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The Violet Carlyle Mysteries #14
Murder by the Sea
September 1925.
Vi and Jack have fled for the sea shore. Both to enjoy the sea air and to gather up their friend, Rita Russell who’s come home at last. A little sea air, a ramble or two, afternoon naps, lingering mornings over a cup of Turkish coffee and perhaps all will be aright again.
Only one morning adventure ends with a body and yet again, Violet, Jack and their friends find themselves involved in a mysterious death. Will they be able to find the killer before he strikes again?
Book FOURTEEN in the Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? You’ll love Vi, her patient husband Jack, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, 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.
Vi and Jack have fled for the sea shore. Both to enjoy the sea air and to gather up their friend, Rita Russell who’s come home at last. A little sea air, a ramble or two, afternoon naps, lingering mornings over a cup of Turkish coffee and perhaps all will be aright again.
Only one morning adventure ends with a body and yet again, Violet, Jack and their friends find themselves involved in a mysterious death. Will they be able to find the killer before he strikes again?
Book FOURTEEN in the Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? You’ll love Vi, her patient husband Jack, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, 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.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2019
787 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 27, 2019
they all end so abruptly
and the ties pulling it together seemed tenuous. again, it was stupid people confessing. and i am disappointed in jack and ham in this case. *sigh*
and the ties pulling it together seemed tenuous. again, it was stupid people confessing. and i am disappointed in jack and ham in this case. *sigh*
August 31, 2019
Novella feeling, lack of depth in plot
There is a lot less detecting in this book and more attention paid to characters' married lives or love life, which is a disappointment.
If this book had been longer, I think there could've been exploration of both. As is, we have vague remarks about the criminals. We don't know how they met. We get told the ledgers are "strange" but no example or more detail.
Martha makes an appearance - a revolting character as ever - and her disappearance at the end shocks me that nobody cares. Violet just wonders if she's on a train back to home.
Denny is another character that I'm finding less sympathetic as the series moves on. His absentmindedness - nay, laziness and thoughtlessness - resulted in an injury and putting others in danger.
There is a lot less detecting in this book and more attention paid to characters' married lives or love life, which is a disappointment.
If this book had been longer, I think there could've been exploration of both. As is, we have vague remarks about the criminals. We don't know how they met. We get told the ledgers are "strange" but no example or more detail.
Martha makes an appearance - a revolting character as ever - and her disappearance at the end shocks me that nobody cares. Violet just wonders if she's on a train back to home.
Denny is another character that I'm finding less sympathetic as the series moves on. His absentmindedness - nay, laziness and thoughtlessness - resulted in an injury and putting others in danger.
August 26, 2019
Love this series, but...
Each episode of this series seems to get shorter and shorter, and the plot seems to have fewer complications and less depth. The author seems to think she doesn't have to deliver content since the reader is already hooked. To pad the content, she has added previews of other series she can hook the reader on. Having protested all of that, I should admit to having already pre-ordered the next episode.
Each episode of this series seems to get shorter and shorter, and the plot seems to have fewer complications and less depth. The author seems to think she doesn't have to deliver content since the reader is already hooked. To pad the content, she has added previews of other series she can hook the reader on. Having protested all of that, I should admit to having already pre-ordered the next episode.
September 18, 2019
Violet & crew head to the seaside to get away from it all & to meet up with their friend Rita, who is back from traveling the east. She is returning to Ham, a cop who pushed her away because she "deserved better" but realized his mistake.
However she is bringing with her 4 suitors and a missionary that she has reluctantly acquired on the voyage home. They all want her for her money & none of them are particularly pleasant.
Violet & crew are rather obnoxious in this book. They are breathtakingly rude to Martha & decide on sight that the 4 suitors are scum & treat them accordingly. Martha is a self centered brat & the men are scum. But the gang's response is over the top in it's lack of civility & even basic decency at times.
The missionary ends up dead, the other 4 are the obvious suspects. Everyone is lying.
And if I were Victor's wife I would have throttled him when he fired the second nanny in a fit of overbearing overprotective parenting.
Nonetheless I liked the story line enough to give it 4 stars just barely.
However she is bringing with her 4 suitors and a missionary that she has reluctantly acquired on the voyage home. They all want her for her money & none of them are particularly pleasant.
Violet & crew are rather obnoxious in this book. They are breathtakingly rude to Martha & decide on sight that the 4 suitors are scum & treat them accordingly. Martha is a self centered brat & the men are scum. But the gang's response is over the top in it's lack of civility & even basic decency at times.
The missionary ends up dead, the other 4 are the obvious suspects. Everyone is lying.
And if I were Victor's wife I would have throttled him when he fired the second nanny in a fit of overbearing overprotective parenting.
Nonetheless I liked the story line enough to give it 4 stars just barely.
August 25, 2019
Oh! I do like to be besides the seaside ...............
A wonderful read. Shame about the proofing - fairy floss really? A plot of greed and murder with an addition of trying to get their friend to accept a proposal from a wolf in sheep's clothing. Loved the return to see what is happening in their lives. Hope Henry and Smith become regulars and that the 'family' can add them to the fold.
Rita is back, but her relation to Ham is guarded and worse she is surrounded by four suitors who seem to think she is plumb for the picking. Whilst Martha is up to her spoilt best, firstly with her 'friendship' with a missionary and then her temper tantrums. The others, including the new twins and their sleep deprived parents, are just watching the show until a body shows up. The body of the missionary. Now Vi is on the hunt with Rita. A ledger, a warehouse, a criminal gang and an arrest. Can they put the facts together and find the killer masterminding the events?
A wonderful read. Shame about the proofing - fairy floss really? A plot of greed and murder with an addition of trying to get their friend to accept a proposal from a wolf in sheep's clothing. Loved the return to see what is happening in their lives. Hope Henry and Smith become regulars and that the 'family' can add them to the fold.
Rita is back, but her relation to Ham is guarded and worse she is surrounded by four suitors who seem to think she is plumb for the picking. Whilst Martha is up to her spoilt best, firstly with her 'friendship' with a missionary and then her temper tantrums. The others, including the new twins and their sleep deprived parents, are just watching the show until a body shows up. The body of the missionary. Now Vi is on the hunt with Rita. A ledger, a warehouse, a criminal gang and an arrest. Can they put the facts together and find the killer masterminding the events?
July 12, 2020
Good story. Good read
Rita's back from Siam with Martha who is betrothed. Rita has a bevy of "gentlemen" following her just waiting to pop the question. Ham is waiting nervously for Rita to return. Then, of course, there's the murder! That's the cue for Victor to get Kate and the girls out of harms way and let Violet and the gang solve the murder mystery! it may surprise you! On to the next book in the series.
Rita's back from Siam with Martha who is betrothed. Rita has a bevy of "gentlemen" following her just waiting to pop the question. Ham is waiting nervously for Rita to return. Then, of course, there's the murder! That's the cue for Victor to get Kate and the girls out of harms way and let Violet and the gang solve the murder mystery! it may surprise you! On to the next book in the series.
September 18, 2020
Where did the personality go?
I used to like Vi and company's irreverent attitudes and cheeky dialog. They seemed so snarky and mean in this one - and that was to each other. The mystery was lost as I as so drained by their conversations. I understand Vi's dark places and aversions, but this seemed to lack the characteristic balance of previous stories. I don't know if I need to know anymore.
I used to like Vi and company's irreverent attitudes and cheeky dialog. They seemed so snarky and mean in this one - and that was to each other. The mystery was lost as I as so drained by their conversations. I understand Vi's dark places and aversions, but this seemed to lack the characteristic balance of previous stories. I don't know if I need to know anymore.
March 13, 2021
Loved it!
This is now one of my favorites in this series. The suspects are so interesting and unknowingly funny! The are all pursuing Vi's friend Rita so they can marry her and get her money. They however have no idea what they're getting into with Rita and her friends. Add in obnoxious Martha( Vi's friend Lila's younger sister) and the wittisims and bon mots fly. A thoroughly entertaining quick fun read.
This is now one of my favorites in this series. The suspects are so interesting and unknowingly funny! The are all pursuing Vi's friend Rita so they can marry her and get her money. They however have no idea what they're getting into with Rita and her friends. Add in obnoxious Martha( Vi's friend Lila's younger sister) and the wittisims and bon mots fly. A thoroughly entertaining quick fun read.
October 30, 2022
Excellent as always
Each book in this series has been a separate story, a separate " play" and intriguing to the extreme. This book was no exception and very, very good. The plot is easily followed, the crew of characters are beloved, by now, and each and every story adds depth and understanding to the overall story of Violet and her brother, Victor. I highly recommend this book.
Each book in this series has been a separate story, a separate " play" and intriguing to the extreme. This book was no exception and very, very good. The plot is easily followed, the crew of characters are beloved, by now, and each and every story adds depth and understanding to the overall story of Violet and her brother, Victor. I highly recommend this book.
August 26, 2019
Clever!
Jack, Vi, Victor and his wife Kate and their twin baby daughters have all gone to the seaside for a well needed rest! As usual, they find trouble, adventure, lots of suspects, and very few clues! This series is a delightful, cozy mystery series with a fun plot, lots of meddling, and exotic cocktails!
Jack, Vi, Victor and his wife Kate and their twin baby daughters have all gone to the seaside for a well needed rest! As usual, they find trouble, adventure, lots of suspects, and very few clues! This series is a delightful, cozy mystery series with a fun plot, lots of meddling, and exotic cocktails!
September 30, 2019
Good and Fun Mystery
The friends are all at the seashore to welcome Rita as her ship arrives, only to find her surrounded by four new suiters, and Martha (still the monster) with a missionary she is “in love” with and has promised her friends will support his mission. How Verona can two women and five men be! Soon, however, someone is dead and Denny is buying more chalkboards.
The friends are all at the seashore to welcome Rita as her ship arrives, only to find her surrounded by four new suiters, and Martha (still the monster) with a missionary she is “in love” with and has promised her friends will support his mission. How Verona can two women and five men be! Soon, however, someone is dead and Denny is buying more chalkboards.
August 10, 2021
Vacation to die for
When Violet, Jack, and their family escape to the sea, they plan on relaxing not solving a murder, but once again murder finds them, and the race to solve it and stay alive begins. This book in the Violet Carlyle series is a delightful and quick read. I love this series as a way to escape the ordinary.
When Violet, Jack, and their family escape to the sea, they plan on relaxing not solving a murder, but once again murder finds them, and the race to solve it and stay alive begins. This book in the Violet Carlyle series is a delightful and quick read. I love this series as a way to escape the ordinary.
March 24, 2022
not the greatest
This is probably the weakest book in this series that I’ve read so far. It’s still enjoyable, but just not as enjoyable and fun as the others. Possibly one fault was the weakness of Rita. She can be a strong character, but for someone called an adventuress she can be incredibly weak and scared.
This is probably the weakest book in this series that I’ve read so far. It’s still enjoyable, but just not as enjoyable and fun as the others. Possibly one fault was the weakness of Rita. She can be a strong character, but for someone called an adventuress she can be incredibly weak and scared.
August 26, 2019
Not so good
I have read all of this series and for the most part liked them.
That said, this particular book is just a change of venue with most of the characters saying and doing exactly what they've been saying and doing for ages.
I have read all of this series and for the most part liked them.
That said, this particular book is just a change of venue with most of the characters saying and doing exactly what they've been saying and doing for ages.
August 28, 2019
Love Violet
I love the era that this series is set in, and that Violet snubs her nose at the conventions of that age. Violet, Jack, Victor and all of the rest are the friends you live to make up your fun dysfunctional family!
I love the era that this series is set in, and that Violet snubs her nose at the conventions of that age. Violet, Jack, Victor and all of the rest are the friends you live to make up your fun dysfunctional family!
August 29, 2019
Lovely mystery
Love these books, Violet and friends always seem to get in the middle of murders, they then help Violet's husband catch the killer. The characters do make me giggle they are very unconventional people. I can't wait to read the next book.
Love these books, Violet and friends always seem to get in the middle of murders, they then help Violet's husband catch the killer. The characters do make me giggle they are very unconventional people. I can't wait to read the next book.
August 30, 2019
Love the Sea
I really enjoy the Violet Carlyle Mysteries. I wish I had paved myself when I first happened upon them ( there were ten at that time), because now I read and then hurry up and wait. Well worth the wait.
I really enjoy the Violet Carlyle Mysteries. I wish I had paved myself when I first happened upon them ( there were ten at that time), because now I read and then hurry up and wait. Well worth the wait.
May 9, 2020
Rita is Back!
#14 is another fine book. Enjoy Rita and Ham trying to work things out. But I really do wish that Martha would change or go away. Even Geoffrey is more fun than Martha.
#14 is another fine book. Enjoy Rita and Ham trying to work things out. But I really do wish that Martha would change or go away. Even Geoffrey is more fun than Martha.
September 18, 2020
Murder by the Sea
I liked this book. I was glad that Rita is back and driving Ham crazy.
Unfortunately Martha is back and causing her usual stunts.
I recommend this book as it is good and funny in parts, plus Violet loves to drive Jack crazy.
I liked this book. I was glad that Rita is back and driving Ham crazy.
Unfortunately Martha is back and causing her usual stunts.
I recommend this book as it is good and funny in parts, plus Violet loves to drive Jack crazy.
May 17, 2021
An excellent read!
The whole series is great! Clever detectives, adorable dogs, evil doers doing evil deeds, witty 1920’s dialogue, and sweet babies even make an appearance...what more could you want. Recommend them all.
The whole series is great! Clever detectives, adorable dogs, evil doers doing evil deeds, witty 1920’s dialogue, and sweet babies even make an appearance...what more could you want. Recommend them all.
August 25, 2019
Murder and Mayhem
I truly enjoy this series. I adore the quirky characters. But murder does seem to follow this crowd around. I am looking forward to the next in this series.
I truly enjoy this series. I adore the quirky characters. But murder does seem to follow this crowd around. I am looking forward to the next in this series.
August 26, 2019
Enjoyed it
I love Lady Violet, Jack and the rest of them. Another fun adventure. One of my favorite series and I always look forward to the next one.
I love Lady Violet, Jack and the rest of them. Another fun adventure. One of my favorite series and I always look forward to the next one.
August 26, 2019
5 stars for a wonderful and fun adventure/mystery.
-5 stars for having to wait to read the next novel!
-5 stars for having to wait to read the next novel!
August 27, 2019
Great series
I can't wait to see what this group of friends get up to next. This group is certainly never boring.
I can't wait to see what this group of friends get up to next. This group is certainly never boring.
August 28, 2019
I love all these stories. I cant wait for the next book. I just wish they were longer sometimes.
August 31, 2019
Fun romp
I enjoyed so many things about this, but found myself a little disappointed with the very human reaction of one detective near the end.
I enjoyed so many things about this, but found myself a little disappointed with the very human reaction of one detective near the end.
September 11, 2019
One of my favorites
I love this series. The characters are great and Ms Byers has done a great job of creating unique and varied personalities in all the characters.
I love this series. The characters are great and Ms Byers has done a great job of creating unique and varied personalities in all the characters.
December 15, 2019
Done!!
This was confusing and hard to enjoy!! The characters were involved in so much. It was hard to follow the story.
This was confusing and hard to enjoy!! The characters were involved in so much. It was hard to follow the story.
July 13, 2020
Love the new saga added with Ham and Kate. Another murder.
August 10, 2021
Mmmmm
Time for a break from this series. The editing in this book than in some of it’s predecessors. Obvious murderer.
Time for a break from this series. The editing in this book than in some of it’s predecessors. Obvious murderer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews