Review - Smoke and Lies

I recently read where one person saw many correlations between this series and the Sebastian St. Cyr series by CS Harris.  I believe this is far more on the intrigue side and not as grim as Sebastian St. Cyr series that is a solid detective investigating sometimes gruesome murders.  I find this a welcome change when I don't want the darkness of Sebastian St. Cyr but rather the rush of political intrigue during the fascinating Napoleonic time period.

I have followed this series from the beginning: 

1 --SWEET REVENGE (click here)  

2 -- THE COCOA CONSPIRACY (click here), 

3 -- RECIPE FOR TREASON (click here)  

AUTHOR Interview -- (click here). 

Author: Andrea Penrose

Copyright: May 2018 388 pgs

Series: 4th in Lady Arianna Regency Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical suspense, amateur sleuth

Main Character: Lady Arianna Saybrook

Setting: 1814 London, at sea, Italia island of Elba

Obtained Through: personal purchase

Book Blurb: "Now that peace reigns in Europe and Napoleon has been exiled to the island of Elba, Lady Arianna and her husband, the Earl of Saybrook, are determined to put government sleuthing aside. But the head of British security has other ideas . . .

Rumors are rife that Napoleon may be plotting to take back the French throne and plunge the Continent into another war. So when Saybrook learns that his Spanish cousin has gone missing on the island under mysterious circumstances, he and Arianna feel they have no choice but to undertake a secret mission to Elba for the government and unravel the serpentine tangle of truth and lies.

Friend or Foe? From the start, they find themselves up against treachery and deceptions. And for Arianna, things become even more difficult when she encounters ghosts from her past, forcing her to make fundamental choices about love, loyalty, family and friendship. Once on Elba, she and Saybrook—along with some unexpected allies—must match wits with a deadly enemy and the great Napoleon himself. And with the clock ticking, all the last-minute machinations come down to a question of Luck . . ."

Arianna is a smart action oriented character, perfect for intrigue and improvisation as she dons disguises and chases shadows. She has a troubled past and many bad life experiences that come back to haunt her in this addition to the series.  Alessandro De Quincy, the Earl of Saybrook, is more of a forceful presence yet he has had his share of grief and difficulty in his life due to serving in war.  These two rely on each other as they can't trust their allies in this mission. One such ally is Lady Plessy-Moritz who clearly has an additional mission, and perhaps even her own ulterior motives at play.  Then there is Count von Wolfram, Wolf for short, a dangerous con man from Arianna's past also tasked to work with them but seemingly hiding something as well.  Plus an American Navy officer, Captain Hamilton, is a rocky ally since American and England have barely ended a war.

Ms. Penrose incorporates setting expertly.  They are at sea for a bit of the story and you feel salt air and waves tossing the ship.  Once on the Isle of Elba, the sense of eyes watching every move and ears listening to every breath is ever present.  Great job with the setting.

Nothing is quite what it is supposed to be. The journey by sea could have dragged, but rather it is filled with intrigue, this only gets more intense once they reach Elba.  The pacing builds towards the climax and is well done.

 The climax is filled with urgency, bravery, and perilous danger.  Everything I love as well as a few revelations.  Great job.  

I must say, I love the intrigue this series always delivers. It is my go to for a great historical suspense and the characters of Arianna and Saybrook I find very enjoyable.  This outing was filled with cloak and dagger and danger lurking all handled quite well.  Ms. Penrose is at the top of her game.  If you are looking for less gruesome murders and more spy master intrigue, this is the series for you.

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

Here is a short video of Elba and Napoleon's time there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdV7drm5hIk

Review - The Hollow of Fear

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) followed by the second book, A Conspiracy in Belgravia (click here).  Charlotte is presented with the highest stakes yet that challenge her considerable intellect as the murder strikes too close to her personal world.  

Author: Sherry Thomas

Copyright: October 2018 (Berkley) 336 pgs

Series: 3rd in Lady Sherlock Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild with innuendo and adult topics

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy, Historical suspense

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

Setting: 1886 Stern Hollow England, Lord Ingram's Estate

Obtained Through: Library Find

From the book cover: "Under the cover of "Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective," Charlotte Holmes puts her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. Aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, Charlotte draws those in need to her and makes it her business to know what other people don't. 

Moriarty's shadow looms large. First, Charlotte's half brother disappears. Then, Lady Ingram, the estranged wife of Charlotte's close friend Lord Ingram, turns up dead on his estate. And all signs point to Lord Ingram as the murderer.

With Scotland Yard closing in, Charlotte goes under disguise to seek out the truth. But uncovering the truth could mean getting too close to Lord Ingram--and a number of malevolent forces..."

Charlotte Holmes is blond, pretty, very feminine, too fond of sweets, and far too intelligent for the time period. She considers how much dessert to eat based on how many chins she has at the moment.  Her sublimated feelings for Lord Ingram are tested as she must come to his rescue and keep him from a death sentence for a murder he didn't commit.  Her disguise is both brilliant and hilarious at times.

Lord Ingram Ashburton, a long time friend who accepts Charlotte for who she is, has been set up but good for murder.  His feelings for her plus any personal issues around his strained marriage may unintentionally get aired as she is undercover in his household.  Mrs. John Watson, a retired stage actress who has become her unique and talented sidekick aids as usual.  Inspector Robert Treadles even comes out from London with his superior to investigate and his loyalties and prejudices alike are tested. Mrs Watson's niece, Miss Redmayne, joins the team for a cameo performance.  Charlotte's sister, Olivia, is even in the thick of story as she ends up at a neighboring estate that has a problem causing all the guests to relocate to Ingram's estate.  Olivia's character is developed more than before and the reader becomes more invested in her and the rarely heard of third sister Bernadine.

Stern Hollow England, Lord Ingram's Estate, is a beautiful setting now tainted by murder.  The setting hints that all is not as the surface appearance makes you believe. Excellent use of the setting.

The plot has many twists and deceptions upon deceptions. Because of this and the character development, it is near impossible to put down.  I am a slow reader and read it in about 36 hours.  Once you get to the killer reveal, you are left with your mouth open and stunned.  Yes, stunned.  Excellent final twist.  The wrap up leaves you aching for the next installment.  

The attraction between Lord Ingram and Charlotte gets new complications in this novel. The writing style is superb and contains a sophisticated handling of the plot to prevent revealing too much too soon. I highly recommend this novel.

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

Review - City of Lies

This is the debut novel in a new series by the bestselling author of the Gaslight mystery series with midwife Sarah Brandt and Detective Frank Malloy.  I jumped at the chance to read and review this new series based on the cover blurb.  Let's take a look at Ms. Thompson's new series.

Author: Victoria Thompson

Copyright: Nov 2017 (Berkley) 320 pgs

Series: 1st in Counterfeit Lady Novel series

Sensuality: Nothing graphic, but some violence in workhouse and occasional swearing.

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Suspense

Main Characters: Elizabeth Miles, smart and cunning grifter

Setting: 1917, Washington DC, Occoquan Workhouse, and New York

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review (Netgalley)

From the book cover: "Like most women, Elizabeth Miles assumes many roles; unlike most, hers have made her a woman on the run. Living on the edge of society, Elizabeth uses her guile to relieve so-called respectable men of their ill-gotten gains. But brutal and greedy entrepreneur Oscar Thornton is out for blood. He’s lost a great deal of money and is not going to forgive a woman for outwitting him. With his thugs hot on her trail, Elizabeth seizes the moment to blend in with a group of women [Suffragists picketing the White House] who have an agenda of their own [get women the vote at any cost]. 

She never expects to like or understand these privileged women, but she soon comes to respect their intentions [after being arrested with them and meets historic Lucy Burns], forming an unlikely bond with the wealthy matriarch of the group whose son, Gideon, is the rarest of species—an honest man in a dishonest world. Elizabeth knows she’s playing a risky game, and her deception could be revealed at any moment, possibly even by sharp-eyed Gideon. Nor has she been forgotten by Thornton, who’s biding his time, waiting to strike. Elizabeth must draw on her wits and every last ounce of courage she possesses to keep her new life from being cut short by this vicious shadow from her past."

Elizabeth Miles is an outstanding character.  She was raised a con artist and thinks on her feet.  When she is arrested with Suffragists picketing the White House in her effort to escape Thornton's thugs, she assists the women in dealing with the ordeal at the Occoquan Workhouse.  Once they are released she really has to be creative to stay alive with Thornton on her trail and maintain her new identity.  

Anna Vanderslice is a gentle and fragile suffragist that Elizabeth befriends and assists to get through the workhouse.  Anna bonds with Elizabeth quickly, relying on her courage.  David Vanderslice is Anna's brother who becomes a part of the story once they are released from the workhouse.  Mrs Bates is an older lady arrested who takes Elizabeth under her wing.  Gideon Bates, is her son and a lawyer who fights to get the Suffragists released and remains a key figure.

The settings are all a matter of historical record, even the Occoquan Workhouse.  Ms. Thompson did an amazing job of bringing the Suffragist movement to life, and gives the reader a slight taste of what women endured to get us the vote.  I found the depiction of the workhouse and the infamous "night of terror" well done without getting graphic.  

The plot twists and weaves and kept me turning pages.  The pacing is perfect, suspense is maintained and I never had to drag through any sections.  The interweaving of the historical events of the Occoquan Workhouse with Elizabeth's flight to escape a murderous man was pure genius.  

The climax was full of tension and some edge of your seat thrills, loved it!  The wrap up was equally enjoyable, with it's own twist. 

I had high expectations from the book blurb, and the story lived up to all of them.  Besides the importance of what it took [historical accuracy is high in the story] from many brave women to literally fight for the vote as a backdrop to the plot, the characters shined.  Elizabeth is a complex lead and Anna has her own depths that come forward.  The plot twists kept coming and I had to known how Elizabeth was going to get out of each challenging situation.  I give high praise for this novel and already am a fan and want the next installment.

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

Here is a very short informative video.  FYI, women received the right to vote by one swing vote!  https://youtu.be/m1jAM2c0yz4

Here is a four minute informational piece worth the time.
https://youtu.be/9_q2Aw464KI

The movie Iron Jawed Angels starring Hillary Swank is great as well.

Review - Mrs. Roosevelt's Confidante

I have been behind in posting my reviews...and reading.  I am attempting to catch up.  

I have followed and reviewed each of the books in the Maggie Hope series:  #1 Mr. Churchill's Secretary (click here), #2 Princess Elizabeth's Spy (click here), #3 His Majesty's Hope (click here), #4 The Prime Minister's Secret Agent (click here), and a wonderful interview with Ms. MacNeal (click here).  Today I review the newest addition to the series.

Author: Susan Elia MacNeal

Copyright: Oct 2015 (Bantam) 352 pgs

Series: 5th in Maggie Hope Spy series

Sensuality: mild 

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Intrigue

Main Characters: Maggie Hope, a spy who started as Churchill's secretary

Setting: December 1941, Washington DC

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

December 1941. Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Winston Churchill arrives in Washington, D.C., along with special agent Maggie Hope. Posing as his typist, she is accompanying the prime minister as he meets with President Roosevelt to negotiate the United States’ entry into World War II. When one of the First Lady’s aides is mysteriously murdered, Maggie is quickly drawn into Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt’s inner circle—as Eleanor herself is implicated in the crime. Although Maggie isn't undercover behind enemy lines, she manages to find her unique talents in need.  Maggie knows she must keep the investigation quiet, so she employs her unparalleled skills at code breaking and espionage to figure out who would target Mrs. Roosevelt, and why. What Maggie uncovers is a shocking conspiracy that could jeopardize American support for the war and leave the fate of the world hanging dangerously in the balance.

Maggie maybe in a secretarial support role with Churchill, but she is a spy in her core.  She can't be anything else and is finding her new place in the war effort.  She must also face her ex-fiance, John Sterling as he is trying to reconcile their relationship.  John is on the trip with Churchill too, which provides some insights into his character that Maggie must consider. John's future seems to be taking a surprising turn as well.  David Greene is Maggie's dear friend and Churchill's right-hand guy.  David is always a joy in the stories.  Clara Hess, Maggie's mother and captured Nazi spy is with us again to keep the story off balance and unpredictable.  We finally meet Maggie's aunt Edith and it highlighted how difficult it can be to keep your real work secret.  Plus Tom O'Brian, a journalist and former classmate of Maggie's joins us for the adventure.  Will he be a significant factor in Maggie's life?

Washington DC was fascinating for a setting as America was just entering the war and the impact on the Capitol was manifesting.  The few scenes set in Hollywood were nostalgic.  The prison scenes were particularly well utilized.

 The plot hinges on how a scandal involving the First Lady would have repercussions that would jeopardize the war effort and the fragile new alliance between Britain and America.  It is hard to imagine now, but for the era I think it is a viable plot scenario.  The story-line kept me interested and turning pages with the subplots interwoven seamlessly.  The showdown with the killer was tense and the remaining questions get answered.  The wrap up set the stage for the next book...and left some developments as tantalizing possibilities.

This series has been a tour de force since it's debut, and this book does it justice.  The world of Maggie Hope is compelling drama set amidst grand historical events that transports you as only a topnotch storyteller can.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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Review - Who Buries the Dead

Today I review the newest in the Sebastian St. Cyr historical mysteries.  Previously I reviewed "Why Kings Confess" (click here), "What Darkness Brings" (click here), "When Maidens Mourn" (click here), and "Where Shadows Dance" (click here).  We were also honored to interview C.S. Harris (click here.)  So how is the series doing now that we are into the tenth book?  Let's find out.

Author: C.S. Harris

Copyright: March 2015 (Obsidian) 352 pgs

Series: 10th in Sebastian St. Cyr Regency Mysteries

Sensuality: mild romance, some clinical discussion of mutilation-not too graphic.

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Suspense

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

Setting: 1813 London England

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Sebastian is called to assist/consult on a disturbing beheading of Stanley Preston, a quarrelsome Jamaican plantation owner who strives to climb the London social ladder and collects royal memorabilia (including a few heads). Somehow Preston's morbid hobby and his death are likely connected since a piece of King Charles' coffin strap is found at the murder, as well as his ties to Jamaica figure prominently.  Complicating matters is the return from Jamaica of Sebastian's old army commander, Lord Sinclair Oliphant, who engineered the slaughter of an orphanage run by nuns during the war.  An event which still fuels horrible nightmares for Sebastian, and has kept a vow alive to see Oliphant pay for the war crime.  The suspects begin to pile up as the victim's last few days are found to be chock full of explosive arguments with several people from curiosity sellers to prominent society members.  Shortly more beheaded corpses are popping up along with attempts on Sebastian's life.  Meanwhile, Sebastian and Hero both realize that they have much more to loose, as they are now emotionally invested in one another as their love deepens.

Sebastian is a Regency action hero, but this addition to the series delves more into his growth emotionally.  Sebastian's character is deepening and gaining more layers, which makes him even more charismatic.  Hero, my favorite of the novels, has taken a bit of a back seat with motherhood, but has become more of Sebastian's confident and sounding board.  I long for more stories where she can shine.  Jane Austen is woven into this story as an associate of the victim's family.  Jane's character is delightful and the references to London society caught up in her books to where people are categorized by being a "Colonel Brandon" or a "Willoughby" provides a light humorous touch.  Paul Gibson has a few small scenes as he is fighting his own inner demons that are debilitating him.  Lord Sinclair Oliphant, Sebastian's nemesis, is an example of a wealthy man with no moral code.  Jamie Knox, the mysterious tavern owner that suspiciously looks like Sebastian, has a few critical scenes in the story.  Lord Jarvis, Hero's father, demonstrates just how dangerous he is when his daughter is endangered in this installment.

As always, Ms. Harris displays London with a vibrant brush, exposing its beauty and its grim and harsh sides, and it's rich and it's dirt poor with equal dexterity.  The plot delves into two areas, Jamaican slave plantation ownership and the raiding of tombs (even royal tombs) for profit.  These are woven into the plot believably and provide period details as well as motives for murder.  The pacing moved along with the aid of heightened danger between the questioning of suspects.  The climax isn't in the form of a killer confrontation, but is nonetheless suspenseful.  The resolution provides a chilling end in one aspect and a chance at peace in another.

Ms. Harris takes Sebastian and Hero on another thrilling ride providing personal peril against a backdrop of cold amoral people with their own hidden agendas and shocking secrets under a thin veneer of blue blood society.  The characters continue to develop, the plots are multi-layered, and Regency London is faithfully portrayed.

Rating: 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 - Murder at Hatfield House

This week we look at a new historical mystery series set in the tumultuous and terrifying time of Queen Mary reigning in England.  I eagerly read this book because this time period is fertile for a suspenseful murder mystery.

Author: Amanda Carmack

Copyright: October 2013 (Signet) 288 pgs

Series: 1st in Elizabethan Mysteries series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Suspense

Main Characters: Kate Haywood, 18 year old musician in the employ of princess Elizabeth

Setting: 1558, England (during the rule of Bloody Mary)

Obtained Through: Publisher for an honest review


The reigning queen is Mary, Daugter of Henry VIII, and a rabid Catholic. Her reign was filled with executions of Protestants, thus earning her the name "Bloody Mary."  Mary took control of the government after the failed attempt by Henry VIII's only legitimate son, Edward VI, to by-pass Mary and turn the throne over to his cousin Lady Jane Grey.  Mary seized the throne and had her cousin Jane publicly executed. Being of the protestant faith would get you killed under Mary's rule as a heretic and traitor.  It is in this highly charged political atmosphere that this story takes place.  Catholic Queen Mary has a protestant sister, Elizabeth, who has the only other legitimate claim to the throne.  Elizabeth tries to live a quiet life at Hatfield manor house and avoid her sister's wrath, which means enduring Mary's agents who regularly search her home trying to find Protestant teachings or bibles to try her as a traitor. 

The story starts as one such agent from Queen Mary, Lord Braceton, is approaching Hatfield house and his assistant is shot with an arrow and dies. Needless to say, Braceton proceeds to make Elizabeth and her household suffer for the murder of his assistant.  Elizabeth, under house arrest, begins turning to Kate to secretly be her eyes and ears.  Kate vows to help her princess and uncover who the murderer is, even if she is placed in increasing peril.

Kate Haywood is a kind girl in a harsh and dangerous time. She loves her father and is devoted to her friends and the Princess. She is brave in her desire to help others and was a heroine that I found easy to root for her success.  Her father, Matthew Haywood, lives for his music and is a delight. Princess Elizabeth Tudor is portrayed as loyal to those who have been loyal to her, fierce in her sense of duty to those who rely on her, has a terrible temper that she holds in check, and very politically savvy. I really liked the portrayal of a steely woman caught in the middle of dangerous political plots.  I must mention Anthony, the young law apprentice who likes Kate more than as a friend, even if she doesn't realize it.  Ned, a mute kitchen boy, is a bittersweet character.  Lord Braceton is portrayed to give a sense of just how scary the times were with powerful bullies throwing their weight around. I both feared the character and what he might do while wishing for him to get justice delivered upon him.

Most of the story takes place at Hatfield House or the nearby

Hatfield House, Princess Elizabeth's residence

town. The photo shows what Hatfield House really looked like rather than the book cover.  There are a few scenes at other manor houses.  The dark hallways, tower rooms, and hidden passageways add to the historical time and the sense of danger.  The village is also a great setting with danger seemingly in every encounter.

The plot presents a well hidden enemy who clearly has an agenda against the Queen and any of the Queen's officials. The  killer is quick and deadly, can strike with an arrow or a knife.  But why and who is elusive.  I was guessing until close to the reveal.  The pace kept steady as Kate investigated and more incidences of murder occured. 

The climax with Kate and the killer is intense and dramatic. I did feel the resolution to the killer confrontation was sudden and seemed a let down.  The wrap-up nicely setups the next book and promises to provide even more political intrigue for Kate.

I found this a great historical suspense with a solid murder mystery and very enjoyable heroine.


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

Here is a short video that gives the setting of Queen Mary's horrifying reign that is central in the novel. Warning: references to violence and bloodshed

Review - Mortal Arts

Today I get to review the second in the Lady Darby mysteries.  I had reviewed the first book in the series The Anatomist's Wife (click here)  and was honored to interview the author (click here.)  Let's return to rough and alluring land of Scotland for the second in the series. 

Author: Anna Lee Huber

Copyright: September 2013 (Berkley Trade) 384 pgs

Series: 2nd in Lady Darby Mystery series

Sensuality: mild kissing

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Mystery

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

Setting: 1830, Scotland

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Kiera and her sister's family are traveling to Edinburgh so that pregnant Alana can be close to better medical care. Still en-route, a rider delivers an urgent appeal to Phillip.  Lady Hollingsworth, Phillip's aunt, demands his presence at Dalmay House with no explanation.  The family quickly makes their way to Michael Dalmay's family home to find that Michael is to marry Caroline except for a glitch in the engagement... Michael's older brother.  William was believed to be dead for the past five years, but he had been thrown into an asylum, Larkspur Retreat, by his father.  This means that Michael will not be the one to inherit the title nor the property, so the wedding is on hold.  On top of that, William has been released by his brother's hard work and is back living at Dalmay House. 
 
William was Kiera’s art tutor when she was fourteen.  Kiera feels for Williams’s plight since there had been talk of committing her after her deceased husband was discovered to do dissections and she was forced to draw the bodies, branding her as "un-natural."  Then a local girl, Mary Wallace, goes missing and Michael fears everyone will suspect his brother just because they are fearful. Kiera insists on staying behind when her sister and family continue to Edinburgh and trying to prove that William had nothing to do with Mary Wallace's disappearance, but things are never that easy.

Lady Kiera Darby was more emotional in this book, giving in a bit to her old fears from the nightmarish time when she had to face the possible fate that William suffered through. In some ways she was a bit too adamant in helping William, which felt a tad out of character for the Kiera in the first book.  Sebastian Gage is too tight lipped, and where this may be an attempt to create an air of mystery about the man, by the end of the book it came across as toying with Lady Darby's feelings when he has no intention of being invested in their "relationship".   Michael Dalmay seemed more tortured than his traumatized brother, which resulted in his hiding important facts. A few instances this felt more contrived to draw the story out.  William Dalmay was a character I liked. He doesn't exactly trust himself, but wants to do the right thing inspite of his nightmare for the past 10 years. The reader is torn between suspicion and believing he is innocent.  Great tension created there.  Elise Remington is a spoiled and pampered society teen who needed to be slapped across the face in one instance.  She creates complications for Sebastian and Kiera. 

Dalmay House on the Firth of Forth and the deteriorated ruins of Banbogle Castle are great locations filled with shadows and a sense of hidden dangers.  The specter of Larkspur Retreat, the asylum, on isolated Inchkeith Island nearby is always looming in the background.

There were a few glitches with the plot, particularly with Kiera's staunch insistence on helping William when there is no indication that she had really thought about or grieved for him over the ten years she believed he was dead.  In a few instances characters acted in improbable ways.  The climax was spot on and a nail-biting suspenseful ride where all the lurking fears come out to haunt and chase and deliver a twist or two.  The wrap-up was anti-climatic and, sorry to say, unsatisfying. 

The second book in a series is perhaps the hardest.  The author must deliver the same success but on a deadline, all-the-while knowing the high expectations of the audience.  This was a solid entry with a few minor glitches.  I found myself completely absorbed and felt like I had been through the story personally and needed a breath when I closed the book.  It was only in looking back to write this review that I realized the few issues I mentioned, so they didn't jump out at me as I read.

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

Below is a brief video of Delmeny House, which is the inspiration for the main setting of Dalmay House.

Below is Carnassarie Castle, one of two castles used as inspiration for the deteriorated ruins of Banbogle Castle

To understand the location of the setting, here is a map of the Firth of Forth.  In the center, you can see Inchkeith Island where the asylum was,  just left of Edinburgh is Cramond where the story takes place.   Banbogle Castle sits on the banks of this large waterway.

Enjoy!

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 - Recipe for Treason

I reviewed the first book SWEET REVENGE (click here) and the second in the series THE COCOA CONSPIRACY (click here), as well as interviewed the author (click here).  Today I review the newest addition to the series and judge how well it is keeping up with the bar set in the first two books.

Author:   Andrea Penrose

Copyright:  December 2012 (Signet) 336 pgs

Series: 3rd in Lady Arianna Regency Mysteries

Sensuality:  mild romance

Mystery Sub-genre:  Historical Intrigue

Main Character:  Lady Arianna Hadley

Setting:  England, 1814

Obtained Through:  from publisher for an honest review


Time-wise, this book picks up closely after the finish of the second in the series.  This book can stand on its own, but is richer if the prior two books have been read.  We join Lady Arianna and her new husband Sandro, the Earl of Saybrook, as they travel with their friend Henley to Scotland to follow up on their discovery of a traitorous plot against England.  They are ambushed on the road, and while in Scotland it is clear the adversary is one step ahead of them. Could their be a traitor among the English government?  Who can be trusted grows more murky as Arianna and the Earl of Saybrook race against the clock to keep explosive plans from striking a blow against England.  

To add to the personal stakes, the Earl's long standing friendship with a society lady, Miss Sophia Kirtland, is brought to the forefront since her assistance is needed.  Arianna's conflicted feelings are swirling amidst the cat-and-mouse game of intrigue, which notches up the tension overall.

Arianna is a smart action oriented character, perfect for intrigue and improvisation as she dons disguises and chases shadows. The marriage of convenience with the Earl is getting more difficult as her feelings become stronger for him.  In this addition to the series, the reader isn't as sure about the Earl's feelings as in the last book, which combines with the intrigue for an emotional ride.  The Earl is more of a forceful presence as he and Arianna risk their lives.  Their friend Hennley takes some emotional hits and his loyalties are even questioned.  The Earl's friendship with Sophia Kirtland brings a new, strong female to the mix.  She throws a few twists for Arianna, but adds to the overall story in her own right.  Sophia was the breakout character that the reader can't help but become invested in.

This series takes full advantage of the regency time period with the innovations to hot air balloon travel and the rumors of Napolean attempting to escape exile and make a power grab.  Scotland and London are wonderously portrayed taking the reader vividly to that time and place in the past.


The plot is an enjoyable romp with a few areas to catch your breath. The pacing is taut and finely balanced to create a page-turner.  Well done!  The climax has a well conceived and executed suspenseful chase.  The wrap-up answers some questions, but leaves others dangling to entice the reader with the next book. 

This book is on the verge of tipping over into a historical thriller with its breathless intrigue worthy of a regency-era Laura Croft-esque heroine and equally adventurous hero, yet with developed characters to contribute to the recipe.


Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.  It really is that good.  I am still surprised this isn't released in hard-cover. If you enjoy C.S. Harris or Tasha Alexander, you should love this book too.

Review - The Anatomist's Wife

This is a brand new historical mystery, or is it a historical suspense?  Whatever the case, here is an author to keep an eye on as the Lady Darby Mystery series debuts.

Author: Anna Lee Huber

Copyright: November 2012 (Berkley) 368 pgs

Series: 1st in Lady Darby Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild period references to promiscuity

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Suspense

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

Setting: 1830, Scotland - isolated Gairloch Castle

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review


Kiera's husband died unexpectedly a year and a half ago.  Sir Anthony Darby married her for one reason only, to use her artistic ability to illustrate his book.  He was an anatomist and surgeon, one of the men who dissected scores bodies to document how the human body functioned back when medicine was getting more scientific.  Kiera was forced to do the illustrations of internal organs etc. during the dissections.  When her husband suddenly died, the truth was revealed about her husband's work and her part.  She is considered unnatural and evil by the majority of people and thus is an outcast. She has been treated very badly by society and has taken refuge, for most of the past eighteen months, at her sisters home in Scotland healing from the many emotional scars.

Kiera's sister and her husband, Alana and Philip, decide to host a grand house party and have several people stay for a few days.  The book opens with the screams of one guest as the body of Lady Godwin is found in the popular shrubbery maze.  The son of a London investigator, Sebastian Gage, is in attendance and begins the investigation while everyone awaits the nearest official to arrive, in about six days.  Since Lady Darby is the closest thing to a medical examiner they have (after all her illustrations of bodies and internal medicine), she is pressed into lending a hand.  

Kiera's past comes back to haunt her when the consensus is that she must be the murderer and she is plagued, even in her sanctuary, by slander and vile gossip.  Kiera can't be sure that Gage isn't just keeping an eye on his number one suspect rather than really needing her assistance.  Upon Kiera's examining the body, it is clear Lady Godwin died from a slit throat, but the surprise is how she had been pregnant - obviously due to an affair since her husband has long been out of the country.

Kiera is a phenomenal character.  She is deeply wounded from being blatantly and coldly used during her marriage, then nearly terrorized after his death.  She trusts only her sister and is fiercely loyal to her.  Her assistance in the investigation shows that no matter how wounded and tormented, she has an inner strength that sees her through it all.  She has her vulnerable moments, which are completely realistic, yet she steels herself and rises to strike down the killer amongst them. Sebastian Gage is a capable enough investigator, but he is also a ladies-man.  His character transforms from a shallow flirt to a serious investigator that shrewdly eyes all the guests.  He also shows he can have compassion.  I liked his character and feel there is far more to him yet to be discovered. There is a tentative attraction between them that is so precarious it could crumble easily, which adds to the complexity and layers of this story.  Alana is the paragon of a loyal sister and devoted mother with a surprising sharp tongue and fighting spirit.  Her husband Philip is a good guy who loves his wife and clearly cares about Kiera and her rough life.  His character was a careful balance of brotherly concern and Lordly authority.  Lady Stratford was the surprising breakout character, but I can't share any more without some spoilers - so enough said.

The setting of isolated Gairloch Castle in Scotland was used to its fullest advantage.  This setting gave some Gothic touches and helped to heighten the suspense.  Well done. There is less a focus on heavy Scottish brogues and plaids and more on taking advantage of the castle in the challenging landscape.  I think this strategy paid off well.

This is a traditional mystery in the sense that there are a limited number of suspects all staying at the castle, and figuring out the murder's timing and movements are almost as important as the motive to the solving the case.  The plot unfolds as more information about the victim is revealed during the investigation, providing many suspects.  I did pick up on the subtle clues and had fingered the killer, but the motivation was a surprise.  The climax was high suspense and got the blood pumping.  The wrap up promises a reunion of Kiera and Mr. Gage for the next book.


Great historical, great traditional mystery, and great suspense all woven together into an edge-of-your-seat story that leaves a lasting impression.  I LOVED this book, I keep thinking about it after finishing it!! 

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy several copies: one for you and one for each of your historical-mystery-loving friends for gifts this holiday season! :-)

Review - Mr. Churchill's Secretary

This week's review takes us to war torn England of 1940 for some intrigue and chasing shadows.  This is a debut novel of a new historical suspense/intrigue series.  There have been some mixed reviews for this book, so let's see how it fared.

FYI, Thursday, July 26, 2012 is Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen® stores with proceeds of $1 or more from every Blizzard® Treat purchased at participating stores to be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. 

Author: Susan Elia MacNeal

Copyright: April 2012 (Bantam) 384 pgs

Series: 1st in Maggie Hope Adventures

Sensuality: Mild references

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Intrigue,

Main Characters: Maggie Hope, American in London

Setting: 1940, London England

Obtained Through: LibraryThing

Maggie Hope somewhat reluctantly takes the job of new Prime Minister Winston Churchill's secretary. The last secretary was was murdered and it seems that Maggie is being watched in her new job as well.  England itself is facing Hitler preparing to pummel England with bomber planes as households build bomb shelters.  Additionally, the IRA is bombing sites in London and could be Nazi sympathizers, joining against England - the common enemy. 

Maggie's British parents were killed when she was still an infant and she was raised by an aunt in America.  Her aunt raised her in the academic world of colleges where she works. Maggie is forced to suspend her graduate studies in mathematics at MIT to travel to London and sell her inheritance from a grandmother she never knew she had.  Thus, Maggie is incredibly overqualified for the job of secretary with her Mathematics skills, plus she is fluent in a few languages.  All of which means she is smart and some secrets she will figure out, placing her in more danger.  Secrets - such as why her father isn't buried with her mother? 

Maggie Hope is a good main character, smart, loyal and caring.  She has several friends that are living in the inherited house, all helping each other through the challenging times.  There are so many characters who populate the story that a character guide up front would have been helpful.  Maggie's housemates are interesting and varied.  I didn't particularly care for the ditzy twins, but otherwise they were all engaging.  There is even the hint of a romantic interest with an acquaintance who also works for Churchill.  Churchill himself is very well portrayed.

Historical books, when done correctly really, bring the time period alive.  I was skeptical to read this book because of a review I read somewhere that said there were historical errors.  After reading the book I was surprised, because I didn't find anything of particular note.  I went back and found the criticism had to do with the color of Women's Naval Service uniforms and such details.  Unless you are familiar with such WWII details, I doubt you will notice the errors either.  I can say that a few times there was a term or phrase that was more modern that struck me.  But again, not so much that it detracted from the story for me.  Rather, the terror of a sudden air raid siren and the scramble to get into a bomb shelter and the tense listening to explosions while waiting for the all-clear siren were all brought vividly to life.  

The plot of IRA forces combining with Nazis to infiltrate Churchill's inner circle was well done and quite believable.  The circumstances around Maggie's father (not to give away too much here) are a tad of a stretch.  The pacing kept the tension and story going solidly for me throughout.  This was one of those books when you think you just made it through the climax and can resume breathing, only to find there is more and your blood continues racing.  Well done climax and solid wrap-up that sets up further adventures for Maggie.

This is a solid debut entry in the historical intrigue or historical amateur sleuth genre. 

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

I have this piece of a documentary about the London blitz to share.  It is so easy to forget what London went through while the Olympics are there.