Month: July 2025

Murder On Platform Four by Irina Shapiro

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

Murder on Platform Four (Tate and Bell Mystery #5)Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Series: Tate and Bell Mystery #5
Publication Date: 7/30/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 324

This excellently crafted story caught my attention from the first page and didn’t let go until long after I’d finished the last page. The author does an excellent job of presenting both the victim and the perpetrator as both sympathetic and immoral – not that we’re ever led to think murder is moral. With a plethora of suspects, Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell will have to pull at every thread to uncover the true villain.

While I’m aware this is a mystery, I am also a romantic and am growing tired of the continuous obstacles to Gemma and Sebastian being together. This book continues with those obstacles, and it is the fifth book in the series. Should that continue with the sixth book, I will likely discontinue reading the series because I want BOTH the mystery and the romance.

I was delighted to see Gemma showing the gumption to perform her own inspection of the victim without Colin’s consent, but I was very disappointed in Colin’s reaction to it. It also saddened me that Sebastian spent so little time with his estranged brother, so I’ll be looking forward to seeing what develops in that relationship.

If you love a well-thought-out mystery with relatable characters, this book is for you. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

View all my reviews

A Tale of Mirth and Magic by Kristen Vale

On By TracyIn First Person Narrative, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Tale of Mirth & MagicA Tale of Mirth & Magic by Kristen Vale

Tracy’s Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: August 5, 2025

Elikki, a feisty jewelry making elf with chaotic magic and commitment issues. Barra, a sweet half-giant who instantly falls hard for the emotionally distant Elikki. He should forget about her, but when trouble comes for her and she is forced flee, he can’t let her go alone.

I so wanted to love this book – it sounded amazing in theory, but in reality, it is a Dual POV, first person narrative with an instalust trope and not much more. To be fair, I don’t care for FPN, and I hate dual POV – it makes for a confusing read and pulls me out of the story with each change of view – so consider me bias. I also felt like this book was just too formulaic and the author was just checking off boxes; Magic – Check, Diversity Representation – Check, Spicy Love Scenes – Check, Miscommunication – Check, Happy Ending – Check. This book was just not my cuppa – I might have liked it more if it was written in the third person, but I doubt it.

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