Two Weddings and a Murder by Alyssa Maxwell

 

Inexplicably Blogger does not permit the cover page on this one.

Phoebe Renshaws wedding day has arrived. A minor blip when Lady Cecile disappears for a while but is found. The lady is forgetful but she is vehement in that she was not offered tea. By whom and when she cannot explain. Everything goes well but the absence of Eva, Phoebes friend and maids beau is not easy to understand. When he brings the news that Chief Inspector is found murdered, it is an uneasy start to a joyful event especially when Miles is arrested on suspicion of murder.

The unmasking of the murderer lies in minor clues overlooked by the Detective and though suspects are there in plenty, the actual murderer had plenty of reason to hold a grudge. This was a pleasant cozy and a good read.

 

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

Murder on the Cornish Coast by Helena Dixon

 

Cornwall 1937. A beautiful village St Maws but Lady Cordelia’s father’s body was found murdered just dumped in the water and Cordelia herself badly injured, discovered in the Nick of time by her fiancée.

Invited by Cordelia to investigate the crime, Kitty and her husband Matt try to decipher whom amongst the guests is responsible. Who had the means and motives, especially since threats to Lady Cordelia continue in the house, despite all being on their guard.

The story was good, the ending was quite a surprise. The setting was picturesque, and the characters were varied.

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

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

A Slash of Emerald by Patrice McDonough

 

I have been exceptionally fortunate to have read books in a row where either the era or setting contributed so much to a story. This was no exception. 

1867 London and Dr Julia Lewis a trail blazer. One of very few female doctors in Britain. Richard Tennant a detective with Scotland Yard someone Julia is very close to. The Allinghams, established family of artists and writers. Like every family secrets galore and the bubble burst when Charles Allingham was discovered dead by arsenic poisoning, seemingly a suicide. 

No clues as to his mental state, no financial woes but Richard uncovers a web of pornography, prostitution, child abduction and more. Involving the highest in the land, there was no way this was going to be easy to cover up or disclose but the end denouement came as a surprise though with hindsight perfectly logical. 

Very well written, detective work impeccable, the mix of feelings encompassing the whole story was excellent reading.

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

The Otger March Sisters by Linda Epstein, Ally Malinenko & Liz Parker

 

This was a delightful read taking the reader back to Alcotts original of Little Women. One major difference - the story bypasses the fiery Jo and concentrates on the mild Beth, the conformity of Amy and the routines of Meg.

Meg in a loveless marriage. A partner John who has only just realized what Meg is going through and tries very hard to be supportive and understanding. Meg feels that she was manipulated into the marriage by her mother (and it was cleverly done). Trying to come to grips with the situation as it is, also overcoming an over bearing mother is not easy for the always obedient Meg. We have Beth, sick and looked on as an invalid without a mind of her own. Beth now wants to make her own decisions even in the confined space of her home. Mother has to find a way to deal with that. Then we have Amy’s story which forms the major part of this story. 

Amy is on the tour of her dreams in Europe. Painting, copying and sketching throughout Europe. She is also having a suitor, and she does understand that the entire purpose of this tour is to make an advantageous marriage and redeem the family,  the appearance of Laurie, the boy next door makes her confused, and her feelings veer between the safe Fred and the unpredictable Laurie.

Shades of LGBT very much evidenced in the story, handled well according to the dictates of the time. Feelings of all three girls also very descriptive and gives one a view of the character and strength of each young lady.

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

The Graveyard Bell by Andrew James Greig

 

This is one story where the setting added so much to the story. Scottish highlands and remote islands, some with very few inhabitants, some only with birds - puffins and skuas. Turbulent weather, storms, raging seas and a very hardy people.

Tearlach born on the islands is back at his childhood home. He left years ago and has not returned, not even to sort the cottage out. He has plenty of baggage to sort out. A private investigator he is tasked by Lucy Patterson to find out what happened to her wildlife photographer husband. She refuses to accept that her husbands death was an accident. Within a few days the next death occurs which the police conveniently mark out as an accident and when a young man disappears with no trace, it seems very strange that three suspicious deaths have occurred in an area where deaths like this are rare.

Tearlack along with his assistants Chloe and Dee have to tread carefully. The local police do not like them hovering around and cooperating with them is not looked on favorably. Despite putting pieces of the puzzle together much faster than the local police, Tearlach has to step carefully, dealing with volatile characters.

The story apart from the detection held interest especially the descriptive nature of the islands added so much to the story.  There are side stories of Dee’s past and Tearlach discovery of a daughter hitherto unknown but they were almost distractions from the main story.

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

Shipwrecked Souls by Barbara Fradkin

 

Set in Ottawa, it gives a glimpse into the diverse multi cultural scene that is Canada. An elderly woman recently arrived from Ukraine, Anya is found dead in a lonely alleyway. One clue only, a name written in three languages. No such person exists but that could be simply a change of name to an anglicized version that makes blending in easier. A second death also an elderly man Simon Stone, made to look like an accident is murder. The man has a huge collection of Holocaust connected literature, and now the connections get closer. It also starts getting closer to Inspector Greens own family and tightly hidden history.

A story of murder and cover up. Of Nazi persecutors living a very comfortable life in many countries, but they are also aware that they will be followed and there is always someone looking for justice, decades later. It puts the pursuer in grave danger but by the time, the pursuer is not concerned what happens to him. He has seen so much, suffered so much trauma that death may be very comfortable, after of course what he is determined to do. Anya was looking for family, for comfort. She did not find it but Inspector Green did. 

The story was convoluted with espionage, secrets in government, cover ups and deaths. It was a detailed progression of methodical detection which solved the mystery and the murders.

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

Come Fly With Me by Camille DI Maio

 

1962 and the beginning of the glamorous world of jet setting. Judy and Beverley had widely different reasons for joining Pan Am. Judy to escape an abusive husband and Beverley to avoid being pushed into a marriage by her overwhelming father who expected her to conform to high society norms. Both girls overcame many obstacles - Judy hiding her marital status because married women were not allowed to join. Her husband Henry she knew would not take her desertion well, and she knew he would leave no stone unturned to get her back. Beverley had to prove to herself that she could manage on her own, no easy task for a girl who had endless accounts paid for by Daddy.

We follow their adventures, we see them finding love and we see a tragic end for one and the other growing old gracefully.

The story was an emotional and sensitively told. One was drawn into the glamour of flying (I still think it is so!). At the same time it was a personal story of two very young women who were bold enough to step into this new world.

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

Udaipur absolutely stunning.