Category: Historical Mystery

A Deadly Game by Carla Simpson

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

A Deadly Game (Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery Book 3)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery #3
Publication Date: 5/23/23
Period: Victorian London – 1890
Number of Pages: 408

I’ve loved every book in this series, and this one is no exception. Lady Mikaela Forsythe’s ex-betrothed has contacted her to look for his missing son. At the same time, Mr. Angus Brodie has been contacted at his inquiry agency to find a missing boy named Kip. Both Mikaela and Brodie know Kip, and they don’t believe he would just run away on his own. However, a bit of the green-eyed monster raises his ugly head when Mikaela tells Brodie of the request to find a missing boy as well. Since the two boys are from entirely different classes, they pursue each case separately. As time passes and neither boy returns – nor are there any clues – everyone begins to fear the very worst for both boys. When evidence of more missing boys turns up, they redouble their efforts. Nothing connects them, so why have they suddenly vanished? Clues are few, but there are some – strange clues, but clues nonetheless. With attempts on Mikaela’s life, a massive fire at Brodie’s office, the death of Mikaela’s ex-betrothed, and a missing boy who turns up beaten nearly to death, none of them may live long enough to solve the case.

I love the growing relationship between Mikaela and Brodie and I can’t wait for them to finally realize they care for each other. I love the step-by-step solving of each mystery with the two of them playing off each other for ideas and respecting the other’s abilities. Mikaela can get a tad TSTL on occasion because she is so very confident of her ability to defend herself, but she does usually try to let Brodie know what she’s doing so she’ll have some backup. The supporting cast is great as well. There is Mikaela’s very eccentric Aunt, the wounded war veteran with no legs, a large ferocious street dog who has taken a liking to Mikaela, and various scientific experts upon whom they call for answers. I’m sure the author is heading toward a romantic relationship between Mikaela and Brodie and I’ll be very interested to see how she manages to make it work in British society. Brodie is a man who grew up on the streets – first in Scotland and then in London – and Mikaela is a Lady. Oh – and did I mention – Brodie is also performing certain services for their Secret Service? Oh! My! Goodness!

I can recommend this book and this series. While you could read this as a standalone without too much head-scratching, I would recommend reading the series in order. The characters and their relationships have changed through the books, with each building on the previous, so you’d want to read each of the books to get a complete picture.

The books are excellently written, well-paced, and include a tad of humor with Brodie’s exasperation with Mikaela’s exploits. You’ll smile, you’ll scratch your head trying to figure out who the villains are, and you’ll laugh at whatever Mikaela’s aunt gets up to. Worth reading!

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A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality by Kate Khavari

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, George V - 1910- 1936, Historical Mystery, Interwar Period (Nov 1918 - Sep 1939), Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality (Saffron Everleigh Mystery, #2)

Barbara’s rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars
Series: Saffron Everleigh Mystery #2
Publication Date: 6/6/23
Period: 1920’s London – George V – Interwar Period
Number of Pages: 352

Saffron Everleigh has worked hard, defied her family, and found success at a time and place where women were relegated to fetching coffee, typing notes, and running a home. Were it not for her hard-headed determination and brilliant mind, she’d still be doing all of those things. Instead, she is a researcher at University College with her own office and a research grant. That grant comes with a partner, Dr. Lee, who is handsome, suave, and very dedicated to medicine. Their task is to investigate poisonings from poisonous plants and to document the plant, its location, the effect on the person who was poisoned, etc. Saffron is very excited about the project because it means she’ll have a published paper before she even starts her masters program at the university.

If you read the first book, you’ll remember Inspector Green who was constantly trying to keep Saffron out of his investigation. This time, he’s come to her asking for help. It seems there have been three murders – all by different methods – but all victims received strange flower arrangements prior to or at the time of their deaths. The murders are all definitely related – but how – and what prompted these strange bouquets? The inspector is interested in having Saffron identify the plants – which she does. She also discovers the old meanings (floriography) of the different plants and passes that along as well.

Being Saffron, she also inveigles more information from the Inspector and takes it upon herself to begin investigating – even bringing a reluctant Dr. Lee into it. They trek through dingy clubs where drugs are as prevalent as alcohol, and they befriend people who have much to hide. Who among the denizens of this dark world could have wanted three people dead? Or, are they even looking in the right place?

I’m definitely a romantic and I just have to have a romance in my mysteries. I’m not sure where this series is headed in that area, but I’m ready for the male romantic lead to be settled. I’m not one for the will-they/won’t-they scenario and that is what this is so far. Yes, this is only the second book, but we should have a pretty clear view of where this is headed by now – and we don’t. I’m pretty sure Dr. Lee is currently out of the romantic picture and Ashton may or may not be. I’m guessing Ashton will be the romantic lead, especially with how the third book is set up at the end of this one – but – you never know.

As for Saffron, I have to wonder a bit about her. She is brilliant and dedicated, but she seems to be oblivious to the feelings of those around her – at least the male portion of the population. They are all supposed to be totally supportive and understanding of her, but she seems to have no clue about them. For instance – Dr. Lee wanted to drop out of the investigation – so she just got angry with him rather than wondering (or asking) what the reason was. Then, there is Ashton with PTSD and she doesn’t seem to want to make any allowances for his feelings of protectiveness or his personal battles with flashbacks. Yes, he has a real problem with actually expressing his feelings, but she doesn’t seem to care enough about him to delve into why any of that might be. While I find her mind to be very sharp, I find her heart to be a tad slow, selfish, and dull. I’m hoping that will change with the next book.

I recommend this book and this series and I hope you will enjoy it. There are plenty of twists and turns, lots of red herrings, plenty of danger for all of our characters, and a thoroughly satisfying wrap-up for the villain. Then, of course, there is the set-up for the next book and I can’t wait to see where that one leads us. BTW – you do not have to have read the first book to enjoy this one – however, I believe it will add much to your enjoyment of this book if you understand more about Saffron’s journey to get to where she is now.

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

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