A Dead Bore

John Pickett Mysteries, Book 2

By: Sheri Cobb South

Narrated by: Joel Froomkin

Eager to escape London following the scandal of her husband's death, Lady Fieldhurst accepts an invitation to spend the summer in rural Yorkshire as the guest of Sir Gerald and Lady Hollingshead. She soon discovers, however, that country life is not the panacea she had hoped for. Tension reigns and tempers flare at Hollingshead Place, due in large part to Lady Hollingshead's ambitions for her daughter, a lovely young lady destined for a brilliant marriage in spite of her love for a penniless curate. When a dinner party ends with the death of the vicar - a kindly old soul whose only sin appears to be the authorship of a dull local history - Lady Fieldhurst suspects foul play and sends for Bow Street Runner John Pickett, with one stipulation: since she is a guest in the house, Picket must keep his connection to Bow Street a secret. Pickett obliges by presenting himself as her footman, complete with livery and powdered hair. But Pickett soon has his white-gloved hands full sifting through old secrets, uncovering hidden passions, and dealing with a demanding housekeeper - not to mention avoiding the younger daughter of the house, a precocious 14-year-old with a school girl infatuation for the faux footman. Then there is the problem of Lady Fieldhurst herself, at once an able assistant and an all too pleasant distraction.

©2008 Sheri Cobb South (P)2017 Sheri Cobb South

Fun, feel good mystery set in old England

I thoroughly enjoyed this listen. A fun, feel good mystery with some restrained romance. Being a huge Downton Abbey fan, this story reminded me a bit of that, with the upstairs downstairs vibe- but with some Sherlock Holmes added in. The main characters are very likable, and I'm a huge sucker for the Agatha Christie-esque the murderer is someone in this very room feeling.
It's part of a short John Picket mystery series, and I am going to continue.
As a disclaimer, I didn't read the first one, but I didn't feel lost, as any missed information was filled in in the story.
And I have to say-- the narrator was FANTASTIC! Joel Froomkin made me forget as he voiced the female roles that it was actually a man reading the book! That's not easy to do. I would listen to more books by this narrator as well!
Listen (or read) for a fun easy feel good read.

*This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Great listen -- title does not match enjoyment

This is the first book by this author or narrator that I have listened to. I think both are very talented. The narrator did a great job with the accents. I liked the imagery that was conveyed in the story. This is a clean historical mystery. It is part of a series and yet a stand alone book. I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher, and/or narrator.

A. Dead Bore

A good read,though slow at times.Narration by Joel Froomkin was wonderful!I was provided this book free by the author,narrator or publisher.

John Pickett is the perfect hero again!

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Dead Bore?

Well has to be the kiss, right?

Which character – as performed by Joel Froomkin – was your favorite?

I am blown away by how well he does Julia. You would swear they used a female narrator (and one heck of a sexy one at that).

Any additional comments?

I started with book 1. It is hard to get into it but if you hang on for the first 10 minutes or so, the hook gets planted. On to number thee now.

Another great book

Once again, Ms. South has written a magnificent blend of regency England and mystery. To this lover of both genres, I can't think of a more perfect union.

The characters are interesting, the mystery not easily solved, and the hint of romance between two people of different backgrounds and social standing, make for an engaging read.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and unbiased review.