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The Thornton Mysteries #1
The Dragon Sleeps
A Dragon statue. An ancient sword.
What treasure is worth killing for?
It’s 1927 in Victoria, Australia. A hedonistic time after the Great War
when young people knew they could enjoy life without the threat of war hanging over them. A time when women have more options opened to them.
There is a weekend house party at Thornton Park and Alexandra Thornton thinks it will be a good time to break the news to her father that she wants to be an antiques dealer, like him, her grandfather and great-grandfather before her.
Only a small number of people are invited. Amongst the guests are Zhang Huo,
the Chinese antiques dealer who, with his son, has brought a Ming dragon statue from China for Thomas Thornton.
Benedict Archer, who is manager of Thornton Antiques in Melbourne and who has
been secretly helping Alexandra learn more about her family business, is also invited. Alexandra asks Benedict and Edith Blackburn, her friend since childhood, to be with her when she approaches her father.
When Edith claims that Benedict is in love with her, Alexandra can’t believe it.
In all the time they’d been at Thornton Antiques together, he’d never said
a word. Now, Alexandra looks at him differently.
Can it be true?
Then a body found in the orchard and, before the weekend is over, a priceless artefact is stolen. Alexandra is determined to discover how these things are connected to the Ming dragon and the antiques her great-grandfather brought
with him from Hong Kong so many years ago.
What secret has remained hidden atThornton Park for the last eight years?
What treasure is worth killing for?
It’s 1927 in Victoria, Australia. A hedonistic time after the Great War
when young people knew they could enjoy life without the threat of war hanging over them. A time when women have more options opened to them.
There is a weekend house party at Thornton Park and Alexandra Thornton thinks it will be a good time to break the news to her father that she wants to be an antiques dealer, like him, her grandfather and great-grandfather before her.
Only a small number of people are invited. Amongst the guests are Zhang Huo,
the Chinese antiques dealer who, with his son, has brought a Ming dragon statue from China for Thomas Thornton.
Benedict Archer, who is manager of Thornton Antiques in Melbourne and who has
been secretly helping Alexandra learn more about her family business, is also invited. Alexandra asks Benedict and Edith Blackburn, her friend since childhood, to be with her when she approaches her father.
When Edith claims that Benedict is in love with her, Alexandra can’t believe it.
In all the time they’d been at Thornton Antiques together, he’d never said
a word. Now, Alexandra looks at him differently.
Can it be true?
Then a body found in the orchard and, before the weekend is over, a priceless artefact is stolen. Alexandra is determined to discover how these things are connected to the Ming dragon and the antiques her great-grandfather brought
with him from Hong Kong so many years ago.
What secret has remained hidden atThornton Park for the last eight years?
Paperback
Published November 4, 2016
About the author
Ellen Read
16 books87 followersMulti Award winner, Ellen Read is the author of The Dragon Sleeps, The Inca’s Curse, The Amber Trap and The Feathered Nest - historical murder mystery romance novels published by Crimson Cloak Publishing. Also her ghost stories Die For Love and The Ghost Rider, and Love The Gift and When Jacarandas Bloom - Novellas.
Ellen was born in Queensland, Australia and lives in Brisbane with her husband, and her extended family.
She loves to read fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. She particularly loves history and stories of ancient myths and legends. Authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Agatha Christie, and Victoria Holt, the latter of whom wrote gothic mystery/romances, have influenced her own work.
Ellen’s other passions are photography and painting. She loves to photograph flowers, landscapes and architecture. Her website features many of her photos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 11, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Dragon Sleeps, written by Australian author Ellen Read, immerses us in the world of art, antiques and wealth, in the heart of the roaring twenties. It is the story of deep seated secrets, murder and intrigue. It also comes with a touch of gentle love and a glimmer of the supernatural.
Alexandra Thornton is a woman ahead of her time. She longs to work as a recognised employee in her own right for her family’s lucrative antique dealing business. Alexandra is so serious about this aspiration that she has been secretly learning all there is to know about the antiques business. Unbeknownst to her family, Alexandra has been working behind the scenes with the manager of her family’s business Thornton Antiques, Benedict Archer. When Alexandra finally realises enough is enough and she decides to confront her father to inform him of her wishes to become an antiques dealer in her own right, an interesting turn of events marks this fateful night. Firstly, Alexandra’s childhood pal Edith declares that Benedict is desperately in love with her. It is claim Alexandra feels is out of the blue, as there have been no clues to this love match previously. Then, the shock discovery of a body hidden in the orchard on the grounds of Alexandra’s home, Thornton Park, is discovered. Finally, a precious but priceless artefact belonging to Alexandra’s great grandfather from his travels in Asia many decades ago is stolen. Alexandra decides to play detective and she vows to get to the bottom of these freshly revealed secrets.
When I was approached by the author of The Dragon Sleeps by Ellen Read, I was immediately taken with the promise of a novel set in Australia (perfect), with an accompanying 1920’s based murder mystery (even better). With an appealing location and intriguing storyline, I was happy to take up the opportunity to read my first book by author Ellen Read. Ellen carefully explained to me that The Dragon Sleeps is the first book in an intended at least three book series. I was pleased to learn that each story contains its own separate murder mystery, which will enable each of Ellen’s books to be read as a standalone novel.
Ellen Read has worked hard to bring us an authentic setting in her debut novel. I loved the opulence of Thornton Park, where the majority of the action in this book takes place. In addition, I also appreciated the other settings of the novel, which includes a spectacular library and Thornton Antiques. It is clear Read knows the ins and outs of these locations by heart and this came across in her writing. Likewise, the era in which the novel is set and a personal favourite era of my mine, the 1920’s, is described with precision. Read must be congratulated on getting the period specifics right in this novel.
A discussion of the characters in The Dragon Sleeps ,needs to begin with Alexandra Thornton, the novel’s main protagonist. Alexandra is a well drawn leading lady. I admired her strength, bravery and determination. She is also a character who highlights the plight of women in this era. Read highlights how in this time after the Great War, opportunities for women were only just starting to emerge. Alexandra is determined to break free from the chains of oppression placed on women of this era. Her persistence in gaining a worthy position as an antiques dealer, as well as her gutsy approach to solving the mystery elements in this novel, is a testament to this character’s spirit. Alex is supported by a bevy of periphery characters, from love interest Benedict, to close friend Edith, Thornton Park staff, antiques dealers and family members. Each of these characters contributes significantly to the path of the unfolding story.
The Dragon Sleeps reminded me fondly of a classic whodunit novel and I see a few reviewers before me have compared this novel to an Agatha Christie offering, which is warranted. The Dragon Sleeps also serves up a side story of romance and it gives us a fascinating glimpse into the art world, in particular the complicated antiques business. There are plenty of secrets to unlock, along with a hint of the supernatural to keep things interesting. The ending worked well for me, but it also opened up the possibility for another book to follow on from the events in The Dragon Sleeps. It is also well worth mentioning that if you read The Dragon Sleeps, you must take the time to peruse the Author’s Note at the close of the novel. I found this additional section fascinating, it certainly enlightened the direction of the whole story for me.
Overall, The Dragon Sleeps was an entertaining novel, which I believe marks the start of a fruitful series for Ellen Read.
*Please note I received a complimentary copy of this novel via the author, Ellen Read, in exchange for an honest review.
The Dragon Sleeps, written by Australian author Ellen Read, immerses us in the world of art, antiques and wealth, in the heart of the roaring twenties. It is the story of deep seated secrets, murder and intrigue. It also comes with a touch of gentle love and a glimmer of the supernatural.
Alexandra Thornton is a woman ahead of her time. She longs to work as a recognised employee in her own right for her family’s lucrative antique dealing business. Alexandra is so serious about this aspiration that she has been secretly learning all there is to know about the antiques business. Unbeknownst to her family, Alexandra has been working behind the scenes with the manager of her family’s business Thornton Antiques, Benedict Archer. When Alexandra finally realises enough is enough and she decides to confront her father to inform him of her wishes to become an antiques dealer in her own right, an interesting turn of events marks this fateful night. Firstly, Alexandra’s childhood pal Edith declares that Benedict is desperately in love with her. It is claim Alexandra feels is out of the blue, as there have been no clues to this love match previously. Then, the shock discovery of a body hidden in the orchard on the grounds of Alexandra’s home, Thornton Park, is discovered. Finally, a precious but priceless artefact belonging to Alexandra’s great grandfather from his travels in Asia many decades ago is stolen. Alexandra decides to play detective and she vows to get to the bottom of these freshly revealed secrets.
When I was approached by the author of The Dragon Sleeps by Ellen Read, I was immediately taken with the promise of a novel set in Australia (perfect), with an accompanying 1920’s based murder mystery (even better). With an appealing location and intriguing storyline, I was happy to take up the opportunity to read my first book by author Ellen Read. Ellen carefully explained to me that The Dragon Sleeps is the first book in an intended at least three book series. I was pleased to learn that each story contains its own separate murder mystery, which will enable each of Ellen’s books to be read as a standalone novel.
Ellen Read has worked hard to bring us an authentic setting in her debut novel. I loved the opulence of Thornton Park, where the majority of the action in this book takes place. In addition, I also appreciated the other settings of the novel, which includes a spectacular library and Thornton Antiques. It is clear Read knows the ins and outs of these locations by heart and this came across in her writing. Likewise, the era in which the novel is set and a personal favourite era of my mine, the 1920’s, is described with precision. Read must be congratulated on getting the period specifics right in this novel.
A discussion of the characters in The Dragon Sleeps ,needs to begin with Alexandra Thornton, the novel’s main protagonist. Alexandra is a well drawn leading lady. I admired her strength, bravery and determination. She is also a character who highlights the plight of women in this era. Read highlights how in this time after the Great War, opportunities for women were only just starting to emerge. Alexandra is determined to break free from the chains of oppression placed on women of this era. Her persistence in gaining a worthy position as an antiques dealer, as well as her gutsy approach to solving the mystery elements in this novel, is a testament to this character’s spirit. Alex is supported by a bevy of periphery characters, from love interest Benedict, to close friend Edith, Thornton Park staff, antiques dealers and family members. Each of these characters contributes significantly to the path of the unfolding story.
The Dragon Sleeps reminded me fondly of a classic whodunit novel and I see a few reviewers before me have compared this novel to an Agatha Christie offering, which is warranted. The Dragon Sleeps also serves up a side story of romance and it gives us a fascinating glimpse into the art world, in particular the complicated antiques business. There are plenty of secrets to unlock, along with a hint of the supernatural to keep things interesting. The ending worked well for me, but it also opened up the possibility for another book to follow on from the events in The Dragon Sleeps. It is also well worth mentioning that if you read The Dragon Sleeps, you must take the time to peruse the Author’s Note at the close of the novel. I found this additional section fascinating, it certainly enlightened the direction of the whole story for me.
Overall, The Dragon Sleeps was an entertaining novel, which I believe marks the start of a fruitful series for Ellen Read.
*Please note I received a complimentary copy of this novel via the author, Ellen Read, in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2021
13 April 2021 - Audiobook Review
.
Alexandra and Edith are exactly how I imagined they sounded like, giving off the flavour of Upstairs Downstairs with English accents given to the era. I'm picking that's why Ellen Read wanted an English narrator to make this audiobook come alive. Congratulations to P J Roscoe who did just that. Edith, in her early 20's, gives off a concerning and worrisome nature, but bounces back with her romantic and happy self. Alexandra, the main female protagonist, also in her early 20's, gives off a very stern and authoritative manner which makes quite an interesting combination of talkative flow when you hear the both girls together, bringing the whole story to a delightful awareness that I think, is the highlight of this cosy mystery.
.
What a shame we don't have radio stations that do broadcasts of Serials anymore, as this took me back to when I used to listened to them and it certainly would make entertainment around the radio.
.
Set in the 1920s , it is a historical fiction set in Australia. A light Romance, and to top it off, to give an extra interest and a unique angle, cosy mystery in the shape of Agatha Christie. I highly recommend it.
.
Duration Time - 11 hrs, 1 min
.
.
.
.
The Dragon Sleep is set in the 1920s - Australia.
Alexandra Thornton is 21 years old and loves historic objects, because of her passion, she is interested in working in her Dads antique shop - Thornton Antiques.
Alexandra lives in Thornton Park and lives on the family estate. A zoo is also attached to the estate with kangaroos, wallabies, etc.
A mystery murder takes place in Thornton Park and Alexandra takes it upon herself to try and solve it.
I was drawn to The Dragon Sleeps because of the beauty of the building on the book cover, which is an actual building in Victoria, Australia.
Ellen Read loves architure buildings and this was quite evident in her book as she describes the home layout. Her love of flowers which she has a passion for are also a feature in her book, names like, blue salvias, pink petunias, etc.
I recommend The Dragon Sleeps, to anyone who likes historical fiction, who likes old fashion romance, who likes mystery murders and although some book reviews suggest Ellen Read writes similar to Agatha Christie, in my humble opinion, Ellen Read is far superior than Agatha Christie and stands alone.
.
Alexandra and Edith are exactly how I imagined they sounded like, giving off the flavour of Upstairs Downstairs with English accents given to the era. I'm picking that's why Ellen Read wanted an English narrator to make this audiobook come alive. Congratulations to P J Roscoe who did just that. Edith, in her early 20's, gives off a concerning and worrisome nature, but bounces back with her romantic and happy self. Alexandra, the main female protagonist, also in her early 20's, gives off a very stern and authoritative manner which makes quite an interesting combination of talkative flow when you hear the both girls together, bringing the whole story to a delightful awareness that I think, is the highlight of this cosy mystery.
.
What a shame we don't have radio stations that do broadcasts of Serials anymore, as this took me back to when I used to listened to them and it certainly would make entertainment around the radio.
.
Set in the 1920s , it is a historical fiction set in Australia. A light Romance, and to top it off, to give an extra interest and a unique angle, cosy mystery in the shape of Agatha Christie. I highly recommend it.
.
Duration Time - 11 hrs, 1 min
.
.
.
.
The Dragon Sleep is set in the 1920s - Australia.
Alexandra Thornton is 21 years old and loves historic objects, because of her passion, she is interested in working in her Dads antique shop - Thornton Antiques.
Alexandra lives in Thornton Park and lives on the family estate. A zoo is also attached to the estate with kangaroos, wallabies, etc.
A mystery murder takes place in Thornton Park and Alexandra takes it upon herself to try and solve it.
I was drawn to The Dragon Sleeps because of the beauty of the building on the book cover, which is an actual building in Victoria, Australia.
Ellen Read loves architure buildings and this was quite evident in her book as she describes the home layout. Her love of flowers which she has a passion for are also a feature in her book, names like, blue salvias, pink petunias, etc.
I recommend The Dragon Sleeps, to anyone who likes historical fiction, who likes old fashion romance, who likes mystery murders and although some book reviews suggest Ellen Read writes similar to Agatha Christie, in my humble opinion, Ellen Read is far superior than Agatha Christie and stands alone.
April 23, 2022
The Dragon Sleeps (The Thornton Mysteries #1) by Ellen Read
Synopsis /
A Dragon statue. An ancient sword. What treasure is worth killing for?
It’s 1927 in Victoria, Australia. A hedonistic time after the Great War when young people knew they could enjoy life without the threat of war hanging over them. A time when women have more options opened to them.
There is a weekend house party at Thornton Park and Alexandra Thornton thinks it will be a good time to break the news to her father that she wants to be an antiques dealer, like him, her grandfather and great-grandfather before her.
Only a small number of people are invited. Amongst the guests are Zhang Huo, the Chinese antiques dealer who, with his son, has brought a Ming dragon statue from China for Thomas Thornton.
Benedict Archer, who is manager of Thornton Antiques in Melbourne and who has been secretly helping Alexandra learn more about her family business, is also invited. Alexandra asks Benedict and Edith Blackburn, her friend since childhood, to be with her when she approaches her father.
When Edith claims that Benedict is in love with her, Alexandra can’t believe it. In all the time they’d been at Thornton Antiques together, he’d never said a word. Now, Alexandra looks at him differently. Can it be true?
Then a body found in the orchard and, before the weekend is over, a priceless artefact is stolen. Alexandra is determined to discover how these things are connected to the Ming dragon and the antiques her great-grandfather brought with him from Hong Kong so many years ago.
What secret has remained hidden at Thornton Park for the last eight years?
My Thoughts /
The magic of stories!
The Dragon Sleeps is the first book in The Thornton Mysteries by Australian author, Ellen Read.
And what a different setting it had! Australia, in the roaring twenties - which for many Australians, it was a time for breaking out, of questioning and changing old values and behaviour and enjoying the good life. Where a surging economy created an era of mass consumerism, and Jazz-Age flappers flouted Prohibition laws and in the US, the Harlem Renaissance redefined arts and culture. In The Dragon Sleeps, Read immerses the reader in a world of art, priceless antiques and, wealth.
Our main protagonist is Alexandra Thornton, who is, basically, a woman ahead of her time. Coming from a wealthy family, Alexandra isn't content with just attending social engagements and parties, she longs to work for a living - make her own way in the world. Secretly, she has been learning the ropes and working behind the scenes with Benedict Archer, the manager of her family's antiques business, learning everything this is to know about antiques and how to run the business.
The main part of the story takes place at the Thornton estate, called Thornton Park, where Alexandra lives with her father, Thomas and best friend from childhood, Edith. It is here where Read uses vivid descriptive passages that make the reader feel they have their feet firmly planted on the Thornton Park grounds. It's obvious the author has done her research well into this time period. I loved the descriptions of the houses balconies, towers and rooms - which included, the muniment room.
We begin with Thomas Thornton hosting a weekend party at his home for some select guests. It is here Read introduces you to Thomas' family, staff and guests, including Benedict Archer - who apparently (according to Edith) is a dead ringer for screen star John Gilbert! It quickly becomes obvious that there is a side plot which sees Benedict becoming established as Alexandra's leading man, as the pair fall immediately and irrevocably in love.
“When I look at you, my love, there is always stardust in my eyes.” - Benedict
I was a little surprised at the speed with which the love story between Benedict and Alexandra was introduced and defined, as I thought the main thread which included shadowy goings on in the art world, theft, murder and supernatural intrigue and superstition was more than enough. However, it did provide a nice textural difference to the main plot. Plus, who doesn't like a handsome, debonair, gentleman, who wears his heart on his sleeve?
The pace moves along quickly as we find out that one of the staff has been murdered. It appears, from marks left on the corpse, some sort of animal has clawed at the body. It's now that Read weaves in the superstitions and intrigue from the art world surrounding the family's priceless Ming Dynasty artefacts. Alexandra, of course, quickly shows an aptitude for detective work and throughout the story remains one step ahead of the police.
The Glossary at the end is a really nice touch - explaining words, like ANZAC biscuits, chutney and duffer.
From Arthur Conan Doyle to Agatha Christie and now to Ellen Read, the glorious, old-fashioned crime novels are just the best!
Synopsis /
A Dragon statue. An ancient sword. What treasure is worth killing for?
It’s 1927 in Victoria, Australia. A hedonistic time after the Great War when young people knew they could enjoy life without the threat of war hanging over them. A time when women have more options opened to them.
There is a weekend house party at Thornton Park and Alexandra Thornton thinks it will be a good time to break the news to her father that she wants to be an antiques dealer, like him, her grandfather and great-grandfather before her.
Only a small number of people are invited. Amongst the guests are Zhang Huo, the Chinese antiques dealer who, with his son, has brought a Ming dragon statue from China for Thomas Thornton.
Benedict Archer, who is manager of Thornton Antiques in Melbourne and who has been secretly helping Alexandra learn more about her family business, is also invited. Alexandra asks Benedict and Edith Blackburn, her friend since childhood, to be with her when she approaches her father.
When Edith claims that Benedict is in love with her, Alexandra can’t believe it. In all the time they’d been at Thornton Antiques together, he’d never said a word. Now, Alexandra looks at him differently. Can it be true?
Then a body found in the orchard and, before the weekend is over, a priceless artefact is stolen. Alexandra is determined to discover how these things are connected to the Ming dragon and the antiques her great-grandfather brought with him from Hong Kong so many years ago.
What secret has remained hidden at Thornton Park for the last eight years?
My Thoughts /
The magic of stories!
The Dragon Sleeps is the first book in The Thornton Mysteries by Australian author, Ellen Read.
And what a different setting it had! Australia, in the roaring twenties - which for many Australians, it was a time for breaking out, of questioning and changing old values and behaviour and enjoying the good life. Where a surging economy created an era of mass consumerism, and Jazz-Age flappers flouted Prohibition laws and in the US, the Harlem Renaissance redefined arts and culture. In The Dragon Sleeps, Read immerses the reader in a world of art, priceless antiques and, wealth.
Our main protagonist is Alexandra Thornton, who is, basically, a woman ahead of her time. Coming from a wealthy family, Alexandra isn't content with just attending social engagements and parties, she longs to work for a living - make her own way in the world. Secretly, she has been learning the ropes and working behind the scenes with Benedict Archer, the manager of her family's antiques business, learning everything this is to know about antiques and how to run the business.
The main part of the story takes place at the Thornton estate, called Thornton Park, where Alexandra lives with her father, Thomas and best friend from childhood, Edith. It is here where Read uses vivid descriptive passages that make the reader feel they have their feet firmly planted on the Thornton Park grounds. It's obvious the author has done her research well into this time period. I loved the descriptions of the houses balconies, towers and rooms - which included, the muniment room.
We begin with Thomas Thornton hosting a weekend party at his home for some select guests. It is here Read introduces you to Thomas' family, staff and guests, including Benedict Archer - who apparently (according to Edith) is a dead ringer for screen star John Gilbert! It quickly becomes obvious that there is a side plot which sees Benedict becoming established as Alexandra's leading man, as the pair fall immediately and irrevocably in love.
“When I look at you, my love, there is always stardust in my eyes.” - Benedict
I was a little surprised at the speed with which the love story between Benedict and Alexandra was introduced and defined, as I thought the main thread which included shadowy goings on in the art world, theft, murder and supernatural intrigue and superstition was more than enough. However, it did provide a nice textural difference to the main plot. Plus, who doesn't like a handsome, debonair, gentleman, who wears his heart on his sleeve?
The pace moves along quickly as we find out that one of the staff has been murdered. It appears, from marks left on the corpse, some sort of animal has clawed at the body. It's now that Read weaves in the superstitions and intrigue from the art world surrounding the family's priceless Ming Dynasty artefacts. Alexandra, of course, quickly shows an aptitude for detective work and throughout the story remains one step ahead of the police.
The Glossary at the end is a really nice touch - explaining words, like ANZAC biscuits, chutney and duffer.
From Arthur Conan Doyle to Agatha Christie and now to Ellen Read, the glorious, old-fashioned crime novels are just the best!
July 5, 2017
The Dragon Sleeps was my first murder mystery in a long time! I used to read them all the time when I was younger, and then my paranoia won over and I had to stop because apparently everything scares me? In murder mysteries, anyway.
This book reminded me why I love this genre so much! It was the first of my four holiday reads, and it was so easy to get lost in it; perfect for my holiday!
Alexandra is the daughter of a rather wealthy antiques dealer. She's an incredibly good person, but not to the extend that she can't see any bad in people. She wants to see the good in everything, but she's not naive. She's also not content to stick to her current lifestyle of being waited on and doing nothing but attending social events: she wants to be an antiques dealer like her father and grandfather (and so on - you get the idea), and has been studying behind his back.
When the first body is found, she doesn't cower in a corner and prays for everything to blow over. She takes an active part in helping the murders get solved, and knowingly puts herself in danger when she's sure it'll help solve the mystery.
If you don't love her already, let me summarise: Alexandra isn't some spoilt brat, but a brave, intelligent young woman who doesn't care for social norms and would much rather work than sit around looking pretty all day. She has wealth (you should see that manor, friends!), but she doesn't wish to hide behind it.
One of my favourite aspects was Alexandra's relationship with Edith. It added some adorable banter and was used well to lighten up the mood when the murders upset the peace.
The plot developed well, and gave just enough new information when the last plot twist had sunk in. The more I read, the harder it was to put down and while I had my suspicions regarding the murderer's identity, there was so much more going on. While I was mostly right, there were other motives and developments in the background, too, and it kept me turning the pages.
Thornton Park is on my list of fictional places to visit when I die and go to author/bookworm heaven (because it's definitely the same place, or maybe I can hop from cloud to cloud?) (nobody burst my bubble, please). The gardens, the park, the animals cuddling to you... <3 Need. To. Go!
This has definitely made me want to read more mystery novels again. I'm looking forward to the sequel and can't wait to see how the story develops next. If you don't usually read much mystery, this could be a good starting novel for you because it's not too heavy. If mystery is your thing and you fancy something more light-hearted, I recommend this, too! (And just so we understand each other - I'm only calling it light-hearted because it didn't scare me witless! I appreciate that in my books!)
This book reminded me why I love this genre so much! It was the first of my four holiday reads, and it was so easy to get lost in it; perfect for my holiday!
Alexandra is the daughter of a rather wealthy antiques dealer. She's an incredibly good person, but not to the extend that she can't see any bad in people. She wants to see the good in everything, but she's not naive. She's also not content to stick to her current lifestyle of being waited on and doing nothing but attending social events: she wants to be an antiques dealer like her father and grandfather (and so on - you get the idea), and has been studying behind his back.
When the first body is found, she doesn't cower in a corner and prays for everything to blow over. She takes an active part in helping the murders get solved, and knowingly puts herself in danger when she's sure it'll help solve the mystery.
If you don't love her already, let me summarise: Alexandra isn't some spoilt brat, but a brave, intelligent young woman who doesn't care for social norms and would much rather work than sit around looking pretty all day. She has wealth (you should see that manor, friends!), but she doesn't wish to hide behind it.
One of my favourite aspects was Alexandra's relationship with Edith. It added some adorable banter and was used well to lighten up the mood when the murders upset the peace.
The plot developed well, and gave just enough new information when the last plot twist had sunk in. The more I read, the harder it was to put down and while I had my suspicions regarding the murderer's identity, there was so much more going on. While I was mostly right, there were other motives and developments in the background, too, and it kept me turning the pages.
Thornton Park is on my list of fictional places to visit when I die and go to author/bookworm heaven (because it's definitely the same place, or maybe I can hop from cloud to cloud?) (nobody burst my bubble, please). The gardens, the park, the animals cuddling to you... <3 Need. To. Go!
This has definitely made me want to read more mystery novels again. I'm looking forward to the sequel and can't wait to see how the story develops next. If you don't usually read much mystery, this could be a good starting novel for you because it's not too heavy. If mystery is your thing and you fancy something more light-hearted, I recommend this, too! (And just so we understand each other - I'm only calling it light-hearted because it didn't scare me witless! I appreciate that in my books!)
November 9, 2019
Revised Review - 10 November 2019
.
The Dragon Sleeps by Ellen Read .. now available on Amazon.com
Book One of The Thornton Mysteries
.
Historical Fiction ( Australia - 1927 post or after WW1)
Cosy Mystery Murder/Romance
Crime/Thriller
.
Thank you to Ellen Read for giving me an ARC of The Dragon Sleeps in return for an honest review.
This book has been re-published by Crimson Cloak Publishing
.
My view on what this book is about....
We open The Dragon Sleeps, and here we are, an invitation to a weekend party at Thornton Park. The hot topic is a brass Dragon...... it sits inside a velvet-lined box. An antiques dealer, Mr Zhang sold it to, Thomas Thornton, (Alexandra's father) the owner of Thornton Antiques.
.
Edith wasn't all that impressed with the brass Dragon and told Alexandra so. However, Alexandra felt she had to defend her father and said to Edith it was rare, from the 1500s, Alexandra was also disappointed with it and confirmed as much to Benedict who is the manager of Thornton Antiques.
.
Alexandra confides in Benedict that she had her suspicions over one particular person who had been invited... the person was being very shifty.
.
In the drawing room, Alexandra and Edith were having a bit of a tete-a-tete. What about? ....well to do with Benedict Archer of course!! Who else? but at this time Alexandra questioned herself, had she been aware how fond she is of Benedict?
.
A wrought-iron spiral stair case leads up to the tower. It was here that Alexandra and Benedict discussed the prospects of telling her father that Alexandra had been learning the ropes of the trade (Alexandra wanted to be an Antiques dealer at her fathers shop) nearer the end of their conversation, they noticed the stars in the sky.
.
Quote "Here, with the sea of darkness surrounding us, the Milky Way stretches like a diamond blanket across the sky."
.
After reiminiscing over the starry night, they decided to dance a foxtrot, to the music of Stardust, after that, like the gentleman Benedict is, he escorted Alexandra back to her room.
.
The next day activities consisted of showing stained windows, which added alot of curiosity, tennis playing, and a very deep discussion about a sword and a hint of a walk in the zoo, which ending up being a full tour of the zoo.
.
It wasn't until the next day Benedict discovered there had been an "accident" in the Orchard. Was it an accident, or was it murder? Who was accountable? Who was missing? Where did the missing sword go? What was in the muniment room, that had Alexandra so entranced about her grandfather’s notebooks?
.
My thoughts ...
Well how can I put this without using my own cliche..... "I loved this book so much". With writing up this review and leaving this till last, I slept on it till morning, and then some more..... this is a very special book for me that connected with me on a very personal level, a precious book that I will definately treasure for years to come.
.
The Dragon Sleeps, a cosy murder mystery, a historical fiction (set in Australia - 1920s after WW1), a romance, crime/ thriller to the flavour of Agatha Christie, but Hercule Poirot style.
.
Edith and Alexandra. I absolutely adored the banter that goes on between the two girls. Edith having such a dry sense of humour and slightly putting her foot in it which makes it even more facinating, and I love how Alexandra seems to put up with it and takes it in her stride. The camaraderie between the two, quite endearing and certainly makes reading about these two very entertaining.
.
Alexandra and Benedict. I loved the romance between these two. Some would say, it's the old fashioned type of love, but I see it as an adoring love, a love that spreads with maturity over the years, not at all your hard, hot stuff, so it is in the nature to the story that Ellen uses this in a knowledgeable way.
.
Glossary. I loved how there is a glossary which is thoughtfully done, and is included at the end of the book, examples explaining of Australian language or towns, for example .... ANZAC biscuits, chutney, duffer.
.
Ellen Read's dry wittiness in The Dragon Sleeps, seeps through and hints of this we get throughout, which adds flavour of what could have been a much darker book. Her breaks in the story, are well balanced. The construction of historical events are weaved so cleverly in the story that you don't feel as if you are being bombarded with a history lesson. Her words made an impact where they should and softness where it should. I loved, also the soft quality of Ellen's writing in parts of her story, I'm thinking of "her mothers essence", the "romance part" of it for sure and even the sorrow behind the "funeral scene", which seemed ... bittersweet, magical and sensitive. Ellen's plotting skills are amazing and I can't think of a better word to use, "it's a work of art, of words" is the closest I can put to it, again, this gives a different impact to the story, a gripping one, overall giving the book the exact right balance that is needed. I want to congratulate Ellen, her style and writing is astounding.... she leaves me speechless.
.
Rating System.....
I give The Dragon Sleeps, 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
.
Recommendation....
The Dragon Sleeps comes highly recommended by me, and would suit anyone who likes Agatha Christie books, who likes historical fiction, who likes cozy mystery murder books, who likes soft endearing, maturing romance and anyone who likes wity humour and who likes crimes and thrillers.
.
A personal thank you, goes to you, Ellen, for such an inspiring book, your book has been a pleasure to read and much appreciated (and will be close part of my life).
.
The Dragon Sleeps by Ellen Read .. now available on Amazon.com
Book One of The Thornton Mysteries
.
Historical Fiction ( Australia - 1927 post or after WW1)
Cosy Mystery Murder/Romance
Crime/Thriller
.
Thank you to Ellen Read for giving me an ARC of The Dragon Sleeps in return for an honest review.
This book has been re-published by Crimson Cloak Publishing
.
My view on what this book is about....
We open The Dragon Sleeps, and here we are, an invitation to a weekend party at Thornton Park. The hot topic is a brass Dragon...... it sits inside a velvet-lined box. An antiques dealer, Mr Zhang sold it to, Thomas Thornton, (Alexandra's father) the owner of Thornton Antiques.
.
Edith wasn't all that impressed with the brass Dragon and told Alexandra so. However, Alexandra felt she had to defend her father and said to Edith it was rare, from the 1500s, Alexandra was also disappointed with it and confirmed as much to Benedict who is the manager of Thornton Antiques.
.
Alexandra confides in Benedict that she had her suspicions over one particular person who had been invited... the person was being very shifty.
.
In the drawing room, Alexandra and Edith were having a bit of a tete-a-tete. What about? ....well to do with Benedict Archer of course!! Who else? but at this time Alexandra questioned herself, had she been aware how fond she is of Benedict?
.
A wrought-iron spiral stair case leads up to the tower. It was here that Alexandra and Benedict discussed the prospects of telling her father that Alexandra had been learning the ropes of the trade (Alexandra wanted to be an Antiques dealer at her fathers shop) nearer the end of their conversation, they noticed the stars in the sky.
.
Quote "Here, with the sea of darkness surrounding us, the Milky Way stretches like a diamond blanket across the sky."
.
After reiminiscing over the starry night, they decided to dance a foxtrot, to the music of Stardust, after that, like the gentleman Benedict is, he escorted Alexandra back to her room.
.
The next day activities consisted of showing stained windows, which added alot of curiosity, tennis playing, and a very deep discussion about a sword and a hint of a walk in the zoo, which ending up being a full tour of the zoo.
.
It wasn't until the next day Benedict discovered there had been an "accident" in the Orchard. Was it an accident, or was it murder? Who was accountable? Who was missing? Where did the missing sword go? What was in the muniment room, that had Alexandra so entranced about her grandfather’s notebooks?
.
My thoughts ...
Well how can I put this without using my own cliche..... "I loved this book so much". With writing up this review and leaving this till last, I slept on it till morning, and then some more..... this is a very special book for me that connected with me on a very personal level, a precious book that I will definately treasure for years to come.
.
The Dragon Sleeps, a cosy murder mystery, a historical fiction (set in Australia - 1920s after WW1), a romance, crime/ thriller to the flavour of Agatha Christie, but Hercule Poirot style.
.
Edith and Alexandra. I absolutely adored the banter that goes on between the two girls. Edith having such a dry sense of humour and slightly putting her foot in it which makes it even more facinating, and I love how Alexandra seems to put up with it and takes it in her stride. The camaraderie between the two, quite endearing and certainly makes reading about these two very entertaining.
.
Alexandra and Benedict. I loved the romance between these two. Some would say, it's the old fashioned type of love, but I see it as an adoring love, a love that spreads with maturity over the years, not at all your hard, hot stuff, so it is in the nature to the story that Ellen uses this in a knowledgeable way.
.
Glossary. I loved how there is a glossary which is thoughtfully done, and is included at the end of the book, examples explaining of Australian language or towns, for example .... ANZAC biscuits, chutney, duffer.
.
Ellen Read's dry wittiness in The Dragon Sleeps, seeps through and hints of this we get throughout, which adds flavour of what could have been a much darker book. Her breaks in the story, are well balanced. The construction of historical events are weaved so cleverly in the story that you don't feel as if you are being bombarded with a history lesson. Her words made an impact where they should and softness where it should. I loved, also the soft quality of Ellen's writing in parts of her story, I'm thinking of "her mothers essence", the "romance part" of it for sure and even the sorrow behind the "funeral scene", which seemed ... bittersweet, magical and sensitive. Ellen's plotting skills are amazing and I can't think of a better word to use, "it's a work of art, of words" is the closest I can put to it, again, this gives a different impact to the story, a gripping one, overall giving the book the exact right balance that is needed. I want to congratulate Ellen, her style and writing is astounding.... she leaves me speechless.
.
Rating System.....
I give The Dragon Sleeps, 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
.
Recommendation....
The Dragon Sleeps comes highly recommended by me, and would suit anyone who likes Agatha Christie books, who likes historical fiction, who likes cozy mystery murder books, who likes soft endearing, maturing romance and anyone who likes wity humour and who likes crimes and thrillers.
.
A personal thank you, goes to you, Ellen, for such an inspiring book, your book has been a pleasure to read and much appreciated (and will be close part of my life).
February 11, 2017
A well written, nicely paced, old-fashioned suspense story, reminiscent of Agatha Christie or Ngaio Marsh, set in the wealthy, upper classes of 1920's Melbourne. The main character, Alexandra, I liked very much, as she is brave, resourceful and independent, unusual traits for a woman of her age, but are traits that reflect the socially progressive age in which she lives.
Most of the action takes place in the salubrious Thornton Park, a real live location I believe, and it is obviously somewhere the author knows intimately, as the descriptive passages leap off the page with a vivid clarity that makes the reader feel they too know their way around its balconies, towers and many rooms - including the ominous sounding muniment room, which intrigued me so much I had to google it.
The author leads you gently into the action, setting the stage for the rich and successful antique dealing Thornton family to be introduced, with their various entourage of family, staff and house guests, including the rather dashing Benedict Archer - apparently a dead ringer for the silent screen star John Gilbert. He quickly becomes established as Alexandra's leading man as the pair fall immediately and irrevocably in love. I must admit to being a little surprised with the speed and ease that the love story was introduced, defined and completed, until I realised that the love story was never intended by the author to be the novel's focus, instead it is a side dish, an appetizer to the main course of shadowy goings on in the art world, theft, murder and supernatural intrigue.
The pace then quickly picks up, as one of the staff is murdered in a horribly brutal manner which implies the sleeping dragon of the title does, in fact, sleep no more. With the action taking place over the course of just a couple of days, there is no time for the reader to lose interest as the characters are plunged into one life threatening situation after another, all the while taking the time to dress for dinner!
The only tiny criticism of the book was my disappointment with the character of Edie. Who seemed little more than a foil for the more vivacious, outgoing Alexandra, her main purpose being that of the archetypal "damsel in distress" in constant need of smelling salts and rescuing. I really wanted Edie to grow a spine and become so much more than that.
I don't know if the author plans a sequel, I hope so. I found the perfect pairing of Benedict and Alexandra reminded me of Tuppence and Tommy Beresford from the Agatha Christie partners in crime series, and would dearly love to see them married, running Thornton Antiques together and in their spare time solving crimes in the antique world! Perhaps the hapless Edie could join them, discovering she's not so helpless after all, becoming their plucky assistant ready to perform deeds of daring.
Overall, a thoughtful and sophisticated read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Well done, Ellen, a fabulous debut novel.
Most of the action takes place in the salubrious Thornton Park, a real live location I believe, and it is obviously somewhere the author knows intimately, as the descriptive passages leap off the page with a vivid clarity that makes the reader feel they too know their way around its balconies, towers and many rooms - including the ominous sounding muniment room, which intrigued me so much I had to google it.
The author leads you gently into the action, setting the stage for the rich and successful antique dealing Thornton family to be introduced, with their various entourage of family, staff and house guests, including the rather dashing Benedict Archer - apparently a dead ringer for the silent screen star John Gilbert. He quickly becomes established as Alexandra's leading man as the pair fall immediately and irrevocably in love. I must admit to being a little surprised with the speed and ease that the love story was introduced, defined and completed, until I realised that the love story was never intended by the author to be the novel's focus, instead it is a side dish, an appetizer to the main course of shadowy goings on in the art world, theft, murder and supernatural intrigue.
The pace then quickly picks up, as one of the staff is murdered in a horribly brutal manner which implies the sleeping dragon of the title does, in fact, sleep no more. With the action taking place over the course of just a couple of days, there is no time for the reader to lose interest as the characters are plunged into one life threatening situation after another, all the while taking the time to dress for dinner!
The only tiny criticism of the book was my disappointment with the character of Edie. Who seemed little more than a foil for the more vivacious, outgoing Alexandra, her main purpose being that of the archetypal "damsel in distress" in constant need of smelling salts and rescuing. I really wanted Edie to grow a spine and become so much more than that.
I don't know if the author plans a sequel, I hope so. I found the perfect pairing of Benedict and Alexandra reminded me of Tuppence and Tommy Beresford from the Agatha Christie partners in crime series, and would dearly love to see them married, running Thornton Antiques together and in their spare time solving crimes in the antique world! Perhaps the hapless Edie could join them, discovering she's not so helpless after all, becoming their plucky assistant ready to perform deeds of daring.
Overall, a thoughtful and sophisticated read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Well done, Ellen, a fabulous debut novel.
February 7, 2017
What a treat! Alexandra is a young woman to be reckoned with, unfolding the mystery of her great-grandfather's travels and articfacts from the Orient. Ellen Read has a wonderful ability of totally submerging you into the surroundings and era. The evocative 1920s is surberbly sublime at the end of Ellen's pen - a favourite decade of mine, I was in my element as she has such an authentic touch. The Dragon Sleeps gently entices you in...with a lavish backdrop, gorgeous references to the time a simmering romance with a stunning leading man...then she hits you with murder, intrigue, mystery. A real feast of a read! Absolutely LOVED it.
January 6, 2017
This was a beautifully written book that took me straight into the 1920's in Australia. The language, the descriptions of the home, clothing and music all made it a magical read. With the extra touch of intrigue and mystery, this was an overall great read.
October 24, 2022
Thank you to Ellen Read for giving me an ARC of The Dragon Sleeps in return for an honest review.
This book has been re-published by Crimson Cloak Publishing
.
My view on what this book is about....
We open The Dragon Sleeps, and here we are, an invitation to a weekend party at Thornton Park. The hot topic is a brass Dragon...... it sits inside a velvet-lined box. An antiques dealer, Mr Zhang sold it to, Thomas Thornton, (Alexandra's father) the owner of Thornton Antiques.
.
Edith wasn't all that impressed with the brass Dragon and told Alexandra so. However, Alexandra felt she had to defend her father and said to Edith it was rare, from the 1500s, Alexandra was also disappointed with it and confirmed as much to Benedict who is the manager of Thornton Antiques.
.
Alexandra confides in Benedict that she had her suspicions over one particular person who had been invited... the person was being very shifty.
.
In the drawing room, Alexandra and Edith were having a bit of a tete-a-tete. What about? ....well to do with Benedict Archer of course!! Who else? but at this time Alexandra questioned herself, had she been aware how fond she is of Benedict?
.
A wrought-iron spiral stair case leads up to the tower. It was here that Alexandra and Benedict discussed the prospects of telling her father that Alexandra had been learning the ropes of the trade (Alexandra wanted to be an Antiques dealer at her fathers shop) nearer the end of their conversation, they noticed the stars in the sky.
.
Quote
"Here, with the sea of darkness surrounding us, the Milky Way stretches like a diamond blanket across the sky."
.
After reiminiscing over the starry night, they decided to dance a foxtrot, to the music of Stardust, after that, like the gentleman Benedict is, he escorted Alexandra back to her room.
.
The next day activities consisted of showing stained windows, which added alot of curiosity, tennis playing, and a very deep discussion about a sword and a hint of a walk in the zoo, which ending up being a full tour of the zoo.
.
It wasn't until the next day Benedict discovered there had been an "accident" in the Orchard. Was it an accident, or was it murder? Who was accountable? Who was missing? Where did the missing sword go? What was in the muniment room, that had Alexandra so entranced about her grandfather’s notebooks?
.
My thoughts ...
Well how can I put this without using my own cliche..... "I loved this book so much". With writing up this review and leaving this till last, I slept on it till morning, and then some more..... this is a very special book for me that connected with me on a very personal level, a precious book that I will definately treasure for years to come.
.
The Dragon Sleeps, a cosy murder mystery, a historical fiction (set in Australia - 1920s after WW1), a romance, crime/ thriller to the flavour of Agatha Christie, but Hercule Poirot style.
.
Edith and Alexandra. I absolutely adored the banter that goes on between the two girls. Edith having such a dry sense of humour and slightly putting her foot in it which makes it even more facinating, and I love how Alexandra seems to put up with it and takes it in her stride. The camaraderie between the two, quite endearing and certainly makes reading about these two very entertaining.
.
Alexandra and Benedict. I loved the romance between these two. Some would say, it's the old fashioned type of love, but I see it as an adoring love, a love that spreads with maturity over the years, not at all your hard, hot stuff, so it is in the nature to the story that Ellen uses this in a knowledgeable way.
.
Glossary. I loved how there is a glossary which is thoughtfully done, and is included at the end of the book, examples explaining of Australian language or towns, for example .... ANZAC biscuits, chutney, duffer.
.
Ellen Read's dry wittiness in The Dragon Sleeps, seeps through and hints of this we get throughout, which adds flavour of what could have been a much darker book. Her breaks in the story, are well balanced. The construction of historical events are weaved so cleverly in the story that you don't feel as if you are being bombarded with a history lesson. Her words made an impact where they should and softness where it should. I loved, also the soft quality of Ellen's writing in parts of her story, I'm thinking of "her mothers essence", the "romance part" of it for sure and even the sorrow behind the "funeral scene", which seemed ... bittersweet, magical and sensitive. Ellen's plotting skills are amazing and I can't think of a better word to use, "it's a work of art, of words" is the closest I can put to it, again, this gives a different impact to the story, a gripping one, overall giving the book the exact right balance that is needed. I want to congratulate Ellen, her style and writing is astounding.... she leaves me speechless.
.
Rating System.....
I give The Dragon Sleeps, 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
.
Recommendation....
The Dragon Sleeps comes highly recommended by me, and would suit anyone who likes Agatha Christie books, who likes historical fiction, who likes cozy mystery murder books, who likes soft endearing, maturing romance and anyone who likes wity humour and who likes crimes and thrillers.
.
A personal thank you, goes to you, Ellen, for such an inspiring book, your book has been a pleasure to read and much appreciated (and will be close part of my life).
This book has been re-published by Crimson Cloak Publishing
.
My view on what this book is about....
We open The Dragon Sleeps, and here we are, an invitation to a weekend party at Thornton Park. The hot topic is a brass Dragon...... it sits inside a velvet-lined box. An antiques dealer, Mr Zhang sold it to, Thomas Thornton, (Alexandra's father) the owner of Thornton Antiques.
.
Edith wasn't all that impressed with the brass Dragon and told Alexandra so. However, Alexandra felt she had to defend her father and said to Edith it was rare, from the 1500s, Alexandra was also disappointed with it and confirmed as much to Benedict who is the manager of Thornton Antiques.
.
Alexandra confides in Benedict that she had her suspicions over one particular person who had been invited... the person was being very shifty.
.
In the drawing room, Alexandra and Edith were having a bit of a tete-a-tete. What about? ....well to do with Benedict Archer of course!! Who else? but at this time Alexandra questioned herself, had she been aware how fond she is of Benedict?
.
A wrought-iron spiral stair case leads up to the tower. It was here that Alexandra and Benedict discussed the prospects of telling her father that Alexandra had been learning the ropes of the trade (Alexandra wanted to be an Antiques dealer at her fathers shop) nearer the end of their conversation, they noticed the stars in the sky.
.
Quote
"Here, with the sea of darkness surrounding us, the Milky Way stretches like a diamond blanket across the sky."
.
After reiminiscing over the starry night, they decided to dance a foxtrot, to the music of Stardust, after that, like the gentleman Benedict is, he escorted Alexandra back to her room.
.
The next day activities consisted of showing stained windows, which added alot of curiosity, tennis playing, and a very deep discussion about a sword and a hint of a walk in the zoo, which ending up being a full tour of the zoo.
.
It wasn't until the next day Benedict discovered there had been an "accident" in the Orchard. Was it an accident, or was it murder? Who was accountable? Who was missing? Where did the missing sword go? What was in the muniment room, that had Alexandra so entranced about her grandfather’s notebooks?
.
My thoughts ...
Well how can I put this without using my own cliche..... "I loved this book so much". With writing up this review and leaving this till last, I slept on it till morning, and then some more..... this is a very special book for me that connected with me on a very personal level, a precious book that I will definately treasure for years to come.
.
The Dragon Sleeps, a cosy murder mystery, a historical fiction (set in Australia - 1920s after WW1), a romance, crime/ thriller to the flavour of Agatha Christie, but Hercule Poirot style.
.
Edith and Alexandra. I absolutely adored the banter that goes on between the two girls. Edith having such a dry sense of humour and slightly putting her foot in it which makes it even more facinating, and I love how Alexandra seems to put up with it and takes it in her stride. The camaraderie between the two, quite endearing and certainly makes reading about these two very entertaining.
.
Alexandra and Benedict. I loved the romance between these two. Some would say, it's the old fashioned type of love, but I see it as an adoring love, a love that spreads with maturity over the years, not at all your hard, hot stuff, so it is in the nature to the story that Ellen uses this in a knowledgeable way.
.
Glossary. I loved how there is a glossary which is thoughtfully done, and is included at the end of the book, examples explaining of Australian language or towns, for example .... ANZAC biscuits, chutney, duffer.
.
Ellen Read's dry wittiness in The Dragon Sleeps, seeps through and hints of this we get throughout, which adds flavour of what could have been a much darker book. Her breaks in the story, are well balanced. The construction of historical events are weaved so cleverly in the story that you don't feel as if you are being bombarded with a history lesson. Her words made an impact where they should and softness where it should. I loved, also the soft quality of Ellen's writing in parts of her story, I'm thinking of "her mothers essence", the "romance part" of it for sure and even the sorrow behind the "funeral scene", which seemed ... bittersweet, magical and sensitive. Ellen's plotting skills are amazing and I can't think of a better word to use, "it's a work of art, of words" is the closest I can put to it, again, this gives a different impact to the story, a gripping one, overall giving the book the exact right balance that is needed. I want to congratulate Ellen, her style and writing is astounding.... she leaves me speechless.
.
Rating System.....
I give The Dragon Sleeps, 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
.
Recommendation....
The Dragon Sleeps comes highly recommended by me, and would suit anyone who likes Agatha Christie books, who likes historical fiction, who likes cozy mystery murder books, who likes soft endearing, maturing romance and anyone who likes wity humour and who likes crimes and thrillers.
.
A personal thank you, goes to you, Ellen, for such an inspiring book, your book has been a pleasure to read and much appreciated (and will be close part of my life).
November 30, 2019
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I look forward to more, this book has a great mystery surrounding mythical dragons and a lovely romance to go with it and the setting is so good 1927 Melbourne, fabulous fashions and a beautiful estate, I really enjoyed getting to know the Thornton family and their friends.
Thomas Thornton runs an antique store he is widowed with a beautiful twenty one year old daughter Alexandra, they are popular socialites and weekend parties are held often, this particular party Alexandra is hoping to let her farther know that she wants to be an antique dealer and carry on in the family business, the shop’s manager Benedict Archer has been teaching her and getting to know her well.
This weekend is small with some visiting guests, a Chinese father and son who have delivered a rather unique Ming dragon statue and another couple the Buckleys and Edith Blackburn Alexandra’s best friend. When a request is made to Thomas to show the guests some artefacts from a very secure room and an offer to purchase these is denied things get a bit dangerous when a body is found on the estate.
This is a story that pulled me in there is a lot going on, I do love the era this is written in the 1920’s they were glamourous and there were lots of changes coming through especially for woman and Alexandra was one very strong heroine and the beautiful romance that grew between her and Benedict was so loving the need to protect was formidable. This story is intriguing and a page turner, one that I do very much recommend and I do look forward to more in the series and getting to know more about the wonderful characters, thank you MS Read.
Thomas Thornton runs an antique store he is widowed with a beautiful twenty one year old daughter Alexandra, they are popular socialites and weekend parties are held often, this particular party Alexandra is hoping to let her farther know that she wants to be an antique dealer and carry on in the family business, the shop’s manager Benedict Archer has been teaching her and getting to know her well.
This weekend is small with some visiting guests, a Chinese father and son who have delivered a rather unique Ming dragon statue and another couple the Buckleys and Edith Blackburn Alexandra’s best friend. When a request is made to Thomas to show the guests some artefacts from a very secure room and an offer to purchase these is denied things get a bit dangerous when a body is found on the estate.
This is a story that pulled me in there is a lot going on, I do love the era this is written in the 1920’s they were glamourous and there were lots of changes coming through especially for woman and Alexandra was one very strong heroine and the beautiful romance that grew between her and Benedict was so loving the need to protect was formidable. This story is intriguing and a page turner, one that I do very much recommend and I do look forward to more in the series and getting to know more about the wonderful characters, thank you MS Read.
July 3, 2017
The story is set in the 1920's in Australia. Alexandra Thornton is 21 years old and lives in Thorton Park on the family estate it also has a zoo attached to it. She lives with her father Thomas and her friend that's more like a sister Edith Blackburn
Alexandra (Lexy) loves historic objects and wants to learn about her Dads antiques business - Thortons Antiques. So she secretly requests the help of Benedict Archer...he is the manager of Thortons Antiques. Benedict who Edith claims is in love with Lexy...
There's a small weekend party at Thornton Park ....
Zhang Hou (the Chinese antiques dealer) and his son Zhang Lei are invited...
Albert and Francess Buckley are also invited...Albert has had a few failed expeditions. Alexandra has never taken to the Buckley's.
When there is a mystery murder at Thornton Park...everyone is on edge...who is the suspect...Lexy is determined to find out who it could be...
Will Alexandra discover the secrets that Thorton Park hold...
I want to say a huge thankyou to Ellen Read for giving me the chance to win this book.
The Dragon Sleeps is fantastically written with personal touches such as Ellen Reads love of flowers which is evident with the naming of different flowers.
A recommended read...something different
Thankyou again Ellen Read.
Alexandra (Lexy) loves historic objects and wants to learn about her Dads antiques business - Thortons Antiques. So she secretly requests the help of Benedict Archer...he is the manager of Thortons Antiques. Benedict who Edith claims is in love with Lexy...
There's a small weekend party at Thornton Park ....
Zhang Hou (the Chinese antiques dealer) and his son Zhang Lei are invited...
Albert and Francess Buckley are also invited...Albert has had a few failed expeditions. Alexandra has never taken to the Buckley's.
When there is a mystery murder at Thornton Park...everyone is on edge...who is the suspect...Lexy is determined to find out who it could be...
Will Alexandra discover the secrets that Thorton Park hold...
I want to say a huge thankyou to Ellen Read for giving me the chance to win this book.
The Dragon Sleeps is fantastically written with personal touches such as Ellen Reads love of flowers which is evident with the naming of different flowers.
A recommended read...something different
Thankyou again Ellen Read.
July 8, 2017
I've never read a 'cosy mystery' before, truly, not one single Agatha Christie and to ensure you believe me, I can't even list any other authors who write them! I have watched Poirot plenty of times, the Belgian detective is a bit addictive, but not Miss Marple, she's just not to my taste. I read some reviews for The Dragon Sleeps before starting it which labelled it as a 'cosy mystery', but I'm really just going to have to take their word for it! I wouldn't know either way.
Regardless of the genre, I did enjoy The Dragon Sleeps by Ellen Read. The story flowed at a nice quick pace and it was packed with characters and action aplenty to keep you engaged. The estate, as described by the author, sounded sublime, although I will point out that I found the novel very 'antiques heavy' in the beginning. I remember reading one section and feeling quite overcome by all of the mentions of the various chinese dynasties and the artefacts they had spawned. I appreciated the author's knowledge, but I wasn't certain that such technical detail was necessary. Fortunately, once the scene was all set up, the heavy description tended to settle down, ensuring that the story flowed much smoother. I was left wondering though, why on earth people even collect so many antiques when all they do us simply lock them away. This family had no idea on the full extent of what they even owned and I imagine that's quite credible when you're filthy rich. Even in the library, Alexandra remarks on a book being a first edition and wonders what other first editions they may have. Why hadn’t she already looked?! I was a bit annoyed at Alexandra in that moment, to be ignorant on the contents of ones own library - unacceptable!
Despite being ridiculously perfect, Alexandra was a smart and sassy heroine. Perhaps she should move into being a private detective instead of an antiques dealer. Although, I would have preferred her best friend Edith to be a little less melodramatic, particularly regarding the impossibility of dragons coming to life. She did come across as rather infantile with her insistence about this. I also felt that the other characters treated Edith as though she were much younger than Alexandra, and in this, I was just a bit disappointed because I feel she didn't really get the opportunity to reach her full potential. This was contradictory from the beginning as she came across initially as quite a solid character. I only mention this because she began to really annoy me as the story progressed. Alexandra was quite maternal with Edith and then Benedict stepped right into a complimentary paternal role and it just didn't seem to put Edith onto an even footing with them.
On the topic of Benedict, I kept thinking he was going to turn out to be a bad guy, but I think this is where 'cosy mystery' differs greatly from 'thriller'. Nice people don't turn out to be psychos, they're just...well, nice. It takes some getting used to. Likewise, bad people are unpleasant from the beginning, so you can kind of see the chips falling before they even begin, although not entirely in the order they'll fall. I imagine cosy mysteries are a bit like romances in the happy ending stakes. Probably because both are devoid of psychos. Seriously though, it was all very nice and I can see the attraction to the genre.
I appreciated the whole 'Downton Abbey' feel to the novel. It was quite enjoyable, with the grand house, everyone dressing for dinner and having fancy afternoon teas in drawing rooms with servants at the ready. I've not long finished watching Downton so this took me back quite nicely. Although Thornton Park had its own zoo. It's own zoo! It kind of tops Downton for that alone.
I highly recommend The Dragon Sleeps for mystery fans and even if you aren't, it's a good introduction to the genre.
Thanks is extended to Ellen Read for providing me with a copy of The Dragon Sleeps for review. #aww2017
Regardless of the genre, I did enjoy The Dragon Sleeps by Ellen Read. The story flowed at a nice quick pace and it was packed with characters and action aplenty to keep you engaged. The estate, as described by the author, sounded sublime, although I will point out that I found the novel very 'antiques heavy' in the beginning. I remember reading one section and feeling quite overcome by all of the mentions of the various chinese dynasties and the artefacts they had spawned. I appreciated the author's knowledge, but I wasn't certain that such technical detail was necessary. Fortunately, once the scene was all set up, the heavy description tended to settle down, ensuring that the story flowed much smoother. I was left wondering though, why on earth people even collect so many antiques when all they do us simply lock them away. This family had no idea on the full extent of what they even owned and I imagine that's quite credible when you're filthy rich. Even in the library, Alexandra remarks on a book being a first edition and wonders what other first editions they may have. Why hadn’t she already looked?! I was a bit annoyed at Alexandra in that moment, to be ignorant on the contents of ones own library - unacceptable!
Despite being ridiculously perfect, Alexandra was a smart and sassy heroine. Perhaps she should move into being a private detective instead of an antiques dealer. Although, I would have preferred her best friend Edith to be a little less melodramatic, particularly regarding the impossibility of dragons coming to life. She did come across as rather infantile with her insistence about this. I also felt that the other characters treated Edith as though she were much younger than Alexandra, and in this, I was just a bit disappointed because I feel she didn't really get the opportunity to reach her full potential. This was contradictory from the beginning as she came across initially as quite a solid character. I only mention this because she began to really annoy me as the story progressed. Alexandra was quite maternal with Edith and then Benedict stepped right into a complimentary paternal role and it just didn't seem to put Edith onto an even footing with them.
On the topic of Benedict, I kept thinking he was going to turn out to be a bad guy, but I think this is where 'cosy mystery' differs greatly from 'thriller'. Nice people don't turn out to be psychos, they're just...well, nice. It takes some getting used to. Likewise, bad people are unpleasant from the beginning, so you can kind of see the chips falling before they even begin, although not entirely in the order they'll fall. I imagine cosy mysteries are a bit like romances in the happy ending stakes. Probably because both are devoid of psychos. Seriously though, it was all very nice and I can see the attraction to the genre.
I appreciated the whole 'Downton Abbey' feel to the novel. It was quite enjoyable, with the grand house, everyone dressing for dinner and having fancy afternoon teas in drawing rooms with servants at the ready. I've not long finished watching Downton so this took me back quite nicely. Although Thornton Park had its own zoo. It's own zoo! It kind of tops Downton for that alone.
I highly recommend The Dragon Sleeps for mystery fans and even if you aren't, it's a good introduction to the genre.
Thanks is extended to Ellen Read for providing me with a copy of The Dragon Sleeps for review. #aww2017
August 6, 2019
I decided to make an impromptu visit to see the Thornton’s in Melbourne, Australia. The year was 1929. I arrived after dinner at Thornton Park and met all the dinner guests. I sat back, sipping and enjoying my after dinner tea and watched. Alex was not at all happy with four of the guests which I found extremely unusual as I have always known Alex to be very personable and accommodating towards all of her father’s guests. Something was afoot and not quite right so I decided to stay awhile to see how this all played out.
The Dragon Sleeps is a murder mystery, romance and historical fiction mixed with bits of ancient Chinese legend and mythology. Alex has astute observation skills when it comes to reading behavior and expressions. She also has a knack for discerning what isn’t said... The characters are solidly built, however, it doesn’t take long for Alex to peel back some of the layers to reveal their true nature underneath. The romance between Alex and Benedict develops quickly under the watchful eye of Edie, Alex’s best friend. I enjoyed reading how this love story unfolded. Stardust now has a whole new meaning for me... Yes, I Googled “Stardust “!
The Dragon Sleeps is reminiscent of Agatha Christie as others have mentioned; but it was more than that for me. What came to my mind was Nancy Drew which I devoured growing up. Both Alex and Nancy are young women on the cusp; although in two different eras and places, their best friends are very similar and both have a knack for mysteries. Perhaps, I’m reading too much into the similarities. It doesn’t really matter, though. I was hooked. The Inca’s Curse is next...!!!
The Dragon Sleeps is a murder mystery, romance and historical fiction mixed with bits of ancient Chinese legend and mythology. Alex has astute observation skills when it comes to reading behavior and expressions. She also has a knack for discerning what isn’t said... The characters are solidly built, however, it doesn’t take long for Alex to peel back some of the layers to reveal their true nature underneath. The romance between Alex and Benedict develops quickly under the watchful eye of Edie, Alex’s best friend. I enjoyed reading how this love story unfolded. Stardust now has a whole new meaning for me... Yes, I Googled “Stardust “!
The Dragon Sleeps is reminiscent of Agatha Christie as others have mentioned; but it was more than that for me. What came to my mind was Nancy Drew which I devoured growing up. Both Alex and Nancy are young women on the cusp; although in two different eras and places, their best friends are very similar and both have a knack for mysteries. Perhaps, I’m reading too much into the similarities. It doesn’t really matter, though. I was hooked. The Inca’s Curse is next...!!!
August 7, 2017
’The Dragon Sleeps’ by Ellen Read is a story reminiscent of Agatha Christie. I love old-fashioned suspense stories especially if they are set in Australia. This story is set in Victoria, in 1927 and is a page turner. The writing is excellent and the characters are brought to life. I loved Alexandra Thornton a young woman who wants to be an antiques dealer like her father and grandfather before her. Alexandra is an independant woman living in the new age after the Great War when women had more opportunities open to them. ’The Dragon Sleeps’ has all the things I enjoy in a novel and great settings: Thornton Park, the lovely library in Melbourne, and more. The story has a supernatural twist, a body is found in the orchard, and a priceless artefact is stolen. And of course a big secret at the heart of a novel is always going to make me keep turning the pages. Benedict Archer is the manager of Thornton Antiques and Alexandra’s friend from childhood is Edith Blackburn are both well-written characters who add much to the story.
I hope this book is the first in a series about Alexandra!
I hope this book is the first in a series about Alexandra!
June 10, 2017
I don't read many mystery novels - though I delight in Agatha Christie - so I went into this book with an open mind.
I'm glad I did.
The Dragon Sleeps (and the title really is very clever once you've read it) is a fun mystery set in 1920s Australia. I enjoyed the mythological elements and the history of the antiques at the story's centre.
Alexandra made for a spunky main character looking to inherit her family's legacy. The other characters served mainly as foils for her as she sought to solve the mystery.
Well paced and well researched, it was easy to follow along with the story's development. I would have liked a little more of an arc in the romance subplot but Benedict served well as Alexandra's love interest and mentor.
Overall an enjoyable read and hopefully not the last that we will have from Ellen Read.
I'm glad I did.
The Dragon Sleeps (and the title really is very clever once you've read it) is a fun mystery set in 1920s Australia. I enjoyed the mythological elements and the history of the antiques at the story's centre.
Alexandra made for a spunky main character looking to inherit her family's legacy. The other characters served mainly as foils for her as she sought to solve the mystery.
Well paced and well researched, it was easy to follow along with the story's development. I would have liked a little more of an arc in the romance subplot but Benedict served well as Alexandra's love interest and mentor.
Overall an enjoyable read and hopefully not the last that we will have from Ellen Read.
June 7, 2022
Great book!!
The characters are Great.
The plot progresses
at a Great pace.
I read this one sitting
because I could not put it down.
The characters are Great.
The plot progresses
at a Great pace.
I read this one sitting
because I could not put it down.
June 19, 2020
Not my usual read - it’s a very long time since I’ve read a ‘cosy murder mystery’, but I really enjoyed this! I was up till 2:00 am to finish it!
The Dragon Sleeps is a splendid, old-fashioned mystery that transported me to the world of Victoria’s wealthy pastoralists in the 1920s. I have a great interest in that part of Victoria’s history and have visited Werribee Park (the gorgeous Italianate mansion that was the inspiration for Thornton Park in The Dragon Sleeps) several times, so it was lovely to spend some time there in the company of Ellen Read’s likeable characters.
Alexandra Thornton is a strong, astute young woman. She’s ready to be part of a new era of opportunity for women - not content to spend her life in the way expected of ladies of her class as a society hostess and home manager, she’s eager for a career. She wants to follow in the footsteps of her father and grandfather and become an antiques dealer.
But the discovery of a body in the orchard and the theft of a priceless Chinese antique, put a hold on that, for a while at least. Alexandra quickly shows an aptitude for detective work and throughout the story remains one step ahead of the police (of course!)
Her love interest, Benedict, not only looks like a matinee idol, but is chivalrous and generous, if a little reckless. Her best friend Edith, though scared of almost everything, provides a bit of comic relief.
The book’s paranormal element worked well and added a little frisson to the story.
My only criticism would be that the villains are rather too obviously villainous - I would have liked to have been kept guessing who the culprit(s) were until the end of the book.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read and a real page-turner. Curl up cosily with a cup of tea and let this book carry you off to another time and place!
The Dragon Sleeps is a splendid, old-fashioned mystery that transported me to the world of Victoria’s wealthy pastoralists in the 1920s. I have a great interest in that part of Victoria’s history and have visited Werribee Park (the gorgeous Italianate mansion that was the inspiration for Thornton Park in The Dragon Sleeps) several times, so it was lovely to spend some time there in the company of Ellen Read’s likeable characters.
Alexandra Thornton is a strong, astute young woman. She’s ready to be part of a new era of opportunity for women - not content to spend her life in the way expected of ladies of her class as a society hostess and home manager, she’s eager for a career. She wants to follow in the footsteps of her father and grandfather and become an antiques dealer.
But the discovery of a body in the orchard and the theft of a priceless Chinese antique, put a hold on that, for a while at least. Alexandra quickly shows an aptitude for detective work and throughout the story remains one step ahead of the police (of course!)
Her love interest, Benedict, not only looks like a matinee idol, but is chivalrous and generous, if a little reckless. Her best friend Edith, though scared of almost everything, provides a bit of comic relief.
The book’s paranormal element worked well and added a little frisson to the story.
My only criticism would be that the villains are rather too obviously villainous - I would have liked to have been kept guessing who the culprit(s) were until the end of the book.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read and a real page-turner. Curl up cosily with a cup of tea and let this book carry you off to another time and place!
December 18, 2019
On my bookshelves there are, among many others, 137 full-length Agatha Christie novels. You can thus probably deduce that I am a fan. However, it is over forty years since I read any of them, even though I loved them all at the time I bought them. Actually, I had forgotten what a pleasure they were until I came across The Dragon Sleeps by Ellen Read.
In this terrific novel we experience the same old-world charm of the Christie novels, the dress, the styles, the mannerisms of lives lived by wealthy people in the Australia of the 1920s. Christie had the advantage of writing contemporaneously about her own era, mostly between the two world wars; Read had the much more difficult task of going back in time to recreate the atmosphere, the mores, the customs and manners of that period and she has done a marvellous job. Historically impressive, brilliantly evocative, this novel offers much evidence of serious research and many indicators that the writer was determined to be true to the milieu in which her story is set. For this reason alone, the book is well worth a read.
But there is more, much more. A significant element of the story revolves around ancient Chinese artefacts, reference to fabulous dynasties, and the many marvellous treasures stored in the large house in which the story takes place. The excitement of experiencing these mythical curios is clouded by the threatening presence of two ominously dark Orientals and a couple of singularly unpleasant guests. All of this adds additional and fascinating spice to the story. Characters that we come to know and love – Alexandra, Benedict, Thomas, Edith and others – find their lives plunged into mortal danger because of their connection to a rare Chinese artefact, a fossil of a tiny sleeping dragon thousands of years old. Somebody wants it, and is prepared to murder to get it. Edge of the seat stuff.
Read is a very capable professional writer. Her characters are real people, the setting comes alive via her sharp and accurate attention to detail, her narrative skills hold the reader’s attention from the very first page. Add high quality editing and error-free prose and you have a wonderful story that cannot be faulted. A page turner in the true sense of the phrase, and an absolute must for readers of cozy mysteries who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting this writer. Do yourself a real favour. Go and search for Ellen Read.
In this terrific novel we experience the same old-world charm of the Christie novels, the dress, the styles, the mannerisms of lives lived by wealthy people in the Australia of the 1920s. Christie had the advantage of writing contemporaneously about her own era, mostly between the two world wars; Read had the much more difficult task of going back in time to recreate the atmosphere, the mores, the customs and manners of that period and she has done a marvellous job. Historically impressive, brilliantly evocative, this novel offers much evidence of serious research and many indicators that the writer was determined to be true to the milieu in which her story is set. For this reason alone, the book is well worth a read.
But there is more, much more. A significant element of the story revolves around ancient Chinese artefacts, reference to fabulous dynasties, and the many marvellous treasures stored in the large house in which the story takes place. The excitement of experiencing these mythical curios is clouded by the threatening presence of two ominously dark Orientals and a couple of singularly unpleasant guests. All of this adds additional and fascinating spice to the story. Characters that we come to know and love – Alexandra, Benedict, Thomas, Edith and others – find their lives plunged into mortal danger because of their connection to a rare Chinese artefact, a fossil of a tiny sleeping dragon thousands of years old. Somebody wants it, and is prepared to murder to get it. Edge of the seat stuff.
Read is a very capable professional writer. Her characters are real people, the setting comes alive via her sharp and accurate attention to detail, her narrative skills hold the reader’s attention from the very first page. Add high quality editing and error-free prose and you have a wonderful story that cannot be faulted. A page turner in the true sense of the phrase, and an absolute must for readers of cozy mysteries who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting this writer. Do yourself a real favour. Go and search for Ellen Read.
December 19, 2019
In the roaring twenties of post World War I Melbourne, the Thornton household hosts a weekend party that swiftly plunges into murder and intrigue. Reading as an Agatha Christie style cosy mystery rather than a darker thriller, the book centres on Alexandra Thornton, her antique collector father and his manager Benedict Archer, as they seek to unravel the case of the missing Chinese artifacts.
Exuding the very essence of the flapper era with it's fashion, rise of feminism, film star looks and high tea, it reminded me of Downton Abbey with a whiff of Gatsby. The romance is clean and awfully well spoken and the novel thoroughly entertaining as a whole, although I kept looking for the dark twist and some characters, such as Edie, were a little irritating. I wasn't totally convinced of the reasoning behind the big reveal when we finally got there; however Alexandra and Benedict are a great pairing for future novels.
An entertaining four stars.
Exuding the very essence of the flapper era with it's fashion, rise of feminism, film star looks and high tea, it reminded me of Downton Abbey with a whiff of Gatsby. The romance is clean and awfully well spoken and the novel thoroughly entertaining as a whole, although I kept looking for the dark twist and some characters, such as Edie, were a little irritating. I wasn't totally convinced of the reasoning behind the big reveal when we finally got there; however Alexandra and Benedict are a great pairing for future novels.
An entertaining four stars.
October 10, 2018
There were so many elements I enjoyed in this story; mystery, a hint of the supernatural, myth, history and a little romance, all masterfully woven together. The novel's action takes place in the 1920's on a grand estate outside Melbourne, where twenty-one year old Alexandra Thornton lives with her father. The house is full of rare antiques collected by the Thornton family over the years but when a Ming dragon statue is added to the collection, drama ensues, with tragic consequences. Alexandra delves into the past to find out the history of the family’s draconic connection, hunting for clues to the mystery at hand.
Penned in an unhurried style, with careful attention to prose, the novel has a real Downton Abbey feel to it. Perfect for readers who like history, mystery and romance.
Penned in an unhurried style, with careful attention to prose, the novel has a real Downton Abbey feel to it. Perfect for readers who like history, mystery and romance.
December 10, 2019
The dragon is woken.
December 10, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
I really enjoy a good old fashioned murder mystery.
This book the first in The Thornton series, is very good.
It was set in Australia in 1927.
A time, when every well bred young lady was expected to find herself a good clean man and produce a family.
A woman as an antique dealer, a murder at a party.
Definitely not the expected.
A very enjoyable read.
Thank you for your review.
Edit
Delete
December 10, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
I really enjoy a good old fashioned murder mystery.
This book the first in The Thornton series, is very good.
It was set in Australia in 1927.
A time, when every well bred young lady was expected to find herself a good clean man and produce a family.
A woman as an antique dealer, a murder at a party.
Definitely not the expected.
A very enjoyable read.
Thank you for your review.
Edit
Delete
January 29, 2020
The Dragon Sleeps by Ellen Read took me by surprise. How you ask, in a beautiful intriguing way. I don’t read many mysteries, and this one was done so elegantly. The twists and turns throughout kept me guessing. At times I had suspicions on the culprit but never guessed. I didn’t expect to be drawn into the story so quickly, and get so invested in the characters. I could easily envision the surroundings of the The Dragon Sleeps. This story held my attention from page 1. Loved it.
November 6, 2020
What a great book. First time I have read this author.
Set in the swinging twenties with all the polite decorum of society. Sevents, afternoon tea, luncheon, and music. All set with within an exciting storyline that leads up to great climax with all the intrigue, baddies, murders and romance to complete a fine storyline.
Highly recommended!
Set in the swinging twenties with all the polite decorum of society. Sevents, afternoon tea, luncheon, and music. All set with within an exciting storyline that leads up to great climax with all the intrigue, baddies, murders and romance to complete a fine storyline.
Highly recommended!
December 24, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
This book was really good, a bit of romance, a lot of compassion for the characters and a whole lot of mystery and dinosaurs too! I look forward to reading more from this author.
This book was really good, a bit of romance, a lot of compassion for the characters and a whole lot of mystery and dinosaurs too! I look forward to reading more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2017
Synopsis :
A Dragon statue. An ancient sword.
What treasure is worth killing for?
It's 1927 in Victoria, Australia. A hedonistic time after the Great War when young people knew they could enjoy life without the threat of war hanging over them. A time when women have more options opened to them.
There is a weekend house party at Thronton Park and Alexandra Thronton thinks it will be a good time to break the news to her father that she wants to be an antique dealer, like him, her grandfather and great-grandfather before her.
Only a small number of people are invited. Amongst the guests are Zhang Bio, the Chinese antiques dealer who, with his son, has brought a Ming dragon statue from China for Thomas Thronton.
Benedict Archer, who is manager of Thronton Antiques in Melbourne and who has been secretly helping Alexandra learn more about her family business, is also invited. Alexandra asks Benedict and Edith Blackburn, her friend since childhood, to be with her when she approaches her father.
When Edith claims that Benedict is in love with her, Alexandra can't believe it. In all the time they'd been at Thronton Antiques together, he'd never said a word. Now, Alexandra looks at him differently. Can it be true?
Then a body found in the orchard and, before the weekend is over, a priceless artefact is stolen.
Alexandra is determined to discover how these things are connected to the Ming dragon and the antiques her great-grandfather brought with him from Hong Kong so many years ago.
What secret has remained hidden at Thronton Park for the last eight years?
Review :
Ellen Read is one of the first authors I came to know after joining the book community on Instagram. I say she has a heart of gold. And I find myself rather lucky to have got the chance to read her book.
The first word I would like to provide as the very first compliment for this book - thrilling!
The story revolves around Alexandra Thronton, the daughter of Mr. Thronton, who like her father and forefathers shares the deep interest in artifacts.
Then comes the importance of another man, Benedict Archer, the manager of Thronton Antiques in Melbourne who is secretly helping Alexandra learn more about the family business.
Edith Blackburn is Alexandra's sister, who after her parents'death has been adopted into the family. She as well is the culprit behind pointing out Benedict's love for Alexandra to her.
Zhang Hou, the Chinese antiques dealer and his son Zhang Lei are throughout the book can be found to be the least favourite characters. They try to force Mr. Thronton into giving up his possession on Ming artifacts and hand them over to the father-son pair. However, their proposal or forceful act, whatever way one wishes to express it, aren't successful as Mr.Thronton doesn't give them up.
Mr. & Mrs. Buckley, the ignorant couple, who always seem unnaturally interested in everyone else's business, here specifically that of the Ming artifacts. Mr. Thronton not having the habit of telling upon anyone always tries not to notice Buckley couples aukward behaviour.
And last but not the least, Mr. & Mrs. Campbell, who love Alexandra and Edith too much to not being loved back by the girls as well.
These characters as described had been present in the weekend house party at Thronton Park where Zhang Hou had walked in caring an expensive artifact - the Dragon statue. The party leads to all being shown the Ming artifact collection of the Throntons. Which mostly attracts Zhang Boy's eyes if the ancient sword his he urged into being put in to display. All was well until the day a body is found in the orchard. All hells break loose when every soul in the house is in fear of being the next to be killed.
The story tells the tale of how, standing in the time where women are not expected to take the lead, Alexandra plays the most important role in solving the mystery of the murder and the reason of the murder.
What attracted me very much about the book is the character of Mr.Thronton, a father with absolute faith in his daughter. The time in which the story is set, to agree in letting your girl choose her love and as well allow her to start working in the family business, is the sign of a wide-minded, caring heart. A man who though objects at first, doesn't cruelty point out the difference of men and women in the society.
Another thing that touched my heart is Alexandra and Benedict's love story. It is too pure and beautiful to not be dreamt of.
Now, to the main point, the story line has been deeply thought of and the details provided on Ming artifacts makes me certainly think that the author has done a large part of her work in researching about it all. The plot and the situation arrangements are clearly described and the whole of it has the beautiful skill of providing a visualisation of the happenings in front a reader's eyes.
I hope more and more people get the chance to read these book. It's very much informative and interesting.
A Dragon statue. An ancient sword.
What treasure is worth killing for?
It's 1927 in Victoria, Australia. A hedonistic time after the Great War when young people knew they could enjoy life without the threat of war hanging over them. A time when women have more options opened to them.
There is a weekend house party at Thronton Park and Alexandra Thronton thinks it will be a good time to break the news to her father that she wants to be an antique dealer, like him, her grandfather and great-grandfather before her.
Only a small number of people are invited. Amongst the guests are Zhang Bio, the Chinese antiques dealer who, with his son, has brought a Ming dragon statue from China for Thomas Thronton.
Benedict Archer, who is manager of Thronton Antiques in Melbourne and who has been secretly helping Alexandra learn more about her family business, is also invited. Alexandra asks Benedict and Edith Blackburn, her friend since childhood, to be with her when she approaches her father.
When Edith claims that Benedict is in love with her, Alexandra can't believe it. In all the time they'd been at Thronton Antiques together, he'd never said a word. Now, Alexandra looks at him differently. Can it be true?
Then a body found in the orchard and, before the weekend is over, a priceless artefact is stolen.
Alexandra is determined to discover how these things are connected to the Ming dragon and the antiques her great-grandfather brought with him from Hong Kong so many years ago.
What secret has remained hidden at Thronton Park for the last eight years?
Review :
Ellen Read is one of the first authors I came to know after joining the book community on Instagram. I say she has a heart of gold. And I find myself rather lucky to have got the chance to read her book.
The first word I would like to provide as the very first compliment for this book - thrilling!
The story revolves around Alexandra Thronton, the daughter of Mr. Thronton, who like her father and forefathers shares the deep interest in artifacts.
Then comes the importance of another man, Benedict Archer, the manager of Thronton Antiques in Melbourne who is secretly helping Alexandra learn more about the family business.
Edith Blackburn is Alexandra's sister, who after her parents'death has been adopted into the family. She as well is the culprit behind pointing out Benedict's love for Alexandra to her.
Zhang Hou, the Chinese antiques dealer and his son Zhang Lei are throughout the book can be found to be the least favourite characters. They try to force Mr. Thronton into giving up his possession on Ming artifacts and hand them over to the father-son pair. However, their proposal or forceful act, whatever way one wishes to express it, aren't successful as Mr.Thronton doesn't give them up.
Mr. & Mrs. Buckley, the ignorant couple, who always seem unnaturally interested in everyone else's business, here specifically that of the Ming artifacts. Mr. Thronton not having the habit of telling upon anyone always tries not to notice Buckley couples aukward behaviour.
And last but not the least, Mr. & Mrs. Campbell, who love Alexandra and Edith too much to not being loved back by the girls as well.
These characters as described had been present in the weekend house party at Thronton Park where Zhang Hou had walked in caring an expensive artifact - the Dragon statue. The party leads to all being shown the Ming artifact collection of the Throntons. Which mostly attracts Zhang Boy's eyes if the ancient sword his he urged into being put in to display. All was well until the day a body is found in the orchard. All hells break loose when every soul in the house is in fear of being the next to be killed.
The story tells the tale of how, standing in the time where women are not expected to take the lead, Alexandra plays the most important role in solving the mystery of the murder and the reason of the murder.
What attracted me very much about the book is the character of Mr.Thronton, a father with absolute faith in his daughter. The time in which the story is set, to agree in letting your girl choose her love and as well allow her to start working in the family business, is the sign of a wide-minded, caring heart. A man who though objects at first, doesn't cruelty point out the difference of men and women in the society.
Another thing that touched my heart is Alexandra and Benedict's love story. It is too pure and beautiful to not be dreamt of.
Now, to the main point, the story line has been deeply thought of and the details provided on Ming artifacts makes me certainly think that the author has done a large part of her work in researching about it all. The plot and the situation arrangements are clearly described and the whole of it has the beautiful skill of providing a visualisation of the happenings in front a reader's eyes.
I hope more and more people get the chance to read these book. It's very much informative and interesting.
December 2, 2017
Ellen Read weaves a remarkable tale of mystery and murder. Set in the 20's the reader is whisked away to a glamorous time of dashing men and daring women. Alexandra Thorton is a women confident in herself and devoted to her family. When murder invades her world and precious family artifacts go missing she is determined to see justice. There is mystery, action and a dash of romance; a sure recipe for a great book. Ellen has a wonderfully descriptive writing style that captivates the reader. I recommend you pick up a copy today.
February 3, 2020
"The dragon sleeps" takes us to Melbourne, Australia in the year of 1927. Over a weekend during a house party at the country estate of Thornton Park murder and theft happen, secrets are uncovered and romance blossoms. We meet mysterious Chinese antique dealers, shifty social climbers, smart detectives, charming gentlemen, a damsel in distress and a courageous and clever heroine. What more do you need for an exciting and fun read!?
Highly recommended if you like some history with your cozy crime.
Highly recommended if you like some history with your cozy crime.
March 6, 2020
A family with a number of Antique and collectible stores. Ancestors who have lingering presence in their home.
This historical adventure has mystery, relic thefts, mild paranormal and romantic elements and strong, daring women un afraid to fight.
Awesome historical adventure and romance
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This historical adventure has mystery, relic thefts, mild paranormal and romantic elements and strong, daring women un afraid to fight.
Awesome historical adventure and romance
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2019
A well-written, thoughtful book that had a real 1920s feel throughout. Great plot that kept me guessing, with well-woven sub-plots, and interesting, 3-dimensional characters that kept me engaged throughout.
November 15, 2019
Wow, I felt like I’d been placed in the hands of a masterful storyteller with Ellen Read! In The Dragon Sleeps, the author gives us an expert view into 1920s Australia, which I personally found fascinating. Alexandra is the daughter of a wealthy antiques dealer. She greatly admires her father and grandfather and desires to be a part of the business—not an acceptable job for a woman during this time period. Unbeknownst to her father, Alexandra has convinced their new young employee to teach her about their antique business. Not surprisingly, there just might be a romance blooming between Alexandra and Benedict.
The story begins at the Thornton family home. They are hosting several couples who carry more than a passing interest in some of the antiques stored at their residence. It is here we are introduced to Alexandra and her best friend Edie, and we also learn Alexandra might be developing strong feelings for Benedict. But the budding romance is only a small part of this story, one full of deceit, greed and murder. The hot topic is a brass dragon an antiques dealer named Mr. Zhang sold to Thomas Thornton. When one of the Thornton’s employees is brutally murdered, claw marks visible on his body, some believe the dragon may have come to life. This is especially puzzling when they find blood on the dragon’s claws.
I quite enjoyed the mystery involved in this story, both with the antiques themselves and the murders taking place around them. The author kept me guessing as to the true murderer (and their motive) right up until the end. Never once did I question the authority about the time period Ellen Read dropped us in, nor her expert knowledge of Ming Dynasty antiques. For those who enjoy murder mystery, detective types, you can’t go wrong with The Dragon Sleeps. I’m looking forward to the next adventure in this series.
The story begins at the Thornton family home. They are hosting several couples who carry more than a passing interest in some of the antiques stored at their residence. It is here we are introduced to Alexandra and her best friend Edie, and we also learn Alexandra might be developing strong feelings for Benedict. But the budding romance is only a small part of this story, one full of deceit, greed and murder. The hot topic is a brass dragon an antiques dealer named Mr. Zhang sold to Thomas Thornton. When one of the Thornton’s employees is brutally murdered, claw marks visible on his body, some believe the dragon may have come to life. This is especially puzzling when they find blood on the dragon’s claws.
I quite enjoyed the mystery involved in this story, both with the antiques themselves and the murders taking place around them. The author kept me guessing as to the true murderer (and their motive) right up until the end. Never once did I question the authority about the time period Ellen Read dropped us in, nor her expert knowledge of Ming Dynasty antiques. For those who enjoy murder mystery, detective types, you can’t go wrong with The Dragon Sleeps. I’m looking forward to the next adventure in this series.
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