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Cambridge Fellows #12.5
Lessons in Loving thy Murderous Neighbour
Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith like nothing more than being given a mystery to solve. But what happens when you have to defend your greatest enemy on a charge of murder?
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2017
16 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Cochrane
86 books372 followersBecause Charlie Cochrane couldn't be trusted to do any of her jobs of choice—like managing a rugby team—she writes. Her mystery novels include the Edwardian era Cambridge Fellows series, series, and the contemporary Best Corpse for the Job. Multi-published, she has titles with Carina, Samhain, Riptide and Bold Strokes, among others.
A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Mystery People and International Thriller Writers Inc, Charlie regularly appears at literary festivals and at reader and author conferences with The Deadly Dames.
A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Mystery People and International Thriller Writers Inc, Charlie regularly appears at literary festivals and at reader and author conferences with The Deadly Dames.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 reviews
August 30, 2017
I can honestly say that when I heard there was going to be a new Jonty and Orlando tale I was psyched! I won't go into the plot but I'll just say that for a novella Lessons in Loving thy Murderous Neighbor is jam packed with all kinds of the goodness and sass that has made Cambridge Fellows one of my favorite duos. Jonty and Orlando remind me a little(sometimes a lot) of Nick and Nora Charles from Dashiell Hammet's The Thin Man, they possess similar passion for each other, for life, and definitely appreciate a good mystery.
Charlie Cochrane could write 100 installments for this series and I would be hungry for #101. Jonty and Orlando are a brilliant couple that continue to make me smile and that is down to Charlie's obvious love of history because she adds that extra little something to the couple with the authenticity of the times. When an author goes the extra mile to "keep it real" without it turning into a history lesson, that only heightens my enjoyment and my respect for the author because I know they put the hours in to bring you a genuine tale of the era.
If you are new to Miss Cochrane's Cambridge Fellows Mysteries, there are currently 12 novels and unfortunately the first 8 are not currently available but the author is working on re-releasing them hopefully in the not-too-distant future. In my opinion, they should be read in order but technically each one could be read as a standalone since each has a new mystery but the relationships just would flow better in order, IMO.
Charlie Cochrane could write 100 installments for this series and I would be hungry for #101. Jonty and Orlando are a brilliant couple that continue to make me smile and that is down to Charlie's obvious love of history because she adds that extra little something to the couple with the authenticity of the times. When an author goes the extra mile to "keep it real" without it turning into a history lesson, that only heightens my enjoyment and my respect for the author because I know they put the hours in to bring you a genuine tale of the era.
If you are new to Miss Cochrane's Cambridge Fellows Mysteries, there are currently 12 novels and unfortunately the first 8 are not currently available but the author is working on re-releasing them hopefully in the not-too-distant future. In my opinion, they should be read in order but technically each one could be read as a standalone since each has a new mystery but the relationships just would flow better in order, IMO.
April 30, 2018
Cambridge Fellows has been a most favorite mystery series I have adored for years. I thought it was wrapped up and I have missed it for a little while, even going back and reading bits from the older books to keep my hand in. But yes! I suddenly noticed there were a couple new novellas released to take me back to St. Brides, Dunderheads, Master's parlor, and Jonty and Orlando tracking down murders.
Through the series, there's been something of a school rivalry with the college next door. It was neat that the murder in this one took place at Ascension and both school's are uncomfortable with this when the University asks Jonty and Orlando to set aside feelings and go next door to discover the truth if the Master killed a student.
This was one of those murders that the reader feels more in sympathy with with everyone, but the victim because he has a nasty, mean streak. The motive was the easy part, but narrowing down the suspect was the tough part for me.
In summary, it was a fantastic to get back in the Cambridge Fellows world and I am greedy for more.
Through the series, there's been something of a school rivalry with the college next door. It was neat that the murder in this one took place at Ascension and both school's are uncomfortable with this when the University asks Jonty and Orlando to set aside feelings and go next door to discover the truth if the Master killed a student.
This was one of those murders that the reader feels more in sympathy with with everyone, but the victim because he has a nasty, mean streak. The motive was the easy part, but narrowing down the suspect was the tough part for me.
In summary, it was a fantastic to get back in the Cambridge Fellows world and I am greedy for more.
January 19, 2020
An excellent (although short) mystery, solved with much help from Jonty and Orlando's friends at St. Bride's, the Sheridans and Dr. Panasar. I particularly enjoyed the discussions between the five friends over lunch or tea. Almost done with the series, and each one has continued to be a lovely read.
August 16, 2017
Nice to catch up with Jonty and Orlando as they put their heads together to solve another mystery. It's especially entertaining to watch them interact with staff and students at the dreaded "college next door" to their own beloved St. Bride's and realize that the snobbery goes in both directions. Secondary characters we've grown to know and love make their appearances and the whole thing is resolved without much trauma for the Fellows (who suffered enough during The Great War anyway). I think this novella length is perfect for the series; some of the other books dragged a bit or added unnecessary subplots. I'm happy to check in with these charming gentlemen every few years and see what new ways they've discovered to affectionately insult each other while remaining passionately (if discretely) in love.
October 28, 2017
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and The Unread:
I love the world of the Cambridge Fellows Mysteries, and much prefer their historic version of the University and Town to the more modern version where I was (briefly) a post-grad student. There’s still plenty in the fictional town that will be familiar to anyone who’s visited the real version, and many of the character types and domestic or collegiate situations will be just as recognisable to anyone who’s ever had even a passing interest in the great British university towns and traditions. The real standout crowd-pleasers in the series are, of course, the sleuthing academics: Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith, along with their long-time colleagues at St Bride’s College: the dons, the porters, and all the other members of their little community. This time, however, it’s their arch-enemy at the dreaded “college next door” who requires the help of a pair of experienced detectives. This isn’t going to be an easy case for the lads to take on, much less for them to solve, since all the evidence appears to be pointing to the fact that the man is guilty.
Dr Owens, Master of Assumption College, has long held a grudge against the men – and occasional women – who inhabit St Bride’s, and the feeling is very much mutual. Now, however, he stands accused of murdering a student and some of those with most reason to dislike him are banding together to uncover the truth. Encouraged by Ariadne Sheridan, now married to the Master of St Brides, who has reason enough to dislike Owens on her own as well as her friends’ behalf, Jonty and Orlando have to overlook past wrongs done to them by the accused and leave no stone unturned (or creepy crawly Assumption man unexamined) in their search for the truth. Fortunately, they soon make a friend of the Assumption College Chaplain, who is also in a very discreet relationship with another man: as devoted, though not as long-established a pair, as Jonty and Orlando, and they are also able to enlist the help of various others about the place as character and material witnesses.
This was a suitably twisty mystery, with a lot of engaging characters and situations. My one regret is that it was a novella, rather than a short novel: there were a few plot threads I’d have liked to see expanded. There are two more novellas on their way, however, so it’s always possible we’ll get to revisit some of the newly introduced characters and situations in those as and when they come out.
I love the world of the Cambridge Fellows Mysteries, and much prefer their historic version of the University and Town to the more modern version where I was (briefly) a post-grad student. There’s still plenty in the fictional town that will be familiar to anyone who’s visited the real version, and many of the character types and domestic or collegiate situations will be just as recognisable to anyone who’s ever had even a passing interest in the great British university towns and traditions. The real standout crowd-pleasers in the series are, of course, the sleuthing academics: Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith, along with their long-time colleagues at St Bride’s College: the dons, the porters, and all the other members of their little community. This time, however, it’s their arch-enemy at the dreaded “college next door” who requires the help of a pair of experienced detectives. This isn’t going to be an easy case for the lads to take on, much less for them to solve, since all the evidence appears to be pointing to the fact that the man is guilty.
Dr Owens, Master of Assumption College, has long held a grudge against the men – and occasional women – who inhabit St Bride’s, and the feeling is very much mutual. Now, however, he stands accused of murdering a student and some of those with most reason to dislike him are banding together to uncover the truth. Encouraged by Ariadne Sheridan, now married to the Master of St Brides, who has reason enough to dislike Owens on her own as well as her friends’ behalf, Jonty and Orlando have to overlook past wrongs done to them by the accused and leave no stone unturned (or creepy crawly Assumption man unexamined) in their search for the truth. Fortunately, they soon make a friend of the Assumption College Chaplain, who is also in a very discreet relationship with another man: as devoted, though not as long-established a pair, as Jonty and Orlando, and they are also able to enlist the help of various others about the place as character and material witnesses.
This was a suitably twisty mystery, with a lot of engaging characters and situations. My one regret is that it was a novella, rather than a short novel: there were a few plot threads I’d have liked to see expanded. There are two more novellas on their way, however, so it’s always possible we’ll get to revisit some of the newly introduced characters and situations in those as and when they come out.
October 29, 2017
Jonty and Orlando are back with another Cambridge Fellows mystery. It’s been awhile since we have had a mystery from Charlie Cochrane, but it was worth the wait! Jonty and Orlando have settled into the prime of their lives, working at their beloved St. Bride’s College. These two men have been together some twenty years now, and it is now 1922. They’ve come a long way from the first book in the series, but their journey has been colorful, sometimes hazardous, but always entertaining. They have a strong circle of forward-thinking friends at St. Brides, who provide the two with an underpinning of support pretty much unheard of at that time in history. As often happens among neighboring colleges, there is a bit of a rivalry between St. Bride’s and Assumption (or, the college that must not be named). A poor boy over at “that college” has had his head bashed in, and the prime suspect is a man named Owens, the head master at the college—a man we have met before in previous books, not a very nice man, and one who brought grievous charges against Jonty and Orlando as well as some of their friends. Even with so many years together, Jonty and Orlando are still very much aware that if they were to be exposed, not even their beloved Forsythia Cottage could shield them. In this story, they are not asked to defend Owens but merely find out the truth of what happened to the poor student. The descriptors of the colleges create a feel and a sense of place for the murder, and the character descriptions provide us with an accurate cast of characters.
As always, Cochrane’s use of period verbiage and a very strong sense of place help us immerse ourselves in her mystery. Nothing is at it seems in this story, and I guarantee you won’t know who did it until the very end. I guessed wrong no less than three times. What I truly love about these mysteries is the step by step, logical fact-finding pathways with which Jonty and Orlando come to their deductions. There are no leaps of unsubstantiated facts here. There are, of course, little nuggets left along the pathway that Cochrane wants you to follow, which will lead you to the logical conclusion and, of course, whodunit, but they are not always obvious and many will only become known when you figure out the killer.
The return of some of our favorite supporting cast of characters was a nice touch and an homage to past books. The pacing on this one is great and moves along at a good clip; even though this book is a novella, it has the feel of a much longer mystery novel.
I have been a fan of this series from book one which came out in 2008. Jonty and Orlando just keep getting better with age, and I, for one, would love to keep reading their mysteries. I can so see the two sitting and sipping tea in their old age, minds still sharp as tacks, and helping the local constabulary solve their unsolvable cases. I highly recommend this book for all lovers of good English mysteries.
Simply delightful.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
As always, Cochrane’s use of period verbiage and a very strong sense of place help us immerse ourselves in her mystery. Nothing is at it seems in this story, and I guarantee you won’t know who did it until the very end. I guessed wrong no less than three times. What I truly love about these mysteries is the step by step, logical fact-finding pathways with which Jonty and Orlando come to their deductions. There are no leaps of unsubstantiated facts here. There are, of course, little nuggets left along the pathway that Cochrane wants you to follow, which will lead you to the logical conclusion and, of course, whodunit, but they are not always obvious and many will only become known when you figure out the killer.
The return of some of our favorite supporting cast of characters was a nice touch and an homage to past books. The pacing on this one is great and moves along at a good clip; even though this book is a novella, it has the feel of a much longer mystery novel.
I have been a fan of this series from book one which came out in 2008. Jonty and Orlando just keep getting better with age, and I, for one, would love to keep reading their mysteries. I can so see the two sitting and sipping tea in their old age, minds still sharp as tacks, and helping the local constabulary solve their unsolvable cases. I highly recommend this book for all lovers of good English mysteries.
“You do talk twaddle.” Orlando clasped Jonty’s hand in both of his. “And I wouldn’t have you any different.”
“You can have may anyway you like tonight,” Jonty murmured, “so long as we solve this problem.”
Simply delightful.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
August 28, 2017
I'm ashamed to admit I picked this one because of cover. I looked at it and had fantasies of reclining comfortably in the chair, book in my lap.
I love cozy mysteries. I also love mm romances and this was a first time I found a book which combines the two. I was all set to enjoy and the book didn't disappoint.
The story flows naturally and it's filled with tongue-in-cheek observations. The writing style is in keeping with historical setting of the book.
This is novella in series consisting of twelve books. The main characters, Jonty and Orlando are college professors and life partners for almost twenty years. Jonty's fondness for his partner comes across clearly in the first chapter. I loved reading about the motley group of characters assisting them with investigating crimes. The crime, a murder of one of students on rival college, is being pinned down on another professor. They clashed with the same professor before and don't like him. Despite that, they decide to investigate.
The murder was apparently done with a knobkerrie. I'm not sure if that counts as a spoiler, since my first reaction was “What the heck is a knobkerrie?”
I know it sounds incongruous for murder mystery, but it's a funny story. The storyline is smooth and evenly paced. The mystery part is well plotted out and characters were surprisingly vivid for such a short appearance. The story progresses slowly with each piece of information building an intricate web of truth and lies surrounding the case.
If I was rating this purely as a mystery, it would easily have won five stars. The romance part is only referenced. It's a great piece of writing, but geared more toward mystery lovers.
I was interested enough to look up other books in series. Sadly, it looks like not all of them are currently available. The author on his blog mentions plans for republishing them, so fingers crossed!
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
I love cozy mysteries. I also love mm romances and this was a first time I found a book which combines the two. I was all set to enjoy and the book didn't disappoint.
The story flows naturally and it's filled with tongue-in-cheek observations. The writing style is in keeping with historical setting of the book.
This is novella in series consisting of twelve books. The main characters, Jonty and Orlando are college professors and life partners for almost twenty years. Jonty's fondness for his partner comes across clearly in the first chapter. I loved reading about the motley group of characters assisting them with investigating crimes. The crime, a murder of one of students on rival college, is being pinned down on another professor. They clashed with the same professor before and don't like him. Despite that, they decide to investigate.
The murder was apparently done with a knobkerrie. I'm not sure if that counts as a spoiler, since my first reaction was “What the heck is a knobkerrie?”
I know it sounds incongruous for murder mystery, but it's a funny story. The storyline is smooth and evenly paced. The mystery part is well plotted out and characters were surprisingly vivid for such a short appearance. The story progresses slowly with each piece of information building an intricate web of truth and lies surrounding the case.
If I was rating this purely as a mystery, it would easily have won five stars. The romance part is only referenced. It's a great piece of writing, but geared more toward mystery lovers.
I was interested enough to look up other books in series. Sadly, it looks like not all of them are currently available. The author on his blog mentions plans for republishing them, so fingers crossed!
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
August 14, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 out of 5
for the full review visit http://wp.me/p220KL-bkc
From that review: I'm a huge fan of Charlie Cochrane. Her love of history and her ability to bring various eras to life vividly and memorably on the page can be seen no where better than her Cambridge Fellows Mysteries. In this series, her remarkable characters Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith meet in St. Bride's College, Cambridge, England, 1905. That was their first story Lessons in Love. From that start, we watch these two men grow, sometimes falter, mature, and continue to love each other through the years and history that follows. The last book release was Lessons for Sleeping Dogs (Cambridge Fellows #12) and the year was 1921, setting Cambridge. Of course, they are at their beloved St. Bride's College, a place that's kept their secret and them safe all these years..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 out of 5
for the full review visit http://wp.me/p220KL-bkc
From that review: I'm a huge fan of Charlie Cochrane. Her love of history and her ability to bring various eras to life vividly and memorably on the page can be seen no where better than her Cambridge Fellows Mysteries. In this series, her remarkable characters Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith meet in St. Bride's College, Cambridge, England, 1905. That was their first story Lessons in Love. From that start, we watch these two men grow, sometimes falter, mature, and continue to love each other through the years and history that follows. The last book release was Lessons for Sleeping Dogs (Cambridge Fellows #12) and the year was 1921, setting Cambridge. Of course, they are at their beloved St. Bride's College, a place that's kept their secret and them safe all these years..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
September 2, 2017
This was so enjoyable. Orlando and Jonty return for another adventure, and this time they're asked to come to the aid of the horrid college next door. The mystery is interesting, the writing is excellent, and the characters shine, as always. I am a huge fan of this series and I was properly excited for another instalment. I love this series for its characters and wonderful sense of history and its charm. These books are delightful and warm, each and every one. I love that we get to see Jonty and Orlando growing older together, and in this book, they are both well into their forties and have been together almost twenty years. Orlando and Jonty are very special to me and I will always want to read about their adventures.
December 17, 2017
A thoroughly enjoyable Cambridge foray.
Jonty and Orlando still being circumspect but nice to see a bit of playfulness too.
Ariadne and Dr Sheridan still entertaining and she showing her brain too.
And Dr Panesar, definitely saw more of him and his eccentricities.
I liked how they were a little band if detectives at the supper table in their ‘closed college’ murder. Eventually weeding out a plausible solution from all the accounts.
The solution kind of happened off page but I am hoping Mr Thompstone and friend will be great friends with J &O
Jonty and Orlando still being circumspect but nice to see a bit of playfulness too.
Ariadne and Dr Sheridan still entertaining and she showing her brain too.
And Dr Panesar, definitely saw more of him and his eccentricities.
I liked how they were a little band if detectives at the supper table in their ‘closed college’ murder. Eventually weeding out a plausible solution from all the accounts.
The solution kind of happened off page but I am hoping Mr Thompstone and friend will be great friends with J &O
October 27, 2022
Solid 4. This is a short novella involving the sleuthing pair Jonty and Orlando. The dreaded "college next door" needs there help. A student has been viciously murdered. There old nemesis Dr. Owen is in jail for the crime, but he most surprising of people is saying he didn't do it. As it's short its pretty fast paced. The conclusion is a bit abrupt I think (we never get to know the exact reason for the murder other than the victim was a cad). But all in all, a good quick read.
July 15, 2023
Another fine mystery solved
Jonty and Orlando are asked to solve a murder at the college next door. It is awkward that the person charged is their old enemy, the Master of that school, Owens. The head of Cambridge wants the mystery solved and gives them authorization to investigate where they wish and it is interesting to see them in action at the rival school. An added bonus is that have new friends of another gay couple.
Jonty and Orlando are asked to solve a murder at the college next door. It is awkward that the person charged is their old enemy, the Master of that school, Owens. The head of Cambridge wants the mystery solved and gives them authorization to investigate where they wish and it is interesting to see them in action at the rival school. An added bonus is that have new friends of another gay couple.
January 23, 2018
Delightful
Phenomenal writing. Excellent(Gay) characters. A charming light read. Reminded me very pleasantly of the Agatha Christie novels I loved as a teenager. I recommend reading at least the first novel in this series as well but this is a wonderful standalone story too.
Phenomenal writing. Excellent(Gay) characters. A charming light read. Reminded me very pleasantly of the Agatha Christie novels I loved as a teenager. I recommend reading at least the first novel in this series as well but this is a wonderful standalone story too.
December 27, 2022
Another thoroughly entertaining mystery investigated by the redoubtable Cambridge Fellows, Jonty and Orlando, even if they have to venture to the despised next-door college for this detective outing, with scholarly rivalry bristling! A delight, as always.
October 25, 2017
3.75 stars
June 30, 2018
Great addition to this investigational series.
November 8, 2018
** 3.75 Stars **
July 21, 2020
A well researched historical romantic mystery. Set in the early 20th century this series is well written with likable characters.
January 7, 2025
Almost missed it!
This book did not come up as "next in series" so I am very glad I looked for other books by this author. Another great mystery solved.
This book did not come up as "next in series" so I am very glad I looked for other books by this author. Another great mystery solved.
September 24, 2024
1922. St Bride's. Dr Owens, Master of the neighbouring college of Assumption, is accused of the murder of undergraduate Olivier Seymour. As much as they dislike him Stewart and Coppersmith decide to investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery with its likeable characters
An enjoyable historical mystery with its likeable characters
Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 reviews