08/15/2016
Koreto’s appealing sequel to Death on the Sapphire takes Edwardian suffragette Lady Frances Ffolkes and her maid, June Mallow, to Kestrel’s Eyrie outside Morchester, England. Gwendolyn Kestrel has invited her extremely close friend, Thomasina Calvin, and Franny to visit the country manor while her father is hosting several diplomatic guests. Soon after the ladies arrive, Mallow finds Gwen’s father, Sir Calleford, stabbed to death with a ruby-inlaid Turkish dagger. Franny sets out to get to the bottom of things with Mallow’s help, but the local police aren’t interested in their assistance. When Inspector Eastley arrives from Scotland Yard, he reluctantly accepts Franny as a translator for the French guests, having learned from a previous case that Lady Frances is not to be denied. The delightful Franny and Mallow soon discover familial as well as political motives behind the crime. Koreto nicely blends international intrigue and affairs of the heart. Agent: Cynthia Zigmund, Second City Publishing Services. (Oct.)

Praise for Death Among Rubies:
"Koreto’s appealing sequel...nicely blends international intrigue and affairs of the heart.”
—Publishers Weekly

"Koreto’s second case for his titled heroine is devilishly clever and written with unmistakable verve."
—Kirkus Reviews

“Koreto skillfully contrasts the feminist milieu of 1907 England with the establishment class structure. Lady Frances and Mallow are an effective pairing.”
—Booklist

"A charming Edwardian mystery with a delightfully unconventional heroine...Fans of Rhys Bowen, Charles Todd and Jacqueline Winspear are sure to enjoy."
—Shelf Awareness

"A very enjoyable series...Koreto has definitely made a mark in the writing world: He is a superb writer of the beloved upstairs/downstairs mystery."
—Suspense Magazine

"...The character dialogue is fantastic. The female leads are simply wonderful...I can tell the writer loves this time period, as he handles the era’s mannerisms and conventions masterfully. All in all, this is a delightful read."
—Historical Novels Review

Praise for the Death on the Sapphire:
"Upstairs teams with downstairs in this thoroughly entertaining, witty Edwardian mystery debut...A solid choice for fans of Robin Paige and Downton Abbey."
—Library Journal

"[A] refreshing debut...Readers will look forward to seeing more of Frances in the promised sequel."
—Publishers Weekly

"Lady Frances is a strong, clever protagonist, in the mold of Frances Brody’s Kate Shackleton and Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs.Lady Frances is a strong, clever protagonist, in the mold of Frances Brody’s Kate Shackleton and Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs."
—Booklist

"Fans of both Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie will embrace the subtly witty, refreshingly unconventional heroine in Koreto’s debut series."
—RT Book Reviews

"I loved every minute...With a memorable heroine, rich atmosphere, and intriguing mystery, Koreto has created a book that will engage and entertain readers. I eagerly await book 2. Highly recommended!"
—Historical Novel Society, Editor’s Choice

“An intelligent and engrossing historical novel with an wonderfully independent heroine (of the right social class!) and her enterprising maid. But it is by no means a cozy story, delving into the grim realities of war.”
—Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of the Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness mysteries

“R. J. Koreto introduces a delightful new heroine with Lady Frances Ffolkes. Everyone underestimates Lady Frances and usually to their dismay. You’ll love reading about her adventures as she takes time out from her efforts in the Women’s Suffrage movement to solve the murder of an old friend.”
—Victoria Thompson, bestselling author of Murder in Morningside Heights

“What a fun read, good storytelling that whisks along at a cracking pace, neatly plotted with a satisfying ending. Lady Frances Ffolkes is irresistible—caring, clever and resourceful. I look forward to meeting her again many times.”
—M.R.C. Kasasian, author of the Gower Street Detective series

“A memorable heroine—a young suffragette—and her equally dauntless maid engage in a battle of wits against the Establishment that is ready to kill to keep the truth buried. An enjoyable read.”
—Carola Dunn, author of the Daisy Dalrymple mysteries

“Spirited and tenacious, Lady Frances Ffolkes is a force to be reckoned with as she endeavors, undaunted by all obstacles, to find a missing manuscript and solve the murder of a family friend in this charming Edwardian-era mystery. With Death on the Sapphire, R.J. Koreto has given us a winning heroine and a thoroughly delightful read.”
—Ashley Weaver, author of the Amory Ames mysteries

"Suffragette Lady Frances Ffolkes takes readers on a spirited journey to locate a stolen manuscript and solve the murder of a family friend. Witty, tenacious, and thoroughly engaging."
—Anna Lee Huber, award-winning and national bestselling author of the Lady Darby mystery series

Justine Eyre’s narration is well suited to this mystery featuring members of the English aristocracy. Lady Frances Ffolkes has traveled to the large estate of her friend’s family, finding upon arrival that her friend’s father has been brutally murdered with a ruby-ensconced sword. As Lady Frances insists on getting involved in the investigation, Eyre perfectly captures her haughty accent, strong will, and flippant attitude towards tradition. Eyre gives fitting portrayals of all the characters—from the highest-born ladies to the maids and servants, as well as the guests who visit the estate. Notably, Eyre is convincing as the mysterious Turkish diplomat who won’t reveal what he’s seen as well as the American woman who wishes to own the estate. Many will be suspects—but in the end, the capable Lady Frances will discover the truth. M.M.G. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

2016-07-20
A suffragette sleuth solves a baffling murder, to the chagrin of Scotland Yard.While Lady Frances Ffolkes’ avid suitor, Henry Wheaton, the esteemed barrister and amateur portraitist, paints her portrait, British diplomat Sir Calleford Kestrel entertains a diverse assembly of guests at his estate, Kestrel’s Eyrie. Frances and her equally brusque maid, Mallow, will soon join the assembly as guests of Sir Calleford’s daughter, Gwen, and her “great friend” Thomasina. At the end of Sir Calleford’s first appearance, Koreto announces portentously that “no one would ever see Sir Calleford alive again.” Mallow discovers Sir Calleford, slumped in his chair in the study, with an elegant curved dagger in his back. Because of Sir Calleford’s status, Scotland Yard sends two members of the Special Branch. Inspector Eastley is surprised and chagrined to find Frances among the company, but she’s nonplussed at meeting him again. Adding insult to injury, Eastley is forced to use Frances as an interpreter for his interrogation of a suspicious guest, Mme. Aubert. Despite Eastley’s disapproval, Frances continues to probe on her own. An anonymous letter to Thomasina, maligning her relationship with Gwen, accusing her of murder and threatening her, helps provide a focus for Frances. Mallow, meanwhile, advised to keep an ear out for gossip, takes the advice above and beyond, cozying up to friendly Constable Dill.Though its stereotypes and set pieces are sometimes presented with a heavy hand, Koreto’s second case for his titled heroine (Death on the Sapphire, 2016) is devilishly clever and written with unmistakable verve.