Month: August 2024

Carnage from the Cursed Crown by Deb Marlowe

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Scottish/Highlander, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Carnage from the Cursed Crown (The Kier and Levett Mystery, #5)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Kier and Levett Mysteries #5
Publication Date: 8/7/24

Oh! My Goodness, this was the best book of the series so far. Kara Levett and her betrothed Niall Kier (newly minted Duke of Sedwick) are in East Lothian, Scotland to inspect his new estate, Tallenford Priory. The estate has been closed and in the care of the Crown for many years, so they have no idea whether it is habitable or not. In the meantime, they will be staying with the Earl of Balstone on his neighboring estate until they can examine the priory and make it habitable. Except, their hostess is very unwelcoming and condescending and their host, well, he appears a bit off his rocker.

Niall and Kara are both determined not to get involved in the investigation when their neighbor’s archaeological assistant is murdered. It seems the murderer has other plans and draws them not only into murder investigation but the investigation of other crimes as well. It seems to be a domino effect with clues in one investigation leading to clues in many other crimes. They know they must follow the clues to the end and solve all of the crimes because multiple attempts have been made on Niall’s life – and that just won’t do.

One of the outstanding things about reading this series is the absolute trust and belief Niall and Kara have in each other. Their love for each other never wavers and their belief in the other’s intelligence and abilities is absolute. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them dissect the clues and follow them to the end where villains get their just desserts and the heroes get the loveliest, most heartwarming final chapter I think I have ever read.

If you are looking for an excellent mystery, with lots of clues and lots of mysteries, along with a bit of romance, this book would be an outstanding choice. The characters are interesting and the mysteries are compelling. This author has done an excellent job of providing the perfect mix of romance and mystery and I am so glad to have read it.

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

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Never Marry a Stranger by Gayle Callen

On By TracyIn Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Never Marry a Stranger (Sons of Scandal Book 3)Never Marry a Stranger by Gayle Callen

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Sons of Scandal, #3

Release Date: August 6, 2024 (Originally Published 1/2009)

When Captain Matthew Leland returned from the dead to surprise his family at Madingley Court, he ends up being the one surprised when he is introduced to his wife, a woman who seems vaguely familiar, but who is most definitely not his wife. But rather than call her out, he decides to play along with her lie until he figures out what she is up to. What he doesn’t count on is falling in love with her and wanting to make his fake marriage real. But his “wife” isn’t the only one with secrets.

Emily Grey met Matthew when he saved her from the sinking ship that robbed her of her entire family. He was shipping off to India, but kindly helped her get settled after the accident and even offered the assistance of his family before he left. Later when she is in trouble, she sees his death notice and makes a decision, she goes to his family claiming to be his widow. Never expecting Matthew to return or for her past to come calling and threatening any chance she has for a HEA.

Of the three books in the series, this book has the best “story”, it is a well-written, nicely paced book featuring really likable characters with lots of secrets and a whole lot of chemistry! I read this book when it was first published years ago and it has stood the test of time, because it was every bit as enjoyable to me now as it was back then! This is the third book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title with no problems. If you like secrets, steamy interludes, characters determined to best each other, and a happy ending, this book is for you!

*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. *