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Detective Lavender Mysteries #5.5
The Death of Irish Nell: A Detective Lavender Short Story
JUSTICE OR TRUTH? London 1803: Following the discovery of a body down a well, newly-promoted Principal Officer, Stephen Lavender, is summoned to Hampstead by Constable Ned Woods to help solve the gruesome murder of a young barmaid. Confronted with class prejudice and the indifference of the authorities, the keen, young detective embarks on a frantic race against time to gather evidence to convict the killers. But when help is offered from an unlikely source, Lavender must make a decision between justice or truth that carries serious consequences for both his career and his friendship with Ned. 'The Death of Irish Nell' is a prequel to the full-length novel, ‘The Willow Marsh Murder’ ( February 1st, 2020). Both of them can be read as standalone works of fiction.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2019
251 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Karen Charlton
27 books472 followersKaren Charlton is an international best-selling author of historical crime fiction.
Her Detective Lavender Mysteries are based on the fictional adventures of Stephen Lavender, a real-life detective with the Bow Street Police Office in London.
Her brand new series, The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries, feature a couple of enterprising young women, Jemma and Bobbie, who launch a private inquiry agency in York during WW2.
Her standalone, debut novel Catching the Eagle is the true story of her notorious ancestor, Jamie Charlton, who was convicted of Northumberland's biggest robbery.
Find out more about Karen's work at http://www.karencharlton.com
Her Detective Lavender Mysteries are based on the fictional adventures of Stephen Lavender, a real-life detective with the Bow Street Police Office in London.
Her brand new series, The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries, feature a couple of enterprising young women, Jemma and Bobbie, who launch a private inquiry agency in York during WW2.
Her standalone, debut novel Catching the Eagle is the true story of her notorious ancestor, Jamie Charlton, who was convicted of Northumberland's biggest robbery.
Find out more about Karen's work at http://www.karencharlton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 24, 2020
Note: I received an ARC generously in exchange for an honest review.
Another Note: This is a short prequel to the full length novel The Willow Marsh Murder (releasing Feb 2020) in the Detective Lavender Mystery series. It might be a good idea to start from this one, to get a proper introduction to Lavender and Woods, the duo who try and solve their case with every obstacle within sight of their cases and fight back hard.
Honestly I have to admit that this was a very interesting and intriguing written novel, despite its short length.
The best things about this novel were 1. the fact that there's no wasting time on delving right into the case, with some flashbacks to a previous murder (which link, duhh).
2. The writing is fast-paced and kept me turning pages with intrigue over every clue they found and every obstacle they met head on.
3. Also calling out on issues such as defying the law to bring proper justice to a case that would, in most cases been ignored due to class and privilege issues (another issue the author brought forth) in the 1800s (which still happens even today, sadly), knowing how much you can exercise power to a certain degree to solve a case, age, women's clothing and their privileges and many more, all which prompt a heavy discussion and lengthy insight about how justice and the law, and certain privileges have changed the way cases and criminals have been fought and charged accordingly.
4. Supportive characters -Yes there were a couple of characters which pissed me off but in a good way (the big bad wolves heh), but all of them were nice and kind to the main protagonists and helped the case a lot. So I loved that point a lot.
5. The way the crime was committed - It wasn't so original but still the way they explained it all, I ate up every page like there was no more taste tomorrow.
Overall, I think it's definitely a sharp, swift and yet suspense-filled short prequel that you will love. A high recommend, y'all.
Until the next read,
TMR
Another Note: This is a short prequel to the full length novel The Willow Marsh Murder (releasing Feb 2020) in the Detective Lavender Mystery series. It might be a good idea to start from this one, to get a proper introduction to Lavender and Woods, the duo who try and solve their case with every obstacle within sight of their cases and fight back hard.
Honestly I have to admit that this was a very interesting and intriguing written novel, despite its short length.
The best things about this novel were 1. the fact that there's no wasting time on delving right into the case, with some flashbacks to a previous murder (which link, duhh).
2. The writing is fast-paced and kept me turning pages with intrigue over every clue they found and every obstacle they met head on.
3. Also calling out on issues such as defying the law to bring proper justice to a case that would, in most cases been ignored due to class and privilege issues (another issue the author brought forth) in the 1800s (which still happens even today, sadly), knowing how much you can exercise power to a certain degree to solve a case, age, women's clothing and their privileges and many more, all which prompt a heavy discussion and lengthy insight about how justice and the law, and certain privileges have changed the way cases and criminals have been fought and charged accordingly.
4. Supportive characters -Yes there were a couple of characters which pissed me off but in a good way (the big bad wolves heh), but all of them were nice and kind to the main protagonists and helped the case a lot. So I loved that point a lot.
5. The way the crime was committed - It wasn't so original but still the way they explained it all, I ate up every page like there was no more taste tomorrow.
Overall, I think it's definitely a sharp, swift and yet suspense-filled short prequel that you will love. A high recommend, y'all.
Until the next read,
TMR
November 12, 2019
This was a delightfully well-put-together short story that perfectly provides a lead-in to The Willow Marsh Murder which is to be released in February of 2020 and takes place ten years after this story.
Principal Bow Street Officer, Detective Stephen Lavender, was summoned to the scene of a grizzly murder by Constable Ned Woods. The body of a young woman had been shoved down a well and was only found because of the sharp nose of Constable Woods.
This story highlights the disparity between justice for the wealthy privileged members of British society and the poor common members of society. When the victim is identified as a poor serving girl from a local tavern, nobody except Detective Lavender and Constable Woods are interested in finding her murderer. Thwarted at every turn, Lavender does something we never thought he’d do – and evidently it is going to come back to haunt him in The Willow Marsh Murder.
Principal Bow Street Officer, Detective Stephen Lavender, was summoned to the scene of a grizzly murder by Constable Ned Woods. The body of a young woman had been shoved down a well and was only found because of the sharp nose of Constable Woods.
This story highlights the disparity between justice for the wealthy privileged members of British society and the poor common members of society. When the victim is identified as a poor serving girl from a local tavern, nobody except Detective Lavender and Constable Woods are interested in finding her murderer. Thwarted at every turn, Lavender does something we never thought he’d do – and evidently it is going to come back to haunt him in The Willow Marsh Murder.
October 6, 2022
I needed a quick read and decided to dive right into this one... and I'm glad I did!
This was a short story in the mix of a larger series of Detective Lavender Mysteries. I look forward to coming back to this series since I enjoy reading books based on murder mystery, and being that these stories take place in the late 1700's is an extra bonus for me!
This was a short story in the mix of a larger series of Detective Lavender Mysteries. I look forward to coming back to this series since I enjoy reading books based on murder mystery, and being that these stories take place in the late 1700's is an extra bonus for me!
February 24, 2020
"The Death of Irish Nell" is a prequel to "The Willow Marsh Murder," but it is a complete, short story in itself. It's a mystery set in 1803 in London. Detective Lavender was sent to solve a murder of a tavern wench. There were several people who were certain who was involved, but they didn't want to testify since the man was of a higher rank. The challenge for Detective Lavender was to figure out how to prove that the man did it. But he faced a moral dilemma: which is more important, preventing the man from raping and killing a woman yet again or doing things strictly by the rules. There was a brief (not detailed) description of a rape. There was some bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this short story to anyone wanting to read "The Willow Marsh Murder."
September 30, 2022
1803. Constable Ned Woods and Detective Stephen Lavender are called in to investigate when the body of Irish Nell is discovered down the well of the Inn she worked as a bar maid.
An enjoyable short story
If you have read The Willow Marsh Murder - there is no reason to read this.
An enjoyable short story
If you have read The Willow Marsh Murder - there is no reason to read this.
November 25, 2019
A short story in the Detective Stephen Lavender Mysteries. It’s like a little prequel to the next book, The Willow Marsh Murder, which is due to be published next year. A young woman’s body is found down a well and it’s up to Detective Lavender and his sidekick Constable Ned Woods to prove the culpability of the known killers.
This is such an engaging, well written and entertaining series and, although I’m not always a fan of short stories, I really enjoyed this one. I love the main characters, they make an intrepid duo. I look forward to reading the next book!
This is such an engaging, well written and entertaining series and, although I’m not always a fan of short stories, I really enjoyed this one. I love the main characters, they make an intrepid duo. I look forward to reading the next book!
December 4, 2019
Avid Reader
I enjoyed this short novella which takes place when Lavender is only 24 years old. A young woman is murdered by two members of the 1st Dragons, so it will be very difficult to arrest then without sufficient evidence. Betsy Woods provides Lavender with the smoking gun that smokes out two rapists and murderers. Both leave Mrs Woods out of the equation. Lavender got his men. I pre-order ed the book about Willow Marsh. I look forward to reading!
I enjoyed this short novella which takes place when Lavender is only 24 years old. A young woman is murdered by two members of the 1st Dragons, so it will be very difficult to arrest then without sufficient evidence. Betsy Woods provides Lavender with the smoking gun that smokes out two rapists and murderers. Both leave Mrs Woods out of the equation. Lavender got his men. I pre-order ed the book about Willow Marsh. I look forward to reading!
November 17, 2019
An appetite whetting short story providing the lead up to The Willow Marsh Murder , a new release for February 2020. I absolutely love the two characters Stephen Lavender and his constable Ned Woods and cannot wait for the new book to be released. A fascinating series written by the amazing author Karen Charlton. Thanks to TBC for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
November 29, 2019
An excellent short story and a great introduction to the Detective Lavender stories. I particularly like historical novels and this story was most enjoyable.
February 7, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 3 Stars. Although I very much enjoy this series, this particular novella was grim & more brutally realistic than I prefer. TRIGGER WARNING BELOW.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= THIS WAS OKAY; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
October 1793, London ~
Unknown to Bow Street Runner Constable Ned Woods, his future SIL Ginny, 14yrs old, has been violently assaulted & raped by a wealthy and privileged lodger while performing her duties as maid for the boardinghouse/inn where she works.
Ten years later, June, 1803 (also in the past), London ~ MMC Newly promoted Bow Street Runner Detective Stephen Lavender, just 24yrs old (here), with his trainer Constable Woods, accept their first murder case together not knowing the case will connect with terrible incidents from the past. The case will also resurrect a terrible past event for someone in Woods’ family and test Lavender’s character and his determination to apprehend and remove violent criminals from the streets.
Comments ~
1) DEATH OF IRISH KNELL, bk 5.5, published in 2019, is a quick reading novella from Detective Lavender’s past which leads into book 6, THE WILLOW MARSH MURDER. I don’t recommend reading DOIK as a standalone title as better understanding of the main characters is better understood when the books are read in order.
2) As mentioned above, I found this title more brutal and grim than previous books. I am hoping the next book - which is connected - provides better understanding and closure. )
3) The Lavender - Woods series is set in 1810+ England and features 2 Bow Street runners. The tone, details and period differ from other mysteries I read providing a slightly new perspective of English history.
4) Charlton is a fairly new-to-me author. I purchased a number of books & audiobooks in her Lavender/Woods series and am reading my way through them. I read a digital copy this time but Michael Page is wonderful depicting the various earthy characters and the overall tone (in the audiobook version).
5) Karen Charlton ends her books with author notes providing clarification of certain aspects of the period, setting, the particular cases and any historical characters. She provided such notes at the end of IRISH KNELL but I still found myself pondering how, if at all, such an ending to this novella (at the beginning of Lavender’s career) would affect him going forward. I still wonder.
6) The sad plight of the poor and lower classes (including many Bow Street families, laborers, immigrants, etc) resonates through this series as well as the widely prevalent unsanitary living conditions which gives me cause to wonder anew.
6) I recommend Charlton’s mysteries to readers who enjoy:
> Character-driven series.
> Seasoned characters.
> Classic, Historical and British Mysteries.
> Regency, Victorian novels with interesting facts and details from those periods.
> History.
> Police Procedural novels.
> Mysteries and books that are thought provoking.
> and enjoy a certain amount of earthy humor. ;)
READER CAUTION ~ *TRIGGER WARNING BELOW.
PROFANITY - PG-13. Limited strong language is used with occasional off-color jokes & earthy humor.
*VIOLENCE - PG. This is a murder mystery that includes rape, sexual assault & forced sodomy toward young girl(s) of 14 and up. The events are described from witnesses and either after the fact or interrupted with a “fade out.” The details are present but not dwelled upon but reported to the police.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= THIS WAS OKAY; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
October 1793, London ~
Unknown to Bow Street Runner Constable Ned Woods, his future SIL Ginny, 14yrs old, has been violently assaulted & raped by a wealthy and privileged lodger while performing her duties as maid for the boardinghouse/inn where she works.
Ten years later, June, 1803 (also in the past), London ~ MMC Newly promoted Bow Street Runner Detective Stephen Lavender, just 24yrs old (here), with his trainer Constable Woods, accept their first murder case together not knowing the case will connect with terrible incidents from the past. The case will also resurrect a terrible past event for someone in Woods’ family and test Lavender’s character and his determination to apprehend and remove violent criminals from the streets.
Comments ~
1) DEATH OF IRISH KNELL, bk 5.5, published in 2019, is a quick reading novella from Detective Lavender’s past which leads into book 6, THE WILLOW MARSH MURDER. I don’t recommend reading DOIK as a standalone title as better understanding of the main characters is better understood when the books are read in order.
2) As mentioned above, I found this title more brutal and grim than previous books. I am hoping the next book - which is connected - provides better understanding and closure. )
3) The Lavender - Woods series is set in 1810+ England and features 2 Bow Street runners. The tone, details and period differ from other mysteries I read providing a slightly new perspective of English history.
4) Charlton is a fairly new-to-me author. I purchased a number of books & audiobooks in her Lavender/Woods series and am reading my way through them. I read a digital copy this time but Michael Page is wonderful depicting the various earthy characters and the overall tone (in the audiobook version).
5) Karen Charlton ends her books with author notes providing clarification of certain aspects of the period, setting, the particular cases and any historical characters. She provided such notes at the end of IRISH KNELL but I still found myself pondering how, if at all, such an ending to this novella (at the beginning of Lavender’s career) would affect him going forward. I still wonder.
6) The sad plight of the poor and lower classes (including many Bow Street families, laborers, immigrants, etc) resonates through this series as well as the widely prevalent unsanitary living conditions which gives me cause to wonder anew.
6) I recommend Charlton’s mysteries to readers who enjoy:
> Character-driven series.
> Seasoned characters.
> Classic, Historical and British Mysteries.
> Regency, Victorian novels with interesting facts and details from those periods.
> History.
> Police Procedural novels.
> Mysteries and books that are thought provoking.
> and enjoy a certain amount of earthy humor. ;)
READER CAUTION ~ *TRIGGER WARNING BELOW.
PROFANITY - PG-13. Limited strong language is used with occasional off-color jokes & earthy humor.
*VIOLENCE - PG. This is a murder mystery that includes rape, sexual assault & forced sodomy toward young girl(s) of 14 and up. The events are described from witnesses and either after the fact or interrupted with a “fade out.” The details are present but not dwelled upon but reported to the police.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
March 9, 2022
I am a huge fan of the Detective Lavender and Constable Woods series. But this novela was very disappointing for two reasons. First when I downloaded the Kindle version, it is 66 pages. Turns out the book itself is only six chapters with 42 pages. The suspect was known immediately and the crime solved in literally one day. Secondly, having reading five novels with these characters, I found it hard to believe that Detective Lavender would so easily plant evidence (even though he was doing so against the actual murderer) and go against his principles with no guilt or much consideration for other alternatives.
If this plot line is a set up for the next novel, the author could have incorporated these six chapters in that novel as flashback or reference chapters rather than a rushed 24 hour murder investigation.
If this plot line is a set up for the next novel, the author could have incorporated these six chapters in that novel as flashback or reference chapters rather than a rushed 24 hour murder investigation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
For a short story there is a lot packed into it.
I'd previously read the Willow Marsh Murders but decided to read this prequel and was not disappointed.
The Death of Irish Nell puts the meat on the bones regarding Lavenders decision to pervert the course of justice to entrap a heinous murderer who thought he was too well heeled to suffer justice. As usual Charlton brings the era to life with vivid imagery which fires your imagination. Skillfully written and obviously well researched.
Highly recommended for all Lavender and Woods fans.
I'd previously read the Willow Marsh Murders but decided to read this prequel and was not disappointed.
The Death of Irish Nell puts the meat on the bones regarding Lavenders decision to pervert the course of justice to entrap a heinous murderer who thought he was too well heeled to suffer justice. As usual Charlton brings the era to life with vivid imagery which fires your imagination. Skillfully written and obviously well researched.
Highly recommended for all Lavender and Woods fans.
August 5, 2020
enjoyed this short novella which takes place when Lavender is only 24 years old. A young woman is murdered by two members of the 1st Dragons, so it will be very difficult to arrest then without sufficient evidence. Betsy Woods provides Lavender with the smoking gun that smokes out two rapists and murderers. Both leave Mrs Woods out of the equation. Lavender got his men. I bought this book after reading the Willow Marsh mystery but found it still a great read
August 11, 2020
This was probably the best of the Detective Lavender short mysteries. Tight, self-contained. Liked that it set up a bit of conflict between Lavender and his deputy - sometimes it is fawning to point of boredom - though occasionally funny. A good villain. And sets up Willow Marsh nicely, which was probably my favorite/2nd favorite of series.
But seriously ...did you need to sell it separately? Since it’s verbatim sprinkled through start of Willow Marsh.
But seriously ...did you need to sell it separately? Since it’s verbatim sprinkled through start of Willow Marsh.
November 18, 2024
Irish Nell had only been working as a barmaid in a tavern when Constable Woods found her body shoved down an unused well. She was the victim of a sexual assault then strangled. She was one of the many victims of a serial rapist who had victims in India and wherever else he was posted. This is where Lavender had to compromise his principles and accept that sometimes "the end justifies the means." For pragmatists and realists there is not so much wrestling with one's conscience, it just is.
December 12, 2021
A short but excellent addition to the Lavender series
Set before the other books in the Lavender series, it follows Lavender and Woods as they try to solve the gruesome murder of Irish Nell. Clear a few hours and read you won't regret it.
Set before the other books in the Lavender series, it follows Lavender and Woods as they try to solve the gruesome murder of Irish Nell. Clear a few hours and read you won't regret it.
September 18, 2022
This was a good read. The characters are interesting and the reader learns more with each story told. The main character shows intelligence, loyalty, and a strong sense of justice. I definitely recommend this book.
August 25, 2020
4.5 stars - short, disturbing mystery that takes readers back to the beginning of the relationship between Detective Lavender and Constable Woods.
January 4, 2021
So very delightful...again a great read, I love her books.
Sue B
Sue B
February 20, 2023
Sometimes, you have to be a bit shady
This short story is a glimpse into how big of a heart our beloved Lavender really has and how deep his desire for justice can be.
This short story is a glimpse into how big of a heart our beloved Lavender really has and how deep his desire for justice can be.
July 12, 2023
fleshed out rerun
You really don’t get anything you didn’t know from the final Lavender book. All the details here you already knew
You really don’t get anything you didn’t know from the final Lavender book. All the details here you already knew
January 1, 2025
Good back story of Lavender and Woods. Seems like you need to read this short story for the next novel to make sense.
June 18, 2025
Brilliant
I really enjoyed this book and it held my interest. The characters were very believable and also the ending was good
I really enjoyed this book and it held my interest. The characters were very believable and also the ending was good
December 16, 2025
I was wary of this one because I had to skip a certain part of this story, but I powered through in the hopes the villain would get his karma. This one made me feel for women, both fiction and non.
January 4, 2020
This is a short story by Karen Charlton, so a quick read at only 71 pages long but is is a prequel to a full-length novel, coming in February, ‘The Willow Marsh Murder’, which is part of Charlton's Detective Lavender Mysteries Series. However both the short story and the Upcoming novel can be read as standalone books.
Set in London 1803, newly-promoted Principal Officer, Stephen Lavender, is called to Hampstead by Constable Ned Woods to help solve the murder of a young barmaid whose body has been found down a well. Lavender has to deal with class prejudice and the uninterested authorities as the Detective gathers evidence so the killers can be caught.
A fast paced storyline and some fascinating characters and a mystery, ‘who done it’ kept me turning the pages. The book which comes to a satisfactory ending also leaves you waiting impatiently for February when the novel which this precedes is published.
Set in London 1803, newly-promoted Principal Officer, Stephen Lavender, is called to Hampstead by Constable Ned Woods to help solve the murder of a young barmaid whose body has been found down a well. Lavender has to deal with class prejudice and the uninterested authorities as the Detective gathers evidence so the killers can be caught.
A fast paced storyline and some fascinating characters and a mystery, ‘who done it’ kept me turning the pages. The book which comes to a satisfactory ending also leaves you waiting impatiently for February when the novel which this precedes is published.
January 18, 2020
OMG
Have been anxiously waiting the release of Det. Lavenders and Sgt. Woods next mystery, but now I'm actually counting the days. This short story was a complete surprise in the series history and I loved it. But I'm also now worried about them in "The Willow Marsh Murder" (February 1) . READ THIS SHORT STORY FIRST. I found Karen's books shortly after getting my kindle fire and joining kindle books. I've read or listened to them all including the ones involving her own family past of the same time period. They are all very good. I've read or listened to most of them twice. Her books was a major reason I joined kindle unlimited and so glad I did. Love the time period of these stories, LOVE the characters and their families. When it gets to be too long waiting for the next book I just go back and listen to one again. The audio version is also very good enjoyable narrator.
Have been anxiously waiting the release of Det. Lavenders and Sgt. Woods next mystery, but now I'm actually counting the days. This short story was a complete surprise in the series history and I loved it. But I'm also now worried about them in "The Willow Marsh Murder" (February 1) . READ THIS SHORT STORY FIRST. I found Karen's books shortly after getting my kindle fire and joining kindle books. I've read or listened to them all including the ones involving her own family past of the same time period. They are all very good. I've read or listened to most of them twice. Her books was a major reason I joined kindle unlimited and so glad I did. Love the time period of these stories, LOVE the characters and their families. When it gets to be too long waiting for the next book I just go back and listen to one again. The audio version is also very good enjoyable narrator.
November 29, 2019
Interesting short story. I don't read a lot of short stories but I liked the idea of reading a prequel to a new series and this particular short story was well written.
The story was set over a century ago in London, where living conditions were quite different, especially for the very poor, and status and class influenced everything.
Ned and Stephen join forces to solve the mystery of what happened to Irish Nell. They discover that there is a precedent for what happened and even though not many people care what happened with Irish Nell, it is important that justice is done.
Good snapshot of that time period and I was really shocked actually at the lack of caring by authorities.
4 stars from me. Looking forward to reading the first full-length novel!
The story was set over a century ago in London, where living conditions were quite different, especially for the very poor, and status and class influenced everything.
Ned and Stephen join forces to solve the mystery of what happened to Irish Nell. They discover that there is a precedent for what happened and even though not many people care what happened with Irish Nell, it is important that justice is done.
Good snapshot of that time period and I was really shocked actually at the lack of caring by authorities.
4 stars from me. Looking forward to reading the first full-length novel!
December 3, 2019
A great short story! This prequel leads into the next full novel in February. For anyone who has not read any of the other books in the series, this novella introduces all the main characters so you have a great starting point. The story is centered on the death of a barmaid named “Irish Nell” of the title and a moral decision made by Stephen Lavender that has long term implications. It also exposes the inequality if justice for the poor during the time period.
Ms. Charlton has done excellent research and the characters are well written and relationships are believable. I have read all of the Detective Lavender books and am looking forward to the next installment. I recommend all the books in this series.
Ms. Charlton has done excellent research and the characters are well written and relationships are believable. I have read all of the Detective Lavender books and am looking forward to the next installment. I recommend all the books in this series.
February 2, 2020
Another 5*+ 5 if I only could!
I chose this rating because all of your books 📚 deserve it and more!!! This books deserved (well the next book will be the same after I read it next) all and any new ones! You are by far on my top five favorite Authors list, and your books are by far the greatest reads ever! I have a fascination with your characters, they are so relateable. I am so into the stories that it is impossible to set them down. I have to finish from start to end and can get pretty scary if interrupted! Love, love, love 💘 all your stories. Thanks for sharing your awesome talent! Never stop writing, it would hurt me badly if you did and at 71 yrs of age that would be major! Be well and thank you again for the time I get to spend reading your books.
I chose this rating because all of your books 📚 deserve it and more!!! This books deserved (well the next book will be the same after I read it next) all and any new ones! You are by far on my top five favorite Authors list, and your books are by far the greatest reads ever! I have a fascination with your characters, they are so relateable. I am so into the stories that it is impossible to set them down. I have to finish from start to end and can get pretty scary if interrupted! Love, love, love 💘 all your stories. Thanks for sharing your awesome talent! Never stop writing, it would hurt me badly if you did and at 71 yrs of age that would be major! Be well and thank you again for the time I get to spend reading your books.
January 29, 2020
Short but satisfying…
A quick bite for fans of Mrs Charlton’s Lavender & Woods but for what it lacks in length it makes up for in the details of the story. Keep in mind, it is a prequel to her next book and it takes place ten years prior to her other stories. In this fast paced murder mystery, Detective Lavender is beset with a moral and ethical dilemma that makes me wonder, would I not do the same if I were in his position? Normally I don’t care for prequels but this one is solid and I give it 5 stars. I can’t wait to read the next book and see how Lavender’s decision shapes his future.
A quick bite for fans of Mrs Charlton’s Lavender & Woods but for what it lacks in length it makes up for in the details of the story. Keep in mind, it is a prequel to her next book and it takes place ten years prior to her other stories. In this fast paced murder mystery, Detective Lavender is beset with a moral and ethical dilemma that makes me wonder, would I not do the same if I were in his position? Normally I don’t care for prequels but this one is solid and I give it 5 stars. I can’t wait to read the next book and see how Lavender’s decision shapes his future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews