A Grave Deception by Connie Berry

 

Trying to see similarities between a 14th century murder and a present day one, seems far fetched. It sounds hysterical to anyone investigating but there are so many similar facts that it is uncanny. 

Kate has been asked by the owner of the land where a 14th century body was buried, to find out any identification of the very well preserved corpse. An archaeological study is happening in the area, with the idea that it could be a plague pit. Grave finds have been documented but Kate discovers anomalies in the accounting of several gold finds. When the body of the chief archaeologist is found in one of the pits,  Kate’s husband Tom comes in to head the investigation. A second body is also found and the investigation has to be pushed further, before more bodies turn up. Tom is on another investigation with a missing, dangerous fugitive and he has to handle not two dangerous situations, but also a difficult co-worker bent on undermining the police presence. 

Using documents of over seven hundred years ago, Kate is hopeful of bringing the ancient mystery to a close. Linked with the site are the other murders and clues have to be woven together to bring justice for those killed.

Sent by Crooked Lane Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Ornate and very much in the Portuguese style, the church of St Mary’s in Negombo. This has been on my bucket list along with a couple more churches in this area. Saw them all.

The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw

 

This story was a fascinating one of a woman striving to succeed in her own right as a successful astronomer, but always living in the shadow of her widely successful brother. Her brother was a hugely popular musician and Caroline excelled in that field as well. When astronomy took over and her brother began to be sponsored by Royalty, Caroline felt she had no alternative but to follow him, her alternative was to be sent back to Hanoverian, to live the life of a servant to her autocratic brother and mother.

Caroline developed her astronomical skills quickly and began to get recognition in her own right. She was unable to find a partner and resented her brothers wives when they appeared on the scene. 

She was bound by family bonds but could not recognise her role as a sibling. 

The story shows her struggle to survive, to get financial independence and to accept her value as a human being, rather than a help meet and support to her brothers. It came very late though. The Georgian era was not supportive of clever women and Caroline is a stark example. The book was a one you could not rush through but it gave you a lot to think about.

Sent by Sourcebooks Landmark for an unbiased review courtesy of Netgalley.

The view from my flat. Because of the intense heat, everything is blooming. Bougainvillea in double shades of pink and white and a ehela tree in yellow which only blooms in April.

Murder by Moonrse by Patrice McDonough

 

A read I had to finish in one go. 1867 setting an outstanding lady doctor, rarer than hens teeth, a very different detective, Queen Victoria, her two daughters and all the royal rules and peculiarities one could muster, the background of the looming and ever present Irish Rebellion that the English would like to gloss over and the Isle of Wight, favoured by Queen Victoria.

The story starting with the murder of a ladies maid, and then slowly linking to the murder of her sister, a coachman, a milkman and the list goes on. 

It seems like the murderer needs to cover his back by eliminating any and everyone linked to the story. A meticulous and clever schemer,  Inspector Richard Tennant seems to be always one step behind. Dr Julia Lewis is the Detectives partner and help meet in all his endeavours, and both of them have feelings for each other. Sadly the Crimean war and their professions have kept them apart till now.

The story is a terrific one combining so much history with lifestyles of the aristocrats living under Queen Victoria who never let go of the reins, despite not being in the public eye, ruled the daughters and son living under her eyes with a will of iron and how secrets hidden for decades can be such a danger. It also gives glimpses of how attitudes are changing and how women will gradually fight and get what is rightfully theirs. 

Couldn’t put this one down.

Sent by Kensington Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

Stretch of beach in baking heat at Matara, Southern Coast of Sri Lanka.

The Witching Hours by Heather Graham

 

A story combing a lot of history depicted by its setting, a touch of the fantasy in the form of very otherwise normal people and a whole lot of evil set by a manipulative man thriving on the weakness and fragility of some humans.

We have abductions and kidnappings, the latest being mothers and children, and a devoted nanny and their charge. Going back into recently missing persons, one comes up with varying people. Someone homeless, someone addicted. All those on the fringe of society. The two detectives sent to assist the local team are “special”. Both can visualise images and people from objects owned by victims or from places where incidents have happened. Keeping their talents quiet, is part of the strategy particularly in an area like Salem, where  hunting of witches was commonplace and thousands were executed on the slightest suspicion.

The story was different and I did like the historical detail. It was a different opinion on witchcraft, the manifestations and the culture I liked reading about, as it was different to a somewhat similar culture still practiced today amongst certain people today in my country, where astrology and spirit or rather paranormal practices still influence people.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing who sent me the book for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Images from a temple in South Sri Lanka

The Politician by Tim Sullivan

 

Another Inspector George Cross special, done the Tim Sullivan way. Precise, to the point, all corners tucked in neatly and a lesson in logic, facts and detection. Couldn’t put it down.

Peggy Frampton, former mayor now a popular influencer, found dead. A stash of expensive jewellery gone. A burglary gone wrong and the higher powers would like to close the case. But there is more to meet the eye and Cross and Ottey ( long suffering but now understanding Cross better than before) are on the case working in tandem to unlock unfaithful husbands, links with gangs and people who do not like Peggy’s new role as agony aunt.

Unravelled slowly, with multiple suspects another excellent read.

Sent by Grove Atlantic for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Mrs Walford by Brenda Tyedmers

 

Set in the 1800s between Halifax and New York, we go back and forth through decades and lots of information via diaries, memoirs and past events. Some of them do not seem connected but they eventually form the story of how Sadie Walford tried to escape a morphia addiction, was presumed dead for years by her family, was very much alive. The story behind her was complicated.

There are many facets in this story which are part of history itself and then there is the Tiffany glass making which was a story in itself. Lifestyles amongst many levels of society from boarding houses to independently wealthy people of the time added further layers of interest.

A story which would be of interest to those who like historical fiction as well as a close look how addiction was handled in the 1800s. Both the scientific and rather primitive ways were detailed. 

Sent by the author via the  Independent Book Publishers Association,  courtesy of Netgalley.

A Whiff of Murder by Angela M. Sanders

 

An old haunted house, three inmates two who seem ultra sensitive to the house and its past inhabitants, one with an acute awareness of scents and smells and each having pasts they’d like to stay hidden. A murder which seems like a death under natural circumstances, which even the police deem as a natural death. These three women decide otherwise and embark on the dangerous path of trying to find the murderer.

Involving the ex husband of the victim (vociferous despite being an ex), the only son blaise and almost indifferent to his mother’s death and a whole home of retirees who could also be suspects. 

A cozy definitely but it’s the characters, all of them that make up the interesting part of the story. Set in small town Oregonian, everyone seems to know everyone adding to the descriptive part of tge story.

Interesting cozy.

Sent by  Kensington Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.