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York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries #1
Smoke & Cracked Mirrors
York, England: 1940
‘An unsuitable job for a woman…’
When her husband goes ‘missing in action’, Jemma James returns to the city of her birth to set up a private detective agency with her best friend, Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Baker, with whom she shares a passionate love of Golden Age crime fiction.
These two enterprising young women soon find themselves embroiled in a series of mysterious cases, shadowing blackmailers and bigamists, and investigating the perplexing history of a wealthy young woman who seems determined to wipe out her past. And it’s not long before they stumble across an unsolved murder.
But the dead don’t stay dead for long in historic York.
As the ‘phoney war’ draws to a close, and the sky above the soaring twin towers of the twelfth century Minster darkens with menace, Jemma learns that even she is not above suspicion in wartime Britain.
‘An unsuitable job for a woman…’
When her husband goes ‘missing in action’, Jemma James returns to the city of her birth to set up a private detective agency with her best friend, Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Baker, with whom she shares a passionate love of Golden Age crime fiction.
These two enterprising young women soon find themselves embroiled in a series of mysterious cases, shadowing blackmailers and bigamists, and investigating the perplexing history of a wealthy young woman who seems determined to wipe out her past. And it’s not long before they stumble across an unsolved murder.
But the dead don’t stay dead for long in historic York.
As the ‘phoney war’ draws to a close, and the sky above the soaring twin towers of the twelfth century Minster darkens with menace, Jemma learns that even she is not above suspicion in wartime Britain.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2022
393 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Karen Charlton
27 books470 followersKaren Charlton is an international best-selling author of historical crime fiction.
Her Detective Lavender Mysteries are based on the fictional adventures of Stephen Lavender, a real-life detective with the Bow Street Police Office in London.
Her brand new series, The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries, feature a couple of enterprising young women, Jemma and Bobbie, who launch a private inquiry agency in York during WW2.
Her standalone, debut novel Catching the Eagle is the true story of her notorious ancestor, Jamie Charlton, who was convicted of Northumberland's biggest robbery.
Find out more about Karen's work at http://www.karencharlton.com
Her Detective Lavender Mysteries are based on the fictional adventures of Stephen Lavender, a real-life detective with the Bow Street Police Office in London.
Her brand new series, The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries, feature a couple of enterprising young women, Jemma and Bobbie, who launch a private inquiry agency in York during WW2.
Her standalone, debut novel Catching the Eagle is the true story of her notorious ancestor, Jamie Charlton, who was convicted of Northumberland's biggest robbery.
Find out more about Karen's work at http://www.karencharlton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 17, 2023
**Should read as 4.5 Stars!**
This very exciting WWII detective adventure is the 1st part of a new series called "The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries", featuring Mrs Jemima "Jemma" James and Miss Roberta "Bobbie" Baker.
First of all I would like to mention that at the back of the book you'll find very useful information and historical details about persons and places in WWII within the Author's Note, and there's a Bibliography.
Storytelling is of an excellent quality, the characters are believable and lifelike, and the atmosphere and surroundings in York and other places in Yorkshire during this period of war are very vividly described and pictured.
The book starts off in March, 1940, in York, where Jemma James, after her husband, Michael, has gone "missing in action" and thus believing him dead, has come back to, and she's now hoping to find some company and security with her brother, Gabriel, who's a police officer in York and with her best friend, as long as from her schooldays, the cheerful Bobbie Baker.
Jemma decides to set up her own detective agency called, "Smoke & Cracked Mirrors", to give her life more spice and adventure, and soon enough her friend Bobbie will join her in this detective enterprise, that will turn into a lucrative but also competitive business.
Several cases that will come their way are small and with determination easy to solve, but especially the case of Helen Urwin/Gladys Mellor will bring them the necessary action and excitement.
What is to follow is an exciting and very enjoyable book, where several cases will be solves by our inquisitive and resourceful clever young ladies, and all this is brought to us by the author in her own knowledgeable and remarkable literary fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is a wonderful begin of a new series from an author who deserves much more recognition, and to come back to this first enterprising episode, I would like to call it: "A Very Promising York Ladies' Detective Start"!
This very exciting WWII detective adventure is the 1st part of a new series called "The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries", featuring Mrs Jemima "Jemma" James and Miss Roberta "Bobbie" Baker.
First of all I would like to mention that at the back of the book you'll find very useful information and historical details about persons and places in WWII within the Author's Note, and there's a Bibliography.
Storytelling is of an excellent quality, the characters are believable and lifelike, and the atmosphere and surroundings in York and other places in Yorkshire during this period of war are very vividly described and pictured.
The book starts off in March, 1940, in York, where Jemma James, after her husband, Michael, has gone "missing in action" and thus believing him dead, has come back to, and she's now hoping to find some company and security with her brother, Gabriel, who's a police officer in York and with her best friend, as long as from her schooldays, the cheerful Bobbie Baker.
Jemma decides to set up her own detective agency called, "Smoke & Cracked Mirrors", to give her life more spice and adventure, and soon enough her friend Bobbie will join her in this detective enterprise, that will turn into a lucrative but also competitive business.
Several cases that will come their way are small and with determination easy to solve, but especially the case of Helen Urwin/Gladys Mellor will bring them the necessary action and excitement.
What is to follow is an exciting and very enjoyable book, where several cases will be solves by our inquisitive and resourceful clever young ladies, and all this is brought to us by the author in her own knowledgeable and remarkable literary fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is a wonderful begin of a new series from an author who deserves much more recognition, and to come back to this first enterprising episode, I would like to call it: "A Very Promising York Ladies' Detective Start"!
December 26, 2022
Cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a first in a series this much.
September 11, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: York Ladies’ Detective Agency Mysteries #1
Publication Date: 4/15/22
Period: WWII (1940) York, England
Number of Pages: 364
As a fan of this author’s Detective Lavender mysteries, I was itching to give her latest mystery series a try. Goodness, I’m glad I did. First, I read the short story that is the prequel to the series – The Mystery of Mad Alice Lane. There we are introduced to the protagonists and the seed is planted that they might open their own detective agency someday. Then, I came to this excellently written, richly descriptive story with multiple mysteries and the introduction of some intriguing supporting characters. Just as an aside, this author always has the best author’s notes, etc. at the back of the book – they are broad and very informative. Frankly, I usually read the notes first because it enhances my enjoyment of the story as I move through it. However, it might give you some hints about the story, so if you don’t want that, wait to read the notes – but do read them.
Jemima (Jemma) James (nee Roxby) and Roberta (Bobby) Baker have been the best of friends for most of their lives. Though Jemma married and moved away, she has now returned to York because her husband (Michael) is missing and presumed dead. Jemma was at loose ends because she couldn’t keep their repair shop up and running without Michael. Living with her brother, Inspector Gabriel Roxby of York City Police, will have to suffice until she can plot her path forward.
Bobby Baker works as a store detective at Grainger’s Department Store. It pays little, but at least it helps keep food on the table for herself and her parents. She’d leave it in a minute if something better came along. Lucky for her, it does. It comes along in the shape of two shoplifters at Grainger’s store and her friend Jemma who helps her apprehend them. What is a more logical next step than for Jemma and Bobby to start up their own agency?
Their fledgling agency’s first cases run the gamut from sleazy cheating husbands to industrial espionage, to blackmail, stolen identities, and even spies. As they move through the cases, they enlist the aid of several characters who may or may not become recurring. I liked all of them and will be happy to see them continue, but if they need to go their own way, I’m okay with that as well.
Each of the cases is excellently plotted and all of the loose ends are neatly sewn up before the end of the book. However, there is an event that puts a twist in Jemma’s knickers and I’m assuming that twist will be recurring throughout at least several more books. It will be interesting to see what happens with it in the second book – Dancing With Dusty Fossils – which releases in November of 2022.
I hope you will give this fun, exciting mystery a read and that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Jemma and Bobby are great characters who embody the resilience and fortitude of England during that stressful time of nightly bombings and war. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and cannot wait to see where they go from here.
Series: York Ladies’ Detective Agency Mysteries #1
Publication Date: 4/15/22
Period: WWII (1940) York, England
Number of Pages: 364
As a fan of this author’s Detective Lavender mysteries, I was itching to give her latest mystery series a try. Goodness, I’m glad I did. First, I read the short story that is the prequel to the series – The Mystery of Mad Alice Lane. There we are introduced to the protagonists and the seed is planted that they might open their own detective agency someday. Then, I came to this excellently written, richly descriptive story with multiple mysteries and the introduction of some intriguing supporting characters. Just as an aside, this author always has the best author’s notes, etc. at the back of the book – they are broad and very informative. Frankly, I usually read the notes first because it enhances my enjoyment of the story as I move through it. However, it might give you some hints about the story, so if you don’t want that, wait to read the notes – but do read them.
Jemima (Jemma) James (nee Roxby) and Roberta (Bobby) Baker have been the best of friends for most of their lives. Though Jemma married and moved away, she has now returned to York because her husband (Michael) is missing and presumed dead. Jemma was at loose ends because she couldn’t keep their repair shop up and running without Michael. Living with her brother, Inspector Gabriel Roxby of York City Police, will have to suffice until she can plot her path forward.
Bobby Baker works as a store detective at Grainger’s Department Store. It pays little, but at least it helps keep food on the table for herself and her parents. She’d leave it in a minute if something better came along. Lucky for her, it does. It comes along in the shape of two shoplifters at Grainger’s store and her friend Jemma who helps her apprehend them. What is a more logical next step than for Jemma and Bobby to start up their own agency?
Their fledgling agency’s first cases run the gamut from sleazy cheating husbands to industrial espionage, to blackmail, stolen identities, and even spies. As they move through the cases, they enlist the aid of several characters who may or may not become recurring. I liked all of them and will be happy to see them continue, but if they need to go their own way, I’m okay with that as well.
Each of the cases is excellently plotted and all of the loose ends are neatly sewn up before the end of the book. However, there is an event that puts a twist in Jemma’s knickers and I’m assuming that twist will be recurring throughout at least several more books. It will be interesting to see what happens with it in the second book – Dancing With Dusty Fossils – which releases in November of 2022.
I hope you will give this fun, exciting mystery a read and that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Jemma and Bobby are great characters who embody the resilience and fortitude of England during that stressful time of nightly bombings and war. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and cannot wait to see where they go from here.
November 6, 2025
An excellent beginning!
I enjoyed this story from beginning to its ending. The main characters are two very intelligent, interesting, and enterprising women. The plot is well thought out and easily followed. There is even a twist to the ending. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to its ending. The main characters are two very intelligent, interesting, and enterprising women. The plot is well thought out and easily followed. There is even a twist to the ending. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
May 13, 2023
Smoke & Cracked Mirrors is book one in the York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries series by Karen Charlton. In 1940 in York, England, two young ladies, Jemma James and Roberta "Bobbie" Baker, started a Detective Agency. The agency begins slowly. However, during an investigation, they came across an unsolved murder. Is this murder part of their latest case or not? The readers of Smoke & Cracked Mirrors will continue to follow Jemma James and Bobbie Baker to discover what happens.
I enjoy other series by Karen Charlton, and Smoke & Cracked Mirrors is a fantastic start to her new series. I engaged with the characters and the story of Smoke & Cracked Mirrors from the first page. Karen Charlton has a way of highlighting eras in English history that engages her readers to learn more and engage with her stories. I love Karen Charlton's portrayal of the characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Smoke & Cracked Mirrors is well-written and researched by Karen Charlton. I like Karen Charlton's description of the settings of Smoke & Cracked Mirrors, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Smoke & Cracked Mirrors will learn about living in the York community during wartime. Also, Smoke & Cracked Mirrors readers will learn about Store Detectives' role.
I recommend this book.
I enjoy other series by Karen Charlton, and Smoke & Cracked Mirrors is a fantastic start to her new series. I engaged with the characters and the story of Smoke & Cracked Mirrors from the first page. Karen Charlton has a way of highlighting eras in English history that engages her readers to learn more and engage with her stories. I love Karen Charlton's portrayal of the characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Smoke & Cracked Mirrors is well-written and researched by Karen Charlton. I like Karen Charlton's description of the settings of Smoke & Cracked Mirrors, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Smoke & Cracked Mirrors will learn about living in the York community during wartime. Also, Smoke & Cracked Mirrors readers will learn about Store Detectives' role.
I recommend this book.
May 22, 2022
I truly enjoyed this book as I have the rest of the series I have read. Well worth reading.
July 17, 2022
This is a new series set in WW2 York, England. The setting, with its long and rich history, adds interest and the characters are likeable. I love the way the author writes and have been an eager fan of her Detective Lavender series. Two best friends open the first woman's private eye agency in York with mixed approval from family and the community but it's soon clear that these gals get results. From simple to complex, their first cases are successfully resolved and make enjoyable reading. I do have, sorry to way, two problems with the series. First, I really dislike the name of their business. I think in the general public it would be confusing and not appealing to the target customer base. Second, I'm afraid the whole Helen storyline seems borrowed from an Agatha Christie, Miss Marple short story so I had figured it out early on. I'm not going to say more for fear of spoilers. Those two problems aside, this was a very satisfying introduction to a new series. I expect nothing else from Ms. Charlton!
April 15, 2022
Smoke & cracked mirrors by Karen Charlton.
The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries Book 1.
I did enjoy this book about 2 ladies Jemma and Bobbie who open a private Investigator business. I liked the story and characters. I had my theory about Helen. I was right. But I was shocked with the how. I can't wait for next book. 5*.
The York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries Book 1.
I did enjoy this book about 2 ladies Jemma and Bobbie who open a private Investigator business. I liked the story and characters. I had my theory about Helen. I was right. But I was shocked with the how. I can't wait for next book. 5*.
May 3, 2022
This is the first book in a brand new series of mysteries set in York during WWII. I really enjoyed this book. We are introduced to two best friends who set up their own detective agency and we follow them as they solve crime/mysteries. Any fans of this genre should really read this!
October 1, 2022
A new series set in 1940s York, Engand. WWII is omnipresent in people's lives and the atmosphere of the historic city is intriguing. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 16, 2023
This is an atmospheric historical mystery with two strong women starting their own detective agency. I think the author’s strength is in developing many interesting characters
This book has its flaws and these are the ones I noticed. First, the author makes it seem easy for women in the 1940’s to start a business such as this. Jemma’s own brother doesn’t think it’s appropriate for a woman’s career but stays out of her business. I find this unrealistic for the times as women had few chances to choose their own destiny then. Several other characters actually applaud Jenna and Bobby’s efforts, even helping them. Secondly, the main mystery Jemma and Bobby investigate surrounds a young woman’s background as her fiancé’s aunt suspects she is disreputable. I figured out what was happening long before the detectives. Therefore, I felt the plot was somewhat thin.
The narrator wasn’t my favorite. I wished she would have developed more differentiated tones for each character. I also heard her sliding into some characters using the same tone as the former character for the first few words. I also wanted her to use lower voices for male characters.
I will probably look for more of this series, but I will read them instead of listening.
This book has its flaws and these are the ones I noticed. First, the author makes it seem easy for women in the 1940’s to start a business such as this. Jemma’s own brother doesn’t think it’s appropriate for a woman’s career but stays out of her business. I find this unrealistic for the times as women had few chances to choose their own destiny then. Several other characters actually applaud Jenna and Bobby’s efforts, even helping them. Secondly, the main mystery Jemma and Bobby investigate surrounds a young woman’s background as her fiancé’s aunt suspects she is disreputable. I figured out what was happening long before the detectives. Therefore, I felt the plot was somewhat thin.
The narrator wasn’t my favorite. I wished she would have developed more differentiated tones for each character. I also heard her sliding into some characters using the same tone as the former character for the first few words. I also wanted her to use lower voices for male characters.
I will probably look for more of this series, but I will read them instead of listening.
March 17, 2022
Another great crime busting duo created by Karen Charlton.
A great easy read about two best friends who decide to set up a female private investigation company in York.
Great fun characters, descriptions of Yorkshire during the WW2.
I can't wait to read the next in this series.
A great easy read about two best friends who decide to set up a female private investigation company in York.
Great fun characters, descriptions of Yorkshire during the WW2.
I can't wait to read the next in this series.
June 27, 2023
"Smoke & Cracked Mirrors" is a strange name for a female PI agency; it sounds more like they clean up after a bomb hits your house, but everyone acted like it was a great name. This is a historical set in York, England in 1940. I wouldn't call it a mystery as only half the text focused on the cases, and they didn't involve much mystery. For example, it was a woman asking them to go to a specific circus (at which they enjoyed themselves) to see if her husband (name and photo in hand) was there. Easy job. Or going to a dance hall and enjoying themselves with their dates and only spending a few minutes of the photographer date's time taking the pictures to prove insurance fraud. Generally, they were told when to be at a place and what to do so the person hiring them could prove something. I only got halfway through the story before my Kindle Unlimited subscription ran out, though, so maybe it got more interesting.
The historical details woven into the story immersed me in the time and place, and that was the best thing about the story, IMO. Most of the story seemed more like a drama than mystery. While the author took the time to develop the characters, I just didn't find either particularly engaging. Bobbie tried to get a 'simple' man to borrow (steal) a maid's uniform for her, and she wanted to have an affair with a married man. Jemma hid what she was doing from her older brother, who's only been nice to her. She's also supposed to be Sherlock Homes level of observant yet the skill wasn't really needed, and she seemed to miss some obvious things.
There was a fair amount of bad language. There was no sex in the part I read.
The historical details woven into the story immersed me in the time and place, and that was the best thing about the story, IMO. Most of the story seemed more like a drama than mystery. While the author took the time to develop the characters, I just didn't find either particularly engaging. Bobbie tried to get a 'simple' man to borrow (steal) a maid's uniform for her, and she wanted to have an affair with a married man. Jemma hid what she was doing from her older brother, who's only been nice to her. She's also supposed to be Sherlock Homes level of observant yet the skill wasn't really needed, and she seemed to miss some obvious things.
There was a fair amount of bad language. There was no sex in the part I read.
September 30, 2022
Not sure exactly why, but this just didn't grab me, so at about 20% I deleted it from my kindle. It's set in York just at the start of WWII.
I think there was just so much lead up -- setting the scene so to speak. Jemima has a missing-in-action husband ... but there's definitely more going on there. Her brother is someone high up in the police. Her inlaws are beging targeted as 'foreigners' on account of their German sounding surname, so she's been suddenly left with no real income. We haven't seen much of Bobbie yet except that she's pretty successful as a store detective stopping shoplifters. All we really know at this point is that they're best friends since their teens and want to set up a private detective agency. And there first case is a woman who's husband has been missing 7 years and she wants them to try to find him at the Circus.
Bottom line, for me: When I look at the book and keep finding my eyes and mind straying to all the OTHER options rather than just reading this one, that's a sure sign it's time to call it. So DNF.
I think there was just so much lead up -- setting the scene so to speak. Jemima has a missing-in-action husband ... but there's definitely more going on there. Her brother is someone high up in the police. Her inlaws are beging targeted as 'foreigners' on account of their German sounding surname, so she's been suddenly left with no real income. We haven't seen much of Bobbie yet except that she's pretty successful as a store detective stopping shoplifters. All we really know at this point is that they're best friends since their teens and want to set up a private detective agency. And there first case is a woman who's husband has been missing 7 years and she wants them to try to find him at the Circus.
Bottom line, for me: When I look at the book and keep finding my eyes and mind straying to all the OTHER options rather than just reading this one, that's a sure sign it's time to call it. So DNF.
October 3, 2024
Well written WWII detective novel...in between am cozy mystery and a police type procedural.
I deal see the solution to one of the mysteries way before the end of the book...and...it was okay!
The author writes well and it did not prevent me from reading to the end. Clever writing and humor kept me reading and planning to read the next book in the series.
The other 'mysteries' were interesting enough to keep me? Reading, as well.
Really liked the main and sundry characters enough to really want to know more about them and their working and private lives.
Liked her Detective Lavender and constable Woods series as well.
Glad I found this series recommended to be on my kindle as something I might be interested in reading.
Enjoyable in the end. Recommend to those v who love women authors and Mystery fiction.
I love many authors, Louise Penny, Martha Grimes, P.D. James, Charlotte McCleod, Elizabeth Peters, and so many other are among my favorites.
Will see if I like this author as much after reading more of her writing.
We'll see...
I deal see the solution to one of the mysteries way before the end of the book...and...it was okay!
The author writes well and it did not prevent me from reading to the end. Clever writing and humor kept me reading and planning to read the next book in the series.
The other 'mysteries' were interesting enough to keep me? Reading, as well.
Really liked the main and sundry characters enough to really want to know more about them and their working and private lives.
Liked her Detective Lavender and constable Woods series as well.
Glad I found this series recommended to be on my kindle as something I might be interested in reading.
Enjoyable in the end. Recommend to those v who love women authors and Mystery fiction.
I love many authors, Louise Penny, Martha Grimes, P.D. James, Charlotte McCleod, Elizabeth Peters, and so many other are among my favorites.
Will see if I like this author as much after reading more of her writing.
We'll see...
April 14, 2022
This is the first in the York Ladies Detective Agency Mysteries set during WWII. Two young women, Jemma James and Bobbie Baker, decide to set up their own private investigation agency and find themselves involved in all sorts of shenanigans and even murder.
I enjoyed this fun and entertaining story. I liked Jemma and Bobbie, I thought they were delightful. I love that this series is set in York and surrounding areas, places I know very well. I could picture it all so easily in my mind! There’s quite a lot going on in this mystery, but it’s well paced and written. It definitely kept me turning the pages until the end. An engaging and intriguing read. I look forward to the next book in the series!
I enjoyed this fun and entertaining story. I liked Jemma and Bobbie, I thought they were delightful. I love that this series is set in York and surrounding areas, places I know very well. I could picture it all so easily in my mind! There’s quite a lot going on in this mystery, but it’s well paced and written. It definitely kept me turning the pages until the end. An engaging and intriguing read. I look forward to the next book in the series!
April 22, 2022
I was fortunate to read this story whilst staying in York over Easter so it was certainly brought to life by being there. That being said, this is a good start to a new series from Karen, set during WW2 it showcases Jemma and Bobbie who have been best friends from school, and their ability to search out the truth from people. I love the descriptions of York as it was then and what the inhabitants had to go through with each air raid warning hoping that the beloved Minster wasn't hit! I could imagine trying to negotiate the small dark lanes in a black out as some are still not too clear! As the two women set up the agency, we are given morsels of information which will no doubt grow into bigger things as the series develops. Great read overall.
April 19, 2022
A couple of young ladies decide to act on their dream and open their own ladies' detective agency in York during the second world war.
A simple premise, and yet the story is wrapped up in the stories of both ladies, Jemma and Bobbie, and follows them through a series of enquiries, some more straightforward than others, and looks with sympathy at the problems they face from the war and from the attitude of those around them, including Jemma's brother Gabriel, who is a police inspector.
I enjoyed the glimpse of life going on as normally as possible during the war, and the setting felt genuine and integral to the plot itself. I look forward to more in this series.
A simple premise, and yet the story is wrapped up in the stories of both ladies, Jemma and Bobbie, and follows them through a series of enquiries, some more straightforward than others, and looks with sympathy at the problems they face from the war and from the attitude of those around them, including Jemma's brother Gabriel, who is a police inspector.
I enjoyed the glimpse of life going on as normally as possible during the war, and the setting felt genuine and integral to the plot itself. I look forward to more in this series.
December 12, 2022
4++
This book is absolutely wonderfully done entertainment! Charlton creates a superb setting in WW II, with wonderful portrayals of the era, like the excitement when BUTTER is available or the many instances of behavior considered in appropriate for young women.
Bobbie and Jemma are very enjoyable characters, and their cases are fun to read about.
The only thing that kept me from going for 5 stars was a bit too much implausibility in the denouement. Nevertheless, this is a book I will be recommending to LOTS of friends, and I am keen on picking up the second in the series from Kindle Unlimited!
This book is absolutely wonderfully done entertainment! Charlton creates a superb setting in WW II, with wonderful portrayals of the era, like the excitement when BUTTER is available or the many instances of behavior considered in appropriate for young women.
Bobbie and Jemma are very enjoyable characters, and their cases are fun to read about.
The only thing that kept me from going for 5 stars was a bit too much implausibility in the denouement. Nevertheless, this is a book I will be recommending to LOTS of friends, and I am keen on picking up the second in the series from Kindle Unlimited!
January 12, 2023
A 3 instead of a 4.
Very well written. Lovely characters. Wonderful atmospher and world in WW2.
Loved most of the mysteries
However, the Helen Irwin mystery drove me bonkers. I figured it out so quickly (and that's not a yay me note) that Gemma and Bobbi's glacial process to do the same was so frustrating. And I think Ms Charlton knew that too, because by gum, the round about discussions to 'eventually' get there felt so forced and designed to make it seem difficult.
I look forward to more, but gee golly, if Ms Marple/Mrs Christie is the inspiration, try a little harder with the actual mystery.
Very well written. Lovely characters. Wonderful atmospher and world in WW2.
Loved most of the mysteries
However, the Helen Irwin mystery drove me bonkers. I figured it out so quickly (and that's not a yay me note) that Gemma and Bobbi's glacial process to do the same was so frustrating. And I think Ms Charlton knew that too, because by gum, the round about discussions to 'eventually' get there felt so forced and designed to make it seem difficult.
I look forward to more, but gee golly, if Ms Marple/Mrs Christie is the inspiration, try a little harder with the actual mystery.
January 13, 2023
Fun book with good, solid characters, entertaining plot line and settings. I'm not usually a WWII era fan, so was hesitant to start this series, but the war is truly just a backdrop & I like how everyday actions were included without being the focus (grabbing their gas mask before they left their house everyday, having to deal with air raids several nights). The mysteries truly were the focus of this book and the next one. I'm hoping she'll add more to this series. I read & love her Stephen Lavender Mysteries which were set more in Victorian times and featured a male protagonists. I love that this is two women pioneering a detective agency against many odds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2023
Enjoyed this book so much that once I started I had to keep reading. Jemma and Bobby are perfect partners in crime solving. Their backgrounds and personalities are so different but their detecting abilities complement each other. I liked how different characters are brought in to add to the puzzle of detection. These also are not always as they initially seemed or described. Jemma’s police inspector brother warns her to keep away from a man she met on a bus. He’s a police informant and per the inspector shouldn’t be trusted. Yet he turns out to be a help to both Jemma and Bobby even to the point of helping them without any expectations.
November 23, 2024
So after that incident in York, Jemma's husband Michael was reported MIA which in itself is preposterous given that though Michael speaks 5 languages, he was by profession a wireless Mechanic and in that capacity was he recruited for wartime service unless of course, his orders were officially changed. Given such circumstances, it was more practical for Jemma to return to York and live with her much older brother, Police Chief Inspector, Gabriel (aka The Archangel to his Police colleagues) at their family home. To stave~off grief, boredom and depression, Jemma started for real the Smoke & Cracked Mirrors York Ladies' Detective Agency. They had interesting cases... My oh my, if this author writes Mysteries, she does not write JUST cozy mysteries. Quite unlike the others whom I also follow, she is a STAND~OUT. If you are a very picky reader with so many cozy mystery authors to choose from, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this author. Karen Charlton is REMARKABLE & BRILLIANT.
September 12, 2025
War time mysteries
A very enjoyable foray into 1940s England. I liked the different styles between the Detective Lavender mysteries and this newer series. The ladies are fun, particularly Bobbie. The detective agency is off to a very quick start with job offers and mysteries aplenty. The differences between the two girls' upbringing is an interesting counterpoint and a useful tool for the agency, as Bobbie's more working class background gives her different approaches to Jemma's.
I suspect Jemma will have even more on her plate in the next book in this series.
A very enjoyable foray into 1940s England. I liked the different styles between the Detective Lavender mysteries and this newer series. The ladies are fun, particularly Bobbie. The detective agency is off to a very quick start with job offers and mysteries aplenty. The differences between the two girls' upbringing is an interesting counterpoint and a useful tool for the agency, as Bobbie's more working class background gives her different approaches to Jemma's.
I suspect Jemma will have even more on her plate in the next book in this series.
April 30, 2022
Wonderful story
Two best friends Bobbie and Jemma who have a unique insight in catching criminals open a private detective agency in the City of York. What makes this storyline different from others is its 1940 England and WW II is in its beginning stage which brings a new twist to the cases that the young women investigate. Ms. Charlton has crafted very clever plots line and likable characters each who's back stories are as interesting as the cases are. Very entertaining.
Two best friends Bobbie and Jemma who have a unique insight in catching criminals open a private detective agency in the City of York. What makes this storyline different from others is its 1940 England and WW II is in its beginning stage which brings a new twist to the cases that the young women investigate. Ms. Charlton has crafted very clever plots line and likable characters each who's back stories are as interesting as the cases are. Very entertaining.
May 3, 2022
4.5 stars for this wonderful book featuring Jemma and Bobbie, two young women who open a ladies' investigative firm in WWII Britain. There is one case which carries through most of the book, nicely interspersed by other, shorter investigations, all of which keep you turning pages. I fell in love with the two women, their families and problems, and found the cases interesting and exciting. Can't wait for the next book!
June 11, 2022
A great start for two winning characters
Jenna and Bobbie are good solid female characters who are supported by some interesting lesser characters. They start a detective agency and this first book describes their initial cases, in a good natured and friendly way. The setting is WW2 in York, England, which is small enough for the women to have some contacts, but still big enough to get some work. Cosy, clean, well written.
Jenna and Bobbie are good solid female characters who are supported by some interesting lesser characters. They start a detective agency and this first book describes their initial cases, in a good natured and friendly way. The setting is WW2 in York, England, which is small enough for the women to have some contacts, but still big enough to get some work. Cosy, clean, well written.
January 8, 2025
A pleasant cosy historical fiction read set in 1940s England. Two young ladies set up a detective agency in York and as the cases come in at a steady rate the investigations begin. I was surprised how easily most of the them were solved and while the main case was a bit more interesting it was easy to speculate what had occurred quite early on. I found this book to be slightly too cosy a read for me but I will certainly obtain book two
April 14, 2022
I have a book hangover because this book charmed and engaged me.
Set in 1940s York this is about two young women and their adventures in setting up a private investigation company.
Jemma and Bobbie are engaging characters and I enjoyed the hints of a back story for both which makes me want to read more about them.
Great
Set in 1940s York this is about two young women and their adventures in setting up a private investigation company.
Jemma and Bobbie are engaging characters and I enjoyed the hints of a back story for both which makes me want to read more about them.
Great
May 17, 2022
I figured out one of the major plot points at 53%
It was pretty obvious the solution to the longest case they got. Perhaps I just have a more devious mind? The story line about blackmail didn’t resolve well. Seemed like filler. Entertaining female detectives willing to do some dirty work.
It was pretty obvious the solution to the longest case they got. Perhaps I just have a more devious mind? The story line about blackmail didn’t resolve well. Seemed like filler. Entertaining female detectives willing to do some dirty work.
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