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.