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The Violet Carlyle Mysteries #8
Obsidian Murder
Bonfire Night 1924.
Violet, Victor, and friends intend to celebrate an evening with cocktails, bonfires, and fireworks. What they don't intend is to find a body instead of their Guy Fawkes. What's even more baffling? The obsidian blade. Once again, the friends delve into a wicked crime. Tensions rise as they realize that murder wasn't the only game afoot during the celebration.
Book SEVEN in The Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? For a spunky young woman determined to craft her own life? If so, you’ll love Vi, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. You might even find your imagination caught by the detective Jack Wakefield. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, Leighann Dobbs, and Lee Strauss.
A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
The Violet Carlyle Mysteries
Book 1: Murder & the Heir
Book 2: Kennington House Murder
Book 3: Murder at the Folly
Book 4: A Merry Little Murder
Book 5: Murder Among the Roses
Book 6: Murder in the Shallows
Book 7: Gin & Murder
Book 8: Obsidian Murder
Book 9: Murder at the Ladies Club (coming soon)
Book 10: Wedding Bells & Murder (coming soon)
Violet, Victor, and friends intend to celebrate an evening with cocktails, bonfires, and fireworks. What they don't intend is to find a body instead of their Guy Fawkes. What's even more baffling? The obsidian blade. Once again, the friends delve into a wicked crime. Tensions rise as they realize that murder wasn't the only game afoot during the celebration.
Book SEVEN in The Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? For a spunky young woman determined to craft her own life? If so, you’ll love Vi, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. You might even find your imagination caught by the detective Jack Wakefield. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, Leighann Dobbs, and Lee Strauss.
A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
The Violet Carlyle Mysteries
Book 1: Murder & the Heir
Book 2: Kennington House Murder
Book 3: Murder at the Folly
Book 4: A Merry Little Murder
Book 5: Murder Among the Roses
Book 6: Murder in the Shallows
Book 7: Gin & Murder
Book 8: Obsidian Murder
Book 9: Murder at the Ladies Club (coming soon)
Book 10: Wedding Bells & Murder (coming soon)
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2019
888 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 2, 2020
Not as good as previous books
I believe this is Book 8 in the Lady Carlyle mysteries and the least enjoyable so far. It seemed very disjointed, involving too many people and subplots and was not particularly well developed. In addition, the author needs to hire a better proof reader. All the books have had both writing and grammar errors but this one is the worst so far. The errors are quite disconcerting because you have to stop your train of thought to figure out what the word ought to be and what the meaning should be. Also, there are occasional phrases or figures of speech used that I doubt were around in the 1920s. The books have a cute basis but the stories need better development. The end of this one felt as if there were a number of open issues that had to be hurried through so that all could be included. Plus I really find it hard to believe that neither of them could make the effort to look at a house only 2 doors from her brother's that they are planning to buy. I feel that this author could do much, much better.
I believe this is Book 8 in the Lady Carlyle mysteries and the least enjoyable so far. It seemed very disjointed, involving too many people and subplots and was not particularly well developed. In addition, the author needs to hire a better proof reader. All the books have had both writing and grammar errors but this one is the worst so far. The errors are quite disconcerting because you have to stop your train of thought to figure out what the word ought to be and what the meaning should be. Also, there are occasional phrases or figures of speech used that I doubt were around in the 1920s. The books have a cute basis but the stories need better development. The end of this one felt as if there were a number of open issues that had to be hurried through so that all could be included. Plus I really find it hard to believe that neither of them could make the effort to look at a house only 2 doors from her brother's that they are planning to buy. I feel that this author could do much, much better.
November 5, 2023
Boring
Bad mystery
Grotesque amounts of fat hatred combined with "oh magically I exercised so I don't have PTSD issues today". That's not how mental health works. Ever.
Bad mystery
Grotesque amounts of fat hatred combined with "oh magically I exercised so I don't have PTSD issues today". That's not how mental health works. Ever.
August 18, 2019
Weak plot (again) but the saga about their lives is great
A good read - terrific if you discount the mystery which was weak to say the least. The continuing saga about Vi, Vic and their friends though is terrific.
Jack has been dealing with a horrific case up north (the murder of a mother of four small children) when Vi hears about another case that they want Jack to look into. A case of fires at a small museum. It's connected to an archaeologist, who she later finds out, ruins the career of the men he has working for him. Through the ridiculous articles and ideas they have. The worst thing is that Denny's younger brother is involved. A brother who is jealous of Denny and his lifestyle. A Bonfire Night party, a murder and Denny's brother as the obvious culprit. Is he? Plus there is the fact of the four orphaned children that haunt Jack, a pregnancy, an overwhelming mother-in-law, the forthcoming wedding, a new property to buy and her depression. Can they solve all the issues?
A good read - terrific if you discount the mystery which was weak to say the least. The continuing saga about Vi, Vic and their friends though is terrific.
Jack has been dealing with a horrific case up north (the murder of a mother of four small children) when Vi hears about another case that they want Jack to look into. A case of fires at a small museum. It's connected to an archaeologist, who she later finds out, ruins the career of the men he has working for him. Through the ridiculous articles and ideas they have. The worst thing is that Denny's younger brother is involved. A brother who is jealous of Denny and his lifestyle. A Bonfire Night party, a murder and Denny's brother as the obvious culprit. Is he? Plus there is the fact of the four orphaned children that haunt Jack, a pregnancy, an overwhelming mother-in-law, the forthcoming wedding, a new property to buy and her depression. Can they solve all the issues?
December 21, 2023
Another fun read
It was really nice to see some other sides to our cast of characters. This is the first book where we have really seen them all as characters rather than caricatures. Especially loving the glimpse at Denny's hidden depths. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
It was really nice to see some other sides to our cast of characters. This is the first book where we have really seen them all as characters rather than caricatures. Especially loving the glimpse at Denny's hidden depths. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
March 15, 2019
She's done it again!
And by she, I mean Lady Violet Carlyle and her creator. This series always manages to bring me to laughter and tears. Jack has returned from an awful case that will change their lives, just in time for Violet to get him involved in a murder which may have been committed by their friend's brother. They must uncover the truth from the lies and jealousy. Violet is in the throes of melancholy; will a mystery bring her out? Plus, she knows her life is going to change after her marriage. Can she be separated from her twin? And from her future niece or nephew? Life is hard to handle sometimes. I think these books would make for an incredible television series.
And by she, I mean Lady Violet Carlyle and her creator. This series always manages to bring me to laughter and tears. Jack has returned from an awful case that will change their lives, just in time for Violet to get him involved in a murder which may have been committed by their friend's brother. They must uncover the truth from the lies and jealousy. Violet is in the throes of melancholy; will a mystery bring her out? Plus, she knows her life is going to change after her marriage. Can she be separated from her twin? And from her future niece or nephew? Life is hard to handle sometimes. I think these books would make for an incredible television series.
August 15, 2019
Entrapment.. wouldn't get away with it now!!
All the usual problems.. typos, American English, excessive description of the unimportant things like clothes.. poor editing, childlike writing style..
Try setting the scene itself, describe the place, the only thing that gives it historical context is what Violet is wearing, nothing else is given more than a cursory mention.. it's not hard to research buildings, styles of furniture buildings and gardens for the period in the UK.. but I guess with 1 novel a month to churn out it's easier to stick with fashion, shame though it affects the overall structure of the story itself.
A disappointment but it's expected.. I don't believe the author understands how to do, what is essentially a fairly decent idea, it better..
All the usual problems.. typos, American English, excessive description of the unimportant things like clothes.. poor editing, childlike writing style..
Try setting the scene itself, describe the place, the only thing that gives it historical context is what Violet is wearing, nothing else is given more than a cursory mention.. it's not hard to research buildings, styles of furniture buildings and gardens for the period in the UK.. but I guess with 1 novel a month to churn out it's easier to stick with fashion, shame though it affects the overall structure of the story itself.
A disappointment but it's expected.. I don't believe the author understands how to do, what is essentially a fairly decent idea, it better..
June 13, 2020
I’m disappointed. This mystery (and probably a few of her other books in this series) seems shorter and not thorough, compared to other mysteries of the same genre. There was not enough investigating or complications or suspense.
There’s too much going on about how everyone thinks Vi is smart and everything centres around her brains and how loved she is. I wouldn’t mind that so much but it seems to be the main repetition with every book. I don’t enjoy reading about the twins so much anymore.
I do, however, like the family saga and that’s probably what pulls people in. The author is a prolific writer, churning out books almost every month. But the editing seems rushed and the quality of the mysteries could be further improved with a bit more length(?)
There’s too much going on about how everyone thinks Vi is smart and everything centres around her brains and how loved she is. I wouldn’t mind that so much but it seems to be the main repetition with every book. I don’t enjoy reading about the twins so much anymore.
I do, however, like the family saga and that’s probably what pulls people in. The author is a prolific writer, churning out books almost every month. But the editing seems rushed and the quality of the mysteries could be further improved with a bit more length(?)
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October 20, 2022I will never ask for a book to be as good as it's predecessor because each book in a series affects each individual differently, especially when there are more than three books. In this series, the author makes each book a different story with only a few precursors to the previous books, which I feel is the best way to do it. I have read ten of the books, so far and I like the twins Violet and Victor, Jack, Violet's beau, Kate, Victor's wife , and Lily and Dennis, very much! The supporting characters are also well fleshed out and noteworthy. The plot, as always, is easily followed throughout all the shenanigans the main characters find themselves going through. I highly recommend this book and all the rest of the books in the series.
March 15, 2019
Very good— many changes afoot
In the last book Violet & Victor’s family — father, brothers etc were part of the story. Previously they were just in the background. They are a great addition. In this book there are even more family and families of friends introduced. There are life changes: Kate’s pregnancy, Jack & Violet buy a house, four orphans are adopted by everyone and will live with Kate’s mother. The mystery is intentionally not as exciting as usual ......everyone agrees they just want to solve it so they can get on with their new lives. It will be exciting to see the next book with the new additions & hopefully a more complex murder!!
In the last book Violet & Victor’s family — father, brothers etc were part of the story. Previously they were just in the background. They are a great addition. In this book there are even more family and families of friends introduced. There are life changes: Kate’s pregnancy, Jack & Violet buy a house, four orphans are adopted by everyone and will live with Kate’s mother. The mystery is intentionally not as exciting as usual ......everyone agrees they just want to solve it so they can get on with their new lives. It will be exciting to see the next book with the new additions & hopefully a more complex murder!!
March 26, 2019
I love this silly series and the twins are facing the first of several upcoming changes. Violet has the blues because her brother is honeymooning and Jack is working a case far away. She wonders what this means for her future and what it says about her as a woman - can she not be alone? In part to cheer her and in part to help her brother-in-law, Lila gives her a case about chronic arson and a disreputable misogynistic archaeology funder like Howard Carter but a dilettante. To advance the case they all attend a Guy Fawkes party and of course someone ends up dead. Fun mystery but great character developments.
March 20, 2019
Lovely lighthearted story but....
I have enjoyed this series, which is very light and frothy but more or less historically correct. However there are some Americanisms that really grate on the nervous system such as ' sicking up'. Apart from the fact its appalling grammar, no English person of that era or any since would say it. 'Being sick', vomiting, feeling ill, nauseous, suffering from morning sickness or just suffering yes but Never sicking up.
I have enjoyed this series, which is very light and frothy but more or less historically correct. However there are some Americanisms that really grate on the nervous system such as ' sicking up'. Apart from the fact its appalling grammar, no English person of that era or any since would say it. 'Being sick', vomiting, feeling ill, nauseous, suffering from morning sickness or just suffering yes but Never sicking up.
July 1, 2020
Archeology and murder
The belief that Denny's brother Wendell cannot be the murderer is one thing. Proving it, quite another. Digs, archeologists, treasure and fires keep Violet busy "meddling" to help Jack and Ham solve this case and prove Wendell's innocence. Helping orphans and giving Mrs Lancaster a reason to meddle less in Kate and Victor's life gives Violet a good reason to chase away her blues. Looking forward to the next book in the series
The belief that Denny's brother Wendell cannot be the murderer is one thing. Proving it, quite another. Digs, archeologists, treasure and fires keep Violet busy "meddling" to help Jack and Ham solve this case and prove Wendell's innocence. Helping orphans and giving Mrs Lancaster a reason to meddle less in Kate and Victor's life gives Violet a good reason to chase away her blues. Looking forward to the next book in the series
March 7, 2021
Rolling Along
The story of twins Violet and Victor, their loves, friends and family continue. At this point if you've read this series from the beginning you'll have come to the realization that you're entrapped in their story. The murders are just a backdrop to the intricacies of their complicated lives and connections to one another. Kudos to the author to have the foresight to bring us slowly along on the journey.
The story of twins Violet and Victor, their loves, friends and family continue. At this point if you've read this series from the beginning you'll have come to the realization that you're entrapped in their story. The murders are just a backdrop to the intricacies of their complicated lives and connections to one another. Kudos to the author to have the foresight to bring us slowly along on the journey.
March 15, 2019
Loved past novels in this series , however .....
This novel was not up to your usual standards.
It felt flat and sort of reluctant in writing
The usual suspense and compelling evidence were missing
I would also recommend a more careful close reading. There were a distracting number of missing words
This novel was not up to your usual standards.
It felt flat and sort of reluctant in writing
The usual suspense and compelling evidence were missing
I would also recommend a more careful close reading. There were a distracting number of missing words
April 3, 2019
Good mystery
Put a half dozen or so archeologists in a dark garden watching fireworks, and then add murder. Of course that isn’t all that’s on Lady Vi’s plate. She has to find a home for four young orphans, welcome her brother and his new wife home, and find out just how conniving her father and twin can be. Fun series.
Put a half dozen or so archeologists in a dark garden watching fireworks, and then add murder. Of course that isn’t all that’s on Lady Vi’s plate. She has to find a home for four young orphans, welcome her brother and his new wife home, and find out just how conniving her father and twin can be. Fun series.
June 3, 2019
FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ARCHEOLOGY
This book explores relationships between associates thrown together by career as well as between people who become families by choice. A very nice touch is the depiction of archeologists without an overload of artifacts but just as people who happen to work in that field. A very satisfying read!
This book explores relationships between associates thrown together by career as well as between people who become families by choice. A very nice touch is the depiction of archeologists without an overload of artifacts but just as people who happen to work in that field. A very satisfying read!
June 9, 2019
Good fun and interesting read
I have read 7 of this series so far and have enjoyed them all. Violet,Jack,Victor,Kate,Lila and Denny all come alive in the pages of these books about ' the bright young things'. I'm worried what has happened to Gwen and Algie but I'm sure they must be due to reappear
I have read 7 of this series so far and have enjoyed them all. Violet,Jack,Victor,Kate,Lila and Denny all come alive in the pages of these books about ' the bright young things'. I'm worried what has happened to Gwen and Algie but I'm sure they must be due to reappear
March 20, 2022
lots of couples action
New things for the couples. Victor and Kate are back from their honeymoon, but mostly involved with morning sickness. Denny and Lila have problems with Denny’s brother. Violet and Jack are enjoying each other and can’t wait to marry.
And then there are a couple of pesky murders to contend with.
New things for the couples. Victor and Kate are back from their honeymoon, but mostly involved with morning sickness. Denny and Lila have problems with Denny’s brother. Violet and Jack are enjoying each other and can’t wait to marry.
And then there are a couple of pesky murders to contend with.
March 11, 2019
Quick read
I am really enjoying the slow reveal of Violet and Jack’s relationship, and all the characters are likely family. I was excited at the end to see there are at least 3 more planned in this series and all are coming soon!
I am really enjoying the slow reveal of Violet and Jack’s relationship, and all the characters are likely family. I was excited at the end to see there are at least 3 more planned in this series and all are coming soon!
March 12, 2019
Cute period mysteries!
Vi and Vic and friends have another murder to solve. Denny 's brother, Wendell, is the prime suspect. These endearing characters are like old friends. It is a quick, cosy, entertaining adventure.
Vi and Vic and friends have another murder to solve. Denny 's brother, Wendell, is the prime suspect. These endearing characters are like old friends. It is a quick, cosy, entertaining adventure.
June 22, 2019
While I enjoy this frothy series of books the poor editing is becoming a serious issue. Please take a few hours and edit / proofread - whatever the term is these books before sending them out to the public.
July 28, 2019
that was a lazy solution
it is like they didn’t even try to solve it. they just tried to get someone to say something. and, again, violet’s money made things work. she sire spends a lot of money. i doubt aunt agatha spent money this fast.
it is like they didn’t even try to solve it. they just tried to get someone to say something. and, again, violet’s money made things work. she sire spends a lot of money. i doubt aunt agatha spent money this fast.
January 10, 2020
These are like cute little palate cleansers - but quite good for a cozy mystery. I love the time period and the descriptions of clothing, home decor, etc. I'm very fond of all these characters now and love that I can finish one of these in a couple hours.
February 13, 2020
There was much complaining about grammatical errors and other writing horrors when this series first began. As a former comp teacher I mostly read for entertainment though some errors do leap out at me. But I think in the case of this series, the saving grace has been Byers ability to bring the reader into the scene with all the details and the relationships she details. Besides at some point the editor needs to take the fall for the few errors that linger.
February 6, 2023
Process of elimination
Wonderful book. I love how Violet chalks it all up to a simple process of elimination. She is such a deep thinker. I really enjoyed the side story in this book, too. And learning so much more about Lila and Denny.
Wonderful book. I love how Violet chalks it all up to a simple process of elimination. She is such a deep thinker. I really enjoyed the side story in this book, too. And learning so much more about Lila and Denny.
February 16, 2023
I gave this 4 stars Because … …
The victim should not have been killed. He was so awful He should have lived And been made to suffer. He Should have lived to realize what the people he knew were doing-had done to him. An arrogant, detestable man.
The victim should not have been killed. He was so awful He should have lived And been made to suffer. He Should have lived to realize what the people he knew were doing-had done to him. An arrogant, detestable man.
April 14, 2019
Book 8
I like this series but I didn't like this book as well as the others. I do plan to read next book in this series.
I like this series but I didn't like this book as well as the others. I do plan to read next book in this series.
June 23, 2019
Must have fired the proofreader...
October 30, 2019
I enjoyed this book.
March 5, 2020
Fun. The books are getting better in terms of writing and characterization. Deduction for a return of editing mistakes in this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews