DEATH AT THE EMERALD
- Author: R.J. Koreto
- Publisher: Crooked Lane
- Print Length: 272 pages
- Release Date: November 7, 2017
- I Rate it:
- Genre: Cozy
- Purchase on Amazon
Book Summary
One-named stunning actress Helen mysteriously vanished 30 years ago. An elderly family friend is unable to bear not knowing any longer and commissions Lady Frances Ffolkes to track her down. Taking on the role of Lady Sherlock, with her loyal maid Mallow drafted as her Watson, Frances finds herself immersed in the glamorous world of Edwardian theater and London’s latest craze—motion pictures.
As Frances and Mallow make their way through the theaters, they meet colorful figures such as George Bernard Shaw and King Edward II. Tracking the theaters seems like a dead end. That is until one of Helen’s old suitors is suddenly murdered. With the stakes raised, Frances and Mallow work quickly to uncover a box of subtle clues to Helen’s whereabouts. But someone unexpected wants that box just as badly and is willing to kill to keep it shut.
The stage is set for murder and Frances and Mallow are determined to unravel the decades-old conspiracy in Death at the Emerald, R. J. Koreto’s third installment in the captivating Lady Frances Ffolkes mysteries.
R.J. Koreto has been fascinated by the Edwardian era ever since viewing the original “Upstairs, Downstairs” series.
In his day job, he works as a business and financial journalist. Over the years, he’s been a magazine writer and editor, website manager, PR consultant, book author, and seaman in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Like Lady Frances Ffolkes, he’s a graduate of Vassar College, and like Alice Roosevelt, he was born and raised in New York.
He is the author of the Lady Frances Ffolkes and Alice Roosevelt mysteries. He has been published in both Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. He also published a book on practice management for financial professionals.
With his wife and daughters, he divides his time between Rockland County, N.Y., and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.
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Book Review by Bree Herron
What a fun historical mystery this was to read. Having not read the first two books in the series, I was thrilled to see that this was able to be a stand alone. I am sure that I will enjoy reading the others as much as I did this story.
Characters
Lady Frances rocks. She is just as described a female Sherlock. But she is more than just a sleuth, she is very progressive. I loved this about her! I felt as though she would have been one of the suffragists in real life fighting for women’s rights. She is certainly not our average female sleuth and certainly a unique one for the time period.
Theater always makes me think of unique characters,and this story had a host of those. I felt as though I was transported to the stage and the intrigue that goes with such passionate professions.
Enjoyable Moments
I love how Lady Frances interacts with her maid, and crime solving pal, Mallow. Mallow is one that is certainly described well and is the balance to our female Sherlock. I enjoyed the climax to the end and the solving, it was well done and yet was a perfect blend of intrigue and suspense.
Synoptic
This was an excellent book to read. I found myself swept back in time, put on the stage and solving this mystery along side a character that is truly comparable to Sherlock Holmes. That may seem to be a bold statement, but when you have read this novel and series I am sure you will be in agreement. The case is afoot! Go forth and read this book!
Have you read this series? What draws you to such a mystery?
**DISCLAIMER: I was provided an opportunity to read this book as an Advanced Reader Copy in return for a fair and honest review.
Come get swept away into this lovely mystery. Here is your chance to win:
(3) Print Copy – Death at the Emerald: A Lady Frances Ffolkes Mystery by R. J. Koreto (U.S. Only)
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Thanks for your great review of my book, “Death at the Emerald.”
I LOVE Historical Mysteries & this sounds like a Fantastic read- Awesome review!
Cheers~
Kelly Braun