This is as good as it gets in the realms of historical fiction. Blood & Sugar, the debut novel was incredibly accomplished and I was thrilled to receiThis is as good as it gets in the realms of historical fiction. Blood & Sugar, the debut novel was incredibly accomplished and I was thrilled to receive an arc of this book. Let me tell you, this was just as good. Laura Shepherd-Robinson is one to watch out for: a new tour de force in the historical mystery genre. I learned lots of new facts : pineapples! Mice eyebrows! New favourite author!Put down what you’re doing and go and check this author out!...more
Reread September 2020. Yep. Just as good as I remembered! April 2020 Amazingly good! The characterisation, background and development was so well done. Reread September 2020. Yep. Just as good as I remembered! April 2020 Amazingly good! The characterisation, background and development was so well done. The case was complex and dark, but equally fascinating was the relationship between Robin and Cormoran. Loved it. If you haven’t started this series yet, get a move on! What are you waiting for?!...more
Reading this was an amazing experience, drawing you into a journey where the destination seems far away. Such a full and immersive world, real life feReading this was an amazing experience, drawing you into a journey where the destination seems far away. Such a full and immersive world, real life fell away each time I opened the pages....more
Wow. That was some read! I really felt for Harry as he investigated his mother’s murder. He has also been suspended and forced to see a psychiatrist sWow. That was some read! I really felt for Harry as he investigated his mother’s murder. He has also been suspended and forced to see a psychiatrist several times a week. Harry rides an extreme emotional rollercoaster for the entire book- as he provokes and angers those behind the crime. This was absolutely outstanding....more
I usually read about mediums and seances during the Victorian era, but apparently there was a spike in its popularity during the First World War as peI usually read about mediums and seances during the Victorian era, but apparently there was a spike in its popularity during the First World War as people lost their loved ones. This was a great read and I loved the romance too....more
An astonishing and accomplished debut. *Note to self* read everything this author writes. The horrors of the slave trade are brought to life and captuAn astonishing and accomplished debut. *Note to self* read everything this author writes. The horrors of the slave trade are brought to life and captured in all its grim and tainted detail amidst the docks of Deptford and London. Secret dealings and trade of ‘black gold� was extremely lucrative and had its protectors in the legal system, the political system and amongst the merchants of the time. We also see the rise of the abolitionists and their commitment to ending slavery. All historical fiction fans, step this way....more
The end of every trail was the start of another; you never knew where you were going, but you had to go all the same.
Fascinating. I did not know most The end of every trail was the start of another; you never knew where you were going, but you had to go all the same.
Fascinating. I did not know most of the history presented in this book. I had no idea California and Texas had not originally been American, just that there had been a war with Mexico. My first Bristow was Calico Palace and this book, in terms of chronological order would come directly before it. I’ve read about Sutters Fort and the goldrush but without the context of San Francisco being so newly formed....more
Wow! Loved it. I cried a few tears too. All I know about the music industry is from Nashville back when I still watched TV and I have to say the pictuWow! Loved it. I cried a few tears too. All I know about the music industry is from Nashville back when I still watched TV and I have to say the picture was pretty close to what we had in this story (well I thought so!)...more
A creepy yet entertaining read and a great mystery. I liked all the mirroring of the two time lines. Viv and Carly were both brave young women- there�A creepy yet entertaining read and a great mystery. I liked all the mirroring of the two time lines. Viv and Carly were both brave young women- there’s no way I would have been hanging around at a place like that *shudder*....more