Four Red Diamonds (A Lady Marmalade Mystery 4 Pack): A Lady Marmalade Mystery

By Jason Blacker

This 4 story pack contains the first 4 Lady Marmalade short stories:

Poisoned Heart:
Lady Marmalade's first mystery. Visiting some friends, Lordy and Lady Appleby turns out to be a dangerous affair. For the kitchen maid at least, who ends up dead.

How did she die and who would want to kill her is up to Lady Marmalade and Inspector Devlin Pearce to determine. Making their work even harder are the five suspects who all had reason to kill her.

The Lord of the manner who was having an affair with her. The Lady who was upset at her cheating husband. Her bastard son, her low life of an ex-husband or the butler who she had spurned.

One of them did it, though they all might have wanted to. In the lineage of Agatha Christie, this cozy mystery is set in the late 1940s.

Loose Lips:
It's just after the end of the Second World War and Lady Marmalade is looking forward to a nice relaxing holiday in Hightown. The war has been terribly stressful on everyone and Lady Marmalade's good friends, Harry and Genevieve Appleback have invited her over for some much needed R n' R and Irish Sea air.

But what should have been a relaxing holiday turns out to be a workout for Lady Marmalade's little gray cells.

Nana (Maude) Bloomfield, an heir to the Bloomfield Confectioner's dwindling fortune is found murdered in her study. There are a vast assortment of culprits, like there are an assortment of Bloomfield Confectioner's sweets.

And to further complicate matters, someone's being pilfering not the Bloomfield Confectioner's sweets, but its profits.

Heartless:
Heartless is Lady Marmalade's third mystery.

Lady Marmalade is taking the Flying Scotchman up to York. She needs to attend to some financial affairs related to the estate of her deceased husband, Eric.

It is a time of reflection and Lady Marmalade is eager to get onto the train and away from the cacophony of the train station.

However, the train will not offer the respite she requires. During dinner on the trip to York, Major Jasper Moss is murdered. He wasn't a nice man, but he didn't deserve to be killed.

In the short time before the train makes it to York, does Lady Marmalade have the time to determine who amongst the five dinner guests killed him?

Captain Houghton has motive, he served under the Major in the second war. Winnie Smith has motive too as does the Major's own daughter, Ethel who has accompanied him on this trip. Evan Cross, the waiter has a dark secret that gives him grounds for murder and Mr. Lewis Bryan had a business deal go bad with the Major that gives him incentive too.

Misery's Company:
Misery's Company is Lady Marmalade's fourth mystery.

In Misery's Company, Lady Marmalade is having a few guests over for dinner and company at her 'cottage' called Avalon at Ambleside in the picturesque Lake District.

Sir Anthony Gibbons is a teller of engaging tall tales. A retired surgeon who was a friend to both Lady Marmalade and her husband Eric, Sir Tony regales the dinner guests with a true story of a murder most foul in Australia.

Lady Marmalade's good friend Jane Howard is one of the guests as is the businessman Ellis Hutchinson and his wife Lily. Sir Tony tells the tale of the murder of Melissa Kay, wife to Roger and mother to James.

At a dinner much like Lady Marmalade is hosting for her guests, Melissa is poisoned by someone who dined with her that fateful night. Not only was Melissa's husband and son there, but her good friend Laura Lynch and her sister Ellie were enjoying the meal too.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lemon Tree Publishing
• Release date: Dec 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781927623336

Jason Blacker

Jason Blacker was born in Cape Town but spent most of his first 18 years in Johannesburg. When not grinding his fingers down to stubs at the keyboard he enjoys drinking tea, calisthenics and running. Currently he lives in Canada.  Under his own name he writes hard boiled as well as cozy mysteries, action adventure, thrillers, literary fiction and anything else that tickles his muse. Jason Blacker also writes poetry and daily haikus at his haiku blog.  You can find his haikus and other poetry at his website www.haiqueue.com.  For FREE books and to stay up to date and learn about new releases be sure to visit www.jasonblacker.com where you can find more information about his writing and upcoming projects.  If you enjoy space opera in the tradition of Star Trek then take a look at Jason Blacker’s pen name “Sylynt Storme”. It is under the name Sylynt Storme where you can find both sci-fi and vampire fiction written by Jason Blacker.  “Star Sails” is the space opera series and “The Misgivings of the Vampire Lucius Lafayette” is his vampire series.

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Editing: Dragonfly Editing

Poisoned Heart

The Abernathy Castle is one of England’s smaller castles. Located just outside of Ashley in Hampshire, it is run by Lady Alys Apleby. Her husband is Lord Godfrey Apleby who made his money in the import business. Of course, they are not as well off as they used to be. First, was The Great War which almost decimated Godfrey’s import business. Then, on top of that, came the Second World War which is barely behind us. This was almost the knock out punch. Godfrey had never looked more haggard.

The Abernathy Castle is one of the smallest castles in England that still has a moat around it. Though of late, it has started to fill with algae due to lack of care. The grounds, nevertheless, are still quite well kept considering. And the moat, well, if you were a good high school long jumper you might be able to jump clear across.

Lady Frances Marmalade was crossing the bridge into the castle in her red Triumph Renown. Forward thinking and forthright in approach, Fran was on the cutting edge of the women’s movement.

She pulled in front of the main entrance as the Apleby’s butler Eustace Parris opened the front door. Fran took off the scarf that covered her head and shook Eustace’s hand.

How are you today, Eustace? she asked.

Very good, my lady, he replied. Please, come this way.

The Aplebys were having a gathering of some friends, as they usually do. It was mid afternoon and in the large sitting room were a few clumps of wealthy and aristocratic folks.

Eustace brought Fran right up to Godfrey, then bowed and led himself away.

So good of you to come, Fran, said Godfrey.

My pleasure, how are you, Godfrey? asked Fran.

Just marvelous, simply marvelous, he lied.

Have you met Lord Louis Mountbatten? asked Godfrey.

Certainly. How are you Louis? asked Fran, taking his hand.

Well, quite busy as you can imagine, Fran. They want me to take the governorship of India next year. In the summer. Really, who wants to be in India in the summer.

He winked at her and chuckled. His mustache dancing on this upper lip like a furry caterpillar.

Well, we couldn’t have hoped for a better man for the job, replied Fran.

You’re always too good to me, Fran, Mountbatten replied.

Godfrey was swaying on his feet, purposefully. He held a tumbler of brown liquid in his hand. Probably Scotch. His cardigan was pulled tight around his rotund belly. His ginger, curly hair was unruly, strikingly opposite to the pencil mustache on his face. Lady Apleby, always impeccably dressed, walked up to the group. She touched Fran on the shoulder.

So good of you to come, she said, you must be absolutely parched. What can I get you?

A gin and tonic would be lovely. Let me help you.

The two ladies excused themselves and walked over to the serving station where the liquor and soda water were kept. Alys mixed Fran a gin and tonic.

Absent friends, said Fran, clinking her glass with Alys.

I’ll drink to that, said Alys.

The ladies took a seat on a large sofa.

How are things, Alys? Any improvement since the war ended?

Alys shook her head sadly.

No, I’m afraid not, and Godfrey’s burning through what little savings we have. I fear we’ll be destitute before the decade’s out.

On the backside of the castle a young man walked into the kitchen. He had black wavy hair and long sideburns. He was wearing a blue jacket over gray slacks.

Christine Crane looked up from preparing cucumber sandwiches for the guests. She dropped the butter knife that was in her hand and it clanged on the floor.

Mother, said the young man.

She put her hand to her mouth.

Is that really you, Raustin?

Who else would it be? the young man asked.

On the side table by the stove, was a plate with a single sandwich. Raustin looked at it.

Why did you ignore all my letters? I’ve written you a dozen letters.

Christine picked up the fallen knife and took it to the sink where she cleaned it. Raustin reached over to the plate with the single sandwich cut in half. He took one half and took a bite of it. Christine looked over at him.

It’s not good for you to be here, she said. You could have me fired.

Really? How could I have you fired.

She glanced down.

The lord doesn’t know about you. He doesn’t think I have children. It just won’t do if he found out.

The butler, Eustace, walked in.

Lady Apleby is asking about her sandwiches Christine, he said.

She looked at him as he came back to the table in the middle of the kitchen where she was preparing their sandwiches.

Yes, they’ll be right along, she said.

Eustace was about to turn around when he noticed someone walking past the hedge outside, headed towards the kitchen’s back entrance.

Looks like your no good ex-husband is returning. Do you want me to get rid of him, he asked her.

No, I’ll deal with it, she said.

Eustace turned around and left the kitchen.

So you have time for your ex-husband but not for me? asked Raustin.

I’m sorry, you’ll have to go, I just can’t deal with this now.

You can’t deal with this now. I had to deal with being tossed aside by my own mother. I spent eighteen years in an orphanage. Do you know what hell that was? he yelled.

Christine was putting butter on the bread.

Please, keep your voice down. I’m sorry about that. I thought it would’ve been better for you. I was living on the streets then. For god’s sake, I was raped. I didn’t want to be reminded of that.

A middle aged man stumbled into the kitchen. His complexion was ruddy and his breath sweet. His nose was big and bulbous and his gray hair a messy nest.

Hello luv, he said to Christine, you look beautiful today.

What do you want Harry? she asked him.

Nothin’, he said, pretending to be hurt by the accusation.

Harry Mallowburne was Christine’s first husband and it ended quickly once she lost her last job. He spent all her money and when there was none left, he left.

I’ve told you, you’re not welcome here. You’ll get me fired like you did the last time, she said to him.

Raustin took another bite of the sandwich and placed the quarter back on the plate with its unbitten half brother.

I just need some walkin’ money, said Harry. Five pounds shouldn’ be too much to ask, is it luv’?

Yes it is, she said, now, leave.

She pointed back the way he came with her butter knife.

I’ll even take a pound. Just one single pound, he said.

I only make just over five pounds a week Harry, you should know that. And I’m not about to give you one fifth of it. Now, bugger off.

No need to talk so high ‘n mighty. I’ve seen you getting money from his lordship he said through a hiccup.

Raustin watched wearily as the two argued back and forth.

No, Harry, you’ll get no more from me. That’s none of your business anyway, she said.

You’ll be sorry, he said. Take care that nothin’ bad happens, Chris. You been warned.

He was shaking his fist at her.

Here, have two shillings, said Raustin, but don’t be spending them on drink.

He put two shillings in Harry’s hand.

Much obliged to you good sir, Harry said.

Now, get, said Christine.

He snarled at her and walked back out of the kitchen the way he had come. Raustin turned back to the plate with the sandwich. He stared at it for a while but he didn’t take another bite.

You, too, said Christine. You have to go too.

You’re going to dismiss me just like that. You cow. You bloody cow! he yelled.

Christine was visibly shaken. Her eyes were misty.

I don’t want to see you again, Raustin, I’m sorry. I just can’t bear to. The memories are too much.

She dabbed her eyes with her apron hem. Raustin pushed a whole pile of plates onto the floor from the table she was working on. Several of them shattered and broke as they landed.

I hope you choke on your lunch, he said. You horrible cow.

He stormed out of there. Eustace came back in to see what the trouble was. He helped her sweep up the broken plates and put them in the dustbin.

Are you okay? he asked.

She nodded, dabbing at her still wet eyes.

If you hadn’t been so offhanded with so many, me included, you might not be in the mess you find yourself in.

Don’t you start. You’re too old for me. I told you that.

Eustace’s face contorted, his mouth puckered.

You know your son’s right.

Right about what? she asked.

You are a bloody cow, he said. Something bad will happen to you. Of that I’m certain. You can’t treat people so poorly.

He stormed off.

Alys Apleby was wondering what on earth was taking her help so long to get the tea and sandwiches ready. She ushered everyone outside to enjoy the pleasant, if not fuzzy, sky and she went back to check in on Christine.

Alys entered the kitchen to find Christine arguing with a young man. He had brown hair and he was dressed like a commoner. She inquired about the sandwiches and was assured they’d be out within a matter of minutes. As she left, she bumped into Eustace.

Excuse me my lady, he said as he moved to the side.

Do me a favor, Eustace, make sure that Christine gets those damn sandwiches out to the guests in the back right away.

She huffed and sped off. She was visibly upset. She’d have to find new help if this kept up. She rejoined her guests outside. Lady Marmalade was talking to Lord Mountbatten and Lord Apleby. She joined them.

The Indian summers are quite something else, said Mountbatten, it’s a good thing that, being a military man, I’ve been acclimatized to some of the hottest climates around. Still, my wife is not going to like it.

Godfrey chuckled.

Dare say I wouldn’t like it either, said Godfrey.

Sounds terribly uncomfortable, said Fran, I can’t imagine how people live with that oppressive heat.

Tea, said Mountbatten. It’s a strange thing, but the Indians swear by drinking hot tea. They say it helps them cool off in the summer heat.

Really? asked Alys.

Oh yes, said Mountbatten. It’s quite odd but it works. I’ve found the same thing myself. A cup of hot tea in the afternoon shade and you soon feel as fit as a fiddle.

Speaking of tea, I think we could die of thirst, said Godfrey.

Alys looked at him sternly.

I’ve already spoken to them, she said under her voice.

Well, I’m going to find out for myself what’s taking so long. Excuse me.

Godfrey left and walked around back before entering the kitchen. He was passed by a young man he hadn’t seen before. When he got into the kitchen, Christine was finishing up the sandwiches and steeping the tea.

Good heaven’s girl, what’s taking you so long? he asked.

Sorry, my lord, I’ve had some unexpected visitors. It won’t happen again.

Better not. We have very hungry and thirsty guests out there and I’m not paying you to visit with your friends when you’re working for me.

Christine looked down.

Yes, my lord.

If the tea is not out there in three minutes you’ll have to find yourself a new job.

He watched her make the rest of the sandwiches and she put another one on her plate at the side table. Godfrey left and rejoined his guests out on the lawn.

Won’t be long now, he said. She’s just finishing up.

He smiled thinly.

Hard to find good help ever since the war stopped, he said. Seems a lot of the young ladies are still a bit shell shocked.

Mountbatten had a good laugh at that. Fran thought he might find better help if he paid better. Or perhaps paid on time more regularly. But she wouldn’t say that in polite company. She feigned a smile.

What a wonderful day it is. Not too hot, not too sunny. Just perfect.

Oh, yes, said Alys.

She looked over towards the back of the house. Christine was rounding the corner with a large tray of sandwiches. She stood up straight, seeing them watching her, and brought them over to the table. She lay them down on the table cloth.

I’ll be right back with the tea, my lady, she said to Alys.

Alys nodded as Christine headed back into the house. She reappeared just a few moments later with another big tray holding a large silver tea pot, matching jugs of cream, a bowl of sugar, and eight tea cups. She placed it on the table, then put her hand to her forehead and wiped it.

That’ll be all, thank you, said Alys, not looking up from pouring tea for her guests.

Yes, ma’am, said Christine as she left again towards the house.

Fran saw her stumble a moment before rounding the corner to make it back in to the kitchen. She thought the young lady looked a bit peaked.

Sugar and cream? asked Alys, looking at Fran.

What, oh yes, please. A big splash of cream and three sugars will do just lovely.

Alys poured and stirred the sugars in before passing the tea over to Fran. Fran took a seat in a chair that was in the shade of a large canopy. She was feeling hot, wearing her cardigan on this late summer day. She sipped her tea and smiled.

Alys poured tea for her other guests and offered it around. They all took a seat under the canopy and Alys came around again with the sandwiches.

Not for me, thank you, dear, Fran said to Alys as she was offered one.

You know, I heard about that murder of the vicar that you solved a few months back. How extraordinary, said Godfrey.

Reviews for Four Red Diamonds (A Lady Marmalade Mystery 4 Pack)

[bookwormconfidential · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

The mysteries in this book are indeed quite cozy. I really enjoyed reading the four mysteries and trying to figure out who the culprits were.

Each mystery was good and the book just got better until the last mystery. I especially enjoyed "Heartless" and "Misery's Company". I like that in "Heartless" the murder occurred in a train, and in "Misery's Company", I like that the case in this story was the one that Lady Marmalade and her friends were being told during dinner.

The mysteries are entertaining, with great writing, and great attention to detail.