Category: Historical Mystery

Deadly Ghost by Carla Simpson

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

Deadly Ghost (Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery Book 12)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe #12
Publication Date: 4/22/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 205

A Captivating and Fast-Paced Mystery! Carla Simpson’s Deadly Ghost is a thrilling ride that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The story takes us deeper into Mikaela’s life, revealing important elements of her past while she and Brodie tackle a mysterious case that is both personal and dangerous. As Brodie and Mikaela navigate through the unexpected twists and turns, the stakes get higher, and the suspense becomes almost unbearable.

Simpson does a brilliant job of balancing a gripping plot with strong character development. The fast-paced narrative never loses its momentum, making this book impossible to put down. Each chapter leaves you eager to uncover the next clue, and Simpson’s knack for crafting compelling suspense is on full display here.

Mikaela, Brodie, and the rest of their crew have spent the last few months in Scotland while London is in the grip of a deadly influenza outbreak, but their normal life slams in full force upon their return. It seems there is a woman about town who looks just like Mikaela – and makes family claims. Is she truly just a lonely woman seeking family where she thought she had none? Or is there something more sinister going on? When strange things happen, Mikaela and Brodie know they must solve the puzzle before something happens. Does Mikaela have a new family member, or is there a villain in the mix? Could both be true?

This is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery—packed with excitement, rich storytelling, and the perfect mix of thrills and character insight. Simpson continues to prove why she’s a standout voice in the genre. Highly recommended!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Who Will Remember by C.S. Harris

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

Who Will Remember (Sebastian St. Cyr, #20)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr #20
Publication Date: 4/15/25
Period: Regency – 1816 London
Number of Pages: 384

This is another stellar addition to the Sebastian St. Cyr series, and I highly recommend it. While the stories tend to skew toward the darker side, there are always lighter moments to help offset the dark. The main continuing characters are all well developed, multi-dimensional, and people you’d like to meet in person.

From the moment Viscount Sebastian St. Cyr is taken to the macabre murder scene to the moment the case is solved, there are myriad red herrings to convince you of the solution – then to dash your theories with yet another. Way to go author!

A nobleman, a saint by all accounts, is found bashed and hanged most unusually – with a tarot card affixed to him. Can anyone be as saintly as Lord Preston is reputed to be? The only viable suspect is Major Hugh Chandler, Sebastian’s friend. Sadly, Sebastian believes Hugh could be the murderer – but hopes it isn’t so. Further investigation revealed many other suspects, but there was no hard evidence. With the Crown pressuring Bow Street to arrest someone (anyone), Sebastian has little time to solve the murder.

The atmospherics in this story are remarkable as it is set in 1816 – the year of no summer- and at a time where soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars are literally dying on the street from starvation. Those soldiers, many maimed, get no pension and no care from the country they fought for and are left to starve. If you add a gruesome murder – and then more murders – to that scenario, you have a gripping tale that will keep you riveted from the first word to the last.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

View all my reviews