Book Reviews of Death at Bishop's Keep (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 1)

This is the first in a series of (so far)12 books. I enjoyed the introduction of "new" crime solving techniques, like photographing the crime scene. The main characters were engaging and funny, but didn't compete for the spotlight or take away from the mystery. The lead, Kate, is a strong female, especially for that time period, making her own money, traveling on her own, etc. Just enough detail, in the victims, for a good visual picture, but not enough to be bothersome, if you don't like blood and such. There's a "typical" sister involved, interested in getting married, and buying gloves, not crime scenes and suspects. It's fun to see the two extremes of women, in that day, become friends. If you've never read cozy mysteries, this is a good book to start with.

This is the first book in this series. We are introduced to all the main characters as well as a well-written mystery plot. Robin Paige is a pseudonym for Susan Wittig Albert (who writes the China Bayles series) and her husband. If you have read any of the China Bayles series you already know how well written they are and you will not be disappointed in this historical series a bit. These take place in England during the late Victorian, early Edwardian era, and not only contain great plots with several plots within the plots, but extremely interesting background of the history of the time. I think if you give this book a try you will want to read all the others!

Robin Paige is a pseudonym for husband and wife writing team of Bill and Susan (Whittig) Albert. I guess this is properly classed as a cozy, as although there are a few dead bodies their deaths are not described in gruesome detail. Wasn't sure what to expect since I have little experience with cozies unless they feature animals. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself sucked in, so much so that I ordered book two in the series to find out what happened next.

Plot synopsis:
Kate Adrleigh is everything the Victorian English gentlewoman is not--outspoken, free-thinking, American...and a writer of the frowned upon "penny-dreadfuls."
Soon after her arrival in Essex, England, a body is unearthed in a nearby archeological dig--and Kate has the chance to not only research her latest story...but to begin her first case with amateur detective Sir Charles Sheridan.

Comment:
This is a wonderful "cozy" mystery. I've stayed up much too late at night because I couldn't wait to find out "who done it". The authors do an excellent job of placing the story in Victorian England and giving the reader a good feel for the times. Can't wait to read all the books in this series.

This is my first time reading this author. The book was a nice cozy read and I will be looking for others in the series.

I thought this book would turn out to be just another cozy. A poor but resourceful and curious independent woman sets out to make her way among the stuffy English upper class. And of course there is the obligatory counterpoint with an interesting male. But then I noticed the intelligent writing style, the sprinkling of historical characters (like Oscar Wilde and Sir Conan Doyle), and a strong sense of place, time and popular culture in the late nineteenth century. The plot is complex, although I did figure out whodunit fairly early on. I eagerly begin my search for Book 2 in the series.

What a great relationship between the two crime-solvers! The period details are terrific and the plot very involving. A wonderful mystery for people who enjoy English murder mysteries.

Excellent story and cast of characters. I shall be looking for more books of this series and author.

Kathryn Ardleigh is everything the Victorian English gentlewoman is not - outspoken, free-thinking, American...and a writer of the frowned upon "penny-dreadfuls." When Kate arrives in Essex, England, she shocks the household at Bishop's Keep - and captures the interest of amateur detective Sir Charles Sheridan as they begin their first case together.

A dead body has been uncovered at a nearby archaeological dig. The investigation provides the perfect research for Kate's fiction. But the curious writer may be digging too deep - especially when the trail leads her into a secret occult society known as the Order of the Golden Dawn...

What a wonderful new series - at least for me. The characterization is extremely good. And it combines the best of the staid Brits and the brash Americans. Shame about the aunt though.

I loved this book, so much, in fact, that I've ordered all the rest of the series and have read 5 of them so far. They are fun and well-written mysteries set in late Victorian England, and the details are interesting and accurate for the time period. I would highly recommend them.

A nice view of Victorian life

What a delightful Victorian Mystery.A fast reading who done it. Which lets you look into the lives of women in that time...Fun read

A fun, easy read. Intriguing enough to make me want to look out for more in the series.

I am use to reading Victoria Thompson and Anne Perry so when I came across this book was not sure it could stand up to the standard I'm use to, however it was an enjoyable read.I will read another in the series.

Better than I expected. Enjoyable.

This series never fails to deliver a great story and interesting characters.

"Wonderfully gothic. … A bright and lively recreation of late Victorian society." Sharan Newman, author of The Devil's Door

Fun bit of fluff. The action moves nicely, good tension between the two leads.

Nice mystery!

I liked this whole series. Starts in the late 1800's goes into the early 1900's book by book. It has good characters and "new" methods of CSI.