What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I believe this was set in the 20th century. 2 friends solve mysteries. I believe one of them is a lord or baron, but the other is a commoner. Someone is named Sinjin/StJohn, and there's a prominent female character. They are most often in the English countryside (in a manor house), not a city. This is pretty vague, but it's all I can remember. I read it maybe 15 years ago. Thanks!

Laura, can you describe the mysteries they solve?

Is this a series for older adults or teens (young adults)? Any romance?

Can you tell us more about the main characters - how do they meet, what's the commoner's job, does he? work for the lord/baron, etc.? Are they similar to Holmes & Watson?

Perhaps one of the Lord Peter Wimsey novels by Dorothy Sayers?

I know that Jane Eyre is almost exactly this other than the solving mysteries part. That is the only book with the character Sinjin or St. John that I know of. And it was also set in an English Manor

I think maybe it could be the St. Cyr series, by C J Harris. Sebastian St. Cyr is the son of a nobleman, and has a courtesy title of his own. He's got a girlfriend named Kate in the early novels, an actress. Later, he marries a woman named Honor. The first book is What Angels Fear

Kris - I believe I only read one of this series, but in that one they solved a murder (I'm 90% sure). I think it was suitable for all ages, maybe there was some romance on the side, but it wasn't a main story line. After thinking about it more, I remember that the baron/lord/Sinjin(?) was more of the Watson to the commoner/detective's Holmes. He wasn't officially a detective, just helped the detective work through the mystery, and he had connections which helped with getting access to people who would have had useful info.
Linda - I was hopeful about the Lord Peter Wimsey suggestion since it reminded me that I'd read Sayers books a long time ago. But after reading the descriptions of those, they didn't ring a bell. And it made me remember that the lord wasn't the detective (officially). Thanks for helping!
Mckayla - You're right! Jane Eyre is similar...I hadn't thought of that.
Gilliam - Thanks for mentioning this series...I haven't read it but it sounds like I would like it. These appear to be set in the early 1800's, but the book I'm trying to remember was set in the 1900's I believe (I want to say 1920-40's, but I could be wrong).
Thank you so much for the suggestions! I wish I could remember more!

Could it be one of the Inspector Lynley novels? -- although, the time line doesn't match as those are late 20th / early 21st century, but Lynley is a lord, solves crimes with his "commoner" colleague Barbara and there is a recurring character called Simon St James, albeit not St. John... but worth a try!

I keep thinking of the Richard Jury series by Martha Grimes but I don't recall a character named Sinjin or St. John

Lynda wrote: "I keep thinking of the Richard Jury series by Martha Grimes but I don't recall a character named Sinjin or St. John"

Aunt Agatha constantly mispronounces "Ruthven" for comic effect, but I don't remember a St. John either.

What about the Albert Campion series by Margery Allingham? Campion is a mysterious detective aristo with a minion, by the name of Magersfontein Lugg, who is extremely common.

The third book, Look to the Lady, includes a bunch of St Johns (Percival St John Wykes Gyrth, etc).

Lynda that’s it!! It all comes back to me now. Except the Sinjin bit. I remember that it was with this book that I discovered that St. John = Sinjin, so I associated that name with this book. It very well could have been a minor character.
Thank you so much!

Linda - my kids and I watch Inspector Lynley together. I've never read the books though - I should.
Banjomike - thanks for the suggestion...I'll look into the series!

Glad you found your book series, Laura. Here's the link for the first book - The Man With a Load of Mischief (Richard Jury series, book 1) by Martha Grimes.

You're welcome, Laura