Mystery Loves Company

John Pickett Mysteries, Volume 7

By: Sheri Cobb South

Narrated by: Joel L Froomkin

Returning to London after his honeymoon (For Deader or Worse), Bow Street Runner John Pickett soon discovers wedded bliss is not without its pitfalls, as he finds it galling to be financially dependent on Julia, his aristocratic bride. When he is summoned to the home of Lady Washbourn, Pickett finds he has something in common with the young countess: like himself, Lady Washbourn has married above her station and now finds herself adrift in a world to which she does not truly belong.

After a series of unsettling incidents - dismissed as accidents by Lord Washbourn and his mother, the dowager countess - Lady Washbourn fears her husband is trying to kill her. The couple will be hosting a masquerade ball, and the countess fears the anonymity of masks and costumes may afford Lord Washbourn an opportunity to make another, bolder attempt on her life. Tricked out in fancy dress for the occasion, Pickett feels more than a little foolish, but when one of the housemaids dies shortly after stealing a sip of Lady Washbourn’s ratafia, he realizes her ladyship’s fears were not unfounded.

Then the coroner’s jury returns a verdict of death by natural causes, and Lord Washbourn makes it clear that he considers the matter settled. Pickett stakes his professional reputation on proving the maid was murdered with a poison intended for her mistress. And with a reward of fifty pounds sterling riding on his successful resolution of the case, the marriage Pickett saves just might be his own.

©2018 Sheri Cobb South (P)2018 Sheri Cobb South

The best one in the series yet

In <strong>Mystery Loves Company</strong> by Sheri Cobb South, John and Julia Pickett have now been married for two months, and the honeymoon is nearing its end. Bow Street Runner John is starting to feel like a "kept man," with his noble wife, Julia, expecting him to dress up for dinner, wear clothes made to measure, and get his hair cut by her first husband's barber. So when he is asked to help Lady Washbourne, the daughter of a tradesman who married an earl, John feels a connection with her situation. She has had a series of "accidents" that make her worry that her husband is trying to murder her and invites John and Julia to attend an upcoming masquerade ball, so John can keep an eye on things. Julia is thrilled to be invited to a costume ball and makes John wear a costume with a cumbersome sword attached.

But just as the ball seems to be winding down successfully, a maid drinks a glass of peach ratafia left untouched by one of the guests and falls over dead. Though the coroner and his jury declare the death natural causes, John suspects prussic acid, now commonly known as cyanide. He investigates to try to save Lady Washbourne's life but also has a lot to do to save his marriage.

I have listened to all the previous books in the John Pickett series and have enjoyed each one. <strong>Mystery Loves Company</strong> continues with this pattern of excellence, drawing the readers thoroughly into the plot, so I didn't want to take even the slightest break in my recording. John Pickett proves his gift for detection as he solves this case, despite being the youngest detective among the Bow Street Runners. The details of his research into prussic acid and ratafia, which has an almond taste, become fascinating as John gradually puts the pieces together.

The characters in this book are relatable, and we feel a lot of empathy for their situations. We connect to the conflict between John and Julia over money and lifestyle, as she can't understand why he isn't happy with all the advantages her money can bring, while he wants to be able to provide for his wife and not depend entirely upon her. When they have their big fight, we listeners cringe because we want them to success in their marriage. We also enjoy getting to meet John's former school master, whose actions in teaching John to read changed his life. On the other hand, we also become reunited with John's old master and the man's daughter, John's first love, whom he now recognizes as crass and money- grubbing.

The audio edition of the book is performed by Joel L. Froomkin, one of the top narrators in the current field of audiobooks. He does a great job of creating voices for each character and does a highly believable Scottish accent for Mr. Calhoun, the head of Bow Street. Froomkin's performance makes this book all the more believable and goes a long way towards making us feel thoroughly attached to the book, not wanting to pause it at all.

I highly enjoyed listening to <strong>Mystery Loves Company</strong> and think this is perhaps the strongest of the books in the series yet. It combines a good mystery plot with highly identifiable characters with whom we really connect. This series has a bit more personal details than most cozy mysteries, but I have never found that to bother me because they are written so well. I really loved this book and give ir five stars.

<strong>Disclaimer:</strong> I received this book for free for review purposes, but that in no way had any influence on the content of my review.

Great historic detective story!

Mystery Loves Company is the 7th book in the John Pickett Mysteries series but it stands alone. John Pickett is a Bow Street Runner, London's first professional police force. He is hired by Lady Washbourn, who after experiencing a series of suspicious accidents, thinks her husband is trying to kill her. Then at the masquerade ball, one of the maids dies shortly after drinking a drink meant for Lady Washbourn! John Pickett is on the case.

It is unfortunate that I have only listened to the last two books in the series because I absolutely love them. The narrator is so good that the book sounds like a full cast production. The characters are vivid and believable. I was sorry when the story ended. I look forward to listening to the other books.

I was gifted a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review,

Marriage can Mean Murder

This is a masterpiece for Sheri. The writing is, as always, excellent, the humor subtle, and the action enough to keep us excited without wearing out us readers with angst. More so, however, is how Sheri depicts the relationship, the newly married status of John and Julia. Without going into detail, she nicely shows their physical passion for one another, and the passion of their personalities. The conflicts between them are not at all contrived, and the way the two argue is so realistic I found myself cracking up, while hurting for how their pasts hurt them and threaten their love for one another.

I stayed up half the night to finish it, something I do rarely any more. But it was worth the yawns the next day.

Yes, I guessed the villain fairly easily, and in the story, doing so is just not important. On the contrary, I couldn't wait for the moment of revelation.

Can't wait for Book 8. Some interesting days ahead for our protagonists.

Wonderfully entertaining Plot & Characters

I haven't read the other books in this series, but I didn't need to because Sheri gave enough of the backstory to keep me from getting lost. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it kept my attention and I didn't want to put it down. The characters were relatable and the mystery was fun and not too predictable. It was just a very well written mystery that offers more with the side story of the newly married couple.

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

Another delightful Georgian RomCom hit

These formulaic stories continue to delight me. They are simple, clever, and full of wit. I love the characters who feel like old friends now. I hope the Ms. Cobb ensures her fans do not run out of new books to enjoy!

Another excellent listen!

I absolutely cannot get enough of John Pickett! He's settling into married life in this listen and the growing pains have begun. The aristocratic life is an acquired taste and as John muddles through, another murder needs his deft hand (and head.)

This was a simple mystery but therein lies the genius. No spoilers though.

The narration continues to blow my mind. The variety of characters just burst to life!

I haven't check yet but I hope there is a book eight.

Wonderfully Enjoyable

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and any opinions expressed herein are my own.

This is the seventh book in the John Pickett mysteries. Without any preamble, you cannot start the series with this book. You must start at the beginning as way too much has happened through the series and to the main characters start with the seventh book. Start with "In Milady's Chamber" [Book 1] or better yet, start with "Pickpocket's Apprentice" [a short novella prequel relating John Pickett's upbringing].

I am enjoying how the characters John and Julia are evolving. They have now settled into married life and trying to navigate those fragile waters. I really enjoyed the realistic conflicts which have begun to develop between John and Julia and their different takes on life. Interestingly, the mystery John is called upon to solve echoes, a bit, his own circumstances - marrying above your station and the insecurities involved. This is a well-written, well-researched and thoroughly enjoyable historical mystery/romance series. I highly recommend it.

The narrator, Joel L. Froomkin, is superb. His narration makes this book by bringing the listener back in time. He adds emotion and humor through his narration. His narration, along with the wonderful writing, makes me not want to stop listening. I am a fan!

Very entertaining historical mystery

I've listened to several John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst mysteries and enjoyed them all. The narration is strong and the characters are relateable, even from a distance of centuries. I'm hoping that John, in particular, will mature into a stronger person as the series continues. Sooner or later, he needs to grow past his insecurities as the "lower class" husband of a formerly titled lady. The one area where he shines is in his confidence on the job as a Bow Street Runner, and his unwavering insistence on pursuing justice. Well done!

"Lord" John and Lady Fieldhurst-Pickett

Sheri Cobb South has written 2 great stories in this book. I love the characters of John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst (aka Julia Fieldhurst-Pickett) and Mr. Colquhoun. This book deals with marriage and murder. I loved how the killer was revealed and it was a surprise to me. The twists the author writes are so well done. The imagery in the story is so vivid, and the details are perfect. The humor is an added plus. Joel Froomkin performs this book (and series) perfectly. He gives distinguishable voices to the various characters. One can hear who is speaking by just listening to his smooth sigh voice. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarly written this review. I cannot recommend this book and series enough. This is a delightful listen and continuation to the series. I am looking forward to listening to more books by this author and narrator.

A great historical mystery

This is the first book that I’ve listened to in this series, but I had no trouble getting into it. Sheri Cobb South has written a great story... great plot, character development, and details. I’ll certainly be checking out the other books in the series!

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