The Lady Frances Ffolkes Mysteries
—Library Journal
—Historical Novel Society, Editors Choice
—Kirkus Reviews
Death on the Sapphire
Book 1
When Major Colcombe, a family friend and war veteran, dies under mysterious circumstances, the good Lady Frances discovers that he was working on a manuscript about South Africa’s bloody Boer War, which reportedly revealed a scandalous mistake that cost many innocent lives. Now, it’s up to Frances and her loyal lady’s maid, June Mallow, to track down the missing manuscript and bring the killer to justice. But as shrewd as Frances is, she fails to realize true love when it crosses her path.
Death Among Rubies
Book 2
Lady Frances Ffolkes is incensed when she finds out that her dear friends Gwendolyn and Thomasina have been subject to vicious threats. Promising to uncover their attacker, she travels with them to Kestrel’s Eyrie, the fabled estate belonging to Gwen’s family. But soon Frances faces an even greater problem, when Gwen’s father, a powerful diplomat, is stabbed to death with his prized ruby dagger. Among the mansion’s guests are a charming Turkish diplomat, an ambitious American heiress and a pair of gossiping widows. Frances, with her loyal maid Mallow at her side, find that old sins do indeed cast long shadows.
Death at the Emerald
Book 3
Helen, London’s most beautiful actress, mysteriously vanished 30 years ago. An elderly man commissions Lady Frances to find out what happened to her. Taking on the role of Lady Sherlock, with her loyal maid Mallow drafted as her Watson, Frances finds herself immersed in the glamorous world of Edwardian theater, rubbing elbows with George Bernard Shaw, and learning about those newfangled motion pictures. Then, as one of Helen’s old suitors is suddenly murdered, the stakes are raised. Frances is hot on Helen’s trail, but someone is willing to kill to hide the secret to Helen’s disappearance.
All Praise
“Fans of both Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie will embrace the subtly witty, refreshingly unconventional heroine in this historical mystery set in Edwardian England.”
—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 two. Highly recommended!”
—Historical Novel Society, Editors Choice
“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
“Koreto’s second case for his titled heroine is devilishly clever and written with unmistakable verve.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“…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
“Engaging…A good bet for fans of Rhys Bowen and Kate Saunders and for lovers of Downton Abbey.”
—Library Journal
“Beautifully appointed and written with measured authority…A reprinting of an authentic novel from the early 20th century.”
—Kirkus Reviews