Having read Christmas on the Rivera, I was excited to pick up the story again now that the three women have made the move to France and Villa L’EspoirHaving read Christmas on the Rivera, I was excited to pick up the story again now that the three women have made the move to France and Villa L’Espoir. After settling in and reuniting with the Jacques family, the three women explore how to fill their time. For Gabby, it is to restore the pool and garden and to get a range cooker for her kitchen. This leads her to reuniting with old friend, Colette, and bringing memories � good and not so good � to the forefront. For Elodie, it’s a chance to freelance as a travel journo while writing her book and pursuing romance with her surfer boyfriend. For Harriet, Things are less clear. She keeps putting off getting back to painting, but after taking a part-time job at an art gallery, the desire to paint comes back with a vengeance (though spurred on by the chance of her own exhibition � something she could never have imagined) But it is a face from Harriet’s past that has the greatest impact in this story. With Gabby and Elodie happy and moving forward in their relationships, can Harriet expect the same? Or will the mystery “stranger� rock the boat once more. This was an easy read, and where better to escape to than the French Riviera? I’d recommend reading the Christmas book first, as it gives greater depth to the three women and the obstacles they face in rebuilding their connection. ...more
Not the easiest of topics to read about, but the author doesn’t shy away from showing the effects of a friend’s suicide on the friendship group. Such Not the easiest of topics to read about, but the author doesn’t shy away from showing the effects of a friend’s suicide on the friendship group. Such is the fate dealt to a group of university friends when they learn about Jack’s suicide. Their different ways of coping with the news proves there is no right or wrong way to grieve. This book packs a punch when it comes to the emotional effect of their friend’s death. Told from multiple viewpoints, the result is a multi-layered insight into what it means to be human, how we adopt different coping mechanisms when faced with the same set of circumstances. Well-written and paced to reflect the nuances of emotions of the main characters as well as that of Jack an the decision he took. ...more
I've read and enjoyed the political thrillers this author has written, and happily signed up for her newsletter, receiving this prequel as a thank youI've read and enjoyed the political thrillers this author has written, and happily signed up for her newsletter, receiving this prequel as a thank you freebie. I do love UK based crime fiction, and the idea of having a new series to get stuck into appeals greatly. In this story, the DS has to investigate the death of a retired colleague, his former boss really, and also a sounding board in recent months. The outcome - and the coroner's subsequent report - goes against everything he thought his boss stood for, but the evidence points to it being a suicide. Like the DS, I'm not convinced, and expect to find this case crop up further in the series. For me, it's not a closed case, regardless of what the annoying Superintendent says, and he's definitely still on my suspect list. Looking forward to this series and the Zoe Finch one. ....more
I’ve only read one book in the series so far � Not Mushroom for Death � but I was so pulled into the world the author has created that I’ve since addeI’ve only read one book in the series so far � Not Mushroom for Death � but I was so pulled into the world the author has created that I’ve since added books one and two to my Kindle. But before I got around to reading them, the opportunity came up to read the prequel, and having done so I can’t wait to catch up with the other books.
Poor Lady Beatrice to be widowed so early in their marriage, and at a time when she has exciting news to share with her husband. Then, to top it all, the rumours of “the other woman� in the car run amok, only to add to Bea’s pain even more.
As for DS Richard Fitzwilliam, well that was such fun to read. He is so not a people person, and working in intelligence suits him, but when the team investigation the crash is short of staff, a transfer is meant to be a good opportunity for him to show off his talents. And so begins his “difficult� relationship with Lady Beatrice which was evident when I read book three. And then there’s the story of his own personal life � again, most interesting. There's obviously more to see here ... dun, dun, dun...
Again, I loved everything about this story, the setting, the characters and the scope for endless more mysteries to come. As I noted in book three, there are several POVs in this story and the author does use a lot of internal thoughts to get into the characters� heads and “show� why they make the decisions they do. Generally, these italicised thoughts are well-used, short and to the point, but I began to tire of the intrusion these made into the story when they took up too much of the page. That said, they are, for the most part, effective in moving the story forward.
Another engaging read in what is fast becoming one of my go-to series, and I hope to catch up with the other books � and particularly with the wonderful Perry, Simon, and Daisy - before A Dead Herring is released in May....more
This is a long book, but well worth persevering with. Told in several viewpoints, it shows a human side to the dramatic events of theAudiobook version
This is a long book, but well worth persevering with. Told in several viewpoints, it shows a human side to the dramatic events of the Wall being constructed alongside a very secretive mission to thwart any possible advancement of the East German and Soviet alliance. It's packed with drama, emotional turmoil and tension to keep the listener invested. Some of the "voices" are dubious and a tad stereotypical, but nonetheless an entertaining saga with a satisfying conclusion. I'd read more by this author for the details alone. ...more
I should probably have read the first book in this series before diving into this one, but the title caught my eye and the bookbinding theme intriguedI should probably have read the first book in this series before diving into this one, but the title caught my eye and the bookbinding theme intrigued. That said, there is very little mention of the bookbinding business, though just enough to make it relevant. The mystery happens outside the scope of the business, but there is a tenuous link that becomes a clue. The murders happen very quickly and quite dramatically, making this a well-paced read. I liked Quinn and her family - their dynamics were interesting and awkward, and yet indicative of a close-knit and loving family. Quinn's cousin - Sister Daria, a year away from taking her vows - had the more intriguing role in this story, and the twist at the end would make me read on. A fun read that kept my interest and proved to be a very original plot. ...more
London in the 1750s draws a very clear line between the haves and the have-nots and it is this distinction that separates the two female protagonists.London in the 1750s draws a very clear line between the haves and the have-nots and it is this distinction that separates the two female protagonists. Bess Bright, a shrimper by trade, works to live, while Alexandra Callard, a widow, barely lives despite all the trappings of wealth that surround her. When Bess has to leave her day-old daughter at the Foundling Hospital she vows to return to collect her as soon as she can. Never did she imagine her daughter would have been collected the day after she left her, and by someone claiming to be her. Alexandra Callard, who is still suffering from her own childhood trauma, never wanted children of her own and understood her husband sought out other women to meet his needs. Upon his early death, she's convinced that bringing up his child makes sense - even if it means the child isn't there when her real mother comes looking. The premise of the story is fascinating and makes for a compelling read as Bess seeks out her daughter and manipulates her way into becoming the child's nursemaid. Throughout there is a tension that Bess's true identity cannot be hidden for too long, but how that manifests makes for addictive reading. The two sides of London are vividly depicted, the contrast overwhelming and so easy to visualise. The power of money highlights the injustices of life, where morals can be bought off and truths hidden. As much as I enjoyed the story, there are a number of coincidences required to make certain events happen, some more believable than others. And while the ending wraps things up "beautifully", it does require some suspension of belief to accept it might really have ended that way. Nonetheless, an enjoyable story that portrays the contrasting settings and lifestyles clearly and realistically. ...more
The first time they meet, Druisius (Soldier-to-be) and Eudekia (Empress-to-be) are learning alongside their fathers the jobs of trader and patron respThe first time they meet, Druisius (Soldier-to-be) and Eudekia (Empress-to-be) are learning alongside their fathers the jobs of trader and patron respectively, though those are not the lives they go on to live.
When Druisius is unwilling to follow through on an order from his father, the military seems to be his way out. A soldier’s life suits him, he’s a quick learner, and adapts well, quickly noticed for his abilities to get the job done with discretion. And it’s this discretion that elevates him from the fight (though he is as skilled as his peers) towards a life as an informant, knowing several languages helps him to listen in whilst pretending not to. His superiors recognise his worth and come to care for his well-being. However, he cannot stay below the radar forever, and soon others are able to put two and two together and there comes a time when he must take a safer job as a palace guard. He also gets to revisit his birthplace and reunite with his brother, Marius, who did follow in their father’s footsteps and is now a successful trader with a family. Their renewed contact shows a different side to Druisuis, showing him a life that might have been. That he still has strong ties to his family provides some touching moments from the man whose experiences have been brutal and violent att times. It was a nice balance for his character.
Meanwhile, Eudekia, aided by her grandmother, sets her sights on a love match with a prince. Initially, though, she then attempts to withdraw from the blossoming romance, suggesting the prince’s duty is to marry well for the empire, not for love. He declines, and will take no other as his wife. Eudekia, having learnt her father’s business, is pleased when her husband includes her in hi decision-making, though such a move is not popular with all. War, neighbouring conflicts and the scarcity of food have made life difficult for the citizens, and Eudekia shows them she stands with them by setting an example of cutting back on the luxuries of palace life. Her peers, keen to prove themselves, are encouraged to do likewise, yet again causing some rifts for the future. She more than proved herself as a strong, intelligent woman with independent thoughts which gave rise to plenty of intrigue at the palace, where political manoeuvres did not readily seek the opinions of a woman.
Their stories are told through alternating chapters where their different life experiences are laid bare and their actions scrutinised. Despite it not being a real world story, it felt very believable, giving the reader insight into what might have been a fictionalised yet true historical account. This glimpse into the world created by this author has tempted me to read the other stories in this series. I have no doubt I’ll feel just as absorbed into those stories as I was in this one. ...more
Now I’m really not a typical reader of ghost stories, and the paranormal and I aren’t regular bedfellows, in fact we’re rarely on the same page, but WNow I’m really not a typical reader of ghost stories, and the paranormal and I aren’t regular bedfellows, in fact we’re rarely on the same page, but WICKED BLEU still drew me in, pushed me out of my cosy, comfort zone and totally captivated me. Granted it was the opening line of the description that got my attention. As an avid mystery fan, who was I to turn down a 103-year-old murder mystery? It’s the ultimate cold case� but with a difference, and that difference is the magical quality of the author’s writing, teamed with the history and mystique of New Orleans during Mardi Gras, and topped off with a fascinating, bone-chilling, heart-wrenching and tragic plot.
With a dual timeline of the present day and a little over a century ago, the key players in this story are Simone Doucet (a successful writer) and two females named Bleu � mother and daughter � who lived in New Orleans in the notorious red light district. And their connection to Simone is one of blood� and an unsolved mystery that prevents them � and others � from fully leaving this world.
You see, Simone Doucet has second sight � more fully explained in the first book in the series � and, initially, Orphan Bleu makes the connection in order to get justice for her mother’s death � a murder by any other name. In New Orleans with her buddies to take advantage of a thank-you gift from a previous client, Simone and her three friends are looking forward to enjoying Mardi Gras. That is until Bleu (the mother) decides to tell Simone her story by adopting Simone’s friend’s body. The others realise Stacy is acting oddly, but eventually Simone “sees� what’s going on and is transported back in time to witness life back then. There, amidst the sights, smells and sounds of the dangerous streets of the red light district, she comes to understand Bleu’s character, sees her falling in love and being loved back by her artist lover whose paintings of her went on to earn him great acclaim. Simone sees the evil misogyny of the clients of the brothel who care only for themselves, who cannot bear to be mocked by a woman, who think nothing of taking a life to save themselves. It’s a brutal existence, made all the more raw by the viewpoint of Bleu’s daughter, the Orphan Bleu who feels abandoned and unloved by her mother, yet who cannot “rest� until her mother gets justice.
While trying to enjoy the Mardi Gras with her friends, Simone cannot relax, she feels obliged to know the full story but can she put right a century-old wrong and let the spirits finally rest? Billups writes beautifully, not just with words but with the images she creates, the characters she brings to life and the injustices she conveys of those times. I was drawn in completely by the setting (the cathedral, the Creole dialect, the jazz music � bliss!) and the story, but more to the point to understanding the past and how we should (but rarely do) learn from it.
A suspenseful tale, crafted with care, told with heart and which left me wanting more....more
I was looking forward to reading this story in which a group of older women shine, supporting each other and living life to its fullest. For some of tI was looking forward to reading this story in which a group of older women shine, supporting each other and living life to its fullest. For some of those women � Ruth and Aurora � this proved to be true as both seem to come to life when they realised what they really wanted out of life. Jeannie, the main character, was more difficult to root for; it was as if she’d already resigned herself to a boring, safe existence, as if giving up running the cider business made her not only redundant in the orchards but in life as well. She had many opportunities come her way, but it felt like she was more reluctant to enjoy herself. For a woman who’d run a business for so long, she didn’t seem to want to choose her own destiny but rather let it simply happen.
What I did enjoy about this story was the seasonal element of the apple trees, from the wassailing in January, to the new growth of spring, the explosion of summer blossom and fruit, and finally the autumn harvest before winter set in once again. I felt this cycle was complimented by the multi-generational cast. The older characters are looking to wind down (some more than others) whilst the younger characters bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the business and the village.
For me, the story is heavy on description, and as beautiful as the subsequent village scenes are, I felt it had the effect of slowing the story down too much. The book club aspect of the plot formed a consistent backdrop to the changing fates of the characters, though I think it was the visit to France that finally made most of the women see the direction in which their lives were heading, and as such decided to control their future for themselves.
Aside from Jeannie, Ruth, Aurora, Verity and Danielle, stand-out characters for me were Violet (Jeannie’s mum) � but, oh, those jokes were soooooo bad, and Barney, whose down-to-earth, matter-of-fact honesty made me laugh out loud. The younger characters, too, were very real and pitched in to help. The French trip was a hoot � the sand-yachting hilarious � and the new arrivals to the village (primarily Anthony & his brother, Mikey) not only spiced up the village gossip but also helped inspire the younger members of the book club � Verity & Danielle - to take control of their lives and invest in themselves and their futures.
Overall, an engaging read about family, friends and community, and the realisation that life is for living, no matter your age. ...more
An interesting take on a rom-com with a very headstrong female lead whose blinkered views hold back her chance at romance for quite some time- You migAn interesting take on a rom-com with a very headstrong female lead whose blinkered views hold back her chance at romance for quite some time- You might say "the lady doth protest too much!"
Amy thinks she'd escaped the humdrum of her Warwickshire village for the bright lights of London where she had worked for a publishing house after university, so to find herself back home again is definitely not in her plans. And running into Sam constantly - the posh guy who'd shown a keen interest in her years ago - isn't helping matters. Unfortunately, Amy still bases much of her views about Sam and his life on assumptions she made as a teenager. Is she ready for change? Can she put those views behind her and actually give Sam a chance?
Amy is a stubborn character, inflexible for no good reason other than she seems unwilling to accept she was wrong about Sam. I guess if she'd been less stubborn the story would have been much shorter, but even so, sometimes less is more and this felt a little drawn out at times.
Nonetheless, this is a quick read with a lovely glimpse at the Midlands (call me biased :) LOL) as well as a bookish vibe, a witty style of writing after a slowish start. I look forward to reading more by this author....more
I’ve read a few books by this author before and love how easy he makes it to get engrossed in the story. Obviously, the Italian setting helps with theI’ve read a few books by this author before and love how easy he makes it to get engrossed in the story. Obviously, the Italian setting helps with the escapism, but it’s more than a travel guide � though who wouldn’t want to escape to Tuscany after reading this, I do not know � the story is packed with truly great characters. From the wily locals who see and hear everything (and love to share over good food and grappa-fuelled coffee) to those who have made their life in the area and come with baggage (usually ex-wives and numerous affairs that would test any Casanova worthy of the title). Former (but for how long?) DCI Dan Armstrong doesn’t seem able to give up on his old life at the Yard, despite being in a new country, and despite having second thoughts over the breakdown of his marriage and subsequent divorce. Together with his dog, Oscar, Dan has become part of the community, and so when Australian millionaire and owner of the country club, Rex Hunter is murdered, it’s no wonder his good friend and local police inspector calls on him to help with “translations�. The victim is not well-liked and the suspects mount up, but when further murders occur it’s clear this will be no easy case to solve. I loved how the author gives insight as to how Dan is thinking, who he suspects, and what he thinks has happened. However, even Dan has to admit feeling blind-sided by this mystery, and there are red herrings galore that misdirect the reader with great skill until the truth becomes apparent. Peppered with glimpses of life in Tuscany, amusing antics with Oscar, and an array of fascinating encounters with locals, it’s easy to see why Dan is enamoured of the area. However, in this book, he starts to wonder how he might fill his time in the years to come. Dan can’t live by tennis matches and Chianti alone, so where does his future lie: as an author (his first book has been accepted by a London publisher) or as an investigator? Will he ever be able to put that part of his life behind him? I can’t wait to find out. PS � I was gutted to find this is the second book in the series, but will be making up for it by grabbing a copy of book one � Murder in Tuscany � before the next in the series is ready. ...more
Loading...
