The Skeletons of Harrow

An Edward Tyrington Mystery Book 3

Fiction - Mystery - Historical
278 Pages
Reviewed on 09/27/2023
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Author Biography

Joni Swift has loved mysteries since her first Agatha Christie novel. She is passionate about travel, hiking and is pretty much a sucker for any kind of adventure. Joni loves good wine, live music and good friends. When she isn’t writing she is usually hiking in the mountains or planning her next vacation.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Skeletons of Harrow is a work of fiction in the mystery, historical fiction, and suspense subgenres, and forms the third volume in the Edward Tyrington Mystery book series. Penned by author Joni Swift, it is best suited to the general adult reading audience. This captivating historical mystery, set in 1863 in England, introduces us to Edward Tyrington, our intrepid protagonist, who makes a bold decision to win the heart of Catherine by delving into the decade-old murder of one of her relatives. Edward and Catherine's quest for the truth leads them on a journey through their own pasts in London. Along the way, they encounter political machinations that threaten to disgrace Edward's brother, the Earl of Essex. As they delve deeper into the investigation, Catherine uncovers surprising details about her relative, and Edward must ensure her safety as they navigate the treacherous waters of unions and suffragists.

Joni Swift masterfully weaves a tale of love, intrigue, and suspense to craft an engrossing and atmospheric mystery experience. I was particularly impressed by the level of intricate historical detail that melds seamlessly into a compelling mystery plot, creating a vivid picture of Victorian England that feels realistic but never slows the pace of the tale. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, thanks to some close narrative skill in conveying emotion and action, as well as dialogue that feels suitably historic but is also accessible for modern readers. It's a tale of love and loyalty, of unraveling secrets and confronting the ghosts of the past. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Skeletons of Harrow as a deeply engaging historical mystery that will appeal to fans of the genre and anyone who enjoys a good, old-fashioned whodunit set against a richly detailed historical backdrop.

Pikasho Deka

Author Joni Swift delivers yet another captivating novel from the Edward Tyrington Mystery series with The Skeletons of Harrow. It's 1863, and Edward Tyrington has just been hired by Catherine's father, John Briggs, to solve the mystery of her mother Florence's murder, which occurred ten years ago. Seeking Catherine's hand in marriage, Edward launches himself into the investigation, interviewing old friends and neighbors of Florence who reveal her shocking links to the unionists and the suffragists. Meanwhile, Edward's friend and French spy, Joelle, is investigating an influential English aristocrat, resulting in dangerous men tracking her every move. Following the clues, Edward's investigation leads him to Harrow, searching for a woman who went missing a decade ago. Meanwhile, Catherine continues to try to decipher her mother's old diary. Will Edward be able to find the real culprit?

With an intricate plot and a compelling cast of characters, Joni Swift has crafted a tantalizing sleuth mystery that will have readers absorbed and on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what's coming next. There's not a single dull moment in the entire book, and you don't want to put it down before finishing it. Filled with a healthy dose of suspense, mystery, and intrigue, The Skeletons of Harrow is just the kind of book that sleuth mystery readers crave. Swift's characters have agency that makes their motives and actions believable to the reader, and you will find yourself completely invested in their story arcs. The last few pages are full of action as the mystery unfolds with a satisfying ending. All in all, this is a brilliant novel for readers of historical fiction and mystery thrillers alike!

Bernadette Longu

The Skeletons of Harrow: An Edward Tyrington Mystery Book 3 by Joni Swift takes place almost 10 years before when an innocent child is blamed for a murder. But how does that same child with the help of a friend solve this mystery? The cast of characters takes the reader through the story which starts with a slow pace and then speeds up. The main characters are Edward Tyrington, Catherine Briggs, Florence Briggs, John Briggs, Charles, Earl of Essex, Inspector Farrington, Dean Anson, Lord Rankin, Mrs., Gilchrist, Mr. Dobson, Mrs. Selwyn, Mrs. Davidson, and Davies. There are also many minor characters who assist the main characters in sorting out the intrigue, espionage, and murders that have been committed in the name of progress.

The Skeletons of Harrow by Joni Swift is a fast-moving, highly exciting, romantic murder mystery that catches the reader's attention from the very first page and holds it till the very end. The story takes so many twists and turns that the reader keeps reading so as not to get confused. All the twists and turns come together at the very end in the most scientific way possible, and the reader realizes that all the twists and turns make sense, even the very last, most unusual twist that is most unexpected. This is an enjoyable and intriguing detective story and well worth reading again and again. Well done.