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Agatha Aston #1
Black-Eyed Nick
Black-eyed Nick
played a trick
and poor old Fred
lost his head.
It’s 1876 and a dead body is found near the mansion of Lady Agatha Aston in Grosvenor Square, London.
The newly formed Detective Branch at Scotland Yard is baffled by the series of grisly murders that seem to come straight from the pages of a ‘penny dreadful’. Who is the demon stalking the streets of London?
Lady Agatha takes matters in hand, ably supported by golf fanatic friend, Betty Stevens, former school hockey captain, ‘Sausage’ Gossage and Talleyrand, her unlucky-in-love Basset hound.
played a trick
and poor old Fred
lost his head.
It’s 1876 and a dead body is found near the mansion of Lady Agatha Aston in Grosvenor Square, London.
The newly formed Detective Branch at Scotland Yard is baffled by the series of grisly murders that seem to come straight from the pages of a ‘penny dreadful’. Who is the demon stalking the streets of London?
Lady Agatha takes matters in hand, ably supported by golf fanatic friend, Betty Stevens, former school hockey captain, ‘Sausage’ Gossage and Talleyrand, her unlucky-in-love Basset hound.
Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2020
251 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Jack Murray
47 books32 followersBorn in Northern Ireland, Jack is an artist and writer.
His paintings are now in collections as far apart as the US, Australia and Europe (including Britain and Ireland).
There are now seven Kit Aston novels and also two shorter novellas: The French Diplomat Affair and Haymakers Last Fight. A new Kit Aston is in the pipeline, set in a theatre and will e out before summer 2023.
Jack has signed with Lume Books. They have published a new series to coincide with 80th anniversary of battle of El Alamein. The story looks at the battle for North Africa from the perspectives of an English boy and a German boy who are destined to confront and try to kill one another at El Alamein.
A popular character from the Kit Aston mysteries now has her own series. Set in the Victorian era, the new series features Aunt Agatha when she was a young woman.
A third detective series features the grandson of CI Jellicoe. This series is set in the 1950's. There are three titles with a fourth due in January.
Jack lives near London with his beautiful Italian wife and two children.
His paintings are now in collections as far apart as the US, Australia and Europe (including Britain and Ireland).
There are now seven Kit Aston novels and also two shorter novellas: The French Diplomat Affair and Haymakers Last Fight. A new Kit Aston is in the pipeline, set in a theatre and will e out before summer 2023.
Jack has signed with Lume Books. They have published a new series to coincide with 80th anniversary of battle of El Alamein. The story looks at the battle for North Africa from the perspectives of an English boy and a German boy who are destined to confront and try to kill one another at El Alamein.
A popular character from the Kit Aston mysteries now has her own series. Set in the Victorian era, the new series features Aunt Agatha when she was a young woman.
A third detective series features the grandson of CI Jellicoe. This series is set in the 1950's. There are three titles with a fourth due in January.
Jack lives near London with his beautiful Italian wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 29, 2023
Дамите – детективи в началото на 20-и век имат горе-долу общи проблеми – никой не ги взема насериозно, смята се за крайно неженствено да вършат каквото и да е, което не включва пиене на кофи чай в изящни сервизи от костен порценал в разкошни дневни, и общо взето цари мнението, че женският мозък освен за клюки и отглеждане на деца, за друго не може да свърши особено работа. Но тък идва лейди Агата Астън, благородна девица от богат тип, с такова изобилие на сиви клетчици, че и мосю Поаро би и свалил почтително шапка. Тя е много обичана от създателя си героиня, на която нещата ѝ се получават без твърде много цапане на фустите по лондонските улици, с помощта на логиката и бързата мисъл, както и навързването на факти, които на пръв поглед нямат много общо.
Лейди Агата е женствената еманация на субжанра на ноарната литература – детектив във фотьойл, чиито книжни представители са спокойни, интелигентни и хитроумни алтернативи на кримки, където не е важно колко бързо можеш да тичаш след ужасния убиец, а да се сетиш къде ще спре гадта, че да я хванеш на място. Може би защото е писана от мъж, тази лейди е доста по-спокойна, замислена и балансирана от своите посестрими, създадени от впечатлителни жени авторки. Има опасност даже да ви стори малко твърде обрана, студена и дистанцирана, но да се чете за интелигентен балансиран женски характер, повярвайте ми, е изключително приятно разнообразие.
Но това не значи, че не ви очакват напрегнати, ужасни и леко мистериозно – свръхестествени моменти, защото книгите на Джак Мъри винаги някак се отъркват у невъзможното. Вещици, митични герои, чудовища и призраци почти биват разкрити като истински зли хора, но винаги остава един лек послевкус, че може би нещо не е било обяснено напълно, и се е изплъзнало от полезрението като обсебващ демон или нещо неназовимо от отвъд. Оловна логика и лек аромат на мистицизъм обгръщат лейди Агата и правят от нея неортодоксален, но изключително любим представител на дамите детективи, която дори и обръгналите на всякаква смъртожадност читатели ще оценят високо. Да живее разнообразието!
Лейди Агата е женствената еманация на субжанра на ноарната литература – детектив във фотьойл, чиито книжни представители са спокойни, интелигентни и хитроумни алтернативи на кримки, където не е важно колко бързо можеш да тичаш след ужасния убиец, а да се сетиш къде ще спре гадта, че да я хванеш на място. Може би защото е писана от мъж, тази лейди е доста по-спокойна, замислена и балансирана от своите посестрими, създадени от впечатлителни жени авторки. Има опасност даже да ви стори малко твърде обрана, студена и дистанцирана, но да се чете за интелигентен балансиран женски характер, повярвайте ми, е изключително приятно разнообразие.
Но това не значи, че не ви очакват напрегнати, ужасни и леко мистериозно – свръхестествени моменти, защото книгите на Джак Мъри винаги някак се отъркват у невъзможното. Вещици, митични герои, чудовища и призраци почти биват разкрити като истински зли хора, но винаги остава един лек послевкус, че може би нещо не е било обяснено напълно, и се е изплъзнало от полезрението като обсебващ демон или нещо неназовимо от отвъд. Оловна логика и лек аромат на мистицизъм обгръщат лейди Агата и правят от нея неортодоксален, но изключително любим представител на дамите детективи, която дори и обръгналите на всякаква смъртожадност читатели ще оценят високо. Да живее разнообразието!
July 2, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening. ✨😎👒🎉
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 4
Agatha Aston and friends get involved in a case of a serial killer. Agatha keeps uncovering clues leading to the conclusion.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of British mystery novels. 2024
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 4
Agatha Aston and friends get involved in a case of a serial killer. Agatha keeps uncovering clues leading to the conclusion.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of British mystery novels. 2024
February 22, 2021
I was hoping this would be fun but unfortunately it was not very good. There was a glaring mistake in the plot near the beginning that was very annoying. Also the grammar was poor at times, maybe just not well edited. I will not be reading any of the further or previous books.
January 29, 2023
I took out this book for one reason. A Basset Hound was supposed to be featured in it. There is a basset named Talleyrand who is rather a lothario, but he is not in it much, except for his owners to assert one day he will have a lady love. The main stars are three females with wealth who see themselves as sleuths.
The major character is Lady Agatha who frankly is portrayed as another Sherlock Holmes. She is the one who takes on Scotland Yard, and puts them to shame. I am of two minds about her: I applaud her strong character as a step forward for women during this time of Victorian ideas, but she is so annoying in her superior attitudes. The other two females, Betty and 'Sausage' kowtow to her. There's another thing--Sausage is an appalling nickname for the woman named Jocelyn. I cringed everytime I read it.
This could have been a great start to a series, but the overkill on Agatha ruined much of my enjoyment, and Talleyrand needed to be in more just to leaven the heaviness and adulation of the portrayals.
The major character is Lady Agatha who frankly is portrayed as another Sherlock Holmes. She is the one who takes on Scotland Yard, and puts them to shame. I am of two minds about her: I applaud her strong character as a step forward for women during this time of Victorian ideas, but she is so annoying in her superior attitudes. The other two females, Betty and 'Sausage' kowtow to her. There's another thing--Sausage is an appalling nickname for the woman named Jocelyn. I cringed everytime I read it.
This could have been a great start to a series, but the overkill on Agatha ruined much of my enjoyment, and Talleyrand needed to be in more just to leaven the heaviness and adulation of the portrayals.
December 20, 2021
Jack Murray, the author, is a gifted storyteller (in my opinion). He’s got a cheeky, sarcastic sense of humor that is not for everyone, but I happen to love it!
Our Protagonist in this story is Lady Agatha Aston. She will eventually become the widowed Aunt to Lord Christopher’Kit’ Aston, who has his own series of Amateur Detective stories.
One of the things that I really enjoy about the stories that Mr Murray writes is his ability to include real historical figures within the story. (Then, at the back of the book/story, the Characters who were once living have brief biographies)
Lady Agatha is, unfortunately, a woman who is way ahead of her time. By the law of the land, Lady Agatha cannot vote, and choice of professions would have been extremely limited.
Mr Murray is an exceptionally talented writer, and if you like historical fiction with a few mysteries thrown in, you just might get a kick out his books.
Our Protagonist in this story is Lady Agatha Aston. She will eventually become the widowed Aunt to Lord Christopher’Kit’ Aston, who has his own series of Amateur Detective stories.
One of the things that I really enjoy about the stories that Mr Murray writes is his ability to include real historical figures within the story. (Then, at the back of the book/story, the Characters who were once living have brief biographies)
Lady Agatha is, unfortunately, a woman who is way ahead of her time. By the law of the land, Lady Agatha cannot vote, and choice of professions would have been extremely limited.
Mr Murray is an exceptionally talented writer, and if you like historical fiction with a few mysteries thrown in, you just might get a kick out his books.
November 11, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the Kit Aston series. Among my favorite characters in it was Lady Agatha so I was delighted when I found out she would be having her own dedicating series. The first volume in the series is a triumph. The characters were strongman well developed, and fun. The story was a well constructed mystery. Like in the Aston series, historical figures were woven into the story and not gratuitously. They were central to the plot. I highly recommend the book and look forward to reading the second and all future volumes. Mr. Murray knows how to spin an interesting and spell binding tale
December 30, 2022
complex and well written
Colorful characters with differing strengths. Three wealthy young women trying to make their way in a society that didn’t recognize that females did have minds who could think beyond household pursuits. The detectives, one old , one very young. Neither can put together the clues to solve the very complex case. Unrelated victims dying in a bizarre manor. Enjoyed reading how Agatha unraveling the clues.
Colorful characters with differing strengths. Three wealthy young women trying to make their way in a society that didn’t recognize that females did have minds who could think beyond household pursuits. The detectives, one old , one very young. Neither can put together the clues to solve the very complex case. Unrelated victims dying in a bizarre manor. Enjoyed reading how Agatha unraveling the clues.
September 25, 2021
Awful……just awful……cannot get into this authors work AT ALL! Have tried many of the Kit Aston books which were like walking through glue. Didn’t finish the series as died of boredom…..
This is about Agatha Aston…… so bored that I can’t even get through the first couple of chapters.
Bored me into exhaustion so I’m going for a nap! Zzzzz
This is about Agatha Aston…… so bored that I can’t even get through the first couple of chapters.
Bored me into exhaustion so I’m going for a nap! Zzzzz
May 21, 2022
Agatha is a winner, read this book
Great character development, nice plot twists, intelligent women and men, all wrapped up in dark Victorian mystery. I hope Murray writes many more Agatha Aston books. If you like Miss Scarlet and The Duke, or Sherlock Holmes, you will like this book. Highly recommended.
Great character development, nice plot twists, intelligent women and men, all wrapped up in dark Victorian mystery. I hope Murray writes many more Agatha Aston books. If you like Miss Scarlet and The Duke, or Sherlock Holmes, you will like this book. Highly recommended.
September 8, 2024
I loved this book
Agatha , Betty and Sausage are a formidable team. And Wicher and Simpson add just enough steam.The crimes are the icing on the cake. It's the perfect crime book. I loved that it was set in the 1800's. I want to spend more time with these people. I loved this book. I didn't want to put it down. I want more please.
Agatha , Betty and Sausage are a formidable team. And Wicher and Simpson add just enough steam.The crimes are the icing on the cake. It's the perfect crime book. I loved that it was set in the 1800's. I want to spend more time with these people. I loved this book. I didn't want to put it down. I want more please.
November 28, 2024
Agatha Is Too Too
Everyone in the book keeps extolling Agatha’s brilliance, and it seems over the top, particularly when she isn’t altogether brilliant in this book. They talk about it more than show it. I am not quite sure I like her very much, either, although that may be because of all the internal hype.
Everyone in the book keeps extolling Agatha’s brilliance, and it seems over the top, particularly when she isn’t altogether brilliant in this book. They talk about it more than show it. I am not quite sure I like her very much, either, although that may be because of all the internal hype.
November 12, 2021
A new series and an astute protagonist
This was a surprising book. The characters are well developed and believable. It kept me guessing almost to the end. Looking forward to the next book.
This was a surprising book. The characters are well developed and believable. It kept me guessing almost to the end. Looking forward to the next book.
November 13, 2021
Don't Mess With British Women
Good book. Love the Agatha and Betty characters from the Kit Aston series. This was quite the mystery. I really didn't see the ending coming as it did. Looking forward to the next book.
Good book. Love the Agatha and Betty characters from the Kit Aston series. This was quite the mystery. I really didn't see the ending coming as it did. Looking forward to the next book.
December 27, 2021
Intensely Satisfying
Clever, very clever! The plot thick enough to keep me guessing. The characters varied and each absorbing in their contribution to the story, whether comic, tragic, likable, lovable or annoying or despicable. Next in series already in my Kindle 😉
Clever, very clever! The plot thick enough to keep me guessing. The characters varied and each absorbing in their contribution to the story, whether comic, tragic, likable, lovable or annoying or despicable. Next in series already in my Kindle 😉
November 27, 2022
Very enjoyable
This is the first book I've read from Jack Murray I will look forward to reading the next book in this series. It was interesting that many of the characters were real people, I spent some time looking them up I enjoy books with real people included.
This is the first book I've read from Jack Murray I will look forward to reading the next book in this series. It was interesting that many of the characters were real people, I spent some time looking them up I enjoy books with real people included.
February 12, 2024
Wonderful
This book was brilliant,I really enjoyed it, the characters are really well written, the plot was really goodv,I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
This book was brilliant,I really enjoyed it, the characters are really well written, the plot was really goodv,I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
November 14, 2025
A star is born
I have read all the Agatha Aston books but in the wrong order. Does it matter. Not a bit.
Love her character and her associates - plots are
good too. The world needs more AA books.
I have read all the Agatha Aston books but in the wrong order. Does it matter. Not a bit.
Love her character and her associates - plots are
good too. The world needs more AA books.
September 25, 2021
Quite good... but in the other stores by this author the first book was also best so let's see what happens...
September 28, 2021
easy reading
Having read the six books in the Kit Carson and enjoyed them very much am delighted to Agatha Aston lived up to my expectations.
Having read the six books in the Kit Carson and enjoyed them very much am delighted to Agatha Aston lived up to my expectations.
October 22, 2021
[audio book] narrator - 3.5-4 stars
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December 8, 2021
Well written, and humorous characters. Looking forward to the next in this series.
November 7, 2022
I like this author
I'm very happy to have found this series written by a clever author whose books I always enjoy. I'm going to read the next book in this series.
I'm very happy to have found this series written by a clever author whose books I always enjoy. I'm going to read the next book in this series.
February 1, 2023
Lady Agatha & friends
Good strong characters & plot. Had me guessing the ending. I liked the idea of using real people in the book as well.
Good strong characters & plot. Had me guessing the ending. I liked the idea of using real people in the book as well.
February 23, 2023
Good read
Black-Eyed Nick is good mystery that will keep you turning pages. The plot line fits the period, with interesting characters, and a female lead most intriguing.
Black-Eyed Nick is good mystery that will keep you turning pages. The plot line fits the period, with interesting characters, and a female lead most intriguing.
December 12, 2023
I read and enjoy cozy mysteries and similar genres. This one was a miss for me. Did not care for the writing style and had a difficult time getting into the story.
June 20, 2024
I read it to the end, Its a,"who done it", which is a style I don't enjoy, to be honest I didn't care who did it.
December 20, 2024
Slow in the beggining but picks up after a third of the book!
November 17, 2023
It was a good read. Interesting characters with love, or is it murder in the air?
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews