Category: Barb’s Reviews

The Hanging Cheat by Elizabeth Bailey

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

The Hanging Cheat (Lady Fan Mystery Book 10)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Fan Mystery #10
Publication Date: 11/24/23
Period: Georgian
Number of Pages: 335

I completed my read of the last book, The Vengeance Trail, in a very sad mood because Francis had a lot of emotional suffering in that book, and it was not over by the end. That left me wondering how things would change for this book – and the rest of the series – to work. I have my answer now – and if you were wondering the same thing, you’ll have your answer as well.

A very pregnant Ottilia Fanshaw, Lady Fan, and her husband Francis are at her brother’s home for the funeral of his wife who had been ill for a very long time. Francis cannot wait to leave so he can get Ottilia back to their home and coddle her before the delivery of their child. Just as their departure is approaching, their two nephews come running into the house announcing they’ve discovered a dead body in the woods. Is it natural causes? Is it suicide? Is it murder? Lady Fan – and even Francis – are sure it is a murder staged to look like a suicide. Poor Francis – because we all know Ottilia will want to stay and solve the crime.

There is a plethora of suspects because the victim is the most hated man in the district – not a single soul has anything good to say about him. They speak with suspects throughout the district, but few have real alibis which makes the elimination of them all but impossible. How can Lady Fan work through it all and solve the crime before her pregnancy makes it impossible for her to do so? With time of the essence, she decides to divide and conquer. She enlists her two nephews and Francis to help interview suspects, chase down clues, and help puzzle out the events, so surely she’ll identify the murderer soon.

This is an excellent mystery that will keep you guessing till the end. Just when you are absolutely sure who the culprit is, there is a revelation that makes you doubt it. When we finally wind through all of the clues and suspects and find the culprit – you’ll be surprised – at least by part of it.

I enjoyed this addition to the Lady Fan series and am already looking forward to the next one. I hope you’ll enjoy it as well.

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A Lady’s Christmas: Everton Domestic Society by A.S. Fenichel

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

A Lady's Christmas: Everton Domestic Society

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Everton Domestic Society
Publication Date: 12/5/23
Number of Pages: 98

This was a quick and enjoyable read. I liked the characters but wondered why in the world he would think she’d just instantly like/love him when he had treated her so miserably while they were growing up. He knew what was in his mind – but she didn’t. So, he was gobsmacked when he inherited the title and she left. Ha! Silly man!

Gwen grew up as the ward of the Duke of Stratham and she loved him as a father. She lost her father so young (5 years old maybe), that she never knew anything different. The Duke spoiled her and doted on her, but, for some reason, he never took her to London for a season.

Theo Dandridge, the new Duke of Stratham, was about ten years old when Gwen came into his life. She was a lost and lonely little thing and he comforted her. Then, boys being boys, he tormented her. Then, one day he heard his father (the duke’s brother) and the duke talking about Theo and Gwen marrying. Theo grossly overreacted and set about being nasty to Gwen and absenting himself from home.

When his uncle dies, Theo inherits the title but comes home to find that the only occupants are the servants. Well, that just won’t do – he has to find Gwen and bring her home! But, will she come?

I liked Theo’s quick acceptance of why he wants Gwen back under his roof and I admired his quick belief in her and his admiration of her skills and talents. But, convincing Gwen wouldn’t be easy.

Each had long admired the other but had kept it well hidden. Can they quit hiding behind that façade and acknowledge their true feelings to themselves and each other? Theo has a lot to make up for – can he do it?

I enjoyed this quick read and I hope you will as well. However, I will mention one thing to you. When I saw the title, I was expecting an actual Christmas-themed book with mistletoe, decorations, snow, and the whole works, so I was a tad disappointed. In actuality, this book is only very loosely related to Christmas in that it takes place during Christmas time. Still an enjoyable read though.

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

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