Review - The Art of Theft

I have been a fan of this new series that re-imagines the Sherlock mythos since the debut, A Study in Scarlet Women (click here), the second book, A Conspiracy in Belgravia (click here), and the third, The Hollow of Fear (click here).  This outing for our intrepid consulting detective sets the brilliant mind of Sherlock to the problem of a near impossible heist to help a dear friend.

Author: Sherry Thomas

Copyright: October 2019 (Berkeley) 303 pgs

Series: 4th in Lady Sherlock Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Private Investigator

Main Character: Charlotte Holmes, disgraced upper class woman who creates the Sherlock Holmes identity

Setting: 1886 England and France

Obtained Through: Publisher (via Netgalley) for honest opinion

From book blurb: "As "Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective," Charlotte Holmes has solved murders and found missing individuals. But she has never stolen a priceless artwork—or rather, made away with the secrets hidden behind a much-coveted canvas.

But Mrs. Watson is desperate to help her old friend recover those secrets and Charlotte finds herself involved in a fever-paced scheme to infiltrate a glamorous Yuletide ball where the painting is one handshake away from being sold and the secrets a bare breath from exposure.

Her dear friend Lord Ingram, her sister Livia, Livia's admirer Stephen Marbleton—everyone pitches in to help and everyone has a grand time. But nothing about this adventure is what it seems and disaster is biding time on the grounds of a glittering French chateau, waiting only for Charlotte to make a single mistake..."

Charlotte Holmes is blond, pretty, very feminine and frilly, too fond of sweets, and far too intelligent for the time period. Essentially the opposite of what the traditional image is of Sherlock.  Lord Ingram Ashburton, a long time friend who cares very deeply for her even if she doesn't return his feelings will assist Charlotte no matter what.  Mrs. John Watson, a retired stage actress who has become Charlotte's unique and talented sidekick is the reason Holmes takes up this cause. Charlotte's adult younger sister, Olivia, has escaped the controlling grasp of her parents for a few weeks and follows Charlotte into the scheme.  Plus, she will get some time with Mr. Marbleton who she is quite fond of.  Stephen Marbleton is in hiding from the dangerous Moriarity and takes part at great peril.

The setting is both London and the remote French country side surrounding the French chateau where the exclusive auction will take place.  The French location is wonderfully atmospheric and presents its own challenges to the heist, giving the story added stakes.

The series has exciting killer/villain reveals and this was no different.  I enjoy how the Sherlock we know is turned on his head and re-imagined brilliantly. This is a historical heist as well as a cat and mouse game.  Nothing is as it seems and only the mind behind Sherlock Holmes is up to the task of seeing through the maze to the true intentions.  This can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel, but I suggest at least starting with the book just prior to this one, The Hollow of Fear, to better understand the relationship between Charlotte and Lord Ingram.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

 

Review - A Useful Woman

Inspired by the novels of Jane Austen, this new mystery series set in 19th-century London introduces  resourceful Rosalind Thorne, a woman privy to the secrets of high society—including who among the them is capable of murder.  Yep, that hooked me and I had to read this new historical mystery.  The author visited us and you can read her guest blog (click here.)

Author: Darcie Wilde

Copyright: May 2016 (Berkley) 368 pgs

Series: 1st in Rosalind Thorne Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy

Main Characters: Rosalind Thorne, former heiress

Setting: Early 1800s, London

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review


Rosalind Thorne (Rose Thorn!) is the daughter of a baronet and minor heiress who was nearly ruined after her father abandoned the family because of loosing his fortune in bad investments. To survive in high society - the only world she knows, she began to manage the affairs of some of London society’s most influential women, who have come to rely on her wit and discretion.

So, when aristocratic wastrel Jasper Aimesworth is found dead in London’s most exclusive ballroom, Almack’s, Rosalind must use her skills and connections to uncover the killer from a list of suspects that includes Almack’s powerful patronesses (that includes her godmother) and her former suitor Devon Winterbourne, now Lord Casselmaine. Torn between her old love and a growing attraction to a compelling Bow Street runner, Rosalind must unravel the mysteries surrounding Jasper’s death.

Rosalind Thorne is a memorable character, a proper British version of True Grit's Mattie Ross came to my mind.  She is a survivor and has more substance than most society ladies.  Devon Winterbourne, now Lord Casselmaine, was Rose's old flame but I still wonder about his true character.  Adam Harkness is a Bow Street detective who has more compassion than even modern police are portrayed, although ever so subtle.  I enjoyed Ms Wilde's depiction of one of England's historic early detectives who were privately hired.  Although I find the "cop boyfriend" very cliche, this raises class tensions between Rose and Harkness as well as society's fanatical avoidance of even a hint of scandal, so being chummy with a cop is out-of-the-question and introduces a forbidden element to their attraction.  Honoria Aimesworth, spoiled and dislikes Rose personally, but begs Rose to find her bother's killer - is a society hot potato.  Alice and George Littlefield are the break out characters.  Dear friends of Rose's who lost their fortunes but took to newspaper employment to make their way in life and stay close to Rose.  All the characters jump from the pages.

London's class struggles are depicted brilliantly, and the exclusivity of Almacks and and even life-impacting influence are demonstrated and illuminated clearly.  Regency romance portrayals of Almack's pale in comparison to this "insider's behind-the-scenes" look that this book provides.
The plot is intricately layered and the motive remains hidden until Rosalind figures out the scheme that killed the society boy.  The sophistication and polite society of the story is a veneer hiding a sinister killer and dark ambition.  In line with this theme of a dark underbelly, the climax is taut and displays the ugly killer who is one of the shinning high society ton in stark and scary contrast.  The wrap up completes the story but leaves enough hanging to continue in the next book. 

I have a new favorite in my historical go-to list.  The writing is deft with delicate touches that build to a masterful tapestry of character, setting, and plot.  As Oliver Twist said, "May I have some more please?"  Soon, very, very soon please.

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

Review - A Grave Matter

I have been a fan of this series since I reviewed the first book, The Anatomist's Wife (click here).  I have also reviewed #2 Mortal Arts (click here) and was honored to interview the author (click here.)  Now for the next book in this fascinating historical mystery.

Author: Anna Lee Huber

Copyright: July 2014 (Berkley) 432 pgs

Series: 3rd in Lady Darby Mystery series

Sensuality: mild kissing

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Mystery

Main Characters: Lady Kiera Darby, an accomplished artist,widow, and social outcast

Setting: 1830, Scotland

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

After the events in the previous book (Mortal Arts), Kiera returns to her childhood home to grieve the loss of her friend.  Her brother Trevor is the master of the home now and she enjoys her time with him.  But while most of Scotland is celebrating Hogmanay Ball (New Years) with lavish parties, a cemetery caretaker is murdered as theives rob a grave of a nobleman's bones for ransom.  Inquiry agent Sebastian Gage is called in and Kiery must face the complicated relationship between them while enraveling who has been ransoming nobleman's skeleton's around England.  But, then it becomes clear there may be an underlying reason why those particular noblemen's graves are targeted. Bonnie Brook, the leader of the largest Resurrectionists gang, demands that Kiera find his sister who was lured away by one of the men involved in the ransoming scheme...or else.

Lady Kiera Darby faces much of her inner demons in this addition to the series as her relationship with Gage becomes more emotionally vested.  The damage emotionally and psychologically from her deceased husband plagues her with certainty, fear, and doubt about Gage while they investigate.  Sebastian Gage, the son of a London investigator, is fighting his own battles, with his father arranging a marriage for him and his own self doubts while trying to catch the thieves who have bested him before.  Trevor, Kiera's brother, is a welcome new character who expresses the mental anguish her family experienced when they realized something was wrong with her marriage to Sir Anthony Darby.  Trevor is a devoted brother and struggles to help her find her way.  Mr. Stuart, the Frenchman in demand at parties around England had far more to him than you initially think.  Even Bonnie Brook has a few surprises.

Dryburgh Abbey ruins are a great and eerie setting for the New Year's grave robbing and murder.  The book continues from there with a trip to Edinburgh and then back to the English/Scottish border.  The basic plot idea is pretty simple in that there is somebody robbing nobleman's graves of their bones, which the prevalent thinking was the person's soul was then put in jeopardy.    The pacing moved along steadily between the murder case and the tensions between Kiera and Gage, although their relationship comprises more of the story than in the prior two novels.

The climax was built up to and delivers good tension that is logical when chasing a paid ransom, what happens at the end of the line!  The wrap-up left me wanting more.

This novel provides a bridge from Kiera helping with investigations because it directly impacts her, to her wanting to sleuth.  I like how she is included in the investigation without constant censuring or pestering about the danger.  I enjoy historical mysteries and this is one of my favorite series. 

Ratings: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Review - Murder at Westminster Abbey

I snatched up the first in this series, Murder at Hatfield House, as soon as I saw the book (click here for review).  I was anxious for the next book to finally be released, and I can't wait to share it with you.  

Author: Amanda Carmack

Copyright: April 2014 (NAL) 304 pgs

Series: 2nd in Elizabethan Mysteries series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Suspense

Main Characters: Kate Haywood, 18 year old musician in the employ of newly crowned Queen Elizabeth I

Setting: 1559, London England

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

London is a big change from country life for Kate, and the brazen ambition and gossip in the new queen's court is a treacherous mine-field.  Kate finds a friend in Lady Mary Everley.  Kate gets word that her old friend Rob from the traveling acting troop needs her help.  Rob's paramour, a fair red-head like the Queen, has been killed and he will likely be blamed. Then Mary, who is also a fair red-head is murdered in Westminster Abbey.  Kate ends up on a killer's trail trying to find the killer's identity before the Queen is the next target.  All this while navigating the court politics to see if there is a traitor close to Queen.  Kate has her hands full and finds herself in danger more than once.  Kate will also learn more about her deceased mother in this book.

Kate is kind, but her naivety is giving way to worldly wisdom in this addition to the series.  Her bravery carries her through once again, with her deeply ingrained sense of justice.  Her loneliness is touched on, now that she is getting older yet in the Queen's court, which is considered a demanding career more than a job.  Queen Elizabeth turns to Kate, knowing her loyalty, to assist in understanding the currents at court.  Queen Elizabeth is shown to be steely and shrewd, with a sense of loyalty as well.  Rob is a scoundrel with a good heart.  Hard working Anthony is in London to apprentice as a lawyer and finds he still cares for Kate deeply.

London is well displayed as Kate investigates, with the streets and alleys taking on their own life.  Even the castle with multitudes of political maneuvering is palpable.  The plot idea is a fascinating one and captured me while the pacing kept me turning pages. A great combination of tension and intrigue.  The climax was another nail-biting intoxicating ride and the wrap-up drops a bomb-shell on Kate that had me wanting the next book immediately. 

Another stellar book for this series that is exceeding expectations. 

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Review - The Vanishing Thief

Kate Parker has been a published author of Romantic Suspense and Historical Romance, but this is her debut into the Historical Mystery genre.  Since I am not a romance reader, let's see how it stands up to my scrutiny.

Author: Kate Parker

Copyright: December 2013 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 1st in Victorian Bookshop Mystery

Sensuality: mild romance

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Sleuth

Main Characters: Georgia Fenchurch, antiquarian bookseller and member of the Archivist Society

Setting: Victorian era - after 1851, London

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

One day in Georgia's bookstore, a frantic woman comes in and insists the Archivist Society help her.  Georgia must deal with her quickly, since the society is supposed to be a secret group of private investigators led by the mysterious Sir Broderick.  Edith Carter insists that her neighbor, Nicholas Drake, has been abducted by the Duke of Blackford.  Nicholas apparently left behind a pool of blood in his home entryway, indicating he was injured.

Georgia and the Archivist Society take the case and Georgia heads up the investigation. She finds out that Drake had been blackmailing many of London society and the list of suspects widens beyond the Duke of Blackford. The dark and dashing Duke of Blackford has motive because of his sister, who was suspected in his fiance's untimely death.  Georgia may have to expose Blackford even though they clearly have chemistry between them.  Lady Westover, a society friend of the Archivist Society, helps Georgia act as a relative so she can move among society and ask questions of Drake's victims. 

A subplot emerges as Georgia sees the murderer of her parents (who also rendered Sir Broderick to a wheelchair) walking along the street one day.  It had been twelve years ago, when Georgia was seventeen, and she is the only one to survive that saw the killer's face. She loses him in the crowd, but it spurs her to start looking for him again so she can see justice for her parents.

Georgia, a middle-class "old maid" is bright, brave, determined, and leading a double life. She loves her mundane bookstore and is passionate about her work with the archivist society, and she also has some baggage from the murder of her parents.  She has a methodical mind which works through the several suspects to find the kidnapper - and ultimately killer.  Emma works for Georgia in the bookstore, is her closest friend and is also a member of the society.  Phyllida is Georgia and Emma's honorary aunt and takes care of the two as they all live together over the bookstore.  Adam Fogarty, once a policeman but discharged for a injured bum leg, is the society's pipeline for police information.  Sir Broderick, former partner of Georgia's father, is the man who organized clerks, booksellers, and disabled police into an investigative society to fill his days since being wheelchair bound.  The Duke of Blackford is dangerous and influential, but the reader senses he has met his match in Georgia - but are his intentions toward her honorable? 

Victorian England is resurrected in this book with high society families and their skeletons.  The parties and the hidden agendas are all clues to what happened to Nicholas Drake. Victorian England valued privacy as a hallmark, thus the idea of upper class family's privacy being invaded would be a particularly big concern for the time.

The idea of the Archivist Society may not be completely probable, but the era saw a rise in social awareness and a growing middle class which could feasibly allow for such a rag tag company of concerned people investigating cases.  The romance elements were handled to deliver a hint of what might develop, providing some suspense and tension to keep the reader wondering and hoping.  The pace of this novel from the opening to the last page is quick, which keeps your attention riveted.  I have to give kudos for the setup to the climax and the revealing of the killer which were blood pumping.  The wrap-up had a few story twists yet to deliver on the main story and the sub-plot, leaving the reader gasping for the next book (The Counterfeit Lady due for publication August 2014.)

A fast paced historical mystery with a unique premise and enjoyable characters that promises to propel readers through pages and garner fans instantly.  Kate Parker is a notable addition to historical mystery writers.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Here is a recipe for a quick and easy treat.  This is simple, yet so decadent.

Monkey Bread

Ingredients

    3 (12 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough
    1 cup white sugar
    2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    1/2 cup margarine
    1 cup packed brown sugar
    1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
    1/2 cup raisins

Directions

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 9 or 10 inch Bundt® pan.

    Mix white sugar and cinnamon in a plastic bag. Cut biscuits into quarters. Shake 6 to 8 biscuit pieces in the sugar cinnamon mix. Arrange pieces in the bottom of the prepared pan. Continue until all biscuits are coated and placed in pan. If using nuts and raisins, arrange them in and among the biscuit pieces as you go along.

    In a small saucepan, melt the margarine with the brown sugar over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute. Pour over the biscuits.

    Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 minutes. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate. Do not cut! The bread just pulls apart.

Review - The Mystery Woman

 This week I review a historical paranormal mystery...that is a romance.  I don't tend towards romances, but I had seen a few good reviews for this book so I made an exception.  See how this great concept book did in the execution.

Author: Amanda Quick

Copyright: April 2013 (Putnam Adult) 384 pgs

Series: 2nd in Ladies of Lantern Street series

Sensuality: Explicit sex scenes

Mystery Sub-genre: Paranormal tinged romantic suspense

Main Character:  Miss Beatrice Lockwood, undercover agent with paranormal abilities

Setting: Regency? England

Obtained Through: Library

The book opens with the heroine going by the name Miranda the Clairvoyant.  Miranda finds Roland Fleming of the Academy of the Occult seriously injured by an attacker seeking her out.  Fleming warns her and dies.  Miranda flees and changes her name and finds employment as an  undercover agent for Flint & Marsh agency.  Months go by and Miranda - now Beatrice Lockwood, is making good money and has put "the bone man" who killed Roland Fleming that night in her past.  Beatrice can see auric energy in people and their footprints or fingerprints, a talent she uses in her investigations.  She is on assignment to keep an heiress from being kidnapped and raped to force a marriage. She runs into Joshua Gage, who used to conduct clandestine investigations for the Crown.  In those days he was known as "the messenger" and worked with a mysterious Mr. Smith.  Joshua had been through a terrible battle a year prior that left his leg damaged and his face badly scarred, and had thus retired.  He comes out of retirement because he thought that his sister was being blackmailed by the old psychic Miranda.  But once it becomes clear Miranda -now Beatrice - isn't the blackmailer, he formally hires Beatrice to assist him in finding the blackmailer.  He never suspects that the bone man is behind the blackmail in an attempt to find and capture Miranda/Beatrice, he blackmailed Joshua's sister hoping he would find Miranda for him.

I am not a romance reader, but I had also read a few glowing reviews of this title, so I made an exception since it had a murder and investigation.  The use of Joshua's scarred face as a device seems poorly conceived since neither Joshua nor Beatrice have any reaction or feelings about it after it is mentioned.  Then why have it?  His damaged leg however is used effectively to deepen his character.  The romance seemed implausible and goes from stiff politeness to can't keep there hands off each other.

This series has a new agent featured from Flint & Marsh in each book.  I personally felt that this book would have shone if the characters and romantic interests were able to grow over a few books rather than all in a few hundred pages.

Beatrice is an interesting character, strong, street smart, daring, and yet insightful about people.  Joshua starts as the mysterious and tragic agent but shows a devoted and caring side with his sister and nephew.  Hannah, Joshua's sister, is a gem and I would have loved to had her in another book to get to know her better.  Nelson, Joshua's nephew, is a character that I would not be surprised to see in a future book teaming with another Flint and Marsh female agent.  Nelson is a promising character.  Sara Marsh, an amateur scientist and Abigail Flint are the surprise stand out characters in this book.  Their interest in paranormal aspects and their inventions for their agents to use are in keeping with the time period (which is ambigious and never specified) and are creative touches. 

The setting is Alverstock mansion in the country and London.  The Alverstock mansion is utilized with rooms full of museum quality Egyptian artifacts large and small to generate an eerie backdrop.  The London scenes have some nice gothic touches too.

The plot was okay once you get past the contrived manner of getting Gage involved (sister's blackmail can only lead to him searching for Miranda/Beatrice.) The cat and mouse action at Alverstock mansion was good.  The reader knows the ultimate purpose of the "bone man" before Beatrice and Joshua, serving to create suspense.  The climax had a good twist and action-filled confrontation. The wrap-up was on par for a romance.

If you enjoy paranormal mystery, plus historical romance this is a good light, enjoyable read. 

Ratings: Good - A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

Review - What Darkness Brings

I picked up this series after it was established, beginning with Where Shadows Dance (click here) and the novel just prior to this one, "When Maidens Mourn" (click here.)  I enjoy this series and always find it an engrossing read.  I included this novel in my History Mystery Reading Challenge (click here.)

Author: C.S. Harris

Copyright: March 2013 (Berkley) 369 pgs

Series: 8th in Sebastian St. Cyr Regency Mysteries

Sensuality: references to prostitution

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Suspense

Main Characters: Sebastian St. Cyr (Viscount Devlin) a veteran of the Peninsula wars with Napoleon and a nobleman.

Setting: 1812 London England

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

This book picks up roughly a few weeks after the events in "When Maidens Mourn" with the tragic death of Sebastian's former military comrade.  While still realing from that news, Sebastian learns of yet another tragic event.  Russell Yates, the man who married Kat Boleyn a year ago, was discovered standing over the corpse of Benjamin Eisler, a dishonest gem dealer.  Kat Boleyn asks Sebastian to clear Yates and save him from the gallows...and he can't turn her down.

Sebastian begins digging and finds the man had made many enemies with his cheating of customers and using indebtedness for sexual favors.  Eisler also appears to have had a penchant for dark magic, apparently from his fear of his many enemies.  Sebastian believes  the motive behind his murder is actually an enormous and rare blue diamond that had disappeared from the French Crown Jewels during the revolution.  Eisler was quietly negotiating the sale of the diamond know as the French Blue, or the Blue of France for a wealthy financier named Hope, when it disappears the night of his murder.  Sebastian has his job cut out for him in this adventure.

Sebastian deals with many emotions in this book as he mourns the death of a friend whose life was tragic and then must deal with attempting to clear the man who married Kat Boleyn, his first great love.  While Sebastian may seem stoic on the outside this book gives a glimpse at how deeply he cares about friends and Kat - still.  This story allows him to explore his feelings for Kat and put them in perspective.  There isn't as much Hero in this book, mainly because these are Sebastian's friends from his life before Hero.  But the scenes with Hero reveal much about her.  There was little advanced in Sebastian and Hero's relationship other than a growing affection, although Sebastian does attempt to express his feelings in a very understated way.  Nothing advanced in Hero's tension with her father versus her husband.  I keep waiting for her to stand up to her father.  Jamie Knox and his maybe family relationship with Sebastian is not expanded on in this novel, although they seem to have reached an understanding  and tolerate each other.

Regency England is a favorite since Napoleon's France provides opportunities for spies and intrigue.  The mean streets and the palatial grandeur are each displayed. We particularly get a glimpse of the harsh life of street sweeps and "doxies," the girls in prostitution with this tale.

The plot and pacing are each on point for a suspense novel and keep the reader's interest engaged.  I enjoyed learning more about the Hope diamond and felt the incorporation of such a famous element was brilliant. 

I did not suspect the killer and the confrontation was a nail bitter and executed skillfully.  This installment in the series mixed emotion, greed, power, corruption, and intrigue together into a heady tale that sweeps the reader along.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Here is a fast history of the Hope Diamond.

Review - The Bitter Truth

It is a brand new year and the endless stacks of books to read have not gone down any.  I found this book offered for review on LibraryThing and have finally gotten to it.  This is a historical mystery set during WWI with the story developing in both England and even France's battlegrounds.

Author: Charles Todd

Copyright: August 2011 (William Morrow) 352 pgs

Series:  3rd in The Bess Crawford Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: historical amateur sleuth

Main Character:  Bess Crawford, English military nurse during war

Setting: WWI, England and France

Obtained Through: Library Thing

This was my first Bess Crawford book and it stands alone fine.  Bess is given holiday leave from her nursing duties and finds a women huddled at the door to her apartment building soaked to the bone and her face bruised.  Although Bess doesn't want to get involved in Lydia's Domestic situation, she is talked into going with the women to her home to help her face her husband since Bess feels she has a concussion and wants to see she is cared for.  Bess becomes enmeshed in a dysfunctional family in their bleak mansion.  During the dinner party Lydia's husband Roger and his longstanding friend are distinctly heard in a lull in the dinner conversation talking about a suspected illegitimate child of Roger's in France.  Naturally the friend is found dead the next day.  Lydia asks Bess to locate the child in France and when Bess returns to the battlegrounds of France for her duties she enlists the help of an Australian officer to locate the orphanages so she can begin her search.  Her search to find the child sets events tumbling out of control.

Bess as a character is fine as far as she goes.  I found her motivations hard to understand through most of the book. Emotionally Bess was distant for me. She explains emotions but they didn't resonate with me.  Always in the background is a family friend named Simon who I felt had more potential in any number of ways, but remains as a convenient chess piece to have assist Bess.  The dysfunctional family and their bleak home called Vixen Hill provide a creepy atmosphere, giving this tale a Gothic touch.  The Australian officer was an brilliant touch that I can only hope will be a return character in the next book.

The plot was nicely complex and the reader is along for the ride.  It isn't until the last eighty or so pages that the final pieces to this puzzle are revealed and the story is suddenly racing along.  There are many improbable parts to this tale, which would not have been too bad if I could have related a bit more with Bess, which I think is the main reason why this book took so long to get me interested.  I felt no emotional connection and thus no immediacy from the tale.  The Gothic touches and seemingly sinister family members make up for the down sides.  As for the killer, there was not enough information to have figured out who it was so that added to the suspense in the final pages as things spun out of control.  Without giving up too much, I would have liked the killer to have been a more central character rather than an almost sideline player.

This book offers an atmospheric historical tale which does lead the reader on a twisted path with a rather harrowing climax.

Review - Cocoa Conspiracy

Thanks for all the participants in the Mid Winter's Blog Hop.  Here are the winners for the book giveaway:   Kara D, kswederski, Jenna C, SHartl, Mona, Michelle @ The True Book Addict.  You will be notified by email to supply me with your mailing address. 

Today I review one of the books in that was available in the giveaway.  I reviewed the first in the series (click here)  and I interviewed the author (click here).  This was the second book in the new series and often the second book is difficult to match or top the debut book.  Read on to find out how well this second venture in this new historical mystery series faired after my rave review of the first novel.

Author: Andrea Penrose


Copyright: December 2011 (Signet) 336 pgs

Series: 2nd Lady Arianna Regency Mysteries

Sensuality: mild period innuendo

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

Main Character: Lady Arianna, newly married to Alessandro de Quincy, Earl Saybrook

Setting: 1814 London, English countryside and Vienna

Obtained Through: publisher for an honest review

Arianna is purchasing a special book on Chocolate for her husband Saybrook when she is accosted by a man insisting he must have the book. Arianna doesn't shrink from the man even when he pulls a knife, but manages to come away unscathed and with the book. When wrapping the present she finds papers have been secreted in the book that appear to involve treason. This discovery propels Arianna and Saybrook to the Congress of Vienna that brings together dignitaries from around the world. Their mission is to prevent an assassination attempt that could upset the power structure of Europe.

There is plenty of suspense and intrigue in this book as Arianna even goes undercover at one point. I literally could not put the book down. There is the political tension and suspense of spying added to the suspense of Saybrook and Arianna learning to really trust one another's motives which doesn't come easy to either. I love both of these characters. Saybrook is dark and dangerous, closed off and Arianna is used to living by her wits on her own.

Will they stop the assassination and learn to trust each other fully? Will the enemy they crossed paths with in the first book finally be identified and brought to justice? With their personal enemy in the government finally leave them alone? While this book stands on its own fine, there are some threads from the prior book that are woven into this one to allow a running subplot (think something along the lines of Sherlock's nemesis Moriarty.)

The final confrontation is exciting and the wrap-up sets up another adventure to tease the reader. I am already anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.

Again I say that this book is a higher caliber than is hinted at by the artwork and blurbs. The period detail is seamlessly woven to paint a vivid backdrop. The characters effortlessly draw the reader into their world and drama. The plots are nicely crafted for maximum effective.

I truly believe this series is one of those undiscovered gems that will steadily garner a large fan base with each new addition to the series.

Review - India Black and the Widow of Windsor

Today we review the second in a new historical mystery series.  I wanted to read this as soon as I saw it, for it has a uniques premise for a heroine.  We will be in 1870s Scotland with Queen Victoria for the holidays, pack for cold weather and treason.

Author:  Carol K. Carr

Copyright:  October 2011 (Berkley Trade) 320 pgs

Series:  2nd in  Madam of Espionage Mystery

Sensuality:  Some adult conversation and innuendo (period euphemisms)

Mystery Sub-genre:  Historical Amateur Sleuth

Main Character:  India Black, madam of the London brothel, Lotus House, catering to gentlemen

Setting:  1876, London and Scottland

Obtained Through:  from publisher for an honest review

The story opens with a rigged seance for Queen Victoria in which the spirit of her departed husband, Prince Albert, literally insists that she spend christmas in their Scottish castle Balmoral. Balmoral was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852 (twenty four years before this story) and they would regularly spend the holidays there.  But there is growing discontent among Scottish loyalists who resent the British rule.  Prime Minister Disraeli is suspicious that Scottish nationalists are planning to assassinate the Queen while she is at the castle.  Disraeli decides to enlist the British spy named French (yeah, that gets a little confusing) and his protegee India Black who was utulized as a spy in the previous book.  India is a spy in training but normally is an owner and director of a whore house.

French is looking for the Scottish nationalist agent among the guests passing himself off as a womanizer while India is disguised as a servant to investigate the castle staff. India ends up being a lady's maid to the cantankerous Marchioness of Tullibardine with cateracts who mistakes most anything (pepper, salt, sugar etc) for her snuff and sprays everyone in the vicinity with her explosive sneezes.  India must dodge the Prince of Wales who will drag any maid into a closet to have his way, while she divides her time attending the Marchioness (including reading to her at all hours of the night) and her investigating.  Ultimately India and French are to prevent any assasination attempt and discover who the leader of the Scottish nationalists is. Two accidents appear to French and India as failed attempts and they must work faster before it is too late for the Queen.

The story is told from India's viewpoint and she has snarky humor and is a touch self absorbed.  She is unashamed of her business as a madam which she often references - nothing explicit but be forewarned. She finds the spy business exhilarating. She feels that her profession has allowed her to be more liberated and have more freedom and control over her life.  Although French acts as though her place is his to command, such as who will join them for a meal.  In that situation I really expected India to throw him out, but she lets him get away with such high-handed behavior. 

French, is supposed to be a romantic swashbuckling type, but doesn't really come across that way until later in the book.  He doesn't recognize that India is working herself to the bone with hardly a few hours sleep while he plays pool and drinks scotch with the guests.  That did rather irk me.  India shows loyalty to the Marchioness even though it is just a temporary role and shows how she has a heart even though she works hard to keep it hidden.  I liked India but French needs an attitude adjustment in my mind.

It is hard to portray historical figures since history can be unkind. Queen Victoria (current Queen Elizabeth's great grandmother I think) was the longest reigning British monarch up to that time and she had nine children with Prince Albert.  It is true that when Albert died she was reported as plunging into deep mourning (she wore black for the rest of her life) and avoided public appearances which earned her the nickname "The Widow of Windsor" which accounts for the book's title.  The book emphasizes her ongoing mourning for Albert.  This book also highlights the reported close relationship Queen Victoria developed with a Scottish manservant named John Brown and the real controversy that surrounded them as to the manner of their relationship. As the Empress of India, she had several Indian servants who are present but only in the background. Also, there is no getting around it, Queen Victoria was a big woman and the book makes reference to it in the rather blunt somewhat unflattering manner of the day. It was an interesting peek at Queen Victoria to be sure. 

The Marchioness of Tullibardine is more than she appears and is an interesting character that I enjoyed in-spite her snuff-and-violent-sneeze habit and blunt manners.  The plot is not so much a mystery to discover who had done something, but who is involved with the Scottish nationalists and may try to assassinate the Queen.  The tartan drenched castle Balmoral is a great location for an espionage novel since it is remote, the castle cold and foreboding, and the land is harsh.  The suspects that line up as the book progresses are interesting even though I suspected the main Scottish nationalist agent by thinking "wouldn't it be interesting if it were ____" but did not guess the leader of the group at all.  That was a nice twist.  I found the wrap up well done and left me with a mystery regarding The Marchioness.

Overall it is a good historical amateur sleuth with a truly unique heroine thrown into political intrigue that brings history alive and holds a promise of romantic tension to come.  It may not be for everyone, but is mild compared to many contemporary novels.

Here is a video featuring the castle Balmoral and Victoria.

Review - Troubled Bones

It is November already, can you believe it?  I hope you enjoyed the interviews and paranormal book reviews throughout October. I want to thank all the participants in the Spooktacular Giveaway.  I ended up with 2 copies of one book so there will be a total of 4 winners.  The winners are Chris, Jennifer Mathis, Astroqueen67, and Wanda F.  Winners, you should have received an email asking for your addresses.

This week I review the newest in a medieval private investigator series.  I previously reviewed the second book in this series, Serpent in the Thorns (click here) and Ms. Westerson provided a great guest blog (click here.)  

Author: Jeri Westerson

Copyright: October 2011 (Minotaur) 304 pgs

Series: 4th in Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Mystery

Sensuality: some adult situations, nothing explicit

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical private investigator

Main Character: Crispin Guest, disgraced knight of England making a living as an investigator.

Setting: 1385,Canterbury England

Obtained Through: from library

Crispin's reputation as "The Tracker" has grown and he is required by the Archbishop of Canterbury to protect the bones of martyred Saint Thomas Beckett. The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket had been murdered in the cathedral that now holds his bones, but there is suspicion that the bones are going to be stolen by a group that is looking to undermine the Catholic church. Crispin is to protect the bones which bring in money from pilgrims and find if one of the heretics is actually part of the monastery. This job requires Crispin to face people who remember him being disgraced as a traitor and even his old friend Geoffery Chaucer.

The very first night on duty, a prioress is murdered in one of the chapels in the Cathedral, the exact same place Beckett was slain, and Crispin is knocked unconscious. A young nun was present in the chapel with the Prioress at the time of the murder and is traumatized. Crispin's young apprentice gets his first crush on the young nun complicating matters. 

Another murder occurs that seems completely unrelated which throws a curve that keeps the reader guessing. Of course, it could be the curse that Jack learns about during his undercover stint in the monastery. But the clock is ticking when Chaucer is unexpectedly jailed by the archbishop for the murders and Crispin only has hours to clear his name.

Crispin has his hands full and confronting his past is an added challenge. The Archbishop and Chaucer are catalysts in Crispin's internal struggles with his past that demonstrate what kind of man he has become since he was stripped of his knighthood.  He has changed a lot and the reader suspects, for the better.

Young Jack is growing up and we get a chapter from his perspective as he goes undercover at the monastery. This was a great touch and I appreciate Jack's character even more now. Chaucer was unpredictable and added a touch of mystery. There is a woman that catches Crispin's fancy as well.  Some moments of humor lighten an intense plot.

The plot has a few twists and the connection between the two murders is not obvious. The attention to period detail is integrated smoothly and immerses you. The confrontation with the killer is suspenseful and the wrap up was quite satisfying with an added surprise. Crispin continues to develop and grow. This series keeps improving and the character of Crispin transcends time with the motivations and political intrigue that are no less in play today.  Excellent series that makes history exciting and even cool and this book is a stellar addition.

 

Review - Sweet Revenge

Welcome to September, back to school and fall is approaching (at least in these parts).  Today we are time traveling to Regency England for a mystery featuring a unique heroine and lots of chocolate!

Author:  Andrea Penrose

Copyright:  April 2011 (Signet) 336 pgs

Series:  1st in  Lady Arianna Hadley Mystery

Sensuality:  light romance, heavy innuendo and period cursing

Mystery Sub-genre:  Historical Amateur Sleuth, Cozy

Main Character:  Lady Arianna Hadley, although a lady, her father was disgraced and died when she was 15 and she had to make her way alone and penniless in the world.

Setting:  1813,England

Obtained Through:  from publisher for an honest review

Since her father was murdered when she was fifteen, Lady Arianna lived through hellish times to survive, with her driving goal to find her father's killer and make him pay pushing her on. Which is why she is disguised as a French chef in Lady Spencer's home gathering information for her revenge. Her plans are interrupted when somebody attempts to poison the Prince Regent using her chocolate desert. Somebody felt the chef was the easy target to set up for such a treasonous act and Lady Arianna is now under scrutiny.

Alessandro De Quincy, the Earl of Saybrook is enlisted by an underhanded government official to investigate in spite of his war injury to his leg. Nevertheless Saybrook had been in the intelligence branch during the war and is sharp and devious. He sees through Arianna's disguise, just in time to save her from a bullet. He decides that she can be of use in the investigation and they reluctantly join forces to determine who tried to kill the Prince and why.

While this had all the ingredients to have been a good regency romance, the author kept the romantic tension in the background and focused on making a suspenseful mystery which paid off exponentially. Arianna is a heroine that you route for immediately. She has been through the school of hard knocks and survived with vengeance driving her. She picked up many skills along the way including the use of disguise from a theater group and especially how to fight dirty to survive. She has hardened herself and believes that she has no heart anymore after the things she has had to do in life. Trust does not come easily at all, and she sure doesn't trust the aristocrat Saybrook, after all, it was an aristocrat that murdered her father.

Saybrook has never been the same since the war and his injury. The assignment tossed to him by the government is clearly to let him be the fall guy for any missteps in the investigation. Saybrook takes this new lease on life and is inspired to get to the truth and not be used as a convenient scapegoat. The Saybrook character is just complicated enough with glimpses of his personal pain yet fire for life.

The plot has plenty of twists and surprises making it suspenseful. Who killed Arianna's father is not who anybody expected and that goes for the person who made the attempt on the Prince's life. The motivation for all this becomes clear as the story plays out.

The climatic confrontation with the killer is a nail-biter and gets the blood pumping, so kudos there. I must confess I didn't expect this level of writing, plot and character development that was balanced and polished throughout. I feel this should have been released in hardcover and spotlighted by the publisher more.

This novel contains drama, mystery, intrigue, adventure, smuggling, an influential criminal ring, history, sharp wit, and a touch of romance all blended seamlessly. I found this novel easily rivaled the Sebastion St. Cyr series and for me may (may) have even out done it. If you enjoy historical mysteries with plenty of suspense and intrigue, Sebastion St. Cyr, Charles Lennox, the gaslight mysteries with Sergeant Frank Malloy, or the Lady Emily mysteries I think you owe it to yourself to read this novel. 

Some chocolate history

Review - The Broadway Murders

The "roaring twenties" were an era that, while brief, left an enduring image in our minds.  New York was the epitome of this madcap time with speakeasy bars, fashion, literary celebrities, corrupt cops, mobsters with panache and the glamor of Broadway.  Even the language was rife with hip lingo and snarky wit.  It was an exciting time and a whirlwind of changes in every aspect of life.  This week we indulge our imaginations and join this "wild and crazy" time in a book that features Dorothy Parker, one of the literary celebrities of the day as the sleuth.

Author:  Agata Stanford

Copyright:  June 2010 (Jenevacris Press) 320 pgs

Series:  1st in  Dorothy Parker Mysteries

Sensuality:  n/a

Mystery Sub-genre:  Historical Amateur Sleuth

Main Character:  Dorothy Parker - based on the American poet, short story writer, critic and satirist,  known for her wisecracks

Setting:  1920s, New York

Obtained Through:  Library Find

A well known Broadway producer is found dead with the appearance of having choked on a small tomato. Dorothy Parker remembers that Reginald Ignatius Pierce, RIP, is allergic to tomatoes and she is instantly suspicious.  Dorothy drags a willing Robert Benchley to the deceased's rooms above his theater to investigate.  They find that Reginald was a collector of Egyptian antiquities, and that they aren't the only ones sneaking in to look around.  Hidden behind velvet draperies, they watch while first an Oriental man and then an actress search the room. 

The authorities have not recognized Reginald's death as a murder, but they can't deny foul play when the lead actress in Reginald's play is found in Reginald's Egyptian sarcophagus.  Another death follows soon after.  Three murders and Dorothy, with the help of fellow members of the lunch club that became known as the Algonquin Round Table, doggedly follow clues.  Some of the members are the most recognized and celebrated reporters in NY and they start digging up plenty of information on suspects, but how it all fits together is elusive.  There is a missing Egyptian artifact from Reginald's collection that may have been stolen from an archeological dig that might explain Reginald's death but not the other two.  

This book is presented in a slightly different manner.  Sprinkled throughout are pictures of the NY landmarks that play a significant role in the story and pictures of members of the Algonquin Club.  I found this added to the illusion that the reader was entering Dorothy's world.  Additionally, the writing style affects the breezy language and popular slang to further transport you to that era when jazz artists and flappers coined modern terms.  It is a heady mix and an escapist pleasure.

Dorothy is presented with wit and sarcasm sprinkled with tremendous insight. The life she lived is believably recreated including the escapades of the Marx Brothers, the late nights of theater and dinners, even the famous speakeasy they drank at all serve as backdrop to the investigation.  I appreciated that Dorothy's reported affairs are not highlight in this story, rather she is a wounded soul who relies on her friends as her most cherished part of life. 

The supporting cast of Robert Benchley, Alexander Woollcott, Columnist Frank Pierce Adams, "The New Yorker" creator Harold Ross, and the Marx Bros. are all portrayed with humor and a nod to their historical reputations.  Dorothy's Boston Terrier named Woodrow Wilson is pure delight.

The mystery has its interesting twists and I did not see the underlying theme for the murders until it was revealed.  Although it seems the story contains a fair amount of mad-cap rollicking, I was surprised that there are no frivolous scenes, there was always a clue or a person that would be important later.

I enjoyed my trip to New York's roaring twenties era and will be returning for another dose, soon I hope.  Agata Stanford has captured the excitement of New York and the wild twenties with humor, a solid plot, never dull characters, mixed with large dashes of danger and adventure.

Before summer is gone I wanted to share this amazing recipe.

Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

Ingredients

    1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
    1 egg
    1 (17.5 ounce) pouch sugar cookie mix
    2/3 cup raspberry baking chips

Directions
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

NOTE: the raspberry baking chips are available on Amazon if you can't locate them locally.  Otherwise you can add & beat in 2 teaspoons of raspberry extract to the egg/cream cheese mixture, then the cookie mix per the instructions... fold in some white chocolate chips.

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft and fluffy with an electric mixer, then beat in the egg until thoroughly combined. Mix in the cookie mix, then stir in the raspberry chips. Drop the dough about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets with a tablespoon or small scoop. Lightly pat the cookies to flatten.
   
Bake in the preheated oven until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, 9 to 12 minutes. Cool before serving.
From AllRecipes.com by Mis7up.

Review - The Beloved Dead

This week Ken reviews a historical mystery that takes place in King Arthur's Britannia.  The enduring legend of Arthur is mixed with political intrigue and a serial killer for a suspenseful medieval tale.

Author:  Tony Hays

Copyright:  2011; Tom Doherty Associates, LLC (A Forge Book); 395 pages

Series: # 3 of the Arthurian mystery series

Sensuality:  Violence

Mystery sub-genre: Historical Mystery / Investigation

Main Character:  Malgwyn Ap Cuneglas, a wise counselor to King Arthur

Setting:  Post-Roman Britain (Fifth Century)

Obtained book through:  Library Find

Arthur, in his second year as Rigotamos or high king, is establishing and expanding his power base and securing a better life for his people.  When an opportunity arises to consolidate his power and seal his position through an alliance with a powerful northern kingdom, Arthur decides to marry the Christian leader’s young daughter, Gwyneira. 

However, he is greatly saddened that he has to set aside his love for Guinevere.  Malgwyn is concerned about the wisdom of this action.  He is also concerned about another provocative act initiated by his king.  Arthur has decided to remove the head of Bran which is a symbol of protection to the local people residing near Londinium and an important icon to the Druids. Arthur’s rivals and the still-powerful Druids oppose his plans to unite the country and expand Christianity to the people.

Malgwyn is sent to bring the bride-to-be, her family, and entourage home in a journey filled with danger and discord.  During the journey and after their return, several ghastly murders of innocent young women that appear to be ritual sacrifices occur.  Disastrously, this includes Gwyneira shortly after the wedding ceremony.  Suspicious actions and clues left by several of the story’s characters provide the identities for the suspect list. Unfortunately, both Guiinevere and Malgwyn’s own companion, Ygerne, are on this list.

What is the motive?  Has Arthur displeased the Pagan gods?  Have his rivals decided to completely discredit him and seek his overthrow? Is it jealousy?  Malgwyn must quickly solve the murders before loved ones are put to death, a major alliance broken, and havoc overtakes the kingdom. He must expose the murderer while dealing with Pagan superstitions, cunning rivalry, and political dissent.  Fully utilizing his wily and crafty investigative skills, Malgwyn, assisted by a few reluctant allies, devises a plan to catch the killer.  

The legend of King Arthur, brimming with facts, fantasies, myths, and fiction, provides the basis for many stories.  Tony Hays has given us a fascinating and enjoyable tale encompassing these elements.  It is so well written that I believed “I was there” and transported back in time to Arthur’s Britain.  The influences of things Roman, Pagan, Christian, the customs, slavery, superstitions, etc. were blended and woven into the story.  

The characters are believable, colorful, and intriguing. The actions and clues depicted by the suspects and rivals provide readers with just enough information to keep us riveted.

Every one of us should have a Malgwyn in our lives.  He’s a formidable warrior and trustworthy advisor who possesses wisdom, common sense, and acute mental prowess. He understands human nature and the motives behind people’s actions (except for a few humorous situations involving maledom’s typical lack of understanding the wiles and minds of women folk).  He’s also a shrewd investigator (I could have really utilized his skills and abilities when I was a private investigator) with a knack for solving crimes.  

Working his way through twisting plots and subplots and an array of suspects, the cunning Malgwyn outmaneuvers the bad guys.  It takes the trickiness of the final trap with a few of its “in the nick of time” moments to identify and catch the real killer so that we are brought to an exciting and most satisfying conclusion.  In the end, broken hearts are mended, order and power are secured, and Arthur’s kingdom lives on.


This book is a must read for mystery/murder lovers who enjoy historical settings!  Tony Hays has written his way onto my top authors list!