Hostage to Fortune - Bradcote and Catchpoll Mystery ~ Sarah Hawkswood~ Fine period mystery~

"January 1144. Hugh Bradecote does not want his betrothed heading off on pilgrimage to the shrine of St Edgyth "..and then.. The entourage of important monks and Christina, Hugh's betrothed, are in very grave danger by a renegade knight who loves to kill.

This is my first Bradecote and Catchpoll book but it surely won't be the last ! I do love the era ( Similar to Crowner John, Ella of Salisbury etc) and the history of that important point in time.It was a bit bloody but the main characters came out fine and the ending was very satisfactory.

The author does a fine job with well developed and engaging characters, who fit their times with some added more up-to-date humor. My only worry is do I order book #1 or proceed to book 5 and see where the newly married couple take me.

Recommended for Medieval Historical Mystery fans, like myself.

Jessica Fellowes - Bright Young Dead - The Mitford Murders #3 - So Enjoyable!

"As the glamour of the Bright Young Things crashes into the world of the Mitford sisters, their maid Louisa Cannon finds herself at the scene of a gripping murder mystery."

I've read and reviewed books #1 and #3 for NetGalley in this series and I am SOOO hoping there will be more..Louisa Cannon and Guy Sullivan are endearing and entertaining. The mystery was a good one with historical events that happened although not to the named characters in the book Sgt. Sullivan with Louisa's assistance ( and connivance as well) solves this mystery in a page turner ending.

Some portions of police procedure seems a bit off, but then maybe it's that way in Britain or was in the 1920s. Alice Diamond and her gang were actual characters as were others, just not the friends of the Mitford sisters who were involved.
Very enjoyable!! 

#Death Comes to the Nursery ~ Catherine LLoyd ~ #NetGalley Pre-order now as Christmas gift!

#DeathComestotheNursery #NetGalley Pre-order now as Christmas gift!
Catherine Lloyd's Kurland St. Mary series is a winner, this 7th book so far might be the best as the mystery was so eventful. ( I did figure out that Bert was Flora's brother) Very fast paced with added suspects, more than one intended victim bringing in most of Lucy's extended family.

OH! When the last book ended Lucy's was expecting the couple's first child; as this book opens that child, Ned, the apple of everyone's eye is almost 3 years old. Lucy is interviewing a prospective assistant nursery maid, and tells her husband of another expected child.

Their joy turns to anxiety with the new hire, who is very beautiful but looks nothing like her cousin Agnes the current nanny. The beautiful Polly is a flirt and soon has multiple men flocking around her which causes staff and family problems. The biggest problem occurs when Polly ends up deceased in a neighboring field and Lucy and Robert Kurland learn that she was not Agnes cousin but an impostor.

Polly-who- was -not-Polly's death happened early in the book, and a series of crimes, violence and murders continue until the very end. So very enjoyable and recommended to all historical mystery fans.

Sharon Kay Penman- The Land Beyond The Sea ~ long awaited novel~ Pre-order yours now!

I was delighted to obtain an ARC from Edelweiss of Sharon Kay Penman's long awaited novel on Outremer, or the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This "Land Beyond the Sea"began to be settled in 1099 with the First Crusade.

A very fine historical representation of an era and point in time very different from what was happening in France, Normandy and England at that time. Baldwin IV , who has been called the "Leper King" was son of the King of Jerusalem Amalric I, and was educated by William, Archbishop of Tyre.

Baldwin had childhood symptoms of his disease before puberty and when his father died in 1174 he divulged it to his Curia Regis on his deathbed. Kingship of Jerusalem was partially hereditary and partially who approved Baldwin, who diagnosis was unclear at that time to be crowned at 13.

As he was not expected to live long, due to his illness the Barons who guided him and his Regents jockeyed for power of him and his sister Sybilla and half sister Isabella. He served valiantly for more years than expected and died in 1185.

He had married his sister to Guy of Lusignan, who was crowned king and later deposed, giving succession to Baldwin V his nephew. When that child king died Guy and Sybilla came to power.

Although not a time period I understand or always enjoy reading about, it was a fine read.

Now You See Them- The Brighton Mysteries- (Magic Men Series) - Elly Griffiths ~ A Winner!

#NowYouSeeThem #NetGalley "DCI Edgar Stephens, Detective Sergeants Emma Holmes and Bob Willis, and of course magician Max Mephisto, are facing a brave new world" - the 1960s"! 

I just loved this one and have been waiting for it.. I gobbled it down, actually and hated for it to end.
Review will be published in the Fall. Thanks NetGalley HMH for the ARC! ~5 Stars~

So very excited to read this 5th book in the series, hoping they go on forever?  Eleven years after we last left this group  they came together for a funeral in Brighton. It is well into an new decade and one with changes, both Max  and Edgar are married with children, although on different continents.

Emma and Ruby along with many others are wishing to be more fulfilled, although both are living the life they had wished for. Emma misses being a Detective Sgt. and Ruby feels that allure also.
They are not prepared with where that wistfulness will take them.

A series of disappearances, which eventually include Ruby and Ed and Emma's oldest daughter thrust everyone in their group, as well as others in danger. Terrifically exciting  with a well plotted mystery, with superb character development. Truly a winner.! Counting the months until the next  ( with hints to the future)

The Hocus Girl - A Simon Westow Mystery - Chris Nickson- Gritty Gripping Mystery ~ Get Yours Now!

A 5 Star review for Chris Nickson's #TheHocusGirl #NetGalley. A gritty gripping mystery of  19th century Leeds when a government spy caused havoc. "Thief-taker Simon Westow must save one of his closest friends from a grim fate at the hands of the government in this compelling historical mystery." 

Simon's friend Davey Ashton,who he owes so much to, is
arrested for sedition and threatened with transportation. Simon's assistant Jane is also under attack by a girl who spiked a merchant's
drink, stole a valuable ring and seems to know all of Jane's secrets.

Simon and Rosie and Jane as well, are threatened  by this "hocus"  girl as well as the various bodyguards and toughs sent in to  cover up the governmental crisis.

There is a great ending to the book which I  loved. Nickson's Leeds books are always impeccably researched  for period detail and  very fast paced.

#TheMitfordScandal #NetGalley - Great Read! Third in series~ PREORDER!!

#TheMitfordScandal #NetGalley 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Very enjoyable, with strong historic characters superimposed adroitly on the mystery.

The Mitford sisters have written, and have been written about numerous times; I read Book 1 of this series for a review, read a sample of book #2, and have read others about the Mitfords.

The mystery was a bit complicated to follow well was my only criticism of the book, and it did keep pace with the main characters, Guy and Louisa. The author's notes ( must remember to read them first)tells us of other historical facts which were woven into the mystery. Excellent!

The story begins with a real historic tragic death, a second one and a third police scandal, are incorporated into a fictional crime that Guy, Louisa and others help to solve. They end up together as a couple, as in history Diana Mitford begins to end her marriage. I am hoping for a sequel.!

The Holidays are coming, Preorder your copy NOW!!

#CityOfPearl #NetGalley - Alys Clare ~ Medieval Mystery Series ~

#CityOfPearl #NetGalley. I gave it 3.5 stars round to 4.  I do like the characters, and have read every one so far, although I am a bit confused as to where they are going with this.

This from  publisher: "October, 1093. At her mentor's urgent request, Lassair is accompanying Gurdyman across the sea to Spain. But why is he so insistent on embarking on this difficult and dangerous journey..  why does he seem so afraid?
 Could there be any connection to the vagrant found lying dead outside his home, a single pearl 
clutched in his outstretched hand? The pair reach the remote mountainous regions of northern Spain. Hot on her trail is Jack Chevestrier, the young lawman who loves her"

Lassair and Jack were together for a brief moment at the end, which was very good. I am hoping it all comes together, in a fashion a bit less contrived and  more coherent. I enjoy Lassair, her village and her interpersonal relationships .. and of course  the fenland.

To Be A Queen- Annie Whitehead ~ 'Cum Laude' ~ So Exciting- 5 Stars!

So glad that I saw Annie Whitehead's book link on twitter and downloaded this book. I enjoyed it so much that I read it right through although I had an important ARC to read! I will get one of the others right now on my kindle.

Aethelflaed was the Lady of the Mercians, was the daughter of Alfred the Great. Since I just finished a couple books on this period in medieval Britain I was glad to read more about Alfred and was very glad also to read about Edward, her brother. The majority of my genetic heritage is from Ireland and this area of Britain, and this book was thrilling to read.


Especially important is the author's great knowledge of this period and her grasp of how important is this history. 5 stars and am on to the next one and then to the 7th century and Penda.

Breach of Faith - J.G.Lewis-~ 5 Stars~ Terrific New Series

A great new series that I am so excited to have found, this second offering is as good as the first. 5 Stars! and hope that a 3rd is in the works.

Ela Countess, of Salisbury surely was "a towering figure of the mid 13th century" and in this series she is very modern in her deeds and beliefs. Her family were great movers and shakers in that time period, both her father and grandfather were prominent and well respected. Her husband William Longespée,half uncle to King Henry, died days before this series began, shortly after returning from a shipwreck that almost took his life.

Ela takes her responsibility on assuming her husband's role of Sheriff of Wiltshire seriously and will not be dissuaded of working with the coroner and others to solve crimes. At the same time she is working to fulfill her husband's plans for their children's marriages and succession.

It is a riveting and quite unique mystery which evolves and involves various persons. So pleased To have read both of these books. Love Medieval mysteries and strong heroines.

A Bitter Feast- Deborah Crombie ~ Book 18 and Going Strong, Preorder Now !

So glad I received this wonderful ARC from Edelweiss and Harper Collins. It was terrific, as usual for this series 5 Stars!

"Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, have been invited for a relaxing weekend in the tranquil Cotswolds with the children, as guests at Beck House, the country estate belonging to the family of Melody Talbot, Gemma’s trusted detective sergeant."

Was it a tranquil week-end? Ummm No not even close ! As Duncan got close to his destination a terrible car crash involving one other car takes the life of the other cars two occupants,leaving him injured but alive. More mysterious deaths follow those in the crash, where they find that one occupant was dead before the impact.

The fall invitation was to feature a charity luncheon hosted at Beck House and catered by Viv Holland, around whom all the deaths seem to swirl. As their hosts, or their charity event. become more connected to the mysterious deaths, Gemma, Duncan as well as Melody and Doug our characters become involved in the investigation.

Order your copy now to immerse yourself in book #18 of this engrossing, very well written series by  the amazingly talented Deborah Crombie.

Murder At Whitby Abbey- Cassandra Clark - Fine Medieval Mystery~

"Late December, 1389. Ordered to undertake a grueling three-day journey to bleak Whitby Abbey in the far north of England in a bid to purchase the Abbey’s priceless Holy Relic – a lock of St Hild’s hair, said to be 700 years old – Hildegard of Meaux and her three companion monks arrive to find the Abbey a decidedly unwelcoming place...very different to their modest lifestyle at Meaux." 

I received this ARC from Netgalley and it was quite enjoyable. I read several of the early Cassandra Clark books but the last one I read was not as much fun of a read. I was happy to find that Hildegarde and her entourage were engaging as characters, as well as being happy with their lives at Meaux.

What they were NOT happy about was the atmosphere at Whitby Abbey was oppressive and very dangerous. Two deaths of men they had come to know, in the town and abbey, led Hildegard into some very precarious circumstances. 

With the help from her companions, Father Luke and the monks Gregory and Egbert, they solved mysteries and made the surrounding town a safer place.

Cathedral of Bones- Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mystery- J.G.Lewis- Amazing first mystery!~

A delightful and engrossing Medieval mystery about a real person, Ela of Salisbury. I stumbled upon this at Amazon and cannot wait for the next book, out next month. I hope J.G.Lewis has many more planned as she is a terrific writer!

We meet Ela, who was the Countess of Salisbury in her own right, at the funeral mass of her beloved husband William Longespee. As she leaves the Cathedral, she is informed of a body of a young woman found in the River Avon, and as she has determined to assume what she feels is her role as sheriff of Salisbury she rides with the Coroner to the site.

Ela is a widow and hereditary castellan of Salisbury Castle as well as a mother of 8 children. The author makes this character into a vibrant female with ideas far beyond the norm of her time.

A very complicated murder investigation ensues, as well as the illness of her younger children and an attempt on her life. I should add that she is not sure of how her husband died, perhaps he was poisoned?

I am hoping of many more in this series, both before and after Ela plans to take the veil in a religious house she will found. An amazing first mystery!

Great read in a great series- They get better and better~ Love and Death Among the Cheetahs ~ Rhys Bowen~

"Georgie and Darcy are finally on their honeymoon in Kenya's Happy Valley, but murder crashes the party in this all-new installment in the New York Times bestselling series."

Great read in this series as was the last one ( the wedding)- they just get better! Georgie is surprised when Darcy tells her royal relatives that they may go to Kenya for the rest of their honeymoon, but soon finds that his career as an undercover investigator has something to do with it.

They had a near miss on safari, and with connivance the murderer ( who all had sympathy for- including the victim) went into another province and laid low. Happily they sailed home to their own, inherited by Georgie, estate

Ann Cleeves -The Long Call- (Two Rivers #1 ) Fine New Series!

Thanks to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for this fine review book. It is obvious why Ann Cleeves has such success with her mysteries and this one may be the best one I have read. 

A new series, this tale begins in North Devon with Matthew Venn's sadness at the early part of his life and ends on an upturn of those same facts. This was one book I essentially "read right through" unusual for me!

In between comes a cast of interesting and complex characters who were developed exceptionally well which include Detective Matthew Venn, his husband Jonathon, Matthew's team and a cast of characters portrayed with warmth and dignity. Entrancing. 

Several women who had varied developmental disabilities were introduced to us, all of them very vibrant and likeable. Cherished by their parents and their educators they were drawn into a complicated plot to defraud where they and others were in harms way.

I am so looking forward to the next book in this unique series

American Duchess- Karen Harper - A Memorable Read!!

"Karen Harper tells the tale of Consuelo Vanderbilt, her “The Wedding of the Century” to the Duke of Marlborough, and her quest to find meaning behind “the glitter and the gold.”"

5 Stars! What a terrific book.. I wanted to read it after I read Robin Paige's, "Murder at Blenheim Palace", and I will try to get Consuelo Vanderbilt's own memoir, which is on kindle also I think.

What a life she led and much of it she made happen herself. Yes, of course she was a millionaire, but..

She ended up having a good and memorable life, despite a marriage she did not choose or want herself..

Sons, grandchildren and charitable foundations and a very happy 2nd marriage. Recommended!!

A Prisoner of Privilege - Rosemary Rowe ~ Libertus #18

#AprisonerOfPrivilege #NetGalley I received this ARC from NetGalley and Severn House for an honest review. I gave it 4.5 stars rounded to 5 and enjoyed it a lot. There are times when Libertus' adventures are a bit too much for me, but this time I was happily surprised.

Libertus was being a normal Roman official ( Born a Celt) as duumvir for Glevum and not trying to do anything extraordinary. A series of deaths and the insistence by his patron, Marcus, inserts him in the middle of the "who is the spy" mystery. 

Since most of the story takes place between his roundhouse and the town apartment at his disposal, I had a good taste of Roman British life. Rosemary Rowe, the author has a fine foreword where she describes the living situations and the current political situation in Rome. In 194 AD Britannia was still being rocked but a succession of rulers, each one being deposed or killed.Suspicion was rife and it was every man for himself.

A murder of the official sent to spy on the city occurs in Libertus townhouse and he discovers it. A sort of odd ingestion of a poison renders him almost unable to defend himself, but finally recovers and the ending is quite satisfactory.

A fun series in my favorite Roman Britain, preorder yours now .and start reading earlier volumes.

Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding - Rhys Bowen- Royal Spyness ~Great, Fun Read ~

A great and fun read- it ended with Georgie's honeymoon after a wedding with the royal family! What more could you ask for in a book?

"In the days leading up to her wedding to Darcy O’Mara, Lady Georgiana Rannoch takes on the responsibilities of a grand estate, but proving she can run a household just may be the death of her in the new Royal Spyness Mystery "

Not sure there were four actual funerals but four deaths and a mystery that embroiled Georgiana's mother, grandfather, Darcy, Queenie and ultimately her ex-stepfather. The cast of characters at the end may change the focus of future books. Cannot wait!!

#ListenToTheWind #NetGalley - Suzanne Dunlap- Book 1 - The Orphans of Tolosa

#ListenToTheWind #NetGalley I received this ARC for a review, and found it enjoyable. It was a bit reminiscent of Roland at Roncevaux., although a different era..

"Two orphans flee for their lives during the last crusade of the French against the Cathar heretics in the Midi. With no knowledge of their past, they are drawn onward to an uncertain future where they face unimaginable peril. Will they discover the secret of their origins and fulfill their destiny?"

Azalais and Azemar, together through some mysterious circumstance as children, and separated by warfare they did not understood, reunite as adults. This is the first of a trilogy and there is sample of part 2 for us to think about. Will the Cathar mystery and that of their own parentage find solutions?
Will they reunite with Johana and Jordane, and what does the future hold for all of them? 

Candace Robb - A Conspiracy of Wolves- #AconspiracyOfWolves #NetGalley - Review to come-

#AconspiracyOfWolves #NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for this hoped for 11th book in the Owen Archer series. Owen is considering employment Prospects. but has has more than one "iron in the fire" as the tale begins. He is mourning his wife' s aunt Dame Phillipa, as well as his former long time employer John Thoresby, Archbishop of York.

Enter Crispin Poole, merchant and former soldier bitten by a dog or ...a wolf? .. into his life as well as Geoffrey Chaucer on a mission from the Prince Edward. Wolves or dogs are woven through most of the tale in a complicated mystery of retribution.

I had to reorient myself to all the players in Dame Lucie and Owen's life which took awhile. I enjoyed the last chapter immensely with it's suggestion of things to come. 

Priscilla Masters- Blood on the Rocks- #BloodOnTheRocks #NetGalley - New series for me~

Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for this ARC/eDoc of my first Priscilla Masters Mystery, Blood on the Rocks. DI Joanna Piercy, pregnant, was directed to find ninety-six year old Zachary Foster, suffering from dementia who had wandered out of a residential care home. Zachary was said to be looking for his teddy bear he had had for over 90 years- this was not the case.

 Since this is my first DI Joanna experience, I was unaware of the particulars leading up to what seems like a lot of animosity between the DI and some of her peers. Perhaps things are less "rocky "normally in the Staffordshire Moorland and Joanna's life ( no pun intended).

Because of her zealousness as a law officer, she has some seriously wild and dangerous enemies on the street and also with a knowledge of moorland caves. I will tell you that all was well at the end of the story, for Joanna and Zachary- less so for others. I plan to try another in the series.

Rubicon - A HWA Short Story Collection- 10 stories and authors~ Great Read~

Ten acclaimed authors.Immerse yourself in Ancient Rome through a collection of thrilling narratives, featuring soldiers, statesmen and spies.


Very glad I ordered this short story collection and surely would get another one, IF I could get from one book to another without plowing through every one of them.

I especially liked, of course Ruth Downie's Ruso outing ( loved actually) , Nick Brown's "Maker of Gold", "Exiles" by Antonia Senior and "The Wedding" LJ Trafford. I do like to skip around because sometimes, in middle of the night, the fighting scenes are too graphic, however accurately portrayed.They were all, of course very well done and my compliments to everyone.

That's just me and my choice of reading which runs more to upbeat historical fiction, and historical mysteries. I recommend this book to fans of Rome and Roman Britain (the latter my fave).

Prima Facie - A Gaius Petreius Ruso Mystery- Medicus 8.5 - Ruth Downie~ Incredible Read!!

Loved loved loved this book and truly did not want it to end, I tried to read slowly and checked the last 2 books to see how old Mara would be? Did they get back to Rome after the last book ended? I was asking the book questions and laughing out loud at things Russo said.

On a serious note, Downie's excellent Author's Note explores the vast social inequalities of that time. Her characters, especially Ruso and Tilla, grow and evolve in their wisdom and as their relationship has developed. They both are, and are not, products of their environment. They do not necessarily "think" like most 2nd century people, which is a credit to the author's great writing skills, and her extensive research, which includes archaeological "hands on".

THIS of course sums the story up better than I can:"It's AD 123 and the sun is shining on southern Gaul. Ex-military medic Ruso and his British wife Tilla are back after a long absence - but it's not the reunion anyone had hoped for. 
Ruso's brother has left him in charge of a farm he has no idea how to manage, a chronic debt problem and a gaggle of accident-prone small children. Meanwhile his sister Flora has run away to rescue her boyfriend, who's accused of murdering a wealthy guest at a party. "

How could you possibly not want to read this small book which could stand alone? Then of course you need to go back and begin with book #1 and begin the series. I have read it twice and am now going back to reread parts of this one. Get one for yourself right now!

The Twice-Hanged Man- Book #15- Priscilla Royal- Preorder yours now!!~

Thanks NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC 4.5 stars ( rounded up) mostly for the last half of the book. It's Mystery #15 and I felt that Brother Thomas and Prioress Eleanor needed to settle their relationship issues. Guess what? They did so!!

"Prioress Eleanor is escorting her younger brother, Robert, and his wife, who is in labor, from their Marcher lands to greater safety at a Wynethorpe manor in a village just inside the English border. With her are Brother Thomas and Sister Anne. " .. Naturally a mystery awaits all of them.

 The history of a twice-hanged man was an actual 1307 canonization case for Thomas de Cantilope, a bishop and a Welsh rebel William Cragh, who was hanged twice the same day 1287. He survived it was said because of the intersession of prayers to Bishop de Cantilope. 

There was lots of other actual historical data used about this particular war or rebellion. Abbot Gerald also was modeled after Gerald of Wales also Loved that too as both de Cantilopes and Geraldis Cambrensis connect to both my paternal family ( Carrow) and maternal family (Faunt or L'Enfant) in Wales.

The ending was terrific and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Preorder yours now! 

The Leaden Heart- Chris Nickson - A Tom Harper Mystery - Super Terrific read ~

#TheLeadenHeart #NetGalley A super terrific read from NetGalley. 5 stars of course and review will be released closer to the July 1 release. Preorder yours now!

 I just love this author and this series about almost-turn-of-the-century policing in Leeds, England. Detective Superintendent Tom Harper and his police squad encounter a series of burglaries in an upscale Leeds neighborhood.

Immediately following that, Inspector Billy Reed, his friend and former colleague comes back to Leeds for his brother's funeral.  Charlie Reed, a shopkeeper has committed suicide, and Billy discovers some crippling rent rises may play a part.

Rapidly it becomes clear that corruption and organized intimidation is playing a huge part in increased hardship for citizens in Leeds. Some highly placed, if not respected,townsmen are playing a part in this. Annabelle Harper, an elected Poor Law Advocate,  experiences some of the same, on another level. 

 Tom himself has his life threatened, but through a series of dogged round the clock police work,  they bring some of the suspects to justice. The ending is very unique, I read that 3 times. I have hopes for  another in the series which might bring the Reeds back to Leeds.

Chris Nickson not only is a gifted writer but an excellent historian of this area.

Death at Gallows Green - Robin Paige - Rereading this series~ Fun~

Happily rereading this fine series starting from book #1 (on kindle). 4.5 stars rounded up, and I have the next one too and pondering getting the whole lot of them. A favorite series that I enjoyed and it is long enough ago that I have mostly forgotten what will happen ( a few little glimmers surface).

Book 2 starts with Kate Ardleigh moving forward from the unfortunate deaths of her two aunts, one beloved to her but both were family. She is now a heiress, although raised in New York by an uncle after she was orphaned. Sir Charles Sheridan, a connection of the neighboring manor, plays a prominent role in her current life.

The Gallows Green death of the local constable and boyhood friend of Sir Charles sets a chain of events forward. Enter Beatrix Potter as a new friend of Kate,and we have a child gone missing along with a Jemima Puddleduck and Mr. Browne the owl.( where is that taking us? ) Great reading!!

Templar Silks - Elizabeth Chadwick ~ Must Read!

4.5 stars rounded to 5. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. My review will be released close to book launch. It was very well researched and enjoyable, although I found much of Outremer scenes somewhat difficult and a bit slow.

William the Marshal has always been a favorite of mine also, as is anything about Henry II and Eleanor's family. That being said, I loved the past quarter of the book the best, and felt emotional at the end.

I recommend this closing chapter of the Marshals great life and of course,would love to hear more about his children's lives. Ancel perhaps also, and I adored how adroitly his brother's life was organized. 

Jean d'Early being part of the end of the story is appropriate and perfect, as were the Author's Notes ( which I wish I had read first). Recommended heartily for followers of this family and era.

A Plain Vanilla Murder - Susan Wittig Albert - A China Bayles Mystery - Fun Read~

#APlainVanillaMurder #NetGalley
This was my first China Bayles mystery, thanks Susan Wittig Albert and NetGalley for this ARC. I reviewed a Darling Dahlia new release recently so wanted to try this series also as the author is a favorite of mine.I think it was fine that I had not read others in the series, as the author has brief vignettes to "catch up".

"China finds herself teaming up with the very pregnant Pecan Springs police chief Sheila Dawson to solve a vanilla-flavored murder."

Ah..so here we go.. the beginning was a little slow ( although it was explained this was a faster paced murder investigation than usual), as the quick witted chief Shelia quickly saw it was not a suicide. She was helped in this because she was called in instead of the coroner by the security chief at the University when a professor was found dead. Sheila and her deputy Dylan Miller view the body together and both are sure it was murder.

China, on the other hand is called in as friend of the deceased's ex- wife and begins to pick up clues.So the action jumps from Chief Sheila to China who ultimately pieces together the murder and some associated crimes. These included a distant murder, smuggling and finally the kidnapping of the victim's young daughter.

An interesting and light read which I enjoyed. 

Garden of Lamentations - Deborah Crombie- Terrific Series!!

Although I am new to this author,first one read Dec. 30 2018, I have read all except book #2 and loved them all ( some more than others of course). I plan to purchase book #2 today so will be well positioned for further rereads, which WILL happen after a suitable time. 

How will it feel going back to a premarriage, preshared household status for Gemma and Duncan? I'll soon find out..I had to hurry to read this one for two reasons, one I could borrow from my library and two it was a continuation, of sorts of the prior book, To Dwell in Darkness, as well as some of the two books prior to that. 

One of the things I do enjoy greatly, is a series with vibrant characters that builds upon segments of prior works. Each of these books has at least one of the main characters involved in a new crime while still looking at aspects of a prior one, a great feat for an author.

This one started with Gemma involved in a new case involving a lovely young nanny found laying in a garden accessible only to properties that back up to it. Duncan on the other hand is secretive and still greatly concerned with what appears to be some conspiracy that has felled his prior supervisor, Denis. Melody and Doug are linked more to Duncan's issue than anything happening in their own departments.

 It concluded in a rush of activity, bringing in new characters and some others who rose to this particular occasion. Closure and looking forward to the next in series and of course rereads in the future. Very fine writing and history as well as vibrant characterization

Rhys Bowen - In Farleigh Field- A Fun Mystery ~ Thanks to Prime~

A fun read by a fine author which happily I got on Amazon Prime to read. I enjoy reading her WWII era stand-alones and this was no exception. It got a bit cluttered at the very end and I had to keep jumping back to see who was after who at that point. The characters concealed their "true colors" pretty well, except for Jeremy who was a "bad apple" but played the hero for a time.

The author's very good historical note brings it into perspective: M15, Bletchley Park and the Link show turmoil in England at this time of the War which was then just in Europe.

Happily the hero and one of the heroine daughters of Lord Westerham of Farleigh got together in the end as did a few others. Enjoyable.

The Stone Circle - Elly Griffiths - Order Now!! Book 11 is Awesome!

"DCI Nelson has been receiving threatening letters. They are anonymous, yet somehow familiar. They read like the letters that first drew him into the case of The Crossing Places, and to Ruth. But the author of those letters is dead. Or are they?
The past is reaching out for Ruth and Nelson, and its grip is deadly."

Oh my how wonderful this book was! I reread a few parts of it immediately, just for savor.Very hard to believe it is the 11th book of a 10 book series as it is so riveting. The characters sparkle and seem to jump off the page, even recently introduced ones. Elly Griffiths is the very best whatever type of book she attempts.

Ruth Galloway is always my heroine as she is brilliant, somewhat untidy, a bit reclusive and loving. Harry Nelson yells, bangs on doors and drives too fast- and he loves his wife, daughters ( all 3 of them) and apparently Ruth also.

The archeology aspect of it are very well done and with my anthropology degree ( sadly without a dig) endear me even more to the series. The author does impeccable research so everything is plausible.

Get this book and meet Harry and Michelle's new baby and "see" what he looks like and experience the 3 sisters finally getting together. Another baby is kidnapped, 2 murders (one recent), a stone age burial and a suicide are encountered and dealt with by Kings Lynn Serious Crimes Unit.. The Stone Circle held many surprises for the residents of the Norfolk area as well as disclosing some character defects for several people.Get yours in May or Pre Order now

To Dwell In Darkness- Deborah Crombie~ Favorite Series~

5 Star read.. I have the next book started ( Garden of Lamentations) which I was lucky enough to borrow from my digital library. The two books seem to complete a series.. regarding undercover police and danger to many (including Duncan).

"Recently transferred to the London borough of Camden from Scotland Yard headquarters, Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his new murder investigation team are called to a deadly bombing at historic St. Pancras Station. By fortunate coincidence, Melody Talbot, Gemma's trusted colleague, witnesses the explosion"

I love the characters,the mysteries are terrific as is the historical setting.. This time around they are sharing some cases between Duncan, Melody and Doug. Whatever transpired with Ryan Marsh is going to go into the next book for sure.

Another book is coming out this year, what will I do until then? Rereads start next year.

Deborah Crombie- The Sound of Broken Glass- Very fine series~ 5 Stars~

"In the past . . .
On a blisteringly hot August afternoon in Crystal Palace, once home to the tragically destroyed Great Exhibition...In the present . . .On a cold January morning in London, DI Gemma James is back on the job now that her husband, Det.Supt. Duncan Kincaid, at home to care for their three-year-old foster daughter. Assigned to lead a Murder Investigation Team in South London,  assisted by her  colleague, newly promoted Sergeant Melody Talbot." 

As always a great read, with the mystery set in a different place in England,and with fine historical context. I knew a bit about the Crystal Place but not about the "place" Crystal Palace. The crime(s) fit the area and Duncan, Gemma, Melody and Doug rose to the occasion to help solve them.

Duncan figures out a way to get back to work and get Char situated in a happy school setting. Melody and Doug both have new relationships looming. The mystery was solved in a exciting way that you need to read to appreciate.

Everything and everyone got sorted out at the end of course EXCEPT for poor Duncan, whose work environment took a strange turn. I have now downloaded the last 2 books before the upcoming new ones, so that I will know in what direction their story will be going.

Love this series!! 

A Year In Oxford- A Geoffrey Chaucer Mystery- Tim Shaw- 5 Stars- Love Geoffrey ~

Geoffrey Chaucer is a favorite of mine to read about and Tim Shaw's mysteries represent him so well. Delighted to have gotten a "first look" at it, hoping book 3 will start him into his adult years with family.

"A young Geoffrey Chaucer is sent to Oxford University to study, but soon starts to notice a disturbing pattern of "accidental" deaths. What is the significance of the phrases left on fresh graves, and which of his fellow students might be a murderer? Also, will he be able to keep up with his homework?"

Well Geoffrey kept up his homework but still kept delving into a mystery which began to prove dangerous for him. Fortunately he had other employ to fall back on and rewards for his prior services.

My very favorite part of the story takes place at the beginning when the daughter of Gilles, the Queen's usher, Philippa Roet " at the age of not-yet-ten.. would foolishly go for a walk on the ice at the ponds near Woodstock Castle"..
Enter Geoffrey Chaucer as hero and " that is when I learned about Gilles and the de Roet family"

You need to get your own copy which is out now at Amazon and read about the mystery which ensues.           

No Mark Upon Her - Deborah Crombie- Super Terrific Series ~ 5 Stars ~

"Olympic rowing hopeful and senior Metropolitan Police officer DCI Rebecca Meredith goes out alone to train on the river in Henley on a dark afternoon in late October - and doesn't return."
Really enjoyed this one, 5 Stars. Three books left until the new one comes out ( but I'll be rereading for sure.)

The characters and the mystery behaved impeccably with lots of twists and turns. Happily the newer folks in the cast of characters "buddied up" at the culmination which builds anticipation.

Every new book has a different theme which creates the learning curve that makes them so special.(for me, why I read this type of mystery) 

#TheStrangerDiaries #NetGalley#EllyGriffiths - Order Yours Now! 5 Stars-

#TheStrangerDiaries #NetGalley#EllyGriffiths
Loved this new standalone novel of Elly Griffiths so much..I was not sure I was going to, and some parts were a bit scary, but the characters developed quickly and helped me along.At the beginning I was thinking "this is not Ruth..or the Magic Men" but as always this very fine and brilliant author brought me right into the mystery and empathized with the characters. Now I am hoping it is not a standalone since Elly Griffiths always is a winner with me.

from the publisher:"Clare Cassidy is no stranger to murder. As a literature teacher specializing in the Gothic writer RM Holland, she teaches a short course on it every year. Then Clare's life and work collide tragically when one of her colleagues is found dead, a line from an RM Holland story by her body. The investigating police detective is convinced the writer's works somehow hold the key to the case."

Clare's daughter Georgie ( Clare is divorced), DS Harbinber Kaur, and Clare tell the story each from their own viewpoint, which works very well. Herbert the dog is engaging as are Georgie's schoolmates and associates. Very well done.

Each murder or sinister event is accompanied by a handwritten note," Hell is Empty - All the Devils are here-". The surprising ending rackets to a finish on a sleeper train to Scotland. PreOrder your copy now!!

Reading the Ages: The Real Wallis Simpson - Anna Pasternak - Well Re...

Reading the Ages: The Real Wallis Simpson - Anna Pasternak - Well Re...: #NetGalley This was a very well researched and impressive book about Wallis Simpson and the former King Edward VIII. I am not exactly sur...

The Real Wallis Simpson - Anna Pasternak - Well Researched~

#NetGalley This was a very well researched and impressive book about Wallis Simpson and the former King Edward VIII. I am not exactly sure it was a new history, because most of the facts are known, but probably a somewhat different slant. However you present their affair, marriage, and life together it remains a tragedy and not happy reading. It was quite comprehensive, perhaps too much so, and offered perhaps new evidence for the rift between the Prince and former king and his brothers. Financial insecurity, the fact that "David's"  brother did not want to be King and the antipathy of King George's wife led to a lifetime estrangement. The book was very well done and painstakingly researched. I enjoyed the earlier chapters of Wallis' life prior to coming to England the best. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

The Victory Garden- Rhys Bowen - A Novel- #TheVictoryGarden #NetGalley

#TheVictoryGarden #NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union and Rhys Bowen for this very interesting read, Rhys Bowen's first non- mystery was quite good. Not being British I did not know about the "Land Girls" and that it was formed in World War I.

Emily Bryce was the only surviving child, from a wealthy family and wanted to follow her best friend, a volunteer nurse, into service for England. Her family, having lost their son early in the War as well as having class issues with volunteers, refused to let her.

When she turns 21, having met a wounded Australian pilot at the hospital next door, she goes to volunteer. The only possible job she qualifies for is to be a Land Girl and she gladly volunteers and leaves home with essentially the clothes on her back.

The Australian pilot, Robbie and she are in love and plan to marry but their liaison results in a child and he is killed when he ditches his plane to save a village. She finds peace and purpose in a Devonshire estate with two new friends who share her willingness to work hard, if not her background.

The ending is poignant and hopeful for a revisit to these characters ( who hopefully will acquire more depth in a sequel) Recommended for historical fans of British war stories.

Joan - Forgotten Women of History I - Anne R. Bailey~ Interesting read~

An interesting book about the wife of Roger Mortimer, Joan de Geneville and her life and times. It started off a bit wobbly but improved a great deal. 4 Stars.

Joan's early life and how she inherited from her grandparents was quite fascinating to me. Her Grandfather was Justiciar of Ireland, and one of my ancestors was also a Justiciar so I was intrigued. Her early life was a bit quiet but her marriage to Mortimer presumably was happy for many years, producing 12 living children. They were Marcher nobility, something that presumably went to Mortimer's head as he took more and more risks( the author skipped over that a bit)

Roger Mortimer's relationship with Queen Isabella and the rising of the Marcher Lords against the King led to his downfall and eventual death. Joan, who had nothing to do with her husband's insurrection, lived in relative comfort after Edward III pardoned her.
                                                    

An Innocent Client- Scott Pratt- A "Best Debut Mystery"~

 "Mystery Readers International finalist for "Best Debut Mystery," criminal defense lawyer Joe Dillard has become jaded over the years as he's tried to balance his career against his conscience"

I got this book on Prime reading and it was extremely well written and enjoyable ( a bit graphic). I give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. I am glad that there are others in the series and sorry to hear that Scott Pratt passed away last fall.

Joe Dillard is planning to end his career as a public defender but takes one last ( but lucrative) case for the opportunity to really defend an innocent client. The plot will astonish you as a preacher is murdered, and loses a body part, in a private club which includes topless dancing and private rooms. 

Joe's sister Sarah, a drug addict, was just was released from prison and his mother is in the end stage of Alzheimer's. Despite all the terrible things going on, his relationship with his wife and children is warm and loving. 

That and his own idealism on "innocence until proven guilty' makes it a book worth remembering. A fast paced legal procedural that works !

Kissed a Sad Goodbye - Deborah Crombie - Amazingly good!!

"Crombie weaves a tale of two boys who become allies, then friends, in a story of trust and betrayal whose repercussions echo across six decades." 

Another 5 star read in this series which I jumped into midway and have gone back to start over.
My first read was book #8 when Gemma and Duncan moved in together. I am gaining on all of it now and so very much enjoy the mysteries as presented and the characters sub-story.

Each volume in the series is set in an interesting place in England ( and other areas I suspect) which allows for an intricate plot line. This one was in the Isle of Dogs, London and shifted back and forth between the present day and WWI evacuated children. 

Gemma and Duncan, Scotland Yard Detectives were called upon to solve a mystery which had it's beginnings in another time. The additional twists and turns are enhanced by their growing relationship. and how they process through their own past history.

Amazingly well written and absorbing. I can't recommend Deborah Crombie and her series enough. 

Spinning Forward - Terri DuLong - Fun series starting in Cedar Key Florida~

I came upon this book on my digital public library and so happy they have others. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5, as it was easy to foresee any mystery about Sydney's parentage. It was also a stretch how quickly she started her business- but over all very enjoyable.

 I know Cedar Key pretty well and was thrilled about the place and time. My usual genre has more mystery in it but it worked very well. 

The Darling Dahlias and the Poinsettia Puzzle- Susan Wittig Albert - A 5 Star read!!~

#TheDarlingDahliasAndThePoinsettiaPuzzle #NetGalley
I received this ARC from NetGalley and it was darling ( smiling), actually it was a great read and sorry I have not explored this series before this! I loved the fact that Susan Wittig Albert explained what book certain events would have happened in,  which is terrific, since this was my first.

The author is a favorite of mine and I have read and reviewed many of her books( A Wilder Rose, The General's Women, Loving Eleanor) and read two of her series (Robin Paige and Beatrix Potter ) Not quite sure why I did not try this one but that can soon be remedied.

The town, the Dahlia's and all the supporting characters were so well done, as was the mystery and how it was solved. The romance between Mr. Moseley and Liz was such a good ending, as was the murder/bootlegging prison investigation and arrest which preceded it.

Please read this to find out about the Poinsettia Puzzle and "Hide the Cupcake" and you will enjoy it as I did

Deborah Crombie- In a Dark House- 5 Stars! Awesome read~

 A really super read with mysteries on several dimensions at the same time. Eventually most of them came together into a main plot and several sub plots, all of which were intriguing. So glad, (yet again), that I discovered this series.

Duncan and Gemma and their blended family, with real world issues, are effective characters to help these mysteries evolve. That means to me that author, Deborah Crombie, has a great deal of skill in her storytelling.

I'm making an attempt, after jumping in at volume #5 to go back and fill in the holes. Someday I will have a delightful time rereading from the first in series. 

Deborah Crombie- A Share In Death~ Love This Series ~ 5 Stars!!

My second book by this great author and the first in the series. Love these characters and dialogue and am loading up my kindle now..Hopefully newer ones on NetGalley for review? 
5 Stars of course!