Volume 7 in the series does not disappoint, with two mysteries: one for Jones to investigate and one for Dickens though it wasn't surprising that the two eventually dovetailed. There were a number of villains in this one, to keep things moving along, and the dead hand of the worst of all, Sir Gerald Hawke, extended from the grave to continue the malice he exercised in life. Also the foreshadowing regarding Dicken's youngest child is a sombre note when you know what happened to her.

I did wonder whether Scrap would appear, when he hadn't done so in the first half, but eventually he did arrive and the sequence when he and Dickens visit Hawke Hall under cover was great fun. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and am awarding 5 stars, not something I do often! ( )

1851 Sees the death of Sir Gerald Hawke at Hawke Court, the last of his line, his heir is clergyman Meridith Case. But there is a ward, Sapphire Hawke, who inherits jewellery in the will but she disappeared twenty years ago. Can she be found.
Meanwhile in London Felix Graham has been murdered, his father was known to Dickens, and so he feels obliged to investigate. But what secrets will be discovered, and how many deaths will occur before the answer is revealed.
Another enjoyable well-written historical mystery with its very likeable characters. A good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I have a weak spot for mysteries featuring authors and other historical figures as investigators, so I wanted to read this title as soon as I found out about it. The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires, featuring Dickens, was Dickensian, which made it a fun read. Character names were striking, connections among characters were complex.

If you enjoy reading historical mysteries, you'll find The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires and engaging, entertaining read. ( )