Fables & Lies by Elisabeth Storrs

 

The story set during WWII and the ascendancy of Hitler, is slightly different. It 

looks at the declaration of war and the period of Poland’s annexation and the destruction of Europe from the perception of German people. The people who believed wholeheartedly in the policies of the Fuehrer, the unprincipled and unshakeable attitudes towards Jews, Slavs, Roma, in fact anyone not a pure German Aryan ancestry.

The story dealing with the pillaged antiques, paintings of not just German homes, but the riches from other lands all stored in repositories and under the able guidance of educated and knowledgeable art historians, who carried out inventory and safe storage despite knowing their provenance. The individuals of the story are caught in a maelstrom - of what to believe, the facts that have been driven into them from birth. From the orphanages, to the forced adoptions, to the achievements of multiple births, to the second class of women, now voiceless which Germany had accepted as almost written as rules by God. But the cracks started appearing amongst some sections in society and uncertainty and questioning of what was never questioned began.

All the characters in the story are strong driven individuals. Their stories were very intense and highly emotional and traumatic even to the reader. But it is a factual account and history must not be forgotten. Not an easy read but in the present context, very necessary. That human beings are at times cruel, bestial almost, seeking power and supremacy over all. Sadly nothing much has changed since then.

Sent by The Book Guild for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Teacher by Tim Sullivan

 

Tim Sullivan is an author I look forward to reading. Whenever I get the opportunity I grab his books. They keep me guessing and following Detective Sergeant Cross is a task I am not going to get bored with.

An 80 year old man is found murdered. Seemingly living a very quiet life, with a routine that has not changed. He is taciturn but has had severe problems with his neighbours the  Cotterells with whom he has had running battles. The local pub has said his behaviour was different over the last two weeks but no one can pinpoint a reason. Cross’s boss brings in a Detective Inspector Warner to work with Cross on the investigation. The two are poles apart in attitudes and work ethics. Warner is brash and seeking accolades- especially since the dead man’s son is a controversial MP. Cross works quietly under the radar seeking no limelight. Warner makes an arrest of Mr Cotterell which Cross disputes, but works behind the scenes to make sure the actual perpetrator of the crime gets caught.

The conflict between the two detectives, the manner in which they approach the same subject is one point of interest. Cross is on the spectrum and works in his own way, understood by his closest colleagues and even by his Superintendent who knows Cross gets results.

This story handled several painful subjects bullying and physical punishment in schools, sexual violence in the workplace, different kinds of autism and the general intolerance to it. All hard subjects.

The story is a winner. 

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

I have been a bit late in reviewing books as I was on a short break in Kochi, India.

Impressive church of St George Malabar and Syrian faith. Very ornate and very well maintained.

Murder at Ravens Gate by Louise Marley

 

Very character driven, one had to have a clear head to sort them out but the setting, eccentric but glorious as only an English village can, with quite a few gothic touches to add to the drama.

Two old ladies living in a decrepit Blackheath Hall, keeping out everyone, ghostly figures hell bent on murder and the local constabulary gets involved when a young man is discovered with a pike in his back. There are ghost tours conducted around Ravens Head and especially around the Gateway to the Dead where a battle took place, and many died though no bodies are there anymore.

The mystery builds up with a fair amount of twists and though this is one in a series I found it very interesting as a stand alone. I like stories about vintage old ladies too (I am getting there slowly but surely) and find these ladies maybe old and somewhat physically feeble but wily to be able to get what they want.

Altogether interesting reading.

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

The Cove by L J Ross

 

Gabrielle a young woman who on the surface has it all. Until a random person decides to turn her into a mental mess by pushing her off a platform into the path of an oncoming train. Her physical trauma is nothing to the mental that she subsequently undergoes, leading her to withdraw from her busy life to rural Cornwall to a job which is calm with no stress.

Cornwall was delightful and idyllic and the tiny cove cut off during high tides makes it the ideal hideaway until Gabrielle unexpectedly sees a murder being committed. Despite some scepticism from the local police who are aware of her syndromes, Gabrielle decides to pursue the few clues available about the missing girl, putting herself once more in the path of a ruthless murderer. When the man who was the platform killer is not convicted of Gabrielle’s near fatal accident, it adds another layer of mystery and subterfuge to find out who actually pushed Gabrielle.

The two attempted murders are the main story set amongst beautiful scenery which is descriptively detailed and could be used by their tourism ministry!

Sent by Sourcebooks for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

Death on the Norfolk Express by Ross Greenwood

 

Terry is ninety and frail. He loves the railways, the old fashioned steam locomotives, the camaraderie amongst the volunteers and he feels this is a fitting way to end his life. He didn’t expect to be smothered and left to die however.

Detective Ashley is trying very hard to survive a day at a time after hearing about her boy friends sudden death. Working on a case may be the way to go, especially when they are dealing with someone who is targeting the train network and people connected to the history of these tiny villages on the network. Old history does not fade with time and revenge killings even decades later seem to be the norm for this bloodthirsty gang of old men who do not want to let go past enmities.

The murders were real, and the actual workings of this railway line are very descriptive and interesting reading, even for a novice like me with no clue how it works. That enthusiasm and interest still is very much alive for these old workhorses is strange but good for business as well.

Thank you Boldwood Books for sending me a copy courtesy of Netgalley.

The Irish Daughter of Bew York by Kate Hewitt

 

1891 New York City, Maggie and her younger brother were two of the thousands of Irish immigrants, dreaming of a bright future in America. They were to meet up with their father, but their hopes were dashed when he never turned up and finding his tenement was hard enough but to find he’d absconded without a care for them was heart breaking.

Finding employment was difficult for someone new to New York but Maggie had big dreams and she was determined to get her step on the ladder. She did not think that her fourteen year old brother would get involved in a notorious gang that would eventually put an end to her life that was beginning to turn around, and force her to flee when she became a wanted woman.

The story was descriptive of a change in lifestyles of not just poor but the rich as well. Nouveau rich families like the Steins were beginning to be part of the rich and famous, and for them too social acceptance was a slog. Class divides were very much in existence and both sides did not like someone who did not keep to the rules of “knowing one’s place”. It was good reading of a bit of history of life in New York at tge end of the 19th century. 

I am looking forward to the sequel of Maggie’s life once she left New York.

Thanks to Bookouture for sending me the book for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Fourth Queen by Nicola Cornick

 

The Tudors never cease to outrage and frighten at the same time. Henry VIII thought he was invincible and carried out anything he wanted to do, twisting and interpreting the law and religion the way he wanted. In this story Anna of Cleves, bested him, did something that could have changed the course of history with immense sacrifice to herself.

We also have the parallel story of Marris prioress of an abbey, losing it all in the Kings destruction of monasteries and abbeys. Overnight homeless, responsible for two younger sisters Will Sharington was an answer to a prayer when he took her under his wing. Marris became one of the ladies in waiting to Anne of Cleves whilst her husband Will was a lord with the King. When Anne was banished because Henry did not find her pleasing and he was enamoured with the sprightly Catherine Howard, Marris became a confidante of the ex Queen and held her most dangerous secret. Anne was pregnant and was terrified of the news getting out. The secret was kept forever and the baby boy was fostered with a trustworthy family.

The third part of the story is set in present times with three sisters being the reincarnation of Marris and her sisters and with the current excavation of the old priory and hall, the secrets of a five hundred years ago may be unearthed. To complicate matters two of the sisters believe they have found their former partners and navigating between the past and present is more tricky than the sisters realised because their younger sister who betrayed them then, will have no hesitation to do so again five hundred years later.

The story is exciting based on the true story of Anne of Cleves, the time slip adds another dimension to an already complicated story. Excellent reading.

Sent by Boldwood Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley