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L.B. Hathaway
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The Tomb of the Honey Bee: A Cozy Historical Murder Mystery (The Posie Parker Mystery Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

by L.B. Hathaway (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 3,926 ratings
Like your mysteries as sweet as honey but with a real sting in the tail?

Summer 1921

Posie Parker thought she was about to enjoy a restful summer. But this is no ordinary summer holiday...

When famous explorer Alaric Boynton-Dale disappears, Posie uncovers many dark secrets: an aristocratic family torn apart by hatred, a bizarre murder at an English country house, and a cryptic clue left behind by Alaric which is sweet as honey, but deadlier than poison.

In an action-packed case where simply everyone has a motive for wanting Alaric dead, Posie’s investigation starts off in the English Cotswolds, takes her through the glamorous South of France, on to the mysterious island of Ortigia in Italy, and then into the Tombs of the Pharaohs in Egypt.

But is she being followed by a cold-blooded killer? And where has Len, her almost-boyfriend, disappeared to?

This is a classic Golden Age of Crime murder mystery which will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey.The Tomb of the Honey Bee is the second book in the delightfully classic English Posie Parker Mystery Series, although the novel can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story in its own right.

If you love an action-packed historical cozy crime with a feisty protagonist, download a sample or buy 'The Tomb of the Honey Bee' now.
˃˃˃ Other books by L.B. Hathaway available on Amazon:

'The Tomb of the Honey Bee' (A Posie Parker Mystery #2)

'Murder at Maypole Manor' (A Posie Parker Mystery #3)

'The Vanishing of Dr Winter' (A Posie Parker Mystery #4)

'Murder of a Movie Star' (A Posie Parker Mystery #5)

'Murder in Venice' (Book #6)

'The Saltwater Murder' (Book #7)

'Murder on the White Cliffs' (Book #8)

'Marriage is Murder?' (Book #9)

'Murder in the London Lights?' (Book #10)

'Murder in Tuscany' (Book #11).

~more on the way!

To be the first to hear about L.B. Hathaway's new releases sign up for the newsletter at: lbhathaway.com

Follow L.B. Hathaway on:
Twitter: @LbHathaway

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  1. Book 2 of 16
    The Posie Parker Mystery Series
  2. Print length
    264 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 26, 2014
  6. File size
    796 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Cambridge-educated, British-born L.B. Hathaway writes historical fiction and contributes to a number of popular history magazines and websites. She worked as a lawyer at Lincoln's Inn in London for almost a decade before becoming a full-time writer. She brings her love of detective novels set in the Golden Age of Crime and an obsession with English history to her own writing. The Posie Parker series of cosy crime novels span the 1920s. They each combine a core central mystery, an exploration of the reckless glamour of the age and a feisty protagonist who you would love to have as your best friend. Her other interests, in no particular order, are: very fast downhill skiing, theatre-going, drinking strong tea, Tudor history, exploring castles and generally trying to cram as much into life as possible. For more visit: lbhathaway.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00Q9BLYHC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Whitehaven Man Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 26, 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 796 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 264 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0992925437
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 16 ‏ : ‎ The Posie Parker Mystery Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 3,926 ratings

About the author

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L.B. Hathaway

L.B. Hathaway

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Cambridge-educated, British-born L.B. Hathaway writes historical fiction. She worked as a lawyer at Lincoln's Inn in London for almost a decade before becoming a full-time writer. She brings her love of detective novels set in the Golden Age of Crime and an obsession with English history to her own writing.

The Posie Parker series of cosy crime novels span the 1920s. They each combine a core central mystery, an exploration of the reckless glamour of the age and a feisty protagonist who you would love to have as your best friend.

Her other interests, in no particular order, are: very fast downhill skiing, theatre-going, drinking strong tea, Tudor history, exploring castles and generally trying to cram as much into life as possible. For more visit: http://www.lbhathaway.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
3,926 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical murder mystery book entertaining and well-written, with a smart, fun heroine and excellent pacing. The plot is full of intrigue, with one customer noting it satisfies their craving for roaring 20s murder mysteries with class. Customers appreciate the book's wit and good humor, and consider it a good addition to the series. The historical accuracy receives mixed reviews - while some praise the well-researched history at every turn, others note too many anachronisms in language.

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ReadabilityPlot qualityWriting qualityCharacter developmentSeries qualityPacingWitHistorical accuracy
136 customers mention "Readability"131 positive5 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining, with one customer noting it keeps readers engaged throughout.

"Very good book. It had me guessing the whole time. It was cool how it took place over several locations...." Read more

"I love Posie Parker and her deductive capabilities. This one was interesting because it gave the reader a look at a dysfunctional family that was..." Read more

"...The author is perfectly in tune with the main character--she is likeable and feels authentic--and the author does a good job depicting the..." Read more

"Fun read! All the travel added so much. Good variety of characters. I did have a thought about who the murderer was but it was only a hunch...." Read more

132 customers mention "Plot quality"123 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, finding it full of intrigue and complexity, with one customer specifically appreciating how it satisfies their craving for roaring 20s murder mysteries with class.

"Very good book. It had me guessing the whole time. It was cool how it took place over several locations...." Read more

"...I recommend this series for all those who love the period and British mystery cosies...." Read more

"...This second book was an improvement in suspenseful mystery from the first book, and I will continue with the series." Read more

"...The plot contains suspense and danger, and both are portrayed with a deft touch...." Read more

62 customers mention "Writing quality"57 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, describing it as a beautifully written mystery that is very readable.

"...I love the British speech, references to places I’ve actually visited, and the distinctly English feel to her books...." Read more

"...It was easy to read, but I was startled several times by carelessness of the author - really, Alaric used a jet before it was invented?..." Read more

"...The plot contains suspense and danger, and both are portrayed with a deft touch...." Read more

"...I have read the first two, are a lovely blend of good writing, nicely edited and without the intrusive presence of too much "filler" in the..." Read more

55 customers mention "Character development"55 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the likeable and smart heroine Posie, who is colorful and adventurous.

"Fun read! All the travel added so much. Good variety of characters. I did have a thought about who the murderer was but it was only a hunch...." Read more

"...Not a cozy mystery: I love the characters in this book and they are very real to me, fully fleshed out...." Read more

"This is one of those books that you can't put down. Posie is a wonderful character, someone I would like to meet...." Read more

"...All in all, though, very entertaining characters, plots, and settings!" Read more

17 customers mention "Series quality"17 positive0 negative

Customers love this series and consider it a good sequel, with one customer particularly enjoying Posie's antics.

"I enjoyed the second book in the series but I was a concerned by the factual errors that a good editor should have picked up on...." Read more

"...This fast-paced mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I love the series and recommend this book!" Read more

"...danger, and travel for a thrilling mystery that is an excellent sequel to the first book." Read more

"I just really love the Posie Parker books. The story line always keeps you wanting to read more...." Read more

10 customers mention "Pacing"7 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-moving and excellent.

"...a lovely blend of good writing, nicely edited and without the intrusive presence of too much "filler" in the form of elongated description..." Read more

"...She is bright, but not pretentious. She is pretty, but not so far beyond average as to put her out of reach of the rest of us...." Read more

"...Interesting enough to grab you, with interesting plots but not so compelling that you'll stay up all night reading...." Read more

"...but when I didn't particularly agreed with the actions, the pace was fast enough that I forgot about my slight criticism...." Read more

10 customers mention "Wit"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's wit and good humor, noting its casual writing style.

"...There are no ugly words, no sexual innuendo, and no negative moral tone." Read more

"...It was cool how it took place over several locations. Writing is good, keeps you engaged and wanting to read more." Read more

"I really enjoy the Posie Parker books. The writing is a bit casual in style, which fits well with the personality of the primary character...." Read more

"...installment to Hathaway's 20's era detective series is delightful, witty and charming...." Read more

40 customers mention "Historical accuracy"27 positive13 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the historical accuracy of the book, with some praising its well-researched history and interesting setting, while others point out numerous anachronisms in language and small but jarring inaccuracies.

"...I love the British speech, references to places I’ve actually visited, and the distinctly English feel to her books...." Read more

"...But this book is more like reading Agatha Christie than anything else...." Read more

"...(far too many exclamation points, small but jarring historical inaccuracies, overly convoluted and convenient plot lines)..." Read more

"...Their historical setting (early 1920s, just after WWI) and the author's expressed intent to create a main character that we'd all like to have as..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Ana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Totally Enjoyed This Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The Tomb of the Honey Bee: A Posie Parker Mystery, by L. B. Hathaway is the second book in this series. Posie Parker is a detective living in London in the 1920s. Lady Violet asks Posie to find her brother, Alaric.

    First, Posie goes to Boynton Hall to meet the family. What a nasty bunch of people! It’s obvious that husbands, wives, brothers, and sisters don’t get along, and the atmosphere is absolutely evil. So, Posie leaves as soon as she can—after a writer is murdered in the house. She stays in touch with Scotland Yard, and continues her search for Alaric.

    It leads her to France, where she’s in for a surprise, and then to Sicily. She knows someone is following her, but she’s not sure who it is. She is successful in finding Alaric in Sicily, but she tries to keep it a secret while she unravels the rest of the mystery.

    Before she knows it, she and Alaric flee danger to Egypt, where an amazing archeological find is made in the Valley of the Kings. Disaster and death follow, and Posie finds a clue that leads her back home to London and to Stowe in the Cotswolds to solve the mystery.

    There’s more to the story, of course. What does the coin with the honeybee mean? Why did Alaric leave his home? Where is his sanctuary, and why does he need to go to Egypt? What is the golden find? And, who murdered Ianthe and the archaeologist? Most important, why is the murderer trying to kill Alaric?

    L. B. Hathaway is an authentic Englishwoman who writes wonderful period drama. I love the British speech, references to places I’ve actually visited, and the distinctly English feel to her books. Even though this novel takes place in varying points on the globe, the reader feels rooted in England and British customs. I also love her book covers, fittingly illustrated in Art Deco style.

    I am not sure this is considered a “Christian book,” but it is absolutely clean. There are no ugly words, no sexual innuendo, and no negative moral tone.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Anne Phillips
    4.0 out of 5 stars Posie scrambled
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Posie Parker accepts a new case - find Alaric Boynton-Dale, explorer. Famously good looking, daring, piloting planes, and very private. His younger sister Lady Violet comes to Posie looking for help - she is afraid for Alaric's life, strange things have happened, his plane has been tampered with and he barely escaped a serious crash landing, his bee hives have been set on fire and he almost died of poisonous fumes. Now Alaric is gone, his dog Bikram is left behind and the normally fastidiously clean cottage he stays in has been ransacked. Posie travels to the family seat in Oxfordshire where she makes the acquaintance of a mystery-writing relative, Alaric's brother and American sister-in-law, a shady butler, Alaric's pilot friend and his wife - she used to be Alaric's mistress until very recently. Lady Violet serves her famous honey cake, the one featured in women's magazines. Posie surveys the scene as guest and following another murder, the scene shifts back to London, then the French Riviera, Sicily and honey gathering monks, Egypt and tomb excavating friends. More murders along the way. There is a family gathering where everything is revealed and explained and then Posie's situation gets even better. It was easy to read, but I was startled several times by carelessness of the author - really, Alaric used a jet before it was invented? The father-in-law sold "ploughshares somewhere east of Texas" and expected A/C in a country house in England? And telegraph messages that went on and on and used real, long sentences ....
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Pamela Maher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Honey of a mystery.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Very good book. It had me guessing the whole time. It was cool how it took place over several locations. Writing is good, keeps you engaged and wanting to read more.
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  • 50Laine
    5.0 out of 5 stars International Murders
    Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    His plane crashed. His bee hives were burned and poisoned. Alaric almost died again. Getting out of town seemed the smart thing to do. Can Posie find him?
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  • CubanCachita
    4.0 out of 5 stars I love this series
    Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I love Posie Parker and her deductive capabilities. This one was interesting because it gave the reader a look at a dysfunctional family that was made worse by the manipulating bee in their midst. I liked that Posie got to travel, which is one of the reasons why I loved all of Dame Christie's adventures whether reading Poirot or Mss Marple.
    I can lose myself in the fantastic places that I have never seen except through the eyes f the characters. These are wonderful times for travel and for seeing the world as a different exotic place than in the 21st century, when many are frought by wars and the beauty has been destroyed.
    I bought the entire series and foresee many hours of reading enjoyment. I recommend this series for all those who love the period and British mystery cosies. Only reason this review only rated 4 stars is that I found some spelling errors that should have been caught in editing. Also a couple of sentences that pulled me out of the story due to the word choice.
    Please continue to write more PP mysteries.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Eleanor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Once again Posie Parker has wow me.
    Reviewed in Australia on July 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Can't get over how great these books are, the cozy mysterys of Posie Parker continues when a Lady Violet comes looking for help after her older brother go's missing she suspect fowl play.
    Loved every page of this, highly recommend to lovers of cozy mysterys.
    5/5 stars
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  • Moreno
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Posie Parker n° 2....another success !
    Reviewed in Italy on July 27, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    The second Posie Parker mystery follows the very good quality of the number one.
    I really hope that Lady Hathaway keeps going in that direction.
    Reading her books is a simple and genuine pleasure !
    I'm looking forward to read the next book.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars For fans of Agatha Christie
    Reviewed in France on May 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I was not totally convinced by the first book I bought from this series but it was still good enough to give a second book a try and now I am hooked.This is the 4th book of this series I buy and the author is now definitely on my list of must buy. I will get all the existing ones and will look forward to the next one when I am done reading them. They transport you to the Agatha Christie era and yet with an inexplicable modern touch.
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  • serif15
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars- highly recommendable
    Reviewed in Germany on February 24, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Very entertaining, a nice admosphere und full of suspense. A very nice and clever protagonist. I immedeately loaded down the next two books.
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  • Pat O'Meara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great Posie Parker mystery
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    The Tomb of the Honey Bee is the second novel in the Posie Parker series and has all the elements you hope to find In a great detective novel- realistic characters, great storyline and plot, murder, mystery, intrigue, red herrings, twists galore and plenty of suspects.

    Alaric Boynton- Dale the famous explorer had disappeared so his sister, Lady Violet, sought the help of Private Investigator Posie Parker in discovering his whereabouts. But, on visiting Boynton Hall, Posie discovers "Bad things" we're happening at the Hall and even worse was to come when one of her suspects was murdered.

    So begins a mystery that will take Posie from England to a monastery in Sicily then on to a dig in Egypt as she gathers the evidence and pieces together the clues before solving the final puzzle that keeps you guessing all the way through.

    A great read- I'm loving Posie Parker and look forward to meeting her again soon in L B Hathaway's next addition to the series.
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