Category: Tracy’s Reviews

The Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Contemporary, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

The Reluctant ReaperThe Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: November 11, 2025

As the daughter of Death, Amara Morrigan has spent years avoiding her family or rather the family business, by moving from the family compound in North Dakota and staying busy with lots of temp jobs and spending time with her best (and only) friend, Graham Gray. But when news reaches her that her father is ill, she has no choice but to return home and thankfully Gray insists on coming with her. Amara has been adamant since she was a child that she would not become a reaper, but with Death literally on death’s door, she agrees to temporarily take over his duties. But it doesn’t take long to figure out that she was set up or that things have gone off the rails, leaving the fate of her father in question. She will have to figure it out and set things right before she loses everything that she loves.

This was a fun, fast-paced story with intriguing characters and lots of witty banter. I adored the relationship between Amara and Gray, they were perfect for each other, and I was rooting hard for them. The book has a lot going on, there is lying, snarky gods, betrayal, death, found family, lots of lefse, secrets, friends to lovers, twists and turns and an unexpected ending. As much as I enjoyed the book, I will admit that at times the dialogue and the plot seemed a bit chaotic and confusing, but overall, it was a good read, and I enjoyed the mystery just as much as the romance. I would happily recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a rom-com type romantasy with a mystery twist. It is important to note that the book does touch on some sensitive issues, such as child abuse, death of a child and death from illness, I did feel like the author handled all of these with empathy and respect, but I would recommend checking the content warnings before reading the book.

*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. *

Murder Made Her Wicked by Elizabeth Hobbs

On By TracyIn America's Gilded Age (1870-1900), Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Murder Made Her Wicked: A Marigold Manners MysteryMurder Made Her Wicked: A Marigold Manners Mystery by Elizabeth Hobbs

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: A Marigold Manners Mystery #2

Release Date: November 11, 2025

Marigold Manners returns to Wellesley College in 1894 Boston, determined to resume her academic journey in archaeology despite the tumultuous revelations of her past. Marigold, a penniless heiress and fiercely independent woman, quickly becomes entangled in another mystery when she stumbles upon the body of a young woman in the campus lake. The Wellesley campus, with its comforting traditions and scholarly pursuits, is soon exposed as vulnerable to the malice and wickedness lurking beneath its surface. As tensions rise, old rivalries and slights threaten to boil over, and Marigold must rely on her keen logic and the support of her eccentric friends to uncover the identity of the victim and the perpetrator before another tragedy occurs.

Marigold shines throughout the novel—her intellect, determination, and commitment to women’s advancement are refreshing, especially set against the backdrop of the 1890s. She’s not only navigating academic challenges but also the societal limitations imposed on women, refusing to let her personal life distract from her ambitions. The secondary characters, from the loyal college physician to quirky classmates and beloved friends, add depth and color to the story, making the closed college community feel both vibrant and tense. The author, Elizabeth Hobbs, does an excellent job weaving information from Marigold’s first case into the narrative, so even those new to the series can appreciate her history and motivations.

This book is an engaging historical mystery that is well written and nice paced. While some elements—such as the predictability of the murder plot and certain contrived character dynamics—may detract slightly, the rich period details, well-researched setting, and compelling lead make this a satisfying read. The book balances suspense, character development, and just a hint of romance. I will admit a bit of frustration with Marigold in her desire to remain independent, I understood her reasons and know change will only come to those who take a stand, but to basically insist that Cab throw away his reputation to satisfy her needs did come across as a bit selfish, but I sincerely hope they find a way to be together that makes them both happy. Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it to fans of historical fiction and classic murder mysteries. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no issues.

*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. *