Published: July 09, 2010
Words: 70,780 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781452439457

Short description

Governess Nell Sweeney and wounded battle surgeon Will Hewitt reunite on Cape Cod to investigate the death of Nell’s long-lost brother--who may or may not have murdered a woman in cold blood--in Book #6 of P.B. Ryan’s critically acclaimed historical mystery series, A Bucket of Ashes. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Group, Inc.

Extended description

Governess Nell Sweeney and wounded battle surgeon Will Hewitt reunite on Cape Cod to investigate the death of Nell’s long-lost brother--who may or may not have murdered a woman in cold blood--in Book #6 of P.B. Ryan’s bestselling historical mystery series, A Bucket of Ashes. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Group, Inc.

"Summary: Nell has proven herself a model governess in the years she’s worked for the Hewitts. But now a terrible secret from her past—and the lurking suspicion that she might be carrying Will Hewitt’s child—threaten to rob her of everything for which she has worked so hard.
Comments: Nell has a lot on her plate. Her only surviving sibling, Jamie, is dead. He was a fugitive, wanted for the murder of Susannah Cunningham. Also occupying her mind is that fact that she’s pregnant with Will’s baby and Will is in France. In the previous book, the American ambassador asked President Grant for an experienced battle surgeon, an.. (Read more) Governess Nell Sweeney and wounded battle surgeon Will Hewitt reunite on Cape Cod to investigate the death of Nell’s long-lost brother--who may or may not have murdered a woman in cold blood--in Book #6 of P.B. Ryan’s bestselling historical mystery series, A Bucket of Ashes. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Group, Inc.

"Summary: Nell has proven herself a model governess in the years she’s worked for the Hewitts. But now a terrible secret from her past—and the lurking suspicion that she might be carrying Will Hewitt’s child—threaten to rob her of everything for which she has worked so hard.
Comments: Nell has a lot on her plate. Her only surviving sibling, Jamie, is dead. He was a fugitive, wanted for the murder of Susannah Cunningham. Also occupying her mind is that fact that she’s pregnant with Will’s baby and Will is in France. In the previous book, the American ambassador asked President Grant for an experienced battle surgeon, and Will was offered the job. Nell even begins to question whether Will—rootless vagabond, cardsharp, and recovering addict—can ever truly settle down. He didn’t take the teaching job, which he loved. Nell knows he went to France for her sake. However, with a child’s future in question, Nell can’t help but wonder. Regardless of what she thinks of Will, the fact she needs a divorce first, and soon, remains. With so much uncertainty in her future, it is a small relief to know that her mentor and former lover, Dr. Greaves is offering her so much support. He knows that Nell is pregnant and that her heart belongs to Will, even as she questions his reliability...
Favorite Quotes:
“The only reason you feel unworthy of that award is that you’re mired in your old notion of yourself as flawed and undeserving. Frankly, I’m beginning to find that refrain fairly tedious.”
“I’ve never known you to be quiet the pitiless shrew. I find it captivating.”
—Nell, Will
Babbling Book Reviews

“As always, the author excels at setting the scene, evoking the time and place by use of the day-to-day details as well as historical events... This has been a gorgeously written series, populated with unique and unforgettable characters. I’m truly sorry to see it end, and will, no doubt, be re-reading these keepers.” CA Reviews

“Ryan’s historical atmosphere is spot on. It’s a memorable look into the Gilded Age. I can’t help but recommend this series to those who enjoy cozy type historical mystery series.” MyShelf.com

“P.B. Ryan writes a heartwarming mystery that capture the ambivalence of the rich on the east coast five years after the civil war ended.” Genre Go Round Reviews

About the Author:

Patricia Ryan, aka P.B. Ryan, has written more than two dozen novels, which have garnered rave reviews and been published in over twenty countries. A RITA winner and four-time nominee, she is also the recipient of two Romantic Times Awards and a Mary Higgins Clark Award nomination for Still Life With Murder, the second book of her historical mystery series featuring Boston governess Nell Sweeney. Pat’s Evil Twin, Pamela Burford, is also a published romance novelist.
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Tags

romantic suspense, mystery, historical fiction, gilded age, love story, amateur sleuth, boston, americana, historical novel, beach read, women sleuths, mystery series, historical mystery, governess, boston irish, nell sweeney, boston history

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Reviews

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Review by: VR Christensen on Dec. 19, 2011 :
I finish on a sigh. This relationship between the hero and heroine is fraught with emotional and situational complexity. The mystery this time was a personal one, dealing with the last of Nell's demons. My only complaint is that it was rather short. I could have read on for quite a lot longer. But then I like long books. The mystery was secondary, but that was perfectly fine by me. The characters were so richly drawn, it seemed natural that their story would take the spotlight. I'm rather sad to say goodbye to this series. The characters, Will, in particular, will stay with me for some time.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: Estara Swanberg on Aug. 18, 2010 :
This ending to the series satisfied me the most, probably because it scoops up lines of story from the previous books and weaves them skilfully around another personally relevant murder mystery to give Nell Sweeney and Will Hewitt their deserved happy ending.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

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