Dark Tidings on the Thames by Deb Marlowe

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

Dark Tidings on the Thames (The Kier and Levett Mystery #7)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Kier and Levett Mystery #7
Publication Date: 10/16/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 244

This series just keeps getting better and better. The first book is still my favorite, but this one is a very close second. Kara and Niall, now the Duke and Duchess of Sedwick, have come so far in their personal relationship, all while gathering a wonderful array of chosen family and friends. I always love seeing those relationships grow and change while also enjoying an intriguing and engaging mystery. In this installment, you’re left guessing the villain’s identity well into the story—the only thing you know for sure is who the villain is not. 😊

Kara, Niall, Harold, Turner, and Gyda are spending time in Scotland to help Gyda heal from the loss of Lord Charles. However, the letters from their young friend Beth grow more and more troubling with each new missive. When a truly dire letter arrives, the group decides to return to London to offer whatever aid they can. Unfortunately, when they arrive at the Waif’s Wardrobe—a charitable society—they discover that the murder of Beth’s friend has already taken place, and the Metropolitan Police have already decided who committed the crime. The evidence certainly makes the man appear guilty, but Kara and Niall believe him when he proclaims his innocence.

The criminal in this story is sly, wily, and very skilled at covering his tracks, giving our friends a particularly arduous task as they work to bring him to justice. Not only must they conduct a thorough investigation, but they also have to avoid Inspector Everett Frye, who thoroughly dislikes Niall. As their inquiry uncovers more and more clues, they cannot share them with Frye—he has already decided who is guilty and would simply ignore anything that contradicts his view. Instead, they enlist Inspector Wooten to act as an intermediary. Fortunately, Inspector Wooten is up to the task and even assists in the investigation where he can.

This villain is especially vile, seeing no wrong in exacting his version of “justice” on those he deems deserving—who, unfortunately, are usually young women.

I particularly enjoyed this story, especially its tantalizing ending. I cannot wait for the next book to see where these characters go. I’ve especially loved the books since Kara and Niall married, and I hope there are many more to come. I hope you’ll give this author, this series, and this book a try—they are all excellent. Happy reading!

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Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz

On By TracyIn New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain AnymoreViolet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone ?

Release Date: November 18, 2025

After Karina the Tempest, Protector of the Queen’s Realm of Mereth defeats the Evil Sorcerer Guy Shadowfade, she shows mercy on his right-hand, the Thornwitch and implores her to change her ways and be good. And so, begins the life of Violet Thistlewaite…Florist. Violet moves to the village of Dragon’s Rest in the shadow of Shadowfade Castle and opens a florist/garden shop. She is determined to be good and instead of using her Thornwitch magic, digs deep and finds a well of different magic that she uses to conjure plants and flowers for her shop. She is immediately welcomed by many members of the community, but her landlord, Nathaniel Marsh seems set on disliking her. She slowly breaks through his tough shell and finds something special with him; she wants to be honest with him but is sure he and all the townsfolk will hate her when they learn her secrets. But when a ghost from her past and new magical problem threatens the town, the choice to keep her secrets may be lost.

Nathaniel never wanted to run the family apothecary, his dream was to become an alchemist and use that knowledge to make new concoctions for the business. But with the death of his parents, he is forced to return home and help his twin sister Pru to save Marsh Apothecary. Unfortunately, he learns that his parents went into debt to send him to school, making him feel guiltier than he already did. To make ends meet, he agrees to rent out half of the building to a newcomer. Angry at circumstances and wracked with guilt, he is determined to make the shop a success and ignore his inconvenient attraction to the witch that is renting part of his shop and sharing his workspace in the greenhouse. He tries to keep Violet at bay, but when a magical blight strikes the town, he is happy for her help, until he learns the truth of her past. Can they overcome their combined secrets and save the town and find their HEA?

I was intrigued by the title, sucked in by the blurb and held captive by the story. The story starts a bit slow, but it soon picks up speed and made it almost impossible to put down. The book has a lot going on but never loses focus on the transformation of Violet from villain to heroine. This story has wonderful characters, a murderous pothos plant, rock goblins, gnomes, secrets, magic, a slow-burn romance, warm love scenes, betrayal, surprising twists, shocking revelations and finally closure and the promise of HEA. What a great read, and I was shocked to learn this was a debut novel – it certainly didn’t read that way! I sincerely hope that Ms. Krempholtz writes Pru’s story, but I will read the next book regardless of who she writes about!

*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. *