Bethany Swafford's Blog, page 2

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Cover via Goodreads

The Scarlet Pimpernel

by Emmuska Orczy

Edition: Kindle, 2012

Synopsis: Armed with only his wits and his cunning, one man recklessly defies the French revolutionaries and rescues scores of innocent men, women, and children from the deadly guillotine. His friends and foes know him only as the Scarlet Pimpernel. But the ruthless French agent Chauvelin is sworn to discover his identity and to hunt him down.

French revolutionaries ruthlessly track down “traitors,” whether they are men, women, or children, to execute them on the dreaded guillotine. Time and again, these titled people are whisked away to safety by the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel. French agent, Chauvelin vows to learn the identity of the man and capture him. To do so, he blackmails the ‘cleverest woman in England’ Lady Blakeney, to do his dirty work for him. Should she save her brother, the only family member she has left, or protect the identity of a hero?

I believe I will have to find some way to bring the phrases “Odd’s fish or “Odd’s life” into daily use. Maybe even “Zounds!” I can’t hope to ever be half as witty as the characters of this book, so I may as well be eccentric.

It was a delight to come back to this book. It has been some time since I first read it, so there were some details I had forgotten. Still, I enjoyed it just as much this time as I did before. The humor held up. I will admit I’d forgotten how much the romance played into the story, and there wasn’t as much adventure as I thought. Still, it was a blast of a tale.

Sir Percy Blakeney is, hands down, is my favorite character. Every scene he was in was loads of fun. I have not read the rest of the books in the series, but I think I am going to have to make time to do so.

Readers looking for a humorous and romantic adventure story may enjoy this classic tale. 

Murder at Kensington Palace (Wreford and Sloane #3)

Cover via Goodreads

Murder at Kensington Palace

by Andrea Penrose

Edition: ARC, 2019

Synopsis: Wrexford and Sloane must unravel secrets within secrets—including a few that entangle their own hearts—when they reunite to solve a string of shocking murders that have horrified Regency London…

Though Charlotte Sloane’s secret identity as the controversial satirical cartoonist A.J. Quill is safe with the Earl of Wrexford, she’s ill prepared for the rippling effects sharing the truth about her background has cast over their relationship. She thought a bit of space might improve the situation. But when her cousin is murdered and his twin brother is accused of the gruesome crime, Charlotte immediately turns to Wrexford for help in proving the young man’s innocence. Though she finds the brooding scientist just as enigmatic and intense as ever, their partnership is now marked by an unfamiliar tension that seems to complicate every encounter.

Despite this newfound complexity, Wrexford and Charlotte are determined to track down the real killer. Their investigation leads them on a dangerous chase through Mayfair’s glittering ballrooms and opulent drawing rooms, where gossip and rumors swirl to confuse the facts. Was her cousin murdered over a romantic rivalry . . . or staggering gambling debts? Or could the motive be far darker and involve the clandestine scientific society that claimed both brothers as members? The more Charlotte and Wrexford try to unknot the truth, the more tangled it becomes. But they must solve the case soon, before the killer’s madness seizes another victim…

When Charlotte Sloane’s cousin is murdered, and her other cousin accused of the terrible crime, she turns to Lord Wrexford for help. She also makes the decision to come out of the shadows, to take her place in society. Together, they follow the clues into the glittering ballrooms of society. Can they find the killer before more men are found dead?

Oh, how I love this pair! Their attraction to each other does not overshadow the mystery. They both bring something to the investigation that the other lacks. Together, they are stronger and I love whenever they have scenes together!

As always, the accompanying cast is a delight. From “the weasels”, Hawk and Raven (who are finding their own skills and talents) to Tyler, Wrexford’s valet/assistant, each one brings something to the story. I would have a hard time to pick a favorite from among them.

So I rated it only four stars for one specific reason: I didn’t much care for the ending. Oh, the villain made sense and was well-written. I just didn’t like how she went out. Just a personal disappointment.

I received a free copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes, and all opinions expressed are my own.

An Author’s Random Musing: What Happened?

Well, it seemed I skipped the majority of summer with my random musings and now it is fall.

I don’t even know what happened. Somehow, I just… always forgot. And a few times I forgot to post a review. Like this past Monday. Maybe it is just year two of Covid-19 getting to me.

So. Clarendon Estate was released at the end of June, which was exciting. I’m even more excited that I’m moving my series from being KU exclusive and now they will be wide. I’m slowly setting them up on all the sites: Apple, Google, Kobo, and Overdrive. All the major ebook sites!

(Oh, and my standalone Regency romance, A Chaotic Courtship, is on sale on all those retailers for 99 cents! If you know someone who would like it, or have been waiting to pick it up for yourself, now is the time to grab it!)

I finally finished my Cinderella retelling, which closed out at 100K words, making it the longest story I’ve ever written. I’ve begun writing out a new story by hand, and it is a Victorian Mail Order Bride, which is something I’ve never done before.

Other than that, there is nothing new going on. I’ve lent my voice to an audiobook, which was a lot of fun. I’ve also been recording chapters for my second novella, Grace.  

Is anyone else looking forward to the cooler fall temperatures? I’ve already started getting some pumpkin spice foods!

The Waylaid Heart (A Chance Inquiry #1)

Cover via Goodreads

by Holly Newman

Edition: kindle, 2012

Synopsis: A husband murdered…
A widow’s ruse to find the killer…
A nobleman’s curiosity…
Lead to a white slavery ring destroyed and a love found…

Although her marriage to George Waddley has been passionless, the beautiful widow, Cecilia Haukstrom Waddley, vows to unmask the man responsible for her husband’s murder. Suspecting the culprit traveled in society circles, she diverts attention from eavesdropping and prying with constant and tiresome complaints of illness.

But nothing is as it seems…

Sir James Branstoke sees straight through Cecilia’s feigned fragility. Intrigued by her odd behavior, he believes she has secrets—secrets that could lead to her demise. So, the hunter follows the huntress through society, never imagining that what has started as a chance inquiry could lead to a surprising love greater than either had ever known.

But will the cost of uncovering a murderer be too high? Can Cecilia and James reveal the culprit so love can blossom in the end?

Mrs. Cecilia Waddley is determined to discover who murdered her husband. She feigns ill-health and frailty to eavesdrop and go largely unnoticed by society in general. Sir James Branstoke sees through her ploy, and curiosity sets him on course to learn what she is up to. Will this chance inquiry bring them the solution to a horrific crime, or more danger than they are prepared for?

Coming back to this book after eight years was a lot of fun. I’d forgotten a lot of the details, so I felt like I was reading it for the first time. Therefore, I think I enjoyed it just as much this time around as I did the first time I read the book. Both main characters were enjoyable (though Sir James does get a little more handsy in a kiss than I’m comfortable). Seeing them learn to trust each other and work together was the highlight for me.

And, of course, I’m still amused that a minor character has the same last name as I do.

The plot is interesting and moves at a good pace. The efforts of our two main characters to learn the truth was believable. The reveal of the villain at the end took me by surprise. I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes these characters next.

Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche

Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche (Enola Holmes Series #7)

by Nancy Springer

Edition: ARC, 2021

Synopsis: “A young girl who is empowered, capable, and smart…the Enola Holmes book series convey an impactful message that you can do anything if you set your mind to it, and it does so in an exciting and adventurous way.”–Millie Bobby Brown

Enola Holmes is back! Nancy Springer’s nationally bestselling series and breakout Netflix sensation returns to beguile readers young and old in Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche.

Enola Holmes is the much younger sister of her more famous brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft. But she has all the wits, skills, and sleuthing inclinations of them both. At fifteen, she’s an independent young woman–after all, her name spelled backwards reads ‘alone’–and living on her own in London. When a young professional woman, Miss Letitia Glover, shows up on Sherlock’s doorstep, desperate to learn more about the fate of her twin sister, it is Enola who steps up. It seems her sister, the former Felicity Glover, married the Earl of Dunhench and per a curt note from the Earl, has died. But Letitia Glover is convinced this isn’t the truth, that she’d know–she’d feel–if her twin had died.

The Earl’s note is suspiciously vague and the death certificate is even more dubious, signed it seems by a John H. Watson, M.D. (who denies any knowledge of such). The only way forward is for Enola to go undercover–or so Enola decides at the vehement objection of her brother. And she soon finds out that this is not the first of the Earl’s wives to die suddenly and vaguely–and that the secret to the fate of the missing Felicity is tied to a mysterious black barouche that arrived at the Earl’s home in the middle of the night. To uncover the secrets held tightly within the Earl’s hall, Enola is going to require help–from Sherlock, from the twin sister of the missing woman, and from an old friend, the young Viscount Tewkesbury, Marquess of Basilwether!

Enola Holmes returns in her first adventure since the hit Netflix movie brought her back on the national bestseller lists, introducing a new generation to this beloved character and series.

While visiting her brother Sherlock, Enola Holmes meets a young professional woman, Miss Letitia Glover, who wishes help to learning what has become of twin sister. Miss Glover’s brother-in-law has sent her a note informing her of her sister’s death and included a jar of ashes as confirmation. Miss Glover does not between it. Together, Enola and Sherlock must follow what few clues there are to find the truth.

After eleven years, Enola is back! The book picks up shortly after the events of The Gypsy Goodbye. Enola is feeling a bit bored but has embraced a love of fashion. She ventured to Baker street to tease her brother out of his doldrums and is on hand to see Miss Glover when the detective would not. What follows is a fun adventure as Enola and Sherlock work together to solve the mystery.

Of course, it is only natural that the tone has a different feel from the first six books. There is maturity that matches the growth Enola went through. The book feels more pointed for young adult readers than middle grade audience now. It is nice that there is a prologue given from the point of view of Sherlock, bringing any new readers up to speed on what has previously happened. (And my goodness, the author leans heavily into the idea that Victorian men were misogynistic, more so, in my opinion, that the original writer of Sherlock Holmes ever wrote.)

The Viscount Tewksbury, Marquis of Basilwether, returns. It was disconcerting to have him described as “a tall, grown man, but not quite” when it has only been a year since he was first introduced in the first book and he was twelve then. Perhaps this was an attempt to reconcile with the aging up of the character that occurred in the movie?

The mystery itself is fairly straightforward. I liked seeing Enola have friends when she was so alone before and she has developed a love for fashion. Given my own fascination with Victorian attire, I loved this detail. There are no word puzzles or ciphers that featured so prominently in the first six books, which was a bit disappointing even if I was rubbish at solving them!

Overall, I enjoyed it, and I am glad to see the character back. Readers who enjoyed her previous adventures will no doubt be thrilled with this one as well.

I received a free advanced reader copy from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

Keep reading for an excerpt from the book, releasing 8/31/2021:

“Is she fainted?” 

Indignant, I wanted to sit up and say I was not so easily killed and I never fainted, but to my surprise my body would not obey me. I merely stirred and murmured. 

“She’s moving.” 

I saw the clodhopper boots of common men surrounding me and smelled alcohol on the breath of those leaning over me. 

“Let’s get ’er inside.” 

“Somebody go fer the doctor.” 

Strong hands, not ungentle, seized me by the feet and shoulders. I could have kicked and yelled—I felt strong enough now—but my mind had started to function, realizing that I was about to be carried into a pub, for only in a public house, or pub, would workmen be drinking in the daytime. And normally no woman of good repute would enter a pub, or if she did, she would be jeered at until she retreated. But, my avid brain realized, fate in the form of Jezebel had given me opportunity to spend some time inside a pub—no, in the pub, most likely the only pub in Threefinches! So I closed my eyes and pretended to be rather more helpless than I was as the men hauled me inside and laid me down on a high-backed bench by the hearth. 

Someone brought something pungent in lieu of smelling salts, but I shook my head, pushed the malodourous hand away, opened my eyes, and sat up, acting as if it were a great effort for me to do so. A burly, bearded man in an apron, undoubtedly the publican who kept the place, came running with a pillow for my back, and I thanked him with a gracious smile. 

“Will ye have a nip of brandy, lydy?” 

“No, thank you. Water, please.” 

“Jack! Water for the lydy!” he bellowed to some underling, and he remained nearby as I managed, with hands that genuinely trembled, to remove my gloves. Their thin kidskin leather was ruined by the mauling it had taken from Jezebel’s reins, and my hands were red and sore; doubtless they would bruise. Grateful for the cool glass, I held it in both hands and sipped, looking around me. Half of the denizens of the place, like the owner, stood in a semicircle staring at me not unpleasantly, while the rest did the same from seats at the rustic tables—all but one. A tall man with beard stubble on his chin and quite a shock of coarse brownish-grey hair hiding his forehead had withdrawn to a table by the wall, where he devoted his attention to his mug of ale, or stout, or whatever noxious brew he might fancy. I said brightly to the tavern-keeper, “I believe I would like to stand up.” 

“Now, why not wait for the doctor, lydy—” 

But taking hold of his arm, as he stood within my reach, I got to my feet with reasonable steadiness. There were muted cheers from the onlookers. Nodding and simpering at the men all around me, I lilted, “Thank you so much. Do you suppose anyone could go out and fetch my bag, and my hat and parasol? I believe they fell along the—” 

Already half a dozen would-be heroes were stampeding towards the door. Yet, if I had walked in here under my own power, any request for help would have been met with deepest suspicion. Such is life: odd.

Author’s social handlesTwitter: @NancySpringer
Link to a buy-this-book page: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250822963 Short author bio: NANCY SPRINGER is the author of the nationally bestselling Enola Holmes novels, including The Case of the Missing Marquess, which was made into the hit Netflix movie, Enola Holmes. She is the author of more than 50 other books for children and adults. She has won many awards, including two Edgar Awards, and has been published in more than thirty countries. She lives in Florida.

A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder

Cover via GoodreadsA Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder (Countess of Harleigh Mystery #4)

by Dianne Freeman

Edition: ARC, 2021

Synopsis: For Frances Wynn, widow to the late Earl of Harleigh, life has a cosmopolitan flavor of late. No sooner has she sent her mother and daughter off on a shopping trip to Paris than she and her fiancé, George Hazleton, are socializing with visiting members of the Russian royal family. Yet amid this whirlwind, scandal also comes calling when Inspector Delaney turns up outside Frances’s house with a young French woman with a shocking claim: she is Mrs. George Hazelton.

As the future Mrs. George Hazelton, Frances assumes the woman is either lying or demented. Mrs. Hazelton, aka Irena, makes other outrageous statements. Among them, she insists that she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty, that she has been abducted and held for ransom many times, and that someone is sending her threatening letters. When George arrives, he clarifies that he is certainly not married to Irena–though he can confirm her royal parentage. But even as he agrees to investigate whether Irena’s life is in danger, her claim proves tragically true. Irena is found strangled in Frances’ garden.

To uncover a killer–and clear their own names–Frances and George must determine which of Irena’s outlandish stories were based in fact, and who stood to benefit from her death. And as the search reaches a shocking conclusion, they may find that villainy lurks all too close to home…

For Frances, Countess of Harleigh, the future looks bright as she plans for her wedding to Mr. George Hazelton. Matters come to a halt when a young lady arrives, claiming to be Mrs. Hazelton. Before they can clear up that misunderstanding, the young lady is found strangled to death in Frances’ garden. Scandal erupts, and the race is on to clear all of their names.

It has been a delight to follow this series from book one until now. Frances and George are one of my favorite couples in the historical mystery genre. They trust each other and they have learned how to work together. Even when they face the disapproval of society and the unexpected, they rely on each other to find the solution.

The book is plotted and written very well. The mystery was enjoyable and kept me guessing. As always, the characters were the best part of the story. They were believable, and even the supporting cast was memorable.

For readers looking for a fun historical mystery series, I would definitely recommend this. I received a free copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

Woman 99

Cover via Goodreads

Woman 99

by Greer Macallister

Edition: Kindle, 2019

Synopsis: A vivid historical thriller about a young woman whose quest to free her sister from an infamous insane asylum risks her sanity, her safety and her life

Charlotte Smith’s future is planned to the last detail, and so was her sister’s – until Phoebe became a disruption. When their parents commit Phoebe to a notorious asylum, Charlotte knows there’s more to the story than madness. Shedding her identity to become an anonymous inmate, “Woman Ninety-Nine,” Charlotte uncovers dangerous secrets. Insanity isn’t the only reason her fellow inmates were put away – and those in power will do anything to keep the truth, or Charlotte, from getting out.

When her sister is committed to Goldengrove Asylum, Charlotte Smith becomes determined not to let it be. Inspired by the account of Nellie Bly, Charlotte fakes madness to find her sister. Once there, she learns that finding her sister is not so easy and escaping is more difficult than she had imagined.

Having read something about what asylums were like, I was interested to see how this story would be. I found Charlotte’s plan-well, what little plan she did have-not thought through very well. She, who had read about how Nellie Bly hadn’t been able to convince doctors she was sane, didn’t seem to have any plan of her own to overcome this obvious obstacle. Many of the instances that came her way to help her were a bit too coincidental to be totally believable.

Still, this was well-written and very detailed. The characters were memorable, and at the end of the story, I was a little disappointed not to know what happened to most of them.

Readers looking for a blunt look at a fictional insane Asylum might enjoy this one.

A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder

Cover via Goodreads

A lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder

by Dianne Freeman

Edition: ARC, 2020

Synopsis: London is known for its bustle and intrigues, but the sedate English countryside can host–or hide–any number of secrets. Frances, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, needs a venue for her sister Lily’s imminent wedding, away from prying eyes. Risings, George Hazleton’s family estate in Hampshire, is a perfect choice, and soon Frances, her beloved George, and other guests have gathered to enjoy the usual country pursuits–shooting, horse riding, and romantic interludes in secluded gardens.

But the bucolic setting harbors a menace, and it’s not simply the arrival of Frances’s socially ambitious mother. Above and below stairs, mysterious accidents befall guests and staff alike. Before long, Frances suspects these “accidents” are deliberate, and fears that the intended victim is Lily’s fiance, Leo. Frances’s mother is unimpressed by Lily’s groom-to-be and would much prefer that Lily find an aristocratic husband, just as Frances did. But now that Frances has found happiness with George–a man who loves her for much more than her dowry–she heartily approves of Lily’s choice. If she can just keep the couple safe from villains and meddling mamas.

As Frances and George search for the culprit among the assembled family, friends, and servants, more victims fall prey to the mayhem. Mishaps become full-blooded murder, and it seems that no one is safe. And unless Frances can quickly flush out the culprit, the peal of wedding bells may give way to another funeral toll. . . .

Countess of Harleigh, Frances Win, is eager to see her sister married so she can focus on her own plans to marry George Hazelton. To avoid scandal, the wedding of Lily and Leo must happen in the country, but as soon as they arrive accident after accident occurs. Coincidence, Frances thinks not!

It was delightful to return to the fun of Frances and George. They are both eager to plan their own wedding, though Frances still has some reservations because of her disastrous first marriage. ALl they need is time to talk things over, but they keep getting interrupted. Accidents begin as soon as they step off the train and luggage nearly falls on Leo and George and escalate from there. Frances’ suspicions are raised, but George is less eager to think there is danger.

The plot moves at a good pace. It was enjoyable to see characters we have met and be introduced to new ones. While the mystery was a bit predictable, it was enjoyable nonetheless. (Maybe I’ve just read too many mystery novels at this point?)

For readers looking for a light historical mystery with humor sprinkled in, I would recommend this. I received a free ARC from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

The Scottish Ploy (Mycroft Holmes #4)

Cover via Goodreads

The Scottish Plot

by Quinn Fawcett

Edition: hardcover, 2001

Synopsis: In The Scottish Ploy, seemingly unconnected events pull Mycroft in several directions at once. To prevent the leaders of an anarchist group from reaching England’s shores, Mycroft must, much to his dismay, become part of the intended reconciliation of a husband and wife. To do so he has spy networks to monitor and men of influence to, well, influence.

Then there are the minor puzzles: Why is a gentleman who claims to be Turkish seeking his supposedly kidnapped brother in London? Why does an eminent phrenologist urgently want Mycroft’s opinion on the inhabitants of his asylum? Who has been following Mycroft and his estimable secretary, the amiable Paterson Guthrie, through foggy streets? What motivated the attempted assassination of an Admiralty courier on Mycroft’s own doorstep? When the lovely Penelope Gatspy saves Guthrie’s life, is it because of the attraction between them, or on orders of the mysterious “lodge” she serves?

But, most important to Mycroft-what is behind the kidnapping of his old friend, the actor Edmund Sutton, who was in the midst of a triumphant run as Macbeth?

Multiple seemingly minor problems demand Mycroft Holmes’ attention. The international gang, The Brotherhood, are determined to gain a foothold in Britain. Between mediating a reconciliation between a politician and his wife and a Turk pleading for help in finding his lost brother, Holmes will need all the help of his staff to defend against the attack.

Thus, I come to the conclusion of the Mycroft Holmes series. This is definitely a book where reading the previous three books is essential to understanding what is happening. Even then, because it has been some time since reading the first book, there were details I’d forgotten. We have the familiar faces of Tyers, Sutton, Miss Gatsby, and, of course, Gatsby to help find the links between each case.

It was a bit disconcerting to see Mycroft Holmes at a loss and unable to see the pattern. It didn’t quite feel like the Holmes I’ve come to know from teh original stories or even from the previous books of this series.

Also, this doesn’t feel like the conclusion to a series. It felt like there were multiple threads that were left in the air. Does Miss Gatsby find a way to leave the organization she had dedicated her life to or was her relationship to Guthrie doomed from the start? What about the corrupt members of Scotland Yard?

Overall, the plot was a bit complicated but interesting. I recommend it to readers who enjoy historical adventure and have read the rest of the series.

The Case of the Gypsy Good-bye (Enola Holmes #6)

Cover via Goodreads

The Case of the Gypsy Good-Bye

by Nancy Springer

Edition: hardcover, 2010

Synopsis: In the series conclusion, Enola searches for missing Lady Blanchefleur while her brother Sherlock seeks her, with a message from their long-lost mother that only Enola can decipher. Sherlock and brother Mycroft follow Enola into London’s dark underbelly to solve a triple mystery. Where is their mother, Lady Blanchefleur, and their connection?

Lady Blanchefleur has gone missing and Enola is on the case to find her. Alarmingly, Sherlock Holmes brings his sister a strange message from the country. From the highest to the lowest levels of the streets of London, Enola races to solve the case and impress both of her brothers with her abilities.

This was a satisfying conclusion to the series. It has a suitable happily ever after that fits Enola perfectly. The mystery itself is a little week and is definitely overshadowed by the drama of Enola’s family life. Still, it is a fun, fast paced read.

My biggest problem with the series now that I am older, is just how much it perpetuates the stigma of corseting. This story is the biggest offender, showing the worst case scenario of a lady who tight laced. Instead of presenting it as a fashion choice that SOME did, it makes it seem as though every lady was forced into it and suffered terribly. This was not the case, especially when calisthenics was highly encouraged for young ladies.

Overall, this was a fun series and even after ten years, I still enjoy rereading the books. (AND THERE IS A NEW BOOK COMING IN AUGUST!)