Miss Tonks Turns to Crime

The Poor Relation, Book 2

By: M. C. Beaton

Narrated by: Davina Porter

The poor relations, those genteel paupers of society who live on little more than their dignity, have banded together and started The Poor Relation hotel, hoping to be bought out by their embarrassed relations - but as the hotel prospered, they began to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Now once more they are in need of funds. To stoop to crime in their days of poverty was one thing, but to turn to it again when they have enjoyed a certain amount of success is quite another. But they all agree: the hotel must go on.

And so poor, faded Miss Tonks has been persuaded to steal something valuable enough from her rich sister to set the poor relations on their feet. They all have their doubts about Miss Tonks’ chances for success, but the shy spinster has more than a few surprises in store. Flirtations and feelings abound amid the conspiring group.

©1993 Marion Chesney (P)2012 AudioGO

M.C. Beaton's Poor Relations Series Is a Hoot

I am an unabashed M.C. Beaton fan, so bear that in mind. She may not be the best writer in the world, but she can spin a yarn, create wonderful characters, and do it with humor. The "Poor Relations" series, set in vaguely Victorian times, is about a group of poor relations who combat the humiliation heaped upon them by wealthy relatives by opening a top-drawer hotel in London, using the townhouse of one of their aristocrat-fallen-on-hard-times members. When they run into financial issues, someone is sent out to filch expensive trinkets from their relatives, which are fenced to obtain the necessary.

There's a bit of romance and some derring-do. Ms. Beaton is unromantic about the classism, prejudice, hypocrisy, and odd practices of Victorian England, which leads to some humorous and acerbic commentary.

Davina Porter is the perfect narrator, but she could read the phone book and I'd probably enjoy it.

Classic Marion Chesney

Would you consider the audio edition of Miss Tonks Turns to Crime to be better than the print version?

I've loved the book series for years, It's great to listen to it as well. Each has it's own charms, but I must admit Davina Porter is charming to listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

The confidence Miss Tonks gains through her adventures

Have you listened to any of Davina Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Davina Porter is always excellent to listen to.

Not as good as1st but I still finished it one nigh

Excellent narration as always with Davina Porter. The story is cute. Love this series. Not all smutty but very engaging. Laughed a lot.

Fun romp

Candy read with fun action. Everything works out as it should without boring. Excellent reader.

Great addition to the series

The poor relation clan is at it again trying to raise money for themselves and the hotel. They draw straws and it’s Miss Tonk’s turn to go to family and steal something. A fun, humorous little book.