Category: Part of a Series

Moonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Novella, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Moonsight MagicMoonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Witches Ball, #5

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Lady Ninianne Morvoren, daughter of the Earl of Penhaven, is a water witch, but she also has an affinity to the moon, something that no other witch of her acquaintance has or has even heard of, she is also a sought-after curse breaker. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to break the curse placed on her friend Boult, a giant trapped in the body of a spriggan. So when she is invited to the Witches Ball at Nightshade Manor, Boult begs her to go and bring him with her, he has learned that there are reports of a giantess on Bocka Morrow and hopes that she will be able to break his curse. She agrees and they set out, she has no plans to marry, but fate may have other plans for her.

Mr. Tristan Tawstock has come to Nightshade Manor, not to find a bride but to make connections to advance his political career. Tristan is a Promethean, a warlock whose powers center on fire, light, as well as the gift of illusion, but what no one knows is he has an affinity with daylight, making his powers the mirror image of Ninianne’s. He is attracted to her, but tells himself now is not the time for romance. But, when their powers accidentally merge while trying to contain an evil entity, they experience something that will change them forever. But before they can explore it further, they will have to work together to find and stop the evil that has descended on Nightshade Manor.

This was such a great addition to the series! I love historical paranormal/magical stories and can never resist a visit to Bocka Morrow, so this author collaboration is a complete delight and seems to get better with each new installment. I loved Ninianne and Tristian, their connection is immediate and undisputable, even if neither of them wants to acknowledge it. The story is filled with magic, curses, great secondary characters, giants, a bit of dark magic, kisses, and the promise of HEA. This is the fourth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

A Fire at the Exhibition by T.E. Kinsey

On By BarbaraIn Audiobook, Barb's Reviews, George V - 1910- 1936, Historical Mystery, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

A Fire at the Exhibition (Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #10)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #10
Publication Date: 9/5/23
Period: 1912 – Littleton Cotterell, Gloucestershire (United Kingdom)
Number of Pages: 332

Oh! I do love this series! Lady Emily Hardcastle and her lady’s maid Florence Armstrong are former spies who have retired to the country – but cannot help themselves when a mystery or murder presents itself in the area. They just have to help. Their witty banter is very entertaining and will keep you smiling, if not laughing out loud, throughout the book. While they take their investigations very seriously, they don’t take themselves seriously at all, and that is what makes the combination of humor and murder investigation work so well.

The quiet, picturesque village of Littleton Cotterel is holding its May Day celebration with a festival and art show. The art show features artistic endeavors from local artists as well as art loaned from a museum, a bound book of the complete works of Shakespeare (with jewels and gold leaf, and…), and a painting by a famous artist, loaned by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud. The entire village and surrounding areas are all looking forward to participating in the events – even the bicycle race.

Even in the best-planned events – things seem to go astray, which is certainly the case with their festival. As soon as the opening ceremonies were over and the doors opened to the exhibition building, everyone rushed inside to see the exhibits – only to rush right out again because the building was on fire. OOPS! However, the fire wasn’t really a fire – but there was plenty of smoke – and when it cleared, the book along with Sir Farley-Stroud’s painting was missing. How in the world did anyone manage to get outside with that huge book and not be seen? Then, a few days later there is a murder connected to the festival. What is going on?

So many crimes to investigate! However, Lady Hardcastle and Flo decide not to be involved – except maybe to help find the painting for their dear friends, the Farley-Strouds. Let the insurance investigator handle the book, the police handle the murder, and they can help the police with the painting. Right, we know how that will go.

There are lots of red herrings for each of the crimes and you’ll have lots of fun evaluating those and tossing them aside before you finally realize what has been going on and why. Oh! Did I mention there is also a treasure hunt? Yes, Indeed. There MIGHT be buried treasure on the Farley-Stroud property. If there is, and they find it, it would save them from financial ruin.

You’ll smile yourself silly as Emily and Flo banter themselves through the investigation and fling the red herrings aside before they finally reveal all. It really is an excellent, entertaining read with several mysteries to keep you guessing before the final reveal. I highly recommend it and hope you will love it as much as I did. Happy reading!

I read and listened to the book and I can say I thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth Knowelden’s narration. She captures Lady Hardcastle and Flo perfectly. You can hear the humor in their voices as you listen. She’s perfect for this narration role.

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