John Pickett Mystery Series by Sheri Cobb South

When a rash of jewel thefts strikes London, magistrate Patrick Colquhoun deploys his Bow Street Runners to put a stop to the crimes. The Russian Princess Olga Fyodorovna is to attend a production of Handel’s Esther at Drury Lane Theatre, where she will wear a magnificent diamond necklace. The entire Bow Street force will be stationed at various locations around the theatre — including John Pickett, who will occupy a box directly across from the princess... moreWhen a rash of jewel thefts strikes London, magistrate Patrick Colquhoun deploys his Bow Street Runners to put a stop to the crimes. The Russian Princess Olga Fyodorovna is to attend a production of Handel’s Esther at Drury Lane Theatre, where she will wear a magnificent diamond necklace. The entire Bow Street force will be stationed at various locations around the theatre — including John Pickett, who will occupy a box directly across from the princess.In order to preserve his incognito, Pickett must appear to be a private gentleman attending the theatre. Mr. Colquhoun recommends that he have a female companion — a lady, in fact, who might prevent him from making any glaring faux pas. But the only lady of Pickett’s acquaintance is Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, to whom he accidentally contracted a Scottish irregular marriage several months earlier, and with whom he is seeking an annulment against his own inclinations — and for whom he recklessly declared his love, secure in the belief he would never see her again.The inevitable awkwardness of their reunion is forgotten when the theatre catches fire. In the confusion, the Russian diamonds are stolen, and Pickett is struck in the head and rendered unconscious. Suddenly it is up to Julia not only to nurse him back to health, but to discover his attacker and bring the culprit —and the jewel thief— to justice. less

This short story offers a glimpse into the lives of (very) newly married John Pickett and his bride Julia, the former Lady Fieldhurst. If you want to read the series in order, this story falls between Too Hot to Handel (Book 5) and For Deader or Worse (Book 6). It is available for free download here: http://dl.bookfunnel.com/aipv9hyob5

When it comes to impressing his new in-laws, poor John Pickett hasn't a "ghost" of a chance . . . After a modest wedding ceremony, Bow Street Runner John Pickett and his bride Julia, the former Lady Fieldhurst, set out for a wedding trip to Somersetshire, where Pickett must face his greatest challenge yet: meeting his in-laws. Sir Thaddeus and Lady Runyon are shocked at their daughter’s hasty remarriage—and appalled by her choice of a second husband... moreWhen it comes to impressing his new in-laws, poor John Pickett hasn't a "ghost" of a chance . . . After a modest wedding ceremony, Bow Street Runner John Pickett and his bride Julia, the former Lady Fieldhurst, set out for a wedding trip to Somersetshire, where Pickett must face his greatest challenge yet: meeting his in-laws. Sir Thaddeus and Lady Runyon are shocked at their daughter’s hasty remarriage—and appalled by her choice of a second husband. Pickett, for his part, is surprised to learn that Julia once had an elder sister: Claudia, Lady Buckleigh, disappeared thirteen years earlier, leaving no trace beyond a blood-soaked shawl. When Sir Thaddeus confides that his wife is convinced Claudia’s spirit now haunts her childhood home, Pickett sees a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of Julia’s family. He agrees to investigate and, hopefully, lay the Runyon “ghost,” whoever—or whatever—it is. Matters take a grisly turn when Sir Thaddeus’s groom is discovered with his throat slit. The timing could hardly be worse, for the whole village is aflutter with the news that Lord Buckleigh has brought home a new bride, just when Major James Pennington, the vicar’s son who was Claudia’s childhood sweetheart, has returned on leave from war in the Peninsula. The major was apparently the last person to see Claudia alive, and Pickett is convinced he knows more about her disappearance than he’s telling. Suddenly it seems the distant past is not so distant, after all. It may not even be past . . . less

What happens when the honeymoon is over?Newlyweds John and Julia Pickett have returned to London following their honeymoon. When John Pickett returns to his Drury Lane flat to clean out his belongings, he finds something that might have changed his life, if only he'd found it five years earlier. He's not quite sure how he feels about that—or, for that matter, how he feels about his sudden rise in the world... moreWhat happens when the honeymoon is over?Newlyweds John and Julia Pickett have returned to London following their honeymoon. When John Pickett returns to his Drury Lane flat to clean out his belongings, he finds something that might have changed his life, if only he'd found it five years earlier. He's not quite sure how he feels about that—or, for that matter, how he feels about his sudden rise in the world. This 5,600-word (just under 20 pages) short story follows Book 6, For Deader or Worse, and sets the stage for Book 7, Mystery Loves Company. less

Newly married John Pickett is all too painfully aware of the gaps in his charity-school education. But when he pays a visit to his old schoolmaster, he learns a lesson he hadn't bargained on. This 3rd John Pickett short story falls between Mystery Loves Company(Book 7) and Peril by Post (Book 8). It's not necessary to have read Mystery Loves Company, but it does contain major spoilers for both In Milady's Chamber (Book 1) and For Deader or Worse (Book 6)... moreNewly married John Pickett is all too painfully aware of the gaps in his charity-school education. But when he pays a visit to his old schoolmaster, he learns a lesson he hadn't bargained on. This 3rd John Pickett short story falls between Mystery Loves Company(Book 7) and Peril by Post (Book 8). It's not necessary to have read Mystery Loves Company, but it does contain major spoilers for both In Milady's Chamber (Book 1) and For Deader or Worse (Book 6).You can download it for FREE here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/lx9g1exy3c less