There's no such thing as privacy in the tiny village of Birdswing. Everywhere Dr. Benjamin Bones turns, someone is spying from a window, listening through a wall, or gossiping over a garden fence. "The birds sing in Birdswing," says the vicar, Father Cotterill, and in February 1940 this is more true than ever. Waiting for Hitler to make his move and turn this "Phony War" into the real thing, Ben's fellow villagers are desperate for a distraction. But his blossoming affair with Lady Juliet must remain absolutely secret. So when a seemingly trifling "case" arises--a love letter misplaced for almost thirty years, still in search of its intended recipient--Ben and Juliet jump at the chance to investigate, simply to steal a bit of time together. But as they try to deliver the letter, they discover two lonely people who might get a second chance at love... through the magic of Cornwall.
Author's Note: This novella takes place after Dr. Bones and the Christmas Wish. For optimal pleasure, please read in the following order:
1. Marriage Can Be Murder 2. Divorce Can Be Deadly 3. Dr. Bones and the Christmas Wish 4. Dr. Bones and the Lost Love Letter
I just fell in love with Dr. Bones in the first book. So every time Emma brings out a new book or story, I am in heaven. This one is no exception. In this story, it becomes truly evident that Dr. Bones is human. He occasionally makes mistakes in judgment. And he is physically quite amorous with Lady Juliet (kissing only; no sex---yet). All of this just markets him more loveable. Read for the characters, but know that the storyline is also beautifully resolved. Great job, Emma!
I like Emma Jameson's series about the Magic of Cornwall, but this one, although with the same charming characters as the others, was more short story than novella. I was a little disappointed with the skimpy plotting and I felt the story didn't advance the overall story line of the series. That being said, I'll look forward to another entry and hope that the next one is more like the first two novels in the Dr. Bones series. I'm ready to enjoy more of the partnership of Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet.
Dr Bones in another story that does not disappoint
Four stars for a short story that carries forth more of the joy in the deepening relationship of Dr Bones and Lady Juliet. Cannot wait for Ms Jameson's next installment. Please don't leave us hanging because your readers find this a lovely town to visit, with characters we want to know better. J Bradshaw
A village full of gossip loving people. A magic tree the small people run. And in 1940 when the war is getting underway. What's not to like? And Dr Bones and Lady Juliet are trying to quietly share a few kisses.
Emma Jameson does wonders with the tales about Cornwall during WWII. And the best part is I’ve had to research a lot of the food, contraceptives, practices-so I’ve become more educated about 1930s England. I can’t wait for her next book to become available. I like this series so much better than her other one. Just wished she turned out her books a little faster. But I’m sure the next book in the lives of Dr Ben, Lady Juliet and all the other inhabitants of Birdswing will be worth waiting for.
I've got to say, now that Ben and Juliet actually have some sort of a relationship (even if a hidden one) I like their interaction even better. It's the comfortable companionship without all those insecurities and speculations from both sides. This time these two have a "mild mystery" to uncover though the story it mostly about the people of Birdswing and the connections Ben has made since he arrived at the village. It was actually nice to see how much he is becoming a part of the community even if there are some things he still struggles with - like their beliefs in the supernatural. Even if the less harmful kind.
When a lost love letter comes to Ben's possession he is asked to find the couple, or at least start with the guy who wrote it. While they start with quite a solid idea who to turn to, what they uncover there is not what they expected but it does help them uncover a bit more. In the end the story does offer a sort of a happy ending as well as a one to be uncovered (in the coming books - as per Emma's promise at the very end). It's not exactly what you'd expect though I did guess a little bit (even if not enough).
As Emma promised these short novellas are about the people not a/the mystery and it shows. I really liked the more relaxed feel of this one though I did struggle (as with the previous ones) with the language (fitting the time and place this one takes place in). Yet it's more than worth it. I hope she'll get back to writing this series.
One this I forgot to mention and I feel I should - I REALLY don't think this should be read as a standalone. Maybe it can, but I don't recommend it. For a short novella I feel like you'll either have too much characters introduced or you'll be confused by the relationships (Juliet and Ben naturally but also others). Or it might make intrigue you to start from the beginning..
Jameson's books increase in quality over both series, but be careful what you pay for. This is era a short story with an open ending that presumably sets up the next Dr. Bones and Juliet Linton novel--whenever it appears. I missed the page count. This story ends abruptly, leaving the reader with a simple answer to the question, "who wrote the old letter at the center of the story," but without any resolution of the mystery. I feel exploited. This was an error in author or publisher strategy. I won't buy the next chapter. The writing, stories, and characters are not good enough for me to forgive the obvious manipulation. Shame, Ms. Jameson.
What a wonderful story, again! I really do love these stories of the Magic of Cornwall. Its a place I've always wanted to go, but never have or probably never will since my age and health keep getting old. This was a lovely story about lost love and the sorrow it brings & in time maybe forgiveness. Thank the Lord I live in these times of so many miracles of medicine. I never thought of how there was so little they could do for some of the worse illnesses. Like the previous story where Mrs. Smith had RA. Bad thing about these short stories, they aren't long enough! Enjoy!!
Excellent companion pieces to the also exceptional novels. All are well researched and capture the spirit of Cornwall life in a small village. By the way, all of Emma Jameson's books are outstanding!
An excellent companion piece to the exceptional novels. Well researched, they capture the spirit of life in a small Cornwall village. All of Emma Jameson's books are outstanding and I look forward to each new one!.
I am giving this book a 5 but, it is for all the books in this series. I read them all in 2 days as I love the characters so much. The storyline is good but the people are what make the books. Well, along with Cornwall's scenery and history and all the little things. I enjoyed them and hope more are coming.
Novellas are all very well, but it's like being given a quarter glass of fine wine and being told there'll be no more until the bottle shops have opened again after Easter. I do enjoy the Dr Ben Bones books, but enough is enough of these novellas of my favourite characters, I need meat, not watered down wine. Come on Emma, your teasing is over okay? :)
I keep expecting to see the next book in the series to take Birdsong into the days of the Blitz. I have friends in London who, as children, sheltered in the London Underground. I think it would be interesting to consider the Blitz from a more rural point of view. Ms. Jameson could use a better proofreader. I do await another in the Dr. Bones series.
Having now read all of Emma Jameson's work to date, I proclaim myself a definite fan of her unique and varied talents. As both a writer and reader of mysteries I most admire her different writing styles, her ability to alter according to era. I have whole heartedly recommended her to my friends and family.
I love the world the author has created and her characters which inhabit that world. Her characters drive the mystery and in that process a secondary character brings new life into the little village.
Looking forward to my next visit to this sweet little village.
After two books and two novellas that’s it for now and I need more of Dr Bones and Lady Juliett and all the other wonderful characters of Birdswing. Hats off to Emma for the delightful juxtaposition of delightful scene after scene in just the last chapter and Postscript that, well the heading says it all.
Everything I have ever read by Emma Jameson is well worth reading. Her characters are finely drawn and exceptionally human and she captures them perfectly in their time and element. Juliet and Dr. Bones are wonderful characters and brought a little more to life in this novella, as are others. It is well worth reading.
The Dr. Bones series is well written with interesting, intelligent characters. The Cornwall setting adds to the dimension of the stories which have humor and a fine cast of supporting characters. I look forward to more books from Emma Jameson in both this series and her Hetheridge series.
The story was a nice blend of WW2 rural England, the Dr Bones characters and the pitfalls of putting a concern for others' gossip ahead of direct and honest communication.
Enjoyed this quick read. I am attached to the Dr Bones and Juliet. This quick little adventure should warm anyone's heart and leave us hoping for more romance to come.
I like these characters so much; I feel for their predicament. Time, place, circumstances - so many possible story lines and plot twists. Can't wait to see what comes next - can't wait to meet Lucy...
Another in the very enjoyable and well-written Dr. Bones series by Emma Jameson. The "Magic of Cornwall" novellas are sub-sets of the Dr. Bones mysteries. I recommend staring with the first Dr. Bones book, Marriage Can be Murder.
I like this author. I didn't realize this was a short story when I picked it up so the ending was really abrupt. I need to figure out if there are more titles to flesh out the story. I gave it three stars because it's well written but not terrifically deep.
A nice little look into the continuing almost affair.
Keeping up on the adventures of this charming couple can be such fun. I just wish the author would find a time for them to bring us a satisfactory solution.
The story, while short in length, is long on feelings. It has certainly caused me to sit back and think about love, life, happiness, unhappiness, friendships and other matters. It is well worth the short time it will take you to read it. Enjoy.
I️ so enjoy the characters in this series. This is a sweet update on Birdswing and Juliet and Ben. You get to know a few more of the town’s people and it ties the ends together nicely while creating another loose end.
Thoroughly enjoyable historical, mystery, romance! The characters are interesting, lovable, and I am thoroughly invested in their lives. The WW11 setting in rural Britain is fascinating. The story lines are compelling!!
Thoroughly enjoyed May your inspiration for Dr Bones & Juliet continue Kudos John Power........A "guy:..... A Man whose first exposure to :The romance genre was your Novellas
Having read two of her other novels, it was easy to fall into this one. The author manages to make a simple, small, country town come alive with rich characters. Their mysterious secret pasts, foibles, and very human faults create a warm, complex tapestry.