. I love this series, and I've read them all. The quirky, intertwined, complex characters add to the appeal. Kathleen is such a great character - being a little bit fey makes her so much fun to read.
4.5 stars.
4.5 stars.
April 6, 2024
Strong story and equally entertaining.
This book further developed the main characters.
New background details revealed. Keep the readers attention as the plot unfolds.
Recommend the series with this book being a entertaining addition.
This book further developed the main characters.
New background details revealed. Keep the readers attention as the plot unfolds.
Recommend the series with this book being a entertaining addition.
April 27, 2024
I enjoyed this book, right up until the rushed, unfinished ending. The book cut off abruptly. I went back to Amazon to confirm the page count. I wondered if I was provided a defective book that did not have all the pages. But the Amazon page count matched what I had on my kindle. :(
October 22, 2024
The fey and Fair Doyle, is, in this instance, visited by the vengeful ghost of the Lady Macbeth~like accomplished actress, Sasha Lanska. The actress was burned to death by Phillipe Savoie in an unsolved crime white~washed by Acton to protect Gemma (a secret Romanov, also Savoie and Mary's beloved step~daughter), both Acton's and Savioe's dubious involvement was strongly disapproved by Doyle. This story did not follow the usual helpful hints and frantic appeals from the Fair Doyle's nightly visitors, for the toxic~in~life Lanska's urgent cryptic hints were of a different nature and most definitely fiery.
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February 26, 20242/24/2024
March 7, 2024
4.0 ***
March 11, 2024
another good one.
March 14, 2024
Unsatisfying. This will be my last book in this series. Not worth the money or time anymore.
March 18, 2024
Good book
I love this book series, but disappointed at abrupt ending I hope this doesn't mean that the book will be continued in another book
I love this book series, but disappointed at abrupt ending I hope this doesn't mean that the book will be continued in another book
March 24, 2024
Excellent, but short
As always Ms. Cleeland's books are engaging, however this one drops one into limbo. When is next book expected. Many questions and no resolutions.
As always Ms. Cleeland's books are engaging, however this one drops one into limbo. When is next book expected. Many questions and no resolutions.
March 25, 2024
What an ending! Can’t wait for the next book. (I say that after each book actually).
March 30, 2024
Another good one.
As usual, Ann Cleeland did not disappoint. I always like Kathleen Doyle’s banter with Lord Acton and her keen insight. I hope to read more in the future.
As usual, Ann Cleeland did not disappoint. I always like Kathleen Doyle’s banter with Lord Acton and her keen insight. I hope to read more in the future.
April 4, 2024
wow, way to leave us hanging, Anne :) Can't wait for the next in the series.
April 28, 2024
Anne Cleeland
Love your books. Just the thing to take your mind off the realities of life. Thank you for writing. Looking forward to many more.
Love your books. Just the thing to take your mind off the realities of life. Thank you for writing. Looking forward to many more.
September 20, 2024
I can’t wait for the next one.
The hero is getting really mad and wanted a revenge because someone tried to hurt his darling wife! Scary 😬😵💫.
The hero is getting really mad and wanted a revenge because someone tried to hurt his darling wife! Scary 😬😵💫.
March 20, 2025
Loved it.
April 8, 2025
Excellent
ALL of these books are excellent! The plot keeps you guessing, the characters are described to perfection and the endings great!!!
ALL of these books are excellent! The plot keeps you guessing, the characters are described to perfection and the endings great!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews