Deadly Lies by Carla Simpson

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

Deadly Lies (Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #10)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe #10 (Goodness what a long series name)
Publication Date: 10/29/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 291

Brodie and Mikaela have taken on some dangerous and tense cases, but this one hit very close to home. When a beautiful, kind, musically gifted young woman is murdered outside the printshop where she had just picked up the invitations to her wedding, Mikaela’s ward, Lily, is devastated. The young woman, Miss Charlotte Mallory, is Lily’s music instructor and friend. Charlotte is also the only child of prominent barrister, Sir Edward Mallory. Who would want to murder such a lovely and kind young woman? Lily wants to know and she doesn’t trust Scotland Yard to find out. So, what does any intelligent young woman with a set of talented detectives as relatives do? She ‘hires’ them, of course!

With few clues and some less-than-cooperative witnesses, Brodie and Mikaela will have a tough time solving the murder. However, as with all cases, one small clue leads to another, which leads to another, and before you know it, you have all the clues you need. You just have to figure out what all of those clues mean.

Just a few days later, the body of another lovely young lady is found – murdered in the same manner as Charlotte. This young woman, Miss Margaret Cameron, is the daughter of prominent judge Harold Cameron. The murders are frighteningly similar. Are they related? If so, how?

I love the way Mikaela and Brodie work both separately and together as they investigate and evaluate the clues to this vicious killer. Things really become intense when Lily disappears and one of the murderer’s ‘signature’ calling cards is left for them. Can they solve the case and rescue Lily before the unthinkable happens?

One thing I particularly loved about this book – aside from the mystery – is how Mikaela and Brody’s relationship evolves. They are both learning to accept and work with each other’s faults and strengths. They are becoming accepting of each other in a very good way. They love and need each other and they are finally figuring out how to make it all work.

This excellently written mystery will grab your attention from the first page and won’t let you go until it is done. So, for your safety and comfort, be sure you have taken care of all personal needs and that you have a full supply of eats and drinks before you begin reading. Why? You won’t be able to put the book down once you start reading. Happy Reading!

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

Mr. Notorious and the Nefarious November by Shana Galen

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews1 Comment

Mr. Notorious and the Nefarious November (The Rake Review #11)Mr. Notorious and the Nefarious November by Shana Galen

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Rake Review, #11

Release Date: November 1, 2024

Years ago, Beatrice Haddington made a decision that cost her the love of life and brought her years of heartache when she rejected Munro Notley’s proposal and married his best friend. She rejected Munro because he was a rake and she was sure he would break her heart by being unfaithful, instead she married Soloman Barnet, who was also a rake, but swore he would change for her. He didn’t and to make matters worse, Munro left England. But now she is a widow, and he is back for their mutual niece’s wedding. When he makes it clear that he still wants to marry her, she immediately declines, still sure he is a rake and will only break her heart. He swears he has changed, and she offers him a way to prove it. If he can resist five temptations to prove he has changed, then she will marry him.

Six years ago, Munro Notley fell in love for the first time in his life and bared his heart and soul to Beatrice the night before her wedding, begging her to runaway with him. She refused and he was unable to see the woman he loved with another man, he left England and if the gossip was to be believed continued his rakish lifestyle on the continent. When his brother orders him home for his niece’s wedding, he can’t refuse. He knows Beatrice is now a widow and dreads seeing her again, causing him to drink more than he is used to. In his inebriated state, he stumbles into the ladies retiring room and comes face to face with the only woman he has ever loved and proceeds to say way too much and even renews his offer of marriage. But Beatrice isn’t having it, and instead offers him an alternative – she will test him and if he can resist the temptations, she will give him a reward for each test he passes and if he passes all five, she will marry him. And so, the games begin!

I loved this second chance romance and was rooting for Munro right from the start. My heart broke for him and while I could understand Beatrice’s reservations, I did think she was a little unfair to Munro and let her fears control her for too long. This is a story is a lovely second chance romance filled with healing, trust, steamyish love scenes, delightful banter, great secondary characters, a wonderful cinnamon roll hero and finally a sweet ending and the beginning of their hard-won HEA. This is part of an author collaboration series but could easily 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/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *