Jane Jakeman

Lord Ambrose Malfine lives as a virtual recluse in his large and crumbling mansion. it is only when news arrives of the murders of two local farmers,that he emerges and begins to take an interest in the world once more.As he investigates further he learns of several unsavoury secrets attached to the womenfolk who live in the farmhouse and the prime suspect becomes mush less so.
I found this an interesting read overall,losing the top score only because Jakeman occasionally seems to forget that show more she is writing Crime fiction instead of Romantic fiction of the 'purple prose' sort. show less

1831. Lilian Westmoreland having suffered a riding accident is bedridden. Her guardian and uncle, Micah Overbury decides to send her for her health to Egypt, in the care of his business man, Casterman.
But Lord Ambrose, neighbour and friend to her dead father is determined to protect her life, and follows her to Cairo, especially after the discovery of the body of a maid working at Westmoreland Park.
Can he save her from her fate.
An enjoyable though slow-paced mystery story, with its very show more likeable main characters. show less

1833. On refusing Lord Ambrose's marrigae proposal governess Elisabeth Anstruther leaves Malfine to take up the role of companion to Lady Clara Jesmond of Jesmond Place. He soon receives a letter from Elizabeth detailing her unease of the place and the death of Sir Antony Jesmond's physician Doctor Kelsoe. Ambrose decides to investigate.
Another enjoyable and well-written mystery with its very likeable cast of characters

This was kind of a romantic thriller but it lacked in both the romantic and the thriller aspects. It was compelling and fairly well written but not exactly literature.