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.

The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor by Lucy Connelly

 

Dr Gwen Griffiths is not just changing countries, she is changing jobs as well. From working as managing editor in a Texan newspaper to heading a department in Journalism in a smaller setting of a university in Wales. She is looking forward to making the journalism department, the best of its kind. On her first day, after a very pleasant welcome dinner, she is confronted by the one person antagonistic from the beginning, who keels over dead at her feet.

The death is confirmed as suspicious, and strangely despite the victim being unknown to her, it seems Gwen is initially a person of interest. Slowly unraveling the story behind the surly dead woman , lies a long complicated history, unknown to any of her colleagues who have worked with her for years. 

The setting of the story in Wales was a first for me. The characters were interesting and the inquiry went in differing directions, before settling down!

Very interesting read with all the elements of a good cozy and lots of humour as well.

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

On another note we are having intolerably hot weather and I am looking longingly at scenes of icy rain in Bangalore to pouring rain in Texas. The grass is always greener on the other side.

The Witty Witches of Concord by Elizabeth Dunne

 

Concord, a small town seems to have more than its fair share of crime. Louisa May Alcott a resident has been in the forefront of solving past mysteries and when the body of Hannah Crook is found, it is to her that detectives turn to. On top of that a ritualistic murder of cattle adds to the mystery and gothic feel to the story, involving elements of magic, stories of witchcraft, energising the folk with a sense of unease that more dire things are about to happen. 

The story involves eccentric folk in the form of sisters, already under suspicion of murder and ever ready to create mayhem at any time, amongst a host of likely and unlikely suspects. A historical mystery combining the best of superstition and folk stories set against the detective skills of Ms Alcott who has to look through the muddled facts and decipher the truth.

Unusual characterization S, good setting and story are the marks of this book.

Sent by Level Best Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Patient by Tim Sullivan

 

A young woman Flick is found dead from a drug overdose. A former drug addict now clean, her death is considered a suicide. Her mother has doggedly been of the opinion that she was murdered, and DI Cross, always a voice for the unheard is curious about the case.

Upsetting his superiors and Detective Campbell who closed the case was never going to be a problem for Cross. Afflicted with Autism Spectrum Disorder, he never knows if he is arrogant or rude (he often is) but works on logic and fact. Having an excellent conviction record helps and the story is a masterclass of finding facts, deleting the unnecessary and finding the murderer.  

The narration is splendid and the story unravels keeping the reader on edge, taking you from one suspects to the next. Wonderful read.

Looking forward very much to the next read from this author.

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

Caricature in intricate detail of a white man in one of the most famous shrines in Bangkok.

All in her Hands by Audrey Blake

 

1849 a female surgeon is a rarity and Dr Nora Gibson has to fight her way through the suspicious, wary and downright ferocious male fraternity to earn her place. On top of that she has to fight the opposition of her own sex, who do not think being a surgeon is a proper job for a woman. Annoying and upsetting the upper echelons of society is a thing to be avoided at all costs, because funding for everything is dependent on those who have the money and Nora does not seem to be dealing with them well.

The onset of a cholera epidemic, striking first the poorer sections of society and then creeping its way to the richer parts of the city affect the small coterie of doctors who support Nora. Her being pregnant does not help matters both with her husband who is hurt that she hid the fact and continued to work, and with his immediate family who cut ties with her and her husband over this. 

The story highlights the limitations of the medical profession in the 19th century and the lack of scientific knowledge on the part of doctors who wanted to keep the community closed both physically and scientifically to new methods and fresh ideas. The need to make money prevented many of them from seeking help from midwives, who had experience and knowledge far in excess of doctors who treated a few dozen patients only. The practice of bleeding was still being promoted and it was sheer luck that there were less fatalities than could be expected. The levels of hygiene amongst the poor was abysmal and no surprise that death rates were so high. The levels of hygiene of indifference to the poor was startling except for a few charities who tried to make a difference. Much more could definitely have been done. 

An eye opener of a read. History, lifestyle and an evaluation of social mores at the time.

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

The Case of the Christie Curse by Kelly Oliver

 

The setting is exotic 1930 Mesopotamia, present day Iraq. The characters in the story are varied and exciting. Starting with the famed Ms Christie, we have the intrepid members of the Detection Club invited to the digs by Miss Christie because she felt that things were not quite what they seemed. 

What Theo and Eliza expected were exciting finds. What they faced was tensions within the camp, secrets that could break the funding of the group, looting of assets, and eventually murder. There are plenty of suspects but finding the correct one is key. Eventually Theodor and Eliza not only have to find a murderer but they also have to acknowledge their feelings for each other. One feature which was enlightening in the story is the looting of artefacts which finds their way to colonial masters and not to the countries to which they actually belong.

This story is part of a series but does well as a stand-alone.

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

A Field Guide to Murder by Michelle L. Cullen

 

Harry globe trotting anthropologist now retired. To add to his boredom he is suffering with a fractured hip and has at last got a care giver whom he likes. The earlier one was a martinet. Harry also snoops, almost stalkerish but it’s benign. His neighbours aren’t benign though and this very respectable, expensive part of town hides a lot of secrets and even fugitives. 

First the death of one neighbour sends Harry into high speed action, because he is the only one who thinks the death is suspicious, and no amount of providing links to the local Police makes them waiver from their accidental death verdict. The Police do not want amateur snoops interfering with their business but quirky Harry disabled as he is, has somehow persuaded Emma his caregiver who has romantic problems of her own, to join him in his pursuit of justice for their neighbours Sue.

Unravelling secrets in the past of several neighbours puts them right in the middle of toughened crooks but this unlikely interesting generational team is determined to solve the murders. Quirky and funny this was a lovely read.

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

View from my window. 32 degree scorching heat. 

One London Day by Chris Humphreys

 

Severin seems a simple families man. Accountant by profession, members of his local synagogue, keeping his head down. Keeping the books of a rogue group from M15 should have warned Severin not to play any kind of games with the ruthless five. 

Connecting random links starting with Joseph Severins hopeless infatuation for Lottie, who is in love with Patrick an a drug addicted actor, and a Russian escort Sonya who is desperately trying to make up funds needed for her daughters operation in whatever way she could. Joseph hiding the account books with Lottie, put her in direct danger and the killer Mr Phipps. A meticulous and clever killer Mr Phipps would never think he could be thwarted in his attempt to obtain the books but he was by the very savvy Sonya. Espionage was everywhere in the story, spies followed Mr Phipps and the five and the books were duly handed over to people who would follow the trail to mete out justice when they could.

Everything dovetails nicely, lots get killed, some escape (for the moment) ready to face another day. Some have a happy ending and you do cheer for them. Very entertaining read.

Sent by Allison & Busby for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Looking at this picture nostalgic feelings of when I could go travelling again. Just have to wait.

Missing in St Ives by Deborah Fowler

 

Merril had recently moved back to St Ives, idyllic quiet life in Cornwall. Helping out pro bono for various cases she likes the slower pace of life. Her friend Jane, in the midst of a messy divorce asks her to have her 16 year old daughter for the holidays. Not her ideal way of spending her time, she does not want to add to her friends worries and Emily comes to Cornwall. Emily turns out to be grumpy and rude and on her second day disappears from the cottage.

Now Merlin has to face Emily’s parents and the local Police to uncover how an absolute newcomer to the area can be abducted and why. When a ransom order comes in Police realise that their suspects know Emily’s background, her home (in Bristol) and now they have to join the links. The detectives work is excellent, until the kidnapper is shot dead whilst picking up the ransom with the police unaware of where Emily is being held. The only clue from the recording, is the sound of a curlew, found only in specific parts of the vast isolated area of Cornwall.

Alongside this kidnapping, the story of Billy with minor misdemeanours to his name now caught threatening a shop keeper with a knife, totally out of character and now tight lipped with fear, as to who put him up to this. Peddling drugs to very young children, the tragic death of a toddler who consumed the drugs thinking it was candy, the subsequent suicide of a 17 year old who couldn’t live with the guilt of bringing home the drugs, and the round up of the gang responsible for bringing the drugs to Cornwall is the other part of the story. Merlin is the support for Billy throughout the case. I personally didn’t not think Billy’s story though a good one had a bearing on Emily’s story which was a kidnapping and a ransom gone wrong.

Sent by Allison & Busby for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Murder at the Duomo by T A Williams

 

Oscar is the sidekick but a very important one. Uncovering clues at a vital part of an investigation and helping to push it forward is his specialty. We have his boss the retired English private investigator, who lives in idyllic Tuscany with Anna his partner. The other party is Commissario Virgilio who calls on Dan when an investigation involves the English.

This one was a puzzle. A crowded cathedral, the Duomo. Tristan Angel found murdered in a confessional with professional skill. Tristan, an extremely wealthy arms dealer, secretive and close lipped had come with a bunch of associates to his villa in Tuscany to fine tune business. Whom he was going to meet no one knew, and the investigation is hindered mainly by the lack of general knowledge of the inner dealings of this conglomerate. When a second murder by poison takes place within the villa itself the number of suspects is confined to the associates themselves, and then the third attempted murder which was not successful reconfirms. Now the painstaking background check starts and what links may have been missed.

With accounts of scenic Tuscany plus the mouth watering food, and the mystery murder is very much a page turner. The story held my interest throughout because once the initial suspects became themselves victims, it was not easy to find the actual murderer.

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

Round Up the Unusual Suspects by Elizabeth Crowens

 

A WWII background we have Babs and Guy in their next adventure of being private detectives on a film set. The set is chaotic, the figures are bigger than life, the producers and directors have enormous egos, uncontrollable tempers and three suspicious deaths occur. It is also the story where the two get married for convenience only.

There is the homosexuality theme and the fear of discovery, recruitment to the forces, and the biggest problem for Babs, the internment in camps of people of Japanese ancestry, now considered aliens and enemies of the state. Her attempts to hide Mr Otake are admirable but she is working flat out to solve a murder as well.

The story has a lot going on and keeping track of it all is not easy. It gives a good account of how studios worked in that time, and very little was orderly or pleasant.

Sent by Level Best Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Tag You’re It by Kerry Wilkinson

 

A reality show. Contestants from 18 to 80. Everyday one person is IT and has to tag someone with a phrase or get someone to do something. The prize money is big, and everyday with one game or the other, the money gets added to. The contestants come from a wide range of backgrounds and very quickly begin to develop small cliques with people whom they are comfortable with but the theme of Don’t Trust Anybody has to apply because almost all are focussed on winning.

When one of their number is found dead, the detectives have a problem of finding out who killed this contestant and why. Secrets so deeply concealed that no one can work out the links within some of the contestants. 

Surprising at every stage, this novel keeps you wanting to know what the end is like. Human nature with all its frailties displayed. A very good story.

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

The Case of the Murdered Muckraker by Rob Osler

 

Harriet is an intrepid private investigator. She is a lesbian keeping her secret closely guarded, this being Chicago at the turn of the twentieth century. Not the easiest time for a woman to be different, following a career that makes her distinctive. Not much help or support from colleagues which makes investigation, not just harder but lonely.

The story was a good one and all the characters stood out. Harriet had to work mainly alone, and this was an investigation with no holds barred, dealing with ruthless politicians who were extremely corrupt and who did not even think of Harriet as the opposition. That she had the grudging support of her boss was a good thing, because that did help.

Being gay and keeping it secret to the end was also hard because Harriet did feel that there were like minded people, but it was a topic that could not be spoken about. I do hope that we will have a sequel to this story. I’ll look forward to that.

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

The Three by Kelsey O’Brien

 

1791 England. Interesting times and we have people living dangerously on the edge.  Matthew is a skilled corset maker and his business is steadily on the rise. He came from nothing and has clawed himself up, setting up a business which is seen as successful. Though catering to the elite, he is still on the outside of society until he takes up with the aristocratic Henry with whom he falls in love. The danger of keeping a liaison like this secret is a must as it is a criminal offence. Matthew moves into Henry’s house as a private corset maker to Henry’s wife Elina so that the deception can continue.

So far the story is nothing untoward because society had many secrets swept under the Carpet, and ignored by polite society so that surfaces are not ruffled and secrets are kept hidden. Discovering that his lovers wife was well into revolutionary politics which she had kept carefully hidden was a surprise. Supporting her in her movement to popularise her ideas was not part of Matthew’s duties but he sympathised with Elina’s position in the household and then began his surreptitious life of helping Eliza without Henry’s knowledge.

The reckoning was coming and it did. It was sobering, difficult and emotional to process, but it was excellent reading.

The book was sent by Hera Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Shark House by Sara Ackerman

 

Set in Hawaii we have a story of a woman working in a man’s world (yes this is 1998) having to face a patronizing attitude because of her gender, despite being highly qualified for the job. A marine biologist by profession Minnow Gray on her subject of sharks, is at variance with the authorities on the islands. A few shark attacks, resulting in severe injury and a death are creating a pall over the tourist dependent islands. The powers that be would like to have a shark hunt and eliminate the threat, but Minnow knows that there is more to the attacks and does it warrant a hunt of these endangered mammals.

The story is very descriptive of the islands themselves, the myths and legends of the islanders themselves are brought into the story as a backdrop the reality of business and local politics. Striking a balance is not going to be easy and Minnow becomes a target because of her opposition to the hunt. This is a story about the natural world and the power of nature and things humans are still trying to understand. 

Sent by Harper Muse for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Beattie Cavendish and the Highland Hideaway by Mary-Jane Riley

 

My second read by this author and she did not disappoint.

Beattie is unassuming and her supposed role in the Civil Service is to improve efficiency amongst employees especially their typing skills. It seems like a good cover because Beattie is discreet, fearless and loves her job. She had to overcome obstacles from her family who just wanted her to be domesticated and married. Their knowledge of what she did was vague and she kept it at that.

Her present assignment to go to Kilbride, a remote Scottish outpost where something was awry. There was talk of double agents, people working for both sides, and on arrival a missing head of the unit, as well as a missing uncle, the very enigmatic Howard Cavendish.

Paddy Corrigan, a past conspirators with Beattie also works in this story, bringing mixed emotions to both of them. Their attraction to each other is deep, trust implicit but there are many barriers and this was sad.

The setting was bleak and descriptive providing just the amount of negativity needed as a background for the story that emerged. Spies, double dealings, mercenaries and trying to see the wood from the trees was Beattie’s instructions.

An excellent story with strong and weak characters which fitted their respective roles perfectly.

Sent by Allison & Busby for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney

 

Marie’s grandmother works for a rich family as a housekeeper, earning their respect and kindness. Her son and grandson were avaricious, only looking for the wealth they thought she had accumulated over the years. Marie loved her grandmother for who she was and nothing else. When she was found brutally murdered, marie did not want to believe that her family were involved but the facts pointed to them having some kind of role in the murder.

When both her brother, father and her brothers closest friend were found to be suspects, Marie appealed to the family for help to get them out. James Lett was attracted to Marie and believed in her, though he had reservations about her kin.  The green baize door separated the masters from those who worked for them, and the demarcation was very definite. James and Marie had to work together to find the murderer and both had to keep within their boundaries. Class identity, the gap between the two were marked characteristics of the story. The grinding poverty prevalent amongst the working class was another sad commentary of the times. A feature of the story is also the effect of having a coloured ancestry and how it affected your entire life, from finding a job to finding a decent place to live. It did not matter that you appeared white, even the suspicion of being coloured was enough to blight your existence.

The book was a social commentary apart from the murder connotations. A good one.

Sent by Parlor & Dock Press, courtesy of Netgalley.

We were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda

 

A reunion. A celebration for an engagement party. A beautiful house in a fabulous setting almost a luxury hotel atmosphere. That was the setting. The animosity, the resentment, the patronizing attitudes were still there. Amidst it all the story of a girl who died in a similar house years before, not forgotten by any of them, compartmentalised into a small box hidden away till this weekend opens a Pandora’s box from which there is no escape.

Each of the women had an agenda. Each had secrets to hide. One of them was blackmailing one and had her sights set on another. One was very quiet and very much in the background. She was the one to watch. 

Not a single character was likeable. All rotten to the core but the story was a twisted tale which kept you wanting to read another chapter to know where it would go.

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

Mrs Hudson and the Spirits Curse by Martin Davies

 

I am  Sherlock fan so any link to them draws my eye. This did not disappoint.

Sherlock and Watson are setting up house and there are new characters - Mrs Hudson and Flotsam. Both are “characters” in every sense of the word. Mrs Hudson inscrutable, hidden talents, contacts with everyone and Flottie under her watchful eye being trained and educated for higher things. This was a story in itself.

The mystery had many twists including spirits (debunked by both Holmes and Watsonville), though quite plausible at the beginning. Murders galore and detection of the usual sort by the pair, at times bested by Mrs Hudson.

My first introduction to the lady and I hope I get to many more.

Very much enjoyed this read.

Sent by Allison & Busby for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

A Very Novel Murder by Ellie Alexander

 

Annie has opened her detective agency, after successfully launching her bookshop. Now she awaits her first client. In a small village she expected to have to deal with missing cats, unfaithful husbands and cases of vandalism. Her first enquiry was an eye opener - someone who thought her partner could be Agatha Christie s own son and brought stuff to support her claim. The other, an elderly lady brought in a full scale murder enquiry with lots of arguments to support her case.

Kelly had been June’s friend and despite being very young had befriended June or that was the story. June despite local police ruling it a death by accident, (Kelly was found drowned in a bath tub), June was suspicious of the boy friend, Kelly’s surfing coach and also the girl who shared the flat. 

Initial investigations supported Annie’s suspicions that everything was not what it seemed and the local police got involved again. What followed was a plethora of crimes, and several suspects. The actual murderer was able to hoodwink two sharp detectives and the local police force almost to the end.

Excellent detective work.

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

The Chateau Murder by Greg Mosse

 

Set in an isolated snow bound setting the first death of an old butler seemed like an accident waiting to happen.. Zoe has been invited by her friends to come. It seems like a desperate summons. When she arrives 

however, the friend is evasive and an occasion for a chat seems almost impossible. Undercurrents run high between the aged twin brothers, and having three ex wives on the premises does not augur well. The only child on the premises is strange as well, moulded and influenced by very complicated adults.

The story is a complicated one and I didn’t see the end or the murderer clearly at all. The setting was descriptive and the characters were very varied. 

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

The Star Society by Gabriella Saab

 

Two sisters both fled Nazi occupied Netherlands and have established careers. One is the bright young star of Hollywood, with a past she has kept carefully hidden, and the other a career woman. An investigator- her job to find out as much as possible about the wave of Communism hitting Hollywood, focussing mainly on her sister Ada.

The story weaves through the lives of producers, agents and stars in Ada’s circuit, along with the focus of Ingrid’s investigation. Intertwined with this is the search for the Nazi who made Ada’s life miserable and who was responsible for the death and disappearance of many Jews in the Netherlands.

With inspiration from the story of Audrey Hepburn, this was a detailed and very factual story of what transpired both during and after Nazi occupation. The story of resilience of survival and the bond of sisterhood makes it a very emotional read.

Sent by Harper Muse for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Revenge of Odessa by Frederick Forsyth with Tony Kent

 

The storyline is eye catching. Fifty years after revealing the secrets of Odessa Peter is now retired from his journalistic beat for the safety of his grandson. Georg however is no shrinking Violet and follows his grandfather in the dangerous hunt. Odessa is alive and well just under another name and playing a waiting game.

The premise was good but the story falls flat and was disappointing particularly when it carries the Forsyth name.

Sent by Random House UK Transworld Publishers.

A Deadly Clue by Victoria Albert

 

Cameron Clewe and Jane Hunter are not just employer and employees. Jane works curating Cam’s vast library but they have also worked on suspicious death cases before.  Involving the powerful Stewart family, an encounter with one of the family whilst collecting a parcel of books, Jane comes across an odd note which could be linked to the high profile suicide of Kimberley Stewart. When and before Cam and Jane even begin working on their suspicions, another death happens. This too is certified as a death by an overdose and seems too convenient to be acceptable.

Working with very little information, and against a very powerful family who has no compunction in threats of every kind Cam and Jane are determined to get to the truth, especially after a third death occurs. Alongside the murder investigation, is also the puzzling mystery and whereabouts of Cam’s father now missing for years and with a backdrop of estrangement from his family. Maybe we would hear more of this intriguing backstory in another episode.

A fairly convoluted investigation, but an interesting one.

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

Murder Hi Jinks and the Peridot Cufflinks by Lynn Rankin-Esquer

 

Izzy is part of a team with her sister in an organisation co-op. A business that helps people clear, declutter and organise their living space so that they can think clearly and live basically organised lives. Izzy is also psychic and though she tries to close her mind to warnings, she is sometimes caught quite unaware in some homes she helps to clear, much to the dismay of her very focused sister.

The latest happening is bizarre when she gets signals for a man who was murdered, and though all the obvious signs is his gold digger wife, it is actually not so. The police assigned to the case know about her abilities and though one of them is skeptical (at the beginning only) the other knows from personal experience not to take Izzy’s forecasts lightly. The story unravels with many side issues, another murder and more insights. The biggest danger is that the murder weapon had Izzy’s fingerprints on them, and though the reasoning behind it is quite plausible (she was part of the cleaning crew of the murder victims household), her involvement cannot be ignored.

There is a nice balance of murder and humour including all the characters involved, which added interesting to the story.

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

Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly

 

I seem to be reading mystery/murder stories across the years from the very modern to much earlier times and every year in between.

This one with a Regency theme sees our Austen characters in a clever who dun it. It’s the festive season and Emma faces a very surprising announcement. Her father widowed (and rather grumpy) has announced his intention to marry the excitable Miss Bates. Emma has to hand over the reigns of running the household to another lady. Something she finds hard to do and move to Donwell Abbey neglected and run down and make it a comfortable home.

A splendid party is somewhat marred by the sudden death of a maid Prudence and then the rumours begin to fly. Emma’s enquiries unearths several unsettling claims which are whispered about in the locality, ending with the arrest of Mr Larkins, Emma’s steward and one whom she and her husband George trust implicitly. The feelings of the locals and the judge are against Mr Larkins who is of Irish descent (not very popular amongst the English villagers). Emma and George have their hands full when they unearth a smuggling ring, involving villagers, servants of the Abbey and a gang of ruthless men determined to see the hapless Mr Larkins hang.

A very interesting mystery murder cozy set in very English surroundings of a different age.

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

The Cyclist by Tim Sullivan

 

George Cross is an excellent detective, I would venture to say borderline on the spectrum, brilliant but difficult to understand and work with. Not a team player, not sharing insights or whatever he thinks should be done next, he however uses logic and a sense of going forward in a way he sees as obvious but is difficult to understand to those who have to work with him.

Discovering a body, finding clues, going into the family history and slowly connecting the dots is this mystery. It is also a lot about the persona of DS George Cross. Makes for a very interesting read as it brings in another aspect to usual mystery novels.

I am looking forward to the rest of the books by this author.

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

The Ruffler’s Child by John Pilkington

 

Thomas is a skilled falconer held in high esteem by his employers the Lord Robert and Lady Margaret. Everything is very serene in the Berkshire Downs till the discovery of the Lady Margaret’s ne’er do well brother. Known for his underhand dealings and the nefarious company he keeps, nevertheless his death has to be followed up.

Travelling to London looking for more falcons for Lord Robert, Thomas sees that things are not what they seem and a tangle of long hidden secrets and blackmail can bring Lady Margaret’s world crashing down.

The story has many twists and turns and Thomas’s detective skills are second to none at uncovering the suspects and the plot, as well as protecting his mistress.

Set in an Elizabethan era with plenty of history woven in this was very good reading.

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

Murder Made Her Wicked by Elizabeth Hobbs

 

1894 and Marigolds finds herself penniless and wondering what to do. The acceptance and publication of her novel brings her the money necessary to pursue academia and she finds herself back in the college she loves, doing what matters most to her. Before long she gets embroiled in a murder, discovering the body of a student. Identifying who the victim is becomes quite complicated, and declaring it a murder is too because the authorities would like to classify it as accidental, rather than intentional.

Marigolds uses the talents of her fellow students to analyse whatever information is available to them to find the murderer before he strikes again. 

Very much a Victorian era setting, Marigolds has to work within the constraints and expectations of the time. This adds interest to the story. It also highlights the difficulties faced by women who sought an education and a career without settling only for marriage.

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

Murder in Venice by T A Williams

 

Private Detective Dan Armstrong arrives at the luxurious home of Alice Graceland, ready for a weekend of a simulated mystery murder weekend. Legend of the silver screen Alice had invited the very best of Hollywood directors, production and moguls and Dan and his faithful Oscar were very much part of the proceedings. What was strange was the feelings of antipathy, dislike and downright antagonism amongst the guests. It did not augur well for the weekends entertainment.

The story set amongst the beauty of Venice brings out secrets of decades past, revenge sought for past misdemeanours and deep feelings of humiliation and hurt now brought out in full force. Not very pleasant as it unfolded with two murders and Dan working with the Venetian police to find the murderer.

A very interesting murder mystery set in beautiful surroundings. 

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

The Invite by Irina Shapiro

 

I am a fan of this author. Her stories seem straightforward. They never are. Therein lies the excitement, the pursuit of wanting to know more. This was no exception. But it was the first book I read from her set in a very modern setting.

A reunion of friends after years. Organized by Lexie who according to her social media posts led a colourful, varied life. Everyone invited turned up except the host and then the body count starts. If you like really deep, dark mysteries, an almost psychopathic murderer, victims with deep, dark secrets of their own, an atmospheric setting in an isolated lakeside community, this is it.

Excellent writing, build up to an explosive point, the fizzle down of emotions and the build up again to a crescendo, this is it.

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

Huguette by Cara Black

 

Post 1945 Paris the story of Huegette is very disturbing. Just seventeen, orphaned and betrayed by her father, she now finds herself pregnant with a Nazi officers baby and forced by the nuns to give him up for adoption.

Using one of her father’s contacts she gets an entry level job into one of the Parisian studios, climbing the ladder slowly with her business acumen and shrewd and quick thinking. Unimaginable life for a young woman with no family or friends her focus is on finding the Nazi officer who raped her on a whim. Hearing tales that the officer escaped and some stories that he died, she finally meets him at a film award ceremony to seek the revenge she had been pursuing for most of her life. Her relationship with Claude Leduce did not impose much on the story as there was so much going on as well. Leduce seemed secondary.

The emotional intensity in this story is hard to read clinically. Huguette’s child conceived in rape but when he was born she had no choice in the plan for his adoption, and she longed to get him back. This was not to be. Her life was never easy because she was a target by her father’s enemies but Huguette was a very strong, gutsy focussed woman.

Overwhelmingly sad but very real about 1945 to 1947 Paris.

Sent by Soho Press for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

The Holly Villag Murders by Benedict Brown

 

Marius Quin and Lady Bella were looking forward to an uneventful quiet Christmas but it was not meant to be. Bella’s much loved Aunt has died in what are suspicious circumstances, but what is surprising is that the local Police do not entertain their requests for an investigation citing that the lady was old and batty. Infuriated Bella and Quin ask Inspector Lovebrook to help them in their quest.

In this quiet, wealthy enclave of Holly Village the death of Adele did not disturb them much but when a second woman is found murdered, the detectives have to follow up clues faster, pursue suspects, some of whom prove innocent, others villains but not murderers till their quarry is caught.

The setting of 1928 is still very old fashioned and Marius is very much of the old school so it is educative to see how he handles his personal feelings and love for Bella, whilst maintaining a cool distance and not overstepping boundaries as she is still grieving for her fiancée who has passed away.  Their detective skills and working together is not hindered in any way by their personal relationship, and the story slow but steadily reaches its conclusion.

This is No. 6 in the series but is fine as a stand alone.

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

Evensong by Stewart O’Nan

 

A very close look at a group of women who help each other out as they get older and more fragile, facing hiccups in their lives. The fall of one of their members, her hospitalisation, the visits to cheer her up have to be scheduled. Not all are willing to be put on a roster and those that do are stretched to the maximum. The degree of care from baking cookies to visits to the sick are shown by these members and they are lucky to have someone who cares.

A very warm novel about the power of befriending and nurturing.

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

Murder in York by J R Ellis

 

Set in the ancient city of York, the murder mystery gave us also tantalising tidbits of the history and origins of this city. It added so much variety to the story. Told in a very easy style it was a very pleasant read, despite the murders!

DCI Oldroyd is at a very boring conference in York. He is a history buff too and goes on a ghost tour to discover more about the city he loves. Discovering a body was not part of the tour and he joins the city’s detectives in trying to solve the murder. Discovering two other bodies killed in similar fashion sparks panic whether a serial killer is on the loose. 

Good detection slowly unravels the story but also highlights the problem of homelessness in cities classed as rich, where such problems should not exist. This feature was highlighted throughout the story and formed an integral and very important part of the story.

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