A story that completely transported me to the Swan, a vintage inn on the Thames River.
"The dead girl lived again."
And the story, the mystery of thA story that completely transported me to the Swan, a vintage inn on the Thames River.
"The dead girl lived again."
And the story, the mystery of the little girl, and those who would claim her as their own....began.
This is a book that needed my full concentration to appreciate. I wanted to find a quiet reading spot and was able to just get "lost" in the weaving and turning and telling of the tale. Reminiscent of a dark fairy tale, blended with folklore, and mystery.
A book for those who want to spend time in the unfolding of this magical story. The characters were engaging and I was fully invested in learning what would become of the dead girl who lived again.
Recommend to those who enjoy an epic tale that needs your attention to fully enjoy.
I borrowed this from my local library after months of being in line....more
Get ready for the most unusual, overwhelmingly impressive journey through this puzzle land of "Murder at the Masquerade Ball".
You won't need a tGet ready for the most unusual, overwhelmingly impressive journey through this puzzle land of "Murder at the Masquerade Ball".
You won't need a ticket to get in, just get a copy of the book (the hard copy so you can enjoy the map of Blackheath, a cozy and quiet place to read (you won't want any distractions), time to ponder all the twists that are going to keep your brain busy!!
I loved it, but needed to pace myself and take my time to enjoy all the twisty turns that the narrator, Aiden Bishop, threw at me during his attempts to stop a murder that has already taken place!
So many times while reading this one, I would have to just pause and smile at the action that was taking place because I was just so amused!!
It was so atmospheric and the different players were all very intriguing and kept popping up throughout the story. Some favorites were the footman, Anna, Evelyn, and the Plague Doctor!
I enjoyed my time at Blackheath House and this totally unique reading experience. I would recommend if you enjoy complex layered mysteries with a large cast of witty characters. It is a book that had me pausing, thinking, and re-reading passages (all the while with a smile :0)
I borrowed this book from my library, listened on Hoopla (some chapters), and ended up buying the kindle version half-way through....more
An absorbing and unsettling contemporary thriller that mirrors a gothic tale~
Some elements I loved~
1. There is a gothic Victorian book placed insAn absorbing and unsettling contemporary thriller that mirrors a gothic tale~
Some elements I loved~
1. There is a gothic Victorian book placed inside the main story. ooh...book inside a book . 2. Several points of view.
3. The mixture of modern and old school.
4. Police procedural mixed with the creepiness of the setting.
5. A quirky female detective with a sharp eye for inconsistencies. (She was my fave)
6. The setting of a "haunted" school.
If your craving something a little different from your standard thriller, this one has a lot to offer. I was absorbed in the story and it has "just enough" creepiness without being gruesome or overly graphic.
I loved how the author brought in the gothic feeling by using a book inside of the story that would hold answers to the mystery.
A chess game of survival for those trapped in an elevator!
A wild one! It was both intriguing and suspenseful as Let the page flipping begin...
A chess game of survival for those trapped in an elevator!
A wild one! It was both intriguing and suspenseful as the "rules" of the game unfolded. Four rich and greedy investment bankers find themselves stuck in an elevator with someone delivering "clues and cryptic messages "on how to get out. Will they turn on each other? Who is responsible for setting them up? And..... can they get out alive?
Someone has an ax to grind and playing along in this shell game was highly entertaining. A dose of back-stabbing office politics, tension and an ending that was highly satisfying!
Don't miss this one if you love a locked room mystery with a sinister plot.
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy. Book is out August 2019.
A character driven novel about a man who goes missing in the small rural town of Fallen Mountains.
The descriptive writing brought both the ch3.5 STARS
A character driven novel about a man who goes missing in the small rural town of Fallen Mountains.
The descriptive writing brought both the characters and the setting of the rural community to life. The chapters alternate from Before to After the crime and paint a behind the scenes peek at what went on in the town prior to Transom Schultz going missing. Again.
What was supposed to be an easy transition into retirement and Red’s last day on the job as Fallen Mountain Sheriff, has turned out to be a day of bad luck.
Everyone seems to have secrets, a story to tell and something to hide.
A well-written, multi-layered plot with a small town mystery to solve.
Many thanks to the author for my review copy. Out March 5,2019...more
Did I feel like I was right next to Jules with my hearIs it over-the-top craziness?.... yep
Is it addictive and entertaining?... absolutely!
Did I feel like I was right next to Jules with my heart-pounding along with her?.... I was practically holding her hand!
Who is Jules, you might ask? She is the ever so curious protagonist who becomes an amateur sleuth when her stay at the ever so famous Bartholomew Apartment building begins to uncover its unsettling past. The buildings deep, dark secrets begin to surface, bubbling over. It's Gothic structure is over a hundred-years old and some disturbing articles have been written about it.
Could she have made a mistake choosing to live here? The Gargoyle outside her window stood tall and ominous. It didn't creep Jules out though, she thought it was like "a protector standing guard." She doesn't realize it quite yet, but she will need a protector!
I was completely drawn into this highly entertaining and unpredictable tale of the Bartholomew's dark past with its observing walls and quirky, wealthy residents. I just had to find out what happened to the other missing apartment sitters.
I DARE NOT say more.... just read it for yourself and you can hold Jules hand as she tries to plan her escape!
Buddy read - Thanks for entertaining me with all your wild predictions along the way Kendall! Of course none of them were as wild as what actually happened!!
This one is sure to stir up some discussions! Don't miss it. OUT on July 2,2019.
Thanks to the publisher / NG for my copy to review.
An 1920's crime mystery with curious characters and a captivating plot. This is the second book in the Counterfeit Lady SeriesNew favorite author!
An 1920's crime mystery with curious characters and a captivating plot. This is the second book in the Counterfeit Lady Series. I was totally absorbed in it.
Elizabeth Miles was my favorite character. She is a con-artist with a big heart. She learned her grifter ways from her father and has spent some time in jail with some fellow suffragettes. She has fallen for Gideon Bates, the most honest and slightly uptight lawyer in town.
Elizabeth and Gideon get involved and tangled up in quite a web of deceit and corruption with some unsavory characters living in their community. Gideon wants to follow the rule of law and expose the scammers. Elizabeth has her own idea about how to go about it and Gideon isn't entirely on board.
A wonderful cast, a perfectly constructed story and writing that makes you want to come back for more! Can't wait to read the next in this series and yes, I am already reading book one (I'm notorious for reading out of order, but at least this series is new!)
If your looking for a change of pace and enjoy historical mysteries, this one is a solid winner!
Thanks to the publisher for my copy to read/review. Review will post to my blog in November....more
My first by the author and I am happy to report that I loved it!
It was the perfect book to cozy up to with my favorite glass of Merlot. The vineyard s My first by the author and I am happy to report that I loved it!
It was the perfect book to cozy up to with my favorite glass of Merlot. The vineyard setting and whimsical touches made it an easy read. It was just the escape that I needed. Her writing flowed nicely with "just enough" details to make it immersive.
A perfect blend of women's fiction/chick-lit and a bit of romance that had me wanting to get back to this one and find out if Mallory would follow her heart. Fingers crossed there will be a sequel!
Themes of family dynamics, lifetime friendships, loss, and taking chances. I highly recommend if you enjoy the genre.
Thanks to NG/ Harlequin-Graydon House for my review copy. Publishes on March 26,2019
This is the third in The Lady Sherlock series. We don't have a Sherlock Holmes, but we have Charlotte Holmes - the female sleuth who heads up the inveThis is the third in The Lady Sherlock series. We don't have a Sherlock Holmes, but we have Charlotte Holmes - the female sleuth who heads up the investigations. She also has a female sidekick, Mrs. Watson. The gender switch from Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson worked well and made this one even more fun. Go girls!
I'm sure that I should have started with the first in the series because I missed out on some of the background on many of the characters. It also opens with a scene from book two that I would have liked to been "in on". I was able to catch on to the mystery and add up the clues.
The setting was atmospheric with a Victorian flair that I really enjoyed. It was like peeking in on the country estate of Lord Ingram and listening in on their conversations as the mystery unfolds. A body is found in the ice cellar and the "gossip ladies" start spreading their tales.
I just loved the chemistry between the characters and there is even a bit of steamy romance that sneaks in. I would definitely recommend reading these in order so you don't miss the background stories.
The setting of the picturesque and historic town of Sag Harbor during the summer months was a nice backdrop to the novel.
Emma, a single mom a3.5 Stars
The setting of the picturesque and historic town of Sag Harbor during the summer months was a nice backdrop to the novel.
Emma, a single mom and her teenage daughter, Penny are living their everyday lives when they are "surprised" by an unexpected inheritance. The key to understanding this "mystery" of why Penny was left the inheritance will be pieced together as other characters show up to fight for a piece of the action.
While I enjoyed this one, I do feel it moved at a slow pace and I found myself challenging some of the characters decisions. It did pick up during the last half and I was surprised and satisfied with the wrap up.
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my review copy. This one is out in May 2019...more
Once I started reading and became invested in these wonderful characters and the suspenseful plot, I simply had to keep on reading...
ThI loved it!
Once I started reading and became invested in these wonderful characters and the suspenseful plot, I simply had to keep on reading...
This took over my day and I set aside chores, appointments and anything else that was causing me to have to put this book down. It did take a few chapters to get settled into it, then it was easy sailing all the way to the end. A week later, I'm still thinking of these "girls".
The author does a wonderful job of characterization and I felt that I almost knew some of these women. It is a well researched fictional story, although some events were based on fact. She includes some fascinating notes at the end of the novel.
Two timelines alternate between New York in 1946 and France in 1944 to tell the story of some women who were recruited and trained to help the resistance in WWII. There were moments that I was on the edge of my seat and holding my breath with worry. There are some surprises and some nail biting moments. The SS Nazi police literally made my heart race. Just the mention of them lurking around gave me chills.
Full of heart, surprise, love, friendship and betrayal. I adored this book. Fans of historical fiction with some depth, won't want to miss this gem!
I was excited to read this debut novel by Christian White. It was the winner of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and the premise intrigued me. T
I was excited to read this debut novel by Christian White. It was the winner of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and the premise intrigued me. The Dry by Jane Harper won this award in 2016.
Kimberley Leamy is living her life in Australia when an American named Stuart contacts her with some outrageous allegations. He tells her that she is the victim of a kidnapping that took place 26 years ago in Kentucky. He tells her she isn't who she thinks she is. He claims that she is Sammy Went. I can't even imagine how upsetting such news would be.
I've seen a few "real" cases of this type of child abduction where victims have had their real life stolen. I was really interested in her character and my curiosity was peaked as the story explored her own investigation of her life.
I enjoyed the Then and Now prospectives and learning the backstory to what really happened to Kimberley in the early years. The setting of Australia and Kentucky worked well and added an extra layer to the mystery.
There are quite a few themes woven into the story that makes it stand out from your usual crime novel. The cult aspect was one that I found fascinating. There is more telling than showing, but the story is compelling.
A unique novel with some tension and quite a bit of creepiness!...more
Two eighteen year old girls traveling alone to an exotic Thailand destination might mean trouble and it does...
I was immediately drawn i3.5 STARS
Two eighteen year old girls traveling alone to an exotic Thailand destination might mean trouble and it does...
I was immediately drawn into the story of these teens- Alex and Rosie, who traveled to Thailand for their "gap" year from college. The parents and one of the girls closest friends had been keeping up with Alex through phone calls and Facebook posts, until they suddenly stopped. I thought the chapters with the posts gave the story interest and Alex's posts to her bestie added some information she withheld from her parents (we all know teens do that).
Who lets their teens go to Thailand without a responsible adult around? insert - FEAR
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but the story did lose some steam in the second part. Once I figured out the villan, I was ready to wrap it up.
This is a police-procedural with an intriguing setting. Read it to see if you can solve it before the villain is outed.
Thanks to the publisher/NG for my review copy! Blog post closer to publication date....more
Birchwood Manor is located near the Thames and it is at the center of this story and it also holds thA romantic love story, a mystery and a murder
Birchwood Manor is located near the Thames and it is at the center of this story and it also holds the truth about what happened one summer in 1862. The house is like a character and has "a voice" that whispers to the reader and makes connections that won't be revealed until later. I kept asking myself, "who is speaking"? That will be revealed later.
The story spans from the 1860's to present day and artist, Edward Radcliffe is at the heart of the mystery. He has found the love of his life, but will his heart will be broken? This part of the story felt old-fashioned and romantic. The characters in the present day story felt very modern and I was intrigued to find out what the connections between past and present were.
This is my first Kate Morton book and it was such an atmospheric, detailed and absorbing tale. There was intrigue, mystery and a rich setting that I could picture perfectly in my mind. I thought the characters were interesting and I wanted to learn what would happen to them in the end. This is not a fast paced page-turner, it is more like a slow brewing mystery. I took my time and enjoyed this one.
Yes, there are lots of characters and two time periods, but the author was able to capture my imagination. I wanted to keep turning the pages to learn the secrets of the mansion. I also enjoyed gathering the many clues that were revealed along the way.
I enjoyed getting immersed in the characters and unraveling the extensive plot. The rich details of this beautifully written novel were an added bonus.
Thanks to Atria for my copy. Review will post to my blog on publication date 10/09/2018....more
The Montrose family is at the heart of this story and they have moved to the country with3.5 STARS
A gothic romance with a mysterious family tree.
The Montrose family is at the heart of this story and they have moved to the country with their three daughters to escape a scandalous family event. It is 1821 and their new estate is Willow Hall. There are stories about the home and whispers of ghosts and strange happenings. The younger sister, Emeline is quite taken with mermaid stories and now has added ghosts to her list.
The two older sisters, Lydia and Catherine are often at odds and seem to be competing with each at times. Catherine has a secret that could bring dishonor to the family and Lydia warns her to stay out of trouble, but no one can seem to control Catherine. When tragedy strikes, we learn more about the family history, hidden secrets are revealed and ghosts start appearing (one image really spooked me). There are some truly creepy happenings that made me uncomfortable and there was an eeriness that created a sense of dread, although it is not a scary book.
This was more of a gothic romance mystery than a witch story, although we do have some witchy influences. The pace is slow and steady as the story builds and the family secrets are revealed. There are some shocking twists and interesting dynamics that kept me intrigued until the end. I also enjoyed the author's wonderful descriptive writing.
Fans of gothic tales about dark family secrets with a hint of witchery should enjoy this one!
Thanks so much Harlequin for providing my copy for review. This book will be available on October 2, 2018. Review will post to my blog on 9/28/18....more
The setting of Ole Miss Campus and the sorority house. Great character development. I really got to know the characters and enjoyed followinEnjoyed it
The setting of Ole Miss Campus and the sorority house. Great character development. I really got to know the characters and enjoyed following their individual stories.
A lot of heartfelt scenes.
Loved Miss Pearl! The Alpha Delt housekeeper and confidant of the girls.
A good dose of family drama, and Full of southern charm. A perfect balance that was a lot of fun to read!
Published in 2018/ Reading my backlist/ book I own...more
The author's storytelling made this an emotional journey for me. A teacher, Maggie Topper goes the extrAn emotional story that flowed beautifully.
The author's storytelling made this an emotional journey for me. A teacher, Maggie Topper goes the extra mile to connect with a home-bound student, Yuri. I was able to relate to Maggie and the teaching environment.
Two stories are told.
The backstory of Sasha and Katya and how/why the fled Ukraine.
An unexpected tragedy.
A ballet career in Kiev.
Parents undying love for their son, Yuri.
A dedicated teacher who re-evaluates her life and what she values the most.
I enjoyed this story overall, the backstory of what happened in the Ukraine was riveting. Maggie's story was slower paced and a bit predictable, but held my interest. I liked the way the two stories came together to make this a memorable one for me. I would love to read more from this author.
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy. Out February 19, 2019...more
This is the first book in the series and I really enjoyed meeting the character Melissa Craig. She is a mystery writer and is currently worki3.5 STARS
This is the first book in the series and I really enjoyed meeting the character Melissa Craig. She is a mystery writer and is currently working on her next mystery detective novel. While she is trying to concentrate on her writing, a "real" murder victim is discovered and she finds herself "playing detective". She even contemplates what her fictional detective might do. Maybe her crime writing experience will assist her in solving the case!
The countryside cottage setting seems like it would be the "perfect" quiet environment, but soon after she moves in things begin to "rattle" her. Mysterious phone calls, a shocking discovery in the woods, and building tension in the community. One thing leads to another, and Melissa finds herself piecing together clues and getting closer to the truth.
There are some red herrings that threw me, some interesting eccentric characters and some foreboding throughout that gave this cozy mystery some character.
Recommend for fans of light mysteries who enjoy a lead character who has charm, persistence and is one "smart cookie"....more
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