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Victorian Bookshop Mystery #5
The Detecting Duchess
The only thing standing between Georgia and her fairy-tale wedding is a murder. Or two.
When a young woman pleads for help from Georgia Fenchurch in locating a missing Crown investigator, Georgia resists. Her wedding is only a week away. Before she can say no, she's knocked to the ground by an assailant attempting to kill the young woman.
Georgia now feels she must help. She soon finds herself up to her wedding veil in stolen treasure and coded letters. With the Duke of Blackford's help, Georgia follows a trail of missing men and dead bodies. Every victim had one thing in common - a diesire to possess a fortune in gold.
In between the society balls and social calls of late Victorian London, Georgia works on her last case before the big day. Will she stop a ruthless killer in time? Or will Georgia find getting to the altar on time is going to be murder?
When a young woman pleads for help from Georgia Fenchurch in locating a missing Crown investigator, Georgia resists. Her wedding is only a week away. Before she can say no, she's knocked to the ground by an assailant attempting to kill the young woman.
Georgia now feels she must help. She soon finds herself up to her wedding veil in stolen treasure and coded letters. With the Duke of Blackford's help, Georgia follows a trail of missing men and dead bodies. Every victim had one thing in common - a diesire to possess a fortune in gold.
In between the society balls and social calls of late Victorian London, Georgia works on her last case before the big day. Will she stop a ruthless killer in time? Or will Georgia find getting to the altar on time is going to be murder?
312 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2017
339 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
Kate Parker
29 books747 followersKate began reading Agatha Christie mysteries and the Nancy Drew books while her classmates were reading Dick and Jane. She particularly likes historical mysteries and the feeling of time travel a good historical book can give the reader. Combined with her love of late Victorian to World War II architecture and fashions, she found an outlet for the stories and characters that fill her head by writing The Victorian Bookshop Mysteries, The Milliner Mysteries, and The Deadly series, as well as taking part in the Christmas Revels anthologies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 22, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
When I reviewed The Conspiring Woman at the end of 2015 I thought that was the final book in this fantastic series but author Kate Parker wasn’t quite done with these characters. As a reader I was thrilled to receive this book and visit these characters one last time.
Georgia Fenchurch should be concentrating on her wedding plans as it is just 8 days away but when a young woman is attacked right before her eyes she can’t say no to one last investigation before she says “I Do”.
Her friends are not happy but her groom, the Duke of Blackford, offers his assistance in hopes to wrap the investigation as quickly as possible. Instead people go missing and more bodies pile up. A missing treasure trove of gold seems to be what all the victims have in common. Can Georgia stay safe and find the killer and gold and still make it to the church on time??
As expected the author has given us quite an intriguing mystery. It starts in Egypt with a trunk that was supposed to be filled with gold coins, payment owed by Egyptian government to various European banks, turns out to be filled with nails. The gold had been stolen, Eugenie Munroe’s uncle has been killed, the man she traveled to London with, Mr. Burke, has gone missing, and another man has been murdered. Eugenie wants the man who killed her uncle brought to justice and it seems all the suspects have left Egypt for the cooler Summer of England. So Georgia and The Archivist Society are on the case.
Ms. Parker takes us back in time as only she can. Her words paint wonderful pictures in your mind of Victorian England as we follow Georgia as she goes to society balls and social calls and investigates. I totally escaped into this one. I felt like I was on Georgia’s shoulder from the first page to the last.
In addition to the characters we have come to love from the previous stories we are introduced a whole new contingent that arrives from Egypt, all the suspects. Some are eliminated because they are killed and Georgia is warned to stop asking questions. She doesn’t give up and as the story continues the tension ramps up to a scary and surprising conclusion.
Do Georgia and Blackford tie the knot?? You are going to have to read the story yourself to find out.
I have loved every book in this series. I recommend reading this series in order to follow the progression but they each can be read on their own. This is my favorite book in the series!
When I reviewed The Conspiring Woman at the end of 2015 I thought that was the final book in this fantastic series but author Kate Parker wasn’t quite done with these characters. As a reader I was thrilled to receive this book and visit these characters one last time.
Georgia Fenchurch should be concentrating on her wedding plans as it is just 8 days away but when a young woman is attacked right before her eyes she can’t say no to one last investigation before she says “I Do”.
Her friends are not happy but her groom, the Duke of Blackford, offers his assistance in hopes to wrap the investigation as quickly as possible. Instead people go missing and more bodies pile up. A missing treasure trove of gold seems to be what all the victims have in common. Can Georgia stay safe and find the killer and gold and still make it to the church on time??
As expected the author has given us quite an intriguing mystery. It starts in Egypt with a trunk that was supposed to be filled with gold coins, payment owed by Egyptian government to various European banks, turns out to be filled with nails. The gold had been stolen, Eugenie Munroe’s uncle has been killed, the man she traveled to London with, Mr. Burke, has gone missing, and another man has been murdered. Eugenie wants the man who killed her uncle brought to justice and it seems all the suspects have left Egypt for the cooler Summer of England. So Georgia and The Archivist Society are on the case.
Ms. Parker takes us back in time as only she can. Her words paint wonderful pictures in your mind of Victorian England as we follow Georgia as she goes to society balls and social calls and investigates. I totally escaped into this one. I felt like I was on Georgia’s shoulder from the first page to the last.
In addition to the characters we have come to love from the previous stories we are introduced a whole new contingent that arrives from Egypt, all the suspects. Some are eliminated because they are killed and Georgia is warned to stop asking questions. She doesn’t give up and as the story continues the tension ramps up to a scary and surprising conclusion.
Do Georgia and Blackford tie the knot?? You are going to have to read the story yourself to find out.
I have loved every book in this series. I recommend reading this series in order to follow the progression but they each can be read on their own. This is my favorite book in the series!
June 13, 2017
Soon-to-be Duchess and Victorian bookshop owner Georgia Fenchurch gets embroiled in another murder mystery just days before her wedding to the Duke of Blackford. The case involves stolen Egyptian gold, governmental diplomats, and a missing investigator. As the bodies pile up, Georgia wonders if she’ll be able to make her nuptials. Can she find the killer before the wedding bells ring, or will it be her death knell instead? Another charming addition to a delightful series.
May 27, 2017
Series: A Victorian Bookshop Mystery #5
Publication Date: May 26, 2016
Kate Parker gives us yet another delightful, intriguing, mystery and adventure set in Victorian England. I feel as if I have waited absolutely FOREVER for this book – and it has been about a year-and-a-half – much too long since the last release. I hope the next book won’t be as long in coming! I also hope the author doesn’t decide to make this the last of the series because I can see so many delightful storylines in this newly wedded state!
Miss Georgia Fenchurch is the middle-class owner of an antiquarian bookstore. She is also a member of the Archivist Society and the fiancé of the Duke of Blackford. The Archivist Society was formed to help individuals who can’t or haven’t been helped by Scotland Yard. It was in one such investigation that Georgia met the Duke of Blackford.
Over the course of the books in the series the Duke has wooed Georgia. He had a time convincing her that she could still be who she really was and be his Duchess at the same time. Finally, in the last book he managed to convince her to marry him! I was so excited – and now – this book brings us to the wedding – so – what trouble can Georgia get into with only a few days left until the wedding . . . .
Eight days before her wedding, Georgia gets a visit from Eugenie Munroe who begs her to find Greyson Burke who is an investigator for the crown. Georgia is itching for something to do in order to keep her mind off the upcoming wedding, but after she hears Eugenie’s tale, Georgia is sure she won’t be able to solve it before the wedding and will only agree to taking on the case if she can involve all of the Archivist Society in the case.
Eugenie had been in Egypt with her uncle who had been tasked to solve the robbery of gold coins valued at over a million pounds. Eugenie’s uncle had been murdered in the course of the investigation and she and Greyson had taken up the task of finding who had committed the murder.
Several murders and an ocean crossing later, the investigation lands on English soil. However, Greyson has disappeared and Eugenie has no idea where to turn – so – she turns to Georgia Fenchurch.
As Georgia investigates, there are attacks upon Eugenie and later on Georgia. Then there are more murders and many, many suspects. Then add abductions and more threats of murder before all is solved. Goodness what an exciting ride through the twists and turns of a delightful investigation.
Then, of course, we have the wedding. Oh! what a romantic time that is. Blackford’s wedding gift to Georgia absolutely could not be any more perfect. My goodness my heart was all aflutter!
I highly recommend this book and hope it delights you as much as it did me!
Publication Date: May 26, 2016
Kate Parker gives us yet another delightful, intriguing, mystery and adventure set in Victorian England. I feel as if I have waited absolutely FOREVER for this book – and it has been about a year-and-a-half – much too long since the last release. I hope the next book won’t be as long in coming! I also hope the author doesn’t decide to make this the last of the series because I can see so many delightful storylines in this newly wedded state!
Miss Georgia Fenchurch is the middle-class owner of an antiquarian bookstore. She is also a member of the Archivist Society and the fiancé of the Duke of Blackford. The Archivist Society was formed to help individuals who can’t or haven’t been helped by Scotland Yard. It was in one such investigation that Georgia met the Duke of Blackford.
Over the course of the books in the series the Duke has wooed Georgia. He had a time convincing her that she could still be who she really was and be his Duchess at the same time. Finally, in the last book he managed to convince her to marry him! I was so excited – and now – this book brings us to the wedding – so – what trouble can Georgia get into with only a few days left until the wedding . . . .
Eight days before her wedding, Georgia gets a visit from Eugenie Munroe who begs her to find Greyson Burke who is an investigator for the crown. Georgia is itching for something to do in order to keep her mind off the upcoming wedding, but after she hears Eugenie’s tale, Georgia is sure she won’t be able to solve it before the wedding and will only agree to taking on the case if she can involve all of the Archivist Society in the case.
Eugenie had been in Egypt with her uncle who had been tasked to solve the robbery of gold coins valued at over a million pounds. Eugenie’s uncle had been murdered in the course of the investigation and she and Greyson had taken up the task of finding who had committed the murder.
Several murders and an ocean crossing later, the investigation lands on English soil. However, Greyson has disappeared and Eugenie has no idea where to turn – so – she turns to Georgia Fenchurch.
As Georgia investigates, there are attacks upon Eugenie and later on Georgia. Then there are more murders and many, many suspects. Then add abductions and more threats of murder before all is solved. Goodness what an exciting ride through the twists and turns of a delightful investigation.
Then, of course, we have the wedding. Oh! what a romantic time that is. Blackford’s wedding gift to Georgia absolutely could not be any more perfect. My goodness my heart was all aflutter!
I highly recommend this book and hope it delights you as much as it did me!
January 19, 2020
I love this series. This book was not, in my opinion, quite as intriguing as some of the others in the series, because a lot of the action occurred in another country before the story started and so seemed removed from the characters a bit. However, I very much enjoyed re-visiting the characters because they are so well-drawn and good, especially Georgia, the main character, and her fiance, the duke. Together with the other great characters, they solve the murders and help things move along in their own relationship. I am eager to read the next book in the series.
December 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this series when it started but the characters became more and more insufferable as the books went on. I was only able to read halfway through this book and then skim my way to the ending. The mystery wasn't that interesting and all of the characters that I used to like (starting with the lead whose name I blanked on and had to look up, Georgia) are now so annoying. Also, I think the writing has gotten worse. I noticed in the last book and in this one too, there were whole passages where characters reactions swung wildly from one end of a spectrum to the other and made very little sense. Also, it was often hard to follow who was speaking. The final chapter was cute, however.
July 21, 2017
The action of this book stays all the way until the eve of Georgia and Blackford's wedding. With a missing person and a lot of missing gold and building to several murders. This series is well written and will keep the reader glued to the books until the very end.
May 17, 2020
Nice way to end the series, at least I think it's the end of the series since it's been a few years since she wrote a new one. Georgie is getting ready for her wedding day but has concerns that she's going to miss out on the investigations that she has become used to assisting with. When a woman contacts her to find a friend of hers, she feels compelled to get involved in one last case. With the help of the Archivists Society, they quickly find that the story behind the missing man has far reaching implications and involves stolen Egyptian gold that everyone seems to want to get their hands on.
February 13, 2024
This is the final book in the Victorian Bookshop Mystery series. I am SO going to miss being with Georgia and Blackford, they have been a joy.
I recommend this book.
I recommend this book.
April 18, 2020
Not my favorite of the series, but still mildly diverting. Perhaps I simply wasn't in the right mood for it. The Duke put my hackles up a lot, as he was continually warning Georgia away from meddling in state secrets, and in general seemed barely tolerant of her investigation. It made it hard to enjoy their romance when he was being a pill! Somehow I don't see Georgia being able to continue her work after marriage.
Apart from the romantic angle, the mystery itself was interesting and a fun light read.
Apart from the romantic angle, the mystery itself was interesting and a fun light read.
January 2, 2018
The Detecting Duchess by Kate Parker was an excellent cozy historical read. Her characters come to life and once again Georgia and the Archivist work to solve a missing person case which turns to so much more. If this is the last book in the series, Ms. Parker did a great job with a twisted plot, numerous suspects and a happy ending for Georgia and Blackford.
July 22, 2017
This is a historical cozy mystery, with a brave main character that doesn't fear to face a murderer or an harpy, go Georgia!
With a hint of how was living in the aristocracy and being a woman, Georgia Fenchurch has a bookshop and is a member of the Archivist Society, to investigate crimes, like this case, a disappearance and missing gold. Georgia doesn't know where to start investigating this case, the client is hiding something, her missing friend is not the person she thinks and everyone who could have some information about the case is appearing dead... what's really behind this case?
This is a funny read, I had a good laugh with the Georgia lady's maid, Lucy, she will be a god help in the next cases, I am sure!
Georgia's mind is not only on this case, in the next weeks she will get married to the aristocrat Blackford, but with so many danger in their life, I am not sure they will arrive alive to their wedding, I was really scared that maybe neither of them would make it!
I love reading books where the woman is the main character and doesn't need a man to decide what to do in her life or to have an amazing adventure! Georgia was a good main character, she had love, good friends and a lot of mystery in her life, I wish my life has a little of that adventure!
This is the fifth book of the A Victorian Bookshop Mystery, but you can read it as standalone.
Ready to find the gold?
With a hint of how was living in the aristocracy and being a woman, Georgia Fenchurch has a bookshop and is a member of the Archivist Society, to investigate crimes, like this case, a disappearance and missing gold. Georgia doesn't know where to start investigating this case, the client is hiding something, her missing friend is not the person she thinks and everyone who could have some information about the case is appearing dead... what's really behind this case?
This is a funny read, I had a good laugh with the Georgia lady's maid, Lucy, she will be a god help in the next cases, I am sure!
Georgia's mind is not only on this case, in the next weeks she will get married to the aristocrat Blackford, but with so many danger in their life, I am not sure they will arrive alive to their wedding, I was really scared that maybe neither of them would make it!
I love reading books where the woman is the main character and doesn't need a man to decide what to do in her life or to have an amazing adventure! Georgia was a good main character, she had love, good friends and a lot of mystery in her life, I wish my life has a little of that adventure!
This is the fifth book of the A Victorian Bookshop Mystery, but you can read it as standalone.
Ready to find the gold?
March 1, 2023
3.5 stars. This is a historical mystery novel set in 1897 in London, England. It's the 5th book in a series but works as a stand-alone. Georgia still questions giving up her independence and work as a private investigator to marry the Duke. When she expresses her concerns, he just kisses her silly. I agree that it doesn't seem fair that her future detective work will be very limited but he intended to continue his investigations while keeping the details secret from her. He liked her for the very traits he's expecting her to discard in favor of being a respectable, living Duchess, wife, and future mother. These issues were never really resolved.
Georgia was annoyingly foolish and reckless, too, taking unnecessary risks with the attitude that she'd be able to overcome any danger even when past evidence would point to the contrary. Rather than taking a death threat seriously when the killer had no qualms about shooting down his allies, she found it insulting that he bothered to first warn her off rather than just attack her. She joined a house-breaking mission where she wasn't even needed and only at the end realized how damaging to her and the Duke's reputation it'd be if she was caught. Sure, she solved a complex mystery, but it was like all good sense had fled her brain. This is the last book I'm reading in this series. There was no sex or bad language.
Georgia was annoyingly foolish and reckless, too, taking unnecessary risks with the attitude that she'd be able to overcome any danger even when past evidence would point to the contrary. Rather than taking a death threat seriously when the killer had no qualms about shooting down his allies, she found it insulting that he bothered to first warn her off rather than just attack her. She joined a house-breaking mission where she wasn't even needed and only at the end realized how damaging to her and the Duke's reputation it'd be if she was caught. Sure, she solved a complex mystery, but it was like all good sense had fled her brain. This is the last book I'm reading in this series. There was no sex or bad language.
July 17, 2017
I had the pleasure of reviewing a book by Ms. Parker last year, and was very excited to read another by this talented author. This is the final book in the Victorian Bookshop Mystery series, and while it stands alone very well, I look forward to going back and diving into the world of Georgia Fenchurch from the beginning!
Sleuths, get ready – there are dozens of suspects and clues to comb through – and each answer brings more questions. It’s quite the twisted tale to unravel, and we’re not even the one eight days from our wedding, as Georgia is!
Georgia and the group around her are incredibly fun characters to read. They are a solid, and capable team, with plenty of time for fun and laughter. Ms. Parker introduces a new member to the team, which allows new readers to get to know everyone, without dragging down the pace for older followers of the series. I enjoyed seeing how she worked that in.
Those looking for an exciting caper, that doesn’t let up until the last page, will greatly enjoy this book!
Sleuths, get ready – there are dozens of suspects and clues to comb through – and each answer brings more questions. It’s quite the twisted tale to unravel, and we’re not even the one eight days from our wedding, as Georgia is!
Georgia and the group around her are incredibly fun characters to read. They are a solid, and capable team, with plenty of time for fun and laughter. Ms. Parker introduces a new member to the team, which allows new readers to get to know everyone, without dragging down the pace for older followers of the series. I enjoyed seeing how she worked that in.
Those looking for an exciting caper, that doesn’t let up until the last page, will greatly enjoy this book!
February 20, 2020
This is one of my favourite series' and I've enjoyed each book very much. This one was an especially fun on, as we finally get to see Georgia and Blackford get married [that's not a spoiler if you've read the rest of the series and it's in the blurb for this book].
There is really nothing about this series I didn't like. Georgia is a wonderful main character, if a little conflicted about her change in status as she prepares to marry Blackford and become a duchess. She is smart and kind and very determined to be her own woman.
All the supporting characters in this series are also great. Interesting, likable people who surround and help Georgia no matter what trouble she gets herself into.
I am hopeful that this is not the final book in this series as it would be great fun to watch Georgia try to continue as a member of the Archivist Society now that she is a duchess.
This is a light, fun easy-reading series, and I highly recommend it!
There is really nothing about this series I didn't like. Georgia is a wonderful main character, if a little conflicted about her change in status as she prepares to marry Blackford and become a duchess. She is smart and kind and very determined to be her own woman.
All the supporting characters in this series are also great. Interesting, likable people who surround and help Georgia no matter what trouble she gets herself into.
I am hopeful that this is not the final book in this series as it would be great fun to watch Georgia try to continue as a member of the Archivist Society now that she is a duchess.
This is a light, fun easy-reading series, and I highly recommend it!
May 31, 2017
So the time has finally arrived, the wedding is on. I don't count that as spoiler as the Duchess part is in the title. But alas our intrepid heroine wants one last hurrah as a spinster detective before she assumes the mantle of the detecting duchess. When a girl comes into the shop specifically looking for her not the Society she hesitates but then the poor girl is attacked. The girl claims to be looking for a man who was investigating her uncles murder in Cairo who in turn had been investigating a large gold theft from the government. Soon danger is afoot as bodies start dropping. Meanwhile everyone else is focused on the wedding. Lots of good suspects and the ending made me cry. Huge payoff for long time readers.
July 25, 2017
I was delighted to be offered The Detecting Duchess to read for this review.
Books that take place in the Victorian era or Historical books are not normally ones that I read.
I like to have the chance to read something different.
I liked the name of the series A Victorian Book Shop series was intriguing to me.
Although The Detecting Duchess is book 5 I didn't feel lost not having read the previous books. I would like to see more following.
The story is captivating and filled with twist and turns keeping the reading struggling to figure out the mystery.
I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and
Great Escapes Tours.
Books that take place in the Victorian era or Historical books are not normally ones that I read.
I like to have the chance to read something different.
I liked the name of the series A Victorian Book Shop series was intriguing to me.
Although The Detecting Duchess is book 5 I didn't feel lost not having read the previous books. I would like to see more following.
The story is captivating and filled with twist and turns keeping the reading struggling to figure out the mystery.
I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and
Great Escapes Tours.
July 26, 2017
I enjoy reading Kate's book if nothing else for the setting. She has a way of describing the settings so that you feel like you are right there along with the characters. I also like that Georgia owns a nice bookstore. There are too many things that I like about Georgia that it is hard to mention them all. I can't imagine anything worse than having a murder at a wedding. The author did a good job of giving us enough clues so that I felt like I had everything figured out then I found out I was wrong. The characters were well developed and very likable. The was a can't put down type of book. I have not read the rest of the series yet but was able to keep up just fine. I do plan on reading the rest of the series but could not pass up the chance to read this one.
Read
July 19, 2025This is the 5th book in the series. Georgia is preparing for her wedding when she is asked to take on a case by a young woman who is searching for a missing Crown investigator. Georgia is about to say no, when someone attempts to kill the woman right in front of her. The case is complex and involves missing Egyptian gold, a series of diplomats, and a murdered uncle. The Duke agrees to help Georgia and they bring in the Archivist Society to lend a hand. As they work through the list of suspects and follow the trail of the transfer of the gold, they begin to unpick the complex web in order to find the truth. The mystery comes to a dramatic conclusion and the series comes to a satisfying end.
June 12, 2017
I have loved this series, and it's no spoiler, given the title, to say the the wedding day has finally arrived for Georgia and Blackford. But first there's a mystery to be solved, beginning with a missing person (and a lot of missing gold) and building to several murders. The action continues right up to the eve of the wedding, as Georgia and the Duke eliminate suspects one by one, joining the search for the missing treasure, separating those who want the reward from the killer who wants it all.
If you've enjoyed Georgia's late Victorian adventures, don't miss Kate Parker's Deadly series, set in the late 30s.
If you've enjoyed Georgia's late Victorian adventures, don't miss Kate Parker's Deadly series, set in the late 30s.
July 27, 2017
This book follows Georgia Fenchurch as she works in her bookshop and when a young woman approaches her for help before Georgia has a chance to yes or no the young woman and Georgia is attacked by a mysterious assailant. Both of them not knowing their attacker.
Georgia is determined to find the missing Crown investigator. Will she find him on time? Will the wedding go off or will the murder get in the way?
I love this book set in Victorian England and the adventure it puts Georgia on. Will murder afoot anything is possible. Ms. Parker did a great job with this story and can't wait to see what is next!
Georgia is determined to find the missing Crown investigator. Will she find him on time? Will the wedding go off or will the murder get in the way?
I love this book set in Victorian England and the adventure it puts Georgia on. Will murder afoot anything is possible. Ms. Parker did a great job with this story and can't wait to see what is next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2022
Very good, but...
I've read all 5 of this series, and they're generally very good. Good characters, good plot, just let own by the usual jarring Americanisms. There aren't a lit, which suggests that the editor missed them. Must try harder (metropolitan police don't gave precincts)
Biggest problem is factual. Plot revolves around the theft of £1,000,000 in gold coins. Fine. But people are trying to work out how it was stolen, where it's hidden (in a safe, in a statue?) But £1 million in gold in 1897 would be the equivalent of 1 million sovereigns. Which weigh EIGHT TONS, and occupy about 16 cubic feet.
So most of the plot is actually impossible.
Good read though.
I've read all 5 of this series, and they're generally very good. Good characters, good plot, just let own by the usual jarring Americanisms. There aren't a lit, which suggests that the editor missed them. Must try harder (metropolitan police don't gave precincts)
Biggest problem is factual. Plot revolves around the theft of £1,000,000 in gold coins. Fine. But people are trying to work out how it was stolen, where it's hidden (in a safe, in a statue?) But £1 million in gold in 1897 would be the equivalent of 1 million sovereigns. Which weigh EIGHT TONS, and occupy about 16 cubic feet.
So most of the plot is actually impossible.
Good read though.
June 4, 2018
3.5. Sadly this didn’t have some of my favorite aspects from previous books. I wish we could have seen more of Emma and the gang. Additionally they kept talking about how close the wedding was a bit too much especially when she hardly seemed to have much to do to get ready and plenty of free time. Too many balls and parties that didn’t hold me. I understand what the author was doing, but I miss the good old days. I wasn’t even a fan of our main man since he wasn’t in it other to be nasty or a tool to get something. The ending was really nice and hey if there’s another book, I’d still read it!
June 19, 2020
Okay, after buzzing through the series my real life interfered, but then I went back and re-read the series again; they all stand up to a second reading!
When I first began this series I wasn't sure it wasn't mysteries for grannies or something, one review said there was no bad language, no indecent scenes, so I wasn't sure, but I really enjoyed the fabulous mysteries (and spunky female characters). I think the only thing I didn't like was how quickly the Count Farkas story was wrapped up. Still, a wonderfully fun series!
When I first began this series I wasn't sure it wasn't mysteries for grannies or something, one review said there was no bad language, no indecent scenes, so I wasn't sure, but I really enjoyed the fabulous mysteries (and spunky female characters). I think the only thing I didn't like was how quickly the Count Farkas story was wrapped up. Still, a wonderfully fun series!
August 18, 2017
Loved this series!
I truly loved these books and hope Ms. Parker will continue on with Georgia and the Duke in future installments. The writing is clever and keeps us guessing about the next situation the heroine will find herself in.The supporting characters are well developed and as interesting as the main character. I will recommend this book to friends and family as well as other readers.
I truly loved these books and hope Ms. Parker will continue on with Georgia and the Duke in future installments. The writing is clever and keeps us guessing about the next situation the heroine will find herself in.The supporting characters are well developed and as interesting as the main character. I will recommend this book to friends and family as well as other readers.
February 21, 2018
Not sure if there will be more in this series, but if not this wraps everything up nicely. The mystery had a few too many characters to keep straight, and I missed the bookshop setting now that Georgia has transferred its running over to her Archivist Society friend. Also, Blackford was a bit of a jerk to Georgia (telling her to mind her own business about his own investigations, etc.). That said I’ve enjoyed this series and seeing Georgia gain confidence and finally get her HEA.
July 10, 2022
Wow!
What a story! It is the week before their wedding and Georgia and the Archival Society, and a reluctant Duke of Blackwood are investigating 2 murders, theft of gold from Egypt, and all the English aristocrats who were working in Egypt at the time and allowed the theft to occur! Very good, interesting plot, lots of suspects, lots of liars, and great chases. Is this the final story in this terrific series? I would hope their are more adventures for the new Duchess!
What a story! It is the week before their wedding and Georgia and the Archival Society, and a reluctant Duke of Blackwood are investigating 2 murders, theft of gold from Egypt, and all the English aristocrats who were working in Egypt at the time and allowed the theft to occur! Very good, interesting plot, lots of suspects, lots of liars, and great chases. Is this the final story in this terrific series? I would hope their are more adventures for the new Duchess!
January 20, 2025
3.5 Georgia Fenchurch is about to be married to the Duke of Blackford and will only be going to her bookshop to check in as she has hired a manager to take over and a week before the wedding a young woman approaches Georgia to help her find a missing man. Georgia is a member of the secret Archivist Society and they will all have to pull together to get this job accomplished in the wek before the wedding takes place.
June 29, 2017
i don't actually believe for a minute...
Blackford would let Georgia get into trouble like that, days before the wedding. The murderer in the end was convenient, though the steps to get there well done. i do hope there will be a post marriage book about the trouble she gets in as a duchess. perhaps she will be the new "fixer" for the aristocracy?
Blackford would let Georgia get into trouble like that, days before the wedding. The murderer in the end was convenient, though the steps to get there well done. i do hope there will be a post marriage book about the trouble she gets in as a duchess. perhaps she will be the new "fixer" for the aristocracy?
May 24, 2018
So many possibilities
This was a very fun and exciting read about a gold payment lost in Egypt. Shortly afterward practically all the possible thieves come back to England, early, and with no plan to return to. Airline- ever. Georgia has only a week to figure out who the thief or thieves are, but then people start dropping dead.
This was a very fun and exciting read about a gold payment lost in Egypt. Shortly afterward practically all the possible thieves come back to England, early, and with no plan to return to. Airline- ever. Georgia has only a week to figure out who the thief or thieves are, but then people start dropping dead.
June 15, 2018
History, mystery and characters given life with the most enjoyable writing from Kate Parker has made this a series I will treasure for a long time.
Georgia, Emma and Lady Phyllida have formed a family that evolves through great times as well as trying events. Georgia and Emma along with many others belong to an organization that helps solve many mysteries.
Georgia, Emma and Lady Phyllida have formed a family that evolves through great times as well as trying events. Georgia and Emma along with many others belong to an organization that helps solve many mysteries.
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