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Nicole Rayburn #2
The Devil's Den
In 1540, newly married and pregnant Isobel Devlin vanished from a tiny island in Lancashire, never to be seen again.
In 2020, leaving London for the first time since the pandemic began, Nicole Rayburn and Kyle Walsh head to a guesthouse in the Lake District for a much-needed holiday. Across from the historic manor house, on an island in the middle of a lake, are the ruins of Montrose Abbey, the last known abode of Lady Isobel Devlin. Intrigued, Nicole begins to research Lady Isobel’s disappearance as the subject for a new book and calls on her history-loving friend Reverend Hargreaves for help.
As Nicole unearths long-forgotten truths about the mysterious Lady Devlin, finding many gaping holes in the story of her disappearance, she must fight for her own happiness against a rival whose claim to Kyle’s heart might be stronger than she expected.
In 2020, leaving London for the first time since the pandemic began, Nicole Rayburn and Kyle Walsh head to a guesthouse in the Lake District for a much-needed holiday. Across from the historic manor house, on an island in the middle of a lake, are the ruins of Montrose Abbey, the last known abode of Lady Isobel Devlin. Intrigued, Nicole begins to research Lady Isobel’s disappearance as the subject for a new book and calls on her history-loving friend Reverend Hargreaves for help.
As Nicole unearths long-forgotten truths about the mysterious Lady Devlin, finding many gaping holes in the story of her disappearance, she must fight for her own happiness against a rival whose claim to Kyle’s heart might be stronger than she expected.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2021
582 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
89books953followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
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May 31, 2024i understand the characters in the story (during the 2020 chapters) lived through covid and the pandemic� but for the first 10 chapters i read�. 7 of them had a reference to the pandemic (the other 3 were back in time).
most of us read for the escapism, and continuously bringing up covid and the pandemic while wanting to escape reality for awhile, was extremely frustrating. mentioning covid in the first chapter would be completely appropriate. but c’mon!
this was a DNF for me. which really sucks!! i LOVED The Hanging Tree so much!
most of us read for the escapism, and continuously bringing up covid and the pandemic while wanting to escape reality for awhile, was extremely frustrating. mentioning covid in the first chapter would be completely appropriate. but c’mon!
this was a DNF for me. which really sucks!! i LOVED The Hanging Tree so much!
March 6, 2022
I would have liked all of threads more wrapped up.
August 4, 2024
4 stars for mystery!
This was a fun drama and historical mystery. I could have done without all the Covid stuff, I got enough of that when it was actually happening in real life. But the mentions were small and infrequent. Nichole and Kyle's relationship gets pretty well knocked around during this book. The Isabella side of the story made a nice balance. Can't wait to start book 3!
This was a fun drama and historical mystery. I could have done without all the Covid stuff, I got enough of that when it was actually happening in real life. But the mentions were small and infrequent. Nichole and Kyle's relationship gets pretty well knocked around during this book. The Isabella side of the story made a nice balance. Can't wait to start book 3!
February 3, 2022
Oh, WOW!! I am in awe of authors like Ms. Shapiro that can come up with the most AMAZING historical novels ... such twists and turns ... all the while giving us a glimpse into earlier times! I LOVE this series ... and it's gonna be hard waiting until May for the 3rd book to be released! Oh well, I have MANY more Irina Shapiro books on my device to get me through it - LOL!!1
January 2, 2022
Shapiro is my new favorite Author. However, I wasn’t thrilled the current-day story took place during the pandemic. I appreciate the authors note regarding the pandemic, but it didn’t make up for it being in the story.
Now to the plot. I enjoyed The Devils Den, especially because the story switched between current and past. I also enjoy the history within the story.
Some parts I felt Shapiro “threw� together, but they didn’t take away from the story.
It would be great to have her books available in audio format. I would like to hear several narrators within each book with different accents.
Now to the plot. I enjoyed The Devils Den, especially because the story switched between current and past. I also enjoy the history within the story.
Some parts I felt Shapiro “threw� together, but they didn’t take away from the story.
It would be great to have her books available in audio format. I would like to hear several narrators within each book with different accents.
November 7, 2021
Review of the audible version
This series has much happier endings than the Echos from the past series has. If you have read that series and were always disappointed by the devastating ends of the past don't fear so far both books in the series have had had happy endings.
It's so refreshing and absolutely lovely to have the mystery unfold.
I highly recommend giving this series a go
This series has much happier endings than the Echos from the past series has. If you have read that series and were always disappointed by the devastating ends of the past don't fear so far both books in the series have had had happy endings.
It's so refreshing and absolutely lovely to have the mystery unfold.
I highly recommend giving this series a go
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2023
COVID and Echoes of the Past
Nicole and boyfriend Kyle escape the COVID quarantine for a weekend away at an old manor house that was formerly an abbey. Looking for material for her next book Nicole delves into the manor’s murky past of betrayal and murder set in Tudor England. Another great read from Irina Shapiro.
Nicole and boyfriend Kyle escape the COVID quarantine for a weekend away at an old manor house that was formerly an abbey. Looking for material for her next book Nicole delves into the manor’s murky past of betrayal and murder set in Tudor England. Another great read from Irina Shapiro.
December 26, 2022
Also posted on my blog at:
While I still had Kindle Unlimited, I picked up the second in the Nicole Rayburn series: The Devil’s Den. In the main storyline, this picked up after the book left off, and included Kyle as Nicole’s full time love interest and included cameos from people mentioned in the first book. This main storyline takes place during the COVID pandemic, which is an interesting reflection of what we have been through these past few years. I was okay with most of the present storyline, except that something that had the potential to be really interesting and filled with lots of tension turned into a nothing-burger. (I’m being really vague on purpose, so I don’t get into spoiler territory!)
What I’ve come to learn is that while the present storyline is the “main� storyline, given that it’s the thread that runs through all the books, the past storyline is usually the gripping one that keeps you wanting to turn the page. The Devil’s Den is no exception here! Isobel’s story went in a direction I did not anticipate from the beginning, and I loved every moment of her story. Juxtaposed with Nicole discussing writing Isobel’s story made her story seem very meta; at one point Nicole was deciding how to end her book, making the reader wonder if the past storyline we were reading was actually what happened, or the ending Nicole had written. It was an interesting moment of reflection, giving the readers a look into what the author was thinking as she wrote the book.
While this was the last book I was able to read before my Kindle Unlimited membership ended, I’m keeping the rest of this series in mind for future reading. I did enjoy The Devil’s Den more than The Hanging Tree, and look forward to more tales from this world!
My rating 4.5 stars
While I still had Kindle Unlimited, I picked up the second in the Nicole Rayburn series: The Devil’s Den. In the main storyline, this picked up after the book left off, and included Kyle as Nicole’s full time love interest and included cameos from people mentioned in the first book. This main storyline takes place during the COVID pandemic, which is an interesting reflection of what we have been through these past few years. I was okay with most of the present storyline, except that something that had the potential to be really interesting and filled with lots of tension turned into a nothing-burger. (I’m being really vague on purpose, so I don’t get into spoiler territory!)
What I’ve come to learn is that while the present storyline is the “main� storyline, given that it’s the thread that runs through all the books, the past storyline is usually the gripping one that keeps you wanting to turn the page. The Devil’s Den is no exception here! Isobel’s story went in a direction I did not anticipate from the beginning, and I loved every moment of her story. Juxtaposed with Nicole discussing writing Isobel’s story made her story seem very meta; at one point Nicole was deciding how to end her book, making the reader wonder if the past storyline we were reading was actually what happened, or the ending Nicole had written. It was an interesting moment of reflection, giving the readers a look into what the author was thinking as she wrote the book.
While this was the last book I was able to read before my Kindle Unlimited membership ended, I’m keeping the rest of this series in mind for future reading. I did enjoy The Devil’s Den more than The Hanging Tree, and look forward to more tales from this world!
My rating 4.5 stars
June 5, 2023
I finished The Hanging Tree and there was an excerpt for The Devil's Den at the end of it. I started reading the excerpt out of curiosity and when I got to the end of it, went and bought the Kindle version of Devil's Den so I could finish it!
I really enjoyed the author's writing in The Hanging Tree, and this was no less enjoyable. I do confess that I got frustrated with Isobel's high-handedness when dealing with certain people (like Anne), but I guess the fact that Isobel's personality got to me at times is a sign of the author's good writing skills.
This book actually has a "I didn't see THAT coming!" moment in it! I haven't had one like that in a long time, so it was refreshing to have the author spring that direction on me. Bravo!
I enjoyed this book almost better than the first one, one reason being that the sex was alluded to (I have a brain and I can figure out what happened) rather than being spelled out for us. I also enjoyed the setting and the ruins on the island--both very integral to the story. On the other hand, some of the ending reminded me of one of Susanna Kearsley's books, which kind of bothered me, but I chose to let it go and continue to read.
Would I read it again? I think so. Jonathan put me off enough that it'll take some time before I go back to read it. Would I recommend it? Probably. For those who ask: no language that I remember, so if it's there, it's rare. Sex is alluded to, not described, so a better choice between the two books, but you need the background story from The Hanging Tree to completely follow this one.
I really enjoyed the author's writing in The Hanging Tree, and this was no less enjoyable. I do confess that I got frustrated with Isobel's high-handedness when dealing with certain people (like Anne), but I guess the fact that Isobel's personality got to me at times is a sign of the author's good writing skills.
This book actually has a "I didn't see THAT coming!" moment in it! I haven't had one like that in a long time, so it was refreshing to have the author spring that direction on me. Bravo!
I enjoyed this book almost better than the first one, one reason being that the sex was alluded to (I have a brain and I can figure out what happened) rather than being spelled out for us. I also enjoyed the setting and the ruins on the island--both very integral to the story. On the other hand, some of the ending reminded me of one of Susanna Kearsley's books, which kind of bothered me, but I chose to let it go and continue to read.
Would I read it again? I think so. Jonathan put me off enough that it'll take some time before I go back to read it. Would I recommend it? Probably. For those who ask: no language that I remember, so if it's there, it's rare. Sex is alluded to, not described, so a better choice between the two books, but you need the background story from The Hanging Tree to completely follow this one.
July 20, 2023
Road trip. July 2020. Irina Shapiro’s The Devil’s Den (Nicole Rayburn Historical Mysteries, #2) is written with the pandemic as a background setting and has a dual timeline which the author uses extremely well to present an intriguing story. Nicole Rayburn and her new partner, Kyle Walsh decided to stay together in London when the lockdown necessitated by the pandemic is declared. All has gone exceedingly well with Nicole and Kyle which may not have been as they had not been together that long. Now Kyle has planned a surprise getaway in the Lake District which is the first trip since the lockdown began. As they are both writers, Kyle understands Nicole’s ‘writer’s block�. He hopes the setting of guest house will spur Nicole to write. The Tudor guesthouse, the ruins on an island in a lake which Nicole can view from their suite, and Nicole’s imagination provide a perfect opening for the second story. Enter: Isobel Carver and Jonathan Devlin, 1540, Tudor England, the time of the Dissolution of he Monasteries by Henry VIII. The ruins on the island are Montrose Abbey which “was sacked� in 1537. Henry VIII then gave ‘Montrose Abbey� to the Jonathan Devlin whose wife is Isobel Carver. There was a fire and Lady Isobel ‘vanishes�. Definitely these ‘mysterious pieces� could provide a basis for a enthralling mystery. Add a curious accident which involves someone who could break apart Nicole and Kyle. The author handles the happenings in Tudor England and 2020 England beautifully. A fascinating story.. 4.5 stars
May 9, 2023
This is Irina Shapiro 's principal style, and frankly I can't get enough of her books! I loved the first book featuring Nicole Rayburn , not realising then that she is the lead character in a series. In the first book "The Hanging Tree" Nicole solves the mystery of nightly ghostly apparitions in the small ruined cottage in the grounds of a large manor house she was intent on renovating. Lots of problems later for Nicole and the day is saved by the handsome, charming Kyle. In this, book 2, no mention is made of the old manor house (I don't remember what happened to it - read to find out!) The lovely Kyle is now Nicole's romantic partner. They are both writers and after the Lockdown restrictions of 2020, Kyle takes Nicole for a break at a B & B from where there is a clear view of a centuries old, burned out abbey and church. The long weekend doesn't go at all as planned, but following the success of The Hanging Tree - supposedly written by the character, Nicole, she is under pressure from her publisher to produce a second book. In spite of all the unforseen problems that occur, Nicole manages, with a little help from her friends, to (nearly) put together the story of Isobel Devlin who disappeared from the abbey/home on the island in the 16th century, and whose story is told alongside Nicole and Kyle's, as is Mz Shapiro's style. I love this method of mingling a story from the distant past with the problems of the present day characters.
August 1, 2023
This is the second book in this series and, overall, I enjoyed the story again. The main characters are women, and it's interesting how the author connects everything.
This book jumps back and forth between the present day and hundreds of years in the past. After reading the first book in this series, and this one, I find myself liking the characters and storylines in the past better than the actual "main character" in the present day, Nicole, and her storylines.
Nicole is whiney and entitled at times.
For instance, a super nice vicar helps Nicole with her research out of the kindness of his heart, and the only thing she can think is "how long his stories are when he shares what he's found," or she'll get upset that "he didn't really find anything helpful for me." I want to slap her.
The other thing I didn't love about this book is the author is trying too hard to make it seem like her heroine is a "power to women, rah-rah" character, but she misses the boat. Here's an example:
In one scene, Nicole is annoyingly affronted that women were considered bad luck on ships hundreds of years ago when a guy at a bar is telling her a story (WHAT, YOU ARE BASICALLY A PROFESSIONAL HISTORIAN WHO RESEARCHES FOR A LIVING, NICOLE. HOW DID YOU NOT KNOW THIS?)
Then, in the next scene, the "hungry pregnant lady eating everyone's food" trope is front and center. Author, please decide what you're doing.
This book jumps back and forth between the present day and hundreds of years in the past. After reading the first book in this series, and this one, I find myself liking the characters and storylines in the past better than the actual "main character" in the present day, Nicole, and her storylines.
Nicole is whiney and entitled at times.
For instance, a super nice vicar helps Nicole with her research out of the kindness of his heart, and the only thing she can think is "how long his stories are when he shares what he's found," or she'll get upset that "he didn't really find anything helpful for me." I want to slap her.
The other thing I didn't love about this book is the author is trying too hard to make it seem like her heroine is a "power to women, rah-rah" character, but she misses the boat. Here's an example:
In one scene, Nicole is annoyingly affronted that women were considered bad luck on ships hundreds of years ago when a guy at a bar is telling her a story (WHAT, YOU ARE BASICALLY A PROFESSIONAL HISTORIAN WHO RESEARCHES FOR A LIVING, NICOLE. HOW DID YOU NOT KNOW THIS?)
Then, in the next scene, the "hungry pregnant lady eating everyone's food" trope is front and center. Author, please decide what you're doing.
January 13, 2025
Sigh� what I want is a historian researching a historical story with the drama constrained to the past. What I get is drama where I don’t want it in the Nicole/Kyle relationship which I now think is toxic. Your “partner� shouldn’t ghost you all day because he’s supposedly busy taking care of his ex(he’s not a doctor or nurse so he’s just sitting there), then comes home and says “I don’t want to talk about it and don’t ask me about it�, but wants to pretend it’s noble to take care of an ex that cuckolded him? He dislikes her to the point that he can’t even talk about her but can talk and sit with her for hours? Doesn’t ask his girlfriend how she feels about it, only asks her to tell him she understands. I’m not finished with the book and I’m not sure I will finish since I’m really not into the white knight, captain save-a-hoe vibe Kyle is giving off. Healthy relationships are based on communication, not pretending you’re a good person because you prioritize someone who treated you like crap over your girlfriend so you can pat yourself on the back that you “did the right thing� for someone you detest. That’s not morality, that’s ego. If I’m reading a fictional book with romance I want it to be a good healthy one, I can get dysfunctional and messy in real life, tyvm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2024
Such a different story than cookie cutter HR stories. The h is a writer and the time setting is 2020 so the world is responding to Covid, masks, hand sanitizer, Zoom meetings, social distancing. Covid is a factor in the story. The h is sharing lockdown with Kyle a divorced man whose ex cheated on him. His ex is in a serious car accident, pregnant and in a medically induced coma. Kyle is listed as the next of kin. This puts a strain on their relationship as the ex seeks to rekindle feelings and create a family.
The story alternates between the h and Kyle's plot and the story of Isobel a pregnant newly married woman from 1540 who vanished after a fire at her home. Isolated in her new home on an island, Isobel begins to unravel her new husband's hidden, secretive, alarming past.
Separated by centuries the h searches for answers to create Isobel's story for her next book. Very skillfully written. The mysteries in both stories hold interest. Lots of research about details that make the stories believable.
The story alternates between the h and Kyle's plot and the story of Isobel a pregnant newly married woman from 1540 who vanished after a fire at her home. Isolated in her new home on an island, Isobel begins to unravel her new husband's hidden, secretive, alarming past.
Separated by centuries the h searches for answers to create Isobel's story for her next book. Very skillfully written. The mysteries in both stories hold interest. Lots of research about details that make the stories believable.
April 11, 2025
In 1540, newly married and pregnant Isobel Devlin vanished from a tiny island in Lancashire, never to be seen again.
In 2020, leaving London for the first time since the pandemic began, Nicole Rayburn and Kyle Walsh head to a guesthouse in the Lake District for a much-needed holiday. Across from the historic manor house, on an island in the middle of a lake, are the ruins of Montrose Abbey, the last known abode of Lady Isobel Devlin. Intrigued, Nicole begins to research Lady Isobel’s disappearance as the subject for a new book and calls on her history-loving friend Reverend Hargreaves for help.
ღ✻✻ᴢ
I am enjoying this series. I like the time travel element. Going back and forth and seeing both stories is really fun.
In 2020, leaving London for the first time since the pandemic began, Nicole Rayburn and Kyle Walsh head to a guesthouse in the Lake District for a much-needed holiday. Across from the historic manor house, on an island in the middle of a lake, are the ruins of Montrose Abbey, the last known abode of Lady Isobel Devlin. Intrigued, Nicole begins to research Lady Isobel’s disappearance as the subject for a new book and calls on her history-loving friend Reverend Hargreaves for help.
ღ✻✻ᴢ
I am enjoying this series. I like the time travel element. Going back and forth and seeing both stories is really fun.
May 3, 2022
I’m enjoying this twist on historical mysteries series. Nicole Rayburn is an author of non-fiction who has turned her hand to historical fiction. When her boyfriend, also an author, takes her to a country retreat, she stumbles on a story of the mysterious disappearance of a young pregnant woman during King Henry VIII’s reign. The switch between modern day and past is smooth and keeps your interest. The relationship between Nicole and her boyfriend sparks some drama. Also, of all the books that I’ve read that include mention of the Covid pandemic, this is the first where it felt natural and not a forced mention for interest points.
May 16, 2022
In 1540, newly married and pregnant Isobel Devlin vanished from a tiny island in Lancashire, never to be seen again.
In 2020, leaving London for the first time since the pandemic began, Nicole Rayburn and Kyle Walsh head to a guesthouse in the Lake District for a much-needed holiday. Across from the historic manor house, on an island in the middle of a lake, are the ruins of Montrose Abbey, the last known abode of Lady Isobel Devlin. Intrigued, Nicole begins to research Lady Isobel’s disappearance as the subject for a new book and calls on her history-loving friend Reverend Hargreaves for help.
In 2020, leaving London for the first time since the pandemic began, Nicole Rayburn and Kyle Walsh head to a guesthouse in the Lake District for a much-needed holiday. Across from the historic manor house, on an island in the middle of a lake, are the ruins of Montrose Abbey, the last known abode of Lady Isobel Devlin. Intrigued, Nicole begins to research Lady Isobel’s disappearance as the subject for a new book and calls on her history-loving friend Reverend Hargreaves for help.
November 9, 2023
Nicole and Kyle became roommates during the pandemic lockdown
Finally able to travel they visit a guesthouse run by an actor Kyle met when researching one of his books. Very near the guest house are the burnt ruins of an abbey and an abandoned church on an island with a backstory that becomes Nicole’s new mystery. Isobel, the mistress of the house, young, pregnant, and reportedly very much in lobe with her husband, Lord Devlin, disappears the night the abbey, which was their home burnt to the ground.
As a side story, Kyle’s ex-wife, Amy, is involved in a car accident in the vicinity and Kyle is listed as her next of kin and is contacted as she is in serious condition.
Finally able to travel they visit a guesthouse run by an actor Kyle met when researching one of his books. Very near the guest house are the burnt ruins of an abbey and an abandoned church on an island with a backstory that becomes Nicole’s new mystery. Isobel, the mistress of the house, young, pregnant, and reportedly very much in lobe with her husband, Lord Devlin, disappears the night the abbey, which was their home burnt to the ground.
As a side story, Kyle’s ex-wife, Amy, is involved in a car accident in the vicinity and Kyle is listed as her next of kin and is contacted as she is in serious condition.
November 7, 2021
Audible.
This was a free gift from the author.
I greatly enjoy Irina's books. In this book, she has Nicole [more likeable than in The Hanging Tree] go through the process of setting the plot for her next book. It is a time split/ story split novel. We follow Beatrice in the Tudor era go from loving wife to... no spoilers... a strong woman.
In the present day, Nicole and her partner are going through Pandemic lockdown and their own journey of discovery. She gives a very good description of the mind games we play when we are skilfully manipulated.
All ends well. Greatly enjoyed it.
This was a free gift from the author.
I greatly enjoy Irina's books. In this book, she has Nicole [more likeable than in The Hanging Tree] go through the process of setting the plot for her next book. It is a time split/ story split novel. We follow Beatrice in the Tudor era go from loving wife to... no spoilers... a strong woman.
In the present day, Nicole and her partner are going through Pandemic lockdown and their own journey of discovery. She gives a very good description of the mind games we play when we are skilfully manipulated.
All ends well. Greatly enjoyed it.
December 5, 2021
Old Problem, New Generation
Yet another fun time with Irma Shapero.The Mistress of Time Travel takes us back to the reign of Henry the Eighth and the Dissolution of the Monisteries, one of the most brutal periods of history. Will our innocent young brides be able to survive the brutality of her husband, or should we don our widewo's weeds and flee for our lives? Somewhat predictable, but lots of thrills and chills, Ms. Shapero has done it once more. Don't read this on a dark and dreary nite!
Yet another fun time with Irma Shapero.The Mistress of Time Travel takes us back to the reign of Henry the Eighth and the Dissolution of the Monisteries, one of the most brutal periods of history. Will our innocent young brides be able to survive the brutality of her husband, or should we don our widewo's weeds and flee for our lives? Somewhat predictable, but lots of thrills and chills, Ms. Shapero has done it once more. Don't read this on a dark and dreary nite!
November 28, 2022
One of Irina Shapiro’s best stories
I have read many stories by Irina Shapiro, and find her novels to be spellbinding. This is one of her best—filled with mystery, romance, and suspense, with unexpected twists and turns. It kept me up long past my usual bedtime and was well worth the time. The characters were so very real, and her descriptions of the setting so perfect that it was easy to feel that I was there with Isobel throughout he trials. Loved it!
I have read many stories by Irina Shapiro, and find her novels to be spellbinding. This is one of her best—filled with mystery, romance, and suspense, with unexpected twists and turns. It kept me up long past my usual bedtime and was well worth the time. The characters were so very real, and her descriptions of the setting so perfect that it was easy to feel that I was there with Isobel throughout he trials. Loved it!
January 9, 2023
Absolutely loved this book� the in-depth thoughts and emotions Isobel has alongside present day Nicole. My only disappointment is the end� I found Isobel’s story ended almost too abruptly…I would have loved to read about half a chapter more on her ending.
Having said that I love the continuance if Kyle & her life and have jumped into her next book with great excitement! Thank you for such entertainment and history lessons along the way! Cannot wait for even MORE PLEASE! ✨🙏�
Having said that I love the continuance if Kyle & her life and have jumped into her next book with great excitement! Thank you for such entertainment and history lessons along the way! Cannot wait for even MORE PLEASE! ✨🙏�
June 16, 2024
good read
I would give this book five stars, simply because I loved the story of Isobel, just as I loved Alys in “The Hanging Tree.� I liked the double timeline in both novels. However, I do not like the main character Nicole. Her petty insecurities and defensiveness are tedious and irritating. It was difficult to see beyond that. I also did not like the author’s obvious self promotion of “The Hanging Tree,� passing it off as Nichol’s recently published novel.
I would give this book five stars, simply because I loved the story of Isobel, just as I loved Alys in “The Hanging Tree.� I liked the double timeline in both novels. However, I do not like the main character Nicole. Her petty insecurities and defensiveness are tedious and irritating. It was difficult to see beyond that. I also did not like the author’s obvious self promotion of “The Hanging Tree,� passing it off as Nichol’s recently published novel.
July 7, 2024
Another wonderful historical mystery! I'm absolutely loving this series. The character development is the most important to me, along with the plot, of course. You get such a feel and connection for each person, and it makes such a great story. I never knew I loved historical mysteries until I came across this series. I can't read the pages fast enough to see what's going to happen next! I can't wait to dive into book 3 and see what Kyle and Nicole are out to discover 😊
July 14, 2024
This was just as good as the first one! I enjoyed the whole mystery of a fleeing wife and what happened to her.
I honestly didn't think I would enjoy this series as much as I'm enjoying it. But then again, I do love a good historical romance novel! And add in a bit of a mystery, and it was a no-brainer that I would enjoy this 🤣
Thanks to a group on fb for recommending The Hanging Tree as our July book for getting me into the series. Onward to book 3!
I honestly didn't think I would enjoy this series as much as I'm enjoying it. But then again, I do love a good historical romance novel! And add in a bit of a mystery, and it was a no-brainer that I would enjoy this 🤣
Thanks to a group on fb for recommending The Hanging Tree as our July book for getting me into the series. Onward to book 3!
July 29, 2024
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first one, but it was still pretty good. It felt like even less of a mystery than the first one, and that was disappointing. I got really annoyed about the multiple mentions of the pandemic. And the drug part seemed a little pointless? Maybe I missed something but I just didn't see a reason to include it. Overall it was fine, but I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series.
September 24, 2024
Enjoyed the read, but not as much as the first one in series. Enjoyed the writing style. The ending kind of snuck up on me. Did not realize it was ending that quickly. Felt like a missed opportunity to explain the villains actions/journey after the main character escapes. Would have enjoyed knowing how closely she got away. Never mentioned her husband’s, best friend’s or father’s reactions or any consequences they may have endured.
November 20, 2024
Two brave women fight for love
Irish Shapiro is a supreme descriptor of characters to the finest detail. I envisioned each person in her story one in 1540 and another during our recent pandemic so clearly that it was as if they sat beside me as I read. Fantastic story. Great follow up from The Hanging Tree with our two current people in love. I ALWAYS love MS Shapiro s works they are worth every penny spent to read and enjoy. Thank you!!
Irish Shapiro is a supreme descriptor of characters to the finest detail. I envisioned each person in her story one in 1540 and another during our recent pandemic so clearly that it was as if they sat beside me as I read. Fantastic story. Great follow up from The Hanging Tree with our two current people in love. I ALWAYS love MS Shapiro s works they are worth every penny spent to read and enjoy. Thank you!!
April 11, 2025
I enjoyed The Hanging Tree, so I thought this one would be just as good. Nope. I was wrong. I found Isobel's story a little bit unbelievable especially considering the era. But what made me dislike this book was the Nicole/Kyle relationship. The whole Amy thing was ludicrous. Nicole is a basket case. The drug angle did nothing to advance the plot. Finally, I didn't need to be reminded in virtually every chapter that there was a pandemic (insert eye-roll). This was a waste of my time.
November 7, 2021
excellent read
I had read an sample before it came out, and I was so excited to read the rest, I couldn’t not wait until November came so I can delve into the story. I love how the author told the stories of the past and the present. It kept me glued to the pages. Definitely recommend it.
I had read an sample before it came out, and I was so excited to read the rest, I couldn’t not wait until November came so I can delve into the story. I love how the author told the stories of the past and the present. It kept me glued to the pages. Definitely recommend it.
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