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Cambridge Fellows #6
Lessons in Seduction
This time, one touch could destroy everything
Cambridge Fellows Mysteries, Book 6
The suspected murder of the king s ex-mistress is Cambridge dons Orlando Coppersmith and Jonty Stewart s most prestigious case yet. And the most challenging, since clues are as hard to come by as the killer s possible motive.
At the hotel where the body was found, Orlando goes undercover as a professional dancing partner while Jonty checks in as a guest. It helps the investigation, but it also means limiting their communication to glances across the dance floor. It s sheer agony.
A series of anonymous letters warns the sleuths they ll be sorry if they don t drop the investigation. When another murder follows, Jonty is convinced their involvement might have caused the victim s death. Yet they can t stop, for this second killing brings to light a wealth of hidden secrets.
For Orlando, the letters pose a more personal threat. He worries that someone will blow his cover and discover their own deepest secret The intimate relationship he enjoys with Jonty could not only get them thrown out of Cambridge, but arrested for indecency."
Cambridge Fellows Mysteries, Book 6
The suspected murder of the king s ex-mistress is Cambridge dons Orlando Coppersmith and Jonty Stewart s most prestigious case yet. And the most challenging, since clues are as hard to come by as the killer s possible motive.
At the hotel where the body was found, Orlando goes undercover as a professional dancing partner while Jonty checks in as a guest. It helps the investigation, but it also means limiting their communication to glances across the dance floor. It s sheer agony.
A series of anonymous letters warns the sleuths they ll be sorry if they don t drop the investigation. When another murder follows, Jonty is convinced their involvement might have caused the victim s death. Yet they can t stop, for this second killing brings to light a wealth of hidden secrets.
For Orlando, the letters pose a more personal threat. He worries that someone will blow his cover and discover their own deepest secret The intimate relationship he enjoys with Jonty could not only get them thrown out of Cambridge, but arrested for indecency."
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2010
16 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Cochrane
90books371followersBecause Charlie Cochrane couldn't be trusted to do any of her jobs of choice—like managing a rugby team—she writes. Her mystery novels include the Edwardian era Cambridge Fellows series, series, and the contemporary Best Corpse for the Job. Multi-published, she has titles with Carina, Samhain, Riptide and Bold Strokes, among others.
A member of the Romantic Novelists� Association, Mystery People and International Thriller Writers Inc, Charlie regularly appears at literary festivals and at reader and author conferences with The Deadly Dames.
A member of the Romantic Novelists� Association, Mystery People and International Thriller Writers Inc, Charlie regularly appears at literary festivals and at reader and author conferences with The Deadly Dames.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 28, 2019
4 stars for the lovely couple. I enjoyed their relationship more than the mystery as a matter of fact.
RTC
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November 14, 2010At the sixth book in the Cambridge Fellows Mysteries maybe it’s superfluous to say that I love these two “cute� guys, Jonty and Orlando, so deeply in love with each other and yet still so new to their love; book after book it seems like they can’t get enough of the joy of living together, and it’s not only, or probably not even, a sexual thing; like the author tells us, Jonty and Orlando are now living together, and they are very much like an ordinary couple: they still enjoy the sexual side of their relationship, but their living together is much more, sometime also going to be together maybe to talk and fall asleep in each other arms, just for the joy to be able to.
For this reason, when they need to investigate on the murder of a former mistress of the king, in a exclusive hotel in the country, and Orlando has to go undercover, like an hired dance partner for the ladies, is biggest regret is to not being able to share his everyday (and everynight) rountine with Jonty. And it’s cute to read that on the other hand, his biggest worry is that he will go under the guise of a “gigolo�: yes, since Orlando, in his naivite, matches being a dance partner with being a gigolo, even if no one will ask him to provide more than his services on the dance floor.
In this story Jonty and Orlando are formally separated but I think as never as before they are together: the yearning to be together is so strong, exchanging glances across the room, knowing the one you love is so near and yet so far, gives to both of them, but above all to Jonty, the chance to appreciate even more the fact that they are together. Jonty is in this new adventure with a special companion, his father Richard Stewart, and Mr. Stewart will be a perfect counselor to his son’s questions about love and relationships, giving him a yardstick between his own story with Orlando and the one between his parents.
Another thing that is in common to the books in this series, and that book after book captivates me, is the accurate description of the English society of the beginning of the XX century; it’s a privileged society, a mix between aristocracy and middle-class, a society that could afford to spend time in elegant hotels at easy reach distance, like Kent, Conrwall or maybe on the other side of the sea, in France. It’s a society that is in a changing phase, that will soon disappear, and when I started to read this series, I was worried by something: both Jonty and Orlando are young enough to be involved in the coming I World War conflict, and I so hope they will not. In this book, set in 1907, for the first time we had an hint to the turmoils that are happening in the continent. I don’t want to think what could be of these two men if they had to be separated, a real separation, not a fake one like in this story, but something like a war, for how I read them, I don’t think they will survive to that.
For this reason, when they need to investigate on the murder of a former mistress of the king, in a exclusive hotel in the country, and Orlando has to go undercover, like an hired dance partner for the ladies, is biggest regret is to not being able to share his everyday (and everynight) rountine with Jonty. And it’s cute to read that on the other hand, his biggest worry is that he will go under the guise of a “gigolo�: yes, since Orlando, in his naivite, matches being a dance partner with being a gigolo, even if no one will ask him to provide more than his services on the dance floor.
In this story Jonty and Orlando are formally separated but I think as never as before they are together: the yearning to be together is so strong, exchanging glances across the room, knowing the one you love is so near and yet so far, gives to both of them, but above all to Jonty, the chance to appreciate even more the fact that they are together. Jonty is in this new adventure with a special companion, his father Richard Stewart, and Mr. Stewart will be a perfect counselor to his son’s questions about love and relationships, giving him a yardstick between his own story with Orlando and the one between his parents.
Another thing that is in common to the books in this series, and that book after book captivates me, is the accurate description of the English society of the beginning of the XX century; it’s a privileged society, a mix between aristocracy and middle-class, a society that could afford to spend time in elegant hotels at easy reach distance, like Kent, Conrwall or maybe on the other side of the sea, in France. It’s a society that is in a changing phase, that will soon disappear, and when I started to read this series, I was worried by something: both Jonty and Orlando are young enough to be involved in the coming I World War conflict, and I so hope they will not. In this book, set in 1907, for the first time we had an hint to the turmoils that are happening in the continent. I don’t want to think what could be of these two men if they had to be separated, a real separation, not a fake one like in this story, but something like a war, for how I read them, I don’t think they will survive to that.
August 6, 2017
Jonty and Orlando are called in by the police in this 6th instalment of the series, rather than stumbling across a mystery. Panto goes undercover as a professional dancer at the hotel where the King's former mistress is presumed to have been murdered. With Jonty and his father, who knew the dead women's late husband, setting up in the same hotel to play detective
This was another story rich in historical detail and with Jonty and Orlando's relationship getting stronger. I am really enjoying these cosy mystery type stories
This was another story rich in historical detail and with Jonty and Orlando's relationship getting stronger. I am really enjoying these cosy mystery type stories
October 5, 2019
Lovely mystery, but so hard to see these two lovers pining for each other from across the room. It was wonderful to meet Orlando's grandmother finally, but I'm anxious to see how he takes to her secrets in the next book...it doesn't sound like it goes very well for him.
September 8, 2024
1907 An ex-mistress of Edward VII has died, or was Lady Jennifer Johnson murdered. Dr Jonty Stewart and his father are off to Kent to investigate. Meanwhile Dr Orlando Coppersmith goes undercover as a dance partner at the hotel where Lady Jennifer lived.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
February 21, 2010
I sometimes wonder if these books are being pushed out too fast. Seeing as they’re being released a few months apart, I worry this may be a case of too much of a good thing. I adore this series and the main characters but this particular offering felt weak with too many loose ends and took the focus away from the real strength of the series. The murder mystery that is depicted in each of the books here takes the vague form of a mistress� death that some feel may be suspicious. Orlando and Jonty are called in to investigate but with Orlando going undercover. Thus the two men are apart for most of the story, independently investigating and coming together for quick, erotic interludes that while not graphic in any sense, are more detailed than ever before. The threat of their love being discovered never actually materializes though and is a non-issue.
Here the plot seems to follow the murder mystery a little too closely. The focus of the story is firmly on solving the question of the mysterious death and since the two men are apart, there is no further development of Orlando and Jonty’s relationship. Thus, unfortunately the problems and questions raised with the murder mystery overwhelm the book. The dead woman was supposedly the mistress of the Prince for several decades. However, she was also married with a son during her life. There are several questions raised during this such as why the woman was so upset about her husband possibly cheating if she was having a long standing affair herself. The story ties this issue up towards the later half as if the glaring error was only just remembered and a solution offered.
Unfortunately, this problematic piece of information bothered me almost the entire time while reading. I couldn’t figure out when the woman was the Prince’s mistress and it’s only later on in a very off hand bit of dialogue this information is offered. Similarly there are numerous small details and comments offered that seem to go nowhere and have no purpose except to confuse the detectives and keep the mystery alive. Since there is no indication which of these details is important or not, I was confused over a number of them and why certain ones were completely dropped while others explained. The various twists and turns of the woman’s life are confusing and without a lot of background information, which is meant to keep the murder mystery a question. However, since that is the focus of the book, the plot doesn’t come together until the near end when everything is wrapped up. There are a few clues offered but within a myriad of red herrings and confusing statements, the reader is trying to solve the mystery alongside the main characters.
On the one hand this keeps the mystery in the forefront, but I find my interest lies in Jonty and Orlando as they work together to find an answer. Their interaction, dialogue, and wit offer the most charm and humor within the series. So having the two apart so much keeps this aspect absent and the murder mystery didn’t compensate enough. Whenever the two men were together, they seemed focus on exploring their passion and often the scenes would peek into their bedroom more so than previous offerings. Thankfully the story doesn’t go too graphic � which would shock and surprise faithful readers no doubt � but did show more of Orlando’s passionate nature. This isn’t much of a risk since I doubt the series will ever get graphic but satisfies romance fans.
Thankfully the pace is kept moving and the various characters move in and out of scenes rather quickly. None are fully developed and most are kept as names with a few details to be moved about the plot, but that isn’t necessarily bad. Considering the large cast, too many characters given time would have proved unwieldy. The setting of the coast was a nice contrast to the usual books and gave more of a sense of the men being away from their routine. The small side story featuring Miss Peters gave a nice touch of romance, humor, and entertainment. Overall, this is another good offering but not on par with previous books in the series. I hope the next book gets back to the focus on the men and solving crimes together.
Get it HERE!
Here the plot seems to follow the murder mystery a little too closely. The focus of the story is firmly on solving the question of the mysterious death and since the two men are apart, there is no further development of Orlando and Jonty’s relationship. Thus, unfortunately the problems and questions raised with the murder mystery overwhelm the book. The dead woman was supposedly the mistress of the Prince for several decades. However, she was also married with a son during her life. There are several questions raised during this such as why the woman was so upset about her husband possibly cheating if she was having a long standing affair herself. The story ties this issue up towards the later half as if the glaring error was only just remembered and a solution offered.
Unfortunately, this problematic piece of information bothered me almost the entire time while reading. I couldn’t figure out when the woman was the Prince’s mistress and it’s only later on in a very off hand bit of dialogue this information is offered. Similarly there are numerous small details and comments offered that seem to go nowhere and have no purpose except to confuse the detectives and keep the mystery alive. Since there is no indication which of these details is important or not, I was confused over a number of them and why certain ones were completely dropped while others explained. The various twists and turns of the woman’s life are confusing and without a lot of background information, which is meant to keep the murder mystery a question. However, since that is the focus of the book, the plot doesn’t come together until the near end when everything is wrapped up. There are a few clues offered but within a myriad of red herrings and confusing statements, the reader is trying to solve the mystery alongside the main characters.
On the one hand this keeps the mystery in the forefront, but I find my interest lies in Jonty and Orlando as they work together to find an answer. Their interaction, dialogue, and wit offer the most charm and humor within the series. So having the two apart so much keeps this aspect absent and the murder mystery didn’t compensate enough. Whenever the two men were together, they seemed focus on exploring their passion and often the scenes would peek into their bedroom more so than previous offerings. Thankfully the story doesn’t go too graphic � which would shock and surprise faithful readers no doubt � but did show more of Orlando’s passionate nature. This isn’t much of a risk since I doubt the series will ever get graphic but satisfies romance fans.
Thankfully the pace is kept moving and the various characters move in and out of scenes rather quickly. None are fully developed and most are kept as names with a few details to be moved about the plot, but that isn’t necessarily bad. Considering the large cast, too many characters given time would have proved unwieldy. The setting of the coast was a nice contrast to the usual books and gave more of a sense of the men being away from their routine. The small side story featuring Miss Peters gave a nice touch of romance, humor, and entertainment. Overall, this is another good offering but not on par with previous books in the series. I hope the next book gets back to the focus on the men and solving crimes together.
Get it HERE!
January 18, 2015
This latest installment in the series sees Orlando and Jonty no sooner returned to St. Brides than they are called away again to solve a murder. This time it has the reluctant approval of the school master b/c the King himself wants them on the case. The King's former mistress is dead and there are whisperings that the cause isn't natural so off the twosome goes to the coastal hotel that had become her residence. Orlando goes in disguise as a hotel employed dance partner and Jonty goes in the role of amateur sleuth with his father Mr. Stewart as partner.
The case is a hard one with clues hard to come by including the fact that they can't even work out if they're dealing with murder until a second death leaves them with no doubt as to its cause. Between threatening anonymous warnings in notes, missing the closeness they have become accustomed to and an interesting development going on back at St. Brides, they eventually come down to it.
With each new installment read, I grow more comfortable with the books as comfort reads. I love both the main characters and the regulars that slip in and out of their stories. I love how immersed I feel in the historical time period and the mysteries are enough to keep me guessing. This one was no exception. That partial secret that came out about Orlando's family history has me so eager to discover the rest in the next few books.
All in all, another fantastic read from a brilliant historical mystery series or really more of a historical romantic suspense.
The case is a hard one with clues hard to come by including the fact that they can't even work out if they're dealing with murder until a second death leaves them with no doubt as to its cause. Between threatening anonymous warnings in notes, missing the closeness they have become accustomed to and an interesting development going on back at St. Brides, they eventually come down to it.
With each new installment read, I grow more comfortable with the books as comfort reads. I love both the main characters and the regulars that slip in and out of their stories. I love how immersed I feel in the historical time period and the mysteries are enough to keep me guessing. This one was no exception. That partial secret that came out about Orlando's family history has me so eager to discover the rest in the next few books.
All in all, another fantastic read from a brilliant historical mystery series or really more of a historical romantic suspense.
March 7, 2010
This latest entry in the series has a more relaxed feel, which I think is needed after the angst of the last. One of those books you don't want to finish, because you're enjoying the company of the characters so much!
Could probably stand alone, but I'd definitely recommend reading the whole series in order, though, to get the whole arc of Jonty and Orlando's relationship and character development.
Could probably stand alone, but I'd definitely recommend reading the whole series in order, though, to get the whole arc of Jonty and Orlando's relationship and character development.
August 16, 2014
Love Orlando and Jonty together, It is strange to know that they could get thrown in prison for loving each other. The mystery was great.
September 17, 2022
Yes, lack of paragraphs be damned...this one is getting the 5 star treatment, and several more stories have been purchased. Orlando and Jonty are turning into one of my fave MM couples, the stories have little to no sex [certainly none on page] and yet the way they care about each other in their own little world of Cambridge academia and their amateur sleuthing and the fact that they seem to know everyone [well, Jonty does 😉] is so charming to read about.
I actually have to thank for getting me started with this series. One of my favourite characters, Deacon from , made a point of mentioning that Orlando and Jonty were some of his favourite characters and so it has proved to be with me. Delightful.
I actually have to thank for getting me started with this series. One of my favourite characters, Deacon from , made a point of mentioning that Orlando and Jonty were some of his favourite characters and so it has proved to be with me. Delightful.
May 9, 2020
This time the boys are off to Kent to investigate the death of the King's mistress.
Orlando has to go undercover as a hotel dance professional and Jonty asks his father to help in the investigation, which was good as it added another dynamic.
A good mystery and as usual I didnt guess the murderer.
Orlando has to go undercover as a hotel dance professional and Jonty asks his father to help in the investigation, which was good as it added another dynamic.
A good mystery and as usual I didnt guess the murderer.
July 19, 2022
The king's ex mistress dies under questionable circumstances and the boys are sent in to investigate. It turns out to be a family affair when Jonty's father and brother in law join in. Nicely written. Good pacing. Lots of plot twists and turns.
October 29, 2022
Another delightful story from Charlie Cochrane. As usual, the mystery was clever and absorbing, but the necessary separation of our couple as Orlando goes undercover was heart-wrenching and gave the story such emotional resonance. Another glorious Edwardian escapade!
December 23, 2024
The murder that wasn't
Poor Orlando is really put through the wringer in this installment. Well, for his sensibilities it is the wringer. This is a case of the murder that wasn't and the murder that was. Read on to understand.
Poor Orlando is really put through the wringer in this installment. Well, for his sensibilities it is the wringer. This is a case of the murder that wasn't and the murder that was. Read on to understand.
June 19, 2018
2.5 stars rounded up
June 21, 2020
A well researched historical romantic mystery. Set in the early 20th century this series is well written with likable characters.
July 7, 2020
Review to come!
February 15, 2022
TLDR: Jonty and Orlando go under cover!
September 22, 2024
4.5 stars
March 16, 2010
THE BLURB
This time, one touch could destroy everything�
The suspected murder of the king’s ex-mistress is Cambridge dons Orlando Coppersmith and Jonty Stewart’s most prestigious case yet. And the most challenging, since clues are as hard to come by as the killer’s possible motive.
At the hotel where the body was found, Orlando goes undercover as a professional dancing partner while Jonty checks in as a guest. It helps the investigation, but it also means limiting their communication to glances across the dance floor. It’s sheer agony.
A series of anonymous letters warns the sleuths they’ll be sorry if they don’t drop the investigation. When another murder follows, Jonty is convinced their involvement might have caused the victim’s death. Yet they can’t stop, for this second killing brings to light a wealth of hidden secrets.
For Orlando, the letters pose a more personal threat. He worries that someone will blow his cover and discover their own deepest secret� The intimate relationship he enjoys with Jonty could not only get them thrown out of Cambridge, but arrested for indecency.
THE REVIEW
Lessons in Seduction is the sixth entry in the Cambridge Fellows series, and for me, it was the least satisfying, to date. That’s not to say it was a bad book—it wasn’t—and certainly fans of the series will want to add this to their collection. If you are new to the series, I would recommend starting with the first book, Lessons in Love and working your way through the prior five (Love, Desire, Discovery, Power and Temptation) before tackling this one. Although they can be read as standalones, I think there is enough character development between the lead protagonists, Jonathan Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith, that the series is more enjoyable read in order.
So, for this book. As noted above, a murder has occurred at the Regal Hotel. Jonty and Orlando, because of their growing renown as amateur sleuths, are asked to help with the investigation. Jonty’s father, Richard Stewart, also gets involved. Jonty and Richard are able to be themselves, but Orlando must go undercover as Oliver Carberry, posing as a dancing instructor and regular “fourth for bridge.�
Because Jonty and Orlando are forced to be apart for much of the story, the murder mystery takes center stage and that, for me, was one of the biggest problems of the book. One of the things that has really attracted me to this series is the interaction between Jonty and Orlando and because of their separation, much of that was absent. They few times they did manage to get together, they were so desperate for each other, they didn’t have as much of their usual funny banter. Jonty tried to poke fun at himself and their situation in one scene by pretending to be a caveman, but the humor felt forced and didn’t work—for me at least.
The murder investigation seemed overly complicated. Because they were at a hotel, there were dozens of guests who were all potential suspects and I’ll be honest, by about the halfway point, I had given up keeping them straight. Lady This and Sir That and ladies� maids and sons and jilted lovers all paraded across the pages. Worse, this was a fairly cerebral investigation, in which clues were gathered during breakfast, lunch and dinner; while people were dancing; while people were playing golf; while people were playing cards; and once in a while, when folks took a stroll on the beach. After many repetitious scenes of characters chatting over tea, the entire narrative started to wear thin for me. Jonty and his father kept receiving notes warning them off the case, but I never really felt that their lives were truly in danger. If there could have been at least one late night chase across the golf course, or a few shots ringing out in the dark, it would have livened up things considerably.
That said, the writing is classic Cochrane, with funny little turns of phrase and wonderful descriptions of the various people, their clothes, and the locale. For her fans, this alone will be enough to draw them in and keep them reading and most likely ignore the problems I had with the story.
I think writing a series of books and keeping them fresh and interesting is a formidable challenge for any author. Cochrane set a very high standard for herself with the first five books, and I want to make it clear that this one, even though she’s fallen off the mark a little bit, in my opinion, is still very good. I am looking forward to seeing how she wraps this up in book seven, Lessons in Trust. I feel like the series is working itself to its natural conclusion and I look forward to reading the last installment.
(posted on Speak Its Name on 3/13/2010)
This time, one touch could destroy everything�
The suspected murder of the king’s ex-mistress is Cambridge dons Orlando Coppersmith and Jonty Stewart’s most prestigious case yet. And the most challenging, since clues are as hard to come by as the killer’s possible motive.
At the hotel where the body was found, Orlando goes undercover as a professional dancing partner while Jonty checks in as a guest. It helps the investigation, but it also means limiting their communication to glances across the dance floor. It’s sheer agony.
A series of anonymous letters warns the sleuths they’ll be sorry if they don’t drop the investigation. When another murder follows, Jonty is convinced their involvement might have caused the victim’s death. Yet they can’t stop, for this second killing brings to light a wealth of hidden secrets.
For Orlando, the letters pose a more personal threat. He worries that someone will blow his cover and discover their own deepest secret� The intimate relationship he enjoys with Jonty could not only get them thrown out of Cambridge, but arrested for indecency.
THE REVIEW
Lessons in Seduction is the sixth entry in the Cambridge Fellows series, and for me, it was the least satisfying, to date. That’s not to say it was a bad book—it wasn’t—and certainly fans of the series will want to add this to their collection. If you are new to the series, I would recommend starting with the first book, Lessons in Love and working your way through the prior five (Love, Desire, Discovery, Power and Temptation) before tackling this one. Although they can be read as standalones, I think there is enough character development between the lead protagonists, Jonathan Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith, that the series is more enjoyable read in order.
So, for this book. As noted above, a murder has occurred at the Regal Hotel. Jonty and Orlando, because of their growing renown as amateur sleuths, are asked to help with the investigation. Jonty’s father, Richard Stewart, also gets involved. Jonty and Richard are able to be themselves, but Orlando must go undercover as Oliver Carberry, posing as a dancing instructor and regular “fourth for bridge.�
Because Jonty and Orlando are forced to be apart for much of the story, the murder mystery takes center stage and that, for me, was one of the biggest problems of the book. One of the things that has really attracted me to this series is the interaction between Jonty and Orlando and because of their separation, much of that was absent. They few times they did manage to get together, they were so desperate for each other, they didn’t have as much of their usual funny banter. Jonty tried to poke fun at himself and their situation in one scene by pretending to be a caveman, but the humor felt forced and didn’t work—for me at least.
The murder investigation seemed overly complicated. Because they were at a hotel, there were dozens of guests who were all potential suspects and I’ll be honest, by about the halfway point, I had given up keeping them straight. Lady This and Sir That and ladies� maids and sons and jilted lovers all paraded across the pages. Worse, this was a fairly cerebral investigation, in which clues were gathered during breakfast, lunch and dinner; while people were dancing; while people were playing golf; while people were playing cards; and once in a while, when folks took a stroll on the beach. After many repetitious scenes of characters chatting over tea, the entire narrative started to wear thin for me. Jonty and his father kept receiving notes warning them off the case, but I never really felt that their lives were truly in danger. If there could have been at least one late night chase across the golf course, or a few shots ringing out in the dark, it would have livened up things considerably.
That said, the writing is classic Cochrane, with funny little turns of phrase and wonderful descriptions of the various people, their clothes, and the locale. For her fans, this alone will be enough to draw them in and keep them reading and most likely ignore the problems I had with the story.
I think writing a series of books and keeping them fresh and interesting is a formidable challenge for any author. Cochrane set a very high standard for herself with the first five books, and I want to make it clear that this one, even though she’s fallen off the mark a little bit, in my opinion, is still very good. I am looking forward to seeing how she wraps this up in book seven, Lessons in Trust. I feel like the series is working itself to its natural conclusion and I look forward to reading the last installment.
(posted on Speak Its Name on 3/13/2010)
February 11, 2013
Dangit, for some reason GR insists that I have neither read nor reviewed this book, even though I have actually done both. Please ignore this duplicate review --
I still love these guys, but I was not as enthralled with this installment as with the previous books in the series. For one thing, the setup required to get the MCs involved in the mystery this time was fairly ridiculous; for another thing, our heroes don't get to spend as much time together as previously, which is a large part of the appeal for me. I also didn't find the mystery plot terribly appealing; and although I do like the character of Jonty's father, his extensive involvement in this book diluted the Jonty/Orlando effect even further than their separation alone would have.
I am waiting to see how two casually dropped hints develop in future volumes -- 1. ; and 2. . Perhaps nothing will come of them, but We Shall See.
I'm giving this one only 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
Merged review:
I still love these guys, but I was not as enthralled with this installment as with the previous books in the series. For one thing, the setup required to get the MCs involved in the mystery this time was fairly ridiculous; for another thing, our heroes don't get to spend as much time together as previously, which is a large part of the appeal for me. I also didn't find the mystery plot terribly appealing; and although I do like the character of Jonty's father, his extensive involvement in this book diluted the Jonty/Orlando effect even further than their separation alone would have.
I am waiting to see how two casually dropped hints develop in future volumes -- 1. ; and 2. . Perhaps nothing will come of them, but We Shall See.
I'm giving this one only 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
I still love these guys, but I was not as enthralled with this installment as with the previous books in the series. For one thing, the setup required to get the MCs involved in the mystery this time was fairly ridiculous; for another thing, our heroes don't get to spend as much time together as previously, which is a large part of the appeal for me. I also didn't find the mystery plot terribly appealing; and although I do like the character of Jonty's father, his extensive involvement in this book diluted the Jonty/Orlando effect even further than their separation alone would have.
I am waiting to see how two casually dropped hints develop in future volumes -- 1. ; and 2. . Perhaps nothing will come of them, but We Shall See.
I'm giving this one only 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
Merged review:
I still love these guys, but I was not as enthralled with this installment as with the previous books in the series. For one thing, the setup required to get the MCs involved in the mystery this time was fairly ridiculous; for another thing, our heroes don't get to spend as much time together as previously, which is a large part of the appeal for me. I also didn't find the mystery plot terribly appealing; and although I do like the character of Jonty's father, his extensive involvement in this book diluted the Jonty/Orlando effect even further than their separation alone would have.
I am waiting to see how two casually dropped hints develop in future volumes -- 1. ; and 2. . Perhaps nothing will come of them, but We Shall See.
I'm giving this one only 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
May 21, 2015
Another enjoyable installment in the Cambridge Fellows series, but also a book I think I'd only enjoy as part of a series rather than a one-off. The murder they're investigating means our heroes can't get as much time alone as they - and the reader - would like. Romances where the lovers are apart a lot don't generally grab me, but this being a series it's fine for a change, to explore how they cope. And of course it means when they do manage to get together they have to make the most of it! I'm nicknaming this one "Lessons in Frustration".
The description above is little bit misleading at the end I think, since there's no more worry about their relationship being revealed than there is in any of the others I've read so far. Orlando doesn't fret about it any more than usual.
The description above is little bit misleading at the end I think, since there's no more worry about their relationship being revealed than there is in any of the others I've read so far. Orlando doesn't fret about it any more than usual.
February 10, 2021
As much as Orlando has grown since his fateful meeting of Jonty, he still keeps his innocence and it's still so endearing. When Jonty had to explain just what a "gigolo" was, I laughed so hard. As much as I love seeing Orlando and Jonty sleuthing together, it was a nice change to see Jonty doing a good share of his investigating with his father, Mr. Stewart. We get a brief introduction to Orlando's grandmother which foretells possible future detecting and maybe (hopefully not) tension between the two lovers. As for the mystery that they are asked in to investigate, it seems calmer than some of their previous cases but still keeps your interest. Another winner so I'm off to start number 7.
October 25, 2022
I am not sure why I continue with this series! It seems like the "sad" outweighs the "happy" most of the time... grrr
Yes, I love the guys! Orlando and Jonty have my heart, but at the same time, I hate reading about a time when consenting adults didn't have the right to love who they loved... although, here in the States, that time may come again... 😭
Let me just say, as always, the mystery was great... but I am not sure how the whole "grandmother" issue is going to work out. I guess I will move on to and see what surprises it holds for me!
Yes, I love the guys! Orlando and Jonty have my heart, but at the same time, I hate reading about a time when consenting adults didn't have the right to love who they loved... although, here in the States, that time may come again... 😭
Let me just say, as always, the mystery was great... but I am not sure how the whole "grandmother" issue is going to work out. I guess I will move on to and see what surprises it holds for me!
June 11, 2012
Usually as a series develops the latest books loose the appealing that one finds in the first books. This is not the case with the "Cambridge Mysteries" and proves it. The book has a solid and interesting mystery that is nicely combined with the romance. This book doesn't bring new elements in Jonty-Orlando relationship, but rather is emphasizing the present state of their relationship.
January 20, 2016
Called in by the King to find out who killed his former mistress. What an accolade for these two detectives. I love the fact that "Oliver" gets to go under cover and as a dancing partner yet. So strange that the murder they were investigating turned out to NOT be a murder but caused a murder to be committed.
Jonty and his father Richard are great together. I do love the Stewart family, they are all heart.
Recommended.
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1st read - Mar 10, 2015
2nd read - Jan 18, 2016
Jonty and his father Richard are great together. I do love the Stewart family, they are all heart.
Recommended.
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1st read - Mar 10, 2015
2nd read - Jan 18, 2016
February 15, 2016
This was back to being fun to read again. I appreciated how light the setting was and how fresh it made Jonty and Orlando's relationship feel. And Mr. Stewart's child-like delight in sleuthing was wonderful comic relief.
Some Favorite Quotes:
Mr. Stewart tried very hard to make everything he said the literal, if not the figurative, truth.
"Anyway you're supposed to be looking at least a little timid, or in thrall to my manliness. Could you decide which and then attempt it. Hm?"
Some Favorite Quotes:
Mr. Stewart tried very hard to make everything he said the literal, if not the figurative, truth.
"Anyway you're supposed to be looking at least a little timid, or in thrall to my manliness. Could you decide which and then attempt it. Hm?"
February 13, 2017
Another good Jonty and Orlando story - albeit that Orlando is Oliver for most of it. But it was an ingenious way to give a bit of tension and longing to the chaps.
The investigation is quite low key - more gossipy really - and the murder that wasn't becomes the death that was.
Whilst there were lots of suspects and lots of motives and lots of opportunities, the eventual resolution of both deaths were a little damp.
Good to see Jonty and his father having quality time together.
Quick paced, entertaining read.
3.75*
The investigation is quite low key - more gossipy really - and the murder that wasn't becomes the death that was.
Whilst there were lots of suspects and lots of motives and lots of opportunities, the eventual resolution of both deaths were a little damp.
Good to see Jonty and his father having quality time together.
Quick paced, entertaining read.
3.75*
October 23, 2011
Orlando carries off his undercover role of professional dancer much better than expected - a tribute to his charater growth over the series. The threat of exposure and the dreaded two years hard labour is more to the forefront of this installment and a few hints of resentment at this situation creep in. The mystery is complex and political and I'll have to read it again to get all the nuances leading up to the reveal.
February 27, 2016
This series is like comfort food for me. I look forward to each book and they make me feel good. I love how each one has a self-contained story as well as furthering the Jonty and Orlando's overall story arch. Lessons in Seduction has a great mystery with quite the twist at the end. Jonty's father plays a big role - I adore him. Plus there is a lovely side story featuring Miss Peters (another favorite character).
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