I've read previous books in this series and keep coming back because I just love the author's voice and how she portrays Fiona Figg. It's so inviting I've read previous books in this series and keep coming back because I just love the author's voice and how she portrays Fiona Figg. It's so inviting and immersive that I really sense the character's personality through the writing. That said, despite loving spending time with Fiona, in this book the story is more focused on her romantic dilemmas and her ability to disguise herself to suit the tasks assigned to her. As such, the mystery element feels like an afterthought coming as it does so late in the book. Clifford is an absolute delight in making his reappearance as her chaperone, always close to giving away her disguise. And Kitty makes a welcome return too, though much further into the story. I did enjoy catching up with the whole team, and felt Fiona's thrill at finally having her own mission as well as proving her boss wrong with the quality of her disguises. There seemed to be a lot of time spent in her head, though, as she hemmed and hawed over who she loved - and, to be honest, I felt Fredrick came off better than Arthur - but could she really love the German spy? A fun read, as always, and a series I will return to again. ...more
Peggy Rector didn't expect to be solving any murders when she returned to her hometown of Stinky Springs in Texas. Then again, she didn't ever imaginePeggy Rector didn't expect to be solving any murders when she returned to her hometown of Stinky Springs in Texas. Then again, she didn't ever imagine she'd be on the suspect list either. In between writing her novel and trying to catch a stalker, and attempting to avoid being eaten by a mountain lion, she has enough on her plate. But when you add in her quirky neighbours, a possible romance and her beloved pets, Peggy's life just got more complicated. This is a fabulous cosy mystery, full of great characters, community disputes, ex-wives who don't want to remain ex-wives and lots of small town shenanigans. I will definitely be back for more. That said, I listened to the audiobook version, which I had to slow down to 75% as the dialect was way too strong and fast for my ear (non- American), so I'll be reading the next books in the series. ...more
It's impossible for me not to love anything connected to The Meonbridge Chronicles, so being invited to read and review this novella was both a very dIt's impossible for me not to love anything connected to The Meonbridge Chronicles, so being invited to read and review this novella was both a very definite no-brainer and a joyous treat. As expected, the author didn't disappoint.
The Merchant's Dilemma tells the love story of Bea and Riccardo. He's a successful merchant, who having recently lost his son and wife (the latter he married for the sake of the family name), realises that he always loved another - Bea, the woman who lived with him as his mistress before he was obliged to marry. But he has no idea where she might be, only for fortune to intervene when he returns home from searching for his true love to find her on his doorstep, barely alive. As much as he loves Bea, he knows society - primarily, his father - wouldn't accept her as his next wife. So, Bea continues to live with him in secret until his father passes (an issue that will later bring into doubt his personal integrity and risk his liberty).
His mother, however, is on his side (with a fabulous tale of her own to tell that highlights the irony of their situation!) and agrees to help him introduce Bea into society. Bea is frustrated but understanding, and takes on the role with gusto, fooling many of the family's friends and acquaintances. Their future looks promising until some unexpected gossip threatens more than just their possible marriage.
As a companion to the series, this story takes a more romantic and light-hearted path into those times. It's not as gritty or immersive as the main series, but it is utterly charming and definitely not without its drama and tension, all befitting the era, and all making for a wonderful reading experience. Bea's life beyond Meonbridge does not come without its problems; she's not in for an easy ride, not at all. Fortunately, while she faces prejudice and judgement (based on her history) from some, she is also surrounded by love and empathy and destined for a happy ending.
I loved reading this shorter story and picking up with familiar faces, and if the author has any more of these in mind, then I can't wait to read them....more
A most enjoyable cozy mystery with the added twist of a cocktail recipe at the end of each chapter, all of which I'm tempted to try ;) Avalon Nash finA most enjoyable cozy mystery with the added twist of a cocktail recipe at the end of each chapter, all of which I'm tempted to try ;) Avalon Nash finds herself unexpectedly employed as a bartender in Tranquillity when she was only meant to be passing through. However, the death of her predecessor gives her the opportunity of a job and a new start (from what we have to discover as her past is only glossed upon here but, no doubt, more will follow in subsequent books).
So, who killed Joseph, the previous bartender, and why? Surely Avalon will leave it to the police to solve... until other strange events quickly follow, including one that leaves her with a very sore head. This mystery is chock-full of secrets and twists than turn the story on its head a few times; nothing is as straightforward as it seems. With interesting characters and beguiling backstories, there is definitely more to Tranquillity than Avalon ever expected.
I listened to the audiobook version and found the narration to be really well-done, engaging and clear....more
A really enjoyable story. After losing her home and family in an unexpected bombing over Dublin, Sarah Gillespie accepts an invitation from her only reA really enjoyable story. After losing her home and family in an unexpected bombing over Dublin, Sarah Gillespie accepts an invitation from her only relative - her uncle on her mother's side - and moves to England. As an Irishwoman, her background is scrutinised, especially since her father - an abusive and opiniated man - has anti-British leanings. Little does she know that his past will come to dictate her future. A strong cast and interesting storyline with great characters in the Lambe family and Gladys and Miss Whitaker. The well-paced story is a quick read and has everything from touching family relationships, new and enduring friendships, romance and humour, to suspense and mystery in its spy plotline. Thank you #netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
Where better to start my foray into the cosy fantasy genre than at The Weary Dragon Inn? This was such an easy read, filled with a mix of character tyWhere better to start my foray into the cosy fantasy genre than at The Weary Dragon Inn? This was such an easy read, filled with a mix of character types - my favourite being Merv :) Things are already hard for the locals after a very dry season and the farmers are struggling to grow their crops and vegetables, and their troubles grow when sinkholes appear in the town leaving the residents naturally concerned. When Bev - the innkeeper - raises the matter at a local meeting, she suggests the local sheriff is perhaps not the best person to be leading the investigation and subsequently finds herself with the job. She's also playing host to a rather rude and joyless group of the queen's soldiers who insist on keeping their reason for being in town under wraps. Still, at least Bev is earning some money from their presence even if she can't wait for them to leave. Her investigation takes her on many a trip, not all successful, but finding who is causing the sinkholes proves more difficult and soon even Bev's fellow villagers are turning against her. She's forced follow a path that could prove dangerous for her but what choice does she have? She's not prepared to see the town, and especially her Inn, be swallowed up.
The story is fun, well-paced, and intriguing. Relationships and friendships are tested to save the town, and I long to find out more about Bev's past, a past she herself cannot remember. Bring on book two. ...more
Readers of The Appeal will be delighted to see the return of The Fairway Players in time for panto season. Personally, I was thrilled to be invited toReaders of The Appeal will be delighted to see the return of The Fairway Players in time for panto season. Personally, I was thrilled to be invited to read an early copy and couldn’t wait to get started on it, re-arranging my reading schedule to fit it in at the first chance possible. So, now having read it � in one sitting and after lots of chuckling � I’m ready to review it. Now, if you haven’t read The Appeal, don’t worry. The quirky writing style and format will draw you in, and if you’re in any way familiar with community groups or collaborative creative projects, you’ll soon recognise the internal dynamics as sooooo believable, only this time � as a voyeur � you’ll be able to see the funny side of their “banter�. Enjoy!
Retired KC, Mr Tanner has sent a set of documents for review to lawyers Femi Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd without telling them exactly what they might be looking for, but he’s convinced they’ll find the info � emails, texts, Whatsapp messages � interesting as well as a chance to “reconnect� with The Fairway Players who are preparing their latest show, a pantomime: Jack and the Beanstalk. The Players have a new chair team in Sarah–Jane McDonald and her husband, Kevin, who’ll be managing the performance in every aspect from casting to show night.
From the moment Sarah-Jane issues a casting call, the group dynamics are tested by an opponent to her leadership. With passive-aggressive emails to The Players , it’s clear Sarah-Jane’s rival wants to create a division within the group. It’s deliciously revealing and sets the tone for the rest of the group’s communications. Criticisms abound � but oh so subtly, and never face-to-face!
As Sarah-Jane and Kevin overcome challenges regarding the overlarge beanstalk, rumours of asbestos in said beanstalk, selling tickets (and not giving them away) and providing refreshments and goody bags, it finally looks as though they’re ready. But, of course, they’re not. Enter stage-right Chaos and Mayhem. When the best laid plans goes hilariously awry, the audience � unknowingly � are in for the treat of their life.
Meanwhile Femi and Charlotte are struggling to see why Mr Tanner wants their thoughts on the documents� and it’s only then that he provides a few more snippets of info that, along with the details of performance night and all its craziness ultimately prove there was a method to his madness.
The attempts by keyboard warriors to manipulate others by criticising and stirring up old tensions to change things in their favour are quashed with glorious one-liners and sublime putdowns that are the essence of the pantomime ethos that good will conquer evil.
The ending � and the reason why Tanner got Femi and Charlotte involved � is as off-the-wall as you could ever imagine, so worthy of the pantomime plotline. The personality clashes are as clear as ever, the rivalry as cutting, and the humour as sharp. I defy readers not to laugh aloud as they read through the messages and try to solve the mystery, because it’s a corker. Oh, yes it is!...more
A mismanaged bookshop, bomb attacks, a potential spy ring and the murder of her best friend are the challenges facing Hannah Merrill in this cosy mystA mismanaged bookshop, bomb attacks, a potential spy ring and the murder of her best friend are the challenges facing Hannah Merrill in this cosy mystery set in WWI Britain. Add to that a touch of romance, barely-disguised jealousy within her social circle, and the shenanigans of her Aunt Violet - an ardent suffragette and frequent thorn in the side of the authorities � is it any wonder Hannah’s mother wants her to return to the safety of Surrey’s elite?
Well, that’s not going to happen.
After sacking the bookshop’s manager � Monty Carstairs � for mismanagement, Hannah determines to run it herself. She has far more in common with her aunt than her mother, and relishes the opportunity to be an independent woman in business. But Monty’s legacy (a series of postcards with secret messages in German indicating further attacks on the city), the subsequent discovery of her best friend, Lilly-Anne, murdered in the bookshop, stabbed with Hannah’s paper knife, and a series of strange visitors thwart her endeavours.
Inspector Farrell is called in to investigate the murder, and Hannah also shows him the postcards. Instinctively, she knows there is more to her friend’s death than meets the eye, and with the help of her wonderful aunt, she sets out to find the killer. But what of the spy ring? Could she be asking for more trouble? Is she in danger herself?
Murder in the Bookshop is a fun cosy mystery. There are plenty of red herrings, and the killer’s identity is kept secret until near the end. While that’s a good sign for a mystery novel, I felt the resolution itself was rushed and not as convincing as it could have been, and the spy plotline was a bit glitchy and lacked credibility. I loved Aunt Violet’s personality, and her incessant flirting with Farrell. Hannah is harder to like, as she keeps a lot of her emotions bottled up, especially when it comes to the romance that never was with the soon-to-be-married Darius. That said, the twist in the tale infers there may be a happy ending after all. I’ll be looking out for the next in the series to see how things develop. ...more
This story held my attention for the most part... until it got very dark and required a level of suspension of belief as regards the main character thThis story held my attention for the most part... until it got very dark and required a level of suspension of belief as regards the main character that seemed unrealistic. It seemed as if the author had a checklist of character types and personalities to work through and threw everything bar the kitchen sink at the characters without too much development. Consequently, there was a lot of misdirection that, rather than being a spectacular plot twist, felt over the top and unnecessarily complicated. That said, I felt the DCI's storyline was well-written and her situation handled sensitively, and would read more about her. Not an easy read, and certainly not what I expected but it lives up to its description in providing a quick read and a story intended to thrill....more
I’m always excited when a new book in the Armstrong & Oscar Cosy Mystery series is released, so there was never any doubt t I’d be up for reviewing thI’m always excited when a new book in the Armstrong & Oscar Cosy Mystery series is released, so there was never any doubt t I’d be up for reviewing this fourth instalment. As expected, the author sells the setting like a seasoned tour guide and not even the fear of a wolf attack would deter me from wanting to visit this beautiful part of Italy. That said, the delegates at the environmental conference who were staying at the same hotel as Dan (on a break with new love Anna, dog Oscar, police friend Virgilio and his wife, Lina) that wolves were unlikely to attack people. So when Dan thinks he hears a wolf howling on their first night there, no-one expected to find a dead body the next morning. Had Dan really heard a wolf? Were the experts wrong? Well, many of the local farmers think so and they aren’t shy in voicing their concerns. But when the medical examiner rules out a wolf attack, Dan and Virgilio can’t help but look at the hotel’s visitors � primarily the delegates � for their suspects. You see, while they are supposed to be on holiday, neither can curb their interest in the case, both keen to help out where possible, much to Virgilio’s wife’s dismay. The story closely follows Dan’s thought process as he, aided by Oscar in more ways than one, tries to eliminate some guests from the long list of suspects. However, with dodgy alibis aplenty and so many secret (or not so secret) affairs and dalliances among the delegates, the culprit looks to be hiding easily in plain sight. Well, for a while at least as I worked things out early on, identifying the killer though not their motive long before the end. If I’m honest, for me, Dan’s thought process is a tad long-winded and drawn out in this book, although the mechanics of solving the case are nicely punctuated by sight-seeing trips which show Anna’s expertise in all its glory, as well as offering up a very believable dilemma for Virgilio and his wife. These extra plot-lines emphasise how much Dan has settled into his life as a PI in Italy and give substance to the relationships he has made there. A series I’ll never tire of returning to, not just for Oscar’s antics but for the sense of knowing I’m in for an entertaining read. ...more
I never miss a chance to return to St. Brides if I can help it; the stories are always entertaining and original, and reminiscent of books I loved to I never miss a chance to return to St. Brides if I can help it; the stories are always entertaining and original, and reminiscent of books I loved to read as a child (Malory Towers, St Clares etc) - and who can resist a stroll down memory lane? With two storylines running alongside each other that provide both fun and mystery, my fourth visit to St Brides is as engaging as ever. The fun element comes as a result of some rather serious storms that have flooded parts of the school - primarily the teachers' accommodation. With funding always an issue, the students are encouraged to create small businesses to generate income while learning business skills. Some of their ideas are off the wall, yet others have a real chance of succeeding. That said, at times, these ideas result in some wonderfully, wacky scenarios that bring a lovely touch of humour to the story. Mystery arrives at St Brides in the form of new student with a wealthy sponsor, whose background raises Gemma's suspicions - who is Frieda Ehrlich and why St Brides? Gemma's investigations expose a well-kept secret, one that is kept under wraps until the end and, as such, held my attention to the extent that i read this well-paced story in one afternoon. With familiar and relateable characters, St Brides offers a cosy vibe with plenty of humour and a gentle and intriguing mystery. ...more
'Tis strange - but true; for truth is always strange; Stranger than fiction; if it could be told, How much would novels gain by the exchange!' (Lord B'Tis strange - but true; for truth is always strange; Stranger than fiction; if it could be told, How much would novels gain by the exchange!' (Lord Byron's Don Juan (1823))
Luminous is story so powerful that it really leaves its mark. Compelling and compassionately told, this is a true David vs Goliath tale in that it tells the true story of a fight for justice against a most belligerent and heartless company who ignored and undervalued its female workforce at every possible step.
Told from Catherine Donahue's viewpoint, the story begins in the Prohibition era and follows her life from very humble beginnings in Ottawa, Illinois to the Supreme Court as she becomes the face of the Radium girls. At the outset, hers is an ordinary life, until she gets a job at Radium Dial and discovers a new world of independence and new friendships that will last a lifetime, though for some, lives are much shorter than one might expect. The job involves dipping brushes into the radium mixture then using their mouths to create a pointed head in order to create a very fine line with which to paint the clock dials. Catherine and her co-workers think nothing of doing this, having been instructed so by their managers, who they trust implicitly - after all, if it was unsafe, then such a procedure wouldn't be allowed. Would it? Time passes and Catherine is happy in her work, as are her friends who are now having fun with the "sparkling" after-effects of the fine dust that circulates in the factory and coats their clothes and hair. Life is good.
However, other after-effects begin to manifest themselves and the girls experience loose teeth and mouth sores, which are quickly dismissed as caused by external factors unrelated to the radium. When the company suggests the girl try a different approach to create that fine line with which to paint the dials, eyebrows are raised, especially when there seems to be no reason forthcoming for this change. and when this approach slows the girls down and they ask if they can revert to the old process, the company does not object.
By now, serious health issues are becoming more common, and there are stories of young women who had worked in the radium factories dying. When Catherine herself begins to feel ill, she asks for reassurance, especially since news of a case against a similar company in New Jersey goes to court. Radium Dial brings in doctors to check the girls out and are quick to allay their fears, insisting that radium is not the cause of any of their health concerns. Relief all round!
Except, that wasn't true, and it becomes highly apparent that the radium company is holding back information. But they're not alone in this as many others in power prefer to ignore the facts because the company has brought employment to the area. As is often the case, money is power, and the health - or rather the lives - of these young women is disregarded in favour of profit.
Catherine's health deteriorates rapidly, and she seeks medical advice elsewhere, advice which clarifies to her that radium poisoning is a very real thing. Yet who will listen? It seems as though these women have been side-lined to oblivion. Not an outcome Catherine can tolerate; she is determined to raise awareness nationally of the suffering she and her friends are now forced to endure. Even finding a lawyer prepared to help is nigh on impossible, and it takes time and someone special to present their case in the many law courts through which they must pass to get justice.
Luminous is beautifully written, so much so that you cannot help but be swept along with Catherine as she transforms from a sweet, naive teenager to a strong independent young woman, becoming a wife and mother, all while battling her own health issues and seeing her friends suffer and die. Their stories are told with compassion and sensitivity. Yet, running along these tender life stories is the story of ruthless companies who fail their workforce while trying to appear to be looking after them. Neglect is one thing, but covering up the truth, distorting the facts, and denying the consequences of their demands upon their staff is something altogether more evil (though, unfortunately, not a lesson that some appeared to have learned since then!)You cannot help but admire and be impressed by the strength of those women, but also to feel and sense of dismay and contempt for those who put them in danger and then went on to turn a blind eye to the consequences.
A story that will break your heart and infuriate you in equal measures, but which will leave you with an overwhelming sense of admiration for the Radium girls, and those who fought back for those who died and for a future where health and safety concerns would be taken more seriously....more
As a frequent visitor to Hummingbird House, I was delighted to see what had happened to Betty and her friends/tenants in more recent times. True to foAs a frequent visitor to Hummingbird House, I was delighted to see what had happened to Betty and her friends/tenants in more recent times. True to form, this short (for me, too short and over too quickly) novella is a dual timeline glimpse at Betty, now in her 80s and still in her “happy place� at Hummingbird House, and a look back to 1968 and her good friend Sandra whose errant habits are the subject of this story. It’s like one of those moments when you catch up with old friends and it feels like only yesterday you last saw them.
A slower-paced story than most of the books I’ve read later, this has a subtler feel to it, as though Betty is personally telling you a story over a pot of tea in the garden. With familiar faces flitting in now and then, story focuses much more on Sandra and her relationships, particularly with her own mother and son. Betty is in a more reflective mood as she searches Sandra and is reminded of a prior search back in the 60s when she came to understand Sandra better and caught a some real insight in to a world with which she � unlike her companion of the time, Arthur, was naively unfamiliar.
In the present day story, it is Sandra’s son Jonty who must learn something about his mum, and it’s an opportunity for them all to reflect and reconsider how their life changes and adapts to meet new challenges as they occur. Nothing is ever too difficult that it cannot be made easier with the help of good friends and strong family bonds. Another heart-warming tale from Jane Harvey and I look forward to more stories about other residents in thefuture....more
I can’t resist this series, loving both the characters and the plotlines. This author knows how to keep me invested in her stories and I have to admitI can’t resist this series, loving both the characters and the plotlines. This author knows how to keep me invested in her stories and I have to admit I’m hooked. Of course, Daisy steals the limelight as usual, closely followed by Perry, but this story also sees a thawing in the relationship between Lady Beatrice and DCI Fitzwilliam� despite the weather and the fact that neither of them appear to want to run into the other. Methinks the Lady and the DCI doth protest too much ...more
I loved this � loved Ursula, Alfio, grumpy Fabio and even Ursula’s mam (who, if truth be told, brought a lot of what happened upon herself but finallyI loved this � loved Ursula, Alfio, grumpy Fabio and even Ursula’s mam (who, if truth be told, brought a lot of what happened upon herself but finally seemed willing to take some responsibility for that � ooh, I’ve digressed!)
So, back to the story � aside from two very lovely and typical families (one in Ireland, the other in Sicily) there was little that might have connected them until Ursula’s uncle “thought� he was helping by getting his niece somewhere to stay and work while she put her life back together again after a tough time. Bless him, but then again, he wasn’t wrong � as you’ll find out when you get pulled into this story as I was.
Beautiful Sicily, characters you’ll want to root for (apart from Stephan) and a charming blend of artisanship, family loyalties and what it means to be part of something that is bigger than yourself.
Thwarted romance, lost opportunities, old grievances and a chance to start afresh are what this story brings to the reader, proof if ever it were needed that there is something to be said for taking that leap of faith, trusting in yourself and sometimes letting your heart rule your head. I enjoyed how the author kept hurling obstacles at her characters, she didn’t make their choices easy, but she did make them believable � and compelling reading to boot. And if you’d never wanted to visit Sicily before, you will after reading this, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to read more from this author too....more
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