Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s Blog, page 36

January 1, 2024

A Body at the Séance by Marty Wingate - Book Review

Series: London Ladies’ Murder Club #2

Publication Date: 11th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

3.8 Stars

One Liner: A good mystery but slow

November 1921

Mabel is working with the Useful Women’s Agency, hoping for a better case than finding missing dogs. However, she didn’t expect to end up on a crime scene when attending the séance with Mrs. Plomley to communicate with the woman’s dead husband. What’s more, how did Mr. Stamford Plomley die at the séance when he was supposed to have perished almost a year ago?

Mabel is hired to investigate the previous non-death, though the lines blur soon. Who is Madame Pushkana? Is she a gifted medium being targeted by someone who hates her, or is she a con artist and a murderer? Can Mabel solve the case?

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

My Thoughts:

After enjoying book one a few days ago, I was eager to read this and see how Mabel proved her worth as a private investigator.

As with the previous one, the book starts with Mabel knocking on the door and introducing herself at her job site. That way, we get into action almost right away.

The mystery is rather interesting and has enough suspects to track. Though it takes a while, there are enough clues to figure out the killer. I guessed right despite the red herrings, and the process is logical. Mabel is still an amateur sleuth, so she is bound to miss a few things.

We meet the recurring characters again (Cora, Skeff, Park, Inspector Tollerton, Miss Kerr, etc.) and some new ones. Augustus also makes an appearance, much to my delight. Like Mabel, I also have a soft spot for that kid. Gladys, the part-terrier (Park’s dog), is proving to be a lifesaver!

There’s a touch of paranormal, given the premise. It is well done and just enough to suit the plotline. I like how the whole thing is nicely balanced.

The bits about séance and its working are interesting enough. However, I should give credit to The Other Side of Mrs. Wood for understanding the whole thing a lot more.

There’s a wee bit of progress in the expected romance between Mabel and Park. Nothing major, so it doesn’t affect the mystery.

Two things I like the most –

Mabel’s comparison of handwriting with music is an intriguing concept. Those who know the music script (and like classical pieces) will enjoy this more. I don’t have the required knowledge, but I love the concept.

The characters don’t just try to solve the crime. They also provide emotional support to those who require it. They step in to help strangers in need. Moreover, Mabel is good at marketing. She is always ready to recommend her fellow women to her clients based on their requirements.

But… why is the book so slow? The first one had a steady pace despite introducing the characters and setting. I expected this to be along the same lines, but it is way slower and doesn’t seem inclined to move faster.

To summarize, A Body at the Séance is a well-plotted and engaging mystery with some twists, laughs, puzzles, and loads of tea. Naturally, I am looking forward to the next book and will read it.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC.

#NetGalley #ABodyAtTheSéance

View more on Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 01, 2024 05:01

December 31, 2023

Round up of 2023 Reads and Introduction to the 2024 Challenge

Hello!

It’s time for a wrap-up post of my 2023 reading year. This one is not as elaborate as the previous one, but it does have twenty worthy books from different genres. I did spend a lot of time on Goodreads, which gave results and put me consistently among the top ten reviewers from India. The platform also said I belong to its top 25% readers. What makes me the happiest is the increase in the number of Indian books in my top reads. I hope to continue the trend and read more Indian authors.

Without boring you further with needless rambling, here’s the list, divided into two sections (in no particular order).

10 Best Reads of 2023Orphaned by S.L Bhyrappa, translated by Sandeep Balakrishna

Genre: Indian DramaPublication: 2019 (first published in 1968) One-Liner: A must-read Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Her Deadly Game by Robert Dugoni

Genre: Legal Thriller Publication: 2023One-Liner: Entertaining, intriguing, and fun to readFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2...

Mad Sisters of Esi by Tashan Mehta

Genre: Fantasy Publication: 2023One-Liner: A fever dream that makes sense Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2...

Nandi’s Charge: Battle of Vatapi (Book One)

Genre: Indian Historical Thriller Publication: 2023 (first published in 2021) One-Liner: A fast-paced entertainer with twists and actionsFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2...

Nightjar by Katya Balan

Genre: Middle-Grade Novella Publication: 2023 One-Liner: A tender little storyFull Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Animal Tales from India by Nikita Gill

Genre: Children’s Fiction, Retelling, Illustrations Publication: 2023One-Liner: Grab it for the illustrations Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Tamarind Tree by Sundara Ramaswamy, translated by Aniruddhan Vasudevan

Genre: Indian Drama, Publication: 2022 (first published in 1966) One-Liner: Enjoyable but will work only for a specific audienceFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2...

Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments by Hema Sukumar

Genre: Indian Drama Publication: 2023One-Liner: Character-driven and a slice-of-life novelFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2...

A Broken People's Playlist by Chimeka Garricks

Genre: Anthology. African Literature Publication: 2023One-Liner: A bitter-sweet and heart-touching collectionFull Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2...

So Late in the Day: Stories of Men and Women by Claire Keegan

Genre: Anthology Publication: 2023 (reprints) One-Liner: Poignant (my new favorite short story writer) Full Review: https://sri-lovenature.blogspot.com/2...

***

December 30, 2023

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett - Book Review

Series: Emily Wilde #2 (Not a Standalone)

Publication Date: 18th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Romance

4.2 Stars

One Liner: Entertaining

Emily Wilde is back in action and determined to find a door to the fae realm for Wendell Bambleby. She has been avoiding his marriage proposal, though she knows she feels a tingling sensation when with him.

However, the duo has a major task ahead, with Wendell’s evil stepmother sending assassins to murder him. The fae king’s life in the mortal world is in danger, and so is Emily’s life. They go to explore the Austrian Alps with interesting company, but the path home is filled with dangers. And, of course, can Emily decide what her heart wants?

The story comes in Emily’s first-person POV (in a journal).

My Thoughts:

After enjoying book one, I was excited to read this and meet the adorable Wendell again. I think I like both books equally.

There are quite many interactions with different fae creatures, most of them belonging to the dangerous kind. This time, we visit Austria in winter, so it is super chilly and foggy, adding to the risk levels.

The book has a few new side characters. While it takes time to warm up to Rose, Ariadne impresses almost immediately. She is Emily’s nineteen-year-old niece, a student at Cambridge, where Emily and Wendell are professors. I hope book three has this bubbly young girl.

Wendell is not his usual self (for certain reasons), but that doesn’t dim his charm. His obsession with cleanliness, love for food, and offhanded magic (which sometimes gives hilarious results) are lovely to read.

Emily is cool but can be so dense sometimes that it’s infuriating. She uses her brain cells only for research and studies, so even basic common sense can evade her at times. But that is her character arc and not something I complain about.

The pacing is an issue, though. While the first book was slow throughout, this one is uneven. The beginning went faster as if we were reading only a first-person POV and not Emily’s journal. That was more than fine for me. But the middle is slow and heavy. Many events seem to occur, though the story goes in circles, and the % doesn’t move. Finally, things get better in the last section.

The locals don’t have the same role or charm as the ones in the previous book. Shadow is his best, and we meet Poe again! There’s Snowbell, too, an addition to Emily’s fae friends. Then, we meet a few important characters who will play vital roles in the next book.

And oh, the banter between Emily and Wendell isn’t that great, but there is good progress in their ‘not a relationship’. Maybe a wee bit of romance, too, though this is Emily’s journal, and you will not get any details.

The last quarter of the book is really good. It ends right where it should, setting the stage for the (hopefully) last in the series. I have high expectations for the next one, given the high stakes.

To summarize, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands is an entertaining read with magic, faes, and danger. However, its main purpose is to connect the first and last books.

Thank you, NetGalley and Little Brown Group (Orbit), for the eARC.

#NetGalley #EmilyWildesMapOfTheOtherlands

***

My last read of 2023.

View more on Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 30, 2023 22:26

December 28, 2023

Murder at Merewood Hospital by Michelle Salter - Book Review

Publication Date: 14th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

3.7 Stars

One Liner: A darkish cozy mystery

1916, Merwood Farm, Hampshire

Sister Helen Hopgood is a nurse at the temporary military hospital at the Merwood Farm. It has only a handful of patients left after the rush of the war.

The owner, Joseph Wintringham, wants to sell the farm but can’t find buyers due to the rumors that the place has been cursed. Some time ago, a beautiful young nurse, Isabel Taplin, was murdered. No one knows who the killer is. Rumors say that her ghost is haunting the place. With more deaths occurring, it’s up to Helen to find the killer(s).

The story comes in the third-person POV of Helen, Dr Samuel, and Richard.

My Thoughts:

I wanted to try this since I enjoy the author’s Iris Woodmore Series. Right now, this book is a standalone. I’d prefer it that way since the ending suits the book (though the publishers might turn it into a series).

Set after WWI, the book deals with the aftermath of war and what it did to the soldiers. The make-shift hospital has only a few patients who have almost recovered physically but have psychological scars.

The setting (based on a real place, as mentioned in the author’s note) is bleak, grim, and part sinister. Though we get some lovely descriptions of the moon, lake, and birds, it’s hard to shrug off the dark tone. However, this suits the plot.

The characters are flawed and hard to like in some cases. It took me a while to warm up to Helen despite being impressed by her efficiency. In the end, I was more than happy to support her decision, so she won me over.

The mystery is solid. It has many twists- some predictable, some not. But they make sense in the bigger picture. I didn’t fully figure out the killer(s), so that’s good too. And for a change, the superintendent in charge of the cases is quite sharp and competent. I wouldn’t say Helen is the main sleuth. Others also contribute and make it a team effort.

The book also deals with themes like obsession (different types), PTSD, trauma, anger, secrets, dysfunctional family, financial troubles, rumors, superstition, etc. My favorite is the various types of obsession the characters display and the extent to which they go to achieve what they want.

The pacing is a bit uneven, though. The first quarter is slow, and there isn’t much to like about those we encounter. Also, given the multiple POVs, we don’t really know any of the characters. While it helps maintain the suspense, it’s hard to root for any of them or pick sides.

There’s a minor love track and a touch of what could have been a triangle without all the angst and drama. The focus stays on the mystery most of the time.

To summarize, Murder at Merewood Hospital is a worthy read if you are looking for a post-WWI cozy mystery with some intriguing themes. It is a bit heavy and may not be appropriate if you want a light and humorous read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC.

#NetGalley #MurderAtMerewoodHospital

View more on Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s website »

2 likes · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 28, 2023 05:05

December 26, 2023

A Body on the Doorstep by Marty Wingate - Book Review

Series: London Ladies’ Murder Club #1

Publication Date: 11th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

4 Stars

One Liner: An entertaining read

1921, London

Mabel Canning has moved to London from her village in Sussex to live like an independent woman. Thirty-two and unmarried, she applies to freelance at the Useful Women’s Agency run by Lillian Kerr. No job is strange for the women from this agency. Be it writing letters or cleaning attics, they have to do it all to earn their living.

Mabel’s job takes her to the house of wealthy Rosalind Despard. When a dead man rolls into the house at the event, Mabel can’t help but step in and offer support to the widow. Soon, she becomes involved in the mystery, hoping to find more information. Mabel works with Park Winstone, Rosalind’s brother, and his cutie dog, Gladys, to uncover the mystery.

Soon, she realizes it is not an easy task. With her life at risk, can Mabel solve the crime before it’s too late?

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

My Thoughts:

Well, here’s another historical cozy I couldn’t resist. It helped that book #2 is available for request in case I liked this one.

Mabel is an easy character to like. She loves her father, nanny, and her friends back home. Yet, she has her ambitions and wants to give her best to find a footing in the city. She is open-minded most of the time. It helps that she is naturally inquisitive and can use her brain when necessary.

I like how we meet an array of characters from different backgrounds. They are well-defined without being elaborate. Cora, Skeff, Rosalind, Bridget, and Mr. Chigley make a mark. Though Mrs. Chandrashekar (Mabel’s Indian nanny) doesn’t have an active role, we can see how much she has influenced Mabel.

Park Winstone (former Yard detective) is the grumpy, protective brother (of Rosalind), though we know he can take a joke and be a fun person. His doggie, Gladys, is adorable. A bit of a naughty little thing but brave, too.

Augustus, the eight-year-old, is a mischievous monkey. His mother is a recurring client of Miss Kerr and wants someone to keep her unruly son in check. I wish to see more of him in the series. The poor kid deserves a better mom. He is too smart for his own good.

The mystery starts well. Right away, we have some suspects. The list grows as more information comes out. Of course, the Yard, for all its expertise, seems to miss important clues. The Inspector might not be that bad, though. We’ll know in the coming books. I could guess the criminal and am happy to say I got it right.

To summarize, A Body on the Doorstep is a delightful start to a new cozy mystery series. I’m excited to read the next book and see Mabel solve more crimes.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC.

#NetGalley #ABodyOnTheDoorstep

View more on Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 26, 2023 05:12

December 23, 2023

A Story to Strangle For by E.V. Hunter - Book Review

Series: A Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery #4

Publication Date: 06th Jan 2024

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Cozy Mystery

4 Stars

One Liner: A compact and engaging mystery

Alexi is determined to save Hopgood Hall’s reputation as a murder center. She uses her journalistic experience and contacts to conduct a five-day course for wannabe journalists. The course begins well, though there’s a minor annoyance.

However, when a murder happens, Alexi is distraught. Her attempts to divert the attention from the Hall backfired. Worse, she is the last person to see the dead person alive. While Alexi is not a prime suspect, she and Jack know things can change at any instant. The duo has no choice but to solve the case and free her name. Cosmos is more than happy to tag along if he can terrorize a few suspects on the way.

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Alexi and Jack.

My Thoughts:

Alexi and Jack are back in the next installment of the series. The book should work as a standalone since there’s enough background information to update you about their pasts. However, there will be many spoilers about their relationship.

Here, we seem to have two issues running in parallel. The mystery is one, and the insecurities in Alexi and Jack’s relationship are the other. Given that the suspect list may include people from their lives, this blend works well to most extent.

The mystery is really good. There are multiple threads and possibilities. We know everything will come together, but the path to this is not straightforward. I enjoyed reading how they uncovered information at every stage and regrouped to adjust the hypothesis. Quite a few red herrings, too.

Cosmo is being himself, alert to Alexi’s changing moods (it’s not easy being a suspect), and flaunting his royal attitude. Of course, this fluffy black cat has an accurate character-assessment meter, which helps Alexi and Jack vet their suspects.

Drew and Cheryl have relatively minor roles in this book compared to the previous ones. They are worried, though they continue to support Alexi. After all, despite their fears, murders attract more crowds and bring extra income.

The title and the cover suit the book. While you can guess how the murder was committed, you can also guess a crucial element of the mystery if you pay attention.

To summarize, A Story to Strangle For is a steady-paced cozy mystery with twists and turns that come together to make sense. The next murder might happen elsewhere, which could bring some relief to the Hopgood Hall’s owners.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC.

#NetGalley #AStoryToStrangeFor

View more on Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 23, 2023 04:52

December 21, 2023

Protecting Her Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen - Book Review

Series: Matchmakers #3 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 02nd Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Mystery, Romance

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Enjoyable despite a few misses

1887, London

Charlotte Duvall is enjoying her newly achieved doctor status in America and working in a hospital as a surgeon when a letter from her father sends her rushing back to London. Her father’s death saddens her, but Charlotte cannot stop thinking about her late month and her death. Her father hints it was murder, and Charlotte wonders if it’s true.

John Ellis is the director of the London police force and Charlotte’s friend. He missed her a lot during her absence. When she tells him about the letter, they decide to dig deep and find out what happened. However, someone doesn’t want the truth revealed and will do anything. With the growing attraction between the two and mounting danger, Charlotte and John have much to do.

The story comes in Charlotte and John’s third-person POV.

My Thoughts:

I didn’t read the previous two books but had no issue following this plot. The story works as a standalone. The lead characters are friends, and their relationship turns into a sort of slow burn in this one.

The plot combines mystery and romance. There’s quite a bit of action as someone is stalking the heroine. The stakes increase as we enter the last section.

I like that the central premise of finding out about Charlotte’s mother’s death remains prominent. The romance doesn’t shadow the mystery or distract the readers. This can be an issue if you go in expecting romance.

The book also deals with other themes relevant to the period (though the vibes feel the setting crosses to the early 1900s) – misogyny, scandalous gossip, the secrets of the ton, etc. Some of it is done well and adds to the story. A few aspects aren’t developed enough.

The pacing is a bit uneven. With the characters stressing so much on career vs. love drama, the resolution is super easy. Why didn’t you think of this before? I expected something more dramatic, TBH.

The mystery is decent and goes well until the reveal, where it is also fast-tracked with easy confessions. Would the details come out so simply when the stakes are sky-high? Not sure.

The ending is also simplified, with everything neatly tied up. I always love happy endings and even demand for them. But I like it better when the problems are solved properly before we get to happy-ever-afters.

Nevertheless, despite the issues, the book is enjoyable and has strong characters. Charlotte knows when to accept help. Her cousins seem great (I’d be happy to read their stories in the previous books someday). No miscommunication trope, either.

To summarize, Protecting Her Heart is an enjoyable read with a few hits and misses. There are a few laughs, too, so grab it if you want a light read with a mystery and romance.

Thank you, NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing, for the eARC.

#NetGalley #ProtectingHerHeart

View more on Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 21, 2023 04:31

December 19, 2023

One Year After You by Shari Low - Book Review

Series: Sequel to One Day With You

Publication Date: 05th Jan 2024

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

3.7 Stars

One Liner: A touching read (should work as standalone)

09th Feb 2024

Odette Devine is a glamorous matriarchal actress on Scotland’s longest-running TV show. However, it’s her last day on the show. She is also broke and clueless about her future. She wonders if it’s a payback for the betrayal forty years ago.

It has been a year since Max Walker died in the car crash on the day she gave birth to their son. Tress is yet to fully recover from the news of his long-term affair and that he was with the woman when the accident happened.

Noah Clark might seem to have everything going well on the surface. However, he is struggling to get over the news of his wife having an affair with his best friend. And when she visits him, asking for another chance, can he do it?

Keli Clark is being ghosted by the man she loves. She is stalking him online and has her suspicions but hesitates to make a decision. However, an expected message forces her to acknowledge things and decide. What should she do?

How will the lives of these people converge on a single day?

The story comes in the third-person POV of Odette, Tress, Noah, and Keli.

My Thoughts:

The book takes place a year after ‘One Day With You’. It’s the anniversary of Max’s death and his son’s birthday. Tress and Noah are doing their best to move on from the betrayal of their spouses and provide the kids with a stable family.

This book can be read as a standalone since there is enough backstory to provide the necessary information. However, it will help if you read the earlier one. That way, you can understand the dynamics between the characters (especially Tress and Noah) and appreciate Nancy and Val even more.

I don’t remember if Keli was in the other book, but she gets her own POV here. Odette is a new addition. All four tracks come together in the last quarter to deliver the finale.

Noah and Keli’s mom, Glinda, has only a couple of scenes. Now she’s the kind of mom one should have. Despite having limited space, she makes a super strong impression.

The book deals with many themes like love, loss, betrayal, adultery, cheating, heartbreak, moving on, grief, anger, hope, etc. There’s enough lighthearted stuff to prevent the contents from getting too emotional.

The backstory is repetitive and slows the pacing. It is necessary since this one doesn’t seem to be marketed as a sequel. Those who remember the previous book can skim through the info dump and finish the book faster (like me).

I don’t agree with the idea of not telling Buddy about Max’s infidelity but sharing everything else about him. The kid needs to know what his mom went through. The last thing she would need is for the son to build a shrine for his ‘flawless’ dead father. Keep it real!

An epilogue (set after a week) ties up everything and concludes individual threads with satisfaction.

To summarize, One Year After You is a worthy read with important themes. The resolution is quite easy, but considering the genre, it is more than fine.

I wasn’t expecting a sequel, TBH. The previous book had a good epilogue with a hopeful ending. Still, this was a good continuation with an HFN ending.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC.

#NetGalley #OneYearAfterYou

View more on Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 19, 2023 04:57

December 17, 2023

Haunted Grave by Byrd Nash - Book Review

Series: Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #5

Publication Date: 28th Dec 2023

Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy, Mystery

4.3 Stars

One Liner: The wait has been worth it!

Elinor and Tristan are back in action, dealing with a deadly criminal working from the shadows. The criminal is responsible for almost everything unpleasant and dangerous in the country, right from riots to murders. Of course, they also want Tristan (and Elinor, by extension) out of the way.

As if this isn’t enough, Elinor learns more information about her father and has to decide what to do with Tristan’s marriage proposal. So many decisions to make if they can stay alive long enough.

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

My Thoughts:

This is the fifth book in the series and is not a standalone. It won’t make sense if you read it without reading at least the last two books if not all.

Elinor is as headstrong as ever, though she gets too close to danger multiple times and gets help from the other quarters. Tristan has too many things to take care of and not enough time.

Still, the duo has some quality moments together. The big question about their future is left for the next book. But as I said earlier, they have to survive and solve the mysteries before that.

There’s a subplot that eventually ties up with the main thread. Though we have several threads, they are coming together and starting to make sense.

It’s hard to review the book since I don’t want to reveal any spoilers for previous works. Let’s say that Twyla makes an appearance, much to my delight. She will have to work hard in the next book. The other recurring characters do their bit. One of them has a change of heart, a positive development for sure.

The scenes in the other world are always my favorite. And oh, looks like I guessed right about how the potential betrayer is, though we’ll know for sure only in the next book.

The book blends mystery, political intrigue, paranormal, and romance. We have secrets, betrayals, blackmails, murders, and whatnot. The ending is such a cliffhanger (I hope I don’t have to wait long).

To summarize, Haunted Grave is a great addition to the series. It is steady-paced, descriptive, and full of intrigue. It’s a short read, too, something you can finish in a sitting or two.

My thanks to the author for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

***

P.S.: I love that the author dedicated this book to readers who waited. Life took over (as it always does), and the author had to push the release date by a few months, resulting in an unexpected delay.

View more on Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 17, 2023 05:29

Murder by Candlelight by Faith Martin - Book Review

Publication Date: 04th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Quite good and lighthearted

1924 Cotswold, England

Maybury-in-the-Marsh is a quaint little village with some interesting personalities. Amy Phelps of the Old Forge comes from old money and has a dominant presence. However, she has been uncertain the past few days and contacts Arbuthnot ‘Arbie’ Swift for help.

Young Arbie, though the author of the best-selling book The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost-Hunting, wants nothing to do with hard work. He is happy to be idle and stay away from others’ lives. However, with Amy’s insistent appeal and Val’s (his friend and the vicar’s daughter) determination to help, Arbie has no choice but to do what is expected of him.

Soon, Amy Phelps is dead, and Arbie knows it’s not natural. Someone murdered her. Despite his reluctance, Arbie and Val join heads to solve the case and find the killer.

The story comes in the third-person omnipresent POV.

My Thoughts:

The book is written like it would have been in the 1920s. This works to an extent, and we get a more realistic feel of the setting, language, and people. However, a few phrases (old bean, stiff upper lip, etc.) feel repetitive. Still, I like that the book tries to recreate the Christie and Wodehouse ‘feel’.

Arbie and Val might give vague Tommy and Tuppence vibes, though they are very much different. Arbie is a typical 20-something lad who hates the idea of work. Val is the daughter of an impoverished vicar and a force of nature. Nevertheless, Arbie manages to create a better impression by the end. He is a bit of Bertie Wooster (with no Jeeves to help).

Though the mystery begins early, the murder doesn’t happen in the first quarter. But this adds to the intrigue as I wanted to see when it would happen. That said, waiting that long wasn’t a good feeling.

The suspects are easy enough to track and have varied personalities. However, they don’t get much character development. The setting and main characters have potential, so this could very well become a series. In fact, given the extent of detail we get, this is bound to be followed by more books (I’d be disappointed otherwise).

The (locked room) mystery is interesting, though I wish it was handled better. The middle has filler content, which I skimmed through. The story would read better if the whole thing ended in 300 pages or less.

You see a cat’s silhouette on the cover. That’s Empress Maud, a well-fed, fluffy black feline with tiger stripes. She has a role to play, though not much.

There are quite a few references to Christie and Holmes by the characters. Not that annoying for me, but others may not like it. Also, despite the references to ‘Victorian’ the book is more of a Golden Age mystery.

To summarize, Murder by Candlelight is an entertaining mystery with a good dose of humor. It would read even better if it were not buried under filler content.

This is my first book by the author, though I heard a lot about her mysteries. The book isn’t great, but I will happily read more books in the series.

Thank you, NetGalley and HQ Digital, for the eARC.

#NetGalley #MurderbyCandlelight

View more on Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 17, 2023 00:30

← Previous 1 2 … 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 … 86 87 Next →

Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s Blog

Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s profile
697 followers