Month: August 2023

The Raging Storm by Ann Cleeves

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Contemporary, Mystery, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

The Raging Storm (Two Rivers #3)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Series: Two Rivers #3
Publication Date: 9/5/23
Period: Contemporary – Greystone, North Devon, England
Number of Pages: 400

In telling us the tale of the life, and death, of Jeremy (Jem) Rosco, this author sucks us into a place where the sea dominates everything in life. The mood is set with vivid descriptions of the sea, the storms, and the insular people who live in this small village where narcissism and obsession seem to run rampant.

As the son of a single mother, Jem Rosco had been looked down upon. He wasn’t accepted as an equal among his peers – and you’ll vacillate between thinking him a good guy and a bad guy. Whatever you decide about him, you will know he didn’t deserve to die the way he did or be left the way he was. Why would he return to North Devon after decades away? What drew him back? WHO drew him back? He told everyone he was waiting for someone. Was he? He was now a world-famous adventurer, television personality, and author – what in the world could he want in Greystone?

Inspector Matthew Venn is fairly new to leading his team and they are still adjusting to each other’s idiosyncrasies. Matthew had a strict upbringing as part of the religious cult, the Barum Brethren. That upbringing still causes him issues – especially in places like Greystone where the Brethren have a strong presence. Jen Rafferty is a contradiction, but a good sergeant. It took her years to escape an abusive marriage and now she’s filled with self-doubt about her parenting skills. Jen likes to drink and have a good time since she missed out on all of that by marrying too young and having babies too young. Ross May is also a conundrum. He has aspirations for finer things – he has the showcase wife (whom he actually loves) – and he dresses extremely well. Oh! And he’s the golden child of Venn’s boss – Superintendent Joe Oldham. Can such a disparate bunch ever solve such a convoluted crime as this one? You bet they can!

I’ve loved the character growth of the team over the three books of the series and I can’t wait to see where they are going. This case was a very puzzling one and each of the three on the team worked to their strengths and came up with an astounding solution. Believe me, you won’t know who the villain is – even when you start eliminating all of the red herrings.

I can definitely recommend this excellently written, well-plotted, perfectly paced story to you. I’ve just finished this one and I’m already anxious for the next one. I hope you’ll enjoy the book as much as I did. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Vanishing Viscount by Jane Charles

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Novella, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Vanishing Viscount (Magic and Mystery Book 2)The Vanishing Viscount by Jane Charles

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Magic & Mystery, #2 AND The Witches’ Ball, #1

Release Date: August 22, 2023

At the tender age of 15, Lady Clara Westcott fell irrevocably in love with Pierce Drakos, Viscount Harcourt, and the heir to the Earl of Wharton. Normally a lovesick schoolgirl would not be noteworthy, but Clara is no ordinary young lady, Clara is a witch, and unfortunately for Pierce Clara’s magic seems to be a bit wonky whenever he is around her. Clara is horrified by the mishaps and for the next five years does her best to avoid him. It is not a perfect solution, but it is the best she can do, that and hope with time the mishaps will stop. But when she is invited to the Witches’ Ball at Nightshade Manor in Bocka Morrow there will be no avoiding him and it seems as if the mishaps have intensified, especially when she has to watch the object of her undying affection spending time with other marriageable ladies who were also invited to the ball!

Since the marriage of his younger brother, Pierce’s mother has clearly decided that it is time for him to settle down with a nice witch and start a family of his own, thus the Witches’ Ball. His mother has invited several eligible young ladies, all from magical families to attend the ball and has told Pierce in no uncertain terms that he is expected to find himself a bride. Unfortunately, the only witch that captures his interest is the one witch who seems to do her utmost best to avoid him. But Pierce will not be deterred by a few magical mishaps and places himself in her proximity. But once he realizes that the mishaps are directed at him, will he walk away from the woman he has come to love or will they find a way to have their HEA?

What a great novella! I love visiting the magical town of Bocka Morrow and the surrounding estates, especially Nightshade Manor, and this story certainly did not disappoint! A delightfully charming tale filled with magic, wonderful characters, laugh-out-loud magical mishaps, a slow-burn romance, secrets, a bit of heartache, and finally a very sweet start to their HEA complete with an epilogue. This is the second book in the Ms. Charles Magic & Mystery series, but it is also the first book in the Witches’ Ball series, which is a new author collaboration series! I happily recommend this title and am looking forward to upcoming installments of the Witches’ Ball series!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*