The Cherokee Court Conundrum by Benedict Brown

 

Marius Quinn seventh in the series. An amateur detective he and Lady Bella are asked to solve an attempted murder and robbery. Set in the 1920s in a very countrified setting this is a comfortable read, the likes of which I never get tired of. 

This was a very pleasant cozy though I do think Marius has to get over his reticence in announcing his feelings for Bella. Maybe she could also indicate in some form her feelings for him. This endless to ing and fro ing is getting stale.

Nice read in the same genre as Agatha Christie classics.

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

The Secret of the Lantern Keepers. By Jenni Keer

 

This has got a lot to keep you going. A Victorian institute, run on almost feudal lines, an asylum according to its description. Many of the patients conveniently despatched there. An unwanted wife, a child with mental defects. A wife suffering from what was so wrongly called as hysteria. Never visited by family but the present management, within boundaries doing the best they can.

Edith, her father recently passed away with stipulations for his triplet daughters. Carry out the assignation given to them or forfeit the family home. For Edith and her sisters, homeschooled and who have not known the outside world this was a punishment but there was no choice. Edith entered the asylum as Mrs Brewer, tge lawyers clerk fictitiously acting as her husband. She entered as a woman abused violently by her husband. Her task set by her father to find out how the former superintendent Hawkins died. Her father’s hobby of pursuing cold cases was his passion, and he felt that this case needed enquiry. Edith had her own special gift which was to see memory clips and hear events, especially violent events and her father felt that she would be able to solve this unsolved violent murder. That he put his daughter’s life at stake obviously did not cross his mind, because the murderer could very well be around still - a member of staff or a patient perhaps.

Edith gradually gets involved with the workings of the asylum, begins to have warmer feelings towards the present superintendent Lambert but of course as an inmate and a married woman there was nothing further to be done.  Edith takes on more responsibilities and becomes aware of a secret confined to very few senior staff. A group called the Lantern Keepers who are a vigilante group, finding means to find the weaknesses and faults of those responsible to putting hapless people without a voice into the asylum. The blackmail and even their eventual deaths helps to keep Green Briars in funds and run in an efficient way with solid staff, very unlikely hospitals and asylums of tge time.

The story was full of a lifestyle of the day which made it almost a piece of history - the power of men over their wives and children was absolute. Rebellion of any kind was not permitted, women were restricted in every field and however clever one was, you were confined within clearly marked boundaries. The standards set for asylums and for the care of anyone in a mental institution was stark and brutal as seen in the past in this institution. Very few were of the calibre of staff found here, and this was in part because they carried their own trauma.  

Apart from this the description of the Cornish countryside in different seasons was very good reading too. The characters were varied and added so many layers to the story. An excellent book.

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

One Dark Summer by Sarah Hornsley

 

Penny walked out on her daughter Lily when Lily was four years old. It has always been only Lily and her Dad who is reticent about talking about her mum. It is accidentally that she got to know that her grand parents had a house on Orsea Island, and Lily surreptitiously plans a trip there when her father is away.

What is uncovered is an aunt, a family and more secrets because her mother’s family believed she was dead in a drowning accident on the island from decades ago and there is even a memorial for her mother. The why, how and where is slowly unraveled revealing a man who was so controlling, and one who eventually killed his wife and buried the body and the facts and lived peacefully with that knowledge that he almost got away with it.

A twisted and surprising story.

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

Hemlock Bay by Martin Edwards

 

Rachel Savernake is a clever amateur detective. Jacob Flint, a bit brash a journalist whose beat is crime receives a visit from a very unpretentious man, saying he is a clairvoyant and that he saw a murder being committed in Hemlock Bay. No idea of when or who the victim could be. Hemlock Bay is the latest seaside resort being touted as best for everything. Very recently developed by an original resident and now a brash new comer, its proving to be very popular with all segments of society, the posh and swindlers alike.

It is in this background that the first murder takes place, followed by the second. Jacob gets the scoop on it all and he joins forces with Rachel to find out who and why these are taking place. Seemingly unconnected, the dots do not link together to form a clear picture.

Lots of clues for readers. This reader was clueless.

Very good reading and part of a series.

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

The Housewife by Natalie Barelli

This is so twisted that to unravels it takes some doing. Jodie is married to a rich man, she has the house she longed for. Jodie loves to cook which she does beautifully and she likes to clean. But there is a housekeeper Marie who is a feature in the house, dislikes Jodie and constantly remarks that Roy is very much in love with his first wife who died in mysterious circumstances. Suicide by shooting herself. Jodie incidentally is Deborah the first wife’s sister and has just got out of jail on a murder charge. Those little details are all nicely hidden away.

Jodie suspects that her husband killed her sister and also that he had an affair with another woman, and was looking at a way to get rid of his wife. How Jodie gets the evidence to prove she is right, is the bigger part of the story. Her husband is rich n powerful, and Jodie is a nonentity. Most of the time Jodie goes over the top in her zeal to get all the evidence, but she is a bold and resourceful woman who knows her own life is now in imminent danger. Jodie knows how to cover her tracks very well and this murder mystery novel epitomises that. 

A tense story but a page turner as well.

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

After Darcy by Joanna Nadin

 

A modern sequel to Pride & Prejudice, all the sisters get equal notice and some in unexpected ways, not in keeping with the original theme. Makes for very interesting company.

Going through emotional upheavals, break ups, drunken spells it’s a nicely adapted variation which anyone with sisters could relate to. 

A fun read keeping to the original in broad outline.

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

The Posting by Gillian Edward’s

 

1939 England was bleak and for an adventurous young woman, village life was a trifle limiting. Going upto London to work as a domestic was a first step in a tale which swept Jane from the confines of a very narrow world, right across the world to Morocco, Egypt which were transit points and then on to Karachi, India and eventually Ceylon now Sri Lanka and then finally to Singapore.

Working as a junior nurse was very hard and the privations and harshness of superiors was grim but Jane and her fellow nurses always seemed to find something to be happy about. The stories are very vivid, very descriptive of actual living conditions in far flung areas with very little equipment and supplies but tge nurses did a marvellous job with limited resources they had.  They also had adventures galore, visiting every place of interest they could, despite orders not to!

I was particularly interested in Jane’s work in Ceylon, being Sri Lankan myself and the story was so informative as well on facilities I had no idea about and the yeoman tasks entrusted to these young women. 

The story is a real one, an account of the authors own mother in law who was an intrepid and brave young lady who flew into an unknown and alien land very bravely.

The cover however does not do the story justice.

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

Paris Reckoning by John Pearce

 

Colonel Sandrine has had enough. After a twenty year stint with the US Army, ending in a near fatal attack in the Sahel, her heart is set in Paris. A long held ambition to have her own security firm in a city which has won her heart.

The unexpected happens. Sandi falls in love with Stevie who disappears with many questions unanswered, leaving her lots of money but people wanting to know where he is, and also wanting the money back. What follows is a trail of a missing looted painting, belonging to Poland, treachery amongst friends and high rolling stakes amongst the mafia in several countries.

Fast paced, detailed and exciting reading for mystery fans.

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

A Dangerous Just8ce by John Pilkington

 

First in the series of Justice Belstrange this was historical fiction, very well told. No frills, no histrionics.

Justice Belstrange now retired, is seeking his neighbours son who has gone missing in London. The problem is that the neighbours is strong Catholic, and 1616 was not a good time to be Catholic. There was severe antagonism and witch-hunt for anyone with a hint of being Catholic and Belstrange was going very close to being tarred as popish in his quest.

Belstrange finds the boy eventually at the Bedlam Asylum in a very psychotic state. But the question is not without danger because Belstrange has now become the target of the rich and powerful at the Court. He is maligned, drugged thrown in jail - all to intimidate him and force him to give up on the search for Thomas Jessop and return home.  But Belstrange once he decides on something is determined and he is one man who will fight for justice.

The best of historical fiction coupled with religious fear make this an excellent read.

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

The Club for Rebellious Ladies by Siobhan Curham

 

A dual timeline with fearless women. Elodie in 1918 finding it very hard to fit in a very rigid finishing school, meeting up with a man who becomes the love of her life, being raped by the benefactor of the school, ignored by her teachers and finally running away to Paris where she carves out a niche for herself in tge art scene. Fast forward to 2025, we have Rae buying the ruin of the school on a whim, with the idea of renovating the place. She feels a sense of belonging to the place, but realises there are many secrets hidden in its walls. She faces the hostility of her neighbours head on and is determined not to give into the petty annoyances and hindrances put in her way.

The discovery of a diary and papers give details of Elodie’s life post school and Rae sets out to Paris with the few clues she has to put her to rest. Elodie is supposed to have died in a tragic accident on the cliff walk, but investigations prove that was a cover up for Elodie’s escape. Elodie established herself as an artist, met Etienne again and had a child. Rae is determined to find out the child’s relatives and the story takes off from there with wonderful results.

A real page turner and one which ends so happily was a joyous read.

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

Judas Kiss by J T Ellison

 

Taylor is lead detective on a horrifying case. A young expectant mother found brutally murdered in her own home with a toddler daughter left unscathed. Discovered after a couple of days in a virtual bloodbath because the toddler had tried to waken her dead mother and there was bloody little footprints everywhere. 

As usual the husband was the first suspect but he was miles away on a business trip. When his alibi did not quite pan out, and with the discovery of a sophisticated porn recording studio in this seemingly ordinary house the net has to be thrown wider to ring in a few more people. The detective herself comes under heavy scrutiny, with an obsessive vengeful killer stalking her, and to add to Taylor’s difficulties, secretly filmed sex tapes of her and a former lover are available on the net. There was the added complication of a senior officer also gunning for her suspension and dismissal. 

So many strands to be woven together in this very tense murder/detective story that it can get a little mixed up but I did find the telling of the story a tense one with just the right amount of edge.

I have requested two more from this author from Netgalley and I do hope I get them.

Sent by Thomas & Mercer for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Graham and the Flitchcombe Murders by David Fairer

 

Graham is on a working holiday. A crime writer his characters have passed their sell by date and his agent wants a change of scene, change of characters and even a change of name. Arriving in the Cotswolds seem idyllic, but small isolated villages seem to be anything but benign. What starts as a writers retreat ends up in murder, uncovering years of secrets, old, old antagonism, feudal warfare, very much alive and kicking in this century.

An interesting take on the cozy mystery genre adding a lot more to the story.  Totally unpredictable and a very good story.

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

Montecito by Michael Cox

Hollis is a very messed up man. He has been fired three times, always because he never could keep quiet and spoke up for what he felt was right but was not considered right by the big boss. Now in an affluent neighbourhood with fancy house neighbours, he is trying to do right by his very supportive family. Keeping up with the Joneses is not going to be easy.

A chance encounter turns out into what is supposedly a lucrative business offer, but what is too good to be true is really just that. Obvious from the word go, Hollis is taken for a ride from the word go, and unfortunately because he never disclosed the nitty gritty to his astute wife, he sailed on more and more towards disaster. How unsuspecting a manager could be is astounding in this story. Almost stupid.

It does get sorted in the end with murder, international money laundering, the Soviets getting involved and the FBI. That Hollis escaped with his life is a miracle.

The story is based on a real life experience, which makes it rather depressing. But it is a tense story nevertheless.

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

 

Lost in the Dark by Debra Webb

 

Dr C J Patterson made it out of Huntville. Her sister did not. Remorse hits CJ for not taking her sisters call and she returns to a childhood home that she detested to wind up stuff that needed to be done. In the light of what she feels no progress in the investigation, as to who killed her sister, CJ takes matters into her own hands, which puts her right as a target for the local crime boss who does not like attention, or what he feels is interference.

The romance part of this story comes from Detective Kevin who has lost his niece and now CJ’s sister in a similar scenario. CJ,s sister was his informant and he feels that he is inadvertently responsible for her death. The twist comes when the main suspect is found murdered in the most brutal way possible which opens the enquiry wide open, in an unexpected way.

Murder with a touch of romance with a lot of exposure to the seamier side of life.

Sent by Thomas & Mercer for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair by Kelly Oliver

 

Set in 1930 on the Island of Skye, the setting was bleak for a joyous event. In secret to avoid the Press and because the Church of Scotland was kinder to divorcees, Agatha Christie was getting the banns for her wedding announced in Skye. With her are her friends from the Detection Club. 

The quietness of the occasion is shattered by the disappearance of Lord Blackwood who is part of a hunting party, sharing the lodge. His disappearance is strange because it is apparent that both the vicar and ghillie in charge are hiding grave secrets. When it is apparent that the Lady Blackwood and the general factotum of the lodge are also acting weirdly, Eliza and Theo start their own detection till a constable gets there. What is unearthed is a tale of brutality, cheating and sexual coercion going back decades which multiplies the suspects. Lord Blackwood was not a likeable character.

Very engaging with the romance of Eliza and Theo also very much on the scene, the story is very descriptive of the Island of Skye which adds to the starkness of the background. A cozy with a touch of historical fiction as well.

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

Death was not on the guest list by

 

Twenty top socialites gather for a glittering evening. Many of them dislike each other intensely but on the surface it is all full of camaraderie, but the knives are out. During the evening, one of them is dead, and with a snowstorm on, there is no escape for anyone. It also means that someone within the household is the killer. 

With the detectives trying his best to get to the bottom of the mystery - there are many suspects. One has conveniently got rid of four husbands and one is well versed in poisons. The others have secrets they do not want to share. When a second body is discovered, the need for survival is paramount and everyone wonders who is next.

The ending was a good one. A good cozy.

Sent by Thomas & Mercer for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Not My Job Anymore by Margie Benedict

 

Viola lost her mother unexpectedly and this hits her hard. She thought she was close to her mother but going through stuff she has revelations that changes her world. She questions her mothers ethics, her secrecy and then questions herself - realising that she herself is guilty of not facing the unpleasant facts in her own relationships.

Coming back to her late mother’s home opens a new vista for Viola. What could be and the vista is exciting. Her earlier desire to be an artist, find a lover, ignore and later divorce her selfish husband, and finally live for herself. Reaching that goal came with hiccups on the way but Viola didn’t it all.

The elements of grief, lost dreams and new starts are very well expressed in this read. Gives a lot of hope that it is never too late for anything. 

A very enjoyable read.

Sent by Riveting Reads Inc for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

A Wasp In The Beehive by Mary Logue

 

Set in Salt Lake City this has the setting of a Mormon household. Brigid has just got her dream job, working in a bookstore and Mr Cutter has offered her accommodation in his own household. Mr Cutter already has five wives and is trying for a fifth. This is not going down well in the household as Amelia is his step daughter, and no one is happy with the idea.

When Mr Cutter is found murdered in his house, Brigid’s detective eye becomes keener to find out by a process of elimination, who was responsible.  Doctor Kohler is the city coroner and he is anxious too, to get to the actual murderer.

The book is a short one, but it gives one an insight into a typical Mormon household, especially one with plural wives, who somehow live in more or less harmony! 

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

A Botanist’s Guide to Tradition and Treachery by Kate Khavari

 

Part of a series but does well as a stand alone. The covers are always colorful and relate to Saffron Everleigh who is a botanist and in this episode is part of an expedition to Egypt. The only working woman in the group, ridiculed at every point, her fiancé Ashton has his hands tied because he cannot show favour and because Saffron herself demands it.

The pranking seems to have gone too far with rumours of Saffron having a relationship with a young man, and when tge man is found dead, poisoned in fact, Saffron becomes the first suspect and is arrested on suspicion of murder. The Inspector despite any evidence is determined to pin the murder on her and tge death penalty looms large. Investigations behind the detectives back involves large scale smuggling of antiquities, involving people at the top, espionage and a very surprising murderer.

The garbage Saffron had to face was enough to make anyone angry, and the story for one third was about this and how she had to overcome this to get to the job she was assigned to do. Very descriptive of an archaeological site, and the work involved was another dimension. Further enhanced by the relationship between Saffron and Ashton and their sudden marriage and return home. A fair amount of different threads woven into the story.

Interesting read.

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

Suppression by P M Emerson

 

Henry VIII in all his flamboyance is infamous and notorious. I was not aware of the extent of his cruelty and greed till I read this book. In his over riding and desperate need for a male heir he rode roughshod over his countryman creating the most amount of destruction and the breakdown of religious life in centuries. The breakdown removed the protection and support system that the churches and monasteries had provided to the poor and destitute.

Henry’s reforms promoted by Cromwell and an inner group of courtiers destroyed the monastic way of life, apart from the breakaway from Rome and establishing the sovereign as the head of the Church. The story centres around the life of William Morland, a young monk steadfast in his faith and in his relationship with God. We see his battles of joining a group of protestors who only wanted to protest against the proclamation of the sovereign being head of the church, but not against the king himself. Sadly it was used against tge protestors which led to the brutal murders of several Lords from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. When events caught up with William, he was dealt in a similar manner, brutally murdered by the Kings orders.

The story was different as it was the voice of this monk who was so faithful to his vocation and his religion, and in the voices of very ordinary folk who believed in the supremacy of the Pope and who were bewildered when they were asked to change their allegiance immediately.

Detailed historical accounts from the turbulent Tudor period, coupled with a deeply spiritual account of the monk William Morland.

I enjoyed the story immensely despite the brutality.

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

Murder on the Cornish Train by J M Hall

 

Jeff boards the train to Cornwall. Jeff is a depressed man, who wants to end it all after his husband abandoned him after quite a long relationship. Oliver, his husband dies in a horrific car crash immediately after tge break up and Jeff believes he murdered Oliver. Jeff embarks on this journey and from the Paddington railway station itself gets involved as a sympathetic by stander in the affairs of another couple travelling to Cornwall.

The journey is tense and delayed by a massive storm but Jeff hits it off with the intense Gore and his erratic and dramatic wife Vee, a former actor. Gore indicates that Vee is unwell not mentioning dementia, but her habit of disappearing occasionally is attributed to the illness. What follows is a rather dreary stay in a horrible hotel, bad weather and one death. Whether Vee’s death is accident or murder is never stated clearly, though the explanation of Jeff is clear and concise, but without corroborating evidence.

The characters are very varied, from the rude and slightly unbalanced proprietor of the hotel, to her son Jago who is doing his best to protect them all, to the receptionist cum Jill of all trades who believes every guest is a pod caster and to Gore and his supporting side kick Alice with their very convoluted manipulation of situations and people, particularly Jeff to suit his needs.

There was no murder on a train, and one missing person was found under disguise as Alice, once the train reached its destination. That was a bit mixed up.

The overall feeling of grief in Jeff’s case and his inability to get to grips with the death of Oliver and accept the finality of his situation is sad. This moving on is not as easy as people imagine it to be.

An interesting read, though somber for the most part.

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

The Villa Matisse by Jane Jennings

 

Set in the descriptively gorgeous French Rivera, it sounded an idyllic story. Alix on a temporary cooking assignment for a family over Christmas is a bit lonely having handed over her son to her ex husband for a skiing holiday. Her parents are visiting her sister and she is alone for the holidays. This assignment seems ideal. But on arrival she finds that she is not really busy and has quite a bit of free time on her hands.

There are complicated relationships at play here. First a bit of tension between her employer Luc and herself, then there is Caroline who sees herself as Luc’s girlfriend and is quite proprietary,there is tge very loud and demanding Susan who is Luc’s mother, his daughter Emma and a few domestics adding to the mixed menagerie over a family holiday period. Lots of stories at play, all interesting and a romance that ends in a happily ever after.

A nice light hearted, happy read.

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

Santa Monica, Goa and definitely keep out! Bit decrepit but really beautiful buildings from the time the Portuguese were in Goa.

A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Catching A Killer by F H Petford

 

My second read of the series and it did not disappoint. Does well as a stand alone too.

Alma has inherited a hotel in Falmouth during WWII. She is well settled, has a fiancée, her interests in being a clairvoyant is gaining attention and life is going on smoothly. Until the sudden murder of a young woman who had come to the hotel seeking Alma’s assistance. The young lady did not have any connections to any of the hotel guests or staff and Alma and the seriously depleted Detectives in Falmouth are at a loss how to proceed.

Apart from the murder the sub plot involving Joy and Nell the former a trainee nurse and tge latter an experienced one and how Joy manages her life, moving from a very comfortable life to the rough and tumble of nursing the wounded is an interesting read in itself. The snobbery and expectations of tge upper class in Britain at the time, the attitude towards the Irish and the still very distinctions of class add historical interest against the daily threat of war during this time.

The detection goes on, sometimes in the wrong direction but it does work itself out in the end.

I am looking forward to the next in the series.

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

The Irish Inheritance by Daisy O’Shea

 

Tara and her mother are on a fact finding spree. A surprise inheritance but one with a very black history behind it for her mother. Her grandmother had been a hateful woman who later became a nun, ending up as Mother Superior, cruel to her children and her charges. Her father was a bystander, till he took to drink and tortured one of his daughters. Everyone was aware and no one said anything. There was no one to protect the children.

The story apart from being a personal life story of Tara and her mother unraveling a gruesome and vicious past is more about the Church and the abuse physical and sexual heaped on orphans, destitute children and women and heaven help “fallen” women who ended up in these homes. A lucrative business of forced adoption, no wishes of the mothers taken into account at all. The harsh reality of living in a world where the authority of the Church was final and unforgiving. It was very difficult reading considered that I was convent educated throughout  and have such good memories of nuns and how they treated children and teenagers. This was a harsh read but factually correct and Ireland was very rigid during that particular era.

Though not an easy read, one must not forget that atrocities like this happened and is a stark reminder that it happens with variations even today. One must not conveniently think that it is in the past and ignore what happens today.

The story here had a happy ending and that was pleasant.

Sent by Bookouture for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan

 

Another exciting read about Detective Sergeant Cross, and unusually Ottey (upto now his subordinate)going to be his boss. There is Alice and Swift the  forensic genius and Carson the big boss who always enjoys the media hype and who is ever ready to shift the blame if the shit hits the fan.

Into this myriad complex assortment of characters we have a murder of a seemingly innocuous book seller. One who deals in rare books and one whose career was established by a straight forward and genuine book seller father. On close examination, the victims life is anything but straightforward and in turn we deal with forgeries, under hand dealing with Russian oligarchs, gangsters, adultery and sexual abuse. Detection leads to several suspects, all have to be discarded and the trail almost goes cold.

With the finesse of a brain surgeon, the case is taken apart one thread at a time and the results are unexpected and explosive.

Excellent reading.

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

Murder at the Highland Games by Dee Macdonald

 

Its the Locharran Highland Games and the whole village is abuzz. The competitive spirit is very high with known defenders for each sport. But this time, there are “foreigners”. A trio of Scottish origin Canadians in fine fettle, one of them a reigning champion in Canada. Does not augur well for a spirit of brotherhood! 

When the Canadian winner is found with his head bashed in, the local Detectives have to appeal to Ally, particularly since the whole lot are putting up at her guesthouse. Archie did create a lot of antagonism with his win, but was it enough to kill him for it. When his brother in law, the quieter man is also found murdered, the investigation has to pick up before another death takes place.

The setting for the story is idyllic, the characters larger than life and details of the various games still popular today intriguing. 

Another very interesting cozy from this author.

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

An antique shop in Jewtown, Cochin, India.

Cassandra A Scandal in Pemberley by Linda O’Byrne

 

After a series of murder mysteries this was a somewhat lighter read. I like variations on Pride & Prejudice and subsequent narrations of how the Bennett sisters lives have progressed. We now seem to be going into the next generation and this story is tge turmoil that Cassandra is forced to face, with flighty, irresponsible Lydia as her mother, Wickham supposedly dead in India and an unappealing step father.

Running away from home after over hearing a conversation about an exchange of money between her stepfather and an older man, Cassandra comes to Pemberley not knowing that her Aunt and Uncle are not in residence and ending up with a local doctor and his sister. The doctor is someone whom she met in London and whom she liked but circumstances changed so much that despite an engagement, she ran away again! 

It all ended well and it was a happily ever after ending eventually.

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

Tge Blackthorn Women by Jess Lourey

 

Four generations of women living in a small town. They have a reputation for magic and spells and this holds them apart from other townsfolk.  The family has a curse on them, known only to one of the women who will do everything she possibly can to protect all of them. Add to this the event called snakening where every few years tge town is over run by snakes which is a precursor of hard and difficult situations.

Altogether a peculiar setting for small town modern America but the story was compelling. The mix of four modern women living in close proximity to each other, trying not to interfere even if it is for good is hard. Protective instincts are there but then one realises that everything one thinks of cannot be implemented and sometimes mistakes have to be made. Relationships are fragile, easily broken and hard to mend. Add to the family dynamics, the spirit of magic and the going is tough.

Despite magical realism being not a genre I would pick, I enjoyed the read.

Sent by Thomas & Mercer for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Family Secret by Patricia Gibney

 

Freya’s twelfth birthday was just like any other. A balloon arch, a bouncy castle which she thought ridiculous and her friends. Tension arose with her outfit, and that she’d cut her hair but that was forgotten. A day later three bodies discovered two strangled, one with stab injuries. Initially ruled as suicide and murder, it took another route when Sadie the dead mother’s best friend and her daughter went missing.

Too many coincidences, too many past history relationships in a small town can be ignored and tge number of suspects keep widening. No one can be ruled out, because the past has had plenty of demons. A cliffhanger because one keeps dithering over the plot, the connections and the suspects.

An excellent read.

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

Kathakali dancers both male, in all their colourful glory.

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.