Category: Historical Mystery

A Stroke of Malice by Anna Lee Huber

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical MysteryLeave a comment

A Touch of MaliceBarbara’s Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Darby Mystery #8
Publication Date: 4/7/20
Number of Pages: 384

With each new entry in the Lady Darby series, I think it just can’t get any better – but then, it does. This author never fails to intrigue and delight and she has quickly become one of my favorite historical mystery authors. While it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, I would suggest reading at least the first book or two in the series to really understand Kiera’s history.

After their harrowing and intense recent visit to London, Kiera (Lady Darby) and Gage are attending a Twelfth-Night celebration in Scotland at Sunlaws Castle, the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Bowmont. It is their intent to celebrate the holiday and for Kiera to finish the painting she had already begun for the duchess before traveling on to Edinburgh for the birth of their child.

During the Twelfth-night celebration, the Lord of Misrule decided to take everyone on a ghost tour where, of course, a body was discovered. Who was it? There were no identifying features, no personal possessions, and nobody was missing from the area. Then, how did he even get there? Could it be Lady Eleanor’s husband, the Earl of Helmswick? He is supposed to be in Paris, but he’s sent no communications to anyone since he’s been gone. Except, that isn’t unusual for the Earl, so surely it isn’t him. But, if not him, then who?

What an exciting rollercoaster ride of a tale. It is hard to tell who is an enemy and who is a friend or who is a victim. You will be scratching your head from beginning to end and the wrap-up will surprise you. The only constant is Kiera and Gage’s love and respect for each other.

I read this book in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down. Now, it is hours after I read the last page and it is still on my mind. So, of course, I cannot wait for the next book which is set in cholera ridden Edinburg. Will we finally get to meet the new baby?

I hope you will love this book as much as I did – shux – I’m sure you will love it as much as I did because it is an exceptional read.

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

A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn

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

A Murderous Relation (Veronica Speedwell, #5)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Veronica Speedwell #5
Publication Date: 3/10/20
Number of Pages: 336

I am enjoying this fun, thrilling, intense, and even romantic series so very much. The writing is intelligent, the plots are excellently done, and the romantic tension between the two main characters will leave you panting for breath. I have to admit, I couldn’t put the book down and inhaled it from beginning to end – in one sitting. I mean – honestly – when the first line in a book is “What in the name of flaming Hades do you mean his lordship wants me to officiate at the wedding of a tortoise?” – you just know you are going to love it! BTW – you’ll absolutely giggle every time Stoker curses – he is so very inventive – luckily, he curses often. You can read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading at least the first book of the series, A Curious Beginning, so you become familiar with the characters and their backgrounds, how they meet, etc. – you’ll love the book and it will give you a good foundation for the rest of the series.

Victorian London is in an uproar because of a series of grisly, horrific murders in the Whitechapel area. News sheets are calling for those in power to resign because they cannot apprehend the perpetrator. Those same news sheets are sensationalizing the murders. One lone reporter, J. J. Butterworth, is featuring the actual victims in her column – humanizing them, telling their stories rather than just calling them prostitutes. You’ll love J. J. as a recurring character.

Stoker and Veronica are called to see the formidable Lady Wellingtonia (Wellie) Beauclerk (a recurring character). They are asked to see about retrieving an expensive and inappropriate gift that Prince Albert Edward has given to a very exclusive courtesan. That gift is readily traceable back to the prince and should it become known; it would cause a scandal that could bring the monarchy down – especially in these times with a horrendous murderer about. When they refuse to do Wellie’s bidding, she has a heart seizure and they quickly come to realize that there is more to the story than they originally thought.

The mystery is filled with many twists and turns and not everyone is who they appear to be – and some returning from the dead. With murders, kidnappings, rescues, plots, and plots-within-plots, you’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout the entire read. I certainly recommend the read and hope you will love 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.