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Death of a Cuckoo: An Esme Quentin Short Read
An Esme Quentin Short Read A letter. A photograph. A devastating truth. When Gina Vincent receives a letter of condolence from a stranger following her mother’s death, a photograph slipped inside reveals a disturbing truth – everything she’s ever known is based on a lie. Shocked and disorientated, she engages genealogy detective Esme Quentin to help search for answers. The trail leads to an isolated and abandoned property on the edge of Exmoor, once the home of a strict Victorian institution called The House of Mercy and its enigmatic founder, whose influence seems to linger still in the fabric of the derelict building. As they dig deeper, Esme realises that the house itself hides a dark and chilling secret, one which must be exposed to unravel the mystery behind Gina’s past. But someone is intent on keeping the secret hidden. Whatever it takes.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2017
About the author
Wendy Percival
8 books53 followersWendy Percival comes from the UK and lives in South West England.
The time honoured 'box of old documents in the attic' stirred her interest in Family History and it was while researching her Shropshire roots she got the idea for the first Esme Quentin mystery, BLOOD-TIED.
She continues to be intrigued by genealogy, its mysteries and 'skeletons in cupboards' and writes on the subject in her family history blog http://familyhistorysecrets.blogspot.com
In between times she shares her thoughts on surprising family history discoveries, on books and on writing in her "Bite-size Blog" https://www.wendypercival.co.uk/blog
The time honoured 'box of old documents in the attic' stirred her interest in Family History and it was while researching her Shropshire roots she got the idea for the first Esme Quentin mystery, BLOOD-TIED.
She continues to be intrigued by genealogy, its mysteries and 'skeletons in cupboards' and writes on the subject in her family history blog http://familyhistorysecrets.blogspot.com
In between times she shares her thoughts on surprising family history discoveries, on books and on writing in her "Bite-size Blog" https://www.wendypercival.co.uk/blog
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 13, 2017
I've been looking forward to reading another book featuring the genealogical sleuth, Esme Quentin, for ages. I enjoyed both of Wendy Percival's earlier novels, Blood-Tied and The Indelible Stain and although a shorter read, Death of a Cuckoo is well up to form.
Author Wendy Percival can tell a good tale and her personal knowledge and understanding of genealogical matters permeates her writing. I'm sure all Family History enthusiasts are amateur detectives and the author creates a very satisfying fusion of mystery, crime and genealogy for us.
In Death of a Cuckoo, the main character is Gina Vincent who calls on Esme Quentin for help in unravelling an unexpected complication in her family story.
What happens next has a good plot with unexpected developments leading to a very satisfying and heart-warming conclusion.
Esme Quentin is a strong but supporting character in Death of a Cuckoo. This is really Gina's story and the author has chosen to explore a difficult subject after it's revealed to Gina that her whole life has been based on a lie. The issues uncovered in the story are handled with sensitivity although the author isn't afraid to confront the emotional truths that are revealed as the tale unfolds. Gina is a very likable character and the reader experiences a sense of relief for Gina in the book's outcome.
I'm sure Death of a Cuckoo will be a must-read for all Esme Quentin and Wendy Percival fans but it also serves as a good introduction for new readers. I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
Author Wendy Percival can tell a good tale and her personal knowledge and understanding of genealogical matters permeates her writing. I'm sure all Family History enthusiasts are amateur detectives and the author creates a very satisfying fusion of mystery, crime and genealogy for us.
In Death of a Cuckoo, the main character is Gina Vincent who calls on Esme Quentin for help in unravelling an unexpected complication in her family story.
What happens next has a good plot with unexpected developments leading to a very satisfying and heart-warming conclusion.
Esme Quentin is a strong but supporting character in Death of a Cuckoo. This is really Gina's story and the author has chosen to explore a difficult subject after it's revealed to Gina that her whole life has been based on a lie. The issues uncovered in the story are handled with sensitivity although the author isn't afraid to confront the emotional truths that are revealed as the tale unfolds. Gina is a very likable character and the reader experiences a sense of relief for Gina in the book's outcome.
I'm sure Death of a Cuckoo will be a must-read for all Esme Quentin and Wendy Percival fans but it also serves as a good introduction for new readers. I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
March 13, 2017
This is described as an Esme Quentin Short Read and, having read two Esme novels, I jumped at this. Gina Vincent is clearing out her late mother’s home. She finds information in a letter of condolence which rocks her world, and Esme, a genealogical researcher, helps her to unpick the tangle.
Wendy Percival tells a good story and right to the end I wasn’t sure what the outcome was going to be. If you haven’t read any of these mysteries, this is a good introduction to her work, as it doesn’t depend on the earlier novels. Then you’ll want to read the rest! Highly recommended.
Wendy Percival tells a good story and right to the end I wasn’t sure what the outcome was going to be. If you haven’t read any of these mysteries, this is a good introduction to her work, as it doesn’t depend on the earlier novels. Then you’ll want to read the rest! Highly recommended.
May 21, 2017
There's nothing that floats my boat quite as much as a good old fashioned mystery, particularly around family secrets. Death of a Cuckoo ticked all the boxes in terms of delivering exactly what I was after. A short read, more of a novella really, the book had me hooked from page one right to the very end. I've not read any of the previous Esme Quentin books before but my goodness she gives Ms Marple a run for her money. Eagle eyed, savvy and not afraid of taking risks, Esme endeavors to find out the truth when Gina Vincent appeals to her for help in finding out more about the circumstances of her birth. Gina's mother has died and a letter from one of her mother's old friends soon sets of a chain of events that has Gina wondering if her entire life has been one big lie.
This book particularly interested me as my own family history has been sketchy for a number of years and my own discovery of some family secrets made me desperate to read this book. I could completely empathise with Gina. That feeling of needing to belong somewhere really resonated throughout the book. The deep desire to know where you come from and how your history was shaped. I really enjoyed the book and with lots of surprises thrown in and just some good old fashioned sleuthing, this book is a highly recommended read from me!
This book particularly interested me as my own family history has been sketchy for a number of years and my own discovery of some family secrets made me desperate to read this book. I could completely empathise with Gina. That feeling of needing to belong somewhere really resonated throughout the book. The deep desire to know where you come from and how your history was shaped. I really enjoyed the book and with lots of surprises thrown in and just some good old fashioned sleuthing, this book is a highly recommended read from me!
May 27, 2017
Having read (and very much enjoyed) the previous two full length Esme Quentin stories Blood-Tied and The Indelible Stain, I just had to purchase this Esme short story. However, if you are new to this series, then this could quite easily be read as a standalone.
The main character in this story is not Esme, but Gina Vincent. Following the death of her mother, Gina has received some disturbing news which makes her question everything about her life and for her own piece of mind, she engages the help of Esme in trying to find the truth.
The author has combined her own interest and knowledge of genealogy to full effect in this series; this comes across so well in the character of Esme who makes the process of searching for one’s history sound so fascinating – and also useful for those wishing to do the same. Without being bogged down by detail, but with enough information to make the story interesting, Esme guides Gina towards possible avenues for information and helps her look for a resolution.
This is not just a story of family history but there is also an intriguing tale of historic shady dealings and possibly even murder. Although it didn’t take long to work out what the initial secret was, the way the story unfolded and the twists that followed did make for an interesting read.
With moments of danger and suspense, this novella was a very enjoyable addition to the series, my only disappointment was that it wasn’t longer; the conclusion felt a little rushed but that’s only a minor point. I believe that there is a third full length Esme book in the pipeline which I am very much looking forward to reading.
The main character in this story is not Esme, but Gina Vincent. Following the death of her mother, Gina has received some disturbing news which makes her question everything about her life and for her own piece of mind, she engages the help of Esme in trying to find the truth.
The author has combined her own interest and knowledge of genealogy to full effect in this series; this comes across so well in the character of Esme who makes the process of searching for one’s history sound so fascinating – and also useful for those wishing to do the same. Without being bogged down by detail, but with enough information to make the story interesting, Esme guides Gina towards possible avenues for information and helps her look for a resolution.
This is not just a story of family history but there is also an intriguing tale of historic shady dealings and possibly even murder. Although it didn’t take long to work out what the initial secret was, the way the story unfolded and the twists that followed did make for an interesting read.
With moments of danger and suspense, this novella was a very enjoyable addition to the series, my only disappointment was that it wasn’t longer; the conclusion felt a little rushed but that’s only a minor point. I believe that there is a third full length Esme book in the pipeline which I am very much looking forward to reading.
March 22, 2019
Was so nice to find a little Esme tit bit. For a short story it was very complex and I really enjoyed it !
September 3, 2017
Although I haven’t read the previous two full-length novels featuring Esme Quentin a genealogist, I was keen to find out more so decided to try this novella.
Following the death of her mother Gina Vincent, the photograph inside a condolence card reveals a secret that rocks her to the core. Gina calls on Esme to help her uncover the truth about her family.
This is a good mystery both in the family history sense where the author’s knowledge of her subject shines through without the often laborious details of reality getting in the way of a good story. That isn’t to say an unrealistic picture is painted of the reality of searching through records but as much of this happen off-page these facts allow the story to flourish while giving a flavour of how such things work in ‘real-life’ As part of their research the pair need to expand their search beyond the birth, marriage and death details, taking on the searching through the microfiche for newspaper stories and even go as far as including a house. All fascinating and woven around a solid story.
The characters are solid, especially Esme who comes across as a no-nonsense woman with compassion for the living people who are waiting on her conclusion to the mystery. She isn’t simply a collector of dates and names, those behind the faceless records are given colour by the all-round research carried out. And despite the short format this book the author hasn’t neglected the settings with a good sense of place being maintained throughout, something I find incredibly important and often is skimped on in this format.
Despite this being a novella, the book is not all about records and we get a real sense of physical drama when it seems someone isn’t keen on Gina finding the truth about her family.
I often feel a little let down by novellas as I am a die-hard fan of the full-length novel but I can honestly say I felt satisfied by the story I was told in this one. I had time to put myself in the characters shoes and admire Esme Quentin as she set about her work as a genealogical detective.
As Death of a Cuckoo was such an enjoyable book to read I will definitely be purchasing the two full-length novels available featuring Esme Quentin: Blood-Tide and The Indelible Stain.
Following the death of her mother Gina Vincent, the photograph inside a condolence card reveals a secret that rocks her to the core. Gina calls on Esme to help her uncover the truth about her family.
This is a good mystery both in the family history sense where the author’s knowledge of her subject shines through without the often laborious details of reality getting in the way of a good story. That isn’t to say an unrealistic picture is painted of the reality of searching through records but as much of this happen off-page these facts allow the story to flourish while giving a flavour of how such things work in ‘real-life’ As part of their research the pair need to expand their search beyond the birth, marriage and death details, taking on the searching through the microfiche for newspaper stories and even go as far as including a house. All fascinating and woven around a solid story.
The characters are solid, especially Esme who comes across as a no-nonsense woman with compassion for the living people who are waiting on her conclusion to the mystery. She isn’t simply a collector of dates and names, those behind the faceless records are given colour by the all-round research carried out. And despite the short format this book the author hasn’t neglected the settings with a good sense of place being maintained throughout, something I find incredibly important and often is skimped on in this format.
Despite this being a novella, the book is not all about records and we get a real sense of physical drama when it seems someone isn’t keen on Gina finding the truth about her family.
I often feel a little let down by novellas as I am a die-hard fan of the full-length novel but I can honestly say I felt satisfied by the story I was told in this one. I had time to put myself in the characters shoes and admire Esme Quentin as she set about her work as a genealogical detective.
As Death of a Cuckoo was such an enjoyable book to read I will definitely be purchasing the two full-length novels available featuring Esme Quentin: Blood-Tide and The Indelible Stain.
April 12, 2017
I absolutely love genealogical fiction and so was very attracted to Death of a Cuckoo. It's an Esme Quentin book and I didn't realise until just before I started reading it that there have been two other books featuring Esme. It didn't in any way affect my reading of Death of a Cuckoo though, which I enjoyed very much.
What's unusual about this book is that although it's an Esme Quentin book it's actually told by a character called Gina Vincent who engages Esme to help her with a shocking discovery that she has made after her mother's death. I guess that the author decided to do this because it's a novella and in a way it kind of fits in between the full length stories and allows the reader to view Esme from somebody else's point of view.
I really enjoyed reading this book. What I like about genealogical stories is the way that secrets and facts are uncovered and I particularly enjoy following the characters as they do their research. It really can be fascinating, even seemingly mundane things like going to the Register Offices to get copy birth, marriage or death certificates can be full of intrigue and mystique.
The story here isn't that unusual at its core, but it does have a slight twist to it. At around 106 pages it's a quick read and like a lot of novellas there wasn't quite as much for me to get my teeth into as I would like, but I thought it was well-written with an interesting set of characters. I'd definitely consider reading Wendy Percival's other books as I think there's a lot more about Esme Quentin for me to discover.
What's unusual about this book is that although it's an Esme Quentin book it's actually told by a character called Gina Vincent who engages Esme to help her with a shocking discovery that she has made after her mother's death. I guess that the author decided to do this because it's a novella and in a way it kind of fits in between the full length stories and allows the reader to view Esme from somebody else's point of view.
I really enjoyed reading this book. What I like about genealogical stories is the way that secrets and facts are uncovered and I particularly enjoy following the characters as they do their research. It really can be fascinating, even seemingly mundane things like going to the Register Offices to get copy birth, marriage or death certificates can be full of intrigue and mystique.
The story here isn't that unusual at its core, but it does have a slight twist to it. At around 106 pages it's a quick read and like a lot of novellas there wasn't quite as much for me to get my teeth into as I would like, but I thought it was well-written with an interesting set of characters. I'd definitely consider reading Wendy Percival's other books as I think there's a lot more about Esme Quentin for me to discover.
April 10, 2017
Death of a Cuckoo: An Esme Quentin Short Read by Wendy Percival This was a very interesting story. I have been working on my family tree for over 15 years. So I was very interested i the way this story was written. I feel like a investigator myself at times. I also wish I could afford to hire a professional Genealogist for some of my brick walls. The story was very well written and it was true to life while searching for records.
The Story is about Gina Vincent. Her mother has recently passed away. While going through the sympathy cards and letters she runs across one from a old friend of her moms. This letter opens a huge can of worms. Gina never knew she was adopted. She decides she wants to know more, but has no idea where or how to start.
Gina hires Esme Quentin. Who is a genealogy detective. Esme and Gina work together to find the answers. While searching for the answers at times things turn dangerous for Gina.
This is a pretty short book. I enjoyed the story. The ending was a bit off putting to though. I wish it ad went a bit more into the aftermath instead of just leaving me handing. other then that it was good.
The Story is about Gina Vincent. Her mother has recently passed away. While going through the sympathy cards and letters she runs across one from a old friend of her moms. This letter opens a huge can of worms. Gina never knew she was adopted. She decides she wants to know more, but has no idea where or how to start.
Gina hires Esme Quentin. Who is a genealogy detective. Esme and Gina work together to find the answers. While searching for the answers at times things turn dangerous for Gina.
This is a pretty short book. I enjoyed the story. The ending was a bit off putting to though. I wish it ad went a bit more into the aftermath instead of just leaving me handing. other then that it was good.
April 12, 2017
This story is a short read but there is so much packed into this book and it never once felt rushed. The plot held my interest throughout as Gina and Esme put everything together to uncover the truth. Anyone who loves history will be guaranteed to enjoy this story especially if you are a fan of genealogy. I love the way that Wendy Percival has written this story with brilliant descriptions of how Esme goes about uncovering facts and details.
It really was the perfect way to spend a couple of hours all the while keeping me entertained and I loved the mystery! This story has definitely got my attention and it will be a pleasure to read more books by Wendy Percival.
Death of a Cuckoo has a wonderful combination of engaging characters and an intriguing story!
Thank you to Brook Cottage Books and Wendy Percival for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
It really was the perfect way to spend a couple of hours all the while keeping me entertained and I loved the mystery! This story has definitely got my attention and it will be a pleasure to read more books by Wendy Percival.
Death of a Cuckoo has a wonderful combination of engaging characters and an intriguing story!
Thank you to Brook Cottage Books and Wendy Percival for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 19, 2017
Gina returns to her family home after the death of her mother. She already lost her father and now that her mother is gone as well Gina is left all alone. She's an only child, which means she unfortunately has no other siblings to help her through these difficult times. When Gina is going through the mail she opens a letter that has been sent by a former friend of her mother. This letter holds the most devastating news, that makes Gina question everything about her past. Gina was adopted and is now determined to find out more about her birthparents. She hires Esme Quentin to help her uncover the truth. Now that Gina and Esme are digging for clues not everybody is happy with what they may find. What will happen when the truth is about to be unraveled?
Gina had a happy childhood and she's heartbroken when she finds out that she has been lied to. She loves her parents so much and wished that they would've told her the truth. Gina is determined to find out what happened and will not back down before she has the answers she so desperately needs. Gina is such a strong person. She's grief stricken about losing her parents, but she keeps going. Gina also has to find it in her heart to forgive them for the choices they made. I was hoping for her to find out the truth about her birthparents, so that she'd have the peace she needs and couldn't wait to find out what it was.
Death of a Cuckoo is a heart wrenching story about finding out where your roots lie. I always find it fascinating to read about family dynamics, about why people make certain choices and how they go through life. They are topics I love to learn more about. I liked Wendy Percival's creative descriptions and writing style a lot and highly recommend her book. I really loved this emotional rollercoaster.
Gina had a happy childhood and she's heartbroken when she finds out that she has been lied to. She loves her parents so much and wished that they would've told her the truth. Gina is determined to find out what happened and will not back down before she has the answers she so desperately needs. Gina is such a strong person. She's grief stricken about losing her parents, but she keeps going. Gina also has to find it in her heart to forgive them for the choices they made. I was hoping for her to find out the truth about her birthparents, so that she'd have the peace she needs and couldn't wait to find out what it was.
Death of a Cuckoo is a heart wrenching story about finding out where your roots lie. I always find it fascinating to read about family dynamics, about why people make certain choices and how they go through life. They are topics I love to learn more about. I liked Wendy Percival's creative descriptions and writing style a lot and highly recommend her book. I really loved this emotional rollercoaster.
May 10, 2020
I really enjoyed the three books Wendy Percival has written about courageous genealogist, Esme Quentin, so I welcomed the chance to read this “short read” where we see Esme through the eyes of a young client, Gina Vincent. After the sudden death of her mother, Gina is sorting through her mail when she discovers shocking news about her own birth. When an intruder attempts to search her mother’s documents, Gina seeks Esme’s help. The two women visit Gina’s birthplace, a remote empty property on Exmoor, and begin to research its past.
The story explores painful episodes from our recent past and I was on the edge of my seat as each woman risked danger. The family history investigation particularly interests me but there is plenty of mystery and adventure for the enjoyment of any reader.
The story explores painful episodes from our recent past and I was on the edge of my seat as each woman risked danger. The family history investigation particularly interests me but there is plenty of mystery and adventure for the enjoyment of any reader.
May 19, 2017
Very enjoyable and substantial short story: I shall be looking for more Esme Quentin soon.
April 11, 2017
I found this book an easy read. I finished in one sitting. I loved Esme. She reminds me of a young Miss Marple, determined to get to the bottom of any mystery no matter how big or how small.
Wendy's writing is strong and her descriptive narrative of the old Victorian institution, I felt like I was there along with her characters.
I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author.
Wendy's writing is strong and her descriptive narrative of the old Victorian institution, I felt like I was there along with her characters.
I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author.
June 23, 2020
Great Story
This story will keep you interested till the last word. Liked the point of view being different and the emotional impact.
This story will keep you interested till the last word. Liked the point of view being different and the emotional impact.
February 27, 2021
I've only given this book 4 stars not because I did not like the story or content of the book but, I am not all that keen on books written in the first person.
Waiting for the next Esme Quentin book.
Waiting for the next Esme Quentin book.
November 21, 2020
Good quick read
If you've read others in the series, this is told from the viewpoint of Esme's client . I liked it because we finally got a description of Esme!
If you've read others in the series, this is told from the viewpoint of Esme's client . I liked it because we finally got a description of Esme!
May 23, 2021
Excellent! Hard to put down. After her mother dies, Gina uncovers a surprising secret and turns to Esme for help. Highly recommended.
April 10, 2017
This was a very interesting story. I have been working on my family tree for over 15 years. So I was very interested i the way this story was written. I feel like a investigator myself at times. I also wish I could afford to hire a professional Genealogist for some of my brick walls. The story was very well written and it was true to life while searching for records.
The Story is about Gina Vincent. Her mother has recently passed away. While going through the sympathy cards and letters she runs across one from a old friend of her moms. This letter opens a huge can of worms. Gina never knew she was adopted. She decides she wants to know more, but has no idea where or how to start.
Gina hires Esme Quentin. Who is a genealogy detective. Esme and Gina work together to find the answers. While searching for the answers at times things turn dangerous for Gina.
This is a pretty short book. I enjoyed the story. The ending was a bit off putting to though. I wish it ad went a bit more into the aftermath instead of just leaving me handing. other then that it was good.
The Story is about Gina Vincent. Her mother has recently passed away. While going through the sympathy cards and letters she runs across one from a old friend of her moms. This letter opens a huge can of worms. Gina never knew she was adopted. She decides she wants to know more, but has no idea where or how to start.
Gina hires Esme Quentin. Who is a genealogy detective. Esme and Gina work together to find the answers. While searching for the answers at times things turn dangerous for Gina.
This is a pretty short book. I enjoyed the story. The ending was a bit off putting to though. I wish it ad went a bit more into the aftermath instead of just leaving me handing. other then that it was good.
May 3, 2017
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
"This is a pleasant, light, tale – short enough that it can be devoured on, say, a long journey by train or plane...enjoyable and well written...especially of interest to researchers into family history."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"This is a pleasant, light, tale – short enough that it can be devoured on, say, a long journey by train or plane...enjoyable and well written...especially of interest to researchers into family history."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews