Death Can Be Habit-Forming

John Pickett Mysteries, Book 11

By: Sheri Cobb South

Narrated by: Joel Froomkin

Having resigned his position at Bow Street in disgrace (at least in his own mind) and failed in his attempt to establish himself as a private agent, John Pickett toils away at a tedious job as a clerk in the city. When he is approached by a man wishing to hire him to extract a young lady being held against her will at an asylum for opium-eaters, Pickett jumps at the chance to prove himself, and has a very reluctant Julia commit him to the institution as a patient. But nothing at the Larches is exactly as it seems, and while getting in may be easy, getting out may be another matter entirely….

©2021 Sheri Cobb South (P)2022 Sheri Cobb South

"A rather delicate matter."

At the suggestion of his wife and encouragement of his Magistrate friend, John Pickett had advertised him self as a free lance investigator after resigning from the Bow Street Runners. But the applications for his services were not just slow to follow, they were non existent and John was forced by financial restraints to take an office job which he hated. Until, out of the blue, a gentleman requested that he investigate a house where, for a very large fee, opium addicts could be admitted, to be treated for their
problems, a place where, he said, his friend had recently died and the sister, of whom he was obviously more than slightly fond, was now being restrained with no contact from him allowed. Despite Julia's concerns, Pickett accepts the job.

These Regency stories following the career of the humble John Pickett, rescued from street thievery to marriage into a class way an over his origins is simply delightful a and the investigated crimes, at a time when there was little policing, are fascinating to encounter. Narrator Joel Froomkin has become Pickett over the course of this eleven part series, his slightly stilted performance perfect for the setting. I have listened to, and very much enjoyed, this series (almost) from the beginning and can recommend them to all who enjoy stories set in past times as well as detective story enthusiasts who are less addicted to forensic solutions.

My thanks to the rights holder of Death Can Be Habit Forming, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. A delicious series and I look forward to book 12.

Cobb and Froomkin Do It AGAIN

After 10 books, I thought I'd heard it all, but author Sheri Cobb South has written a mystery adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat for the majority of the book! Bravo!

John Pickett finds himself on his first case as a private investigator for 'delicate' matters. He's off to rescue a damsel in distress, but things aren't quite as they appear in more ways than one.

As I hinted in the headline for this review, I adore the team of Sheri Cobb South and Joel Froomkin. Froomkin's storytelling is top-notch. I wouldn't be surprised if book 11 earns him another earphones award. He had me hooked from page one. And, (bonus) he made outdoor Spring clean-up fly by!

I was given a copy of this audiobook from the author. My review is freely offered with lots of 'hurrah'. Thank you for the listening pleasure.

Mature Content: None

Keep Writing

Can't wait for the next installment. Don't stop now! Please let us hear about the baby.

A Wonderful Unique Series

John Pickett is so creative and unique among the many historical romances I’ve read. The writing is so entertaining and the lead characters so engaging. I hope this series continues for years to come.

The best!

Can’t wait for the next book! Keep writing Ms. Cobb! Many of us await impatiently!