Author: Barbara

Avid reader/reviewer of historical romance and historical mysteries.

The Burning Pages by Paige Shelton

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Contemporary, Mystery, Part of a Series, Scottish/HighlanderLeave a comment

The Burning Pages (Scottish Bookshop Mystery, 7)Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: Scottish Bookshop Mystery #7
Publication Date: 4/5/22
Period: Contemporary Edinburgh
Number of Pages: 304

I have read and loved each new release in this series, and this was no exception. I have come to love transplanted American Delaney Nichols and her adventures in Edinburg. She has a fascinating host of supporting characters – from her co-workers at the Cracked Spine to her pub-owning husband Tom and his father, right on to Detective Inspector Winters of the Edinburg Constabulary. Delaney makes friends wherever she goes and just cannot pass up solving a mystery.

In case we didn’t all know it already, Robert Burns is a really big deal in Scotland. So, when Delaney is unexpectedly invited to a Robert Burns dinner at one of the local Burns organizations, she is a tad skeptical but decides to go. She doesn’t want to go alone, so she invites her young friend and co-worker, Hamlet, to go along with her because he is a huge Burns fan himself. After there is a confrontation at the dinner – one that makes Delaney really uncomfortable – she and Hamlet leave. The next morning, they learn that there was a murder and a fire at the dinner location sometime after they’d left. Of course, Inspector Winters needs to question both Delaney and Hamlet – but Hamlet’s tale doesn’t seem to be quite right.

There are several interconnected mysteries to solve during the course of their investigation. Some mysteries are decades old and some, like the murder and arson, are very recent. When arson continues – and it affects the Crooked Spine – Delaney is more determined than ever to find the murderer, the arsonist, and to solve whatever mystery is going on with Hamlet. Oh! What a tangled web we weave. 😊

Delaney’s entire crew – including her brother who is visiting from America – is pulled into the investigation, you know it can’t be long before the entire thing is solved – or can it. It is quite a tangled tale with Fortune Tellers, Burns fanatics, arsonists – well, you name it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I hope you will as well. The character growth and development from book to book is excellent and the writing is outstanding. I mean – who doesn’t love Scotland and all of those beautiful accents. Of course, in Scotland, it is Delaney with the accent and not the Scots. 🙂

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

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When Blood Lies by C.S. Harris

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Top Pick - Highly RecommendedLeave a comment

When Blood Lies (Sebastian St. Cyr, #17)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr #17
Publication Date: 4/5/22
Period: Regency – March 1815
Number of Pages: 326

One of the best things about the entire series is that it totally captivates you – both emotionally and intellectually. I always learn so much history right along with solving a complex, convoluted, and twisted mystery. I would say this is one of the best books in the series, but you wouldn’t believe me because I say that about each new book! It is truly a wonderful read and I devoured each and every word of it. It was so bittersweet with Sebastian finally finding his mother and then getting so little time with her. Sebastian and Hero have grown so close to each other and they are so loving and supportive – I just love that part of the story.

It is March of 1815; Napoleon has been exiled to Elba for a year; The Bourbons have been restored to the throne of France; Ex-Pats have returned to France; There is a conference being held to determine the future of France, Europe, and Napoleon. Unrest among the French citizens is also quietly present – they aren’t openly opposed to the Bourbons nor are they openly supportive of a return by Napoleon – but they are tired of the way they are being treated. Sebastian, Hero, and the two boys have traveled to Paris during these turbulent times so Sebastian can search for his mother, Sophie.

As a melancholy and frustrated Sebastian walks near the Seine, he finds a very badly injured woman – a woman he recognizes – his mother. She recognizes him immediately – but can only utter his name before he picks her up and rushes her to his leased home. When she dies from her wounds without saying anything else, Sebastian and Hero vow to solve the case – no matter where the evidence leads. And goodness does it take some strange twists and turns. Was his mother involved in espionage? Where had she been on her recent trip – and what was its purpose? Is she involved – directly or inadvertently – in Napoleon’s escape from Elba? Oh! What a tangled web of intrigue and deception for Sebastian and Hero to work through before they finally discover the truth.

I highly recommend this book and hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. The writing is superb, the characters are unique, interesting, and compelling, and the mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. Then, if you add in all of the very descriptive historical details, you’ll feel as if you are right there with the tensions rising as Napoleon escapes Elba and heads toward Paris. Truly an excellent read!

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

View all my reviews