Category: Historical Mystery

Mydworth Mysteries – Murder in the Dark by Matthew Costello

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

Mydworth Mysteries - Murder in the Dark (A Cosy Historical Mystery Series Book 12)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Mydworth Mysteries #12
Publication Date: 9/30/22
Period: 1929 – Interwar Period
Number of Pages: 143

Kat and Harry are looking forward to bringing in the new year in a real Scottish castle with all of the Scottish traditions. They happily board the train ‘The Highlandman’ and notice the flakes of snow falling. By the time the train reaches its destination, the highlands are covered in a sparkling blanket of snow.

Upon their arrival, their loud, brash American host greets them at the door and ushers them into a castle that looks as if it belongs in a fairy tale. Unfortunately, few of the guests were able to make it to the castle because of the weather – and the few who are there are quite a strange lot. They all seem to know each other – not like each other – yet claim they are barely acquainted. One thing is sure, none of them like their host, yet they all covet his money and power. Not even the staff likes Jack Garner.

The only reason Kat and Harry are there is that Jack is married to their aunt’s good friend and she wanted them to check in with her to assure all is well. While their aunt’s friend has become fond of imbibing, she is otherwise well. So, now all they need to do is enjoy the festivities.

Jack is not a pleasant man and treats everyone deplorably, but since everyone wants something from him, they have to tolerate him. But then, he turns up dead. Since all communication has been cut off because of the storm, Kat and Harry must handle the inquiries. Is the obvious suspect the correct one? Maybe. Maybe not.

I hope you’ll enjoy the story as much as I did.

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Within These Gilded Halls by Abigail Wilson

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

Within These Gilded HallsBarbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: Stand Alone
Publication Date: 10/4/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 320

Whew! My head is still spinning after finishing this book. In one book you get a romance, a murderer, a thief, a spy, a smuggler, revenge, treason, blackmail, treasure hunts, and a really strange household where deep dark secrets reside. Yes, it is very busy! It is also fast-paced, well-written, interesting, and filled with characters you either want to get to know better – or you want to slap them (or worse). The main focus of the story is the mystery, but the romance dovetails nicely into it. Those of you who like steamy romances will be disappointed because there is no steam, but there is a very honorable hero who treats his lady with trust, honor, and respect. I say that is a well done.

Phoebe Radcliff, a gifted artist, is the daughter of Lord Torrington who is a spymaster. She left home in disgrace two years ago and is now studying under the tutelage of a renowned artist, Miss Drake. Phoebe and her friend Daniel are making good progress on their art project, but she’s not so focused that she doesn’t wonder about some of the goings-on. Why are Mr. and Mrs. Fagean there as permanent guests? They are odd people and Mr. Fagean is practically running the estate.

Lt. Graham Burke unexpectedly arrives at his aunt’s home with a load of antiquities he plans to sell to a neighbor and isn’t exactly welcomed with open arms. When his aunt, Miss Drake, is murdered things really start popping. The weapon used would tend to implicate Graham, but he loves his aunt. As she lay dying, she whispered a final message to Phoebe and that sets off a major treasure hunt.

Graham and Phoebe are trying to solve the riddles that will lead them to the treasure and solve Miss Drake’s murder at the same time. Are the two things connected? What about the strange behavior of Mr. and Mrs. Fagean? Daniel is also acting strangely. Secrets – secrets-within-secrets – how will they ever untangle this can of worms?

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but I would have liked it just as well (or better) if some of the sub-plots were left out. It was just a very busy book. There was some very modern phraseology – like “How is that working for you”, but other than that it was a great mystery and a sweet love story combined. Goodness – I don’t think you can go wrong with that. The story also alluded to Phoebe’s parentage a couple of times, but never really finished it – so why include it at all?

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

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