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.

The Blitz Secret by Stephen Ronson

 

Set during the darkest days for Britain in the 1940s, with the Blitz overshadowing London almost continuously and almost bringing Britain to its knees, we have a story of espionage on one side, and the abduction of a young woman on the other.

The story exemplifies the misery that the Londoner had to face during these days. The need to survive in the face of aerial bombing which was relentless destroying homes and livelihoods and people murdered in their hundreds. Life still continued with bars and clubs and a roaring black market trade along with prostitution and corruption. 

Plenty of spies, double spies some of them secrets galore and the determined unravelling of a missing girl presumed dead , except by one person.

Beautifully told, very descriptive and detailed this was an excellent story.

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

Never Look Back by Susan Lewis

 

This story was unpredictable and good. It got you questioning everything you know about AI and digital manipulation (of which I know almost nothing).

Romy’s husband died in strange circumstances. The couple were exceptionally close. Romy disappears and several media posts show her happy and saying she will contact her friends when she feels more settled. Nothing sits well and her close circle feel that things are not quite right and one of them starts a pod cast to get to the bottom of the story.

What is unravelled is a scam involving overseas tricksters who steal everything from you, not just your money but your identity and leave you abandoned with nothing to your name. Inevitably betrayed by someone within your circle who is vulnerable.

The story is very possible and frightening to envisage. The extent to which cyber criminals can enter your world seems almost childs play.

Sent by Harper Collins UK Harper Fiction for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Murder on frosty Night by Verity Bright

 

Winter 1925 just before Christmas. Hugh and Eleanor just getting ready to celebrate their first Christmas together. Also to celebrate the launch on their detective agency. A sudden telegram, along with an advance deposit comes from the most remote village possible to find, summoning them urgently.

In dramatic fashion they arrive at Yorelow to find the man who sent the telegram murdered in the church graveyard whilst Midnight Mass was going on and a myriad of suspects available for the taking. Very steady detection work, many red herrings, lots of eccentric characters often times found in English cozies of the time all adding a sense of piquancy and unreality to the surroundings.

The stories of Lady Eleanor, Hugh Seldon and Clifford along with their entourage is humorous and engaging though the background is always murder.

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