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The Redgrave Murders

A. L. Sowards (Goodreads Author)

4.26 · Rating details · 96 ratings · 66 reviews

Loss is inevitable, as Evie Hampton knows all too well. But despite losing her mother to cancer and her older brother to a war, she knows she’s one of the lucky ones. After all, she still has her father, a distinguished professor of medieval history. And she has Gary Redhawk, the man she loves despite the emotional scars he carries from the Second World War—and despite her ...more

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Paperback, 272 pages

Published July 2019 by Covenant Communications

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· 96 ratings · 66 reviews

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Jun 15, 2019 Bev Walkling rated it it was amazing

Shelves: bullying, suspense, fiction, free-book-from-author, kindle-book, murder-mystery, history, coming-of-age, free-from-publisher, fiction-inspired-by-fact

Many thanks to #NetGalley and Covenant Communications for providing an ARC of the book The Redgrave Murders. What follows is my honest opinion.

I was very pleased to be able to read a copy of this book prior to it’s upcoming publication on July 1st. I have read and enjoyed several other books that A.L. Sowards has written. Most have focused on the World War 2 era but this novel is a little different because it takes place in the years shortly after the end of the war, but for those who like warti Many thanks to #NetGalley and Covenant Communications for providing an ARC of the book The Redgrave Murders. What follows is my honest opinion.

I was very pleased to be able to read a copy of this book prior to it’s upcoming publication on July 1st. I have read and enjoyed several other books that A.L. Sowards has written. Most have focused on the World War 2 era but this novel is a little different because it takes place in the years shortly after the end of the war, but for those who like wartime novels, rest assured that the author’s knowledge and experience with this time period is an integral part of this story too.

Sowards has actually taken on several subjects within this novel that are important for readers to know about and consider because they are still timely in our own time period. One of the main characters in the book, Gary Redhawk is a man of Seneca origin who spent many of his formative years in a residential school where he was abused and pressured to fit into an identity that really wasn’t his. Gary was also a soldier who fought in the war including the Battle of the Bulge, and as the story unfolds, the reader learns about some of the horrors that he faced and still has great difficulty talking about, including time spent as a prisoner of war. All of those experiences had a huge impact on him and led to what we would now diagnose as a classic case of P.T.S.D. In that time period though it was referred to as having psychoneurotic episodes.

The main character of the book is Evie, a rather naïve young woman who works in the bursar’s office of the local university. Her voice is the main voice we hear as readers, both as she tells what is happening and also through snippets of letters that she and her brother wrote to each other throughout the war. I felt that as the story progressed she grew as an individual and really exhibited great strength of character. When the story began, Evie had been dating Gary for quite some time and was hoping that their relationship would eventually lead to marriage. This was at a time when in some states, inter-racial marriages were illegal. Many of the people around her still held the view that she should not continue her relationship with Gary and at times she herself wondered if their love could last in the face of so many obstacles. The author chose not to use a sexual relationship to further the story although some of the secondary characters reacted just the way one would expect a nosy gossip to react, spreading rumours about something that wasn’t actually happening.

The story is set in the fictional town of Maplewick but some of the places and events described in the novel were based on actual places and events that occurred and Sowards provides information on them in her afterword.

This book does contain a murder mystery. More than one individual who is close to Evie ends up dying and at times she wonders if the murderer is after her or after Gary. When Gary is initially arrested as a murder suspect, Evie sets out to prove his innocence and manages to do just that though not in time to prevent Gary from undergoing some major emotional trauma. I had some thoughts initially as to who I thought the murderer might be, but I wasn’t really sure who it was until close to the climax of the story.

If you like a good murder mystery that includes lots of history about the time period, then I think you will enjoy reading this book. I highly recommend it for teens or adults.
...more

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May 01, 2019 A. L. Sowards marked it as books-i-wrote · (Review from the author)

Shelves: mystery-suspense-thrillers, clean-love-story, audio-book, fiction

This book comes out in two months and I’m so excited to share it with the world!

It’s just the kind of mystery I like to read, with bits of history interwoven throughout, lots of suspects, twists that change the way you look at things, a sweet love story, and main characters who I absolutely adore. Naturally it’s a 5-star book to me (that’s the beauty of being an author—you can keep revising until you think the book is amazing), but I won’t rate it because the Goodreads community seems to be tre ...more

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Aug 16, 2019 Julie Carpenter rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, review-books, suspense, audiobooks, chick-lit, letter-writing, deseret-bookshelf, 2019, kindle-book, historical

Calling all you lovers of suspense and mystery. I've got a great book recommendation for you. The Redgrave Murders! Wow. From the very beginning of the book the reader is introduced to Evie Hampton in a slight moment of peril. And the moments of peril and suspense just keep coming throughout the whole book. Even when you (or rather, I) think you know whodunnit you're still left guessing with the twists and turns thrown out at you.

And the murders can be a little heartbreaking. Don't let down your Calling all you lovers of suspense and mystery. I've got a great book recommendation for you. The Redgrave Murders! Wow. From the very beginning of the book the reader is introduced to Evie Hampton in a slight moment of peril. And the moments of peril and suspense just keep coming throughout the whole book. Even when you (or rather, I) think you know whodunnit you're still left guessing with the twists and turns thrown out at you.

And the murders can be a little heartbreaking. Don't let down your guard because anyone can be struck down at any time. Stay away from dark shadows, don't be alone and watch your back at all times!

I love a good murder mystery and was very happily engrossed in reading this one! My daughters joined in and loved it just as much. They were not happy campers when it was time to pause in our book time. They all cried, "mom, just one more chapter, please?" Isn't that wonderful? Having them all enjoying the same book as me. I thought so. We were all making our guesses as to whodunnit and biting our nails when the tension was building. We all might have cried a couple times over some of the characters. But we cheered mightily at the end when the bad guy was apprehended and all was set to rights again in Evie's world...well as much as it can when there are murders happening all around you.

If you enjoy murders but need a little sweet romance thrown in, never fear, Evie and Gary Redhawk have a great story! They have a lot of opposition standing in their way but I loved Evie's character for standing strong and not letting the town and others dictate what and who should be a part of her life. Good job Evie! Both her and Gary were great characters. I loved watching the further development of their story. Gary has been through some very hard situations and has come out stronger. He still has moments of weakness but I loved watching Evie being a constant in his life and her discoveries of his true self, and not shying away from Gary were great!

Definitely a must read! Especially if my daughters were all hooked on it as well! 5* massive stars from the fans in my household and me!

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril, death, PTSD, some kissing but nothing further, some mild talk (as a remembrance) about a pedophile but nothing graphic. This book deals with a couple harder topics but they were addressed really well. I had my daughters reading along with me and didn't feel like it was overly graphic for them, and I'm pretty conservative in what I allow them and myself to read.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the book are my own.

Happy Reading!!! ...more

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Jul 07, 2019 Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, received-to-review, romance, suspense, 2019

A.L. Sowards has done it again. She has written a book that I could not put down. I have read seven books written by her and all have been a 4 or 5-star rating. She really is that good.

This story was a different genre, but it was set in the same general time period as some of her books. Usually, she writes war stories, this time she wrote a suspense novel. She used one of the supporting characters in a previous book and it set after he has come home from WWII. He is dealing with PTSD and trying ...more

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Jul 10, 2019 Aimee (Getting Your Read On) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: physical-book-for-review, suspense-mystery, romantic-suspense, mystery

I've been reading (and loving) books by A.L Sowards for a long time. She is one of my favorites because her books absolutely come to life in my hands. This book is a bit different than her previous books as it is a mystery instead of a historical fiction, but I'm so happy that it actually felt like a historical fiction because Sowards really knows how to build the time period she is writing about to feel so authentic and real. The beginning of each chapter also includes a snippet of letters that I've been reading (and loving) books by A.L Sowards for a long time. She is one of my favorites because her books absolutely come to life in my hands. This book is a bit different than her previous books as it is a mystery instead of a historical fiction, but I'm so happy that it actually felt like a historical fiction because Sowards really knows how to build the time period she is writing about to feel so authentic and real. The beginning of each chapter also includes a snippet of letters that Evie and her brother exchange while he is serving in the military during WWII which accomplished the dual purpose of establishing a human connection between Evie and her brother and giving me another bit of history to lean into.

This story really brings to light all the social, economical, and political unrest occurring at the time. The effects of the war have brought about economical depression, low housing, and war veterans who are struggling to live and work because of the horrors they witnessed. As always there is discrimination which seems to be present no matter what time period historically is being represented.

Greg battles discrimination as well as PTSD (although it wasn't called that at the time) from a brutal childhood as well as his horrible experiences during the war. Greg is working so hard to overcome the stigmas and his past. His gentle, steady nature made him a hero in my eyes. Evie has dealt with much loss and tragedy herself. I could feel and I connected with her desire to be loved, valued and accepted. Greg and Evie together were fantastic lead characters.

While mystery isn't my very favorite go-to genre, I really did love this one. That's probably due to the author's ability to bring to life the time period. It was fantastic.

I love the cover of this book. It's a perfect representation of what is inside. Can I also just say that I love the details of this book too? Each chapter heading has a noose like the one on the cover and I loved how the theme carried throughout the whole book- cover to cover.

Content: violence (mostly referred to and not described in much detail), kissing, mention of sexual and physical abuse, death

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more

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Jun 06, 2019 Lucinda rated it it was amazing

I really liked this one. Excellent writing, amazing characters, and the setting is very engaging, both the small town and the historical part.

The historical setting sets the mood for the mystery, what with the economic, social, and political climates of the time. This was very well done, as I truly had a sense that wouldn't feel the same with a contemporary setting.

When I started reading, the feeling I immediately had was one of the same kind of quality that old black & white mystery movie ...more

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Jul 12, 2019 Sheila rated it it was amazing

I've read many books by this author. Most of the other books were about characters in the middle of a war. The battle scenes were some of the best I'd ever read. I loved how this new book dealt with the after-effects of WWII.

The Redgrave Murders, of course, is full of suspense right from the start. This novel was one that I sat down to read and only put it down to eat. This is what I love about Summer reading. One of the most engaging aspects of this novel are the letters at the beginning of ea ...more

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Jul 10, 2019 Mindy rated it it was amazing

I was very excited to read this book, as I have enjoyed all the books I have read from this author. When I started reading, it felt like I was right there with the characters, like watching an old movie from the '40s. Right away the reader is caught up in a web of suspense and the author does an excellent job of setting up the story. I loved the way each chapter started, as we get to know Evie's brother through his letters to her during the war. Evie is a fantastic character. I also enjoyed the ...more

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Jul 30, 2019 Sara Cardon rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, suspense, mystery

I enjoyed "The Redgrave Murders." The main characters, Evie and Gary, are interesting, especially together. Gary, as a Seneca Indian, is a unique character to see navigating the social and political climate of post-WWII. I was delighted to recognize him from "Defiance" as "Red."

I love the time period and details, like the clothing, cars, housing shortage, and GIs attending college. The understanding and treatment of PTSD was lacking at the time and plays an interesting role in the story. Besides ...more

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Jun 13, 2019 Jeff Dawson rated it it was amazing

I received a copy from the publisher for an honest opinion.

This is a great whodunnit story. The story centers around Redgrave University and the following characters: Evelyn Hampton, her dad, mom, brother Clive, Aunt Janice, cousins Frank and Dale and her boyfriend, Gary Redhawk a Seneca Indian.
The setting is 1948 in Maplewich, New York. Evelyn lost her mother to cancer and her brother on Okinawa. It is just she and her dad carrying on the family name. Dad is a prestigious professor at Redg
I received a copy from the publisher for an honest opinion.

This is a great whodunnit story. The story centers around Redgrave University and the following characters: Evelyn Hampton, her dad, mom, brother Clive, Aunt Janice, cousins Frank and Dale and her boyfriend, Gary Redhawk a Seneca Indian.
The setting is 1948 in Maplewich, New York. Evelyn lost her mother to cancer and her brother on Okinawa. It is just she and her dad carrying on the family name. Dad is a prestigious professor at Redgrave University and is a fanatic about the history of the 15th and 16 centuries. He, like many professors, considers himself an authoritarian on the topic and let’s his fellow colleagues know when they are profusely wrong when writing on the period. For those of us who went to college, you know the type.
Because of the time frame and small-town USA, imagine how everyone felt when Evie started seeing Gary? Not very well. He’d had a troubled past and an even more harrowing experience in Belgium when the Germans launched, “Wacht on Rhein,” which we know as the Battle of the Bulge. His unit was defending the Elsenborn Ridge and didn’t get the message to retreat. He watched his best friend get shot three times before succumbing to his wounds then smashed by a tank. Not a pretty sight. Needless to say, her Dad and many others in the family are not thrilled with her decision in a mate. He suffers from what we today call PTSD not only from the war, but from his childhood.
Evie and Gary come home from a date to find her father hanging by the stairwell bannister. Gary is the first suspect. From this point on, she does everything to prove his innocence. While she succeeds in this venture it only opens up more questions on who killed her father. When another family member dies under suspect circumstances, the plot only thickens more.
I tried many times to figure out who did it before the author revealed the killer. I was surprised with the revelation. I did suspect the character but not one hundred percent.
All of the characters and their mannerisms were well developed and addressed. You don’t get confused with who is who or how they will act. Excellent job there.
And like all of Amanda’s stories, she loves to mix history with them. Even though this is a murder mystery she does an excellent job in recanting the war in the Pacific and Europe in a seamless thread that adds to the reading enjoyment
If you like a good, fast-paced murder mystery, pick up a copy today.
Five Stars.
...more

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Jun 30, 2019 Charity Jacob rated it it was amazing

The Redgrave Murders by A. L. Sowards is a historical novel post WWII that has three different elements to the story. History, Murder Mystery, and my favorite…Romance. Though I love the other elements as well, but romance has a special place in my heart.

History…I’ve always been a lover of WWII history ever since I read Dean Hughes’ Children of the Promise series. So reading this book as helped me glean more about the war era, specifically post war and the PTSD veterans faced.

Murder Mystery…Who d ...more

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Jul 08, 2019 Karlene Browning rated it it was amazing

Unlike many of the novels by A.L. Sowards, this one is not set on the battlefield. It takes place back at home, at the end of WWII. But the war still haunts the people and events of this book.

I love a good mystery/suspense, and at its heart, that’s what this story is—but there’s also a strong romance running through it. It deals with so many themes: loss, grief, betrayal, prejudice, interracial relationships. And then there’s the mystery of who is killing people Evie’s hometown.

This book started ...more

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Jun 24, 2019 Emily Flynn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

It kept me guessing. That for me is the most important thing in the mystery/suspense genre. I like to figure it out, but I don't want it to be too easy to figure out. This book was perfectly balanced. I was given an advanced copy of the ebook from the publisher and couldn't put it down. I thought I had it figured out a couple of times, there were enough red herrings to throw me off the real scent.

I really felt for the MC in this book as she tries to unravel what is going on around her and keep ...more

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Jul 08, 2019 Cathy rated it it was amazing

I LOVE a good suspense book! And this is a good one. It’s a bit different from the way A.L. Sowards usually writes, but that’s a good thing!

I loved Evie in this book. Evie is a young woman living in the time period just after World War II. She’s lost her mom and older brother before the story starts. She lives with her dad. And her boyfriend is Gary.

There is a lot of things with this time period that the author did a good job including in this novel. The way Gary would have been looked at becaus ...more

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Aug 07, 2019 Mara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

I first read a book by A. L. Sowards a couple of years ago and I'm never disappointed in her books. This one is a little different than her historical war novels, as this one is what I would consider a suspense (the author calls it a historical mystery) which takes place in a small town after WWII.

Evie has already lost her mother to an illness and her brother died in WWII before the book starts, so it's just Evie and her dad, who's a professor at Redgrave University where she works in the bursa I first read a book by A. L. Sowards a couple of years ago and I'm never disappointed in her books. This one is a little different than her historical war novels, as this one is what I would consider a suspense (the author calls it a historical mystery) which takes place in a small town after WWII.

Evie has already lost her mother to an illness and her brother died in WWII before the book starts, so it's just Evie and her dad, who's a professor at Redgrave University where she works in the bursar's office. She's dating Gary, a Native American and veteran of the war who suffers from what we know of as PTSD. Evie's life is good until the brakes on her dad's new car fail and she barely escapes having an accident. This is just the beginning--a few days later her dad is found dead in their home and the police's main suspect is Gary.

Like all of this author's books I've read, this story pulled me in right from the start. I learned how life was for those returning from the war. Times were still tough for a lot of people without enough jobs and those who fought trying to recover from the horrors of war. There were no treatments or support groups for those who suffered from shell shock (the term used back them) or PTSD. Evie's relationship with a Native American was also looked down upon at this time (1948), even though he was a hard worker and was attending school using the GI Bill.

I liked Evie. She knew even though Gary had issues because of the war he wouldn't kill anyone. So when he was arrested she immediately acted to at least get him released on bail, then did her own sleuthing to find someone who had a motive. I found that unexpected for a woman in 1948. I didn't figure out who was behind the murders until right before Evie put it all together.

I really liked this book--the cover, the story, the characters in the story. It all made for a great whodunnit. Thanks to Covenant Communications via NetGalley for my copy to read. All thoughts expressed in my review are my own. ...more

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Jun 04, 2019 Lindsey rated it it was amazing

This was a suspenseful book, that I thoroughly enjoyed. It seemed like everything was going wrong in Evie's life and throughout the book things go from bad to worse. Somehow they need to figure out who is behind these grievous murders. This was an intriguing read. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review this great read.

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Jun 11, 2019 Connie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book.

Having already been a fan of A. L. Sowards I was excited to read her new book. This one did not disappoint! If you enjoy books whose characters engage you from start to finish and keep you guessing on the “who done it”, this book is for you.

This one was also a bit of a surprise in that her other books, that I have read, were historical fiction based on WWII. While there is some ref ...more

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Jul 11, 2019 Tressa (Wishful Endings) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, mystery-suspense, 2019-jul, 2019, romance, clean-reads

THE REDGRAVE MURDERS is one of those stories that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's set in an historic small town, among prejudice and misunderstanding shortly after WWII, and focuses on an interracial couple and the danger that stalks them. The characters are complex, likable, with plenty of chemistry between them. Highly recommended to romantic suspense fans!

This story was emotional, suspenseful, and at the same time, very sweet. I'm assuming it was a difficult story to write, because i THE REDGRAVE MURDERS is one of those stories that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's set in an historic small town, among prejudice and misunderstanding shortly after WWII, and focuses on an interracial couple and the danger that stalks them. The characters are complex, likable, with plenty of chemistry between them. Highly recommended to romantic suspense fans!

This story was emotional, suspenseful, and at the same time, very sweet. I'm assuming it was a difficult story to write, because it was a difficult story to read. I was so angry at how prejudiced some people could be and the terrible things Gary faced as a child as well as in this story. It just made me mad. The way things were handled was definitely not right, but he carried on. Then there was Evie, who had a much easier life, but found a connection with Gary and fell hard for him against criticism from her family and the community who looked down on interracial relationships. I loved their romance. It was real and sweet and messy. There were things the characters had to work out and their relationship was definitely tested.

As far as suspense goes, this story definitely was intense in parts and grew more so until the climatic ending. The villain was well done. I had an inkling of who it might be early on, but wasn't completely sure until the end. It's always a good thing when a story like this keeps you guessing. The story does get somewhat violent, but without be overly descriptive. I appreciated that the plot logically worked for me as well.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This author did a fabulous job in pulling me into this story. I did not want to put it down and, in fact, read it in one sitting. It was a great mix of heavy subject matter that made me think, a constant underlying feeling of danger, fabulous characters, and a sweet romance with plenty of sparks. I'm looking forward to more from this author!

Content: Some innuendo and violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way. ...more

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Jul 10, 2019 Sydney rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019-reads, ebooks, netgalley, print-books, sydney-s-home-library

From page one the author weaves together a story that will put readers on the edge of their seat and leave them guessing what will happen next. There are twists and turns in the story that readers will not be able to guess, especially when it comes to who the murderer is. Sowards is a talented writer the brings her story and characters to life off the pages, creating a story in which readers feel almost as if they are a bystander within the story. This romantic suspense story will keep readers a ...more

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Jun 27, 2019 Lori rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed the who done it!! It gave me a break in my normal reading genre. I also loved it because it was told in first person genre.
The author has done a really great job with the characters' emotions and in bringing them to life!! This is an actionpacked adventure if you're in the mood for such a read!! She makes you feel like you're really in the book!! I didn't want to leave but I had to. So sad. Hopefully there will be a sequal to this awesome book!! .
Evie and Gary make a great team ...more

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Jun 17, 2019 Stella Potts rated it it was amazing

This is an awesome book. A historical suspense set in 1944 and 1948. An era when dating an Indian was frowned upon. Evie and Gary have trouble not only with small town folks but also with family who are not happy with their relationship. Then Gary is accused of murder and Evie begins her own investigation to prove his innocence. Told in the first person POV this will keep you guessing until the very end. If you are a fan of suspense and/or WWII history you will not want to miss this book. I rece ...more

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Jun 17, 2019 Gretchen M. rated it it was amazing

Note: I did receive a free #netgalley copy of this book for review purposes.
I really enjoyed this clean romantic suspense book. Set right after World War 2, this provides for an excellent setting. One of the storylines deals with the PTSD that soldiers would have dealt with after the war. What is fascinating is the author talks about the terminology for PTSD that would have been used back then. Although I did have a good idea of who might be the villain, there were definitely enough twists and t ...more

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Jun 15, 2019 Kelly Nelson rated it it was amazing

From the opening scene, The Redgrave Murders keeps you guessing with plot twists and unexpected turns. I love how this murder mystery gives you a rewarding romance as well as a taste of post World War II history. Sowards makes the scenes and dialogue feel true to the era and the characters are both complex and unique. With a Native American dating the Caucasian main character my eyes were opened to some of the challenges of that time period. Threads of tension make this a fast-paced read.

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Jul 01, 2019 Cristie Underwood rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

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Jul 06, 2019 Julie rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this one. The mystery kept me listening, while the multiple suspects and motives were intriguing and broad. The story takes several turns, and I found myself yelling at the heroine not to go a certain place or believe a certain person. I was completely absorbed in this story!

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Jun 27, 2019 Debbie rated it it was amazing

Evie Hampton is a strong and independent woman for her time, but then she has to be. Losing her mother to cancer and her brother Clive in the Pacific has left an indelible mark on her life. It makes her ever more thankful for her father, a distinguished professor of medieval history at Redgrave University, and her boyfriend Gary Redhawk, a veteran and handsome Seneca Indian who carries emotional scars from a troubled childhood and a war he can’t forget.

Although Evie’s father disapproves of her r Evie Hampton is a strong and independent woman for her time, but then she has to be. Losing her mother to cancer and her brother Clive in the Pacific has left an indelible mark on her life. It makes her ever more thankful for her father, a distinguished professor of medieval history at Redgrave University, and her boyfriend Gary Redhawk, a veteran and handsome Seneca Indian who carries emotional scars from a troubled childhood and a war he can’t forget.

Although Evie’s father disapproves of her relationship with Gary, he tolerates her decision to live her own life. However, things become extremely complicated when Evie’s father, Professor Hampton is found murdered in his home and all fingers point to Gary. Losing another family member is devastating to Evie, but she is determined to prove Gary’s innocence. But as Evie gets closer to the truth someone is determined to stop her in her tracks. When Her beloved aunt is murdered, it becomes gravely apparent that Evie and Gary are the next intended targets. It becomes a game of cat and mouse leaving Evie and Gary trying to stay one step ahead of the killer. Just when they are getting closer to the truth a startling revelation will change everything leaving both Evie and Gary fighting for their lives. A.L. Sowards - The Redgrave Murders is historical fiction at it’s finest and will be sure to leave you guessing to the very last page.

A.L. Sowards writes beautiful historical fiction with strong characters that you will come to love.
In The Redgrave Murders this is especially true with Evie and Gary. Evie Hampton is strong, independent and fiercely loyal. She fights for what is right and never allows other people doubts and prejudices to affect her judgement. Gary Redhawk is strong, handsome and protective. Despite a troubled past he is still able to come back fighting no matter how many times life knocks him down. He is devoted to Evie and has a true lion’s heart. The additional characters in The Redgrave Murders help bring the story together beautifully and will keep the reader guessing who the villain is until the very last page. (In addition, the beautiful excerpts from Evie’s brothers letters from overseas at the beginning of each chapter is genius and helps the novel all come together at the very end.)

So if you are a fan of historical fiction and mysteries with well developed characters this is the perfect book for you. Filled with romance, suspense and strong actors, The Redgrave Murders by A.L. Sowards is the perfect summer book to add to your collection.

I appreciated receiving a free copy of The Redgrave Murders by A.L. Sowards for a fair and honest review. ...more

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Aug 29, 2019 Susan K rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, murder, thriller, 2019, grief, crime, fiction, friendship, marriage, military

Romance, clean; adult themes discussed so PG 13; murder mystery
Evie and Gary's romance, the murder of her father, Gary's demons from his past and from his military service, the murder of her Aunt, leaving her almost alone and hurting while trying to save Gary. I loved the letters from the past that started each chapter, and gave some final clues to the identity of the murderer, but also a glimpse into Evie's family.
Suspenseful, romantic and tender, hurting, healing, and hopeful. Truly a great r ...more

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Aug 23, 2019 Karen rated it really liked it

This was a good book. It’s been a long time since reading a suspense /murder mystery. I enjoy them. Especially when they don’t keep me from sleeping due to fear. This was mild in the scary category. I did have a suspicion on who might have done it but didn’t really get suspicious until near the end. I did guess correctly but it was only after several clues were given. I also enjoyed the story of Gary and Evie. They didn’t have a traditional relationship for their time. They got a lot of slack fo ...more

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Jun 17, 2019 Spencer Kraus rated it really liked it

I received an ARC copy from the publisher and thought I'd share my honest opinion. :)

This was a really good book. I loved the setting and the characters, and the suspense of trying to solve the case kept you reading and trying to figure it out yourself. The first scene of the book, with Evie in the car, seemed a little too early for me since I didn't yet have any emotional attachment to her yet, but looking back now I don't think there could have been a better way for the book to start. I especi ...more

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Jun 09, 2019 Jacqui Huntley rated it really liked it

A story set in the early 1950s America and with all of the prejudices of the times. Evie loses her father, an eccentric history Professor, having lost her mother to cancer and her brother to WW2. She has a loving boyfriend who served gallantly in the war, survived but has grim repercussions about both the war and his upbringing - he being a Native American. They, too, have problems with being a so-called mixed couple and many of the locals not accepting him for who he is. Her father is murdered, ...more

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Genres

Historical > Historical Fiction

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Mystery

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Suspense

6 users

Romance

6 users

Historical

5 users

Romance > Romantic Suspense

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Fiction

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About A. L. Sowards

A. L. Sowards

634 followers

I love books, so that makes Goodreads my favorite social media site. As a reader, I enjoy a variety of books. As a writer, I create historical novels with a wholesome mix of action, adventure, and romance. My novels include a Whitney Award winner and several Whitney finalists.

I grew up in Washington State, then came to Utah to attend BYU. I’m still in Utah, where I live with my husband, three chil ...more