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.

11 people found this helpful

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 people found this helpful

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 people found this helpful

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 people found this helpful

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 people found this helpful

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 people found this helpful

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 people found this helpful

Fast paced mystery with humor and heart

What did you like best about this story?

The characters in this story - Lady Julia and John Pickett - were so well developed. (This is the 2nd novel in the series, but I don't feel like I was left in the dark about their past.) They characters have genuine care for each other and are very likable. They work well as a team to solve the mystery.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene is when John attends his first country ball.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Every family has a secret"

Any additional comments?

Disclosure - I was given a copy of this bok in exchange for an honest review (via Audiobook Boom)

1 person found this helpful

A Very Fun Mystery

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun regency mystery. I especially liked that the whole of the mystery wasn't overly obvious and threw a bit of a twist in there to keep you guessing.
I have not previously listened to the first 2 books in the series but was able to catch up quickly.
There is a good bit of light humor in some of the interactions and antics some of the characters get up to.
I will be eager to see what happens in the next book as this one ended on a bit of a surprise & mild cliffhanger.
Joel Leslie Froomkin did an excellent performance of Family Plot, I always enjoy his voices and accents.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request and am providing this honest unbiased review.

1 person found this helpful

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 people found this helpful