Tag: Carla Simpson

Review: Deadly Curse by Carla Simpson

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

Deadly Curse (Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #11)Barbara’s rating: 3.7 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #11
Publication Date: 1/28/25
Period: Victorian London – 1892
Number of Pages: 226

In 1892, the whole world was enamored with exploring ancient Egypt. Archaeologists and Egyptologists are thick on the ground digging for antiquities. Sir Nelson Lawrence is one of the few who doesn’t want to exploit Egypt for personal gain. He wants to show their ancient history to the world and teach others to love it as he does. It’s too bad he won’t ever get that chance since his body has been discovered at the base of a large floor-to-ceiling statue of Ramses II. Is it due to a curse? Or a rival archaeologist? Or a collector who wants the artifacts for himself? Or a family member who feels he’s been cheated? Or . . .

The tension mounts as more bodies turn up and Mikaela is attacked. They check out clue after clue and learn little – but just enough to move them forward by a single step. Then, things get even more stirred up when a leader in London’s underworld offers assistance. Is his information good or is he leading them into a trap? If his information is good and proves helpful, what will he want in return?

I always enjoy Mikaela and Brodie along with their entire ensemble cast. We had a couple of new characters added this time and I wonder if they will have recurring roles or if this was a one-and-only for them. First, we had Inspector Todd with the Metropolitan Police. He seems as nasty as Chief Inspector Abberline but with less power. The other new addition was the underworld boss, Mr. Brown, who appears to have a grudging respect for Brodie – but his interests seem entirely self-serving. So, two somewhat interesting characters appeared and it will be interesting to see if they reappear.

While this was an interesting story and the mystery was good, it was not my favorite book of the series. I found it to be more plodding and less exciting than the other books – probably more like a real-life investigation would be. 😊

If an ancient Egyptian curse runs shivers down your spine, you should give this book a try.

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

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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.