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Rose McQuinn #5
Destroying Angel
The autumn of 1897 began well, but within days Rose McQuinn lost two precious things her fiance, Jack Macmerry, and her elusive dog, Thane. Her stubborn refusal to give up her job as Lady Detective cost her the man whose love she had taken for granted. A police sergeant couldn't be expected to have a female sleuth for a wife, and so he found comfort in the arms of a more accommodating woman. And now it seems that Thane's real owners have been found.
But when Rose tries to return the hound to the Staines family she is called upon to discover the identity of a blackmailer and thief. The family's tragic past colors Rose's search for the truth and plunges her into ever more dangerous waters. Just whom can she trust in this isolated haven, and what type of life will she be returning to when she finally leaves?
But when Rose tries to return the hound to the Staines family she is called upon to discover the identity of a blackmailer and thief. The family's tragic past colors Rose's search for the truth and plunges her into ever more dangerous waters. Just whom can she trust in this isolated haven, and what type of life will she be returning to when she finally leaves?
262 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Alanna Knight
79 books46 followersaka Margaret Hope
Alanna Knight MBE has published more than sixty novels (including sixteen in the acclaimed Inspector Faro series, and seven featuring his daughter Rose McQuinn), as well as non-fiction, true crime and several books on Robert Louis Stevenson, numerous short stories and two plays since her award-winning first book ‘Legend of the Loch’ in 1969. A founding member and Honorary President of the Scottish Association of Writers and of the Edinburgh Writer’s Club, born and educated on Tyneside, she has two sons and two granddaughters and lives in Edinburgh.
Alanna Knight MBE has published more than sixty novels (including sixteen in the acclaimed Inspector Faro series, and seven featuring his daughter Rose McQuinn), as well as non-fiction, true crime and several books on Robert Louis Stevenson, numerous short stories and two plays since her award-winning first book ‘Legend of the Loch’ in 1969. A founding member and Honorary President of the Scottish Association of Writers and of the Edinburgh Writer’s Club, born and educated on Tyneside, she has two sons and two granddaughters and lives in Edinburgh.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 14, 2017
This was her usual wonderful writing, but there's one new thing I hated! The narration repeatedly told you the basic outline! "But little did I know that [event] was about to happen." Don't tell me what's coming. That's half the fun. And if you do go that direction, stick with the one big one at the beginning. Don't also give away each chapter. I love this series, I'm not done yet. I very much hope this was a fluke.
July 31, 2019
Yes! She finally ditched Jack! \0/ :P
Okay, sorry, but I liked him less and less at every book :P Thane is waaaaaaaaaaay better :)
And Thane is at the centre of this mystery, as it is because of him that Rose finds herself at Northumberland and the Staines mansion.
As always, the story is really entertaining, lots of twist and turns, and even a bewildering suitor! all of which make this a fantastic read.
A little break, and then, onto the next one.
Okay, sorry, but I liked him less and less at every book :P Thane is waaaaaaaaaaay better :)
And Thane is at the centre of this mystery, as it is because of him that Rose finds herself at Northumberland and the Staines mansion.
As always, the story is really entertaining, lots of twist and turns, and even a bewildering suitor! all of which make this a fantastic read.
A little break, and then, onto the next one.
April 6, 2019
This novel was the first novel I read from this author and it is a good crime novel, with twists and turns everywhere
August 29, 2014
"Autumn 1897. Rose McQuinn's stubborn refusal to give up her job as "Lady Detective, Discretion Guaranteed", has cost her the love of her ambitious fiancé, Jack Macmerry. And now it seems that she is to lose her elusive deerhound, Thane, as well. His rightful owner is Hubert, a Royal photographer, who lost him while walking on Arthur's Seat three years earlier."
For a woman to have an "occupation" outside the home was not the norm. I worked for and with two women doctors (one a PhD, one a MD) who were born early in the 1900s. They had to give up much for their very notable careers. Imagine what strength it took Rose to commit to her career. How can a "man" of her time tolerate such behavior? To get a glimpse into the time is wonderful. And if there is a mystery involved, more's the better!
As a dog lover, I can well understand Rose feeling worse about the lose of Thane than the loss of Jack. Dogs love unconditionally. Men don't. And Thane is such a grand dog and companion.
"Hubert has a hidden agenda concerning her role as a crime investigator. As the family's tragic history unfolds, dark secrets are revealed...and a series of suspicious deaths."
This is where the book gets really interesting...the mystery. It's as twisty as you want a good mystery to be; with characters you want to follow.
Of course I did not read this in order! Did I feel I lost anything by jumping in with Book 5 in the series? No. Ms. Knight has a good book that stand well alone. That's my favorite kind of author. One who doesn't need to tack a teaser at the end of a book to get you to buy the next edition.
The narration by Hilary Neville is as good as you want!
For a woman to have an "occupation" outside the home was not the norm. I worked for and with two women doctors (one a PhD, one a MD) who were born early in the 1900s. They had to give up much for their very notable careers. Imagine what strength it took Rose to commit to her career. How can a "man" of her time tolerate such behavior? To get a glimpse into the time is wonderful. And if there is a mystery involved, more's the better!
As a dog lover, I can well understand Rose feeling worse about the lose of Thane than the loss of Jack. Dogs love unconditionally. Men don't. And Thane is such a grand dog and companion.
"Hubert has a hidden agenda concerning her role as a crime investigator. As the family's tragic history unfolds, dark secrets are revealed...and a series of suspicious deaths."
This is where the book gets really interesting...the mystery. It's as twisty as you want a good mystery to be; with characters you want to follow.
Of course I did not read this in order! Did I feel I lost anything by jumping in with Book 5 in the series? No. Ms. Knight has a good book that stand well alone. That's my favorite kind of author. One who doesn't need to tack a teaser at the end of a book to get you to buy the next edition.
The narration by Hilary Neville is as good as you want!
August 10, 2013
Rose faces losing both Jack and Thane, unsurprisingly she seems more upset about the dog. Travelling to Northumberland and the Staines mansion with Thane to see a man about a dog. Hubert Staines claims to be Thanes real owner but he's a man with alterior motives.
Rose gets a chance to concentrate on a case without the head patting.
Rose gets a chance to concentrate on a case without the head patting.
July 9, 2013
I read all of this series. Easy to follow. Like able characters. Good setting.
September 30, 2013
Starting to regret not reading this series in order. Once again really enjoyed the insight into life and attitudes in the late 19th century. Will try to organise myself to read the rest in order....
August 9, 2016
Predictable.
September 8, 2012
different read for me by good
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews