Author: Barbara

Avid reader/reviewer of historical romance and historical mysteries.

Deadly Murder by Carla Simpson

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

Deadly Murder (Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #14)Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #14
Publication Date: 9/23/25
Period: Victorian London – 1893
Number of Pages: 240

The sins of the fathers . . . What does a heinous event from the past have to do with the recent death of a young Lord – and then another – and then another – and then . . . One doesn’t refuse when the future King, the Prince of Wales, asks you to investigate a death that is not the robbery it seems to be. Therefore, Lady Mikaela Forsythe and Angus Brodie find themselves investigating the death(s), but they are sure they’ve not been given all of the information they need. Will they unearth the information they need to stop the next death from happening?

As Mikaela and Brodie begin their investigation, yet another death occurs – almost in front of them. With secrets coming to light, yet the Prince withholding information, the investigation kicks into high gear. Who is the man Mikaela keeps catching glances of? Is he friend or foe?

I loved the investigation and the race to get the clues before Sir Avery could get to them and skew them. I also enjoy seeing Lily’s growth toward adulthood, as well as the continuing growth of the relationship between Mikaela and Brodie.

If you enjoy historical mysteries such as Sebastian St. Cyr and Lady Darby, I think you will enjoy this series as well. I enjoyed this book, and I hope you will as well. Happy Reading!

View all my reviews

Murder In All Patience by Anne Cleeland

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

Murder in All Patience

Barbara’s rating: 3.8 out of 5 Stars
Series: Doyle & Acton #22
Publication Date: 10/2/25
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 210

OMGoodness!!! Acton is master-minding and plotting again in this wonderfully written, excellently paced contemporary mystery set in London. Of course, Acton can plot all he likes, but the quirky, human lie detector, Doyle, is going to throw a spanner in the works. I have read and loved every book in the series, and this one is no exception. Although this is part of an excellent series, it can be read as a standalone. However, to get a true feel for the character dynamic between Doyle & Acton, you should probably read at least the first couple of books. Besides, it is a great series, so why not read them all?

One of Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle’s first clues that her aristocratic husband, Chief Inspector Michael Acton, was plotting something was his decision to hold a charitable gala at his ancestral home, Trestles. Acton doesn’t like visitors to Trestles, and he certainly never hosts events there. So, what is he up to? Is it something that goes back to the black market art theft ring? Perhaps it has to do with Lestrade trying to blackmail him – or something even more sinister.

I loved that part of the plot involved putting on a skit based on The Hound of the Baskervilles, featuring Sherlock Holmes, because Acton is very similar to Sherlock in many ways. Very eccentric and very, very smart. The author has cleverly woven in many similarities to the Sherlock story while keeping this story uniquely Doyle and Acton.

If you are looking for a quick, entertaining, yet interesting mystery, I suggest you might enjoy this one. It is filled with quirky, unique characters you’ll love, and the mystery is well written, interesting, and keeps you guessing about Acton’s plot until the very end! Happy Reading!

View all my reviews