Category: Historical Mystery

The Bewitching Miss Blair by Darcy McGuire

On By TracyIn Historical Mystery, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Bewitching Miss Blair (The Society of Scandalous Witches #1)The Bewitching Miss Blair by Darcy McGuire

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Society of Scandalous Witches, #1

Release Date: March 1, 2026

When Clio Blair’s Uncle Lachlan MacDougal, a superintendent with Scotland Yard asks for her help in solving a murder/missing person case, she is happy to help. Clio has secrets, the main one being she is a fire witch and has the ability to talk to ghosts, so she understands why Uncle Lachlan asked for her help, but what she doesn’t understand is why he also asked Lieutenant General Thomas Grey to assist in the case! She finds the man completely insufferable, but to her dismay, she is attracted to him and for some reason can’t stop thinking about him. She tries hard to keep her secrets from him, but the longer they work together to solve Viscount Beachley’s murder and his wife’s disappearance, the harder it is. Especially when she begins having visions about him and finds herself falling for the last man she should ever want!

Lieutenant General Thomas Grey knows that Lachlan asked for his help because of his connections to the peerage. As the second son of an Earl, he has access to people and places that a commoner like Clio wouldn’t have. He is fascinated by her, but Thomas has his own secrets and knows that he isn’t fit for any woman, least of Clio. He tries to keep her at arm’s length, but as he unravels her secrets and truth about Viscount’s murder starts to come to light, his desire to keep her safe becomes overwhelming, even though it is clear that Clio can protect herself. Can he let himself fall for her, trust her with his truth and have the happily ever that has always evaded him or is he too broken?

I have mixed feelings about this book, on one hand, I loved the magic and the mystery, and I thought the book was well-written. But I wasn’t a fan of some of the story elements – like Clio’s familiar, a raven named Sir Robin Goodfellow – I have no idea why the raven was so nasty and foulmouthed – it made no sense to me, plus it was just hard to believe that it was just accepted that she walked around with a raven on her shoulder in Victorian England. I also felt like the animosity between Clio and Thomas was dragged out for way too long, it made it hard for me to believe they fell in love so quickly when they were so hostile for a good portion of the book. Neither of these things ruined the book for me, but I had a hard time accepting the final outcome of the mystery – I can’t say more without a spoiler, but it just didn’t work for me. Overall, I liked the story and would read the next installment, but I don’t think I would read this book again. If you are looking for a slightly spicy, enemies to lovers story with a paranormal twist and a bit of mystery, then I would suggest giving this book a try.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

The Heir of Whitestone by Catherine Coulter

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

The Heir of WhitestoneBarbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 2/24/26
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 368

I first discovered this author in the early ’90s and quickly became addicted to her writing when she launched the Sherbrooke Brides historical romance series. What’s beyond addicted? I’m not sure—but I reached that level when I found her suspense-filled FBI series. In short, I’m a long-time fan. So I was delighted to learn she has returned to her historical romance roots, featuring members of the Sherbrooke family once again. It was especially lovely to see Ryder Sherbrooke and his beloved Lady Sophie.

Alex Ivanov’s life truly began eleven years ago, when he was pulled from the Thames and brought back to life by Ryder Sherbrooke. With no memory of his past, Alex was taken in by Ryder and Sophie, given a name, an education, and a carefully constructed history that allowed him to function in society. He developed a passion for all things mechanical, constantly improving everything from farming tools to trains. While waiting on a park bench for Ryder to finish a meeting at Parliament, Alex is approached by a young lady who chatters away without hesitation. Far from being annoyed, he is completely charmed—despite knowing he is socially beneath her, even as Ryder’s ward.

Lady Camilla (Cam) Rohman is a radiant force of nature—beautiful, witty, warm, and impossible not to adore. Everyone loves her… except her new, young stepmother, who is determined to see Cam married off and out of the house as quickly as possible. With her father thoroughly besotted with his new bride, Cam knows she has little time before she’s forced into marriage with some odious suitor. Then she meets the most handsome man she has ever seen—sitting quietly on a park bench—and, to her delight, her chatter doesn’t seem to trouble him in the least.

When Alex finally discovers his true identity, he is stunned. Meeting his real father brings complicated emotions—especially since Ryder is the only father he has ever known. His biological father is kind, loving, and has mourned his lost sons for eleven long years. Yet Alex has no memory of him or the estate he once called home. Who kidnapped Graham and his brother Simon all those years ago? If Graham was thrown into the river and left to drown, what happened to Simon? And are those responsible still out there, determined to finish what they started?

I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a cast of characters this much. Cam and Graham are delightful together, and their fathers—along with Ryder—round out a wonderfully engaging ensemble. There’s witty banter, scandalous secrets, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. There were a few plot points that felt slightly unresolved, and I would have loved a bit more in the epilogue to tie everything up. (As for the runaway wife—let’s just say I wouldn’t have minded a less-than-comfortable fate for her!)

This is a truly delightful story with two leads who are perfectly matched. If you enjoy a blend of romance, mystery, and charming characters, you can’t go wrong with this book.

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