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Cambridge Fellows #4
Lessons in Power
The ghosts of the past will shape your future. Unless you fight them. Cambridge Fellows Mysteries, Book 4 Cambridge, 1907 After settling in their new home, Cambridge dons Orlando Coppersmith and Jonty Stewart are looking forward to nothing more exciting than teaching their students and playing rugby. Their plans change when a friend asks their help to clear an old flame who stands accused of murder. Doing the right thing means Jonty and Orlando must leave the sheltering walls of St. Bride’s to enter a labyrinth of suspects and suspicions, lies and anguish. Their investigation raises ghosts from Jonty’s past when the murder victim turns out to be one of the men who sexually abused him at school. The trauma forces Jonty to withdraw behind a wall of painful memories. And Orlando fears he may forever lose the intimacy of his best friend and lover. When another one of Jonty’s abusers is found dead, police suspicion falls on the Cambridge fellows themselves. Finding this murderer becomes a race to solve the crime…before it destroys Jonty’s fragile state of mind. Contains sensual m/m lovemaking and hot men playing rugby.
205 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2009
25 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Cochrane
86 books372 followersBecause Charlie Cochrane couldn't be trusted to do any of her jobs of choice—like managing a rugby team—she writes. Her mystery novels include the Edwardian era Cambridge Fellows series, series, and the contemporary Best Corpse for the Job. Multi-published, she has titles with Carina, Samhain, Riptide and Bold Strokes, among others.
A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Mystery People and International Thriller Writers Inc, Charlie regularly appears at literary festivals and at reader and author conferences with The Deadly Dames.
A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Mystery People and International Thriller Writers Inc, Charlie regularly appears at literary festivals and at reader and author conferences with The Deadly Dames.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 18, 2014
This latest installment in the Cambridge Fellows series went some place dark and difficult for Jonty with the mystery that dredged up the worst time in his past. It was difficult to read because I have come to care so much for both Jonty and Orlando, but it was a triumphant read because there is an opportunity for Jonty, with Orlando right at his side, to slay the demons once and for all.
This one references back to a couple of the previous stories, but I suppose in a pinch a reader could read it out of order. I don't recommend that as there is a natural flow through the series including a cast of recurring characters and a strong build of the personal relationship between the two men.
The mystery in this one has a little tangle to it and a couple of twists. For this installment, the mystery takes a distant back seat in the focus to personal growth and development. Still, there were a couple surprises at various times.
As usual, I can't praise enough the Edwardian era backdrop that is painted or the depth of work done on the characters of Jonty and Orlando. The pace of these is gentle for the most part and the subjects these men ponder can be quite serious.
All in all, it was another great piece of a strong series. Those who enjoy M/M Historical Mysteries with a pair of detectives in a relationship should definitely give these a try.
This one references back to a couple of the previous stories, but I suppose in a pinch a reader could read it out of order. I don't recommend that as there is a natural flow through the series including a cast of recurring characters and a strong build of the personal relationship between the two men.
The mystery in this one has a little tangle to it and a couple of twists. For this installment, the mystery takes a distant back seat in the focus to personal growth and development. Still, there were a couple surprises at various times.
As usual, I can't praise enough the Edwardian era backdrop that is painted or the depth of work done on the characters of Jonty and Orlando. The pace of these is gentle for the most part and the subjects these men ponder can be quite serious.
All in all, it was another great piece of a strong series. Those who enjoy M/M Historical Mysteries with a pair of detectives in a relationship should definitely give these a try.
July 24, 2017
Having moved into their new cottage away from St Brides, Jonty and Orlando, along with their house keeper, are settling into their new life when Jonty's past comes back to haunt them. One of his abusers from boarding school has been murdered and the accused is known to an acquaintance if theirs. As they play detective, with the help of Jonty's father, Jonty becomes withdrawn from Orlando and their relationship.
May 6, 2020
Gosh murder really does follow these boys. The lads are asked to investigate when one of Jonty's abusers is killed.
We meet some new characters in this book as well as seeing Jonty's family.
I dont usually comment on the formatting but there are so many instances of nee paragraphs starting in the middle of sentences, it wasn't funny.
Also I foundd myself rereading bits because things jumped from 1 paragraph to the other. In one case, locations jumped 3 times in 3 paragraphs.
We meet some new characters in this book as well as seeing Jonty's family.
I dont usually comment on the formatting but there are so many instances of nee paragraphs starting in the middle of sentences, it wasn't funny.
Also I foundd myself rereading bits because things jumped from 1 paragraph to the other. In one case, locations jumped 3 times in 3 paragraphs.
February 10, 2010
The fourth book in a wonderfully delightful series, this story should not be read without reading the series in order. Although it certainly has the merit to stand on its own, readers will garner more depth and enjoyment from the entire series. Also the emotional and physical journey Orlando and Jonty take from their first meeting to their current relationship is not to be missed. This new offering is as fabulous as the other books and the series has certainly hit its stride with fully developed characters, interesting mystery components, and a witty quick paced dialogue that has readers delighting alongside the characters. All of this great wonderful packed into a historically accurate book seems almost too good to be true, but I have faith in the skill of the author to keep delivering on a great series.
This book takes place mere weeks after the end of the last book and Jonty and Orlando are just settling into their new home together. Unfortunately domestic bliss will have to wait for these two as an old friend comes to ask the amateur sleuths for their help. When more information comes to light showing those dying are in fact the old tormentors of Jonty’s past, both men will have to face their demons to move on in their relationship.
This particular offering is more emotional and in depth than previous offerings. It reverses the roles of the men ever so subtly and slightly. Whereas Jonty is always the calm, confident fellow and Orlando often fussy and in need of reassurance, now Jonty is off balance and must depend on his lover’s strength. This change allows the story to examine a relationship when the basic dynamics alter slightly or even greatly. The emotional upheaval causes Jonty to withdraw from the physical side of their love and thus it is Orlando sweetly woo’ing Jonty. Also the story looks at a relationship based on love and friendship when sex or romantic love is no longer a main consideration. The strong basis of Jonty and Orlando’s love is shown through their kindness, their affection, and bond even when frustration and anger arise.
This heavy emotional aspect is lightened by the almost constant humor and self depreciating dialogue between the two men. Although they clearly love each other, here are two men more than happy to pound each other into the dirt in a rough rugby match and lob witticisms over jellied toast. They rarely have the need for dramatic statements and gestures, their bond the strongest in the height of humor and quiet. Unfortunately the darker overtones continue with the mystery in this particular story since it revolves around Jonty’s past. The mystery and relationship components, which are usually somewhat separate, here combine incredibly well. The deft skill used to keep the story moving and never slip into the potentially oppressively dark themes makes this particular book a real delight.
Making another fabulous appearance is Jonty’s family, who are incredibly supportive and accepting of the relationship. This is perhaps the sole aside to the historically accurate components but without taking away from the story. The scene stealing character of Jonty’s mother rules in all her glory and Orlando’s awe is adorable. The slow emerging details of both men’s past continues with each book, likely to only have a complete picture at the conclusion of the series. This doesn’t mean that the characters are empty or two-dimensional. On the contrary, all the characters in the book have depth, purpose, and interest. There are almost no frivolous or throw away characters.
The only few problems I have with the story are the editing mistakes that still appear even though the series I’ve been reading is the re-printed version from Samhain. Additionally the culprits to the mystery portion confess rather easily and without a lot of motivation. On the one hand, this comes as a very easy solution to the complex who-dun-it that is crafted, but at the same time a more drawn out conclusion may have broken the pace and flow leaving the ending to drag on. So while the easy solution didn’t bother me much, I did notice the ease of the tidy ending.
Overall, another great offering in the series that promises to get better with each new book. Fans of the series should start with the first but be sure to savor each offering, they only get better.
This book takes place mere weeks after the end of the last book and Jonty and Orlando are just settling into their new home together. Unfortunately domestic bliss will have to wait for these two as an old friend comes to ask the amateur sleuths for their help. When more information comes to light showing those dying are in fact the old tormentors of Jonty’s past, both men will have to face their demons to move on in their relationship.
This particular offering is more emotional and in depth than previous offerings. It reverses the roles of the men ever so subtly and slightly. Whereas Jonty is always the calm, confident fellow and Orlando often fussy and in need of reassurance, now Jonty is off balance and must depend on his lover’s strength. This change allows the story to examine a relationship when the basic dynamics alter slightly or even greatly. The emotional upheaval causes Jonty to withdraw from the physical side of their love and thus it is Orlando sweetly woo’ing Jonty. Also the story looks at a relationship based on love and friendship when sex or romantic love is no longer a main consideration. The strong basis of Jonty and Orlando’s love is shown through their kindness, their affection, and bond even when frustration and anger arise.
This heavy emotional aspect is lightened by the almost constant humor and self depreciating dialogue between the two men. Although they clearly love each other, here are two men more than happy to pound each other into the dirt in a rough rugby match and lob witticisms over jellied toast. They rarely have the need for dramatic statements and gestures, their bond the strongest in the height of humor and quiet. Unfortunately the darker overtones continue with the mystery in this particular story since it revolves around Jonty’s past. The mystery and relationship components, which are usually somewhat separate, here combine incredibly well. The deft skill used to keep the story moving and never slip into the potentially oppressively dark themes makes this particular book a real delight.
Making another fabulous appearance is Jonty’s family, who are incredibly supportive and accepting of the relationship. This is perhaps the sole aside to the historically accurate components but without taking away from the story. The scene stealing character of Jonty’s mother rules in all her glory and Orlando’s awe is adorable. The slow emerging details of both men’s past continues with each book, likely to only have a complete picture at the conclusion of the series. This doesn’t mean that the characters are empty or two-dimensional. On the contrary, all the characters in the book have depth, purpose, and interest. There are almost no frivolous or throw away characters.
The only few problems I have with the story are the editing mistakes that still appear even though the series I’ve been reading is the re-printed version from Samhain. Additionally the culprits to the mystery portion confess rather easily and without a lot of motivation. On the one hand, this comes as a very easy solution to the complex who-dun-it that is crafted, but at the same time a more drawn out conclusion may have broken the pace and flow leaving the ending to drag on. So while the easy solution didn’t bother me much, I did notice the ease of the tidy ending.
Overall, another great offering in the series that promises to get better with each new book. Fans of the series should start with the first but be sure to savor each offering, they only get better.
September 22, 2019
The writing was good, if a little confusing. I did lose sight of what the author was trying to convey sometimes, which then annoyed me. It could be more clearer.
But the one thing that I absolutely couldn't get past in this book was how unsympathetic both the protagonists were to Simon Kermode. These are the men who in the second book let a murderer go free, and here they are trying to be all high and noble, all truth shall live and all, and that justice is all that matters.
Well, then what the heck happened in the second book?I mean, it wasn't that far behind, it has just been 6-8 months since you let a murderer go free. Is it because she was a woman? Because the sexism is then really astounding.
She wasn't even avenging anything real, her brother commited suicide, Simon was actually raped and that was what he was avenging. Not that one crime is less, but really if you can let her go, then let Simon go too. Both of them should be ideally in jail, but if you are going to be poetic about it, then Simon didn't do anything worse than that old lady did.
I mean, I got through that second book but this book and the attitude of the main characters and their reasoning is now polar opposite to what they had said then.
Yes, she was old, but then that's ageism.
Old people can be nasty and cruel too.
Old women can be the same.
And they are hanging out with Matthew, whose father was murdered and they let the murderer go free. Come on, Matthew. Like, have some shame at least.
The other things that were annoying in no particular order:
I don't know why but the cheerful and downright immature attitude of the main characters for the first time in the series got to me.
I was really saying, get on with it. Play whatever you are playing afterwards(not talking about rugby, because I did like that part).
I can definitely see why other reviewers in the previous books had been annoyed.
I know Matthew is here to stay, but I really wanted him to be with Alistair. Not just because I like the name.
You need a little variety in your characters, everyone can't be all pure and innocent. It would have been cool to explore a dark character, a kind of an anti-hero.
So ,yeah, not a fan of Rex and Matthew pairing which just seems a knock-off for Jonty and Orlando. Would have loved to see how the high and mighty group dealt with Alistair, if he had been with Matthew.
How on earth is Orlando ok with accepting money from Jonty? Has he just parted with all his morals? All his dignity? I mean, I could care less if Orlando was a bit money-hungry. But the author had written Orlando, right from the first book, as an honourable, dignified and a proud man. So, in the fourth book you can't just change that on your whim. It is your books, yeah, but compromising a character's characteristics that have been established from the start isn't a move winning any favours from me. Additionally, it would have been nice to have that cause some friction between the characters, because right now the only friction is sex-related(one wants it, the other doesn't and they take turns not wanting it) on which the author is really vague in her descriptions. What is this? A book for children? I hope not, with all the murderers running free.
The mystery was really bad in this one not that they were very particularly good in the previous books, but I really didn't think it was necessary to have the Rhodes and the guy he was enamored with thing here since it wasn't explored to its heart's content, it could have been but then you would have to probably edit out the food and drinks paragraphs which are such a thrill to read, that's why I picked this book you know. For the food, wine, sex issues, etc. Not for the mystery, or the love story of the protagonists but of the sub-characters that no one likes.
This is a bad review for the book, I know, and I don't normally write reviews at all, but it's only when I see how good something could have been that I get frustrated and have to rant it all out. This series is good, though this book isn't. But,I am not put off enough by this book to not go to the next one. Have better hopes for it, fingers crossed.
But the one thing that I absolutely couldn't get past in this book was how unsympathetic both the protagonists were to Simon Kermode. These are the men who in the second book let a murderer go free, and here they are trying to be all high and noble, all truth shall live and all, and that justice is all that matters.
Well, then what the heck happened in the second book?I mean, it wasn't that far behind, it has just been 6-8 months since you let a murderer go free. Is it because she was a woman? Because the sexism is then really astounding.
She wasn't even avenging anything real, her brother commited suicide, Simon was actually raped and that was what he was avenging. Not that one crime is less, but really if you can let her go, then let Simon go too. Both of them should be ideally in jail, but if you are going to be poetic about it, then Simon didn't do anything worse than that old lady did.
I mean, I got through that second book but this book and the attitude of the main characters and their reasoning is now polar opposite to what they had said then.
Yes, she was old, but then that's ageism.
Old people can be nasty and cruel too.
Old women can be the same.
And they are hanging out with Matthew, whose father was murdered and they let the murderer go free. Come on, Matthew. Like, have some shame at least.
The other things that were annoying in no particular order:
I don't know why but the cheerful and downright immature attitude of the main characters for the first time in the series got to me.
I was really saying, get on with it. Play whatever you are playing afterwards(not talking about rugby, because I did like that part).
I can definitely see why other reviewers in the previous books had been annoyed.
I know Matthew is here to stay, but I really wanted him to be with Alistair. Not just because I like the name.
You need a little variety in your characters, everyone can't be all pure and innocent. It would have been cool to explore a dark character, a kind of an anti-hero.
So ,yeah, not a fan of Rex and Matthew pairing which just seems a knock-off for Jonty and Orlando. Would have loved to see how the high and mighty group dealt with Alistair, if he had been with Matthew.
How on earth is Orlando ok with accepting money from Jonty? Has he just parted with all his morals? All his dignity? I mean, I could care less if Orlando was a bit money-hungry. But the author had written Orlando, right from the first book, as an honourable, dignified and a proud man. So, in the fourth book you can't just change that on your whim. It is your books, yeah, but compromising a character's characteristics that have been established from the start isn't a move winning any favours from me. Additionally, it would have been nice to have that cause some friction between the characters, because right now the only friction is sex-related(one wants it, the other doesn't and they take turns not wanting it) on which the author is really vague in her descriptions. What is this? A book for children? I hope not, with all the murderers running free.
The mystery was really bad in this one not that they were very particularly good in the previous books, but I really didn't think it was necessary to have the Rhodes and the guy he was enamored with thing here since it wasn't explored to its heart's content, it could have been but then you would have to probably edit out the food and drinks paragraphs which are such a thrill to read, that's why I picked this book you know. For the food, wine, sex issues, etc. Not for the mystery, or the love story of the protagonists but of the sub-characters that no one likes.
This is a bad review for the book, I know, and I don't normally write reviews at all, but it's only when I see how good something could have been that I get frustrated and have to rant it all out. This series is good, though this book isn't. But,I am not put off enough by this book to not go to the next one. Have better hopes for it, fingers crossed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 2, 2009This is by this time the fourth book I read with this fellows, and so now they are for me as familiar as old friends. I know them and I don't need to find new hint to understand them, but, it's strange, they seem always a bit different from book to book.
Jonty has always been the more easy of the two, in everything he did, job, life and love. Both Jonty and Orlando had bad experience in the past, but Jonty probably had the more traumatic experience, he was abused when he was a young boy at school. Despite this, he grew up as a good boy and with a joy of life that seems untainted by what happened years ago. And instead in this book, where he has to investigate in the murderer of the same two men who abused him, we discover that Jonty is very good in wearing a mask. A mask that, for a bit, he is unable to lift even with Orlando, who is the real love of his life.
Also Orlando changes a bit in this book. He has always been the shier of the two, the one who always worried for the future, who was always skittish to express their love through a physical manifestation. And instead now, he is very much physical, almost if he understands that Jonty needs the material assurance that a warm body gives. And he is also very protective, but always in a quiet and good way, even if he has all the reason to hate the men who abused Jonty, he realizes that he can't have an outburst of rage, it would be worst for Jonty than everything else.
As you all know, I'm not much for the mysteries, so, when I read one, I notice other things ;-) This time for example, my attention was caught by two different things: the setting, and with that I mean the various habitat where Jonty and Orlando move, like they restored Georgian cottage or Jonty's family country house. The author describes them in such a detailed way, that it almost seems to the reader to be there, living with them. The second thing I noticed where the supporting characters, that were as nice as the main ones, and sometime take the center stage; above all, Jonty's mother, Mrs Stewart and her husband, but also Jonty and Orlando's housekeeper, Mrs Ward, and finally, but not last, Rex Prefontaine and Matthew Ainslie, this last a character I would really loved to see having an happily ever after of his own.
I like this series, since it has a suspending feeling, it's an historical, obviously, but it is set in a time that it's not so far from us, and so we can identify in the men. How they live, how they think, how they love. Orlando maybe, is a bit too innocent, but I think he would be the same even in a modern setting, Orlando is an innocent at soul. And Jonty needs him to be like that, to cancel the ugliness of his past experiences with men very much not innocent.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NOGE38/?...
Jonty has always been the more easy of the two, in everything he did, job, life and love. Both Jonty and Orlando had bad experience in the past, but Jonty probably had the more traumatic experience, he was abused when he was a young boy at school. Despite this, he grew up as a good boy and with a joy of life that seems untainted by what happened years ago. And instead in this book, where he has to investigate in the murderer of the same two men who abused him, we discover that Jonty is very good in wearing a mask. A mask that, for a bit, he is unable to lift even with Orlando, who is the real love of his life.
Also Orlando changes a bit in this book. He has always been the shier of the two, the one who always worried for the future, who was always skittish to express their love through a physical manifestation. And instead now, he is very much physical, almost if he understands that Jonty needs the material assurance that a warm body gives. And he is also very protective, but always in a quiet and good way, even if he has all the reason to hate the men who abused Jonty, he realizes that he can't have an outburst of rage, it would be worst for Jonty than everything else.
As you all know, I'm not much for the mysteries, so, when I read one, I notice other things ;-) This time for example, my attention was caught by two different things: the setting, and with that I mean the various habitat where Jonty and Orlando move, like they restored Georgian cottage or Jonty's family country house. The author describes them in such a detailed way, that it almost seems to the reader to be there, living with them. The second thing I noticed where the supporting characters, that were as nice as the main ones, and sometime take the center stage; above all, Jonty's mother, Mrs Stewart and her husband, but also Jonty and Orlando's housekeeper, Mrs Ward, and finally, but not last, Rex Prefontaine and Matthew Ainslie, this last a character I would really loved to see having an happily ever after of his own.
I like this series, since it has a suspending feeling, it's an historical, obviously, but it is set in a time that it's not so far from us, and so we can identify in the men. How they live, how they think, how they love. Orlando maybe, is a bit too innocent, but I think he would be the same even in a modern setting, Orlando is an innocent at soul. And Jonty needs him to be like that, to cancel the ugliness of his past experiences with men very much not innocent.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NOGE38/?...
August 23, 2014
I'm racing through this entire series and enjoying it a lot. Lessons in Power is the best of the four so far, for me, as it deals with the so-serious issue of Jonty's abuse when he was much younger and in school. Love that the author tackled this issue head-on and in a mostly-realistic manner.
The only hiccup in the book occurs at the very end for me, when we realize that one of the other students who was abused did commit murder and was, as was the way in the early 20th century, executed for his crime. Jonty and Orlando don't really face the consequences of their detecting in the other books, and in a way I was glad to see this presentation of the hard reality. But at the same time, I was taken aback by it. There was a blending of moods in this section that, for me, didn't quite work. But in the face of the success of the rest of the book, it really meant nothing.
The only hiccup in the book occurs at the very end for me, when we realize that one of the other students who was abused did commit murder and was, as was the way in the early 20th century, executed for his crime. Jonty and Orlando don't really face the consequences of their detecting in the other books, and in a way I was glad to see this presentation of the hard reality. But at the same time, I was taken aback by it. There was a blending of moods in this section that, for me, didn't quite work. But in the face of the success of the rest of the book, it really meant nothing.
March 16, 2010
Probably the strongest book in the series so far: the outcome of the mystery has high stakes for Jonty, it's got enough of a twist in it that I didn't put the whodunnit together until the end, and I appreciate that Orlando is really coming into his own. Very fun read over all.
November 22, 2010
LOVED IT! Each book gets better and I fall in love with Jonty and Orlando more and more
March 21, 2019
Jonty finally confronts his past, in a case where finding whodunit isn't the happy ending.
Jonty's forced to admit how far from "over it" he has been, and Orlando still has some gaps in his knowledge of the world, but they eventually make it through. The solving of the case isn't as satisfying as it could be, though, given the tangle of apparent remorse, delusion, vengeance, and shifting of blame. There's also a secondary happy thread that I wasn't sure about at first because a character's introduction seemed too abrupt, and I kept waiting for Chekhov's gun to go off, so to speak.
This novel is less short than those which preceded it, but the subject is serious enough that it makes sense. There were unfortunately still the errors of unmarked changes of scene (confusing, especially once where the first scene ended at a deliberately withheld revelation!) and many cases such as two speakers in one mis-broken paragraph, plus a couple stray spaces mid-word, "protagonists" where "antagonists" was meant and "hung" for "hanged", et cetera. Also, plot-wise, one bit re. fingerprints seemed illogical: surely there's no reason police couldn't get them from a body (not really a spoiler, BTW, considering the blurb).
Jonty's forced to admit how far from "over it" he has been, and Orlando still has some gaps in his knowledge of the world, but they eventually make it through. The solving of the case isn't as satisfying as it could be, though, given the tangle of apparent remorse, delusion, vengeance, and shifting of blame. There's also a secondary happy thread that I wasn't sure about at first because a character's introduction seemed too abrupt, and I kept waiting for Chekhov's gun to go off, so to speak.
This novel is less short than those which preceded it, but the subject is serious enough that it makes sense. There were unfortunately still the errors of unmarked changes of scene (confusing, especially once where the first scene ended at a deliberately withheld revelation!) and many cases such as two speakers in one mis-broken paragraph, plus a couple stray spaces mid-word, "protagonists" where "antagonists" was meant and "hung" for "hanged", et cetera. Also, plot-wise, one bit re. fingerprints seemed illogical: surely there's no reason police couldn't get them from a body (not really a spoiler, BTW, considering the blurb).
March 31, 2020
I'm surprised I enjoyed this entry in the series of Jonty and Orlando solve mysteries while being absurdly in love. The subject matter revolves around Jonty's past abuse, and yet the mystery itself was just enough of an emotional jolt to their relationship, that the story was worth reading.
There's a few flaws in this series that show up in this book, however. Whenever the boys go to Jonty's parents' houses, his siblings mysteriously don't show up, and it feels like the author doesn't want to bother with more characters. The non-period depiction of gay acceptance by Jonty's parents clashes horribly with the period-correct deprecation of women. The constant reference to the sexually traumatized sister of Jonty's grates.
Jonty's trouble dealing with his old memories feels much less like a plot device to give this book the aura of a first-time than the amnesia plot in the last book did. Which might be damning with faint praise. But these books are about tone and emotion, and the plot and themes need to be something a reader can put in the backseat or the story wears out for you too fast. It might have worn out for me for a while though.
This was fun, but I don't always want candyfloss.
There's a few flaws in this series that show up in this book, however. Whenever the boys go to Jonty's parents' houses, his siblings mysteriously don't show up, and it feels like the author doesn't want to bother with more characters. The non-period depiction of gay acceptance by Jonty's parents clashes horribly with the period-correct deprecation of women. The constant reference to the sexually traumatized sister of Jonty's grates.
Jonty's trouble dealing with his old memories feels much less like a plot device to give this book the aura of a first-time than the amnesia plot in the last book did. Which might be damning with faint praise. But these books are about tone and emotion, and the plot and themes need to be something a reader can put in the backseat or the story wears out for you too fast. It might have worn out for me for a while though.
This was fun, but I don't always want candyfloss.
October 11, 2022
All I can say is that I knew Jonty's childhood had been extremely traumatic, but it would appear that neither Jonty nor I were ready to face that trauma head-on. However, since the author didn't give us a choice, we handled it the best that we could... life kinda just sucks that way sometimes... grrr
This one was a bit hard for me because it was darker than the books that had come before and I love me some Jolly Jonty! This "almost" broken Jonty truly broke my heart. Of course, even though he has stumbled in the past, this time Orlando had no doubts and was Jonty's rock throughout the story.
Now that I have survived this one, I will be moving on to Lessons in Temptation!!!
This one was a bit hard for me because it was darker than the books that had come before and I love me some Jolly Jonty! This "almost" broken Jonty truly broke my heart. Of course, even though he has stumbled in the past, this time Orlando had no doubts and was Jonty's rock throughout the story.
Now that I have survived this one, I will be moving on to Lessons in Temptation!!!
June 26, 2022
Orlando and Jonty have moved in together! Finally! They seem to be going about their affairs and living a quiet life when not one, but two of the boys who abused Jonty as a child are murdered. The book is about Jonty coming to terms with that part of his life and the mystery of who killed the abusers.
I was honestly torn with this story. I really didn't want to see the murderer caught. I felt the abusers got what they deserved. But, Jonty is a better person than I. I appreciated the dynamic between the two. Orlando, protective, loving, patient. Jonty determined, unsure, vulnerable.
And of course all of the supporting characters are wonderful. Particularly Jonty's parents.
I was honestly torn with this story. I really didn't want to see the murderer caught. I felt the abusers got what they deserved. But, Jonty is a better person than I. I appreciated the dynamic between the two. Orlando, protective, loving, patient. Jonty determined, unsure, vulnerable.
And of course all of the supporting characters are wonderful. Particularly Jonty's parents.
March 30, 2025
CW: former childhood SA
This is book #4 of Cambridge Fellows, set in 1907. Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith are professors at Cambridge. Murder seems to follow them everywhere, and they have turned into amateur sleuths. The murdered man is one of *apists who assaulted Jonty when he was a child, away at school.
I started this series years ago. Was it always this heavy? I remember it alluding to Jonty's childhood, but I think the answer is I was in a better place mentally, physically and emotionally then, than I am now. I love Charlie Cochrane writing and I love Orlando and Jonty. Their love is what we are ALL are looking for. Right now I need my mysteries a bit cozier.
This is book #4 of Cambridge Fellows, set in 1907. Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith are professors at Cambridge. Murder seems to follow them everywhere, and they have turned into amateur sleuths. The murdered man is one of *apists who assaulted Jonty when he was a child, away at school.
I started this series years ago. Was it always this heavy? I remember it alluding to Jonty's childhood, but I think the answer is I was in a better place mentally, physically and emotionally then, than I am now. I love Charlie Cochrane writing and I love Orlando and Jonty. Their love is what we are ALL are looking for. Right now I need my mysteries a bit cozier.
May 15, 2025
I succumbed to reading another in the series;Orlando and Jonty are sweet, but the books are getting a little tedious and the mysteries aren’t all that good. But I did the whole series, so I tried another one. It’s still 95% the Orlando and Jonty’s relationship and a bit of sleuthing. Everyone in their world seems entirely cool with their relationship, and the author saw fit to introduce another homosexual relationship. But there are sexual predators and this mystery involves the murders of two older boys who sexually abused Jonty while at school—at the instigation of a housemaster at the school. I rate it between 2 and 3.
May 26, 2020
Cochrane's fourth book in the series of a developing pair of loving detectives involves death and wrongful blame. While one could read this book as a stand alone, knowing the Jonty and Orlando who are developed in Cambridge Fellows Books #1 to #3 makes the interweaving stories more complex. By now we know things about the two young sleuths, things like memories of people who have treated them badly to odd family issues. Characters from childhood to the current year inhabit "Lessons in Power," and the broadening group of characters add to the mystery. Enjoy.
July 9, 2017
This book just made me feel very uncomfortable and I can't explain why exactly. There is nothing obviously bad. It doesn't treat past abuse as something that's convenient to start the plot and then can be forgotten. It also doesn't claim that trauma can be healed only by the Power Of True Love(TM) alone. It acknowledges that things can get better and then worse again and there's really not a single scene I can point to and say 'that was bad'. And still I'm uncomfortable.
February 12, 2020
An amazing historical m/m mystery
Our two Cambridge professors are again involved in another murder mystery, this time very close to home. Jonty must face the memories of his rape at boarding school when the boys who abused him were murdered as men. As usual all the trappings of upper class British sensibilities and language take the reader to the time and place. A thoroughly enjoyable book. I will continue with this great series.
Our two Cambridge professors are again involved in another murder mystery, this time very close to home. Jonty must face the memories of his rape at boarding school when the boys who abused him were murdered as men. As usual all the trappings of upper class British sensibilities and language take the reader to the time and place. A thoroughly enjoyable book. I will continue with this great series.
October 3, 2018
Another enjoyable read though a tad more serious than previous books. In this episode, Jonty is forced to face his demons and in doing so has to tell others what he has kept hidden for so long. Orlando becomes very protective and is always there at Jonty's side even though Jonty withdraws from the more physical side of their relationship. Love this series!!
4 stars
4 stars
February 15, 2021
February 1907. A friend of the pair, Matthew Ainslie, asks that Coppersmith and Stewart investigate a murder, as a friend of his, Alistair Stafford, is the accused. But the victim is Lord Christopher Jardine which brings to the fore bad memories to Stewart.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with some likeable characters. A good addition to the series
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with some likeable characters. A good addition to the series
April 5, 2022
5 stars!
Another amazing whodunnit starring the cutest couple in any gay romance I’ve ever read. This one is more serious, handling issues of trauma and assault, but still has the amazing mystery and the lovely, sweet moments that I, and all the other fans of this series, have come to know and absolutely love!
Another amazing whodunnit starring the cutest couple in any gay romance I’ve ever read. This one is more serious, handling issues of trauma and assault, but still has the amazing mystery and the lovely, sweet moments that I, and all the other fans of this series, have come to know and absolutely love!
October 29, 2022
The ongoing storyline of Jonty's horrific experiences at school comes to a head in this 4th book in the series, which Charlie Cochrane handles with compassion, time-appropriate attitudes and great delicacy.
The character development of both Jonty and Orlando, as individuals and a couple gives true depth to these wonderful romantic mystery stories.
The character development of both Jonty and Orlando, as individuals and a couple gives true depth to these wonderful romantic mystery stories.
September 1, 2019
Beautiful resolution and healing. Jonty is so much stronger than he gives himself credit for being, and Orlando is a wonderful support without taking over. Lovely. And the last bit was just a marvelous bonus!
July 3, 2025
Another charming mystery for our Cambridge Fellows. Trauma revisited and vanquished. Perpetrators repaid for their wrongdoing. The mystery is sufficiently convoluted that it takes a possible ghost cat to help solve it. Enjoyed it immensely.
March 4, 2020
Review to come!
December 22, 2024
A horrible past
All the horrors from Jonty's past come to a head in this installment of the series. This is a really excellent series.
All the horrors from Jonty's past come to a head in this installment of the series. This is a really excellent series.
February 14, 2022
TLDR: Can't seem to stop reading this series.
https://klishis.com/reading/archives/...
https://klishis.com/reading/archives/...
March 26, 2012
Rating: 5 stars
Cambridge 1907
After the tumultuous doings where Orlando lost his memory albeit temporarily, Drs. Coppersmith and Stewart are now happily ensconced in their newly purchased home, Forsythia Cottage. But it's not long before mystery and murder find them again. Matthew Ainslie, friend and acquaintance (depending upon which of the men you talked to, Orlando never quite forgiving Matthew for his actions on Jersey) has a problem. An old flame of Matthew's is accused of murder and Matthew doesn't believe he did it.
As Matthew lays out the details of the case to them, the murder hits much closer to home than either one of them could have imagined. The murdered man is none other than one of the boys who sexually abused a very young Jonty over the course of a semester at boarding school. The news brings memories of the abuse back to Jonty with a vengeance, shattering his carefully fabricated acceptance of those events. As Jonty withdraws from Orlando and their relationship, a second murder is committed and the other abuser from his past is found dead. As suspicion falls upon his beloved Dr. Stewart, Orlando and Jonty race to find the murderer and help Jonty finally find some measure of peace with his past.
For me this is a tour de force from Charlie Cochrane. Lessons in Power still contains dialog that delights with the lightness of Gilbert and Sullivan lyrics and the shear witty remarks of Oscar Wilde. But the reality of rape and the long term trauma, bitterness and sense of violation that rape victims contend with lives in these pages as well. And that incongruity serves to highlight the horror and damage done not only to Jonty but other victims of the same sexual violence that seems to know no age or continental restraints.
Threads of Jonty's abuse have been trickling through the storylines of the previous books in this series. Thunderstorms leave him scared and shaken into silence until Orlando brings him out of it. And when asked, Jonty has said that he has told no one the names of his attackers lest his father or Orlando go after them. But here that abuse and the true torment that Jonty has endured is brought to the front and center of the story. It is with amazing skill and talent, that Charlie Cochrane never loses the flavor of Edwardian England and its settings in her stories, from the Stewart family castle to the hallowed halls of St. Brides. Here the sun never sets on England even as Orlando and Jonty deal with the realities of murderers and child abusers. The author treats all with sensitivity and care even as she made me weep with Jonty and his family.
It took me several books before Jonty and Orlando became near and dear to my heart, so I would recommend that all the books be read in sequence. Otherwise certain references and characters mentioned here can't be understood in the context they need to be. I have come to love all the characters here, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, Miss Peters, Mr. Wilson, all of them and find I cannot go to long before I need to head off to St. Brides and another mystery with my Cambridge Fellows. This is a wonderful book in a wonderful series. Don't let either of them pass you by.
Cover: I think this cover is perfect. I love the sepia tones and graphics of the haunted looking young man in the classroom. I just wish the fonts were solid and one type for ease of reading.
Cambridge 1907
After the tumultuous doings where Orlando lost his memory albeit temporarily, Drs. Coppersmith and Stewart are now happily ensconced in their newly purchased home, Forsythia Cottage. But it's not long before mystery and murder find them again. Matthew Ainslie, friend and acquaintance (depending upon which of the men you talked to, Orlando never quite forgiving Matthew for his actions on Jersey) has a problem. An old flame of Matthew's is accused of murder and Matthew doesn't believe he did it.
As Matthew lays out the details of the case to them, the murder hits much closer to home than either one of them could have imagined. The murdered man is none other than one of the boys who sexually abused a very young Jonty over the course of a semester at boarding school. The news brings memories of the abuse back to Jonty with a vengeance, shattering his carefully fabricated acceptance of those events. As Jonty withdraws from Orlando and their relationship, a second murder is committed and the other abuser from his past is found dead. As suspicion falls upon his beloved Dr. Stewart, Orlando and Jonty race to find the murderer and help Jonty finally find some measure of peace with his past.
For me this is a tour de force from Charlie Cochrane. Lessons in Power still contains dialog that delights with the lightness of Gilbert and Sullivan lyrics and the shear witty remarks of Oscar Wilde. But the reality of rape and the long term trauma, bitterness and sense of violation that rape victims contend with lives in these pages as well. And that incongruity serves to highlight the horror and damage done not only to Jonty but other victims of the same sexual violence that seems to know no age or continental restraints.
Threads of Jonty's abuse have been trickling through the storylines of the previous books in this series. Thunderstorms leave him scared and shaken into silence until Orlando brings him out of it. And when asked, Jonty has said that he has told no one the names of his attackers lest his father or Orlando go after them. But here that abuse and the true torment that Jonty has endured is brought to the front and center of the story. It is with amazing skill and talent, that Charlie Cochrane never loses the flavor of Edwardian England and its settings in her stories, from the Stewart family castle to the hallowed halls of St. Brides. Here the sun never sets on England even as Orlando and Jonty deal with the realities of murderers and child abusers. The author treats all with sensitivity and care even as she made me weep with Jonty and his family.
It took me several books before Jonty and Orlando became near and dear to my heart, so I would recommend that all the books be read in sequence. Otherwise certain references and characters mentioned here can't be understood in the context they need to be. I have come to love all the characters here, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, Miss Peters, Mr. Wilson, all of them and find I cannot go to long before I need to head off to St. Brides and another mystery with my Cambridge Fellows. This is a wonderful book in a wonderful series. Don't let either of them pass you by.
Cover: I think this cover is perfect. I love the sepia tones and graphics of the haunted looking young man in the classroom. I just wish the fonts were solid and one type for ease of reading.
December 3, 2021
(Combined review for books 1-4 in the series)
3.5/5 stars for book 1, 3/5 for books 2-4. I liked the premise, the characters, and the development of their relationship, but the mysteries in these books were not very engaging (and often the answer is telegraphed early, leaving little suspense). Unfortunately, the mysteries get the majority of the page time and the relationship is left on the back burner. I often found myself skimming through mystery sections just to get back to the relationship, which I wished had been written with more nuance. The characters also refer to sex acts in euphemistic terms only, and some of the euphemisms were rather unfortunate ("doing your duty" is one of them). Overall, this series feels like missed potential, and after reading book 4 I skipped the rest of the series except for book 8.
3.5/5 stars for book 1, 3/5 for books 2-4. I liked the premise, the characters, and the development of their relationship, but the mysteries in these books were not very engaging (and often the answer is telegraphed early, leaving little suspense). Unfortunately, the mysteries get the majority of the page time and the relationship is left on the back burner. I often found myself skimming through mystery sections just to get back to the relationship, which I wished had been written with more nuance. The characters also refer to sex acts in euphemistic terms only, and some of the euphemisms were rather unfortunate ("doing your duty" is one of them). Overall, this series feels like missed potential, and after reading book 4 I skipped the rest of the series except for book 8.
January 18, 2016
In this one the cycle of reassurance between these two started to wear a little. Still a delightful story, still an intriguing mystery. And I'll still continue the series. This one just wasn't quite as much fun as the first three.
Some Favorite Quotes:
On bad days, the events still buzzed around Jonty's brain; they sounded in his ears like a heartbeat when he lay down to sleep, screeching in his ears like an alarm when he awoke.
"Small turning points, that's what life consists of. One little decision and the whole world changes."
"My mind can only cope with two entities and if you want to introduce a third I'll ignore it."
"Eh?"
Jonty cuffed his lover's arm. "Your diction is appalling. What happened to 'Pardon me, Dr. Stewart'?"
"It died of a broken heart when all it got was a grunt in reply. Ow!"
"You'll tell me now or there won't be any before to have an afterwards after."
There was no requirement for long-winded protestations of love, vows of eternal fidelity. They knew how much in love they were, all of their life together proclaimed the fact.
Some Favorite Quotes:
On bad days, the events still buzzed around Jonty's brain; they sounded in his ears like a heartbeat when he lay down to sleep, screeching in his ears like an alarm when he awoke.
"Small turning points, that's what life consists of. One little decision and the whole world changes."
"My mind can only cope with two entities and if you want to introduce a third I'll ignore it."
"Eh?"
Jonty cuffed his lover's arm. "Your diction is appalling. What happened to 'Pardon me, Dr. Stewart'?"
"It died of a broken heart when all it got was a grunt in reply. Ow!"
"You'll tell me now or there won't be any before to have an afterwards after."
There was no requirement for long-winded protestations of love, vows of eternal fidelity. They knew how much in love they were, all of their life together proclaimed the fact.
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