Showing results by author "VL McBeath" in All Categories

Keen to get away from her abusive father, Lydia happily accepts the post of housekeeper at the Jackson family home. But when William senses romance in the air between Lydia and his son William-Wetherby, he is determined to put an end to it. For good. As a feud erupts between father and son, Mr. Wetherby has other things on his mind. He's still furious about Harriet's betrayal . . . and he's going to make sure someone pays.

Widowed at the age of twenty, Ann has no optimism for the future. At the beck and call of her domineering mother she longs to make a new life for herself. But it's not that easy. Her world is turned upside down when a curious gentleman stops to speak to her. He's new to the area but seems to know a lot about her . . . and he appears very well-to-do. Could he be her savior? With newfound hope Ann dares to dream.

Setting off in search of his brother, William-Wetherby heads to Liverpool. Since they were last together their world has changed and with no one to turn to, he needs a friend. When he rents a room with a local family, he refuses to tell his landlady or her daughter, Bella, anything about his past. But their curiosity is piqued . . .

Eliza Thomson is back in Moreton after nearly 30 years away. Her best friend Connie is eager to introduce her to the villagers, but their excitement vanishes when they bump into the ill-tempered Mrs. Milwood. Days later, when Mrs. Milwood is found dead, the evidence confirms she was murdered...and there are no shortage of suspects. With the finger of suspicion pointing at a childhood friend, Eliza is keen to clear her name. But an inspector from New Scotland Yard has other ideas. He won't have her interfering with the investigation.

September 1905: In need of an outfit for Connie’s special day, Eliza treats them to a day’s shopping at her favorite London store. After a successful morning, tragedy strikes. Connie is knocked to the ground as two men push past them, but there is no help at hand. Feet away, a man lies dying, a knife protruding from his side. With no witnesses, and the identity of the victim a mystery, the only clue is the four calling cards found in the man’s jacket pocket. Can they shed any light on who he is? And why anyone would want him dead?

In 1860s England, it's a man's world and women aren't expected . . . or allowed . . . to upset the status quo. Living with her domineering uncle, Harriet is desperate to break free. Could the charming young man who has come to stay with them be her way out? Or will he be just like the rest? Happy to keep her in her place . . . Not prepared to sit around while her dreams die, Harriet risks everything to stand her ground. But she underestimates how far some will go to silence her.

With no husband and two small children to care for, survival is Mary's only concern. She needs money . . . and can't be too choosy about the job. Mr. Wetherby doesn't need any more workers for his expanding business, but as a favor to an old acquaintance, he'll make an exception . . . for Mary. He wants her. She needs him. Can they build the foundations of a happy life together? Or will a web of lies and deceit be their undoing?

July 1905: A family holiday to the seaside, at Brighton’s most prestigious hotel, promises to be a grand affair. And bumping into an old friend adds to the excitement. But when a body is discovered in one of the beach's bathing machines, all plans are put on hold. Eliza needs to know what happened. Despite the police insisting the death was accidental, Eliza is convinced it’s more sinister, but when she suggests it was murder, they refuse to listen. Until they have no choice.

As Mr. Wetherby's wealth and power increase, he won’t tolerate interference in his affairs . . . From anyone. But Harriet isn't 'just anyone' and when she sees him involved in a serious incident, she stores the information away. Maybe one day she can use it to get the future Mr Wetherby is intent on denying them. Biding her time, she finally gets her chance. But facing the wrath of Mr. Wetherby, she soon discovers she has more to worry about than her own ambitions . . .

Recently home from their trip to Brighton, Eliza and Connie are deep in preparation for the local village fete. Half the villagers are involved too, and once the marquee is assembled, it soon fills up with eager stall holders. With the competition prizes awarded, the afternoon is almost at an end, but everything stops when a body is found hidden amongst the debris. Dead!

Farm laborer Charles Jackson doesn't expect much from life. For the price of a few pints of ale and enough food on the table, he's happy to take work where he can get it. Until he finds himself at Chadwick's farm. Falling in love with the farmer's daughter wasn't part of his plans. But when they're found in an intimate embrace, his troubles are only just beginning . . .

April 1901: A weekend house party at the stately home of the Earl of Lowton...with an invitation to his daughter’s debutante ball. It should have been perfect. And it would have been…had it not been for the body found dead in the lake. The timing couldn’t be worse. With only hours to go before the biggest event in the Lowton’s social calendar, the family have no intention of letting it ruin the occasion. But Eliza isn’t family. Determined to prove the death was murder, Eliza enlists the help of husband Archie, and best friend Connie.