"Fortune’s Wheel," the first book in Carolyn Hughes' Meonbridge Chronicles series, is set in the aftermath of The Black Death. The stor***Audiobook***
"Fortune’s Wheel," the first book in Carolyn Hughes' Meonbridge Chronicles series, is set in the aftermath of The Black Death. The story depicts the village of Meonbridge, where survivors face bereavement and uncertainty as they rebuild their lives. The plot follows three main female protagonists: Alice, a widow determined to remain independent; Eleanor, left to manage her lands after her parents' death; and Lady Margaret, who subtly opposes her husband’s harsh rule over the villagers. As the villagers strive to put their lives back together, desperate poverty leads to unrest and causes greater rifts between the haves and the have-nots. Running alongside this unrest is the mystery about the disappearance of Alice's daughter, Agnes. Combined, these plots bear witness to the challenges of the feudal system as greater demands are made by the villagers for a fairer life. This is history made clear with very typical tales of very typical people.
I've read many of the books in the series and am used to - and appreciate - Carolyn's immersive writing, rich in historical detail and authenticity. Yet to hear the story being told brings a new perspective to the hardships of those times. The narrator, at first I admit to finding "breathy" but as the story developed, the subtle changes in voice brought the whole period to life. I felt like I was witnessing the scenes, even sometimes part of the community as the depth of emotion, of injustice, of hope and despair drew me in. I knew to expect a lot from Carolyn's books, and this audiobook did not disappoint. I look forward to hearing more of the Meonbridge community, whether in written or spoken word. ...more
Well, these "old girls" might have been behaving "badly" but it was all for a good reason, and they weren't so misbehaved at all - unless you include Well, these "old girls" might have been behaving "badly" but it was all for a good reason, and they weren't so misbehaved at all - unless you include snooping around the rather grand house of the host, but, as I said, they have an excellent reason if justice is to be done. Gina, at 72, is the gofer, searching the house on Dorothy's behalf, who, at 89, is the instigator of their activities. An unlikely pairing, but it works so well. Gina, recently abandoned by her husband who needs to "find himself" is at a loss and, on seeing the ad in The Lady for a companion role for a week with a view to it becoming a permanent position, thinks what has she got to lose? She and Dorothy hit it off over a shared love for art, and so Gina is hired. The week concerned is for a family wedding taking place at the bride's uncle (Leonard) grand home, where close family members gather for activities and fun prior to the big day. Gina believes it'll be a case of giving medication and fetching slippers for the older woman, but Dorothy has other ideas. She believes Leonard was instrumental in the death, a year ago, of her husband Philip, whereupon he also stole a painting she believes he has somewhere in the house. And she wants Gina to track it down. So, begins the fun. Gina wonders what she has let herself in for, Dorothy cannot resist sniping at Leonard, and Leonard is simply the smuggest, most odious of show-offs who loves being the centre of attention. Add in some family members with secrets, a teenager with a tendency to record private conversations and who'd rather be anywhere else, and you have a really entertaining story that held my attention from start to finish. The author writes older characters really well, and is not afraid to throw in the unexpected now and then. Throughout, Gina and Dorothy become good friends, and unwittingly both help the other to move on (Dorothy from her grief and Gina from her marriage ending). It's a heart-warming story with lots of humour mixed in with real family issues. I'd like to think from how it ends that there is more to come from these two....more
When you think of booking a short break on the Isle of Skye, Loch House would make very few "must visit" lists. For Nicola, her son George, and partneWhen you think of booking a short break on the Isle of Skye, Loch House would make very few "must visit" lists. For Nicola, her son George, and partner Matt, it's far from what they expected. Matt plans to propose, while Nicola has totally different ideas on where their relationship is heading. But a heavy snow storm and Matt getting the dates of his booking wrong at a different hotel see them have little option than to check in to Loch House, the only place with vacancies. Other guests seem to feel equally as uncomfortable in the old-fashioned verging on derelict guest house, and the owners added rules seem particularly harsh. After all, "no phones, no going out after 9pm, windows that don't open and doors that only lock from the inside" are not the usual demands made of hotel guests EVER! So why are these guest house owners so inflexible? It seems Loch House has a bloody history, and that weekend is the tenth anniversary of that event. Even so, history rarely repeats itself - or does it? The Last Guest House is a locked room mystery combined with a psychological thriller and the story of the guests' stay there that weekend runs alongside a subplot featuring true crime podcasters trying to unravel the bloody murder mystery of the house a decade ago. As it happens, the podcasters are in for a surprise too, their "investigations" being tied into the goings on at the house in more ways than expected. A great cast of characters - Dorothy & Henry (the owners of Loch House) are uncomfortably odd and stuck in the past, but maybe they have good reason to be so. My favourite character is young George, showing such empathy and loyalty to the surprise resident of the house.
Told from varying viewpoints - to call them opposing would be an understatement - the story is slow to take off, and the podcast snippets sometimes feel jarring, but eventually it all becomes clear. And, sadly, the history of Loch House is heart-breaking, the actions of the owners (though questionable) suddenly make sense, and the podcasters finally crack the case... but at what cost?
Thanks go to Embla Books and Netgalley for my copy; I really enjoyed this and will gladly check out more by this author....more
A new series by Liz Mistry - what's not to get excited about? As always, the author delivers a cracking, fast-paced read with the BEST characters! I lA new series by Liz Mistry - what's not to get excited about? As always, the author delivers a cracking, fast-paced read with the BEST characters! I loved Jazzy, but I think Queenie takes top spot as my favourite. Newly placed together, Queenie knows lots about Jazzy, but the same can't be said from Jazzy's perspective. And is it any wonder when a grisly - proper grisly - murder scene evolves into something personal for Jazzy, something she'd rather not share with everyone at work, but something, nonetheless, that will prove vital in catching this killer. The connections are, at first glance, subtle: Jazzy's shared birthday with the murder victims' daughter. A coincidence, you might think until Jazzy is obliged to share details of her stalker, and then it gets very, very personal. I loved how the author drip-feeds the reader details of Jazzy's past, sprinkles in snippets about Queenie's life, and then has the inspiration to create The Jazz Queens (a much better name for the D team who do not deserve the "dunce" label given to them by their odious boss - Dick by name and dick by nature. Great characterisation, sublime banter, a fast-moving plot, and a serial killer on the prowl. Bring on the next book! ...more
Bloodshed on the Boards is a community-led cosy mystery with its very own "Miss Marple" sleuth in Morwenna Mutton. Morwenna likes to tackle mysteries Bloodshed on the Boards is a community-led cosy mystery with its very own "Miss Marple" sleuth in Morwenna Mutton. Morwenna likes to tackle mysteries in her own way, by asking questions and following up leads while seeming to be perfectly innocently curious. Set in Cornwall, with the added attraction of a wild swimming club where members talk "freely" about what's happening in their lives and their village. It's prime puzzle-solving ground for Morwenna in this book as she interacts not only with her friends but also others connected in some way to the travelling theatre group - whose director/owner has just been killed - and the murder itself. Very much family-oriented, the story thrives on the interactions of Morwenna and her family and friends and their shared activities support the mystery plot well while also adding some fun red herrings to the mix. It's an entertaining, enjoyable and easy read. A good whodunnit with more than its fair share of humour, community spirit, joie de vivre and good, old-fashioned fun. A series I could happily explore further.
This was my first experience of a Tracey Waples story; it won't be my last. With more twists than a helter-skelter, this was a most e*** Audiobook ***
This was my first experience of a Tracey Waples story; it won't be my last. With more twists than a helter-skelter, this was a most entertaining story to listen to. Soooo good!
Helen, grieving her husband's untimely death, agrees to a holiday with her little sister, Mia. And why not? A change of scenery might do her the power of good. Until she wakes up with a splitting headache and a fuzzy memory of the previous evening. Given that Helen doesn't drink, the reason for her headache is somewhat strange, but more bizarre is the later insinuation that not only had she been drunk, she'd driven them home that night too. As if that wasn't bad enough, an accident occurred during that drive home and Helen looks to be guilty.
Yet, she really can't remember anything, certainly not drinking alcohol. Her sister, Mia, however, confirms Helen was driving that night, and even if she can't explain the drinking, Helen has to accept that she was responsible. But, there's something about Mia's story that doesn't add up. And those loose threads start to unravel. What is Mia hiding?
With many unexpected twists that will keep you enthralled, this story challenges the norm in regards to sibling relationships and pushes boundaries that you can't believe. Clearly, not all sisters are "such devoted sisters" and in this case, one sister is definitely "doing things" for herself.
Great narration, easy to follow, and a superb plot. I'll look out for more from this author....more
It's impossible for me not to love anything connected to The Meonbridge Chronicles, so being invited to read and review this novella was both a very dIt's impossible for me not to love anything connected to The Meonbridge Chronicles, so being invited to read and review this novella was both a very definite no-brainer and a joyous treat. As expected, the author didn't disappoint.
The Merchant's Dilemma tells the love story of Bea and Riccardo. He's a successful merchant, who having recently lost his son and wife (the latter he married for the sake of the family name), realises that he always loved another - Bea, the woman who lived with him as his mistress before he was obliged to marry. But he has no idea where she might be, only for fortune to intervene when he returns home from searching for his true love to find her on his doorstep, barely alive. As much as he loves Bea, he knows society - primarily, his father - wouldn't accept her as his next wife. So, Bea continues to live with him in secret until his father passes (an issue that will later bring into doubt his personal integrity and risk his liberty).
His mother, however, is on his side (with a fabulous tale of her own to tell that highlights the irony of their situation!) and agrees to help him introduce Bea into society. Bea is frustrated but understanding, and takes on the role with gusto, fooling many of the family's friends and acquaintances. Their future looks promising until some unexpected gossip threatens more than just their possible marriage.
As a companion to the series, this story takes a more romantic and light-hearted path into those times. It's not as gritty or immersive as the main series, but it is utterly charming and definitely not without its drama and tension, all befitting the era, and all making for a wonderful reading experience. Bea's life beyond Meonbridge does not come without its problems; she's not in for an easy ride, not at all. Fortunately, while she faces prejudice and judgement (based on her history) from some, she is also surrounded by love and empathy and destined for a happy ending.
I loved reading this shorter story and picking up with familiar faces, and if the author has any more of these in mind, then I can't wait to read them....more
Readers of The Appeal will be delighted to see the return of The Fairway Players in time for panto season. Personally, I was thrilled to be invited toReaders of The Appeal will be delighted to see the return of The Fairway Players in time for panto season. Personally, I was thrilled to be invited to read an early copy and couldn’t wait to get started on it, re-arranging my reading schedule to fit it in at the first chance possible. So, now having read it – in one sitting and after lots of chuckling – I’m ready to review it. Now, if you haven’t read The Appeal, don’t worry. The quirky writing style and format will draw you in, and if you’re in any way familiar with community groups or collaborative creative projects, you’ll soon recognise the internal dynamics as sooooo believable, only this time – as a voyeur – you’ll be able to see the funny side of their “banter”. Enjoy!
Retired KC, Mr Tanner has sent a set of documents for review to lawyers Femi Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd without telling them exactly what they might be looking for, but he’s convinced they’ll find the info – emails, texts, Whatsapp messages – interesting as well as a chance to “reconnect” with The Fairway Players who are preparing their latest show, a pantomime: Jack and the Beanstalk. The Players have a new chair team in Sarah–Jane McDonald and her husband, Kevin, who’ll be managing the performance in every aspect from casting to show night.
From the moment Sarah-Jane issues a casting call, the group dynamics are tested by an opponent to her leadership. With passive-aggressive emails to The Players , it’s clear Sarah-Jane’s rival wants to create a division within the group. It’s deliciously revealing and sets the tone for the rest of the group’s communications. Criticisms abound – but oh so subtly, and never face-to-face!
As Sarah-Jane and Kevin overcome challenges regarding the overlarge beanstalk, rumours of asbestos in said beanstalk, selling tickets (and not giving them away) and providing refreshments and goody bags, it finally looks as though they’re ready. But, of course, they’re not. Enter stage-right Chaos and Mayhem. When the best laid plans goes hilariously awry, the audience – unknowingly – are in for the treat of their life.
Meanwhile Femi and Charlotte are struggling to see why Mr Tanner wants their thoughts on the documents… and it’s only then that he provides a few more snippets of info that, along with the details of performance night and all its craziness ultimately prove there was a method to his madness.
The attempts by keyboard warriors to manipulate others by criticising and stirring up old tensions to change things in their favour are quashed with glorious one-liners and sublime putdowns that are the essence of the pantomime ethos that good will conquer evil.
The ending – and the reason why Tanner got Femi and Charlotte involved – is as off-the-wall as you could ever imagine, so worthy of the pantomime plotline. The personality clashes are as clear as ever, the rivalry as cutting, and the humour as sharp. I defy readers not to laugh aloud as they read through the messages and try to solve the mystery, because it’s a corker. Oh, yes it is!...more
This story held my attention for the most part... until it got very dark and required a level of suspension of belief as regards the main character thThis story held my attention for the most part... until it got very dark and required a level of suspension of belief as regards the main character that seemed unrealistic. It seemed as if the author had a checklist of character types and personalities to work through and threw everything bar the kitchen sink at the characters without too much development. Consequently, there was a lot of misdirection that, rather than being a spectacular plot twist, felt over the top and unnecessarily complicated. That said, I felt the DCI's storyline was well-written and her situation handled sensitively, and would read more about her. Not an easy read, and certainly not what I expected but it lives up to its description in providing a quick read and a story intended to thrill....more
I never miss a chance to return to St. Brides if I can help it; the stories are always entertaining and original, and reminiscent of books I loved to I never miss a chance to return to St. Brides if I can help it; the stories are always entertaining and original, and reminiscent of books I loved to read as a child (Malory Towers, St Clares etc) - and who can resist a stroll down memory lane? With two storylines running alongside each other that provide both fun and mystery, my fourth visit to St Brides is as engaging as ever. The fun element comes as a result of some rather serious storms that have flooded parts of the school - primarily the teachers' accommodation. With funding always an issue, the students are encouraged to create small businesses to generate income while learning business skills. Some of their ideas are off the wall, yet others have a real chance of succeeding. That said, at times, these ideas result in some wonderfully, wacky scenarios that bring a lovely touch of humour to the story. Mystery arrives at St Brides in the form of new student with a wealthy sponsor, whose background raises Gemma's suspicions - who is Frieda Ehrlich and why St Brides? Gemma's investigations expose a well-kept secret, one that is kept under wraps until the end and, as such, held my attention to the extent that i read this well-paced story in one afternoon. With familiar and relateable characters, St Brides offers a cosy vibe with plenty of humour and a gentle and intriguing mystery. ...more
As a frequent visitor to Hummingbird House, I was delighted to see what had happened to Betty and her friends/tenants in more recent times. True to foAs a frequent visitor to Hummingbird House, I was delighted to see what had happened to Betty and her friends/tenants in more recent times. True to form, this short (for me, too short and over too quickly) novella is a dual timeline glimpse at Betty, now in her 80s and still in her “happy place” at Hummingbird House, and a look back to 1968 and her good friend Sandra whose errant habits are the subject of this story. It’s like one of those moments when you catch up with old friends and it feels like only yesterday you last saw them.
A slower-paced story than most of the books I’ve read later, this has a subtler feel to it, as though Betty is personally telling you a story over a pot of tea in the garden. With familiar faces flitting in now and then, story focuses much more on Sandra and her relationships, particularly with her own mother and son. Betty is in a more reflective mood as she searches Sandra and is reminded of a prior search back in the 60s when she came to understand Sandra better and caught a some real insight in to a world with which she – unlike her companion of the time, Arthur, was naively unfamiliar.
In the present day story, it is Sandra’s son Jonty who must learn something about his mum, and it’s an opportunity for them all to reflect and reconsider how their life changes and adapts to meet new challenges as they occur. Nothing is ever too difficult that it cannot be made easier with the help of good friends and strong family bonds. Another heart-warming tale from Jane Harvey and I look forward to more stories about other residents in thefuture....more
I can’t resist this series, loving both the characters and the plotlines. This author knows how to keep me invested in her stories and I have to admitI can’t resist this series, loving both the characters and the plotlines. This author knows how to keep me invested in her stories and I have to admit I’m hooked. Of course, Daisy steals the limelight as usual, closely followed by Perry, but this story also sees a thawing in the relationship between Lady Beatrice and DCI Fitzwilliam… despite the weather and the fact that neither of them appear to want to run into the other. Methinks the Lady and the DCI doth protest too much ...more
This was a refreshing change in murder mystery crime for me, straddling the genres of a police procedural with a grittier take on a cosy mystery by viThis was a refreshing change in murder mystery crime for me, straddling the genres of a police procedural with a grittier take on a cosy mystery by virtue of its protagonist and principal sleuth being a male, investigative journalist. Intriguing, indeed.
The story begins dramatically with the shooting of the victim at the theatre only minutes after having introduced himself to journalist, Nick. That said, why the victim felt the need to explain why he was occupying said seat 97 felt a tad forced, but regardless, that information is the catalyst that compels Nick to stick with the case along with the certainty of what he and his wife witness of the presumed killer’s actions. Suspicions are raised, and quickly dismissed by police, which only makes Nick more determined to confirm those suspicions. However, doing so, is not as simple and I enjoyed seeing the facts unfold as Nick puts the pieces of the puzzle together, despite being encouraged to stay out of it by the police. It felt like a race to the finish to see whether he would be proved right or whether he’d been on a wild goose chase all along.
Well-paced and full of intrigue, Seat 97 is a compelling read that kept my attention throughout, and now knowing more about the author I’m keen to check out his other books – a win-win for me!...more
Waving your young children off on a school trip is meant to be a momentous occasion: seeing them go off, all happy and excited without you is a sign tWaving your young children off on a school trip is meant to be a momentous occasion: seeing them go off, all happy and excited without you is a sign they’re growing up and exploring the world. It’s time to embrace their absolute joy and not feel as though they don’t need you anymore. It’s tough, but it’s a rite of passage… until they don’t return home. Then, your worst fears are realised and you need them back, safe under your protection. But you’re powerless, this is beyond your control and you have to trust others – namely, the police – to find them… alive and well. As a premise, this is such a compelling story, and seeing how the parents react is fascinating,especially when the twist comes and their own behaviour comes under scrutiny from those in this small circle of friends and neighbours, courtesy of very cryptic demands from the kidnappers. Tension increases, friction drives a wedge between the parents and the police, and then amongst the parents themselves. When the perspective shifts to the children, the reader gets an insight into how they’re being treated, who is coping and isn’t, and this lays the path towards a resolution. An intriguing style that really pays off in balancing the parents’ concerns with the kidnappers approach to keeping the children calm. Engrossing and engaging, well-paced and with an ending that might raise an eyebrow or two as to its credibility. Miscategorised as new adult and college fiction though. ...more
Wow! Two fabulous locked room mysteries in one book, and my first encounter with Washington Poe. It won't be my last. Clever, puzzling, complex and thoWow! Two fabulous locked room mysteries in one book, and my first encounter with Washington Poe. It won't be my last. Clever, puzzling, complex and thoroughly entertaining mysteries made even better by the wonderful team of Poe and Tilly - what a duo! It's a fast-paced, intelligent, and well-crafted story, complemented by Poe's dry, sharp wit, Tilly's refreshingly innocent gullibility and a whole host of personalities who bring the story to life. Can't wait to go back and read the rest. ...more
Great historical fiction with a clear attention to the societal rules of the era set against the perfect backdrop of the mysterious Yorkshire moors toGreat historical fiction with a clear attention to the societal rules of the era set against the perfect backdrop of the mysterious Yorkshire moors to create an intriguing story that held my attention from start to finish. Ruby May has her own reasons for wanting to become a Norland nurse: it's a chance for her to put the past behind her and strike out on her own - after all, no-one need ever know her story. Taking up a post with the England family in West Yorkshire, Ruby soon adapts to the change of pace after having worked on in London, but there's something unusual about the mistress of the house - Mrs England - something Ruby can't put her finger on. Unlike her husband, Mr England, Mrs England seems to avoid spending time with the children, or with anyone. As time goes on, however, Ruby's unease grows and events unfurl to challenge her preconceptions: is Mr England as 'nice' as he seems? Is Mrs England withdrawn for a reason? It is when Ruby's own past is used against her on a dark, wet and windy night on the crags - an incident that brings back old memories - that she finally gets some clarity. An atmospheric read, great character development and a blend of heart-warming family moments with some dark and dangerous deeds....more
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