Author: Barbara

Avid reader/reviewer of historical romance and historical mysteries.

A Fire at the Exhibition by T.E. Kinsey

On By BarbaraIn Audiobook, Barb's Reviews, George V - 1910- 1936, Historical Mystery, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

A Fire at the Exhibition (Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #10)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #10
Publication Date: 9/5/23
Period: 1912 – Littleton Cotterell, Gloucestershire (United Kingdom)
Number of Pages: 332

Oh! I do love this series! Lady Emily Hardcastle and her lady’s maid Florence Armstrong are former spies who have retired to the country – but cannot help themselves when a mystery or murder presents itself in the area. They just have to help. Their witty banter is very entertaining and will keep you smiling, if not laughing out loud, throughout the book. While they take their investigations very seriously, they don’t take themselves seriously at all, and that is what makes the combination of humor and murder investigation work so well.

The quiet, picturesque village of Littleton Cotterel is holding its May Day celebration with a festival and art show. The art show features artistic endeavors from local artists as well as art loaned from a museum, a bound book of the complete works of Shakespeare (with jewels and gold leaf, and…), and a painting by a famous artist, loaned by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud. The entire village and surrounding areas are all looking forward to participating in the events – even the bicycle race.

Even in the best-planned events – things seem to go astray, which is certainly the case with their festival. As soon as the opening ceremonies were over and the doors opened to the exhibition building, everyone rushed inside to see the exhibits – only to rush right out again because the building was on fire. OOPS! However, the fire wasn’t really a fire – but there was plenty of smoke – and when it cleared, the book along with Sir Farley-Stroud’s painting was missing. How in the world did anyone manage to get outside with that huge book and not be seen? Then, a few days later there is a murder connected to the festival. What is going on?

So many crimes to investigate! However, Lady Hardcastle and Flo decide not to be involved – except maybe to help find the painting for their dear friends, the Farley-Strouds. Let the insurance investigator handle the book, the police handle the murder, and they can help the police with the painting. Right, we know how that will go.

There are lots of red herrings for each of the crimes and you’ll have lots of fun evaluating those and tossing them aside before you finally realize what has been going on and why. Oh! Did I mention there is also a treasure hunt? Yes, Indeed. There MIGHT be buried treasure on the Farley-Stroud property. If there is, and they find it, it would save them from financial ruin.

You’ll smile yourself silly as Emily and Flo banter themselves through the investigation and fling the red herrings aside before they finally reveal all. It really is an excellent, entertaining read with several mysteries to keep you guessing before the final reveal. I highly recommend it and hope you will love it as much as I did. Happy reading!

I read and listened to the book and I can say I thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth Knowelden’s narration. She captures Lady Hardcastle and Flo perfectly. You can hear the humor in their voices as you listen. She’s perfect for this narration role.

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Twice Upon a Midnight: A Regency Cinderella Story by Anna Harrington

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Twice Upon a Midnight: A Regency Cinderella Story

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Publication Date: 9/26/23
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 193

Sometimes reimagined fairytales are just downright fun to read and this is one of those times. The story features Lady Elenora (Ellie) Darby, the much-loved daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Durham, and Spencer Rhodes, business owner and unwanted stepson of the Duke of Pensworth. Oh! My! A working-class commoner and a duke’s daughter – how will that ever work? Well, hang on to your hats, read the book, and you’ll find out. Besides, with the sweetest Fairy Godfather around, how could it not work?

Ella and her parents have been living in France since the end of the war. Not because they wanted to, but because her father is a gifted negotiator and was asked by the Prince Regent to take on certain tasks related to the ending of hostilities and getting the continent back on an even footing. Now, back in London, it is time to launch Ella into English society with the most lavish ball London has ever seen. When Ella just has to escape into the gardens for a breath of air, she runs into the most fascinating man she’s ever met. They talk of wonderful things – especially poetry – and she is truly smitten. But, at midnight – just as everyone is unmasking – he disappears. She has no idea who he is or how to find him.

Just once Spencer would like to see the inside of a ballroom, to waltz, to see how the upper crust of society lives. Even with his wonderful friend and father figure, Martin, begging him not to do it, Spencer forges an invitation to the Duke of Durham’s ball. He just has to make it out in his half-brother’s name. Since the two both look like their mother, he can pass for his brother. What a crush! Out in the garden, he runs, literally, into the most fascinating woman. She doesn’t run away and they spend delightful time talking about books, philosophy, and poetry. He doesn’t know who she is, but she is wonderful – everything he’d ever want in a woman. Except – he knows she is a Lady and can therefore have nothing to do with a common man like him. So, when the opportunity presents itself, he disappears without ever giving her his name.

Ella’s journey to finding Spencer is so romantic – as is his reason for hiding from her. With unexpected foes and loving allies can the two find each other again? The story is lovely and well-written with good pacing and a very satisfying ending. It also had plenty of drama and suspense involving Spencer’s half-brother, but it wasn’t dark. Ella was the kind of heroine you’d always want to read – sweet, smart, loving, kind, and generous – and Spencer was the kind of hero you’d want for your own – smart, giving, intelligent, handsome, caring, considerate, and loving. Just sigh-worthy.

I recommend this lovely novella and hope you’ll love it as much as I did. While it is a novella, I felt I got the full story and everyone was fully fleshed out and relatable. If you love historical romance and/or fairy tale reimagining, then this story is for you.

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

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