Thank you to NetGalley and to One More Chapter for providing me with this ARC. The title alone had me itching to start reading.
Now, the story starts wThank you to NetGalley and to One More Chapter for providing me with this ARC. The title alone had me itching to start reading.
Now, the story starts with Jess Pendle spending NYE in A&E, accompanied by her boyfriend Lewis. This time, he has gone too far in his abuse. It was good to see how many opportunities Jess had to ask the hospital staff for help, and to see how she was instantly believed and safeguarded. Realising she can't hide behind her front door forever, she attends a support group. Though wary at first of sharing, she sees how the others benefit. This could be her chance to move on from Lewis. But, sadly, Lewis doesn't stay away for long, and continues to haunt her by showing up on her doorstep, sending messages and generally freaking her out. The support group is her reprieve, but when some of the women see their abusers being attacked or killed by 'The Caretaker', it's clear there's something more about the support group than Jess realised. When the police make a similar connection, the group comes under suspicion. But who is The Caretaker? And why is he fighting back on their behalf?
I'll admit that I fell for the red herring, assuming I knew who The Caretaker was early on. Thankfully the author quickly dispelled that myth and restored my faith in good storytelling. I knew it couldn't be that easy ;)
This is a good mystery, contemporary and gritty in parts, with strong female characters and a killer whose actions could be seen as dispensing justice. (An interesting debate) With plenty of twists, the story is well-paced, though I felt the ending wasn't as powerful. Clearly it leaves things open for another book, but I didn't think it closed this one of satisfactorily. ...more
What鈥檚 that, you say? A new Dickens mystery without Damien? Well, Millie never was the stay-at-home wifey, was she? That said, at the start of the stoWhat鈥檚 that, you say? A new Dickens mystery without Damien? Well, Millie never was the stay-at-home wifey, was she? That said, at the start of the story she鈥檚 still mourning Damien鈥檚 sudden death, and it takes quite some persuasion to convince her to get back into the investigations鈥� game. But there鈥檚 just something about his death that doesn鈥檛 feel right. And Millie鈥檚 nothing if not intuitive.
Her transition at this particular time to an independent investigator calls for great strength of mind, bravery, and intelligence. When Jordan Taitinger seeks her help to unravel the mystery of his family tragedy, Millie鈥檚 investigative senses finally kick in and she agrees to take on this one case for now. Who could have known that her investigations into his parents' deaths would become so personal to Millie? With her canine buddy, Hershey, by her side and some supportive friends, what could possibly go wrong?
Eeek! I may have spoken too soon, because there are some (including Carmel鈥檚 Chief of Police) who are far from keen on Millie taking an interest in such matters. "Guilty is as guilty does" springs to mind when it comes to him and his criminal cohorts, and it's soon evident that the cover-up and corruption in the police department run deep and wide. While Millie鈥檚 grief journey is central, her innate sense of justice is equally as strong, and particularly when that corruption lies within such a trusted institution, one that doesn鈥檛 hesitate in casting shade on her husband鈥檚 reputation. (How very dare they? Red rag, anyone?)
Millie鈥檚 first 鈥渟olo鈥� outing balances emotional depth and a strong female lead with an engaging and exciting mystery. The plot features some very gritty issues, that even today are headline-grabbing, and as such the pace is fast, with suspense and tension building as Millie dives deeper into the investigation. The story blends tension with emotional resilience, balancing dangerous thriller elements with sweet, heartfelt moments.
As enquiries yield results, her discoveries are intense and jaw-dropping, and what is ultimately required of both Millie and Hershey is dramatic and heroic within an environment of extremely high stakes. With adrenaline pumping like this, can Millie really settle for a quiet life? I know I鈥檓 hoping for more from Millie in future books.
Recommended for fans of PI mysteries who enjoy strong female characters, and who appreciate the added layer of a captivating canine companion ;) ...more
Life in Saint Petersburg for Ruth is fairly ordinary - playing cards with her brother and betrothed, arguiAtmospheric and evocative historic fiction.
Life in Saint Petersburg for Ruth is fairly ordinary - playing cards with her brother and betrothed, arguing amicably over their cheating - until one day, they're no longer around. With her father, they have had to leave Russia since the czar's rules have made life very difficult for Jews. Waiting what seems like forever to hear of their arrival in New York is not easy, and soldiers seem more than willing to abuse the women to find out where the menfolk are. Things gets harder still especially when friends and neighbours also decide to leave before the very real possibility of being "relocated" to The Pale of Settlement. For a few long, arduous years Ruth, her mother and sister muddle on with what little they have - selling what they can bear to part with and working for a meagre income to put food on the table. But when Ester falls seriously ill, Ruth has to act quickly. and it is that act that subsequently obliges the three women to leave their homeland. How they do that is fraught with danger, but go they must.
I'm looking forward to following the rest of their journey in The Girl in the Triangle.
Merged review:
Atmospheric and evocative historic fiction.
Life in Saint Petersburg for Ruth is fairly ordinary - playing cards with her brother and betrothed, arguing amicably over their cheating - until one day, they're no longer around. With her father, they have had to leave Russia since the czar's rules have made life very difficult for Jews. Waiting what seems like forever to hear of their arrival in New York is not easy, and soldiers seem more than willing to abuse the women to find out where the menfolk are. Things gets harder still especially when friends and neighbours also decide to leave before the very real possibility of being "relocated" to The Pale of Settlement. For a few long, arduous years Ruth, her mother and sister muddle on with what little they have - selling what they can bear to part with and working for a meagre income to put food on the table. But when Ester falls seriously ill, Ruth has to act quickly. and it is that act that subsequently obliges the three women to leave their homeland. How they do that is fraught with danger, but go they must.
I'm looking forward to following the rest of their journey in The Girl in the Triangle....more
I approached this book much like April, unsure of what to expect at Hummingbird House. Would the neighbours be friendly? Would the flat (accepted afteI approached this book much like April, unsure of what to expect at Hummingbird House. Would the neighbours be friendly? Would the flat (accepted after a virtual visit only) live up to expectations? Was Hummingbird House the place to heal her heartbreak? Okay, so this latter issue was April鈥檚 only, but you get my drift
Merged review:
I approached this book much like April, unsure of what to expect at Hummingbird House. Would the neighbours be friendly? Would the flat (accepted after a virtual visit only) live up to expectations? Was Hummingbird House the place to heal her heartbreak? Okay, so this latter issue was April鈥檚 only, but you get my drift...more
This review is based on my thoughts and those of a teenage family member who also read the story. I knew from the outset this book was aimed at the YAThis review is based on my thoughts and those of a teenage family member who also read the story. I knew from the outset this book was aimed at the YA market, but nonetheless felt the summary could reach across all age groups. I wasn't wrong - it's a thoughtful read, looking at how a young girl sees her life playing out before her, only for the dream 'Gorgeous guy' to not fit her plans as she hoped and expected. For me, the start was a little drawn out - but, my teenage reader - who, by the way, hardly ever reads a book - loved it. All that teenage angst and pressure was very realistic for her. She loved the characters and could relate them to her own peer group. She's asked me to get any more books by this author too - so kudos to you, Audrey Rich - you may have converted her to reading. I accept I'm not the intended audience, and despite that I still enjoyed the story. The setting was lovely, the antics at time funny and the drama very well adapted. A refreshing read.
Merged review:
This review is based on my thoughts and those of a teenage family member who also read the story. I knew from the outset this book was aimed at the YA market, but nonetheless felt the summary could reach across all age groups. I wasn't wrong - it's a thoughtful read, looking at how a young girl sees her life playing out before her, only for the dream 'Gorgeous guy' to not fit her plans as she hoped and expected. For me, the start was a little drawn out - but, my teenage reader - who, by the way, hardly ever reads a book - loved it. All that teenage angst and pressure was very realistic for her. She loved the characters and could relate them to her own peer group. She's asked me to get any more books by this author too - so kudos to you, Audrey Rich - you may have converted her to reading. I accept I'm not the intended audience, and despite that I still enjoyed the story. The setting was lovely, the antics at time funny and the drama very well adapted. A refreshing read....more
A useful guide to garnering book reviews, using techniques that seem to work. The author clarifies the point, however, that you have to put in the effA useful guide to garnering book reviews, using techniques that seem to work. The author clarifies the point, however, that you have to put in the effort initially to earn these reviews. At last, an honest approach to achieving what frequently seems impossible task. Recommended for all authors, whether self or trad published.
Merged review:
A useful guide to garnering book reviews, using techniques that seem to work. The author clarifies the point, however, that you have to put in the effort initially to earn these reviews. At last, an honest approach to achieving what frequently seems impossible task. Recommended for all authors, whether self or trad published....more
I'm a huge fan of books set in this era, so it was hardly surprising that the theme of Decoy Women would grab my attention.聽
When Esme Colborne learns I'm a huge fan of books set in this era, so it was hardly surprising that the theme of Decoy Women would grab my attention.聽
When Esme Colborne learns her true identity only days before she's due to marry Richard Trevannion, she suffers a huge crisis of conscience. Convinced that her real background makes her no longer "suited" to Richard (his family is one of the oldest and wealthiest in England) she packs up her things and leaves home with no plans or destination in mind.
She finds a place to live but has no idea what to do to earn a living since her own savings won't last forever. When, by chance, she spots a distraught woman with her son speaking in French at the station, Esme asks if she can help, assuming the woman is lost and needs directions. Having been to finishing school herself, Esme is fluent in French but soon realises the woman's husband is coming to meet them.聽
That conversation, no matter how brief, is the catalyst of her story from thereon. Someone overheard her speaking French and suggests she call the number on a business card where the opportunity to serve her country awaits.
And so she is recruited as a decoy woman. Her job is to test men who have recently completed their training as Special OperationS Executives before they are sent to France. Esme is set up at the Hotel Aurelian where she is to meet these men and see if they hold up to scrutiny, albeit done in the most subtle and seductive way. If they fall foul of her methods and blow their cover stories, then her report will deem them as unsuitable. If, however, they pass her test, then they are sent onwards to fight the good fight in France as spies.
Esme excels at her job, but she also gets too close to some of those she is supposed to be testing, in particular to Marcus. As the bombs are dropped more frequently, Esme suffers the loss of her closest friends, and it makes her reevaluate her life. What will become of her once the war ends - she'll have no job, and has lost the only true friends she聽 has made since leaving home. Can she pick up the threads with her family, and maybe even with Richard, or should she hope for a new life with Marcus?
This is an interesting and enjoyable read with an original plotline centring around the decoy women. My thanks go to Netgalley and Canelo for the advanced reader copy.聽
Merged review:
I'm a huge fan of books set in this era, so it was hardly surprising that the theme of Decoy Women would grab my attention.聽
When Esme Colborne learns her true identity only days before she's due to marry Richard Trevannion, she suffers a huge crisis of conscience. Convinced that her real background makes her no longer "suited" to Richard (his family is one of the oldest and wealthiest in England) she packs up her things and leaves home with no plans or destination in mind.
She finds a place to live but has no idea what to do to earn a living since her own savings won't last forever. When, by chance, she spots a distraught woman with her son speaking in French at the station, Esme asks if she can help, assuming the woman is lost and needs directions. Having been to finishing school herself, Esme is fluent in French but soon realises the woman's husband is coming to meet them.聽
That conversation, no matter how brief, is the catalyst of her story from thereon. Someone overheard her speaking French and suggests she call the number on a business card where the opportunity to serve her country awaits.
And so she is recruited as a decoy woman. Her job is to test men who have recently completed their training as Special OperationS Executives before they are sent to France. Esme is set up at the Hotel Aurelian where she is to meet these men and see if they hold up to scrutiny, albeit done in the most subtle and seductive way. If they fall foul of her methods and blow their cover stories, then her report will deem them as unsuitable. If, however, they pass her test, then they are sent onwards to fight the good fight in France as spies.
Esme excels at her job, but she also gets too close to some of those she is supposed to be testing, in particular to Marcus. As the bombs are dropped more frequently, Esme suffers the loss of her closest friends, and it makes her reevaluate her life. What will become of her once the war ends - she'll have no job, and has lost the only true friends she聽 has made since leaving home. Can she pick up the threads with her family, and maybe even with Richard, or should she hope for a new life with Marcus?
This is an interesting and enjoyable read with an original plotline centring around the decoy women. My thanks go to Netgalley and Canelo for the advanced reader copy.聽...more
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