Category: Barb’s Reviews

A Scandal at Stonecliffe by Candace Camp

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)2 Comments

A Scandal at Stonecliffe (Stonecliffe #3)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Stonecliffe #3
Publication Date: 8/20/24
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 339

In the series’ second book, we spent our time rooting for the hero and heroine – as we should have. However, I think most of us gave little thought to the man to whom the heroine was betrothed before she got her HEA with the hero. Did any of us wonder how broken his heart might have been? Did we care how much he might have loved the heroine? We all liked him, but did we wonder where his life would go? Probably not. This book, however, turns all of that on its head and shows us Nathan’s journey to finding love again. It is an exciting, well-written, engrossing story that will have you holding your breath, wringing your hands, frowning in exasperation, and smiling at the HEA.

Nathan Dunbridge spent months on the continent trying to mend his broken heart after his broken betrothal. He had truly loved Annabeth, but he knew he had to give her the freedom to marry the man she loved. Is his heart mended? Well, he can at least tolerate being in the same room with Annabeth and her husband for a while. He’s back into his role in society and living his normal life – until – a man marches up to him, proclaims himself to be his brother, and asserts he is their father’s rightful heir. Oh! My! Nathan doesn’t believe a word of it, but the man is quite adamant and Nathan knows the scandal would ruin them whether it was true or not – and it would break his sweet, caring mother’s heart. Nathan knows he has to get to the bottom of it, true or not, and he knows just the person to help.

Verity Cole has run a very discreet detective agency for the last couple of years. Before that, she was a very successful spy for the Crown. Verity has many secrets and never lets anyone get too close to her. Her life is one role after another, to the point where she’s not sure where the role ends and she begins. That all begins to change when Nathan asks her to help solve the mystery of his ‘brother’. Can she open up enough to let someone else into her life, her heart?

Verity and Nathan work together to solve the mystery of his brother and a few others as well. They work very well together but are opposites in most ways. Will that be a detriment or an asset? You’ll just have to read this fast-paced, exciting, romantic adventure to see how it all comes out. You’ll find betrayals, kidnappings, attempted murders, murders, past secrets, and longings for things that cannot be. The storyline will reach out and pull you in, and the characters will hold you till the end.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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

Carnage from the Cursed Crown by Deb Marlowe

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

Carnage from the Cursed Crown (The Kier and Levett Mystery, #5)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Kier and Levett Mysteries #5
Publication Date: 8/7/24

Oh! My Goodness, this was the best book of the series so far. Kara Levett and her betrothed Niall Kier (newly minted Duke of Sedwick) are in East Lothian, Scotland to inspect his new estate, Tallenford Priory. The estate has been closed and in the care of the Crown for many years, so they have no idea whether it is habitable or not. In the meantime, they will be staying with the Earl of Balstone on his neighboring estate until they can examine the priory and make it habitable. Except, their hostess is very unwelcoming and condescending and their host, well, he appears a bit off his rocker.

Niall and Kara are both determined not to get involved in the investigation when their neighbor’s archaeological assistant is murdered. It seems the murderer has other plans and draws them not only into murder investigation but the investigation of other crimes as well. It seems to be a domino effect with clues in one investigation leading to clues in many other crimes. They know they must follow the clues to the end and solve all of the crimes because multiple attempts have been made on Niall’s life – and that just won’t do.

One of the outstanding things about reading this series is the absolute trust and belief Niall and Kara have in each other. Their love for each other never wavers and their belief in the other’s intelligence and abilities is absolute. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them dissect the clues and follow them to the end where villains get their just desserts and the heroes get the loveliest, most heartwarming final chapter I think I have ever read.

If you are looking for an excellent mystery, with lots of clues and lots of mysteries, along with a bit of romance, this book would be an outstanding choice. The characters are interesting and the mysteries are compelling. This author has done an excellent job of providing the perfect mix of romance and mystery and I am so glad to have read it.

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

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