Review - Whispers of Warning

I reviewed the first novel in this new series, Whispers Beyond the Veil (click here) and was honored to have a guest post from the author (click here.)  Now we have the critical second book, which has a lot to live up to from the first.  Let's see how the series holds up with the newest addition.

Author: Jessica Estevao

Copyright: Sept 2017 (Berkley) 331 pgs

Series: 2nd in Change of Fortune Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy

Main Characters: Ruby Proulx, a psychic with a "questionable" past

Setting: 1898, Old Orchard-Maine

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

From the cover: "Free from the clutches of her con artist father, Ruby Proulx is starting to settle in at the Belden, her aunt Honoria’s seaside hotel. She loves finally being rooted in one place and also feels a sense of purpose as she helps Honoria keep her business afloat by acting as a psychic medium for the hotel’s metaphysically inclined guests.

When one of the guests, renowned Spiritualist and outspoken suffragist Sophronia Foster Eldridge, checks into the hotel for a monthlong stay, Ruby finds her sense of purpose expands outside the confines of home and family. Sophronia takes Ruby under her wing and mentors her in the mediumistic abilities, encouraging her to fight for women’s rights. 

But not everyone is as happy with Sophronia’s appearance in Old Orchard. When a dangerous act of sabotage is carried out and a body is found floating in the pool of a local bathhouse, Ruby takes it upon herself to find answers— and in the process learns that her new friend has been hiding some deadly secrets of her own."

Ruby has a good heart in spite of her con-artist rearing from her no-good father. She is afraid people will see through the attempts to be good and see the con she used to be.  She doesn't even trust her own psychic abilities.  Aunt Honoria is the family she always wanted, and will do anything for her.  Officer Warren Yancy provides the potential love interest, he struggles with his growing feelings for her.  Lucinda (Lucy) is Officer Yancy's sister who has become Ruby's fast friend and is a great side kick.  

The true seaside town of Old Orchard is a perfect setting along with the  Hotel Belden.  The murder doesn't happen right away, so there are events and conflicts happening leading up to the death. This doesn't slow the story down, but gives it more complexity.  The killer is a surprise I didn't anticipate!  The killer reveal had a few short moments of thrills that I loved, and answered all the questions.  The wrap up leaves a tantalizing tidbit for the next book. 

I love the "scandalous" bicycle outfits that Ruby and Lucy dare to wear.  I also appreciated the coverage of the ugly and even violent attitudes towards those seeking the vote - something we forget too easily.  All this was woven into the story without an agenda, but a tableaux of the era.  The mystery was solid, the historical setting is absorbing, and the characters each so realistic that the mix is truly an exciting escape.  The second book in the series maintains the high bar set by the debut book.  I have to say how I am loving the covers for this series, too.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Couldn't Put it down. Buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend. 

Here is a short video of historical photos involving the pier that is about to open during the book.  The pier and pavilion have had a hard time over the years as the video shows.  Tiny text at upper left. 

https://youtu.be/-GnzZs2_72A