The Case of the Black Tulips (Caster & Fleet Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

Get ready for some twists and turns as writer, Liz Hedgecock introduces her new detective duo with the release of The Case of the Black Tulips.Set in 1890’s Victorian England, the caper begins when Katherine Demeray opens an unsigned letter sent to her long gone, missing father. Unsure what steps to next take, help is offered and accepted when she crosses paths with Connie Swift, a shy, put upon, terrified and pretty much reluctant socialite who is more than eager to volunteer her services and advice in solving the riddle sent form a frantic woman in clear need of rescue. Opposites in almost every way, this unlikely detective team learns to both work together and appreciate each other’s strengths as they confront an increasing danger to their reputations and ultimately their lives as they set out on their quest to discover the why and what of the Black Tulips and how Catherine’s father is connected to it all.As a reader, I particularly enjoyed how the story moved seamlessly between the two strong, well- developed protagonists. The author weaves a fast-paced tale, filled with murder, suspense and a cast of characters that draw you in deeper and deeper with each turn of the page. The description of Victorian London more than set the mood and as Katherine and Connie navigated their way along the streets I often felt like I was traveling along with them. The mystery this dynamic duo set out to solve kept me guessing until the satisfying resolution at the end. I found this story not only intriguing but a most fun read. I can’t wait to read the next in this series. I Highly recommend!

This is a historical mystery set somewhere in what I think would be the late -1800s.It's a fun story that while slow paced, still had somewhat developed characters, and a good storyline with a satisfactory ending.Pro's:The story does move at a fairly steady pace.The characters are mostly developed.There is a decent amount of humor in the story which helps keep the story interesting.Con's:While the story fluctuates between the two main characters' point of view, depending on the chapter.It gets a little confusing when one of the characters takes the first person position during a chapter or a scene covering two chapters that are in the same setting and timeframe, when the other character had the first person position just a couple of paragraphs earlier. (Especially during the carriage ride to Kensington.)This is a good story, but I would like to see a little more cohesion between the character interactions.I will definitely read at least one more in this series to find out how the characters are progressing, and also to see what kind of trouble these two young ladies can get into.

Well-written and edited, this is simply a truly enjoyable book! The two main characters, both women living in the (I think--the precise year is never made quite clear) late 1880s and coming from very different backgrounds, evolve throughout the story into strong, capable. and independent young women. The mystery itself has unexpected twists and turns--it is not, by the way, a murder mystery, but rather a puzzle to be solved, piece by mysterious and unexpected piece. Romance is painted with a fine brush, and there are some lightly comical moments throughout the story. Although I would not say any of the characters are given great depth, they are all, even the supporting characters, richly described and interesting. The story is true to its timeframe with regard to attitudes and behaviors, as well. All in all, just a delightful read for any lover of cozy mysteries!

This story moves neatly between the two main characters, who serve as excellent could for one another. The cast is deep and of fascinating variety, moving the story along at a nice pace, full of palpable problems both personal and professional as the two women maneuver Victorian London, painting the city in all its sooty glory. The mystery's resolution is surprising and satisfying. Highly recommended.

This mystery series is off to a strong start thanks to well-developed characters who I enjoy reading about, and the way their friendship develops. The mystery itself snags you right from the get-go, even as it takes its time. I think I have a new mystery series to be a fan of.

Strange letters have Katherine Demeray and her sister Connie heading into an intriguing mystery. First the need to find the author of the letters, then to figure out the mystery of the black tulips has the sisters heading into danger they never believed. Good book that is well written with intriguing characters.

The authors have done an excellent job painting the scenery and backdrop for this story. The reader is utterly transported into old London of the Victorian Age. I can’t wait to visit Caster & Fleet in their next adventure!

Two great female characters, K and Connie, take on a mystery despite limitations placed on them by work and family. Looking forward to the book.

Review 4.1 starsWhen typist Katherine Demeray and her new friend socialite Connie Swift attempted to solve a mystery letter to Katherine’s father, I was drawn into their dangerous venture as they struggled to navigate Victorian society and the darker side of London.The mystery of the letter writer and the clue of black tulips created a plot that worked through to the end, and the ending set up future cases for the endearing – or should that be spirited - lady detectives. (The second mystery is also out, and another is in the pipeline.)I found that the main protagonists of Katherine and Connie were distinct and worked as a team, along with some memorable key supporting characters. I wondered if each of the authors had taken on a protagonist as the voices were so distinct – and that proved to be the case, with fascinating and effective results. What better way to write two protagonists than have two writers – or a split-personality. This clever approach led to some intriguing cliff-hangers for readers - and it seemed for writers/protagonists in the dark.Some of that darkness is Victorian London with minimal lighting. This setting felt familiar as an ex-Londoner and yet this London was different with its carriages, rural outskirts (now, houses), plus the ever-present smoke that would soon become smog.The story, the characters, their situations and the settings felt realistic. Whether this was historically accurate, I’m not sure, but the authors seem to have done plenty of research, and that gives a sense of authenticity that worked for me.I enjoyed the read and I will buy the sequels. Not five stars but a recommended four plus.Story – four starsSetting/World-building – four starsAuthenticity – four starsCharacters – four starsStructure – four starsReadability – five starsEditing – four stars

An enjoyable Victorian period detective adventure with plenty of twists, turns & coincidences to keep the story interesting & well-paced. The device of having the two authors each write the story from the point of view of one of the two main characters in alternating chapters, gives the story greater interest from a dual perspective. But what I most enjoy about the book is that the authors have created two main characters who are courageous & principled, with a fundamental core of decency & goodness. The world needs more heroes (and heroines) like these. I am looking forward to meeting them again in the other two books of the trilogy.

This book is so good. Written by two authors, we meet and get to hear the voices of two different characters. Connie and Katherine meet by chance and soon, without giving anything away, black tulips seal their friendship and give them a mystery to solve. While this is going on, the pair are unable to go all 'Cagney and Lacey' because they are living in London in Victorian times! Written with the language of historical fiction, I felt right there with all the letter writing and petticoats. Marvellous. This, and the rest of the series a definite must read.

The Case of the Black Tulips by Paula Harmon and Liz Hedgecock is historical cosy crime - a genre I've never tried before. It's set in Victorian London and the two female protagonists, Katherine and Connie, are struggling with the restrictions society and family place on them. As they strive in different ways to achieve some autonomy, their paths cross and they come together to solve a mystery. Once I settled into the alternating voices and was able to differentiate the two women, I was gripped. The period detail was especially fascinating. I gather this book - which is first in a series - was team written but I can honestly say I couldn't see the joins.

A great book with characters who are very engaging.Plenty of twits and turns in the plot made me not want to put the book down. I think this could be the start of a fabulous new series and I am looking forward to the next book.