Deception by Gaslight (A Gilded Gotham Mystery #1) by Kate Belli

Deception by Gaslight

(A Gilded Gotham Mystery #1)

by Kate Belli 

Hardcover, 327 pages

Expected publication: October 6th 2020 by Crooked Lane Books

Goodreads synopsis: 

Glittering Gilded-Age New York holds its lavish charms--and a litany of deadly sins--as intrepid reporter Genevieve Stewart uncovers a trail of corruption and murder.

As a chill sets in on New York City in the winter of 1888, a jewel thief dubbed the "Robin Hood of the Lower East Side" has been stealing from the city's wealthiest and giving to the poor. Genevieve Stewart--a young woman whose family is part of Mrs. Astor's famed 400 but who has forged a life of her own as a reporter--decides to chase the story, but gets more than she bargained for: a murder victim sprawled in a dark alley in the dangerous Five Points neighborhood.

A handsome neighborhood tough comes to her rescue--but when she encounters the same man at a glamorous ball a few nights later, she realizes he's society scion Daniel McCaffrey. Could this be her Robin Hood? When two more murders rock the Knickerbocker world, it becomes apparent that something much more sinister is afoot than a few stolen diamond necklaces. Genevieve is determined to prove that Daniel is Robin Hood--but she's loath to believe he is a killer as well. From the glittering lights of Fifth Avenue to the sordid back alleys of Five Points, the truth is just one murder away.

***

4.5 stars This is the first book in the A Gilded Gotham mystery series by Kate Belli. Genevieve Stewart, aka journalist Polly Palmer, is in search of the elusive jewel thief dubbed Robin Hood. The book starts off in the roughest part of town and this is where she finds a man who is coincidently from her own posher neck of the woods. Together they work to uncover this thief. This book is more about uncovering the jewel thief and getting the story than uncovering the person committing the actual murders. The book takes us on a jaunty trail around the city showing us from time to time how women are not quite equal to men and how tough the living was day to day even for the more posh set. It was interesting to see how Genevieve kept moving forward even in the midst of chaos and trouble that crossed her path. I wonder what book two will be about since this is the beginning of a new series. Many of the questions I had were answered in this book so I wonder what will draw us into the action of book two. I do like the two main characters. They are vastly different yet in some ways greatly similar. This was an easy read with an intricate plotline that kept my attention all the way through. I did have my suspicions who “Robin Hood” might be but discovered near the end that my thoughts were incorrect. The characters were compelling and I don’t have a great grasp on who the secondary characters may be but I am assured that whatever the plot of book two, I will be completely entertained.

If you love a good historical cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder (Kebab Kitchen Mystery #5) by Tina Kashian

Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder

(Kebab Kitchen Mystery #5)

by Tina Kashian 

Paperback, 336 pages

Published September 29th 2020 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Goodreads synopsis: 

Not even her impending nuptials can keep Lucy Berberian, manager of her family-owned Kebab Kitchen, from the Jersey Shore's annual Polar Bear Plunge. But her dive into the icy ocean is especially chilling when she finds a fellow swimmer doing the dead man's float--for real . . .

Who would kill a man in cold blood during Ocean Crest, New Jersey's most popular winter event? When Lucy learns the victim is Deacon Spooner, the reception hall owner who turned up his nose--and his price--at her wedding plans, she can't help wondering who wouldn't kill the pompous caterer . . .

Perhaps the culprit is the wedding cake baker whose career Deacon nearly destroyed? Or the angry bride whose reception he ruined? With her maid of honor, Katie, busily planning Lucy's wedding without her, Lucy will have to get to the bottom of this cold-hearted business in time for Kebab Kitchen's mouthwatering Christmas celebration--and before her hometown's holiday spirit washes out to sea . . .

***

4.5 stars This is the fifth book in the Kebab Kitchen mystery series by Tina Kashian. After a local man is found dead after the Polar Plunge, Lucy decides to investigate since her good friend is labeled suspect number one.  Lots of secondary plot lines that really made this story so rich. Lucy is being pressured to set the date for her upcoming nuptials. And her mother wants to announce her wedding at a town shindig. She is uncertain about talking about her personal life in public. Lucy waffles between wondering if she is ready for such a big step in her life or turning tail and running away again like she did in the past. Her fiancee and head cook seems pretty chill about the whole thing and is waiting for Lucy to make up her mind. This is a great plot that is sandwiched between all the sleuthing she does. I had no idea who the bad guy was. Great whodunit. Quite intricate and misleading at times. And the characters... Wow! I wanted to go and live there. Who knew the Jersey Shore would be so appealing. I wish there had been more interactions between the friends, but otherwise, this was a wonderful read!

If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Death, Dismay and Rosé (The Wine Trail Mysteries #6) by J.C. Eaton

Death, Dismay and Rosé

(The Wine Trail Mysteries #6)

by J.C. Eaton

ebook, 1, 240 pages

Published September 29th 202 by Beyond the Page Publishing

Goodreads synopsis: 

When a local historian is found dead, Norrie Ellington has to dig through the clues to prove the cause was not a centuries-old curse but coldblooded murder . . .

It’s rare that the summer solstice and a full moon fall on the same night, but winery manager Norrie Ellington is all too familiar with the curse that supposedly accompanies the event: the death by suffocation of someone in the area. She’s inclined to write the whole thing off as folktale nonsense―until the president of the local historical society is found smothered on that very night. Local law enforcement aren’t quite so superstitious, however, and they’ve pegged a close friend of Norrie’s for the murder.

Determined to discredit the curse and get her friend off the hook, Norrie begins digging into the background of the victim, only to discover that he had no shortage of enemies. And as evidence emerges of his questionable connections and shady dealings, Norrie follows a trail of clues that leads her smack into the racing world at Watkins Glen. She’ll have to shift into overdrive to save her friend, because curse or not, there’s a flesh-and-blood killer dead set on making Norrie the next victim . . .

***

4.5 stars This is the sixth book in the Wine Trail mysteries by J.C. Eaton. The local historian is found dead but there is no lack of suspects wanting to do the deed. The man took his historic opinions to everyone who wanted to add a pool to their land or add a few inches to their porch. He denied all these requests claiming they had to maintain the historic presence of their property. Norrie's brother-in-law is labeled suspect number one after the body of the historian was found near his insect training ground for students. Norrie accidentally makes the police aware of her brother-in-laws closeness to where the body was found. The curse on the two witches land was a pretty entertaining secondary storyline. I even wondered why this series wasn't titled two witches. There are lots of twists and turns as Norrie feels like she must find the real bad guy to clear her brother-in-law. Characterization was great. The victim was probably the best described character. Too bad he's dead. He is one of those people you love to hate. Loving this series for sure. Definitely a series I want to continue with.

If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Varnished Without a Trace (A Tallie Graver Mystery #5) by Misty Simon

Varnished Without a Trace

(A Tallie Graver Mystery #5)

by Misty Simon

Paperback, 304 pages

Expected publication: September 29th 2020by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Goodreads synopsis: 

Her number is up . . .

This Christmas, Tallie Graver would like to take a break from running her cleaning business to be with her boyfriend, Max, and enjoy their first holiday together--alone. Instead, she's stuck keeping her mother and grandmother from duking it out during the town's annual Christmas Eve bingo game. As for festive spirit, she'll have to settle for her mean-spirited Aunt Ronda, whose mouth could use some soap.

The night only gets worse after Tallie discovers Ronda's body. It seems someone cleaned her clock with a can of varnish. While all the evidence points to Ronda's husband, Tallie doesn't

believe her beloved Uncle Hoagie could do such a dirty deed. Of course, his sudden

disappearance doesn't help his case. If Tallie hopes to clear his name, she'll need to dig up some dirt to locate the real killer. Otherwise, someone else could get rubbed out . . 

***

4.5 stars

This is  the fifth book in the Tallie Graver mystery series by Misty Simon.

Tallie has a cleaning business she loves but her family wants her to take her place in their funeral home business. While visiting with her aunt, mother and grandmother during a bingo game, Tallie comes across the dead body of her Aunt Ronda.  Her Uncle Hoagie is suspect number one, then a body turns up they think is him but surprisingly, it is really a very close lookalike. Then they discover Hoagie might not even be related to them at all. What the heck is going on?

I surprisingly enjoyed the back and forth between Tallie’s real job and her family obligation to the funeral home. Plus, all the red herrings and twists and turns kept my attention all the way through. Great characterization. Loving Tallie’s family. They are so dominant here.

I will definitely want to check out the other books in this series just to see what happened in the past. Loving it so far.

If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Suspicious Circumstances (Badge of Honor #4, Harlequin Intrigue) by Rita Herron

Suspicious Circumstances

(Badge of Honor #4, Harlequin Intrigue)

by Rita Herron

ebook, 256 pages

Expected publication: October 1st 2020 by Harlequin Intrigue (first published September 16th 2020)

Goodreads synopsis: 

The fire that killed his father

Also devastated her life.

Searching for anyone who might have information about the hospital fire that killed his father, special agent Liam Maverick asks nurse Peyton Weiss for help in his hunt for answers. But someone doesn’t want Peyton to share what she knows. As the threats against her escalate to attempted murder, Peyton realizes she has no choice but to work with Liam to catch the arsonist. With both of them risking everything for the truth, it becomes a daily struggle to stay alive—and to ignore the sparks flying between them that are hot enough to ignite.

***

4.5 stars

This is  the fourth book in the in the Badge of Honor series in the Harlequin Intrigue line by Rita Herron.

Liam Maverick is looking into a fire that caused the death of his father five years earlier. Peyton has been holding back information after being threatened by a powerful man in town. Things escalate when the powerful man believes Peyton is about to spill her secrets.

There was a lot of back and forth here. Not sure why more tests weren’t run on the deceased  five years earlier. Seems like that info could have nipped all this trauma the characters experienced in the bud.

Even though Peyton quit her nursing job shortly after the fire that caused Liam’s father’s death, the threat still followed her there and brought torment to not only her but her friends and family.

This was definitely a nail-biter and I couldn’t figure out who the bad guy was. And I was floored when the culprit was uncovered.

If you like romantic suspense, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

The Line of Duty (Harlequin Intrigue) by Nichole Severn

The Line of Duty

(Harlequin Intrigue)

by Nichole Severn

Paperback, 256 pages

Expected publication: September 29th 2020by Harlequin Intrigue

Goodreads synopsis: 

Stranded in the Alaskan wilderness,

they must rely on each other to survive.

When Blackhawk operative Vincent Kalani boarded an airplane, he never expected it to crash into the Alaskan mountains. On the ground, by-the-book police officer Shea Ramsey becomes his unlikely partner in survival. Shea was headed to New York to fight for custody of her son, but now she’s fighting for her life with an ex-cop who’s equal parts inscrutable and unpredictable.

***

4.5 stars

This is a book in the Harlequin Intrigue line by Nichole Severn.

This book was pretty convoluted in truth. There was a ton of backstory that happened before the story even started. I felt like I was struggling to keep up. I wasn’t exactly sure how connected Vincent and Shea were but she had a son he didn’t know about so I assumed not as connected as I initially thought.

Shea is heading to New York to go to a hearing so she can retain joint custody with her ex-husband. Apparently, her big secret that has a mental health overtone is what kept her from being the best mom she could be. A lot of the problems she had were of her own making due to this mental health problem. Vincent got burned pretty badly previous to this story starting and it impacted him greatly. Both of these characters have wounds, whether visible or not that have kept them from living their best life.

Life has come full circle here when Vincent’s past collides with Shea’s and they are running for their lives in the mountains, evading the bad guys, trying not to freeze to death and get back to civilization alive.

Definitely a thrilling read. I wish the story had started earlier so I could have learned a lot more about these characters and their pasts.

If you like romantic suspense, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Murder in the Bayou Boneyard (Cajun Country Mystery #6) by Ellen Byron

Murder in the Bayou Boneyard

(Cajun Country Mystery #6)

by Ellen Byron 

Hardcover, 304 pages

Published September 8th 2020 by Crooked Lane Books

Goodreads synopsis: 

Maggie Crozat, proprietor of a historic Cajun Country B&B, prefers to let the good times roll. But hard times rock her hostelry when a new cell phone app makes it easy for locals to rent their spare rooms to tourists. With October--and Halloween--approaching, she conjures up a witch-crafty marketing scheme to draw visitors to Pelican, Louisiana.

Five local plantation B&Bs host "Pelican's Spooky Past" packages, featuring regional crafts, unique menus, and a pet costume parade. Topping it off, the derelict Dupois cemetery is the suitably sepulchral setting for the spine-chilling play Resurrection of a Spirit. But all the witchcraft has inevitably conjured something: her B&B guests are being terrified out of town by sightings of the legendary rougarou, a cross between a werewolf and vampire.

When, in the Dupois cemetery, someone costumed as a rougarou stumbles onstage during the play--and promptly gives up the ghost, the rougarou mask having been poisoned with strychnine, Maggie is on the case. But as more murders stack up, Maggie fears that Pelican's spooky past has nothing on its bloodcurdling present.

***

4.5 stars

This is the sixth book in the Cajun Country mystery series by Ellen Byron.

Basic premise: Maggie searched for her relative and invited her to come to town. Then this relative starts a business just like Maggie’s and then tries to take over their homestead where she has an art studio. Then this same relative is found in a rougarou costume and then collapses dead in the middle of a theatrical performance.

It was hard to figure out who the killer was due to all the twists and turns this story took. Just when you thought you had your head around everything, something else was introduced. This was kind of a real thrill ride. On one hand you had the murder, then on the other hand you had to take into account Maggie’s journey with giving over her business to her friend and then possibly losing her family home to someone she thought was family.

This story does what it is supposed to. It made me fall in love with the residents and want to go back and read the books I had overlooked until now. Definitely a series I want to continue on with

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Death By Sunken Treasure (A Hayden Kent Mystery #2) by Kait Carson

Death By Sunken Treasure

(A Hayden Kent Mystery #2)

by Kait Carson

Paperback, First, 260 pages

Published March 22nd 2016 by Henery Press

Goodreads synopsis: 

When Hayden Kent’s mentor and friend discovers her son Mike’s dead body, dressed in full scuba attire, washed up on Pigeon Key, she needs Hayden. Her paralegal and dive skills may help unravel the tragedy of Mike’s last days. He’d recently discovered a sunken Spanish galleon and rumors that he hit the mother lode ran through the Keys like wildfire.

Hayden’s dive on the treasure site uncovers gold, and clues that Mike’s death was something far more sinister than an accident. When two different wills, both signed the day Mike died, are delivered to the courthouse, the suspect list grows, as do the threats against her. The danger escalates as she tries to save herself, discover the motive, and find the killer. 

***

4.5 stars

This is the second book in the Hayden Kent mysteries by Kait Carson.

Wow, how did it take me so long to read book two in this series? This was a fun and totally surprising ride. I am loving the whole para legal who teaches diving aspect of the story. The series is just filling a void in my life. I just sucked this story up like a well-loved slurpee flavor. I couldn’t read it fast enough. 

There is a huge twist at the end of this that is so surprising you will have to pick your jaw off the floor when it happens. I was like… wait, what are you doing? No, no, it can’t be you! 

This book is so readable and easy to connect with. I just loved it so much. When I realized I still had this in my kindle collection, I had to Gibbs-slap myself. Why hadn’t I picked this one up sooner? I was so enthralled that I wanted… no, I needed a book three only to discover this series stopped after two books back in 2014! Yikes and what? This series can be blockbuster if properly marketed. I posted on Facebook that I was reading this and Kait herself posted to my thread saying that YES, there would be a new book out in 2021! Yay! It will be titled Death Dive! And I cannot wait!

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Gingerdead Man (A Five-Ingredient Mystery #7) by Maya Corrigan

Gingerdead Man

(A Five-Ingredient Mystery #7)

by Maya Corrigan 

Paperback, 304 pages

Expected publication: September 29th 2020by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Goodreads synopsis: 

When Santa is sleighed by a poison gingerbread cookie at a holiday party, Val Deniston's reputation is on the line . . .

This holiday season Bayport, Maryland, is a dead ringer for Victorian London. Val and her grandfather are taking part in the Dickens of a Holiday festival. Val is hosting a private tea party serving the festival's costumed volunteers, who range from Dickens divas like Madame Defarge and Miss Havisham to Ebenezer Scrooge and old St. Nick himself.

But one costumed reveler may have gotten the holidays mixed up. The winner of the creepiest outfit, robed in black with a gift bag covering the head--okay, Ghost of Christmas Present, Val gets it--hands out gingerbread men with white icing skeleton bones. This year's sour Santa has none of the big fellow's mirth but plenty of his appetite, and it's no secret Santa loves cookies. But when the man in red turns blue, Val and Granddad have a cookie-cutter killer to catch before the New Year . . .

Includes delicious five-ingredient recipes!

***

4.5 stars

This is the seventh book in the Five-Ingredient mystery series by Maya Corrigan.

During a holiday festival, Santa meets his demise eating a gingerbread man cookie.

I thought this was a pretty good story. Santa wasn’t quite a Santa. He would have probably been voted least likely candidate due to this real life activities but there is some inkling of his nefarious ways at the beginning.

Val who lives with her grandfather hosts a tea party after the Victorian London-esque affair. This is where Santa bites into a cookie left by the ghost of christmas present who was dressed as a present with a gift bag on their head.

I have read a couple of other mysteries in this line: Crypt Suzette and The Tell-Tale Tart. They have all been equally good and kept my attention all the way through. The mystery was well-plotted and solid. I wasn’t a fan of all the secondary characters but it is the main ones that will keep me coming back. Definitely a series I want to continue to follow.

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Death at the Dance (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #2) by Verity Bright

Death at the Dance

(A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #2)

by Verity Bright

Kindle Edition, 290 pages

Published July 8th 2020 by Bookouture

Goodreads synopsis: 

England, 1920. Lady Eleanor Swift, adventurer extraordinaire and reluctant amateur detective, is taking a break from sleuthing. She’s got much bigger problems: Eleanor has two left feet, nothing to wear and she’s expected at the masked ball at the local manor. Her new beau Lance Langham is the host, so she needs to dazzle.

Surrounded by partygoers with painted faces, pirates, priests and enough feathers to drown an ostrich, Eleanor searches for a familiar face. As she follows a familiar pair of long legs up a grand staircase, she’s sure she’s on Lance’s trail. But she opens the door on a dreadful scene: Lance standing over a dead Colonel Puddifoot, brandishing a silver candlestick, the family safe wide open and empty.

Moments later, the police burst in and arrest Lance for murder, diamond theft and a spate of similar burglaries. But Eleanor is convinced her love didn’t do it, and with him locked up in prison, she knows she needs to clear his name.

Something Lance lets slip about his pals convinces Eleanor the answer lies close to home. Accompanied by her faithful sidekick Gladstone the bulldog, she begins with Lance’s friends – a set of fast driving, even faster drinking, high-society types with a taste for mischief. But after they start getting picked off in circumstances that look a lot like murder, Eleanor is in a race against time to clear Lance’s name and avoid another brush with death…

***

4.5 stars

This is the second book in the Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series by Verity Bright.

I have to say right off the bat that I was not sad that Lance Langham had to spend most of the book in jai. Truthfully, he seems like more of a sidekick character than a love interest. I sam surely rooting for DCI Seldon to fill that true love slot. Definitely on Team Seldon. That part at the end where he warns her and then lets her go, I think my heart just squeezed for his pain. And Eleanor just seemed so oblivious to it. I am not certain what she sees in Lance. I mean, seriously!

I love the character of the butler Clifford. He is just the best and probably a better sidekick than  Lance would ever be. I guess I would put Lance as the comedy relief since that is all he really is for me.

Lance is caught red handed as he attempts to steal his parent’s jewels and blame a thief that has been frequenting the same parties as he and his Bright Young Things group. His parents are in dire financial straights and need the insurance money. I am not sure why the dunderhead just didn’t sell his pretty expensive plane to get the money instead of turning to a life of crime. Anyway, he gets framed for murder while trying to steal the jewels and is sent straight to jail much to DCI Seldon’s pleasure.

I like that Eleanor stand up for her friends and goes to great lengths to prove their innocence but I still have a hard time buying a love story between these two.

Overall, a great read. The mystery is spot on with lots of twists and turns and the characters are ones you look forward to knowing about.

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Murder on Cold Street by Sherry Thomas (Lady Sherlock #5)

Murder on Cold Street

(Lady Sherlock #5)

by Sherry Thomas

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: October 6th 2020 by Berkley Books

Goodreads synopsis: 

Charlotte Holmes, Lady Sherlock, is back solving new cases in the USA Today bestselling series set in Victorian England.

Inspector Treadles, Charlotte Holmes’s friend and collaborator, has been found locked in a room with two dead men, both of whom worked with his wife at the great manufacturing enterprise she has recently inherited.

Rumors fly. Had Inspector Treadles killed the men because they had opposed his wife’s initiatives at every turn? Had he killed in a fit of jealous rage, because he suspected Mrs. Treadles of harboring deeper feelings for one of the men? To make matters worse, he refuses to speak on his own behalf, despite the overwhelming evidence against him.

Charlotte finds herself in a case strewn with lies and secrets. But which lies are to cover up small sins, and which secrets would flay open a past better left forgotten? Not to mention, how can she concentrate on these murders, when Lord Ingram, her oldest friend and sometime lover, at last dangles before her the one thing she has always wanted?

***

4.5 stars

This is the fifth book in the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas.

This book will come out on October 6th and if you are following the series, it starts directly after the goings on in book four. Inspector Treadles has been arrested for the murder of a man at 33 Cold Street. Treadles wife has just come into possession of her father’s company, Cousins, and the troubles she has gives Mr. Treadles a motive for murder.

This is sort of like a locked door mystery. I am not quite certain why Mr. Treadles doesn’t tell his side of the story since that would have nipped all this nonsense in the bud. He just asks for Sherlock’s help and of course, Charlotte cannot deny him since he had been so helpful to her in the past.

I find all the things Charlotte uncovers quite amusing since you just don’t realize people did such things back at the turn of the 19th century. I have always loved the Victorian setting and the connection to Sherlock Holmes. This is well-plotted, filled with vibrant characters that just jump off the page and a wonderful comradery between the cast members who are involved in the storyline.

If you have always wanted to get into historical cozy series, this one would be a good starting point. Start with A Study in Scarlet Woman. You will thank me. 

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas (LadySherlock #3)

The Hollow of Fear

(Lady Sherlock #3)

by Sherry Thomas

Paperback, 329 pages

Published October 2nd 2018 by Berkley

Goodreads synopsis: 

Charlotte Holmes, Lady Sherlock, returns in the Victorian-set mystery series from the USA Today bestselling author of A Conspiracy in Belgravia and A Study in Scarlet Women, an NPR Best Book of 2016.

Under the cover of “Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective,” Charlotte Holmes puts her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. Aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, Charlotte draws those in need to her and makes it her business to know what other people don’t.

Moriarty’s shadow looms large. First, Charlotte’s half brother disappears. Then, Lady Ingram, the estranged wife of Charlotte’s close friend Lord Ingram, turns up dead on his estate. And all signs point to Lord Ingram as the murderer.

With Scotland Yard closing in, Charlotte goes under disguise to seek out the truth. But uncovering the truth could mean getting too close to Lord Ingram—and a number of malevolent forces…

***

4.5 stars

This is the third book in the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas.

In this book Thomas tackles the realm of Moirarty. Here he sort of reminds me of the elusive bad guy that you never really see but you experience all his minions. Long lost brothers and family connections abound in this story.

I have not come across a bad book by Thomas and find this series to be particularly good. Charlotte is pretty quirky and she has a lot of help during her investigations from her sister, Olivia, Mrs. Watson and Lord Ingram. Lord Ingram is my particular favorite. Definitely book boyfriend material for sure!

If you love intricate mysteries, great characterization and a series that does not quit giving you the thrills, this is for you!

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.