Author: Barbara

Avid reader/reviewer of historical romance and historical mysteries.

Murder in Mercy by Anne Cleeland

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Murder in Mercy

Barbara’s rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars
Series: Doyle & Acton #21
Publication Date: 3/16/25
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 208

I have been captivated by this series since the beginning, and I always anxiously await each new release. I love all of the eccentric, quirky characters, and I can hardly wait to see what Acton gets up to next – and how Doyle thwarts him. There are always witty and serious moments that combine to present an excellent story.

We have met the victim in previous books – the twice-widowed Mrs. Birdsong – who just doesn’t seem to have much luck choosing husbands. Both of her husbands were villains, with the last one trying to poison her before he died. While he didn’t succeed, someone did, and the investigation now belongs to Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle and Special Officer Vadik Gabriel.

Doyle and Gabriel have no readily discernible clues to follow, and decide their investigation should follow two paths. One path would take them back through the investigation of the art theft ring Mrs. Birdsong’s husband was involved in, and the other would be to see if there is a hidden heir somewhere looking to inherit her considerable wealth. The path is a crooked one with red herrings and surprises along the way. Of course, Acton sticks his finger into the mix to make things even more confusing.

I enjoyed the book, and the mystery is a good one, but this is not my favorite book of the series. There just wasn’t as much of the ‘hold your breath’ tension as in previous books. I think it gave us hints of stories to come with the Savoie brothers, which could be interesting.

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Season of Death by Will Thomas

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

Season of Death (A Barker & Llewelyn #16)Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Barker and Llewelyn #16
Publication Date: 4/22/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 352

This latest book in the Barker and Llewelyn series marks ten years of partnership between Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Thomas grow from a starving, newly-released prisoner, who is down-on-his-luck, into the competent investigator who still values the teachings of the enigmatic Barker. It is a partnership of opposites that just works on so many levels.

Something is afoot in London’s East End, and it is up to Barker and Llewelyn to figure it all out. They currently have two cases on their slate – one case is to find the missing sister-in-law of a London toff who is very powerful and politically connected. The other client is Scotland Yard – and they want to know why the East End has gotten so quiet. What is going on? That becomes an even more important question when all of the leadership of the various gangs, guilds, etc., of the East End are suddenly killed when a large tunnel caves in. Deliberate or an accident? Will there be wars within the different factions until new leaders emerge?

The resolution is well done with all of the threads nicely tied with a series of shorter chapters wrapping them. The heroes and heroines all get their nice rewards, and the villains get equally bad outcomes.

I read the print version and I also listened to the audiobook. The narrator, Antony Ferguson, did an excellent job of making the characters come to life with his smooth delivery. I thoroughly enjoyed his characterizations of the perky Thomas Llewelyn and the gruff Angus Barker.

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

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