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Family Plot

Another John Pickett Mystery
By: Sheri Cobb South
Narrated by: Joel Froomkin
Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
4.5 out of 5 stars (3 ratings)
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Publisher's Summary

The third installment of the John Pickett series of humorous Regency mysteries finds Bow Street Runner Pickett in Scotland investigating a woman found unconscious on the beach - a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the local laird's daughter, a girl missing and presumed dead for the last 15 years.

Pickett is surprised to discover that the woman was found by none other than Lady Fieldhurst and her three young nephews - and gratified to learn that her ladyship has registered at the seaside inn as Mrs. Julia Pickett. When old Angus Kirkbride dies only hours after announcing his intention of changing his will in his daughter's favor, "Mr. and Mrs. Pickett" must join forces to discover the truth about a family reunion suddenly turned deadly.

©2014 Sheri Cobb South (P)2017 Sheri Cobb South

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  • Lady Meserole
  • 25-11-2017

Another Amazing John Pickett!

I have been absolutely loving this mystery series by Sheri Cobb South. Book one is called ‘In Milady’s Chamber’ and book two ‘Dead Bore’, but there is also a prequel called ‘The Pickpocket’s Apprentice’. I found that while each of Sheri’s books can easily be read as stand-alones, reading them in order and especially reading the prequel provide an even richer background for John Pickett. The books are all consistently great with intriguing mysteries and engaging characters, and just a bit of romance. An excellent blend and written exactly how a historical mystery should be written with the emphasis being on the mystery.

Sheri has done an incredible job with the historical aspect of the story. Her research must have been meticulously done. Being a massive Georgette Heyer (the Queen of historical fiction) fan, it is exciting to me to find another author who has taken the time and care to provide an excellent period piece.

The characters in Family Plot are well developed and very relatable. John Pickett is an unusual detective. He’s neither highly educated nor remarkably talented, and comes from a poor background. Irregardless of his birth, John is a true gentleman. He has integrity and treats everyone with respect and curtesy. As a detective, John is painstakingly careful and never rushes into judgment. He does his job well, as he is methodical and openminded. He is an extremely likeable character. Lady Julia Fieldhurst is as well. The best description I can think of for Julia is classy and practical with a dose of spunk. While I love the two main characters, the other characters are pretty terrific as well. I got a huge kick out of Lord Fieldhurst’s three boys, Harold, Robert and Edward (Ned). I hope that Sheri brings them into more books in the future. As always the magistrate, Patrick Calquhoun, is fantastic. His care and concern for John is very touching. I also loved how Patrick became more Scotch the longer they stayed in Scotland:) I love his scenes, he is always so amusing.

The storyline for Family Plot was exciting, captivating and sometimes very funny. Lady Julia had been banished to Scotland ‘for her sins’ by her deceased husband’s family. However, during her exile she was to have company in the form of her brother-in-law’s three illegitimate sons, banishment and babysitting combined in one trip. Once underway, the exiles decided to make their own arrangements, choosing both a different destination and surname. At their journey’s end, they stumbled upon the mysterious return of a local girl and the resulting family chaos. Bow Street was summoned and Lady Julia had some explaining to do. Julia and John, with some help from the kids, had another mystery to solve. Along the way, the reader gets all the clues to solve the mystery beside our sleuths. The denouement was very satisfying and rather funny, with Patrick having the last word, ‘I warned you to be circumspect in your dealings there…’ LOL!

Favourite quotes:
‘Arise slugabed and greet the dawn.’
‘A title, as you must know, covers a multitude of sins.’ ‘How very fortunate for him, for he has certainly committed a multitude of them.’
‘To where might they banish me for this new infraction, the Black Hole of Calcutta.’
‘You knew I wasn't a gentleman when you married me.’ ‘Very true, in fact it was a large part of your charm.’
‘With nary so much as a blush between them - scarcely a blush anyway.’
‘Surely a beautiful lady decking herself out in silks and satin is a case of gilding the lily.’
‘You were hardly alone in your indiscretion, I was an active participant and must be equally culpable.’
‘It was the high point of my existence.’
‘Needs must when the devil drives.’
‘Those with the most talk generally have the least action.’

Fun Fact: There was a real Patrick Calquhoun who was appointed the Magistrate of the Bow Street Runners in 1785. He began the Thames River Police Force (eventually called the Marine Police Force) and created the first preventative police force. Calquhoun’s methods, as written in his book ‘The Commerce and Policing of the River Thames’, were the building blocks for the Peelers/Bobbies, the police force under the direction of Sir Robert Peel operating out of Scotland Yard (Metropolitan Police Act 1829).

Narration: Joel Froomkin is a fabulous narrator. His range of character voices and accents is quite extraordinary. His formal tone for the narration really sets the mood for the Georgian era. As well as the men, Joel did an amazing job voicing the young boys and the women. I can’t figure out how he did Lady Fieldhurst, she sounds just like an upper class woman. Joel has been added to my list of favourites narrators.

For those who like to know... there is no profanity, no sex and the violence is very mild. An excellent clean read.

I received Family Plot: Another John Pickett Mystery free in exchange for an unbiased review.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

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  • barbara
  • 31-10-2017

Unparalleled Cliff Hanger

This ,the third in the John Pickett series , continues a delightful tradition of British comedic mystery The impossible growing romance between now street runner John Pickett and his widowed viscountess Lady Fieldhearst continues but rather than resolving closes in a way that demand that you read this book and hope that Audible publishes the next novel soon

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

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  • Clare
  • 20-11-2017

Regency Mystery - light and upbeat (and clever)

The widowed Lady Fieldhurst and the Bow Street Runner, John Pickett make an unlikely pair in this very class structured society. Lady Fieldhurst is banished to Scotland with her three nephew, but decides to take them on a spontaneous seaside holiday instead of going to their stuffy family home, but to remain incognito Lady Fieldhurst decides they take the family name of Pickett. Then a mystery ensues and the Bow Street Runners are needed ...

The style reminded me of the writing of Georgette Heyer (for example, sense of time was captured with the oh so deft passing references to fashion, and references to social conditions both above and below stairs in the local manor house).

I had not read the first two books and found it easy to catch up on the tangled relationships in the book. While initially frustrated with Lady Fieldhurst's highhanded (slightly unthinking) actions, and John Pickett's lack of self assertion, by the end of the audio I was on tenderhooks to find out what happens next to them. I will continue to buy this series!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

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  • Avid Audio Listener
  • 23-10-2017

The best one yet

This is the best Jon Pickett mystery yet. Each time The reader receives a new revelation, she realizes she should have seen it coming, right up to the wonderful reveal, surprise, at the end.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

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  • alias11
  • 08-12-2017

Wonderful romantic mystery

I really loved this book about the widowed Lady Fieldhurst, her deceased husband's bothersome mother and brother, and the handsome Bow Street Runner she fancies, even though he is below her station. The characters are interesting and the flirtations between Julia and John had me wanting to see them together. There is a real story here, as well, a mystery, and murders with numerous potential suspects. The story has a number of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. The nephews and the dry-humored magistrate are an added source of hilarity and fun. The romantic twist at the end has me eager to listen to the next book.

The narration was excellent. Mr. Froomkin did a wonderful job with the various accents, the English vernacular, and giving all the characters unique voices. The delivery was smooth and seamless.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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  • Jan M
  • 25-11-2017

I LOVED IT!!!

John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst are so endearing characters. I love how well developed the author has written these characters. She provides such great imagery for the times and seems to have the proper mannerisms down to a T. The story has such interesting twists and turns, and vivid descriptions. The narrator fits the book to perfection with all of his various voices and accents for the number of characters. One could hear who was speaking just by the voice he uses. I truly think this is one of the most diversely talented voice actors. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. This is the second book by Sheri Cobb South that I have had the pleasure to listen to. This book is a standalone listen and has the characters of John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst who were in another story as main characters in this book. I will definitely be listening to more books by this author and narrator in the future.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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  • LaPazBC
  • 29-12-2017

Great plot and mystery!

I enjoyed listening to this book right from the beginning. Great story; - John Picket investigates the possibility of a fraudulent impersonation, then a murder related to his investigation happens and needs to investigate it as well. The woman he loves is in imminent danger… another murder… The suspense keeps growing!

The narration in British accent is really good, with great character voices!

I received this audio-book free for an honest review by the author, narrator, or publisher. Thank you!!!

If you found this review helpful would you please take a moment to click yes below, thanks!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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  • mandy
  • 12-12-2017

so good!

I really enjoyed this mystery with a side of romance! Great writing and unpredictable story that kept me interested from start to finish. Narration was perfect!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. The fact that I was gifted this book had no influence over my opinion of it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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  • nicole hamilton
  • 17-11-2017

I really like this series

I was given a free copy of this audiobook by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I am very grateful for the free audiobook! I have enjoyed this series so much. It is well-plotted, humorous, diverting, engaging, witty, well-written, and overall entertaining. I enjoyed the two books that preceded this installment in the series, and the third one did not disappoint. I love seeing how Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst interact. This book intensified their connection even more -- which made the cliffhanger at the end even more tantalizing! (In all honesty: the romance does not overshadow the mystery, for those who are purists. I am first and foremost a mystery reader ... but I can appreciate a romantic element under the mystery.) I cannot wait to read the next installment, given how this book ended.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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  • kelly lauffenburger
  • 29-12-2017

Just could not get into it

Maybe if I had the previous stories in this series I would have enjoyed it more and would have understood it more. Narration was very good just could not get into the story. I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review. The fact that I was gifted this book had no influence over my opinion of it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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  • Norma Miles
  • 07-01-2018

I shall be Mrs.Pickett

A well written, amusing Regency mystery set in London and Scotland. The young Bow Street Runner, John Pickett, is called to investigate the identity of a woman apparently returning to her family home after being believed dead for fifteen years. To his surprise, he finds a 'Mrs.Pickett' already in residence at the local Inn.

This delightful story has everything: mystery, murder, mistaken identity and burgeoning forbidden romance where status can determine who can be loved. Great dialogue, too.
All is deliciously narrated by Joel Froomkin, whose very pleasant, well paced and articulated English accented reading contrasts with his wonderful Scottish conversations, everything delivered with the lightest of touches, emphasising the comedic content but never simply playing it for laughs. An excellent performance.

In part an historic comedy of manners, wrapped into a really good story of deception and intrigue, with realistic characters and an above usual narration, this is a book to be enjoyed by everyone with a delight in crime thrillers. My thanks to the rights holder of Family Plot, not only for freely gifting me a complementary copy, via Audiobook Boom, but also, in so doing, for introducing me to this John Pickett series.
A real pleasure.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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  • Inishowen Cailin
  • 27-11-2017

Brilliant

This series just keeps getting better and better.
I love the slow, romantic subplot that runs through the series.
There is also a lot of humour and intrigue which I love.
I had loads of favourite scenes; the romantic balcony and ballroom scenes and heart thumping, suspense filled action towards the end. I couldn't put this book down and can't wait to listen to the next in the series.
Again the narration is perfection! Just brilliant.

I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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  • Layla
  • 27-11-2017

Love it!!!

I love this series, so when I saw this I thought I have to get it. The author does not disappoint us in this book. We get suspense, romance, mystery, humor and a bit of action. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
The book is sweet with a little violence and no profanity so it is suitable for all.
John is more confident in this book when it comes to Julia. We get to see a change in his character through out the series between him and Lady Fieldhurst (Julia). I can't wait for more from these pair.

The narrator does an excellent job of portraying John and Julia as well as the others. I felt what they were feeling through out the book, which shows what a great narrator Joel is. Would highly recommend listening to his other books that he has narrated.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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  • Jan M
  • 25-11-2017

I loved it!!!

John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst are such endearing characters. I love how well developed the author has written these characters. She provides such great imagery for the times and seems to have the proper mannerisms down to a T. The story has such interesting twists and turns, and vivid descriptions. The narrator fits the book to perfection with all of his various voices and accents for the number of characters. One could hear who was speaking just by the voice he uses. I truly think this is one of the most diversely talented voice actors. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. This is the second book by Sheri Cobb South that I have had the pleasure to listen to. This book is a standalone listen and has the characters of John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst who were in another story as main characters in this book. I will definitely be listening to more books by this author and narrator in the future.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful