Murder in Revelation

Doyle & Acton #12

by Anne Cleeland

Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle was investigating a tip she’d received about doctors who were being assaulted at a London free clinic, but—strangely enough—none of the volunteers was willing to give her a statement. Instead, her only witness offered a fanciful tale about supernatural evildoers—which was nonsense, of course; it was clearly an attempt to shift the blame to the appropriate cultural bogeyman.

Although it did seem as though there were a lot of strange things happening, and all of them at once. A shame, that she had to interrupt the investigation to attend a servant’s funeral at Trestles, but Acton felt they were obligated to go. If only she didn’t feel as though her husband was a little too eager to attend this particular funeral. . . .

Genres: Mystery, British Literature, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller, Procedural, Romance, Suspense

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

Anne Cleeland writes a contemporary Scotland Yard mystery series that is featured in the Amazon top 100 best sellers. She also writes a historical series of stand-alone books set in the Regency period. A member of International Thriller Writers, The Historical Novel Society, and Mystery Writers of America, she lives in California and has four children. www.annecleeland.com; @annecleeland.

Reviews

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you remeber Mr. Magoo?

Well, Doyle reminds me of him! She's "fey", but her "ghosts" are too optimistic if they think she'll get their hints! LMAOOO

Still, I like her a lot! She's convinced that the world is a place where justice will always win!

Just like Mr. Magoo is convince that he sees very well! Hahaha

[Ira · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Well, it should be five stars but I stopped reading this one little bit for Eve and Roarke first, lol.
But still a fab read for me.

Btw, did you notice so many got killed in this series? 😱
I love the cuteness of Kathleen and Michael relationship, but this series certainly not a cozy mystery, which why I like it very much! 😘

Oh, that Kathleen’s last dreams, aww 🥰

❤️❤️❤️

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: The Doyle & Acton Mystery Series #12
Publication Date: 9/1/20
Number of Pages: 268

I always look forward to the next Doyle & Acton mystery because they are always exciting, interesting, and you just never know what Acton has been up to. Then, it is always fun to watch Doyle figure out his latest plot and foil it. If you’ve ever thought of opposites attracting, this is the poster child for it – they are as different as night and day. Doyle is straight-laced, introverted, religious – and just a tad fey. Acton is handsome, smart, diabolical, plays by his own set of rules, he doesn’t mind bending the laws if it suits him to do so, and he is absolutely obsessed with Doyle.

Doyle is expecting their second child and Acton has become hyper-vigilant in assuring she is taking care of herself. Yet, she still manages to stumble into an investigation with strange vibes. A volunteer doctor at a charity clinic is attacked – and she has a strange tale to tale to tell. She keeps telling Doyle “the evil ones are eating the souls of the children.” Oh! My! Is the woman a nut or is something more sinister afoot?

We don’t have new villains in this book, so you’ll have to figure out which of the previous villains are committing the crime(s) – and who might be victims. With multiple unrelated victims, you’ll have a good time figuring out if any are related and whodunit. You’ll remember Martina Betancourt and her wayward husband Antonio, as well as Mr. Javid from previous books. What a motley crew of villains to untangle along with all of Acton’s behind-the-scenes machinations.

I’m not sure what it is about this series that intrigues me – I certainly shouldn’t like the characters, but I do. If I read Acton in any other book, I’d cringe – but – there is something endearing about him in this series and I just love him. With Doyle, I’d just disbelieve that anyone with her upbringing and beliefs could have any respect for or love for someone like Acton – but again – with this series – I can see her loving him. I’d say it is a testament to the excellent writing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent read and I hope you will as well. If you enjoy unusual characters and pairings, this series will be right down your alley. I love it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful read due to the lively thinking, interactions and perceptions of the lovely Irish bride Doyle, with Acton very much in the background supplying a strong backup role. There are some odd religious beliefs thrown down as justifications for murder, but we don't like it when pregnant Doyle becomes a target. This is a must read for fans of this series.

[Dallass · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a real ‘what the heck is going on?’ kinda book

Some of the previous books in the series have been quite the labyrinth of motives, suspects, twists and turns, but this book went way beyond them. It was so twisty and convoluted that I had to reread certain scenes to make sure I’d parsed everything correctly.

Doyle is once again behind the eight ball as she tries to ferret out all the clues dropped by everyone she interacts with. There are betrayals that aren’t really, and grudges and spite killings, plus some good old fashion revenge. It’s a real clash of motives in a real doozy of a case. Now I do love this series, however this was perhaps my weirdest experience with it so far. I did like the fact that Munoz was absent, but there was a lot of squirrelly behaviour from all the others that I’m hoping resets for book 13.

Definitely not a book to dive into unless you’ve read all the previous offerings.

4 stars ⭐️

[DemetraP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry in the series. I love Doyle and Acton's crime solving and romance.

Also, we learn after Doyle has a vision who Edward's (her first son) future wife will be (many years in the future)

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 ***

I wasn't impressed with the last few books in the series. I saw this new addition and decided to give the series one more try and I'm glad I did. This book started out a bit slow for me. Mostly because ghosts of murder victims and details from previous books played a big role. Can't say I'm a fan of that or the current murder interconnected to earlier mysteries. I simply don't remember all the earlier books in that kind of detail. I prefer a fresh mystery in each book. Kathleen wasn't quite so annoying with ignoring her instincts and thankfully cut back on the nonsensical Irish idioms. Once I caught up with the past characters and crimes I enjoyed the story. One murder that was left hanging in the last book was finally solved. This isn't a series you can step into. It has to be read from the beginning and if you skip a book you'll miss something.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am am awed that Murder in Revelation is the twelfth book ins the superb Acton & Doyle Meytery series. I remember picking up the the first book, Murder in Thrall, which was when this series became an auto-buy for me. In this latest installment, the story picks seamlessly up from the previous book and this one packs a punch to the solar plexus with so many surprising twists.

DI Kathleen Doyle really shines in this story and, of course, she has her hands full solving a murder while reigning in her wayward husband who takes a scorched earth policy to dispatch any and all threats to Doyle. Acton is as usual ten steps ahead of every one Acton is ten steps ahead of every one but Doyle's fey gift helps save the day.

I loved the brief scenes with cantankerous dowager Lady Acton, who seems to be toning down her antagonistic behavior towards Doyle. I just wish William would get his head on straight and treat Lizzie the way she deserves, else the Trestle knight will be swinging his ancient sword across Williams stubborn are.

There are so many plot twist that I don't want to give away as spoilers, so I can only attest that Murder in Revelation is so worth the read. Highly Recommended!

[Elizabeth Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 12?! How can that be?
Well, I hope there are at least 12 more to come.
I really enjoy Anne Cleeland's writing, both in this series and in her stand alone novels.
She helps me be there with the characters.
And Doyle' s Irish brogue shines through whether she's talking or thinking. Her voice is quite real for me.
The basic storyline is familiar. Deaths that may be more than they seem. Skullduggery in the background from both the "bad" guys and the "good" guys.
I think it's the ambiguity of right and wrong that helps capture my attention. They are all a bit in the grey area. Well, almost all. It's very real. (especially in 2020!)
Solid characters who are so much more than mere stick figures.
Cleeland's done it again.

[Victoria Sturlini · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY!!! ANOTHER WINNER!!!!💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

I love Kathleen and Acton books so much!!!! I enjoy reading about their relationship and his deep protective love for Kathleen... it is so romantic. What a wonderfully complex, engrossing and fascinating story this was!!!! I have read every book in the series.... Starting with when the first one came out on Kindle and I never tire of them! In fact I have re-read the whole series a couple of times!!! This book is just as amazing and cleverly done as all the others. I was riveted.... The twists and turns, the little subtle clues, the big obvious threads all come together into an excellent, heart pounding finale!!! And the epilogue.... Of my goodness the epilogue was so surprising and wonderful I read it twice!!! Anne Cleveland's writing is superb.... Her imagination is incredible. Her stories are so cleverly woven together and a "must read" for me. Between books I keep checking and checking... Afraid I will miss the new one!!!! I highly recommend this book and series for a unique and hugely rewarding reading experience!!! Keep em coming Anne!!!😇

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems a revelation murder is one done to bring hidden facts about the victim out into the open. This theme runs deep through this story and puts Doyle in danger as she tries to keep Acton under control. This never really works as she does figure out what he's up to, but usually too late to stop him. She is his balance, the one element that reins him in and keeps him from tipping over the edge. This book does ties up some loose ends from past mysteries and the complex plot keeps the reader turning the page. I love these books and found this one to be one of the best with many revelations that took my breath away.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, this series. Obviously I'm still getting something out of it, as I keep reading new titles, but my relationship with it is very problematic. There has been zero character growth - the heroine still comes across as a complete ninny and her husband a conniving bastard. He is a literal murderer and while it seemed she had finally managed to get him to change his ways, she hasn't. (Spoiler alert :) )

This particular entry is also very religious, with lots of quoting from the Bible, and the overuse of Doyle's malapropisms was driving me mad. And all the talk of what "kind" of murders the murders are! And the typos! I know these books are self-published, but can't the author find a decent proofreader?

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a dull moment

This series has been consistently outstanding. Main characters are strongly drawn. Plots are just devious enough to keep you guessing. Hope this isn't the last one.

[Barbara Monajem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always ready for another excitement-filled visit with Doyle and Acton—it’s like being with old friends, if slightly nerve-wracking ones! I found the suspense in this one to be particularly well done. As ever, I look forward to more in this fabulous series.

[Heidi Racht · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. I will say that I was hooked by the first book, Murder in Thrall. I had downloaded it through our local library from the state's free audiobook lending system and the reader (Marcella Riordan) was fabulous. I purchased the series of books - as they were published - for our town library as part of the Adopt-an-Author program. I will continue to do this.

Most are pretty good; a couple are clunkers. The first three were exceptional.

I listened to the audiobook. It was read by the third reader in this series, Rachanee Lumayno, who is no Marcella Riordan, but steps above Marnye Young. Then I read the print book to get the details, thinking that some of my irritation with the storyline was the reader. That wasn't the case, it turns out, because much of the problem was in the print version.

Horrible or non-existent editing is all I can say. For starters, the author needs to have her hyphen key and semicolon key removed from her keyboard. At least a hundred times, the hyphen was incorrectly used with verbs. This was constant through the entire book right to the last page, and detracted from the reading. I felt like I was stopping and rereading when I realized that the hyphenated words weren't descriptors, but rather straight on verbs. Semi-colons were incorrectly used instead of commas, periods and exclamation points. Where was the editor?

More on editing / proofreading ... In this book, Melinda (remember her? Acton's irritating girlfriend of his youth?) makes an appearance in one chapter. At some point, she becomes Melissa for six references and then becomes Melinda again. Who is editing these books? Each of the last ten have missing and incorrect words, but this Melinda/Melissa business was beyond sloppy.

Ms. Cleeland needs a new editor or a team of loyal readers to proofread the draft before it is finalized for printing. I volunteer!

On to the story line. It feels like the author is being pushed to turn out a book a year. They could use more polishing and a little more character development. Mostly they are ok and she does have a quirky turn-of-phrase that is a lot of fun, but not as good as her earlier books. Again, stronger character development would make for a better book. The premise of the books themselves are always quite interesting, but more work needs to be done before the book is in final draft. And, some of the characters are starting to act a little out of character: Reynolds, for example. Although, I will stop here to avoid a spoiler. And what's with Thomas Williams's personal life! Really!?!

Would I recommend this book? I would say to start with Murder in Thrall and read the series. By the time you get to this one (Book 12), you will either love it - if the reviews are any indication - or agree with me that there is room for improvement to keep some of us onboard.

[Anne, Unfinished Woman · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT

Kathleen gets pulled into the superstitions of Nigeria and the religious fervor of the Order of Santiago in her attempt to solve the murder of a doctor at a local clinic, and others. She is again visited in her dreams by a ghost, this time Bill Blakney, the common-law husband of Mary, Edward's nanny. Mary has since married Nigel Howard, an MP, and is pregnant.

The issue of Gemma's family, the Romanovs, is again at the forefront, as Col Kolchak, her Russian protector and a member of the loyalists, is revealed to have intentions of marrying Gemma and taking her back to claim the throne. Reynolds who is studying Russian along with Gemma must have overheard his intentions and gets Savoie to kill him. This presents a diplomatic conundrum that is solved with a payment by the Russians for Gemma to not ever seek power, and thus provides her safety, and the ability for the Howards to adopt her.

Martina Betancourt is wielding her power as leader of the Order of Santiago, killing those who need to be revealed in their criminal activities, and then her husband who has joined the blacklegs. Along with Mr. Javid, who owns the lab doing the illegal gene (taken from children) selling, Antonio D'Angelo, Martina's husband, tries to kidnap Edward. Martina accompanies them to set Antonio up for her killing him, after spouting Latin in the last rites as she pleads with him to repent. When he starts to say "I'm sorry" in an effort to avoid being murdered, she shoots him. Kathleen struggles with Javid for a gun and shoots him, and the elevator/safe room is activated. Gemma has heard what is going on and grabs Edward, a stool to reach the button and sets off the safe room. Acton who regularly monitors the baby monitor, realizes there is trouble and gets there as Kathleen is finishing up her overcoming of Javid. This provides an opportunity to put the blame for several killings from past books, Rizzo and Tommy Dryden for two, onto him.

Once again there are multiple cases that seem to come together in the end, with Kathleen continually admonishing Acton not to take the law into his own hands. He has had several spies of Betancourt's killed. And he shoots Javid as he cleans up before the rest of CID arrive at the apartment. Throughout Acton has again become overly protective as Kathleen is again pregnant.

[Ez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the better books in this series (although I've liked all of them). With bodies dropping around them, it must mean Acton is up to no good as Doyle, being in the early stages of pregnancy again, sends him into hyperdrive and determined to eliminate all possible threats. Doyle is investigating possible crimes at a local drop-in clinic which felt like deja vu. Seriously, according to this author, a majority of crime in London seems to revolve around drop-in centres and corrupt officials. Anywho, Doyle is given a lead that doctors are being assaulted leaving the clinic. Sensing something isn't right, she takes on the case only to find that things are worse than she assumed. As a quick aside, this didn't really go anywhere and it seemed that a lot of her investigation didn't really contribute that much to the overall plot of the book as it did to conveniently placing characters into spaces in the story to help yet another Acton plot.

Martina Betancourt has popped up for another book as the story line with her husband is dragged out yet again since there's been a lot of focus but little closure for several books. This is obviously the plot device that's taken over now that government trafficking scandal seems to finally have been put to rest (said as I breathe a tentative breath of relief). The Rizzo crime from the previous book in the series continues to have ramifications to the story and characters of this one and the hints dropped by Tommy, the ghost from Book 11, continue to feature as Doyle tries to figure out what it all means. Speaking of ghosts, a character from the past crops up, warning Doyle to stay away rather than to figure it all out, a new feeling for her, I'm sure, and I really liked the role he played.

There are snippets at the start of the chapter, but only a few this time. Another murder of a known character takes place, shaking up their little bubble once again. There was a great, suspenseful ending and an extremely satisfactory closing scene that led to me bumping this book up to five stars. It also tied off a couple of loose ends from Book 11 which was much appreciated.

[Jane Shibilski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly loved this book. Just when I thought I was hopelessly confused, all is sorted. What really intrigued me was that the author really explored Lord Acton more and his love for the fair Doyle. I felt like we got to see more of him and Kathleen together as there seemed to be more interaction between the two. Overall, the outcome left me very satisfied and anxiously awaiting their next adventure.

[Lilly Hi Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting mystery

The Doyle and Acton mysteries keep getting stranger but still quite interesting. This one builds on what happened in the past 11 mysteries so they must be read first. You won't regret reading those mysteries and you'll be delighted to read Book 12 in the series to see what's next . Trust me.

[Deborah Gebhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something is happening at a neighborhood clinic, something that no one wants to talk about, but now there's been a murder and Doyle is on the case. With the help of her dram visitor, she will follow the clues and solve the case.
But, there is more than murder going on, and once again Kathleen's life is endangered.

[William Mosteller · Rating 5 out of 5]

So why do I love these books? They're not my typical fare -- Doyle's mind reading abilities are usually not my kind of stuff, but I think partly it's how it's presented. She can read minds, but somebody still has to do the work -- limitations on super-powers. I love the interplay between Doyle and Acton. The mysteries are secondary, for me, to visiting their world.

[Terry Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Acton and Doyle series!

I recommend reading all the books in order as eCh novel builds on the ones before. All the books are worth reading especially if you like your books with a slightly different twist!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the series

Plotting continues good, although dialogue keeps falling into tried-and-true patterns. You can just disappear into the book for a while and not sprain anything.

[Huldie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

I've read all the books in this series and always eagerly await the next one. This book had event more twists and turns than usual. I literally sat on the edge of my chair, reading quickly to follow the events as they unfolded. Anne Cleeland is a master storyteller.

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well conceived plot, extraordinary character development, and the occasional warning from ghostly persons with foreknowledge. Cleveland has developed another volume in the Acton and Doyle series that advances the story. Still, I am dismayed at the occasional typo or misplaced hyphen.

[Nancy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again Doyle wades through the tangled webs that her husband and others weave around her. In the end she of course puts everything to rights but not without finding herself and her beloved son endangered.

[Tasula · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entry late in the series, and for me starting to rely a bit too much on formula, and quick to kill off lesser characters with nary a twinge of grief. I still like the Doyle and Acton characters, unrealistic though they are, it's like a twisted romance with lots of murders.

[Megan Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good! I love this continuing story of Doyle and Acton...every book flows into the next like a very long serial novel.

[Annye Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues.

Interesting plot twists. The characters become more rounded. Advantages of the British aristocracy exploited. If you like murder mysteries, this is for you.

[Jane Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleveland always satisfies

Twists, turns, an unusual married couple and ghosts, the RC church, the aristocracy and the constabulary. To say nothing of the fey Irish bride