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John Pickett Mystery #4.5
Waiting Game
John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst have reached an impasse as they wait for the annulment of their accidental marriage to come before the ecclesiastical court. Meanwhile, Pickett is summoned to investigate a theft at a linen-draper’s shop. Suspecting an inside job—and with a hostile hound named Brutus impeding his progress—Pickett must resort to the tricks of his former trade in order to catch a thief. Regency Mystery Novella by Sheri Cobb South; originally published by the author and Belgrave House/Regency Reads
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2016
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163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 15, 2018
Even with all this mess relating to redecorating, I found one of my John Pickett’s. Yes, it is a short one, but a goodie all the same. Sheri Cobb South’s Waiting Game,( #4.5 John Pickett Mysteries) is a very quick read as it is a novella. As John and Julia, Lady Fieldhurst arrive at an impasse while waiting for their ‘annulment’, John is assigned to a case of theft at a linen-draper’s shop, but the novella begins with John joining the magistrate’s family for 1808’s Christmas dinner. I loved that part as John ‘becomes’ part of this family for the holiday, and he even realizes that he is sorry to see it end. Thus, it is back. to work for this Bow Street runner. John visits this linen-draper store robbery. John has a bite-in with the family’s pet, meets the owner’s daughter, and even gets a chance to witness a delivery from Brundy & Son with their many ordered bolts of fabric. (Brundy & Son are characters from a very successful novel of Ms. Cobb South.) Suffice it to say, John solves the case using a few of the (illegal) tricks he learned at his Pappy’s knee. Fun!
November 10, 2017
This novella, "Waiting Game", restored my enthusiasm for this series. There is still the tension present surrounding the unrequited feelings between Bow Street Runner, John Picket and the Viscountess, Julia Fieldhurst. However, their relationship build and progress as they are constantly thrown together with each new mystery. In this story it's Christmas and John is in no celebratory mood as he agonizes of the pending annulment of the accidental marriage between him and his lady love, Julia.
However, what made this story so awesome was when John is investigating a theft at the shop of a prominent draper, John meets and interview witness a younger albeit wonderful Ethan Brundy! It was such a striking contrast between these two working class men who fall in love with women from the peerage who are seemingly above the interest of a bow street runner and a future mill owner.
This story takes place eight years prior to the events in "The Weaver Takes a Wife" and Ethan works for the mill and he is already thinking of future modernizations for the business. The banter between commoners John and Ethan, regarding who was worst off in the paterfamilias lottery, and the parallel between their romantic situations was both humorous and sobering. It was wonderful to see the weaver take a bow and knowing how his pursuit of love turned out. With both John and Ethan, I love rooting for the underdog and I hope that John wins his lady Julia's love and respect.
However, what made this story so awesome was when John is investigating a theft at the shop of a prominent draper, John meets and interview witness a younger albeit wonderful Ethan Brundy! It was such a striking contrast between these two working class men who fall in love with women from the peerage who are seemingly above the interest of a bow street runner and a future mill owner.
This story takes place eight years prior to the events in "The Weaver Takes a Wife" and Ethan works for the mill and he is already thinking of future modernizations for the business. The banter between commoners John and Ethan, regarding who was worst off in the paterfamilias lottery, and the parallel between their romantic situations was both humorous and sobering. It was wonderful to see the weaver take a bow and knowing how his pursuit of love turned out. With both John and Ethan, I love rooting for the underdog and I hope that John wins his lady Julia's love and respect.
April 29, 2022
John Pickett has accidentially married Lady Fieldhurst and is now waiting for their anulment to go through. He tries to keep busy with work and avoid being sent to Mayfair. When a linen draper's shop in Picadilly is robbed of all their daily earnings, John is eager to investigate as it will keep him away from Mayfair and Julia. He must absolutely forget her and put their relationship behind him.
This novella is fairly slow to begin with. The Christmas party section is a lot of fun and really enjoyable. It feels like the Dance at Fezziwig's scene in A Christmas Carol. That could be a self-contained short story. The mystery portion that follows is a little slow but picks up towards the end. I liked the little Easter Eggs tossed in. It was fun to see a cameo from Ethan Bundy The Weaver Takes a Wife and get to know more about his early years with his foster father. Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, makes a brief cameo as well.
John doesn't grow or change much. He's still sensitive, shy and caring. He's pining for Julia but his past experience taught him that he must stay in his station and Julia must stick to hers. He isn't sure of Julia's love yet because of his past. John needs to grow and become more confident because Julia is pining for him too. She's still officially in mourning for her husband but eager to come out of mourning. She seems to care for John but isn't sure how he feels about her. Julia has another suitor waiting in the wings! I didn't care for her prophetic dream foreshadowing Too Hot to Handel. That was weird and unnecessary.
Lord Rupert Latham, Julia's suitor, is a typical arrogant man of his time. He ASSUMES Julia will be eager to marry HIM because he's wealthy and titled. They're of the same class. His attitude towards John and the lower classes is exactly what got the French aristos sent to the guillatine. You would think the English would have learned a lesson there but nope. Rupert is so eager to win Julia's hand and/or so snobby, he's quick to tell tales about John to make John look bad in Julia's eyes. Of course it doesn't work because Julia knows John better than that but it's rude and uncalled for. If you want to woo a lady, don't insult her friends! (Cue the Spice Girls "Wannabe") If Lord Rupert wants a shot at Julia he needs to show her what kind of man he is and if that's all he can show her, he's certainly not worth it!
Patrick Colquhoun is such a wonderful man. He understands John is lonely and pining for Julia so he invited John to his family Christmas celebration. The Colquhoun family is so much fun! They're lively, loving and energetic. Each one welcomes John and makes him feel comfortable. The children take a liking to him because he spoils them. It's pretty hair-raising, the things they let children do and eat in the early 19th-century! I don't think my siblings would let their kids eat brandy soaked raisins!
At the linen draper's shop, John has a real mystery on his hands and meets another woman who is a piece of work! Mr. Robinson seems a bit absent-minded maybe and perhaps cheap. His shop isn't the finest and he spends all his money on expensive fabrics. Could he be lying about the robbery to make his shop more interesting and important? His daughter is awful. She is determined not to be forced into marriage with Ethan Bundy. She could do a lot worse but makes the same claim as Lady Helen will later, if I recall correctly. It makes her sound rude and snobby. Ethan is a good catch! His foster father is still alive and calls the shots in the business but as Mr. Brundy, Sr. has chosen to make Ethan his heir, Ethan stands to inherit the business and money. They're doing a brisk trade in the finest homespun cottons. It's not India muslin but since it's cheaper, he stands to make a lot of money.
Anyway, Miss Robinson sets her sights on John. Miss Robinson keeps coming on to him and sweet, innocent John doesn't quite realize it. She's scheming and if John isn't careful he'll be trapped into another marriage! I bet she stole the money to use as a dowry or start a life away from her father.
John narrows it down to two suspects: Jem, the shop boy who runs errands and makes deliveries or Andrew, a longtime employee. The culprit is really dumb! It doesn't take much cleverness to figure it out, sorry John, just bravery to catch the criminal. The criminal incriminates themself in trying to bluff their way out of trouble. Stupid. It doesn't even sound like John will get a reward for all his effort. I don't like these Robinsons. Poor John!
This novella is fairly slow to begin with. The Christmas party section is a lot of fun and really enjoyable. It feels like the Dance at Fezziwig's scene in A Christmas Carol. That could be a self-contained short story. The mystery portion that follows is a little slow but picks up towards the end. I liked the little Easter Eggs tossed in. It was fun to see a cameo from Ethan Bundy The Weaver Takes a Wife and get to know more about his early years with his foster father. Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, makes a brief cameo as well.
John doesn't grow or change much. He's still sensitive, shy and caring. He's pining for Julia but his past experience taught him that he must stay in his station and Julia must stick to hers. He isn't sure of Julia's love yet because of his past. John needs to grow and become more confident because Julia is pining for him too. She's still officially in mourning for her husband but eager to come out of mourning. She seems to care for John but isn't sure how he feels about her. Julia has another suitor waiting in the wings! I didn't care for her prophetic dream foreshadowing Too Hot to Handel. That was weird and unnecessary.
Lord Rupert Latham, Julia's suitor, is a typical arrogant man of his time. He ASSUMES Julia will be eager to marry HIM because he's wealthy and titled. They're of the same class. His attitude towards John and the lower classes is exactly what got the French aristos sent to the guillatine. You would think the English would have learned a lesson there but nope. Rupert is so eager to win Julia's hand and/or so snobby, he's quick to tell tales about John to make John look bad in Julia's eyes. Of course it doesn't work because Julia knows John better than that but it's rude and uncalled for. If you want to woo a lady, don't insult her friends! (Cue the Spice Girls "Wannabe") If Lord Rupert wants a shot at Julia he needs to show her what kind of man he is and if that's all he can show her, he's certainly not worth it!
Patrick Colquhoun is such a wonderful man. He understands John is lonely and pining for Julia so he invited John to his family Christmas celebration. The Colquhoun family is so much fun! They're lively, loving and energetic. Each one welcomes John and makes him feel comfortable. The children take a liking to him because he spoils them. It's pretty hair-raising, the things they let children do and eat in the early 19th-century! I don't think my siblings would let their kids eat brandy soaked raisins!
At the linen draper's shop, John has a real mystery on his hands and meets another woman who is a piece of work! Mr. Robinson seems a bit absent-minded maybe and perhaps cheap. His shop isn't the finest and he spends all his money on expensive fabrics. Could he be lying about the robbery to make his shop more interesting and important? His daughter is awful. She is determined not to be forced into marriage with Ethan Bundy. She could do a lot worse but makes the same claim as Lady Helen will later, if I recall correctly. It makes her sound rude and snobby. Ethan is a good catch! His foster father is still alive and calls the shots in the business but as Mr. Brundy, Sr. has chosen to make Ethan his heir, Ethan stands to inherit the business and money. They're doing a brisk trade in the finest homespun cottons. It's not India muslin but since it's cheaper, he stands to make a lot of money.
Anyway, Miss Robinson sets her sights on John. Miss Robinson keeps coming on to him and sweet, innocent John doesn't quite realize it. She's scheming and if John isn't careful he'll be trapped into another marriage! I bet she stole the money to use as a dowry or start a life away from her father.
John narrows it down to two suspects: Jem, the shop boy who runs errands and makes deliveries or Andrew, a longtime employee. The culprit is really dumb! It doesn't take much cleverness to figure it out, sorry John, just bravery to catch the criminal. The criminal incriminates themself in trying to bluff their way out of trouble. Stupid. It doesn't even sound like John will get a reward for all his effort. I don't like these Robinsons. Poor John!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2018
Another charming novella starring John Pickett. On the strength of the heartwarming Christmas dinner party at the Colquhoun residence, I’ll give this one 4 stars; otherwise the mystery would be worth 3 stars.
March 28, 2016
Will these two ever hook up???? For gods sakes!
February 6, 2018
I'm going to consolidate (repeat myself) reviews of this series, numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5 and 5 because I had to get through all of those to resolve the romantic story begun in the the first book. I supposed most women like a touch of romance and these have it, albeit full of angst that is drawn out over a time period of about 10 months. I got impatient with the progress of the romance taking so long. I would characterize these stories as Romance with only a touch of Mystery rather than the other way around. At least there were mysteries to be solved by the Bow Street Runner, John Pickett and he was good enough to figure it out. I figured them out pretty easily myself.
I very much liked John Pickett. In my mind I pictured Colin Firth (as seen in Pride and Prejudice, except with longer hair). I could not quite get a visual image of the Lady Fieldhurst in my mind. I felt a little jolted every time it referred to her as a golden-haired blonde, so I suppose I thought she ought to be a dark-haired beauty.
The audiobook narrator, Joel Froomkin was pretty amazing. You'd swear it was another reader doing the female voices, as they sounded so naturally female. I did have a little problem, as a listener, with the heavy Scottish accents he used in Book 3, Family Plot, but felt that he probably did those fairly true to dialect and my ear was just not tuned in for the accents. (I was a bit curious to know if the print version had the dialect written out or if Mr. Froomkin just knew how to do them.)
There is a Book 6, but I might be satisfied to imagine that the romantic couple will live happily every after.
I very much liked John Pickett. In my mind I pictured Colin Firth (as seen in Pride and Prejudice, except with longer hair). I could not quite get a visual image of the Lady Fieldhurst in my mind. I felt a little jolted every time it referred to her as a golden-haired blonde, so I suppose I thought she ought to be a dark-haired beauty.
The audiobook narrator, Joel Froomkin was pretty amazing. You'd swear it was another reader doing the female voices, as they sounded so naturally female. I did have a little problem, as a listener, with the heavy Scottish accents he used in Book 3, Family Plot, but felt that he probably did those fairly true to dialect and my ear was just not tuned in for the accents. (I was a bit curious to know if the print version had the dialect written out or if Mr. Froomkin just knew how to do them.)
There is a Book 6, but I might be satisfied to imagine that the romantic couple will live happily every after.
February 12, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is a quick novella in the John Pickett series and a standalone story [no cliffhanger ending]. At this point in the series, I do not recommend that you start the series with this novella. I strongly urge you to start at beginning of the series so that you can enjoy the character development of John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst and their relationship.
Again in this story, there is the tension of will they or won't they between John and Lady Fieldhurst. However, for those that complain about a lack of resolution -- please remember that the story does not take place today with today's norms and desires. It takes place well over 200 years ago and in a time when status in society was everything. People did not act openly on their desires without considering how it would appear to society. Marriages were often business deals and not often for love. So, be patient and enjoy the romantic tension between John and Lady Fieldhurst.
Here, there is not a lot of direct interaction between John and Lady Fieldhurst. It is the waiting period for the annulment. John is assigned to a robbery which has taken place in a fabric shop and he must use the skills he developed as a pickpocket to solve the case. John also gets to spend Christmas with his mentor [father-figure] Judge Colquhoun.
Highly recommend this historical mystery series.
As I listened to this book -- the narrator, Joel Froomkin, is absolutely a perfect fit for this series.
This is a quick novella in the John Pickett series and a standalone story [no cliffhanger ending]. At this point in the series, I do not recommend that you start the series with this novella. I strongly urge you to start at beginning of the series so that you can enjoy the character development of John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst and their relationship.
Again in this story, there is the tension of will they or won't they between John and Lady Fieldhurst. However, for those that complain about a lack of resolution -- please remember that the story does not take place today with today's norms and desires. It takes place well over 200 years ago and in a time when status in society was everything. People did not act openly on their desires without considering how it would appear to society. Marriages were often business deals and not often for love. So, be patient and enjoy the romantic tension between John and Lady Fieldhurst.
Here, there is not a lot of direct interaction between John and Lady Fieldhurst. It is the waiting period for the annulment. John is assigned to a robbery which has taken place in a fabric shop and he must use the skills he developed as a pickpocket to solve the case. John also gets to spend Christmas with his mentor [father-figure] Judge Colquhoun.
Highly recommend this historical mystery series.
As I listened to this book -- the narrator, Joel Froomkin, is absolutely a perfect fit for this series.
March 8, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"I don't doubt your sincerity, John, but .."
A sad and lonely Christmas awaited John Pickett before his kindly boss invited him to join his large family for dinner. And then a crime to solve - the safe of one Mr.Robinson, draper, had been opened and the large sum of money awaiting banking after the holiday period, had been stolen.
But even as he investigates, John is constantly reminded of Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, his wife in law only, as he miserably awaits the annulment.
An enjoyable, if a little sad, continuation of the tale of loves divided by the vast expanse of social expectations, again ably read by Joel Froomkin. Although not essential to the ongoing saga and lacking much of the humour inherent in the novels, this is not to be missed by the followers of this series.
"I don't doubt your sincerity, John, but .."
A sad and lonely Christmas awaited John Pickett before his kindly boss invited him to join his large family for dinner. And then a crime to solve - the safe of one Mr.Robinson, draper, had been opened and the large sum of money awaiting banking after the holiday period, had been stolen.
But even as he investigates, John is constantly reminded of Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, his wife in law only, as he miserably awaits the annulment.
An enjoyable, if a little sad, continuation of the tale of loves divided by the vast expanse of social expectations, again ably read by Joel Froomkin. Although not essential to the ongoing saga and lacking much of the humour inherent in the novels, this is not to be missed by the followers of this series.
May 3, 2020
I read about this novella on the Dear Author blog. I hadn't read the rest of the series but didn't think it mattered. And it didn't. I still got a clear sense of John Pickett and his tumult about his(about to be ex if the divorce is granted) wife. We didn't see very much said wife but that was okay. I hadn't read the other books in the series but didn't feel like I had missed much. This definitely felt like a pause, a breather between two larger stories.
While I did have to force myself to get through some parts of the story (just a bit slow which you wouldn't think in a novella) but it was overall a nice read.
While I did have to force myself to get through some parts of the story (just a bit slow which you wouldn't think in a novella) but it was overall a nice read.
October 12, 2019
2019 bk 324. Another novella focusing almost solely on John Pickett, but for those Ethan Bundy fans (her regency romance series) there is an Ethan Bundy sighting - and it is wonderful for the dialogue between these two men is of who tops who in the hardest, roughest, most poverty stricken background. This mystery centers around money stolen from the safe of a draper, a draper with a very marriageable daughter and a profitable business and no son in sight to inherit. It is also set at Christmas time. An enjoyable read, a mystery fairly easily solved, oh, and a lovely Christmas dinner to attend.
December 14, 2017
Audiobook Review:
"Sweet Holiday Novella"
In this holiday short story John Pickett gets to investigate a burglary and celebrate the holidays with the family of his mentor, Mr. Colquhoun.
Seeing John amidst the family celebrations at the Colquhoun residence is sweet and a little sad as John yearns for more for himself than his solitary life.
The investigation wraps up a little quickly as this is a novella but is still well done and doesn't feel rushed.
Joel Leslie Froomkin's performance was top notch and very enjoyable.
"Sweet Holiday Novella"
In this holiday short story John Pickett gets to investigate a burglary and celebrate the holidays with the family of his mentor, Mr. Colquhoun.
Seeing John amidst the family celebrations at the Colquhoun residence is sweet and a little sad as John yearns for more for himself than his solitary life.
The investigation wraps up a little quickly as this is a novella but is still well done and doesn't feel rushed.
Joel Leslie Froomkin's performance was top notch and very enjoyable.
January 5, 2022
A Lovely Christmas Pickett Novella
Instead of murder this is a robbery investigation around the Christmas Holidays. John's still struggling with Julia and waiting on the annulment and Christmas loneliness makes it harder. I absolutely loved getting to know Mr. Colquhoun better in this book. It's a fantastic Christmas but also anytime of the year read. This book is very clean and appropriate for any audience but I would still say geared for young adults and up.
The narrator is amazing as always and so fun to listen to!
Instead of murder this is a robbery investigation around the Christmas Holidays. John's still struggling with Julia and waiting on the annulment and Christmas loneliness makes it harder. I absolutely loved getting to know Mr. Colquhoun better in this book. It's a fantastic Christmas but also anytime of the year read. This book is very clean and appropriate for any audience but I would still say geared for young adults and up.
The narrator is amazing as always and so fun to listen to!
September 8, 2021
What a treat to get another John Pickett novella, this one set at a dark Christmas where life seems bleak and his hopes for his future with Julia seem dashed. It was lovely to meet the Colquhoun family en masse, and I also enjoyed the informative excursion into middle-class mercantile London, as opposed to the very poor or the upper classes. Excellently plotted as always and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 17, 2017
I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
From the publisher's summary: "Bow Street Runner John Pickett and Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, seem to have reached an impasse as they wait for the annulment of their accidental marriage to come before the ecclesiastical court.
In the meantime, Pickett is summoned to investigate the theft of almost 200 pounds from a linen-draper's shop - but finds no sign that either the shop or the safe where the money was kept had been forced open. Given the lack of evidence, he can only assume the money was taken by someone inside.
With a host of suspects and a hostile hound named Brutus impeding his progress, Pickett must resort to the tricks of his former trade in order to catch a thief in the act."
I really liked this book, and it helped that I listened to it as an audiobook in December, as it was supposed to be a Christmas story. However, I agree with another reviewer that this book struck me as really sad. It did seem to be a reflection of people thinking about all of the things that they wanted from life but did not seem to be able to achieve. I can only hope things turn out more positively in the coming books for John and Lady Fieldhurst!
From the publisher's summary: "Bow Street Runner John Pickett and Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, seem to have reached an impasse as they wait for the annulment of their accidental marriage to come before the ecclesiastical court.
In the meantime, Pickett is summoned to investigate the theft of almost 200 pounds from a linen-draper's shop - but finds no sign that either the shop or the safe where the money was kept had been forced open. Given the lack of evidence, he can only assume the money was taken by someone inside.
With a host of suspects and a hostile hound named Brutus impeding his progress, Pickett must resort to the tricks of his former trade in order to catch a thief in the act."
I really liked this book, and it helped that I listened to it as an audiobook in December, as it was supposed to be a Christmas story. However, I agree with another reviewer that this book struck me as really sad. It did seem to be a reflection of people thinking about all of the things that they wanted from life but did not seem to be able to achieve. I can only hope things turn out more positively in the coming books for John and Lady Fieldhurst!
December 22, 2017
I am so enjoying this series. This novella was a very fun glimpse into another adventure with John Pickett. We get a little back story on John's mentor Mr. Colquhoun and his family. Joel Froomkin's narration is wonderful as it's been in all this series.
November 16, 2018
Bridge
Much too short, but with all the excellent presentation of character and place of the longer novels. Apparently a bridge to the further adventures of John Pickett and Lady Julia.
Much too short, but with all the excellent presentation of character and place of the longer novels. Apparently a bridge to the further adventures of John Pickett and Lady Julia.
June 5, 2019
Short but great
This is a very sweet little novella. Sheri Cobb South’s is so interesting-never a dull moment. I just downloaded the fifth installment in the series and I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.
This is a very sweet little novella. Sheri Cobb South’s is so interesting-never a dull moment. I just downloaded the fifth installment in the series and I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.
February 29, 2020
Loved it
As usual, a well written book. I too was surprised to see Mr. Bundy make an appearance and loved the overflow. I have already purchased the next installment and will have to go back and read The Weaver takes a wife.
As usual, a well written book. I too was surprised to see Mr. Bundy make an appearance and loved the overflow. I have already purchased the next installment and will have to go back and read The Weaver takes a wife.
September 1, 2021
Waiting Game...(John Pickett Novella Mysteries)
Another terrific story..but very short and simple, not his usual adventures, but still great! Looking
Forward to the next in the series!! Once you start reading these, you will be hooked for more!!!💓
Another terrific story..but very short and simple, not his usual adventures, but still great! Looking
Forward to the next in the series!! Once you start reading these, you will be hooked for more!!!💓
April 26, 2018
a brief interlude between the books 4 and 5.
October 17, 2018
Ok read
I love reading her books her mysteries are good but not so good nothing interesting keep reading she does write great books
I love reading her books her mysteries are good but not so good nothing interesting keep reading she does write great books
September 2, 2019
Not bad for a novella!
September 25, 2019
1808. While waiting for the annullment of his marriage to Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, John Pickett is sent out to investigate a theft at a drapers shop.
An enjoyable novella
An enjoyable novella
April 13, 2020
Delightful
As wonderful as the other books in the series. Not much of the lady in this one, but John acquits himself well.
As wonderful as the other books in the series. Not much of the lady in this one, but John acquits himself well.
October 19, 2024
3.5 stars
March 15, 2016
The Weaver Takes a Bow
Christmas time for John Pickett, yet criminals don't stop for holidays. A drapers shop (otherwise known as a fabric store in American) is mysteriously robbed and John Pickett is assigned the investigation. Interesting details about his past are dropped, but the best is a rather philosophical discussion between Pickett and Ethan Brundy a weaver. If the name is familiar, then you have read The Weaver Takes A Wife, if not then you are missing out on a unique and very humorous treat. The parallel between their romantic situations and their differences in views on a unequal marriage really show what you accept is what you get. Brilliant touch to a great historical mystery romance series.
Christmas time for John Pickett, yet criminals don't stop for holidays. A drapers shop (otherwise known as a fabric store in American) is mysteriously robbed and John Pickett is assigned the investigation. Interesting details about his past are dropped, but the best is a rather philosophical discussion between Pickett and Ethan Brundy a weaver. If the name is familiar, then you have read The Weaver Takes A Wife, if not then you are missing out on a unique and very humorous treat. The parallel between their romantic situations and their differences in views on a unequal marriage really show what you accept is what you get. Brilliant touch to a great historical mystery romance series.
July 29, 2016
John Pickett is a Bow Street Runner, a policeman. He is also married to Julia Fieldhurst in name only, as theirs was an accidental marriage that now needs to be annulled. While waiting for this annulment he works to solve the robbery of a dress shop. Deciding that it must be an inside job he uses his skills as a former pickpocket and thief to solve the mystery.
This is my first outing with this author and this series. I can't wait to read more because I so enjoyed the characters.
This is my first outing with this author and this series. I can't wait to read more because I so enjoyed the characters.
March 2, 2016
Okay, I admit that I may me somewhat in love with John Pickett. Smart, clever, imbued with integrity and devotion. What's not to love? This series is absolutely charming. Can't wait for more!
March 26, 2016
John gets his man
This was an enjoyable short story. Because I like to read my books in order I wish I had known about the novella concerning John's early years.
This was an enjoyable short story. Because I like to read my books in order I wish I had known about the novella concerning John's early years.
April 18, 2016
Enjoyable but I wish John would be a little more assertive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews