Markham Sisters Mysteries

The Markham Sisters Cozy Mystery Novella Series features quick reads with lighter story lines (and a lot fewer bodies) than the Isle of Man Cozy Mystery Series. They are best read in alphabetical order, like the Isle of Man Cozy books. You do not have to read that series to enjoy this one.

Please note that these are novella length stories (around 25,000 words). Each story is complete with no cliff hanger endings.






Janet Markham enjoyed meeting Bessie Cubbon on the Isle of Man when she and her sister, Joan, were on holiday there. (See Aunt Bessie Decides.) Janet especially enjoyed hearing about the different investigations Bessie had been involved with over the previous months.

Now back in Derbyshire, Janet and Joan have just purchased a small bed and breakfast, Doveby House, but Janet finds herself doing her own investigating. Just how did the previous owner, Margaret Appleton, die? Margaret's son isn't happy that he was left out of his mother's will, but what's he so desperate to get inside Doveby House to find? And are there really ghosts in Janet's bedroom, the library and the coach house?

Janet Markham enjoyed meeting Bessie Cubbon on the Isle of Man when she and her sister, Joan, were on holiday there. (See Aunt Bessie Decides.) Janet especially enjoyed hearing about the different investigations Bessie had been involved with over the previous months.

Now back in Derbyshire, Janet and Joan have just purchased a small bed and breakfast, Doveby House, but Janet finds herself doing her own investigating. Just how did the previous owner, Margaret Appleton, die? Margaret's son isn't happy that he was left out of his mother's will, but what's he so desperate to get inside Doveby House to find? And are there really ghosts in Janet's bedroom, the library and the coach house?



Janet and Joan Markham are starting to feel settled in their new home. Now Joan is ready to start welcoming guests to their bed and breakfast, but Janet isn't so sure. When an unexpected visitor turns up, the sisters can't agree on what exactly they should do with the man, who is just a little too charming for Janet's liking.

When the sisters learn that an escaped criminal might be hiding in their small Derbyshire village, they can't help but wonder if their guest is the man in question. A sudden rush of new arrivals to the area, all men around the same age as the escaped convict, has the sisters viewing everyone with suspicion. Was their first paying guest romantically involved with the previous owner? Why is he working so hard to charm Janet? With so many strangers around, all seemingly hiding something, can Janet resist doing a little bit of her own investigating?

Janet and Joan Markham are starting to feel settled in their new home. Now Joan is ready to start welcoming guests to their bed and breakfast, but Janet isn't so sure. When an unexpected visitor turns up, the sisters can't agree on what exactly they should do with the man, who is just a little too charming for Janet's liking.

When the sisters learn that an escaped criminal might be hiding in their small Derbyshire village, they can't help but wonder if their guest is the man in question. A sudden rush of new arrivals to the area, all men around the same age as the escaped convict, has the sisters viewing everyone with suspicion. Was their first paying guest romantically involved with the previous owner? Why is he working so hard to charm Janet? With so many strangers around, all seemingly hiding something, can Janet resist doing a little bit of her own investigating?



Now that Janet and Joan Markham have had their first (albeit unexpected) guest, Joan is eager to get the bed and breakfast running properly. A shopping trip for some paintings to decorate the guest rooms leaves Janet convinced that William Chalmers, a man she doesn't like anyway, is up to no good.

When some of William's friends come to stay with the sisters, Janet's suspicions are heightened. A second set of guests keeps the women busy, but Janet can't help but wonder when the two couples become unlikely friends.

What exactly is William Chalmers doing in the back room of his new antique shop? Are their disagreeable guests, the Stones, working with him on something criminal? And why can't all of their paying visitors be like the Harrisons, who are quiet and respectable?

Now that Janet and Joan Markham have had their first (albeit unexpected) guest, Joan is eager to get the bed and breakfast running properly. A shopping trip for some paintings to decorate the guest rooms leaves Janet convinced that William Chalmers, a man she doesn't like anyway, is up to no good.

When some of William's friends come to stay with the sisters, Janet's suspicions are heightened. A second set of guests keeps the women busy, but Janet can't help but wonder when the two couples become unlikely friends.

What exactly is William Chalmers doing in the back room of his new antique shop? Are their disagreeable guests, the Stones, working with him on something criminal? And why can't all of their paying visitors be like the Harrisons, who are quiet and respectable?



Janet and Joan Markham are settling in to running their bed and breakfast and their new life in Doveby Dale. Janet is excited to discover a hidden panel and a piggy bank that holds a key. She's eager to find out what the key is for, but Joan isn't really interested.

Joan is busy spending time with their handsome neighbour, Michael Donaldson. But Michael finds himself being investigated by the police after some problems at the local chemist shop and Janet is surprised to find that Joan is more anxious to snoop than she is.

Can the sisters find time to snoop while the house is full of guests? Can they clear Michael's name? Can Janet find a lock to open with her key?

Janet and Joan Markham are settling in to running their bed and breakfast and their new life in Doveby Dale. Janet is excited to discover a hidden panel and a piggy bank that holds a key. She's eager to find out what the key is for, but Joan isn't really interested.

Joan is busy spending time with their handsome neighbour, Michael Donaldson. But Michael finds himself being investigated by the police after some problems at the local chemist shop and Janet is surprised to find that Joan is more anxious to snoop than she is.

Can the sisters find time to snoop while the house is full of guests? Can they clear Michael's name? Can Janet find a lock to open with her key?



The bed and breakfast is now up and running and Janet and Joan are looking forward to welcoming their last guests before they take a break for Christmas. The news that someone is passing counterfeit currency around Doveby Dale is worrying.

Both couples that arrive at Doveby House seem odd to the sisters, and so does William Chalmer's new friend, Karen Holmes. The library keeps turning up surprises, including a beautiful oak tantalus, while the police keep turning up more counterfeit twenty pounds notes.

Is it possible that some of their guests are counterfeiters? Why is Karen Holmes interested in the much older William Chalmers? And what other secrets will the library reveal?

The bed and breakfast is now up and running and Janet and Joan are looking forward to welcoming their last guests before they take a break for Christmas. The news that someone is passing counterfeit currency around Doveby Dale is worrying.

Both couples that arrive at Doveby House seem odd to the sisters, and so does William Chalmer's new friend, Karen Holmes. The library keeps turning up surprises, including a beautiful oak tantalus, while the police keep turning up more counterfeit twenty pounds notes.

Is it possible that some of their guests are counterfeiters? Why is Karen Holmes interested in the much older William Chalmers? And what other secrets will the library reveal?



With Christmas out of the way, the sisters are ready to reopen the bed and breakfast, but it seems as if guests are few and far between in cold and wet January.

Joan and Janet are happy to welcome a young couple for a weekend stay, although Janet has mixed emotions about their other visitor, Margaret Burns, an older woman sent to Doveby House by the mysterious Edward Bennett.

A series of break-ins around the village of Doveby Dale worries all of the small business owners in the area, including the sisters and their friend William Chalmers. When the burglar strikes at one of the homes right across the street from Doveby House, Janet and Joan are even more concerned.

Can the sisters help their local constable, Robert Parsons, find out who has been breaking and entering? Is it possible the young couple staying at Doveby House is involved? And can Janet resist asking Margaret Burns far too many nosy questions?

With Christmas out of the way, the sisters are ready to reopen the bed and breakfast, but it seems as if guests are few and far between in cold and wet January.

Joan and Janet are happy to welcome a young couple for a weekend stay, although Janet has mixed emotions about their other visitor, Margaret Burns, an older woman sent to Doveby House by the mysterious Edward Bennett.

A series of break-ins around the village of Doveby Dale worries all of the small business owners in the area, including the sisters and their friend William Chalmers. When the burglar strikes at one of the homes right across the street from Doveby House, Janet and Joan are even more concerned.

Can the sisters help their local constable, Robert Parsons, find out who has been breaking and entering? Is it possible the young couple staying at Doveby House is involved? And can Janet resist asking Margaret Burns far too many nosy questions?



Joan and Janet are starting to feel at home in Doveby Dale. Janet has even joined the Doveby Dale Ladies' Club, a group of women who meet for dinner on a monthly basis.

But when one of the other members suggests adding men to the club, the ladies find they can't agree. An arranged gathering with the ladies and a few potential male members worries Janet. Gerald Butler-Smythe is a retired investment banker who seems far too interested in everyone else's finances.

Janet doesn't really care one way or other about letting men into the club, but she doesn't want to stand by and see her new friends being cheated out of their hard-earned money.

With a long-term guest staying at the bed and breakfast and other guests coming and going, can Janet find time to investigate the sophisticated Gerald? What else will the sisters find in their carriage house? And should Janet invite William Chalmers to join the club as well, if men are welcome?

Joan and Janet are starting to feel at home in Doveby Dale. Janet has even joined the Doveby Dale Ladies' Club, a group of women who meet for dinner on a monthly basis.

But when one of the other members suggests adding men to the club, the ladies find they can't agree. An arranged gathering with the ladies and a few potential male members worries Janet. Gerald Butler-Smythe is a retired investment banker who seems far too interested in everyone else's finances.

Janet doesn't really care one way or other about letting men into the club, but she doesn't want to stand by and see her new friends being cheated out of their hard-earned money.

With a long-term guest staying at the bed and breakfast and other guests coming and going, can Janet find time to investigate the sophisticated Gerald? What else will the sisters find in their carriage house? And should Janet invite William Chalmers to join the club as well, if men are welcome?



Janet Markham is excited that Edward Bennett is coming to stay at Doveby House, the bed and breakfast that she owns with her sister, Joan. Edward may or may not be a secret government agent, but he is definitely attractive and interesting, at least as far as Janet is concerned. When a fire in Doveby Dale turns out to have been arson, both Janet and Edward want to learn more.

Joan doesn't approve of their getting involved, but Janet can't resist a bit of snooping, especially when Edward is as eager as she is to investigate.

Can Janet and Edward work out who started the fire? Is Edward really interested in Janet or does he have some other motive for visiting? And what will Aggie, Janet's kitten, think of the visitor?

Janet Markham is excited that Edward Bennett is coming to stay at Doveby House, the bed and breakfast that she owns with her sister, Joan. Edward may or may not be a secret government agent, but he is definitely attractive and interesting, at least as far as Janet is concerned. When a fire in Doveby Dale turns out to have been arson, both Janet and Edward want to learn more.

Joan doesn't approve of their getting involved, but Janet can't resist a bit of snooping, especially when Edward is as eager as she is to investigate.

Can Janet and Edward work out who started the fire? Is Edward really interested in Janet or does he have some other motive for visiting? And what will Aggie, Janet's kitten, think of the visitor?



Guests at Doveby House don't usually pay by credit card, but when one tries and his card is refused, Janet Markham can't help but wonder if there's something more going on that a simple glitch in the credit card machine.

As more stories of troublesome cards spread through Doveby Dale, Janet gets more curious, but unexpected guests keep her too busy to do much. As she and Joan work on clearing out the carriage house, a new mystery presents itself.

Can Janet work out what links the credit card cases together? Will she be able to help Constable Robert Parsons solve the case or just get in his way? Who was Alberta Montgomery? And why were boxes of her letters and books of poetry left in the carriage house?

Guests at Doveby House don't usually pay by credit card, but when one tries and his card is refused, Janet Markham can't help but wonder if there's something more going on that a simple glitch in the credit card machine.

As more stories of troublesome cards spread through Doveby Dale, Janet gets more curious, but unexpected guests keep her too busy to do much. As she and Joan work on clearing out the carriage house, a new mystery presents itself.

Can Janet work out what links the credit card cases together? Will she be able to help Constable Robert Parsons solve the case or just get in his way? Who was Alberta Montgomery? And why were boxes of her letters and books of poetry left in the carriage house?



When their neighbour, Stuart, asks for a simple favour, Janet and Joan Markham can't refuse. They're happy to let the man use their bed and breakfast, Doveby House, for a planning meeting. Stuart is part of a committee that's putting together a charity fundraiser and the sisters are happy to support his efforts.

The committee members are an odd mix of retired London professionals and local characters, including Doveby Dale's resident historian. He's been ignoring Janet's efforts to find out more about Alberta Montgomery, a former resident of Doveby House.

Can the sisters help Stuart put together a successful fundraiser? Can Janet get her questions about Alberta answered? Is there something criminal going on behind the scenes, and is it possible that someone from Doveby Dale is part of the conspiracy?

When their neighbour, Stuart, asks for a simple favour, Janet and Joan Markham can't refuse. They're happy to let the man use their bed and breakfast, Doveby House, for a planning meeting. Stuart is part of a committee that's putting together a charity fundraiser and the sisters are happy to support his efforts.

The committee members are an odd mix of retired London professionals and local characters, including Doveby Dale's resident historian. He's been ignoring Janet's efforts to find out more about Alberta Montgomery, a former resident of Doveby House.

Can the sisters help Stuart put together a successful fundraiser? Can Janet get her questions about Alberta answered? Is there something criminal going on behind the scenes, and is it possible that someone from Doveby Dale is part of the conspiracy?



Back from their holiday on the Isle of Man, Janet and Joan Markham are ready to reopen the bed and breakfast to guests. Janet is surprised to learn that one of the guests who will be arriving soon is William Chalmers's former wife, Alice. But William, who runs a local antique shop, has bigger problems than that.

He's been receiving anonymous letters, telling him to leave Doveby Dale. While he has reasons for not wanting to involve the police in the problem, once he tells Janet about it, she insists on discussing the matter with Robert Parsons, the local constable.

Just because Robert is on the case, though, doesn't mean that Janet is staying out of it. William has several business associates who might benefit from driving William out of business.

Could one of them be behind the letters? Or could Alice be trying to get her former husband to move back to London? Can Janet deal with American visitors and Alice Chalmers at the same time and help William as well?

Back from their holiday on the Isle of Man, Janet and Joan Markham are ready to reopen the bed and breakfast to guests. Janet is surprised to learn that one of the guests who will be arriving soon is William Chalmers's former wife, Alice. But William, who runs a local antique shop, has bigger problems than that.

He's been receiving anonymous letters, telling him to leave Doveby Dale. While he has reasons for not wanting to involve the police in the problem, once he tells Janet about it, she insists on discussing the matter with Robert Parsons, the local constable.

Just because Robert is on the case, though, doesn't mean that Janet is staying out of it. William has several business associates who might benefit from driving William out of business.

Could one of them be behind the letters? Or could Alice be trying to get her former husband to move back to London? Can Janet deal with American visitors and Alice Chalmers at the same time and help William as well?



Janet Markham is starting to feel almost settled at the bed and breakfast she owns with her sister, Joan. When their neighbour and gardener, Stuart, tells Janet that he thinks someone might be growing plants for illegal drug manufacturing in Doveby Dale, Janet insists that they go straight to the police. Stuart agrees, but only if they visit the farmer he believes may be providing the land for the operation first.

A visit to Martin Lawley's farm raises more questions than it answers, though. It seems obvious that something suspicious is going on, but what?

Can Janet work out what Martin's stepson is really up to? Can Aggie, Janet's clever kitten, help identify the criminals? And can Janet and Joan deal with their most difficult guests yet?

Janet Markham is starting to feel almost settled at the bed and breakfast she owns with her sister, Joan. When their neighbour and gardener, Stuart, tells Janet that he thinks someone might be growing plants for illegal drug manufacturing in Doveby Dale, Janet insists that they go straight to the police. Stuart agrees, but only if they visit the farmer he believes may be providing the land for the operation first.

A visit to Martin Lawley's farm raises more questions than it answers, though. It seems obvious that something suspicious is going on, but what?

Can Janet work out what Martin's stepson is really up to? Can Aggie, Janet's clever kitten, help identify the criminals? And can Janet and Joan deal with their most difficult guests yet?



Janet and Joan Markham are on a routine trip to the supermarket when their car gets hit from behind. When the man who hit them doesn't want to provide his name or insurance details, Janet rings her friend, Constable Robert Parsons. Robert fills out an accident report, and that should be the end of that.

Meanwhile, the sisters have two single men as guests at their bed and breakfast. The guests don't appear to know one another, but they share a few peculiarities. The one that bothers Joan is that neither of them ever wants any breakfast.

While their car is being repaired, Janet borrows a sporty red coupe from the local garage. She loves driving it, but when she gets stuck in heavy traffic as the result of an accident, she's shocked to discover that one of their guests is involved. A few days later a second accident, this time involving their other guest, leaves Janet wondering if there might be something criminal going on.

Can Janet work out what's really going on? Neither guest is talking. More importantly, can Janet find a way to convince Joan to let her buy the little red car?

Janet and Joan Markham are on a routine trip to the supermarket when their car gets hit from behind. When the man who hit them doesn't want to provide his name or insurance details, Janet rings her friend, Constable Robert Parsons. Robert fills out an accident report, and that should be the end of that.

Meanwhile, the sisters have two single men as guests at their bed and breakfast. The guests don't appear to know one another, but they share a few peculiarities. The one that bothers Joan is that neither of them ever wants any breakfast.

While their car is being repaired, Janet borrows a sporty red coupe from the local garage. She loves driving it, but when she gets stuck in heavy traffic as the result of an accident, she's shocked to discover that one of their guests is involved. A few days later a second accident, this time involving their other guest, leaves Janet wondering if there might be something criminal going on.

Can Janet work out what's really going on? Neither guest is talking. More importantly, can Janet find a way to convince Joan to let her buy the little red car?



Summer in Derbyshire brings a never ending stream of guests to Doveby House. Janet and Joan Markham find themselves working harder than they'd ever expected when they bought the bed and breakfast. While most of the guests have been pleasant, there have been enough difficult guests to make Janet wary whenever they are expecting new arrivals.

She and Joan are both relieved when their latest guests seem nearly perfect. The quick arrival and departure of another couple who are considerably less amiable makes them feel as if they're being quite lucky at the moment.

However, when a few small objects disappear from the local antique shop, they find themselves wondering whether their guests are as nice as they seem. As more items go missing all around Doveby Dale, Janet and Joan find themselves caught up in yet another criminal investigation.

[Released on 14th September 2018 and available for pre-order now.]
Summer in Derbyshire brings a never ending stream of guests to Doveby House. Janet and Joan Markham find themselves working harder than they'd ever expected when they bought the bed and breakfast. While most of the guests have been pleasant, there have been enough difficult guests to make Janet wary whenever they are expecting new arrivals.

She and Joan are both relieved when their latest guests seem nearly perfect. The quick arrival and departure of another couple who are considerably less amiable makes them feel as if they're being quite lucky at the moment.

However, when a few small objects disappear from the local antique shop, they find themselves wondering whether their guests are as nice as they seem. As more items go missing all around Doveby Dale, Janet and Joan find themselves caught up in yet another criminal investigation.



Janet Markham has been trying to track down Gretchen Falkirk for months. She's eager to learn more about Alberta Montgomery, one of the previous residents of the bed and breakfast she now owns with her sister, Joan. When her friends from the Isle of Man, Bessie Cubbon and Doona Moore, come for a short stay, it seems the perfect time to try visiting the elusive woman.

Unfortunately for Janet, instead of finding Gretchen, she finds herself and her friends caught up in the hunt for a missing person. She and Joan want to show Bessie and Doona the sights around Derbyshire, but Janet wants to find Gretchen at least as much.

What does Gretchen's downstairs neighbour really know? Can Janet help Robert Parsons, the local police constable, work out what happened to the missing woman? Will she and Joan get to take Bessie and Doona to some of their favourite historical sites or is this case going to turn into a murder investigation?

Janet Markham has been trying to track down Gretchen Falkirk for months. She's eager to learn more about Alberta Montgomery, one of the previous residents of the bed and breakfast she now owns with her sister, Joan. When her friends from the Isle of Man, Bessie Cubbon and Doona Moore, come for a short stay, it seems the perfect time to try visiting the elusive woman.

Unfortunately for Janet, instead of finding Gretchen, she finds herself and her friends caught up in the hunt for a missing person. She and Joan want to show Bessie and Doona the sights around Derbyshire, but Janet wants to find Gretchen at least as much.

What does Gretchen's downstairs neighbour really know? Can Janet help Robert Parsons, the local police constable, work out what happened to the missing woman? Will she and Joan get to take Bessie and Doona to some of their favourite historical sites or is this case going to turn into a murder investigation?



Janet is happy to help William Chalmers, the owner of Doveby Dale's antique shop, interview a few potential employees. She and William are friends, although William often hints that he has romantic intentions. Regardless, it makes a nice change for Janet from the day-to-day running of the bed and breakfast that she shares with her sister, Joan.

The three candidates for the part-time job are less than stellar, though. When a brick gets thrown through William's window the day after the interviews, Janet can't help but wonder if one of the three was involved.

Robert Parsons, Doveby Dale's police constable, begins an investigation. Meanwhile, Janet and Joan are dealing with fighting couples in both guest rooms; Edward Bennett, the handsome man who may or may not be a spy, rings to ask for a favour; and more windows get broken.

Can Janet help Robert work out who is behind the vandalism? Can she help William find a suitable new employee? And can she help their guests get along, at least until they leave Doveby House?

Janet is happy to help William Chalmers, the owner of Doveby Dale's antique shop, interview a few potential employees. She and William are friends, although William often hints that he has romantic intentions. Regardless, it makes a nice change for Janet from the day-to-day running of the bed and breakfast that she shares with her sister, Joan.

The three candidates for the part-time job are less than stellar, though. When a brick gets thrown through William's window the day after the interviews, Janet can't help but wonder if one of the three was involved.

Robert Parsons, Doveby Dale's police constable, begins an investigation. Meanwhile, Janet and Joan are dealing with fighting couples in both guest rooms; Edward Bennett, the handsome man who may or may not be a spy, rings to ask for a favour; and more windows get broken.

Can Janet help Robert work out who is behind the vandalism? Can she help William find a suitable new employee? And can she help their guests get along, at least until they leave Doveby House?



It's nearly Christmas, and Janet and Joan Markham have been looking forward to having Doveby House to themselves for a fortnight. Joan promised not to book any guests into the bed and breakfast through Christmas and New Year. When Joan gets a letter from a distant cousin who wants to visit, though, the sisters can't bring themselves to turn him away.

Roland Dickerson turns out to be a fairly unpleasant man who expects to be entertained during his visit. While the sisters do their best, they feel considerably less hospitable when Roland informs them that before he arrived he'd discovered a newer will written by the sisters' great-aunt Mildred. Janet and Joan had used the money they'd inherited from Mildred to buy Doveby House.

When Roland's solicitor, Eldridge Quinton, arrives, he and Roland suggest a settlement that would see the sisters paying their cousin far more than they can easily afford.

But is Roland truly their distant cousin? Is the newly discovered will actually genuine? Will the man's visit ruin Christmas for the sisters, or can their friends help them out of a difficult situation?

It's nearly Christmas, and Janet and Joan Markham have been looking forward to having Doveby House to themselves for a fortnight. Joan promised not to book any guests into the bed and breakfast through Christmas and New Year. When Joan gets a letter from a distant cousin who wants to visit, though, the sisters can't bring themselves to turn him away.

Roland Dickerson turns out to be a fairly unpleasant man who expects to be entertained during his visit. While the sisters do their best, they feel considerably less hospitable when Roland informs them that before he arrived he'd discovered a newer will written by the sisters' great-aunt Mildred. Janet and Joan had used the money they'd inherited from Mildred to buy Doveby House.

When Roland's solicitor, Eldridge Quinton, arrives, he and Roland suggest a settlement that would see the sisters paying their cousin far more than they can easily afford.

But is Roland truly their distant cousin? Is the newly discovered will actually genuine? Will the man's visit ruin Christmas for the sisters, or can their friends help them out of a difficult situation?



Janet Markham is both excited and nervous that Edward Bennett is coming for another visit. The handsome man has made no secret of the fact that he's interested in being more than friends with Janet, but he's usually too busy to pursue her. His job with a secret government agency keeps him travelling around the world, leaving Janet on her own at Doveby House, the bed and breakfast she runs with her sister, Joan.

While Janet is attracted to the man, she's not sure she trusts him. That trust is further challenged when he tells her that she needs to pretend she's never met him before when he arrives at Doveby House with his guest. Just hours after the two men arrive, Janet and Joan see a news bulletin about a wanted man who bears an uncanny resemblance to Edward's guest.

Break-ins at houses in the area worry the sisters. Is it possible that Edward has brought a burglar to stay at Doveby House?

Janet wants to trust Edward, but if their guest isn't behind the burglaries, who is? Can Janet and Joan work out who has been breaking into houses and stealing only the most valuable item in each property? Can Edward be trusted? And why has Joan been taking measurements in the carriage house?

Janet Markham is both excited and nervous that Edward Bennett is coming for another visit. The handsome man has made no secret of the fact that he's interested in being more than friends with Janet, but he's usually too busy to pursue her. His job with a secret government agency keeps him travelling around the world, leaving Janet on her own at Doveby House, the bed and breakfast she runs with her sister, Joan.

While Janet is attracted to the man, she's not sure she trusts him. That trust is further challenged when he tells her that she needs to pretend she's never met him before when he arrives at Doveby House with his guest. Just hours after the two men arrive, Janet and Joan see a news bulletin about a wanted man who bears an uncanny resemblance to Edward's guest.

Break-ins at houses in the area worry the sisters. Is it possible that Edward has brought a burglar to stay at Doveby House?

Janet wants to trust Edward, but if their guest isn't behind the burglaries, who is? Can Janet and Joan work out who has been breaking into houses and stealing only the most valuable item in each property? Can Edward be trusted? And why has Joan been taking measurements in the carriage house?



Everyone enjoys getting flowers, especially around Valentine's Day, but Stacey, the waitress at the local cafe, is less than happy with the ones she's been getting. Someone has been sending her flowers anonymously every day since the first of February, and she's had enough.

The cards with the flowers have been getting increasingly sinister, but Stacey is reluctant to bother the local police constable with her problem. Instead, she shares her thoughts about the flowers and some possible senders with Janet and Joan Markham. The sisters own the local bed and breakfast, and Janet helped Stacey in the past when she was out of work.

Once the Markhams hear Stacey's story, they insist on ringing the police. Constable Robert Parsons takes the matter very seriously, suggesting that Stacey quit working and find somewhere else to stay until after Valentine's Day.

Can the sisters help Robert work out who is sending the flowers? Can they keep Stacey safe if she comes to stay in one of their guest rooms? And why is Michael Donaldson, Joan's boyfriend, seemingly avoiding her?

Everyone enjoys getting flowers, especially around Valentine's Day, but Stacey, the waitress at the local cafe, is less than happy with the ones she's been getting. Someone has been sending her flowers anonymously every day since the first of February, and she's had enough.

The cards with the flowers have been getting increasingly sinister, but Stacey is reluctant to bother the local police constable with her problem. Instead, she shares her thoughts about the flowers and some possible senders with Janet and Joan Markham. The sisters own the local bed and breakfast, and Janet helped Stacey in the past when she was out of work.

Once the Markhams hear Stacey's story, they insist on ringing the police. Constable Robert Parsons takes the matter very seriously, suggesting that Stacey quit working and find somewhere else to stay until after Valentine's Day.

Can the sisters help Robert work out who is sending the flowers? Can they keep Stacey safe if she comes to stay in one of their guest rooms? And why is Michael Donaldson, Joan's boyfriend, seemingly avoiding her?



Visiting special event venues sounds as if it could be interesting, especially when Janet Markham discovers that there will be cake samples. What neither Markham sister is expecting is a nasty message spray-painted across the front door of the first place they visit.

A second venue and a second lot of graffiti has the sisters ringing their friend, police constable Robert Parsons. He knows enough about the various business owners to understand why no one wants the police involved, though.

The three local wedding venues are owned by an odd combination of former spouses and former partners, and everyone is quick to blame someone else in the group for the current difficulties.

Can Janet and Joan work out who is behind the graffiti that seems to be appearing everywhere? Will Robert be able to investigate when the graffiti is being painted over almost immediately? And will the sisters find the perfect venue for an upcoming big day?

Visiting special event venues sounds as if it could be interesting, especially when Janet Markham discovers that there will be cake samples. What neither Markham sister is expecting is a nasty message spray-painted across the front door of the first place they visit.

A second venue and a second lot of graffiti has the sisters ringing their friend, police constable Robert Parsons. He knows enough about the various business owners to understand why no one wants the police involved, though.

The three local wedding venues are owned by an odd combination of former spouses and former partners, and everyone is quick to blame someone else in the group for the current difficulties.

Can Janet and Joan work out who is behind the graffiti that seems to be appearing everywhere? Will Robert be able to investigate when the graffiti is being painted over almost immediately? And will the sisters find the perfect venue for an upcoming big day?



Janet Markham is excited that Edward Bennett, the man in her life, is coming to stay at Doveby House, the bed and breakfast that she runs with her sister Joan. He has a mysterious past and a job that keeps them apart most of the time. Edward hasn't been in Doveby Dale for more than a few hours when he discovers a forged painting that's been sold to the new owner of the local antique shop.

With Robert Parsons, the local police constable on the case, Edward jumps into the investigation, taking Janet along for the ride.

Can they work out who painted the forgery? Finding out where it came from proves to be the first challenge. Joan's still busy planning a wedding, which means she's too busy to help with the case. With suspects to interview and an expert coming to confirm Edward's belief that the painting is a fake, can Janet and Edward find any time to spend together?

Janet Markham is excited that Edward Bennett, the man in her life, is coming to stay at Doveby House, the bed and breakfast that she runs with her sister Joan. He has a mysterious past and a job that keeps them apart most of the time. Edward hasn't been in Doveby Dale for more than a few hours when he discovers a forged painting that's been sold to the new owner of the local antique shop.

With Robert Parsons, the local police constable on the case, Edward jumps into the investigation, taking Janet along for the ride.

Can they work out who painted the forgery? Finding out where it came from proves to be the first challenge. Joan's still busy planning a wedding, which means she's too busy to help with the case. With suspects to interview and an expert coming to confirm Edward's belief that the painting is a fake, can Janet and Edward find any time to spend together?



Janet Markham doesn't like coincidences. When she and her sister Joan spend a day running errands and she keeps seeing the same man over and over again, it worries her. When that same man nearly dies of a drug overdose that evening, Janet is even more concerned.

Another day, another man who keeps crossing Janet's path, and then another drug overdose worry her even more. Is someone in Doveby Dale, the village the sisters call home, dealing in drugs? There are some new arrivals in the village and in neighbouring Little Burton. Maybe one of them is the culprit.

Can Janet help the local police constable, Robert Parsons, work out who's behind the overdoses? Will Joan be able to help or is she too distracted by wedding plans to pay attention? How angry will Edward Bennett, the man in (and out) of Janet's life, be if she gets tangled up in another police investigation? This one feels a good deal more dangerous than most. Can Janet stay safe or will her nosiness put her into real danger this time?

Janet Markham doesn't like coincidences. When she and her sister Joan spend a day running errands and she keeps seeing the same man over and over again, it worries her. When that same man nearly dies of a drug overdose that evening, Janet is even more concerned.

Another day, another man who keeps crossing Janet's path, and then another drug overdose worry her even more. Is someone in Doveby Dale, the village the sisters call home, dealing in drugs? There are some new arrivals in the village and in neighbouring Little Burton. Maybe one of them is the culprit.

Can Janet help the local police constable, Robert Parsons, work out who's behind the overdoses? Will Joan be able to help or is she too distracted by wedding plans to pay attention? How angry will Edward Bennett, the man in (and out) of Janet's life, be if she gets tangled up in another police investigation? This one feels a good deal more dangerous than most. Can Janet stay safe or will her nosiness put her into real danger this time?



With the big event only a few days away, some special guests are arriving in Doveby Dale. Bessie Cubbon has come from the Isle of Man for the special celebration. When she accompanies the sisters on a last planning session at the event venue, all three women are surprised to learn that money has been stolen from the place.

When Edward Bennett arrives the next day, he's eager to help the local police constable, Robert Parsons, with his investigation. Janet finds herself at a stranger's birthday party, quizzing staff members about their movements.

When a second venue suffers from a nearly identical theft, Janet ends up working as a waitress at a wedding as part of the investigation.

Can she and Edward work out who's been stealing from the venues? More importantly, can they solve the case before Joan's big day?

With the big event only a few days away, some special guests are arriving in Doveby Dale. Bessie Cubbon has come from the Isle of Man for the special celebration. When she accompanies the sisters on a last planning session at the event venue, all three women are surprised to learn that money has been stolen from the place.

When Edward Bennett arrives the next day, he's eager to help the local police constable, Robert Parsons, with his investigation. Janet finds herself at a stranger's birthday party, quizzing staff members about their movements.

When a second venue suffers from a nearly identical theft, Janet ends up working as a waitress at a wedding as part of the investigation.

Can she and Edward work out who's been stealing from the venues? More importantly, can they solve the case before Joan's big day?



Janet has Doveby House, the bed and breakfast she owns with her sister, Joan, all to herself for a few weeks, and she's enjoying the solitude. When sirens in the middle of the night wake her, however, things get complicated.

Stuart and Mary Long have lived across the road from Doveby House for years. Now their half of the semi-detached property has burned to the ground and Stuart was lucky to escape the blaze with his life. When the police determine that the fire was started deliberately, Janet can't help but get involved in the investigation.

Having never cared for Mary, Janet immediately puts the woman at the top of her list of suspects, but the more she learns about both Mary and Stuart, the longer the list becomes. Meanwhile, Janet has found another source for information about Alberta Montgomery, the woman who used to live in Doveby House. Janet is convinced that Alberta's ghost is haunting her bedroom, but Annie Saylor, who actually knew Alberta, just laughs at the idea.

Can Janet work out who started the fire at the Long's house? Can she find out more about Alberta or will Annie continue to keep her long-held secrets? And can Janet look after herself and her kitten, Aggie, for three whole weeks while Joan is away?

Janet has Doveby House, the bed and breakfast she owns with her sister, Joan, all to herself for a few weeks, and she's enjoying the solitude. When sirens in the middle of the night wake her, however, things get complicated.

Stuart and Mary Long have lived across the road from Doveby House for years. Now their half of the semi-detached property has burned to the ground and Stuart was lucky to escape the blaze with his life. When the police determine that the fire was started deliberately, Janet can't help but get involved in the investigation.

Having never cared for Mary, Janet immediately puts the woman at the top of her list of suspects, but the more she learns about both Mary and Stuart, the longer the list becomes. Meanwhile, Janet has found another source for information about Alberta Montgomery, the woman who used to live in Doveby House. Janet is convinced that Alberta's ghost is haunting her bedroom, but Annie Saylor, who actually knew Alberta, just laughs at the idea.

Can Janet work out who started the fire at the Long's house? Can she find out more about Alberta or will Annie continue to keep her long-held secrets? And can Janet look after herself and her kitten, Aggie, for three whole weeks while Joan is away?



Joan and Michael are back and everything is changing at Doveby House. After the fire across the road, Michael's house is uninhabitable, leaving him no choice but to move into Doveby House. Their other neighbour, Stuart, is still staying in one of the guest rooms while his house is being rebuilt, and Janet is finding having two men in the house somewhat odd.

When someone breaks into the shed that the builders are using to store materials for the construction across the road, Janet can't help but want to get involved in the investigation. Another break-in, this time at the Doveby House carriage house, complicates things.

Can Janet work out who has been breaking into unoccupied buildings in the area? Can she discover why Stacey, the waitress at the local cafe, is acting so oddly? And can she learn to live with two men after a lifetime of sharing a house with only her sister Joan?

Joan and Michael are back and everything is changing at Doveby House. After the fire across the road, Michael's house is uninhabitable, leaving him no choice but to move into Doveby House. Their other neighbour, Stuart, is still staying in one of the guest rooms while his house is being rebuilt, and Janet is finding having two men in the house somewhat odd.

When someone breaks into the shed that the builders are using to store materials for the construction across the road, Janet can't help but want to get involved in the investigation. Another break-in, this time at the Doveby House carriage house, complicates things.

Can Janet work out who has been breaking into unoccupied buildings in the area? Can she discover why Stacey, the waitress at the local cafe, is acting so oddly? And can she learn to live with two men after a lifetime of sharing a house with only her sister Joan?



Janet Markham is looking forward to Edward Bennett's arrival at the bed and breakfast she runs with her sister Joan. She and Edward have been seeing one another for a while now, and he's meant to be retiring and moving to Doveby Dale for good. Joan is just anxious to get the carriage house cleared out so that she can turn it into a guest room.

When Janet moves the last few boxes and finds a skeleton, though, Joan's plans get put on hold as the sisters find themselves caught up in a murder investigation. Inspector Harold Colbert from Derby is in charge of the case, and he doesn't seem interested in getting any help from the sisters' friend Robert Parsons, the local constable.

When Edward arrives, he's eager to help with the investigation, but Harold has his own ideas about how things should be done.

Can Janet and Edward work out whose body was hidden in the carriage house? Was it murder or did the victim meet with an unfortunate accident? And will Edward finally give Janet the combination to the safe in the library?

Janet Markham is looking forward to Edward Bennett's arrival at the bed and breakfast she runs with her sister Joan. She and Edward have been seeing one another for a while now, and he's meant to be retiring and moving to Doveby Dale for good. Joan is just anxious to get the carriage house cleared out so that she can turn it into a guest room.

When Janet moves the last few boxes and finds a skeleton, though, Joan's plans get put on hold as the sisters find themselves caught up in a murder investigation. Inspector Harold Colbert from Derby is in charge of the case, and he doesn't seem interested in getting any help from the sisters' friend Robert Parsons, the local constable.

When Edward arrives, he's eager to help with the investigation, but Harold has his own ideas about how things should be done.

Can Janet and Edward work out whose body was hidden in the carriage house? Was it murder or did the victim meet with an unfortunate accident? And will Edward finally give Janet the combination to the safe in the library?



The first four Markham Sisters Novellas - all in one place for one great low price.

  • The Appleton Case
  • The Bennett Case
  • The Chalmers Case
  • The Donaldson Case

These four stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!

The first four Markham Sisters Novellas - all in one place for one great low price.

  • The Appleton Case
  • The Bennett Case
  • The Chalmers Case
  • The Donaldson Case

These four stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!



Markham Sisters Novellas five, six, seven, and eight together in one bargain priced collection.

  • The Ellsworth Case
  • The Fenton Case
  • The Green Case
  • The Hampton Case

These four stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!

Markham Sisters Novellas five, six, seven, and eight together in one bargain priced collection.

  • The Ellsworth Case
  • The Fenton Case
  • The Green Case
  • The Hampton Case

These four stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!



Markham Sisters Novellas nine, ten, eleven, and twelve together in one bargain priced collection.

  • The Irwin Case
  • The Jackson Case
  • The Kingston Case
  • The Lawley Case

These four stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!

Markham Sisters Novellas nine, ten, eleven, and twelve together in one bargain priced collection.

  • The Irwin Case
  • The Jackson Case
  • The Kingston Case
  • The Lawley Case

These four stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!



Markham Sisters Novellas thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen together in one bargain priced collection.

  • The Moody Case
  • The Norman Case
  • The Osborne Case
  • The Patrone Case

These four stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!

Markham Sisters Novellas thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen together in one bargain priced collection.

  • The Moody Case
  • The Norman Case
  • The Osborne Case
  • The Patrone Case

These four stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!



Markham Sisters Novellas seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty and twenty-one, together in one bargain priced collection.

  • The Quinton Case
  • The Rhodes Case
  • The Somerset Case
  • The Tanner Case
  • The Underwood Case

These five stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!

Markham Sisters Novellas seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty and twenty-one, together in one bargain priced collection.

  • The Quinton Case
  • The Rhodes Case
  • The Somerset Case
  • The Tanner Case
  • The Underwood Case

These five stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!



Markham Sisters Novellas twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five and twenty-six, together in one bargain priced collection.

  • The Vernon Case
  • The Walters Case
  • The Xanders Case
  • The Young Case
  • The Zachery Case

These five stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!

Markham Sisters Novellas twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five and twenty-six, together in one bargain priced collection.

  • The Vernon Case
  • The Walters Case
  • The Xanders Case
  • The Young Case
  • The Zachery Case

These five stories are all novella length (around 25,000 words each) and are cozy mysteries without any dead bodies!