Member Reviews
It was 1886 in Victorian London, and Lucy Lawrence had just left the morgue, where she'd identified her husband Charlie. Slipping on the cobblestones and under a horse and carriage left him dreadfully injured - Lucy would have nightmares for some time to come. The arrival of Mr Stone, an insurance investigator, into Lucy's life, left her confused as he explained what Charlie had been involved in. He had lied and cheated, and a naïve Lucy felt foolish and angry. When she knew she was in danger from one of Charlie's cronies, she fled to her family home in Yorkshire, where she'd been cut off from. But worse was to come - her brother Richard and his wife, along with her mother celebrated Christmas with the annual gathering of guests. But when Lucy was accused of theft, she had no idea what would be the outcome for her.
While Lucy was almost destitute and in fear for her life, her maid and friend, Mary stayed by her side. With Mr Stone keeping her updated on what was happening, and the local Chief Inspector of police providing protection, Lucy still wasn't sure who to trust. At the arrival of a letter addressed to Charlie, Lucy made a decision. But would it be the last she ever made?
No Stone Unturned is the 1st in The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries by Pam Lecky and I loved it. I had trouble putting it down - I loved the setting of 1880s London, with the gangs of criminals staying one step ahead of the police as well as Phineas Stone; his intense strategy and determination, with Lucy's bravery and strength as she raced ahead of the persons out to put her in the ground alongside her husband. I'm looking forward to #2 next month, Footprints in the Sand. A historical mystery which is highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC.
In October 1886, Lucy Lawrence's troubled marriage ends abruptly with her husband's death, leading her to meet the enigmatic Phineas Stone. As her late husband's secrets emerge and her life is threatened by London's most notorious gang leader, Lucy must find the strength to navigate this perilous new reality. Unsure of whom to trust, she must evade the clutches of a dangerous criminal.
This was a delight to read. Lucy made for an interesting protagonist to follow. She was clever but does not immediately think she’s going to be the one to solve the mystery. I also appreciated the complicated emotions. She grieved for the husband she once loved, even as she felt relief at being unencumbered.
The mystery kept me guessing. I enjoyed the interactions between Lucy and Phineas Stone. It was a bit frustrating about seventy-five percent into the story when a misunderstanding happens. It made me question Lucy’s intelligence and decision-making skills.
Overall, this was a really fun book and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy historical mysteries.
I do love a good mystery and No Stone Unturned checked all the right boxes for me. I enjoyed Lucy’s independent streak in a time when it was socially unacceptable. She refused to be less than who she really was. I was saddened by all the trauma she endured over the course of the book, but she handled it with grace and fortitude. I cannot imagine the things she experienced! I was so thankful for true friends who stood beside her (even on crazy adventure and escapades!!). I loved the character of Phineas and can’t wait to see more of that story arch. I found the mystery credible and well done. I am truly looking forward to Lucy’s next adventures!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own.
I love nothing more than a historical mystery where "detective" duos crack cases together. Throw in a slow-burn romance subplot and consider me one happy gal.
In "No Stone Unturned", the first in a series, there was a significant amount of time taken in setting up the setting and the characters' backstory. However, I'd say the pacing in the story was spot on - no boring info dumps here! Lucy did make some questionable decisions throughout, but I guess that just makes her more realistic.
I really enjoyed the twists that kept me guessing - now I can't wait to jump into the next book and see what Lucy and Phin are up to next!
This was a great historical read. Not difficult just an easy, relaxing and entertaining story. I love Pam Lecky's books and this one is now up there with the others. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
In Victorian London, Lucy’s life is shattered by her husband’s murder and accusations about her mother’s stolen pearls. When charming investigator Phineas Stone arrives, Lucy is drawn into a dangerous conspiracy that threatens to unravel her past and her future. As she navigates the treacherous world of London’s high society, a cryptic note left by her husband may hold the key to her innocence—or lead her to a killer’s trap.
This is a gripping mystery, though the first quarter of the book is a little slow. I enjoyed the likable characters and twisty plot.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is my 1st time reading this author, and I really enjoy the characters and the setting. I can't wait to find out what happens with the MC. The mystery kept me guessing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
These series will keep you hooked from page one through the last chapter. Each book is a new mystery and adventure for both the characters and the readers.
The romantic part is a sideline, the real protagonist is the challenge each case will pose to Lucy and Phineas.
No stone unturned” is where everything started. Lucy’s husband suddenly died after a gruesome accident. When Lucy is called to identify the corpse of her deceased husband, she meets the insufferable private detective who was following her husband and now will follow her. There are lots of questions and few answers. As Lucy’s investigation proves successful, she will have to be brave and smart in order to safe her own life.
Lucy’s adventures will be surprising and interesting while you also try to resolve the case with her. I could not put the book down after I started reading it. Can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks NetGalley for my digital ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This was my first book of Pam Lecky’s that I have read, and I was hooked from the beginning! The combination of history with mystery was great. A well written story, and a new great author to add to my list!!!!
4 stars out of 5 ⭐️
This is book 1 in the Lucy Lawrence series. I like a book that makes me think and solve a mystery. This book definitely did that for me. I just love puzzle-solving. The scene setting in Victorian London, was incredibly well done and I could see myself walking through the streets, looking for a new clue. The characters were likeable relatable and nicely developed. Sometimes I thought the FMC Lucy was a bit naive at times, but still enjoyed her character. I liked the enemies-to-lovers subplot and the chemistry between Lucy and Phin is something you feel throughout the story. It is a slow burn, but the plot is well-developed and is throwing enough red herrings your way, that you don't even notice. For me it was a page-turner and can’t wait to read book 2. Definitely a recommendation if you love mystery and love.
Perfect for fans of Victorian Era fiction with elements of mystery and the start of a budding romance!
I thoroughly enjoyed No Stone Unturned! I feel the plot lagged a little bit, but I think it was due to world building and setting the stage for the sequels in Lucy’s story! I CANNOT WAIT to dig into book two, Footprints in the Sand.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Lucy Lawrence had been disowned by her family when she married a man her family
disapproved of and now that marriage is beginning to fail. Her husband
and his schemes often leaving them counting their pennies . But now he
has been found dead , run down by a carriage - why was he there ? he was
supposed to be visiting his family - what will she do to survive ?
When Investigator Phineas Stone calls on her she finds herself drawn into a
web of deceit , who can she trust ? Even her family , who should have been a safe
haven have turned on her accusing her of stealing her mothers pearl necklace - just what
is going on ? Her life might be on the line unless she can solve the riddle of her husbands dealings .
This is an entertaining historical mystery with twists and turns around every corner -
a pleasant way to spend an afternoon
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Loved this book!
It's been such a long time since I read a great historical mystery. If I had more stars than 5 stars, I would have given this book all of them.
Lucy and Stone are perfect, both for solving mysteries and I hope together too (have to read the next books in the series).
The mystery, the lies, betrayal, and secrets that this book has was astounding. The emotions that Lucy would have had, the pain she felt was at a point too sad for me. But I loved how she never gave up and kept going to come out of the situation and make it better.
I am onto the next book in the series as I am typing this review. Thank you Pam Lecky for writing this.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lucy longs for an adventurous life, but is stuck in a failed marriage with her husband Charles. She wants to make it work, but instead gets the news that Charles is dead. All of a sudden, Lucy is getting her adventure. She needs to find answers and is being pursued by a deadly criminal. With the help of Phineas, a handsome, intriguing investigator they uncover the truth behind her husbands life and murder.
Fast paced, thrilling and keeps you engaged. This book is in one of my favorite genres of historical mysteries. I also love paired investigators especially when you know there's a romantic build up.
An absolute delight from start to finish! I went in with no expectations, but I should have known better that Pam Lecky wouldn’t disappoint! Cannot wait for Lucy and Phin’s next adventure!
I liked No Stone Unturned. It was a good historical mystery. I'm a big romance reader so the young girl eloping with a charming gentleman trope is not unfamiliar but I liked that this is the 10 years later when the romance has worn off, the marriage is in trouble and the young girl is now a mature young woman who realises that perhaps she didn't know her husband as well as she thought. I found the portrayal of Lucy's situation to be a realistic one given her position as a widow whose husband didn't leave her much. Of course she had money worries and given her first husband was a cad , it's no surprise she doesn't want to marry again. I did find Lucy to be a bit passive in the first half but I did like her much more in the second half when she decided to take matters into her own hands. I'll admit that the mystery was not the most unique but I was entertained throughout the novel. The romantic subplot was a bit lukewarm for my tastes. It definitely needed a bit of oomph but hopefully the romance will develop in future books. Overall, 3.5 stars and I will be reading book 2.
I did not realize when I requested this book that I would get all 3 in the series to review! However, I have finished the first and what an enjoyable cozy mystery!
It is 1886, and our heroine is Lucy Lawrence. She is married to Charlie Lawrence. She has been disowned by her wealthy family because she eloped with Charles 10 years ago. Lucy is waiting for him to return from a trip to Edinburgh when she receives news of his death. As she is at police headquarters, she meets Phinneus Stone, an insurance investigator who wants to question her about her husband. She discovers that Charlie had a secret life, involving the illegal mining of sapphires. She also finds that there is no money left. As she returns to her home, she is accosted by a man named Mr. Marsh, who wants to know "where Charlie put them". About this time, her estranged family (Her brother and mother), inviter her back to Sommerville to figure out her next step. (Her family is awful!!!) While there, a valuable pearl and emerald necklace is stolen, and the family blames Lucy and has her arrested. Phinneus Stone comes to aid her, by showing that the evidence of a pearl that was under her bed, is a fake.
Whew! That is just the beginning! Lucy decides to investigate and gains the help of her friend Judith, and maid Mary.
This story has many twists and turns. It is very well written, with the characters jumping off the page. Although it seems like a lot of separate things happening, the author weaves them together to provide a well written mystery. There is a possible development of romance between the two leads.
There was a twist I did not see involving the stolen necklace, and was surprised at the culprit!
I really liked the realistic portrayal of widowhood at this time. Women were held hostage to the whims and decisions of men around them. Although women may balk, it is still difficult for them to overcome this. Lucy is an intelligent woman with an independent spirit. She does not worry about other's thoughts about her, because she eloped due to love- and that leaves a negative smear on a women's reputation.
I also liked the relationship between Lucy and her maid Mary. Mary is very resourceful, and becomes a sort of partner in the adventure. She is intelligent, creative, and loyal.
I highly recommend this to readers who like a cozy mystery set in historical period, plot that is equally driven by action and dialogue, love seeing growth in a character. I cannot wait to read the next one!
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down, the mystery and the suspense were on point! Lucy was headstrong and resilient. Phineas was charming and brilliant. The two of them together were an absolute force. I look forward to reading more in this series!
Lucy is a young widow who finds that her murdered husband was not who she thought. Stone is an investigator for an insurance company. Inspite of all her woes Lucy is a resilient woman and is determined to make a better life for herself. She copes with widowhood, an outrageous family, theft of family jewels, missing sapphires (not family heirlooms), gangs, brutality, social disapproval and an awful lot more.. Well written, feels of its time - travelling, the position of women in society. Obvious attraction and romance between Lucy and Stone but not to the detriment of the story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
No Stone Unturned by Pam Lecky started off slowly but quickly became a page-turner. The main character Lucy is tragic but has a strength to overcome. Her intelligence and fortitude see her through many difficult situations. I am anxiously awaiting #2 in the series Footprints in the Sand.
Releases July 25th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.