Category: Mystery

Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library by Angelina Jameson

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Mystery, Non-Traditional Romance, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's Reviews, Young AdultLeave a comment

Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library (The Rogue's Alliance Book 1)Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library by Angelina Jameson

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: The Rogue’s Alliance, #1

Release Date: November 19, 2024

When it becomes clear that Thorne’s Lending Library is in danger of closing, Lady Charlotte Beaumont and her friends Ladies Louisa and Edith, set out to save “their place”. In an attempt to learn what makes a place exclusive, Charlotte decides to don a disguise and investigate the famous bow window at White’s, it is there that she crosses paths with Benedict Grey, the Marquess of Ashford. She thinks she has escaped with her anonymity intact, but she isn’t that lucky, when Benedict quickly learns her identity and tries to discourage her improper behavior. But Charlotte has no intention of giving up her quest and when it becomes clear that there are darker forces at play, she turns to Benedict for help and can’t seem to stop herself from falling for him, despite the fact that he clearly believes that she would never make an appropriate wife for him.

Benedict has his own problems, his sister Diana, grieving the loss of her fiancé, has been acting out of character and may have insulted Lady Caroline Lamb, who is rumored to have written a book exposing members of the ton. He is desperately trying to learn if Diana is mentioned and doesn’t have time to be sidetracked by the intriguing, yet inappropriate Lady Charlotte! But it soon becomes clear that there is something sinister about the library’s current problems, and with the help of his friends, they uncover the reason for the library’s difficulties. Once he learns that the criminal group known as the Rouge’s Alliance is behind the sabotage to the library, nothing will stop him from protecting Charlotte. But saving Charlotte doesn’t change the fact that she isn’t an appropriate choice for his wife. Will Benedict be able to let go of his prejudices or is he doomed to lose the only woman he has ever loved?

I thought this was a cute story, yet it was nothing like the other books I have read by this author. This book read more like a young adult historical mystery than a romance. I have no idea how or why they fell in love, there is very little interaction between them throughout the story and absolutely no intimacy, they don’t even share a kiss until the very end of the book. So, I guess if you prefer an “Austen-like” story with no love scenes or sexual tension, this book will make you very happy. I was intrigued by the “Rouge’s Alliance” and would probably read future installments just for that story line.

*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. *

Death at a Scottish Christmas by Lucy Connelly

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Christmas, Contemporary, Mystery, Part of a Series, Scottish/HighlanderLeave a comment

Death at a Scottish Christmas (A Scottish Isle Mystery, #3)Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Scottish Isle Mystery #3
Publication Date: 10/15/24
Period: Contemporary – Sea Isle, Scotland
Number of Pages: 256

Dr. Emilia (Em) McRoy is looking forward to her first Christmas at Sea Isle. Em, in need of a change of pace from her job as head of ER at a major US hospital, relocated to become the village doctor and coroner for Sea Isle, Scotland. Em absolutely loves Sea Isle’s slower pace and friendly people and has made many friends since arriving in August. Now, Christmas is almost here and the village is awash in festivities gathered from cultures everywhere. The biggest event for this Christmas will be a concert in the local pub – by a renowned rock group, Bram and the Stokers. They’ve been touring in Europe and are set to tour the USA next. Normally, such a famous group wouldn’t look twice at tiny Sea Isle, but a couple of the members grew up on the Isle and they want a quiet break before heading to the US. Sadly, the break will not be the respite they had hoped for.

After a wildly successful concert, the lead singer, Bram Stoker, was found dead on the beach the following morning – and it wasn’t natural causes. Who would want to murder the charismatic, handsome singer and lyricist? Could it be a member of the band? A groupie? A stalker? A rejected lover? Or, is it someone with a long-ago past with the singer – such as Constable Ewan Campbell? With so many suspects, how can Em help to narrow them down?

All of the supporting characters we’ve come to know and love over the previous two books have roles in this tale as well. Their assistance in gathering evidence, and helping Em and Ewan work through the clues is invaluable. With so many suspects and clues, it is hard to weed out the red herrings from the actual culprit, but Em and the crew manage to do it – but not before there is a second death. You won’t know the murderer until the end, but you’ll be convinced you know with each red herring.

This was an entertaining murder mystery with a well-thought-out plot, an interesting victim, and even more interesting suspects. The author wove the investigation into all of the Christmas celebrations in a way that made you want to spend your Christmas with the residents of Sea Isle even if there was a murder being investigated. It was an enjoyable read, and I am glad to have had another visit with all of the Sea Isle residents.

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

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