Nestled in the idyllic setting of Derbyshire’s rolling hills, the ancestral home of the Fitzwilliam-Scott family seems an unlikely location for murder.
While public visitors to the house enjoy historical re-enactments, breathtaking architecture, and beautiful gardens, caffeine-loving café manager Sophie Lockwood finds herself investigating present-day scandals and half-forgotten crimes from the past. Join Sophie and her colourful, quick-witted friends as they hunt murderers, helped by endless coffee and copious amounts of cake, in these thrilling, entertaining and often hilarious adventures in the heart of the English countryside.
This set contains the first three books in the Charleton House Mysteries.
Death by Dark Roast The annual Charleton House Food Festival is about to begin. But the first item on the menu is murder…
A Killer Wedding As a passionate couple take their marriage vows in an ancient chapel, death is already waiting in the shadows for one of the persons there present.
Sleep Like the Dead When visitors gather deep in the frozen Derbyshire countryside for a sleepover in the opulent Long Gallery of Charleton House, joined by some notable guests from the past, no one expects that by morning Charles Dickens will have been murdered.
Addictive, entertaining and often hilarious mysteries with a coffee-loving amateur sleuth who works at one of England’s finest stately homes, and is ruled by her domineering tabby cat.
Written in British English. Can be read as standalones but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. No strong language, gore, sex, or violence!
What are readers saying?
'Kate's characters are charming, amusing, witty and captivating.' 'When I read this series I always make sure to have my day free because I have never put the books down.' 'Absolutely love these murder mysteries, which take you "backstage" in a historical house and gardens open to the public.' 'Sophie is my favourite amateur sleuth and I would love to visit Charleton House and have tea with her.' 'Such an addictive series, well researched and engagingly written. Witty, historical, informative and vastly entertaining.'
The Charleton House Mysteries 1. Death by Dark Roast 2. A Killer Wedding 3. Sleep Like the Dead 4. A Deadly Ride 5. Mulled Wine and Murder
Death by Dark Roast An intriguing story featuring a gorgeous historical setting, quirky characters, lusciously described food and a murder mystery connected to coffee. Relationship development is interwoven with action that propels the story. A Killer Wedding An engaged couple who fight as passionately as they reconcile in the midst of their over-the-top wedding festivities at a lovely historic estate are the center of everyone’s attention…at least until the photographer, who was the bride’s ex, is murdered. Another twisty tale as the MC and her pals sort through secrets and situations to solve the mystery. Sleep Like the Dead Loyalty to work, friends and family is unrecognizably twisted by a sense of betrayal as the MC and her friends discover an accusation from years before that resulted in a present-day murder. As always, the friends banter, eat and drink amidst a beautiful, historic setting and there is a high-kicking resolution of the mystery.
An enjoyable mystery series set in a stately home. The descriptions of Charleston House were enlightening, and I liked that they added a layer of authenticity to the stories. I liked the characters, especially Sophie, Mark and Joe. The plots of the three books were well constructed and enjoyable.
KATE'S CHARACTERS ARE WITTY, CHARMING, AMUSING AND CAPTIVATING. THE LOCATION... THE BEAUTIFUL CHARLETON HOUSE. AN EASY-TO-READ, ENTERTAINING BOOK. PLAN TO SPEND THE WEEKEND WITH THIS SET OF BOOKS. ONCE YOU START YOU WILL BE HOOKED. KATE HAS ACED IT AGAIN. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A wonderful cozy mystery series with likable interesting characters and an intriguing cozy mystery. Sophie runs the cafes at Charleton House, a British historic estate. Sophie and her friends help the local police solve murders that happen on or around the estate. Very enjoyable!
I love these Charleton House mysteries and wish I could tour there! Death by Dark Roast kept me well entertained. Ms. Adams has created a wonderful world at Charleton House. It is populated by some very interesting, well developed characters. I love that Sophie is drawn to all things coffee and gin! The plot is tight. The clues are there, but I did not figure it out - which is a plus for me. I am eagerly looking forward to the next adventure. In a Killer Wedding, Sophie again ignores Joe's advice and begins investigating the most recent murder. The murder investigation is stalled because of a lack of suspects and/or motives. I love how the lives of the supporting characters are woven into the murder investigations. If you enjoy a well written cozy with interesting characters, do not miss A Killer Wedding. Ms. Adams has raised the bar in Sleep Like the Dead. These mysteries have a wonderful cast of recurring characters. There are always too may suspects and possible motives. .This time it is unclear if the actual victim (who was in costume) was really the intended victim. As always Detective Constable Greene warns Sophie to stay out of the police investigation. As usual, Sophie does not listen. It evens seems like Detective Sergeant Harnby asks for Sophie's help instead of warning her to not meddle. Joyce, the gift shop manager, really makes an impression in this book! This is a delightful set of mysteries that I could not put down.
I enjoy light who-done-its and trying to figure out who the killer is before they are revealed. I like the main character and her inquisitive mind. She can't resist the challenge of figuring out who the murderer is and doesn't gloat when she solves the crime.