Shadow at the Morgue by Cara Devlin - Book Review

Series: Spencer & Reid Mysteries #1

Publication Date: 25th Jan 2025 

Genre: Dark Historical Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Intriguing 

1884

Leonora Spencer, a twenty-five-year-old, has been haunted by the unsolved mystery of her family’s death for years. She is her uncle’s apprentice and helps him perform post-mortems of the dead (police surgeon) and keep the records. What starts as a simple thievery in the morgue leads to a potential gang war. No way, Leonora (Leo) is going to sit idle and let others lead. 

Jasper Reid became the Inspector after his father’s retirement. As someone born and bred on the streets, he is determined to keep his past separate from his present. He would abide by the laws and follow the rules. However, when Leo doesn’t let him handle the investigation alone, Jasper needs to uncover the mystery quickly. After all, both their lives are in danger. 

The story comes in Leo and Jasper’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

I read the first book of the author’s previous series (Bow Street Duchess) with a grand plan to continue with all the subsequent books. But I couldn’t do it back then, so one day, I’ll binge on those books. Now, I’m again determined to follow this series and read all the books around the release dates. Fingers crossed! 

Since this is the first of the series, it takes time to establish the setting and the backstories of the characters. There’s some repetition as well but considering the steady pace and action, it doesn’t bother me much. 

Leo and Jasper are intriguing characters with dark pasts. They are currently frenemies and likely to become lovers as the series progresses. The tension is easy enough to spot, though I guess it’ll take them a while to make the move. Not gonna deny I’m looking forward to seeing how it unfolds (I have three theories already). 

Admittedly, I oscillated between liking Leo and Jasper, though both are decent. Jasper’s backstory is bound to be as interesting as Leo’s. Likely that these will form the overarching plot and will be resolved closer to the end of the series. 

The mystery starts out simple but gets complex as new details emerge. Leo does act impulsively and needs to keep her mouth shut sometimes. Hopefully, she’ll learn that some information should be kept secret when an investigation is underway. It’s not like she can’t keep a secret! Jasper scores higher in this area. 

The book ends on the right note. The case has been solved, though a couple of teeny questions don’t get answers. I presume we’ll meet one of those characters again and know more. Let’s see. 

There are too many characters, and some of them will be regular repeats. Makes sense since there are police, and they have a fairly large staff. 

To summarize, Shadow at the Morgue is a solid start to a new historical mystery set in the darker side of London. The next book will be out in March, so I hope to get the ARC in Feb! 

I have to mention that I don’t like this new trend where Indian women seem to fall head over heels in love with the colonizers (Britishers).  There may have been a few cases but let’s be honest. Many women were forcefully kept as mistresses by the white rulers to enjoy in another country while their dainty wives lived in England. I’m sure it’s the same in most countries they plundered. It wasn’t just the natural resources they abused. 

Thank you, BookSirens and the author, for eARC. 

If the Ring Fits by Camilla Isley - Book Review

Series: Funny Feelings #2 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 25th Jan 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Cute! 

Investment banker Adrian is a high-profile CIO with a successful career and no personal life. He is confident in his abilities but finds out he needs to impress his CEO and comes up with a non-existent fiancée.  Where can he find one now? 

Rowena is a software engineer who finds out she is pregnant with her douchebag ex’s child and loses her job on the same day. When her path crosses with Adrain, he offers an agreement that could help her find her feet. 

Will the fake engagement and marriage lead to true love? 

The story comes in Rowena and Adrain’s first-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

The book is standalone. I didn’t read the previous book in the series but it didn’t affect my enjoyment. 

The beginning is quite a hook. The first chapter starts at ‘present’ of sorts and has high tension ending with a cliffhanger. Then, we get the flashback from both POVs. 

The book combines quite a few tropes – fake dating/ marriage, age gap (11 years), one bed, surprise pregnancy, women in STEM, etc. I like that the age gap is not emphasized much after the initial mention. It doesn’t as such have a vital role but kinda makes the MMC appear mature. 

Though the FMC is in STEM, it plays a relatively moderate role in the plot. This one focuses on their fake relationship and her pregnancy most of the time. 

The FMC is cute enough, though I’m not sure the nickname suits her. She doesn’t really come across as Sunshine. Makes sense considering she has enough concerns about her future. She is quirky but even that doesn’t exactly hit right. We are told her ex didn’t like her humor but it wasn’t that weird, IMO. However, I chuckled a few times so the banter was fun to read. 

The side characters are interesting (one couple is from the previous book). Another couple from a different book (I read that one!) also made a guest appearance. It was a nice surprise. Of course, the ex was a huge jerk (pretty stereotypical and has a teeny part). 

Despite the sexual tension, the book ended up being closed door. Strange! Those who want to read the ‘action’ can subscribe to her newsletter. 

The pacing is decent, moderate to fast, and keeps the story moving. Despite being the archetype, the MMC displays good growth. I like that it is steady and aligns with who he appears to be. No immature drama either (from his side). 

To summarize, If the Ring Fits is an entertaining and cute romance if you enjoy the said tropes. It has a few issues but is a satisfactory read overall. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #IfTheRingFits

Death in the Hills by Kate Wells - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: Malvern Farm Mystery #4

Publication Date: 07th Jan 2025

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/DeathHills

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214283909-death-in-the-hills

Genre: Small Town Dark Cozy Mystery

4 Stars

One Liner: Another good mystery

Book Blurb:

This is no peaceful walk in the countryside…

When Jude Gray and DI Binnie Khatri join a local walking group, their expectations for a peaceful outing to the Malvern Hills take a grim turn. Arguments abound, and the hike ends in tragedy when one of the walkers is found dead in her car.

Initially ruled as an accident, Jude's instincts tell her there’s more to the story.

As Jude and Binnie dig deeper, they uncover tensions and secrets within the group. From hidden affairs to longstanding rivalries, it becomes clear this death was no accident.

With each revelation, the danger grows. Can Jude and Binnie unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again?

A gripping addition to the Malvern Farm Mystery series, perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, Merryn Allingham, and Faith Martin.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Jude’s third-person POV.

This is the fourth book in the series but the mystery works as a standalone. It is a dark cozy, so there might be a couple of triggers.

It doesn’t take long to notice that things aren’t great with the walking group. The characters stand out making it easy to track who is who despite being introduced to a bunch of them at once.

Jude and Binnie give everything to investigate the case(s) as always. Of course, Jude does a lot more since she is the heroine of the series. She also has a farm to manage and a neverending list of tasks.

I like that Granny Margot has more presence in the book. Moreover, she shares vital insights that guide Jude in a new direction. Hoping to read more of her in the coming books.

The reveal comes in stages with a few red herrings and keeps the reader hooked. While the details and the rest make sense, I wish they weren’t revealed so easily (yeah, there’s some risk involved but still).

Jude seems to be in two minds about her love life or the lack of it. I can’t understand her thought process here. It’s too mercurial. Since I didn’t particularly like Marco, I don’t care one way or the other.

The family element really shines. Jude’s relationship with her sister, nephew, and Noah is heartwarming. I like the progress here. An important step for sure.

In the author’s note, the author mentions there will be eight more books (the series should conclude by the end of 2027). Count me in!  

To summarize, Death in the Hills is steady-paced dark cozy mystery with enough secrets and suspects to keep you reading.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Kate Wells

Kate Wells is the author of a number of well-reviewed books for children and is now writing a new cozy crime series set in the Malvern Hills, inspired by the farm where she grew up. Boldwood has published the first title, Murder at Malvern Farm, in August 2023.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @KateWellsPoels

Twitter: @KatePoels

Instagram: @KatePoelsWrites

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateWellsNews

Bookbub Profile: @katewellscrime

***

This has been a stop on the #DeathInTheHills blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by!

The One Before the One by Emma Cooper - Book Review

Publication Date: 31st Jan 2025

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Got potential but ends up lukewarm 

Seven years ago, Liv’s boyfriend, Kit, disappeared on a hike. With help from dear ones, she moved on in her life. On the morning of her wedding with James (Kit’s brother), Liv steps out of the doorway and goes back in time - to six days before Kit disappeared. 

Liv is reliving those same six days again. She needs to get it right to save Kit. Can Liv save Kit? And if she does, whom will she choose? 

The story comes from Liv and another character’s first-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

So this has a sort of time-slip/ time travel/Groundhog Day (without multiple loops) story where the FMC travels to the past to relive six days before an event that changes her future forever. 

I grabbed the book despite my dislike for love triangles as I was curious to see how the time travel part was handled. There wasn’t any explanation given but I wasn’t confused when the shift happened. 

The writing is quite descriptive and lyrical. While this gave us some lovely quotes, it also took up a lot of space. Some scenes stretched while others ended quickly, so essentially, we have uneven pacing. 

Liv was decent and I liked her enough. Seeing the shift in her was interesting. James should have had more space. TBH, it doesn’t make much sense that we don’t get more than a couple scenes with Liv and James but are told many times about their love. Compared to this, Kit and Liv have so many scenes! 

However, my major issue with the book is the excessive limelight on Kit. Kit this, Kit that, oh gosh! I mean okay, he was put on a pedestal, but everyone and we get hints about his flaws but all those should have been used in the plot at some point. Why raise so many questions but not deal with any of them when there’s a chance for it? The same with the mother’s actions. No one even questions it after the truth is out. No comeuppance? 

As much as I appreciate the intent of not taking sides, I need details sorted properly. Don’t raise those questions if you don’t want to address them. Simple as that! 

Moreover, even the epilogue takes the focus away from the central plot. This is supposed to be Liv’s story. Her past and present and how she navigates through the muddle when she gets a second chance. 

Ava was actually a great character. It’s a pity that she doesn’t have more meaningful conversations with Liv and help her look at things from another perspective.  

There isn’t much romance as such but it is there. Since I already picked my choice, I wasn’t interested in what we got. At least, I’m glad that there is one grand gesture (feels like a consolation prize but I’ll take it). 

To summarize, The One Before the One has a great premise and raises many vital points only to brush them off. With just one more chapter, all of it could have been sorted and the book would have had a more balanced and stronger ending. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheOneBeforeTheOne

The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder by Clare Chase - Book Review

Series: Bella Winter Mystery #2 

Publication Date: 17th Jan 2025 

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Nice enough! 

Hope Eaton, the cozy little town, is all geared up for May Day to climb the hill to Sweet Agnes’ Spring and watch the first days of sunlight bless their land. Bella Winters, the owner of the new antique store, joins the group and feels the effort was worth it. She also sees one of the residents, Mary Roberts bullied by a young man. Mary seems to take the legends seriously even if Bella thinks it is all nonsense. 

However, the threat is real when Mary is found dead in her home, the cottage she was ready to sell. A statue of Sweet Agnes is missing from her home. Bella decides to investigate since the police are too busy. There is no lack of suspects after all! Soon, Bella realizes there’s a lot she needs to find out before the clues lead her to the killer. 

The story comes in Bella’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone but it might help to read the first one as well (there are too many characters to track). 

In some ways, the book is good. The mystery is twisted and has many threads. There are quite a few red herrings, too. The reveal and conclusion are solid. They make sense and bring everything together. 

However, what I loved in the first book was missing here. The FMC does run her shop, but we get very little detail about the antique pieces or sales. Moreover, she is more worried about the case than her livelihood. She may be her father’s daughter (her dad was a sergeant) but even she needs money to live and that wouldn’t come if she had to shut the store. A bit of balance would have helped. 

The slow pacing continues but I got better at reading the writing style. Still, I wish it was a bit lighter and flows faster. I like dark cozies but this is just heavy in text and not really dark. 

The side characters are a part of the series. John seems to be a little better. Matt has a bit more space in this one, and I hope we get to see him more. He does sound like an interesting guy, never mind the FMC’s judgmental tone whenever she thinks/ talks of him. 

I did enjoy the conversations with the DI. It is frustrating for the character but fun in a twisted way, especially since… no spoilers! 

To summarize, The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder is a slow-paced cozy mystery with many red herrings and twists. While I liked it enough, I can’t say I love it. That said, I’ll read the next book to see how things go. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheAntiqueStoreDetectiveAndTheMayDayMurder

Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett - Book Review

Series: Emily Wilde #3 (Not Standalone)

Publication Date: 11th Feb 2025 

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Romance 

3.2 Stars 

One Liner: Oh, Emily! 

Emily and Wendell (with some reinforcements) enter his kingdom to stake claim to the throne. Of course, it’s not easy. Emily, with all her scholarly interest in the fae world, doesn’t feel comfortable being a queen. However, she has no time to deal with this. Wendell’s stepmother has placed a curse on the kingdom. They need to use all her knowledge and Wendell’s powers to break the curse and save the kingdom. 

The story comes in Emily’s first-person (through her journal writings). 

My Thoughts: 

Well, I’ve been excited to read this since I finished book #2. I had to wait for a while but I did get approved for the ARC and then planned a buddy read with Rosh (we read the previous books together). Sadly, the results are mixed. 

The book takes off where the second one ends (though it took me some time to remember that part). Anyway, I soon got into the setting and the mood. The stakes were high this time, and I was ready for a lot of danger and action. 

Somehow, the pacing was decent for the first 10% and then became slower than a snail. Since the previous two were also slow, I was sort of used to it. It does get better in the last quarter. 

There’s some action here and there with Wendell showcasing his swordsmanship. However, it is not as much as I hoped for. 

But… my major disappointment comes from the execution of the premise. The stepmother’s curse, fighting her, etc., should have been more gripping and engaging. Instead, we get a mild version (the whole book has YA vibes) with more focus on scholarly research than actual implementation. Balancing both elements might have helped. The action, when it takes place, is short and over in a few paragraphs. Easy peasy and convenient! 

Instead of having so many developments and rushing through them with easy solutions, there should have been one or two tension-filled dark scenes with details. 

For a book with such high stakes, the approach is more of a cozy fantasy. This was supposed to be the last of the trilogy, but I feel there will be more books. Even the open-ish ending (also lukewarm) gives the same feeling. 

What with Emily and Wendell being a couple, we don’t get much banter either. Also, they don’t spend time together much. The only highlight of this is Wendell’s letters to Emily. Those were adorable. 

Shadow and Orga were cool (Orga was a lot more fun). Poe had a tiny role but shined in it. Snowball had more space and brought some laughs. Not sure about say about Deilah’s character either. What was the purpose? It would make sense if there was another book with her having some role. She couldn’t have been only for comic relief surely? 

To summarize, Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales wasn’t as good as the previous books but managed to be a decent read. I like it okay but man, I wanted so much more! Might as well give us book four next. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Del Rey), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #EmilyWildesCompendiumofLostTales