What do you think?
Rate this book
Redmond and Haze Mysteries #1
Murder in the Crypt
When the body of a young man is found stuffed into the tomb of a medieval knight, Parish Constable Daniel Haze is tasked with investigating his first solo murder case.
Suspicion instantly falls on the only stranger to arrive in the village of Birch Hill just before the crime took place, but the American captain proves to be an unexpected asset. A former soldier and a skilled surgeon, Jason Redmond is not only willing to assist Haze with the investigation but will risk his own safety to apprehend the killer.
With no suspects, no motive, and few leads to follow, Redmond and Haze must solve the crime before one of them becomes the murderer’s next victim.
Murder in the Crypt is the exciting first installment of this Victorian murder mystery series set in a quaint British village.
Suspicion instantly falls on the only stranger to arrive in the village of Birch Hill just before the crime took place, but the American captain proves to be an unexpected asset. A former soldier and a skilled surgeon, Jason Redmond is not only willing to assist Haze with the investigation but will risk his own safety to apprehend the killer.
With no suspects, no motive, and few leads to follow, Redmond and Haze must solve the crime before one of them becomes the murderer’s next victim.
Murder in the Crypt is the exciting first installment of this Victorian murder mystery series set in a quaint British village.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2020
2832 people are currently reading
4278 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
88 books1,051 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 448 reviews
February 4, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up!
A murder mystery set in rural England during the Victorian era. An American veteran of the civil war comes to England to claim his inheritance and is drawn into the upper class consciousness of the English "county set". As a former US army surgeon he finds himself involved, with the local village constable, in the unravelling of a particularly gruesome murder case. This story shines an evocative light on the privileges enjoyed by the Victorian upper classes, compared to the severe poverty faced by the unfortunate souls at the bottom of society. It was a sort of Sherlock Holmes mystery, nothing too graphic but a satisfying read all the same.
A murder mystery set in rural England during the Victorian era. An American veteran of the civil war comes to England to claim his inheritance and is drawn into the upper class consciousness of the English "county set". As a former US army surgeon he finds himself involved, with the local village constable, in the unravelling of a particularly gruesome murder case. This story shines an evocative light on the privileges enjoyed by the Victorian upper classes, compared to the severe poverty faced by the unfortunate souls at the bottom of society. It was a sort of Sherlock Holmes mystery, nothing too graphic but a satisfying read all the same.
January 16, 2023
Victorian/End of American Civil War era mystery series involving an American Officer that was a Surgeon during the war and a British Constable. The first half of the book was good in that it lays out the footwork needed to solve the mystery and also lays out the background for the characters. The second half really grabbed me. I did not figure out who did it (which is always fun) or the why. Side characters added a lot to the story. I plan to continue the series. 4.5*
March 21, 2020
Enjoyable! Irina Shapiro’s Murder in the Crypt (Redmond and Haze Mystery #1) is the author’s first attempt at writing a mystery. Her previous series, Echoes from the Past and The Hands of Time, are time-travel series. The idea of having an ‘international’ team, a British constable and an American Civil War surgeon, working together to solve the case, I think, is quite brilliant. Why? Redmond, the American surgeon, has just inherited his grandfather’s estate and title in a small village, Birch Hill, in Essex which lands him in the ‘titled’ class not that Dr. Redmond wishes this, but this position entitles him certain privileges and access to particular people whereas the Parish Constable as the setting is 1866 is considered in a lower class, and although titled people will talk to the Constable, they may be more forthcoming with another ‘titled’ person. Redmond has medical knowledge. Haze has legal knowledge. Haze is one person to cover a large area, and with Redmond, there are now two intelligent men trying to solve this mystery. The mystery has fantastic aspects to it - murder, spooky crypt, an outsider victim, a titled family who could be compromised as they are about to introduce two daughters to the London Season, and the two ‘investigators’ have their own personal problems. I believe as the author continues the series, this series will be one of the best. 3.75 stars
May 1, 2021
A well-written whudoneit, nicely set in the XIXth century England.
December 31, 2021
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: Redmond and Haze Mysteries #1
Publication Date: 2/4/20
Period: Victorian – June 1866 - Birch Hill, Essex, England
Number of Pages: 314
I’m not sure why I waited so long to try this series – other than this author’s other books were time travel and I’m not a fan of that genre. This is, I believe, her first foray into historical mysteries, and I’m so glad she decided to branch out. I believe she hit on a very winning combination when she paired a local English constable with a very reluctant American who has just inherited an English title. I’m so very glad I decided to give the series a try and I’ll definitely be reading the other books in the series.
Captain Jason Redmond is a skilled surgeon who fought for the North during the American civil war. Once he was captured and sent to Andersonville prison, he spent his time doing what he could to help his fellow prisoners. There was little he could do with no medicine, no sanitation, no food, no – well no everything. That time still haunts his dreams and his waking hours, but he knows he has to do his very best for the young boy, Micah, who came into his care in Andersonville. Yes, Micah was in prison at Andersonville and as Micah’s father lay dying, Jason promised him he’d look after Micah. Micah is still too small and too thin for his age because of the deprivations at Andersonville, but what is most troubling is the nightmares and constant anxiety. Neither Micah nor Jason want to be in England, and it is Jason’s plan to settle his grandfather’s estate and head back to America.
Daniel Haze had dreams of becoming a detective in London. He was learning quickly and was making a name for himself – until the unthinkable happened. His young son died in an accident and his wife couldn’t cope with the loss. All she wanted to do was to move back to Birch Hill. So, Daniel gave up his dream and they returned to Birch Hill – but – Sarah hasn’t gotten any better. Daniel misses the Sarah he loved but doesn’t know how to help her.
Shortly after arriving at his English estate, Jason receives a rather accusatory visit from the local constable. There was a grisly murder in the local church and since the only newcomer to the area was Redmond, the constable immediately jumped to conclusions. Once that mistake was cleared up, Jason offered his services as a doctor to examine the body and determine the cause of death. It seems Jason had lots of experience with that sort of thing in medical school and during the war.
From that initial meeting, the two men formed a friendship of sorts – at least the beginning of what could be a strong friendship if Jason doesn’t leave. Upon examining the body, Jason determines the cause of death, but nobody seems to know who the young man was or why he was in Birch Hill.
Once the victim is identified, everyone is still baffled. Why was the young man there? When it appears he might have ties of some kind to a prominent local family, the mystery deepens. Was he a family friend or foe? Since the family claims no knowledge of the young man, it begins to look as if the murder won’t be solved. However, Haze is determined to see it through – and so is Redmond.
The mystery was excellently plotted, paced, and delivered and the villains mostly got what was coming to them. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
Series: Redmond and Haze Mysteries #1
Publication Date: 2/4/20
Period: Victorian – June 1866 - Birch Hill, Essex, England
Number of Pages: 314
I’m not sure why I waited so long to try this series – other than this author’s other books were time travel and I’m not a fan of that genre. This is, I believe, her first foray into historical mysteries, and I’m so glad she decided to branch out. I believe she hit on a very winning combination when she paired a local English constable with a very reluctant American who has just inherited an English title. I’m so very glad I decided to give the series a try and I’ll definitely be reading the other books in the series.
Captain Jason Redmond is a skilled surgeon who fought for the North during the American civil war. Once he was captured and sent to Andersonville prison, he spent his time doing what he could to help his fellow prisoners. There was little he could do with no medicine, no sanitation, no food, no – well no everything. That time still haunts his dreams and his waking hours, but he knows he has to do his very best for the young boy, Micah, who came into his care in Andersonville. Yes, Micah was in prison at Andersonville and as Micah’s father lay dying, Jason promised him he’d look after Micah. Micah is still too small and too thin for his age because of the deprivations at Andersonville, but what is most troubling is the nightmares and constant anxiety. Neither Micah nor Jason want to be in England, and it is Jason’s plan to settle his grandfather’s estate and head back to America.
Daniel Haze had dreams of becoming a detective in London. He was learning quickly and was making a name for himself – until the unthinkable happened. His young son died in an accident and his wife couldn’t cope with the loss. All she wanted to do was to move back to Birch Hill. So, Daniel gave up his dream and they returned to Birch Hill – but – Sarah hasn’t gotten any better. Daniel misses the Sarah he loved but doesn’t know how to help her.
Shortly after arriving at his English estate, Jason receives a rather accusatory visit from the local constable. There was a grisly murder in the local church and since the only newcomer to the area was Redmond, the constable immediately jumped to conclusions. Once that mistake was cleared up, Jason offered his services as a doctor to examine the body and determine the cause of death. It seems Jason had lots of experience with that sort of thing in medical school and during the war.
From that initial meeting, the two men formed a friendship of sorts – at least the beginning of what could be a strong friendship if Jason doesn’t leave. Upon examining the body, Jason determines the cause of death, but nobody seems to know who the young man was or why he was in Birch Hill.
Once the victim is identified, everyone is still baffled. Why was the young man there? When it appears he might have ties of some kind to a prominent local family, the mystery deepens. Was he a family friend or foe? Since the family claims no knowledge of the young man, it begins to look as if the murder won’t be solved. However, Haze is determined to see it through – and so is Redmond.
The mystery was excellently plotted, paced, and delivered and the villains mostly got what was coming to them. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
October 8, 2021
If you are into Regency-type of mysteries, perhaps you should check out the series of novels by Irina Shapiro. The Redmond and Haze series, featuring an American doctor sired by the son of a British Lord. The son grew up to be a doctor, fought for the Union in the American Civil War and was captured and imprisoned in the rebel prison for a number of years.
When it he and the other prisoners are released from their bondage, he discovers his parents have died and his betrothed thought he died in the war and married someone else. So, with emotional baggage in hand, he goes to England to claim his inheritance. And immediately is asked to help solve a murder.
An adequate murder mystery. But more a look of 19th Century England society. From the lowly commoners living either in abject poverty up through the working class living in small English hamlets, all the way up to the snobbery of the British elite. Both aspects of the novel, the mystery and the social commentary, will keep you interested.
When it he and the other prisoners are released from their bondage, he discovers his parents have died and his betrothed thought he died in the war and married someone else. So, with emotional baggage in hand, he goes to England to claim his inheritance. And immediately is asked to help solve a murder.
An adequate murder mystery. But more a look of 19th Century England society. From the lowly commoners living either in abject poverty up through the working class living in small English hamlets, all the way up to the snobbery of the British elite. Both aspects of the novel, the mystery and the social commentary, will keep you interested.
January 11, 2023
4.29 stars ... A fun mystery set in rural 1860s England. Jason (Redmond) and Daniel (Haze) make a great team and the secondary characters ... Micah, the Dodsons, Joe, and Tom ... are delightful. Lookin' forward to the rest of the series. 😁
January 1, 2021
This is the first in a series of historical mysteries with two likeable main characters. Lots of Victorian English class struggle and hatred of the aristocracy were thrown in. This perpetuates the atitudes of many Americans, in my opinion, toward the time period.
The story leaves plenty of room for further mysteries, and indeed, the next is introduced at the end.
As several others have mentioned, the narration of this audiobook was iffy, at best. The reader, Wendy Wolfson, narrated very slowly and ponderously. It didn't take long for me to increase the speed in order to get through it. She also had a poor American accent that didn't match the character at all, and not much variation between the two MCs.
The story leaves plenty of room for further mysteries, and indeed, the next is introduced at the end.
As several others have mentioned, the narration of this audiobook was iffy, at best. The reader, Wendy Wolfson, narrated very slowly and ponderously. It didn't take long for me to increase the speed in order to get through it. She also had a poor American accent that didn't match the character at all, and not much variation between the two MCs.
January 15, 2021
Murder in the family?
A young man is found dead in church Mr Haze is charged with investigation! Lord Redmond a military Captain and surgeon is new to the area! Lord Redmond knows quite a bit about military and general surgery! If you like a small town with big secrets and clues that lead in multiple directions like a map then hold to your seats! This story is like a slow rollercoaster once it takes off well catch your breath! Someone wanted this young man dead and when the culprit is found will the killer escape justice??? This author is brand new to me!!! But read on.... Couldn't put it down!!!!
A young man is found dead in church Mr Haze is charged with investigation! Lord Redmond a military Captain and surgeon is new to the area! Lord Redmond knows quite a bit about military and general surgery! If you like a small town with big secrets and clues that lead in multiple directions like a map then hold to your seats! This story is like a slow rollercoaster once it takes off well catch your breath! Someone wanted this young man dead and when the culprit is found will the killer escape justice??? This author is brand new to me!!! But read on.... Couldn't put it down!!!!
September 18, 2024
An American who has inherited a title and an estate joins forces with a police Constable to solve the murder of a man found in a crypt. The two men, Redmond and Haze, form an unlikely partnership but they work well together and an American lord who questions things about English society is fun to read. Well written, interesting characters, and a decent mystery is a good thing in the first installment of a series.
May 16, 2023
Lackluster and often boring, this thought itself much cleverer than it actually was. Also had the standard anachronisms and lack of any sense of the time period so common in these types of historical mysteries. Haze is a plain clothes constable, apparently, who acts like a Scotland Yard inspector, and I'm not sure what type of detective Redmond was supposed to be. I didn't find either the characters or investigation very compelling. Overall, readable, if amateurishly written.
Read
June 12, 2022Not going to rate as I only read the first four chapters and it was just not grabbing me. Please check out other reviews of those who enjoyed it.
November 1, 2020
1866 Captain Jason Redmond has arrived in Birch Hill to claim his inheritance of Redmond Hall. The day after his arrival a body of a young man is discovered murdered, in the crypt of the church, by Reverend Talbot. Parish Constable Daniel Haze investigates with the help of the captain.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with two very likeable main characters. A very good start to the series.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with two very likeable main characters. A very good start to the series.
January 25, 2024
Rating:-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 4, 2020
This is a good start to a new series for this author. I like Victorian mysteries, and this one offers some interesting elements I've not seen before. We are introduced to a Captain from America, just finished with his service during Civil War that ended with imprisonment at hands of the Confederacy. Tagging along with him for life, it seems, is a youngster who had served as a drummer boy. Captain Redmond has come to claim his inheritance of a stately home in England's countryside after his father's death. Redmond also served as a surgeon during the war, so he brings that skill to the setting up of a partnership of sorts with the local constable, Daniel Haze who is investigating the murder of a young man. Initially Haze questions Redmond since he is the only stranger that has appeared in the village.
The dynamics of a neighboring family that claims prominence in the village is a complicated and a somewhat overly dramatic element that does stretch to the limits. But...I suppose one must allow the author to have a bit of fun.
Kindle Unlimited
The dynamics of a neighboring family that claims prominence in the village is a complicated and a somewhat overly dramatic element that does stretch to the limits. But...I suppose one must allow the author to have a bit of fun.
Kindle Unlimited
June 27, 2025
Captain Jason Redmond, has come to England to claim his inheritance--which comes with a country estate and the unaccustomed title of "Lord." He and his ward, Micah, have come from America where they both served in the Union Army during the Civil War (as surgeon and drummer boy, respectively), and where they both survived as prisoners of war in the Andersonville prison. Micah's father and brother weren't so lucky. So, Redmond promised the dying man that he'd take care of the boy until he could reunite him with his sister, Mary. Only Mary was nowhere to be found at the family's burned-out home when the war was over and they were released from prison. Redmond set an inquiry agent on the trail to find out if she is alive or dead.
Redmond's parents are also gone--killed in a train accident. So, when word comes that Redmond's grandfather had died back in England, leaving him as the heir, he and Micah travel to set his affairs in order with plans to return to the States. But the very night that they arrive in Birch Hill, a young man's body is found stuffed in the tomb of a medieval knight within the crypt of the local church. Since there had never been a murder until these outsiders arrived, the local constable comes calling to ask Redmond to give an account of himself. Constable Daniel Haze immediately realizes his mistake and when he learns that the new lord of the manor was a surgeon in the States, he asks him to examine the body. It isn't long before Redmond is settling into the ancestral home and helping his new friend Constable Haze track down a ruthless killer--a killer who won't hesitate to kill their own kin or the strange new lord if anyone gets in their way.
The clues lead the two men to believe that the young man, Alexander MacDougal, had ties to Chadwick Manor, another home of landed gentry in the area. But they still don't know why he was killed. Did he know secrets about the family? Was it blackmail? Or is there a greater tie?
This is Shapiro's first attempt at a historical mystery and she does quite well with it. Her previous work apparently involved time travel, so she's quite comfortable writing about other time periods. She gives us some very appealing recurring characters in Redmond, Micah, and Daniel, as well as the Dodsons (butler and cook that Redmond has inherited along with the estate) and the Talbots (the Reverend and his daughter, Katherine). Shapiro also handles her maiden mystery plot quite nicely. Plenty of suspects and a wh"acking good motive. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and look forward to future installments. ★★★ and 1/2 [rounded up here]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
Redmond's parents are also gone--killed in a train accident. So, when word comes that Redmond's grandfather had died back in England, leaving him as the heir, he and Micah travel to set his affairs in order with plans to return to the States. But the very night that they arrive in Birch Hill, a young man's body is found stuffed in the tomb of a medieval knight within the crypt of the local church. Since there had never been a murder until these outsiders arrived, the local constable comes calling to ask Redmond to give an account of himself. Constable Daniel Haze immediately realizes his mistake and when he learns that the new lord of the manor was a surgeon in the States, he asks him to examine the body. It isn't long before Redmond is settling into the ancestral home and helping his new friend Constable Haze track down a ruthless killer--a killer who won't hesitate to kill their own kin or the strange new lord if anyone gets in their way.
The clues lead the two men to believe that the young man, Alexander MacDougal, had ties to Chadwick Manor, another home of landed gentry in the area. But they still don't know why he was killed. Did he know secrets about the family? Was it blackmail? Or is there a greater tie?
This is Shapiro's first attempt at a historical mystery and she does quite well with it. Her previous work apparently involved time travel, so she's quite comfortable writing about other time periods. She gives us some very appealing recurring characters in Redmond, Micah, and Daniel, as well as the Dodsons (butler and cook that Redmond has inherited along with the estate) and the Talbots (the Reverend and his daughter, Katherine). Shapiro also handles her maiden mystery plot quite nicely. Plenty of suspects and a wh"acking good motive. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and look forward to future installments. ★★★ and 1/2 [rounded up here]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
April 8, 2022
I really like this author. I have enjoyed all of her books I have read so far.
December 14, 2023
Well. I finished reading it. But the emotional distance of the author's prose too often feels directionless and frequently erases any potential tension.
There is far more telling than showing, in other words. Terrible habit.
There is far more telling than showing, in other words. Terrible habit.
May 1, 2024
Well-written, interesting characters, charming setting, first-rate murder!
April 27, 2025
Jako počátek série to nebylo špatné.
April 24, 2021
A Most Enjoyable Read
When Jason Redmond arrives in England to pick up his inheritance, he has no intention of staying in the country. His plan was to return back to America after a few weeks. But when a body is found in the crypt of the church, he teams up with Daniel Haze, the local constable to solve the crime. Daniel, is happy to have help with the case and the two men become firm friends as they set out to find the killer.
This is a real page turner. I just couldn't put the book down. Highly recommended.
When Jason Redmond arrives in England to pick up his inheritance, he has no intention of staying in the country. His plan was to return back to America after a few weeks. But when a body is found in the crypt of the church, he teams up with Daniel Haze, the local constable to solve the crime. Daniel, is happy to have help with the case and the two men become firm friends as they set out to find the killer.
This is a real page turner. I just couldn't put the book down. Highly recommended.
December 16, 2022
A good beginning to a new series. Jason is a new lord having inherited his grandfather’s estate in England. He arrives from America with his young ward, Micah, who he met in the civil war and who lost both his father and brother in the fighting. They aren’t in town long before a dead body is found in the crypt. The man had his throat cut and left for dead. Jason is a surgeon in America and offers to help Constable Haze with the post mortem and soon he is also helping Daniel with the investigation. It turns out that the dead man was the son of the head of a local prominent family who recently passed away so he came to town to claim his rightful inheritance as the eldest son. But he encountered the man’s father, the colonel, who is elderly but lethal. He agrees to meet the man to get the marriage certificate in exchange for cash but instead he slashes his throat. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2020
Avid Reader
Just finished reading my first novel by this author, and it didn't disappoint. Redmond and Haze make an excellent team. Haze is a constable who almost lost his life, Redmond is an American who comes to claim the inheritance that his father abandoned in order to marry a wealthy American whose father was a banker. Redmond is called your lordship, but I am not sure if he's an earl or a baronet.
Just finished reading my first novel by this author, and it didn't disappoint. Redmond and Haze make an excellent team. Haze is a constable who almost lost his life, Redmond is an American who comes to claim the inheritance that his father abandoned in order to marry a wealthy American whose father was a banker. Redmond is called your lordship, but I am not sure if he's an earl or a baronet.
November 9, 2020
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I was afraid that it would be dark and gloomy and faintly horror. It turned out to be a very good read; sort of dark-ish with a couple of uncomfortable themes, but not horror. Loved the friendship and partnership between the constable and the American captain who inherits a title and estate. They made a great investivative team. Loved the setting and time period, as well. Already have the second one lined up.
August 22, 2024
3.5 stars.
August 2024 - re-listened.
_____________
Sept 2022
A very solid start to the series. I enjoyed the gradual background unveiling of the two main characters, Redmond and Haze. I have to admit the resolution of the murder mystery is slightly dissatisfying but I guess quite reasonable for the times.
I'm looking forward to more mysteries solving by Captain Redmond and Constable Haze and glad that I am starting when there are already 8 books in the series.
August 2024 - re-listened.
_____________
Sept 2022
A very solid start to the series. I enjoyed the gradual background unveiling of the two main characters, Redmond and Haze. I have to admit the resolution of the murder mystery is slightly dissatisfying but I guess quite reasonable for the times.
I'm looking forward to more mysteries solving by Captain Redmond and Constable Haze and glad that I am starting when there are already 8 books in the series.
March 28, 2020
Four stars for exceeding my expectations. Authentic setting and great characters. Looking forward to the second book due out soon!
October 10, 2022
Excellent. Very real feel to the people and the locations. The mystery was great.
July 11, 2020
When the body of a young man is discovered in the tomb of a medieval knight, Parish Constable Daniel Haze is tasked with solving his first solo murder case. Suspicion immediately falls on the only stranger to arrive in the small village of Birch Hill shortly before the crime took place.
Captain Jason Redmond is a soldier who was captured by the Confederates during the American Civil War. Fresh from their release after a year in the dreaded Andersonville Prison camp, Jason and his 11 year old ward Micah, arrive in Birch Hall to claim his grandfather’s estate and title following their death the year before.
When the local Police Constable questions Jason about his movements prior to the murder of the young man, an initially awkward meeting turns advantageous when Jason reveals his skills as a surgeon. By performing an autopsy, Jason is able to ascertain the cause and time of death.
With no leads, motive or suspects and the local magistrate giving him a week before the inquest, Daniel is under immense pressure to prove himself. Can he solve the murder in time before he becomes the culprit’s next victim?
Murder in the Crypt is the first instalment of the Redmond and Haze Mysteries. As a fan of the authors previous dual time series, Echoes from the Past, I was looking forward to reading her first mystery set in 19th century rural England. While the book gets off to an intriguing start with the gruesome discovery of a body in the crypt of a local parish, it was the unlikely pairing and unconventional friendship between Daniel and Jason that maintained my interest throughout.
Both Daniel and Jason are interesting and appealing protagonists, each struggling to overcome a traumatic past - Jason from the horrors of the American Civil war and his imprisonment in Andersville and Daniel who is struggling to save his marriage to Sarah following the tragic death of their three year old son from the wheels of a carriage.
Using the Victorian period for the backdrop was an interesting choice because of the social structures of the time. The striking differences between the Upper, Middle and Lower working classes are apparent throughout as is Jason’s bemusement with the myriad rules of English society. Jason’s wealth and title come in handy during their investigation as Daniel would have been considered lowly and therefore less likely to be taken into the confidence of the wealthy.
All in all this was a fast paced, easy read with interesting characters and a satisfying conclusion. Perfect for willing away a couple of hours.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Murder in the Crypt and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Wendy Wolfson’s narration was warm, clear and concise with excellent pacing. I found myself getting lost in her recitation without ever noticing the time.
Captain Jason Redmond is a soldier who was captured by the Confederates during the American Civil War. Fresh from their release after a year in the dreaded Andersonville Prison camp, Jason and his 11 year old ward Micah, arrive in Birch Hall to claim his grandfather’s estate and title following their death the year before.
When the local Police Constable questions Jason about his movements prior to the murder of the young man, an initially awkward meeting turns advantageous when Jason reveals his skills as a surgeon. By performing an autopsy, Jason is able to ascertain the cause and time of death.
With no leads, motive or suspects and the local magistrate giving him a week before the inquest, Daniel is under immense pressure to prove himself. Can he solve the murder in time before he becomes the culprit’s next victim?
Murder in the Crypt is the first instalment of the Redmond and Haze Mysteries. As a fan of the authors previous dual time series, Echoes from the Past, I was looking forward to reading her first mystery set in 19th century rural England. While the book gets off to an intriguing start with the gruesome discovery of a body in the crypt of a local parish, it was the unlikely pairing and unconventional friendship between Daniel and Jason that maintained my interest throughout.
Both Daniel and Jason are interesting and appealing protagonists, each struggling to overcome a traumatic past - Jason from the horrors of the American Civil war and his imprisonment in Andersville and Daniel who is struggling to save his marriage to Sarah following the tragic death of their three year old son from the wheels of a carriage.
Using the Victorian period for the backdrop was an interesting choice because of the social structures of the time. The striking differences between the Upper, Middle and Lower working classes are apparent throughout as is Jason’s bemusement with the myriad rules of English society. Jason’s wealth and title come in handy during their investigation as Daniel would have been considered lowly and therefore less likely to be taken into the confidence of the wealthy.
All in all this was a fast paced, easy read with interesting characters and a satisfying conclusion. Perfect for willing away a couple of hours.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Murder in the Crypt and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Wendy Wolfson’s narration was warm, clear and concise with excellent pacing. I found myself getting lost in her recitation without ever noticing the time.
February 11, 2024
This was a good story. I liked the main characters. One is Jason Redmond, who was a captain in the Civil War in America, and then inherited an estate and "lordship" in England when his grandfather (whom he'd never met) died. Jason and his young ward Micah (who has emotional scars from the war and lost his parents then), travel to England and check out the estate and life in England. Meanwhile, there is a murder in the village on the day Jason and Micah arrive, and the one village constable Daniel Haze questions Jason. A collaboration and friendship develop as the murder is investigated. Daniel Haze is the other main character. He is a fine man trying to do a difficult job with some emotional problems in his home life. Although the story is not fast paced, it is interesting and I would be interested in reading the second book in the series -- although this is a standalone story in itself.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 448 reviews