These Crooked Things by Ellen Byerrum

 

1934 and its Post Prohibition now. Bars are open openly but crime proliferates. Graydon and his brand new fiancée are called in to cover up a murder. An attack on a pregnant woman by her own husband, high on cocaine leaves her husband dead and a upper crust father doing his best to see that his daughter in law does not end in the executioners chair. A plausible story to protect the injured Maura was floated by Esme, agreed on by all parties including the Detectives on the case as a tidy way of sorting out the problem.

They did not think that there were two other people wanting to take a shot at the victim, one a make believe one to shake him up and one assailant who feels cheated out of his victim! The story involves local and Chicago criminals, show biz characters and Graydon’s own aristocratic parents, particularly his father who has very set ideas of people and their place in society. A daughter in law who is a drama producer and one who dabbles in crime is not what he thought suitable.

The story was interesting and fast paced from the word go. Characters were varied and the settings of the theatre and the theatre lifestyle caught my interest.

Sent by Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Lies We Inherit by Angela R. Key

 

The Goodreads description was confusing. There is no Delilah and no caregiving of a mother with Alzheimers. 

At the beginning I thought the girl around whom the story revolves was in a state of being unstable. Then one questions the mental state of the overpowering mother and the cruelty of the brother. It was not an easy story to follow or analyse, but I liked the style of writing. The characters were difficult to like.

The story also portrays how one can very insidiously mess up a persons head by planting misinformation and memories, getting the person to think in a very different way as to sequence of events and what actually happened. This is what happened to Elise in the story and she had to unravel years of wrong information to get to the truth.

Sent by Crown Cipher Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

Murder at cottonwood Creek by Clara McKenna

 

Stella and Lyndy are visiting Stella’s mother’s ranch in Montana, where Lord Atherly, Lyndys father is on a mission to find fossils of a long extinct horse. It is rough country, and Lyndy who is used to deference due to his aristocratic status, finds that none of the people who he works with is cowed or bothered by whom he is.

Undercurrents exist on the site and amongst all those involved, but when one murder is followed by another, and the suspects all seem to have alibis Stella finds herself in a quandary. Limitations because of her being female also plays a role. On top of it all the coroner who seems to be the most powerful man in the area, over rides the verdict of murder and declares death by accident. His appointed jury follows him and though the Sheriff disagrees, he is not willing to go against the most powerful man in Cottonwood Creek. 

The setting in Montana, the era, the ranching lifestyle and the lack of pretension are all highlighted in this story.

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

The Marazion Murders by Sally Rigny

 

An elderly woman found dead in a care home would be quite a routine matter. It is a bit unusual in that all the inmates are former entertainers. Some more prominent than others, and a routine investigation turns into a murder investigation when we find the first victim has been murdered.

Once the detectives start the investigation, they find that the seemingly disparate characters have had dealings in the past professionally and personally and most of them did not end well. There is deep seated envy and antagonism, and when a second person is murdered the detectives have to up their game and fast before there is another victim.

A very good cozy.

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

Not Exactly Mr Darcy by Carolyn Miller

 

Olivia Bennett, a true Austen aficionado transfers from rural Australia to a tiny village to help her ailing grandmother. The fact that Hartbury Hall is within hailing distance helps, because that is where the famous scene of Darcy kissing Elizabeth occurs and Liv is so keen on visiting this particular site (and of course imagining the scene).

Hartbury Hall has fallen into an abyss of ruin and going downhill rapidly. Liam the present owner with no funds, no staff and a somewhat stubborn resistance to change doesn’t help the situation. A chance to bring in volunteers to resuscitate the Hall, using Liv as the coordinator, using the Austen connection to the full is not without its hazards and faces many obstacles. Liv and her team are determined to get there and prevent the Hall falling into the hands of private investors, and preserve its heritage for both the villagers and the family.

The story was a simple one with a clean romance, a mixed bunch of characters and an easy read.

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

Mystery at Mistletoe Place by Clare Chase (an Eva Mallow mystery)

 

Arthur’s Boatyard is a proud fixture of this village, having been around for decades. The owner however has been at odds with many people and when his brutally murdered body is discovered, there are many suspects and Eva Mallow has to tread carefully not to disclose her suspicions. The plot thickens when his own family and dear friends forms part of the initial group of suspects.

Most of the suspects seem to have strong alibis, but when of them the first victims own sister is found strangled and drowned Eva’s calculations are thrown into disarray and she has to go over all her initial timelines and motives for the murders.

Plenty of characters, a complicated murder trail and lots of twists abd turns.

Sent by Bookouture for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Red Cottage by Hannah Linder

 

Someone wants Meg dead and won’t stop at one thwarted attempt. Meg and Tom are an item and nothing seemed to be able to stop them being together till a near fatal accident leaves Meg with total memory loss and in the hold of a rather accommodating Lord who wants Meg for his own.

Tom McGwen is not a man to give up and he tries very hard to protect Meg from the onslaught of repeated attacks by someone who wants Meg very dead, even if it involves hurting others.

Set in 1818, this Regency novel has quite a gothic feel as well. Some romance lots of mystery and quite a lot of twists and turns.

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

The Restoration Garden by Sara Blaydes

Julie has always been an avid gardener. She has now got her chance to restore a garden which has gone into decay and gone wild due to neglect. No plans and no definite instructions from the owners she has to start from scratch. This is also the only chance of her little nephew getting back to normalcy, after his traumatic past.

There is a lot of hidden history behind the garden, and hidden secrets which the present owner the ninety two year old is very reluctant to reveal. Her godson the enigmatic Andrew keeps his thoughts to himself, thinking that any emotional upheaval is dangerous for his aunts mental health.

The story covering 1940s history, plus the workings of a family are a good read. Complicated family relationships.

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

From my recent holiday.

Twelve Days to win a Count by Alexandra Alma

 

Very nice reading whilst I was on holiday, this combined the matchmaking efforts of a mother who like Mrs Bennett wanted the best most advantageous marriage for her daughter. Marriage of convenience which turned quite sensual, a headstrong but firm daughter who wanted a marriage with some she liked and not for just high stakes and convenience, this was a Christmassy feel good read.

Involving Puerto Rico and Barcelona as background settings was also interesting.

Sent by Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

My best sighting at Yala Safari Wild Park

The Stolen Crown by Tracy Borman

 

In 1603 Elizabeth I died almost to the end never announcing her successor. On her deathbed she almost reluctantly appointed her successor and the reign moved from Tudor to Stuart. What preceded that however was decades of intrigue, espionage, murders by the dozen, treachery, crossovers and the like.

It did not show James in a good light because he manoeuvred every situation that arose to his advantage.

History during Elizabeth’s reign was turbulent with many discoveries, victories and innovations because Elizabeth was a great patron of art, inventions and travels. All this is documented in the book which shows Elizabeth totally focussed on one subject - her country and herself. The two were clearly one in her mind which she had no intention of sharing.

A book good for history buffs, the details of Elizabeth’s life is mind boggling.

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

I am at this wildlife park in Yara and had this peacock amble to my front door this morning.

Marianne by Alice McVeigh

Marianne is a young widow whose husband died tragically young leaving her wealthy and very much alone. She has now returned to London for the first time and has stirred a lot of interest amongst the men.

She is very eligible and several men try to gain her interest. The three men who try to gain her attention have very chequered pasts and some of them think she should be honoured if they propose and consider themselves a “good catch”

Into this scenario, comes Margaret Dashwood the younger sister dramatic, not yet made her debut but watching the proceedings with an eagle eye, all grist to her probable novel in the making.

There are a number of Austen characters and the book becomes a very pleasant read.

Sent by Warleigh Press for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Black Wolf by Louise Penny

 

A domestic terrorist attack was stopped in the nick of time and it is only after a few weeks had passed that Chief Inspector Armand Gamache decides that he has been hoodwinked. What is to follow was much worst, having horrible consequences for both Canada and American and starting a war between the two countries.

The story both political and involving the delicate balance of the environment, plays on the feelings and fears of people whose basic needs and wants are in danger. The story is so twisted that the improbable, when one thinks of it can just as probably be true. Very much keeping in with present trends the story deals with corrupt at the political level at the highest in the land, then goes on to corrupt billionaires.

I hadn’t read The Grey wolf before this one, but it did not detract from this story.

A book to be read slowly.

Sent by Hodder & Stoughton for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Murder on the Prince Regent by Irina Shapiro

 

Gemma and Sebastian are a couple who work very well together despite the constraints of women working in the medical field. Gemma longs to be a surgeon but knows it is a dream and Sebastian wants to make Gemma his wife but is held back by economic restraints.

Now working on the horrific murder of a member of the British aristocracy, the Lord’s wife missing and a ships captain just wanting to close the case and dock in London, Inspector Sebastian and Gemma have to work against the clock to find the murderer who is on board because once they dock, the chances of catching the man responsible for now two murders is remote.

The story was not just of detection. It highlighted the difficulties in the medical field, the work of the coroner who had to hide the fact that Gemma ably assisted him. If discovered all his students would leave and he would find himself destitute. It was appalling the level that women were held, almost chattels who had to follow blindly orders given by the male members of society. And this was 1859. Gemma herself was very poor and if not for Sebastian, her future looked so bleak. Losing a job without a reference was equivalent to suicide as in the case of the two maids of the murdered Lord. The lifestyle, the differences of class very well highlighted in the story. 

Sent by Storm Publishing courtesy of Netgalley.

Murder most British by Helena Dixon

 

London 1941 Miss Jane Treen working as a nondescript secretary for the government, flying under the radar has a very keen mind and a skill at detecting. Along with Arthur whom she treats at times with disdain are set to find out who murdered Tabitha who was on her way with vital information. The murder covered by a raid where Tabitha’s body was hidden, is the beginning of finding out who and where the mole is, especially when another is murdered and Jane and Arthur find themselves in the cross hairs of the murderer.

Apart from being an excellent detective/murder mystery, I find wartime Britain lifestyles fascinating. This is part of history and makes for very good reading. Attitudes towards women still have a way to go, it is not fair or equal or acceptable. 

The book was sent by Bookouture for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley. Many thanks.

Murder at the wedding by Anita Dawson

 

You really don’t want to find the vicar missing minutes before you walk down the aisle. This was what happened and to add to the chaos, the bride found the vicar murdered in a mausoleum in the church premises.

What follows is a story of what looks like a pretty ordinary vicar hiding a bucket load of secrets, very interesting characters in the form of Hannah and her Aunt Violet and a story that was extremely interesting. There were lifestyle descriptions which were fascinating considering that one was in the midst of war, and plenty of history thrown in for added interest.

Thank you to Boldwood Books for sending me this book for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Chocolate Tin by Fiona McIntosh

 

1915 may be considered modern times but for Alexandra Frobisher it was a battle to do whatever her heart was set on doing. Her love of chocolate developed amongst families in York in the business was frowned upon, because daughters in her position did not have a career. Her mother only wanted her to marry, one of the suitable young men lined up, and produce the required number of children. For Alexandra who wanted to fall in love and then get married this was a tall order. 

Meeting Matthew Britten Jones was a compromise. He promised to allow her to pursue her dreams and did not expect a model wife. Alexandra felt comfortable with him and life moved on. Harry Blakeney a veteran of the war was on a mission. Discovering the body of a dead soldier with a box of the King’s Chocolate with him alongside with a note, he was determined to bring some closure to the dead soldiers family, bringing with him the soldiers medals and whatever could make the boys family happy. Meeting Alexandra on the tour was a catalyst for both. Alexandra realised what was missing from her marriage and Harry was hopelessly in love.

The story took an eventful turn when Matthew’s homosexuality was discovered and outed to the authorities by Matthew’s own father. That saga alone was horrific and took this story forward. A happy ending ensued for all the players but it was only because of their courage and tenacity.

Very good characterization, beautiful setting for the story and details of lifestyle and the way of life meticulously displayed.

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

Murder of Crows by Andrew James Greig

 

James Costorphine has just got married , returning to work his wife running a clinic close by. He was blissfully happy and has a lot to look forward to. When a complaint is lodged about two scarecrows going missing in this rural community followed by a body being found on the rail tracks, the dots cannot be linked until a patient escapes from a facility, the body is identified as a nurse at the facility and Shamila, James’s wife gets abducted along with a young patient.

To add to his misery James is taken off the case, but he and his partner despite orders from higher ups try to find out what are the links between the victims and James’s wife. Her fear of scarecrows is not known widely so the scarecrows being used in the murders is also part of the ritual. When the number of murders escalate and Samhain approaches with a massive bonfire, James knows that it is critical to find Shamila, as otherwise it will be too late.

The clues are all over the place, pointing all the detectives in the wrong direction, by a clever murderer who not only covers his tracks but finds the perfect victim to take the rap.

Convoluted but a good read.

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

In Deadly Fashion by Rosemary Simpson

 

I love this gilded era and 1891 personified that. For the rich and aristocratic it was a very comfortable, secure life. For the working classes not so. For women, there were rules and regulations galore. Heiress Prudence Mackenzie was never one to bow down to unnecessary demands and her engagement to ex Pinkerton detective Geoffrey Hunter has taken place and the wedding is in two weeks.

Prudence has taken a chance on a dress salon run by Madame Regina hitherto unknown for her wedding gown, but when her gown is found shredded to bits with blood all over it, alongside the body of one of the seamstresses, it seems the attack is a tad personal. And it is.

Uncovering a story of revenge by the twisted mind of a woman who thought she was scorned is dangerous for both Prudence and Geoffrey. Imprisoned and brutally beaten for an imaginary crime brings violence very close to the couple.

A very interesting story set in a very rich setting this was an excellent read.

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

Two Truths and a Murder by Colleen Cambridge

 

Early 20th century England setting, an old hall and Agatha Christie as a background, battling it out with Hercule Poirot. In the actuality, Phillida Bright housekeeper and sleuth extraordinaire, drawn like a magnet to dead bodies and mysteries, much to the annoyance of the local Inspector.

The dinner should have been straightforward, if not for the parlour game initiated by one of the sisters present. Genevra was a trouble maker, her sister was the mild one. The dinner party comprised of people from the village, all known to each other. At the end one of the party was dead, murdered and the suspect had to be one of the dinner party attendees.  With slow elimination of suspects, plenty of red herrings, more deaths, the pace hots up and Phillida discovers so many secrets and lies that have been cunningly concealed that it seems as if everyone is a suspect. 

The illicit relationship that Phillida has does spice up the story in a very surprising manner, not at all vulgar! A very pleasant read.

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