book review – Page 8

I’m reviewing Rebellion by Richard Cullen, the first part in a new historical fiction action and adventure series set in the thirteenth century #blogtour #histfic

Here’s the blurb

The start of an epic new historical adventure series from Richard Cullen introducing The Black Lion

As war approaches, the lion will roar…

1213AD.

King Richard the Lionheart is dead, and his brother, John Lackland, sits uneasily upon the throne of England.

Across the sea, Prince Louis, heir to the powerful King Philip Augustus of France, looks to King John’s crown with a covetous eye.

But King John must be wary of rebellion, as well as invasion, for even his own barons would see their king unseated, and the French pretender put in his place.

Thrust amid this tumult is young Estienne Wace, orphan squire to Earl William Marshal – the greatest knight to ever serve the kings of England, and one of the few men who still holds faith in King John’s rule.

Raised by Marshal as his ward, Estienne must prove himself worthy of his adopted father’s name, but acceptance may be the least of his troubles. War is looming, as usurpers emerge from every quarter, determined to steal England’s crown from its most wretched king.

Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden.

Cover image for Rebellion by Richard Cullen

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/RebellionSocial

My Review

Rebellion by Richard Cullen is the first in a new series featuring young Estienne, an orphan sent to be raised in the household of the fabulous William Marshal in the final troubled years of King John’s reign. (You may have noticed that I’m a huge William Marshal fan—I wasn’t expecting to find him in this book, so I was very pleased.)

Estienne quickly makes an enemy for himself in the form of one of the other squires while showing his loyalty and fierce desire to succeed. In the process, he wins the high regard of William Marshal and two of his older sons.

The story is very busy. A lot is happening as rebellion against King John builds, and there’s the threat of invasion from France, and Estienne finds himself at the heart of much of it. This leads to some good battle scenes and harsh depictions of life in a siege. I did feel a bit sorry for his poor horse and the miles he had to journey. Although I knew the period’s history, I still found it very enjoyable to follow Estienne’s role in it all. He does witness many of the major elements and, of course, gets to face off against his enemy, although he never discovers his identity.

This is a thrilling start to a new series, and I’m excited to see what happens to Estienne in the future. It is sure to appeal to fans of the genre and those interested in the events of King John’s reign. And, we can’t forget, it features the fabulous William Marshal in all his wonderful glory.

Meet the author

Richard Cullen is a writer of historical adventure and epic fantasy. His historical adventure series Chronicles of the Black Lion is set in thirteenth-century England.

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Check out my review for Angel of Death by Rob Sinclair #blogtour #thriller #newrelease

Here’s the blurb

Ismail Karaman is one of the deadliest terrorists in recent history. So why is he free to float around the Persian Gulf on his luxury yacht?
Ex intelligence agent James Ryker thinks he knows why, and the answer lies at the corrupt heart of the SIS. Ryker isn’t one to let the bad guys get away with murder, but Karaman has many enemies, and one in particular will make all their lives much more complicated…
They call her the Angel of Death – a former agent whose last encounter with Karaman cost her everything, and left her in a Lebanese prison cell. Now she’s free, and with nothing else to lose, she’s determined to get her revenge… whatever it takes.
Ryker and the Angel may have the same target, but that doesn’t mean they’re on the same side. Who will reach Karaman first? And who will still be standing when the bodies pile up?

Cover image for Angel of Death by Rob Sinclair

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/angelofdeathsocial

My Review

Angel of Death is the 12th book in the James Ryker series and a very entertaining read.

I’ve only read one previous book in the series, and I found this one to be a much slicker and more engaging read with our two main characters, Ryker and Angel, alternating points of view. It’s quite a globe-trotter, although much of the action takes place in the UK, but a UK told very much through American eyes (and with US spelling)- including gas stations and quite a few handguns. That said, the narrative is good enough for these things to pass me by with only a slight chuckle as the action ramps up.

Ryker is as violent as in the previous book, but he might just have met his match in Angel of Death.

This is a really solid read, sure to appeal to fans of the genre and those looking for an action-packed thriller.

Check out my reviews for The Green Viper and Rogue Hero.

Meet the author

Rob Sinclair is the million copy bestseller of over twenty thrillers, including the James Ryker series. Rob previously studied Biochemistry at Nottingham University. He also worked for a global accounting firm for 13 years, specialising in global fraud investigations.

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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rob-sinclair

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I’m delighted to be reviewing The Cursed Writer by Holly Hepburn #histfic #cosycrime #1930s

Here’s the blurb

Harriet White is no stranger to odd correspondence. Ensconced in the basement of the Baker Street building society, her job is to reply to the mail they receive on behalf of Sherlock Holmes.

But while letters to the fictional sleuth may be plentiful, telegrams are rare, and so when she receives one describing the grave situation of celebrated author Philip St John, her interest is piqued. The writer describes St John as being consumed by terror, seeing ghostly apparitions on the fens, and only at ease in the company of his loyal wolfhound.

Before long, Harry finds herself in Cambridgeshire under the guise of being Holmes’ assistant. The residents of Thurmwell Manor believe their master is cursed. Harry is sure there must be a logical explanation, but inside the echoey halls of the grand gothic house, her confidence in science and reason begin to crumble…

Can Harry solve the mystery before the fens claim their next victim?

Join Harriet White in 1930’s London for another glorious Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, for fans of Nita Prose and Janice Hallett.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/thecursedwritersocial

My Review

The Cursed Writer is the second book in the Baker Street Mysteries. I’ve read book 1. Check out the review for The Missing Maid.

Events start immediately after the end of book 1, with our detective Harry returning to her poky office after the thrilling ending to her first mystery. She could be forgiven for being a little glum when she finds herself typing the same reply to every message she receives, but never fear—an urgent telegram soon lifts her from her melancholy. It has her adopting her detecting hat once more.

This time, we’re taken to the Fens in Cambridgeshire to investigate a strange mystery surrounding the sudden change in author Philip St John’s demeanour. His nephew desperately seeks the aid of celebrated detective Sherlock Holmes at 221B Baker Street. So desperately, he’s prepared to spend the money to send a telegram and not just a letter. And not just one, but two! While Harry tries to determine how she can uncover more about the telegram without revealing that Holmes is, of course, a fictional character, she is also embroiled in a few other little mysteries, which, for some time, appear irrelevant but offer excellent continuity from book one until they become increasingly relevant.

Harry’s two trips to the Fens are very Holmesesque, providing us with an eerie atmosphere in the depths of winter, and it felt very true to form.

The mystery elements themselves are very well strung together, and while I might have guessed part of the solution, the eventual conclusion was even better than I could have hoped.

This was a thrilling continuation of the Baker Street Mysteries. I was entirely hooked and devoured the story in a few sittings.

Cover image for The Cursed Writer by Holly Hepburn

Meet the author

Holly Hepburn writes escapist, swoonsome fiction that sweeps her readers into idyllic locations, from her native Cornwall to the windswept beauty of Orkney. She has turned her hand to cosy crime inspired by Sherlock Holmes himself. Holly lives in leafy Hertfordshire with her adorable partner in crime, Luna the Labrador.

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https://bit.ly/HollyHepburnNews

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I’m delighted to welcome a returning Helen Golden to the blog with her new book, A Death of Fresh Air. #bookreview #cosymystery

Here’s the blurb

In a charming seaside town, secrets don’t stay buried for long…

Body of Chef Found in Wall Three Years After He ‘Left to go to Australia’

Human remains found inside the wall of a disused building have now been identified as those of Victor Blackwell. He was the head chef at Windstanton’s The Seaside Lounge until just over three years ago, when, according his friends, he left for a job in Australia. Detective Inspector Albert Finch from Fenshire’s Cold Case Unit has asked for anyone who has information about the chef’s movements three years ago to come forward.

We have no choice! With only three weeks until the Grand Opening, the last thing Bea and Perry need is the grim discovery of a skeleton in the wall of Simon and Ryan’s soon-to-open restaurant, SaltAir. But when it’s designated a crime scene, and the policeman in charge of the investigation into Vic’s murder refuses to let them have access to continue the refurbishment, they have no other option than to investigate the murder themselves or risk letting Simon and Ryan down.

But in a town where everyone harbours secrets, can they uncover the truth in time or will SaltAir’s opening be a damp squib?

Cover image for A Death of Fresh Air by Helen Golden. Part of the A Right Royal Cozy Investigation Mystery series

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Fresh-Right-Investigation-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CWVGLW2Y

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Fresh-Right-Investigation-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CWVGLW2Y

My Review

A Death of Fresh Air is the new book in the Right Royal Cozy Mystery series. I’ve read all the previous books and love the series and characters. It’s always a treat to have a new one to devour.

The new book begins with the chance discovery of a man believed to have left the country three years before. What follows is typical of Bea and Perry’s determination to solve the mystery of how the body ended up in the new restaurant, who put it there, and why the poor man had to die. Never to be put off by looming deadlines, our intrepid duo, ably assisted by some of our series regulars, get to work. And the story that unfolds is as complex and satisfying as other books in the series. I enjoy these stories because the solutions never feel contrived while remaining complex. The solution is never easy.

While all this is happening, both Bea and Perry are contending with challenges in their personal lives as well, which moves the series on but never overwhelms the mystery. I think it’s a tough balancing act, and Helen Golden manages it perfectly.

Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

Check out my reviews for the other books in this fabulous series.

Spruced Up For Murder

For Richer, For Deader

Not Mushroom For Death

A Dead Herring

A Cocktail to Die For

Meet the author

Hello. I’m Helen Golden. I write British contemporary cozy whodunnits with a hint of humour. I live in small village in Lincolnshire in the UK with my husband, my step-daughter, her two cats, our two dogs, sometimes my step-son, and our tortoise.

I used to work in senior management, but after my recent job came to a natural end I had the opportunity to follow my dreams and start writing. It’s very early in my life as an author, but so far I’m loving it.

It’s crazy busy at our house, so when I’m writing I retreat to our caravan (an impulsive lockdown purchase) which is mostly parked on our drive. When I really need total peace and quiet, I take it to a lovely site about 15 minutes away and hide there until my family runs out of food or clean clothes

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Today I’m delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for new historical mystery, Poison in Piccadilly by Kelly Oliver #blogtour #BoldwoodBooks

Here’s the blurb

London 1918: Is Fiona Figg ready to exchange her sleuthing cap for a bridal veil?

Fiona is set to tie the knot with her dashing captain, Archie Somersby. But, while Fiona is busy planning her happily ever after, side-kick Kitty Lane and a group of judo-chopping suffragettes are kicking up trouble at the Piccadilly Jujitsu Club.

When Kitty is found unconscious in the locker room during a high-stakes competition, Fiona must forsake her bouquets and bridal gown to investigate. Her sleuthing leads to a posh lady’s luncheon where a mysterious death crashes Fiona’s wedding plans.

To make matters worse, the arch-nemesis of all things matrimonial Fredrick Fredricks is up to his old tricks, attempting to put the brakes on Fiona’s journey down the aisle. Will he succeed in tripping up Fiona’s wedding vows? Or will she finally say “I don’t” to the charming devil?

Graphic for Poison in Piccadilly by Kelly Oliver

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/poisonpiccadillysocial

Cover image for Poison in Piccadilly by Kelly Oliver

My Review

Poison in Piccadilly is the latest Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane mystery. I’ve read them all.

Told with its tongue-in-cheek humour and with Fiona’s penchant for fake moustaches never far away, this story is set mostly in London, with a quick trip to Ireland, and in a role-reversal, sees Kitty requiring Fiona’s help. All the while, Fiona is supposed to be preparing for her wedding. As ever, torn between the man she’s supposed to trail as he’s suspected of being a spy and her soon-to-be husband, Fiona is never entirely sure who to trust as she investigates the latest mystery to fall in her lap.

With all of the series favourites and many unexpected twists and turns, Poison in Piccadilly is a fun read. For all its humour, I do adore the way this series effortlessly weaves a fictional narrative featuring historical people and events.

You’re missing a treat if you’ve not tried a Fiona Figg ad Kitty Lane story yet.

Check out my review for books 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mystery books Chaos at Carnegie Hall, Covert in Cairo, Mayhem in the Mountains, Arsenic at Ascot and Murder in Moscow.

Meet the Author

Kelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of three mysteries series: The Jessica James Mysteries, The Pet Detective Mysteries, and the historical cozies The Fiona Figg Mysteries, set in WW1. She is also the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University and lives in Nashville, Tennessee

Connect with Kelly

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-oliver

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

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I’m delighted to share my review for Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison #bookreview #blogtour #historicalmystery #newrelease

Here’s the blurb

Escaping the city doesn’t mean escaping the criminals…

1916, Midwinter Manor: Desperate for a Christmas weekend break from war-torn London, Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet take Bartleby the cat and themselves off to visit Hannah’s sister, in her beautiful country estate, deep in the English countryside.

The huge house is full of relatives, friends and merrymakers, and everyone’s excited to have a Christmas to remember.

But then, when a fellow-guest’s body is found in the library – apparently bludgeoned to death – and a precious ruby is stolen from another guest, it appears that it’s going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

With the house snowed in, and the rural police force completely incapable of finding a single credible suspect, Hannah and Aunt Violet realise that once again it’s going to be down to them to get to the bottom of it.

Because whoever’s behind the crimes must be at Midwinter Manor… And if they’re not found, who knows what their next ‘gift’ will be?

A totally unforgettable Golden Age, country house, cozy crime novel, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, and Agatha Christie.

Graphic showing the cover for Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/midwintermanorsocial

My Review

Murder at Midwinter Manor is the third Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet mystery book, and I’ve read all of them.

This story takes us to Hannah’s sister’s house for a Christmas party. Some of the guests are family, and some of them are not (Oh dear for them).

While we get to know the members of the party, there are strange goings-on in the background, and when Hannah is left with not one but two mysteries to solve, things start to become more interesting.

As we watch Hannah and her aunt, alongside their two male sidekicks, at work, we’re treated to everything we’d expect from a Golden Age country-house-style murder. (I was somewhat jealous about all the Afternoon Teas they managed to consume.) The mystery is intricately connected to the era of First World War Britain, and the events are believable and enjoyable to read about.

When they come, the conclusions are both satisfying after suspicion has fallen on just about everyone.

As a huge fan of this genre of fiction, I really enjoyed Murder at Midwinter Manor and the glimpse given of a divided society in a single house between servants and masters.

Check out my reviews for Murder in the Bookshop and Murder in the Library.

Cover image for Murder atMidwinter Manor by Anita Davison

Meet the author

Anita Davison is the author of the successful Flora Maguire historical mystery series.

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I’m reviewing Valhalla’s Fury by Donovan Cook #blogtour #newrelease #historicalfiction

Here’s the blurb

Abandoned by his people and destined for Valhalla, do not stand in the way of his fury.

Ribe is lost, its hall burnt, and Charles is still missing. Sven must once more sail into dangerous waters to rescue his grandson.

King Louis of East Francia, the man who took Sven’s son from him almost twenty years ago, has Charles captive and uses him to force Sven to do his bidding and create chaos raiding his brothers Kingdom of West Frankia.

The long awaited meeting of Charles and his mother, Abbess Hildegard, is not what Charles dreamed it would be and soon it becomes clear that Charles is in even more danger. Torn between the heathen gods and his Christian god, Charles must decide where his future lies.

Sven must fight if he wants to see Charles again and keep the Cross of Charlemagne out of the hands of the Frankish kings. The only thing that Sven knows is that to save Charles, innocent people must die.

Cover image for Valhalla's Fury by Donovan Cook

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/ValhallasFury

Graphic for Valhalla's Fury by Donovan Cook

My Review

Valhalla’s Fury is the final book in the Charlemagne’s Cross Series, bringing to an end this enthralling series set in the 800s, pitching the Danes against the Franks, or certainly, some of them. I’ve read all of the books and you can check out my reviews below.

All seems impossible in this final book as Sven desperately wishes to rescue Charles from the clutches of the Franks, whereas Charles is something of a pawn in the hands of his Frankish grandfather.

The storyline quickly separates Charles and Sven once more, and we see glimpses of life in a Frankish town as well as in a Viking encampment deep in the heart of West Frankia, through the eyes of our two main characters. The narrative builds as the reader is left wondering how on earth the two can possibly be reunited, or if all will end in disaster, I don’t want to say either way, but it is a solid ending for this enthralling tale.

Fans of the genre will delight in the concluding tale of Sven the Boar and Charles. Check out my reviews for Odin’s Betrayal, Loki’s Deceit and Thor’s Revenge.

Meet the author

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series and the Charlemagne’s Cross series, both of which combine fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world and are inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology. Donovan was born in South Africa but raised in England.

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I’m delighted to be reviewing A Deadly Affair by EV Hunter, the fifth book in her Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery Series #blogtour #cosycrime

Here’s the blurb

A local gossip is about to get her just desserts!

Life at Hopgood Hall is never boring, but Alexi Ellis hopes that there will be no more murders for the time being – she’s solved four already and is getting a reputation in the local area for being bad luck.

So when local gossip Polly Pearson arrives at Hopgood hall, Alexi knows this can only mean bad news. Polly has made it clear that she dislikes Alexi, and has campaigned for her to leave Hopgood Hall forever – so what could Polly want?

Then Polly reveals that her partner, Gerry has been found murdered in her B&B and that she is the main suspect! Alexi, her partner Jack and Cosmo the cat are all left speechless. More so when Polly begs Alexi for help improving her innocence.

But Alexi isn’t sure she wants to help this spiteful gossip. Is she really innocent or as deadly as the police believe her to be?

Cover imahe for A Deadly Affair by EV Hunter, with Cosmo, the scene stealing cat, taking centre stage.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/deadlyaffairsocial

My Review

A Deadly Affair is the latest book in the Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery series. I’ve read them all.

By now, we know our main characters, Jack and Alexi, well. However, they are still asking questions about their relationship, and I’m afraid this aspect of the series is my least favourite. Luckily, Cosmo comes to the rescue more often than not.

The mystery itself is complex and well-plotted as our sleuths try to understand why Gerry has been murdered. It quickly transpires that all is not as simple as it first appears. Lambourn is filled with dodgy individuals, any of whom could have been the ones involved.

The resolution of the mystery unfolds quickly. I always say I judge a mystery by whether or not I guessed ‘who did it,’ and I did not see this one coming.

These mysteries often have quite a dark underbelly to them (a nod to the author’s other genre, I’m sure), and this one, similar to book 1, fits that bill. It is not quite as cosy as I prefer (because I’m a big wuss), but that doesn’t detract from the fine plotting and masterful way the mystery has been plotted by the author. I take my hat off to EV Hunter for that:)

A Date to Die For

A Contest to Kill For

A Marriage to Murder For

I have read book 4, A Story to Strangle For, but I’ve failed to review on the blog.

Cover image for A Deadly Affair by EV Hunter

Meet the author

Evie Hunter has written a great many successful regency romances as Wendy Soliman and is now redirecting her talents to produce dark gritty thrillers for Boldwood. For the past twenty years she has lived the life of a nomad, roaming the world on interesting forms of transport, but has now settled back in the UK.

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Today, I’m reviewing Susie Dent’s fabulous new mystery, Guilty By Definition #newrelease #mystery

Here’s the blurb

When an anonymous letter is delivered to the Clarendon English Dictionary, it is rapidly clear that this is not the usual lexicographical enquiry. Instead, the letter hints at secrets and lies linked to a particular year.

For Martha Thornhill, the new senior editor, the date can mean only one thing: the summer her brilliant older sister Charlie went missing. After a decade abroad, Martha has returned home to the city whose ancient institutions have long defined her family. Have the ghosts she left behind her been waiting for her return?

When more letters arrive, and Martha and her team pull apart the complex clues within them, the mystery becomes ever more insistent and troubling. It seems Charlie had been keeping a powerful secret, and someone is trying to lead the lexicographers towards the truth. But other forces are no less desperate to keep it well and truly buried.

Cover image for Susie Dent's Guilty by Definition.

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/4cFDVQj

My Review

Guilty by Definition rises above other celebrity mysteries by being excellent.

This story is well-plotted and well-devised, delightfully intermingled with snippets about the Clarendon Dictionary and the little foibles of the English language, and has a great storyline. It also offers a lovely conjuring of Oxford and the surrounding location—as well as some special Oxford-specific events.

Our four main characters are well-developed, and all have their secrets as they endeavour to solve the perplexing riddles and, in doing so, answer the questions surrounding Martha’s sister’s disappearance.

It is a complex mystery that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre and the English language. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I loved it:)

Check out my review for The Green Viper by Rob Sinclair #blogtour #thriller #newrelease

Here’s the blurb

I need your help. Call me.

Ex-intelligence agent James Ryker receives a coded message through a secret drop point, a means of communication known only to him and one other person. The problem is, that other person is his ex-boss, Mackie… and he’s already dead.

But the cry for help is real, and it’s a request Ryker can’t refuse.

Travelling to New York alone and without official sanction, Ryker has a single goal in mind, yet even he couldn’t have bargained for the violent world he’s soon embroiled in. Caught in the middle of a spiralling chaos with the FBI on one side, and two warring underworld bosses on the other, Ryker must put all of his skills to the test in order to come out on top, and keep his word.

In a world full of lies and deceit, loyalty is everything, and it’s time for James Ryker to pay his dues.

A fast-paced thriller filled with twists, turns, and intrigue that will grip fans of Mark Dawson and the Jason Bourne novels.

Cover for Rob Sinclair's The Green Viper book.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/greenvipersocial

My Review

The Green Viper is book 4 in the James Ryker series, but the first one I’ve read, although I’ve read one of Rob Sinclair’s standalone novels, Rogue Hero. Check out the review here.

It is fast-paced as our ‘hero’ sets about helping the son of his former boss where he’s entangled himself in a bit of bother in New York. That said, the beginning is a little more difficult to really get into – I would recommend persevering because after that, the storyline is very quick and I read the vast majority of the book in one sitting. It’s a fun, pacy read with a whole load of violent encounters thrown in for good measure, and some rather nasty bad guys, and our author has no problem with ramping up the body count.

If you’re a fan of action thrillers, then you’ll really enjoy The Green Viper. I certainly plan on finding some room on my TBR pile to add the other books in the series.