Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting, Boston: 1868
First Sentence: "We quarreled last March," aid Nell Sweeney in a manfully deep working class English accent - or her best attempt at one - embellished with just the slightest quaver of lunacy.
This novel is the second in P. B. Ryan's Gilded Age mystery series.
In this installment of the series Nell and Will are back together. Nell is an Irish girl with a troubled past. She serves as the governess of a high society Boston household. She takes care of a young girl named Gracie. If her employers discovered the truth of Nell's past, she might lose her position.
Will is a former opium addict, a morphine addict, and a professional gambler. He is the estranged adult son of her employers. And he is Gracie's biological father.
Together they make an unlikely investigative duo. They have a unique friendship which might be more but for both of their past experiences.
As we read we learn more about Nell's sordid past. There is a murder, and once again Will's brother Harry is an early suspect. But a threat from Nell's past puts her reputation, and life, in danger.
Can Nell and Will solve the mystery, save Nell's reputation and her life?
Ryan is my new favorite author. The best Historical Mysteries are also well written Historical Novels. Ryan's novels are extremely well written, and thoroughly enjoyable. I can't wait to read the next novel in the series.
Murder in a Mill Town
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Monday, July 30, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Final Battle In Her Name: Redemption, Book 3 by Michael R. Hicks
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In the far future, in space and on multiple planets.
First Sentence: The world was strangely white, so unlike the darkness of Death, so unlike the place where the First Empress's spirit had waited all these generations for her awakening, and where only he among all mortals had ever been.
This novel is the third in Michael Hicks's In Her Name: Redemption series. the action picks up immediately after the action in Book 2. If you are interested in this novel, I stronly suggest that you read books 1 and 2 in order.
As this novel begins, the main character, Reza, is recovering from near fatal wounds sustained at the end of book 2. He has been wrongly accused of murder, and has been accused of treason. He has been taken to Earth to stand trial for his "crimes".
The Kreelan empire, as a whole, seems to have lost the will to fight. The human leaders sense the possibility of finally defeating the Kreelans and ending the war.
While he is on Earth, Reza is framed for the murder of the Confederation president. Reza also discovers that he has a son. Reza's human friends help him to escape because they feel that he might be able to end the war with the Kreelans.
Unfortunately, Reza's old nemesis, Markus Thorella, has other plans for Reza and his friends. Can Reza find his son, and help end the war?
I enjoyed this novel. There is lots of action. The plot moves along. And like the other books in this series it is just plain fun to read. And I enjoyed the evil bad guys!
Final Battle
The first book in the series - In Her Name: Empire
Check out my eBook!
Setting: In the far future, in space and on multiple planets.
First Sentence: The world was strangely white, so unlike the darkness of Death, so unlike the place where the First Empress's spirit had waited all these generations for her awakening, and where only he among all mortals had ever been.
This novel is the third in Michael Hicks's In Her Name: Redemption series. the action picks up immediately after the action in Book 2. If you are interested in this novel, I stronly suggest that you read books 1 and 2 in order.
As this novel begins, the main character, Reza, is recovering from near fatal wounds sustained at the end of book 2. He has been wrongly accused of murder, and has been accused of treason. He has been taken to Earth to stand trial for his "crimes".
The Kreelan empire, as a whole, seems to have lost the will to fight. The human leaders sense the possibility of finally defeating the Kreelans and ending the war.
While he is on Earth, Reza is framed for the murder of the Confederation president. Reza also discovers that he has a son. Reza's human friends help him to escape because they feel that he might be able to end the war with the Kreelans.
Unfortunately, Reza's old nemesis, Markus Thorella, has other plans for Reza and his friends. Can Reza find his son, and help end the war?
I enjoyed this novel. There is lots of action. The plot moves along. And like the other books in this series it is just plain fun to read. And I enjoyed the evil bad guys!
Final Battle
The first book in the series - In Her Name: Empire
Check out my eBook!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
A World of Trouble by Jake Needham
Genre: Thriller
Setting: Dubai, Bangkok, Hong Kong - present day
First Sentence: I have the right to remain silent and mostly I have exercised that right.
This novel is the third in Jake Needham's Jack Shepherd thriller series.
Jack Shepherd seems to attract trouble. Everyone seems to think that he knows more than he really does. This is because some of his friends are questionable. He is a lawyer. He can be a smart aleck. And he is too curious for his own good.
Due to the events of the previous two novels, Jack has only one client: Charlie. Charlie is General Kitnarok, the deposed leader of Thailand. Jack manages Charlie's financial assets.
In Dubai, there is an assassination attempt on Charlie. When Jack returns to the scene of the attack, there is no evidence that the attack occurred. Soon after, Jack meets an FBI agent who is investigating illegal arms sales. It seems that one of Charlie's financial holdings is involved. And, due to the work that Jack does for Charlie, Jack is a trustee of the company.
So once again, Jack is trying to make sense of a web of intrigue that involves the FBI, the CIA, and Thai Intelligence.
Will Jack make sense of it all? And can he prevent a violent civil war in Thailand?
This novel is a fast paced page turner. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of exotic locales that Needham uses as the backdrop for his story. I like Jack Shepherd as a character. He asks questions and gathers evidence, and tries to think his way through to the solution.
I can't wait to read another of Needham's great novels.
A World of Trouble
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Dubai, Bangkok, Hong Kong - present day
First Sentence: I have the right to remain silent and mostly I have exercised that right.
This novel is the third in Jake Needham's Jack Shepherd thriller series.
Jack Shepherd seems to attract trouble. Everyone seems to think that he knows more than he really does. This is because some of his friends are questionable. He is a lawyer. He can be a smart aleck. And he is too curious for his own good.
Due to the events of the previous two novels, Jack has only one client: Charlie. Charlie is General Kitnarok, the deposed leader of Thailand. Jack manages Charlie's financial assets.
In Dubai, there is an assassination attempt on Charlie. When Jack returns to the scene of the attack, there is no evidence that the attack occurred. Soon after, Jack meets an FBI agent who is investigating illegal arms sales. It seems that one of Charlie's financial holdings is involved. And, due to the work that Jack does for Charlie, Jack is a trustee of the company.
So once again, Jack is trying to make sense of a web of intrigue that involves the FBI, the CIA, and Thai Intelligence.
Will Jack make sense of it all? And can he prevent a violent civil war in Thailand?
This novel is a fast paced page turner. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of exotic locales that Needham uses as the backdrop for his story. I like Jack Shepherd as a character. He asks questions and gathers evidence, and tries to think his way through to the solution.
I can't wait to read another of Needham's great novels.
A World of Trouble
Check out my eBook!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
For the Love of Old Bones & Other Stories by Michael Jecks
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: Medieval England
First Sentence: I'll always remember Sir Baldwin de Furnshill as he was in that dingy alley near the inn in Crediton.
This book is a collection of four short stories set in the same time period as Jeck's Last Templar mystery series.
The first story is "The Coroner's Tale". In this story a young girl is found murdered in an alley in Crediton. It's up to Sir Baldwin and the Coroner, Sir Eustace of Hatherleigh, to uncover the culprit. The story is told through the eyes of Sir Eustace. Together with Sir Eustace we watch Sir Baldwin assemble the clues to solve the crime.
The second story is "For the Love of Old Bones". In this story a group of traveling monks are attacked on the moors. During the struggle the Abbot is stabbed to death. Why was the Abbot the only monk killed in the robbery? Told through they eyes of one of the monks, we watch Sir Baldwin with his trusted companion bailiff Simon Puttock uncover the identity of the murderer.
The third story is "The Amorous Armourer". Humphry the Armourer has been found dead in his hall. Sir Baldwin must question the probable suspects. Unfortunately, many of the clues point toward the newly appointed Coroner, Sir Gilbert of Axminster. Can Sir Baldwin sift through the clues to uncover the identity of the killer?
The final story is "A Clerical Error". A novice of Tavistock Abby has found a dead body out on the moors. It is one of the King's foresters. Unfortunately, the novice has violated the law by being on the moors. Fortunately, wise Brother Peter takes over the investigation. He knows of several people who had reasons for killing the forester. It's up to Brother Peter to determine how the forester died and who is responsible for his death.
These stories form a good introduction to Jeck's writing style. If you like these stories, you might like to read his novels.
I enjoyed these stories. They were a nice return to Jeck's medieval world
For the Love of Old Bones
The Last Templar - The first book in Jeck's mystery series.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Medieval England
First Sentence: I'll always remember Sir Baldwin de Furnshill as he was in that dingy alley near the inn in Crediton.
This book is a collection of four short stories set in the same time period as Jeck's Last Templar mystery series.
The first story is "The Coroner's Tale". In this story a young girl is found murdered in an alley in Crediton. It's up to Sir Baldwin and the Coroner, Sir Eustace of Hatherleigh, to uncover the culprit. The story is told through the eyes of Sir Eustace. Together with Sir Eustace we watch Sir Baldwin assemble the clues to solve the crime.
The second story is "For the Love of Old Bones". In this story a group of traveling monks are attacked on the moors. During the struggle the Abbot is stabbed to death. Why was the Abbot the only monk killed in the robbery? Told through they eyes of one of the monks, we watch Sir Baldwin with his trusted companion bailiff Simon Puttock uncover the identity of the murderer.
The third story is "The Amorous Armourer". Humphry the Armourer has been found dead in his hall. Sir Baldwin must question the probable suspects. Unfortunately, many of the clues point toward the newly appointed Coroner, Sir Gilbert of Axminster. Can Sir Baldwin sift through the clues to uncover the identity of the killer?
The final story is "A Clerical Error". A novice of Tavistock Abby has found a dead body out on the moors. It is one of the King's foresters. Unfortunately, the novice has violated the law by being on the moors. Fortunately, wise Brother Peter takes over the investigation. He knows of several people who had reasons for killing the forester. It's up to Brother Peter to determine how the forester died and who is responsible for his death.
These stories form a good introduction to Jeck's writing style. If you like these stories, you might like to read his novels.
I enjoyed these stories. They were a nice return to Jeck's medieval world
For the Love of Old Bones
The Last Templar - The first book in Jeck's mystery series.
Check out my eBook!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Two for the Lions by Lindsey Davis
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: The Ancient Roman Empire, 73 - 74 A.D.
First Sentence: My partner and I had been well set up to earn our fortunes until we were told about the corpse.
This is the tenth novel of Lindsey Davis's Marcus Didius Falco mystery series.
Falco, and his frenemy Anacrites, have joined forces to work for the emperor on the census. Basically, their job is to audit tax returns. There is big money to be made importing wild animals and training gladiators. Falco hopes to make it rich from his cut of their unpaid taxes. While investigating one wild animal procurer, his trained man-eating lion is found stabbed with a spear. Soon, the prize gladiator of another procurer is found dead. Then, an ostrich is found poisoned. Falco knows that these deaths are related.
Meanwhile, Falco's wife's brother has eloped to Africa. The brother and his new bride hope to make their fortune by rediscovering a rare spice plant thought to be extinct. Falco bundles up his family: wife, daughter, nephew, and brother-in-law off to Africa. They find the young lovers, and Falco begins to find clues that will help him solve the mystery.
I enjoyed this novel. As in real life, the clues don't always line up. Half way through the novel, Falco reaches a point where he basically gives up on the case. But his curiosity remains active, and when he discovers clues, he returns to the case. I did not figure out who-dun-it until the final chapters of the novel.
The novel has another nice touch that I liked. Prior to writing this novel, Davis had written a historical romance set in Rome in the same time period. The main character of "The Course of Honor" makes a brief appearance early in this novel. I like it when authors have crossovers from different novels when it is appropriate.
Since this novel is the tenth of the Falco series, I suggest that the novels are better enjoyed when read in order. However, this novel does stand up pretty well on its own.
Two for the Lions
The Silver Pigs - The first novel of the series.
Check our my eBook!
Setting: The Ancient Roman Empire, 73 - 74 A.D.
First Sentence: My partner and I had been well set up to earn our fortunes until we were told about the corpse.
This is the tenth novel of Lindsey Davis's Marcus Didius Falco mystery series.
Falco, and his frenemy Anacrites, have joined forces to work for the emperor on the census. Basically, their job is to audit tax returns. There is big money to be made importing wild animals and training gladiators. Falco hopes to make it rich from his cut of their unpaid taxes. While investigating one wild animal procurer, his trained man-eating lion is found stabbed with a spear. Soon, the prize gladiator of another procurer is found dead. Then, an ostrich is found poisoned. Falco knows that these deaths are related.
Meanwhile, Falco's wife's brother has eloped to Africa. The brother and his new bride hope to make their fortune by rediscovering a rare spice plant thought to be extinct. Falco bundles up his family: wife, daughter, nephew, and brother-in-law off to Africa. They find the young lovers, and Falco begins to find clues that will help him solve the mystery.
I enjoyed this novel. As in real life, the clues don't always line up. Half way through the novel, Falco reaches a point where he basically gives up on the case. But his curiosity remains active, and when he discovers clues, he returns to the case. I did not figure out who-dun-it until the final chapters of the novel.
The novel has another nice touch that I liked. Prior to writing this novel, Davis had written a historical romance set in Rome in the same time period. The main character of "The Course of Honor" makes a brief appearance early in this novel. I like it when authors have crossovers from different novels when it is appropriate.
Since this novel is the tenth of the Falco series, I suggest that the novels are better enjoyed when read in order. However, this novel does stand up pretty well on its own.
Two for the Lions
The Silver Pigs - The first novel of the series.
Check our my eBook!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
The Oath by Michael Jecks
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: England, 1326
First Sentence: Her nightmare always began in the same way.
This novel is the 31st in Jecks Last Templar Mystery Series.
This story takes place near the end of the reign of King Edward II. King Edward has had a troubled reign. The issue has been his poor choice advisers. Specifically, his adviser and special friend Sir Hugh le Despenser. Sir Hugh has been extremely cruel and avaricious. Yet he has had the love of the king. Edward has given Sir Hugh everything he has wanted. Edward's Queen, Isabella, hates him, as do the majority of the nobles of England.
In this novel, Edward and Sir Hugh are on the run. Queen Isabella has invaded with an army of mercenaries. Each day, more and more nobles join the Queen's horde. Our two main characters, Simon Puttock and Sir Baldwin de Furnshill, once again find themselves embroiled in the affairs of the King, the Queen and Despenser. They are torn between their oath to support the King and their hatred of Sir Hugh.
Sir Baldwin and Simon find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict. Sir Baldwin is supporting the King, while Simon finds himself entangled with the Queen's supporters. The majority of the novel follows Sir Baldwin and Hugh as they witness the great historical events of their times. Intertwined with the story of the King and Despenser there is a murder, and a mystery to be solved.
Jecks uses a large cast of characters to tell his story. I was a little confused at the beginning, trying to keep track of them. We do not get around to the main characters until page 69. Jecks does provide a list of characters, yet he uses many characters who are not listed.
For me, I have been looking forward to this book for a long time. Despenser has been a troublesome character for at least the last six novels. The mystery was a small part of the this novel, and I had identified the murderer pretty early on.
I enjoyed the book. Jecks writing style makes for a nice easy read. His novels are well researched and follow actual events. I recommend this book as a good read. I suggest that you read the novels in order.
The Oath
The Last Templar - The first book in the series.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: England, 1326
First Sentence: Her nightmare always began in the same way.
This novel is the 31st in Jecks Last Templar Mystery Series.
This story takes place near the end of the reign of King Edward II. King Edward has had a troubled reign. The issue has been his poor choice advisers. Specifically, his adviser and special friend Sir Hugh le Despenser. Sir Hugh has been extremely cruel and avaricious. Yet he has had the love of the king. Edward has given Sir Hugh everything he has wanted. Edward's Queen, Isabella, hates him, as do the majority of the nobles of England.
In this novel, Edward and Sir Hugh are on the run. Queen Isabella has invaded with an army of mercenaries. Each day, more and more nobles join the Queen's horde. Our two main characters, Simon Puttock and Sir Baldwin de Furnshill, once again find themselves embroiled in the affairs of the King, the Queen and Despenser. They are torn between their oath to support the King and their hatred of Sir Hugh.
Sir Baldwin and Simon find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict. Sir Baldwin is supporting the King, while Simon finds himself entangled with the Queen's supporters. The majority of the novel follows Sir Baldwin and Hugh as they witness the great historical events of their times. Intertwined with the story of the King and Despenser there is a murder, and a mystery to be solved.
Jecks uses a large cast of characters to tell his story. I was a little confused at the beginning, trying to keep track of them. We do not get around to the main characters until page 69. Jecks does provide a list of characters, yet he uses many characters who are not listed.
For me, I have been looking forward to this book for a long time. Despenser has been a troublesome character for at least the last six novels. The mystery was a small part of the this novel, and I had identified the murderer pretty early on.
I enjoyed the book. Jecks writing style makes for a nice easy read. His novels are well researched and follow actual events. I recommend this book as a good read. I suggest that you read the novels in order.
The Oath
The Last Templar - The first book in the series.
Check out my eBook!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Still Life with Murder by P. B. Ryan
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: Boston, 1868
First Sentence: "It's going to be a bad one."
This novel is the first in Ryan's Nell Sweeney Mystery series.
On a stormy night Dr. Greaves and his apprentice Nell Sweeney are called to the Hewitt home. Annie the maid is suffering through a difficult delivery. Before the night is through, Annie delivers the child and gives it to the Hewitts to raise. And Nell is hired to be the Hewitt's governess for the child. Why Annie gives up the child, and why the Hewitt's are willing to adopt her, is the beginning of the mystery.
Three years later, Nell is serving happily as governess for little Grace. Then the Hewitts receive some shocking news. Their son Will, who they believe died at Andersonville during the Civil War, is alive. He has been arrested and is accused of murder. Will's mother asks Nell to visit him in jail. Nell finds that Will is an opium addict and professional gambler. As Nell begins to investigate the case she begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Hewitt family. She gets no help from Will who seems perfectly willing to hang for the murder. Yet he will not admit, or deny, committing the crime.
As the plot progresses, we gradually learn about Will: what happened to him during the war, why he is an opium addict, and why he is willing to die for a crime he probably didn't commit. We also learn about Nell and her history. She is not the maidenly governess that she seems to be. She has had checkered past. The author does a great job of dropping hints about Nell and her experiences. Not all has been revealed which means I will be downloading the next book to my Kindle.
I really enjoyed this novel. I liked the pace of the writing. The plot moves along. Ryan does a good job of describing the setting and the action without being long winded. I was especially interested in the descriptions of opium smoking.
This novel is a great beginning to what looks like a very interesting series. Check it out.
Still Life with Murder
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Boston, 1868
First Sentence: "It's going to be a bad one."
This novel is the first in Ryan's Nell Sweeney Mystery series.
On a stormy night Dr. Greaves and his apprentice Nell Sweeney are called to the Hewitt home. Annie the maid is suffering through a difficult delivery. Before the night is through, Annie delivers the child and gives it to the Hewitts to raise. And Nell is hired to be the Hewitt's governess for the child. Why Annie gives up the child, and why the Hewitt's are willing to adopt her, is the beginning of the mystery.
Three years later, Nell is serving happily as governess for little Grace. Then the Hewitts receive some shocking news. Their son Will, who they believe died at Andersonville during the Civil War, is alive. He has been arrested and is accused of murder. Will's mother asks Nell to visit him in jail. Nell finds that Will is an opium addict and professional gambler. As Nell begins to investigate the case she begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Hewitt family. She gets no help from Will who seems perfectly willing to hang for the murder. Yet he will not admit, or deny, committing the crime.
As the plot progresses, we gradually learn about Will: what happened to him during the war, why he is an opium addict, and why he is willing to die for a crime he probably didn't commit. We also learn about Nell and her history. She is not the maidenly governess that she seems to be. She has had checkered past. The author does a great job of dropping hints about Nell and her experiences. Not all has been revealed which means I will be downloading the next book to my Kindle.
I really enjoyed this novel. I liked the pace of the writing. The plot moves along. Ryan does a good job of describing the setting and the action without being long winded. I was especially interested in the descriptions of opium smoking.
This novel is a great beginning to what looks like a very interesting series. Check it out.
Still Life with Murder
Check out my eBook!
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