Month: September 2018

Dark Tide Rising by Anne Perry

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Dark Tide Rising (William Monk #24)Dark Tide Rising by Anne Perry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: William Monk #24
Publication Date: 9/18/18

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

This mystery was filled with twists, turns, betrayals, and gruesome murders. The writing is excellent, as always, but the story seemed to drag a bit at times with repetitions of various aspects of the story. I enjoyed the story, but I missed the old Monk, this one seemed a bit old, tired and melancholy and not nearly as sharp as he used to be. I really love the stories when Hester and Scuff help Monk, but this time Scuff didn’t get more than an honorable mention and Hester’s input was to be home cooking dinner when Monk finally arrived home. From Monk’s demeanor throughout the entire book, it would not have surprised me to read Monk’s announcement that he was retiring and moving to the Cotswolds at the end of the book.

Sir Oliver Rathbone is an attorney and a good friend to William Monk – probably his best friend. When Rathbone arrives at Monk’s house one evening and tells him the story of Harry Exeter and his missing wife, Kate, Monk immediately agrees to help. Kate has been kidnapped and the kidnappers have demanded a huge ransom to be delivered to a very dangerous place – Jacob’s Island. Jacob’s Island is not really an island, but a place that the river is reclaiming – it is filled with buildings that are being sucked down into the mud and muck of the river and pathways are constantly changing as walls collapse, etc. Exeter asks Monk and the River Police to help him drop the ransom because he has no idea how to get through the island to the drop point. Monk immediately identifies with Exeter’s terror for his wife because Monk’s wife Hester was once kidnapped.

Kate Exeter was out for a walk with her cousin, Celia Darwin, who is also her best friend. They are having a lovely walk along the shore of the river when Kate is approached by a gentleman Celia doesn’t know. Celia doesn’t want to seem to be eavesdropping on the conversation, so she moves away slightly – then a group of people walks between them – and then – Kate is gone.

Monk, Exeter and five of Monk’s best River Policemen plan to deliver the ransom – exactly according to the instructions. Exeter is adamant – he doesn’t care about the money, he wants his wife back. Then, everything goes horribly, horribly wrong. The team is attacked and Kate is viciously murdered. What happened? They were doing exactly as asked – why murder Kate? Is there a traitor among the team who provided details of their movements to the kidnappers? Monk absolutely can’t believe that – but it must be true – how else would the kidnappers have known where each one of the team was stationed? Add two more murders into the mix and you have a really dastardly villain.

I was sure about who the villain was early on, but I also knew the author would throw some kinks into the story to make me doubt myself. There were a number of leads to follow and a few red herrings along the way. I loved that Runcorn took on a part of the investigation, but hated that he was more astute and less wrung out than Monk was.

The end seemed a little contrived and a bit abrupt, but finally, justice was served.

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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”

For the Duke’s Eyes Only by Lenora Bell

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Tracy's Reviews1 Comment

For the Duke's Eyes Only (School for Dukes, #2)For the Duke’s Eyes Only by Lenora Bell
Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: School for Dukes, #2

Release Date: September 18, 2018

Lady India “Indy” Rochester and Daniel “Raven”, the Duke of Ravenwood were once the best of friends and betrothed. But a tragedy torn them apart and a betrayal years later solidified their break.

Now years later, the hurt and betrayal still linger, but Indy has moved on, she is an adventuress, she has made her mark in archeology and lives unrepentant and unconventionally. Raven is a rogue and a treasure seeker, but that is a front to hide his true purpose. He is a spy and on a quest to clear his father’s name. Indy is his biggest sacrifice and regret, but his life has no room for attachments.

When Indy infiltrates an archeologist society meeting dressed as a man, she makes a startling discovery – the Rosetta Stone has been stolen. Raven catches her and is shocked that he didn’t recognize her right away – because he might act like a jerk, but she is never far from his thoughts and dreams. When Sir Malcolm finds them, he admits the stone was taken. Raven says he will find it and Indy insists on being included. Much to Raven’s dismay, Sir Malcolm agrees.

He tries to dissuade her, but they are caught “hate-kissing” by a reporter and Indy declares that they have finally set a wedding date – they give the reporter outrageous details of their upcoming wedding and she says they are going to France to shop – neatly backing Raven in a corner.

They set out and will have to work together and it is clear that her trust is not easily restored, his deception doesn’t lie easy and their love never truly died. Can they find more than just the missing stone? Can they find their way back to each other?

This was an amazing story and I loved it. Indy and Daniel are so perfect for each other. I appreciated that India was true to herself and pursued her dreams, even though she never imagined doing it alone. My heart broke for Raven and the choices that he had to make. The story was quick paced, steamy, witty, adventurous and entertaining. My only complaint would be that I didn’t feel like their story was finished, it ended a bit abruptly without certain things being cleared up – but maybe those things will be addressed in the next book (fingers crossed). This is the second book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher.*