Julia disappears and the search is on, A severed finger in the post ups the ante as an escaped Irish militant with a grudge is identified as the possible culprit. The chase is on with notable assistance from ( )

Bow Street Runner John Pickett is specially asked for to investigate a case. A letter received asks for Pickett and one other runner to help Edward Gaines Brookton, at Dunbury in Somerset. But when Pickett and Harry Carson arrives all it not what is seems. Previous events have left his wife in peril, now he must save her.
Although this can easily be read as a standalone story, reading the previous book would probably give some background knowledge to this one.
Overall it was still an enjoyable well-written cozy thriller, but not really a mystery. The character of Pickett in this story seemed a bit clueless and weak, and not assertive enough for a Bow Street Runner. My favourite character, though only playing only a minor part, was his brother in-law Major James Pennington.
(Four stars but only just)
A Net Galley Book ( )

mystery, rescue, law-enforcement, suspense, England, Ireland, historical-fiction, historical-research

Instead of an assignment that might bring him some praise, John has been lured away from London so that a villain due to be hanged has escaped and kidnapped John's beloved wife. John is distraught but assembles the help he needs to locate her even as she does everything she can to leave clues for him. Lots of suspense, angst, reminders of the different reactions law enforcement officers have when dealing with deeds against their own family rather than the general public. Another winner!
Joel Froomkin is the narrator par excellence who makes everything he narrates even better. ( )

Past tragedies haunt!

How I love John Pickett mysteries. John receives a singular honor and his home front is put in jeopardy. Following John's journey is such a pleasure. In this volume John travels to the West Country with his nemesis Harry Carson in response to a request for assistance from John and another Bow Street officer.
Julia, John's beloved and charming wife, is abducted whilst he's away. The past has come back to haunt them both. John enlists the help of his brother-in-law Major James Pennington, late of His Majesty’s 7th cavalry. Together with Thomas his valet and Carson they follow what leads they can. A trail that will send them to Ireland and into a case from the past that still troubles John.
I really enjoy the relationship between John and Julia, I enjoy John's doggedness and insecurities. I enjoy his exasperation with Harry Carson. I love his down to earth good sense. Julia is his perfect foil. Another pleasurable read.

A Sonatina Press/Xpresso Book Tours ARC via NetGalley ( )

This is the latest installment in the John & Julia Pickett series, a favorite of mine. John is sent on a wild goose chase 300 miles out of London in order for Julia to be abducted by an Irish revolutionary Heherington. When John gets a letter from his superior telling him of Julia's abduction, he realizes it was to get him out of town and to give Hetherington time to get away. Meanwhile Julia realizes she's not going to get away from her captors but is trying to gather information on where they are going, why, who they are.

Very exciting rescue at the end and a teaser for the next book. ( )