The Silver Coin (Coins: Book Two): Andrea Kane

"All her life, Breanna Colby has lived on the precipice of fear, her only joy the recent reunion with her beloved cousin, Anastasia.  With her violent father now locked away in jail, the repressed young woman can emerge from her cocoon and pursue all the joys she's been denied.  But she finds--to her terror--that not all the shadows have lifted, and an evil from the past stalks both her and Anastasia.  When authorities are unable to help with this assassin lurking in the darkness, the Colbys turn to the brilliant, unconventional Royce Chadwick, England's foremost expert on finding people who don't want to be found.

"Hard, detached Royce has always been a loner who operates by his own set of rules.  He has little patience for weakness.  Delicate Breanna Colby is an eye-opener to him, for beneath her fragile exterior lies a core of steel.  As the two face overwhelming danger side by side, Royce discovered a woman he never dreamed existed--one who, despite his cynicism, he is losing his heart to.  But their future together can never be--not unless Royce kills the assassin before the assassin kills them."

Having sped through the first in this two book series, The Gold Coin, I was eager to pick up the second and see what happens in Brianna's story.  Lucky for me, I happened to have this one sitting on my shelf as well!  After such an explosive ending to the Stacie's story, I couldn't wait to see what the aftermath looked like.  What sort of fallout came of Stacie and Breanna thwarting the assassin?  What would life be like for Breanna now that she was finally free of her violent, vindictive father?

The story takes place shortly after Breanna's twenty-first birthday -- just a few months after the conclusion of Stacie's book.  Breanna has been working on organizing the construction of Stacie and Damen's new home on the grounds of Medford Manor.  She excitedly anticipates their return from their honeymoon trip to America where they were able to oversee their new banking venture.  However, the joy is not to last.

A mysterious package arrives at Medford Manor.  It it addressed only to Stacie.  And it contains mutilated dolls which bear an uncanny resemblance to Stacie and Breanna, as well as an explicit threat.  Though Breanna takes the dolls to Bow Street, there is little they can do for her.  They are spread far too thin as it is with a slew of odd murders and disappearances amongst the ton.  Stacie realizes Bow Street will be of no help and she must figure out how to handle the threat on her own.  It seems as if the assassin whose finger she shot off when she thwarted his attempted murder of Stacie has come back to England.  Not only does he seek revenge for his mutilated hand, he wants Breanna to suffer.  A brilliant villain, he knows the best way to do this is to go for her weak underbelly.  He intends to make her watch Stacie die before he then kills Breanna.  The stakes become all the more desperate when Stacie and Damen return from their trip and announce that Stacie is expecting.  Not only does Breanna have to worry about keeping her beloved cousin safe from the assassin's gun, she now has an unborn child to consider.

Ever the devoted husband and soon-to-be-father, Damen is determined to do everything in his power to keep his family safe.  He calls upon an old friend, Royce Chadwick, to help track down the mysterious assassin before he can pull the trigger.  The depth and breadth of the assassin's depravity is astounding.  He is brilliant and fearless...but Royce must be even more cunning if he is to save the life of the woman he has come to love.

What follows is an intense game of cat and mouse which kept me on the edge of my seat.  I swear I was drowning in anxiety the entire time I read this book!  Kane does such a brilliant job with creating palpable tension and moving the plot along.  There was nothing stagnant about this book.  I was as desperate as the characters to see what the assassin would do next, when and where he would strike.  The plot was brilliant and the assassin was terrifying.  It was an impossible situation, especially when Kane did such a great job of closing any loopholes and avenues Stacie and Breanna may have had to escape the fate intended for them.

I enjoyed seeing Breanna come into her own in this story, but she did still seem to remain true to the character we saw in the first book.  She is soft-spoken and seems fragile, but it hides a quick intelligence and strong soul.  This is what causes Royce to fall for her.  He was adamant from the very beginning that he detests weakness and shows of tears.  It is no wonder he is impressed when he meets Breanna and finds no wilting flower.  However.  I will say that this was just about all I could come up with as to why Royce fell for her.  There wasn't much from his perspective in regards to this transition (though we did see inside his mind a great deal more than we did Damen's in the first book), so it wound up feeling like a bit more of a leap than it should have.  In fact, it actually suspended escape into the story quite a bit.  The same went for Breanna's attraction to Royce.  We saw that she was physically attracted to him, but what else was there?  I suppose I wanted a bit more about about why and how they fell in love to make this a tad bit more believable.  It could have been as simple as showing some interactions between them which weren't all about tracking down the assassin.  Their coming together and declarations of love felt far more abrupt than they probably should have been.

I enjoyed seeing more of Damen and Stacie, though I will say that they felt a little bit "hollow."  Damen was reduced to a stereotypical overly-protective husband.  I wanted to see his quick mind and wit.  Stacie was more reserved as well.  I might attribute this to her wanting to protect her unborn child and experiencing the woes of the first trimester, but I can't blame it fully on that.  I realize they were not the center of attention in this book, but I wanted to see the glimmer of their characters here as well.

The chapters from the assassin's perspective were brilliant.  I loved how dark and sinister they felt and I truly enjoyed seeing the way his mind worked.  He really was an evil genius adept in terrorizing his victims to their cores.  Kane shielded him perfectly and I had no idea who he was until the characters did.

The overall plot was extremely complex and far grander than I could have imagined.  This book clearly took an extraordinary amount of work and planning to execute.  For this, I commend Kane.  She wrote brilliantly and kept me interested from the very first page.  I waited for the final confrontation with a tremendous amount of anticipation.  I suppose I wanted a bit more than I was given when it came to revealing the assassin, but I suppose it all worked out for the best.

As a minor note (which I hope doesn't give too much away), I did find the very last chapter to be a tad bit too "Brady Bunch" for my personal tastes.  I'm sure not everyone will feel this way, but I did feel the need to mention it.

Overall, I did like this series quite a bit.  I enjoyed the blend of romance, mystery, and suspense.  I was never bored and, for the most part, I found the characters to be interesting and the style to be captivating.  I made a few notes about the romance between the male and female leads in each of these books, but these are by no means deal breakers.  I recommend this series to any lover of romance who is looking to liven up their reading material!

When Maidens Mourn (Sebastian St. Cyr Series, Book Seven): C.S. Harris

"Tales of King Arthur and the Lady of Shalott provide inspiration for this latest gripping installment in the Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series.  Just four days wed, the aristocratic investigator and his fiercely independent bride, Hero Jarvis, become caught up in a twisted intrigue involving ancient legends and a deadly family curse.

"Regency England, August 1812:  Sebastian's plans to escape the heat of London for a honeymoon are shattered when the murdered body of Hero's good friend Gabrielle Tennyson is discovered drifting in a battered boat at the site of a long-vanished castle known as Camlet Moat.  A beautiful young antiquary, Miss Tennyson recently provoked an uproar with her controversial identification of the island as the location of Camelot.  Missing and presumed dead are also Gabrielle's two young cousins, nine-year-old George and three-year-old Alfred.

"Still struggling to define the nature of their new marriage, Sebastian and Hero find themselves occasionally working at cross-purposes as their investigation takes them from London's medieval Inns of Court to its grimy back alleys, and from a newly built country estate to a rural enclave where ancient Celtic beliefs still hold sway.  Probing deeper, Sebastian discovers dark secrets at the heart of the Tennyson family and an enigmatic young French lieutenant who is concealing mysteries of his own.

"As Sebastian and Hero race to unmask a ruthless killer and unravel the puzzle of the missing children, they soon realize that both their lives and the growing love for each other are at risk, threatened by powerful men in high places...and by a tall, dark stranger who may hold the key to Sebastian's own parentage."

This is, unfortunately, another severely delayed review.  I finished reading this book in August of 2019 and, as I mentioned in another review I just posted, I was so frustrated with myself for having accidentally deleted a rather lengthy review that I simply stopped reviewing my books as I read them (that, and I was extremely distracted because we were also purchasing a new home and I was 6 months pregnant in August!).  *Edit:  I was able to figure out how to backdate my review to post on the correct date that I finished this book; the review was written on May 19, 2020.

This was a fitting installment in the Sebastian St. Cyr series of period mysteries.  As always, Harris did not disappoint with her rich, captivating narrative and complex plot.  She remained true to her brilliant, headstrong characters and darkly twisted mystery.  I was exited to see Arthurian mythology playing a prominent role in this particular story.  As a bit of a British literature and history buff, I don't think we see much of an acknowledgment of this in popular literature (unless someone blatantly chooses to write about it with characters and plots specifically set within said mythology).  I even once wrote an entire presentation on the importance of the Arthurian legend in British culture -- specifically how King Arthur makes a resurgence in times of need and strife.  He represents a very specific brand of nationalism (and this happens to tie in perfectly with the plot of this particular book!).  I loved how much this came into play - not only with Gabrielle's claims that Camlet is THE Camelot, but with the mystery surrounding the circumstances of her death.

The plot takes you in a winding journey from suspect to suspect - each seemingly more guilty than the last.  All the while, the simmering tension and desire between Sebastian and Hero is at war with their respective desires to be "in charge."  Each is brilliant in his/her own right, yet they cannot seem to let go of the longstanding battle of wills that stands between them.  As they attempt to work together to solve this mystery, they discover the growing strength of their own relationship and fresh marriage.  This presents a nice undertone to the mystery and tragic murder of Hero's friend.

In this case, solving the murder is not enough.  There is still the matter of the missing boys.  Who has the means and motive to kill the intelligent young woman and kidnap her cousins?  What role does the dashing Frenchman play in all of this?  Could a jealous relative be behind the murder, or is there something much larger at play here?  Could Hero's father have been behind it all along?  If so, what does that mean for the relationship between Hero and Sebastian; or Hero and her father, for that matter?

Another undercurrent in this book is the mystery surrounding Sebastian's true parentage.  We encounter a very intriguing stranger who may just have all the answers -- if he was willing to talk...

The multifaceted nature of this story (in fact, the entire series) makes for a very compelling read.  The period nature of this plot creates a dark and gritty (almost gothic) setting, perfect for those of us who have an interest in period literature.  The characters are all richly crafted and the mysteries are complex and keep you guessing until the very end.  Overall, I am still thrilled with this series and look forward to moving to the next one.

I Know Who You Are: Alice Feeney

"Meet Aimee Sinclair, the actress everyone thinks they know but can't remember how.

"Except one person.

"Someone knows Aimee very well.

"They know who she is and they know what she did.

"When Aimee comes home and discovers her husband is missing, she doesn't seem to know what to do or how to act.  The police think she's hiding something and they're right, she is--but perhaps not what they thought.  Aimee has a secret she's never shared, and yet she suspects that someone knows.  As she struggles to keep her career and sanity intact, her past comes back to haunt her in ways more dangerous than she could have ever imagined.

"In I Know Who You Are, New York Times bestselling author Alice Feeney proves that she is a master of brilliantly complicated plots and killer twists that will keep you guessing until the final page."

I'm baaaaack!  I've been on a hiatus for what feels like forever and, for that, I apologize.  If I'm totally honest, it began because I originally wrote a spectacular review of this book in June of 2019...and accidentally deleted it instead of saving it.  Stupid me.  And there was no recovering it because I had written it on a computer without automatic backup.  Ugh.  I'm still annoyed by that to this day; however, I think my extreme disgust and quick temper had something to do with the fact that I was also four months pregnant.  Yes!  We have a new little reader in our household!  My son, J, is just over six months old now and I've been reading to him to show him how amazing the written word can be.  I hope he's going to be a little bibliophile, just like his Mommy.

Now, back to the review...  I'm going to attempt to recreate some of my review of this book, but I'm positive it's going to pale in comparison to the real thing simply because it's been so darn long since I read it.  I'm a bit frustrated that I've completely thrown off my book count for 2019 and 2020 because I stopped reviewing what I was reading, but such is life.  *Edit:  I was able to figure out how to backdate this review to when I originally finished reading it.  This review was written on May 19, 2020.

When re-reading the synopsis of this book, the first thing that struck me was how amazingly twisted it was.  Feeney's writing left such an impression on me that, even nearly a year later, I recall how gut-wrenchingly shocking her writing was.  Similar to her other book Sometimes I Lie, the book starts off compelling, but rather ordinary.  The characters are interesting and the plot is unique, but you wonder where everything is going.  It's a brilliant mixture of familiarity and suspense - if that makes any sense at all?  We begin with the disappearance of Aimee's husband.  It's interesting and suspenseful, but I've learned to expect more from Feeney.  What dark and twisty turns await the readers?  Hm.  The cops seem to lay an extreme amount of suspicion at Aimee's feet.  In fact, some hints and clues make the readers doubt Aimee as well.  What is her secret?  What does want to keep in the dark?  For that matter, who is this woman she claims to have stalking her?  A crazed fan?  Something more?  Could this woman be responsible for everything that's going on?  What could she possibly want with Aimee?

And when we finally learn more about Aimee's past - her deep, dark secrets - we realize that there's more to her character than meets the eye.  The revelation brings to light a great deal of what makes up Aimee's inability to share herself...and the possibility that she may very well have blocked out some very important information.  In an attempt to try not to reveal too much, I will say that her childhood is every parent's worst nightmare...

Then, when the ending comes about, we are exposed to the psychological havoc that abuse can wreak upon a person's psyche - just how damaged they become when their formative years are devoid of love and nurturing attention.  I found the culmination of all of the suspense nothing less than shocking.  Feeney is truly a master of dark suspense and psychological thrillers.  She has shed light upon the dingiest corners of the human mind and exposed characters who are the epitome of damaged.  This book left an indelible mark upon me.

I will caution readers who are easily disturbed by rape and child abuse to steer clear of this book.  Even though I found the story highly disturbing, it was a story I simply could not put down.  If you love twisted suspense, then this book is definitely for you.

The Pleasure of Your Kiss (Burke Brothers: Book One): Teresa Medeiros

“Legendary adventurer Ashton Burke has roamed the globe for ten years trying to forget the spirited woman he left behind in England.  His devil-may-care pursuits are interrupted, though, when he reluctantly agrees to retrieve his brother’s kidnapped fiancé from a sultan’s harem.  Too late, he discovers his quarry is none other than Clarinda Cardew, the very same girl who made off with his jaded heart.

“The last thing Clarinda wants is to be trapped in a palace of sensual delights with the man whose irresistible kisses still haunt her sleepless nights.  She quickly realizes that allowing Ashton to rescue her may put her yearning heart in even greater peril.  In a journey both tantalizing and treacherous, Ashton and Clarinda resume the impetuous steps of their dangerous dance only to discover the most seductive pleasure of all may be love itself.”

This was a new one for me since I’ve already read a majority of this author’s other works.  One of the best parts of her works is the worlds she creates.  She really draws you in with vivid imagery and experiences which enthrall all of your senses.  I hadn’t yet read a book of this genre set in such a far-flung corner of the British Empire, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.  For me, part of the charm is usually losing myself in the elegance and beauty of England/Great Britain because I’m such an Anglophile.  Despite my reservations, I was sucked into the lush and exotic world of Clarinda’s kidnappers.  The palace and its luxuries with its foreign ways and manners and food captivated me.  All of the secondary characters were interesting and unique, each with his/her own big personality.  The uniqueness of the setting made this book fun and special, allowing it to stand out in a genre of relative sameness when set during this time period.  It provided an exciting backdrop for the development of a unique love story.

Clarinda was a strong, brave female lead.  I thought she behaved admirably well given her lot in life (and her kidnapping…and having to adjust to life in the harem).  Her struggles felt believable and her backstory seemed to provide enough support that her strong personality was in-character.  Her friendship with Poppy was entertaining and provided a bit of levity in a situation where the female lead could have given in to far too much despair and hopelessness so as to make this a much less “fun” read.  I particularly liked Poppy as well – she had a sweet disposition and an innocence which I found endearing.

Ash(ton) was everything you’d expect from a swashbuckling, exploring, Indiana Jones-esque male lead.  We encounter him just as he’s about to be put to death for a perceived slight against a very powerful man, only to have his life saved at the very last instant.  When the reason for the timely rescue becomes apparent, Ash isn’t so sure he’d rather not have perished by the firing squad.  He’s sent on a mission to save the last woman on earth who’d probably rather he’d died than rescue her.  His struggle to come to terms with both his past and present were amusing and realistic.  Ash, while dashing and adventurous, had a bit more to him than a “flat” traditional male lead in this genre.  He came with his own issues and complexes.  What I found particularly interesting was the change in relationship between Ash and his brother, Max.  The backstory and Ash’s childhood speaks volumes to his character and seems to have helped shape him in a believable way.  I will, however, say that I would have liked to have read a touch more from his point of view.  He’s such a bold, exciting character that I couldn’t help but want more!  I think Clarinda’s perspective ended up swallowing most of the story.

Ash and Clarinda have loved each other for most of their lives.  They grew up on neighboring estates; Ash, a duke’s second (disappointment of a) son, and Clarinda, the daughter of a wealthy, self-made man.  What began as a childhood rivalry eventually blossomed into a passionate young romance.  Ash, determined to make his way in the world – determined to make something of himself so he’d be worthy of Clarinda rather than just an impoverished second son – decides to join the navy.  Horrified that he’d think of leaving her, Clarinda chases after him.  What begins with tears and hurt ends in a passionate embrace the two would remember for the rest of their lives.  The years pass and Clarinda sees neither hide nor hair of Ash (except for the tabloids detailing his heroic adventures).  Convinced he’s abandoned her, she finally decides to accept the marriage proposal of Max, Ash’s older brother – wealthy, stable, staid, intelligent, and ever-practical.  She’s on her way to meet Max for their wedding when she and Poppy are abducted by pirates and sold in a slave market into the harem of an obscenely wealthy, handsome young sultan.  While there, Clarinda is groomed and trained in all the ways of the sultan’s harem.  After months, she and Poppy begin to despair of ever being rescued and returned home…that is, until a dashing ghost from Clarinda’s past makes a surprise appearance.

What follows is a tantalizing romance of opposing wills.  Both Ash and Clarinda are nursing old wounds, but still find themselves drawn toward one another by a powerful force that seems to transcend time and distance.  Will Ash be able to save Clarinda from the sultan’s harem and deliver her back to his brother?  For that matter, how can he stand by and allow his brother to marry the one and only woman he’d ever truly loved?

I found the plot entertaining and very fun and different from others in this genre/time period.  It was refreshing!  I enjoyed reading this and it was a relatively quick read.  I’ve already begun reading the second in this series and it’s shaping up to be another lively read!

The Couple Next Door: Shari Lapena

“HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR?  OR YOUR HUSBAND?  OR EVEN—YOURSELF?  PEOPLE ARE CAPABLE OF ALMOST ANYTHING…

“A twisty roller-coaster ride of lies, betrayal, and the secrets between husbands and wives…  How far would you go—if pushed to your limit?

“Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all—a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora.  But one hot summer night they were invited to a dinner party next door, and a terrible crime is committed.  Suspicion immediately focuses on the parents.  But the truth is a much more complicated story.

“Inside the Contis’ curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds.  Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something.  Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they’ve kept for years.

“What follows is the never-racking unraveling of a family—a chilling tale of deceptions, duplicity, and unfaithfulness that will keep you breathless until the final shocking twist.”

Here’s the last of my delayed reviews!  Hopefully I do a little bit better the rest of the year.  This one comes courtesy of a recommendation from a friend of mine.  She told me she had a hard time putting this book down so, naturally, that piqued my interest.  It took me a while to finally get my hands on it and I’m pretty happy that I did.

What starts out as a seemingly insignificant night out turns into a family’s worst nightmare.  Anne and Marco Conti live in a beautiful townhouse and seem to have everything they could hope for.  Anne comes from a great deal of money.  She left her job in an art gallery to be a stay-at-home mom to her beautiful new daughter, Cora.  Her husband, Marco, runs his own business.  One evening, they’re invited to a dinner party by their immediate next door neighbors.  They contemplate canceling when their babysitter backs out, but Marco convinces Anne that they’ll only be next door – in reality, just on the other side of the wall from Cora.  They take the baby monitor and check on Cora every half hour.  When they finally return home in the wee hours of the morning, something doesn’t seem right.  The unthinkable has happened:  Anne discovers Cora is missing from her crib.

From the start, the Contis are a source of great suspicion.  The lead detective has seen his share of missing children and strongly believes the Contis are involved in some way.  Clues like a loosened lightbulb in a backyard motion-detecting spotlight, a silent car seen driving down the alley at the perfect time, and Anne’s diagnosis of postpartum depression all serve to cast doubt upon Marco, Anne, and their story.  The media vilifies them as horrible parents who left their infant unattended – that they got what was coming to them – while their marriage falls on rocky ground as Anne wonders what really happened to her missing daughter.  Could someone they know be involved?  What could their motivation be?  If it’s money, they’re willing to offer up any amount to have their daughter back.  However, when the ransom is paid and Cora still isn’t returned, they realize something much darker and more complex is taking place.

What ensues is a story filled with all the great twists and turns of a successful tale of lies, suspense, and hidden motives.  This book will make you question your own morals and ask yourself just how far you would be willing to go to save your family.  This story really does beg the question of how well you really know your neighbors, the people you consider friends, and even the members of your own family.

A captivating read, this book was very difficult for me to put down.  I found the pacing quite well done and the story, exciting.  I definitely recommend this book to lovers of mystery and suspense.  It has a twisted, complicated plot that will keep you guessing and fascinated right up until the very end.

Happy reading!

Mrs. Sherlock Holmes: The True Story of New York City's Greatest Female Detective and the 1917 Missing Girl Case That Captivated a Nation: Brad Ricca

“IN 1917, ON THE DAY BEFORE VALENTINE’S DAY, EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD RUTH CRUGER DISAPPEARED. WHEN THE POLICE GAVE UP, A MYSTERIOUS WOMAN IN BLACK VOWED TO FIND HER…

“Mrs. Sherlock Holmestells the true story of Grace Humiston, the detective and lawyer who turned her back on New York society life to become one of the nation’s greatest crime fighters during an era when women were rarely involved with investigations.  After agreeing to take the sensational Cruger case, Grace and her partner, the hardboiled detective Julius J. Kron, navigated a dangerous web of secret boyfriends, twofaced cops, underground tunnels, rumors of white slavery, and a mysterious pale man, in a desperate race against time.

“Grace’s motto ‘Justice for those of limited means’ led her to strange cases all over the world. From defending an innocent giant on death row to investigating an island in Arkansas with a terrible secret, from warring halls of Congress to a crumbling medieval tower in Italy, Grace solved crimes in between shopping at Bergdorf Goodman and being marked for death by the sinister Black Hand.  Grace was appointed the first female U.S. district attorney in history and the first female consulting detective to the New York Police Department.  Despite her many successes in social justice, at the height of her powers Grace began to see chilling connections in the cases she solved, leading to a final showdown with her most fearsome adversary of all.

“Mrs. Sherlock Holmesis the first-ever narrative biography of this singular woman the press nicknamed after fiction’s greatest detective.  Her poignant story reveals important clues about the relationship between missing girls, the media, and the real truth of crime stories.  The great mystery of Grace’s life—and the haunting twist ending of the book—is how one woman could become so famous only to disappear from history completely.”

As the year draws to a close I realize there has gradually become a sad gap in my reading materials.  There was a loss in my family that hit very, very close to home and I fear that put a rather large dampener on my desire and will to immerse myself in reading -- no matter how escapist I normally find this activity to be.  It's been a little over three weeks now and I'm just beginning to get back into some of my normal habits (less the interruptions of the holidays) in time to try to finish a few more books before the year ends.  I still want to try to keep my tally up (even if I don't think I'll achieve my goal to complete the 2018 reading challenge I began a little bit late into the year)!

This book was yet another Pinterest find; however, I didn't realize it was nonfiction until I went to go pick it up at my local library and the catalog sent me to the nonfiction section (thank you all those years working as a nonfiction page at my local library for helping make my search through the Dewey Decimal System painless).  I've been on a bit of a "Sherlock Holmes" kick in my reading and television watching, so this book naturally caught my eye as I was scrolling through my feed.  A female Sherlock?  Set in early Twentieth Century New York?  I was intrigued.  When I discovered this was actually a work of nonfiction, I was still interested, if a little bit unsure.  I must admit that my occasional fascination with true crime shows were what made me end up borrowing this book.  The few reviews I did skim indicated that, while this book was a work of nonfiction, it read more like fiction.  This was spot-on.  Ricca's writing is vivid with details and he crafts settings like one would expect from a work of fiction.  This serves to transport the reader rather than talk "at" the reader, which is sometimes the greatest pitfall of nonfiction.  Instead of feeling like I was reading a transcribed lecture, the book was filled with captivating details.

I found the tenacity, ingenuity, and creativity of Mrs. Grace Humiston to be remarkable and truly underscored the assertion that she is America’s female Sherlock Holmes.  I was impressed with the way in which she approached her cases and refused to accept the obvious simply because it was the easiest explanation.

I do have some criticism for this work.  The introduction with the bit about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s visit to America with his wife, while interesting, added little-to-nothing to the actual plot and story (other than to try to create a stronger connection between Grace and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most infamous literary creation).  I expected it to come back into play in some fashion, but it really did not.  The readers were then introduced to the mystery of the missing girl, Ruth Cruger.  Even the title of the book indicates that this is going to be the focus of the book…however, Ruth’s story is quickly shoved into the background in favor of accounts of Grace’s investigations into the white slave trade in America.  While interesting – and while I eventually saw the possible connections to Ruth’s disappearance – I felt like it really took over the book.  This wasn’t what I was expecting.  The sheer amount of research and cases and investigations probably could have amounted to their own separate book.  It felt like there was a long span of time before Ruth’s case came back into play and this slowed down my reading.  I was expecting to read about a fascinating “gone girl” case, but it steered more toward the white slavery angle and then abruptly turned back to Ruth.  I can see why this information was included, but felt it could have been abbreviated for the sake of sticking true to the book’s subtitle.  Honestly, I don’t think I would have minded this as much had the subtitle not led me to believe that we’d be focusing on Ruth’s case.  It was all interesting information and, had I gone into this book believing this was a biography about Mrs. Humiston, then I would have felt differently.

The research that went into this book was superb.  All of the details and cases, the investigations and hearings, the interviews and tactics were recounted spectacularly.  I mentioned earlier that this book reads more like a work of fiction than nonfiction and that is why I feel it was successful.  It could have so easily turned into a flat biography or read like some sort of dry account of a case (or several), but it didn’t.  The anecdotes and dialogue along with the meticulous research brought Mrs. Humiston’s story to life.  I truly believe she’s a hero for all that she did for investigative work and law in early Twentieth Century America, but I’m ashamed that she’s been almost entirely forgotten, relegated to obscure knowledge and history.  She deserves to be known for all that she uncovered and accomplished—as well as for her seemingly limitless bravery and dogged determination to truly do what was right, even at a personal cost.

If you like true crime murder mystery shows (think anything on the Investigation Discovery channel or some “Dateline” specials), then this book is right up your alley.  The writing style makes it a relatively smooth read and the subject matter is captivating.  While I had some critiques for some of the (what I felt to be) excess information, I don’t think it’s necessarily detrimental to the book.  It remains well-written and covers a very interesting topic.

Duke of Sin (Duke Trilogy, Book One): Adele Ashworth

"He is called the "DUKE OF SIN..."

"...a notorious rogue and recluse whose reputation in as black as the Cornish night. They speak of his conquests, his past, and his mysteries in breathless whispers. And now lovely and desperate Vivian Real-Lamont has no choice but to enter William Raleigh's lair.

"Vivian prayed that the scandal that drove her from London would neved be revealed--but now she will be exposed to the world...unless William can protect her. She has heard the rumors about the infamous Duke of Sin, yet she is unprepared for the man's raw, sensuous power...or for the tratorous response of her own body. Surrender, however, could prove most dangerous indeed--for both of them. For while the duke is intrigued by the guarded, intoxicating lady who has invaded his solitude--and fully intends to discern her every secret through sweet, unhurried seduction--it is his own heart that will be imperiled when passion takes them further than he ever intended."

This was the first book by Adele Ashworth that I've read and it was different. To be honest, I could tell that this was one of her earlier books... Not to be mean, but there was just something that was off with the writing style. Some of the sentences were way, way too long. Though the plot was fun and interesting and I loved the bit of Shakespeare involved, this was just not one of my favorite works. I really appreciate all of the work that so obviously went into this book. However, there was this one part in particular that bothered me a bit. Not to give too much away, but it's where Will was meeting with his friends at a crucial point in the plot. I was SO lost! I must have gotten turned around somehow because something just didn't make sense while I was reading it. Granted, it was all explained later, but it just wasn't very much fun to read. I actually went and checked to see if I was missing a page or two!

Oh, that and the fact that Vivian and Will call one another by their first names. I totally understand what the author was trying to do with this--creating the whole atmosphere of intimacy--but it was not very natural. Titled couples in this period would very rarely use their first names in any situation and the fact that Will nearly immediately insists that she call him "Will" was a little off. At the least, he would have given her permission to call him "Trent" instead of "Your Grace" or some other similar address for a Duke.

Overall, I really enjoyed the plot and story of this book, but the writing was not all there for me. The characters were good, but fell slightly flat sometimes. I will probably end up reading the next two books in this trilogy, but not right away.

Seduction: Amanda Quick (Jayne Ann Krentz)

“Townsfolk called him devil. For dark and enigmatic Julian, Earl of Ravenwood, was a man with a legendary temper and a first wife whose mysterious death would not be forgotten. Some said the beautiful Lady Ravenwood had drowned herself in the black, murky waters of Ravenwood Pond. Others whispered of foul play and the devil’s wrath.

“Now country-bred Sophy Dorring is about to become Ravenwood’s new bride. Drawn to his masculine strength and the glitter of desire that burned in his emerald eyes, the tawny-haired lass had her own reasons for agreeing to a marriage of convenience. One was vengeance, and in its pursuit she would entangle Julian in a blackmail plot, a duel ay dawn, and a dangerous masquerade. The other reason was dearer to her heart, but just as wild a quest: Sophy Dorring intended to teach the devil to love again.”

(Yay for book 130!) So, this is the first book by Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz) that I’ve read and reviewed. I have to admit that her writing lived up to my expectations of an author of her caliber.

Quick’s characters were fun and interesting. Her plot was simple, easy to follow, yet it kept me very interested. At first, I thought to myself, “Just another angst-filled, bitter, back-stabbed husband…” but I was quickly proved wrong. Julian was a wonderful male lead who showed characters that the book’s “hero” doesn’t always have to be perfect. (This vaguely reminded me of Elizabeth Hoyt, though not quite to the same extent.) I must say that I would definitely recommend Amanda Quick for someone willing to put the time into truly appreciating her writing.

Sweet Release (Blakewell/Kenleigh Family Trilogy, Book One): Pamela Clare

“For five pounds in cash, the convict was hers. Though Cassie hated the slave trade, her Virginia plantation demanded labor, and she knew this fevered man would surely die is she left him. But as his wounds healed and his muscled chest bronzed from the sun, Cassie realized Cole Braden was far more dangerous that his papers had indicated—for he could steal her breath with a glance or lay siege to her senses with a touch.

“Abducted, beaten, and given a new name, Alec went from master of an English shipbuilding empire to fourteen years of indentured servitude in the American colonies. There, he was known as Cole Braden, a convicted ravisher and defiler of women. And while he longed to ravish the auburn-haired beauty who owned him, he knew his one hope of earning her love—and his freedom—was to prove his true identity. Only then could he turn the tables and attain his…Sweet Release.”

Once more, I was looking for a new author to read and discovered a real gem! I want to cut straight to the chase: Pamela Clare’s writing was absolutely fantastic. Her characters were stunning and her plot was completely unique. I was so pulled in by her story that I simply could not put it down.

Normally, I am undaunted by the size of a book, but this one seemed like it would take me forever. The writing—though terribly interesting—made me feel that this would be a long-winded book. However, the more I read, the more I enjoyed myself. So, as a note to readers, don’t be intimidated. You must read further to get the full effect of this fantastic author. She’s extremely talented and I am excited about reading more of her works in the very near future.

The MacKinnon's Bride (MacKinnon Sisters, Book One): Tanya Anne Crosby

“THE WARRIOR’S VENGEANCE

“Fiercely loyal to clan alone, Iain MacKinnon will never be a slave to King or conqueror—even when his son, Malcom, is taken hostage by a lackey of the English-loving sovereign. Answering treachery in kind, the proud Scottish chieftain kidnaps the beautiful wild daughter of young Malcom’s captor—unaware that his prisoner’s father is well pleased to be rid of the troublesome wench!

“THE MACKINNON’S BRIDE

“He is the enemy—yet the fire that burns in Iain MacKinnon’s eyes kindles a passion in Page FitzSimon that she has never permitted herself to feel. But the bewitching hellion is determined to resist the MacKinnon, even as her body awakens—not knowing she has enchanted the true and guarded heart of a champion who now must protect and cherish her always.”

I’ve never read Tanya Anne Crosby before and I have to say that she now ranks up there with some of my favorite authors! As usual, I was excited about reading a new author, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Crosby, however, did not disappoint!

Her characters were FANTASTIC! The dialogue was some of THE BEST that I have ever read and I could hear their voices in my head. (I will say, however, that the Scottish dialogue might be a bit more difficult for others to comprehend if they do not have the time or imagination to put into it. I promise that it’s worth it though!) The plot itself was interesting and different. It kept me reading page after page and I just did not want to put it down. I am really, really looking forward to reading the second in the MacKinnon Sisters series!

Tangled Reins: Stephanie Laurens

“Miss Dorothea Darent had no intention of ever getting married, until a dashing stranger with hazel eyes kissed her under a blackberry tree. Haunted by their kiss, the Marquis of Hazelmere, a notorious scoundrel, was determined to win Dorothea’s heart, even while she was busy dazzling other London socialites. Dorothea had a choice to make: stick with her plan to stay a respectable spinster, or run into the arms of her dashing stranger….”

Stephanie Laurens was a new author for me and I was really excited to read her works. I knew from the start that I was going to really enjoy her writing. Her characters were beautifully written and their personalities were so real. The plot was fun and different. I was constantly interested and was excited to read more. It was difficult to put down. However…This book was not like what I normally read. Parts of it were much tamer than I am used to and anyone who reads the other books that I recommend will agree. This isn’t really a bad thing, it’s just different. This would be perfect for someone who is a little more sensitive to the more “explicit” parts of romance novels.

Either way, the book was a good one and It was nice to read, but not entirely my style.

Claiming the Courtesan: Anna Campbell

“He would marry her and possess her in every way possible.

“The Duke of Kylemore knows her as Soraya, London’s most celebrated courtesan. Men fight duels to spend an hour in her company. And only he comes close to taming her. Flying in the face of cosiety, he decides to mae her his bride; then, she vanishes, seemingly into thin air.

“Dire circumstances have forced Verity Ashton to barter her innocence and change her name for the sake of her family. But Kylemore destroys her plans for a respectable life when he discovers her safe haven. He kidnaps her, sweeping her away to his hunting lodge in Scotland, where he vows to bend her to his will.

“There he seduces her anew. Verity spends night after night with him in his bed…and though she still dreams of escape and independence, she knows she can never flee the unexpected, unwelcome love for the proud, powerful lover who claims her both body and soul.”

This book took me forever to finish reading. It started off interesting, but it quickly slowed down—which shouldn’t have happened. The plot was interesting and it had a certain tang to it from twists and turns that the readers can’t see coming, but there was just something about the way that it was written that really slowed it down. Maybe it had something to do with the language that was used?

There were A LOT of words used that could have easily been put into plain English. There is a line between someone having an extensive vocabulary and someone who seems like a total Thesaurus nut! I don’t mean that in a bad way (I sometimes use a Thesaurus for my own writing and it really is an exceptional book for any author), but I have a very hard time seeing any reader who hasn’t read as much as I have understanding all of the words that this author used. To read it, one would need a dictionary on hand. The author could have used a few less lengthy or elaborate words and it wouldn’t have affected the flow of the language, but it would have made it much more comprehensible and easier to read.

I really liked the characters and the very original plot behind this book. I just wish it had been a little easier to read. This book probably took me THE longest to read out of any book in my entire life. That may not be a bad thing—if one is reading an epic, but for a romance novel, it was just a bit much.

I will probably end up reading another of Campbell’s works, though I will only tentatively recommend this book.