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

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 577 ratings

There’s a new detective duo in Victorian London...

When Katherine Demeray opens an unsigned letter addressed to her missing father, she is drawn into a quest to find the terrified letter-writer and learn the secret of the black tulips.

Struggling to support herself after her father's disappearance, Katherine has neither time nor money to solve the mystery alone. She has no choice but to seek help from a woman she has only just met; awkward socialite Connie Swift.

As the letters become increasingly frantic, this unlikely team of amateur detectives must learn to work together, while struggling to navigate the rigid rules of Victorian propriety, their families’ expectations, and the complicating interference of men.

Confronting danger as they venture into new and frightening territory, Katherine and Connie risk arrest, exposure, and even their reputations to solve the Case of the Black Tulips. Can they solve the mystery before someone gets killed....or they kill each other?

The Case of the Black Tulips is the first book in the Caster & Fleet mystery series, set in 1890s London.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07DF8RNSZ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ White Rhino Books (June 19, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 19, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 441 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 577 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
577 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's entertaining and interesting storyline. They find the characters well-developed, with colorful and likeable characters. The humor is lighthearted and there are no grammar or typo errors. Readers praise the writing style as great, easy to read, and without repetitive sequences.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

15 customers mention "Story quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging with well-developed characters and an exciting plotline. They appreciate the humor and fast-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked until the end. The book is described as a great period mystery with thrilling scenarios and twists.

"...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..." Read more

"This is a fun and interesting story with well-formed characters. And not an excess of insipid adjectives...." Read more

"...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..." Read more

"...A story wonderfully told, historically grounded wit compelling and likeable characters. Highly recommend!" Read more

14 customers mention "Character development"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's character development. They find the characters engaging, with strong female characters K and Connie taking on a mystery despite limitations. The cast is deep and fascinating, with colorful characters that keep the story moving along. The good guys are likeable and interesting, while the bad guys are intriguing.

"...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...." Read more

"This is a fun and interesting story with well-formed characters. And not an excess of insipid adjectives...." Read more

"...wonderfully told, historically grounded wit compelling and likeable characters. Highly recommend!" Read more

"Light, pleasant reading. Likeable good guys and interesting bad ones...." Read more

14 customers mention "Enjoyment"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it entertaining with a compelling storyline and likeable characters. The resolution is satisfying and the book is interesting from start to finish. It's recommended for both teens and adults.

"...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!" Read more

"This is a fun and interesting story with well-formed characters. And not an excess of insipid adjectives...." Read more

"...they are all, even the supporting characters, richly described and interesting...." Read more

"...A story wonderfully told, historically grounded wit compelling and likeable characters. Highly recommend!" Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the good and bad characters likable.

"...is painted with a fine brush, and there are some lightly comical moments throughout the story...." Read more

"Light, pleasant reading. Likeable good guys and interesting bad ones...." Read more

"...There is a decent amount of humor in the story which helps keep the story interesting. Con's:..." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style. They find the story imaginative, with a great font and writing style that's easy to read and follow from start to finish. The book has no grammar or typo errors, and there are no repetitive or out-of-line sequences.

"Well-written and edited, this is simply a truly enjoyable book!..." Read more

"...A very professionally written Mystery book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment...." Read more

"Imaginative story, great writing..." Read more

Twisty, Turny Fun Read
5 out of 5 stars
Twisty, Turny Fun Read
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!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2018
    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!
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Twisty, Turny Fun Read

    Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2018
    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!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2023
    This is a fun and interesting story with well-formed characters. And not an excess of insipid adjectives. Nor is there much violence, though there is a mother that I would like to smack about the head!
    I recommend this series for anyone that enjoys a good period mystery.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2019
    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!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2023
    Constance and Katherine meet by happenstance an so their adventure begins. A story wonderfully told, historically grounded wit compelling and likeable characters. Highly recommend!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2021
    Light, pleasant reading. Likeable good guys and interesting bad ones. Prior to reading this, I had come across one excruciating bad book after another in Kindle Unlimited. This book is too light to satisfy my hunger for good literature, but it delivers what is promised in the cozy mystery genre.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2021
    Victorian London, England. Katherine Demeray (The Department, secretary) opened an unsigned letter from Admirer, addressed to her missing father Mr. R. Demeray (Esquire), she must learn the secret of the black tulips.
    Katherine went to see Ms. Armitage a expert on flowers.
    Albert took Katherine to the Natural History Museum.

    Katherine had put an ad in The Times about her missing father Mr. R. Demeray.
    Reg was right Ms. Holland had been spirited away.
    Marylebone. Major Charles Fairbank (52) was attacked.
    Albert kissed Connie.

    I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

    An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Mystery book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. It was as creepy as I hoped so I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.

    Thank you for the free author; White Rhino Books; BookAdrenaline; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi book
    Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2025
    I really couldn't stop reading The Case of The Black Tulips. It's an absolute charm of a cosy mystery with likable characters who are from different sides of the street so to speak. You'll smile quite a bit while reading. Victorian London is a great place to visit!
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024
    This turn of the century (1900) tale reveals a rather restrictive life for young ladies when they are entering the age to be married. You have to feel for the mothers a bit but totally understand why the two young ladies want to break free - much like the other character in the story. How does a person find someone who is hidden behind poetic clues. Frustration! I can easily recommend this book for teens and adults. It's clean, sweet, entertaining and has a wonderful storyline.

Top reviews from other countries

  • L. Murray
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2023
    Plot was good and well written. It drew me in and I kept going back for more. Characters were interesting, and fitted well in the storyline
  • R. Clarke
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enthralling mystery in London
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 8, 2018
    Review 4.1 stars

    When 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 stars
    Setting/World-building – four stars
    Authenticity – four stars
    Characters – four stars
    Structure – four stars
    Readability – five stars
    Editing – four stars
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting book 1
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 26, 2024
    The first in the Castor and Fleet series and a truly exciting book!! A great plot and really well written, sending you on an emotional roller coaster. Two ladies from different backgrounds that draw on each others strengths and make a great investigating team. I was riveted right to the last page. Truly great writing. I will certainly be reading the rest of the series. Highly recommended. If I could give this book 10 stars I would.
  • Kevin Cannon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2024
    What can I say? Marvelous characters, an intriguing plot and chock full of historical realism. I love the interaction between the two sleuths and the very different home lives that have.

    I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series
  • P G Jones
    3.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2021
    It's a well researched and well written story. I engaged with most of the characters and liked the interaction between the two main protagonists. There are some good period details and I liked the pace. I did however find the constant jumping backwards and forwards between the main characters holding the narrative confusing at times and they each had different relationships with the other characters. On a few occasions I had to go back a couple of chapters to check who had done what with or to whom. The final chapters and the conclusion were a bit 'neat' to the extent as to undermine some of the earlier careful plotting, but overall I enjoyed the book.

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