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John Pickett Mystery #11
Death Can Be Habit-Forming
Having resigned his position at Bow Street in disgrace (at least in his own mind) and failed in his attempt to establish himself as a private agent, John Pickett toils away at a tedious job as a clerk in the City. When he is approached by a man wishing to hire him to extract a young lady being held against her will at an asylum for opium-eaters, Pickett jumps at the chance to prove himself, and has a very reluctant Julia commit him to the institution as a patient. But nothing at the Larches is exactly as it seems, and while getting in may be easy, getting out may be another matter entirely…
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2021
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78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 30, 2021
Series: John Pickett Mysteries #11
Publication Date: 8/24/21
Period: Regency London
Much to Julia Pickett’s dismay, our handsome, sweet-tempered, honorable, and very, very stubborn John Pickett has gotten himself into quite a pickle this time. Since they married a year ago, John has struggled with the inequity of their marriage. Julia is a Viscountess and John was born in the slums and learned to pick pockets almost before he could walk. Thanks to the foresight of Magistrate Colquhoun, John was steered down the right path and became a principal officer with Bow Street. However, because John mistakenly feels tainted by the actions he had to take in his last case, Brother, Can You Spare a Crime?, he resigned his position with Bow Street. He tried placing ads in the papers for conducting discreet inquiries, but got no results and has since been drudging away as a clerk in an office. So, when Julia bursts through the doors of his employer and tells him someone wants to hire him to conduct an inquiry – John cuts his employment ties and heads out to meet his new client. Perhaps he should have asked a few more questions and maybe he shouldn’t have agreed to take the case and meet those stipulations quite so easily… Oh well – it is too late now.
Mr. Edward Poole wants John to rescue Miss Lydia Bonner, his love interest, from an opium treatment facility, Larches. Lydia’s brother Phillip died at that same facility a little over a month ago. Phillip had been committed, against his will, by his guardians. Now, Lydia is there as well and Edward has been forbidden to see her. Edward is very concerned for Lydia and wants her rescued.
John’s plan is to have himself committed, by Julia, for treatment. While Julia is totally against the idea, she finally acquiesces and signs the commitment papers. Now, all John has to do is find and rescue Lydia Bonner. That all turns out to be easier said than done. Larches is a very strange place, with a strange staff and strange inmates. John got in easily enough, but he may not get out – and if he does, it may not be in one piece.
There were a couple of chapters where I held my breath all the way through. You see, I just love sweet, lovable John and I didn’t want to see him suffer. I was so fearful of what was going to happen to him – and it did – but the author made it bearable by slipping through time and not giving a blow-by-blow description of it. There were also a few things that just didn’t ring true to me, but if I tell you what they are, it will provide spoilers for the story.
I definitely recommend the book and hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. It is well-written, excellently paced, and populated with characters you’ll either love or hate – depending on their role. Then, when we celebrate with John and Julia at the end – well, that is really special. Now, we can all look forward to the next John Pickett adventure.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 8/24/21
Period: Regency London
Much to Julia Pickett’s dismay, our handsome, sweet-tempered, honorable, and very, very stubborn John Pickett has gotten himself into quite a pickle this time. Since they married a year ago, John has struggled with the inequity of their marriage. Julia is a Viscountess and John was born in the slums and learned to pick pockets almost before he could walk. Thanks to the foresight of Magistrate Colquhoun, John was steered down the right path and became a principal officer with Bow Street. However, because John mistakenly feels tainted by the actions he had to take in his last case, Brother, Can You Spare a Crime?, he resigned his position with Bow Street. He tried placing ads in the papers for conducting discreet inquiries, but got no results and has since been drudging away as a clerk in an office. So, when Julia bursts through the doors of his employer and tells him someone wants to hire him to conduct an inquiry – John cuts his employment ties and heads out to meet his new client. Perhaps he should have asked a few more questions and maybe he shouldn’t have agreed to take the case and meet those stipulations quite so easily… Oh well – it is too late now.
Mr. Edward Poole wants John to rescue Miss Lydia Bonner, his love interest, from an opium treatment facility, Larches. Lydia’s brother Phillip died at that same facility a little over a month ago. Phillip had been committed, against his will, by his guardians. Now, Lydia is there as well and Edward has been forbidden to see her. Edward is very concerned for Lydia and wants her rescued.
John’s plan is to have himself committed, by Julia, for treatment. While Julia is totally against the idea, she finally acquiesces and signs the commitment papers. Now, all John has to do is find and rescue Lydia Bonner. That all turns out to be easier said than done. Larches is a very strange place, with a strange staff and strange inmates. John got in easily enough, but he may not get out – and if he does, it may not be in one piece.
There were a couple of chapters where I held my breath all the way through. You see, I just love sweet, lovable John and I didn’t want to see him suffer. I was so fearful of what was going to happen to him – and it did – but the author made it bearable by slipping through time and not giving a blow-by-blow description of it. There were also a few things that just didn’t ring true to me, but if I tell you what they are, it will provide spoilers for the story.
I definitely recommend the book and hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. It is well-written, excellently paced, and populated with characters you’ll either love or hate – depending on their role. Then, when we celebrate with John and Julia at the end – well, that is really special. Now, we can all look forward to the next John Pickett adventure.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 14, 2022
great series
I havev thoroughly enjoyed this series, however, this one left me a bit frustrated. The Picketx both appeared stupid here.
1) when John said he would leave horse chestnuts as a sign he needed help, why would his wife so quickly forget it? She should have immediately each day when not being allowed admittance too see him, checked too see if the horse chestnuts were there. Rather than believe Mrs Danvers. It made no sense for her not too take action before day 14 if she hadn't some with John
2) Picket had relative freedom, how hard would it have been to just leave. After caught in the office, Even though he would be followed around by Mr Danvers, he would have been stronger and could have over powered him and just left.
3) when he found the secret stairs, why didn't her just leave. He had all the evidence her needed. Why confront Mrs Dancers. There was no point. He needed too beer gone, especially knowing their plan was too kill him. Stupid.
4) Picket is not supposed to be stupid, but brilliant, yet pretty much, this story made him out to be stupid and incapable of any sense. When told his wife was dead, just walk away, Mrs Danvers left him alone in the property in London. Just leave. Why meekly believe her, a smart person would have taken the change to leave and check for himself if his wife was dead.
Too many unrealistic moments n this story.
I've noticed a few before, but this was glaring. I hope the next makes Picket out to be a smart investigator, not a bumbling fool.
I havev thoroughly enjoyed this series, however, this one left me a bit frustrated. The Picketx both appeared stupid here.
1) when John said he would leave horse chestnuts as a sign he needed help, why would his wife so quickly forget it? She should have immediately each day when not being allowed admittance too see him, checked too see if the horse chestnuts were there. Rather than believe Mrs Danvers. It made no sense for her not too take action before day 14 if she hadn't some with John
2) Picket had relative freedom, how hard would it have been to just leave. After caught in the office, Even though he would be followed around by Mr Danvers, he would have been stronger and could have over powered him and just left.
3) when he found the secret stairs, why didn't her just leave. He had all the evidence her needed. Why confront Mrs Dancers. There was no point. He needed too beer gone, especially knowing their plan was too kill him. Stupid.
4) Picket is not supposed to be stupid, but brilliant, yet pretty much, this story made him out to be stupid and incapable of any sense. When told his wife was dead, just walk away, Mrs Danvers left him alone in the property in London. Just leave. Why meekly believe her, a smart person would have taken the change to leave and check for himself if his wife was dead.
Too many unrealistic moments n this story.
I've noticed a few before, but this was glaring. I hope the next makes Picket out to be a smart investigator, not a bumbling fool.
March 23, 2022
( Format : Audiobook )
"A rather delicate matter."
At the suggestion of his wife and encouragement of his Magistrate friend, John Pickett had advertised him self as a free lance investigator after resigning from the Bow Street Runners. But the applications for his services were not just slow to follow, they were non existent and John was forced by financial restraints to take an office job which he hated. Until, out of the blue, a gentleman requested that he investigate a house where, for a very large fee, opium addicts could be admitted, to be treated for their
problems, a place where, he said, his friend had recently died and the sister, of whom he was obviously more than slightly fond, was now being restrained with no contact from him allowed. Despite Julia's concerns, Pickett accepts the job.
These Regency stories following the career of the humble John Pickett, rescued from street thievery to marriage into a class way an over his origins is simply delightful a and the investigated crimes, at a time when there was little policing, are fascinating to encounter. Narrator Joel Froomkin has become Pickett over the course of this eleven part series, his slightly stilted performance perfect for the setting. I have listened to, and very much enjoyed, this series (almost) from the beginning and can recommend them to all who enjoy stories set in past times as well as detective story enthusiasts who are less addicted to forensic solutions.
My thanks to the rights holder of Death Can Be Habit Forming, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. A delicious series and I look forward to book 12.
"A rather delicate matter."
At the suggestion of his wife and encouragement of his Magistrate friend, John Pickett had advertised him self as a free lance investigator after resigning from the Bow Street Runners. But the applications for his services were not just slow to follow, they were non existent and John was forced by financial restraints to take an office job which he hated. Until, out of the blue, a gentleman requested that he investigate a house where, for a very large fee, opium addicts could be admitted, to be treated for their
problems, a place where, he said, his friend had recently died and the sister, of whom he was obviously more than slightly fond, was now being restrained with no contact from him allowed. Despite Julia's concerns, Pickett accepts the job.
These Regency stories following the career of the humble John Pickett, rescued from street thievery to marriage into a class way an over his origins is simply delightful a and the investigated crimes, at a time when there was little policing, are fascinating to encounter. Narrator Joel Froomkin has become Pickett over the course of this eleven part series, his slightly stilted performance perfect for the setting. I have listened to, and very much enjoyed, this series (almost) from the beginning and can recommend them to all who enjoy stories set in past times as well as detective story enthusiasts who are less addicted to forensic solutions.
My thanks to the rights holder of Death Can Be Habit Forming, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. A delicious series and I look forward to book 12.
March 23, 2022
Fantastically Sinister Investigation
My goodness this book was hard to put down! Julia is nearing her confinement and John is struggling in a job he hates, and he only took it because of lack of people responding to his advertisements for discrete investigations. His first customer approaches him with a rescue request for a young lady being held against her will at a private asylum for people with an opium addiction. Pickett's plan to infiltrate it by having Julia admit him as a patient is unnerving to her, but trying to be supportive with his first case she allows it, only after all he assures her it would only take him 2 or 3 days...
As with each book in the series this one too can stand alone but they are so much richer when read in order. This is one of my favorite series to binge reread. The characters are very relatable, likeable and the books are so well written with mysteries that keep you guessing, that these books become "Habit-Forming" to the point that my high school age children (boys and a girl) are also addicted to the series.
The narrator does an absolutely wonderful job with the characters voices, accents and the acting is all so seamless. He really makes this a must listen to book.
Parents- PG13- middle grade and up read
Language: none that I remember
Violence: normal to genre - nothing overly graphic
Sexual Content- kissing, married couple references/thoughts to bedroom activities but nothing detailed
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
My goodness this book was hard to put down! Julia is nearing her confinement and John is struggling in a job he hates, and he only took it because of lack of people responding to his advertisements for discrete investigations. His first customer approaches him with a rescue request for a young lady being held against her will at a private asylum for people with an opium addiction. Pickett's plan to infiltrate it by having Julia admit him as a patient is unnerving to her, but trying to be supportive with his first case she allows it, only after all he assures her it would only take him 2 or 3 days...
As with each book in the series this one too can stand alone but they are so much richer when read in order. This is one of my favorite series to binge reread. The characters are very relatable, likeable and the books are so well written with mysteries that keep you guessing, that these books become "Habit-Forming" to the point that my high school age children (boys and a girl) are also addicted to the series.
The narrator does an absolutely wonderful job with the characters voices, accents and the acting is all so seamless. He really makes this a must listen to book.
Parents- PG13- middle grade and up read
Language: none that I remember
Violence: normal to genre - nothing overly graphic
Sexual Content- kissing, married couple references/thoughts to bedroom activities but nothing detailed
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 9, 2025
Please note that the books in this series should be read in order, as they build upon each other. In this story, John Pickett finally gets his chance to be an independent investigator. A Mr. Poole comes to see him and requests that he remove a young woman from a private hospital for opium-eaters. John has taken a job as a clerk in London and quickly abandons that job to take this one. After investigating the location, he decides to get Julia to commit him for excessive opium usage. This is a stunning story, in many ways. I got so upset while he was being abused that I could only give the story four stars.
A long-running series can become tedious if things aren't shaken up or new elements aren't introduced. The author certainly shook things up -- in a good way.
John Pickett -- Total of 12
0.5. Pickpocket's Apprentice (2015)
1. In Milady's Chamber (2006)
2. A Dead Bore (2008)
3. Family Plot (2014)
4. Dinner Most Deadly (2015)
4.5. Waiting Game (2016)
5. Too Hot to Handel (2016)
6. For Deader or Worse (2017)
7. Mystery Loves Company (2018) --
8. Peril by Post (2018)
9. Into Thin Eire (2019)
10. Brother, Can You Spare a Crime? (2020)
** 11. Death Can Be Habit-Forming (2021)
A long-running series can become tedious if things aren't shaken up or new elements aren't introduced. The author certainly shook things up -- in a good way.
John Pickett -- Total of 12
0.5. Pickpocket's Apprentice (2015)
1. In Milady's Chamber (2006)
2. A Dead Bore (2008)
3. Family Plot (2014)
4. Dinner Most Deadly (2015)
4.5. Waiting Game (2016)
5. Too Hot to Handel (2016)
6. For Deader or Worse (2017)
7. Mystery Loves Company (2018) --
8. Peril by Post (2018)
9. Into Thin Eire (2019)
10. Brother, Can You Spare a Crime? (2020)
** 11. Death Can Be Habit-Forming (2021)
September 20, 2021
It was wonderful to once again read about John and Julia, plus Kit and Baby Pickett. It started slow but picked up as the story unfolded. It was a difficult story to tell and Ms South took it on with her usual aplomb.
Heroin addiction had been the third player in Too Hot To Handel. In this story it was nearly the lead player. In truth I did not know whom to feel sorrier for, John or Julia. At some points it is dificult to read, and almost brought me to tears.
The mystery was good, and John, even in his condition, worked through it. For once the bad guys got their just desserts, with a little help from Mr. Colquhoun. And the epilogue made for a HEA. I love epilogues.
Recommended
Heroin addiction had been the third player in Too Hot To Handel. In this story it was nearly the lead player. In truth I did not know whom to feel sorrier for, John or Julia. At some points it is dificult to read, and almost brought me to tears.
The mystery was good, and John, even in his condition, worked through it. For once the bad guys got their just desserts, with a little help from Mr. Colquhoun. And the epilogue made for a HEA. I love epilogues.
Recommended
April 6, 2022
Opium den or private asylum treatment for addiction?
At the beginning, John is somewhat despondent because he has no new assignments since leaving the Bow Street Runners. Despite his pregnant wife's fears, he takes on a case involving a young woman whose brother has been scammed into believing that a rather unsavory asylum can help her. Instead, John is lead to and sent to the depths of despair, including becoming to opium himself! The portrait of situational depression and opioid addiction as all too realistically presented.
Joel Froomkin continues to be the voice actor extraordinaire who is character interpreter and the very essence of John Pickett.
I won this audio in a giveaway!
At the beginning, John is somewhat despondent because he has no new assignments since leaving the Bow Street Runners. Despite his pregnant wife's fears, he takes on a case involving a young woman whose brother has been scammed into believing that a rather unsavory asylum can help her. Instead, John is lead to and sent to the depths of despair, including becoming to opium himself! The portrait of situational depression and opioid addiction as all too realistically presented.
Joel Froomkin continues to be the voice actor extraordinaire who is character interpreter and the very essence of John Pickett.
I won this audio in a giveaway!
July 14, 2025
disappointed
I purchased the bundle pack of books 1-5. I found it difficult to get through book one and was going to abandon the series. I believe it wasn’t until book two or three I started to enjoy this series. So I purchased the bundle 6-10, which I enjoyed. Some more than others. Book 11 was not enjoyable at all. I actually found myself becoming angry because I thought John Pickett was such a fool throughout this whole book. And was so disappointed in how utterly ignorant he seemed to be in this particular book. To me he appeared so incompetent in this investigation it actually made mad and frustrated! It actually stressed me out with his lack of common sense.
I purchased the bundle pack of books 1-5. I found it difficult to get through book one and was going to abandon the series. I believe it wasn’t until book two or three I started to enjoy this series. So I purchased the bundle 6-10, which I enjoyed. Some more than others. Book 11 was not enjoyable at all. I actually found myself becoming angry because I thought John Pickett was such a fool throughout this whole book. And was so disappointed in how utterly ignorant he seemed to be in this particular book. To me he appeared so incompetent in this investigation it actually made mad and frustrated! It actually stressed me out with his lack of common sense.
August 26, 2021
Another great adventure
I just love John Pickett. Julia is one lucky lady indeed. John finally gets to become a private investigator and he gets Julia to put him in an asylum so he can help a lady that is being held against her will. What an adventure John went on in this book. Lots of suspense and bits of humor. Plus Kit his half brother is enjoying his life it seems like. I know I'm gonna love kit a lot too. Can't wait till they have their baby. Hope the next book comes out soon. I highly recommend all of these books.
I just love John Pickett. Julia is one lucky lady indeed. John finally gets to become a private investigator and he gets Julia to put him in an asylum so he can help a lady that is being held against her will. What an adventure John went on in this book. Lots of suspense and bits of humor. Plus Kit his half brother is enjoying his life it seems like. I know I'm gonna love kit a lot too. Can't wait till they have their baby. Hope the next book comes out soon. I highly recommend all of these books.
March 22, 2022
I am always amazed by how much I fall in love with the adventures of John Pickett. This book starts out with Julia still pregnant with their first child and John still working for the accounting firm. Oh, and his half-brother has come to live with them. John soon finds himself no longer employed by the accounting firm and off he goes on another adventure. This one deals with the dreaded Poppy Opium. I so enjoyed this audiobook that Joel Froomkin reads. Joel has become the voice of John Pickett for me. I want to thank the author of the ARC but this review is all my own opinion.
December 18, 2022
I have enjoyed all of the John Pickett books, but this wasn’t my favorite. It may be in part because of the audio (usually I read them) that I wasn’t crazy about, but I also think it was more than that. The plot was a little weak, and I think I’d figured out the plot/whodunnit by the first few chapters. That hasn’t been as typical of my experiences with these books. I also like the stories better when John and Julia are more together. Still…I’m definitely reading them all! I love the adventures of these two.
March 24, 2023
In which every one acts stupid
I usually enjoy these books, even if the are a bit predictable and I rather like the characters. But in this book John Pickett makes the most idiotic decisions time and again. Fails to take the most basic precautions and as If that is not enough it appears to be contagious as his wife ad magistrate seem to go from loving devotion to basically forgetting him down a well for more than a week. This book lowers the whole series.
I usually enjoy these books, even if the are a bit predictable and I rather like the characters. But in this book John Pickett makes the most idiotic decisions time and again. Fails to take the most basic precautions and as If that is not enough it appears to be contagious as his wife ad magistrate seem to go from loving devotion to basically forgetting him down a well for more than a week. This book lowers the whole series.
August 31, 2021
Just didn’t do it for me
After the excitement of the last two books I was really let down here. The plot is really cliche, especially if you grew up watching 1970s tv as I did. The story just didn’t come together. I want to see John Pickett in the right, on top of things, being the hero. Not this.
After the excitement of the last two books I was really let down here. The plot is really cliche, especially if you grew up watching 1970s tv as I did. The story just didn’t come together. I want to see John Pickett in the right, on top of things, being the hero. Not this.
September 18, 2021
Another good addition to the series.
The Pickett's doings are nicely updated...yup, she's expecting. An attractive character addition lends a bit of dimension, and the bad guys are suitably evil. An interesting little mystery, but unraveling mysteries is not really the point of these stories, only as they serve to advance Julia and John's evolution as a couple.
The Pickett's doings are nicely updated...yup, she's expecting. An attractive character addition lends a bit of dimension, and the bad guys are suitably evil. An interesting little mystery, but unraveling mysteries is not really the point of these stories, only as they serve to advance Julia and John's evolution as a couple.
May 1, 2022
Read straight through from the 1st to the 11th
I genuinely liked the characters in this series. The mixture of humor, angst and good guy overcomes evil made these books hard to put down. Before this series, I haven't been able to find any books that have held my attention. Can't wait for the next one.
I genuinely liked the characters in this series. The mixture of humor, angst and good guy overcomes evil made these books hard to put down. Before this series, I haven't been able to find any books that have held my attention. Can't wait for the next one.
March 18, 2023
Wow! More than a good book
This was a nail biter of a book. It was like being on a roller coaster of a literary ride. John Pickett is smart and wily so I was very worried about his vulnerability in this book. Made for a great mystery novel, but played havoc with my nails . . .and I'm not a nail biter! More than highly recommended!
This was a nail biter of a book. It was like being on a roller coaster of a literary ride. John Pickett is smart and wily so I was very worried about his vulnerability in this book. Made for a great mystery novel, but played havoc with my nails . . .and I'm not a nail biter! More than highly recommended!
August 30, 2021
Enjoyed
I always enjoy being reunited with John, Julia, young Kit and the Magistrate! I enjoyed the mystery as well. I am ecstatic that John now has new opportunities. I look forward to the next book.
I always enjoy being reunited with John, Julia, young Kit and the Magistrate! I enjoyed the mystery as well. I am ecstatic that John now has new opportunities. I look forward to the next book.
November 9, 2022
This latest John Pickett mystery was quite absorbing and held my attention quite well. I was able to see much of the plot as it rolled along but some of the unexpected twists were difficult to see coming. This is an entertaining mystery series.
May 3, 2025
This is a good story
John Pickett has another assignment - which needed a skilled and effective investigator. John enters into the assignment, and experiences more than he had planned for.
John Pickett has another assignment - which needed a skilled and effective investigator. John enters into the assignment, and experiences more than he had planned for.
June 14, 2022
Enjoyable, but not a good one to help you relax before going to sleep. Too much suspense!
Read
November 7, 2022Audiobook
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