A Village Fete Murder by Katie Gayle - Book Review

A Village Fete Murder by Katie Gayle

Series: Julia Bird Mysteries #3 (Standalone)

Genre: Contemporary Cozy Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: A comfort read dealing with a serious topic 

*****

Julia Bird is excited about the village fair at the Berrywick House. The day arrives, and Julia is enjoying the event with Sean on her side. However, the duo ends up discovering a dead body in a maze. The body belongs to none other than Ursula Benjamin, a math teacher at St. Martin’s and a prickly person to anyone who knows her. 

This time, Julia is more than happy to let DI Gibson handle the case. But she can’t help it when her mind refuses to ignore the missing links. After all, she found the body and is involved in the case. With another death occurring in the next few days, can Julia find the killer before murder number three? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Julia Bird. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the third book in the series, and as enjoyable as the previous two. Julia Bird has settled into her village life with a chicken coop, vegetable garden, a part-time job, and her mischievous chocolate Lab, Jake. 

This book blends the case and Julia's personal life. We see some developments in her interactions with her daughter, Jess. The reason for her resigning from her previous job is also revealed. 

The story is compact (200 pages) and has a decent pace. With recurring characters doing their bit and Julia playing sleuth against her wishes, the case is settled to satisfaction. 

What I particularly like in this one is the theme of bullying and its effects on people. Being bullied by schoolmates is one thing. But being bullied by a teacher? The damage can be severe. The book handles the topic with the right touch as required by the genre. It’s not surface level, but it is neither too deep.  

Julia and Sean’s relationship is in the background, pretty much established for what it is for the time being. The focus is much on the case, which is a good thing, given the theme. There’s a small action scene in the climax to make it more interesting.  

To summarize, A Village Fete Murder is a solid continuation of the series, and the characters are settling in real nice. There aren’t many laughs in this one, but Jake and Julia manage to bring out a couple of chuckles. And... do I sense the DI's story coming up?

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #AVillageFeteMurder 

The Widow of Weeping Pines by Amanda McKinney - Book Review

The Widow of Weeping Pines by Amanda McKinney

Publication Date: 02nd Dec 2022

Genre: Psychological Mystery Novella 

2.8 Stars

One Liner: Fast-paced but has weaker second half  

Betty Lou Abbott is a therapist and an author. However, her life is far from simple or normal. She has too many secrets to keep, some of which are in the basement of the house she inherited from her husband. Her fiancé, Ian, seems to have his secrets too, and so does Carmen Marquis, Betty’s client and a bestselling author. Nicholas Stahl is a crooked detective with an agenda of his own. 

The lives of these characters are entangled in a twisty game of cat and mouse. But who is the cat, and who is the mouse? Can a person be both? 

The story comes from the first-person POV of mostly Betty, with a couple of chapters by Nicholas. 

What I Like:  

This is a short book (a novella) with a fast-paced narration. The short chapters further add to its advantage and keep the story going.

The beginning is perfect. It hooks the reader and draws them into the plot while indeed sounding like the narration of a mad woman. In fact, the first half of the book is very good. 

The setting was great, though somehow I feel it isn’t fully utilized to up the atmosphere. Makes sense, given the pacing, though. 

The characters are distinct and show promise of being something unique and powerful. However… (more in the next section.)

The revelations come in stages and are neatly arranged to further the plot. But then… (more in the next section.)

What Didn’t Work for Me:

The last part of the book is more focused on twists and a shocking ending rather than the characters. The story shifts from being something disturbing to a more commonly found trope in domestic thrillers. 

It doesn’t help that the heroine, Betty, is an alcoholic with tons of psychological issues. She is almost always drunk and still manages to act like a functional adult (or so she says). Betty is already an intriguing character. I’d have liked it if she let her craziness stand out on its own without relying on alcohol. 

Detective Nicholas’ arc isn’t explored much. Just when he should have taken over, he gets sidelined. Ian was pretty much a cookie-cutter useless fiancé. Carmen’s character faces the same issue as the detective. They end up more as convenient parts of the plot in the second half. 

A couple of cases go nowhere. While they provide a sort of reference to the hidden side of the involved characters, this could have been achieved without the loose ends. 

I’m not a fan of pull-the-rug twists, which happens here. While I am still okay with it, what disappoints me is the lack of a proper explanation. What’s given might be enough for Betty but not me. 

There are a couple of graphic sex scenes that don’t add much to the plot. These might have worked if the book is longer. The ending is rushed too. Extending this to a book of around 250 pages would have made the characters twisty instead of twisting the plot. 

To summarize, The Widow of Weeping Pines is a fast-paced thriller with a solid first half. The plot has potential, and the writing is easy to read. I’ll check out more books by the author. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HH Tisevich, for the eARC. 

#amandamckinney #NetGalley

***

P.S: That cover is super cool. 

Murder at the Seven Dials by Cara Devlin - Book Review

Murder at the Seven Dials by Cara Devlin

Series: Bow Street Duchess Mystery #1 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 28th Jan 2023

Genre: Historical Mystery 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Interesting start to a new series 

*****

Bow Street Officer Hugh Marsden finds the Duke of Fournier with the murdered body of an opera singer. He arrests the duke, considering it a straightforward case. After all, Hugh got a chance to arrest a peer, and he wasn’t going to let it slip from his hands. 

What he didn’t expect was the Duchess of Fournier, Audrey Sinclair, to take an active role in the case and conduct her own investigation. She knows her husband is innocent and is determined to prove it. What secret ability does the duchess have that she is so sure of the duke’s innocence?

Hugh and Audrey continue to clash even as they work to solve the case for separate reasons. Soon, Hugh realizes that the killer is at large and that joining forces with Audrey is the only way to keep her safe. With secrets to safeguard and protect from each other, can the duo solve the case before either of them is targeted by the killer? 

The story comes from a limited third-person POV of Hugh and Audrey. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a steady-paced mystery with the right elements of danger, intrigue, and a touch of paranormal abilities. The story starts strong and continues to keep us hooked.

Audrey is no dainty flower, but she isn’t strong either. She is a mix of determination, vulnerability, fear, and stupidity. Audrey’s reasons justify her actions even if some of her decisions make us shake our heads and roll our eyes. 

Hugh’s character arc is well-done. He isn’t without faults but is also quick to acknowledge his mistakes. His murky past adds a layer of intrigue and makes him a sort of brooding hero from the regency era. The primary difference, of course, lies in the fact that Hugh is not one of the ton. 

The plot manages to create a subtle tension between the lead pair without overdoing it (given their character backgrounds). It has Lady Julia Grey (series by Deanna Raybourn) vibes, so I’m curious to see how this will be handled in the next books.

The mystery progresses well, revealing information in bits and pieces. I like how the suspect changes with each revelation. The paranormal element is just there, enough to show us what the duchess can and cannot do. 

As the first book in the series, it hits the right notes with ease. It provides enough backstory about the characters to set the stage and solve the case. 

To summarize, Murder at the Seven Dials is a well-written historical mystery with a good pace, an engaging plotline, and interesting characters. I look forward to reading the next book soon. 

Thank you, NetGalley and BooksGoSoical, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MurderattheSevenDials 

Night Wherever We Go by Tracey Rose Peyton - Book Review

Night Wherever We Go by Tracey Rose Peyton

Genre: Historical Fiction 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Hard-hitting and well-written 

*****

**The review and the book contain triggers.**

*****

The plantation is struggling in the Texas weather. Six enslaved women gather in the nearby forest in secret to find a way to overcome their problems. The plantation owners, the Lucys, have decided to breed slaves by hiring a 'stockman' to impregnate them. The women are determined to prevent this. 

A pregnancy will mean more such attempts until their bodies give up. However, being caught has deadly consequences, as slaves have no rights. Can the women win this uneven fight with the Lucys? 

The story comes in the first-person plural and third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

It’s not always that I don’t know what to say about a book I’ve read. Night The premise says it is a tale of Black women enslaved, humiliated, tortured, and abused by their owners. However, it is so much more! 

The narration is the highlight of the book. It’s a perfect mix of detached and personal. The reader is compelled to feel the pain but doesn’t get drowned by drama. In fact, there is no drama, even with the scope for it. I love how the narration is taut and a little meandering at the same time. This blend of contrasting styles somehow works to create the right impact on the reader. 

Though there are six women slaves mentioned, not all have an equal role. A couple of them stand out, a couple of them walk in and out whenever necessary, and the others fade into the background. This works to keep the focus on the main plot and how it unravels as the story progresses. 

As a reader, you know which character is doing something that could hurt them all. But you also know the reason for it and feel doubly sad. You want to know what happens at the end, but you also don’t want to know. 

Another interesting aspect is the importance of their rituals. Some of them are Christians but still hold on to their pagan roots. Some blend and merge all rituals, trying to gain what little comfort they can from any God willing to listen. 

Though the women are bound by common circumstances like slavery and abuse, they come from different backgrounds and experiences. Despite their shared sisterhood, they have arguments, fights, and secrets that bring the necessary action to advance the plot. They are a unit but with independent minds, thoughts, and ideas. This makes the characters more realistic and impactful. 

With so much to love about this hard-hitting story, why did I round it down to 4 stars? The ending. 

It is good and not good. I went in prepared for it. After all, there aren’t many options here. So, that part is good. However, there’s a split, which somehow left me feeling lost as the read the last page. I can’t explain without revealing spoilers, but a sudden new thread takes the reader out of the scene. Though it ties up with the plot, it removes the focus from the main characters. Though the POV shifts again, the momentum is lost. 

To summarize, Night Wherever We Go is a wonderful book about the lives of slaves on plantations and their constant fight for freedom. Using a setting like Texas and a smaller plantation with a handful of slaves makes the book more personal and poignant. I look forward to reading more by the author. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Ecco, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

*****

P.S: As you would have guessed, the book has many triggers, ranging from domestic abuse to forced sex and more. 

The Convict's Canal by Julia Golding - Book Review

Jane Austen Investigates: The Convict's Canal by Julia Golding

Series: Jane Austen Investigates #3 (Standalone)

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Delightful entertainer (but needs a different blurb) 

Jane and her older sister Cassandra, get an invitation to visit their brother Henry at Oxford. The duo takes the trip with their father, intent on having a great time. Jane is excited but also sad that girls aren’t allowed to study at universities. 

They find out that the Oxford canal terminus is being constructed, employing convicts as laborers. Jane comes across a rude convict, Gardiner, and has pretty strong opinions about many things (nothing new for our darling Jane). However, the convict escapes, and Jane comes across certain information. She might have to step into the much-needed investigation and get to the bottom of the truth. Is the thirteen-year-old Jane up for the task? 

The story comes in the third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I’ve been looking forward to the third book in this series for a while now. When I saw it on NetGalley, I grabbed it right away. It is pure fun reading and imagining Jane Austen as a cheeky, witty, and naughty young teen, planning & writing stories for her family, being the unruly child with strong feminist opinions and a nose that’s too curious for her own good. 

This book can be read as a standalone, though it will help to have an idea about the ‘Austen family’ here. They are such an interesting lot! 

However, this book differs from the previous ones in terms of the mystery aspect. The central event doesn’t occur until the second half. The entire mystery and investigation occur in the last 35% of the book. 

The first half is all about setting up the stage at Oxford. There are enough laughs and antics to keep us entertained but no mystery. If you go into the book looking for a case right away, you might be disappointed. (The blurb needs to be reworked to focus on Jane’s exploration of Oxford rather than the mystery). 

I’m not too bothered this time because I already know the characters and like them with or without mystery. Cassandra is growing up to be a level-headed sixteen-year-old who knows when to let Jane convince with her schemes and when to take control. 

The banter between the Austen family members is a treat to read. Jane’s letters are just as fun (and the drawings are funnier). Mr. Austen (a reverend) has a major role in this book (given the context), and he proves himself to be a wonderful parent (in many ways). 

Of course, feminist themes weave in and out of the plot- from girls not having the opportunity to go to university (and even stay here overnight) to how the men (& women) expect young girls to be stupid and incapable of thinking about anything except suitors. Since this is MG fiction, the topics are handled with a light and humorous touch. 

The ending is a little easy compared to reality. Not complaining, though. It suits the genre, and there’s enough heaviness to indicate that things don’t always have a happy ending. 

To summarize, The Convict’s Canal is a solid continuation of the series and is highly enjoyable. I wish the book was a little longer and gave more space to the mystery. If you want to read about young Jane Austen playing Agatha Christie, this series is for you. 

Thank you, NetGalley, SPCK Children's, and Lion Hudson, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #JaneAustenInvestigates 

*****

P.S: This is a small and fast-paced book you can complete in a couple of hours. 

The Cottage by the Loch by Kennedy Kerr - Book Review

The Cottage by the Loch by Kennedy Kerr

Series: Loch Caremon #1 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 24th Jan 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Romane

3.3 Stars 

One Liner: Got its moments but hit the mark 

*****

Zelda Hicks reaches Scotland (much against her wishes) to complete a work-related project. She is grieving her mother’s death and doesn’t want anything to do with Scotland as it reminds her of her father’s abandonment and his roots. 

However, a couple of unexpected events extend her stay in Scotland. Zelda begins to make friends and use her professional expertise to help the friendly local people. She isn’t short of admirers either. The super-friendly Ryan and the grumpy Laird Hal seem to like her.

When one of her projects reveals a hidden connection to the past, Zelda has to decide if she is ready to embrace her past and heal her wounds or if she wants to ignore them and walk away. And what about her love life? 

The story comes in Zelda’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I’m glad I didn’t reread the blurb before starting the book. Though it does talk of the plot, it also creates a very different impression of what to expect. The said incident doesn’t happen until after 55%. I’d have been disappointed if I focused on the blurb. (Someone rewrite it, please!)

The book is primarily women’s fiction with a good dose of romance. Zelda isn’t bothered to find her Scottish father. Quite the contrary, in fact. She has her reasons, so the focus is on her life (career and the two love interests with secrets of their own). 

The setting is beautiful. I loved reading about the landscape, the unpredictable weather, and the beauty of the looming castle. The descriptions are vivid without feeling OTT. 

The side characters are sweet and friendly and display the small-town charm with ease. Dotty, Fiona, and Gretchen’s personalities stand out throughout the book. Emery is another sweet character, Zelda’s friend from NY (where she lives & works). 

The theme of grieving a lost dear one takes different angles in this book. It shows how people react in their own ways when faced with heartbreaking situations. 

I’m not fond of a love triangle (which, again, is not mentioned in the blurb). Zelda is annoying in this aspect. The number of times she says she doesn’t trust one of them based on what the other said got a little too much. And yeah, her first-person POV sounds immature and whiny in this aspect. 

A simple rule: when you keep your options open, you don’t get annoyed when you see one of them with another woman and make assumptions. 

I do like that her character is not perfect. She has good and not-so traits. Fortunately, her good traits include a great eye for detail, enthusiasm to take up projects, and a helpful nature. She uses her expertise to promote the castle and help a couple of others. Her character shines in such scenes. Also, she establishes boundaries well and doesn’t hesitate to put people in place if they try to take advantage. 

Hal Cameron is probably the typical hero with a grumpy exterior and a gooey heart. He isn’t insulting or demeaning, which is a plus. In fact, I like him more than Zelda (hey, no judging!). 

There’s one totally unnecessary sentence that I dislike (hate) in the book. It does nothing for the plot. It could have been better presented. 

The book has an HFN ending, and the story will continue in book two. I will give it a shot, mainly for Hal and Scotland. 

To summarize, The Cottage by the Loch is a decent contemporary romance if you enjoy love triangle plots and the beautiful Scottish setting. 

Thank you, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheCottagebytheLoch